Fractured Reality

Introduction of the Final Battle The Kingdom above the Clouds!

Flame stared wearily at the Sharks and contemplated whether or not he should trust them. After listening to Clark he had learned that Phoenix had tried to have them all killed, including Void, and now they wanted revenge. Now while he thought it was spectacular that the people who tried to kill him and his friend were trying to turn a new leaf, he didn't like the fact that they were only doing so for revenge. Flame was rather perplexed at what his next move should be. Should he accept their offer of a temporary alliance or should he reject it and ask them to leave? He scratched the back of his head as he ran the pros and cons inside his head. While doing so, he noted that Void had risen to his feet, and the boy looked disgruntled because he was barely able to keep himself up right. The two boy's eyes made contact, and for a split second, Flame could have sworn Void's eyes had turned gold. There was a burning sensation inside his chest, which grew the longer he stared at the other boy. Breaking eye contact Flame locked his gaze unto Clark.

"Alright, so I'm not sure what to make of this,"

"It's taken you this long only to say that?" Clark retorts unimpressed.

Flame ignores the jab to continue, "You guys can stay here for the moment, but I can't guarantee the other's will be willing to hear you out. Most I can do is vouch for you," Flame said, the burning sensation still lingering within his chest. Clark simply shrugged and readjusted his glasses.

"You are the good guys, so of course they'll hear me out. Whether they want to or not because if they want to save anyone they'll listen." Clark said in matter-of-factly tone.

"Besides they will need all the help they can get if they want to beat Phoenix," It was Void who spoke up this time, startling Flame a bit as he had thought the boy was too out of it to really participate in the conversation.

"They have no idea what he's capable of," Void stated, his gaze trained on his shoes, completely ignoring the strange sensation that had formed in his chest. "To put it into perspective he would be able to crush the Cerebus you fought, with a but a single thought after uttering his attack. Even Lance isn't anywhere on this guy's level."

Flame was taken back by that statement, but not too surprised. He figured that the big boss would be the baddest of them all. Cerebus was the first villain that truly outclassed them and forced them to use tactics other than physically assault, and from what he's heard, Lance is a force to be reckoned with. He knew Phoenix was going to be a tough fight, but if he was truly as powerful as Void was making him out to be, they might need reinforcements.

Ness and Ninten seemed rather happy to finally hear Lucas accept their companionship fully. They spoke about how excited Flame would be to hear about the battle, and probably how jealous he was that he missed all the action this time around. Lucas had to agree with a laugh, something that makes Ness and Ninten smirk. After his moment Lucas scanned the horizon, but was surprised when the 'door' hadn't appeared yet. Which was quite unusually, it usually appears the minute that-wait if it hasn't that meant. Lucas shifted his gaze onto the pile of rubble that once was a part of a tower, eyes narrowed, he waited for the guardian to burst out and charge at them. But nothing happened, he didn't sense anything either, Lucas glanced at the others, who had made their way over to the Queens, the Sage, and the Princess probably to make sure that they were alright. Lucas gave one last glance at the pile of rubble then made his way over as well.

"Hey guys," Lucas called, trying to get everyone's attention, as he approached them. Ness and Ninten turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. Seriously the two of them could be twins.

"Hm?" they both said in sync with the other. Lucas ignored the urge to respond with a chuckle in order to speak.

"Unless Lance somehow managed to survive being crushed, shouldn't the door have appeared?" Realization flashed through their eyes and for the first time the two boys noticed that their way to the next layer hasn't made an appearance.

The Sage Agitha shook her head a grin on her face. "Doth not worry," She said, trying to calm the boys' nerve. "Though Lance was the Guardian that hath betrayed us, he was not connected to the wellbeing of this layer, his ability to open and close doors belong to another," Agitha's gaze was now focused on the young Princess, who wave shyly at her saviors with a blush on her face.

