Time's Tapestry (Angel)

Summer watched as Nyle brought out his shotgun, the same one he had used to fire neurotoxin at her during their first fight. Oh man, I’m actually surprised we became friends after that mess, she reminisced. Then she looked back at the angel, trying to focus on the present instead of the past. Valion seemed to be in a deep meditation, orbs of light gathering in both palms. Even at a distance, the drawynn could feel the power surging from the orbs. Man, I don’t think I’ve ever managed to piss off someone this badly before, she commented while getting back up on her feet. Metanth perched himself on her right shoulder, growling at the cybernetic angel.

Nyle shouldered his V.M.H.P.S and aimed straight at the angel. Once his aim was on-target, he launched one of his stun missiles. Even in his concentrated state, Valion reacted to the attack by using one of his wings to knock the neurotoxic missile to the side. Cursing quietly, Nyle, Winter, and Spring started unloading their weapons. The angel shielded himself with his wings and, even though some shots managed to hit, didn’t even flinch. “Come on,” Autumn poked the younger mage’s shoulder and motioned for them to join the older version. Once all three were together, they each gathered a large amount of the lightning element, drawing on everything around them. “Lighting Crack!” the three mages yelled in union, releasing three giant bolts of electricity. Valion grunted as they struck and his eyes flared open.

The younger Summer shrank bad slightly at the sight. The angel’s eyes were full of hatred. He wanted them dead and would do anything to achieve that goal. He’s really nuts, she thought, somewhat astonished, He wants us dead no matter what happens, even if thousands are killed to do so... The girl suddenly felt the true weight of the situation and almost lost her spell in the realization. Metanth, get your older version’s and both Canis’ attention. We need you to ram him or... something. Just make him lose his concentration, she called out for he had left her shoulder and was flying above the battle with the older version a little higher.

Right, came the dragonlit’s short reply. Metanth! Cani! he then shouted. Several “yes”s came back. We need to attack Valion before he completes his attack. Together.

I could’ve told you that, the younger Cani replied, taking a shot at the dragonlit’s intelligence even in a dire situation. Bone Shield, both Lykos invoked, turning their fur to bone.

Ready? the young metal dragon questioned. The other three creatures nodded at him. Steeling himself, he yelled, GO! and shot down at the angel. The two Canis made it their before him, each ramming their bodies into his chest and causing Valion to become unbalanced. Then both Metanths came down on his head, the older on the mechanical part and the younger on the still-flesh half.

The cybernetic angel cried out in both pain and rage, surprising the two dragonlits that he had not been knocked out by their blow. “Damn you to HELL!” Valion roared and smashed the two orbs together.

OoC: 1000th post, baby!

In that instant where the orbs smashed together, there was a millisecond of complete silence. It was if the world had held its breath. And then, the explosion came. It moved faster than any eye could follow, disintegrating the beings, including the angel himself, nearest. The house followed them, being blown away like it was made of paper. Within moments, the entire city had been enveloped by the blast. Buildings were turned to rubble, people turned into nothing as the wave of pure energy hit them. Soon enough, the entire city had been leveled, and the blast didn’t look like it was going to stop there. It still had enough force left to carry on, across the borders of the city.

~

Sat in a meditative position on the barren landscapes that surrounded Cielo, the older Valion winced slightly as he felt the blast approach.

He’s here, sir. In this time. We could warn him of what is to come. Stop the change from ever happening.

I know, Inner. But that is not our way. We will correct this little mistake, and send them on their way.

Holding up his left hand, he extended his fleshy extremities forward. They began to emit a strange white glow, and soon let off a light seeable from miles away. As the wall of energy raced towards him, the older Valion smiled. With a crash, the expanding wave stopped at his hand. Crushing his hand into a fist, he punched it forward, and the wave disappeared in a haze of white mist.

Let’s see if we can’t have another crack at this.

Slicing his hand in a vertical motion, the angel brought his fingers together. As they passed through the air, a tear was left behind. Soon enough it widened, revealing a tunnel. It was completely white, and there was nothing else occupying the space. Stepping through into the white void, the older Valion walked, or more accurately floated, down the tunnel. The rip sealed itself behind him.

~

“Damn you to HELL!”

Bringing both hands together, the angel made to end it. But before his hands could touch, the blade of a sword stepped between them. It was three foot long, pearly white with a black strip near the edge, and hooked end. As the ball of holy energy came into contact with it, it was immediately dissipated.

“You’re a blind fool, Valion. This is neither the time or place anyone here will die,” the older angel grumbled.

