ULTRAMagic Eon 2 - Chapter 8
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Ludwig and David paid attention to how Blood-Wraith and the others were reacting to the city and Morrigan. Upon arriving in the vast, vibrant park and taking a seat at the park benches close to a peaceful fountain, Blood-Wraith was swarmed by a group of children who were asking questions and requesting his autograph. He was more than happy to indulge them with a smile on his face. David further noted Morrigan’s demeanor and grew increasingly concerned by her apparent naivete. Despite everything they had learned, Morrigan treated Blood-Wraith like a brother in arms, regardless of the cockiness in her voice. There was a sense that something was not right with her and it did not sit well with David, nor Ludwig. It was of no doubt that Blood-Wraith and the others were already aware of this issue, however.
Morrigan’s positivity and happy-go-lucky attitude could only keep things lively for so long once certain people started entering the park. Blood-Wraith could easily tell that the activists had arrived when the parents began leaving with their children. It was the standard affair of average people who would never amount to anything truly meaningful and looked unbelievably unfit for magic, led by a man with tidy brown hair wearing a business suit and carrying a suitcase. This was Steve Roncook, the financial manager for the activists. While Blood-Wraith did not like Steve, he was far more in favor of him than someone like Rick. Steve was more level-headed, but not enough to give him a second chance like Blood-Wraith had with Christina… or perhaps that attitude would change that very day.
“Hello, Steve,” Blood-Wraith said as he got up. “I take it you told Rick to stay home?”
“Well given his previous blunder, I’d rather he not be here making an ass of himself.” While Steve’s modestly deep voice lacked friendliness, his cordial nature was certainly appreciated. “Besides, I believe today is his ‘subathon’ nonsense…”
“A what-a-thon?” Ludwig questioned.
“Yes, I’m drawing a blank too,” David added.
“Oh, it’s one of those blithering computer-internet things,” Jonathan replied. “Brandr, could you explain since you know a thing or two about that stuff?”
“Sure guys,” he said as he stood up. “It’s a livestream thing. A livestream is a live video feed where the streamer does stuff… It’s kind of mundane all things considered and pales in comparison to proper entertainment. As for a ‘subathon,’ well that’s where a streamer asks people to subscribe and donate to their platform while trying to reach arbitrary goals for… reasons, I guess.”
“Those reasons are for growing their audiences and making money, as typically streaming websites charge a monthly fee to subscribe to the individual,” Steve clarified. “It would be ideal for our cause if Rick didn’t pocket the majority of his profit…”
“All of that sounds incredibly frivolous and pointless…” David remarked, starting to question leaving Universe-1883… “Ahem, what cause do you hold yourself to, Mr. Roncook?”
“ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT BLOOD-WRAITH GOT REBECCA HURT?” A woman with light-purple hair rudely interrupted.
“Blood-Wraith!” Morrigan scolded, receiving a glare from Dragoslava.
“NO NO NO,” Blood-Wraith said as he stomped up to the woman and thrust his finger in her face. “I don’t want to hear it, Angela! That was Rick’s fault and you know it.”
“But you turned into a T-Rex and chased them! Rebecca broke her arm and she has commissions to do!”
“All I did was chase them off for being nuisances who were violating Englehart’s decree! And it’s not my fault Rick is a road rage hooligan behind the wheel!”
“SHE’S OUT OF WORK, YOU PIECE OF SHI…” A scruffy-haired activist tried to bark, only to get whacked by Steve’s suitcase, to the shock of the other activists.
“ENOUGH, REGGIE!” Steve shot back. “CHRIST, I am getting sick and tired of your outbursts! And even if we did have a case, it would fall under Iron City jurisdiction.”
“Thank you, Steve,” Blood-Wraith replied as he sat back down, shooting Morrigan a look that caused her to slink back a little. “Now, Dr. Livesey, you were saying?”
“My gratitude, gentleman,” he replied. “What is your cause, Steve? What makes you oppose the guild, even though our goals align with each other?”
Steve straightened out his suit and cleared his throat as he indicated for the others to take a seat. “Our goal is to defeat The Eternal Order by dismantling the systems and structures that enable them…”
“And what would those be?”
