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Post by Neo on Apr 3, 2016 16:38:47 GMT -6
Artemis loosed her divine bolt a split second after Gareth's lightning arrow. The giant beam of starlight shot down from the heavens, swallowing the blast of electricity whole and causing it to dissipate harmlessly. Before the divine bolt could hit the ground, Senna threw her hands up above her as if she meant to catch it, and a gigantic white magic seal burst into existence above her.
"Nullification Magic, Thirteenth Form! Seal of Ouroboros, activate!!!"
Dozens of smaller magic seals branched off from the first, circling around Gareth and Senna, extending for a mile in each direction, until it created a massive sphere with them in the middle. The Seal of Ouroboros blazed a brilliant red as Artemis's divine arrow slammed into the top with titanic force. The sheer force of the impact sent Senna crashing to one knee. She bit her lip hard to stop a yelp of pain from escaping, and blood dripped from the corner of her mouth and from her nose as she struggled to maintain the seal under the pressure of magic which she guessed was on par with the Four Keys of Solomon.
W-we don't... We don't stand a chance... I-I can't...
Clearly in pain, she turns her head slightly to look at Gareth. "I-I c-can't keep this up for... For long. Back pocket... Emergency... Communication lacrima. I need you to... A-Activate it..."
Artemis loosed another arrow to join with the first, and Senna's legs buckled. As she fell to both knees, the Seal of Ouroboros seemed to shudder and fizzle. But it held firm, at least for the moment.
------
The next morning, Orion woke early in order to get a head start on surveying the cavern they were in. Eden was still asleep, and after making sure she was bundled up and warm as possible, he quietly snuck out of the tent. The fire from the fire lacrima still burned strong, reflecting light across the icy walls.
I know these caverns. They should connect with the old mining tunnels from my village...
He spent a good half hour thoroughly searching every crevice, every corner for a passageway, testing every inch of the walls. Finally, he noticed the tiniest draft of air coming from a crack in one area of the wall. He spent several more minutes confirming his suspicions, and once he was satisfied he had found what he was looking for, he allowed himself a sigh of relief and returned to the tent. He knelt down by Eden's side and tenderly brushed her bangs out of her face, smiling.
"Eden... Wake up, my dear. It's morning, and I've found us a way out."
-------
Velia was the first up, and while the others were still asleep, she flew out to look for any traces of Orion and Eden. The blizzard had stopped sometime in the night, and the morning was crisp and clear. For a full hour, she searched high and low, using her superior mobility and senses to their fullest, and still she found nothing. Defeated and worried, she returned to the cave just as Cenric and Grigori were rising.
She shook her head as they looked at her expectantly. "I can't find any trace. I've combed through the snow over a hundred meters in all directions, and found nothing but more snow. I know they're alive; those two wouldn't fall in a place like this. But I don't know where else to look, and we can't afford to linger here."
She walks over to her spot in the corner and grabs her pack, slinging it over her shoulder. "We must have faith in them and press on. They know the rendezvous point. Cenric, keep trying to contact them. Grigori, before we leave, help me cover the entrance. We don't want it to look like anyone was staying in here recently."
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Apr 3, 2016 17:21:04 GMT -6
"Got it." Grigori nodded as he began packing his stuff and placing several black blobs of mucuous dust on various spots on the walls.
As soon as they were all packed up, Grigori asked Velia "I've got demolition charges set to collapse the cave if you're ready for us to leave."
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Post by empireoffire on Apr 4, 2016 13:44:42 GMT -6
Maybe I should learn some defensive magics or two.
Gareth nodded before doing as he was told.
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Post by Neo on Apr 6, 2016 22:18:31 GMT -6
It was more like an emergency homing beacon than a communications device. But the general purpose was the same. It was Senna's last resort, considering the consequences that came with using it... Forget getting in trouble for leaving her post, she would never hear the end of it... The fact that she had to beg him to come help... All of Sylph's Wing and most of the Magic Division would know daddy's little girl came running to him for help at the first sign of danger... The bastard.
As soon as Gareth activated the lacrima, a bright red beam of light shot into the air like a magical flare, and a loud, obnoxious "pinging" sound echoed across the plains. The effect was instantaneous. A dark mass of purple energy abruptly materialized in the air above them, between Senna's weakened barrier and Artemis, and a pulse of magical energy so potent and awe inspiringly powerful that it seemed to emanate from something inhuman exploded into existence. Senna smiled slightly as General Auron, the Second Key of Solomon, materialized out of thin air, in full battle armor, wielding his signature weapon- a giant trident- surrounded by an aura of Magic Power so intense that it must have been visible to every Wizard on the entire continent.
