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Call Network | UN: Merlin

Hello!

[That's a good start, he thinks.]

I'm quite new here-- this is all quite fascinating. How many others are there here? What are your worlds like? I know those are rather broad questions, but I've never encountered people from other worlds before-- or at least, not friendly ones. Do you have magic where you're from? Is the technology anything like it is here? What--

[Breathe, Merlin. He cuts himself off with an apologetic little grin.]

Sorry. But it's exciting, isn't it! I'm in-- I think it's called Sorcery? But I'm going to be heading through all the bits of the city over the next few weeks-- or, at well, as much as I can, anyway, I'm manservant to a prince, I can't just disappear for ages, even he'd notice-- but when I'm here, anyway. Have any of you ever encountered devices like these? They're terribly convenient, I wish I could take it back home.

Oh! Sorry-- my name's Merlin!

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[My, my... Perky might be a word used to describe this one, but frenetic could also easily apply. Tiring is more the word Dio would apply, however. Were he less invested in continuing to project a passingly congenial image, he might completely pass this one up to avoid even a mild amount of aggravation that's likely to be felt for extended periods of time spent with this young man.]

[But he'll put in the effort. After all, he's claiming to be Merlin of all things. Dio greets him with a calm smile.]

You certainly don't hold back with your questions, do you? [he says with seemingly light amusement. He even throws in a small laugh for good measure.] The technology isn't quite as advanced in my world, but it's progressed quite rapidly over the past 100 years. As far as magic is concerned, there are some gifted with abilities that the average person might call magic.

Yes, but is it actually magic, or is it-- you know-- fancy tricks?

[Not that there's anything wrong with that! But after some twenty-odd years of keeping his magic to himself, he'd like to talk shop with some other sorcerers, thanks.]

I mean, to my friends, this device would seem like magic, but it's not, is it?

[Frantic is a good word for it. Merlin's mouth moves too quickly, words tumbling over themselves in a haste to be heard. But being eager doesn't mean he's stupid-- and so:]

Do you have an ability, then? And--

[But he bites off that question. One thing at a time, and he's more interested in this person's abilities than where or when they're from.]

[There they are, more questions. They're hurtling out of the boy's mouth still, but they do appear to have a more focused direction now. It's the last question, however, that gives Dio pause. He has no interest at all in disclosing what his Stand can do in a public setting even with the potential that Giorno knows already. Giorno is not the problem anyway, not the potential threat.]

[Then again, is there truly a threat here? The only person here capable of moving through stopped time is Dio. Here, at least, it is still his world. Even if I, Dio, have not yet taken it from Jotaro, it's still mine, he thinks bitterly, although that "yet" carries an enormous weight with it. There will come a time when he takes his rightful place with every trace of the Joestar bloodline annihilated.]

You'll have to forgive me, Merlin. I'm not often in the habit of talking about my own abilities. There aren't many of us and it isn't common knowledge, so aside from talking amongst ourselves...

[Which Dio certainly isn't in the habit of doing.]

I am what is known as a Stand user. Some might equate what we do as magic because they cannot see our Stands, but you can think of them best as guardian spirits. Each Stand is unique to its user, granting them certain abilities.

I know. [A sympathetic little smile, and then he adds:] About having to keep it a secret, I mean.

[But oh, that sounds interesting. So like . . . a familiar, almost? Or, no, that doesn't sound right. Maybe just a select branch of magic-- certain abilities, the man says, and so that probably means he's really good in only one area.

Or maybe not! But what's the point of speculating when you can just ask--]

What's yours like? Your Stand-- is that the proper term?

[His excitement is still there, but something about Merlin's changed. The excitement isn't gone, precisely, but it's put into check, calmed and soothed.]

It is. My Stand is known as The World.

[That much Dio parts with readily and easily. It's the rest that he remains reluctant to share in public let alone with this boy. So, he's careful and thoughtful — as he always is — in choosing his next words.]

The World is powerful and possesses no true equal. It grants me strength and speed unobtainable by an average man.

[It is, of course, a gross oversimplification of what The World is capable of doing — especially when Dio's abilities as a vampire are taken into consideration — but it is not a lie.]

