The Magi's Society

Mevi felt compelled to enter the small crack she had opened in the wall. A will that was unnatural began its control over her senses, and it commanded her to approach. As she entered the crack in the wall, she heard a strange sound from behind her. Similar to the splash of dripping mud, a wet substance fell on her as she passed through the hole. Mevi maintained enough of her senses to gaze backwards, and to her dismay the wall she had broken was growing back to its previous state. It quickly reformed, and her struggle to fight against the presence almost kept her within the dripping material’s path. She barely passed the threshold of the room before the wall was completely sealed once more.

Just as Mevi crossed fully into the room, the presence dominating her dropped its influence. She was free to govern herself once again, and free to embrace the almost overwhelming fear that now gripped her. Mevi had not felt such a strong presence dominate her since the Magi, Falcier, exerted his power during the selection on her colony. The feeling was grotesque, completely unnatural, and made her senses go haywire. The sudden domination caused her senses to somehow back up, and as the influence departed, her rampant emotions possessed her in rapid succession. It seemed, during her fits of confused convulsion, that her cold mantle had departed to some deep part of Mevi’s unconsciousness. The many emotions that plagued Mevi began to flood her mind, and sought to overwhelm what little sanity Mevi might’ve attempted to regain.

Rather than hate, that had once bubbled and transformed into helplessness, only the quieter emotions remained. The fear and sadness that was repressed up until now cascaded into Mevi’s mind in a sudden hurricane. Mevi attempted to stand, but her quaking limbs gave out and collapsed her into a heap on the floor. An overwhelming quantity of dark emotion now boiled her consciousness as it once had boiled quietly in her soul. A stream of incoherent babbling was all that could escape Mevi as the spiritual dam broke without its dutiful warden. Mevi couldn’t even attempt to look at the room around her, nor could she behold the figure who had beckoned her entry. The tears and fear clouded any vision she might’ve had, and the ball she curled into was a vain attempt to close out the bright light that almost stung her with its pure power.

Mevi laid on the floor, collapsed into a sobbing heap, and let loose all the emotions that were bottled up for so long. Even her inane sobbing screamed some long lost message she wished to tell to her last true friend. Mevi yelled for Kalesi, the only figure in her life so far to provide an amount of safe stability. The frustration at losing such a figure so soon screamed into the fear of being alone, of being shut away in the dark once again. To lose herself in some deep-set darkness that provided no company other than her dark thoughts and memories. To be completely alone, the want for trusting company, was her greatest desire.

While Mevi’s emotional eruption tempered, and eventually slowed as her energy drained, she was finally able to brave the light. The violent explosion that echoed from her core began to subside into only a crippling anxiety as exhaustion reclaimed her body. Mevi lifted her head, and saw the blue light shining in a smaller hue. As if it was lowered from its previous intensity, the light was now almost warm as it tried to hold her gently. Mevi watched the floor, the simple stone gleaming with the glowing light, and as her loud wails drained into choking sobs, the floor’s gleam seemed to tremble. A calm and curious voice asked, “Are you… Safe? Is the subject whole again?”

Mevi lifted her head, beholding the elegant creature before her. Sitting in a simple chair, was an astoundingly divine picture of beauty. The feminine form was draped in a cloak of white that melted into an ethereal sky where cosmic constellations shone their light. A white dress fit close to form, accentuating their womanly features while allowing a type of skin to peek through. Where might be gloves and what could be a split in the front of the dress’s chest, was a shining display of pure energetic power. A holy blue glow shone from where clothes seemed to separate in an upside down ‘V’ across the figure’s breasts and then again at where sleeves cut off at the elbow. What could only be aetherial flesh shone with a glorious brilliance, shedding a blue glow by simply its being. Within the glowing cosmos, held within the supple grace of the figure, were cosmic signs made from endless constellations which formed unknowable arcana. If it was possible to easily understand the creature’s form, differentiating from clothes and body, Mevi could assume the revealed divine cosmos was exactly and only the creature’s skin. Yet as Mevi watched, the form and figure became ephemeral; the feminine form began to shift and change, where once was clothes and bare skin would mix with the air and shift into new sets of regalia. Where clothes once were, the divine substance leaked out to expose what might be underneath. Yet while divine flesh escaped, ethereal regalia also reclaimed territory to reform into godly golds and silvers embroidered on the soft white clothes. The only consistent form was a vague idea of dress and cloak, and then the creature’s mask.

The divine presence held a mask unlike any other observed or recalled. A thin veil, spun from spider-silk and threads of knowledge, hung across the lower face and neck. Small parts of the neck were visible, but were unfathomable in a natural sense; instead of flesh there seemed to be veins of gold streaking upwards like twisting wires that constantly changed their shape and material, while also there was a distant impression of flesh but an invisible sort that could only be assumed and not known. From under the veil, two long braids fell down the shoulders until fading into the space around. The hair was the color of marble, and as it faded it took on a starry expression until disappearing into nothing. As the magnum opus of whatever cosmic artisan created this figure, the mask held dominion over the rest of the body. Instead of the typical masks seen used, even by other Magi, there didn’t seem to be any consistent material used in the fashioning of this mask. It existed as if it simply was, rather than something that was created or worn. A spherical orb existed to make up the quantity of the space where a head might be. Within the orb was a pearlescent display of ever-shifting colors and shapes. Pure color, brighter and more brilliant than any star could hope to shine, etched symbols of unknown power into an almost infinite space held within the mask itself. The coalescence of millions of colors made the purest of rays that shone from the mask, looking directly into the space almost blinded Mevi as her mind attempted to comprehend a spectrum impossible to understand. The shapes and symbols that echoed out of the mask’s depth were almost completely invisible, due to their arcane might.

As Mevi beheld the sight, she could almost forget the explosion of emotion she had suffered only moments before. Yet even in the light of such elegance and power, Mevi felt her sniffling sobs threaten a return. The brightness of the being forced Mevi to shield her eyes, and the following darkness only reminded her of her own dark thoughts. She fought to either become blind or suffer in her own dark pit. Yet as the conflicting decisions fought for some claim, the being spoke again in its soft and curious voice, “The subject is named, ‘Mevi’, correct?”

With her stressed voice, Mevi croaked out, “Yes… Yes my Lord.”

“Why does the subject… or ‘Mevi’, act out in such ways?”

Worried she had offended the Magi in some way, Mevi stumbled her words together, “My Magi, I am sorry. I… I was very frustrated and, or I mean many things have happened… I apologize for my disrespect.”

“Did the Mevi mean disrespect?”

“Of course not! I was lost, and confused. I didn’t mean to upset you or insult you!”

“If the Mevi did not intend disrespect, was there any?”

“My Magi… I do not understand.” Mevi was genuinely confused at the strange question.

“If the Mevi did not intend disrespect; then none was received.” Declared the Magi with confidence.

Mevi beheld the divine entity again. As she blocked the piercing light from blinding her, the figure seemed to make a sort of ‘oh!’ sound as if realizing something suddenly. The elegant form bent forward slightly, and as if retrieving the air itself, covered herself with a long draping hood. The light that illuminated with such potent power was suddenly covered, and the amount of elegance dimmed as the light slowly faded. When the mask’s light faded, the shimmering skin that once was blue and arcane seemed to take on a more ‘human’ form. The shifting shape and function of the elegant regalia hardened to a consistent stability. Where bosom and sleeve once displayed radiant power, now a snow-pale skin gave way to a new type of luster. Yet the skin of the creature before Mevi was still as alien as the glowing arcane energy, their tone was of an unnatural white that seemed almost exactly as frost and ice. The chilly flesh made Mevi’s own seem tanned in comparison, despite Mevi’s complexion being of the palest she had witnessed on the Barge up until now.

