### EARTH-0A1
A moment came when Keys leaned closer to Geoff. His expression a blend of confusion and intrigue. The air around was charged. It was almost electric. Keys whispered, "Did you know who Ink Foster is?" His voice hung between. It was heavy with anticipation. It was as if awaiting some revelation. This revelation might shift the very fabric of their conversation.
Geoff met him with a knowing smile. His eyes sparked with hint of admiration. "Yes," he replied. Geoff's tone was rich and thoughtful. "I read his name on front page of article. He was most successful scientist of his time."
Loki paused in stride. His gaze was intent on Ink Foster. "Yes, Ink," he said. There was a hint of admiration in his voice. "At least someone took time to truly understand it." He inhaled deeply. The weight of unsaid words hung in air around them. "Foster was one who unearthed truth. He sought to lay it bare before world," Loki continued. His tone shifted to one of somber reflection. "But tragically he met his end. He couldn't unleash his revelation."
He stood taller with fire igniting within. "I take what he found. I reshape it and present it new." Keys stood in his place, shocked by every word of Loki.
Loki leaned forward, flickering lights of the room catching his eyes' glint. Muted anticipation filled the air as he started to speak. "Let's first talk about him. Then we'll delve into his work." His voice was steady, moving through crowd like warm breeze. He described a figure known as "cosmic man". It was a being whose awareness of significant truths spanned ages. In beginning his revelations were met with skepticism. They were dismissed as the ramblings of dreamer. But time vindicated him as it often does. It proved the insights he shared as profoundly accurate.
Right as Loki's words rooted, audience minds an interruption happened. A hand shot up from the sea of faces. It was a parent. Their brow showed concern.
Loki's gaze landed on man. He felt curiosity was piqued. "Yes sir?" he prompted, opening an invite to the interjection.
Parent stood. An evident blend of curiosity caution in his demeanor. "A scientist," he asserted. His voice steady. But doubt also laced his words. "I've collaborated with numerous renowned individuals. I'm familiar with Ink Foster. But my question is is he a person?"
Others believe Ink Foster is not an individual. They think he's a collective representation of various figures.
Ink Foster's mention resulted in a subtle smile across Loki's face. He glanced at the ceiling momentarily. Seemingly seeking an answer that hovered beyond light fixtures. "Sir," he said after the pause. His tone was both reassuring and playful. "Please take a seat. Let me explain."
Keys were in a designated spot. They glimmered gently in the dim light of the room. Unusual unease started creeping over them. It was an unfamiliar sensation. This sensation stirred beneath the surface. The surface of their metallic bodies.
Moments passed. The stillness of the air felt heavy, almost oppressive. In this quietude, a key started to feel pressure. It was larger and a bit tarnished.
He pressed his fingers to his temples. It was as if he tried to lessen the rising tide of confusion. He also tried to calm anxiety. His head lowered slowly. The weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders. He was a silent witness to strange turmoil. This turmoil was unfolding in the stillness around him.
Geoff saw Keys. His brow was furrowed in discomfort. Geoff approached him. Concern was evident in his voice. "That pain again?"
Keys pressed his palm against his forehead. The gesture was silent admission of his struggle. "Yaa, that franking pain again," he replied. There was a hint of frustration in his words.
Geoff reached out with gentle resolve. He grasped Keys' hand. His grip was firm. It was reassuring. "Let go, you need—"
He could not finish his thought. Keys cut him off. His voice was steady. "No, I want to stay right here."
Geoff studied him closely. Worry was etched into his features. "But why? You are not well."
"I want to listen to him." Keys insisted. His eyes reflected deep unwavering determination.
The soft hum of conversation filled air. Sylvie emerged from restroom. Warm light cast gentle shadows on her face. She sat on his spot. An immediate shift in atmosphere was sensed. Her gaze settled on Keys. He sat with a furrowed brow. Discomfort was palpable. Concern swept over her. "Are you okay?" she asked. Her voice was laced with genuine worry.
Geoff was aware of tension. Quickly he interjected. "He has been saying forehead hurts." He mentioned tone was grave.
Sylvie could not formulate response in time. Keys spoke up before her. His voice was steadier than his demeanor. "I want to stay and listen," he said. His determination flickered in his eyes despite pain etched on his features. He was torn between instinct to urge him to seek help and his desire to respect wishes. She gently squeezed his hand. "You do not need to push through if you are not feeling well," she encouraged. Her words were soft yet firm.
### NITAROR-0G5
Ray rests on cold stone his keys beside him. Gaze goes downwards. Thought swirls. Almost appears at times as though he were peering into his mind's deepest crevices. The world around him blurs. It fades into a hushed unknown. The echoes of the moment soon vanish, as they are no match for the weight of Ray's contemplation.
Suddenly a burst of energy! Ray leaps from his perch. His hands thrust upwards almost as if he wants to shake the cosmos from its reverie! "Hey, time is up for thinking dude!" he exclaims. A playful grin replaces the solemnity of his demeanor.
With flicker of determination. Ray unleashes his quantum powers. A transformation like no other begins. There is a crackling energy that envelops him. A reaction pulses through Ray's entire being, akin to electricity. In mere moments it's clear. He is not the same. His dark hair shifted to a startling white. It is a stark contrast to the deep blue of his now sharp eyes. The fabric of his T-shirt shimmered for a heartbeat. And then it's gone. The cloth evaporates into nothingness. He stands bare and transformed. An entirely new entity before the world.
The Inverted Keys hears Ray's voice. Cutting through the tension thick in the air. With swiftness he leaps from his perch. He lands gracefully next to Ray. A shimmering purple aura surrounds him. Its glow is ethereal. It's power feels touchable. Surrounds him entirely it is transparent. It pulses with an intensity that is stark to the naked eye.
Keys asks, "Are they coming?"
Ray responds, "Yep."
Keys then looks at the horizon. He searches for signs of approaching figures. "How much time do we have?" he asks. His urgency is clear in tone.
"Almost five seconds," Ray replies. The weight of countdown hangs heavy in the air.
To be continued...