Clockwork: I n f o r m a t i o n [ Johann ]

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Markus watched as the portal closed behind him. Traveling through void was still a new experience for the mage. With a slight curve of his lips the mage looked around. He felt… home. The entire area was cast in heavy shadow and obscured by dark clouds. There was not a single shaft of iridescent light in sight. Yet the sky above seemed to glow eerily, after all it was still daytime yet the clouds held. The chaos mage would actually find this to be a rather preferable, were it not for his reason for coming. Quickly glancing at a pond at his feet the mage took in his still somewhat jarring appearance.

A pale face, warn and hard with trials and tribulations looked back at him, it was a handsome face, preferable Markus knew, yet he never could seem to remain in a relationship. He knew his personality was the reason for that. Accenting his pale skin was long crimson hair, reaching beyond his shoulders and currently sitting loosely upon his head. The eyes that looked back at him were cold, calculating, prepared. The man looked apathetic, as if he wouldn’t care one way on another the fate that befallen upon those who met his gaze.

Falling upon his shoulders Markus could feel his new vestments pressing upon him. While within the Void the chaos mage had spent much of a year creating and assembling his new vestments. Currently the mage wore a pare of heavy black boots which came to just under his knees, covering upon theirs sides were thick buckles and black carved runes. Under them were his black pants, and a heavy sash held with an ornately carved metal studded belt. Pouches of various sized dotted his hips, some with weapons, others with items. His torso was mostly bare, a black mesh shirt, see through and carved in runes ‘covered’ his chest, and on top of that was a heavy black cloak which seemed to shimmer and shift on its own, like ink on water. His upper arms were left bare, sleeves cut at the shoulders, and his guild tattoo remained surrounded by an intricate tribal tattoo resembling thorns. Directly under his biceps, covering from shoulder to fingers were pure white bandages, looking almost freshly applied. With a careful look one would notice their intricate stitching and hidden runes. Markus had lived for years having to learn to survive, and thrive in a horrendous environment, these vestments were the result of that time, a testament to survival blessed by Chaos itself.

Markus always hated looking at his reflection, yet never could seem to look away without a struggle. He knew what he was, what he was capable of, and of those he had hurt. There was no need for him to dwell. Looking up, he got ready for the task at hand.

Slowly, warily, attentively Markus scouted the area. Turning his head, he scanned the horizon for monsters, enemies, and other possible dangers. Not that being noticed was very likely; the chaos mage had a natural inclination to subtlety. After all, the shadows hugged his body, and concealed his tracks, hiding him from view as they have for years. Markus knew this land accented his magic perfectly, yet even with that in mind he kept his eyes open and his ears to the ground. The mage had been surprised one too many times in the past, it seemed like him those that stalk in the shadows do not need light to find their prey. Markus had always had trouble with his… flippant attitude towards his own safety, and it had almost gotten him killed while in the void. He promised he would be better at such things, yet some days he could not bring himself to care.

Turing his whole body he examined the tall brush, the trees, and the area around him. He felt the itch of the cold, half-dead leaves brushing his neck. Repressing a shiver, he smiles to himself and looks at his companion. The one constant. Next to Markus sat a large black wolf, her fur as dark as night, her eyes glowing like a red harvest moon. She was watching the surrounding area, just as intently as Markus just did, her eyes acting as a second set of protection, glowing moons within the shadows. The chaos mage always felt most comfortable with her at his side.

Markus walked forward thinking of the void, and of the past, being without Hela had been… terrifying. The chaos mage had been forced to deal with the Mímisbrunnr all on his own. The experience had changed Markus, as he saw what he could become. The well has shown the damage the chaos mage was capable of, and the truth of his… friendships. Markus thought back to the ball, it had gone about as well as the mage expected, and he had not seen anyone sense. Yet still, he thought of her words often enough.

