Achronum

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 3:36 am - The Forest}

Lilie/Ben

The cat turned tiger loped off into the forest, leading the pair through dense undergrowth. The tiger flowed through the spaces and openings with ease. Following it would result in more than a few scratches. Whatever it was looking for seemed deeper still and it pushed on after a few stops as it sniffed and pawed at the ground.

The cat didn’t slow down until it reached a grove of trees that were evenly spaced apart. No light penetrated their boughs but the way through them was crystal clear. It was faint but in the center, a small, dilapidated hut rested in the middle. The tiger approached the grove cautiously, pausing after every step to sniff the air and would step carefully after doing so. The whispers grew louder and the tiger hesitated for a moment before…

A crack of thunder, a flash of light, and the cat was gone in a burst of multicolored light. A man wearing a simple black robe under a heavy leather belt and a breastplate stared at the pair blankly. Lightning danced across his fingers and the staff that laid on the ground where the tiger once stood turned into electricity and arc’d back to him, turning into its normal shape once more.

“Turn back now or forfeit your grade.” The man demanded.

Maddie/Amaris

“The colors make sense which means if we agree that the Sinnenodel is the enemy, that would make her the blue chip.” She paced the blue chip on Lady Sinnenodel’s face. She considered the rest of it. She still couldn’t connect the pieces of the first part so instead she figured she’d focus on the last part.

“No longer bound by blade and blood… Physical restraints and a sense of duty? Threats and obligation?” Maddie thought out loud. “While the daughter’s brood turns her kin to ash… Normally I’d hesitate to consider vampires without a direct biological link but the fact that they say brood rather than offspring makes me think it may be related to a turned vampire rather than a pure one. And of all the faces on this table that leaves us with the Princess and the four nobles and the only one I know that is a mother figure of sorts is Princess Ryner. But she’s known for being nonviolent.” Maddie frowned. “And if it was her well… the daughter in the first line would be the Queen but her face isn’t on here.”

---

---

_{Time: 4:49 am - Study Room 6}

Everyone went quiet at the admission. The group eyed him with a mix of surprise, suspicion, and fear on Hilda’s part. After a few awkward moments, Lilith cleared her throat loudly and stared at everyone with reproach. “Well shit. You’re signing up for a whole fuck ton of trouble aren’t you, Firefly?” Diego laughed and the moment passed, tension dissolving away like it hadn’t been there.

“Language.” Lilith muttered, Diego rolling his eyes and laughing again.

“Yeah no kidding. They’re kind of the terrors of the school.” Alex added, putting down the instrument and leaning forward. “I mean the things they can do are pretty cool but starting is rough. What made you decide Mental, if you don’t mind me asking.”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Jack and Casper (and James)’s room
Skills: N/A

---

---

Despite the nightmare of yesterday, James slept like a rock. He’d barely had enough time to curl around Casper before he passed out into a blissfully empty sleep. No dreams, no nightmares, just a long comfortable silence while he spent the night with his boyfriend in his arms. He woke to Casper cuddling up behind him and his body heat seeping into his back pleasantly. James normally woke up early to run and work out before everyone got moving but he thought it was only fair that he slept in. He yawned, pressing back into Casper a little as he stretched and took the opportunity to tangle their legs together a little more. Honestly, all he wanted to do was soak in Casper’s presence and refuse to acknowledge the day but if Casper was hungry, James could consider getting up. He had thrown up a lot the previous day.

“If we have waffles, yeah.” James agreed, sleep making Casper’s conversation with Ben slip in one ear and out the other. He protested with a tired grumble when Casper threw his pillow, rolling around in Casper’s arms so they were facing and giving him a sleepy smile before kissing him. Now that he was waking up, James was very interested in showing Casper exactly how happy he was that he was back in his body and alive before breakfast but of course something had to bother them.

He shot up when Waverly banged open the door and started shrieking about Jack, irritation and concern bubbling in him in equal measure as he glanced over at Jack’s empty bed. The last vestiges of sleep disappeared and, taking a page out of Casper’s book, tossed his own pillow at the door. “He’s not fucking here so shut the god damned door!” James snapped, the combination of the interruption of his fantastic morning and the lack of coffee making him grumpy. He looked over and his boyfriend and slumped onto his chest.

