Achronum

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

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The monastery was everything she could have dreamed of and more. She certainly had a number of adjustments to make. For one, the bedding didn't hold a candle to her own in terms of room and comfort and there was an appalling lack of pillows but to be fair, even her own bed barely had enough room to hold the frankly absurd amount she preferred. She ought to have brought another trunk with her just for more pillows; she couldn’t expect them to accommodate such a trifling detail so she’d just have to make due for the time being and hope that perhaps some merchants stopping at the village would have a few to sell, though she wasn’t terribly optimistic. Thankfully, Lienna’s prediction about the chill air creeping into the room didn’t seem to come true so at the very least she could still wake up in a room without the chill biting at her feet. She always found it that much harder to slip out of the comforting nest of bedding when her feet were in danger of freezing.

Of course, even if that were the case, her first morning watching the sunrise made all her concerns seem so trivial. Waking up before the sun was a routine she’d had since she was young and a change in altitude wasn’t about to change that. She found herself crossing the quiet monastery grounds in the early morning darkness, amazed at the difference from home. Even if it was a slow morning on the docks, the sea winds always whisked the creaks of ships at rest into her window, the heavy footfalls of guards and the pleasant scent of morning bread following closely on it’s heels. The thrum of the city was never far away, never fully gone, but the monastery was so still and serene. There was a weightlessness, sitting so far above the world, that slowed her step and evened her breath. She’d felt it briefly, staring far beyond the horizon on the bridge, but here and now, with the world still asleep and a comforting silence draped across her shoulders, the world seemed so much kinder, so less judgemental, so less demanding.

She expected her mornings in the cathedral to be like that; full of reverent reflection and easy awakenings but instead she found her breath stolen from her as the sun rose behind the Cathedral. Sunlight poured in through stained glass and she drank the sight of it like a woman parched from the desert. It reminded her of a lesson from years ago, when she struggled to find reason for the burden of this mark and she nearly became the very shade her mother sought her to be. The sun rise was beautiful because they, humanity, made it so. From the Goddess’ first step sprouted all life and yet in the appreciation of creation, were they humanity the only ones who see greater beauty, greater meaning. The hawk and the rabbit both use the sun to mark the new day but they do not see comfort or beauty in the simple act of light breaking the horizon. That was humanity’s decision. And she thought she’d understood that but now, watching sunlight pour like water through the windows of the Cathedral of the hallowed grounds of Garrag Mach, she found she hadn’t understood it much at all.

The experience moved her to tears.

Classes… were less moving. They were interesting, she wouldn’t deny that. Learning history without the lens of the Leicester Alliance proved a thought provoking exercise but she couldn’t deny reviewing things she’d already known was monotonous. She understood that she’d had access to some of the best tutors in the Leicester Alliance and not everyone had the privilege but they could have made separate classes. They already had the format for it; with the classes changing between Unit and House, the Academy could easily make it happen.

Which was why she was so excited about this training camp. It was something exciting and new and she’d been so wholly enthusiastic the mild monotony of her classes couldn’t bring her down. Not even Jorah’s incessant need for attention and frivolity could dampen her mood. She even found it adorably childish most of the time, even when he threw a fit about her room change instead of just convincing Imogen to switch (which he later did with all the eloquence and grace of a toddler). And if he couldn’t temper her excitement, then nothing could.

Which is what she believed until a two hour carriage ride soured her mood immensely. Honestly, how did anyone manage to travel like this? Every bump and shift made her jam uncomfortably into Jorah and the seats were hard and unforgiving. They ought to have told them to keep their transportation. Using her own carriage would have proven far more comfortable and would have significantly reduced the strain on everyone involved. Or at the very least advised them to bring cushions! She’d remember this for the future because she wasn’t sure she could handle another two hours of this, much less an entire trip.

She’d practically launched herself out of the carriage when the opportunity presented itself, stretching out the soreness in her limbs from being in such cramped quarters for so long. Absolutely dreadful. Why anyone chose to travel like that was beyond her. At least if she’d had the opportunity to ride horseback, she wouldn’t have been fighting anyone for space the entire time. She took in their surroundings as she stretched, wincing as the soreness stubbornly fought her.

“I think I’d rather be on the receiving end of Duke Gloucester’s archaic rambling than suffer through this another two hours.” Clarissa grumbled to Jorah. The gentle hush of flowing water proved a pleasant background to their rest stop at the very least. “Next time I’ll remind everyone to bring a cushion.”

Of Blood and Magic

January 7th - 9:10 pm

“No it certainly doesn’t, does it.” She sighed, staring at the cloudy sky forlornly. “I was hoping for a clear evening for the first night of school. I always feel like it’s good luck but I suppose this will have to do.” She gave Ben a wave and turned an inquisitive look to Victor.

“Why not this morning then? I should have some time a little after class ends and I’m always happy to discuss anything with my students.” Ryner offered. “Unless you have something else already planned. If that is the case, I’d be more than happy to have my secretary reach out and find a time that works for both of us.”

---

Varis gave a noncommittal hum as his head tipped back onto the couch. If he gave a damn, he might have found the boy’s concern touching but frankly, he didn’t and so it was just plain annoying. Just another responsibility to deal with because the Noila’s gave the boy all the stress management skills of a toddler. He’d come in with the hopes of a brief nap before the boy all but accosted him, dashing his hopes from the first manic call of his title. Why were mages such finicky creatures?

He supposed he needed to prepare for the night ahead and probably show his face around. He didn’t believe anyone thought him dead after this long of little to no news. Not that he cared; he just needed a distraction for a few nights while he handled Ryner’s request. He’d been overly concerned about the whole thing too. Maybe a few close calls but snatching Perion’s secrets from under his nose was surprisingly simple. Smug satisfaction edged out the annoyance over the boy's melt down. Victor certainly had some interesting secrets hidden away behind that stoic composure. Maybe he could have some fun this semester twisting the big vampire’s arm behind his back.

