Time for Battle

As they were leaving town, they ran into Janus. He stood there, flashing his teeth, and looking at the four Drifters. Virginia brought up her pistols, not in the mood to deal with him at the moment. But all Janus did was wave his hands, to tell her not to fire. "I only want to deliver you a message. I'll be going to the final Guardian Shrine at Infinitum. If you want to try and stop me, then feel free. But you know, I am a more powerful being than you, so it just may be suicide. So come to the tower, if you have the guts to go."

Virginia ran at her enemy, wanting to ask him more, but he teleported off. She balled her fists, and immediately decided to go to Infinitum. Problem was, she had no idea where it was. And Gallows was no help, he'd just plain forgotten about it. It looked like they would have to pay old Grandma Halle another visit.

"Virginia," Clive inquired while they were on the Sandcraft, "Why were you acting so strangely back in the town? Are you hiding something from the rest of us? You wouldn't even tell your real first name to our hosts, for what reason is that? I take it you are the niece they spoke of, the one who left with her father for Yggdrasil, and never came back home." Virginia nodded, and gave a slight sigh that said she didn't wish to talk about it. Clive understood, and backed off. He did, however, take note of Jet holding her close to him behind the backs of both of their teammates. The sniper knew there was something between those two.

* * *

"Infinitum, eh? And you can't remember where it is Gallows? By Zephyr, you're hopeless. Listen to me now, Infinitum, the home of the Time Guardian, lies on an island to the northwest of Baskar. You got a Sandcraft in Jolly Roger, right? Well then, take it and head on out to Infinitum right away. If you can save only one Guardian, that will push their plans back. Giving you more time to go out and defeat them," Halle told the team. Virginia nodded, she was ready for this. But Halle had told them to stay the night, so she had to wait until the morning to get going. When morning came, and breakfast was eaten, she immediately rushed towards the Sandcraft and got inside. The others weren't too far behind. They then went towards an island nearby, where they found a tower. Everyone groaned, these towers always turned out to be long.

Inside, there was the usual mess of puzzles. Everyone began to search out a way to the top, over many stairs. Gallows had begun to think, he had spoken to his grandmother that night and they had found a plan that revolved around his lineage and destiny. Although, it was their only choice, Gallows didn't want to go along with what Granny had said. Although that would lead to more trouble later on if he refused. Jet looked at him strangely, never before had Gallows thought so much. Maybe he was getting more mature.

About halfway up, they noticed Leehalt talking to himself. He then stated, "So, I can feel the four of you have arrived. Well done, you are truly strong Drifters. Too bad we couldn't see eye to eye. Now then, if you would be so kind as to feed yourself to my little friend here. Pyrodrake, come on out, I have lunch for you." Suddenly, a large monster appeared behind him. Leehalt laughed, and teleported out of the Shrine.

Using their Gatling attacks, the monster was defeated quite quickly. Virginia let out a sigh of relief, it wasn't as bad as it had looked. But it had looked quite horrid. She chuckled a little, now was the time to get rid of their enemies, and she was making jokes. Pinching herself to stop, she began leading the way.

* * *

At the top, they ran into Janus and Asgard. Janus looked at the four, and smiled. "Well, I see you blokes managed to get here alright. Well then, I'm sure you can fight with Tin Can over here. I have to do something else, namely drain this Guardian." Janus walked up to the Shrine. Suddenly, Asgard attacked the four Drifters. Virginia feinted to the left to avoid one of his attacks, while Jet got around from behind and shot him in the back. Gallows cast Petrify on the Golem, while Clive let lose his Gatling attack. Janus was not doing what he said he would, and draining the Guardian. He was watching with interest at the fight.

Virginia finally fired off her Gatling, as did Jet. Both of their shots caused some major damage, and put the Golem out of the fight. Now she aimed her guns at Janus. Maybe he knew Asgard would lose, and that's why he had decided to stay out of it. He didn't want the girl to shoot him in the back while he was at the altar doing his work. Janus smiled wickedly, and began to walk up to the four Drifters, his golden eyes gleaming at them. The girl held her ground, ready for the fight to begin. But just then, they were surprised.

"I'll give you credit," Janus stated, "You aren't half as bad as I thought you were. But you still have a long way to go to catch up to someone like me." With that, he positioned the Dark Spear, but instead of impaling one of the Drifters, he thrust it into Asgard's stomach. Using that as a diversion, Gallows ran.

"Gallows, we'll keep him busy, you just spring the trap," Virginia called to her ally. His nod told her that he was all set to go, and she could concentrate on the battle and nothing more. That gave the girl a sense of relief. If they had to look after Gallows too, there was bound to be nothing but trouble for the team.

Three turns of attacking for Asgard, and three turns of defending for the three Drifters. By that time Gallows had released the power of Dan Darium. It began filling up the room, and created a time gate to suck Janus and Asgard inside. Virginia and Jet stood together, with Clive in back of them, and watched as Asgard was swallowed up into the portal. But not Janus, he was just standing there on the side, clapping.

She yelled, "And what would your problem be? Your own ally is now gone, and you're acting as if your team won a soccer game or something. Janus Cascade, you are the worst person I've ever met in my life. And in five years of traveling, I have met all kinds of scum and riff raff that you'd never believe existed."

He chuckled. "I had nothing for that creature, he just got in my way. Well, Princess, I believe we still have a score to settle. But I will wait, wait for you at Yggdrasil. If you can make it there, we will fight again. And that will be the day where I rip you apart with my Demonic powers." Then, he teleported out.

"Virginia," Clive stated, "I know that the past may be hard for you to face, but you need to lead the team now. Take us to this Yggdrasil, and we will see the truth for ourselves. You and Jet must be tied to this all, is he the son of another council member? Can you tell us the stories of what had happened then."

"He is Elliot Enduro's son. We were best friends after meeting, both being only children and all. And that's all I'll say. You can see the rest for yourself, once we arrive at the Yggdrasil," Virginia told him.

- - - -

Teefa's Last Words…

Tee hee, Virginia's good at these little white lies. She's protecting herself and Jet. You know she doesn't want anyone to know who he is. I can see her doing something like this, that's why I wrote it. Ahhhhhhhhh, I have so much free time today, I think I'll write several extra chapters. Say about six.