#(I have so much crap for Fenton that this may need a second post later before it becomes a post of text.)

[soul-heart-and-beyond]

Fenton Headcanons!

Here are some headcanons to better explain Fen and the several aspects of him that make up his history, personality, and ideology! It may not be exactly canon all of the time, so I will just say that my Fenton is canon divergent right now and settle that matter.

I’ve given my portrayal of Fenton a lot of thought in how to keep him separate from others by giving him a different source of inspiration and there fore ideals and standards to live by as he goes about his life. Note that this source will give him the workings on who to base his own superhero persona off of, while still trying to be his own person both inside and outside the suit.

First off, he’s always been a major fan of Supermallard and his heroic deeds as it just seemed like the duck emanated hope, justice, warmth, and kindness while still putting those in the wrong behind bars or a prison that could sustain them. Whenever he was placed into his larger fights, he would do all that he could to make sure at the end of the day that the lives of those he protected would be safe and the villain in jail or taken to a maximum security station. Seeing this at such a young age inspired him to be someone like Supermallard too, a kind, considerate, and overall intuitive person. He had always believed in doing nice things for others, but the comic and the character inspired him to be someone that could help the world someday.

Because of this, he tries to give himself a more deeper voice when in the armor to mislead others into thinking that he’s older than he really is, even if is voice isn’t exactly too used to it. It is also to ensure that the young ones have someone they can look up to and depend upon to rescue them.

The comics did give him a little more of a feel for wanting to delve into super science, hence why he decided to make that his major as he is still going through college to finish up his master’s degree. Being 26 doesn’t leave him much choice in the financial state he’s in so he just has to continue on going and finish the degree course, not that he minds that.

Fenton definitely does like to be safe and secure in the experiments and things that he does, even when it involves risks. Usually the only time he’ll be reckless is through underestimating, lack of needed knowledge, or just plain unconscious.

With that, he does have some trouble dealing with opponents that are exceedingly good with machinery or magical elements, as his list of experience right now is barely even at professional level for superhero stuff.

He does practice his in Gizmoduck armor whenever he has time to do so on his schedule and not already fighting crime, living out his life as Fenton, or creating new inventions for McDuck Enterprises.

Reading about Supermallard’s alter ego, Duck Kent, has made Fenton more of a person to be skeptical of the events that go on around him and the things people say. Whether it’s a false alarm or him actually detecting a suspicious person that is hatching some kind of plot or scheme, or having something that they don’t want him to know, He will catch on eventually, and may even show that he catches on too!

When a lot of situations look bleak with the only option of winning is to take the life of the one causing the havoc, Fenton will do his best to try and make sure that he can find another way that doesn’t involve the end of a life. If he does have to take a life, then he will have it linger in his memory as one of his failures to keep justice and order for every living creature.

While Fen loves glazed doughnuts, he adores cinnamon buns/rolls even more, as the light and fluffy texture mixed in with the sweet and slightly spicy taste of cinnamon and sugar just make him complete. While on the moment about favorite desserts too, he greatly appreciates Starduck’s triple caramel and chocolate cappuccino, even if it is a bit bad for one’s health if had in excess amounts. To himself, he limits his intake on them and saves them as special treats to himself for whenever he does a major accomplishment.

Even though he has a driver’s license and know how to drive well, he doesn’t own a car so he uses bus transportation to get to the money bin. It’s hard work lifting his Gizmosuit on his way to work and back hom, but this has also become part of a training exercise that has made him more stronger than before he obtained the suit and first started calling himself “Gizmoduck”. Can his lift a car? No, but he can lift a good shelf or heavy box now all on his own. And if someone’s wondering why he doesn’t turn into Gizmoduck and fly to the money bin, I got two answers. One: If he messes up any part of it, he could risk having more people know about his secret identity, and not know if they will spill it to others.If that happens, they will target his friends and family, and that’s just a bunch of stress he could lessen on himself if he just moved about from home to work and work to home as Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera. The second one is that he knew it would be like a training regimen for himself, and so if he wanted to be as good as himself as he was as Gizmoduck, he needed to toughen up his real body too. That armor can’t protect him from everything, (like the radioactive/atomic central processor from the “Who Is Gizmoduck” episode)

