Stardustblade358

- Arthur & Helios - /w Eclaire - Trial 2: Snake Room -

The doors opened, and the Helios smiled at Aura reassuringly. "I will be fine. I must live with the consequences of the choices that I make. But I assure you...I will be alright." He spoke. He hurried over and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you on the other side. I promise." He assured before returning to Arthur and Eclair. The three proceeded to enter, and just as they did, the floor below gave in. Arthur fell with a scream, landing on the floor with a thud. He groaned, but there was no time for hesitation. The feeling of scales were all around him, and one began to wrap around his neck. He could hear Eclaire, Arthur gasping as he grabbed a hold of the snake, trying to pull it off. "I can't see anything!" Arthur screamed, narrowing his eyes. He reached down for his sword. "Hold on. I'll provide us with light!" He spoke. He closed his eyes concentrating as lightning began to surround him. Sparks flew across his body, surrounding him like a shield as he provided a gentle, blue glow, light within the darkness. The snake around his neck would've been electrocuted to death, and the ones that surrounded him would've scattered towards the dark, away from the danger as Arthur maintained the electricity around him. "Wait, where is Helios?" Arthur asked, looking around in the dark. He spotted him further off in the dark. Helios remained calm as there were snakes going up his legs, one wrapping around his neck and slithering onto his arm as he held it close. He tilted his head, watching the snakes carefully. He wouldn't provoke them. He knew for a fact that snakes could not eat what they could not fit within their bodies. But there was still that fear of their venom...he was just a bit more calm due to his powers. He began to speak. "Our apologies for disturbing your nest." He began, carefully walking around the room, wary of his pace so he wouldn't step on any of the snakes. There had to be an exit. "Do you know a way out for us?"

Oh man if this is the first trial just wait till the second room where we have to coordinate the speed of a car heading towards the sun

I've seen way too many riddles where it's all the play of the word and it has you rethink. So I'll stick with my answer lol

- Arthur & Helios - /w Isopolis Infiltration Team - Isopolis Shrine -

Arthur and Helios entered into the room cautiously, looking around for any traps or enemies. The green flames only make it look and feel more eerie than without then. Helios remained in his Basilisk form, sniffing the room before transforming back into his human form. Arthur tilted his head. Three doors. Three names. A story to match and guide them. They would have to choose one, and that would decide their fate. What lay on the other side of the doors...well, that was for them to find out. Arthur began to read over the passage, staring at it. "One of them is right...but which one is it?" Arthur murmured, narrowing his eyes. "We don't even know who this Kronos is." Arthur rubbed the back of his head. "Is it a Fey history thing?" He asked, looking around. Helios tilted his head. "There is no scent to follow, either." He added, looking up at the riddle. He hummed, crossing his arms. "It's one." Helios spoke. He looked at the group. "The question asks us how many Rembrandts does Kronos possess. Not how many paintings of it. Therefore, the answer would be Gaspar, to which according to him, there is only one." Helios explained. Arthur nodded. "Yeah...I can see how that can work. It would be a play on words! Forcing the reader to reread and look back on what they had previously read!" Arthur explained. Helios hummed, turning his attention to Gaspar's door. "My answer is Gaspar."

On my character's defense, they waited for someone to do the dirty work before heading straight to the gate-

