No.942
>>941>Elodia, Two Degrees Turnwise of the Infinite Arch
>Industrial stacks belch black smog into the air, clouding what was once peaceful city of art and culture with a dark air that matches the new sprawl across the former fields below.
>But what the city has lost in beauty, it has gained in a newfound community, what were once forums for scholars to debate their theories have now become marketplaces and community gathering places, places where all manners of goods can be bought and sold - goods that include information.
>In one such marketplace, a hooded woman, the peak of her hood riding higher than it normally would, slips through the crowd, stopping in front of a small trinkets stall, where she leans over to look over the goods.
>The woman's perusing of the stall is does not go unnoticed by the stall owner, who coughs."Best value for money you'll find in the city, love."
>The woman looks over the trinkets, and picks up a ring, turning it over in her hand, before reaching into her pocket and taking out a single golden coin, which she places on the table."This one, please, and a way of getting into the spire."
>The stallowner picks up the coin, biting into it to check if the material is authentic, before looking over the woman."Not sure why you want to be in there, love, the Praetor isn't seeing visitors currently, and you look too nice for an assassin, no offense."
"None taken, but I still need to get in."
"Well, unless you can fly, you'll want to head in through the tunnels, if you need to avoid the guard I can-"
>The woman waves her hand to stop the stallowner."No no, you've done enough for me, you have my thanks. . ."
>She straightens herself out and goes to walk away."Good fortune to you, friend."
>Adjusting her hood to ensure it's on properly, the woman disappears into the crowd. . . No.943
>>942>The Spire, Highest Point in Elodia
>As the former home of the Gods of Elodia, the Spire pierces the heavens above, the clouds of smog from the city below forming around the highest reaches of the tower. Swirls of light occasionally break through the clouds, hugging close to the tower itself.
>Once the home to beings of immense power wielding the great forces of creation, the Spire is now home to Vereus Praetor, the Godbreaker, and his acolytes.
>The tower itself has been shut off for what is almost a year, with the great Godbreaker himself having not appeared in public since he overthrew the former occupants of the tower, the only indications of his continued existence being the inventions that stream out of the tower to provide his people with new prosperity.
>To attempt to break into the tower by land would be madness, to invade by the underground insane, and to fly into it is impossible. . .
>That is, of course, assuming that one does not have wings. . .
>A smalled winged feline, imperceptible from the ground with how high its flying, breaks through the clouds, flying above them and to what was once, seemingly, the balcony to a bedroom.
>With a trained grace, the feline lands on the balcony, folding in its wings, and shifting into the form of the hooded woman from the markets. With no one around to see her, she pulls her hood down, revealing silvery hair, the shade almost resembling moonlight, and a pair of long, caracal-like ears.
>Walking to the door of the balcony, the woman brings a finger up to the lock, a wisp of energy floating out to the lock on it, causing it to click.
>Checking the door, the woman opens it, walking into an old bedroom. Uninterested in the immediate surroundings, she carefully opens the door slightly and looks into the corridor beyond.
>Satisfied that the corridor is empty, the woman opens the door and walks into the corridor. . .
>Only for bolts of glowing silk to fire from the walls, wrapping around her arms and legs and bringing her to her knees. . . No.944
>>943>As the woman struggles against the silk carefully, testing its strength, a man with lavender hair, Vereus Praetor himself, walks around the corner of the corridor, his steps methodical and timed, almost sounding like the ticking of a clock."I always knew a Sorce-"
>Vereus stops himself as he sees his captive."Not what I expected, what interest does a god have in this world? The people here have forsaken your kind, you will find no worship here."
>The woman stops struggling against the silk."Freedom. . ."
"Ah, such natural allies, gods and freedom. . ."
>Vereus scoffs."As if. The people know of your ways. . ."
>Vereus looks over the woman, taking in her features.". . .Avo of the Silver Dawn, the ways of your kind bring only enervation, this I have Seen. And so I have free-"
"Enslaved them."
>The woman, Avo, stands up, having freed herself of her bonds easily, and thrusts her hand forward, sending two blue blades of energy at Vereus which throw him down the corridor."They may not be
my children. . ."
>Avo walks down the corridor towards Vereus.". . .but they are not
your children either, you are not native to this plane, even if your body is."
>Vereus sighs, putting one of his hands on one of the blades, pulling it away to see it mottled and burnt."I did not create them, but they are my children, I saw their fate and changed it, much like I see your fate now. . ."
>Vereus's eyes blacken, their glossy black surface making them look like that of a spider."Fading. . . falling. . . fading. . . the last embers of a bright spark. . . fading. . . falling. . ."
>Avo stops in her tracks, confused."What are you?"
"The Weaver of the Great Tapestry, Right Hand of the Great Vampire, Blood Sibling of The Moirai. . ."
>Vereus grins as six more sets of eyes open up on his forehead."The Weaver of Fates."
>Avo brings her hand up again, summoning another blade of energy."I know of the Fateweaver, you are
not it."
"Times change, Spark of Fortune."
>A giant spider's leg bursts from the floor, sending Avo flying from the building and into the skies beyond.
>With a smug grin on his face, Vereus slumps slightly as the blades disappear from her shoulders."Never liked her type. . ."
