Hiya, AChronum here! Although I'm relatively new to rping, I have plenty of writing experience and love trying new genres and styles. I absolutely love high magic fantasy RPs and am pretty much willing to do anything so long as I can create a charaxter, not play an existing one, and develop lots and lots of backstory! I'm perfectly comfortable with all mature themes as well, although smut for smut's sake is out of the question.
Interested in an RP? Send me a PM and have a magically marvelous day!
See, nothing to worry about. Danni may have just skidded in at the last second before Couls started all this, but everything he heard was a win. Thank you for being awesome and amazing (minus the big award. Def points off for coolness Couls.), no more homework or classes for the semester with A's in everything, and their choice of teams?! His solid C average would have a cushy bump and they got to go to the Contest of Champions with a team of their own choice?! Clearly they needed to deal with supervillains more often!
Danni was going to say as much, but Vicky let loose on Couls and Danni took a step back at the intensity in Vickyâs words.. âWell, daaaamn girl. Go get tâem!â Danni whistled as he shook it off, sauntering up to Coulsonâs desk and hopping up to sit on it before realizing he wasnât where he wanted to be. âBut I am def uncomfy witâ tâe energy in tâe office so Iâmma jus-â Danni scooched across the desk so he was on the opposite corner. âTâere! Now you can stick it ta tâe man witâout gettinâ distracted by my pretty face and I can talk about tâe more excitinâ stuff âcause I am violently uncomfy witâ tâe energy youâre brinâinâ!â Danni gave her a thumbs up, dug around in his bag, and tossed her the Vicky bracelet he made with her name in blue block letters. âAnd a friendship bracelet! I made them for everyone, even Poisson-Pas! Nothinâ says friends forever like surviving a murder attempt!â
âNow, while Vicky is kickinâ ass and takinâ names, weâre tots redoinâ tâe teams right? Princess, Dee, and me are gonna be on a team âcause, like, itâs only been our dream since we got âere. And then-â Danni blinked a few times as he came to a grinding halt, even his active avoidance of therapy taking a back seat to Mads. Heâd plucked out Aprilâs bracelet and was holding it out, but he just stared for a few moments.
âO.M.G. âow did you not tell me âbout tâis! Like, tâis glow up is insane. Great look, 10/10 would recommend. I was just tâinkinâ we need a spa day just ta chill witâ everyone and now I am dyinâ ta âave one âcause I âave sooooo many questions. Like, horn piercinâs? Yes, no? I tâink itâd look great or like, oh! A tail bracelet, like an anklet but more of a⊠taiclet? Tanklet? Tail cuff, like an ear cuff? Jeez, âow do people name tâinâs, everytâinâ just sounds awkward. Poisson-Pas, you know what itâs called? You seem like one of tâose people tâat loves trivia nights.â The bracelet clinked as he turned to face, catching his attention.
âOh, shoot. Teams right, right!â Danni hopped off the desk and started handing his friendship bracelets out. âSo yeah. Princess, Dorian, me, def Beanie, which means Leah and Percy âcause yâall are in tâat honeymoon era and tâen def Mads âcause sheâs got wicked cool magic tâat can do a little bit of everyâinâ!â
Location: Kingston-Grey House, New Orleans Skills: Pyrokinesis, Electromagnetism, Astral Projection
It was dark, cramped, cold. The kind of cold that seeped heavy into the skin and stayed there. Awareness came slow to Danni, though he couldn't tell if he woke or not. He blinked, or at least he thought he did. There was no light to tell him. He thought for a second he'd gone blind, but he still saw the fuzzies behind his eyes when he squeezed them shut so he figured that wasn't right. He stretched and frowned as his fingers tapped against something firm, cold, and smooth.
Danni pressed around him and he realized quickly he was in a cylinder of some sort. He tried every surface, his pulse rising as he realized he had barely any room to turn as his shoulders brushed against the sides of wherever he was. He couldn't find an escape, any sort of opening, and panic set in. He kicked and screamed and cried, throwing himself against the walls before awkwardly sliding down and sobbing in his hands as he curled into himself.
âAw, all tuckered out already?â A voice in the dark laughed. A creaking accompanied the voice and a single, swaying light flickered to life. Illuminated by the broken, flickering yellow glow was Arcade. He was slouched lazy in a comfy chair, his laptop propped up on an arm, and the shifting light gave his glasses the cartoon evil glare.
ââCadie! T'ank God you're âere! I don't know what's goinâ on.â Danni shot up as relief flooded him, pressing up against the tank glass. âYou're lookinâ a little like villian you but you're âere ta get me out right? I don't know when I got back in the Framework t'inâ but I don't wanna be âere, please and t'ank You!â
âYou got out? Please, as if you or your amateur friends could have outsmarted me.â Arcade dismissed the notion with a hand wave and a laugh. âCome on Danni. I know you'll have to dust them off but at least try to use some of those brain cells. I can force you to experience anything and you thought I would stop at video games? Come on, this is my debut! Why not have a little fun with it?â
ââCadie, tâis is not âow you make friends. You wanted ta do better! You were sad and upset! T'at was real, right?â Danni asked, his back hitting the glass as he started shaking again. The realization that this wasn't quite a rescue was starting to bring the panic back.
