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Post by πππππ π¨ on Oct 18, 2020 16:37:10 GMT -5
Everything was blurry, his heart dropping into his stomach, the box with the pink ring in it dropping, bouncing off the ground. It felt oddly like his heart, dropping way down, hitting the ground like a thunk.
It was a cold night in Venice, Italy. Like the ice running into his veins, curling around his heart and suffocating him. The stars and moon were obscured by clouds, a dampness to the air like a warning.
Brunette hair, tangled with tanned fingers. Lorenzo was always such a pale kid, always bruised too easily, it made it difficult sometimes to hide when his mom got into a foul temper. But Sebastien always had clear skin, no bruises, no markings or blemishes. Lorenzo found his close friend handsome, had liked him, at one point.
Then he had met Clarice. Clarice, who was a ball of beauty and smiles and kindness. He fell for her, quickly, maybe too quickly. He had latched onto the first sign of love he could get.
Maeve and Ivy had warned him, last year, when he started to date her. With Leander, his only brother, gone due to his reckless behavior, and Maeve and Ivy moving in with their father, Lorenzo was pretty much alone for the last year. Of course, he thought he had Sebastien as a best friend, and Clarice as a lover.
He didn't, and as his tears started to fall, rolling down his cheeks, he gingerly scooped up the box, a black one, white pretty rose emblems. Roses were Clarice's favorite, and he decided he hated them, with their thorns, and their pain.
He hated love, and its thorns and its sweet look but painful truth.
Cupping the box in his hands, he rubbed his thumb over the embroidery, watching as his tears darkened the fabric as they fell, before they increased in volume. Rain, he noticed, as he glanced at the sky.
It was so blurry between the tears and betrayal, and without much more of a thought, he turn and ran, curling the box into his chest.
--
When he woke up, he shivered. There was a cold to the air, and tears dampening his cheeks like droplets of rain. His gaze focused on the ring he only took off at night, the one Helios transformed and gifted to him when he was chosen. The little sunny design was hopeful, but the box, still hidden behind little decorations and alarms, was still ever so visible. Of course it was, it was dark and had pink roses, none of his other things were mainly black, and none had rose emblems on them.
Looking at his alarm next, Lorenzo sighed when he noticed it was only 4:00am, much earlier than any Ascendants would be up, at least, he hoped. After that night with some of the kids playing Truth or Dare, he wasn't too entirely sure they even needed sleep anymore.
Pulling on a sweater to bite off the chill of the night, Lorenzo slid his ring on, and quietly exited his room. A small scope of the rooms wouldn't hurt. An assurance that everyone was fine (and more importantly, none of them were off getting themselves killed, getting into fights with people with knives or guns or-).
He passed by Lucien's first, breath heightened slightly, as he stared at the door. With the quiet, he could hear the soft snores inside, a small sigh of assurance and relief escaping him. Lucien was fine. Lucien wasn't Leander, Lucien was angry and reckless, but he wasn't going to get himself killed by getting mixed up in the wrong thing. No one was going to hurt Lucien.
He passed by a few other rooms, Echo's, for one. Her kind nature was almost like Maeve's, though Maeve wasn't as shy. Ivy was a sassier girl, who kept trying to push her eldest brother away from their mom's abusive nature. In that protective manner, Ivy was almost like Irene. But no one reminded him more of a sibling than Lucien.
He paused, however, when he passed the door of Hera's Champion. Dillon, who he had talked to just days before, opening up about some of the insecurities he felt in regards to coping with his pain. Really, it was nothing compared to anyone else. Echo was so traumatized the poor thing flinches at the slightest unknown movement, Laurie himself seemed like he had no idea people could genuinely like him for who he was, and River and Lucien felt the need to literally fight the world.
Or Penny. Something made her hateful, something made her hate people. Her small stature, perhaps was part of it, but certainly not all. Something happened to make her lose her hope in the world. Something made her think acts of kindness were ploys and taunts. He saw something deeper though, something kind.
Determination was an emotion Lorenzo often felt. Determination to see the good in others, to avoid unnecessary pain when possible. He had known pain for much of his life, being the oldest meant he took the pain meant for his siblings in stride. He was used to being the shield. And still he hadn't been enough to protect Leander.
Penny reminded him of the stubbornness of his sisters, but was entirely her own person. In his head, she wasn't just some stranger, she was someone who needed a friend.
It hurt to see her feel the need to fight. To see anyone resort to that violence. A smile here, a smile there, and yet smiles could only do so much.
But he kept smiling, that kept up moral. That protected Maeve and Ivy from the truth, that kept dad close enough to take them in when he recovered from his alcoholism. That kept his family together even when Leander....when he was gone. That kept Maeve and Ivy happy when their dad took them in.
Lorenzo lived one his own, had lived on his own, for a while. He refused to burden his father further. He was already messed up, he had decided. Mother always hated when he'd crush on a boy rather than a girl, or when he'd bring up the fact that everyone was beautiful in their own ways.
Clarice hadn't been much better, she had always been so judgmental when Lorenzo admitted to having liked Sebastien for a while. That should have been a warning sign, but he had been happy, to have been loved, that he just dealt with it.
Dillon had been kind, so far, had pointed out that Lorenzo shouldn't minimize his pain, even when he had no clue what pain Lorenzo had been talking about. The blonde boy watched the door, eyes flickering to Dillon's symbol. He pondered those thoughts, twisting at his ring.
"Vitamin D?" A voice behind him, tired, with a drawl of Australian twang, slurred with exhaustion. He turned, glancing at the shortest Ascendant in a spook, eyes wide, before he offered that smile at Luka, whose hair was messy, and her pajamas fluffy and somewhat large on the tiny girl.
"Hello, tiny snake!" He chuckled as Luka shook her head, returning a nickname at the girl. "Why are you up?" He questioned, crossing his arms as he finally turned from the door.
Luka looked a little struck for a moment, glancing to the side for a moment, hesitant. "Nightmares," She finally admitted, shrugging, "What about you, Mr. Daylight, why are you up at 4 in the morning?"
He smiled, reaching out and dragging her down the hall, pushing open a window at the end of the hallway, "Look at this view! The stars are really pretty, but you can see the sun rising over the valley!" He deflected, pushing her closer.
"Pretty," She responded, yawning, "Still doesn't answer why your up," she pointed out, and he internally cursed that tired Luka somehow seemed even more impatient and too the point than usual. Still, she grinned, "Nightmares too, huh? Didn't peg you for a ripper."
A pause elapsed, with Lorenzo leaning again the now open window, head peeking into the cold air, though Luka leaned back, patting his back, "She'll be right, Vitamin D. Give it time."
He watched as she went to go rest once more, slipping into her room quietly, the door closing with a soft thud. Then his own gaze flickered to the moon, a strange feeling of longing. The sun had the moon, he thought he had his moon, but it was a lie.
Clarice had been a thief, and now he was having issue trusting any of this new family. Out of fear of that same betrayal.
As he glanced at his ring, he wondered, despondently, if he really did belong, or if maybe, happiness was just never for him to keep.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 18, 2020 18:02:01 GMT -5
DO NOT TAKE AS CANON - SUBJECT TO CHANGE
It was several years after Lucien had arrived in Australia. Heβd already watched most of his friends seem to have their lives together. Settle into roles in their Pantheons, or elsewhere. His sister had gotten a job, was living a successful life. A fair number of his friends had, if not gotten married, fallen in love.
Even the ones who were just leading pantheons on their own as Lucien was doing just seemed to make it look so easy. He never could understand how they managed that.
The young man had been instructed to infiltrate some kind of gala that had been happening near him in Australia. Rumour had it there was someone there who was a little too interested in the Ascendants. A rich man with the kind of resources to dig a little too deeply. That wasnβt something the Ascendants wanted, so it was Lucienβs job to make sure he didnβt close a deal he was meant to make that night.
It had to be said, this was the kind of work Lucien hated. Couldnβt abide. Stealth and spy work. Talking to rich snobs all night. That was not his forte. His preferred line of work was more, well... fighting people.
Heβd complained about it to Cleo but theyβd told him that he was the closest so he was going to have to deal with it - it was his jurisdiction. Or rather, their exact words were βstop whining and grow up, Sunshine.β
Sunshine. He was really glad that had caught on.
But that was how he found himself on his only decent suit, nursing a drink at the bar. Mainly so he could keep an eye on what was happening without being forced to mingle at this thing.
It was at that point, though, at he sat with his back to the room, that he heard a voice from behind him. A feminine voice giving the bartender an order for a drink.
He looked to his left as a woman sat beside him in an elegant champagne coloured dress. Her hair was all dark curls, her skin tanned and her eyes dark. She had many tattoos, one tracing just under her collarbone. She seemed to have a flower of some sort on the opposite shoulder, just to name a couple.
She looked over to him, those eyes settled on him. They reminded him of the gemstone tigerβs eye, with all its many shades and depths of brown. They seemed to hold candlelight in the soft lighting of the gala. They drew him in, though. Like they had authority.
βYou looked like you didnβt want to be bothered, so naturally I had to come over and say hello.β the woman began, smiling a closed-lipped smile
βNaturally,β Lucien agreed as he took a sip of his drink
Heβd thought the conversation might end there, but the woman didnβt stop, instead introducing herself.
βIβm Claudia.β she said, looking expectantly at Lucien for his own name.
Honestly, he was more confused why this beautiful woman was suddenly talking to him. Was it the suit? Should he wear suits more often?
βLucien,β he answered with a flash of a smile
Claudiaβs eyebrows raised slightly when she heard his voice, though she paused to take her drink from the bartender before she continued to speak.
She had this aura about her of confidence, as if she was in complete control. She just trusted this conversation would go how she wanted it. Because she would make it that way. But not in that manipulative manner heβd seen in some.
βYouβre American,β she commented βthatβs interesting.β
βAnd youβre Australian,β Lucien replies with a shrug, taking another sip of his drink βwhich isnβt particularly surprising.β
She chuckled slightly then, swirling her drink a little in her glass before taking a sip of her own.
βWhat made you want to talk to me, of all people?β Lucien continued, curious about this woman.
She just shrugged, pursing her lips slightly.
βYou look like you donβt want to be here, I donβt particularly want to be here. I figured we could complain about everything together, but you donβt seem much for conversation.β she observed
That was when she suddenly nodded towards Lucienβs hand, which was closed around his glass.
βYou have callouses on your fingers,β she noted βI take it you play guitar?β
He was surprised sheβd noticed, but he nodded in response, his head tilting a little in curiosity. Sheβd taken him by surprise a little there.
βI do,β he answered βdo you play yourself?β
βOh, just a little bit.β the woman answered casually βI mostly sing. Iβm more of a songwriter type myself.β
Ah, that made sense. Her speaking voice was pleasant in itself. Had a kind of smoky quality to it.
βSo, what do you do, Claudia?β he asked, hoping to keep the conversation going a little more.
If anything, sheβd activated his competitive streak by saying he wasnβt one for conversation. He had to prove now that he was. Even though he wasnβt.
βIβm an illustrator,β she answered βand what about you? What do you do?β
Well, Lucien hadnβt thought that through. Of course asking her that question was bound to just encourage her to ask him the same thing in return.
And somehow he didnβt think telling her his job was training a bunch of people given superpowers by gods was the right way to go. Nor was the saving the world aspect of the job one he could tell her about.
βOh, Iβm an instructor in self-defence and the martial arts.β Lucien responded
That was really the best he could do.
It was at that moment that he noticed movement over Claudiaβs shoulder. Movement of a figure he recognised, and quickly felt the dread flooding through him.
The guy he was supposed to be keeping an eye on, the guy whose deal he was supposed to stop. He was already leaving, which meant the deal must have already gone down while Lucien was distracted by Claudia.
It wasnβt the end of the world, he would be able to still stop this guy. But heβd missed his chance tonight.
Cleo was going to give him such an earful when he next spoke to them.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Oct 19, 2020 13:04:31 GMT -5
Clementine had ardently decided they hated everyone that breathed. They hated everyone that slept. They hated all the dead people too.
And, just in case they missed any possibilities, they hated anyone that would ever be born.
Hate was a cruel word perhaps phrasing it like βIf you donβt shut your stupid mouth Iβm going to sic Lucien on you while you scream in horrorβ would be more like it.
Except that Lucien was a current issue, so in reflection, perhaps sending Gwen into the room would be best.
βWhy would we fight? Thatβs...thatβs literally the exact opposite of our purpose?β Dillon questioned and for once, someone wasnβt an idiot. Not much of an idiot. Still pretty much an idiot. Still, the point was valid, to an extent, but-.
βOur purpose is to do the dirty work of the gods, so excuse me for not f*cking supporting the grand idea of being pushed around,β Irene growled. Cleo didnβt have much of an issue with her, most of the time Irene was rational and thought things through. Now wasnβt one of those times.
