nexus_crossings | Return of the Mage

Current Mood: chipper
Current Music: "Lotta Years"-Aesop Rock

Return of the Mage

The stone tower has remained in its distant reaches of the Nexus, a constant looming landmark at the border of the Wilds. But its owner and inhabitant has been silent and missing for so long now, hasn't he? The only reassurance that he's not dead is the family that has made their home on the outskirts of the tower, tending to the chao and rebuilding their own life after fleeing Azeroth's Westfall. Only they have been graced with rare glimpses of the Mobian mage, who otherwise has locked himself inside, working obsessively on...something.

So the sudden pillar of smoke that rises from the landmark might be cause for notice, if not alarm. It swirls and grows, soon gathering itself into a singular column of dense smog and streaking towards the central plaza. And there in the middle does it descend, pulling its billowing shape into something more solid. The gruesome form it ends up taking is none other than the long-absent Ixis Naugus, jeweled staff in hand, cape pulled around his shoulders with his claw.

He casts a surveying look around, taking in the usual views and the present people. After doing so, his face splits into a toothy grin and he poses his question:

"Well? What have I missed?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

She doesn't comment on the benefit of nemeses; that's not a concept she remotely understands. Even if the academic world, she'd much rather collaborate with rival labs than compete over grant funding. "Well... I'm hoping it won't be an issue either way... especially if the AV field stays up like it's supposed to."

There is a blank look of confusion on her face for several seconds while Naugus elaborates. A valid school of...? Oh. Oh. Necromancy, as in the raising of the dead, not necro-romantic, as in something illegal on every colony. She turns as red as the growlithe who has decided that lying flopped on the ground is a better use of her time than sitting up and hoping that the funny-looking man with a kingler hand will pet her. "Well... um. I don't think it's something Reynard would do," she replies, trying vainly to push past her mortification. "It's different with Harrowheart, he's a death knight." She doesn't know who the person with the stupid hat and missing teeth is, which is just as well, because then she'd likely have to get angry all over again that Naugus is insulting one of her friends.

His story, at least, paints him in a more sympathetic light. "I'm sorry," she says sincerely, her blush fading. "That you can't return home.... we're in a similar situation. The colonies still exist, but are currently uninhabitable."

"What a harsh blow it is, to be exiled. Worse still to know home is no longer even present at all. But we move forward! No use on moping about and being useless in frustration or sadness. I can't abide by such listless responses." Never mind that the initial discovery sent Naugus into a despondent rage that included literally bursting into flames.

"Which is why I am presently QUITE invested in using the extent of my abilities to discover the failings in the field and do what I must to mend or bolster it. I'll not allow my new home to be so fragile. It's already unpredictable enough in its ways."

That's the spirit, Naugus. His forward-thinking attitude even manages to make her smile a little. "My people are trying to find Earth. We thought it was a myth for a long time, but we found proof recently that it's real."

She understands better the anger Naugus must have felt towards Reynard messing with his only home and sighs inwardly. If everyone could get along in the first place, there wouldn't even be a need for the AV field. "How have you found it unpredictable? Do you mean the fact that it's spotty out in the Wilds?" That's what she was told, anyway.

"Searching for Earth? Oh, the Overlander planet that most of you come from. I've never heard of it personally before arriving here. But couldn't you determine its location by visiting parallels of your universe? Find other zones that harbour an Earth, gather the data on its relative location in the stars, and apply those measurements to where you reside?" He shrugs. Worth a shot.

"Spotiness in the Wilds, yes. While the general climate of the Nexus across the board and in every sense being overall chaotic. Enough that we have to worry about the daily bizarre of Nexus life; we shouldn't live in perpetual fear of a blow from behind or suffering from learned complacency when it falls once more. I'll not stand for it."

"Overlander?" That's a new one for her. She listens to his suggestion thoughtfully, but ultimately rejects it with a slow shake of her head. "Potentially, yes, but I'm not an astronomer, and... well, I'm the only one who knows about the Nexus and parallel worlds. I'm worried that if I tell anyone, the Cylons -- the robots we're at war with -- will find out about this place, too." And won't that be fun for everyone. "But it's a very good idea. Maybe if we run into another roadblock on our search, I'll reconsider."

Naugus earns a few more points for caring so passionately about protecting the Nexus. "No, we shouldn't," she agrees. "I wasn't here during the demon invasion, but this most recent one..." She frowns. "It isn't right. And it wasn't just Khan, other people took advantage of the anti-violence field being down, too."

"Ahh, I forget some people take this place as a secret, or sanctuary. Good on you to keep it close to the vest. The Nexus is a keen advantage for those who've found it and can travel freely from here to there. I do hope you continue to consider ways to use it to its fullest advantage." Naugus likes a clever person; here's hoping you prove yourself to be one in his eyes, Adia.

