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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 6, 2020 17:09:49 GMT -5
Laurie had managed to bolt with Theo when his attempt to play fetch with Fenrir hadnβt worked. Honestly he thought trying to play with the thing wasnβt much good but then again, he could talk. Heβd sacrificed his only weapon as a goddamn toothpick for him.
That was when Cleo showed up, insulting both boys and telling Laurie to get behind them. The man obeyed, though he couldnβt resist making a comment to the other Ascendant.
βCanβt you focus on sassing the wolf and not us?β Laurie questioned
He wouldβve objected to their comment about Laurieβs blood and its alcohol levels but honestly he didnβt think he had any basis for criticising. Cleo was kind of right, to be honest.
But Fenrir really seemed to snap then, grabbing Cleo and slamming them to the ground before standing on their chest. Laurie had frozen in place, his brain unable to come up with even one solid plan. His head was still ringing from using his powers before, the world seeming to wobble and distort a little.
He couldnβt get his head straight.
But then he watched as Fenrir left Cleo (and thus Laurie, whoβd been behind them) and bounded towards Theo, snatching the boy from the ground and sinking giant teeth into him. It didnβt look unlike what had been done to Chiara before.
And if Laurie didnβt want his friends to end up in the same situation, or worse, he was going to have to do something.
βFocus!β Dionysus urged
Now was the time to make his move.
Fenrir didnβt seem to have much interest in Laurie at the moment, which benefitted him greatly. He wasnβt about to stand around and βwait his turnβ as the wolf had just said to Cleo.
No. And what had Luka done last time, when Chiara was bleeding out on the ground?
Laurentβs brown eyes drifted to the two broken halves of the staff Fenrir had snapped in his mouth. It would be a risk to get there, but it was one worth taking.
He barely even thought about it, just dashed as quickly as his body would allow him to pick up one half the broken staff. He noted with some relief that it was indeed sharp. It would do the job perfectly.
He sprinted back to the wolf, stabbing the thing as hard as he could straight in the leg. Honestly, this thing was huge and there were only so many parts of Fenrir he could even reach.
Still, might as well remind the creature that he was there. And cause him a little pain in the process.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 6, 2020 17:21:32 GMT -5
Lorenzo had kept his arms spread out, wide eyes watching, flickering with hope when Penny seemed to hesitate.
Only to contort into fear the moment she retaliated. He should have known. No one ever listened to him, but he wouldnβt give up on that. He was about to make a run for it, stopping when he spotted Jason, looking absolutely terrified, building up that structure with a spell. Smiling despite himself, Lorenzo placed a calming arm on the boyβs shoulder, hoping to provide some strength to him.
It seemed to hold, until it didnβt. The shockwave scattered what was built, the debris crashing above them. Between his worry for Penny, and his worry for Jason, he did the only think he could think to do.
His eyes opened white, a white glow overtaking them, as a soft light emitted from them, his hands raising above himself to spread a bit of the light out, deflecting some of the rocks. Not enough, however, the small outburst of light fell quickly. Without thinking much more, Lorenzo turned to Jason, eyes apologetic as he pushed Jason out of the way of some of the debris.
It was a rough push, enough to push the boy out of the way, Lorenzo himself made it a few steps, before on the rocks fell near him, causing him to lose his balance. As he sailed forward, he glanced back, sorrowful eyes on Pennyβs golem creature. Though he looked forward once he hit to ground, air knocked from him.
His eyes closed, a ringing in his ears, as one of them landed on his leg. A white hot flash of pain flashing before his eyes, a cut off cry of pain escaping him.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 6, 2020 17:23:54 GMT -5
Lucien heard Styxβs threats to River, and as much as he didnβt like the Champion of Ares he didnβt like the way Styx was using Laurie against him.
He couldnβt let her do that.
So the only way heβd known to try and shut her up was firing another arrow while River had her distracted.
Unfortunately he shouldβve learned from the first time because it really didnβt work out. Not that he really seemed to have any other options; punches and kicks werenβt likely to do much damage if a arrow wouldnβt.
Heβd tried to dodge her swipe with the scythe but sheβd caught him all the same, sending the teenager to the ground, the impact knocking the breath from him for one painful moment.
He raised himself onto his elbows as he tried to get his breath back, the air rushing into his lungs painful now.
But Apollo was urging him to get up, not to give up. For once, he was going to listen to his guide.
Styx was telling him to quit while he was ahead.
βBut you agree Iβm ahead?β Lucien challenged with a smirk
With that, he aimed a desperate kick up at the girl; if it didnβt connect, he was at least hoping to keep her at a distance to give him a chance to get back to his feet.
Or, he really hoped, it might also give River a chance to distract Styx long enough for Lucien to get up again.
He had no weapons other than his bow to attack Styx with. He needed some other option, and fast.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 6, 2020 20:56:37 GMT -5
Theodoreβs legs pounded against the ground, his eyes widened with panic as he looked back to see Fenrir staring at him in amusement. The guttural laugh of the beast was enough to make his blood run cold. No, this wasnβt a game, he was very well aware of that fact. While he was thankful that Cleo jumped into the fight to help, Theo wasnβt very appreciative of their seeming annoyance for being involved. Lives are on the line! he thought. Though, Theo wasnβt given much time to process when Fenrir knocked Cleo to the side. F*ck. Without much time to prepare, Theo felt the seismic pressure of the wolfβs jaws as they clamped down onto him. His shoulder was wedged in between his back molars as Fenrirβs fangs sunk into his side and the middle of his back and torso. While he didnβt feel anything but pressure at first, the pain shot right through him as his grip on the boy tightened. Theo frantically thrashed and kicked as he was lifted off of the ground, and his panic seemed to be rising to new heights. βNonononono-β He gasped as his eyes started to burn with tears from the pain. For a few moments, he couldnβt think straight as the fear of his current situation sunk in. He wasnβt ready to die. Sh*t, why was he put in this situation again? First the demonic little girl, now a giant wolf with a taste for human blood. His human blood to be exact. At least he wasnβt bleeding that much, just a few dribbles from his shoulder and torso. Though, it wouldnβt matter that much if he was still capable of crushing the boyβs bones, and the rotten stench of his breath was enough to make him almost pass out. The pain and fear he felt put his mind in a haze. He couldnβt focus on anything, and his thoughts were scattered around. What the hell was he supposed to do? Fenrir managed to close the distance in a matter of seconds and was more durable than any one of them. None of that was fair, so did he just have to accept the fact he was going to die like this? In the worst way he could possibly imagine; as dog food. Suddenly, Theo heard the sound of Laurieβs attack against Fenrirβs body and, in that moment, his mind managed to clear itself a little. The fact the other boy was still willing to help him out filled him with a certain amount of focus. Enough for him to remember the sword he managed to keep his grip on. Letting out a shaky breath, Theo raised his blade and turned his head to the wolf. He didnβt know how sturdy this wolfβs skin was, but, he highly doubted the same resilience would apply to his mouth. Brandishing the sword in one hand, Theo struck the tip of the sword into the beastβs gums as hard as he could. βPut. Me. Down. You. Mutt!β Theo managed to let out in-between attacks. He wasnβt ready to die, not at this moment anyway.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 6, 2020 22:21:04 GMT -5
Once the dust and rubble settled, the earthen Golemβs shell started to crack and shatter, before itβs shape collapsed to the ground below. Standing in the middle of the rubble was Penny, breathing heavily from a mix of exhaustion and rage. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she hunched over at the landscape. Yeah, using her power just to keep the golemβs shape was a lot of work, but whatever. It made it less likely for them to look down on her if they were in smashing range. As she glanced across the newly desolated waste, she caught sight of the two boys she was fighting. Her face went red as she gritted her teeth. βHow. Are they. Not DEAD.β She sneered, stomping out onto the field, cracking the ground where she stepped. The Thoth kid was relatively unscathed, while the other one was knocked on the ground with his leg stuck under a boulder. Served him right for thinking βtalking it outβ was an acceptable plan in the middle of a battle. For the moment, she chose to ignore Lorenzo and pin her sights directly onto Jason. Given his insistence on not fighting, it would seem almost cruel to put him out of his misery at that moment. Besides, she wasnβt that concerned about him causing trouble. Standing a couple of feet away from Jason, Penny cracked her knuckles as the ground around her feet started to splinter and spike up. βPut up your dukes, worm.β She growled, βand you better put up an actual fight, or Iβd feel bad for crushing you to bits.β
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 7, 2020 17:15:06 GMT -5
Okay.
They did not expect him to bite the staff. Nor pick them up with it while he did so. They also didnβt expect him to shake his head like a rabid dog, which they probably should have.
Finally being slammed into the ground, they panted for a moment, shaky limbs doing nothing to help them scoot away. Then the mutt pinned them, smelly breath coating over their face, causing them to hold back a gag of disgust. His breath smelled rotten, like the infection of flesh. It was horrid.
Hands curling into fur, they snarled at the wolf. Doing their best not the shrink more at his words, horrifying as they were. Fear crawled into their heart, like the dirt and rocks pressing into their skin.
Finally the dog left them alone. They scrambled up, picking up their staff and trying to get their shakiness to subdue, fear in their eyes building as they watched the wolf charge at Theodore.
Out of the corner of their eye, they spotted River, pushed forward by the girl, staring at the fight. They narrowed their eyes, pushing themselves back up. βUp, my champion, this wolf is spreading his disorder, you must see to it that he stops!β Maβat commanded, voice strong in their ears.
βOh wow, itβs not like Iβm not trying or anything,β They hissed under their breath, wiping dirt off their arms. They had sustained various minor cuts, it wouldnβt do to have them sorties to where Lucien would have to waste time on it. Soreness, but mostly from becoming a rag doll by the wolf, spread through their limbs.
They made it a few steps forward, before they realized this was likely futile. Instead, they picked up a nearby rock. If they could distract the wolf, they might be able to keep him from selecting just one target. βAlright, you giant mutt, letβs see how you like things thrown at you.β They grumbled, throwing various stones at the giant wolf.
They were thankful for days of playing dodgeball as a child, at that precise moment.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 11, 2020 12:07:01 GMT -5
*** Takes Place During the Sparring Matches*** --------------------------------------------------
Before his eventual match with Ariella, Theo didnβt know what all to expect. Of all the people he had to fight, it was the Champion of Hercules. Hercules. The girl could probably bench-press a car and he had to spar against that. Despite the fact he had little to no chance of winning, backing down at that point in time would just make him look bad. And, it went as well as one could expect. While his powers had started developing in the middle of the fight, it clearly wasnβt enough to take down the colossal woman, and he lost. After the fight, he stuck around for a bit, trying to hide his clear disappointment in how things turned out, but the second all eyes were off him, he left the arena, feeling the shame growing in the pit of his gut as he made his way to the locker room. It was vacant at the moment, so heβd at least have some time to himself. Making his way over to the sink, he turned the handle to let the cold water spill out. He cupped some of the water into his hands and splashed it into his face. He sat there for a moment, staring into the mirror as the droplets dripped down his face. When he looked at his own face, he couldnβt help but notice his vacant and hollow expression. He never recalled having such a distant look before, not before this whole βChosenβ business. Not even before that whole mess with the demonic girl. He gripped the side of the sink and lowered his head down, suddenly being reminded of her cold laugh and the sudden agonizing pain in his legs. For a moment, he could feel himself shake from the memory. It was over, yes. Griffin and Seely werenβt to fully blame for what happened. And yetβ¦ He was never fully able to bury it down and pretend it never existed. Even if they didnβt remember what theyβd done, he did. He remembered their taunting faces and looks of amusement when heβd gotten hurt. He couldnβt even help remembering how useless he was. He got knocked around, held at knife point, and nearly died. The camping trip and this sparring match didnβt really help him in any way. He just proceeded to embarrass himself more than he already did. Itβs all he seemed to be good at, making himself seem like a useless idiot.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 12, 2020 16:09:31 GMT -5
Fenrir chuckled darkly as Theo thrashed in his jaws. He slowed his running to a trot and paraded the poor boy in his jaws like a new toy. He could task small droplets of blood on his tongue. The same as before.