“We should probably be responsible adults and figure out why Waverly wants your brother’s head on a spike.” James grumbled, taking a few more moments to cuddle with him before pushing himself out of bed to get changed. He stretched and yawned again once he was on his feet, pulling on a fresh change of clothes. James looked at Casper all cute and cozy in bed and smiled. “Actually, why don’t you stay in bed and I can bring you some food? You’ve got to feel rough still after yesterday.”

Scion: Children of Light

Well, that was far easier than Khaemtir thought it would be. He was certain Kho would have made him work a little more for it but it seemed he misjudged him. It wasn’t for him to judge and he’d take the easy route every time. “Seriously? It’s like the stars demanded our friendship! Of course we’ll come over. Annoying siblings is my specialty. Just let me know if there is anything else we can do to add to the fun.” Khaemtir babbled immediately, almost putting an arm around Kho―they were friends now so he could be affectionate, right? Probably not but where’s the fun in that?―when a familiar voice cut through his thoughts.

‘Stand up straight and still your tongue, little Khae. You have company.” Udjebten’s voice was sharp and direct in his mind as the tone drove him to attention reflexively. His mother had him on a string, even through his tutelary.

‘Who is important enough that you’re...oh. Khaemtir’s brain shut up as soon as the man―Magister Khalopis, Udjebten supplied silently when she realized he was far more focused on the shimmering heat than his introduction―approached them. He was a little dazed at the display of magic. It was probably little more than an evening trick than serious magic to him but Khaemtir couldn’t help but admire it. No wonder the little girl was dazzled by the Sorcerer; he was and he must have been about twice her age. Khaemtir wanted to ask so badly and his mouth would have taken off again as he looked on in child-like wonder, vibrarity with excitement, when his killjoy of a tutelary stomped hard on his toes.

‘You are a vile, awful creature.’ Khaemtir grumbled petulantly to Udjebten.

‘Wait your turn, little Khaem. You can pester the Magister once he’s made an introduction.’ Udjebten responded with a stern look from all three eyes.

_{Interacting with: @Scribe of Thoth}

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Mutant Underground: Outside Room 6
Skills: N/A

---

---

“Oh, I’m sorry! I must have misunderstood. Use this room as long as you want; no one will bother you if you just need to be alone.” James reassured her, leaving to give her whatever privacy she was looking for. He wasn’t really worried about her taking anything from there. It wasn’t like it would be difficult to track her down if she did. James wondered if she was a new addition to the group or just someone they were moving through. He was sure Veil would introduce everyone once everything settled down so he’d just have to wait. They had to help this doctor find a cure, people still needed patching up, and Casper was eerily unresponsive.

“Thanks for this. I have a feeling everyone’s going to need a touch up today.” James thanked Echo as he picked up the stuff once the door shut behind him. He cracked open the caffeine and took a long swig. “Everyone pulled the short stick, huh? What happened on your end?” James asked. He still wasn’t sure how to feel about Echo. He was definitely flashier than most of them and it wasn’t a type of person he had a lot of interaction with but Echo was nice in his own way, even if half the things he said made James feel like he was failing to live up to some weird standard Echo had in his head. James would admit. The mutant underground’s coffee quality had definitely improved with him and honestly, that was enough to put him on the good list in James book.

But James sighed as he considered where he’d find his friend. It seemed both groups had been through hell and back―a steadily growing occurrence, James noted―and Cayden was normally the first to volunteer his services in these times. He wasn’t in medical and he didn’t hear him downstairs so maybe, for once, someone was putting their mental health first and foremost. Cayden often joined him up top when he was stargazing to settle his head or just forget the world was a fucking mess, Cayden’s explanations more often than not trailing into a grand retelling of stories he’d grown up with, so maybe he was seeking solace somewhere there. James knew Sunshine’s habit of seeking solace outside had rubbed off on him; maybe Cayden needed a second to catch his breath.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Mutant Underground: Medical -> Room 6
Skills: Accelerated Healing Factor

