In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Description: Another danger has risen at sea! The Captains of your previously chosen ship has asked you for aid in dealing with giant squids that keep sinking Clover ships on trade routes to Rague! No-one had return alive from the western trade route yet, please take care of the problem before it grows and becomes more dangerous, literally.
Minimum Number of Players: 1
Minimum Word Count: 2500 per person
Location: Rague
NPC Information: N/A
Enemies: Baby Krakens x 6 per person
Giant squids that live under water and woke up very hungry! They tend to wrap their tentacles around the ships and drag people overboard and into their giant fang-filled mouths. Their tentacles move at 15 m/s and have junior health. The actual kraken babies have intermediate health, but all damage dealt to them while their bodies are underwater is halved. They do take double damage from the lightning element and deal intermediate if they slap someone with their heavy tentacles.
Special Conditions: You will be taking this mission with either Verona de la Rouge or Smack Caballero and their ships, interact with them! [You’re stuck with whichever one you chose in the first two missions]. Keep their crews safe from the tentacley Krakens! In this mission, your attention will be split between all of the members of the crew you’ve grown close with as you keep them all safe while trying to kill the krakens.
Finishing up this mission chain grants the citizen the NA"Child of the Sea!"
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Aboard The Red Solaria, the members of Verona's crew were busy once again. Members were either talking among themselves, handling some ship work, or a combination of both. Some of them still had bandages and such on from the previous scuffle with those enemy pirates.
Speaking of...
Said pirates were all tied together on one side of the ship along with their captain, Wyd himself. The restraints being used was also draining their mana, so any possibilities of a sneak attack were out the window. There were some pirates over there acting as guards while some others taunted and made fun of the prisoners, throwing various trashes at them as well.
The ship was on its way back to Raque so that Verona could cash in on her captives...but she instructed her quartermaster to take a different route back without informing the rest of her crew, and the two mages that came along for the ride.
"Uh Cap'n I don't mean ta question or doubt ya but...are ya sure about this? The west trading route isn't exactly saf-" Verona immediately held a hand up to her quartermaster, causing him to stop talking. "Aye, all ya ever do is worry, huh?" Verona gave the man a small smile before looking forward out at sea. "I've been meanin ta head this way for a while...but never thought we had the manpower ta do the job. That is until..." She then gestured over to where Hans, and Suna were. "Yes they are fierce...even for landlubbers. But dontcha think ye should've...told them?" Verona simply laughed at that question, confusing her quartermaster. "The lad and codfish will be just fine...Trust me."
Although the rest of the crew remained unaware, Joe who sat at one corner of the ship already had his suspicions. He watched his captain and quartermaster but was too far to hear them. He knew that the boat wasn't taking the regular route to get back, making him more curious. He then shifted his attention to Hans who was walking over to wherever Suna was. Joe was unusually quiet, and not boasting around or giving the dark mage a hard time...but his mind was still hard at work.
"Hey." Hans gently called out to his partner as he approached her. He gave Suna a light smile before looking out to sea once more, nearly mirroring how they were on the first part of this journey. "You've been getting better at close combat." He claimed, referring to the previous battle. He then looked over to the captured pirates and smirked. "They didn't stand a chance." Suna really has been growing since the two first met. He wondered how much of this was due to that glass mage...or if this was all her?
After that, Hans didn't really have much else to say...not being great with small talks and all. Instead, he tried to subtly scoot himself closer to the sound mage until their shoulders were touching. He wouldn't comment on it and instead remain quiet, trying to play it off as nothing happened...but he still had a calm look on him, as calm as the waves he's looking out at...
...But every calm has its storm...
Getting closer to the "forbidden" route, the other pirates, including the enemy ones that were captured would begin to notice and start muttering among themselves, a sense of concern on a lot of their faces.
