Tales of Core

"Brother.... Really...." Ragnatok's voice dripped with venom. "I don't like him even more. Fucking abandoning and using his brother." Binks chuckled.

You are right, he needs to be stopped. A male voice resounded throughout the room.

"Mhmm." Binks replied. "With only two more keys, that's two more timeshifts as all the time we have left then?"

Mathis was about to reply, when Nadja finally stepped in. "If you would allow me."

"Very well." Mathis replied, taking a seat at the table.

Tabitha sat down as well.

Nadja and Lia stood where the other two had been standing.

"First off. If what your analysis is correct, Mathis, and only two more shifts are able to occur. Frankly, it could be too late already."

Lia held out her hand and what looked like a hologram of the planet floated above it.

"The three of us came to your world a little while back. We are police of the time space continuum. Temporal Police, if you will. It's our duty to bring balance to the universe where ever time paradoxs form. We detected the use of a Paradox Drive, which I believe you people call Core, and we came to investigate."

"I only see two of you." Hisako commented.

"Noa is not here right now. She's already preparing once again." Lia answered.

"We have dealt with these kinds of things before, and it is safe to tell you that, the damage to the time field around this world has reached the critical point. All the timeline shifts, have caused a break in time, and the different realities are starting to impose on each other. The most prominent example of which, is the doppelgangers people have been seeing."

"People who cross the barrier between times, can show up in this time. Due to nature trying to balance this, the person of which the doppelganger is a twin of, will die." Lia explained.

Nadja continued "This peaceful timeline you speak of, is devouring itself. As the man called Founder wants, the world is beginning to turn into an infinite existence. At this point the only way to stop it is to use the Paradox Drive to repair time space. To save your world, we have to find the Keys, Fragments, and complete Core.

"In the last timeline, Noa went into that version's future to forge a hero and brought him back through time to stop Founder, and yet, Founder learned of her plans. This means, using Paradox Drive, Founder is capable of bending reality to his will. We have to assume, that he knows everything that is going on."

"Your saying we have to fight someone, who may very well be able to know anything, at anytime, and can access nearly infinite power?" Kimiko asked.

Lia turned serious. "The result of not doing so, will mean the existence of your world, past, present and future, will be eradicated. Like you never existed in the first place. All in order for Founder to attempt to become a God based on his own theory. Are you saying you're willing to be sacrificed?"

"Of course not. But I see little chance of winning." Kimiko replied.

High above Albaron, the sky began to swirl. Once again time and space began to warp.

The sky cracked open as a huge metal claw broke through the fourth wall. A second claw appeared and began widening the hole.

What broke through the wall was a huge metal dragon. As it pulled itself through, it roared.

The sound echoed across Albaron, and even down through to ground level.

As the dragon was fully through, it took to flight, and the hole closed behind it.

The dragon aimed it's head down at the city and opened it's mouth. What looked like turbines began spinning as energy massed. As it reached critical power, the dragon fired upon the city, rocking it.

The district of the Hizamory school was completely destroyed.

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

"Michi. Michi. Michi. Wake up, please. Wake up." Rai pleaded.

Hizamory was completely destroyed. being on the edge of the blast radius it wasn't eliminated, but the damage was severe. About a mile away was the edge to a whole down to ground level which spanned a huge distance. Both Sky and Ground level in the area had been destroyed.

On the ground of Hizamory, Rai was holding Michi in his arms. The two had been in the sky at the time of impact. Michi's leg was missing, and a huge gash across her stomach was apparent. Blood pooled around the two and stained her and Rai's clothes.

Rai continued pleaded with Michi, but Michi's cold body didn't respond back.

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

Moriko and Masa stared in disbelief at the attack from the giant metal dragon.

"What the hell is this?" Masa asked aloud.

Moriko clenched her fist, as she looked towards the dragon in the sky. "Masa. We have to take that thing down. Or more people will be injured."

Masa glanced at her partner. "How are we suppose to get in range of that thing?"

"Operator. I need an airship, Now. Before that dragon can do any more damage."

