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| | The Grail Games IC | |
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Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:24 pm | |
| Abaddon did not hesitate, even in the face of the solid wall formed between himself and his targets. He let loose volley after volley at the wall, attempting to decimate it.
Calisa trembled as the first impact hit, sending tremors through the surroundings and their bodies. Her voice faltered for a moment, but she shut her eyes tight and held strong, allowing the note to continue flowing.
The familiars, which had wavered for that one moment, rushed forward with renewed fervor, colliding like kamikaze bombers into the homunculus' defenses. Raphael watched them, muscles tensed, waiting for a moment to strike.
"Come on. Come on."
Then that moment came. The homunculus let loose a particularly powerful burst of mana out of frustration. The familiars took out the remaining defenses.
One moment. He took it.
The blast smashed into the chains with a violent burst, knocking Calisa to the floor, as the familiars faded out of existence. But the Black Key was already in flight, tearing across the homunculus' shoulder. The Cremation Sacrament ignited, bursting the homunculus shoulder into flames.
With a shriek of pain, Abaddon fell to the ground, its body convulsing as it poured mana into its wound to quell the flames.
For a moment, the homunculus was still, its face pointed to the ground. Then, it began to spasm violently, its voice torn from its throat in agony.
"Why? Why why why why why why WHY?!" it cried. "Why do you give me life, only to curse and condemn me!"
The pain. The pain. The pain.
It was too much to take in. It could only let it out.
Random bursts of mana began to issue forth from his body, striking the walls, the ceilings, the floor. Large bits of rubble rained down toward Calisa and Logan, ready to crush them.
--------------------
Destroyer's face hardened, as though embittered by Lancer's words.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps your freedom is an illusion."
Lancer's hands clamped onto Destroyer's blade, but that was a mistake. With direct contact, the poison would begin to corrupt her body even more rapidly.
"If your struggles are fruitless. If your spirit returns to the same place as mine. If your history is unalterable, irrevocable, set in stone," Destroyer said coldly. "Then can you honestly say you're free?"
With a burst of mana, Destroyer wrested control of her sword back, knocking Lancer away. Then, raising her blade high, she began to drain light from the cavern, channeling it all toward her.
"Your struggles, your very existence is loathsome. I will end you here," she said, preparing to unleash her greatest Noble Phantasm. _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Mon Jan 19, 2015 4:48 pm | |
| Kaiserpfalz
As the burst of mana rocked him forward, Logan dropped to one knee, preventing himself from falling on top of Calisa. There wasn't time for any sort of recovery though. The homunculus seemed incapable of controlling its output now, and rubble rained around Calisa and himself.
There wasn't enough mass in the chains for him to cover them both, at least not in the way he'd have liked to. Instead, they formed into a large shield, which Logan raised over his head, stepping forward to stand over Calisa in the process. The first bits of rubble weren't a big deal, but the homunculus seemed determined to bury them alive. Larger boulders began to rain down, and Logan drew on the power of the chains to hold back the tide of falling earth.
Even now, he knew it wouldn't be enough though. He could only hold this back for a minute at most...
Lancer...
He called out in his mind, a command spell burning away from his arm.
To me!
Logan called out, summoning her to his side so that she could help push them free of the rocks. | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Tue Jan 20, 2015 12:02 am | |
| Raphael had rushed for the homunculus. Despite the chaotic spread of mana exploding from the homunculus, it was never more vulnerable. One strike was all he needed.
But Lancer was gone. Destroyer's path was unimpeded.
Only a handful of meters away, Raphael hurled a Black Key forward, straight for Abaddon's heart. In the next moment, a black blur had shot in between the priest and the homunculus' deflecting the sword.
That one second of distraction saved Raphael's life. In anticipation, he already had handful of Black Keys up to defend himself. Even so, it could never be enough. Destroyer's blade slammed against his defenses, sending him flying several dozen yards before crashing into a heap.
"Raphael!" Calisa screamed, rushing over to him as Abaddon seemed to recover some measure of control, their moment of opportunity lost.
"Destroyer..." the homunculus murmured, staggering to its feet. "Kill them all."