Lucien stood up, hands on the table, because of course he was going to throw one of his fits now, βIreneβs right, we canβt just stand by!β He glared at River then, and Cleo groaned, sensing the stupidity that was going to follow, βSome of us arenβt cowards, weβll stand up and fight.β
River was up then, and Cleo shook their head, watching in boredom as the two boys bickered, βCoward? Listen Sunshine, Iβm the Champion of war here, I know a lot more about fighting than you do. It isnβt all music notes and harmonies!β
βAnd yet your guide lost to mine? At least people know my name and I didnβt hide it like a child!β Lucien snapped back, voice raising, and Cleo ever so gently slammed their face into the table.
Not this again. Anything but this.
βAt least Iβm not a child!β
βI am not a child!β
Bickering, annoying, it was about to be all out war. That was, until Naida had enough herself and opened her canteen. Cleo almost thought she was going to drink the water, before she lifted it with her hands and soaked both boys in the salt water.
βBoth of you are children,β she snapped, as laughter ensued from Cleoβs right, and Cleo glared up. Dillon was still quiet, Irene had snorted, Luka was downright cackling, and both boys looked absolutely stunned.
All of them slowly started to giggle, sidetracked, the tenseness ebbing. Naida didnβt laugh. She wasnβt an idiot and she took her job seriously.
βBloody soaked, the both of yaβ,β Luka pointed out, pushing at Lucien who stood beside her chair, causing him to stumble, which caused River to laugh. Irene was just snorting at the whole turn around of the event. Lucien started to laugh when Dillon had not-so-innocently kicked Riverβs leg when the boy went to retort at Lucien about something or another. Dillon himself was softly laughing as he watched the others diffuse into giggles.
Cleo made eye contact with Naida, their own eyes hardening as they turned back to the group, voice rising slightly, βThis isnβt just fun and games,β they pointed out, standing up, βThis isnβt just some video game or simulation. This is real life. We either fight and risk our people, or we stay here and let people die for us. We have to make a decision, these games, these attachments,β Their gaze flickered to River then, eyes narrowed. βThese lullabies,β a glare at Lucien, βThese vendettas,β Irene, βThese emotional ties,β Dillon, βNone of that has a place in this room after this point. We are the leaders of these people, their lives are in our hands. Thatβs not a game, that isnβt an argument. Thatβs a fact.β
The laughing halted, shocked eyes, abashed, landing on Cleo. Though Luka didnβt remain in shock long, tackling on almost immediately, βOh, so now that you want to play leader, everyone just has to play along?β The chosen of Loki crossed her arms, snorting, βWhat about your bias? Everyone else had to sacrifice but you?β
βI donβt have a bias,β Clementine pointed out, because they didnβt. They lived life striving for equality, had started to study law. They knew much more than Luka did about equality. βNot any bias thatβs going to effect my ability to lead.β
βOh, you donβt have bias?β Luka challenged, arms crossed, βNo friends? No preferences on favorite colors or favorite music? You donβt have any bias on people you like or dislike? You donβt think that effects your ability to lead? Itβs like you forget people have to enjoy life!β Her voice raised, because of course it did. Every one of them thought for some reason being louder meant people suddenly cared about what they thought.
Cleo glared at her, βI know this may come as a shock to you, Raluca, but not everyone gets the choice of treating life like itβs a game. Some of us had real issues we had to deal with. Some of us had to grow up,β they took a deep breath, before setting their gaze on the younger girl, face honest and yet concealed, βSo when are you going to?β
Which, granted, maybe that was rude. But this whole leader thing? If it were to be fair, they had to all mature. Cleo had half expected Luka to back down, usually anytime anyone pointed out maturity or lack of it, people would back down and pout.
Sadly, Luka wasnβt everyone. Cleo expected either a full on argument, or a silence. They hadnβt expected Luka to snort, rolling her eyes at them and raising her hands.
βFair point, Lester,β The Australian girl used their last name, knowing they hated it. In fairness, they used her real first name rather than her nickname, so they wouldnβt complain about that, βIβm wondering when youβre going to realize life isnβt just some black and white painting where the rules are right under your nose? Thereβs more to life than being a stick in the mud.β
A beat of silence, Luka then grinned, leaning onto the table slightly, animal-like eyes narrowing, βMaybe if you got your nose out of everyone elseβs ass, youβd be able to smell the shit you spray everywhere and get something done for once.β
βExcuse me?β They hissed back, leaning forward.
βWhen you learn to do that, come back with real suggestions. Not everyone else here is a robot.β Luka pointed out, shrugging. βPeople are allowed to have attachments and vendettas and lullabies and games and emotional ties. Those are the ways we learn and better ourselves. They donβt make us weaker, they make us stronger.β A piercing blue-eyed stare glared at Cleo.
βAnd what happens when Laurie gets put in danger, and itβs everyone else vs. him?β Clementine snapped back, gesturing to River then. βYou think Riverβs going to treat that fairly? That heβs magically going to sacrifice up his boyfriend for the good of the effort. Weβd expect anyone else to place the Pantheon first, but weβre okay with River placing them all second?β They snapped a glare at him, yeah, they were stressed out all right, the Exiles were much more experienced than they were, βRiver, one of their leaders?β They added.
Luka clamped her mouth shut, and River glared at Cleo then. βIβm failing to see why thatβs your business. Thatβs a hypothetical as it is, and you undermining my ability to lead? Thatβs pretty messed up.β He growled at them, crossing his arms.
βYet, you donβt seem to think about the hypotheticals, do you?β Clementine questioned, arms crossing over their chest, βSure, we canβt cut all ties to others. But becoming romantically inclined with one member means youβre going to treat them better than everyone else, we lose track of fairness, of true leadership then,β they forced themselves to calm, focusing instead on sympathy, βAnd if something were to happen to them,β River tensed, βThen we place everyone else in danger due to that distraction.β
They backed up then, looking back at Naida and Dillon, the only responsible ones in the room, maybe Irene too, on a good day, βWhether we fight or not, we need to decide on it together. Bickering like children will do nothing to solve our issues.β They snapped out.
Some of the others ducked away, Clementine was known for soft sarcastic retorts and quiet anger, Cleo, ordering people around, was a thing not uncommon, but still spooky in itβs own right, βYou need to all think about how fair you all are, and you need to find a middle ground. Whether that be ridding of your distractions or growing up.β
They backed away from the table, arms crossed. βThis meeting is over.β
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Oct 20, 2020 13:28:56 GMT -5
Pascal stared blankly at Enzo from across the room, not sure what to do. Even when Lukaβs voice chimed in from above, he didnβt have much instinct to move, which wasnβt helped by the fact that the other man didnβt want to fight either.
He didnβt want to be the first one to make a hit. Heβd feel bad. Though, after watching Enzo produce a glorified laser pointer with his powers, Pascal knew that this wasnβt going to end quickly. Nor was he really learning anything like Hades had been begging for.
Holding his breath, Pascal walked past the light Enzo was producing until he stood about a foot away from the other boy. He rolled up a fist and lightly punched him on the arm. Not enough for it to actually hurt, but enough that the other boy would actually feel it.
βThis is embarrassingβ¦β Pascal muttered under his breath as he lowered his head, knowing that everyone was watching and judging them. Sure, it was unlikely theyβd be that annoyed with a couple of boys who didnβt really want to fight, but it was still extremely awkward nonetheless.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Oct 21, 2020 16:37:58 GMT -5
DO NOT TAKE AS CANON - SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Lucien was on one of his regular visits to the North American Pantheon. He went there a lot; generally used the opportunity to visit his sister while he was back in America.
But mostly he spent a lot of time staying with Laurie and River whenever he went to visit back home for a while. It was far too often for it to really be believable that either River or Lucien hated the visits, though they often tried their best to pretend they did.
In fact, Lucien was sitting on a barstool in the kitchen of the Pantheon, River perched on the one next to him as he scribbled something down in a notebook. Something to do with his running the Pantheon, heβd imagine.
The little bits of clutter around the room were heartwarming. A dog-eared script of Laurieβs lay nearby, covered in highlighter and scrawled notes in French. Laurie didnβt write English very well. Didnβt read it that well either, come to think of it, so Lucien figured River must be helping him if he came across an unfamiliar word.
βSo, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?β River commented with a raised eyebrow, looking up briefly from his work
βWell, I could never pass up the chance to bask in your boundless cheerfulness,β Lucien commented with a smirk βbut mainly because Cleoβs going to yell at me and Iβd rather they did it on neutral ground out here.β
River chuckled then as he continued to work, crossing something out and idly tapping his pen against the page as he thought.
βWhatβd you do this time?β he asked
Lucien would be offended by the assumption that Lucien had done something wrong, but honestly it would save them a lot of time if he didnβt bother commenting on that. It was his fault anyway, so itβd only make him look stupid.
βI botched the gala mission.β he explained βI had one job. Cleoβs going to be furious.β
Suddenly, though, a new voice joined the pair.
βIβll tell you what it is, babe,β that familiar French accent began βHeβs in love.β
Laurie has appeared, coffee in hand, and stood on the other side of the breakfast bar at which the other two males sat. He put his cup down on the counter but kept both hands clasped around it, elbows resting on the bar as he leaned forward.
In fact, in typical Laurie fashion heβd put the cup down in between the two statements, just to accent his words and be as dramatic as possible.
That wasnβt the concern, though. The concern was the surprised smile which soon turned into a smirk on Riverβs face.
βOur Sunshine? In loveeee?β River teased
Lucien waved him away, his gaze shifting to Laurie as he made an effort to argue.
βNo Iβm not!β he spluttered
βYeah you are, itβs obvious just from looking at you.β Laurie laughed βOh, and Guinevere told me. And sheβs never wrong, thatβs kind of her thing.β
Well, shit. There wasnβt exactly any fighting against that, was there?
βSo...?β River asked expectantly, his work forgotten now βwhoβs the poor soul you fell for?β
The little joke there made Lucien smile, but it was pretty clear these two werenβt going to give up on this one if he kept trying to lie about it.
βJust a girl I met at the gala, her nameβs Claudiaβ he sighed βcan we drop this?β
Laurie pretended to consider it for a moment, raising his eyebrows and moving a hand to his chin.
βHmmm.... we could, but I donβt think we will.β the Frenchman grinned
His eyes drifted to the ring glinting on Riverβs hand, the matching one that shone on Laurieβs. The pair hadnβt been married for too long, maybe about a year now.
They seemed... so happy
βYou guys seem to have this figured out.β Lucien commented βwhat do I do?β
River didnβt seem to have to think about that too long. He and Laurie shared a look and he just shrugged.
βYou ask her out.β River answered βeasy.β
βAnd what about the whole Ascendant thing?β Lucien asked βI canβt exactly just tell her I have powers given to me by an Ancient Greek god, now can I? Unless insane is the new sexy.β
That was the question which seemed to have the two older men stumped. Laurie shrugged slightly, lifting his cup and moving to stand properly rather than leaning on the counter.
βSorry, Sunshine, we canβt help you with that one.β he said apologetically βwe didnβt have that problem.β
Just great. Really great.
Leave Lucien to figure out relationships on his own.
What could possibly go wrong?
βββββ
A couple of years later Lucien found himself sitting in Claudiaβs living room, the two of them curled up together on the sofa under a blanket.
The kind of comfortable situation that meant he couldnβt have ever predicted what was about to happen next.
βLuci, we need to talk.β his girlfriend said, turning her body slightly so she could see him properly.
Lucien did the same, eyebrows pulling together in concern.
βWe need to talkβ never meant anything good. Not ever.
βOkay?β Lucien responded, uncertainty creeping into his tone.
βWhere are we going?β Claudia questioned βThis relationship, I mean.β
Lucienβs mouth dried up then, and all the words seemed to dry out too. The entire vocabulary of the English language just seemed to vanish. Like theyβd just floated right out of his head.
βI-I...β he stuttered
She laid a hand on his knee, as if to reassure him that it was okay.
βI just meant weβve been going out for a couple years now.β she began βand I have no idea where we are, we never talk about the future. Iβm not the kind of girl who likes to waste her timeβ
Oh great, this conversation. The conversation Lucien knew would come. And it was doomed because he knew how it was going to end.
He swallowed, and steeled himself for his answer.
βClaud,β he began βI want to make it clear that I love you, and I want to be with you. But you need to know that thereβs a lot of things about me that you donβt know - that you canβt know yet. I want to tell you one day, but I canβt right now.β
She looked a little spooked then, drawing her hand from her knee and repeating Lucienβs own uncertain βOkay...?β from earlier
βI canβt marry you either. Itβs not about you,β he reassured βitβs about the fact that I...β
He swallowed again, looking into Claudiaβs beautiful brown eyes. That looked like honey in the right light, that sometimes even looked like they had specks of gold dust in them.
