HOME | DD

Description
Introduction:

Once upon a time... No, that's not quite it. In a galaxy, far, far away... Meh. It was the best of... Hmmm... Definitely not. The once was a girl from... No, no, no! Call me-Nevermind. Hmmm... In a story like this, there are an infinite number of ways to begin the tale, and most of them wrong. It is difficult enough trying to explain the concept of multiple worlds and quantum physics, let alone the workings of magic and the history of alternate worlds, especially with seemingly omniscient narration. Still, every tale must have its beginning, and most are very particular in their wording. Oh? Who am I? Well, it doesn't really matter, my name doesn't exactly affect the storyline, now does it? Oh, all right... I suppose if you must call me something, I'm the Narrator. Every tale has one, whether it is someone speaking for themselves, another, or even speaking for you. Yes, you. The one who just dogeared this page, with the lumpy double chin. Treat books nicer next time, hmm? As for the rest of you, a brief review before the tale begins I suppose would be in order? The tale you are about to begin is the first in a series, as you have no doubt noticed from the cover. That series is Metal Mage, which I'm certain is giving you plenty of ideas for where the storyline might lead to, but let's just keep the suspense going, shall we? This tale begins like many others in a fictional world where life as its residents know it is far different from our own. Then again, with the possibility of multiple world in an infinite universe, as so many of your interesting scientists have suggested, this tale could have happened already. Or it could happen in the future. Or it could be happening right now. It begins like this...

Prologue: A New Breed

“The use of magic together with science is hardly news, Kaesot.” The bestial entity spat from the shadows at one of the other entities opposite it. “Why, this same robotisist has used magic often in the making of his creations in the past ten years. His last creation was of a very similar design to this one, and you hardly batted an eye when it killed one of your champions in Karnuk last year.”
“While that is true, the last one does not prostrate to any of us, neither aligning with Chaos or Order. It's actions are its own, it doesn't do it to please or anger any of us. Whereas the robotisist is asking the pantheon, all of us, to bless his latest creation even now, as you can see. The last time he called upon us was decades ago, shortly after death took his beloved.”
“Hmmm... That is unusual.”
“Especially to entreat all of us, even Ves and the Arbiter. No offense.”
“None taken.” Ves, the grim figure know to all as Death, hissed as it lowered it's hood and took on the appearance of a youthful woman, glaring into the viewing lens on the table. The scientist, an old man who she knew was close to his time, would be greatly missed, but he would at last be brought back together with his loved ones. And that he would thank her for. Eventually. Most hate death in whichever form it assumed. Few considered themselves ready for it.
“Indeed, that is interesting.” The Arbiter Dyndar put forth with a sly grin, obviously amused by the situation. That was, at least, a good sign for the others. When the Arbiter was bored, often they found their plans and schemes were thrown aside by its desires for entertainment. For now, he had chosen a male form, his hair as always brownish-red and wild, twisting itself around into spires and curls, trenches and ridges, mobiuses and Klien bottles, and a myriad of shapes unknown to even the most learned of scientists, mathematicians and philosophers.
“And how exactly do you see fit to respond to this, Arbiter?” Urgendur prodded, hoping that it wasn't going to cause more trouble amongst the group. Already the other eight were eying each other for a reaction. She was watching them all, but most especially the Arbiter, for he would be the one to make a the final definition, should there be too equal an opposition in this instance, or if the sides become too impassioned by their volitions. Few mortals since the Pantheon had been formed had entreated all of the Deities in their entire lifetimes, and here was one of the few to ask all of them for their blessing of his creation. To ask Ves for a blessing was rarely done for death blessed few, rarely even her champions, when he choose to have them. To ask the Arbiter, the most likely to bless or curse someone or something in the most unusual way, hadn't been done by one of his intelligence and sanity in a long time indeed.

“I say we should give him what he wants, yes? I would say he's earned our attention at the very least, even if our response might be different from what he expects...” The Arbiter purred as he looked around at the faces, the facades curious and wary.
“How so?” Maemyer, deity of Time and Armor, asked.
“It is made to appear as a human for comfort, peace of mind in the familiar, is it not? Why not treat it as if it were an infant, seeing the many months of labor that went into its creation, hmm?”
“It is of no interest to me in its present state... And it is most aligned to I, seeing as I control the lightning in its veins, the metal and industry in its iron heart.” The deity of the storm and technology said haughtily, crossing his arms.
“The heart isn't made of-” Atim diety of light and the mind began, but she was interrupted by Kaesot.
“I know that! I was being poetic you incompetent dunce! It's a wonder your followers haven't all left you millenniums ago!” Only the Arbiter seemed amused by the correction and outrage that followed. He waved a hand over the lens as he looked directly at Kaesot for a moment, then glanced around the room.
“Well then, if it doesn't interest you now, how about we make it a game?” He proposed.
“What sort of game?” Atim asked, and Ryim, deity of fire and rock giggled.
“Yes, what sort? You know how I love games...”
“How about the one who gives it the best blessing or curse can decide where Ves takes it to after its time is done? Plus, a new temple erected in the land of any other that shall stand for a century?”
“I'll take that wager.”
“Seems adequate to me.”
“What if I wish to pass?” The others looked over at Oroyas, diety of ice and water, with a myriad of expressions.
“I suppose you'll forfeit the prize, but you can certainly bless or curse it later. Does that sound fair to everyone?” The others murmured and nodded as they considered their boons.
“And how shall we order our blessings? First to announce theirs loses the element of surprise if they could save it for later, and ups the ante.”
“How about we let the human decide? He entreated us, let us go by the order that he asked for our blessings. Does anyone remember the order, or should we move time back to see?”
“I remember.” Atim said, and proceeded to repeat it.

“Very well then, you may begin, Urgendur.” The goddess of earth and wind nodded and considered for a moment before starting,
“When its time has run out, it shall not be forgotten to the dirt. If any should try to bury it, the wind will carry them away.” A few eyes rolled before the next began.
“May its inner workings continue long after that of its siblings, the other creations made by this roboticist.” Maemyer said, smirking at Urgendur. Nysisa cleared her throat and smiled,
“It will travel great distances and face many challenges along the way. Some will try to protect it from danger and damage, while others will try to destroy it.” A few mumbles and nods before Turosh passed his turn. Atim raised a brow at this before continuing the game,
“I find it surprising that the deity of beasts and darkness does not wish to take part at this juncture. Regardless, I do. It shall have a passion for learning, a draw to find the goodness in those around it.” Nysisa sneered a bit before chuckling,
“That's your blessing? Definitely not one to win our little game, now is it?”
“Be silent and let the others use their turns as they see fit.” Dyndar said, half bored, raising a hand in gesture toward Nysisa before she paled, nodding with jaw clenched. Kaesot laughed a little before giving his blessing,
“May its seeking knowledge push it to self-improvement and betterment of the sciences. But may the lightning be both a blessing and a curse. It shall assist in powering it, but those around it will suffer if she tries to retain that power.” Ryim clapped her hands a bit, nodding.
“It will have to face many trials. The rock will be an obstacle and a pedestal, aiding in its goals and slowing them. Fire shall blaze in its eyes and mechanical heart to frighten and entice those around it to be in strong attraction or opposition to it. Its journeys shall burn across the land, preceded by rumor and mystery, never able to find solace in just resting.” A few of the deities grumbled for a bit before a loud scraping sound startled them, Ves's scythe grinding against a sharpening stone..
“I shall myself come for it when its time has come, and not leave the task to my reapers. I shall take it to my home, for it seems to be a servile thing. Let it continue to serve as it did in what it would call a life.” Ves cackled and a few of the deities shuddered. Then, all eyes fell on the Arbiter.
“Well?” Turosh asked after a long pause. The Arbiter looked around at the rest of the Pantheon slowly and all shuddered in nervous tension. The Arbiter's sly smile spread, his grin growing until it threatened to crack his face.
“I shall give it a soul and take it wherever it wills when it fades from the mortal realm. And I shall give it the ability and desire for magic.” With that said, the Pantheon erupted into utter chaos and objection after objection as the Arbiter laughed, enjoying it all.

