ULTRAMagic Interval - Chapter 4
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“Alright, pizza’s coming through!” Faustus announced as he walked over to the kitchen counter.
“WitchHaven is such a nice place,” Mayhem commented. “Fairly calm, no overt crime… such places are few and far between when it comes to humans.”
Antonio set the boxes up side by side. “I take it things went well?”
“Without a hitch, but a few people were giving us odd looks. Our human forms probably need some adjustments…”
“His, not mine,” Faustus interjected. “Mayhem, no one rolls around in medieval clothing these days…”
“Renaissance, not medieval.” Faustus gave Mayhem an incredulous look, causing the others to chuckle.
“Sorry we couldn’t make a proper dinner tonight, Adrien,” Antonio said as the others took turns getting their slices.
“No te preocupes, there’s not much we can do about it. Besides, I’ve been craving some pizza lately. I was on a mission to Italy recently and I would’ve gotten some there had I not been bushwacking it with Antares and Marcus.”
“You know what?” Will said after swallowing his food. “When I was living with my parents, this was not the kind of action I was craving.”
Adrien laughed sympathetically. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Will.”
“Yeah… so what’s next?”
“Well ideally the cargo helicopter will arrive tomorrow at 2 PM. Once we make sure everything’s good to go, we’ll get moving.”
Sam nodded. “I take it M.A.I.G. knows what’s up by now?”
“Yup,” Adrien said as he wiped his face. “Apparently Dr. Reynard was two steps ahead of us as he was ready to go when Antares called Trumna.”
Randalph stroked his chin in contemplation. “Interesting, lending credence to my theory that he’s a reincarnated primordial…”
“A primordial?” Will inquired. “What’s that?”
Before Randalph could answer, Sam put her hand on Will’s. “It’s nothing, Boyo. Just stuff from a long time ago.”
Randalph gave her a mildly confused look. “Er, right. Either way, it shouldn’t be too relevant to us as I doubt other ones are involved. What is the plan of attack once Will is at M.A.I.G., Adrien?”
“Not sure. I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there… haha, get there, hehe.”
The rest of the meal went smoothly, with Adrien telling the group more about his recent missions. After a fascinating tale about one that took Adrien all the way to Greenland, Will got out a movie for everyone to enjoy. The following day everyone kept an eye on the sky for the helicopter. 2 o’clock rolled around with no sign of it. Will sat around on the grass, waiting patiently with Faustus.
Growing bored at around 4 o’clock, Faustus whistled for Adrien. “Hey, Adrien? Where’s the van?”
He was tuning up his motorcycle. “Probably some paperwork and clearance hooha. Antares cautioned me about that.”
Will tapped Faustus’ arm. “He did say ideally after all.”
“I know, Champ. It’s just that I feel like we’re sitting ducks at the moment.”
Another hour passed and it was 5 o’clock. Sam joined Will and Faustus as they looked bored. She had finished packing their essentials and had nothing else to do. Things then grew a little too quiet, followed by everyone sensing something awful. A small torrent of grisly smoke erupted from the road and up rose what must have been Valentin. Despite his regal looking attire, he did not seem like the most pleasant individual to be around. Still, he was a bit handsome and even a little charming in a maniacal sort of way.
Adrien and Antonio sprung into action, pressing the barrels of their guns into him. Valentin laughed and waved a white handkerchief around. “Parley, Gentlemen. Parley. Besides, if both of you blow my brains out, it’ll end poorly for all of us.”
Antonio groaned as he realized the blast from his shotgun would potentially hit Adrien and lowered it. “Damn it… alright, what do you want?”
Valentin’s head twitched as a smile stretched across it. It was unnerving to say the least. “I just came to announce that it looks like our little dance will be moving to Red River. Bethany has already returned to her crypt, so you all best not be late…”
Adrien moved the barrel of his handgun to Valentin’s temple. “What do you want? Spill it.”