"ETA, 3 minutes." The operator replied.

"Let's just hope that's enough time." Moriko commented.

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

The meeting room shook furiously.

Tabitha ran over to the window and opened the curtain.

Mathis began making calls to his operator.

Through it a huge about of smoke and ash rose from across the city.

Everyone glanced out the window.

Lia turned to Nadja.

Nadja checked his watch. He then told Lia back something.

Lia nodded, and her hands turned into claws. Rushing forward she broke through the wall, jumping outside, wings stretched from her back as she took her other form. She flew towards the devastation.

Maro couldn't say anything, as he was in shock.

"What the hell happened?" Kimiko asked.

Hisako's eyes were wide.

"This is what I was trying to warn you of. An existence from another timeline has broke into this one. Unlike the others up to this point, it is hostile. We no longer have time. We have to find the key and fragment. If I can get those, I can prolong the destruction of your world, before it destroys itself." Nadja told them.

Binks stood up, his eyes flickering colors as the chair he was using scattered backwards.

"Mathis. Get me a violin." He stated, his voice deeper then normal. Ragnatok held on to his arm.

"Oh no, you are NOT." He bit out viciously.

"There is no choice, they need the time." Steely silver eyes stared into Molten gold.

Toki sighed. "Fine, I'll need a pair of swords... And see if you can't get us hooked up to the emergency announcement system if there is one." He shook Binks' arm slightly. "We'll need some water, Binksy. Please don't sing until you get back here."

"Mhmm." Binks' wings snapped open as he took off, headed the short distance to their shared living space.

"We'll be unable to move on our own to maintain a barrier of any size. Wata, if you would please."

Yes Master Ragnatok. The bird glew with an unholy light before transforming into a giant phoenix. Everyone hop on please, this way we have a mobile safe base of operations. The small white cat flared with lightning, turning into a giant Lion.

I'll join the defense, keep master Binks safe for me. A female voice resounded in the room. The creature dropped a pouch of what looked like dust into Hisako's hands. Iron Sulphate powder. It's not much, but it will have to do Hisako-chan. Use it well. With a flash of Lightning, Raikiri vanished.

As they asked weapons were teleported onto the table of the room.

Mathis nodded. "I'll begin searching with the rest of the resistance. For now, try to take down that monster." He turned to Nadja. "If you can, please come with me. I would like to discuss this in further detail."

Nadja nodded. "Lia will make sure that thing is destroyed anyway."

The two of them headed out.

Maro's aura was cold, his powers didn't seem to have diminished in this timeline. He jumped onto the bird's back. "Sorry if it's cold." He said beforehand, while keeping his eyes on the dragon in the sky.

Kimiko sighed as she picked a scythe from the weapons on the table. "Can't run from myself, can I?" She said to herself as she boarded the bird.

"I don't even know what that is. How am I suppose to use it?" Hisako asked.

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

Moriko Pulled the string back as she took aim. Energy surged into her finger tips and a arrow formed from chakra. "Masa are you ready?"

Masa was carrying her largest fan, which was about the same size as her. Opening the fan she took stance. "Yes."

The two were standing on the top of a small fighter airship. The driver was keeping it steady as it flew beside the dragon.

The dragon roared as the sky became dark. A rippled effect spread across the sky, as it seemed to be bending.

Moriko let her shot loose. The arrow exploded in size as it flew through the air and struck at the dragon's shoulder.

The dragon waved it's wing as it shrugged the shot off. But it now knew of their presence. On the side of it's head, a cannon took aim and fired at the airship.

Masa held out her fan to block the shot.

Suddenly Lia kicked the blast sending it off towards to horizon. She flapped her wings as she flew towards the dragon's head. Landing on it's head, she dug her claws into it's armored plating.

"Who is that?" Masa asked.

"More important issues at the moment, Masa." Moriko said as she examined the dragon.

"Right. What's the plan?"

"Driver, take us in under it's wing, but he careful. It looks like this thing has weapons all over it's body. I'm going to try and take out the turbines that are allowing it to fly." Masa grabbed an arrow, and placed it against her bow. "Masa, help out the woman we saw."