Description
Introduction:

Once upon a time... No, that's not quite it. In a galaxy, far, far away... Meh. It was the best of... Hmmm... Definitely not. The once was a girl from... No, no, no! Call me-Nevermind. Hmmm... In a story like this, there are an infinite number of ways to begin the tale, and most of them wrong. It is difficult enough trying to explain the concept of multiple worlds and quantum physics, let alone the workings of magic and the history of alternate worlds, especially with seemingly omniscient narration. Still, every tale must have its beginning, and most are very particular in their wording. Oh? Who am I? Well, it doesn't really matter, my name doesn't exactly affect the storyline, now does it? Oh, all right... I suppose if you must call me something, I'm the Narrator. Every tale has one, whether it is someone speaking for themselves, another, or even speaking for you. Yes, you. The one who just dogeared this page, with the lumpy double chin. Treat books nicer next time, hmm? As for the rest of you, a brief review before the tale begins I suppose would be in order? The tale you are about to begin is the first in a series, as you have no doubt noticed from the cover. That series is Metal Mage, which I'm certain is giving you plenty of ideas for where the storyline might lead to, but let's just keep the suspense going, shall we? This tale begins like many others in a fictional world where life as its residents know it is far different from our own. Then again, with the possibility of multiple world in an infinite universe, as so many of your interesting scientists have suggested, this tale could have happened already. Or it could happen in the future. Or it could be happening right now. It begins like this...

Prologue: A New Breed

“The use of magic together with science is hardly news, Kaesot.” The bestial entity spat from the shadows at one of the other entities opposite it. “Why, this same robotisist has used magic often in the making of his creations in the past ten years. His last creation was of a very similar design to this one, and you hardly batted an eye when it killed one of your champions in Karnuk last year.”
“While that is true, the last one does not prostrate to any of us, neither aligning with Chaos or Order. It's actions are its own, it doesn't do it to please or anger any of us. Whereas the robotisist is asking the pantheon, all of us, to bless his latest creation even now, as you can see. The last time he called upon us was decades ago, shortly after death took his beloved.”
“Hmmm... That is unusual.”
“Especially to entreat all of us, even Ves and the Arbiter. No offense.”
“None taken.” Ves, the grim figure know to all as Death, hissed as it lowered it's hood and took on the appearance of a youthful woman, glaring into the viewing lens on the table. The scientist, an old man who she knew was close to his time, would be greatly missed, but he would at last be brought back together with his loved ones. And that he would thank her for. Eventually. Most hate death in whichever form it assumed. Few considered themselves ready for it.
“Indeed, that is interesting.” The Arbiter Dyndar put forth with a sly grin, obviously amused by the situation. That was, at least, a good sign for the others. When the Arbiter was bored, often they found their plans and schemes were thrown aside by its desires for entertainment. For now, he had chosen a male form, his hair as always brownish-red and wild, twisting itself around into spires and curls, trenches and ridges, mobiuses and Klien bottles, and a myriad of shapes unknown to even the most learned of scientists, mathematicians and philosophers.
“And how exactly do you see fit to respond to this, Arbiter?” Urgendur prodded, hoping that it wasn't going to cause more trouble amongst the group. Already the other eight were eying each other for a reaction. She was watching them all, but most especially the Arbiter, for he would be the one to make a the final definition, should there be too equal an opposition in this instance, or if the sides become too impassioned by their volitions. Few mortals since the Pantheon had been formed had entreated all of the Deities in their entire lifetimes, and here was one of the few to ask all of them for their blessing of his creation. To ask Ves for a blessing was rarely done for death blessed few, rarely even her champions, when he choose to have them. To ask the Arbiter, the most likely to bless or curse someone or something in the most unusual way, hadn't been done by one of his intelligence and sanity in a long time indeed.

“I say we should give him what he wants, yes? I would say he's earned our attention at the very least, even if our response might be different from what he expects...” The Arbiter purred as he looked around at the faces, the facades curious and wary.
“How so?” Maemyer, deity of Time and Armor, asked.
“It is made to appear as a human for comfort, peace of mind in the familiar, is it not? Why not treat it as if it were an infant, seeing the many months of labor that went into its creation, hmm?”
“It is of no interest to me in its present state... And it is most aligned to I, seeing as I control the lightning in its veins, the metal and industry in its iron heart.” The deity of the storm and technology said haughtily, crossing his arms.
“The heart isn't made of-” Atim diety of light and the mind began, but she was interrupted by Kaesot.
“I know that! I was being poetic you incompetent dunce! It's a wonder your followers haven't all left you millenniums ago!” Only the Arbiter seemed amused by the correction and outrage that followed. He waved a hand over the lens as he looked directly at Kaesot for a moment, then glanced around the room.
“Well then, if it doesn't interest you now, how about we make it a game?” He proposed.
“What sort of game?” Atim asked, and Ryim, deity of fire and rock giggled.
“Yes, what sort? You know how I love games...”
“How about the one who gives it the best blessing or curse can decide where Ves takes it to after its time is done? Plus, a new temple erected in the land of any other that shall stand for a century?”
“I'll take that wager.”
“Seems adequate to me.”
“What if I wish to pass?” The others looked over at Oroyas, diety of ice and water, with a myriad of expressions.
“I suppose you'll forfeit the prize, but you can certainly bless or curse it later. Does that sound fair to everyone?” The others murmured and nodded as they considered their boons.
“And how shall we order our blessings? First to announce theirs loses the element of surprise if they could save it for later, and ups the ante.”
“How about we let the human decide? He entreated us, let us go by the order that he asked for our blessings. Does anyone remember the order, or should we move time back to see?”
“I remember.” Atim said, and proceeded to repeat it.

“Very well then, you may begin, Urgendur.” The goddess of earth and wind nodded and considered for a moment before starting,
“When its time has run out, it shall not be forgotten to the dirt. If any should try to bury it, the wind will carry them away.” A few eyes rolled before the next began.
“May its inner workings continue long after that of its siblings, the other creations made by this roboticist.” Maemyer said, smirking at Urgendur. Nysisa cleared her throat and smiled,
“It will travel great distances and face many challenges along the way. Some will try to protect it from danger and damage, while others will try to destroy it.” A few mumbles and nods before Turosh passed his turn. Atim raised a brow at this before continuing the game,
“I find it surprising that the deity of beasts and darkness does not wish to take part at this juncture. Regardless, I do. It shall have a passion for learning, a draw to find the goodness in those around it.” Nysisa sneered a bit before chuckling,
“That's your blessing? Definitely not one to win our little game, now is it?”
“Be silent and let the others use their turns as they see fit.” Dyndar said, half bored, raising a hand in gesture toward Nysisa before she paled, nodding with jaw clenched. Kaesot laughed a little before giving his blessing,
“May its seeking knowledge push it to self-improvement and betterment of the sciences. But may the lightning be both a blessing and a curse. It shall assist in powering it, but those around it will suffer if she tries to retain that power.” Ryim clapped her hands a bit, nodding.
“It will have to face many trials. The rock will be an obstacle and a pedestal, aiding in its goals and slowing them. Fire shall blaze in its eyes and mechanical heart to frighten and entice those around it to be in strong attraction or opposition to it. Its journeys shall burn across the land, preceded by rumor and mystery, never able to find solace in just resting.” A few of the deities grumbled for a bit before a loud scraping sound startled them, Ves's scythe grinding against a sharpening stone..
“I shall myself come for it when its time has come, and not leave the task to my reapers. I shall take it to my home, for it seems to be a servile thing. Let it continue to serve as it did in what it would call a life.” Ves cackled and a few of the deities shuddered. Then, all eyes fell on the Arbiter.
“Well?” Turosh asked after a long pause. The Arbiter looked around at the rest of the Pantheon slowly and all shuddered in nervous tension. The Arbiter's sly smile spread, his grin growing until it threatened to crack his face.
“I shall give it a soul and take it wherever it wills when it fades from the mortal realm. And I shall give it the ability and desire for magic.” With that said, the Pantheon erupted into utter chaos and objection after objection as the Arbiter laughed, enjoying it all.