âThat was real, right?â Arcade mocked in a poor impersonation. âPlease, I just made you see what you wanted to see. And it was fun, really fun, knowing that I let you have that little bit of relief before I tore it away. And now, I think it's time for you to die! Which way should we do it? Arcade tapped at his keyboard, dismissing options as he did.
Danni couldn't catch his breath. His lungs burned as they struggled and he couldnât, couldnât get enough air. The room started spinning, things started going hazy, and his heart was hammering in his ears. He reached for his fire but found nothing.
âYeah, I took that away too. Couldnât have you ruining the fun!â Arcade cackled as he finally found what he was looking for. âWell, Daniel. Its been fun but I have a few more to kill so I think it's time to wrap this up. Snakes away!â
The top of the chamber slid open and Danni screamed at the mass of snakes writhing in a ball above him. One by one they drop and it was all Danni could do not to pass out. âPlease, please, please, please Ed! Please help me! I won't tell anyone! I'll do anything, I'll help you escape,I'll work for you, just please let me go!â Danni begged, screamed, through tears. His vision was going as he felt the snakes squirm around him, he felt bile burning the back of his throat, he felt pressure on every side as they glass closed in around himâŠ
Then everything was on fire as he felt the flames tear themselves out of him. Danni couldnât even scream as it consumed him too.
Dorian was laying in his bed, his bedroom door open so that his new pet raptor could come and go as he pleased from his room. He was having a wonderful dream about Percy and him going to visit some ruins in Italy, something he'd have wanted to do during this break if it wasn't for the fact that they were grounded because of the Arcade incident. Sweat began to bead on his forehead as a wave of heat blasted into his room. It quickly spread to make him uncomfortably warm, prompting Dorian to get up and see if his fan had somehow turned off.
At first he hadn't noticed it, too groggy from sleep as he shuffled over to see if the fan had any higher speeds. It wasn't until he noticed a reflection of red dancing across the glass of his PC. He turned to look towards the windows where the reflection would be emanating from and saw the blaze of flames that seemed to press against the panes of Danni's room. Every ounce of tiredness had shaken free from his body as Dorian began to run towards the hallway that conjoined the two houses and coincidentally also their rooms. The closet there always had a fire extinguisher in the event of a Max or Danni mishap.
He grabbed the extinguisher and pulled it's pin as he began to make his way towards Danni's room. The heat from this blaze was unbearable. Dorian tried to squeeze the foam out but it didn't seem to help, and the metal reached began to burn from the intensity around them. The extinguisher dropped to the floor with a clatter as Dorian quickly and reflexively went ghost. He couldn't feel the heat anymore, allowing him to move closer, but he couldn't barely see Danni within the inferno he'd caused. âDanni! Danni! Wake up!â Panic laced his every word, and as much as he wanted to possess him and walk him out of there, he couldn't tell if he was still generating flames or not and moving him could bring more issues.
Dorian was desperate to grab Danni's attention, trying to think of a way that would wake him up. He needed something loud and fast. Searching around the room, he decided the best option was to toss Danni's TV. After all, they could always get another one. He'd meant to reach out with his telekinesis, to toss it onto the floor and cause a loud commotion, but as he reached out towards the TV, it quickly flickered on and static began to screech over the sound of flames. The volume jumped up to the highest it could go and suddenly, for a brief moment, an image of Dorian appeared on the screen, screaming. âDanni Wake Up! C'mon!â
Danni's eyed snapped open and he was screaming, clawing his way out of the burning remains of his blanket and stumbling to the ground. He struggled to catch his breath in the heat. His heart pounded in his ears. He was sticky with sweat and he squinted against the harsh glow. He coughed and swallowed back the bile that threatened at the rancid stretch of burning plastic. He couldn't quite wrap his head around what was happening. Danni shook his head, trying to get the feeling of helplessness out of his head, the feeling of being crushed, trapped, suffocated.
âFuck.â Danni whimpered and pushed himself unsteady to his feet. He took in the fire around him, raging in the wake of his nightmare, and he swallowed heavily, the discontent sitting like lead in his stomach. It would be fine. Danni could get the fire under control, the wierd Dee face in his TV would disappear, Maxie would just snap his wizardy fingers and poof, no problems! Danni reached out and called the fire, urging, begging them to listen and come to him rather than spread and for a moment, the fire stilled and shrunk, slinking back through the halls like a scolded child.
But it took everything in Danni to keep it that way. Fire wanted to grow and consume and spread at all costs and it fought So much kindling, so much fuel, and he was the only thing holding it back. Danni shook with the effort, clawing the flames back to him, but he was suddenly back in the tank, Arcade laughing at him and that feeling of helplessness... Danni screamed as the fire expoled from his control and he barely was able to stay standing.
âDee? Dee?! W'ere are you? Please tell me you're okay.â Danni half sobbed, half coughed, smoke burning his eyes and lungs. Danni bolted out of his room, grabbing the closest thing to him, and nearly tripping over his own feet.
âI'm fine! I'm in the Astral but I can't âelp you from âere. I don't know what to do! I'm not fireproof!â The image said, calling from the TV over the dull background of static and the sound of flames. Dorian just wanted to get them both out of there, but he also didn't want their parents coming back home to a house fire.
