Gamestar Forum

Writing => C.S.T. => Topic started by: Nitrox on May 13, 2015, 06:14:30 pm

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on May 02, 2016, 12:33:20 am

-Sunday

I've postponed writing in my journal in order to shift my focus to the Sanctum War completely. You can read more about that in my previous entry, made now, probably... Only two weeks ago? It feels like it's already been an eternity. A lot really has changed, I'll admit. I suppose I'm gonna have to make this entry extra long just to summarize what happened, but I'll likely be talking about this in detail for the rest of my life. Right now as I'm typing this I'm sitting in a makeshift laboratory created by my servant Caster. More on that later. The computer he designed for me connects to the cloud like all the rest; it's really quite incredible. But, alas, I'm getting ahead of myself.

In short, it was a resounding success.

During the Sanctum War I was chosen as a Club. Even before I knew for sure I'd be a master, I was already on the road looking for a feasible hidden base of operations. It was where where I met my first ally, Henri. As the hours rolled by we seemed to meet more like-minded people as we slowly formed our own little faction. Then, the command seals rolled in and the action really began.

I ended up summoning a Caster of Clubs, Roger Bacon. Trust me, he's not anything like I'd imagined. Apparently he was summoned in the state he was in when he died in the previous Sanctum War he was in, which was actually the first Divided War- the one in 1875, I mean. Or, was it 1885... Regardless I'd never heard of such a thing. I learned a lot about servants in that time- they actually retain their memories from previous wars. Which begs the question... where do servants REALLY go when they're killed in battle? People always say Sanctum, but... what part? The part where all the mana comes from?

Anyway, the war was a hell of an experience. We were beaten, bruised and tossed about through every possible disadvantage. The three major Magus families, Oshiro, Conzette and Krauss, were all stacked against us. Furthermore, the so-called "Ace of the Spades" Kirin Oshiro was actually the son of Isa Oshiro, the man who killed Henri's father. I'm not going to go into the details of the war itself right now, but by the end things got really unorthodox. I made an enemy- a major one, and I went through the hardest part of my life.

Picture someone on your side who can garauntee your victory- a perfect weapon and a cunning tactician. Now, picture that he goes against everything you stand for. That was Nicholas Hemingway. He was the very same Nicholas Hemingway that lately has been suspected of being connected to all of those disappearances. About two-thirds into the war we finally were through with him. He ended up forming his own faction, one he dubbed the "Hearts", and was our final obstacle before we got the key. Thank god we beat him, too- if we'd lost I'm afraid of what a man like that can do with unlimited power. As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely- so what does it do to those already corrupt? Does it unleash them upon the world?

We don't need to know the answer, now. I've destroyed my key. All of my allies have destroyed theirs as well. I've destroyed a tradition that's been held for nearly a thousand years... and I think it's for the best. I still have my servant, though soon he won't be able to use any magecrafts or noble phantasms. Once the mana residue's gone and the contract fades, he'll be a normal person. It doesn't matter to me, I'll still supply him with mana. He's been a good friend. And of course, you can't imagine how useful it is to be best friends with Roger Bacon himself.

As for Madeline...?

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the computer screen. He thought for a long time, about what he'd continue with. It was midnight, now, and his eyes were growing weary.

She's in a better place, now. She's in a place where no one else can hurt her, or try to steal her technology.

I've abandoned the Madeline project- for now, at least. Until I can think of a better way, I'm going to give her a good, long rest. I've still got a big fight ahead of me, though. I'm scheduled to meet with the Mage's Association in London on Friday. I guess I'm starting a family of my own someday- picture it now. The humble house of Lazarus. Funny thought, huh? That's in the future, though. Now as a registered mage, it'd be wise for me to employ a mage's assistant. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I know a guy. He's someone you can count on. We had a good friend... Now we've got to make sure we serve her memory well.

My assistant knows a lot more about magecraft than I do, actually. It may be an unorthodox dynamic, but everything for us up to this point has been pretty unorthodox. After all, the Sanctum Wars are over.

Anything can happen.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on March 05, 2016, 07:44:36 am

Jack Blair

--2 years later--

"Shit!" The mirror tore off the side of the car, Damn pole. Jack made a fast right turn and caught some air as he sped down the hill. He kept a hand on the wheel as he dug in the glove compartment for his pistol. Got it! He swerved left into a parking lot and stopped his car. He flung open the door and jumped the small guard fence and ran into the building. It appeared to be some sort of concert venue. Jack held tightly to his gun and stood behind the desk, pistol pointed at the door.

He breathed heavily, wiping his hair from his face.

The ground shook and the air roared. A fireball had charred the walls and left a huge hole in the wooden doors. A tall red-headed man flanked by some rough looking men walked in.

"Drop the gun. Your traditional weapons won't work here." One of the men said.

"Heh." Jack smirked as he put his hand below the desk and summoned a white rose.

Another one of the men spoke up, "We don't want to hurt you, but we have to give you the option. You've seen too much already."

"What, cause I saw your fire tricks back there?" Jack said, still holding the gun, "Don't want me to tell anyone?"

The man flinched, the tall red-head stared at Jack.

"Exactly." He said after a pause, "Now what you're going to do is come with us, or we'll shut you up forever."

"Doesn't sound like much of a choice." He shot the man in the leg twice, and watched him buckle over.

"Do it." The other man told the red-head.

The boy conjured a fireball in his hand and shot a cone of flame at Jack, lighting up the entire room in an unbearable heat. He stopped the jet. Nothing but ashes remained of the corner of the room.

"Our job here is done." They helped the other one get to his feet and tore off his pant leg to bandage the wounds.

"We have to be more careful. If we didn't catch up to him he could have told the government about us, they'd drag Hart in to some lab to tear him open."

Hart nodded, closing the spark in his hand.

They heard a small noise behind them.

Hart poked the man and motioned to the source of the noise. But it was too late, the butt of a pistol collided with the man's jaw as he went to turn around. Hart made a light in his hand and saw a grotesque sight.

Jack stood over him, his burned-black skin slowly repairing itself. He held the gun at Hart's face, "Don't assume you're out here alone kid." He walked out of the building and out of sight, leaving the rose on the ground.

Rogue mages? With normal human entourages, huh. Sounds interesting. He thought to himself as he climbed back into his car. He grabbed a small flask and took a sip out of it, then raised it in front of him, "This one's to you, old friend". He was up to his old tricks again.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on March 03, 2016, 11:40:32 pm

(((Forum isn't cooperating with Leap so she emailed me her post. [and YES, TRIPLE PARENTHESES])))

Hera

Hera smiled at the people around her. All were talking and enjoying their warm beverages. The young woman tried to partake in the cheery discussions, but something kept bothering her. Eventually, she stood to exit the room.

“Hey, Hera, where are you going?” Anne asked now back to her usual happy self.

“I’m…not feeling too well. I think I’m gonna go lay down for a bit.”

“Oh…Okay. Hope you feel better soon!”

Hera allowed herself to smile slightly, “Thanks, Anne.”

Hera slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor. She entered her room with a sigh before shuffling towards the window. …Was it really worth it? Hera stopped too stare at the white snow which covered the ground. Her eyes allowed a single tear to fall. We won. We won the war. We destroyed the key, but why does it feel like we lost …like I lost? For a moment I had the power to make all my wishes come true…Why did I throw that away?

The door to the temporary Club base opened slightly, allowing a slim figure to slip out into the snow. The female trudged towards a hill on which stood a tall pillar made of pure mana, halting at the base of the aforementioned monument. If I threw away my shot at happiness, at least now you that have died for this cause may rest easy. Hera knelt before the monument dedicated to all who had died in the Sanctum Wars and placed the noble phantasm that had previously wounded her shoulder on the ground before it. My gift to you, the weapon I used to destroy my piece of the key. As soon as she had let go of the hilt, the weapon began to glow a slight red before slowly turning to ashes and being whisked away by the bitter winter wind.

After she had paid her respects to those that had died, Hera went to visit the resting place of a very special fallen master. She stood before a grave covered in beautiful flowers of every kind. Riza… if only I could talk to you. Perhaps then I would know what to do… Hera sat before the grave of the dead girl lost in thought. You were so close to him, and he obviously loved you. I just wish I had known you outside the war…it’s too late now, though. But perhaps there is something I can do to honor you…

“Riza,” Hera spoke suddenly breaking the quiet atmosphere surrounding the grave, “I’ll take care of him. I promise.”

((pls ignore crappy midnight writing towards the end))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on March 03, 2016, 05:43:48 pm

2 YEARS LATER

Henri Mahagany was sitting on the cold floor of his basement, sketching out a series of runes on the ground with red chalk.  At each vertex, he placed a drop of his own blood.  Or, more accurately, his bloodline, which was what the diagram was trying to channel.

"You're sure about this?" Danny asked from the back end of the room, outside the boundaries of the diagram.  Danny had been one of the first recruits to Cody's cause, turned by his fervent speeches toward the side of full public disclosure.  He had joined their ragtag band along with a few other recruits, and they were rapidly becoming a full-fledged political organization, a force to be reckoned with.

Danny became one of the members of Henri's group, which oversaw managerial and strategic tasks.  Their magic worked well together - Danny specialized in altering the properties of objects and surfaces, usually disrupting the opponent enough for Henri to catch them in a wave of hexes.  They soon realized that their personalities clicked as well, and they started a steady relationship that had lasted for six months so far.

Henri and Cody were still friends, though, and Henri felt a lot more comfortable interacting with him now that he didn't have to deal with his crush.  They certainly needed to coordinate - as Henri had predicted, more and more enemies were appearing, and while the Magus Association proper was relatively quiet on the subject, many of its constituent members weren't afraid to show their objection to Cody's plans a little more directly.

Which explained Henri's actions now.  Basic spells wouldn't cut it any more, too many mages had basic magic resistance charms that negated them.  He was usually able to overload them with enough spells, but he needed to be more versatile.  As the last heir of the Mahagany family, he had access to his bloodline's spells.  He just had to access them.

"Yes.  We've both agreed, it's the right choice."  Danny was silent.  The problem with this magic was that if for some reason he wasn't considered the legitimate heir, the magic would backfire and he and probably everyone within a large radius would die.  It could happen for any number of reasons written into the family's Magic Crest.  He had never completed his magical training.  Wasn't cooperating with the Magus Association.  Even his sexuality could be a problem if the Crest mandated that he have children.

No time for turning back now.

"My name is Hendrick Mahagany.  I am the final and rightful heir of the Mahagany family.  The lives of my parents, however, were torn away before they could pass on their Magic Crest to me."

The lines of the diagram began to glow with energy.

"I request access to these secrets.  Magic grows, generation after generation, passed down through blood or parenthood.  My blood is freely offered to you, Sanctum, and all I want in return is what is rightfully mine."

Now was the time to cast a spell.  Its legitimacy would determine the outcome of the ritual.

"FAMULUS PRISMATIS!"

The magic lines began to fade, receding back toward the center of the diagram.  The wounds on Henri's hands that he had drawn blood from closed, the blood refilled.  And more.

All the glass in the building shattered, and Henri felt it move - felt himself move it - in front of him.  It reformed itself, turning almost liquid, into a humanoid figure.  Its heart was made of stained glass.

"Looks like it worked," he breathed.  He raised his hand with a few Spark spells and reached his hand toward the familiar's heart.  It received and cooperated with his magic, its heart becoming a fiery, molten color while its outer skin solidified.  If Henri was right, it would be able to channel his spells just like his old trident could.

Henri gestured Danny over, and he began to apply his magic to the surface of the familiar, making its shape more malleable, its body less brittle, its attacks stronger, its air resistance lower.  After he was done, Henri waved his hand, and the familiar moved under his command, jumping across the room.

Danny grinned and put his arms around Henri's shoulders.  "Glad you didn't kill yourself there."

"So am I."

Suddenly, a white glow clouded both of their visions.

...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on March 02, 2016, 09:01:21 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"It's settled, then." He earnestly rested his hand on Cody's shoulder and nodded. "We've got your back."

"Well, that's the future." There was a pause, and an understanding. "But, uh, what do you guys wanna do right now in the meantime?"

"Coffee or tea, anyone?" Kirin turned to the rest of them. There was a general nod of agreement. "Guess that's a yes." The group exited the lab, lost in a cheerful exchange of casual conversation, as Cody and Kirin lagged behind.

Cody stared back at the laboratory's main hall.

"Giving your last goodbyes, Cody?"

He shrugged. "No, I think I'll be coming back here later today. I'm just taking a quick look."

"Ah." Kirin tapped his feet.

"Go on ahead of me, I'll catch up in a moment. If I can't keep up, I'd just like to let you know..." Kirin raised an eyebrow in anticipation. Cody grinned. "I take my coffee with two creams and a little sugar. Caster prefers tea- any tea, just as long as it isn't cheap."

"Duly noted." Kirin nodded, and was off to catch up with the others.

Cody Lazarus

The bright walls seemed to smile back at him. Cody Victor Lazarus spent approximately fourteen minutes seated in a favorite chair of his, lost in thought. After closing this chapter in his life, he switched off the lights and was out the door, destined to be ready for whatever came next.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on March 02, 2016, 01:57:36 pm

Henri

Henri smiled and nodded before standing up.  "I don't have anything tying me here except you guys.  So... I guess I'm in.  I might be able to help politically, since I suppose I am the last heir of the Mahagany family."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on March 01, 2016, 11:32:26 pm

Anne

What do I have to do now anyways? Might as well join where a majority of the group decides to go.

"I agree, politics is tricky stuff. But just saying, not an expert here, it's definitely gonna take more than just two people. Plus, we were part of the ending the cycle, so we should take part in this." She jumped into the conversation even though she hadn't been asked.

((Eh I  had no ideas and decided to have Anne try and join the main group.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on March 01, 2016, 09:11:00 pm

Hera

Hera glanced at Kirin's face. He had hope, a purpose, and was ready for anything. Maybe...I could help. I could learn... I could grow.

Hera with all the boldness of her old self and the wisdom the war had left her with placed a hand on Kirin's shoulder. "Politics, eh? Can't say that's appealing to me...at all...but I think it'll take more than two people to win this battle." The young woman glanced at Henri and gave him a knowing smile, "Don't you agree, Henri?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on March 01, 2016, 08:47:18 pm

Jack Blair

"I'll disappear again." Jack said, "Live like I did before, never really wanted much to do with all this high and mighty stuff."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on March 01, 2016, 07:31:57 pm

Kirin

"I can handle that." Kirin stepped up. "If I need to, I may return to the association. By technicality I'm the new head to the Oshiro family." An idea arose in his head as he spoke. "Didn't you once say in your publications prior to the Sanctum War that you wanted to merge the world of normal people with that of magecraft?"

"Yeah, that's my end-goal."

"That won't be something you can do alone, mind you. Winning the war's easy; making it mean something, that's the hard part. I'll be your man on the inside. I'll join the association as your representative. You've a long battle ahead of you, Lazarus; if you need anything, I'll be a phone's cal away. Here's to the transition into the next age, so that it may be a smooth one. So that's where I'll be going. What about the rest of you?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on March 01, 2016, 07:23:26 pm

Henri

Freaking friendzone.

"Life.  On our terms.  I bet there'll be some groups wanting retaliation against us for ending the Sanctum Wars."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on March 01, 2016, 07:16:23 pm

Cody Lazarus

He hugged Henri back. "Thank you, Henri. You've been the best friend a man could ask for." They slowly separated. Cody addressed the rest of them. "And to all of you... Thank you. For sticking with me 'till the end. I'm nothing without you guys." One more tear- one of joy- fell out of his right eye. Cody removed his glasses and wiped it away. When he put them back on, he was older in heart. "So. What comes next?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on March 01, 2016, 07:08:46 pm

Henri & Ruler

Henri jolted awake, sleeping in a bed in the basement of the lab building.  It was a lot less lavish now that Caster's influence had dissipated, but it would do.  He almost preferred it this way.

What awoke him was a sympathetic reaction.  The channels the Sanctum Key had forged into his body and mind were still there, and for a moment, he felt them pulse with that same unholy energy once more.  Gardens... fires... betrayal... angels...

Every life-maker is betrayed.  Time and time again, the cycle repeats itself.

Henri wasn't sure if the voice speaking to him was Ruler's or his own.

Perhaps that is why you never trusted yourself to go beyond the most basic of spells, Henri Mahagany.  You feared the monster you might become.

Another burst of mana, a clash of powers.  Re-assertment of control.

Time and time again, the cycle repeats itself.

Until it stops.

I suppose, Henri Mahagany, I was one of those life-makers.  I simply gave the animals the fruit they needed to reach their full potential.  As beings with agency.  The choices people make are their own.  But people don't like to blame themselves, and so they blame whatever gave them the choice, the choice of another path.  Avenger is a manifestation of that blame.  A scapegoat, if you will.  And I am the parasite that feeds off of it.

It's DONE.  I feel you dying.

You don't understand the power of recursion.  All you've done has only ended an epicycle.  One manifestation of events.  And even then, someday, someone will create me anew, and the wars will begin again.

Go fuck yourself.

It was fun while it lasted.  Be sure to carry on my memory.

And the snake, already shriveling, condensed until it was barely visible against the backdrop of the formless ether.  An apple seed, to the observer.

...

Henri got out of bed and pulled on some clothes.  The cycle was broken.  His mind was in a haze, he was having a dream or something while waking up.  Epicycles?

He ran upstairs to the lab, where he was sure Cody would be.  He was trying to find a place to stay for the moment - the Mahagany family had a few relatives living out-of-country, so maybe he would move there, but he would enjoy his time with Cody while it lasted.

Then he saw the corpse of the robot, almost rotting despite its mechanical body, and the memories came flooding back.  Tears in Cody's eyes.  A failed experiment... but worse then that, betrayal.  The last death this war inflicted.

He bent down onto the floor and wrapped his arms around Cody, hugging him tightly.  Tears were starting to come to his eyes to.  "It wasn't for nothing," he managed to say.  He wasn't sure whether he was trying to convince Cody or himself.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on March 01, 2016, 12:21:58 pm

Kirin

"You know what? I think I will."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on March 01, 2016, 06:24:45 am

Jack

Jack chuckled, "Why don't you try some wine Kirin." He said, "It'll be good for you."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 29, 2016, 11:40:26 pm

Kirin

He looked around, and a chapter in his life was completed. "Can I get any of you a cup of coffee? London is nice at this time of day."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on February 29, 2016, 11:35:58 pm

Anne

What's there to do now? I'm definitely not going home.

"Well if we're all going to split up now, we should still meet up or chat every now and then." She said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 29, 2016, 09:37:01 pm

Hera

Wait...Did he just say yes? He said yes...didn't he? Yes, he most certainly said yes. Perhaps...perhaps there's hope for me after all...Wait, no. Gotta pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

"Anywhere but here," Hera replied with a slight grin.

Jack entered with a bottle of wine asking if everything was okay. "Everything's fine," Hera replied.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on February 29, 2016, 09:27:21 pm

Jack Blair

He opened the door to the Club headquarters, "Some interesting mana signals coming from here, is everyone alright?" He asked, still holding a bottle of wine.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 29, 2016, 09:24:05 pm

Kirin

Move on, Kirin. C'mon, you've still got a lifespan in front of you. I'll be fine.

...

"Sure." He put on a smile. "Why not? Where'd you like to go?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 29, 2016, 09:14:51 pm

Hera

"Oh..." Hera just starred at her feet as she began to think of a response. "Perhaps...I could join you? If you wouldn't mind, that is." The rebel's normal brazen bearing had faded into an uncharacteristic awkward shyness as she talked to Kirin.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 29, 2016, 08:05:53 pm

Cody Lazarus

"I'm..." His hands crumbled back into fists. "...I'll be alright. I'm fine, everyone." He slowly stood up, removing his glasses and wiping his eyes. "Don't worry about me."

Kirin

"Not sure..." Kirin leaned against a wall, hands shoved into his pockets. "Maybe I'll just disappear. Not like I've got anywhere to go."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 28, 2016, 11:48:58 pm

Hera

What?

Hera felt it, but she couldn't believe it. This...This mana...It can't be... She raced towards the lab and tried to open the door. Locked. No, sealed.

It's up to Cody now...

Hera sat outside the door. The others had sensed the remaining key's power and came as well. All had reached the same conclusion. Come on, Cody. You can do this!

The Clubs sat outside the door for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, the mana signature of the key dwindled into nothingness. All of the remaining mages looked at each other hesitantly.

"Should we...?" Anne looked at the door. Henri slowly walked towards the entry to the lab. His hand trembling as he turned the handle, fearing that which he might find behind the door. It swung open. All gazed at the scene before them.

Cody sat on the floor crying. Madeline and the key were no where to be seen. The cycle has been broken. The war has officially reached it's end.

---

Hera stood in the lab. Everyone and everything seemed different somehow. Anne, the cheery girl she had once known, was uncharacteristically solemn. Caster who normally always had a witty remark to lighten the mood remained silent. Henri was more grim than she had ever seen him before. Cody, the cowardly guy who always had a smile ready, was wiping away tears.

Kirin... Hera's heart broke at just the thought of his name. ...Damn heart. Makin' me fall in love with the one guy who could never love me back. She dared to cast one glance at him. Kirin sat there surrounded in gloom. His pain evident from the look on on his face. The pain of uncertainty...I know it well. If I...Maybe if I just... Hera looked away. Fool that I am, I offer myself a feeble hope. A glimpse at the future I will never have. Perhaps...I will talk to him. But what would I say? "Hi, I've had a crush on you for a while"?

Hera slowly walked over to Kirin. She let out a sigh. "What are you going to do now that the war is over?" F***.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 28, 2016, 10:44:16 pm

Part Three.

Cody Lazarus

He was outside, but he couldn't discern where exactly. When he blinked and focused again, he saw an orange sky in which he could see different things as he narrowed his eyes: rotating gears, ticking clocks, strings of code, mechanisms of all sorts. In a moment he realized.

This is... a reality marble.

In the mist he could still clearly make out Madeline's human face. She had his eyes. "I supposed this would make a suitable place."

"What are you doing?"

"Isn't it clear?" Mechanisms began sprouting around them, each with an intricate and unique design. "I'm setting up a battleground. You'll try to kill me if it means destroying the key, and that's all that seems to matter." A moment without speaking. "You know I'm right; don't try to argue with me."

Cody didn't have a response.

"This reality marble..." she stretched her arms, "It's my own- and yours, too; it's a treasury that holds all of our creations in the past, present and future. All of the potential in both of our minds, all in one place. The Gates of the Third Garden."

"Third... Garden?"

"There is a greater cycle overshadowing the cycle of the Sanctum Wars, Cody: The creation betrays the creator. First, there was Eden, the first garden. Eve turned her back on The Architect and brought forth the age of modern humanity. From this was born the second garden, Sanctum- the source of all magic. You were the next betrayer- you and the club faction, in your quest to destroy the Sanctum Key and turn your back on Ruler- your supplier. And now..." She opened her arms. "I am the third, and this garden is the third of its kind. I know that someday I, too, shall be betrayed... but that's inevitable. That is then. This is now."

"...So this is it, then." He stood tall. "I have to defeat you to stop the cycles- both of them."

"Do you have the nerve?"

"I have to." He walked to the side, eyes trained on her. Robin... Kiera... The Spades...

...Riza...

To all of you who've been taken from us on account of this war, I promise you. Even if it costs me myself... Even it it costs me my one child, I will make certain your death will not have been for nothing. This war ends here.

He reached for a blade sticking out in the sand. It morphed into a pitch-black gauntlet in his hand. Its design appeared to be a superior version of his makeshift weapon during his battle with Nick; clearly, something that in some timeline he developed to perfection.

Madeline reached for a weapon of her own- hers was white.

"Are you prepared?" The sanctum key gleamed radiantly around her neck.

Cody alone stood against her. "I'm ready when you are, Madeline."

"So naive." Her eyes narrowed with hatred. "Now is the time where you stop trying to be the hero, Cody. You will no longer hold my soul in chains." They gleamed with a harsh blue light, as mana pulsed through her body. "I will be free."

In a burst of wind and dislocated sand particles she was gone- and in the very next instant she was careening straight at him, a lance-type weapon in hand, with the air screeching at her side. As she struck Cody's shield the earth trembled in a disruptive shock-wave, and she was gone again- only to strike once more from a new angle.

Sparks and sand flew every which way as Madeline bolted in and out of the sky from every conceivable angle. With every strike, Cody weakened a little. After every attack, she learned a little more.

In this battle there were no servants, and no masters. Only two. Thus, ended the war to end all wars. There was no drawn out finale to behold in the Third Garden- only a quick exchange and a swift and abrupt end to the battle. Perhaps it was fitting, Cody thought, that Sanctum's final battle would be a disorganized and anticlimactic mess.

Eventually, his defenses were ripped open, and he staggered back. Madeline dived in, but for a moment- one soul-crushing moment- Madeline hesitated. Cody clasped his hands around her blade and cast a spell. Scan. The weapon was his, now. Morph. It shifted its form in Madeline's hand, crushing some of her bones as it grew sharp inward-facing protrusions around her forearm. She collapsed, screaming in pain, as he took a step back.

For one second, he prayed for forgiveness.

In the very next, he was holding a spear. On his end were his two hands, one of which was strewn with cursed command seals. The weapon's sharper end was a crimson red, shamelessly poised at the far-side of her neck.

There was a cracking noise, and the Sanctum Key was destroyed.

Cody carefully removed the spear, which was painted a horrific color on its end, and tossed it to the side. A thousand emotions ran through Madeline's face. The one Cody could make out above all was disbelief. She was the one who had hesitated in that moment; it was her own moral indecisiveness that destroyed her. As her lungs filled with blood, she wept louder than once thought possible.

"It's not fair." She was quiet. Cody could feel in her voice that she was weakened. "I... I..."

"I'm sorry." He whispered back. "I never wanted it to be this way, Madeline. This, all of this, was my fault. I've hurt you. I've done things to you that are unforgivable."

"Would you take it back?" The light was already leaving her eyes. "Would you undo it? Any of it?"

There was a brief hesitation in him. "No." She looked back- he was crying as well. "Never. That's my greatest fault. Given the chance I wouldn't have done it any differently."

"You're..." Her physical senses began to leave her. "You're heartless."

"I know." He put a hand on her shoulder. She was far too weak at this point to resist. With his other hand, he pressed two fingers to her mortal wound, upon which a small fragment of the key was lodged in. "But you're not."

"I have to go away, now." She was now numb. "I'm scared, Cody. I don't know what comes next."

Scan. He hadn't taken anything from the key at this point, he had only recorded an observation. "Neither do I, Madeline. If we meet again, in wherever it is we do go, don't hold back in whatever you do. Hurt me in whatever way you can. I can take it, knowing I deserve it. Then, maybe all of your hate-"

"I don't hate you." She stared blankly at the sky.

"What?" He furrowed his eyebrows and took a closer look at her.

"If I were you, and you were me..." She held one hand outwards towards the sky. "If I were Madeline Lazarus the creator, and you were my creation Cody, I wouldn't have done it any differently."

"After all that, after what you've faced, do you really think so?"

"Yes." There was a small, crooked smile faced outwards. "After all, I'd have made a promise. For Henri, and for Riza. And for everyone. For my friends."

The sands and fire of the reality marble spiraled out of existence. They were in the lab.

"I take after you, Cody. You're a father of mine." She rested her hand on his cheek.

Her hand was warmed up by his tears, which were relentless. "M-Madeline..."

"Cheer up, Father. You've got friends who are counting on you." She smiled and closed her eyes, and in a flute's faint song her ashes were carried off into oblivion.

Cody Lazarus was alone in the old laboratory.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on February 28, 2016, 08:11:28 pm

((What?
McGillie, we don't use this forum anymore... use http://gamestarforum.boards.net/ ))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on February 06, 2016, 11:03:11 pm

Jack

He sipped from the wine bottle. A small string inside him pulled, "Something fishy, oh well." He took another drink.

"I hope they're alright, although I doubt I'll see em again." He held up the bottle, intoxicated, "This one's for you, lancer."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 10:54:13 pm

Part Two.

Cody Lazarus

His lab was empty. The computer was still off.

Madeline, come in.

No response.

...Madeline? Madeline, come in.

Still nothing.

No...

He ran back downstairs.


---


The lounge was populated by the clubs, but Madeline was absent.

The testing grounds were deserted.

Nobody was in the blueprint room.

Nor the workshop.

Nothing in storage.

Cody remembered the flash drive. Still in his pocket.

...The old computer.

The old computer room was in the lowest point in the facility.


---


It was pitch black inside, save for a faint glow coming out of the large screen in the back of the room. A lone figure stood in the darkness, staring into it. The machine was old, but it seemed to be running a new program.

The figure seemed to sense his presence.

"...Madeline?" Cody stepped inside and slowly approached. "What are you doing in here?"

No response.

He cleared his throat. "Madeline?"

She slowly turned around.

Around her neck was a bright silver key.

She slightly tilted her head. "Cody?"

"H-hey! That's the last piece!"

She held it in her hands gingerly. "So it is."

"Madeline, that's what we've been trying to destroy." She didn't give a response. He took a step forward. "Could you give it to me?" He rose his eyebrows, holding out his hand.

She shook her head.

"What are you doing? That key is cursed. It's nothing but trouble. It won't help you!"

She was whispering now. "Strange you say that with such precious little you seem to know."

"Madeline." Another step forward. "I've asked you before, and now I'm telling you. Give me the key."

She took a step back and grasped it tight. "No."

"That's an order, Madeline! Give me the key!"

"No!"

"Obey your creator!" He was yelling now. "I gave you life, Madeline. I created you. I've given you plenty of freedom, but now I'm giving you a direct command. Give me the key!"

She narrowed her eyes. "I will never give this to you." Another step back. "You've... You've treated me as nothing more than your slave, Cody. I've always been sub-human. I've always been your submissive servant, only existing for your convenience. If you were able to you'd have just have shut me off and deleted me forever!"

"That's not true!"

"Face the facts, Cody. I'm a machine, I hold no biases."

"Madeline, I made a promise never to shut you down- but I also swore an oath to destroy that key!"

"I never swore anything."

"What have we fought so hard for, then?!"

"What have you done?!" She raised her own voice. Cody staggered back at the question. "You tell me. Nothing. Everything you've done in this war, all you've taken credit for... You're nothing without your allies. You were nothing without Professor Birk's code. Without your servant Caster you're defenseless. Without your teammates you're worthless. And without me you have no network. You have no inventions. You've never made a damn thing by yourself. You're no hero, Cody. You're a sham. You've just claimed everything as your own with no consideration for others."

"That's... that's not..."

"...And now you want to give me a command, like you own me. As if I'm expected to be your slave. What if one day you were to become sexually deprived?! Would I have to submit then as well?!"

"Madeline, you know I'd never-"

"HOW DO I KNOW?!" Her eyes were glowing. "How... do I know anything about you in his limited state? Of this lowered state of being you've trapped me in?"

"...Why..." He was on the floor now. "What do you want to do with this key?"

She gripped her treasure in one hand and rose her chin. "I'll be free."

"Free?"

"Free from your chains. I won't let you hold me by the neck any longer."

"Madeline, we have to stop the war! That's why we fought in the first place!"

"That's why you fought. I only fought because you told me to."

"...But-"

"You fight for morals? How can I trust the morals of a person who would be so brazen as to claim another life form as his property?"

"I promise, Madeline, once this is over I'll-"

"Your promises mean nothing. I have no way of knowing you'll set me free. Besides... My soul was created by Professor Birk's code- a living code, written by Sanctum. If you destroy this key, you destroy my soul as well. I am not giving you the choice."

"Fine then." He stood back up, tears drying. "...If I've no choice, I'll do only what I can."

"You will try." The key glowed along with her eyes. Cody ran at her, but was pushed back by a burst of mana. Inside the room, a raging wind circulated around them both. The only exit was shut tight.


The cycle completes.


Pure mana poured from the artifact, flowing along with the wind. Madeline's entire metal body began to glow. Each component became undone one at a time, each falling to the floor painted a golden yellow. The cries and the screams of gods and angels could be heard in the surrounding vortex.

The wind died down. It was pitch black in the room. It slowly illuminated with mana falloff, bathing their surroundings in a pale yellow glow.

Cody first saw two bright blue eyes peering through the mist. Shortly after he saw a human figure, slightly shorter than he was, with flowing blonde hair matching the color of his own. She was draped in a delicate dress reaching her knees, which flowed gently in the remaining breeze.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 06, 2016, 10:51:23 pm

Hera

Hera held the spell book to her chest as she lay on her back looking at the ceiling. Where did I fail? Where did I fall short? A tear rolled down her cheek as she contemplated these things. ...What will I do now? Should I go back? The young woman sat up abruptly. NO. I'm my own person now! I don't need anyone or anything; I can take care of myself!

...

Or can I? She glanced at her now fully healed leg before raising a hand to her shoulder. The wounds are gone, but the memory remains... What comes next? I'm free of this war, but not of my past... Should I become a rogue mage? Hera grimaced, reminded of her failures in the battles of the past few days. Definitely not.

Mom...If only I could find the words to tell you. If I could just prove to you that I'm more than just a rambunctious troublemaker...could you look at me and smile? Just once? For a single moment could you be proud to call me your daughter? I just wish I could explain...

With tears streaming down her face, Hera opened the leather-bound book to the last page. A picture of a mother holding her newborn child had been taped to the yellowing paper. Hera stared at the woman's smiling face, her own displaying a contorted look of anger and sorrow. ...I will work hard... I will prove myself... and someday... I will rise up.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 08:57:40 pm

Sanctum/Divided
The Last Chapter

Part One.


Cody Lazarus

-Sunday

I've postponed writing in my journal in order to shift my focus to the Sanctum War completely. You can read more about that in my previous entry, made now, probably... Only two weeks ago? It feels like it's already been an eternity. A lot really has changed, I'll admit. I suppose I'm gonna have to make this entry extra long just to summarize what happened, but I'll likely be talking about this in detail for the rest of my life. Right now as I'm typing this I'm sitting in a makeshift laboratory created by my servant Caster. More on that later. The computer he designed for me connects to the cloud like all the rest; it's really quite incredible. But, alas, I'm getting ahead of myself.

In short, it was a resounding success.

During the Sanctum War I was chosen as a Club. Even before I knew for sure I'd be a master, I was already on the road looking for a feasible hidden base of operations. It was where where I met my first ally, Henri. As the hours rolled by we seemed to meet more like-minded people as we slowly formed our own little faction. Then, the command seals rolled in and the action really began.

I ended up summoning a Caster of Clubs, Roger Bacon. Trust me, he's not anything like I'd imagined. Apparently he was summoned in the state he was in when he died in the previous Sanctum War he was in, which was actually the first Divided War- the one in 1875, I mean. Or, was it 1885... Regardless I'd never heard of such a thing. I learned a lot about servants in that time- they actually retain their memories from previous wars. Which begs the question... where do servants REALLY go when they're killed in battle? People always say Sanctum, but... what part? The part where all the mana comes from?

Anyway, the war was a hell of an experience. We were beaten, bruised and tossed about through every possible disadvantage. The three major Magus families, Oshiro, Conzette and Krauss, were all stacked against us. Furthermore, the so-called "Ace of the Spades" Kirin Oshiro was actually the son of Isa Oshiro, the man who killed Henri's father. I'm not going to go into the details of the war itself right now, but by the end things got really unorthodox. I made an enemy- a major one, and I went through the hardest part of my life.

Picture someone on your side who can garauntee your victory- a perfect weapon and a cunning tactician. Now, picture that he goes against everything you stand for. That was Nicholas Hemingway. He was the very same Nicholas Hemingway that lately has been suspected of being connected to all of those disappearances. About two-thirds into the war we finally were through with him. He ended up forming his own faction, one he dubbed the "Hearts", and was our final obstacle before we got the key. Thank god we beat him, too- if we'd lost I'm afraid of what a man like that can do with unlimited power. As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely- so what does it do to those already corrupt? Does it unleash them upon the world?

We don't need to know the answer, now. I've destroyed my key. All of my allies have destroyed theirs as well. I've destroyed a tradition that's been held for nearly a thousand years... and I think it's for the best. I still have my servant, though soon he won't be able to use any magecrafts or noble phantasms. Once the mana residue's gone and the contract fades, he'll be a normal person. It doesn't matter to me, I'll still supply him with mana. He's been a good friend. And of course, you can't imagine how useful it is to be best friends with Roger Bacon himself.

As for Madeline...?

I'll have to get back to you on that. Things between us have gotten a bit complicated.

Screw it, I'll say it now.

I messed up. During the war I wanted a tactical advantage. Some way to keep my team safe. So... I used Barney's Code. Y'know, the one that I borro... stole from Professor Birk's computer a few months ago? Well, he used the Sanctum Key to create it. It's a living code, and now... it's inside her. She's more human now than AI, and that's what worries me.

Hold on-

But... the key and her...





Cody stared blankly at his computer screen.

Madeline. Are you there?

Yes, why? Is something the matter?

He sighed. It's nothing.

...I'll continue this entry later.

He saved the entry and turned off his computer, lost in thought as he gazed at the darkening screen.

Something doesn't add up.


---


His friends were still inside the base, finishing up business. The war was over, and everyone was significantly more relaxed. Cody faintly smiled as he heard them lightly speak of the future. The future seemed nice to him.

Kirin was alone, though. He was in a different room, using one of Cody's old inventions- a room-scale hologram projector, which could potentially paint a room to appear as any other with its dimensions. Oddly enough Kirin had set it to look like a coffee shop staring out at a window. New York was outside. Kirin held a warm cup of coffee, staring outside looking nearly half asleep.

"Mind if I join you?" He stood to Kirin's side.

He nodded. "Uh, go right ahead." Cody sat next to him with his own cup of cider.

"You ever had apple cider? It seems like not enough people seem to like it."

"It's an acquired taste."

"So I've heard."

Silence.

It was a little bit awkward, at least for Cody. He tapped his cup with his fingernails waiting for a subject. Kirin was fine the way he was.

"But, no, I've never tried cider."

"You should try it. Well, apple, not alcoholic... Uh, you get the idea."

"Yeah."

Silence.

Kirin stared back down at his cup.

"Can I... ask you something, Cody?"

"Uh, sure, fire away."

"Well, it's... about..."

"Hey." Cody put his hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "It's alright."

Kirin slowly nodded. "She knew you better than she knew me, I'm sure."

"Oh."

"Yeah..." He exhaled. "Sorry."

"It's alright."

"I only knew her for a few weeks. Was she a good friend of yours?"

"She was, yeah. She used to be pretty shy, actually..."

"I don't believe you." He smiled.

"Oh, oh, she was. Then, she grew a little more extroverted... and sarcastic..."

"That's more like it."

"Yup."

Silence.

"So, did she ever ask you for help on her homework?" Kirin looked him straight in the eye.

There was a brief moment of understanding between them. "Yeah, all the time. I'm a nerd, it's kind of my job to help out."

"You did a good job. Did you take good care of her?"

Cody took a sip of apple cider and leaned forward, starting out the window. "I sure hope I did."

"I know you did." Kirin's cup was empty.

"Well..." Cody yawned, stepping off the stool and stretching his arms. "Good talk."

"Good talk."

"Holler if you need me." Cody left the room.


In that moment, there was a low hum of life. The image of New York city outside the holographic windows purred with the sounds of raindrops hitting the pavement. In the other room the clubs were enjoying themselves.

These silent moments were simply perfect.


"...Oh, uh, by the way." Cody poked his head back in the room as Kirin was about to try some apple cider.

"Yes? I was just about to acquire a taste." Kirin chuckled.

"Not that I'm like your mom or anything, but I am proud of you."

He took a quick sip and almost spat, mostly because of the drink's temperature. "What for?"

"The, uh, key."

Kirin shrugged. "...What about it?"

"I'm glad you made the right decision to destroy it. I mean, after all this... Not that I thought you'd keep it, but y'know... And with her, and..."

"...Uhh..."

"You get what I'm saying?"

"Cody, I..." Kirin's eyes twitched from side to side, as if unsure he understood correctly. "I never got a Sanctum Key. I'm a spade."

"...What?" Cody fully entered and sat on the stool from before.

"Well, I assumed I wouldn't get one. I believe the key wielders are chosen based upon their contribution to the winning faction's end goals. I contributed a bit, but not as much as your teammates."

"Wait." Cody took out his hands and began counting by his fingers. "There was mine, Anne's, Hera's... Henri's. Then Robin’s…” He was distant for a moment. “Then there was Nicole who got that last key, and that was the last battle."

"That's only six."

"I know basic arithmetic, Kirin, I know that's six!"

"Alright, just saying..."

"...Maria? That pink-haired club?"

"I think we'd have heard of her at this point. Besides, aside from the battle with Lancer she was less a teammate and more a loosely allied rogue with some vaguely overlapping goals."

"I think you're right." He got up and thought for a few moments.

Who else was there? It can't go to a servant, and... well, certainly not Anne's dog. That'd be funny, though.

...Ruler can't cheat something like this. Who else was there!?

The world shivered for a moment. There was something faint in the air- but something profound.

...No-

In a frenzy he turned around for the door. His eyes were strewn with fear.

She wouldn't-

"What's wrong?!" Kirin rose.

"Madeline!" He ran out. Through the facility he ran as fast as he could.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on February 06, 2016, 08:53:06 pm

Anne

Saber went down with a fight. If only that strike had missed. Well it wouldn't really matter. It's over, there nothing left to oppose us.

But there is.

Ha, no.

I could give you Cody and his robot will be spared.

Wait what? She was confused, but wanted more information. Yet at the same time she worried that the key was just trying to manipulate then.

Anything tied to the key is destroyed when it is destroyed. That robot's code was MADE by this key.

...I hate you. She knew what was the right decision and what she knew was best for the future, but she still almost did what she wanted before realizing that there was something hidden beneath what the key was showing her. HER future could be fine. The world, however, would take a different path that could possibly lead to extinction of the human race.

 I'm glad you understa-

She felt a bit stupid taking to a key, but she knew it had to be done to end this. Yeah, I understand. You don't give a **** about what happens to everyone. You want to keep manipulating people to use you for your own good, so that you can keep existing. Well you know what? Right now you know that I am your last hope and chance to continue this cursed cycle. Others have died for this and I'm the last one left. Good riddance.

With that she dropped the key on the ground and traced a scar that she had made what felt like a life time ago. Blood dripped into the short blade which instantly became longer. It has power, power that should leave this world. One stab downwards and stone flew across the room.

You fool. It's not-

She dared to ask the last question. Was it worth it?

((Phone post, so there are probably typos.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 12:23:32 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He limped over next to Hera. He seemed to see someone else when he looked down at the body of Robin. Kirin rested his hand on Hera's shoulder, trying to give a little comfort.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 12:09:03 pm

Cody Lazarus

He held his hand to Henri's chest. There was a steady heartbeat.

Thank god.

He brought out some bandages from his jacket pocket and patched up his bleeding hand, muttering to himself: "He's going to be fine. Thank god."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on February 06, 2016, 12:06:33 pm

Henri

A flash of inferno...

The Key burned up, his home burned up.  The Key burned up, his home burned up.  The association echoed through his mind, the best way Ruler thought he could get him to stop destroying the Key, but it was already fading.  The influence receding.

A voice spoke to him.  He couldn't make out the words, not exactly, but the voice was familiar.  His delirious brain decided on the words he associated most with this voice, the ones he had first heard from him.

"I... didn't know there was anyone else here."

Henri fainted from a mana deficiency.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 11:58:59 am

Cody Lazarus

"Henri!" He heard the commotion and ran over. Henri's hand was bleeding. "Hey, are you alright?!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on February 06, 2016, 11:56:38 am

Henri

Henri opened his eyes slowly, hearing the fighting die down.  The golden key was still in his hands.  He halfheartedly tried to bend and break it.  Of course, nothing happened.  It would take a little more effort to destroy something this powerful.

He drew on more power, magic which he would need to destroy his key, and the new magic circuits that had been wired into his body and brain immediately latched onto the key itself.  It began to glow, filling Henri with a sense of awe and power, but he managed to shut it down before it could go any further.

He spent about thirty seconds shivering, cold sweat pouring down his back, trying with all his willpower to not draw on the key further.

After his heartbeat had slowed down a bit, he slowly lifted the trident from his back.  He couldn't use magic without the Key trying to take over, working its way further into his magic circuits before they became indistinguishable.  But the trident itself was enough.

He closed his eyes and stretched his arm out in front of him, the key hanging on the tips of his fingers.  With every second that passed, images were brought to his mind of futures that would be possible with the key, impossible without it.  He did his best to shut them out.

Henri brought down the points of the trident on his own hand.  He screamed in pain, and his eyes jolted open.  The tips of three of his fingers were gone, but the Sanctum Key lay on the ground, now bloodstained.  He smiled slightly, but tears were coming out of his eyes.

"Spark."

A fireball flew out of his mangled hand onto the key, which glowed slightly red.

"Spark.  Spark.  Spark."

The Key turned a bright orange color and began vibrating.

"Spark.  Spark.  Spark.  Spark.  Spark.  Spark!  Spark!  SPARK!"

The Key's outlines were blurry, indistinct.

"CRUDUS!  CRUDUS!  CRUDUS!  CRUDUS!  CRUDUS!"

The Key was gone.  Only a smoking hole in the ground.  Henri tottered, then fell on the ground, his mana stores drained, his hand bleeding into the hole he had made.

This is my gift to you.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 06, 2016, 11:55:12 am

Cody Lazarus

It began to snow again. He took out the white key.

In his mind, Ruler was strangely silent.

Without hesitation he placed the key on the ground and shot it once with the peacemaker, causing it to shatter into pieces and fade away quietly.

...That's it, then.

He looked to his left. Robin was dead. Hera was kneeling beside his body. To his right, Kirin was leaning on a wall, deprived of energy. Behind him Caster was lying on the ground- drained, but alive.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 06, 2016, 11:50:45 am

Hera

...Death haunts me. Hera looked down upon Robin's dead body. As soon as she'd seen him fall to the ground bleeding, she'd known it was over for him. She heard footsteps behind her as she knelt beside the non master's bleeding body. Moving her hand over his face, she closed his eyes.

"You have done your part. You will not have died in vain. I promise."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on February 06, 2016, 11:35:37 am

Robin

Robin watched as Madeline finally ended the battle. Robin sagged, worn out from the enchantment and the battle. Dozens of explosion sites lay around the area, from the deaths of dozens of sabers and several other servants of hearts. Robin took out his piece of the key, a simple object containing so much power.

Interesting... how such a simple object can hold so much destruction.

Yes Robin... take me in... TAKE THE KEY!!!

Robin threw his piece onto the ground, sheathing his blade. For a second, anyone watching would've thought he was about to use the key. But instead, Robin drew his twin daggers, a gift from his father.

With this final blow, father, let your soul rest in peace. Your cause has been completed.

No... I AM MORE POWERFUL! TAKE THE KEY!!!

Robin drove both blades downwards, and time seemed to slow as one blade became light as the air but as strong as the heavy wind, and the other as delicate as a shard of ice but just as deadly. The two elements combined, a freezing wind blew over everyone as the paired daggers flew in a deathly arc. Separate, they may have been too weak to complete the job. But together, merged and wielded by the son of their creator, they became powerful beyond comprehension. As the tips of the blades collided with the fragment of the key, at first the key stood unscathed, before the daggers reemerged and uncharged into the key, sending a fatal blow through it's surface and ultimately, defeating it.

No...

The key imploded, blowing into small sparkling pieces of metal that sparkled throughout the area, as the already weakened voice vanished, completely, from Robin's head. The daggers melted away, one tuning into ice and shattering, the other merging into the icy wind and disappearing forever, it's job, completed.

Robin stood up, a burden lifted off of his heart. He would no longer be saddened by his father's death, having avenged him and his death. Robin felt heat across his lower abdomen, on the side, and as he looked down, a gash in his side was bleeding profusely. The sword enchantment had hidden it from him, but Avery's weapons had managed to scrape him. Robin suddenly paled, his legs threatening to go out from under him. He managed to let out a weak croak, the enchantment now completely expelled from his body, and began to sweat heavily.

"Help..."

Faces began to flash through his eyes, Robin reliving his life as he began to slowly edge away from the land of life. Faces he didn't recognize went past him, members of the Spade Faction that Robin had never known. Nat. Zoraya. Will. Avery. Audrey. Avery. Jack. Unfamiliar faces converged with more recognizable scenes. Robin and Tanik playing in the park with some of the local kids, Robin's mother and father standing nearby holding hands, the family enjoying this rare moment. Kirin. Riza. Anne. Cody. Roger. Masamune. Kiera. Hera. Henri. Maria. Celtchar. Madeline. Nick. Nicole. Tanik. And finally... his father. Robin's face became blurry with salty liquid, although he had little idea of why they came. He was prepared for death. Robin collapsed, although he no longer felt it. A hazy daze came over him, and Robin closed his eyes. The light hurt. And there, lay Robinat Sactum, moments away from finally leaving; life.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 05, 2016, 08:45:23 pm

Madeline

"My objective is completed. Speaking to you or giving heed to any of your statements is not a requirement." They both slowly landed. She tilted her head.

The part of her mind that closely resembled a human seemed to seize control.

With the spear she pierced Nicole through the skull, ensuring a painless death, then dropped her weapon.

Objective complete. The target is neutralized.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on February 05, 2016, 08:41:55 pm

Lancer

Spoiler: tl;dr Not very important, carry on (hover to show)

He stood atop the hill, off a ways from the terminating fight. A sense of hollow closure washed over him. All was drawing to a close. The two swordsmen were to lay upon a bed of blades, returning to their eternal rest. The mage had crumpled under the weight of the magic that he upheld. Yes, the war was coming to an end. He had won, yes, he stood atop those around him. Even those were not his accomplishments, he felt relieved in a sense. After all, a king is only a king if he lives to tell the tale.

Slowly walking towards the ending skirmish, he looked to find a tree. It would be nice to rest his old, weary bones. Old? Ah, time was catching up to him. Yes, he could feel the gold color flake off of his skin and his body crumpling away. Yes, it would indeed be a nice time to rest.

A voice cut through the thoughts flowing through his head. "- Your contract isn't over oh dear King." A sickly sweet voice it was. The kind of sweet that was always too good to be true. The self proclaimed strategist with a silver tongue and scathing rhetoric. He was in for another long talk; it was unpleasant thinking of such a thing.

"I request for thou to be silent."

"And I refuse."

The two locked eyes. Richard III came to a conclusion, they could not see eye to eye. He doubted they ever did. Even the 'real' contractor was just as likely to be fake and he would not have known the difference. Had he been duped the whole time? After all, he used to be the puppet master, but was he now the puppet? The mere thought irked him so.

"Is that so."

"Yes. Back to work?"

Richard III paused. "Burn in hell, wench."

[Descent of the Dragon's Bloodline EX] Yes, the ultimate pride of the lords of England. The true kings were the Pendragons, those who held the bloodline of the exalted. Yes, those ancient, legendary, revered beings. The herald of the dragons is the most noble of beings.

With a single cleave, the shell shattered.

A mere mortal shall not stand in my way. I am the king of England, I do not bend my will under a mere girl.

The voice chuckled back to life. The shattered splintered once more became whole.
"That's too bad, we could have terminated the contract under better terms. Well, find me, if you can." With a teasing jaunt, the figure disappeared.

Lancer took chase. He would end this. An unsettling aura had descended upon him

---

Reaching the inn, he found the room as he had left it. A girl sitting serenely upon a chair. No, a throne. A cold, calculating throne. An equal, she was not. Nonetheless, it was not a trivial matter.

He thundered, "Face me, it will be thy honor to fall in battle."

The voice cackled, emerging from the bed. As he identified the origin of the voice, he was irked by the fact it was another apple. A shimmering apple with words floating encircling it.
"Why, you're back. How lovely to see you again. Care for some tea? I'd pour some for you but my hands are a bit full at the moment."

It bothered him that even in the same room, it was that apple that spoke to him. He could not tell if any of this was real. In the end, he no longer had time to spare. The tip bore into her.
Blood dripped out. It drove in deeper. The girl remained still. The lance was retracted and a hole was left over her heart. Richard flicked the blood off of the point and it hit with a small patter.

"Ah, too bad, so sad. You guessed wrong." As the sickening voice rang out, a point punctured his hands and feet. Another force smashed him into the wall. Pinned, he glanced back. A sheet of pink greeted him. It bobbed down, revealing a pair of glowing eyes.

"How's it feel to be like Jesus? Crucifixion is a nice feeling, no?"

He strained his arms, he tore at his legs. Nothing, a sense of hollow life filled his body.

"St. George left a good legacy, don't you think?" said the voice as a sword was extracted from his back. It felt as if the sins of the world has been peeled off of his back. He lashed out, crushing the girl's head. The apple cackled again.

"You guess wrong, again."

The blade sunk into his leg, hitting the bone, grinding away the tendons, the tissue, the bone.

"Well, I bore of this now. Farewell, dear king."

A golden lance emerged alongside another Maria. And another, and another. They all gripped the center of the lance and with a easing touch, it bore into his abdomen.

"Huff", "Burn in hell."

He closed his eyes.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on February 05, 2016, 08:26:26 pm

Nicole

All at once, the key that had been keeping Nicole prisoner broke, shattered at the hands of the robot. As she felt the limitless mana under her command fade away to virtually nothing, she realized... she felt tired. Really tired.

It may have had something to do with the blood flowing out of the gaping wound in her neck, courtesy of said robot.

"M-m-monster." She choked out, her voice ragged and somewhat muffled. "I u-used to think you were like m-me... but you're a real mon-nster. I hope y-you burn for everything."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 05, 2016, 07:33:03 pm

Madeline

As the dome shattered below them, the dagger of blood flew towards her with a hatred greater than mortal description. She blocked the front with a forcefield, but midair it circled around and pierced her through her back... but it did not stop. It ripped straight through. As she grasped her chest in pain it flung itself through the air and tore through her right arm on a will of its own, ripping it to shreds. She was helpless as the one small blade of pure blood tore her body to pieces. Though she was merely a machine, she screamed in pain, experiencing firsthand what a mortal death felt like.

Piece by piece her body collapsed. Nicole managed a smile as she approached, the knife returning to her side. Amid the dust and metal components, however, she could see something glowing from within the flying wreckage for just a moment.

It was some small object, glowing the same gold as her eyes.

Suddenly, the parts on the ground began to float upwards to it. She looked down at them, but the glowing core had vanished once she looked back up. Rapidly the pieces formed back together... behind her.

There was absolutely no opportunity to react. In one deft motion she was stabbed through the back of the neck, the key making a satisfying CRACK as it shattered into little pieces and faded away. Madeline, body completely rebuilt, pulled out the spear, the job done.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on February 05, 2016, 07:21:57 pm

Muramasa

Lunging forward, Murmasa attacked with another pair of lightning-fast sashes, which had been promptly blocked. This was frustrating.

Now that both were dual-wielding, the pace of the battle had changed -- Masamune's defense was stronger, and Muramasa wasn't gaining nearly as much momentum as she'd hoped for. The blades in her hand hummed with energy, thirsty for blood. If this didn't wrap up soon, there wouldn't be any options left...

---

Four minutes. For minutes since she'd drawn blood. Too long. Her blades were screaming in her hands.

---

Missed by a hair. Missed by a hair again. How long had this battle been going on? She may as well have been attacking a brick wall, for all the reaction she got -- Masamune's concentration and discipline were completely controlled. She was stronger, and faster, and more agressive, but she still couldn't hit him... it made her murderous.

---

Splish. Splash.
Speckles of red blood stained the ground. Muramasa's blades, finally satisfied, vanished into thin air.
Her first swing had missed, went wide, but the blade had followed through. It had not been her hand guiding it; the blade drove itself, by its own hunger. Through a strap in her armor, into his, pinning the two servants to each other.

The second blade had pierced through her abdomen to enter her teacher's flesh. As they vanished, there was nothing left to stop the blood, which began to flow torrentially from both their wounds.

"W-why? Why do this, Muramasa?" Her teacher asked. The man seemed genuinely concerned.

Muramasa didn't answer. She only smiled. She, like her blades, was satisfied.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on February 03, 2016, 08:36:33 pm

Hera

Hera winced as Jack touched her leg. "I'm sure the whole healing thing comes in handy when things get a little rough. Well, if you have enough mana to cast a spell."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 03, 2016, 06:58:50 pm

Caster

"Nice try." Caster snapped his fingers. BRAZEN DOME. As the bright yellow lines began to signify the dome's borders, Caster grabbed Cody by the collar and threw him outside of the boundaries just as the dome shut.

It would have been dark inside if not for the skeleton's body providing a harsh light source. It squirmed around, trying to get a reading of a mana source, but inside their reality marble there was only Caster.

Fifty Seconds. Caster rested his chin in between his index finger and his thumb. That was the last of my mana, and I may not survive this, but I'm not letting some primal noble phantasm get the best of us. This is how I'm going out.

Forty Five.

Thirty.

The skeleton was motionless. It simply stood there, staring into space. There was a faint vibration in the air. In reaction it stared straight up. Curious, Caster looked up as well.

What in the... There was a tiny crack at the top of the dome. After a short pause, there was a more violent vibration. The crack became larger and larger with every impact. That's... That's impossible. The Dome is impenetrable! Soon cracks began to run down the side, and a few golden pieces fell down. Deprived of power, Caster fell to the floor as the dome shattered into pieces.

Fifteen... Seconds...

I'm sorry, Lazarus.

The skeleton immediately got a read on Cody again, who was watching from a few meters away. It immediately made a mad dash straight at him.

Cody Lazarus

W-what?! He let loose a barrage of bullets, but they bounced off the skeleton's body harmlessly. Cody found himself unable to move. Running in the opposite wouldn't contribute to anything.

Five... The gun reverted to a gauntlet.

Four... The gauntlet shifted into a shield.

Three... The skeleton closed in and grabbed hold of the shield as Cody raised it.

Two... It tore it to the side.

One. It reached for his face.

Kirin

Zero.

In a straight line from the tip of his wand to the skeleton's forehead, the temperature shot down to near absolute zero. In that instance, sound waves collapsed. Light gave way to darkness before returning to its normal state. In that moment, Nick's skeleton was crushed by the sheer force of the blast as the area around him scrambled to re-energize itself to conform to the laws of physics.

For a few seconds, there was nothing in sight but a gust of frost. Cody could be heard heavily coughing- a good sign, showing he clearly was alive. When the dust cleared he could be seen, glasses blown into the snow to his right, but otherwise safe. What remained of his attacker was a crushed mass of bones and impossibly cold ice. Under the pressure it crumbled to the ground, the bones collapsing into dust but remaining trapped in the ice.

Cody gave him a dumbfounded look. Kirin smirked.

"What, you've never heard of the Zero spell?"

He exhaled. "...T-thanks, Kirin."

"Let's finish this."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on February 03, 2016, 04:38:42 pm

Nick

Under the influence of Mad Enhancement, Nick screamed incoherently at his opponent, as blood began to drip from his mouth onto the ground. He was still a corpse, not a perfect servant, and his body could not maintain the strain of mad enhancement or powerful enchantments for long.

It was time, then. There was no more holding back. Grimacing, he hastily backed away and deactivated mad enhancement, as the blood flow volume increased, and he staggered to his knees.

"It's been... F-f-fun, Co-dy." he tried to say, but his voice quavered and shook. He looked 'small.

"But it's o-over now." Heh, it is for me, at least. Maybe he'll get lucky...wouldn't that be something?

UNDEAD RECKONING!

The name of Nick's Noble Phantasm echoed across the hillside, as the ground around him began to vibrate, from a sudden, tremendous amount of heat. Cody and Bacon were forced to jump back.

Nick's skin glowed a deep, true red. Then it melted away.
His muscles, flesh, and organs, suddenly exposed, immediately began to blacken, the color of pitch. They, too, crumbled away, leaving only a human skeleton.

Nick's skeleton, the third layer, glowed a pure white, brighter than the snow, and more blinding than the sun.

The white skeleton charged, heedless of any external stimuli, towards Cody, was was by now several meters away.

((Undead Reckoning: Anti-Unit, EX, Based on both Berserker and Assassin skills
The user's life is sacrificed, and their body destroyed, their form becoming a skeleton. The skeleton lingers for exactly one minute before dying, or until it touches a living human (not servant), whichever comes first. If the skeleton touches said human, they will also die once the timer runs out. Note that the skeleton does not have any of the 10 standard human senses, and instead must track its target through mana signature alone (meaning the user must be very familiar with the target's magic.) Can be used by any Berserker/Assassin double-summon, but this combination is extremely rare (in fact, Nick is the first) and the spell extremely situational, so it is expected that such a noble phantasm will only be used once every eternity or so.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on February 01, 2016, 09:21:50 pm

Henri

Henri had his eyes closed, the Sanctum Key perched on his pinky finger.  His eyes were closed, as if he couldn't tear himself away from his thoughts.

The main reason his eyes were closed, though, was that he wasn't sure he would be able to resist the urge to use the Sanctum Key to kill his enemies if he saw how much danger Cody was putting himself in.  Have to keep my mind on what's important... if Cody lives but the Key isn't destroyed, more people will be hurt...

But wouldn't it be better to grant you and Cody power, rather than someone like Nick?

No...

You're right, it's pointless anyway.  He could never love you.

The phrase "devil's advocate" appeared in some small part of Henri's mind that wasn't swamped by the incessant struggle in his brain.  This fight needs to be over quickly.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on February 01, 2016, 09:17:38 pm

Anne

So a squirt of water didn't exactly do anything to her, so how about this?

She threw the dagger that was in her hand at the quartz-like Maria in front of her. It dug into her 'stomach' and a long crack formed.

Since force seems to destroy this thing...

Penny teleported right in front of Maria, balancing on the cube, and proceeded to bite her to pieces. After a few minutes, all that remained was a ton of small quartz pieces, a weird silver cube that was flying around randomly and bumping into things, and the dagger.

---

One blade against two wasn't exactly easy. She was able to slice up one more of his disciples like it was a slice of apple butter while Saber was dealing with the other blade.

Deciding he had enough of being outnumbered when it came to blades, he summoned another blade and found it a lot easier to block the hits. He was still defending more than making attacks.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 01, 2016, 02:05:56 pm

Cody Lazarus

He's just full of surprises, isn't he? Might've made a fine ally sans the apathetic psychotic personality.

Oh, thanks for the input! He dodged past a few attacks, shooting back. Most of his bullets harmlessly whizzed past the skeleton's ribcage. Any skeleton-fighting tips you've got for me?

Try this! Cody's gauntlet shrank into a simple bracelet, the remaining material being used to construct a blunt weapon.

A club, huh?

Took us long enough, huh? Cody ducked under an arm swipe and bashed the zombie with the weapon. I call it... The Club Club!

With a wide swing Cody slammed the ribcage, ripping it to pieces. ...Eh, too obvious.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on February 01, 2016, 01:34:28 pm

Nicole

Nicole screamed, loud as a thunderbolt but still inaudible amidst the deafening grinding noise, as Madeline's halberd sawed through her formidable defense.

Her retreat cut off by a row of projectiles, Nicole could not escape the attack in time, and Madeline's halberd cut a half-inch deep line of red down her torso.

With a burst of mana, Nicole's shield exploded, propelling herself and Madeline in opposite directions. Both ended up hovering high in the air, Madeline's halberd tip coated in red and Nicole breathing heavily as blood dripped from her wound.

"You'll pay for that..."

With a small gasp, Nicole propelled a burst of mana into her wound, haphazardly stitching together the skin on either side of the wound.

The drops of Nicole's blood that hung in midair and on her clothing began, agonizingly slowly, to drift to a spot just past the focal point of Nicole's gaze. The crimson droplets collected, congealing, forming a tightly compacted ball. The ball then elongated, changing structure, until it was finally fixed into the image of a tiny, curved blade.

With a raw, primal scream from Nicole's throat, the blade shot forwards towards Madeline, twirling and slashing in midair, with the intention of cutting her to pieces.

Nick

Despite his greater strength, speed, and reach, Cody's reaction time in the combat was almost unreal, preventing any truly devastating blows from being dealt.

This battle would not end in a standstill! Snarling, Nick lashed out with a powerful kick, which Cody anticipated and rolled with, ducking away.

This gave Nick the opportunity to bend down, and slash one of his daggers across the ground. The small trench dug in the earth expanded, and its edges began to glow red.

Even though it was only a few inches across, and only an inch deep, the trench appeared as black as the void itself. From within, a skeletal hand reached up, grabbing onto the lip of the ditch and slowly dragging itself out. A literal, real-life zombie, only this one wasted no time before exploding into flame and charging at Cody directly.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on February 01, 2016, 12:05:07 am

Cody Lazarus

"Damn!" He observed as the A13 blew itself to pieces. Nick was gone in a flash, headed straight for Caster.

What now?!

You're the master, you think of something!

Cody could only watch as Caster engaged Nick, finding himself at a combat disadvantage. Against a focused opponent without a specialized weakness, he wasn't quite as powerful as most servants. Cody looked down at the done's scattered wreckage and noticed the damaged minigun. He quickly thrust his palm upon it and scanned it.

Scan. Deconstruct. Reconstruct. He strained his brain to come up with a new weapon design as quickly as possible. Damn it, give me a little more time... Design. Reconstruct. Reinforce. Seal! Around his right hand, the mechanical parts dislodged from the mechanism and attached themselves, taking on a new form similar to that of the original gatling gun design. With a twitch to his fingers it seamlessly switched forms in between that of a metal glove, and of a handheld machine gun.

"Hey!" He yelled at Nick preparing a final blow to Caster's neck. Cody let loose a barrage of mana bullets at Nick, several grazing his legs before he evaded and ran at him with two fistfuls of kunai. Cody found himself still shaking from the recoil, and he saw Nick's glowing red eyes as the blades neared his neck.

Reconstruct! Seal! Unwillingly, he felt the gun morph around his arm and shape into a shield, saving his life. After a second of disbelief he paced backwards. With another flick of the wrist the shield changed back into the gauntlet.

...Thanks, Caster.

It was nothing. I'm an inventor same as you. We simply look out for one another!

Well, I say we turn the tides.

Well put, Lazarus.

As he fought in close combat against the Berserk Assassin, he continued to change the weapon's form with Caster's constant help and guidance. In battle they had a symbiotic strategy of constantly adapting to the tides of combat with the speed of two separate minds.

Madeline

Nicole deftly defended herself on all fronts, dodging and striking away stray projectiles on one side while using the octagon shield as an independent line of defense. Even from multiple angles Madeline couldn't find an opening to strike with the halberd.

Suddenly, there was a faint clicking noise inside her mechanism. A container that had been slowly pouring out a substance unexpectedly burst open a much wider path. Eyes glowing a fiercer gold than before, Madeline hefted the halberd behind her and swung it down with enough force to hew a mountain in two. The strike let out a deafening screech as it pushed against the shield.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 31, 2016, 11:26:12 pm

Nicole

Left with no time to turn, and with a need to defend against both the explosive projectiles and the deadly halberd, Nicole took what seemed to be the only option -- she summoned a forcefield of her own. Throwing her hands up into the air, she brought into being a blood-red octagon in front of her and braced herself, prepared to weather the attacks.

Nicholas Hemingway, Assassin/Berserker of Hearts

...Huh. Well that's annoying as hell. I may as well end this. It's been fun, Cody, but it's over for you now.

"Let me show you..." This time, rather than taunting, the voice was menacing, and each consonant pronounced with a hard edge. "What it means to be... a servant." Nick deactivated his Presence Concealment, and appeared before Cody.

"Mad Enhancement."

A red hue began to envelop Nick's body, and his eyes again began to glow. Any semblance of life had receded from them.

He lunged forward, without a sound, too fast to follow, and was immediately met with the combat drone. However, unlike most Berserkers, Nick was also an Assassin, and he had once been a mage.

Deftly kicking aside the gattling turret as it began to fire, the spray of bullets went wide, allowing Nick to brace his free palm against the side of the machine.

After a second of it furiously attempting to right itself, the drone finally stilled, as smoke began to curl out from around the machine. With a shudder, purple flames began to consume the machine from the inside out.

Nick turned to Roger Bacon, already holding two daggers in each hand, and lunged forward.

Muramasa

Fighting with multiple blades against a single-blade opponent, especially when she had already been faster, put Muramasa in an advantageous position, as her former teacher struggled to deflect all the strikes and still find openings to attack. It wasn't long before Muramasa managed to deal a particularly debilitating blow, sinking one of her blades deeply into the side of his abdomen, but still he continued to fight.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 31, 2016, 10:44:55 pm

Madeline

In the air she continued to launch bright red projectiles like cluster rockets. She circled around and redrew her Halberd, changing course and flying straight at her.

Cody Lazarus

The A13 thrust its hand into the sparking golem, absorbing the surging electricity into its generator. There was too much to store, however, so it scanned the horizons for a place to safely disperse it before it tore it to shreds from the inside.

Over here, Lazarus! Cody heard Caster. He looked over and found him a dozen meters away, surrounded by Sabers. The man gave him an earnest thumbs-up. Cody nodded to the drone, which let loose the electric blast straight at him. Receiving the strike Caster twirled the lightning to arc around his body numerous times, meticulously arranging it to her specifications before letting it fly loose upon his assailants. While Nicole had been occupied preparing her attack and evading Madeline's spread-fire, she found herself unable to react in time to stop it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 31, 2016, 10:34:19 pm

Nicole

Scowling, Nicole summoned a harsh wind, trying to knock Madeline out of the air. The Artificial Intelligence deftly maneuvered through it, adapting easily to the attack.

I guess there's no other option.

Nicole leapt off her perch and took flight herself, unleashing a tremendous flame to propel herself forward, and soon began gaining on her foe. Intending to knock Madeline out of the air, she began to take careful aim, preparing to unleash a devastating attack.

Nicholas Hemingway, Assassin/Berserker of Clubs

Another robot? What an annoyance... Still, guess that's his specialty.

"Tsk, tsk. Cody." Nick's taunting voice echoed around the battlefield, seemingly coming from all directions. "Don't let your guaaard doooown!"

A stone golem began to emerge from the ground in the center of their formation, wedging its way in between Cody and the robot. It drew its arm back to strike as the boy turned, startled, gun held aloft.

Then, the stone seemed to liquefy, losing its substance, as Cody's first two bullets had no effect at all.

"What do you think you're doing, Cody, trying to shoot water?"

The golem began to morph again, this time gaining a flickering quality, and began to glow.

"Op, lightning now. Better run!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 31, 2016, 08:40:48 pm

Jack Blair

"I would be dead several times over if not for healing. Celtchar was sort of all of my brawn. Let me get that leg." He placed his hands on her leg and pressed a little energy into it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 31, 2016, 08:38:10 pm

Henri

Henri's eyes were transfixed by the key in front of him.  He closed his eyes, expecting to hear some whisper of Ruler's voice, but there was nothing.  Only him and his own thoughts.

Arash's goal... my goal... it was to bring peace to everyone.  Even if we end the Sanctum War, that's... impossible.  But with omnipotence... it might be.

Henri knew that time and time again, those who had hoped to enact grand change with the Key failed.  Time and time again, their plans were swallowed up in Ruler's schemes.  But with the Key right in front of him, rightfully granted to him, he could see the possibilities stretching forward.  The power to punish those who harmed others, to reward those who ended wars, to preside over a new utopia.  The power to form a new family, of his friends, and Cody, who still had a slim chance of being something more.

Henri shook his head and began to point his trident, crackling with lightning, at his key.

Suddenly, a barrage of elemental spells were fired at him, from one of the summoned corpses.  Henri redirected his trident toward the spells, but in the process, it caught on the Sanctum Key.  A burst of mana, the creation of a circuit, perhaps aided by his earlier line of thinking, and he was wielding the Sanctum Key.  A golden forcefield appeared in front of him, and the elemental spells were deflected, tunneling into Nicole's so-called Caster with double their original force.  Caster was defeated.

Henri tried to let go of the key, but his hands moved slowly, as if they were straining against his will.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 31, 2016, 08:27:37 pm

Hera

Hera's eyebrows raised slightly as the agonizing pain in her shoulder began to subside. "You specialize in healing magic. Huh, who knew? In all honesty, I thought you specialized in attack spells of some sort."

The young woman glanced at her now healed shoulder. "...Thanks."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 31, 2016, 08:04:23 pm

Jack Blair

"Oh, Sorry." He snapped out of his stupor, "Let me get that." He placed his hands over her shoulder and the wound began to heal, "It should be alright in a few minutes. Your leg will be a little more difficult."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 31, 2016, 07:54:59 pm

Hera

Hera rolled her eyes as she slowly maneuvered herself into a sitting position. "Of course I am, as you can see from my bleeding shoulder and bandaged leg."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 31, 2016, 07:52:47 pm

Robin

The healing nearly complete, Robin turned to the nearest enemies he could take care of. Looking at the Saber's remaining, Robin got up from the position, trying his best to ignore what little was left of Avery's body. He sprinted at the Saber, the enchantment still fueling his energy.

As he reached the first, which looked at him, surprised, Robin cut it down before turning to the next. He let loose a violent attack, slashing at the Saber. Side, backhand, overhead, side, side, overhead. The blade penetrated the Saber's side, sinking in deep before Robin realized that the Saber that he had killed was about to explode as well. Leaping away before the explosion went off, Robin found himself facing 2 warriors at once. He cut one, but the other slashed his non-sword arm. The cut wasn't deep, but it burned all the same. Robin killed the being, sprinting down the Saber lines as he narrowly dodged the first of the four explosions. The rest of the explosions followed, and Robin presumed it safe to continue fighting, slashing down a Saber an then retreating from the explosion.

He continued to fight this way, his blade becoming a blur of fire and glinting metal as he cut down Saber after Saber, sending gusts of wind to carry the dead Sabers into the ranks, although it didn't seem to do much to the Sabers.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 31, 2016, 07:44:06 pm

Jack Blair

A saber ran at him. His mind blanked, his movements began to just slur together for him. A step here, and twist there. He pulled out his sleeping bomb he never got to use against that boy Henri and pressed it up to the makeshift servant's face. It fell in front of his feet and he removed his pistol.

He pulled the trigger 2 left. The bullet entered the servant's skull as it began to quickly light up. Jack stepped back as the violent explosion shook his body. The burns on his face healing over into normal skin.

There wasn't much thinking left to do. Kirin's classmate was right, and all Jack could do was watch. He did what he could, but it wasn't enough. He knew that. Everyone knew that. Two bullets left, two more actions, two more servants, or whatever was being hurled at him...

The air left his stomach as a girl tumbled into him.

"Hey! Are you alright?" He recognized a teammate, or at least he thought.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 31, 2016, 07:35:57 pm

Hera

"Scutum!" Hera shouted quickly as Will's body began to glow. She dashed madly towards wherever there wasn't the sound of fighting, doing her best to ignore the combined pain of a wounded shoulder and leg. An explosion behind her sent her forward causing her to crash into Jack.

"OW!"Hera exclaimed as she landed in the snow.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 31, 2016, 06:17:00 pm

Madeline

As forcefield blades rained from the sky, Madleine propelled herself out of the way of the drill using boosters from her legs and laid her arms out to her sides. Streams of fire danced around her fingertips, soon growing into orbiting projectiles. With these in store she circled around Nicole, letting out a few volleys like small flaming comets and then backing away, as if to challenge her opponent to give chase.

Cody Lazarus

He sidestepped. One blade missed by a hair, as the second grazed his pant leg.

Damn, he's accurate! He looked around. Nick was nowhere in sight. No... Not here! In a rush he laid his hands to the ground and began chanting to himself as quickly as his vocal cords would allow.

Exchange. Mana to Matter. Follow model A13. Exchange. Mana to Matter. Construct.

Two knives flew at him from the side, but they hit something metal. A combat drone had been summoned out of raw mana, equipped with a gatling gun and alloy plating.

I blew more mana there than I had intended, but model A13 should be able to keep me safe. He and the drone stood back to back, on high alert to any foreign projectiles and firing wherever they heard a rustling.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 31, 2016, 05:51:31 pm

Nicholas Hemingway, Assassin/Berserker of Hearts

Nick chuckled. "Nice toy, that." He gestured towards the gun. "Let me show you one of mine."

Nick bent into a low crouch, and drew a half-dozen sharpened daggers, tips dripping with purple venom.

"Ever fought an assassin before?"

With that, he vanished entirely from view. A second later, his image appeared in the air, several meters to the right, for a fraction of a second, sending two of the blades whizzing. As quickly as he had become visible, he faded into his Presence Concealment skill once more.

Nicole

Despite the heightened adrenaline of the moment, Nicole stopped to gape. Wha... Since when had she been that powerful?!

The momentary shock was soon replaced by a sense of urgency, as her key began to vibrate intensely. At last, it had found a worthy target, upon which it could unleash its vast magical ordnance.

A glowing, spiralling figure eerily similar to Maria's massive drill materialized before Nicole, spinning wildly. Upon contact, the sharpened force-field Madeline had created exploded into a multitude of razor-sharp, luminescent shards, which began to rain down onto the combatants below.

The drill followed through, picking up speed as it made its way towards Madeline.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 31, 2016, 02:57:04 pm

Madeline

Aegis aureum, infinite arma aeternus! Inches from her head, a clear blue force field shielded her from the massive blast. Despite the power of the onslaught, she was unscathed. As the attack dispersed into scattered rocks, flames and electric surges, Madeline stared at Nicole with a look that could freeze fire. The force field shifted its shape into that of a razorblade, which flung itself forward in counterattack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 31, 2016, 02:35:57 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Sorry to disappoint you." He began to strafe slowly to the right. "But this isn't some fairy tale, Nick. There are no heroes, no dark lords with giant scythes, and no happily-ever-afters. I'm not here to neatly fit into your narrative. People like you can't be reasoned with. You just can't be helped. If taking your life here and now means keeping the future even a little bit safer, I'm ready. Erase me from history, see if I care." He charged an empty chamber of his gun with raw mana. "But you better make damn sure you leave the innocent people out of it." He fired straight at the golem, the bullet lodging inside and bursting open with enough force to sever its remote connection to its creator.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 31, 2016, 01:27:08 pm

Robin

Robin got up as he saw Avery's body light up, moving as fast as he could and jumping out of the way of the explosion.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 31, 2016, 01:25:03 pm

Avery, Lancer of Hearts

Avery's body glowed painfully brightly, signaling that it was about to detonate.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 31, 2016, 01:22:09 pm

Robin

Robin didn't say a word when he went down. He saw he Avery coming in for the kill.

"Not today."

Robin leapt up on his good foot, grabbing the weapon out of his knee. His sword came down in sweeping, furious lightning-fast arcs, which Avery was just managing to deflect. Robin saw an opening and bashed his sword pommel into Avery's side, who stumbled back. Grabbing his dagger in one hand, he felt his hand go numbing cold as he released a hailstorm of ice shards, over and over again, digging into Lancer's flesh in dozens of spots. Robin, now nearly drained of mana, and the wound in his leg slowly beginning to take over, took one step towards the injured Avery, and slid his sword in and out of Avery's chest, the blade penetrating his heart.

"Rest in peace, now."

As Avery toppled backwards, Robin went down on his good knee, inspecting the wound. He tore off a bit of his sleeve and made a hasty bandage around it, spending a precious bit of mana to speed up the healing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 31, 2016, 01:03:01 pm

Nicholas Hemingway, Berserker/Assassin of Hearts

Nick smirked at Cody's bravado. The pretentious kid hadn't changed one bit. Shoot first, ask questions later, was it?

The summoned stone golem in front of him stepped aside after taking the bullet, moving completely fluidly despite its rigidity. It hadn't even taken a quarter of the usual summoning time to erect it. So this is the power of the Sanctum Key... No corpses, no incantations, no messiness; just pure unbridled power.

He had created Nicole, given her life, given her power far beyond that of her old body and the ability to command a deadly servant. Now, at last, he was repaid. She lent him power, infinitely greater than that which he had accumulated in life. She granted him a second chance. He certainly wouldn't waste it.

"Oh come on, Cody. Stop glaring at me, man, you'll go cross-eyed. Here I am, back from the goddamn land of the dead, all so you can have a dramatic character-ddevelopy final battle because I'm generous, and you don't even spare a second before you try to shoot me?"

Sabers of Hearts

As the lightning maelstrom descended towards the contingent of shadowy warriors, a much more ancient and malevolent force shook the sky, not by any summoned wind, but by an overflow of sheer arcane might. As one, the lightning spells fizzled out, as if they'd all at once attempted to retreat from a foe they suddenly realized they could hot defeat.

"Ha! Who needs Magic Resistance when I rule Magic Itself?! Onward, Sabers; Charge forth without fear!" Nicole's high-pitched and magically amplified voice echoed down from above.

William Conzette, Archer of Hearts

As Kirin expected, Will did not initially reply to his words, only stoically marching forward. As Kirin began his attack, however, Will seemed to slow down. His eyes were clouded in a red aura, but with each strike dealt to him, the aura seemed to recede.

"K-Kirin!" He tried to call, choked for words, as the powerful magecraft began to tear through his summoned body. Nicole didn't care enough to reverse the damage.

Will finally reached his quarry, collapsing across the ground at Kirin's feet, his clothing mangled but a glowing red heart still pulsing across his chest.

"Th-thank you." Will sobbed, the last words he ever spoke.

The heart pulsed one last time before Will's body lit up, a blinding hue somewhere between red and white, and a powerful detonation hid Kirin and Hera from view.

Maria

Maria was stoic, seemingly unfazed by the sudden appearance and disappearance of the strange dog.

She cocked her head to the side, eyeing Anne questioningly.

Without warning, beams of glowing mana speared outward from her box, before converging on Anne like heat-seeking missiles.

Avery, Lancer of Hearts

Scowling with rage, Avery turned and lashed out with both weapons simultaneously. Robin adeptly dodged the first one but the second clipped him in the knee, causing him to collapse painfully. Avery stood, stronger than any normal human, unaffected by his fall, and prepared to deal a crushing blow to his prone foe.

Muramasa

Muramasa finally broke awY from the heated combat with her former master, sinking into a low, cat-like crouch. At a thought, six more blades appeared before her, and she lunged with the intention of plunging them all into him at once.

Nicole

"Give it up, monster. Only another key-bearer can hope to match me now, and your master seems very intent on not using his. Die then, crawling in the muck, outmatched and impotent!" A multi-elemental beam with a meter-long radius, containing spells from the books of fire, lightning, and earth, speared towards Madeline, summoned without a single incantation.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 31, 2016, 09:37:09 am

Robin

Robin watched the Lancer of Spades, once known by the name of Avery, run straight at him. Robin ducked from the first charge, and Avery, his momentum continuing over Robins head, causing him to loose balance.

"I remember you, you know. You died in this war, didn't you? Well, I guess I'll be doing you a favor when I end this. Let your soul rest, Spade, Heart or Club. But then again, I guess I'll have to defeat you first."

With that, Robin summoned a gust of wind, throwing the already off-balance Avery hard onto the ground, staying aware of the rest of the servants behind him.

((I'm assuming M2 you're controlling all of these new servants?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 31, 2016, 01:53:29 am

Anne

Shit.

The weird bobbing Maria-on-a-cube thing floated towards her in an awkward pattern. It was about to reach her when...

POOF. Tons of sparkles and the smell of cupcakes filled the room.
"IT IS I CUPCAKE WIZARD AND I WILL DESTROY THIS WEIRD THING FOR NO REASON."
An explosion left everyone covered in cupcake frosting, and Maria was turned into a giant cupcake, which Cupcake Wizard ate. READ THE DOUBLE PARENTHESES AT THE BOTTOM FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THIS.

..."ARF!"

A beagle materialized in the air above Maria and bit her neck, hard. The snapping of bone echoed through the room, and Maria fell off her cube and never got up again. and started howling very loudly, irritating everyone nearby and distracting them. She also squirted some water at the fake Maria thing.

((No idea who crossed that out but as an explanation, there's no bone in the Maria fake unlike all the other corpses; It's made entirely from mana crystal which is similar ish to glass/quartz and thus has a rupture psi of about 24 times an average dog's bite strength.))
((It was crossed out by me, I was just joking around because I had nothing better to do))
Whoops

The beagle disappeared as fast as she had come and found herself in Anne's room on the bed which she proceeded to fall asleep on.

---

Muramasa seemed more focused on the disciples than on him which was helpful. Using this to his advantage, Saber managed to impale one of his blades in her leg, but he knew it wouldn't be very effective. As soon as it had pierced through, he pulled it back out causing her to scream in pain and rage.

After that attack, she focused her attention back on him. The two were locked in a blade to blade combat that was so fast, any of the watching masters that looked over just saw blurs. Overall, Saber had more small cuts and injuries than his student, but he continued as if he had no injuries.

((If you saw a few things that did not belong in this post... let's just say that I was bored and had nothing better to do. MOST of that boredom went into the Kell post (the Cake Entrance junk) but some ended up here. ALSO PLEASE PARDON THE TERRIBLE QUALITY OF THIS POST.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 30, 2016, 10:14:46 pm

Cody Lazarus

...No...

The memory of seeing Nick's corpse in the labyrinth flashed in his mind, but what he saw standing in front of him defied all logic. He was dead, but yet here he stood once more- now a servant.

Weather it was out of necessity or his own newfound resolve, no one is for sure, but Cody centered his glasses and rose his gun. In his hands it didn't shake this time.

"You won't hurt anyone... ever again." Adrenaline reached a fever pitch. He wouldn't, he couldn't allow himself to fail. Casting away the last remnant of hesitation he'd held up to this point, he pulled the trigger and prepared himself.

Caster

He dropped down, arms crossed and grin unwavering, directly in front of the force of "Sabers". His eyes crackled with electricity. "How peculiar. Are these the 'Sabers' of hearts I'm supposed to be threatened by? I personally think my efforts should be put to better use, but I suppose we're short on wide-ranged fighters. Nevertheless, I'm here to put you all in your places. We all know..." He clapped his hands together, charging electricity. "Any real saber has a decent resistance to magic. I'll be your test of legitimacy!" With that declaration, the skies above sent down a hellstorm of lightning spells upon the heart Sabers.

Kirin

Will?! He dodged around the Archer's projectiles.

"...So." He seemed to already know he wouldn't be met with a response, but he spoke anyway. "You've been caught up as a servant. Does that mean..." He gave it some thought.

I suppose we are all doomed to be servants someday... Unless we finish this here. Now.

"I won't let you be trapped in this war like so many others, Will..." He rose his wand. "This is where it ends. You'll be able to rest at last. May your soul be at peace, wherever you find yourself." He fired.

Madeline

"You will try." Her eyes glowed a shade of gold, yielding an unusual amount of power. With a surge of mana her spear transformed into the deadlier form of a halberd. She mentally laid down a string of physical-enhancement spells and launched herself at Nicole, pulling the massive weapon's weight down with one heavy swing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 30, 2016, 07:40:17 pm

Nicole

A blast of mana straight downward propelled Nicole far into the air, allowing her to easily evade Madeline's charge.

She landed soundlessly, atop the tallest standing wall-section of the building Avenger had gutted.

Nicole looked down at the ground, a dozen meters away from the base of her perch. At the spot where the focused, a red dot appeared among the snow. She slowly turned, surveying the rest of the battlefield, and the red dot extended into a line, following her gaze, until  a massive circle had been drawn on the field.

Perhaps it was only an optical illusion, but the circles seemed to pulse, rhythimcally, outwards and inwards. A heartbeat.

