Story of the Time Rift

All Dialogues from the Time Rift Events are gathered here in chronological order.

Time Rift

Ned! Arya! Come quick! I've received some news of dire importance! What's going on, Professor? Is it about dragons? I hope it's about dragons... How did you guess? In any case, I was given a message by the Hermes Dragon: It appears that Chronos, the dragon master of time, is in need of our help. The events at the Golden Pyramid appear to have caused a RIFT in space-time! We need to make sure nothing dangerous comes through. While Chronos tries to fix it, I'm sending you two and your Trainer friend into the Rift to investigate. Who KNOWS what sorts of wonders await you within?! "Wonders" is an interesting way of saying "dangers," Dad. *sigh* At least we have another powerful Trainer with us... Are you ready? Holy Chronos, Ned! We've been on a lot of crazy adventures, but I've NEVER seen anything like this! It's like Mount Dragolympus, but... mashed together! I REALLY don't like the sound of that! Aw, Ned, don't be scared. The Hermes Dragon is here to help us... and our Trainer friend too! Now let's explore! Brant! Is that you? How did you manage to get inside the Rift? It's too dangerous for you to be here! Quiet, Dragon Girl! I snuck in alongside you because I'm... conveniently sized! M-m-more importantly... what in the name of Dragolandia is THAT?! You mean this dragon I found? I dunno! But it looks powerful, and if I can beat you and take it back to the Vikings -- I'll finally be a REAL villain! Drat! I guess this dragon's no good. Just you wait -- I'll get you, and capture all the weird dragons in the Rift for the Vikings! Brant, wait! I'm too scared to chase you! The Hermes Dragon seems confused... Oh! I get it. Brant's dragon looks a lot like the Hades Dragon Hogwin and I found on Mount Dragolympus! Hermes Dragon, you know the Hades Dragon, don't you? But this one looks so strange... Is it even really the Hades Dragon we know? Wow! Have you guys ever seen dragons like these? Even the Hermes Dragon is in disbelief! I wonder... Dad said this Rift was caused by a break in space-time. Maybe that means dragons from other dimensions were able to get inside... Fighting super-cool dragons from another dimension? How can I pass THAT up?! Come on; let's go! Whew. We're lucky those dragons didn't use any crazy, mind-breaking alternate dimension attacks or anything... A dragon is a dragon is a dragon -- no matter what dimension they come from! I hope we can meet them all again. *sigh* I guess it's what Dad would want... Look, guys! I found a key... I wonder if doors here work like normal or if they'll send us into some endless space vortex or, or-- Only one way to find out! Here, Ned, your hand is shaking -- why don't we let our friend do the honors? How about that, Ned? We didn't get sucked into the vacuum of space after all! Darn. I was kind of hoping that door would just lead us back home... Let's keep searching the Rift. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious, Trainer! EEEEEK! Wh-wh-what kind of dragon is THAT?! Oh, Ned! It's just the Poseidon Dragon -- the Divine Dragon of water from Dragolympus. I wonder what it's doing here. Any ideas, Hermes Dragon? It's here to do MY bidding! That's right, scaredy-Ned, I've got a dragon GOD under my thumb, and it only sprayed water at me TWICE! Ugh, you useless dragon--! Uh, um, I-I mean-- BYE! Brant, you can't keep tangling with Divine Dragons like this! That Poseidon Dragon isn't gonna tolerate it! He'll get in trouble if we don't catch up with him... But at least the Poseidon Dragon is safe. Hermes Dragon, do you think it got lost in the Rift? I wonder if the Rift has been drawing the Divines to it? Like moths to a flame... or dragons to a really, really big vacuum. Found another key, Trainer? Thanks! Let's go to the next area, then... Wooooow. This place is beautiful! Arya, watch your step! The floor tiles are coming apart! Sheesh. It's like a full-time job watching over her... Huh? You think I should worry less? NOW you're gonna get it, you simpletons! THIS dragon looks super cool, and it's gonna crush you! Agh! Stop licking me, Vivid Dragon! Considering the context, I'm not sure you should be calling us "simpletons"... That Vivid Dragon is from another dimension, Brant. Are you sure you know what you're doing...? How about a nice how-do-you-do first? ARGH! Can't you guys just let me take ONE cool dragon back to the Vikings?! Not if you're gonna force them to battle! They're visitors here, you know! Bad guys aren't nice to visitors, doofus! Whatever -- I'll be back with even COOLER dragons! Look Ned, the Vivid Dragon wants to come with us! I can't wait to show it around Dragolandia! H-hi Vivid Dragon... Do you come in peace? Whoa. This is ALMOST exactly like depths of Mount Dragolympus! If Hogwin saw this, it'd knock his socks off! Speaking of socks coming off, it's HOT in here! Where's all that lava coming from? Aren't we in space?! WHAT'S HAPPENING?! Guess who, chumps? I'm back with the Hades Dragon! God of... um... stuff that's underground, maybe! Brant, that's not the Hades Dragon! The Hermes Dragon doesn't even recognize it. It's from... somewhere else! We don't know what it's capable of! We should probably call it something else, right? Oh, how about... Chrono Hades! You know, because of Chronos! Go free, Chrono Hades! And Brant, you go on home! I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you playing in a time Rift! I'm NOT playing and you CAN'T catch me!!! *sigh* Somehow he's worse than the Vikings... Let's see. Did we pick up a key? Yup! Lead the way, Hermes Dragon! And not a moment too soon. I'm sweating like a Piggy Bank Dragon! Wow, just look at that, guys! A beautiful, lush temple in a place like this... I wonder which Divine Dragon it's for? I'd rather not stick around and find out, if the Divine Dragon looks anything like Chrono Hades... It's okay, Ned. I don't think the Chrono Divines are interested in hurting us. I bet Chrono Hades just wanted to play with Brant! U-um... g-g-guys? I... I tried getting this dragon to fight you, but it started shooting blue lightning everywhere! I-I can't stop it! I'm scared! Th-the Hermes Dragon is frightened too -- and let's not even get STARTED on me! What do we do, guys? I had a hunch when I saw that that temple... This must be the Chrono Zeus Dragon! The only thing we can do is try to fight it and calm it down! I-I'm sick of this place AND of you losers! I'm out of here! Brant, wait! We're running out of places to chase you! Whew... At least the Chrono Zeus Dragon seems to have calmed down. I wonder if it was just as frightened as us, being in a totally alien place... Now that we have a key, let's finally grab Brant and go home to give our findings to the Professor! Sounds good to me. I've been taking notes to show Dad... which is easier said than done considering, you know, all the trembling... You're doing great, Ned. And you too, Trainer! Braaaaaant! Where aaare yooou? It's time for dragons and Trainers and wannabe Vikings to go home! You know, the more we walk around the more I get used to this place. It really IS fascinating! Or maybe it's just the fact there are no narrow walkways over endless abysses in this part of the Rift... THERE you are, Brant! Are you in trouble with another Chrono Divine? N-no... It saw me get scared and tried to take me under its wing... I think it wants to battle you to make sure you're strong enough to take me home... N-not that I need to be chaperoned! See, Chrono Aphrodite? We don't want to hurt Brant -- we just wanna take him home. And we want to thank you for watching over him! A-and if you and the other Chrono Divines need a place to stay, well, Dragolandia is pretty nice! Wow, Ned -- that was really brave of you! And I agree! The dragons here could have gotten lost. Why don't we give them homes? (I kinda just wanted to ask the Chrono Aphrodite Dragon who my soul mate might be, actually...) Welcome back! I'm glad to see Chronos retrieved you all in one piece... and with new friends! Your excursion was fruitful! It was absolutely amazing, Professor! We saw dragons from all different dimensions! But we still don't know where they came from, or even what they are exactly... and we have no idea what could come through that Rift into our world! Quite right, Ned -- the whole thing bears further study... of the serious sort! For now, let's welcome our new dragon guests.