No.945
>>944>Avo winces with pain as the leg makes contact with her, her sense reeling for a second as she experiences pain for the first time in her immortal life.
>Once she has regained her senses, Avo finds herself flying through the air. Realigning herself, she takes a deep breath."New strategy then, I can simply. . ."
>Avo brings her hand up to summon something new, then winces as a pain flares up from her leg. Looking down, she finds the source, a dark wound, pulsing with shadow."No. . . that
can't happen, I am not
that weak yet. . ."
"No, you are not, but you
will be, and so
I have made it so."
>Vereus's voice rings through Avo's head."Let this be a warning, little spark, you cannot hope to match me as you are. So either prove me right and enslave new worshippers for power, or leave."
>Avo grits her teeth, looking ready for a fight, then sighs."I will be back, Fateweaver. . ."
>Vereus laughs."That I know. . . that I know. . ."
—————————————————-
>Mount Primus, Celestial Home of Gods of a World found Sideways, Godspace
>A great mountain located underneath a sea of stars on a moonless night, Mount Primus is typical for the homes of the gods, containing an expansive temple that serves as the residence for Avo's kind. Although not typically where Avo resides, Mount Primus is the home of the almighty-"Ison!"
>As she materialises in the plane, Avo calls out to one of her fellows before falling to her knees."Brother, I have need of you!"
>A great bearded man, made of the stars above, his beard a sea of streaming starlight, appears before Avo, looking down on his silvery sister."Avo. . . you are greatly diminished. . ."
>Ison kneels down to Avo's level, bringing out a hand to help her up."Who has done this to you, dear sister?"
"No one, Ison, this is just. . ."
>Avo winces again as she stands up with Ison's help.". . .this is just what happens to
our kind when we lose worship."
"What do you mean Avo, surely your temples?"
>Avo looks at Ison with a pained expression, her eyes telling him to drop it."Ah, so you made good on your word then. I assume you did not summon me to help with handling your state then."
"I will heal in time, Ison, I came to request your aid in. . ."
"No."
>Avo pulls away from Ison, her condition making it difficult for her to balance."
What?"
"I already know what you seek, Avo, I will not help you on your foolish crusade."
"It is
not a foolish crusade, brother, even if the others have forgotten it, it is our charge to nuture the humans, whether they worship us or not."
"I will not, cannot, help humans who do not worship us, Avo, and that is final. I implore you to. . ."
"No."
>Avo stands up straight, a stern look in her eyes."You may have abandoned the humans, but I
will not, I will simply find other help."
>Turning around, Avo begins walking from Mount Primus, leaving her brother behind. . . No.946
>>945>The Tear, Twilight Realm of Avo
>Avo materialises in a new realm once again, this time finding herself in her ancient home. A realm washed out by endless twilight, The Tear is much more suited to the silvery nature of the goddess that calls it home.
>With her body now in her own territory, Avo straightens herself out as her wound heals, the darkness burning away in moonlight, although a scar remains. . .
>Walking to a great palace located in the centre of the realm, Avo waves her hands in a dismissive fashion, the previous encounter clearly still weighing on her mind, and the doors to the palace open, letting her into her seat of power.
>Taking a seat in a throne in a great hall, the room having been designed in a way to allow people entering to petition the throne on equal footing, Avo picks a stream of moonlight out of the air and spins it around her finger."If gods will not help, and man cannot, then I can turn to Sorcerers instead. . ."
>Avo throws the light to the ground, where it morphs into the shape of several small winged cats."Go, little ones, bring me a Sorcerer Supreme, any that you can, the lives of humans are at stake. . ."
>The cats look between themselves then run off, disappearing into the ether beyond. . . No.947
>>946>Location: "Sanctum Lacertus" (Earth-1)"Vocal ambiguity does not entail an effective casting method. One should seek to demonstrate intent before the enchantment is placed."
>A series of large bulky tomes, embroidered with golden trims gradually begin to hover around Magister, swarming above him as they hover in a circular pattern. Once he's finished reading the tome, he closes it shut and holds it up into the air - watching as it finds its place within the circular swarm."Should be about time to get back to Millennium City…."
>As he slowly rises up from his chair, the Sorcerer Supreme catches a small distinct chime emanating from the walls of the Sanctum itself. Raising an eyebrow behind his dark spectacles - he then thinks to himself:{"A distress signal? After what just happened with Iblis?"}
>Somewhat confused, he then sees a bright light beginning to emanate from one of the doors in the hallway. As he walks towards it, he finds himself in the Observatory Deck of the Sanctum - right before a glowing cat."……Avo?"
>The bright cat nods as Magister states:"…What does she need a Sorcerer for? There's countless Sorcerers scattered across the space-time continuum."
>The cat then begins to purr loudly, as Magister says:"If you say as much, then I'll go. I'll know where to find her now, thanks to you. Just let me grab my coat."
>He then snaps his gloved fingers, as the Robes of Ra flow towards him - completing his attire.
>Magister then transports himself out the Sanctum.—————————————–
>Location: The Tear>Now appearing inside of the Realm of Twilight, Magister looks around for a moment, taking in the view. Silent, he then thinks:{"I can't have been the only one summoned. Well let's get this over with then."}
>He then patiently waits for the others to arrive. No.948
>>947"You were slow getting here."
>The voice calls out from near-by, having belonged to none other than Orion.
>Orion appears to be sitting in the air, suspended by nothing at all. He looks comfortable with his legs crossed. "I've been waiting here for five minutes already."
>He leans back, resting his hands on the back of his head. "It is unusual for this kind of thing to happen again so soon though, huh?"
No.949
>>947>>948"And I was here for ten."
>A man with scruffy black hair steps from around a tree, his tired eyes covered by a pair of rounded glasses. A long white jacket covers his body, and he holds a staff in his hand."Making
you five minutes late, and
you ten minutes behind. But I suppose it took longer for Avo's summons to reach you than it did us."
>The man offers out a hand for the pair to shake in turn."So, where in the Multiversal Arch did you come from?"
No.950
>>948>Magister sighs and shakes his head at Orion, immediately stating:"I'm more surprised that you're actually paying attention to frequency of events."
>>949>Looking at the man's outstretched hand, Magister thinks for a moment, before giving it a quick shake."Distance is irrelevant - as you should know, given our shared profession. But if you
have to be given a designate - 'Earth-1' I suppose."
>After shaking the man's hand, Magister looks around, muttering to himself:"Why exactly did you summon us, Avo? This can't be that dire of a situation….."
No.951
>>949>>950>Orion narrows his eyes at the man, before shifting them back to Magister."Wait hold on. Who the hell is this guy? I don't recognize him."
>He's now pointing at the man. "He doesn't have any sign of being one of us."
No.952
>>950>The man offers his hand to Orion after Aiden, "For simple portals, perhaps, yes. But the messagers travelled across the arch manually,
that does take time."
>>951>The man turns his attention back to Orion."One of you? Are you not also sorcerers? Only I was led to believe that Avo was looking for Sorcerers. . ."
>The man brings his free hand to his chin for a moment, thinking."Perhaps they have another term. . ?"
>A cat walks around the garden, stretching before sitting before the trio."I have to say though, you remind me of my good friend Stephen and his sister, blond-haired sorcerer, could I ask your name?"
No.953
>>952>Orion's eyes narrow further as he gives the man a suspicious look. "Orion….."
>His feet begin to touch the ground. "Right. Well, I've never been to your neck of the woods but as far as I know someone from our… er.. group, should exist there. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you…?"
No.954
>>953"Hiroki Hoyokazi, most powerful Sorcerer of the sixty-third Earth, at your service."
>The man gives Orion a small bow."Although I have little idea what your 'group' is, unless you mean sorcerers as a whole?"
>Hiroki notices the cat."Ah, it appears our host is inviting us in, let's walk and talk, shall we?"
No.957
>>955>>956"Really, I have no idea what group are referring to, Mr Orion. Are you sure you don't know someone called Stephen?"
>Hiroki quietens down as the three walk through the grand entrance into the great hall, a beam of moonlight shining down and illuminating the form of Avo on her throne.
>Avo wearily moves and straighens herself out, looking at her visitors."Sorcerers?"
>Hiroki bows to the feline goddess."Fortunate Avo, I, Hiroki Hoyokazi, have answered your summons."
>Avo closes her eyes and nods knowingly."And you two, are you the same?"
No.958
>>957>Magister turns towards Hiroki, stating:"I wonder if Allie Grayson is at odds with you as much as….hmm, never mind."
>Turning his attention back towards Avo, he then says:"I suppose I have, in the sense that I've been summoned before you - and I'm still skeptical of the reason why."
>He then crosses his arms behind his cloak, stating:"….Are you sure this requires our help, Avo?"
No.959
>>958"I would not summon you lightly, my child."
>Avo shifts on her throne, allowing the three to catch sight of the scar on her leg briefly."I sent out the call because humanity, not your humanity, requires aid against a foe that is beyond my power, in a realm that falls outside the territory of the gods. . ."
>Avo looks down, her ears flattening out slightly as she pauses.". . .so while it is not your duty, and I cannot compel you - nor would I if I could - I still require your aid."
>Avo looks at the three."Aid against a being calling itself the Fateweaver-"
"Is the Fateweaver not?"
"This is
not the Great Vampire's servant, I have seen that with my own eyes before, this creature is different, scheming, not the spider that weaves the web of fate."
>Hiroki frowns."What purpose would any creature have for impersonating the servant of an abstract?"
"That I do not know."
No.960
>>959>Raising an eyebrow behind his spectacles, Magister then makes a gesture with a hand - not to cast, but out of habit."If you needed help with banishment of a supernatural, possibly demonic entity - that still wouldn't necessarily require
us. We're more of a last resort, as far as I can tell."
>Sighing, he then states:"Granted, given how much effort you went to get us here in the first place - I have to assume the fake entity is of a sufficient level of danger to warrant out help. In that case…."
>He then says:"What exactly do you need us to do - to this 'Fateweaver' impersonator you're bothered with?"
>Magister waits patiently for an answer. No.961
>>959>>960"You know Aiden. You can go home if you want."
>Orion smiles at Avo. "But I don't mind helping. Anyway, like he asked. What do you need us to do?"
No.962
>>961"She did say she can't compel us, and that it isn't technically our duty. . ."
>Hiroki looks at Magister."So, 'Aiden', Orion is right, you can just leave if you want. . ."