---

---

“Thanks, I think? I don’t know what Kid Flash looks like.” James admitted. He ignored most of Sapphire’s remarks, easily tuning out her abrasive commentary that was borderline emotional abuse, but frowned when she mentioned she got hit by a car. If it had been anyone but Sapphire, he would have expected them to lead with that since he could make that pain go away within seconds but the opportunity for theatrics always took priority with her. “I’m glad you’re doing well enough to move around then but if you’re in any pain, just sit down and let me know and I’ll take the edge off at least.” James offered just as she went to set Waverly's arm, rushing over immediately.

“Okay, I’ve got you. Let’s get you fixed up.” James spoke softly, gently putting his hands on her other arm and closing his eyes. As awful as bullet wounds were, they were actually pretty easy to heal. Most of the time they were small and compact. A broke arm on the other hand was a hell of a workout. James felt himself sync up with her, concentrating as he pushed the bone and muscle to mend. It was slow going. Much slower than he’d like but at least the pain would ebb away quick enough. If it was a simpler injury, he would have been satisfied with that but a broken arm took forever to heal in normal people and they never seemed to have the luxury of time here.

So he pushed it every time it seemed like it was slowing down. Bringing someone back from the brink of death, or trying in Magick’s case, made him feel like he’d run a marathon twice over without a break but he refused to let up. He sighed when he finally stepped back and double checked to make sure her arm was actually whole again. “Looks like it’s all set. Let me know if you still hurt at all.” James instructed wearily, giving her a smile and a thumbs up before his attention once again snapping away to Jack.

“You think so? He tried to use his powers right when we got back. He mentioned a headache before that so I thought it was like when I pass out when I overuse my healing.” James said, coming over next to Jack and Casper. James was really hoping that was what it was because if it had to do with spirits, Casper was their only ghost whisperer. But if anyone would know that something was off about Casper, it was Jack so now James was really worried. “Shit, I didn’t think of that. I hope not because the only two people I can think of to help are all wrapped up in their own personal hell. Where the fuck is that Asgardian witch when you need her?” James sighed, rubbing at his temples.

“You said someone was waiting in my room?” James asked Negasonic after a second. James didn’t know who this Barbie was but if they were waiting in his room specifically, they must need some sort of top off. Maybe he’d run into Cayden along the way and he could help make sure Casper was okay. “I’ll go check on them then. Jack, I’ll see if Cayden can help with this at all. I’m not really sure the limit to his abilities but better than nothing.” James said, jogging lightly out of medical. He rubbed Luna’s back sympathetically and continued on. He’d get her into bed soon too but Jack had hi focused on Casper 100% now. James opened the door to his and Cayden’s room, looking around for his roommate but tilting his head curiously when he found someone entirely new.

“Hey there, I’m James. Negasoic mentioned you were waiting in here.” James introduced himself, stepping into the room and letting the door shut behind him. Clearly if she needed something and didn’t want to come to medical, she wanted privacy so he could give her that. “Did you have an injury I needed to fix up or were you waiting for Cayden?”

Scion: Children of Light

“I don’t doubt you’re correct Kho but curiosity killed the cat and all that.” Khaemtir replied, laughing at the adorable way Novitiate Bekenamun established his comfort zone immediately. “I’ll likely ask anyways. I’m quite interested in the minds of our Masters and understanding their decision making would give us a brief glimpse into that, don’t you think? And seeing the mind of a Master may help us adjust to handle something none of us know anything about yet!” Khaemtir explained excitedly. He couldn’t wait to delve into the pyramids and finally see what he’d been preparing for basically their entire schooling at this point. It was a little terrifying, trudging into something that they’d only ever heard the faintest whisper about, but it was also equally exciting.

But he wasn’t going to waste time thinking about what was set in stone when he had fun to have!

