ULTRAMagic Chaos - Chapter 12
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“Tusk, may I ask about why you chose to be a tree for so long?” Driskoll inquired as he moved one of his pieces.
“I don’t know. I guess it just turned into one of those moments where you don’t know what to do and become content with doing nothing. My excuse was that I was looking for answers when in reality I was running from my duties. What was I supposed to do though? My mom vanished, the Forest wouldn’t sit still, and let’s not forget about that dumb Lich…”
“In hindsight I should have sent some of my own to follow in your path against the Lich. That way you would have had someone to talk to.”
Tusk sighed and moved a piece into a counter position. “Yeah, in hindsight… Dunja was actually making me consider getting up early, truth be told. That changed when Deimos showed up. I spent years feeling like Cosmos was weighing on my back only for that weirdo to come along rambling about how he and some angel were going to fix everything. There was also this new mage going to come along and help set everything right. All of that threw me for a massive loop. Okay then, I’ll just remain as a tree for a year longer!”
Driskoll chuckled. “Well it all worked out in the end, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, but then I went and messed everything up again.”
“Nonsense. You set Blood-Wraith on the right path, didn’t you?”
“I guess so…”
Mayhem and Razor had been silently watching. “Mayhem, who’s winning?” Razor asked.
“Um… I’m not sure” he replied. Tusk and Driskoll’s game looked like it could go either way. They both heard that, but did not want the other getting the upper hand.
“You’re going to have to get back into the swing of things, Tusk,” Driskoll cautioned. “The waters of time ebb and flow and right now I’d say we're going into a high tide.”
“Oh, lovely…”
“What do you plan to do after all of this?”
“Well, I could get back into exploring, now that I don’t have to worry about saving everything.”
Driskoll placed his rook into an ideal position. “A fine idea, as you could find the answers you were seeking.”
Tusk moved his queen. “Honestly, I already found most of them. Check.”
This caught the god by surprise. “Well I’ll be. Good game, Tusk.” He held out his hand, admitting defeat.
Tusk shook hands with his stone arm, only to experience a strange feeling. It started out tingly, turning into an electrifying sensation. His body shook and convulsed as he felt something change. When he finally had control again, Tusk yanked his arm back. For a moment he had forgotten about his stone arm until he looked down…
“What was… MY ARM!” Tusk exclaimed. “It’s back!” Razor quickly leapt up to inspect his now wooden right arm.
“Well in a sense,” Driskoll pointed out. “I can’t bring your original arm back, but I was able to convert your stone arm into a true piece of your body.”
Razor noticed a line in the bark around where the stone once connected. “Huh, I guess a scar or two is unavoidable.”
Tusk’s Philosopher’s Stone had fallen to the floor, so Mayhem picked it up. “Here you go, Tusk. I’m guessing you can’t put it back into your hand…”
He shook his head. “Some of my people have modified their bodies to be compatible with tools, but I’m not going to do that. I did have a gauntlet back in the day, but I lost it…”
“Are you referring to this one?” Driskoll asked as he went to a chest and returned with it.
Tusk’s jaw dropped. He then took the metal plated leather glove and embedded his stone in the socket on the dorsal side. “Where did you find this?” He asked as he secured the straps.
“You dropped it in the mud before you left my realm last time.”
He went and hugged Driskoll. “Thank you. This…” He held up his right hand. “This makes me feel better.”
Mayhem looked positively energetic. “Most excellent! Shall we head back to Ealdhelm and relay the good news?”
“Now hold up, boys,” Driskoll interrupted. “It’s getting late. How about we hop on over to Greenwater for something to eat?”
That was fine with the three. Before they set out, Driskoll went to the top of his fort to beckon Dragutin down. He figured the jabberwock would like to rest his wings. Greenwater was naturally honored to have their lord present, so they set up a feast in his honor. Not everyone could attend, but those who did were overjoyed to hear Driskoll confirm that they would no longer be supporting Wulfric’s ambitions.
