KazAlkemi

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: OMEN Facility -- Stairwell ---> First Floor

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After several moments, assuring the screaming had stopped, Demetria took away the ice dome. It didn’t exactly melt, as none of them were wet but it simply, became non-existent. Antoinette smiled at the mutant before her, what wonders she held. They were on the move again but didn’t get far when they came across a whole group of people. A wolf inched forward, growling and baring her teeth until another person spoke up, having recognized Demetria. Antoinette had the urge to bend down to get better acquainted with the wolf but steeled herself, deciding that probably would not be the best idea. She didn’t need her powers to sense the exhaustion and fear around them.
Demetria handed over the last vial of the serum to a boy with blonde hair that matched Antoinette’s. She cocked her head to the side, seeming to recognize him from the news but before she could voice that recognition the entire group was gathered and whisked away. Back on seemingly solid ground, Annie stumbled a bit. Her breath was lacking and her head spun, which was not helping with the headache created earlier. As she regained herself, she noticed there were more people up here. She definitely recognized these people from the news. Magneto, the Scarlet Witch. She looked around at her other new companions, suddenly confused on who they truly were and what their goals were.
Antoniette shifted uncomfortably and watched the wolf along with a man, disappear out the front doors. Annie would have much rather follow them out but, she felt that would be unwise and she still didn’t know how she was going to get home. She turned to Demetria, the only real person she knew here.
”Where are you headed now?” she questioned, fully intending on following her until she could get a safe distance and contact her father.

Darke Magyk - Concluded

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Cuyler Eysteinsson

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Location: Wizard’s Tower -- 20th Floor
Skills: Tea Making

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Cuyler released her and watched Arya stumble forward. A permanent frown was seeming to form on the young man’s face. He followed along behind Arya and watched as she spoke into a mirror but it wasn’t an ordinary mirror. A man answered Arya, his face appearing and he seemed rather preoccupied with the green thing in his hair. What exactly was this man’s job here?
Cuyler stepped up beside Arya and placed a hand against the small of her back again. He didn’t really believe her health had improved at all but he knew when to push and when to support. After Arya finished speaking Cuyler looked at her.
”Are you sure about this?” he asked her again. He knew the Castle would still need her, regardless if she was on her deathbed or not but he didn’t want her simply going through the motions. ”Let me make you another cup of tea before you go,” he suggested. He wasn’t entirely sure if the herbs worked for the Sickenesse but Cuyler needed to do something.
He released Arya and grabbed some of the herbs he obtained on his travels. He heated up the water and mixed the herbs up into a nice smelling blend before he added it into a silver contraption meant to steep and contain the herbs from getting into the cup of hot water. He poured a steaming cup for Arya and took a sip of it after blowing gently to cool it. He smiled, impressed with his own skill at brewing a killer cup of tea and handed it to Arya.

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Amarantha

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Location:The Attic
Skills: Perception

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Amarantha shifted as well, following Skaoi’s steps and blocked her still from getting around her.
”Can anyone confirm that story?” she questioned further. ”Regardless of the perceived perception of Skaoi Prince Myrus, she will be questioned as any other Snowplain native in this castle will be questioned. Do not mistake mice for being completely innocent. They do have collapsible spines after all.” While Amarantha may have been speaking to Myrus, she never took her eyes off of Skaoi.
She trusted Skaoi’s initial words of her whereabouts but there were still precautions that she would need to take. As for further trust, there was something within Skaoi’s words that Amarantha could sense she was holding back from. She would get her knowledge, one way or another.
”You may look after our royals but not in this room, the integrity is failing. I also wish to speak to you further on what notes you have on this Sickenesse after you have tended to your patients. Now, wait outside,” she said and turned around to face the royals still on the floor. ”Valda, if you are so intent on ensuring your brothers safety and protection, I suggest you do so outside of this room for his safety is still jeopardize in here.” Amarantha was about ready to go over and grab the royal if she didn’t listen to her or Lyra’s surprising force. Perhaps this little thing did have a backbone. Well, Amarantha hoped that it wasn’t some fluke thing and would last permanently. Then she wouldn’t be so concerned about leaving Valda in her charge.