Danni barely registered what Dorian said, continuing to stumble his way down the stairs. They felt longer than heâd remembered and in the glow of the fire they seemed to grow two steps for every one he took. His breath came short and the world spun and he all but threw himself down the last few. His knees buckled and he hit the front door hard.
âFuck!â Danni shouted, his wrist throbbing, but he threw the door open anyways and bolted out the front door unsteady. âDee, just get outta t'ere! I- I can't anyt'inâ âbout t'e fire!â Danni shouted hoarsely.
Dorian watched as Danni began to leave the house, following behind him in his ghostly form before swooping down and taking over his raptors body to help lead him out to safety. As soon as they'd made it out of the house, he left his pet and a static-y image began to appear before the both of them until Dorian fully materialized, swooping up his little dino into his arms. âIt was gettinâ a little chilly in tâere anyways. At least we âave some warmth now.â
Danni finally registered what he'd grabbed, his dragon egg, and wrapped his other arm around Dee. Danni let his head fall on Dee's shoulder as they watched the house fire from the street. Danni knew it'd be alright in the end. Maxie would snap his fingers and everything would be fine again, but it still feltâŠ
âCan we⊠not tell anyone âbout tâis? Please?â
âYa know, I can't wait âtil Couls congratulates us for puttinâ down a villian! It's time we finally get some recognition for beinâ awesome!â Danni said as he ruffled his hair, turning his head left and right in the mirror to make sure that everything settled just right. âDoes this look natural enough, Dee? When Couls inevitably walks us ta t'e auditorium, I wanna make sure I âave tâe surprise down pat, but stylinâ my âair too much will make him know âe ain't slick. I want t'is ta say âI woke up prettier than youâ, you know?â Danni rambled, picking up his phone at the buzz.
Oh bb, please. He ain't kickin us out. We're on the same level as The Young Avengers now! He'd be crazy to kick us out. He's gunna tell us how âirresponsibleâ we are and then tell us that we did a great job apprehending the baddie and then give us an award right in front of everyone! Nothing to stress about!
âCouls got Princess all stressed out. Gotta âave a spa day soon witâ t'e besties next chance we get!â Danni announced, twirling and snatching up a little baggy that clicked and clicked as it shifted. He held up his phone, snapping a selfie with Dee in the background and uploaded it to the junior year folder he made over break before sending it out.
Your two favorite boys just finished getting ready! On the way!
âOop, I got t'e door! Princess probs swung by ta grab us!â Danni all but jumped to the door and snatched it open, halfway to sweeping April into a hug before he stumbled and caught himself on the door frame when he was greeted by Percy instead.
âWhoops, shit, my b! Deeeeeeee, tâe boyf is âere!â Danni yelled unnecessarily into their dorm. âPercy, we gotta work on t'at uniform. It needs⊠more. Like, a little less box, ya know? Hm⊠Whelp, I'll keep t'inkinâ about it and we can get our nogginâs togetâer at some point and make somet'inâ great!â Danni side stepped past Percy. âBut I'll give some time ta t'e lovebirds. God knows âow âe complained âcause âe missed âis boyf.â Danni teased, throwing a shit eating smirk at Dee.
Danni offered a lazy wave and spun to head out, but instantly turned again with a dramatic gasp. âOmg, I almost forgot! I made you a gift!â Danni dug into the bag and pulled out a handmade black bracelet with red block letters that spelled Percy and slapped it I'm his hand. âSince we're friends, I gotta start gettinâ ya gifts so t'is is our first one! But now, really I'll get out of you âair. Don't do anyt'inâ I wouldn't do!â Danni skipped down the hallway, humming a cheery song despite the little bubble of disappointment it wasn't April or Mads or Beanie.
There was no use in fighting it. Their family was going to get contacted one way or another, so after another request to provide the number Dorian finally fished his phone out of his pocket to see if it still worked. Curse the waterproof technology (even if it was helpful most of the time due to his water attuned friend). He was glad to hear that Arcade would get a fair trial, and a part of him hoped that She-Hulk would be his lawyer to help with making sure the court or council would see Arcade's newest change. While She-Hulk was on the phone with his father, Dorian propped his back against the wall, running his hand alongside the back of his head where a phantom pain still lingered from where he had a recent injury.
He began to disassociate for a moment, thinking about how they finally came so close to being the winners of the Contest of Champions, and now it all threatened to be taken away because of one phone call. Years of hard work, and finally finding a guy who likes him that he likes back. Dorian's attention shifted to Percy, standing across the room from him as he and his sister spoke about something in private. He offered him a weak smile from where he stood, wanting to go talk to him but unable to as he waited for She-Hulk to finish the call. He must not have heard her voice the first few times until he felt a gentle hand press against his shoulder. She-Hulk was handing him the phone. It was on speaker, and the number on the screen was his fatherâs, Max.
â âey I'm fine, we're fine. T'ere's no need to worry really.â Dorian explained trying to ensure he didn't get all riled up.
âNo need to worry? No need to worry?! The Avengers are at your doorstep in the middle of the night for a threat and you think we shouldn't worry?â Max's voice rang through the phone. âAnd where's Danni? Why can't I hear him?â
ââey Maxie! Dee's right, we're fine! A little wet, but not'inâ t'at won't dry out! Ya know, âad a little too much fun witâ a video game, tâatâs all! We just didnât know what ta do witâ tâe baddie, and tâen tâe Avengers got it all taken care of.â Danni spoke with quickly, grimacing at Dee. Heâd really hoped that Maxie would have been a little more chill but if Maxie was stressed, Danni didnât want to know the kind of chewing out theyâd get from Benji and Pops.