The feast was very fun, as there was plenty of great food to go around and music throughout the night. Tusk and Cyneberht were brought back to more peaceful times and they were all for it. Of course Tusk still knew the last two Discordant Gods were not going to go smoothly, so he began quietly preparing himself. Thankfully it did not bother his sleep that night.
In the morning, Gaius took Tusk, Razor, and Mayhem back to the village. Cyneberht was there to greet them. “Tusk, I’ve decided I’m going to stay here a bit longer.”
“Okay then. Homesick?”
“A little. I also want to do some catching up and help get things back in order when people start visiting the realm again.”
“Very good, lad,” Gaius complimented. “Just remember that Wulfric hasn’t given up yet.”
“I know. If he mobilizes or Ealdhelm challenges him before I’m done, I’ll be back before anyone knows it.”
With all of that cleared up, Tusk and the others began their return trip to Droomopolis. Gaius was happy to see the city again as he considered it a home away from home. It had not changed all that much since he was last there, all things considered. He was especially eager to visit the Droomopolis Academy of Magic again, as he had taught alchemy classes there before Wulfric’s campaign. As the group made their way to the monastery, they ran into Ultimatum.
“Hey, guys! Everything go well?”
Tusk went right up to the angel. “Excuse me, but where have you been since the ceremony?”
“My apologies, something relating to Lucanus, the God of Law, popped up and I had to help him out.”
“Who’s Lucanus?” Razor wondered.
“He’s one of the few gods of order coherent enough to properly manifest himself,” Gaius answered.
Ultimatum nodded in confirmation. “Him and Lilach, The God of Life, are the only two at the moment. Lucanus was in the Night Realm receiving counsel from The Hydra of Old when he realized there was a new God of Order emerging in Purgatory.”
Gaius looked a little concerned. “Really now? Do you know what its domains are?”
Ultimatum exhaled. “We’re not sure, but it might be something relating to piety.”
“Intriguing!” Mayhem exclaimed. “But given the track record of the Gods of Order…”
“Indeed, it could go either way,” Gaius concluded. “Either we have a god that promotes reverence or a god that has people trying to worship too many gods at once.”
“Here’s hoping it doesn’t end up creating nonsense like false religions in the Cosmos proper,” Ultimatum remarked. “We don’t need more money or cult worshiping hogwash…”
Arriving at the monastery, Ealdhelm was waiting patiently in the main courtyard. He welcomed Gaius and pointed him in the direction of the other arbiters. As for Tusk and Razor, he wanted to strike while the iron was hot, or so it seemed. Some interesting developments had popped up and a golden opportunity had been potentially laid at their doorstep. Ealdhelm was a bit worried, but was also confident that they could make a noticeable change in the conflict. That was already happening to begin with, but more progress was always a good thing.
“Don’t get comfy, gentlemen. You’re heading to Delphine’s realm soon.”
“Already, Ealdhelm?” Tusk questioned. “We just got back though.”
Razor took a calming breath. “I mean, I guess we can. It’s not like Driskoll’s realm really required our muscle.”
“Ah haha, I’m going to have to take a raincheck on that one…” Mayhem replied, indicating his mud stained clothes.
“Randalph has requested your presence here, Mayhem,” Ealdhelm responded.
“Oh, alright then,” he said as he started to walk off. “Best of luck, you two!”
Mizuki approached the group. “Konnichiwa, Tusk and Razor. I’ve studied up and will be joining you on this mission.” She looked confident and ready to go.
Tusk took a breath, with it sounding more like a groan. “HOLD UP,” He said with his hands up.
“Tusk, you got your arm back!” Ealdhelm noticed.
“You can thank Driskoll for that. Ealdhelm, are you sure about sending these two? The instant one of Delphine’s servants comes sauntering up to them they’ll be head over heels wanting to serve Delphine…”
“HEY!” Razor and Mizuki said in unison.
“Well I figured it would be a good exercise in resisting temptation, since they are going to be joining the ULTRAMagic Guild eventually,” Ealdhelm explained.
Tusk crossed his arms. “Hum, I guess that’s a fair point.”