Syrup and Pine.
Oh, he would take his time with this meal.
But, he didn't get to enjoy his moment for long, with the Dionysus boy running up and stabbing him in the leg. The pain from the point was bearable but still uncomfortable. Also, highly annoying. Unfortunately, for both boys, Laurie's little distraction did not cause Fenrir to release his grip on Theo. No, no...
It only tightened.
That is until the Balder boy got smart and stabbed at the giant wolf's gums. Blood followed as Fenrir tossed the boy from his mouth and snarled in pain. He had managed to cut deep, causing the wolf to hack blood as it dripped past his lips.
The one he had told to wait was now throwing rocks at him like a nuisance. Could they not follow orders? And the greek god boy was still stabbing him in the same leg. And it was beginning to hurt.
Luckily for Fenrir, Laurie was the closest to him.
"I'm beginning to dislike you, little boy," The wolf snarled stalking up to him slowly. His red eyes glowing with hatred and swallowing any light that had been there previously.
The wolf bared his teeth and bunched his muscles against
Lunging forward, blood pooling his snarling fangs, Fenrir grabbed Laurie's leg and chucked him up into the air. High above his own head, waiting for the boy to fall back down into his open waiting jaws.
These kids want to fight gods and monsters? He would show them why they would never win.
~~~~~~~~
He tried to twist out of her grasp. Get a hold of her somehow and overpower her. But, he couldn't.
And then something snapped in River. He was no longer focused on what was happening with his own battle. He didn't hear Lucien talking to him or even Styx. He didn't hear the sounds of screams of the other battles being fought and lost. He couldn't hear anything except the pounding of his heart in his ears and his rapid breaths of panic.
Panic as Fenrir turned his attention to Laurie, snarled those big angry teeth covered in what he wasn't sure was his own blood or one of the ascendents. Panic because the wolf was going to eat him.
The same few words echoed in his mind getting louder and louder and louder as he watched the giant wolf go after the Dionysus boy. His boy. Time seemed to slow as he watched it all happen.
Being pushed forward, River used the momentum to sprint in their direction. He was moving before he even noticed that he was. His gaze focused on nothing but Laurie and the wolf. Nothing but the pounding in his ears and those same few words echoing in his head getting even louder.
His vision went red, entirely invigorated with a purpose and a target as his powers took over his next few actions.
Spotting a big enough rock formation River ran over it, pushed off with one foot, and stabbed his spear into the side of Fenrir's neck.
The wolf howled in pain and stumbled slightly to the side. Blindsided by the attack, Fenrir whimpered loudly trying to ease the pain in some way but unable to reach the weapon currently sticking out of his side.
River's focus, on the other hand, had shifted so that he was watching Laurie up in the air. Trying to gauge how to catch him, when to catch him.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed off the wolf and cradled Laurie into his arms. He tucked the boy's head against his chest and twisted in a way so that when they hit the ground, River would take most of the hit. But, he didn't account for how fast they had been falling or what part of him would be hitting first.
He held in a scream, his eyes going wide and his grip on Laurie only tightening as they rolled to a stop. Tears springing to his eyes as first his shoulder collided with the ground, an audible pop sound followed very closely by a snap coming from River's right side.
Dislocated and broke his arm. What luck.
But, he turned his attention to Laurie anyway and pushed hair out of the boy's face. "Hey, hey," River cooed quietly. His heart was still beating too fast and the red that had clouded his vision was gone. Now he was just tired, in pain, and scared. "Are you ok? Are you hurt?" he asked looking him over and over again.
~~~~~~~~
Fenrir jerked around trying to reach the spear buried in his neck. The pain was excruciating. As much as she tried to get it out, the worse the pain got. He'd whimper as he moved and yet still thrashed around in pain.
He angry wolf looked around for the flash of red that had done this to him. But, he couldn't find him or his next meal. They had disappeared, runoff, to heal or fight some other battle.
No matter, he would deal with the other two snacks he had.
Swinging his attention to Theo he began walking towards the boy. The boy who had filled his mouth with his own blood. Blood that oozed past his teeth and gripped into the ground below.
"Do you wish to try running again?"
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 12, 2020 16:54:02 GMT -5
Jason wasn't prepared to suddenly be thrown backward. He rolled over his shoulder from the force and just barely missed being crushed by the rocks.
The dust that rose around him caused Jason to cough violently and made his eyes water. He couldn't focus on anything else except the pain in his chest from coughing and the blurry vision of his eyes until Lorenzo's scream sounded and cut off just as fast.
"LORENZO!" Jason screamed in fear. He ran in the direction of the scream, panic in his eyes and pain still coursing through his chest as he continued coughing.
But he couldn't get there before Penny started talking again. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was hoping that maybe Penny had left. Maybe she had underestimated her own power and got crushed as well. She'd most likely survive after all... probably.
But, he only had hope. And that had been crushed.
"Did she really just-" Jason muttered under his breath as he covered his nose and mouth with an arm. He squinted against the dust gradually falling around him and looked at Penny's form.
"Say 'put up your dukes' in the 21st century? Yes. Yes, she did," Thoth confirmed sounding disappointed. The scribe god was so much older than the saying and even he was disappointed that someone had just said those words seriously.
Both of them sighed heavily and readied themselves for another fight.
As much as it was a shitty thing to say let alone think, the fight had been easier with Lorenzo. Even with how brief it was, Penny's attention was divided between them. Now it was all just on Jason. The scared boy who only knew a handful of spells.
"Got any new spells that can easily take her down?" the champion asked fear laced into his words and he prepared to cast something else.
"It would be a really complex spell I don't think you can handle ye-"
"I'll take that as a f*cking no then," Jason hissed sharply. He was once again wishing he had never been chosen again. Wished that they had found some other sad and lonely little boy with a terrible parent.
For the first time in forever, he wanted to go home.
"Silaha!"
Translucent light green armor formed around the boy's body once the word was spoken. It moved easily with him and allowed full movement and made no sound as if he weren't even wearing it. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Jason put up his arms and glared at Penny. "I don't want to fight you. But, I'm not going to let you do what you want either."
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 12, 2020 17:01:24 GMT -5
Sitting on the ground, stunned. She had stayed there after that last kick, panicked breaths escaping her. She heard the door open, her eyes wide as she looked up, barely recognizing the person there was a friend, not an enemy. They looked worried, and it was then that she realized she was bleeding, "Are you alright? Lore, did you trip. What's happened?"
"Th-th-I fell," A lie, a breath, eyes closed against the bright light. Willing the pain and truth away, tears budding, but blinked away, "It doesn't matter anyways. I'm fine."
Red eyes flashed at Lucien, a small sound of anger when Styx hit the ground. His kick had been successful, causing her balance to fall out of order. Hands clenching, she offered a sharp smile at the boy, crawling closer. With a deft movement, she scooted the bow away, toeing it away from the boy's grasp. Blood dripped in a small trickle down her arm, though it was forgotten for the moment.
"No, kid," She responded. Lifting one of the arrows from her sash, twisting it throw her fingers, as her grin became sharper. "It was a warning," she took the arrow, pressing her finger to the tip, eyes narrowing at it with a shrug. "But since you're so eager, let's just get to the point."
In a quick movement, she twisted the arrow in her hand so the tip was downwards, her other hand coming up to stabilize her bloody wrist. With that, it was a matter of stabbing down at Lucien. A leg, was the aim. Not so deep, not enough to impale, but enough to be painful. Very painful, and bloody. When it stuck, she released it, pushing herself back.
At this, she chuckled darkly. Lifting the other arrow up, the other one he hit her with, so the little tip could catch a glimmer of light. She gave it a few moments, enough for a breather. She kept talking, however, "I did say I'd give you the arrows back, didn't I?"
Her red eyes focused on his face again, shrugging as she tossed the arrow in an arc, catching it and spinning it once more as she went from her kneel to a stand. Slowly, she pondered over to the bow, picking it up, regarding it with curious eyes. Her fingers running over the details, feeling the weight in her hands. Her eyes followed the movement of the string as her fingers ran over it.
"You know how to use a bow?"
A meek smile, a shrug, "I mean, I'm not good at it. It's a good way to focus, y'know?"
Her eyes closed, hands tightening on the bow as she slipped the arrow into the string, resting her left hand on the bow itself, and using her right hand to pull back the string. Aiming it downwards, first towards Lucien's face, she offered a chuckle, "You know, that's all people do, they leave you behind." Mockingly, she shrugged, gaze falling to River's own trials for a moment, before falling on Lucien again, "Better stay here so he can find you when he's done."
Lowering her aim, she released the arrow. A strong pullback. Right towards his hand, between those knuckles. Enough to impale the hand, similar to how his arrow had pierced hers.
A manner to pin him in place to the ground. Chuckling at him then, she dropped the bow on him, dismissively, before turning around with her red eyes narrowed.
Now who would be next?
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 12, 2020 17:25:11 GMT -5
Laurie was known for a lot of things. Smart decisions really werenβt one of them. In fact, stabbing the giant wolf in the leg had in fact probably not been one of his best decisions.
In fact, it probably ranked among the worst and heβd once climbed out onto a taxi roof when he was drunk.
Either way, the wolf had turned to him and said he was beginning to dislike him.
And Fenrir had, what, arrived with the intention of making friendship bracelets?
βYou know what? I think I can live with that.β was the French boyβs response.
Though, he probably should have been running instead of wasting his time with words. Because Fenrir promptly picked him up by the leg - which, by the way, really hurt - and threw him up into the air.
If he had stayed home instead of going out drinking that one night a few months ago, all of this couldβve been avoided.
If heβd had a drink now, he might care less about the oversized dog about to chew him up like a Skittle.
Either way, this situation sucked.
Everything seemed to go in slow motion as he fell, crying out as he surged towards the waiting jaws of the wolf, teeth stained with blood.
If youβd asked Laurie a few months ago how he thought he would die, heβd have probably said a drunken accident. If not, maybe alcohol poisoning, or else his liver finally deciding it had given up.
At least this was more interesting.
But the whole death-by-wolf thing never actually came.
Suddenly Fenrir was whimpering, wounded. And Laurie found his fall broken by River, who caught him in his arms. Which would have been a little cliche but kind of romantic.
If it werenβt for the pop and crack of Riverβs injured arm.
After which River didnβt even seem to care, he focussed too much on checking Laurie over. Brushing hair out of his face, asking him gently if he was okay.
βYeah, I-Iβm okay,β Laurie responded breathlessly as he tried to stand, releasing himself from Riverβs grip but taking the hand from Riverβs uninjured arm in his own βthank you. Iβve never seen anyone fight like that.β
Still, after almost being killed like that, it felt important that something be said right there any now before anything else happened. Before River got healed or before either of them returned to the fight.