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Ahote Proudstar

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Location: The Port ---> Old Port Witch Coven House
Skill: Aura Sensing

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The Port was abuzz with activity. From traders all over the world trying to sell their wares and locals trying to get their supplies in a timely fashion. As they walked there was a lot of talk of a wedding, fit for royals it seemed going on today at the Palace. He looked off in the direction of were the Palace sat and he stared in mild fascination at it. Each city seemed to have their own natural take on architecture and where Ahote lived, they had simple constructs that were nothing to marvel at but did the job they were supposed to.
Grimspound began speaking to him again and he refocused on the tall man and nodded.
”Yes, perhaps we can,” he agreed. It seemed Grimspound had similar interests as Ahote and they got along relatively well. What could that harm be in a few discussions over a drink or two?
They reached their destination and Ahote walked cautiously. The power here… The auras he saw nearly chilled his soul. There was a darkness here. An awfulness that happened and Ahote wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to be apart of this anymore. His fears were only confirmed when an innocent looking girl in a yellow dress spoke to them, announcing they would die if they entered the building. Ahote looked back at the building and shifted uncomfortably.
”Perhaps she is right. There is a… darkness here, a presence still that may not be entirely pleased if we enter uninvited,” Ahote announced to their little group of adventures.

Darke Magyk - Concluded

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Amarantha

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Location:The Attic

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Amarantha was beginning to get a bit agitated. She didn’t like the delay. Normally when she gave an order it was followed immediately but even though she was responsible for all the people in this room, she couldn’t order them around like she could with her army. Skaoi entered and she huffed. Great, now the woman would want to do a full examination on the boy before they even got him out of the attic. Which meant delaying Valda and Luna’s departure. Luna however, had that covered as she said her peace before departing. Amarantha couldn’t exactly leave though. She looked at Luna.
”Do not stray too far please. I will come find you as soon as we get everyone out of this crumbling room.” She turned back around and watched Valda continue to try and console her brother.
Amarantha’s eyes shifted to the missing wall and then back to the Physik she narrowed her eyes for a moment before she stepped forward and blocked Skaoi’s path from the royals.
”Where have you been for the last twenty-four hours?” she asked the Eastern Snowplains native.
Meanwhile, Titan was making his way back to the attic after sending the messenger rat of to retrieve the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. He saw Princess Luna enter the hall and smiled a little. He stood a little taller and approached her. He bowed properly before standing.
"Princess Luna, allow me to escort you to wherever you are off to. The Palace may not be entirely safe."

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Ahote Proudstar

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Location: On the main deck of the Aricie ----> The Port

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Ahote’s attention was drawn back to Grimspound as he watched the light dance along his knuckles. It was really rather beautiful. Was he some mutant as well? Perhaps in the same realm as Arnora?
”For your question Grimspound, I do not have an answer. That is what I am here to find out, to learn if you will,” he explained with a shrug. Sure, there were some obvious answers. In the True North, their power was brought out at a ceremony of sorts but with Magyk it tended to show up in the younger generation but it also seemed they needed a talisman of some kind whereas Ahote needed nothing of the sort to bring his abilities about. That was the other thing. His mutant ability was an extension of him, something natural.
The Aricie finally docked and people began to board to inspect the shipment and tend to the leaking boat. His new companions began to leave the deck and Ahote was eager to follow. Arnora didn’t seem to protest his future questions of her abilities so he was going to jump on the opportunity. Ahote turned and looked for the captain quickly.
”Captain! I will return in awhile!” he announced before hurrying on after the others.
He walked up beside the two girls, falling into step with them.
”When you were five you said? Did anyone teach you control or was it strictly a trial by error thing?” Ahote asked curiously.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: OMEN Facility -- Second Floor ---> Stairwell

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Antoinette nodded and moved closer to Demetria. The OMEN agents continued to fire at them, even as the ice wall covered them all completely. The gun shots were still loud and Antoinette covered her ears to keep out the awful sound as much as she could. She saw the stray bullet hit Demetria but Demetria just kept going. Flynn came and grabbed Annie’s arm, dragging her away but Annie protested, worried for Demetria’s safety and health. She had just been shot! She looked back but Demetria was right behind them after a few well placed ice blasts. Antoinette reached out for her friend, grasping her hand tightly, even though it was freezing and pulled her into the stairwell with them.
”You’ve been shot!” she exclaimed and went to examine her friend further. Of course there was nothing Annie could do. She knew basic first aid, but for a gunshot wound? That went over her head.
They didn’t have much time after that. A inhumanly loud scream came over Flynn’s radio and Annie froze up as the scream hit her ears. Within seconds though the radio was gone and another ice wall, or rather dome, came up around them to block out the scream. Annie breathed heavily, her head pounding. Antoinette looked at her companions in mild disbelief. Was it always like this with them? No big deal? Annie started to laugh, perhaps she had gone mad now.
”What even was that?” she asked, coming back from her laughter. It had to be another mutant. Annie was just starting to realize how big this place was and what horrors it contained.
She looked around the ice dome, mildly surprised by it’s beauty in such a tragic situation. It reminded her of the first snowfall of the year. How the entire world would fall silent, not even the wind would blow. It created such a peaceful, inhuman atmosphere. She shut her eyes for a moment, letting the feeling wash over her and wash away the fear of earlier.

