ULTRAMagic Interlude - Chapter 7
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“I hate being right…”
“What’s the matter, Blood?” Valentina asked as they made their way through a lobby that branched off into multiple hallways.
“I think Sister and Desislav had a spat. I sensed it… but they seem to be better now.” This was followed by a frustrated sigh.
“Well don’t worry, sweetie. I doubt those two would get angry at each other. It was probably just some pent up frustrations from Desislav’s past…”
“What makes you say that?”
Valentina chuckled and tapped her temple. “I could sense it all those years ago.”
The Magician’s Labyrinth was incredibly beautiful, despite the unease it created. It was clear that Deimos had taken great care in designing the many halls, chambers, libraries, and observatories that lay throughout the structure. Every aspect of the interior design looked as if it were hand crafted. Classical architecture seemed to be favored with an emphasis on columns, archways, balconies, carvings, statues, and paintings. Some areas of the labyrinth differentiated in style, leaning into gothic and romanesque architecture, but retained the overall feel that had been established by Deimos’ tastes. All of it reminded Valentina of Heaven and made her wonder if the architect angels had taken some design cues from Deimos and his work.
The group entered a gigantic chamber that looked like it had been cut from the stone and crystal around them. Auda then noticed something and went over to a spring surrounded by several trees. “Hmm… I think grandma was here.”
“What makes you say that?” Brenna questioned.
“This… give me a second… flower. I remember the scent. Grandma had similar smelling flowers growing from her arms. I can’t remember if this is the exact flower though.”
Valentina took the flower to inspect it. “How pretty…” The scent was hard to describe, but it invoked the idea of one who was at relative peace. “This has to be recent. It’s still fresh and I can sense someone else, the influence of another.”
Blood-Wraith tried to look at it, but had to avert his eyes as a flash of light overwhelmed him. “Argh, red?! What was that?”
“Careful when using your third… er, seventh eye, sweetie.”
“Red, huh?” Brenna thought for a second, then had an epiphany. “Red… that sounds like it could be her grace. Although I’m not sure if I’m at liberty to elaborate further…”
“Oh, is it a secret?” Blood-Wraith was intrigued, but also a little concerned as he rubbed his eyes.
“No, not really. It’s one of those things where you know about it, but you don’t really discuss it. You could say it’s an open secret… It is important for the mission though… You know what? Screw it. Blood, the red you saw might be the essence of the scarlet flame.”
Now Blood-Wraith was confused. “Scarlet Flame? What’s that?”
“Her Grace's side of the family kept it under wraps, but this is what my dad told me: Duchess Rose has an entity connected to her… or maybe it’s inside of her. It’s hard to tell. Either way. It’s called the Scarlet Flame. Apparently it’s not a primordial, but was around during their time. The flame gives Rose all of these cool sword techniques and abilities, but makes her a little chaotic at times. It’s very possible that that essence has rubbed off on Thora. It makes me think that if we find one, we will find the other.”
Auda took the flower back and studied it before returning it to the water. She seemed worried. “Her Grace wouldn’t hurt grandma, would she?”
“Oh no, of course not. Rose was always a dignified, courteous, and kind woman. Plus she had a massive green thumb. It’s why the backyard of the Raynot mansion is a mini forest.”
“Alright then…” Auda stepped out into the open. Her horns began humming and glowing.
“What are you doing?” Blood-Wraith wondered. He had never seen this strange ability before and it was making him very curious.
“Dowsing, I think it’s called…” She focused, then turned to face west. “This way!”
The search resumed itself. Auda’s ability had been taught to her by Sigmund as a way to locate her family. The method was not perfect, however. She often ran into dead ends or other parts of the labyrinth. Fortunately Valentina was able to guide Auda in the right direction. Despite Brenna’s apprehension back in the Iron City, Auda was proving quite valuable as they kept finding traces of Thora.
Valentina was noticing a lot of things the others were not picking up on. Occasionally they would encounter odd contraptions that could not be immediately explained. To the dark angel’s eye, they looked like instruments of sorts. Some even resembled machines intended to record data. It was very odd indeed and made her wonder just what they were all for. Of course she dared not interfere with them, lest she mess something up. She had an annoying habit of her curiosity getting the best of her in the past. On one hand, she met Blood-Wraith on a trip to gain knowledge. On the other hand, she accidentally created a sentient black hole now residing in the Deep Unlight during the war.
The four stopped to take a break in a temple-like chamber made of white and black marble. It was quite beautiful and calming, providing an ideal spot to rest. “How are you hanging in there, Val?” Blood-Wraith was concerned about her mood.
