Achronum

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James situated himself behind Casper for the picture, resting his chin on Casper’s shoulder and tucking his arms up beneath Casper’s were he was holding Daniel. As Bee counted down and he beamed at her like the proud dad he was, it really hit him that they were parents. They were responsible for another person’s life―a child’s life―just like that. And James was at the limit of what commercials, movies, and passing the baby section of Target had taught him. Hopefully someone on this island had a Parenting for Dummies book.

“Never had a kid. Just watched TV and the Target I used to go to puts their baby section right in front of electronics. But that’s pretty much what I got. We’re going to have to do a little asking around about the rest.” James admitted as he squeezed Casper a little tighter before letting him go.“And I am definitely not being called Daddy our kid. We’re avoiding that at all costs.” James continued with a shake of his head as he gently took the hard light copy out of Bee’s hand.

“Babes, look how cool this is! God you are unfairly handsome, but this is so interesting!” James marveled over the little cube, holding it up for Casper to see the image better as wheels turned in his head. “Bee, does it always create it in this cube construct? Does it always come out this size? If you look at something entirely 2D, can you generate it into a 3D image or does it stay 2D and just create whatever media the image is on?”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

"You don't have anything to worry about, babes. You won't get trench foot just from swimming." James said, mostly confident. He wasn't really sure how one got trench foot but it couldn't be just from swimming. Wet socks maybe? Something about moisture. James huffed in amusement as Bee led them through the hospital. Casper was clearly rubbing off on him if he was rambling in his own head about something as bizarre as trench foot.

James accepted the bag from Bee. "Thank you very much. We really appreciate all the help, Bee." James thanked her sincerely, carefully putting the bag over his shoulder before replying to Casper. "Well, I wasn't really sure how the formula was stored? I only ever saw it in powdered form in the stores so I just kinda assumed it was that and we had to mix it, put it in the bottle, and then warm it up." James explained with a shrug. "So, that's some stuff down. We should hunt down the other stuff we need next, like a crib and some clothes."

It was a weird experience, suddenly feeling little bubbles of happiness in his chest for no other reason than the love of his life was holding their son. James could just soak in the sight of them, watch them together forever, and he had an idea. He turned back to Bee. "Would you mind taking a picture of the three of us actually? Babes, do you mind if we take a picture together real quick?"

The Shattering of Aegis

Aleka Doneka

Interacting with: @Scribe of Thoth

“In addition to your given name, I require your surname, prior and/or current occupation, village or city and country of origin, the same information for your next of kin, a brief description of your skills, and assuming that I do not need to summon the grave keeper, what classification gave you that tongue.” Aleka listed after giving him a long look after his introduction.

As Aleka finished, so did the music. It was jarring and sudden as the pianist abandoned his song to turn in his seat, child-like excitement written plainly across his face. The blue skinned elf wore a white shirt with a high collared shirt with a cascade of ruffles falling down the front of the shirt and framed by the royal blue vest and paired with a pair of dark hose that ended in boots with far more buckles than necessary. He didn’t move to get up but he was tapping the tips of all twelve of his fingers together in excitement.

The Shattering of Aegis

The Soft Haven Bounty House

_{14th of the Full Autumn Moon, 1698 P.A.
Mid morning - Clear Skies}

_{@Hero@Trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony@Scribe of Thoth@McMolly}

It was a short trip from the edge of the bridge to the front door of the Bounty House, up a barely noticeable slope and a few short steps. With the new angle, one could see that the House was built far more forward that appeared from the shore, leaving a sizable amount of land further beyond. A section along the left side of the House had been cleared and beaten down into nothing more than dirt. The ground was heavy distrubed and there were several indents where something heavy had hit the ground hard. A glance to the right would reveal a well manicured garden running the length of the patio that wrapped around the building, flowers still in bloom as they entered the end of their season.

The doors of the Bounty House continued the same diamond pattern present on the bridge, four interlocking diamonds carved into the rich, dark wood. The doors were unlocked and pressing past them would reveal what seemed like an entirely different building. While the stairs and the large fireplace on the right were still the original stone; stone bled into wood in much the same manner as the lanterns along the bridge, creating a strange display of aetheric construction. The right side of the main floor held scattered couches and chairs around tables, plush rugs scattered for comfort as the nights grew cooler, and a piano, currently belting out a jaunty tune at the fingers of what appeared to be a blue skinned elf in similar colored finery, at the far end of the room next to a door that presumably led out onto the porch. Heavy tapestries interspersed the windows that looked out over the sprawling garden.