Heroes of Olympus: the Next Age of Heroes

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Camp Half-Blood -- The Dining Pavilion

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Ezekiel made his way through camp, his brooding nature diminishing the closer he got to the smell of food. Truly, it was amazing how being hangry affected a person. Ezekiel’s stomach seemed to rumble in response. He trotted over to the building and stepped up the stairs, following along behind Ericka, Zoey, Alana and some other blonde. Perhaps she was a new Aphrodite daughter. Ezekiel heard her speak and then laugh a little before he moved to get a better look at her. That voice was too familiar. He stopped dead when he saw who it was.
”Bronwyn? Is that you seriously? You dyed your hair!” he exclaimed and moved so he was in front of the all girl group. Zeke crossed his arms after removing his headphones and pouted. ”Now why would you go and do an awful thing like that?” he questioned her in front of everyone.
Another heavy beat of a song blared through his headphones but he was hardly paying attention to that as he looked at Brynn questioningly. They were by no means as close as he was with Keira but she was probably as close to him as he would ever allow another person to be. The dining hall was near quiet now, as they were one of the biggest groups there now. Most people had already moved on to start their training, eager to get it out of the way to make way for the big Capture the Flag game this afternoon. Ezekiel wasn’t a huge Capture the Flag person, he much preferred the climbing wall or training in front of large crowds where he could prove himself. Capture the Flag was more strategy and that wasn’t his strong suit. Most of the time, he volunteered to sit the games out so he could look after any critical injuries right away. There were always a few...hundred.

Darke Magyk - Concluded

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Cuyler Eysteinsson & Arya Rincewind

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Location: Wizard’s Tower -- 20th Floor

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Arya looked at Cuyler, confused and her heart was pounding. "...Cuyler, what you are describing does not sound like the Sickenesse," Arya said softly. There had been no reported cases of something quite like that occurring. "If anything, that would be an Inhabitation - there was a case I believe...a few thousand years back of a Syren that Inhabited an ExtraOrdinary Apprentice for several centuries."

Things seemed to stop and Cuyler loosened his hold on Arya. He looked around the room again, looking for anything that seemed less than human. "You...you said: The Queste will set them free. It was a strange voice. I didn't recognize it. Would this have anything to do with the Questing stones?" Cuyler asked. He picked the cloth back up and wiped a bit of blood that she had missed.

She bit her lip, thinking. Hearing about the Queste once more...it did not bode well. Atkin was so young and ill. Yet she could not put her finger on whether this was truly an Inhabitation or if Cuyler's suspicions were true, that it was some product of the Sickenesse. Not that she was ill, of course. "...I must confess, I do not remember saying such things. But the Queste...It should not be something to give us pause for some time. The Port Witch was dealt with and no ExtraOrdinary ghost would call for a Draw - not without pure malice of intent."

Cuyler removed his hands completely from Arya and sat back. He sighed, running a hand over his face. "Do not take offence Arya, but your denial of somebody being dealt with or not possibly doing something does not sit well considering you are still in denial over you having the Sickenesse. Do you not recall that a ghost, a former Physik was the one who came to me with warnings of the Queste?"

Arya looked up at Cuyler. She folded her hands slightly at her side. "I do not have the Sickenesse, Cuyler," she said bluntly, her green eyes filled with defiance.

Cuyler looked up at Arya, seeing a different look in her eye and frowned. "Yes, you do. What makes you think you don't? I've noticed since the beginning Arya. Since I've been back, you've had headaches, been tired and now you are getting nose bleeds. Correct me if I am wrong but for someone with your skill, isn't a Summoning a pretty simple spell to achieve? And you got a nose bleed from that?"

"As I said, I've had them since childhood," Arya lied. She was doubling down on her efforts and her calmly folded hands had been balled up, her knuckles white from the tension. Her headache was becoming worse and she felt an overwhelming desire to go take a bath and then lie down, but she couldn't afford to let herself appear weak.

"Yes, when you've overexerted yourself from using advanced Magyk. Arya, it's just you and me here. Could you be honest with me. Please?" He saw her hands tightly balled. Saw the tension she was keeping and Cuyler wondered what she truly wanted to say or do to him right now. This was their first real argument.