Lady Swift nodded. "Yes, the way things operate here on this layer be different. Allowing the Guardian such an ability seemed rather inane thus Princess Meredith's being is connected to our layer." Lady Swift pushed back a few locks of her golden hair. "Either way we should head back to the castle, lest we want our people to worry." Everyone nodded in agreement. Lucas looked over to see that Lady Heart was still unconscious as she was being carried by Lady Might.

"She will recover soon, some time in the castle infirmary will do her well," Lady Might assures him.

"Thank you," he muttered. He walks over to grab Lady Heart's hand giving a gentle squeeze before backing away. However, Lady Hearts hand grasped his as his eyes fluttered open halfway. "You should rest," Lucas gasps. Lady Heart shakes her head before she smirks at him. "Thank you," She said softly. She reached out her hand to bring Lucas' head closer and placed a kiss on Lucas's head. "You art important Lucas, never forget that," And with that she smiled before she fell back asleep in Lady Might's arms.

"Quelling hearts no matter her state of being," Lady Might says shaking her head as she walks away.

He had failed at doing a lot of things right back home, or things just didn't turn out in his favor. But here on this world he is given a chance to see that he really does have the makings to be someone worth getting to know. And someone that others can rely on. Lucas nodded and turned to his friends. Yes he was, he thought. In order to shorten the trip and get Lady Heart the medical help she needed, Lady Swift quickly casted a teleportation spell she only used on rare occasions because the amount of strength it took away from her. She holds her rapier with the pointed forward then circles the point in midair creating an circle of red glowing energy. When the circle is complete she stabs her sword in the middle unleashing a flash of light that engulfs everyone there as they are rocked away faster than light speed. Before anyone could blink that arrived just outside of Castle Town where the people seemed to be in higher spirits. Flame must've sent word about the coming battle and assured the people of their victory.

The sound of trumpets were blaring accompanied by people shouting was almost deafening, and they were inside the Castle! Void clasped his hands over his ear, growing increasingly irritated by the outside disturbance. How did this happen to him? He used to be Phoenix's second in command, second most powerful being on any layer. Now he's just another ruffian struggling to survive this harsh world. He wants to blame these so called heroes for that, but finds that he can't. He had every right to blame them no doubt, but this also showed how flimsy his position really was in the end. The tiniest bit of strain and he was cast off. But it does beg the question of why Phoenix wanted him dead so badly that he sent Liam, Akio, and Ash to do it. That mean he really wanted him dead, but also didn't want to waste time doing it himself. Why was that? His gaze flickered to the red headed boy, who was cheerily chatting away with the female guard member who had fought Sharpener. He had thought she would have lashed out at the Sharpener again once she had regained her strength, but he was shocked when she simply walked up to boy and bowed. As if he hadn't humiliated her a few moments ago. Why hadn't she attacked him? Was she foolish enough to simply let him off like that, or did she know that she was outclassed by Sharpener and doing something wouldn't only result in her being put down again?

Either way, Void wasn't happy with her actions, it was weak, pathetic, but honorable. Void stiffened at that last word, than sent a furious glare at Flame who still hasn't noticed. Ever since their meeting in the city layer he was having a hard time suppressing his emotions, he was so use to being completely stoic that feeling any emotion, even anger and hatred, was a foreign concept to him. He was supposed to be the embodiment of pure darkness and yet, he looked down at his hands, he didn't feel dark at all…. just lost. Like a very important part of himself is missing. Who is this red head boy to him?

The sound of the throne room door opening, alerted everyone to the arrival of the very people they had been waiting on. The three heroes paused and visibly stiffen when their gaze landed on the Sharks and Void. The 2 Queens and the Sage also paused, but their gaze wasn't on Void or Clark, they were on Sharpener who shifted slightly under their intense gaze. Everything was quiet for a few moments, nobody said anything, nobody made any attempt to move, and the tension within the throne room seem to rise as time went on. Suddenly, without warning, Lady Swift had crossed the distance between her and Sharpener in hastily in what could be called an angry walk. An array of different emotions flashed through her facial features as she stared at the boy, relief, anger, disappointment all wrapped in one. Suddenly the Lady's hand made contact with the boy's cheek and resonating smacking sound emitted throughout the room.