“Now gather your things. We have appearances to make.” Varis sighed, finishing his blood and leaving it on the coffee table. He forced himself to stand, quietly cursing himself at how sluggish he felt. “And next time you feel like having an existential crisis, do it somewhere I don’t have to hear about it.” Varis grumbled as he headed into his own room, shutting the door firmly behind him as he did so he wouldn’t have to deal with the problem child.

---

Maddie fiddled with the coffee maker, popping in a fresh filter and pouring a generous mound of grounds into it, and gratefully accepted the cup Amaris slid across the counter. The smell of coffee wafted out from the brewer as it bubbled to life and she turned her attention to her partner. “Well enough.” Maddie yawned, covering her mouth as she stretched. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “It was nice not having to deal with everyone clattering around during the day though. I didn’t realize how loud everyone was until I was trying to sleep through it.” She replied through another yawn.

“And, no it’s not a fashion trend. I just hate being cold.” Maddie explained as she headed over to the pantry. Maddie decided cooking was not in the cards for her today and settled on a morning bar. “It’s like wearing a bunch of blankets constantly without having to hold onto them. Plus, it’s super comfy. Lots of soft, plush layers to relax in.” She chuckled, shuffling back over to her coffee as it beeped. She poured it into a mug and brought it up to her nose, inhaling deeply with a pleased sigh. She could give up the sun, the warmth, and whatever else she needed to but if she had to give up coffee, she’d have offered herself months ago.

“How did you break go?” Maddie asked as she leaned against the counter, sipping at her coffee.

The Gifted - Concluded

James & Casper & Max & Echo

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Location: Casper and James’ room -> The Sewers
Skills: Summoning: Ben & Conjuration

---

Who the Fuck Needs Sleep when you have Fear?

James chucked at the story’s, putting his hand on Casper’s thigh under the table just to feel him, and stared adoringly at Casper as he spoke. The dinner table was set for four but James wasn’t sure who they were dining with. The scent of seafood made his stomach grumble but he ignored it, instead focusing on how Casper spoke with his whole body, hands flying and shifting in his seat, and James nted ho the candle light made him absolutely glow. He was totally in his element and James fell a little more in love. The rest of the world shrunk down to just Casper, their table and guests gone even though his boyfriend kept talking to them, and James leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek…”

Only to startle awake at a loud knocking. James lay there, frozen, hand under his pillow where his icer should be, and he panicked when he didn’t feel it. Someone was in his bed and he didn’t have a weapon, how could he be so stupid, he must have left it on the quinjet or something, fuck it must be the rebellion coming after him after the Hulk incident…

Casper’s voice finally got through the haze he woke up in and he felt his whole body relax. Right, they were at the Mutant Underground, they were safe for now, and Casper was the one in his bed, not some mystery person looking to gut him for all the times he flayed their allies alive. He gave a tired chuckle and flipped over in bed, sitting up just enough to snake his arms around Casper’s waist, and flopped back onto the mattress. He would like his mattress from that world though. He tangled his legs with Casper and snuggled close. “You tell him, babes.” He sleepily cheered his boyfriend on, even if Jack had already left.

Casper grinned at his boyfriend, wishing that James had snaked his arms around something a little lower than his waist, but c'est la vie. He hadn't even been thinking about having sex with James until Jack knocked on the door and insinuated it, and now, he couldn't help but think about it, sporting a boner. He then snuggled back down onto the bed with James, cupping James' butt with one hand and holding onto James' back with the other. He tried to entangle their legs even more, but it wasn't exactly humanly possible. "Go back to sleep, silly," he whispered gently, even as he was himself becoming more and more alert and awake.

Harrys heart dropped the second Callie had mentioned his twin and the others were in need of help. Why didn't he go with her? Why did he leave her alone? Suddenly he didn't care about the stupid bag, or the small fire. All he cared about was being there for his sister and making sure she was OK. Before he could ask any questions or say anything, Callie had already left the room in a hurry in search for others no doubt.

Max didn’t give himself any time to think, rushing before saying anything and plucking some hair from Harry. "Sorry need it to find Veil, can't open a portal if I don't know where she is and it's better to track her two ways than one." His words practically ran together as he spoke, rushing off towards James and Caspers room where Callie was calling out to them. He didn't care much for all the waiting and simply kicked the door open since there was no handle anymore.

"Hey James get up, we have an emergency. Casper you too, might actually need your powers here depending on how bad."

James barely had the time to mumble out a sleepy agreement and shut his eyes before yet another person came barging in. He opened one eye at Callie, grumbling but shifting so he could push himself up off Casper. Of course there were injuries. Not only was everyone in the Mutant Underground absurdly danger prone, they wouldn’t come running to find him if there weren’t injuries. It was a strange feeling being so annoyed at people when they needed help but he couldn’t stop himself. He was so tired and all he wanted was at least an hour to recharge.

He wanted to say something to Casper as he sat up but then yet another person barged in. He really thought the door handles weren’t a fucking priority but clearly they were. Did no one know how to knock anymore? James gave Max a deadpan look and sighed, finally pushing himself up. “I got it, I got it. I’m getting up.” James grumbled, pressing a quick kiss to Casper’s cheek as he got out of bed. “What’s going on?”

Casper sighed, forcing himself to sit up. He thought about shifting his legs to conceal his boner, in order to make it less awkward for Max, but then he realized he didn't care. He didn't want people to be hurt, but he was pouting anyways. Claiming to be Honey really was a poor move - her evening still got ruined by Frozone leaving to save the day. "Do you mean Ben's powers?" he asked Max. "And can it wait an hour? James was just about to hit that sweet dope REM sleep, weren't you babe?" Casper said, despite not even knowing what REM was.

"Don't make me hit you again," Ben threatened.

"Ben, why don't you go play tennis with Hitler and leave me alone?" Casper whined.

It took a moment for Max to even notice. Finally slowing down enough forcefully as the two other mutants got up sluggishly. He looked down at Caspers hard member, then back up at Casper, then back down before finally deciding to look away from the pair of them. "Oh I'm sure he was gonna get loads of sleep with that hanging around. And no I didn't mean Ben, I meant you Casper. If you can channel and speak to spirits, perhaps you can help if there's a bigger emergency than what we believe to be happening."