Arya stared at him for a moment. She never had had a proper boyfriend before. But she could not swallow her pride and admit that she was dying - that the Castle was going to be without an ExtraOrdinary Wizard - that she had failed in her duties. Rowland had retired from the post. Atkin had not completed his apprenticeship and Arya feared he never would. Jarvis Yule was the only suitable replacement - yet what if he were to fall as well? Wizard Tower crumbling...she had seen it in her nightmares. "...I have told you, I am not ill," Arya protested.

Cuyler rose to his feet quickly, throwing his hands into the air in frustration and turned around. He walked away from Arya, grabbing onto his head for a moment before he turned around and started at her. "Yes there is Arya! Dammit! You are not invincible. People with Magykal abilities are falling ill no matter what their skill level is. You are no different Arya. You need to take a break. There is nothing to defend when everyone with Magyk is suffering." He looked at her, obvious pain within his blue eyes. Why couldn't she see what was happening to her? "I need you to be realistic here Arya. Not for you but for us. Arya, if... I..." He shook his head and looked away from her. Would she even care? Her life was so involved in the Castle. In protecting its inhabitants. Cuyler understood this, loved this about her but she was killing herself over it.

"I know that I am not invincible," Arya said, keeping her voice at an even level. Her eyes flickered to the burn scar on her hand. She had learned that lesson - the dangers of Magyk. Yet even in the midst of this argument, her mind continued to turn and turn. For a brief moment, she had a memory of her mother and father - they had screamed and argued all of the time when she was little. Arya then had to take a breath, her vision having blurred for a moment. "I am being realistic. The Castle needs its ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Cuyler...There is no true contender for the next ExtraOrdinary Wizard...The Queen is young and inexperienced. If I were to fall...Chaos would reign."

"And what about me?" he whispered. He was looking away from her now, shoulders slightly hunched in defeat. His precise reason for her slowing down was so the Castle didn't lose her. So he didn't lose her. She was the light that he had been looking at every time he reached port. Looking up at that tower, he thought of her first. Not how much he needed to sell in the market, or how he was going to sell it. She was his friend first, his lover second but now she was both. She was everything.

He looked back at her. His eyes were even more blue as his vision briefly clouded from the tears. "I understand your value as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. What it will mean if you... if you die... Our Queen is young, inexperienced but I can't help but to think of me. To think of us... Arya I can't lose you. You are...are...I love you Arya." It came out awkwardly but once it had, he felt lighter. For a split moment, he felt happier but what was that moment going to be if she didn't reply?

She took a sharp breath, the tension in her hands vanishing. Of all of the possible responses from him that she had been brainstorming in her mind...that had been unexpected. Tears filled her eyes and she started to cry; it was like the shudder that signaled a quake, moving throughout her body. The tears stung as they trailed down her face and she took a ragged breath again. "Cuyler..." she said softly, trying to formulate a reply but she couldn't. Words failed her as her body betrayed her.

This had never been in the plan - to fall in love. Her life had been planned out from the moment she accepted Rowland's apprenticeship as a small girl. She was going to serve as ExtraOrdinary Wizard, protect the Castle, mentor a few apprentices, and then die in a small home along the water quietly at an old age. She had never comprehended that she would ever dare to want more than that.

Her response wasn't exactly what he pictured. Well, the way he had told her he loved her wasn't what he pictured either. Cuyler moved back to Ayra, kneeling down in front of her and set his hands on her legs. "I know who you are. I love who you are and I understand the commitment you have. If you can't think of us, I understand but Arya...If you continue to push yourself like this, you aren't going to have to worry about putting on a brave face because you won't be here to do so."

"Cuyler..." Arya started again, the tears and the illness blurring her vision. "Of course I think of us - of you," she said softly. She had never made this sort of confession before and she didn't know what to do, but she found herself rambling. It seemed to be a habit of hers when nervous. "I-I never anticipated to care for someone as deeply as I do for you...to want to be with them in every way possible...my parents did not love each other and I never learned how to have this sort of conversation, to know what to expect and I am sorry for that. I am sorry for my duty and my...my penchant to be overtly formal and I know that I need to work on it, to relax and experience life for myself...it's why Rowland retired, ExtraOrdinary Wizards do not live an ordinary life...or even an extraordinary one if I am being honest...B-but to be truthful I am in love with you...a-a-and I am ill.."

"...And I am scared I am not going to live to see this winter..." she then added in a small voice.