This one particular headcanon may be a turn off to any Hueys out there, but this is kinda one for a reason. Due to the event with the radioactive/atomic explosion, Launchpad almost flying the Sunchaser into Dewey due to his missiles misfiring, and Mark Beaks’ attempt to turn into a General like monster and take both Huey and Webby, this Gizmoduck is one that still works for Scrooge McDuck and partner/lab assistant of Gyro Gearloose, but he is a more solo kind of hero. He would rather not have anyone that can’t defend themselves or not the proper age take risks that they don’t have to when he’s there and can solve the problem or save the day by himself. Some backup from other heroes he definitely wouldn’t mind, as they have experience and can hold their own against crooks and villains, but no sidekicks for this duck. Maybe a World’s Fowlest or The Duck and the Daring, but any Gizmobuddies he has he doesn’t want in the action. It would wound his heart greatly to have them be injured, hurt or killed because he couldn’t do everything, and so to eliminate that possibility, he refuses to take young sidekicks or wards. Maybe he’ll help out a young superhero-in-the-making, but that’s the only exception.

To make his suit more durable he will be adding some of his own touches here and there to the enhancements of the original Gizmoduck suit before making a Mark II altogether at some point. The material Gyro used was fine, but it dents way too easily, and if he’s going to be doing this superhero job, he needs more durable armor to match his constantly growing villains gallery. 

He does also try to incorporate some of his Fentonium into the suit as a sort of auxiliary power for whenever he needs it after doing a large attack or sustaining a lot of damage. It doesn’t give him anything special like his lasers, pies, or other actions, but he can still move the wheel, use some scanning functions, and moves his limbs like his arms.

Speaking of his abilities, that’s another thing I’ve been thinking of, and I have some original ideas along with ones inspired from things that he was already inspired off of, so a little more of just referencing at that point. He has these moves, and they are not all accessible, but eventually he does acquire or create them over time. They each have limited uses outside of Gizmo Uppercut, so he does have to plan his movements wisely.

Gizmo Cannon [Photon Cannon] (Iron Man/War Machine/Marvel Vs. Capcom): Instead of him pulling out or warping a giant photon cannon out of nowhere, he brings out two of his shoulder cannons and uses them to concentrate the blast of photon energy onto his target. He overall has a total about four of these uses before needing to recharge. It’s not as cutting as his lasers, but they should do well to gradually chip or damage his opponent’s armor, and a good continual damage too.

Gizmo Salvo [War Destroyer] (War Machine/Marvel Vs. Capcom): For his really tough combatants, and this is one of the more ammo-consuming moves that he has, Gizmoduck will launch his missiles, bombs, and ammo into the sky, and have them act as an air strike on his foe. Generally for the big guys or heavy hitters that think they’re tougher than anything justice has, and he has about two uses of this before he runs out of his ammunition reserves, so it’s something to save up for.

Gizmo Uppercut [Mega Uppercut] (Mega Man/Marvel Vs. Capcom): What superhero worth his title wouldn’t have an easy but flashy uppercut or signature move that gives that feeling of flair? This one really doesn’t consume any of his energy as it just converts some of the photon and laser energy his suit has into a punch to inflict more pain on evildoers. Really it’s just like a Shoryuken but with photon and laser energy. Not lethal as it’s a small dose of them, but it can knock someone out.

Gizmo Field [Energy Field] (Cell/Android 17 and 18/Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3): If there was ever a moment that he needed to have some protection against projectiles or any attacks while making his own, here’s a force field attack to give him the advantage. While he can’t propel anything like magic or advanced super science beyond that of Earth’s current potential, he can still lessen the pressure of the attacks using it. The shield also does deal moderate damage and extends to the size of a small transportable hot air balloon. He’s got six uses for it, and it does tap into his energy reserves for his Gizmo Cannon and Gizmo Uppercut.

Fentonium Fore [Mega Ball] (Mega Man/Marvel Vs. Capcom): This one’s an interchangeable one between Gizmoduck and Fenton (Finally, some moves that Fenton can use while outside of the suit for once), and it’s where he takes a ball of Fentonium and smacks it towards his enemies to act like a ricocheting projectile weapon, and he does have a ping pong racket to continue the transition. Not only that, but he can aim it too for trick shots if he needs a distraction or low profile weapon.

Photon Sphere [Spirit Bomb/Genkidama] (Son Goku/Dragon Ball Z/GT): This is definitely a move he learns very late into his career, but it is where he takes all of the energy that he has stored into suit at the present time and can even convert any other energy given to the sphere to make it more stronger. This move does put strain on Fenton’s real body but the suit should be fine, as long as the arm parts are still functional so that way he can throw it and push it. It’s a one time use before needing a recharge, so if it fails, then he has no more tricks up his sleeves. This is overpowered, as the energy is enough to roughly a continent with his own suit at full power (which most likely won’t happen), but can get to half of a planet or a moon with that much energy plus that of what others add to him.