Valentin would have been lying if he said the gun did not make him a little nervous. Adrien had been known to pull the trigger when the chips were down. “Zasiel’s soul, for it is coveted by my… my…” he growled, struggling to hold back a string of profanities. “...master,” he said through gritted teeth.
Faustus walked right up to Valentin and flared his nostrils. A plume of black smoke came from them. “You have no right to refer to him by that name.”
“You’re not going to get it, Perkele!” Will shakily declared. His legs were twitching a bit from the distress he felt.
This made him laugh. “Ooh! Are you honoring me or insulting me?” He then handed him what looked like an invitation. It was unclear if this was provocation or courtesy.
“What the Hell even are you?” Will asked, confused and terrified.
“An agent of chaos, no different from you, o’Zasiel. You have quite the legacy given that you’re one of The Nightmare of Old, a fragment of the wicked Tyrant God…”
Something about that struck a nerve with Sam. She went right up to him and began slamming the intruder around with inhuman strength. Everyone panicked as Sam was going berserk, hollering and screeching like a mad warrior. Valentin tried to fight back, but was slammed right into the road. He then tried to crawl towards Will, but Sam dragged the demented jester towards a tree and pinned him up against it, bruised and bloodied.
“DON’T YOU EVER CALL HIM THAT AGAIN, YOU WASTE OF HUMAN LIFE!!” Sam shouted at the top of her lungs as she readied her fist. Her voice was echoing and making the ground tremble.
Just as Valentin braced himself, there was a loud rumbling approaching that was not Sam. They all looked up as the cargo helicopter thundered over them. As the rest covered their ears, Sam looked back at Valentin.
“Good bye!” he cheekily said as he vanished.
Once the noise was gone, Will cautiously approached his girlfriend. “S-Sam? Are you…?”
“WHAT!?” she barked, a hint of power still left in her voice. This made Will recoil in fear, falling to the ground.
Adrien went and grabbed her by the arm. “SAM! What the Hell’s gotten into you!?” he demanded to know as the others helped Will up.
This made her come to her senses. “What the… Oh God, Boyo! Don’t worry, it’s alright, I’m not mad at you…” Sam tried her best to hug him. “Sorry sorry sorry…”
“Alright, everyone get inside Sam’s house!” Adrien instructed. “I’m going to go get the van and then we’re off!” He hopped on his motorcycle, started it up, and sped off down the road.
Randalph remained outside with Mayhem. “I think one of my theories just got proven right, Mayhem.”
“You don’t think that’s Morrigan Devilfay, do you?” Mayhem asked as he picked up the invitation Will had dropped.
“The strength, the way her eyes turned purple, and the way she reacted to what Valentin said? I’m sure of it.”
Mayhem scratched his chin. “Speaking of what he said, you don’t think Anne is foolish enough to try Karnage’s failed plan again?”
“No. They would’ve tried to capture Will already if that was the case.”
“And given the insinuation, should we assume Valentin is in league with the Eternal Order?”
Randalph nodded. “Absolutely.” He started to pace. “Why they would be after Will is anyone’s guess… unless he has something they need.”
Mayhem had a lurking suspicion. “Do you think he has the potential?”
“I don’t think, I know he has the potential for ULTRAMagic, Mayhem.”
“Then it’s a case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time?”
“It would seem so. I don’t think we’re seeing a repeat of the past. I think this is a new plan. And unfortunately for Will, he’s the only one with the potential for the trait at the moment. The others who have already achieved it are in The Unlight, making them untouchable for whatever Valentin is scheming.”
“I see why you brought me along now,” Mayhem concluded. “It pains me to see him get wrapped up in our conflicts.”
Randalph tapped his staff on the road and sighed. “The best we can do is keep him safe for now. We’ll call in the guild if we have to. Keep your eyes and ears open once you get to Red River.”
“Of course. I just hope we don’t have to call in the guild in the first place, as that would mean things are worse than we thought.”