Masa nodded. "Good luck." She suddenly took off running and jumped from the airship. Masa landed on it's wing as the airship changed direction. Masa then headed towards the main body along the wing.

(reference https://2img.net/h/i107.photobucket.com/albums/m302/eighttailedfox/Tales%20of%20Core/dragon-0191.jpg )

"Think of it like when you use Coins, Hisako." Ragnatok replied, hefting Binks' violin after sheathing one of his swords. A voice rang out in the distance, causing a curse from the cat child's lips.

"I fucking told him not to sing! Hang on tight! Watakari, home." He replied, jumping aboard as the Bird took off.

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

After arriving at there home, Binks grabbed some bottled water, preparing to take flight again. A silvery hand shot out from the darkness, snaring his wing in a brutal grip. With a cry, Binks tumbled backwards into a pair of silver tinted arms.

"Hello, little Dusssk. Or sssshould I ssssay, little birdy? Let'ssss ssssee why you look sssso different?" slithered out a dark voice. "Where'ssss the kitty I got to pusssh around?"

Binks did not respond to the questions as he struggled. A thought slipped through his mind, hazy at first, but becoming clearer. "Absolute Shockwave, Shatter and Destroy. Light's End has come." Then he screamed, knocking everything within a 50 foot radius away from him. His wings stretched out, as the building exploded outward. He shot out of the crumbling debris of the abandoned complex, trembling. Small orbs flashed around his frame, spinning at an alarming rate.

The silver snake-like creature rocked to it's doom.

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A flash of light signaled the arrival of Raikiri, as she appeared near the dragon in the air. With a violent roar, she shot a beam at the monsters chest.

(I need to pack now, I'm leaving in a couple of days. Try not to get too far ahead? I'll try to post on Thursday at the earliest, Monday the most likely.)

(alright.)

Hisako watched as they took off, leaving her alone with Tabitha. "Coins? I don't even have my powers." She yelled in anger as she threw to pouch to the floor.

"Hisako. We have other things to take care of. We need to see Gao." Tabitha told her. "You met Rabiah. You transferred a key to her. You perhaps, better then anyone know how to find a Fragment."

Hisako took a deep breath and grabbed the pouch off the floor. Stuffing in her pocket, she nodded. "Let's go then."

Tabitha smirked. "Thata girl." She brushed her hand through Hisako's hair.

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

Lia yelled as she tried to tear off the heavy armored plating. As the metal began to bend, hatches opened up around her. Suddenly mechanical birds burst from them. They attacked Lia.

"Dam." Lia said as she jumped and took flight.

The birds followed after her and attacked.

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

Masa arrived on the main body and saw the mechanical birds chase Lia away. "Seems I was too late." She said to herself, as hatches opened around her. Looking around her took guard.

From the hatches mechanical wolves crawled out. They roared mechanically as they began circling her.

"Just what the hell is this thing?" Masa asked, as she prepared for battle.

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

The dragon waved it's claw at it's chest as it brushed off the attack. A slight dent was all that was apparent from Raikiri's attack. The dragon bean turning towards Raikiri, and several cannons on it's head began firing at it.

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Moriko took aim and adjusted her weight as the airship turned to follow the dragon.

She let loose, and her arrow flew across the sky hit against the smaller turbine under the dragon's wing.

The smoke swirled around as the turbine's winds blew it away, showing it to be unharmed.

Moriko took a deep breath and prepared another shot.

Lia flew down and under the dragon, with the birds in hot pursuit. "Tch." Diving upwards past the dragons tail she shot straight up into the sky. Flying backwards she faced the birds and focused her power. "Call of Prometheus." She said as an unnatural sound ripped through the air.

Spreading her wings wide, beams of purple energy shot out and destroyed the birds.

As the remains of the birds began to fall, Lia brought her wings behind her and stretched them as far as she could. "Judgment of Prometheus." She body began to glow the same purple as the previous attack. She suddenly shot downwards towards the dragon.