The left side of the room boasted fewer windows and furniture, only a handful of desks that were mostly unoccupied at this hour. Further towards the back, a stairwell headed beneath the main level and another door beyond that along the back of the House. One man did occupy a desk, quill scratching quick notes across one of the various pages of parchment as he consulted a ledger book. Older with heavy set wrinkles in the forehead and eyes, the half elf regarded the interruption of his morning work with a simple glance over the half rims of his glasses, pulled out a long piece of leather, placed it in the ledgerbook before closing it gently and carefully sliding it into the desk he worked at. In its place, another, larger book came out, opening with a heavy thud.

“Welcome to the Soft Haven Bounty House. I am Aleka Doneka, facilitator for this establishment on behalf of Veraz Althma and Lord Malcer Mystralath.” He introduced himself, offering a half bow. Aleka wore a heavy black cloak over a simple but well made gray and white tunic and breeches. He was incredibly monotone, his voice flat and entirely devoid of emotion as he spoke. “If you are looking for work, there are a number of documents you must complete. If you are not literate, I can assist you in this.”

There was one major oddity that stood out from everything else. At the base of the stairs that led into the second and third floors, a large stone circle, large enough for two or three people standing shoulder to shoulder to fit, sat flush with the floor but rimmed with gold. Strange markings, slightly faded, were connected by lines and circles and the stone was clearly of different origin than the outside of the House. It was a chaotic addition to an otherwise warm and inviting interior.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James laughed as Casper rambled. "I think that's how trench foot works but no, we aren't going to fireproof the baby. We're going to fireproof all his and our stuff and then we'll just put him out with an extinguisher." James explained, humming thoughtfully. "We can just get one of each type until we know how this fire stuff works, you know? Because I don't know what the limits of "Fire Generation" are. I think they even make like, little portable ones so we can stick it in a bag to carry around, too."

Now that they had some records, next step was to get proper furnishing and supplies. Diapers, formula, bottles, clothes, toys, a crib… He really jumped the gun on this one, didn't he? James couldn't be too mad though; they had the cutest baby in the world and fatherhood loomed fantastic on Casper so in the end, it all worked out. A little scrambling wasn't a horrible trade off. "Next is all the supplies. I know we can pick up formula and stuff here but I don't know that they supply bottles." Not willing to detach himself from Casper, he guided them back towards Bee.

"Another question for you Bee," James asked from where his head was propped up on Casper's shoulder. "Formula and supplies. I know you guys pass out some of it but I'm not sure what exactly that all includes.")

Strixhave: The Lament

It arrived in a flash of violet and pink, leaving a perfect circle burned around where the letter lay. Blank on the front, the envelope was yellowed with age and stuffed near to bursting.Flipping it to the back revealed it was sealed with wax, a dragon’s head with five wings pressed into the seal. The layers of protective sigils and wards hummed faintly but so long as the one it arrived in front of opened it, they simply dispelled themselves and faded. Another would find the letter suddenly burning in their hands and the memory of the letter quickly fading from their mind.

The first page of the letter shot out of the envelope and a soft, high voice began to read it aloud.

Congratulations on your acceptance to Strixhaven Institute of Magic! Many of the world’s premiere mages have passed through our gates, learned at our vaunted Professor’s feet, and left to change the world in ways even our oracles could not conceive of. We now have the pleasure of instructing you in these fantastic and ancient ways so that you too may unlock the hidden potential of your abilities.

Enclosed within are directions to Vale Rift, the magical markets of New York City, your required school materials, a temporary Gate pass and directions to the Gate, and a magical contract in which your parents must sign and send with you. If your parents are unaware of the magic world, failure to sign this contract will result in a memory removal spell and they will assume they have sent you out of the country. If your parents are aware, this contract is simply a release form and is required otherwise you will be removed until next year.

Your first day of orientation will be August 3rd. Please be sure to have crossed the gate by 8am and one of our campus guides will be happy to assist you.

I look forward to your attendance,
Professor Windry Sharpbeak
Dean of General Studies

As each portion of the contents were named, they slipped out of the envelope on their own and hung in the air for the reader to take them as they pleased.

Academy Commons

The trekk to Strixhaven was a comfortable two hour drive through a sleepy town in the New York mountains. Far beyond the town limits, deep in the mountain forest, lay an unassuming lake. At first glance, it was nothing but murky, still water but with the presentation of the metal gate pass, the water cleared and flawed upwards in a silver arch. Stars whirled and spun for mere moments before the image of a strange gold creature, standing on two wide feet and comprised of a pulsing blue crystal core crapped in a simple gold band and two arms made of the same metal waved. A pathway rose from the depths of the lake and offered a way to reach the portal.