âAnd, I tâink we should note it down tâat we won against our first villian! Tâough, I kinda feel bad callinâ âCadie a villian? âeâs super changed, like instantly when âe realized we beat âim! It was almost like magic, âonestly.â Danni frowned thoughtfully, but brushed it off. âGuess âeâs a good guy under all tâat wantinâ ta murder us stuff! But since everytâinâ is easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy, we can just forget it all âappened and get late night beignets right?â
Max let out a long sigh, with equal measures of relief, frustration, and pride. The sound of a wooden door closing behind him in the background as he made his way through the house. âMost of them are good people underneath it all. Just need a little understanding and a lot of help to pull it out. I'll say this before I'm within earshot of James, good job on both defeating and reforming your first villain. You two truly will make a change for the future.â His tone was a bit more collected now, leveled as he spoke until it took a sharp turn. âNow comes the part where I get James involved in this all. You're Lucky that Casper and Ben are out this week on a trip, but not so lucky that you won't escape James' speeches and chastisement about safety.â
Dorian groaned. Lucky? They'd have to have this conversation twice now once the other two came back. The second one may even be worse than the first given who the pair would be. âReally, we aren't even injured.â. Which was technically true, even if his face had strings of red drying off him from the injury that no longer existed.
What little preening Danny had done at Max's praise quickly turned into a grimace at Pops name. âNooooooo! Maxie you're supposed ta be t'e cool parent. Don't tell Pops. Let âim sleep. âe'll be all grumpy about t'is! Can't we just like⊠wait until tomorrow? We can't reason witâ âim when âe is tired!â
âWhen who's tired?â James voice was quiet, still far away, but it grew louder as he spoke. âEverything okay, kiddo? You're normally in bed by now. You sleepinâ okay, need anything to help?â
âOh they have all the help they could need right now. They have the Avengers with them. You two want to tell him why? Or should I?â
Danni danced in place, a distressed whine making it clear he certainly did not want to tell James anything. âCool parent card revoked.â Danni grumbled, ignoring the quiet snort of laughter from his Pops. âPops, just remember when I tell you t'at really, not'inâ bad is permanent and t'at really it was a great lesson t'at we learned a lot from.â Danni laughed nervously. âSooooo, we sorta kinda maybe like, snuck out ta train a little more and our friend Ed is like, so smart so âe âacked t'e virtual traininâ t'ingâ so we all got in and t'en âe revealed âe was âCadie and tried ta like, I don't know, trap us in a video game kill world and split us all up, but our friends are awesome and managed ta get us out and we overpowered âim and t'e only real problem was t'at we didn't know âow ta get âI'm ta t'e authorities but t'e Avengers showed up and everyt'inâ is gucci!â
Max muted the line, silence taking their place as he looked at James with shock and a bit of jealousy. âYou're telling me those kids got SAO'd. It actually happened and not in a reality warping way but honest to god video game?!â
There was a long silence from the phone before it was taken off mute and Danni could see Pops rubbing the bridge of his nose and his voice firmly level. âOkay, okay kiddo, take a breath. Are you both alright? Is Dorian there too? Do you or your friends need immediate medical attention?â
Dorian looked at Danni, worried at how long the pause was. Usually the longer it took the worse they'd be. âI'm âere. We're botâ fine and no one is injured. T'e Novikovas are âere too along witâ Wanda so no worries.â He said trying to cut in before Danni opened his mouth again. Why did he mention them sneaking out? That was worse than a villain! They could've gotten kicked out of the Contest for this or worse, grounded. He smacked Danni's arm and gave him a look saying âyou said too muchâ.
âHey!â Danni protested silently, rubbing his arm where Dee hit him.
âOkay, good. I'm glad that the Avengers have the situation under control and you two are okay. â James sighed. âAnd you're both grounded as soon as you get home. We'll talk about what that looks like tomorrow once you guys get some food in you and a decent night's sleep, but it sounds like you two made some reckless decisions that put yourself and your friends in an incredibly dangerous situation. We talked about what was expected of you two when you went to this school and you didn't uphold your end of that deal. I'm glad you're okay, but I'm disappointed that you put yourself in this position.â
âSorry, Pops. We just wanted ta be t'e best and t'is seemed like t'e best way ta catch up ta T'e Young Avengers.â Danni explained weakly, his voice cracking as his eyes started tearing up.
Dorian winced when James said they were disappointed. That was worse than being mad! At least with anger they could cool off and forget about it but this? It was a constant reminder of how stupid they had acted just to get ahead of other kids. âSorryâŠâ
Max could understand where the kids were coming from. After all, they were competing against two children of The Scarlet Witch. It was a long shadow to have to fight through, but even so part of being a hero was knowing that it wasn't ok to put others in danger to further your own goals. âI can see you two have already realized that what you did was reckless and also more dangerous than it was worth. But that doesn't mean we are having a lengthy lecture about heroism and the safety of others and yourself when you get home. James and I can discuss the finer points of your grounding in the morning. For now, we're just glad you're both safe.â
âOkay, we're going to get changed and portal over. We'll help you pack up âcause I know you were waiting until the morning, Danni. Do you need any extra bags or anything, boys?â James asked.