Truth be told Max had no idea what he even believed the emergency to be other than Callie seeming very pressed to save on time. If he had to guess lives were on the line, as they always tended to be. "No idea exactly what the situation is. I also don't know where it is we're going, I just know time seems to be of the essence." Max spared no time as he held up the hairs plucked from Harrys head.

His eyes began to glow as he started chanting words that seemed to just come to him. The air inside the room began to swirl as the sheets were kicked off the lazy pair and Maxs hair began to blow in the breeze. The strands started levitating into the air, dancing around in a circle until it revealed visuals on Veil and her location, as if watching her through a window.

The window began to crackle and spark in a similar manner to Strange's portals. Orange flecks paraded the visual until it became a doorway, Max continuing to chant the spell until it finally clicked into place. He could see Veils feet sticking out of rubble, and the voices of others not far away. He turned to face Casper and James, eyes still lit from magic as he held one hand outstretched towards the portal. "Oh fuck…"

“Yeah I was cause despite what you assholes all think, Casper’s a great fucking boyfriend. I was going to take care of that after the nap, jerk.” James snapped at Max. James watched Max do his magic, feeling like he was back in the other world and desperately waiting for Max to open a portal to Casper. He put his hand over Casper’s and squeezed.

"Aww, babe, you were?" Casper gushed.

“Oh shit, that is not good.” James launched himself out of bed when Max’s spell revealed the collapse, only Veil’s legs poking out. All thoughts of sleep were gone, adrenaline washing away the exhaustion, and he was through the portal without a second thought. “Guy, can you hear me? Is everyone in one piece?”

Casper didn't hesitate to follow after James - if it had been someone else going through the portal, like Spark Plug, he would have. It was incredibly dark and he coughed, feeling dust getting into his lungs. He didn't even realize they were looking at Veil at first, since all they could see were her feet, trapped underneath rubble like she was the Wicked Witch of the West. He could hear stones shifting and - was that a car alarm blaring? "Good news - I don't see the ghosts of our friends," Casper said, before he turned white as a sheet and stumbled backwards, tripping over some rocks, as he saw the angry spirits of a squad of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. "Uh, bad news... There's a fuck ton of dead agents down here, and I'm guessing that's a recent development."

Max took a breath and looked through the portal. Dead agents? Rubble everywhere, car alarms blaring. He wasn't fully sure where they were but he needed to help get them out. Max tried to entangle his magic into the rubble, redoing what he had done back at the Mutant Underground not but moments ago. His eyes still held their glow as strands of energy wrapped around the piles and warped them out of the area to a landfill. He'd considered how long it would take to move them by hand, and a single wrong move and they could collapse down onto Veil and the others. What he hadn't thought of was the street above collapsing down onto them from the shift in weight.

Rubble began to fall down, kicking up more dust into the air as debris fell all around them, missing everyone but separating the team from Veil. "Damn it! Can you guys see Veil? Are you ok?!" Max looked towards James and Casper, exasperation and dread filling him. "I don't know what to do. I can try to stabilize the street above us but...it may take some time. I just...I…"

Oh fuck, of course there were dead agents. James didn’t have time to try and figure out what happened with that, all he knew was it was bad. Dead agents meant vengeful agents and they did not have the resources or the skill to combat trained agents of any agency. They were going to have to move after this and fast. Casper’s New Orleans idea was sounding more and more like an immediate possibility.

Casper’s observation distracted him from Max, always a fatal mistake. He only snapped back to the crisis in front of them when he noticed strands of Max’s magic wrapping themselves around the rubble. “MAX, STO―” James’ scream cut off as the road above them groaned, unable to support itself as the rubble beneath it vanished in uncoordinated parts, and James all but tackled Casper back towards the portal as the ceiling came crashing down to fill the voids. James coughed and sputtered, dusting himself off as he took in the changes.

“Max, don’t do a goddamned thing. We have to get support in there before we move anything else or we risk killing them and anyone above us.” James popped up to his feet, reaching his hand out to help Casper up. “Just focus on the portal. No pressure but if you drop it, everyone is fucked.”

“Guys, we have a portal open at Veil’s location and we have a cave in. Need people who can help brace the ceiling before we can move anything!” James screamed back into the Mutant Underground before turning back to where the MU team was trapped. “If you can hear us under there, try not to do anything to disrupt the rubble! We’re gonna get you out but we’re going to need some time!”

Casper got back on up to his feet, trembling as the ghosts of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents surrounded them. He didn't know if all of them hated mutants, but the cave-in part 2 seemed to have only angered them, as they were screaming and shouting abuse. One of them rushed at Casper and went straight through him, making him feel naked and raw and violated - he yelped slightly. "B-B-Ben, I think th-they need you," Casper stammered.

"Yeah, come on, do the thing. I can brace and move," he offered. Unfortunately, as Casper tried to summon Ben to come out to play, the blue glow in his eyes kept on flickering. He felt like a dead battery. "Casper, you can do it!" Ben urged.

"Shut up, it's n-not cool to have expectations of me!" he whined, before giving one last try and his powers popped - his eyes turned blue, there was a blue aura around his hands, and Ben was visible. Ben's tentacles quickly went to work, bracing what remained of the ceiling.

"James, tell me what you need me to do next. And Max? Maybe cool it with the powers for a little while. Or start small. Little things first."

Harry had been pacing the floors in a worried fit as he waited to hear news about whether or not they had found his sister. When James called out to the Underground he bolted upstairs and saw the large glowing portal and the rubble that was before them. "Val? Val?! Are you ok? Can you hear me, talk to me sis!" Tears started streaming down his face as he cried out to her. He couldn't lose her.

“For now Ben, you and Casper and Max just keep being awesome. Hold everything tight and when we get some back up, we’ll see if we can stabilize more of this mess.” James told Ben, tuning Harry out for the moment. There were more important things to think about as James started figuring out the best place to start excavating.