“Monarchies and unchecked magic use.”
David chuckled a little. “While I’ll openly admit that King George could have handled the 13 colonies a bit better, I don’t think that’s cause to dismantle the whole system, my boy…”
“Your point doesn’t bode well for your argument, Doctor,” Steve rebutted. “Furthermore I was forced to live under a tyrant. My timeline of Universe-231218 was ravaged by The Audoan Wars and I was subjugated by Rambert the Conqueror! A megalomaniacal emperor, he sought to conquer all of Europe and crush those who opposed him at the behest of a wicked god, no doubt an agent of The Eternal Order.”
“My condolences for your past woes, but one bad apple does not make a whole bunch…”
“You’re missing my point, Doctor.”
“I disagree, as Rambert sounds like a job for The ULTRAMagic Guild.”
“Then why didn’t you show up?!” Steve sounded fairly angry and bitter, surprising his associates.
“We’re not omnipotent, Mr. Roncook,” David pointed out. “Our reach only goes so far, thus we need help to reach maximum effectiveness.”
Steve wanted to argue further, but had to admit to himself that David had a fair point. It still stung a little, however. “Well that doesn’t change the fact that that kind of tyrant can easily come into power through sheer force. I say democratic systems are ideal for voting in the right people into power. Prime Minister Auteberry was a truly cracking leader…”
“How many times do I have to bring up Hector Fang and Monty Black?” Blood-Wraith interjected.
“Precisely, Blood,” David replied. “A system that relies on people making informed decisions is only as strong as those who participate in it. The wrong man pulls the right strings and the whole system goes up in smoke.” Steve said nothing and softly groaned as David had a point again. “Not to minimize your plight, Steve, but perhaps you should speak to King Englehart, King Sten, or King Isenhardt when you get the chance. They are some of the most upstanding kings this side of the Cosmos.”
Steve was about to speak, but an out of shape activist with messy, somewhat greasy hair got up right in David’s face. “YOU’RE ALL JUST A BUNCH OF PUPPETS FOR THOSE TYRANICAL, MONARCHY PIGS!” he shouted while launching saliva from his mouth, causing David to grimace as he stood his ground.
Blood-Wraith shot up and shoved the man aside. “OH BOY, HERE’S GOOD OLD JOSH BROWN, SPITTING IN PEOPLE’S FACES INSTEAD OF MAKING AN ACTUAL ARGUMENT!” he shouted.
“SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU STUPID PUPPET!”
A full blown shouting match erupted between Blood-Wraith and the activists, with Johnathan and the others joining their guildmate to back him up. David, Steve, and Morrigan tried to break up the verbal fight, but to no avail. It was as if this was a release of months of pent up frustration for Blood-Wraith, as everything that came out of his mouth was a scathing critique of the actions of the activists and their ideology. No matter what insult the activists shouted at him, Blood-Wraith kept going like a finely tuned dynamo. The uproar was scaring passersby left and right as they quickly fled. As for the police, they were getting ready to intervene, but hesitated as no punches had been thrown yet.
And then all went silent as a strange, warm-as-ichor chill set in. Approaching the gathering was a tall man in scarlet armor, striding calmly forward as his cape fluttered softly behind him. His groomed hair was bright red, his crimson eyes were as sharp as knives, and his black goatee had a villainous quality as it adorned his handsome face. The activists seemed scared out of their wits as they grouped together, of which David quietly observed. He had a good idea of who the man was and did not like it one bit. It was easy to sense something was gravely wrong and David’s mind scrambled to rationalize his concerns. If that was their opponent, they were in trouble and needed all the help they could get…
“Now now, everyone, no need to fight,” the man said in a soothing, yet sinister voice. “We’re all allies and friends in our fight against The Eternal Order…”
“Heya, Hotshot,” Morrigan said as she bounced over to him. “I was just about to get everything under control and…”
“Please, Morrigan, not right now. We have a lot of business of yours to tend to after all…”
“Ah, yes… Sorry, Gore…”
“Hello, Gore,” Blood-Wraith grunted.