The onslaught again Valion stopped immediately as another being seemingly stepped out of thin air. “Uh... is it just me or are there two Valions?” Summer asked.

“Don’t you remember when we stuffed you in closet because Valion came over?” Autumn responded, giving the drawynn a sly glance.

The mage was oblivious to whatever connotation the daughter’s look had, “Oh yeah, I remember now. Heh, it’s a good thing he came along or we’d all be dead as dirt.” She grinned thankfully. Looking back over to the two angels, the younger one who looked positively furious and the older who appeared rather calm, she noticed that the older Valion held a strange sword. Hm, that weapon doesn’t look like the one he used again me back in... uh, my time Cielo. Then again, I suppose forty years is enough time to get some fancy new armaments, she peered over at Winter and the large gun he was carrying, Definitely enough time. “Hey, Winter, what’s the new sword Valion has?”

He kept his eyes on the two cyber-angels but shrugged in response, “Hell if I know. I’ve never seen him use it before. I’m just happy he managed to stop the younger Valion.” Then he turned to Nyle, “Say, when did Valion start acting like this?”

“He was pretty pissed after the incident with Geoth but he didn’t attack her until today. Well, forty years ago today,” the soldier replied.

“You would think I would remember getting attacked,” the older Summer commented.

The younger one nodded in agreement, Yeah, I don’t think I’ll forget this anytime soon. Well, I guess I could’ve forgotten it if I went senile. ...Why do I think of stuff like that. She sighed with a grin.

It’s because you have too much time on your hands to think, Metanth stated as he glided over to her shoulder.

What’s your point? Thinking a lot make you smarter, she played.

The gray dragonlit grinned, Or simply more crazy because you don’t have anything better to do. Summer started to respond but he cut her off, That’s a very interesting conversation going on over there.

She gave him a surprised expression, You were eavesdropping? Metanth, that’s not good people skills.

Who cares about people skills, he rolled his pink eyes, Aren’t you more interested in knowing what those two have been talking about? She nodded animatedly. Well, I didn’t hear too much, the older Valion definitely didn’t want anyone else to know, but something big is going to happen with us and Nyle and Cani. I guess the timeline we have right now is the right one or at least it doesn’t screw up the universe enough to be of concern.

All this time stuff can make your head explode, she stated and then gave him a curious glance, Do you think you could listen to some more?

His horned head shook, No. The reason I didn’t stay longer is because he gave us four hard looks to get out of there. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to fry me if he found me listening. Metanth sighed, No, we’ll just have to wait and see if he tells us anymore.

“All because you see one path of time go wrong, doesn’t mean that it was supposed to happen. Other paths are always open, waiting for the worst to happen and they’re needed. But, it’s when you interrupt a thread directly like this that you disrupt the flow of time. I thought you… I mean, we, had been taught better.”

“But I consulted the timeline; she wasn’t supposed to survive the temple incident!”

“And yet she did, despite your best efforts to thwart it. If the timeline hadn’t started to unravel then, then you should’ve realized it.”

“I was taught that time should always be kept to the proper paths.”

“How do you distinguish what is the right path, and which one is the wrong one. So many factors can affect that choice, as in this case, love.” Indicating to the older couple with his sword, the older Valion watched as they hugged each other. Still skeptical of his supposed elderly self, the younger version diverted his gaze from the older pair to the younger counterparts.

~

His weapons returned to their appropriate places, Nyle had to make sure that everyone was okay. Emitting a high pitched whistle, the ex-soldier waited for Cani to come to him.

You summoned me, oh great master. The Lyko was still feeling the effects of the Bone Shield, as stray strands of fur still retained a bony complexion.

What’s up with you?

It was the second time I used the skill. You can’t expect me to perfect it instantly, the genius that I am.

Taking that comment as a hint that Cani was fine, Nyle made his way over to the drawynn and her pet, who were holding a conversation between themselves.

“You two okay? Anything that needs stitching up or attaching back on?” At the comment, Summer giggled slightly, while the dragonlit simply rolled his eyes.

She’s giggling a lot more when I say things…wonder if that means anything.

Ever the respectful thinker, are we?

Taken aback by the intrusion of the dragonlit, the mercenary blushed slightly and headed back in the direction of the two angels.

And he gets shot down by the creature that would make a great breakfast! Cani snickered, watching the events in front of him unfold.

~

“It is time. You must return to your times before anything starts to unravel, and we lose the thread of time.” A slight moan emitted from the group, slightly saddened to have to leave their counterparts.

