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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 8:51:53 GMT -5
Cassalina took it and offered him a small, polite smile. "No problem. I just hope that your sister makes a swift recovery."
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Post by Nahara46 on Aug 7, 2012 8:55:35 GMT -5
Nodding, Eleazar gave her a smile and turned to Alice, "Well, I'll see you later, I suppose."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 9:02:35 GMT -5
"Of course, send me an Owl if anything changes, I'd like to see her soon, if I can," said Alice, hugging Eleazar good-bye.
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Post by Nahara46 on Aug 7, 2012 9:20:10 GMT -5
"You can definitely see her soon," Eleazar agreed, "I'll give you a word when she's more ready to see other people, Good-bye." With that, he went to the doors, exited and apparated away.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 10:17:33 GMT -5
((Time Skip, Three Days Later))
After several days of doing nothing but laying around and recovering, Maxwell mentally prepared himself for what he was going to do next. This ritual was going to be more intense, more brutal than the last one. But, he would recover in a matter of days, once the fire settled within him. Everything was ready. The help had been called off, and Maxwell had informed the others that they needed to arrive.
And then, he could take his next step.
All in all, things were looking up, and he was ready. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the dungeon he had been in before, and set things up for everyone to arrive. Like last time, he spread the sand into intricate circles, and pressurized it so that it would hold. It all centered around a thing that was more fire than creature. It's roars echoed loudly through the entirety of Ivory House, as it shook against the bars of it's fire-proof cage. He sneered at the ugly beast.
"You're next, abomination." he said coldly. "Enjoy your last few moments while you can." He then stripped down to his boxers, and stood waiting for the others to arrive. It was cold now, but things were about to get very hot.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 10:23:07 GMT -5
Veronica Flooed to Ivory House, her face grim. Tonight would be the first real step she'd take to destroy evil. She double-checked her purse. The box was safe. She had to give Cassalina the item tonight. Cassalina. Never had Veronica thought she'd enter a battle to fight for a future. She smiled softly, a smile no one but Cassalina had seen. As she moved to the dungeons, she couldn't help but feel thrilled.
Alice Flooed right after Cassalina to Ivory House. She'd made her mother's burn paste, and had triple-checked all her supplies. Her nerves were frazzled as she thought about what was happening tonight.
"Where do we go now?" asked Alice softly.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 10:30:23 GMT -5
"Down to the Rosebane dungeons." Octavius said in answer, as Cassalina and the others arrived. "Marigold isn't coming tonight. She thinks she has a shot at getting the files we need." His heart was hammering. Tonight was going to be brutal, painful and extremely hard to bear. Maxwell was going to harm himself badly, though the injuries would fade quickly - according to him, anyway.
He looked to Alice, expression grim. "You are not close enough to be considered family to Maxwell, so you must remain outside of the dungeon until we're finished. If you don't, the ritual will lash out and harm you. Understood?"
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 10:33:16 GMT -5
Alice nodded, her nerves screaming. She needed to be there! She had to make sure everyone would be alright!
"I'll set up a hospital room, is the drawing room all right?" asked Alice, her voice betraying her.
Veronica turned to Cassalina, a smile on her face. Her heart hammered as she clutched her purse tightly.
"I have something I need to give you, before we do this, can we talk privately?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 10:35:50 GMT -5
Octavius clenched his fists, more out of nerves than anything else. "That would be best." He gulped.
Cassalina regarded Veronica, confused. Was she alright? "Of course, dear. Whatever you need." she tried to sound as comforting as possible, though her voice wavered with sadness. She was scared for the man who had become a brother to her. Why was Maxwell always sacrificing himself like this?
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 10:49:00 GMT -5
Alice nodded and moved to the drawing room. She'd set everything up perfectly. Maxwell was going to be fine on her watch. He was so brave.
"I want to give you this," said Veronica, handing her an open box.
Inside was a silver locket. On it, the words "The past to Future, with love" were written in Russian. Veronica bit her lower lip.
"I have one as well, it was the last thing I bought from Russia before moving here. The words mean The past to Future, with love. The witch who sold it to me said if you place a picture of your past that you loved, and the future you want with love, it would stay with you forever," explained Veronica, as she opened hers.
Inside was a picture of a small, ten-year old boy, hugging his mother around the waist. The mother was Veronica. Across, a picture of Veronica with Cassalina.
"The first is me and Dimitry, my past love I want to keep forever, and the second is you and me, the love I want to look forward to. I wanted to share this with you, because things will get tough in the future, and I want us prepared," said Veronica, a vulnerable look in her face as she explained.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 10:59:42 GMT -5
Words escaped her for a while. Cassalina held the beautiful, sliver locket with trembling hands. She examined it for a moment, smiling at the pictures. Dimitry had been such an adorable little boy! And Veronica, she looked so much happier in that picture. And the second picture...well, she hadn't realized how right they looked together. But what really got her was the way Veronica explained her gift. It was times like this that Cassalina couldn't imagine what she had done to earn someone so loving, so thoughtful.
