Achronum

Harry Potter and the Alchemist's Quest - Discontinued

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Artemis “Arty” Harrington

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Location: Compartment 3
Magic: N/A

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“You’re my favorite twin? Oh bugger, it totally slipped my mind!” Arty exclaimed, nudging backing at his sibling’s foot. “Don’t bother yourselves too much about it! I’m chuffed you want to help but I have to like at least try on my own! Buuuut, I’ll totally take your offers to bother you at 3am before the Quidditch match and the sign is bloody spazzing.” Arty chuckled. It really was nice of them to offer but Arty wanted to do it himself.He wouldn’t really wait until the night before to ask but he’d try! Hopefully, with the prefect duties and volunteering to organize the celestial ball wouldn’t interfere too much. He’d be totally gutted!

As the Hogwarts Express lurched to a halt, Arty threw himself into the corner as he splayed out like a starfish until the train settled. “Aw, they couldn’t skive off one bloody year? I thought everything was aces, done and over and all that.” He instantly complained, not moving until Georgina moved and he pressed right up to her, trying to peer over her shoulder far less subtly than his best friend. Mary’s comment made him look back over, squinting as the eerie green light bothered his eyes. ”But Mary, they can’t tell us about inspections! What if the head boy or girl were death eaters and they used magic to make themselves look like them? I don’t know if that’s possible but I’m totally sure that magic can do basically anything. I’d blame the slytherins but that’s a bit on the nose, don’t you think?”

Of Blood and Magic

Varis found the boy's shoulder and climbed onto his back quickly. If they were going to take away his ability to see, that was fine. Varis wouldn't stumble over nature and have the boy miss catching him. This way he could at least keep some semblance of control over the situation. And anyone who mattered was just as blind as he so his reputation, outside of groundless rumors out of mages, so he would just get down before they broke out of the forest. It was a foolproof plan; it wasn't like he was going to have to do anything anyways. All the responsibility laid on the mage. Maybe this would be refreshing.

"Now that I've accommodated you, let's go. I'm sick of this insane exercise but there is still no excuse for not finishing first with full marks. You've wasted enough time. Where is this sign you have to read?" Varis demanded.

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony

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Maddie wasn't sure what to expect when the incantation finished but she certainly didn't expect the absence of everything expect cold. A bitter, bone chilling cold that overwhelmed her. She tried to feel for Amaris, for the ground beneath her feet, and she tried to speak but it was as if everything had disappeared and she was loose in the world, without anchor, without grounding. It was terrifying. She was certain this was where it ended.

The world slammed back into her, the chill of the winter air warm compared to wherever she just was. Ari hit her knee next to her and Maddie clutched at her, both to provide support when the Countess stood back up and reassure herself that Ari was still there. Maddie took a deep breath, laughing shakily at Amaris' question. It took her a moment to find her voice again after that and when she did, she wouldn't deny it came out more shakily than she cared for. "Yes, Countess. It seems everything is in order thankfully. Next time, I believe we should politely request an alternative method of transportation. That was certainly unsettling."

Maddie squinted in the dark if the forest. How useful being a light mage must be right now. She supposed she'd just have to suffer through trying to maintain the spell. She wasn't confident she could keep it up for all six hours so she may have to conserve it early like a marathon runner. Start easy. As long as they completed it they would pass so it's the bare minimum. They'd focus on challenges later. Maybe she'd find the edge of the forest first and then go back to find challenges once she was confident they knew the way out.

"Well, we can discuss that on the way. Tiltoure." The area didn't quite brighten but she could make everything out now and the expected blue lettering popped up on a wooden sign she hadn't seen previously. "The compass spins and spins and spins and spins until it finds your heading. Huh. Compasses only point north, right? There's a little compass carved on top too. How nice of them." The last part was a bit more sarcastic than she intended.

Interacting with: @WeepingLiberty

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 12:01 - The Forest}

Max/Eris Trip

There was little difference as they walked, a few more signs with much more straightforward instructions. Left 500 paces, continue straight, and slight right were all directions they encountered. These led the pair to a spot where the canopy thinned to let more moonlight illuminate a clear space wide enough to fit the large table that sat in the middle. Two glass domes sat on the table, five yellow wooden rectangles under one and five blue wooden rectangles under another, each set carved with intricate designs. The table, in similar fashion to the signs, read:

"Take what solace you each can find, that of others or that of mind, and keep it close as you trudge west to try and pass your first test."