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

Masa brought her fan to a rest as her breathing was heavy. The remains of the machinations laid around her. Looking around she knew it wouldn't be long until more appeared. She heard a strange sound fill the area and looked towards the sky. "This is not going to be good." She commented to herself, upon seeing Lia.

She quickly judged that staying where she was would be hazardous, she turned and headed towards the dragon's head.

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

Moriko let she shot go. The shot was bigger then the previous ones.

Shooting through the air, it broke through the armor of the smaller turbine under the dragon's wing.

"Yes." Moriko said seeing confirmation.

Suddenly the airship swerved under her feet. Moriko tripped and began rolling. Nearing the edge of the landing, she quickly took hold of the guard rail. She took a deep breath and looked towards the sky to see Lia shooting like a comet. "Good reflexes driver." She noted lowly.

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

Lia opened her arms wide and readied her claws. "Take this!" She yelled as she smashed directly into the dragon's spine armor.

The air rippled out as an explosion of Lia's unnatural energy unleashed itself.

The dragon roared from the impact, and the force caused it to drop in altitude. It flapped it's wings causing it's massive body shake.

As Lia's attacked died down, the area of impact had been caved in a good distance, and most of the armor had been brutally cracked.

"You sure are a tough one." Lia said standing up. She looked weakened. Looking up she climbed out of the huge dent and began running towards the dragon's head.

The air froze around Maro as he clenched his fist. A shiver ran down the spines of those near him.

Kimiko was swinging the scythe, she had picked up, around. She felt odd that even though she never handled one, it felt natural to her to hold. Bringing it back to rest on her shoulder she stepped forward. "Can you get me near that thing?" She asked.

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

A rapid successions of shots flew from Moriko's bow as she began trying to destroy the larger turbine under the same wing.

The turbine began cracking as Moriko shot more.

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

Wind blades shot around Lia as she ran.

"Go. I'll hold them." Masa told Lia.

"Thanks." Lia replied running passed the girl. Her wings stretched out, as her form shifted a bit more towards a dragon. Coming to a stop at the base of the Dragon's neck Lia stopped and held up her hand. "Execution of Prometheus." Lia struck the dragon's neck and energy rippled outwards, sending her flying back to beside Masa.

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Maro froze the underside of the Dragon's left wing.

Kimiko took stance and Silver Rana energy flowed out and gathered around the blade of her scythe. Swinging her scythe a huge wave of Rana shot out and cut through the dragon's frozen wing.

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The turbine exploded into pieces as Moriko fell onto her butt. Taking a deep breath. "Driver. Let's get some distance away form this thing.

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

The dragon roared as it's methods for flying were destroyed.

Lia and Masa felt the weightlessness of falling start to act upon them.

Lia turned and took hold of Masa by the waist. Spreading her wings she took off into the sky as the dragon fell.

"Thanks." Masa said, keeping her eyes on the dragon.

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

The Dragon slammed into the ground and slid to a stop on the outskirts of Albaron. The huge behemoth kicked up debris and dust as it did so.

Roaring it ripped off it's remaining wing and got back onto all fours. Opening it's mouth it began charging it's main cannon.

"So that's what happened to my sister huh?" The man said with a smile.

"Rabiah didn't want that fate you know. She enjoyed being her own self." Gao replied.

"Perhaps. But maybe she'll change her mind in time." He stood up and walked over to the window. "After all, we all could feel what's happening in this world."

"Are we interrupting something?" Tabitha asked as she and Hisako entered the hospital room.

Gao glanced to the door. "Not really."

"I'm surprised anyone knows about you." Tabitha commented, examining the man.

"This is Oricalfos." Gao explained.

"Please. My name is Reggie. But you can call me Reg." He bowed his head to the two.

Hisako felt a certain presence about him. "You're like Rabiah aren't you?"

Reg thought about the comment. "So that's what she was going by. Nice to see my sister with a real name."

"Gao. Is it true?"

Gao nodded.

"Reg. We need your help to save our world." Tabitha asked. "Help us and we'll stop Founder."

