*Laharl drops a meteor on the clocks*

(A young man walks through the city, preparing for an event of some kind, when the bells strike, making him briefly cover his ears) Oh what nuisance is this now? I'm far too busy for something so min... (The young man looks up and sees the large clock, and smiles) That's certainly not something you see every day. But perhaps it has the answers I seek.

*Gears begin forming into a staircase that leads up to the clock. In front of the clock, a platform begins forming as well as if to invite people there. A ticking can be heard echoing out. It seems as if it's counting down to something but the hand of the clock barely moves despite any number of minutes that may be passing by.*

(The young man looks up to the clock, taking particular interest in the gears) Aren't gears my thing? Someone's going to pay for this, that's for sure. (The young man finds his way to the gearcase and slowly begins to climb up them.) Still... It all looks so real. Wherever I am.... Its obviously not the Tokyo I know. (The young man briefly laughs to himself as he continues his ascent)

*Gin arrives* For the love of.... What have you got me involved in this time? Sam: I'm curious about things. Go do thing. GIn: Articulate as always, Sam.

*As Quattro reaches the top the ticking stops and several golden gears begin floating clicking into places in the air as a humanoid figure with a somewhat mechanical looking body appears. The gears cover him in an armor of sorts as he drops to the ground. Time seems to fold in on itself as it touches his body and he looks at Quattro with eyes that feel as if they've seen more than any normal being could comprehend.* "So, it seems I've made at least one curious. I suppose you may wonder who exactly I am, but I assure you that, that isn't important. A more pressing matter would be this clock which is your second question I'd assume."

*Gin reaches the top* Too...Many...Stairs...Make an elevator next time. Or shorten the tower. Hi, by the way.

(Quattro steps back and stares at the figure for a few moments. He seems to be looking for something, but whatever it is he cannot find) Well, I wouldn't mind the answer to either of those. But I'd rather ask, where am I exactly? I somewhat remember the landscape, but its like I've been transported back in time. (Quattro looks around, catching sigh of Gin as he makes his own way up) Oh, it looks like we have a guest. Maybe he knows what's going on.

*The clockwork figure looks over to Quattro with something that almost seems like sympathy.* "It seems you're unaware of where you are. Such a thing is natural in this place. This abomination of a world is merely a copy of what you may consider the past. It is a bend in time of space that to some extent bends in on itself to make a pocket. Within these pocket beings from many worlds exist, however, this world should not exist in the first place. It is an abomination that distorts the flow of time and thus I have come here to erase it. Do not worry, I do not plan to harm anyone unless they go against the natural order of fate. Most mortals do not possess such power so it is only either those who do not belong in this time or deities who defy their purpose that I worry about." *The Clockwork God notices Gin's appearance.* "Oh, another has arrived. Apologies for the climb but I'm rather old-fashioned in some sense. Would you perhaps care for some water or something else that you fragile beings require?"

Hey. Fake Chronos. Been a while. *Gin smirks and gives a thumbs up to the Clockwork God* Can you time skip through your exposition and get to your plans? I can't be bothered with your long-winded explanations today.

*Clockwork GOd looks over to Gin.* "Quite rude of you..." "I was simply explaining things to Quattro here. One with such a significant fate should know of the world he's ended up in. Unless you wanted to explain such things." "As for the reason I invited people here, it's quite simple, I've finally decided it's about time to erase this world for once and for all."

(Quattro stops and thinks for a moment, glancing around at the clocks) So, you're one who organizes and plays with the strings of fate then? Wherever we are must work differently then. (Quattro briefly smirks before hiding it with a smile) All the more fans for me to bring my wonderful service to. Though, if i was dragged in here as you said, does that not mean I don't belong in this time. (Quattro raises a metal bracelet on his left arm in front of him) And besides, I'm not much of one to blindly follow destiny. I much prefer making my own fate.

(Quattro steps back, and looks straight at Clockwork God) I'm sorry, you intend to erase this place? That simply won't do. Even here I'm sure to make quite a splash. Wouldn't do to leave my fans unsatisfied. (Quattro smiles and attaches a piece of metal resembling a red wing to his left bracelet, getting into a stance with the metal between him and Clockwork. There are several wires and pads attached to the device that somewhat resemble a COMP) If you insist, then I'll simply have to duel you. Maybe we can come to some sort of agreement that way? If I win you stop?

*Gin raises an eyebrow at Quattro* Gin: Are planning a 1V1 fight or are you going to play a children's card game with the entity hellbent on world destruction? Sam: Oh this should be good to watch.

*Laharl confronts the clockwork god* Hey! No one erases this world without my permission!

*The Clockwork God looks somewhat confused as this prospect.* "A children's card game? I don't have TIME for games, you know. Defeating me would serve no purpose to you either. Every time this clock strike a new number a bit more of this world will be erased and none of you shall remember it." "You probably haven't noticed but parts of this world have already been erased by me. Everything I erase isn't just gone through, it's as if it never existed in the first place. How strange that you don't even notice how much smaller this city has gotten."