“But first…and the reason that the older counterparts didn’t see this coming, we must wipe your minds of everything since Valion attacked you.”

OoC: Yay, I posted after... forever.

BiC:

Summer blinked, “Wait... what?” The angel’s statement was a bit of a surprise and already a few protests were being made against the decision. He wants to wipe our memory of this? the drawynn was still trying to understand, But why? I guess that does explain the reason our older selves don’t remember this but... still.

Well, the angel’s duty is to protect time. Perhaps this is a precaution, Metanth injected. He was perched his partner’s shoulder, his pink eyes intently watching a discussion between Valion and the two Nyles.

“Why did you erase my memory, Valion,” Winter was overheard demanding, “I don’t like the idea of you messing with my head without a good reason. And, so far, your reasons don’t hold up.”

The mage chuckled, Well, it seems Nyle really doesn’t change in his old age. She glanced at the younger version who was also demanding answers from the cyber-angel. Though, it is still hard to wrap my mind around the idea that I actually marry him. And have kids...

Autumn walked up beside Summer with Sela who was snuggling the half-drawynn’s neck, “Do you guys really have to leave? I was actually beginning to like my mom.” The sixteen year old gave her a lopsided grin to show she was joking.

I don’t want you to go, either, Sela suddenly perked up for the first time, What’s happened today has been far more interesting that was has ever happened in my life. The small earth dragonlit looked at the pair with bright, off-white eyes.

“Well,” the young Summer gave the group of three a questioning gaze, “I don’t think we have much choice. Besides, staying here much longer could mess up things even more than they already are. And we definitely don’t want that.” The mage gave her own grin to her future daughter. Man, all that’s happened just today is really going to mess up my perspective of the future, she moaned inwardly.

If Valion has his way, I doubt it will, the metal dragon commented, He does want to wipe our memories after all.

True. And, by looking, it’s already apparent he gets his way, she let out another sigh. The teenager wasn’t at all looking forward to having her memory fiddled with. Though maybe it was for the better. Knowing all this stuff about her and Nyle’s future was sure to give her second thoughts on their whole... falling in love thing. Not to mention that she could change something like their kids’ names and completely mess something up. Or have Autumn bond with a different dragonlit or... Arg, I’m not smart enough to deal with this stuff!

“Meh, you can’t mess with time too badly,” Spring stated, startling the mage as he had suddenly appeared behind her. “Trust me. After running around with Glamrin for a bit, I’ve learned that time usually manages to correct things itself,” he gave her a small but reassuring smile.

Finally, Nyle and Winter walked away from Valion and back the group. “So... what’s up?” Summer asked.

“He’s…well, they are really being obstinate about the mind wiping. I don’t think we can avoid it.” Tracing a finger over the scar that presided over the majority of his face, Nyle shrugged. He didn’t have any idea on how to stop it, and from the looks of it, neither did Winter.

“Oh well, there’s just some things you can’t avoid,” Spring stated. The group converged one last time, wanting to say goodbye before they forget their future and past selves completely. The ex-soldier stood slightly away from them, his uneasiness with saying farewells to his future self apparent on his face.

Shouldn’t you be saying goodbye as well? The Lyko was scratching behind the tip of his ear while keeping his gaze fixed on the group.

What’s the point? In a few minutes, they won’t even remember that it happened.

Still…all the more reason to say goodbye. You can get away with stuff, if you know what a mean. Stifling a laugh, Cani bounded forward, intent on letting his goodbyes be heard.

There’s no point…none at all in doing it. The dog is wrong.

Self doubt was rare in Nyle, and it was even rarer for him to show emotion. This seemed like a…impossible feat for him. Yet, his future self was having no trouble with showing his feelings. He had already hugged and kissed the younger Summer goodbye, and was in the process of giving the younger Cani some words of wisdom, as well as a scratching behind his ear.

You were stubborn like this until a virus you contracted gave you only three years to live. I still say that your older self is holding something back.

Taken aback by the words, the mercenary turned on his heel, and found that the older Cani was laying on the grass, as if trying to go to sleep.

What?

In the first few dates with Summer, you still didn’t show emotion. That was, until you caught something called the Hydra, I think it was, Virus. You were cured of it afterwards, and that’s when you became the emotional junkie you see today. Talk about a transformation.

Why are you telling me this?

So you might get the hint and actually show some emotion before you forget it.

Why? They won’t remember.

If there’s one thing that messing with people’s minds has taught me, it’s that memory’s fade…emotions felt will last forever. If you show love here and now, she’ll have the subconscious feeling for a long time.