“Maxima and Adelheid will be joining you, so there’s also that.”
“Alright, Alright… wait, Adelheid? Are you sure about this?”
Ealdhelm inhaled, put his hands together, and exhaled. “She was very insistent…”
Adelheid proudly approached them wearing sharp, dark armor that invoked the idea of blood. “Let’s not dawdle. The sooner we deal with that upstart of a god, the better.”
Tusk noticed Maxima walk up and turned to face her. “Is she okay?” he asked quietly.
“No. It sounds like she has a grudge to settle.” Maxima then leaned in over to Razor and Mizuki. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”
“Anything else to say before we depart, Ealdhelm?” Adelheid asked.
“I understand your conflict with Delphine, but try not to let it get the best of you, dear.”
Adelheid averted her gaze for a moment, then looked him in the eye. “I’ll do my best and then some.”
The trip to Delphine’s realm was odd. Tusk knew they would have to get serious, but Adelheid was taking it too seriously. Delphine being married to Wulfric did complicate things a bit, but they still needed to be diplomatic, not confrontational. Tusk groaned and mumbled as they walked, his anxiety mounting. He looked at Razor and Mizuki, then at Adelheid. Feeling his irritation reaching a boiling point, he got right in front of the god and stopped the group in their tracks.
“Is there a problem, Tusk?” Razor asked.
“Yeah. What’s your damage, Adelheid?”
She scoffed. “You dare get in the way of a Discordant God?”
“Yes, I dare,” Tusk snapped back.
This caused Adelheid to back up a step. “Fine. State your grievances.”
He took a breath, readying himself. “I wanted to put my feet up today before we set out again. Just a little rest before we embark into the headache that is going to be Delphine’s realm. I can sense feelings and emotions as a tree person and YOU are a massive knot of petty anger and jealousy. What’s your deal?”
She furrowed her eyebrows and stuck her nose up. “If you must know, I have a score to settle with Delphine and now is the time.”
“You have a score in the first place?” Maxima innocently questioned.
This defused Adelheid’s fervor, causing her to lose her footing. “Yes, of course I do! She thinks she’s better than me!”
Tusk was confused in an annoyed way. “Delphine is the god of desire, glory, riches, skill, and love. Pride’s only ever been attributed to her…”
“So!? She’s still an overly proud little brat that needs to be disciplined!”
“Has she actually said she’s better than you though?” Razor inquired.
Adelheid glared at him and flared her nostrils. “Cease this useless dithering. Wulfric knows what’s going on, so we have no time to waste!” She marched right past Tusk, so the group had no choice but to continue on.
Mizuki got in between Tusk and Razor. “You two are very brave. Confronting gods like that is unheard of where I’m from,” she said quietly.
Tusk groaned again. “Petty snob, I miss adventuring with Blood…”
Razor chuckled. “Personally I stand by what I say, god or no god.”
“All of this is a consequence of her domains” Maxima clarified. “They’re inherently orderly, causing her to desire…”
“I know you’re talking about me,” Adelheid pointed out, annoyed.
“... more chaos in her life” Maxima finished.
“I had no idea the Discordant Gods were this complex,” Razor admitted.
Maxima sighed. “Truthfully this kind of chaos drives me up a wall.” She bent down to grab a crystal. “We’re getting close. Crystal is Delphine’s secondary affinity, with the first being fire.”
Mizuki nodded, albeit confused. “Crystal I can understand, but fire?”
“Fire is an element of comfort and passion,” Tusk replied. “You need it for the kind of things Delphine covets. And of course I just so happen to be a tree…”
Maxima patted him on the back. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I doubt Delphine will treat you like a scarecrow.”
“And if she does, I’ll throttle her with utmost haste and fury,” Adelheid reassured.
Tusk was not sure how to feel about that declaration. “Aye yai yai, let’s just get this over with” he said as he kicked a loose crystal aside.
“Oh my goodness!” Razor exclaimed as they approached the realm, getting a good look at what was awaiting them.
