Avatar of Morose

Status

Recent Statuses

7 yrs ago
My power grows exponentially each day as we come nearer to Halloween.
7 likes

Most Recent Posts





@Morose@Achronum@Blizz@Forsythe@Kirah@PatientBean@Trainerblue192
Afternoon - Wed. December 15th, 2038 - New Orleans, Louisiana

Ava was having an extremely bad day. Her entire team had crumbled around her. And these kids, they weren't the Young Avengers - everyone had been gossiping about how their team had been thrown together at the last minute, that they'd never even practiced as a group. And with everything they'd done to make sure that they were ready... It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was just her and Wil, and Wil was possessed, and she was tired and she really really really didn't want to get set on fire, or hit in the head with a mace by that little bully of a twink, or punched with lightning or punched with earth or any of it. "I give up!" Ava shouted. "We give up! You guys win!"

With Wil incapacitated and Ava voting to surrender, there was no one else on the field from the Hex Girls to fight. A referee's whistle sounded off, followed by canons of confetti erupting at either end of the arena, announcing the end of the match. "WINNER - EXCELSIOR!" the announcer's voice boomed. "THEY ADVANCE TO THE FINALS TO FACE THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS, THE YOUNG AVENGERS, TOMORROW - YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE FOLKS, AS WE PRESENT TO YOU OUR OWN AVENGERS: CIVIL WAR!"

The marketing team had been prepared for this clearly, as electronic banners around the arena switched to show images of the lineups for tomorrow - of the Young Avengers coming face to face with Excelsior. The crowd's energy was palpable, a sonic wall sending vibrations through each contestant left on the field. Some people thrilled - particularly those who had placed a bet against the Hex Girls - and some dismayed, incredulous at what should have been a slam dunk for Strange Academy.

For those on the field still, two doors would suddenly appear in the midst of the field - one that would take them to their team's locker room, the other that would transport them to the medical ward if they wished to go check in on their friends.

And no sooner had those doors appeared than Vision rushed onto the field, beaming at them with pride. He had sent off messages to Vicky and Sabine, alerting them that Excelsior had emerged victorious, too. "You have done it! Ser Nemo would be incredibly proud of your accomplishment," he told his remaining students.

Percy



For a moment, Percy let himself enjoy the victory. They had triumphed. It had been the hardest match so far - the one that had truly pushed them to their limits as a team. The Hex Girls had been better foes than even Arcade, a fact that made him chuckle quietly to himself. He hoped Arcade - the one he'd known, not the one he had become - would have hated that, would have hated immediately being upstaged by a coven of witches. But more than just pettiness, he was proud, too - and happy. Happy that his boyfriend was closer to seeing his dream realized. Happy that he had been able to be by Dorian's side as it happened.

... Percival usage aside.

But as the Vision took the field, his mood soured on two counts. The first was that they would be facing Vision's handpicked team the next day. They didn't have a coach who could advocate for them, then - not impartially, at least. He doubted that the school had planned for this eventuality. They weren't supposed to have made it this far.

The second was Nemo. His stomach curdled at the thought of him. He thought his dislike of the old man would have been easier, now that Casper had revealed he was possibly still alive. It was easier to hate the living than the dead. But if anything, his unease had only compounded. Would Ser Nemo be proud of them? If he was alive, why wasn't he here? What had happened to him? And where was Lady Nimue? The contest seemed silly in respect to those questions - to those tangible problems, set aside and ignored.

Instead, Percy cleared his throat slightly and eyed Wil. He wanted to hit the showers. "Dorian?" he prompted.

April




April bit her lip, hearing Sabine's reassurance that she never would have messed with her and Leah's heads. The idea had crossed her mind once or twice - that the reason Sabine had been so cold, so standoffish, after the breakup had been because the relationship hadn't been real. That Sabine had altered April's memories to manipulate her into dating her, and that she had just been a toy, a passing interest - that when it was over, Sabine didn't care because she never had. But... This was Sabine. This was her - her friend? She didn't know what word to use. But she knew that she believed her. That she trusted her.

"I think... maybe sometimes you should," she began slowly. "Use it to get what you want, I mean. But not - not to get like diamonds or fancy clothes or cars. Because what you want is to help people. And that - I think that's what makes you different from other people with that power. They just want to hurt people or they want things for themselves. And you're not like that." She stopped for a moment, uncertain if this made any sense.

"And I think... some people deserve to have their heads messed with," she added, before somewhat nervously running a hand through her hair. "Like some people fucking suck. Like billionaires who treat people like animals, they deserve to be fucked with. And fascists and Nazis and bigots and other assholes."

