blueteamnovel 369. The Amalgam, and Her Eye, Fang and Claw
369. The Amalgam, and Her Eye, Fang and Claw
369. The Amalgam, and Her Eye, Fang and Claw
An affiliation with an Archetype was a powerful political tool. It granted an Atelier certain powers and elevation in the eyes of others, much like Justica Arms and her System-recognized partnership with the Arbiter. It validated which Atelier were on the side of the Nexus, as well as gave them a permanent seat amongst the Beholders.
If the Beholders were countries, then those affiliated with an Archetype were the equivalent of superpowers. Galia smugly observed the members of the Council, watching the Beholders study both Magus and Beholder Jury. Few turned to Galia, and when they did, a vicious air of spite arose.
Without a single word spoken, it was clear that Justica Arms, the Golden Index, and newly introduced Time Reverberation were Ateliers in a separate league of their own, even if they did not have the same capabilities or widely influential powers as other Ateliers.
Finally, with all members of the Arbiter’s Council present, the Arbiter brought down two tails to begin the second phase of the awaited event. She began with a prelude and an introduction, her voice echoing through the chamber, reverberating within the chests of all present with unfathomable power.
“Welcome. Beholders. Stars. Moons. Exalted. Appointed representatives. Archetypes. We all gather today at my Council for the 15th time. A shame that not every seat could be filled by a Beholder. Before we receive our guests of honor and the awaited Amalgam herself, I wish to hear the reasons why not all Beholders could make their appearance. Magus. Please refrain from explaining. I have heard the reason from Beholder Galia. Beholder Carpalis has already been pardoned.”
The Arbiter’s Council operated thoroughly as usual, but it was far different this time now that her eyes had returned. The golden irises were like halos as they moved onto Beholder Descartes.
“CogitO functions by the delegation of five personas, but one identity. Do you represent your whole?”
“I do. I am the Reality Principle.” The blue-haired Beholder confidently assured, matching the Arbiter’s inquisitive gaze. “The sole ego while I am in your presence. I have come to function as the mediator of all primal and conscious facets, however imperfect you may believe me to be.”
She uttered her piece, her words summarized as ‘This is the me capable of attending.’ Descartes’ multiple personalities was an interesting thing to note, as it was vaguely similar to Frost and her Alter Frost.
“I request that you pardon Descartes One, Two, Four and Five. It would be less than ideal to have us all present at one place.” She cast a look towards Galia, and then to Satania before continuing: “But you wish to hear the excuse. Very well. Oboros Infinitas has entered the limelight. Other Descartes are managing prisoners in accordance with the 6th Branch and the Harrowers.”
Again, more foreign terminology had been brought into the conversation for the first time. Moons had no clue what these ‘Harrowers’ were to begin with. It became odd that secrets were being shared suddenly, many believing it to be attributed to the Amalgam’s imminent arrival.
There was more Descartes Three wished to say, but the Arbiter’s eyes narrowed attentively as a tail patted her shield of wings.
“The extent of the situation will wait until after the wheels of my Council begin to turn. A similar problem has appeared for all Ateliers present. Very well. You are pardoned.” The Arbiter deemed the excuse valid before turning to Enoch, the appointed representative of ImpulseWorks.
Suddenly, the Arbiter’s face became pleasant, as her tone abruptly shifted as though she were addressing a friend.
“Dear Enoch. Enoch, Enoch... Enoch.” She articulated the woman’s name in a variety of tones. “It’s awful of you to bring the scent of other Angels to my sacred Council.”
“Ahaha~ Please, don’t villainize me so quickly.” Enoch chuckled, a hand stroking the side of her chin. “I’d hate to no longer be the one who walks amongst the deities of the Nexus. I’ve been blessed to represent ImpulseWorks at this sacred Council by the Abyssal Mother, and by the unanimous decision of all T-4 Artificers.”
The Arbiter’s feathers did not rustle.
The One Thousand Eyed Bird had granted the Arbiter various powers similar to Frost’s Corrupted Items and Abilities. The effectiveness, however, was not known, but the fact that her feathers did not rustle was a sign that Enoch spoke the truth.
She did not need to elaborate.
Her name alone instilled profound veneration amongst all, whereas the Beholders were surprised to find that this was the true form of the Amalgam. They only knew her as the indestructible, flaming Corrupted man, after all.
Following her was a girl with black twin tails, carrying a thick notebook and a pencil close to her chest. With a deep breath and with countless eyes on her, the girl introduced herself as they entered the limelight.
“The Archivist.” She confidently announced. “The Archetype of Civilization.”
She was brought here to scribe every action like a shorthand reporter to create a physical transcript of whatever transpired at this Council. The reverence she received was no less than Frost’s, for she was yet another Archetype.
However, the other three figures behind them garnered a different kind of reaction. It was one of shock, confusion, and utter disbelief blended into one terrible concoction of emotions.
“Cer. Moon of the Nexus.” A suited wolfwoman proudly announced, standing by the entryway, wearing a black two-piece suit that was decorated with streaks red and gold.
“Ber. New Moon of the Nexus.” A much larger wolfwoman proclaimed, standing between the two shorter figures, wearing the exact same outfit.
Ber slipped ‘new’ in to gain a response from the Moons above, and just as expected, they quizzically stared at her, wondering just what a ‘New Moon’ was supposed to be. Never mind the shock of Ber’s newfound appearance. Both her and Cer basked in the shock of their fellow peers who had only laughed at them for the better part of the last 30 years.
“Res. Moon of the Nexus.” Res was the last to introduce herself, bearing a more professional demeanor.
Unlike her sisters, she did not look to the Moons or Stars. Despite her being below them, it was clear enough that she stood far higher than they could ever dream of. And as Frost and Anna joined the Arbiter’s side, Res concluded with a bombshell that caused even the stars and the Beholders to turn their heads.
“Cer. Ber. Res. By the order of the Amalgam, we are the Nexus’ Three Heads of Security. It is our duty to watch over the Council and prevent unauthorized entry and exit. We are Moons with the extended authority of the Amalgam.”
Indeed. The Jesters of the Nexus – the laughingstock amongst the Blessed – were venerated by the Amalgam of all people.
Before the Arbiter could begin the opening statement, Frost personally introduced her trusted Moons.
“If my eyes cannot see, then Res will.
If my maw cannot devour, then Cer will.
And if my hands cannot reach, then Ber will.
Together, they are my Eye, Fang, and Claw.”