Of Blood and Magic

January 7th - 8:45pm

A few dorms opened and vampires and mages both slipped out into the evening snow with various reactions. A fewsimmediately dove into the piling up snow, initiating snowball fights with whoever was unfortunate enough to be nearby. Others grumbled and ran, getting out of the way of these crazed lunatics on their way to the library or their new hall to wait somewhere warm. Soon enough, the night would be filled with the sound of laughter and movement, breaking the snow’s silence as the Academy began to wake.

“Good evening, Benjamin. Welcome back to the Academy. I hope you enjoyed your break and are back, eager to learn.” Ryner greeted him, the same warm smile she’d given Lilie now on him. “Funnily enough, I just finished a conversation with Lilie. What are the odds? Vampire or not, I still don’t much care for the weather. I’d assumed you’d all still be comfortable in your blankets for another fifteen minutes or so.”

---

Maddie slammed her hand on her alarm as it shrieked again. She peered at the time and sighed into her pillow as she burrowed deeper into her covers. Only forty five minutes until class. She groaned as she pushed herself up, the warmth of her cocoon flooding out as the blankets shifted, and she gasped, dropping hastily back into bed. Oh damn, it was cold! And it was only getting colder as the night went on. During the summer, it was pleasant but winter at night? Atrocious.

Still, she forced herself out of bed and bolted into her closet, throwing on the comfiest, heaviest clothes she could find. Hat? Check. Sweater and coat? Check. Extra warm pants? Absolutely. Wool socks? A must. It took her longer than she cared for to bindle herself up, arms not even in the sleeves of her coat but rather tucked in tightly beneath it. She tugged up her hood and zipped it up all the way past her chin before she dared to trot out in search of some breakfast.

She creaked open her door and slipped out in the common area. Amaris was already up and about, pleased as she could be. Maddie pouted childishly at the injustice. Here she was freezing her butt off and Amaris was lounging in the common area like it was nothing. Maybe she could get Amaris to turn her just so she wouldn’t have to be cold anymore.

“Morning.” Maddie offered in a voice still raspy with sleep. She’d long given up on wishing people a good evening when she first saw them; it was just a greeting and frankly, she didn’t really want to figure out an entirely new time difference. Maddie yawned as she shuffled into the kitchen, opening the fridge with her hands still tucked under her coat and staring. Should she cook? They had some snack stuff, she could just take some of that. She shut the door, the additional cold not good for her current condition, and rather decided to focus on the more important thing: coffee.

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

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@Obscene Symphony

“Why would he be making a comment on your decoration? They suit you quite well, in my opinion.” Clarissa spoke absently before she really heard what he said. “Oh yes, our savior stealing from… Jorah, that is absolutely disgusting. Please finish chewing before you speak.” She chastised him, nose wrinkling in disgust. She could ignore the vast majority of the irritating habits he found so dear but that one she couldn’t stomach. Who wanted to see mis-colored mash spilling out of someone’s mouth while they garbled through half formed sentences? No one, that’s who.

They were too far away from the table to hear the conversation as the room buzzed back to life but Clarissa couldn’t help the surprised rise of her brow as the heir to the Adrestian throne wandered to the Blue Lions table and then shortly took his leave. Goddess help her, she wished she could have heard whatever exchange led to that. She couldn’t imagine Prince Hersvelg merely stopped by to greet them and then return to his table. She certainly wouldn’t have. It would have been such a wonderful opportunity to connect with the other students and she’d only have stepped away if the other party was firmly disinterested in her conversation.

“Now, I regaled you with the excitement of our time apart between class and now so it’s your turn. What mischief have you managed while I wasn’t around? I meant to wander the grounds more than I did but I was distracted with my room so I certainly hope your time was more enjoyable.” Clarissa sighed, mourning the missed opportunity.

Of Blood and Magic

Varis stared off into distance as the boy worked through his melodramatics. Every time anything so much as contradicted what this boy believed and he needed fifteen minutes to figure himself out. The boy had all the mental fortitude of Eris’ pet rat. Maybe that’s why the Noila’s hide the whole family away. Having the supposed mage family standard in the limelight too often might expose their instabilities. Varis was too tired to deal with this blubbering disaster and so he just tapped his fingers on the glass as he waited, patiently and graciously, for the boy to process.

“I’m so glad you’ve come to this realization. Whatever would I have done without your reaffirming words and impeccable sense of responsibility?” Varis said dryly after taking a sip of his blood. “But you want to earn my trust? I’ve given you more chances than I can count, not to mention forgiving you with barely a tap on the knuckles every time you’ve crossed me.” Varis massaged his temple with his free hand, sighing. He hadn’t considered the boy might ask him point blank. What could the boy do to earn his trust? The boy was nothing but a security risk; any other mage with so little Sinnenodel family training would be locked at his estate until Varis considered them ready for social interaction. Isolation from outside influence would be the first step at home but the boy had a free pass four the next three and a half years. How was he supposed to mimic that step here? Varis leaned forward, catching the boy’s chin in his hand and examining his face while considering his options.

“Clearly, you haven’t been taking care of yourself.” Varis muttered absently with a disapproving click of the tongue. Well, maybe he didn’t need to completely isolate him from everyone. Just those who represented dangerous influences. “Very well. I’ll give you one more chance. At home, I isolate a mage until their training is done, both to reduce outside distractions and remove contact with any undesirable influences the mage may have in their past. I can’t do the same to you currently but we can start with the most dangerous influence. For one year, you are not permitted to have contact with any Noila mage or vampire, with the clear expectation of Council and school business. Even in those activities, I will either accompany or I will listen in to the interaction via your phone. This includes your family. You may not contact them, you may not return to the Noila palace, you may not even see them in anything other than an official capacity. This is only to prove to me that you are truly and wholly dedicated to learning your new place; once I am sure of that, we can consider working on trust.”