As always since then Markus kept himself busy with jobs, preferably those which took him away from awkward encounters with his guild mates. Most days he was in Magnolia he kept to the forests, and at time frequented the guild in order to examine the boards. He always went at night, when he knew most of the members save his teammates would be asleep. Most recently Markus had found himself within the Cursed Lands, dealing once more with a monster problem. He had taken the job and took off without a word, after all it was within his rank and as such needed no approval. However, while there he had heard strange tells and whispers of hideous creatures and machinations. The chaos mage, wishing to waste no time, and needing no excuse to stay away, had sent Arinia back to the guild informing whichever ace that was present that he would be longer than expected, and had found a ‘job’ that seemed urgent. He knew there would be questions when he got back, however unlike himself Arinia could not travel through the void on her own. At best she would have arrived the day before, or tonight at worst, so Markus had nothing to worry about, even if someone was there to get her letter immediately no one would ask questions, and by the time they did Markus would have returned with his report. Assuming that the rumors were true and the chaos mage had not come to this land for nothing.

Markus could hear a storm in the distance, and suddenly saw a bolt of lightning some distance from him. With a raised brow Markus looked at the sky around him, the storm had appeared and gone suddenly, without warning. The mage wondered what had caused it, but in the end decided that either it would remain a mystery, or Markus would deal with it sooner or later. As such, he returned to the path ahead of him, preparing for what was to come. Walking forward, the chaos mage was heading deeper and deeper into the island. He knew that such a place would have dangerous creatures, and his caution was proved worthy then he suddenly heard a heavy buzzing sound.

Looking through the tree lines Markus could make out five buzzing creatures. Flying through the air were what could only be described as giant wasps. The creatures, if they could be called that, flew thought he air with strange wings, and dangerous stingers. From here Markus could make out that this creature was in no way living, but was instead mechanical in every way. He could see gears and cogs, shifting machines, and weapons. With a sign Markus was getting ready to take a step forward, dark energy crackling through his fingers when he stopped, he could see trees shifting on his right as a strange creature came through the brush.

A sudden chill ran down Markus’ spine, and he took in a breath. He had seen a creature like this before, long ago with a wizard name 7. This one however was.. different, definitely a tortured being, but in an entirely different way. The creature looked like a mangled corpse, stretched to an unimaginable length with mechanical legs coming from the body. A centipede like nightmare of a creature. From here Markus could make out its strange arms and terrifying weapons, large flamethrowers spanned in all directions. Taking a breath Markus decided how to deal with this.

Holding up his hand Markus suddenly felt a pain in his stomach as his magic took its toll. Markus watched as a beam of pure darkness appeared in front of his fingers, looking like a hole in the universe. Markus watched as it started to spin slowly. With a grin Markus released the magic. In rapid succession a single shot smashed into each of the strange drone creatures, piercing through their bodies and leaving a hole the size of a pen. Seconds after the attack hit, five small explosions rang out as the mechanics within the creatures blew up.

Turning his hand towards the weird centipede creature Markus released the final three shots in rapid succession. He watched as the creature stopped moving, and slumped to the ground. Taking a step forward, Markus examined the remains.

Suddenly the creature shot back up, strange eyes glared at the creature, the head was cocked to an unnatural angle. Markus watched as it slithered around him before stopping and rearing back on half of its body. With a horrid cry and wail a dark ball of shadows appeared between its extended hands and shot itself at the chaos mage.

With utter apathy Markus remained still as the attack surged towards him. How dare this creature force him to once more kill it. Taking a breath Markus opened himself to the void just as the dark magic hit him. He felt the strange energy surge down his throat, burning his insides yet bolstering his magic. With a wicked grin Markus looked at the creature unharmed.

“Oh… You should know better to launch darkness magic at a slayer.” Markus said his eyes clear and cold. He felt good, this was only the second time he had been able to devour shadow magic. It tasted… strangely good, as if it was meant to be. With a strange look to his eyes the Chaos mage waved his hand through the air, sending a wave of pure dark energy surging into the strange creature which shattered under the might.

Markus, getting tired of the grueling situation continued on his path. He needed to get to the lair, and end this. The fact that these creatures used shadow magic only made his job that much easier, but that much more boring. After all, how was he to challenge himself when these creatures restored his Magical Power for him.

