Tales of Core

Founder sat in his chair. One that could only be described as a throne. He was wrapping his bleeding right arm in cloth. Tearing off the end with his teeth he bound it. "So they defeated my pet dragon." He noted. "Should have had George build it stronger, shouldn't I have, Angeletta?" He asked.

Angeletta was laying over his legs, and touching his stomach with her finger. When Founder spoke to her, she smiled and reached up to touch his cheek.

Founder smiled and patted her head. "Ah Angeletta. You're so cute."

Various other people in the hall were silent. Standing to the sides of the hall awaiting orders. To his right stood Alice. On his left were MA and Mara. Th others were hidden by the darkness. Behind his throne chair, stood two women. Both had glowing red eyes.

"By now, they have realized that we both need Core." His smile was full of evil. "Which means now, more then ever, we will see true chaos engulf the world." He swept Angeletta into his arms and stood up. "And once the chaos reaches it's limit, the timelines will merge. Then I will become a God."

Everyone started clapping.

"Seven." Founder said.

Numerous girls appeared in formation in front of the throne, and they all took a knee. Among them were Alpha, Ren, Kari, and Morte. Unlike previously, they all were wearing combat gear.

"Give the rebels a warm welcome when the arrive after the timeline shift."

"Understood." They said in unison. A moment later they had vanished.

Founder leaned his head closer to Angeletta. "It finally begins."

Angeletta laughed and hugged Founder.

(Which group have you decided on?)

"Now that that is settled." Tabitha said aloud. "Each Leader has been given their goal. In the next timeline, follow your leader."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Now then. Reggie, Hisako. Come here." Mathis said.

Reggie grinned as he took his place. He closed his eyes and put his hands together. In the same process as Rabiah before him, he began analyzing the world.

Hisako took a deep breath and stood before Reg. Waiting to make her wish.

(Depends on which one is going after the final core piece. Binks and Ragnatok are going to end up being completely separated to start with, If you don't mind Binks finding the key pretty early. Ragnatok will be with which ever group is focused on the final key. Someone other then Rag should notice what Binks is doing right now.)

Ragnatok laced his fingers together with Binks'. He had a grim look of determination painted on his face.

Binks, for all intents and purposes, wasn't paying attention at all. The tiny light in front of his face caused a wane smile to stretch across his mouth. The words 'So that's where it is.' were formed by his lips, but no sound came out. The light seemed to nod, making Binks' grin become wider. 'Alright, guide me Raikiri. We need the key.'

(asides from golf and echo, any other group's mission can be switched. so I'll put their mission to the one you pick.)

Glancing at Binks and Ragnatok, Nadja turned to Lia. "Everyone seems pretty organized. how do you think it will go?"

"Bad enough for us to interfere." Lia replied. "We can't sit this out Nadja. or this place will turn out the same as Noa's homeworld."

"As I figured." He replied. "Then let us split up. Protect those twins." Nadja indicated Binks and Ragnatok. "It seems they are going after the final key. I'll stay with the Paradox Drive fragment."

"What about Noa and and the kid?" Lia asked.

"I leave those two, with finding Core."

"That's insane." Lia replied.

"Noa has trained Osamu and released her guards at the same time. They may be inexperienced, but they should be able to at least find Core. I'm not charging them with obtaining it. Just finding where it is."

"Fine, but if they die, it's your responsibility." Lia said, leaving his side.

"It was to begin with." nadja said to himself, as he turned to watch Reg and Hisako.

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

Without saying anything Lia came to stand beside the two. Her arms were folded, and it was clear she was annoyed by her previous conversation. But it was obvious she was going to guard the two.

(was thinking alpha, since Ragnatok marginally is inclined to trust Tabitha. I don't mind if Lia ends up with Binks to start with.)

A brief glance in her direction was all the indication Toki gave of her prescence. He turned his attention back to Hisako, not had the chance to see a wish happen before.

Inthralled in his silent conversation, Binks didn't notice. Raikiri on the other hand, did.