It was an impossible request for most mortals, asking them to leave those they depend on behind. It’d broken more than one mage in his household but it was a necessary step nonetheless. Varis sighed, releasing his hold on the boy’s chin, and instead running his hair gently through the boy’s hair, messing it into a more pleasant appearance. “This is a difficult request but a necessary one. You’ve come to understand what is at stake now; these are dangerous times in the Sinnenodel household. Divided loyalties only lead to mistakes and mistakes are what lead to death in the Culling.” Varis leaned back into the couch, not bothering to hide his exhaustion from the boy. It had been a long break and he'd barely found time to relax, let alone sleep. “You have potential, boy. No one can question that but potential only means so much if you don’t put the work in. You’ll have until 6am to decide. Understand that I will be thorough; you’re phone will be replaced and destroyed and the same with your address book. Every Noila belonging will have to be sent back and replaced. I do not intend to do this halfway.”

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony

“You’re already doing an amazing job, Lilie. Don’t doubt that.” Ryner reassured her. She glanced up at the falling snow. “However, I believe it may be time you return inside. I would hate it if you caught a cold from standing outside talking with me. Have a good evening, Lilie. Remember my doors are always open if you need anything.” Ryner gave her one last smile and then her attention turned to Victor.

“Good evening, Count Astorio. I hope you’re prepared for this semester.” She called cheerfully. “Break a leg out there!” She laughed and beamed excitedly at Lilie.

“I just learned that phrase over the break. I still don't really understand it but I like it all the same.” She admitted quietly to Lilie before she was on her way, a chuckle in her wake and a bounce in her step.

Interacting with: @Hero@ReusableSword

Of Blood and Magic

“No, all good reasons, I promise. I try to stay aware of all my student’s progress to at least some degree and I check in with instructors regularly. Esi just likes to say more than others.” Ryner chuckled. “I want to make sure that my students are healthy, happy, and successful and while I am rarely permitted to intervene directly, I do have the power to make their class time as enjoyable as possible.”

Ryner’s smile dimmed into something sadder, quieter than usual. Her shoulders drooped and she sighed as Lilie inquired about the classes. “Lilie, you are more than capable. You’re a dedicated student, earnest and hard working, and I have no doubt you would have succeeded with flying colors in these classes. It isn’t your magic or your skills that made me deny your schedule.” Ryner spoke softly, an air of melancholy wrapping around her as she gently brushed some snow off Lilie. “While you are an accomplished student, you are still adjusting to this life. Before, you lived in the sun and your blood only spilled when you stumbled or cut yourself or any other number of mistakes. Now, you walk opposed to your old life, studying in moonlight and bleeding for a vampire you’ve just met. You’ve gone through more partners than anyone at this Academy―through no fault of your own, you understand―and you’re a primary affinity.” Blood welled up at the corners of Ryner’s eyes and she quickly wiped them away before they could fall.

“The first year I opened the Academy, I didn’t have these restrictions. I felt that a mage should be able to make that decision, never mind they’ve had their magic for all of six months and they’re adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle. And so Alision Xao, a promising and upcoming primary earth mage, took the hardest schedule we offered at the time.” Ryner laughed bitterly, a short, self deprecating sound. “I escorted her back home as a statue after her third day. I immediately halted any opportunity to do that but I realized it wasn’t fair that students who chose the Mental or Summoning programs got it automatically, after being thoroughly screened of course. If your affinity wasn’t a primary or you came from a mage family background, I could have supported that but Lilie, I’ve lived seven hundred years. I remember every student we’ve lost resonating and I see them in every promising, eager, bright eyes student, and I do not want to add you to that list.” Ryner reached out, gently cupping Lilie’s cheek with an encouraging smile. “I will always have your best interests at heart, Lilie, always. You have the potential to go so far; I can’t wait to see how far your soar but you have to walk a little longer first.”

Interacting with: @Hero

Of Blood and Magic

Varis rolled his eyes at the second deluge of words pouring from the boy’s mouth. Why were mages so easily excited? It was just an attempt on his life, nothing more. Varis again thanked his vampiric biology for sparring them from headaches; He was certain this outpour of emotional nonsense would give him one if he could have them. Varis waited until the boy had finally still again―Varis tuned the boy out as soon as he started asking questions―to return his attention to him.

He sipped at his blood, a hum of approval escaping him at the taste, and considered his options. He could tell the boy everything, relieve Varis of any possibility of emotional outbursts after this and teach the boy how to properly act in this situation. He could tell the boy nothing, reprimand him for his behaviour and punish him for failing to trust in his senior mages as well as making a fool of him at the Noila castle. A fist fight with a guard, really? He sighed as his fingertips tapped against his glass. Of course, there was always option number 3...

“While I agree the reasoning behind your imprudent behavior is less than captivating, the consequences of those actions greatly concern me. You may see it as your friends or family attempting to conceal the truth from you or protect you from what could have happened or whatever other noble, naive conjectures you’ve come up with but what I hear is a Sinnenodel mage threw a tantrum while a guest in the Noila palace, assaulting his protective detail in the process.” Varis snapped, eyes darkening. “I understand blind loyalty is a nasty flaw bred into your family line but that is a danger in the Sinnenodels. Had you managed to escape, I could have easily turned the situation around on the Noilas and deflected with their inability to contain one single mage but your repeated failures and your barbaric impulses left me with a political nightmare.” He took a long sip of his blood and cast an appraising eye over the boy.

“How many times must I repeat you are a Sinnenodel now? I’ve permitted you training because I’ll need you as a guard but if you continue to prove your first instinct is to fight, I will take that away. No weapons, no magic, nothing, until you feel comfortable using your words and wits as equals to blade and spell.” Varis continued, his exasperation bleeding into his words. “I cannot underscore how important this is. I know Malek detailed the specifics of our game and so you must understand how our family is not against violence; rather, we prefer the carefully crafted and covert application of it. It is an art form and having a servant so obtuse that he cannot comprehend the very basis of our House’s art puts me in a difficult position indeed.” Varis didn’t even need to reach for this; he would have to play damage control quickly otherwise his next break would be nothing but social call after social call explaining away the boy’s behavior. The heir to the family can’t have such an unruly mage sullying the family’s name.