“Lucky for you, fortune favors the bold Kho. Master Dagon called Radaam, Ishara, and me to the Cult of the Crows. We may have just met a bit ago but his directness and honesty is so charming, I couldn’t help but befriend him! We all agreed that a friendship would benefit our studies anyways so it worked out perfectly! We wouldn’t want our favorite prodigy to feel left out after all.” Khaemtir beamed, his excitement bubbling up again. “So I’ve opened my doors to both of them after the festivities end barring we disappear with our Master immediately, of course! I’m just not sure what to expect.” He snapped and turned to Radaam.

“Speaking of which, we must have our families meet today even if something forces us to reschedule. Make sure you remind me after this.” Khaemtir insisted. “It’ll be a headache otherwise. Our families will have to have dinner and then an evening of entertainment before you’d be permitted in alone. It would take forever to get the family together again.” Side note taken care of, he turned back to Kho.

“I hope we’ll be friends moving forward as well! I can only imagine our studies will be far more pleasant with others to learn with!”

_{Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony @Scribe of Thoth}

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Mutant Underground: Medical
Skills: Accelerated Healing Factor

---

---

“I can’t call you Sapphire anymore?” James just stared at her for a few moments, incredibly confused. Did she change her name while they were out and get upset when he didn’t know? That was a little much even for their resident time bomb but it wasn’t really his place to deal with it. Not like she’d liste even if it was; Viel’s the only one who can keep her on a leash and understandably, it’s just easier to ignore it. James was just about to move past it when he froze.

Oh shit.

“Oh, shit! I really thought I said Sapphire. Must be more tired than I thought if I’m remembering the wrong world. Sorry about that.” He apologized, turning to comfort Waverly as she panicked. Oh shit, he really fucked up didn’t he. James held his hands out placatingly, trying to comfort her without touching her. Waves didn’t need to get jostled with a broken arm. “Hey, hey. We aren’t fighting, don’t worry. I made a mistake while things are tense so I totally deserve it. I’m sorry I upset you too, okay? Sapphire’s going to get your arm straightened out and I’ll patch it up.” James smiled at her reassuringly and then turned back to Sapphire and her guests.

“That’s what I need. Can’t heal her arm while her bones are like that.” James explained to Sapphire. His eyes followed past Sapphire to the doctor and his daughter. He felt a wave of relief that they managed to find someone and if she didn’t look like she was going to turn him into an ice sculpture, he might have even hugged her. He blamed Casper for that impulse. As it was, he kept himself in check and headed over to the injured girl.

“Hey there, my name’s James. Thanks for coming by to help.” He said to the pair, looking over the injured girl. “As long as her wounds are cleared, it shouldn’t take much to get her back on her feet. I am going to have to touch her and try to keep her as still as you can.” James explained as he reached out, finding comfort in the familiar and successful feeling of wounds rapid shutting after that numbing cold that nearly consumed him back in the parking lot. He stepped back after a few moments. “There you go. She’s all set.”

Of Blood and Magic

_{Time: 3:31 am - The Forest}

Lilie/Ben

The cat sauntered down the path that brought the pair to their last challenge, bringing the pair back to the site of their challenge with Geoffrey. The clearing looked as it did the first time they encountered it, trees and bush alive alive and flourishing. As the cat passed the area, the trees and bush shimmered and turned into particles of light that engulfed the clearing in a kaleidoscope of colors before settling onto the cat’s skin. Only the marble remained as the cat continued, ignoring the spectacle and sat at the path they could have taken. It chirped at the pair.

But a strange whispering came from the forest behind the marble block and the cat whipped around at the sound. The cat’s coat changed from black to rainbow stripped and it grew as it growled, shaking as it turned into a large tiger. It growled again and bolted in the direction of the whispers.

Maddie/Amaris

“Sounds like you have a grasp on the basics! Won’t tell ya the other but I will say, it’s probably the easiest to figure out of the whole thing!” He leaned forward, clearly confident in their failure. Maddie ignored him and focused on the riddle; they didn’t suffer through that snake just to fail.