“Oh? Fine, fine. I was actually contemplating exploring this place before you showed up. It’s certainly helping me get my mind off my troubles.”
“And you’re sure you’re doing better now?”
She nodded. “Yes, yes I am. Oh, Blood? Who made this armor of yours? The craftsmanship is exquisite.”
“Darkness, my brother…cousin, did. We were training before the battle with the Lich. He came up with this. It allows me to use the powers of my other forms without turning into them.” He paused as a thought he could not ignore occurred to him. “Val? Would you know if someone passed on?”
“Well I suppose I would… ah, oh… This is about Leif, isn’t it?” Blood-Wraith nodded slowly. Valentina put her hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know the exact details, but I did sense a great presence enter the Ennead and descend into the Ogdoad before I left for the Magician’s Labyrinth.”
Blood-Wraith smiled, hinting at a slight catharsis. “Thank you, Val. That helps a lot.” He then got up and stretched his limbs. “Val, can you… would you stay in the Iron City for a bit when we get back?”
“Sure, that would be fine with me. Plus I still need to tutor you… in Alchemy…” The realization hit her dead on. “Oh my goodness! Blood, I am so sorry!” Time got away from me and I just… I just…”
Blood-Wraith quieted her with a raised hand. “It’s alright. We’re here now, aren’t we?”
“Er, yes, yes we are.” She sighed. “On the bright side, you must meet my daughter when you get the chance.”
The two began walking back to Auda and Brenna. “Oh, did you get married?” Blood-Wraith inquired.
“No, not yet. She just popped up out of nowhere. One minute I’m reading an ancient tome and the next a helpless baby girl is crying for her mother.”
“Aw. What’s her name?”
“Gabriella. And she grew up into quite the fine angel, if I do say so myself.”
Brenna noticed that Valentina and Blood-Wraith had rejoined them. “Perfect timing, you two. We need your help…”
“Yeah, this door only opens so far,” Auda clarified.
Before them was a grand, magnificent, stone door. It was truly majestic and engraved with strange runes that Valentina immediately recognized. “My my, ancient angel language. Not too many beside my kind know this.”
“Can you read it, Val?” Blood-Wraith asked.
“Absolutely. One of my other friends is an Ophanim who was adamant about teaching me this stuff…” Valentina got to work deciphering the door. What she found was a puzzle in the form of a riddle. It asked for the difference between a Seraphim, Ophanim, and a Cherubim in a very witty way. She laughed to herself as she finished the puzzle, causing the door to open. “Well Deimos certainly has a delightful sense of humor.”
Blood-Wraith could sense the comedy and chuckled. “Can you have your friend teach me that language?”
“I don’t see why not. He’s probably already divined you asking that as a matter of fact.”
Moving deeper into the labyrinth, everybody began to notice that things were getting stranger. The architecture became non-euclidian and unknown entities could be spotted here and there. The most common were humanoids made of metal and what looked like flame. Typically they avoided the group and fled when approached. It was bizarre as the group could sense great power coming from them. Valentina was able to identify these mysterious interlopers as the Ar’ton. They were higher dimensional beings that were incredibly elusive in the Cosmos proper.
“Hey, hey!” Brenna called out as she ran after one. “Ah shucks… Hey, you! Got a minute?” No luck. “Dang it. They’re quite skittish, aren’t they?”
“It’s interesting that we’re seeing such a concentration of them,” Valentina pointed out. “I wonder what that implies for the labyrinth…”
“I’m telling you all-there’s another Unlight out there!” Auda asserted confidently.
Blood-Wraith looked at the floor and tapped his foot a couple of times. “You know, Auda? I feel you might be onto something. I’m getting all sorts of weird vibes from this place.”
Continuing onwards, a new puzzle presented itself to them. In an incredibly tall room was a strange series of disconnected staircases. Each had a panel of levers at the center of them. Brenna figured the stairs were the way forward and Valentina deduced they had to be moved in a certain way. Of course Auda charged forward and began moving the first one around. As she moved, so did the other staircases. Valentina noticed a new set of stairs was available, asked Auda to stop for a second, and climbed the stairs to get to the control panel. Realizing that it was a process to be worked through, she instructed the others to follow in her steps.
“Shoot, Almost there…” Valentina ran some of her hair through her fingers as she looked around at the staircases that still needed to be moved into position.
“Val, where should I rotate?” Blood-Wraith called out.
“Um…hmm…Oh! I got it! Blood, rotate clockwise 90 degrees!”