He couldn't help it. Cuyler started to smile a little as she started to ramble again. He loved that about her too. It was the only time she wasn't being formal, she was simply, feeling. He ran his thumbs along her legs, trying to give her some comfort while she let everything out to him. Then came the words he was waiting for her to admit to and one's he wasn't expecting. His world seemed to shift a bit. If Arya didn't think she was going to make it, then what did that mean?

Cuyler shifted, picking Arya up and pulled her onto the floor with him, cradling her close. She seemed easier to pick up, lighter than ever before. "We must make the most of the time we have then," he whispered. He didn't want to think about losing her but he wouldn't let another second pass them by. His lips brushed along her cheek, absorbing her tears. "I love you," he whispered into her ear, wanting to hear it again from her despite everything.

She curled into Cuyler, feeling incredibly tiny and small, almost infant-like. Hearing him say that he loved her just made the tears fall more thickly. She was scared to die. It might have seem strange - to fear death in a society where those who pass on remain behind as ghosts. Yet a ghost may only tread once more where, living, they have gone before. Arya had not left the Castle very often and when she had, she had not gone far. And then there was Cuyler. He couldn't date a spirit. He'd have to move on - and she would be stuck, frozen, forced to lose him and helpless to do anything about it.

"I love you too..." she mumbled through the tears.

He stroked her back, playing with the ends of her hair as he always did. Despite the tears, hers and his, he smiled as he held Arya close to him. He rocked back and forth with minimal movement, just in a simple soothing way. Though this moment was filled with fear of the unknown, Cuyler felt a sense of peace. A deeper connection to Arya now. He nuzzled his face into the side of her neck, breathing her in. Come what may, they would face it together and that was all Cuyler ever wanted. His shirt gradually became soaked but he hardly cared. He moved his head and kissed her cheek once, twice, absorbing the tears there.

"We will get through this you and I, together. We will figure out a way to fix this. Without Magyk," he said and stroked her hair while he kissed the side of her head. "We are in a time where Magyk is a poison, where it can't fix our problems. I know this is terrifying for you, to be at a disadvantage when all you have had was your Magyk but I've never had it. You've shown me much of the pleasures Magyk can bring but let me show you what you can do without it. You speak of the Castle falling into chaos without you but without the use of Magyk the Castle will need to learn to defend in a different way. We are in the reign of chaos maybe but chaos can bring new growth. A change to a already dying country."

"...The Queste..." Arya mumbled. She knew that Cuyler had essentially said no more Magyk and she thought for a moment. She then reached around her neck with shaky hands and removed her amulet, offering it to Cuyler. "This is the Akhu Amulet of Hotep-Ra...It's been worn by every ExtraOrdinary Wizard in history. By tradition, we place our Magyk within it. Those who died while holding the position, their Magyk is still there...I channel it with every spell I cast." She then placed the amulet in Cuyler's hand and folded his hand around it. "Without that amulet, I am not a wizard...I am powerless...I am...just Arya." She was entrusting him with her Magyk itself - the closest she could get to handing over her life and soul to him.

Cuyler watched her curiously as she moved and was a bit confused as she removed her amulet. She explained it in more detail to him. He knew the gist of it but didn't understand what it completely meant. Until she handed it to him. He looked down at the delicate thing in his hands, eyes wide and shock on his face.

"Arya...Are you sure?" He asked, looking into her face. This was a, major step for her. Relinquishing this, her control and her power. Power that she had known for a very long time. What if giving up this amulet, sped up the progress of Arya's Sickenesse? Cuyler felt conflicted as he looked from Arya to the amulet and back again.

"...I'm not sure of many things right now," Arya said quietly, her petit form dwarfed next to Cuyler's muscular build. She let go of the amulet, resting it entirely in Cuyler's hand yet the vibrant green did not fade from her eyes. She was still tired and fatigued, the headaches horrible and her body feeling as if it needed to sink into a warm sleep - but her condition did not worsen. This in itself was another piece of the puzzle - the Sickenesse remained even when the user's Magyk was gone. But it did not accelerate - at least, not yet.

"Cuyler, I have to ask a favor of you...I understand if you say no but...I believe we need to go investigate our only lead. Atkin is in no condition for it and I would not dare call for a Draw. I will leave Yule in charge of the tower and I will undergo the Queste...I would like it if you came with me."