- Arthur & Helios - /w Isopolis Infiltration Team - Isopolis Shrine -

They were here, and they were ready. Even if they weren't, there was no turning back. The tension was high, and so were the risks. Even Henry was back, to which Helios was quick to hurry over and hug tightly. The cool night air pricked against their skin as they eyed at the guards at the entrance. Grand, armed, dangerous. They could spill some blood or cause a distraction long enough for the guards to walk away from the gates and let them inside...until Dawson does the distraction dance. Helios almost loses it. He has to slap his hands over his mouth, almost bending over as he muffled laughed into his hands. He would've turned into a rat, seeing that their laughter are in frequencies that the normal ear cannot hear, but he wasn't sure if these soldiers were normal. Besides, they had to keep themselves ready in case he had to transform into something bigger once they get inside. Arthur was just the same, holding onto Alastor to keep himself from bending over. He didn't let out any laughter, instead swallowing it up. Yet the red on his cheeks was more than enough to show that he had been holding back. "Holy crap..." He hiccuped, smiling wildly. However, the distraction seemed to be enough, because along with Typhon, Henry and Rabiyu, the two guards were knocked down and over. However there was the risk that there would be more inside. Arthur wiped his tears away and looked up at Alastor. "No point in hesitating." Arthur said, rushing out of the hiding spot and straight to the gates. He was quick on his feet as ever, jumping before disappearing into lightning and reappearing right in front of the pair of gates. "Let me help secure if there's something inside." Helios spoke, hurrying out of his hiding place. He rushed to Henry's side and smoke covered him. Soon enough he rose into a new shape. There were different types of basilisk, and this one was a Glass Basilisk, standing tall and growling at the door, ready to attack anything that might be on the other side of the door. Arthur backed away as Helios stood on his two back legs, pressing both his front paws against the gates and trying to push them open.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one imagining how this series would have for an anime opening or how it would look as a manga. To many years of RPing to go, and may we further creating stories.

Helios justifies it by the smell; its different than before. Arthur however is non the wiser because the child is too trusting of this man

- Helios & Arthur - In Raiden's Study - /w everyone else who is at Raiden's study -

Helios turned to welcome Aura. He approached her quickly leaning in and whispering in her ear. "Lord Raiden left, and returned...differently. He claims to have been attacked, yet he seems to be much too calm about it...something's not right with him. Soren senses that too." He whispered, eyeing at Lord Raiden. "Keep your distance from him...something's off." He repeated, straightening his back as he glanced back at Raiden. However, it was what tey announced about the king and the princess that caught his attention. "What?" He asked, gasping in surprise. "I thought...Djinns could not bring people back from the dead?" He asked, looking over at Rabiyu. Then they learned that she was never actually dead, instead at the hands of the Kilkis Seres regent before they wished for her to be here. Arthur could be heard gasping, his eyes wide as his body seemed to shake. "Athena is alive?" He asked, whispering a bit. He moved past Lord Raiden, and straight to Rabiyu. "She's alive? And she's here? In Mystras?!" He asked, sounding almost desperate, as if he were trying to confirm that this was more than just a dream. "You saved Athena." He whispered, stepping closer as he reached out, grabbing a hold of Rabiyu's hands. "Can I see her? Where is she?" He asked, his knees shaking as he bowed his head. "Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" He said, his voice a bit shaky, but still standing. "Thank you for wishing for our princess, Rabiyu! I wish for a thousand blessings on you!"

- Helios & Arthur - In Raiden's Study - /w everyone else who is at Raiden's study -

Arthur gasped. Hold on-did he just say attacked?! "You were attacked?!" He asked, obviously concerned as he stepped closer to the monarch. He listened that he was alright, but even then, an attack was nothing to just brush off. "You are truly amazing, lord Raiden, but are you sure you're alright? Shouldn't we call for a doctor or a healer? Or send someone to find them?" Arthur asked. He looked up to Raiden ever since he had arrived. The lord had been kind to him and his people and humanity as a whole, going as far as to go to war for their sake. A father figure of sorts, as he saw in sir Alastor and king Alderon. But...even he knew that something was wrong in this picture. Helios stepped up. "Attacked? By who?" He asked, taking the chance to step closer to the lord. Yup. His scent was muddied. It was Raiden...but there was a whole new smell added to it. His pupils seemed to turn into slits for a mere moment before he blinked them back to normal. He wouldn't attack. He couldn't. Instead he took a step back to Soren's side, his eyes remaining on Raiden.

Oh would Arthur meet Athena before departure, or would it be a 'you arrived too late he's already gone' and now Arthur has left not knowing that she's alive and well

Arthur steps on his cape and faceplants the floor multiple times.

Helios keeps walking into stuff.

I kind of want to draw this.