>Avo sighs."That is correct. . ."
"I'm sure that me and Orion here can handle this imposter without you, if you want to go home. . ."
>Avo looks between the three."The creature must be excised, and if it
were a simple demonic entity, I would have done so already, young sorcerer. . ."
>Avo shows the scar on her leg again."This creature can harm gods, even in my diminished state, that should not be possible without great effort, it did so casually."
No.963
>>962>Looking at Hiroki, Magister then says:"Not that different from Hiyuki after all. I suppose 'density' is a uniform constant amongst Hoyokazis."
>Turning his attention towards Orion, he then says:"As for you? Your transparency regarding your intentions would make even water jealous."
>Finally turning back towards Avo, he then states:"Given the lengths you went to ask of our help - I have an obligation to see this through."
>Magister then makes a gesture with his finger between Orion and Hiroki."As do these two."
No.964
>>962>>963"I don't know what's so wrong about desiring to help someone because they asked. And your implication that I'm unreliable offends me."
>Orion then turns his attention back to Avo. "Just tell us where we need to go and we'll be right on it, Avo."
No.965
>>963"I see mastery of the arcane doesn't come with manners on your earth. . ."
>Hiroki turns to Avo."I had offered my help already, before this man rudely offered it for me, but I will redouble my promise nonetheless."
>>964>Avo smiles."Thank you, while it is not technically your duty to handle this matter, I cannot,
could not, sit by as any humans are being exploited by an outside force. . ."
>Avo looks over the three, then smiles."The creature currently has its nest on Elodia, although it is likely still on alert, so I would recommend making your entrance stealthily. . ."
"Stealth, I can do that. . ."
>Hiroki eyes the other two."Although I'm not sure the egos on these two allow stealth. . >"
No.966
>>965>Magister speaks to Hiroki without facing him, stating:"Manners don't lead to completion of the task. Aptitude does."
>Then looking at Hiroki, Magister says:"And not once have I questioned your aptitude, so my opinion of you should mean nothing."
>Looking back at Avo, Magister continues speaking:"We're not exactly acquainted with each other's tactical capacities; nor each other's effectiveness under different combat situations. Nonetheless, a flank would likely be the most efficient approach."
>Magister crosses his arms once again, stating:"I'll leave it to Hiroki to decide the strategy. I have no preference either way."
No.967
>>965>>966>Orion looks annoyed at Hiroki's comment on his ego. "I have no doubt in my mind I have more experience in stealth than you combined."
>His expression lightens. "Anyway, I didn't come to argue. Let's not keep waiting around. The sooner we go the better. We can communicate telepathically there if needed, it'll make adapting to anything unforeseen easier."
"Meet you there."
>Orion gives Avo a smile one more time, and then suddenly vanishes leaving behind only a brief distortion in his place. No.1583
>>966>>967"Egos, like I said. . ."
>Hiroki snaps and a distortion appears behind him."We will have this matter resolved post-haste, you have my assurance of that, compassionate one."
>Hiroki takes a step back into the distortion, disappearing into it before it disappears itself.
>Avo looks at Magister for a moment."And you are resolved too, Sorcerer Supreme?"
No.1586
>>1585>Having already arrived a few moments before, Orion watches as Hiroki re-adjusts himself after his unpleasant "landing". "Had that happen to me once. Except the wall was made of a lot of pointed rocks and metal. Anyway."
>Orion looks towards the central spire. "It doesn't matter if you can't just teleport in. Travel is no issue."
No.1588
>>1586"I'm sure that your story of rocks and metal is very thrilling, Orion."
>Hiroki takes out a notebook, quickly writing something down in it."No issue indeed, I suppose a nice scenic route through the city won't hurt too much. Which reminds me. . ."
>Hiroki looks around for a second."Where's your friend?"
>>1587>Hiroki's question is answered as Magister appears, and he goes to address him, only for the Sorcerer to just walk off."Orion, is your friend always like that?"
>Hiroki says to Orion before starting to walk himself, taking out a small clock hanging around his neck and pressing a button on the side of it, his appearance shifting to look like he belongs to anyone passing the group by. No.1589
>>1587>>1588>Orion follows after Hiroki."Huh? Oh, Aiden. I dunno if I'd call us friends. I mean, on his Earth we definitely are. But I don't really see him much."
>Unlike the other two Orion doesn't seem to do anything about his appearance, likely having already taken care of it."And yeah he's usually like this. My sister is the only one who can get him to lighten up."
No.1590
>>1589"The dynamics of your worlds truly are convoluted, this is why I try not to get involved in other worlds where I can."
>Hiroki and Orion find themselves in a main street, the area taken over with a parade of some kind, with colourful bunting hanging from wall to wall. A procession of various handmade floats travel down the road, with robed figures accompanying the line as it heads towards the spire in the distance."Well, at least it looks like there won't be much difficulty getting into the spire. . . not that it would cause too much of an issue anyway."
No.1591
>>1590"Aiden's probably already there, or at least close."
>Orion watches as they pass by the parade. "I've never seen one of these before. Seems kind of boring."
No.1592
>>1591"Do they not have parades on your Earth? Not even the Macy's Parade at Thanksgiving?"