Without much care the chaos mage continued forward every once in a while dealing with another group of drones, though he had yet to encounter another of the nightmarish centipedes. Taking a breath the mage found himself in another clearing. Glancing back and forth the mage took a breath as he seemed to be alone. This job was proving to be more substantial than the mage had expected. The creatures took concentration, and his heavier spells to take out, and some of them took multiple…

Then he heard it, a thump, followed by the movement of trees. Then a thud, and the chaos mage watched as a tree not 10 meters from him fell to the ground. With a final crash a twisted creature stepped into the clearing, eyes trained on the mage.

The create was giant, far larger than a house, and made for one purpose. To kill intruders. Caring a halberd in one hand, and an open fist with the other it wore a patch work backpack with many bladed appendages. Markus knew, flying anywhere near the creature would result in injury. With a flash of movement the creature attacked, its halberd swinging towards the dark mage.

There was a sound it the air, a rip in the fabric of space and time. Suddenly, the mage was gone having avoided the attack he pulled up his hand and formed a talon of dark magic. Appearing once more behind the knight Markus flashed the talon through the air and released five scythes of pure dark magic. His eyes flared with chaos as he reached for the void, once more connecting himself with the powers on Chaos.

As the blades hit the creature, it let out a cry of pain before looking once more at Markus. The attack, one of Markus’ strongest, had seemed to do nothing but annoy the beast. Markus dived to the side as a fist came crashing down on his location, grazing the mages side. Markus felt as the protective enchantments of his vestments broke under the weight. Markus knew a rib had cracked, and if it was not for his armor it would have been much worse.

Suddenly he heard a voice… “Well then, it seems you need me. Just this once, take my power. Do not die.” The voice was feminine, and familiar, cold but calculating. As the voice died down to the back of Markus’ mind he felt a surge of power, and his hair shifted as if blown by an invisible wind. Suddenly, his eyes changed becoming pure white, and holding a small ethereal glow. Markus smiled, he had felt this power once before when fighting with Amalie, and Johann. This time however, he was kept in control.

Markus watched as the creature attacked again, it was fast, far faster than Markus should have been able to avoid. Yet, as soon as it entered Markus’ range the aura he now produced kicked in. With a wicked grin Markus took a step to the side, the creature was slowed to only half its speed. In fact this aura was so much so that all creatures other than Markus would be slowed if he desired it.

Markus looked to the side as the first landed next to him, his rib was still broken and he could see that his arm was bleeding. Markus felt his magic once more damage him, and left as blood trickled down his mouth. The mage cocked his head as more power flooded into him. This, he could manage…

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Markus turned his head and raised an eyebrow as suddenly he was n longer alone. As he was preparing for the next attack, a slight grin on his face, he heard a very familiar voice, and his own name. His eyes, still dancing with chaotic energy found the speaker. Nessa? The starlight maiden and ace of Fairy Tail had suddenly shown in the most improbable place Markus would have ever expected. Next to her was a female Markus had only seen once before, a delicate looking female with light colored hair and white wings. It took Markus a mere moment to comprehend what was going on, somehow she had gotten his message early. Would she really have come to his aid, or did she hear the same rumors and come completely on her own?

Markus’ attention was drawn away as he suddenly felt movement to his side.  He could see the creature he was just fighting in the corner of his eyes, its movements still slowed by his magic. Markus was not worried about It, now he was just toying with the beast, besides he had time. His eyes however widened as suddenly Nessa found herself being attacked by one of the hornets.

Raising his arm and preparing to launch a beam of dark magic the chaos mage realized it would be to late, he could deal with the creature but not until after it had hurt her. Suddenly however, another female form flew into the fray, her arm catching the attack from the creature before she dealt with it in an expert manor. She was dressed in armor as well, with dark hair and had a steeled expression, as if annoyed by the situation. With that dealt with Markus turned to handle his own opponent as Nessa joined him. With a small grin she floated next to him and summoned a cage around the creature, giving them a  moment to talk.