Without word, or preamble, or even a greeting, or anything, he pointed his trident at the stunned goddess, and a series of giant purple magic seals instantly surrounded her- one beneath her, one above her, and three on each side of her, forming a kind of prison.
"Amaterasu's 100th Formation."
Senna's eyes widened in panic, and she screamed at Gareth to get down, just as a gargantuan explosion of purple energy lit up the sky like a supernova. Senna's most powerful nullification seal simply ceased to exist. The sheer magnitude of the blast was indescribable, and impossible to behold. It was like he commanded a star to explode simply by pointing at it. But, as the light faded and a familiar hand reached down to help her up, she realized the explosion hadn't damaged the land- or them- at all. They were perfectly safe, despite the incredible size, magnitude and power of the explosion. Senna shook her head. It gave her a headache just thinking about it. But still...
"What were you thinking?!" She scolded their rescuer, as he helped her up. "You could have killed us with a spell like that!"
Auron merely smiled. "Now, now. Is that anyway to thank someone who saved your life? I know I raised you better than that."
Senna found a sudden interest in her boots. "Thank you," she grumbled reluctantly beneath her breath.
"Thank you... What?" He prompted teasingly.
She sighed. "Thank you... Father."
He nodded approvingly. "You're welcome, my dear. I expect a full report after I'm finished dealing with our friend. I'm quite curious to know why you're all the way out here- with one of Zalia's new members no less- fighting a Wizard from one of the most secretive and feared Dark Guilds in all of Earthland."
Suddenly sheepish- quite the contrast to before- Senna nodded. She didn't even question how he knew so much about their opponent, or why he was talking about her like she hadn't been completely vaporized in that attack. No way in hell could anyone survive a blast like that... Or so she thought.
As the smoke cleared, Artemis reappeared, seemingly unharmed, aside from her clothes smoking. She also seemed to be out of breath, as if she had just expended a great deal of magic power.
Auron's eyes narrowed and his expression hardened considerably as he took in the sight of the smoking train wreckage and looked back up at the Wizard hovering in the air. "I believe I understand the situation now."
He swiftly retrieved a small clear lacrima from his pocket- one Senna recognized instantly- and handed it to her. Her eyes widened again. "That's...!"
"I'm sorry my dear. It's all I have on me. You caught me right in the middle of a meeting with the Commandant. You won't have to go into the Academy, just wait for me at our usual spot and I'll come get you as soon as I'm finished here."
Senna bites her lip, but nods. "Alright."
She walks over to Gareth and grabs his hand. "We're using this- a teleport stone. I apologize in advance for the... Location. Wasn't much of a choice."
If only I could still... We wouldn't be in this mess...
Without waiting for him to respond, she activated the crystal and they both vanished in a burst of light. Mere moments later, they reappeared in a wide stone courtyard, filled with stone benches and small trees, and bustling with people- male and female, all young, seemingly in their late teens to early twenties, all wearing white and silver or white and gold uniforms bearing the crest of the Seraph Knights. The young Wizards turned to stare oddly at the newcomers. Beyond the courtyard loomed a massive white building with several other buildings paced around it, and in the far distance, a giant, cracked tower rising into the heavens.
"Welcome to the Royal Magic Academy, home of the Seraph Knights," Senna said, her tone flat and emotionless.
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Post by empireoffire on Apr 7, 2016 19:17:29 GMT -6
Gareth took in the unfamiliar surroundings. All he could think to respond with was a flat "...huh."
"...So... What now?" asked Gareth. "Any idea who that was? Why they destroyed the train? What to do now? Right after your, uhh... dad comes back?"
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Post by SummerCrow on Apr 19, 2016 12:51:41 GMT -6
Sounders waits for any objections. When none are voiced, he claps his hands together. "Right, then. I hate to send you guys back out right after you get back, but we should get moving. Vallory, we'll work out travel arrangements, maybe see if we can drum up some maps, yeah? Everyone else, be ready to leave early tomorrow. Oh, and Rosa? Do me a solid and take Ammy out shopping for anything she needs, dig?"
Hecate rolls over onto her back, staring at the ceiling. She bites her forefinger anxiously, listening to Sounders' magically echoed words. She lets her eyes close for a moment, lost in thought. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another. I want to find out about Leone myself." She springs out of bed, checks her pack - tosses another set of clothes in, just in case - then wanders down the stairs.
The sound of footsteps echoes through the dungeon. Leon strains his hearing. It doesn't sound like the jailers usual gait. Dana, laying on her mat, doesn't react to the approach until the steps are almost just outside. Suddenly, she sits up with what could almost pass as excitement.
"Hey, kiddo," a gruff, male voice says from just outside the cell. "I heard about earlier. The boss wasn't too rough, was h- oh, man, he got you good..."
"I'm... I'm OK," Dana answers timidly.