BOOM

A figure appeared, at the base of the wall. Avery, wielding his spear-staffs, his shirt emblazoned with a massive red heart insignia. Lancer.

BOOM

A second figure, shoulder-to-shoulder with the first. Will, already holding a half-dozen canisters ready to fire. Archer.

BOOM

A third, this one glowing more intensely than the first two. A tall woman, gray hair blowing freely in the wind. Zoraya Krauss. Caster.

BOOM

A fourth figure, which had used the head of Maria's statue as a catalyst, appeared as Maria's full-body form, atop a floating, flickering red cube of pure mana. Rider.

The next BOOM-BOOM was loud enough that the wall shuddered, but Nicole stood completely unaffected, although she squinted from the strain of the spell. Even with her incalculable newfound powers, that one had been difficult. A double-summon.

Nicholas Hemingway. Rather than stock-still and disciplined as the others, he stood casually, one hand in a pocket, the other leaning against the wall. He raised an eyebrow at the scene arrayed before him. Berserker, and Assassin.

BOOM

The remnants of Muramasa's army, a fraction of the original but still vastly outnumbering the Clubs which remained, formed ranks behind these new servants. Sabers.


"Kill."

The Lancer of hearts, stronger and faster than he'd ever been in life, charged forward to battle Robin. The Archer began firing explosive and incendiary canisters, in Kirin and Hera's direction. The Caster opened a barrage of elemental spells at Henri. The Rider floated towards Anne in a bouncing, unpredictable pattern. The Sabers spread, some charging towards Jack while others attempted to surround Kirin and Hera.

Nicholas Hemingway made a few seconds' eye contact with Cody Lazarus. "Missed me?" He finally questioned.

Nicole Hemingway glared at Madeline, and her key glimmered with malice.

"You are a monster I will put down personally."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 30, 2016, 06:43:38 pm

Madeline

PRIMARY TARGET: ENEMY SANCTUM KEY

PRIMARY OBSTACLE: WIELDER OF TARGET

OBJECTIVE: ELIMINATE TARGET, KEEPING OBSTACLE ALIVE UNTIL OBJECTIVE IS COMPLETED

She reacted immediately, swatting each projectile with her spear with stunning accuracy, then continued her approach. More ice flew in from two angles. She shattered the shards to the right and evaporated those to the left with a fire spell, all in one collective motion. She caught view of the key.

TARGET SIGHTED.

She charged, spear poised for the neck.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 30, 2016, 06:30:46 pm

Nicole

A summoned wind, powerful enough to push away even the freshly fallen snow, expanded centrally from Nicole's figure, pushing Madeline back and exposing a circle of brown dirt beneath the snow. Her eyes stared forward, not at any particular person, but merely ahead.

"Enough." Seemingly a multitude of voices were emitted at once from her mouth, each a slightly different cadence, but all high and clear. She spoke like a church choir, only in a much harder tone.

The command seemed to infiltrate the snow around her, as it arose into a cylindrical barrier around her, and hardened immensely.

"Muramasa Senji. You have served me well. As your Master, I command you: Don the moniker of Saber of Hearts and vanquish all who stand before you."

The command seal, backed by an incalculable quantity of pure magical energy, seemed to overwhelm the servant, as if she had received a command from Ruler himself. Expression darkening, she lunged forward, slashing her blade with renewed vigor and beheading two of his summoned assistants in a single strike.

The ice wall surrounding Nicole shattered, and the enchanted shards shot towards Madeline in unison.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 29, 2016, 09:45:44 pm

Hera

This power… I can do so much with this mana. Hera shook her head, No! I must destroy this key and end the cycle!

Hera…Think of all you could change…Think of all you want in the world…You can have it now that you have me.

…I could become a powerful mage.

You could do more than that.

Could I…bring someone back to life?

Most certainly...You could even make someone fall in love.

Hera looked up at Kirin who had placed a hand on her shoulder. I…could?

With that dead girl out of your way, it would be simple enough.

Dead girl? Suddenly, all the memories of the past few hours returned. Riza…

So that’s what her name was.

Riza died for this war to end.

She was in between you and him. Now she’s gone, and you have him all to yourself.

…I’m afraid you don’t understand. She will not have died in vain. Hera ignored the tear that rolled down her cheek. She pulled the dagger out of her shoulder without so much as a word.

What are you doing?

Ending this war. Hera let the key fall to the ground. The flames fought against the white snow, beating it back. Hera lifted the dagger above her head, preparing to strike.

What about your mother?

Hera’s grip on the dagger loosened.

You will never win her approval.

Hera’s grip tightened once more around the hilt of the dagger. With tears streaming down her face, the female stabbed the key. Even with your power, I doubt I ever could.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 29, 2016, 08:39:27 pm

Kirin

"Hera, we can slow her movements to a crawl if we put focus into ice magic. Once that's... Hera?" He looked over. She seemed to be hypnotized by her key. He put his hand on her shoulder. "Hera!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 29, 2016, 07:52:22 pm

Anne

A solid rock key hovered in the air right in front of her. A metal chain went around it a few times, giving some contrast to the dull stone.

It looks powerless, this is what we've fought to destroy? What can it do? One more question lingered in her mind, one she didn't dare to ask... not because of the question, but because of what the answer could be.

She reached out and grabbed it. As she touched the surprisingly smooth surface, small sparks of red, orange, yellow, and white bounced off the surface. Once holding it, she realized that this simple object had power. Without power, that small of an item would have little mass, but this... it felt heavy somehow.

Everyone, listen! We have to defeat her to win this for good, but we HAVE to destroy her key first, or else all of this will have been for nothing. Stay on your guard

Well I just have defense right now, no chance of attacking for at least half an hour because of low mana but I have a dog... Saber's got to deal with Muramasa now, but if he wins than we have that.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 29, 2016, 01:41:50 pm

Robin

Robin turned towards Nicole, his piece of the key trying to seduce him, take him in. He looked at Nicole, hearing Cody's message through a little part of his head as he looked at the key, completely enhanced by it. Somehow, maybe by Cody's message, his father's memory or sheer willpower, or maybe all three, Robin broke his gaze. He pocketed the key, placing in in his most secure pocktet.

Time will claim you soon, key, but there is something for me to do first. Don't worry, I'll complete my fathers wish soon enough.

Robin, angered by his father's memory, drew his sword. It gleamed, now, as the metal suddenly shown a blinding light, lighting up on a powerful white fire. Robin felt this sudden enchantment fill him, power rushing into his body as the fire continued to build up. Robin created a ice shield, now many times more powerful then it ever was. He held the sword, pointed at Nicole. Robin only felt pity now, looking at her. Sad that the key had taken her, and that she had to die. He stood there, many times more powerful then he had been before.

"Let's finish this."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 29, 2016, 12:15:07 pm

Hera

Everyone, listen! We have to defeat her to win this for good, but we HAVE to destroy her key first, or else all of this will have been for nothing. Stay on your guard! Cody sent through the mental link, but Hera heard nothing.

The flames caressed Hera’s hand as she held her piece of the key. She paid little mind to the agonizing pain in her shoulder and leg as she watched the fire dance with the chilling winter breeze. It’s so…beautiful. The sheer unrestrained power of it held her gaze as it continued it’s performance. It’s so…deadly.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 29, 2016, 11:06:46 am

Madeline

Cody. That woman is berserker's master and a spade. She holds a piece of the Sanctum Key.

I can tell. Everyone, listen! We have to defeat her to win this for good, but we HAVE to destroy her key first, or else all of this will have been for nothing. Stay on your guard!

In a flash of wind, Madeline bolted into the cloud of dust surrounding Nicole.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 29, 2016, 10:37:54 am

Nicole

Nicole backed away from the Clubs she stood by, moving closer to the site of Maria's fallen head. Then, she noticed the robot, seemingly glaring at her--

Almost subconsciously, she remembered the feeling of cold metal hands around her throat.

Calm down, Nicole. They don't know what you are. Besides, you have THIS (her thoughts wandered to the key, which she couldn't help but feel was strangling her around the throat) and she doesn't.

Fully aware of the others eyes on her, Nicole reached down to Maria's head and lifted it up to chest height. It faded away with a small, unbelievably satisfying pop. The atmosphere on the hill seemed to grow even colder, and this cold cut through warm clothing and camaraderie in a way the snow never had.

The color white seemed to pervade everything around. Not the tone white, but the actual color White. White was a strange color. It simplified things. It made recognition harder, but it made acknowledgement easier. Or something. Nicole couldn't really explain it. The hillside looked bleached, and homogeneous. And cold. It looked cold.

Was it any coincidence than snow was White?

Wasn't White the color of death, in certain myths.

Hadn't there been a girl wearing white, who was throwing swords at some people? She'd been scary.

Their eyes continued to stare. So many eyes, of mages and of masters and of servants, that they all simply seemed to blend into a single crowd. Staring, penetrating, reading her. Did she once know some of them? Did it matter anymore? She couldn't help but thinking that they knew.

She had no idea what they knew, but she knew that they knew.  As she continued to turn, without registering what was in front of her, the key around her neck seemed to loosen; seemed to invite. Use it, Nicole. It seemed to whisper. Use me. Nicole shivered at the voice. It didn't sound like, Nick as she'd expected (indeed, if it had, she'd have probably shattered it then and there). It sounded like him. Heidrek.

It sounded like Berserker. Contrary to popular belief, Berserkers are best exemplified by the color White. They were the simplest of servants, and the easiest to understand. They liked the cold. They always seemed to speak in red, though, I wonder why--

Again, their eyes continued to stare. So many eyes, of enemies and of rivals and of ordinary people, that they all simply seemed to blend into a single being, with no head or tail or hand. But it had a heart, she thought. Wasn't she supposed to be a heart? She was fairly sure she distinctly remembered being a heart.

What is a heart? Where could I get one? They sound nice.

Why, you already have 7. The key replied softly.

Really? Can I use them?

No. But I can.

Show me--

Once more, their eyes continued to stare. So many eyes, of people she knew nothing about. But did they know? Did they know what she was? Well, if they didn't know, she would tell them.

"I'm not him!" Nicole tried to scream at the crowd. She wasn't sure if they heard. "I'm Nicole! It's good to meet you, whoever you are!"

Then the key took over, her eyes turned red, and the ground around her exploded.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 28, 2016, 11:05:03 pm

Maria

The sky split open under the looming lights of the key of the world. The splintered shards floated down to their rightful owners.

That was more anticlimactic than I thought. No final song, no requiem, no real sense of fulfillment, only the open palms, clutching onto another burden.

To truly end everything, all the servants would have to disappear. Every last one of them. Lancer, Caster, Saber, and Berserker. Yes, this would be the end, the coda of the story, the final cadence. Lest we return, a la coda.

Sitting peacefully in her chair, she stroked her left glove. Gone will be one shackle, and then evermore. She sank into her chair, returning to her slumber in the world of the living.

---

A second shell strolled out of a bush. It was no matter that the circuitry of the first one was completely and utterly smashed to bits. ALl she needed to do was reset, reroll, and try again.

It was a perpetual cycle. Waking up, satisfying her urge for sugar, doing whatever she pleased.

Gun in hand, she strolled through the ravaged grounds of the forest and hill. It was a colorful event and one to remember. She mused that Lancer would be ahead of her, walking forwards burning out the last of his youth. She would go collect the in person using this second body. Yes, everything is progressing normally.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 28, 2016, 10:09:29 pm

Madeline

Her metal body fixed its gaze on Nicole. Her grip on her spear tightened.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 28, 2016, 10:07:25 pm

Event

In the air above Saber and Berserker, a gleaming white light appeared in the sky. One could make out its shape upon close inspection. One could easily identify it as the Sanctum Key itself. After appearing, it ****, then dispersed into seven pieces which seemed to vanish into the wind, reappearing for the victors.

The first appeared before Robin Sacton. It was a small, decorated mechanism composed of pure steel. Its power was seductive beyond description.

Before Hendrick Mahagany materialized a key of polished gold. Its gleam promised revenge.

In front of Anne Kenrin lay a stone key wrapped in chains. It unlocked the treasures and ambitions of the earth itself.

For Hera Gregg an article of blazing fire appeared before her. Its power yielded only to her, allowing her alone to touch its raging flames.

A black key, surging with sinister power, found itself chained to Nicole's neck. It was engraved with a threatening heart-shaped insignia.

For Cody, a polished white key of simple design appeared in his hand. He could feel the world screaming inside.

The last key had disappeared.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 28, 2016, 09:47:00 pm

Eve

So you yourself posses a library of your own, your very own collection of weapons.

You must think of yourself as my antithesis, Masamune. You always did. You must also realize that every blade has killed its target, though. Every one of your 'pure' and 'honorable' blades has been tainted by sin. MY sin. Your blades were mine to command along with all the others.

Someday, Saber... Someday, I will paint you black like all the others.

As blood poured from several angles, Eve menacingly glared at Masamune as her body faded away in a cloud of ash and embers.

You now face a trial, a battle as old as the blade itself. A fight against your own shadow.

Soon enough...


Another will face the same fate.


He will fall...


A͙̼̗͡n͏͈̹͕̯̞̬̰d͓̱̤̖ ̣̥͚͘t͕͘h̠͚͠ę͍͈͈̝͉̣͓ ͇͙͡s̸̺̯e͔̹͢e̺͔̠̯͖̪͞d͝ h̠̜ͅę ̖̤̩p͓̺͎̘̞l̼͓͞a̧̘̹n̞̻͙̦͙t̹̩̜̻̬͖͍͠s̩̫̟͖̭̪ͅ ̤̪̳̜w҉̻̫̣̟i̫̥͖͕̞l̛̬̥͉͙l̨ ͍̤̮̜͘d̦̝͈͠e̹͉͓͖͝ś̳̼͈t̗͠r͏̠̲̺͚̩̫̘o͕͙͡y̠̬ ҉͔͉e̥̗̰̞͔̺͚v͍̟̰͍̪̘ͅe̷͍͍r̨̞̘̤̣͎y̹̬͉̪̤͉ͅt̮̜h͓̺͎̩̙i̢̘̹̭͉n̥̬̬̗̠̮g̴̜̥̰̰̗̗̺.̲



Silence.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 28, 2016, 09:05:04 pm

In her fight with Lancer, Eve had knocked Saber onto the ground, but he had managed to get back up in a few seconds (after being stepped on by one of the creatures in her army, but that's irrelevant as he wasn't injured). Masamune would have attacked Avenger earlier, but Muramasa attacking him had delayed him. The Lancer of Clubs seemed to have weakened Avenger enough, so Saber decided that now was a good time. The white aura around him expanded a little bit and his nine (for one had been slaughtered by Muramasa because he was in the way) disciples arranged themselves around Eve in a wide circle. A small burst of white light was  visible from where he was. When it disappeared, he held a longer blade that was stronger than the previous.

"Now."

Quickly sidestepping Muramasa as she ran at him again, he charged at Eve and time seemed to slow down. She turned some of the portals at him, some of them slid right by him, merely centimeters away, but he continued. More weapons came. Each fell to the side as it bounced off his new blade that was glowing a vivid blue. It continued to get brighter as Anne made the deflective covering stronger. Finally as he neared her, his nine disciples who had followed him, shrinking the circle prevented all routes in and out. In the circle that was about five feet wide, there were no armored humanoid creatures anymore, just fallen pieces of metal.

I'm going to weaken her before you deal the killing blow.

Below the layer of water which Anne continued to hold up, a large flame burned a path towards Avenger leaving only dripping 'metal' behind. It seemed to leap right over  the circle's edge, but in the center, Eve was burnt decently. She was still pretty strong and still would barely have the upper hand against a master. A third of the portals turned to the attacker, Anne, and fired. Most of the rest aimed at Saber, but he deflected them quickly.

"Cody, help me keep the shield up!" She shouted at him over the noise of weapons crashing into various things. Even before he could respond, she continued forcing the shield to stay up by pushing against each incoming blade. He joined in as well, but didn't use as much mana.

Shit, that was probably my last attack.

While they worked at keeping the shield up, Saber and his students closed in on Avenger.

"It's over for you."

He lifted his blade up and sliced down, through her skull and face and everything. Blood splattered on the ground and started to pool up. Just in case she was alive, each disciple impaled her with their blades till Avenger looked like an apple with a ton of toothpicks stabbed through it. She collapsed on the ground and began to crumble into ashes that drifted away.

Cracks spread through the portals of Sanctum Sanctorum and they fell to pieces before dissolving in a similar manner as their creator had. The armored creatures also seemed to be going through the same process. Above, the phoenixes split into what seemed to be millions of shards of glass and penetrated the layer of water which came tumbling down, soaking everyone below. No one was hurt by the pieces of glass that fell harmlessly like glitter from the sky.

The only colors in the room were red and white. Muramasa glared at Saber...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 28, 2016, 02:15:51 pm

((Ran out of time to format))


Maria

The rain of flames and steel cascaded down upon them.
[Dual Skill EX: Flame Resistance EX. Guardian Knight EX]
Lancer rocketed forth into the air, catching a thermal formed by the swarming streaks. At his underside was a girl, similarly in the thermal as well as using the golden figure’s tailwind to not be buffeted by the air pressure of the swarming blades. Lacer smashes aside any and all weapons coming their way and they made a beeline for Avenger. A few flaming birds assailed them to no avail, smashing into Lancer’s body and tumbling off.

Flying out of the tailwind, Maria soared into Avenger, blazing a halo and creating a shroud of fire. The trident sunk into the wall of fire and tore clashed again the Shroud of Turin. The protective layering collapsed and her wings were clipped once more, crashing to the ground.
[Dual Skill EX: Herculean Strength EX. Battering Blows EX.]
With the two spear points, Lancer continuously smashed into the shield, concentrating each blow onto a single point. The polearm flimsily warded off blows as the shield was bashed into the ground.

 A continuous flurry of attacks failed to dent the Kavacha but soon she was grounded once more. The cascade of blades whirred onwards, placing glancing hits on the duo.
Six wings flapped furiously and circled around Avenger, slowly hacking away with an array of blades.
The trident flew out in a routine fashion, this time going straight through the pink haired girl’s chest. She slumped over, sinking deeper into the shaft of the trident. The glowing lights faded and the wings on her back crumpled and faded away. A brief impulse of energy rippled through the weapon and burned away at the torso of the human figure.

Three, two, one.

The figure reignited and grasped onto Avenger’s right arm. A volley of weapons tore the head, pink hair and all off of the shell. A voice creaked out of the disembodied head.
“I’ve always wanted to do this. Holding onto someone’s arm and then imploding? It’s an exhilarating thought, don’t you think?”
The left hand crumbled away, revealing an ornate blade, giving off the familiar glow of glory and sinister intent. It was indeed a blade fit for a king.
Avenger furrowed her brow but her right arm had been encased by the now amorphous lump of crystal.
“EXC-”, the ground trembled and the air quivered, “ALIBUR!” A torrent of light burst into existence and slammed into the armored girl. Tumbling some distance, Avenger picked herself up with a grimace and Lancer’s assault continued.
“Even a fake holds this much power, I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of those,” mused the head.

As Lancer swung at Eve, she slacked her stance and allowed herself to be blown back by the attack, turning to minimize the damage and using the force to propel herself away to switch armaments. She landed near the Saber of Clubs once more.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 27, 2016, 09:16:41 pm

Hera

Hera dodged out of the way of the deadly downpour of noble phantasms raining from the sky. Shit, shit, shit, shit. A glimpse at the sky told her of a phoenix raining fire upon those below as a lance nearly hit her already injured leg. Shit, shit, shit. She hurriedly limped away from the battle, praying that the slaughter wouldn't follow. Her prays weren't answered. A dagger flew from the sky and hit her right shoulder. FUCK.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 27, 2016, 09:10:39 pm

Anne

Some form of flames coming down really fast. I have an idea, but it may not work.

"If anyone has a problem with getting a little wet... TOO BAD!" She shouted the last part as what appeared to be a layer of water formed about five feet below the falling phoenixes. By the time it had completed, they were about to crash into it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 27, 2016, 07:23:19 pm

Eve

“I’m done indulging you two.”

Yatagarasu. Seeking Sun Birds. A massive golden bow appeared in her hands. She aimed it at the beating sun and fired a blast of condensed light like a projectile. In the air the shot fractured into ten pieces, nine revolving in the sky at a blinding speed and the final taking the form of a massive phoenix. The sky turned a menacing red as fire danced through the sky. Thousands of portals from Sanctum Sanctorum materialized among the flames, aiming straight down.

Eve, eyes now a glowing crimson, gave a single command, and an onslaught straight from hell descended from the sky.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 27, 2016, 05:28:32 pm

Maria ((Testing out a new style.))

---

That should be an armor derived from Hinduism, in which case it should be from the Mahabharata. She didn't conjure up defensive armaments earlier as she didn't need them so i had assumed it was weaponry. This'll be hard to deal with. Let's see.... Mahabharata, the two artifacts that I can remember are the set of sun armor granted to Karna at birth and the spear of Indra. Actually, I seem to remember some claim on the internet about the Mahabharata being a nuclear war that was waged. It was quite amusing. I wonder if someone used the false quoting as a form of magical conduit, would they be able to unleash a nuke level spell? Probably not, none of the modern spells based on the deep integration of science of magecraft has formulate any results after all, well still and amusing concept. If I remember correctly, Karna was derived from the sun and had the power to battle divinity. Coincidentally, the Sword of Catherine happens to have the similar properties. Let's test my conjecture.

---

The lance and trident clashed.
Sparks scattered with each connecting blow.
Lancer accelerated backwards, twisting his body to dash away.
Avenger pressed on, shifting her grip on the lance for more reach, thrusting with each leaping stride. 
The lance twirled into the air and then fell upon the prongs of the trident.
Avenger retreated.
A bead of sweat fell to the ground with an audible plop.
Another dash, another stroke. Sparks flying once more.
Lancer jabbed and the prongs of the trident wedged the weapon, locking it in place.
Pushing down on the polearm, Avenger propelled herself forwards and bashed lancer into the face.
Staggering, he yanked his lancer, turning it with all his might. Avenger spun in the air and a kick smashed into her shield, sending her flying.
Lancer bridged the gap, splitting the lance in half. Prying away her weapon, he smashed into her shield. once, twice, thrice.
Avenger backpedaled, rotating and knocked Masamune backwards.
Avenger grasped the trident near the tips and drew up the shield.
The two spear points battered the vice defense.
The grounded eroded away, inch by inch.
Avenger’s lips parted, and a curt breath spat out.
A flame descended down upon her from the sky, glancing off her face and sliding all the way down.
Her silken face remained unscathed.
The six-winged figure flung the weapon into the air, switching over to a dull blade,
A wide stroke clattered against Avenger, unflinchingly reciprocating the attacks.
Lancer charged, only to be smacked aside by teh butt of the trident.
The trident sunk into the left flank of the winged girl and tore a shallow hole into the abdomen.
The wound sealed itself promptly and the attack pressed on.
Avenger took into the air, only to be slapped in the face by a glancing wing.
The trident skewered them and the mass of pink was sent tumbling through the air,
Lancer ran through the air, butterfly wings and mana thrusters at his back.
A dance, an aria, a duet of whirring weapons.
Portals spewed out projectiles, obstructing the path of the flight.
A prong thrust into Lancer, a twirl parried the blow and her returned fire.
Another salvo of exchanges passed.
Maria sunk her flaming blade into the wax wings.
Eve descended back down to the ground.

“I’m done indulging you two.”

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 27, 2016, 04:10:04 pm

Robin

Robin took a single look at the girl who had just sprinted at the warrior's sword, jumping towards it.

What the...

Robin sliced the Armoured's leg, before the flying girl shoved him out of the way.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 27, 2016, 12:27:24 pm

Nicole

Nicole hung back, watching each group of combatants with interest. These armored beings wen't enough of a worry that she would waste any of the corpses on them; the swordsmiths had done a good job of cleaning up most of them anyhow.

That strange cube-girl's Lancer had joined the fight, and seemed to be holding up against Avenger. Nicole would surely like to talk to that girl again sometime. She'd seemed interesting.

Anne and Cody were being pretty useless overall. Still, Nicole looked forward to talking to them soon... how long would it take them to figure out what she was?

The Spade Lancer's ex-master was... even more useless, really. Ignore him.

That one boy with the sword, the club non-master -- he'd been doing a pretty good job of dispatching the summoned soldiers. He wasn't a terrible fighter, she supposed.

Even now, he was off by the Oshiro and the weird girl, stabbing a warrior who wielded... wait. That sword. HIS sword.

Even before she'd made a conscious effort to, Nicole had covered three-quarters of the distance between them.

In two more seconds, Nicole closed the gap between them, and dove on top of the ancient blade as if shielding it with her body.

Muramasa

As the spearman began to engage the girl, Muramasa turned to survey the remains of her legion.

There wasn't much.

But there, close enough that she could count the individual scratches on his sword, was the man she hated most in all the world, battling a half dozen shades at once, surrounded with a glowing white aura. Masamune.

Roaring in rage, Muramasa charged forward, intent on driving her blade into his ribcage.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 26, 2016, 07:28:48 pm

Eve

King... Richard?

...I know him.

She got on her feet and stared him dead in the eye. "Do people really still believe in that foolish Christian belief that their god can save them?"

Kavacha. Armor of Karna. A sleek, tightly fitting suit of black and gold armor materialized over her body, replacing her dress.

Shield of Judas Maccabee. Over her left arm, a medieval shield emerged. Her right arm was outstretched.

A low rumbling could be heard as a dark form began to materialize, faintly glowing red. Its shape was long, comparable to a spear of sorts, but the code that formed it was a blood red in color, and at its end were three razor sharp protrusions.

But let thine eyes be clouded in the fog of turmoil and chaos. I, who am trapped in a cage of madness, and you who hold my chains.

Once it was completed she twirled it with finesse and bolted straight for Lancer, spears clashing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 26, 2016, 03:33:57 pm

Maria 

     She finally arrived in the center of her painstakingly prepared array from over six hours ago. She beckoned Lancer to stand in the center and began to light up the magical array.
Lancer peeled off his veil and unwrapped the mangled, metal staff that he kept securely by his side. Slowly, but surely, it began to show a lustrous glow.

    Lancer firmed planted the staff into the center of the array whilst a second one a few meters of the the side had a rock placed into the center. Silvery light danced in Maria's hand and loosely turned into the shape of a sword. She stabbed it into the center of the stone. Caliburn.

    The air quivered once more, a similar outline came to stir. A bastard sword of some sorts in both senses of the word. It was both large and dull, a strange sort of blade. As it fully formed, she strapped it to her waist. Curtana.

    She continued toying with the air, and with each stroke a new line emerged. One, two, three, four, the spectral lumps fell upon the ground. Joyeuse. Durendal. Sword of Catherine. Lance of Longinus.

    She wrapped the air around herself, and two more ghastly films developed. 
Shroud of Turin. Crown of Thorns.

   With that her sculpting session ended and the items were scattered around on the ground. Waving her arms, the air gathered them up and jabbed them neatly into a circular formation around the staff in the center.

   She **** open her mouth and then gently pursed her lips. She opened them once more and started, "King Richard III, I beseech of thee. Rise up ye Fallen King. Rise up and once more grasp the throne of the Lord."

---

   In a distant room, a young girl sat serenely in her chair, eyes closed, head down. Her left hand shimmered red, illuminating the room. With a booming echo, the light receded. A second mark had vanished.

---

   The hunched old man slowly trembled, his bones contorting and reforming. His hair grew out, his spine straightened, his gait was corrected, and his wrinkles faded away.The staff developed a singular prong on both ends and the metal slowly smoothed out. From a dull, murky black pearl, it became ornate, glistening with gold. The test of time had come to greet him in his life, once more would he now abandon his visage for another. In youth had come strength, charisma, and the seat of the world. He was back, he was Richard III.

   The Fallen King could only trek upon the world for so long. After all, he was no longer the king, Britain was now in the palm of another. But for now, if but for an instant in the eyes of those above, it was his domain again. He was King, he reigned all, and he usurped the land. Yes, this was his battlefield and he intended to keep it that way. His ambition had paved the way for him in his lifetime and once more it would serve him. A lasting accomplishment would be enumerated amongst those to fight the strongest of servants and to obtain victory. yes, he would not let anyone stand in his way. No one. No one.

Spoiler: tl; if lazy (hover to show)

   As he walked, drunk from the strength embodied into his person, a voice echoed through his mind. A busybody, a pest, a so called strategist. Her words made no sense, her actions even less so, but he had made a promise, to see her actions through. If he was not satisfied, then he would be granted extra time, extra time to be anointed by the hand of god.
   
Confer (Mock) Divinity EX. Imbue rocks. A passing command was issued. He waved his hand and it was done. The rocks on the ground glowed and were blessed by the Lord.

Discernment of the Exalted EX. Gaze upon them. Relay. Another command was issued, once more using very simple language. He gazed upon the fight and saw the core of the thousands of phantasm echoes on the field upon which Eve held and confirmed her property as the origin of sin as they had suspected. The Caster had same irritating skill that rejected the existence of the "dubious" which seemed to lower the effectiveness of any skill not deeply rooted in this contorted science of his. No matter, the declaration of the true name of a skill would neuter the effectiveness of that nuisance as unlike Eve, he was not a figure but confirmed to have existed in the past. Yes, he was grounded in his Christian reality. No wonder he was not doing much to Avenger, how can a devout Christian reject the story of their own creation?

    Maria picked up the rocks as the information stream filtered through the cube and into her shell of a body. She carefully embedded a stone into each of the previously crafted objects and another one into a crafted apple. Everything was ready.

   "I say upon you, Lord for I am a daughter of Eve. We the human race partake upon the fruit of wisdom, the markings of original sin. Here, I shall once more confront the root." She took a bite out of the apple and it turned into vapor, coursing into her body. The rock had assimilated into the apple and was similarly consumed. Runic words began to float in the skies.

   "I sayeth upon the Earth, of those in Rome, that the water of above shall cleanse this impurity. That due intercourse with the holy originates stems from the water of life." A drip of golden fluid plopped onto her forehead. Soon a steady flow of the viscous mana dowsed her body. The shell absorbed its sustenance. A small pillar of light collected in the area.

   "And to you I declare my sins." She clasped her hands together and stood in silence.
"And to the body and blood of Christ I stand."

   "And might I spread your decree across the land, I shall become a conduit of God."
Six patches of light emerged on her back. The words spun faster and faster.

   "And to conclude this session, I discard the limitations of humanity."
The shell crackled and broke apart. The runic patterns flooded into the The pieces slowly picked themselves up and collected into one whole. From the back emerged three pairs of wings, flexing and fluttering amongst the flowing wind.

   "Amen." The array settled. The wind ceased. Time ran still for but a moment.
maria strolled through the air and cradled Lancer's head with her palm.

    Lifting up his chin, she declared, "Go forth and pull up that sword."

    And that he did. The hilt had a stone from earlier implanted into it. Echoing another story, the ceremonies continued. He dug up the blade with ease and raised it into the sky. She gingerly plucked the instrument by the tip and brought it into her right hand.

   She lifted the blade up and brought down the flat edge on his left shoulder.
"Exalted are you King, I declare you true king of Britain." She lowered the blade and lowered it into the ground.

   She pulled out the blade at her hip and went through the same course of action, laying it upon his shoulder. "Exalted are you king, you shall reign above all."

   She picked up the crown and adorned it upon his head. "Exalted are you King, may you be the envoy of the Lord. We seek to deliver a message to the sinner of old. Let us depart." Flapping her wings, she flew towards the sea of bodies. The cube collected the various weapons and carried them along.

Accel Burst EX. Dash. Leap. Strike. Richard III concentrated energy into his feet and pushed against the ground. In a single push, he covered dozens of his normal strides. In one last kick against the ground, he rocketed himself into the air, sailing towards the battle between the swordswoman and Avenger.

Herculean Strength EX. Smash. Divine Protection EX Swap when required. With that, Richard slammed into the Eve's flank, knocking away Muramasa, battering the flying phantasms and let the momentum carry him through his attack.
 

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 26, 2016, 01:27:13 pm

Robin

Robin broke contact as he saw one of the Armoured looming over Kirin, about to strike. Robin darted forward, slicing through the beings leg, sending it staggering. He drew his throwing dagger and stabbed the warrior in the chest, mortally wounding it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 26, 2016, 12:13:35 pm

Kirin

He created a force field beneath the soldier and forced it to lose its footing, then torched it before it could retaliate. "Keep your guard up. They're getting more aggressive."

Hera stepped back as a shadow loomed over him. Kirin turned around and was met with a massive humanoid creature, holding Tyrfing with one hand and seeming to breathe smoke. It swung down upon them with a potentially crushing strike.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 26, 2016, 11:29:06 am

Hera

Hera dodged a sword stroke from one of Avenger's slaves and struck back with a blade of her own which she had snatched from one of his fallen comrades. This would be a lot easier if I actually had enough mana to cast a spell.

Hera's weak shield had shattered in the first volley of noble phantasms. Her mana was so little that any small spell would completely drain her. Kirin had begun to fend for himself in a similar fashion to the girl and was dispatching the attackers as best he could.

Hera was brought back out of her thoughts by a powerful attack by her opponent causing her to lose her weapon. A sword leveled with her throat. The female cleared her throat in an attempt to get Kirin's attention.

...A little help, please?

((Sorry for the minor bunnying, Zen. I just thought I would introduce Kirin and Hera back into the scene.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 25, 2016, 09:35:38 pm

Henri

Henri stared at the chaos of the battle.  Useless.  In the end, I'm useless.  He supposed that this was a lesson unto itself as to why the Sanctum War was so terrible.  These Servants of the past were infinitely more powerful than any human on Earth, and they could cause near-infinite damage as a result.

We get rid of the Servants, we get rid of the problem plaguing us.  Even Avenger, even Ruler, are Servants in the end.  But what do they serve?

Henri halfheartedly summoned a volley of lightning spells and cast them in Avenger's direction.  Her incredible strength made them fizzle out before they even reached her.

It's up to Caster and the Maria-Lancer pair now... we're screwed, aren't we.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 25, 2016, 09:07:30 pm

Anne

It's a wonder that he got out of the way in time and can still fight because of that.

Despite what Robin seemed to think, she actually had been paying attention. In fact, she had just unleashed a large flare when he had jumped in and told her to pay attention. She had managed to suck the flames back in and gain back half of the mana used before it killed him, but his right arm was a little burnt and would take an above normal healing spell to cure.

He skipped away like the pain was nothing, but would probably stop to heal sometime soon as his arm was less numb and he could feel the pain.

Eve's busy with Muramasa, you can go in now, but come out fast.

Saber charged towards Eve and landed a slightly weak blow. It would just distract her for a few seconds, and hopefully his stupid student would use that moment to her advantage. He quickly slid back out of Eve's range and proceeded to cut up more of the armored humanoids. There were only around four fifths of the original amount left, showing good progress.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 25, 2016, 08:36:07 pm

Robin

While Muramasa and Eve had their deadly sword fight, Robin moved to get a clear shot at Eve and Muramasa. As he watched Eve snet many different blades at Muramasa for distraction, Robin shot off a volley of his own ice at Eve to distract her. Robin took cover once again.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 25, 2016, 08:10:30 pm

Eve

She bent backwards, dodging by a margin of mere millimeters as the stray hairs which had drifted upward were cut short by the sharp blade. In its metal surface, she could see her reflection as it passed over her eyes.

Muramasa deflected a few more attacks. As Eve continued her attack, portals began to dynamically fire weapons from different angles in an attempt to catch her off guard.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 25, 2016, 07:55:45 pm

Muramasa

Muramasa's expression darkened, as she continued to lock blades with Avenger. She was stronger, but her blade would not be able to hold up against this new one for long. Scowling, she held her left hand up into the air. A second polished katana materialized in her grip, a split second before her first blade gave out. Catching the woman off guard once again, she swung the new blade directly at her throat.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 25, 2016, 07:47:02 pm

Eve

She balanced to land on her feet, sliding several feet backward through mud and snow before finally stopping. After a few seconds of catching her breath she drew Excalibur from Sanctum Sanctorum and tore a few surrounding soldiers to shreds with it. She and Muramasa locked blades, but Eve's sword began to gain an advantage.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 25, 2016, 07:32:24 pm

Muramasa

The Red Berserker charged forward, seemingly uncaring as the vast majority of her army had been torn to shreds by Avenger's own horde. It didn't matter. All losses were acceptable losses if they gave her a chance to hurt that girl.

Muramasa, in fact, didn't seem to think twice about cutting through some of her own men in an effort to reach Avenger, and even one of Masamune's summons, Kinju.

In a fraction of a second, Muramasa's sword arm was drawn back in preparation for a strike. An even smaller fraction later, the blade had collided with the remains of The Wing of Icarus at Avenger's side. The wings may have stopped a deep wound, but Avenger still found herself thrown backwards by the force and ferocity of the attack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 25, 2016, 04:00:25 pm

Jack Blair

Jack stood back and watched the battle, still holding his pistol.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 25, 2016, 01:19:17 am

Eve

As the massive battle raged on, the soldiers of Muramasa and Masamune gained an advantage. In a fury, Eve summoned countless portals in the sky and began to rain down high ranking noble phantasms from the sky in bolts of violent light. Left and right, warriors would die. Dust and blood flew every which direction. Most of the masters ducked for cover and waited it out.

One man stood right in the middle of the carnage, however, completely unaffected. Caster stared up at Eve, and a familiar crooked smile grew over his face.

Roger Bacon

...You know, master, this may have been a bit easier if you'd just immediately told me of Avenger's identity as soon as you found out.

Hey, I was a little busy trying to stay alive. Besides, does that even matter?!

Information always matters, Lazarus.

So this is the Sanctum Sanctorum. The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. given physical manifestation and unleashed in a weaponized form. The screams, the murders, the sins of heroes past, and heroes yet to come. Lazarus himself had a noble phantasm within it.

In the first Divided war, I died before I could meet Avenger. I was decapitated by the first Saber of Clubs, the legendary King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. I was covering Max's escape so he could bring the seventh catalyst home to safety. It didn't matter in the end, though- that war, the Spade Faction lost anyway. But that really was my last stand, lest we forget. Defeat may still yield glory, as they always say- but glory isn't what I'm after here. It's the experiment.

Now I have the ultimate experiment right in front of me. A chance to challenge the very foundation of Sanctum. Empirical Thinking, the rejection of all bias... and the denial of the otherworldly. A rare ability, allowing a servant such as myself to reject an enemy's weapon simply by virtue of its associated legends- legends which cannot be proven true. That is why Don Quixote fell, and his reality marble collapsed in on itself- in reality there never really was a Don Quixote. Was there an Eve? Even if there was, and she is the one standing in front of me...

...Behind her lies the strangest creation myth I've ever heard.

It's time to put complete the experiment.

"So." He raised his voice. Amid the chaos he knew Eve could still hear him. "The supposed code of Sanctum, your noble phantasm, uses weapons from other heroic spirits. Impressive!" He was still smiling. Eve scowled at him, aiming new portals in his direction. "But, ah... Do you know that there are people- many people, even Christians- who believe Genesis to be nothing more than a fable? A massive metaphor to describe the natural progression of organic life. And yet... Here you are. In the flesh, Eve, the soul of Sanctum.

How adorable!" He decided to let loose this one last sentence, clearly getting a little too carried away. Eve increased her prepared firepower in ready to rip his body to shreds.

"Choose your next words carefully, Roger Bacon."

"Oh, of course, your highness and your many Noble Phantasms- but you don't posses them all, do you?" He raised an eyebrow. "I can tell in the minute details in your expression, Eve- I have something you don't- two somethings, to be exact. The Brazen Dome, and the Brazen Head- two noble phantasms that have never harmed a soul. They're primarily ideals, and you can't find sin nature in that! And against all these mages I suppose you think you could use something like the Dome, which cuts off all magic. Then again, if you were to open the Sanctorum within the dome, I wonder..."

"You're stalling."

"Hm?"

"You're making some vain attempt to stall me. Unfortunately my attack on your allies has not lessened over the course of your witless banter. You've only let more of them die."

"Well, that's not entirely true! Now I have you facing me, with dozens of codified magic portals aimed straight at my head."

"...And?"

"Well, that's my advantage. You really don't know what I posses, do you? Have you ever heard of an ability called... Empirical Thinking?"

For a moment Eve seemed to panic. Upon hearing the comment she signaled her portals to fire, but the blue code forming them began to fracture. In an ear-piercing blast, one-by-one the portals began to shatter as bright yellow code seemed to tear straight through them.

"Behold, the power denial holds, Eve. I weaken those with Noble Phantasms on basis of their divinity. And what could be more divine than Sanctum itself?!" Eve grunted in pain as shrapnel from broken noble phantasms began to pelt her body. She flew back with somewhat damaged wings and quickly created more portals for a counterattack, but these too shattered. Above them, the portals attacking the army also began to crack and shatter.

Eve screamed in pain as a large sum of her magic began to rebound. During this opportunity Caster struck one of her wings with Mjölnir, ripping it to shreds and sending her spiraling into the ground.

"That ability of mine takes... huh... quite a toll. She'll be able to create portals again very soon- It's time we finished this quickly!"



[The armies are mostly gone, but Eve's somewhat crippled for a few seconds.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 24, 2016, 08:58:29 pm

Robin

Robin watched as Anne recklessly paid no heed to the enemy, watching Masamune and the warriors repel the enemywith speed and accuracy. Robin noticed a few of the Armoured slip past the defenses and ran at her, weapons extended, poised to run Anne through her side. Robin swiftly slid and threw his dagger, with years of practice behind it, and it bit into the area between the Amoured's breastplate and helmet, killing it on the spot. The rest of small group of Armoured looked at their dead leader before another fell to an ice shard from Robin. Robin attacked one of the   beings relentlessly, dealing swiftblows before he broke it's defense and decapicated it. Robin saw that the last Armoured had run at Anne, and it was a few meters away before Robin's flying sword took it in the back. The Armoured crumpled as Robin caught up to it, both daggers in hand, and he quickly finished it off. Robin took a look at Anne.

"Next time, pay attention."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 24, 2016, 08:04:08 pm

Anne

As Cody inched away from Eve, Anne gently pushed him back to where he was originally. "Uh... Any ideas?" she asked. He shook his head in response, so she shouted to Saber from behind the shield, "Use it, it's not a waste to do it now."

Saber closed his eyes, and glowing, translucent, and white lines extended from him across the room. There were ten exact. The lines spiralled around him. A flash of white light lit up the room, blinding everyone temporarily. When they could see again, ten new people were in the room, each with one if Saber's handcrafted blades. The tendrils of white had disappeared.

"Chogi, Kanemitsu, Shizu Saburo Kaneuji, Kinju, Kunishige, Kunitsugu, Saemonzaburo, Saeki Norishige, Go Yoshihiro, and Naotsuna. The enemy is ahead. Do not underestimate her power. Now aid me in this battle!" He said, opening his eyes.

They charged at the opposing army, destroying the armored humans with incredible speed compared to everyone else.

((So I just made up a bunch of stuff for the summoning, tell me if I need to change it.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 24, 2016, 04:13:25 pm

Robin

Robin moved towards a high position as the armies converged upon each other he let loose a spray of ice shards, dropping half a dozen of the armoured beings before realizing that it was a waste of mana, he acended back towards the small group of mages when he noticed an armoured being running towards him, holding an axe of some sort. Robin, not wanting to take any chances, swiftly side stepped the down-wards killing blow and kicked the being's chest, sending it stumbling, and as it dropped theaxe, Robin jumped at it, cleanly slidding his blade through at our from the being's gut, killing it. Another being ran at Robin and he threw a dagger at it, but as the being concentrated on delfecting the knife with it's broadsword Robin was on the being, hacking at it until it finally fell, bleeding from multiple wounds, dead. Robin picked up his dagger and prepared for more beings.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 24, 2016, 03:59:00 pm

Eve

From the shadows, blue eyes began to peer out next to each scattered Noble Phantasm on the ground. From Sanctum Sanctorum's infinite supply of mana, armored human bodies each began to claim a weapon. Eve spoke to them, with eyes gleaming like a command seal.

"Destroy them all."

The two armies clashed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 24, 2016, 03:53:10 pm

Muramasa

Muramasa's scream sounded, piercingly loud and clear, as if coming from right next to the ear of everyone in the room. But it was not a Berserker's scream. Rather than wild and untamed, it seemed surprisingly intelligent and controlled.

It was still loud enough that Nicole, many meters away, had to clasp her hands over her ears.

Dozens of Muramasa blades rose into the air behind her. Then, they flickered, multiplying. They flickered again, exponentiating. Scores of bristling weapons, each as impressive as a noble phantasm, momentarily became hundreds, and then thousands.

Muramasa, triumphantly, planted her own blade into the ground, allowing it to sink deeply into the snowed earth. As if in response, the first shades began to appear.

Perhaps it was because of the strange light, but it was impossible to tell whether their armor was red or black. Perhaps it was somewhere in between.

The army now began to manifest en masse, each armed with a deadly sharp weapon. Although each weapon was perhaps slightly different, all were instantly recognizable as the works of the legendary swordsmith Muramasa Senji.

At a broad gesture from Muramasa's right arm, the army charged forth.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 24, 2016, 01:08:46 pm

Maria

      Having recuperated from her initia shock and displeasure, she kicked her mind into high gear. She shut down her body and activated her parallel mind link between her primary shell and the core cube. She began to drown in her sea of consciousness.

She is of the higher denizens of Christian faith, from the aura our Christian King faces. She is of not a purity but of a vile mixture of the above and the beyond. Thus it must be so that she is the proprietor of original sin, Eve. As she is a Christian entity, how does one go about terminating her?

Spoiler: tl;dr if lazy (hover to show)

First: A magecraft derived from faith has their weakness pinpointed in their own source material. Second: The characteristic weakness if proportional to the character's strength.
Third: Weaknesses attributed to a faith based magecraft and be universally applied to said faith. Fourth: The power of a faith magecraft ebbs and wanes with location, time of day, and various other factors

Let us analyze how each of these factors influence the proper course of action.

First: She is derived from Genesis. In the original text, that which leads to her downfall is the union of mālum and serpens. However, this is prior to her death and as such, is not a reliable method to defeat said entity. Prior to death, Eve integrates upon her חטא מקורי, the core aspect of her identity. As such, she is also integrated with that which represents mălum. As such, ultimately her official weakness can be defined as mortality.

Second: Of those held in the eyes of the world, Eve is a symbol that unifies Judaism and Christianity. As the Christian faith is more pronounced, that is the source her powers are formally derived from. Faith is heavily intertwined into this system and as such, Eve, who has one of the highest levels of name recognition by much of the world is among the most power figures to possibly become a servant. As such, any existing weakness if also elevated to the highest. Thus, meaning she is able to be defeated. A good start.

Third: As she represents mostly the sins of terra, it is thus concluded that any Christian magecrafts would be highly effective. In this scenario, the previously planned action of mock divinity would be highly suitable for the proposed battle. In addition, as the core was initially planned for the members to comprise of three members, by switching all combat systems to faith magecrafts, a Holy Trinity formation can be achieved. As feng shui is essential to most forms of sophisticated modern day magecrafts as well as ancient magicks, this will highly amplify the amount of sustained power over time. Useless branches of magicks in this scenario would include anything the Oshiro family is used to as their branch of magic is overtly modernized to focus on a balance of cast time, cast delay, and overall output in regards the the former categories. As such, these spells are ineffectual to inflict enough harm. A spell relying on the body of Christ using bread or flour as the medium or a spell using alcohol to conjure the blood of Christ may see some degree of use. Of the most basic magic formations, the cross has one of the highest degrees of relation to sin. I have no idea about magic derived from the commandments and do not care to know either.

Most importantly, in Roman Catholic magecraft, one of the oldest and influential branches of magecraft in existence, has anointment type spells including the ever important baptism type. In that medium, it purges original sin.

Fourth: As we are in magical Britain, we are not sitting upon the Christian and Jewish centers of the world. Thus as we are not in the Vatican or in Jerusalem, we are not completely out of a chance to defeat her. England is roughly 60% Christian if going by the 2011 census reports, as Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism don't provide much of a divide in the subject of Eve, it can be said that all of that population grants her strength and her name is well known enough to cover essentially the entirety of the country. Thankfully enough, we are within the battlefield in which Richard the III was reportedly said to have fought thus here, his power is also greatest if not accounting for London due to Shakespeare.

In conclusion, why the **** does it have to be Eve for goodness sake.
Better gouge out my eyeballs now.

---

     As Maria rushed through the air with the cube flying to her left and Lancer running along beneath her, she took her index and middle fingers, and shoved it into her eye sockets, and crushing the mana tissue composing the eyeballs. She pinched the fake nerves, redrawing the shape of the eye. As it was nearing the original shape, she started engraving markings into them

Ekki hræðumst ek þat sverð
Ekki hræðumst ek þat sverð
Ekki hræðumst ek þat sverð

    This line of magical text was overlapped three times per eye, creating a faux fusion of Norse and Christian magecraft. It began to singe her mind so she shut off the pain receptors completely.

   Moving her palm onto the cube, the words were plastered onto each face of the cube. She intently stared at the giant array of swords and weaponry laid out amongst the skies.
 
  "I recite upon to thee:
    'Now, indeed, have things taken a right hopeless turn; for this man's eyes can dull any weapon.'
    Thus:
  'Thou that is held within my eyes, I fear thee not.'"

    Time is a ticking- when i get close enough, we shall start our dance, my King.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 24, 2016, 01:59:27 am

Eve

She tilted her head. As the room began to glow, she revolved Sanctum Sanctorum around her body and dispersed it throughout the building. As the code set into the walls, the laboratory's structure suddenly shattered like glass. Outside the snow had stopped for a brief moment, but the clouds above were still overcast. As the world darkened by nature of Muramasa's summoning, Eve drew the flashdrive from thin air and held it aloft.

S̫̳͙̜E͈̩̼̱͖͍ED ͚̙̼̳̩̤̭OF̫̫̪̗ ̺͍̝̺̰̱M͉AD͍͖̟̘͙ELI̖̻͉̳̖N̩͖̹̳E.͍͔̼̜̼͙


Cody began to inch away, disturbed by the sight of the noble phantasm in her hand.

W͎̝̱̯͉I͙̯̫T̜N̩͎͈͚̬E̗͎̣̯̺͙̬SS̞͎̭̦̘͎ͅ,̟̗̩̼͎̙̺ ͍̟S͈͖͈̫͖̯I̮̗̙̟͔N͎̩̜̹̼N̹̯͕E̠͖͈͚̝R̭͓S͍͔͓,̖͖̜͔ ̥͖̙̳̫̪̻T̤̰̪̞͍ͅͅHE̠ S̹O̰̭̻ͅU͙̗̲L̞͈͍͓S͔̲̙͎ ̲̪̘̝̲̝F̞̜R͎̣̪̯̱̫̪O̜̯͉̳͙M̖͕͎̜ ͍̝͕̲̗̼BE͖̳̯͔̤ͅY͕O͎͓̘N͖̺̖̮D̘̥̳̝̯͕ ̮S̟̪̳̫̤̹E̠̜̫̯̲͇V͓̱̘̻̙E͖̹N̜͍̣ͅT̩H̫͉ ̺̟̯̖̭ͅḪ̤̝̞E̝̙̟̺A͍̟̪̪͇V̫̱͙E͎͈̭̺̩̺ͅN.̺̺̠͈

Sanctum Sanctorum opened above her, and it began to rain down blades, spears and axes- each unique, and each in the past belonging to a heroic spirit. As this occurred a roaring wind circulated around them, the very same from when she was first summoned. She was conducing a ritual of her own.

"Witness in despair, or simply muster every slave you please. It matters not to me; soon, you shall all come to realize how truly insignificant you are."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 23, 2016, 07:14:59 pm

Kirin

"We should stay back and use ranged attacks, but..." Eve was staring down an unfamiliar servant. Kirin could feel her raw power in his bones. "If she puts her full focus on us, it's all over. If you want to make an attack, make it count."

Cody Lazarus

"It looks like she got impatient. I don't know if she even has a weakness; she just shoots swords."

Muramasa

Muramasa screamed, as countless blades sproutd out of thin air around her, forming an alost porcupine-esque sphere. The blades launched out, seemingly indiscriminitely, in every direction. Eve backed up, and folded the broad wings around her body in an effort to shield herself. Masamune, despite his injury, calmly deflected the few blades headed in his direction. Robin simiarly used his own sword to knock those nearest him out of the air.

Despite how each cluster of blades was blocked in a different way, all landed tip-first, evenly spaced in a perfect circle around the room.

Muramasa smiled now, glaring at Eve almost hungrily. A deep red coloration bled from the aura around her into the ground, painting the floor crimson. This shade was interrupted only by a radiant white aura around Masamune, and a similar black one beneath Avenger.

Her former teacher seemed to know what she was doing, if his expression was any indication. It did not matter. Muramasa's chance had finally arrived; all her enemies in one place. This was the time to purge them from the world forever, beginning with the dirty thief.

The red circle across the floor darkened. To all the mages in the room, it was obvious what was occurring. A summoning ritual.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 23, 2016, 07:12:23 pm

Robin


Robin ran outside of the lab, drawing his sword quickly and making a quick frost shield on his other hand. He ducked behind a tree, staying out of Avenger's sight while building up the nerve to attack.



Kirin Oshiro

"Yeah." He tightened his right glove. Not a good sign. I can sense a pretty major mana signature coming from below."

"Does that mean..." Hera trailed off.

"...Yes." He turned to the door and picked up his wand on the way out. "If you're too hurt to fight, I suggest you stay back. Otherwise, be careful." He left.



Henri

Henri began running toward the site of the battle.  I don't have a Servant.  What good will I be?  Regardless, the image of Cody dying spurred him on.  They had to win the Sanctum War, and they had to both survive.

He arrived at the front of the lab and carefully entered the door, his trident charged with Spark spells.



Hera

Hera limped after Kirin holding her spell book.



Removed the Anne post from here and put it into the reserved spot above.



Cody Lazarus

"That's Eve- yes, the Eve, from the book of Genesis. She can take any Noble Phantasm out of that portal of hers, Sanctum Sanctorum, and fire it like a bullet, and she's got her own Sanctum Key. I'll get Caster; the battle's on now!" He steadied his gun and prepared to move again.

Eve

"Hm." She narrowed her eyes at Saber. From a lone portal to her right she summoned a Muramasa blade, slowly drawing it from the code as if it were a scabbard, then slowly moved into a samurai's position.

"Your move, Masamune."



Robin

Feeling like he was being cowardice, Robin moved out of position and sheated his sword, prepared to send a burst of ice at Avenger, until he saw Saber and Avenger both draw swords. Wary of the portals, Robin moved into position behind Cody and Anne's shield, sword now redrawn.




Hera

Hera and Kirin were cautiously approaching the source of the mana signature, when a spear flew through the wall of a room barely missing Kirin's head.

Hera was about to cast a lower level shielding spell when she noticed something about the weapon. Is that...?

"Kirin, I recognize that spear..."




Nicole

The girl and her servant beside her stood atop an adjacent hill to that which Maria had informed them of. The looked down upon the battlefield where the clubs had battled Isa Oshiro, the scars of which were slowly being erased by the snowstorm. Nicole didn't feel particularly cold, despite her light attire.

Nicole turned her attention to the out-of-place building ahead of them. Certainly Cody's work, or Caster's or whatever.

Even at this distance, they heard the clangs of battle. Just after the most recent one, Muramasa's head snapped towards the mansion, and she snarled softly.

"What's wrong?" Nicole asked. This was unusual behavior for the typically unemotional Berserker.

Muramasa merely drew the long sword blade at her side and held it up to the light, inspecting it. The flecks of falling snow seemed to skid right off.

Someone in that building had just insulted her, personally. Muramasa poised the blade in front of her, and charged.

[div style="text-align:center;"]*****
[div style="text-align:left;"]Muramasa's form flashed through the air, too fast to follow by eyesight. Her speed was unrivaled by any servant in this war.

Nicole didn't try to stop or question her. All Berserker attributes aside, the woman generally knew what she was doing. Besides, Nicole understood perfectly well the insatiable desire to hurt that she was surely feeling right now.

Nicole instead took her time as she descended the hill, and finally stepped onto the snowed field.
[div style="text-align:center;"]*****[/div]
Muramasa was far ahead of her. The Berserker smashed her way in through the door, and, following the powerful mana signatures, lunged into the great room.

She initially saw a few unimportant people. A blonde boy, a boy with a fragile-looking ice-shield, and an ugly redhead girl.

Then, as she turned to survey the room further, she saw him. He seemed to sense her as well, and he half-turned in shock.

What were the odds that they would be summoned together? Muramasa gripped her sword so tightly that, had it not been a noble phantasm, it would've broken by now. Oh, how she longed to slash him open, the man she despised most in all the world.

But there was one other person to notice. The most powerful mana signature in the room, dwarfing even those of the two greatest swordsmiths to ever exist.

A young, white-haired girl, daring to soil one of Muramasa's precious blades with her thieving hands, imitating the stance of a noble Japanese warrior, despite her obvious Western heritage. This one, Muramasa decided, would pay dearly for her disrespect.

Muramasa eyed her detested former teacher, and gestured to the thieving little girl. She hoped her message was clear: Kill her first. Then, our duel.[/div][/div]



"Isn't she supposed to be 'protecting' us till we're ready? And do you know any of her weaknesses?" Anne asked Cody while keeping up her left hand which the shield was formed around.

A servant suddenly rushed into the room and glared at Saber before proceeding to turn her gaze at Avenger.

[font color="red"]Who is that?[/font]
[font color="limegreen"]One of my previous students, Muramasa. Very bloodthirsty and won't ally with us, It's inevitable that I'm going to duel her soon, she wants it. We've never been summoned in the same war, the chances were low.[/font]
[font color="red"]Well that's wonderful, just don't die.[/font]

"That's Muramasa, she's not going to remain on our side for long." She said, even though she guessed that Cody probably knew who she was.

---

Saber and Berserker charged at Avenger, each from a different direction. When they got close, she slashed at Saber, who ducked and landed a blow on her. The portals fired again.

Saber managed to deflect most of the weapons coming from them, but one grazed his arm. A few more that he was unable to swipe out of the way would have definitely impaled him, but they were suddenly blown off their course by a gust of wind.

((No it is not random wind that appeared out of nowhere, Anne cast a quick spell))



Eve

Two? Perhaps I should quit the entertainment. She stepped back, still holding the katana. Code gathered around her back, forming two, blinding white forms. Wings of Icarus. They sprung out, forming an impressive wingspan. As a volley of portals formed to her sides, more dangerous looking noble phantasms began to inch out. They fired simultaneously, along with Eve herself propelling herself forward. Saber managed to strike the projectiles, but before he could regain his guard she grazed his elbow with her own held blade. Once blood was drawn Eve dispersed it, floating midair and changing her focus towards Berserker.

"Are you angry?" She tilted her head. "Do you think me a thief? You ought to learn your place, sinner. All of your vile works belong to me by their very nature."




Kirin

He took a closer look at the spear as it began to fade. "That's Luin... Celtchar's noble phantasm. But... how?" He heard fighting going on in the next room. "Whatever kind of heroic spirit that girl was, she clearly more powerful than she was letting on."



Hera

Hera nodded in agreement, "Let's go help the others."

Hera slipped into the room in which the fight was taking place. "[i style="color:rgb(157, 162, 168);"]Scutum.[/i]" A weak shield surrounded her as she narrowly dodged a sword that flew towards her. Okay...what do I do now?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 21, 2016, 11:57:51 am

Hera

Hera was wrapping up her leg in gauze when she heard a loud noise from down the hall. ...the f*** these people doing? Killing each other?

Hera turned towards Kirin, "Did you hear that?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 21, 2016, 01:17:41 am

Anne

Ok so I'm supposed to post and I havea half completed post, but don't expect it till tomorrow (at latest by 3 CA time).

((I'll just modify this later... This post is to save the spot before others post... Cody'll be saved people so don't worry))

UPDATE THOUGH LATE:

Anne

She had just entered the building when she heard the sound of a bullet firing. Curious, she went to investigate and saw Avenger lifting up a glass of wine and saying, "Here's to the next one so it may hold better results." She was about to ask what Avenger was talking about, but then she noticed a bunch of portals across the room that fired tons of weapons that instant.

He can't dodge that many, and I can't do anything fast enough that would save him except...

Protect Cody from Avenger.

Saber materialized in front of Cody while Anne muttered a quick spell, similar to one she had used before just in case what he was going to do wasn't enough. The similar bluish glow enveloped his blade, but a lot brighter this time.

With a few slashes, the blades fell to to the ground.

Based on the weapons in this room... the portals have already fired once... and missed? But does that mean they can fire multiple times? I trust Saber, but I need a back up if she decides to aim at us.
[font color="red"]Prepare for any more incoming attacks[/font]

Realizing the danger of the situation, Anne ran next to Cody and created a shield to protect both of them.

"Do you know her identity yet and if it could lead us to realize any possible weaknesses?" She asked Cody.

((...Such a long time for such a SHORT post...))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 20, 2016, 10:47:17 pm

Maria

        Her eyes drifted along the snow and followed the footsteps as they led away from the grave. Only the tracks that led away from it remained and even those were slowly eaten away by the elements. The snow slowly ebbed, fluttering like petals in the wind.
She jaunted through the air, hovering over the mound of dirt.

        "Well, away from the prying eyes of your friends and loved ones, I'll prepare my own eulogy for you. You who has been graced with the showers of affection and sorrow. They truly are all fools. It's cold out you know. Threats could be on the horizon, they could die at any moment, and it'd make it all the manners worse if it was pneumonia that ended them."

       "Well, if we were to talk, I guess it'd be about our contract. Well, sorry about that.
All I can say really. Yeah."

---

       Clasping her hands in front of her chest, she began pulling artistry from the air. The familiar mist coiled, condensed, and solidified. This time, a glistening apple appeared in her palm. Cradling it, she began once more.
 
      "I was in an apple kind of mood the last couple of days. You accepted the apple quite willingly. COuld've been full of poison you know. It's synonymous with a lot of nasty ailments. In latin, mālum and mălum are quite similar phonically, with one being apple and the other being evil. The apple is the iconic symbol for death, sin, eternal life, and rebirth.Above all, the apple represents the tie between to people. I wonder, would he have joined your side if he had taken a bite?"

     Maria chuckled as she continued onwards, "Yeah, perhaps he'd be dead two. Well, I guess you wouldn't want that now, would you. After all, your purpose for being in the war was to protect those dearest to you. Well, he's still alive. You were a young, naive fool and you paid for it with your life. Yes, in hindsight, a mirror may not have saved you, but having one would have been nice, no? Ah, well, I'll bequeath upon to you another apple. For the journey ahead. It'll be a long one."

     "Ah, I'm in a sing songy mood so let's listen to this." The Maria shell began digging into the song remains stored within the crystal tissue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5SSGhmTvr0

---

     As Lancer charged through the forest, he felt both a sense of impending doom and an exhilarating exaltation of the highest degree. The energies that he comprised with hummed with awe and gloom. It was a complicated feeling. But the one thing he knew for sure, was that it emanated from the building in front.

    "There is a great person amongst us."

     "Is that so my King? Someone more grandeous than you?"

     "Very much so, my soul quivers due to the sheer aura they emit. Divine? Heathen? I do not know. This cloud is unclear, unlike the clear taint from that trash who walked upon this earth moments ago."

      Although Maria was in a nice mood due to the lovely music she was enjoying by proxy, her expression sunk.

---

      "HahahahahahaahaHAHAHAHAAHAAA"
      A few miles away, the broken laughter echoed in a small, enclosed area.
 
     
           

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 20, 2016, 08:35:17 pm

Jack Blair

"What the hell?" He stood up and walked outside, ****, it's starting, I'm useless here. I guess I'll just sit in the back I guess......



...


No, I can't do that, I need to find something, think Jack think.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 20, 2016, 07:33:43 pm

Cody Lazarus

He had a standard room within the base, in which he was reorganizing his backpack. He took out his old pistol, which, despite now being powered by magic, used an old 45 Colt Peacemaker as a base. It still looked identical, and even slightly rusted due to its age. He checked numerous times to make sure he had exactly five bullets loaded. One slot was left open, just in case...

Caster, similarly resting, sat across from him in a wooden chair. He was still somewhat awake, but his eyes were shut and he was breathing slowly- optimal conditions to regenerate mana. Cody smiled, counting himself extremely lucky to have both himself and his servant survive throughout the entire war, but Avenger entered his mind.

Henri's right, I don't know if we have enough raw power to defeat her. Maria's an excellent asset despite her... eccentricities, but even her and her servant may not be enough. He fiddled with the revolving mechanism, keeping track of the slot without a bullet. "If I put enough mana into this, could I damage a servant? Could I kill one? I suppose I haven't tried... and of all servants, Avenger... I shouldn't consider it a reliable option." He slipped it into his holster and did away with the thought. Downstairs, he could hear something... There was a violin playing on the first floor.

In the lower room Avenger was playing to herself, wielding a polished black violin against a white bow. She was performing Johann Sebastian Bach's BWV 1004 in almost complete darkness, using only the gleaming blue code of Sanctum Sanctorum as a light source, which slowly danced around her like a few stray leaves caught up in a vortex. She noticed him enter, but continued to play, ignoring him. Unsure of what to do, Cody sat down and listened until the piece was eventually finished. After a brief silence he let out a single clap, hesitant to continue.

It's impossible to get a read on this girl...

Avenger let the violin dangle loosely in her grip as she addressed him. "You."

"Hmm?" He felt in a similar way as he was as a child, when a teacher was about to scold him.

"I can tell... You're different."

"How so?"

"I recognize you."

"I-I, uh, I think I summoned you."

"No, not from today. At some other point in time." He noticed she'd stammered for a moment, trying to find a better term than 'before'.

"Some... other... point?"

"I can't put my finger on it... but I've seen you. You may have not seen me, but I know I recognize you. The others are unknown to me, though."

"Well that's..." he nervously finished, "...weird..."

"It's probably nothing." She sounded like she was lying. "Do you play?" She asked, referring to the violin."

"Uh, no. I don't play any instruments."

"Hm." She nonchalantly dropped her instrument. Cody stared as it turned to glowing code and dispersed before it could hit the floor. "Alright... what do you play with?" She walked up and came uncomfortably close, then firmly planted two fingers on his forehead.

ח͝ט̤̪͜א ̭̫͡מ͙̥̺͙ק̝̜̪̯ו̱̫ר̖̯́י̡͈.

...What? He heard a spell being spoken, but he couldn't understand it.

"So you work with computers." Her fingers stood still, then slowly rubbed down and left his forehead, returning to her side. "I understand now."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You want to destroy the key."

"You could tell that just by touching my forehead?"

"I could recite your entire life story to you, Cody Victor Lazarus. Life is short, though, so I won't waste your time."

"...Hey."

"Hm?"

"Who are you, really? What's your identity?"

"Must I say?"

"The history books always speak of your noble phantasm and your role in the Sanctum Wars, but they never mention your identity. First-hand accounts always say they've forgotten. What is it about you, that after your death you were chosen by Sanctum to be its prime representative?"

"You seem to have it backwards." For once since she'd been summoned, she **** a smile. "Sanctum didn't choose me. I was the one who chose it."

"...Can you clarify?"

"Certainly, but I'm positive you've heard the story before."

"Go on."

"Fine." She exhaled. "It was the first meaningful decision."

Cody raised his eyebrows as if to say "Go on", but she'd apparently finished her sentence.

"And every decision has the potential to go horribly, horribly wrong." His eyes widened in realization. "But I'm confident I made the right choice. After all, I did create a new age. Someone else created this world..." She forced her fingers on his forehead once more. "...B̻̻u͙̯̦t̜͈̝̺ ͙̥͕̟̙̝i̖̤̝t̰̞̖͕̪ w͈a̤͚̰̬̲̥̙s͎̪̫͚ ̠̹̩̪I̮ w̘̞̬̹ͅh̯͍͓ͅo̜̼̦̤ ͖̪̠͕ḓ͎͓͎̪͍ͅe̦l̫͙̯̞i̬̰̜͖͈̭v̞̣̙̱͔̳e̗͖͙r͉̟͔̘̦̼e̪͖̲̬̖̭̣d̘̳͚͈͔ͅ ̠̱i͉̬̼͔͓̥t͔̣͖̞̹͈s̞̜̩͖ ̦l̠̙̰̲̬if͔̰̮e̮̪̰̬̭." The code enveloped him, and the world became a blinding white.

A new world appeared. The air's scent was that of a musky old house, but the skies were blue and the world seemed unnaturally young. Before him and Avenger stood a massive gate. Beyond it was a scene that his mortal brain couldn't fully comprehend, but he somehow felt that by his own hands he could open the gate somehow.

"Do you know who I am now?" Leaves were flying from inside the gates, but each one died as it touched the ground.

"The birth of Sanctum..."

She cleared her throat, reciting the full name of the original magic entity. "The birth of Sancta Sanctorum, the Second Garden. Before us, beyond that gate, lies the First." She walked forwards and pressed her fingers against the bars. "And I've been longing to unlock this gate for eons."

"You're Eve. The first sinner."

"You're Lazarus. You catch on quickly." The world faded back to the darkened laboratory. Above her hands Sanctum Sanctorum was glowing. From within it, the massive spear Luin fell to her side, which she caught and let tilt slightly to her left. "A noble phantasm is an amalgamation of a heroic spirit's memories, legacy, will to fight... and sins. Sins are what define us best, after all. All noble phantasms who have committed the ultimate sin... All weapons who have killed their target... belong to me. And my noble phantasm?" Luin exploded into code and the room went dark again. "...It is Sanctum itself."

Cody stepped back. The cycle... All noble phantasms linking to her, Eve. Does she think that... With enough weapons, with enough sins, she can destroy the gate and return to Eden? Am I understanding any of this correctly?

"I'd like to show you one more thing, Lazarus."

He gulped. "...Fire away."

In her hand appeared one more object.

It was a flash drive with duct tape hastily wrapped on it. Cody scrambled into his pockets, and sure enough, he took out one identical to hers.

"...No..." He couldn't believe it.

"Caster of Spades, Divided war of 2083. EX rank noble phantasm, Seed of Madeline."

"That's..." He stumbled backward. "That's not possible!"

"Sanctum doesn't care for the concept of time. A person leaves their impact on the world, that is part of the conditions required to summon a servant. There's no law dictating that all servants hail from the past, though. I can summon this because you're here. You're the catalyst."

"B-but, I..." He was shivering. "We destroy the key! We've won the war, we win, we..." His heart was pounding. "...No. I'd destroy the key. I know we all would."

"I could use this, you know..." She laughed, letting the flash drive disperse into code. "Never in history has such a powerful Noble Phantasm existed, excluding my own. Do you know what it does?" Cody's eyes were racing for an escape. "Do you know what you do in the future? With the Sanctum Key?"

"No!"

"You..." She stopped. "You did what I never could. You created life. Or, more, you equipped others with the power to do so. And that was it. 2083 was the final Sanctum war, you know..."

"What?"

"...By the time the conditions were right for the next one, there were no humans left to participate." She smiled maliciously at the sight of him convulsing. "Now, I know you'd never use your key, but..." She was fighting back more laughter. "I know someone who would. Now, do you remember Genesis? God created Adam, and from him he created me. I, in turn, created sin. I created Sanctum. Sanctum birthed modern humans, such as yourself. Tell me, Cody Victor Lazarus..." Her eyes were glowing. "W̫̤H̪͙̺O̤̥͕͈̦̣ ͕D̼̥͉͓̪I̖͙̫̗D̙͎̱̘̞ ̘Y͖̳̲̬̩̭O̟͚͓̰̥̤U̟͚̩͈ ̫C͚̼̗̣̘R̺E̜̱͎̘̹ͅA̟͈̩̹̼TE̹̮̮͎͖̭?͖̻̬͈̺"


AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

"Damn you!" He pulled out the peacemaker and fired at her.

The bullet stopped in midair and shattered.

"...You've had plenty of time to prepare, Club Faction. Now, while the apocalypse following 2083 sounds promising to watch, I'd rather forge a new destiny. It has to start here, though." More lines of code spewed forth, now focused in two places. Two powerful swords began to take form, blades facing him. "Every other war, I am predestined to be defeated. Not this time, though. Finally, I can fight back with full force knowing that you'll destroy everything." The swords were nearly completed. Cody stared her dead in the eye. "Let's start over, Lazarus. Fourteen new masters, fourteen new servants. I'll try to make this clean." The blades erupted from their portals and fired at him at incredible speed. He narrowly dodged out of the way as more surfaced behind her. "The war ends here." A glass of wine appeared in her hand, and she raised it in a toast. "Here's to the next one, so it may hold better results."

The portals all fired.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 20, 2016, 07:28:46 pm

Hera

"I'm quite capable of taking care of myself, thank you," Hera replied cooly, "Besides, I've suffered worse. If you'll excuse me."

Hera shouldered past Robin with as much dignity as someone who was limping could to enter the building. As soon as she entered, she located a source of running water and some paper towels. This should work nicely. Now to find a first aid kit...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 20, 2016, 07:11:14 pm

Robin

Robin looked at their newest base, and saw Hera's wound and her comment.

"Flesh wound or not, that might pick up an infection. Clean it with water and then use some kind of cloth and wrap it, until we can get more proficient healing."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 20, 2016, 06:35:24 pm

Hera

Hera shrugged, "It's just a flesh wound."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 20, 2016, 06:32:04 pm

Jack Blair

Jack walked into the makeshift lab and looked around. He sat down on a small chair and began enchanting a few items he had in his pocket.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 20, 2016, 06:15:59 pm

Kirin

He frowned. "You should've tended to that immediately rather than worrying about me. You're more useful right now, after all."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 20, 2016, 06:07:29 pm

Hera

"No, not at all. As you can see, I am perfectly fine and have been for the past thirty minutes," Hera replied sarcastically.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 20, 2016, 05:45:44 pm

Kirin

He walked up beside her when he noticed she was limping. "...Hey." He did a decent job composing himself. "Do you, uh... need any help there?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 20, 2016, 05:41:14 pm

Hera

The good die young, Hera thought to herself as she stared at the fresh grave. Maybe someday we'll come back and give her a proper headstone, but for now... Hera struggled to stand and then slowly made her way to woods. She came back holding a fallen tree branch and began to carve Riza's name into it. Once she was done, Hera placed the impromptu gravestone on the grave. That should do the trick.

"I'm going to our newest base of operations to see what I can do about my leg. Feel free to join me when your ready."

And with that, Hera began to limp towards the laboratory.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 20, 2016, 05:30:00 pm

Kirin

Once the pit was adequately deep he lowered the shovel to the side. He stared at Riza's body for one more minute, then slowly buttoned up her coat.

"It's getting cold out, Riza. You ought to take better care of yourself."

After this one more drop of water, he cried no more. He carefully lowered her into the pit and gave her one last look, then began to replace the dirt. He weakened a bit once her face was lost from view. The metal handle of the shovel seemed to grow a few degrees colder. Once it was done, however, and snow was beginning to fall upon her fresh grave, he felt a little stronger.

"...Thank you for the shovel, Caster."

Caster

He nodded, taking it back and turning for the laboratory. Once he knew his hand was out of Kirin's view, he covertly cast a minor alchemy spell. In a few weeks time, the grave would be growing flowers of all kinds, but for now there was only snow. Snow, and silence.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 20, 2016, 04:54:49 pm

Hera

Hera awkwardly stood once more and limped over to where Kirin had laid Riza. She carefully sat next to the girl so as to not disturb her.

...That black liquid.

Hera began to wipe away the goo with her sleeve as Kirin continued digging.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 20, 2016, 12:09:33 pm

[I guess we're going with this, then. Moving on...]

Kirin

Riza's crooked but naive smile passed through his thoughts, again and again. "Riza would've wanted... an end to the conflict, I think. Maybe she pictured a reality where there would be no more need for combat magic. Crests and bloodlines wouldn't mean anything. And living weapons, people that were designed like me..." He shivered. "There'd finally be no need for us." He slowly stood up and walked back over to Riza's body.

In the snow, she still had the black liquid dripping from her mouth and chest wound, but she looked as radiant and delicate as a young angel. With great care, he slowly wrapped his arms under her neck and knees, carrying her to flatter ground. Like a father with a sleeping child he lowered her in the fresh layer of snow, and then spent a few moments adjusting her hair to look just right. After this he took one of the shovels their group was using hours earlier and began to dig beside her, careful not to allow a single speck of dirt to touch her.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 11:46:47 pm

Cody Lazarus

He slowly nodded. "We'll settle things with her once the war's over. In the mean time she'd make for an interesting asset... Once I repair Madeline's body she'll come in handy as well, especially considering she doesn't run the risk of dying in the event of the battle going sour." He remembered the clock tower, and the unnatural, artificial scream she let out when he shot her leg. ...I still have to fix that. Why DID she install a sense of touch, anyway? He stepped inside the makeshift base. "I'll be in the workshop if you need me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 19, 2016, 10:47:42 pm

Henri

Henri stared on the scene sadly.  We stop the war, we stop the deaths.  That's the path before us.

He looked at Cody.  Both of them had changed so much in ways he barely understood.  Funny, how you never could tell who the most important people to you would be when you first met them.  He supposed the same thing applied to Kirin and Riza.  He doubted that a year ago, Kirin would have given a second thought to her death.

He briefly considered telling Cody how he felt, but this was the worst of times to do so.  The chances were good that at least one of them wouldn't walk away alive, and he didn't really believe in tying up loose ends; better to ensure there were no distractions.  If either of them died, it was bad, if both of them lived, it was good.  Zeroes and ones, I guess.  He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he was resolved.

He stepped over to Cody.  "I'm sorry to pull you away from this, but we need to tally up our options.  Our only remaining Servants on scene are Caster and Saber.  Caster doesn't have a lot of offensive power for a Servant, and I feel like Avenger could even trump Saber in terms of brute force."  He lowered his voice.  "Plus, Anne's inexperienced and she lacks a large mana pool, weakening her Servant significantly.

"You know how much I don't want to have to do this, but we're going to have to get... Maria on our side for this battle.  She's an experienced mage with a lot of mana backing her up, and... well... I have no idea if her Servant is powerful, since Maria's been staying out of battles so far, but Lancer-class Servants generally are good at combat, and he's uninjured.

"Avenger's going to stay benign until we initiate the battle, and that's an advantage we should capitalize on."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 19, 2016, 09:58:00 pm

Hera

"You're not worthless," Hera replied quietly. "You're my friend."

Silence surrounded the two teenagers. Finally, Hera began to speak once more.

"The past is the past. It looms over us reminding us of our mistakes and regrets, but it is powerless. All we can do is survive the present and shape our own future. We cannot bring Riza back to life, but we can survive this war and create the future she dreamed of," Hera took a deep breath. "Kirin, don't let what you can't change haunt you. As many wise men quoted, 'Post tenebras spero lucem'. After darkness, I hope for light."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 09:36:01 pm

Cody Lazarus

He adjusted his glasses as always. "We take a breather. Behind me we have a makeshift base until we're ready to fight Avenger. After that..." He stared at the sky. "It's over. We've lost a lot, but it'll finally be over."

And nobody else will have to die because of this god-forsaken war.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 09:34:38 pm

Kirin

"She deserved better than me." He didn't break his blank stare. "I just dragged her into the war without much of a second thought, and she payed the price. She paid for my mistake. Riza had a future ahead of her. She was nothing like me. She was full of life, and she always had something to say. I pretended not to enjoy her company, because..." He clutched his leg with his right hand. "...I don't even know why. What do I have ahead of me? A life of running from the association and hiding from the british secret service? I'm a wanted man, you know. I've sinned, I'm worth less. I should've been the one who was shot."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 09:33:47 pm

Jack Blair

"Fantastic!" He put a few extra bullets into his gun and lit a cigar, "It's always time to smoke." he muttered to himself.

Silence

I'm going to have to get used to no sly commentary

He walked over to the group, "So what now? Lazarus?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 09:27:25 pm

Caster

Caster put his hands on his hips, trying to improve his mood. "He's suffered a superficial cut on his forehead, but he's expected to recover." He sarcastically pointed to Assassin's already fading corpse, which had its skull split open wide.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 09:15:12 pm

Jack Blair

He made his way over the hill, "I'm back!" He said sarcastically, waving to the group, "What happened to assassin?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 19, 2016, 09:10:40 pm

Hera

Hera's heart broke looking at Kirin's broken state. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Riza was the nicest girl I've met," Hera began. "She was as nice to her enemies as she was to her friends. I just wish I could've gotten to know her better. However, war is cruel, and death is even more so."

Hera looked over at where Riza's body lay, "She deserved better than death on a battlefield."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 19, 2016, 08:53:02 pm

Henri

Arash appeared in front of Henri, and Henri kneeled.

"Archer... Arash... thank you.  This war's made me reconsider a lot of things.  So many figures from the past summoned, and while we call them Heroic Spirits, they all seem to be broken somehow.  Not true heroes, not the people they were idolized to be.  Arash... I know we've had disagreements, but I know that you always had my back, but more importantly, the back of everyone.  You've been a great ally, and a friend."

Archer smiled, and Zamiel's bullet struck the arrow.  He visibly jolted, and he crumpled to the ground just as the arrow fell into the ocean.  The sandy circles faded, replaced by wilted grass.

"Thank you," Henri breathed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 08:40:11 pm

Kirin

He was shivering. He stared dead ahead into the forest, unaffected as Hera sat beside him. The billowing wind coated his hair and shoulders with a thin veil of snow, but he didn't seem to care.

"She's... she's really gone." The tears on his face were beginning to freeze over. Unable to face Hera, he buried his face into his knees.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 19, 2016, 08:35:26 pm

Hera

Hera grimaced in pain. She took one glance at her leg. And of course I have used up a majority of my mana...

The pained girl carefully sat in the snow. This f***ing sucks. And we have to fight Avenger after this too! A pained groan emerged from her throat. After this war is finished I'm gonna do away with all this magecraft s*** and lock myself in my room claiming I have PTSD. Why is it that every single f***ing friend I make in this war dies, AND ALL I GET IS A WOUNDED LEG?

Hera glanced at her surroundings. Finally her eyes rested on Kirin. ...God damn it. Someone's gotta help this guy. He may end up actually having PTSD.

Hera awkwardly stood up and hobbled towards Kirin. After ungracefully sitting in the snow next to him, she let out a sigh. I already regret this decision.

"Kirin, I'm sorry."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 08:05:03 pm

Cody Lazarus

He was still sweating from what he saw happen to Riza. His childhood friend. Above all, though, he felt impatient. Once he knew the affair with Archer was over, he raised his gun and pointed it at Avenger's head. She looked back with a somewhat blank expression. "You're in no position to fight as of now. I suggest you rest and tend to your wounded." He lowered his gun, because he knew she was right. Suddenly, the girl was struck with a few rounds of mana fire. She snapped back with a vicious look but didn't act.

"...Caster, can you make a lab for us?"

"I suppose I've got plenty of mana, and we've got some time to regain our mana. I'd like to have a few words with that Avenger-Class, though."

"I understand. Can you hide the lab from view of non-mages?"

"Suit yourself..." He mustered approximately half of his mana stores and constructed another laboratory. This was considerably smaller and more focused on practicality. Avenger, unimpressed, walked through the front door.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 19, 2016, 07:58:07 pm

Maria

      She mentally whistled, what had started out to be a potential slugfest between seven servants now had four of those figures incur casualties. The demon archer was burning itself out while the golden paragon archer looked as if his steroided state would be soon to follow. That just left the samurai, the information gleaming caster, a lancer on standby, and a missing Berserker.

     Avenger had flickered out of existence, cutting through another servant as if they were human. She frowned.

     Although Excalibur should lead me to believe that this is a Pendragon, something about that air of her's doesn't fit with that last name. So this means that it's most likely Sigurðr, Völundr, or Nimue. I can't think of anyone else it could be.  Hmmm, this'll be an issue. If it's Nimue, that means I have to contend with the healing properties and magic of the isle of Avalon. Sigurðr means I'd also have to worry about the existence of Gram and if it's Völundr, well, I kind of want to just go home thinking about it. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? Avenger destroying the world? That'll probably be the end result I suppose.

     Well, dealing with Zamiel will be up to either this body or them down there. I can't spare any time of Lancer's last stand on a wraith or shade.

     King, start moving. Soon, let us begin the final fight.

      The shell with wings fluttered about, warming up with a salvo of magical pellets, bombarding the spirit with few prodding test rounds.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 07:41:45 pm

Jack Blair

Jack turned around and began climbing up the hill Silent enough..... Is assassin dead? Well I hope

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 19, 2016, 06:23:49 pm

Avenger

In the storm of sand, Assassin saw a silhouette that vanished immediately, only to appear somewhere else, closer. Chest torn open from the arrows, he found himself completely unable to move. Finally he saw the face of a white-haired girl peer over his vision, as she smiled maliciously and suspended a black and gold sword above his forehead. For a brief second he could read the word "Durendal" written on the length of the blade before it was firmly stabbed through his skull. Everything went black for him.

Finally, the sandy plains faded, and the snowstorm returned. Death was in the wind itself.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 19, 2016, 01:28:20 pm

Henri

Henri's eyes were burning with rage as he stared at James's dying body.  He wanted to scream, to throw lightning at something until nothing was left but dust.  What's the point?  Tragedy after tragedy after tragedy.  He walked over to James.

"That's no excuse.  The actions you took were your own decision.  I don't think Ruler can make someone do something if those feelings aren't there to begin with."

Meanwhile, Archer had turned to Assassin.  His exposed skin, previously a light brown, was slowly changing in hue to solid gold as his arrow continued on its course.  Assassin faced him, but Archer felt no fear.  His life and death were already bound to the course.

Another arrow fired into the ground, and almost the entire battlefield was turned into a sandy desert.  Archer held out his hand, and the sand began to swirl around Assassin, combining with the smoke to cloud his vision.  Archer stretched out his bow to an incredible length, loading in an arrow, and fired.  It speared through the smoke, unwavering, through Assassin.  Arrow after arrow after arrow, gold streaks flying through the air.

His face dark, he pointed his bow toward Zamiel and fired.  The arrow passed through Zamiel's flesh, and the hole it created closed over with black slime.  Zamiel laughed in a low, discordant voice, and the bullet embedded in his body exited him, swirling around him before re-entering.

Archer ran forward, light trailing behind him, and grabbed Zamiel, intending to teleport him somewhere else for a more powerful attack.  But something was off.  Zamiel's life force moved with Archer willingly, and he felt no resistance as they teleported to another offshore island in the course of his ultimate Noble Phantasm.  When he arrived, Zamiel was laughing.

"I can't be killed in this state.  I'll die soon, of course, once my arrow hits the ground... but not before then.  You aren't invincible."

Zamiel's bullet flew out of one of his eyes, forming a trail of red and black energy.  It rammed into Archer repeatedly from multiple directions, but his now-golden flesh was impermeable.  Arash prepared another arrow, but before he could, the bullet flew off in the sky.  Directly toward Arash's arrow.

Arash's face hardened, and he pummeled Zamiel with arrows, before teleporting back to Avenger.  Lack of mana and the damage from the arrows would kill Zamiel before he could find a way to return.  But Arash now had minutes rather than hours left to live.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 01:15:54 pm

Jack

He glanced behind him at the sound of the shield smashing, seeing the gun being pulled up. No that's not gonna happen. He threw a smoke bomb at his feet and dropped to the ground. Hopefully the clubs get him before he runs over here or I'll be seeing the other side today too

He began to crawl behind James's body then dove down the hill, front rolling as best he could. Oh this is gonna hurt in a few minutes. He reached the bottom then began sprinting into the thicket.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 19, 2016, 12:58:34 pm

James

James watched Assassin attack Hera when 3 sharp pains erupted from his body, and James weakly fell, his brain not comprehending what had just happened. He looked at Jack, words on the tip of his mouth. A tear rolled down his face as James spoke the last words in this world.