“Ah, young Blood-Wraith,” Gore replied, clearly ignoring Blood-Wraith's attitude. “How are we on this fine day?” he inquired as he went and tried to straighten out Blood-Wraith’s knight’s beret.
Blood-Wraith shooed his hands away and adjusted his hat himself. “Fine. Unappreciative of your underlings being nuisances, but fine.”
“Oh come now, Sir Raynot, you know I’d never send them to deliberately bother you…”
“Then get them under control,” Blood-Wraith growled through gritted teeth.
Gore’s gaze quickly zeroed in on Josh, looking like his eyes could have easily sliced the man in half. “You’re not misbehaving, are you, Mr. Brown?”
“N-no sir!” he stuttered in silent panic.
“You best be telling the truth, Mr. Brown…” Gore’s voice subtly intensified, like he was about to punish and eliminate Josh. “We have a plan-a goal-a glorious future to maintain, and you best not be hindering it…”
David did not like where the situation was going and spoke up. It was doubtful that Gore would pull anything in public, but still. “Gore Bloodblade? I am Dr. David Robert Livesey…” he announced as he held out his hand.
Gore stopped and turned his attention away from Josh. “Ah yes, ULTRAMagic Magistrate, if my knowledge is correct. It is a pleasure to meet you, your honor…”
David could feel his soul itself shudder as he shook hands, and it was a relief when the shake ceased. “I’m looking forward to our debate, Mr. Bloodblade.”
“Indeed, Doctor-but perhaps we should hold it in a more professional setting. Does tomorrow at the same time in City Hall sound reasonable to you?” Gore was seemingly polite, yet one could tell there was something insincere about it.
“That’s fine with me, as we have all the time in the world.”
“A date it shall be then, for a clash of the minds,” Gore replied. “Come now, my fellow opposers of the Order. We have much to discuss tonight…” he said as he began to leave with the activists.
“See you tomorrow, Bloody-Buddy,” Morrigan called out as they left, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Once they were well and truly gone, David let out an anxious exhale. “Blood, know that I don’t say this lightly, but there is something unholy and wrong about that man…”
“I am going to second that…” Ludwig added.
“You’re telling me?” Blood-Wraith asked with an uneasy laugh. “I wish Wulfric was here, as I am certain that’s Karnage…”
“That’s Karnage?!” Steve questioned, startling the others.
“Agh, Steve?” You’re still here?”
“Blood-Wraith, are you sure that’s Karnage Dethgrave?” Steve looked beyond serious, like a burning question was just about to be answered.
Blood-Wraith paused and took a deep breath. “Steve, get out while you still can. I have no idea what’s going to happen next, but it’s not going to be good…”
“Where… where can I go?”
He thought for a second, then turned to Dragoslava to request her notepad and pen for a second. Blood-Wraith quickly wrote something down, despite being shaken from the prior argument he had. “Steve, take this letter to the Captain-General in The Iron city and stay there. You’ll be safe, I promise.”
Steve hesitated at first, but then took the paper and neatly folded it to put it into his pocket. “Thank you…”
Jonathan then patted his shoulder. “Hey, smooth sailing and wind under your sails, matey.”
“Thank you, thank you all.” It was easy to tell Steve was about to cry, but held it in. There was a story behind the sudden relent of his fervor for the ‘cause’ Gore had coerced him into, but it was a story for another time.
Steve would immediately head to The Iron City Embassy and was hurried off to the city itself. Theobold read the letter Blood-Wraith had written and smiled, sending it straight to the king. Once that was all taken care of, Steve was quickly settled in and would begin studying alchemy, eventually becoming a Royal Alchemist. And despite the impending catastrophe, he would live a happy life in The Iron City and start a family with Christina. That fateful day in The Great Uncity was a cross road for Steve, and Blood-Wraith helped him choose the right path. In his old age of the far flung future, beyond countless eons, Steve would get out that old letter and look fondly upon it, eternally grateful for the honor and generosity of Sir Blood-Wraith Andrew Raynot.