My master wishes to be rash, lady Lia. Please guard him well, I can not any longer. sounded a female voice in her head. It is finally time for Watakari and I to return home.

(then so it shall be *bangs gavel*)

"It's time." Reggie announced, opening his eyes. "What is your wish, key holder?" He asked.

Hisako took a step forward and presented her tattooed arm. "I wish the rebels and everyone not associated with Founder were at their strongest."

Tabitha grinned, knowing it was perfect for the situation they were heading into.

Reggie smiled, and held out his hand. "So be it. Don't come crying to me if it's still not enough."

The key left Hisako's arm and went into Reggie.

Reggie bent backwards and started glowing.

Lia stepped to the side and placed her hand on Binks' shoulder. "Binks. Get me killed, and you'll suffer." She warned him, it was obvious Lia didn't want to die. "Even Prometheus has it's limits."

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

Founder smiled. "So that's your choice Hisako. Very well. I shall take two pawns off your side." He waved his hand. "Haruka, Kimiko. Go retrieve yourselves. Get Raiko while you're at it."

The two girls behind his throne nodded. It was clear now, that it was Haruka and Kimiko. They both took a step forward and vanished.

Alice smirked as she glanced at Founder.

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

Reggie began yelling as light exploded from him. Reaching out, everything became a white abyss. Time was changing.

Hisako came too as the world around her formed. Taking a deep breath Hisako landed on her feet. Looking at her hands she felt her esper powers. She smirked.

Two girls screamed in pain.

Hisako looked around and saw Echo, Alpha, and Bravo groups were together in the town square. She saw who was screaming.

Haruka was on her knees and screaming at the sky.

Kimiko was on her hands and knees. She gripped her throat with one hand and was screaming.

"What's wrong with them?" Maro asked. He took a step forward, when Mathis appeared in his way.

"It seems fate has not forgiven those two." Mathis said. "Dam you, Brother."

The two stopped screaming, and got to their feet. Opening their eyes, the red glow was the only thing one could see.

A screech of rage followed the two girls cries, as Ragnatok realized Binks was not there.

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

Calmly, Binks let his eyes flutter open as he sat up some old ruins. " So it's here?" he pondered aloud.

He stood quickly, taking note that his violin was shattered. The bow of it still fit comfortably in his grip. He turned, motioning for Lia to follow.

A voice called in the distance, a beautiful song floating in the air.

Lia shivered. "That felt extremely uncomfortable." She said to herself. Glancing at Binks, she followed after him.

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

Kimiko readied her scythe, and took stance.

Haruka had her blades out and readied.

"Mathis. Explain." Tabitha said aloud.

"Haruka, Raiko, and Kimiko are experiments by Founder to try and control Rana. When they were children, their bodies were carved out and replaced with he parts of machines."

"That's horrible." Kazuko said.

Kimiko's hair flared black. While Haruka's hair flared white.

"Everyone, split up. Put some distance between yourselves and them." Mathis said. "Bravo, follow me.

Bravo, Alpha, and Echo moved in different directions. Away from the two girls.

Haruka and Kimiko glanced to the one person who didn't move, Ragnatok. Kimiko flew forward and attacked Ragnatok with her Rana infused scythe.

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

Albaron had a different form then previous timelines. Turning windmills and spinning gears as far as the eye could see. Albaron was twice the size of previous timelines, and was for all intents and purposes, a clockwork city.

A blackened sword met the infused scythe. Black bled into Ragnatok's hair, as he snarled. "I don't have time to deal with pests." he rasped out, before disengaging from them to run after Alpha.

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

The song got stronger and louder.

A single gunshot rang out, "Blessed shield of the light!" Binks called, slashing the bow downwards.

"I don't care who the fuck you are! Get away from us!" replied an all too familiar voice as Cale appeared from his perch. "Founder can not have my sister!"

"Listen boy. We're not after you or your sister." Lia said coming to stand in front of Binks. "But know one thing. If you ever accuse me of working with Founder again." Lia's hands shifted into claws. "I'll rip your lungs out." Lia's eyes filled with killing intent.