βI love you, River,β Laurie said softly, gently resting his forehead against his boyfriendβs, closing his eyes for a moment.
In truth, he was lying when he said he was okay. His leg was a little hurt. He could only stand on one leg right now, unable to put his full weight on the other after Fenrir had sunk his teeth into it. But it wasnβt bad. Bleeding, and extremely painful, for sure. And he didnβt know the full extent of the injury yet, only aware of the blinding pain. Honestly, though, he didnβt think it would be as bad as it probably looked. But he was more focussed on Riverβs dislocated and broken arm.
He looked to River in concern, eyes drifting to the arm as his brows pulled together.
βYour arm,β Laurie said worriedly βYouβre hurt.β
River had been hurt because of Laurie. That felt pretty awful in itself. If Laurie had made better decisions in this fight he never wouldβve found himself in a position where he needed River to save him. Where River had to get hurt to protect him.
The champion of Ares did crazy things, sometimes. But also pretty incredible things. River had been incredible, amazing.
But he was hurt because of him. Lucien would have to reset the bone before he could heal it.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 12, 2020 18:14:56 GMT -5
Lucien has been relieved his kick had worked, but he hadnβt been able to move quickly enough to stop Styx getting his bow. He wouldβve loved to attack her with an arrow, the only weapon he still had, but he was lying on his quiver and couldnβt access them.
Her threat was scary, or at least Lucien thought it was meant to be, but mainly he was wondering what right this girl had to call him βkidβ when she honestly looked younger than him.
Lucien wouldβve insulted her, but he didnβt have time. And he certainly didnβt have any clever words for when she jabbed an arrow into his leg.
All he could do was cry out, arching his back and gritting his teeth, eyes screwed shut. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his breathing coming out fast and panicked. That was the last thing he needed to do, he needed to calm down. But the seventeen-year-old couldnβt think clearly.
It was like sheβd calculated it; deep enough to make him bleed, not so deep to go right through. The blood that greeted him when he opened his eyes was enough to tell him that.
Her words about giving him his arrows back made him want to glare, but he knew not to make eye contact with her. Oh, he knew better than that. Instead, he contented himself with keeping his blue eyes, bright with pain and anger, focussed determinedly on the ground.
βHurt me all you want, asshole,β Lucien managed to spit, fury filling him but pain edging his words βIt wonβt make me afraid of you.β
She could be defeated, Lucien felt confident of that. He just didnβt know how yet. But after this? Heβd be doing anything he could to figure out how. If he ever faced her again, the boy would be prepared.
Still, his brave words werenβt matched by his actions.
When she got up he had tried to scramble back, get away from her, leaving a slight trail of blood. Though when she had his bow aimed at his head, he came to a stop.
Her words about everyone leaving him behind hit hard. His father had left. His mother might have stayed but she might as well not have, she was so absent. His sister had pretty much parented him but hadnβt taken the time to get to know him properly - at least not beyond the superficial stuff about him being a troublemaker. And now River, running off to protect Laurie and leaving Lucien to face this girl on his own.
Suddenly Styx lowered her aim, and was able to aim a shot at his hand, piercing right through between his knuckles and pinning him to the ground.
Another cry, this one louder than the last. The pain was bringing tears pricking to his eyes. It was enough to make him grind his teeth. Heβd been in pain before, but nothing compared to this.
She left, said she was leaving him for River to find later.
That was when the panic truly set in. He was bleeding, a lot, and the blood loss was already starting to make him feel light-headed. If he didnβt want to pass out, heβd need to get the arrow out and heal himself quickly. But to do that he had to get the arrow out of his hand first.
Which was easier said than done. He tried to pull with his free hand, but without another hand to help hold his injured hand steady and give his other hand something to pull against it wouldnβt budge.
βCome on, you little f-β Lucien said, voice growing desperate now as he tried to force the arrow free, a begging tone edging into his voice.
But the more he tried to remove the arrow, the more painful it was, only causing sharp, blinding pains that forced him to bite his lip to keep from yelling out.
Eventually the lightheadedness turned to dizziness, and the world faded to a paleness and then black as blood spilled from his wound onto the ground beneath him.
Heβd lost consciousness. Which if Lucien was his normal, snarky, uninjured self heβd be furious at himself for. Heβd be so mad he couldnβt be part of the fight, that heβd been taken down so easily.
But right now he was a seventeen-year-old boy, and he was scared and hurt. And heβd lost a lot of blood.
To be entirely fair to him, passing out from blood loss wasnβt something that could be helped.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 12, 2020 18:43:46 GMT -5
Theo let out a small, choked cry when Fenrir's fangs dug in deeper into the boy's shoulder. There was a noticeable cracking and popping sound and a sudden surge of intensified pain. Everything about his current situation was awful. The pain, and the fact he was being dragged around like he was a damn chew-toy. Though, his attack seemed to have done the trick. Some of the wolf's own blood trickled onto Theo's clothes and the boy was tossed to the side. It didn't hurt at much as he expected, and he was glad the pressure on his shoulder was gone, but the stabbing pain in his shoulder still lingered. It throbbed and oozed blood, causing Theo to bury his head into the dirt. He didn't want to try to move his arm, but at least it wasn't his dominant hand. The one plus of him actually being left handed at least. "Nope, it doesn't hurt" he muttered under his breath, holding back the tears, "I can't feel it, nope." He uttered the phrase over and over under his breath, and after a minute, the pain in his shoulder seemed to have stopped.
"That isn't going to fix your arm, Theodore, but you already know that, right?" Balder asked.
"Shhhhhh!" Theo sneered in response, "I'm not thinking about it right now." It was a similar case to the camping trip, where he managed to subconsciously convince himself that he was drunk. He didn't know how long he could force his brain to ignore the possibly broken shoulder, but he hoped it would at least keep him focused on what was currently going on. Looking back at Fenrir, he watched in horror as Laurie was tossed in the air. Shit, no. "Laurie!" Theo yelled, barely managing to make it to his knees before the wolf was suddenly attacked with tremendous force. His mouth gaped as he watched River catch his boyfriend in midair, and take a tumble onto the ground. "That romantic little shit" he muttered. For a moment he felt a spark of hope, but it soon dwindled when the champion of Ares ran off with Laurie, leaving him and Cleo with the now enraged dog, who's sights were back on the boy. "Shit." As Fenrir made his way over, his side bleeding from the spear that was lodged in it, Theo forced himself back to his feet, holding the hilt of his sword in his left hand. His right arm remained limp at his side, and he decided it was best to keep it that way. Running wasn't an option, he knew that much Even if the wound was enough to slow Fenrir down, it wouldn't be enough to stop him. It was only a matter of time anyway. So, Theo took a few deep breaths, pushing down the fear he felt. At least, there was one thing he could try; waiting until backup arrived hopefully. Here's to hoping anyway. "You know, I never noticed how pretty your eyes are. And those teeth! Man, you're really succeeding at that whole look." Theo stated, plastering a smile on his face and burying his fear deep down.
"...Theodore, what?"
"Getting over that whole 'I-want-to-eat-you' thing, I really think what youβre doing is really neat,β he continued, crossing his fingers that Fenrir understood the concept of flattery. It would at least keep him distracted for the moment.
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Post by πΌπ²π΅πΏ on Nov 12, 2020 23:25:46 GMT -5
Kita Sveyn Champion of Athena
Kita had of course kissed someone before, and been kissed by others. There had been boys who had tried to woo her, win her affections, all that jazz. It came with being a ballerina of course. Always men in the company or friends of other ballerinas, they were there. But, she was never interested. It wasn't that she found them odd, uncaring, or brash. Kita just preferred....others. But, she had never truly admitted that to herself. There had been stolen kisses and nights with her closest friends where she'd felt her heart flutter in unfamiliar ways. When another girl she'd liked helped her with her hair or her makeup. When she trained other ballerinas and was able to be close to someone she'd thought was pretty. But, no. She didn't have time for love, affairs, or relationships. She had always had to focus on her job and on the art. No time for all that nonsense.
But, here in the Pantheon was a bit different.
The first weeks of their stay had been time for Kita to accommodate herself with the others, the building and this new way of living. After that had settled she found herself enjoying her time with her new 'family'. But, somehow, she always felt herself pulled towards that one girl. The strong and kind Ariella. That girl seemed to ooze everything that Kita wasn't. Strong, fierce, determined, and confident. It was everything Kita wanted to be. So, at first Kita thought that's why she felt such a desire to be around Ariella. Slowly though, she found herself admiring Ariella for more than just those things.
Her laugh, the way she cared for the others, her smile, that bright step in her walk, her boldness. Kita caught herself many times blushing a bit when given even the slightest of attention from Ariella. Athena had taken plenty notice of it all, that was for sure.
In her bed, on her back, Kita lay. Staring at the ceiling, talking with Athena. "What do I even say? We've hardly even full conversations with each other?" Kita questioned aloud to the empty room. "Well, I would say to be direct and start small. Perhaps ask her for a training session? You could use work on your own fighting skills so, that wouldn't seem too out of place. Or you could always ask for coffee with her, that's what a lot of you mortals do nowadays when wanting to court each other." Athena's advice was sound. Really it was. Kita just wasn't sure she was bold enough to enact either tactic. But....she wanted to. She wanted to know Ariella, to be near her and close to her. To know her favorite color. If she liked to dance too. What she'd wanted to be when she grew up.
A heavy sigh moved through Kita's lips as she rolled onto her stomach and buried her face into her pillow. "I've never done this though. Let alone with a girl." she pouted softly. Athena chuckled, "Well, my dear, now is the time to learn bravery and the smallest of steps can mean the most in the long run." Another heavy sigh into her pillow and Kita sat herself up. Staring at the wall of books ahead of her she nodded, "Alright."
She would start with what Athena suggested. Perhaps asking Ariella to help her train would be the best method. That would give them time to talk and be alone. To keep Kita from embarrassing herself in front of others too. That seemed best. Now to find an appropriate outfit. Then Kita paused and let out a groan. Why did she feel like this? She had never felt her heart flutter or her throat tighten like this. But, it felt....good. It felt exciting. She could do this.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 14, 2020 20:47:04 GMT -5
Penny stared up at Jason, getting annoyed by his look of disappointment because she said βPut up her dukesβ. Was he really looking down at her for that?! That conceited brat. He wasnβt better than her just because he didnβt like her choice of words! As he spoke to his god, she gritted her teeth in anticipation. She wasnβt too concerned about this kid, especially since he had yet to show any meaningful physical capabilities. Sure, he made some wind and used the ground to defend himself, but that was about it. If heβd spent as much time fighting as he did telling her or his friend to βstopβ- Well, it would have been more impressive than his current display at least. When the translucent armour materialized itself around the kid, Pennyβs expression didnβt change. βOh really? You donβt want to fight? Then you shouldnβt have come here in the first place, especially with those lackluster powers of yours.β And with that, Penny extended a hand in front of herself, causing the ground around Jasonβs feet to rise up his ankles in an attempt to stop him from moving. βThis isnβt some kidβs game, and coming at me with such a half-*ssed resolve is frankly insulting!β She snarled, creating a couple of walls on either side of Jason before sending them hurtling at him. βNow, get crushed like the insect you are.β
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 16, 2020 19:37:15 GMT -5
Clementine was grateful, at first, to see River attack that giant monster. That was, until they got their bearings slightly, dark eyes narrowed on the foe River had been facing previously.