“As for your questions, I do not trust you with the answers.” Varis said bluntly. “You’ve proven yourself incapable of trusting your senior mages, disrespecting my most trustworthy mage, you’ve failed in the past to follow protocol specifically designed to keep you, and by extension me, safe from the probing of mental mages, and there is still the matter of your lingering attachments to the Noila household. While Ryner and I work closely together, we still have our separate designs and after your stunt with choosing mental magic, I’m hesitant to believe you are fully devoted to me and my family.”

Interacting with: @Obscene Symphony

Ryner turned at Lilie’s squeal, her surprise that anyone was out at this time turning into a delighted smile.. “No, not anymore. I only wanted to confirm Count Sinnenodel returned safely to the Academy grounds and it seems he has.” Ryner explained, brushing off some of the snow that had accumulated on her. “How was your break? I trust you’ve returned refreshed and eager to learn this semester. Esi tells me she was pleased with your progress last semester and is eager to move you into more advanced magic.”

Interacting with: @Hero

The Gifted - Concluded

James & Casper

---

Location: Casper and James’ room
Skills: Summoning: Ben

---

When James pulled away from the kisses, Casper had thought it was time to get undressed. He clearly had read things wrong though, when his boyfriend looked more upset and emotional than horny. Casper stared into James' brown eyes, memorizing the way they reflected the light. He put his arms around James, holding him tightly, trying to communicate to him that he was safe - that nothing bad was going to happen to them - that despite everything horrible and fucked up in the world, they were the one thing that could outlast anything.

Casper's own eyes were glistening and as James explained that he loved him, he couldn't help but cry. It wasn't that no one had ever told him that before - his maman had all the time - but knowing that James, sweet, special, perfect James could love a piece of sexy trash like him... "Babes, you complete me," Casper said, his voice shaky as he blinked back the tears, but they didn't stop. "You're the first relationship I've ever had that wasn't just because I was tired of couch surfing and wanted a real bed for a few weeks. You're beautiful and amazing and perfect - like Hercules in the Disney movie," Casper confessed, pressing a kiss to James' forehead. "We don't have to stay here. We can leave, take Jackie and everyone to New Orleans, Maman won't mind... I love you so much, and when I think about it, it's like my heart stops beating... And I know what that feels like, because I OD'd once and my heart stopped in the ambulance on the way to the hospital."

As soon as Casper's tears started, James felt his eyes watering. He couldn't help the laughter that escaped along side them and buried his face in Casper's shoulder. Only this man could make an OD story fit into something so heartfelt and genuine but that was another thing he loved about Casper. Running away from it all sounded amazing;getting everyone far away from the danger where they didn't have to worry about the Hellfire club or the X-Men and their insane demands or a fucking bomb was a dream come true. James wanted it so badly, so so badly, he could already imagine him and Casper in their own home with a little one running around and Jack and Sunshine and Max and everyone else cooing over their kid. But he couldn't right now.

"You can't imagine how badly I want that. How badly I'd love to whisk you and everyone away so nothing bad could happen." James whispered between giving Casper long, gentle kisses. "But I can't. You know these idiots won't run away from this. They'll go running straight into this mess with death on their heels and I would feel so guilty if I wasn't there with them. I have to help with this but after, I want to leave with you. We'll take whoever wants to come, I'll leave notes on how to maintain the place, and we start a new life. We make a home together, start a family together, grow old together, because you're it for me. Sound like a plan?"

Casper nodded - James was heroic and selfless. It was one of the things he loved about him. He was one of the few people he'd ever met with powers who really truly cared about whether others lived or died, human or mutant - he was more Captain America-y than Captain America. "I'll follow you to the front lines, babes - you know I will," Casper said, his voice cracking slightly. "Just promise me we'll come back in one piece. I... I lost Ben a long time ago and he became a complete and total nag as a ghost, I don't want that to happen to you too," Casper sniffled. "I don't want you to feel cold and be filled with holes."

"Hey!" Ben protested.

James' heartbroken a little when Casper's voice cracked. This man had been through so much and here James was, asking him to wait just a little longer. "I promise, babes. We'll make it back together and we'll live happily ever after." He hoped to God he could keep that promise but in that moment, he knew he'd do everything he could to keep Casper happy. Even if he had to pull himself together piece by piece, he'd do it for this man. "At least you don't have to worry about hole. Turns out I'm bulletproo--" A yawn cut James off and he relaxed into Casper's hold. Now that all his emotions were out for Casper to see, the need for sleep was catching up to him.

"Cuddle times?" James suggested with another yawn.

Casper cheered up slightly - not because of James' announcement that he was bulletproof, but more of the way he yawned like a kitten and then relaxed. As much as he liked to see James' muscles tensed, he preferred him like this - loose and relaxed. "If that's what the doctor orders, then cuddle times it is," Casper said, before picking up James. In what would be a surprise to no one, Casper's little noodle arms could barely pick up a medium sized dog, so a full grown man was a bit out of range. James slipped from his grip, only to be caught...

...by Ben! Ben was outlined in an eerie blue glow, the same eerie blue emanating from Casper's eyes. "Hey James," Ben said casually.

James yelped at the unexpected movement, scrambling to hold onto Casper even as his boyfriend wobbled with him. Casper had not attempted this and James,had he some warning, would have suggested against it but instead he shut his eyes and braced for the inevitable impact with the floor. He kept his eyes shut for a few moments but the pain never came so he slowly peaked one eye open, confused.

James jolted a little at the sight of Ben. Ben just showing up sometimes was still a foriegn experience, mostly because he’d only ever seen it happen once when Ben decided to slap the shit out of Casper. “Hey, man. Thanks for the save!” He laughed, righting himself and planting his feet firmly on the ground. “You two been practicing in secret or have you just figured out how to do it without Casper jumping out of his body?”

"Hey Ben, how about you put my boyfriend down, because I'm not in control of making you a real boy?" Casper suggested nervously. His arms were shaking, not from fear, but from stress. His eyes still had that strange blue glow to them as Ben easily set James down on the bed. Even in death, he was way stronger than Casper ever could have been. He didn't even have to cheat and use the tentacles to grab things.

