Running Out of Time - Galen's Journey Begins

[14:43] [user]Retkan[/user]: Bala had been worried and while time was usually nothing to the Kai, the absence of Retkan had been felt sorely. Despite she was a demon and had an ominous unknown darkness lurking within her and worse, her energy itself, the Twins had been quite taken with her and Bala had been mentoring her. With Retkan not about, life went on for the Twins in their creative and destructive ways. Both were massive snake-like beasts entwined about the sand-castle-esque castle with tree aspects sprouting here and there that was the Kai's home on the island sitting among the Sands of Time. Knowing her own time was running short, as she had voiced, Bala was looking through the Time Tapestries for any sign of Retkan. [color=pink]"Where could she be?.."[/color]

[color=blue]"Bala.. She was at the Echo Cavern"[/color] spoke Tomo.
[color=cyan]"Yes. The Fragment was restored before it perished."[/color] Yestra chimed in.
[color=pink]"[b]What?! Why didn't you tell me?[/b]"[/color]
[color=blue]"Because."[/color]
[color=cyan]"We told Galen."[/color]
[color=blue]"He went to find her trail"[/color]
[color=cyan]"And should be back soon."[/color]

Bala glowered up at the twins through the window before she made her way out onto the balcony, hands held behind her back and head held high as the Winds of Change billowed by and caught her braid in the air. The elder woman took in a steadying breath as she looked out over the misty blue horizon that contorted into the magenta-hued abyss of the Timestream.. Her worn golden gaze was off at the floating red, violet and black shards, the Fragments that glistened like distant stars in a strange night sky. [color=pink]"I certainly hope so... Time is of the essence.."[/color]

[14:58] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: The trail had gone cold even before he had reached the Echo Cavern, but that didn't mean he couldn't track the young demon. The trail led into another fragment, a place that he could not reach for the simple fact that if he tried to follow, he could easily get stuck without knowing how to manipulate time since that fragment was no longer connected to the time stream itself. Defeated, he stepped off one of the ships sailing the sands of time, onto the island he called his home, and started to walk up a set of non-existant steps, stepping on thin air as he approached the balcony where Bala stood.

"Lady Bala, I apologize for taking so long. Young Retkan's trail faded into another fragment, one not connected to the timestream. I lost her trail at that point, but once she crosses back into the time stream again I will be able to detect her."

He stepped up and over the banister, setting down easily on the balcony beside her, giving Bala a respectful bow of his head. Given that he was not trying to wander among mortals at the moment, he was in his usual Kai-themed outfit.

[15:10] [user]Retkan[/user]: [color=cyan]“Galen is back.”[/color]
[color=blue]“Yes, he is.. but he is alone.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“He did not bring Retkan.”[/color]
[color=blue]“How disappointing.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Yes, disappointing…”[/color]

The twin serpents unraveled from the castle, snaking over one another and passing by the balcony. As they did so, Bala reached out just to graze a touch against the scaled forms as they passed by. Both massive serpents lunged into the Sands of Time with a large upheaval of a splash, their energy pulling the sands back down about them.

Bala’s worn gaze turned to Galen with a soft appreciative smile, her head bowing in an incline of returned respect. [color=pink]“She is unusually hard to pinpoint, more so than prior… But I keep sensing.. Something. I think there is an issue with her abilities, as if she’s been cutoff somehow. That would explain her not returning and the decay of some of the Fragments she worked on collecting and keeping. Unless something else has drawn her attention, or perhaps her memory has faded with the lost connections to us… Galen.. I’m actually quite concerned. If I were to manage to pinpoint the next energy trace I can detect from her, would you be willing to go see if you can track her from that point on? I believe.. she is beyond the Timestream…”[/color] Her aged hands rested to the banister, helping to support her frame as she stared back out over the horizon.

[15:18] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: "If she is beyond the time stream and within a fragment I am willing to try to locate her, but I may be stuck there, and away from you for quite some time if that comes to pass. Are you certain we can take that risk Lady Bala?"

He stood straight again, his demeanor relaxed, and the seemingly nearly taunting words of the twins ignored for now. His hands rested behind his back, watching the Kai quietly for the moment.

"You seem more worried than usual, would you care to share those worries with me?"