"Other people taking advantage? What do you mean? The usual rabble of rioters and looters or worse still?"

She's not explicitly looking for the wizard's approval, but it is nice to hear that he agrees with her decision. Keeping the Nexus a secret is something she struggles with at times, always wondering if she's doing more harm than good by keeping it to herself. "I try my best, but it's hard. So many things are obviously not from the colonies. Even candy wrappers give themselves away. I have to be careful what I bring back."

Shifting uncomfortably where she stands, she reaches up to stroke the rufflet's feathers, as much to soothe her own nerves as his. "Most of the people who died were either attacked by Khan and his soldiers directly, or caught in the collapse of buildings. But... there were some unexplained murders, too."

"Unexplained? Well, if I know the Nexus-going sort who resort to lethal measures, they'll out themselves in time. They do so love to gloat about their recent kills or brag about how they enjoy their particular sport. I think the anti-violence field makes them just as complacent as the rest of us; can't worry about repercussions when the wronged or offended can't raise their hand against you, hm? That or the lack of being able to carry out murder makes their brains spotty. Either way, justice will come in due time, I'm sure."

Adia listens quietly to his response. That's not something she had considered; as much as she tries to see things from another's point of view, she's never put herself into the mind of a killer. It's about as foreign to her as magic. "So you think whoever is responsible will eventually out themselves? What then? There's not much in the way of consequences when the AV field is up..."

"What if... what if they had a reason behind the murders? Do you think they'd brag about it then?"

"Perhaps not brag, but they may still be willing to step forward and offer the logic behind their slaying. Were they dispatching someone vile or acting in self-defense, I'd be more inclined to be lenient in punishment. Wouldn't you?"

"No, of course, but that's not what I meant." A little flustered, she shifts her weight and tries to rethink her question. "I meant, what if they had some sort of plan, and the murders were only part of it? Do you think someone like that could keep quiet about their true nature, or would they eventually slip up?"

"They'd slip up. I'm sure of it. I've worked with and around enough of them to know. They get too caught up in their own game or feel like they're not gaining the recognition they deserve. Returning to the scene of the crime and whathaveyou. And even if they don't confess or out themselves and it IS part of something grander, surely someone will notice before long.

"You seem invested in this matter. Was someone close to you one of the murder victims? Or are you just that convinced we've a matter of a serial killer on our hands?" Well, hand and claw in some cases.

Naugus's words aren't comforting, exactly, but it does seem to ease Adia's nerves --

At least until he asks his question. She looks away and reaches up to pet the rufflet, who has forgone his creepy bird stare to gently preen her hair in an attempt to comfort her. "No, no one close to me, but..." But something about it is still obviously personal. "But I think maybe someone is looking to cause more trouble when they get another opportunity."

"Well!" Naugus pulls himself up once more to his full height, throwing back his cape with a sweeping gesture. "Then all the more reason for me to expedite the matter of personally strengthening the anti-violence field! After all, one can't carry out their twisted games when they have no method of bringing harm!"

He nods to himself, looking so pleased you'd think that he already accomplished the task. "Yes, my mind is QUITE made up. Going forward, the Nexus will have Ixis Naugus to thank for maintaining the peace of this zone! I stake my very reputation on this undertaking!" Then a dramatic point towards Adia as he continues to grin. "Consider yourself lucky, getting to witness this moment. The very declaration that shall be the Nexus' salvation and bring an end to this mindless slaughter!"

So has anyone told Adia yet that Naugus can be super dramatic? Because he can be super dramatic.

At the dramatic pointing, the rufflet drops the strand of Adia's hair from his beak and gives Naugus an incredulous stare. Is this guy a member of Team Rocket or something?

Adia's reaction is more subdued. Although she does smile a little. In fact, she feels a bit foolish. She's being paranoid. Even if there is a serial killer in the Nexus, and even if he's possibly the same person who is stalking her, she's safe for now. The AV field is up, and Naugus is going to make sure it stays that way.

No need to worry anyone.

"Well... great. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"Of course, of course! Though I have utmost faith in my abilities, I will always be swift in coming to the Nexus and consulting the masses on issues that may have delayed me or briefly escaped my reasoning. One of the reasons I've finally emerged from my prolonged research and self-inflicted hermitage. I must again find input and perspective from the other residents of this zone."

He takes three steps back, pulling his cape around him once more. "Until that time comes, or I return to announce my success, fare thee well, young lady! Recall fondly the day you at last met the great Ixis Naugus!"

A great swirling of wind suddenly occurs, gathering in a vortex around Naugus and slowly lifting him aloft. His cape billows and whips about before snapping wide into the distinct shape of bat wings. And then he's off, soaring into the sky, soon nothing but a far off speck as the winds die down with his departure.

Again: dramatic.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Return of the Mage

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject