Achronum

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 2:01 - The Forest}

Max/Aaron/Eris/Varis

Varis listened with his head tilted to the side and arms crossed, waiting for Eris’ mage to respond before considering the information.

Lilie/Ben

The beast barely managed to twist out of the way, the arrow slicing deeply just beneath the eye. The creature growled and it’s body quivered before a sickening crack broke the silence. It’s body bulged and grew and patches of fur started growing in spots. The claws grew another two inches until they were as long as fingers and a predatory grin stretched across its face. The thing towered over Ben, easily clearing eight feet and it stared at Ben with a feral glint in its eye as the cut started to stitch itself shut.

“Shoot first, ask questions later, huh, little vampire.” The beast’s voice rumbled from deep inside his chest. “Typical bloodsuckers. Never thinking of the consequences.” The beast ripped the harp from it’s spot in the ground and chucked it straight at Lilie’s sleeping form before charging Ben head on.

Salem/Victor

As they each said the names their partner gave them, the blue mists that had nearly reached the table suddenly washed over them. The mist was pleasantly cool and a soft giggling surrounded them. That too vanished as the mist lifted and Victor and Salem sat across from each other once more. A little blue glass cat, no larger than a marble, sat where the orb once sat. A wispy trail of the mist curled on the ground, away from the table and into a small deer trail.

Maddie/Amaris

Maddie tried to focus on the countess’ words but most of it was swallowed beneath the rising panic now that two more cracks appeared above her and the water level just past her knees. She took a steadying breath. Her legs were freezing. She was prepared for cold air but the water soaked her clothes and she was cold and she just didn’t want to be cold anymore.

“It’s just two truths and a lie. Just say which one is a lie.” She explained loudly, not quite sure how well the Countess could hear her through here. “I don’t really understand the first one honestly and the second one suggests that whatever this raven is, it’s holding back? And it’s somehow smart and wicked? But the last one I think is the lie. I’m your partner now and you haven’t given me any reason not to trust you.” At least she hoped that was the lie. Figuring her feelings out right now wasn’t exactly her priority if she was being totally honest.

Harry Potter and the Alchemist's Quest - Discontinued

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Artemis “Arty” Harrington

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Location: Compartment 3 -> Knight Bus: Middle Back.
Magic:Charms

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“And that’s why it’s bloody awful! They’re so cute! why does everyone sacrifice them?” Artie complained. He quite disliked chess of any type. Muggle chess was just plain boring and once the thrill of the wizarding gimmick wore off, it was just as dull. “I like Exploding Snaps better. No choosing sacrifices, no bloody death eaters, no awful brothers who can’t. Keep. His. Head. To. Himself. Just plain fun with an exciting pop you’re never quite ready for!” Arty stated definitively, poking his sibling in the cheek with his finger with every punctuation. He watched as the Knight bus popped up and frowned at it. He hadn’t been prepared for this and he really didn’t want to lug Apollo’s body around. Because there wasn’t anyway that couldn’t be seen horribly. He was about to work the counter charm when he realized his brother was stirring out of his catatonic state.

“Well, there he is! Rise and shine, it’s a beautiful day!” Arty said in a sing song, pushing his brother up into a sitting position. “I’m going to get our luggage onto our newer, radder, totally not you-know-who infested ride! Stay right here for now please.” He patted Apollo on the head like a child with a laugh, an outlet for the relief bubbling up and threatening to overwhelm him at his brother moving around again, and whipped his wand around with an outrageous flourish, just calming his motions as he cast. Apollo’s luggage lifted obediently and he gave them a little pat too and marched them around where Mary mentioned. He repeated the process with his own luggage and returned to get his brother.

“Come on Georgina! We got a rad spot right in the back, the view is great!” Artie beamed at her. “I’ve never been on the Knight Bus though. I’m so excited!” If Artie wasn’t insisting on fussing over Apollo, it was practically guaranteed he’d be bouncing in place and then zipping all over it and pestering the driver with questions.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: Training Room
Skills: N/A

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He let her cry, automatically running his fingers through his hair like he did when Casper was in the same position. He knew Sunshine well enough that she wouldn’t cry in front of people just because she was hungry; she’d lived on the streets long enough to have developed a tough exterior but if that was her story, he wouldn’t push. He’d let her come to him if she wanted. He knew how stubborn she would get if he tried to pry. “Then we’ll see if we can get you more to eat once everythings settled down, how about that?” James suggested quietly as he listened to Veil.