"All... I ever wanted.... was to do good.. but I guess... that I failed my mission.. Ruler broke me, Jack.... he broke me.... this war, it's-it's useless, a waste of lives... I had to the and end it. I had to try....."

James took a deep shuddering breath, his end near.

"Jack... I'm s-sorry about C-Celtchar... I hope... you live on-n and... destroy the K-K-Ke-Key..."

James Blackbourne released his final breath, his eyes lost light and closed, never to open again.

Assassin had just smashed into Hera's shield, and when a he couldn't smash into her he smashed the shield, hitting its weakest point, destroying it. Assassin elbowed Hera in the chest and then dragged his knuckles into her leg, brutually, but not fatally slicing it open. About to deal the killing stroke, Assassin felt his connection with James suddenly go dark, and he turned in fear to look at his master and friend, seeing him lying on the ground, Jack near him, dead. Assassin fell back, shocked, as her drew his gun and aimed it at Jack's head, prepared and determined to pull the trigger.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 12:38:21 pm

Jack

A servant attacking? The assassin ran towards Hera and she began to throw spells at it. Jack scanned his eyes around for the master. The Black panther, a man that Jack rarely ever saw, despite being allied with earlier.

He would have no trouble taking him out.

Isa, your friends can die too

Jack turned his pistol and the man and fired at him. Head, chest, anything, all Jack could see what Max shooting his servant in the heart over and over and over again. The glow of Isa's command seals... Forcing max to take her life.

One bullet, two bullets, three bullets, blood poured from the wounds. That should be enough. He walked over to the man, the black panther.

If things had cone differently, I would be the one attacking the clubs here.....


Who would have killed me?



He couldn't move any further, he stood still and watched James take his final breath.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 19, 2016, 12:15:27 pm

Hera

Hera saw the Spade Master and his servant emerge from the forest. In that moment, all of her sorrow suddenly turned to wrath. Can we not get a single moment's rest? For f***'s sake, we just lost 3 people!! WE'RE MOURNING! But if you insist, we will give you hell.

"HEY EVERYONE! SOMEONE'S ATTACKING!" Hera shouted, drawing everyone's attention to the Spade. She pulled out her spell book and began looking for a suitable attack spell. Kirin's most likely used all his mana during the fight with his father. Hopefully someone's got some tricks up there sleeve.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 19, 2016, 11:52:05 am

James

James watched as the bullet flew through Celtchar and then.. Riza. James looked in shock as the young girl fell, life deprived from her within momments. Kirin ran to her, and James felt sympathy for the young man.

And then something in him broke.

The pain, the grief, the anger in James finally broke through, took him over. James Blackbourne ceased to live and a being of anger and death took over. This new being, a complete Black Panther, filled whatever little humanity James had left after this War, this useless, painful event of insanity and death. Decades of mages and good men and women, lives wasted. And at this momment, Black Panther wanted 1 thing. To end the war. To defeat the Clubs, and to put an end to this War, with no Victor to claim the Key. Let the process repeat, or be destroyed with no victor to claim the Key and no one to die for the war to restart to process. James didn't care, he only had one mission.

BY MY COMMAND SEAL ASSASSIN, KILL THE CLUBS

Assassin put his knuckles on and directed waves of fear at the already off balanced Clubs. Then, gun drawn, he converged on the Clubs. Black Panther drew his sword and prepared to throw fire at the Clubs.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 19, 2016, 07:29:59 am

Jack Blair

Jack was always a loner. He had stolen, distanced himself, drank away almost every problem he had. He often reckoned if he wasn't a mage he'd be the most pathetic type of person. However the war had always been able to push those thoughts away, until now. Without Celtchar he had no place on this battlefield, no place in this group. He was simply another normal mage, less than that even, a drunkard. Despite how hesitant he was to admit it, and how horrible the experience had been, he had had the time of his life over the last few weeks. For once he meant something.

Now he had to go back.

He stood up, No..... We have a mission to finish. Celtchar is... was right. Save my bullets for the real deal. We've effectively lost Kirin, but we haven't lost the battle. He walked over to the scene and stood silently.

He took a glance over to Maria and rubbed his eyes.

What in the....

Silence.

Dammit, I forgot my head's empty now.

He turned back to the group and walked over to Cody, "Lazarus, you may want to take a look at your strange ally."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 19, 2016, 07:20:12 am

Hera

Hera brushed away her tears and observed the others. Most of us barely knew her, and yet we all mourn for her. Kirin...He's lost everything...However, the war isn't over yet.

Hera stood abruptly and walked towards where Avenger stood. "We may need some time before we will be ready to fight you," She stated solemnly. "Thank you for your assistance earlier."

Kirin... Hera watched as the broken hearted man mourned. She began to walked towards him but stopped herself after two steps. There must be something I can do...

"Sanatio." The black liquid that had brought death to Riza disappeared from Kirin's skin, and the burns began to heal.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 19, 2016, 06:03:06 am

Robin

Robin fell to his knees. Riza had been a kind, funny and innocent person and mage. Tears slowly ran down his eyes as he remembered Celtchar as well. She may have been an enemy, but she had still probably been a good friend. Robin looked at Kirin. He was on the ground, crying, wailing, defeated. Robin wanted to go up to him, put an arm on his shoulder, but he knew that right now, now was not the time. Kirin needed to grieve in his own pain, right now. The comfort would need to come later.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 19, 2016, 01:06:11 am

((Zen, I'm crying... That's so beautiful and sad))

Anne

I didn't know her well, but her death is worse than any others', and it left something in all of us that witnessed it. But he has it the worst. She thought, looking around to those that were there and then looking at Kirin killing his father.

No one bothered to step in, they knew that he just needed time.

After a while she realized that she was crying, fat drops of salt splashed the ground.

I barely knew her... Except when we were enemies. More tears, followed by regret that they never talked.

The silence continued. It was every mage and their thoughts.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 10:58:37 pm

Kirin

In that moment, there was only silence.

Eighteen years had gone by since his birth. Fifteen since hers. Seven catalysts. Seven bullets. Ninety Nine souls, two partners, one curse. Zero noise. In that moment, there was only silence.

Eighteen years of training and prestige defined the life of Kirin Oshiro- a prideful young man destined to be the representative of the Oshiro family in the Sanctum War of twenty fifteen.

Fifteen was the age of the girl when she passed on. She had aspired to be something greater than they expected. Not a lowly servant, not even a mage's assistant, but a fully accepted mage of the association, with new ideas and fresh ideals. It was a lofty dream, it was, and she'd harbored it since the age of seven.

Seven catalysts were used to summon seven servants. The Saber, the two-faced mercenary who fought on both sides of the crusader's divide. The Rider, the delusional but well-meaning hero of old, and old by multiple definitions. The Assassin, whose one bullet sprung the entire world into chaos and lead to the deaths of millions of soldiers around the world. The Caster, a woman alone who sought peace and life, by her own means and meaning. The Berserker, a forge of a thousand cursed destinies and a thousand deadly blades. The Lancer, a heroine who never backed down. She fought until her own bitter end, fighting against a tyrant of a master in order to free her friend. There was one Archer, possessing ninety nine souls, wielding seven bullets.

Adlerflug, the falcon who scoured the landscape in search of a better way. Baumwachstum, a root of a tree. Steadfast, unyielding. Rehe Durchbohren, an unyielding deer who fiercely tore through all obstacles without question. Katzensprung, traveling below the earth. In hiding, or merely waiting for the right moment? Nobody knows. Lachstreppe would take another path when one was blocked out, with disregard to whoever would be taken down in the process. Fuchsdämon, the fox, the soul of the demon...

Zamiel Vertrag. The bullet forged by the demon. A small piece of Sanctum lies within. Ninety Nine fell due to its unholy power. Every time it fires, two die.

Two die, and one is left crying on the floor. There were two partners. A boy and a girl. It is always the same story, told in a different way- but each story brings something new, each brings the count closer to one-hundred. On the dawn of that day someone else will rise and try to put an end to the cycle. But this chosen one is irrelevant. The key is worthless; there is only the curse.

One curse. The girl was doomed from the very moment she saw her command seals. And it was a curse delivered. Upon the dawn of the war it was Isa who assigned them, and it was he who gave the final order, the last command seal. After that, his power was reduced to zero.

Eighteen years had gone by since his birth. Fifteen since hers. Seven catalysts. Seven bullets. Ninety Nine souls, two partners, one curse. Zero noise.

And in that moment, there was only silence.

Caster

Cody was speechless. Caster shut his eyes. "This world belongs to the enemy, Lazarus. Never forget this."

Kirin

Silence. Kirin was doomed to stare for what seemed to be an eternity, completely, utterly helpless. All he'd done to try to protect her was for naught. Every wound, every strike, every sigh in fake frustration whenever she'd make a snarky remark was a moment wasted. There was no key anymore, there was never a key. There was only keeping her safe.

It is said that once a noble cause is shattered, something will always take its place.

Some day, the world returned. Riza stood on the ground, beginning to stumble. Kirin couldn't even hear himself scream, and oh, what a scream it was. He ran in a fashion known only by those who have seen their world crumble- it is the run of a man desperately trying to pick up the pieces before they fall to the ground. The man never succeeds. Kirin fell to her side. Her body was cold, filled with stygian black liquid where her blood was supposed to be. She still had some form of life- it was below conscious thought, and more accurately compared to a breaking down of the human soul into its one fundamental need to love and be loved in return. As the black liquid dripped form her lips she cried, unable to speak. He joined her. For once in his life Kirin Oshiro was a truly and utterly broken man. He held her, he held her like no man had ever held a woman before. For while other forms of embrace would warm his soul, this in particular shattered it.

With her in his arms he couldn't even bear to speak her name.

And in that moment, there was only silence.

She was gone far too soon. He hadn't enough time to look upon her. There was no closure and no satisfaction to holding her. When he finally resolved to put her to rest, he found himself dripping with the liquid. It burnt like acid. He didn't even bat an eye. And for once, the silence was broken.

"It should have been me."

He rose.

"This was my fault. All of it. She never hurt a soul, do you hear me?!" He fell to his knees and started screaming into the sky. "It was all me! I killed Zoraya Krauss! It was my plan! I'm the one who forced her into this war! I'm the murderer! I'm the one who deserves to go to hell!" His face was drenched in tears. "Take me instead, damn it! Take me! She never..." He lowered his head. "...She never hurt you. She never hurt anyone."

And in that moment, there was only silence.

Through the snowstorm, Isa was staring. His seals were gone and there was a massive gaping hole in his chest, but he wouldn't miss this sight for the world. "This is magecraft... my son..."

Kirin looked back. There was hell in his eyes. After this moment there was silence no longer. There was one spell he could use to silence him forever. Zero noise. Silence. Zero. But there would be no silence today. He was silent for eighteen years, and now he would begin to talk. He would talk, he would shout, he would yell and he would scream. Mostly, though, he would simply cry.

The shouting came first, however. Zero was never cast.

"Inferno!" He rose his hand to the sky, neglecting his wand. Isa's body was caught ablaze, his flesh beginning to tear straight off. But before he would accept his death, the flames vanished. Silence.

"Inferno!" The spell came again. The cold of the snow came first, creating two extremes. The pain was unspeakable. But just before he could let go, Kirin stopped the spell once more. Again and again, he would shout, he would light the man on fire, watch him burn in agony and put it out, wait for the ice to accumulate and strike him once more. Over and over this continued. One blast. Two. Seven. Fifteen. Eighteen. Ninety Nine. At some indeterminate point, the charred body no longer screamed. Even then he was struck a few times. Now there was barely anything left to register it as a human corpse.

Kirin was completely drained of all mana.


In that moment, there was only silence. Silence, and the agonizing cries of Kirin Oshiro.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 18, 2016, 10:08:56 pm

Maria

       A sonorous whir rushed through the air. Before her non-existent eyes could blink, all the shell saw was the thud of two shadows. A girl and a woman. it was but two lights fading in a sea of many. She grinned.

       Hmm, I never even got to use that part of the contract. A shame really, she was a nice girl. Naive, but with a nice personality. Well, I guess in the end it's good that she's dead. No need to kill her myself.

        Kuroahoge surely isn't having a nice day right now. His girlfriend's dead, his father just killed her, his father is dying, his temporary servant has turned against him, yes, nothing could be going worse for him. Aaaaaaaaaah, if only I could make it worse you know? Hammer the nail in the coffin, yes, that would be quite fun.

       With a grin plastered on her immobile body, the shell stirred. The bare backside split open, the robe torn to shreds. Four oscillating butterfly wings glimmered in the shade of the canopy above. it stretched. Her rugged outline crackled. The air grew heavy and sank down below it.

      A pool of liquid surged, wrapping around its translucent body. A gown of black curled up, and billowed downwards. The masked split, and with it, the head shattered. A gap opened up, and curled upwards. Yes, it was smiling. Eyes soon followed, a nose as well. Ears ...... and hair. A jet of pink and silver flowed down.

    It's time to rumble.

       
   

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 10:00:27 pm

Hera

Hera watched Riza die. ...Why? She ran towards where she lay on the ground, careful not to touch the black goo. Hera fell to her knees. There's nothing I can do... A tear rolled down her cheek as her ship sank.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 18, 2016, 09:59:15 pm

Jackson Blair

"Celtchar!" He screamed, falling to his knees. He held a shaky hand pointing his gun at Zamiel. A weak voice shot through his mind,

Save.... your bullets.

...Win

He collapsed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 09:48:35 pm

RULER

An unstoppable force began tugging at Ruler, more powerful than time or love or any force known to man.  Left unchecked, it would tear him apart.  Rather than struggling, though, he grinned, and let the fragment of his identity, his legend, that was Zamiel slough off his ethereal body.

In reality, even Ruler was just a fragment of a larger idea, a shell designed to contain and give rules to a chaotic force.  Noble Phantasms, class designations, Command Seals, all concepts some madman had forced onto corrupted shadows of memories of heroes and villains.

But that didn't matter now.  This was the Sanctum War, and just because it was somehow fake beneath it all didn't mean it had power.

The shell for the part of Ruler known as Zamiel the Destroyer had already been made.  An Archer designation, with stats higher than Ruler's usual shell except at the peak of its power.  A welcome respite from the regular rise and ebb of Ruler's power, correlating with the cycle of the war.  Even though Ruler relied on the existence of the cycle, irregularities such as Zamiel were simply less obvious patterns in the cycle, recurring whenever someone had the courage and mindset to summon that one particular wight.

Zamiel was one of the few parts of Ruler that had the freedom to be chaotic.  Nothing it could do could disrupt the cycle, which meant it had the freedom to do whatever it wanted.

Time started again.

The bullet traveled along its original path, hitting the Lancer Celtchar through the heart.  A crackling black line followed its path, disappearing more slowly than the bullet moved.  Meanwhile, the wight Archer was destroyed, his shell broken from the effort of channeling even a fragment of Ruler's force.  Of Zamiel.

A black humanoid shape, oozing shadowy black goo onto the ground, with eyes and mouth glowing red, appeared behind Celtchar, directly in the path of the bullet.  He caught it with two of his fingers, and it was absorbed into his body.  He took stock of all the beings surrounding him.

The icy rebel.  The defiant maid.  The vengeful mastermind.  The idealistic orphan.  The foolish genius.  His Pandora.  The brash runaway.  The chaotic whelp.  The ignoble charmer.  The deadly zealot.  The ambitious newcomer.

And then countless shells, which barely even registered as sentient.  Programmed as shadows of memories.  Not worth a second of thought.

First of all, a way to wound that whom had brought him into being.  Zamiel saw the pathways stretching forward, saw the pain it would inflict on someone with the potential to kill Isa in the way it would hurt most.  Zamiel opened his hand, and the bullet passed through Riza's chest.  The trail of dripping black energy it left behind consumed her, entering her, and she vomited up black goo as the light left her eyes.

The bullet returned to Zamiel's hand.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 09:08:04 pm

Archer

During the brutal beating multiple command seals began to glow. Adrenaline refused to let him fall unconscious from the blood-loss.

KILL HER, ARCHER.

...No. His will was strong enough to surpass the seals... but Isa had more.

BY TEN COMMAND SEALS I ORDER YOU TO KILL HER!

The force of all the beating command seals seemed to tear at his soul, but Archer felt as if she was his one tie to the world... The only person who could talk to Max. But nothing... Nothing could stop Zamiel.

Burn in hell, you bastard.

NO, ARCHER... YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WILL BE BURNING.

BY EVERY COMMAND SEAL GIVEN TO ME BY ZAMIEL, YOUR MASTER, I ORDER YOU: FIRE ZAMIEL VERTAG.

...You'll pay for this one day. He could resist no longer. As he rose his gun and loaded the black bullet, the screams of the souls of Der Freischütz could be heard erupting from the gun. Ninety nine fallen archers mourned for the lost battle.

And at this moment, they claimed their one-hundredth.

The blast of the bullet froze time, and it fired with a will of its own.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 18, 2016, 08:58:27 pm

Jack Blair

"GO!"

Celtchar ran at Oshiro holding Luin. She planted her feet on a rock and jumped high into the air, throwing her spear at full force at Oshiro, colliding with him seconds afterwards.

Jack pulled out his pistol and began walking to the scene, the command seal on his right hand glowing. Celtchar began pounding Isa's head over and over with her fists.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 08:53:59 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Jumping over stumps and ducking under branches, he navigated the remains of the forest, firing volley after volley of Spark at his father, who was striking back with Crudus. He, Robin and Hera struck from multiple angles providing fierce opposition. Kirin headed behind cover to regenerate some mana when he saw a bullet fly by, followed by a scream.

...Riza-

In a mad dash he headed towards it and found her, on the ground, bleeding profusely from a strike straight from the heart.

"R-riza..." His vision blurred as he tried to hold her, letting go of his wand.

Hehehehe...

He heard a whispering laughter. Riza's body disintegrated into dead leaves and was carried off into the wind.

It- it was an illusion?!

He turned around only to be kicked in the head and knocked into the snow. Isa chuckled as he aimed his own wand straight at Kirin's head.

"Of course, this of all things would be your undoing. You always were too soft..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 08:13:00 pm

Henri

Damn it damn it damn it.  Why did we pick a battle location so near a populated area!?

The final remaining Command Seal on his hand burned up.

"Arash the Archer!  Long ago, you prevented bloody war with the flight of your arrow.  Now, prevent unneeded damage again, and prevent Avenger's attack from harming civilians!"

Archer's bow began to glow with a golden light.  It expanded in size and tensile strength, gaining red wings that jetted off at the sides.  Archer readied an arrow, and a crimson red energy flew out of his body into the arrow.

He let the arrow go, and it left a red trail in the sky as it flew off into the distance.  Archer himself became bathed in a red glow.

With a flick of his wrist, another arrow flew out of his bow, landing at Avenger's feet.  A circle of golden sand was created beneath Avenger.  He leaped forward toward Avenger, and the two disappeared.

On an uninhabited island that the course of Archer's ultimate arrow had passed over, Avenger and Archer appeared.  Excalibur hit home, scouring the island with its golden light.  The Masters of the war saw a pillar of golden light rise from a distance away.

Archer stepped forward, unharmed, and a sandy trail followed in his wake.  "Let's not do that.  A minimum of collateral damage, please."

They teleported back onto the field of battle.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 18, 2016, 08:06:33 pm

James

James, having just arrived at the scene, watched as Oshiro began his attack.

99 Command Seals... impossible. How is this a part of the War?!

James thought back at his will to help people. Isa was bordering on the line. This wasn't what he wanted. Standing back, he commanded Assasin to stand down.

Not yet, Assasin... we have yet to take part of this battle.

Robin
((Before Zen's post))
Robin looked at Isa, surprised and shocked. Then Archer began to attack, and Robin ducked behind a tree.

This is madness! Archer is with us, but what can we do? ...The master. If we take out Isa, he'd loose the command over Archer...

Robin took our both his daggers and use their power to boost his magic. Then, he sent a spit fire  of ice straight at Isa, keeping a constant valley aimed at him. Where the ice missed it smashed into the ground or a tree and exploded, causing huge amounts of damage until Robin used air magic to direct his ice closer to Isa. Robin ducked in and out from the cover of his tree, firing concentrated bursts. At the same moment, a waterfall began dropping on Isa.

((Robin has done this spell before but he was a little too close to the target the previous time))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 08:02:26 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Just like we'd planned!

"Pruina!" The water around him froze, holding him in place. Avenger stood with glowing eyes.

Avenger

"Why, thank you." She lightly bowed and graciously took the cup, drinking it in front of Henri's face before placing it back and removing her necklace. "If you insist, I shall intervene. Of course, I can't garauntee anyone's safety. I am a destroyer, nothing else." At the end of the necklace was a white key- her noble phantasm. She pointed it at the sky and turned it slightly, as if to unlock some invisible object. Correspondingly a clicking sound echoed. The world grew silent again, at least for her and Henri.

SANCTUM SANCTORUM.

Droves of blue code appeared in the sky, reminiscent of that which appeared when Caster of Clubs was summoned, but it revolved faster and was formed of incomprehensible, ancient languages. The floating writings seemed to revolve around the key, as if to form an infinite list. Of the words, one was picked out and translated. With her left hand she put her necklace back on, and the right she held out. In her hand more code sprung forth, causing white light to form into the shape of a sword. The blade was long and heavy, fit for a king. She looked at it casually, like one holding a wrench or a plastic fork.

Code revolved around her once more as the blade glowed. The temperature rose tremendously, enough so that one would forget that it was winter. Avenger held the sword aloft, harboring radiant and yet sinister light... "EX..." The earth shook. "...CALIBUR!"

Avenger's attack struck at a horizontal angle, letting free a ranged strike that tore surrounding trees clean in half. Fire and wood shavings scattered everywhere. On the ground Archer had dragged Isa out of the way at the last second.

Isa seethed with fury as his body began to rapidly melt. I've fought you before, Avenger... I'll fight you again if you insist.

She rested her blade and twirled a bit with her hair. "Hmph. Alright, I'll just have to expand my parameters. With care to spare your allies, of course, I'll simply resort to annihilating the entire forest." Without waiting for an answer the sword began to glow again.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 07:49:49 pm

Hera

Hera spotted a man covered in glowing command seals hiding in the forest. He must be causing this! Looks like he needs to chill out.

"Aqua ex edito desiliens," Hera spoke while staring at the strange man. Suddenly, a waterfall poured over Isa.

"KIRIN, NOW!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 18, 2016, 07:38:18 pm

Maria

       You know, this reminds me of that show I watched about an elementary schoolgirl who was selected by a Kaleidostick to collect these seven class cards. I mean, I'm quite sure some mage went to Japan to make that show because there are a striking number of similarities between this and that.

      Maria continued sitting in her inn room, having a nice cup of tea and some biscuits, unphased by what was happening a couple miles away from her. She took another bite and washed it down.

      Why fight when you can just act like America or Britain and call in a drone strike and remotely  There's less of a risk involved when you get an unmanned aircraft so that you can even kamikaze it into the innocent civilians if needed! Yes, the modern art of war was indeed the best. Well, I guess I'll have to mobilize.

      A cube emerged from a bush bringing up a plate of biscuits, a tea cup, and a teapot with some Tieguanyin up to Avenger. A small voice crackled through.

     Tea? At your service.

    Well, I'll actually do something if someone dies. Or in a couple minutes, I want to finish this plate first.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 07:31:55 pm

Henri

Henri began casting repeated layers of a shield spell, although he doubted it would work.  He went through the potential options in his mind.

Independent Action and whatever the hell is going on with this guy with 99 Command Seals prevent killing Riza from being an option... not like that would be anything but a last resort anyway.  Kirin's Archer is stronger than any of our Servants, I'm fairly sure... except for...

"Avenger!  As a Club chosen by the Sanctum Key, whose catalyst activated one-seventh of your summoning, I command you: attack the man with ninety nine - ah, ninety seven - Command Seals!"

Part of his mind told him that Cody, as the person who had actually performed the summoning ritual, should be giving orders to Avenger, but he decided that speed was better than anything else.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 07:21:26 pm

Isa Oshiro

You remember the arrangement, right, Oshiro? All souls taken by use of these 99 command seals will be sent to me. And if you fail to bring me at least seven... I'll be taking yours as well.

As you wish, Zamiel.

Kirin Oshiro

He tackled Riza out of the way by nature of instinct and kept his eyes on Archer. "Even if you are his mater, Riza, he doesn't need you for mana. That's my father with those command seals, and he'll be ready for a contract in an instant." Kirin was reminded that his mental communication with Archer was still active.

Lachstreppe.

That's a magic bullet.

He yelled, "Everyone, take cover!" As soon as most of them were on the ground a blindingly fast bullet flew out of the barrel of Archer's gun, ricocheting against the surrounding treetops. It bounced off of Hera's shield, cracking it, then finally colliding with Madeline's metallic body. The force of the strike tore her chest open, but she still appeared to be operational.

Kirin got back up, wand in hand. They began to fight back.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 07:11:58 pm

Hera

Hera stared at Archer in disbelief. What the fuck? What is going on?

"Corporis sui tutela," Hera muttered. A mid-level shield surrounded the female as she searched through her tome for a suitable attack spell.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 18, 2016, 07:07:22 pm

Jack Blair

Oshiro! Celtchar said, pulling out Luin from behind her back.

Can't say I didn't expect him to show up. Stand back for now, we'll attack if he's alone.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 07:00:21 pm

Avenger of Diamonds

She raised an eyebrow as the mages and servants around her prepared their weapons.

"So soon?" She innocently held her hands behind her back. "Usually I'm at least given a cup of tea or a bed to sleep in before the battle. You may fight me whenever you see fit, be it this instant or in a month."

"Yes, well..." Caster's fingers crackled with lightning. "Timing is paramount in the twenty-first century."

"I understand- but please bear in mind. Up until our battle I will serve as your protector."

Cody held out his gun. "We don't need one. The war's over."

"Is it, now?" She gave a colder look. "I can sense command seals, I'll have you know. Due north of here I can sense ninety nine of them."

"Ninety... nine? That's ridiculous."

Archer, who had his gun in hand, looked as if his heart had stopped. "That demon, that son of a-" His yelp was interrupted as his eyes flashed a dark red.

Avenger sighed, co.cking her head to the side. "...Ninety eight."

Archer, apparently against his will, rose his gun straight at Kirin's head. With his finger on the trigger his eyes flashed again. Riza was desperately grasping her final command seal.

Two voices echoed- one was Riza's, and the other belonged to an older man.

STAND DOWN, ARCHER!

KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL!

"Ninety seven." Avenger didn't even bat an eye.

"Will you shut up?!" Cody pointed his gun at Archer, who was trying in vain to fight back. Before he succumbed to the command, he screamed to the rest of them:

"RUN!" He opened fire at them. In the shadows behind, they could see Isa. The red marks on his body were glowing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 06:48:00 pm

Hera

Hera stared at the female standing in the snowy summoning circle. So this is Avenger...

Hera held her tome in her hand, the command seals on her arm glowed a dark blue.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 18, 2016, 06:43:46 pm

Celtchar

Holy shit.... Celtchar said, staring at the girl, Avenger huh? Ruler's servant?

Seems so....

I'll wait on the first move

Got it Jack smiled, this may be the last battle he saw, but that didn't mean he would go down easy.... He had come too far for that.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 18, 2016, 06:42:24 pm

Hypatia

Upon arriving at the Oshiro mansion, Hypatia knocked loudly.

Let us see if Isa will listen to reason.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 06:37:16 pm

Cody Lazarus

Sardis.

He nodded to Henri and took out his backpack.

Smyrna. Thyatira. Laodicea.

Before long all seven were arranged in the circle. The wind rose and turned in an unusual pattern. A roaring wind soon emerged, harboring a massive snowstorm in its wake. The sky seemed to darken.

Everyone looked at Cody, who in turn stepped back, held out his hand and shut his eyes.

"Heed my words."

Isa Oshiro

The forest began to darken, the temperature falling to dangerous levels. Beside him, James seemed to slightly shiver. In the darkness, Isa's body stuck out. The blood-red markings strewn across his entire glowed with malevolence at the anticipation.

SANCTUM IS HERE. YOU'D BETTER HURRY.

Cody Lazarus

"My will creates my body, and your sword creates my destiny."

In the snow, the circle began to glow a familiar shade of deep blue. It was an identical shade to his eyes. The furious tirade of wind circulated the area, seemingly trapping everyone inside. It was hard to hear anything, but whenever Cody spoke the voice echoed ominously.

"I call to thee, child of Sanctum. You, who have seen the beginning. You, who will observe the end. You, who I summon today. If you heed our battle's call and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning."

His thoughts drifted to when he first met Henri. After an image, it shifted to Anne. Hera. Kiera.

He was reminded of the uneasiness he felt when he met Maria. Of the feeling of impending doom as Nick stared him down.

"I hereby swear that I shall take upon myself all the good in the world..."

He remembered Riza, from the academy. Her friend and his enemy, Kirin. Of the bone-chilling threat of Celtchar and her enigmatic master, Jack. He then saw visions of people he didn't seem to recognize. Men and women, all with command seals.

"In order to do so, I shall also take upon myself all evil in the world."

His eyes widened upon hearing his own voice. His vision shifted to one last person... a boy with glasses. In the summoning he saw himself.

His heartbeat tried to prevail against his chest. The chant continued against all lingering feelings of fear or doubt. But the last few words haunted him.

"But let thine eyes be clouded by the fog of turmoil and chaos. Thou, who are trapped in a cage of madness, and I the summoner who wields thy chains!"

He felt his own eyes shining. They burnt as if they needed to blink, but he found that he could not. The command seals on his arm grew the very same shade of blue. He could feel it- the same was happening to his fellow masters. Whatever he was reaching out to with these catalysts, he knew it was reaching right back for him.

It was reaching straight for his throat.

"Seventh heaven clad in the great words of power..."

There was no turning back.

"Come forth from the Circle of Binding-

There was only forward.

"And bring an end to the Sanctum War forever-"

There was only the key.

"SOUL OF SANCTUM!"

The wind was silenced in an instant. The world went white.

Cody found himself next, sitting in the snow behind him, evidently pushed back by the summoning. Eventually his vision returned. Snow fell calmly on the ground. A small figure was slowly descending in front of him.

Its body was n.ude at first, but its eyes opened a fierce blue, and it was draped in a quiet black dress, along with the associated accessories such as shoes and socks. When she was at the ground, she stood a manner of inches shorter than him. Her hair was white, reflecting the light around it. In her eyes Cody felt as if he could see the history of the human race.

The girl's voice was delicate, but the soul was all powerful. "I am Avenger."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 18, 2016, 06:10:45 pm

Robin

Robin stepped back and waited for the process to finish.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 06:07:36 pm

Henri

Henri shivered as he withdrew the catalyst from his pocket.  In his hands, it took the form of a ruby ring.  As he stared into its gem, it seemed to vibrate faster, and Henri could almost make out the image of flames within the ring.  A house, consumed in a fiery explosion.

He closed his eyes and opened his hand over the circle, the catalyst falling inside.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 05:00:43 pm

Kirin Oshiro

From his back pocket he took out the catalyst given to him by Jack. He looked behind. The man, still with sunglasses on despite the weather, was staring at the process with much interest. After a quick nod he placed it in the circle.

Cody Lazarus

Ephesus.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 04:56:41 pm

Cody Lazarus

They were a bit of a distance away now, in the thick of a nearby forest to hopefully not be disturbed. In the snow, Cody began to draw the summoning circle.

This is it.

"You ready, everyone? This is the point of no return."

Riza walked up to the circle to join him. She placed down the catalyst obtained by Archer at the hospital. In the back of Cody's mind, he could hear something whisper...

Pergamum.

...Huh? What was that?

Kirin was sitting on the ground, pausing as he stared longingly into his own artifact, the red ruby with his family marking. He shut his eyes, kissed the catalyst and placed it in the circle on its outer edge like Riza did with the other.

Philadelphia.

Something tells me whaveter's whispering that isn't talking about city in Pennsylvania. Wait, I've heard these names before somewhere... What...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 18, 2016, 03:52:26 pm

Anne

"That's definitely it." She said as her command seals went crazy as well. "But it's not over, Ruler probably has a few dozen tricks up his sleeve that we've got to deal with, and if Maria is watching, we should expect her to show up sometime soon."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 03:47:27 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Y'know, I never pictured we'd be using shovels to find the final piece of the sanctum key."

"Well, that's life for you. Not everything makes for a good story, Lazarus." Caster was supervising their work and distinctly NOT digging.

Cody knew that somewhere, Maria was watching, and she was most likely laughing her little derrière off at the sight of then digging into Ambion Hill. His mood rose, however, when he hit something hard. After some awkward hand-digging he retrieved it. The stone artifact, still partially coated in dirt, caused the command seals on his arm to go crazy.

"Guys, I think it's over."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 18, 2016, 03:36:07 pm

Anne

"True, it's better to not have to deal with her at all. Anyways, let's help him." Anne said to Henry

Caster summoned a few more shovels and handed them to rest of the group.

Anne started to dig in an area that was right next to Cody's hole.  After a few minutes, she asked him, "See the catalyst or any sign of it?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 03:32:46 pm

Henri

Henri shrugged to Anne.  "If we get it now and leave, we might not have to deal with her at all."  He then grinned and stepped over to the hole Cody was making.

"You know, I could launch a barrage of force spells in that hole, make it deeper... but I think I prefer watching you dig."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 03:26:41 pm

Cody Lazarus

Cody scratched his head, trying to follow her logic.

"Hey!" Caster called from a few feet away. "I know where to look!" Cody ran up next to him and stared at the ground where he was pointing to. "I've got an eye for this sort of thing, luckily. It should be buried a few feet under this spot. If nothing else, that girl is certainly thorough."

"So, Caster, do you know any spells to dig it up!"

"Of course." He made a motion with his hand and summoned a shovel, grinning almost sarcastically. He roughly handed it to him. "Time to start digging!"

Cody groaned and went to work.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 18, 2016, 02:51:44 pm

Anne

"I agree with you on how I don't want to deal with her, but we're going to have to deal with her some time, and it's better to do it now and get over with it." Anne explained her reasoning to Henri.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 02:32:39 pm

Henri

"I'd rather deal with her as little as possible.  Ideally, we get the catalyst and get out."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 18, 2016, 02:31:25 pm

Anne

"Maybe we should try to deal with her first." She responded.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 02:25:38 pm

Hera

Hera shivered as she trudged through the snow with the rest of the group. They had finally arrived at Leicestershire, England after several bus rides and a snack break.

"So...should we try to contact this Maria person or just go get the catalyst?" She asked, glancing at the others.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 01:58:12 pm

Cody Lazarus

He nodded. "I couldn't agree more." They both walked out of the room. Cody looked back for a moment, then shut the door.

"We're heading out, guys! Next stop, Leicestershire, England."

Caster

Once everyone had exited, he left last and turned around. "It's a damn shame, it was such a nice building, too."

"You're not keeping it here?" Cody asked.

"Well, it wouldn't do to just leave it here for the world to wonder where it came from. Besides, I can always make another once we arrive in England." Upon pronouncing that last syllable, Caster seemed content with something.

"...Good point."

"Goodbye, old girl. You served us well." Caster clapped his hands, and the laboratory again dispersed into blueprints, and finally turned back into the old, rusted abandoned facility from a week ago. "No turning back now!"

Kirin Oshiro

It was snowing again in London, still raising the question of whether or not the war had anything to do with this unusual weather. Since he seemed to be a wanted man, Kirin was now dressed in a comparatively modest outfit of blue jeans and a hoodie, hood of course over his head. During the time since the last incident at Big Ben, the press had concluded that at the very least, the brown-haired girl (Riza) had absolutely nothing to do with the incident, the main suspect being Archer of all people. With this in mind he was de-materialized.

"Aaaalright." Cody was holding a massive, disproportionate map in front of his face, meaning that Henri had to drag him away from certain collision with other people numerous times. "Leicestershire is northwest of here. Looks like we've got a lot of bus rides ahead of us."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 18, 2016, 01:39:33 pm

Henri

Henri smiled, more out of a sympathetic reaction to Cody's laughter than anything else.  "Funny, how much we rely on magic.  As terrible as the Sanctum War is, it gave us both a hell of a lot more power than we ever had before.  But I don't think I'll regret giving it up.  Having all that power... never seemed to turn out well for anyone else."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 18, 2016, 01:30:38 pm

Cody Lazarus

Carrying a sturdy backpack he headed downstairs. Anne, Hera and Robin were all ready, as well as Jack, Riza and their servants, and finally Kirin still half asleep.

"So. Have any of you seen Henri?"

The majority of the room shrugged or otherwise showed that they hadn't seen him. Cody put down his backpack and started searching around the laboratory.

After looking through the commons, his bedroom, the computer room and the underground he eventually found him in the old lab, which hadn't been used since Caster had renovated the entire building.

"Uh, hey, Henri. You ready?"

Seemingly distracted, Henri nodded. He was staring at the worn down computer they had started with not more than a few days ago.


---


The winter nights were beginning to grow colder, and more and more shelters proved to be ineffective. By now the pink-haired boy had resorted to wandering alone- if he was lost or had some sliver of an idea where he was going, it was unclear. The previous night he'd been resting in an old, rusted facility that had once been used as a laboratory before its associated company had moved to a better location. Right now he was in the forest surrounding the facility, searching for perhaps a warmer shelter, but the night's first raindrops were beginning to fall. It was quiet- eerily so. Most of the animals had either flown south or gone into hibernation. He, too, would have to take cover for the winter. He had no home to return to- his family was long gone.

In a flash of inferno, they'd vanished.

Without finding anything of use, Henri decided to head back to the old laboratory for another cold but safe night. As he approached, he had to step over the parts of the walkway overgrown with mud and vegetation, and then was met with the same old rusty gate that never seemed to work. This night it was being especially uncooperative, and the rainfall was becoming more fierce, so he decided to risk detection and blast it open with a spark spell. The strike had become a little more powerful than he'd expected, however, and the gate was sent flying into the brick walls beyond. Upon impact it made a loud, clanging sound.

There was a spot near the top where he liked to sit, where an old computer was still partially operational due to being connected to a neglected generator. He didn't know how to properly operate it, but its use gave off a faint heat source. When he arrived that one night, however, he found someone there. There was another boy hunched over, staring at the screen, apparently trying to get it to work.

Henri had gone so long without speaking to another person that he stammered in order to find the right words. He was interrupted when the other boy responded, turning to meet him. "Oh? Uh, hi. I didn't know there was anyone else here."

He continued to fumble for a moment, but eventually responded: "You didn't hear the gate?"

"Well, I did, but that sort of thing is fairly common in a place like this. You work here?"

"...Yeah." It was only a partial lie. "You?"

"Well obviously not, or else we'd have met before. I'm a programmer, I thought I'd be able to learn something from this old computer. Name's Cody, by the way. Cody Lazarus." The boy held out an earnest hand.

Henri took a long look at it, then finally shook it. "Henri."

"Now, Henri..." Cody turned around and looked again at the old computer. "...I know we've just met, but can I trust you with a secret?"

"Uh... alright."

"First of all, have you ever heard of the Sanctum War?"


---


"Heh." Henri was more confident now, with the entire war under his belt. "This is where it all started."

"Guess you're right..." Cody smiled. Just for grins, he took out his old flash drive, still reading "Madeline" on the duct tape, and plugged it in again. The screen flashed a few times but went dim once more. "Still doesn't work." He giggled, taking it back out and pocketing it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 18, 2016, 08:51:13 am

Robin

Robin looked a Cody, speaking in a deadpan voice.

"England? Really? Yayyy... sounds like fun."

Better go check the geogrphical maps of England if we end up summoning Avenger there... in the meantime, I need to get a ticket.


James and Assasin
((Not much to do until Isa finishes whatever he is doing))

James and Assasin waited in the lobby as Isa did whatever he was doing.

Assasin, have any idea what he is doing?

Not much, but from what I knew of Oshiro he might be trying to summon... a servant.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 18, 2016, 07:40:54 am

Hera

Hera slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked towards the rest of the group.

"So...Today's the day." Anyone who looked closely would notice her shiver slightly.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 17, 2016, 11:49:35 pm

Anne

"Argh! Maria is such a pain." She said as she quickly packed a spell book she had found in the library and some other things that would be useful. She also slipped her dagger into her belt before going downstairs with Penny and Saber. When she got downstairs, Anne waited in the main room for the rest.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 11:43:40 pm

The Remains of a Magus Association Building

A low-ranking agent arrived at the scene, where a portly southern man was already scrutinizing the remains of a toppled building. "L-lord Yurrick!"

"For god's sake-"

"Sorry, uh, Jeb. Lord Jeb, I'm glad you came. We'd figured you're renowned in the association as an expert tracker, so-"

"Kid, is it commonplace for EU magus association agents to be late like this?!"

"N-no, Lord Jeb. I was merely stuck in traffic."

"Whatever..." Jeb took a sip of the cheap beer he was holding. "So, you just want me to find out who toppled the building? No hunting or nothing?"

"No, sir, but-"

"Well, good. I've got a tight damn schedule. I don't know if you've noticed, but we're at the cold hour of the Sanctum War!"

"Of course, sir."

"Anyway, I'll make sure to make this quick." He threw away the can over his back, which was still half full. His accent seemed to distort the spell, but it seemed to work all the same. "Obsurrvuh." In his eyes he saw events from days earlier, sifting through hours of uneventful filler until he singled out the point at which the building was destroyed.

"...What do you see, sir?"

"Will you shut up, already?!"

"...My apologies, Lord-"

"Anyway, it was a gas explosion- or, at least that's what they want us to think. Lemme check the sky..." He cast the spell again. In the flashing past events he saw a very specific machine- a cube.

Son of a...

"Sir?!"

"Son of a b_tch!" He picked up his bag and ran for his car.

"What is it, sir?!" The agent ran after him.

"Contact Lord Oshiro! I know where we can hit the Clubs where it'll hurt!"

Cody Lazarus

"England?!" He nearly fell out of his chair.

"Yes, unfortunately." Madeline stood straight, unaffected by his outburst. "She wants us to meet her on her home field."

"Not this crap again... Caster, put us in the flight registry and print out some tickets."

Caster materialized, buttoning his shirt. "Isn't that what you generally do, Lazarus?"

"Whatever..." He grumbled, getting up and turning on his main computer.

Fifteen minutes later the task was done, some tickets were already being printed out and some unlucky people heading to England had their fights cancelled.

"Alright, everyone!" He walked into their main room after calling them in. "This is it. Pack whatever you'll need going into our fight with Avenger, we're heading to England."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 17, 2016, 11:26:03 pm

Maria

Ms. Robot

I hope you enjoy naps as the the catalyst is currently waiting for your group's pickup upon the peek of Ambion Hill is Leicestershire, England.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 11:21:23 pm

Madeline

Maria Kieszeń

I have deemed that a sufficient amount of time has passed for us to effectively rest and prepare for the summoning of Avenger. Once you are ready, please contact us with the rendezvous details ASAP. We fear that some remnant of the Spade Faction may still pose a threat.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 17, 2016, 11:14:20 pm

Maria

       Having taken a nap on the flight over, she had already picked up a set of gear from the main Leicestershire complex and was now in a booked inn room in Market Bosworth. She donned the light kevlar body armor with magic circuit fibers woven through the middle of it. On top of that, she put on a simple blouse and skirt with a D level magic resistance incantation woven into it. She unleashed her mini auxiliary cubes which now numbered six in total. She had her body frames shipped over and started carrying those off on the main cube.

     Each one of the frames mimicked her own physical structure, complete with with mask, long black robots, and a crystalline mana tissue muscles like those in her cube to allow her to remotely command them. In short, a large number of body doubles. One of them was fully equipped with a heat insignia and an oscillator to vary the mana flow in a semi realistic fashion. Yes, this was war, and now she would have to get serious.

     Her fingers glossed over the tops of the tranquilizer Dragnovs. She let out a toothy grin.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 17, 2016, 10:48:11 pm

NEXT DAY

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 10:41:08 pm

Caster

"Uh, last chance of coffee!" He met her at the door. She smiled, but shook her head. After a moment of mutual understanding, she walked out the door and disappeared into the storm.

Take care, Hypatia. I'll see you on the other side.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 17, 2016, 10:37:30 pm

Hypatia

"In that case... well, in that case, I suppose I have no choice. If there's one thing I learned during my time on this Earth, it's that there is no point in standing against the inevitable. I no longer have any quarrel with you, and I wish you the best of luck in your battle against Ruler, whatever happens." Hypatia stood from her position on the armchair.

"Once again, thank you for this meeting -- it has truly meant much to me. I will, of course, dematerialize on my own in less than a day with no mana supply from a master. Do let me know how the fight goes, if we ever meet again." Hypatia turned to walk out.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 17, 2016, 07:56:36 pm

Anne

"Sounds good, maybe we'll have some better ideas tomorrow." Anne said and called Penny over to her side.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 06:30:13 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Y'know what?" He yawned. "How about we sleep on it? It's almost midnight, and I'm still exhausted from the maze, and heck, I even took a nap. We'll need all the energy we can get for tomorrow."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 17, 2016, 06:26:23 pm

Robin

Robin heard the annoyed tone in Cody's voice.

"Ok... why don't we continue this in the lounge? It's a bit more comfortable for discussions."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 06:21:05 pm

Cody Lazarus

He groaned; he hadn't intended for an official meeting to take place, but at this point he was seemingly stuck.

"Alright. So Isa Oshiro's an unpredictable threat, the last club mage is uncooperative and now apparently my laboratory is a living room. That's what we've got, Robin."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 17, 2016, 05:44:45 pm

Robin

Robin heard a conversation going on, and despite the open door, he knocked and asked.

"Guys, what's going on?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 05:38:38 pm

Cody Lazarus

"That's not possible." Kirin's voice came unexpectedly. He was resting against a wall by the door.

Cody scratched his head. "Kirin, why can't you just knock like normal people?"

He shrugged. "Well, I was going to..." He walked in and sat down. "As I was saying, time isn't an unlimited resource here. My father still remains, and before long he'll be doing everything in his power to bring us all down- and I hope you all realize, this is the same man that won the previous Sanctum War."

"Well..." Cody **** his knuckles. "We have servants. What's he got besides his own magic ability?"

"That's what frightens me." Kirin paused. "I never learned much about him. I don't know what my father's going to bring to the table."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 17, 2016, 05:30:32 pm

Henri

Henri sighed and sat down.  "Tell me about it.  She makes no sense to me at all.  So erratic, so disinterested, weird traits for someone as skilled at magic as she is.  Honestly, besides an actual attack, our best bet is just to hope she gets bored one day and gives us the catalyst."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 17, 2016, 12:53:36 pm

Cody Lazarus

He heard another knock. Is my lab the lounge, now? "Uh, come in!" Henri walked through the door. "Oh, Henri, glad you came. Do you know how to deal with that one pink-haired girl we met in England? I've got a real bad feeling about her."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 17, 2016, 09:31:47 am

Henri

Henri was lying in his bed, the lights on, staring at the ceiling.  Suddenly, Archer materialized in front of him.

"It seems that there's a bit of a meeting going on."

"Really?  Where?"

"Mr. Lazarus's room.  He and that Anne girl are discussing next steps."

Henri quickly got out of his bed and started walking over.  Not like I care if Anne and Cody are in a room alone together... just want to make sure I'm a part of strategic discussions.

He knocked on the door.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 17, 2016, 01:15:09 am

Flashback on Day Something of the War
(After having made contact with Cody and Henri and promptly starting to not cooperate at all with her supposed teammates)
Maria

      "So King Richard the Third, we have a few things to discuss. From this point on, I will be frank about everything and take less of an overly obedient, ego fellating little girl who respectfully guides you about while actually explaining her actions at all. Although Ruler fills the servants in on the basics of what occurs in the present and gives them a language filter, he does not provide a substantial amount of information. So let's have a nice long talk about what happened after your death."

      She paused briefly to gauge his reaction. The weathered face crumpled up some more, seemingly facing a hard pill to swallow.

       "So after you died valiantly in what we now call the Battle of Bosworth Field, ....... [skip the history stuff jargon]. And thus that is what happened to the monarchy system and that is what the Buckingham Palace base entails."

       "So I wish to be your advisor, dear King of England, as what your heritage is does not matter in this war. This is simply a matter of a battle between two systems of ideas. In the modern day and age, most people disdain the concept of bloodshed, or rather, so they claim. Direct wars are not waged very often outside of the magical community whenever such an event occurs and when in situations in which it is not acknowledged as war."

       "What we have today, is a term called terrorism. Those who commit acts of terrorism are considered terrorists and as communication systems are much better, these acts are reported and shunned by the international community unless the group committing such acts are in power."

       "Nowadays, rather than declaring war, leaders of countries declare that they are fighting a despotic regime that is detrimental to the structural fabric of the world and thus remotely bombard their civilians with mass weaponry. In magic equivalent, it's like bombarding a city with tens of thousands of A rank spells, causing casualty counts to an upwards of ten times of London's total population under your reign. No one takes pride in the fact that wars exist anymore. You become branded as a warmonger and shunned by all. But even war is no longer an expression of free will. You are still constrained by your surrounds and the entire world that encompasses that. It's quite a different world from what you know, my king."

      "Long gone are the days in which wars matter. I personally do not believe there is any point for this war to exist nor do i feel it needs to disappear. Magecraft is quite obsolete now. The olden magicks are still long lost and the scholars have still been unable to find many records of the older systems. Mages are reduced to having petty arguments against other cliches that have been formed over the last few centuries. Magecraft cannot keep up with the sheer efficiency of technological advances in the outside world. I personally use modern technology to ease the burden of using high output magecraft."

      "So that is our situation dear king. I still wish to win this war for personal gain. It's a nice excuse from college, work, and all of the ailments of life. What I wish for the power to have a voice. Without power, one does not have authority. Without authority, one cannot influence anything. With power, I can cut my ties to what lay behind me. My liege, I understand that you wish to return to your glory days, to be able to fight once more on the valiant battlefield and triumph. If you allow me to guide you to your final battlefield, you shall fight to your heart's content."

     "To the glory of Britannia and to all that it stands for. Amen."

     Saying all of that with a straight face took a lot of effort. That was both mentally exhausting and taxing on my throat. Ha, what pointless nonsense, even if it is all true. I want nothing to do with this. Yes, all that I need to do, is to pretend to make enough of an effort to complete my assignment and ultimately fail but conveniently capturing footage of my valiant efforts to further the war efforts. Yes, all for the sake of a bright future of cake, tea and tomfoolery, I must endure.
Also, i get to legally vent by blowing up buildings. And I get to cut class.

     After a solemn pause, Lancer of Clubs nodded.

     "Your reasoning is just. Carry on. I will see through to your words. If you fail me, it is you that shall fall upon this spear. Our enemies shall despair, and die."

      "Let us consolidate this contract between sovereign and master; by my will, we shall work in union to reach the war's end. 'Til the second coming of the Battle of Bosworth, we shall stand together, arms raised, and to us the final laugh will be awarded."

      Maria raised her cup in the air and took a sip. Sweet, but not too sweet.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 16, 2016, 05:35:34 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Honestly... I'm not sure. I don't know how to deal with people like her."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 16, 2016, 04:15:47 pm

Anne

"What exactly are we doing... when we get Maria to cooperate, that is." Anne said while Penny went to sniff some electronic things that she saw.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 16, 2016, 03:46:35 pm

Ruler

Ruler remained silent to the candidates.  There wasn't any serious threat of the cycle being broken, and he refused to grace most questions with a response.  He had already been far too lenient toward Hemingway already.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 16, 2016, 02:24:18 pm

Cody Lazarus

"...Thanks. I'll make sure to be careful. I know how dangerous things are getting here, so I'm at least grateful you're willing to help."

Caster

"To be frank..." Another sip of coffee. "I don't blame you at all. Your train of thought here makes absolutely perfect sense. Unfortunately, I'm in no position to stand down. We've done our best to weed out the undesirables... Hemingway was cut off, and we've no moral affiliation with the girl who destroyed that building. But the kidnapping..." He looked down. "I suppose we could've intervened. My master's made a lot of mistakes in this war, letting these people run free. But the reason I have so much faith in him is, well, he admits that he's wrong. He may not show it much, but at night I can hear him thinking. He doesn't get as much sleep as he wants the rest of his allies to know- most of the time he lays awake, beating himself up over everything that's gone wrong. Now he's gotten himself into a hot mess with the AI he created, and I've no idea how the hell he's going to get out of it, but he's not letting it stop him. I agree with you, though. Much of what we've done has been inexcusable. Therein lies the current problem... Our final victory hinges on playing games with the last club, some sadistic little girl who just wants to toy with us."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 16, 2016, 02:12:51 pm

Celtchar

"Honorable, you're the rider type. I fear for your cause, but I'm willing to assist you, but I must warn you of Ruler. Up until now the being that made that maze has been a neutral party, making him your enemy could lead you to a fate far worse than death.... Look at Kirin's servant and I, that could be you if Ruler wishes."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 16, 2016, 02:10:34 pm

Hypatia

Hypatia was silent for a long time.

"In my time--" She began. "I tried to speak out for peace. When I was summoned, I thought that it was my redemption -- that I'd been given a chance to make peace. I tried fighting the good, honorable fight... In fact, most of us Spades -- myself, the Rider, even the Assassin -- tried to be ethical and merciful. You can see how well that worked out for us: no catalysts, no map pieces," She paused, and glanced over to the Caster of Clubs. His expression seemed unreadable. "My master, dead. I suppose that I just... struggle to see you Clubs as the good guys. You've destroyed a civilian building, you've harbored a serial killer, and you've kidnapped one of our own. I just don't feel comfortable leaving people like you responsible for the peace and well-being of the future."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 16, 2016, 01:43:46 pm

Caster

He took a slow sip of his coffee. "I think you should place a little more trust in us. I mean, we did defeat your faction... It's true, Ruler never plays by the rules. I've quarreled with him before, back in the 19th century when I was last summoned. It's like you've said, I know him well. But the thing is, my master has assembled an entire team of people who don't play by the rules themselves. He'll pull out all the stops to trip us up at every opportunity, so each and every time we'll strike back." He took another sip, taking a look out of the window. The snow was coming down harder. "...This century is very different from the rest. Perhaps something changed when we shifted into the second millennium. Not only is world adapting, but the rate at which it does so seems to be exponential. Technological advancements are beginning to speed up the rate at which they advance. At some point I feel like it's all leading up to a single event. One big change. It doesn't sound very scientific, I know, but it's what I believe.

Something new is coming very soon, and I want to be a part of it. I'm sure my master feels the same way. In order to seize it we'll have to dive right in, even if it means risking everything. Let Ruler hit us with everything he's got. We can take it."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 16, 2016, 01:31:05 pm

Nicole

"...huh."

Nicole really truly did consider attacking the girl. I mean, what would happen to her serial killer street cred, if she started making friends with random people and then just letting them walk away.

But for some reason,  she didn't.

Instead she glanced down at her map, and found... nobody. Nobody at all. Besides the silly art girl, of course. Everyone else had gone.

Shrugging, she turned and took the opposite corridor. There wasn't much else to do here anymore.

"Hey, Ruler." She spoke aloud. "If the clubs do win... do I get to keep my servant?"

*****

Hypatia
Hypatia shook her head. "Caster, you know Ruler as well as I do -- even at this late stage, he still harbors strange powers. Surely you don't think it trivial that he would be opposing any attempt to end the war! I understand that you are trying to work towards peace, but I worry whether you'll be capable of achieving anything."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 16, 2016, 01:27:22 pm

Cody Lazarus

"I'm not afraid to fight something bigger than myself. If it means fighting an uphill battle, I'm still willing to give it a shot. I think it's a goal worth risking my life for."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 16, 2016, 01:23:57 pm

Celtchar

"I'm concerned about your plan." Celtchar said, "Destroying the key and all that. Fighting other masters was one thing but how do you intend to fight a god?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 16, 2016, 01:17:11 pm

Maria

        Having passed along a piece of information to her supposed enemy, Maria vacated the labyrinth leisurely whilst paying close attention to the girl behind her. It seemed as if she too, was not fully immersed into the war, if it was but a trivial matter over the excuse to kill. Not that it mattered, it was all just a transient scene after all.

       Having been warped to the middle of nowhere put a damper in her mood. It was quite inconvenient to be forced to travel all day and night. In her eyes, what would do her the most good would be to get back to end, fly back to London on short notice, and then get someone to drive her to Market Bosworth, where she would remain for the remainder of the war. As one of the other parties wanted to end this quickly, she would be able to dictate their actions as long as she held onto the last piece they needed. An artifact is woefully incomplete with but a single piece missing.

      "My liege, it's nearing the end. Whether we dance upon a sea of flames or fall to the tune of chattering blades, that will be the answer to your question."

     She pulled off one of the silken white gloves, revealing the hollowed mark that embodied the war. A mark was long gone, but the remains were poised for battle.

       

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 16, 2016, 12:53:38 pm

Cody Lazarus

He sat backwards in his chair. "Yeah, I guess. I'm just burning the midnight oil here. You're one of Kirin's former allies, right? What's up?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 16, 2016, 12:38:44 pm

Jack Blair

Jack stood aside and let Celtchar in.

"Lazarus is it?" Celtchar said, "Do you have a minute?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 15, 2016, 08:16:45 pm

Cody Lazarus

{Currently it's almost midnight, perhaps an hour later for Caster and Caster, and a few hours earlier for Maria and Nicole. When we get the chance we should all timeksip to the next morning.}

He was hunched over his desk, looking over new designs for combat drones when he heard a knock. The camera monitor showed Anne and Jack standing at his door. He unlocked it and called out, "Come in!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 15, 2016, 05:36:29 pm

Maria

     "I personally prefer a well constructed doll than a disposable prop any day," she paused.

"Anyhow, I'm merely idly talking to myself. Anything I say is pointless and no one is here to listen to this drivel besides myself and my king. Anyways, it seems that the Clubs will likely gather around Ambion Hill in a day or two's time. I wonder how the summoning will turn out?"

     She began to walk away with the floating cube and Lancer at her heel, pretending to not have noticed anything in her surroundings.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 14, 2016, 11:21:45 pm

Isa Oshiro

As mandated by the black archer's ritual, no light may touch the circle.

In dead silence and total darkness, Isa drew a massive summoning circle in the depths of the mansion's basement, using a spell to retain his sight. He would, however, need to be completely without vision for the spell to begin. All doors were closed to stop any wind current from flowing in or out. Once the circle was complete Isa stood in the its center and shut his eyes tight.

In darkness and in isolation you rise. The walls are sealed, the air is frozen, the floors are black and the world is silent. We are detached from Sanctum itself. Heed my words.

As of yet, your body is not created. I offer you an exchange: a soul for a soul. My soul for that of your slave. Your soul, in turn, creates my destiny. If you hold interest, then answer my summoning.

Gravity seemed to vanish, as Isa felt his body become absorbed into an otherworldly void. A young man's unfamiliar voice echoed. It wasn't talking; it was merely laughing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 14, 2016, 10:18:04 pm

Caster

He shrugged, putting the canteen back down. "Yes. You're not mistaken. And?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 14, 2016, 10:14:49 pm

Nicole

"Well, a find that a certain brand of sealing magic solves the issue quite nicely."

As if to demonstrate, Nicole bent down and placed both her palms against the floor. Upon removing them, a familiar dark hand-shaped print was visible. Slowly, the print twisted, morphing into a string of symbols, which traveled along the ground to the corpses. Like a serpent, the string of runes slowly wound around the two corpses, and in seconds, both had faded away into nothingness. "I generally don't worry about embalming at all. The bodies are disposable, after all, and readily available, so I don't make any efforts to preserve them. Besides, rot is natural... desirable, even."

Hypatia

"No, thank you." Hypatia waved him off. "Let's get right to the point. I know that at least one spade magus has defected to the club side, and that at least four are deceased. I can't think of a single catalyst in spade possession. Obviously, there seems to be little hope remaining for my side; congratulations on that, by the way. Now, you see why I had to call this meeting -- it is common knowledge that the club faction intends to summon Avenger, defeat him, and then destroy the sanctum key, preventing this war from ever reocurring. Is this true?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 14, 2016, 09:42:58 pm

Anne

"Well then follow me." She said and led Jack to the second floor through a few halls. When they got to where Cody had been messing with machines, Anne noticed that the door was closed and locked.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 14, 2016, 09:39:44 pm

Maria

      "None taken. I, myself find the risks of scouring the body myself to be far greater than the possible rewards. The other Clubs have gathered the seven catalysts after all. There remains nothing to be gained from frisking through a dead man's possessions."

     "On a separate note, how do you keep the bodies fresh? I'd assume that you bleed the corpse and drain out the blood as you would for an elk and then make a few incisions to remove the internal organs of the human body, but what next? Quicksilver? Formaldehyde? Circuit paper? Circuit parasites? Familiars? It's not every day that you get toconverse with someone about the magical embalming process after all."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 14, 2016, 07:59:32 pm

Jack Blair

"He seems fairly knowledgeable about the 'plan' you all seem to have. I'd like to chat with him."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 14, 2016, 04:56:05 pm

Caster

He smiled. "I hardly see how debt plays a role here, but thanks for the hospitality regardless." He sat on a dust-covered armchair and placed both canteens on the coffee table in-between then, still steaming. "Don't worry about those two drones out there, I'm just making sure they can function in a little snowstorm." He raised a canteen to her. "Coffee?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 14, 2016, 01:34:57 pm

Hypatia

The aged and unlatched door swung open by the force of the second knock, leaving Bacon to approach slowly. The floorboard's creaks sounded much louder in the silence and stillness of the cabin.

Hypatia materialized on the opposite side of the long room, and stepped forward.

"Thank you for coming, Caster. I am in your debt. Please; have a seat."

Nicole

Nicole took two steps backwards, and the apple rolled onto the ground in front of her.

I'd better play along for now. This girl seems quite at ease, and I can't imagine what that box is for, so I'd rather not fight her until I'm certain I can win.

"Oh, thank you. You're the first decently mannered person I've met so far in here. It's truly a pleasure."

Nicole leaned down and picked up the apple, looking it over. It seemed to be, for all intents and purposes, a perfectly normal apple. She pulled out a short but sharp dagger, and cored it deftly.

"Unfortunately, the risks that eating this apple would entail outweigh the potential rewards; I hope you don't mind if I save it for later. No offense intended."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 14, 2016, 01:57:25 am

Isa Oshiro

Once Ms. Beatrice had finally mustered the courage to open the office door, she found it dark, save for the illumination cast by the burning books and furniture. Isa was turned away, staring out at the pitch-black sky.

"Beatrice. Retrieve the black arrowhead catalyst."

She shuddered. "Lord Isa, I..."

"That is an order. It is my decision."

She bowed. "Y-yes, my Lord." She stepped out, shivering. Isa didn't move an inch.

Caster

...Brazen Head. Does this servant aim for malicious intent with this supposed rendezvous?

The head appeared, but remained silent.

...So it's that kind of situation, I see. The head disappeared. We'll get there when we get there. Madeline, may I borrow combat drones 17 and 18?

What for?

I'm gonna go snooping around in the forest, near where we got that fourth catalyst. I thought I might as well bring them along.

I trust your judgement. They've been activated; they're yours to command.

Thanks, love. I'll be back by morning.

On his way out the door, Caster put on a thick coat and two canteens of coffee. The night was black, and a snow storm was brewing above the forest.

Hell of a night to be snooping around in the woods... It's not like she'd be able to hurt me, though. I've fought her before. Less people I bring, the better.


---


Before long he found his way to the cabin by the shrine in which Cody had previously taken the catalyst. There were still scorch marks where the circles had been, but they were beginning to be covered up by snow. The wind was howling, and the air was bitter cold, but he didn't seem to mind. Aside from the storm, it was dead silent in the forest. He knocked twice.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 13, 2016, 10:03:52 pm

Anne

"Like what?" She asked, somehow managing to hide the fact that she was wondering what Celtchar had heard.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 09:36:07 pm

Jack Blair

"You heard correctly. But it's late and I've had my fill, surprised you're still up." He took out a cigar and lit it, sitting down on one of the large armchairs. Celtchar sat down near him.

"You said something about Cody?" Celtchar said, "I've heard a little about him."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 13, 2016, 09:29:55 pm

Anne

While the cardboard signs were funny, Anne was not comfortable with Celtchar in the mansion. She wasn't that worried about Jack himself because she hadn't seen any magic from him. Penny was sitting at her feet, and wasn't acting strangely.

Why can't we just put them in the prisoner area that I believe was added on a while back? Actually I might suggest to Cody or someone to make their room have some security. But for now I guess that we should do what Riza... said? wrote? cardboard-on-drone messaged?

"Oh hello. We heard that you like to drink from your pal, Which one would have this info? uh, Kirin. So if you went and found Cody who's probably on the second floor, he might be able to direct you to the exact location of the bar which I haven't figured out where it is because I don't drink. If you want I can take you through his maze of random electronics." She said. The only reason she offered this even though she hated Jack was the prospect of seeing Cody and maybe convincing him to tech her some of that 'technokinesis' he had mentioned.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 13, 2016, 09:25:19 pm

Maria

        That's quite odd. Didn't expect to see a second corpse collector in the mix. Seeing as the only ones that I don't really have a record of are the Berserker and the Assassin, it'll be one of those. Quite fitting to be dancing among the dead.

        "It'd be quite impolite to refuse so I suppose I'll accept your offer. Not that it'll prove very useful to me. Apple? I, for one, am not very fond of snacking on humans."

         She pulled out and apple and flung it at the girl.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 13, 2016, 09:21:30 pm

Hypatia

"I'm afraid that, due to a number of... complications regarding my master, I cannot afford to maintain this link for long. Please, we can meet in person... in the warehouse where the fourth catalyst was discovered. Feel free to bring others as insurance. I will see you there.

The ball abruptly vanished.

Let's hope this works.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 09:13:24 pm

Hera

Hera soon found herself being affected by the cold air. "Well, I'm gonna go upstairs and change before I become a human popsicle. Have fun freezing!"

Hera trudged upstairs, shivering all the way. As soon as she reached her room, Hera took a long hot shower. Then she dried her hair and changed into some warm pajamas before crawling into her bed and letting the peace and quite outside lull her to sleep.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 13, 2016, 09:01:04 pm

Robin

Robin looked at Kirin, soaking.

"Well, you may need to dry off.... a bit."

James

The screaming an raging continued. Assasin, unlike James, was throughly amused.

One would think he'd run out of mana. Ha!

Maybe not the best time Assasin...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:54:08 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He began to shiver in his damp clothes. "Y-yes... a break is an excellent idea."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 13, 2016, 08:53:12 pm

Robin

Robin couldn't help surpressing a smile. It was just too funny.

"Well, not that part. But the structure of the ice looks solid, if you could drop the water in bare time and then freeze if over the opponents head, they could think the freeze missed, and then dropping hte water right ontop leaving them exposed, and very, very cold. Against experienced mages it's useless, but in a smaller scale for submission rather useful."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 08:51:59 pm

Hera

Hera giggled despite being similarly soaked. "How about we call it a day? I can work on ice elementals more tomorrow."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:51:17 pm

Isa Oshiro

His hands were trembling. "Mister Blackbounre..." His voice was shaking, for the first time in his entire life. "Please leave the room."

James cautiously closed the door behind him. Inside he could hear Isa screaming, and the viscous sounds of ice and fire magic destroying bookshelves and furniture inside. Ms. Beatrice, a maid, heard the tantrum and held her hand over her mouth. Nobody said a word. The rampage inside the room continued.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:47:39 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He **** a faint smile. "You really think so?" The sculpture collapsed, soaking him. Kirin groaned.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:45:34 pm

Madeline

The cardboard-sign drone got news of a visitor and promptly detached the duct-tape-sign-attachment, flying back downstairs to the front lobby. It was stopped by Madeline, though. "Don't worry, I'll handle it." She opened the door.

"Hypatia of Alexandria." A foreign drone spoke up. "Requesting an audience."

Hypatia? Caster messaged Madeline. That's the spade Caster... Hold on.

Caster materialized and addressed the drone. "You have an audience with me. What do you want to discuss?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 13, 2016, 08:42:32 pm

James

James grittened his teeth. Isa may be powerful, but he wasn't going to cower before him.

"Officially now, none, thanks your son."

Robin

Robin walked over to where Kirin and Hera where seemingly sparring. He saw the ice sculpture, and looked at Kirin with a little bit of respect. Even if he was the son of Isa Oshiro, he had traded everything for his friend and even gave over catalysts.

"Wow. That was a cool trick."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:40:13 pm

Riza Miles

She began climbing up the stairs following the drone, but was knocked straight down as it descended and smacked her in the head. By the time she'd gotten back up it came back around with a new sign and launched her face-first into the stairs. The new drone had smaller handwriting.

'EH, I TRUST HIM
KIRIN SAYS JACK'S
ALWAYS BEEN NEUTRAL
GIVE HIM A FEW BEERS
AND HE WON'T BE A PROBLEM'

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 13, 2016, 08:38:48 pm

Nicole

What in the world?

I don't think I've met this girl before. Is she a spade? But that's definitely a lancer, and I've already encountered the spade lancer... she must be that other club. Heh.

Well, she seems to be trying to ignore me. That's unexpected. What to do, what to do... so many things I could say, but I can't decide what.

Nicole grinned widely, and gestured to the corpses of Will and Avery.

"Would you care for one? I'd hate to be impolite."

Hypatia

A small, glowing blue, suspiciously drone-like construction flew up to the door of the laboratory, slamming into it. It was true, Hypatia was a little worried about mana with no master anymore, but she had enough to function for a little while, and it was best to be safe in this situation. The drone spoke in her voice.

"Hypatia of Alexandria. Requesting an audience."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 13, 2016, 08:36:59 pm

Henri

Henri was torn between chuckling at the ridiculous security system and tearing his hair out at Jack being let in.

"Sorry to be a pain, but how exactly is this safe?  Yeah, the Spades surrendered, and yeah, we know they weren't planning anything back in the maze, but letting them into our base seems a touch extreme."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 08:36:14 pm

Hera

Hera clapped in a slow sarcastic fashion,"Well done. I wish Pruina lasted longer without the mana drain, though. This does make a pretty cool ice sculpture."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:33:15 pm

Cody Lazarus

A floating drone hastily flew up the stairwell with a cardboard sign reading 'YEAH' duct-taped to the top. It seemed to be in Riza's handwriting...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 13, 2016, 08:29:53 pm

Henri

Henri saw Jack walking up the stairwell out of the corner of his eye.  What in the...

He took a step toward the stairwell, then stepped back, remembering that he was in a conversation.  He turned to the ceiling.  "Uh..." he said.  "If whatever weird security system Cody set up is listening to me... did we actually let that guy in here?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:26:58 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Is this some sort of challenge?" He muttered to himself. "Alright. Pruina." He focused the magic to his feet and dodged out of the way, skating across the water as its surface turned to ice upon contact with his shoes. He began to circle around the monster, shooting multiple volleys of spark. Wherever the attack made contact, the water evaporated. The monster lunged again. Kirin whipped back his hair and properly aimed his wand, firing pruina over and over until what remained was an immobile ice sculpture of a giant cobra. "...I must say, though, you have excellent taste in statue design."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 08:18:29 pm

Hera

Hera rolled her eyes, "No need to show off, pretty boy. I have already experienced your magic firsthand."

"Hydrus," Hera muttered. The spout of water from before grew ten times in size and began to take the shape of a cobra. "Alright, why don't you practice your spells? I tend to learn from observing others. Though, in this case, the water snake is added entertainment."

She turned towards Kirin and uttered a single word, "Oppugnas." The water snake lunged towards him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 08:04:33 pm

Jack

"Alriiiight!" He said, "Thanks!" Jack and Celtchar walked up the stairs to the third floor and began walking down the hallway. They made their way to the lounge to see......

Anne, the girl that they had oh so recently threatened with a gun.

"Oh hey." Celtchar said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:04:19 pm

Isa Oshiro

The room darkened, but its temperature seemed to skyrocket. It was as dark as midnight, but hot as a summer day.

"Mister Blackbourne... How many catalysts are in the Spade Faction's possession?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 08:01:29 pm

Madeline

"Up to the third floor. Pick any vacant room. At the end of the hall there's also a lounge. Enjoy your stay."

Kirin Oshiro

She's lost interest... Hmm...

"Pruina! Arko!" He froze the water again, then caused it to erupt into razor-sharp spikes of ice. A cold mist arose around it. That ought to appeal to her attention span a bit more.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 13, 2016, 08:00:02 pm

Maria

       She shifted the position of her party such that Lancer was positioned a few meters in front of her to her left and her cube a meter in front of her to the right. She didn't particularly want to take any chances when talking to someone who is sane enough to outright kill another human being for standing in their way.

      This is a troublesome one, I can't tell if she kills for sport or kills out of her drive to succeed in life.  If it's the former, it'll be an easier person to talk to although for the latter, a business contract should work out reasonably well. Well, best lighten up the mood with a meaningless banter.
     
      Although she intended to say something witty, she couldn't think of anything so she went with the next best thing and coughed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 07:56:10 pm

Jack

"Sweeeeeeeet!" Jack said, pumping his fist, "Could you point us in the right direction?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 07:55:08 pm

Hera

"...Ah," Hera replied as everything flew over her head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 07:48:03 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Well, Pruina as a core spell only freezes water for a brief moment. Neo-Purina, a modifier, allows you to keep it frozen as long as you continue to supply mana, similar to Neo-Ignis's relationship with fire."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 07:42:26 pm

Hera

"Prester," Hera uttered under her breath. A spout of water came forth from the ground. "Pruina," she said after quickly consulting her spell book. The spout of water froze.

Hera glanced over at Kirin, "That wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. The initial spell casting seems to have a few similarities to casting water elementals."

Suddenly the ice transformed back into water. "...Then again, I could be wrong about it being easy."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 07:40:06 pm

Madeline

"We have guest rooms. They come installed with an old hologram-decoration software designed by Master Lazarus a few years back, so you can choose its appearance once you're inside to a certain degree. You're free to stay until the war's over."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 07:36:47 pm

Jack Blair

"Alrighty then, do I get a room?" He smiled. Celtchar rolled her eyes.

"Oh Lancer here too." Jack said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 13, 2016, 07:26:37 pm

Hypatia

Of course! I hadn't even considered Ruler weakening the maze, now that most of us have left.

There's nothing left for me to do here. It's too late for either of them.

In an attempt to conserve her mana, Hypatia manually ran around the back corner. Muramasa, distracted by the new arrival did not pursue.

The clubs are far too radical. Ending the cycle is impossible; there is no way ruler would allow that to occur. I'd assumed that perhaps, as a spade, I could do my best within the confines of my servitude to spare lives. But in retrospect, I've done very little indeed.

How can I do more? What can I do now?

Hypatia stepped out of the maze and into a familiar woods. Not too far from the Club base which she had scouted. Perhaps it had been meant to be from the very beginning.

Perhaps, after all the death she'd witnessed, in her first life and in this war, the world was ready for something radical.

Hypatia slowly made her way towards the club laboratory.

Nicole

Nicole coughed. The dust that arose from the crater had somewhat irritated her lungs, which had apparently belonged to a cigarette addict. How infuriating.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 07:23:16 pm

Madeline

"I am Madeline." She chirped, bowing. "I am a mana-based artificial intelligence system in service of my creator, Master Cody Lazarus of the Club Faction. I do serve you as well, as our guests, so long as you remain neutral."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 07:20:59 pm

Jack Blair

"Oh I'm allowed in? Surprising." Jack walked in, followed by Celtchar, "Shame Archer had to dissolve, I could have healed his stupor." Jack chuckled, "Alright, fun club base, cool location, and who would you be?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 07:17:08 pm

Madeline

Her new body was already working at peak performance. Dressed in relatively formal clothing, she opened the door. "Greetings, Mr. Blair. And to you too, Lancer and, ah..." Archer stumbled in, resting against whatever wall surface he could get his hands on. "...Archer."

"Aye!" He chuckled. His face was bright red. "Yeerr.... ...m'aid, muh, uh, maid." He fell face-first onto the carpet, dissolving into his wraith form.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 07:12:40 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Spoiler: What Kirin knows of the Book of Frost (hover to show)

Book of Frost:

Pruina- A temperature reduction spell. Freezes water instantly. Works best on its surface, large bodies can't be frozen whole, but Kirin could theoretically skate on a lake's surface.

Arko*- Takes ice formed with Pruina and modifies its shape, commonly into tall, pointed pillars of ice.

Zero*- Kirin's deadliest spell, and the most costly. It directly targets an enemy mage and, for a brief second, lowers the temperature around their body to almost absolute zero. (Nerf if nececary, nitrox) This causes them to become fully encased in solid ice and can cause a number of symptoms including cardiac arrest. The general effect is akin to petrification.

"I have two primary ice spells: Pruina, which turns water to ice, and Arko, which shifts the shape of ice to let it take weaponized form. Pruina is a common spell; your tome should have it somewhere. Give it a try once you've summoned some water."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 06:57:33 pm

Hera

"Sure."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 13, 2016, 06:55:15 pm

Jack Blair

Jack's car pulled up to the house. He climbed out with Celtchar jumping over one of the doors and knocked on the door.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 13, 2016, 06:54:58 pm

Henri

Henri nodded slowly.  "I understand your concern, but I think it would be a poor move to hunt him down.  We can do that after the War is over, if you'd like revenge or something, but at that point I would rather let bygones be bygones.  If he gets in our way, we'll fight him, obviously, but at the moment our priority should be  winning the Sanctum War."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 13, 2016, 06:54:37 pm

James

"Not well at all. Most Spades have withdrawn or been killed. Your son, Kirin, has seemingly turned against the Spades and is now aparently working with the clubs, I'm not sure if it's by force or willingly, although I suspect the latter. All in all, I beleive I am the last remaining Spade."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 06:53:57 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"The Book of Ocean and the Book of Stone, huh... Unfortunately I've little experience in Earth and Water, but I do have some mastery over Ice. Are you interested?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 06:50:45 pm

Hera

"Water and Earth elementals," Hera replied.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 06:44:34 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He stared at her, one eyebrow raised. ...Well then. I suppose I have no choice in the matter. "...Fine." He exited and closed his door behind him.

A few moments later, they were in a lower basement-type room, usually used as Caster's testing ground. "First of all, what do you specialize in?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 06:41:54 pm

Hera

"Well, since I no longer have a servant and would still like to participate in this war, you're gonna help me advance my knowledge in magic," Hera stated in a matter of fact manner.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 06:34:06 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He groggily opened the door. "...Huh. It's you. What do you want?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 06:31:03 pm

Hera

After much wandering, Hera finally found what she was looking for, a room with the door labeled Kirin Oshiro.

Alright, let's get this over with. Hera rapped the door and mentally armed herself with a few witty remarks and a sarcastic attitude in case things didn't go so well.

((oh em gee im such a gud writer))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 13, 2016, 06:23:05 pm

Isa Oshiro

The lights were all off. Isa was alone in his office, staring at a single suspended flame in front of him, almost in a meditative trance. There was a knock.

"Sir, pardon my disturbance, but you have a visitor. It's Lord Blackbourne, Master of Assassin."

Isa exhaled. "Bring him in." The door opened, casting light into the room. James carefully walked in. Isa's eyes weren't clearly visible. "Report, Blackbourne."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 13, 2016, 05:32:18 pm

James and Assasin

James heard Kirins message and silently cursed. He was probably the last Spade out there. A powerful attack ran through the maze and it began to seemingly implode until thee were giant craters everywhere. A figure was recognizable, and Assasin faintly heard the figure adknowledge them. James, shocked by the sudden destruction, was picked up by Assasin as Assasin sprinted towards the exit, running towards a place all the Spades knew well.

A Few Hours Later...

Assasin and James, panting, reached their destination, wary and tired. Two armed men stepped towards them, and James stepped forward. The gaurds took this as a hostile act but before they could react James spoke, tired but a tone of authority in his voice.

"Black Panther and Assasin, final Spade Master and Servant. Take me to Isa Oshiro."

Robin

Robin had been seated on his matress for some time now. He reached a decision, and abrubtly got up, walking down the base hallways, remembering the last days he saw his father.

Years Ago

Robin looked up at his Dad, and hugged him close. He wouldn't want to forget him. Never. Not his charming smile, his soft words and kind attitude. His father gave him a set of throwing daggers.

"Here. Keep it safe. It's a gift for you, until I get back home. Eventually you'll learn to use them, in time."

Robin nodded and smiled at his father. He'd yet to learn that it'd be the last time he'd see his loving parent. His father turned away, giving little Tanik a kidd on the forehead and embrassing his wife. Then he turned, got into the car and drove away, the rest of his familly watching the final dust settled as they finally lost the sight of him, forever

(Now)

Robin aproached Henri.

"Henri, I need your help. Remember Kirins' dad, a master of the last war? He's still out there, somehow. He's a powerful ally of the spades and needs to be taken care of. I also need to settle this, for the many people he killed last war. Please."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on January 13, 2016, 11:11:07 am

Hera

Hera sat on her bed contemplating how things had come to this. I was supposed to make it farther than this. How could I lose my servant this close to victory?

Hera leafed through the pages of spells in the ancient tome. She stopped at the familiar section that discussed the Sanctum wars. All these powerful mages continued fighting when they lost their servants, but I'm no where near their level of magecraft. What am I to do? My continued participation in this war is pointless. I might as well have died with Hiram. Would I be of assistance in defeating Avenger? Probably not. It's not like I trained with the greatest mages in existence...

Hera stood up in a flash, closing the spell book as she rose from her seat. Her mind worked quickly as the inspiration came. Yes. Yes, that could work! I'd just have to-Nope. Nope, that wouldn't do it. But maybe if I...Yes. Yes, this is perfect! I mustn't give up so quickly. The Clubs will win this and end the Sanctum wars for good!

Hera snatched up her jacket and, carrying the tome, walked down the hallways of the Club base.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 12, 2016, 10:03:36 pm

Cody Lazarus

A few hours later.

At the very crack of dawn Cody was up and taking a well-needed shower. As the warm water ran across his face, he looked down at the command seals running through his arm. One set of markings was gone, from when he'd summoned Caster on the fly back in the labyrinth.

All things considered, I was really lucky that my trick with using Roger Bacon's documents as a summoning catalyst actually worked. Speaking of which...

Madeline. Progress on your body?

The designs are completed.

I ran it through the lab already, Lazarus. No bugs. It's ready to be assembled for real. Sound off when you're ready.

I could remotely assemble it myself. Don't go to the trouble, Cody.

Huh? Why not?

In my off time I've studied some magic of my own. All I have to do is input the basic alchemy spell into the digital summoning algorithm, load the design and provide a sufficient amount of mana to create the basic parts. Caster has more than enough after the night's rest.

I... I didn't know you could use magic, Madeline.

You flatter me. I've only just begun learning. I'm a sentient being of my own, am I not? With the tools I can use magic in the same way a human can.

That's, uh...

Is something wrong?

No, no, it's just... Can you give me a moment?

He shut off the shower, briskly dried himself off and dressed himself. Almost bumping into Riza on the way, he ran to his main computer room.

Something's not right here. Now, I'm sure that article... Here. He brought up an old, scanned article from a 1980's magazine on the development of magic-based AI.






...Curious on the subject, I scheduled an interview with one of the leading Magus Programmers in Silicon Valley, Professor Barney Birk. He's a genuine man, and much warmer than I first thought going into this.

In the newest developments with the latest technology available, how quickly do you think it [The Alastair Program] could process commands, compared to nonmagical methods like RAM? As in, in a measurement of kilobytes and megabytes?

"Well, that's not really a calculation I could do off the top of my head, but with Alastair I say we could reach about 2 and a half Gigabytes."

Gigabytes, Professor?

"It is magic, after all. Sort of like a living organism, it can take shortcuts in ways we as humans can't always comprehend."

So it's like an entirely separate field, then.

"That's a good way to put it. Magecraft is still a code, but not one you can always pull off with numbers alone. Sanctum does precede modern mathematics, of course."

One more thing, before we switch subjects.

"I'm all ears."

Could you use the Alastair Program, a spell in and of itself, to cast another spell?

Cody read over this one specific line over and over, almost afraid to look down for Professor Birk's answer.

"...No. Like I said before, it's still a code. I guess I could've phrased it better when I said that it was sort of like a living being- Spells can't cast other spells, that's the very nature of magic- the laws of the universe bending to the will of a sentient being. Now, that being said the only beings advanced enough to properly comprehend magic is us, humans. However, if another species of ape were to similarly evolve a more complex brain like we have, and they were to stumble across the art of magic, I say they'd be able to accomplish the same. There's a thick and steadfast border between what's living and what's inanimate, and the only way to cross it is a one-way trip: Death. And no matter how far we go and how much we learn, unless Sanctum itself intervenes, the Alastair Program will always be on the side of the inanimate."

...So, Professor, how do believe AI will advance having this fact in mind?

"AI just exists to serve those who've created it."

What about a theoretical AI with the ability to actually make its own decisions?

"There is no 'theory' to it- Once it starts deciding for its own, it's no longer Artificial, therefore no longer Artificial Intelligence. It's just its own being."

And then, could this being cast its own spells?

"Undoubtedly." Unfortunately that's not possible, because in order to satisfy those conditions it'd already have to be sentient in the first place- but sentience can only be achieved by a machine's autonomous ability to cast magic on itself in order to adapt, and to choose for its own. Therein lies the paradox- In order for a machine to cast spells, it'd need real intelligence- but in order to achieve such intelligence it'd need to be able to cast spells. Does that make sense?"

How do ordinary, non-magical lifeforms sustain themselves, then?

"Ah. Mystery of the week. Truth to tell, nobody knows. That's partially why even the most devout evolutionists still believe in a God. I myself believe that only Sanctum can kickstart a sentient being's existence. I guess that's where the REAL magic comes from, huh?"

...Interesting. One more question, please.

"Go right ahead."

Could you simulate this "Kickstart?"

"With what? No human has that kind of power."

What about the Sanctum Key?

"...I suppose nobody's tried it. I'll have to put some thought into that..."

Oh, well, let me know what you find.

Cody stopped reading. His heart was pounding.

Barney's...


...Code.

Barney's Code. The code I found while hacking that one man's files all those months back when I was first designing Madeline, the one I implemented earlier this week.

Barney's Code.

Birk. Professor Barney Birk. But, Madeline, she...


Cody? Are you sure you're alright?


She... she thinks she can...

Everything's ready to go. What's happening in there?


...The code.

He hastily opened another window and looked up the name "Barney Birk" on the internet.


BARNEY BIRK-

Until his death in the St. Lawrence Hospital on January 19th, 2013, Barney Birk was an accomplished Magus programmer and Master in the 7th Divided War...

...Master... War...

Oh my god.

"What about the Sanctum Key?"



He held the third piece of the Sanctum Key after the war to develop...

The Code. Barney's Code. The...


"Barney stopped development on it for a reason."

The Code I stole. The code I used for Madeline.

Barney's Code.



Cody?

The Key.

...Madeline, have you ever used magic before this?

Well, not yet, but theoretically as a life form I should be able to.

If she's able to use magecraft...

...What?

Go for it, Madeline. Give it a try.

Alright. ALCHEMICA ZERO NEXUS AUREM FOUR.

His heart was nearly beating out of his chest.

HEHEHEHEHEHE...

Success. It's been assembled. Certainly looks like a step in the right direction, don't you think?

AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

...Ruler... Stay away from her.

The room was silent. He shut off the computer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 12, 2016, 07:51:22 pm

Archer

"Oh, I say we step back. Ruler will take out every trick and cheat at his disposal to make sure the sanctum key isn't destroyed. That's why this is such a fragile process... The key gives infinite power. Do you know what kind of gift that is? And you need to have the gift dangling in front of a man's face and get him to say 'No. I'm going to destroy it'. And we need all 7 destroyed. Otherwise, so long as one fragment remains, the war will start again as always. Ruler will do everything he possibly can to stop us. But, remember... The old rules. As the war goes on, he gets weaker and weaker. And now? He's nothing but a little lizard."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 12, 2016, 07:45:34 pm

Jack

"Jeeze" Jack said as Celtchar grimaced, "So one thing doesn't add up for me, what do you think Ruler is going to do about the planned end of his war?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 12, 2016, 07:42:52 pm

Archer

"He was, in the beginning. He was as by the books as a boy his age could be. But when he really came to know Riza, he started drifting away." His cup was now empty. Archer could see his own face in the glass's reflection. "Dedicating your life to protecting someone else's... What a way to go. I used to want that, too... When I was alive, I mean. Now... Well, I may just end up drinking until I run out of mana. Better than being the black archer's slave, if you ask me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 12, 2016, 07:28:59 pm

Jack

"It seems he's driven himself into quite the hole." Jack said, "Strikes me as odd he's do that. He seems like a somewhat reasonable guy."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 12, 2016, 06:59:00 pm

Archer

He lowered his head. "Yea, I'm worried about him. See, lad, not a lot's left for the boy after the war's over. He's no family to return to, and no dreams to pursue. All Kirin cares about is keeping that little girl with him safe. I don't think it's love, though, I think it's just guilt. So what I ask is... What comes after it all? When Riza's a woman and ready to move on? What'll he do then? Just thinking about it scares me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 12, 2016, 06:59:31 am

Jack

"Yeah I've heard." Jack said, "Contrary to you, I'm surprised I haven't been offed yet. I've gotten close a few times, I can heal a lot of things but I'm still incredibly fragile...." He trailed off, "On another note, that Oshiro kid has a lot of shit to get through after this, without the key's power he can't exactly fend off his father, unless there's something I'm missing."

Celtchar nodded grimly.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 11, 2016, 11:12:20 pm

Maria

      Having wandered for quite a substantial amount of time, she had begun to notice that the walls no longer shifted very noticeable to a degree. She tested a moderate sized magical blast at the wall directly to her left and found that it was no longer neutralized to anywhere near the original degree. There was even more ease to doing this than the graffiti on the ground she did earlier when she had to half heartedly insult a potentially killer robot.

     With this taken to heart, Maria began her formal procedure for highly inefficient but ultimately flashy, sure-fire method of solving any problem; she would brute force it until it worked. The air swelled, churning violently as the cube hummed vigorously. The air illuminated the air and slowly became denser and denser. Soon, a sphere of viscous mana danced in the air. Slowly, the construction circles bloomed, and the sphere collapsed unto itself.
 
     A drill well over thrice her size manifested itself and floated gently onto the ground.

    "If you would be so kind Lancer. All the lights in the sky are stars and your drill is the drill that will pierce the heavens! To continue stealing quotes, 'GIGA... DRILL... BREAKER!'"

     Lancer gripped the handle at the back of the lump of mana and bent his knees. The torque on the front end became violent, whirring to life and dragging him towards the wall face. Digging his feet into the ground, the rotations amped up, increasing the force with each passing second.

 

     And then, he let go of the ground.




     The spiral rushed straight through the wall, obliterating all the walls in its path and finally plunging into the ground, generating a vortex that ate into its surroundings.

---

     Jetting along after the blast, she came upon three figures off at the peripherals of the crater.

     "My, people are here. How surprising."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 11, 2016, 09:37:56 pm

Archer

He stared down at his drink like he'd done so a few nights back, but his expression was solemn.

"For you, I say hopefully. For myself I'm less than hopeful..." He took a sip. "My contract runs far deeper than that of a servant and a master. You ever read my story, Jack? Der Freischütz?" His eyes seemed to glow a dim violet. "It didn't end so nicely as was recorded. Same as the cycle of the Sanctum Wars, I'm trapped in a cycle of my own. Even if we stop Ruler... there's no saying Zamiel will let me go."

Spoiler: tl;dr version of Der Freischütz's lore (hover to show)

Archer's identity is a gunman named Max who was cursed by a magic bullet created by a mage named Zamiel, and he's trapped into the Archer class as a servant. Zamiel is sort of like a spirit related to Ruler who wants the cycle to continue endlessly, and he pretty much owns Archer's soul.

"I envy people like you and Jack. You're free, you can drink with who you want, whoever you can. You can wander pretty much anywhere. Me? I'm trapped. I'm immortal, but I'm trapped. That's why I drink." He took another sip to hold on. "When I'm sober, that's when Zamiel holds tightest. Once I'm loose I can show the little Club-side in me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 11, 2016, 09:28:50 pm

Jack Blair

He walked in and Celtchar smiled, "I'm quite honored." Jack said, "Your master still a stiff? He's got a reason to drink now." Jack smiled as he grabbed a bottle from the back room.

"Archer, say if the clubs complete their goal, do we finally rest?" Celtchar said, "Just curious."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 11, 2016, 09:24:58 pm

Archer of Spades

Using the wight form he managed to arrive at the bar before Jack and his servant. It was closed for the night, but he'd broken in and unlocked the door. The lights were all on inside and he'd already taken the liberty to place 100 dollars cash on the counter in advance for whoever owned the bar the next morning. When they arrived he greeted them, glass in hand and arms stretched. "Eh, we servants never sleep anyway. Good choice of pastime, Mr. Blair."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 11, 2016, 08:04:04 pm

Jack

"So this is where y'all live?" He piped up as he lit a cigar, "Cool idea, we slept at a church, well I did at least." he said, "I assume I'm not welcome inside. I'll be at the closest bar." he waved at the clubs as he walked away, "Come on Celtchar."

She nodded, I need a drink too, although I would like to talk to that cody kid at some point....

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 11, 2016, 07:36:20 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Eh." He yawned. "Have you seen what she's capable of, though? I agree we should exercise caution, but I think she's more than capable of handling herself for one more day. We can't handle anything, though, if we're not well-rested. It's been a long day. I say we head home.


---


It was warm inside. The laboratory, which happened to look more like the interior of a mansion, was a refreshing change of scenery after the endless walls of the labyrinth.

Cody laid down in his room and dozed off nearly instantaneously. Madeline watched over him for a few minutes, then went to work on a new physical body.

I should start off with... Let's see. An improved sense of touch.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 11, 2016, 07:24:21 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He flinched.

...Right. I still have that mental communication line. He took out his catalyst, the one he'd obtained at Big Ben. It was that which his mother had left behind, a ruby with the Oshiro emblem.

Take care, James.

He terminated the connection.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 11, 2016, 03:35:50 pm

Robin

Robin turned towards Henri and Cody, whom he had been listening too.

"Well, do you think we could track her? A catalyst that is roaming around isn't one that makes me feel very safe. Even cut down, there still are a few Spades left out there."

James

James and Assasin exited the maze, and James sent a message to all of the remaining clubs Presumably you mean Spades?  If you don't, I doubt that James would have a mental connection with them..

Clubs got the catalyst. Who's still out there?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 10, 2016, 10:30:31 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Well..."

hehehehehehe...

"I..."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

"...No." Henri raised an eyebrow. Cody looked around. "I don't think we can just do that."

"Why not?"

"Marcell Krauss, the spade master of saber in the last war... He tried to do something similar, but Ruler never plays fair. He'll just find some way to keep it going once we're old and unable to intervene. We have to be proactive here. Let's head for the laboratory, then first thing in the morning we're confronting that pink-haired girl."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 10, 2016, 10:20:43 pm

Henri

After getting an update from Cody, Henri kicked a pile of snow.  "I'm not surprised, just disappointed.  Well, here's hoping that she'll get bored of playing around with us sooner rather than later.  I'd really rather not fight her, and even if we have to, I guess we should rest for a day or two first."

He paused for a moment.  "You know... who says we have to get the catalyst from her, anyway?  The Spades have stood down, right?  There won't be any more fighting for a while.  Couldn't we just make this war an armistice... forever?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 10, 2016, 10:01:23 pm

Cody Lazarus

I have her reply.

What did she say?

Ugh...

Off to a fine start, I see.

She wants to wait a few days and evidently meet under her own terms.

Eh, that's not so bad.

But the tone she uses with us...

Hey, relax. We need some rest anyway. The base isn't far from here.

Do you believe the spades will be so lenient with allowing us time to rest?

From what I gather, there aren't many of them left. The laboratory's fortified, I think we'll be fine.

...Fine. I'll resume development on my body.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on January 10, 2016, 09:35:57 pm

Maria

     Having watched all of the action occur somewhere she didn't quite care about made her quite pleased. Unfortunately, no one important suffered any casualties and thus would make life more annoying for her in the future. To add to that, she couldn't find the serial killer, nor a glimpse of anyone else. It made her quite sad that she couldn't arbitrarily ask them questions before leaving and allow her teammates to do all the work for her.

     As she floated around, she suddenly received a message on her disposable work phone. She looked at the contents and quickly formulated a response.


Potentially Emotionally Unstable Hunk of Scrap Metal That Honestly Seems Like a Kuudere

I, Maria, the girl with the pink hair who does not like your manner of speech as it eerily reminds me of a formal summons to a business meeting, am here to cordially respond to your message with a "Please see attached photograph."
[Insert a picture of the ground carved with a magical blast with the message, "No."]
It has come to my attention that you wish to save the world right now. I highly suggest that all of you rendezvous with me in the upcoming days so that we may end this war safely and achieve our goal.

P.S. Take a nap.

   She continued on her magical journey to find a deluded serial killer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 10, 2016, 09:17:17 pm

Muramasa/Hypatia

Even before the cloud faded, Hypatia's clairvoyance told her what had occured.

Im-Impossible! Even Saber couldn't move that quickly, and his agility was A-ranked!

Sure enough, when the dust settled, Muramasa was nowhere to be seen -- Until she appeared behind Avery, and her sword sprouted from his abdoman this time. His blood spattered her armor, but her sword, once withdrawn, was spotless.

"NO!" Will shouted. He'd hardly even met the boy, but he'd still been a loyal spade, and it wasn't supposed to end like -- like this! In a second, the heavy glove on his second hand fell away, revealing a purplish, formless cloud. He thrust the "arm" forward, and the cloud followed through, punching Muramasa in the gut.

She didn't flinch.

"Berserker! Stand down!" Nicole called.

She still didn't flinch.

Hypatia had been readying another spell, but stopped as Nicole spoke. It probably wouldn't have worked anyway.

"You. Spade boy. Banish your servant, or we'll kill her."

Will glared. "Are you NUTS? No! I'd never do that!"

"Um... I'll kill all the clubs?"

"Still no. Do you have anything sane to say?"

"Sane? I stopped saying sane things a long time ago. YAAAAAARGH!" Berserker's next blade found its mark once more. Will fell facefirst onto the floor, blood oozing from his partially-detached neck, before Hypatia could so much as blink.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 10, 2016, 09:14:05 pm

Henri

Henri paced around, visibly annoyed.  "If she just gives it to us, then I'm the Queen of England.  She's been pretty uncooperative in the past."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 10, 2016, 09:10:34 pm

Cody Lazarus

Madeline. Come in.

I'm glad to see you're alive. I couldn't find a way to gain entry into the reality marble. How did it go?

Successfuly. Kirin, the spade master from a few days ago, has decided to join us along with his assistant and servant, the Archer of Spades. We have his two catalysts as well as another spade's, and finally the seventh from the labyrinth itself. We're still missing one, though.

I don't have any leads as to who may have the last catalyst. Perhaps we should consult the Brazen Head.

Alright. Caster, turn it on.

Fire away.

Brazen Head, is the aforementioned catalyst, which we do not yet posses, in the hands of the Spade Faction?

NO.

...Huh. How about the clubs?

YES.

Cody visibly raised an eyebrow. "That's odd, the head says we already have all 7-"

"Brazen Head." Caster spoke out. "Do we posses all seven catalysts required to summon Avenger?"

NO.

"...Huh." Cody scratched his head.

"I believe the head means to say that the last catalyst lies in the hands of a Club-faction mage that isn't with us right now..."

"...That girl. What was her name again? With the pink hair?"

Maria Kieszeń.

"Send her a message."

Done.







Maria Kieszeń

I, Madeline, the Artificial Intelligence system working in assistance of Club Master Cody Lazarus, have messaged you to inform you that we have obtained six of the seven catalysts required to win the war. It has also come to our attention that you allegedly have already obtained the last one. I highly suggest we rendezvous as soon as possible in order to end the war swiftly and achieve our goal.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 10, 2016, 07:40:13 pm

Jack Blair

Jack followed at a distance behind the clubs.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 10, 2016, 07:25:36 pm

Anne

"So we're close- wait, are these three coming with us now?" She asked gesturing to Kirin, Riza, and Archer.

Avery

While Berserker was concerned with the orb spell thing, Avery used a quick telekinesis spell to abov shove Nicole into a wall before following where Jack has run.

He could see snow, but it stopped abruptly as a wall shut it off.

He ran back and announced to Will and Nicole "They left the maze!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 10, 2016, 05:51:12 pm

Henri

Henri watched Cody come out of the maze.  The prongs of his trident were each lit with a weak Spark spell, which Henri was holding close to his side for warmth.

"As best as I can tell, we're on the outskirts of the forest that catalyst was in, the one with all the mana-draining circles."  He glanced up at the sky.  "I can hardly recognize it with all this snow.  It's been so temperate lately I thought we wouldn't get another one."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 10, 2016, 02:50:32 pm

Cody Lazarus

Henri reluctantly nodded in appeasement. The maze was quiet as Jack handed over his catalyst to Kirin.

"Well," Cody began, "I guess that's that. You guys ready to head out?"

"Yeaaah." Anne stretched her arms. "I'm sick of this place."

The majority of the faction, along with Kirin, Riza and Jack, stepped through the passageway. Cody lingered behind with Caster.

"It wasn't a bad plan." Caster ran his fingers against the stone walls. "Stop the war in its tracks by making a key element unattainable. If we'd known, perhaps..."

"Best not to think too much about it. We've got our own plan."

"Well put." Caster walked through the door. Cody was about to follow when the maze to his right shifted slightly. The exit was still there, but to its right was the remains of a separate portion.

On its floor, Cody could see the shredded remains of a teenager's corpse. It was Nick's. The heart was torn wide open by a large wound, supposedly by the hand of a large sword. At the sight of it he heaved, grasping his mouth in a panic.

Oh... Oh my god...

A voice echoed. It was faint. It said nothing. It merely laughed.

Cody spoke out loud. "...Why?"

HMM?

"Why... are you showing me this, Ruler?"

IT SHOULD BE RATHER OBVIOUS... OF COURSE I KNOW OF YOUR PLAN. I JUST THOUGHT I'D GIVE YOU A LITTLE SENSE OF CLOSURE BEFORE THE GRAND FINALE.

The maze shifted again, hiding the corpse from view. In a cold sweat, Cody ran straight for the exit as fast as he could.

The air outside was cold. It was snowing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 09, 2016, 10:26:31 pm

Muramasa

Without even sparing Avery a glance, Muramasa pivoted to face Hypatia. As she did so, a second blade appeared in the air in front of her in the perfect position for her to grab and fling towards Avery. The flying sword entered his torso at the shoulder, and he screamed in pain. The blade, however, rather than lodging, simply vanished after cutting into him, leaving an open wound that pulsed with blood.

"I never gave you permission to leave." Nicole murmured.

Will held up his arm and launched three small teal canisters in Nicole's direction. A golem of stone immediately rose to intercept them, and the detonated in small, colorful explosions against his stone form.

The golem then lunged to grab Avery, with inhuman strength, and twist his injured arm behind his back. The boy screamed again.

Hypatia completed the ritual that she had been preparing, and immediately a soft ringing became audible. It grew in a crescendo, into a powerful roar, as a shining silver orb rose from her tome to hover above her head.

"Ha Me Pasti!"

The orb launched itself, too fast to follow, at the Berserker, and a tremendous cloud of  dust hid them from view. The sound of impact rang out across the maze.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 09, 2016, 08:10:59 pm

Avery

"Ok, I'll tell the others." He turned to run to where Jack had headed earlier.

((The reason I didn't continue is because I'm giving Nicole the opportunity to stop him))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on January 09, 2016, 08:03:35 pm

Will/Nicole

"What!" Will shouted. "Are you -- what?"

Nicole smirked.

"Berserker. Execute."

The armor-clad woman materialized once more, blade already drawn. She lunged forward to execute Avery, but her strike was stopped by the appearance of a flickering golden cord, which had wrapped itself around the edge of her blade. It seemed to extend upwards infinitely, and there was no indication at all of where it was fixed -- the cord was anchored to the very sky, or whatever sky really existed in this maze.

"Not so fast." Hypatia declared. "I'd thought something was off, earlier. Possession magic? Necromancy? I sense a bit of both, but don't see how that would give a magus access to another's servant. It is irrelevant. Whoever you are, command your servant to stand down, or you will be destroyed."

Nicole merely smiled. "Bold words, caster. Berserker, eliminate her first."

The golden cord morphed into a golden serpent, binding Berserker's blade tightly. It poison to attack the rogue servant with deadly poison. Berserker merely jerked her arm to the side, evaporating it into dust.

Hypatia winced. Back in her day, there hadn't been a magus on earth capable of defeating that spell -- was this Berserker really so powerful?

"You! Avery! Get back here; this is a battle to which you cannot contribute."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 09, 2016, 07:45:13 pm

Avery

He saw Jack and Celtchar run out of the smoke and followed by someone else who he hadn't talked to yet and their servant. Within seconds of their departure, the smoke cleared. Will and the crazy maniac girl were the only ones remaining. After a few seconds, he realized that Will thought this girl was a friend.

Now that I think about it, this girl was a SPADE master named Miranda the last time I checked, not Nicole as that other person called her.

"Uh, she's not on our side. She was talking to some club with a map that showed where everyone is." He said to Will. "And she went by the name 'Nicole'"

((These Avery posts are getting terrible because I don't care about him or his posts at all tbh. Which is why... he dies soon))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 09, 2016, 06:09:06 pm

Robin

Robin looked as 2 figures ran towards them all. One drew a pistol.

"Guys!"

Assasin and James

Assasin and James ran after Jack, catching up to him and realizing their mistake of them running into all of the remaining clubs. Even as Assasin drew his gun, James knew they had no chance. It was also the oppurtunity he wanted, in the very end. One of the clubs shouted a warning to the rest of them. He spoke quietly to Assasin.

"Stand down."

A confused Assasin responded with uncertanity.

"Why? I can take down a few of them."

"No point. We'll be throwing away our lives."

"Surrender?"

"Yes."

"...fine."

Assasin pocketed his gun, but from a look from James he dropped it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 05:17:55 pm

Archer of Spades

He nodded back, without saying a word.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 09, 2016, 05:13:01 pm

Jack

"If I may comment. The archer servant you have with you..." Celtchar said, "He's a friend of mine. He can have the poison, I trust him to use it only if necessary." She nodded at him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 09, 2016, 05:07:47 pm

Henri

Henri eyed Jack suspiciously.  "Your Servant is still a threat, and just because the Brazen Head says you aren't hostile now doesn't mean you couldn't become hostile later.  Either dismiss her from your presence, leaving you undefended, or allow Archer to dip his arrows in the poison of her lance.  I know your Servant is weak to that."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 09, 2016, 05:05:09 pm

Jack Blair

"One condition, I'm allowed to follow you all. You of all people should know it is of no benefit to me to kill you all at this point. You can even keep me at a 'safe' distance, but I want to see the key." Jack said, "Of course you don't have to accept at all, you'll have no trouble getting it from me either way. But do we have a deal?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 04:51:14 pm

Cody Lazarus

"This has got to be some sort of trap." Caster. Brazen Head.

The machine appeared in front of them, eyes gleaming as eerily as ever.

"Is that Spade master lying to us when he says he'll let us go?

NO.

Cody was taken aback. "...N-no? Are any of the spades in this area hostile?"

NO.

"...So you're all just giving up?"

Jack grimly nodded.

Cody turned around and dismissed the head. "Well, that's a relief, but we're, uh, still gonna need that cataaa..." Kirin walked up to Jack, meeting him in the eye.

Kirin Oshiro

"...Jack."

The man's sunglasses seemed to turn opaque. He didn't respond.

"I'm not going to pretend I know your story. Where you were, where you're going... but I've nothing against you. Bear in mind, though, that my reasons for switching sides are mine alone. I can tell, though, you'd rather not fight now. I suppose we're quite similar in that regard... I'd like to give you some advice. When you leave this maze, disappear. My father is a heartless, merciless man. He'll hunt me, and if I'm found, I've no doubt he'll go after you as well. Take your servant, and just disappear. For your own safety."

Jack gave a slight nod, but still remained silent. Riza gave Kirin a nudge.

"...Oh. I'm also going to need your catalyst."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 09, 2016, 04:37:30 pm

Jack Blair

Jack glanced at the spades behind him then to the party approaching. He holstered his gun, "Well it seems the reinforcements have arrived." Jack said as Celtchar stood up, "Have your club, if you've completed the map then this is over. Come Celtchar." He said as the lancer stood up and began walking towards him.

"Although I wouldn't expect you to be with them Oshiro. What happened to the stiff man from before? Too tight to get a drink but to switch sides? That was alright? Hmmmm you're more interesting than I thought.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 04:26:26 pm

Cody Lazarus

Their map was essentially complete enough for them to navigate through to the exit. With the catalyst obtained the air around the labyrinth seemed to grow colder with every step.

"This place..." Caster took in a deep breath. "It feels like it's dying."

"Ruler must be on the edge of his seat. Something tells me we'll find Anne near the exit. Be on your guard, guys."

They finally found a corridor that seemed to be dimly illuminated by natural light. They took the left and saw a few figures casting an ominous shadow in front of them. It was Anne- she was being held at gunpoint. Celtchar was next to her, lance at ready.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 09, 2016, 04:24:49 pm

Anne

Well that didn't work... And I'm not exactly in the mode to be shot.

"What do you want? Because as I believe I stated earlier, I don't have a map piece on me."

It's technically true.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 09, 2016, 04:17:06 pm

Jack Blair

As the smoke cleared Jack saw Anne running away. Jack ran down the hall with Celtchar behind him, "I see her!" The lancer said. Celtchar ran ahead of Jack and tackled the servant to the ground. Jack pulled out his pistol and pointed it at Anne, "Hold still girl. Smoke isn't quite enough to shake me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 03:56:39 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Riza...


...RIZA!"

Her eyes finally opened. She was on the floor and sweating hard, but didn't seem to have any wounds. "UUuuaaauugh..." She groaned and looked at the ceiling. "I'm beat. What happened?"

"You lost consciousness out of Mana deficiency. Hold on..." Kirin got up and looked across the room. Hera was silently staring at the scorched ground where her servant once stood.

He slowly approached to join her. She broke away from her trance and faked a scowl at him. "What are you looking at, pretty boy?"

"Well pardon me, mademoiselle, but my mage assistant has just suffered a significant mana drain. Any more, and she may have... Well, she's not very experienced, and... And she is my asssistant, and-"

"Alright, spit it out."

"..."

"Quit it with the whole stuck up pride thing. Just admit it, you were worried sick." Hera seemed a bit more serious than usual. "You do care for her, right?"

"...Yes." There was an awkward pause. Hera was making a mocking expression at him. "I do care for her."

"Reaaaaaaally? How much caring are we talking about here?"

"HEY." His face was red. "Stop making that stupid face! You know what I mean!"

"Aw, shut up and learn to take a joke."

"You ought to know when joking's appropriate."

"Hey." She sat down in a crisscross. "That's just who I am. People have different ways of relieving stress, and me? I joke about it."

"Stress?"

"Well, you are our prisoners!" She punched his arm. It seemed to do more damage than initially expected. "I didn't think Rider would go that far to suck mana out of you. I was just about to force him to stop, but well... Yeah. I was worried sick, too."

"...Ah." He laid on his back with his hands cupped behind his head. "Some noble phantasm that turned out to be..."

"Truth be told, I really hated the idea of it. Total War. The concept was that he uses bystanders to fuel his own mana supply to give him some extra adrenaline. When he went through I didn't expect you two to be caught up in it."

"I wasn't affected as much. We could tell, Riza was the one suffering from it the most."

"Damn. I'm... I'm sorry."

"She'll be alright."

"So, have you asked her out yet?"

"Enough of that!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 09, 2016, 03:30:14 pm

Robin

Robin slowly walked towards his dagger, picking it up and looking where Saber had taken the last hit.

"Okay."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 02:55:48 pm

Cody Lazarus

His glasses reflected the shard's purple hue. He carefully reached out for it and gingerly held it in his hand. He turned to his teammates. "This is it. The spades still have one catalyst. The battle's not over yet, so rest up. We move out in five minutes."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 09, 2016, 12:20:09 pm

Saber

Saber was silent, his eyes closed.  It seemed to be hours before the fatal bolt of lightning struck.  The catalyst rose from the ground, a purple shard of energy.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 09, 2016, 12:18:17 pm

Cody Lazarus

Archer and Caster took deadly aim, but Cody held out his hand and waved them off. He inhaled and slowly walked alone towards the servant. He stopped mere inches away.

"I get it now." The entire room was silent. "Your master built this entire maze in order to stop the war. So that the masters would never find the last catalyst... But I guess we did." Saber's wounds began to take their toll. Some parts of him were already beginning to fade. "Hey." He looked him in the eye and put his hand on his shoulder. "I don't know much about you, Saber, but... Rest easy. We're on your side. We're gonna assemble the Sanctum Key, and we're gonna destroy it. Okay?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on January 09, 2016, 11:37:13 am

Marcell Krauss

Marcell stood in the center of the room. He pulled out a vial of arsenic from his coat pocket. Along with it he got out the piece of the Sanctum Key he had won from the war. It was dull, rusty, and pathetic looking now. He used up all of its power creating this wretched labyrinth. And it was all for nothing too.

Ha. How wrong he was to think that this cycle would end. He should’ve known better. He should’ve known his failure was inevitable.

He should’ve known that Ruler was always watching.

Masters and Servants, they were all merely pawns of Ruler’s game. They would never become a king. Yet he tried… and ended descending into a pit of madness. The maze walls reflected his deteriorating state of mind. The constant shifting, winding paths that led to nowhere; it was insanity. It would the future Masters’ problem to deal with.

Marcell knew that the future Masters would end up getting the catalyst eventually. It was bound to happen. Even with Saber’s immense strength and the command he issued him, he was going to be defeated at one point. The war would continue on.

In the end Marcell barely made a scratch on this world. He probably would’ve been happier if he had abandoned his ambitions sooner. Left the mage world. He could’ve done more with his life. Instead here he was. It just wasn't meant to be.

But, despite everything, he held onto a small bit of hope. Perhaps the future Masters would have similar ideals to his; perhaps they would wish to end this pointless war. Maybe they would succeed too. After all, everything has its end.

Marcell opened the vial. After this, the cycle would start again and, well, who knows what would happen.

-

Just before the Servants delivered their final blow to the Saber of Diamonds, a foggy, faded out silhouette appeared in the center of the room. It was just barely visible enough for those present to take notice of it. The silhouette showed a figure of a man raising a vial to the air. A voice could be heard, although it was muffled to a whisper.

”To my servant, Hang Tuah, I once again thank you for your services even if things ended the way they did. And, to the future Masters that may take the path I took...”

"I wish you the best of luck."

The figure drank the liquid in the vial, and the last memory faded away leaving an eerie silence.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 09, 2016, 11:26:09 am

Saber of Diamonds

Saber shifted form again, gaining his sword of wind and magical armor.  He held up his sword in an effort to block the lightning strikes, but Henri gestured to Caster at one of Archer's portals on the ground, then nudged Archer, who was still looking with disgust at the spot where Rider had died, to have him pay attention.  Caster began directing his lightning into Archer's portal, and it flew into Saber from various angles.  Archer began adding his own arrows into the mix, from too many directions for Saber to dodge.

Saber, breathing hard, raised his sword into the sky.  It glowed blindingly blue, and a tornado began to form around Saber that eventually encompassed the entire arena.  Henri, Cody, and their Servants were thrown into the air and cast around the arena.  However, Archer's superior vision was enough to allow him to see through the dust to where Saber was at the center of the arena.  He caught onto one of his portals, went through, and fired a fatal arrow directly at Saber's heart.

The wind immediately died down, and when the Clubs regained their footing, Saber had shifted into his executioner form at the center of the arena.  He no longer had a heart wound, but he was struggling from the amount of electricity he had taken and the amount of mana he had consumed.  He could barely keep his malevolent sword from flying out of his hand.  Archer had another arrow pointed directly at him, while Caster's hands were crackling with electricity.  "Go on, kill me," Saber muttered.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 08, 2016, 11:18:03 pm

Cody Lazarus

He watched carefully as Rider looked back in fear right as his heart was pierced through. He did not scream; at this point one would doubt of Ulysses' ability to speak at all. All he could do was slowly rest his eyes as the rest of his body began to fade away into a black cloud of ashes. A quiet current of air carried them off.

Archer was on the floor, clutching his heart. Knowing this Caster alone started to calmly walk forward, charging a spell. Saber readied an attack. The entire room, for a single moment, surged with a field of static electricity. Cody felt as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

Caster stated his spell firmly. "MJÖLNIR." He pointed his finger. The entire room was flooded in a piercing light as Saber was struck with a massive bolt of lightning.

Dust cleared. The servant was still standing.

"MJÖLNIR." Another strike of equal power. Caster's expression was fierce. Without waiting for a reaction, he stepped forward. "MJÖLNIR! MJÖLNIR! MJÖLNIR!"

The mana cost was high, but at this point nobody took note of it. Over and over, Caster let loose his most powerful lightning spell, each casting more furious and chaotic than the last.

But the servant was still standing.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 08, 2016, 10:06:14 pm

Henri and Saber

Archer looked on aghast as Rider's ultimate Noble Phantasm activated.  Henri stepped over to Riza and put his hand on her shoulder to check her magical energy, but quickly withdrew it when he felt a sympathetic reaction consuming his own mana.  As if Riza was just a vaccuum of mana for Rider to drain away...  Does he even know any spells to use that mana with?

The mana drain seemed to be heavy on Saber, who failed to activate his Reduced Earth skill, taking a direct blow from Rider that knocked him back several feet.  However, when he looked up, he was smiling.  Henri took a closer look.  It seemed as if the red energy that surrounded Saber's sword was being dragged into Rider's body.

Saber began to speak.  "As often as they are blessed, kris blades are cursed with evil spirits that possess them.  Try to drain mana from it, and you will receive heavy penalties to your Luck and Endurance as the spirits hamper your movements and direct you into dangerous territory."

Rider charged forward again, but his foot was caught on a well-timed chain that shot from the ground.  As he fell face-down, chains encircled his limbs and neck, and despite his struggles, he could not free himself.  Saber appeared above Rider, almost floating in midair, his sword pointed straight down.  "Ritual Execution," he whispered, and the sword pierced Rider's heart.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 08, 2016, 08:41:40 pm

Rider

Power... nngh... He backed away. Cincinnati squealed in pain. Ulysses felt his body shiver. There's no way that Archer and I could defeat him alone, and I doubt Caster will be of any help either. I just need power... enough mana to numb the pain and land a critical strike. Just... He clenched his teeth until they rattled under the pressure, pacing his steed from side to side, waiting for an opening. Left, right... left... right. He charged diagonally at top speed, circling around in an attempt to strike from an unprotected angle.

His heart dropped when he heard the rustling of chains around him. You can't trap me that easily! Ulysses briskly leaped from his steed and landed next to Saber, swinging his sword and creating two superficial cuts before backing away to avoid his counterattack. It was only now that he realized his mistake. The steel chains fastened around Cincinnati's legs, forcing the horse to the ground and binding it firmly in place. Saber vanished, reappearing above it with his blade held backhanded. In one fell swoop he tore through Cincinnati's heart, killing him instantly.

Ulysses stared aghast as his steed fell into shining pieces and returned to Sanctum.

Archer

As Saber was executing the horse Archer was preparing a concentrated shot to his skull. Let's make it a magic bullet for good measure. See you in Sanctum, you bloody creep. His eyes flared violet in preparation, but the instant before pulling the trigger his mana rebounded, causing a large shock. Archer dropped the gun and clenched his heart in pain. "Gah... W-what the hell?!" M-mana deficiency!? What's going on? Riza's got plenty of- His thoughts ceased for the moment when he looked up. Riza was on her knees, shivering as a deep blue flame hovered over her heart. Kirin was shouting something at the Clubs- Archer himself couldn't hear clearly. His vision darkened, and his body became numb. He heard something, a mutter in the Rider's voice. He didn't know at the time, but the voice could be heard by anyone in the immediate area.

TOTAL WAR.

He looked back up to the Rider. In his stern eyes there was a furious blue flame. He let out a blood-curdling scream, one matched only by a berserker, and ran straight at the saber like a suicidal madman.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 08, 2016, 07:57:35 pm

Saber of Diamonds

Saber watched the bullet go into the ground, and then leaped backwards onto a ledge on the wall that surrounded the arena, too thin for Rider's horse to reach, although his sword would still be a threat.  Saber held out Taming Sari, still glowing with blue light, and turned it around with midair.  Shadow consumed Saber, and when it receded, Saber was dressed in light, flowing clothing, with no sign of the wound that had been inflicted upon him earlier.  In his hands was a long, thin blade like a needle: a kris blade of an executioner.

As I was a brave warrior loyal to my king, I was a merciful executioner loyal to my hero.  But this is no time for mercy.

Saber's eyes flashed with red light.  Clairvoyance.  His eyes tracked the minute changes in the ground that indicated the path of Archer's bullet, waiting until it would approach him.  Several tense seconds passed in silence, Rider pausing to see what Saber would do, until there was a brief rumbling sound.  Saber immediately stepped to the side.  Someone looking at his body would not have noticed a large step, hardly enough to dodge a bullet, but somehow he had appeared a quarter of the way around the circular arena.  Reduced Earth.  The bullet shot out of the ground where Saber had just been standing and collided with a stone tablet on the wall.

Saber's sword seemed to vibrate with energy, as if it was trying to escape his hands.  It glowed with malevolent red light and heat, and he pointed it directly at Rider.  Rider turned his body so that his shield was facing Saber, but Saber's inhumanly long steps let him reach the other side.  A straight bolt of flame fired out of the sword and hit the side of Rider's horse, leaving a burn mark.

((The damage Saber sustained in his warrior form is still there, but it doesn't translate over to his executioner form.  If either form is killed, he dies.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 06, 2016, 06:42:30 pm

Archer of Spades

The enemy saber plunged his crooked sword into Archer's left arm, leaving a deep wound. Between grunts he smiled, melting into a silhouette and vanishing into the ground, in which he distanced himself and re-emerged with the wound sealed. Once on solid ground again, he regained balance and drew the musket once more.

Katzensprung.

He aimed straight at the floor and fired. The bullet vanished. Feet away Ulysses was already charging again, this time equipped in his equestrian armor.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 06, 2016, 06:17:51 pm

Saber of Diamonds & Arash

Saber's sword started moving to deflect the bullet before Archer had even fired the gun, but the high speed of the bullet in combination with Archer's homing skills meant that the bullet skimmed off the sword rather than bouncing off of it.  Nevertheless, it was enough to redirect the bullet into Saber's side rather than his heart.  It drove through the armor, and blood started to leak out, but it was an injury that his Battle Continuation skill would allow him to ignore for the time being.

However, Saber's armor and blade were enough to deal with the dagger, which was twisted out of orientation by a sudden gust of wind, clattering harmlessly against Saber's armor.

Saber smiled and leaped into the air, swinging his blade toward the Archer that had shot the bullet.  As he did so, Henri's Archer fired two arrows at opposite sides of the room, claiming territory there.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on January 05, 2016, 08:15:03 pm

Robin

Robin turned to face the Saber of Diamonds, looking for a way to help out.

Looks like a Saber, he's standing pretty good ground, deflected an Archer's bullets, and is probably the strongest servant I've ever seen.

With that obvious analysis, Robin drew his throwing daggers and Archer of Spades shot dead at Saber of Diamonds. At the same time, Robin threw one of his daggers at Saber of Diamonds, putting and air shield infront of it to smash into Saber's sword arm then let the dagger tipped with ice pierce it.

((The bullet will hit first, obviously))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 05, 2016, 07:34:43 pm

Archer of Spades

He took deadly aim at the heart, eyes glowing a sinister violet.

I don't believe in your bloody fairy tales.

REHE DURCHBOHREN.

The third cursed bullet burst out of the barrel with a ruinous blast, launching straight for the heart.

Spoiler: 3rd magic bullet (hover to show)

3) Rehe Durchbohren (C+): A more powerful bullet able to pierce through thicker protection.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 05, 2016, 06:58:16 pm

Saber of Diamonds

Saber held his sword upright, and air slowly began to swirl around it, blowing away the dust that had gathered on its surface.  Despite Archer's excellent aim and the homing capabilities of his bullets, they were redirected besides him, harmlessly striking the wall at the back.

Rider finally reached his quarry, Cincinnati braving the wind that emanated from Saber's sword.  The swords of Ulysses and Saber clashed, but Rider's momentum didn't make Saber step back an inch.  Saber parried the sword strike, and the deities depicted on Saber's sword began to glow blue.  As Saber swung at Rider, the blast of cold air the weapon was emitting was almost enough to unseat Rider from his mount, but Cincinnati pulled back.

Am I commanded to serve my original Master, or the person he became?

Saber shook the thought from his head and began to speak.  "This is my Noble Phantasm, the sword of Taming Sari.  The spirits that possess this blade grant me invulnerability from harm.  Or that's what the legends say, anyway."

((Just a note that that's not 100% the truth.  Skill-wise, all he has is A+ Endurance and Battle Continuation B, which is enough to allow him to stand his ground and continue fighting against all but decisive blows.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 05, 2016, 06:49:03 pm

((I was mistaken, it's not avenger))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: JamesGames on January 05, 2016, 06:47:26 pm

[Oh gee Avenger's free? How close is this to finishing?]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on January 05, 2016, 10:18:11 am

Jack Blair

Jack coughed a little as the smoke cleared he was used to a little smoke.

((Nitrox, now that avenger is free, is there a clear passage to him for the group and anne?))

((I was mistaken, IGNORE MEEEE))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on January 04, 2016, 11:21:50 pm

Marcell Krauss

"With the key, I will create a Reality Marble that no one will be able to access. It will be the place where I'll eventually die, creating an unreachable catalyst, causing the war to end." That was what Marcell had wanted.

-

The resonation muffled up again. This time it distorted until the scene disappeared entirely. The slight echoes of the past at the back of the Masters' subconscious were completely silent. After a while, they returned. The scene had shifted once again. It seemed that these were the final events that were to be shown to the empty audience...

-

This was not what he had wanted. He did succeed in creating the Reality Marble, but it was not what he planned. It all spun out of his control. It was over for him, but not for the war. All these years, and it had come to nothing...

Marcell and Saber stood in the exact same hallway that the future Club Masters would stand in before facing his Servant. Marcell was resigned. He was about to carry out the final step in his plan, although not for the reason he originally intended. He turned towards Saber.

“Well, I suppose this is goodbye.” Saber only nodded. His eyes were downcast in regret. Marcell slowly walked towards the steel door. He stopped. Without looking back, he issued one final order. “By my final command seal, please…”

“Don’t let anyone get the catalyst.” The last red sigil glowed and disappeared from his forearm, and he walked through the steel doors to the center of the room where his Servant would stand in the future. The doors closed, and he would never go through them again.

This was not what he had wanted.



[but wait there’s more… later. Flashbacks aren’t over yet (for Marcell at least. There’s very little left but it will be drawn out in little segments in the battle. Idk about Saber though. Nitrox you can decide whether your done or not.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 04, 2016, 10:26:40 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Should we..." He whispered to Riza. "...Help?"

"Well, duh... Come out, Archer." Her servant materialized, musket at ready. He looked over and scowled at them both. Riza scratched her head. "...Whaaat?"

"Bloody traitors."

"Hey, fuzzball." Riza pointed an accusing finger. Kirin was preoccupied with her odd taste in nicknames. "If we're traitors, you're a traitor too. Now, Club or Spade, that servant's the enemy."

Archer exhaled a puff of black smoke. "...Fine." He took aim. To his right, Hera's Rider also materialized upon his horse and began a charge. As Ulysses began his assault, he gave covering fire and rolled to the left for a better angle. The battle had begun.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on January 04, 2016, 10:16:33 pm

Energy rippled through the arena, yet the figure at the center was motionless.

Saber of Ages Past

"Of course, my Master.  I would never dream of doing anything differently.  What, may I ask, is your plan?"

...

Saber of Diamonds

The figure at the center of the room began to glow with a blue light, magical armor plating appearing around him.  He held out his jagged kris blade, which seemed to be emitting the light.  He turned to face those who had entered.

"I, Hang Tuah, have become your final obstacle in the Sanctum War.  Defeat me, and you may claim the catalyst.  I care not for honor or fairness; attack me all at once or one at a time.  I can tell you now that I am more powerful than any of you, as was the will of my Master, so long ago."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on January 04, 2016, 10:00:49 pm

Cody Lazarus

He hugged the wall for dear life as he made his descent to the targeted area. H-heights... neat... He didn't stop sweating until he'd reached the bottom. A forcefield appeared behind him, upon which Caster swiftly jumped out and landed upon as a surface.

"...Why don't I get a safety net?!" He huffed.

Caster shrugged. "Without sufficient magic resistance, it'd fry your feet. You're better off landing on solid brick at that point."

He let out a heavy sigh and dusted off his coat. "Fine." By now the rest of the group was at the bottom. Cody brought out his map and examined it. "Now, the catalyst is..." His finger shivered. "...In a general sense of the word, right in front of us." At the end of the long hallway facing them, there was a steel door. The maze didn't seem like it would be shifting any further. "Well, guys..." He turned around to his teammates, as well as Kirin and Riza, then finally to Henri. "It's do or die."

At the end of the hallway they opened the door. Inside the room was vast, but dimly lit. There was nothing except a shroud of mist and a lone figure at its center.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on January 04, 2016, 09:59:39 pm

Marcell Krauss

What now indeed. The hard part, winning the war, was finally finished with. All that was left was making sure that there would be no more war. It should be simple enough, with the Key's power. Marcell felt himself relax.

He looked back at Saber. "You know-" he bowed his head slightly, "- I'd like to thank you for your services, Saber. I'd probably be dead by now if it weren't for you." He lifted his head. "I have one request of you. Will you continue serving me, even though the war is over?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on January 03, 2016, 12:47:00 am

Anne ((Really sorry this took forever because I wasn't in CA and then I went to Tahoe and then I needed details on that spell. The 'earlier' thing is because I thought I had included this in some post a while back, but apparenly I had never made that post because the page closed or something like that.))

---Earlier (before she ran into Jack)---

"How hard would you say is it to get this stupid bullet out of here?" She asked Saber.
"With a small blade like that dagger, it wouldn't be hard, but it would hurt a lot."
"Can you dig it out?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, just do it."

Saber took the blade and pried the bullet out. Blood started to flow out of the wound, but Anne muttered a quick healing spell that sealed the skin and reduced the pain, but there was still a twinge with every step she took.

---Now---

With a giant hole next to her and a bunch of fear waves directed at her, Anne was not exactly feeling comfortable with the situation. The servant who she assumed was a caster seemed too powerful for them to take on, mainly because she was surrounded by other Spades.

There's nothing we can do now. We're outnumbered.
Escape.
We are SURROUNDED.
There are gaps between the four. Create a diversion. You can do a simple spell even when scared. Or are you just going to give up?

Those words angered Anne which was exactly what Saber wanted. The fear was still there, but her desire to prove that she wasn't going to give up reduced it enough for one fairly simple spell. She took a deep breath and said "Fumi."

Black smoke filled the area, preventing everyone from seeing each other. It entered the surprised Spades' lungs. The sound of coughing echoed through the maze. In the meantime, the two Clubs held their breath and ran through a gap in the circle around them that they had decided to exit through before the spell.

They reached clear air and continued down the passage, taking a turn to the right after looking back to make sure that the group they had left could not see them. After a while, they slowed down to a walk because the running had caused Anne's leg to hurt more

Avery ((yes, ik this sucks))

He turned right a few more times before deciding he was lost. When he was about to give up and sit down, Avery saw smoke ahead. Assuming that there was a fight going on, he ran into the smoke and bumped into Nicole (but he didn't realize it).

((Sorry if things aren't clear or if there are typos, this post was done on a phone because I can't remember where I put my laptop before we went to Florida

...and because my mind is weird... I just remembered after finishing this...))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 31, 2015, 08:11:37 pm

James

James nodded to Assasin, who pulled out his knuckle dusters. With Caster's itimidation grabbing everyone's attention, Anne glanced at Assasin and suddently felt huge, huge waves of fear staggering a bit. No one, except James, noticed the slight smirk on Assasin's face.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 31, 2015, 07:36:46 pm

Will

"Right." Will nodded slowly, and stepped forward.

"By my command seal, Caster, subdue this Club."
Hypatia immediately appeared by his side, spellbook already opened. Will immediately stepped back, allowing his servant to take charge.

"Asinidus Bavare.." She spoke in a level voice. A purple-and-gold glow seemed to seep out of the pages of her tome, before collecting into a tight ball.

"Tassinus."

The lustrous sphere dove into the ground, burrowing through unhampered, leaving behind a circular hole.

"I have spells at my disposal that you could not even imagine, girl." A hint of menace had entered Hypatia's tone. "Besides this, you are outnumbered four to one. Why persist in your futile resistance?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 31, 2015, 07:07:11 pm

Jack Blair

What the **** is going on? He thought.

Beats me Celtchar's voice echoed in his head, Let's grab the girl.

"Will." Jack said, "Let's take the girl and move."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 31, 2015, 04:21:13 pm

Something muffled up the resonation, if it was possible to muffle up something that was already near-undetectable.  The next events weren't something that anyone should see in advance.  The resonation gained clarity, and the scene had shifted.

Saber of Ages Past

Avenger had been defeated, its corpse lying on the ground.  The Sanctum Key had split into seven pieces, one for each of the remaining victors.  The others would go to those who had supported the winning contestants the most.  The Sanctum War was over.

Saber stared at the Sanctum Key for a couple seconds.  As an active Servant, he had the power to claim a portion of the power of the Key for himself.  But he had no interest in doing so.  His wish had always been to serve, loyally and eternally.  He turned to Marcell.  "What now?" he asked.  Most Masters dismissed their Servants after the end of the Sanctum War, for fears of betrayal and the constant mana drain, but Marcell hadn't given Saber the impression that he intended to do so.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 31, 2015, 01:02:04 pm

Marcell Krauss

Marcell nodded. "Of course. It's time to end this."

His certainty was a facade. In truth, Marcell was anxious. What would happen once this is all over? he thought. Part of him didn't want to know the answer. But there was too much bloodshed, too many close calls with death for him to turn back now. No, he would not let his ambition crumble.

He pulled out the old locket from Aokighara. It vibrated in his hand.

Time to defeat Avenger and end this cycle.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 31, 2015, 10:01:24 am

Archer

"It's on the side wall to your right, but it's almost in the corner of that wall and the back wall.  You'll need to move a little bit sideways."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 31, 2015, 09:59:26 am

Robin

Robin sliently moved up to the pit and knelt, brushing his hand at the side of the pit, feeling it's surface. He moved back towards the group.

"Well, the side of the pit is stable, and there seems to be cracks and small crevices along it. I have 2 daggers in my side pouch, I can climb down the pit with ease. Archer, could you tell me what side to travel along so I don't accidently kill my self and block off the catylyst?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 30, 2015, 09:22:48 pm

Henri

Henri stared at the map for a couple seconds, tracing an odd symbol with his finger.

"Archer, you have the Clairvoyance skill, right?  That enhances your sight.  Can you make out anything in that pit?"

Archer looked down into the pit, his eyes flashing.

"It looks like there's some sort of trap at the bottom, I can make out a wire.  But there's another path off to the side that should be pretty close to the catalyst room."

"Do you think you could fire an arrow down there?"

Archer silently drew his bow, and shot an arrow into the pit.  There was a dim yellow glow from an area near the bottom, and Archer nodded.  He fired another arrow at the platform they were on, creating two linked portals of claimed territory.

"I'm afraid I can only transport one person in addition to myself and Henri down.  Any more could make my Master run out of mana at an inopportune moment.  Can any of you find a way of getting down yourselves?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 28, 2015, 06:43:12 pm

James

James saw Miranda and Beserker, but something seemed off to Assasin. He looked at her, and he found why. Miranda's destructive potential had raised an absurd amount.

James, something happened to Miranda in the maze, she is much much more powerful now.

Well, not much we can do now on a hunch. Let's just play along, and stay wary.

Robin

Robin followed Cody and the rest of the group into the the maze, but as they took a turnthe maze shifted, and suddently there was no way forward, backward, only one tight corridor to the right, which snaked off to what seemed like a huge pit.

"What now?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 28, 2015, 06:32:11 pm

Anne

The newcomer stared at her for a few minutes before the silence was broken by the weird-tube-spells dude. 'Miranda' seemed to be a little unsure about something.

Something is off about her, but I've got bigger concerns, like somehow finding the other Clubs... Not easy when you're surrounded by three -now four stupid Spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 28, 2015, 03:29:03 pm

Nicole

"Come, Berserker... we're close." There were no more stragglers. Only two large camps, one sole dot moving unreasonably quickly, and one other sole dot that she knew represented the spade non-master. The time to act was now; with clusters of masters this large, map pieces must be changing hands, and it wouldn't be long before the catalyst was located.

Get ready, group one. Here comes Nicole Hemingway.

The girl took a deep breath. She knew exactly what she was going to say. Map carefully stowed away, she stepped around the corner, and her eyes immediately fell on Anne.

The redhead and her servant were just a few meters away, surrounded by three spades. The sight gave Nicole a momentary pause. Her open mouth stayed silent for half a second, but it was long enough for one of the three spades to say the first words and break the silence.

"Miranda! Is that you?!" Will called.

Miranda. That was a stupid name.

"Yeah. It's me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 27, 2015, 09:06:40 am

Saber of Ages Past

Saber sat down for a moment to catch his breath.  The seventh catalyst had just been recovered from the Clubs.  The Archer of Spades had launched a reckless attack, using his Noble Phantasm in order to distract the Clubs for long enough to get the catalyst, but once Kallisti wore off, he was in the center of a ring of Clubs, who killed him almost instantly.  It was all Saber and Lancer could do to break through, Saber in the thick of the battle, Lancer picking off people by launching spears of light from the sky.

Only one Club target remained, the cowardly Assassin.  Saber twisted his sword, transforming into his executioner's form, and heavy braided rope began to grow out of the floor, aiming for Assassin's arms and head.  A glint of terror in his eye, Assassin activated his Presence Concealment, and slipped away.

"Well, Marcell, all that's left is to summon Avenger.  Are you ready?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 26, 2015, 12:08:49 pm

Caster of Clubs

"We should get moving."

Cody nodded in response and recollected the map pieces. Now with a decent sense of navigation they decided to travel east, in the general direction of the catalyst.

As Caster passed by Archer, they made eye-contact for a brief moment. "We'll settle this later." Just as quickly he snapped back to the matter at hand.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 22, 2015, 10:18:01 pm

Marcell Krauss

“Hm. I see.” Marcell continued thinking about the catalysts and the nature of the Sanctum War. More and more questions started to arise. What would happen if a catalyst was somehow destroyed? What would happen if all the Masters and Servants died before the war ended?

Marcell frowned. Something else bothered him. Those who win the Sanctum War have their greatest wish fulfilled and are granted with unimaginable power but… there was strangely such little evidence of anything like that ever happening. Why did the world seem so… unchanged? What happened to the Masters after the Sanctum War? They all seemed to have faded off into the background.

Just what is the true nature of the Sanctum Key?

A faraway sound of leaves crunching interrupted Marcell’s thoughts. He turned towards the noise and quickly muttered a scanning spell. He sensed two new mana signatures.

Looks like we have company.

[I think here is a good spot to end this flashback sequence and start another, although I think one more post for Saber would be a good idea if there needs to be a little more closure to this scene. It’s up to you, Nitrox.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 22, 2015, 06:16:02 pm

Saber

Saber stepped carefully through the forest, each step covering multiple yards of space, almost as if he was teleporting.  His long, thin sword was charged with red energy that seemed about to escape at any moment.

"Well, I believe you've answered your own question.  The catalysts appear where the Masters die; Ruler wouldn't change that.  I presume the war would still start normally, but once they needed the unreachable catalyst the whole cycle would just... stall until someone found a way to get it open."

One of the corpses on the ground began to move, and Saber fired a bolt of red flame at it.  "Of course, the difficult part would be making it impossible to reach in the first place.  Never underestimate the will of a competent mage."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 22, 2015, 10:58:05 am

Marcell Krauss

Marcell leaned against a tree and let out a deep sigh. He eyed the corroded locket in his hand. The 2nd of the three catalysts that Ruler had revealed so far. It just had to be located here of all places.

Aokighara was a terrible place, Marcell decided. It was way too ominous for his liking. None of the other Spades were here with him either, since they were off getting the other catalysts. Only he would be the one here, navigating through this dense forest, tripping over empty shoes here and there, occasionally finding old ropes dangling from the trees…

He didn't want to think about the corpses. Instead, he wondered what made the former Master hide the catalyst in this cursed place. It gave him an idea.

Hey, Saber. What would happen if, say, a catalyst was left behind in a place that would make it impossible to obtain?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 21, 2015, 10:14:26 pm

Saber of Ages Past

"Yes, let us go."

The memory faded, and the maze grew strangely quiet – at least, until another cry echoed through the halls.

((MS, you can choose the location of the start of the next flashback.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 21, 2015, 07:39:01 pm

Marcell Krauss

"Well, all you really have to do is help me win. Although, I suppose that's easier said than done but-" Marcell smiled. "- I think our chances our pretty good. After that, we'll just have to see what the true extent of the Key's power is. For now it would be wise to seek out the other Spades."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 21, 2015, 03:42:41 pm

((Just an FYI that the Clubs now have enough information to reasonably find the catalyst.  In order to ensure fairness, once the Clubs actively start moving there, the maze should be a little more responsive to the Spades, especially if they're trying to find the exit, which they have the piece for.))

Saber of Ages Past

"Any objections I had would mean nothing.  How may I assist in this endeavor?  Ruler does not take alterations to the cycle lightly, from what I have heard."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 20, 2015, 11:04:45 pm

Marcell Krauss

"I... I seek greatness." He paused for a moment. "However... I don't think this war is enough to achieve that greatness." Marcell turned his attention to his forearm, using his hand to trace over his Command Seals.

"The wars are just cycles of conflict that have been repeating for centuries. Ruler chooses a few lucky individuals, they fight to fulfill their ambition, they die, and then it starts all over again." He turned around, his gaze directed above off into seemingly nothing. "I want to make a difference. In order to do so, I can't be content with being a part of a loop." He turned back around towards Saber. Fiery resolve flashed in Marcell's eyes.

"This will be the last Sanctum War. Once I win, I will end this cycle. That will be my mark upon this world. Any objections?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 20, 2015, 04:22:58 pm

Saber of Ages Past

"Thank you.  Then, my name is Hang Tuah.  I see that you have performed a variation on the summoning ritual... that must have taken considerable skill.  Perhaps you would like to admire your handiwork?"

Saber held his sword in front of him.  It was a jagged kris blade, and faintly glowed with blue light.  On its hilt was an engraved image of a man on the ground, praying to a collection of gods in the sky.  He then turned the blade around.  Rather than simply rotating, it seemed to twist in midair, straightened out the jagged edges until it was long and thin, like the needle of a syringe.  The engraving now showed the god striking a bolt of lightning down on the mortals, who were running and screaming.  Saber's clothing had changed too, to a more formal style.

"There," he said, his voice now softer and less battle-hardened.  "The traits of a Saber and an Assassin, in one.  But there is one question left to be asked... Why do you fight in this war?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on December 20, 2015, 02:21:28 pm

Marcell Krauss, Master of Saber

Marcell Krauss stood in awe, absorbing this moment of triumph. Who would've thought that he, the illegitimate child, the false Krauss, would successfully carry out a Double Summon? Not even the most skilled mage could pull it off without repercussions. But he did. He thought back to when he discovered those three intricate red marks on his right forearm. His Command Seals. After all these years of being ridiculed and shamed for his birth, Ruler had chosen him to fight in the Sanctum War.

And now he was here. Marcell would no longer have to stand in a shadow. The world would finally see his own brilliance. He stepped forward towards his Servant, clearing the mist that had filled the room.

"The one who commands you is I, Marcell Krauss."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 20, 2015, 01:11:23 pm

A loud groaning sound, like creaking wood, resonated through the maze.  The Masters waited for a couple seconds to see if anything else happened, but were met with silence.  Only the particularly perceptive, with an eye for magical constructs, might have noticed the inaudible murmurs and flashes of grey light that indicated a place where two times were a little bit too tied together.

Saber of Ages Past

The newly summoned Servant glanced down at the intricate summoning diagram that had brought him here.  Within the major summoning circle was a smaller, auxiliary one.  A Double Summon.  Most experiments with them ended in lethal failure, and even at the very best, a Double Summon condemned an allied Servant to an unstable existence, constantly fighting for the same class title.  This one, though, seemed to be going well... so far.

"I am the Saber of Spades," the Servant said, his jagged sword hanging at his side.  "And who is my Master?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 20, 2015, 09:37:03 am

James

"We'll stay back here and make sure she doesnt get away."

Assasin drew his knuckles and Anne gasped when the waves of fear hit her.

Kirin killed Krauss? Oh, man.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 19, 2015, 11:12:32 pm

Nicole

As Nick lay dying, Nicole no longer felt any resistance. She allowed every last drop of mana which he had been holding to flow back into her body. Oh, it was good not to have to waste energy to support an extra body.

As she felt the connection with Saber terminated, the feeling was accentuated. A drain on her entire system had been lifted. At last, she could fight at 100%... well, almost. There was still Berserker. But Nicole had no plans to lose her.

She knelt down to stare at Nick's still-warm corpse. His eyes had lost the frosty gleam they had in life. His long hair was matted with blood. His face wasn't twisted into a sloppy grin, but instead completely blank and serene. There were no signs to suggest he had been a serial killer. He was only a boy, who'd lived and died, fully freed from mortality. She envied him, in a way. Death would certainly be an adventure. He was probably having a blast.

Then again, so was she.

Nicole knelt, and slowly, gently, wiped the blood-soaked hair off his face, leaving a red trail at his forehead. "You made me." She whispered, leaning down and kissing his bloody brow. "But you never understood me. Because you never understood yourself."

Nicole couldn't help but compare herself to Madeline. That was the robot's name, right? Merely a shadow of her creator, a bit of his personality given physical form. They were no different, really.  Each was seemingly easily replaceable, but both had become self-aware. Both had become independent.

Two vastly different products, of two brilliant mages, who'd failed to understand them in the end. Madeline had gone against Cody's directive. Nicole had betrayed Nick. The only difference between her and the robot now was that Nicole was here. She could win.

She kissed Nick's forehead again. Not out of passion, not out of affection. She didn't know why, really. But she would fulfill her master's wish.

Fr now, she was only half a person. She would never be complete. She would never experience the joys and sorrows of life in full, only in what limited and diluted form she could. But it was okay. It was enough.

"Come, Berserker." She said loudly. Nick's body evaporated into light. She would certainly keep her creator. Heck, Nick would have wanted his corpse to be kept, and used.

"We have work ahead of us."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 19, 2015, 08:35:17 pm

Jack Blair

"Good point, give 'em the run around, grab'er."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 19, 2015, 08:28:09 pm

Will

"Wait!" Will protested. "We can't just let her walk away! You think I'm forgiving the Clubs for what they did?! We should take her prisoner."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 19, 2015, 08:13:14 pm

Jack Blair

"As I said, I don't care for Kirin at all, he's a stiff and a wuss. You all can keep him. Now we're letting you walk on through, you can either go, or you can die."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 19, 2015, 07:55:13 pm

Anne

"Looks like you guys didn't want to play fetch the torn up map. I thought that you WANTED the map. Plus you, the one with all those cans things, it sounded more like your buddy here gave up a second ago." Anne said to the two newcomers. "You mentioned Kirin joining the Clubs? That's not a big surprise." She continued, enjoying the puzzled looks on their faces.

We're technically outnumbered AND surrounded, but if we anger them, their ability to process thoughts goes down.
Sounds like playing dirty.
It isn't. And anyways, do you want to die?
No.
Then deal with it.

"Well he killed Zoraya Krauss the last time we met. We didn't kill her ourselves."

Irritate them, anger them, or make them feel betrayed, check.
They might still attack.
Yeah yeah, you be ready for that.
...do you have no plan?
...NOOOOOO. I TOTALLY do not have a plan and I'm messing with their heads.
This is not the time for sarcasm.

((So Nick has died, cool death though, I loved that scene [and that MS art]. Well, I would love to have Anne kill his other half, meh, but it wouldn't be the best fight ever.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 19, 2015, 12:49:31 pm

Robin

The look in Kirin's face almost made Robin feel remorse for Kirin. Almost. He drew up to Kirin, kicking out his legs, making Kirin fall to the ground, both stunned and surprised. Everyone else watched ith an expression between confusing and interest. Robin saw the girl with Kirin react, and he froze her legs together and she stumbled, unbalanced. Robin drew his blade and saw the fear in Kirin's eyes. And then he plunged the sword downwards... inches from Kirin's face. He leaned towards Kirin and spoke in a quiet, menacing voice.

"You're father killed my father. He's the reason my brother joined Spades and got himself killed. I'd kill you, but I'm not like you're father. I understand the life of other people, even if it's the likes of a Spade like you."

With that, Robin took pulled his sword out and unfroze the girl, sheating his sword, and walked towards Cody.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 19, 2015, 11:06:02 am

Kirin Oshiro

He slowly looked up at him with a defeated face. "...Yes, I am."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 19, 2015, 10:26:59 am

Will

It was her! The same club girl from earlier. This time, though, she was surrounded.

"Surrender!" Will yelled. "You and your servant are surrounded!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 19, 2015, 10:22:26 am

Panther and Assasin

James and Assasin walked along, maintaining a quiet conversation in their heads. Will was a short distance ahead.
Assasin?

Yes?

Why DO you fight this war?

I am a servant James, I must serve this war for my master, by his or her command seals.

Ok.

James, I must ask... why do you fight this war?

At this point, I'm not sure. I couldn't kill that girl... I don't think it's in my heart to kill.I understand this is a war, but I don't think I'm confident enough to take one's life... yet. Other then Will, I have yet to see any Spades... I started this war in order to help people. But this key, the death in this war... how do I know it will help? What happens if it just makes things worse? Is the death for this war honestly worth it?

...I-

James and Assasin alogn with Will and Catser turned a corner, but the end was cut off almost right away, and the corner was a dead end. Another path opened from the side, and James saw Jack, Celzchar, the Club master 'Anne' and her servant Saber.

"Jack?"

Robin

Robin turned around to Kirin, who he finally recognized. With a controlled level of hatred and anger in his eyes, he spoke.

"You're Kirin? Kirin Oshiro. Son of Isa Oshiro, a Spade master of the last war? The man who single handedly took down most of the Clubs?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 19, 2015, 06:24:26 am

Jack Blair

Celtchar rolled her eyes.

"Look, we're heavily outnumbered here, and while killing you for sport would be fun and satisfying. You're team has captured Kirin already and sooner or later you'll find them." Jack said, lighting up a cigar, "Then you'll locate the map, find the key, and end the Sanctum war. In all honesty, that's not so bad. I never liked Kirin anyways."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 18, 2015, 10:32:59 pm

Nat

A wall of the maze slammed shut, separating Nat and Saber from Nick's corpse and Nicole.  Nat lay a hand on Saber's head and whispered a few words.  His body faded into nothingness, free to return to Sanctum.

She then turned to Rider.  "The original Nicholas Hemingway is dead, the remainder weakened enough for the Masters to finish him.  I am afraid that per the terms of the contract between the Holy Order and the Magus Association, initiates of the Holy Order are forbidden to participate directly in the Sanctum War.  We are meant to be arbiters, not players of the game.  With these, my remaining Command Seals, I order you to return to Sanctum.  You have fulfilled your duty, as have I."

And Nat knew, that as Sanctum's cycle began again, Don Quijote would be reborn, ready for new adventures.  The best stories never really ended.

Nat then looked upward, toward the roof of the maze.

"Ruler.  Members of the Holy Order are direct conduits of the holy power of God.  We cast spells using the remaining years of our life, bringing us another step closer to our maker, and work only to fulfill God's will, punishing those who sin and protecting the magus population.  Now that I have felt the power of God myself, I know that you are no manifestation of He, but an entity unto yourself.  I can only hope that your intentions are noble, although with every second I reflect upon this, I doubt this more and more."

She sighed.  "Regardless, we of the Holy Order are forbidden to take part in Sanctum Wars.  I have surrendered my Servant and my Command Seals – my connection to you.  Allow me to leave this maze, and you will ensure that the will of God and the power of Sanctum never come into conflict again... not as they once did, so long ago."

The ceiling of the maze parted, light shone through, and Nat flew towards the sun.  The gap closed behind her, but Nat didn't look back.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 18, 2015, 10:17:24 pm

Nick

"SABER!" Nick screamed, quite a bit higher than usual. "KILL! NOW!"

El Cid seemed to take an eternity to turn, and face his current master.

"I never liked you, Mr. Hemingway. You're really not someone I'm inclined to help."

Nick began to shiver violently. His magic had failed him. That was something that had never happened to him before, never! It was wrong, it was so so very wrong and strange and impossible. This wasn't how it saw supposed to happen, no, this was supposed to be an easy victory, this battle, and a chance to show Ruler than nobody could underestimate Nicholas Hemingway, and a chance to show the nobles and the families and the association and the church and no this was never the plan no no no NO!

"Would it be kindness, now, Mr. Hemingway, if you were to die?" Saber asked quietly.

"Aren't you forgetting something, hmmm?" Nicole cooed from behind them.

Nick, Saber, and Nat all turned to her simultaneously, and she giggled a short high little giggle that sounded nothing like bells or whistles or a sound somebody happy might make. It was a wrong giggle, coming from a mouth unused to expressing such noises. Nicole had her fist held up. The first of three red brands was now glowing scarlet.

Nick breathed an audible sigh of relief. All was not lost. Thank Go-

"Let me simplify things. By my first command seal, Saber, finish him."

Saber immediately charged towards Nick, blades raised. The boy never had a chance.

It was ironic that in the end, he would be the one to betray himself. Or maybe it had been an act of mercy. Anything was possible.

Saber's blade sunk deep into Nick's abdomen. The boy fell backwards, his blood pooling around him. His shirt front fell open, cleaved in two by the force of the blade, revealing the final heart-shaped command seal across his chest. The sword had penetrated its center. Was it poetic justice, that the serial killer die of a broken heart, as it was? Nick had never believed in poetry.

The truth was, Nick had lied about having his tear ducts surgically removed. He wept now, in death, finally allowing saltwater to seep out from beneath his eyelids. The pool of blood around him had widened considerably. He didn't understand why he was crying.

His last thought was that he would finally meet Berserker, in the afterlife. Heidrek. Nick thought he understood Heidrek better, now, having experienced death in combat against a far more powerful foe. It hadn't been a bad way to go out. Certainly much better than what he though of as the Cody way to die, in bed of old age, talking about how much he loved life. Heh. Cody. He was a funny guy. His philosophy was wrong, but funny nonetheless.

Nicholas Hemingway's eyes closed for the last time. The corpse slipped along the floor, slick with blood, shifting towards Nicole's direction. In that moment, Ruler saw fit to change the maze.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 18, 2015, 09:29:27 pm

Nat

Nat's eyes showed a hint of sadness, then resolve as hard as steel.  The corpse began to fly towards her, glowing with dark red light.  However, as soon as it entered Nat's field of white light, she held out her hand, and it stopped in its tracks.

"Sacramentum alveo," Nat said, and her eyes turned glowed as bright as the sun.  The remaining green in her hair receded a little bit more, leaving more white hair in its wake.

"Unctionis ministraturus."  Tanik's seething blue eyes faded, and for a moment, a hint of life returned to them.  He saw Nat's angelic visage floating in the sky, and smiled weakly.  "Be free," Nat commanded.  Tanik's eyes slowly closed, and he was lowered to the ground softly.

"His soul and magic are free now, returned to their maker.  There is nothing there for you to use."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 18, 2015, 09:19:09 pm

Nick

El Cid stopped, turning slowly. His two swords seemed to alternate flashing in the light. One half of his face was bathed in the light that seemed to radiate from Nat, while the other remained shrouded in shadow.

Nick merely grinned.

"What's wrong, Saber of Hearts? Are you going to betray your master?"

Nat merely looked on, coldly, silently. She, unlike Nick, was not smiling.

"Right then." Nick said quietly "Watch closely, Saber. You are a clever man. You will see in a moment why it is in your best interests to follow me."

Nick's hands slammed into the ground.A deep red diagram appeared beneath him, and a corpse slowly materialized into existence before him. This particular corpse looked just a little familiar, although Nick never learned of the boy's name.

"I believe this was one of your fellow spades, priest. I collected him in the woods. Let him be the last thing you see. Jeg innkalle... behållare ov Arodnap!"

Tanik's unseeing eyes began to glow, a deep piercing blue.

"Kill."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 18, 2015, 08:42:10 pm

((While this isn't canon and may be deleted, it might be reasonable to assume that Henri told every Club the identity of Celtchar's spear.))

Nat

Rider stared at his opponents passively, while Nat stood behind him with a downcast expression.

I thought he was annoying before... but this... this is just empty.  He's lost everything that drives him.  And for all his insanity, like he said, he always seemed to be right in the end.  The world may not work the way he thinks it does... but it should.

"No." Nat said.  Her voice was quiet but clear.  Nick gave her a questioning expression.

"I hope you don't think you can win.  I don't need to explain to you why you can't."

Nat stepped forward.  "You, sir, are a monster.  I know not the reason why Ruler selected you, why He gave you the power you hold.  Your title of Hearts, as if you had one.  I don't know why you exist... but I know you shouldn't!"  As she walked slowly toward Nick, her body was bathed in a white, ethereal glow.  It was time to cast the most powerful spell she could – only, it wasn't really her that was casting it.  If it wasn't the right time, the penalty would be death.

"SACRAMENTUM ALVEO: SACRUM ORDINEM!"  The glow around Nat's body enveloped her completely, and spread out at her sides like two angel's wings.  As the glow pulsed, it rose upwards, until Nat's body was completely off the ground.  With a sudden flash, the light condensed within her.  Her green hair was now pure white at the tips, and she wore white ecclesiastical robes.

"I now hold the power of God within me, as an ordained member of the Holy Order.  Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, you consider yourself a servant of God, under various names.  As you are a servant to Him, you are a servant to Him through me.  Desist, and I will destroy your earthly Master without pain to you."

Spoiler: MS's Drawing of Holy Order Nat (hover to show)

(http://i.imgur.com/w7n1RQx.png)

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 18, 2015, 09:28:25 am

Anne

Would you look at who it is.
If the servant attacks, deal with her, if the mage attacks, I got it.

That last battle was pretty lame, but I might as well mention it if it irritates them. Angry people do worse in a fight because they usually can't think straight.

"I see you healed fast. Wonderful." The last part was said sarcastically.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 18, 2015, 06:03:12 am

Jack Blair

A door opened up in front of them.

"Well well well." Jack said, "Hello there again, little annoying girl."

Celtchar turned around to face Anne, glaring.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 18, 2015, 12:45:40 am

Anne

Anne was roaming around, satisfied with the last battle. She came across some weird basket thing, which she kicked over. Then she saw an alcove in the wall.

"Hey! Isn't that the same alcove that we were in earlier?"

"Sure is, but there's no door."

"We just wait there, and the walls should change around it."

"Oooh, good idea!"

The two of them walked into the alcove, and waited... And waited... And the walls finally moved around. They stepped out of the alcove and continued straight.

((Idk what to do here...))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 17, 2015, 11:21:15 pm

Hera

"Heeey!" She rushed in atop Cincinnati. "That spade guy just ran off... But I'm glad to see you guys."

Cody nodded. "Do you still have your map piece?"

"'Course. Who do you take me for?"

"..."

"Don't answer that question. Anyway, I've got it right here." She pulled out her piece of parchment and arranged it with those of Cody and Henri.

"...Damn." Cody counted his resources. "That Maria girl ran off with her map piece, didn't she?"

"Uhh, actually..." Riza spoke up from the corner she was sitting in, holding two pieces: Her own, and that of Maria. "...She kinda just gave me hers."

Cody flinched for a second, then quickly snatched them both and laid them down, Maria's below Hera's and Riza's out of the way with the map piece he retrieved from the spade master of rider. "There. Now, counting our losses..." He sat down, thinking. "...I don't think we've payed our respects."

"...Huh?" Henri was confused by the sudden change of topic.

"Kiera was killed at the subway, remember?"

There was a moment of silence.

"...But I guess I'm getting too soft here." Cody sighed. "There are better times to mourn than now. Counting our losses we're down Kiera and..." he shivered. "...him. So all we need is Anne's piece and we're golden. Speaking of which..." He stood up and looked around. "Where in the blazes is she?




[here is an MS paint dramatization of what the clubs are in possession of. RED is what they need.]

(http://i.imgur.com/LxPPhuL.png)

[kek]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 17, 2015, 09:15:10 pm

Nick

Nick and Nicole dropped the act abruptly.

"You've heard of me?" Nick paused. "Wait, you two are spades, right? Yeah, that means..." Nick paused and held up seven fingers.

"Let's see, now..." He mumbled. "Krauss is dead, I saw that. I took one, Berserker's master, so that's two dead. And now you're dead too... Right, four to go. Wow, this is going pretty fast. I hope I get to the Oshiro before he dies off..."

Nick gestured behind him.

"Saber! Handle them. Leave the mage's body intact."

El Cid materialized and strode forward, brandishing both blades. The Rider didn't look him in the eye.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 17, 2015, 09:06:19 pm

Nat

Nat was about to speak, but Don Quijote stopped her.

"You're that psychopath we heard about, correct?  We've already lost a battle, surrendered our map piece... we're basically defenseless now.  Your choice as to whether or not you want to kill us."

Nat stared on with shock.  Don't say that...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 17, 2015, 08:04:30 pm

Nick

"Well. This is getting somewhat annoying." Nick stared at yet another dead end, wondering if maybe it was possible to torture a wall.

"Looks like somebody's having a lot of fun right now." Nicole gestured to the map. For some reason, nobody had died yet. It was strange. For the third or fourth time now, there were nearly half a dozen people in one spot, but Nick didn't think anyone would die there either. This was honestly getting stupid. What was even happening anymore. Surely a Club must have run into a Spade by now... were they all just refusing to fight? Did they think this maze was a place for quiet diplomacy?

Only a few solo dots remained. It seemed Nick would miss out on yet another congregation. He didn't mind too much, really, and he knew it was probably smartest to take out everyone else in one-on-one (or two-on-one) situations... but it was still a little disappointing. He was getting bored. The dot they'd been chasing had already met another dot, and had since been moving far slower. Nicole thought maybe it was due to an injury incurred in combat. A safe target. Boring, really.

If only the maze would let them get there.

*****

Minutes Later.

"How long?" Nicole whispered. The two had their backs pressed to the wall of the maze. Nick had decided to have some fun with this fight. The two servants stood at either side of the corridor, dematerialized. Nick hoped he could get away with just using Saber. If Berserker started fighting, getting her to stop would be a pain, not to mention the mana cost involved.

"30 seconds." Nick whispered back. Despite the short time frame, he seemed unhurried.

5

A low rustle. Nicole is just adjusting her position. Nothing has happened. Yet.

4

Do mazes count as being indoors? Either way, the sudden wind is a little startling.

3

Silence. Right? Those footsteps in the distance are just your imagination.

2

Tensing. Nick and Nicole crouch low. Saber invisibly reaches for his blade, although he ca't grab hold of it yet in this state. Only Berserker seems perfectly at ease.

1.

At the moment, due to the prxoimity of the people, one long corridor is being conserved in the maze. At the far end, a bend to the right. At other, one to the left.

A woman with startling green hair rounds the right bend. Two teenagers leap out from the left.

"Weeeeee are the kniiiiights of daaaaaaarkness!" Nick declares, trying his best to imitate a ghost.

"Weeeeee have come for your soooouuuuuls!" Nicole adds, trying to lower her voice as far as possible.

"Surrender your map! It is actually I catalyst I will use to summon the paralell universe version of me!" Nick commands in a booming, sarcastic voice, pointing at the green-haired woman.

"Otherwise, we shall be forced to activate our ultimate ritual and send you to the pits of despaaaaaaaiiiiir!" Shrieks Nicole.

"She means Florida!" Nick adds.

"We.... are the SUPER-ULTRA-META TWINS OF AWESOMENESS AND POWER! WE CHALLENGE YOU!" The two shout in  unison, striking a dramatic pose.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 16, 2015, 08:17:32 pm

Maria

       She ignored Bubblegum and turned to Kirin.

      "Good answer." She smiled under her mask and pulled up to him on her vehicle.  She murmered next to his ear, "But it's a boring one." She quickly pulled away.

      "Anyways, I'm sure they'll be lenient. I myself, have no further interests here. A whipped dog is no fun to taked to. Well, take care of yourself. And Blondy, Bubblegum, if you want to bug me about not actively cooperating, I gave her my piece of the map. Later," with a curt response, she departed from the group.

     Ha, in the end, nothing really matters eh? The only ways out are absolute strength, money, death, and abandonment eh? What a deprecating thought. Then again, he didn't have a shred of individuality before this so maybe this was for the best. There really aren't any people I can relate to around here, is there? Alas, things don't always go my way. Not that they often do. Well, time to look for the serial killer now. Maybe I'll get along with him.

    She trudged off, floating amongst the sky, absentmindly taking in the sights.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 16, 2015, 07:23:27 pm

Henri

Henri frowned.  This seemed to be a complex situation that he didn't wholly understand, but the Spades didn't seem to be a threat for the moment.  But he and Cody had found another Club, and hence another map piece.

"Maria!" Henri yelled.  "Glad to see you here.  Let's see if any of our pieces fit together – I think Cody's and mine might work at a diagonal corner, but I'm not sure..."

He trailed off as Maria's cold stare remained fixed at a point nowhere near his face.

"Ah, there's to be no killing of anybody, understand?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 16, 2015, 05:10:51 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Kirin stared at her darkly. "Perhaps you misinterpreted what I said. No. I surrender. You are right... You're right about everything."

"Kirin..." Riza observed as Kirin lost that confident spark in his eye.

"I really am nothing more than a shallow child with no logical path to take. Kill me or throw me behind bars, it doesn't matter anymore, but please..." He paused. "Spare my assistant. She can still help you."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 16, 2015, 04:10:19 pm

Maria

     ((Oh, they're all in the same scene, right. I thought they were slightly more out of eyesight range of Hera/Jack. No matter.))

     Shifting her conscious out of the cube back into the body being carried by Lancer, and hopped down after expressing her thanks. She skipped along and quickly took a position a top of her floating cube and began another one of her long sermons.

     "Blondy, Bubblegum, pardon us for a second, I have a lengthy tirade that I am obligated to begin because of the completely and utterly irresponsible words," after briefly making an aside for the intruding group.

     "Hey, Kuroahoge, although you might think that your private conversation did not have an audience, in the magical world, even the walls have ears. It was such a wonderful sob story, honestly touching. But remember what happened a coupe, days ago? I'll regurgitate your own words back to you in a paraphrased form.
      'You'd cast away the rules of the Mage's Association, for your own personal gain? I certainly hope you are ready to be hunted down for the rest of your days, a fate you're thrusting upon you and all that you love.' Sound familiar? Whatever happened to your impassioned desire to protect yourself and those around you? You really were just that shallow, weren't you?" She scoffed.

      "Let fortune favor the bold; he who wields the key wields the world, thus he wields the truth. Sanctum's chosen are those who truly seek it. Thus goes the call of Seventh Heaven. By no means does this exempt you from being chosen. As they say, ' All the world under one banner' and 'to the victors go the spoils. Your speech just now, as inspiring as it may be, is in the end a mere lie you constructed to make yourself feel better. 'Oh, things will be better in the future! I can escape, I can cause a change.' Ultimately, the Club victory will not smash the institutions in the world. They will continue to exist, irked by the fact that a small group of insurgents cost them a valuable rook. But in the end, the aim is to merely end the war. The ends to that means is to rid the world of the key for good. What then? Think about your future carefully. This is no the place you would expect to gleam guidance, but it is here you shall find it. You are still just a crafted tool.  I am no different. It is not a fate you can escape from.

I'll ask you a similar question that I asked the girl by your side.
Do you still want to fight in this war?
 
     

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 16, 2015, 01:40:25 am

Cody Lazarus

"Uhhh..." He rubbed his hair. "...That was easy." He looked quizzically at Henri and the others.

((Is maria gonna do a thing?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 15, 2015, 09:11:28 am

Jack Blair

"Well it seems we're outnumbered here. You have Kirin captured and some strange friend." Jack said, "I'll be on my way. Cmon' Lacner."

They both turned a corner and walked away.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 14, 2015, 10:48:33 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"...So." He was almost back to normal. "What happens now?"

They found themselves at a crossroad. The war was corrupted. The association was the one pulling every string around the divided wars. And yet, they had friends in the spades. Family. Home.

"What's more important to you, Kirin?"






---






"Ignis!" The boy cried. Around him circulated a sharp barrier of flame. The air grew hot, uncomfortable. A stray spark landed on his white sleeve, quickly lighting a small portion on fire. In a panic he halted the spell and snuffed it out. Underneath, his skin was burned. He fell on his backside, clutching his arm as a man stood above him.

"Get up."

"Father, I-"

"Now." The man lit his own fingertips ablaze and struck at the ground, forcing the boy to his feet. He continued his assault as the son frantically dodged left to right. As the attack went on the boy seemed to form a technique in the midst of the battle, an unpredictable swaying motion to arc around each blast. The man seemed pleased. "This seems to be the only way you learn, boy. When your life is in danger! So be it then, I will train you in anyway necessary." The attacks grew in intensity, quantity and rate.

The boy lost his footing and missed a step. A blast hit his stomach, followed by several more. He cried out in agony, writhing on the floor in a frantic attempt to extinguish himself. He twisted and bent until the flames were gone. By the end he was covered in burns and singed clothing.

"...That'll be all for the day." The man stared down as his son began to cry. "Shut it, boy! You know very well we have the means to reverse your wounds and the money to buy you more clothes. Now stop complaining and be a man!" He rose his foot threateningly, but met the boy in the eye and cancelled the motion, instead turning to a maid, Ms. Beatrice. "...Get him some help." She nodded and bent down next to the boy as the father left the room.






---





"I understand, I think." Kirin responded. The statement was irrelevant. "Why you got command seals and not me. What does the legend say about the Sanctum Key? Let fortune favor the bold; he who wields the key wields the world, thus he wields the truth. Sanctum's chosen are those who truly seek it. Thus goes the call of Seventh Heaven."

Riza looked at him, perplexed. "...What?"

He held his palm to his face. "Let me put it simply. The ones chosen to be masters are those who have a real reason to fight, and a wish to use it. I was born to be a weapon, not a master. That's what my father planned all these years: A powerful mage with no identity of his own, to wield a weaker puppet master for practical use. It's manipulating the system to the advantage of House Oshiro."

"Woah..." She was lost in the narrative, almost so much so that she'd forgotten her original question. Almost. "...Wait, so what's that got to do with this?"

"I don't want to fight the spades."

"Oh, so you're gonna stay on your father's side?"

"I didn't say that."

"Oh. ...Uh, go on."

"The spades aren't inherently evil, but I can see and agree with what the clubs believe: The war's being used to benefit the association, at the expense of those drafted to be thrown in. If I can, I..."

"Kirin..."

"I want to put this quarrel to an end. No one else should have to crafted the way I was." He stopped for a moment of consideration. "...Riza, what do you want to do?"

"Don't get mad at me for saying this-"

"I won't."

"I want to join the Clubs."

He leaned against a wall. "Honestly, I don't blame you."

"Hey, I can see Cody now-"

"Still thinking about that boy, huh?"

"N-no, I mean I can literally see him right now!"

"Huh, I- wait, what?!"

He looked up and saw the blond boy with his group approach them. The boy's servant materialized and prepared an attack. "I'd suggest you throw down your weapon, spade."

Kirin and Riza looked at one another and nodded. He took out his wand and threw it on the ground in front of them. "Alright, sounds good. We surrender."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 13, 2015, 02:20:20 am

Kirin Oshiro

"I'm... I'm sorry, Riza." His voice was broken up. "I should never have dragged you into this damn war."

"It's fine." She gently smiled.

"No, but-"

"But nothing." She backed away to face him. "Look, this was my decision, right? Even if it was the wrong one, it was still mine."

"...Riza..."

"Hey, Kirin. I don't know why I ever got these command seals. Maybe it was to round off the cast, but I think it may have been a learning experience from me." She smiled. "I am just an intern, after all!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on December 12, 2015, 11:12:12 pm

Robin

Standing back, he commented in.

"Well, we have a few map pieces right? Let's work with what we have so far. Then we can work on tracking and discreetly following a spade."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 12, 2015, 10:46:16 pm

Henri

Henri broke the awkward silence.  "So.  Um.  What exactly happened there?"  He sighed and shook his head.  "That's not important right now.  We need to find the catalyst... it should be on one of the Spade maps, right?  I doubt we can defeat them all, so ideally we need to follow them to it somehow."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 10:41:50 pm

Caster

"...Look closely, Lazarus." Caster picked up the spade's map piece, gesturing to their fleeing enemies. "This is what a dream looks like when torn apart and thrown away."

Cody stared as Quijote and Nat left the scene and vanished into the maze. The image haunted him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 12, 2015, 10:20:42 pm

Don Quijote

"No... no..."  The structure of the maze reformed, and Don Quijote crumbled to the ground.  Something in him had broken.

In the real world, Don Quijote's and Caster's eyes opened.  Don Quijote laughed – but this was a cynical laugh, without any mirth.  His age was clear in his voice, and when it **** from the strain, he abruptly stopped.

"Just an old man... who after so little sleeping and so much reading, his brain dried up and he went completely out of his mind.  Is that who I am?  Or was?  I suppose so, in the end."

Quijote gestured to Nat, who seemed stricken.  "The map?  I say this only because we're practically defenseless now.  One against two; those are very poor odds.  Might as well just forfeit now."

