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

[mynameisnotbrad]

“That depends on how long you’ve been gone.”

It’s hard for Josh to not notice the smoke billowing into the Nexus, along with the sudden change that’s quickly overcoming the population of the Nexus. People in the area whisper to themselves, many of them start to leave, not wanting to stay within a few feet of the Ixian mage. Instead of being scared away, he’s intrigued by Ixis, more than happy to strike up a conversation.

“I guess recapping recent events isn’t too difficult. Let’s see...Covfefe became the newest buzz word. Rompers are suddenly a fashion trend…don’t know how I feel about that just yet.” His tone of voice is too happy, and paired with his wardrobe choice consisting of a pink polo / tan capris, one has to wonder if this guy isn’t secretly a woman in disguise. “Oh! Probably the most exciting bit of news is that the Nexus got completely invaded a few weeks ago.”

He sighs and smiles. “That incident got resolved way too quickly, alas."

[ixis]

Hey, a guy can be peppy and rock pink and not be presumed femme. If anything, he's just dressed like the average country club goer. Just throw in a sweater tied around his shoulders by the sleeves and a gin and tonic and it's flawless.

Naugus listens to the guy, nodding and frowning along with his points. Only when Brad Josh pauses does the mage start to tick things off on his fingers.

"One of those things you said isn't a real word. Rompers in the sense of jumpsuits are perfectly valid on the grounds of being utilitarian. Give me more details about this invasion. Another one of demonic nature, perhaps?"

[mynameisnotbrad]

Don't give him any ideas Ixis, he's already the type of guy that goes to Sunday brunches and spends his free time growing flowers. To be fair, 'Josh' has to resist staring at any of Ixis's unique features, like his lobster claw and large bat ears.

"That can be argued. You ever seen a teenager wearing a one-piece jumper adorned with a large pineapple? It's terrifying." For such a sad event, he's over-joyed to be discussing it. "Benedict Cumberbatch, although he was calling himself Khan, came into the Nexus and disabled the anti-violence field. Brought in a whole army of androids and was looking for Jim Kirk."

He shakes his head. "I heard a group of 'heroes' took him down though. Sad, really. That man's beautiful blue eyes were taken from this world too soon."

[ixis]

"Jim Kirk? Really? What's that complete ass done now? Plenty, if he's got a maniac with robots coming after him. How disappointing. Couldn't even make better enemies than the usual madman who plays with machines. Also, you're still making up words. A cumberbatch isn't a real thing in any reality. I'd stake my own tail on it." A dangerous gambit, even in jest. There's a lot of realities out there.

"And the anti-violence has failed yet again? Colour me increasingly unimpressed with whatever maintains it. I've arrived just in time once again, it seems." Even though he missed the actual invasion.

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Got me. I didn't bother to ask, and to be fair, I had my own personal business to attend to." He just shrugs his shoulders. "It's the name of an actor where I'm from, so..." He's already glancing down at Ixis's tail with a smirk on his face. "I'll take you up on that offer if I can sell it for re-tail price? Ha! I'm just kidding with you."

The second comment gets a curious stare from Josh. "I'm guessing this is a common occurrence? Maybe the hamsters aren't getting paid enough to run on the wheels powering the shield thingy? I have no clue, but I'm okay with it going out every so often."

[ixis]

"A name is a proper noun in form only! I stand by my assertion, young man." And for good measure, Naugus wraps his tail around one of his own legs. You know, for safe keeping.

"I've always been assured its uncommon, but twice since my arrival seems excessive. Were there casualties?" He doesn't even think to pick up or comment on the statement that this fine young fellow doesn't seem to mind some chaos now and again.

[chiron_survivor]

Adia has not yet had the pleasure of meeting Naugus, but she has been to his tower (for a pokemon playdate, of all things), so it is with extreme nervousness that she watches the plume of smog heading towards the Plaza. It only alleviates slightly when it coalesces into a... man? He has a tail...

And speaking of pokemon, there are three of them in her company. The dog-like one wags her tail and sniffs the air, curious about the newcomer, while the dinosaur-like one at her feet barely lifts her head. The bird on her shoulder (who is a little too big to be perched there) glares at him like it's his job.

"Um... there was an invasion. The anti-violence field fell." She unconsciously glances in the direction of the Underbelly, the skyline of which is still a complete mess. "They were stopped, though, and the anti-violence field is working again, so things are getting back to normal... for the Nexus, anyway."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Won't fight you anymore regarding the topic, Mr...? Yeah, I have no idea how you want to be addressed." His attention is no longer on Ixis's tail, thankfully.