"Still hurt?"
"A little..." she admits. Leon remains silent, trying not to acknowledge the man's presence without being asked..
"Come here," the man says. There's the sound of Dana moving, then wincing. "Sorry. I know this stuff hurts, but it'll make you feel better in the long run."
"It... smells really strongly, too," Dana admits.
"Nothing I can do about that," the man says. A few seconds of silence. "Hey, you! Yeah, you." An edge of anger is apparent in his voice. Leon looks over. "If you get Dana hurt again, I'm going to be mad. Get it?"
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir," Leon answers quietly.
"Well, looks like you're learning your place, at least. Make sure you don't forget." With that, the voice softens, somewhat, back to its original gruffness. "I'll be back later to take another look at your arm, OK?"
"I... I don't want you to get in trouble for visiting me again," Dana protests.
"Heh. Boss doesn't care unless Galla complains, and Galla's too busy being drunk right now to care." The voice chuckles. With that, the sounds of steps retreating down the hall.
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Post by GX1997 on Apr 20, 2016 16:51:56 GMT -6
Eden's eyes opened quickly, but not from any kind of alarm or as if just having been awakened from a deep sleep. She was calm as well, which was very unusual, but she looked somewhat distant. "I've been awake while you must have been off exploring. What's this about a way out?"
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Post by Neo on Apr 20, 2016 21:22:42 GMT -6
Orion noticed the distant look in Eden's eyes that had become all too familiar as of late, and so he chose to smile.
It seems, no matter how far I run, I can never truly escape my curse. I am a taker of life; my penance is solitude. I smile for others; even when my own smile is broken. But for you Eden... I would happily bear any burden just to see you smile.
"This cave connects to a series of old mining tunnels," Orion explains. "We can follow the tunnels up to the surface. Come on Eden, let's go rejoin the others."
He stands up, leans down, and offers Eden his hand.
-----
Senna looks around at the one place she never thought she'd return to, her increasing discomfort plain. "I have no idea who that was... But fath- I mean, General Auron, said she was a dark guild member... I have no idea why a Dark Wizard would target me, or go so far as destroy a train to get at me. I've made it a point to avoid Dark Guilds whenever possible. But General Auron seemed to know more than we... So best just to wait for him to get back."
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Post by empireoffire on Apr 22, 2016 18:16:53 GMT -6
I joined up to fight a wyvern, now we're dealing with dark guilds? This is getting more and more interesting.
Gareth shrugged in response and looked around for a place to sit down and get comfy.
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Post by GX1997 on May 8, 2016 22:00:58 GMT -6
Eden took Orion's hand, and as he helped her up she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. "I'm scared. So very scared about what the future holds. And the part about it that makes me sick is that I'm scared for myself, and not others. Isn't that wrong, when I have so many people who could be hurt by whatever happens more than I would be?"
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Post by Neo on May 9, 2016 8:27:49 GMT -6
Orion's face softened with concern, and he tenderly pulled Eden into his arms. "You're being too hard on yourself, Eden. You've been through so much in such a short time, and you've been bottling everything up inside, trying to remain strong, trying not to let it show... A lesser person would have been crushed under such weight. I know you're scared. I am too. But neither of us are alone. We'll get through this somehow, I promise."
He tightens his arms around her and gives an encouraging smile. "You don't have anything to feel guilty about, Eden. You're a naturally caring person who's had to deal with a lot of emotional trauma. You're hurting, scared, and confused. But if you didn't care about others, you wouldn't be here with me right now, and you wouldn't be on this mission."
He leans down to lean his cheek against the top of her head and closes his eyes. When he speaks again, after a few moments of silence, his voice is soft and quiet, barely more than a whisper. "... I'm the one who has to apologize, Eden. I knew trying to quell the storm was dangerous, and I knew what could happen if I failed. Yet still... I went off on my own without talking to you or telling the others. I should have trusted you more. And not just this... I haven't been the pillar of support you need me to be. If anything, I worry I've only made your burden worse, made you worry more. Both of us... We both need to learn to stop trying to deal with everything on our own. Eden, will you promise to talk to me more? To be more open with me? For my part, I promise I will do the same."
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 9, 2016 8:48:31 GMT -6
"You guys ready?" Grigori asked with a calm face as he was preparing to detonate the magical charges.
Grigori may have looked confident, but he was deeply worried for Eden, only masking it so he might be able to hold himself together.
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 29, 2016 18:56:02 GMT -6
“Orion, I trust you completely, even above the high level of trust I place in Zalia. I just need to let myself trust you more often. And, so long as you’ll stay by my side, I’ll-… I’ll-…” Eden choked out, “I’ll promise I’ll talk to you. I’ll talk to you about everything from now on, just as long as you’ll continue to stand by me. Neither one of us has to be alone again.”
