ULTRAMagic Chaos - Chapter 20
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“...and you know the rest, Blood,” Tusk concluded. “You attended my wedding and Donia and I went off exploring with Randalph and Mayhem.”
Blood-Wraith stood up, stretched a little, and went to look out the window. It was late in the evening and he was a bit hungry. “Why didn’t you tell me all of this sooner?”
Tusk let his head drop to the table. “I know, my bad…”
Auda lightly bopped him on the head. “Bad, Uncle Tusk.”
“Hey, wait a second! Why didn’t you tell him anything?” Tusk received a subtle growl from Auda.
“Ahem, don’t pawn your duties off on others, Mr. Willfort,” Alexia chided.
Tusk gave her an incredulous look. “Jeez, what are you, my mother?” he quipped back.
This made Blood-Wraith chuckle. “I’m glad Driskoll was able to restore your arm, Tusk. Also should I not mention all of this around Gratiana? You know, because of my knightly duties and whatnot…”
“I’m not sure how to call that one,” Tusk replied. “Come to think of it, I’m not sure how she’d react to seeing me now.”
“Quite the conundrum, wouldn’t you say, Rich?” Drusa observed.
Vexation gave a subtle laugh and leaned back in his chair. “Indeed. Honestly, Tusk? I say go say hi to her, see how she’s doing. We’re all on the same side now after all.”
Blood-Wraith nodded. “Fair enough, Vex… but didn’t you sucker punch Uncle Deimos?” he pointed out.
“Yes, but that was just a bit of banter between old friends. Personally I say Gratiana at least owes Tusk a candy bar for the jolt she gave him.”
Tusk looked down as his stomach growled. “Speaking of that, what’s for dinner?”
“Oh yeah…” Blood-Wraith remembered as he went over to the phone. “I’ll order some pizza. Are you all interested?” There were no objections.
As he placed the order, Drusa realized something. “Oh, Blood, make it three pizzas. I’ll cover the cost.”
“One second, please-Three? Why?” he asked after covering the microphone.
“Agreed,” Alexia added. “What in the Cosmos would prompt a third pizza?”
“You’ll see, trust me,” Drusa assured as she began counting out some money.
Blood-Wraith shrugged. “Two pepperoni and one supreme… alright, got it… thanks, bye.”
Vexation got up and made his way towards the cupboards for some plates. “I was considering making something meatball-related, but pizza will do.”
“Here you go, Blood,” Drusa said as she handed him the money. “Sorry for springing this on you.”
“Hum, I wonder…” Tusk noted as he went to the door. “I’ll go with you, Blood. It’s the least I can do.”
“Don’t drop the food, Uncle Tusk,” Auda teased.
He did not appreciate that. “Come on, Auda, I’m not that clumsy.”
There was a slight chill in the air as Blood-Wraith and Tusk stepped outside. The sun had nearly set and the street lamps were turning on. The Iron City was quite beautiful at night, with the stars twinkling above them. Leif’s constellation watched over the city as the buildings lit up, illuminating the sidewalks and roads. The Singing Storm Tower was certainly a sight to behold during the night, floating tall and proud all lit up.
Figuring they would need some extra drinks, the two quickly stopped at a grocery store. It was fairly calm, so they were able to get in and out. Continuing on their trip, Blood-Wraith spotted Gratiana of all people. She appeared to be heading in the direction of Iron Fire Station.
“Hey, Gratiana!” Blood-Wraith called out.
“Sir Raynot, how wonderful to see you. What are you doing out this late at night?”
“Oh we’re just going to get some pizza for us and the others as things ran a little late. What are you up to?”
“I’m going to fetch Adriana Hawthorne. She is due to arrive here at any minute. Back when we were in Shadowland under that bumbling idiot Milosh, Adriana was supposed to be the actual replacement for Torunn. Fortunately Andelin kept her away from the nasty cult business, so Dunja and Torunn want her as one of the new Blades.” Gratiana then noticed who Blood-Wraith was with and went pale. “Tu-Tusk Willfort?”
He smiled. “Hey, Gratiana. How have you been doing?” She was petrified.
Blood-Wraith checked his watch. “Let’s walk and talk, since Dilan’s Pizzeria is in the same direction” he instructed as they began to follow him.
“Well I’d dare say I was successful in giving Dunja and Barna a leg up then,” Tusk pointed out with a laugh.
“Yes, very much so…” Gratiana admitted, unsure how to feel. “Tusk, I… I didn’t hurt you too badly, did I?”
“Don’t worry about it, it’s water under the bridge. I’m just glad you were able to turn things around.”