As the hood fully enveloped, and the entity’s form became stable, it was almost a purposeful evolution. Even Mevi could tell, in some spiritual sense, that the figure was forcing its form to maintain a human shape and consistency. Yet the sight didn’t entirely displease or unsettle Mevi, the way this Magi seemed to attempt to relate or comfort was almost kind. The gesture was appreciated, despite the strange approach. Mevi could feel herself almost calming in the Magi’s presence, and it was in some part due to the divine alien presence dulling itself to a more comprehensible state. When the entity’s figure was finished shaping itself, with the clothes and hair reforming into a less ambiguous construction, Mevi became curious. Daring to ask a question out of turn, Mevi wondered out loud, “You are Lord Councilor Maphet, aren’t you?”

A response came immediately, “Yes, I am she.”

“You asked me to come to you, and pass through the doorway?”

“Yes.”

“I was told we needed to conduct a ritual, or that you wanted to talk to me…”

“Both accounts are accurate.”

Mevi waited for a few moments, expecting some kind of explanation or further conversation. But the figure, that was surely Councilor Maphet, simply sat and watched. Their face hidden behind a more comprehensible mask, one with swirling sky and cosmos battling for supremacy in an impossible mixture of colors. The eyeless face peered deeply into Mevi, and she felt entirely exposed. As if prompted by Mevi’s growing unease, Maphet said, “Sit, if the Mevi would prefer a chair.” Before Mevi could point out the empty room around them, which was entirely devoid of detail or feature beyond the generic gold and marble theme, a chair appeared as if it had always been. Mevi had blinked her eyes, and suddenly the chair was there, like she had simply ignored the feature until now. Standing slowly, Mevi collapsed herself as elegantly as possible into the simple wooden chair. The material seemed completely organic, and unlike any production Mevi had truly beheld. Even the great doors of her house seemed to pale in comparison to the simple craftsmanship that created the standing chair. When Mevi sat, Maphet asked, “How did you cross the barrier?”

Mevi was concerned, like she had done something wrong, “I… I think I used something inside of me. I don’t really understand it. I got very angry with the wall, and before I understood how, it was already being destroyed.”

“The barrier was made for the benefit of the Mevi. I implanted knowledge, and understanding, into a field within the stone.”

Mevi realized she had made some great error in her rage, “I am extremely sorry! Great Magi, I apologize for my ignorance!” Mevi attempted to prostrate herself on the floor, but before she could abandon the chair Maphet waved a hand as if demanding her be still.

“Why does the Mevi panic? I gave no instruction on how to pass the barrier, I simply asked that the Mevi pass.”

“I damaged a creation of yours, one meant for knowledge…”

Pointing at the wall that once was carved open, Maphet asked, “Is there damage? Did the Mevi leave a permanent scar?”

Mevi looked at the wall, its plain surface was empty of blemish or marring, “No, it doesn't appear so on the surface…”

“Good. The Mevi did not err. She, in fact, allowed my education to further.” Declared Maphet.

Mevi watched to figure, who sat calmly and with confidence as she spoke. The Magi was unlike anything she could have imagined. Even in her memory, as short as it was, Maphet seemed strange, but almost kind. Regardless of her way of speaking, Maphet had a strangely respectfully eccentric personality. Mevi could feel the intent of the Magi, more potently than she could even feel the desire for dominance and fear from Magi Falcier’s dark intimidation. It was almost like Maphet was purposefully leaking their intentions and emotions. The open designs emanating from the Magi almost put Mevi at ease, she felt as if she were connected with Maphet and they spoke in ways without words. Maphet’s curiosity seemed perplexed by Mevi’s raw emotion, and to respond in the way Maphet began; Mevi allowed her emotions to be read, she could almost feel the way to think and be to allow this spiritual conversation. The spiritual sensations didn’t crash into Mevi’s consciousness, but instead it was like a slow drip into an almost broken bowl. Maphet was slow, careful, and deliberate in her expression to Mevi. Maphet seemed to know how fragile Mevi’s ego was, but didn’t understand why it was in the delicate state. With Mevi’s open mind, Maphet slowly searched the emotions Mevi laid bare, and Maphet seemed intently curious about the emotions of regret and fear. The most intense emotions Mevi held were those of Kalesi’s loss, and the fear that she might become entirely alone. Maphet offered no solution, nor did she offer any direct comfort, but she simply listened in a wordless way.

