Marked Ones: Origins [IC | Urban Fantasy]

by **Forest State** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 7:16 am

CHAPTER ONE: SIX OF CUPS

January 10th, 2025

It had been a week since the students moved in, and while all of the instructors weren’t here yet, training had begun at once. They did have one new instructor, however, Jochim von Mandel. As someone who was supposedly an expert mage from Germany, Mandel was the one that would instruct them in the ways that magic intersected with combat. That was one of the reasons Mandel was a rough around the edges type, but that worked just fine for the role that he played at this academy. It also played into the unconventional methods that made training with Mandel an adventure, because they were both out of the ordinary and hard to predict.

One of those methods, which had been suggested to Reinheld, the main instructor when it came to physical training, involved waking everyone up when it was 4:00 AM and informing them that they would be embarking in fifteen minutes on a hike back down to the base of the monastery complex and around to the opposite side of the entrance, where they would pass through the jungle and travel until they reached a nearby village where they would turn back and head to the monastery again. It wasn’t the longest hike, yes. But it would take longer because of the terrain, and because Mandel had informed everyone that they would only have one flashlight, for the person in front of the group. Everyone else would have to navigate in the dark, which was a challenge in itself.

But as Mandel said, real life wasn’t always convenient and being able to work under bad circumstances was key to getting out of bad situations as a hero. If they learned lessons like this now, they would do a better job when they were in the field and something like being able to move around in darkness was a matter of life and death. “We will be leaving in five minutes,” said Mandel’s voice over the loudspeaker system that broadcasted sound across the entire complex, at a volume loud enough to wake up anyone that hadn’t already been startled awake by the original announcement. “Those who do not show up will be fined, so do not report to the courtyard late.”

The message was simple enough. But it got the point across. Get to the courtyard, or get fined. Of course, if someone hadn’t heard the first announcement, they wouldn’t know the reason why they had to report to that area. Still, the warning had been clear, and those who decided that the cost of the fine outweighed that of getting up in the middle of the night would be on their way already to the courtyard after getting on their clothes for the upcoming hike, as well as grabbing at least their basic weapons as the original announcement had instructed.

by **Revlona** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 7:41 am

Samuel Storm

Three hours, three fucking hours early, Sam thought to himself. His usual cheerful smile was no wear to be found as he trudged into the courtyard. In its place was a scowl the stretched from one side of his face to the other.

He loved sleep, and it was usually something he’d be ready to fight for. His sleep schedule wasn’t to be touched in his opinion, but it had been, and he couldn’t do anything about it.

So that was he was the first outside in the courtyard at four in the morning.

His blue jeans and green T-shirt where worn and looked very used, his knifes and glock were hooked to his belt, and his extra magazine was in his pocket.

All his weapons looked well used and clean, so no hazard should get in the way should he need to use them.

by **Lessoni** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 7:47 am

Jack

Jack snapped awake, used to waking up unexpectedly. He grabbed the clock next to his bed and gave the battery a quick jolt. The display read 4 in the morning, much earlier than his usual 6-8. Still, he hadn't ever established a proper sleep schedule, so it wasn't that bad.

He strapped his sword on his back, did the best approximation of brushing his teeth he could, and made his way to the courtyard, where he waited for everyone else.

by **Union Princes** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 8:25 am

Sienna had to drag herself off of her bed in order to get ready for a new day. Between fixing her room to being more livable and suffering from jetlag, she can't help but feel like a zombie from the grave. But alas, Sienna manage to open her eyes and to turn on the lightbulb in her room. It was time to change.

Picking a blue shirt, a gray light jacket and black shorts to wear, Sienna then grabbed her socks and sneakers before putting on her five pistol holsters for her handguns. Her pistols felt heavy but that was because she still needed to walk up. Rubbing her eyes, Sienna made her way to the courtyard as her armaments and ammunition wrapped around her waist and stuffed into her pockets.

by **Lunas Legion** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 11:03 am

Sahara Meads

Sahara bolted upright as the loudspeaker made its announcement, all but falling out of bed. Saying she was a light sleeper would be an understatement; just poking her would wake her up, since waking up at being poked could be the difference between someone stealing your stuff or not on the streets. She didn't bother checking the time on her watch; irrelevant. She had five minutes to get armed and dressed.

That meant just grabbing whatever was closest to hand; a black vest-top, black three-quarters, her faded blue-ish jacket. Her Calico's straps went over her shoulders, a brief flick checking they were loaded and ready while she strapped her knife's holster around her waist. She figured she wouldn't need reloads for whatever this was. Three minutes left as she pulled on a pair of combat boots before she headed off to the courtyard at a light jog, humming to herself.