She?

Figure it out, idiot.

For a moment, Nyle argued inwardly on what he was about to do. Half of him knew it was ludicrous to believe the ramblings of a blind wolf creature. But the other half found that the Lyko held some truth in the words. Spitting out a curse, he strode over to the group.

“First one to hug me gets an iron enforced boot in their mouth.”

~

“I haven’t used this thing in a while, I’m not that sure how it works anymore.” The metallic Valion chuckled, amused by his fleshy, older counterpart. He seemed to be the real deal, but his attire and attitude were different, vastly different. Not to mention the real arm in place of the cybernetic one.

“Can I ask you something?” Valion said nervously.

“If it’s to do with the arm, I give you only a warning: Beware the Flame of Heaven. He will…remedy, your current condition. For better or worse, I am not allowed to say,” the older angel said suddenly, his eyes fixed on the rectangular steel rod in his hands. Valion, not being to understand what was just said, shrugged it off.

Best not question the future, I don’t want to create any Paradoxes.

“Right, it’s ready. Let’s get rid of some memories,” the older Valion murmured, his voice in an unhappy tone.

“Wait,” the older Valion stopped suddenly. Everybody turned to look at him. “Since, after your memories are erased, we don’t want you communicating with your older selves, I had better open up the time portals for you now,” he explained. Turning around, he made two chopping motions in the air. Two ‘rips’ where left behind and then expanded into portals. “There we go,” he stated, “One for each of you. Since this never happened, Nyle never needed to come to Summer’s rescue.” He turned back to the couple.

The drawynn took in a deep breath, she was so not ready for this. Then again, I did already say that knowing all this was a little more than I could handle, Summer reminded herself. She looked back at Nyle. He was staring at the two portals but, catching her glance, peered at her. Say something, stupid! she told herself. However, nothing would even pop into her head. Instead, the mage simply gave him a goofy smile, I need professional help. The ex-soldier just turned his head and looked back at Valion. Though, maybe just because she wanted to see it, Summer thought she saw a tiny smile on his lips. Turning back to the angel, she saw he had a smirk on his face. If she hadn’t been so embarrassed, the drawynn would’ve asked him what was so funny.

You two act like a couple of love-sick teenagers, Metanth decided to answer, Especially you.

Well, gee, maybe that could be because I am a teenager. Minus the love-sick part, she replied. The dragonlit rolled his eyes.

“Okay, let’s just get this over with,” the older Valion finally stated and held up a small device. Summer took in another deep breath as the machine flashed suddenly.

(=====<^*^>=====)

Summer blinked, Um... She didn’t have a clue where she was except that it seemed to be in some neighborhood judging from all the houses everywhere. But what really confused her was the strange man standing right in front of her with a genuine smile on his face. Turning to look around, she spied Nyle standing beside her with a similarly confused expression. “Wha-” she started to ask and then was grabbed by the strange man.

“Sorry, Summer,” he apologized, “But you need to go back right now.” Then he roughly shoved her through the time portal. Traveling through time was definitely not on her most-fun-things-to-do list as the glaring whiteness of the portal threatened to almost blind her. Not to mention the utterly creepy feeling she had. Finally, the mage fell out of the portal and onto the plush carpet of Dycas’ temple. Propping herself into a sitting position, she looked around at the empty building. “I’m so confused,” she whined.

Just what the hell was that about?! the metal dragon yelled to no one. Despite the fact that they were alone, he still leaped in front of the mage and bared his teeth. What was Nyle doing there? he hissed. Summer’s partner never really trusted the ex-soldier.

The girl shrugged, “I don’t know. The last thing I remember is coming here to see if Sam was waiting. Then suddenly...” she looked back at where the portal had been, “I have no idea.”

Hmph, Metanth walked up to her, It was probably Nyle’s doing. You know how he likes to appear at inopportune moments.

Summer thought a minute, “Mm, nah. He looked just as confused. Besides,” she paused, “I don’t think he would really do anything to hurt us.”

The dragonlit jumped to her shoulder, You’re simply too trusting of people.

She giggled, “Maybe. But woman do just know things sometimes. And no smart-alecky comments about that.” The mage stood up, “Well, since Sam isn’t here, I guess we should just get going. No sense in standing around.” She headed out the door.

Where are we going? the little dragon asked. He had settled himself around her shoulders.

“Beats me. We’ll think of something.”

OoC: Well, that was a blast. 'Til their next RP.