- Helios & Arthur - In Raiden's Study - /w everyone else who is at Raiden's study -

"We will fight with our lives if we have to, Soren." Arthur spoke, stepping into the room with Helios following behind. The two were ready for departure whenever the rest were ready as well. Arthur's eyes were a tad bit red from crying just a few moments ago, but his tears were long dried up. "The one thing that worries me about it all is that it doesn't seem to just be a source of power...it's just a weapon." Helios added, his icy blue eyes glancing up at Soren. "It seems like the type of weapon that doesn't chooses his wielder. That is the most concerning part. It is a race of whoever gets to it first." Helios paused, smiling a bit. "But we have come this far. To give our lives in the chance of keeping this from falling into the wrong hands and return life to the world below, it is the least we can do, right?" He asked, even though that statement alone made his throat ache. Arthur nodded, looking up at Soren. "We can't back down now. We will find a way through Isopolis...A few lives for the sake of saving so many more is an exchange worth making." Arthur spoke, smiling at Helios. The Fey crossed his arms, frowning at the thought of the regent. "I have heard from Yevgeni before. So many times but it never really clicked. Just another man of a noble family with relations to the royal family and its politics." He hummed. Of course all he heard were from rumors and whatever Ariana managed to tell them. He looked up at Jynn, smiling. "We will see you in your rightful throne, Jynn." He spoke, chuckling a bit. "You look much older, you know." He added. "You've grown taller, as well." He paused, his eyes softening. "You make us proud, my king." Arthur smiled, crossing his arms as he laid back against the wall behind him. He glanced at Soren. "Do you think us humans even stand a chance at Isopolis, Soren? Will we even be allowed?"

- Helios - Mystras - /w everyone in Raiden's office - Raiden's Meeting -

Helios hurried off from the room to prepare, slipping among the shadows and out of the estate. He reached for the healers and alchemists among the camps, refilling his satchels with glasses of magical incense and enhancers. The glowing blue liquids held in glass containers for any moment's use, easy to open and easy to break. One was never to drink too many of these. They were just as dangerous as they were useful. If one were to drink too many...their bodies could be overwhelmed, before slowly shutting down. But one could never know. When he had refilled with what he needed, he made his way into the familiar forests around Mystras. The creatures of the wilds could feel the disturbance. The missing world below, all of the life snuffed out, the balance rocked off its foundation. He walked up, searching for the tree that he and Aura had gotten fruits from. Once he found it, the flowers still in bloom, he began to pick up some fruits for the journey. Halfway through he slowly came to a pause, his hand moving to press against the wood. His hand slowly formed into a fist, his nails scratching the surface ever so softly. The journey was dangerous...and they might not even come back out alive. It was a gamble, and a risk...that had to be taken. It was kind of funny, to think about it. He had been facing death since day one, and not once had he ever been afraid to lose his life...until recently. "(Aura.)" Was his first thought. He had once again gained something so dear...what if he lost it again? His eyes narrowed, taking a deep breath before looking back at the tree. He pulled his hand back, moving his finger to his mouth. He bit down on his skin, his sharp canines cutting right through until blood began to flow. He moved his finger back, drawing something on the wood with his blood. The runes themselves weren't understandable, a language of old, optional to learn in studies. "A promise." He hummed, lowering his hand as he finished. He smiled, watching his work as the small creatures around him gathered to see as well. Helios looked back, smiling. "Pretty good, huh?" He asked, a smirk on his lips as he sighed. He looked back up at the tree before beginning to make his way back to Raiden's meeting room. "Ready or not...here we come."

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel & Everyth - Helping the refugees -

Arthur nodded, bowing towards his king before turning to leave and prepare. However he was stopped once Alderon placed a firm hand on his shoulder, bringing his attention back to him. "Sir?" Arthur asked, looking back. He listened to the king, his heart racing ever faster as his eyes widened slightly. "Sir?!" He asked again, though this time his voice was merely more than a whisper. He stared at his king, before slowly smiling, nodding proudly towards him. "I would be honored, your majesty." He spoke, before bowing again. "Now, if you excuse me, I must get ready as soon as possible!" He spoke, slowly backing away as he ran off to get prepared. He first did something trivial, but essential, as he took a quick bath. He cleaned his wounds and scars, insistent on making himself feel as comfortable before leaving for the journey. Afterwards he dried up, getting dressed in his armor once more. Once he was done with that, he opened up his journal, flipping through the pages. He had written multiple entries, from the moment he first arrived, all the way to his woes of the world below. He spun the quill between his fingers before beginning to write a few more entries.

To mom

To Athena

Arthur wiped some tears away, allowing the ink to dry before ripping Athena's letter out of his journal. He folded it neatly before placing it in the envelope containing the flowers and her own letter. He figured that if he died, and could at least get his stuff out of his body, they would find the letter. He closed the journal, putting it away as he took a deep breath. "Now or never." He whispered, standing on his feet before walking off back to Raiden's office.

I personally think that we have two branches. Humans with their technological advancement. And the fae who are advanced in the arcane ways. Humans could reach our level of technology in centuries, but the fae will have the arcane to do their daily stuff. Perhaps mixing both arcane and rechnology when the time comes. If they are still around.

And from this Automatons are born

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel, Everyth & King Alderon - Helping the refugees -

Arthur perked his head up at the sight of the king. He quickly settled the basket to the side, taking a step forward to greet him. Yet, the king was not in any mood for greetings or reports. The weariness in his eyes surging an ache in Arthur's chest. Before he could speak up, maybe offer condolences, however, the king spoke first. He explained of the situation, and the possibility of bringing home back to them. Arthur's jaw dropped, his eyes wide as he took a step forward. They could bring them back? All of them? Their families, their people, their world-it was possible?! "(Athena.)" He thought, moving his hands to his chest. He was quick to make his decision, no second thought or consideration required. He straightened his back, placing a fist across his chest as he faced his king. "Count me in as well, your majesty." He spoke, determination in his eyes as he smiled a bit. "I serve my king and my kingdom, and I have long decided that I would follow you since the moment I was knighted into your service. Right now is no different." He paused, pursing his lips before continuing. "Consider my life to your service as it has always been. If we can save home...then I'll lay my life down as well, my king."

 - Helios - Mystras - /w everyone in Raiden's office - Raiden's Meeting -

Helios glanced as Aura and Rabiyu excused themselves, smiling a bit before his attention returning to the meeting. Specifically, Soren's explanation. It made his blood run cold. It wasn't a sentient being, nor something with a conscious that could either accept or deny its user. It was a weapon. Nothing more, nothing less. A weapon that could fall into the wrong hands and be used to it's fullest potential without any safe key or plan b were things to go horribly wrong. It was a one way ticket...and he couldn't even phantom the possibility of Yevgeni or Midnea gaining access to this. "It must be a Fey do to its origins, correct?" He asked, his eyes glancing around the room. "Then...I can say it's obvious which two candidates are in line to possess it should they succeed the upcoming trials." Helios spoke, glancing up at the leaders. "Lord Raiden, and his majesty, King Jynn. Both sovereigns of their own right. I may be getting ahead of myself, as we will enter Isopolis blind to the trials that we will be facing but...I believe it's the right choice for one of them to take upon the burden of this weapon...unless they believe otherwise." Helios spoke, his tone low as he kept his head bowed his eyes staring down at the map. To have sneaked into Isopolis all of those years ago was merely scratching the dusty surface of the significance of such ruins...it was now or never. "I support either candidate, or whoever they deem responsible enough to wield it. Though there is always that question of what shall happen the user once they ascend, isn't there?" He asked, a small frown on his lips. No power simply came to one freely. Something had to be exchanged in return. Even after passing sch trials, he couldn't help but to have that one small thought in the back of his head, constantly asking what if. He glanced up at the group again. "Regardless I am ready to provide my assistance the moment you call for it. I am behind you, Lord Raiden, King Jynn...and King Alderon." Helios spoke, this time with his head high, a spark in his eyes that screamed of determination. For the irony was still there, the fact that it would end in the one place where it all began; Isopolis.

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel & Everyth - Helping the refugees -

Arthur listened, looking back down at the fruits. "Sorrow can't be helped. It's normal to feel it. Without it we wouldn't be able to empathize nor feel other emotions. It's with sorrow that we realize that we love someone so much that we mourn them. It's with love that we realize how happy something makes us...however instead of drowning, fighting against it...let's go with its current and use it to our advantage." He sighed, forcing a smile. "Mistakes happen. We have a saying, to er is human. But I believe that can be applied to Feyhood as well...no one is perfect. But in our imperfections we strive forward." Arthur spoke, bowing his head towards Mariel. "So, I thank you for trying, milady. For caring for the lives of us humans as well." He said, gazing at Mariel with tired, but kind eyes. The pain was still there. It wasn't ever going to leave him...but he would live with in rather than allow it to drag him down.

"I wish for the Source of All Life to appear in my hands right now."

Boom. Done. Cue credits.

jkjk

ehh Im fine with any, whatever you guys wish to do.

If Arthur finds out about Visco and the plan he will drop everything and steal a pegasus if he has to in order to help (Or in his case travel through lightning)

I volunteer Alderon to face the 'souls' of the subjects he submitted to the experiments for the sake of advancement and having the hard choice of "If you had a chance, would you have done it differently?" and how far is he willing to go again and BAM dead *heavy breathing*...but ya know anything's fine. For Helios, if he goes, I think it's more of a psychological, morality issue of will he be willing to change all he knew for the sake of the better good even if it meant breaking his rule of never killing anyone. Arthur, if he goes, would be his divide between his Fey blood and Human blood, and forced to choose between the power to protect as a Fey or the pride of being human despite being just that; human. Ooooor prove how far he would go for his loyalty yeet yeet yeet

 - Helios - Mystras - /w everyone in Raiden's office - Raiden's Meeting -

Helios knew that his words would mean nothing, yet he tried still. Would he ever forgive Alderon? No. Did he still hated the man? Partially, but not as much as before. He sympathized the fact of his loss. He quite literally lost everything. No amount of consolation could fix it. But no harm in trying. He looked up, recognizing Soren's voice. Last time he saw him they had tried to kill each other in the battlefield before Soren screamed at him rather...constructive words. Those words still stuck to him. Helios nodded at Soren. "You...I'm glad to see you as well...you really knocked some sense into me back there." Helios hummed, his voice calm as she smiled softly at Soren. He backed away from Alderon, returning to Aura's side as he listened to Soren. The name of Yevgeni rang familiar, but not enough. He knew of the man...a noble, rather powerful politically wise...but nothing more than that. "(He was behind it?)" A crazy move to force himself onto the throne? Maybe. Most likely. After all, Jynn was here still. Helios remained quiet, listening Soren scold Alderon and insist on a solution through unity, which was the most profitable option available...to recover- "The Source of All Life?" Helios whispered, his eyes widening. He had never heard of anything like that. Not in books nor stories nor libraries...and it was hidden within the ruins this whole time? It sounded...powerful. Dangerously powerful. More than anything else that they had encountered before. Helios peeked at the map, watching the reactions ever so carefully. Even Raiden didn't know of it's existence, it seemed. It could do amazing feats, fix everything, even- "Bring the human world back?" He asked under his breath, his heart racing at the thought. He looked at Aura to confirm that he wasn't the only one hearing this, looking back in awe. Once Raiden asked if everyone agreed, Helios carefully stepped up. "I wish to offer my powers and abilities to you for this endeavor...if you wish for them." Helios offered, bowing his head. "My lord." He added. He stood before many power figures, and was careful not to sound too intruding. Maybe he should step back? If asked so, he would. Alderon's question did cause concern, however. "That is a concern indeed." Helios whispered, perking his head up. "Unless this instrument has a power comparable to that of a god..." Helios's eyes narrowed. "(It could end up making things worse.)" He thought, considerably worried. Because there was no power to be gained without a cost.

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel & Everyth - Helping the refugees -

Arthur looked at Mariel, quickly wiping away his tears. "No worries! We're just talking, no need to apologize." Arthur insisted, trying to keep his cheeks dry, even as Everyth's words only caused even more tears to escape his eyes. He pursed his lips, looking down at the basket. "Maybe by having a chat with him while his elite knights stand around us?" Arthur muttered, a smile on his lips at the thought. He had great respect for his king. He had done everything that a human could do for the sake of his kingdom, no matter the cost...and even now, he would follow him to the end. "Yeah...Sir Alastor keeps smacking me back into composure, so I guess it's not all bad after a bit." He chuckled, holding the basket closer. What would be the next step? What now? Was it still a war, or was it now a standstill? "Where is the king? Is he alright?" He asked, frowning. "I...I know he must be mourning, as we all are, and must be busy with lord Raiden too..." He hummed. He wouldn't want to interrupt such meetings, as the refugees and Fey surely required more assistance than him...but mourning alone didn't sound good, either.