Blood-Wraith pulled the lever, causing a chain reaction that lined up everyone with the exit. “Whoa, nice…”
“Way to go, Blood” Brenna congratulated as she caught up with him. The group then made their way up the stairs and out the exit.
A thought occurred to Blood-Wraith. “Hey, Val? Could you have flown past that puzzle?”
“Probably, but where would the fun be in doing that? It’s not like we’re in a rush or anything. Likewise, I could ask the same of you.”
“Well it did cross my mind, but I wanted to show respect to uncle Deimos.”
Auda giggled. “Plus it was fun.”
Blood-Wraith gave her a high five. “That too.”
Brenna then stopped the group, as she was sensing something. “Shh… follow me…” She quietly led them behind a corner. “Val, who’s that?” She whispered.
Valentina peaked her head out to see a robed and hooded figure with giant wings coming from his back. “Is that… Is that an angel?”
“Eh? You tell me?”
“My apologies, but I have no idea who that is…”
Brenna was confused. “Well that’s not good. I thought you guys were supposed to recognize each other.”
After a couple seconds of apprehension, Blood-Wraith made up his mind. “Alright then, I’ll just go and say hi to him…”
“Blood, wait! No-you’re the VIP…” Brenna whispered-yelled.
Blood-Wraith was a little nervous, but spoke clearly. “Hey there, I’m Blood-Wraith. Who are you?”
The angel turned to him, his robes creating an imposing presence. Taking off his hood revealed he had a metal body and six, shining eyes. They were much like Blood-Wraith’s, each glowing with a color of the rainbow. These eyes would merge into a standard pair, like the entity had shifted his focus from something special he was studying. Red lines also appeared to be all over his body and pulsed with light like a heartbeat. Looking down at the boy, he smiled like he ran into a good friend.
“Blood-Wraith Raynot, I was wondering when I’d finally meet you.”
“You already know me?”
“Sort of. Allow me to introduce myself: I am ULTRAMagic Ultimatum, but you can just call me Ultimatum for now. I see you’ve also achieved ULTRAMagic. Would you mind if I discussed that with you?”
“Oh, um, sure. Go ahead.”
“Excellent. Although I should first explain myself a bit.” Ultimatum looked towards the others. “Please, come sit. I’d like to meet you too.”
Next: Chapter 8
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
“I hate being right…”
“What’s the matter, Blood?” Valentina asked as they made their way through a lobby that branched off into multiple hallways.
“I think Sister and Desislav had a spat. I sensed it… but they seem to be better now.” This was followed by a frustrated sigh.
“Well don’t worry, sweetie. I doubt those two would get angry at each other. It was probably just some pent up frustrations from Desislav’s past…”
“What makes you say that?”
Valentina chuckled and tapped her temple. “I could sense it all those years ago.”
The Magician’s Labyrinth was incredibly beautiful, despite the unease it created. It was clear that Deimos had taken great care in designing the many halls, chambers, libraries, and observatories that lay throughout the structure. Every aspect of the interior design looked as if it were hand crafted. Classical architecture seemed to be favored with an emphasis on columns, archways, balconies, carvings, statues, and paintings. Some areas of the labyrinth differentiated in style, leaning into gothic and romanesque architecture, but retained the overall feel that had been established by Deimos’ tastes. All of it reminded Valentina of Heaven and made her wonder if the architect angels had taken some design cues from Deimos and his work.
The group entered a gigantic chamber that looked like it had been cut from the stone and crystal around them. Auda then noticed something and went over to a spring surrounded by several trees. “Hmm… I think grandma was here.”
“What makes you say that?” Brenna questioned.
“This… give me a second… flower. I remember the scent. Grandma had similar smelling flowers growing from her arms. I can’t remember if this is the exact flower though.”
Valentina took the flower to inspect it. “How pretty…” The scent was hard to describe, but it invoked the idea of one who was at relative peace. “This has to be recent. It’s still fresh and I can sense someone else, the influence of another.”
Blood-Wraith tried to look at it, but had to avert his eyes as a flash of light overwhelmed him. “Argh, red?! What was that?”
“Careful when using your third… er, seventh eye, sweetie.”
“Red, huh?” Brenna thought for a second, then had an epiphany. “Red… that sounds like it could be her grace. Although I’m not sure if I’m at liberty to elaborate further…”
“Oh, is it a secret?” Blood-Wraith was intrigued, but also a little concerned as he rubbed his eyes.
“No, not really. It’s one of those things where you know about it, but you don’t really discuss it. You could say it’s an open secret… It is important for the mission though… You know what? Screw it. Blood, the red you saw might be the essence of the scarlet flame.”