Gabriella Sara Bianchi-Costa de Inferenza

Gabriella grumbled as she woke, briefly considering just staying asleep and paying the fine. It wasn't like she couldn't afford it, but they hadn't said what it was, and unknowns were to be avoided. "Hey, we need to get up." She grumbled out, lightly nudging Aureo and then Candace as she extricated herself from between them, dressing quickly in the clothes at the top of her suitcases, a white jumper that appeared grey in the darkness and a pair of black hiking trousers, followed by a pair of trainers before she headed down to the courtyard. She figured Aureo and Candace could meet her down there after they got up.

by **Vanquaria** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 2:08 pm

Sun Yi Jong

Sun had expected the early morning strategy to be given to the students sooner or later. 4.am? He could definitely operate around that time, no longer being a child but a full-grown adult meant his body was able to do without as much sleep as his younger self would have been gifted with.

Yet, he was unable to put up a facade that waking up at this hour was his preference oh no. His attitude getting up and preparing himself was that of a grumpy, pessimistic old man whose outlook on life was as bleak as the weather of the English plains. Yes, that was just how depressing the atmosphere within Sun's room was.

The 6 foot 1 Korean was almost out the door, just as 10 minutes had passed by since the original 'wake the fuck up' announcement', when his mind's haziness cleared away enough for him to remember he had to bring a weapon.

Shit, uh...

Ever the minimalist, he chose not to summon a weapon from his arsenal of magical blades nor even grant himself some enchanted armor, instead he ran into the kitchen.

Sun would emerge from his room, bolting to reach the courtyard before the final minute pass and it seemed he would reach the place in good time much to his joy. He donned a simply tank-top, trackpants and a pair of sleek, blue Nike shoes. His weapon? A kitchen knife.

by **Forest State** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 3:46 pm

Candace Francesca Miniati de Avella

January 2nd, 2025
Collab with Lunas Legion

It was only one more day until things would change for Candace. One more day until she would head off to realize her fate as one of the Marked, as someone that was supposed to help save the world from some threat that had yet to materialize. One day until she left her family's expectations back home and went off into the wild, where she would be trained along with the others like her. But that wasn't happening yet. She didn't leave until tonight, and for now, she was waking up in a different bed, next to her best friend's sister, Raphaella. The story behind them getting together was a bit complicated... But it had happened nonetheless, and it involved an unrequited crush. And Candace settling for the next best thing.

"You know," Candace started saying to Raph, her voice soft as she looked at the girl next to her as the sun came through the window and woke both of them up. "I really don't feel like going away tonight. I feel like just hiding here forever, from my family and from this marked shit."

"I wouldn't mind that either." Raph sighed, shutting her eyes against the sun and rolling over to face towards Candace, opening her eyes once they were away from the glare of the sun. "But my room's a bit of a terrible place to hide." Raph let out a small laugh befre she continued. "My parents know you're here, and if you don't show they'd be up here dragging you off on your family's orders. Shame I'm not going with you."

"I just don't wanna go," groaned Candace, placing her arm on Raph as she pulled herself closer, looking into her eyes as she did. "I hardly even get to stay in your room because of them, and now I might not even get to see you for... I have no idea how long they want to keep us there at that academy, I guess it's until we're needed. You have no clue how far I'd go to stay here and not fly off tonight..."

"I can make a guess." Raph smiled slightly as Candace pulled herself closer. "But it'd make it... Messy for the both of us. Very messy. I'm..." Raph groaned. "Like, I'm pretty sure it's a sick joke of the universe that Gab got marked and not me. I'm better suited for, y'know, saving the world than she'd ever be, and then I could come with you and it'd all be just perfect."

"Mmm," muttered Candace, just staring at Raph for a few moments before leaning forward, kissing her without saying anything else. She was going to be gone from this place soon, so she decided that she might as well show Raph what she meant to her before she did get dragged out and have to go. Wasn't that often that they had a proper kiss, too, so Candace held it, putting her hand on the back of Raph's head. She'd miss this. But at least, she thought, she could go away on a good note.

Raph said nothing, just returning the kiss as she leaned in towards Candace before she glanced to one side, seeing a flicker of movement from the door to her room on the other side of Candace.

Her eyes widened as she spotted the small form of Gabriella standing there, door slightly ajar with one hand on the handle, eyes wide and she could see tears forming before she turned away and the door slammed behind her, echoing loudly.

When the door slammed, Candace broke the kiss and looked up to see where the sound had come from. She was panicking a bit, and she sat up as she looked back to Raph with wide eyes, not hearing who had been in the doorway but thinking because of the sound of the footsteps that it might be Gabriella. She recognized those footsteps, after being around her forever. "Raph... What was that?" she asked. "That wasn't Gabriella, was it?"

Raph was silent for a few moments before she sighed and spoke. "Yeah." There wasn't any point in lying, anyone else would have acted completely differently under the circumstances. Michelle would've shut the door quietly and left without disturbing them while Chelsea or Leo would've stormed in and angrily asked them what the hell they thought they were doing.

Candace just held her head in her hands, sighing. She moved to the edge of the bed and looked for her clothes, picking them up as fast as she could as she worked on getting dressed. "What the hell is she doing slamming the door like she's upset or something? Now she wants to act jealous, not back when I acted like I might be interested in her," she said in a tone that was both angry and concerned for Gabriella. "What am I even meant to do now?"

"Don't know." Raph shrugged helplessly, sitting up. "My sister's mind is a mysterious place I have no understanding of. If you're thinking of finding her, well... You might as well not bother and come back to bed. She knows this place better than anyone and she's probably found herself somewhere behind a tapestry or a secret passage or alcove or somewhere deep in the library to bawl her eyes out. If she doesn't want to be found, you won't find her. Don't let her ruin this."

"Well, fuck," said Candace, stopping in the doorway and standing there, looking back to Raph with eyes that were pained. On one hand, she wanted to chase after Gabriella. On the other hand... She had no idea what she could even do to fix this or what she had done wrong in the first place. It wasn't like Gabriella showed any signs that she was interested in her, and she didn't think she was doing anything wrong by being with Raph. "I just don't get.. I just don't get how she can be this heartless to get jealous now after everything I did."

"Who knows with her?" Raph shrugged again. "She's not good with talking or... Well, I guess anything really. She might not even be jealous, she might just be shocked and surprised. You know how easily flustered she gets when she's embarrassed by, well, the millions of things that embarrass her by just looking at them." She patted the bed next to her. "Come on back Candace, let her sort herself out for once. She'll be better off for it."

January 10th, 2025

When Candace woke up, she felt a shooting pain in her shoulder once again. It was hard to remember which way was the wrong way to sleep, the way that would make it start hurting again. She remembered that she had hurt it not long ago, only days ago in fact, in the middle of the week when she had been frustrated over the situation with herself and Gabriella. She’d went outside to practice with her sword, sliced at hard light beams which were too thick for her to chop down, and she had ended up bruising the muscles when she tried too hard at cutting through a training beam that was just too thick for her blade. Even with the edge being forged twelves times by herself, making it the sharpest blade that she owned.

She groaned upon realizing that it was time to get up, and rolled out of bed to find something to put on quickly because of the announcement. She didn’t have time to pick carefully, but she threw on heavy cargo pants and a sweatjacket that at least covered her arms and would keep her from getting scratched. Finally, she grabbed her sheath and shoved her sword, Domitor, into it before pushing the door open and leaving after Gabriella. But just because she was following not far behind Gabriella didn’t mean that she wasn’t pissed at her.

No, she had been pissed every since that day back at Gabriella’s house, when their friendship had suddenly become turbulent because of feelings entering the picture. Feelings that Candace had been sure that Gabriella didn’t have, and now that those feelings were present, Candace was a bit… Hostile. If anything, she wasn’t upset at the feelings, she was upset at the fact that they hadn’t come out earlier. If they did, she could have saved herself a lot of complications and she could have not set herself up for any potential heartbreak with Raph. Too late for that now. And Candace, she wasn’t over it. If she was, she wouldn’t have been angry enough to give herself the training injury.

by **Khasinkonia** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:03 pm

Hlaing Muireall Tamboli
Lynwood Academy

Connecting my room to the room I occupied was something of a mistake. The loudspeaker blared through my door, louder than an alarm. It echoed through my home’s halls, and surely disturbed one or two of my relatives; hopefully not the wee bairns, as they’d just gone to bed. For the weather, I donned stockings, my slip-on tennis shoes, a thick woollen navy blue and gold longyi. For occasions where we’d be doing more than hiking, a kilt would’ve been better than a Burmese skirt, but speed was more important than long-term use here, so the skirt had to do. My pyjama shirt, a plain black long-sleeve t-shirt sufficed as a top, and I made a point to get a scarf and cardigan in case it was more than a bit nippy out.