“As an aside, Will is a capable mage,” Randalph said as he tapped his staff on the ground once more, creating a magical barrier around the area. “Even if it doesn’t seem like it, a little encouragement goes a long way with him.”
“Duly noted, Randalph.”
Steel Cat vans were a more casual means of transport for The Liger Brigade, but provided fantastic protection in a fire fight. Adrien pulled into Sam’s driveway and shut off the engine. It was dinner time, he was stressed out, and his stomach was growling. Walking inside the house, he was greeted by the smell of spaghetti and the sight of everyone eating peacefully, despite what had happened earlier.
“Ha, well what’s all this?” Adrien asked.
“Hey, Adrien!” Will said from the table, followed by everyone else welcoming him back. Will sounded noticeably better, and so did Sam.
Antonio sat Adrien down at the table. “Welcome back, Adrien. I was all worked up, so I went and made us a nice and big dinner before everyone heads out.”
“Gracias, Antonio,” Adrien replied as Antonio put some food on his plate. “Getting the van off the helicopter was a pain, but we’re all good to go. Pretty comfy in there too, not going to lie.”
“Thankfully nothing else happened while you were gone,” Buster pointed out. “Hey, Adrien? Do you think the people at M.A.I.G. would be up for interviews as a part of a piece I want to write about the organization?”
Olivia was flabbergasted. “Now, of all times? And everyone said I was a workaholic…”
Adrien chuckled. “Just don’t leak any classified stuff and you should be fine.”
Kyu finished slurping some noodles. “Oh, Trevor did talk to Umuka before you got back, Adrien. He’s already on his way to Red River.”
“I see. I guess that means Valentin was being truthful about Bethany heading back to Mt. Steadyrock then.”
Will sighed. “I’ll take that reprieve.”
It was 8 o’clock when Will, Faustus, Sam, Buster, and Olivia began to get into the van. Mayhem went ahead and teleported to M.A.I.G. headquarters. Faustus could have gone with him, but he wanted to keep Will and the others safe. Trevor and his parents were there, having popped in to say goodbye before they all left.
“Don’t you darlings fret, we won’t let anything happen to this place while you’re gone,” Nathaniel assured. “I’ll even call on General Washington’s ghost if I have to!”
Adelaide giggled. “Dear, I don’t think we’ll have to go that far. Still, stay safe, everyone.”
Trevor gave Will a hug. “Look, Will? This is not me doubting you, but if things go south, you’re more than welcome to stay with us as a ghost.”
Will chuckled. “Thanks, Trevor. Don’t worry, they’re not going to get the best of me. Bye for now, everyone” he said as he got into the van.
With everyone inside, Adrien closed her door and rolled down the window. “Adios, amigos. Wish us luck.”
“Give us a call when you get there and teach Perkele a lesson he won’t soon forget” Antonio said as the van started to pull out of the driveway.
It was worrying and surreal to see the van drive down the hill. Everyone who was staying behind watched until it disappeared into the horizon. The silence was haunting as the nighttime chill crept in.
“I’m sort of hoping they turn around because it turns out to be safer here…” Kyu stated.
“I know how you feel, little buddy,” Antonio reassured.
Randalph clapped his hands. “No need to be so glum, gentlemen. How about I teach you some magic so perhaps we can join them if need be?”
“A capital idea, Mr. Scarfe,” Nathaniel complimented. “Trevor, Adelaide? Shall we head off on a nightly patrol?”
“Certainly,” Adelaide agreed. “We better make sure that scoundrel didn’t leave any nasty surprises for us.”
“The arrogance and irony of calling yourself ‘Perkele’ is something I’ll never understand,” Trevor remarked as the ghosts vanished.
Antonio subtly nodded to that point. “Alright, Randalph, show us some tricks.”
“Just note that I am partial towards alchemy” Kyu stated as they all went into Sam’s house. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around necromancy.”
“Kyu, my friend, I started out as an Alchemist,” Randalph replied. “Personally I think alchemical doctrine is the true foundation of all magic. Also I think you have more potential than you realize…”
Next: Chapter 5
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
“Alright, pizza’s coming through!” Faustus announced as he walked over to the kitchen counter.