Next: Chapter 9
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
Ludwig and David paid attention to how Blood-Wraith and the others were reacting to the city and Morrigan. Upon arriving in the vast, vibrant park and taking a seat at the park benches close to a peaceful fountain, Blood-Wraith was swarmed by a group of children who were asking questions and requesting his autograph. He was more than happy to indulge them with a smile on his face. David further noted Morrigan’s demeanor and grew increasingly concerned by her apparent naivete. Despite everything they had learned, Morrigan treated Blood-Wraith like a brother in arms, regardless of the cockiness in her voice. There was a sense that something was not right with her and it did not sit well with David, nor Ludwig. It was of no doubt that Blood-Wraith and the others were already aware of this issue, however.
Morrigan’s positivity and happy-go-lucky attitude could only keep things lively for so long once certain people started entering the park. Blood-Wraith could easily tell that the activists had arrived when the parents began leaving with their children. It was the standard affair of average people who would never amount to anything truly meaningful and looked unbelievably unfit for magic, led by a man with tidy brown hair wearing a business suit and carrying a suitcase. This was Steve Roncook, the financial manager for the activists. While Blood-Wraith did not like Steve, he was far more in favor of him than someone like Rick. Steve was more level-headed, but not enough to give him a second chance like Blood-Wraith had with Christina… or perhaps that attitude would change that very day.
“Hello, Steve,” Blood-Wraith said as he got up. “I take it you told Rick to stay home?”
“Well given his previous blunder, I’d rather he not be here making an ass of himself.” While Steve’s modestly deep voice lacked friendliness, his cordial nature was certainly appreciated. “Besides, I believe today is his ‘subathon’ nonsense…”
“A what-a-thon?” Ludwig questioned.
“Yes, I’m drawing a blank too,” David added.
“Oh, it’s one of those blithering computer-internet things,” Jonathan replied. “Brandr, could you explain since you know a thing or two about that stuff?”
“Sure guys,” he said as he stood up. “It’s a livestream thing. A livestream is a live video feed where the streamer does stuff… It’s kind of mundane all things considered and pales in comparison to proper entertainment. As for a ‘subathon,’ well that’s where a streamer asks people to subscribe and donate to their platform while trying to reach arbitrary goals for… reasons, I guess.”
“Those reasons are for growing their audiences and making money, as typically streaming websites charge a monthly fee to subscribe to the individual,” Steve clarified. “It would be ideal for our cause if Rick didn’t pocket the majority of his profit…”
“All of that sounds incredibly frivolous and pointless…” David remarked, starting to question leaving Universe-1883… “Ahem, what cause do you hold yourself to, Mr. Roncook?”
“ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT BLOOD-WRAITH GOT REBECCA HURT?” A woman with light-purple hair rudely interrupted.
“Blood-Wraith!” Morrigan scolded, receiving a glare from Dragoslava.
“NO NO NO,” Blood-Wraith said as he stomped up to the woman and thrust his finger in her face. “I don’t want to hear it, Angela! That was Rick’s fault and you know it.”
“But you turned into a T-Rex and chased them! Rebecca broke her arm and she has commissions to do!”
“All I did was chase them off for being nuisances who were violating Englehart’s decree! And it’s not my fault Rick is a road rage hooligan behind the wheel!”
“SHE’S OUT OF WORK, YOU PIECE OF SHI…” A scruffy-haired activist tried to bark, only to get whacked by Steve’s suitcase, to the shock of the other activists.
“ENOUGH, REGGIE!” Steve shot back. “CHRIST, I am getting sick and tired of your outbursts! And even if we did have a case, it would fall under Iron City jurisdiction.”
“Thank you, Steve,” Blood-Wraith replied as he sat back down, shooting Morrigan a look that caused her to slink back a little. “Now, Dr. Livesey, you were saying?”
“My gratitude, gentleman,” he replied. “What is your cause, Steve? What makes you oppose the guild, even though our goals align with each other?”
Steve straightened out his suit and cleared his throat as he indicated for the others to take a seat. “Our goal is to defeat The Eternal Order by dismantling the systems and structures that enable them…”
“And what would those be?”