“I hope you’re able to get your lightning powers back, Gratiana,” Blood-Wraith added. “It would help keep everyone safe.”
Hearing that caused her heart to skip a beat. “True, Sir Raynot. That would certainly be a boon for The Iron City…” She could have sworn she felt a sense of renewed vigor.
“You should swing by the forest some time, Gratiana,” said Tusk. “Bring Barna and the others along and have dinner with us.”
She gave a guilty chuckle. “Even after our encounter in the Realm of Chaos?”
“Yup. We’re trees, and trees don’t hold grudges… Milosh and Karnage are a bit of an exception, but you’re neither of them, obviously.”
“Then I graciously accept your invitation. Just tell me what time is convenient for you.”
“Will do. Hey, pizza time!” Tusk stated as they neared the pizzeria.
“See you later, Gratiana,” said Blood-Wraith. “Best of luck to you.”
“Farewell, Sir Raynot, Tusk. Have a splendid meal,” she replied.
The smell of pizza bombarded Blood-Wraith and Tusk as they entered the restaurant. Things were lively as people dined with upbeat music playing over the speakers. Recognizing Blood-Wraith, one of the cashiers called out for one of the employees to bring his order over. Some of the diners were watching as Tusk took the boxes and the two left. It was fascinating to see such a young knight roll up in uniform for some pizza.
As the two made their way back, Tusk sensed something. “Donia…”
“Donia?” Blood-Wraith inquired.
“She knows I’m out late…”
“Excuse me, sleepy bark, but you better not be having pizza without me” Donia declared as she came strolling up to the two.
Tusk laughed. “Sorry, honey. It’s just that the explanation took longer than expected.”
“So that’s what Drusa foresaw,” Blood-Wraith noted. “Well hey, Donia. Want to have dinner with us?”
“Absolutely! Also good to see you again, kiddo,” she said as she shook his hand.
Auda, Drusa, Vexation, and Alexia were all waiting patiently, talking about this and that when the three returned to the house. Happy to see her aunt, Auda went and hugged Donia. As everything was getting set up, Drusa could be seen doing a head count. Blood-Wraith walked over to her, his curiosity peaked.
“What’s the matter, Drusa? Is everyone here?” he asked.
“Close, we’re off by one head… you don’t mind one more guest, do you?”
Blood-Wraith looked around. “I guess not. Is that why you had me get the third pizza?”
She nodded. “Don’t worry, she’s one of my former students and a good friend of Tusk’s.”
Tusk caught that and walked over to the living room, pizza slice in hand. “Hold up, you don’t mean…?”
She nodded again. “If my calculations are correct, there’ll be a knock in 3…2…1…”
There was a knock at the door, with Tusk going to answer it. Standing there was a frantic and disheveled Maxima. “Tusk!?”
“Maxima! There you are. Come on in.”
“Where and when am I?!”
“Well it’s a month later and this is Blood-Wraith’s house.”
She looked like she was about to panic. “This isn’t right, I’m not supposed to be here yet!”
Blood-Wraith was not sure what to make of this, but held out his hand regardless. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maxima. Want to come have dinner with us?”
“Not yet! Not yet…” she said as she backed into the door.
Drusa calmly approached and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Maxima?”
This startled the goddess. “Drusa?”
“Don’t fret, your favorite 5th dimensional goddess is here.”
Maxima breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank Vita, it’s you…”
“Now come and have some pizza with us,” Drusa said as she led Maxima to the dining room.
“But the timeline!”
Tusk laughed. “I don’t think you’re going to damage anything by eating with us.” He then cleared his throat. “Everyone, this is Maxima.”
“A pleasure to meet you, honorable Spiritus Magni,” Alexia welcomed.
“Hello, Maxima!” said Auda.
“Wow, didn’t expect this turn of events, your divinity” Donia remarked. “Jeez, Tusk, just how crazy did things get?”
Drusa sat Maxima down and handed her a plate with a slice of pizza. “Now eat. And I found Rich by the way.”
That surprised her. “Really?”
“Nice to meet you, Maxima,” Vexation said as he stretched his arm out for a hand shake. Maxima was a bit surprised by how… normal he was.
“So, Maxima, where’d you come from just now?” Blood-Wraith inquired. “Tusk says you disappeared after things were settled in the Realm of Chaos.”
“Well I wanted to check out the Trench Unlight real quickly, but I think I went too far back…”
“Just how far back did you go?” Vexation wondered.
“Back before The Mage of Old built The Magician’s Labyrinth.”
Vexation took a second to process that, then banged the table in shock. “Wait, really!? That was back during the Epoch, when me, Eustorgio, Tiberius, Leif, and Mal were running around!”
“Ooh, the plot thickens…” Drusa remarked.
Maxima continued. “I even helped build the great structure as apparently my modern, 2nd era knowledge helped Eustorgio out a great deal.”
It took another second, but Vexation finally had the realization he needed. “Oh… OH! I remember you now! Blood, you remember all of the goddess statues you saw, right?”
“Yeah?” It then occurred to him. “Oh, cool! Maxima, some of those puzzle rooms were really fun” Blood-Wraith complimented.
She giggled, a little embarrassed. “Thank you, Blood-Wraith.”
Alexia took a second to wipe her face. “Maxima, if I may, how did you end up so far back in the past?”
“I used the Time Labyrinth…”
“Dear?” Drusa interrupted.
“Yes, teacher?”
“Are you in the mood for a little constructive criticism?”
“Sure?” Maxima cautiously answered.
“That was your first mistake,” Drusa said with a clap.
“Time Labyrinth?” Auda questioned. “Sounds weird. What is it?”
“4th dimensionals, like Maxima, use it to get around since they don’t fully understand time yet” Drusa elaborated. “It’s an anomaly that just popped up one day, under similar principles to how Reality Errors manifest.”
Maxima felt a little embarrassed again. “I thought I had figured it out…”
Drusa refilled her cup with soda, then filled up Maxima’s. “Don’t worry, I'll get you back to where you’re supposed to be.”
“Are you sure you can?”
She nodded affirmatively. “Yes, but you should stay the night first.”
“Are you sure about that?” Maxima was still a bit concerned.
“You need the rest and Blood has some really cool movies.”
Blood-Wraith chuckled and got up. “I’ll go pick one now. I’m personally in the mood for Hyperstar V: The Quest for Challenger’s Gulf…”
“Do you have the director’s cut?” Tusk interjected.
“Yup!”
“Awesome! Donia brought it to my attention, Maxima. You’re going to love it.”
“I’ll take your word for it” she replied. Despite being in the wrong time, Maxima felt pretty good at the moment. If going back in time to the Epoch was her biggest blunder, then some pizza and a good movie was no big deal, truth be told.
To be continued…
Next: Interval
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
“...and you know the rest, Blood,” Tusk concluded. “You attended my wedding and Donia and I went off exploring with Randalph and Mayhem.”
Blood-Wraith stood up, stretched a little, and went to look out the window. It was late in the evening and he was a bit hungry. “Why didn’t you tell me all of this sooner?”
Tusk let his head drop to the table. “I know, my bad…”
Auda lightly bopped him on the head. “Bad, Uncle Tusk.”
“Hey, wait a second! Why didn’t you tell him anything?” Tusk received a subtle growl from Auda.
“Ahem, don’t pawn your duties off on others, Mr. Willfort,” Alexia chided.
Tusk gave her an incredulous look. “Jeez, what are you, my mother?” he quipped back.
This made Blood-Wraith chuckle. “I’m glad Driskoll was able to restore your arm, Tusk. Also should I not mention all of this around Gratiana? You know, because of my knightly duties and whatnot…”
“I’m not sure how to call that one,” Tusk replied. “Come to think of it, I’m not sure how she’d react to seeing me now.”
“Quite the conundrum, wouldn’t you say, Rich?” Drusa observed.
Vexation gave a subtle laugh and leaned back in his chair. “Indeed. Honestly, Tusk? I say go say hi to her, see how she’s doing. We’re all on the same side now after all.”
Blood-Wraith nodded. “Fair enough, Vex… but didn’t you sucker punch Uncle Deimos?” he pointed out.
“Yes, but that was just a bit of banter between old friends. Personally I say Gratiana at least owes Tusk a candy bar for the jolt she gave him.”
Tusk looked down as his stomach growled. “Speaking of that, what’s for dinner?”
“Oh yeah…” Blood-Wraith remembered as he went over to the phone. “I’ll order some pizza. Are you all interested?” There were no objections.
As he placed the order, Drusa realized something. “Oh, Blood, make it three pizzas. I’ll cover the cost.”
“One second, please-Three? Why?” he asked after covering the microphone.
“Agreed,” Alexia added. “What in the Cosmos would prompt a third pizza?”
“You’ll see, trust me,” Drusa assured as she began counting out some money.
Blood-Wraith shrugged. “Two pepperoni and one supreme… alright, got it… thanks, bye.”