βI canβt give you a life of security.β Lucien said finally βthatβs the bottom line. I canβt give you a life where youβre safe, where you can know Iβm safe. Which isnβt fair to you. And so if you can look at me and tell me that you want that, that youβre okay with a life where you could be at risk because of me... then I say letβs go for it. But if what you need is marriage, if what you need is security, then Iβm not the one. I canβt ask you to take that gamble for me, I canβt let you do that.β
He couldnβt promise her safety. Not after watching other Ascendants die. Not after watching the way Lane and Daniel were torn apart. Not after watching Laurie mourn over what he thought was a dead River.
It wouldnβt be fair to Claudia to ask her to open herself up to getting hurt that way.
But she placed her hand on top of his, their touch feeling like the crackling of electricity even after two years.
βIβm not asking your permission, idiot. I donβt care about any of that.β she smiled gently βI want you. And if that comes with those conditions, then Iβll take them.β
Those words made his heart leap. Without even needing to think for another second the two collided in a kiss.
He was so grateful for her, truly he was. She was willing to do so much for him. Willing to take risks she didnβt even understand, risks Lucien couldnβt tell her about, because she trusted him.
βYou really mean that?β he murmured as they pulled away from the kiss, their foreheads resting together for a moment
βI really do,β Claudia assured him
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 3, 2020 15:22:08 GMT -5
Ever since the death of Adelaide Fell (Alice, mind you, she always went by Alice. Only Atticus used her full name), Atticus Fell had been a min of a cold hearted man. He lost all innocence when he watched magic rip his sisterβs life from her eyes. Powers were a curse, but disgracing those powers meant more could get hurt in the long run.
In all honesty, it wasnβt much about pain anymore. He wanted to make the gods and their little replacements pay. Pay for the bloodshed, pay for the pain, pay for the agony.
It was sick, how they chose kids, how they chase kids to do their dirty work, kid no one would miss. All a scheme, all a ploy, all a game. It was all for their amusement.
There was nothing read, not at first, that threatened the world. Maybe small things, but surely with so much power, the gods could have handled it alone.
But no, and now Atticus had lost so many.
Not that it was a point of bother much more. No, he was starting to find enjoyment in watching the new chosen ones. They were sloppy, not at all cut out for their duty. But they still had their guides, and over time, theyβd grow to be stronger.
So he stared at Ripley and Gwen, across from the table he was at. They had send out the two youngest of their party, Styx and Penny, alongside Fenrir, to handle a mission. A mission to intercept the Ascendants, knock them down a few pegs. Thanks to their own guides, they could learn pretty quickly where the new Ascendants would go. Plus, the guides seemed to like having a fight. Last time, they brought the newbies right to them.
Penny and Styx were arguably very adept, and two very dangerous girls. Styx was creepy, even to him, with her emotionless visage and hollow smile. Penny was horrifying due to her angry nature, but he treasured her much more than Styx. Her anger reminded him of Adelaide, but she wasnβt so much alike that it hurt to even see her.
Irene was a different story, too much, too raw. She had to go, he didnβt care how. She was like Adelaide, but nothing like his sister too. It was, odd.
βPenny, Styx, and Fenrir are scouting the Northern Territory,β he pointed to a map he had laid out, where three chess lawns were sitting. βHowever, stalling and scaring these kids away wonβt do much. We have to have a plan,β And they did.
Standing at his full height, he crossed his arms, βI had everyone reflect on their battles, we want to figure out which of these kids is a threat. If we can narrow that down, we can target on their stronger people.β
Sorting through a missing persons report, he pulled out on, approximately, he had guessed, based on the name and the look he memorized during the battle. Naida and Ireneβs pictures were shown, and he shrugged, βAll of the girls I encountered were strong. Each of them have the ability to do damage, but Irene was just a ball of anger,β too much like Alice, much too much like Alice, βAnd this other girl. Naida mysteriously disappeared at sea, she was the authority figure. Sheβs a target.β
He looked over Styxβs notes next, sighing, βStyx wasnβt very helpful. She didnβt mention much, other than one particular boy who was immune to her abilities, and a super fast girl. Both are ones we need to watch out for.β
He slid over the other stacks to Gwen and Ripley, allowing them to review and share if they liked. Fenrirβs pile was laid with Ripleyβs, while Pennyβs was under Gwenβs.
A few moments passed, before he talked on, βI meant, obviously, we canβt target them all. But if we found some, we could work on a plan to slow them down.β
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 3, 2020 18:47:03 GMT -5
Gwen was a little unhappy about missing out on the fight, but she figured she was needed for planning their next move. That was most important.
Which was why the Danish girl sat with Atticus and Ripley, discussing this new crop of Ascendants. All pathetic, really, but together they were enough to constitute a very real threat. They had to be controlled. Nipped in the bud before they grew too powerful.
She listened carefully to Atticus as he began, laying out the notes as he talked about each of the Ascendants he and Styx had faced. There sounded like there were some threats there.
βThe super fast girl would be the champion of Hermes,β Gwen added βStyx said her guide said so, and she would know better than anyone given Hermesβ contact with the underworld. Ceto seems to agree. Hermes isnβt to be underestimated, what with his ability to travel between the realms of the living and the dead.β
She accepted the plan on picking out a few of these Ascendants to focus on, so she figured sheβd talk about the kids Penny had fought before the ones sheβd fought. Then Ripley could follow and they could discuss.
βPenny fought these three, and I managed to track down the news reports on them based on her descriptions.β She said, laying down the profiles on each Ascendant as she discussed them.
βCassius McDermont, from Miami, Florida. Not much to tell; didnβt show up for work at the family diner, and Penny didnβt mention his powers so she might not have had enough opportunity to observe them. Which is pretty useless to us, considering she took the time to note that he was a βwormβ, apparently. But anywayβ
βThen thereβs Guinevere Sharpe, from the Seychelles. Once again, Penny didnβt note any powers from her and has written only very angry insults. So she could he very powerful and weβd have no idea.β
But sheβd saved the most intriguing one for last, laying one final profile on the table.
βThe only one she noted powers from was this boy; Lorenzo Alexander, from Italy. Apparently he has some kind of laser thing, or light manipulation; itβs so blatantly obvious as a power itβs no wonder itβs the only one Penny noticed. It isnβt clear who his guide is but Iβd wager a sun or light deity. From the Greek pantheon that could be Helios, Iris. Either way he could he one to look out for but I wouldnβt consider him enough of a threat for us to specifically go after him right now.β
With Pennyβs out of the way, it was time for Gwen to talk about the Ascendants she had faced.
βI fought two irritating and very angry boys. A redhead and a blond. It wasnβt difficult for me to find out the information on their missing persons cases and identify them too.β
First she laid down the profile for the redhead, making sure it was visible to the group
βAsshole number 1. This is River Gellis, from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Seems as if he has a lot of fighting experience, so he could be a threat. His abilities, all seemingly to do with fighting and weapons - plus the dog tags he was wearing - suggest to me that heβs the champion of Ares. That would make him dangerous not only in his strength and abilities, but also in the fact that heβs one of only very few of the gods who is the child of both Zeus and Hera. Incurring the wrath of Ares would mean the wrath of both of his parents will undoubtedly follow. The last thing we want is to give Zeus and Hera a reason to put their differences aside and team up.β
She wouldnβt forget the champion of Ares and the damage heβd done to her. Sheβd get revenge if she could, of that there was no doubt.
She then laid down the second profile, this one of the blond.
βThis little piece of shit is Lucien Fairfax, from Chicago, Illinois. Also has some fighting experience; he was definitely a troublemaker back home. He appears to be the champion of Apollo, and I believe he has healing abilities, which would make him a major threat. He could be a weak link in the group to go for; take away their healer, especially this early on the game before theyβre strong, and they can be taken down that much more easily. If we donβt specifically go after him, I think we should at least consider aiming to take him out if possible. Get in his way, incapacitate him.β
Apollo, the golden boy of Olympus. What fun it would be, Ceto seemed to be musing in Gwenβs head, to bruise his overinflated ego, to attack his arrogance.
There, she was done with her assessment. Sheβd need to hear Ripleyβs contribution before deciding which of the Ascendants should be targeted. She remembered Fenrirβs talk about the threat the champions of Loki and Heimdallr posed.
But she also knew about Ripleyβs mentioning of the weak link in the group that had fought him; the young girl they all wanted to protect. She was an obvious target. Then there was the champion of Sobek, who he clearly wanted revenge on. Another possible target. And the French boy, the champion of Dionysus; his mind control abilities could he very valuable.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 3, 2020 19:18:48 GMT -5
Weeks had passed since the fights in the arena. Training had continued as scheduled and everyone seemed to be getting stronger. And weirdly enough everyone seemed to be, for the most part, happy. As happy as a bunch of kidnapped, super-powered young adults with terrible backstories could be. Naida still didn't smile and was still way too serious but she at least wasn't blowing up at everyone for little things. Spending most of her time either watching the news, arranging meetings and decisions with the rest of the leaders, or training by herself. Trying to figure out how to manipulate saltwater in different ways and specifically trying to freeze it. No progress had been made yet. Ariella was spending more time with Kita. Training with her and "teaching her how to be brave". She laughed more when they were together and made an effort to learn different things from the Athena Champion. It wasn't uncommon to find Ariella and Kita together sharing an inside joke about something or other. In the meantime, Griffin was following Guinevere around like a lost puppy. Happily doing anything she asked and watching her with that lovesick look in his eyes. Even when they weren't close to each other but Guinevere needed him for something, he was usually there in seconds, lifting her up on his shoulders or moving something. He thought she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen but didn't have to smartest words to tell her. In the library, Jason spent his time memorizing books that were foreign to him as well as where things were placed so he could move easily while blind. Chiara helped with that. Being his eyes as he navigated the pantheon (sometimes unsuccessfully and landed in the pool). Other times, he spent time with Echo or Guinevere and Kita. Learning to let go and actually be himself, whoever that was. And of course, Thoth taught him more magic, more spells late at night, especially as the moon filled to its fullest. River when not in a meeting or training with someone else in weapons, was always with Laurie. The boy he could confidently call his boyfriend. He was always hanging out in his room, cuddling him, and telling each other stories. There was one night, Ares helped him set up a romantic style dinner for just the two of them. River wasn't much of a romantic or perfectionist in general. But, when it came to his Lumiere he was head over heels. But the threat of the outside world couldn't stay away for long. The exiles had gone quiet since their last encounter with the ascendents. Keeping a low profile and sticking to themselves. That was until today when they got word that three had been spotted just outside of a town causing trouble. They needed to move before someone got hurt or worse. River checked his spear, making sure it was sharp and wouldn't suddenly break on him. Ares said it was made of the strongest metal and it should never break, but River was skeptical. He needed to be prepared if it suddenly snapped one day. "You're doing well and not just with the spear," Ares chimed in as River started towards the group that was going to fight. He almost sounded proud of his champion. "Leadership suits you."Yup. Definitely proud. "Is that an actual compliment? From Ares?" River asked, a smile breaking out on his face as he teased his god. He could hear Ares grumbling but didn't stop. "I must be dying""Forget I said it and perish then," Ares hissed before going silent as River chuckled. River stopped in front of his group and collapsed his spear, storing it in his jeans back pocket. His smile faded into an expression of calm rationalism as he addressed his team. "We don't know who exactly we're dealing with. Stay on your guard, we've been training to face them again since the games. We've got this." He looked at each and every person who he needed to protect and needed to bring back safely. Noticing Jason was fumbling with his trinket, a library card, River approached him and lowered his voice. "Are you ready?" He asked raising an eyebrow at the younger boy. "No," Jason said bluntly and gave the redhead a wary look. He was nervous. And rightly so. He saw what had happened to the first wave way back when. How injured they were and how many people Lucien had to heal. He wasn't the battle type, he was the researcher. "Hey, you'll be fine. You have your spells don't you?" River asked placing a hand on Jason's shoulder. When Jason nodded River smiled gently and tilted his head to the side to regard him. "Stay behind me then, I'll make sure they don't get too close," and with a quick shoulder squeeze, River turned and came face to face with Laurie. His heart stopped for a second as he watched him and his breath caught. He was worried for him most of all. Worried he might get Laurie hurt or worse. He approached him and pressed his forehead to Laurie's. He was scared more than worried, he realized. Especially with how his heartbeat so fast in his chest. He didn't want to lose someone else he considered family. "Be careful ok? I'll be there if you need me."Not waiting for his response, River pulled away and snapped one of the dog tags off of his necklace. Tossing it into an open space, the piece of metal expanded and formed into a swirling portal. He turned to everyone behind him and nodded once. "Let's go get them," ~~~~~~~~ "Little godlings... It's good to see my meal has arrived willingly," The giant wolf growled thoughtfully. The sun was beaming off of his black fur and the grass caressed his paws and belly as he lay there... waiting. His blood-red eyes scanned the ascendents one by one as they stepped through to face him and the other two. His disappointment that both his father's chosen and Heimdallr's chosen weren't in attendance was shown through the vicious way he lashed his tail and the growl that rose in his throat. "Holy shit, Luka and Chiara weren't lying about... big," Jason muttered, eyes wide and unconsciously taking a step back. The wind picked up briefly, carrying the sent of the children to Fenrir's nose. He paused in his growling and raised his head to meet the sent. Then his eyes suddenly landed on Theo. "I've tasted your blood before..." He mused slowly getting to his feet. The action caused both River and Jason to stiffen, the first of which-much to Fenrir's amusement-extended his spear towards the three exiles. "Sweet, like syrup and pine... You're Baulder's boy aren't you?" The giant wolf asked starting his stalk towards the little champions. "It's a shame I never got to kill him myself. However, you'll do just fine as a substitution." With a nasty and loud snarl, the wolf charged forward toward Theo, bloodlust in his eyes.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 3, 2020 19:52:14 GMT -5
In fairness Cleo completely didn't willingly want to fight. It was a matter of every being stupid, though, that they decided to attend the battle last minute. They grabbed staff, balancing it in their arms and pulling up their boots as they watched the others. River addressed them, being the leader with battles that he was. Cleo was like the head judge, the leader of justice in this bitch.
They respected him, which was saying a lot.
"All of you are to listen to River, and please for all that is good, please don't die."
And then they follows the band, keeping close to them. Remembering.
They had kept to their own for the last while, practicing with weapons, studying some law, anything to keep the Pantheon safe. They didn't spend too much time with friends, other than studying with them every so often.
Luka had gotten even more sly, often stealing things from the others, returning it later, sometimes with some drabble of writing or poetry. Sometimes insults, depending on how much she liked whoever she stole from. She also had this terrible habit of sneaking into places she realistically should not have been able to. That alone was a horrifying though to Cleo, a snake in their midst.
Guinevere was pining after Griffin, as she typically did. Though she kept careful balance of emotions. The love coating the Pantheon filled her with so much happiness, she would often help them all sort through their emotions, those feelings. In return it wrapped around her like a blanket.
Lorenzo was, well, he was coping. He felt so bad for Penny, and everyday that passed on, seeing everyone so happy left a smile on his face. But the loneliness crept in at night with self doubt, picking at him like thorns.
As he followed River, he sighed. He was only coming because he couldn't bare Lucien getting hurt or worse, and just standing by. No, he couldn't.
And poor Penny too.
--
Styx looked cleaner, at least.
The blood was gone, replaced with a warming, friendly smile. A bit crooked, a bit sharp, and eyes like two cherries from a tree. The hair bounced off her pale hair, making the white seem even more ghastly as the tendrils of hair bobbed in the wind.
She tapped her fingers behind her back, on the scythe of hers. Fingers running over the blade, out of sight, as she watched the newbies arrive.
Deliberately, slowly, she waved at Theodore, smile seeming even more callous. "I'm glad to see you alive, Theodore," his voice was said deliberately slow, "I'd hate for such a fun pawn to die so early on. I hope you don't mind that I gave Fenrir a little snack, he's just such a good pup!"
Her voice was so sweet, like a rose. Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Though, I hope you did scar a little. Wouldn't want you to forget about me so soon!"
Her attention turned back to the group. She looked so young, a false innocence on her face. "And look, you brought friends!" She shook her head, looking away then, back at Penny.
Cleo gaped, looking around, "Two of these people are children, and the other is a giant ass wolf! I repeat, What the f*ck?!" This was messed up. They didn't like kids as it was, but literally, that was a giant wolf and two children.
Lorenzo only peeked his head around the group, already slowly walking forward, without heed, towards Penny. "Hello?" He offered, timidly, looking her over for a moment, "I didn't hurt you, did I?" and the tremble in his voice was noticeable. A soft shake in his words, not from fear, but from guilt.
Styx pondered for a moment, starting to circle the group, weapon still hidden. Her eyes focused on Lucien, flickering to River then. A fleeting look at their eyes, backing up once she felt she had enough information. "Oh, welcome. Ares has often sent us many souls to collect from my river, I never thought he'd bring his own champion." She shrugged, stopping suddenly, turning to look River head on, her head tipping, ghostly pale skin catching some light, though hidden in the shadows. The scarlet of her eyes seemed to gleam wickedly as she focused on him, not inducing her abilities yet, though, "Ironic that I oversee a river myself, isn't it, River?"
She chuckled at her own joke, "River in the river, my, what an accomplishment that would be! I must admit though, dear, I'm getting quite impatience with this staring match. You're bunch has already eluded death quite enough. I'm running out of skeletons and paints to decorate my chambers."
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 3, 2020 20:15:49 GMT -5
Lucienβs life over the last week or so had gone on fairly unchanged, though he couldnβt say exactly the same for the others in the pantheon, especially with the budding new romances and friendships.
Chiara had been spending a lot of time in the library and also with helping Jason. Sometimes she was better at it than other times, it had to be admitted, but at least her enhanced sight compensated in some way for his blindness.
Lane had been around Daniel more and more of late, spending a lot of time on the beach in Danielβs room. Most of the Ascendants agreed a romance was developing there, not that anything had been confirmed or denied right now. Sheβd also been acting strange, fiddling with that strange necklace that was her key a lot.
Dillon had stepped into his role as leader and seemed more than anything to aim at protecting the others as much as possible. He spent a lot of his time with Lorenzo, but he hung out with most of the group to be honest. His powers still werenβt entirely clear though, which was why heβd sat out this battle.
And Laurie. Well, Laurie and Riverβs relationship was no secret. The two were boyfriends, that was clear. Nobody could define the exact moment their relationship had become official, but it was clear it had developed into something. Laurie spent almost every spare moment with River; he was head over heels. Heβd even arranged for Sanna to melt down the glass from the bottle when theyβd played games about a week into their time as Ascendants. He was going to have it made into a gift for River.
Lucien had mainly spent his time training and developing his powers. He had friends among the Ascendants but he didnβt like to say so. He wasnβt the sappy type.
But this? This theyβd all been preparing for.
βββ-
Lucien grabbed his bow as he stood with the small group, notching an arrow at the ready, his fingers laid loosely on the string ready to draw the weapon at a momentβs notice.
He didnβt know who theyβd be facing; Chiaraβs danger sense hadnβt indicated much. Sheβd just muttered a βnot today, Satan, not againβ and had said sheβd prefer to stay back.
Encouraging.
He watched River give his speech to the group and agreed to protect Jason if he stayed close to him.
βIβll be doing long-range attacks with my bow and healing people, so Iβll likely be moving around the battlefield unless one of them pins me down into a fight.β Lucien explained βso if you need me, yell. Iβll get there as quick as I can.β
The hard part about being a healer was having to be available to everyone at once. Anyone could get hurt and need his attention.
When River turned to Laurie, Lucien watched as River pressed his forehead to Laurieβs, told him to be careful. Lucien could see Laurieβs pulse hammering in his neck, could see the French boy close his eyes and swallow. He was nervous, just as nervous about the prospect of River getting hurt as River was about him.
βSois prudent, love,β Laurie said softly βDonβt get yourself hurt.β
Lucien just rolled his eyes, and attempted to lighten the mood.
βCan you two get a room?β he chuckled
It was meant as one last joke to build morale, before River opened the portal and Laurie and Lucien followed.
βββββ
What they found on the other side... well, it was unexpected.
As Cleo so eloquently put it, it was two children and a giant wolf.
Jasonβs comment about Fenrirβs size caused Laurie to lean towards the other Ascendant.
βHow do you think he feels about blood with a high blood alcohol level?β he muttered in return.
Not that heβd had a drink before a battle. Of course not. Heβd never do something so irresponsible.
Lucienβs attention was drawn by the girl whose gaze seemed to settle first on him and then River, taunting him. A river in the Underworld? That could only mean the champion of Styx.
Lucien might not be a mythology buff, but he knew that at least.
And well... he looked down at the bow in his hands. He didnβt fancy his chances against the giant wolf but he could take a shot at the girl while she was distracted with her little monologue. End the fight with her quickly if he got a luck shot; then he could focus on the others.
So he did the only thing he could think of to do.
He straightened up and drew back the string of his bow, taking in a deep breath as it came back to rest on his cheek. His eyes looked at the girl as he focused for a moment on his target.
This asshole was talking too much. Lucien didnβt like people who talked too much in a fight.
So he let his arrow fly.
ββ
Meanwhile Laurieβs attention had been focused on the obvious thing; the giant wolf. What else?
The giant wolf who made some very scary comments about Baldr and Theo, before launching in an attack on the other boy. All that ran though the Frenchmanβs head was that he needed to help. Somehow.
His staff was within his grip but he didnβt fancy running up to the thing to whack it with a stick. Heβd need something better than that.
His powers hadnβt been used in a while, and besides he figured confusing the creature was the only way to get Fenrir to stop in his attack on Theo.
So he locked his eyes on the creature and focused hard. There was the same pulling feeling, like two magnets snapping together. Then static. Everything went fuzzy. Colours dulled and distorted, sound faded in and out, sped up and slowed down.
The ringing in his ears started to build, and he knew the headache would follow. He couldnβt maintain this focus for long and he knew if he broke eye-contact then heβd lose his connection with Fenrir.
βFocus, Laurent. Fenrir will be no easy opponent, and nor will control over his mind be as easy to use and maintain as it was with the Set boy. Youβll have to fight for control.β Dionysus advised
Laurie was nowhere near any ability to control. All he wanted was to confuse Fenrir enough to throw off his attack and to distract him from Theo.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 3, 2020 21:22:22 GMT -5
Ever since his first encounter with Styx, Theo tried his damndest to get over it and return to normalcy, with varying levels of success. He drank a lot when they went camping, but despite his initial impression, Laurie had informed him that he wasnβt actually drunk. Not too long after that, he went up against Ariella in a sparring match, and lost despite his powers finally deciding to reveal itself. For both ends, he managed to embarrass himself in front of everyone. However, after trying to get some alone time to wash off the bruises, Seely approached him to offer her help in fighting. In all seriousness, she nearly gave him a heart attack out of sheer panic. Though, her talking with him managed to calm him down a bit, and he accepted the offer. He was useless with his fight against Styx, but perhaps he could learn to be stronger. With the current situation going on, Theo put aside his better judgement to join in the fight. The scars behind his legs seemed to ache, but he knew this fight would at least be different. He had a better understanding of his powers at least. He seemed to heal from injuries faster than normal, alcohol and medications barely affected him like they used to, and he somehow managed to convince the ground underfoot to crumble in his fight with Ariella. So, he wasnβt going in completely blind. At least he hoped so. He managed to hide his intensity behind his cocky grin, while waiting with the other kids. However, that confidence didnβt last long when he suddenly came face to face with the nightmarish little girl, and the giant black wolf who was able to talk. He barely had time to process her pawn comment when she mentioned feeding his blood to the wolf. βYou-β Theo could barely sputter out a response when Fenrir spoke directly to him, describing the taste of his blood as if it were a dinner platter. The boyβs normally tanned complexion went pale as a chill ran down his spine. Oh no. Oh nonononononono! He was used to people looking at him like an object, or just a centerpiece, but this sort of attention was much worse than anything heβd heard. When Fenrir lunged in his direction, Theo barely had enough time to throw himself to the side, just barely managing to avoid the beastβs jaws. His heartbeat thumped in his chest like a drum, and he worried it was so loud that people would be able to hear how terrified he was. This was a bad idea, this was the worst idea, why was he so stupid to have come along?! While Laurie had put himself in between the two, Theo managed to scramble back to his feet and plant himself a few yards away from where the wolf was. He could feel his hands and legs tremble and shake, his scars burning from the intensity. Fighting seemed to be his only chance of survival, but when he tried to unsheathe the sword heβd brought along with him, he nearly dropped it because of his intense fear in the current situation. Why did he ever think this was a good idea?!
