Chaos is known as the being that never became a star. It is everywhere and yet nowhere at the same time.
Neither good nor evil, the ultimate expression of nothingness. The antithesis of the cosmos, creation itself.
Although Chaos claims to be the very state of existence from which the first entities appeared, it cannot form into the entity it wants most.
So it has been cursed to stay in the form of a dark and shapeless void. Floating between existence and nonexistence.
Longingly watching as stars are constantly born and lives are lived. The seeds of malice had been planted, flourished and transformed Chaos into the purest form of evil.
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Julius had never needed to go to the outskirts very often nor did he even venture out to the 1st arrondissement either. No, he preferred to stick closer to the center of New Paris and for good reasons. There was safety there and even more importantly, there were hardly ever any reason to go out so far. The prosecutor had never been an adventurous soul and therefore he did not go out very much. On his days off, he would much prefer the comfort of his own apartment and a book in hand. If he had a meeting to go to, it was usually to see his brother or an old friend (which was not exactly a very long list).[break][break]
However, times have changed or rather his life has changed. The introduction of magic and the title of magi had taught Julius of another world he had never understood. Even with people such as a certain circus magician can help him, there were still many aspects of magic that confused Julius. For example..just about all of it. He understood the basics. Magis were people like him with their wish granted in return for helping Io by gathering grief seeds. Noblesse were those who had made a contract (it sounded much more like a proper contract honestly) who are given magic with certain conditions. Then there were vessels who were had spirits of magic entities in them. Lastly was corrupted, the kinds of people who serve chaos and needed to be rid of. Io had been kind enough to fill Julius in on that much but not so much on how to use or master his power.[break][break]
Which was why Julius was now in the outskirts in hopes of finding a good place to practice. He had used multiple methods of learning from video games, a shooting range, and well..he should probably learn how to use his magic better right? He needed to work on his aim and naturally the speed of conjuring his bow. Part of it seemed to be imagination and it seemed to work better when there was more light. Was there anything else he needed to know that? Just how exactly did magic work?[break][break]
In the middle of his thoughts, there was the sound of something that sounded like wood being cut? Was someone here? Curious, the male followed the sound until he saw a boy ranging from late high school to early college making small cuts into a wooden tree trunk. Wait...he didn't seem to hold a knife. If anything...magic? Unsure, Julius elected to stay there and just watch for now. He didn't want to alert the boy and possibly cause a fight but he was also not sure if the other was safe to make contact with either.
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]Merlin had felt the bad moment he had done it. He didn't like taking controls of Jayce's body in this manner. But the world was changing fast, faster than he had thought it was going to. And he needed to prepare, to make sure that his former strength was at least salvageable in this body. Not that he could change who his vessel was now. He had already bonded his spirit with Jayce's own. Besides he had been patient with the boy, beyond so if he was being honest. The time for action was nigh and the longer the two of them waited the stronger the forces of Chaos grew.[break][break]
"If only you saw it that way boy." Merlin muttered as he focused his attention away from his thoughts and towards the massive tree that stood before him. It's trunk was littered with the scars of his magic. The dark brown brick having been entirely chipped away in some areas. Leaving only the smooth tan skin of the tree that lie underneath. He had clearly been out here for quite some time. It had taken him quite some time to access his mana. The strength of his star seed wasn't what it used to be. At least not in his body. He could feel the potential that rest within it but alas he was incapable of pulling out it's true strength himself. A feat that be impossible until his vessel, Jayce, finally let him in.[break][break]
Speaking of Jayce his soul was currently 'asleep' entirely unaware that Merlin had assumed direct control of their jointed body. It was a shameful thing but it made things easier for Merlin. Jayce was a stubborn spirit and wouldn't be too keen on learning that Merlin could hijack his body.[break][break]
"Obfula Seorsum." Merlin channeled his magical energy into the air in front of him as he spoke. A swift flick of his wrist and the arcane power that filled the air was given form. A sharp crescent shaped blade of blue energy launched itself forward at rapid pace. It sliced into the surface of the tree before shattering apart in a beautiful display of blue crystal-shaped shards of light. The elderly wizard frowned in disappoint as he examined the outcome of his spell. A sigh soon followed as he touched his hand to his chain. "So perplexing and frustrating. Should the boy and I run into trouble I doubt we'd be able to do much damage with a spell of that power." he'd need to pull out a weak defense spell from his arsenal in that case.[break][break]
"I can only imagine what Arthur would say if he could see me now. The great wizard Merlin reduced to parlor trick magic in order to get the job done."