Passing through the barrier felt like brushing through cobwebs and then sound slammed into the space. The portal faded away as the various shouts of flying students and the general murmur of people wandering the grounds filled the once silent air. Ahead stretched a beautiful and well manicured garden where the well known star arch hung overhead. Various statues and benches littered the gardens and in a few cases, a number of early birds had stretched out blankets and quilts, claiming spaces they could relax in the summer sun before the stress of classes stole it from them.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” The strange gold and crystal creature spoke, it’s whiney voice coming from within the crystal. “I am one of the campus guides, your campus guide to be exact! Someone will be along to collect your things shortly so please just bring the clothes on your back and your wands for your orientation tour!”

A gnomish girl, red hair bundled up in a bun, adjusted her grip on her broom, looking distinctly uncomfortable at the thought but left it propped against a trunk as instructed.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James paused before he snatched the pen from her, listening to Casper calm their son with a unique lullaby and felt a rush of adoration for the man. Damn, what a horrible song choice but the softness with which he sang it was perfect and that was Casper all wrapped up in a nutshell. A little out of place in parenthood right now but he was exactly what he needed to be and James loved him for it. “He’s too perfect.” James sighed, the panic fueled terror draining out of him as he calmly took the pen, rather than snatching it out like he was going to before. He updated the information he had, namly parents and the baby’s name, before passing the pen back.

“Thank you. I’ll be back in a bit to pick up a copy if that’s okay.” James said as he slid the document over and made his way over to Casper. He slid up behind him and rested his chin on Casper’s shoulder, smiling fondly at the pair. “And you thought you’d be bad at this. Looks like you’ve got this on lock, babes.” James pressed a kiss to Casper’s cheek. “Found the file, thank God, and now we have to figure out all the ways to fireproof our apartment because little Daniel is on his way to be a little pyromaniac one day.”

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

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Interacting with: @Asura@Raijinslayer

Clarissa murmured the last of her morning prayers before turning on her heel. Her usual route typically kept her there a while longer, content to bask in the rising sun filtering into the holy sanctum, but the Academy adjusted their morning schedule and the stolen time left little opportunity for idleness. A minor inconvenience at worst but in light of their newest class, she felt the loss of the time for contemplation sharply. Especially since the last time their schedule was disrupted, it ended poorly.

Crest abilities. She scoffed as she marched across the bridge. As if she, an Edmond, needed education in Crest Abilities. Even babies barely taller than their mother’s knee knew what her Crest could do. The Crest of the Beast was a warning, a threat, and a responsibility all wrapped into one damned bloodline. She’d been dealing with it her entire life, drowning in the misery and demands that came with its curse. And thanks to the ignorance and disregard of Roland, it was more difficult to keep it under wraps. All it would take was one person pulling at the right thread and all her hard work would crumble to the ground.

Clarissa bid her good mornings to the few people in the dining hall at this hour but in another break from her routine, she took a simple breakfast, nothing that couldn’t fit in one hand easily, and continued out to the small fishing pond near the greenhouse. It was no ocean but it was comforting to be near the water nonetheless. She’d left herself time to eat a proper breakfast but found the confines of the dining hall stifling after four lessons on the crest that she’d had to grit her teeth to keep from berating the Professors again.

In reality, she knew she was being foolish. Imogen wouldn’t think any different of her if she knew. In all honesty, Imogen probably wouldn’t even understand the implications of her Crest. Jorah already knew and he’d been her best friend since they could walk. Isolde seemed like she just wanted to stay out of everything as best she could and that wouldn’t change. Auberon was a toss up; either he’d decide he was here to cut her down or she was part of the Goddess’ plan for the Unit. She’d like to think Lienna wouldn't really care so long as it didn’t directly affect her but the rest of them, she didn’t know. Even Kayden, who she tolerated far more now that she knew him beyond a reckless fool who endangered his friends, she barely knew. But the fear of the truth was a part of her now and it’d take more than some logic and hopeful thinking to change that.

Too soon, she finished off her small breakfast and found herself on the way to the Blue Lion’s classroom. It took a deep breath and a quick head shake to get herself focused, but she drew her shoulders back, kept her chin up, and decided that whatever she found waiting in that classroom wouldn’t be enough to drag her day down.