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Penny watched the group of kids approach with crossed arms and her chest puffed out. She didnβt like how she wasnβt trusted to take care of this on her own, especially since she had to be with Styx and the f*cking dog. She didnβt have to interact with them much to know how much she hated them. Of course the only kid she recognized was that one boy, the one who was essentially a walking ball of sunshine and stupidity, and not in the good way. When he seemed to express concern for her, the sides of her lips curled into a snarl. βAnd what is that supposed to mean, you worm!?β She snapped, stomping forward. βI can see through your fake concern, you worm! Trying to play nice isnβt going to change things!β She didnβt need his concern or pity, he was the enemy. He was only trying to get into her head with seemingly nice words and concern, trying to make her let her guard down before blasting her with one of those lasers of his. Penny planted her feet firmly in the ground, causing the earth around her to swell up and assemble around her form. In a matter of seconds, her entire form was hidden behind a giant earth shell that took the shape of a human torso. βPrepare yourself, weaklingsβ Pennyβs voice echoed through the golem βI donβt plan on going easy this time.β With that being said, the human-shaped mass of earth and rock raised itβs massive arms and smashed them into the ground where Lorenzo was stationed.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 4, 2020 1:51:25 GMT -5
Ripley sat back in his chair watching as file after file landed on the table where they were planning. He wasn't saying anything or conveying any sort of emotion, simply watching his two allies speak and discuss the people they hated or thought they could use.
Every now and then he'd glance at the chess pieces on the table and where they were in accordance on the map. His hand covered his mouth as he thought everything over. Thought about who they could use and who they didn't need. Who they needed to eliminate as soon as possible and who they could manipulate to work for them.
There was silence after Gwen had finished speaking. Ripley knew they were waiting for him to speak, and he knew they could wait a few seconds more as he continued to figure out what exactly he wanted out of this.
Moving the files from his lap and into his hand, the second in command stood and silently plopped a file onto the map. His expression was stoic and indifferent as he spoke about each person.
"Chiara Belcher from Arlington, Virginia," Ripley started slapping the file of the blonde girl down. "The wolf with daddy issues said she was smart, both his opponents were. Her guide is the Norse god Heimdallr and she seems to have enhanced senses. Her father might have something to do with some criminals, it's not completely clear. All we know is that he was arrested," He explained then moved onto the next file. Another girl with darker hair this time and mischief in her eyes.
"Raluca Ravana, goes by Luka, from Australia. An orphan and troublemaker. Champion of Loki and is reported to be able to shapeshift. Which in hindsight would be useful. However..." he trailed off as he put the two files together and pushed them to the side. He looked between Atticus and Gwen making his point clear.
"As much as we like to think we can control Fenny, we can't. He's only on your side for the moment, he is in no way loyal to us. If we were to bring them to our side, there is no way he'd let them live. As soon as he got them alone he'd pick them off and mock both of their gods in the process. But, we can't leave them alive or with their group. They'll have to be terminated." He stated matter-of-factly.
Moving on Ripley dropped another file onto the table. That of a boy this time with brown hair
"Eydan Ganim. Ontario, Canada. He has an Egyptian god according to Set. Horus if I remember correctly. He can control the wind but when we fought he didn't do much with it. Is he a threat at this time? No. Could the skill develop? Yes. For now, we have to even think about him and in the future, I'm sure he won't be much of a problem.
"Daniel Morgan. Champian of Sobek and the motherf*cker who did this," Ripley pointed to his eye and there was a twinge of anger in his features as he gestured. He was quiet for a moment as he stared at Daniel's photo before moving on. "Can turn into a very large humanoid crocodile monster. As much as I'd like to keep him as a pet and a weapon, doing so would be extremely hard. He's highly violent and vicious, even to his own teammates. If we can get him great, if not he's too dangerous to keep alive.
"Echo Deirdre from Chicago is the weak leak I mentioned before," Ripley explained putting the girl's photo down on the table. "Champion of Nephthys, but I have no idea what she can do. She never used her powers she only threw sand at me. However, she's not completely useless as everyone was very protective of her. Take her and the group will scramble to get her back," He said one finger playing with a stray pawn chess piece. He guided the piece in circles until he eventually let it go and it fell over, helpless.
"Lastly there is Laurent Bevin from Bordeaux, France with the warm eyes," He specifically paused to see Atticus's reaction at those words. The smallest hint of a smile touching the corner of his lips before looking back down at the last file on the table and continuing. "The Greek god Dionysius chose him to be his champion and gave the boy powers over the mind. Something along the lines of confusion. He'd be useful in the long run if we can ever get him to train his powers more. Use them against his friends. But, if not then he will also have to be taken out," He explained nonchalantly. Ripley could appreciate beauty and even act on his desires but that was all they were... desires.
Picking up three other pawn chess pieces, Ripley placed them on the table silently. Each one in a line next to each other, like soldiers. Still looking at the pieces Ripley opened his mouth to speak again. "These are all the new kids that we have run into," he began slowly with an exhale. "But, there is nothing to say that the Gods haven't hidden away more chosen that we don't know about."
Ripley reached over to the pieces representing Penny, Styx, and Fenrir. He tapped on with his finger and pushed it over. "Laying," then the next piece fell. "In," and then the last. "Wait."
He let the silence hang as he looked up at his friends slowly, his expression smoothed over to that of a stoic nature. "We need to be careful."
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 2:44:53 GMT -5
As each of his seconds mentioned the Ascendants, he noted down the main attributes. Interesting, this Lorenzo kid was. He watched his file, smirking as he read over it, βOh ho ho, he left a girl behind. If we find her, endanger her, might just do us some good. If not, well, thatβs a problem for later,β he shrugged. βHeβs a glorified laser light, and he gave Penny troubles?β A scoff, thrown out easily. He reached over to a laser light he had laying next to him, so he could showcoat exhibits, playfully shooting it at Ripley while going βpew pewβ. He wasnβt above mocking and teasing the others, and in all reality, the situation to mock Penny was just too easy.
Then there was that River boy, who caught his eye. Despite himself, he let off a snort at the name. Seriously, River? Had Poseidon really passed up that chance? Not such a matter, anyways. As an Ares kid, he was dangerous either way. No, they couldnβt hurt him unless they wanted Irene and whoever Hera pathetically chose to come down on them. And trust him, Irene would be powerful as a chosen of Zeus. Lucien was a ball of anger, apparently. A golden ray of sunshine, heβd bet, behind that protective fury.
Ripley went through then, explaining his. Atticusβ eyes trailed the files, noting the girls. Chiara and Luka, apparently. βHeimdallr can be dangerous, that sensory can make it hard to sneak up on them. Sheβs gotta go,β he nodded. His gaze lingered on Lokiβs champion, however, βIβm surprised they even let Loki have a champion in the Pantheon. And a champion of RΓ‘n. I wouldnβt count either out of being an ally. Surely, those two were chosen for a reason,β he looked back at Naidaβs file, sorting it to keep in front of him. Ripley was right, however, about Fenrir. The wolf had daddy issues, but if itβs came to it, and they had those girls as allies, they could take care of the mutt when they got there.
Feeling need to lighten up the mood, Atticus raised an eyebrow at Eydanβs picture. βWow, champion of Horus. Doesnβt he- you know...?β He trailed off. Ripley continued onward s however, and Atticus just watched the second-in command with his head propped up on an arm.
His eyes steeled, slightly, when Ripley went off on the warm eyes of the stupid French f*ck. Stupid jealousy peeked though his throat, a small boiling irritation under his skin as he decidedly looked away. βEstΓΊpido baguette francΓ©s y sus estΓΊpidos ojos cΓ‘lidos.β he grumbled out.
As the pawns fell, he stood up. After Ripleyβs last statement, a small plant began to emerge from a small vase. Red, like blood, with a bright green stem. βEver rose has itβs thorns,β he commented, plucking the rose up. βTheyβll either take care of themselves,β He started circling the table, one of the petals of the rose falling and wilting.
βTheyβll be consumed by anger,β he plucked a bright petal, dropping it over where Gwen set Lucien and Riverβs pictures. Anotherβs petal fell onto Lorenzoβs, βOr theyβll succumb to the dark.β
Another, βOr theyβll drive themselves insane when they canβt unsee what they cannot change.β He hesitated, looking at Chiaraβs picture. He rested a Palm over the table, as a wooden case started to form around Lukaβs picture, tiny as it was, βAnd every animal can be tamed.β
He sprinkled a few more petals over Eydanβs and Danielβs, βAnd monsters are always slated, heroes are tragic.β
Nothing fell on Echoβs, Ripley did say she was weak. Though he did pick up the picture, tossing it back down shortly afterwards, letting it flutter to the floor this time, before he stepped down on it.
Without hesitance, locking eyes with Ripley, a spike of sharp wood tore through Laurieβs report, causing the picture of the boy to tear, spiked, βOr we take them out.β
Circling back to his chair, he ruffled Ripleyβs hair as he sauntered by. He dropped the rose there too, on the table beside Ripley. A torn apart rose with sharp thorns. Then, He locked gaze with Gwen for a moment, before sitting back down, arms on the table. Picking up a wooden pawn of his own, Atticus inspected it. βCareful is important, yes. Winning takes a little risk, though.β He pointed out.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 4, 2020 3:19:00 GMT -5
The Dane listened carefully to Ripley and his suggestions about the Ascendants he had encountered. He was right; Belcher and Ravana couldnβt be taken in without Fenrir killing them. And they were too much of a threat to be allowed to live; theyβd have to be terminated.
And he was right about the others, too. The champion of Sobek was a threat but could be valuable if contained. Still, Gwen privately wondered whether Ripley would be able to keep his need for revenge on the boy below the surface should they turn Daniel to their side.
She then watched the boysβ interaction with interest, waiting until they were both done before she rose to her feet.
βBoys, please,β she said with a smile βitβs all quite simple.β
She looked at the pictures Ripley had laid down first, remembering his explanations of each Ascendant.
βWe terminate Belcher, and possibly Ravana if we canβt turn her.β she said, her eyes then drifting to Atticusβ photos βAnd probably the champions of Zeus and RΓ‘n too.β
Finally her own photos, which she flicked through once again.
βWe leave Gellis alone for now until the champion of Zeus is out of the way, and the champion of Hera if there is one.β she continued βBut we take out the healer. Fairfax must be afsluttet.β
The healer had to go. Presented too much of a danger, gave the group a major advantage in surviving against the exiled. Taking him out would be a good way of increasing their chances of winning.
And now the fun part. Who they would actually target.
βWe target the Deirdre girl, they all seem protective of her. And the Sobek boy, so we can see if heβd be... cooperative with us, and if not Ripley can get his revenge for his injury and itβs one more Ascendant out of the way. We look into Lorenzoβs girlfriend, see what we can do with that.β
The Sobek boyβs fate depended utterly on how cooperative or defiant he was. If he was too much of an issue heβd have to go. The Deirdre girl was clearly a weak link, and theyβd be stupid not to exploit it. And Lorenzo... he could be a threat, and if they could exploit the whole girlfriend situation that would be a good option.
She finally stopped in front of the pierced picture of Laurie, which she lifted from the spike of wood, looking at the torn photograph for a moment and dropping it in front of Ripley.
βAnd come, Atti, we must let Rip have his playthings.β Gwen smiled βthe champion of Dionysus is a target too. But carefully, carefully. Dionysus is the youngest Olympian and while that entire family is dysfunctional as hell, if they choose this moment to get protective of their little brother or youngest son then weβre screwed.β
They needed to avoid uniting all of the Olympian gods. They already had their mind turned to a common cause, the last thing the exiled needed was for the Greek gods to stop arguing for five seconds and work together for once. It would be disastrous, Ceto had told her so many times before.
The words about the need to be careful, that there might be hidden Ascendants, once again got Gwen to speak up.
βIβm with Ripley on this one. There are guaranteed to be Ascendants we donβt know yet. Weβve seen Zeus but have no indication of Hera or Poseidon and Hades. Where Zeus goes, his wife and brothers follow. You never find only one of the Big Three. And thereβs been a suspicious lack of Thor up until now, I donβt like that. Heβd never miss out on a fight like this. We need to be careful about how we do this. But, like Atticus said, we need to take a risk. If we donβt make a move theyβll get too powerful and then weβll be in real trouble.β
They were already vastly outnumbered by this group, and they likely hadnβt even met them all yet. No, it was too dangerous to just rush into this. They had to make some careful moves, but the last thing they should do was sit around and bide their time. Not while the Ascendants were growing more powerful every day.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 12:43:38 GMT -5
As in so eloquently does, Luka had stayed up late. Which meant she was sleeping.
Now, it was currently 3pm, and she still hadnβt woken up. Instead, she curled on her bed, head buried in a pillow as she drooled slightly, hair messy and her body curled up like a snake. It was completely dark in the room, the shutters closed to the room.
Twitching slightly, she finally awoke, blinking sleep from her eyes. Frowning as she rubbed at her eyes, she eagerly chose to ignore the worries and fear left behind from that startling night terror. Bugger it all, this whole Ascnedant business could be so stressful. Especially that giant wolf.