âLate nate beignets and hot chocolate?â Danni sniffled pathetically, tears already starting to trickle.
âAlready planning on it when we finish packing, kiddo.â James chuckled fondly. âDorian, do you need anything?â
âTo be ungrounded because we reformed our first villain?â
âThat's what the beignets are for, buddy.â James said. âWe'll let you two say bye to your friends and we'll be over in a second. We love you both so much.â The line went dead and Dorian handed the phone back to She-Hulk.
âWhelp, shit.â That wasnât meant to come out-Danni never had a great time with inside thoughts-but he found his field of fucks to give barren as the tanks burst. Danni screeched as the water hit him, throwing his arms up fruitless, and then promptly coughing as water surged into his mouth. Danni hacked his way out of certain, watery death as Leah and Sabine got April calmed enough for the water to chill out.
At least it was better than toilet water this time.
Danni laid on the ground for a few moments, just catching his breath and resisting the urge to intrude on the trip's moment, but rolled his head as new people came in. The West Coast Avengers sauntered their way in and took âCadie off their hands. Two problems solved, with the healing thrown in, and Danni sighed, thankful that at least Pops wouldn't hear-
âWAIT!â Danni shot up, jumping to his feet and sliding on the slippery floor to an awkward, arm flailing stop in front of She-Hulk. âPlease, please, please, please, please do not tell my parents. I'll do anyt'inâ. Like Papa would be okay at first, but t'en âe'd get all dramatic and t'en tell Pops and t'en Imma be so grounded. Like, six feet under grounded. T'en I might not be allowed back and it took so much work ta get âere in t'e first place, it'll all âave been for not'inâ.â Danni begged, giving his best puppy dog eyes in hopes it would change anything.
Danni blinked as Arcade suddenly changed his tune. How did Beanie know Cadie would wanna go on the straight and narrow so fast? It confused him for a second but he smacked himself in the head. Obviously, she read his mind. He felt a little bad, scaring him so badly. The fire must of really got to him; it was just supposed to be for the drama, but this was for the best he supposed. Danni shook his hand u til the fire sputtered out and he beamed.
âWell, all's well, t'at ends well! We just gotta figure out âow ta turn âim in witâ all tâe adults doinâ silly stuff like expectinâ us ta be in bed after curfew! Anyone gotta number we can call?â Danni asked the group as Diana spoke with Dee. He wasn't certain what was going on there but her need to kill âCadie really just gave him the ick. âCadie, if ya really wanna be a better person, you do gotta turn yourself in but don't worry! We can be pen pals while you're in jail so you won't be lonely!â Danni offered, ready to continue chattering at their not-prisoner but his attention snapped to April.
He skidded to his knees next to her. âYou can breat- Wait, idea! Beanie, Beanie! Make her breath!â Danni waved Sabine over. âOr like, calm âer down enough ta let âer breath! T'is is a real bad place ta âave t'e water burst.â
Danni hit the floor and stumbled led as he got out of the tank, disoriented and dizzy. What a rollercoaster of a night. âWell, t'at was awful. Who's down for never goinâ in one of t'ese tanks for tâe foreseeable forever?â Danni groaned, rubbing at his eyes and stretching. He blinked as he saw everyone circling Arcade and skipped over to join in the fun.
âAw come on, guys!! We're âeros and âeros don't kill âcause t'ey can, only when t'ey need. What kinda âeros are we if we stoop ta âis level? Terrible ones really. âOw are peeps gunna trust us, want us ta come âelp t'em when shit âit's t'e fan?â Danni rallied behind Dorian, skipping right up next to their first villian and throwing his arm over Edâs shoulders. âLook at âim. Shakinâ like a leaf, âe's so scared. âAve some pity on somet'inâ as patâetic as t'is.â
With a flick of the wrist closest to Ed's face, flames flickered to life in his palm. âWell, w'atcha t'ink Cadie? T'ink ya can behave til t'e coppers get âere?â Danni asked cheerily, the fire a clear and present threat.
âWell, dat just seems a little wierd, don't it? âow did they cram poor little Zari in t'is tiny t'inâ? I âope she doesn't âave clautir- claustrie- clausdri- t'at fear of small places, âowever you say it. Maybe t'at's why Arci put ârr in t'ere! We gotta get âer ta a quack like, right after all t'is âcause it can't be good for your noggin ta be squeezed into an itty, bitty living space. Ya thinking shas'as cosmic pow-â
Danni nearly vomited as overwhelming pain had him doubling over and crashing to his knees. Death wasn't a foreign concept to him. His papa could talk to the dead, his uncle was a ghost for years âtil the rents brought him back to life, but he'd never faced it up close and personal, never experienced it. He couldn't tell if he was screaming, crying, or just gasping for breath, all he could think about was the pain. All he could think about was everything he couldnât do, they couldn't do. Everyone was going to die.
The pain brought spots to his eyes, the edges already going, but still he could see the bright flickers of fire. His control was thin normally, down right gone in emotional situations, but he tried. God, he tried. Through the pain, he tried to grab everything but he could feel the fire slipping free.
Hopefully, he died before he exploded.