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Gray eyes watched as the boy inspected the tree or rather his power to damage it. Julius had done that a few times as well when he practiced in order to see the extent of his power. Sometimes it brought him comfort as it meant that should he miss his target, there would not be too much property damage. Of course, it also meant that he could have done better, there were youmas that did not go down with simply one hit. [break][break]
It was more of the words that came out of the boy's mouth that had caused Julius's eyes to widen. Arthur? Arthur and Merlin? Like..the Arthurian legend? Obviously, this boy could not be Merlin for many various reasons..or at least...not based on the old logic the prosecutor had once followed. Magic has truly changed his life that he found himself believing it...regardless of how shocking this was. The boy in front of him must be a vessel then...it was almost fascinating to see one. Those who were simply born with magic intact, just how many of those were there? [break][break]
The raven-haired male cleared his throat as he approached the boy hoping to catch his attention, "pardon me...did you just...say Merlin...and king Arthur?" Julius had expected vessels to be something more akin to...well deities or magical creatures. Then again, maybe he should have expected Arthurian legends in the ranks as the legends certainly had a long list of magical creatures. Yet with this revelation, Julius couldn't help but wonder how far this extended to. Was Harry Potter a possibility now?[break][break]
notes: the things you are making him think about now XD
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]Much to Merlin's shame he hadn't actually noticed the boy until he spoke up. The sound of a voice that wasn't his own catching him by surprise. In spite of this though the wizard was strangely composed. He canceled the spell he had been attempting to cast prior. His body turning to face the young man with a smile spread across his face. "Oh you heard all of that did you?" he inquired but it seemed quite clear that he wasn't expecting a reply. "How best to handle this situation?" this young man was in truth the first person Merlin had talked with outside of Jayce himself. He was slightly worried that his conversational skills were, much like his magic, rusty.[break][break]
He placed his hands behind his back interlocking his fingers together as he looked the boy over. It didn't take much for Merlin to figure out that the man before him was quite a bit older than Jayce. He was well-dressed as well, which Merlin assumed to mean that the man at least had his life together. And yet, what exactly was he doing out here in the middle of nowhere? A question Merlin knew could just as easily be asked of himself. Before he got to that though he had another more important matter to address. He cleared his throat before opening his mouth to speak. "I did indeed say Merlin and Arthur." he didn't quite see the need to lie at this point. He had clearly not only heard him but also had seen him cast his offensive spell.[break][break]
"I am the wizard Merlin. Court Wizard of Camelot and right hand to the once and future king Arthur Pendragon." he held himself tall as he spoke his name and title. Not that they meant anything in this day and age but that didn't mean he couldn't be proud of them. "It's a pleasure." he added as he finished. It was then that Merlin began to move. Walking in circles around the young man as he examined him further. He couldn't help but the faint sense of magic emitting from the boy. Was he perhaps a Magi? Or even a Nobelesss? He surely couldn't have been one of the agents of Chaos. There didn't seem to be any ill-intent coming from the boy. "I ask that you forgive my current appearance. As I'm sure you've guessed by now this is not my original body." he stopped moving once he was directly in front of the man once again.[break][break]
"I'm afraid that I find myself at a bit of disadvantage now. For you know my name but I do not know yours." a not so subtle hint that Merlin wished to know whom he was speaking with.
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] The boy ceased his spell, turned around and greeted Julius with a small smile. The prosecutor merely nodded at his question. It felt strange to see the boy clasp his hands behind him almost like a teacher. And like a teacher, the boy had cleared his throat before confirming. So..Merlin and King Arthur might very well be real...either that or Julius was meeting with someone who was not mentally sound. No, something told him the former was more likely, then again perhaps that was because he was quite prone to leaning into magic as an answer to many strange phenomena in his life now. [break][break]
Yet, to hear that the person in front of him was Magi, did take Julius back even if his face remained in its neutral expression. Gray eyes trailed after Merlin who circled him either acting as a predator or analyzing him. Either way, there wasn't any reason or Julius to be wary...yet. "A vessel," he stated with a small nod to show that yes, Julius did understand...to a certain extent. This was still all quite strange for him in all honesty. Soon, he found himself in front of the boy (man?) who asked for his name.[break][break]
"Julius." Unfortunately, the prosecutor could not really say he held any title that of prestige. ",,,Magi.." yet he felt the need to add something. It was just unfortunate that this was all he could think of. "I...didn't know...you were...real." Which, once again, in retrospect, Julius should have seen coming. It would only make sense with everything else. "Did you....always..have magic?" Was the original Merlin also a vessel or was he a magi or noblesse? Did humans once inherently have magic but somehow lost it? Just...how exactly did this work?[break][break]
This was raising a lot of questions now that Julius thought about it. Maybe he should try to focus on the more important ones. "Is..there danger...approaching?" Most likely, why else would Merlin be training right? Of course, youmas still exist and were a form of danger themselves but...were there any other dangers Julius should know about? Then again, just how much did Merlin know?
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]The boy let the word vessel escape from his lips and Merlin gave a nod of his head. "Good, you know exactly what I am. I must say that I'm impressed." knowledge of vessels wasn't exactly something that was commonplace. How much the boy knew was up for debate but just knowing the name was enough to earn a bit of respect in Merlin's book. The boy introduced himself as Julius and Merlin nodded his head once more. "Julius...a powerful name if I do say so myself." Merlin was of the mind that a name said a lot about a person. After all the strength and weight of one's name often carried far and wide. "Julius the Magi." he let the name and title role off his tongue slowly.[break][break]
Despite how neutral the boy's expression was Merlin could tell that he was slightly in disbelief. Something that was confirmed when he made mention of not knowing that Merlin was real. It caused the wizard to let out a small laugh as he shook his head. "I'm not surprised." he made sure his tone was relax so that Julius knew he wasn't offend by his statement. "From what I've read about myself in this day and age I'm something of a fictitious character." he folded his arm against his chest. "I'm surprised and elated to hear that you even know of me at all. I was quite certain that Arthur and I would be lost to history." it was reassuring to know that they had left an impact on the world.[break][break]
The magus had questions on magic and Merlin wasn't surprised, he had honestly seen it coming. After all when the world's most famous sorcerer was in front of you what else were you going to ask him. The elderly wizard grinned at the boy "You're quite the curious bloke aren't you?" he looked away from Julius and up towards the sky. His eyes closing in thought. "You remind me of myself in that aspect, especially when I was younger." he could still pictures those days within his mind. Of him learning to harness his gift, of all the questions he had asked, of all the answers he had received. It felt like it was just yesterday and not the long-forgotten past. He lowered his head and returned his attention to Julius. [break][break]
"But yes I've always been touched by magic." it had flowed through him for as long as he could remember. "I forget that magic isn't as common as it once was. Now, we must resort to contracts and promises in order to feel its influence." the forces of Chaos had left an impact on the world. Merlin turned away from the boy when he asked about approaching danger. His attention now falling upon the tree that had become his target for magic practice. "Danger is coming my dear Julius and I'm afraid I lack the strength to handle it." the disappointed in his voice was obvious.[break][break]
"You see, the person whom I share this vessel with is reluctant to embrace his gift. Unlike you and I, Jayce does not seek to understand the power that flows within him, but rather he runs from it." he glanced over his shoulder at the boy, "I've told him of the impending Chaos and the Youma and still he does nothing." he was opening up to the Magi. It was needed for Merlin. Venting his frustrations over the situation with someone other than himself and Jayce. 'It vexes me so because the boy has so much magical potential within his star seed. And I am only capable of tapping into a fraction of it."
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Gray eyes glanced away at the compliments given to him. He did not think it was very amazing to know what a vessel was due to the fact that he could not understand the full nature of it. All he knew was that the body inherited the soul similar to a reincarnation system but he was still unsure of what folklores were correct and which was nothing more than fiction. As for his name, Julius was quite fond of it if only because it was what his parents had given to him. It reminded him of where he came from but he was not sure if he can say it was a 'strong' name.[break][break]
"You're...in...a lot of...movies..and tv...shows." Not that Julius really kept up with all the renditions of King Arthur but he did read some of the books. Nonetheless, Arthur and Merlin were kept alive in the minds of the people even if the version may be inaccurate. Then again, Julius wasn't even sure how accurate the books were and that might be a problem all on its own.[break][break]
At the comment, Julius took a step back, "sorry..." he apologized. Perhaps he had asked too much. Yet, Merlin had compared the prosecutor to himself. In all honesty, he could not see it. Merlin had always sounded like a wise man, perhaps there were actions he did later that Julius did not like such as lying to King Arthur (in some versions) but he was still wise. He couldn't really imagine the wizard ever needing to ask questions to anyone. If he did not know the answer, then who did?{break][break]
When Julius dared to look back up at the wizard, he saw the man (he decided that would be the best way to refer to him seeing as Merlin was older than Julius) look at the tree he had stricken. His words, made the prosecutor narrow his eyes in contemplation. Was this because he was in the body of a boy or had chaos grown that strong? If so then Julius might have to try to hunt down the person who had strike the skeleton. [break][break]
Jayce, that was the name of the true owner of the body. A boy, as Merlin had referred to him, who most likely had his own life. Julius could almost understand as this was not his choice. Neither Jayce nor Merlin had asked for this. He understood the importance of the star seed as it was his own that had called forth Io. Yet, Julius was only able to use the power he had through Io, Jayce was always born with it. A power that came with a responsibility he hadn't asked for but that was what fate had brought him nonetheless.[break][break]
"How..old is he?" Julius asked slightly tilting his head. Again he estimated around twenty at most, "and..did he say..why?" Was it the danger? Was he scared to fight? Julius would not exactly blame him if he was only a kid. Unfortunately though, if the danger that was approaching them was that worrisome..he might be dragged in regardless of what he wants.
notes: he's been ignored for so long, let merlin have this ;__;
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]He had seen some of the fiction regarding himself. During the times in which Jayce had gotten curious about who exactly he was. Rather than ask the boy had always resorted to other means of learning information. Anything to stand firm on his ignorance of responsibility. When Julius had asked how Jayce was the wizard gave pause. His head tilting to the side as he pondered the question. Merlin had never taken the time to consider Jayce's age. "I believe he is seventeen, but truth be told I am uncertain." he admitted plainly. "In our talks I have never taken the time inquire his age. I've been far more concern with him assuming the burden of responsibility." he tapped a finger at his chain in thought.[break][break]
Jayce was indeed young but so was Merlin at the time he was called to play his role. Arthur had been destined for greatness from the moment of his birth as well. Merlin had simply assumed that Jayce would embrace the burden. "Jayce does not talk with me enough for me to know why he makes the choices he does. I am simply left to observe and infer." he sighed heavily. "If I had to wager a guess, he's afraid of what embracing his gift would mean. That he is not normal. Merlin had no idea if he was right not. Which was a shame, because until they were truly able to connect with one another. They would never become one.[break][break]
It was as Merlin rummaged through his thoughts that an idea began to form inside of his head. He clearly wasn't going to be able to reach the boy on his own. But with help? Perhaps there was a chance that Jayce would begin to walk along the correct path. The wizard once again assumed his teacherly pose. His arms behind his back, hands crossed together, and a wise look within his eyes. "My dear Julius talking with you have given me wonderful insight." the wizard flashed the Magi a smile, "And a brilliant idea. Would you be willing to do be a favor? I promise what I offer will be of benefit to you as well." he eagerly awaited the boy's reply.
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Wait...Merlin did not know? Wouldn't he have been in the body for as long as this Jayce has been alive? Perhaps he had not awakened until recently? That was a possibility, Julius was still quite unsure on how this all worked after all. And while Julius respected the man for his wisdom, he could not help but bite his lips at how Merlin stated he had been more focused on Jayce accepting his responsibility at such a young age. When the prosecutor had only been seventeen, he might have had goals of helping society but that had always been in the future. He had never exactly thought about doing it at age seventeen or even younger because he was taught that it was simply not his time.[break][break]
He's afraid of what embracing his gift would mean. That he is not normal.[break][break]
Not normal...Julius..had never considered that. After all, Julius had taken on this power and therefore in a sense, he was born normal (only with a stronger star seed) but Jayce was born with this power. He couldn't say he could fully understand the boy's position for he was born biologically (spiritually?) normal. And strictly speaking, Jayce wasn't normal. He was born with a body and one can only imagine what it must be like to have another spirit. Schizophrenia was not exactly a term used lightly nor was it used positively. Had Jayce ever been worried about his own sanity?[break][break]
The two-toned haired male tilted his head as Merlin gave him a smile stating that he had an idea. An idea that required Julius' help. It was not to be done for free as the spirit also offered something for Julius's benefit but he was not sure what that was. Either way, the male gave a nod, "What..is it?" he asked, gray eyes focused on Merlin.
notes: i'm so sorry julius just does not talk much orz
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]He was interested, well at least interesting in hearing what he had to offer. "I'd like for you to take Jayce under your wing." he said bluntly. Now that he had said it allowed Merlin began to grasp how crazy the idea was. After all Julius would be a stranger to Jayce. What reason would the youth have to listen to him? None. But just by looking at Julius Merlin could tell that he was a resourceful man. That was at least the impression that Merlin got. "He will not listen to me but I have feeling,that with your help, we can..." he moved slightly closer to the boy, "give him the much needed push he needs." Merlin was well of how big of an ask this was. After all Julius did not know Merlin, or Jayce for that matter. He owed them nothing. Which is why something must be offered in return for his assistance in this matter.[break][break]
"I know that I'm asking you for a lot, of that much I am certain. But know that I do not do so without at least being able to offer you something in exchange." the wizard motion towards the tree behind him. "I'm well versed in the art of magic and its secret. I know tricks and spells the likes of which have not been seen in this world for centuries." he flashed a confidant grin towards the boy. "I will impart upon you my knowledge." an offer like that would be hard to refuse wouldn't it? A chance to be taught firsthand by Merlin himself. "Be aware that in my lifetime I have made this offer only twice." to Morgan Le Fay and the Lady of The Lake herself. Both of which had been smart enough to accept the offer. Merlin could only wonder if Julius would do the same. "More than a fair trade wouldn't you say?" the wizard outstretched his hand.[break][break]
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Gray eyes widen at Merlin's request. Take Jayce under his wings? But what can Julius offer him? Julius who was still trying to figure out this world of magic that he only knew for a few months. Jayce, even if he did not want to, probably had more knowledge of magic from his interaction with Merlin. It would only make sense in the magus's mind anyway. So what was there for Jayce to gain? Certainly, nothing. Yet, Merlin continued and his words somewhat alleviated Julius's worries. After all, his job was not to actually teach the boy as much as just encourage him to learn his powers. In other words, Merlin would still be the real mentor, Julius would be nothing more than someone to nudge the boy along the way.[break][break]
And in return, the wizard would train Julius in the art of magic. Merlin whose magic was already innate, it made Julius wonder if their magic was similar to one another. Yet, he should take advantage of this. Even if it was different, he could use this information to help other vessels should he find them. Even more was the benefits Jayce would gain. Julius was unsure how he felt about putting pressure on a seventeen year old boy. In truth, if it was possible, Julius would like to avoid such a scenario. He was too young to endanger his life for others. Unfortunately, he doubted chaos would feel the same and would have no qualms in hurting him. In other words, he was already in danger from the moment Merlin awakened in his soul. And...if something was to happen to Julius...knowing that there were other people should Julius die in battle to protect people in the future was reassuring. There were immediate benefits and also future benefits to this.[break][break]
Yet despite that, Julius still found himself hesitant, unsure if he was truly up to the task. He wasn't exactly the most social person in the world but...he should at least try right? There was not anything to lose in this situation..for him. But...what if..."why me?" the prosecutor asked after a long moment of contemplation. "I..am honored..but..why me?" Just what did Merlin even see in him? More importantly, "if...if I mess up...it might..make Jayce...even more...aversed...to magic," and he did not want to risk that.[break][break]
Surely there must be someone better out there.
notes: when you really wanna take the deal but have 0 self-confidence.
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
[break]
[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
[break]
[attr="class","nikki109"]He could feel Julius's temptation to take the offer. Yet there was still heistation within the boy's eyes. Was the deal not good? Surely that wasn't the case. Not that Merlin was one to believe his own hype (he was) but surely he wasn't going to turn this chance down. The wizard was worried that perhaps he had been too hasty in his approach. Something that was still much a possibility, even after Julius had asked him why. Why Merlin had chosen him of all people to guide young Jayce down the path of his destiny. The answer to the question was a simple one. The answer had formed inside Merlin's mind the moment the question had left Julius's lips. "It's quite simply by dear Julius. As I've already told you...you remind me of myself." he knew that wasn't going to be enough to calm Julius's doubts. He would need to give the boy more.[break][break]
"Just by glancing upon you I can see a quality I have seen in few others. You have the ability to lead and inspire my dear boy." Merlin's voice was filled confidence. It oozed with the charm and charisma he was known for throughout his life. "I pick you not only because of this but because you can offer Jayce a point of view I am unable to give him." a truth if Merlin had ever told one. "Of a person who was not gifted with magic or power. A truly human perspective." the one thing Merlin could not give. He wasn't human after all, and he had never been without magic before. "Besides we both know it's only a matter time before danger finds its way towards him." Merlin's attempt to manipulate the Magi was subtle. Play on his heartstrings in order to get what he wanted.[break][break]
"Whether he is ready or not he'll be forced to embrace his nature sooner or later." how good of a job had he done at convincing the Magi? It had been quite some time since Merlin had needed to do anything like this. Much like his magic, the inspiring of others was something that he was quite rusty on. "You need not worry about failure or scaring Jayce away from his magic. Do you not think I was afraid when I needed to guide Arthur towards his throne? Do not let that heistation stop you from a once and a life opportunity young Julius. Let it motivate you rather, and prove to yourself that you are as capable a magus as I believe you to be." perhaps Julius needed to be shown proof he could handle this? Another idea formed inside of wizard's mind.[break][break]
Merlin cupped his hands together and held them outward. He then willed his aracne energy out into the space between them. The words of a spell long forgotten to the world were spoken with his mind. As he finished the non-verbal incantation an orb of brilliant blue light formed between his cupped hands. The wizard smiled proudly at the result and released his hands from around the orb. Despite no longer being held in the place the orb remained floating. Suspending in the air by its own magical power. "I want you to take hold of that orb Julius and pull it into yourself. Know that the magic will not harm you, but rather it will draw out latent power trapped within you." he pointed towards the battle-worn tree. "Once you have the orbs magic within yourself I want you to cast a spell on that tree. Perhaps then you will see the magus that is sleeping underneath all that doubt." teaching, it was the one thing Merlin was certain he was still capable of. A skill he'd likely never lose no matter how many times he came back to life.
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] Julius merely blinked as Merlin was indeed correct. While he knew that Merlin had compared them earlier, he did not understand how Merlin can see such comparisons. Outside of their ability to use magic and apparently their curiosity, the two were different from one another. Merlin was known for having charisma, was actually social, a leader, a mentor and an advisor. Julius could not do any of those things for his life. [break][break]
The point of view that was more human, a trait Julius almost wanted to say any other magi could do. Yet, Merlin may not have known them. He wondered if he should just point Merlin in their direction instead. But as Merlin have pointed out, danger could approach Jayce at any time. Did Merlin truly have any time to choose? No..not really. Not with danger always on the horizon. And Julius understood that, the sooner the better. Ah, perhaps the sorcerer was desperate, that was almost understandable.[break][break]
However, there was also the fear that Julius may make Jayce wish to push magic away even more. If the boy closed himself off then he would be unable to protect himself or those around him. Yet, to know that someone believed in him wholeheartedly. The last time he felt that was from Alex and even then as much as he loved his brother, he couldn't say the older Vesper understood entirely the work it took to become a prosecutor. There was also the fact that he was family and may have only believed in Julius because of their blood ties. Still, it had motivated the magus back. Merlin, however, was a stranger who had no reason. For him to actually believe in Julius...it did make him want to step up and not disappoint the man. The fact that he had been someone Julius knew about from books and had always been amazed only fueled such desires.[break][break]
Yet that also meant disappointing Merlin was equally worrying. An orb of light was created in Merlin's cupped hands and the sorcerer smiled down at his creation. Julius stared at the orb feeling something about it but he was unsure as to what. Wordlessly, the prosecutor obliged and drew the orb into himself. It felt..warm...warm and something else. Something Julius could not exactly name and if he had any doubts about Merlin's existence before, it was certainly cleared away now. [break][break]
The magi gave a small nod before summoning his bow and for a strange moment, it felt easier than before. Was it possibly because of the lighting? The male drew back forming his usual arrow and took a calming breath before letting the arrow go aiming for the tree. While the arrow did not completely break the tree it dug deeper, deeper than expected. Gray eyes widened at the sight before he turned over to Merlin.[break][break]
"Is..this you?' but even if it was Merlin..that had been Julius's power. Assuming Merlin had somehow transferred his energy or gift something to Julius..he had been able to harness it. If...if this was something that can be done, then he can keep Jayce safe while also training him.[break][break]
"Should I...talk to him now...or later?" the prosecutor asked agreeing to Merlin's offer. The danger to Jayce lessened and...if Julius was capable of this then...maybe he could actually protect Jayce as he motivates him.
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[attr="class","nikki101"]OF ALL OF YOU THAT BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE RIGHT, AND YOU'RE RIGHT
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[attr="class","nikki102"]BUT ARE YOU RIGHT?
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[attr="class","nikki109"]"That boy was all you. I merely gave you the means by which to unlock it." the display of strength had been enough. The boy had said yes, and Merlin felt tension he didn't know he was feeling fade. His body relaxing and a heavy sigh of relief escaping from his lips. "Thank you my boy. You have done both Jayce, and the world a great service by accepting." Merlin cleared his throat after he finished speaking. An awkward question being tossed his way. Julius wanted to meet Jayce and that put the wizard in an uncomfortable position. A matter he hadn't spoken of to Julius quite yet. Was the fact that Jayce did not know Merlin was currently in control. He had assumed control of the boy's body by force. A moment of weakness in Jayce's mind had allowed Merlin to take over. Jayce soul was currently sleeping peaceful in a state of suspension.[break][break]
"I'm afraid that's going to be an issue Julius." Merlin looked away from Julius almost shamefully. He wasn't exactly proud of himself for his actions, but he had deemed them worthy. Extremes often needed to be taken when one was thinking of the greater good. That didn't mean Merlin had to like it. "Jayce is has no idea that the two of us are talking right now." he kept his gaze away from him, "In fact he has no idea that we're even on the outskirts of town. Right now he's...shall we say...asleep." he finally looked back towards the boy. "You'll have to forgive me but taking control like this was the only way. Jayce refuses to listen and I needed to make sure we were prepared for danger." as the wizard spoke he began to dig into his pocket. He pulled out Jayce's cellphone and held it out towards Julius.[break][break]
"I believe you use these to communicate these days. I've no idea how they work but perhaps you could use it to extract a method of contacting Jayce."
[attr="class","nologicpost1"] So that was his potential...Julius looked down biting his lips in contemplation. That power was rather amazing and could very well be helpful. If Merlin could bring out that power, then surely the man can offer the prosecutor the power to fight youma much easier. Yet there was a concern nonetheless, what if this was the extent of Julius's power? No...he couldn't think like that. Even if that was the case, it was stronger than what he had originally. It would allow him to be of more help in battle. Seeing all the benefits this deal could bring, the prosecutor accepted the offer. He will have to step up and meet the expectations the spirit had for him.[break][break]
And the sooner he can train Jayce, the better as well. So Julius had asked if he could speak to the boy and help him understand the situation he was in. He had expected it to happen right away, for Jayce to simply appear and talk but what happened instead was Merlin's shifted eyes and denial. Usually, when one looked away it was either a sign of shame, sadness or they were simply lying about something. It was always hard to tell which one it was unless it was a courtroom, then it was usually the third possibility.[break][break]
Gray eyes narrowed as Merlin explained the situation. It wasn't exactly the first time someone Julius had respected and even looked up to had disappointed him. There was always some flaw that would dent his respect in them and Julius would be lying if he said he wasn't prepared for such things. Yet the disappointment still tasted bitter on his tongue and to hear someone forcibly take over another person's body. Someone who had already lived their lives. Soon, Merlin looked back up at him and those gray eyes were still narrowed. He understood though, this was sensitive information and not something he could tell Jayce. However, he can only hope that Merlin one day would as the boy deserved to know. What would happen if Merlin had gotten injured by a youma and the boy woke up to unknown injuries? Not to say that Merlin was weak but it was a possibility, mistakes happen.[break][break]
A pale hand reached out to take acquire the phone from Merlin and Julius was able to open up the phone with relative ease. There was no password at all. Gray eyes squinted at the screen as he wondered if he should tell the boy to password lock his phone. He had thought such practices were common for everyone. Evidently, he was wrong. The male registered his phone number on Jayce's phone as Julius Vesper before using it to call himself. With that, he also was able to get Jayce's phone number. It only then did he hold the phone up for Merlin to take. Yet when the spirit wrapped his finger around the phone, Julius's own hold became firm. "Don't...do this often." Julius knew he was in no real position to give Merlin such an order but he could not condone such behavior either. Merlin had already lived a life, it was only fair for Jayce to live his own. "I won't...take...any of your...lessons...unless Jayce knows...and agrees...to letting you...take over his body."[break][break]
There was a sense of loss knowing that Julius may never be able to become stronger from this deal. Nonetheless, he still wished to protect and motivate Jayce when he can. The boy needed to be able to protect himself and hopefully, one day when he becomes older and stronger, others as well. As a magi and someone who worked for the people, it was Julius's duty to see that. The extra benefit was just something that would have been nice to have. With that, the magus allowed the spirit to retrieve his vessel's phone.[break][break]
Julius gave a small nod before walking away. Merlin had been here and Julius could try to train somewhere else or more importantly...try to read books on how to mentor or coach something. It seemed to be something he should invest in with this addition.
notes: or now he just goes "screw the lesson" and will do this pro-bono just cuz he doesn't agree with merlin's methods XD
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DISCORD
Affiliates
The skin LIGHTS OFF was made by JAWN of WICKED WONDERLAND.
HALATION was created by KOJIHIME. Images belong to their respective artists. All codes and scripts belong to their respective coders. Please DO NOT take anything without the owners' permission.