“Monarchies and unchecked magic use.”
David chuckled a little. “While I’ll openly admit that King George could have handled the 13 colonies a bit better, I don’t think that’s cause to dismantle the whole system, my boy…”
“Your point doesn’t bode well for your argument, Doctor,” Steve rebutted. “Furthermore I was forced to live under a tyrant. My timeline of Universe-231218 was ravaged by The Audoan Wars and I was subjugated by Rambert the Conqueror! A megalomaniacal emperor, he sought to conquer all of Europe and crush those who opposed him at the behest of a wicked god, no doubt an agent of The Eternal Order.”
“My condolences for your past woes, but one bad apple does not make a whole bunch…”
“You’re missing my point, Doctor.”
“I disagree, as Rambert sounds like a job for The ULTRAMagic Guild.”
“Then why didn’t you show up?!” Steve sounded fairly angry and bitter, surprising his associates.
“We’re not omnipotent, Mr. Roncook,” David pointed out. “Our reach only goes so far, thus we need help to reach maximum effectiveness.”
Steve wanted to argue further, but had to admit to himself that David had a fair point. It still stung a little, however. “Well that doesn’t change the fact that that kind of tyrant can easily come into power through sheer force. I say democratic systems are ideal for voting in the right people into power. Prime Minister Auteberry was a truly cracking leader…”
“How many times do I have to bring up Hector Fang and Monty Black?” Blood-Wraith interjected.
“Precisely, Blood,” David replied. “A system that relies on people making informed decisions is only as strong as those who participate in it. The wrong man pulls the right strings and the whole system goes up in smoke.” Steve said nothing and softly groaned as David had a point again. “Not to minimize your plight, Steve, but perhaps you should speak to King Englehart, King Sten, or King Isenhardt when you get the chance. They are some of the most upstanding kings this side of the Cosmos.”
Steve was about to speak, but an out of shape activist with messy, somewhat greasy hair got up right in David’s face. “YOU’RE ALL JUST A BUNCH OF PUPPETS FOR THOSE TYRANICAL, MONARCHY PIGS!” he shouted while launching saliva from his mouth, causing David to grimace as he stood his ground.
Blood-Wraith shot up and shoved the man aside. “OH BOY, HERE’S GOOD OLD JOSH BROWN, SPITTING IN PEOPLE’S FACES INSTEAD OF MAKING AN ACTUAL ARGUMENT!” he shouted.
“SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU STUPID PUPPET!”
A full blown shouting match erupted between Blood-Wraith and the activists, with Johnathan and the others joining their guildmate to back him up. David, Steve, and Morrigan tried to break up the verbal fight, but to no avail. It was as if this was a release of months of pent up frustration for Blood-Wraith, as everything that came out of his mouth was a scathing critique of the actions of the activists and their ideology. No matter what insult the activists shouted at him, Blood-Wraith kept going like a finely tuned dynamo. The uproar was scaring passersby left and right as they quickly fled. As for the police, they were getting ready to intervene, but hesitated as no punches had been thrown yet.
And then all went silent as a strange, warm-as-ichor chill set in. Approaching the gathering was a tall man in scarlet armor, striding calmly forward as his cape fluttered softly behind him. His groomed hair was bright red, his crimson eyes were as sharp as knives, and his black goatee had a villainous quality as it adorned his handsome face. The activists seemed scared out of their wits as they grouped together, of which David quietly observed. He had a good idea of who the man was and did not like it one bit. It was easy to sense something was gravely wrong and David’s mind scrambled to rationalize his concerns. If that was their opponent, they were in trouble and needed all the help they could get…
“Now now, everyone, no need to fight,” the man said in a soothing, yet sinister voice. “We’re all allies and friends in our fight against The Eternal Order…”
“Heya, Hotshot,” Morrigan said as she bounced over to him. “I was just about to get everything under control and…”
“Please, Morrigan, not right now. We have a lot of business of yours to tend to after all…”
“Ah, yes… Sorry, Gore…”
“Hello, Gore,” Blood-Wraith grunted.