Often sheβd dream of that fight, of seeing Chiara dying as he slammed her into the ground. Of the wolf locking eyes with her, growling out βYou,β, or ramming her into a gravestone. No, she didnβt like thinking back on it. Too horrifying, too real. Shivering slightly, she shot off the bed. By now the group would have likely left to fight. For some sad reason, they didnβt bring her along, but instead brought Cleo and Enzo and Jason. Slightly agitating, in her opinion, she beat Jason in a fight, and Kaz defeated Cleo. Enzo was easily defeated by Pascal. Then again, she was kind of glad not to attend the loser train. And by loser, she mean Cleo. Cleo was such a buzzkill.
Eyes adjusting to the darkness, which was really weird in honesty, she walked over to her desk, hands skimming some notes she had taken. Sitting down, she flicked her lamp on, grunting at the harshness of the lights before she began taking some more notes. A small journal entry, a small excerpt from the things she experienced. She then took to writing a quick little thing out.
βWe turn not older with years, But newer every day,β
Rolling up the small slip, she gently tied a ribbon around it, pocketing it in a small bag she carried with her, a satchel of sorts. The ribbon was green, a color that she truly loved. Emily ****insonβs words were quite true, as it was. Every day, each of them changed. Now to leave the word dead with an unsuspecting victim of a prank.
Honestly, sheβs could use the words as an arguement of how she was acting like a leader. Teaching people to be alert and whatnot, leaving them with iconic poetic verses. Also, teaching these idiots how to have fun was a large majority of the idea. She had been up to this for a while, though it tended to be Theodore who she would prank. After exiting her room, she stopped at his. Getting out a sprig of mistletoe from her bag, with a pretty ribbon around it, she hung it on his door, a small little card hanging off one ribbon. The fool doth think he is wise, she once again mused, as she stepped away.
Her footfalls were softer, still in her pajamas and hair an absolute mane of tangles. Walking into the kitchen, she fished out milk and cereal, pouring a bowl for herself and sitting at the couch, curling up immediately, stealing a nearby blanket. She wasnβt used to this cold, no, it was barely ever cold in Australia. But she didnβt just eat and do nothing, she went through her mental to-do list. She had already started the mistletoe prank, and she already had the slip ready to go for whoever she targeted.
Yes, a busy day indeed.
There was more mischief to be done.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 4, 2020 13:32:16 GMT -5
"Upepo!"
A gust of wind blew from Jason's hands and knocked into Lorenzo to move him out of the way of Penny's attack. Although he himself was knocked back a bit as the attack his the ground, Jason managed to find his footing quicker than he thought he would.
Looking up at Lorenzo, Jason was breathing hard already. Scared for himself and also his friend. Fully realizing that he had stepped away from River and Lucien's protection as they promised. But, Lorenzo needed his help and they both seemed to be alive for the moment.
"You ok, Enzo?" Jason called to him worry etched in his face. He waited for confirmation before turning to face Penny and think of the next spell her could cast. It would have to be something strong enough to rival her powers. In the meantime, he could stall.
"Can you not throw rocks at us? He just wanted to know if you were ok," Jason asked a bit of an edge to his voice as he addressed their opponent.
~~~~~~~
River glanced at Cleo when they spoke and readied himself more to be attacked and to fight back. "All three with the sole purpose of killing us. Just incapacitate them if you can," he muttered back to her before slowly approaching Styx as she spoke.
He grimaced at the mention of his name being River and associating it with a body of water. It was an overdone joke and did nothing to deter him from poking this little girl with a pointy stick.
As they got closer to each other, River slowed to a stop to maintain some distance. His spear in both of his hands and his stand wide, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
And it came with Lucien's arrow brushing past his face and heading towards Styx. River followed it, spear raised, and his teeth gritted in focus.
Griffin and Seely said not to look her in the eyes. That she can control your mind with a few words and a look. So, River made it a point to look at anything on her but her eyes. He took note of her hair, her clothes, the way she moved. Anything to give him an edge.
~~~~~~~
Fenrir charged headfirst towards Theo, ignoring anyone else on the battlefield. His hatred for the Γsar pantheon overshadowing his need to devour everything and everyone in sight. He didn't care how blind he was to attacks from others.
He simply wanted a taste of the Balder boy.
But, he stopped in his tracks when the boy with the black hair stepped in front of his target and locked eyes with him. The giant wolf almost laughed at the boy at first, as if he could do something to stop him. But the sudden pain in his head was enough to change his mind.
Whimpering and snarling, Fenrir pawed at his head and stumbled to the side, trying to make the pain stop. He scratched at his head and ears and some of the strikes came away bloody causing more pain. If he could just get to the boy then he could stop this. Snap his spine in his jaws and end this torment.
For a split second, the pain subsided and Fenrir took this opportunity to swipe a paw in Laurie's direction, dangerously close, and hoping to either hit him or make him lose focus.
"I don't know you," Fenrir panted moving his attention to Laurie now. However, he wasn't speaking to the boy in front of him but the boy's god. A god from a different pantheon who had done nothing to him. Until now. "I had no strife with you. But, now you're in my path."
Fenrir moved to strike again, opening his jaws wide and going to do exactly what he thought of earlier. Break the boy in half.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 4, 2020 14:36:05 GMT -5
Ripley watched silently as Atticus gave his speech. How he plucked the petals from the rose and let them fall where he wanted, over the pictures of each ascendant they had just presented. He specifically watched his leader and nothing else. Masking his amusement with a look of content.
And as Atticus came up to him after his slow stroll around the table, Ripley held his ground. In fact, he leaned forward a bit, testing the other boy and raising his eyebrow. How jealous was he exactly? That some random french boy had caught his attention instead of the man that was standing in front of him? The look in his eyes indicated that he wasn't happy about it at least.
But, the spike through the boy's picture made Ripley outwardly smile mischievously. He maintained eye contact as it happened, didn't flinch or show anything other than that cocky smile of his. Ripley scoffed quietly as he came to his conclusion.
Jealous was such a tame word for Atticus.
He let Atticus ruffle his hair and shifted so that he was facing the table again. Running a hand through his hair to fix it, Ripley watched Atticus with that cocky smile on his face, his mind wandering with questions and thoughts about the leader.
What would happen if Ripley gave Atticus the attention he so desperately wanted from him?
He wasn't even listening to Gwen anymore, not really. She was just chatter in the back of his mind. Atticus had suddenly gained his full attention with his little speech. And for the moment he couldn't take his eyes off of him. Maybe he should talk to Atti...
"Then go after the Girlfriend, Gwen," Ripley said. His mouth had spoken before he could register what he was saying. But, he played it off like he had been listening the whole time. Which technically he kinda was. "The faster we find out this information the faster we can stomp them to the ground and prevent them from getting more powerful."
Ripley looked down at the files and the petals and wood that surrounded each of them. He brushed the petals away from Daniel's face and stared for a moment, thinking. "May I also suggest a spy on the inside? Someone to heed us intel while we wait for the perfect moment to strike. Find out which Gods have chosen champions and which have yet to chose. Find out their powers from the inside instead of having to bring them to us every time and risk our... pawns," Ripley chuckled a little at the last word. That's what everyone not in this room (and June) were to him. Pawns ready to be sacrificed.
"It can't be someone we already have and they have met. We need someone fresh. Someone new to the world of Gods and Monsters who we can get to before anyone else can."
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 15:11:28 GMT -5
Styx leveled her eyes at River, only one flit of the eyes, catching hers, and she could do what she needed. Though, because of being sidetracked on agitating and taunting the redhead, she didnβt see thatβs arrow.
At least, it didnβt seem like she did. Keeping her gaze locked on River, she lift an arm, blocking the path of the arrow, as she grinned at him.
It was a horrifying sound, the sound of an arrow ripping through flesh. She didnβt move, however, didnβt flinch or cry out in pain. βAre you going to want this back or...?β She questioned, lifting the impaled arm towards Lucien.
The arrow was cleanly through, the soft staining of scarlet on it. Though not nearly enough for a living vessel to be present. She backed up then, as to avoid Riverβs attack itself. Instead, she brought her other hand up, pulling the arrow out with a slightly perplexed look, holding up what should have been a painful wound. βPretty Red, isnβt it?β She questioned, waving the arrow with the wound arm then, grinning. βThis can be my new paintbrush, but I can assure you, youβll get it back.β She stepped forward, brandishing the arrow in her fingers, twirling it, βI canβt gurantee it wonβt be fatally returned, however.β
Brandishing her scythe in her other hand, and tucking the arrow into a ribbon belt, she twirled it a few times. She stepped forward, unphased then, as she glowered at River.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 4, 2020 17:11:14 GMT -5
Lucien watched in astonishment as his arrow pierced cleanly through Styxβs arm, his mouth dropping open when she held up the thing without so much as a flicker. She wasnβt bleeding like a living person would, that was what was frightening about it.
Still, he remembered the othersβ advice about not looking her in the eyes, so when she spoke to him the boy was careful to avert his gaze. Sheβd have to force him to look.
βYou act like youβre a god,β Lucien spat out βbut youβre not - I donβt know what the f*ck you are, but youβre not a god. You share nothing with your guide but a name and some creepy powers.β
Thatβs all she was. A messed up kid just like them.
Still, with her stopping his arrow like that he wasnβt sure if he could take her down. How did one even take down something like that?
Lucien looked sideways to River. Theyβd been in this situation together before, against an enemy they didnβt know how to fight. If they were going to have a chance theyβd have to work together.
βUh, War Boy?β Lucien muttered βThat guide of yours wouldnβt by any chance know of any battle strategies for demon children, would he?β
Lucien was just the healer. This was NOT his job. In fact, his life was way too valuable for him to be getting stuck in fights like this; if he died the group would have no healer. But Lucien had never been one to back down from a fight and he wasnβt about to now.
His eyes slid back down to his bow.
Perhaps if he aimed for her heart. Or her eyes. But would it even do anything? What even was she?
It didnβt matter to him. He wasnβt going to go down without a fight either way. If she couldnβt be taken down he could at least say heβd turned her into a pincushion with his arrows.
βAlright, Underworld Tinkerbell, letβs go.β he muttered
βββββ
Laurie had to admit he was pretty proud of how his abilities were working to affect Fenrir. It seemed heβd even succeeded in causing the creature some damage. Which was at least saying something.
But that was when the wolf swiped at him; it successfully broke Laurieβs focus, releasing Fenrir from the effects of Laurieβs mind abilities. Unfortunately for Laurie, he came back to the real world at the same time, and so his reactions werenβt quite fast enough to dodge the swipe of Fenrirβs paw completely.
He was left with a ripped shirt and three bloody scratches, in line with Fenrirβs claws, on his shoulder and upper arm. They werenβt deep, barely anything really, and Laurie wasnβt too concerned.
But it did remind him that this was not a game.
βHey, I like this shirt!β Laurie couldnβt help but complain. This wasnβt the time, but still.
βA little perspective, maybe?β Dionysus responded in exasperation.
Still, Laurie didnβt see Dionysus fighting a giant wolf.
That was when Fenrir started to talk to Laurie. Or perhaps more to Dionysus, Laurie couldnβt really tell. Either way, Fenrir was mad at him now, which wasnβt great.
Still, Laurie could take care of himself, right?
βYeah, well,β Laurie smiled as he twirled his staff βDionysus sends his regards.β
But any confidence Laurie seemed to be able to pretend he had quickly vanished when Fenrir lunged for him.
Yeah, Laurie really did not want to become an appetiser for this thing. Or maybe the wine course? Honestly, he thought of himself more of the main meal but nobody ate the main meal first so-
βNOT THE TIME!β
Okay, fair, Dionysus had a point. Not the time.
All Laurie could think of to do as the wolf launched at him, with those massive jaws, was to instinctively jam the staff in Fenrirβs mouth in an attempt to stop him from being able to bite down. As soon as he did that, he dodged out of the way of the creature.
βLaurent, that was your only weapon. What the hell are you doing?β
βI donβt appreciate the backseat driving here,β Laurie muttered under his breath
Besides, if Dionysus wanted quality he shouldβve gone for someone he didnβt find vomiting in a nightclub bathroom.
Still, he knew the staff wouldnβt hold for long. He needed a plan, and so he turned his gaze to Theo, hoping the other boy had at least some idea they could work with.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 4, 2020 18:18:36 GMT -5
From a distance, Theo watched Laurie do his best to keep Fenrir at bay with his mind powers. The boy still couldnβt bring himself to move, given how shaky his legs felt and how conflicted his feelings were. On one hand, he was stuck in a battle where two of the enemies saw him as little more than an object or a snack. He wanted to run as fast as possible, as far away as possible. On the other, heβd be leaving Laurie and the others to deal with this mess after agreeing to help. How would people think of him if he just abandoned them at this time? It didn't help that Baldr was in the back of his head, telling him to calm down and "fight like the warrior he was." What was the god expecting him to do?! Suddenly know how to deal with a giant, man eating wolf who had a taste for his blood!? His thoughts swirled around in his head before he was finally snapped back into the present when Laurieβs powers seemed to have broken hold. Heβd gotten slashed by Fenrir and nearly managed to get away from the wolfβs jaws by using his staff. When he managed to distance himself away from the giant dog and looked at Theo, asking for any ideas, Theo quickly looked around his person. Maybe he could throw something and distract the dog enough for both of them to run or something. Looking back at Laurie, Theo held up the only thing he could think of; the scabbard to his sword. He didnβt think heβd need it, especially since he was trying his best not to die.