Pyrokenisis rolls to keep his fire from hurting as many people as he can
âWell, damn Spicy, be t'at way. Just double down witâ t'e Daniel shit why don'tcha.â Danni grumbled, pouting at Percyâs absolute refusal. âCome oooon. Diana, don'tcha t'ink âe should give me a nickname? âe's a smart kid he'e could probs t'ink of a good one! T'ough I guess I âaven't t'ought of one for you but t'at's cause we don't âang out very much so I don't âave a lot ta go on. And we don't wanna use t'e whole bow and arrow shtick, overused, underwhelminâ. Could we⊠maybeâŠâ Danni snapped out of his thoughts as Mads took a nasty fireball again.
âI'm very glad t'at everyone âas big plans ta get out, but can we maybe put t'is into action? Manifest t'is t'rough more extreme violence maybe?â Danni suggested, his disappointment with Percy and need to nickname Diana forgotten as he whirled fire in his hands again and sent it hurtling at the cultist dead fucking set on killing Mads. âAlso, again come on. It's not fair t'rowinâ fire at people who can't târow it back. Come pick on someone witâ your own skill set!â Danni stuck his tongue out at the dead cultist, only to go cross eyed as he tried to look at his tongue. Did dragons have normal tongues? Or did they have like, snake tongues? Or was it rough like a cat's?
Unfortunately, his futile attempts to figure that out would have to wait. Leahâs prying open a pod and Danni cheered in delight as a familiar voice popped up. âMai? OMG Mai! You vanish off t'e face of t'e Earth and t'en you come âere ta help us? Talk âbout mixed signals!â Danni as rambunctious as he was, still wasnât able to get to her faster that Percy and he let out an audible gasp as Percy clocked her. âWtf, Spicy?! It's Mai! Why'd- What- See, t'is is why it's a good nickname! T'is exact kinda bullshit is what I'd t'ink of when I heard someone was spicy. Did you kill âer? Is she dead? Wake up Mai!â Danni skidded to a halt next to her and dropped to his knees, flashbacks of a velvet jacket making him nervous to touch and so his hands just hovered nervously over her.
âOye, what t'e âeck is witâ t'is Daniel nonsense? Who in t'is whole damn school calls me t'at? I'm Danni. Everybody calls me Danni, I introduce myself as Danni, I post Danni on everyt'inâ. When âave you ever âeard me use Daniel? It doesn't fit my vibe at all!â Danni complained. Only Pops used Daniel and that was when Danni knew he was in trouble. Or maybeâŠ
âWait, Spicy. Were you tryinâ ta give me a nickname? Aw, tâat's so sweet! You were a little off tâo. Like, I get t'e attempt, I go by Danni so Daniel is like a funny little reversal, but âoney, we gotta go in a different direction.â Danni flashed Diana a thumbs up as she turned down his offer. Her loss really. âYou know, you gotta give me one t'at really sits well witâ a major part of me, ya know? A defining feature. And please, please stop gettinâ âit. Dee's gunna kill me if ya lose- OMFG LEAH!â
Danni watched the knife sink into Leah, Leah's health plummet, and her eventual respawn trigger. He could already feel it. Months without running water. Product drying out. Acne flair ups from excessive junk food binges.
âOkay, new rule, new ru- Oye!â Danni ducked under a face full of fire where a cultist took advantage of his distraction. Danni conjured two fist fulls of his own. âI. Am. Talking.â Danni snapped, spiking both handfuls of fire into the cultists chest and sticking his tongue out as the copycat collapsed. âI do it better. Anyways, as I was saying, new rule: No more dyin' please. If Diana dies, Spicy is goinâ ta be upsetti spaghetti. If Leah dies, Princess is gunna be real sad and Beanie is gunna go on a war path and I don't know if I'll be safe from it. If Spicy dies, Dee is gunna murder me and t'en come find my ghost and cry about how sad âe is âis boyfriend died. If Mads dies, I'mma cry for months and I'm an ugly crier so please, let's just not get stabbed or burned anymore.â
Idk if I can do this as a reaction but if a cultist tries to use fireball again, I want to try and make it explode in their hand before they throw it with Pyrokenisis.
âThank you.â Clarissa led the way out of the classroom. She'd spied the verdant sitting areas off the Reception Hall though she hadn't the time to walk them yet and this would afford her two birds with one stone. Still, she paused and nearly reconsidered. The Archbishop stood watching the commotion as students poured out. Saints above, she wanted to talk with him. The opportunity to meet with the closest person to the Goddess and hear his thoughts on the affairs of the world was not afforded to everyone, but she had a goal and that was keeping their House stable, if not peaceful. Hopefully, The Archbishop would still be available after she concluded her business with Nathanael.