They staggered back from the girl, whose scarlet eyes were alight with humor as she stared down at an unconscious boy. She looked like she was about to kill Lucien, and that was immediately concerning.
They staggered to their feet, feet scraping against the stony terrain underfoot. As they started running, they pulled out on of their backup weapons. A much smaller staff, more like a baton, but it would do for what they needed. As they ran by, they spotted Lorenzo on the verge of consciousness, blood pooled from a deep cut on his leg from a rock that fell on him.
With an agitated huff, they swung at the distracted creepy thing with the red eyes. Though that girl must have had eyes in the back of her head or something, turning her head slightly as Cleo lunged for her and sidestepping.
Which, no, that wasn't good. Cleo had put momentum into striking, and as they missed their target, that left them vulnerable. Though they managed to turn around before the creepy shit could land an attack on them, placing themselves between the creepy child and Lucien.
"Leave him alone," They growled, glancing behind them to assess the damage. Wincing at the poor shape Lucien was in, that was an arrow, indeed, in his hand. They angled a glare back at Styx then, too spiteful to follow the others advice at the moment.
They leveled a glare with her, voice cold, "You get some sick high from hurting people or something?"
"Something like that," Styx answered, scarlet eyes roaming over Cleo, not seeming that impressed. "Don't get your little noggin in a twist, doll, I wasn't gonna kill 'em, yet."
That gave Cleo pause. Nothing felt...wrong when she said it. Instinctively, they knew she was telling the truth. She really wasn't going to kill him. "You're telling the truth," They growled out, before stepping closer, "Why are you doing this then?"
Styx rolled her eyes then, "It's fun." They winced, not a lie either, disgustingly, "You know though, I thought you guys were a little more of a team."
"We are." Cleo spat back, trying to ignore the unease they felt building. "What would you know anyways? You're mutt doesn't exactly qualify as anything but a pet, a pretty damn ugly one at that." At the angered look that crossed over Styx's face, they stepped forward, pulling upon some of that battling training as the reeled on hand back, the one with that small baton.
They stepped forward, skirting to the side as she struck at her injured arm. A sound hit, caused Styx to stagger back, clutching her arm closer to her body as she righted herself. A sharp glare was thrown at Cleo, but they leveled one right back.
That started something. Cleo didn't look at her eyes again, instead ducking their head down, countering any move that girl made. They made that distance, they'd do whatever to keep it. Protect Lucien until the little f*ck decided to wake up or someone else decided to do their job. A dance is what it turned to, small pants of air escaping Cleo as they coughed amidst the dust, hands shaky on the staff.
"I don't see why you're wasting time on me," Styx commented, grinning at Lucien's bloody body, nodding towards it, "I wouldn't want him to bleed out on you."
Now that was a lie. Cleo count sense it, the burning at the back of their mind. "My champion, this is a dangerous opponent. Be careful." Ma'at warned, voice on edge.
"No shit," Cleo spit out, holding the baton before them like some edged weapon, hoping to keep Styx back. Stepping to the side, though they realized too late that left Lucien open. Truth detection or not, they didn't trust Styx's words. As Styx made a quick movement forward, giggling as Cleo stiffened, they realized too late they fell into a trap of hers.
Styx spun that scythe of hers, twisting on her left foot at the last second, swinging out towards Cleo. While they stepped back, they grunted in pain as the blade snagged their side, ripping through the fabric. Clutching their abdomen, they blew out a breath of frustration.
"To be honest, I don't see why you keep trying, dear." Styx laughed out, a much too sweet, dark laugh to be natural in such a situation. A demon, Cleo had decided, is what that girl was. "All I'm trying to say, is that your so called leader, River, is the one who left him here alone."
"To be honest, maybe you should shut up." They snapped, watching in fascination as her mouth floundered closed. The demon kid looked genuinely confused, red eyes narrowing as her hands flew to her face. After a moment, realization seemed to hit her, and she looked impressed, almost, before she pointed away with a shrug.
Then she just...walked away. Towards that wolf. Astonished, before the situation caught up to them, they stared after her. Then they glanced to where she had pointed, eyes watching a sweet embrace of two boys.
"All I'm trying to say, is that your so-called leader, River, is the one that left him here alone."
Ice filled their veins with a seething, undercurrent of rage. That wasn't a lie. That was truth. She was telling the truth, and River left Lucien there, to what? Go rescue Laurie? Laurie knew the risks! Laurie was in a group with 2 others, before River came. Cleo though River might have handled his opponent first, but no, he left Lucien to deal with it!
Turning around, anger budding, they kneeled by Lucien, brushing the poor kid's hair back. They placed two fingers on his neck, happy to find a pulse, but that did little with the anger in their head.
"I'm sorry kid," They whispered, they knew they wouldn't be able to ever admit those words to anyone. They felt terrible, for trusting River of all people. All River obviously cared about was that screw-up drunkard who was trying to quip his way through the fight.
"This will not happen again," they silently amended, inspecting the arrow in his hand. They'd have to leave it in until they got back to the base, they needed to prevent him bleeding out more, and they needed to prevent infection. Carefully, with a wince, they placed on hand on his impaled on to stabilize it, another on the arrow, and carefully lifted both off the ground.
They had to get everyone out of there. They couldn't afford to stay there. They'd lose a healer, but not just a healer, they'd lose a kid who while a thorn in their side, Cleo wasn't about to let die if they could help it.
"EVERYONE RETREAT!" They yelled out, voice carrying above the chaos of the fighting. Ducking, they fished out their key, pulling Lucien gently into their lap as they sat. The fat little shit wasn't a carriable weight for them, so this would have to do, half carrying him, keeping his head elevated and wounded hand elevated. They watched the fight for a moment, daring anyone to disobey their order.
From afar, they didn't notice as the red-eyed girl pulled the weapon from the large wolf, climbing up the fur. They missed they enhanced red to her eyes, feeding on that rage. They missed the grin thrown down at all of them, plotting and scheming.
They missed it all, by staring down River and Laurie, voice rising a bit, "Help me get our people out of the mess you caused!"
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 17, 2020 16:01:39 GMT -5
SUBJECT TO CHANGE - NOT CANON
βYou need to tell her.β
Lucien lay staring at the ceiling above him, with was bathed in the shadow of that grayness just before dawn. His hands were behind his head as he looked up. Heβd been trying for hours to sort through his thoughts, unable to sleep no matter how long he lay in his bed.
Sleep hadnβt been a problem for him for a long time now. Heβd had some problems sleeping in the years after his time with the first waves of Ascendants. Ever since heβd taken over the Australian pantheon, things had gotten better.
Apparently though, tonight was somewhat of an exception.
βTell who what?β Lucien replied in a hushed voice βYouβre going to have to be a little more specific. Use your words, Poetry Boy.β
βTell Claudia that youβre an Ascendant. Tell her that you love her.β
He looked over to the young woman lying next to him, dark curls fanned out on the pillow, the tattoo tracing her collarbone moving with the gentle rise and fall of her chest, eyes closed as she dreamt.
βAnd what would you know about love?β whispered Lucien as he turned his gaze upward once again.
Apollo didnβt respond for so long that Lucien wondered for a moment whether the god was gone. Had decided to end the conversation just like that. But when Apollo spoke again his voice was quieter, more subdued.
βMore than your mortal mind could comprehend.β
Intrigued, Lucien raised an eyebrow, despite knowing the god could not see it. Nobody but the darkness could.
βThen please,β the young man invited βshower me with your divine wisdom.β
βI have loved many, Lucien, and lost just as many. Orpheus was my son. I taught him music. I watched as he lost his young bride and failed to get her back from the underworld. I watched as he died, torn apart.
βI loved Hecuba, and she bore my son Troilus. Troy wouldβve been safe had he lived to adulthood, but I watched helplessly as Achilles ambushed him, dragged him from his horse. He wasnβt even twenty when he was killed. I watched the destruction visited on Troy and the grief Hecuba went through.β
Lucien listened intently as the god spoke, worried that if he so much as made a sound he might draw the god out of his thoughts. As if speaking might scare the words away from him.
βBut Hyacinthus was one of those I loved the most. He was a mortal prince of Sparta. I was the lover of all nine Muses once, but to me nobody compared to him. The wind god Zephyrus loved me too, and when I pledged my love for Hyacinthus he became jealous and killed him. He died in my arms. I created the flower from his blood as a way of keeping his memoryβ
The god seemed done with the stories then, but his voice, which had been shaky by the end of his speech, grew low and threatening.
βYou, boy, will never know the pain that comes with being in love as a god. You never know when youβre going to lose someone. You need to tell this girl how you feel.β
Lucienβs gaze once again drifted to Claudiaβs sleeping form as he considered Apolloβs words.
βNot that your Hyacinthus story isnβt filling me with confidence,β replied Lucien sarcastically βbut I just donβt feel safe telling her. Iβd be putting her in danger just by proximity to me. Who knows who could come after me; her knowing who I really am could get her hurt.β
He did love her, of course he did, but he couldnβt guarantee her safety. It would be selfish of him to put her in danger just because he wanted her to know who he really was and how he really felt about her.
Claudia was tough, but she wasnβt an Ascendant like him. They werenβt as lucky as many of the other couples. Laurie and River, Kita and Ariella, Dillon and Lorenzo. They were all Ascendants and could look out for one another.
If anything happened to her because of him he couldnβt bear it. Not after watching what River and Laurie has gone through. Certainly not after watching Daniel lose Lane.
βFine.β Apollo muttered quietly βyou mortals never change.β
And Apollo, Lucien thought, would never understand. Apollo was a god. Apollo had eternity to love people. Apollo had godly powers to protect them.
The Ascendant let his god grow silent as Lucien looked at the girl he loved, gently brushing a strand of hair from Claudiaβs cheek with a quiet smile before rolling to turn away from her.
It was true that he loved her. He still got butterflies in his stomach around her. When she smiled she was so beautiful it made his heart ache. She was smart, and witty, and tough. She kept him on his toes.
But what could he promise her? Heβd seen first hand how short the life of an Ascendant could be. Involving her in that wouldnβt be fair to her.
He had some thoughts to organise.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 18, 2020 16:19:21 GMT -5
River was stunned for a moment. He was didn't know what to say after Laurie had just said that. To his face. Sincerely. If it wasn't for the battle going on and the intense pain in his arm, River would have kissed him right then and there.
But, he couldn't find the words. He just stared at his boyfriend with the dumbest look on his face.
"I-" He so desperately wanted to say it back. Wanted to tell him that he loved him just as much as he did. That he'd run into battle for him over and over again.
But, the screams of his friends and the snarls of the giant wolf caught his attention instead. There was still a battle. He needed to get back and help them. He brought them here and he needed to get them out safely.
Turning away from Laurie, River looked around with wide eyes-fear he would realize later- at everyone."I have to get back," He muttered to himself. He started moving toward where Theo was facing down the wolf by himself. But then there was Jason, who he promised to protect, with the angry little girl. And Lucien, he left him alone with that creepy girl. "They need my- ah!"
River made the mistake of trying to use his bad arm to push himself up. He fell over and cradled his arm to his chest. tears started falling down his face from the pain and he wanted to scream. But, he wasn't going to do that. Not when so many people needed him.
He tried getting up again, tried going for his spear that was still stuck in Fenrir's neck. If he could just reach it...
Then Cleo's voice cut through the rest of the noise. Clear and angry especially at him. They were blaming him. Of course they were, he brought them here. He led them to this slaughter and then left them.
"Stay close to me," River muttered to Laurie and grabbed him tighter to him. The look in his eye changed from panic and fear to calm rage. Getting to his feet, he pulled one of the dog tags that had respawned on his chain and threw it at the ground in front of them.
Looking up at Theo River raised his voice and ushered for the boy to come his way. Into the portal and towards home. "Theo run!" He urged
~~~~~~
Jason fumed at that. He had never been this angry before. Especially at someone who only insults involved calling him various types of bugs. But she called him a kid when she herself was one. They all were! Fighting for some Gods who could be doing this themselves.
Since he wasn't able to move away from his spot now that his feet were trapped, Jason covered his head and vital areas from Penny's next blows. There wasn't much he could do but take the hit. And when he did he screamed in pain. The force of the walls crashing into him broke his focus and he lost his armor spell. But, without that spell, he probably would have died. Luckily, he was alive with maybe only a few broken ribs.
Falling to the ground panting, Jason wanted to die right then and there. A release from the pain his body felt and continued to worsen. Blood trailed down his forehead and his vision was beginning to blur. He couldn't go blind from doing spells too could he?
Didn't matter. Cause right now he needed to get Lorenzo out of here. And with Cleo's demand to retreat, Jason got a new burst of energy.
"You want a fight? Fine!" He screamed at her as he stood. Raising his arms and in one motion twisted his hands and brought his hands down. His eyes started glowing white as the clouds above them formed and swirled together in a violent vortex. Thunder clapped above them and flashes of light appeared in the gray particles of air. With one quiet word, Jason spoke the spell into action.
"Dhoruba."
Multiple streaks of lightning struck the ground around them, scorching the earth where they touched. Flashes of light over and over again aiming for any target that they could find. Multiple found their direction headed towards Penny with an overabundance of sound rocking the earth and air.
Not wanting to stick around, Jason stumbled quickly towards Lorenzo and picked him up, putting one arm around his shoulders. The boy was much taller and much heavier than Jason could really handle, but they needed to get out of there. "Come on, Enzo," Jason grunted, teeth gritted and pain screaming through his body.
But, as they moved toward the portal that River has made, Jason's vision kept blurring. So much so that eventually the world went black. He blinked to make sure that his eyes were in fact still open. "Shit, shit, shit," he hissed as he realized he had gone blind. So reciting too many spells from memory would blind him as well? Wouldn't have been nice to know before this happened.
"Thoth help us get home..." Jason pleaded as he reached for where his card was. He hoped he grabbed the right card and threw it down on the ground. Relief filled Jason as he heard a portal open in front of him.
"We're getting outta here," He told Enzo, who he shifted in his arms and jumped through.
~~~~~~
Fenrir snarled louder at Theo as he stared at him. But he winced slightly at the rumbling in his body. He wanted the spear out of his body. He couldn't move like he was used to.
But the compliment Theo suddenly gave Fenrir made him pause. He kept his teeth barred but he stopped snarling. His head tilted to the side as Theo kept going. Despite the blood on his face he looked softer. Like a puppy.
Only when River shouted to Theo to run did he snap back to reality. Realizing what he had been doing, Fenrir started snarling again and snapped his jaws at Theo.
Rearing back, Fenrir flinched when Styx pulled the spear from his neck and climbed onto his back. If it was any other child, he would have ate them for such an act. But with her, he was grateful that damn weapon was out of his neck.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 18, 2020 16:29:10 GMT -5
Content warning: Mentions of Abuse.
"Please, please just stop"
An errant shake of the head, stalking forward in the dim night. The blood trailing tracks down her hands did little to quell her movement. Her river, her river. She couldn't even remember where this blood came from. Didn't matter now.
"Please! I didn't mean it. Please stop hurting me!"
That voice grew more desperate. Ringing pitifully in fear, a plea too loud.
As she finally stepped to the shoreline, facing the water, her eyes wavered upon spotting her reflection. Instead of lifeless silver or gleaming red eyes and a wicked smile, there was hair of blue, of color. Two eyes, of differing colors, one blue, one more of a hazel-like brown. There was still a smile.
It seemed so soft, sadness hidden there. Below her, Styx's legs crumbled, her kneecaps sinking into the sand. Transfixed by the rippling girl in the reflection.
The reflection seemed to stare through her, smile falling as fear flickered into those mismatched orbs. Almost out of nowhere, Styx's breath she didn't need was stolen as her emotions seemed to link.
Bruises started budding up from the reflection's neck, and strangely, it didn't seem as if she was looking into a reflection of water anymore.
Lorelei glanced at the mirror before her, trailing one of her fingers across the bruises, flowers of blue and purple on bloom against her skin. Clusters of their petals clutching up to her cheek, surrounding an eye in the dark poisonous shades.
A few moments was all it took to wash her face off, picking the pieces of glass shards for her fingers in delicate measure. A wince with the stubborn pieces.
A quick cover of makeup, slathering it over the spots. Practiced measure, continued routine. A scarf thrown around her shoulders, circling her neck, the red of a cherry, befitting to winter. She breathed in the soft scent clung to it, her favorite smell was of wild cherries. Wild cherries, defined by that wildness, fresh and calming and free.
Lydia wouldn't understand, Lorelei knew that. Maybe she would, but it wasn't her job. If Lorelei could do better, it wouldn't be a concern, right?
Shaking her head free, she looked up at the mirror again. Patting on the rest of her makeup, smoothing her hair out, practicing her smile. She didn't really recognize the girl in the mirror, but that was better than recognizing and getting used to it.
Though, a small thrill of excitement burrowed under her skin. Pascal was her closest friend, he was closer to Lydia's age, but they always hung out. She thought of him as of much of a sibling as Lydia was. They were supposed to hang out and drink coffee at a nearby quant shop.
Pascal could drink the stuff like it was going out of style. So she walked out the door, breathing in the cold air. There was snow clinging to the air, a frigidness that soothed the pain in her skin and bones, returning it to a gentle thrum of numbness. Numbness, she was used to that, it was comfortable.
It was...normal.
She had been walking seamlessly, in the same direction. Head tucked into the warmth of her scarf, doing her best to not think about her day thus far, focusing on only the interactions to come.
"Please, please just stop"
It was another drunk fit, that was it, right? No long lasting harm was done.
"Please! I didn't mean it. Please stop hurting me!"
Her fault for messing up, right?
"Lorelei?"
Her gaze flickered up, focusing on her friend. Pascal was a few feet from her, and she thought back on the fact that she would have ran into him had he not stopped her. She took pause, letting off a long breath, watching as the steam evaporated into the air, dissipated.
She genuinely smiled, lifting her head up, into the bite of the wind. Despite the small cuts rubbing against fabric, a feeling of warmth returned, deep down. Just like anytime she saw her sister or her brother (at least in her mind). The numbness felt like the background, and the pain was gone, a little, for then.
"Hey Pascal."
Stepping forward, gently elbowing the more awkward boy, she stepped inside the cafΓ©. Offering a grin back at him, "Aight dear, any preference for today?"
"Black." He commented, wincing a bit as he dodged back from some of the worker at the shop as they made their way to a table. Lydia would be a few minutes yet.
"Classical," she rolled her eyes, picking up a tiny menu laid on the table and screwing her eyes at it, "Like a double chocolate cappuccino?"
Okay, so maybe not that. Pascal looked at his own menu in disgust, not picking it up. "Nope, too sweet."
"Yes, I seemed to forget that you were the master edgelord, oh mighty king of death," she jested, snorting slightly at his commentary. "Black coffee, got it, black as you think your soul is."
"How can a soul be black?" She kind of forgot how literal he could be at times, though she snickered fondly. "Also, I'm not a king of death."
She rolled her eyes again, tossing the menu onto the table when she figured out her own order. She already knew what Lydia would want. Sense Pascal tended to not like ordering, she did so herself, strolling up to the counter.
After ordering, she grinned at the waiter, "A little bit of honey in the tea, honey?"
Receiving a charming grin in return, they nodded. "Go ahead and sit, doll, we'll bring it out to you and your friends."
The woman went to report the orders, and Styx turned, grinning as she spotted Lydia sitting at the table. She practically ran over, letting off a happy smile, "Lydia, you made it!"
Hugging her sister, she laughed a bit more as her hair was ruffled by her elder sister.
Little did she know that would be the last laugh.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 18, 2020 17:21:44 GMT -5
In hindsight, it was stupid of him to blurt out that he loved River in the middle of a battle like that. But honestly, heβd almost just died, and if that wasnβt a time to say dumb shit he didnβt know what was.
River was right, though, he had a battle to get back to. The others needed him, needed both of them. Laurie had left Theo and Cleo to deal with Fenrir, and now Theo was on his own. Not to mention that Lucien was injured, and he certainly wasnβt the only one.
Laurie swiftly moved forward to support River, though, when he tried to get up on his bad arm and fell onto the ground, clearly in pain. He stayed close like his boyfriend instructed, and helped get him to his feet when he needed to stand. Laurieβs own leg couldnβt support his weight, but he and River could lean on one another if they stayed close.
He knew it was his fault River had abandoned Lucien. He knew that. Laurie didnβt know if Cleo or Theo wouldβve been able to save him in time if River hadnβt, but that wasnβt the point. He shouldβve been more careful.
The French boy watched as River called for Theo, and he urged the other Ascendant too, ushering him towards the portal.
But it soon became clear Theo was in some pretty clear danger of not making it. The champion of Dionysus had to do something, anything at all. If he didnβt Theo would die. Riverβs powers wouldnβt be of aid here, not with him injured.
Laurieβs would, but first he needed to get the wolfβs attention.
βVous, lΓ -bas!β he yelled βOver here, doggie.β
Heβd probably done better things than referring to a 13-foot tall wolf as βdoggieβ, but at least he knew it would get Fenrirβs attention if nothing else.
As soon as he got the chance, he made eye contact with the beast, and didnβt let his gaze waver. It was a matter of focusing until that ringing filled his ears, until that unbearable assault on his senses started to fill his mind. A cacophony. But that was good, it was good. Because if he was hearing it that meant Fenrir probably would too.
He needed confusion. He needed distraction. This had worked on the wolf before, and he only needed this to last long enough to give Theo a head start to the portal.
He was so focused, his mind so full of bright noise he wasnβt even sure if Theo had taken the opportunity. He had to hope he did.