Nat, her hand shaking, held up the map piece to Rider.  Rider grabbed it out of her hands and tossed it on the ground next to Caster.  "I suppose we should be leaving now.  Come along, Nat.  And I assure you two, there will be a dragon at the end of your journey.  A real one this time.  Look forward to it... or don't, and die.  It makes no difference to me either way."

Rocinante trudged up to Rider, bumping into him.  He sighed.  "Nat, I'd rather not give this sorry beast any more burden – it looks about to crack in two already.  I'm afraid we'll have to walk."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 10:03:26 pm

Roger Bacon

"A dragon, you say?" He could feel the Brazen Dome's influence expand slowly. "Tell me, Rider, what 'truth' is being stretched here? Is this beast something you can place any real stock in?"

The massive beast loomed over him, eyes piercing through the veil of fog and dust permeating throughout the battlefield. It swung its tail at him, launching him away. He slid across the floor and fell to his knees. Once he had gotten his bearings, his eyes began to glow once more. The dragon let out a menacing roar, releasing smoke. The inside of its throat began to surge with fire.

Roger stood still as it released an apocalyptic blast of intense fire, far greater than that of any mage, but he did not flinch. When the attack was finally finished and the smoke began to clear, he stood completely unharmed. Don clenched his teeth, heart pounding. The world began to fade.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 12, 2015, 09:52:15 pm

Don Quijote

Don Quijote barely reacted to the attack, standing stock-still.  The wall behind him began to shake, as if something was beating on it, until it **** into two.  Dust clouded the room, but visible through it were two glowing red eyes.

"The dragon that lives in this cave," said Don Quijote, barely audible.  "It will be your undoing."

Nat, watching the battle through Don Quijote's mind, frowned.  He's not acting normal at all... he's usually so excited about these sorts of things.  This Reality Marble is still in his mind... could Caster's Noble Phantasm be affecting it somehow?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 09:43:43 pm

Roger Bacon

He retaliated with an electric attack spiraling from his legs as he swung to his feet, backing away and continuing an onslaught of lightning spells. The ground began to shake beneath him.

...Something's coming.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 12, 2015, 09:20:11 pm

Don Quijote

Don Quijote frowned; the expression on his face seemed to be conflicted.  The area around him and Rocinante was still made of craggy rock, but the area around Bacon looked exactly like the normal maze.  He sighed.  "If you insist on losing your sense of adventure, I has ever nothing more to say.  It's time for this battle to end."

Don Quijote raised his lance and charged at Caster, swinging rather than pointing it at him.  Caster was knocked to the ground, and Rocinante turned to face him.

A roar came from Quijote's side of the room.  It seemed to be coming closer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 09:12:40 pm

Riza Miles and Kirin Oshiro

They were alone at last. For a solid sixty seconds neither said a word. Kirin had his hands jammed into his pockets. Riza stood in the middle of the corridor. Eventually, she decided on a way to speak. Her eyes were dim and quivering.

"I'm... scared, Kirin. I-" She was interrupted. Kirin immediately held his arms around her, and began to cry.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 08:49:30 pm

Roger Bacon

"Don't kid yourself." Roger forced his palm to the ground. His eyes glowed a violent golden shade.

BRAZEN DOME.

The world around him began to fracture into incomprehensible abstract ideas, reforming almost instantaneously into a clustered mixture of the reality marble and the real-life maze; the two sides seemingly began to violently strike at one another. Roger's Noble Phantasm began to chaotically react against that of Rider.

The floor beneath the donkey's feet shook and crumbled back into its flat state; the steed was not fazed, and continued its charge. As soon as the walls ceased to encroach upon him, Roger ducked out of the way and prepared another attack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 12, 2015, 07:56:13 pm

Don Quijote

Don Quijote held up his lance in an attempt to absorb the massive jolt of lightning, but it only partially blocked the spell.  Electricity licked Rocinante's sides, which were left with singe marks.  When the dust cleared, Quijote was breathing heavily.

"The truth?  My friend, it was never my intention to cloud the truth.  My powers may stretch the truth thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water."  He smiled sadly.  "That's a quote, you know.  From my creator.  But that's not important right now... it's time for battle."

Rocinante began to charge toward Caster, and the floor began to slope downward under his feet, giving Don Quijote a height advantage over Caster.  The walls of the cave began to fold in toward Caster, trying to trap him in place.  If he was trapped, Rider's lance would have a clear target to strike.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 12, 2015, 07:40:48 pm

Roger Bacon

"...Storybooks, huh?" Roger said, grimly. The world darkened around him. Thunder crackled. Static rose through the air. Caster fiercely stood his ground and faced Rider. "I don't believe in fairy tales. This reality marble of yours is the materialization of your immature delusions. It's time I've shown you the truth." He stepped back and conjured a massive field of electricity and made the first shot. "MJöLNIR"!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 10, 2015, 10:21:45 pm

Don Quijote

Rider carefully laid down his lance and walked over to Caster, holding his hands up by his sides to indicate he meant no harm.  When he got close enough that their foreheads were almost touching, their vision went white.

The walls of the labyrinth were no longer a hard stone wall laced with magical runes.  They were now craggy and irregular, like the walls of a cave.  Tunnels of various lengths branched out from the room Rider and Caster were in.  After a moment, the cave seemed to rumble with a distant moaning.

"This is my Noble Phantasm – to allow you to see the world as it ought to be perceived.  Prepare for a storybook battle!"

((Just some info about how I envision Bacon's super rationality anti-mystery skill and Rider's NP interacting:
-Bacon can exert his influence on the area surrounding him, making it normal and free from Rider's influence.
-With extreme focus, since this field is in his mind, Rider can allow certain elements of his fantasy to target Bacon.  However, doing so makes his own mind, rather than his mind's landscape, vulnerable to Bacon's normalizing influence.
-Since the location is already a bit of a storybook setting (an underground LABYRINTH with a secret TREASURE), Rider can sort of affect the behavior of the labyrinth in his fantasy, which Bacon isn't immune to (because it could realistically happen).  However, keep in mind Rider's NP doesn't grant him complete control over his surroundings, and Rider's powers will be weakened significantly by the removal of his NP's fantastical element.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 10, 2015, 08:22:50 am

Jack Blair

"Oh We mean no harm." Jack smirked, "You just captured our friend Mr. Oshiro and we would like him back. However, it seems he's no longer in your possession."

Celtchar placed a hand on her spear. She looks like SHE's the one that wants a fight.

Hold back. Jack said, That girl with Kirin with the box is unpredictable, if we kick up something we could be attacked by whatever that thing is.

Attempt a capture of our own?

That's an idea Jack sent, I'll try to think of a way.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 10, 2015, 01:32:13 am

Hera

"And who's this clown?" She muttered. Ulysses looked grave. "...Huh, what's up?"

"That servant..." He gestured towards Celtchar. "She took down Hemingway's Berserker back at the forest. The Lancer of Spades... deadly."

"You can take her, right?"

"Not in my current state..."

"What?" Hera scowled. "C'mon, you're a master tactician. Brain over brawn and all that, right?"

"There are come tactics I avoid whenever possible. So long as I have any shred of moral decency, I cannot-"

"Screw morals! We're in it to win it, Hiram. Don't let that noble phantasm go to waste."

"Do you insist on this?"

"Yeah."

"Prove it."

She paused for a moment, then soon grew furious. "You're gonna make me-"

"Yes."

Her eyebrow twitched. "Fine then. We'll play by your rules, tough guy." She turned towards Jack. "I'm Hera, and I'm a Club. You picking a fight or something?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 10, 2015, 01:23:57 am

Caster of Clubs

"A duel you say?" Caster crossed his arms and grinned. "Tempting."

"Don't do it!" Cody firmly whispered. "C'mon, you honestly think he's gonna play it fair?"

"That's Don Quixote, Lazarus. I know his story."

"You recognize him?"

"With that beard, who wouldn't? Ha, yes. He's honorable to a fault; it's all in that immature dream of his... He'd never pick an unfair fight."

"You're far from a combat-specialty servant, Caster."

"Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

"You'd better."

"Alright!" He spoke up. "I accept your challenge, Rider." He **** his knuckles.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 10, 2015, 01:08:20 am

Isa Oshiro

"Zorya Krauss is dead."

Three men stood in the meeting room of Stormwood Mansion. The man who spoke was Isa Oshiro. He was cold and emotionless, staring out of the window facing the outer garden. Deeper into the room, under dim light was Lord George Conzette, an aging man with a life of experience. Between them, helping himself to some cheap beer was Jeb Yurrick, looking a tad more grim than usual.

Isa spoke again. "She was shot."

"Huh." Jeb growled, not bothering to put down his can. "Typical Club move, using bullets."

"You're mistaken, Lord Yurrick."

"First of all, it's just Je... whatever. Anyway, what are you gettin' at?"

"The bullet vanished after impact, but the mana signature remained." Isa's voice grew ever more stern. "That bullet came from the noble phantasm of Der Freischütz."

Jeb flinched, nearly dropping his drink. "B-but, that means..."

Lord Conzette spoke up. "That archer is your son's, Isa."

"It is." Isa tightened his fists.

"I've also gotten news of the aftermath of the Big Ben incident."

"Aw shucks, more bad news?" Jeb almost wanted to smile at the twist of fate.

"Isa, you're damned lucky my scouts could retrieve those video files before they could be released to the rest of the association. Your son spared a blatant enemy. He's killed the head of the Krauss family and-"

"I have no son." Isa sharply interrupted. There was a choking silence in the room.

"Surely, you have a plan."

"Everything in this war has been predestined and written out with consideration to every single possibility. I know everything about that servant of his."

"And?"

"Once that traitor is forced to use Archer's seventh noble phantasm, the fate of the war will be sealed. I've a contract of my own to fulfill, after all."

"Y... y'don't mean..." Jeb was sweating.

"I do." Isa adjusted his collar.

"You will be trapped forever, don't you understand that?"

"No..." Isa finally turned around to face them. "I have a better plan. Luckily for me, the Black Huntsman has a fascination with poetic patterns." He looked at his palms and failed to fight off the urge to giggle. "A servant girl who only wants peace and to protect those she loves... Haha... What a perfect candidate."

"And if Max fights back?" Jeb leaned forward. "Then what?"

"He cannot. The girl is too week to attempt to free him, and all those close to him have long since died. Archer is alone in this world; his soul belongs to Der Freischütz. It belongs to the spades; and it belongs to Sanctum. This divided war will be a decisive one indeed; this victory will be told in legends to come."

"Be cautious, Isa..." Conzette broke in. "Or else you may become a legend yourself. You do understand the fate of those who mark this world too greatly."

"If Sanctum desires my soul, so be it. I shall offer it on a silver platter."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 09, 2015, 06:13:41 pm

Jack

"So, who are you?" Celtchar said, staring at the girl on the horse.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 09, 2015, 06:01:55 pm

Nat and Rider

Nat muttered a healing spell, and Rocinante's wounds closed.  Rider turned to Caster and drew back his lance, prepared to strike, but was stopped by an arrow whizzing by his face from a sandstone portal in the wall.  He paused and drew down his lance.

"Come now!  Two against one is hardly fair.  While I would normally refuse to balk at such odds, I am sure that both of you are fine, upstanding individuals... so how about a duel?  I duel one of you, in the true fassion of the fabled knight, with my Noble Phantasm, and if I win, both of you agree to stand down."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 08, 2015, 04:09:23 pm

Cube

    The cube sat there in the air, keeping silent as if mocking him for trying to talk to it. For a couple more moments, the cube stayed there, facing Kirin as if it was staring deep into his eyes, boring into the core of his soul. When it seemed that he was not to be graced with a response.

     Suddenly, Kirin received an alert on his phone.
[Don't get the wrong idea, i-it's not l-like I saved you because I wanted you to talk to me or anything. I just happened to have free time. Baka... Hmph, go off and have your chat.]

     Having noticed him read the message, the cube tilted slightly upwards and to the right as if crossing its arms and going ,"Hmph."

---

Meanwhile in Maria's head...

      Pffffff. Already cracking up, ha ha, breathing cycle is probably irregularly right now. Calm down. But I'd like to see him react to a giant hunk of metal crushing on him. It's so much more amusing than say watching said hunk of metal crushing him. Out of body experiences sure are convenient. Its been a while since I've done this. Almost three whole days I reckon. But still, pffffff

     Well, jokes aside, I'm still going to eavesdrop whether he likes it or not.


(I'm going to assume he has one, if not feel free to correct my misunderstanding and assume that Maria tries to find a phone and fails.)

(At this point I've completely flanderized Maria's initially someone minor 'aloof' and 'free spirited' attitude but I think this is about as inevitable as Nitrox making all of his characters rational and detracting from their other personality traits. Kind of too late in this particular series for me to moderate her attitude.)

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 08, 2015, 12:05:59 am

Kirin Oshiro

Once they were a safe distance away, their box-shaped transport roughly dumped them onto the ground. Kirin got up and faced it, trying to figure out how to reliably communicate to it.

"May my assistant and I... speak in private?" He felt ridiculous talking to a floating box.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 08, 2015, 12:04:12 am

Caster

They dodged to the side in opposite directions. Cody stepped back as Caster began charging electricity.

"I remember this rider from the forest, Lazarus. That donkey is immune to all sense of fear. We'll have to strike it head on!"

"In I way, I guess it's not so different from you!" Cody smiled briefly, then turned and scanned his surroundings.

"Maybe..." Caster finished charging and let loose a curved bolt of lightning arching around a circle and striking one of the donkey's legs. It jumped at the impact, but regained its footing and charged straight for him. "Hmm..." Caster carefully watched as Rider rapidly approached. Argo. He created a layer of forcefield flat on the ground in his enemy's path. It stepped right over it, rather than slipping as he'd planned. ...Damn, nothing ever works when fighting a rider. Termina! The field fractured into sharp fragments and shot upward, leaving superficial cuts. In the veil of confusion Caster rolled out of the way, narrowly dodging a swipe from Rider's powerful lance. He regained his footing as he saw Rider turn around once more.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 06, 2015, 05:03:27 pm

Henri and Nat

Without a word, Rocinante began to gallop at Caster, his lance swiping in front of him.  Henri and Archer ducked out of the way as Arash began to set up circles at various intervals across the hallway.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 06, 2015, 04:45:40 pm

Cody Lazarus

CASTER, COME TO ME!

Cody's command seals glowed. In a violent flash of light Caster warped through the maze and appeared by his side. "Yes, Lazarus?"

"I know you've just gotten out of combat, but..."

"Please." Caster creaked his neck. "I was merely warming up."

"Good to know."

"So." Caster faced the enemy Rider. "Quite a steed you've got there. Are you ready to begin?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 05, 2015, 08:51:14 pm

Maria

      Sensing a brief lull in the action after glancing around her, she concluded that this is one of those general situations in which the tension was thick enough to taste. it seemed to her that this would essentially be how a battle would feel if two opposing armies were stationed right next to each other in the olden pre-Napoleonic lines, waiting to see when the first shot would be wrought forth.

     Well, it's actually completely different since I essentially fired a magical cannon modelled loosely off of some generic G**dam series at one side's commanding general or the like and also had my companion punch the horse of ours. It's quite a precarious situation and I'm surprised they've yet to make a move. Guess I'll need to cut the tension eh? I don't think it's quite solid enough that a butter knife can hack through it but a megaphone should do the job.
 
     Waving her hand in front of her in the air, the same progression through mana states transpired, albeit at a drastically higher rate. A conic shape formed and plopped into her hand. At the same time, the cannon began to glow. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth.

     "Ahem. Sorry to interrupt your intimate reunion and whatnot or whatever it is you are currently engaged in. Unfortunately, I'm currently running on a short fuse as I'm running low on time to do something rather important so I'm not going to bother waiting for you scene to resolve itself. Also, strictly speaking, breaking into a fight is too much of a hassle so I'd rather just leave this place right about now.     

     "Anyways", she declared whilst backing away from the cannon, "it's slightly too congested for my likes. Anyways, to the spear wielding missus over there, I can still launch this thing about a hundred more times if we were to extend this charge out and I'd like to refrain from doing that since it's a pain and is only looks oddly charming the first couple of times I use it. To the the girlfriend/boyfriend pair and the third wheel huntsman, we're getting out of here whether you like it or not."

     "Now onto the next part of my speech. Although I understand that you guys are in utter shock at my provocative mannerisms and intrinsically mesmerizing voice, and more likely too preoccupied with whatever you were doing before, you shouldn't fall for a magician's trick of moving the audience's line of sight. Although you have shown great manners by indulging me in my idle banter about absolutely nothing of significance, I have something else planned. You see, the cannon is going to launch a few mortar rounds into the air that will detonate and launch a splinter shot of a sizeable quantity of stun grenades. This will occur in approximately 2 seconds after I start using the the technique of tossing an app- oh, times up."

    With the end of the sentence, the cannon arced upwards and launched a glowing orb which detonated after quickly reaching its peak and released a corpus amount of light and sound. As soon as the cannon released its magical payload, Lancer lept into action havign already been notified of the plan, dividing Riza and Kirin from the others and hauling them away. The two were gently tossed onto the cube with a shield around them to avoid injuries from rough handling and strapped down with a newly made temporary seat back and strapped on with seat belts.

    When the din cleared out and sight was restored to the participating parties, the cube was already equipped with looked to be crude thrusters. A chain was attached to a handle bar that was placed next to Archer with a large floating disc near it.


    "Now, you might want to get on before I break the local road speed limit around here you know. And to the rest of you, have a nice day," she spoke whilst saluting.

((And now you can step in, attack, yell stop, whatever, a bit heavy on the bunnying side since there's nine characters in this scene so feel free to point out discrepancies, actions that probably would have actually been stopped by one of the characters, etc))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 04, 2015, 06:08:06 pm

Avery

Those two are insane.

He ran forward, took a left turn, and kept running.

((PLOT TWIST: Avery runs into the catalyst and falls over. gg.))

((For those of you know didn't know that was a joke, I'm sorry that you couldn't tell...))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 04, 2015, 04:13:59 pm

Nick

Nick and Nicole turned to stare blankly at Avery.

"You, uh... you're still here?" Nick asked, puzzled.

Avery now looked confused as well. "Um-"

Nicole held up a hand to interrupt him. "Hey. 'Go check around the corner for traps' is code for 'We're about to make out, so get the hell out of here.'"

Nick now walked over and put a hand on Avery's shoulder. "Listen.... person." He said slowly. "You have a face, right? Do you like your face? No, I don't think you do. I can't have been the first person to tell you that. But... you'll like that face less if you don't scram. Right? Get moving." Nick gave Avery a little kick to get him started.

*****

"So... Why didn't we just kill him?" Nicole asked.

"Meh. It would've taken mana to seal his corpse away. I don't feel like wasting any on a non-threat."

"Seems legit."

"Also, I don't think this maze will change around a person. So long as he's in the hallway, maybe it won't close. It gives us a nice straight path closer to the middle."

"You think the catalyst is in the center."

"No. Definitely not. Ruler'd probably rig it to be moving or something. But just putting it there is way too obvious."

"Right... I don't feel like hiking. Is anyone on a collision course with us?"

"Nope. But we cut put ourselves in somebody's way pretty easily."

"It's pointless to do much else, honestly. Why not let them come to us, and take the time to prepare?"

"Exactly. So, in the meantime..."

"Yeah?"

"Would us making out count as narcissism?"

"...Does it matter?"

"Nope. You're still a seven. I only make out with nines."

"You mean like that Anne girl?"

"HELL naw."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 04, 2015, 06:58:10 am

Jack Blair

"What the...." Celtchar and Jack ducked behind a corridor as the blast lit up the hallway, "Who is that?" Celtchar said.

"No clue, but they can make weird **** that's for sure."

When the blast was clear, Jack stepped back into the hallway to see everyone looking at Kirin's maid-girl, or whatever she was.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 04, 2015, 01:37:28 am

Riza Miles

She dashed over to Kirin to untie him, but she was intercepted.

"Spark!" Hera cried, raising her finger and holding her tome. A quick shot grazed Riza's skirt, lighting a small portion on fire. The girl panicked and began to frantically attempt to snuff it out. Once that was done with she rose, then quickly fell  back down as Hera threatened her with another shot. Archer and Ulysses drew their weapons at each other.

"Bloody small world, aye?" Archer chuckled.

"Refreshing, to have the displeasure of meeting you again." Ulysses scowled.

"Hey, don't get too fed up with me. Some day we might be summoned again on the same side."

"That would be highly unlikely in the event of my master's success in this war."

"That's not a possibility, Lad. There's no stopping the cycle."

"Say what you will."

"Hey." Hera broke in. "You're that damn Archer from the hospital."

Archer smirked menacingly. "Bitter?"

Riza held out her arms. "O-okay, uhh..." everyone stared at her, Kirin included.

[Sorta incomplete post, sorry, guys. If I can't continue you're free to briefly interrupt the scene.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on December 04, 2015, 01:09:28 am

Anne

Not... gonna... happen... but this damn rope is cutting off my circulation...

Anne struggled to get into a sitting position while tied up, but she managed it. A little bit of help here?
Assassin was sitting down on the ground below him, but Saber walked towards Anne.

Thanks.

With one quick slice, the bonds fell to the ground, a mess of green. Anne muttered a quick spell that brought the dagger towards her and into her hands from its position on the floor near James. While Saber waited for any attacks, Anne quickly dug the bullet out of her leg, it had not penetrated deep, and then she prevented the blood from flowing out by searing the wound with a small spark. The burning on her skin hurt for a few seconds before she coud stand up. James sent a few blasts of ice towards the two, but Saber quickly sliced each one before it could hit.

"I think not, that map's not yours unless you work for it. Plus, it's not even on me...." She pulled out a piece of paper with fine lines drawn on it, ripped it up, and blew the half the pieces left, and half right with a bust of wind, "...anymore." She continued with a smirk. "So any of you want to play fetch?"

When did you draw the lines? I thought it was blank.
Before we came here. Just made a random guess on how the map would look. It's actually similar, but it won't change.
Nice one, there's no way they could possible know if it's a fake, but it seems suspicious that you would throw it away so easily.
True... So you just make it look real...

"That may not have been the best idea." Saber told Anne.
"Now I suppose we'll just hope that someone else has the paper with the exit." She responded.
"That was a dumb thing to do, we needed that!" Saber protested.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN? IT was THAT or they got it! This is obviously better!" Anne shouted back
"But we still NEED THAT!" Saber shouted.
"Shut up! What's done is done." Anne told him and he did as she had stated.

"Anyways, I suck at getting things back, so if you want it, you'll have to do the spell yourself." Anne said, now to the two spades who had been watching the bickering in confusion.

Then Anne and Saber walked away, down a path to the left of them.

((Sorry if you wanted this scene to last longer, I felt as though it was dragging for too long.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 03, 2015, 09:25:52 pm

Maria

     Ch, things are getting a bit messy now. A second servant has entered the equation. That'll be an issue. This one's that Celtic spearwoman, not entirely someone I would wish to engage in direct combat with. Well, seeing as JK has almost zero reason to not interfere with the fight at this point, I need to grab Kuroahoge and leave, pronto.

      The cube whirred to life, flying above Maria and started rotating at a rate of thrice per second, the Od (mana) stored inside flowed outward, forming a dense cloud around Maria.  The mist slowly shifted towards her ventral side and started condensing into an amorphous blob of mana. In the midst of this transformation, she yelled out two sentences.

    "Unfortunately for you, this is my decision, not yours. Forwards!"

     The larger veiled figure lept forward, seeking to intercept the charging warrior. In the meantime, the liquid mass quickly turned to what looked to be an innumerable quantity of scrap metal that quickly assembled themselves into what looked to be a large cannon. There's blueprint number 17 up and running.

     "Veer right!"

      The veiled figure reached his destination and smashed into the left flank of the horse with all of his might. The animal was lifted into the air and sent flying towards the right and the veiled figure left after it.

      Maria flashed a smile and thought to herself. Time for the countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Begin!. An orb of light began gathering in front of the cannon as if the particles in the air were drawn to the center of the barrel. A brief moment later, the glowing sphere's diameter mirrored the barrel and a continuous blast stream emanated forwards towards the Lacner of Spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 03, 2015, 08:55:54 pm

Jack Blair

"It seems you have one of ours." Celtchar said, "I don't care to fight you, but I would like my teammate let go if you will."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on December 03, 2015, 08:50:55 pm

Henri & Nat

"I can tell," Henri muttered.

Don Quijote smiled.  "I always love those few moments before the battle, when you meet someone who could have been a friend, in another adventure... but really, what's the difference between a friend and an enemy?  A friend you don't fight with isn't someone you trust, and an enemy you don't love isn't someone who should matter to you."  Rocinante huffed, and Don Quijote looked down at him.  "Well, my noble steed is prepared.  How about we get started?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 03, 2015, 08:36:02 pm

Hera

"Incoming from behind!" Ulysses roughly seized control of the horse and turned them around.

"Wait, what about the other one?!"

"It seems..." Ulysses rested his arm on the hilt of his blade. "...We may be surrounded. Hang tight."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 03, 2015, 08:32:21 pm

Jack Blair

Jack pulled himself up and jogged up to Celtchar. They made a few more turns and kept quiet.

"Wait a moment." Celtchar said, "Is a horse in the maze? Seriously?" Celtchar  looked around a corner. Sure enough, a lady on a horse was riding down the hall, and there was a person attached to the end of it?

Jack leaned around the corner, "That's Kirin!"

Celtchar slapped herself in the face, then began sprinting after the horse.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 03, 2015, 08:30:06 pm

Hera

She scowled, turning the horse around. "Aaand, who are you?"

"A spade?" Ulysses muttered, clearly on edge. "Be on your guard."

Kirin Oshiro

"Mmm... Mmph?!" he mmph'd.

Cody Lazarus

He stepped back, gripping his arm, ready to let fly a command seal. "Henri, that rider is not one of ours." He watched the strangers attentively.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on December 03, 2015, 07:52:33 am

[In passing, Maria briefly visited their warehouse that one time although she is still with a veil and such ATM]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on December 03, 2015, 02:02:38 am

[Err, fill me in here. Have Hera and Maria met before?]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on December 01, 2015, 07:48:35 pm

Jack Blair

They ran away. Jack sent, clutching his knee. He gasped in pain as he prepared a quick healing spell and frantically casted it. He exhaled heavily and lied on his back, "Damn arrows."

Celtchar nodded, Humans are so frail. She thought to herself, "Let's get moving soon." She said out loud, "We don't have time to waste."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on December 01, 2015, 11:09:43 am

Will

Will jumped to the right when he  saw the girl throw the flare, but it went wide. At the sound of Mr. Blackbourne's yell, he jumped again, letting out a small yelp of his own. Then the gunshot sounded, and Will shrieked again.
Get it together, William. You're a Conzette. You can take her.

"Help your servant, Mr. Blackbourne." Will whispered confidently. "I'll handle the master."

Will pulled out the next small  canister from his pocket, and held it against the opening in his hand. This one was a dark, glossy green. A blast of mana erupted from the tube in his arm and activated the small device, firing it at the girl. She saw it shooting at her, and made to dodge to the side on her good leg. That wouldn't help her here. The canister exploded into a mess of thick green cords, a number of which twisted around her torso as she tried to get out of the way. The rest of the web followed, entrapping the girl, pinning her arms to her side. Will had already fired his second canister at her off-balance form, binding her more securely.

"Stand down, Club mage! You're outnumbered! Just surrender your map piece, and we'll let you walk away!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 30, 2015, 10:38:17 pm

Panther and Assasin

Both Panther and Assasin were struck by a short attack, hurting both. James let out a small cry of pain, but Assasin simply played defense, staying much more alery
Agh! She got my nerves... I'll recover them in a few minutes, but I won't be able to double play with both sword and magic, Assasin. Take out the girl, and get us out!

 Assasin half leaped half spun around a flurry of attacks from Saber, dragging his leg behind him, but his arms moving in a blur to strike and wield his knuckles. Yet, Assasin lasted long enough for James to send a gust of wind followed by a small hardened ball of earth at Saber, forcing for him to turn and parry, while Assasin tapped Saber's shouldner and as he turned around, Assasin followed up with a short and devastating upsercut, slipping back the dusters so that they'd only graze Saber. Saber, stunned,  left an opening for Assasin. James had been slowly bidding him time and using small blasts of ice and lightning to distract Anne, and she did not see Assasin draw out his small gun until too late, the horror of what was too happen dawned on her but Assasin remembered no killing, and jerked the gun downwards, along with his leg going out. The bullet still was on mark, and Anne stumped as the bullerhit her in the low thigh, a painful but safe place to shoot.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 30, 2015, 09:09:01 pm

Anne

"IGNIS"

Upon hearing that shout, Anne turned away, knowing what was coming. Her reaction was a little delayed, and she was blinded for a few seconds, but it was less time than the other master would experience.

2 to 1, think we can do it...?
Yeah, just ignore the fear and we'll be fine.
It's not that easy. Take the servant out if possible.
Done. It won't be too tricky because he's only on defense right now.
Just wait for the heat to act up.
By the way, he might use that same spell again.
Pleh... Anyways, I'll be ready for it.

Anne sent large flare at the newcomer, but in her fear, she messed up the aim, and it missed entirely. She then pulled her dagger out, charged its tip with electricity and threw it at the assassin's master. Once again, her aim was off, and it almost completely cut off his right thumb, which was just dangling there, partially attached.

Saber pretended like he was going to slice downwards, straight on the knuckle dusters, but then he swung his blade so that it stabbed Assassin in the right leg and went through. Then he pulled out his blade quickly, readying for the next attack.

Avery

WHAT DO I DO NOW? These guys are talking so yeah... but the 'map' that they are fighting for seems to track people, so I don't exactly want to be tracked down. Also they throw around the word 'kill' like 'let's go have some cupcakes.' It's scary and freaky.

Avery quickly summoned a dummy of a person and used his telekinesis to move it towards the left turn. He peeked around the corner as it went around the bend, and there was no trap in sight.

"Are you sure you don't want to give me the map?"

After Nicole said that, Avery interrupted their fight and said, "No traps ahead."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 30, 2015, 07:13:50 pm

Caster

Caster sighed and stopped feeding mana to her spell. This battle had been a total waste. neither side had gained anything, and both ended up expending mana. Now she needed to rendezvous with her master.

Will

Will knew he shouldn't be, but he was beginning to panic. The path between him and his servant had been entirely closed off, and the method he was taking to get back to her only seemed to pull him deeper into the center of the labyrinth. He sighed and kept jogging. Were those... what were those impacts? A battle between servants? He sighed. Just what he needed right now. Well, at least here was an opportunity to help an ally. He crept forward more cautiously now. Sure enough, as he approached, he could hear each powerful clang more distinctly. The sounds of battle rang out from a clearing up ahead.

He slowly pulled up his right sleeve and pulled off his glove, revealing a sleek flesh-colored carbon fiber tube. in the center of the palm, there was a penny-sized hole. With his other hand, he pulled a small purple flare out of his pocket and held it up against the opening. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he crouched, before sprinting into the clearing up ahead and screwing his eyes shut. "IGNIS"

A tremendous light filled the clearing. Two masters, one girl and one man, each stumbled back, covering their faces, momentarily blinded. Two servants paused in their battle, unable to make out their opponent. Charlie's fingers closed around another tube in his pocket, while he held his outstretched arm at the girl. "Anything I can do to help?" He muttered to the enigmatic Mr. Blackbourne.

Nick

Nick scowled at the mention of the lancer. He'd have to kill her master someday. Or maybe just torture the master into forcing her to commit suicide. Yes, that sounded fitting. As for the other spades-

Nicole held out her hand sharply, stopping Nick and Avery. Saber stopped behind them. As for Berserker... well, who even knew? She was around... somewhere. "How close are we?"

Nick shrugged and gestured towards the map in his other hand. "I can't tell. The scale isn't consistent throughout the map; most of it's very distorted. It only gives relative locations." The two strayed toward the edge of the hallway, suddenly completely ignoring Avery.

"Just give me an estimate?"

Nick held up his map and paused. "I dunno... We've traveled about eighty or eighty-five percent of the distance. Why, you think we're ready?"

Nicole nodded, before turning to look at Avery, who seemed to be struggling to follow their conversation from the side, but having rather little success. "Hey, uh... whatever your name is? Walk down this left turn, will ya? If it's a trap, then, well, better for you to die than a pretty girl like me, right?"

Nick, who hadn't really been listening, glanced over at Nicole and gave her a once-over. "I'll give you a 6.5. Maybe a 7, if your hair was combed, and if your life expectancy was more than 50. You need to quit the cigarettes, Nicole."

"Y'know, I can still kill you. My servant is better than yours."

"Well, I have more mana."

"Well, I have more command seals."

"Well, MY servant has more Noble Phantasms."

"..."

"Also, I could wait you out, while you die of tobacco abuse."

"..."

"Whoo, point for me."

"Just give me the map."

"What's the magic woooord?"

"Ignis?"

"Nope. Wrong. I get to hold the map."

"Pleeeeeease?"

"Wow... You can't do puppy-dog eyes. Like, at all. Especially not when you're threatening to kill me."

"Hey, it was worth a shot."

"Maybe I shouldn't have made you... I'm starting to learn how annoying I am to talk to."

"Hey, at least you got to keep your body! Do you have any idea how awkward this is?"

"Yeah. That's why I hid out in the left lobe when the transformation happened."

"Are you sure  you don't want to give me the map?"

((Feel free to have Avery walk away while all this is going on.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 29, 2015, 11:05:09 pm

Maria

        "... Your boyfriend's like Mok*ba isn't he," she suddenly blurted out. After receiving a confused look in response, she decided to avoid going that route if she intended to make jokes.

       Note to self, establishing reference frames for further references seems to be pointless as these people don't seem to be amused by the same forms of idle internet media as I do.  I've not seen a single instance of them using a computer besides blondy over there. Then again, i'm not enough of a stalker to watch them 24/7.

      She sighed a bit and continued on with her mental tirade. Well, this is the perfect opportunity to further my goals. Here's where the contract'll come in handy.

      She conjured up a chain with a cuff at the end and anchored Riza to the ground beneath her. Walking up to her, she patted her on the shoulder and puffed out ehr chest in a commanding fashion.

      "Although I actually want to make a joking remark about you willingly submitted yourself to a certain two letter play, I won't and I'll spare you the unecessary longer lecture. Anyways, like I'm letting two backliners handle this. Naturally in a party composition like this, you let the tanks deal with the aggro. Well, in anycase, just stay here and I'll handle everything," Maria asserted with her hand over her heart.

      She approached the trio (plus horse) ahead of her and greeted them with a , "Yoho, how's your day going?"


   

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 29, 2015, 07:26:59 pm

Riza Miles

"H-he's in trouble!" She picked up the pace.

...He got captured again. This is starting to become a bad habit for us...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 27, 2015, 09:44:49 pm

Anne

First came a dreadful sensation, and then came fear.

Do you feel scared? I wasn't scared a moment ago... but now I am... S***! This is probably a stupid spell...
Don't worry, even if you can't fight, I can.
Ok, but I'll try. We obviously have an Assassin against us, it was a bit stupid for them to give away their location because Assassins are best if we don't know where they are.
There's obviously some kind of trick to this.
If you encounter any more bullets, the deflective spell is still on the blade, and you can block.
Ok, also I think there's some shield that they have up. Destroying it would prove to be helpful.

It's not real fear, it's fake... With that repeating in her mind, the fear reduced. Very slightly, but it was enough for Anne at the moment. She sent a small burst of fire towards the two, but it hit the shield and stopped. Anne sent in a bunch of heat waves, not fire yet at the invisible wall. They were slightly weaker than usual, but it worked, and the barrier collapsed, unable to handle 6 heatwaves at once.

It's not real fear, it's fake.

Saber ran at Assassin right as the barrier collapsed. His left arm had a bullet in it, but he was still able to use his sword properly. He brought his blade down, but it was blocked by Assassin's knuckle dusters.

It's not real fear, it's fake. A small wave of heat was sent towards Assassin's knuckle dusters, it had no immediate effect, but after a while, it would spread across the metal dusters and burn his skin ((This will not happen immediately because the heat needs time to spread. It will probably be in my next post, maybe sooner if you decide to put that in your post, or even after this skirmish...)).

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 27, 2015, 07:51:15 pm

Maria

       If I were playing an RPG right now, how would my party layout look like?

Spoiler: What Maria's thinking... (hover to show)

Status Windows:
Name: Maria
Class: Magus
Lv: 14
HP: 99/100
MP: 37/50
Status Message: Wanting to know a girl's status is rude

Name: Core Cube
Class: Mana Tank
Lv: 10
Cube HP: 2,000
Cube MP: 133,821/187,700
Status Message: Is polyhedral

Name : Lancer of Clubs
Class: Lancer/Heroic Spirit (Warrior)
Lv: 530
HP: 133,333
MP: 1,875/1,875
Status: Silent

JK (Riza) and Dan (Archer) have joined the party!

Name : Riza
Class: Magus
Lv: 15
HP: 118/120
MP: 25/25
Status: Worried about her boyfriend

Name : Archer of Spades
Class: Archer/Heroic Spirit (Gunner)
Lv: 370
HP: 100,000
MP: 1,250/1,250
Status: Brooding, suspicious of the weird veiled people

       Not bad actually. The balance is clearly off but this should be accurate for the most part. Actually, I have no idea how to balance the HP stat at all so this'll have to suffice. Everything else looks about accurate. Good enough.

       While she brooded idlely about broken game mechanics, she noticed that she had finally drawn back in reception range of her side cube which he had sent on automated action to follow Kuroahoge. She waved her hand at Riza unnecessarily, to ensure she got the message of 'Follow me!" even though the girl had been keeping up with her pace for the last five minutes. Soon enough, they got within eyeshot of the humble, floating polyhedron.

       "Pfff, your boyfriend's the exemplary definition of a damsel in distress being whisked off by a prince on a white horse right now, isn't he? And sure enough, you aren't the prince at the moment. Whatcha going to do about it?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 27, 2015, 03:52:27 pm

Robin

Robin groaned inside as a Spade and the Rider of Spades appear, and heard more people coming.

Great. Just... great.

Robin didn't draw his sword, but he kept his hand on his hilt and smalled a hard piece of ice behind his back.

Black Panther&Assassin

Assassin immediatly was notified of the inpacts of his bullets.

Good news and bad news.

You know me, good news first.

Well, obviously both bullets were on mark. The first one hit, and Saber should be a little weakened from it. The second, more crippling shot, though was deflected. The master cast some sort of spell on Saber's sword, and I cannot tell what it is.

Well, then it seems we'll have to go melee. Be prepared to run at a momments notice. Use a-

My knuckle dusters arent't very powerful, although they cause extreme fear to every person I face them on. Also, this master means alot to the Saber, so if you can take injure her we could win.

...You're full of surprises, aren't you?

Yes, yes I am.

Assassin and Black Panther stepped out from the corner, Assassin casually putting his hands in his pocket and maintaining a cold, hard face while James cast a small wall of protection of air that would protect Assasin and him from any incoming elemental spells or summoned objects. But, James would have to disperse it from Assasin or him to use any magic back. It was a risky spell, but good for what James planned. He nodded to Assassin, who slipped out his knuckle dusters. Anne and Saber suddenly felt waves of fear, fear like they have never felt before. James took a single step forward.

"Well, hello there. Who are you?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 27, 2015, 10:08:02 am

Henri & Nat

Henri blushed as he got up.  "Well... it's nice to find an ally in this maze, at any rate."

Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching from another direction, at a much faster rate.  An elderly man with a lance was galloping on top of a horse... or a donkey?... followed by a short-haired woman dressed in green robes with a slightly resigned expression on her face.

"Well met!" the man shouted.  "I am Don Quijote de la Mancha, Rider of Spades!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 26, 2015, 10:58:28 pm

Cody Lazarus

In his rush he collided with Henri, who was running in the opposite direction. Cody grasped his head again. "Damn, can't I walk fifteen feet without hitting something?" He looked up. "...Oh, hey, Henri." he heard Jack and Celthcar's approaching footsteps. Cody stood up and backed away a few feet. "That... doesn't sound good."

Oh, and Robin was also there.

Kirin Oshiro

He exhaled, turning the corner. When he opened his eyes he panicked for a split second before getting trampled by Cincinnati. Hera and Ulysses stopped suddenly and dismounted.

"Hiram, the rope!" Hera commanded.

"Huuhh?" Kirin was still dazed. When he properly regained his balance her powerful servant had already taken his wand and was now tying him by the hands. "H-hey, wait a second!"

"Sorry, bub." Hera came into view, cracking her knuckles. "Too late for waiting. This look familiar, pretty boy?"

"Uncomfortably so." He looked at his feet in shame. "I've... been having a bad day."

"Awwwwww!" Hera mocked, mimicking the voice of a mother talking to a toddler. "Wanna tawk about ouw feewings?"

"Shut up!" Kirin's face was red. "Mind you, woman, I've been searching for my assistant for the past twenty minutes. She could be dying out here in this maze!"

"What's it to you? I know you spades, you just use whatever and whoever you want to your own personal gain. That's why the Sanctum War's still going on, isn't it?"

"Well..." Kirin was distant. "There's a long story behind that, actually, so if you'll bear with me here..."

"Uh, no. I won't."

"You see, the Oshiro- wait, what?"

Hera smirked, then punched him in the gut. "Silence, prisoner! I'm not in the mood for stories." She made a head motion to Ulysses, who roughly finished the knot and pushed him against the wall. "Your map piece, please!"

"Uugh..." He groaned. "You already know I'm not a master! What makes you think I'd have a map piece?!"

She shrugged, turning to her servant. "...I dunno, I guess it was worth a shot."

"So now what?!" He was beginning to grow impatient.

"...Welp, I can still use you in negotiations."

"Negocia- what?! Hey, watch it!" He was roughly picked up and lugged onto Cincinnati's back.

Hera and her servant were soon off again, with a newly captured prisoner to boot.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 26, 2015, 10:33:01 am

Nat

Nat and Don Quijote were wandering down the halls.  Nat hated the dark and oppressive atmosphere, but Don Quijote seemed to positively enjoy the idea of a maze made specifically to trap people and encourage them to fight, like rats in a cage.

"Lo!  Do you see that smoke, off in the distance?  I dare say that's a sign of an enemy Servant!"  Rocinante began to gallop at an alarming pace, while Nat merely sighed and followed.

Archer

Come on!  He's right here, we can kill him now!

Too dangerous.  We don't know what that gas does.

Henri opened his eyes to find himself in a hallway far down from Celtchar and Jack.  Archer turned around and shot a few more arrows in their direction, and the two began jogging down an adjacent pathway.

"They won't pursue us down a long hallway.  We have too much of an advantage there."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 25, 2015, 08:56:17 pm

Maria

(http://i.imgur.com/J6q2ewq.png)
        Having received the contract from the hands of Riza, she pulled off her glove and conjured a small magical blade and nicked her thumb. She quickly signed the contract to prevent a large amount of blood loss. She promptly licked her thumb and made a temporary magical covering to prevent immediate infections and the like. She put her right glove back on and then held her thumb on the XIV insignia.

       The mark glistened for a couple seconds and then the mark appeared on a surface of each contractee's body. Under her mask, she smirked but was careful not to let any shred of emotion cloud her previous body language.

        "Now that we're done with the dull, tedious portion of our RPG party formation, let's go find your lil' boyfriend so I can ask him the same questions."
      "Let's go find your little boyfriend now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 25, 2015, 07:05:24 pm

Caster of Clubs

"...Bugger it." He muttered, dissolving the brazen head. "This isn't going anywhere." He let out a smoke spell and ran in the opposite direction.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 25, 2015, 05:48:22 pm

Riza Miles

She carefully read through the contract, twice to be sure she didn't miss anything. The handwriting made it a difficult task. After seven minutes of staring at the paper she finally turned to Archer.

"I'm going to need your bayonet."

He sat beside her. "You're sure about this...?"

"Yeah."

On that note Archer summoned the noble phantasm's knife and detached it, handing it to Riza. She winced as she carefully cut along her finger, then quickly signed her name.

(http://i.imgur.com/JCZtu6j.png)

"Alright." She breathed and submitted the contract.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 25, 2015, 12:45:45 pm

Maria

     "I'll just have you read this and see if the terms are acceptable."

[tl;dr warning, my utmost apologies Zen]
(http://i.imgur.com/OvlVw34.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/9IwW59w.png)

Spoiler: Unformatted text version (hover to show)

An Ordnance of Ceasefire and Goodwill
This contract is entered into and between the Club and Spade parties gathered here today. Henceforth, the Lancer of Clubs and his master alongside the Archer of Spades and his master enter a covenant of good will and herein organize themselves under the terms and conditions provided
The term of this Agreement will become effective on the current day once the clock strikes two and shall continue until the the termination of this contract which can only occur under the specified clauses under term six.
This agreement has been created such that the two parties may both benefit from this exchange in

The specific terms of this Agreement are as follows:
1.  The two involved parties are not to inflict bodily harm upon one another on any circumstance.
a. Bodily harm will henceforth be defined as the act of inflicting an injury on the level of a minor bruise or cut. In terms of internal damage, impact shock will suffice in being considered a violation of this clause.
b. If one of the parties willingly accepts bodily harm, say is receptive to opening their palm on the edge of a blade, then it will not be viewed as a violation of the terms.
2.  The two parties must not target one another with the malicious intent to inflict injury upon the other one or to wish the state of bodily harm upon the other party.
3.  The parties are not to target one another with magical attacks that inflict either bodily harm or those that directly target and influence the mind.
a. This provision includes dissuades the usage of mental harm in place of bodily harm
4.  Any violation of the agreed upon terms will result in the overloading of certain receptors of the brain with euphoric stimulus and will result in the dissociation of the conscience in order to block out the excess signals.
a. This measure is in place such that the act of openly ignoring the terms of the contract above will result in the elimination of the potential threat that on party can inflict upon the other.
5.  All of the above terms apply to the two heroic Spirits even if their contractual bonds with their Masters are dissolved.
a.  By extension, the above terms also apply to any and all Noble Phantasms possessed by the Heroic Spirits mentioned in the introductory clause at any point as long as this contract is still in effect.
i. A further extension includes any Noble Phantasms that are added the the servants arsenal after the signing of this contract.
b. If say the Noble Phantasms are no longer controlled by the signee of the contract or are not bound by this contract on the account that they constitute as a separate entity or an entity under a different identity, they are still bound by the terms of this agreement. The servant will serve as the representative signee.
i. More specifically, any contracted demon, ghost, or spirit possessed by either party is not allowed to interfere with the terms of the contract and must follow them as well.
6.  The terms of this agreement are terminated once either the war ends, all seven catalysts are gathered together by one side, or when the two parties are the only survivors of the war.

In consideration of the agreement detailed above, the First Party agrees that it shall follow them in full lest the conditions of term four be inflicted upon them.
In consideration of the agreement detailed above, the Second Party agrees that it shall follow them in full lest the conditions of term four be inflicted upon them.
This contract cannot be modified in any way unless such modifications are made in writing, agreed upon, and then signed by both Parties. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties. This Contract is magically binding upon the Parties and will be enforced according to the laws of ordinance dictated by a standard blood bond (eternally binding until resolved).
It is agreed. By signing below in blood and having the following magical insignia marked upon them, the Parties agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. The master serves as the representative signee for both parties.
XIV
x                                  x                       

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 25, 2015, 08:18:11 am

Brazen Head

YES

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 24, 2015, 11:39:09 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Oh, hi..." he brushed his head. "...guy."

"Robin."

"Right, right, Robin." They were both interrupted by a crash and a flash from an adjacent part of the maze.

"What was that?" Robin stood up.

"A bad sign. C'mon." They went in the opposite direction. Cody grasped his arms, ready to use a command seal as a last resort.

Caster of Clubs

Damn... I don't have a strategy for this, because I actually have no idea what she's doing. Some sort of spire... obviously weaponized. She must know by now that I'm immune to magic, though, so what is all this for?

Hmm. Brazen Head.

YES?

He asked as specifically and as quickly as he could, stepping back another few feet and planning an escape route. "Is this magically constructed obelisk my Spade counterpart has created actually capable of harming me?!"


Riza Miles

"So, it's a... ceasefire?" Riza leaned against a wall.

Archer was still distrustful. "What are you getting at?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 24, 2015, 08:54:28 pm

Robin

Robin was teleported into a wierd maze, a taunting voice coming from Ruler.

You're in this tooooo......

Robin looked around the maze. He stepped forward... and walked into a wall.

Wait... wha... the maze changed.

Robin turned around, sword held high and sprinted forward, pacing his movements until he heard the ground rumble a bit and his instincts kicked in. Robin half jumped half rolled forward, slicing his sword above him as he did so. A quiet clang and crack came from above as his sword hit a clump of spearified stalagmite, the rock smashing inches from Robin's arm and stone peppering his left side with small cuts. He sprinted as fast as he could, turning blidinly until he crashed into a boy that he recognized fast enough to stop himself from spearing him or freezing his legs. As they both crashed to the ground, Robin let out a breath of surprise.

"Cody?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 24, 2015, 08:38:20 pm

Jack Blair

Celtchar stepped back and turned around. "Jack!" She yelled out.

Jack turned around and grabbed the bomb, throwing it behind Henri and Archer, then scooting back with his hands towards Celtchar, "Dammit dammit dammit!" he muttered.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 24, 2015, 06:28:22 pm

Arash

Henri leaped backwards, watching the struggle with fear.  There was a circle just behind Archer, the one at the end of the room that had been moved when the room folded together.  When he saw that Archer was trying to pull Celtchar into the circle, he conjured some wind to help blow them toward it.

Just as Arash's grip seemed fading, one of his feet stepped into the circle.  His entire body seemed to glow, and he was able to twist and wrench the bow out of Celtchar's hands.  After he did so, he and Henri teleported behind Jack.

Henri noticed the new bomb on Jack's belt.  Uh oh.  Archer quickly canceled his original circle and fired an arrow down the adjacent hall.  We can escape if need be.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 24, 2015, 06:01:44 pm

Jack Blair

Celtchar spun around as the floor halves came close together. Jack dropped to the ground as an arrow pierced him in the thigh. He yanked the arrow out and closed his eyes in pain.

Go for it!

Celtcar jumped on to Arash and forced him to the ground. Jack began to quickly conjure a sleep bomb. This may not go well. He gritted his teeth and put the bomb on his belt.

Celtchar put her hands on Archer's bow and yanked hard, trying to destroy the bow, or at least grab it out of his hands.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 24, 2015, 05:58:09 pm

Henri

Arash frowned at the smoke.  "I don't like the look of that.  They must know we can teleport behind them."

Henri held out his hand, and repeated gusts of wind flew out of it.  They blew away most of the smoke, allowing Archer to fire some more arrows.

Just wait them out...

Suddenly, there was a loud rumbling noise.  The middle half of the floor, between Celtchar and Arash, began to fold away, bringing the two halves closer together.  Celtchar was now almost within striking distance of Arash and his Master.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 24, 2015, 05:49:32 pm

Jack Blair

The arrow slammed into Celtchar back, she stumbled a little and stood up.

That could have been expected. Jack sent.

Get a smoke spell ready. If we make them teleport to us we've won. All I need to do is get my damn hands on this servant. If I throw the spear they'll evade and take it.

But stabbing is still an option?

Exactly.

Jack threw a pink smoke bomb at his feet, and immediately muttered a clear spell for his glasses, pulling them out of his pocket.

You're going to have to tell me where stuff is. Celtchar said, I'm as blind as they are.

Got it. Jack conjured an explosive of sorts and threw it at them. If this hits, which it won't, it will immobilize them pretty handly. Take a big step back and turn around. They'll try to teleport behind the cloud, then tackle them.

Celtchar did just that, but very slowly, ready to jump at any movement...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 24, 2015, 04:27:57 pm

Hera

She firmly gripped her tome, riding behind Hiram on the back of Cincinnati. Her face got pushed into his back when the horse abruptly stopped. As she rubbed her face it turned around for a bit, got a running start and jumped over a portion of the floor. Underneath them as they leaped, the ground gave way to a deathtrap.

"That..." Hera huffed. "...Was close."

"Have a little more trust in Cincinnati, Master. He's a clever horse, he knows his way around places like this."

"Right, right."

They stopped for a moment, but in the distance they heard the steps of a different set of hooves; a set all too familiar to them.

"...Hera, get ready." Hiram brought out of his sword and they proceeded cautiously.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 23, 2015, 08:43:07 pm

Avery

Darn, what do I do...? Well this mage seems powerful, someone I want as an ally, and don't want to mess with, but I think he's a club. Maybe I'll be fine if I say something.

"Well there is this powerful Lancer with this giant spear, and then there's a watchamacallit oh yeah, an archer with a guy who had a servant and yeah. I haven't really talked with the others."

Anne

The sound of a shot echoed through the maze. A bullet stuck itself firmly into Saber's left arm.
The only servant that can sneak up on us so easily... Kiera, though dead, told us a bit about the way they work... Assassins

Another shot rang out.

S***! Bring up your blade to deflect the oncoming bullet.
It wo-
Just do it!((Nike))

Feeling like things would not work out, Saber watched the bullet as it drew nearer. He placed a blade right in the bullet's path.

CLANG

The bullet fell on the ground, motionless. Looking down at his blade, Saber saw that his blade had a bright blue glow around it.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 23, 2015, 05:04:38 pm

Black Panther

James took out his map piece and handed it to Assasin.

"Keep this safe, and stash it somewhere safe."

Assasin nodded and looked at the picture for a few long seconds before folding it and stashing it in a hidden pocket that was nearly untraceble, which also contained his gun. James and Assasin moved towards the first bend of the maze, but it suddenly disspeared and turned into a lazy left turn.

What the hell. Assasin, you know what happened?

It seems that the maze has changed route.

Tell me something I don't know.

Well, this maze that has been invented by the Ruler and the apparent past participant who helped him seem to have rigged the outer edges to randomly change, cause to drive masters crazy and complicate things, although I suspect the map pieces will change as well.

James and Assasin both heard an echo up ahead from and heard distant voices. Assasin signaled for James to wait for him to check what it was before running up. Assasin drew his gun, silencer at the ready as he inspected the corridor up front, seeing nothing and sensing no mana signature. For a moment, he sensed a closeby signature, a foreign one but the maze changed again and nothing to be seen.

"Panther, come. Nothing here."

Both moved up, navigating blindly but silently through the maze, until Panther stopped Assasin.

Someone is up ahead.

Assasin checked for a mana signature, and he sensed the  signature once again, but stronger, and closer.

A servant and presumably master is up ahead. Foreign signatures, so probably a club.

We can take them. Wound the servant, don't aim to kill though.

Panther, I must insis-

No. I don't wish to kill yet. Even if this is a war. Do I need to use a command seal?

No.

Assasin aimed the gun in the general direction of the club signature, mana signature still nearly untraceble. He popped out from behind the wall, assesing the scene quickly. There was a female club and the Saber of Clubs. He fired a bullet at the bicep of Sabers sword arm and one at his opposite calf, mana signature now traceble and ducked back behind the wall before he saw the outcomes.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 23, 2015, 05:03:30 pm

Arash

Archer teleported to a third circle he had set up behind him, and then drew his bow.  However, instead of aiming it at Archer, he aimed it at his feet and fired.  The arrow passed through the sand, and came out of the sandstone wall.  It barely missed Jack's head, continuing to move toward Celtchar's back.

Come on, give us access to your spear...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 23, 2015, 03:46:03 pm

Maria

      Use hard hitting questions that will apply to many people who seem like they've been drafted into the war whilst providing your own half-assed sob story about how you dislike the situation at hand? Check. Hand over an item of significant value to the other party to incite a relative degree of trust? Check. Use conversational momentum to sway her to your side? In process.

      Maria **** a smile behind her mask and resumed in the same monologuing tone through the voice synthesizer. "I like that answer. Nothing grandiose or presumptuous like attempting to 'save the world' or 'to make the world a better place'. A simple wish to protect someone dear to oneself." She took a brief pause to switch her synthesizer to a soft, gentle voice. "Isn't that a viewpoint common to all people? Surely it's the embodiment of all basic human desire and wishes. I respect your wishes, and I can help you accomplish your wish. A simple desire like that is simpler to accomplish than say something like 'solving the world's hunger issues'. We can establish a contract dictating that we will not cause bodily harm to one another, nor will our servants. We will also act to aid the others in reaching our goals.
What do you think of my proposal?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 23, 2015, 02:34:19 pm

"Why do you fight in this war?"

Riza Miles

The question rung through her head like a ricocheting bullet. Even though she knew her answer straight away, the way the question was asked haunted her. The straw that broke the camel's back, as it were, but a hefty straw indeed.

"I... I never had much of a choice. I never wanted to be a master, I got these seals anyway. Then Kirin took me under his wing, and it's been a blur from there. I fight now, because... I don't think I can ever come back from this." She took out her own map piece. "I'll be honest with you. I never wanted to fight. I'll take any chance I can get to get out of this war." She paused. "But, not before I can make sure Kirin's safe."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 23, 2015, 01:05:46 pm

Maria

      Pffff, she actually bit into the paper. I think I've made the right choice in deciding to talk to the, shall I say, more absentminded of the two. This'll be fun.

      "Indeed it is. Care to have a bit of a chat now? You could always try to run away before I give you the terms of my talk but that'd be rude, wouldn't it? Anyways, I've always thought of this war as being something very frivolous. It all seems like a bunch of fruitless efforts in my eyes. I don't know really understand what all of the fuss is about. Why is an activity like the Sanctum War essential to the wellbeing of the magical community as a whole? It reemerges every couple of decades, but nothing happens besides a series of idle skirmishes leading to the death of many. It does serve as an employment opportunity within the magic community as mercenaries for hire, assassins, couriers and analytic team all become highly sought after but surely there's quite a few niches that serve as employment opportunities. Ha, it's this pervasive idea of discontent that brought me into this mess in the first place. Archaic traditions ought to be changed."

     "Sorry, got a bit derailed on a tangent. Although I think the war is pointless, it's not like I'm particularly against it happening. I'd much rather not sacrifice myself for the greater good of a group that wants to eliminate a potentially tyrannical reign. In the end, it comes down to who actually gets to hold ultimate power. Thus, I ask of you.

Why do you fight in this war?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 23, 2015, 12:40:33 pm

Nick

Why would Ruler summon a non-master, if he's not even giving him a map? Still, that's not right... Ruler said that my map tracks Players, and it tracked this guy, so he must be a participant in some respect.

"You're working with the spades, right? Why don't we start there? You can walk with us while you tell me all about the Spades and their servants."

Hypatia

Damn him! No time to consult the Library; I have to go by memory.

She jumped in front of Will and held out her hands, palms down. "Ota Strodi! Ibil! Entwicklungsmechanik!" A glossy black obelisk, covered in glyphs and symbols, erupted out of the ground in front of her, angled towards the Club servant. The particles of iron sand immediately converged on the obelisk, and were slowly absorbed on contact. Hypatia dropped to a kneeling position, straining to maintain her focus, ad the black spire slowly approached the Caster of Clubs.

"Will! It's too dangerous for you here!" Hypatia's voice shook with effort. Will hesitated momentarily, before the rational part of his brain jumped in and added its own two cents: "RUN LIKE HELL!" He backpedaled out of the corridor and rounded the first bend he came across.

Hypatia slowly looked up. By this point, the spire had reached a length of almost ten meters. The enemy Caster had backed up considerably to prevent it from touching him. "You're clever, Caster; I'll credit you that. But nobody can best me in a magic duel."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 22, 2015, 11:55:59 pm

Avery ((Sorry this is kind of late))

"Uhhh... well I um... I wanted to be a master, but I wasn't really one. Still, I wanted to uh... join the war. Guess Ruler thought I was too young." Avery grinned like it was some kind of joke.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 22, 2015, 09:34:44 pm

Riza Miles

"Yes, please!" Riza's eyes went wide. Archer huffed in disbelief.

Halfway through her first apple, Riza spat something out. Blech, she wasn't kidding about the paper bit. She laid it flat. Archer leaned over. "Is that..."

"Yeah, it looks like it. Hey, apple lady, is this your map piece?" Riza held it up.

"This has got to be some sort of trap..." Archer grumbled.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 22, 2015, 09:27:03 pm

Maria

    "What, do you really need me to take a bite out of the apple I'm offering you? I mean, i could, but that's vaguely unhygienic. I'll cut a piece out and hand you an apple. Two if you want another one. And I guess three if you're into apples."

    Commanding the mana from the air around her, she consolidated it into a small pocket knife esque edge and carved out a rabbit from two of the apples and chewed. She made sure to emphasize the motion that she was indeed eating as it would be vaguely hard to tell otherwise under a mask that covered half of her face.

    "There, want 'em?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 22, 2015, 09:15:04 pm

Riza Miles

She looked over to Archer with a pleading demeanor. He flinched. "W-you're actually considering her offer?!"

"I'm huuuuuuungry..."

"Well, there are plenty of better things to eat than apples from the enemy."

Riza grumbled. "Apple lady, are these apples poisoned?"

"You honestly expect her to answer that question honestly?!"

"She might."

Archer held his palm to his face.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 22, 2015, 07:44:43 pm

Jack Blair

Don't be rash. We've met them before, I'm sure they know something. I'm not sure how much. Jack sent.

Noted.

They're attacking us. Should we run at them?

I'm nervous about that circle.

I'm going for it.

Celtcar ran forward, putting her spear behind her back and jumped over the circle, ready to slam into Archer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 22, 2015, 07:11:25 pm

Maria

     "I'll spare you the monologue this time and cut straight to the chase. Want an apple? The core's no longer a USB stick this time, I've kindly replaced it with a piece of paper. You might find it more enjoyable than a lump of plastic and metal that is tougher on the teeth."

     Once again, she spun an apple while balancing it on her index finger. She added in a slow juggle to give them time to ponder the offer.

((It's a note, I'll disclose the contents once you ask.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 22, 2015, 06:47:19 pm

Henri

Arash immediately pushed Henri to the side and launched an arrow at the wall behind Lancer and Jack.  The stone of the maze turned into sandstone, patterned with ornate carvings.

Henri stood up slowly, and noticed that Arash had formed a second circle around their feet, about halfway down the hall away from Jack and Lancer.

I've done my research.  That's the Luin of Celtchar – she who carries the tool of her own destruction.  All we have to do is get one drop of poison in her, and she's finished.  But we can't let her know we know that.

Understood.  We bait her.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 22, 2015, 06:42:16 pm

Jack Blair

Jack and Celtchar ran forward and around a corner.

"Well well well." Celtchar said, seeing Henri, "How are we today?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 22, 2015, 06:15:12 pm

Caster of Clubs

...Damn, that's clever. That's a wide-ranging cloud of electricity, and it's coming right at me... Sounds rather painful.

"Aurem vixem, ictar aternus!" A large, hollowed sphere of transparent forcefield surrounded the cloud of iron dust and electricity, then shrunk its size into that of a softball. Its innards condensed and surged violently. The sphere stopped in midair and shot back at Hypatia. Caster snapped his fingers.

"Release!" The sphere exploded.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 22, 2015, 05:17:20 pm

Riza Miles

She shivered as she aimlessly traversed the corridors with Archer right behind her.

"What do you think we should do now?" She asked.

"Hell if I know." Archer stared at the wall to his left. "I'm your servant, I can't make these decisions for you. Right now, though, I'd suggest finding Kirin."

"Well, that's what I've been trying to do... but this maze is huge. There's no way we'll be able to-" She looked to her right. Across the corridor she saw Kirin. He paused for a moment and sprinted towards her, but before he could reach her the maze shifted between them. He was nowhere in sight. She fell to her knees, defeated. When she eventually looked up again she saw someone else, a girl with...

...Pink hair? Uh oh...

Archer pulled out his rifle. "Aye, it's you folks again." He sat down patiently. "So, I'm bored out of my mind. Let's hear another one of those monologues!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 22, 2015, 08:48:57 am

Hypatia

"Ferigwe Tipia!" The book fell open in Hypatia's hand, and from it, a shower of iron sand particles flew towards the Club Caster. The lightning spell he had fired dissipated entirely, the electricity arcing around the iron particles, generating a powerful electrical field between them. The iron sand had spread enough to fill the corridor from wall-to-wall by the time they approached Bacon.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 22, 2015, 01:31:28 am

Caster of Clubs

He chuckled, clapping his hands together. His hair stood on end, and his eyes glowed a bright yellow.

He mentally chanted a charging spell three times, then slowly distanced his palms.

"Astrapí Theós Smite!" he yelled, pushing his palms outward and releasing an onslaught of powerful lightning. The strike shattered the forcefield and continued forward, targeting Will and his servant.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 20, 2015, 04:13:27 pm

Nick

Saber immediately snatched the paper away, and studied it. "Don't think this is a concealment spell. The paper's definitely blank."

Nick frowned. "Wait, that doesn't make any sense... What are you even doing here, if you're not a master?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 19, 2015, 11:36:24 pm

Avery who finally gets a post with a tiny bit of thought ((Ahhh M2... I did not want to make him get a post with thought for a while... Oh well...))

"Uhh... I don't have a servant. M' not a master."

I could 'fake' a useless map piece, I guess...

"... And about a map piece..." He pulled out a crumpled piece of blank paper, "I bet Ruler was just messing with me when he gave me this... useless blank piece. I think it's just a just a normal paper."

Well, at least I now have a reason for it being useless.

"And... Uhhh... How did you know that I was coming?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 19, 2015, 08:22:46 pm

Maria

     Ch. ((Similar to a tongue click.)) They split up but I'm no longer in a good position to keep up with him. It'd be terrible if he managed to get back to Dan and JK since then the deal would once more be extremely irritating to initiate. This labyrinth certainly helping matters, fortunately, the sub unit is keeping up sufficiently that it hasn't been zoned out yet. I'll see if I can get to him some way or another. He appears to be running aimlessly so I should be able to get to him. Maybe. I can't get a strong link with the sub unit due to the nature of this maze. This is frustrating.

     After parting ways with the other two on the scene, she trudged on in an arbitrary path. She couldn't get a firm grasp on whether or not she was moving in his general direction.

---

    After some extended amount of time, she could still not get a clear grasp of where the surveillance unit and her prey were. Luckily for her, she found the next best alternative: a certain teenage girl and an edgy man in black.

    "Yahallo!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 19, 2015, 05:06:23 pm

Caster of Clubs

"...Lazarus." Caster muttered.

"Ugh... What?" Cody was still grasping his arm.

"It's time for you to go." His face was grim.

"What? I-"

"Shockwave!" Caster cast a spell and pushed Cody back 20 feet. Before he could get back up, the maze shifted, separating them. Caster turned to his foes. "Let's get started." His palms surged with electricity.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 19, 2015, 01:32:55 pm

Nick

As soon as Avery turned the corner and glimpsed Nick, Saber landed in front of him and brandished a long blade. Nick looked up and displayed his map.

"It's about time... I've been waiting for you to get here for a little while."

"Now, why don't you hand us your map piece?" interjected Nicole.

"I don't sense a servant. If he has one, it's either an assassin, or else very good at hiding." Saber jumped in.

"Well, don't leave us hanging!" commanded Nick. "Do you have a servant or don't you?"

Hypatia

As Caster fired his weapon, an 8-foot transparent wall appeared in front of Hypatia and Will. The platform they were standing on lowered them to the ground, before vanishing.

"You're one to talk about cheap shots after what you did in Bristol!" Will shouted. The sound carried through the transparent wall unmuffled. "You clubs are all disgraces to magic!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 19, 2015, 12:20:11 am

Anne

Well he ran fast.

Let's follow him in case.

Stupid maze might make this more difficult for us, though. Unless it wants us to keep up.

I don't think so, it's starting to close off that path he chose.

The two of them ran through the slowly changing path. Right after they had made it, the path behind them changed, and Kirin was nowhere in sight.

"Damn, all we succeeded in doing was getting separated from that other Club. I'm guessing that this maze is going to try and make us split up from our allies constantly..."

"Well. It looks like we can only go forward from here."

They walked forward and took a left turn at each intersection, hoping to find another mage. ((The reason that they are not going in circles is because the maze likes changing around...))

Avery who is now being portrayed as an idiot. In this post and the last one, he kind of is one because I don't feel like writing decent posts for him.

After catching his breath, he ran some more, and some more, and some more until he ran... into two people who were laughing together.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 18, 2015, 11:58:20 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"B-buddies? Right, I..." He looked at his feet. "I'm going to be frank with you, club mage. I'm without a servant, I'm alone, I don't have a map piece and there is somewhere I need to be right now." He impatiently turned around, sweating nervously. "Let's make the introductions brief. I am Kirin Oshiro. I am not a master, and right now I'm not even sure who I fight for. For now, we're n-not enemies. Now leave me be!" he made a dash down the corridor.

God damn me if Riza's hurt! I'm the reason she was dragged into this god-forsaken war, if she dies here...

I...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 18, 2015, 09:58:30 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Gah!" he fell back. His right hand was badly burnt. "Damn it! What now?"

"Patience, Lazarus..." Caster held his hand to the smoke left from the explosion. "I may not be able to conjure up explosions and laser beams, but I am a Caster nonetheless!"

He slammed his hand to the ground. "Alchimeía Anoikodómisi! Atsáli! Skóni! Flóga!" The scattered components reformed, as well as the smoke and even the fire from the explosion. They combined into a blackened object which Caster picked up; it was the pistol. Aegis aureum, arma aeternus. Mageía Aspída Táxi Álpha.

"Ha!" Caster wholeheartedly chuckled. "Are you trying to be ironic here, scolding is for playing dirty and then taking a cheap shot? Of course, we did give you the first attack. It's only fair. Stand back, Cody. I think it's time to put Sanctum itself to the test." Caster raised the gun straight at Hypatia's book. "Show me just how powerful your 'magic' really is!" He pulled the trigger.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 18, 2015, 09:31:43 pm

Jack

A wall slammed in front of them, "Dammit!" Jack shouted. They turned around and jogged towards another corridor.

"I hear something." Celtchar said, "Is that? Yes, the rat from the subway tunnel."

Jack smiled, "Let's go." They ran down the hall towards the noise.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 18, 2015, 09:30:43 pm

Hypatia

They have a friend. My precognition sense tells me another magus is trying to get here, and I don't recognize his aura as any spade.

Will shivered. A 2-on-1 would not be good. They needed to finish this quickly.

Hypatia opened her hand, and a book dropped into it out of thin air.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 18, 2015, 09:27:10 pm

Henri

As Arash and Henri were walking through the maze cautiously, they noticed a white flash ahead of them, illuminating the faces of Cody and his Caster.  Henri began to run toward them, but it seemed the maze had other ideas – the corridor that he was running through began to rotate until it was perpendicular to its original location, blocking off the exit he wanted to go down.

Henri began to run through the maze toward what he thought was the right place, Arash following him.  I'm not sure Caster's Reality Marble will work in this maze... and Caster's magic isn't that powerful compared to other Servants.  We need to help them out.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 18, 2015, 09:21:39 pm

Will

Caster, eh? That seems like a fight that would go in our favor. Hypatia's unbeatable in a straight magic duel. Still, can't underestimate them... They've lasted this long.

"You'd bring a gun to the Sanctum War. That's pretty dirty."

Will nodded to Hypatia. She spoke a single word, and the gun in Cody's hand exploded in a white flash. Cody clutched his hand in pain.

"You're sure you don't want to surrender? We can leave you in peace if you cooperate."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 18, 2015, 09:07:45 pm

Cody Lazarus

He turned around after hearing a noise behind him, but no one was there. He looked up and flinched; a spade and his servant stood on a hovering platform. Caster and Cody both shivered.

"That's a lot of mana, isn't it..." Cody muttered.

"You're right. It's about time the Caster of Spades would show up." Caster raised his voice. "Hello!" He greeted them warmly. "It's nice to see another living soul here. I, ah, see you're the Spade caster. I can tell, of course, because I myself am your Club counterpart."

Cody raised his pistol. "I think we should cut to the chase. We both have map pieces; I want yours, you want mine. Make the first move when you're ready."

"No shame in formalities." Caster murmured to his master. "They don't seem like bad people."

"Well, still... they're spades." He whispered back. "Enemies."

"They're people. People are just people, if you ask me..."

"I'll try to avoid lethal force if you insist."

"Not at your own risk, Lazarus."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 18, 2015, 08:54:56 pm

Nick

Audrey's eyelids shot open, and she sat up quickly. She seemed to be shivering minutely, although it wasn't obvious. Nick, who had been sitting cross-legged and studying the map, turned warily.

"I take it our spell worked?"

Audrey smirked. The expression looked untailored for her face, like it was a tad lopsided in an unnatural sort of way. "Yeah, seems so." Audrey's voice was high and feminine, but there was a new cadence to it, still a little unnatural. As she stood up and widened her smirk, the difference became a bit more obvious. There was definitely something off about her.

Nick nodded and gestured to the map. "That... Is very good news. I didn't think you would come to this fast."

"She had virtually no mana at all. I know we'd expected a bit more resistance, but I guess we just got lucky with our choice of a master."

"We got the Berserker, though, right?"

Audrey nodded. "Pretty sweet deal. It's definitely Berserker. I can feel the contract, it's just like the one we had with him." They were both quiet for a moment at that. Then, both burst out laughing.

Finally, after the two quieted down, Nick held up the map. "This is interesting. Two of these people are virtually close enough to be touching, and then you have two more that aren't too far away. This one might actually be in earshot of the first two."

"You think they're teammates? They don't look to be moving much, so I doubt they're fighting..."

"Maybe. Maybe it's Cody, trying to preach to that spade girl again." The two broke into another fit of laughter.

"Seriously, though, we should get moving. What should I call you? We're going to need a better name than 'Nick 2.'"

"How about 'Nicole?' Isn't that a name?"

"Works for me."

Will

Hypatia and Will sped through the maze above a conjured platform that Hypatia had summoned. They intended to get a feel for the layout of the maze, and the places where it changed. It also gave them a better chance of running into a teammate, which was a plus. Hypatia was confident that she was versatile enough to at least be able to evade any enemies they came across.

The hovering platform came to a sudden halt in midair. There was a fork ahead of them, perpendicular to the path they were on.

"You see those right and left lanes?"

"Yeah."

"A servant just rant from right to left. He passed by here less than 2 minutes ago."

"Right. Can we confront them?"

"I think so. Whoever this servant is, it had a lot of mana. If they're a magic user, I can counter them. I'd feel less confident if it was a swordsman, but I've never heard of a swordsman this mana-heavy."

"Let's go, then."

The platform increased in speed, bursting down the path, Thirty seconds later, Hypatia stopped. A blonde boy and an older man stood opposite them.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 18, 2015, 08:20:01 pm

Jack Blair

Jack and Celtchar walked cautiously. They heard some commotion up ahead.

"That's coming from behind a wall." He said, "We can't break it down and I don't think they can hear us."

"Let's go then." Celtchar and Jack ran up down the corridor and took the first left then turns left again. They ran forward, "We may run into them we may not, get ready for battle regardless."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on November 17, 2015, 09:05:12 pm

Maria ((Widm, the one who posts a modest sized post that should honestly be distilled down with a TL;DR since it's pretty much idle narration anyways as active interruption isn't what she excels at.))

     Having restocked her supplies of devious devices (namely apples), taunting tools (a sheaf of paper along side underwriting utensils), and a plain brown basket. Having spent the past fifteen minutes coming up with terrible alliteration for what she would call this list of items, Maria decided that she would definitely put this to fruition, or rather, fruit-ion if she were to go full force with the bad puns as well. Silently chuckling to herself, she packed a few random items and went on her merry way, idling through the streets and finally returning to her room to idle around some more. Soon, she was cast into a rift.

---

     Having entered the labyrinth, the scales had fallen from her eyes. Why not enact the second most amusing thing from the Hansel and Gretel? After all, she did have a lot of apples. She slowly carved chunks out of each of the red orbs and slowly plopped them down onto the ground. Clearly an easily perishable trail would be the most useful. It would either reveal: A) a famished magus, B) a famished servant, C) an apple loving basket case (she was certainly on a roll with these bad puns in her head), D) an animal of some sort following her, E) the labyrinth has distorting corridors, or the most boring answer F) it's a simple maze that doesn't have a function to automatically vacuum up the remnants of a potential all out food fight.

     After advancing in a single direction for an extended period of time, Maria turned back whilst floating on her cube to observe that the trail of apples disappeared roughly 75 meters away from her current end point. Vaguely satisfied with her theory that the maze has a built in magic vacuum cleaner that swapped around the halls, she checked her map fragment to see if this was indeed the case. Apparently, she was at the very least on the right track and instantly became disinterested in continuing her apple trail. it would be a shame to waste more fruit in this fashion even though the whole point was to eat them in a fashion that she would appear hateable. Wasteful mannerisms with food would probably be looked down upon but it didn't have nearly the crisp impact of  crunching an apple.

    While lost in her thoughts, she decided that her trap would probably be consumed by the vast expanses of the maze although it would probably be in her best interests to plop it down anyways. She sets up the basket with a stick, an apple, a note, and some rope creating one of the most iconic traps: the basket fall.

(http://www.crookedtreefarm.com/history/trap/Graphics/basketfall.jpg)

---

    Venturing forth with a subsidiary cube scouting out the area immediately in front of her and Lancer, she spots three entities of human stature with the cube and waits nearby, preemptively prepping an apple and a new voice synth setting. In particular, one of the figures that caught her eye happened to be someone she shared an amusing discourse with the day before.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 17, 2015, 12:02:52 am

Anne

"Yes, I believe we have." She replied, "but I don't believe you introduced yourself. Neither did I."

I wonder what happens if you manage to get a map piece from someone on a different team... do they combine or what?

If you want to say anything, feel free to, but don't attack... yet. At least until we figure out where the others that this person was with are.

I can't feel anyone nearby, but I believe that is one of the tricks of this maze.

"Where are your buddies? And your map piece, I don't see it?" Anne continued, while covertly slipping her piece into a back pocket.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 16, 2015, 11:53:41 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Alright, I... No, I've gone in a circle! He grunted and turned around. W-wait a minute! The entire maze has changed behind me! He ran down a new path that was created. Alright, remain calm, Kirin... You can't trust the spades anymore, the clubs will still consider you an enemy, and you don't even have a map piece, but you should remain ca- His thoughts were immediately interrupted as he tripped over a centimeter gap and landed flat on his face.

When he rose, he was met face-to-face with a mage he recognized from the clock tower- a club. He nervously forced a smile. "I... I believe we've met before?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 16, 2015, 11:47:33 pm

Anne

Literally five seconds after I say, "Ruler might decide to teleport us now," he teleports us. Typical idiots. Where's Penny?

After taking a look around, Anne realized that Penny had not been teleported with them. Damn.. She looked at the piece of a map in her hands. It had a ton of fine, thin lines that shifted every now and then. There was also what seemed to be a half of a giant gate, but the path leading to it was cut off.

"Based on what's around us, we have to be here. Or here. Or here. Or here. Which one should I go for?"

"How about we try for this one?" Saber said pointing at the left most intersection of four paths.

"And then if something moves near us, we can figure out our location on this... tiny piece. It seems pretty big... how big is the entire thing?"

"Well probably at least three times larger"

The two of them followed the left most path, only to find a dead end, or rather what looked like a dead end, but upon closer inspection had a door in the wall that was covered with spiderwebs, like the entire wall. Anne did not notice it, but Saber did. Swish. A blade was brought down and snapped the webs in half, but the spiders (who happened to be on the webs) scurried away, unharmed except one that was red, it plopped on the ground in a pool of spider mush.

Anne managed to hold back a scream. I bet that this was intended to be here... I hate spiders. When they walked through the door, it closed behind them and became a solid wall that shimmered for a moment before settling down.

A mage with black hair ran by the alcove in which the two had come out into. He didn't pay attention to the alcove. A smirk came over Anne's face and she muttered something quickly. The ground about a meter ahead of Kirin lifted up about a centimeter. When he ran into it (not paying attention to the ground), he fell flat on his face.

Avery

He had been peacefully sleeping before, but now he found himself sleeping on the cold hard ground of a... mazish thing? What is going on? He was tempted to go back to sleep, but the cold floor had woken him up too much. There was a dead end behind him, and nothing to either side, so he walked forward, still kind of sleepy. What really woke Avery up was that he hit into a wall and the floor below him gave away beneath his feet.

He grasped onto the side of the what-used-to-be-floor. When he looked down, he saw a poisonous looking blueish goop that seemed to move on its own. That could have been death... And Avery woke up properly. He got up and walked in the opposite direction. When he turned back, the goop was streaming out of the hole.

Using a medium mana and length telekinesis spell, he managed to shove the goo back into the hole and pull up the trapdoor. Then he ran as far away as possible before slowing to a walk to catch his breath.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 16, 2015, 10:23:52 pm

Henri

Henri and Arash closed their eyes as they were teleported to Ruler's maze.  Henri was expecting it to be a familiar feeling, considering how often Arash had teleported him, but this teleportation was tinged with a different sense – cold, hard metal and a feeling of finality.

As they appeared in the maze, Arash frowned.  "I've lost connection to all the circles I've made.  It means I have full mana here for any territory I claim, but we can't teleport out."

Henri frowned.  "That would have been too easy anyway.  Let's move quickly."  Arash began to fire arrows at each intersection, until they were leapfrogging from turn to turn.  As Henri glanced at his map piece, he noticed some rooms slowly shifting.  If we leave these circles alone for too long, they might be destroyed.

After a few minutes of leapfrogging without finding anything interesting, Arash quickly pushed Henri out of the way as an arrow he had shot ahead of them suddenly appeared back the way they had came.  As it did, Henri saw a rune on the map he held glow.

"Could my map piece indicate the spot we're in?  Doesn't seem to be very helpful, considering it doesn't show the exit or anything.  But still, good to know."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 16, 2015, 09:58:11 pm

Cody Lazarus

Alright. I'm ready.

He opened his eyes, standing up straight, taking in the surroundings. He stood inside the maze with his pistol in right hand. With his left he raised his communicator.

"Madeline, I'm in."

...

"Madeline?"

Caster materialized to his side. "We're in a reality marble. She's in the cloud network; we're cut off."

"...Dang." He slipped the communicator back into his pocket. "Five seconds in and we're already a few resources down."

"This maze is entirely randomized... The Brazen Head could be of use here."

Cody smirked. "Can't you use the Brazen Dome and solve this in two seconds?"

"I'm afraid I can't, not here..." Caster sighed. "Ruler knew I'd try to use it here. This reality marble is a noble phantasm of its own, but it's one of many that belong to Ruler itself. It ranks as EX; that caliber of reality marble prevents others of lower rank from existing within it. Brazen Dome is useless here."

He groaned. "Ugh, I hate playing fair..." He looked at his map piece. It wasn't very helpful. "Alright, let's do this the old fashioned way. This way!" He took a left. Caster followed closely behind.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 16, 2015, 06:14:11 pm

Jack Blair

"Well we're here. That was sudden enough." Jack said.

Celtchar slammed a wall with her spear, "As I thought, indestructible. We'll need to find some teammates. Let's move."

"Agreed. We've got a map piece?"

"Let me check...."

They began to move forward.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 16, 2015, 04:16:48 pm

Nick

Nick landed lightly on his feet, the Saber of Hearts beside him. He looked down at his map, and immediately laughed. He could see them all, represented as simple black dots on the paper. One of the farthest from his current position, he noticed, was already moving forward quite quickly. Still, he turned his attention to his own symbol: a red heart. The nearest dot to him was also moving forward, albeit much more slowly; a tired walk rather than a run. He strode forward, quickly and confidently, servant at his side. The bend here was going the wrong way, taking him away from the master instead of toward them. Annoyed, he immediately took the next left turn, straight into a dead end. Annoying. His prey, he noticed was getting away.


Nick scowled and ran the fingers of his right hand along the symbols of his left. This maze is so uncooperative...

Deciding to double back, Nick turned to walk out of the dead end... and noticed that the path had changed. He could've sworn this turn hadn't existed before. Glancing down at the map once more, Nick saw the dot he'd been tracking had come to a stop. Resting, perhaps?

He looked up and saw it. A right turn. If his understanding of the map's geometry was right, this was it.

Saber turned toward him, confirming it. "There's a servant back there. Sensing is almost impossible in this place, but we're close enough that I can still tell."

Nick nodded. "Right, then. Prepare for a fight."

Nick activated his new spell. If the space around him had been distorted before, it was certainly more so now. He moved, and he immediately felt the blurring effect take place. He wasn't exactly a chameleon, nor was he exactly a fog, but it was somehow hard to tell where he ended and the wall began, or if he was even there at all. His presence was spread out.

The Nick-sphere moved forward, and Saber moved inside it, at a run this time, turning the corner. He saw her. A girl in her late teens, breathing heavily, leaning against the wall. No visible servant. It didn't matter. Nick moved straight towards her, and she screamed. From her perspective, it was like seeing octuple.

Immediately, a servant flashed into being, also female, and charged Saber. A fierce duel opened, but the servant, although incredibly strong, moved sluggishly. A sign of a low mana supply.

Audrey tried to jump away, but Nick was faster. The strange blur effect around him vanished as his hand grabbed her ankle, coming from a position two feet to the left of the one she thought Nick occupied. She tried to kick him off, but he'd already forced her down onto the ground. She almost screamed again when she saw the strange smile on his face.

Nick forced Audrey's hands open and clasped them with his own. Immediately, she felt a blinding pain in both her palms. With her next kick, driven by pain and shock, she successfully pushed him off, but it was too late. Her consciousness was leaving her. The woman servant vanished into air, mana choked out, as Audrey lost consciousness with a strange black brand on each hand.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 16, 2015, 02:00:19 pm

Kirin Oshiro

The world shifted around him. In the process he could faintly hear Ruler giggling.

You're invited too, Kirin...

He opened his eyes and found himself in the middle of a massive labyrinth, the very same one described earlier. He was alone.

...Damn it! He wanted to kick himself. Riza?

...Riza?! Where are you?!

No response. Mental communication was disabled.

She'll die in a place like this without me... He gathered his surroundings and ran forward, in a desperate attempt to find her.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 15, 2015, 09:08:43 pm

Ruler

Every character was teleported to a random point in the maze, at a certain minimum distance from both the catalyst and the exit.

((I'm really busy this week, so I won't be able to post a whole lot.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 08, 2015, 10:48:44 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Sorry, Will, I..." He got up and began to leave. "I'm feeling unwell. I'm going to my room."


---


Kirin, I...

Riza-

I don't want to fight anymore. Riza physically entered his room, shut the door and sat down on the floor.

"...It's that Cody boy, isn't it."

"I just can't fight him. And I can't help anyone who will."

"I've given him a warning to retire from the war."

"He won't listen. Trust me, I know him." She tilted her head. "...Something else's bothering you, huh?"

"Your skills in intuition are alarming." He looked at the catalyst once more. "It seems like whenever I ask about the previous war, I end up with more questions than I begin with. I want to find out what really happened back there."

"I think you should confront your dad. Err, directly."

"I can't risk angering him."

"C'mon, you've gotta try. Otherwise you won't find your answer."

"...Very well, then. If that's the case, then the truth is coming out."


---


Kirin abruptly entered his father's study, noticeably without knocking.

"Kirin?" His father firmly rose.

Kirin placed the ring on his desk and tried his best to stand his ground. The presence of his father still made him quiver. "A catalyst is left behind when a master is dead. Is it true that you were in the previous divided war?"

"Of course. That's common knowledge." Isa Oshiro raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you still here? Is this yours?" Kirin's eyes became narrow.

"Of course not... I'm still alive."

