Chapter 9

The Lost Time Seal

Dwayne awoke a few hours later, bandaged up. He stood up, feeling his entire body ache. He looked around and Saw Krystle and Natalie. Then he saw a guy in a cape with a hood covering everything but his dark brown eyes. He could see that this guy had seen some action in his time, because there was blood all over his black outfit.

"Where...am I?" Dwayne asked.

"This place is called Time Seal, Dwayne." The man said. Dwayne glanced over at him.

"How do you know my name?" Dwayne asked. "Who are you?"

"Dwayne, how are you feeling?" Krystle asked before anyone else could say anything.

"My whole body hurts. What happened?" Dwayne asked her.

"I can explain that one." The man said.

"First, try explaining who the fuck you are and where the fuck we are!" Dwayne snapped.

"Calm down, Dwayne." Natalie said.

"You don't remember me, do you, Dwayne?" He asked. "Already forgot about me. I see how you are."

Dwayne looked confused. Then he saw Krystke and Natalie giggling.

"What?" Dwayne asked.

"It's me, Joey." He said. Dwayne looked shocked. "You thought I was dead, right? So did everyone else. But what happened was I stumbled upon this weird stone while fighting monsters. Well, I decided to take it with me. It got broke in a battle, and brought me here. I've been here ever since, watching you."

"Why didn't you ever come back?" Dwayne asked.

"Because, when Crusader was set free from inside you, you took this on yourself. I wasn't going to steal it from you by going to fight him myself." Joey explained. "Now, as for your questions, this is call Time Seal. Basically, we're in the center of the universe."

"What?" Dwayne asked, confused.

"It's hard to explain. Basically, all things revolve around this place." Joey said. "And, as for what happened, you were pelted by missles and such. You have your allies to thank for that one."

"Sorry, Dwayne." Natalie said.

"We didn't WANT to hit you, too." Krystle said.

"It's okay." Dwayne replied. "I had to hold him so he didn't get away, but he did anyway."

"And now, he is on his way south, where you should have gone." Joey said. "By going to where Natalie was, he followed you, and now, he is even more pissed."

"Meaning, he isn't going to hesitate to attack Michi or the others." Dwayne muttered. "I wish Jeff was here. He's always got a plan."

"Oh, how the mighty fall." A voice laughed. Dwayne turned to see Jeff.

"Jeff?! What the fuck!?" Dwayne said. Krystle and Natalie giggled again. Dwayne turned to them. "You knew about this didn't you? About Joey and Jeff?" They nodded. "Bitches."

Dwayne walked over to Jeff.

"Why are you here?" Dwayne asked.

"Oh, so now you don't want my help?" Jeff asked. "Fine. I get the shit scared out of me being brought here, wait for you guys, and now you don't want my help!"

"Dude, chill! I'm glad you're here. I'll need your help no doubt." Dwayne said. "We're partners. And this is our biggest Monster yet."

Jeff nodded. Krystle and Natalie walked over to them.

"Don't forget us." Krystle said. "We're in this, too!"

"Yea, don't think that just because you are the guys, that we're not here!" Natalie growled. Jeff laughed. Dwayne shook his head. Then they all turned to Joey.

"So, you want to tell us what this is all about?" Jeff asked.

"Gladly, now that everyone's here." Joey stated. "Dwayne, you're here to master your gift."

"What?" Dwayne asked.

"You say that alot." Krystle giggled.

"You're going to learn to use your Magic." Joey explained. "So, you follow me. The rest of you, just hang loose for awhile." Joey vanished along with Dwayne.

"Well, this ought to get interesting, huh?" Jeff asked.

"Yep." Krystle said.

"So, you think we can do this?" Natalie asked.

"I don't know." Jeff replied. "I hope so."

"What about Joey?" Krystle asked. "Think he'll help?"

"Doesn't he usually help Dwayne out?" Jeff replied.

Krystle nodded. Natalie decided to practice with her bo-staff.

"What about the gem on Dwayne's head?" Jeff asked. "Know anything about that?"

"Nothing." Krystle said. "I was hoping you would."

"Must have something to do with him being Esper, I'm sure." Jeff said.

Jeff then decided to work on his cyborg parts some as Krystle took a nap.

Meanwhile, Joey and Dwayne stood in a small room, completely isolated from the others.

"So, Dwayne, you ready?" Joey asked.

"I guess so. What the fuck do I do?" Dwayne asked.

"Concentrate. The gem on your forhead will help you. It's the source of your power." Joey explained.

"I don't exactly understand, dude. What're you talking about?" Dwayne asked.

"The gem on your forhead controls your powers. If you tap into it, you will understand everything, Dwayne. Search your mind." Joey said.

Dwayne closed his eyes, and concentrated on the gems energy. He could feel it calling to him. Suddenly, he felt a very odd feeling overcome his entire body, as if it was flying. Then, he blacked out.