Time Rift II

Th-Th-The Rift is back?! I thought we were done with it after befriending the future Divines of Mount Dragolympus! Not so, son of mine! Do you remember the Pangu Dragon, from your adventure with Arya on the Island of New Beginnings? You mean the super powerful Divine Dragon that shaped the earth and heavens with a swing of its tail?! *GULP* That's right! It appears this very dragon had a hand-- er, claw -- in opening the Rift again. Or, at least, a dragon that looks quite like it... The whole thing bears further investigation -- from courageous adventurers such as yourselves, of course! *sigh* Here we are again. The scenery's a bit different, but that endless drop into the void of space-time sure hasn't changed... It's like a whole new Rift to explore! I wonder what kind of dragons we'll meet this time around...? Y-You won't have to wonder long, Arya -- look! I-I-It's the Erlang Shen Dragon! Hide me! I've ALWAYS wanted to meet you again, Erlang Shen Dragon. Are you saying you'd like to travel with us? What an honor! E-Eliza?! What are you doing here? And what in Dragolandia is THAT?! Well "hello" to you too, brats! To answer your first question: This creature dragged me here and seems to be carrying out my every whim, no questions asked! As to question number two: THIS is the Chrono Erlang Shen Dragon, and it's going to utterly DESTROY you! ARGH! I thought for SURE I had you this time! J-Just give me a second to recuperate and I'll be back to FINALLY beat you! Whew! What a battle! I wonder what that was all about, though... It's not every day you see a Divine Dragon totally getting along with a Viking. It's unusual for sure. But we gotta remember, we have no idea what these Chrono Divines want, or who exactly they're allied with... Cool! The Erlang Shen Dragon sniffed out a key! Say, can you show me one of your 72 transformations next? M-Maybe we should just let it focus on leading us through here in one piece! Wow! It's like a palace in space! Isn't it beautiful, Ned? It's not nearly as beautiful as...*mumbling*... What was that? Our dragon friend's looking at you funny -- it can see through lies, you know! Better watch what you say! Huh? Don't tell me the Chang'e Dragon is on Eliza's side! I thought at least Divines from OUR time would defend us! It must be some sort of misunderstanding. Nothing a good battle can't clear up! I'll ALWAYS be mystified by that logic of yours. Anyway, let's go, Chang'e Dragon! There's extra treats in it for you if we win! Hmph. Looks like you're only getting the NORMAL amount of treats today, Chang'e Dragon. Nooooo! Eliza, you're too cruel! Oh please. Look how happy the Chang'e Dragon is just being around me! And before you say anything: No, I don't get it either! Where to next, Erlang Shen Dragon? Are you going to lead us to Eliza again? It seems like a lot of your friends are on her side -- even YOU from the future! I keep wracking my mind to figure out why that is... If I could just... Oof! Ned, you're a genius! You've tripped right over the key we need to keep exploring the Rift! Whew, it's hot in here. How is that possible? Isn't space supposed to be cold? Oh, you feel it too? I thought it was just my wild fighting spirit. Sometimes it really heats me up! Sometimes I wonder how exactly I ended up with such a big crush on-- I mean... I hope we, uh, crush Eliza...!!! Ah-ha! That explains the heat! Eliza's got her hands on a rare Furnace Dragon! I-I guess all kinds of dragons have gotten lost -- or stuck -- in this Rift... I can't WAIT to get out of here! I don't care how they got here, as long as they keep obeying ME! Hehe -- this is great! Hmph! Fine! Go cool down, Furnace Dragon... You three haven't beaten me yet! I'll kick you out and rule over this Rift! E-Eliza, I don't think that's such a good idea... We don't know enough about this place to-- Be quiet, Neddy! Go follow your little girlfriend and useless dragon while I rule the Rift! Eliza! That was super rude and-- Aw, hey, don't cry, Ned! All this power sure is going to Eliza's head. It's making her into a big jerk! I thought we were sorta becoming friends... Sorry, Arya. I guess she's still a Viking at heart... But there's gotta be a bigger reason why all these Rift dragons are on her team... In the meantime, our Erlang Shen Dragon pal's found another key! Way to go! Whoa! To think I called that OTHER part of the Rift a palace...! THIS part's like a... a mega-palace! Do the future Divines get to hang out here all the time? I suppose so -- but I bet they liked it way better when it wasn't all broken and stuck in a Rift... I wonder what the Erlang Shen Dragon thinks of all this. Poor thing -- I hope it's not too stressed out! Uh-oh -- the Erlang Shen Dragon's getting really steamed! Of course it is! Its future self is here to teach it a lesson! The only one who needs a lesson here is you, Eliza! No! Chrono Erlang Shen! Ugh, you won't be so lucky next time. You'll NEVER believe who else I've got on my side! Try me! I'll believe ANYTHING! *sigh* Arya... I'm worried, Arya... If Eliza has all these Chrono Divines on her side, that kind of power is nothing to toy around with... Sure, but WE'VE got the original Erlang Shen Dragon, and I hear it can cut mountains in half! Isn't that right, buddy? I guess it can find keys, too! It pays to have multiple talents... Hey Ned, if Eliza really does manage to kick us out of here, what do you think will happen to her? Well, that's the problem. The dragons and their lands are all displaced and jumbled up in here. If the Rift closed with those dragons and Eliza inside, they could get stuck. Or Eliza could be tossed into the future...! All I know is, I've got a bad feeling. Eliza, why don't you give this up? If you stay in the Rift with all these dragons, you might never be able to leave! Quiet, Dragon Girl! I don't care! I finally have power! For once, I'm respected! I'll never give that up! Now, Chrono Pangu Dragon, show these fools the power of a dragon who can rend earth from sky! No! I don't believe this! I bet the Chrono Pangu held back because it recognized