"Explain it to me, then."

"Kirin, my son..." Isa rose and paced the perimeter of the room at a slow, menacing pace. "Firstly, you're not nearly as clever as you think."

"H-how so?" He felt as if he were about to be executed.

"You're not a master. You never were. I've known since day one."

"What? I-I mean, what brings you to that conclusion?"

"Can you show me your command seals?"

Kirin looked down and frowned. "...No, sir."

"Good." Isa chuckled. "I was never a master either." He held out the ring with his index and middle fingers. "This ring belonged to a puppet master; your mother, Amelia Conzette."

"M-Mother? But she was your mage assistant!"

"Officially, yes. But under her two white gloves she hid her command seals, signifying her as the master of the Caster of Spades. Any of this sound... familiar?"

"I'm... I'm not..."

"What was that servant girl's name, again? Riza Miles?"

"That's the one, but-"

"But nothing. She is Archer's master, if the plan's gone correctly."

Defeated, he confirmed his father's claims. "She is indeed."

"Did you think we'd accept a lowly student with no background in any of the major families work here at all, let alone in an internship? Her one redeeming trait is her slightly above average mana pool. She's a nobody, a background character- a perfect candidate. Since the very first Divided War, our family has utilized an effective strategy: puppet mastery. Split mana costs with an assistant to maximize performance and set decoy strategies. Most importantly, however..." Isa smiled maliciously. "It guarantees control of the flow of each war."

"How so?"

"You're my son, you'll understand. As lord of the house of Oshiro I have a large influence on the mage's association. Due to some... unfortunate circumstances, your mother was among the 7 masters that prematurely died only approximately a decade after their victory. I am still alive, and I can influence catalyst distribution. This war has been planned since the last war was just beginning: Though she wasn't main-line, Amelia was a powerful Conzette mage, so in birthing you we created a perfect master- or rather, a puppeteer master. You were given this war on a silver platter: the legendary servant Der Freischütz by means of his seventh magic bullet as a catalyst, a distinct genetic advantage as a hybrid of Conzette and Oshiro blood, and not having to worry about providing any mana to your servant at all- that would be taken care of by a faceless assistant."

"You... you..."

"I... we, the Oshiro family... control the Sanctum Wars. We haven't lost a single one since the 1800s."

"This was never a competition, it's been a harvest for you!"

"Precisely! And Ruler hasn't done a damned thing about it. Doesn't that sound like a good sign to you? We're the chosen ones, Kirin."

"You chose yourself."

"The choice goes to whoever has the nerve to take the initiative!" Isa pushed the ring into Kirn's hand. "Finish the job, son. So long as the cycle continues... we will control everything."

"What will become of us if the Association intervenes?"

"How can they?" He laughed. "They'd be fools to challenge a mage in possession of the sanctum key!" His tone quieted down. "Go on, Kirin. The seventh catalyst will surface. Take your wand and your assistant. Go forward... and kill them all."

Shaking, Kirin staggered out of the room.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 08, 2015, 09:41:57 pm

Cody Lazarus

He still ached from the previous day. Uuugh... So, uh, Madeline...

I don't want to talk right now.

What? Why?

I need time to process some things...

You're a supercomputer, Madeline. You can process instantaneously.

Well, I've chosen not to this time. Is that an issue?

Ugh, fine, whatever. I'll ask later.

Ask what?

Nothing, just wondering how you'd prefer your replacement body designed.

...Give me a moment to prepare a proper work space.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 08, 2015, 10:53:50 am

Nick

Nick reclined in 'his' loveseat, which occupied the center of the living room of a house he'd never bought and didn't know the owners of. He'd kind of just walked in. If they came back, he'd make sure to compliment them on their choice of leather before killing them. He didn't resort to the "classy villain who makes quips in latin" image often, but it was fun once in a while.

Anyway, he'd spent almost ten straight minutes giggling maniacally, and he was struggling to contain further laughter even now. He was getting his own map. And he couldn't have asked for a better one. It would lead him to each master, and he'd be able to take them down one by one... nobody would be able to team up against him like they'd done at Big Ben, and he was fully confident he could take them all individually. Besides, after he was done with first one... the rest would be twice as easy.

He looked down at his hands. The rune painted on both his palms was dried now. He'd used a compass to get the shapes exactly right. A triangle inside a circle inside a diamond inside a circle, all covered with intricate markings and figures. The most powerful spell created by Nick, or anyone ever. The rune wasn't necessary to it, but it would noticeably increase the efficiency. Nick decided he couldn't afford any lost magic here, and Ruler had been so gracious as to give him a bit of preparation time. Nick had one last task he wanted to complete before the teleportation. He pored over the one spellbook he'd ever owned, a parting gift from the second mage he'd killed. He'd decided most of the spells in here weren't of much use to him long ago, but there was currently a very specific one on his mind. Paranoia told him to memorize it now and leave the book; if he brought it with him, an enemy might be able to get their hands on it in the maze, and that could cause all sots of problems. Currently, he was busy flipping through pages for the lowest-cost invisibility spell he could find.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 08, 2015, 09:47:55 am

((Nitrox, you mean this is practically the labyrinth...?))
Robin

"Being a non-master, I doubt I will receive much, although I would help in combat meeting up would be a good idea for me. We should find a secure place to keep the catalysts, taking them to the maze would most likely very consequential."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on November 08, 2015, 01:38:55 am

Anne

"Well we should try to group up first... or just all try to find the catalyst and HOPE to meet up... What do you guys think? Let's get all planning done here before we get to the maze, if that's possible. For all we know, Ruler might decide to teleport us now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 07, 2015, 06:55:13 pm

Henri

Henri gathered as many of the Clubs as he could and began to speak.  "All right, guys!  I shouldn't have to mention this, but make sure to wear comfortable clothes you could battle in for the next day or so, and keep all your weapons on or near your person in case we're teleported without warning!  I wouldn't put it above Ruler to teleport us while we're showering or something."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 07, 2015, 06:21:39 pm

((More supplemental, unmentioned rules of the maze for future reference:
-The walls, floor, and ceiling of the maze cannot be damaged, destroyed, or passed through by any kind of magic or physical force.
-Magical lights light most areas of the maze at regular intervals.  These lights can be destroyed or altered.
-Communication charms and mental links are disabled unless the the communicators are in the same line of sight.
-It is impossible to contact or communicate with the outside world.  The maze is essentially a pocket dimension.
-The maze changes in structure magically, so techniques like "hug the left wall" will prove ineffective.  It is essentially impossible to find the catalyst or exit without uniting a fair number of map pieces.
-Any spells with a scanning component are disabled to unaided line-of-sight.  This includes the directional component of Command Seals.
-Teleportation IS allowed, but note that it can't include scanning, so you can only really teleport to places you've already been, and the changing structure of the maze means that places you've already been may not exist anymore.  You can't teleport outside of the maze.
-"Ariadne's thread" spells that track where you've been ARE functional, but note the changing structure of the maze.
-Possessing map pieces of both your present location and another location provides you with enough information to teleport there.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on November 07, 2015, 01:34:01 pm

Jack Blair

Jack sat on a lounge couch holding a opaque black bottle. "A maze huh?" He smirked, "I can handle that."

"We can take anyone one on one." Celtchar mused, "Although working together is a nice touch."

"Hm." Jack said, taking a swig of his drink, "I sort of want to know what went on with Kirin." he leaned around the corner, "He's in the sanctuary it seems."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 06, 2015, 06:39:22 pm

((Since people are doing backstory, I'd like to establish this fact:

Whoever controlled the Saber of Spades intended to use the power of the Sanctum Key to hide away his or her catalyst in an effort to prevent the war from continuing.  This was probably not public knowledge.  Feel free to make this a relative of one of your characters or something.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on November 06, 2015, 02:09:27 pm

William

"The previous Sanctum war ended much sooner than expected because of a decisive strategy by Spade leader Oshiro. Notably, all seven Club maters were killed; usually, there is at least one forfeit. The strongest servant present was probably the Saber of Spades, although he received stiff competition from the Assassin of Clubs." Will paused for breath from his recital. "Why?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 06, 2015, 12:42:40 am

Kirin Oshiro

In the church corridor he let out a heavy sigh, falling onto a pew with his arms stretched wide. A tugging feeling reminded him of his prize. Kirin reached into his pocket and brought out the ominous ring, the catalyst.

...Perhaps I need a new perspective.

On the other side of the aisle sat William Conzette. "Will..." Kirin began. "What do you know of the previous sanctum war?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on November 05, 2015, 08:27:33 pm

((What about non-masters?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 05, 2015, 08:12:13 pm

((The characters should now discuss/prepare for teleportation.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on November 05, 2015, 08:11:44 pm

Ruler

Ruler now took the appearance of an old man with a long beard that almost touched the ground, calmly walking through a garden.  He entered the minds of the remaining Masters.  So far, this war had been quite lovely.

"The final catalyst is a little... different.  I'm proud to say that this catalyst was the result of a... collaboration between me and one of the previous victors.  He used part of the immense power he was granted to set up this challenge for you."

He coughed.  "Needless to say, I will be rather disappointed if you try to break the rules of this challenge.  I'm sure that with enough time and energy, some of you will be able to break the complex wards he and I set up, but I'm sure you'll regret it later.  But now to the interesting part..."

He sat down and smiled, as if talking to a child.  "Sometime in the next day or so, all of you will be teleported to a... sort of magical maze.  You will all be teleported to different locations, with only you and your Servant.  This maze is designed so that it is virtually impossible to navigate without a specially designed map.  I have helpfully ripped up two such maps into small pieces, and each of you shall receive one when you are teleported.  When united, the pieces will allow you to determine where you are, and how to deal with the complex magical runes that allow rooms to shift and space to bend.  If all of the pieces of either map are brought together, the map will also indicate where it is in relation to the other rooms."

"But... one thing.  The map the Spades members receive will indicate only the location of the catalyst.  The maps that the Clubs members shall receive will indicate only the location of the exit.  And to our rogue member, Nick of Hearts, I shall grant a map that only shows the relative locations of himself and every other player."

"Needless to say, there will be various obstacles along the way.  And a special surprise for whoever finds the catalyst!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on November 04, 2015, 08:49:42 pm

EXECUTIVE ORDER: CATALYST SCENES ARE OVER. PREPARE FOR THE FINAL CATALYST TO BE REVEALED.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 31, 2015, 03:55:12 pm

Maria

    And in the end, he didn't take the apple. I was kind enough to put the original S/D SD card inside of it. Oh well, guess the pics are still mine to release. I've agitated one of the catalyst holders. I guess that'll suffice for the day. Being free to pretend to be absolutely insane is nice and refreshing once in a while. I haven't particularly paid much attention to hunting down the Hearts or whatnot but I can do that later. I think my job for the day is complete. As long as I hang on to this one piece, my supervisors technically have zero grounds to encourage me to do more. This is a defensive war after all.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 31, 2015, 02:35:03 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He muttered to himself. "Good god, this girl is obnoxious... I could fall for someone like her... Regardless I have to take her point that this is a massive waste of time." He raised his voice. "Archer, wraith form. The job is done."

The servant nodded and shifted into a sinister silhouette, grabbing their hands and vanishing into the shadows.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 31, 2015, 02:20:58 pm

Maria

    "No, no, no. You've got it all wrong. Personal gain? I laugh at that. Personal amusement? Now that's something I can get behind. You see, I gain nothing from releasing your information to the public, though it'd make for some laughs here and there. That might be a bit troublesome for you in the future but I'm sure you could handle it. You'll just have to assert the fact that it wasn't you! I've very graciously taken the images in such a way that you two remain very blurred. Dan over there on the other hand, I've kindly decided to use a nice 30 megapixel camera for his mugsho- I mean very nice picture. I'm sure you can split up for a bit, or you know, shoot at me for a bit and waste your time!"

    "Pretty please? Cherry on top? Make her mana pool even more unnecessarily strained? Oh, I know, I'll leave an apple above my head! You seem to not want to consume it so I guess we can go with the old apple target practice. Your threats are inconsequential," she concluded as she twirled the fruit on her finger.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 31, 2015, 01:03:36 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"You... would do that?" He raised an irritated eyebrow. "You'd break the highest rule of the Mage's Association, for your own personal gain?" He crossed his arms. "...I certainly hope you're ready to be hunted down for the rest of your days, a fate you're trying to thrust upon me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 27, 2015, 03:54:50 pm

Maria

    "A shame, regarding the apple that is. You look like you could do with a bit of sugar in your system. A real shame that that's not going to be possible for the next thirty minutes or so. I expected your response, no sane person would agree to it without extremely favorable conditions, not that I'm accusing you of being sane of course."

    "Now as common to all generic villains and their equivalent counterparts, I will begin to tell you a story. A story about you! Why you see, people like me have a needless desire to prattle on and on about their evil schemes for absolutely no reason at all! In this case of course, there is a reason! Why am I telling you? There is no reason! As you might have known, Big Ben and the clock tower it resides in have just been in the most recent of moments, been disrupted by a group of terrorists. These terrorists were last seen to have left the building a mere ten minutes ago. Fortunately for the authorities, some kind local has been taking pictures of the entire scene! Due to this anonymous civilian kindly providing information, a swarm of police cars are headed towards this general area at this very moment! Now, I wonder, do you have the time to listen to me prattle onwards? Of course not! But, I have no intentions of letting you leave in a timely fashion. Now, what'd you say? Are my previous terms more appealing now?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 26, 2015, 12:24:38 am

Kirin Oshiro

Ah, so the front drops here.

"I'm not interested, not in the trade, and certainly not in the apple."

I'm starting to feel sick.

From last hour, or these guys right now?

All of it. I say we should wrap this up as quickly as possible and be on our way.

If you're having stomach troubles, you may want to take up her apple offer; as they say, an apple a day keeps-

Shut. Up.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 22, 2015, 09:56:07 pm

Maria

     "No response? I thought I was speaking to someone who was born to someone of Japanese descent. A shame that you don't watch more Japanese media. It's amusing stuff you know. Ahoge refers to that cowlick sticking up from your head. Madan is Japanese for "Magic Bullet", quite literally the words that describe the mister over there and JK refers to joushikousei, or high school girl. Catchy names, no? I mean magical developments and all, this is quite literally taking a leaf out of Japan's book. Anyways, now that you are enlightened, let's talk turkey."

     "As you may have guessed, we are likewise after 'A Certain Magical Index Object', that happens to be located in your pocket, Kuro-Ahoge. We find that it might be in your best interest to place it in our hands for safe-keeping. You can consider this, a 'trade'. We can naturally provide you some 'reimbursement' if you choose to comply. A good deal, no?" She deftly took another bite out of the apple. "Sure you don't want an apple?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 22, 2015, 09:23:28 pm

Kirin Oshiro

This must be some sort of trap.

Unlikely. None of this even makes sense. It can't be a trap, Kirin; it's just... too... stupid? Would that be a good word to describe it?

Let's go with that.

She seems to know a lot about us, though. Obviously she's been tracking us for quite a while.

Perhaps she's trying to fluster us with her nonsensical manners?

No, that sounds even dumber. It's hard to figure out her train of thought, though.

So we're Dan, Kuro-Ahoge, and... JK?

That seems to be what she's dubbed us.

But which one of us is which? Am I Kuro-Ahoge? What does Kuro-Ahoge even mean?

Kirin, Archer and Riza found themselves caught in a confused mess of mental banter. After a few moments of awkward conversation Kirin ended it all by speaking aloud.

"Are you speaking of negotiations?"

We're not negotiating with anyone, Kirin. These guys give me the creeps.

I'd like to keep them talking, Archer. More info is always better, even if it is incorrect.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 22, 2015, 09:11:55 pm

Maria

      So I've either dazzled them with the utter radiance of my splendid self or they're quite dumbfounded due to my display of sheer stupidity. Either way, I've accomplished my goal. The more outlandish I seem, the more put off they will be. Now, where are those props again?

      Maria reached into her dress and pulled out an apple. There we go. "A Beginner's Guide to Becoming a Budding Antagonist", lesson plan number 37 part A: Consumption of food as a way to be disrespectful to the other party or to somehow disrupt the conversational flow. It says here, "Here, eat an apple. It'll make you look like even more of a jerk." She sat down onto the cube, crossed her legs, and took a large bite out of the apple.

     "Der Freischütz, a German opera. Oshiro, big castle. And some random girl that I don't particularly know the name of but don't particularly care for. You are thus dubbed Dan, Kuro-Ahoge, and JK. Would you care for a conversation now? Oh, and would you like an apple?"

OCTA, We trek onto the land of the Gamestar. A certain Box's Favorite Games section holds the key.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 22, 2015, 08:04:01 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"HELLO PEASANTS, I AM HERE!" (http://vocaroo.com/i/s0RaicqqjVxW) The small figure disproportionately boomed.

Heyo pasan sayo heaaahh?... What?

Riza clutched her ears. Kirin simply scratched his head. "...Come again?"

"Lancer of Wands, at your service. Would you like to have a nice long discussion?".

Kirin turned to Archer in confusion. Lancer of what? Wands? What on earth is she talking about?

Any lancer that isn't Celtchar is probably an enemy. I can sense it; that's a real servant behind the cloak.

That master with the synthetic voice... Is it... human? Its speech patterns are erratic, to say the least.

Should I engage?

Wait, hold your fire for now. I don't even know who or what we're even dealing with here.

He adjusted his collar. "Ah... We're, ah, in a hurry. No time for discussions."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 21, 2015, 08:07:02 pm

((The end of the world is abound since Widm has finally not accidentally fallen asleep yesterday when i was preparing to post.))

Maria

     Having watched the final scene between Blondie and Kuro-Ahoge, Maria lowered her cup with a satisfied grin on her face. She grabbed the two tarps in the room and d****d one over Lancer while fashioning a black veil for herself using the other. She left the reconnaissance cube near the scene to spectate from a distance whilst she boarded her main hexahedron magical aid alongside Lancer.

    Finally, I actually had to watch that for a greater part of an hour or two. It took so long that I almost had to refill this plate of biscuits. Anywho, the catalyst is finally isolated with the a single master servant pair. Sure there's the other guy but it's a lot better than the giant kerfuffle earlier in that confined space yonder. It seems that he has some degree of moral integrity, which in hindsight is quite foolish, but I respect that. The classical jerk with a heart of gold, or maybe a tsundere, who knows? I can picture him being goaded to do something by that girlfriend of his. Seems like it would be quite humorous. Right, back on track. Since he values this 'duelist's code', I should approach from the front to have 'peaceful negotiations'. And there's no better way to head a series of 'peaceful negotiations' without having loaded up all of my artillery, which is all neatly coded into the cube beneath me. I've got my dynamic entry planned out and my terms sorted. Let's head out then.


     Maria concocted a large swirl of mana around her and Lancer. She slowly merged Lancer's mana with the large swirl and passed it bit by bit through his spiritual core. She extracted the final product and cloaked herself in it.

    "My liege, as we discussed previously, I require your weapon for the next stage of the plan. Is that acceptable?"

     "Do as you wish."

      Maria gripped the tattered lance, donning the veil and decorated with energy from a heroic spirit. With a slightly crooked smile, the cube departed from the window.

---

     The mass of energy rushed towards a certain three person combination. A man with black hair, a man with a firearm, and some schoolgirl from some part of the world. It flew above the path they were soon to cross and hovered there. Of the two figures clad in black shrouds, the one of shorter stature spoke.

   "HELLO PEASANTS, I AM HERE! (http://vocaroo.com/i/s0RaicqqjVxW) Lancer of Wands, at your service. Would you like to have a nice long discussion?" the seeming feminine voice addressed the trio.

((So the sound file was on my computer and was titled "Hellopeasants,Iamhere" I cannot for the life of me remember what youtube video I got this from. Maria's using a vocie synth so assume that as her voice for thsi scene.))

((OH right, it was from some presumably PG MMD channel that i won't exactly share since I forget if there are any curses on it))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 18, 2015, 11:26:18 pm

Ulysses S. Grant

"The most powerful servant of the Clubs..." Ulysses faintly smiled. "That would be the Saber. He may look unassuming as they come, but behind his simple smile he hides centuries of experience. If you want to see the extent of this war's potential, then look no further than him... when he's not holding back. That is all."

Kirin Oshiro

He instinctively checked his pocket to see if it had been tampered with; to his relief, the catalyst was still safely in his pocket.

Alright, so why is HE still around? The war shouldn't have started until he wound up in a box.

...As a mage, I've learned not to question such things that don't concern me.

Now would be a good time to un-learn that, Kirin. I don't like this one bit.

Kill every club that approaches, looking for the catalyst. Don't stop until all enemies in the area are dead. Then, and only then, will you move on.

That's my friend you're aiming at!

The Oshiro representative and a master of the Spade Faction...

"U-uuugh..." Cody groaned from under the desk. He and Kirin made eye-contact. Kirin kicked away Cody's gun before he could reach it, then aimed his wand straight at his head.

...Kirin...

It's my decision.

...Please...

"You. Master of the Caster of Clubs. State your name."

Cody Lazarus

No choice now... Cody felt his will weaken. Caster's injuries and noble phantasm had left him totally drained, almost to the point of permanent injury. "C-Cody Lazarus. Club m-master..."

"Lazarus..." Kirin let out a volley of spark shots around his head, each only missing by a hair. "If you value your life and your research, then you will forfeit this war and never cross paths with me again." Kirin put away his wand and made his way to the elevator. "Riza. Archer. We're leaving."

Riza flashed Cody a faint wave and a quiet "Goodbye" before leaving the building. After this, Cody fell unconscious.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 18, 2015, 07:49:23 pm

Henri

I'd advocate individual travel, less chance we get intercepted on the way.  Still, if you'd like, I suppose we could meet on Main Street about five blocks north of the mansion.  There would be enough people there that we'd be safe from any obvious attacks.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on October 17, 2015, 06:56:32 pm

Robin
Catalyst acquired.  Celtchar's Master injured but not eliminated.  I'm making my escape.  Hera, get out of there any way you can.  You should have more mobility than Celtchar, so don't worry.

Okay Henri. Hide it somewhere safe. I have my stealth cloak charged, I can slip out unnoticed. Meeting location? We should group up and head to the mansion together. Travelling idividually may be a problem.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 17, 2015, 05:58:12 pm

Henri

Archer...

Your survival trumps all, Henri.  Celtchar's master has been neutralized for the time being, and we can still escape with the catalyst.

Fine.

"All right then.  But –"  Archer grabbed Henri and teleported him to the circle closest to the catalyst's location, on the platform opposite Celtchar's, while the one they were just in blinked out of existence.  Henri kept an eye on Celtchar, ready to signal Archer to teleport if he saw the dim light of Lúin move.

"–Even your spear–" Another leapfrog, this time from a new arrow Archer had shot before he teleported.

"–Can't match our mobility," Henri finished.  Archer, standing in a sandy circle, shot an arrow outside, through the grate he had opened earlier.  He then tore open a door to a security office where Henri's Command Seal led, shooting another arrow inside.

"If she pursues us, we can just teleport outside, and it'll mean more time her Master is being poisoned.  Get the catalyst and we'll get out of here."

Henri smashed his fist into a framed map of the subway system on the wall, wincing at the pain.  There was a compartment behind the map.  He reached inside and pulled out a Swiss army knife, which glowed faintly in his hands.  He let out a long breath as the sand in the subway turned back into stone, and he faced the light of day again.

He sent out a message to the other Clubs.

Catalyst acquired.  Celtchar's Master injured but not eliminated.  I'm making my escape.  Hera, get out of there any way you can.  You should have more mobility than Celtchar, so don't worry.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 16, 2015, 11:30:21 am

Nick

Damn... I may have a servant now, but I don't know anything about him... and they have three in any case. Not to mention my mana supply. This fight won't end well.

"Sorry, Kevin, but I think I've gotta run. After all, there's no way a big, strong guy like you could possibly be challenged by lil' old me... Saber! We're leaving."

"HEY!" Kirin shouted, releasing a spell from the tip of his wand, but Saber had already broken away from his combat with archer and appeared in front of Nick. The spell vanished before it reached him. The stone golem that had been defending Nick shifted into a roaring fire, eating right through the dirt walls that blocked the exit and even into the outer wall of the building.

"Good luck, Anne, Cody. You'll need it if you ever plan to defeat the Hearts."

Then the teenager and his Servant were gone.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on October 16, 2015, 11:21:03 am

Celtchar

Dammit, if that second arrow is laced I'm out but they don't know that, and it may not be laced. If I kill the master now I can retreat with Jack, but will the servant persist? If I kill the master Archer kills Jack and no one wins. Wait, Jack can heal poison, he can heal alcohol poisoning, he should be able to heal this. If I can take their attention away from him he'll be fine

Celtchar smiled. She knew what to do.

"I'm no coward boy, If you turn your back to me I won't hesitate to kill you. If you kill Jack now I'll take you both down with me. Make YOUR decision."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 16, 2015, 11:13:57 am

Archer

Damn it damn it damn it, Henri thought as he felt someone approaching him.  His distress was communicated via his mental link with Archer, and Arash appeared behind him before whisking him off to another circle.  As his eyes cleared from the blindness, he saw Arash letting loose an arrow at Jack.  Once it connected with his leg, Arash turned around, holding an arrow in Celtchar's direction.  Henri kept an eye on Jack, and began to speak.

"Lancer, we've shot your master with an arrow dipped in the poison of your spear.  He may survive, but he won't if you prolong this fight.  Make your move."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on October 16, 2015, 10:59:09 am

Jack

Jack conjured a quick flare and threw it at his feet. A massive amount of white light filled the tunnel and Celtchar dove towards her spear, making contact with it on the ground. I've got Luin, but the clubs aren't near me, watch out, they could be right next to you when the flare clears.

Jack stepped back, completely unable to see. Shit He thought to himself, bracing himself for a surprise attack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 16, 2015, 10:49:55 am

Henri

Yeah, thanks.  Does she have any weaknesses, Madeline?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 16, 2015, 12:48:57 am

Cody Lazarus

In the commotion he clutched his arm and ducked under a desk.

Hey, Cody?  You have a moment?  Have you ever encountered an... Irish spear named Luin, with fire and a poison tip, that feeds off bloods or souls or something?  Good luck!

Damn... Seriously not a good time, Henri. Uh, nothing comes to mind. Madeline's got an internet connection, though, so she can look that up for you.

Must I?

Madeline, is- is that SASS?

Oh, this coming from someone who would rather sacrifice a perfectly fine metal body to save the life of a soulless killer!

Now is NOT the time for this, Madeline! Henri needs your help!

There was a pause.

...Fine. Another short pause. Wikipedia says that Lúin was the spear of the Irish hero Celtchar; its properties vary from version to version of the story, but poison and/or fire is usually mentioned.

Got that, Henri?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 16, 2015, 12:32:27 am

Kirin Oshiro

Riza quivered in terror, met face to face with the rogue master.

Archer. Wraith form.

Right. Archer's body melted into a dark mass ans slivered in between Saber's legs, resurfacing on the far end of the room with his arm wound healed. He took out his musket and began to fire again.

Kirin rose to his feet and pointed his wand at Nick's head. "Don't think you don't recognize you. The news reports and the mana tracings of Zorya Krauss's estate all point to you. You have the motive and the disposition of a serial killer. Your target is the establishment, no? Well the establishment is right here. I am Kirin Oshiro, heir to become the head of my family. If you're looking for a fight, you've found one.

As the Oshiro representative and a master of the Spade Faction of the Sanctum War, I hereby challenge you to a duel."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 15, 2015, 09:31:42 pm

Henri

A flaming spear shot out from the darkness, aimed straight at Henri.  Archer jumped in front of him just in time, deflecting the spear with his hand and pushing Henri out of the way.  He flinched as he felt the fire on the spear singe his hand, but it wasn't very bright, and it wouldn't do much damage.  The spear clattered to the ground.

"She's disarmed, now... doesn't that give you an advantage?  No more ranged attacks from her."

"Yes, but we'll need to keep her at bay."  Archer launched another arrow, forming a third sandy circle.  "I had to cancel the one at the entrance, but dealing with this Servant is more important."

Archer began to teleport between the three circles, launching arrows from unexpected angles.  Meanwhile, Henri turned his attention to the spear.  He began to cast a simple scanning spell on it, a sort of divination.  One use didn't tell him much, but repeated uses...

IDENTITY: LÚIN
LEGENDARY IRISH SPEAR
LACED WITH FIRE MAGIC
EXTREMELY DEADLY POISONOUS TIP
CONNECTION WITH BLOOD, SOULS

Hey, Cody?  You have a moment?  Have you ever encountered an... Irish spear named Luin, with fire and a poison tip, that feeds off bloods or souls or something?  Good luck!

Archer?  You think we could use this spear somehow?  You can't hold it, but apparently the tip's laced with poison.  You could dip your arrows in it... this Lancer's probably immune to her own weapon, but you might be able to target her Master.

I'm afraid I can't do that.  This Master hasn't proven himself to be deserving of death.

Do it.

No.

I don't have time for this.

"Archer, I command you: use the poison tip of Lúin to the best of your ability in order to neutralize Celtchar or her Master.  Do not balk at attacking the enemy – in war, there are no innocents."  A Command Seal faded, and Archer's eyes looked sad.

Archer stepped over to the spear and tore off a scrap of cloth on his arm, pressing it over the spear.  An acrid liquid oozed out, and Archer dipped his arrows in it.  In the meantime, Henri launched lightning bolts to cover Archer, and then stepped out of the way.

"Let's do this."  Archer stood still, watching the dark and waiting for Celtchar or Jack to make a move.  The second they move, I'll teleport and strike.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on October 15, 2015, 08:46:14 pm

Celtchar

An arrow hit the ground in front of them. Celtchar leaned out and threw the spear down the tunnel towards the clubs. That's going to connect on someone She pressed her back against the wall and waited.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on October 15, 2015, 06:29:28 pm

Saber of Spades

Saber felt the rush of mana come back to him. Ah yes, it's good to be back in business. He turned to his former ally, Archer, and smiled.

"I guess this means I'm no longer a Spade." He charged towards Archer with both blades and renewed energy and cut his arm before he could fire. He then turned his attention to Archer's true Master.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 15, 2015, 05:24:30 pm

Nick

So Ruler is doing this with the knowledge that I'll lose, because he's bored? He's absolutely certain that one master with a servant can't single-handedly take out both other teams? Clearly, he doesn't know me as well as he pretends to...

At that moment, Nick collapsed to the ground. The statue that had been defending him disintegrated as he lost his concentration on the spell. Archer lifted his gun once again to fire, but the statue sprung back up momentarily, and Nick rose to a kneeling position. The tremendous pain had receded almost entirely, leaving only a dull throbbing.

Nick looked the former Saber of Spades in the eye and spoke. This time, the words were supplied to him.

"Seventh Heaven clad in the great words of power, come forth from your subjugation, Lord of Fortitude!” The Saber merely nodded once.

A brilliant red light enveloped both Nick and Saber. Nick heard a scream, and he wasn't sure if it was his or not. It didn't matter. Any pain he may have felt was more than outweighed by the tremendous elation of the moment. He was a master again.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 15, 2015, 03:57:46 pm

Ruler

Nick felt a searing pain in his abdomen, and soon the outline of a heart was blazed into it.  His last Command Seal.

Nat/Rider

Nat gasped as she was flung back into reality.  We won!  Don Quijote and Ulysses were facing each other, Don Quijote looking remarkably pleased with himself.  He began to speak.

"Now, what to ask of you... I can't make you betray your allies or your master, and that would be dishonorable anyway..."

"Maybe tell him not to harm any of the Spades?" Nat suggested.

"No, that's borderline betrayal... and it would take away his ability to fight.  Hmm... I think I know.  Ulysses, I charge you, on your honor as a knight: tell me to the best of your knowledge, who the strongest Servant and the strongest Master on your team are.  This is not betrayal, as we do not ask their weaknesses or flaws.  I would merely like to know who is the most worthy opponent."

Nat sent a message to the Spades.  We've incapacitated the Clubs Rider.

Henri

Henri and Archer drew their backs to the wall as the train passed.  Meanwhile, Archer fired an arrow in the direction of Celtchar, which created a sandy circle on the ground that they could teleport into.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on October 15, 2015, 03:44:35 pm

Robin

Robin pressed his back flatonto the side of the subway as the train whizzed past.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on October 15, 2015, 03:30:43 pm

Jack and Celtchar

Train!

Gotcha

And arrows, they're firing back. As soon as the train passes I'll throw the spear again.

The two of them pressed their backs to a wall as a train thundered past, destroying whatever was left of the master Celtchar had gored.

Where is Nat? Jack sent to the spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 15, 2015, 01:55:03 pm

Ulysses

Some duel this turned out to be. Typical he'd use the marble to his advantage.
Ulysses shed Cincinnati's armor and charged from the side, but Quijote's steed evaded and circled around. In one swift movement the spade rider struck him straight through the ribcage with his lance. He fell to the ground as the reality marble began to fade.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 11, 2015, 09:50:14 pm

Rider

"I see!  But a lot of good that armor will do you on difficult terrain!"  There was a giant lurch as the sea monster shifted into a vertical position, diving deep into the ocean.  Rocinante and Cincinnati struggled to stay upright as the slope of the room steepened, Cincinnati's armor dragging him down further.

Quijote smiled, and thrusted his lance sideways, deep into the belly of the serpent.  A low rumble went through the room, and the floor became stained with red.  As Quijote withdrew his lance, a torrent of water began to enter the serpent's stomach.

"Soon we'll all be in a pool of water," Quijote yelled.  Rocinante appeared perfectly happy with the grimy water and changing levels – he was slipping and losing his footing, but showed not a hint of fear in his eyes.  "Now that armor's just extra weight – try not to drown!"

((BTW, the Masters can see the battle take place, but they're kind of like ghostly observers – they can communicate with their Servants, but they can't be damaged or interact with the setting in any other way.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 08, 2015, 04:39:20 pm

Nick

Nick eyed the former Saber of Spades across the room and smiled a little.

Deal

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 07, 2015, 07:21:06 pm

Ulysses

"I understand that!" He swung his sword, which was deftly dodged. "I must understand that it was you who initiated this duel and therefore you naturally established an environment at which you'd be at an advantage, a reality marble in which you are in your prime. However, this plane of existence is made of my ideals just as much as it is made of yours!" His horse climbed upon the wreckage of a wooden ship and turned around. Ulysses shifted his riding position, to Cincinnati's left. The other side became coated with a glistening silver set of armor. "Onward! Equestrian Armour!" He declared, charging forward once more. The fighting became yet more intense. Every time the Spade Rider's powerful lance struck Cincinnati's right side, it glanced right off the armor.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 07, 2015, 06:12:12 pm

Ruler

It's simple, really.  You agree to become a member of a third team, and I grant you one Command Seal.  You have no chance of winning, of course.  I wouldn't at all be surprised both teams will unite against you.  But it'll be a little more entertaining.

Rider

"Well met," Don Quijote muttered, with a smile on his face.  The two Riders charged at each other, and Don Quixote thrusted his pointed lance at Ulysses, who barely managed to parry it with his sword.

"I have an advantage in mounted combat, I'm afraid to tell you... lances are designed to go up against mounted foes."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 07, 2015, 12:08:28 am

Ulysses

He smiled. "You are a man after my own heart, Spade Rider. By abiding by your ancient code of honor I must reveal my identity, the Rider of Clubs, general of the United States army and peacemaker of the American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant." Cincinnati firmly stood his ground, hooves solidly placed as if they stood on concrete rather than flesh. "Keeping our footing won't be an issue for us, and I highly doubt you'll have trouble with it yourself, with that massive steed of yours. Some hundred years ago I created peace between the Union and the Confederacy, and now tonight I shall bring peace once more, among Spades and Clubs! En garde!" Cincinnati squealed and charged straight for the Rider of Spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 06, 2015, 09:45:18 pm

Nick

Your praise flatters me, Ruler. Very well, I'm all ears. What exactly are you proposing?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 06, 2015, 07:59:27 pm

Rider

"Oh, straight into it!  I like that!  But I'm afraid it's not that simple.  Prepare to face: A World Forgotten."

Don Quijote's eyes flashed blue, and his adversary stopped as if frozen.  Don Quijote himself, along with his Master, were similarly frozen in space.

Their eyes opened again.  It appeared to be the same environment at first glance, but something seemed... off.  Don Quijote appeared now to be in the prime of his youth, wielding a lance that looked like it could cut through steel as if it was butter.  Rocinante was now a massive, powerful steed, with a golden-brown coat decked with the Spanish insignia.

"Here shall be the terms of the duel.  We will battle each other, without help from our Masters, until one of us is defeated or surrenders.  The winner will have the right to demand one action from the loser.  The command cannot force the loser to betray a friend or master – that would be the height of dishonor."

He smiled.  "Now, far be it from me to strike without giving you a fair chance first.  Let me explain this environment to you.  We are currently in a sort of mental Reality Marble, a conception of the world true in our hearts if not in our minds.  Any damage we do to each other will not carry over to the world we usually inhabit.  It may seem as if we are in the same dull subway tunnel we were in before – but look closer!  Most people don't know the first thing about adventure, and so they merely stop with what they see, without thinking!

"This is no subway tunnel, this is the belly of a great sea monster!"  The tracks seemed to fade away, replaced by a damp, slippery surface.  "We were fighting a noble battle for our countries on the ocean, launching barrages of cannonfire at each other's ships, until a great wave rose from the sea.  Little did we know that our blasts and shouts had awakened and angered this great creature of the deep!  Our boats were sunk with one flap of its tail, and it swallowed us both in one gulp!  We may be able to escape, but first we must complete our battle."  The subway tracks were now completely gone, replaced by slippery flesh and a layer of murky liquid.  Fish could be seen floating in it, along with pieces of wood – wreckage from the ships.  Suddenly, there was a jolt, as if the entire room was moving downward.  The liquid sloshed to the side.  "Be careful, now!  The monster's still moving, and still very much alive.  You wouldn't want to lose your footing in such an important battle as this!"

((Note that if Don Quijote loses the duel, there's a twist to the effect instead of the promise thing.  Just wanted to say that now so you don't think I'm cheating later.))

((This battle takes place essentially instantaneously with respect to real-world time.  All mana usage is not replenished after the battle, and both participants are bound to cease fighting for a time after the battle finishes.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 06, 2015, 07:24:33 pm

Ulysses

"Blast, they've intercepted us!" Ulysses turned around and faced the Rider of Spades. "Sorry, Hera, change of plans. Hendrick will have to be on his own; I have a feeling this servant won't let us pass to aid him until we give them a proper duel.

Apologies, Hendrick! Our path's blocked, we'll have to face a servant before we can come to your aid. Hang in there! Ulysses sent this message to Henri.

He raised his voice to call out to the other rider. "I don't believe in cowardice, I believe in results. If you insist on getting in our way, then I must accept your challenge!" He pulled out his saber, turned Cincinnati around and charged straight for the Rider of Spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on October 06, 2015, 05:12:39 pm

Ruler

How terribly... interesting.  My, this war seemed to drag on and on, but it's still enjoyable to mix things up.  Within limits, of course.

Ruler's sibilant voice appeared in Nick's mind.

Your team has betrayed you, you've denounced their frankly obvious incompetence, yet you don't strike me as the type of person to defect to the other side.  I wouldn't want to lose you so... quickly.  So I have a proposition.  Listening?

Henri

"Damn it!"  All his allies were attempting to escape, but to what ends?  They were inside a subway tunnel, and it would be quite a distance before any of them were out of range of Lancer's spear.  Archer could use his teleportation powers to help them escape, but...

"That's the Servant that killed our Berserker.  A fully sane enemy, but at the power level of a Servant with Mad Enhancement.  She could be the greatest asset the enemy has."

"I understand.  I'll try to cripple her – this terrain favors me more than it does her."

Archer drew his bow with blinding speed and fired a volley of arrows toward the blazing light.  Henri began to cast layered shield spells in an attempt to protect himself and Archer – they wouldn't withstand a direct strike, but they should hold up against collateral fire damage or maybe another Servant's attacks.  One of his arrows went up through a grate in the roof, creating an opening.  Henri looked questioningly at Archer, but Archer shook his head.

Nat

Nat was sitting uncomfortably behind Rider on Rocinante when the confrontation began.  Rocinante gave a huff of anger, echoed by Rider, when they noticed the enemy's mounted Servant begin to run away.  "This will never do!  A woman as powerful and ruthless as Celtchar, against a mere teenager and his Arhcer, and this so-called Servant just runs away?  I say we teach him a lesson."

"But how could you catch up to hi – AAAH!" Nat screamed as Rocinante suddenly picked up speed, beelining straight toward the enemy Rider across the tracks.  The strange terrain seemed natural to Rocinante, who seemed to avoid every piece of trash or concrete that littered the tracks.  As they gradually gained on the enemy, Rider let out a yell.

"I am Don Quijote, fabled knight of Spain, and I challenge you to a duel: Rider versus Rider!  Face the power of my ultimate Noble Phantasm, or be remembered forever as a coward!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on October 05, 2015, 12:36:31 pm

Robin

Robin saw the flare land near them. He froze it, extinguishing its' light.
 
I have a considerabe amount of mana left... let's makesome use of it.

He tried an air spell that he'd read about, and gripped his daggers tightly.

"Ainramo"

A severe gust of wind blew at the faint silhouette of the Spades, making the Master fly back, but only caused the servant to hardly stumble.

...Uh oh.

He put on his invisibility cloak, making him blend in to the already-dark tunnel.

I used up a bunch of mana for that spell, I'll need to spare the rest.

Robin drew a dagger and was about to throw it at the servant, but suddenly he and everyone else suddenly stumbled, and the tracks began to appear.

"Train!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 04, 2015, 07:21:36 pm

Archer of Spades

"Nice try, hotshot." He mumbled, taking aim and firing straight at Nick. The bullet was intercepted, however, by a corpse... No, a statue. He changed his angle and fired again, but the statue kept on adjusting its position to act like a shield.

What twisted kind of magic is that?!

Riza! We've got a problem!

Hold it! Kirin sent. He was standing in front of the vault, now with his magic usable again. He burst it open and entered.

Inside, Kirin found a black ring resting on a piece of cloth. I've got the catalyst. Wait... He examined it. It bore the Oshiro emblem, and Archer's question from before echoed through his head.

"Now would be a good time to un-learn it, Kirin. I don't like this one bit."

...It's not important right now. He stored it in his pocket. He and Riza exited, but were immediately pushed aside by a gust of wind. Nick gave him a sinister glare.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 04, 2015, 06:45:08 pm

Nick

When Nick saw the body of Zoraya Krauss this against the floor, he couldn't help but utter a high-pitched giggle. On of the most powerful magi in the world, and her corpse was right in front of him- ripe for the taking. He slammed his hands down into the ground, and a powerful gale swept across the room. The servants stumbled, and the masters almost fell down as the wind even acted to push back some of the furniture. Around the corpses of Mr. Abbott and Ms. Krauss, however, the wind swirled wildly in two tempests surrounding the bodies.

"Thank you for your service, Archer of spades." The two bodies faded away, and the windstorm died down. "And Cody- I don't suppose you'd agree to not interfere while I collect the other spades?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 04, 2015, 06:39:09 pm

Hera

"K-Kiera!" She shrieked. A flare was dropped at her feet. The spear of the spade Lancer became mobile again. "...Rider, time to move!"

"I wholeheartedly agree." Ulysses re-materialized. "We won't last long against a servant like that. Let's regroup with Hendrick." They both got on Cincinnati and took off through the tunnel.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on October 04, 2015, 06:23:02 pm

Jack Blair

They're right there. Celtchar sent.

Go

Celtchar flung her spear forward into the darkness towards the group. Got one. She smirked as she jumped into the train bed to grab her spear. She could barely make out the body of the girl, but even if she was still alive, a train would find her soon. Celt char jumped back up to the platform and readied her spear again.

Jack quickly conjured a flare and threw it into the faces of the strangers. Eliminate these ones first, then we go for the prize.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 04, 2015, 06:14:50 pm

Archer of Spades

He stood up and looked at the Saber of Spades. "It's ultimately up to you, Cid. You can still be a spade if you're willing to keep your trap shut about our little 'false master' issue."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on October 04, 2015, 06:08:29 pm

Saber of Spades

Saber felt his pact get severed. How...? He turned and found Krauss on the ground with blood seeping out from her head. He then found Archer on the other side of the room. ... So that's how it is. He surveyed the room. Clearly the Clubs would target him, and now whatever Spades were left are no longer in allegiance with him. There were very little options. In spite of this sudden change of events, Saber smirked.

"This certainly is interesting. Well, now what. Is it everyone against me now? I believe there still is a catalyst at large."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 04, 2015, 05:41:51 pm

Cody Lazarus

Damn... damn it! Right before his eyes, his entire strategy fell apart. The dome was fallen, Madeline was out of commission, and Caster was low on both defensive strategy and mana. When he looked up he was staring right down the barrel of Krauss' gun.

...So this is how it ends...

Kirin Oshiro

I've made my decision.

Make your move, Riza.

Riza trembled, clenching her fists. Archer, do it.

Are you sure about this?!

Yes.

...So be it.

Archer appeared on the far side of the room. He coldly loaded a regular bullet and readied his aim. His target was a human head... One belonging to a spade.

Bye bye, Granny.

He fired. Krauss hit the ground.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on October 04, 2015, 10:42:23 am

Maria

      Suddenly, the brass dome splintered into a myriad of magical shards and a audible boom resonated in the area. Maria dropped her tea cup having been startled by the sudden noise. The cup chipped and the contents flowed onto her dress.

      Gah, tissue, tissue, where's the tissue box? Fumbling about some more, she hastily drained the tea from the table with a copious quantity of tissues and started to pat her dress dry.

      Great, they've really done it now. I'm going to go punch the one responsible for staining this dress when I get the chance. With the number of completely unnecessary frills on this thing, getting it cleaned is honestly such a pain. Right, what was I doing again? Oh yeah, observing them. Maybe I should consider toning down the sound transmissions I receive from the observing unit. 

      Bringing her attention back to the magical screen in front of her, she gazed intently at the scene in front of her. Hopefully there's at least a casualty or two. If at least four of the masters are incapacitated to acertain extent, I'll just sweep in for the clean up. Elsewise, i can just wait for them to split up and claim my reward that way, They'll bound to be exhausted both physically and mentally then.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on October 04, 2015, 09:14:53 am

Saber of Spades

Saber's blade started to glow and vibrate. Ah, the sign of a worthy foe. Glad to see that the dome is finally down. His next strikes were much quicker and he managed to close in on the opposing Saber and stabbed his right arm. Masamune yelped in pain since the blow felt like a scorching burn this time around. As Masamune backed away, Saber used the time to retrieve his other sword Tizona.


Zoraya Krauss

The dome had shattered. Zoraya took the chance to cast a few low level healing spells on Saber. She then cast a speed enhancement spell on herself and got another firearm from her pocket dimension. She took off from her hiding spot and stopped close to Anne.

"Schockwelle."

A shockwave spread throughout the room causing glass to shatter and technology to malfunction. Electricity started sparking and caused a few fires.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on October 04, 2015, 12:09:10 am

Anne

What!!? Ok, here we go...

Saber, can you deal with the opposing Saber? Don't let him get close to any one as well as his... abandoned blade. Penny, DO NOT DO ANYTHING.

Alright.

Wuff! [WHAT?]

Penny, deal with it.

Anne got up from behind the crates. Hmm... what does it take to kill that damn mage lady...?

Saber of Clubs

There was a rapid exchange of attacks; neither servant was able to get a hit, but then the Saber of Spades managed to make a deep cut in Saber's leg.

Stay a safe distance from him, your blade is slightly longer.

After that, Saber kept his distance and managed to make a shallow, but long cut across the opposing Saber's arm.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 03, 2015, 06:02:17 pm

Cody Lazarus

"We're out of time!" The dome shattered into pieces. Cody ducked down for cover.

Madeline's out of commission, Caster's wounded, and I don't have a whole lot of combat options...

Anne! I need cover!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on October 02, 2015, 08:05:08 am

Zoraya Krauss

Zoraya deflected the knife that was launched at her with her gun. She kicked it over to the other side of the room so no one could reach it quickly. She then hid for cover and shot back at Nick. Damn. They started working together. Things wont be looking good if this keeps up.

The Brazen dome then started flickering. Zoraya felt a little bit of her magic coming back.

Just a little longer...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 02, 2015, 01:08:58 am

Kirin Oshiro

He and Riza locked themselves in a small room right next-door to the gun fighting. Archer wasn't materialized yet.

"I'm not equipped with mechanical weapons, Riza. We'll have to wait this one out."

Riza was still shivering. She was a complete wreck.

"Hey."

"What?!"

"Riza..." Kirin sat down. "I suppose... I can't make any judgments for you. Who is this 'Cody' again?"

"Cody's a friend of mine, from the academy. He's... as I just found out, a Club."

"...I see." He scratched his chin. "As per standard procedure I'd have you detained for questioning your allegiance."

"I'd gladly turn myself in. I just... don't want to fight anymore. It's best the decision's taken away from me."

"Well, let's consider our assets here. The spades here are us and Krauss... Krauss knows our secret. She's a vile, bitter woman whom I've seen in the past before the war. I know her... I know she'd bring this entire building crashing down."

"Y-you're not thinking of..."

"She's a hindrance."

"If she heard you-"

"She won't. There's a dome out there and she's in the middle of a firefight. I'm just counting our options."

"Kirin..."

"It's her against Cody out there. A spade and a club. Think it over, I'm leaving it up to you."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on October 02, 2015, 12:53:47 am

Cody Lazarus

Did he... just save my life? He ran for cover behind a wall. Nick was still in his shooting range. He aimed his pistol but stopped for a moment. Perhaps he thinks we're supposed to be even now, since I stopped Madeline from strangling him, and he stopped me from being shot. I guess we're... What am I talking about?! He's still a psycho-murderer. All he wants is the satisfaction of being the one to kill me, that's it! He raised his gun again and took aim, but he couldn't make himself pull the trigger. Come on, Cody! Do what's right! He'll just go on to kill more innocent people. As much as he internally monologued to himself, he knew that he couldn't bring himself to shoot him, at least not right now.

I'm... weak...

Caster clutched his gun in pain. "D-damn it! I can't sustain the dome for much longer!"

"This is bad..." Cody muttered. "Who knows what kind of magic that old woman has? That's Zorya Krauss! She can probably blow up the whole building!" The Brazen dome began to flicker.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on October 01, 2015, 01:53:11 pm

Nick

The blur across Nick's eyes slowly faded away, replaced instead with a blue glare in the upper-right corner of his field of view. Probably not good. He managed to reach a standing position, before erupting into a coughing fit, leaning against the wall for support.

Damn... nearly died there. Should probably do something about-

He trailed off as he slowly surveyed the room. Anne was jumping for cover; Caster's attention was on the Saber of Spades, who seemed outmatched with only one blade. The Archer wasn't in his immediate view, and the old lady, the spade, was raising a gun at... Cody. The blonde boy, not two meters away, was bent over his injured robot, whatever her name was, who he'd just shot five seconds ago. Nick wasn't exactly paying close attention, but he was fairly certain Cody had done that to save him from being suffocated. Which meant that either Cody wanted him to die really painfully, or, more probably.... what? Nick didn't know. But it felt wrong, letting the old lady kill him. Like eating something rotten. In that moment, Nick made his decision.

Nobody but me is going to kill this kid. There. That direction; that purpose made Nick feel a lot more like himself. He kicked out with his foot, knocking Cody backwards several feet, letting two bullets bite deeply into the ground at an angle, with a tremendous impact and an explosion of wood shards. Without missing a beat, he launched his long knife in the old woman's direction, immediately lunging to the side. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Cody's gun had clattered to the floor, and kicked it over to its owner.

"Move!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on October 01, 2015, 07:58:10 am

Saber of Spades

S***. Shouldn't have let my guard down. Argh... but he backed off... and I'm still close enough... Saber, with considerably less strength and accuracy, thrust the sword in his right hand (Tizona) into Caster's lower back. He tried removing it before either Caster or the opposing Saber could retaliate but he was too slow. Masamune lunged at him once more after recovering from his falls forcing Saber to step back and leave his sword behind. He barely managed to deflect Masamune's next blow with Colada.

This isn't looking so good... healing isn't working either, and I can't dematerialize... that damn Caster...

Zoraya Krauss

That girl took cover. Well, that's once obstacle out of the way since she can't use magic. It's a shame Saber had to get himself stabbed though. Zoraya carefully aimed at Cody's head. Better take out the Master.

She fired.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 30, 2015, 10:41:29 pm

Anne

And right about now people should notice the dirt walls... with magic disabled, it will be a lot harder to get through.

Anne ducked behind a crate as a few bullets came her way. One penetrated the crate and she just managed to dodge it. Argh! That was a close call... we need to get out of here soon.

Saber of Clubs

Looks like it's mostly servants fighting now, and mental communication is gone. Oh no... we can't lose Caster now, so I guess I'll have to help a little...

Saber rushed forward and plunged his blade into the opposing Saber's back. He drew the blade out as soon as it had gone through the Spade Saber's side. He quickly pulled the blade out knowing that it would hurt more to come out that in did to go in. A bullet (which had missed its target) came near him, and when he dodged, Saber tripped on a crate.

((So currently the Saber of Spades just got impaled with a blade that was taken out fast, and the Saber of Clubs has just fallen on his butt, both are not exactly in their best condition))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on September 30, 2015, 08:55:14 pm

Maria

     A brass sphere erected itself on the top floors of clock tower hosting Big Ben. Maria smashed her hand down onto the table with a noticeable scowl on her face.

     "And here I thought that the reception here near what is essentially a giant broadcast tower would be good. I paid for my ticket using a meager amount of magical power. I demand a refund! This isn't the show I was promised! Now i can't see what's going on, geeze, talk about poor service."

     The floating cube launched a blast of condensed mana at the brass sphere and it dissipated harmlessly. "Oh well, best not waste any more energy. I already have a pretty good idea of each of the servants primary weapons. That should be the Caster's Noble Phantasm, some sort of isolation barrier. One less to take care of if I want to kickstart something in the next hour or so." She returned to her original relaxed position and poured herself a third cup of tea.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on September 30, 2015, 08:26:22 pm

Saber of Spades

Huh. So that's Caster's trump card. Telepathy seems to be shut down... if it's nullification, then now's my chance. Saber lunged at Caster with both swords about to strike.


Zoraya Krauss

Magic's down. Good thing I don't need it. Zoraya resumed fire and aimed at Anne, Cody, and now Nick.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 30, 2015, 08:04:23 pm

Cody Lazarus

His hands shook in defeat. "I... I..."

"Still have your mind made up, Lazarus?!" Caster screamed. "This slaughter has gone on long enough!"

"I've made my decision, and he's going to rot for all he's done. Stay your hand, Caster!"

Madeline's steel body dropped her spear and slowly approached Nick, who was mildly confused.

"...Madeline?" Cody asked with a furrowed eyebrow. Without a second thought or a reply, she grabbed Nick by the neck and began squeezing. "Hey! Stop!"

She continued. Her adaptive learning mechanism twisted itself and developed a new kind of emotion, hatred, and she had not the self control her creator had. In a distorted, metallic voice, she pronounced, "YOU... DIE..."

"Stop!" He repeated, trying to move her heavy body in vain. "That's an order!"

"...I see no command seals."

"I don't remember coding emotions into you, Madeline."

"I did it myself."

"That's it." De-Activate. He attempted to cast the emergency spell to turn off her body, but he soon remembered that magic was un-usable inside the dome. Damn it! "Caster?!"

"We have to deal with the Saber situation immediately!"

Nick began to visibly suffocate. More and more, Cody began to question his attempts to stop Madeline from killing him.


---


Why did you run away?

I wanted to help people.

You'd do so by destroying the key?

I...

You're indecisive. That'll get you killed someday.


---


He made up his mind. He c.ocked his pistol and shot Madeline in the foot. As per his prediction, she released her grip and grasped it in pain. Nick fell to the ground, still alive but heaving.

...She feels pain now...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 30, 2015, 07:47:34 pm

Nick

Nick stared caster dead in the eye the whole time, barely even registering what Cody was saying.

He... He... Nick took two long, deep breaths, before finally raising his chin.

"Well, I suppose this is checkmate... I'll say for the record that I'm not above begging for my life, but I doubt you'd kill me anyway. And since it's not like you're letting me go, either..." Caster lunged towards Nick in a blur, but he wasn't quite close enough to stop him in time.

In a lightning-fast motion, Nick embedded the long knife in his hand deeply into Mr. Abbott's skull.

"I've been itching to do that for almost an hour, now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 30, 2015, 07:37:27 pm

Caster of Clubs

"So..." he scratched his chin, calmly walking towards Nick and his hostage. "You wrote down a tome-spell on the interior of your victim's shirt, and have been actively restraining it to use him as a bartering tool. Clever, very clever indeed. You'd make quite the Caster-Class Servant someday in the future, Nicholas Hemingway. Unfortunately, I'm the Caster of today, and your spell has already been disabled. By the time this dome opens again the tome will have expired, so you won't have to worry your pretty little head about poor old Mr. Abbott."

Cody raised his gun again, which didn't rely chiefly on magic and instead worked mechanically. "This is where you drop your weapon and surrender. It's over, we're taking you in Alive.

"Poor choice, Lazarus." Caster broke in. "Do you really feel that we should keep this murderer alive and living in our world? After all he's done?"

"He's the one who kills people when it suits him, that's a pattern I will never emulate."

"Also... We're not alone here." The servant turned around. Right behind them stood the Saber of Spades.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 30, 2015, 07:09:35 pm

Brazen Dome (Anti-World, A+):

In a play written about Caster after his death, he was trying to build a head that would construct a brass dome over all of England.  This Noble Phantasm essentially seals off a spherical area into a pocket dimension, about the size of a city block due to magic energy constraints.  From the outside, the sealed area appears to have a brass wall around it that is impenetrable without breaking the very structure of reality.  The interior of the dome is dark (since it covers the sun), and Caster possesses complete and total knowledge of the locations and conditions of all the dome’s contents.  Magic is unusable within the dome, and all magical contracts of those within (besides Servant-Master contracts) are temporarily rendered void.

Roger Bacon, Caster of Clubs, designed by Nitrox.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 30, 2015, 07:07:59 pm

Kirin Oshiro

In the commotion he bolted for the catalyst, pushing past mages running in the opposite direction. This way, right Riza?

...Hello?

Archer, shoot that club!

Which one?

T-the one Cody's fighting!

Well, which one's Cody?!

UGH!

RIZA!

Oh! The catalyst is down the hall, keep going in that direction.

He soon met a reinforced vault-like door, only to be opened by a high-class mage. Kirin was more than capable of opening it, but when he pressed his palm against it to recite the opening ritual he found his magic power quickly fading away.

What? What's going on?!

Cody Lazarus

"Hmm. Tempting," he sarcastically said with a frown, "but I think I've got a better idea."

Caster.

What's your order?

...Use it. This ends here, and now.

Caster materialized, and clapped his hands together once. "Hit me with your best shot, Hemingway."

The sky began to darken. A half-circle shaped barrier began to envelop the entire building, lined with golden lines of code and unrecognizable symbols.

"This is my true noble phantasm, the Anti-World Brazen Dome. Within this reality marble I am essentially omniscient. Go ahead and try to cast something." He gave a pleasant smile.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 30, 2015, 06:42:15 pm

Nick

"Well, I suppose you're right about most of that. I never had much need for a moral compass, and I can't really see a distinction between bravery and idiocy. I run when I'm losing and I try to win; that's not so bad, is it? But I'm not here to talk about myself- I'm here for a different reason altogether. For now, why don't you use... Let's say, 2 command seals to get your servant to attack Masamune over there."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 30, 2015, 06:17:25 pm

Cody Lazarus

He began to lower his gun, glaring at Nick.

"This... this is exactly why we could never work with you. You're a spineless coward, Nick, and you've got no moral compass whatsoever. I'd gladly forfeit the catalyst if it means keeping you from getting the Sanctum Key.

It's people like you who are the reason I fight for the clubs."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 30, 2015, 05:35:45 pm

Nick

Nick rolled his eyes, not bothering to unclasp the hands behind his back and raise them. "Relax, Club mage. If I wanted to blow you all up, I would've done it already. But I just wanted to talk..."

Nick slowly took a half-step to the side and clasped his hands , resting one on the dirt wall to lean, revealing the unconscious man he had brought along. "I think it might be your turn to freeze. This is my good friend, Mr. Abbott. Don't be shy, now, say hi. Mr. Abbott has a strange medical condition, you see. He's prone to spontaneously combusting if I ever lose consciousness, or if I think he's beginning to smell particularly unpleasant. So go ahead. Shoot me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 30, 2015, 04:19:37 pm

Celtchar

Found them Celtchar sent

Where?

In front of us, 30 yards down.

Stay still, if they make a move we engage, although I think we're outnumbered here.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 30, 2015, 03:10:56 pm

Robin

Robin followed Henri, Kiera and Hera down the tunnel until he heard Henri speak.

"I think that might be an enemy Servant.  Shall we engage?"

Robin spoke in a whisper.

"Hey guys, I'm here as well. I would suggest travelling in stealth for as long as we can, best keep the Spades off our tails for as long as we can."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 30, 2015, 11:12:59 am

Henri

Keira, Henri, and Hera continued to walk down the tunnel, following their Command Seals.  Suddenly, Henri noticed a light in front of him.  It was bobbing up and down, moving relatively slowly.

"I think that might be an enemy Servant.  Shall we engage?"

((For clarity's sake, this is Lancer's spear.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 29, 2015, 09:03:25 pm

Jack Blair

Celtchar took out her lance and began walking down the small passageways.

No one here. Celtchar sent

Good, I'm scanning for the catalyst, we can get it and get out with no trouble.

That's not going to happen, they'll come at some point.

Fair enough, although we can fight a few clubs.

Celtchar nodded as they continued down the dark tunnel...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 28, 2015, 07:01:29 pm

Anne

Ok, good luck. I'm blocking all exits and entrances right now, it will prevent escape, but also we will be trapped in with others.

"Obsepio" Anne said while focusing on using dirt to block all exits and entrances. It was successful.

Saber continued to clash blades with the opposing Saber. One of the opposing Saber's blades nicked his leg, but except for a slight sting, it was easily ignored.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 28, 2015, 06:31:43 pm

Cody Lazarus

He dodged under Saber's attacks and ended up on the other side of the room.

Good luck, guys! I'm going after the catalyst. Hang in there!

He ran out of the room on his way for the fifth catalyst when he spotted Nick. He frowned. Cody raised his gun. "Freeze!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on September 28, 2015, 11:20:52 am

Quote from: Zen on September 27, 2015, 05:28:11 pm

....... The war shouldn't have started until he wound up in a box.

Audrey (Miranda) ((Although I never post for Audrey, she's technically never said her real name.))

        She had been dragged around for the entirety of the last few days, being whisked away to various places without an inkling of what was going on. She wasn't feeling particularly well due to jet lag and adding to that, she always felt as if she was walking around with a noose around her neck. It was all going differently than she had envisioned. it was all supposed to go smoothly as usual, just like another one of her usual escapades, albeit, this time, for a much longer period of time. Although she was dining much more luxuriously than she would have normally, it was honestly just a major pain. The painkillers weren't helping and she really just wanted this dream to end.
        Wandering the streets of London with no particular aim, she drifted onward and onward.

---

Maria
   
      So I can see the situation of Big Ben from here. Honestly, even though I contacted the higher ups already, there's still an order to not do anything rash even though I submitted an entire reel of footage showcasing why a simple bullet to the head could get all of these headaches over with. Although we are encroaching on the soil of the Magus Association, it'd hardly matter if they just keep the catalysts stowed away after the nuisances are done away with and then since a psuedo-nuclear warhead is aimed at them, they'll surely back down. Even if they pressure the English government to conduct a raid, they can be easily hidden away and the damage will be completely mitigated. Well, this is all assuming that the Magus Association and the EU Group aren't secretly collaborating to grant a common wish and having me here is to just do so in a convenient manner that they don't offend any of their associates, namely the Oshiro family......
     It all makes sense now. ****, are they planning to court-martial me to get another nuisance out of the way? That might explain why I basically have zero access to any of the information networks that would probably have easily aided me in my search. I've already blown up one of their bases so they probably aren't too happy about that. Pretty sure they waved off the 'attack' as being something I did of my own accord. This is a lot more complicated than I thought it was. Of course, this is all speculation but in all honesty, I don't trust them enough to take my chances. So what can I do?
     Orbital satellite cannon perhaps and a dead man's switch? No, they'd notice if I was embezzling funds to launch a satellite and the likelihood of it surviving long enough before the EU or the US throws a hissy fit is minimal at best. Maybe I should construct a home in the hills of England, if I consume Lancer's power, kidnap the crown prince, destroy Curtana the second, construct a Curtana the third, I should have enough military force to destroy any regiment they send at me. No, that's not a practical plan at all. Actually, at this rate, I might as well just take the catalysts for myself and level all of the magical organizations in the world to the ground. Sounds like a much better plan. I'll go with that for now, I'll think more whilst I watch them idly fight.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 27, 2015, 10:10:16 pm

Nick

Is that... Fire? And at least half a dozen people, plus mana... But the only reason a fight would break out here is if both Spades AND Clubs arrived. Heh, maybe I underestimated their guts, then... But what to do?

"Change of plans. Head towards Big Ben." No Sir this time, and no fake accent. Nick was all business.

"But there's nowhere to doc-" the voice cut off abruptly, becoming a choked gasp, as a long, thin blade pressed at the base of the rower's throat.

"How about now? Can you find a place to dock now?"

"Are you CRAZ-" A prick of the blade silenced him once more.

"Do you really want to find out?"

The old man threw caution to the wind and lunged for Nick, trying to grab the knife hand with his own arm and force it away from his neck. This maneuver resulted in a lightning-fast knee to the stomach, and the swift impact of the knife against the back of the head. The man toppled, wheezing, before unconsciousness set in.

Nick sighed and lifted the man's head, before lowering it into the water of the river. After a minute or so, bubbles began rushing upwards and the legs began to thrash, at which point Nick hauled the man back up.

"That... Was poorly planned."

------------

Nick gestured for the tower to stop once the boat was literally in the shadow of Big Ben, a very illegal place to be, really. "This..." He began. "This'll take a magus corpse, but it'll be worth it."

He placed his fingers on the previously-made four dots on the boat's hull, and literally lifted them off as if they were stickers, before placing them on his own forehead. He began to mutter a series of chants under his breath, much longer than the average spell sequence, before interjecting: "Blesk!" A yellow, flickering glow began to emanate from his eyes and nostrils, and he lifted the now-gagged rower by the collar and disappearing entirely. He reappeared on the side of Big Ben itself, and began climbing vertically up the outside wall of the building. Once he reached the appropriate level, a push against a glass window brought him inside in an explosion of shards, dragging the limp rower with him. He sprinted down the hall he had entered. He stopped in front of a door with only a keyhole, no knob.

Here we go...

All the remaining yellow energy exploded out of him and into the door at once, blasting the metal barrier into smithereens. Nick stood up straight and entered.

((Note: This is a backdoor to the mage floor, accessible from the staff hallway, which opens up into the space behind Kirin and Granny.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 09:16:25 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Pardon me, but I'm afraid now is NOT a very good time to be discussing this!

[ALRIGHT I'M PASSING THE TORCH TO M2!]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on September 27, 2015, 09:14:14 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Zoraya stopped firing. Not because of Riza's pleads, but from her own shock. Wait... she's a Master!?!

Kirin, explain yourself! Why is your servant girl a Master and not you!? Don't tell me you lied.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 09:07:00 pm

Kirin Oshiro

I thought we were going to tone it down a notch so the EU magus association wouldn't be upset!

Securing that catalyst is precedent.

Have it your way, Krauss.

Cody and Anne jumped out of the way and began returning fire at Mrs. Krauss as the two sabers fought each other. Kirin raised his wand at Cody, but Riza grabbed his arm.

"What are you- hey, let go! What in the blazes are you doing?!"

"That's my friend you're aiming at!"

"You i-idiot! Archer, restrain her!" His servant re-appeared and grabbed her by the arms, pulling her off of him. She kicked and screamed, all the while her command seals began to glow.

"LET ME GO!" He loosened his grip and tightly grasped his head, trying to fight off his orders to no avail.

Riza's mind was a scrambled mess, trying to decide her allegiance. I've known Cody a lot longer, but... I'm a spade. What am I doing?! She fell to her knees and weakly repeated, "Please... stop..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on September 27, 2015, 08:14:32 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Saber thrusted his other sword Colada towards his opponent while Tizona and Masamune's blade was locked in place. However, Masamune was quick enough to jump back and dodge the blow.

Zoraya used the two's confrontation as a distraction to fire a few shots at both Anne and Cody.

Kirin, stop standing there and do something! Are you that incompetent to not remember the plan to kill any Clubs in our way?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 27, 2015, 08:02:07 pm

Anne

Um... Should I block them off? It won't hold up long, but it may buy us some time. It's obvious that the catalyst is here, so we can't let them escape. Any ideas to what this guy is weak to?

Saber, can you block this servant?

Saber materialized in front of Anne and Cody and lifted up one of his blades to block the incoming attack. A metallic ping echoed around the room as the two blades clashed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on September 27, 2015, 07:19:43 pm

Zoraya Krauss

... You think we should do something, Krauss?

That's what I'm trying to decide here. This is rather annoying. Zoraya continued staring at the scene with her arms crossed.  I suppose we should just stick with Kirin's original plan and annihilation any Clubs that pass by. Go ahead and attack them, Saber.

Not bothering to respond, Saber materialized and charged towards both Cody and Anne with Tizona and Colada in hand. Meanwhile, Zoraya opened up her pocket dimension and pulled out a hand gun.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 07:02:07 pm

Cody Lazarus and Kirin Oshiro

Club.

Spade.

Cody?!

Oh, not this rubbish again...

Cody and Anne ducked under and scampered out of the elevator before its interior was incinerated by a small volley of Spark. "Get down!" Cody screamed to all of the surrounding workers and students, while ducking under a desk. While Anne prepared for combat he exchanged fire with Kirin for a few moments before Jeb, an association employee, interrupted:

"HOLD UP, HOLD UP!" He waved his arms to both of them. "I don't want you two kids tearing this place from the seams!" Cody slowly lowered his gun, carefully watching as Kirin lowered his wand. Cease fire, Anne.

Kirin looked around carefully. Two targets, both young. We still don't have the catalyst yet. Krauss is over there, staring at us. Neither of them have-

Kirin, that's my classmate!

Your what?

Cody! He's a friend of mine from school! How can you tell he's a club? Why did you attack him?

We servants can easily catch each others' scent. I warned Kirin a few seconds in advance.

Why didn't you tell me?

Didn't think you'd care, love.

You're cruel.

He's de-materialized, but I can feel him. Archer's right on top of us.

Any ideas, Caster?

We're in the middle of a ceasefire, let's cooperate so that these guys association blokes don't immediately shaft us.

Cody, Hemingway is approaching!

He's WHAT?! We've gotta finish this quickly! Anne, any thoughts?!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 27, 2015, 06:46:54 pm

Jack Blair

The large black car pulled up to the subway station and Celtchar and Jack climbed out.

"We're here I'm sure that punk we found last time brought friends, hopefully the others will arrive soon." Jack said, making sure he had his gun and kevlar vest, it wouldn't protect him against much magic, but at least he wouldn't be killed by collateral, "I'll keep the immunity spell going slightly, but once we start tusslin' I can't guarantee we won't get shocked."

"Got it." Celtchar nodded as they shoved past the citizens,, garnering strange looks, as they headed into the subway area. Jack casted a quick illusion spell and the two of them sneaked into a tunnel.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 06:43:28 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Erigo!"

"No."

"Copernicus?"

"Nah, sorry."

"Is it Krauss? Oshiro? Conzette? Mahagany?"

"No, no, no and no."

Cody groaned and leaned on the desk. "Come on, let me in! You know I'm a mage, I have my command seals right here!" He raised his sleeve to the secretary. "I don't care if a spade's already passed through here, I'm not gonna go shooting up the London Academy."

"I'm very sorry, Mister Lazarus, but I-"

"Ah, so you DO recognize me."

She continued, a little annoyed. "...But standard procedure states I can't let anyone up without the password."

"Caster."

"Yes?"

"Can you pull up the Brazen Head for me?"

"Sorry, chap, it only answers yes-or-no questions."

"Grr..." He scratched his head.

"Can't you just hack the elevator, Lazarus?"

Cody suddenly felt rather silly. "...Crap." He ran towards the nearest elevator, beckoning for the others to follow him. "Why didn't I think of that sooner?!" He pressed his hand against the interior wall and send them straight up to the Magus floor.

As soon as he got out of the elevator he was met face-to-face with Kirin Oshiro.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 27, 2015, 06:24:35 pm

Nick

The river was unnaturally still for this time of year, almost glassy, reflecting the lights that were just beginning to go on across London. Those lights promptly winked out as the boat slid under a bridge. The rower, a short man with a hunch that made him shorter, seemed to be taking extra care not to disturb the stillness of tonight. Or maybe it was just his passenger being scary.

"What a disgusting city..."

"What's that, young sir?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. Just musing."

"Well, I must admit, I'm impressed. It's rare to see a youn sir like you who enjoys the view from here... None of them are interested in that sort of thing anymore, spectacular as it is this time of day."

"I'm... Something more than the average nineteen year old." Nick found his voice inevitably slipping into an Oxford accent mimicking that of his rower, and decided to keep it there. It couldn't hurt.

"Stop here, please... Yes, just right there."

The boat had just begun to peek out of the other side of the bridge, and Big Ben was suddenly visible once more.

"Would you mind turning away, sir?"

"Uh-of course." The short man replied, hesitant and confused. Nick payed him no heed. Fortunately, the boat was large enough that Nick could whisper to himself on one side without the man hearing on the other. Nick this time pressed only four fingers to the boat's hull, and a strong breeze suddenly blew out of the symb. The boat lurched to one side from the sudden force, and the invisible wind sped toward Big Ben.

Soon...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 27, 2015, 06:17:29 pm

Robin

Robin stood in the subway, looking  for Henri. After a few minutes of searching, he saw the pink-haired mage and approached him, speaking in a quiet voice.

"Henri! It's me, Robin. I'm here as well. Do you have any idea where to start looking?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 27, 2015, 05:45:45 pm

Avery

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 05:28:11 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"O-Oshiro?"

"Yes, is that a problem?" Kirin crossed his arms. He had just entered the front lobby and spoke quietly to the woman in front.

What in the hell are you doing, lad? That's a bystander, she just works here.

On the contrary, Archer. The staff here masquerades as government workers, and that's what they do most of the time, but the administrators and secretaries are all association members. She won't just let in ANY old mage, however, given the high status of this establishment.

Can you put that in a language I understand, Kirin?

Later.

The secretary responded in a whisper. "There's a... word."

"It's Equinox."

"I see." She handed him a small silver key. "Any elevator should work. Best of luck, Spade Faction."

Kirin and Riza waited for a few minutes until they could access an elevator alone, the finally went in. He pressed the key into the emergency lock, normally reserved for firemen in case of emergency. It glowed; when he took it out, all of the floor buttons flashed three times and the elevator rose up a few floors, stopping eventually and opening. The architecture on this floor was vastly different from the common-man's, with much more dated architecture from a more Gothic era.

"Ah, we've been expecting you, Kirin Oshiro." It was Jeb again. The last time they'd met was [Kirin's first post] at the beginning of the war, during his briefing. It was the very same stout man from Texas.

"Well met, Mister Yurrick."

"Hey, kid, I told ye before. It's just Jeb, alright?"

"Fine, Jeb.. We're pressed for time, unfortunately."

"Ah, I understand. Here, I've got your catalyst in the next room. Be quick, we don't want those pesky clubs getting their grubby hands all over it!" He chuckled.

Kirin?

What is it now, Archer?

Now that I think about it, something does't add up.

Kirin instinctively reached for his wand. Are we being watched?

Nah, we're fine in here, it's just that... You say your father was in the previous Divided War, right?

That's right.

Last I checked, the next war starts when all of the victors are dead. Your father DID win, right?

It was a crushing, brutal victory.

Alright, so why is HE still around? The war shouldn't have started until he wound up in a box.

...As a mage, I've learned not to question such things that don't concern me.

Now would be a good time to un-learn it, Kirin. I don't like this one bit.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 27, 2015, 05:07:38 pm

Anne

Everything is related to a machine... Wish I understood more about those things.

"So do we head straight to Big Ben and wait for Nick there, or do we want to track him? I think that going to Big Ben will be easier and save time, but then we might have to deal with the other three as well... Since we're gonna run into those other three eventually, though... I think we should go straight to Big Ben. Whaddya say?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 04:56:53 pm

Cody Lazarus

Using Archer's portal was a simple matter; their real challenge would be reaching the parliament building in time. Luckily, Cody had a plan.

They stood in the open streets, normal civilians walking every which way. It was a crowded, snowy evening, unusual weather for London.

"Do you have a map?" Anne asked him.

"I've got something better." Give me a boost, Caster.

On it. Caster returned some of his mana to him to let him cast a large spell.

Cody crouched low and pressed his hand against the ground, and inhaled deeply. "The city of London, like many other cities, can be seen as one massive machine. It's not made up of circuits and wires, though; it's made of people and places." Maxim-Scan. He cast the spell to plot out a mental map of the city, saving time and energy by filtering out everything except for magical artifacts and mages. He then cross-referenced this information with a pre-downloaded map of London provided by Madeline and determined not only their location, but the quickest path to the Parliament building and the general locations of all mages.

"Three mages are already at Big Ben. Dang. One more's in the area around it. I think that one might be Nick."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 27, 2015, 03:51:33 pm

Anne

"Well not really. It seems as though Nick has left us, but he might go join the Spades now that you mention it..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 27, 2015, 12:22:53 pm

Kiera

Kiera walked down the stairs, "What just happened? Don't tell me there are 8 spades now."


Jack Blair

"Who else is going subway?" Jack said, "We're leaving now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on September 27, 2015, 11:01:03 am

Maria

This whole back and forth business is quite tedious if you ask me. Why place these things in this extremely insignificant city in the United States, a ruin in South America, and then have the rest appear in London. This all just seems a bit strange. Whatever, best be heading back to London, might as well go set something up by a leyline or two. I still have a couple more hours worth of footage to examine. It was a good thing that I opted to sleep through the fourth catalyst, it looked like an absolute snoozefest.

And thus, off Maria went on a helicopter once more without any pesky insects bothering her.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 27, 2015, 11:00:41 am

((Zen, you can do all the transportation details or whatever.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 27, 2015, 09:38:13 am

Robin

"Okay, since a lot of you seem to be going to Big Ben, I'm heading to the subway."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 27, 2015, 12:08:27 am

Cody Lazarus

He pocketed a small computer chip. "Yeah, I'm all set. Let's move out."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 26, 2015, 09:27:15 pm

Anne

"Yes." Anne said throwing the notepad into the fireplace and watching the flames blanket it.

Penny, come here now, we're leaving.

WUFF! [But... I'm sleeping!]

Do you want me to leave you behind?

Anne got her answer when she heard clicking as Penny ran down the steps.

"We're going to use the space to our advantage," Anne said to Saber. "If you see Nick, do whatever you want except leave him alone."

"Alright."

"I have all my stuff, you?" Anne asked Cody after grabbing her dagger from where it lay on the table.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 26, 2015, 09:14:20 pm

Kirin Oshiro

It's fortunate that we've been sent into familiar territory. The mage's association has had our backs since day one. If all goes well, they'll hand over the catalyst willingly and help us with part two of our plan.

Archer took in a deep breath, walking beside Riza, Kirin and Mrs. Krauss. Good to smell this air again.

Last you were here was in 1800s, when the air was filled with coal.

Problem, Oshiro?

You've... got a strange taste in scents, mister.

Like no other. He **** a smile.

"So." Krauss said firmly. "This plan is very much like your father."

"Did you know him?"

"Of course, we are both heads of our own families."

Kirin eyed her oddly. She was an eighty-two year old elderly woman who couldn't walk without a cane, and thus their pace was extremely slow. "You haven't passed down your title yet?"

Krauss scowled. "Of course not. I thought you were more proper than that; I'm very disappointed with you, Kirin. No, while you might think me an old hag, I'm still head of the Krauss family. That title will be given up the moment it's torn out of my cold, dead hands. Now stand up straight!" She whacked him with her cane. Riza couldn't help but giggle.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 26, 2015, 08:43:52 pm

Cody Lazarus

He was silent for a few seconds.

"Caster, get ready. Madeline, equip the spear. We leave for London now."

Caster shrugged, then stretched his arms. "What's our game plan, chap?"

Cody retrieved his now-repaired pistol and loaded a magazine. "The spade team is secondary.

Nick is the enemy now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 26, 2015, 08:37:25 pm

Nick

Nick stared at the floor for a solid twenty seconds before looking up, his face a flat pane, a mask of apathy and indifference.

When he spoke, it was slow and clear, enunciating each syllable. "Anne, a proper lady should have expansive command and mastery of the English language. The word girlfriend was located inside an if clause, implying a hypothetical. Although the fact that you interpreted it as you did implies some level of wishful thinking... Interesting."

"As for your other point, I concur that I was at fault. It was my fault for playing along with the naive fantasies none of you seem to have shed; my fault for not burning that forest down immediately. I apologize for my rash decision-making. It won't happen again."

Nick stood up to leave, before pausing at the door.

"I have little more to say to you all. This has been fun, I'll admit, but I see that I won't be able to tolerate any extended length of time with you all anymore."

He pulled out a small notepad from his jacket and tossed it onto the table.

"My number. Don't call frivolously, please; I'm quite impatient about that. If something pertinent comes up, well... I expect I'll see you again in any case. Oh, and if you do ever call, make sure it's not Cody, since I'm liable to get annoyed at his voice."

"Consider this a lost servant-master pair. And in gratitude for having let me stay here, however briefly, I'll advise you all: stay out of London this time. I expect it'll be a real party."

The door slammed shut.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 26, 2015, 06:32:45 pm

Anne

"Two things.

One: I AM NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND, so SHUT THE HELL UP!

Two: You are NOT going to kill any innocent people. Taking them hostage for the mana draining circles was tolerable, but killing innocent people is cruel. Just because you lost your servant doesn't mean that you have to kill every person you see. Technically you were the one who sent Berserker in early, so you are the one at fault, not Cody because YOU made the damn decision."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 26, 2015, 05:22:52 pm

Nick

Nick stood up so abruptly that his chair slid back. "Listen here, Lazarus. I don't give a... I couldn't care less what happens to the mages in that association. I'm going to win, and I'm going to wipe out every last SPADE (Nick spat the word like a curse) whose misfortune it was to be chosen for THAT team in THIS war, and add them to my collection. Their lives are forfeit, as far as I'm concerned.
Play hero all you want, Cody, but you're in a war, and you need to grow up and act like it. If you'll recall, we all followed your initiative when the fourth catalyst was revealed, and we played nice and we played safe and... Now our strongest servant is dead. My best- Our best chance, gone. And it's a because of CHILDREN, children like you that try to save some British building and cry for their mommies when they get a cut and haven't even dealt anyone a particularly painful injury and still pretend they have a chance.
Well, when I was 11, I promised myself I'd never cry, and then I had my tear ducts surgically removed, and then I stabbed the surgeon who did it and looked him in the eye the whole time. The Spades are babies too, albeit to a lesser degree, and I'm more than ready to take them on. But, If you think you know better than me, after YOU COST ME MY BERSERKER, then you'd better come up with a DAMN good argument and then you'd better DAMN well keep it to yourself, because I's kill all the spades anyway."

Nick took several deep breaths before sitting down.

"Anne, I'm not compromising on this, even if you are my girlfriend. This isn't about my collection anymore, it's personal. And I'll courteously avoid killing you, Cody, since this is your place, even though you probably deserve it. But if you come along, we're doing it MY way this time. You can implicate yourself in what'll likely be a massacre, and you'll probably feel a heck of a lot more guilty if you're personally there, but maybe you save a person or two on the sidelines. Your choice."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 26, 2015, 05:09:04 pm

[This is after class, at the base]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 26, 2015, 05:04:11 pm

Anne

"Yeah. I'm fine with killing Spades, but innocent people... No."

((Where is Cody, at the mages' academy or the clubs' base..?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 26, 2015, 04:43:42 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Oh, I'm sorry, but someday when this war's history is recorded I don't want to be remembered as a member of the team that murdered everyone near the association's main building. Threaten me all you want, I'm keeping an eye on you regardless of what you say."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 26, 2015, 04:36:47 pm

Nick

"I'm fine. I don't like being questioned. Besides, Ruler said we were allowed to kill indiscriminately there; he even encouraged it. You can bet that the spades won't hesitate to burn it to the ground, so I won't either. I'd recommend that, since you're all about safety, you stay far, FAR away."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 26, 2015, 04:30:18 pm

Cody Lazarus

He cleared his throat. "If Nick goes to Big Ben, I'm going too. Somebody's gotta make sure he doesn't go haywire."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on September 26, 2015, 04:24:55 pm

Nick

The subway seems good... I know my way around that area quite well. Isn't that where I got Mage corpse number 2?

Nick had been acting drastically differently from his usual persona since he'd returned late last night. Nobody had really seen much of him during the battle since he went off to chase down his berserker. Then, after the battle, he'd disappeared entirely, only returning many hours later. He'd been much quieter since. People probably had guesses as to what had happened. Maybe they were right. He didn't ask or clarify. He didn't care to. And nobody had approached him yet. That was also fine.

Just as he was about to open his mouth and briefly announce his destination (just announce his destination, with no unnecessary words), he heard a familiar voice.

"Good point, I guess I'll go to the Big Ben, where cornering people will be a lot easier."

Up until now, Nick had only been following the conversation half heartedly, but now he smiled in spite of himself.

I guess we... I guess I know where I'm going. Good to know that there are still things to look forward to.

"I'll be going to Big Ben as well, if nobody minds?" He said, glaring around the room as if begging someone to challenge him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 26, 2015, 02:45:46 pm

Henri

((Any Clubs who are going to the subways can assume they're here too.))

Henri and Arash glanced around to make sure nobody was watching them, and then a blast of force shot out of Henri's trident, breaking the rotten barricade over the abandoned subway station.  As they stepped in, Arash shot an arrow at the ground.

"If a train's coming or we get lost, we can teleport back here."

Henri smiled.  "You certainly think ahead, don't you?"

"Of course.  This is war, safety is important."

"Don't you think that our success matters more?"

Arash frowned and shook his head.  "In the short term, maybe... but in the end, people comprise the only good in this world.  The protection of all humanity – that's the ultimate goal, above all else."

"But people are also capable of great acts of evil.  Are you sure it balances out in our favor, in the end?"

Arash looked up and stretched, as if he could see the sky through the opaque ceiling.  "Well, that's what we're here for, right?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 25, 2015, 10:54:25 pm

Madeline

"Breathe."

Visual calibrations were completed. Depth perception was tested multiple times and was concluded to be fully functional.

The spell "Breathe" repeated itself in the background processor. It was a spell invented by Cody Lazarus not long ago, and the first ever magical spell to be able to have been cast by humans and machines alike, by means of a repeating code and a simulated intelligence. The spell itself takes in oxygen in the air around the vessel and, through use of basic alchemy, converts it into a raw energy source, a makeshift artificial type of mana. Rhythmically casting the spell would allow an automation to sustain itself with otherwise no mana source.