The full weight of the amulet settled into Cuyler's hands. He was expecting some big, change. A shift in the air but nothing occurred. He shifted and tied the thing around his neck and tucked it under his dry shirt. Cuyler wouldn't let the thing out of his sight. As much as it was one of things killing Arya, it was still a part of her. So he would protect it.
He looked at Arya has she spoke, seeing no change in her presence even though the amulet was no longer in her possession. Perhaps it would take some time for her to feel a bit better. She looked like she needed to sleep anyways. The Quest? She still wanted to go through with that? The Quest seemed to have very specific rules and it would not be denied. He didn't disagree that Atkin should be kept out of it, should be kept safe but why did it have to be Arya to go through it? At the very least, which gave Cuyler some comfort, she asked him to go with her.

"Of course I will come with you. I would follow you anywhere," he said seriously. Even in death, he would find some way to return to her or bring her back to him.

Arya nodded, giving him a soft kiss before she let silence fall over them.

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Amarantha

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Location:The Attic

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Myrus looked lost as he looked around at the newcomers in the room. He looked at Amarantha with such fear and sadness in his eyes. It almost startled her. Almost. He cried and confirmed to her that he had been the one to do this. It looked like a bomb had gone off, much like the ones her new friend Antonije could make. Amarantha’s focus was pulled back when Lyra stepped forward, rather close to the Prince and tried to talk him down. It was remarkable how bravery and stupidity went hand in hand. Of course, Mryus reacted and before Amarantha could reach to protect Luna, a shower of the attic wall came flying out at them. Amarantha lifted her arm to protect her face and was hit with some of the dibries. She felt slivers of wood sliding into her skin but it didn’t cause much pain, more of a discomfort. She pulled her arm away to see Queen Valda step forward to comfort her brother. Amarantha’s eyes widened in horror as she wrapped her arms around the unstable boy who had just blown up a wall and a few more crates in the five minutes she had been here. Luna went to step forward and Amarantha was on top of her charge. She stepped forward quickly and stuck her arm out in front of Luna in order to keep her from following Valda’s example. Amarantha’s hand came to rest on Luna’s stomach with a decent amount of pressure.
”Until we understand further, I must protest.”
Mryus did seem to calm down, the glowing of his hands disappeared and he was merely crying and shaking in Valda’s arms. With her hand still securly pushing back on Luna, Amarantha turned to look at Titan.
”Send a message to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. Her presence is needed immediately in regard to the Prince. Go.” With a curt nod Titan slipped away to ring for a messenger rat. He was far happier to be out of the crumpling attic.
Amarantha turned her attention back to the three royals and listened to Luna as she whispered to her siblings. She smiled a little but quickly masked that. Perhaps a little perspective that Mryus wasn’t the only seemingly screwed up would calm him down some.
”As much as I agree, I suggest we leave this place as the structural integrity as been compromised,” Amarantha urged the group.

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Ahote Proudstar

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Location: On the main deck of the Aricie

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Ahote was always watching for the extraordinary. He had an eye for it and he had been noticing many different types of people, and not just by their auras either. He left his home to do more, to learn more and help others train like him. There were always the whisperings whenever a boat came to their port of the different types of Magyk and unique powers. Those who were oppressed and those who didn’t understand or care to. Ahote wanted to change those peoples minds, to improve the lives of others. It seemed that on this ship, the Aricie, that there were people who had embraced their otherness and wore it proudly.
Ahote continued to smile and look at Arnora with wonder, even as she counted her coin and Grimspound questioned her. She and Minerva didn’t seem to understand the term ‘mutant’. Where they perhaps called something else here?
”Yes, it is a term used in my country to explain extraordinary powers. Everyone in my village except for our medicine men and elders are mutants,” Ahote informed them. He felt comfortable in telling them this. It was no secret the differentness the True North contained, but other than traders and passing ships picking up passengers, no one went to that place. He looked at Arnora.
”I would like to know how you received your powers and how common they are for your people. Perhaps we can discuss this as we go to this house while in port?”

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: OMEN Facility -- Second Floor

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Antoinette flinched when the guns started to fire. She dropped to the ground and covered her ears, trying to block the awful sound. There was no getting around the memory as it flashed into her head, showing her what she had heard all those years ago when her mother called. She told them to run, to leave and not come back for her. And then the gun went off and the line went dead. She couldn’t handle that again. The bullets from the agents pounded into the ice shield but Agent Flynn’s bullets were hitting people and they were dropping. As each agent fell, Antoinette’s head got a little lighter.
Through the sound of battle, she heard Agent Flynn question her. Annie looked up, tears in her eyes as she tried to push past the fear that was threatening to swallow her whole.
”I’m….I’m not sure,” she stammered. ”I’ve never used my powers in a fight. I can cast illusions, but not very well and not on many people,” Annie managed to get out. Each time a gun went off she would flinch and have to start over again in her sentence. Annie hadn’t used her powers much at all. Only with her father, when he said it was okay, when they were trying to train but anytime they had to leave, to run. That’s what she did. Ran and never looked back.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: OMEN Facility -- A Lab