“WitchHaven is such a nice place,” Mayhem commented. “Fairly calm, no overt crime… such places are few and far between when it comes to humans.”
Antonio set the boxes up side by side. “I take it things went well?”
“Without a hitch, but a few people were giving us odd looks. Our human forms probably need some adjustments…”
“His, not mine,” Faustus interjected. “Mayhem, no one rolls around in medieval clothing these days…”
“Renaissance, not medieval.” Faustus gave Mayhem an incredulous look, causing the others to chuckle.
“Sorry we couldn’t make a proper dinner tonight, Adrien,” Antonio said as the others took turns getting their slices.
“No te preocupes, there’s not much we can do about it. Besides, I’ve been craving some pizza lately. I was on a mission to Italy recently and I would’ve gotten some there had I not been bushwacking it with Antares and Marcus.”
“You know what?” Will said after swallowing his food. “When I was living with my parents, this was not the kind of action I was craving.”
Adrien laughed sympathetically. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Will.”
“Yeah… so what’s next?”
“Well ideally the cargo helicopter will arrive tomorrow at 2 PM. Once we make sure everything’s good to go, we’ll get moving.”
Sam nodded. “I take it M.A.I.G. knows what’s up by now?”
“Yup,” Adrien said as he wiped his face. “Apparently Dr. Reynard was two steps ahead of us as he was ready to go when Antares called Trumna.”
Randalph stroked his chin in contemplation. “Interesting, lending credence to my theory that he’s a reincarnated primordial…”
“A primordial?” Will inquired. “What’s that?”
Before Randalph could answer, Sam put her hand on Will’s. “It’s nothing, Boyo. Just stuff from a long time ago.”
Randalph gave her a mildly confused look. “Er, right. Either way, it shouldn’t be too relevant to us as I doubt other ones are involved. What is the plan of attack once Will is at M.A.I.G., Adrien?”
“Not sure. I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there… haha, get there, hehe.”
The rest of the meal went smoothly, with Adrien telling the group more about his recent missions. After a fascinating tale about one that took Adrien all the way to Greenland, Will got out a movie for everyone to enjoy. The following day everyone kept an eye on the sky for the helicopter. 2 o’clock rolled around with no sign of it. Will sat around on the grass, waiting patiently with Faustus.
Growing bored at around 4 o’clock, Faustus whistled for Adrien. “Hey, Adrien? Where’s the van?”
He was tuning up his motorcycle. “Probably some paperwork and clearance hooha. Antares cautioned me about that.”
Will tapped Faustus’ arm. “He did say ideally after all.”
“I know, Champ. It’s just that I feel like we’re sitting ducks at the moment.”
Another hour passed and it was 5 o’clock. Sam joined Will and Faustus as they looked bored. She had finished packing their essentials and had nothing else to do. Things then grew a little too quiet, followed by everyone sensing something awful. A small torrent of grisly smoke erupted from the road and up rose what must have been Valentin. Despite his regal looking attire, he did not seem like the most pleasant individual to be around. Still, he was a bit handsome and even a little charming in a maniacal sort of way.
Adrien and Antonio sprung into action, pressing the barrels of their guns into him. Valentin laughed and waved a white handkerchief around. “Parley, Gentlemen. Parley. Besides, if both of you blow my brains out, it’ll end poorly for all of us.”
Antonio groaned as he realized the blast from his shotgun would potentially hit Adrien and lowered it. “Damn it… alright, what do you want?”
Valentin’s head twitched as a smile stretched across it. It was unnerving to say the least. “I just came to announce that it looks like our little dance will be moving to Red River. Bethany has already returned to her crypt, so you all best not be late…”
Adrien moved the barrel of his handgun to Valentin’s temple. “What do you want? Spill it.”