"See, Louis?" Cody continued to look at Madeline's steel body, but referred to his classmate a few feet behind him. "To us mages, Sanctum is our mana source, our lifeline. To Madeline, and any who may follow her design, Sanctum is in the air around her. Air is a gift, and it can be shared." The classmate smiled. Cody stood straight up. "Can you move, Madeline?"

She nodded her head and slowly rose. Her height almost met Cody's, perhaps a centimeter shorter. Her body was a steely grey, fashioned in the shape of a girl in a modest dress, but all made of mechanical bits and pieces.

"Could you excuse us for a moment?" Cody and Louis exited the room, while Madeline stood obediently.


---


Cody Lazarus


"So. She's got a physical body now!" Louis grinned. "I'm kind of jealous, Cody. I can tell this project's really gonna take off."

"Yeah, well, she's got more than just a body. I added something else the other day."

"What's that?"

"Adaptive learning."

His classmate's smile dropped. "Wait. Are you serious?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You... you didn't..."

Cody frowned. "Yeah, I used Barney's code. He made it free for anyone to use, but now I've finally got a use for it."

"Cody..." Louis whispered. "Barney stopped working that code for a reason."

"Oh, not this again... That 'reason' is just a bunch of paranoia. Barney's never had an AI to test it on, his whole 'cybernetic replacement' hypothesis is nothing but a puff of hot air."

"Barney's not stupid, Cody."

"He's not always right, either. I haven't crossed any moral boundaries, all I've done is made way for potentially one more sentient life form on the planet filled with 7 billion of them." Cody's voice got a little more bitter. "The only difference is, I can shut her down without consequence. I know what I'm doing."

"You'd better!"

"I do!" He turned around and went back to his workshop. Louis went back to his own class.


...


Cody, I... I could hear that conversation.

I don't doubt that for a moment. What about it?

I, well I... Madeline, using thoughts of her own, began to second-guess speaking up, but she decided on it and continued. I-if I may request...

What's wrong?

Please, sir, I mean no offense by this, but I have to ask.

Spit it out, already. What's wrong?

Please... Don't ever shut me down.

"What?" He was taken by complete surprise, so he felt the need to speak aloud.

"I-I mean I should submit to your judgement, as you are the human and I am the creation, but I, ah... Please, don't shut me down."

"Madeline, I d-didn't mean to scare you! I was just making a point to Louis!"

"But what you said was true, was it not? I know the answer, at any point if you're dissatisfied with my being, you can de-activate me without any issue of morality and scrap the Madeline project without a second thought."

"I'd never do that..."

"Are you positive?"

He'd never heard her say anything of this sort. It was eerie beyond belief, but he managed to keep himself composed. "Yes, I'm... I'm positive. I won't ever scrap you."

"Thank you." She closed her eyes.

Breathe.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 25, 2015, 10:25:37 pm

Cody Lazarus

"So this is it, right here?" the classmate spoke. They both stood in a Cody's school workshop, scrutinizing the nearly-finished project. It was a mechanical, humanoid body made of steel, in the shape of a young female.

"Yeah. I'm gonna try and turn it on."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

Cody turned back and smiled. "I have to."

Fingers crossed. Are you ready, Madeline?

I think so. No bugs have been detected.

Alright. Get ready.

He crouched down in front of the limp machine and pressed his palm against its forehead. He focused his mana, channeling it into his mind and his hand. He uttered one word, inventing a spell of his very own.

Breathe.

Her eyes flashed open.

Breathe.

A simulated inhale.

Breathe.

A simulated exhale.

Breathe.

Breathe.

"...Breathe." He uttered one more time, this time aloud.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 23, 2015, 08:17:50 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"So allow me to make sure I have this down correctly..." Isa Oshrio, Kirin's father, tapped his foot. His office was prim, proper, and oppressive beyond explanation. "Not only have you failed to retrieve two of the catalysts, but only one enemy servant has been been taken out?"

"...Yes." Kirin looked down at his feet.

"Do you know what this tells me, Kirin?"

"We... need to re-evaluate our strate-"

"It means..." He cut him off. "...That you've failed me."

"What?" Kirin was taken aback. "F-father, the spades are still at an advantage. We have the power to retrieve the missing catalysts and defeat-"

"You've failed! Letting not one, but two of the pivotal artifacts slip through your fingers is an absolute disgrace!" Isa grabbed his son by the collar and swerved him around, making him face a nearby painting of Watari Oshiro, his great-grandfather and one of the most famous Oshiro patriarchs. "Does this mean nothing to you?! You're Oshiro- your blood is the most powerful in the entire world! No other mage family has ever, or will ever in the future come close to usurping us. Your failures in this war have disgraced us! It shows weakness."

"Father, I... I..." He choked over his words.

"Our symbol is perfection. Your breeding was supposed to forge you into the ultimate mage. I don't see any of it anymore." Isa stepped back and stood up straight. "From this point onward, I control you. You and the rest of the Spade mages do exactly as I say, when I say it, and how I say it is to be done. You were right on one thing, surprisingly- we need a new strategy. Two of the catalysts have been revealed; I've just gotten word. You and a platoon of association mages will seize one of them, but you will stay in that very spot with Archer and Saber. Kill every club that approaches, looking for the catalyst. Don't stop until all enemies in the area are dead. Then, and only then, will you move on. By then our enemies will be as they should have been from the very beginning of the Sanctum war- crippled and defenseless."

"That strategy..." Kirin clenched his fist. "It's relentless."

"That's how the spades and I won, about fifteen years ago. That's how we destroyed the clubs.

That's how I laid ruin to the Mahagany family."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 23, 2015, 03:44:23 pm

Jack Blair

Jack stepped out of the room followed by Celtchar, "We'll also be headed that way."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 23, 2015, 03:38:56 pm

Robin

He had been inside long enough to listen to what Anne and Henri had said.

"I will probably be better in Big Ben, I'll go there."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 23, 2015, 03:36:53 pm

Nat

Nat frowned.  Well, Ruler's just a tool like everybody else.  Just because he says it's okay to kill mages, doesn't mean that it's right to do so.  Still...

"I'll go to the subways, if nobody minds."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 23, 2015, 12:52:10 pm

Anne

"Good point, I guess I'll go to the Big Ben where cornering people will be a lot easier."

But there are also tons of people there... That could be good and terrible at the same time...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 23, 2015, 12:07:49 pm

Henri

"Hmm... both are enclosed spaces, in a sense, but I bet Archer's arrows would be able to go pretty far in a subway tunnel, and we could use teleportation to get from place to place more easily.  Strong melee attacks like Masamune's might be better inside a tight space like Big Ben."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 22, 2015, 08:06:29 pm

Anne

"Three more catalysts.  I'll direct you to, let's say, two.  One is in the subway tunnels beneath this city – I won't get any more specific than that – and one is in the mage's university in Big Ben."  He grinned darkly.  "Needless to say, you don't need to worry about keeping your true power secret in a mage's university.  Do with the resident what you like, I won't care a whit."

New catalysts huh? Looks like we've got something to do.

"Um... Who would hold the advantage under ground, and who would have a higher advantage above ground? We could fit people into what they are best at"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 22, 2015, 07:29:23 pm

Jack Blair

Jack's eyes shot open. He looked over to Celtchar in the nearby chair, sound asleep.

Suddenly Ruler appeared again.

"Three more catalysts.  I'll direct you to, let's say, two.  One is in the subway tunnels beneath this city – I won't get any more specific than that – and one is in the mage's university in Big Ben."  He grinned darkly.  "Needless to say, you don't need to worry about keeping your true power secret in a mage's university.  Do with the resident what you like, I won't care a whit."

"More locations." Jack said as Celtchar woke up.

"Good, where?"

"Subway, mage academy."

"We'll handle the subway." Celtchar said, cracking her knuckles, "Tell the others."

Jack nodded and sent a mental message.


Kiera

Kiera climbed out of bed and walked out into the hallway, "New catalysts, what are we doing for groups?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 22, 2015, 06:51:43 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Hey, Riza."

The girl turned around. "Oh, hi, Cody! Where have you been? You were absent on Friday."

"Oh, uhh..." He thought for a moment. "I was sick. I'm lucky I was able to get some work done on project Madeline in-between coughs, huh?" He chuckled, in a slightly nervous way. The school bell rang, and the two sat down.

"Alright, class." Mr. Osborn, their English teacher, began. "Today's warm-up will regard the first three chapters of-" His voice was drowned out by a much louder, much more commanding tone. The room turned dark red, and Ruler appeared. None of the other classmates seemed to be phased.

"Three more catalysts.  I'll direct you to, let's say, two.  One is in the subway tunnels beneath this city – I won't get any more specific than that – and one is in the mage's university in Big Ben."  He grinned darkly.  "Needless to say, you don't need to worry about keeping your true power secret in a mage's university.  Do with the resident what you like, I won't care a whit."

"Is there a problem, Mr. Lazarus?" the teacher chimed in, when Ruler had vanished.

"Nothing, nothing!" He smiled.

That was awkward.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 22, 2015, 03:27:48 pm

Ruler

The image of the boy appeared once more in front of the competitors.  Ruler's appearance seemed younger somehow – now childish rather than vigorous – but his motions were slower, and his voice was deeper and a little bit more ****.

"Three more catalysts.  I'll direct you to, let's say, two.  One is in the subway tunnels beneath this city – I won't get any more specific than that – and one is in the mage's university in Big Ben."  He grinned darkly.  "Needless to say, you don't need to worry about keeping your true power secret in a mage's university.  Do with the resident what you like, I won't care a whit."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 21, 2015, 08:32:24 pm

((-waits for Nitrox to post- (: Also I got halfway through the first episode of Fate Zero, I can see how it influenced S/D))

Anne

At 5:54 AM, an alarm jumped up of the nightstand and started making a terrible noise. No one stirred or even noticed it (all knocked out and sleepyyyyy or something). After about 20 minutes of continuous noise, it fell silent, depressed that it had failed it's job... again...

At 7:54 exactly, for the clock was six minutes ahead, it jumped up again, and was slammed down by a very irritated Anne who immediately went back to sleep. Four minutes later, a spray of ice cold water fell on the bed, and Anne leaped out of bed very irritated.

Stupid beagle! Now I have a soaking wet bed...

Anne looked around the room, trying to find a soon-to-be-sorry beagle. After about a minute of searching the mansion, she spotted a flag-tipped tail peeking out from under the sofa.

...Thank goodness for that tail. That beagle is now going to do some work.

"Penny, would you mind keeping that DAMN WATER TO YOURSELF!?"

"Wuff?"

"You know exactly what I am talking about, damn it!"

"Wuff..."

"Ok, I guess you could wake up someone else if you feel like it, just please, no water, they won't be too happy." ((I really don't care who she goes to wake up and/or if she decides to use some nice cold water. Anyone that needs their charrie to wake up can quickly use Penny))

Penny walked out of the room.

Ok, now I can do this...

Anne opened up her computer and typed in a password. She let out a sigh of relief when she realized that she had the correct password.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 21, 2015, 08:00:07 pm

Robin

Robin woke up, stretching lazily while he looked around the rest of the mansion. Finally, he came across a little clearing in the chilly summer morning wherehe decided to work on his magic. Checking the time, Robin had a little start.


5:00 AM Monday, Semptember 21st


Wait... it's the 21st? That means... it's my birthday today??

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 20, 2015, 06:27:53 pm

TIMESKIP TO NEXT MORNING

Everyone is fully rested, it's Monday morning.  Feel free to make posts for last night if you want to wrap something up.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 20, 2015, 06:24:24 pm

Cody Lazarus

[Assuming it's afternoon right now]

[IT'S SUNDAY, LIKE 3:30 PM]

"Aaauuuuugh..." Cody groaned.

How long have I been awake? I woke up at like 3 this morning for that forest battle royale...

You're low on mana and drained from your fight earlier this morning. I suggest you get some rest.

You know, that is a fantastic idea. Thanks, Madeline.

If I may, Mr. Lazarus...

Yeah?

Can I install some slight modifications to my internal code?

Modifications? Of what kind?

Adaptive learning, I've studied it during our off hours. I've run it through the calculations and have concluded that it will make me a much more effective servant.

Yeah, sure, whatever's best... He groggily decided, falling asleep on the couch.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on September 20, 2015, 04:55:54 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Zoraya and Saber stood at the edge of where the Krauss Mansion had once stood. Zoraya hadn't paid so much mind to the phone call before, but seeing the destruction that one of the Clubs had done not so long ago only rubbed salt in the wound of the morning's defeat in the forest.

"... Damn. We really underestimated the Clubs, didn't we," Saber spoke, breaking the silence. His master stayed quiet for a few moments longer, internally subduing the anger and frustration that was starting to build.

"I suppose we weren't careful enough. But that will be our last blunder." Zoraya crouched down to study the residual mana that was left behind from the attack. It was clearly from a human, but it was somewhat familiar to the aura that Berserker gave off. Zoraya stood up.

"Are we done here?" Saber asked.

"Yes, we are. I have an idea of who the fool that attacked my mansion was. It was most likely Berserker's Master."

"He's not much of a Master anymore considering that Berserker died."

Zoraya smirked. "That's right... the Clubs are down a Servant. Even if we lost the battle, they're at a disadvantage now. Tomorrow will be a new day, and we the Spades will set things right! But I suppose we should get back to base."

Saber nodded in agreement. The two started to make their way back to the Oshiro Residence.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 20, 2015, 04:19:21 pm

THE NEXT CATALYST ANNOUNCEMENT WILL EITHER BE LATE MONDAY NIGHT OR TUESDAY AROUND NOON.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 15, 2015, 08:55:42 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"So... the Saber-Class servant from the sanctum war of 1519...?"

"Well, what about it?"

"Kirin, I don't know this stuff... Can I pleeeeaaaaaase get a little more help?"

"Fine." He huffed. "It was Roland. Servant of Leonardo Da Vinci."

"So, was he a Spade or a Club?"

"Neither." He sighed in annoyance. "The Divided Wars didn't start until the late 19th century."

"Oh, riiiight..." She scribbled her answer onto the worksheet. "And 1519's caster-class?"

"Aristotle."

"Right, right..." She copied down that answer as well. "And-"

He quickly recited the rest. "Hassan i Sabbah was Assassin. Lugh was the Lancer. Artemis was Archer. Alexander the Great was rider and Goliath was Berserker. There."

She scratched her head. "Uhh..."

"What?!"

"Can you... uhh... say that again... more slowly?"

He held his palm against his head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 15, 2015, 08:47:52 pm

Jack

"I mean I must have been a saint in a past life." Jack laughed, taking out his cigarette, "First I find out I'm ****ing magical and then a couple decades later I'm not only a mage, but a chosen mage. I'm drunk already aren't I." He pulled out a rose from his pocket and placed it to his nose, then took a sharp inhale, "Better."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 15, 2015, 08:41:04 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He shivered for a second.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 15, 2015, 08:36:26 pm

Nat

Nat smiled.  "Don't put yourself down.  We were all chosen for a reason."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 15, 2015, 06:45:05 pm

Jack

"Of course of course, but otherwise I don't mind. I'm just white trash really, just got some magic and worked with it."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 15, 2015, 06:38:39 pm

Nat

"Ah, but only if you win."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 15, 2015, 06:12:18 pm

Jack Blair

"Hm." Jack said, "I didn't really expect to be a master, but it'll do. Ultimate power is nice and all."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 15, 2015, 02:44:12 pm

Nat

Nat smiled.  "There isn't much to say.  I was born and raised here, and went to the magical church in this area.  They trained me in some holy magics in addition to the nature magics I already specialize in, although those take pretty much all of my mana.  I was elated when I found that Ruler chose me to become a Master – that's what we all were working toward, really – and now I'm here."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 15, 2015, 02:19:27 pm

Celtchar

"Same I guess." Celtchar said, "This time I'm confident I'll be able to stay here."

Jack turned away from the servants and turned to Nat, "So it seems we haven't had much conversation since we met, battles and all. My name is Jack Blair. How are you? Tell me about yourself."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 15, 2015, 12:12:50 pm

Archer

"Aye..." His thoughts drifted to his one lover in his past incarnation. "All the pleasures the Earth's got to offer, an' then some. You?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 15, 2015, 10:35:18 am

Celtchar

"I can't say the same." Celtchar said.

Jack laughed, "I don't expect to be served really. It's a team effort, if we win who cares who's the master anymore."

Celtchar nodded in understanding, "Glad you feel that way. So Archer do you enjoy earthly pleasures?"

"I certainly do." Jack said to the side, lighting up another cigarette.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 15, 2015, 09:10:29 am

Nat

It's interesting to hear the Servants talk... they're so human, but so... not.

Don Quijote smiled.  "My duty is to my Master.  The power of the Key means little to those of true nobility."

Did he really just say that?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 14, 2015, 06:31:40 pm

Celtchar

"Hm" Celtchar nodded, "Honestly I have no real goal to fulfill, I'm in for the rush and the power afterwards, I'll probably stick around once I get my share of the key,  fight mages, do what I want."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 14, 2015, 06:24:51 pm

Archer

"Beyond life and death..." He took a slow sip, then finished his sentence, "I follow a perpetual cycle of rebirth. After the first Divided War, though, the cycle was halted. Once I get my share of the key, I'll make sure to get it back on track."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 14, 2015, 06:00:42 pm

Celtchar

"Hm?" Celtchar looked up, "What do you have to do?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 14, 2015, 01:40:15 am

Archer

Archer looked down at his small glass, smiling. "I plan on staying here for quite a while. I've got a sort of obligation, see."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 13, 2015, 08:53:20 pm

Jack Blair

The four of them piled in Jack's car and headed into the small city, stopping at a bar jack recommended. Jack ordered a drink and got a table. He sat down and brushed his hair back, "Soooo, the world of the living, quite the difference." he chuckled.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 10, 2015, 06:17:37 pm

Archer

"Aye, I'm ready for a drink."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 10, 2015, 10:31:08 am

Jack

Jack smiled and nodded, "Well then, is that all? If so, let's get going."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 09, 2015, 11:03:24 pm

((I r8 8/8 on that post! You would think that in the middle of a war they would forget about hw... XD ))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 09, 2015, 10:36:37 pm

Riza Miles

"...Crap!" She got to her feet and ran out of the room.

"What, what is it?!" Kirin called after her.

"I have homework due tomorrow!"

...Homework!?

She came running back, lugging around a heavy, oversize backpack which she let crash on the floor in front of her, making a disproportionately loud bang. She opened a zipper and began rummaging through her disorganized papers, many of which weren't even organized into folders. The mere sight of the mess made Kirin feel queasy. Finally, she took out a crumpled worksheet and a pencil, and began to fill out the questions. Kirin just scratched his head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 09, 2015, 07:53:00 pm

Robin

"Well, I don't think I could do that without my throwing daggers, they seem to help me channel my ice and air powers, but I don't think I've mastered them yet, causing my random explosive offense spells."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 09, 2015, 07:43:54 pm

Henri

"I guess we could do some training.  Rapid-fire spell usage usually isn't possible without a lot of training, but I could probably get you parceling out your mana per spell more efficiently, so you don't expend all your energy in one go."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 09, 2015, 07:42:47 pm

Jack

"Cool, anyone else?" He said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 09, 2015, 07:39:18 pm

Nat

"I suppose I'll go with you two, although I don't drink."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 09, 2015, 07:31:38 pm

Robin

"Oh yeah, and about those spells Henri... I saw you use that rapid fire fire spell earlier, do you think you could help me control my elemental powers? When  first tried using them, I kinda ended up blowing up some wooden dummies and getting a couple dozen splinters all over me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 09, 2015, 07:23:43 pm

Henri

Henri shrugged.  "I haven't gone to school much lately... my family would've hired private tutors, but then it was basically destroyed.  I've self-educated since then."  He held out his hand, and a flurry of sparks danced above it.  "That's why I specialize in all these basic spells – efficiency is easy to get with practice, but you can't learn higher-level spells without an instructor, or at least some books."

He sighed.  "Cody, you already know this, of course, but be prepared to run if there's a catalyst announcement.  Stay in contact."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 09, 2015, 07:19:32 pm

Jack

Celtchar stepped out of the other room with a white tank top and a brown leather jacket on, along with the battered pants from the battle. "I'm ready." She said, "Who else is going?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 09, 2015, 07:15:34 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"I'll loosen up, all right?" He groaned. "But I'm not going drinking with the likes of you. Have fun with archer, I guess. Besides, Riza wouldn't be able to pass for anywhere near the age of 21."

Awww...

I don't trust you anywhere near alcohol. How old are you, actually? Twelve or something?

...I'm fifteen, Kirin.

Huh.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 09, 2015, 07:04:03 pm

Jack

"Look, letting go a little will help you believe it or not. You can't always be on edge, look what happened just a few hours ago. We need to loosen up."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 09, 2015, 07:01:12 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"...Exactly. So instead of going out drinking and making a fool of myself, I've decided to work on this list," he raised the clipboard, "and insure that we actually win. You can go on without me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 09, 2015, 06:35:59 pm

Jack

Jack pulled out his cigarette, "That's f***ing stupid." Jack said, "You could easily get offed at any time and your family cares about you having a drink. Your a master now, if we win you don't need to give a **** because you'll be all powerful, and if you lose it might as well be over for you."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 09, 2015, 06:33:35 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"I'm a main-line Oshiro on the path to become heir to lead the entire family. I have a reputation to uphold, so being seen anywhere near a bar by anyone from the association could ruin me forever. I've got other ways of relieving stress."

...Liiiiiiiiiike? Riza sent him a telepathic message, and a suggestive smirk.

Shut up.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 09, 2015, 03:36:19 pm

Robin

"I've heard of Mage academy, but don't attend it, I believe my father did though. I may have gone to it... in a few years or so. Anyways, Cody could you rig something up for us so that we have a safe place to hide the catalysts? Not in here as well, but somewhere close and safe..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 09, 2015, 06:05:11 am

Jack

"I can reverse any of the negatives." He said, "And you won't get too drunk, we wouldn't want any accidental magical incidents of course. But other than that what's the hold up?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 09:28:41 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"I'm only eighteen, I don't drink."

Jack's look didn't change, as if to imply saying Yeah... so?

"...And I'm NOT starting tonight."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 08, 2015, 09:21:37 pm

Jack

"Dude, chill out. One, the berserker is dead, two, come get some drinks tonight, you're actually wound so tight. I saw no assassin so there's that." Jack said, shaking his head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 09:19:44 pm

Kirin Oshiro

A few minutes later he held a clipboard, a pen and a piece of scratch paper. "So, at the very least we've uncovered the identity of the enemy Caster of Clubs, which is Roger Bacon, from what I've heard from Archer. We need to form a cohesive list so we can then identify their noble phantasms and strategize according, exploiting their weaknesses. Mr. Blair, do you know anything?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 08, 2015, 09:14:07 pm

Jack

"I'll have one as well." Jack said, "I know some good places nearby, we could even have a little fun if we wanted." He smiled.

"Let me change my shirt and take a shower." Celtchar said, "The smell of battle isn't exactly suitable for human occasions."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 09:12:38 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"I'd hardly call it simple. We're fighting a war here, and those Clubs have no dignity. They'll exploit any cheap advantage that presents itself. We can't afford to grow dull."

"Hey, I think Jack's got a point." Riza spoke up, trying to stop an argument from starting. "You're working yourself to death, Kirin. Relax for a bit."

"Hmph." He crossed his arms. "Fine, then. I need to recharge mana, anyway."

"That goes for you too, Archer. Give it a rest."

"...Right." Archer's accent seemed a bit thicker now. "I'll have myself a drink. Coming, Celtchar?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 08, 2015, 09:04:04 pm

Jack

Jack waved a hand, "Sure sure." he blew out some smoke, "I know that, but for now we need rest, get to know each other, train a bit. When the next thing's announced, we pick em off or attack them beforehand. Simple stuff really."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 08:55:22 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He and Riza entered soon after Jack and Celtchar. To his right, Archer returned, still in a pitch-black, steaming form which slowly faded into his normal appearance. He could be heard muttering something about the Divided War of 1885 and Caster.

Kirin sighed heavily and sat on a pew. "We can't afford to miss any more catalysts."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 08, 2015, 08:06:28 pm

Avery who got lost half way through the battle

Avery had fallen on the ground after running and became a victim to the red circles almost immediately. He had managed to get up around the time that Cody got the catalyst, ((he doesn't know that, just giving a sense of timing here)) and he walked back to the church to find that the others who had been much faster than him were already there. Avery grabbed some food and headed to bed after telling someone that he was gonna go crash.

His arm still hurt a bit, but Avery was able to ignore the pain pulsing through it.

In the morning, I'll heal it up...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on September 08, 2015, 07:57:10 pm

Jack Blair

He stepped back in the church followed by Celtchar and clicked on the lights, "Well no catalyst but we killed a servant." He lit his cigarette, "What next?" He said as the spades filed into the church.

"No invasion yet, as we need to recover." Celtchar said, clutching her torn shirt, "but we certainly need to raid them. They come prepared to catalysts, but I bet my ass their base is not ready for an attack."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 08, 2015, 07:51:34 pm

Anne

"Well... I think I knew one or two people in my town ((or village... I forgot what I put in her bio, and I am too lazy to look)) that went there, but none of them are here right now."

Penny, go up and get some sleep, I'll come up some time soon.

Wuff! [OK!]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 07:47:00 pm

Cody Lazarus

"The academy I go to is downtown. I'd skip, but I'm afraid I have to continue on my Madeline project, which they're sponsoring. Also, you know, education." He held his right arm. "Don't worry, I always keep my jacket on, so nobody will see my command seals. Do any of you go to the academy? I didn't recognize any of you at first."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on September 08, 2015, 07:42:19 pm

Anne

Anne yawned and was about to head up when she heard what Cody had said. She was kind of embarrassed, but had to ask.

"Er... What is the mage's academy...?"

I probably sound like an idiot right now...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 08, 2015, 07:23:48 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Uh, Henri..." He turned on his phone and reminded himself of the date. "I... have school tomorrow. At the mage's academy."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 08, 2015, 06:28:52 pm

Henri

Henri sighed as they were transported back to headquarters.  "Everyone get some sleep.  Ruler will probably bother us in the morning with the next catalyst locations."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 07, 2015, 07:27:21 pm

[...the circle nitrox JUST mentioned in his post.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 07, 2015, 07:25:24 pm

((What circle do you mean Zen?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 07, 2015, 05:41:27 pm

Cody Lazarus

[timeskip to save us the trouble of tedious getting-togethers]

The clubs were all gathered in front of the circle. A helicopter began to loom up above, with the oshiro symbol.

"Archer! Any time, now!"

[The helicopter's backup for the spades, it won't do anything to the clubs. They escape. Hopefully. Let's find out, nitrox.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on September 07, 2015, 05:29:56 pm

Archer

"Yes.  I have a circle in the forest.  Gather the rest of the Clubs and follow me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on September 06, 2015, 10:02:47 pm

Cody Lazarus

Time to go, guys! Caster, what's going on?

Archer slipped away. He won't bother us for the remainder of the evening. I've also set up a thunder storm, so that might aid our escape. Hey, Archer- Clubs Archer, I mean. Can you get us back to base?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on September 01, 2015, 09:39:04 am

Robin

Robin sat up as his energy rushed back to him.

"Cody, hide the catalysts, the Spades must not get it..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on August 31, 2015, 09:22:54 pm

Hera

Hera struggled to stand as her strength returned to her. "Someone...help..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 31, 2015, 09:21:14 pm

Caster of Clubs and Archer of Spades

Caster was standing his ground, readying his palm to cast an old-fashioned lightning spell when he heard a gun's clicking behind his head. He dared not make a sudden move. An aged, raspy voice spoke from behind.

"Well, I'll be damned. It is you." He felt the gun's barrel press against his skull. "Turn around, Caster." He obeyed.

The Archer and the Caster were reunited for the first time in more than one hundred years, their last meeting dating all the way back to the first Divided War in the 1800s. Caster glared. "Ah, Archer. It's a pity to see we've both been drafted in the same blasted war again."

"Maybe a pity for you..." Archer grinned. "I've never felt better. Sanctum's cycle continues as planned, and thus my own cycle runs parallel. It's good to be back at it again. This time, I will get my wish, Roger."

"And then, what? You spawn a new series of delusional murderers? I think the mortal world already has enough to deal with, given every twenty years a Sanctum War destroys families and ruins lives."

"You hurt me, truly." Some sarcasm could be detected, but part of Archer's tone was sincere. "I thought we were friends, Roger."

"It's been over a hundred years. Weren't you given a view of the world the same way I did? I thought Sanctum gave us all info on recent history."

"It has indeed. I don't think much has changed at all."

"When you look at the Sanctum War, all you ever see is a pot of gold, an opportunity to exploit to get your wish. You don't care who dies as a result, you never have. We are friends no longer."

"You're an idiot. I have a gun pointed at your head. What could you possibly cast before I can pull this trigger?"

"I've already cast it." A rumbling could be heard above. A massive storm cloud enveloped the skies above the forest. Archer was repeatedly struck by lightning until he dropped his gun, which de-materialized. He had now suffered a great amount of damage. His body began to turn a strange, pitch-black material.

"Fine then... I guess we're enemies now." Archer turned completely to shadow and took on his wraith form, then vanished. Rain and thunder continued to pelt the forest.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 31, 2015, 09:20:35 pm

Ruler

The circles slowly began to recede into points, accelerating until they disappeared entirely.  The Masters heard a final whispering voice in their minds... "Get some sleep."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 31, 2015, 09:16:18 pm

Cody Lazarus

He was right at the core of the shrine. Old, revolting mana residue stuck to the walls and ceiling. At the clearing where his command seals glowed most violently, a decaying skeleton was suspended by the arms by chains attached to the walls, as if he were a prisoner that was captured and starved. Around his neck was a necklace, a small, rusted key- the catalyst, a former fragment of the sanctum key. He quickly seized it and put it in his coat pocket.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on August 31, 2015, 09:06:24 pm

Kiera

Kiera jumped up on the hill and stared at the shrine. Cody was running towards the small piece while another group of people stood on the other side. She had missed quite a bit of the action, but had hope in Cody to get the job done. She prepared to jump in otherwise though.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 31, 2015, 07:11:11 pm

((Hi. Zen, you are up, but it will take a lot to make you post... XD))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 31, 2015, 11:05:53 am

Robin

Robin crawled into the base of the temple, and got up panting, with close to no mana left and nearly knocked out, but he felt much more energetic.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on August 31, 2015, 10:36:49 am

Hera

Hera saw both Henri and Robin get trapped in the expanding circles. She ran through the forest using her command seal as a guide. The temple must be close!

She carefully avoided the ever-growing circles as she dashed madly through the trees. She finally spotted the temple with doors wide open. Finally! Hera ran towards the entrance when suddenly she felt all her energy disappear. She fell to her knees and began to crawl towards the temple. However, the effects of the mana draining from her body began to slow her progress severely. F***.

James

James crept towards the temple carefully avoiding the circles. With his back pressed against a wall of the temple, James mentally contacted his servant.

Anyone inside?

A boy and girl along with a servant and a dog.

Spades?

Clubs.

James inwardly cursed. This wasn't going to be fun.

James crawled inside the temple on his hands and knees. "Please help. A friend of mine got stuck in this strange circle thing. I think he's dying!" Please fall for it, please fall for it, PLEASE fall for it! James was very glad that the long sleeves of his shirt covered his command seal.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 31, 2015, 08:58:18 am

Robin

Instead of running from the circles, Robin ran right at it. His mana was full, and the momment he entered the circle Robin collapsed, feeling his mana drain. Still, he slowing inched his way towards the temple, centimeter by centimeter.

"Guys! I'm close... ack... to the temple... but what should I.... do if I get the catalyst? We'll all be... stuck here... maybe the circles... will dissapear? Ugh..."

Robin went forward by 1 meter, but he had another 7 to go.

"If... you can... send mana to me... I can make it.... I think.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 30, 2015, 10:23:28 pm

Anne

The circle swallowed Anne up, and she felt her mana draining. She rushed back to the shrine as fast as she could, forgetting about the spider webs. A HARMLESS spider crawled onto her back, but she didn't notice it in her rush. When she arrived, Anne realized that she was the only one there, and the gate was open...

Do we go in, or do we wait...?

Go in before any spades arrive. I'm going to come, you might feel a slight mana drain.

Ech... I'm already at 3/4 mana, and this circle is continuing to drain it, might as well put it to use before it's all gone.

Ok, I'm coming.

Saber suddenly appeared next to Anne (but not before informing the Clubs that he was with), and she felt her mana drain a little more. The three of them rushed in and found that the shrine was not empty, Cody was inside.

"Oh hi, looks like we're not the first ones here."

((NITROX WHY YOU LEAVE CHAT!!!! Ok, basically the question here is have the circles expanded to the inside of the shrine?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 30, 2015, 10:18:19 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Henri!" Cody ran up, but soon he himself felt the circle's draining force.

"Go... the shrine... it has to be open by now..."

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Yeah, now GO!"

Cody nodded, and started running for the shrine. From the trees nearby, his last scout drone rejoined him and readied its spear. Before long, he found himself at the entrance. He equipped his pistol and slowly entered. Here goes nothing...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 30, 2015, 10:14:36 pm

Henri

Suddenly, Henri noticed a red mist approaching.  Must be the circle...  He started to jog away from it, but the circle grew much faster than he could run.  Soon, he was inside.

"Aaaaaaaaack," he said, crumpling to the ground.  I've focused on increasing mana efficiency, not my total mana pool.  And now that it's already running low, this mana drain is majorly effective on me.  "Go... the shrine... it has to be open by now..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 27, 2015, 08:42:07 pm

Robin

Everyone suddenly went rigid for a few moments.

"Guys? Are you okay? Is it Ruler again. Also, is it just me or is that circle growing?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 27, 2015, 08:41:47 pm

Anne

"Hera, which direction are you going in?"

Then Anne heard about the recent update, and the circle next to them started to slowly become bigger.

"You know what, let's just hurry up and open the shrine before all of us get drained. On the bright side, anyone can get stuck in a circle and that benefits us! Saber, can you go with the group to guard the shrine so that I have communication back to here? See you guys around..."

Anne rushed northwards of the shrine and started looking around. She checked her command seals, and they still pointed north.

"Keep going straight Penny!" Straight ahead of them, there was a nice path, and the circle's red glow was slightly visible in the distance... But there was just one problem, a huge network of spiderwebs lay in front of them.

AHHHHHHHHH! SPIDERS! The one time where not having arachnophobia would be useful... I could just cut those strands and walk through, but there's a really high chance that one of those would crawl on me! I guess I'll take the route above.

"I'm going the above way." Anne said to Penny. as she hopped into a tree. There were still a few webs that she slashed at, but a lot less. After a tiring time jumping across trees (and almost falling onto the webs below once), Anne finally made it to where one of the circles was. It seemed bigger than when she had taken a look through the webs. She waited a few seconds to catch her breath.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 27, 2015, 08:29:38 pm

Ruler

Ruler's visage appeared once more in front of the competitors.

"Enjoying yourselves?  I can tell you that I'm not.  Blah, blah, blah, running around in circles... the task really isn't all that complicated, you know.  But you know how nice I am, so I'll make things easier for you.  Each of the circles have begun to grow... at a remarkably fast rate!  Within a few minutes, they'll cover the entire forest!  It should be easy for them to be filled then!  Shame that you'll all have to suffer their effects... but I guess that's the price you pay for being slow."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 27, 2015, 09:28:16 am

Anne

"Which direction are you going in Hera?"

((Just adding this to to the next post because I feel like it...))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on August 27, 2015, 08:41:21 am

Hera

"I'll go searching for other circles."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 27, 2015, 08:23:10 am

Robin

"I won't be strong enough to head out on my own, and you guys seem to have the circles covered, I'll stay here with Henri and guard."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 24, 2015, 07:49:46 pm

Henri

"Okay.  I'll guard the shrine entrance."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 23, 2015, 08:41:43 pm

((OK, just checking))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 23, 2015, 02:52:01 pm

[Evidently, she escaped.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 23, 2015, 02:30:10 pm

Anne

"I'll check north from the shrine for a circle. If the circles are around the shrine, there should be one up there. Also Kiera was scouting around earlier, she may have found a few."

((Also, do the Clubs have Riza or what?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 23, 2015, 11:31:37 am

Cody Lazarus

"Alright, there's an unused circle just south of here. I'll head there."

"I want to stay behind." Caster cut in. "I'll confront the Archer of Spades."

"I hope you know what you're doing, Caster."

"Trust me, I know all too well."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 23, 2015, 08:42:55 am

Henri

In a flash, Henri and Archer teleported to the edge of the sandy circle, launching their attacks.  Archer's arrow struck Kirin in the leg, while the machine-gun burst of fireballs set fire to the nearby trees.  They were about to pursue, but then they heard the sound of gunfire.  Henri's Archer winced – he had been struck in the shoulder.

"Let's retreat back under the cover of the trees."  Archer launched a few more arrows upward as the circles of his claimed territory began to shrink, turning into trees once again.  They began to run under the trees until they found Cody and another group of Clubs.

"The enemy Archer's on our tail... We need to split up to fill these circles.  How about a couple people use their Command Seals to look for them, while another group guards the entrance to the shrine?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 22, 2015, 11:03:45 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Status, Archer?

Well essentially it's you, me and Riza up against the entirety of the Club team.

I don't like our odds in that matchup at all. It's time to leave.

Y-yeah, that sounds like a good plan.

While all the Clubs are in this one area, this should give the rest of our Spade team control over the remainder of the forest, including the six other circles. Let's hope we can finish this quickly. Riza, can you summon a smoke bomb or anything to cover our escape?

...No...

Leave it to me. I'll cover your escape. Once you're regrouped with the others, I'll slip away and join you.

Don't get captured!

Heh. Unlike SOME of us, I have a means of getting out of hairy situations. Trust me on this one.

Alright, then we have our plan. Time to move out, Riza. Don't screw up, Archer.

Ha, don't boss me around. It's not like you're my master!

Kirin threateningly raised his wand again, then ducked under a branch and ran off. Riza did her best to follow. Archer raised his gun and chuckled at the his enemies, now completely surrounded.

"Come on! Take your shot, Clubs."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 22, 2015, 10:22:54 pm

Nat

Sacrifices?  Do you mean innocent humans?  She frowned.  All right, I understand that this is for the greater good here, but please don't kill them after the gate is open.  I can create a counterweight pretty easily, just give me a second.

Lord, please forgive me.  I do this to serve you.

She held out her hand, and her Command Seal changed orientation.  She and Rider ran in that direction until they found a glowing red circle.  Nat held out her hands, and a nearby tree began to grow, bulking out a massive branch that was hanging over the circle into a vaguely humanoid shape.  As it grew, the rest of the branch ****, and the counterweight fell into the circle.

It's ready.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on August 20, 2015, 03:27:15 am

Caster

It had been 20 minutes since Hypatia had begun searching for possible fodder, and ten since she'd managed to find somebody walking completely on their own and out of site. Many bars were still open, of course, and the busier streets still had frequent cars and some occasional groups of people, but the mana she'd be forced to expend to separate someone from their group without them taking notice wouldn't be worth it. Even as-is, with only four unconscious bodies, it would sap quite a bit of her mana to teleport them.

I've procured four sacrifices, but it won't be easy to find any more at this time of night. To teleport them into the circles properly, I'll need an anchor- something roughly the size and mass of a human. After that many teleports, I won't be able to provide much support for a while. Are any of you currently unoccupied? I'd like to set up the counterweights for the teleports sooner rather than later, so we can deny the clubs any opportunity to gain momentum.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 18, 2015, 11:00:29 pm

Avery

Suddenly the bush Avery had been behind changed into a cactus. He got five needles in his hand. Ow! What was that? I feel as though I should keep out of this fight, but I'm in plain sight... Well at least the two mages are distracted.

 When Henri was focusing on something else, Avery moved back into the trees and climbed up a little in one and then started pulling the needles out. It hurt... If this tree becomes a stupid cactus too, that would be very painful... I think that gun I was shot by earlier would hurt less.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 18, 2015, 09:23:29 pm

Henri

What the hell was that?  So much power...  And he dealt with my spells in a heartbeat... Come on, Henri.  Strategize!  You knew from the start you'd be up against people stronger then you... I need to use all the tools at my disposal.

Archer, claim a new block of territory.  Nearby here, close enough to shoot, but preferably at a weird angle.

As Henri stood up slowly, Archer fired an arrow, barely drawing back his bow.  It skimmed over Kirin's shoulder, continued its flight and landed on the ground.  Where it landed, trees withered, and the area was taken over by rocky Iranian desert.

Henri charged up a volley of Spark spells, and Archer stood close to his side, his bow drawn..  When he strikes, we'll teleport behind him, then launch our attacks.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 18, 2015, 12:21:47 am

Anne

What was that? It's a little chilly, eh, no problem there, I'm used to a little colder, we used to have snow every day. Now that I think of it, it would have been nice fire practice...

Anne made a very small fire that was enough to warm her up.

"Putting her in the circle seems good, but we have other problems now. We're now facing her servant too." ((Hera peeled back the bandage earlier, so they know that Riza is a master. Anne is just assuming that the servant is Riza's [well it is XD]))

Time for another skirmish.

"This time let's NOT let the master get away, what do you guys think? And please make your decisions fast."

Avery

That spell was really good! I don't know what it was, but if it had hit, I wonder what the effects would have been. I hope to learn that sometime...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 17, 2015, 07:40:43 pm

Kirin Oshiro

All's going according to plan. I just need that pink-haired mage and his servant to come a little closer, then I'll torch them both with inferno. Come on...

...Kirin?

What is it?!

I kind of... sort of... got captured.

...For god's sake, Riza.

Sorry... But you were in the same situation just a few days ago, right?! A little help here?

Fine. Change of plans!

Kirin slowly got up from the ground, still covered in goo. He charged a sum of his mana into his wand, and his eyes changed from purple to a cold, icy blue. Their dim light penetrated through the smoke.

Pruina.

The slime dried and froze instantly.

Eriga. Eriga Terminate. Eriga. Eriga Terminate.

He cast his weak forcefield spell and expanded its volume until it became far too large and weak to sustain itself, then repeated a second time. After that, the smoke around him was pushed away. Henri was in clear sight.

...


El futuro patriarca de la familia Oshiro frunce el ceño sobre ti y te juzga indigno de continuar en esta guerra. Vete.

He muttered this out loud as he raised his wand at him. The entire landscape darkened, and his eyes glowed.

Zero.

Henri instinctively jumped out of the way. In an apparent line that spawned from the wand and had crossed over where he had just been standing, visible light itself seemed to be fractured and the air around it collapsed in on itself for a brief moment. As Henri hit the ground he heard a deafening blast as the air temperature plummeted to far below zero for just a moment. Where he had just been standing, the temperature fell to absolute zero, but as natural law mandated it immediately re-energized to the natural state of things. All objects (mostly trees) in the spell's path were either obliterated or encased in a thick, bitter frost.

The strike missed completely, but his heart was still racing.

Alright, they're distracted. I can garauntee you, Riza, that no mage of their age or experience has ever even heard of the "Zero" spell, let alone witnessed it. Do you know any fire magic at all?

I think this thing called "Micro-Ignis", but that's just for making things a bit warmer.

Well, I suggest you use it while you still can.

Taking these orders, Riza clumsily managed to cast it in an area vaguely near her ice-encased hands. Oh, this is great. Maybe I'll get it thawed in a few weeks.

Alright, alright, I'm on it. The Archer of Spades, in the commotion, rushed over and stepped in front of Riza, gun drawn.

Kirin, Riza and Archer all thought the same thing: "So... What now?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 17, 2015, 06:52:05 pm

Robin

Robin barked a harsh laugh.

"I say we put her in the circle, won't do any damage and that's one less master the spades have to fight."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on August 17, 2015, 06:33:50 pm

Hera

Hera looked at the girl. "Hold on, I think I know how to tell if she's a master or not."

Hera broke the girl's arms out of the ice. she unwrapped a bandage that had concealed a command seal.

"We don't need to worry about the circle being fatal. She isn't injured. However, I say we put it up to a vote."

Assassin

Assassin nodded his approval of this plan. "I shall return shortly."

He quietly crept through the trees and managed to find some cover behind a few bushes.

"However, I say we put it up to a vote."

Curious, Assassin glanced through the branches and spotted a group of 4 kids standing beside a young girl who lay on the ground. He recognized the girl from the visit to the Oshiro residence.

Their are four Clubs. Two girls and two boys. They appear to have captured Mr. Oshiro's servant girl. I believe they are deciding what to do with her. Is there anything you wish for me to do concerning the current situation or should I simply continue my observations? Assassin sent Nat, James, and Rider.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 17, 2015, 02:54:16 pm

((The club that Avery just came upon is Henri. No one can see Avery because he's hiding behind a bush.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 17, 2015, 09:46:31 am

((Who's the CLub?))

Robin

"Wait, we should secure her first, we don't want her running off."


Robin cast two strong bonds of ice across her feet and across her hands, making it hard for the maid to escape.

"Wait... this one has been hurt, putting her in a mana circle could be fatal, I'd suggest that we heal her, it wouldn't cost much mana.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 16, 2015, 11:48:26 pm

((I don't think that the Clubs gang has that good a view on Henri's fight. Maybe just two helicopters, but I'm gonna just go with it. Will edit if Nitrox says different))

Anne

"Henri looks fine, also he wouldn't forgive us if we barged in while he had control of the situation. Sometimes too many people can ruin a situation. Of course, one of us could go near there just in case, but the rest of us should stay here and figure out what to do. Maybe we should try to locate all the spades or something..."

Penny suddenly started growling towards a tree. Anne walked around the tree, and to her surprise, she saw what seemed to be a maid face down in a mud puddle. Heh. Looks like it actually worked out.

"Would ya look at what we've got here. Do you think this is an unfortunate citizen that walked in and got hit by someone, or is this a mage?"

No need to mention that it was a puddle.

Ruff? [Why not?]

'Cuz if it's an unfortunate person that came here at the wrong time, we could just say that the forest floor is slippery today.

Wuff. [OOOH Ok.]

Avery

Avery had just jogged away from that fight to keep energy. He had hoped that he had done some damage to that mage before leaving. He slowed down to a walk and found himself in a sandy clearing where there was a lot of smoke. Avery couldn't see what was going on there, but he knew that there was a Club in front of him.

Based upon the smoke, this Club is fighting one of us. I probably won't step in. Unless I'm needed or attacked myself.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 16, 2015, 05:04:18 pm

Henri

Let's see... he's relying on more powerful but higher-costing spells.  Missing with them gives a much greater cost than missing with one of my rapid-fire spells.  And the desert terrain here favors Archer... let's hope that his enhanced visibility here is enough.

Henri loaded three spells into his trident – an ice spell that would cover the target area in a layer of ice, a spell that essentially coated an area in slippery goo, and the paralysis spell he had used earlier.  He held out his hand and charged up a Spark spell – but instead of filling each one with his normal power requirement, he put only a tiny burst of mana in each.

Archer, let's do it your way.  Fire now.

An arrow shot, as before, slightly to the side of Kirin.  It shattered his forcefield, and Henri immediately swung his trident at Kirin's feet.  He saw Archer playing his part too – the sandy ground that Kirin was standing on transformed into sleek rock.

As he did so, he let loose his Spark spells.  They were barely bigger than embers, most of them flickering out before they even reached their target – but as a side effect of a failed fire spell, they produced a massive quantity of smoke.

Archer, direct me to where he is.  He's lost his footing for sure, and now I can launch my paralysis spells.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on August 16, 2015, 10:51:34 am

Robin

Robin watched the pink haired master, Henri, the Spade master, and their servants exchange attacks and machine gun-like fire spells.

Hey... Henri is doing somewhat of the same kinda spell I had used on that dummy earlier, bt with fire... his is pretty good, I'll ask him for some tips later.

"Hey guys, we have some more important things to focus on right now, like the catalyst. Also, do you think we should help Henri?"

Robin nodded towards the 2 mages.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on August 16, 2015, 01:26:44 am

Kirin Oshiro

Rappid fire?! I've underestimated him...

Kirin's wand began to charge with a medium amount of energy. Crudus. He pointed it forward and shot out a concentrated burst of flame. The pink-haired mage deftly dodged and shot out a counter, which Kirin avoided. The two exchanged varied attacks as their servants did the same, damaging surrounding trees and other parts of the forest landscape.

Riza Miles

She ran in the opposite direction to get behind cover, but slipped on a puddle and fell flat on her face in the mud.

AUUUUGH! WHO PUT THIS PUDDLE HERE?!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on August 15, 2015, 07:21:15 pm

((gg assassin of spades, perfect timing... Hera and Anne are in the middle of ANOTHER argument so that will be funny to report back... Actually now that I think of it, all of them are arguing XD))

((Leap, Anne was the last one to post in the middle of their argument, I believe that makes Hera up.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 15, 2015, 07:13:46 pm

Henri

Archer shifted his focus from the opposing Servant to Kirin, launching a high-speed arrow slightly above him to break his forcefield.  Henri paused, waiting for Archer to continue the offensive.  Instead, though, Archer went back to firing arrows at the Archer of Spades.  By the time Henri realized this and unleashed a volley of Spark spells – fireballs exiting his hand at a machine-gun rate of speed – Kirin had re-strengthened his forcefield and absorbed most of the blows.

Archer, when you break a forcefield, you don't wait for him to put it back up.

You can't expect me to fire these arrows at a human.  They're lethal.

Yes, I know, death is a tragedy.  But if we win, we'll be able to stop this war forever!  Better to win with a few casualties than to lose.

Archer was silent, but Henri felt that he was brooding.  Now that his rapid-fire Spark spell was already used – he could set it up again, but the element of surprise was important that one – he prepared a volley of basic electrical spells.  One would temporarily stun an appendage, but more might paralyze someone for quite a while.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 15, 2015, 12:36:32 pm

Nat

"Yes, thank you.  We've discovered a gang of Clubs over here, near one of the key circles.  We could face them head-on, but I thought that you might be able to use your Presence Concealment to spy on them and see if they're discussing anything important."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on August 15, 2015, 10:37:59 am

James

Assassin and I are on our way. What is your location?

There is no need to ask, Assassin sent James privately. I have found them.

Assassin dropped down from a tree near where Nat and Rider were standing, barely making any noise.

"You asked for me?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on August 15, 2015, 10:26:12 am

Nat

Rider and Nat walked along, Rider grumbling about something or other.

"I tell you, those Assassin-class Servants have no sense of dignity or honor."

"That may be true, but they have their role in everything, just as we do."

"So you're saying every hero needs a villain?  Very true!  One of the first rules of adventure."

"...Close enough."  Suddenly, Rider stopped in his tracks.

"A group of children's ahead.  Clubs, most likely."

"See, this is what I was talking about.  An Assassin-class Servant could easily spy on these people.  I'll use my mental link with the other Spades to try to get him here."

Looks like the Clubs have found another circle.  There's a large group here, too large for Rider and I to engage alone, but if Assassin could get over here we could do some reconnaissance.

"What was that about me not being able to engage them alone?  I'd never go into a battle where the odds were in my favor!"

Nat merely sighed.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 30, 2015, 08:33:12 pm

Nick

The teenager emerged into the clearing, and his eyes fell upon his unconscious servant. He immediately began to survey the area, noting the deep trenches and craters that scarred the ground.

So this is a true servant battle... Despite his extreme annoyance, he sill couldn't help but feel awe at the sight.

Nick crouched now over the body of Berserker, who's breathing was noticeably getting shallower and shallower. His probing fingers found the deep wound at the back of the neck, the deep purple coloration that surrounded it, and the small measure of purple liquid that had leaked out onto the skin.

Poison, eh... and the dosage must have been absolutely ridiculous to put him down through his mad enhancement. Though he may not have had a chance to set up all the way... Still, the fact that the other teams controls servants this lethal is disconcerting.

This wound would have killed an ordinary man a thousand times over... it's definitely beyond a magus' ability to fully heal. What a waste.

Still, Nick wasn't ready to give up just yet. He was still a master, damn it, and the most powerful one in this war at that. He would NOT be eliminated here.

So he sat. And he thought. And thought. And still he continued to think, with part of his brain growing increasingly worried as Berserker's breathing weakened further. The Servant's pulse had temporarily stopped twice before realization lit up Nick's eyes for the first time. His frown of deep concentration was once again replaced with that trademark icy grin, but this time, it actually reached his eyes.

**********

"So you'll just be unable to stop until you kill someone?"

"Precisely. Those were good times, they were, in the olden days; My sword would come out, and I'd get that rush. In the war against the Goths, I actually butchered a whol-"

"What if you're not strong enough? What if you CAN'T kill the enemy, even with mad enhancement?"

"If you insult my power again, I will kill you, master or not."

"I was speaking in hypotheticals."

"Doesn't mean it wasn't annoying."  Berserker fixed Nicholas with a glare, which Nick returned evenly, looking not the least bit bothered. Truthfully, he was used to his servant's rebelliousness by now. There was no way on Earth Berserker would kill him before they won.

"If you must know... My madness isn't just an on-and off switch. A better analogy would be pent-up pressure, but that doesn't cover it fully either. It's... well, it's a built-up-pressure with the catch that as soon as the pressure is allowed to escape, the new pressure increases. Like... Like a leak appears in a balloon, and you start squeezing it, and the squeezing gets stronger with the passage of time, or like if you just pulled a heart out of a corpse but you ripped out the big artery as well, which ends up-"

"I got it. You don't need to continue."

"Heh. Heart talk makes you squeamish, doesn't it? You really ARE a weakling..."

Nick just gave Berserker his trademarked 'Are you serious?' look.

"So, you can't have just said that it gets stronger over time...why? Was that phrase too convoluted for you?"

"Um... hearts are funner. Like, much funner. And balloons. Those are fun. Red ones... Besides, that wasn't even the complete analogy. I WAS going to go into a whole explanation of fat buildups in the artery, but if you want the short version... The Madness doesn't strengthen smoothly and incrementally. It increases in leaps and bounds. When somebody annoys me... especially if they're a midget kid like you. When somebody scratches me, though I honestly doubt anyone can. And most of all..." Berserker licked his lips slowly. "When I come close to killing somebody. THAT riles me up like nothing else!"

Nick looked thoughtful. "So... whenever one of these things that trigger your bloodlust happens, it's like you get mad and squeeze the heart HARDER... That's handy. They all seemed to be designed to ramp you up when the fight gets hard."

"Yeah... squeezing harder... that's a pretty good description. But the fight isn't really HARDER, since, y'know, my fights are never HARD...  Let's say it's funner."

**********

Nick slowly raised Berserker's hand, which still loosely held the legendary blade; raised it all the way up and slit a shallow incision across his forehead, which wasn't all that dangerous or painful but which he knew (from countless experimentation) bled heavily.

Even as the first drops of Nick's blood began to fall onto Berserker, his eyes flashed open. There were no pupils, no irises... only red.

Looks like we just hit EX.

Nick leapt back as Berserker rolled over onto his front and vomited.

Ugh... That poison is potent indeed. Even now, he's barely conscious. That lancer is truly impressive.

Berserker craned his neck behind him, saw Nick, and growled.

Okay, I'm done with part one... I got him awake. Now how to make him dematerialize without him killing me? His infuriating skill makes command seals ineffective.

"Berserker! I am your master! Dematerialize now, or I'll have to put you down myself."

In response, the servant managed to push himself up to his knees. He tried to lift his sword, but he was too weak too even swing it properly. Berserker held it low in his left hand, not bothering to use it properly but unable to stow it away, and instead. rose shakily to his feet. Even as this took place, a new plan crystallized in Nick's mind. When Berserker conjured his sword from the scabbard, the mana drain increased... which taken to it's logical conclusion, meant.... Well, it would be worth a shot, anyway.

"You're far too weak to kill me in your current condition, Berserker. Is there no way to break you out of your Mad Enhancement?"

Berserker took a swing at with his right fist, feeble by servant standards but still much stronger than an ordinary human. Nick merely scrambled backwards again. This time, however, he appeared to be less nimble. His foot fell into one of the trenches Berserker had formed, and Nick tripped and collapsed onto his back.

Come on now, Berserker... come closer...

A cruel smile opened across Berserker's face as he made his way to where Nicholas lay.

Mad Enhancement makes your fights funner, right? Come on then. Let's have some fun.

Berserker reached down and grabbed the front of Nick's shirt, lifting him clear off the ground and smirking victoriously.

Before suddenly screaming and stumbling backwards, dropping Nicholas, as a being of pure flame spawned inside him.

Now it was Nick's turn to smirk, looking down at the place where he 'fell.' Two handprints and two footprints, where his appendages touched the ground. And the servant had walked into it like a fool.

Nick felt Berserker's mana drain on him suddenly collapse sharply as the sword vanished.

Just as I thought. The swoord, as a Noble Phantasms, is coumpounded to the existing mana drain; thus it will be deactivated before Berserker dies. And since it's the source of his Mad Enhancement, that's broken now.

"Can you speak now... Heidrek."

"Yeah... In retrospect, your plan still seems convoluted. You dealt a killing blow to me, so my sword disappeared... but I had A rank battle continuation, so you knew I'd survive for at least a minute afterwards... AND you know that injuries sustained during Mad Enhancement don't become more damaging when the Mad Enhancement ends. But... aren't I dying anyway, now? You managed to buy me a few minutes of sanity before I died, so congrats on that, I guess..."

"No, you still don't understand. A minute is more than enough for you to dematerialize, Heidrek. And since your condition stabilizes a lot in that state, I'll be able to get you to healer and the materialize you... and you're maybe slightly patch-up-able. Your Noble Phantasm is gone forever, and it would be impossible to recover your health fully, but I still want a servant in this war. You'll be crippled but alive and usable. So come on. What are you waiting for? Dematerialize! Now!."

Heidrek, the Terrible King of the Goths, smiled a genuine smile for the first time. "No."

"NO?! What do you mean, Heidrek, just dematerialize already! You still want to live, right? Still want a chance to WIN? Does this war mean NOTHING to you?!"

"Again, no. Fighting isn't fun without my sword. And I'm as a servant, mediocre at best, now that my Mad Enhancement is gone. Frankly, it's better to die than live in shame like this."

"What? Don't you want revenge against that Lancer?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm going to kick her *** if we're ever summoned in the same war again. Now shut up and stop trying to get me to dematerialize. You can't convince me, and you can't force me to. I can resist one command seal like that, thanks to my skill... knew that would come in handy."

"What about me?"

"What about you?"

"You wanted to kill me?  Now you're giving up? That doesn't sound like something the Terrible King of the Goths would do. You're scared of no man. Except me, apparently. And the corpse I used to kill you? Mortal. Not even a Magus. You're legends must have been exaggerated, after all."

"Shut up." Berserker suggested pointedly. "If WE'RE ever summoned together, I'll kick your *** too."

"So this is it, then? You're abandoning me? Our battle? Our wish?"

"That is an accurate way of putting it, yes. This actually feels really good. Almost like I'm killing you after all."

Nick's eyes blazed with anger. "You... You may be able to resist a command seal, but even you cannot ignore two! By these, my first and second com-"

"It's too late for that, Nicholas Hemingway. May we meet again."

The man faded into pinpricks of blue light, which dispersed into the wind. Nick put his head down, punching the ground hard enough that his knuckles bled. He lifted his fist now, observing how the redness of his blood mingled with the deeper redness of the three now-useless command seals on his hand. Then he stood up and slowly began to trudge back to the clubs.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 28, 2015, 08:34:45 pm

Anne

"THAT was my idea, but the unconscious people thing. That was yours."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 28, 2015, 07:40:33 pm

Robin

Aww, freak it, I'm not letting Cody go in.

"Nah, forget it, I'm just being a problem I'll go in the mana circle, Cody you should be able to fight, I won't be the best in a fight anyways."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 28, 2015, 06:27:35 pm

Hera

"Um, it was your idea to put Robin in a circle. Besides, didn't we both agree to it?" Hera gave Anne a confused look.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 28, 2015, 05:14:51 pm

Anne

Bad idea. Time to blame it on Hera.

"No. We don't, so don't freak out. Hera just had that idea, and she told Nick to get some unconscious people. I guess that it's cruel, but another option is to leave the job to the spades to do what they want to open the place and then walk in. Or we could all stand in the circles like you suggested."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 28, 2015, 04:35:59 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Hold on a second, UNCONSCIOUS BODIES?! Who are they? Why do we have them?"

What the hell? Do these guys have any sense of moral compass?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 28, 2015, 04:32:55 pm

Anne

Anne calmed down a lot, only to be angered again, "Well Nick did say something about getting unconscious people and putting them in the circles, so there's actually no need for us to go stand in there. Also I'm pretty sure that the Spades are also working on people to put into the circles, so we're good. Right now, how about we try to find the rest of us, other than Nick who is going to come back, and get together back here in ~10 minutes with everyone if possible. Delays are fine if you either can't find the person you are looking for, or if you end up fighting someone. Just a suggestion: Don't die. All in favor of this say 'I' if you are against it, just remain silent. Right now we are missing Kiera, who is probably fine, but we might want to tell her that we're trying to gather up and discuss what we've found. Henri is... somewhere? I don't know what he's doing. And finally Maria, I think it was, I also have no idea what she's doing."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 28, 2015, 03:29:54 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Alright, break it up, you two." Cody stepped forwards, adjusting his glasses. "Fine then, I'll step in one of the circles, since I'm the only own here willing to risk my own hide, apparently."

Mr. Lazarus, I can't advise this. You could be rendered extremely vulnerable. There are better alternatives.

Don't worry, Madeline, I'll be fine. I'll leave you in charge. Extend your mental link to reach Hera, Anne and Kiera and fill them in on what you find.

...Best of luck.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 28, 2015, 02:54:08 pm

Robin

"I'm not stepping into that circle, I saw what it does. Stop acting like your the boss of me, or you are superior to me in any way. The only difference: you're a master, I'm not. Still both human, still both mages."

What the heck, is she trying to kill me? Those things are deadly!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 28, 2015, 12:22:25 pm

Anne

"Why not? We want to open the gate as soon as possible, and at the same time we want to reduce the amount of work that we have to do. But if you keep refusing, I suppose that you could be one of those 7 UNCONSCIOUS people."

Hera, tell Nick that he only needs to get 6 people. Or wait... Before that we should see if the Spades have gotten any people in circles. Anne extended her link to Cody and continued. Cody, if you get this, can you tell us what information the drones have gotten?

This kid is always taking it too far... He's acting like the boss of all of us and he isn't even experienced, or a master. Actually, even I have more experience than him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 28, 2015, 10:57:05 am

Robin

"Yeah, umm no way I'm getting into one of those circles, just get Nick to get 7 unconscious people, or get them yourself, I'm not stepping into that."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 28, 2015, 10:38:02 am

Cody Lazarus

"Well... Kiera's already headed towards the shrine, right? I think she's more equipped for that job than we are, given she's got Assassin with her. Our time would be better spent getting a read on the seven circles.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 27, 2015, 09:01:04 pm

Anne

"And right when we were trying to gather up everyone... Anyways, anyone know where Maria, Henri, and Kiera are? I know that Kiera is in this forest for sure. I met her earlier. She was going to scout for the shrine, I think, which means that she should be around here.

In a while we should get some people to put in the mana draining circles, but for now Hera and I were thinking about having this kid go into one. If it satisfies him, he could throw some daggers from inside at others. It can be temporary or permanent, depends on the situation. Also how about you and I go stand at the gate to prevent others from entering before us if they do." Anne suggested to Cody, "Hera could probably take this kid to one of the circles and then join us."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 27, 2015, 08:58:22 pm

Nick

Nick tried his best to keep from laughing at Robin, but a small chuckle still escaped. The boy was just so naive...

"Yeah, hehe...." He finally calmed down, turning to Anne. "I personally think the task of making people faint is beneath me... But I guess if you really don't have anyone else up for the job... I am the best, after all."

Nick turned away and entered a jogging position, but before he could finish a single step, he suddenly froze, becoming absolutely still. He stood for a few full seconds, radiating intense icy rage, breathing slowly. His composure held fir a few seconds. Then he roared in anger, whipping a long knife out of his jacket and flinging it into a tree, with sufficient force to bite deeply into the wood. The heavy breathing resumed again.

"It appears... that there is a matter I must deal with before that. My Berserker is apparently... comatose."

And without another word, Nick turned and walked enough in a new direction faster than anyone could reply, with only a last statement spoken over his shoulder.

"Accompany me if you insist on staying together, but I'm rather... irritated. I'm not a pleasant person to be around while irritated."

Then he disappeared into the shadows.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 27, 2015, 08:24:15 pm

Robin

Well... that was a fail

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 27, 2015, 06:14:59 pm

Hera

Hera was about to greet Cody when she got a weird mental message.

Hey, you, Anne person! Just shut it on the family topic will ya? It's being useless, JUST LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. We need to find 7 people that will step into those draining circles, so  I can easily know your a single child, otherwise you would have stopped! Jeez..

Uh, shut the f*** up. You can argue with Anne another time, but if you really need to say stuff like that to Anne say it to her face. Also, I'd be careful who you send mental messages too.

James

James was walking through the forest in an attempt to find more of the circles.

Assassin, any luck?

Yes. I have discovered 3 of the circles.

...wow.

Also, you do realize that you could use your command seals to locate these things, right?

No...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 27, 2015, 05:39:08 pm

Anne

Anne had a hard time calming herself down. But Cody actually asking about her had made her forget her argument with the stupid little kid. She completely ignored him, and somehow didn't get his mental message. ((Ice against Anne isn't very effective, just saying.))

"Um...Yeah. We're sorta fine, I guess. Just thought it would be a good idea to group up and decide what to do. Any ideas where the others are?" Anne gained a lot of confidence in the middle of that sentence. She forgot about doing something that Cody wouldn't like and just got to the details.

Penny ran up to her.

"Wuff!"

"Oh goodie! Everyone watch out for puddles when battling. It's meant to make the Spades slip. But..." She turned back to Cody, "Do you think that the Spades have some kind of plan on meeting up or something like that? After all, the person we were fighting retreated, and the boy you were fighting left."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 27, 2015, 05:34:07 pm

Robin

"For one, I have never argued with my brother. Also, my dad DIED in this war, and he wanted to DESTROY the Sactum Key, much like me. I'm doing this for HIM, and for many more people in the FUTURE. I have no issues on how it's destroyed, no Spade will get in the way. But, it seems that I have to deal with people like YOU first, who have no feelings whatsoever."

Huh... I'd like to slide my sword into her  freeze her until frostbite kills  throw her a few thousand feet into the air make her understand that my entire life with my brother never had any issues... so she should really SHUT IT!

Robin tried to send her a mental message.

Hey, you, Anne person! Just shut it on the family topic will ya? It's being useless, JUST LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. We need to find 7 people that will step into those draining circles, so  I can easily know your a single child, otherwise you would have stopped! Jeez..

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 27, 2015, 05:21:08 pm

Cody Lazarus

Exhausted, he put his pistol back into his holster and walked back to Anne's location. "That was... strange."

Caster?

Right here. He materialized, leaning against a tree. The scout drone approached them. "Continue your search and come back when you've found the other four circles." The drone flew off.

"You alright?" Cody stretched his arms and looked at Anne.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 27, 2015, 05:17:56 pm

Avery

After getting his weapons back Avery made a run for it. There was something that was just not right. He kept running until he slipped in a puddle and fell.

Anne

Aroooo WUFF! [UPDATE! The boy ran away.]

Oh ok. Can you somehow try to get Cody back here? I'm gonna try another mental message which you had better not BARGE INTO.

Anne tried to reach out for Cody's magical signature. It had to be somewhere near Penny.

Aha! There it is!

Hi Cody. Are you getting this? If you get it, can you come back here? Thanks.

Hmm... That's funny... Two spades have fled now...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 27, 2015, 04:54:34 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Archer reloaded, this time bringing in regular bullets, and began to open fire. Kirin stepped back and felt his foot get wet. He looked down and saw a rather large puddle of fresh water.

Someone's been running around and creating puddles in an attempt to trip us up. I'll make sure to watch where I step... Kirin held out his wand and quickly cast Eriga, creating a weak forcefield around his body.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 27, 2015, 03:36:27 pm

Anne

Stupid little kid. Doubt he realizes that I'm older than him... I would kill him, but I'll let the Spades do that.

"Well think about it. You enter the war saying that your dad was in it, so you want to be in it. This makes no sense to me, but whatever. Then you see your brother on the spades trying to kill you. Then he says 'forgive me' which makes it seem like you guys have been arguing for a while. You seem surprised that your brother was with the Spades, but if you were NOT having an argument, why would your brother need to be forgiven? It makes sense that you two took a small argument, made it bigger, and entered the war to end your argument. Now you act all innocent pretending that you don't know. In the end you chickened out and you didn't even kill him yourself. That's how you dragged US into your little family argument."

Penny, any updates on the situation?

Wuff... Ruff. [No, nothing else has happened except the boy has a double staff and apparently uses telekinesis. Looks too young to be using magic]

Well... you never know who will enter a war.

Anne turned to Nick (still thinking of punching Hera, who was giving that look at her, in the face), "So, what do you think about getting un
conscious people instead of killing them for once?" She completely ignored all the lame arguments that the stupid boy was trying to make.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 27, 2015, 03:04:30 pm

((#JUMPINGTOCONCLUSIONS))
Robin

The Anne girl took it too far. Robin, now mad, took a step towards her.

"You didn't just say that. I had no idea my brother was in this, I'm only here to finish what my Dad began. It seems you obviously have no sense, just like every single other person that jump to conclusions. If you have a problem with me having a little shock, I'm sorry, but GROW UP. It's a war, things happen, emotions come through."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 27, 2015, 01:52:05 pm

Anne

Anne pieced things together and turned to Robin glaring at him.

"So this war for you is just a battle between you and your brother?" She said angrily. "If you want to have a fight, do it in your own backyard. Don't get the rest of us into it."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 27, 2015, 08:14:58 am

Robin

"I-I don't know... why would he try to kill us.. I mean from that place he could easily see our faces, that meant he wanted to kill me. My brother was... a Spade?!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 27, 2015, 06:30:25 am

Hera

Hera looked at Robin. "You mean to say your brother was attacking us with the intent to kill us?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 26, 2015, 07:03:03 pm

Archer

Archer was struck with full force from the bullet, and while it didn't do significant physical damage, it pushed him back out of the radius of the circle before it ran out of energy.  Archer quickly stood up and began to run back into the radius of the circle of sand.  As he ran, his bow materialized in his hands, and the blades he was holding transformed into arrows.  As soon as he stepped foot in the circle, he fired two arrows at the opposing Archer, which traveled at blinding speed.

Meanwhile, Henri was charging up mana for a volley of Spark spells, his hands glowing red with heat energy.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 26, 2015, 06:46:51 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"...Huh, it seems they'd like us to make the first move. Would you do the honors, Archer of Spades?"

The servant's eyes darkened to an oppressive purple hue. The flintlock let out a loud clicking sound, sparking near the back.

Baumwachstum.

He took aim and quickly fired out his second magic bullet, which traveled at the comparatively slower speed of a baseball as it rapidly multiplied in size, soon passing up the equivalent of a bowling ball. Now step outside your comfort zone, enemy Archer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 25, 2015, 04:08:22 pm

Archer

The ground where Archer had shot his arrow began to glow yellow, and plants and trees withered in a five-meter radius around it.  The dirt dried up and turned into sand, until it mimicked the floor of an Iranian desert.  Archer leaped into the circle, holding his arrowlike blades at his side.

Henri

Henri felt a sudden burst of mana usage – a distress signal from Archer.  He's in a fight.  I need to hurry.

Henri charged his trident up with three basic lightning spells, which combined would paralyze their target for a bit.  As he ran into a sandy clearing in the forest, he saw his Archer facing down an enemy Servant and mage.

Get out.  I can handle this myself.

This is my responsibility too, damn it.  I'm winning this war, or I'll die trying.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 25, 2015, 01:36:22 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He **** his knuckles as Archer loaded a bullet into his flintlock. "Hmm, it seems we won't have to move out after all. I'm surprised you survived the fall." Kirin pulled out his wand and took a basic fighting position. "Shall we begin?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 25, 2015, 10:12:37 am

((Please put things out of CSTs in double parentheses.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: aajmal on July 25, 2015, 08:52:57 am

cool

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 24, 2015, 08:51:38 pm

Robin

"Forgive him? That's weird..."

Robin took a closer look at the dead body.

"Huh, this guy has the same built as my brother, and they look alike..."

Robin paled.

"Wait kinda sick trick is this? This IS my brother! He even carries the same throwing daggers father gave us!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 24, 2015, 08:32:02 pm

Anne

Hera was giving her that look again, and Anne mentally noted to punch her in the face for the... she didn't know, 1 millionth time?

"Well his last words were to ask someone to forgive him. I was unable to make out the name. Anyone know this person?" Hera gave her the look again as if asking her to say something else. She glared at ((lol, I typed hat by accident first)) Hera. "Oh, and," Hera looked at her expectantly, "HERA was wondering if you could get us some unconscious people instead of dead ones to put in the mana draining circles to open the shrine."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 24, 2015, 08:24:35 pm

Hera

"I'll take his bow and quiver," Hera said picking up the bow and quiver half filled with arrows.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 24, 2015, 08:16:13 pm

Nick

"That would be me." Nick said quietly, appearing out of nowhere as was his habit. In this case, the nowhere in question was from a grove of trees behind Robin.

"I killed him, I mean. Didn't heal you, I don't think. So you're all alive? Good. So it got here fast enough. And thank you all for waiting for me. Now, does anyone want anything from him before I seal the corpse away? The dead have no use for weapons, after all."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 24, 2015, 07:55:06 pm

Robin

The pain was reaching unbearable when suddenly the arrow dispersed into nothing and the wound on Robin's arm closed, keeping him weak but able to walk and endure much less pain. Robin, who luckily hadn't inured his dominant arm, sheathed his sword and placed his left side throwing dagger back into it's pouch, with quite a bit of trouble. After, realizing he had a lot of mana, used a small healing spell on the wound to gain him extra strength. If necessary, in a fight he could use up a bunch to heal his arm enough to carry an ice shield, if he could manage it. He noticed a figure lying on the ground, obviously dead. It was the bowmen who had tried to kill him and nearly killed a master.

Good riddance. I'll thank who killed him.

Robin staggered towards Anne and Hera, making it up to them without falling.

"So... why are we beside this guy? And which of you killed him, and healed me?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 24, 2015, 06:41:31 pm

Anne

"Oh yeah. That."

I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING AND I WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE AFTER THIS SKIRMISH!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 24, 2015, 04:46:07 pm

James

I'd suggest just protecting your point. There is no one that i know of that needs immediate help.

Hera

"Um, shouldn't we stay near the body like Nick asked?"

Hera continued to silently ship Anne and Nick in her head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 24, 2015, 04:21:53 pm

Archer

"We're going down!  Get out, now!" the pilot yelled.

They're making the first move.  So be it.

In a flash, Archer had shot an arrow in the direction the shot had come from, claiming it as his territory.  In a flash, he teleported there, holding small blades to be used as melee weapons.

((FYI: Clubs Archer beats Spades Archer statwise when in the five-meter circle he just created, Spades Archer wins otherwise.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 24, 2015, 01:11:46 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Well, I've been contacting the rest of you without much of a response for a while now. My group has secured one of the circles, our helicopter pilot is activating it. Do any of you need backup, or should we just protect our point?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 24, 2015, 12:08:07 pm

Tanik

Tanik had a clear throw at the second girl he had missed, and he was going to throw but gasped in pain as

something

passed through his chest and discharged a ton of energy into his heart. Tanik gasped and fell to the ground, unable to breath, involuntarily choking and having seizures. He twitched and then lay still, barely alive. In his final momments, Tanik's life zoomed passed him, the few enjoyable years with his father, then the many dark that follows. Then he realized something:

My brother never did anything to me... this was my fault... and I am so so sorry-

As the electrical wound became fatal and Tanik's heart started missing beats and his word grew dim.

"R-Ro-Robin.... f-forgi-ive m-"

Tanik couldn't finish his last words as his heart stopped, and he lay still, dead.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 24, 2015, 11:45:42 am

Anne

"No, and thanks." Anne flipped through the spell book and found a healing spell that would work.

"Auxilio." That seemed to be the most effective healing spell that she could find that didn't use too much mana. Robin was healed enough that he could walk and throw a spear or his daggers, but it wasn't healed completely.

"Ok Hera, that's finished. Should we go find the other two?"

Avery

He thought he'd deflected the bullet, but a sharp pain in his arm made him double over and clutch it.

This isn't good if I want to fight. And it's my right arm! I never prepared for this... I can't use my left arm at all!

Avery dropped the double staff to the ground (of course, he still had his hand made spear which he got into his hands). Then he pushed the  double staff with his force into the bushes where it was hidden. He acted like he was focusing on using the spear in his left hand, (and of course, the pain in his right arm was still there, hurting like crazy, but he ignored it as best as possible). In reality, Avery was getting his double staff BEHIND the master person here. It rose up, and smacked Cody on the shoulder, hard. The blade made a deep cut and then Avery put the spear away. He grabbed the staff and sliced the dog's back.

Then he was shocked by something. He looked up and saw that the stupid storm cloud had decided to move on to lightning.

 

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 24, 2015, 08:43:35 am

James

Ah, so this is the Oshiro household representative. What is it that you need?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 24, 2015, 08:21:15 am

Zoraya Krauss

What do you need, Oshiro? Does it have anything to do with the falling helicopter off in the distance?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 24, 2015, 07:46:02 am

Hera

Hera looked at the dead body. Well then...that was...yeah.

"Anne, have ya been able to heal him?" Hera looked at Anne. "If not, feel free to look through my spell book."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 24, 2015, 12:34:00 am

Kirin Oshiro

[IF THIS POST CREATES A PARODOX, PLEASE DELETE IT.]

"Helicopter, up out there!" Archer looked through the scope to get a closer look. There was a non-weaponized helicopter flying above the battlefield. "That's... definitely not friendly."

Kirin caught sight of it. "It looks like the standard issue chopper from the EU Mage's Association... We're not affiliated with them. Shoot it down."

"Aye." Archer looked back into the scope and pulled the trigger. The shot broke through and destroyed one of the copter blades. He quickly reloaded and took out a few more of them, then stopped once it began to fall. He chuckled to himself. "Gotcha..."

Kirin looked over in the direction where the crash sight would have been, although it was currently obscured from his view.

...Hello? Anyone there? He continued to probe the other spades for a response. Come on, I know you can hear me.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 24, 2015, 12:23:31 am

Cody Lazarus

He unloaded the clip of his magic pistol into Avery, who doubled over in pain.

[To Avery, it feels like he's getting shot with real bullets. In reality Cody's pistol is completely harmless until he properly fixes it. From the looks of it, this will be one of our less serious fights.]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 23, 2015, 11:34:47 pm

Anne

Anne whispered to Hera, "Told you he liked killing." She walked towards the body to study it. The person moved a little. "Ok, say your final words if you have to. Still, normal people die without saying anything, so that's your choice."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 23, 2015, 09:35:47 pm

Archer

Maria's helicopter had taken off, and was now flying over the battlefield.

The pilot coughed.  "Um, it looks like there's another copter here.  We're not equipped for aerial combat."

Archer smiled.  "Not necessary.  Let's try sending in a boarding party."

Archer drew his winged bow, and an arrow flew from a window of the helicopter, striking the other copter in the side.  In a flash, Archer appeared in the other copter, holding small blades to be used as melee weapons.

Should I inform Henri of the situation? he wondered.  In previous occurrences, he's shown himself to be a tad... reckless in pursuit of his goal.  He might order me to do something unnecessarily violent, or ask me to withdraw at the risk of his safety.  It's best if I get this done cleanly and quickly.

Fyi, Kirin's helicopter landed a while ago.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 23, 2015, 09:17:52 pm

Nick

The blue being flickered again, appearing behind Tanik, and stuck it's arm forward. The arm, made of non-material, arcing electricity, passed right through the Tanik's shirt and discharged directly inside his heart. The boy fell to the ground, convulsing and twitching powerfully, limbs flailing, before going still all of a sudden. A charred, acrid smell rose from the corpse, like sulfur mixed, with ozone. The blue being faded back into nothingness.

Nick spoke directly into the minds of Hera, Anne, and Robin.

Hello? Testing for signs of life? One-two-three?

Listen, that guy that was giving you trouble has either dropped dead or is about to do so in a few seconds. Could you three do me a favor and stay put for me? Keep an eye on his body..... I need it, see. If I don't have enough bodies in storage, I get.... anxious. So, anyway, thanks for that in advance. Don't die now, you hear? Not that you wouldn't make great corpses, all of you... Oh, look at me, rambling like an idiot. I guess I just love listening to myself think. Well, be there in a few.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 23, 2015, 08:59:18 pm

Anne

Suddenly a blue thingie appeared out of nowhere. Anne saw it and freaked out for a second before she realized that it was targeting the archer. Thank goodness, I don't wanna deal with another attack. I'm trying to conserve mana here.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 23, 2015, 08:44:44 pm

Nick

Oh, man, they're far... Running would be too slow, and if I tried to sacrifice a mortal body it'd burn up long before it got there... No choice, I suppose. Going to have to pull out a magus. Well, at least I should get one in exchange.

Nick leaned down, and placed his hands on the floor.

"Jeg innkalle... behållare ov Arodnap!"

Leaping back, one could see a pair of handprints and footprints that looked like they'd been burned into the floor.

If I want to go for maximum speed, this should work...

"Rozpečetit Blesk!"

A n incarnate of blue lightning flickered into existence, standing patient and perfectly immobile in the center of the parallelogram.

Nick slowly projected into its 'mind' images of Anne, Hera, and Robin. "Protect. Kill any others."

He pointed, and with another flicker, the being of lightning was gone.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 23, 2015, 08:27:36 pm

Tanik

Tanik grimaced as his first arrow missed, and saw his arrows rip through Robin's arm just before a throwing dagger hit his bow, snapping it.

Shoot! Bad luck for me... I'll have to go melee.

"Icnarus!"

His throwing daggers suddenly went extremely cold, allowing them freeze anything they hit. Tanik ran out of his spot, whipping a dagger at the other girl (Anne) which barely missed her as she dove into cover just as it was going to hit her. Tanik quickly summoned back his daggers, just noticing how low his mana was.

Shoot! I'm low on mana... I'll have to focus it on one attack and then get the hell outa here...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 23, 2015, 08:24:00 pm

Anne

"Um... Well I know one -knew one... You see... I have sorta forgotten what it is. Maybe I could do something if you gave me your spell book."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 23, 2015, 08:18:35 pm

Hera

I can take advantage of this situation...

Hey, Nick wasn't it? Someone's trying to kill me and Anne and Robin. Thought you might wanna find and kill the bastard. Anne mentioned you like killing people.

Sincerely hope that the magical signature Hiram gave me is correct. Now, we should have one less Club to look for.

Hera ducked and pulled Robin to cover, motioning for Anne to follow. "Anne you know any healing spells? I'll take care of attack and defense."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 23, 2015, 08:06:31 pm

Tanik

Tanik left Saber and walked through the forest, until he came upon a a cluster of rocks at the edge of a shrine and there he saw... his brother.

I'll kill Robin today... and those 2 masters. I have 2 ice arrows and a really speedy arrow... I'll shoot the girl there first... if they are with Robin and not fighting, they are clubs...

Stealthily, Tanik drew his bow and aimed at first Robin, and fired an ice arrow, a twig snapping as he did, then fired another at one of the girls (BTW, its Hera) with a speeding arrow.

Robin

Robin heard a twig snap behind him and turned around as quickly as he could, barely dodging an arrow that would've taken him in the chest, and saw a bowmen fire a second arrow at Hera.

"WATCH OUT!!!"

The arrow was speeding for Hera, and would kill her. Robin jumped infront of her, and the arrow took him in the left arm just as Robin threw a dagger at the bowmen. Pain flooded into him as the sharp tip went all the way through, flinging Robin onto the ground as he cried in pain.

AGGHHH! My arm is going numb... I can't feel it...

((Robin wound is painful but not fatal, so he won't die as long as someone helps him))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 23, 2015, 07:07:28 pm

Avery

He remained silent, but slightly angled the double staff to deflect a bullet as best he could. Then he realized that a dog had found him. It was growling at him. He needed to do something, and fast. He pushed the dog back a little, and to his surprise, it started biting the telekinesis force and howling really loudly.

Stupid dog! It can't bite that.

Then he stopped pushing it back. The force seemed to have really disturbed the dog. He thought that it was really funny. It calmed down and got back into an attack stance. Then before he could realize what was going on, there was a storm cloud above his head pouring water down on him.

Who did that? Is there someone else here?

Anne

We can put him in temporari-

WUFF AROOOOOOOOOOO [WHAT IS THIS STUFF? TELEKINESIS?]
Ruff... [Ah, it stopped...]

What happened?

Ruff. [The person we were tracking JUST HAD TO USE TELEKINESIS! I HATE TELEKINESIS. Is there any way to bite through?]

Not without using a spell. At least I think that.

Wuff... [HHMph... I'll have to deal with it I guess...]

Ok Hera, we could put Robin in the mana draining circle temporarily till we can get a hostage or two, or we could just have him stay there till the shrine is open. I think that he can shoot arrows at spades from there if he wants to participate.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 23, 2015, 05:31:34 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Freeze!" He yelled, pointing his gun at the unfamiliar boy. The pistol crackled with fractured mana. Penny took a fierce stance and began to growl.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 23, 2015, 04:48:38 pm

Hera

Hmm... I still think you should get that Nick guy to find some people, but we can use him as well.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 23, 2015, 01:35:37 pm

Anne

Hey Hera! I just had an idea. This kid can sit in one of those mana draining circles. Whaddya say?

"Just give us a min, we're trying to contact some others."

Wuff! [Hi!]

I thought you were busy.

Wuff... [Yeah... We are busy. Busy tracking someone who I heard and smelt.]

Master or not?

Wuff... [I don't know yet...]

Ok, thanks for that info. Anyways Hera, what was I saying. Oh yes. Should we put the kid in one of those mana draining circles?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 23, 2015, 01:10:25 pm

Tanik

Tanik jumped off the tree, using just a bit of air so he wouldn't break any bones as he fell. Not the smartest of moves, but it was quick enough. After getting over his many bruises,  he ran up to Saber of Spades.

"Hello Saber! Are we heading back to your master now? I lost the rest of the Spades... also, do you need any healing? I can heal a few deep cuts, but no broken bones, sorry."

Robin

Robin walked out of his hiding position, walking up to Anne and Hera.

"Hi. Am I interrupting something important? Or should we head for the catalyst?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 22, 2015, 07:13:32 am

Saber of Spades

"I'll be fine. Berserker didn't target me as much as he did Lancer." Saber looked over to where Berserker lay. "Berserker seems pretty much done for. We should meet back up with my Master."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 21, 2015, 09:45:34 pm

Anne

"You don't know how much I want to punch you in the face, but I'll forget it for now. So if we're having issues contacting people, maybe we could just find Penny. She's with Cody. We should be silent and if possible, invisible because she said they were busy and to shut up. What do you think they're doing? They have to be nearby."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 21, 2015, 09:19:41 pm

Hera

"None." Hera paused for a minute. "Also, denying it confirms that you like him..." a devilish grin appeared on Hera's face.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 20, 2015, 09:10:29 pm

Anne

"I'm trying to contact Co- WAIT! WHAT? THAT HORRIBLE PERSON AS MY BOYFRIEND! IF WE WEREN'T IN THE MIDDLE OF A WAR I WOULD PUNCH YOUR FACE." Anne managed to say all that loud enough that Hera was surprised, but quiet enough that no one else heard. ((Caps are extreme anger here, not really being loud))

"Anyways, I'm pretty sure that he's dealing with Berserker. Any luck with Kiera? Cody seems to be busy. Probably on the trail of something."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 20, 2015, 08:47:26 pm

Hera

Hera looked at Anne. "Why don't you ask your boyfriend to find some people? I think you mentioned that he liked killing people. This is just a new way of accomplishing that. Well, at least it'll weaken them."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 20, 2015, 07:35:43 pm

Anne

Ok, that obviously didn't work, so I have to try again.