I hurried down to the courtyard by means of a temporary portal from my room to the outer wall of the dorm. It snapped shut once I stepped out, and I trudged to the centre court yard.

“4 a-m’ch s’mhadainn fhuilteach...” I muttered, “Chan ‘rrainn dhomh a chreidsinn dhùis’ m’airson cu’rt fuilteach...”

by **Theyra** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 8:39 pm

Ikram el-Amara

"Ah what time is it? Ikram said groggily and went to look at the time on his clock. Four in the morning it read, two hours earlier than when he normally wakes up. He sometimes wakes up earlier and is not that much tired in the mornings during his normal sleep schedule. Which he has been slacking lately and rose out of bed and got his himself ready. Putting on some warm clothes and decided to carry both of his weapons. Placing his scimitar on his side and his collapsed quarterstaff on his right. Ikram walked to the courtyard and waiting with the others.

by **Faal Lot Himdah** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 9:29 pm

Kana "Gyges" Kaleikaumaka
An Early Wake up
Lynwood Academy

The announcement was a welcomed wake up call for Kana. She woke up to the announcement in a cold sweat and struggling to breath. After a moment or two, she was able to calm herself as she remembered where she was. The next few moments were spent getting into her wheelchair, with aid form her magic, and taking her medications. Once she was ready, she left her room, right as the five minute warning was given.

With only five minutes, she went to work. Rolling herself as fast of she can, she arrived in the courtyard, maybe with a minute or so to spare. But that didn't matter to her, as at that moment only one thing was now going through her mind, after all, she heard the first announcement.

"A hike..." Kana whispered to herself as she sat there in the courtyard waiting, with worry obvious on her face. How am I supposed to do this? I should ask for help... No. No, I can't ask for help. I'll just need to figure something out...

Escanor Elwyn Banaing and Ryder Elne Banaing
Waking Up with Ease
Lynwood Academy

By time the first announcement came on, Escanor and Ryder were already getting out of bed. Not because they slept poorly, but because a 4 o'clock wake up was pretty normal for them. They shared a morning routine, wake up, get some early physical training, get ready for the day, and then have a bit of down time. So, 4 o'clock was pretty normal for them.

Upon hearing the announcement through, they took a few minutes to get ready before heading to the courtyard. Once they arrived at the courtyard, they noted the number of their peers that had already arrived, and also took note of which ones didn't look impressed by the early wake up and those who weren't used to an early wake up.

by **Durmatagno** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 10:00 pm

Aria Liva

Aria's eyes snapped open as the announcement woke her from a pleasant dream of....and there it went, gone from her mind. Sighing, she rolled out of bed, and got ready for a long day. Unlike her normally somewhat provocative clothes, she put on actual practical clothes. She even slipped on her hiking boots, which she hadn't quite had a chance to use as they'd been to busy fixing up the building. After checking and packing her gear, namely her weapons, she woke up the twenty pound cat she now called Citrine, her new pet. Huffing indignantly, the cat rolled out of the bed and left the room, she'd meet Aria in the courtyard soon enough. Rolling her eyes, Aria did one last check before shutting her door behind her, and making her way to the courtyard. Once there, she looked around, checking how everyone was dressed and equi.....wait a minute, the wheelchair girl. How the hell was she supposed to make a hike?

After a moment, Aria rolled her eyes at her own decision, and made up her mind. Approaching Kana, she sighed and looked at the frail girl in the wheelchair. Aria had killed, beaten, and maimed in the past with nary a care in the world, but of the many things she was, she was mostly fair. It was crap that Kana would probably be fined simply because she couldn't make the hike. Aria looked down at the much smaller girl, and with a sigh, opened her mouth and said something she would probably regret.

"Alright, not going to let them fine you for being stuck in that chair. I can rig a harness together, you're riding along on my back."

She didn't so much ask as she did tell, and as she talked, she started shifting things around so that she could indeed strap the what...seventy, eighty pound girl to her back. Much heavier load than a normal hiking pack, but Aria should probably be able to manage it, if nothing else it was good endurance training.

by **Forest State** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 7:44 am

The instructor, Jochim Mandel, watched as the students gathered in the courtyard. They could respond to a surprise exercise quickly enough, at least. Whether or not they would do well on the actual exercise, in the darkness, remained to be seen. “You were the first to show up, you carry the flashlight,” Mandel said to Sam, handing it to him before turning towards the front gate and the descending stairs that led to the base of the hill the monastery complex had been constructed on. Their goal was to head down those steps, around the complex to the other side, and then further into the jungle to head to the village before going back. Simple enough during daylight hours. A bit more complicated under these circumstances, when it was night time and the students were half asleep.

