Of Ink and Science: Plains of Time

Chapter 1: I always thought they were lighthouses...

3rd Person

Arata only stopped running once they reached the edge of the city. There they sat, on the dirt.

"We need proper clothes. It seems like what we are wearing will only get us noticed." Hikari said. She was right; they were wearing thick rags to blend in with their surroundings where they were from. "Plus, they are getting kind of hot."

"Yeah..." Ryuu said. "Arata, you going to get us stuff?"

"Wait, why me?" Arata said.

"Because you can run faster than the speed limit, and we can't." Hikari responded.

"Alright... fine... I will get us clothes..." Arata said. "...The rest of you are coming, because I can't choose for you, I'm just paying." He grabbed both of them and ran as fast as he wanted to get to the plaza.

"I can hear everything..." Hikari said as they stopped nearby the plaza. "Everyone is so happy... Quick, hide!" The three hid behind the building as two familiar Octolings strode past them.

"What... Aizel and Futo? How are they... oh wait... this isn't 14 years in the future..." Hikari said.

"Yeah, you think?" Arata said. Ryuu was still confused. "Anyways, we're off to get us clothes." The three walked off to Jelly Fresh and got new shirts. When they went to Cooler Heads, Arata kept the goggles on but got the 18K Aviators, Hikari got the Straw Boater. And Ryuu got the Bamboo hat. With their new gear, they decided to walk around and take in the surroundings. It was night-time, and the sky was clear.

"The stars... they are so beautiful..." Hikari said.

"Well they were always there. I wonder what they are?" Arata said.

"I always thought they were lighthouses..." Hikari said. "...Stuck where they are... All alone... Only able to signal to each other..."

"That's sad... Hikari..." Ryuu said.

"That's why my dream is to go to the largest one..." Hikari said as she pointed to the moon. "So that they are not so lonely."

Out of the corner of Hikari's vision, she spotted an odd figure. How no one else was seeing him, she was not sure. What she was sure about was that it was using active camouflage to move around. Arata finally noticed it as well, and he signaled her to stay. He ran up to the figure and carried him to a rooftop.

"What? How could you see me? And how did you get up here?" The figure said, disabling the camo.

"Where I come from, that was a sure sign of the enemy." Arata said. "Why are you here?"

"I was just finding my way..." The figure said. "And I didn't want to disturb anyone. I have people to meet. I have no time for this. Can you get me down now?"

"Sure. Take the power lines." Arata said, and then Saluted.

"Who taught you that salute?" The figure said.

"My father." Arata said. "Before he shoved me and my siblings in the time machine..." Arata then jumped off and ran down the side of the building. 40... 50... 60... change momentum! Roll a few meters then keep running. Grab Hikari and Ryuu. Run to the apartment building...

Wait, which one... is Ty and Vybe's apartment?

Guess what? Even with all my inspiration, I still hit Writer's blocks! And now I need some help... Ah well. ANYWAYS, ON TO NEWS!

Spoiler alert: Bracket 2 has events similar to the Holocaust. The Darkness does not accept betrayers.