Next: Chapter 13
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
“Tusk, may I ask about why you chose to be a tree for so long?” Driskoll inquired as he moved one of his pieces.
“I don’t know. I guess it just turned into one of those moments where you don’t know what to do and become content with doing nothing. My excuse was that I was looking for answers when in reality I was running from my duties. What was I supposed to do though? My mom vanished, the Forest wouldn’t sit still, and let’s not forget about that dumb Lich…”
“In hindsight I should have sent some of my own to follow in your path against the Lich. That way you would have had someone to talk to.”
Tusk sighed and moved a piece into a counter position. “Yeah, in hindsight… Dunja was actually making me consider getting up early, truth be told. That changed when Deimos showed up. I spent years feeling like Cosmos was weighing on my back only for that weirdo to come along rambling about how he and some angel were going to fix everything. There was also this new mage going to come along and help set everything right. All of that threw me for a massive loop. Okay then, I’ll just remain as a tree for a year longer!”
Driskoll chuckled. “Well it all worked out in the end, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, but then I went and messed everything up again.”
“Nonsense. You set Blood-Wraith on the right path, didn’t you?”
“I guess so…”
Mayhem and Razor had been silently watching. “Mayhem, who’s winning?” Razor asked.
“Um… I’m not sure” he replied. Tusk and Driskoll’s game looked like it could go either way. They both heard that, but did not want the other getting the upper hand.
“You’re going to have to get back into the swing of things, Tusk,” Driskoll cautioned. “The waters of time ebb and flow and right now I’d say we're going into a high tide.”
“Oh, lovely…”
“What do you plan to do after all of this?”
“Well, I could get back into exploring, now that I don’t have to worry about saving everything.”
Driskoll placed his rook into an ideal position. “A fine idea, as you could find the answers you were seeking.”
Tusk moved his queen. “Honestly, I already found most of them. Check.”
This caught the god by surprise. “Well I’ll be. Good game, Tusk.” He held out his hand, admitting defeat.
Tusk shook hands with his stone arm, only to experience a strange feeling. It started out tingly, turning into an electrifying sensation. His body shook and convulsed as he felt something change. When he finally had control again, Tusk yanked his arm back. For a moment he had forgotten about his stone arm until he looked down…
“What was… MY ARM!” Tusk exclaimed. “It’s back!” Razor quickly leapt up to inspect his now wooden right arm.
“Well in a sense,” Driskoll pointed out. “I can’t bring your original arm back, but I was able to convert your stone arm into a true piece of your body.”
Razor noticed a line in the bark around where the stone once connected. “Huh, I guess a scar or two is unavoidable.”
Tusk’s Philosopher’s Stone had fallen to the floor, so Mayhem picked it up. “Here you go, Tusk. I’m guessing you can’t put it back into your hand…”
He shook his head. “Some of my people have modified their bodies to be compatible with tools, but I’m not going to do that. I did have a gauntlet back in the day, but I lost it…”
“Are you referring to this one?” Driskoll asked as he went to a chest and returned with it.
Tusk’s jaw dropped. He then took the metal plated leather glove and embedded his stone in the socket on the dorsal side. “Where did you find this?” He asked as he secured the straps.
“You dropped it in the mud before you left my realm last time.”
He went and hugged Driskoll. “Thank you. This…” He held up his right hand. “This makes me feel better.”
Mayhem looked positively energetic. “Most excellent! Shall we head back to Ealdhelm and relay the good news?”
“Now hold up, boys,” Driskoll interrupted. “It’s getting late. How about we hop on over to Greenwater for something to eat?”
That was fine with the three. Before they set out, Driskoll went to the top of his fort to beckon Dragutin down. He figured the jabberwock would like to rest his wings. Greenwater was naturally honored to have their lord present, so they set up a feast in his honor. Not everyone could attend, but those who did were overjoyed to hear Driskoll confirm that they would no longer be supporting Wulfric’s ambitions.