Niki Laskaris and Aureo Mercurius were some of the last ones to arrive, but it looked like there was a big enough group for now and Mandel waved to the students that were gathered, starting off towards the gate. “We’re departing right now,” he stated. “Everyone should form a double file line and follow after the flashlight. Consider it training in navigating in the dark, something that you may end up needing to do later on in a situation where it matters. And everyone, be sure that you don’t lose the person next to you. One of the first things you have to learn is to look out for each other.”

by **Faal Lot Himdah** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 7:59 am

Kana "Gyges" Kaleikaumaka
Getting Help She Needs
Lynwood Academy

"And who are you to think I need help?" Kana instantly shot back at Aria, "Just because I'm crippled doesn't mean I can't handle a little hike. Just because I'm crippled doesn't mean I can't do what everyone else can. Do not pity me. I hate that. People offering help when I am perfectly fine on my own."

It was then that Kana noticed that Aria was not listening to a word she was saying, and was already rigging something to help carry Kana. If Kana was honest, she would have been brimming with joy and thanking Aria for going out of her way to help her. But Kana was being, well, Kana, and hiding those inner thoughts.

"Are you even listening to me? I said, I. Don't. Need. Your. Pity. Or. Help." She spoke, even as Aria picked her up and finished strapping the petite outwardly angry girl to her back. "And you didn't listen to me... For fuck sakes. Let me back in my wheelchair damn it!"

by **Lunas Legion** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 8:29 am

Sahara Meads

Sahara wasn't exactly unused to finding her way around in the dark. Sure, normally it was finding her way around dimly-lit cities, not the countryside, but... It couldn't be that hard now, could it? She shrugged, shifting the straps of her Calicos around on her shoulders before moving to take a place at the front of the column, next to Sam. Wouldn't hurt to stick near the light, after all, even if she was quite confident in her ability to navigate in the darkness.

She continued to hum to herself, moving to follow Mandel out the gate and down the mountain. Morning hikes weren't, well, that bad. Better morning than that awkward time an hour or two after midnight.

Gabriella Sara Bianchi-Costa de Inferenza

Gabriella tapped her feet against the ground as she watched everyone else leave, intending to slot in at the very back of the column. After all, she was a light mage, so if she happened to get lost, well, she could easily make her own light from which to navigate by. Not to mention the quite literal glow from her own purple eyes; not particularly bright, and most certainly not enough to see very much by, but in the darkness of a Nepalese forest her eyes could serve as a useful marker for the back of the column.

Grumbling quietly to herself, she fell in at the very back after everyone had formed up, following at a slow walk.

by **Revlona** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 8:41 am

Samuel Storm

Sam smiled with relief as he was handed the flashlight, mentally congratulating himself for being the first to arrive. To be honest he was quite relieved to have the flash light, it’s not that he was scared of the dark or anything, he just liked to be able to see where he was going.

So it was after they were out of the light of the courtyard when he flicked the flashlight on. He followed Mandel directions, which was quite easy as he simply had to follow Mandel.

As they left the courtyard he noticed that Sahara has moved to stand beside him so he flashed her a smile, though he was unsure if she saw it in the dark.

by **The Cross and Davids Star** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 9:46 am

Nev Hurn
-Yay, Night Trip!-

Nev was well awake and prepared by time that the five minute warning was made, though he had ran off to a remote area of the monastery. Unless someone noticed, it would be hard to trail him under the cover of night, but when he got to where he was going, he dropped to his knees and began to pray.

"Nox, great ruler of the darkness and those who dwell within, I thank you for bestowing this chance to observe the immeasurable beauty of your shadow. I ask that you grant us safety in my journey, as well as the safety of my comrades. It is by your mercy and strength that I may live, as you find a purpose for all that choose to stand alongside you against the light. Beati eritis tenebris."