Across its pale skin, like a full-body tattoo, shone its Command Spell. The symbols glowed with light, and Destroyer's golden eyes flashed in turn. Raising her sword high, she took a step forward as the lights in the cavern began to flicker and dim, as though weakening. Then, toward the outer edges, the room began to grow dark, the shadow spreading like a flood as all the light began to drain from the area toward Destroyer's sword.
"Her Noble Phantasm," Calisa gasped. If she unleashed that, they were doomed.
"The Command Spells..." Raphael grimaced, startling her as he tried to sit up. "Override the restrictions. As many as he has to."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to make sense of his words.
"Lancer's Noble Phantasm!" he growled, forcing himself to his feet. "It's our only hope."
But perhaps it was too late. The room was suddenly eclipsed, consumed by total darkness but for the shining pillar of black light at the edge of the room. Then-
"Hadat Tohva: Authority of the Guilty!" Destroyer bellowed, swinging the blade forward in a torrent of light that threatened to consume everything. _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Tue Jan 20, 2015 1:17 pm | |
| There was a sad smile on Lancer's face when she heard Destroyer's words. "I feel sorry for you. I fought in freedom and gave my best and if that is not enough, then I deserve no better."
Lancer felt the effect of Destroyer’s Noble Phantasm immediately when she touched the blade. Her strength was slowly draining. This allowed Destroyer to push her away. Grabbing her lance in anticipation of the next attack, she stopped. It never came.
Then, Logan used another Command Spell and quick as lightning Lancer moved. Charging her lance with mana, she blasted the falling boulders away, freeing Logan and Calisa from the crushing weight.
The distraction had cost them though, allowing Destroyer to unleash her greatest Noble Phantasm. Almost frantically, Lancer looked to Logan. She couldn’t do this alone. She didn’t have enough power to stop Destroyer from destroying everything…
I can’t do this alone, Logan she thought. Her body was tensed, poised to attack Destroyer nevertheless and if it was only to lessen the impact where Logan and Calisa were standing. | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Wed Jan 21, 2015 7:22 am | |
| Kaiserpfalz
Logan breathed a sigh of relief as the weight of the boulders lifted, and he released the power he’d been holding onto. It had cost him though. The fight still wasn’t over, and he couldn’t see anything.
I’m with you, partner. Logan responded, letting the words travel through his mind, even as three command spells burned from his arm. I can’t see what you’re aiming at, but you’d better hit it the first time. We probably won’t get a second chance.
Even without sight, Logan could feel the surge of mana in the room. This would be the decisive moment, the wave that would turn the tide in favor of one side or the other…
”Do it now!” Logan rasped, finding his voice in the chaos around them. ”Reduce all that stands in your way to ash!” | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Thu Jan 22, 2015 9:35 am | |
| Energy flowed through her when Logan released several Command Spells at once. The air was almost thick with mana.
Lancer raised her lance high and pointed it towards Destroyer, despite the total darkness in the room. Light began to surround the blade, building up a storm of flames. Lancer stood amidst it, fearless and proud, her red hair reflected the flames and surrounded her with a fiery halo.
“Esus: Sieging Victory,” Lancer shouted and thrust her lance forward to release a devastating blast of flames, right into the torrent of light that threatened to consume everything. | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Fri Jan 23, 2015 12:13 am | |
| Black light surged through the cavern, the rays of the black sun scorching all in its path.
The holy flames met it head on, all the more brilliant. The two lights in the cavern contended for supremacy, forming a blinding vortex at the epicenter.
Calisa stared on in horror and fascination, the sight more beautiful and more terrifying than any she had ever seen.
But reality began to flow back to her, even in the middle of that mesmerism. If Lancer's Noble Phantasm couldn't hold, if Destroyer's attack made it through, they'd be vaporized in an instant.
Bursts of power began to fluctuate throughout the room, flowing and rolling off of them like violent waves from the ocean, each more intense than the last. Then, as though it could no longer contain the struggle, the air explodes in an agonizing burst of white light.
The homunculus and the three humans were knocked to the ground, scorched by the raw mana. The two Servants were blown back violently, crashing into the walls on opposite sides of the cavern. Time dragged on silence, as the chamber's occupants struggled to recover.