"How are you Obadiah?" She questions in a casual tone as if she did not just strike him.

"I am doing well Lady Swift," He says rubbing his cheek and clearly resisting to roll his eyes at being called by his real name.

"Good, now why hath thou returned?" She questioned "Hath thou not made a mockery of my enough?" Ness watched on with intense curiosity at the scene that was happening before him. Ninten turns to look at Lady Might for an explanation.

"That boy," She began, as she stared disapprovingly at the young teen. "Was once our best knight, he hath been family, but he deserted the court in its hour of need. Twas a shame to see such an honorable warrior fall from grace, but it seems he was only interested in himself. Lady Swift placed her complete trust in him, so naturally she took the betrayal the worst. He twas like her kin."

Sharpener continues rubbing his now reddened cheek, refusing to make eye contact, he answered, "I'm on business," He resisted the urge to speak in his native tongue, and he didn't have to explain his actions to her. Lady Swift gripped the boy's chin and forced him to look at her. Her face stone cold before she draws her sword.

"By returning to this realm you have sealed your fate. Thou hath been many things, but foolish is something I see is yet another trait you've picked up that I detest," Lady Swift's gaze shifted towards Clark who had made his way towards the two of them, gun raised, and a frown on his face.

"I highly advise that you release him, otherwise things will get ugly," He claimed, finger on the trigger. He had planned on threatening her into submission, though he didn't account for Ness appearing to his side with his own sword raised to Clark's throat.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Ness stated as his sword has a slight glow as well. "Put the gun away," Clark shook his head and his finger halfway squeezed the trigger.

"Not until she releases my colleague or I might shoot her then we'll have one big fight."

"Uh maybe we can work something out," Lucas suggested opting for the peaceful solution seeing as clearly the Sharks had not come for a fight. Flame was happy that at least Lucas wasn't jumping the gun. Seeing that this situation was bound to get ugly real soon, Flame sprang into action, using his powers he conjured a fire between Lady Swift and Sharpener. Upon his teammate removed from harm's way Clark dropped his gun and after some prodding from Lucas Ness drops his sword though begrudgingly. Everyone separated themselves with the Sharks on one side and Flame's friends on the other.

"Ok that's enough. There's no need to be hostile towards each other were all on the same side now." Flame stated much to his friend's confusion.

"Same side? Flame, they tried to kill us in plural amounts, as in more than once!" Ninten said, finally stepping in, arms crossed he glared at Herc. "Not to mention they kidnapped Marine. And more importantly almost made Lucas blow up! We are not on the same side,"

"Well that may be true but them being here means they at least want to work together, right?"

"Or they realized they're on the losing end of this fight. Or most likely their boss tossed em aside for new lackeys. Either way I doubt it was a change of heart," Ness says throwing in his two cents.

Flame suddenly felt rather foolish for his previous statement and for even thinking the Sharks could be trust worthy. "Well they're here now, we can't ignore them, and besides we can use them just like how they probably plan to use us," Lucas stated putting everything in perspective. Flame smiled at the blonde thankful before noticing his armor. Flame actually bounded over to Lucas to look him over.

"When'd you get armor like this since I thought you can't use Old Power?" he asks.

Lucas gives a small smirk, "Well I guess I can now."

"So that means you can sync with me, Ness, and Ninten now?"

"Well maybe but I'd need to start off slo-," Lucas couldn't even finish before Flame wrapped his arms around Lucas squeezing the blonde tightly. "Flame let me go!" Lucas laughed.

Flame obliges letting his blonde friend return back to the ground but still smiling, "What did I miss out there? Oh man now I'm jealous, but I'm glad for you Lucas. I'm glad you can stop hurting now," Flame said happily. Lucas gives Flame a confused look but before he could ask Ninten steps in.

"Yeah too bad ya missed it. Ness, Lucas, and I worked together to take down the Guardian using the Three Queen's powers."