She swept through the threshold with her usual confidence, continuing to the front as she surveyed the assembled parties. Professor Tomai and Michail were there, not an unusual sight, but the sight of Professor Lavender drawing a map on the chalkboard was an unexpected surprise. However, it was one particular Deer that caught her eye. Ezekiel Gloucester sat at the front of the room, casually chatting with another student, someone she vaguely recognized as part of the Black Eagles, and her interest was piqued. He’d found himself in another Unit so even though they shared a House, their social circles had drifted as soon as they were separated.

“Good morning, Professors.” She greeted them, offering them a brief curtsy before taking the seat next to the Gloucester. “And good morning to the both of you as well. When I finished my prayers in the cathedral this morning, I certainly hadn’t imagined you a part in this, Ezekial. Our paths rarely seem to cross; this Unit method seems to have driven a larger divide in the Houses than I thought. We should find a moment over tea to talk some time but before that,” She sent a smile at Albrecht, “I apologize for stealing your conversation partner momentarily. I am Clarissa von Edmund, heiress to the Margravate of Edmund in Leicester. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The Shattering of Aegis

The Soft Haven Bounty House

_{14th of the Full Autumn Moon, 1698 P.A.
Mid morning - Clear Skies}

_{@Hero@Trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony@Scribe of Thoth@McMolly}

The bridge was constructed of gray stone and the larger sections of the waist high parapet wall that supported the lamp posts created false balconies along the edge, a fact the designer clearly took advantage of. A diamond pattern snaked along the edges of the bridge, offering a small glimpse into the lake beyond for the shorter folk. Wrought iron lamp posts flanked the bridge at ten pace intervals. These tall, slender rods ended in a glass bubble typical of the Wilree street lamps but seemed empty, entirely devoid of wick, candle, or other contraption on which to hold a flame. If someone looked closely, they may even notice the glass seemed to grow out of the iron as if someone had simply blended the two materials together like a painter blending colors.

The water of the lake was still and murky. A faint few shadows of fish could be made out beneath the surface but not much more, except strange colors that seemed to dot the shallower waters barely six paces off the shore. Brief poppings of red and yellow and blue and green shimmered dully beneath the surface before they faded, repeating across the visible portions of the lake. The brief displays revealed a strange branching pattern, much like a small bush, the color followed before it dissipated.

Jenson’s snoring came to an abrupt halt. He jerked forward, bottle forgotten and spear clutched as it swung wildly in front of him. His eyes barely cracked open as he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like “Fuckin’ horses” and then slouched back in his chair, snoring resuming.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

Whatever regret squared equaled, that was what James experienced as he walked into a room with four filing cabinets marked by mutant power designations. Who in their right mind sorted medical files by power designation, specially babies who, to James' knowledge, hadn’t displayed any sort of mutant abilities? He paused as he approached the cabinets. He wasn’t sure how they’d organize them differently, especially since he wasn’t even sure if Daniel’s biological parents named him something else. Power designations were as good away as any apparently. The implications were… unsettling at best but he was just here for his son’s medical history. Since he had absolutely no idea where to start, James started with the Gamma cabinet. Babies shouldn’t be all that powerful, right?

Apparently not.

James wanted to cry when he finally stumbled on a file that matched his son. Apparently, they were filed in terms of potential rather than current ability which James had to give them credit for. The foresight was admirable but fucks on a spoon, did it absolutely suck in the moment. Next time Casper gets to do the searching; maybe his chaotic tendencies would have walked him into the records faster since James was completelyoffbase about their filing system. It was more than a little concerning that a baby was filed into the Omega level cabinet but James was ignoring that for now, taking a deep breath as he gave the medical file that he’d briefly skimmed his full attention.

Parents unknown, name unknown… James felt his heart sink. If they didn’t have this information, the parents probably had Daniel outside Genosia and then came here, only to die at the hands of a surprise attack. Blood type AB, weight, height… He didn’t note any major health concerns, a fact he heaved a sigh of relief at. The only major concerning issue was his projected mutation: Fire Generation.

“Well, fuck.” James muttered to himself, tearing out of the records room with Daniel’s information still in hand. He skidded to a halt at the reception desk and slammed the paper down. “Do I need to fill out a form or anything to get this updated? I have more information than is listed.” He asked Bee, searching for Casper. While he trusted (for now) Casper to keep himself out of trouble with their son in his arms, he wasn’t certain he trusted a crying two month old who was a potential omega level pyro. James may be near indestructible but he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he wasn’t there to save his soulmate if something terrible happened.

Then it dawned on him. It hadn’t said anything about the child being fire resistant. So Daniel could make fire but it would still burn him. Great. Awesome. Fantastic. James could see plenty of gray hairs and fire extinguishers in his future.