Calisa raised herself up first, eyes searching the cavern, surveying the scene. Abaddon was getting to its knees, its body convulsing.
"Go..." Raphael growled, wincing as he forced himself up, looking much worse for wear than she did. "Quick... while you have a chance."
Calisa hesitated a moment, then got to her feet, moving as fast as she could manage toward the homunculus.
It had tried to get to its feet, but the spasms in its legs made it impossible It fell back to its knees, bracing itself with twitching arms as it gasped and cried out in pain.
"Why...?" it cried. "Why... Is it such a sin to live?"
Calisa stopped short, pity momentarily staying her hand. There could be no doubt as to the morality of its actions, but had it not been reacting only to its circumstances.
Had she not done likewise?
But then she thought of Raphael, of Logan, of Lancer... and of Caster. For their sake, this had to end.
Calisa pulled out her rapier, gripping the handle tight, and made a move forward. But the homunculus, as though a puppet on strings, jerked into the air, its eyes wide with sadistic malice.
"If I am forbidden to live, then no one else will."
Abaddon's power had reached its zenith. As though pulling from the Root itself, the mana emanating from the homunculus became suffocating in its intensity. Calisa fell to her knees, the rapier digging impotently into the ground before her as she struggled to move forward and reach Abaddon. Its eyes narrowed as it watched her struggle, as though disbelieving her determination.
"Struggle and squirm all you like. It's in vain," Abaddon declared, though its voice faltered as she moved closer, teeth bared in the effort of movement.
Move. Closer. Just a bit more. Keep moving. Almost there.
She was within reach now. She raised the rapier up, aimed for the homunculus' heart. But Abaddon was not so helpless and raised its hand to strike her down.
Then, Calisa's sight was blotted out in a shower of blood. She fell back, staring at the sight of the sword protruding from the homunculus' torso.
Abaddon stared in equal shock, as though not quite believing its eyes. Then, with a small cry, like that of a frightened child, it collapsed to the ground, face-down in a pool of blood.
--------------------
Cold. Everything so cold.
Icy chill. Cold as death. Fingers of death, reaching out to claim their dues.
Abaddon shivered, feeling so small. So very alone.
Alone... like that self-proclaimed Demon Lord. She'd been alone too. She'd died alone as well.
But they hadn't always been alone. They had understood one another, even if only for a fleeting hour.
She'd died, bold and proud. Strong. Always so strong.
It had always been envious of that. Or perhaps... it had admired that too.
Abaddon was dying. There was no point evading that fact. But it could die strong, like she had. With strength. With dignity, befitting one who had done all they could to claim their dreams, no matter how far off or impossible.
Because it had achieved its wish. Abaddon had become more than just a homunculus. More than just a tool. It had lived. It had felt. It had dreamed. It had hoped.
"Very well," Abaddon murmured softly, with the last of its strength rising and sitting on its heels, head raised high. "If my death truly be your wish, then I shall grant it."
So cold. Still so very cold. But only for an instant, fleeting as its life had been.
--------------------
Calisa watched the life fade from the homunculus' eyes, feeling a pity she could not express. Then, slowly, she looked up to face the yellow eyes of Destroyer, staring down at her. Blood dripped slowly from the tip of her sword, like tears she could never shed.
"There. I killed it," she said quietly. "It's on my hands. Killing... doesn't suit you."
Calisa's eyes felt wet with tears, but she held them back.
"Lilith?" she whispered.
"Perhaps a fragment of her that cannot be extinguished," the High Servant replied. "Do not think of me that way. Remember her how she was."
Stepping away from the girl still on her knees, Destroyer marched down the slope toward Lancer and her Master, sword raised.
"Stand, Lancer. This battle is not yet concluded," she declared. Raphael, getting weakly to his feet, shook his head.
"The homunculus is dead. The Games are over," he declared.
"They are not," Destroyer said firmly. "I still stand. And between my mana supply and Independent Action, I will continue to stand until struck down."
Raphael's eyes softened with understanding. Destroyer, even with the homunculus dead from a moment of clarity, was still cursed to enforce its will against her own. Only in death could she be freed, and defeat was not something she accepted willingly.
