Chapter 9:

Third Person:

By the time he was twelve years old, Ratio was fed up with his pranks, his attitude, and his disrespect. Clockwork listened, bored, as Ratio blabbered on about everything he was doing wrong and how to correct it.

"…Playing childish pranks on the Observants is not to be tolerated."

Why? It's not like they do anything, Clockwork thought irritated. The large fishbowl-headed ghosts were easily his least favorite ghosts and therefore the target for many pranks that he does himself or with the help of Nocturn and Saga. He was an apprentice to the Master of Time- they could tell him what to do, but when he acted out they never did anything because they knew the Time Master was more powerful than them and feared his wrath if they did do something to the apprentice. Of course they never admitted it- they were too arrogant and liked to act like they were the ones in control of everything.

Of course Clockwork also kept from pointing out that he was a child, so childish pranks should have been expected.

"…You are an apprentice to time itself," Ratio continued sternly, "You are not like other children and you are to act like an apprentice to time, do you understand?"

Clockwork shook his head. He understood, but that didn't mean that he was going to obey. Ratio sighed deeply, wondering just where he went wrong in the short course of a few years with the boy. He even briefly considered going to Mortem for tips about child care and how to deal with a problem such as a rebellious child.

"And no more lingering with the apprentice of Nox," Ratio demanded, "He will bring you nothing but trouble, Clockwork. He is a bad influence that needs to be taken out of your life. Am I making myself clear, Clockwork?"

Clockwork slowly nodded, a bit of rage bubbling inside of him. Just because you have a grudge against the Dream Master doesn't mean you can tell me to not hang out with Ncoturn… He's not that bad… Nocturn was a bit odd, of course. He had a darker sense of humor at times, but Clockwork didn't think he was bad like his master. Clockwork huffed slightly and Ratio narrowed his eyes. Since Ratio made it a point to not look into his own future or the future of his apprentice, he had no idea whether the child was going to truly be obedient… We shall see.

"I just don't understand," Clockwork said frustrated.

His friend watched as he continued to pace up and down the floating rock, his spectral tail replacing his legs. He muttered angrily to himself causing Saga and Nocturn to share a look of concern. Clockwork hardly got angry at Ratio- he admired his master as much as they admired their own masters, but Clockwork was more open about his admiration. He always said that there was no way for Ratio to be wrong.

"I get it," Nocturn chimed in, "Nox disagrees with me hanging out with you as well- and Saga for that matter… Says you're too much of a good influence and might turn me goody."

"Oh that's silly," Saga laughed, "I doubt anything can turn you good!"

"That' what I said! But he insists… His punishments aren't necessarily very pleasant."

Clockwork stopped pacing. It never crossed his mind that he wasn't the only to deal with an unhappy master, but at least Ratio didn't do anything more than a slap to the face should he do something wrong. The Nightmare King, Clockwork thought, would do more than a slap to the face. Knowing there was nothing either of them could do, Saga and Clockwork gave Nocturn a sympathetic look , causing him to shift his weight uncomfortably.

"Stop looking at me like that," he whined.

"Well," Saga finally said, "If it means anything, Mama doesn't seem to mind me hanging out with you guys."

Mama… The word echoed in his mind and he grabbed his head in pain. Mama, mama, mama voices echoed. When he finally managed to open his eyes, he didn't see his friends, he saw a woman setting him down on the filthy street. Her face was one of scorn and as he cried out, she ignored him. He blinked and this time, the memory was gone.

Nocturn and Saga shared a worried look as Clockwork screamed out in pain- his headache getting unbearable. Saga grabbed his arm, but he didn't notice. Another vision hit him.

Mortem stood inside the lair of the Dream Master. A small baby bump was visible on her stomach. The sash was gone from her eyes, which made her seem a bit young. Her vivid yellow eyes showed concern and worry as Nox looked at her with concern and anger.

"I'm her father," he shouted, "Why the hell can't I see her when she's born?!"

Shadows dwelled all around them threateningly. Nox's nightmares swarmed around in the shadows, ready to attack on their master's command. Mortem stood her ground firmly with one hand placed over her stomach.

"Because of your temper," Mortem hissed, "It will be the end of you, dear Nox. And you already took one child away from me. He doesn't even know I'm his mother!"

"BUT I AM HER FATHER," Nox screeched, "I DESERVE TO SEE HER! IF I CANNOT THEN YOU SHALL NOT EITHER!"

Before Mortem could react, Nox lashed out. He knew full well that while he couldn't kill her, the injury would last forever. In a fit of absolute rage, Nox's nails grew longer to form claws and he slashed at her eyes. With her concern for her daughter's life being greater than her own, Mortem took the hit as she covered her stomach. She screamed loudly. It only took one second for Nox to realize what he did and stop, but it was enough. The ectoplasmic blood covered her face and his hands. Her eyes were no nonexistent. Nox looked at her horrified and looked down at his own hands… He reached out towards her, but as if she was able to sense it, she backed away. Death was able to adapt, with the loss of sight she was no overwhelmed with the ability to sense every ghost nearby and fear was consuming her.

"Dear… I- I'm sorry… Please… Please… I want to make things better, please…"

The vision disappeared and Clockwork slowly came back to reality to hear his friends calling out his name.

"-ork! Clockwork!"

Saga was shaking him rapidly and he felt sick, though it wasn't from the shaking. Nocturn placed a hand on Clockwork's shoulder and attempted to steady his disorientated friend. Clockwork was near hysterics as the ticking in his chest got faster. He was shaking badly and tears were threatening to spill from the overwhelming empathy he felt during the vision.

"What happened," Saga asked concerned.

"…I don't know…"