βTheodore, no! You do not throw your scabbard away!β Baldrβs voice chimed into the back of his head, demanding him not to go through with it.
Theo chose to ignore the godβs word and in that moment, he tossed it. The air went still as the scabbard flew through the air gracefully, its metallic accents glistening in the sunlight. Once it reached its peak, it flipped and turned in midair before it landed smack dab on the face of the giant, bloodthirsty wolf. Theo stood, frozen in place and sheet white, as if his soul decided to leave his body at that very moment.
βYou imbecile!β Baldrβs voice screamed βWhat did you think was going to happen?!β
The boy quickly swiveled in place and bolted in the opposite direction, directing Laurie to do the same. βShitshitshitshitshitshitshit!!!β Theo exclaimed in a panicked, high pitched voice. Why did his aim have to be so bad that it landed in one of the worst possible places!? Oh he was so dead!
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 19:26:22 GMT -5
Lorenzo frowned, stepping forward, βIβm not playing though!β He insisted, before Jason pulled him away from the attack. He looked at Penny with sad eyes, walking over to Jason then. He nodded at his comrade, placing a gentle arm on the younger kidβs shoulder, βBe careful, okay?β He whispered, gently placing himself between the two young Chosen.
He leveled a sad look at Penny, βI didnβt mean to offend you. I just want to help you,β he clarified. He took a deep breath, arms shaking a bit, βAnd I wonβt hurt you. Just donβt hurt him either, okay?β Placatingly, he stepped forward a bit.
βWe can help you, you can talk to us, alright?β He questioned again. No light was coming from him, just a small sadness. He glanced behind him, at Lucien for a moment, assuring the younger boy was fine. All of these young kids he feel protective of, even Penny.
He put the sword River insisted he bring down on the ground, kicking it away, with his hands still up, glancing at Penny. βSee, I trust you. You can do whatever you want. We just want to help.β
Futilely, he attempted to ignore the fighting that was surrounding them.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 4, 2020 20:32:14 GMT -5
The earthen fist smashed into the ground, crumbling to rubble at the impact. She pulled back the earthen arm, using the ground around her golem to reform it back into shape. For a moment, she fixed her attention to Jason. She never recalled hearing a report about this one, so he must have been one of the stragglers. βChampion of Thoth?β Penny grumbled under her breath βJust another magot to crush.β A god of wisdom and writing? What a joke. βIβm stuck with f*cking weaklings againβ It didnβt help that this Thoth kid was trying to tell her bullshit like βoh, he just wants to helpβ. What kind of idiot walks into a fight with that kind of mindset? No, his futile attempts to get into her head were starting to get annoying. βNewsflash, I donβt need help from the likes of you, you worms!β Penny sneered, her voice echoing through the golem as she readied another attack. But, for a moment, she paused when Lorenzo spoke. Heβd set down the sword he was carrying and kicked it away from himself. Her brain slowed down to a crawl, trying to process what exactly he was doing. Why would he do that? What reason would he have to throw away one method of protecting himself? The more he thought about it, the more the anger began to boil over. Who did he think he was?! She didnβt need help, not from the likes of him. This was just another ploy for him to knock her guard down by trying to not make himself seem like a threat. He was just like everyone else. βIβve had enough of thisβ Penny snapped, her voice sounding noticeably angrier. βI donβt need pity, or to be looked down upon.β She raised her earthen arms over her head before screeching βAnd certainly not from the likes of you!β Quickly, she smashed her arms down into the ground, sending bits and chunks of earth in every direction as the earth split from the impact.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 22:25:33 GMT -5
As everyone turned to their enemies, beginning to fight, Cleo started ramming their head into their staff, sighing and grumbling. βWhy did I get stuck with idiots?β They whined out, before groaning softly.
Angry golem was looking like she was still looking for treasure, grumbling and throwing a tantrum about whatever and whatnot. Cleo didnβt give a single care to be real. Except that was Lorenzo and Jason handling the asshole.
Lucien shot a kid, which in any other circumstance would be concerning. Except the girl shot just grinned and taunted them and hella nope Cleo wasnβt doing that.
Giant wolf was no go. So golem it was.
A weapon went flying, a scabbard, it seemed, towards that giant wolf. Immediately Cleo glared at Theo, gesturing wildly with their hands, βDid you just throw your weapon at it? Seriously? I donβt think he wants to play fetch!β Taking to running in front of the boy, taking on a defensive stance, Cleo glared at Laurie.
βListen Lumiere, stop obsessing over the silk and get your ass behind me. Iβm the only one with a weapon,and sadly itβs just a fancy stick, so weβre gonna have to make a plan.β Oh no, Laurie and Theo and plan?
βI take it back maybe we should give up,β they whispered under their breath. Deciding that Theo and Laurie would get themselves killed, Cleo themselves lunged at the wolf, swinging the staff down towards the snout. βOkay, I hate your dad as much as you do,β little chaos demon, βBut this is ridiculous. If you eat Laurie you might get blood alcohol poisoning!β
And Theodore, if he ate Theodore he might develop narcissistic personality disorder. Somehow.
Cleo was overall just done with this bullshittery. River, who was supposed to be leading this, was playing ring-around-the-Rosie with a psychotic 12-year-old demon f*ck. So he wasnβt too entirely helpful right now. And Thing 1 and 2 just threw away their only weapons, so Cleo was kind of out of options.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 4, 2020 22:43:58 GMT -5
Atticus had sat back down, flickering his gaze to Gwen as she spoke. But there Ripley was, watching him. Like, completely watching him.
When Gwen said plaything, something mumbled came out, not entirely too clear, some Spanish really, but the words plaything, whatever, and me made an appearance it to whatever mixed sentence he mumbled under his breath.
His gaze lingered on Ripley, unrelenting then. Not backing down. A flirty, charming smile on his face then, βTurning one of them on the others would work splendidly as well, they wouldnβt know who to trust.β He shrugged then, glancing down at his nails. Picking invisible grime from them, mostly to look away from Ripley for a moment, she straightened his fingers before shrugging once more, βSomeone new works too. Tear them apart from the inside out, like a parasite.β
Just like Ripley was to Atticusβ feelings. A parasite, a humorous thing to toy with and feed off of. Not that Ripley would know. Atticus played it all off as thinking of Ripley as a close friend, one he didnβt want to lose to stupidity. Even in his own head.
Obviously, feelings or not, Ripley wouldnβt like him back. That was the trend, the constant. Other than Adelaide, heβd been a stepping stone to some ulterior motive. His parents treated Alice and himself as nuisances, a manner of pity among their circles. Past relationships had been the same.
But history repeated itself again and again.
Turning back to Ripley, Atticus narrowed his eyes. He couldnβt believe Gwen would play along with that ridiculous idea that Ripley had with the French boy. Part of him was agitated with her for it, the fiery jealousy still building as he held a staring match with the other boy. βWith the Intel from this mission, weβll plan more. Donβt get your hopes up about pretty boy,β he added, voice betraying his disdain.
He finally broke eye contact with Ripley, the tinge of a blush on his face was making itself known. He stood, already starting to organize the supplies on a table behind him, just to get away from the situation.
βWeβll meet again tonight, you can leave, if youβd like.β He offered, pushing the annoyance out of his voice, instead replacing it with careful patience. There wasnβt much more to discuss until they knew more. No need to force this to be longer than it had to be.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 5, 2020 11:19:01 GMT -5
Gwen loved Atticus and Ripley, in her own way, but the boys could be unhelpful sometimes. They got so distracted with one another that sometimes getting anything done was hard. Not to mention the fact that their ideas could be incredibly stupid and chaotic sometimes.
As she always said, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
She noted the fact that Ripley didn't seem to be taking in anything she said, rolling her eyes lightly. It was a wonder the exiled managed to do anything, really.
And then Atticus muttering about the French boy. Which, to be honest, he really needed to get over. If he had a problem with it he was going to have to say it properly, not mutter it under his breath.
"Klaphatte," the girl muttered, too low for the boys to hear her even if they wanted to
Throwing in some Danish slang was always fun, especially because the more direct 'idioter' might have been slightly more obvious than she wanted her insult to be.
"If you think I'm going to Italy to stalk this kid's girlfriend-" she began, but sighed defeatedly. Because that was exactly what she was going to end up doing, wasn't it?
She could pretend it wasn't, but it was. Looks like she'd have to brush up on some Italian.
The suggestion of someone new, a spy on the inside, intrigued her. Atticus wasn't wrong about the idea of turning someone within the group too. Potentially valuable ideas for taking down the Ascendants.
"There's no reason we can't do both," the girl shrugged "the most surefire way of having a spy gain the trust of the group would be having them associate with someone who's already part of it."
Anything to take the gods down. In Gwen's eyes, the exiled were a new Prometheus. Daring to insult the gods by suggesting humans might be able to survive without the gods meddling in their affairs. Daring to rebel. Of course, for Prometheus it hadn't ended so well. But the exiled wouldn't make the mistake of insulting the gods without being able to finish the job and take them down.
"Ripley is right about one thing, though; we need a second wave. We need to try to get there when the gods choose new champions and convince them to join us before the Pantheon can get to them."
That was their only chance. Not only would it build the exiled's power, but it would prevent the Pantheon from gaining new members.
At that point, though, Atticus was prepared to end the meeting; there was little left to discuss. Gwen rose to her feet, her eyes scanning one last time over the reports on the table.
Innocent young people, really. People who'd done nothing more than be at the right place at the right time - and have a bad enough background that they conveniently wouldn't be missed. But they'd have to be destroyed. It wasn't their fault, but that was irrelevant. This was bigger than them. This was about the arrogance of the gods, and their lack of care for humanity.
These kids were in the way; unfortunate collateral damage, but unavoidable. Their naivety in trusting the gods, in not even questioning these deities, would cost them their lives. But Gwen had no sympathy. The exiled had suffered too much at the hands of the gods; she cared far more about avenging them than about the lives of these strangers.
Gods never saved the lives of their heroes. Some ascended and became gods themselves, but that was always through their own hard work. Through their labours. Not because of the gods.
Mortals were disposable to them, so they would be disposable to Gwen.
"I'll research these kids more, see what I can dig up." the girl stated as she headed towards the door, prepared for the meeting to be over.
She had work to do.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 5, 2020 23:23:30 GMT -5
Ripley glanced at Gwen this time as she spoke. Caught her rolling her eyes at them and seeing words leave her lips but not hearing what they were. Probably some curse in frustration like usual.
Were they that obvious? He knew how Atticus was acting but him as well? He should probably take a step back, focus on his goal, and plan the next steps for what the exiles were going to do. He should focus on the enemy.
And yet...
When she tried to protest going to Italy, Ripley just tilted his head and gave her a look. She would do it, she didn't have much of an option. Besides, she was much more charming than either boy when she wasn't terrifying. And when she agreed to go, Ripley smiled a little wider. She would have more luck.
Ripley hesitated as Atticus dismissed them and Gwen started to leave. He stood up straight and crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at the toppled chess pieces he had placed earlier and then the rose stem right in front of him. He almost took a step back to follow Gwen but stopped himself. He stayed still until he heard the door close behind Gwen.
Until it was just him and their esteemed leader.
"Why don't you just say it, Atti?" Ripley asked looking up at the other boy and how he had turned his back to him. How he distracted himself with files and supplies as if that would help him any. It made Ripley scoff in slight amusement.
He moved from his spot on the other side of the table and slowly trailed the path that Atticus had taken during his speech. Hand running through the petals that hand been plucked from their stem. He even picked up a couple and dropped them from a greater height, watching the petals flutter down across the table and floor.
The champion of Set crossed from the meeting table to where Atticus was busying himself. He dropped a couple of petals in front of the exile leader and hummed thoughtfully. "Don't think I don't notice..." Ripley murmured, his eyes trailing the paths of the dead flower's beauty as they scattered across friend's hands and supplies."The tightening of your jaw when I mention his eyes. The rage in your own when Gwen called him my 'plaything' or how you looked away just now," He dropped his hand down on the table when he ran out of petals and looked Atticus up and down. "And if that wasn't subtle enough, the spike through his picture was amusingly entertaining."
Ripley chuckled at that. How annoyed Atti was just because someone else had caught his attention. It was almost cute.