Nev got up, his eyes glowing more than usual, as he saw it, his faith gave him sight in the night, as the glow acted as a form of night vision to him. He began to race back to the courtyard as the group began to leave. Unlike the stylish three piece suit that he usually wore, he wore a outfit similar to a jungle explorer, even going as far as wearing a pith helmet, all of which was properly colored to fit into the jungle, though he kept his cane in a vice grip. Like Gabriella, Nev preferred to stay in the back, not for any other reason but to keep away from the flashlight, which was blinding compared to the dark, but also to enjoy the night sky, as well as look around. As such, he formed up beside Gabriella, wearing a smile on his face from his nocturnal enthusiasm.

by **Lessoni** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 10:45 am

Jack

It was dark as hell, but that wasn't the main problem. Jack had gone on plenty of nighttime walks, and, when the situation called for it, runs. What bothered him was the jungle. He looked into it and saw only darkness and nature, not exactly his two favorite things. The move from a concrete jungle to a real one was jarring, to say the least. But Jack was nothing if not adaptable, and he had the rest of the Marked close by, so at least nothing would attack them. And they did have one flashlight. Better than no light at all.

Jack slipped in close to the front. He was a bit paranoid about the flashlight going out, if he was being honest with himself. But, Sam had gotten down to the courtyard first, and to the victor go the spoils. Still, in nothing more than some jeans and a zip up hoodie he felt a little exposed, to both the elements and to whatever might be hiding in the jungle.

As he walked, he saw Ikram, and realized how much easier this would be with some company. Jack walked up to him, raising a hand in greeting as he got close.

by **Lunas Legion** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:10 pm

Gabriella Sara Bianchi-Costa de Inferenza

Gabriella glanced up hesitantly as a slightly creepy, smiling man stepped up beside her. She shank back, stepping sideways, away from him, all of her earlier plans discarded by a need to move, to run almost. One of the first skills anyone who wished to be an Inquisitor was to learn to identify and sense magics, their types, their intensity and perhaps most importantly their sources of origin.

And the man next to her, this close at least, reeked of dark magic. And given they'd spent a week at the monastery, her own nature as a light mage and devout follower of the Light Goddess were obviously well-known. She increased her pace, moving forwards through the column as they left the monastery, moving away from the creepy dark mage and trying to find safety.

Dark mages were bad news. Dark mages who willingly approached a known light mage? Very bad news. She didn't know what sinister ideas he had, but they were probably very, very bad for her, and thus he was to be avoided. Even if it meant being a bit rude and pushing and weaving around people as they headed off.

by **Forest State** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 1:55 pm

Aureo Mercurius

Aureo could detect the dark mage coming from a while away, and in fact, it was something that he had already known about. Nev didn’t do much to hide it and it was rather obvious who Nev was a servant of, from the fact that his black magic was clearly his primary magic and from his proficiency with it, lack of other types of magic, and from the physical effects that he had gained from it. When Nev came over to Aureo and Gabriella, Aureo raised his sword slightly after pulling it from the sheath, gazing at the boy.

“Be careful where you walk, vermin,” he said, not breaking eye contact as he leveled the sword towards Nev before lowering it, following after Gabriella as she walked away. Fighting would be the natural course of action, of course. The one that would be the proper course, really. But knowing the environment was also important and right now, there were others who would likely side with the vermin. It wasn’t like most of them had a positive view of Aureo after the first day, and it was better to not start a fight right here where the guilty party would have plenty of backup. It was twisted, in a way, that they would support Nev. But also fitting of a group like this, one that hardly knew proper magic in the first place and was maybe ignorant of the reasons why someone like Nev needed to be exterminated.

It showed that they could hardly be trusted in the middle of a fight, at least. Some of them, such as Nev and Sahara, were active users of dark magic. The rest of the group stood around and did nothing about them. It meant that, when it came down to it, they couldn’t be trusted to side with light and justice. Not when they didn’t even bother doing that when it came to their own ranks, which was a reflection of how they would act when they were in a situation that actually mattered. But Aureo didn’t start the fight for now, simply following after Gabriella and making a mental note of the group’s low standards.

by **Lunas Legion** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 2:52 pm

Gabriella Sara Bianchi-Costa de Inferenza

She fell back into silence after she'd put a small amount of distance between herself and the creepy dark mage, letting out a sigh of relief. She'd,,, She'd almost died back there. Could have, at least. For all she knew Chelsea or Leo had rightfully executed his mass-murdering sibling or parents or uncle or friends or teachers or something and he'd want revenge or he was going to start spouting heretical nonsense about the Great Enemy or something to try to corrupt her from Her holy light.

But she was safe now. For a time.

She flicked her head backwards, slowing down to let Aureo catch up to her. She smiled up at him, simply saying "Thanks," in a small voice. It wasn't like anyone else had stepped in. But she couldn't expect others nor Her to do all the work. That was why the Inquisition existed after all.

by **Durmatagno** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 3:00 pm

Aria Liva

Aria ignored Kana's shouts of protest, only stopping long enough to move Kana's wheelchair somewhere it wouldn't be exposed to the elements.

"Yeah no, I've made part of this hike a few times, and unless you're using your mana the whole time to levitate or some crap, this wheelchair isn't making it, so instead you're with me. You've got a buddy for this hike."

Aria said before falling into line next Niki, though it's not like like Aria really expected Niki to talk or do much of anything with so many people around, partially complicated by Kana strapped to Aria's back. She held her unnamed glaive in her hand, using it somewhat as a walking stick. She knew the first part of this hike well enough, but it was still dark, and she had a much heavier load than she normally did.

Later after a bit of walking, when Aureo was getting angry at the most obvious dark mage Aria had ever laid eyes on, she just kept moving. It was none of her business, and if that Nev guy had no sense of survival to stay away from his most obvious enemies, she wasn't going to save him either. Either way, what had happened had happened, and Aria wasn't going to let it slow her down. She hummed a bit to herself like she normally did while hiking, but toned it down a bit due to the girl strapped to her back.

by **Theyra** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 3:29 pm

Ikram el-Amara

"A hike in the dark and into the jungle. Ikram thought, he had been through a jungle before in South America and has been on some hiking but, that was with more gear and never at night. He did not know what to expect to find in a Nepalese jungle. Hopefully, there will be fewer bugs to deal with, so annoying and who knew that someone would need that much bug spray. At least he can light up his quarterstaff to see in the dark if needed though he has to be careful not to burn any of the foliage in the process. He went to form up near the front when Jack approached him.

"Hey Jack", Ikram said friendly and pulled out his quarterstaff. It was in its collapsed form just in case a second light would be needed.

by **Forest State** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:09 pm

???

The hunter could sense that there were people nearby, people that weren’t a part of the group that was under her command. She sensed it because of the plants, the plants that told her what was happening in her jungle and reported back to her like loyal spies, not in words but in a feeling that was hard to describe, one that wasn’t physical but was also indistinguishable. It was as if they were one, and whatever the plants sensed, she was acutely aware of. Right now, they were sensing strangers approaching the village. Not any strangers, but prey. Upon sensing them, the hunter moved from the ground to the trees, moving with the precision of someone not natural.

The short jumps carried the hunter easily through the jungle, both of her weapons on her back; one of them capable of blowing away a group from a distance when used properly, albeit at the expense of a lot of mana, and the other one able to pierce through magical protection like paper and injure the body underneath. Both of them were dangerous, and between the two, the hunter had a lot of situations covered. Beyond that, she had the help of the environment herself, and could use everything from the rocks on the ground to the tree roots that were under them, or the larger tree branches that were visible.

The prey was getting closer and the hunter stopped, jumping down from the tree and landing on her feet after going into a roll. Most people would have been hurt from the fall. Maybe they would have turned their ankle, or broken something. However, she was completely unaffected. Her athleticism wasn’t human, even if she did look human in every way and she didn’t even look like a particularly special human who should be feared because of her athletic skill. She wasn’t a sprinter, wasn’t a powerlifter who had put in plenty of time building up her muscles by heading to the gym and lifting weights, but her body behaved like she was one. In a lot of ways, it was even more athletic and powerful than that of an Olympic athlete.

Soon after landing, the hunter reached out and touched the ground, reaching out with her abilities. The environment around her began to change. The trees darkened, getting black, and around her hand, the dirt itself turned black, spreading outwards in a pattern that was similar to the one that would appear when a drop of water hit some dry dirt. Except the pattern grew larger, spreading further as her power spread under the ground and affected not just the plants above, but the roots below, as well as anything else that was down there. Rocks shifted and were affected, not just darkening but having lines of contrasting green appear on them as they came under her control, and eventually, the entire area around her was… Much different looking. She continued to kneel as her power went backwards after taking over the immediate area, affecting the path to the village behind her.

The hunter then moved to the side of the road and gathered sticks and stones before making a complex arrangement on the ground in the middle of the road, stepping back once she was happy with it. She channeled energy into it with one hand, closing her eyes and saying the required incantation. “Inochi o ataeru hahaoya no chikara no shita de, watashi wa anata ni meijimasu,” she started, before increasing the amount of energy that was being channeled. “Kokyū!!”