Now Blood-Wraith was confused. “Scarlet Flame? What’s that?”
“Her Grace's side of the family kept it under wraps, but this is what my dad told me: Duchess Rose has an entity connected to her… or maybe it’s inside of her. It’s hard to tell. Either way. It’s called the Scarlet Flame. Apparently it’s not a primordial, but was around during their time. The flame gives Rose all of these cool sword techniques and abilities, but makes her a little chaotic at times. It’s very possible that that essence has rubbed off on Thora. It makes me think that if we find one, we will find the other.”
Auda took the flower back and studied it before returning it to the water. She seemed worried. “Her Grace wouldn’t hurt grandma, would she?”
“Oh no, of course not. Rose was always a dignified, courteous, and kind woman. Plus she had a massive green thumb. It’s why the backyard of the Raynot mansion is a mini forest.”
“Alright then…” Auda stepped out into the open. Her horns began humming and glowing.
“What are you doing?” Blood-Wraith wondered. He had never seen this strange ability before and it was making him very curious.
“Dowsing, I think it’s called…” She focused, then turned to face west. “This way!”
The search resumed itself. Auda’s ability had been taught to her by Sigmund as a way to locate her family. The method was not perfect, however. She often ran into dead ends or other parts of the labyrinth. Fortunately Valentina was able to guide Auda in the right direction. Despite Brenna’s apprehension back in the Iron City, Auda was proving quite valuable as they kept finding traces of Thora.
Valentina was noticing a lot of things the others were not picking up on. Occasionally they would encounter odd contraptions that could not be immediately explained. To the dark angel’s eye, they looked like instruments of sorts. Some even resembled machines intended to record data. It was very odd indeed and made her wonder just what they were all for. Of course she dared not interfere with them, lest she mess something up. She had an annoying habit of her curiosity getting the best of her in the past. On one hand, she met Blood-Wraith on a trip to gain knowledge. On the other hand, she accidentally created a sentient black hole now residing in the Deep Unlight during the war.
The four stopped to take a break in a temple-like chamber made of white and black marble. It was quite beautiful and calming, providing an ideal spot to rest. “How are you hanging in there, Val?” Blood-Wraith was concerned about her mood.
“Oh? Fine, fine. I was actually contemplating exploring this place before you showed up. It’s certainly helping me get my mind off my troubles.”
“And you’re sure you’re doing better now?”
She nodded. “Yes, yes I am. Oh, Blood? Who made this armor of yours? The craftsmanship is exquisite.”
“Darkness, my brother…cousin, did. We were training before the battle with the Lich. He came up with this. It allows me to use the powers of my other forms without turning into them.” He paused as a thought he could not ignore occurred to him. “Val? Would you know if someone passed on?”
“Well I suppose I would… ah, oh… This is about Leif, isn’t it?” Blood-Wraith nodded slowly. Valentina put her hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know the exact details, but I did sense a great presence enter the Ennead and descend into the Ogdoad before I left for the Magician’s Labyrinth.”
Blood-Wraith smiled, hinting at a slight catharsis. “Thank you, Val. That helps a lot.” He then got up and stretched his limbs. “Val, can you… would you stay in the Iron City for a bit when we get back?”
“Sure, that would be fine with me. Plus I still need to tutor you… in Alchemy…” The realization hit her dead on. “Oh my goodness! Blood, I am so sorry!” Time got away from me and I just… I just…”
Blood-Wraith quieted her with a raised hand. “It’s alright. We’re here now, aren’t we?”
“Er, yes, yes we are.” She sighed. “On the bright side, you must meet my daughter when you get the chance.”
The two began walking back to Auda and Brenna. “Oh, did you get married?” Blood-Wraith inquired.
“No, not yet. She just popped up out of nowhere. One minute I’m reading an ancient tome and the next a helpless baby girl is crying for her mother.”
“Aw. What’s her name?”
“Gabriella. And she grew up into quite the fine angel, if I do say so myself.”
Brenna noticed that Valentina and Blood-Wraith had rejoined them. “Perfect timing, you two. We need your help…”
“Yeah, this door only opens so far,” Auda clarified.
Before them was a grand, magnificent, stone door. It was truly majestic and engraved with strange runes that Valentina immediately recognized. “My my, ancient angel language. Not too many beside my kind know this.”
“Can you read it, Val?” Blood-Wraith asked.