an old comrade...! But I've got one more ace up my sleeve. See ya, losers! I have to admit, I kind of feel for Eliza... Well I don't! I think she's powerful! I respect her plenty! Why can't she see that and stop acting like a big jerk?! Hmph. You know what? I don't care if Eliza gets stuck here forever -- I just want to get the dragons safely out of the Rift! Hehe. Arya, the Erlang Shen Dragon's looking at you funny. Could you be telling a lie? N-No way! It just looks like that 'cuz it's found a key! Ah! It's so bright! What's the ball of light, Ned? Or does the Erlang Shen Dragon know? I'm not sure... But I think I might have figured out the answer to our OTHER problem. I'll know for sure when we find out what that "ace" up Eliza's sleeve is! We're lucky you're so good at solving mysteries, Ned! Meet the Chrono Nezha Dragon! It's one of the most devoted, most powerful dragons out there, and it's chosen ME as its master! NOW will you leave me alone?! No! We're getting you AND all these dragons out of this crazy Rift! You... are... so... annoying! I... I really lost...? Ah-ha! I knew it! I was worried about being right, but this might be the only explanation: See, the Nezha Dragon is the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon's disciple... ... During our time on the Island of New Beginnings, Eliza wanted to kidnap the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon, the ruler of the Island Divines... What if, in the future she actually managed to do it?! Ack -- stop pushing me toward the exit, Erlang Shen Dragon! I want to see if I'm right! There's something that doesn't sit right with me. If Eliza KIDNAPPED the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon in the future, how come the other dragons all WANT to obey her? Wouldn't they be mad? Wait -- Eliza... maybe you TAMED the Taiyi Zhenren Dragon! These dragons aren't bad, and neither are you, Eliza! N-No way...! Do you really think...? Could I really befriend such a powerful dragon...? In any case, can't you come home with us? If you do, I bet all your dragon friends will follow. And... I'd rather you didn't get stuck in space-time. I... I guess I owe it to them to take them out of danger. Fine. For now, let's go back to our own time... I'm a little worried about the future after all this... but only the past is written in stone. Anything can happen -- for better or worse!

Time Rift III

Interesting tidings, my young Trainer friends. Can you guess what they are? Please don't say Space-Time Rift, please don't say Space-Time Rift, please don't say... Oh, boy! It's another Space-Time Rift, isn't it? Indeed it is! And this time, an unusual friend has shown up to deliver us the news. I don't believe I recognize this beastie... I do! It's the Anubis Dragon. Eliza and I met it at the Golden Pyramid. What have you come to show us, old pal...? I REALLY don't like the looks of this place. W-why are those statues' eyes glowing?! No need to be afraid, Ned. The Anubis Dragon will protect us. After all, it led me safely through the underworld! Yes, Arya. I will trust the big scary dragon who dragged you to the underworld. *sigh* How do I always get caught up in this craziness?! Huh? What's that awful sound? *TWANG* Oh, hello you two. I've *TWANG* been trying to get this dragon to sing along with my lute, but it just doesn't sound right... That's one heck of an understatement! Can't you cut it out before our ears fall off? Cut it out? You can't censor my art, insolent whelp! Pah! If you don't like my sound, I'll go practice elsewhere! *TWANG* How weird. The Osiris Dragon is supposed to judge peoples' souls. Is it saying the Dunkelviking is on to something with his terrible tune? It may be a great judge of souls, but it's a terrible judge of talent! I don't know what the Osiris Dragon wants... but I know I don't like it! Hm, looks like the Anubis Dragon found something... N-no, I don't wanna play fetch with you! Looks like you two are getting along great! But we probably shouldn't play fetch with that key -- it'll help us get deeper into the temple! Hot springs in space-time?! Tell me you're seeing these gravity-defying pools of spring water, too... I sure am. And I wanna take a cosmic dip! Think I can outdo my cannonball splash radius record? Looks like I won't have to stop you this time. The Anubis Dragon seems to be doing a pretty good job of keeping you on track...! Tweedleedlee! Oh, it's you two again. Come to rag on my art, you philistines? Actually, no! You're sounding a little better now, Dunky. What's your secret? This powerful dragon showed me some patience and kindness, and suddenly my sound... changed. Let me show you hatchlings what I've learned! *TWAANG* ARGH! You made me break a string! But that Hathor Dragon believes in you, and it's a Divine Dragon of love, so... that must count for something! Maybe you're right, Dragon Girl. Perhaps it's telling me to... write a love ballad? I need to go think! Wait! It's not safe! *SIGH* How come nobody ever listens when I say that? Hello? Are you listening? Is anyone listening? Ahhhhh... I know it's kind of redundant to say that something weird's going on in a Space-Time Rift, but... something WEIRD's going on! Why do these Ancient Divines seem so invested in the Dunkelviking's lute-playing skills? I just don't get it... For now, let's just follow the Anubis Dragon's lead. It hasn't led us astray in the past OR present. Plus, it just helped us find a key to the next chamber! Wh-whoa! This room is totally collapsing! Watch your step, AryaaAAAGH...! Whoops! Don't worry, Ned; I got you! But you're right -- we DO need to be careful. The Anubis Dragon looks pretty on edge, too... *TWANG* *SKRRTCH* You Trainers won't believe it. This dragon's opened up a whole new world of sound for me! Hear that beautiful dissonance? *SKREECH* Ow, my ears! There's nothing beautiful about it, Dunkelviking! G-get away from that dragon before someone gets hurt...! I don't know, Ned... there IS something sort of appealing about that wild sound... But the Apep Dragon of Chaos isn't an ideal jam partner! Amazing! My