"One last go," Destroyer sword, poised to strike. "I swear this next strike shall be my last, one way or another."
[OOC: In Lancer's shape, she'll definitely lose. Logan will have to use his last Command Spell to give her the edge to strike a fatal wound. But, as both should realize, this will sever their bond.] _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Sun Jan 25, 2015 3:06 am | |
| Kaiserpfalz
Logan was slow to rise in the aftermath of the blast. His vision was still blurry, but the fact that he could see at all was a sign that the curse of the Scripture had already departed. His head was pounding, and he touched the back of it, feeling moisture there. Great. Concussions were a b!tch...
Not lost on him was the fact that the homunculus had fallen, but as its defiant face swam in and out of view, he caught a glimpse of who had finished the job. Muttering an oath, he leaned back against the rocks behind him, unable to keep his vision or balance steady without something to anchor him. This wasn't the time to be weak though. The battle still hadn't ended.
He swallowed, willing his head to stop pounding so he could think. Two command spells left, not enough to release Lancer's Noble Phantasm again. That meant winning without it... How though? He shifted on his feet and the chains around his arms rattled, drawing his attention to them. Maybe... Just maybe...
"Lancer, take my strength." He growled the words as the first of the remaining command spells faded, drawing with it his ability to stand. All of his physical strength bled from him as Logan dropped to his knees. That wasn't enough though. He willed the chains around his arms to grant him more, and as he drew the power from them, it also faded, surging instead into Lancer.
Now, it would all come down to one strike. Logan shook his head, trying to clear his vision. He needed to see it. The moment when Lancer lashed out, he would use the final spell, and with it, this stupid game would be ended... | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Sun Jan 25, 2015 4:30 pm | |
| Lancer slowly rose to her feet when she saw Destroyer stand. She used her lance as support, feeling weak. It was in every move, she had almost drained all of her energy and mana supply.
However, when Destroyer addressed her, straightened up, her eyes looked proud and she refused to show any weakness. She raised her lance, ready to strike when a surprising amount of energy rushed through her.
Her eyes glanced over to Logan with a thankful expression before they returned to Destroyer with a much more serious look.
“I will not hold back,” Lancer said and dashed forward. No, to hold back would be disrespectful. They would end it here. | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Sun Jan 25, 2015 10:33 pm | |
| "Idiot," Raphael growled, grabbing Logan to keep him from collapsing. If he couldn't retain consciousness, then all this was for naught.
One last round. One last strike. And then it would be over.
Logan's single-minded determination might lead him to self-destruct one day. But for now, it was their last hope.
--------------------
Calisa stared transfixed at Destroyer's back, feeling with certainty that this was the last time she would speak her name.
"Lilith..."
Destroyer glanced back, and for one moment the brilliant golden eyes seemed like hers...
Then, with a deafening burst, Destroyer dashed forward, her sword poised to strike. Like a sonic boom, the cavern trembled under the impact as the black blur rushed toward Lancer like certain death.
No matter how much strength she had derived from the already weak human, she couldn't possibly defeat Destroyer, not survive the blow that was sure to fall. Her only chance was to strike first - an impossibility beyond hope.
"Your struggles have been for naught. Now they are finally, over... LANCER!" Destroyer roared, sweeping her blade up to cleave the other Servant in two. _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:32 am | |
| Kaiserpfalz
One shot... It would be the last and only.
Logan's eyes tracked Lancer's movements, despite the haze that still filled his throbbing head. He could worry about not being able to see later. Right now, it was too important for him to look away. Both Servants' movements were a blur as they shot through the air. Even on a good day, Logan could barely follow them with his eyes, but for a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was no way for Lancer to outrun Saber's dash. It wouldn't be possible for her to strike and evade. No, it wouldn't be possible for her to evade at all, not if she came into range of that slash.
Destroyer's speed was truly something, but it would be at great cost...
At that speed, there was no way she would be able to stop in time...
No, not just that. Her speed would actually increase the inflicted damage tenfold.
Throw your spear! Logan called out to Lancer's mind, even as the last command spell burned away from his flesh. Skewer her before she even reaches you! | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:15 am | |
| Lancer sped forward, her eyes fixed on Destroyer’s fast approaching form, burning with fire and determination. “Never! You have done your last destructive deed, Destroyer!”
