4.2 - Catch Me If You Can

Timeline Alpha

France

Charles de Gaulle Airport

2000.01.02

09:06:09 Central European Time

After arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Kurono managed to determine the locations of his former allies.

Psyche's position was close to the Eiffel Tower, moving steadily from there towards the Palace of Versailles.

Hermes' position had changed instantaneously from the former to the latter about 6 minutes before they arrived at the airport.

Shirona, Rei, Kurono, and Yuki were about to leave the airport and look for a taxi, when they were approached by an unfamiliar woman. “Chronos, and his following, I presume?”

“First time someone calls me by this name in this realm, but yes... and you are?” asked Kurono.

“Claire. Claire Voyante. Follower of Psyche, the Hero of Mind.” she said. “I am here to inquire about the motivation behind your sudden journey.”

“We are looking for your leader…” said Kurono, “And for Hermes, the Hero of Space.”

Claire's eyes went black.

“We would prefer it if you left us alone,” said the Hero of Mind through Claire.

Shirona chimed in, “I bet Hermes has a similar option for your meddling.”

“Maybe,” said Claire. “But that is not your business.”

“It is,” said Kurono. “There is more at stake than your misguided attempts at romance.”

“And what could possibly thwart mine and Hermes' future happyness?” asked Claire.

“This world will end eight days from now," said Kurono. “And if the past repeats, you won't catch Hermes until then.”

“Huh?” asked Claire, “This is not the first iteration? No wonder you got here so quickly without my abilities. I guess even someone as useless as you can fail upwards if given enough chances.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” asked Rei.

“Oh, he didn't tell you?” asked Claire.

“He was the one responsible for gathering, uniting, and leading the heroes in our realm of origin,” said Claire. “Suffice to say, he failed. And failed again. And again. On and on, until the catastrophic end.”

“If the other 4 of you had been as reasonable as Asclepius, we would have made it,” said Kurono.

“But we didn't,” said Claire. “And now we are here.”

“Look, I made mistakes,” said Kurono. “But your little game of tag never worked out in the past, and we are pressed for time. This world is going to end in about eight days. So would you just cooperate with me one last time?”

“And what would I get out of it?” asked Claire.

“I actually might have a way to get Hermes to at least talk to you,” said Shirona. “I don't know your full history, but if you would just join us here at the airport, I think I can make it work.”

“Oh, and who are you?” asked Claire.

“Your ticket out of this time loop,” said Shirona.