Fenton Flurry (Original): Knowing that he has to fight without the armor, he has some moves he never mentions as he fights, but gives them a name in his head. This one is pretty much a flurry of punches towards his enemy and while it is clumsy and sometimes badly timed, it can catch someone off guard when he does time it right or in a confined space.

Photon Blaster (Original): During the Shadow War, he modified Gyro’s blaster weapon with the help of Manny and Lil’ Bulb, though this time he made his own spare while on his some of his lunch breaks. it has both a phaser or bullet-like function and a laser function for consistent pressure.

[kawaiijohn]

Rewind, Rinse, Repeat Chapter 1

For Invisobang Minibang 2021

Ao3 Link

Chapters: 3 finished, 12 total Rating: T+ Warnings: Major and Minor Character Death- all temporary, Implied Child Abuse/Neglect, Strong Language, Mild Body Horror, Mild Injury. Other warnings listed by chapter Characters: Clockwork, Danny Fenton, Pariah Dark, Levi | Leviathan (OC), Mal (OC), Observants, Mentions of other characters Ships: Lost Time, Dark Ages, CW & OC child, CW & Levi | Leviathan (OC) Genre/Tropes: Human AU, Magic AU, Found Family, Character Origin, Hurt/Comfort, Original Magic System and Lore Additional Tags: Existentialism & Existential Angst, Memory Loss & Amnesia, Corruption, Clockwork Centric, They/Them Pronouns for Clockwork, The Fenton's A+ Parenting, Obersvant Bashing

Summary

“Clockwork can I ask you something? How did you become a ghost?”

The tale surrounding the mystery of Clockwork's existence; a world where magic is common and ghosts are not. A world where one lonely, average mage tries with all their might to save what means most to them. A world where things need to be remade into something better.

Shout out to my betas @bibliophilea and @moonlights-shadow-warrior for keeping me sane, @13thdoodle for letting me use their OC, Levi, @dailudannos and @sailor-toni for providing art for later chapters, and all the folks over at @invisobang for being awesome!!!!

Chapter One below the Cut. The rest is available on my Ao3 account because tumblr linking/posting is hella broken.

Chapter 1: An Inquiry

“Hey, Clockwork? Can I ask you something?”

Clockwork looks over from the mirror they were watching intently.  “You already have, Daniel,” they reply, offering the other a smirk.

“Oh, ha ha.  You've never said that to me before.”  The reply is filled to the brim with sarcasm, as per usual.  Danny rolls his eyes, but a small smile gracing his lips betrays the fact he isn't annoyed in the least.  “Seriously, though.  It’s something that's been on my mind like... every day for the last two weeks!!"  He raises his hands towards the sky, flopping back in the air dramatically.  "But... it's kinda, y'know.  Personal-”  Danny trails off, slightly embarrassed.

Of course.  Clockwork finds themself smiling fondly- Danny thought he’d said something he shouldn't have- an inquiry that could make his guardian upset (as if it's even possible to upset Clockwork like that).  A question is a question, and this is a worrying habit of his that the Time Master is trying to help break, even if it's still somewhat endearing to them.

“I uh, I mean... it’s personal about- to you, not to me. That’s what I meant!!” Danny continued.

Clockwork stares at him, unblinking.  An idea (or thousands) of what he may ask flashes through their mind’s eye.  With a single, calming pulse to their Core, Clockwork pushes the involuntary slideshow of timelines aside as if they're no more than curtains.  They need to focus on the window in front of them; the here and now, not the temporal drapery.

It's a habit they are trying to overcome for Daniel’s sake.  To ensure their ward's growth, they need to stop peering into the near future as often- not discourage his asking of questions.  After all, what is a child if not but a well of endless curiosity?  Cutting Danny off is also sure to disallow the development of any trust or patience Clockwork needs to build within their young ward.  They wouldn’t receive either of those things if they assume what he wanted to ask.

It's common decency to not assume, lest it ‘make an ass out of you and me’, according to Daniel.

It is going to be a tough habit to break, but by the (other) Ancients, they're trying their best.  Their ward deserves the infinitesimal choices all other children have when asking things of their guardians, so even if they do glimpse to the future, they will not mention it to him.  Clockwork refuses and will continue to refuse to take their ward’s agency away; to not have a choice in things is a fate worse than fading.

