Written by me :) Hope you enjoy!
Space and time were similar in several ways.
The concept of space encompassed the entire universe in its vastness and magnificence. The Infinite Realms was no exception being a parallel dimension to the cosmos. It correspondingly extended on eternally. It was challenging for most to understand that there was no ending to the journey. There was no possible way to go to every point in space. No matter how long one's existence lasts.
Well, one being could.
Time was an expanse in another dimension. Utterly independent of space and still closely interconnected. No one could stop the flow of time. Time was like a waterfall; it was impossible to swim upstream, no matter one's will or ambition.
Well, one being could.
Paradox liked to believe that he and Clockwork understood each other in a way that no one else could, burdened with so much knowledge and responsibility to the universe for millennia.
However, Paradox had never desired to be a deity.
They sighed and shook away their thoughts, returning their focus to the task at hand. But, unfortunately, they had to hurry as the Master of Time could only be distracted for so long.
He penetrated the clock tower. It was the same as he recollected, which didn't surprise him. Clockwork had enjoyed having constants when he could. Paradox wandered through the ticking labyrinth, disregarding any recollections that found him. He didn't desire to dwell on the past. The future was what mattered.
The ticking seemed more audible than he remembered. He had continuously despised it.
Finally, he reached his destination. The ceiling rose several stories high, giving him the space to breathe. Elaborate designs and carvings embellished the top and walls of the clocktower—several depicted symbols for time. In contrast, others were referencing the Ancients. Shades of blue and purple filled the room, not unlike the remainder of the clocktower. However, Paradox knew that his teal and black coloring stood out substantially.
He unconsciously recalled that one time he had attempted to lightheartedly persuade Clockwork to add Paradox's colors to his lair if only to add some contrast and diversity. The Ghost of Time had responded by arranging an enormous teal and black carpet on the floor, dotted with stars and a ridiculous, embarrassing depiction of Paradox. It had clashed with the rest of the room horribly. He had begged for it to be removed. Instead, it had stayed there for years, much to his annoyance and Clockwork's amusement.
He noticed now that Clockwork had removed it. What a relief.
He ignored the inkling of another feeling he couldn't identify.
Sighing, he returned his attention to the rest of the chamber. Multiple floating gears encompassing the room depicted different glimpses of time, changing so rapidly that he couldn't comprehend them. Nevertheless, the ticking persisted, echoing through the enclosure and growing the flicker of annoyance he felt.
They took a deep breath before looming over one of the gears. They had to do this. Or the last thousand years were for nothing. The memories meant nothing. They were from another time before he realized the realities he knew.
The ticking continued.
Calling up their powers to the forefront, they flew in. The time stream washed over them: foreign, freezing, and prodding at his core. The familiar feeling of space grounded them and gave them some semblance of control. The when might have been variable, but at least he had control over the where.
This was it; he was in. He smirked under his helmet, and with a flutter of his cloak, he permitted himself to drift through the time stream. Then, with his gloved hands alight with teal energy, he dug his hand into time and ripped.
A gaping black hole opened, with what seemed like wind whistling into it and pulling some of the time streams in. He flew away and ripped another hole, and another, and another.
The time stream was fragile, he knew. But, hopefully, this would cause enough chaos to occupy Clockwork and the other Ancients for a while. Long enough for him to sow some doubt in their capabilities and eventually free the Infinite Realms of their control. He knew it would be for the best, ghosts and the living alike. They would thank him someday.
He smiled.
It was, fortunately, an accident that they noticed.
Dimensie, the Master of Dimensions, wasn't known for orderly work schedules or constant attention to every single dimension and the pathways between them. In actuality, there were an infinite number of dimensions in the multiverse. Far too much going on in each one to keep a constant watch. Contrary to what the other Ancients seemed to believe.
Dimensie preferred to let their attention wander, going wherever they were drawn to at any moment. Occasionally they immediately detected problems. Other times it took enough time that the issue escalated before it was caught. This was one of the lucky moments when they paid attention to the correct dimension at the right time.
Dimensie may have been an expert at knowing attributes regarding every single dimension, including their many differences and similarities. However, abnormal black portals to who-knows-where were not exactly their forte. But thankfully, they instantly recognized that the circumstance wasn't typical in its dimension.
They concentrated their watch on the portal, looking for additional information to determine how significant this situation was and how to deal with it. When a ghost emerged from the doorway, immediate warning bells nudged Dimensie's core.
It was a breach between two dimensions and a breach in time. Clockwork would need to hear about this and the rest of the Ancients. Something like this didn't happen randomly.
Dimensie picked up their Portal Staff and opened a swirling green portal in front of them, the green glow casting light onto their purple and green attire. There was no time to lose.