Markus could feel chaos stirring inside of him, the force that had been awakened was getting impatient, and seemed to be reacting to something in the air. The chaos mage fought her as he spoke up. “No need, I have gotten a little better at taking care of myself.” He said calmly about to deal with his own wounds, which were already starting to heal on their own, when suddenly, another person Markus knew landed among the group. The voice however was far different from what Markus remembered, it was deeper, more resolute. He spoke to Markus directly, yet referred to… Aporia? How did he know about her.

“Hey Joha…” Markus started before he then felt a consciousness rip into his mind, forcefully shoving him into his own subconscious. The feeling was… strange, he could feel his body but knew he was no longer in control, suddenly he was a watcher in his own skin. ‘Sorry Progeny, but I’m taking over for a bit. It is not often I get to speak to my brother.’ The voice was in his mind, as if coming out of a deep slumber, the feeling the power was very much hers.

“Ahhh, Mars, we really need to stop meeting like this.” The voice was apathetic, feminine, calming, yet… dangerous. As if being spoken from far off the voice matched the movement of his lips, but was overlaid over his own, as if both she and Markus were speaking at once.

“It is most certainly a pleasant surprise, meeting both you and… her here.” ‘his’ eyes flicked to the starlight maiden, the tone was a mix of sadness and surprise, as if the speaker had a secret to share but knew she could not. However, ‘his’ face turned to anger as Mars spoke of these beasts desecrating The Garden. Suddenly, there was an explosion of dark energy, chaotic, and void-like, and oppressive. The force of Aporias presence would match that of her brothers, and it would slow all in range as they suddenly felt as if moving through water. When the darkness faded, Markus’ form had changed. Aporia had fully taken over in rage, the chaos mages hair was now flecked with white, his eyes now black and void of whites. Two large void like raven wings now stretched from his back, the tips of the feathers cirmson as if flecked in blood. Aporia cracked a secret smile as Mars spoke again, referring to her vessel and his… lovers? Reunion.

“How could they be lovers?” She asked out loud, “Nothing happened that night.” Her voice would be amused, yet her hatred and anger would still be apparent. She cared far more about these creatures than the irony of the situation. As Mars healed her, she would raise her hand pointing at the two mages. The feeling of her presence would be reversed, instead bolstering their speed and that of their spells, by a significant margin.

She would then have her vessel walk to Mars, as she felt his power attach itself to her wrist. She knew very much how she would handle this. “You always were one of the most powerful of us all.” She would say plainly before glancing down at his host. “And, it seems your vessel shares that power, how about you show these… fools, the error of their ways.” Her hand would glow with an ethereal black light as she touched his shoulder, suddenly pushing a large amount of Markus’ own power into the other man. Leaving only enough to be certain her host would not die in the coming fray.

As her brother took off to enjoy himself she turned to the woman still next to her, and smiled at the Starlight Maiden, it was the kind of smile a sister might give to her brothers boyfriend when they first meet. the kind which says, 'I like you, but Watch yourself'. She would examine the other woman is if inspecting a suitor, in the end she nodded. Nessa had grown much in the time sense that night, when she spoke her voice, for a brief second, held no anger no emotion, and spoke much like Markus would. “He would be… disappointed if I allowed anything to happen to you. I still believe it is his greatest weakness, but until he settles it, know you are safe in my presence. I have just given Mars a significant sum of my power, if you care for him at all as he does for you than once you steel yourself I need you to launch your most powerful spell, directly at me.” She would then turn, ignoring whatever reply she had and take off into the air following her brother but going to deal with her own coming horde. She cared not if Nessa actually followed her orders, she knew her host had enough power to deal with such creatures, however if The Starlight Maiden were to do such, Aporia would be able to unlock Markus’ Chaos Force, an ability she knew the mage had no idea he possessed.

As she flew to the closest horde she would smile and wave her hand forcing the void to open up and summon ten rips in space and time, all at once an onslaught of void bolts would appear, decimating the closes ten enemies, before the rips would close to look like pinpricks of light, prepared to attack again soon. The remaining enemies she dispatched by sending a wave of chaotic energy in all directions from her form.