Leaning closer, Ripley reached up with his free hand and pushed a stray strand of black hair behind the other leader's ear. "If even the princess is rolling her eyes at us then it must be obvious to everyone," He whispered as if this were all some sort of secret between them. "Wouldn't everything be smoother if you just admitted it? Not just to me but to yourself as well?"
Taking Atticus's chin in between two fingers, Ripley turned his face towards his. Dangerously close to one another and Rip only made it worse when he dared to lean even closer. "You're jealous," he concluded, a wicked smirk dancing on his lips. "And terrible at hiding it... love."
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 6, 2020 0:25:44 GMT -5
Hearing the door close was a relief. Thank goodness Ripley was gone, that was the only clear though Atticus could make out.
But, wait, no. Gwen was at the door first. It should have shut twice, or stayed open for longer. Atticus was not alone. Not yet.
And oh dear, how he wished he was. He heard footsteps, deliberately slow footsteps, and felt his hands tense on the edge of the table, pointedly looking down.
He remembered one of his past relationships, swept in the haze of pretty eyes, the simple fact that for once, someone seemed to like him. Thatβs all it was, a seeming, a dream. Not a possibility. He remembered Aliceβs gentle arms hugging him as he cried out, because it wasnβt fair. It wasnβt fair to feel that, and then have it ripped away.
Ripley was inquiring him about it, and oh, how Atticus wished he didnβt fall for the rotten ones. Of course Ripley noticed, Ripley wasnβt stupid. But Atti wished with all he had that the boy would let it go, that somehow Ripley would be wrong about it all.
Closing his eyes, tight, when the petals began to cascade before his face. No amount of wishing was getting this dream to fade. Ripleyβs words were taunting, of course they were. They were friends who flirted, sure, but thatβs all there was.
His jaw tightened, a mechanism of his stress, or jealousy as Ripley pointed out. He hated thinking back on it. Warm eyes, what a bunch of shit. Ripley could do much better than warm eyed nuisances.
Then Ripley was smoothing hair back, and Atticus froze, all words dying and choking him. Like that, all thoughts left, replaced by the stupid Champion of Set and his pretty eyes and his pretty words and calloused fingers now turning Atticusβ face towards him.
Eyes wavering, Atticus watched Ripley with guarded eyes. He didnβt dare hope of anything to have any meaning. Ripley was taunting and teasing, thatβs all. His smirk said it all.
βAnd terrible at hiding it... love."
And shit, there goes any hope of self-control and guard Atticus had left. Lifting his own smirk, Atticus leaned a bit closer, maintaining eye contact with the other boy, eyes trailing down to Ripleyβs lips as he shrugged.
βWhat can I say?β He commented, flippantly, faux bravado back, a bit at least. His heart rate was much too fast too be healthy though. βYou have warm eyes, mi querido.β
Stealing Ripleyβs words about the stupid French boy, Atticus sealed his fate with a kiss.
And shit, shit, this was a bad idea. A really stupid idea that was sure to end in absolute misery.
Like, the best bad idea Atticus ever had.
An alarm went off, causing Atticus to jump away, glaring at the red light flashing through the room. An alert system, likely just warning them about some stupid animal noticed near the base.
Everything caught up too quickly then, and he paled, much too quickly. Because, shit, what did he just do?
βMierda,β he cursed, not too quietly.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 6, 2020 1:55:19 GMT -5
He found joy watching as Atticus reacted to his words and his touch. How he did exactly as he described earlier. Trying to avoid the topic, the feelings, the realization of how close they were. He wouldn't even look him in the eye until Ripley forced himself to.
And the more he spoke, the more Ripley saw the guard behind Atticus's eyes drop. How he melted right into Ripley's hands and leaned even closer.
Rip couldn't help the smirk on his face from growing wider as Atticus's gaze changed and moved lower to his lips. He laughed softly when his words were thrown back at him. He almost corrected him about his eyes and that they were in fact higher up on his face.
But, he was distracted by the sudden kiss.
He didn't expect this from Atticus. He expected him to keep denying, keep avoiding the topic until he died. To pull away and pretend they were still just flirting as friends. He never thought the forest boy would be this bold with him.
But, he didn't get a chance to react accordingly. Atticus was already pulling away as the alarm went off indicating movement around the base. The red flashing light filling the otherwise dimly lit room with color. Ripley didn't flinch when the alarm sounded, he didn't even think to do it. He did glance up at the flashing lights and regard them for a moment.
What unfortunate timing. And things were just getting interesting.
As Atticus cursed, Ripley's attention was brought back to him. He stared at him as if learning about a new thing. With mild interest. His friend was pale and steps away from him. He looked confused, maybe even scared, at what just happened. The idea of them couldn't be that terrible, could it?
Taking a step forward, Ripley reached forward and cupped the back of Atticus's neck and pulled him forward into another kiss. This one deeper and with more intent. His free hand went to hold the other boy's face, pulling him closer, as the red light flashed, silhouetting their forms.
Only when the alarm subsided did Rip pull his lips away and take a breath. He didn't bother moving his body away from Atti, no, he moved closer still. He liked knowing that the other boy's heart was beating hard against his chest from nerves, fear, affection, excitement, or whatever. He liked knowing he had that effect on him over all.
"Now," Ripley said breathlessly, his voice hardly about a whisper, and his eyes still slightly closed. He smiled to himself and tilted Atticus's chin upward with his fingers. "Don't you feel better?" He asked finally opening his eyes to look into Atticus's. He raised an eyebrow and pressed a quicker and softer kiss to Atticus's lips, then his cheek, then his temple. A trail of kisses just so Atticus could whisper in his ear.
"I like you jealous... you go for what you want."
Pulling away, Ripley turned on heel and brushed past the table they had been sitting around just moments before. He ran his fingers over the rose stem Atti had left by him, careful to avoid pricking his fingers on the thorns. He almost went to pick it up until he noticed the photo of the boy. Laurent.
With a mischievous smile directed at Atticus, Ripley picked up the torn photo and stored it in the pocket of his jacket. Making a show of folding it, despite it already being small and almost torn in half. And without another glance in Atti's direction, Ripley began to leave.
Oh, how he liked his playthings...
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 6, 2020 16:29:30 GMT -5
Watching that arrow pass through Styx's arm and her not flinching at all, had River stopping in his tracks and a shiver run up his arms. That wasn't normal. Not for anyone. She took it full force without a second thought and wasn't even bleeding normally.
Even as Lucien yelled out that she was human like the rest of them... River wasn't so sure of that fact. Not after that display. Though that wouldn't stop him from attacking her again.
"Well do you?" River asked quietly after Lucien's question.
"Demons? Kind of," Ares started. He sounded like he was thinking through his battle strategies mumbling things in a different language. Probably greek. "Children? Not so much," he finally finished. River could practically hear the shrug of Ares's shoulders once he finished and it lowered his mood.
"Very helpful, oh great war god," River growled under his breath and looked for an opening on where to strike Styx. Her scythe would be a problem, making it harder for him to get close and get a good hit in. However, he was lucky he got good with a spear and didn't have to compromise his own limbs.
"God, you're creepy."
Well, here goes nothing...
Running forward, River made various quick stabs and slices at the girl. Hoping to either keep her distracted so Sunshine could strike her, he himself could land a hit, or some combination of both. The faster they got done with her, the faster they could help everyone else.
~~~~~~~~
Laurie's weapon being shoved into his mouth forced his jaws to stay wide. Unable to break the boy in front of him, Fenrir reared back and forced his jaws closed, effectively snapping the stick in half.
It was only a mild distraction from his main goal. A toothpick before the main course.
Lunging forward, Fenrir went to grab Laurie but missed when the boy dodged out of the way. He stood hunched over, red eyes scanning his opponents, and a low growl rumbing throughout his chest and throat.
Annoying little creatures these humans were. Annoying but challenging little meals.
as Theo's scabbard landed on his snout, a chuckle could be heard coming from the laugh. A deep gutterale laugh that sounded... wrong. Twisting his head to the side, Fenrir caught Theo's eye. "Do you think this a game?" He asked. The wolf's muscles bunched as he prepared to launch himself after the fleeing boy. "I do love a bit of entertainment..."
Before he could spring forward though, Cleo came and wacked him on the nose. They were complaining. Basically saying that their friends we acting in the wrong way and then trying to sympathize with him. Pathetic.
"Move child," Fenrir growled, not interested in dealing with this one for very long. They made this game boring. Clamping his teeth down on Cleo's weapon, Fenrir's eyes looked over at them and, what could equal a smile, crossed the wolf's face."You're in my way."
Jerking his head up and bringing the champion with him, Fenrir shook his head violently. Back and forth up and down, swinging his head in multiple directions until he was ready to put the kid down. Swinging his head down, Fenrir let go of the stick at the last second and let Cleo hit the ground.
Pressing all of his weight into his front paws, he stepped on their chest and leaned forward a growl echoing his words. "For someone so annoyed and wanting to go home... you sure do talk a lot," he mused narrowing his eyes. Curling his lip back he bared his fangs at them. "Now wait your turn."
Pushing forward by digging his hindlegs into the ground, Fenrir shot forward and easily caught up to Theo in just a few bounds. Opening his jaws, Fenrir snatched the Balder boy from the ground and sunk his teeth into his flesh.
~~~~~~~~
"Come on come on..." Jason mumbled behind Lorenzo. Impatiently wishing this battle was over already. Frantically looking for another spell that he could remember. Something to protect them and get them out of this alive. Literally anything for this nightmare to be over.
"Jason, breathe, you're going to be just fine," Thoth soothed. His voice was calm and somewhat refreshing to hear. Jason took his advice and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm himself down, one hand holding on to the back of Enzo's shirt.
And when he opened his eyes and looked around surrending Lorenzo, he was surprised to see Penny had hesitated. For a moment it looked like he was getting through to her. For a moment, Jason thought they could maybe walk away from this.
And then she started screaming again, bring her arms up and then back down. Everything felt like it was going in slow motion. He saw his life flash before his eyes, his shitty shitty life with his father and the lonely nights he spent crying in his room or on the roof of his house.
In that second he felt like that tortured kid all over again.
"Enzo look out!" Jason screamed before dropping to the ground so his hands could touch the ground. Once there he forced power into his voice, forced words to sound so that he could protect his friend. "Ngao!"
With the arch of his arms over his head as he stood, Jason made the ground rise up and protect the two boys from either side, connecting at the top. He waited for the impact at the top of the shield. But it never came.
Too late he realized that Penny had sent a shockwave towards the ground, sending stray pieces of rock towards them. He figured the shield should still hold and keep them safe. They were smaller rocks that shouldn't be able to penetrate. But to his horror, the walls he made around them broke.
And started to collapse on them.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 6, 2020 17:05:57 GMT -5
Closing her eyes, Styx hummed slightly, shaking the blood off her arm. Oh, wounds like that could be so annoying. Though she was sure Fenrir would enjoy if she collected some of it. Heβd deserve a snack after all of this.
She opened her eyes when River made his first set of attacks, parrying it with he Scytheβs handle, twisting out of the way as she swung her weapon behind her back into her other arm. The wounded one.
Indeed, she blocked most of them, though he gaze became distracted in watching the other boy. Any arrows, a new plan forming. While River got a cut in, a thin slice up her arm that was already wounded, she ducked down, spinning behind him and pushing him towards where she spotted his lover. A swift kick to the back of the legs, anything to get him off balance.
His lover, and that giant wolf. Pressing the staff of the scythe into the back of his neck, an action to force him forward, she grinned from ear to ear. βNice cut, dear, but maybe you should watch. Tragic love stories and all that are so common in our stories, are they not?β Her voice dropped to a whisper, even without looking into his eyes, the words were a chilling set, βFenrir will take care of him soon enough. Iβm looking forward to seeing that, Iβm sure you are too.β
Kicking the boy in the back, Styx stepped back, blood dribbling down her one arm. She grinned at him again, shaking her head. She sidestepped then, watching an arrow whizz by. Her head snapped back to glare at Lucien, not missing the exit arrow he fired, as it sunk into her shoulder. Catching ever so slightly on the red fabric of the scarf around her neck. The smile fell from her face, replaced by annoyance.
Pulling the scarf up, not that anything had been revealed too much, she pulled the arrow out, glancing at it and then the boy. βYou know, youβre just making it worse for yourself,β tauntingly waving it, she giggled slightly. βThatβs 2 now, you poor dear.β
Stacking it into the ribbon-like belt too, she fully turned towards him. She grinned once more, shrugging slightly, βI told you youβll get them back. Though I should warn you,β her red eyes focused on him. Not to induce her abilities, nom this had become much too fun, they only narrowed ever so slightly, βYou should probably stop while youβre ahead.β
Rushing forward, Styx pushed off one of her backlegs, toes flexed, already swinging her Scythe out for Lucienβs feet.
And oh, sheβd get those arrows back just like she said.
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