He prayed the boy would run. Because he didnβt know how long he could hold this.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 18, 2020 18:38:51 GMT -5
Once the slabs of rock made impact with Jason and each other, they shattered to rubble around the ascendant. To be fair to the kid, Penny was almost impressed that he managed to still be kicking up a fuss, even after being nearly crushed to death. It was frustrating for sure, but she may have misjudged his tenacity. That, or he was really that stupid. Penny watched intently as he made his last attack, which was summoning lighting down to attack her. Cursing under her breath, she rose the ground over herself into a thick, domelike shape to protect herself from the bolts. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of her face, as she had to continuously put energy into maintaining the domeβs structure so it didnβt break. In that moment, she could only watch as Jason grabbed Lorenzo and moved to make their escape. Running like cowards? It was to be expected. Though, for some reason, she couldnβt bring herself to extend her powers to stop them from leaving. It wasnβt that she didnβt have enough energy, because she could still fight for as long as she needed to. Was it pity? It was hard for her to tell, especially in that moment where all her anger seemed to have dissipated. They were weak, even if the Thoth kid put up more of a fight at the end. Inexperienced, weak, and so insistent on not fighting that the girl couldnβt help but feel empty from the experience. What exactly would killing a couple of weaklings prove? It didnβt make her stronger in any way, it just made her seem more pathetic if they were the only people she could kill. So, she sat down on the ground, still putting energy into the dome as she looked out and watched them leave. Physically, she wasnβt that tired, but emotionally, she was drained. "Those dumb worms," she finally muttered under her breath.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 18, 2020 19:51:46 GMT -5
Enzo was swimming in and out of consciousness, one of his legs awkwardly bent. There was blood too, long cuts, he had no idea how bad it was, if the bone was snapped out, nothing at all really.
Still, he had no idea what was happening. He spotted Lucien injured, then looked at Jason, spotting the boy's injuries. The tears in his eyes fell down his cheeks, weekly trying to wipe some of the blood away. His hand made it no where near his target, falling down as he glanced back towards Cleo and Lucien.
The tears that had trekked down his cheeks fell, a strangled sob escaping him. "Leander"
They were through the portal, and he was pretty much out after that.
///////////////////////////////
Cleo kept that glare angled at River and Laurie. Pulling at the feather in their necklace, the small ostrich quill came look of it's clasp, magic already glowing at the tip of it as they quickly drew the sigil for the portal upon the air with it, hoisting Lucien up some once the bright light glimmered before them, and dragging themselves and the boy through.
Once they were back in the Pantheon, they snapped at Guinevere, who was nearby, their eyes narrowed in commanding rage, "Get Griffin, help me get them into the med bay. We don't have a healer right now thanks to River."
Without waiting for the dumbstruck Champion of Aphrodite, Cleo used their remaining energy to transport Lucien to the med bay, almost collapsing when they got him set down. They immediately ran then, towards one of the emergency buttons and communication expos.
Slamming their hand on the button, their seething voice crossed over the comms, "The mission was a failure, we need help in the med bay. Everyone else is to help with transfer of the wounded. We will be meeting afterwards, all of us."
As an afterthought, they added something else, "And River? We'll be talking about this failure later."
///////////////////////////////
Styx decided to remain where she was, plopping herself to sit crisscross on the head of the wolf, petting the fur like grass blades under feet. She gave the softest pat to his ear as well, voice soft, "This is the one who was immune to my abilities," she amended.
The red eyes of rage cooled to their normal silver, all color stripped away except her scarlet scarf.
She peeked over the tufts of fur, grinning at Theo. Before she noticed that French boy. She picked up on his eye contact with the wolf, and her smile grew larger.
Patting Fenrir's head, she stood up, sliding down the fur between his eyes until she was on his nose. Between his eyes, at eye level.
Immediately she looked at the French boy, looking at his eyes herself, the scarlet returning to them, almost gleaming. Connecting rage as she glowered at him, pulling at those feelings of unworthiness, fear of loss, anger. Though, she certainly had better ideas before, her mind felt strangely muddled.
It happened within seconds, though her eyes stared blankly at Laurie, the red not leaving, nor the rage. Despite the confusion that suddenly took off, the words on her tongue dying away, she concentrated on his eyes. She remembered that much, at least. Eyes and anger.
Suddenly, she felt a bit dizzy. Her balance lost a bit in the waves of disorientation, of the spinning occurring around her, stepping back to attempt to feel more balance, her foot slipped on the fur, causing her to fall off the snout of the wolf.
Falling off towards the ground, 13 feet wasn't too bad, but it certainly wasn't fun to fall from.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 18, 2020 19:58:33 GMT -5
Theo stared into the eyes of Fenrir, with a smile still plastered on his face as panicked deep inside himself. His situation wasnβt helped when Cleo decided to run off to who knows where, leaving him to deal with the blasted beast and his desire to eat him like a literal piece of meat. βI donβt know if anyoneβs ever told you this, but you could be famous as some kind of dog food mascot. Everyone loves dogs, Iβm sure theyβd love you.β Yeah, that was a f*cking lie. Not sure how many people would be interested in buying food from a giant, bloodthirsty wolf. Plus, after today, Theo wasnβt entirely sure he was a dog person anymore. Though, Theo took pause when the wolfβs features seemed to soften at his words. Was he really listening to what he said? A moment ago, he looked about ready to bite his head clean off.
βWell, it certainly doesnβt seem like that blasted wolf gets complimented often if that worked,β Theo could hear Balder mutter in the back of his head, clearly relieved that what the boy said was enough to cause the wolf to pause.
βYeah, no kidding,β Theo muttered in response, taking a couple steps back to put some distance between himself and Fenrir. Maybe his stalling might actually work-
βEVERYONE RETREAT!β
Theo let out what could only be described at a stressed whine as his brain tried to process what the f*ck he should do in his current situation. He wasnβt confident that heβd be able to run away, and turning his back on the wolf was absolutely not an option. Though, he didnβt get much time to think when he heard Riverβs voice, screaming at him to run. That little moment of interjection was enough to knock Fenrir out of whatever trance he was in, and the wolf lunged at him. The boy let out a panicked yelp and dove to the side, dropping his sword as the wolf chomped at where heβd been standing just the moment before. βRiver, what the f*ck did you do?!β Theo gasped under his breath, quickly getting to his feet with his one free hand as the panic started to build back up. His blood ran cold, and his situation wasnβt made better when Styx decided to waltz over and pull the spear out of Fenrirβs neck. Why now of all times!? He could feel his body begin to shake, staring at the two of them like a deer in headlights. For a moment, he was frozen in place, but his attention was soon drawn to Laurie when he called out to the wolf. When they locked eyes and it became clear that the other kid was using his powers to stop Fenrir in his tracks, Theo bolted. If that frenchman wasnβt already taken, Theo would have f*cking kissed him at that moment. Running as fast as he ever did in his life. His legs burned, and he could feel the growing soreness from his shoulder as Theo didnβt have the energy to deny the pain anymore. In time, he could barely register what he was looking at before he barreled right into Laurie and River, nearly flipping over them as the collision caused him to tumble right into the portal.
Once on the other side, Theo landed front first onto the ground, causing him to wince in pain as the pain in his shoulder hit him like a ton of bricks. He barely managed to turn himself over onto his back before he could feel his eyes start to water and burn. Everything he went through, all the emotions and pain he felt just overwhelmed him at that moment. Raising his good arm over his eyes, Theo let out a few choked sobs between his gasps for air as he lied sprawled out on the ground. He was alive. By the gods he was alive.
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Post by πΌπ²π΅πΏ on Nov 18, 2020 21:10:30 GMT -5
Seely Kaase Champion of Sekhmet
Of course she was worried. The last time a group of had disappeared theyβd all come back battered and beaten. This couldnβt be different right? It didnβt feel much different. Seely had been pacing around in the kitchen worriedly. Enzo, Cleo, Laurie, River, and Theo. She gnawed at her lip and clutched the tea she brewed to try and calm herself.
How long had it been now? Seely had no clue. But then finally she heard a clatter from the other rooms. Nearly dropping her cup, she set it down hurriedly on the counter and rushed out of the kitchen. There on the floor was Theo. She didnβt see the others but she could hear them elsewhere. They couldβve been right in front of her but all she saw was Theo. His arm was bloodied, his body seemed to just lie there and he was sobbing. That broke her the most. Those broken sobs that escaped his throat. For a moment she was frozen, just staring. Then finally she moved.
βTheo!β She finally managed as she moved to his side as quick as possible. Kneeling down next to him, she hesitated to touch him. Her hands hovering over his head. Then gently she placed a hand through his hair. βWhat happened. Are you okay? No obviously not. Please hold still, Iβll g-go get a-a....Iβll go g-get somethingβ though she was trying her hardest, Seely was started to choke up. Memories of the time sheβd caused this flooded her. But now she could help. She could be there. Her eyes started to water as she looked down at him.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 18, 2020 23:13:01 GMT -5
βItβs surprising to see you reading a textbook of all things,β Hadesβ voice grunted in the back of Pascalβs head, βI would have assumed mortals didnβt fancy such literature.β
βThey donβt,β the young man murmured back, staring down at the pages as he skimmed through the paragraphs.
βHmm, then what purpose do you have in reading this? You never struck me as the scholarly type.β
βAnd whatβs that supposed to mean?β Pascal replied defensively, clearly offended at the godβs words. βIβve gone to school-β
βPublic schooling you mean? I wouldnβt call that an impressive featβ¦.β Hades paused his statement, and for a moment, Pascal assumed he was done talking. Though, the god soon spoke again, βWere you referring to college? The one you flunked out of-β
Pascal slammed the textbook closed, trying to ignore what heβd just been told. His hand rested on the cover of the old medical science book while his other hand agitatedly tapped his desk. In response, the young man gritted his teeth, βI never told you about that.β
βYou didnβt, no,β Hades replied curtly, βthough, Iβd rather be aware of the background of my champion before committing to such an arrangement.β
Pascal let out a deep exhale before burying his head into the palms of his hands to process the information. If heβd learned this information sooner, he may have flipped out in a moment of panic, but at that moment, he was more numb to Hadesβ attitude. He was getting to be less scary and more annoying as the days went on.
βSo, what purpose do you have to read that?β Hades asked gruffly, his tone laced with intrigue, βYou arenβt in school and havenβt been for many years, so why this all of a sudden?β
The young man didnβt have much of an answer for the god because he himself couldnβt fully explain it either. Nostalgia? No, that wasnβt it, he didnβt have any fond memories of school. All he could remember was him squeamishly shielding his eyes or nearly passing out at the instance of a horrific injury or a lot of blood, and he only remembered that because he still had issues with that. The sight of that previous battle was enough to make himself lightheaded. Yet, he was sitting in his room and rereading the content heβd only vaguely remembered. The images in the book were enough to make him cringe, but he still pushed on with it. βI just want to help peopleβ Pascal eventually responded back, keeping his tone low and steady, βIβveβ¦ Already lost a lot, I donβt want that to keep happening.β
For a moment, Hades silently pondered what his champion had just told him. He didnβt laugh or do anything, he just remained quiet as he thought about what was said.
Though, neither of them had time to speak again when they were suddenly interrupted by Cleoβs voice over the intercom. The sudden shock was enough for Pascal to fall out of his chair and onto the floor. Quickly the young man scrambled to his feet and to the door, needing to take a minute to fully understand the information he had been fed.