The Seal was actually enjoying herself, she could feel the power of her brothers presence nearby, and the significant sum of the female wizard, it had been a long time since she had enjoyed battle, for a second she wondered if it was due to how these creatures had decimated her home. It would surprise the seal of chaos to learn she actually cared. She felt her body suddenly shift as the chaotic magic she controlled damaged her form, and restored some of her mana.

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Markus groaned internally as he watched Aporia speak with his voice. It was a strange feeling, watching ones self and being unable to control your own body. He was unsure how he was going to fix this. Nessa was fuming, and to be fair… it was his fault. Aporia had spoken the truth, out of place of course, but she knew about the night. In fact, she was until know the only person to know about such things. At least, as far as Markus was concerned.

There was so much he wanted to say to her, so much he knew he would never voice. In the end, he had to sigh… she was right. It didn’t matter. Not if they wished to keep things professional. He was forced to watch as Aporia turned away, asking the Starlight Maiden to attack his body. He would not blame her if she did.
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Aporia smiled as she dealt with another wave of creatures. The power of chaos coursing through her. She moved his body with expert and grace of his own, as if she were in her own body. She watched him, from time to time, when her whim willed it. Markus was powerful, weak in his own way, but in the end she truly believed him to be a good vessel for her power, and a good choice of Chaos’. Despite disagreeing with his motives, in the end chaos was about whim, and will. She did not fault him.

Taking a breath she watched as a house sized monstrosity crashed through the forest. With a grin she waited… and waited. Looking up she saw the first of the starlight meteors fall, missing her entirely. With a deep sigh she glared at the Starlight Maiden. She was not sure if it was weakness, or strength, but in the end it did not help her case… Taking a deep breath she flew into the air, and glided hovering directly under the next orb she saw. Taking a deep breath, she watched as it came towards her. The magic was certainly impressive, deadly, devastating. With a glower she waited until it entered her range. Holding up her hand she forced the very fabric of reality to change.

As the meteor came into range, it shifted, changed, warped. No longer was it made of light, no longer was it pure. It corrupted in a strange way, turning black, deep, and dark. The light became darkness, the purity becoming chaos. With a smile she forced his mouth to open, and inhaled the attack. Forcing it into her body, reviving her power. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes as suddenly, his body pulsed with magic, before exploding in chaos.
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Darkness streamed off his body in waves pure power coerced through his veins like he had never felt before, the chaos mage was overloaded with magical power. Whatever Aporia had done had unlocked something within the Chaos Slayer, some sort of force, a power…

Arcing from his body sparks of pure chaos discharged almost like lightning, randomly and without warning one would appear. On his face, his shoulder, his back, as if whatever power he was using was reacting to the very air of Earthland and responding negatively. The white in his hair had turned pure black, and his eyes while still ‘glowing’ held no light. The tattoos that once crossed his arm and shoulder had grown and gotten darker. Now covering his entire body in an intricate design. Where the tattoos marked his skin no light reflected, and in fact all light was devoured by the magic, leaving a strange effect, a darkness so pure it seemed ethereal. Finally, shadows themselves streamed off the mages body almost like flames. Moving with a power and sentience of their own purely moving in some chaotic wind.

His eyes alight with chaos, Markus watched again as Aporia moved his body. With no effort she would annihilate whatever drone of creatures appeared in front of her. He could tell, suddenly it was as if his power was connected with the void itself. His body controlled magic, and cast spells without using his own reserves, as if the magic itself wanted to be released, as if his control of chaos had ascended to that of the being who had gifted him with magic. Taking a deep breath ‘she’ launched a beam of chaos at another centipede, and watched apathetically as it fell.

‘This my vessel is the true culmination of what it means to be Chaos’ Progeny. The Primordial Chaos Force, an ancient magic known only to Slayers. Remember well this feeling, and how to control it. Just know, once activated the battle is suddenly on a clock, and your time is limited. The Void takes a heavy tole on those that attempt to control it.’  The voice spoke in his mind, addressing him in the same way she had at Mimirs Well, teaching him, advising him, showing him her secrets. The Chaos mage was still unsure what their connection was, what she had to do with the Primordial, but for the first time since learning she was a part of him, he accepted it, felt peace…

That was until his senses fired off like they never had before, danger. Pure, horrifying danger, and pure magic. Markus could sense the power, Mars controlled. Pure, unadulterated. Then, he heard the man speak. Aporia only smile, she seemed to not care, she was enjoy herself, and could use Chaos as an escape.