[Well. That's certainly something, isn't it? And he could counter that with some bragging of his own, but that's not his way. Merlin just smiles, not quite impressed but trying to pretend he is.]

Perhaps you could show me sometime. I'd quite like to see how it works-- if you'd be open to such a thing, of course.

Perhaps.

[Please. This motherfucker loves to show off. It's probably only a matter of time.]

[(Get it? Matter of time??)]

Though it occurs to me that you haven't exactly spoken about what it is you can do, Merlin.

[HAH]

[Merlin balks visibly. Because it's one thing, right, to cheerfully ask others about their magic, and learn and accept and revel in the fact that people are speaking so freely. It's another thing entirely to say what he can do.

All his life he's kept it to himself. And what if Arthur comes here as well; what if he finds out? But--

All right. So quite a few people seem to recognize his name, and associate him with magic. Which means that eventually, it all goes right-- eventually, he succeeds, Arthur knows what he is and accepts him for it, everyone gets a happy ending. So . . . so none of that could happen, right, if by telling people what he is here, he gives himself away and damns his relationship with Arthur permanently. Right?

Maybe. Yes? He's not sure, but--]

A lot of things.

[--he says it impulsively, a little breathless, and then offers a grin.]

Not strength. Sometimes speed, in a way. Fire. Water. Lots of elemental spells, actually-- moving items without touching them. Occasional telepathy. Lots of commands, really, that's a good way to think of it-- I command things using the right words and it usually works.

[And . . . that's it. There's no shout, no desperate cry of terror; no one grabs his arms and drags him to the pyre. Merlin glances around, just to check-- and then laughs, giddy on the fact that he's in place where he can say such things.]

[Truthfully, he doesn't share in Merlin's enthusiasm or relief, but he conceals that by meeting Merlin's laugh with a smile and subdued laugh of his own.]

That does sound impressive. And it sounds as though with practice, you could easily outdo anything I could accomplish with The World.

[That's not true, of course. Not from Dio's perspective anyway. But he pays the compliment all the same because that doesn't mean he doesn't see value in this boy already. If what he claims is true, he could become exceptionally useful to Dio with his abilities. He's willing to take the modest position after a subtle boast of his own abilities just a moment ago to sweeten the moment of sharing his secret with a potential friend.]

I hope I'm able to see a demonstration of your magic. I must admit, I'm eager to see it. [He lifts one corner of his mouth, turning his smile a little crooked briefly, but avoiding exposing a fang.] Perhaps even one day we might test one another's speed against the other, hm?

Ah, I don't know about that . . .

[In response to that demure compliment. He might, he thinks, not because of any failing on Dio's part but because he is who he is-- but he's not such an arrogant prat he'll say so.]

But I'd be happy to demonstrate! Whenever you're free-- or I'm in your city. Where are you staying?

The City of Nightmare. It's a little more dangerous than the others.

[An understatement given how rife it is with danger. But Dio occupies a higher place on the food chain already by virtue of what he is let alone his abilities with The World. And really, where else is he going to be? With around twenty-one hours of no sun per day and the rampant interest in the occult that could possibly provide Dio with a means of returning and finishing what he started, this place is a safe haven and a perfect place to begin his empire.]

You'll find that most of the people here try to avoid it.

Just as a note, new neighbor. If your name IS Merlin, you should know that that name's deeeeefinitely got some heft to it in the magical community where I'm from. If your name isn't Merlin, well, maybe not the wisest choice.

Well, it is.

[That news isn't surprising, exactly, because it's hard to be surprised when you've known your destiny since you were sixteen. But it is gratifying, because if he's famous to someone else-- someone, presumably, in the future-- that means he succeeds. Which is a lovely warm feeling, and he holds on to it, grinning as he replies.]

What kind of heft are we talking about, exactly? Like: "Oh, Merlin, what a great name, I had a friend named that once" or "Oh, Merlin, the man who brought magic back to Camelot"?

Just to clarify.

I'd worry about getting your head too big but, not really possible on this one. Or the rest of the universe'd do it anyway.

More that second one.