Valentin would have been lying if he said the gun did not make him a little nervous. Adrien had been known to pull the trigger when the chips were down. “Zasiel’s soul, for it is coveted by my… my…” he growled, struggling to hold back a string of profanities. “...master,” he said through gritted teeth.
Faustus walked right up to Valentin and flared his nostrils. A plume of black smoke came from them. “You have no right to refer to him by that name.”
“You’re not going to get it, Perkele!” Will shakily declared. His legs were twitching a bit from the distress he felt.
This made him laugh. “Ooh! Are you honoring me or insulting me?” He then handed him what looked like an invitation. It was unclear if this was provocation or courtesy.
“What the Hell even are you?” Will asked, confused and terrified.
“An agent of chaos, no different from you, o’Zasiel. You have quite the legacy given that you’re one of The Nightmare of Old, a fragment of the wicked Tyrant God…”
Something about that struck a nerve with Sam. She went right up to him and began slamming the intruder around with inhuman strength. Everyone panicked as Sam was going berserk, hollering and screeching like a mad warrior. Valentin tried to fight back, but was slammed right into the road. He then tried to crawl towards Will, but Sam dragged the demented jester towards a tree and pinned him up against it, bruised and bloodied.
“DON’T YOU EVER CALL HIM THAT AGAIN, YOU WASTE OF HUMAN LIFE!!” Sam shouted at the top of her lungs as she readied her fist. Her voice was echoing and making the ground tremble.
Just as Valentin braced himself, there was a loud rumbling approaching that was not Sam. They all looked up as the cargo helicopter thundered over them. As the rest covered their ears, Sam looked back at Valentin.
“Good bye!” he cheekily said as he vanished.
Once the noise was gone, Will cautiously approached his girlfriend. “S-Sam? Are you…?”
“WHAT!?” she barked, a hint of power still left in her voice. This made Will recoil in fear, falling to the ground.
Adrien went and grabbed her by the arm. “SAM! What the Hell’s gotten into you!?” he demanded to know as the others helped Will up.
This made her come to her senses. “What the… Oh God, Boyo! Don’t worry, it’s alright, I’m not mad at you…” Sam tried her best to hug him. “Sorry sorry sorry…”
“Alright, everyone get inside Sam’s house!” Adrien instructed. “I’m going to go get the van and then we’re off!” He hopped on his motorcycle, started it up, and sped off down the road.
Randalph remained outside with Mayhem. “I think one of my theories just got proven right, Mayhem.”
“You don’t think that’s Morrigan Devilfay, do you?” Mayhem asked as he picked up the invitation Will had dropped.
“The strength, the way her eyes turned purple, and the way she reacted to what Valentin said? I’m sure of it.”
Mayhem scratched his chin. “Speaking of what he said, you don’t think Anne is foolish enough to try Karnage’s failed plan again?”
“No. They would’ve tried to capture Will already if that was the case.”
“And given the insinuation, should we assume Valentin is in league with the Eternal Order?”
Randalph nodded. “Absolutely.” He started to pace. “Why they would be after Will is anyone’s guess… unless he has something they need.”
Mayhem had a lurking suspicion. “Do you think he has the potential?”
“I don’t think, I know he has the potential for ULTRAMagic, Mayhem.”
“Then it’s a case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time?”
“It would seem so. I don’t think we’re seeing a repeat of the past. I think this is a new plan. And unfortunately for Will, he’s the only one with the potential for the trait at the moment. The others who have already achieved it are in The Unlight, making them untouchable for whatever Valentin is scheming.”
“I see why you brought me along now,” Mayhem concluded. “It pains me to see him get wrapped up in our conflicts.”
Randalph tapped his staff on the road and sighed. “The best we can do is keep him safe for now. We’ll call in the guild if we have to. Keep your eyes and ears open once you get to Red River.”
“Of course. I just hope we don’t have to call in the guild in the first place, as that would mean things are worse than we thought.”
“As an aside, Will is a capable mage,” Randalph said as he tapped his staff on the ground once more, creating a magical barrier around the area. “Even if it doesn’t seem like it, a little encouragement goes a long way with him.”