The boy has been quiet, stuck deep within his own thoughts even after an impressive five minutes and thirty-seven and a half seconds of silence (uncharacteristic of the boy, Clockwork notes).

Now that just won't do- he must have lost his train of thought.  Clockwork gestures at the ghost boy, motioning for him to continue.  It works- Danny adverting his eyes and clearing his throat, "Well, it’s just like- you know so much about me- like, how I died, the whole Ghost Zone Prince business, that entire disaster doomed timeline with Dan... I just keep thinking- no- realizing, that I barely know anything about you!!”  He throws his arms up in thinly veiled frustration.

Clockwork smirks. “You had another question, did you not?”  They place a hand along the edge of the closest Temporal Mirror, turning to face the mirror- still halfway facing Danny.  They can see his inner debate clearly written on the boy's face- the mirror reflecting as if it were an ordinary object (for now).  They turn towards it fully and watch Daniel's reaction from behind them, acting as if they aren't finding joy in their ward's hesitation.  It's always adorable when he tries not to offend Clockwork. "I may be able to work with time, but that doesn't mean I wish to float here waiting for an answer all day."

Danny blinks a few times, rolling his eyes again in response.  Clockwork is certain that if they weren’t secured to his skull by human musculature they’d fall out and roll away.  “Well, I’m sorry for trying not to be rude and like, asking outright... but since it’s you I have to always be super direct!!  Jeeze you’re frustrating sometimes!”  He floats towards his mentor, crossing his arms.

Danny often forgets Clockwork isn't easily upset over trivial things such as questions.  Most questions are about things they already know the answers to, anyways.  And the few things that they don’t know when asked, they figure out soon after.  Such is the duty of the Master of Time- to be a step ahead of everyone and everything else always.  Besides, in most timelines (68.3% of them, to round up) the question Daniel wishes to ask is along the lines of ‘What was your past like?’ Another small fraction (a little under 20%) the question is ‘How did you get so strong?’ .  And even in the remaining timelines, the question would be along the lines of ‘How do your time powers work?’

They are each things Clockwork expects Daniel to ask them at some point or other, as it were.  There isn’t really anything Daniel can ask that could be too shockin-

“Clockwork, I was wondering… how exactly did you become a ghost?”

They... did not see that coming… in any of the timelines they’d glimpsed.  Clockwork stills for only a fraction of a moment, but it’s long enough for Danny to flinch, feeling as if he’s crossed a line.  They hear more than see Daniel shrinking in on himself as they look off into nothing, buried memories waking slowly in their mind.

Clockwork is brought from their introspection by a mumbled curse.  “Shit!  I mean... uh crap??"   They just stare at Danny as they are brought back to the present.  "Never mind just... sorry for asking...  Oh man!  Did I offend you somehow?  Ancients dammit, this is what I was worried about!!”  They watch him curiously, soft whirring coming from their ward's anxious core.  “We can just forget about it if-”  Daniel’s hands wring together nervously, shoulders tense with worry and face full of guilt.

Right- facial expressions are also important for a young ghost's emotional communication and development.  Sometimes the Time Master wonders if their isolation in Long Now affected their social behavior (it did).  Their face is carefully blank most times, so they set to fix it- they offer a small grin, hand coming to rest on Daniel’s shoulder.  “It is more than fine, Daniel.  You asked if you could ask a question- which is in fact, two questions, I should note- but I gave you consent to ask it of me.”  They squeeze his shoulder to placate the worry.

“It’s about time I told you this story, as it were.  I just did not foresee it being told at this very moment."  Clockwork floats slowly, turning away from their Mirrors.  "Come along- it’s best we sit for this.  I’ll have one of your friends bring us some tea.”

Danny floats after his mentor, looking around the room the two normally use to study history of the Realms.  “So, uh… is it a long story or...?”

“Oh, it is very long, indeed.”  They fly through an ornate door and over to their favored 'chair'- a stack of comfortable cushions in violets and blues, both impossibly cool and warm at the same time.  They recall Daniel discovering the room, eyes full of wonder and posture relaxed.  Clockwork chuckles- the first time their boy had wandered in here he'd decided to take a running dive into the pile, jumping up in surprise when it was cold as ice, yet warm as fresh laundry.  The expression on their ward’s face is one of their fondest memories; a happy moment amongst all the tedium of watching time.