"Now you're just trying to make me jealous I missed out on everything, but I did important stuff here too!" Flame says focusing his gaze on Ninten. Void watched Flame's interaction with those aliens feeling somewhat disgusted. That redhead was far too nice for his own good. As he was talking Ninten suddenly looked startled. Before Flame could question it, Lucas speaks up.

"Um Flame, why are your eyes are gold?" Lucas also seemed to be taken aback by his friend's change in eye color. Blinking Flame scratched the back of his head in confusion, of course he didn't know that his eyes were no longer their usually color not like he had a mirror to look into. The flames wall dispersed and the shark's guards were raised as they were prepared for an attack. But everyone was too busy gawking at Flame. Lady Might, walked up to Flame, and seemed to examine him for a moment.

"Why hath I not noticed this before?" She muttered to no one in particular and Flame became increasingly anxious. "Thy must be a Lumen!" She exclaimed clasping Flame on the back. The Princess skipped towards Flame and stared at him in awe.

"Wow I have never seen a Lumen in the flesh before," She poked at his flesh and examined him as if he were a foreign creature.

Lucas raised his brow. "So what exactly is a Lumen?" He questioned Lady Might, "The Guardian and the Sage of the last layer filled us in a bit, but there is still a lot we don't know."

"I'm not sure the information we have will be more in-depth," Lady Might began. "To my knowledge Lumens are mostly individuals of Myth, they hath been described as being Perilian but also having a deep rooted connection to Haven. A tall tale sign is that only Lumens have the ability to use Ancient Old Power, the root of all branches of Old Power is focused through this one. Though other legends state they are mere fragments of Haven's memories given new life, created as a mere errand boys to Haven himself and how he stays connected to the world. Lumens can be acknowledged either through their use of Old Power, or their golden eyes" Flame smirks as sticks his nose up in the air.

"Hear that, I'm royalty," Flame states.

"It sounds like she's saying that Flame is either a demi-god or a shell that is a host for Haven's memories," Lucas clarifies so he understands. Lady Might seemed confused by the term demi-god but shrugged it off.

"Take heed these be simply legends. A Lumen hasn't been sighted on any layer for quite some time. Although they have been known to be rather plentiful serving as Haven's eyes and ears, but despite their title they are not necessarily very strong. This Lumen, who thy call Flame, is vastly superior to any Lumen which is rather curious," She pauses "Forgive me, the other Lumen I have come into contact with is rather different as well." Lady Might pointed towards Void. Void seemed confused by the term, Lumen, and frowned when the Queen referred to him as one.

Flame looked at Void, whom straightened and glared at them "He's a Lumen too?" That would explain a lot. Lady Might nodded. Flame looks at Void unsure how to feel towards the boy now. Because it would seem that this boy is the closest thing to an actual relative that he has. Void eyes flashed gold again, though he quickly blink the coloring from his eyes. He had an awareness of Lumens but what angered him was the fact that he didn't realize Flame was one as well. How had he not realized?

Ness seemed to realize that the Sharks and Void were still loitering within the palace and he frowned at them. "Why are you still here? Whatever you're selling we ain't buyen," Clark motions for Flame to fill them in. All Eyes were now on Flame again, who wince at look Ness and Ninten were giving him.

"I may have, uh, agreed to let them help us already?" Flame said, avoiding Ness' gaze in particular, as he stared at his feet.

"YOU DID, WHAT!" Ness exclaimed, but not in anger, he was just astonished that Flame would do something so reckless. Ninten placed a hand on Ness' shoulder in an attempt to calm him down, though Ness shrugged off the hand, he waited for Flame to explain himself.

"Well, Phoenix has kinda fired them, so now they want to join up with us," Flame tries to summarize. "Besides Lucas already said he doesn't mind having the extra muscle." Flame says looking to Lucas to back him up.

"I admit Lucas is a good tactician. But we can't possible trust these guys to not stab us in the back later," Ninten adds. This led to a back and forth between Flame, Ness, and Ninten. Lucas opted out of the argument.