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Kimiko's scythe came to a rest as they two watched the three groups flee.

Kimiko glanced to Haruka. "Where is your sister?"

"With the group being led by Remy." Haruka replied. "They are in the north quarter."

Kimiko snapped her fingers, and the platform they were on, suddenly lifted off.

It was unclear how the clockwork platform was moving, but as soon as it was in the air, it headed north.

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The demon bird took to the sky, as Hitomi finished her summon.

"The city sure looks different here." Tabitha commented.

Alpha group had come to section of city that overlooked the immediate area.

"Up until now, it has been a more technology feel, but now it's clockwork." Tabitha finished her observation.

Jean unfastened the cloak off his back, and held it on his arm. "Maybe this time, Founder built this version to look like his own personal tastes."

"I wouldn't put it past the selfish bastard." Gabryel replied.

"Now now, no fighting. We'll have enough of that soon." Tabitha looked up and saw Ragnatok finally join them. "First off, we should find Binks. Then search for that damned key."

From a nearby tower, Kari silently watched Alpha group. She didn't move and was clearly concealing her presence.

"We aren't here for Yuyami, Cale." Binks said softly, laying a hand on Lia's arm. "But we do want the key she is carrying in her arm."

"How do you know my name!" Cale cried leveling his gun in the white haired child's face.

"Because, you were my best friend for the longest time, Richochet."

Cale's gun dropped. "No one knows that name. Except Black Cat. But you have...."

"Wings? I know, Ragnatok has the ears and tail." He smiled fondly at Cale who grinned in return. He then looked solemn. "She's dying, isn't she?"

"Yes." Cale replied in a soft tone, looking like he was going to cry.

"It'll be alright. The thing which ails her, is what we need. Don't worry, Rico."

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

Ragnatok hissed to himself silently, his ears flat to his skull. He couldn't shake the feeling something was very, very wrong. Not only with the group, but with Binks as well.

"I can't sense Binks." He spoke briefly, before pulling out his second sword. It burst with unholy light the instant it was released from it's scabbard.

Lia turned back to normal and glanced at Binks. "You found the key already?"

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

"Not much can be done about that." Tabitha said. "When the timelines change, our consciousness is moved to the new body. Since we all kept our memories of last timeline with Nadja's help, we gathered together at the time of change. The only thing I can assume, is that Binks didn't want to meet up with us."

The demon bird returned and landed in front of Hitomi. Hitomi reached out and petted it before sending it back from whence it came. "It seems Albaron is bigger, and has a different design." She confirmed for them.

"Then where to start is the question."

The sound of blades cutting air, filled the air. A huge shurikan flew at the group.

There was a flash of movement. As a person appeared and deflected the attack to the side.

The shurikan embedded the ground next to the group, and the person touched down.

A cold breeze rushed passed the group as the girl stood with her back to them. She had gray hair, with a ribbon tied in it. She wore a green dress with white sleeves. A huge scarf was tied around her neck and the ends fluttered in the wind. Tied to her waist were two sheaths, one had a katana in it, while the other katana was in her hand. The girl was grinning as she took battle stance. "Come and get me." She challenged to an unseen foe.

Binks nodded, "Believe it or not, Toki and I had it all along." He weaved his fingers together, chanting under his breath. The broken violin shook, then flashed, floating in front of him in pieces. "Complex image, show me what I seek to know."

The image of the two guardians appeared, before they warped and messed together. The glowing image of the key, then sunk into the arm of a silhouette. "Raikiri and Watakari were the two halves of the key. When the shift happened, they were forced together again. To my regret, they merged with Yuyami-chan. I'm going to take it from her, her system can't handle that much light and dark energy." He let out a bitter sounding chuckle. "The only good thing the Founder did to me, my immunity to both kinds of Magic."

He strode past Cale, towards the direction the sniper had come from. The now completely useless violin smashed to the ground.