There was light on the ground in front of her, and when it went away, there was a living and breathing person. At least what looked like one. It was a rather plain looking person, yes. One that took the form of a skinny and somewhat underfed girl who looked to be in her late teens, with plain black hair and brown eyes that were about as generic as one could get. But that was because not much had been put into the creation of the girl. Time was important here, and the hunter had done the job quickly enough to not get seen by the prey. Once the girl was lying on the ground, stirring slightly, the hunter moved again, returning to the trees. She moved back in the direction that she had come. The plants would tell her when she was needed once again.

Jochim Mandel

When the group had been hiking for a bit, they were finally nearing the last stretch until they reached the village. However, they came across something that was unusual enough to cause Mandel to hold up a hand to stop everyone behind him, as the group ran into a stretch of dirt that was darkened, some spots turned completely black, and a number of trees that had been changed in the same way. They looked like they had been burnt out. However, there was no indication that they were actually burnt or that they were damaged in any way. The leaves still looked fine. But the wood itself, it looked almost like it had been charred, despite the green leaves and the fact that there was no smell of burning in the air, or any other evidence of damage.

Furthermore, there was a black haired girl in the middle of the road, who not only looked like she was out of place here but wasn’t even wearing anything. She was conscious, yes, but she wasn’t moving beyond breathing a bit and she wasn’t looking at the group of hikers that had approached, but rather staring at the sky rather aimlessly. Maybe, whatever had caused the trees to look like this had also attacked the girl. Or maybe something sinister was going on. It did seem like it was a trap, to anyone that was familiar with the tactics of the enemy. Villains weren’t beyond using innocents to further their goals against heroes, and this could be one of those times.

After reaching out and sensing the area around the group, Mandel turned to the others. “I can feel that the being in the middle of the road is alive and breathing, but there may be a catch,” he stated, making a noise of metal shifting as he closed the gauntlet on his right hand to make a fist. It was a rather odd weapon, but it aided in the channeling of mana. “Be wary, everyone. I can’t be sure what’s causing the environment to look like this because I’m not sensing any kind of magic that I’ve ever seen before, nor am I picking up anything familiar from the person that’s in the middle of the road, but somehow, I’m not getting the same kind of reading I would from a normal human or even a mage from any branch that I know of.”

by **Lessoni** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:43 pm

Jack

At first, Jack wasn't too alarmed. Surely this was a training exercise of some sort. That changed when he realized Mr. Mandel hadn't planned this. Jack's reflexes were fairly sharp, and he was the first in the group to react, moving in front of Ikram and the rest of the group protectively. He began charging an electrical current and drew his sword from his back, infusing it with electricity, but keeping it at his side to avoid seeming threatening.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm thinking we play this calm. Keep weapons and magic to a bare minimum for the moment, but keep it ready enough that you aren't defenseless in case this is a trap or something.", Jack whispered back, quiet as he could, to the rest of the group. "And watch your backs. There might be something lurking around."

Jack was pretty on edge at this point. He had learned plenty about the four branches of magic, and this didn't seem like any of them, especially with the plants that almost seemed to be watching them. But for now, all he could do was wait until something happened, as much as he hated not being able to do more. He just hoped Mr. Mandel would have an idea of what to do.

by **Lunas Legion** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:44 pm

Sahara Meads

Sahara came to a stop as soon as the torch's light strayed onto a nude, black-haired girl just lying in the middle of the road. She sighed. She'd seen enough stuff like this to know what was going on here. The charred wood despite the lack of other damage, a naked girl in the road at four o'clock at the bloody morning, some mysteriously darkened dirt...

She gripped one of her Calicos, raising it and leveling it, barrel pointed at the naked girl.

"Alright, if no one objects I'm blowing the girl's brains out." Sahara declared. "Obvious bait for trap is obvious. She set it probably so..." She shrugged. She'd given them a chance to object. Time to see what everyone was made of.

Gabriella Sara Bianchi-Costa de Inferenza

Gabriella came to a stop as the column stopped, unable to see why they'd actually stopped but knowing full well that something was distinctly wrong. Charred wood where there was no signs of a fire, plants that she swore followed her as she moved like eyes in old paintings sometimes seemed to do, as if accusing her of something, Mandel whom she trusted to be experienced saying that he wasn't getting familiar readings...

She unconsciously found herself stepping slightly closer to Aureo as she whispered a prayer under her breath as she held out her hands, a small ball of light forming within them and rising up to hover just above the height of Aureo's head. She couldn't really fight, if it came to that, but she could provide light for the others to see by at least.

Marked Ones: Origins [IC | Urban Fantasy]

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