“Absolutely. One of my other friends is an Ophanim who was adamant about teaching me this stuff…” Valentina got to work deciphering the door. What she found was a puzzle in the form of a riddle. It asked for the difference between a Seraphim, Ophanim, and a Cherubim in a very witty way. She laughed to herself as she finished the puzzle, causing the door to open. “Well Deimos certainly has a delightful sense of humor.”
Blood-Wraith could sense the comedy and chuckled. “Can you have your friend teach me that language?”
“I don’t see why not. He’s probably already divined you asking that as a matter of fact.”
Moving deeper into the labyrinth, everybody began to notice that things were getting stranger. The architecture became non-euclidian and unknown entities could be spotted here and there. The most common were humanoids made of metal and what looked like flame. Typically they avoided the group and fled when approached. It was bizarre as the group could sense great power coming from them. Valentina was able to identify these mysterious interlopers as the Ar’ton. They were higher dimensional beings that were incredibly elusive in the Cosmos proper.
“Hey, hey!” Brenna called out as she ran after one. “Ah shucks… Hey, you! Got a minute?” No luck. “Dang it. They’re quite skittish, aren’t they?”
“It’s interesting that we’re seeing such a concentration of them,” Valentina pointed out. “I wonder what that implies for the labyrinth…”
“I’m telling you all-there’s another Unlight out there!” Auda asserted confidently.
Blood-Wraith looked at the floor and tapped his foot a couple of times. “You know, Auda? I feel you might be onto something. I’m getting all sorts of weird vibes from this place.”
Continuing onwards, a new puzzle presented itself to them. In an incredibly tall room was a strange series of disconnected staircases. Each had a panel of levers at the center of them. Brenna figured the stairs were the way forward and Valentina deduced they had to be moved in a certain way. Of course Auda charged forward and began moving the first one around. As she moved, so did the other staircases. Valentina noticed a new set of stairs was available, asked Auda to stop for a second, and climbed the stairs to get to the control panel. Realizing that it was a process to be worked through, she instructed the others to follow in her steps.
“Shoot, Almost there…” Valentina ran some of her hair through her fingers as she looked around at the staircases that still needed to be moved into position.
“Val, where should I rotate?” Blood-Wraith called out.
“Um…hmm…Oh! I got it! Blood, rotate clockwise 90 degrees!”
Blood-Wraith pulled the lever, causing a chain reaction that lined up everyone with the exit. “Whoa, nice…”
“Way to go, Blood” Brenna congratulated as she caught up with him. The group then made their way up the stairs and out the exit.
A thought occurred to Blood-Wraith. “Hey, Val? Could you have flown past that puzzle?”
“Probably, but where would the fun be in doing that? It’s not like we’re in a rush or anything. Likewise, I could ask the same of you.”
“Well it did cross my mind, but I wanted to show respect to uncle Deimos.”
Auda giggled. “Plus it was fun.”
Blood-Wraith gave her a high five. “That too.”
Brenna then stopped the group, as she was sensing something. “Shh… follow me…” She quietly led them behind a corner. “Val, who’s that?” She whispered.
Valentina peaked her head out to see a robed and hooded figure with giant wings coming from his back. “Is that… Is that an angel?”
“Eh? You tell me?”
“My apologies, but I have no idea who that is…”
Brenna was confused. “Well that’s not good. I thought you guys were supposed to recognize each other.”
After a couple seconds of apprehension, Blood-Wraith made up his mind. “Alright then, I’ll just go and say hi to him…”
“Blood, wait! No-you’re the VIP…” Brenna whispered-yelled.
Blood-Wraith was a little nervous, but spoke clearly. “Hey there, I’m Blood-Wraith. Who are you?”
The angel turned to him, his robes creating an imposing presence. Taking off his hood revealed he had a metal body and six, shining eyes. They were much like Blood-Wraith’s, each glowing with a color of the rainbow. These eyes would merge into a standard pair, like the entity had shifted his focus from something special he was studying. Red lines also appeared to be all over his body and pulsed with light like a heartbeat. Looking down at the boy, he smiled like he ran into a good friend.
“Blood-Wraith Raynot, I was wondering when I’d finally meet you.”
“You already know me?”
“Sort of. Allow me to introduce myself: I am ULTRAMagic Ultimatum, but you can just call me Ultimatum for now. I see you’ve also achieved ULTRAMagic. Would you mind if I discussed that with you?”
“Oh, um, sure. Go ahead.”
“Excellent. Although I should first explain myself a bit.” Ultimatum looked towards the others. “Please, come sit. I’d like to meet you too.”
Next: Chapter 8
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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