The feast was very fun, as there was plenty of great food to go around and music throughout the night. Tusk and Cyneberht were brought back to more peaceful times and they were all for it. Of course Tusk still knew the last two Discordant Gods were not going to go smoothly, so he began quietly preparing himself. Thankfully it did not bother his sleep that night.
In the morning, Gaius took Tusk, Razor, and Mayhem back to the village. Cyneberht was there to greet them. “Tusk, I’ve decided I’m going to stay here a bit longer.”
“Okay then. Homesick?”
“A little. I also want to do some catching up and help get things back in order when people start visiting the realm again.”
“Very good, lad,” Gaius complimented. “Just remember that Wulfric hasn’t given up yet.”
“I know. If he mobilizes or Ealdhelm challenges him before I’m done, I’ll be back before anyone knows it.”
With all of that cleared up, Tusk and the others began their return trip to Droomopolis. Gaius was happy to see the city again as he considered it a home away from home. It had not changed all that much since he was last there, all things considered. He was especially eager to visit the Droomopolis Academy of Magic again, as he had taught alchemy classes there before Wulfric’s campaign. As the group made their way to the monastery, they ran into Ultimatum.
“Hey, guys! Everything go well?”
Tusk went right up to the angel. “Excuse me, but where have you been since the ceremony?”
“My apologies, something relating to Lucanus, the God of Law, popped up and I had to help him out.”
“Who’s Lucanus?” Razor wondered.
“He’s one of the few gods of order coherent enough to properly manifest himself,” Gaius answered.
Ultimatum nodded in confirmation. “Him and Lilach, The God of Life, are the only two at the moment. Lucanus was in the Night Realm receiving counsel from The Hydra of Old when he realized there was a new God of Order emerging in Purgatory.”
Gaius looked a little concerned. “Really now? Do you know what its domains are?”
Ultimatum exhaled. “We’re not sure, but it might be something relating to piety.”
“Intriguing!” Mayhem exclaimed. “But given the track record of the Gods of Order…”
“Indeed, it could go either way,” Gaius concluded. “Either we have a god that promotes reverence or a god that has people trying to worship too many gods at once.”
“Here’s hoping it doesn’t end up creating nonsense like false religions in the Cosmos proper,” Ultimatum remarked. “We don’t need more money or cult worshiping hogwash…”
Arriving at the monastery, Ealdhelm was waiting patiently in the main courtyard. He welcomed Gaius and pointed him in the direction of the other arbiters. As for Tusk and Razor, he wanted to strike while the iron was hot, or so it seemed. Some interesting developments had popped up and a golden opportunity had been potentially laid at their doorstep. Ealdhelm was a bit worried, but was also confident that they could make a noticeable change in the conflict. That was already happening to begin with, but more progress was always a good thing.
“Don’t get comfy, gentlemen. You’re heading to Delphine’s realm soon.”
“Already, Ealdhelm?” Tusk questioned. “We just got back though.”
Razor took a calming breath. “I mean, I guess we can. It’s not like Driskoll’s realm really required our muscle.”
“Ah haha, I’m going to have to take a raincheck on that one…” Mayhem replied, indicating his mud stained clothes.
“Randalph has requested your presence here, Mayhem,” Ealdhelm responded.
“Oh, alright then,” he said as he started to walk off. “Best of luck, you two!”
Mizuki approached the group. “Konnichiwa, Tusk and Razor. I’ve studied up and will be joining you on this mission.” She looked confident and ready to go.
Tusk took a breath, with it sounding more like a groan. “HOLD UP,” He said with his hands up.
“Tusk, you got your arm back!” Ealdhelm noticed.
“You can thank Driskoll for that. Ealdhelm, are you sure about sending these two? The instant one of Delphine’s servants comes sauntering up to them they’ll be head over heels wanting to serve Delphine…”
“HEY!” Razor and Mizuki said in unison.
“Well I figured it would be a good exercise in resisting temptation, since they are going to be joining the ULTRAMagic Guild eventually,” Ealdhelm explained.
Tusk crossed his arms. “Hum, I guess that’s a fair point.”