POW
58
DUR
82
SEN
22
STA
25
CON
52
HEALTH senior
SKIN grand
MANA POOL 110/110
MANA REGEN 30 IC / 30 OOC
ITEMS Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES Blah blah blah BATTLE *pew pew pew* SPELLS Show us your stuff
Suna swept her gaze across the pirate ship. It had been somewhat surprising to learn that some of Verona’s crew also had restraint magic, and they were now keeping all those enemy pirates down with their magical ties, in addition to their physical ones. Even Killian Wyd looked worn and almost lifeless as the bonds continuously sapped away his mana, effectively cutting him off from using any of his water reinforcement magic. His leering ghost of a smirk was still there, however, as if his devious mind was working out another plan to somehow wiggle out of this situation. But for now, the enemy captain seemed under control, and surprisingly quiet.
The young woman had to purse her lips at the actions of Verona’s crew, however. Some of the rowdier and more egoistic ones were hurling taunts and pieces of trash at the prisoners, and it irked her. However, this was not her place to say anything, and she supposed this was the way of pirates. Only the strong survived, and the losers were completely at the mercy and will of the winners. She would have handled things differently, but these seafarers grew up under these circumstances and worked under a different system, so it made sense that they would be so smug. She only wished that some of them would be more gracious winners, but that wish would go ungranted.
Suna turned her head away, forcing her eyes elsewhere. They landed on a much more pleasant sight, on the dark mage walking over and sitting down next to her. Immediately her eyes lit up. "Hey you." Her smile mirrored the one in Hans’ face. "Well, I’ve kind of been forced to fight better," she pointed out, in response to her close combat fighting. "My mentor is...well, you know how she is." She gave a little shrug, but her smile was still there. "If I didn’t get better quickly, she would have sliced me in half and into little pieces, beyond even her healing abilities."
Of course, that was stretching the truth a tiny little bit, but no one could doubt the skill and power the Crimson Lion vice captain had. It had also helped that she had some sword fighting practice with a Black Bulls friend of hers...though the majority of the time was healing up the scratches and wounds they have inflicted on each other.
"You’ve improved, too." She gave a playful little shove at the mercenary’s arm. "I don’t remember you having that cool raven spell the last time we fought together." Granted, there were many things that had happened recently, but fighting as a duo had not been one of them. Which was probably for the better.
"Did the captain say anything about what they’re going to do with these prisoners after we get back to Raque?" Suna had heard muttered snatches of conversation among the crew, but she did not know if the red-haired leader had actually decided to turn these enemy pirates in for a bountiful reward...but she would not put it past her if she did. Verona seemed to be a lot like the mercenary, always thinking about how to get more gold or yul. It was not like she could fault them either way, though.
Little did she know that they were not going directly back to the fishing port town, nor did she catch the conversation between Verona and the quartermaster...but that was because she was too engrossed at how close Hans was scooting next to her. Very close. She only looked at him, wide-eyed and dubious. Not a very subtle move, at least to her. Apparently, behind the silent and stoic front, the man also had such an endearing and soft side to him as well—not that she was complaining.
With a soft sigh, Suna relaxed and leaned her head against his shoulder...only to bury her face into his arm when some of the men around them started wolf whistling and hooting. Men. If she was not so embarrassed, she would have rolled her eyes at them, but she had not reached that point of being comfortable enough with the tough sea crew just yet. But thankfully, their attention was soon diverted by the sound of rushing wind...and the sudden chill in the air. Except for the one-eyed captain, everyone on the Red Solaria looked concerned, if not a little unnerved.
"What’s going on?" The elf asked, but her question would be lost in the wave of mutterings...and the sudden flash of lightning. Everyone was peering anxiously out at the water, which was starting to get rough and choppy again. Another storm? It seemed like it, with the way the clouds are gathering and the skies were darkening. Somewhere, there was a distant rumbling. But unlike the previous natural disturbance, this one felt more...alive?
"All hands hoy!" Verona’s voice rang out clearly throughout the ship. "Batten down the hatches! We’s ‘bout to git some visitors!"