Vexation got up and made his way towards the cupboards for some plates. “I was considering making something meatball-related, but pizza will do.”
“Here you go, Blood,” Drusa said as she handed him the money. “Sorry for springing this on you.”
“Hum, I wonder…” Tusk noted as he went to the door. “I’ll go with you, Blood. It’s the least I can do.”
“Don’t drop the food, Uncle Tusk,” Auda teased.
He did not appreciate that. “Come on, Auda, I’m not that clumsy.”
There was a slight chill in the air as Blood-Wraith and Tusk stepped outside. The sun had nearly set and the street lamps were turning on. The Iron City was quite beautiful at night, with the stars twinkling above them. Leif’s constellation watched over the city as the buildings lit up, illuminating the sidewalks and roads. The Singing Storm Tower was certainly a sight to behold during the night, floating tall and proud all lit up.
Figuring they would need some extra drinks, the two quickly stopped at a grocery store. It was fairly calm, so they were able to get in and out. Continuing on their trip, Blood-Wraith spotted Gratiana of all people. She appeared to be heading in the direction of Iron Fire Station.
“Hey, Gratiana!” Blood-Wraith called out.
“Sir Raynot, how wonderful to see you. What are you doing out this late at night?”
“Oh we’re just going to get some pizza for us and the others as things ran a little late. What are you up to?”
“I’m going to fetch Adriana Hawthorne. She is due to arrive here at any minute. Back when we were in Shadowland under that bumbling idiot Milosh, Adriana was supposed to be the actual replacement for Torunn. Fortunately Andelin kept her away from the nasty cult business, so Dunja and Torunn want her as one of the new Blades.” Gratiana then noticed who Blood-Wraith was with and went pale. “Tu-Tusk Willfort?”
He smiled. “Hey, Gratiana. How have you been doing?” She was petrified.
Blood-Wraith checked his watch. “Let’s walk and talk, since Dilan’s Pizzeria is in the same direction” he instructed as they began to follow him.
“Well I’d dare say I was successful in giving Dunja and Barna a leg up then,” Tusk pointed out with a laugh.
“Yes, very much so…” Gratiana admitted, unsure how to feel. “Tusk, I… I didn’t hurt you too badly, did I?”
“Don’t worry about it, it’s water under the bridge. I’m just glad you were able to turn things around.”
“I hope you’re able to get your lightning powers back, Gratiana,” Blood-Wraith added. “It would help keep everyone safe.”
Hearing that caused her heart to skip a beat. “True, Sir Raynot. That would certainly be a boon for The Iron City…” She could have sworn she felt a sense of renewed vigor.
“You should swing by the forest some time, Gratiana,” said Tusk. “Bring Barna and the others along and have dinner with us.”
She gave a guilty chuckle. “Even after our encounter in the Realm of Chaos?”
“Yup. We’re trees, and trees don’t hold grudges… Milosh and Karnage are a bit of an exception, but you’re neither of them, obviously.”
“Then I graciously accept your invitation. Just tell me what time is convenient for you.”
“Will do. Hey, pizza time!” Tusk stated as they neared the pizzeria.
“See you later, Gratiana,” said Blood-Wraith. “Best of luck to you.”
“Farewell, Sir Raynot, Tusk. Have a splendid meal,” she replied.
The smell of pizza bombarded Blood-Wraith and Tusk as they entered the restaurant. Things were lively as people dined with upbeat music playing over the speakers. Recognizing Blood-Wraith, one of the cashiers called out for one of the employees to bring his order over. Some of the diners were watching as Tusk took the boxes and the two left. It was fascinating to see such a young knight roll up in uniform for some pizza.
As the two made their way back, Tusk sensed something. “Donia…”
“Donia?” Blood-Wraith inquired.
“She knows I’m out late…”
“Excuse me, sleepy bark, but you better not be having pizza without me” Donia declared as she came strolling up to the two.
Tusk laughed. “Sorry, honey. It’s just that the explanation took longer than expected.”
“So that’s what Drusa foresaw,” Blood-Wraith noted. “Well hey, Donia. Want to have dinner with us?”
“Absolutely! Also good to see you again, kiddo,” she said as she shook his hand.
Auda, Drusa, Vexation, and Alexia were all waiting patiently, talking about this and that when the three returned to the house. Happy to see her aunt, Auda went and hugged Donia. As everything was getting set up, Drusa could be seen doing a head count. Blood-Wraith walked over to her, his curiosity peaked.
“What’s the matter, Drusa? Is everyone here?” he asked.
“Close, we’re off by one head… you don’t mind one more guest, do you?”