Sabine's phone would vibrate with a message from Vision - Excelsior had won.



For those ordering drinks, they are made to your specifications quickly and efficiently, with the signature glassware/plating of the Haven. Nicky is served his usual, Finley a Bushwacker, extra cream and simple sugar, and Connie is offered her usual mocktail.



Location: Outside the Haven -> the Haven
Grimoire: N/A
Skills: N/A
Wild Magic Build Up: triggers on a 1 or 2


Jake noticed the way that Annika stayed next to him. He beamed. Not only were they roommates, they were friends, too! And he loved everything about the way she was dressed, but especially the necklace. It looked so pretty! Had she made it herself? She was so talented!! He looked at his own clothing, clothes that had felt so comfy and fine a moment ago, and his grin dropped into a frown. He liked what Annika was wearing more. Would it be rude to ask her if he could try on her clothes some time? He dismissed the thought almost immediately. He would be very fair and offer a swap, a trade! It would be a fun game! Everyone would think he was Annika and she was him! They wouldn't be able to tell them apart!

He gasped though as someone cried out - they were hurt! Without thinking, Jake rushed on over, arriving at their side just a few moments after Alfonse (he was so pretty!). Alfonse helped the person up to their feet. Another person was here too - they had the most beautiful blonde hair, it almost looked like it was shimmering. Jake wished he knew everyone's names. "Can I help get ice?" Jake asked. "Is this permanent?" he then asked. He didn't know if this person was going to be hurt forever - or if this was something that would go away. He hoped it was something that would go away. They didn't deserve this.

Everyone was heading inside now. There'd been an explanation - something about offering up magic. Jake didn't have any magic. Not magic that he knew about. But almost everyone had already gone inside, including the hurt person, and he really did want to help. There was a strange tugging sensation in his gut too, like something urging him onwards. He didn't think about it critically. He didn't think about anything critically.

"I don't know how this works so... I give you some magic?" he said to the painting, before reaching out and gently poking the child with his finger. The sensation that followed was strange - tickling, almost, and Jake couldn't stop himself from giggling. His head felt funny, and for a brief moment, his sense of balance eluded him. And before he could regain it, his surroundings suddenly changed - as he left the hallway behind and entered the Haven.

"Wow..." he looked around, astonished - any sense of what he had wanted to do in here evaporating away, all urgency gone.

And then...

"What do we do now? Can we play a game?" Jake was desperate to play a game. He'd never played one before, but he just knew that he'd love them. He saw some other people asking for something to drink. That wasn't meant for him though. He didn't need that.


April



April was startled for a moment, as Skyler sprang to life with a good amount of cheer. On some level, she expected him to attack again - to be upset that they'd beaten him. But it was just a competition. They were just kids. They weren't in danger. This wasn't Arcade. She took in a slight breath, feeling herself steady again. And the way he was caring for the other Hex Girls... it was kind of sweet? She found her guard lowering slightly as she smiled at them. Maybe Sabine was right and they'd cheated. But if they had... they were being really chill about everything. "Yeah!! That would be so cool!! Is there, like, a dress code?" April asked. Her smile faltered for a moment there. Most of her cute clothes were back in Los Angeles - and the ones not in Los Angeles were in Washington D.C... Not that April intended to ever go there again. She'd have to ask Leah how she got away with never going home during breaks.

She then forced the smile back on her face. "We gotta run, things to do, but um - here's my number! You actually seem pretty cool? I'm um - I'm April, but you, you know that. See you around!!" She recited her number, gave an awkward wave to everyone, before sprinting off after Sabine. She caught up with her pretty quickly, letting Sabine lead the way as they exited the arena. It was in the same weird pocket dimension that Strange Academy was in - finding one's way around wasn't always intuitive. "So we're going to their hotel - which hotel is it? But... Why would they stay at a hotel when they have their own dorm at the school, right? Unless you think they wanted to take the drugs offsite, so that way they wouldn't get caught?"



Percy



Percy faltered for a moment, frowning sharply as Dorian called him Percival Novikova. Hearing that name was akin to the sound of fingernails dragged across a chalkboard. His name was Percy Novikov. Nothing more, nothing less. Novikova was incorrectly gendered, and Percival was overly fanciful. If his name were to be extended, he knew that his mother Maria's intention had been to name him after Percy Jackson - who was, in turn, named for Perseus. So if anything, Dorian ought to have said Perseus Novikov. Or if he insisted on editing his name, then the surname could be changed for Novikoff, an Americanization but an adequate one nonetheless. Perseus Novikoff was annoying. Percival Novikova was infuriating.