So, what you're saying is we should break the clock, right? Sounds good to me.

(Quattro briefly drops his smile and looks directly at Clockwork God) Oh? You're after numbers as well? All the more reason for me to defeat you. But don't worry, if you don't want to do things the civilized way, I have a product reveal to do. (Quattro steps towards the edge of the platform and shouts down at the city below) Ladies and Gentlemen, East Asia Champion Quattro here to give you a sneak peek at something a benefactor of mine has been working on. We have been using holograms to display our monsters, but now we have something.... Much more lifelike. (Quattro spends a moment laughing and turning back to Clockwork God and the others) Now then, who would like a demonstration of what the new COMP-disk can do?

*The Clockwork God seems amused at Gin's proposal.* "Break the Clock? That'd be a fool's errand. Do you not see how inevitable it is for this world to destroy itself? Either I erase it or somebody else destroys it or somebody else makes it into a hellscape...Don't you understand the inevitability of it all? I'm doing you all a favor." "Though, I will admit. I am rather amused by the power some hold to change fate. Most of you don't seem to possess such power though. But perhaps if you could prove otherwise..."

Did... somebody... say... fate... h-hold on... let me catch my breath... *Aitome appearing from the steps, falls to the floor and lies there for a second, taking deep breaths as she slowly gets up, still gasping for air

*The Clockwork God looks over to Quattro with another confused looks.* "Perhaps I should have introduced myself. I'm Chronos or as many call me, Father Time. The concept of time that mortals are so attached to, that would be the very thing I rain dominions over as well as fate. No matter what you may do it will be pointless. Your only real option is to play by the rules I set or don't play at all."

The last time we fought, you rewrote time to before we even started the battle because you were close to losing.

(Quattro considers his options for a moment, before boldly declaring) Very well, I'll play this "game" of yours. Under one condition of course. I want everyone to be able to see it. If I'm going to be performing such great deeds, I'm sure any of my fans will want to see it. (Quattro smirks and glances at the others) Besides, maybe I'll gain a few new ones in the meantime.

*Aitome finally catches her breath and responds, still slightly winded though Okay so what your saying is that you, the Cockword Dog wants to rule over fate, and delete the Nexus? Heh, not if I'm around you won't! I'm the Wandering Changer of Fate! I'll give change your cruel prediction! *Aitome then takes a look at the others around her, returning the smile while her eyes glow white.

*The clockwork God seems content with the players he's assembled.* "It seems this will be interesting. Then how about this, with every number this clock strikes a new challenge will appear in a stage I set up within a random location. If you can pass the challenge with ease then I'll spare that part of the world but the worse you do the more of the area will be erased. These challenges will be hard to lose but if you do so happen to completely fail a challenge...I'm sure you can guess the end result..."

(Quattro strikes a pose, right hand over his left eye and smiles) Very well then. Now for the question I'm sure all of us "players" have. When do we start? (Quattro stands straight and spreads out both of his arms, as though gesturing the the world) After all, I can't keep my fans waiting.

If that's what it takes to change fate then I will glady do so! If not my name's not Aitome Korichi! The holder of the beings of pain, death and hope! *Aitome then sees the post out of the corner of her eye, lighting up with what seems to be something akin to childlike wonder and posing by stretching out her right arm and leaving the left at her side.

Got nothing better to do today. Why not?

*A young woman enters the room through the staircase behind them. Her grey hair and eyes seem familiar to one person in the room, yet they haven't the will to place who they are. She stares down Chronos as she enters the room.* I'm joining as well. I have unfinished business with him. That is, if you don't mind.

*The Clockwork God begins to fade away as temporal energy begins shifting and turning around him.* "Very well. The first challenge will begin when the clock strikes one. I will be eagerly waiting for that moment as I'm sure you all will be. For now, I have duties I must attend to. I'll be sure to ALARM you when the time comes." *The Clockwork God vanishes without a trace as the clock begins ticking down once again. An elevator appears next to the staircase out of gears leading to the ground.*

This guy is going to make a bunch of stpid clock puns, isn't he? *Gin sighs* I hate him

Heh, this won't be too hard with everyone counting on me! I'll show you the power to change fate! *Aitome then sees the elevator appear, instead opting to draw a shortsword and to concentrate, the space and time condensing around the blade as with one slash reality tears open, Aitome stepping into it and closing the rift, walking away to another place

(Quattro seems somewhat dissapointed as he steps towards the elevator) Well, that was a waste of my time. Oh well, "Chronos". Let the game begin

[slithers in looking like a snake/centipede hybrid] from all the things...a clockwork god...interesting

heh.......lets see what this brings to the table