>Hiroki looks at the procession and the direction it's heading."Well, no time for us to waste if he's already there. . ."
>Hiroki begins to pick up pace in his journey to the Spire. No.1593
>>1590>Magister ignores the festivities occurring around him, instead choosing to silently continue his walk towards the large Spire structure in the distance. Brow still furrowed the entire time, he brings his full cloak over his body - draping him and obscuring his form."………………"
>As he continues moving forward, keeping a brisk pace, the Sorcerer Supreme's ears then slowly perk up to the sound of a faint humming. Focusing on the stimuli, his eyes narrow behind his vantablack spectacles as he thinks to himself:{"…..Is that a resonance that I'm hearing?"}
>Stopping as he listens to the sound once more, Magister then brushes off the noise - starting to walk once more towards the Spire in the far reaches of the city layout.>>1591>>1592>Standing at what seems to be right outside the entrance of the Spire, Magister's eyes narrow once more. The faint scent of unruly smog fills his senses, as a familiar foreboding sensation permeates his body - irritation.
>After standing still for what seems like a few minutes, he then thinks to himself:{"This is a waste of my time. How many dozens of situations are occurring right
this moment because I decided to run an errand for a feline deity?"} No.1594
>>1593"And this Corporate Appreciation Day is the
highlight of your calendar? Your world truly is a horrific place, Orion. . ."
>Hiroki finishes his conversation as he reaches the spot near the entrance to the Spire, looking up the building for a moment, unable to see to the top as the clouds cover it halfway."They say the Gods of this world lived in this place once, apparently, hence it being located in the center of their civilization. . ."
>Looking down again, Hiroki notices the slight signs of irritation of Magister's face."You can still leave, if you wish, I am sure me and Orion here should be perfectly capable of handling whatever is thrown at us, and if not, I imagine either of us can send a message out."
No.1596
>>1595>Hiroki lowers his voice, whispering to Orion."
Your sister must be a saint. . ."
>Coughing, Hiroki moves forward, getting a better view of the Spire."
We're resolving this situation, there's no I in 'team' - and this isn't some childish competition."
No.1598
>>1596>Magister then begins walking forward, replying in an irritated tone of voice:"I don't remember asking for your input, Hoyokazi."
>He then looks upward and thinks to himself:{"I assume she didn't go in through the front doors - but I'm not her so…."}
>Looking back down, Magister then walks forward and moves to enter the Spire itself."I'm already tired of this, so let's get this over with."
No.1599
>>1597"Too bad, almost, compared to them being able to redirect our entrance."
>Hiroki thinks for a moment."Still, no better option than just walking in right now, just be prepared for a trap I suppose. . ."
>>1598>Hiroki looks to the entrance of the Spire, getting ready to enter himself, only to see Magister already walking off."He really doesn't listen, does he? I just tell him we should work together and he responds with a statement saying 'he didn't ask for my input'. . ."
>Hiroki looks from side to side to make sure the coast is clear for him to make his way across and rushes to the entrance of the spire, slipping into the building with part of a crowd, only to find himself in a large cathedral-like room within, clearly designed as a location of worship for any public supplicants to the building.
>As he enters the building, the clock around Hiroki's neck starts ticking, which causes him to take it out and look at it with some concern before slipping off to a side space where he can look at it more privately. No.1602
>Hiroki's clock keeps on ticking, and the man hides it beneath his shirt, keeping it out of sight and out of mind. Although he does start looking around the room himself.>>1600>>1601>At the lectern at the other end of the room, a man with lavender hair, dressed up in elegant robes, walks up, each step matching perfectly with the ticking of Hiroki's clock.
>Once he's in a position to address the chamber, the man smiles, bowing his head slightly out of respect, and then begins a speech, addressing the crowds that have gathered."My fellows. . ."
No.1604
>>1603>Hiroki watches the man from his secluded spot, the ticking on his clock getting faster and faster the entire time."Something's still not right, I shouldn't be getting a reaction from him, even if he's heavily involved with the creature Avo mentioned, there's no magic. . ."
>Hiroki stops for a moment, thinking. "Wait, if magic is the result of energy moving sideways through time, a creature that can
disrupt time could possibly produce a signature. . . which means. . ."
>Hiroki looks at the man as he continues his speech."He doesn't
work for the creature, he
is it, or at least a puppet for it. . ."
>Putting the clock away again, Hiroki tries to reach out to Orion mentally.{
"Orion, I think the speaker is our target, you'll have to relay that on to Aiden, I can't reach him. I'm going to try and go round and find a better angle."}
No.1616
>>1615>Raising an eyebrow behind his spectacles, Magister then says to Hiroki:"…..We better not regret this later on."
>Turning his attention towards the speaker, Magister then snaps his gloved fingers as he speaks in an inhuman cadence."Sinum ad transportandum mundo."
>A series of bright lights then manifest and begin swirl around the speaker identified by Hiroki. As the energies and lights envelop the frozen speaker - they fade in luminosity. After a few moments, the speaker is gone - and a small glowing sphere remains.
>With a flick of his finger, Magister hovers the sphere towards Hiroki, stating:"Your move."
>He then looks around at the frozen figures in the environment, before saying:"And unlike you, Orion and I don't need an artifact to 'freeze' time. If you need either of us to maintain the effect, then we will."
>Magister then crosses his arms, waiting for a response from either of the two men in the area. No.1617
>>1616>Someone coughs behind Magister."Very nice, did you treat Jack like that too? You know. . ."
>The speaker that Magister had just banished stands behind him, smiling politely.". . .before you attacked him, Aiden?"
>Another version of the man appears behind Hiroki, waving at the first one."Oh, hello Vereus Praetor."
"Hello Vereus Praetor."
>Hiroki turns to look at the newcomer, confused."Wha. . ."
"Oh, hello Vereus Praetor, Vereus Praetor."
"Hello Vereus Praetor."
>Another man appears near Orion."And hello, Sorcerers, I'm glad the little spark works quickly, efficient, like the people who modified your body, Orion."
"Even if she had to act alone, like you are, Hiroki."
>A fourth copy walks out from underneath the sphere."I'm glad you came though, I was looking forward to the possibility of talking to at least one of you, and I got
three."
No.1618
>>1617>Orion lets out a sigh and shakes his head.{"Time entities. So annoying."}
>He turns to face one of the copies of the man. "Yeah, yeah. You can see most of our histories. Big deal. Anyone with a modicum of skill could do that."
>Orion waves his hand towards the man in a dismissive manner. "Spill the beans."
No.1619
>>1617>Rolling his eyes behind spectacles, Magister then turns towards the numerous clones of the speaker, stating:"Wow. How predictable. If only someone could tell that this was a
trap being sprung."
>Glaring at Hiroki for a moment, Magister then says:"This is why we listen to our intuition whenever we can."
>Looking back at the speaker, Magister then says:"You're testing our combined patience - so I'd pick your next words
very carefully."
>>1618>Pointing at Orion with a gloved hand, Magister then states:"I'd listen to my colleague if I were you. Unless you'd want to end up looped to hell and back - literally."
No.1620
>>1618"I know, I know, not very impressive, parlor trick well below what I can normally do. . ."
>The one nearest Orion walks around him, shrugging."I
did tell Avo what I am though, the Fateweaver, Right Hand of the Great Vampire. . ."
>The one nearest to Hiroki waves his hand dismissively."And so on. . ."
>>1619>The one nearest to Magister smiles at him."Which is why your threats are cute, Aiden. . ."
>The Fateweaver nearest to Magister leans in, looking at him from below."I have a far more fundamental understanding of the Great Tapestry than you
ever will - I already made sure to prune the lines where your trick of copying works, as well."
>The Fateweaver near Hiroki becomes the "active" one again."The same goes for your little dabbling with time, one who reminds me of mother."
>"Focus" shifts back to the one need Orion again."But don't get me wrong, this wasn't a trap, I did
genuinely want to talk to you, I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. . ."
>The one nearest Orion takes a step closer, offering out a hand."Don't worry, I'm not going to ask for your bodies or anything, I wouldn't want a tiresome job such as yours anyway."
No.1622
>>1621>Fateweaver looks down at its hand, then pulls it back when it becomes clear Orion isn't going to take it."The same thing anyone wants, Orion. . ."
>The Fateweaver nearest to Hiroki speaks up."Freedom."
>Hiroki raises an eyebrow."Freedom from what?"
>The one nearest to Magister answers the question."Freedom to do what I want in my little kingdom here, of course, you see. . ."
>The centre Fateweaver takes up the mantle of speaker."When mother died, I was unburdened from the shackles of my role, for the first time in my eternity of existence, I had clarity, and I realised. . ."
>The Fateweaver near Orion's eyes change to look like a spider's eyes."I
hate my old role, why should
I be responsible for keeping the timeline safe for mortals, they barely last an instant."
>The Fateweaver nearest to Hiroki shrugs, also gaining the spider's eyes."So I quit, and came up with a plan to establish my place within the multiverse and have guarantees of my freedom. After all, if it works for gods, why can't it work for me?"
No.1623
>>1622"Freedom is good and all, but the timeline can't just be abandoned. Besides even if you don't care about mortals, you of all people should know that abandoning the timeline can have further reaching consequences than just the death of mortals."
>Orion looks at the Fateweaver who's eyes have changed. "How exactly do you plan to gain this freedom anyway? Outside of asking us to not bother you."
No.1624
>>1623"No longer my problem."
>The Fateweaver nearest to Orion sighs."And I thought you would understand, Orion, more than anyone. I just want the freedom to do what I want, to no longer just be a tool for something else."
No.1625
>>1624"While I sympathize with you to a degree, what you and I have gone through are completely different. So be stop trying to butter me up."
>Orion crosses his arms. "Now. Here's how it's going to be. You can come along willingly, and return to your duty while we figure out a way to get you a suitable replacement. Or, I can make you. Your choice."
No.1626
>>1624"We don't get to choose our functions - not entirely."
>Crossing his arms, Magister then speaks at the "Fateweaver"."For someone so well versed in our memories - I would've anticipated a greater degree of understanding regarding this fact. Our jobs are non-negotiable, and
we don't get to decide when to enact our responsibilities."
>Feeling his face darkening, Magister then sighs as he then states:"A responsibility cannot be abdicated under any circumstances."
>>1625>Motioning towards Orion, Magister then states:"Listen to him. He's far smarter than you give him credit for. Than
I…give him credit for. And if you actually
respect the efforts that mortals take to bring meaning to their lives; the very same efforts you attempt to leverage now, in
your situation?"
>Pausing for effect, Magister remains pointing a gloved finger at Orion:"Then you abide by his advice. Go with him willingly and find a suitable compromise - or try your luck at outright rebellion. See how well that goes for you."
No.1627
>>1625>>1626>The Fateweaver nearest to Magister also gains the spider eyes."I don't respect the so-called efforts of you mortals, but I thought that the memories you claim to hold so dear could cause you understand my cause."
>All of the Fateweavers walk to the centre of the room, standing together."I will
not return to the role I had before, with mother gone, eternity is
mine to command. Her death proved one thing and one thing only. . ."
>The Fateweavers all collapse, like puppets with their strings cut, their bodies all landing on each other. Once the bodies have settled, they begin to make snapping and cracking sounds as they twist into forms that combine together to form the general shape of a spider, the skin on them finally breaking to reveal the creature beneath.". . .
I alone have the right to decide my role, as she decided to end hers!"
>Each of the spider's eight eyes focuses in a different"And
I will decide your roles in the future."
No.1628
>>1627>Orion lets out a sigh. "Fine. Just remember. I warned you."
>Space compresses and then crunches together all around the Fateweaver, compressing tightly and pushing against it. Meanwhile, all the frozen people in the room suddenly vanish as they're transported out and away from harm. "Show me what makes you tougher than any of the other time entities I've faced."
>Orion says as he is now floating in the air over the spider. No.1629
>>1627>Magister raises an eyebrow behind his spectacles as he speaks:"…Did you not hear me when I said that you should consider a different course of action? We've already tried manipulating our 'fate'. As far as we know, the timestream doesn't bend to any of our whims."
>Crossing his arms still, he then elaborates:"But by all means, go ahead. Let's see if you're any luckier than we are."
>Still appearing nonchalant in the face of the large arachnid monstrosity, Magister finally concludes with:"Besides. Self-consistency and relative experience are overrated right? Very easy to undermine, clearly."
>>1628>Noticing Orion levitating above him, Magister then speaks to the 'Fateweaver' once more."I'm warning you one last time. Either abide by Orion's instructions - or he
will destroy you. It's your choice, eight legs."
>Magister continues standing in place, neutral in his facial expressions. No.1630
>>1628>The Fateweaver's chitin begins to buckle and crack under the pressure of the compression, then suddenly stops, the giant arachnid turning one of its eyes to face Orion."Your pathetic attempts to destroy me will do nothing - I am anchored in time,
Sorcerer. . ."
>>1629>Another eye turns to face Magister. The darkness within it somehow seeming infinite."You cannot manipulate
your fate because you do not control it, you lack the ability to see the potential branches of the future - only the one assigned to you. . ."
>A blast of energy hits the creature from behind, scarring it slightly, but being reversed as Orion's attack was."Then we just have to make it so that future is the best one for us - if it's not as set as you're claiming it is!"
>From behind the creature, Hiroki stands with one of his hands outstretched, a small frozen stream of smoke coming from near revealing that its the origin of the energy blast."Sieze our own fates, right Orion, Aiden?"
No.1631
>>1630"That's right."
>Orion moves closer to the Fateweaver. "I've yet to come across an anchor I can't break with enough effort."
>Space compresses on the Fateweaver again. "Does it matter though? Because we can keep doing this. You'll just be stuck, repeatedly getting battered until you can't take the pain anymore. So here's the last chance I'll give you."
No.1632
>>1630>Nodding, Magister then says:"More or less."
>>1631>Gesturing with his gloved hand at the 'Fateweaver', Magister then states:"You don't have to do this. Pride and the Ego never serve us well. You'd do best to consider that."
No.1633
>>1631>The chitin cracks again, then stops cracking."I have no concept of
pain, even if my body is destroyed, it will do nothing, I will just simply reform."
>The spider brings down a leg to attack Orion."But I am
very interested in experimenting with what pain is like for you mortals. . ."
>>1632>From his location behind the creature, Hiroki shouts out to Aiden."You're not getting through to it, philosophy is only useful when the person receiving it wants to hear it-"
>Hiroki sends off another bolt of energy."-trust me, I know that from experience."
No.1634
>>1633"Then I'll just keep at it until you get unbearably bored."
>Again, Orion causes space to crush down on the spider's body. "Or maybe I'll just lock you up somehwere. Even if you escaped that won't stop me from just repeatedly pulling you back."
>Orion looks in Magister's direction."What about you Aiden? What do you think?"
>Orion crosses his legs and assumes a sitting position in the air. No.1635
>>1633>Nodding again at Hiroki, Magister then says:"It was worth a shot. I'm too naive for my own good, I suppose."
>>1634>Magister looks up at Orion and states:"There's nothing they can reasonably do to you - so we're likely fine as long as we contain them here. Your suggestion is one of our best bets though - containment. At least until we can find a way to sever it from the larger timestream."
>He then thinks for a moment, before turning back to Hiroki, stating:"You said that magic is the dispositional movement of energy across time - so non-direct and non-Euclidean energy transfer. Our 'Fateweaver' here is a being that is supposedly connected to the fabric of time. Judging by the fact that he seems to be a fan of our memories - it's clearly not just relative and local time either."