Though I'd never heard it wasn't there in the first place.

Sorry, you never heard that at all? Nothing about a Great Purge or magic being banned?

Nope. And I know a decent amount of wizards.

Are you one, then?

Nope. I mean, I dabble, but definitely not in the wizard category.

What do you mean, you "dabble"? You either have the ability or you don't, in my experience.

I have some ability, but not enough to be called a wizard. Generally, that's reserved for folks who can do a lot more than my little locator spells and the like.

[That's enough to get you killed at home, he thinks but doesn't type, because the benefit of a communicator like this is that he gets a bit of a filter.]

I don't know, those are fairly useful. But it's up to you what you want to be called.

Speaking of-- do you have a name?

Thomas. My name is Thomas.

And there are plenty of other things to call what I am. Wizard is the least apt.

Like what?

That's a bit personal, to be honest. Not all of us live out loud.

Whoa, slow down, pal.

[Harry's face appears on the device with an amused grin. This guy's really excitable, isn't he? But then, this place is pretty cool. He'd have been more excited himself if he weren't focused on his murderous vendetta against a certain wallcrawling superhero.]

I should probably tell you that time doesn't pass back home while you're in the SFC, so you can pretty much stay as long as you want without worrying about your prince. Also... the device stays with you, so you can travel and communicate freely between here and there. It's pretty cool.

Oh!

[Oh, that is good news. Although-- and he says this with a smile, because he doesn't mean it to be an argument--]

Well, I don't know if I could use it all that often at home. It isn't exactly something normal to have on you-- at least, not where I'm from. What about you?

[Just one question. That's sufficiently slow, isn't it?]

No? [He has a hard time remembering that not everyone who comes here has technology like this. Oops. He's not really making the connection between Merlin and magic and serving a prince either, so--] Where are you from?

Oh, yeah-- we've got tons of stuff like this where I'm from. Nothing in the caliber of the City of Tomorrow, but it's got a lot in common.

Camelot! Well-- originally, I'm from a village called Ealdor, but I've lived in Camelot these past few years. What's the City of Tomorrow like? Beyond futuristic, I mean.

Ca--? [Excuse Harry while he just stares for a few seconds. Yep. It's all finally coming together.] Wait-- no way! You're THE Merlin? Famous all-powerful wizard? [And now he's giving Merlin - or what he can see of him on the device - a look over.] ...I expected you to be... beardier. [A beat.] If you are him.

[But it's not outside the realm of possibility, considering some of SFC's guests. He's also completely forgotten to answer your question. Sorry. You might have to nudge him back to it.]

Well, I can grow a beard. If I want. Sorry, are you asking if I'm not him, because . . . I am. I mean, if I was lying about it, I'd hardly admit it, but-- I am. So.

[Hah. Funny. Harry cracks another grin.] It's just-- you're famous where I'm from, but it's just like... a legend. I didn't think you were real. Kinda weird.

Hey man, welcome to the SFC. I'm Peter.

[He hasn't been talking much on this thing, but Merlin seems excitable and in no particular way dangerous, so what the hell, it doesn't hurt to say hello.]

Guess it depends on your definition of the word 'magic'. What year are you from?

1136. And I suppose I'd define magic as any superhuman ability only some are able to do. Does that sounds about right?

Woah man. That's freaking incredible. [More than 800+ years in the past?] I'm from 2016.

Well er, yeah, we've got people with superhuman abilities but I'm not sure I'd call it magic. Flying, super strength. Met a girl who could control fire. Some fall under the mutant category, but that's a genetic thing.

Oh.

[That's. Pretty far ahead. Merlin blinks once or twice, taking that in-- but the rest of it is fascinating too, and so he lets his thoughts leap ahead. Magic is far more interesting than thinking about somebody from nearly a thousand years in the future.]

I mean-- for me, that all counts as magic, but I suppose the definition is fluid. Are you-- I mean-- do you have something like that?

[Oh no, what a nerd. Giorno loves to meet fellow nerds, but generally those meetings go better when said nerds are not already talking to his supervillain dad. Why is his life so complicated. Dios mio.]