[15:29] [user]Retkan[/user]: [color=pink]"I don't think she's in a Fragment.. I think she's in a [i][b]Timeline[/b][/i]...[/color] It was a huge rule, for those who existed beyond Time to NOT interfere with Timelines, so as to not alter them or influence or change anything and cause splits into alternate Timelines. Granted, it happened quite a bit. [color=pink]"If she was in a Fragment, I think even the twins would have brought her back by now.. and this would explain why I cannot feel her, trace her.. Why none of us can. As for why I am worried all the more.. My Time is running out. And while if we die here, the Fragmented Dragonballs could be used to return us if our Time was not up and death happened in a Fragment... if she dies beyond a Fragment, like any of us without the twins, she will cease to exist.. soul and all. She is a demon and chaotic.. and that may not bode well. For all I know, she could be trapped by someone who collects anomalies.."[/color] Her head bowed forward, braid sliding over her shoulder before those worn golden eyes traversed to Galen. [color=pink]"What I ask of you.. putting yourself into that position... You don't need to accept. But if you do.. I will give you a Fragment Shard that will tether you to a safe Fragment, one that the twins will not harm. If something happens to you out there beyond our nexus, you will be returned to here rather than ceasing to exist or trapped in that time's Otherworld.."[/color]

[15:35] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: Galen's eyes just... widened a little bit at the news that Retkan had actually entered a timeline. "What in the world was she thinking?" He was a little shocked, but then sighed gently and finally nodded his head as he heard the explanation. "I see... Very well, in that case I will do my best to locate Retkan and determine what has happened to her. I shall attempt to bring her home, assuming she is willing, or try to free her from captivity if I am capable of doing so." He gave another bow of respect. "I will accept your mission Lady Bala... Where shall I start?" He rights himself once more, watching her for the time being... Still, he could not help but ask... "How much time do you feel you have left?"

[15:54] [user]Retkan[/user]: [color=pink]“That is [i][b]the real question[/b][/i].. While she has always been emotionally stunted and socially challenged from her solitary confinement in that pocket dimension as well as her own world being emotionally suppressed, I know that..”[/color] She swallowed, trying to hide the disdain in her voice at the next name, [color=pink]“[i][b]Nitmer[/b][/i].. has helped her over come a good deal of that and gain some knowledge and concepts. I suspect this is [b]HIS[/b] influence and doing. I know the two of them have traversed into Timelines for observational purposes, but staying there or becoming part of it has [b]gone too far[/b]. The potential hazards.. the split of alternate timelines.. It may all already be too late. [i]If the Time Patrol goes after them[/i]…”[/color] Bala left it at that as some of her fears were eased by Galen’s willingness. Her gaze softened, thin bony shoulders rising in a light shrug against the fabric of her robe. [color=pink]“You will start when I feel that next energy trace from her, and can give you a location to trail from. Something fresh. I… do not know how much time I have left. But I feel myself less and her more, and I am feeling my tired old age.”[/color] Bala laughed softly, eyes drifting to her wrinkled fingers as they rubbed against one another. [color=pink]“It’s truthfully the best way for a Kai to go, isn’t it? Serving their term, living their life, finding suitable replacements to mentor and carry on in her stead… So many are immortal, untouched by age nor ravished by time, while others like myself feel our efforts reflected in our very lives.. And you.. You may be a 'mere human' to some, but you are Galen Striker of the Sands of Time. never forget that. You.. have helped make my time worthwhile and well spent. [b]..But bah! [i]Enough of that drear![/i][/b] Would you mind preparing us some tea while I gather the Fragment Shard for you and acclimate it to you?”[/color]

[16:01] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: Galen just smiled quietly and nodded, moving a hand to gently rest against Bala's shoulder, rubbing it softly for a few moments. "The time I have spent in this place, learning from you, learning from..." He just gestures around him. "Everything and everyone here is something I will cherish for the remainder of my existence. Hopefully, your successor sees me as a friend and confidant as you have." He held that soft smile again. "I will miss you when you are gone Lady Bala, but I will cherish what time we have remaining... Tea sounds wonderful by the way, allow me to prepare some..." And with that, he turned and walked away, heading into the building and off to prepare some tea for the older Kai, hands still resting behind him quietly as he walked.

[16:16] [user]Retkan[/user]: Her hand rose to touch upon Galen’s, soft smile given that reached her aged eyes. [color=pink]“I am certain Retkan does.. She listens to you. While she has little concept of family, I think we are that concept. Just.. be patient with her. I was hoping to have more time to teach her but.. I know you will help her, as you’ve helped me time and time again.”[/color]

Overhead two massive birds of black and white soared, elongated tail feathers flickering across the breeze. They swooped about the castle until shrinking down, both twins dropping onto the balcony in a blaze of energy. The childlike figures of opposition gazed up at Bala, together holding their hands clasped over each other in a four-palm sandwich and offering up a small glowing red crystal.