When she received Logan’s last command, she realised what it meant. This was it. The last stand.
With all her might, she charged her lance up and threw it. The lance cleaved a path, leaving only a blur of light and sparks and aimed directly for Destroyer’s heart.
Even if it reached her in time, their speed was still too great. They would still collide. But it didn’t matter anymore. Fearless, Lancer looked up at Destroyer’s sword… | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:42 pm | |
| The outcome was set in stone. Lancer could not outmaneuver Destroyer, nor overpower her. The demonic sword, raised to strike, was a death sentence. But the Command Spell did not abide by the rules of nature. A crystallized miracle - the impossible made manifest. And with Logan's last one, the outcome was turned on its head. As though a record had skipped, and the image become disjointed in time, Lancer seemed to be removed from the flow of time for an instant, her spear piercing through the black armor with a deafening crash, spraying blood and shattered metal through the air. And then there was silence throughout the chamber. Destroyer stared down at the lance piercing her heart, her arms still raised to bring down the sword in a blow that never came. The yellow eyes bore into Lancer's as she lowered her arms and released the sword to the ground with a clatter. "Hmph," she said softly, closing her eyes. "I guess you weren't just talk, in the end." Slowly, from the feet up, her body began to fade into black ash. Feet, legs, torso, and finally her head vanished, and the ashes spread throughout the cavern until they faded from view. "So, it's over then," Raphael said quietly, sighing. He released Logan and fell to the ground himself, panting from a combination of exhaustion and relief. Calisa continued to stare at the place where Destroyer had vanished, remembering the final look of the golden eyes. She could feel tears working at her eyes, but she refused them. Destroyer had been right - she should remember Lilith the way she had been, not like this. "Yeah, it's over," she breathed heavily, reaching the two priests and sinking to the ground.humans below. _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Thu Jan 29, 2015 2:52 pm | |
| Lancer didn’t move until Destroyer had disappeared completely. Only then did she take a step forward to pick up her lance.
Still looking divine, she straightened up and walked over to the two priests and Calisa.
She stopped. “Even though we won, there is nothing here that can grant my wish anymore,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“However,” she squatted down next to Logan. “Yours appears to have been granted and the world is still here, so there is nothing left here for me to do.”
Lancer stood up again, looking up. “Remember what we talked about and maybe one day you can begin to forgive yourself.” She knew she didn't have much time left, already could she feel that everything was beginning to fade... | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:16 am | |
| Kaiserpfalz
Logan felt a hint of a smile tug at the corners of his mouth, despite the fact that his vision had gone completely black with the release of his Scripture's power. It was finally over. But it didn't truly felt like they'd won.
"I'm sorry that it had to end this way, partner." He said, feeling her presence fade, even as he struggled with the words. "But I'm glad you were the one I called on."
A smile really did reside on Logan's face now. It was only fitting that he wear it to wish her farewell. "Maybe you and I will meet again someday... But I don't think that will be anytime soon. There's still too much work left for me to do here."
Only silence responded to Logan's words, and he knew then that she was gone. Even so, he couldn't stop the final words from spilling over his lips. "Goodbye, my friend." | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Sat Jan 31, 2015 3:00 am | |
| Calisa watched Lancer speak to Logan in her last moments, accepting her past, present, and future before taking leave of this world.
"A wish you can't realize with your own hands..." Raphael said quietly. "Isn't a wish worth having."
So much pain and regret could have been avoided, knowing that.
Respectfully, Raphael and Calisa gave Logan a moment to make peace with Lancer's departure before trekking back through the caverns toward the surface.
For Calisa, it almost felt as those she were asleep, or in a daze. That this was finally all over was almost hard to accept.
At last, they were greeted by the first rays of sunlight as they emerged into the world above, like babes being birthed into a new and unfamiliar world. Calisa smiled, feeling both lingering bitter sweetness and anticipation.
"For the first time..." she said quietly, "I feel like everything's open to me. I don't even know where to begin, really."
It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So much freedom after so long...