“So a mournful man beneath a long set sun left behind a daughter… I’m inclined to believe that means the man isn’t here and the first part is about her daughter, especially since the enemy targets her.” Maddie spoke slowly as she organized her thoughts. “I think the foe is a Sinnenodel. Their symbol, the snakes, slither but the sea part is confusing. I don’t know why the sea would have an importance and I don’t know how they were bound by blade and blood or how they escaped it. The last partI’m not so certain about either since I don’t know who the daughter is but it’s odd they chose brood, like they aren’t entirely related or there is more than one. Maybe that means more than one option?”

---

---

_{Time: 4:44 am - Study Room 6}

“See, even Aaron recognizes my potential and he’s only been here for like, ten minutes!” Hilda exclaimed smugly.

“Yes, yes. You’re amazing and you’re going to prove you don’t need magic to be successful.” Lilith interjected quickly, cutting off Ander who was almost guaranteed to turn that comment into a jab before returning to her conversation with Aaron, a curious look at Aaron’s ring. “What an interesting focus. Is that an awakening crystal?”

Meanwhile, Ander lunged for the tea while Lilith was distracted. She jerked back at the sudden movement, nearly spilling the tea across the picnic blanket and herself as the pot went tumbling but instead the liquid just hovered above the cloth before whirling together in a neat ball and slipping around Lilith and Aaron to settle just in front of Diego’s outstretched fingers. With a flourish, the liquid flowed between his fingers in a constant stream and he smacked Ander on the back of the head with the other.

“Careful there, shit-for-brains.” He grumbled, refilling everyone’s cup while Lilith picked up the pot. She held it out and the remaining ice tea was sent over to it with a flick of his fingers. “Focus aside, Firefly, what’s your plan for arcane majors? You seem like the overachiever type so I’m guessing Summoning.”

“He gets Firefly and I’m still stuck with shit-for-brains?!” Ander screeched indignantly. “We've been friends for over a year!” Diego gave a noncommittal shrug that only made Ander more annoyed.

---

---

_{Time: 4:44 am - Staging Grounds}

“At this time, I am unable to explain the workings of the challenges. Academy policy only permits a select few access to the workings of the magic employed, for both the safety of those in them and maintaining them.” Ryner explained. “and do not worry about those who may find themselves in the forest. We’ll be able to recall them when the time is right. Enjoy the rest of your morning.” She waved as they headed away, moving onto the next group that escaped the forest.

Once the pair turned in their tokens, a car took Victor and Salem back to the dorms.

Scion: Children of Light

Khaemtir chatted animatedly with a few other people stopping for food and drink at the same table, passing a few minutes with idle conversation. He never understood some people’s aversion to small talk; surface level conversation was pleasant to pass the time and came with no expectations of further communication. It was calming in a way though to be perfectly honest, he had few qualms taking a conversation further. Goodness knows his family told him to control his mouth more than once. His record is 34 times in a day and he has every intent on beating it at the next family dinner.

But for now, he had a target. He politely separated from his conversation with another family congratulating their child on their acceptance and wandered his way back where he had seen the Bekenamun with the Order of the Phoenix. Khaemtir would admit it still upset him a little that the Order he would have preferred hadn’t selected him but really who would complain being selected by the Crows? In terms of social status, Khaemtir clearly got the better end of the deal and for that he should be grateful. Another tick on the family’s register. His first on his scroll, that’s for sure, and quite an impressive one at that. All he could do was just cross his fingers that his studies wouldn’t be impeded too much not having access to the Phoenix's knowledge.

Khaemtir beamed when he saw Radaam already talking with the Bekenamun. He stuck out like a sore thumb still but taking the initiative already for their little group? Khaemtir felt like a proud father. It would be a little impolite to intrude on their conversation so suddenly but he couldn’t help himself. The last time he waited, his quarry had gotten away and he had no intention of that happening again. And he really wanted to see Radaam interact with this one up close.

But, details.

“There you are!” Khaemtir beamed as he practically bounced his way up to Radaam. Udjebten looked up at Tekenhasut and greeted him politely before sitting next to Khaemtir. “I found someone you absolutely had to see but she disappeared before I could get to her. Her tutelary was amazing, wasn’t it Udjebten?