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

"It worked then." Ragnatok sighed out, before he took up a stance at the appearance of the shurikan.

He tensed slightly when the girl appeared. A whisper on the wind, and he smirked slightly, relaxing into a loose fighting stance. It seemed he was at total ease with the girl being there.

(Ragnatok would recognize Lori's esper powers, but not her himself. Since they are both Shadow based, he'd be at ease with her.)

"I never get used to Paradox Drives." Lia said to herself.

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

(technically speaking, Lori's esper abilities are non-elemental)

"Lori Collins. Do not interfere." A voice replied landing beside the shurikan. Ren took hold of it. "Founder will not let you escape if you do."

"You can tell Founder to suck it!" Lori yelled, suddenly appeared beside Ren.

Power resonated between the two as Ren blocked Lori's attack.

"Lori?" Tabitha asked in disbelief.

"Do I know you?" Lori asked, as she appeared behind Ren, and kicked her.

Ren flew forward and slid to a stop.

"Maybe not in this world." Tabitha replied.

"Insolence will not be forgiven." Ren said, holding up her hand.

Suddenly dozens of girls landed beside Ren. Morte and Alpha among them.

Gabe, Hitomi, Jean, and Tabitha took stance.

Lori looked in the direction of the girls. Taking hold of her second katana, she slid it out of it's sheath. "Unlike last time, Ren. We're going to settle this." it was clear now, Lori had only been there to get to Ren. Saving Alpha group had just been in the process.

Binks mummered softly to Yuyami, stroking her hair. "It's okay love, I'll make the pain go away, then you can rest. It's okay Yu-chan." His other hand was clasped tightly around her forearm, where the key resided.

"So, you are going to protect him?" Cale asked Lia, not looking away from the other two. "Because, as soon as he finds out my sister is dead, he's going to come after you two."

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Ragnatok stood crouched, facing Morte's direction. "You again? Man, I'm starting to hate robots." He joked lightly, his tail lashing behind him. His golden eyes were slitted completely and a touch of black littered the very tips of his hair.

"Prometheus will protect me." Lia replied. "I don't care who gets in my way. I have a job to do and I will do it. If a few lives are sacrificed in order to destroy the Paradox Drive, then that too will have to happen." It was clear that Lia would rather save a world then save a single person. "If Binks gets in the way of destroying Core. Then I will mark him as an enemy as well."

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

"Do I know you?" Morte asked taking stance. "I've attacked so many people, it's hard to remember them all." She didn't mean it as an insult. Her fist began glowing. "But founder's orders are absolute. Bolting forward she attack Ragnatok with a direct punch assault.

Ren jumped back and and turned. She began running up the side of a nearby tower.

"Get back here!" Lori yelled. She appeared above Ren, and attacked downwards with her blades.

Ren blocked with her shurikan.

Hitomi summoned Gedomaru.

Gedomaru held her hand out to the girls and motioned for them to come and get her.

Hitomi summoned her buster and began shooting.

Tabitha swiftly deflected Alpha's attacked. "Looks like my illusions won't work on you." She noted as her wooden blade came to rest on her shoulder. "I won't go easy on you, you know."

Alpha didn't reply, but took another fighting stance.

Jean's cloth flew around as he blocked the girls' attacks. He protected Gabe as she fired spells off.

Kari watched silently.

"You need it in your possession to destroy it I assume?" Cale replied tears streaming down his face. "In that case, I'd think you'd want Binksy to stay in control of the key."

The soft glowing light that had enveloped the room vanished. Binks' head was tilted over Yuyami's relaxed face as silent sobs shook his shoulders.

"Because, whether any of you like it or not," Binks' harsh voice sounded. "If he dies before the Key is used, you'll never complete the drive. I will follow my master to his grave." Flashing silver tinted amber eyes looked up at them through his fringe. The pupils were narrowed into tiny slits. "Thus be said, so shall it be." A female voice echoed behind Binks'. His eyes rolled back as he fell unconscious. Cale caught him deftly.

"Well, where too Miss?" He asked, slinging Binks' body onto his back. "I'm not abandoning my friend, and I don't trust you."

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

Ragnatok skidded out of the way of the attack. "More times then I can count. The flittering of pain, weak hearted but resolute, Blades of Darkness, Surviving Agony!" His blades glew harshly. His one ear flew to another direction, the instant Binks dropped unconscious.

His smile turned deadly. "You are all in our WAY!" He roared, "Absolute Shockwave, Shatter and Destroy. Light's End has come. Living damage Nulled!" The swords slammed together, heralding a massive shockwave that rippled out from the point of impact.

"If it was that easy to destroy a shard of Core. Then we wouldn't have these problems." Lia replied to the possessed Binks. She had heard from Tabitha before the change about the center of the dragon's attack area.

Lia turned to Cale. "Where is Albaron?"

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

Kari made her move. A rifle appeared in her hands, quickly she took aim and fired.

Small orbs shot into the ground around Ragnatok. When the last was in place, a barrier formed around him and blocked his attack.

Morte held her fist in front of her. Power exploded out from her body, as steam rose from her. "Ascension of machines." Launching forward she broke through Kari's barrier and attacked Ragantok head on.

Kari reloaded her rifle and kept watch.

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

Ren pulled a string from the shurikan, and it began spinning. Ren pushed off a small ledge and launched herself at Lori.

Lori did a somersault and met Ren's attack with both blades.

Power shockwaved out and the glass of the tower exploded.

"You've improved." Ren said.

"No thanks to you!" Lori yelled as appeared behind Ren. Lori's blade shot forward.

Ren dodged by the slimmest margin. Ren grinned. "You're going to have to do better then that.

Lori smirked, suddenly appeared above Ren, Lori smashed down on Ren with a huge wave of chakra.

Ren flew downwards and smashed into the ground at the base of the tower. As the dust settled, Ren was on her feet looking straight up at Lori.

"Tch." Lori said to herself. Lori dug into her pocket and pulled out a small object.

"Limit Breaker?" Ren questioned. She quickly took stance and power resonated from Ren.

"Dam Straight." Lori replied as she touched the object to her chest. The instant she did, the air in the area rush away from Lori, as power exploded out from her. Lori's hair began to almost float as she began descending. An light blue aura formed around her, showing a visual representation of her power.

The ground around Ren exploded as she blocked Lori's first attack.

The two began exchanging powerful blows.

Cale gave her an odd look. "You're in Albaron. Just on the outskirts." He looked about cautiously. "Founder might already know about the switch, do you have anyway of contacting your friends?" He asked. "We need to move."

Binks muttered something in his sleep, his fingers flicking in a odd movement. His ring suddenly exploded, startling Cale.

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

"Oi! There's a Defensive Sniper around!" Ragnatok called over the din to the others, as he used his swords as a shield. Whirling around the fist, he cut his one sword in a wide arc. A maniacal grin started to worm its way onto his face.

"Twins Pact, Power siphoner. Light that which compels all, heed my voice, dancing tiny lights. Rise up, and shatter. Gleaming Unholy Starshine!" Orbs the colour of ink shot from his swords towards Morte. The ring on his ear shattered with the force of the mana.

(Power siphoner only works when one of the twins is asleep. Should Binks wake up, Ragnatok could no longer call forth simple light spells by borrowing Binks' magic.)

"Wait a minute." Lia said, realizing something. "How do you know of Founder? He's never put him in a position to reveal his existence."

(Founder is acting like a king in this timeline.)

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

Kari began rapidly firing.

Morte jumped back as Kari's barrier shot up.

The attack shatter through the barriers, and hit Morte.

Morte flew back and slammed into a wall. She fell to one knee, and took a deep breath. Sparks flashed around her right arm. It was clearly damaged a little bit.

Kari examined Ragnatok. "Anomaly detected. Subject is not in database." She informed Founder.

"So the twins have split." Founder replied. "Seven, you are authorized to retreat."

"Understood." Kari replied. Aiming at the sky she shot what resembled a flare.

Morte looked up at the sky. Standing up she glanced back at Ragnatok. Without a word, she retreated.

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

Alpha vanished as the flare flew across the sky.

Tabitha, Hitomi, Gedomaru, Gabe, and Jean stood down as the girls retreated.

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

Ren glanced at the flare. "Looks like my time is up here."

"You're not running away from me! Not again!" Lori screamed, as she attacked Ren.

Ren slid back from the impact. "We'll play another day. Promise." Ren told her with a smile. She suddenly vanished.

Lori breathed heavily. She brought her swords down to her sides and screamed at the sky. The ground shook as power exploded out of her. After a few seconds, the limit breaker ended and Lori stood silently staring at the sky.

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

Kari stepped to the edge of the ledge she was on. She watched Alpha group, and didn't retreat yet.

Jumping forward, Kari landed with a thud on the ground before Alpha group. Holding forth her hand a projection filled the air above her.

Founder's head appeared on the projection. "Hello. And welcome to my clockwork kingdom." He said with a grin. "I hope you enjoyed my welcoming ceremony. But keep in mind. Those girls are the weakest of my forces."

Cale turned and gave her a look of pure astonishment. "He's the King of Albaron, or so he says!" He exclaimed.

Binks stirred on his back, opening a bleak looking eye.

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

Ragnatok gave him a snarl, little lights floating around his frame. His ears couldn't seem to decide which way to turn.

The lights popped out of existence quite suddenly. His eyes widened, before he grinned manically at Founder without a word.

"King?" Lia repeated. "Nadja, you there?" Lia asked touching her ear. "Noa? Osamu?"

Lia's hand dropped back to he side. "Shit." She looked to Cale. "My communications with my partners is being intercepted. Which means I have no clue of how to find any of the Rebellion." Lia took a deep breath. "We need to find one of the groups. Can you fight?"

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

"You should look into that temper, boy." Founder commented to Ragnatok.

"What do you want Founder? We have better things to be doing then talking to you." Tabitha stated.

"Oh I understand. Saving the world and all." Founder replied. "But this is my kingdom. As such I must keep law and order. If you follow the city rules, then I will leave you alone. At least, for longer then you need to be. That said, your free to come challenge me at any point. Kari."

Kari turned and pointed to the center of Albaron.

In the center of the city, a huge spire rose into the sky, piercing the clouds and reaching towards the heavens.

"I am at the top of that tower. You're free to come and get me. Of course, Core is here with me."

"I can only assume if you're telling us this, you have no doubt in your mind that we can even get to you."

"Correct, but even if you somehow beat all my preparations, I have Core giving me power. A source of power beyond anything a single person can gain through training and an immortal life." Founder smirked. "That said Tabitha. I have a present waiting for you at my spire, if you choose to come and get it. Have fun in my city. If you can even find your way to my tower." The image of Founder vanished.

Kari lowered her hand, and bowed to the group. She turned around and began walking away.

"Yes I can..." Cale froze slightly, listening intently. "Fuck they are here. Come on!" He took off in a sprint towards the center of the city.

Mechnical beasts of all sizes began coming out from behind them, staring at them. Any that go to close were rebuffed with wind shots to the head.

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

Ragnatok began laughing hysterically as soon as Kari was out of sight. He soon stopped, wiping a tear from his eye, "I know the general direction Binks is in. I can't tell you more, he woke up." He said, laughter dancing in his voice. His hands shook after he sheathed his swords.

"Whatever Hisako's wish did, something is strange." His eyes were closed. "It's like I'm everywhere, there are so many crystals." With a fast pace, Toki walked over and touched the wall. A black crystal removed itself and lay upon his hand. It pulsed with a dark glow, becoming a new ring for him. Quickly, it was set into his ear.

"They are built closely into the structures. I can use them to contact others, or pull them and make people rings. Someone was looking out for us before we got here." It was odd, that Ragnatok was so talkative, and nice to them without Binks there to buffer his normal violent temperament.