Lilie/Ben Trip

The path through the woods grew narrow and winding, no other signs making a ready appearance for sometime until finally a neat wooden plaque blocked the center of the path, ten faintly shimmering vials hung from the tree tops around it. A variety of plants grew in the area although two bushes stood out from the rest: Long, slender stalks with bulbs at the end and a small sign with the image of a flower with a trumpet shape set on a star-shaped background and another bush with woody stalks studded with thorns with the familiar spiral flower pattern on the sign. Nothing flowered on either plant but the bulbs suggested they were close.

"A little lost is not all bad but it's time to find your way. Now that sight is lost, what keeps you safe in these early nights? See it bloom and take it South."

Salem/Victor Trip

The path West was easy enough, a few more signs guiding them onwards until they reached a stream. Little glass baubles floated on the water, little whirlwinds blue, red, and green in them respectively, and each was tethered to the bottom with a simple string tied around them. A sign on the opposite side read:

"In the garden of time do the sightless sow emotions, fed by action and belief alike. Passion and envy and sorrow survive the encroaching centuries. Pick that which flourishes and face its consequences to the South."

ＦＩＮＡＬ ＦＡＮＴＡＳＹ Ｘ｜Ｖ： Ｔｈｅ Ｂｌｅｓｓｅｄ Ｔｗｅｌｖｅ

"A conundrum indeed." Kajin said thoughtfully, tapping his cheek. On one hand, securing the house was probably the most important thing on the list. Food, shelter, and other resources were hard to come by in Ul'dah and even with the title, undoing whatever damage may have been caused could take months. And considering the previous incident, anyone approaching any current residents about the title will likely receive an understandably poor welcome without Lyveva standing at the helmet.

Of course, that argument stood true for recovering the child. If the Au Ra had even a dollop of common sense, he'd no doubt scatter again if he saw strangers approaching him. Plus, they had a plan in place so it shouldn't be seen poorly to prioritize the housing situation over him. All they had to do was swing by the pool area afterwards and both situations were settled.

Kajin sighed. If it was one of his siblings and he had even a trifling cause for concern, he'd be tearing this place apart to make sure they were okay.

"Go deal with the house." Kajin said after a moment of hesitation. "Eji has a fall back plan if he is lost so that makes him far more of a stable variable than the house. We can, at the very least, make sure he made it to the pool and hang out around there until you've handled the other situation. If any of us show up and start talking deeds without you, we'll probably be chased out faster than a Qiqirn out of an antlings nest." Kajin considered the matter settled, briskly walking in the direction she'd pointed. And if anyone accused Kajin for wanting to fawn over the wealth of the goblet, they'd find themselves on the wrong side of a fire spell.

Of Blood and Magic

Varis snatched his hand away as quickly as if he'd been burned. "Hurting you? You forget yourself. I would never lay a hand on you like that. I'm not some Astorio brute. Clearly, the Knight of the Evening misspoke about your training. I was under the impression your sessions with him were particularly gruelling, though it is now apparent I misunderstood. We'll have to rectify that when we return." Varis snapped in the boy's general direction. Now without something solid to anchor himself to, he could feel the panic rising again. What if the boy just left him here? What if he left and they couldn't find him? What if she managed to get something on Ryner and this was just a ploy to get rid of him?

No. This wasn't acceptable. And Varis wouldn't let some sensitive mage ruin everything he'd built up. "Fine. If you can't handle a light touch, we'll have to do this another way. Come here and turn around. We can put that obnoxious height to use. I'll be riding on your back for the duration of this. No one can make me stumble around blind in a disgusting forest." Varis demanded, snapping at his feet. It wasn't an optimal plan but he was a Sinnenodel, they didn't lay hands on their mages like that. They were above such savagery and he wouldn't let a mage sully his reputation.

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Mutant Underground's New HQ
Skills: Healing Factor

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Fantastic. Because a visit from someone who locks children in haunted houses and also commands the most well known mutant groups is exactly what they needed right now. Casper started to panic, understandably so, but before James could steer them away from that mess, Jack appeared and it was all James could do to thank his lucky stars. "I don't have to intrude." James said to Jack. Their last interaction wasn't exactly positive, even if Jack handled it with far more grace than James did, so he wouldn't have been surprised if Jack didn't want him in his private space even if he wanted to get away from Professor X too. Telepaths. "Passing out upstairs would probably be better for me anyways. I'm not sure how much longer I can stay vertical."

Everything was a struggle right now. He felt heavy and sluggish and he just wanted to move past this whole nightmare of a day. Did he want a shower, yes. Would he settle for disappearing into the void of unconsciousness? Absolutely. He was a little concerned that he wouldn't have much of a choice soon though and he'd rather be prepared for that when it happened. Of course, he took back what he thought when Nagasonic appeared. Apparently, exactly no one was looking out for them because frankly, James wasn't sure he had enough energy left in him to close a paper cut.