"It's not me," Ben said, holding his hands up like proclaiming innocence.

"...Huh, maybe the old man was right," Casper thought for a moment, getting a bit of a hollow, chilly look on his face. "He always said I'd never scratched the surface of what I'm capable of... Anyways, Ben, go shoo, I want to snuggle and/or bone my boyfriend now."

"Seriously? You two need to go deal with the bomb - or at least warn everyone what's going to happen!"

"Neither of you are in control of this?" James asked after Ben plopped him on the bed. He sat up and waved Ben concerns off. "We had a whole team there who heard about it. No one will do anything until Veil returns anyways and I'm running on fumes after today. As it is right now, I'm not sure I can close a paper cut, much less a lost limb. Fuck, I couldn't even heal a bullet hole. If I'm going to be of any use, I have to get some rest dude." James sighed and gave Casper a worried

Based on what he saw in the van, it must be an instinctual response to Casper's emotions. Ben did appear helping James. Maybe because Casper was afraid of him falling, he manifested Ben to keep it from happening. "Are you able to shut it off? I don't want you popping out of your body and getting stuck again."

Ben sighed, before nodding. "Yeah, you do look like shit," he agreed. Every instinct in his body was telling him that it was time to rush off and save the day - but that was the problem with being dead. You couldn't change. You stayed exactly as you were when you were alive, even if it meant making the same mistakes over and over again, the very ones that got you killed.

"I don't think so?" Casper said, shrugging. "Maybe you're the one doing this, James? You're bullet proof, maybe you also can coax dead nags out of the void and into the real world too now," Casper suggested. "Or maybe it is me and I just never knew that I could do some cool shit because I've been too high usually to notice or too scared of ghosts, which is kinda funny given that my name is Casper, like Casper the friendly ghost, and my best friend is a ghost, so you'd think I wouldn't be scared of them but I swear most of them act like that girl from the Ring and freak me the fuck out...."

"Trust me, I feel like it too." James chuckled at Ben's blunt observation. If he looked even half the way he felt he did, he probably looked like death reheated a few times. "Honey, it's okay you're scared of ghosts. They're fuckonf creepy, no offense Ben you're chill, but how about you come over here and we just relax for a bit until you calm down? I don't think my bulletproofness has anything to do with your glowing eyes. I think it might just be a reaction you have when you're having a really strong feeling about something and you manifest Ben so he can help you out so if I'm right, I just got to distract you a little until it disappears and I can think of at least one good way we can get distracted." He held his hand out for Casper to join him.

"Wait, my eyes are glowing???" Casper exclaimed. "Please tell me they're not red. All the crazy evil people have glowing red eyes. Like I half expect Max's to start glowing red the next time he goes on a murder spree," Casper rambled. Ben was more or less standing to the side, rolling his eyes.

"They're blue, relax," Ben informed him.

"Oh... Good? Does it look cool? Or bad? Is it glowing glowing or are they just a weird shade? Does it look like I have pink eye, but blue?" he asked, before remembering what James had suggested and he sat down on the bed, before lying down and spooning James, holding him in his arms.

“They look cool babes, cooler than cool. Ice cold even.” James giggled, sighing appreciatively as Casper snuggled up behind him. He melted into the warmth behind him. He stifled a yawn and felt his eyes begin to droop. It’d been a long day and he was ready for it to be over soon. “Love you, Casper.” James whispered before dozing off, safe in his boyfriend’s arms.

"Ice, ice, baby," Casper mumbled into James' neck. "I love you more."

Testing well everything!

James & Casper

---

Location: Casper and James’ room
Skills: Summoning: Ben

---

When James pulled away from the kisses, Casper had thought it was time to get undressed. He clearly had read things wrong though, when his boyfriend looked more upset and emotional than horny. Casper stared into James' brown eyes, memorizing the way they reflected the light. He put his arms around James, holding him tightly, trying to communicate to him that he was safe - that nothing bad was going to happen to them - that despite everything horrible and fucked up in the world, they were the one thing that could outlast anything.

Casper's own eyes were glistening and as James explained that he loved him, he couldn't help but cry. It wasn't that no one had ever told him that before - his maman had all the time - but knowing that James, sweet, special, perfect James could love a piece of sexy trash like him... "Babes, you complete me," Casper said, his voice shaky as he blinked back the tears, but they didn't stop. "You're the first relationship I've ever had that wasn't just because I was tired of couch surfing and wanted a real bed for a few weeks. You're beautiful and amazing and perfect - like Hercules in the Disney movie," Casper confessed, pressing a kiss to James' forehead. "We don't have to stay here. We can leave, take Jackie and everyone to New Orleans, Maman won't mind... I love you so much, and when I think about it, it's like my heart stops beating... And I know what that feels like, because I OD'd once and my heart stopped in the ambulance on the way to the hospital."

As soon as Casper's tears started, James felt his eyes watering. He couldn't help the laughter that escaped along side them and buried his face in Casper's shoulder. Only this man could make an OD story fit into something so heartfelt and genuine but that was another thing he loved about Casper. Running away from it all sounded amazing;getting everyone far away from the danger where they didn't have to worry about the Hellfire club or the X-Men and their insane demands or a fucking bomb was a dream come true. James wanted it so badly, so so badly, he could already imagine him and Casper in their own home with a little one running around and Jack and Sunshine and Max and everyone else cooing over their kid. But he couldn't right now.

"You can't imagine how badly I want that. How badly I'd love to whisk you and everyone away so nothing bad could happen." James whispered between giving Casper long, gentle kisses. "But I can't. You know these idiots won't run away from this. They'll go running straight into this mess with death on their heels and I would feel so guilty if I wasn't there with them. I have to help with this but after, I want to leave with you. We'll take whoever wants to come, I'll leave notes on how to maintain the place, and we start a new life. We make a home together, start a family together, grow old together, because you're it for me. Sound like a plan?"