"That is not necessary. For you see. I want to join Core once more. I long to return from whence I came." Reg replied.

"Shit." Lia said to herself as she took off. She was heading straight towards the dragon. "I'm going to drop you off. I can't get there in time while carrying you."

Masa nodded. "That's fine.'

As Lia let go of Masa, she suddenly sped forward. As Masa fell the airship flew below her and Masa landed with a thud on it's roof.

Moriko offered her hand to her. "Think she can stop it?"

Masa got to her feet. "Don't know, but we still have work to do."

The airship took of towards the dragon.

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

As the dragon's cannon approached critical mass, Lia flew into position between the dragon and Albaron. "Shield of Prometheus." Energy radiated out from her and hexes formed in the air. A hex grid spread in front of Lia.

The dragon released it's attack.

The attack collided with the shield and power radiated out from the impact point. Lia and her shield were pushed back slowly.

The shield began cracking. "Who the hell built this thing?" Lia commented to herself, feeling her power weakening.

Black energy exploded from the dragon's head as the attack ceased.

Lia dropped the shield and breathed heavily. She looked at the dragon.

A black haired Kimiko stood on the dragon's neck and was slashing away with her rana infused scythe.

Binks sped past the dragon itself, his wings flaring outward as he spun to a stop behind it with a shower of sparks. He held the violin to his ear and let a single note sound.

"Tidings to the Ancient Voices." A low whining sound reverberated around the area. "Crushing lights that will never fade in the darkness." Multicoloured orbs appeared all around the dragon. "Fallen Ascension! Let none that does not breath pass!"

With a flash of light that was not painful to the eyes, a faceted sphere, made of multiple tiny geometric shapes formed around the dragon and surrounding area. Binks' voice shattered the quiet, as he held the bow of the violin to the sky.

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

"Tidings to the Ancient Voices." A high pitched whine joined the low one, swelling into a beautiful melody. "Mystical darkness that shelters the light." The Shadows in the area rose up around the sphere of light like liquid tentacles. "Twisted Descent! Let none that does not bleed pass!"

The area faded to grey, as a second sphere surrounded the first. Ragnatok could be seen opposite of Binks on the ground, his one sword slammed to the hilt into the earth. His low baritone joined Binks' voice to a crescendo.

"Let the Light." Binks stated.

"And the Dark." Ragnatok spoke in turn.

"Show you no mercy! The Shield of Heaven and Hell, Twins Pact!" They both cried out, the two shields melting together.

Their twin guardians, fell in place beside their master's brother. To protect from whatever may come.

The dragon roared as it swung it's tail at Kimiko.

Kimiko blocked with her scythe and was sent flying from the impact.

Landing some distance away Kimiko breathed heavily as her hair and skin returned to normal. She fell to a knee and used the scythe to hold herself up.

"You okay?" Maro asked.

"Yeah. But I used too much energy. My body is having a hard time adjusting to the rana levels." Kimiko glanced to the area in front of the dragon. "I'm curious to see what that woman does."

Lia punched her clawed fists together as she walked forward. She stopped when she saw the twins' attack.

Masa and Moriko's airship hovered near the dragon from a safe distance.

The dragon roared as it hit it's head on the ground, it began to claw at itself. Ripping off it's armor. As the huge pieces of armor fell to the ground the dragon's inner form emerged. A sleeker and more shiny mechanical dragon ripped itself from the bigger shell.

"Doesn't this thing ever stop?" Lia commented. She was tired and had used up most of her energy channeling Prometheus. Glancing once more at the twins she fell back and sat down. Her form went back to looking human. "I'll leave the rest to you." She said falling back and laying on the ground.

"Maro. Let those two handle this. Just stop anything that heads towards Albaron. Enough civilians have died today." Kimiko told him, as she collapsed to the ground and rested.

Maro nodded and the ground began freezing.

"Masa. Let's cover them. I dunno what their planning, and I don't plan on getting in the crossfire." Moriko told Masa.

Masa nodded. "Agreed."

Everyone watched as the new version of the dragon roared after finally pulling itself free.

Nadja and Mathis appeared in the doorway.