Mission was a failure. Need help in the Medbay. Why would they need help? Lucien was their designated medic. The only reason theyβd need extra help would be if something happened to himβ¦
βNone of your friends are dead if thatβs what youβre concerned about,β Hades replied, βThough, given how serious of a situation this is, I wouldnβt bet on them surviving if nothing is done.β
Pascal slowly nodded in response, stepping out of his room and into the hallway. He glanced around for a bit, wondering what he should do as he was nearly run over when Irene barreled down the hallway in the opposite direction of the med bay. Likelihood was that she was going to grab some of the injured kids. The air felt still as the young man stood there again. His blood ran cold, imagining the worst possible outcome to this current situation. People could die, and it was only a matter of time. βAre you just going to stand there and wait for the worst to happen?β
For a moment, Pascal couldnβt understand if the question was asked by Hades, or if it came from his own brain. At that moment, though, it didnβt matter. Pushing his nerves to the side, the young man strode down the hallway to where the medbay was. He pulled up his sleeves, looking ahead of himself with a surprising amount of drive and intensity. Even if he didnβt have his degree, or if he didnβt make it far in school. He was going to try his damnedest to make sure these kids didnβt die.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Nov 19, 2020 4:22:16 GMT -5
Lane had been hoping to spend some time with Daniel, with whom she was becoming increasingly attached. Every since the camping trip, really, but even more so since the fights. Hermes liked to tease her, tell her he knew a crush when he saw it.
She tried to ignore him, since there wasnβt much else she could do when all Hermes was at the moment was a disembodied voice in her head.
Unfortunately, sheβd gotten interrupted on her way to see Daniel by a voice over the intercom. Cleoβs voice. They were saying the battle had gone badly, they needed help down at Medbay.
Medbay? That was weird. Theyβd never even had to use the Medbay before.
Still, she used her enhanced speed to rush through the building. Technically Cleo had told her not to run in the hallways because Lane was too fast and would be guaranteed to break something. But Lane hadnβt used her powers in a while and she kind of tended to get the zoomies around the Pantheon if she didnβt get to expel the extra energy.
It wasnβt her fault if on the way she did in fact almost send a vase toppling, and had to pause to stop it. She even slid down a bannister, because where was the speed in just walking down the stairs?
She skidded to a halt, though, as she passed a doorway. She could see a portal and a tangled group of people, including Chiara who had evidently arrived before Lane.
Her eyes were immediately drawn, at the same time as Chiaraβs, to Theo on the floor, Seely beside him. Lane noticed something come over Chiaraβs eyes. Something she couldnβt put her finger on. Anger, but that definitely wasnβt the only thing.
βFenrir,β Chiaraβs words were venomous as her eyes moved over Theoβs wounds.
Chiara knew those injuries. The scar on her arm wouldnβt ever go away.
It was then that Lane stepped in, kneeling beside Seely next to Theo.
βIβll help you get him to Medbay, honey,β she offered before looking over to Chiara βIβll let you deal with the others, okay? Iβll be back once weβve moved Theo.β
Chiara gave a terse nod, still obviously tense and on edge after seeing the injuries of those whoβd come through the portal. With the other girlβs assurances, Lane helped Seely get Theo to his feet and headed out of the room toward Medbay, leaving Chiara to deal with the others for the moment.
She knew Chiara wouldnβt be alone for long, though; she could hear footsteps all over the building and she was sure sheβd just seen Dillon rush past. It seemed like he was possibly looking for Lorenzo, or maybe heading to help at Medbay.
The Champion of Hermes figured once they got to Medbay, she could leave Seely at Theoβs side. Give them a chance to talk properly on their own without Lane there. Her priority was just making sure he got the medical attention he needed.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 19, 2020 14:16:15 GMT -5
Echo had taken to her room, her head buried into her knees, her body in a ball of limbs, as tears made their way down her cheeks, strangled sobs escaping her.
βEcho, dearest, what is the matter my champion?β Nepthys softly inquired, Echo could almost imagine her sitting their, beside her. The warmth of magic and tingle of hope buried in her chest seemed to suggest it.
βWhy was I brought here?β She questioned, not for the first time, her voice hoarse. βIβm not some brave kid like River or Laurie or Lucien, Iβm not funny like Luka or Kaz, Iβm not wise like Cleo or Dillon or Naida. Iβm nothing like them, I can barely even talk to them!β
It was silent for a few moments, Echo was almost fearful she chased away the goddess, more tears entering her vision as the crushing weight of guilt returned. Though Nephthys was quick to return then, voice wafting softly, βEcho, are you sure youβre not scared?β
Echo took in a deep breath, a giveaway, of sorts, though her eyes did sheβs up in confusion. βIβm always scared,β a choked out self-deprecating laugh then, βNormal people know how to deal with it.β
βNot about failure,β Nephthys replied, voice stony, coaxing Echo out of that shell a bit, βYouβre scared to lose your family again.β
Echo blinked out the tears rising to her eyes, the sting behind her eyelids intending by the minute, her throat already feeling closed up. She was terrified or losing River or Laurie. Any of them. She loved them all, and it seemed like the they genuinely liked her. They sure acted like it, and while she had met great actors before, this time it felt...real.
Her hands tightened, knuckles white, lifting her head from her hiding, looking at her dark room. She was afraid of the dark, but..not really of it. She was afraid of the loneliness in the dark, the Crime and dangers that lurked in the night. She was afraid of what lurked in the dark, the things people didnβt see, that unknown danger.
It was night when her parents left, it was night when she realized theyβd never come back.
βItβs okay to be scared, but River is a good kid. He wonβt let anything bad happen,β Nephthys whispered, hoping to calm her champion. Though her voice cut off, a strange curse of ancient words following.
An alarm buzzed off then, causing Echo to jump out of her skin. Cleoβs voice, the seething rage of anger, the medbay? Why the medbay? Lucien was a healer, unless.
Unless something bad happened to him, unless he was gone. And Cleo was mad at River, it sounded like. Or...were they that stressed about the mission? What happened?
She didnβt realize she had asked until Nephthysβ guilty voice wafted, βEcho, maybe you should wait here for a while.β Echo was already up, running for the door. She didnβt register opening it, nor most of her trek through the hallway. She passed the medbay, Lucien was in there, she took silent note of, but there was light from a portal elsewhere. βOh Echo, iβm sorry.β Nephthys apologized, voice sad.
Echo spotted Theodore, though her limbs started shaking. The room was alight with the portal, Cleoβs having already closed. River wasnβt in there though. That drove a wild fear into her heart, concerned eyes drifting from Theodore to Chiara, voice shaking wildly, but still clear and louder than it ever usually was, βWhere is River?β
It seemed she couldnβt wait for a response, barely thinking as she started running for the portal. She had to help him, make sure he was okay. Guinevere swooped in quickly, struck out of her shock, brown eyes wide with sudden horror.
βEcho, heβll be back in a moment, you know him, he waits for everyone else-β
Echo ignored her, skidding to the side despite Guinevereβs best attempts, and jumping into the abyss of the portal.
Guinevere sighed, long and hard, turning to look at the others. βIf River asks, I tried to stop her.β Though the taller girl took note of Jason, stepping closer to the boy. Looking at Dillon, Guinevere decided it would perhaps be best if they left Enzo, who was blubbering about about Jason, Lucien, and some Leander fellow with the gentle champion of Hera.
βHere kid, letβs get you to the medbay,β She made sure to approach Jason slowly, the poor kid had been in a fight. After firmly wrapping him in a hug, trying to project feelings of positivity into the room still, she tugged him gently up into her arms. It was rather easier, given her height and weight, and his much smaller ones. She hummed softly, hoping to ease him, as she made her way as well to the med bay. She would let him talk about whatever he wanted for the meantime, anything to help.
She was shocked to see skittish Pascal already getting to work in the medbay, but it was whatever.
She was shocked to pass the champion of Loki however. Luka was standing in the medbay, apparently going to where Cleo had called them first. Lukaβs eyes were trained on Lucien, dawning horror there. Luka then glared at Cleo for a moment, a stormy energy taking place in the room.
She didnβt hear what Luka said entirely, but it sounded almost like Luka just told Cleo off about something along the lines of How is this Riverβs fault? Thought Guinevere wasnβt about to push her was into that situation, Luka was already storming off towards the portals.
Luka, herself, already had felt dread about all of this. Too much blood, all that was missing was glass. Or bullets, but the latter made her shiver worse. Instead she looked at the mess before them, spotting a sobbing Theodore. Suddenly, something felt horrible in her for the prank she had planned to play on the boy that day. This situation was one she had no idea how to deal with. Loki was supposed to mess things up, not fix them.
Locking herself away wasnβt an option either, these idiots (including Lucien, she thought sadly), had picked her to be a leader. Sheβs had been hoping that meant not dealing with these situation, but apparently she had to be wrong.
βAight, this is a bloody mess,β she almost snorted at how literal her slang was in this case, but now sadly, wasnβt the time (not like that typically stopped her). Her gaze locked on Chiara for a moment, remaining back. The last thing anyone needed was to be cramped. They needed help, though.
Actually, helping people didnβt seem helpful here. She was all animals and fire and such, she had not idea about helping people. Most of the time she didnβt care. Well, she silently cared and laughed her ass off about things.
She inspected the wounds on Theodore from afar for a moment, feeling ever more agitated at Fenrir. βYour son did this?β she questioned Loki outloud, βDid you ever teach him any tricks, like sit, donβt eat everything in sight? What if he ate Laurie? He would have died of f*cking alcohol poisoning. If his ego wasnβt so high, Iβm sure-ohβ She trailed off, her next words were going to be Iβm sure he would have floated into the sky with eating Theodore, the ego would just inflate and blow him off the face of the earth, but no, Theo was hurt. He really didnβt need to be insulted, because he couldnβt take a joke as it was.
βHeβs probably misunderstood. Look, I donβt know, heβs not really my problem anymore, is he?β Loki was flippant then. He was always flippant.
βHeβs hurting buggers, you made him your problem when you decided to have him.β Her voice was softer then, ignoring pretty much everyone else.
βFine, Maybe he is my problem. But heβs not yours, I donβt see why you are deciding to care. Thatβs not exactly your job, you know.β This sounded awfully suspicious, like one of his stupid riddles or tests.
She went soft after that, rolling her eyes. After a few moments she addressed his words, though she thought on them instead, she didnβt need anyone hearing what she thought. You made him my problem.
On the other side of the portal, Echo finally took pause. River was hurt, Laurie was hurt, their was a giant ass wolf that caused her to squeak. She stuck close to the portal, though she was already concerned.
βRiver! Laurie!β She hoped calling them would get them to rush. It was horrible, but she knew that they were at least a bit protective of her. If placing resell in harms way got them to move faster, then so be it.
They mattered. They were Ascendants. Maybe she could help them in that way.
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Post by Nariku The Avaricious on Nov 20, 2020 11:15:42 GMT -5
Cleoβs call to action blared over the intercoms, causing Irene to stop whatever she was doing at the time to rush over to where the portals were, nearly running over a few of the other ascendant kids in the process. Sh*t must have gone real badly if they were moving the kids to the medbay of all places. Usually, Lucien would just heal them where they stood out of convenience, so something must have happened to him. When she finally got there, she watched Theodore getting escorted down the path she came from by Lane and Seely. He looked like he was just crying based on his red-puffy eyes and was currently trying to hold back any more sobs. Guess he just didnβt like people seeing him cry or something. After Theo, Irene saw Jason and Lorenzo getting carried out by Guiney and Dillon respectively. Both of them were completely out of it, making the girl feel sick to her stomach. βWhat the f*ck happened here?β Irene asked in a demanding tone, glancing over at Luka and Chiara, hoping they had some idea about what had transpired. Her face was beat red with rage and her hands were tightly balled into fists. She was pissed. Not at anyone in particular, but at the injuries of the kids she was supposed to be leading. The ones she was supposed to protect. Seeing how injured they were made her regret sitting out for this assignment. Perhaps, if she was there, no one would have been as seriously injured.