Eden’s eyes filled with tears, and she lowered her head. Her hair fell around her face, and though it seemed at first like she was deeply upset she took Orion’s hand and let their fingers intertwine. With that, and though the tears flowed, she could smile as they walked together.
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Post by Neo on Jun 29, 2016 20:18:25 GMT -6
Their hands still interlocked, Orion gently pulled Eden into his arms and simply held her in silence for a time. Finally, he whispered a single word to her with more conviction than he had felt in a very long time. "Always."
Eventually, they packed up camp, just as the blizzard up above finally gave way and the icy cavern was bathed in translucent rays of golden light. The sunlight that filtered in through the collapsed ceiling above ricocheted across the icy surface, making the entire cavern sparkle like crystals. It was a fittingly beautiful moment.
Orion lead Eden to the area he found, and with Eden's recovering powers, they easily found the old mining tunnel beyond the ice. Orion smiled and tenderly wiped her eyes, then took her hand back into his and squeezed tightly. "Let's go, Eden. Our comrades are waiting."
They disappeared into the darkness, hand in hand.
--------
Velia didn't answer Grigori at first. As she walked out of the cave, she shielded her eyes with her forearm. The blizzard had finally passed over, and the snow was beginning to melt under the Sun's blinding glare. Patches of grass were starting to peak through.
So much for a land of supposed eternal winter... I guess Zalia was right after all. Storms never last. You just have to find shelter and wait it out. And as the Silver Chimeras that appear when the storms are strongest, it's our job to guide them to that shelter. I think I finally understand what you said to me all those years ago, Zal. I'm sorry it took me so long.
Cenric walked up beside her and placed a hesitant hand on her arm, and she smiled. After a brief moment, she took a deep breath and took command, fluidly transitioning into the role of authority as if she had been leading troops on the battlefield all her life.
"Alright, let's move people! We have comrades to save! Grigori, detonate those charges! The Ice Fields are too unstable to cross now, so we're taking an alternate route up the mountain! We'll rendezvous with Orion and Eden at the original location! Cenric, I want you trying to contact everyone at all times! If you get a ping from either Orion, Eden, Zalia, or Jurian, let me know immediately! Grigori, I need you to keep the map and compass and make sure we're heading in the right direction. The mountain path we're taking isn't on there, but I've hand marked where it should be. I'll fly a little ahead and scout the path from the air. Alright, let's move, let's move! I hope you're both in shape, because we're double-timing most of the way, and marching the rest! Let's see some urgency in your movement! Don't expect me to be nearly as soft as Orion! I'm a much harder taskmaster! Grigori, why haven't those charges been detonated yet?! What, you were waiting for me to stop talking?! A word of advice- next time, don't!"
I'll prove your trust in me wasn't misplaced... I swear it.
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Post by SummerCrow on Feb 16, 2017 13:10:46 GMT -6
The next morning, the members of Alicorn Wing gather together in preparation to head out on their mission. Sounders is sitting in his usual spot at the head of the room. Vallory's standing at his side, rifling through some papers. Hecate stands near the back of the group, gnawing on her thumb. Jerid sits in an armchair, eating some toast. His wife is draped across his lap, sipping at some coffee.
Sounders dings a small bell to get everyone's attention. "Alright, dudes and dudettes, change of plans. Ammy, you're going to be hangin' out with me a few days. Least 'til you get the run of the town. You'll be takin' Val's spot as head assistant for a bit, and she'll be heading with everyone else to go find our little lost lion, yeah?"
"I'm sure everyone is ready to go," Vallory says. "I have maps of Lilytown and the surrounding area prepared, transportation has been arranged, and supplies are ready. Once we arrive that the destination, we'll move as quickly as possible. We need to locate the Basilisk Wattle headquarters while drawing a minimum amount of attention. Once they know we're searching for them, Leone will be in more danger, I'm sure. Therefore, haste and discretion are of the essence. However, I'm sure there's also the chance they may instead decide to attack us... So we can't afford to split up too much. Hecate and I will form one team. Jerid and Nalia will work as another. Rosa, you'll be with the twins."
"Yeah, there you have it," Sounders says. "Everyone ready to go? Last minute complaints? Plans? Ideas?"
Leon continues to be chained up in the cell. He's on his best behavior. He no longer even bothers trying to see through the blindfold. The jailkeeper - Galla, he remembers hearing - comes by twice more with some scraps of food. Dana forces him to eat a bit, and he's given up protesting. At some point, the nice-sounding member of Basilisk Wattle comes back. He and Dana talk for a bit about nothing in particular. It seems like they're... friends, almost. As friendly as a captor and captive can be.
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