"There's no need to take it all on at once," Raphael replied, turning his eyes toward her. "After your services, I'm sure the Church can accommodate you while you sort things out."
Calisa smiled, giving him a playful nudge in the arm.
"I did say I was open to conversion," she teased, recalling her words to him from what felt like ages ago.
"You did," he said mildly. "And you know better than to lie to a priest."
Calisa took a step back and blinked, eyebrows raised.
"Raphael, did you just... make a joke?" she asked incredulously. To his credit, Raphael showed no chinks in the armor as he turned and regarded Logan as though no such question had been voiced.
"And what's next for you, Logan? The Church of Infernity is still out there..." _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:49 am | |
| Kaiserpfalz
Logan wobbled slightly on his feet as he followed Raphael and Calisa through the tunnel. "Well, for starters. I'm going to take a week off to deal with what's most likely a concussion..." He ground through clenched teeth. "After that, I'll be reporting back to the Agency about the events that took place here."
He paused for a moment, reaching out to grip the wall beside him to steady himself. "Actually, if you'd like..." Logan frowned, as if unsure of what he was going to say. "If it would make things easier for you, I can include in my report that Calisa Lannister was killed in the final battle. Despite the fact that it's an Agency report, I have no doubt some of the details will be leaked to the Magi Associations for various reasons. It would mean never setting foot near the heart of Magus society again though..." | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Mon Feb 02, 2015 12:42 pm | |
| Calisa had to laugh at Logan's warning. Never set foot in magus society again? "You say that like it's a bad thing," she replied, smiling. "That's fine. I had no intention of going back there." She looked out over the city, feeling that, in a way, it was a fitting end to things. "Yeah, Calisa Lannister really did die back there," she said quietly. "I guess that makes me a ghost then." She looked at the two men brightly, running her fingers along her bright red hair, which shone in the light of the rising sun. "This ghosts needs a name though. Any ideas?" Raphael looked thoughtful. Coming up with any name wasn't particularly hard, but it had to fit her. In the end, the one she had seemed to fit her best - so they would just have to modify it. "Callie," he said, nodding. "Callie," she repeated, smiling. "Yeah, I like that. Callie Harvelle." A new day. A new start for her. Callie looked at her two companions and smiled. They were certainly different men than the ones she'd met. Maybe it was a new start for all of them. FIN _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:45 pm | |
| _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | NoIn-LoKi Celebrity Composer
Posts : 5052 Join date : 2013-08-19 Location : home
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Mon Feb 02, 2015 8:18 pm | |
| Somewhere on the Côte d’Azur…
“Jonah! Jonah!” a female voice called from behind him. “C’mon, we have to go!”
Jayce turned around, his appearance quite changed over the years. His hair was still dark, but quite short and only his deep blue eyes and the scar on his face remained of the man he used to be. Jonah. The name still sounded strange to him, but Abella had effectively broken down any kind of protest against it years ago and insisted on using it.
Abella…
At first it had only been a quest to fulfil Jacques’ last wish, that the history of his people and the island should live on and as such he had treated it. In his meticulous way, he had visited the island and laid Jacques to rest right at the most northern tip of the island just above a cliff. The site overlooked the ocean and was the last point to be reached by sunlight everyday.
Shortly after he started on his journey to find Abella Rose. This had proved quite a challenge, but not an impossible one. It took him weeks that slowly turned into months. Finally, he found her in the heart of Paris in the mansion of her powerful father.
He could still remember the surprise in her hazel eyes when she met him for the first time and he told her why he was really there at the business party her father had arranged. It didn’t take long for her to decide that she still wanted to leave this life and aided by Jayce she fled.
Jayce couldn’t bear to abandon her after he handed over all of Jacques research and they hid together while she waited for her father to stop looking. Inevitably they grew closer and it didn’t take long for Abella to rip down the walls of protective politeness that Jayce had built up around himself. She was so full of life and joy and seemed to smile every time he was looking at her.
No, instead of leaving, he stayed closer, knowing he was in love with her. He wanted to keep her safe forever, protect her as long as he lived…
Drawn by the voice, Jayce turned around from the view he had over the calm sea from the porch of their cottage that hugged the smooth coastline. She was still as beautiful as on the first day he met her and now she was waving impatiently.