“Ah, young Blood-Wraith,” Gore replied, clearly ignoring Blood-Wraith's attitude. “How are we on this fine day?” he inquired as he went and tried to straighten out Blood-Wraith’s knight’s beret.
Blood-Wraith shooed his hands away and adjusted his hat himself. “Fine. Unappreciative of your underlings being nuisances, but fine.”
“Oh come now, Sir Raynot, you know I’d never send them to deliberately bother you…”
“Then get them under control,” Blood-Wraith growled through gritted teeth.
Gore’s gaze quickly zeroed in on Josh, looking like his eyes could have easily sliced the man in half. “You’re not misbehaving, are you, Mr. Brown?”
“N-no sir!” he stuttered in silent panic.
“You best be telling the truth, Mr. Brown…” Gore’s voice subtly intensified, like he was about to punish and eliminate Josh. “We have a plan-a goal-a glorious future to maintain, and you best not be hindering it…”
David did not like where the situation was going and spoke up. It was doubtful that Gore would pull anything in public, but still. “Gore Bloodblade? I am Dr. David Robert Livesey…” he announced as he held out his hand.
Gore stopped and turned his attention away from Josh. “Ah yes, ULTRAMagic Magistrate, if my knowledge is correct. It is a pleasure to meet you, your honor…”
David could feel his soul itself shudder as he shook hands, and it was a relief when the shake ceased. “I’m looking forward to our debate, Mr. Bloodblade.”
“Indeed, Doctor-but perhaps we should hold it in a more professional setting. Does tomorrow at the same time in City Hall sound reasonable to you?” Gore was seemingly polite, yet one could tell there was something insincere about it.
“That’s fine with me, as we have all the time in the world.”
“A date it shall be then, for a clash of the minds,” Gore replied. “Come now, my fellow opposers of the Order. We have much to discuss tonight…” he said as he began to leave with the activists.
“See you tomorrow, Bloody-Buddy,” Morrigan called out as they left, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Once they were well and truly gone, David let out an anxious exhale. “Blood, know that I don’t say this lightly, but there is something unholy and wrong about that man…”
“I am going to second that…” Ludwig added.
“You’re telling me?” Blood-Wraith asked with an uneasy laugh. “I wish Wulfric was here, as I am certain that’s Karnage…”
“That’s Karnage?!” Steve questioned, startling the others.
“Agh, Steve?” You’re still here?”
“Blood-Wraith, are you sure that’s Karnage Dethgrave?” Steve looked beyond serious, like a burning question was just about to be answered.
Blood-Wraith paused and took a deep breath. “Steve, get out while you still can. I have no idea what’s going to happen next, but it’s not going to be good…”
“Where… where can I go?”
He thought for a second, then turned to Dragoslava to request her notepad and pen for a second. Blood-Wraith quickly wrote something down, despite being shaken from the prior argument he had. “Steve, take this letter to the Captain-General in The Iron city and stay there. You’ll be safe, I promise.”
Steve hesitated at first, but then took the paper and neatly folded it to put it into his pocket. “Thank you…”
Jonathan then patted his shoulder. “Hey, smooth sailing and wind under your sails, matey.”
“Thank you, thank you all.” It was easy to tell Steve was about to cry, but held it in. There was a story behind the sudden relent of his fervor for the ‘cause’ Gore had coerced him into, but it was a story for another time.
Steve would immediately head to The Iron City Embassy and was hurried off to the city itself. Theobold read the letter Blood-Wraith had written and smiled, sending it straight to the king. Once that was all taken care of, Steve was quickly settled in and would begin studying alchemy, eventually becoming a Royal Alchemist. And despite the impending catastrophe, he would live a happy life in The Iron City and start a family with Christina. That fateful day in The Great Uncity was a cross road for Steve, and Blood-Wraith helped him choose the right path. In his old age of the far flung future, beyond countless eons, Steve would get out that old letter and look fondly upon it, eternally grateful for the honor and generosity of Sir Blood-Wraith Andrew Raynot.
Next: Chapter 9
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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