"Are they seriously talking like we're not here listening," Emalia says with an annoyed tone. Clark had to agree on the how rude that was. So he holds his pistol upward to shoot it into the air and hitting the roof. This stopped all arguments as everyone was put on edge now.

"Let me help you put this in a different way. Phoenix has a plan, I know that plan, and I am willingly to tell you as long as you help us stop it. Phoenix has become a threat to everyone now, so it's time to stop pointing fingers and get things done," Clark says to every listening ear. Void had to admit, he didn't like anyone, but he respected Clark. It only took a few minutes more for Flame to look at his friends silently asking that they go along with this. Ness and Ninten didn't really like the thought of joining up with the Sharks, but they were forced to since Lucas had finally spoken up for them to stop being pigheaded and be practical. So they agreed that it would be wise to join up with the Sharks and Void.

They now stood in front of a large glass panel, with the image of Lady Heart with clasped hands looking upwards, plastered on it. The princess was standing in, pointing her hand to the glance panel, she chanted the word "Esaeler."

Suddenly a strong wind began to tug on everyone as a spiraling vortex appeared. The Princess turned and spoke. "I'm sorry that I didn't inform you about this earlier, but only six of you may enter the next layer."

Clark's eyes narrowed "Why?" The Princess turned to face Clark.

"Alas I may only transport that many at a time, I'm not a guardian nor do I have the strength of one. Each door opened so far has been a byproduct of the remaining energy of a corrupted Guardian. Tis an inconvenience I apologize for," Clark sighed then shoved his hand into his pockets.

"If that is the case then, Sharpener, Herc and Emalia will remain here," The three Shark members seemed prepared to argue, but Clark shook his head. "That's an order, not a request I need you guys to help the Queens gather reinforcements in case things go south." He shifted his gaze upon the Queens "Can I trust you to not hurt my companions including Sharpener?" Clark questions.

"We be women of honor, you claim to be allies so we shall treat them as such. Beware, if thine goals involve a diabolical scheme Phoenix will be the least of thy worries," Lady Swift states in commanding tone. Clark took this woman by her word especially once he saw Sharpener relax a little. If she stuck to her word then that should be good enough.

"Well it was fun sword fighting but we should probably return these," Ness says unsheathing his sword to hand it to Lady Swift.

"It has been an honor Sir Ness," She says taking the sword back as soon as Ness releases it his clothes turn back to normal.

"I'm gonna miss the cape," Ninten murmurs. "But it was amazing fighting with you Lady Might," He says holding out his sword.

"Aye, keep up the good fight Sir Ninten, and hopefully we shall do battle another day," Lady Might grabs the sword for Ninten's clothes to return as well.

"I guess I'll just leave mine here for Lady Heart then," Lucas says about to lay his sword down next to Lady Heart's throne.

"Now you didn't think I would not see thee off," a voice echoes as they enter. Lucas's head snaps around to see Lady Heart in a sky blue dress.

"Lady Heart thou should not be walking around yet," Lady Swift reprimands her.

"My apologies, but I felt I must see the boys off." She approaches the Ness, Ninten, and Flame. "You boys poses a fire in thine hearts that shall never tire, your hearts may be strong enough to bring about the end to this madness. So please stay strong. I am sure all thy allies you've made, the lives you've touched, and friends made will all come to fruition. Do your best." She says with a serene smile. She then approaches Lucas. "Sir Lucas."

"Here you go," Lucas says extending the hilt to her. She grabs it from his hand and his clothes return to normal as well.

"You made a mighty knight young Lucas." She wrapped her arms around Lucas. "Thank you for saving me." Those five words hit Lucas in the heart hard. He resisted the urge to cry, but he smiled feeling the how the quality of those words washed over him. He felt he finally made up for it in some way. They separate as Lucas rejoins his friends waiting for him by the door. Herc heard a slight sniffle to his right. He looks to see Emalia wiping a stray tear then he rolls his eyes.

"Was your mom really just like her?" Flame asks.