"Oh fuck me." James muttered because of course someone was bleeding out. He forced himself off of Casper, ignoring the disconcerning wobble, and gave Casper a gentle shove towards Jack. "Get out of here before you know who shows up. No need to have a shittier day than you've already had. Negasonic, would you mind giving me a hand up?" He smiled gratefully at her when she did and he tried his best to go as quickly as possible upstairs.

James didn't waste anytime, stumbling over to Sapphire. She was the first priority. Even in the event he couldn't get anyone else patched up, Sapphire was a doctor and she should hopefully be able to get them stabilized. He reached out hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he could handle someone else slipping through his fingers like that. He could feel his fingers trembling but he shoved that thought aside and focused. He felt the familiar sync and with a little bit of a push, he felt skin mend. He let out a sigh of relief even as a wave of dizziness washed over him but he turned to Havok next, repeating the process with reassuring ease. With those two patched up James sat heavily in the nearest solid clear surface even if it was the floor. He cradled his head in his hands as everything spun.

"Gotta go find something to eat soon." James said. "Between Glimpse and you guys, I don't think I'm going to stay awake much longer."

Harry Potter and the Alchemist's Quest - Discontinued

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Artemis “Arty” Harrington

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Location: Compartment 3
Magic: N/A

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“Oh, maybe! Let's put together a whole list! If we make it rad enough, they won't even consider telling us no!" Arty said, although he had a sneaking suspicion that wasn't quite the case. Even the more tolerant members of the magical community would only tolerate so much muggle stuff bit it was always worth a shot! The worst that could happen is a no… several times after he tried the puppy dog eyes. He wasn't really planning on bringing in a bunch of muggle stuff but if Apollo wanted it, he was going to fight for it as much as he could.

"So now that the band's back together, what is everyone most excited for? I can't wait for the food and Charms, a total surprise I know. But gosh, I've missed wizarding food. Muggle food is yummy but something about adding magic to the whole event just makes it so much more exciting! And any meal shared with my best mates is a perfect one!" Arty chatted away, snuggling up to Georgina as he gesticulated. "Speaking of sharing, I have an idea for a new sign that is totally ace! I'm going to bring it to every one of your games, Georgina, and I'm going to try and charm it to change colors and maybe sing too! I'm not sure I can do it but I'm totally going to try!"

Of Blood and Magic

Did anything else want to get in his way? The mage with the audacity, regardless of his position, to cut him off then had the gall to give them no time to prepare themselves for such an awful journey. First they take away his sight and then they took away everything? Varis' grip tightened instinctively, shifting closer to the boy once he had the ability to at least feel something again. Honestly, what was the point of his position if he was constantly suffering this degree of disrespect without adequate redress?

"Ryner needs to respect the nobles' position far more than she has. I have never suffered such disrespect until I came here. If any other family ran this facility, you'd be sure things would be run far tighter than her royal highness keeps her affairs." Varis complained as he looked around without much result. He was still on edge over this whole situation. He was a leader, not a follower, and being expected to allow a mage to lead them out of this predicament was a nightmare. Things worked when he ran them and they fell apart when he didn't. It was a simple fact and he didn't care for Ryner's ignorance of it. Awful vampire, really. She was probably chortling about it right now, all snug and safe in her office with her sight.

"I cannot believe no one has ever spoke out against this. How am I the only one who thinks this is a problem? What, are they going to chop off our hands next? Stake us and make a mage find us before the sun rises?" Varis' voice was climbing as the panic started setting in again as the darkness encompassing him pressed in. "And that damned Eve, mocking me. Clearly, we can't do anything now. I was commenting on his lack of backbone. If he is aiming for the Lordship, he'll have to learn to stand up for himself. There's nothing to be gained from staying quiet in this. If he thinks compliance endears him to the Princess, he's the boring simpleton I originally thought. She's used to compliance. Make a damned name for yourself, make it clear you won't be looked over or taken advantage of."

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 11:46 - Staging Grounds}

Varis whipped around at Count Benjamin's voice, a sharp retort detailing how ludicrous his idea sounded when Manuel's voice once again rang through the clearing. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, the last of the enchantments have gone out fourteen minutes early! That means you'll get some extra time to complete your exam. In just a moment, a mage will approach you. Please make sure you and your partner remain close and in contact so that no one gets accidently separated mid teleport." He explained as mages in emerald robes started to walk down the line. Further down, a familiar vampire tossing a pineapple clung stubbornly to a female mage who blurred for a moment with a sigh. The vampire tumbled through her, fumbling with the pineapple as he fell, and curled around it protectively. She seemed unfazed and proceeded to the nearest pair.