If you need a tour guide, let me know. I've been to most places, enough to know that you'll probably need to sit down a bit when you get to Tomorrow. As to your questions, I would say . . . they've all got complicated answers. But there is something similar to magic where I come from, yes, and I'd be happy to tell you about my world if you tell me about yours first, just so I don't repeat myself.

. . . Or someone else.

[There is a slight resemblance between him and the first commenter, let's just say that.]

Well . . . if you're offering to guide me, I could tell you in person? I'd rather meet someone in person than talk over this all the time, honestly.

That works just fine. [And he can talk shit without being overheard, soooo . . .] Where are you in Sorcery? I can meet you.

Er--

[He glances around-- and then does a little turnaround, all in a circle, communicator and all, like that might help.]

I passed a pub a little ways back-- the Slaughtered Boar, does that sound familiar?

[Why are you like this . . .]

It does a bit. I can find you as long as you don't wander too far.

I'll be out front!

[Not, as others might imply, wasting all his time and money drinking. Just waiting, excited and a little impatient, but very much the picture of friendly.]

[It does take him a little while to get there, because while Sorcery isn't his least favorite part of the Sevenfold City, it's not the best, either. Very smoky, fairly dirty, not nearly #aesthetic enough. But he'll go there a hundred times before he steps into Tomorrow, tell you what.]

[He looks as put-together as he always does, that is to say very, as he steps up to the . . . Slaughtered Boar. Who the hell named this place, good lord.]

I don't think I caught your name.

[He offers that with a little grin, stepping forward, one hand offered.]

But thank you for coming. It's nice to see someone else who doesn't come from here.

[The reply comes in text; Loki's eating, you see, and it's rude to talk with your mouth full. ]

Merlin, you don't say? What a fine name. ;)

To answer your questions, in order- [ what a treat, you'd best appreciate it ] -nigh infinite, as in story and song, absolutely, and yes.

Edited 2016-07-05 04:50 (UTC)

[What does he even say to that first part? Nothing, he decides, because anything he says will either come out egotistical or idiotic. So, instead, he matches each answer to his questions, and then:]

"As in story and song" is a bit nondescript. I mean, that could describe any place that ever had anything written about it, couldn't it?

;-D Why yes, it could! I do believe you're getting the idea.

[He doesn't notice the username at first, he just sees what appears to be a friendly face on the screen. So many questions! And about magic too. Magic and then technology - boy, does Dave have thoughts about that.

He's already turning on the feed on his side, ready to welcome the new guy, but then the name is spoken and. Well. Sorry for the sudden noises and black screen that happens to be the pavement. Certain someone is panicking over here and drops the device.

It can't be, can it? Okay, technically it can. But a manservant to a prince? That doesn't sound right. Maybe it's just a coincidence. Maybe someone had a magical kid and decided to name him after the most famous sorcerer.

...except Dave's life is horrible to him most of the time, so it's probably not a coincidence. His master taught him not to even believe in them. He needs a bit of time to deal with... oh ok, the feed is still on when he picks up the device. Just his luck. It would be weird(er) to suddenly turn it off, so Dave decides to go for it but with caution, testing the waters.]

Oh, hey. Welcome, ah-- Merlin. [Dave is nervous and it shows, saying the name as if it was made of crystal.] I'm very familiar with technology and--okay, magic too, so if you need anything...

[It looks like he's about to say something else, but in the end he closes his mouth. This is awkward as hell.]

What kind of magic?

[If he notices Dave's nervousness-- and he does, thanks, a whole lot, and it's weird-- he certainly doesn't show it. Merlin offers a wide smile, pleased to meet another-- well. Wizard? Stand user? Warlock? Who knows. Magical person, that's the general gist of it.]

If you want to say.

Ah, sure. It's sorcery. [There's a lot of hand gesturing as he speaks. He's always done that, but it gets worse when he's nervous and awkward. How does one even say hey are you my great-great-greatx1000-gran--? Yeah, no. It sounds super stupid even in his head.] Sorcery... mixed with science. That's pretty much how it works in my world. You have to understand how something works if you want to, like-- magic it up.

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