“Duly noted, Randalph.”
Steel Cat vans were a more casual means of transport for The Liger Brigade, but provided fantastic protection in a fire fight. Adrien pulled into Sam’s driveway and shut off the engine. It was dinner time, he was stressed out, and his stomach was growling. Walking inside the house, he was greeted by the smell of spaghetti and the sight of everyone eating peacefully, despite what had happened earlier.
“Ha, well what’s all this?” Adrien asked.
“Hey, Adrien!” Will said from the table, followed by everyone else welcoming him back. Will sounded noticeably better, and so did Sam.
Antonio sat Adrien down at the table. “Welcome back, Adrien. I was all worked up, so I went and made us a nice and big dinner before everyone heads out.”
“Gracias, Antonio,” Adrien replied as Antonio put some food on his plate. “Getting the van off the helicopter was a pain, but we’re all good to go. Pretty comfy in there too, not going to lie.”
“Thankfully nothing else happened while you were gone,” Buster pointed out. “Hey, Adrien? Do you think the people at M.A.I.G. would be up for interviews as a part of a piece I want to write about the organization?”
Olivia was flabbergasted. “Now, of all times? And everyone said I was a workaholic…”
Adrien chuckled. “Just don’t leak any classified stuff and you should be fine.”
Kyu finished slurping some noodles. “Oh, Trevor did talk to Umuka before you got back, Adrien. He’s already on his way to Red River.”
“I see. I guess that means Valentin was being truthful about Bethany heading back to Mt. Steadyrock then.”
Will sighed. “I’ll take that reprieve.”
It was 8 o’clock when Will, Faustus, Sam, Buster, and Olivia began to get into the van. Mayhem went ahead and teleported to M.A.I.G. headquarters. Faustus could have gone with him, but he wanted to keep Will and the others safe. Trevor and his parents were there, having popped in to say goodbye before they all left.
“Don’t you darlings fret, we won’t let anything happen to this place while you’re gone,” Nathaniel assured. “I’ll even call on General Washington’s ghost if I have to!”
Adelaide giggled. “Dear, I don’t think we’ll have to go that far. Still, stay safe, everyone.”
Trevor gave Will a hug. “Look, Will? This is not me doubting you, but if things go south, you’re more than welcome to stay with us as a ghost.”
Will chuckled. “Thanks, Trevor. Don’t worry, they’re not going to get the best of me. Bye for now, everyone” he said as he got into the van.
With everyone inside, Adrien closed her door and rolled down the window. “Adios, amigos. Wish us luck.”
“Give us a call when you get there and teach Perkele a lesson he won’t soon forget” Antonio said as the van started to pull out of the driveway.
It was worrying and surreal to see the van drive down the hill. Everyone who was staying behind watched until it disappeared into the horizon. The silence was haunting as the nighttime chill crept in.
“I’m sort of hoping they turn around because it turns out to be safer here…” Kyu stated.
“I know how you feel, little buddy,” Antonio reassured.
Randalph clapped his hands. “No need to be so glum, gentlemen. How about I teach you some magic so perhaps we can join them if need be?”
“A capital idea, Mr. Scarfe,” Nathaniel complimented. “Trevor, Adelaide? Shall we head off on a nightly patrol?”
“Certainly,” Adelaide agreed. “We better make sure that scoundrel didn’t leave any nasty surprises for us.”
“The arrogance and irony of calling yourself ‘Perkele’ is something I’ll never understand,” Trevor remarked as the ghosts vanished.
Antonio subtly nodded to that point. “Alright, Randalph, show us some tricks.”
“Just note that I am partial towards alchemy” Kyu stated as they all went into Sam’s house. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around necromancy.”
“Kyu, my friend, I started out as an Alchemist,” Randalph replied. “Personally I think alchemical doctrine is the true foundation of all magic. Also I think you have more potential than you realize…”
Next: Chapter 5
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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