There was however only one thing on the Chaos Mages mind, as he looked over and saw her fighting. Even with all her anger, she had not followed Aporias request. She had not attacked him, and forced Aporia to take things into her own hands. Using her impressive display of magic, and forcing it to work with her, forcing its nature to change so that the chaos mage could devour the magic. Aporia could care less about her, surely a Wizard Saint could take care of herself. The chaos mage however was unwilling to risk it.

Suddenly, with as much force as he could muster, Markus took back control of his body. While his hair remained streaked with black, and the darkness still remained on his body. However, his eyes were no longer hers, they no longer glowed. They had returned back to his own.

Forcing chaos to his feet and hands he burst forward with a sudden surge of speed, and strikes at a creature right next to the Starlight Maiden. Reaching down he placed his arms under her, one at her back and one her legs picking her up. When he spoke his voice was purely his own, whatever female had been laced within previously would no longer be heard, “We have got to go.” As he held her, he would feel cold. There was no warmth coming from his body, but the arcing chaos and streaming shadows would be harmless to her, feeling more like static than anything else.

He knew his senses were massively boosted, and his connection with the Void warned him, this attack was not of this world, and it was certainly the most powerful thing the chaos mage had felt, besides Chaos herself. Running forward at his top speed he glanced down at the woman in his arms. His boosted slayer strength and speed making the effort nonexistent. He could feel however, it would not be enough.  Even with everything he had , and boosted by his spell, he could only go about 400 meters. Then, he felt it Mars’ attack.

Setting the Starlight Maiden down, he spun on his heels. “Hela!”, he cried out. His shadow instantly changed, warped, grew. His wolf forced itself back into the world, and instantly opened its jaw. At the same time Markus raised his hand, fingers outstretched, palm facing the oncoming blast. He was unmoving, unbreathing, concentrating. Hela planted her feet. Suddenly the shadows in the area started to move, spin, warp. Hela concentrating using Markus as a focal point she cast his spell, taking his lifeforce she caused the shadows to form into a fast moving highly intensive barrier.

Markus watched as the attack hits, cascading over the barrier. His arm still facing forward he watched as all at once, the shadows vanish the shield destroyed. His wings outstretched, his vestments blowing behind the force of the attack Markus instantly activated the Primordial Aegis. All at once flowering in all directions a shield of pure chaos appeared, forcing his power into the magic he felt it breaking, and watched as webs of shattered power spread across the shield. He knew it would not be enough.

He had only one option left. He would have to devour the rest of the spell, just as Aporia did… ‘The effort could kill you, are you sure she is worth it?’ The mage ignored the voice in his head as finally the shield broke.

With a quick breath he opened himself to void, to chaos and inhaled. All at once the attack cascaded over him. His wings were still outstretched, one of his arms facing back over Nessa. One watching would see what looked like the world shattering. The air around him breaking as the fragments of chaos stored in his armor broke, protecting the chaos mage as best they could. As he devoured the attack his body would start to fade, to disappear under the assault. His form would waver, for a brief second fading into chaos as the mages final defenses failed him, his primordial form giving way to force the mage to take on the remaining magic. As the spell forced its way down his throat all behind him would be protected, but he would scream in pain. The spell burned his insides, and shocked his system.

As suddenly as it started, it ended. The area in front of the two mages, and behind them would be annihilated as the magic destroyed the forest, and left nothing but a black husk that used to be the creature.

The darkness on his body faded, the sparks ended, and his wings vanished. His hair would return to its pure red color. ‘Idiot…’ he would hear in his mind, before she faded back into the void leaving him to his own devices.

Markus fell to his knees, and coughed up blood. He would survive, but the attack had taken a heavy toll on his body. He looked at Nessa. "Your wrong, it does matter." He whispered, unsure if she could hear.

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