The two were connected, and without premeditated motivations, they almost bonded. Mevi could feel Maphet’s intense desire to learn and study all things, to experiment and grow with every new piece of knowledge. While Mevi needed to be understood, to be listened to, and given another soul who could truly comprehend her complex feelings. Time seemed to slip away from thought and perception as the two mingled their egos into the same open sky. The conversation was led by Maphet, and its stability entirely provided by her, but the topics were always on, or sourced from, Mevi. Her emotions were debated, and understood, and by the time the two unraveled themselves from each other it was obvious some great amount of time had passed.

Mevi almost felt better from the experience, like she was able to release all her woes in a way that caused no harm or delay. Maphet’s mind was clear, and filled with innocent yearning for knowledge. As Mevi calmed herself from the intense intermingling, Maphet’s glow slightly returned. The Magi’s glee was obvious, she was intensely interested in every topic she considered new. Mevi had learned her personality, and it was remarkably simple. Mind and memory were barred from both sides, but their bonding left an important mark on the mood.

With Mevi calmed down, Maphet began to work. As the Magi stood up, a table appeared in the same way a chair did once before. As Maphet walked past the table, and approached close to the wall, the room seemed to extend. What once was an almost box-like room without any features, began to grow into a new length. The area around Mevi began to stretch in its comprehension, like she hadn’t been really looking at anything at all. Out of curiosity, Mevi reached towards the table; she somehow knew something was there and that it was for her. With hand reaching after the air, Mevi grasped nothing. Yet as her hands clasped around the empty space, a cup was within her grip. Within was a familiar red liquid, one that held a distinct smell of balanced fruitiness. Mevi knew what the liquid was, and as she sipped, she was ecstatic to realize how accurate the taste was to her memory. The Mappa juice was perfect, a complete replica of the complex code Kalesi knew. As Mevi sipped at the juice, she noticed Maphet’s gaze. Maphet had stopped what she was previously doing to watch Mevi, and began to speak with a renewed interest, “Remarkable. The Mevi is able to see within this space?”

Mevi felt somewhat comfortable talking to the Magi now, in a way she hadn’t experienced even with Odion, “I think so, in a way. Some part of me knew something was there, and that it might’ve been meant for me.”

“The space was prepared specifically for the Mevi. Everything within this place is meant to be given, if we are to be bonded. The Mevi should not be capable of understanding this place’s contents yet. Despite this, the Mevi shows remarkable… development.”

Mevi was curious, hearing that she would be bonded to Maphet once again, “May I ask you something, Lord Maphet?”

“This space is meant for the Mevi, to ask is to learn. All things should learn.”

A small chuckle escaped Mevi after the proclamation, at the expense of its innocence, “I was told we are to be bonded, you mentioned it just now again. I don’t know what that means, or what the ritual would entail…”

“We are to be bonded. To save your Kalesi, and to protect the Mevi. You will become my apprentice, but not fully in title.”

“How do you mean, if not ‘in title’ what would I become?”

Maphet thought, and her emotions leaked out as she obviously debated how to explain things in simple terms, “The Mevi is to become mine, we are to become one. To be made my ‘Magi’s Apprentice’ is a title to give the Mevi peerage. If we are both to consent, you would… In the simplest of terms, become my bride-to-be. The apprenticeship, a training, for the Mevi’s inevitable ascent”

Mevi was aghast, and all she could mumble was, “I am to be, your bride?”

“Yes. In a way, we will be bonded. Yet not for a long time, the Mevi is delicate and in need of learning. If we are to be bonded, you must learn and become more. My Mevi must become one of the few.” Maphet stressed the word ‘My’ as she declared the statement with confidence and authority.