"That's fine." Mathis told him. "In order to end this all, we need a complete Core."

"You're going to give up on Rabiah?" Gao asked, trying to sit up, and fell back.

"Gao. I know it's difficult, but some people can't be saved. We're dealing with an infinite number of lives here." Tabitha said to Gao.

"I know, dammit." Gao said, tearing up. "But Rabiah is my everything. Without her, I don't even exist."

Reg examined Nadja. "You're not of this world are you?"

"I am beyond your powers. But you aren't beyond mine." Nadja stepped forward.

Reg smirked. "As long as I get to join Core, I'll help any of you."

"As it so happens, it's both our goal and Founder's. No one is going to try and stop you." Mathis said.

Nadja stretched out his hand. "This going to hurt boy." He grabbed Reg's head.

"Bring it." Reg replied.

A dull light exploded from Reg as he bent backwards in pain.

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

The dull light filled the sky and the sky returned to normal. While beings that had already passed through the space-time fissures were unaffected, the fissures sealed themselves. Returning the world back to temporary normalcy.

A violent song rang through the air.

"A binding light, a tremulous sound. Rise and ensnare. Shackling Distractions!" Binks called out, as chains of light slammed around the dragon, holding in to the ground.

Ragnatok ripped his sword out of the ground, slamming them together creating dark sparks. "Engulfing Darkness. Heed my call. Time to play, Shadow Dancing!" He seemed to vanish to the eyes, but dark patches started being ripped from the dragon, with loud, clashing metal, resounding throughout the area.

The dragon flailed and roared as it's pieces were ripped off. It struggled to break free, but it's movements became more hindered as it's joint fell apart.

it fell to the ground with a huge thud as it's body twitched. Yet the head kept moving. Roaring mechanically it it struggled by itself to move.

The air around Maro returned to normal as the threat declined.

The airship landed on the ground as it though safety was assured. Moriko and Masa landed on he ground and glanced towards the dragon.

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

"You weren't joking." Reg said getting back to his feet.

Nadja took a step back and took a deep breath. "Seems like the completed Core is needed."

"That's bad then." Mathis commented.

"Why?" Hisako asked.

"To fix everything we need Core to be whole. To achieve his goals, Founder needs Core whole." Mathis explained.

"In the last timeline he said he wouldn't interfere with this one." Tabitha said with a laugh.

"He didn't have to. He knows what we know and more. He planned this all out." Nadja said.

"How the hell are we suppose to fight him then." Hisako asked.

"We have two choices Hisako." Tabitha began. "We either fight for the extremely narrow chance we win, or give up and let Founder kill us all. What would you choose?"

Hisako's thoughts went to that of her friends. "I would fight."

"So would we all." Mathis said.

With a mighty kick, Ragnatok flipped up through the joint shield. Watakari caught him with deft swiftness, coming to a stop near Binks.

The twins nodded to each other.

"Collapse, struggle in vain. Twin's Pact Revolution, Black Hole Destroyer!" Their voices sang out together.

The shield, suddenly sank into itself, taking everything within it, to oblivion. The black hole it created vanished in a flash of black light.

As soon as this happened, Ragnatok dropped down onto Watakari's back, unable to move. Binks wings crumpled, and he fell head first towards the ground. Raikiri and Watakari were too far away to catch him.

Kimiko stared at the sky as the clouds passed overhead. "Things are getting complicated. Aren't they?"

"Yeah." Maro replied.

------

Lia flew in and caught Binks. "Good job out there."

Hisako, Kimiko, Tabitha, and Lori stood silently. Haruka was a pace in front of them. On the ground in front of her was Rai. He was crying greatly.

They were before a grave. A grave marked with the name of Michi.

"Why the hell did this happen?" Haruka yelled. "Why do I have to lose everyone important?"

"You're not the only one who lost someone precious." Tabitha noted.

"What do you know?" Haruka yelled while turning to the woman. "Do you know what is feels like to be unable to help someone? Watching them as they die slowly?"

"Better then you, at least." Tabitha replied with serious eyes.