His eye twitched. The bully accusation wasn't any better. He'd been bullied severely at his old school, and when he'd arrived at Margaret Carter, it had seemed like things were going that way again with Danni and Dorian. One boy in particular had been particularly brutal to him in middle school. If Percy ever saw him again, he'd kill him.

"Fine," Percy forced out, almost a growl.

Andy handled Tatiana though. Only Ava and Wil were left - and Percy wasn't going to hit his boyfriend. So he turned to face Ava, holding her own mace. "I am going to attack you now. This is not me bullying you," he informed her, his voice clipped, as he swung her mace and struck her in the side of the head.



The Stands


Hope pursed her lips slightly. She felt the weariness hit her again. She knew Cassie had told Vicky about the governmental concerns - and she knew that her daughter was going to do it anyways. Standing in her way wasn't going to help anything. All Hope wanted was to see Vicky happy. If Vicky was going to take those risks, then she would do what she could to help. Besides, she was older now. Proven technology - not something brand new anymore.

"Vicky... There is nothing you could do or say that would change the fact that our home is your home - that our family is your family. I'm your mother, no matter what." As much as everything Vicky was saying was killing Hope. As much as she felt like she was drowning. She put on a brave face. That was what parents did when their kids were hurting, when they were in pain.


Percy



Things were getting easier, now. Ava tried to take her mace back, only for Percy to teleport out of reach, unable to help himself as he smirked, waving at her casually. "I'm sorry - did you want this back?" It was mean of him and he knew it. But he didn't care. The Hex Girls had been assholes first, throwing lewd comments around like it was nothing. If they couldn't take it when the tables were reversed, they had no business being on the field. Of course, not that very many of them were left - Leah, Andy, and Danni worked together, bringing Thuy down. With Dorian possessing Wil, that meant there were really only two left on the field.

So Percy took a swing at the next biggest threat - another slight to Ava, no doubt - as he used her mace against one of her teammates once more. Only this time, his target was Tatiana.








Over the next few hours, the students settled into their rooms. Aided by the school’s magics, each dormitory was thoroughly changed, customized as to better suit its occupants. A seemingly frivolous use of the craft, but one that made a tangible impact in the wellbeing of the academy’s students - enough so that the institution was happy to pay the bill when it came due. Of course, as much as the school was willing to create bedding, decoration, and furnishings, clothing was another matter entirely.

So as each student fretted over what to wear at the Haven’s welcoming bash, they would only have their own wardrobes to peruse. And only a lucky few knew how to conjure up a worthwhile glamor. The invitation gave no instructions as to the manner of attire, but this was the first social event of the year, the first chance to make a good impression on their coven mates and roommates - or rather, their first chance to repair any disastrous impressions from the opening ceremonies in the Hall of Ancients. A terrible outfit would be social suicide.

As the appointed hour approached, the invited students made their way through the school to the Haven’s concealed location - hidden behind “El Aquelarre” on one of the school’s lowest floors. While usually accessed by means of a code, tonight the students were greeted by Alfonse Franzén. He offered each person a soft, pleased smile and nodded as they approached, but otherwise remained quiet until most everyone had assembled. Alfonse cleared his throat once everyone had and took a half step forward.

“Good evening, everyone! Thank you for accepting our invitation and welcome to the entrance of Haven, a place to hide away from the mundanities of the world. It is located within the Neverish with more than just this entrance and so you may encounter people who you would not have ever had an opportunity to mingle with before! However, tonight our owners have opted to only allow those assembled here so the newly formed covens could have some peace, quiet, and drinks to relax and connect away from the prying eyes of your Professors.” Alfonse announced excitedly, beaming at everyone. “Some of you are regulars, others infrequent patrons, but both know the expectations and the offerings. For those who are new, the three rules outlined in the invitations are ironclad. Entering Haven means you magically agree to the terms. Breaking them will cause Haven to remove you and you will find yourself kindly dropped off at a random exit to Haven somewhere in the world.” Alfonso laughed, fond memories of troublesome patrons running through his head.

“Haven can accommodate most requests for… distraction with reasonable notice, but we also have an entertainment menu for our regular offerings. If there are any questions or concerns before we head in, now is the time to ask.” Alfonse looked around expectantly, eagerly, before startling. “Oh, I forgot. My name is Alfonse and I am your server for the evening!”




Location: Laveau Hall - Annika’s, Frankie’s, and Jake’s room -> Outside the Haven
Grimoire: N/A
Skills: N/A


He had roommates! Jake ceased in his bouncing, looking at them and memorizing their features with wonderment. Annika! Ahn - Nih - Ka. Annika, Annika, Annika! Did she have other names too? She looked so cool, with her hair so long, and then the way she made the room different! That was so incredible! Was that what her magic was? That was so useful! Jake wanted to know how to do things like that! If he could make the room be anything, it would be… it would be…

His stomach gurgled slightly.