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Antoinette sucked in a breath as the needle sank into her skin. She watched the liquid get pushed into her vein with mild fascination. Once the liquid was completely dispensed, the needle was pulled and dropped to the ground where is was promptly forgotten. Within moments Demetria’s powers came back and Annie’s jaw dropped as she watched the girls hair and eyes change. Her power was incredible! Overly dramatic? Antoinette hardly thought so. It was beautiful. The perfect mix of elegance and chaos.
However, Antoinette didn’t get to admire her new friend’s power for long as hers came back into full swing within minutes of being injected. A swarm of emotions and feelings of desire and fear swarmed Antoinette’s head. She dropped to her knees, in obvious pain as she clutched her head and started to scream. The sudden onslaught of emotions was much for her to handle, especially when she had been ignoring her powers for so long. She desperately tried to bring about an illusion to block out the enhanced intuition but she couldn’t concentrate long enough. Everyone around her was intent on killing or running for their lives and she could feel it all. The continuing firing of guns were not in her favour of concentrating either.
Annie began to rock back and forth, tears streaming down her face and hummed an old, familiar tune. An image of her mother came to the forefront of her mind and the pain that was around her seemed to suddenly drop off. Her mother seemed to glow as she danced around the kitchen, humming and dancing to the very tune Antoinette currently was humming. It was from her favourite movie, Anastasia. Her mother danced over to the little Antoinette of her memory and picked her up. They danced around the kitchen and Antoinette felt that familiar warmth as if her mother was with her now.
The memory continued to dance around Antoinette as she opened her eyes and faced the destruction around her. The room was freezing but Antoinette seemed to embrace it as she stood, rising to her feet as if nothing had happened. She knew she wouldn’t be much use in this fight but she wasn’t going to die here either.
”Let’s go,” she agreed. Her voice was soft but it was full of power.

Darke Magyk - Concluded

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Cuyler Eysteinsson

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Location: Wizard’s Tower -- 20th Floor

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Cuyler stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed and a frown on as his face as he watched Arya tend to her bloody nose. She looked positively tired and Cuyler noted that her face dropped a few shades whiter as well. This Sickenesse had advanced in Arya with that little bit of Magyk that she used and he worried what this would mean for her. He was about to tell her that they should stay here rather than go into the forest when suddenly she went rigid. Cuyler took a step towards her before freezing. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head before a booming voice came out of Ayra’s mouth. That was not Ayra speaking but ust as quickly as she changed, she was back.
Cuyler looked around the room in bewilderment. He turned around on the spot, looking to see if there was someone else in the room who had seen that. Much to Cuyler’s dismay, Arya continued to speak as if nothing had happened. To top it off, she was still claiming there was nothing wrong with her!
Cuyler approached Arya quickly, a crazed look in his eyes as he knelt down in front of her and took her arms into his hands.
”Ayra! Would you please stop denying that nothing is wrong when it is plain to everyone that there is?” He shook her slightly, begging her to step back into reality. There was worry and fear in his eyes now as he continued to speak. ”Where did you go just now? Your eyes rolled back into your head and this strange voice came from your mouth. Something is wrong Ayra, I need you to come back and focus on that. To focus on you,” he pleaded.

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Amarantha

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Location:Outside the Attic---> Inside The Attic

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While Amarantha waited for Luna’s response, Titan showed up mere moments later. Titan had been within the Long Walk, disposing of Fyror’s body for the time being until something further could be done for the young man. As he was heading back to retrieve Lennox, he heard a great explosion and quickly rushed off. The Palace was much bigger than he liked to admit. Titan ended up getting turned around but found Amarantha and Lyra once he got his bearings straight again. He stood behind Amarantha and winked at Lyra with a mischievous grin before Amarantha drew his attention back.
”And you should be with Princess Luna by now,” his commander stated. Titan cleared his throat, about to explain when Amarantha quickly turned around. Queen Valda had just spoken, followed by Princess Luna. They were talking rather calmly, as if to a frightened animal. Titan tried to get a look in while Amarantha barged into the room.
Amarantha stepped into the attic and quickly took in the sight before her. Myrus sat, curled in the furthest corner from his sisters, his head buried and his hands seemed to glow almost red. She looked from Valda to Luna, then back to Myrus.
”What has happened?” she demanded. There was also a significant amount of damage done to attic. Was it Prince Myrus who had done this? Amarantha was brimming with more questions than answers and she did not like being kept in the dark.

