Fractured Reality

Enter Ponetazmilly City

The 'door' loomed above the ground swirling like a vortex of light. If one looked closely you could see images beyond it, but the images were unclear and blurred making it hard to discern what they are. The spiraling door seemed to lead into a seemingly endless abyss. Ness and Flame stood in front of it a sad smile plastered on their faces.

"I hope your right Ness," Flame said as he turned to look at the raven haired boy. "I hope I do find out who I am…"

"I know you will and you can count on the three of us to help you out," Ness said patting him on the back.

"Are you sure you guys have to go now?" Yuma inquired her eyes peering warily at the "door" with her arms crossed as she sat on one of the ruined walls positioned behind them.

Ness nodded, "The world won't save itself. Besides, we don't know how long the door will remain open, so we think its best that we go now,"

Sean, who was currently leaning against his automobile, tinkering with his damaged bazooka with Ninten standing next to him leaning on the automobile with him gazing at his work. Sean's gaze shifted from it for a moment, examining the two in front of the door before it lands on Ninten.

"Hey Ninten,"

"Yeah?"

"When you get to the next layer, don't go replacing us," he mumbled, his frown turning into a small smirk.

Ninten gave him thumbs up, "Wouldn't dream of it!"

Ness turned back to the door "Time to go then," Ness leaped for the door but yelps when he was suddenly grabbed by his shirt and pulled back to the ground.

Ness glared up at Flame, who wiggled a finger in his face, "Don't get ya panties in a bunch, we have to wait for Lucas,"

"Right…" Soon enough Sage joined them by the swirling vortex. "You done with that thingie?"

"Yeah, using the stuff in Clark's workshop I was able to make some adjustments to Lucas' inhibitor rings," Sage smirked as he adjusted the pack on his back. "And score some fancy new tools while I was at it," Sage glanced around for a moment. "Where is Lucas anyway?" Flame pointed towards a small patch of grass which had a few dandelions jutting out of the soil, but it seemed to be mostly weeds and very thick grass. In the center lays Lucas who was admiring the morning sky. Sage nods then quickly hurries over to Lucas.

"Man…poor Lucas. Things must be hard for him, having the people closest to you taken away and all by your own hands too. That's gotta be quite the demon to tussle with," Ness sadly.

"Hey, don't do that!" Flame exclaimed. He raised a fist with a smile. "If we start feeling sad then he'll feel even worse. And in a strange twist of fate he did get to see his brother again,"

"Besides, I don't think I've seen Sage like this before," Yuma said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Ninten asked.

"He's not so…overbearing of someone like this usually. He likes doing his own thing and it either we keep pace with him or get left behind," Sean explained.

"What happened here anyway?" Flame asked mindlessly kicking a piece of rubble.

"Zeon did this, but the reason is beyond me, beyond most of us…" Yuma said lifting her head to the sky. "Things are really off here but I just don't know what it is. All those kids in that village, we had families all of us remember that much. But…memories get hazier and hazier as the days go by. These ruins used to be a town a few years ago,"

"We all had families once, but it's getting harder to remember them," Sean said sadly.

"Maybe we may be able to find the truth someday…" Ness muttered staring into the sky seeing the sun rise.

Patch of Grass

Sage walked to the patch of grass slightly perturbed. He didn't realize that this area was here. Lucas glanced at him but in that glance Sage could see that Lucas wanted to so much to stay in this spot. So instead of hurrying him off Sage decided to lay down next to him and stare at the sky as well. They were silent lying like this for a few moments. Sage turned his head towards Lucas and for a very long time he just stared at him.

"Lucas," Sage began instantly gaining Lucas' attention. Lucas' head snapped to the side his eyes meeting Sage's. "Ya know, you remind me of someone,"

Lucas's eyebrow rose, "I do, who?"

"Well, I don't remember much, but I was like 9 or 10 and I lived in theses exact ruins before the guardian destroyed everything. I-I had a little brother w-who was a major pushover, but I believed I loved him, heck I think I was super overprotective of him. I don't know what it is…but I feel like we're connected if that makes sense," Lucas eyes widened slightly

"Is there a version of me on this world?" Lucas thought as Sage continued.

"One day though, these strange creatures started appearing around the town destroying everything and attacking everyone, and because my mother and father had old power they were sent out to fight them. We were winning from what little I recall, then Zeon came and things turned for the worst. To put it simply, I lost my brother in the crowd of retreating people, I never saw him or my parents ever again. My memory from that point on was a little shaky, but what I do remember is waking up with Yuma and Sean loaming above me. I think I'm the only one who remembers that far back," Lucas remained quiet taking in Sage's words. He examined Sage as he sat up and began to take something out of his pocket, it was a small golden pin, with sand dunes, and clouds in crested. "Here, this was my brother's but seeing as he's…. you can have it. It will also be a good reminder of Yuma, Sean, and I when you guys go to the next layer," Sage extended his arm toward Lucas while looking away.

Lucas nodded, seeing that there wouldn't be a point in arguing with Sage. "Thank you," Lucas said siting up to take the item. Sage also flashed a single silver ring in Lucas' face.