And just like that, something went SPLAT! and the whole ship rocked and shuddered violently. Shouts and yells all around. The crew had jumped into action, scurrying around like ants whose nest has been disturbed.
At the first sudden movement, Suna had clutched onto Hans’ arm to keep herself from falling over. "Ah! What was that?" She yelped, just as something long and rubbery-looking came rising out of the water. Then another. And another. "A-Are those..." She did not finish her sentence, as one of those arms slapped itself onto the side of the craft and curled its tentacles around the railing. It pulled itself up, and a sense of dread fell over the crew.
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
Hans sat there and quietly listened to the elf speak. He didn't seem all surprised about Suna's comments regarding her training, and how...harsh Lydia could be. Given the vice captain's reputation, a part of Hans was honestly expecting the sound mage to give up with training under that woman..but she continues to push herself, and all of that harsh training she's been enduring was starting to show. Now he was feeling a little guilty about having these little doubts, but could he really be blamed? Part of it was also because he's concerned that the glass mage might go a little too far.
Also, he may have a...silly little fear of Suna just....turning into a second Lydia one day, and that would probably not be pleasant for the dark mage...
"Oh? Does one of her training routines involve having to clean up her office?" Hans said, adding on to Suna's little exaggeration with a smirk, an inside joke between the both of them. "I doubt most of her previous students were able to survive as long as you have then." he continued. But honestly, Hans was still glad that the sound mage has someone like that vice-captain helping her to get strong.
She then exchanged a comment of her own to Hans, talking about that raven spell of his. "Hmm? I'm pretty sure I used that spell before...against those sirens." Hans placed a hand under his chin, and raised an eyebrow teasingly at Suna. She could've just missed them since throughout parts of that underwater fight, the mage couple were separated. "But I still do have some..."cool" spells that I know you haven't seen." Hans added, sounding a bit proud, with a hint of embarrassment, especially at having called his spells cool. "You'll have to show me some of yours though." Once again he smiled lightly at the elf.
Suna was now inquiring about those captured pirates, and Hans looked over to them. "She'll turn them in for yul...or throw them overboard....Most likely the former." Hans said before looking back at Suna, his tone indicating that he isn't at all shocked with either option. Honestly, Hans has no idea what Verona would do. Even with Suna's suggestion, the piratess still might have other plans. He was just making guesses that sound plausible, like things he'd most likely do. Though if sending them overboard would get him more yul...Hans would not hesitate...or at least the old Hans wouldn't. "I just hope she shares some of it with us..."
With their little conversation over, Hans and Suna sweetly brushed up against each other, the elf's head resting gently on Hans' shoulder as he placed an arm around her. Talking was fine, but Hans also loves these little moments of silence. Just the two of them sitting alone and watching the seemingly endless sea.
That is until the wolf-whistling started.
Hans' calm demeanor was now gone, replaced by a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment as he lowered his head slightly to look at the elf. Seems like Suna was having it worse since she buried her face into the man's arm. Hans glanced back at the few pirates who decided to taunt the couple, and an aura of darkness was now slowly surrounding him...enough to steer those bothersome pirates away. Unlike when he first got aboard this ship, Hans was able to intimidate the pirates this time, probably because of the strength he displayed during the battle against those enemy pirates. They knew now that the merc wasn't just some broody face.
But that didn't appear to be the only reason those pirates decided to walk off...
Looking around, Hans was starting to pick up on the concerned behaviors of the other pirates. The wind had also started to pick up followed by a chill in the air. Another storm perhaps? No....This was something else.
"Don't know..." Hans answered, but still had his attention on his surroundings. Then a rumble...an unnatural beastly one could be heard. Verona then got everyone's attention, pretty much telling everyone to prepare themselves! The pirates although still showing hints of concern still listened to their captain's orders. A lot of them appeared to be preparing themselves for a fight, getting their grimoires and weapons ready while others went to the cannons.
A loud THUD was then heard, and whatever it was, it roughly shook the ship, causing Hans to place a hand over Suna's own as she grabbed onto him.
More pirates...No. It was far worse.
Hans turned his head, and with raised brows, his eye laid upon not one, but eight tentacles coming from the water, one of them landing back onto the ship! Something huge was now emerging from the water...a monstrous-looking squid...a krakken!
The merc let go of Suna and gritted his teeth. The rest of the baby krakken's tentacles were now over the ship and the pirates had started their assault, attempting to combat these appendages with their magic, but to no avail! The tentacles crashed onto the surface of the ship, nearly missing the pirates...the lucky ones at least. There was one tentacle hovering over the two mages. Hans gripped the handle of his greatsword and started to unsheathe it, not taking his eyes off of it. Then as he expected, the tentacle would come crashing down...but with a well-timed slash, the merc was able to cut the tentacle clean off!
The krakken recoiled and screeched in pain, its other tentacles raising up in the process. Its monstrous eyes were now set on the merc who had just tapped the tip of his blade against the surface of the ship. "I summon the Raven's Bite." he muttered. A dark circle appeared on the surface under the sword, and out of this darkness emerged two big ravens with bodies mostly made of armor, standing there awaiting the dark mage's command. He then sat on one of them, and briefly looked back at Suna. Whether she chose to either get on the second raven, get on the one Hans was was currently on, use her broom, or just remain on the ground was up to her.
Both ravens would then take to the sky, and the krakken would turn its attention to them, specifically the one Hans was riding! It tried to nab the merc from the sky with one of its tentacles...but with the use of his mana tethers, Hans was able to order the second raven to slice right through that tentacle with its sharp wings! The monster riled in pain once more, and Hans used this opportunity to dive at the krakken sword first with the use of his golem, and once he was close enough, the merc gave it one deep slash across the face, enough to send it back crashing into the seas with a big splash...with its blood now emerging to the surface.
The beast was slain, and the pirates started to rejoice...except for Verona, the Quartermaster, and Joe.
This was far from over....
The water around the ship began to ripple, causing the boat to move back and forth! More tentacles were emerging from the sea...and with it more squid-like monsters! Eleven...There were now eleven of them all around the ship. Their mere presence snuffed out the flames of victory, leaving a look of dread on the pirates' faces.
Hans squinted his eyes at the creatures, quietly watching them from the air while his golem flew in place. The merc now stood upon the back of his raven and placed his greatsword back on the sheathe on his back. "Corvi Armis." Now, the merc's grimoire had floated to his side, glowing as it opened up. A dark aura surrounded the merc, forming into a suit of armor with a dark veil flowing around it, vaguely resembling dark feathers. He then reached into this dark "smoke" with both his hands and out came two swords, formed from the dark element.
Hans gripped the hilts of the swords and braced himself....The battle was only just beginning...
POW
58
DUR
82
SEN
22
STA
25
CON
52
HEALTH senior
SKIN grand
MANA POOL 87/110
MANA REGEN 30 IC / 30 OOC
ITEMS Magic Broom and Dark Edge and Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES 11/12 Krakken Babies remain. (110 - 23 - 30+ 30 = 87 Mana) BATTLE Killed one of the Krakkens SPELLS
A predator based Golem crafted from the darkness of the blade. Just like the previous spell, these golems take the form of a raven, but appear more menacing with their sinister red eyes and dark colored armor, standing up to six meters. They are mainly used for offensive purposes, striking with their sharp wings, talons or beak, but can be used for a bit of information relay and transportation purposes as well (reducing its speed to 20 m/s, and capable of holding up to three people) Additional golems can be summoned as per the ammo rules, capping at three.
Using their grimoire, the user forms an armor of darkness around themselves and/or others for defensive purposes. Through the dark feathery smoke surrounding the armor, the user can pull out a sword crafted from darkness for him or for others to use. The sword can be wielded like an ordinary weapon by anyone, but only the conjurer is capable of controlling them with their mana. The amount of armor and swords that can be summoned follows the ammo rules (Defense Buff will decrease to +6 Durability if more than one armor is summoned) (Spell gains +5 Durability) [96 Durability]
"Oh? Does one of her training routines involve having to clean up her office?"
Suna paused and thought about it. "No...at least, not yet." Her eyes sparkled in hidden mirth at the inside joke they shared. "I think she has a particular system in doing her paperwork, so she handles that herself. Besides, for most of our training, you almost always magically show up some way or another." She looked at the mercenary and tapped her chin with mock suspicion. "I think you two are in league with each other or something... But either way, I think she approves of you." Then a little shrug. "I don’t know if she had any other previous students, so I can’t really compare."
"Hmm? I'm pretty sure I used that spell before...against those sirens."
Delicate eyebrows furrowed together as the elf tried to recall that memory. All she remembered was he got hurt from one of her own spells and she had to drag him back onto the boat...and that breath of life she gave him. "U-Uh, you’re right." She stammered, though she was getting flustered at that specific memory and secret rather than embarrassment over her forgetfulness. She let him tease her, mainly because she was usually the one on the giving end. As for those other spells he mentioned, she raised a curious eyebrow. "Oh? What else do I not know, hmm?"
Suna nodded when Hans gave his thoughts on the captive pirates, and gave him a little rueful smile at his mention of Verona sharing the bounty with them. "I can see why you two would get along so well." She quipped, but did not elaborate further, not when she got distracted when he put his arm around her. Of course, that sweet moment would be broken by the rowdy crewmates...which should not come as a surprise, as she doubted they got to see an exchange like this every day. She was grateful that the dark mage had quickly handled the situation with his intimidating aura, but the peaceful atmosphere had been broken.
Outside the ship, the calm was also starting to give way to chaos. The wind and waves were picking up, and the sea was soon stirring with life. One of those living beings had made its way unto the deck of the clipper, and the whole ship tilted and creaked under its new weight.
"Blimey! An’ they calls these the babes?"
"Blow me down! A real krakken!"
The pirates were all exclaiming, though most were of fear and dread. Then, one of the bolder ones jumped into action, casting his magical lance and lashing out at the intruder. However, that poor unfortunate soul got caught in the tentacles, and Suna winced when it slapped the man down onto the deck with a loud smack! That had to hurt terribly. The tentacle had curled up tightly around the man, and was moved to drag it down into the water. She could see the fear in the pirate’s eyes as he realized what was happening.
Blue aura swirled and formed around her hands into Cadenza...but she would not be able to reach the man in time. Then she spied her dark mage halfway there, unsheathing his sword. He perfectly timed it, cutting off one of its tentacle legs. Clean and quite elegant, she thought. It had distracted the sea monster enough to momentarily release its hold on the pirate, who immediately scrambled out of its reach. However, the Red Solaria creaked and groaned once more, and she spied more krakkens making their appearance, waving their slimy arms around the ship. Some were climbing up, some had attached their suctions onto the ship itself and were trying to drag the whole boat down under.
Suna turned to address her side of the ship, just as Hans summoned his ravens. Unfortunately, she was too preoccupied with the sea monster in front of her to see all his flashy battle moves. With a battle cry, the sound mage lunged forward. Her aura sword glowed as it slashed and sliced through the kraken’s legs, leaving two of its writhing tentacles on the deck as the body fell back into the water. Disgusting. The second enemy she dispatched the same way, though she had to duck to avoid being caught and suckered on by its grabby hands. Or legs. Either way, they were disgusting, live or dead.
Suna turned to see where her mercenary was fighting at...and that was her mistake. In her brief moment of distraction, one of those long tentacles came out of nowhere and caught her on the arm. It felt wet and slimy, and she would have shuddered at how disgusting it felt, if she was not being pulled over to the edge. It was attempting to drag her down into the water, but she was not going without a fight. "Let. Go!" Her teeth gritted, she swung twice at the tentacle that was holding her arm. It cut clean through, but two more appeared. One wrapped itself on her right arm, the one holding her weapon, and the other around her waist.