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Ahote Proudstar

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Location: On the main deck of the Aricie

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Before Ahote could get an answer from Grimspound, Arnora suddenly moved off. Minerva had assured Ahote would be back in time before the ship set sail again but Ahote had the sudden feeling there would be some time before that happened. Arnora then moved around the two men and walked over to the stairs that led below deck. Looking at the other two, Ahote followed suit. He was curious now. Grimspound had sparked his interest with his sudden knowledge that something was afoot and now Arnora, having the ability to see spirits, seemed drawn to the commotion below deck.
Due to his concentration on her, Ahote saw her true colour come through. Literally. Her skin shifted a shade and she was seeming to be followed by a bright orange. Ahote smiled, momentarily distracted. He loved this colour. Such freedom she had. Full of life and desire to do as she pleased and live every moment to it's fullest potential. He was pulled back into the moment when it shifted slightly. The temperature around the two of them seemed to drop but Ahote moved closer to the unique woman, rather than stepping away. He watched as the water that had been coming into the ship freeze, a unique power flowing from Arnora. Back home there was the power to control water, how it flowed and even the ability to make it rain. It came in handy. But to turn something to ice, Ahote had yet to see something like that. Until now.
With the task done, Arnora headed back to the group and Ahote came right up to her when she sat down.
”You are a mutant,” he stated. ”With the ability to freeze liquid. Is there anything else you can freeze?” Ahote’s eyes seemed to sparkle with wonder. He was very knowledgeable in this area and this was the whole reason for his travel. To see if there were others like him and make sure they knew their abilities to the fullest extent. To train them sort to speak.

Heroes of Olympus: the Next Age of Heroes

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Camp Half-Blood -- The Beach

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Summer. After winter passes and spring comes, bringing those blasted strawberries back. The smell was nauseating to Ezekiel. Three years he had been here and the smell never got better. It only seemed to get worse and there was always a fresh batch. Didn’t they ever go out of season? Although the summer heat brought on the stronger scent of strawberries, it also brought out the sun more often. At least every day it shone at some point and Ezekiel made sure he was under its rays, taking the most of it in. He woke early this morning in order to get those early rays. Of course, it was still a bit cold so he dressed warmly in a pair of long, dark green pants and his long-sleeved black shirt with beanie on top to keep his ears warm and headphones in. After taking several minutes to stretch, Zeke was off running. He took to the well familiar trails and like clockwork, ran into Kiera. They fell into pace beside each other, a simple greeting of nodding and smiling as both had their headphones in with music blaring. Ezekiel’s running music, usually consisted of heavy guitar riffs and a steady base to keep his rhythm while running. Of course, Kiera usually picked up the pace whenever her music switched, causing Zeke to push to keep up or switch his song.
They rounded a corner, giving a final push since their run was almost over. Zeke now had his sleeves pushed up past his elbow and his beanie secured in the pocket of his pants. The heat from running and the sun had now worked its way into his skin to warm him completely. Zoned in to the pace of running and beat of the music, Ezekiel didn’t notice Ryland, son of Zeus land suddenly in front of them. He skidded to a stop, nearly taking the demi-god out.
”Warning next time Ryland, Zeus above,” he cursed. He took his headphones out along with Kiera and listened to Ryland’s request. He looked at Kiera as Ryland merely ignored Zeke’s presence. That was nothing new. The two constantly ignored each other until it was necessary to communicate and that usually consisted of snide remarks until someone attempted to make the first punch. Usually that was Ezekiel.
He watched Ryland’s face change from calm and confidence to unease and uncertainty. The son of Apollo smirked and put his hands into his pants pockets.
”Awe, are you worried about the prophecy Ry? The whole weight of the camp solely on your shoulders again?” Two days ago the Oracle spoke a new prophecy and the camp had been abuzz about it ever since. A woman clad in green? Obvious was it not? Bring the gods to their knees? Why should we care, we are only half. As for the rest of it? Well, don’t worry. The big three will figure out what it is and stop it. Then the whole camp will be grateful to them and build another statue in their honor where the sun will shine everyday! Ezekiel looked up at the sky, seeing the sun high above everything and glared at it, like it was offending him suddenly.
He looked back at the couple, closer to each other more than just by their parents than Ezekiel would ever be to either of them or even his other Apollo siblings.
”Have fun, say hi to the witch for me would ya?” He slipped the headphones back into his ears before he shoved past Ryland, giving him a hard hit with his shoulder before he continued on the path back to camp.