Haruka bit her tongue. Tears flowed from her eyes.

Kimiko stepped forward and placed her hand on Rai's shoulder. "Time to go."

Rai couldn't speak, but he nodded. Kimiko helped him to his feet.

One by one began leaving, leaving Haruka alone at the grave. "Dammit." She said to herself.

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

Lia and Nadja stood at the edge of the hole in Albaron.

"A lot had happened. Didn't it?" Nadja asked.

"That thing went toe to toe with Prometheus." Lia warned. "Whatever Founder has done, has brought about things that shouldn't exist."

Nadja took a breath in thought.

"How are Noa and that kid?" Lia asked.

"Well enough. They should join us soon." Nadja replied. "After all, those two are the only backup we have. If we fail, this planet will be abandoned."

"Tch." Lia said to herself.

Ragnatok stood silently at the entrance of the graveyard, his black ears plastered to his skull as he waited for Tabitha and the others with crossed arms. His tail showed his agitation, flicking violently from side to side.

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

Binks slept fretfully, the raven and kitten watching over him. Tossing and turning, his breathing was severly laboured as he muttered.

"Can't.... Toki.... Cale..... Yuyami..... Tabi...... No...... STOP!" He screeched, shooting upright. He held his head with both his hands, leaning heavily on his elbows.

"All my fault... " He whispered to himself, tears pinpricking at the corner of his eyes.

Lori glanced at Ragnatok as she walked passed him. She didn't say anything.

Tabitha, Hisako, Kimiko and Rai appeared next.

"I'll meet up with you guys later. I'm going to take Rai home. "Kimiko said, as the two headed off."

"Another mess." Tabitha commented to herself, before looking at Ragnatok. "So what are you here for?"

Hisako was silent. She had seen Michi die before, but it wasn't any easier. Especially coupled with the fact countless others died as well during the dragon's raid.

Ragnatok merely nodded at Kimiko and Rai as they passed.

"Binks is sleeping still, that spell was much like our singular final assault spell." He sighed. "I came to pay my respects. She may not have remembered us in this timeline. but Michi was a friend in others."

Turning his head to look away, he added "Cale and Yuyami Highwater of this timeline also died in that attack. As well as a mutated version of Krypto, which Binks killed at our apartment building. We have no where to go, and nothing left... again."

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

Binks stroked Raikiri fitfully, not liking the Hospital that he was in.

They had locked Watakari outside the window, saying something about filthy birds.

Did he mention he hated Hospitals?

"Your not the only one." Hisako commented. She was bitter. Mostly because she didn't have any type of power in this timeline.

"Now that we've found the fragment, we need a key." Tabitha said aloud. She no longer cared if anyone overheard their conversations. "But one way or another it will be heading or way. Since we have the same goal as Founder."

There was a moment of silence.

Tabitha took a breath and spoke. "Listen you two. I don't know what the next timeline will be like. But I can guarantee it's the last one we have."

"I thought two keys remained though." Hisako asked to confirm.

"That is true, but during this one, the trans will mean one remains. Once it's with Reg, that means Founder will appear to take him to complete Core. I doubt Reg or Founder will allow another timeline change." Tabitha tapped her forehead. "Reg won't help us after he has everything he needs to get Founder to come get him."

"Then don't let him have it until he agrees for a second timeline change." Ragnatok replied, "Hell, I'll do it. As far as I have seen, the keys seem to be light based. You both know there is no light mage or esper stronger then my little brother. Raikiri could probably track them if my theory is correct." He exhaled slightly

"Raikiri and Watakari aren't extensions of our powers that we could not control. The closest being to them I can think of is the Fire Dragon that belongs to Maro's father. I don't know his name. They are light and dark themselves, with a partially corporeal form."

Ragnatok rubbed the back of his head. "And uh, Tabi... would you have a place in the rebellion for a pair of mongrels? At least until the next timeline change. After we've sorted our the memories that will come, we'll find you then."

(You did say I could make a wish at one point. I actually just want Binks to hold onto one of the keys, not make a wish.)