“It may take a while to tell this tale proper. But, it is a story that ought to be told.”  Daniel makes himself comfortable on his chair of choice- an unholy combination of 'borrowed' pillows and what appears to be a more modern gaming chair- complete with an obnoxiously bright green-black color scheme.  Clockwork has to hide another smile as Danny wiggles himself deep into the pile.  “So, Daniel- what do you know of the phrase ‘Totems of Power’?”

“I thought I was getting a story, not a pop quiz!  Unfair!!”  His disdain for schooling makes Clockwork laugh fondly before the boy continues.  “But they’re like… hmm how do I explain this?  Well, there’s the universe right?  Like every timeline and every result of every timeline all at the same time kind of ties into the main universe thingy- but there's still a main timeline, and that's kinda like... Main Street, and the other possible timelines are uh... like side streets with dead ends?  But there's other forces that like, aren't time and… uhhh...”

He hums, crossing his arms deep in thought.  Clockwork takes the time to purr-sing-hum at one of the many blobs floating in and out of their lair; Daniel had asked them to keep some around as pets and the Time Master was happy to oblige.  They were unable to deny something so beneficial to the young Prince, after all.  The one deemed ‘Mr. Pants’ by one of Daniel’s friends answers their call.  Clockwork buzzes to it a quiet request- ‘bring Daniel's favorite tea and mugs for two, please.’  The little thing chirrups and zips off through the walls- eager to serve the Lair’s owner and be (potentially) rewarded with pats (from Daniel).

The Time Master brings their undivided attention back toward a grumbling ghost boy, lost in thought.  “Daniel if you need to ask for help I’m glad to-”

Danny snaps his fingers, coming to a realization before his mentor can finish.  “I got it!!  The best way to explain it is ‘The Universe needs to run smoothly, so there’s certain forces- like Time or Space- that are upheld by a powerful entity, like a person or like… the avatar of that concept?  Yeah, something like that, but they ensure the aspect they represent is properly cared for so the universe doesn’t completely like, die.’”  Danny nods to himself.  "It's why you stepped in to stop Dan, to make sure the world didn't end like that."

“That is correct- it is my job to ensure this universe of ghosts and reality doesn't crumble prematurely.  Now, do you have a recollection of any other Totems you may have encountered?”

“Well, yeah!  We call them ‘Ancients’, though- so like… Pandora is the one for war and history, and Nocturn is for like… dreams?  The Void or something, maybe?  And then there’s old man Pariah who isn’t one, but he said there’s a Leadership Ancient somewhere, and then-”  Danny pauses, blinking at Clockwork in realization.  “Wait, you asked that for a reason, didn’t you?”

“That I did.  Becoming the Totem, or Ancient of Time is where this story starts.”  Clockwork hums, seeing Mr. Pants fly back towards the two- nearly spilling scalding tea all over the ground.  “Now then.  We have drinks.  We are sitting comfortably.  I believe it’s time I spin my tale for you.”  They take a sip, closing their eyes in bliss.

They open them once more and see Daniel sitting, eyes full of stars and eager- Eager to hear, eager to fire off a question a minute.  It makes a chuckle bubble up in their throat, to see their favorite person so excited to learn.

“Once upon a time, there was a human; average in most ways, a simple person living a simple life.  They would get up in the morning, perform their daily tasks, and go to sleep at night.  Day in, and day out- a boring, but fulfilling existence.

“However, where this story differs from what we recognize as reality, is that in this realm, humans who could control magic were the norm.  Think as if it were like one of those fantasy games you and Tucker play together- mages, healers… all of those and more were commonplace when I was alive.  Yes, humans can wield magic now, but it is nowhere near as frequent as they could in our tale.”

They pause, seeing that Danny was about to interrupt.  “Wait wait- this realm?  Like- this is a completely different reality?? And people can wield magic now???  Are you messing with me?  Like… I thought it was all just-”  The boy stops, his train of thought drifting off the tracks as it tends to now and then.

“Yes, first, this is a completely different realm from either the Mortal Plane or the Ghost Zone.  Second, Daniel- tell me... have you not noticed the magic of those you have encountered?  Blood blossoms… a reality warping gauntlet?  The existence that is ‘Freakshow’ in general should be a red flag, seeing as his talents were… strangely non-ghostly in origin.  Not to mention objects such as the Infi-map...”

“Man, I wish I could forget about Freakshow… who mind controls ghosts???  He was the worst!” Their young ward crossed his arms and grumbles.

“If you’re done sulking about your past misadventures and former foes, I was in the middle of telling a story, if I recall correctly.  One you asked I tell you…”  Clockwork simply stares, unblinking as steam wafts from their slowly cooling tea.