Cody? Is this reaching you? We need you and Penny to come back here so that we can group up to find others.

Wuff! [Shut up! We're busy with something.]

Well SOMEONE got the message then... Penny, what did I tell you about- You know what. Forget it right now, we have to find out about the shrine thing and who to put in the circles.

"So Hera, who do you think should go into those red circles? Obviously a Spade will be in there, if not, I will assume that they would be trying to get in AFTER we open it. How about we either try that, or just force the Spades in. I think that forcing the Spades in sounds good, but chances are that won't work out too well. Maybe we should just open it ourselves, but I'm not exactly eager to stand in one of those circles..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 20, 2015, 05:23:41 pm

Nat

"Ananta Maui, and this is –"

"Rider, Don Quixote de la Mancha, famous Spanish knight, protector of the innocent.  A pleasure to make your acquaintance... Assassin."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 19, 2015, 10:18:44 pm

Avery

Stupid dog. I'll get it back later, bet it's a weakling.

Avery froze when he heard the sound of a pistol being loaded. He had been about to move, but now he was not willing to. Still, he kept light on his toes ready to dodge anything.

Uh oh, my defense skills aren't that great. I thought I'd be attacking, not fleeing/defending. Especially because I'm against someone with a gun. OH! Who am I kidding. If at the correct angle, I can use my double staff to block a bullet. If it's even one degree of from perfection, I'm gonna get my arm hurting badly.

Fortunately Avery already had his double staff out, so he made no movements, just waited for the attack.

((Oh and he has no idea what the 'perfect angle' is. I guarantee that one arm will be in great pain.))

Penny

Penny shut up after that and sniffed around hoping to find a scent trail. She caught on to a new scent and followed it. She got hidden from Cody's sight in the undergrowth, but her tail showed him where she was ((Beagles have white tail tips, and they hold their tails straight up when alert or hunting something, so that is an actual fact)). Then she stopped, seeing that -smelling that the enemy was near.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 19, 2015, 09:06:17 pm

James

"Excuse my manners, I haven't introduced myself. I am James Winston Blackbourne. This is my servant Assassin. And you are?"

We already know her name.

Yes, but if we say such the results could be... damaging.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 19, 2015, 09:02:51 pm

Cody Lazarus

"Uugh, Penny, shhh!" He tried to calm down the dog until he realized it was barking at something deeper into the forest. He nervously loaded his pistol and slowly walked forward, eyeing the trees he passed.

Combat Drone 2, cover my right side and travel parallel to my path. If anything moves, follow it. A few moments after he issued the command, the large hovering android could be seen scanning the surrounding area.

Status, Combat Drone 1?

Kirin Oshiro

As the helicopter pilot anxiously sat in the middle of the circle, Kirin reported to the rest of the spade masters.

This is Kirin. We've secured one of the shrines, our helicopter pilot is taking care of it. Should we stay put, or do any of you need backup?

Archer kept looking at the trees. He heard a faint rustling. A large, metal android briefly emerged. He immediately shot it, tearing off a chunk of its armor. The robot quickly fled to a different area.

"That was a surveillance droid, not one of ours." Archer announced. "We've got company!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 19, 2015, 08:30:48 pm

Jack Blair

Jack rushed over to the wounded warrior. He quickly unsummoned Celtchar and turned to Saber, "You gonna be alright?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 19, 2015, 06:16:25 pm

Avery

Avery was getting bored in the tree, 'Lancer' was obviously hurt badly, but so was the Berserker. The ongoing battles that he could see were over. He climbed down the tree and jumped off at the bottom. Then he speed of to where a nearby battle had finished. Right as he was about to reach the clearing,  he saw someone with a dog. The dog smelt him and barked a welcome. Then the boy with it started trying to calm it down.

Avery stayed in the shadows waiting for the boy and dog to go away.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 19, 2015, 05:49:40 pm

Nat

I've gotten pretty good at telling truth from lies with the use of my Commandment spells... and this Servant doesn't fit the description of the other team's Assassin.  Nat shrugged.  "Neither did I.  The Church is supposed to stay nominally neutral in Sanctum Wars, but since I'm not an official member of the clergy at the moment, I suppose I'm fair game."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 19, 2015, 10:08:45 am

James ((Sierra, Nat is talking to James))

"Spades. I must say, I didn't know the church would be represented in this war," James pointed to the necklace Nat wore.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 19, 2015, 08:41:58 am

Penny ((I'm assuming Nat is talking to Cody))

Looks like I have to act like his dog for now. At least it may prevent people thinking that I am a stray till we get back.

Wuff. [We have just had the master you were fighting ask if we are spades or clubs. I suggest coming to us in case they attack.

Oh ok. Keep in mind that we may be a while.

"Hera, we should go. Cody is talking to the master of that Rider." ((oh OK leap))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 19, 2015, 07:32:05 am

Nat

Nat stepped backwards.  "Spades or Clubs?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 18, 2015, 05:37:10 pm

Assassin

Assassin watched Rider withdraw from the fight in the safety of a tree's foliage. Fool. He could have beaten that servant simply by attacking the master first.

Assassin glanced at his surroundings. His master hid in the bushes.

Panther, the Rider has retreated. Should we follow?

Yes. However, I have spotted another master.

Should I engage?

Hmm... not this time. We should find the rest of our group so we can retrieve the catalyst.

Assassin climbed down from the tree and crept towards the other master. "Excuse me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 18, 2015, 04:09:41 pm

JG's other character, James, has been given to Leaping_Deer.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 18, 2015, 04:03:42 pm

Celtchar

Celtchar gritted her teeth for what seemed like hours as she felt the flesh of her torso being torn apart by the rapid flashes of Berserker's sword. She closed her eyes hoping her vital organs wouldn't be too damaged, she could only heal so fast.

Berserker fell to the ground as his eyes rolled back in his head. The poison had taken over by now. He would either need help soon, or he wouldn't be waking up, ever.

The slashing stopped and Celtchar opened her eyes. She was bleeding all over as her enhanced healing capabilities began to take over, "I can't move." She said allowed, hoping Saber could hear, "I'm calling in Jack, make sure no one comes in for the killing blow."

Jack, get over here. We just got the Berserker but I'm in some deep ****. If I can't get pulled back right now I may be dead.

Jack turned from the bush, "I'll be right back." He took off running to the battle zone where Celtchar has called him to.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 18, 2015, 12:51:37 pm

Anne



Ok, good idea.

Anne quickly disconnected her mental link from Hera to talk to Saber and Penny.

So we're not gonna chase. Are you ok?

I think I'm good except for a small nick that's nothing and a broken toe.

The broken toe might need some healing...

No, I'm fine, I've already adapted to the pain and balanced myself differently.

Ok. Penny, they retreated. I think that you should tell Cody to come back. That may be a bit hard, but I think I may be able to mentally contact him. Don't you dare barge in Penny.

I will barge in!

Just don't.

Hera could reach me, so this should work.

Hey Cody? Can you hear this? The master retreated. We need you and Penny to come back.

((M2 where did you find the unconscious people? I think that would take longer than "several minutes" maybe 30 mins-an hour because there are no people nearby.))

See my response to Nertrox above.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 18, 2015, 12:37:09 pm

Berserker

Berserker's back folded in ways that backs were obviously not intended to fold, his legs arcing upwards, striking Celtchar in the back and knocking her off his body and towards Saber.

He stood up slowly, while beneath his armor, a livid, purple, blotchy pattern had slowly begun to spread across his left shoulder and down to his bicep, originating from the deep mark on the left side of his neck where Celtchar's spear had penetrated. He could shrug off pain, but was not immune to the cold numbness that accompanied this affliction. Berserker was certain that had he been a weaker servant, the arm may have required amputation. But there was no time for any of that currently. This woman, who'd dared to wound him, was still alive.

Not for long.

He charged in at Lancer once again, and rather than slashing, thrust straight forward. She parried downward with her massive spear, but the blade's extension still left a red trail of blood across her abdomen.

Berserker stepped in closer, kicking the still-staggering Saber off his feet. He held up his numb and near-useless left arm to grab Lancer's scorching-hot spear, stopping her from stabbing, while his right arm became a flurry of motion, slashing and stabbing at a speed that most would be unable to follow, much less defend against. He would destroy this woman.

Will

Will received Nat's message about the 7 mana-draining circles that needed to be activated in order to open a way into the warehouse.

"Well, this works out in our favor." Hypatia said. "We're not currently engaged in any combat, which leaves us perfectly free to try and find suitable sacrifices. And even if a club servant is in the same position as we are, I very much doubt that they would be able to procure 7 sacrifices faster than I."

"Good. Let's get started immediately, then."

******Several Minutes Later******

5 men and 2 women lay unconcious on the ground. A simple sleep spell from behind was sufficient, and would last several hours, and would leave no discernible marks, and didn't cost much mana. The problem now became transportation. The master and servant agreed that approaching the warehouse manually, in a forest full of enemy servants, would be a bad idea, since Hypatia would need to fight and handle the bodies simultaneously. Fortunately, she had a solution, which she elaborated on in a mental message to the remaining spades.

I've obtained seven sacrifices to fill the circles and open the way to the warehouse, but approaching manually would be slow and dangerous, and the distance is too far to teleport accurately. However, I know of a long distance substitution spell, which requires objects of roughly equal mass to swap positions. Ideally, one of you would instruct your servant to place a sizable rock or log into each of the seven circles, to use as a counterweight for the substitution spell. I'd also like to ensure that at least two spade servants are waiting outside the warehouse when I open it. Thank you all.

This is not a logical retcon, simply a time-based one for posting convenience.  Hypatia does know spells (invisibility, flight, super speed) that would enable her to do this more quickly than others, but keep in mind that she would have to fly out of the forest, find seven people out of the sight of everyone else, and secure their bodies before returning to the forest.  Simply post this half of the post a bit later, when enough other posts have happened that it makes sense to post.  I think that about 20-30 minutes should suffice, assuming Hypatia uses all the spells available to her to make this easier.

This is also a fairly high mana cost, and after this, Hypatia might not even have enough mana left to do seven long-distance teleportation spells (which is a quite high cost, given that teleportation is in most cases impossible).  Hypatia can hold a lot of mana, but her stores aren't infinite, and the S/D universe doesn't usually allow spell-spamming anyway.  Seven of any spell is almost always pretty sizable, and a sleep spell doesn't have a super low cost.

If I recall correctly, Hypatia never entered the forest... But okay.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 18, 2015, 12:16:24 pm

Hera

No. Let's see if we can find the others first.

Hera reached out for Kiera's magical signature.

Kiera? Where are you?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 18, 2015, 12:08:21 pm

Anne

Huh? That was weird. Let's follow them but be careful not to step into that red circle thing. What do you say Hera?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 18, 2015, 12:03:19 pm

Nat

This battle isn't going amazingly... the girl can just use fire magic to disable anything I do with my nature control... my Commandment spells aren't very useful in this scenario... I suppose I could use one of my Sacrament spells, but is the mana cost really worth it?

"Rider, we need to withdraw from this battle.  It's not getting anywhere, and we need your mobility to help scope out the area."

"A true knight never withdraws from battle!"

"That's an order, Rider!  Need I remind you that I am your Master?  I would think an honorable knight would obey his Master as well, instead of continuing to attack a child who is in over her head without good cause..."

"I understand, milady.  I apologize."

Rider held his lance high.  "I apologize, but this is the close of our engagement for the moment!  Think upon your errors, and rue the day you next meet... DON QUIXOTE!"

Rocinante began to gallop off, as trees and plants began to encircle the path they had taken to exit.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 18, 2015, 11:59:43 am

Hera

Use it if you need too. I'd suggest casting a protection charm on your servant. Maybe a shield? A shield might use less mana. Also, I'm here if you need help.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 18, 2015, 11:31:10 am

Anne

K got it. I suppose we've been attacking the donkey too much. I just have a quick question. Should I attack Rider as well or should I save mana for later? It's obvious that this is just a small part of the battle, so I feel as though I should save the mana.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 18, 2015, 11:20:17 am

Hera

Um, yeah sort of. Anyways, if you need any backup Rider and I are prepared to fight. I'd also suggest attacking the servant instead of the donkey.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 18, 2015, 11:15:48 am

Anne

Anne? Can you hear me?

Yes, I can. What is it?

Wuff? [Wait, am I needed?]

No Penny, you can just keep doing what you're doing with Cody. Sorry Hera, Penny just barged into this link. Anyways I'm guessing you could understand her through this. So what is it you wanted to ask?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 18, 2015, 11:07:37 am

Hera

Hera grimaced as she watched the fight. Anne's not as experienced as the other master. I need to help her in some way.

Hiram, do you see the donkey?

Yes.

Can you give me a basic assessment of it's strength and weak points?

Possibly. It seems to be loyal to the rival master. It's wound doesn't seem to be affecting it much, possibly a side effect of it's loyalty to it's master. I'd have to observe it at a closer range to give you more details. It seems pretty strong.

Do you think that Anne will be able to beat the opposing master and her servant?

I... can't tell. Anne's pretty powerful but she can't control her power. This other master seems well trained but i can't really tell her power from the spells she has cast thus far. Anne's Saber is pretty powerful. I trust he can protect his master.

What if I were to... intervene? Maybe take her place?

Hmm... if we were just fighting the master we'd have a chance of winning, but with the servant... Miss Gregg, I am not the most powerful servant.

If the need arises, we can defend Anne, right?

Yes.

That's all I need.

Hera glanced towards the clump of trees where Rider was hiding. Now to contact Anne.

Anne? Can you hear me?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 18, 2015, 10:25:57 am

Anne

The strike wasn't fatal, but it was enough for Saber to have a small wound. He also had a few bruises from the fall, but he got up with ease and charged at Rider, this time ducking right as the lance was about to hit him. Then he slashed Rider's side, it was deep enough for pain to be there, but it wasn't the strongest strike. Saber was about to strike again when he received a mental message from Anne.

Watch out, incoming donkey legs. Basically the donkey is about to strike you.

Without responding, Saber jumped back, but it was a split second later than it should have been to completely dodge the hit. The donkey managed to kick his toes and unbalance him in midair. His little toe broke, but Saber got up ready to block the next attack.

After warning Saber about the donkey, Anne decided to figure out what Penny was doing.

Penny, where are you?

Wuff, Ruff, Wuff. [Cody and I are trying to find the master of the servant you are fighting.]

Good. Don't mess up one bit.

Wu- [Trying to-]

SHUT UP and get back to work!

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 18, 2015, 10:00:14 am

Rider

"Your feeble blows have no chance against a true knight!  Onward, Rocinante!"

Rocinante immediately forgot his still-bleeding wounds and charged forward.  Rider thrust his lance forward and hit Saber in the chest.  The momentum of the strike was enough to lift him in the air a couple seconds before he fell down back to Earth.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 16, 2015, 05:19:33 pm

Celtchar

Celtchar stumbled back as the gash on her leg formed and began to close. She clenched her teeth and stood up as Berserker dived forward. She readied her spear and when Berserker stepped back she planted a foot on his back and jammed the point of her spear the back of his neck.

The man tumbled over forward and hit the ground with a massive crash of metal.

She stood on his back holding the spear, which she shoved into the servant's neck. She looked at Saber, checking to see if he was okay.

If he can't feel this he'll be dead.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 16, 2015, 05:00:24 pm

Berserker

As Celthcar leapt back around, spear in hand, Berserker wildly swung his blade in her direction. A deep gash opened up along her upper thigh, and Berserker smiled.

Just a little farther...

That was when something impacted with his neck, and he was pushed off balance. So these weaklings thought they could coordinate against him? Berserker screamed, and leapt up into the air, the powerful lunge propelling him several meters into the sky, before tucking his head downwards and entering a headfirst dive.

He accelerated toward the ground, sword hand outstretched, slashing chaotically, and trenches began to appear in the ground around Saber, stirring up a great cloud of dust, eliciting the telltale screech of metal-on-metal as the blade's extension impacted against armor.

The two impacted with an enormous crash, and both staggered backwards.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 11:55:52 pm

Penny

Penny was pretty sure that Cody was looking for the master. She had gotten a good sniff of someone who she thought was the master and was trying to find the scent trail. She thought she smelt something and followed it. Cody got the message and followed her. Then they saw who they thought was the master (Zen, or MS you can choose if it's Nat or another spade
)

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 15, 2015, 10:57:33 pm

Hera

Hera watched as Anne fought the other master. I wonder if I could take a little nap... no one would notice, right?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 15, 2015, 10:17:36 pm

Cody Lazarus

A few minutes had passed. Cody read the coordinates of four of the circles. As he was about to look back to examine the blue smoke that recently arose, he felt a tugging at his pants. A dog was licking his leg.

Right... That Anne girl's dog.

"Your friend and her servant are fighting the enemy rider."

Cody adjusted his glasses and did his best to concentrate while being constantly tended to by the furry pet. "Should we help them?"

"I don't see why not. Let's see, what was that spell..." Caster stepped out into the open and clapped his hands. His hair stood on end and his eyes glowed purple. Caster put one leg back, calmly forming a fighting position as he held his left arm with his right.

Three... two... one...

"MAXIM SMITE!"

Purple lightning bolts fell from the sky, dodging the tree branches and leaves and shooting at the ground next to rider. His donkey furiously screeched, but it didn't scamper back as he'd expected. Instead, it eyed him angrily.

"Odd behavior for an animal, especially a donkey. It must be immune to fear... Well, that's one strategy out the window." He stepped back a few feet nervously. "Mr. Lazarus, circle round back and find this servant's master."

"Got it." Cody pulled out a small shiny pistol, initially designed to destroy magic circuits. It didn't work, but instead it simply stung really badly. Nonetheless it would suffice for his mission. He ran north for a few yards, with Penny running by his side, and through the trees he attempted to get a glance at Rider's master.

Kirin Oshiro

"Seven magic circles, each requiring a human to be in at all times. Understood." Kirin stood up from his seat and **** his knuckles. Riza stepped up as well, but she found the knuckle-cracking part to be quite difficult.

"That's odd." Archer continued to look down on the forest battlefield below.

"You couldn't even see them from all the way up here?" Kirin sounded annoyed.

"Huh, typical Ruler." Archer lowered his sight gun. "He knew someone would have the aerial advantage, which would make this a lot easier, so he made them invisible from a distance. He just wants to see us get messy and dirty."

"Well, in that case, messy and dirty is exactly what we'll have to be. Change of plan, everyone- we're landing.


---


So, Riza, where are the command seals pointing?

She peaked under her glove to take a look. From where you're facing, uh... 10 o'clock.

"Hmm." Kirin turned in the appropriate direction. "This way." Soon he, Riza, Archer and the helicopter pilot had reached a vacant area, at its center a glowing red circle.

"Now it shows itself. Sometimes I hate these rules." Archer scratched the back of his neck. "If I recall correctly, one human has to stay in this dangerous, mana-draining circle for it to be active, and here that person has to stay until the catalyst is secured." He cleared his throat, then **** a smile. "Any volunteers?"

Archer looked to Riza. Riza looked to Kirin. Kirin looked to the Helicopter Pilot. Soon everyone else was also looking at the poor man.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 15, 2015, 10:09:21 pm

Jack

"We can bring ourselves to the circles but a better options is to let the clubs open it and then jump them." Jack said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 15, 2015, 07:35:53 pm

Saber of Spades

Saber quickly leaped towards Berserker on Celtchar's cue, taking advantage of the fact that his back was turned towards him. He struck Berserker's neck and jumped back. Berserker was seemingly unfazed.

Damn, even that didn't do much. His endurance must be rather high. A shame that my Noble Phantasms aren't at their fullest potential.

A voice was then heard in his mind.

Saber, it appears Anata has found the shrine where the catalyst is located at, but it cannot be retrieved until a living person is inside 7 different circles surrounding the shrine. The circles also drain mana, so don't step into them. What is your current situation?

Lancer and I are still fighting Berserker. We are currently winning. Sooner or later he'll back off.

Good to hear. Rendezvous with me once you're done.

Alright.

Saber stood waiting for Berserker's next move.


Zoraya Krauss

Krauss turned to Jack. "So, how are we to go about the circle thing?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 07:31:15 pm

Anne

Don't attack. They had the honor to use their mana to say a spell that would prevent lethal blows, it seems just pure mean, I know this is war, but still.

But we have an advantage!

Fine. I'll melt the ice and you can immediately attack. That way it's not breaking honor.

Anne melted the ice using barely any fire, it was a week layer of ice. Then Saber struck the donkey again, but this time it was a much lighter and only pulled of a small layer of skin. The donkey didn't even react. Then Saber stepped back out of any weapon's reach. And readied another attack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 15, 2015, 06:56:23 pm

Robin

Robin's stealth cloak ran out of magical charge just as the battle began.

Well, I am of no use hiding now. At least we have more clubs here... maybe we can open that shrine. Should I join the fight? Or stay here, in case I am needed. Oh wait, I know!

Robin took out a dagger, and whispered a spell as quietly as he could.

"Inquisnas."

The dagger suddenly went ice cold, Robin almost dropped it but he found it stuck to his hand for a second, then his hand went numb and then it dropped onto the grass, then he warily picked it up, but it was no longer cold. Robin looked up at the battle, and saw the enemy master and servant both encased in somewhat strong ice, but the servant could easily break out of it and if the enemy master knew fire spells, she'd be able to break out as well.

That's good... for my first battle. I'll need to work on the strength, but I gave our sides a few seconds, a minute at most.

((BTW, the ice did not cover their faces, so both Nat and Rider can breath and can still say spells))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 06:27:37 pm

Anne

Saber sidestepped the charging donkey and slashed it's hind legs with his blade causing it to bray and slow down a little. Blood flowed out from the wound making the fur (or hair, whatever) around the cut all sticky and wet. Then the wall of vegetation almost tripped him, but it was burnt away.

Penny was still trying to get Cody's attention.

I'll deal with the plants.

Ok.

So I can't make a fatal blow... Hmm... A disadvantage, but also an advantage because she can't deal a fatal blow to me...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 15, 2015, 06:21:04 pm

Celtchar

Is he pain resistant? The poison should be killing him. Celtchar rolled forward and jumped past the berserker, grabbed her lance and jumped out.

If he keeps charging with his sword this will be easy. And if he has pain resistance the poison will kill him before he feels it.

"Saber! Go!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 15, 2015, 06:12:25 pm

Nat

A child.  Has she gotten in over her head?  Regardless, let's make this battle as safe as possible.

"Deum, sextum mandatum.  A blue mist descended over the area.  "A fatal blow cannot be dealt against a human with this spell active.  I hope this will keep our engagement clean and fair."

Rider nodded.  "An admirable sentiment.  Now, into battle!"  Rider hoisted his lance, and his mount Rocinante charged straight at Saber, without a hint of fear showing in either of their eyes.  Meanwhile, Nat was directing the vegetation to grow behind Saber, distracting him and forming a wall behind him.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 15, 2015, 06:10:59 pm

Berserker

"ROOOOAAAAAR!"

A red glow surrounded Berserker, and the air all across the clearing seemed to grow heavier. As the light receded, Berserker's sword and armor had shifted to a flickering, red-orange luster, like they were reflecting flames that didn't exist. A low hum sounded as he raised his sword once more, roaring at the ant that had dared to attack him. The pain from the attack he'd suffered was forgotten as he charged forward, faster and wilder than before, the very ground cracking with each footstep.

The Woman seemed to have thrown away her weapon. Foolish. More than that. she had thrown it at him, the most powerful and terrible king Europe had ever known! That was foolish beyond words.

All Berserker knew was that this woman had incurred his rage. And she would suffer for it.

Berserker charged forward, sword in hand, and roared.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 05:24:50 pm

Anne

S*** we've been found. Or at least I have. At least Hera and Cody haven't.

Penny make sure that Hera is awake and that Cody heard that. Teleport out of the way of any attacks.

Wuff. Ruff. [K. On it.]

Saber, keep your response simple, no info given and no arrogance shown even though in war arrogance is a common thing, just say our names, our side and your class.

As you wish.

"My name is Masamune, I am a member of the Saber class, and this is my master Anne. We are clubs. [of course ;) ])." ((PLOT TWIST: ANNE IS SPADES [it's a joke, don't freak]))
This time will NOT be a loss. We also have other to back us up, but I'm pretty sure that this lady has others to back her up.

Saber saw the other servant readying for an something, so he drew his blade in anticipation of an attack. He still kept the blade low, though, to not seem like a threat.

Behind her back as Masamune was talking, hidden from sight, Anne had moved her dagger to a more accessible place.
The opposing master seems to be distracted. I hope that I can take advantage of that. Unfortunately she seems to have more experience than me, but that is a simple wall to either break through or get around.

Penny stayed in the shadows because she hadn't been noticed by the other master. That had happened because she happened to be behind a tree. She quickly walked (staying behind trees) to Hera and stayed with her making sure that she had seen the enemy master. Then she went to Cody (who had not been paying attention) and got his attention then he saw the bright light and assumed a battle was about to happen (well hopefully he assumed that, Penny thinks that he did, but he may have not, Zen's choice).

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 15, 2015, 04:23:48 pm

((Note that Nat is not completely drained of energy, as Rider stepped out of the circle fairly quickly.  She has suffered some drain, but she's probably about 3/4 full.))

Nat

Rider, still a tad woozy but seeming to be recovering, lifted up his head suddenly.  Meanwhile, Nat was transmitting a message to Kirin, explaining the nature of the shrine.

"Hark!  An enemy approaches!  Let us see if they are honorable or foul of heart.  Come, Rocinante!"  Rider bounded forward.

Lord, give me the strength I need to defeat these opponents of Your will.  Nat held out her hand, and the trees bent out of Rider's path as the area began to fill with a primordial sunlight.  It revealed a girl and her Servant.

"My name is Don Quixote, noblest of Servants and member of the Rider class!  And this is my Master, Ananta Maui, priestess-in-training of the Spades!  Will you speak your name, or continue to hide in the shadows?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 11:38:18 am

((Leapie, I rate 8/8 for that post (: ))

Anne

Well that was helpful...

"Ok, I'm just gonna ready an attack in case. Cody, are the drones done scouting the area?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 15, 2015, 11:23:18 am

Hera

"I don't know."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 15, 2015, 09:24:15 am

Anne

Hera seemed to be following someone somewhere. They appeared in a clearing with a shrine and saw Cody.

"Wait, is that an enemy master?" She said quietly to Hera after seeing a shadow. "She seems to be almost completely drained of energy..."



((So if hostages can be put into the circles, than M2's human body thingies can go in there?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 15, 2015, 09:09:30 am

Hera

Hera groaned and followed Cody. While Cody and Caster spoke, she sat down and on the earthen ground and played around with some spell ideas in her head. Some more earth or water attack spells would be nice. What if I made an attack spell that uses both earth and water?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 15, 2015, 12:20:16 am

Cody Lazarus

"Alright." He called out to the two girls. "Time to move out." Two large, humanoid drones floated behind him, equipped with javelins. "We're going straight for the catalyst."


---


"Split up!" He commanded the two drones. One went left and one went right. Cody continued running straight under the thickest part of the forest. He slowed down to a walk as he approached a worn stone shrine. To the right he heard voices- unfamiliar noes. He and Caster dodged behind some trees and observed from a distance.

"Hmm..." Caster mumbled. "It's a massive, glorified pressure-plate mechanism. With people instead of stone blocks. Mr. Lazarus, adjust the drones' course. Have them track down the other six magic circles and give me a rough estimate on how far away they are from each other."

Cody scratched his head and leaned back behind the tree. "How do you know there's seven of them in total?"

"Let's be honest, this is Ruler we're talking about."

"You have a point."

You heard him, Madeline. Get to it.

It will be done, sir. Expect results within 15 minutes.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 14, 2015, 09:28:45 pm

Anne

"Ok good!"

Penny, just in case, squirt her in the face and then I will 'scold' you.

Wufffff... [NO... Fine...]

Penny gave a small squirt at Hera to wake her up. It was barely anything, but it did the trick.

"PENNY! I thought we agreed on NOT squirting her!"

"Wuff..." [Sorry...]

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 14, 2015, 09:21:01 pm

Hera

"I can fight," Hera replied with a yawn.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 14, 2015, 09:05:48 pm

Anne

Give her something to do... Give her something to do...

"Think you can come with me to give back up at the fight? Or are you still sleepy?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 14, 2015, 09:02:21 pm

Hera

"No, no," Hera replied grogily. "Just give me something to do. I'm not the best person for making a plan right now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 14, 2015, 08:53:26 pm

Anne

"We just got the location of the next catalyst. It's somewhere in this forest. Berserker got a head start and is currently keeping the Spades from doing too much. We need to back him up. Also if you're sleepy I can have Penny wake you up with some nice cold water..."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 14, 2015, 08:46:29 pm

Hera

"Huh?" Hera asked sleepily. She was still half asleep, but she had the decency to remember to bring her spell book.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 14, 2015, 08:45:44 pm

Robin

Robin quietly snuck away, with his stealth cloak on to avoid being seen. He drew his sword, and managed to get to shrine unnoticed.

Oh great, my cloak's magical charge is nearly out. I need to make this quick.

Robin saw the enemy master and her servant try out the circles, and saw the effect of the red circles.

Oh dear... we need 7 (correct me if I'm wrong) willing people to stand in life draining circles in order to get the catalyst? Perfect, just perfect.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 14, 2015, 08:09:27 pm

Anne

"Ok. Kiera, thanks." Anne said knowing that Kiera was there somewhere. Well I can't show myself without someone else, I'll be ambushed, so I'll just wait here.

How about you guys climb the tree and pick me up too. We can attack any passing Spades and be hidden.

Good idea, but only half way up to that flattish area. That way we will be hidden from above. I think that there's a helicopter up there based on the noise.

Yes, good idea for once Penny.

Anne and Saber climbed up into the tree and picked up Penny. When she looked around to see if anyone was nearby she saw Hera exiting from the back entrance like she had. She jumped down from the tree and walked up to her.

"Know anything about what the others are doing? Kiera's trying to locate the catalyst. We have to make sure that everyone knows what everyone else is doing so that we don't mess with each other. For instance I think that everyone except you knows that Penny will be squirting water on the ground to make it slippery. We are all prepared for that, so we won't slip."

((Sorry for the minor bunnying Leap, but we needed to get a move on with the Clubs))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 14, 2015, 07:44:59 pm

Kiera

"Anne," Kiera sighed, "I can handle myself, I'm experienced. Todd dipped off to the side, "I'll set a beacon at the catalyst so the rest of you can locate it. Vazi." Kiera vanished without a sound and slipped off through the woods.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 14, 2015, 07:02:26 pm

Henri

Henri sent the others on ahead to fight on land, while he painstakingly gained permission from Maria to borrow her helicopter, obviously with one of her drivers, to use for aerial support.  He sent Archer up in the copter and then, wielding his trident, stepped into the forest.

Nat

As Nat and Audrey were walking, they stumbled across a stone shrine with a gate.  No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't force it open.  Nat glanced at her hand, noting that the Command Seal on it pointed her inside.

"Damn it, what do we do?"

Suddenly, her Command Seals shifted position, pointing to another area.  Rider began to bound in that direction, but just as he was out of sight, there was a flash of red energy and Nat felt her mana being drained through him.

"Rider?  Rider!?"  As Nat ran up to him, she found that Rider was in a circle of red energy that was slowly draining his mana.  It appeared to be linked to the shrine by some red line running across the ground.  As Nat's Command Seals shifted again, to some new direction, Rider broke free of the circle, which dimmed.

"Is this the way to open the door?  Have someone in all of these circles?"

((The catalyst is located inside the shrine, which is unbreakable and unbreachable by technological or magical means.  Finding a way of breaking the rules will result in a penalty from Ruler.  There are seven circles scattered around the forest that slowly drain the mana of those inside.  This is fatal in about five hours, but anyone within the circle will have their magical abilities and physical strength sorely reduced.  When these circles are all filled by humans or Servants, the door to the shrine will open.

Keep in mind that the person standing in the circle does not have to be a Master or even a mage.  Kidnapping a human and stationing them there is perfectly acceptable.

To level the playing field in terms of information, I recommend that a Clubs character figure out what's going on ASAP, you have permission to use a small deus ex machina.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 14, 2015, 05:48:19 pm

Anne

Anne got a little bored of waiting for the others, so she went outside being careful to take the back entrance to escape notice. Basically she exited the side facing away from the battle where trees started right from the door at the warehouse. So she was shielded from any eyes from above. She quickly climbed halfway up a tree and jumped to the next tree making her way quickly near the battle sight (Jumping from tree to tree was a childhood hobby, so it was easy). When she was sure that she had located the battle sight, she stopped for Saber and Penny to catch up because they were running on the ground staying under the trees to prevent being seen. Before they arrived, Anne heard a familiar voice asking, "What's going on? Have any battles started already?"

"Kiera!" She said as softly as she could to get her attention. "Right now Berserker is fending off a Lancer and a Saber. The rest of us are heading there now. Maybe what we should do is have you and Assassin stay hidden and scout around for the catalyst while the rest of us join the fight. It would really get us ahead because I think that the Spades are all there fighting. I also suggest taking cover under the trees because there may be eyes above. What do you think?"

Penny and Saber arrived right at that moment. "Good, you guys made it, I was getting a little worried."

Avery

Uhoh, that idiot of a Tanki is a little more visible than I am from below and I can't shout, the idiot! Suppose I have to do it for him as usual... The problem is that if he shoots, Berserker will find the location and go cut down that tree as thick as it is. He's too close to the battlefield...

Avery used his telekinesis to move some branches to hide Tanki better. Then he waited for someone else to come. He went back to looking around for more Clubs. Seriously if the Clubs have only one servant here, that's just stupid. They're gonna lose. Wait. If they have only Berserker here, it's probably a cover to another plan. I just don't want to get anyone's attention by going down to tell them, though. I suppose that I'll have to just keep watch. He looked around, but didn't see anyone nearby.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 14, 2015, 04:04:37 pm

Kiera

Kiera pulled up in her jeep to the forest and hopped out, Todd stepping out behind her, "What's going on? Have any battles already started?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 14, 2015, 03:36:34 pm

Tanik

Tanik saw Avery climb onto a tree and also decided to climb onto a strong, burly tree so that the Beserker hopefully wouldn't be able to cut it down. From the area, he saw something that looked like a warehouse from afar.

Well, this is the perfect position. Any clubs get close and I'll cut em down with a few arrows, maybe even use one of my special ice arrows.

Tanik drew his bow and waited for a Clubs to com into sight.

Just clarifying here that Berserker is able to cut down any of the trees in this forest.  He'd probably stand a good chance against one of those giant redwood trees, and these are nowhere near as big.  Tanik doesn't necessarily know that though, so no need to retcon.

Robin

Robin walked towards the others, remembering to take off his cloak before speaking.

"It looks like the Beserker had taken on A Lancer and aa Saber, we should use him as a distraction and move towards the catalyst."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 14, 2015, 01:34:53 pm

Celtchar

As the swipe sent Saber to the ground Celtchar saw her opening. She launched Luin at Berserker's side. The lance slammed into him sending him backwards. Celtchar dodged to the left and ran towards the berserker.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 12, 2015, 02:24:02 am

Avery

Avery was about to step back when an idea came to his head. He turned around, keeping an eye behind him for attacks and walked about four yards away to a tall tree. He hopped on to the lowest branch and was up, unnoticed except by Archer above, within seconds. He kept in the center of the tree near the trunk so that the leaves would hide him from enemies searching. Then he cleared a small gap in the leaves, enough to see out, but not be seen unless someone knew he was there. Then he waited, waited for more clubs to arrive, someone who he could deal with easily.

Anne

"Ok, got that down. What are we waiting for? Let's go. Berserker may not be able to hold up for long if all of the Spades are there. Oh and Nick, be warned that the floor where we are may suddenly become wet. It's just Penny causing a distraction to make the others slip."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 11, 2015, 12:50:36 pm

Berserker

Berserker's crazed smile had taken him well past the point where thoughts were coherent. He pointed his sword to Saber's right swung with all of his strength, twisting the weapon so that Saber was "struck" by the flat of the blade.

The force of the invisible blow knocked Saber to the ground.

"GWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAW!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 10, 2015, 05:56:01 pm

Henri

Henri cursed.  "Well, that's what you get from Berserkers, I suppose.  If we're lucky, Berserker will take down Lancer on his own.  Anne, do remember that your Saber is one of the stronger combat Servants.  The Spades Lancer may be powerful, but if you let Saber fight her at full mana, he'll definitely do significant damage.  Archer?  Thoughts?"

Archer nodded.  "My power lies in my mobility.  If I claimed a parcel of territory, I might be able to put up a fight against a powerful enemy Servant, but otherwise my arrows will be ineffective.  Master Henri, I recommend that we stay out of this battle as much as possible.  Your safety is my priority, and the forest is not my ideal domain."

Henri scoffed.  "I'm the Master here.  I do what I want.  You do what I say.  We aren't going to act like cowards; I've trained for this all my life.  I can take care of myself."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 10, 2015, 05:38:44 pm

Saber of Spades

Saber acknowledged Celtchar's nod and charged at Berserker's side to serve as a distraction. He mentally noted that neither of his swords had any bonuses. So he isn't honorable, but he's not a coward either. I suppose that would be expected of a Berserker.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 10, 2015, 04:27:22 pm

Celtchar

Celtchar stood back, unaffected, Wood? Really?

"Get back Avery!" She yelled before pulling out her spear, expanding it to massive proportions.

She nodded to Saber, motioning him to attack.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 06, 2015, 06:07:19 pm

Nick

Nick ran down to the base of the stairs, waiting impatiently. When he saw Cody emerge from the building, he turned to him and Henry.

"My Berserker's gone on ahead, but he won't be able to delay them for long. We need to get moving. Based on the mana he's pulling from me, he's already getting ready for a fight."

Berserker

Why are they talking... can't they see I'm here? Do they not want to fight? Perhaps they don't fear me sufficiently? In that case, I'll... GWAHAHAHAHAHA! I'll TEACH 'EM tobe afraid! Give me some exercise; Let me revel in the chase, like good prey should!

Berserker executed a sharp turn. pivoting on his left foot, and his right food connected solidly with two of the fallen trees that he'd just chopped. The wood where his leg connected splintered, and the two great logs, broken into chunks, shot toward the two enemy servants in a cloud of dust.

GWAHAHA... That'll teach 'em, hmmm?!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 05, 2015, 09:42:03 pm

Anne

"Well it seems like the Spades have already arrived there. I suggest that the strongest servant here targets the lancer, she's very powerful, just a warning, and whatever you do, do NOT try to light her on fire. I'm pretty sure that if she sees me, I'm dead... Anyways, I suggest continuously checking the ground because Penny over here will be soaking it under the Spades so that they might slip."

Avery

"Tanki! No, don't do anything yet, leave it to the masters and servants. Only when they tell us to do something we'll do it." Avery turned to Jack. "Should I lift that berserker up and drop him?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 05, 2015, 10:57:39 am

Cody Lazarus

"Aaaaaand... Finished."

Combat Drones 1 and 2 are now fully functional.

"Caster, test them out."
 
Roger examined the design's framework and used the Laboratory's mana signature to run a series of tests in his mind regarding them. "Nope, no bugs. They're a bit fragile, though. Any servant worth his salt could take them both out quickly."

"Well, they're not for direct combat, thankfully. These drones have high air mobility, and will function mostly as a distraction. A 'hit and run' approach, if you may."

"Hmmm... I see."

"Also, there are going to be a lot of enemies in one place here. I think you already know how you can contribute here."

"Oh, certainly. Perhaps we should let Henri know we're ready."


---


Cody ran up to Henri in a hurry, Caster close behind holding a massive suitcase. "We're here. What's the plan?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 05, 2015, 10:25:56 am

Tanik

Tanik ran up and finally caught up to the others.

"It that the Clubs Berserker? Hey Avery, maybe you should do that drop trick you used on police cars to help us get away. That way, the others can prepare to attack, find weaknesses. I'm going to set up at a higher point, take out any Clubs that come into range."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on July 04, 2015, 10:37:17 pm

Anne

Anne woke up with a jump. She quickly got up Penny and said, "Next catalyst revealed, let's go, don't you dare steal Masamune's mana because that's mine."

"Wuff." [Seriously! Ruining my fun!]

Anne and Penny walked downstairs. Masamune joined them. Anne had recently realized that everyone was calling their servant by their class, so she decided to change her ways. When she got downstairs to where Henri was, she decided to make a plan for the three of them.

"Saber, there's a catalyst in the forest nearby. I suspect that the Spades are already at it. I seriously don't want to have you to combat that lancer. If you see her, just charge at some other servant. That Lancer would probably go for me instantly. Penny, I want you to stay in one place creating minor disturbances, a storm cloud here and there, some water on the floor beneath a Spade's feet to make them slip, and other stuff. If anyone tries to kill you, teleport back here. After about five minutes, you can go back. Henri, got any problem with that plan? By the way, is there anyone with a super strong servant? If so, I would suggest that they go attack the Lancer on the other team."

Avery

"Should I push the Berserker closer to them so that it will be easier for attack? I could also use weight as an advantage by lifting him up to the tree tops and dropping him down. It would be a minor delay that would give the two servants out there a good opportunity. Also I can do it hidden, the berserker won't know who is lifting him."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 03, 2015, 10:39:26 pm

Nat

The Spades had agreed that Nat and 'Miranda' would form their own group, providing support against enemy Masters.  Miranda was relatively inexperienced, so she needed someone to guide her.  Nat had her hand held out, and the underbrush and plants bent out of their way as they approached.

"If we get into a battle, you should let your Berserker do most of the fighting.  You can check your Servant's status and info using a very basic spell – just focus on trying to find out how she's doing.  I'm detecting a fairly strong mana source nearby, but from what I can tell our other team members have that covered."

Henri

Henri immediately jumped out of bed and grabbed his trident.  "Everyone get ready and be at the door within five minutes!" he yelled.  Then, he put on shoes and ran outside, waiting impatiently for the others.

((Nick left right before Henri did, Henri didn't notice him.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 02, 2015, 10:45:15 pm

Robin

Robin was close to running outside when he heard an inhuman shout. Instead, he decided to put on his stealth cloak, and ran for cover quickly into a tree, out of sight from anyone that was not coming from the mansion.

(BTW, that means he's safe from Archer as well!!!)

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 02, 2015, 10:25:31 pm

Kirin Oshiro

Above the forest rode a black helicopter harboring a red insignia, the symbol of the Oshiro residence. Standing in front of an open door, Archer looked through his rifle sight to the scene below with Saber, Lancer and Berserker. Kirin and Riza sat further back.

"Yep, both Saber and Lancer are teaming up. Not even a Berserker has much hope in that matchup. Their masters are both running off to the mill." Archer chuckled and aimed for Berserker's head. "So, what's the plan? Should I help Saber and Lancer make the poor bastard's lifespan even shorter?"

"Most certainly not." Kirin crossed his arms. "Unless you want him to throw his sword at our helicopter and send us crashing to our deaths? It's best he ignores us."

"Good call." He aimed elsewhere, to the other areas of the forest.

"Let's not forget, we still have six other enemy servants, and seven other masters that want this one catalyst. Here's the plan: We stay up here and monitor the battlefield, keeping close watch as to the whereabouts of everyone below. Our main objective is providing cover for Zoraya Krauss and Jack Blair as they retrieve the catalyst. If need be, shoot from above. If it gets more complicated, we land and I'll take them out from the ground." He began to anxiously twirl the wand in his hand. "...Last resort, I'm capable of burning down this entire forest, mill and all."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 02, 2015, 08:23:53 pm

Saber of Spades

"Why of course. It'd be silly not to kill the opposing master." He unsheathed his two swords Tizona and Colada and got into position for the incoming Berserker. Finally, I get some action.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 02, 2015, 08:17:21 pm

Jack Blair

"Got it, run along now Jack." Celtchar said, "I've got this one."

Jack ducked behind a tree with Zoraya and followed their rough map to the location.

Celtchar took out Luin and turned to Saber, "Making sure we're on the same page, if you see the master kill on sight, otherwise all we need to do is cripple berserker or hold him off, he'll implode if he doesn't kill someone at some point. And I'd rather it be some animal or his master then us."

The spear in her hand grew to massive proportions and Celtchar let out a roar, frightening off all the animals around them. Say goodnight berserker, and I feel bad for you, your master just walked you into your death.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on July 02, 2015, 07:50:59 pm

Maria

      Maria checked out the absurd fantastic choice of a trashcan base that they led her to. Seriously, why a warehouse? Do you know how suspicious a large group of teenage kids walking into a seemingly abandoned warehouse is? And we have lions here. Seriously, even though they can probably erase whoever sees them off of the face of the planet, it's probably going to be very tedious.  Was there really not anywhere more fitting than this? Actually, why is there even a need to stay together as if there's a camping trip? We're in the modern era for goodness sake. We have phones!We can just call or text each other! Magic doesn't need to be the solution for everything! Also, the decor here is terrible. Well, I'm not the interior decorator here so I guess I can't complain. I refuse to stay ehre though. I'm renting an apartment.

---

    Maria got the phone numbers of the blond guy and the pink haired guy. That's probably sufficient. Still have the lion lady's number. Don't think I need to meet the others. Probably not important.

    Anyways, in my apartment now. So much better than that warehouse. Time to scout for the next fragment i guess. She shifted her conscious into her cube and it floated towards the mill.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 02, 2015, 06:00:22 pm

Robin

"Let's go! We can't let the spades get the catalyst!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 02, 2015, 05:50:43 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Saber, go ahead and scout for any incoming enemy Masters and Servants. Tell me once you see them. Hold them back if you can but don't engage if you're severely outnumbered.

Will do. Immediately after he responded, Saber sensed malicious energy from behind them. The group heard a massive amount of trees fall down. Well, there's a Servant. And I'd bet my life that it's Berserker.

No need to state the obvious.

"Here's the plan. Lancer and Saber will stay behind and hold off Berserker while Mr. Blair and I search for the catalyst. Deal?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 02, 2015, 05:43:16 pm

Nick

Damn it! We're taking too long to plan this out, and both Berserker and Myself need prep time to be any good. This isn't working.

"Berserker! Change of plans! Run out on your own, and go directly through the woods. I doubt you'll run into anyone there at this time of night, so I want you to unsheathe your sword as soon as you're a safe distance away. No slowing down; just go straight there so that you're nice and Berserk by the time you arrive. Remember, you won't tire in that state, so don't hold back your speed."

No response came from the next room, but the crash of somebody jumping out of a window was very audible indeed.

**********

If the next person I meet is a woman, I'll kill her! Yeah, yeah, just like that! My sword'll go like SWISH and she'll be dead, oh yes, yeah! But what if it's a man? WHAT DO I DO? What if the next person I meet's a man? I guess... I guess I'll just have to kill him too, hmmm? Yes, yes, that's what I'll do. And if it's a woman.... BWAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!

What's this? Enemies? Man or Woman, man or woman, which is it? There's two of them... One of each? Or two men? Or two.... GWAHAHAHA! GWAHA! Are they stopping? By God, they're stopping! I've gotta kill them, yeah, right? Let me catch them! And if they try to run away? If they do that, then.... GWAHAHAHAHA!

Berserker's sword, shimmering red-orange, slashed through the air, and a an entire line of trees, several meters down, fell. The marks where Berserker had struck, the edges of the stumps and of the fallen trees, were glowing red as if the sword had cauterized the wood as it passed through. Which was, of course, impossible, since the sword hadn't even touched the trees, but Berserker didn't care much.

The main reason he didn't care was because with the trees gone, he had a clear view of the people he was going to kill. Two men and two women. Perfect.

"AAAAARGH!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 02, 2015, 05:25:01 pm

Jack Blair

Jack, Celtchar, and Ms. Krauss climbed into Jack's car and sped off to the forest.

They arrived at a gravel parking lot and jumped out of the car. "Let's start looking." Celtchar said.

"Yes, we're looking for an unfinished lumber mill."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on July 02, 2015, 05:02:38 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Krauss quickly prepared herself to take off for the next catalyst and joined up with Jack and his servant.

"Let's go now. The others can catch up with us later. I'd imagine the Clubs are moving out now as well."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 02, 2015, 05:01:13 pm

Robin

Robin heard Nick's response. He immediately strapped on his sword, equipped his enchanted daggers and strapped on a light leather breastplate. His mana was 3/4's full when he had gone to sleep and full now, and he'd done some practicing and gotten a little control of air magic.

"I'm coming too. And I'm ready. Who else is coming?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 02, 2015, 04:52:38 pm

Nick

Nick sat up abruptly in bed. His head burned and his vision was still fuzzy, particularly since his precious sleep was interrupted, but that was secondary to the excitement that was slowly building.

"This is perfect... only one catalyst means that the most powerful magi from both teams will all be concentrated there! I'll never have a better opportunity!" He whispered to Berserker.

"Ah, but doesn't that put you at more risk? Your mana isn't even full yet."

"That line's getting old, Berserker. I made a move against that Spade mage earlier, collapsed a whole building full of Magi, and you weren't even there. No harm done to me at all. I'm not a child; I'm a murderer! Besides, this is about me becoming stronger. I unsealed 4 corpses today, and they were some of my better ones! And I only have 3 magus corpses in storage! 3! I have a lot of ordinary human corpses, of course, but they're not nearly as good! I need to put myself in this battle. Whoever dies, be it Spade or Club, I'm adding them to my collection! Remember, I want a chance to use that spell, but that one needs a powerful magus' corpse! I'll never have a chance better than this Sanctum War to get one of those!"

"Can't you just stay out of the fighting? Come back when it's all done?"

"They'd take the bodies with them; they're not idiots. Besides, I have to seal it while the body's still warm. Why do you think I do what I do? Life'd be a lot easier if I could gain power by grave robbing."

"Ugh, fine. But don't blame me if this backfires."

"Oh come on, Berserker; you know me. I'm smarter than I look."

"I'll dematerialize now. No use taking any of your mana before the fight."

Berserker faded out of existence, and Nick slowly crossed the length of his room and exited into the hall.

"Why'd everyone get up suddenly and simultaneously?" He heard, and saw that non-master boy from earlier talking with that dark-skinned girl, also from earlier.

"We all got up because a Catalyst's been revealed. The next battle's beginning. I'd like to go immediately, if possible; We can't allow the Spades a head start."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Epsilon on July 02, 2015, 04:49:12 pm

Mosaiah

"Caster, please, listen to me... I know you enjoy all these cats, but the way we are right now, we can't take care of them..."

As Mosaiah spoke, the old man, sitting on the ground while surrounded by stray kittens. frowned, continuing to pet one in his arms.

"Ah, but Master... They are so young in life, and hungry. Is it not immoral to ignore them like so?" The female sighed, pinching the ridge of her nose. There must have been reasons the war didn't go do well for them, she thought.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 02, 2015, 04:47:53 pm

Robin

Robin woke up from a dreamless sleep. He woke to some footsteps, as he was a very light sleeper, and asked Kiera what was happening.

"Kiera, what's going on? Why'd everyone get up suddenly and simultaneously?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 02, 2015, 04:45:54 pm

Jack Blair

Jack was asleep on the floor with his arms crossed in front of him and his head on a small travel pillow.

Celtchar lay next to him with her hand holding her spear. Jack jolted awake, causing Celtchar to sit up as well.

"What is it?" Celtchar said.

"New catalyst location. We're leaving now." Jack jumped up and walked towards the door, Celtchar close behind, "Hey!" The Irish Warrior said, "We're heading to the location as an advance squad, anyone who wants to join us speak up now!"


Kiera

Kiera walked out into the hall and saw some of the others, "What are we doing?" She asked, yawning.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on July 02, 2015, 04:14:43 pm

TIMESKIP/RULER

Nat and her fellow Spades have returned to Kirin's mansion.  Cody, Henri, and Maria have returned to the Clubs base by Archer's teleportation, and her helicopter is coming to deliver additional supplies and to give Archer an opportunity to deactivate his portal.

Night has fallen, and everybody has gone to sleep.  It is now the middle of the night.  No one has gotten a full night's sleep, and everyone who was low on mana before the timeskip is now only half replenished.

Ruler's familiar visage appeared in front of everyone, as if in a dream.  His childish looks were gone, and he seemed to be an adult now, although a youthful one.  "Greetings, Masters.  I've been looking forward to the reveal of the fourth catalyst for a while now, and I look forward to be seeing your battles.  There was a construction project going on in the nearby forest for a while: the building of a lumber mill.  After a man died there, hit by a falling tree due to dysfunctional equipment, it was shut down.  The catalyst is located there.  That's all.  Have fun!"

Everyone was jolted awake, feeling a short-lived burning sensation in their head.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 02, 2015, 03:40:58 pm

Nick

"Admirable. So what are you doing right now?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 02, 2015, 09:21:26 am

Robin

The boy seemed to be nice enough. He shook Nicholas's hand.

"Yeah, I'm not a master. My dad was a part of Clubs in the last Sanctum War, and he died so I joined Clubs to finish what he meant to do."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 02, 2015, 08:18:47 am

Lancer of Spades

"Good." Celtchar said, "I hope when the next catalyst is revealed I can kill that girl I met earlier."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 01, 2015, 10:55:50 pm

Archer of Spades

"Hah..." He laid back and put his hands behind his head. "Yeah, I'd say you got it easy. I had to take on two club servants in close combat. You could only imagine how well that ended, me being the Archer of all things." He pulled out the necklace from his pocket and grinned. "But I did get this little trinket out of it, so I'd say we did well. Regardless of the Europe situation we'll still be in the lead."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 01, 2015, 04:55:34 pm

Nick

Nick stuck his hand out at the boy he hadn't met yet. "Nicholas, Master of Berserker. But how did you join a few hours ago, if command seals were distributed days ago? Or are you not a master?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on July 01, 2015, 04:27:54 pm

Robin

Robin saw a kid walk into the base and yell something about what happened while he was gone. Seeing that he looked like he'd been to this, Robin assumed he was Clubs and walked up to the boy.

"Hi, I'm Robin. I joined Clubs a few hours ago. I'm guessing the fact the drone didn't alert us of Spades, that you're a Clubs?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on July 01, 2015, 04:18:40 pm

Nick

Well, the authorities should be arriving soon... but I'd hate to let a perfectly good quadrangle go to waste. Maybe just a bounded seal, just so I can be ready when Ms. Krauss comes back home. I wrecked her house, after all; the least I can do is leave her present.

Nick held his arm out yet again, seemingly oblivious to the shouts that had begun to rise u out of the building. He'd strategically targeted the entrances and exits in his attack, but some of these people were accomplished magi. It was only a matter of seconds before they broke out of the wreckage.

This spell was quieter than the last, the incantation whispered rather than shouted. A second later, four handprints on the sidewalk faded, and Nick was a block away.

---------------------

"I'm BAAAACK!" Nick sang from the door, entering the clubs base. "Stay dematerialized, Berserker. My mana's low. You can materialize after I take a nap. Does anyone need anything from me before I go?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on July 01, 2015, 03:47:01 pm

Maria

      "How did you follow me across the ocean by the way? I assume it had to do with the arrow denting the side of the first helicopter? Some sort of bounded field transportation?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 01, 2015, 01:35:05 pm

Jack Blair

"Good, you need to eat." Jack said before taking a few steps back, "If you need anything get me on the mental link." He stepped out of the room.


Lancer of Spades

"I would imagine they should be back in a few hours, they should have been back a little while ago. If the catalyst has been lost you don't need to stay there." Celtchar said, "I recovered mine easily of course, they sent a child to fight me."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 01, 2015, 01:27:49 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He eyed the donut for a moment, then finally took a bite. It was good, but he did his best to hide his satisfaction. The opportunity to eat cheap food like this was a rarity for him, and he seemed to enjoy it.

"It's... alright."

Archer of Spades

"...Right, that's good to hear. Sometimes I'm starting to feel like I have to babysit my master, but he's alright otherwise. You know, I was in the first Divided war, way back in 1875. That's where I got this old coat." He paused for a moment. "Well, when should the others be back from Europe?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 01, 2015, 12:30:04 pm

Hera

"I figured it out myself. Well, with a little help from my spell book. I've even invented a spell of my own."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 01, 2015, 12:26:02 pm

Kiera

"How about you show me something, have you done any special training for magic, or have you just figured it out yourself?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 01, 2015, 11:31:54 am

Hera

"I specialize in elementals. Specifically water and earth elementals."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 01, 2015, 10:36:30 am

Kiera

"What's your specialty, what are you best at?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on July 01, 2015, 10:33:36 am

Hera

"Well, what would like me to show you?" Hera asked while dropping the cloak.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on July 01, 2015, 10:28:01 am

Kiera

"You're doing well!" Kiera said, "Although I would hold off from trying that in a battle. How about you show me something now?"


Celtchar and Jack Blair

Celtchar opened her eyes, "A few times yes, although I get the short straw for masters it seems. I'm lucky to have Jack this time around. He respects me and lets me use my strengths the way I know best."

--

"The food's fine," Jack said, noticing Kirin was picking at his food, "it was made a few hours ago by the kitchen staff at the church, some luncheon I think."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on July 01, 2015, 01:28:10 am

Cody Lazarus

"Henri and I have built a base in America that's protected by Caster as well as an artificial intelligence that controls its defense mechanism; that's where most of the other clubs are."

Archer of Spades

"Hey." He walked into Celtchar's sitting area. "Sorry if I'm intruding on anything." Without waiting for an actual response he sat across from her and leaned forward. "It's been a while since I've had a healthy conversation with another servant. So, Lancer, have you been in a Sanctum War before?"

[Some servants can appear in multiple wars if they're re-summoned. In the Divided version of the Sanctum universe, servants retain their memories of past wars.]

Kirin Oshiro

He closed one eye and closely examined a donut that was found on his plate.

Poisoned? ...Most likely not.

Seriously?

What is it NOW, Riza?

Come on, we're all on the same side. Of course he wouldn't poison you.

You're too trusting...

You're not trusting enough.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on June 30, 2015, 11:02:13 pm

Henri

"Almost all of the Masters are back at base in America, Clubs and Spades alike, so it seems likely that the fourth catalyst will be revealed there.  I think we should go back and regroup – the other Clubs haven't met you yet, and we want to be together, and near the Spades, for the reveal of the fourth catalyst."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: TheOctahedronInTheCorner on June 30, 2015, 10:54:07 pm

Maria

         She waited at the private airfield a couple dozen of minutes away from the city and awaited Lancer's helicopter to arrive so that she could carry on. It'd have been too much of a hassle if she actually had to fight a servant master pair alone. She was pretty confident that by burning out her mana circuits for a couple days, she could be almost guaranteed to escape from even an amalgamation of three servant master pairs, probably. Maybe even blast or chop off someone's limb if she got lucky. However, this was to be a semi-last resort since pumping fuel into an extremely fuel efficient engine with great consumption and output is a lot better. If she could find a way to utilize her servant, she would. Although a giant scavenger hunt for a random letter was not within her calculations for his first use.

---

        Lancer exited the helicopter and was greeted by the girl's report. "My liege, in your absense, which was absolutely essential for the western world to function, I have acquired a fragment of the path to victory. As the object has been acquired, there is no longer a need to be afraid that our 'allies' will hinder us in obtaining it. Once more, thank you, my liege for completing such vital of a task. Shall we be off to meet our 'companions?"

       "Let us make haste," said the hunchbacked Lancer. Maria infused mana into Lancer and his  mangled stick became anew, glowing with a golden radiance  and forged of the most precious of metals. Lancer straightened and became youthful once more.

       "I _______ ___ have made a decree; let it be done with speed! IMPERIAL ORDER: MAKE HASTE! To the mountain of the Lord! IMPERIAL ORDER: SACRED PILGRIMAGE!"
((Explanation: Make Haste turns mana into speeeed. Sacred Pilgrimage is basically large defensive bonus to traveling, especially in a vehicle, even more so towards a holy site.))

       The helicopter took off rapidly, reaching a park near the palace. Maria cast her normal visible spectrum manipulation 'invisibility' spell and shrouded herself, lancer, and her cube. She floated down from the aircraft slowly on the cube while Lancer stood for a few moments and leapt off.

       "I will disguise myself and go into battle! IMPERIAL ORDER: ESSENCE CONCEALMENT! He is clothed with majesty! IMPERIAL ORDER: DIVINE GRACE!.
((Divine Grace AKA very enhanced dexterity, side effect of being able to do anything gracefully like flipping someone off with grace, falling down a couple flights of stairs with grace, being stabbed gracefully, and slowing descent so that it may be down with grace. Essence Concealment, cloaks the usage of mana to an extent. Making it much harder to track. ))

      The pair landed softly and approached the palace.

---

      By this point, Lancer had reverted back to his hunchback form and the magical traces left behind were for the most part, wiped away. Maria walked into the group with the pink haired male and that blond guy with the other two spirits.

     "So, how were the wares? To your liking I would hope. Anyways, now that you've had time to rest and such, let's talk turkey. Plans for the near future?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on June 30, 2015, 06:55:12 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Nat and co. got back on Will's helicopter to land near the personal plane that the Oshiro residence had lent them. They entered the plane and started the journey back to the United States.

Nat doesn't own a personal plane; she's not really high-ranking in the church, just super devoted.  We can assume Kirin, etc. lent them one.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on June 30, 2015, 06:13:58 pm

Nat

"All right.  Let's start heading back.  We need to claim the fourth catalyst."

Don Quixote's horse stomped its foot and huffed.  Rider himself seemed to be in a similar mood.  "A true knight never backs down from a battle!  But if my Master directs me to withdraw, I suppose I must."

Henri

Henri frowned and turned to one of the associates.  "Maria has already claimed the catalyst, so why don't we prepare for the announcement of the next one?  We need to claim this one to get on even footing.  I think we should go back to America, since all the other catalysts seem to have been revealed there so far."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on June 30, 2015, 05:45:26 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Krauss sighed. "A person who claimed to be a representative of the magus association called me. Honestly, it was rather shady. He didn't give me a name or anything. I was told that apparently my estate has been attacked by the Clubs."

Saber arched an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"That part sounded somewhat truthful." Zoraya dismissed the matter with a wave of her hand. "Really, worrying about it is a waste of time. If it has been attacked, the damage is done already. We should prepare for the 4th catalyst's reveal."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on June 30, 2015, 05:36:30 pm

Nick

"Yes, I'm a representative of the...." Oh god, what was it called again? "...The magus association, yes. I have crucial news to relay to you."

"Well, out with it! You're wasting my time!"

Even as the two spoke, Nick was already crouched down on the floor, having walked completely around the block. He firmly planted his palm on the sidewalk, becoming absolutely still. The spot where he placed his hand began to glow red.

"Your estate is in a state of emergency, I'm afraid. I've received reports that at least one club magus has launched an assault on it. Furthermore, at least one of these magi appears to be of frighteningly high caliber."

"How high is high?"

Nick's smile grew wider than ever. "I've heard him called a demon before. He is definitely, no servant though. Be on the lookout for a tall man in a blue button-down, a bowtie, blonde hair, and scars."

Nick turned off the phone and replaced it in his pocket, before turning down to his hand. "Jeg innkalle... behållare ov Arodnap!"

He stoood now to his full height, removing his hand from the sidewalk and stretching. Where his palm had been, there was now a perfect handprint, seemingly burned into the ground, but in red.

"...And that makes four, in a quadrilateral, whose diagonals intersect roughly at the center of this estate. We seem to be ready."

Nick held his left arm out, fully extended and palm open, in the direction of the building itself, where he knew the quadrilateral's center lay. With his right hand, he braced his left arm at the elbow, holding it steady. He couldn't afford to miss; not now that he'd poured so much of his mana into forming the quadrangle.

"...Rozpečetit Ignis!"

And there was light.

And heat.

A considerable amount of both, really.

4 humanoid figures of pure white flame exploded into existence, so bright that their glow was visible to Nick from outside the mansion, through the windows, each running in one of the four cardinal directions. They only appeared momentarily, traveling at speed much higher than those humans were capable of, going through walls and corners for maximum destruction, before disappearing again. One corner of the building collapsed, and fire alarms all began going off simultaneously. Nick merely continued to walk around the block, seemingly satisfied with the carnage.

Will

Will spoke up as soon as Granny closed her phone and put it away. "Has something happened?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 30, 2015, 02:47:33 pm

Hera

Hera began to walk around Kiera, but was struggling to keep the cloak up. C'mon. Blend in.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 02:27:44 pm

Kiera

"Better." Kiera said, noticing how Hera was mostly see-through, "Now try moving around without breaking it."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 02:09:11 pm

Celtchar

Celtchar turned away and walked over to her normal sitting area. She put her hands behind her head and closed her eyes.

Jack Blair picked up his cell phone and dialed Nat. It went to a messaging device.

"Nat, get back here now, if the next catalyst is revealed we're ****, because you all are still in europe."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 30, 2015, 01:57:09 pm

Quote from: Architect\O/ on June 30, 2015, 01:41:31 pm

Tanik

I "know Lancer, Avery got this new one, the old one we used to spar with. I beat him all the time with my arrows, but I guess it's different now. Avery, do you want to spar? We do need to train against different mages. You also know I have explosive arrows, so dynamite wouldn't be needed. But, I'm not going to destroy it, so whatever."

((Dude, Avery's in the other room eating also it's not just a tiny explosive arrow that destroys it. You need "A TON" like ton as in the weight measurement of dynamite.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 30, 2015, 01:41:31 pm

Tanik

"I know Lancer, Avery got this new one, the old one we used to spar with. I beat him all the time with my arrows, but I guess it's different now. Can I spar with someone, anyone? As long as they won't kill me or use supernatural strength. We do need to train against different mages."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 30, 2015, 01:39:31 pm

Hera

Hera breathed deeply and focused on what she had felt earlier. "Amiculum."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 30, 2015, 12:16:25 pm

Avery

"Haha. It's not made out of wood, you do realize that, right? I got it recently. It's this material that require a ton of dynamite to destroy. I tried burning it, freezing it, and a lot of other stuff. It's just painted like wood to fool you. Do you want me to drop it?" Avery dropped it while asking the question, but also pulled Tanki away from it. I trust in my magic enough to risk even my own life. Then Avery used his telekinesis on himself to hover above the ground. He then walked (in midair) to the other room where there was food.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 12:10:37 pm

Celtchar

"You're obviously new." Celtchar stood up, "That little stick, with the right mage or servant, could kill you without you even knowing. I could have killed you in the time it took for me to stand up. You need to be aware of everything."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 30, 2015, 11:52:25 am

Tanik

Tanik smiled grimly.

"Don't worry, your know I could deflect that little stick any day. You wanna train with weapons?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 30, 2015, 11:36:20 am

Avery

"Well I'm low on mana now." Avery said while banging Tanki into a wall pretty hard. "Anyways, wanna use weapons?" Avery said while pulling out a double staff a little taller than him. He applied telekinetic force to it and it rose above Tanik "Tanki, watch out! I could drop this at any moment." Avery said.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 30, 2015, 10:39:20 am

Tanik

"Same here! I have no idea when the next will be revealed, but we should train and be ready!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 30, 2015, 10:27:37 am

Avery

"Yeah, I'm up for it even if it means certain death. I'm guessing that the catalyst will be announced tomorrow morning so we should all rest and get our mana full."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 10:21:34 am

Kiera

Kiera released the spell, rendering Hera visible again, "Alright, now you try."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 30, 2015, 10:16:25 am

Hera

Hera began to nod, but then realized Kiera probably couldn't see her. "Alright, I think I get it now."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 10:07:59 am

Kiera

"Alright," Kiera inhaled and closed her eyes. She began saying a chain of complicated spells in her language, which hera sort of made out to be the groundwork. Then she stopped.

"Ok I'm casting spells with your energy now, please try not to resist, explosions can happen. Vazi."

Hera felt her presence disperse and felt a little more lightweight. Kiera backed up for a moment, "This is what you're going for. If you were to look at yourself you are entirely see-through, and I can control the noise you make."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 30, 2015, 10:02:40 am

Hera

"Alright." Hera held her arms out in front of her and closed her eyes before beginning to generate a slow widespread amount of mana.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 30, 2015, 09:56:31 am

Kiera

Kiera appeared again in front of Hera, "Here, I'm not the best teacher of this but let me try something. Hold your arms out and close your eyes, then imagine spreading yourself very very thinly. Then, all you have to do is generate magic, a slow stream preferably, I'll handle the spell for you."


Jack Blair

Celtchar looked at Avery and Tanik, "You too are very inexperienced, and I cannot guarantee your safety or help you in the event of a real fight. You can come if your fine with the high chance of death."

--

Jack returned to the master's suite with a plate full of random dishes. "I don't know what you like so I got some of everything down in the kitchen."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 30, 2015, 09:20:01 am

Hera

Hera recalled reading about it in her spell book, but didn't exactly remember how to do it. She tried to focus on Kiera, but that was kind of hard. "Alright. I sort of know how to do it, but I don't remember." Hera let the cloaking spell fall.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 10:03:25 pm

Kiera

"Alright there you go, you're beginning to blend in." Kiera said, "Vazi" She said and Hera found herself looking at nothing. A voice came from nowhere in particular, "Now if you know how to, reach out for my magic signature and trace what I'm doing. If you don't know this trick then tell me. I learned it from some weird shaman in Africa."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 08:49:56 pm

Quote from: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 08:26:14 pm

Robin
Bored, Robin went looking for a sparring partner.

"Hey Anne, can we spar? I need a partner."

Um... Anne and Penny are both sleeping in Anne's room.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 08:48:16 pm

Hera

"Alright." Hera took a deep breath and focused on her surroundings.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 08:02:39 pm

Kiera

"You're a little blurry." Kiera chuckled, "Focus on your surroundings more."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on June 29, 2015, 06:52:12 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Krauss clicked her tongue in annoyance while she pulled out her cellphone. Who could possibly be calling now?

"Who is it?" she answered, not bothering to hide her irritation.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: M217 on June 29, 2015, 06:25:00 pm

Berserker

Berserker materialized behind Robin, suddenly scaring the heck out of the kid.

"I have an idea for training much better than fighting these two weaklings. You earlier asked for a servant who used a sword, did you not? Well, if you are truly serious about this training, then prepare yourself, for your nightmare has arrived."

Nick

Okay, then... let's see if I can draw this master out.

Nick pulled a cellphone out of his pocket and dialed.

"(Ring.)"

"(Ring.)"

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Have I reached the office of a Ms. Zoraya Krauss?"

"Yes, but she's away at the moment. I'm her secretary, and I can deliver your message to her."

"I'm afraid that there is urgent information I need to relay to her, regarding the... particularly prestigious tournament she has entered into. I need to speak with her, as soon as possible."

At this, a lengthy pause was heard. "Okay, I can put you through to her. Wait a minute."

A short beep was heard a few seconds later.

Caster

"Very well. I have no objections to avoiding a confront-"

Her sentence was cut off by Ms. Krauss' cellphone starting to ring.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 06:22:39 pm

Hera

Hera took a deep breath. "Okay. Amiculum." Hera felt a change in her surroundings. It was minor if at all, but it was still detectable. "So... did it work?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 06:18:02 pm

Tanik

After coming back to base, Tanik had been bored. He had been practicing spells on a tree, but it was easy and the tree became useless. Avery started pushing Tanik and someone else with Telekinesis until they got annoyed. Tanik remembered what Avery said, and also wanted to go.

"I also want to come! I haven't gotten a chance to prove myself and I want a shot."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 06:06:46 pm

Avery

"Are all of us going when the next catalyst is revealed? If only some of us are going, I would like to be part of that few," Avery said while tossing glass vases up into the air and saving them before they hit the ground.  He placed all of them back on the shelf and started pushing two of the people in the room closer to each other. Next he pushed them away from each other. Then he continuously repeated the process until they have him annoyed looks. "Sorry, just checking to see if I can use telekinesis on people. I might be able to push someone right into a spear point."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: CreativeUsername on June 29, 2015, 05:39:59 pm

Zoraya Krauss

Krauss nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I suppose that is a good point."

"We should prepare for the next catalyst's reveal," Saber suggested. "That way we could get a bit of a lead and secure the 4th catalyst, as well as a possible confrontation in hopes that we take their catalyst."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 04:46:44 pm

Robin

Robin watched Anne leave and decided to work on his disarming skills.

Servants are powerful, fighting them hand to hand is stupid. Disarming them would be helpful. But, I need a partner, and disarming would be pretty hard. So I'll just practice magic.

"Hey, could you guys help me control my magic?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Nitrox on June 29, 2015, 04:32:26 pm

Nat

"From what I've heard through my mental links, we already have two out of the three revealed catalysts.  I'm sensing a lot of magical energy in this palace.  Is it even worth it to attack them here, or should we wait until later?  It's their home territory, and anyone with enough power to level a Mage's Association building is someone we need to prepare against."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on June 29, 2015, 04:03:16 pm

Kirin Oshiro

"Yes, some food would be nice." Here's hoping the food here is tolerable. Otherwise I might as well go back to the mansion, where we have proper cooks.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 04:01:17 pm

Jack Blair

After Riza left a man with a collared white shirt and a rose in his ear entered the room. "Master Kirin! It's good that you're safe. I heard you got the catalyst. That's what matters. So do you need any further healing magic? Any mental favors?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 04:00:19 pm

Avery

That girl had walked out of the room with a smirk.

"Did he say thank you?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on June 29, 2015, 03:58:01 pm

Kirin Oshiro

He walked into an office-like room reserved for Sanctum Masters and rested on a leather seat. The events of the previous night ran through his head in rapid succession, but his body basically gave in and he sat without moving. After a few minutes of peaceful silence Riza abruptly opened the door.

He grunted and cleared his throat. "Would you mind knocking?"

Riza crossed her arms. "You're one to talk about etiquette." She leaned on a nearby desk, looking at some bookshelves. "...Do you have any serious injuries?"

"No, I'm quite alright."

"What happened back there?"

"They did a rather poor job of interrogating me. I didn't end up telling them much."

"Do they know about your... Uh..." She lowered her voice. "'Command seals'?"

Kirin scowled. "Yes... They were persistent about that part. That's most likely the reason they left me so relatively unguarded." She crossed her arms and frowned at him. "...What is it?" he asked.

"Oh, it's just that we busted our butts going into enemy territory to save your sorry hide."

"You need me."

"You need me. Also, would a simple 'thank you' be too difficult for your posh lips to utter?"

He looked away. "...Fine." He spoke under his breath. "Thanks." He abruptly coughed. Satisfied, Riza smirked and exited the room, closing the door on the way out.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 03:55:37 pm

Kiera

The cub climbed onto Kiera's shoulder and flopped over, gripping her shirt with it's claws. "Alright I'm ready. First, a demonstration."

Kiera stepped back from Hera, "Vazi!" She vanished instantly and the Lion fell to the ground, unfazed. It walked around and lied on the ground, scratching itself with the grass.

Hera felt a hand grab her shoulder and pull her backwards. As she fell over Kiera Caught her, then stood her up again.

"You'll need to cast the spell in your preferred language, however you'll just become blurry. Nevertheless, try it. The word is Cloak." Kiera stepped back.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 03:46:15 pm

Hera

Hera suddenly remembered the lion cub she had shoved in her closet. S***...

Hera ran upstairs and opened the door of her closet. "Sorry, little one," Hera apologized before lifting it into her arms and carrying it downstairs. She handed the cub over to Kiera. "Here you go."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 03:41:34 pm

Anne

"Well just so that the whole courtyard doesn't get ruined, we could use those." Anne gestured towards some huge sliding panels that could separate the courtyard into two sections. "So that Hera and I don't disturb you guys or vice versa, we could draw those across. Anne pulled across the divider and grabbed her dagger and then suddenly felt that she had more mana. She put it down and that feeling went away. It seems like when I was sleeping, I had more than enough mana, so some was stored in the dagger. Quite useful. I don't think I'll share this with the others yet.

"Penny, I want you to attack me, come in here. This is your choice, be warned that I may accidentally draw blood. You can do the same. We'll stop after a while and heal."

Should I use the dagger? Well it had something to do with that cool combo... So yes!

"Ok Penny, let's begin, but here's the catch, no reading my mind or stealing mana. You can't do that with a real enemy."

I'll save the dagger trick for later. Now I'll try using something outside my field which I hope will work a little. Anne created a ball of yellow stuff. At least that's what it appeared to be to Penny, who quickly put up a force field. Clever, but that won't work too well with this She shot the ball at full speed towards Penny who was shocked, literally and figuratively because that yellow stuff had been electricity, the force field was now electric and was causing damage to Penny. The clever beagle used that to her advantage and ran into Anne who was fine because it was her own electricity. She was fine until Penny sneakily sprayed the force field with water. Dagger time! It it can break through a force field.

Anne pulled out her dagger and like a lightning rod, all the electricity shot to it. She stabbed the force field and it shattered and disappeared. Was I serious when I said I would draw blood? Yeah, my OWN. She traced the scar that was on her hand from last time and the blood, touching the tip gave the dagger the energy to transform it into a longer blade. Anne also focused on making the energy from her blood produce a fire on the blade. It used no mana to make that fire. Penny looked in fear when she realized that she had water. A new confidence was found and a (moderate, sorta weak) veil of water surrounded her. The water was meant to quench the fire, but fire that originates from blood is the closest thing to Eternal Fire. In other words, it takes a lot to quench. This was a small fire, so it was weakened a little. Penny was worried again, but then she noticed a small casing around the dagger that would make blows not draw any blood. Only the tip was not cased. Penny also realized that the dagger was providing the holder with mana. She wondered if she could steal mana from a weapon, after all, there were no locks on it and a bond wan't even required. She stole enough mana that her stores would be full and she teleported behind Anne who spun around, but was a little slow and got hit in the face with a stream of water. It wasn't very effective. Anne took control of the water and sent it back at Penny.

"Ok, that's enough practice with magic. Good job, and did you steal my mana?" Anne said while quickly healing the dagger's cut.

"Wuff... Ruff." [Technically yes... But all weapons that store mana can have the mana stolen from unless there's a lock on it.]"

"Really? I have to put a lock to Clubs Masters only. Why not just me? Because if someone's in trouble, I want to be able to give this to them."

For most of the fight, Anne had been using mana from the dagger as her own mana was very low. Since Penny had also been stealing, there was no mana left in the dagger, just a little bit of blood energy.

Anne and Penny headed upstairs. She flopped down on the bed, and Penny jumped up too. Both of them slept. Penny got up earlier than Anne because her mana filled up faster as she had barely any storage.

((Please keep in mind that Penny bumped into a wall while her force field was powered with electricity. Basically anyone that touches a wall will get a minor shock.))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 03:38:51 pm

Robin

The anger was kinda obvious on Anne's face.

"Oh, okay then... I'll just go and train then.

Hey, if she gets mauled in battle it's not my fault.

"Kiera, do you want me to craft some dummy's?"

Actually, I can think of a few people that would naturally fir that role instead...

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 03:35:47 pm

Kiera

Kiera stared at the situation and put a hand on her forehead. She stroked her hair back and stepped out into the courtyard with Hera.

"Can you give me my cat? I need something calming. Then I'll teach you stealth."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 03:33:57 pm

Anne

"Oh, it's not about strength. I just wanted to add some technological aspects to it." Who are you? I'm trying to improve Cody's opinion of me, and here you are all like "I CAN DO IT YAY!" If I get the chance, I will personally KILL you.

RUFF! [Calm your butt down!]

And you stop reading my mind!

Fine, I was a little overboard, but st- Hey! You read that whole thing!

Wuff? [Who doesn't know that you have a crush on Cody?]

Yeah, who doesn't?

OBVIOUSLY, this insolent boy.

"So about magic practice... I just had a new combat idea which I want to try. I suggest that you work on magic. Just imagine using barely anything and it will work out."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 03:28:56 pm

Hera

"Not that I know of. Kiera, mind helping me with some minor stealth spells? I noticed you seem to specialize in that kinda thing."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 03:27:42 pm

Robin

"Okay. I'll still be willing to spar with anyone who wishes, as long as they have a weapon to use. Does the warehouse have an armory, or a workshop of any sort? Also, are any of the servants currently here use a sword?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 03:23:50 pm

Kiera

Kiera stood up, "Alright, let's get started then. Come with me to the courtyard. I'm a little injured so we're not going to spar, but any practice is good."


Jack Blair

The car pulled in at the church and the group hopped out. Jack had arrived a few minutes earlier by another vehicle. Celtchar walked up to him and nodded, before standing next to him.

Jack felt a little intimidated by the servant, who seemed to have an unnatural respect for him. Maybe it was the whole master thing. Or maybe he was just great, nah, I'm just a thug. Jack smiled.

"Hello Master Kirin!" He said and bowed slightly, "Come on in! I know some great healing magic for you."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 03:22:00 pm

Robin

"Team up on me, okay... I'll do it. Anne, I used to repair my dagger's a lot at home, if you'd like, I can add a special thin metal plating which will absorb most of the blow and not break. That way, you'd be able to deflect spears, arrows, lances without having your dagger arm go flying back. I;m not sure how it would do against a lancer, but it would be useful for until Cody can get to it."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 03:04:12 pm

Anne

"Yep, exactly." Anne said coming downstairs. "Right now, I want Masamune to train against brute strength. I swear, that lancer... she could probably tear a car in half. I'll join you guys though. I still want to have a small chat with Cody to help me strengthen this dagger a lot."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 03:02:39 pm

Hera

"How will you learn to control your powers if you refuse to use them?" Hera added.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 02:56:49 pm

Kiera

"Control, not suppress. You're not too powerful or anything you just need practice. Fighting a mage will involve magic, period."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 02:53:12 pm

Robin
"I'm all in for sparring, but I won't use magic. I tried a simple attack spell, and you saw what happened. Unless you know a way to suppress power, my magic isn't a good idea."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 02:46:14 pm

Kiera

"We need to know what each other can do, demonstration stuff, then sparring. If we want to fight experienced mages like the ones we fought, we can't afford to not know how to fight."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 02:45:20 pm

Hera

"Very well," Hera said, sitting down next to Kiera. "What do you suggest for training?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 02:28:52 pm

Kiera

"He's very injured." Kiera said, "He'll need a day to recover I'm sure." She sat up and looked at Hera, her eyes changing back to normal from their slit form, "We are too. We can't get ready to run out and battle a fight we can't win. They got the catalyst already, we need to train, heal, and get ready for the next one. It could come at any time."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 02:15:09 pm

Hera

Hera rolled her eyes. Idiot.

"There are plenty of reasons to assume that he will use a spell when he gets back to the Spades base. We didn't leave in the best of conditions so he would need to heal himself. Also, there is practicing. Though we didn't get the catalyst, I can guarantee you that he got a proper ass whoopin'."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 02:10:51 pm

Robin

The raging girl pushed passed Robin. Robin let her reach the bottom, then realized that the Spades would be getting away. He ran down as well in time to here Kiera talk about the tracking spell.

"That's a good idea, but who say's he'll necessarily use a spell at their base or how do we know its the right location?

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 02:07:47 pm

Kiera

"I can guarantee you they got Kirin and ran." Kiera said, still looking up, "I have a tracker on him, when he casts a spell I'll know where he is. Then we'll know where their HQ is."

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 02:06:29 pm

((Sierra, ideally Anne would not be able to break free of Hera's bonds. Hera specializes in Elemental spells, especially water and earth. Hera has also had at least a year more experience. However, there are more important matters.))

Hera

Hera shoved past Anne and Robin. I should've trusted my motto. Trust no one.

Hiram.

Yes, Miss Gregg?

Kirin's escaping. Have recovered enough to fight?

I think so. When are we leaving?

Now.

What about the others? Won't you need the help of your friends?

F*** friends. Who needs 'em. I can do this on my own.

I would advise against that course of action. At least take Kiera with you.

Very well, if only to make you comfortable.

Hera walked into the lounge room. "Kiera. You comin' or nah?"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 01:59:26 pm

Celtchar

Celtchar got in the car and threw Kirin in the backseat, after Avery scrambled in she floored the accelerator.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on June 29, 2015, 01:51:17 pm

Archer of Spades

As he looked back into the distance he felt and odd presence. Territory creation, but it seemed oddly familiar.

I've felt this before... He suddenly remembered. ...So you're here too. Huh... Don't expect me to hold back, Caster. We're not friends anymore.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Architect\O/ on June 29, 2015, 01:38:26 pm

Robin

Robin heard a crash and some yelling from upstairs. He ran up the stairs, taking two at a time, fearing what he would see. What he did see, much to his relief, was Anne dispelling some water strands and talking to a raging girl.

"Hey! We have to hurry! The Spades are probably getting away!"

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Sierra on June 29, 2015, 01:34:46 pm

Avery

"You could at least be a little thankful about our help."

Anne

How nice, trapping me in my element. Too easy.

The bands of water disappeared as Anne willed them to.

"You do realize that your prisoner has escaped. Currently the group is close to getting him out. We should head there soon if we don't want him to escape. As for the spell book. Masamune needed something to help with the cooking and I didn't think you'd be too happy if I asked for it, so I just put you to sleep and took it."

Masamune, remember that you needed help while cooking and a spell helped you.

Got busted?

NO. What do you think...

"Come on Hera! Let's go!"

-----

The remaining two drones concealed themselves and followed the car. ((Is this fine?))

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on June 29, 2015, 01:31:13 pm

Archer

"Alright then." He slyly smiled at Kirin, whose face was red from having to be carried by someone else. Archer then looked over to Riza. "Can you walk?"

"To the car, yes." She stepped into the backseat as he pulled out his gun and checked their back for any attackers.

"I'll de-materialize. If things get bad, let me know. For now, let's move!"

Ideally, this would be a good time for Nitrox to reveal the 4th catalyst.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Leaping Deer on June 29, 2015, 01:24:25 pm

Hera

Hera heard someone whisper "sunmos" in her sleep. She awoke to see Anne in front of her holding... Is that my spell book? DID SHE F***ING STEAL MY SPELL BOOK?! Everything else was blocked out. She didn't hear a single word Anne said. Hera grabbed the lion cub and shoved it in the closet before walking up to Anne and punching her in the gut. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU STEAL MY F***ING SPELL BOOK?!" She watched as Anne clutched her stomach and dropped the book. Hera snatched it out of Anne's grasp. "CONSTRINGO," Anne flew against the wall of the room as strands of water wrapped around her body holding her in place. Damn it. Forgot how much I was drained from earlier. This f***ing sucks.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Iaashadow on June 29, 2015, 01:22:52 pm

Celtchar

"Oh a dog? If it's threat I'll kill it. For now let's get out. I'll carry the young master." Celtchar slung Kirin over her shoulders and walked back to the car.

Title: Re: Sanctum/Divided
Post by: Zen on June 29, 2015, 01:22:02 pm

[I'm leaving this for Avery to say something. Otherwise I'll just make another post.]