“What are you waiting for? We can’t be late, it’s Lucy’s big day!” Behind her a young girl peeked through the door. She was maybe 5 years old and had the same untamed and brown curls as her mother, the same facial features, only her eyes were different. They had the same deep blue color as Jayce’s.
He returned to the house and swept up his little girl. “Sorry, love, my mind wandered off,” he apologized and kissed Abella on the forehead. “Let’s go.”
All throughout the house were reminders of the island and Jacques. Staying true to her promise, Abella had learned and preserved the islands history, spending her days with more research and study.
Jayce on the other hand had laid down his weapons, a fact emphasized by the his two daggers that were framed over the fireplace. Instead he had taken on a safer employment. His eyes glanced over the daggers as they passed through the living room and then they were out of the house and stepped into the car, driving off towards the city in the distant evening sun. | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Tue Feb 03, 2015 5:22 pm | |
| The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Raphael had often pondered on those words, wondering if the writer intended to portray God as fickle and flighty, bestowing blessings at his leisure, only to snatch them away a short time later. It had certainly seemed that way, when he had held Lillian in his arms for what seemed like a brief moment before that happy vision of new life was torn heartlessly from his grasp. But the more he'd come to terms with it, the more he'd come to realize that the phrase could encompass so many more meanings. Giving hardship, and relieving one of it... Yes, like the struggle for the Grail some time ago. But even in the darkest moments, a light had shone through, illuminating the way to victory. And when he had attempted to leave the Executors at long last, much resistance had been met before the opportunity arose for him to depart and take a position in the true Church, heading a parish in his old hometown, for which he had felt a calling all his life. And taking away one's heart's desire, only to give it fresh and anew... Raphael had only expected to find the peace of mind and soul in finally coming into his life's work. He had never imagined Céline walking into the parish one Sunday, awakening something in him he'd thought long dead. He'd been afraid he'd never experience those feelings again. He'd been even more afraid that his feelings for Lillian would overshadow anyone else he did find. But Céline was accepting, caring, and loving, and he found that he loved her in new and irreplaceable ways. And when she'd passed their newborn daughter into his arms, brown-haired and green eyed like her mother, he felt as though he'd been gifted a treasure for which there was no comparable value. "I'm not sure I understand," Céline had said one day as they lay in bed together, Raphael's nose deep in the Word preparing his next message. "God allowed all of Job's family to be taken from him, but then just gives him a new set at the end, as though you can just replace them like one set of furniture for another." Raphael set the book down and looked at her, gently rocking little Grace in her arms. "God didn't try to replace the love Job had for his old family," he said softly, smiling and placing a kiss on her temple. "He just gave him a new family's love to ease the wounds of old." "Do you think so?" she asked, tilting his head so she could reach his lips better. "I know so." _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Wed Feb 04, 2015 4:27 pm | |
| Kaiserpfalz
Loose dirt crunch under Logan's footsteps as he slowly traveled the length of the collapsing hallway that led into the center chamber of Kaiserpfalz. His fingers reached out to trail along the wall, tracing the path he had walked a little over three years before.
The crimson orbs of his eyes glowed faintly in the darkness around him, but they weren't as menacing as they had once been. Now, they seemed more curious than anything else, and only a hint of sorrow remained in the depths of his gaze.
At the end of the hall, his arm fell to his side, and Logan continued forward, crossing the room to where he could see an ornate spear driven into the dirt. It was just as it had been the last time he'd seen it, a solitary relic that lingered, despite being long past its time.
"It's finally over, partner..." He said, his crackling voice filling the chamber as he spoke to someone that couldn't be seen. "My last task as a Burial Agent is now complete, and the cult that stood in the way of your wish is no more. If I'd done it properly the first time, maybe things would have been different for you..."
Logan smiled sadly, reaching out for the first time to actually touch the spear. "Rest easy, Lancer, and I'll do the same. I'd say we've both earned it." With a firm pull, he released the spear from the earth that had held it since Lancer faded.