“Good luck guys. Stay safe.” He said as Veil took the team. He was… more than a little worried about her choices. Luna and Callie would be fine but Sapphire and Waverly were emotionally compromised. He wanted to push for Veil to choose other people but she was stressed as it was. He just hoped and prayed to anyone that was listening that Max would keep his mouth… shut was pushing it so civil at the very least and Leighton wouldn’t escalate with Sapphire. This whole situation was a shit show and a half. Maybe he should get some medical supplies setup in a car in case the whole thing devolves into a fight.

“So now we’re on the lookout for a flamboyant Canadian? Let’s cross our fingers it isn’t Max 2.0.” James shook his head. “Maybe I’ll just write a report about the other world fiasco. That way she can read it when she isn’t as overwhelmed.” James frowned as he thought about it and something clicked in his head. “Hey Ben? Can you still do that whole… materialization thing you did when we fought Magneto and Polaris? That was really useful and we could use you in the whole getting this place put back together. Or was that you, babes? A combination? Though, uh, I’m sorry about the whole Eldritch Horror comment.” JAmes apologized sheepishly.

Of Blood and Magic

Varis could only blink at how Max spoke back to Eris. He couldn't imagine a mage having the audacity to speak to him like that. Varis already considered the nonsense spewing out of the boy’s mouth and still decided this was the course of action he wanted to take. He gave Max an unimpressed look―He would have to talk to Eris about how he was going to handle this clear breach of proper conduct―but didn’t interfere. If he stepped in, he was undermining Eris’ authority and although the mage’s behavior was completely out of line, it fell to Eris’ to correct him. If he let it pass without a proper punishment however...

“No, you weren’t.” Varis replied absently as he considered the coin for a moment. He picked it up out of the boy’s hand and examined it. It didn’t seem like anything special but at least it wasn’t another crest. He pocketed it, though it took him a second because of the oversized gloves. He leveled his unimpressed stare at his own mage now as he finished considering everything the boy said. He pointed at the ground, not quite able to snap, but he was sure the boy would get the point anyway. “Eris, still your mage’s hand a moment. Now that we’ve confirmed you only need one person in the skull to clear a portion, perhaps his familiarity with himself will illuminate more than what the boy inevitably missed. ” Varis turned back to the boy, tone sharp. “That is a pathetic excuse of a report. This clearing, was it the one we were standing in or was it another? Were you able to recognize it and if not, what other details did you notice? Was fighting the only option or did you fall back on the only skill the Noilas bothered to invest decent resources in? Did you sustain extensive injuries and where? Show us.”

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony @Scribe of Thoth [Hero]

Born Again - Rev:Re

@Versa Hey I haven't heard anything in a while and the discord disappeared? Are we still moving forward with this?

Harry Potter and the Alchemist's Quest - Discontinued

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Artemis “Arty” Harrington

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Location: Compartment 3
Magic:N/A

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“Thanks.” Artie said as he took the memory carefully and he slipped it into his robe’s pocket. No one was touching that without someone he knew they could trust being present. Otherwise, it was his and his alone. Artie was… tempted to lose it so no one else had to see what was still in his head but he knew that was probably a bad idea. Instead, he turned his attention to his still sleeping brother, carefully picking up Apollo and adjusting him so he was stretched out along one bench with his head in Artie’s lap. Artie made sure he kept a firm grip on his wand as he guarded his brother. He’d let the mental connection fall away after he first put him under so he could focus on everything around them.