âCan we expect more muttered insults and daggers hidden in poignant pauses? I can't imagine you'll find that enjoyable a few weeks into the year.â Clarissa cut straight to the issue as they crossed from the classrooms into the Reception Hall, and then again out into the verdant open space on the other side. âJorah is an unorthodox choice for his position, but that was out of his hands. I'm not certain what he's done to deserve your vitriol. Is there some shared history I'm unaware of?â
Brass tacks was the strategy, it seemed. It was not unsurprising, nor unwarranted. Nathanael kept his gaze trained ahead, face devoid of expression. He mulled over the possible ways to play this. A simple apology could suffice, or perhaps a deflection? The truth was too unremarkable to be a viable strategy. UnlessâŠ
âI slept poorly last evening.â
Nathanaelâs expression shifted slightly. A small grin. The compulsion was still in effect. A rule was learned, though the method by which he was unable to lie remained unknown. Perhaps this was something he would have to deal with while on the school grounds. It would be an unfortunate curse to live with, but one that could be exploited. His face returned to its former, stoic expression, as he looked back to Clarissa. âI⊠have been stressed. Seeing the daughter of the man who killed my father has been taxing. And my harshness towards Jorah is a reflection of my disappointment in this institution. Itâs faculty act with an immaturity that is disheartening, and their decision to name Jorah the leader of our House here, even if political, seems systemic of poor leadership at this academy at large.â He took a deep breath. The truth felt taxing, or was it any prolonged speech. He had not spoken this many words to a person in ages, often opting for efficiency. But, he delved to offer more. âI hope to be disproven. I do not want my time here to be a waste.â
âI will admit I am not fond of the decision to elevate Jorah to House Leader; I wanted the role and while I understand why they wouldn't choose me, a significant portion of my own irritation stems from the fact that Jorah doesn't like these positions. Everyone knows he prefers to follow his whimsy and drift with the tide, but we aren't here to settle back into our typical roles. We're here to learn and grow as people and leaders and relegating Jorah to class clown wouldn't have given him that opportunity, nor would it given the rest of us an opportunity to experience following an inexperienced leader. But Jorah has my full support and I hope that if you don't yet trust him, you will at least trust that I will be at his side when he needs a helping hand. The Leicester Alliance isn't a monarchy for a reason; we cherish our differences and find strength in supporting each other to be greater than the sum of our parts. We need only apply that founding principle here and rather than engaging in decisive action so that we rise above any challenge this year may throw our way.â Clarissa offered him a sympathetic smile afterwards.
âOf course, I would not ask you to forget or forgive the tragedy that took your father from you. It was awful that happened and you certainly didn't deserve to be bereft of him, but I simply ask for the tiniest smidgen of tolerance. Just enough to ignore Isolde if that's what you need; a school and a church are no place to aggravate the wounds of you and the girl who had no knowledge of her fatherâs horrific decision. However, if the sleeplessness or the stress of daily interaction becomes too much, I am always willing to offer you some respite with tea and a decent book, if you find yourself needing to hide away for a bit.â
Nathanaelâs expression remained stoic. âI understand your position, Clarissa. And I will do my best not to taint relations between my classmates any further.â He paused, his knuckles growing white at his side as he gripped his book tighter. âI believe there is some wisdom in your estimation of Jorahâs appointment. I have greater faith in you, and if you wish to fully support Jorah in his role, then I will follow suit.â His grip lessened. He did not like having to be so careful with his words.
âI do not necessarily agree with your understanding of the principles of the Alliance, though. There is strength in separating out territory and dividing it among autonomous rulers, and strength in an understanding of mutual protection as opposed to establishing a central authority through which all action and rule must divert from. But the Alliance is no stronger than the sum of its parts due to differences: that doesnât make sense.â His voice was plain and boorish, akin to an auditory reading of a textbook rather than his own thoughts. He turned his gaze briefly towards Clarissa when he was finished.
âThank you, Nathanael. I'll do right by your trust.â Clarissa offered him a sincere smile when he looked at her. âPerhaps difference is the wrong perspective, but rather it's diversity. Our government is a stage for success, but a stage doesn't do anything. Assembled in a market square, a stage is empty and barren. It's just needless clutter. But when the players take the stage, it becomes a limitless place where miracles and horrors beyond our imagination are possible. It's the same as the Alliance. Our treaties, structures, and laws are pointless without the people they are intended to serve. We exist to foster a nation where the hope and imagination of our people grow without obstacles, unfettered and free, and it is this hope that creates the spirit of the Alliance. It is that spirit in your soldiers who defend the southern border and your farmers who till the land sunrise to sunset, in the soldiers of the Gonerilâs defeating wave after wave of Almyran invaders, in the master artisans we provide to others for their talents in architecture and defense, and it is in the coin and foreign goods brought in by Reigan ports which promote innovation from places unknown. It is this spirit which makes us greater than dusty history books or faded maps can capture, that makes us greater than the sum of our parts, and it is our duty to ensure we continue with progress rather than stamping it down beneath the demands of tradition.â She had stopped in their walk at one point, her focus entirely on Nathanael. She snapped her fingers at the end, excitement at a sudden realization.
âOh! I can't expect you to understand without experiencing it! Would you care to come to Edmund after this year? You can come see the spirit of the Alliance up close and personal for a bit!â Clarissa offered eagerly, clapping him on the shoulder. âAnd I doubt all of my people know what you look like on sight, so we can simply introduce you as my friend if you were uncomfortable carrying your title in a different territory.â
Nate raised an eyebrow. Clarissa did have a gravitas to her that even he was not immune to. His mind wanted to poke holes in her logic, but the spirit of her words were enough to keep even him silent. Her offer, however, was rather shocking and confusing. He lifted his book to his chest, holding it close to guard himself. If she was under the same compulsions as him, then all of her words had to be true. There was room in her words for unsaid deceit, perhaps. She didnât say she wasnât luring him to her territory so she could gut him. It wasnât in her nature, from what he had seen. No⊠no she was a more terrifying beast altogether: an optimist. He mulled over her words for a moment, before letting a sigh escape his lips. âI am interested in getting better clarity on what you mean. If a trip to Edmund would provide that clarity, then I suppose I can set aside my nerves for a time to see it done.â
âExcellent. I look forward to your visit when our time here is done.â Clarissa paused as their short walk brought them back around to the Reception Hall. âNow, I must beg for your leave. I spied the Archbishop on our way out and I cannot pass up this opportunity to speak with him while he has the time. It was an insightful conversation, Nathanael, and I hope we can make your time here worthwhile.â She offered him a courtesy and briskly walked back to the classrooms.