“Maxima and Adelheid will be joining you, so there’s also that.”
“Alright, Alright… wait, Adelheid? Are you sure about this?”
Ealdhelm inhaled, put his hands together, and exhaled. “She was very insistent…”
Adelheid proudly approached them wearing sharp, dark armor that invoked the idea of blood. “Let’s not dawdle. The sooner we deal with that upstart of a god, the better.”
Tusk noticed Maxima walk up and turned to face her. “Is she okay?” he asked quietly.
“No. It sounds like she has a grudge to settle.” Maxima then leaned in over to Razor and Mizuki. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”
“Anything else to say before we depart, Ealdhelm?” Adelheid asked.
“I understand your conflict with Delphine, but try not to let it get the best of you, dear.”
Adelheid averted her gaze for a moment, then looked him in the eye. “I’ll do my best and then some.”
The trip to Delphine’s realm was odd. Tusk knew they would have to get serious, but Adelheid was taking it too seriously. Delphine being married to Wulfric did complicate things a bit, but they still needed to be diplomatic, not confrontational. Tusk groaned and mumbled as they walked, his anxiety mounting. He looked at Razor and Mizuki, then at Adelheid. Feeling his irritation reaching a boiling point, he got right in front of the god and stopped the group in their tracks.
“Is there a problem, Tusk?” Razor asked.
“Yeah. What’s your damage, Adelheid?”
She scoffed. “You dare get in the way of a Discordant God?”
“Yes, I dare,” Tusk snapped back.
This caused Adelheid to back up a step. “Fine. State your grievances.”
He took a breath, readying himself. “I wanted to put my feet up today before we set out again. Just a little rest before we embark into the headache that is going to be Delphine’s realm. I can sense feelings and emotions as a tree person and YOU are a massive knot of petty anger and jealousy. What’s your deal?”
She furrowed her eyebrows and stuck her nose up. “If you must know, I have a score to settle with Delphine and now is the time.”
“You have a score in the first place?” Maxima innocently questioned.
This defused Adelheid’s fervor, causing her to lose her footing. “Yes, of course I do! She thinks she’s better than me!”
Tusk was confused in an annoyed way. “Delphine is the god of desire, glory, riches, skill, and love. Pride’s only ever been attributed to her…”
“So!? She’s still an overly proud little brat that needs to be disciplined!”
“Has she actually said she’s better than you though?” Razor inquired.
Adelheid glared at him and flared her nostrils. “Cease this useless dithering. Wulfric knows what’s going on, so we have no time to waste!” She marched right past Tusk, so the group had no choice but to continue on.
Mizuki got in between Tusk and Razor. “You two are very brave. Confronting gods like that is unheard of where I’m from,” she said quietly.
Tusk groaned again. “Petty snob, I miss adventuring with Blood…”
Razor chuckled. “Personally I stand by what I say, god or no god.”
“All of this is a consequence of her domains” Maxima clarified. “They’re inherently orderly, causing her to desire…”
“I know you’re talking about me,” Adelheid pointed out, annoyed.
“... more chaos in her life” Maxima finished.
“I had no idea the Discordant Gods were this complex,” Razor admitted.
Maxima sighed. “Truthfully this kind of chaos drives me up a wall.” She bent down to grab a crystal. “We’re getting close. Crystal is Delphine’s secondary affinity, with the first being fire.”
Mizuki nodded, albeit confused. “Crystal I can understand, but fire?”
“Fire is an element of comfort and passion,” Tusk replied. “You need it for the kind of things Delphine covets. And of course I just so happen to be a tree…”
Maxima patted him on the back. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I doubt Delphine will treat you like a scarecrow.”
“And if she does, I’ll throttle her with utmost haste and fury,” Adelheid reassured.
Tusk was not sure how to feel about that declaration. “Aye yai yai, let’s just get this over with” he said as he kicked a loose crystal aside.
“Oh my goodness!” Razor exclaimed as they approached the realm, getting a good look at what was awaiting them.
Next: Chapter 13
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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