Core says "Unfortunately, we weren't. Most of them died in their homes when the driders broke in. Our warriors simply couldn't get to them, they were trapped in the city center and surrounded. The outer residential areas were lost and there was nothing we could do about it. However, we still held the walls and the shield was still up."

"The first time we were here we found the destroyed gate."

Core says "When they determined that the enemy was focusing on the residential areas the mages opened portals to the four gates. They evacuated the citizens that had made it there and started evacuating the soldiers. However, the enemy realized what they were doing and sent the driders to attack the gates."

"By using the driders they could avoid triggering the defenses. If that's the case, what caused the explosion?"

Core says "The explosion happened after the mages were forced to close the portals. I assume that the explosion was triggered by one of our people when they realized their situation was hopeless."

"That makes sense. I would do the same in that situation. Take as many of them with me as I could."

Core says "Yes, I could see you doing that. Anyway, after that the mages opened portals into the houses they had visited before and saved everyone they could. Once everyone but the mages had passed through the gate they retracted the shield to protect the column only and began working on the spell."

"So the shield became the core of the barrier spell, and they made you the living core of the shield?"

Core says "Yes, but I do not hold it against them. After all, the mages never left here, they gave their lives to cast the barrier spell."

"So, you have been alone since then?"

Core says "Not quite, the dragon stuck around for a while to make adjustments to the spell as needed. It also set up the guardian when it noticed the far side of the barrier wasn't being maintained."

"What happened after that?"

Core says "The dragon left once it was sure everything would last. The spiders took all the bodies which returned as driders. After a week or so the driders went into buildings and entered a kind of stasis. They stayed that way until you wandered in and woke them up."

"And now they are all awake. Did they go back into stasis between my visits?"

Core says "No. They stayed awake and active the entire time."

"Well, that doesn't bode well."

Core says "I agree, but it is nothing we can solve tonight. I suggest you get some sleep and we can talk more tomorrow."

"Alright."

With a wave of her hand she creates another bed, one even bigger than hers. As soon as it appears Kechara and Asuna jump on it and start jockeying for position. When they finally settle down, as usual, they are taking up the entire bed.

Core says "You can share my bed if you want."

"No, thank you. Don't worry, I am used to this. They may be bigger but I am still stronger."

With that I climb onto the bed and push them around until I have room to curl up comfortably in the middle. I fall asleep almost instantly and it is a deep refreshing sleep that lasts ten hours. Even after sleeping so long I am still the first to wake up, Kechara and Asuna are still passed out.

Core says "Good morning."

"Morning. Just out of curiosity do you even sleep?"

Core says "Technically no, I don't need sleep. But I have found it is a good way to pass the time when nothing is going on. Considering my life up until now, I have slept a lot."

"That's understandable. Can you leave your bed? I only ask because I haven't seen you move."

Core says "Yes, I can, but I cannot leave this room."

"I'm sorry. That must be very boring."

Core says "It is. However, I can sense things through the barrier so I can watch some of the mountain outside. That has helped keep the boredom from driving me insane."

"Can you see inside the tower?"

Core says "No. It is outside my range."

"I hate the thought of leaving you here like this. Is there a way we could extend your viewing range?"

Core says "Not that I am aware of. But I do appreciate the sentiment. Besides, you won't be leaving me alone, I will have Kechara with me."

As we are talking I have started preparing breakfast, which wakes up the other two. At the mention of her name Kechara stops being lazy and climbs out of bed. She once again moves over to Core's bed to be petted.

"That reminds me, can I ask why Kechara is staying here?"

Core says "Because she is a true sacred creature she has the potential to learn. I plan to teach her my race's magic. I will also teach her how to communicate and how to use her innate abilities."

"How long is all that going to take?"

Core says "That depends on her, but I would guess a few months at least. Maybe as long as a year for her to learn the basics."

"Um, she kind of eats a lot, do you have the ability to provide food for her?"

Core says "Yes, while I can't create food through magic like the tower, I can transport food in from other places. Several of the mansions in the city had food storage that never goes bad, a few were even capable of creating food. I can summon that food here, at least enough to keep her fed."

"That's good. She gets grouchy if you don't feed her."

Immediately after saying that I duck, just in time to avoid Kechara's tail which was aimed at the back of my head. This causes Core to laugh for the first time and I have to say it is a beautiful sound. Kechara, who is mad at missing, is completely focused on me, so Asuna's pounce catches her off guard.

The two of them wrestle and play until I announce that food is ready. Then they rush over, eager to stuff their faces, just like the kids they are. I have to remind myself how young they are, their size makes it hard to think of them as still being babies.

"Core, now that your story is over I have quite a few questions for you, if you don't mind."

Core says "Not at all. I will answer whatever I can."

"The history I read said that this city was originally built to protect the temple of wind."

Core says "That is correct."

"What is the temple? Why does it need protection? What do you know of the 'First Ones'?"