“Apollo didn’t… trust your Uncle.” Artie revealed hesitantly. “But they got the death eater, right? If your Uncle was in on it, or any of the Aurors for that matter, why would they expose the other one? Wouldn’t they just cover it up or something?” They were in over their heads with this and he wasn’t sure he liked how fixated his best friend was on this still. He was half a second away from casting the Hardening Charm on the trolley door to keep anyone from leaving… or getting in for that matter. He didn’t want Georgina running off. He wouldn’t abandon Apollo like that and he didn’t like that left her without him to back her up. Not that Mary wouldn’t probably follow her in a heartbeat but… she was always there for him. He should always be there for her.

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 1:46 - The Forest}

Max/Eris/Varis

“Well, that was anticlimactic. I was expecting some grand display after the last challenge.” Varis muttered to himself thoughtfully. The idea of waiting for the boy to return was tempting but considering their previous challenge required them to work together, and their clue suggested they would be fighting each other, Varis wasn’t confident that letting the boy’s time run its course would end the way he’d like.

“Assuming you’ve already completed a challenge Eris and it followed the inane premise of this exam, I doubt the boy will come back anytime soon if we just wait.” Varis said as he got closer to the skull, circling to examine it, but other than the crack left by his reflection, there wasn’t anything notable. “Send your mage in and we’ll see if there is any noticeable difference. We can go in together afterwards if not. I’d rather have someone I know can put more than two brain cells together on my side than a finger waving imbecile.”

Lilie/Ben

The incantation carried itself on the music of the harp and both faded away after holding the last note. The change didn’t give anyone time to adjust. One moment, they were in the forest surrounded by flowers and the next, the ocean stretched past the horizon. The only solid ground was the island they now stood on, barely more than a mound of grass and dirt that was the size of the dorm. On one end stood the harp, plucked at softly by a towering beast. It stood on its hind legs, sharp claws handling the instrument delicately, but it fixed the spot behind Ben with animalistic intensity, teeth bared. It’s ears flickered absently and it’s attention wandered back to Ben whose vision had returned.

Behind Ben, Lilie lay motionless with her eyes closed in a coffin. Her skin was paler than usual and she barely breathed. A sword, a bow, and a quiver of arrows lay in the coffin with her.

However, Lilie’s consciousness hovered above the water. An invisible barrier stopped her from crossing onto the island but she could otherwise move however she pleased. From her position, she could see small eight legged monstrosities, mouths full of gnashing teeth, crawling around just beneath the surface of the water as if waiting for something to step into it. Ben unfortunately, wouldn't be able to see them until he stepped into the water.

Salem/Victor

Little changed for the two at their tables. As the blue walls shrunk in every closer, their voices sounded most distant by the minute.

Maddie/Amaris

Oh thank the stars. Hearing the Countess’ voice was a great relief. Maddie was terrified that the Countess had just disappeared but Maddie hadn't considered if it was even possible for Amaris to leave. Either way, the Countess was clearly intending to solve whatever this puzzle was. Maddie only hoped it was sooner rather than later.

“A raven? I…” Maddie scoured her memory for anything that might be of significance but honestly, she had no idea. “I’m afraid not, Ari. The only thing that comes to mind is the Noila family crest but nothing that I can think of.”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: Outside Casper and Jack’s room -> Training Room
Skills: N/A

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“I’m less afraid of him dropping something in here and more afraid of that he’ll just start plucking us from our beds, honestly. He can find anyone as long as he has a little information on them and his teleportation magic in Wanda’s fantasy was powerful. He found Casper in New Orleans while we were in New York and then he dropped us right outside like it was nothing. Since we have no way of defending ourselves against that, maintaining a working relationship with him may not be a horrible idea especially if it buys us time to figure out a defense.” James explained. He sent a thankful smile to Cayden for the date. “But we have bigger fish to fry, though I’m not convinced it’s coincidence we have a Hellfire related issue and Max reached out at the same time.”He chuckled at Casper’s comment and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“That’s fair babes. I only really pay attention because of system maintenance but I think the last date I remember is the 10th? Or the 9th but I think the 10th is right.” Which means that they lost around a week and James very much intended to figure out what exactly went on those days. He didn’t like walking around with a giant hole in his memory filled with an entire other life. His head prickled uncomfortably at the thought, the panic starting to press at his temples again. He squeezed Casper’s hand a little tighter.