Casper nodded - James was heroic and selfless. It was one of the things he loved about him. He was one of the few people he'd ever met with powers who really truly cared about whether others lived or died, human or mutant - he was more Captain America-y than Captain America. "I'll follow you to the front lines, babes - you know I will," Casper said, his voice cracking slightly. "Just promise me we'll come back in one piece. I... I lost Ben a long time ago and he became a complete and total nag as a ghost, I don't want that to happen to you too," Casper sniffled. "I don't want you to feel cold and be filled with holes."

"Hey!" Ben protested.

James' heartbroken a little when Casper's voice cracked. This man had been through so much and here James was, asking him to wait just a little longer. "I promise, babes. We'll make it back together and we'll live happily ever after." He hoped to God he could keep that promise but in that moment, he knew he'd do everything he could to keep Casper happy. Even if he had to pull himself together piece by piece, he'd do it for this man. "At least you don't have to worry about hole. Turns out I'm bulletproo--" A yawn cut James off and he relaxed into Casper's hold. Now that all his emotions were out for Casper to see, the need for sleep was catching up to him.

"Cuddle times?" James suggested with another yawn.

Casper cheered up slightly - not because of James' announcement that he was bulletproof, but more of the way he yawned like a kitten and then relaxed. As much as he liked to see James' muscles tensed, he preferred him like this - loose and relaxed. "If that's what the doctor orders, then cuddle times it is," Casper said, before picking up James. In what would be a surprise to no one, Casper's little noodle arms could barely pick up a medium sized dog, so a full grown man was a bit out of range. James slipped from his grip, only to be caught...

...by Ben! Ben was outlined in an eerie blue glow, the same eerie blue emanating from Casper's eyes. "Hey James," Ben said casually.

James yelped at the unexpected movement, scrambling to hold onto Casper even as his boyfriend wobbled with him. Casper had not attempted this and James,had he some warning, would have suggested against it but instead he shut his eyes and braced for the inevitable impact with the floor. He kept his eyes shut for a few moments but the pain never came so he slowly peaked one eye open, confused.

James jolted a little at the sight of Ben. Ben just showing up sometimes was still a foriegn experience, mostly because he’d only ever seen it happen once when Ben decided to slap the shit out of Casper. “Hey, man. Thanks for the save!” He laughed, righting himself and planting his feet firmly on the ground. “You two been practicing in secret or have you just figured out how to do it without Casper jumping out of his body?”

"Hey Ben, how about you put my boyfriend down, because I'm not in control of making you a real boy?" Casper suggested nervously. His arms were shaking, not from fear, but from stress. His eyes still had that strange blue glow to them as Ben easily set James down on the bed. Even in death, he was way stronger than Casper ever could have been. He didn't even have to cheat and use the tentacles to grab things.

"It's not me," Ben said, holding his hands up like proclaiming innocence.

"...Huh, maybe the old man was right," Casper thought for a moment, getting a bit of a hollow, chilly look on his face. "He always said I'd never scratched the surface of what I'm capable of... Anyways, Ben, go shoo, I want to snuggle and/or bone my boyfriend now."

"Seriously? You two need to go deal with the bomb - or at least warn everyone what's going to happen!"

"Neither of you are in control of this?" James asked after Ben plopped him on the bed. He sat up and waved Ben concerns off. "We had a whole team there who heard about it. No one will do anything until Veil returns anyways and I'm running on fumes after today. As it is right now, I'm not sure I can close a paper cut, much less a lost limb. Fuck, I couldn't even heal a bullet hole. If I'm going to be of any use, I have to get some rest dude." James sighed and gave Casper a worried

Based on what he saw in the van, it must be an instinctual response to Casper's emotions. Ben did appear helping James. Maybe because Casper was afraid of him falling, he manifested Ben to keep it from happening. "Are you able to shut it off? I don't want you popping out of your body and getting stuck again."

Ben sighed, before nodding. "Yeah, you do look like shit," he agreed. Every instinct in his body was telling him that it was time to rush off and save the day - but that was the problem with being dead. You couldn't change. You stayed exactly as you were when you were alive, even if it meant making the same mistakes over and over again, the very ones that got you killed.

"I don't think so?" Casper said, shrugging. "Maybe you're the one doing this, James? You're bullet proof, maybe you also can coax dead nags out of the void and into the real world too now," Casper suggested. "Or maybe it is me and I just never knew that I could do some cool shit because I've been too high usually to notice or too scared of ghosts, which is kinda funny given that my name is Casper, like Casper the friendly ghost, and my best friend is a ghost, so you'd think I wouldn't be scared of them but I swear most of them act like that girl from the Ring and freak me the fuck out...."

"Trust me, I feel like it too." James chuckled at Ben's blunt observation. If he looked even half the way he felt he did, he probably looked like death reheated a few times. "Honey, it's okay you're scared of ghosts. They're fuckonf creepy, no offense Ben you're chill, but how about you come over here and we just relax for a bit until you calm down? I don't think my bulletproofness has anything to do with your glowing eyes. I think it might just be a reaction you have when you're having a really strong feeling about something and you manifest Ben so he can help you out so if I'm right, I just got to distract you a little until it disappears and I can think of at least one good way we can get distracted." He held his hand out for Casper to join him.

"Wait, my eyes are glowing???" Casper exclaimed. "Please tell me they're not red. All the crazy evil people have glowing red eyes. Like I half expect Max's to start glowing red the next time he goes on a murder spree," Casper rambled. Ben was more or less standing to the side, rolling his eyes.

"They're blue, relax," Ben informed him.

"Oh... Good? Does it look cool? Or bad? Is it glowing glowing or are they just a weird shade? Does it look like I have pink eye, but blue?" he asked, before remembering what James had suggested and he sat down on the bed, before lying down and spooning James, holding him in his arms.

“They look cool babes, cooler than cool. Ice cold even.” James giggled, sighing appreciatively as Casper snuggled up behind him. He melted into the warmth behind him. He stifled a yawn and felt his eyes begin to droop. It’d been a long day and he was ready for it to be over soon. “Love you, Casper.” James whispered before dozing off, safe in his boyfriend’s arms.

"Ice, ice, baby," Casper mumbled into James' neck. "I love you more."