Also, when everyone gets to Isopolis I'm going to try to do something a little different, in that there will be a series of trials and challenges that the players will have to undergo in order to reach the Source of All Life housed within.  The end is nigh; I really cannot believe it.

Makes me think of the gauntlet from Dragon Age: Origins, from the Test of Faith mission. This shall be funnn

 - Helios - Mystras - /w Aura & Bherna - Raiden's Meeting -

The three hurried to Raiden's study and the current meeting between the rulers and officials of Mystras. With Bherna they were allowed inside the villa with ease, and to find the study...all they had to do was to follow the yelling. Helios heard the familiar voice of the human king, exclaiming his woes to the Fey. Helios couldn't help but to feel an ache in his heart as he listened, understanding the pain that he felt. Helios frowned, stepping into the room as he pushed himself past the guards. He went directly to Alderon, his hands reaching as he placed his hand on the king's back. "...King Alderon." Helios spoke, glancing around at the other leaders for a moment before sighing, his attention back to the king. "You must remain strong. You are the first defense of humanity, the one human with the knowledge and security to provide for the refugees. Not even their king is as knowledgeable as you are at this moment." He spoke, his eyes narrowing. "These refugees, and I'm sure even their king are looking up to you for answers and reassurance. Not just them, but your soldiers." Helios insisted, taking a deep breath. "It hurts. I know it does...but your people still remain. Your soldiers still wear your flag. Will you allow them to fall with you?" Helios asked, not afraid as he stood tall. He sighed a bit, his eyes turning to Lord Raiden and Jynn, giving a small bow. "My apologies...I didn't mean to intrude...I came to ask if my shapeshifting abilities would be in the need of assistance of any kind but..." He frowned, looking back at Alderon. "...we're all losing, aren't we?"

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel & Everyth - Helping the refugees -

Arthur blinked, turning away to see where he had pointed. "Where?" He asked, but as he looked, he saw nothing. He turned to look back at where the Fey was...and he was gone. Arthur hummed, tilting his head. That was weird. He shrugged, moving his way back and around, offering food. He saw a young woman (Mariel) staring at him, so he figured she must be hungry. He smiled, walking over. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked, offering the basket of fruit. "Are you hungry, or thirsty? Here, take your fill. If you're feeling sick, I can request for a healer too." He asked, smiling at her. His attention was then taken back by a somewhat familiar voice. He turned, seeing Everyth. "Lady Everyth." He spoke, turning to her though he made sure to keep the basket of fruits close to the young woman for her to take what she liked. He chuckled. "Strange things indeed...but beautiful just the same, aren't they?" He asked. He seemed to internally flinch when she mentioned that this place was home for good, and he could already feel warm tears escaping his eyes as he took a deep breath. "I loved her." He whispered, a soft smile on his lips. "She charmed me, like she used a spell on me." He chuckled. "I first met her in the garden, and I was so taken aback by her that I walked straight into the fountain. When I heard her laugh I knew what love at first sight really was." He spoke, his tone soft though it was obvious he struggled to not break down. She looked up at Everyth, smiling even as tears streamed down his face. "Sir Alastor made a good point. Mourning will do nothing. I'm sure...she wouldn't want me to drown myself in sorrows either." He said, quickly wiping away his tears. "I...I haven't even spoken to King Alderon..." He whispered, frowning as he looked up at Everyth. "Ah, sorry mam...are you hungry too? I really don't know how much resources we can spare, but the Fey have been very kind in providing all of the aid possible." He spoke, smiling as he looked around.

"Hello," Yevgeni said calmly, closing the door behind them. "I do not believe we have yet met, Princess Visco."