The scene that met them in the training room made James tense, hand going instinctively where a gun should be as he scanned the room. Veil was standing in the middle of the room with her eyes shut and a finger held out and Sunshine was watching her, sobbing. He forced himself to relax and bolted to Sunshine, immediately wrapping her in a hug even though he knew he’d probably get hit for startling her. “Hey, hey. What’s going on? DO you need to get out of here?” James asked her softly.

Of Blood and Magic

“We’ve only completed one of these and already I’m sick of this place.” Varis snapped, his hands still tucked firmly in his pockets. Clones? Poorly made if the boy’s description could be trusted. Even the Salem brat with his quarter of a brain could figure out anything remotely resembling ‘cheery’ on Varis was about as far from his personality as possible. Add in weapons and feeding and it sounded like he was painted like an Astorio.

“Remind me to have a word about the accuracy of these with Ryner on top of every other insult I’ve suffered tonight.” Varis instructed. Incompitent illusion mages. Weapons and happiness. Clearly, they’re far too wrapped up in their own asses to realize Varis had neither of those. The thought vanished as something he thought wouldn’t happen until he had to look at the Princess’ smug face again.

He could see.

He would absolutely never admit it but it nearly moved him to tears. He blinked, even the little bit of light provided by the moon and stars alone too much for his sensitive eyes, and he squinted as the skull shone in response to his own image resisting where the boy had complacently vanished moments before. Well, at least they got that right. Like he’d submit to some unintelligent piece of human anatomy. Although, humans were idiots by nature so perhaps that it was only a fraction of one was better.

Varis startled at Eris and… Alder-something. Varis’ attention was snatched away before he could bother insulting the mage or consider the riddle they were presented with when the boy sighed. Varis wanted to strangle him considering they were no longer alone and he reflexively snatched the boy’s hand away from his head and yanked him down to his level, whispering furiously.. “Do. Not. You are an Sinnendodel mage and a Starag. We have been through one challenge. Remember when you look weak, you make me look weak.”

Varis remembered he wasn’t wearing gloves and immediately took the glove off the boy’s hand. “I’ll be taking these as well since your mistake in the last challenge cost me mine.” Varis lied coolly, only betrayed by the trembling of his hands that stilled in one as he slipped it on. It was… a size or two big but it would get the job done. He held out the newly gloved hand for the other one before he turned back to Eris.

“No. We weren’t given a coin at any time. It probably has something to do with the “simple way” to get out of this inane challenge.” Varis said. “If we’re going to have a contest of strength, I’ll have no choice but to sit this out. I have no interest in indulging Ryner a chance to provoke me into breaking my family’s traditions. However... “ VAris looked at Aaron and gestured at the skull. “We have a willing test subject. Go touch it, boy. We’ll watch.”

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony @Scribe of Thoth [Hero]

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Mutant Underground, Outside Jack and Casper’s Room

Skills: N/A

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“I know, Casper. It’s good that he has a big brother who cares so much, huh?” James said, mentally agreeing to meeting Max before the connection frayed. He’d have a private conversation with Veil over that. He wasn’t going to do anything without discussing the problem with her but Max was a problem. His ability to do these things in conjunction with the power he displayed in the other world worried James and staying on friendly terms with him was important. He’d rather not have someone else start teleporting things and people into the new hideout.

“Come on. Let’s walk and talk.” James said as he followed Jack. “The rat wasn’t a death threat. He meant to send a chocolate cake but Max’s control over his abilities have always been… tentative at best. Generally being prepared for a worse case scenario is best while in his vicinity.” James sighed as he explained. “He means well, he really does, but an optimistic attitude and a heart of gold don’t count for much when the consequences of your actions worsen the situation. That being said, he’s far more powerful now that he used to be and if I know Max, he’ll try running before he can walk again. Hopefully, I’m wrong.” Something occurred to him and he turned to Casper.

“Do you know what the date is? I’m not sure when the Prin- I mean, Wanda brought us back.” James corrected himself, a bit of the old world slipping out.