Tearfully, she smiled at the love of her life. "Th-this is beautiful. And so are you." She hugged Veronica to herself, still clutching the silver locket. "I know the future won't be easy, but we have each other. I will never leave you, Veronica."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 11:03:14 GMT -5
"I know," said Veronica, her voice shaking as she hugged Cassalina back, "I'm too wonderful to leave. Now, let's find Maxwell before I burst into tears and get all sentimental."
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 11:11:26 GMT -5
Cassalina kissed her on the cheek. "When this is done, you're taking me out to dinner." she whispered in her ear, trying to attempt that sexy voice Veronica had used on her many times before. "You still ow me."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 11:15:43 GMT -5
Veronica felt a shiver go up her spine, as she smiled back at Cassalina. They moved to the Dungeon. Just before they entered, Veronica turned to Cassalina.
"I can't wait to repay you, in full," said Veronica sexily, opening the doors and entering.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 11:24:21 GMT -5
Cassalina smiled, blushing at the same time. Already, Maxwell was beside the Heliopath, wearing nothing but his boxers. She didn't look away, though. Now was not the time to be ashamed.
Maxwell regarded his friends, all of whom wore serious expressions. He hadn't seen them in a few days, as he recovered and mentally readied himself for what must be done. It was good to see them again. He smiled briefly at them, before adopting a stern look. "Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you for coming." He glanced at Veronica. He knew that neither Cassalina nor Octavius could handle what he needed her to do.
"Not to be rude, but I would rather get this over with." he motioned toward the silver dagger on the table. "Veronica, there is a picture of the different runes I need you to carve on my back and chest. Please use that knife to do it." He kept his tone cold, relaying none of the mingling panic that filled him. He had to be strong for them, as both their friend and leader.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 11:32:28 GMT -5
Veronica nodded, the light-headed dizziness escaping her. She grabbed the silver dagger, and approached Maxwell. She was nervous, her heart throbbed, but her hand was steady. The dagger felt heavy in her hand. She couldn't mess this up, nor would she. Her mind was solely focused on Dimitry and Cassalina. The two she fought this battle for.
"I'm ready when you are," she said with a stiff nod, eying the ruin design.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 11:40:12 GMT -5
Maxwell grimaced. "Start with the ones on my back, and make sure the K'yarn rune on my back connects to the one over my heart. And don't let the fire rune touch them."
He looked to Cassalina and Octavius, both of whom were staring fearfully at him. Especially Cassalina. "Stay strong. I'll need the two of you for the next phase."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 12:00:17 GMT -5
"Do I scream idiot? I know what I'm doing," scoffed Veronica. "Just don't expect me to use a knife for our next dungeon session, I much prefer whips."
She gave him a wry smirk. Then, without further prompting, she took the dagger, and began tracing the sharp edge over his back. Slowly and carefully, she moved the swirls, straight lines, and curved lines along his back and chest. She ignored the blood, she'd seen worse after all. A part of her felt strange using the dagger on Maxwell, but she ignored it. Her hand never shook. She ignored his face, making sure to stay focused.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 12:17:22 GMT -5
Maxwell didn't take comfort in her usual teasing this time. When Veronica started the cuts, he grit his teeth and clenched his fists. His face remained as impassive as possible, and by the end of it, he could feel the blood draining from him. This next part had to be done quickly, so that the fire could flow into him. "Thank you, Veronica. Now please move." he said shortly. "You don't want to be around when the fire starts."
"Cassalina, I need you to kill the Heliopath. Octavius, I need you to start a fire on the sand once the heliopath is dead - don't worry, it will catch fire. It has been soaked in oil for days. Do not speak, do not try to aid me in anyway. Not until I end the ritual."
Cassalina cast a non-verbal killing curse, striking the heliopath dead in its cage. In the next instant, Octavius started the fire, just as Veronica moved. Taking deep, ragged breaths, Maxwell said:
"In the name of Hades, in the name of Persephone, I take unto myself this flame."
At once, the fire on the sand caught on fire expected. The lights in the room burst away, leaving only the glowing flicker of the fire, which grew in height. Like a wall surrounding him. Orange and red flames escaped from the heliopath's cage, and swirled around him.
"In the name of Hades, in the name of Persephone, I bind unto myself this flame."
At once, he was engulfed in waves of burning, searing agony. The Heliopath fire filled the runes nice and neatly, filling them with a bright, orange light. The flames turned a deep, ruby red. He let out pained screams, unable to hold back any longer. This was much worse than the Fire Acceptance Ritual. It took every bit of effort not to mess up the final part.
"In the name of Hades, in the name of Persephone, I absorb unto myself this flame."
And at once, the orange vanished, leaving behind black burned runes all over his body. He dropped to his knees, gasping and breathing heavily.
"In the name of Hades, in the name of Persephone, I accept." And with that, the flames died, leaving the dungeon pitch black.
"I-I-I'm finished." he stammered, feeling the same as he had during the Fire Acceptance ritual. And with that, everything went black.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 12:34:38 GMT -5
Veronica's face was pale by the end of the ritual. Maxwell's agonized screams had been horrifying. Never had she seen anything like it before. Sometime during the ritual she'd grabbed Cassalina's hand for support. She was proud not to have cried. When she saw Maxwell's passed out, burnt and bloody body, her leadership took over.
