The Battle Majestic (Round 4 - Magpie Skies)

Originally posted on MSPA by Ixcalibur.

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SpoilerShow

Hi, I will be replacing Steven until he dies. Enjoy.

Before Jacob arrived Steven had been having a little snooze to replenish his energy, confident in the knowledge that should any kind of danger approach his gloves would hurriedly wake him.

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It was a particularly vivid dream, perhaps more of a memory that he could recall with perfect clarity. He was stood in the middle of verdant field in the spring. The trees around him were blossoming with fresh life; the grass underfoot was long, luxuriantly green and swaying in the breeze. The Master stood in front of him, dressed as ever in long white robes twisted around to make strange patterns from the fabric. His body was almost completely hidden beneath the robes, though where it did show, his face and his hands, he was old, his skin tan, and pulled taut over his old bones. Newly created animals, very much resembling hares and field mice scampered around his feet, as if drawn to the powerful source of life.

This was the last time he had seen the Master, he had just told him that he was going to leave to continue his search for his friend. The Master’s ancient face smiled faintly, but his eyes belied the sadness that Steven was sure the god felt. He had been with him for the best part of a year now, and though the Master liked to remain aloof Steven had been able to tell that he had appreciated the company; a fact readily apparent in the universe that had been created in the meantime, it resembled his own so much, you had to really look closely to see the difference.

The Master did not say a word, but simply reached out with one hand and created. Hovering in the air before him was a pair of pristine white gloves.
“Consider these a gift.” The Master said slowly, and he explained their function to the surprised boy. He showed him how to create and how to destroy and told him to use these powers wisely, and more importantly he told Steven that if he ever wanted to return that his gloves would show him the way.

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It was only when he was sat there, creating items for Jacob, idly sifting through his thoughts that the full impact of what the Master had said struck him. If he ever wanted to return his gloves would show him the way. Suddenly he brimmed with confidence. Although he was not sure how yet, he was going to lead them out of this battle.