“You should apologize for interrupting their conversation, little Khaem, but yes, her tutelary was quite the spectacle.” Udjebten scolded him but she couldn’t help indulge his question. “But yes, her tutelary was quite the spectacle.”

“You’re right as always, Udjebten! It seems in my eagerness I disrupted you. I hope you can forgive my rudeness.” Khaemtir bowed in apology but the amusement never left his face. He did, after all, do it entirely on purpose but whatever made his tutelary feel better. “But it was amazing! It looked like a myriad of butterflies shimmering under the moon! Of course, it didn’t have anything on my precious Udjebten but an impressive second place nonetheless.”

Khaemtir paused a moment, taking in the Bekenamun. His name surfaced after a few moments―he only remembered because they shared the first few letters of their name―and Khaemtir beamed. They may not have been incredibly close before this but opening up some channels of communication now might make it easier to access whatever specialty knowledge the Pheonix’s have on Pyromancy. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance again, Kho! And congratulations on your acceptance. It's amazing that all our hard work paid off, huh? Minus the favorite of course but I can't help this sense of disbelief. I wonder if it's rude to ask what they saw in us out of everyone they could have chosen."

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony @Scribe of Thoth

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Mutant Underground: Medical
Skills: N/A

---

---

Oh sweet jesus. James sighed, an unsettling mix of resignation and relief as Negasonic’s sarcastic default came back. When it wasn;t there, you knew shit had gone south and it was nice to hear someone settling back into some semblance of normalcy after everything that happened. Honestly, James was going to get a fucking whiteboard and post it at the entrance of this place and write in big, bold letters: Number of Days Since the Last Accindent. If they managed to make it past two days, he’d give them a prize. Everyone gets a goddamn bottle of vodka or something. Maybe that’d be enough incentive for everyone to stop nearly dying on him.

“Okay. Therapy sessions are next on the list, apparently.” James muttered as Max rambled on about the Princess and happiness. Max’s issues weren’t difficult to see. His crippling inferiority complex was the size of Sunshine’s ego and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Max shielded himself with material concerns, indulging in his perceived ideal person: high fashion, manners, fair tempered. Of course, Max at his core wasn’t any of those things and so the resulting friction between fantasy and reality fed a blossoming Hero syndrome. Before the Princess’ little game, James would have never put the pieces together but now he was almost 100% certain that that was why his powers would never work right the first time. A subconscious need to prove himself drove his powers to instability and then his control snapped back into place right after so he could take charge of it. That’s why the police incident resulted in such a fallout.

There wasn’t a way to save it.

“Everyone can be happy. You just gotta figure it out, dude.” He reassured Max, patting him on the back. “We can talk about it once you’re better, okay? For now, stay sitting up if you can otherwise lay on your side, okay?” Speaking of inferiority complexes… James turned at Waverly’s comment, a frown already on his face. But James glanced over at his boyfriend really quick and swore, bolting to his side and wrestling him over. And he thought Casper was doing better! James mentally ran over the list of medicine they got and sighed. Nothing they had would help right now so he just adjusted Casper, getting him on his side and his head elevated so if he vomited, he wouldn’t choke on it. He placed a chaste kiss on his boyfriend’s forehead and turned to Waverly.

“Okay what’s going o…” James stared at Waverly, where she leaned against the doorframe with a broken fucking arm. Change that god damned prize to 1 day apparently. “Waverly, that’s a big fucking deal! You’re entire right arm is fucked up!” Oh god, what the fuck. He was sitting everyone down as soon as he found the time and they were fucking talking about this. This is ridiculous. It took him a few moments to recover from the shock but he shook it off.

“That thing has to be set first and I am definitely not trained to do that. Clarke came back with you right?” James ushered her inside their little medical area and popped his head out into the hallway again, cupping his hands around his mouth. “Yo Clarke! Need your brains and fantastic bedside manner in Medical like STAT!” He shouted into the Underground. Normally, he wouldn’t dream of calling her that but he was tired and worn thin. Separating the details between this reality and that reality became more of a challenge when he was tired, the two identities and their habits creating a confusing combination.