"Ergh..." She dug her heels in, and used her other free hand to grab onto the railing. Her dominant hand out of commission, she could only fight to hold onto the ship. "Get. Off. Me!" She waved her arm wildly, trying to shake herself loose and maybe cut through her oppressor, but to no avail. "Hans!" She cried. She was holding onto the railing for dear life, but the krakken was too strong. With one mighty heave, it threw its entire weight down into the water...and the elf with it.
Splash!
She was immediately soaked to the bone, and her body started shivering violently. The water was so cold, shockingly cold. But that was not the worst of it. The fall was also painful. The krakken's arms were wrapped around her like a prize, and was pulling her down into its watery embrace beneath the waves. She had quickly gulped in one precious lungful of air before it dragged her down underwater. The elf was panicking, twisting and thrashing around, trying to free herself from its hold. But then she quickly realized that she was going to lose all her air if she kept up, and instead focused on Cadenza. Her magical sword could still work underwater, but was not as effective.
Twisting her wrist, she drove it deep behind her, right next to her side. It stabbed through her captor, and she could feel it gurgle and writhe before finally slackening its hold. Suna kicked herself back up to the surface, breaking above it and gasping for air. She may have killed that one, but she was not out of danger yet.
From the corner of her eye, she spied a shadow from underneath its surface. But before she could swim away from it, both of her feet were captured. Once more, she was dragged underneath the frigid waters. It was so cold, she was quickly starting to lose mobility and feeling in her limbs. Everything felt so numb, and she could barely keep a grip on Cadenza. The lightweight sword did not feel so light now. She hacked at the legs that were dragging her deeper down, but it did not seem to do much damage. The grip on her legs tightened. Was her magic losing its power and effectiveness underwater?
So she let go of her sword...and went for another spell.
Mustering up her aura, Suna formed Crescendo. She could see its fang-filled mouth, gaping wide as it drew its prey in for its meal. Hazily, she wondered if it liked elf flesh. Just as it was about to clamp down on her, she threw the magical ring at the krakken’s mouth. As soon as the magical ring came in contact with the sea monster, it exploded in an aura blast from within its mouth, shocking the enemy and causing it to release its hold on its victim. The spell’s momentum also propelled its caster away, back up towards the surface.
Now, the sound mage feebly attempted to paddle her way up. She could feel the cold settling into her bones, and her movements felt so heavy and sluggish. She could see and hear all the battle sounds and thrashing from underwater, but her mind was slowing down. At this rate, she was going to freeze first before she could make it back up above water...
Hans...
NOTES & STUFF
Notes: Senior health = 8x junior // grand mana skin = 16x junior Battle: Killed 2 krakkens above water, received INT damage (-2 mana skin) from fall, killed 2 krakkens in water; 7/12 krakkens left
- Cast Cadenza, -20 mana - Cast Crescendo, -20 mana - Quick Charger & IC Regen, +30 mana
Elemental Type: Pure Aura Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate | Attack Creation Range & Speed: Self Mana Cost: 20 | 10 Stats Effected: +4 Power Applicable Perks: Apex Predator Description: Suna shapes her aura into a lightweight, rapier-like sword that is 45" / 1.1m long, its blade 40" / 1m in length and 1" / 2.5cm in width, weighing 2 lb / 0.9 kg. Its sharp blade is narrow and two-edged, and its handle is embellished with ornate swirling designs and a single indigo crystal for accent. This weapon is able to deal intermediate damage to its opponents, and Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. It will dissolve when broken by a higher-tiered spell or weapon.
Elemental Type: Pure Aura Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate | Attack Creation Range & Speed: 40m | 20 m/s Mana Cost: 20 | 10 Stats Effected: +4 Power Applicable Perks: Apex Predator Description: Suna shapes her pure aura into a silver topaz-set ring that may be worn by herself or the target of choice, increasing the wearer's power stat by +4. If the ring is thrown at an enemy, it will burst in a singular aura explosion and deal intermediate damage to its target. Additional targets are buffed with +2 Power. Apex Predator gives an additional +3 Power stack-able buff caps after 5 attacks or +15. Buffed allies must stay within the spell's range, otherwise the ring will dissipate.