Blood-Wraith looked around. “I guess not. Is that why you had me get the third pizza?”
She nodded. “Don’t worry, she’s one of my former students and a good friend of Tusk’s.”
Tusk caught that and walked over to the living room, pizza slice in hand. “Hold up, you don’t mean…?”
She nodded again. “If my calculations are correct, there’ll be a knock in 3…2…1…”
There was a knock at the door, with Tusk going to answer it. Standing there was a frantic and disheveled Maxima. “Tusk!?”
“Maxima! There you are. Come on in.”
“Where and when am I?!”
“Well it’s a month later and this is Blood-Wraith’s house.”
She looked like she was about to panic. “This isn’t right, I’m not supposed to be here yet!”
Blood-Wraith was not sure what to make of this, but held out his hand regardless. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maxima. Want to come have dinner with us?”
“Not yet! Not yet…” she said as she backed into the door.
Drusa calmly approached and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Maxima?”
This startled the goddess. “Drusa?”
“Don’t fret, your favorite 5th dimensional goddess is here.”
Maxima breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank Vita, it’s you…”
“Now come and have some pizza with us,” Drusa said as she led Maxima to the dining room.
“But the timeline!”
Tusk laughed. “I don’t think you’re going to damage anything by eating with us.” He then cleared his throat. “Everyone, this is Maxima.”
“A pleasure to meet you, honorable Spiritus Magni,” Alexia welcomed.
“Hello, Maxima!” said Auda.
“Wow, didn’t expect this turn of events, your divinity” Donia remarked. “Jeez, Tusk, just how crazy did things get?”
Drusa sat Maxima down and handed her a plate with a slice of pizza. “Now eat. And I found Rich by the way.”
That surprised her. “Really?”
“Nice to meet you, Maxima,” Vexation said as he stretched his arm out for a hand shake. Maxima was a bit surprised by how… normal he was.
“So, Maxima, where’d you come from just now?” Blood-Wraith inquired. “Tusk says you disappeared after things were settled in the Realm of Chaos.”
“Well I wanted to check out the Trench Unlight real quickly, but I think I went too far back…”
“Just how far back did you go?” Vexation wondered.
“Back before The Mage of Old built The Magician’s Labyrinth.”
Vexation took a second to process that, then banged the table in shock. “Wait, really!? That was back during the Epoch, when me, Eustorgio, Tiberius, Leif, and Mal were running around!”
“Ooh, the plot thickens…” Drusa remarked.
Maxima continued. “I even helped build the great structure as apparently my modern, 2nd era knowledge helped Eustorgio out a great deal.”
It took another second, but Vexation finally had the realization he needed. “Oh… OH! I remember you now! Blood, you remember all of the goddess statues you saw, right?”
“Yeah?” It then occurred to him. “Oh, cool! Maxima, some of those puzzle rooms were really fun” Blood-Wraith complimented.
She giggled, a little embarrassed. “Thank you, Blood-Wraith.”
Alexia took a second to wipe her face. “Maxima, if I may, how did you end up so far back in the past?”
“I used the Time Labyrinth…”
“Dear?” Drusa interrupted.
“Yes, teacher?”
“Are you in the mood for a little constructive criticism?”
“Sure?” Maxima cautiously answered.
“That was your first mistake,” Drusa said with a clap.
“Time Labyrinth?” Auda questioned. “Sounds weird. What is it?”
“4th dimensionals, like Maxima, use it to get around since they don’t fully understand time yet” Drusa elaborated. “It’s an anomaly that just popped up one day, under similar principles to how Reality Errors manifest.”
Maxima felt a little embarrassed again. “I thought I had figured it out…”
Drusa refilled her cup with soda, then filled up Maxima’s. “Don’t worry, I'll get you back to where you’re supposed to be.”
“Are you sure you can?”
She nodded affirmatively. “Yes, but you should stay the night first.”
“Are you sure about that?” Maxima was still a bit concerned.
“You need the rest and Blood has some really cool movies.”
Blood-Wraith chuckled and got up. “I’ll go pick one now. I’m personally in the mood for Hyperstar V: The Quest for Challenger’s Gulf…”
“Do you have the director’s cut?” Tusk interjected.
“Yup!”
“Awesome! Donia brought it to my attention, Maxima. You’re going to love it.”
“I’ll take your word for it” she replied. Despite being in the wrong time, Maxima felt pretty good at the moment. If going back in time to the Epoch was her biggest blunder, then some pizza and a good movie was no big deal, truth be told.
To be continued…
Next: Interval
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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