>Pointing up at the 'Fateweaver', Magister continues speaking:"So, we use that against them. Redirect enough energy on a large enough scale to sever his connection to time - assuming you're actually correct, of course."
>Silent for a moment, Magister then states:"Or we can just obliterate them or bind them in several high order dimensional traps, or invert their relative sense of existence. Any of the above."
>Magister then suddenly pulls out a tome from seemingly nowhere as he begins flipping through the pages."Give me a moment…..It should be in here somewhere. A trans-temporal dissociation spell I remember learning a while back……"
No.1636
>>1634"Boredom? I exist on a time scale far beyond what you could ever manage, you could not 'bore' me. . ."
>>1635>The creature focuses a second eye on Magister."You are right though, I cannot hurt you, and you cannot hurt me permanently-"
>As if to underline the point, another bolt of energy hits the spider from Hiroki, once again being healed."-if you wish to contain me. I only see timelines of death down that route, so instead. . ."
>The spider jumps up, crawling along the wall to go past Orion and Magister."I will leave, go somewhere you cannot find me, while I wanted compromise, I can accept living in hiding for the rest of eternity."
No.1637
>>1636>Groaning, Magister looks up at the 'Fateweaver' and finally acts in a direct manner. Making a motion with his gloved hand - he distorts space-time around the localized area. The effect brings the 'Fateweaver' back to the position they were - in front of Magister and Orion and behind Hiroki as well."We're getting somewhere, good. You can't harm us - but since we're not the ones with our hands on the scale of time, it seems we can't entirely destroy you either."
>Pointing up at the ceiling, he then continues speaking:"But if you hate your job
that much? We can probably make a substitute for you - to work in your place. Provided you actually adhere to some terms from us."
>Magister says, crossing his arms as his tome disappears. No.1638
>>1637>The Fateweaver sighs, as much as a spider can."You don't listen, do you?"
>The creature disappears from the spot Magister put it in and reappears where it was before."I understand Time on
far more fundamental level than you ever will. You cannot recreate me, you cannot use Time against me, the only creature that could is
dead. Your distortions are but blips from my view. Your magic, while powerful, cannot hold unless you mean to destroy me completely, for the laws of Time are not yours to command. . ."
>The creature looks at the three sorcerers from its new location."But, given that you won't give up, I will no longer hold back. . ."
>The creature starts "weaving" energy with its front legs."We will start with reverting you to your moments of greatest despair. . ."
No.1640
>>1639>The spider doesn't make any sound as a void forms where it was standing, then the space refills, leaving no trace of it having been there before.
>After a few seconds have passed, and the creature has not reformed, Hiroki let's out a sigh and looks at Orion."Feels kind of like it won with that - in a metaphorical sense, anyway."
>Hiroki looks at where the creature was."What now then?"
No.1641
>>1639>Magister sighs as he then says:"Can't say I feel too sorry for it. At least now the job's done - hopefully."
>Pointing at Hiroki and Orion, Magister then says:"Doesn't seem to be much of a trace left."
>>1640>Magister turns to Hiroki and says:"Still, we need to make sure every trace of this supposed 'Fateweaver' is gone permanently."
>He then looks around the place, stating:"After that…..We just go back to Avo - tell her that the job is done as well."
No.1642
>>1640>>1641>Orion shrugs. "It makes no real difference to me if it feels like it won or not."
>He looks at Magister."Anyway, guess we should go with his suggestion. Then try and figure out what to do about the fact that now there's nobody doing the Fateweaver's job."
No.1643
>>1642>Magister nods in Orion's direction while focusing on the ground. Thinking for a moment, he then says:"This 'Great Vampire' - there may be a reference to it somewhere in the texts. Depends on how well of chronicler Thoth and the rest were. If there's anything that can help us figure out a solution, like with a replacement? It'll be there."
>Looking back up at Orion and Hiroki, Magister then states:"But given how they seemingly just removed themselves from existence - I'm wondering if Time doesn't have a way to reorient itself towards stability. Some sort of backup mechanism so to speak. If it does? Then we should be fine. But if not? Then…."
>Sighing once more, now clearly lost in thought as his mind races for an efficient solution, Magister concludes with:"We're going to figure out something to fix this. We always do."
No.1644
>>1642>>1643>Hiroki thinks for a moment."If we ensure it's completely gone. . . I can keep an eye on things for now-"
>Hiroki shrugs."-maybe. It's not a perfect solution by any means, but it can possibly work for now. Until you can come up with a more permanent solution, or it fixes itself."
"I can't imagine that the timeline was entirely decided by this creature and this so-called 'Great Vampire', so there's likely something out there that will work towards solving this."
No.1645
>>1644>Magister assumes a thinking position with his hands, tapping the side of his chin as he does so."…..I can't assume this was the first time that a trans-temporal incident occurred. Nor can I assume that time had broken irrevocably as a result of that incident. Mainly because if it did, we wouldn't be here by now."
>Looking back at Hiroki and Orion, Magister then states:"We can't ask you to do all of that, frankly because that'd be very bad manners for us. There
is a more workable solution that shouldn't require anyone's sacrifice of personal time. We just have to find it."