"Plenty. The guy was on a warpath, killing anyone who stood in his way or didn't have any useful information to give up. I didn't get it at the time, but this Khan fellow has a ring that gave him some crazy powers." His eyes now drift towards the chaos emerald sitting atop Ixis's staff. "How many people have tried to steal it? The gemstone you're carrying around? Not like I'm implying I'll do it, just curious, that's all."

[ixis]

Adia speaking up gets Naugus to, naturally, notice her and he immediately strides with grins and confidence in her direction. Though her little poképals get an appraising look, one after another. "Interesting familiars. Though it's more traditional to keep it to just one. I favour the bird, personally."

When she explains about the invasion, Naugus nods along. "Yes, I've heard of that. Something to do with yet another fool who thinks robots are the bleeding edge of conquest. How dull. Anyway, any indicator of what caused the field to fall?"

[ixis]

"Naugus. Ixis Naugus, sorcerer supreme and master of the elements." Even with his tail curled close, he still manages a flourished, if quick, bow.

"A ring? What manner of ring? They're quite powerful artifacts back where I'm from." No comment either on the loss of life, and not just because he's distracted by the sudden inquiry about his property. "None. No one is so foolish as to try. You can try if you're eager to discover why, however."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Naugus. Got it. Hope you don't mind me dropping the formalities for simplicity." Because mainly, Josh knows he'll butcher the title or forget it at some point in the future. Mentally, he just tells himself to not call the wizard something offensive. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"A power ring. Yes, it's literally called that. Cliche, but fitting, since the thing comes from an outer space comic." He can't help but laugh at the given answer. "No way. I can only imagine how many ways you'd torture someone for even attempt to touch it. Sorry, but I'm not going to give you a reason to kill me. It's my job to come up with stuff like that."

[ixis]

"I do mind the lack of formality, but so it goes. And yes, I'm always a pleasure."

He drums his fingers on the haft of his staff, listening to the rambling, eyebrows raising when the use of a power ring is confirmed. "I may very well have to investigate this Khan and his acquisition of a power ring. I would dearly love to know where I can do the same."

A pause. "...Are you an executioner, then? Or something more unsavoury."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"I guess if the title means that much to you, I'll do my best to remember it then."

Josh can't help but notice Ixis's fingers moving, clearly unable to ignore such small, meaningless movements. "Well, if you've got the free time, just head down to the Commercial District and stop off at one of the comic stores located there. Just ask them for anything regarding Green Lantern and you're good to go." It's a start, at least, since he has no idea where to actually find a power ring.

"I take pride in what I do, so I'm not like those types of people. My job is something way better." He clearly fails at being modest, sounding overly confident, brimming with energy. "I'm a game show host!"

Cue up those Nexus crickets anytime today.

[heirtothearcane]

"Naugus!" The sudden appearance of the mage catches Viatorus by surprise. Other than a brief glimpse of him at his own tower, the scholar hasn't seen him in what feels like an age. Is that because he's been hiding away doing his research, or because Naugus has been hiding away doing research? It's hard to tell.

"I... You've missed quite a lot." Thinking on it, Viatorus isn't sure where to begin, or what to mention and what to leave out. Instead of answering, he looks at Naugus, worried despite the certainty that Naugus won't appreciate it. "Have you been all right? You... You didn't stay away because of anything we talked about, did you?"

[chiron_survivor]

"Oh, no, they aren't familiars. Or mine, actually... their owner was hurt during the invasion." Very badly, if her expression is any indication. "I'm taking care of them until he returns."

The rufflet does not ease up on his creepy bird stare. Flattery will get you nowhere, buddy. Adia sighs and reaches up to settle his feathers. "Sorry, Bucky's wary of strangers. Sarah and Ethel are friendly, though." Sarah wags her tail again as if to demonstrate.

"Robots?" That's news to Adia. It makes her fidget anxiously with the ends of her scarf. "I thought Khan's soldiers were only genetically enhanced..." She frowns and shakes her head. "No, unfortunately... Blaze thinks that Khan's powers were causing some sort of warping of the laws of physics... maybe that's what did it."

[ixis]

"Your best will have to suffice."

The mention of comic books catches Naugus off-guard, ears doing a confused twist or two. "Beg pardon? I know nothing of lanterns, green or otherwise, having anything to do with the manifestation of power rings. I was expecting something more along the lines of a lake that generates them, or a device that can pull them from the elemental ether, as that's the methods I've known previously."

The confirmation of what Josh's job is only makes those ears do one last confused switch in positioning. "...I see." He doesn't see.

[ixis]

If Naugus saw that pained expression, he doesn't acknowledge it. Instead, he's more fixated on that bird giving him the stink-eye. His eventual response is to quickly stick his tongue out at it before turning his full attention back to Adia.

"I was told that the man brought some manner of cyborgs or robots with him to aid in this attempt at takeover. My mistake. Or more the mistake of the one who gave me inaccurate information. Shame on them. In any case, physics aren't exactly my realm of expertise. Were it a matter more magical, it would be a different story entirely. Perhaps I will investigate with it regardless."

[ixis]

"Ah, Viatorus! Good to see you once more, boy." Ixis Naugus even switches his staff to his claw so he can offer his hand for shaking! That's how special you are, kiddo. "I've been fine! Smashing! I've simply been tied up in a rather ambitious project. I tend to get a slight case of tunnel vision when research is reaching a fever pace." Right, because it's 'slight' when it makes you lock the door and allow no guests for months on the end.

"Nothing to do with you or what you've seen or said, of course not. In fact, I've barely spared it a thought since I had my initial breakthrough that allowed for great strides in my work! No issues to speak of. Dreams are dreams and have little to do with my work when awake."

[chiron_survivor]

Bucky scoffs and turns his head. Rude! He chirrups his displeasure to Adia, but she has unfortunately missed the wizard's sassy display, too caught up in her own worries.

"Oh... well, there was a lot of confusion during the invasion, I could see how someone would be misinformed..." Despite still looking rather nervous, she manages a smile for Naugus. If he is who she thinks he is, any investigating he wants to do would be a boon. "That would be very helpful, thank you. It's unnerving to know that the AV field can be breached without any warning."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"A lake? Not this particular one, but I can see where you'd draw that guess from. European lore always have a lot of tales involving mystical artifacts and large bodies of water." Although he's starting to wonder if showing physical proof is better than trying to describe fictional powers via conversation. "I guess if you've got nothing better to do, I can take you somewhere that's abundant with the information you want regarding the ring."

That look is one Josh is familiar with, and he can't help but sigh and act generally disheartened. "Ouch. Your reaction reminds me of my mom. Trust me when I say the job is much more exciting and fulfilling than you might think."

[smartass_captain]

Of. Fucking. Course.

Leave it to the resident supposed 'master of all things magical and blah blah king wizard bignuts' to only show up after the blood has been spilt and dead buried for this fiasco. Captain Kirk rolls his eyes at the showy display the wizard makes of his return, though when he does speak up it's with remarkably more reservation than he usually has toward the other.

Look, it's been weird ever since they swapped bodies, and maybe the Caelus mage is having some sort of proper influence on Jim and his respect for the arcane masters.

"Quite a bit, but nothing near where you're staying, so I'm not surprised you've not heard already." A pause, ebfore he ventures forth with a query of his own. "Is Harrow doing alright lately...?" He hasn't seen his friend since everything went down in the underbelly.

[longclawed]

Just whom he wasn't expecting to see after he made his return to the Nexus, Jon lifts his head up as he holds the reins of his horse in order to keep it from running in horror at the sight of Naugus. The war horse gives a hard yank on the reins and neighs in displeasure at being kept there. And the black horse follows it up with a loud snort.

Jon just looks at the display and he rolls his eyes. "Seems like we've both missed what happened. But from the looks of things, there appears that there was quite the fight." Between what Lord Snow doesn't quite know.

"I take it you wanted to be here to help defend the Nexus."

[ixis]

"If you're going to take me someplace that peddles in pointless picture books, I must decline. I'm a busy man and I have no time for such frivolities. Besides, my schedule is presently booked solid. Research, you see.

"Your mother might have the right idea. While I can appreciate a good display of showmanship and bombast, this still sounds spectacularly pointless. Do you busy yourself exclusively with funny books and needless trivia?"

[ixis]

"The same someone mentioned a dire loss of life. Was this an exaggeration or mistake as well? Has anyone properly tallied the body count yet? Vale's Bones, imagine the headache of having to arrange last rites for all of them. Figure out what worlds they're from and transport the remains, or simply bury or cremate here in the Nexus. Do we even have a graveyard? I've never stopped to consider."

Naugus rambles his train of thought, enjoying the sound of his own voice. "But yes, the fact I've personally seen two lapses in the field is frustrating. Unacceptable, even. I think this needs my personal attention posthaste. I'm certain I can solve this." Is it confidence or ego? Why can't it be both!

[ixis]

"Of course nothing near ME. No one in their right mind would think to challenge me properly. It was likely part of this man's gambit; he struck while I was indisposed and unaware. He never would have caused the damage he had were I present.

"Besides, someone says that he was here terrorizing the Nexus population in an attempt to locate YOU. What had you done and have you considered how you're going to bequeath reparations? Oh, and Harrowheart seems fine. Last I saw him, he had a woman with him who looked a great deal like him. Which is to say dead. Good for him, making a ladyfriend."