All is well, they knew Danny would only take approximately 4.85 seconds to snap his attention back to their story.  Clockwork sips their tea, waiting.

Danny snaps out of his thoughts only a millisecond off of Clockwork's prediction. “Sorry... it’s just super weird to think that magic actually… still exists?  Like ghosts are real and all but magic being a thing feels a bit far fetched, don’t ya think?”  He pouts, brow furrowed.

The Master of Time finally closes their eyes, removing the hood from their head.  White hair floats gracefully behind them, settling just past their shoulders.   Clockwork opens their eyes again- a serious, yet warm expression directed at their ward.  “Magic is simply defined as reality altering acts using both energy and the willpower of a sentient being, if that helps.”  Another sip.  Mr. Pants made a wonderful batch of tea, as always.  They smile wider when they notice Danny’s expression- the boy has never seen them without a hood, and they know doing this will (in 99.78% of all possible timelines) convince the boy to take what they said seriously.   ”Just as ghosts can be defined as ‘ectoplasm given form and consciousness’, forces beyond humanity and the physical realm can be explained with scientific terminology if you know where to look.”

“So like... what all did magic have to do with this ‘simple human’ version of you?  Did you ever have the power to shoot lightning??  Could I shoot lightning if I tried?  Like were you some sorta time wizard?  Is that why you’re all… timey-wimey and powerful?”  Danny wiggles his fingers with a look of confusion on his face.

Clockwork always finds their Core warming when their boy acts his age.  He's abnormally prone to shoulder the destiny of the world on himself and often forgets he's just a kid.  “You could continue asking questions one at a time, or you could allow me to tell my story.  The choice is yours, Daniel.”  They smirk, watching as Danny purses his lips, his steady flow of questions stopping short.  The best answer.  “Perfect- all is as I thought it would be.”

They close their eyes and reminisce as they continue.  “Now- to answer your last question… Yes.  You could say magic is how I came to be the Master of Time in both the Infinite Realms and the mortal plane, but there is much more to the story than that.  Other players, situations, and pure circumstances.  The universe in its infinite chances and possibilities brought myself, as well as many others to the situations they face here and now.”  Clockwork pauses, taking the moment to stare straight through Danny’s soul.  “Even yourself.”

The boy shudders, an appropriate response.  “Wait... me?  Did you… do something in the past to like… a past version of someone we know??  Can that even happen???”  Danny is already enraptured by the story, eyes twinkling as his mentor opens up about themself.  The boy is obviously thinking about everything that has happened, everything that could possibly have happened, and everything that Clockwork could possibly drop on him.

They feel Daniel cautiously tug on loose strands of time to see if he could possibly scope out what is about to be said, quickly failing to do much else beside give himself a small headache.  “Time stuff is still really confusing, Clockwork…”

“You could say that.  You could even say that trying to mess with time in the inner sanctum of Long Now is the most confusing ‘time stuff’ one could do if they were not myself.”  They grin- a Temporal Mirror appearing behind them with a thought.

“What’s the mirror for?”  Danny catches sight of himself and looks away, embarrassed that he’s been literally glowing with power after trying to do something so simple with his developing powers.  The glow is something he’s been working on suppressing recently.  After all, it would be a shame if other ghosts could see the boy powering up by aura alone.

The Master of Time smirks, bringing tea to their lips again.  “I thought it would be fun to attempt braiding my hair and doing my makeup for once.  It has been an awfully long time since I’ve done either.”

They stare at Danny who just bursts into laughter.  “Did you just use sarcasm???  Man, I didn’t know you could lighten up, Clockwork!”  The boy laughs harder, sinking deeper into his nest of pillows.  After a few minutes he was finally wiping tears from his eyes.  “But no.  Seriously… what’s the mirror for??”

“Why, what they are always for, Daniel- seeing through time and space.”  Clockwork waves their hand.  The mirrors show an image of a human with dark hair and burgundy eyes.  They have a large, hooked nose and medium brown skin- and Danny finds himself having a hard time guessing their gender.  The human sits at a desk, paused in time with the delicate gears of a clock sprawled along the desk surface, tools in hand.

Behind Clockwork, the image changes, showing the human living through an average day- images play in small spurts, never showing the whole story.  “Do you understand what’s being seen?”  The young boy nods, grabbing Mr. Pants out of the air as the blob drifts between the two.  Good, he will probably need the companionship, especially towards the end.

This isn’t the easiest story to tell, nor is it easy to listen to, but with a sip of their tea, Clockwork continues.