Chapter 10:

Third Person:

Ratio entered the lair of Mortem cautiously, his eyes alert. The last time he had been there was a memory he would rather not remember. While he favored Mortem over Nox and was good terms with her, it was still odd that she insisted for him to come over for tea and doughnuts (or scones in his case). She absolutely refused for him to not show up and when Death demanded something of you, the smart choice was to obey her. Though he didn't come because he was scared of her, of course not, he came because he was curious as to what she was planning (he made it a point to not look into his own future).

As soon as he entered the dining area, his eyes narrowed. Nox sat at the table calmly with what looked like hot chocolate in a mug that said World's Okayest Mom on it. The number of 'childish' mugs Mortem possessed never ceased to amaze Ratio, though he knew full well that most of the cabinets were full of them.

Nox was amazed that Mortem invited him over. He never thought she would like to see him again after what happened twelve years ago, but there he was sitting in the dining room with hot chocolate- something he missed dearly since he thought she always made the best. Just don't screw it up, he repeated in his head as he glanced up to see Ratio glaring at him. If I fight him, she won't invite me here again, Nox thought irritated. Mortem entered the room, a bright smile on her face.

"Glad to see you made it, take a seat! And for future reference, I will not tolerate any fighting inside the lair after last time."

Both the Grand Masters winced slightly as her dark aura became visible for a moment, sending a small wave of absolute rage at them for the briefest second before she contained her aura. Ratio reluctantly took a seat across from Nox, keeping an eye on him.

"I don't see the point of this, Mortem," Ratio said bluntly, "We all have better thing to do than-"

The slamming of a mug on the table interrupted him.

"-Than to spend some time together for once," Mortem scowled, "We are the Grand Masters. United we are powerful. It is time we show it."

Mortem's annoyance showed briefly before she smiled brightly again and passed the mug to him. He was briefly suspicious of the mug since it was plain white with no silly sayings or pictures on it. He hesitantly took a sip and briefly appreciated the fact that it was honey tea as he continued to stare at Nox- who was glaring at him as well. Mortem laughed loudly,

"Stop being asses, you two!"

"I thought you didn't curse," Nox said with a quirked eyebrow.

"Only when little ones are nearby, no little ones are here- unless I count the two adults that are acting like children."

Nox nodded slightly, too busy day-dreaming about the other things he missed about Mortem to acknowledge the insult. As soon as it became clear that Nox wasn't going to attack anyone, Ratio relaxed slightly. In a way, it reminded him of old times- when they were all semi-friendly before Nox broke them all apart with his aggressive outburst at Mortem. Though he hated to admit that it was almost pleasant to be in Nox's company without him being aggressive or insulting.

"Why the call," Ratio asked, "There had to be a reason you decided to get us all together… Something I take wasn't easy for you."

"Pfft… It was easy enough," Mortem waved it off, "I called all of you here to talk about the kids, of course!"

Nox choked on his drink slightly,

"Y-You mean o-our-"

"-No," Mortem said sharply, her dark aura returning briefly before she regained her cheerful attitude, "I mean the apprentices! I think it's rather nice how they are spending time together! Makes me think that we would have been like that as kids!"

Mortem laughed again as she took her seat, taking a large sip of her signature Death is but the next great adventure mug and grabbing a doughnut from the plate on the table. Ratio and Nox both nearly stood up in protest.

"They're what?!"

Mortem was sure she would have laughed at their expressions if she could have seen them. Instead, she just continued to dunk her doughnut in her coffee calmly.

"Yep," she said, popping the 'p', "I mean, honestly, you can tell them to stay apart from each other all you want, but it's not going to do much… Anyone can see that they are practically destined to be friends- at least for now since unlike someone I cannot see the future."

Ratio knew that if she did have eyes, she would be glaring at him- though Nox was still glaring at him as well. He calmly set down the mug,

"You know full well I do not look into the future of those I personally know- most specifically, all of you, myself, and our apprentices."

Nox started to grumble to himself, something about how the 'damn clock can't even help when it's needed.' Mortem's smiled stayed on her face,

"Anyway, I did invite you here to tell all of you to leave the kids alone."

"They're our apprentices," Ratio and Nox protested.

"And he's my son," Nox growled, "I have every damn right to meddle in his life…"

"Our," Mortem corrected.

The two continued to glare at each other. Mortem's dark aura was released and circled the room, covering everyone in darkness. Nox's own haunting aura seeped through and created a tension, fearful sensation in the room. Ratio sighed deeply, this is why Grand Masters and therefore apprentices should not converse on friendly terms… When one falls for another, it creates disaster… A small light bulb went off in his head and he started to scheme- if Clockwork stayed friends with the apprentices then he could learn for himself why it was a bad idea and to obey his master.

"Careful Nox," Mortem growled, her voice changing from that of a preppy cheerleader to that of a killer, "Death shows no mercy…"

The barks and howls of the hellhounds alerted Ratio that the dogs were getting closer- eager to attack. Nox didn't back down and instead continued to glare and clench his fists in anger. Desperately, he tried to think of anything he could use as a distraction to get rid of his anger.

"Very well," Ratio said calmly as he continued to drink the tea, "Clockwork can continue to see Saga and Nocturn."

Nox's head whipped towards the Time Master with an expression of disbelief, his aura slowly disappearing through the room. Mortem's attitude switched as well and she smiled

brightly. The barks faded, signaling that they were going back to their dwelling since the fight was clearly over. Nox glared at the Time Master for a minute before finally, he let out a frustrated sigh. If he wasn't so desperate to try to get on Mortem's good side once again, he would have considered fighting the Time Master head-on.

"FINE," Nox shouted out, slamming his fist on the table.

His eyes were shut tightly and his jaw was tense.

"I am glad you both see it my way," Mortem said happily, "The children will have such a good time together, I'm sure…"

"But," Nox said, "Don't think this means I am going to play nice with him."

"Never expected you to," Mortem shrugged.

Ratio felt a small sense of power hit him and with a smile, he stood up from the table.

"If you will excuse me, Clockwork is ready for the next step of his training."

"Oh joy," Nox muttered sarcastically with an eye roll, causing Mortem to nudge him with her elbow.

Ratio quickly finished his tea and set it down before he left. He got a glimpse at what the mug said inside at the bottom- you've been poisoned. With a sigh, he left, knowing that there had to have been something on the mug- Mortem did treasure her 'odd, childish' mugs.