Clarissa halted halfway to the Archbishop. A frown and a sigh escaped as the bells rang. Sheâd spent too much time chatting with Nathanael and she missed her chance. Still, she permitted herself a moment to bask in the tolling of the bells. Hearing them was always a comfort, like a brief moment of sunshine on days the cold seeped wet and bitter deep into the bones. The sound drew her attention skywards. Her frown turned into a small smile, personal and warm. As a child, she always imagined the voice of the Goddess whispering in the bells of her church. It was a comforting belief and despite having put that away as a childish fantasy, the security and relief it provided still kept back in. Now, she heard it as the soul of the church, an extension of everything it stood to offer those who needed it most, a moment of respite in the chaos and confusion of the everyday.
She only lingered a moment though. The blond Professor shouting through the courtyard gave them their directions. Clarissa took a moment to consult the paper the Professor had left available for them and she barely resisted rolling her eyes. A significant portion of the future leaders of Fodlan were neatly crammed into one Unit. Whoever placed them together certainly wasnât playing a subtle game; although, Clarissa agreed - the connections and bonds they forged here could only help raise Fodlan to greater heights. She just didnât like being slammed together like dolls in the hands of a five year old. She spied Jorah heading into the correct classroom and briskly followed.
Clarissa listened to Lysander with rapt attention. She wasnât off the mark. Lysander did want them to break tradition and connect more closely than they had in previous years. The solemnity he opened class with struck her and she could help mulling over what he meant. This impending discord and instability he believed they would face⊠Fodlan faced concerns at every corner, from the plots of vengeance and power grabs within the political landscape of every nation to plague or famine when the weather turned against them. What storm clouds had the Church seen darkening the horizon that they felt the need to point them out so vaguely? Still, she strongly agreed on one point: the time for tradition was over. As they entered a new era, they would have to adapt, grow, and shed the trappings of yesterday for the sake of the future. And if the Church believed something devastating was coming, then she would stand with their judgment.
Though, she wondered why the Archbishop felt the need to organize this Unit personally. If fostering unity between the nation was the Professorâs goal, it made sense to put anyone who would have even the slightest impact on national policy in the same Unit. Why did the Archbishop feel it necessary to involve himself in an easy task? The question bothered her but sheâd put it aside for now. Sheâd ask Professor Roland after class.
The other professors proved an interesting collection. While she didnât get much other than an obvious distaste for being here from Professor Malathice, she certainly agreed with his sentiments aboutProcessor Michail. Boisterous and sophomoric, she would prefer to impale herself on her own sword than have to deal with a second Jorah. She loved him to death, but he was a handful. Having another, who was in charge of her education and activities for the next year, already threatened a vengeful headache and a worse mood.
And when Jorah jumped onto the bench, she knew this was going to be a long year. It took everything in her not to slug him in the leg, but that would turn this into an even worse spectacle so she instead just seethed. Heâd get the message, not that he'd care, but the second this was over, she was going to give him the talking to of his life. She sighed and stood, smoothing her skirt to collect her thoughts after Jorahâs circus act.
âClarissa von Edmund, heiress to the Margravate of Edmund of the Leicester Alliance. I enjoy horseback riding, sailing, scripture reading, and engaging conversation over evening tea, but I loathe liars and the indecisive. Whatever distressed our Professor, the Goddess has put us all here for a reason. I am honored to have the opportunity to grow into those expectations with all of you and look forward to what greatness we can all achieve in the future.â Clarissa bowed her head and curtsied as she finished, settling back into her seat and subtly kicking Jorah in the shin for looking like the cat that got the cream.
Hiya, AChronum here! Although I'm relatively new to rping, I have plenty of writing experience and love trying new genres and styles. I absolutely love high magic fantasy RPs and am pretty much willing to do anything so long as I can create a charaxter, not play an existing one, and develop lots and lots of backstory! I'm perfectly comfortable with all mature themes as well, although smut for smut's sake is out of the question.
Interested in an RP? Send me a PM and have a magically marvelous day!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Hiya, AChronum here! Although I'm relatively new to rping, I have plenty of writing experience and love trying new genres and styles. I absolutely love high magic fantasy RPs and am pretty much willing to do anything so long as I can create a charaxter, not play an existing one, and develop lots and lots of backstory! I'm perfectly comfortable with all mature themes as well, although smut for smut's sake is out of the question.<br><br>Interested in an RP? Send me a PM and have a magically marvelous day! </div>
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Kronshi
amorphical
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Andreyich
Izurich
Blizz
Asura
Tim the Yeti
Aku the Samurai