Without further explanation, Maphet reached up to the wall as she finally found the end of the room. Pulling from an invisible shelf, Maphet grasped a book. Then she retrieved several others of varying comprehension. The collection of barely noticeable tomes was carried across the long room, which began to shrink back to its former size, and the pile was placed upon the table. With the books escaped from Maphet’s grasp, all but one began to quickly disappear until nothing was left. Maphet then spoke, in an almost serious tone, “These items are of grave importance to the Mevi. To understand this basic amount will prove if the Mevi can be accepted into their role. Your Kalesi will be taken care of, if the Mevi fails or succeeds, your Kalesi will be safe and treated. But to understand this task, is to accept it fully. If you are to investigate this knowledge, you must agree to my binding.”

Mevi was beginning to become cautious, almost scared, of the words Maphet spoke, “What do you mean? What if I don’t agree, or if I can’t understand what you’ve given me?”

“The Mevi will understand, she cannot possibly fail. Yet if the Mevi refuses to learn, my gifts cannot be received. Your Kalesi will be given a basic treatment, and then given back to the Mevi in whatever state it might be in.”

Mevi ignored the use of ‘it’ and began her thought out loud, “So if I don’t agree, Kalesi will die…”

Maphet watched, while Mevi took in the words. The amount of things a ‘marriage’ with a Magi might insinuate are infinite. The amount of mounting strangeness increased tenfold with even the mention of such an idea. Yet Mevi could not waste time debating, if the alternative was Kalesi’s death, there was no decision if it meant protecting her mentor’s life. Mevi looked up at Maphet, who waited patiently in her divine regalia, Mevi proclaimed “I will agree to this. Whatever it is I need to learn, I will do this.”

“Then it is decided. The Mevi will become my apprentice, and partake in the traditional ritual. The Mevi may stay here, until called upon. The Mevi will also have free access to all within this facility, but not beyond until after the ritual. The Mevi is still in danger, so work only with assigned aids.”

“What do you mean? How am I in danger?”

“In time, the Mevi will be told. Until your appointment, know that others have intentions for their own designs.” As Maphet finished her words, her mostly unused authority commanded obedience within the statement.

Mevi felt less sure of herself than before. This world of hers continues to become larger and more alien. As Mevi slowly became overwhelmed with the room she sat in, and its unknown features, Maphet produced something and offered it to Mevi. Hesitantly taking the thing, Mevi analyzed it. The object seemed to be a simple pearl or marble, only two or three centimeters wide. A strange orb that was the color of deep waters. Before Mevi could question the device, Maphet spoke an explanation, “Until the Mevi is capable of opening the door, this device will allow access. It will work only an amount of times before its destruction. The Mevi would do well to learn to open the door on her own.”

While Mevi still held many questions, Maphet made her way to the bare walled archway. As the Magi approached, the wall stretched to reveal a hidden doorway. The door shrinked within itself, and as Maphet passed through the gates she entirely disappeared. As the illusion of the door faded, Mevi could see an unfamiliar exit on the other side of the doorway. When the archway returned to a wall, Mevi approached quickly. Unsure what to do, Mevi held the deep blue orb up against the wall and, to her surprise, the door began to slowly shrink away, forming into a passage. Slower than when Maphet used it, the archway opened to reveal the familiar hallway. Mevi’s two aids standing in attendance and patience.

As Mevi was revealed on the other side of the door, Zelkan’s face lit up. Mevi exited onto the hallway floor, and the doorway closed quickly behind her. Without a moment’s hesitation, Zelkan began looking over Mevi as Kalesi tended to do. When he seemed satisfied, Zelkan asked, “Mevi, are you alright?” The strange change in character almost caused Mevi to make an audible reaction. The previous formality was gone, and replaced by a seemingly genuine worry. Yet Mevi was smarter now, she had learned some small amount of things from her meditation and interaction with Maphet. With her mind, she slowly reached out from herself until she could feel the unguarded emotions of Zelkan. He held only responsibility and duty, only specks of care leaked out of his personality. Mevi was almost visibly put off by his interaction, but managed to maintain a polite amount of composure. With her emotions voided into Maphet, Mevi felt almost refreshed. Now, all that was left was to return to Kalesi and await Maphet’s summons. It seemed as though Mevi would soon have much to worry about, but for now she wished only to see a familiar face once again.