"You only need one to keep control. With it on you should still be able to fight normally so there won't be a build-up of power like before. Just be careful, the second you remove it all of it will come out at once so be sure you're ready," Lucas nods taking the ring and placing it on his left hand on his ring finger. "Anything else I can do?"

"No, you have no idea how much you've done to help me. It hurts looking at you because all I see are my sins…but it's easier now,"

"What was his name?" Sage asked.

"…Claus,"

"Claus huh," Sage thought on the name. "I like it, you can call me that if you want to," Lucas looked at Sage. "We're exactly like the people we lost Lucas, it's okay to project those feelings. I may not be the Claus you lost, but it shows that he's never really gone. He's always with you in one way or another," Sage raised a hand to mess with Lucas' hair earning an annoyed look with how much that has been happening lately. Sage smirked, that same exact smirk that Lucas knew only Claus could do.

"Alright…Claus…"

"Hey guys it's time to go!" Flame yelled, waving his hand in the air. Lucas and Sage turned to acknowledge him then stood up to hurry over. Lucas and Sage smiled at everyone as they reach the circle, Lucas adores the pin on his shirt, turning Lucas join his friend at the entrance of the door.

Yuma clasped her mouth an enlightened expression on her face, "Before you guys go, I think you forgot this," Yuma turned towards a motorbike a bag rested on the seat, picking it out she began to rummage through before picking up a book, which caused both Lucas and Flame's eyes to widened.

"It's-" Flame began

"The Ancient book on Old Power. How did you find it?" Lucas asked.

"We basically ran over it when we were making our way over here," Sage said.

"Here," Yuma handed the book to Lucas, who took hold of it.

"Thanks,"

Lucas, Ness, Ninten and Flame stared at the door giving on last glanced toward their New/old Friends, they began to walk toward the door. They each took turns leaping in. Lucas stalled a bit glancing back at Sage then smiled as he jumped in as well and it slowly sealed shut behind them.

Layer 3 (Unknown)

It was dark, pitch black dark, so dark that it would make a grown man shiver dark. The only source of light being the constant flickering from a large titanium supercomputer which was situated in the wall of the cavern the brief flickers shining through the darkness to reveal brief glances of the cavern's design. The cavern lights seemed to flicker on and off as letters began to appear on the super computer screen. A large pod lid on a pedestal a two tubes connecting erected out of it, one connecting it to the computer the other connected it to a large green pod filled with a strange jelly like substance which travelled into the pod and into the super computer.

It remained quiet, well except for the noise being emitted from the computer with its constant beeps, for a few minute before the computer screen turned bright white and shifted to a large lake.

A loud mechanical voice ranged through the cavern "NEW LIFEFORMS DETECTED BEGIN ANALYZING AND ASBORBING,"

The computer froze for a moment; a clinking noise rang from it before a container opened revealing 10 dark and mechanical beetle like creatures, which instantly flew from it leaving the cave and hunting for their targets.

Layer 3 Lake

"I think we lost them," a girl sighed taking in a deep breath, before collapsing on the ground.

A tall short haired man stood above her protectively, keeping an eye on their surroundings, "Kiki we best not stay since they're still looking for us,"

"Alright, alright, just give me a-," She began but was interrupted as the water in front of them began to spiral upwards, and the area around them began to pick up wind. The girl stared up, along with the man, at the sky as it cracked opening, causing their mouths to go agape.

….

Lucas, Flame, Ninten and Ness came flying out the hole and then towards the water. Each of them screaming their heads off as they approach the lake below but before they could slam into it Flame was able to use his levitate ability.

"Wow, looks like someone's getting better at using his powers," Ness mused as Flame guided them to land a little close to the small lake. Flame just blushed before slowly, yet a little roughly, landing them on the ground. The water came crashing down and the surrounding wind began to calm considerably.

"Now where are we?" Ninten said scanning their surroundings. The air was warm but not as warm as the last layer. The beams of sunlight was glowing on their skin, you could hear the faint laughter of small children who were running about in the distance, also the bark of a dog in the distance, but slightly closer than the children. Ninten spotted an orchard filled with peaches, and a young couple having a picnic over under a shady olive tree. The area is densely populated by people all having fun and enjoying themselves. "Um, guys I don't think were in Peril anymore," Ninten said jabbing a thumb at all the people.

"Yeah this place is way too cheery," Ness said his eyes scanning the perimeters outside of the park. Lucas, Flame, and Ninten follow his eye-line.

From the little hill the park was rested on, the surrounding area seems like speckles of various colors in combination to form an effect of a photograph. Flickering lights, white, reds and blue - a dazzling array of colors fit together perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle. Colossal towers and advert like structures. Each corner seemed too throbbed with activity. Fumes of cigars and cigarettes filled the air in a rush to blend in with the fumes of vehicles. Neon lights and advertisement boards grew brighter than the sun with blazing music in the background. Deafening car honks. Wafts of fast food restaurant smells surrounded by an alley full of debris. With this smell hovering in the high humidity, the air felt thick with a scent of hot grease, a strong yet intriguing smell, giving at least two out of the three a feel of home. On the further side of the park was a giant city where no doubt most of the noise was coming from.