sound keeps evolving with each fight! Listen, I've got a bandmate deeper inside that I've got to meet up with, but I'll catch up with you folks later! Play us some more weird stuff when you do! Arya, I can handle scary dragons and space-time and near-death experiences, but I will not stand for another measure of dissonance! I WON'T STAND FOR IT! Arya, I REALLY don't like ANY creature of chaos having influence over the Dunkelviking's music... Well, the Apep Dragon gave us trouble for sure, but it's not EVIL. It just makes sure chaos exists along with order. Everyone needs a bit of BOTH in life. ... That was a surprisingly deep thought! I guess I'll trust your judgment for now. Trust is the ticket, Ned! Now, let's use this key to figure out what ol' Dunky's up to! And I thought the LAST temple chamber was falling apart. This place looks like it was totally torn up...! And it's DARK, too. I can't even see the stars anymore... Let's be careful, Ned. *twang* ... *twang* ... D-did you hear something...? Something... twangy? Ha! All I did was strum a bit, and this amazing dragon made all the lights go out AND tore up the temple! I wonder what else I can make it do with my tunes... Th-this is no joke, Dunkelviking! That Ra Dragon protects light and order, and we can't let you snuff either of those out! *GADUNKADUNK* GRAH! Just when I had found an enthusiastic audience! Well, I won't let that Apep Dragon's lessons go to waste! *TWAAANG* I know your musical career is important, Dunky, but don't you think you're going too far? Your sound is unique, but it's starting to make the Divines batty! But, Dragon Girl, imagine if I could create unique music, AND command the Divines! Huh, conquest sounds pretty good right about now. I'm so disappointed...! I thought for sure Dunky had finally given up on his awful family business... All this has got me thinking: What if order and chaos aren't two sides of the same coin, but more of... a balancing scale? Could the Apep Dragon and... whoever it's working with... be using the Dunkelviking's music to tip the scale? Could chaos be trying to topple order?! Nice thought, Ned! See? Having you along on adventures is "key"! Ha! Get it? I just found one. Agh! Is that smoke?! That building's on fire! And what are those creepy glowing tendrils?! I wanna go home already! Haha, I can't believe you aren't used to this kind of thing yet. I'm a sensitive little boy with a brave little heart. Now let's just set things right and get out of here before the Dunkelviking's lute destroys the universe... *TWANG-TA-TWANG TWANG* Guten tag, shmoopies! The moon heralds tidings of melon-tasting bonanzas and deep dark dolphin dugouts! ... I think he's lost it. Ugh -- whatever that dragon is, it's making MY mind all fuzzy too! That MUST be the Chrono Apep Dragon -- the Apep Dragon from the future! Its helmet is... gumdrop good like a fishing pole security scarf! Say WHAT?! Oh, no. N-not you, too, Arya! Anubis Dragon, please help? We defeated the Chrono Apep Dragon, but the Dunkelviking and Arya are as loopy as ever! Poor Arya... Let's get her to safety. Wheeeeee! Arya, will you please stop tap dancing for HALF a minute?! My toes are hatching and I gotta set 'em free!!! *SIGH* At least YOU'RE keeping a level head, Anubis Dragon... Huh, never thought I'd get along with a dragon. What's that? You've found a key to the next chamber? Hey, you really are a steady creature. Eep... it's so dark in here... But I've got to be brave! Arya can't help me in the state she's in... Anubis Dragon, I'm putting all my trust in you, okay? Help us solve this mystery, and save all our friends! *tweedle-twang* Owl flower peanut power! Prepare to be masticated, young larvae! *strummm* What NOW?! Arya, please, I don't know what this dragon does! I can't-- Wait... did the Dunkelviking's music just get a LITTLE easier on the ears? Whuh? Huh? What happened? I feel like my ears just popped... *strumm* Lute sounds good, though. Hogwin's beard! Ned, did we just fight the Chrono Seth Dragon? The Seth Dragon is a dragon of chaos, like the Apep Dragon, but it KNOWS the importance of balance! Chrono Seth Dragon, were you trying to "balance the scale"...? (Speaking of, I feel WAY sturdier on my feet!) I'm so glad you're doing better, Arya! I was worried... Well, thanks to you and the Anubis Dragon, I'm safe. And is it just me, or do I see you two getting along? I... I guess we are! But, uh, can we talk more about how I kept you safe and-- Let's go find Dunky! I'm still a little worried about his apparent change of attitude... Oh Dunkyyyy, where are youuuu? We want to hear more tunes! Actually, we want to rescue the Divines and get out of here, Dunky-- I mean, Dunkelviking... Wherever he is, we might as well take our time. This chamber is HUGE! There's so much to explore! This is the biggest chamber yet, so you must be the head honcho, dragon! I have... *deedleestrum* come to play you a song. This must be the Chrono Isis Dragon! It's supposed to guard fate itself... but something's wrong with it. Now THAT'S foreboding! Arya, I say we let the Dunkelviking play his song. I've got a feeling it'll help the Chrono Isis Dragon feel a little less chaotic... "Chrono Isis Dragon, you are free to fly. You hold our fates in your clawed hands, and... we should share some pie!" *strum-de-dum* *TWANG* Weird lyrics, weird melody, but... like you said, Arya, life needs a bit of order AND a bit of chaos. And it looks like the Chrono Isis Dragon is all evened out. Whew! Now let's explore the rest of the Rift before heading home! The Divines are all calmed, Dunky's come to his senses, and all's right with space-time. Actually, Arya... *gulp* I think space-time is in for a rude awakening. Remember the prophecies you found at the Golden Pyramid? I found one that's... different. "Since time began its wicked turn, primordial fires burn and burn. If Chrono Dragons raise concern, the Proto Dragons soon return." Burning fires... PROTO Dragons? What on Dragolandia does THAT mean?! We'd better get everyone out of this Rift and warn Professor Hogwin -- c'mon!