βThatβs some wishful thinkingβ Irene heard Zeus speak, βThey knew the risks going inβ
βFor some reason, I have a hard time believing that,β Irene snarled, gritting her teeth in the process as she walked over to the couch to sit and wait until the others came through the portal. She didnβt bother hiding her contempt for her guide.
βYou donβt need to bare your fangs at me, girl.β Zeus responded, noticing her animosity.
βOh no, the big man himself feels threatened by some girl,β Irene mocked in a sarcastic tone, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms in the process. At least after that, Zeus didnβt bother to respond. Fine, she was tired of dealing with his sh*t anyway. The whole Atticus situation still left a bitter taste in her mouth, especially since Zeus decided to not take any responsibility for that shitshow and, instead, made it her problem. Though, this situation wasnβt about Atticus. She buried those thoughts into the back of her mind and, instead, focused on what was in front of her; the injured kids and Cleo saying it was all because of River. Part of her couldnβt believe River would be so irresponsible to have let this happen, but the more she thought about it, the more frustrated she got. River and Cleo took Laurie, Jason, Lorenzo, Lucien, and Theodore on this mission. Relatively speaking, none of them were particularly strong combatants, with Theo and Lorenzo arguably being the least prepared. Lorenzo was a strict pacifist and was strongly against fighting in general. Along with that, there was Theodore. Theo was, well, Theo. She didnβt think heβd ever held a weapon outside of a butter knife in his life, and the last time she saw him training, she saw him trying to pick up a sword by the blade. Not much confidence to be had there. Laurie and Jason were somewhat stronger, based on the abilities sheβd seen, though they were not very durable. Lucien seemed like a stronger fighter, but since he was the designated healer, he kinda had to be protected to some extent. That left River and Cleo as the leaders, with River being the strongest fighter in the entire group, being the champion of Ares and all. With how many people they brought along with them that needed some kind of protection, it seemed like a stupid mistake not to have taken people with more combat prowess. Even if they wanted to prove they could do it, it was wishful thinking to not have some back-up. This wasnβt some game, these were human lives they were dealing with. They were either way too idealistic or downright stupid to have let this go through. She trusted Cleo to at least have a leveled head, but Riverβ¦ River had brought Laurie, his boyfriend along with a handful of other people he needed to protect. Did she trust him to put his boyfriendβs safety to the side for someone else? She didnβt know. Either way, something had to be done.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Nov 20, 2020 15:47:54 GMT -5
Holly Alandria was a busy, cold, calculated girl. Emancipated after some failures in Foster Homes, she lived in a tiny house with not much there. She was barely ever there as it was, always busy, she was.
She worked at a simple boutique, and helped sew and alter clothing for others, usually with outfits she'd never be able to afford herself. Sometimes she'd take up off jobs at the nearby textile factory, though she tended to avoid it, often blaming them for incidents of the past.
She volunteered at an animal shelter as well. She had never gotten along with people, but she always loved animals. People pitied, animals had an add way of understanding.
She was on her motorcycle, heading towards her home. Though she knew something was off, people were frantic, the roads cracked, and she thought she saw a giant creature, or at least the shadow of one, running off. Buildings were torn to shreds, and the Earth rumbled slightly underfoot.
Speeding past the area, she was stopped by one of the police officers, who regarded her carefully. "You don't want to go there kid," he started.
Confused, and fairly done with caring over his opinions, her sudden anxiety won over. Rolling her eyes, flipping him off, and switching the ignition on, speeding past him before he could think to say another word. Usually, she would lay low, let her spite be known, she was known to be very vocal. But she also had to tread carefully, one wrong move could prove to them she was unfit to care for herself. They'd send her back into the horror that was the Foster Care System, at least in her experience.
She smirked as she heard him yell, swerving from side to side to avoid sudden sinkholes and cracks in the asphalt. Some of the trees almost appeared uprooted in the forest. She was well past her home now, but curiosity won out. Her curiosity was too notorious.
On an overlook over the clearing, she was shocked to spot a giant wolf and a rock monster thingy. Rocks were flying everywhere, and suddenly lightning flashed through the sky, clouds built from nowhere.
Blinded momentarily, she swerved, trying to dodge on of the rocks, but ultimately hitting something that caused the motorcycle to roll over, sending her flying forward.
She rolled various times, a blur of dust and pain, blue blurring with brown, storm clouds blurred with sunlight. Coughing weekly, she quickly tossed off her helmet, lifting her hand to a sore spot on her head. Not so surprisingly, blood was starting to trickle from the cut, and her arm was stinging something fierce.
Pulling herself up, the wave of dizziness was completely overran by shock. That wolf she thought she saw was real, and their was a walking garden gnome controlling the Earth, a wizard boy fighting her, and another bleeding from a leg wound. Further away, a blond boy was knocked out, an arrow in his hand.
Near the boy, 2 people were fighting, arguing too, it seemed.
What caught her attention was the boy with the spear, who seemed to be rescuing another boy. They were standing close by one another, and it quickly sunk in that for some reason, these two were being strangely romantic in the middle of the least romantic thing possible. It's like they thought destroying the entire town was an absolute joy.
They looked like those kids from the missing persons reports a few months back. She ducked back, breathing deeply, recollecting the breaths she had lost moments before. Shock and ice ran through her veins, along with agitation. These people, all of them, and then the gnome and wolf...they just destroyed the town.
She wanted to go down there, give them a piece of her mind. Sadly, the shock that they were magic kind of won out first. The suddenly one of them was screaming to retreat, and she was even more agitated.
"Yeah, just retreat after decimating the area," She hissed under her breath, surveying what once was a beautiful area of trees. The foxes and rabbits in place of the fire-haired boy and the brunet. The flowers growing on the edge of the fields, hundreds of daisies. It was one of her favorite areas.
All...gone.
Her home was gone. This place she made, found, built for herself. The boutique was torn up, and she could only hope her home was still standing, but she doubted it.
Suddenly, twists in the fabric of the universe twisted and gleamed, portals that they used to leave. It slickened her, they were just...going to leave after destroying the area?
Her eyes refocused on the boy with the bright orange hair, she could make out his freckles. He had instigated the wolf, he had been dangerous. The anger of those other people at him set it in stone.
This was his fault.
She barely made out his name, but she made sure to remember it. He had caused this, maybe not him alone, but he's the only one she caught the name of, and names were a powerful force to have. You could do a lot by knowing a name.
River.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Nov 21, 2020 4:04:32 GMT -5
Theo running and bodyslamming the two boys to get through the portal did not do any wonders for River's arm. The vibrations of it hitting the ground sent a new way of pain through him and he had to bite back another scream. God, he wanted this to be over.
Fenrir was grateful to Styx for taking over and blocking Laurie's eyes from his. Taking the pain from his own head and letting him breathe for a moment, something none of those ascendents allowed him to do. So, when she fell from his snout he attempted to catch her and break her fall. Emphasis on attempt.
But, he didn't dwell on it. Especially when a new voice spoke up and called for the two boys in front of them.
The attention was suddenly grabbed by the little girl. Unharmed with wide eyes and running towards River and Laurie. Such sweet innocence in those eyes. And the way River immediately went to protect her. Exactly as Ripley had described before.
Protective of a timid girl.
"Is this the girl he was talking about then?" Fenrir asked, a contorted chuckle sounding in his voice as he eyed Echo clutched between River and Laurie. Blood still oozed slowly between his fangs as he barred his teeth in a crude smile.
His head tilted to the side and a growl rumbled in his body as he circled closer. "Little... Echo was it?"
"Stay behind me," River commanded to both Laurie and Echo. His arm was still held against his chest but the other was extended in a protective fashion. He urged the two to back up into the portal and go through. He wasn't going to leave them behind.
First one in, last one out.
"Well don't you smell sweet..." Fenrir continued, attention diverted from everyone except the little girl. He licked his lips and bunched his muscles, ready to spring forward.
"Get through the portal," River whispered to the two behind him. He turned his head slightly to speak to them but kept his gaze shifting between Styx and the wolf.
And it was silent as they all watched each other. Opponent against opponent. Who would move first? The duo? Or the trio?
He got his answer when, with a loud angry snarl, Fenrir ran forward heading straight for Echo.
"Go! Now!" River screamed. He turned and pushed both of them through the portal, falling through after them. The snarl of the giant wolf followed them to the pantheon and echoed through the room as the portal closed behind him.
River tumbled forward and, once again, landed hard on his bad shoulder. Only this time with the pain came a bit of relief. It seems he was lucky enough to pop his shoulder back into place. Didn't mean a loud "F*ck!" didn't finally escape his mouth.
Rolling on the floor until he finally curled into himself from the pain, he let out a shaky breath and gritted his teeth. Finally letting any adrenaline he had left leave his body and having the pain take over. He was breathing hard and didn't dare move. For only a moment though.
After that passed, he was sitting up and looking between Laurie and Echo. For the moment they looked ok. Echo more so physically of course than them. Pulling her close into a hug, River closed his eyes and kissed her hairline. "Don't ever do something like that again, ok? I don't want you turning into another Sunshine."
At that moment he realized he hadn't seen Lucien for a while. He knew Jason and Lorenzo got out he saw them. Theo too. And he knew Cleo was back because they ordered the retreat. But Lucien would have protested. He would have been too stubborn to leave. Panic was once again filling River's head and he got up from the floor.
Where was sunshine?
"Lucien," River breathed quietly, eyes wide as he looked for anyone nearby. But most people were leaving. Except for Ariella and Griffin who had just come running in from another room. Locking eyes with them, River raised his voice, surprised with how worried he sounded. "Where's Lucien?" he asked a little too harshly.
"They took him to medbay. But, River, Cleo's-" Ariella never got to finish her sentence cause River was suddenly sprinting towards the medical center.
The last thing he heard was Griffin asking Laurie "Do you need any help? Are you hurt?"
On his way, he was stopped by Naida, who grabbed his arm too roughly. It caused him to wince which prompted naida to quickly take her hand off of him and furrow her brow. "What happened, River?" she asked. She looked concerned. And she had every right to be. Everyone left to go fight and came back even worse than they had. Worse than the first time they had gone out to fight.
But, he never answered. Just as quickly as he had stopped to listen to the other leader, he was off running again.
"River!"
As he went he passed Guinevere and Jason. Jason, who was blind and holding onto Guiney for dear life. Doing everything in his power not to have his legs buckle underneath him from crying. As he held onto the Aphrodite champion, he managed to get out a few words.
"It was a shitshow..." He mumbled weakly to her. Tears ran down his face in little streams. Weakly he wiped at the blood and dust on his forehead and kept mumbling to Guinevere, his eyes wide as he looked down at nothing. "Why are we here why are we doing this? What's the point?"
River kept running, no matter how tired his body was. Ran past Seely, Lane, and Theo. Continued past Dillon and Lorenzo. He kept running until he reached the medbay doors, already open and filled with people. Slowly to fill with more.
Immediately he went to Lucien's side. Unconcious with an arrow through his hand. His stomach flipped and his heart dropped as he continued to look him over with wide eyes full of fear. This was his fault... all of this was his fault.
"What in the hell happened?" Naida demanded her voice growing colder as she approached from behind.
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