"This place reminds me of home," Ness said, Ninten nodded in agreement.

Lucas and Flame looked at the two curiously, "You guys come from a place like this?" Lucas asked.

"Well it's not as big or as densely populated, but the feeling is the same. Kinda hard to explain," Ninten said.

Flame stared at the city his noise scrunched up "Why is it so cheery on this layer and what kind of place is this?"

Lucas shrugged, but his eyes quickly snapped to the side as a large blast came rushing towards him, Lucas quickly responded with PK Love. After learning that defensive PSI doesn't work on Old Power he would not fall for the same trick twice. His attack blocked the blast causing both to cancel out. Lucas admitted that took more effort than usually meaning he still needed to time to adjust to his ring. The four heroes turned towards their attackers, and they were taking back by their appearances because before them stood four mechanical beings. They appeared to be mechanical stag beetles with large piercing red eyes, humanoid arms and legs, three fingers, and each of them having a horn with a backwards 'w' shaped ends clearly sharpened.

"Uh we come in peace…" Ness said holding up his hand to do a Star Trek peace sign.

"Tch, nerd," Ninten mocked.

"Whatever that is I don't think they like it," Flame said taking a step back as the four creatures attacked. Each one took on someone as everyone marked up. Ninten slugged the beetle he was against hard he winced shaking the pain out of his hand but also startled to see he didn't make a dent.

"These things are made of some really tough stuff guys!" Ninten informed as he caught the horn of the beetle as it rushed him and barely holding it back. The red eyes of the beetle flashes at Ninten as data is taken in.

"Enhanced Strength," it muttered.

"Or maybe your just losing your touch muscle head," Ness said performing a front flip over his beetle's horn, while vaulting off it's head. The beetle feel forward a bit then open up its shell for wings to spring out. It took off leaving a trail of wind behind it then came rushing back at Ness. "Fast…" Ness leaped to the side as soon as it passed then held out his hand to unleash a multi-colored PK Rocken attack at the mechanical beetle's back scoring a direct hit. "But not fast enough.

The beetle stood up then gazed at Ness, "Enhanced Speed, agility, psychokinetic blast,"

"Huh, the thing's still standing?" Ness questioned.

"Maybe you need to stop trying to tickle it and just break the darn thing already mister twinkle toes," Ninten growled as he slammed his beetle into the ground harshly.

"Well lot more then you can do. Brute force is all you have to work with, telepathy is pretty useless in this situation, any support PSI is pointless, so why not just stand aside and let us handle this," Ninten glared at Ness darkly.

"Uh guys is now the best time?" Flame questioned as launched a fireball at his beetle. The flames slammed into the robot as the pressure of the blast knocked it back. However, it regained its footing then continued to advance. Flame used his Flame wall to trap the beetle, however the beetle walked through the flames unperturbed. Flame stepped back as the robot continued to approach. "Guys…"

"What are you trying to say Ness!" Ninten demanded holding his beetle with one hand.

"That you've been a great team player…but on your own you can't do much. Just get someone else to-," Ness was interrupted by the sound of metal being torn. He looked over to see Ninten smash the beetles horn against his knee, then push his fist straight through the beetles chest, and then he ripped it in half. He angrily through the part off to the side before treading over toward Flame's beetle. Ninten grabbed the robot's head from behind ignoring the hot metal then slammed it face first into the ground. He began to pound away at it smashing it's head in completely. After that Ninten stopped to catch his breath.

"Um…thanks," Flame said amazed and slightly afraid.

"Ness careful," Lucas called as he blasted the robot's inside out with one shot of his PK Love. Ness vaguely aware that he was almost ambushed as he looked to his right to see the mess of metal.

"Thanks bud," Ness said walking over to mess with Lucas's hair and earning an annoyed look. "When did you-?" Ness began to question as he glanced over to Lucas's beetle to see it completely destroyed and in pieces. "Whoa…how long did that take you?"

Lucas glanced at the wreckage. "A few seconds before you and Ninten started arguing. I tried getting your attention,"

"Ninten are you alright?" Flame questioned as he saw Ninten seemed pretty enraged even after the fight. Flame looked at Ninten' hands to see they were pretty bruised. "We should get your hands-,"

"I'm fine," Ninten interrupted as he stood to his feet. He let out another breath of hostility. "We should go before something else happens," And like that he began walking off. Flame looked after him for a moment before looking at Ness and Lucas and then following after Ninten.

"I think you took that too far," Lucas said.

"Oh he'll be fine but he is right let's get out of here," Ness said running after Flame and Ninten. Lucas stalled a bit looking at the ruined robots.

"Was this an ambush?" His head shot to the side a moment looking past he hill but he saw nothing so he went running to catch up with his friends.

"Whoa, you see what those kids did those Beetleborgs, turned them to scrape," Kiki said in awe as she poked out from behind a tree with her partner from earlier with her. .

"Yeah, and the blonde one seems to be able to detect them, heck he almost caught us," the man added.

"Should we follow them?"

"No, we've been gone too long we should head back,"

"Alright Riku just don't get us caught this time,"

"Let's just go okay,"