Time Rift IV

You've got to LISTEN to me, mother! When Chronos sent me to this land's past, I saw firsthand what our future could be! What nonsense are you spouting, girl? Your rambling sounds like a desperate ploy to get out of the VERY respectable blind date I set for you! RRRGH! MOM, we MUST regain our favor with the Northern Divines in order to stand a chance against the Tyrants when they return! Feh! Beg to beasts when we could be doubling our conquering efforts? What a colossal waste of-- (Come with me, you petty, squabbling humans! There is precious little time to explain.) Un-claw us, you stinky beast! Where in the seven seas have you taken me and my useless daughter?! *SIGH* Mother, this is Midgarden, where the Northern Divines live. Though it looks STRIKINGLY different since I saw it last. Everything is all jumbled up. What's happened here, Thor Dragon? Eh? You're talking to that dragon as though you understand it! Finally lost your marbles, have you? (Your parent is as annoying as a hungry dragonfly, Eliza. Come, follow me -- you will understand in due time.) (You shouldn't have come here, but I'm happy you did. Now we get to have some fun before Midgarden disappears from this world!) Midgarden will disappear?! Hmph! You're not the Loki Dragon I remember if you think that'll happen! (That's right -- it's different from the Loki Dragon we know. As annoying as our Loki is, this one is even worse...!) (A rousing battle! You may have beat me this time, but you won't stop the rest of the Chronosian Divines!) (We'll lift the Great Tree and all of Midgarden up into the heavens. It's all a little grave for me, but your Earth has become too troublesome.) (It's for the best, you see! We know of the destruction the Tyrants will cause. We must ensure our safety...) So it's true, then! What I learned in the past is true! The Tyrants will return with more power than ever before! Do you believe me now, Mother? We must convince ALL the Northern Divines to stay and unite against the Tyrants... Or they'll turn our world into a nightmare! I'm talking FAR worse than the mandatory traditional Viking dance lessons you wanted to impose! For all I know, you could be playing one of your little pretend games -- remember how you used to do that? Your best friend was a pebble named Peebo. MOM! Can we PLEASE just listen to the god dragons?! Ugh. I'd recognize this stench anywhere -- we're in Hel's Swamp. If one can call this maze of disintegrating wetlands a swamp... What, suddenly you're a dragon swamp expert? A tip from your mother: Don't lead with that on your blind date. Mother, did you conveniently forget that one time I nearly won a tournament right here in Midgarden? "NEARLY," my dear, is the key word! Be careful, mother -- the Hel Dragon will take your soul if you keep loudly and incessently nagging! Don't you lecture me on my own patron Divines, whelp! I know very well what the Hel Dragon is -- it punishes unruly little girls like you! (...) (Now that I have seen your strength, Vikings, my mind is somewhat soothed.) (The Chronosian Divines are more powerful than any soul I have ever encountered. I understand their actions, but we cannot let them win.) (Perhaps my kin were too quick to denounce your people... Perhaps what the world needs, once more, is a wily Viking savior.) Are we done here, Eliza? The stench is worse than your brother Olaf's sock drawer. We're on to something, I know it. The Thor Dragon and Hel Dragon are already on our side -- we can convince the rest to join us! I still say this is a fool's errand. Bargaining with dragons is a waste! They're swayed by treats, a good head thwomp, and little else! I've learned that dragons are far smarter than you may give them credit for, Mother... If only you could actually listen. Hmph... Well, lead on if you're so smart. Ah! Look, over there! What? More trouble? No, no, it's a longhouse there in that tree. And lookout towers! Just like the village I grew up in as a girl... I remember running up and down those towers, staring at the sea, and dreaming of the places I'd explore. I suppose I've reached the final frontier... ... I'm sure that little girl you used to be would be proud of you, Mom. (We've come across a very old type of dragon. These cousins of mine originated in the ancient past, when your human Tyrants first seized power.) Could it have come through a time portal? (Perhaps. Maybe it arrived the same way the Chronosian Divines did. Either way, it must hold valuable information. Let's battle it!) Hmph! Couldn't have said it better myself! Look at this -- the Rune Tech Dragon's got circuitry on its underbelly... (Hehehe! Stop! That tickles!) I know of a certain tech expert who can examine this when we're back on Earth. I'll get Ned to call on Otto... IF he can be trusted! You know... I know what? You've become fairly capable, Eliza. I'll admit, I'm impressed by your abilities. You're... ALMOST as strong as I was at your age. Err... Thanks, Mother. I think. Ahh, feel that unbearable heat? All this magma reminds me of your poor late father. Why on earth is that? When the old codger tried to tell me I wasn't seaworthy, I pushed him right in to--!!! Er, I mean... he was hot? I'm going to pretend I never heard any of this. Heimdall Dragon! Forgive our past transgressions and join our fight against tyranny! (... Well-spoken as that was, human, Heimdall cannot hear you. It's far too focused on listening across dimensions for more signs of danger.) (It is a mighty task my cousin has undertaken... but we might be able to snap it out of it with a rousing battle!) (Urgh... my head... I thank you for bringing me back to our present reality. I hate to say it, but I am truly overtaxed...) (I feel I can no longer adequately protect Midgarden. But... despite everything, I do feel I can trust you Vikings to do the right thing...) (Am I correct? Can I put my trust in you, our allies of yore? If so, I will lend you my remaining power.) For the first time in history, I vow that you can trust us! How are you faring, Mother? We're nearing the top of the Great Tree, and the going will only get more difficult... Don't pity me, child! I'll get this over with and return to my Dragolandia-reconquering efforts in no time! *sigh* I wish I could make you understand -- we need to stand TOGETHER with the Dragolandians, insufferable as they are!!! I know that "listening" is your