"Now remember. Your timer starts the second you appear in the forest. Return here by six am and you'll have passed. Completing additional challenges will earn you a higher grade. If you do not return by six am, you will be magically returned and you will receive a failing mark. A mage stood in front of each of the pairs, a finger tracing a symbol in front if the air slowly. "Alhinc ieclei vadete. Magua salituen in usque mundadi salituen, et te teraga." As they completed their spell, the colors around the pairs brightened uncomfortably for a moment vanishing like a candle blown out. For a brief moment, nothing seemed to exist. All sense of time and space and feeling disappeared. No noises came from the darkness, even when they tried to make them. A chill, far colder than what they had experienced, seeped into their bones immediately.

It lasted only an instant before suddenly light and sound and feeling returned in a dizzying array. Everything seemed overwhelming for a moment before they adjusted to the world again. None of the others could be seen from here and only a wooden sign artfully embedded in the trunk of a tree provided any sign of civilization. Trees towered around them, moonlight filtering down through the canopy just barely illuminating the ground. Vines and roots and other things covered the forest floor. Above the sign, a simple design of the four directions gave the pairs a way to find their direction.

Max/Eris Sign

Turn noon to midnight to find your way beneath the moonlit sky.

Lilie/Ben Sign

That way which vampires' bane does slumber is your first step.

Salem/Victor Sign

Sunflowers do say goodbye to their sovereign in the sky each time it rests its head. Follow their whispers to find your stead.

Maddie/Amaris

The compass spins and spins and spins and spins until it finds your heading.

Aaron/Varis

Dancing lights in the sky illuminate the way. Follow them closely and you'll find your way.

Of Blood and Magic

As the sheep ahead of him meekly accepted their fate, Varis seethed with every step that brought him closer to the mage. An idiot could tell that, minus a suicidal Astorio, not a single vampire believed this a good idea but Varis alone was apparently the only one willing to voice it. Every single one of these weak willed, pathetic puppets deserved whatever happened to them in the forest; they sealed their own fates. He hoped this little trip would open their eyes but faith wasn’t something Varis put much stock in. The next time she pulled some inane stunt like this, they’d all quietly accept whatever inane trial Ryner put them through next and grumble angrily about it behind closed doors. Deplorable excuses of vampires, the lot of them. Not a single shred of pride or dignity present anywhere.

Varis glowered at the mage as he stepped up, not for the first time wondering if the heaviness and trepidation was what the condemned felt as they walked to the executioner. He resisted the urge to snap at the mage, conjure up some false offense and demand the whole event be suspended until he found satisfaction in the punishment, and forced himself to relax. He could feel his hands trembling as the mage spoke and he noted with some detachment that his limbs started tingling unpleasantly. The world faded away slowly and he tried to memorize the face of the one casting the spell so he could find them later and ruin their life but the details slipped as everything surrendered to the dark. He barely noticed the symptoms of the spell, panic welling in him as he tried to move and found himself stuck. His arms and legs refused to move. There must have been a mistake, there was no reason he couldn’t move. He wasn’t confined, it wasn’t day, nothing was holding him back but he couldn’t even bring himself to speak. It felt like his throat had sealed itself and the words he wanted to scream were stuck firmly in his chest.

“My arm is in front of you, Count Varis. Take it when you are ready.” The words cut through the panic building up in him, shattering whatever hold the mistake had on him. The mage must have realized what they did and corrected it. Varis should have said something but he latched onto the proffered arm. His words still wouldn’t come out but that would probably come back to him in a bit too. Everything was fine. He thought the voice familiar, one of Ryner's lackeys no doubt, but he didn't particularly care. He was far too focused on trying to walk without stumbling, trying to make his steps look stately rather than cautious. Even in this sorry state, he still had to look as dignified as possible even if it meant slowing his pace to a crawl.

It felt like an eternity past before his guide stopped. "Count Varis, Mr. Starag is to your left." the voice spoke again. Varis frowned. Perhaps it was the stoic one of her favorites. Walter, Wade, Westly… Something like that. Varis dismissed the thought as soon as it came and opted to hold his hand out for Aaron to take rather than letting take the initiative.

"Hurry up, boy. The sooner we're done, the better." Varis snapped, an extra edge to his words as he realized he sounded more strained than he wanted to admit. "This is absolute madness and apparently I'm the only voice of reason here! Everyone else is too busy worshipping the ground our princess walks on to realize that had we objected as a cohesive unit, we would have turned over this insane requirement. Blinding vampires to put them at the mercy of mages. For shame."

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony