Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Space is a beautiful thing. Not just the vast unknown whenever you look up into the night sky, when the stars come out to play and a sense of quietness emerges. No, just the space... Around you. In front of you. That very space is... Yours. You can touch it. You can move your hands around it. You can move towards that space. You are able to be in so many spaces at once, and you can simply... Be. You, yourself, can be anywhere, as long as you put effort towards it. The area around you is yours...

And yet, most see it as empty. They see it as nothing. They don't see value, nor purpose, towards an empty space. They do not see anything residing it, therefore, there is nothing of importance within it. And if that logic were to ring true... Then, what if they were presented with a mirror, instead?

What will they see, in that space? Will they see a reflection of who they are, a poor imitation of what is projected? Will they see what is factual, what is true to the sciences of the world, to the very molecules of their race? Or will they see... What is within themselves? Will they see the potential that they have, the realization that they can be anything, both good and bad? They can have their biases, their own knowledge, their own... Self? Within that space, within that very area that they reside in, they can become whatever they want.

And why should that not extend towards their surroundings? Why limit themselves TO themselves? Why stop there, when you can go far beyond?"

It would stop, before turning towards me, giving me a comforting smile. Teeth would have been shown, but all I saw were... Galaxies. Possibilities. Branching paths. Potential.

"That is my magic. That is what I teach, and what I preach. Are you prepared to go down every path at once, and delve into the magic of Space?"

Chapter Text

“Take a look at the flower. There, on the ground. It’s lived there for three months. It has gone from a seed, and grown into maturity. It has gone through time and become something even further than it was before. With time, comes growth.

Take a look to that man. See his clothing. See his behavior. See those around him. See his life. Take note of how he has gone from someone of a lower stature, and has obtained, over the years, the wealth that he lacked during his childhood years. The handful of decades he has lived has been filled with strife, but now he drinks and celebrates with those close to him. With time, comes wealth.

But not even a mile away, there is yet another man, drinking his sorrows away. His tears drowned by near gallons of alcohol, his stomach intoxicated with the liquids, and yet his mind was filled with the thoughts of his lover’s disease, of every second he held his hand on death’s bed. With time, comes grief.

And only a moment ago, inside of an apartment, someone has completely regressed. Due to their surroundings, their upbringing, and the things they have experienced. As the clock ticks the seconds away, more and more things began to accumulate on them. And soon the clock ticks away the weeks. Then the months. Then the years. And soon they have become a husk of who they were, who they once was long ago. With time, comes destruction.”

The figure colored in green turns towards the horizon, extending a limb and grasping towards the sun, the flames of the fiery star being snuffed out and cooling, and the pale white of a moon appears soon after.

“Time is the essence of life. Time is the essence of death. Time is everything, and everywhere. Time is the gate and the barrier. Time… Is uncontrollable.”

In an instant, the figure turns to me, and my breath stops. My heartbeat, the very muscles of my being. And yet, I am alive. And I /thrive/.

“Time has potential. It is a medium. The medium of every soul that has ever lived, the very plane their being wades through to survive. It is cruel, it is dangerous, and yet it brings joys one would never even imagine it could bring. It is you, and it is I.”

The figure’s eyes open, and I see… Everything. I see people’s lives, the universe’s life, all within a brief glance towards the ever deep abyss of its gaze.

“Are you prepared to face everything, and learn the magic of Time?

Chapter Text

You open your eyes.

An empty field. No, plains, white grass stretching towards the farthest reaches your vision can take you. Your eyes becoming accustomed to the singularness of this place, beginning to walk forwards, in search for the element you seek. You are a Jester, after all, and you need to at least become acquainted to everyone, especially this one.

As you continue on, each step you feel the grass… No, you don’t feel anything, really. It feels almost like you’re on air, a sense of peace emanating from the sole of your feet all the way to your heart, calming the worries. But you know this is a trap set by them, and so you’ll just have to press on. And press on you do, fighting the growing sense of sleepiness by constantly reminding yourself why you are here. You wonder if you should’ve grabbed some espresso. But all the food here will be just the same.

After what felt like hours… You arrive. And you see them, in only a few minutes’ walk, sitting upon a white table and a white chair, sipping tea from a white cup. Well, they are of different shades, but to most it’ll all be the same. Hell, many think this is heaven, when it couldn’t be further from the truth. You know this. You’re a Jester. But either way, you approach the figure, intent on learning what they’re all about.

Before you even speak, a chair appears. You feel as though that chair was already there, but swat that away, knowing it’s just the start of this realm’s trickery. You sit down across Harmony, and observe the element in their anthropomorphized form in full.

From the top, they adorn an adorable bowler hat, a purple stripe wrapping around it. Their hair is of almost pristine white like the very environment around them, but there is a hint of purple towards the end, their strands flowing all the way down to their back. Their suit is a very light purple as well, with their pants completing the gradient towards the end of their pants, being of a more prominent purple. Their shoes are black, however, as if to resist the temptation of the land itself, to reject it. You should’ve packed some yourself, but it’s too late for that. You’re here now. And you need to begin speaking.

“I think you know why I’m here. I’m a Jester.” You said, leaning forwards, resting your arms and elbows on the table. Harmony’s dark purple pupils gaze towards you, their irises resembling that of a star. A soft smile appearing on their face. “Fascinating. I can tell you’re new to being one, not many choose me to be their first 50.” They said, their voice bringing with them some sort of… Peace, togetherness. As if it was a gentle rally to help one another. “I suppose I can reward that bravery.” They said, taking their tea cup and tilting it down towards the table, where it begins to lighten in color, as if it was milk tea instead.

“As you know, I am Harmony. I am the representation of all that is peaceful and all that is ideal for many humans. I symbolize cooperation, a singular identity, a singular vision to support one another regardless of what they are, or who they are.” They say, the tea beginning to flow and form into a scene… Of people holding hands together. “Earth is, to plenty, a bed of chaos. Of uncertainty. Everything feels as if it will be happening, many calling this current timeline the worst one.” They said, the tea being used to visualize what they say, made as though it was a presentation. “But, through the crevices and through the cracks of the system, there are those with kindness in mind. Those that want to not conflict and be contrarian, but those that wish to help one another and make the world a much, much better place. That is simply what I am. A human emotion that wants to make things… Simple. To make things synergize, calm the storms, and to keep everyone on the same track.” They explained even further. You stayed silent, simply nodding along, as the tea suddenly turned… Darker. And darker. And even further, almost looking like coffee.

No… It’s not just a mere liquid. Nothing in this place is. It was almost a void, almost an antithesis. It was an opposite to Harmony. Or… Was it a part of it, instead? “Your thinking is quite in line, Jester.” They said towards you, causing you to perk up, your mouth opening to speak. And yet they cut you off. “Most of your kind are obvious. Though, what isn’t obvious is the fact that too much Harmony can be… Harmful.”

You tilt your head, confused, your mouth still agape. They continue. “Humans are, by nature, very diverse. Their very existence is bound to induce conflict and strife. That is a plague, and that is the main trait of them. They cannot grow and learn from mistakes if they live in a world that creates no mistakes. That’s a paradise. They have no motivation to even consider bettering themselves as an individual, because all is well… And that snuffs out the very essence of what lies within them.” They say, before the liquid soon turns back into tea, a neutral smile on their face, their starry eyes gazing towards you.

“But that is something for you to discover, Jester. Right now, the question remains… Whether you have mastered the elements of the Universe, or worship the powers of Nature, I am simply a fact and a goal that people thrive towards. I am a part of Humanity. And so, I propose you something simple.” Harmony says, standing up. Suddenly, you feel a tension beginning to well in your hands. But it was almost instantly released as the element in front of you begins to disappear, vanishing into bright purple flower petals, gathering within your hand. It begins to merge, combine, and turn into something physical. Something you can touch. It turns… Into a glaive. One with a dark purple handle, the blade being a deep yet bright hue instead. As your grip tightens around the weapon, you feel a voice ringing in your head:

“Will you wield me, Jester, and bring Harmony with your hands and your heart?”

Chapter Text

You open your eyes.

An empty field. No, a battleground, every inch of soil torn with the trauma of a weapon, multiple pillars of smoke seen in the horizon, rubble and wreckage of buildings that once existed. New buildings. You start your journey fast, beginning to march through the wastelands, seeking the element you desire. You are a Jester, after all, and you need to at least become acquainted to everyone, especially this one.

As you continue on, each step you feel the dirt... No, it's not just dirt. You stumble upon bullets, pieces of explosives, and narrowly avoid broken glass and shrapnel. It feels as though you're in a maze of a broken civilization, a panic settling on you, wanting to take something and smash the ruins to pieces yet again. But this is a trap set by her, and in fact, the very nature of this place. You'll need to press on and ignore the nagging sensation, reminding yourself that you need to meet her, and soon. You should've brought headphones to ignore the distant war cries. But that, alongside any equipment you'd have brought, would only make you a target.

After what felt like hours... You arrive, And you see her, the element you seek, drinking cans upon cans of carbonated drinks with two lanky, void-like figures, laughing and joking with each other, each laying upon a rather large bean bag. They seemed pretty happy. There were even a couple of other figures running around and playing with all sorts of items. You can't discern their gender or their proper looks from here though. You can see why many people think that this place isn't worth the trip, but there's always a bright side. You know this. You're a Jester. But either way, you approach the element, ready to meet her proper.

Once you are in earshot distance, before you can even speak, the element and the void beings turn to you in near unison. You get a better look at her clothing now, and of her appearance. She has unkept and striking long red hair, extending to the ground, wearing a jacket with an erratic pattern of white and red. Her pants are predominantly white, though the ends of it are covered with a red flame-like pattern. She stands up, her fully red shoes lighting up with neon LED lights, the element spinning the fizzy beverage in her hand like a pencil. "Sooooo... A Jester's decided to come and visit me, eh? The hell did I do that's 'not up to code' this time?" She asked, clearly annoyed. But you flash her a confused look, as this wasn't your intention. You state why you're here - as truthfully as you could - and she looks... Puzzled. Shocked, even. She falls silent, almost unmoving, the void beings confused and concerned for their friend. She turns to them and gives them a small smile to reassure them. "Go have fun with the others, this is kinda serious." She said to them. The pair still looked concerned, but nodded regardless, heading off.

Chaos finally turns to look at you, soon flopping back down on her designated bean bag, gesturing to one across from her. "Take a seat, it's comfy." She said. You thank her for the offer and sit down, causing her to groan. "Don't thank me for that shit, you deserve to sit down when you're talkin' to someone." She said, tossing the drink she had behind her, where it dissipates into sparks of fire, and grabs one from nowhere just out of your field of vision. She cracks it open, her dark red eyes showing suspicion and contempt. "Alright, Jester, be real here. Who the hell wants to wield something like me?" Chaos said, letting out a short chuckle of disbelief. "I'm motherfuckin' chaos, I'm probably one o' the most hated Elements in the whole Universe! Hell, I'm surprised one o' ya folk managed to get through without going mad. Ya must be really determined." Chaos ranted on full of snark, taking a sip from her drink. As she does so, you begin to tell her why exactly you want to get to know her. Yet again, a look of suspicion is sent your way as she finishes drinking.

"Alright, fine, say I DO entertain this request of yours. Say that I do let you wield me. The hell are ya gonna do then? You can't fucking control me! I'm the embodiment of everything and nothing! I should be up there with the Constants, but no, I'm stuck just being a Humanity, stuck being just some random, unnatural Element." She continued, disdain laced in her voice, yet something else is in there too. "What's the point of wielding - no, what's the point of even meeting someone like me, huh? You've seen this place. It's a fuckin' wreck. And you're a Jester, your whole thing is that you DON'T wreck shit, most of the time." She continued on, as she reminds you of your code and duty. You sigh, but press on your request, causing Chaos' gaze to look around. She... Notices her creations having fun with everything. They seem to be laughing at the most monotonous things, and even through the cracked buildings and the ruins that litter her realm, she always sees a creature, smiling and giggling to their hearts content.

Chaos sighs heavily, chugging the rest of her drink and crushing it with her hands, tossing it aside. A crazed and excited expression grows on her face. "Okay, look, fine. You can try. But let me be clear, I'm Chaos. I'm a Humanity. And y'know what humans like?" She asked, standing up. You keep your mouth shut, knowing that she has an answer. "It's choices. Folks down there on earth love choices. They want to be able to do whatever the hell they want, to not be locked down by anything that isn't agreed upon by everyone else. They want to roam free and take control of their own damn life! They wanna be able to use their power to... To create shit." She says, her excitement lowering into a lesser energetic tone, a smile still on her face. "They wanna make things their own, and that's what I symbolize, Jester. Individuality. Randomness. Unpredictability. The fact that any moment in your life, it can turn around. Any moment you can make things better, and at any moment, you can be something a helluva lot more."

Her energy returns though, letting out a quick cackle as she turns to you, putting her foot on a coffee table that wasn't there before. "But don't be fuckin' mistaken, Jester! You're lucky I know how to limit myself, you're lucky I know how to not be overwhelming. Because when there's too much chaos... Everything goes to shit!" She exclaimed, slamming the foot that was on the table back on the ground, causing the very earth beneath you to turn into a sea, flooding practically every building as the bean bag floats. "I can do anything! I can BE anything!!" She screamed out, pulling her foot out of the water she just created, everything reverting back to normal as you silently panic. "But that ain't good now, is it? There ain't no fun in being anything when there isn't anything to define what ya are. Too much chaos means you're practically everything, making ya nothing." She said, a grin still present on her face as she walks over and offers you a hand. "So, if ya wanna wield me so bad, come get it. Come try and grasp Chaos." She offered you, and you wholeheartedly take her hand.

In an instant you hear a cacophony of noise. Laughter, warfare, sobbing, shouting, the entire world as you knew it opened up, an invisible wave of enlightenment filling you. A feeling of absolute... Excitement. Of wanting to do something, anything, and just to see how it goes. You open your eyes, and see that your hands are coated in a kaleidoscope of colors, of possibilities. You feel as though you can create almost anything you want, and your mind is practically buzzing at the feeling. You can feel Chaos grin in the back of your mind, giggling madly. "This is my power, bud." She said rather giddily, excited to see what you will do.

"Now, c'mon, wield Chaos and let's fuck some shit up."