one weak point, Mother, but you'll need to do it if we want these powerful dragons on our side! Now THIS is interesting. It seems the laws of gravity don't even apply up here! I'm starting to appreciate the power of these Chronosian Divines... To do THIS to the Great Tree is... well, I didn't think it possible. And I think of everything! NOW do you see how serious this is?! I swear, Mother-- Hush! Do you hear that...? A faint, sad roaring on the wind... Let's find out what it is, and beat it up! O-Odin Dragon! I... *gulp* I allied with you once in the past! You recognized my power! I-If you remember anything at all, I-- (Speak with confidence, human!!! Be like a dragon, and show no fear! Our foe is strong, but we are tenacious!) Speak up, child! You are a Viking, and fearlessness is in your blood! This dragon is strong, but we're stronger! Eh? Why is the Thor Dragon looking at me like that? (Chronosian Odin -- if you ARE Odin -- was that you making that mournful cry? Why? Aren't you getting exactly what you want?) (My whole life has been a glorious search for knowledge... but I've been altered. Every bit of knowledge has been programmed into my brain by Tyrants.) (I can wonder and ponder no longer. I am cursed with knowing all, cursed to be a knowledge base for the Tyrants.) Wh-What did you say? The TYRANTS did this to you?! Just what are they capable of?! (Human child, I can only offer you what I have in my database: Chronosian Divines like me are simply the Divines you already know, but changed forever.) (In the future I am from, the Tyrants captured us and altered us with their technology. They sent us through time rifts to create havoc.) (It shames me to admit: We are afraid of the Tyrants. This is why we wish to retreat with our homeland far into the heavens...) Odin Dragon, if you join us, I promise you we can crush the Tyrants and undo all this damage-- (My database doesn't support this claim. But I am not the one you must convince. Go, further up the Great Tree...) This is the seat of the Odin Dragon, if I remember right. But who could be here now? Whoever they are, they'll HAVE to listen to me... ... Mother? It's PAINFULLY strange for you of all people to be at a loss for words. I'm just thinking; perhaps I'll cancel your blind date... (Grrrrgh! Leave me be, you fools! You must let me concentrate--) Chronosian Frigg Dragon, I know that you can see the fate of all things! Please, listen to me and your old comrades-- (I said LEAVE ME BE!!!) (... I've been wracking my brain in the private solace of the Great Tree... trying to find any fate... in any timeline or dimension... where the Tyrants lose.) (I think -- maybe, just MAYBE -- I have found that single fate right here.) (I thank you for defeating me. I hope you don't prove me wrong, humans -- my whole family is at stake.) Er. Mine, too... (Humans -- we have put a stop to our escape efforts. You've convinced us. We will stay, ally with you and our past selves, and fight the Tyrants.) (As of this moment, the ancient bond between the Northern Divines and the Vikings has been re-established!) *SIGH* Oh, thank CHRONOS! For a moment there I didn't think it would work out! Now we can-- Huh? Mom? Are you... crying? *sniffle* Don't look at me! I got a glob of dragon spit in my eye is all! You've turned out very different from me, Eliza. Maybe that difference will change the world... or at least land you a better date.

The Final Time Rift

Part I

I've been able to hear the thoughts of Chronos and other dragons for a while now... But lately, Chronos isn't making any sense. I'd be happy if it meant I could get dragons out of my head for good, but it just makes me worried! What's going on with Chronos? Urgent news, you dolt! The Northern Divines have told me a horrible truth: Those beings we know as the Chrono Divines are mechanical creations of the Tyrants! I'm sure you've felt it too, Neddy -- the Divines of our time, AND those of the future need our help... It pains me to team up with you again... but the idea of a Tyrant-controlled future pains me even more. Let's go! Ah? Where are we? I figured we'd need to do some detective work first, but it appears we've gone directly into a Space-Time Rift. Ugh, these trips always make me nauseous. I haven't heard a word from Chronos, but I guess it sent us straight here... totally unprepared, of course... (Ah-ha! I remember you children. But where are the others? The wise father? The cunning mother? The yellow-maned prodigy? ) S-Sorry. It's... uh... it's just us. (Hm... An interesting choice on Chronos' part, but I suppose you two ARE the only living humans who can understand our thoughts.) (It will have to do. Come with me! There's NOTHING I hate more than the idea of Tyrants controlling me, and we must put a stop to it!) It's the Isis Dragon -- and it looks furious... I wonder what could have made it so angry? It seems the Tyrants have left it alone! (No, I'm sure they've done something awful. That's fairly bad news, since Isis is supposed to protect our earth, sky, and fate itself.) Kinda hard to tell what's earth or sky anymore... But as for fate? I see a battle in ours! (Oof... Thank you for making me see reason. I was in a terrible fury. You see, something's happened to my mate...) (... And the fate of all living things hangs in the balance. Please, find my mate!) Oh, so no big deal then!!! Hey, I found a way forward! Now we can search for the Isis Dragon's mate... Hey, who IS the Isis Dragon's mate? (I'm unsure. I don't often interact with the Ancient Divines. A very "orderly" lot, they are...) Eliza, don't you know? You went to the Golden Pyramid, after all. That was a long time ago, in every sense of the word! There's nothing we can do but move forward. This looks -- and smells -- like the Hel Dragon's swamp. But, of course, the Hel Dragon is nowhere to be seen. Because nothing makes sense. *sigh* (... ... ) What's wrong, Loki Dragon? You were so, uh, talkative until just now. Dragons work in mysterious ways, I suppose. Perhaps it just has gas. But if THIS is a Loki Dragon, and THAT is a Loki Dragon... then who's driving the bus? (This is no time for jokes, human! Do you know what this means? Those Tyrants captured ME in the future! ) (They captured and controlled me with their foul machines! How could it be so?! I refuse to believe it!) (And now we must even defeat ME! GRRR! I'll tear those Tyrants to ribbons!) (Krrzzztt... kzxxtt... Find... C-Chronos...!) Huh?! Did it say something? Eliza, did you hear it? No... Well, just barely. The important thing is, we defeated it! (Hush, children! I heard it well through our shared mind! My future counterpart is telling us to find Chronos...!) So, remember how the Chrono Loki Dragon told us to find Chronos? (Of course -- how could I forget, child?) Well, I've been trying to reach out to Chronos since we got here, but it's not answering... even though it sent us here. As always, whimpering gets us nowhere. We must keep moving forward! We have our goals: Find the Isis Dragon's mate, find Chronos... and find a way out of here that includes freeing the Chronosian Divines. *gulp* S-Sounds easy... (Take heart, hatchlings -- if we fail, we can simply toy with reality a bit and-- Oh, wait, never mind, I forgot your kind can't do that.) You don't have to rub it in! (GZZRRRRT... WELCOME... TO... THE NEW... UNDERWORLD...) OKAY, I'M TERRIFIED! IS ANYBODY ELSE TERRIFIED?! KEEP YOUR WITS TOGETHER OR YOU'RE GOING TO SERIOUSLY ALARM ME! (*SIGH*) (See? It's not so scary once you emerge victorious.) That's easy for you to say! You're a dragon god!!! (Quite. I wonder what Chrono Hades meant by "the new underworld," though. Morbid, no? And mysterious.) Let me get this straight: Tyrants are mind-controlling Divine Dragons into creating a NEW underworld. But why? It PAINS me to admit it, but these Tyrants give my family a run for their money in terms of sheer villainy. W-We HAVE to stop them... I guess we really can't afford to fail... (I must admit I'm surprised: Humans love to bicker -- and so do Divines -- but it seems for once we're all aligned in purpose.) (This area is huge -- not even my own temple is as grand as this. I'm a little offended!) (Hey, humans, why didn't your species make me a bigger temple? Aren't you supposed to be good at that?) ... ANYWAY, I... huh? I thought I heard something like... a dragon speaking. But maybe it was just my imagination. I DID hear a dragon: the Hou Yi Dragon! Seems like the Tyrants haven't touched it, but-- (FOUL HUMANS! Here to shackle my kin with more of your cursed machines, are you?! Tell me, what have you done with my mate?!) Y-Y-Y-Your mate? W-We don't--! It must be talking about the Chang'e Dragon, who we haven't seen. In any case, we can't reason with this dragon till we battle! (*huff... huff* What awful beasts you are... Heartless monsters... To think we ever aided you...) (I'll be the first to admit I am a self-serving beast, but it pains me to see my Divine comrades suffer so... Be at ease. These humans are allies.) I'm so sorry, Hou Yi Dragon... I promise we'll do everything we can to find the Chang'e Dragon! And we'll CRUSH the Tyrants who dared to mess with our Divines! I swear it!!! (I must say, it's refreshing to be understood by humans again, even if it's a mere two children.) (Of course, you two know that long ago, humans and dragons understood each other perfectly... Perhaps we will return to such understanding once more.) (But humans like the Tyrants make that return seem ever farther off... Ah well, so it goes.) (In the meantime, I can use our shared communication to tell you I've found a way forward into the Rift. Huzzah!) This area reminds me of where we received our power to understand dragons... Sometimes I wish it never happened to me! (You can undo it, you know -- if you truly wish it. All you need to do is close off your heart to dragons, and voilà! No more chats with me or my ilk.) Huh... I guess it would make this whole "saving the world" business a lot harder... But it sure would be easier on my nerves. (I think, perhaps, we have found the Isis Dragon's mate, and also an answer to what the Chronosians are trying to do here.) (Osiris is a judge of departed souls. Now that the Tyrants have control of Hades -- an underworld Divine -- AND Osiris... well...) So, what you're saying is, we need to beat that Tyrant tech right out of this Chrono Divine, or we're all going to the underworld, right? (Essentially... yes.) W-We did it! (I don't give in to anxiety easily, but I'll say I can certainly breathe easier now that we've quelled this Chronosian Osiris...) And hopefully, we've spoiled those rotten Tyrant plans! So, we rescued the Isis Dragon's mate. Now all we have to do is find Chronos, and get out of here! E-Easy, right? (I hope that plan includes giving the Tyrants a good scorching. How odd that we've not seen hide nor hair of them.) Odd indeed -- and a little foreboding! But we've no choice but to keep looking. And don't forget, we've got to find the Chang'e Dragon, too! (I sense a strange and powerful presence... And it's picked a fitting nest, atop the Great Tree.) (I get the feeling it's not any of my kin, nor even another Divine. Odd... But since when have I been a stranger to the odd?) Yes, I think we're all quite well-acquainted with the odd at this point. Chronos' claw, it's... IT'S CHRONOS! No -- it's CHRONOSIAN CHRONOS!!! (No, it's not. Well, it IS Chronos' body, but--) (You meddling children and your dumb beasts have gone far enough! Now sit still while I use the god of time to destroy you and complete my plan!) Th-That... That sounds like Rathorn's voice! Could he be using his technology to speak through AND control Chronos?! (Nooooo! You've RUINED my mind control device! I-- kxxrzzt! I will be-- kssshkxt! Bzzzzt! ... ... ... ) (... ... Thank you, Loki, Ned, Eliza. You've severed the neural link between myself and the Tyrants.) (But your task is not over. In another corner of space-time, Tyrants have used my powers to enact a terrible backup plan.) (I urge you to heed the request of the Hou Yi Dragon. Until then, I will attempt to contact your Chronos and undo the damage done to time here.) We rescued Chrono Osiris and found Chronos! All that's left to do is find the Chang'e Dragon... (I suppose this is goodbye, then. I will stay here to assist my kin, before we return to our realms to heal.) W-Wait, really? But I worked so hard to ally with you! A-And I... well... (Heheh. I know expressing emotions is difficult for you. Fear not, we'll always be there in spirit, keeping the world in balance.) (And who knows? Perhaps one day all dragonkind and humans will truly come together in understanding... ) (In the meanwhile, I think there are other dragons who need your help! Fight on, my human friends.)