In his hand, the spear glowed, shimmering golden as the crystalized mana that held it together flowed into him. He had given Lancer all of his strength with that last spell, and with it, a part of himself that he didn't know how to accept at the time. It had been that part of himself, of his very soul that had held the spear in place this long. Now, he was ready to shoulder it for himself, and as the spear turned to dust, he finally felt whole again. Whole, and ready to move on... | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:11 pm | |
| A cool gentle breeze, and a slightly cloudy day... perfect weather for this. Callie sat on her favorite perch in the ruins, simply enjoying the feeling of the fresh air and the quiet, comfortable isolation. She'd made a habit to come at least once a year - to remember how far she'd come, to pay respect to the father she never had, and to remember her faithful friend and companion who had started her journey to freedom. "You know, I never did get to take that trip to the ocean," she sighed, smiling at the idea of Caster frolicking light-heartedly in the water, probably embarrassing her by coping a feel in her bathing suit. "But I am happy," she added. "The Church has been good to me. I'm part of a program to take in and help wayward girls start a new life away from abuse and repression. It feels good... like I'm touching a part of me in each of them." That way there would be fewer Calisa Lannisters in the world. "I'm singing too," Callie continued. "I think they're happier tunes now." Lilith... she was scorned, hated, and cursed... but still, she used to smile. She was happy, because Calisa was happy. "So I'll keep being happy too," Callie said softly. "That way, I can always think of you with that smile." She stood up to leave, picking up the bundle of white lilies she had laid beside the stone. With slow, steady strides, she made her way over the small grave over by a clump of trees and set the flowers down, smiling sadly at the spot. After a few solemn moments of reflection, she straightened up and turned to leave, but stopped. There, coming up out of the lower ruins, was an unexpected visitor, once she had not seen in some time. Logan... He seemed different somehow. Perhaps... lighter. She knew better than to try to force people to change; it was a process to be done in their time and their way. But she'd hoped he might finally understand, might finally move past those chains of the past with which he'd shackled himself. "What a surprise," she said, approaching him. "Some might say it's fate. I guess you'd say divine intervention?" _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
| | | Payne Celebrity Composer
Posts : 6261 Join date : 2013-07-13 Age : 33 Location : Sitting alone outside a door that someone else kicked in. I'll wait for all eternity. Won't you invite me in?
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Fri Feb 06, 2015 1:26 pm | |
| Logan had been too lost in his thoughts to realize the woman was in front of him until she spoke, and he mentally reprimanded himself for his lack of alertness. It was easy to get yourself killed when you weren't paying attention...
His eyes drifted to her face, and then one of his eyebrows rose as he contemplated her words. "As pickup lines go, I've heard worse..." Logan responded teasingly, taking in the sight of someone he'd not seen in over a year. "If only just..."
A hint of a grin pulled at the corners of Logan's mouth as he walked in her direction. "You look good in black." Logan said appraisingly, and it was true. He hadn't seen her in executioner's robes before, perhaps because she only wore them to travel... "But you look better in white." He finished, flashing her a full grin this time.
"I suppose you're here for the same reason I am?" | |
| | | Prisma*Illya Paramount Pagemaster
Posts : 34037 Join date : 2013-07-11 Age : 33 Location : The Black Versailles
| Subject: Re: The Grail Games IC Fri Feb 06, 2015 5:24 pm | |
| Callie was surprised - pleasantly so - to see that Logan's demeanor had changed quite a bit. Complimenting her appearance was unexpected, but she didn't let it show. She merely raised her eyebrows and smiled airily. "Well, as pick-up lines go, I've heard worse too," she said teasingly. There was a moment's silence before Logan brought up the reason for this meeting, in a much more deferential tone. "Yeah. Just saying hi to old friends," Callie said wistfully. She looked back at Dowth's grave, sighing softly. "You know, I think this might be my last visit," she said, voicing something she'd been thinking for a long time. "If I start doing this for me more than for them... then I'm not really moving on, am I?" She fingered the golden amulet that Caster had given her and smiled. "Besides, they're not really here. They're with me." Callie turned to Logan, tucking a few strands of her brilliantly red hair behind her ear, and smiled. "I guess this is it for you too, then? Where to now?" _________________ ~Vae Victis - The Black Lily Blooms~ | |
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