"We need to get him to Alice, Octavius, put him on the stretcher and we can levitate him out!" ordered Veronica as she transfigured a chair into a stretcher.
Alice had rearranged the entire drawing room. The couch was now a bed for a sick patient, eerily ressemblant to a hospital bed. The table had all the potions prepared and on hand. She'd lit as many candles and set as much light as possible to work. In her worry, she just kept checking everything, thinking of solutions to what she may face. Her eyes flickering to the door every few minutes.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 12:41:02 GMT -5
"Right!" Octavius shouted, doing just as he had been instructed.
"I'll go make sure Alice is ready!" Cassalina cried, looking as though she were going to be sick. She apparated out of the dungeon with a soft pop.
"Merlin, Maxwell! You get into the worst situations, don't you?" he mumbled, though his tone held no ire. "I'll take the back, you take the front."
--
"Alice, get ready!" Cassalina cried, once she arrived in the drawing room. "Veronica and Octavius are bringing Maxwell. It's bad." With her job done, she sat off in a near by corner, and proceeded to bawl her eyes out. How could Maxwell take on these tasks like this? Why did he have to sacrifice so much?
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 12:48:51 GMT -5
"Got it," said Veronica, as she grabbed the front handles of the stretcher. "Move!"
With that, she began pushing the stretcher quickly.
Alice nodded, tuning out Cassalina. She grabbed all the potions and bandages necessary to be in arms reach. Her entire face paled when Cassalina began to sob.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 12:50:14 GMT -5
"Got it," said Veronica, as she grabbed the front handles of the stretcher. "Move!"
With that, she began pushing the stretcher quickly.
Alice nodded, tuning out Cassalina. She grabbed all the potions and bandages necessary to be in arms reach. Her entire face paled when Cassalina began to sob.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 12:54:45 GMT -5
They hurried up the stairs, though not too fast - they didn't want to hurt Maxwell further. Octavius sighed. You're a real idiot. he thought grimly, as they moved. You really shouldn't be doing these things.
---
Cassalina calmed herself after a few moments. "Sorry about that," she apologized to Alice. "I didn't mean to lose myself like that." She stood up and sat down in one of the chairs.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 13:08:51 GMT -5
As they neared the doors, Veronica halted. She looked at Maxwell's pale face, and her heart stopped. She looked to Octavius and nodded.
"I'll get the doors,' she said, drawing her wand and casting an Alohomora.
Alice moved to Cassalina, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, though she felt unsteady herself.
"I-It's fine," she said shakily, just as the door flew open.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 13:12:21 GMT -5
"Merlin!" Cassalina cried, losing her composure again. He looked so much worse in the light! She felt as though she were going to be sick. His entire body was burned and disfigured. How could he ever recover from this?
"He'll be alright, Cassalina." Octavius said, his expression miserable, as they carried Maxwell to the bed. "He always pulls through."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 13:22:10 GMT -5
Alice watched Veronica move to grab Cassalina's hand, and then she faced Maxwell. Her face was frozen in horror. How could this happen. He was covered in second and third degree burns. Blood was pouring from his body. He was barely alive! She froze for a minute, before recovering her senses.
"Blood replenishers," she said aloud, grabbing a handful of them and moving to Maxwell. "Bandages."
She moved to grab them, mentally cursing her idiocy. She should have moved them closer. Immediately she began pumping the blood replenishers into his skin via a needle. Once two were pumped, she moved to bandaging him. She moved with the speed of a woman posessed. All her mind was concerned with was his recovery.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 13:27:31 GMT -5
Octavius watched, not sure weather to be amazed at the sudden change in Alice's demeanor, or disturbed by how distraught his sister was. He took a deep, shuddering breath, wishing like hell he had been the one injured instead. That bloody, self-sacrificing git! He was going to get himself killed for his own damn cause!
---
Cassalina squeezed Veronica's hand for all it was worth, feeling the weight of the silver locket around her neck. Things had to get better soon. They just had to! "Thank you." she whispered, to both Alice and Veronica. Alice, for working to save Maxwell, and Veronica, for being strong for her. Hopefully, Marigold would be able to uphold her end of the bargain.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 7, 2012 13:35:43 GMT -5
Alice barely heard Cassalina's thanks. She'd moved to grab the cold paste. It would cool the burns while soothing the blisters. She'd have to regenerate the dead skin from the third degree burns. She began soorhingly rubbing the paste onto the burned body, her lower lip trembling at the sight. She felt a tear slip down her cheek. Why did he have to be the hero? Why did he have to suffer?
"The regeneration potion, it's in my bag," she said aloud, knowing someone would get it.
Veronica watched Miss Virgin with new found respect. The girl moved quickly, and she had a talent at what she was doing. She heard Cassalina's thanks, and hugged the woman, pressing her lips to Cassalina's forehead for comfort.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 7, 2012 13:40:49 GMT -5
Octavius rushed to get it for her at once, handing it to her without a word. He watched, with a morbid sickness, as Alice did her job.
---
Cassalina clung to Veronica, her legs nearly failing her. Hopefully, the next ritual wouldn't be this bad.
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