Part II

Back in another Space-Time Rift... and with a new mission: to find the Chang'e Dragon, for whatever reason. And with no Divine Dragons to help us... (Hello? Have you come to help me rescue my family? Come on, come on -- no time to delay!) Y-Your family's in trouble? I think we might have the same problem, but if YOU need our help, I have a feeling WE might be the ones in trouble! EH?! Y-You've led us... straight to the Chang'e Dragon? (Perhaps our mission here was easier than we'd thought, Ned!) (My friend has been trying to protect the sacred moon from those future thieves, the Tyrants. But it can't hear us right now, it's too angry...) If Arya were here, she'd have a huge grin on her face and say something like: "A battle solves everything!" Foolish as she is, she makes a good point. (N-Nezha? Is that you? I was so furious, I couldn't see straight...) (You've brought some humans of great destiny to help! Please -- you two can hear me -- I implore you to put aside any differences and help my kin.) (I've been holding my ground, but I sense that something isn't right. Nezha is young and impetuous, but it will help you find the root of evil here.) (I... I won't let you down, Chang'e! We will work together -- I trust these humans!) So...that was definitely the real, actual moon we saw in this room, right? I wasn't just seeing things? (No time to gawk at the precious moon, although I'd love to stay and watch it awhile, too!) Come on, you two. We've got a whole earth to worry about if the Chrono Divines enact their plans here... whatever they are. (Hurry! Please, hurry! The way this place distorts time and space worries me, and I must make sure my friends are safe!) How did you get here anyway, Nezha Dragon? The same way as me and Eliza? (Chronos sent us here without a word. We found future versions of ourselves doing horrible things, trying to upset time, and break through to our world!) I wonder why we haven't run into any of those "future versions" yet-- Oops! I shouldn't jinx myself! (It's my master! Master, can you hear me? I need your help!) No use. The Taiyi Zhenren Dragon is in a rage just like the Chang'e Dragon. I wonder, does the student stand a chance against the master? (Eliza Human -- you once battled with my master. Will you help me?) M-Me?! I... Okay, I will help! I suppose even dragons have things to learn...! (Master, are you all right?! Did I hurt you?) (My student... I am so proud of your incredible strength and resolve! I now have complete faith that you'll be able to save us, even without my help.) Wow. I wish I could hear that kind of thing from my dad... but I'm still too scared to tell him about my newfound power. Sometimes your own power is your best comfort, Ned. And we'll need all the power we can get. (My master told me we must keep going. Something in the future needs our attention! I'm a little nervous, but... well...) I hear you, Nezha Dragon! Eliza, any luck finding a way forward? Of course! Let's get a move on! This looks just like the Golden Pyramid! Ugh, all these annoying times and spaces melding together! Can't space-time just calm down? Not when there are Tyrant-controlled god dragons meddling with it, I guess... Haha -- you know what? It's kind of nice to have someone to complain with! Usually Dad and Arya just try to cheer me up! Well, when you've got a family like mine, someone like Arya is a breath of fresh air... Don't tell her I said that. Remember when we were wondering why we hadn't run into any Chrono Divines? Those were simpler times... Wh-Which one is this? I've never seen it before, and I can't seem to understand it! It looks like the Seth Dragon, but I can't hear a thing it's thinking either. I thought I could understand Chrono Divines just fine! What gives?! (Its mind is too far altered by the Tyrants! Their mind control is like a vice... I bet they've sent it just to get in our way. Poor Seth!) (... ... ... ) H-Hello...? Chrono Seth Dragon? D-Do you think we freed its mind? (Not yet, Ned Human. But we HAVE calmed its mind, for now. We must try to sever the connection between my Chrono kin and the Tyrants!) What's wrong, Eliza? Um, are you okay? I know this is kinda scary and all, but at least we found a way forward. I'm just frustrated! I thought I had a perfect link with the Chrono Divines that would make me unstoppable! Now only the Tyrants get their power... *sigh* Whenever I think you're coming around, you go and start talking like that... Once a Viking, always a Viking, I guess. (Any heart can change, Ned Human -- why, just look at you, who fear dragons, and see how we work together!) We're in Midgarden now? I feel like I was just here, securing alliances with the Divines and getting nagged at by Mother... It's impossible to know exactly where we are... I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's better to trust the Nezha Dragon than our own senses! (I thank you, Ned Human! As a sworn protector, I promise I won't lead you astray!) Chrono Frigg Dragon, don't you remember me?! You said you'd found a fate in which we were victorious -- but is this it? (No use, Eliza Human -- Frigg can't hear you. Sometimes we must battle instead of chat!) (Krrzzt... bxxxt...) When I spoke with it last, Chrono Frigg said it thought THIS could be the timeline where the Tyrants lose. But now I don't know, and I can't understand Chrono Frigg. Grrrr! I feel like I don't know anything! (Ahh, I shouldn't kick her when she's down...) (You humans seem troubled -- but why? As long as there's a way forward, there is hope. And there IS a way forward!) Nezha Dragon, you're so optimistic, even though you're younger than your friends, and less experienced... I feel like we have a lot to learn from each other, I guess. Stuff you can't learn from a book. From what Arya and Dad told me, this place is starting to look like the temples of Mount Dragolympus... I hope we run into some of the... uh... helpful Divine Dragons. Y'know, the non-Chrono variety... You'll end up jinxing us again, Ned! Although, I guess we HAVE to find the Chrono Divines if we're going to get any answers about the "evil" that's here. (Tides... swell... Islands... swallowed...) (Ocean... will... consume... all! Please-- xzzrrt! Help!) Did you hear that?! The Chrono Poseidon Dragon's real voice broke through! (It used its strength to tell us the Tyrant's plans! Now we must quell it before it's forced to act on them!) Phew. Boy, that felt sort of like a final boss, didn't it? Defeating a mind-controlled future Divine Dragon that was trying to flood the world? Yes, sure, but... I haven't heard a word out of Chronos, and we're STILL stuck here. (Whatever Chang'e was worried about is still here somewhere... Let's let Chrono Poseidon rest, and keep looking!) Something's changed. There's a weird heat coming from ahead. What could it mean...? (Something quite bad -- something that needs our help. I can feel it! Please, humans, come with me and we'll protect what's precious to us!) *sigh* I can't argue with that, I guess. Let's keep moving...! I-It's the moon! And it's EXPLODING! The moon controls the tides... Is this what the Chrono Poseidon Dragon meant when it said the ocean would swell?! Talk about a dastardly plan... What's going on here? I thought we'd rescued the Chang'e Dragon AND the moon already! (Time is almost meaningless here. Even if we protected the moon in the past, as long as the Tyrants are in control of Divines, it matters not!) (Chang'e! No! Is this the evil you felt? Your own capture and transformation by the Tyrants? Oh, my friend...) Ggh! I may've been taught to be tough on my dragons, but this is beyond cruel! This cannot be considered "training" in the least! My dad told me that Tyrants don't care about dragons at all... dragons, and people too, are just tools to them. (Brrzt-- Heheh. You're right. EVERYTHING can be used! I, Rathorn, will blow up the moon and DESTROY all my past obstacles, including you all!) (Xxrrztkt! N-NO! You've RUINED my plans! You've--!!! Beeeeeep!) (Chang'e...? Chang'e, answer me! Is it you? Are you back?) (Nezha... you and your friends have saved me. It seems everyone was so worried...!) (It's all right now -- it appears our young friends have completely removed the Tyrant Rathorn's influence, and, indeed, have saved the world!) (Are you ready to return to your own time and space, young humans?) I... I guess so, but what about all the dragons here? Will they be... um... safe? (Little Hogvanhog, I preside over all time, and I never thought I'd hear the day you'd grow concerned over your greatest fear. You have grown.) (Don't worry, Ned Human, Eliza Human, we'll be okay! Now that the trouble is over, we Divines will return to our own realm.) That means we won't see you...? I almost thought the Loki Dragon was joking when it said it would retreat from the world of humans... (Just like Loki said, we'll always be there in spirit: in the seas, winds, mountains, roaring flames, and even in your heart! We thank you so much!)