Return of the Mage

[ixis]

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?"

Comments

[chiron_survivor]

"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?"

[ixis]

"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.

[chiron_survivor]

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."

[ixis]

"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.

[chiron_survivor]

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."

[ixis]

"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.