"Yeah…" Lucas said. Flame wrapped an arm around Lucas' neck.

"Then you're mom must be an amazing person then!"

"Yeah…" Lucas began thinking of his real mom. "She was."

"No complaints about how sappy that all was?" Clark questions Void who seemed rather at ease.

"I've been inside that kid's head. That moment that just happened, he deserved that," Void says simply stepping through the portal. Clark had to raise an eyebrow at the statement before he follows. Ness quickly jumps in after a quick wave to Lady Swift. Ninten jumps in after and Flame leading a blurry eyed Lucas followed. Lucas honestly didn't know what to expect of this layer, so far they have been thrown into a hostile yet peculiarly beautiful forest, a scorching desert, a technologically advance city, a realm located under water and a medieval fantasy world filled with Knights and Queens. So anything was possible, though he wasn't prepared to be suddenly dropped from the Vortex and down into a world that was blocked by a cluster of blackened clouds. He didn't scream, mostly due to the fact that Flame had caught them all using his powers, though it appears as if Void was slightly annoyed by Flame's actions.

"Um so where is the ground?" Ness questioned, as he tried to find a break in the clouds, but to no veil. Ninten shrugged and said

"Below us obviously…hopefully?" Ninten suggested. Ninten quickly glances up.

"If that was the case, why did the door open so high up?" Lucas questioned. Void groaned, clearly annoyed by their banter, Clark simply laughed.

"For the Love of-," Void busted out of Flame's hold and quickly descended to clouds.

"What are you-," Flame stopped once he saw Void's feet connect with the clouds but he didn't fall through.

"Ok now I've seen everything," Ness states.

Clark peered over at Flame. "So are you going to release us or are we just going to hang here?" he questioned. Nodding Flame released everyone and they all began to fall quickly towards the ground everyone landing safely.

Ness tapped the ground with his feet. "It may be a bit soft, but it seems stable," Ness examined his surroundings to find that they appeared to be standing on a cloud looking at the opposite side of a night sky. Clouds were everywhere and expanding for miles out as Ness couldn't really see an end to them. He assumed this must be the ground in this layer, but looking up at the black sky he saw no stars. The only source of light was the full moon. Suddenly he was hit with the same sensation he felt when they had visited the castle in the Sea layer, only it was much more intense, Ness shivered the PSI Signature he was feeling was even stronger than-no that can't be.

"You feel that too right?" He heard Ninten mutter, he turned, finding Ninten's outline the only thing visible about the boy.

"Yeah…"

"I didn't think anyone could have such a powerful PSI signal," Ness nodded in agreement, though he doubted the boy could see his movement. "Flame is Lucas okay?"

"He's shaking like crazy he might need a few minutes to adjust before we start moving," Flame responds. Ness had forgotten, as bad as it feels to him, Lucas senses are three times sharper, so he's feeling this way more then he or Ninten is.

"Guys?" Lucas called out, a bright light illuminated the area. Flame stood with Clark, Void, and Lucas using the crystals Flame had borrowed from the city layer giving off a bright light that brightened the area enough for everyone to see better.

"Why is it so dark?" Flame questioned, looking around.

Clark readjusted the glasses on his face. "This is Phoenix's doing," He stated and everyone, with the exception of Void, stared at him.

"Well duh, question is how did he do it?" Ninten responds.

"There's no time for loitering we best move before-," He wasn't able to finish.

"HELP ME!" a tiny voice screamed, a bright ball of light circled around them, it had small intricately design wings that were flapping a mile a minute and seemed to be frantic. "I can't defend myself!" It squeaked. Suddenly it stopped, hovering in front of Lucas for a moment, before ramming itself into his chest. A blinkingly bright light filled the area, temporarily dissipating the thick fog for a moment, before it died out. Everyone looked wide eyed at Lucas, though he appeared no different than before, except being slightly daze, he had a strip of white hair and his eyes were golden, similar to Flame.

"Lucas are you ok?" Flame questioned, stepping forward and resting his hand on his friend shoulder, only to find himself being thrown backwards by a spark of energy that wasn't PSI but also wasn't Old Power. Lucas didn't seem to notice that Flame had been thrown backwards and simply stared onwards with a blank expression. Ness and Ninten made their way to try to jolt their friend back to reality, but stop when an arrow of pure light embedded itself on the ground before them.

Looking up their eyes widen at the sight before them. In front of them were four Perilian-looking individual, however unlike the previous Perilian these had two sets elongated, blackened bird winds, they were all covered in plated armor, hiding their gender or appearance.

"Um… hi," Ness greeted them and Ninten sent him a look. Clark bite down on his lower lips and Void growled.

"Dammit it's too late!" He stated fist clenched. Void glanced at Lucas and wondered what was wrong with him. "Looks like he's useless for the moment."

"Ninten do you think you can pop inside Lucas' head to see what's going on," Ness suggested.

"Yeah I can do that, just cover me while I do it," He says stepping toward Lucas. He places a finger to his temple before placing a two fingers on Lucas' forehead. He doesn't usually do a full dive into someone's mind but he needed to be sure what was happening. He closes his eyes to focus.

Ninten reopens his eyes to see he's in a blank wooden house that was barren of anything. He glances around for a moment until he sees Lucas. "Lucas!" he calls running over grabbing the blonde's attention. However, an invisible force stops him from getting closer. Confusion etched on his facial feature as he pushed on the wall. "Lucas let me through!"

"This isn't me," Lucas says placing his hand on the wall as well. The last thing he remembered was being struck by that small creature.

"Y-you're Lucas right?" Lucas was startled by the strange feminine voice and looked frantically around the room trying to locate the voice. "Oh, I'm so sorry that I startled you, I didn't mean to I-I just wanted to verify."

"Who is that?" Ninten asks.

"I don't know…" Lucas mutters. "How do you know my name?" Lucas questioned, slightly on edge. The voice didn't respond for a moment and Lucas began to believe he was hearing things.

"I was looking through your memories…well as much as I could. Your mind was resisting me, it still is which is why I put up that barrier to. Sorry, I can't have you boot me out just yet," it or rather she finally answered. Lucas was slightly unnerved by someone peering into his memories without his permission. "I'm sorry that I over step my boundaries, but I was being chased. And I thought hiding inside your body was the best option." Lucas raised his brow.

"Ok I need answers, one who and what are you and why me why not any of the others?" Ninen gave Lucas a look. "I mean it's fair question," The voice was quiet again and Lucas grew restless under the silence.

"I'm Loren, The Guardian of this layer." Lucas, though one to act logically rather on instinct, was quick to jump into a defensive stands, prepared to eject the guardian from his mindscape.

"No wait!" Loren shouts, no longer a voice, but the bright ball of light he had seen a few moments ago. She appeared on the side of the barrier Ninten was on. She knew that if Lucas wanted her out there wouldn't be much she could do, his mind was too powerful and Lucas knew this as well. Ninten being there only confirmed her foothold her was loose to put it mildly. "I mean you no harm, in fact I want to help you."

"Why? Every other 'Guardian' up to this point has tried their best to kill us, why are you different?" Ninten was still in a defensive stand, though he was open to hearing what the guardian had to say.

"I was able to escape, though at a cost. I was reduced to this meagre form and I'll have to wait until I'm back to full strength to revert back to my regular form," She says as she hovered around Lucas. "However Phoenix has been trying making it extremely hard for me to do so, as he's constantly sending out individuals to capture me." Lucas was no longer in a defensive stand and was simply staring sympathetically at the small Guardian. The barrier dropped allowing Lucas through now.

"Thanks for coming in here Ninten, I'll talk to Loren for now. I'm sure the others could use your help out there," Lucas says turning to Ninten.