[color=blue]“We already got it for you Bala.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Yes, and we picked the Fragment that has Retkan’s Echo Cavern.”[/color]
[color=blue]“We promised to not destroy it.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“And Retkan won’t let it decay.”[/color]
[color=blue]"So it is safe."[/color]
[color=cyan]“Even Nitmer tends it at times.”[/color]
[color=blue]“He’s annoying.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Yes, he is.”[/color]
[color=blue]“But Retkan needs him.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Yes, so we allow him to exist.”[/color]
[color=blue]“Bala, will you ever let him come here?”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Yes, will he return to the Sands of Time?”[/color]

[color=pink]“He will one day… but.. not any day soon I hope..”[/color] Galen knew why. Bala knew very well that similar to the twins themselves, Nitmer and Retkan were destined to destroy one another without there being an in-between, something or someone to prevent such while allowing them to be together and still tethered as one. [color=pink]“Thank you, dear ones.. I think the Echo Cavern’s Fragment is a very suitable choice. And if something happens.. I want one of you or the both of you to retrieve Galen, is that understood? I’m not asking you to allow him into the Fragments.. just.. allow him out, alright?”[/color]

The twins looked to one another then grinned up at Bala.
[color=cyan]“What will you give us?”[/color]
[color=blue]“Yes, what do we get for doing this?”[/color]

[color=pink]“He will work to return Retkan and.. I will have him bring you both some [i][b]sweet treats[/b][/i] from wherever Retkan is.”[/color]

[b]“CANDY?!”[/b] Both twins shouted at once, gleeing before they turned and ran off. They passed Galen at the tea cart on the way and Yestra chimed, [color=cyan]“We have chosen the Echo cavern for your Fragment.”[/color]
[color=blue]“And you will bring us candy and we will release you when you die.”[/color]
[color=cyan]“[i]If he dies.[/i] He might not.”[/color]
[color=blue]“But if he doesn’t die, we don’t get candy…”[/color]
[color=cyan]“Oh.. Then I hope he dies!”[/color]
The twins ran off talking about Galen’s death in an all too happy and hopeful manner.

[16:24] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: Galen could not help but chuckle at the twin's gleeful talking of his impending death and just shook his head. "Thank you, both of you... Regardless of if I perish or not on this mission, I will ensure that I bring something sweet for the two of you upon my return." He called out after them as they left and talked among themselves while he finished preparing two cups of tea. He soon emerged with the cart, settling it nearby and picking up one cup to offer it to Bala, taking the other one in his own hands to sip on it. "Those two are encourageable..." He chuckles just a little bit at that.

[16:35] [user]Retkan[/user]: [color=blue]"Bring back candy or Retkan!"[/color] [color=cyan]"Bring back candy [b]AND[/b] Retkan!"[/color] Both chimed: "GREAT! We like you Galen!"
They raced off down the hall, both trying to out pace each other and simply tying in their race all the same.

By the time Galen returned, Bala was holding a piece of jewelry in her hands, a chain head piece with a Fragment gem attached at the center to dangle from the forehead. [color=pink]"They are.. I heard they told you about the umm.. candy. I assume wherever Retkan is they have [i][b]something[/b][/i] sweet that will be suitable."[/color] Before she accepted her cup, Bala draped the headpiece over Galen's head properly and aligned the chain. [color=pink]"This will also allow you to use your time magic beyond here, namely for traversing."[/color] She settled back to lean on the banister then, breathing a sigh before sinking to her chair and lifting her tea. A savoring sip was taken before she gave Galen a bow of her head. [color=pink]"You always do brew the best tea. Only a pure heart can brew tea with such masterful balance."[/color]

[16:44] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: "Thank you, It has taken many years to reach that state." He smiled once again, and settled down in a chair opposite Bala as he sipped on the tea. "As for the twins, I will make sure I locate something suitable, [b]and[/b] bring back Retkan if at all possible." His hand lifted and toyed with the fragment on its chain, then slipped it under his shirt carefully to tuck it out of sight. "Thank you Lady Bala, I have a feeling I will need everything at my disposal. You never know what one will run into when wandering on the mortal realm." After a little bit, he finished up his tea, and rose up once more. "If you do not need me for anything else Lady Bala... I would like to take some time to go meditate, and prepare myself for what will come."

[16:49] [user]Retkan[/user]: [color=pink]"Certainly. I feel energies rising and will need to attend to the twi--"[/color] Already the muffled sounds of their voices echoed in an argument. The entire castle gave a shake and Bala lifted her hand to rub her temples, laughing softly. [color=pink]"I have faith in you Galen.. Good luck with your meditation and focus. Something tells me.. [b]you'll need it..[/b]"[/color] Bala stood, tea in hand as she wandered off after the twins, following their arguing over, of all things, who's idea it was in the first place about the Echo Cavern's Fragment being picked. [color=pink]"Tomo! Yestra!"[/color]

[16:55] [user]Galen Striker[/user]: Galen just smiled and chuckled a little bit before rising up, moving to clear out the tea cart and clean things up so he could put it away. Once that was all done, he left Bala to tend to the twins, and retreated to his own room in the building, settling down and beginning to meditate, bringing peace to his mind and soul, allowing his body to relax in the process as he mentally prepared himself for what would come in the following days.