Jake gasped. ”I made a noise! I made a noise without moving my mouth!” Maybe that was what his magic was! He could make noises! Jake held very still, listening for it to happen again, before he became distracted immediately by his roommates. He couldn’t hold his attention on a single thing for very long, not when everything around him was so new and wonderful! He loved being alive! ”Hi Annika! I’m Jake!! Hi stranger! I’m Jake!” The stranger had the same ability to change the room, too!

His other roommate hadn’t introduced himself, but that didn’t matter. Jake was so happy to have them there! And the little thing his roommate had with him, it was so cute! He had the sudden urge to cuddle it and jump around in circles and scream all at once! ”Is that one of our roommates too?” he asked. Connie had been something else and then changed - maybe he had three roommates and not just two!

He tilted his head slightly, as Annika looked at the piece of paper that had been slid under their door, followed by the stranger taking it and looking at it. Was it something important? They’d tell him if it was, right? ”Does it say something?” Jake asked.

✮ ⋆ ˚。𖦹 ⋆。°✩


Later that evening, Jake had made his way down with his fellow students. He didn’t have any other clothes to wear, so he was wearing what he had been the entire time - a pair of dog tags slung around his neck, comfortable jeans and a hoodie, with a jacket thrown on top. He was completely unremarkable, just an average man walking down the street. What stood out about him was his intense smile, mirroring back Alfonse’s energy. He liked Alfonse! He loved Alfonse! Maybe they could be roommates, too!

”Hi Alfonse!! I’m Jake!!” He had no idea what sort of stuff happened in a place like this but he was so excited!! Maybe they’d play a game! He’d never played a game before!!


The Stands


Gideon did not really care that the boys almost immediately abandoned her. They were deep in new relationship energy and she didn't see a need to waste her time or theirs. So instead, she sat back, propping her feet up on the seat in front of her, and watched intently as her closest friends at school - she didn't have very many friends - fought the Hex Girls tooth and nail. She let out a cheer as some of the Strange Academy kids went down - and booed as two of their own were taken out. "That's fucking bullshit!" How did fire beat water? It made no sense!

Meanwhile, Valerie's nerves had settled down again, and she gave her wife a slight, forced smile. She knew Eva probably had a lot of questions. And Val would do her best to answer them all - the ones she could here, at least. The days of the Mutant Underground may have long since ended, but their enemies had a long memory. They were still out there.

"Without," Dominika confirmed. Admitting it stung - like dragging a red hot poker across her chest. "We're getting divorced. It's messy and ugly. I won't pretend it isn't my fault."


Percy



Percy swore in a language that even he didn't register, as his attempt to help April was foiled. No sooner had he gotten her out of dodge than Thuy's flames hit, sending his fellow student unconscious. Where he had been gripping her arm was now nothing but air, as she'd been teleported to the medical bay. And with Sabine out, that brought them down to five still standing on the field. Five Hex Girls were left, too. As Dorian called out more shots, Percy took a quick moment to survey the field, before his gaze landed on Skyler. It was just a thought to send his body into space-time, rematerializing in a blink behind Skyler - and another thought to swing Ava's stolen mace, aiming for Skyler's skull. It wouldn't kill him. Probably.

"Unfortunately for you, my boyfriend and I don't date losers," Percy snipped.



April




April still hadn’t had a chance to catch her breath, even as things began to swing in Excelsior’s favor. Sabine was out, but so were two of the Hex Girls. Had her brain not felt so scrambled, she might have let out a cheer - or even just had a small moment to feel relieved. But the punches never stopped. A shield was tossed at her, narrowly missing, and she couldn’t even process what had happened before Ava was in range again, throwing literal punches at her. She should have thrown up water to protect herself, but she couldn’t do it - it was like her energy had been drained, her focus rattled. All she wanted to do was go back home (where even was home anywhere? Certainly not in DC…) and sleep.

Percy saved her once again - Ava’s hands didn’t hit.

But Thuy’s flames did.

She’d blocked flames a thousand times, and muscle memory kicked in, as she threw her hands up, expecting a sphere of water to form around her, a shield to keep the hellfire from licking her flesh. But there was nothing there to protect her, nothing besides air.

April didn’t avert her gaze as the blast hit her.

She couldn’t stifle a scream, though - from the intense pain, as the hellish flames engulfed her.

And then, then there was nothing but darkness.


How very
© 2007-2026
BBCode Cheatsheet