"You sure?" Lucas nods. "Alright, try not to take too long," Ninten messes with his hair earning a annoyed grunt from Lucas. Ninten then gives the ball of light a pointed stare. "If this is a trick or you mess with his head I'll come back in here and drag you out," Ninten states coldly taking Loren by quite surprise. Ninten closes his eyes to vanish in a flash of light.

"Whoa, intense…"

Lucas chuckles rubbing the back of his head, "My friends are a little overprotective."

"I see that, but like I said, I can help you, but you just need to trust me ok," Lucas stared at the Guardian for a moment. If he was the same boy from the forest he would have never agreed but he grown out of his shell since then and if this guardian could help him and his friends beat Phoenix then he would gladly accept her offer, Lucas raised his open hand and the Guardian nestled itself on the palm of his. Then the whole room began shining.

Ness barely evaded and uppercut from one of the winged Perilians, they were tougher than they looked and Ness had to admit they did look kind of awesome. They were equipped with swords on their right forearms, and a round shield on their left. Helmets over their faces covering their eyes though they could still clearly see, and purple robes covering their bodies. Ness gaze flickered to the side as he sees Ninten joining the battle by easily handling two of them. Void, Flame, and Clark each had their own to contend with as each winged Perilian were rather skilled. Picking up the pace Ness found an opening in his opponent's defense and sent him spiraling upwards with an open palm strike.

Ness glided back on his feet sliding to avoid the sword swings of the winged Perilian as they advance on him after recovering. He quickly charged up his PSI to shoot out a barrage of PK Rocken from his hands. Each sphere of PSI that was launched made contact with his opponent although the shield took the brunt of the attack. His opponent tried to recover but to no veil as Ness quickly slammed the Perilangels, Ness' new nickname for them, hard in the back sending them flying into one of the others. Ness heard the cracking of knuckles and peered over to see Ninten triumphantly grinning at the angel he had slammed into the ground.

"Ninten what happened with Lucas?" Ness questions. Before Ninten could respond a sharp light began to shine. They focus their gaze on Lucas to see the boy's PSI signature soar to new heights. Ness and Ninten stared in awe, but also noticed that this wasn't all Lucas's PSI but mixed with something else that was making him this strong.

"Wait is that-," Ness began, eyes widened at his friend. "Old Power?" Ninten finished, confused, at how was Lucas utilizing Old Power right now? It makes him wonder if he should have left Lucas alone, but in the mindscape he's sure Lucas would have no problem dominating. He had thought the power was incapable of such thing.

Noting that their enemies were no longer focused on them, one of the Perilangels stood to their feet before lashing out at Flame. The boy hadn't seen it coming until it was too late, the angel having knocked him out with a powerful blow to the back of the head. Void glared and tried to summon his powers though the angel was fast, it embed it's fist into Void's stomach, causing the boy to spit out a mixture of saliva and blood before he collapsed on the soft cloud below. Before Clark could even registered what happened, the Angel holstered both Flame and Void over his shoulders and flew off.

"Hey!" Clark called out, Ness and Ninten shifted their gaze towards Clark, who was pointing to the retreating form of the angel. "That freak just made off with our luggage!" Ness and Ninten made to go after but found their paths blocked by the other three angels. Ninten was about to attack when he felt a hand clasped his shoulder. Turning he saw Lucas staring at him, with one golden eye. "Don't worry, we got this," Ness was confused by Lucas use of the word we, but none the less let the boy advance the angels before them.

"Lucas, be careful, these guys have been corrupted by Phoenix," He heard the guardian in his head caution.

"Okay. Ness can you and Clark go after Flame and Void?" he asks.

"Slow poke here might not be able to keep up," Suddenly he hears the roar of an engine then turns to see Clark on his motorcycle. "When did you-,"

"Questions later try not to fall behind slow poke," Clark remarks as his bike shoots off to give chase. Ness frowns before propelling himself forward with his PSI to fly past the Perilangels to catch Clark.

"And that leaves these guys for us, right?" Ninten questions. "You sure it was a good idea to separate?"

"Nope," Lucas responds.

"Yeah, you've been hanging around us too much," Ninten admits.