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.”
"Besides, for most of our training, you almost always magically show up some way or another."
"Yeah?" Hans never gave those moments that much thought until now. The merc did have a habit of popping up almost wherever those two currently were. It was a bit funny actually, and even though Hans isn't much of a fate or destiny person, he couldn't really deny the coincidence of it all now. The elf then jokingly brought up the two being in league, causing the merc to rub the back of his neck. "Hmm, so you've finally caught on?" Hans said in jest, arms now crossed with an eyebrow raised.
"But either way, I think she approves of you."
"Ah..." Hans wasn't sure how to react to that, causing his brief jesting demeanor to falter. Another thing Hans didn't think much of was seeking the approval of Suna's guardian...or well mentor in this case. The man thought and still does think that the only approval he needs is Suna's own...but a part of Hans still felt a little proud that someone else approves as well. It meant that he can be trusted with her. This must be how other men feel when they ask their significant other's parents for their approval to marry their daughter....With that thought, Hans started to become a bit bashful, trying to subtly shake those thoughts out of his head. "My...mother would've approved of you too." Hans added while glancing down at the elf's necklace, a bit of confidence in his tone.
Hans simply smirked and held a finger to his lips after Suna's question about his spells. It was better to...show her than tell...but not now.
"What do you mea-" Hans was about to ask a really silly question regarding his apparent similarities with this ship's captain. He then looked over to Verona and shut his mouth. watching her bounce what appears to be a small sack of gold within her hand, her winnings from a bet she had with Joe earlier. "Never mind." Hans simply said before looking away, rubbing the back of his neck once again. Hans knows that he has a thing for money...but was he really like her? It was probably best not to think about it...
The couple ended up falling into a pleasant silence...but of course, it didn't last long.
Krakkens, or rather the offspring of krakkens had started to attack the ship, all but Verona, the quartermaster, and Joe surprised by it! One had attacked but was taken care of by the dark mage who now floated by the ship on his raven golem, wearing dark armor, and wielding two blades of darkness while his second golem flew beside him. Now, more of the creatures have emerged, and another grand battle has begun. It was now the pirates against these terrors of the deep...
The armored merc glanced over to Suna, seeing as she and some of the pirates had their side under control, Hans flew over to another side of the ship, maneuvering around tentacles and various elements being flung about in an attempt to stop them. There were two krakkens terrorizing this side, and one of them had some of its tentacles wrapped around the railings, starting to crush them! The pirates continued to hurl their magic attacks at the beast while some others manned the cannons, firing at the second krakken but the other swiped one of its tentacles against the surface, devastating those cannons! The pirates' attacks were proving to be useless...but that didn't stop them from trying.
Another tentacle from the second krakken threatened to swipe past the surface again, this time aiming for the pirates. It was about to strike them until...
"Barrier..."
Hans landed back onto the ship with grimoire glowing and two dark transparent barriers in front of him. The merc and his defensive spell stood in front of the tentacle, taking the full hit...but it wasn't enough to break through his sinister shields. The krakken screeched and tried striking the shields again...and again...failing with every strike! Then when it tried once more, Hans parted the shields so that he could get an opening, and as the tentacle got closer, the merc sliced it with one of his swords, and the tentacle fell to the ship as the krakken screeched once more this time in pain. "Strike it down!" Hans pointed at the krakken with his sword. Following his command, the two ravens swooped down at the krakken's face, both piercing through it with their sharp beaks. As the ravens flew back up into the sky...the creature's lifeless body fell back into the water.
The other krakken was now roaring, briefly mourning the loss of its sibling before turning its attention to their killer. It attempted to bring a tentacle down onto Hans, but he managed to barely roll out of the way, and quickly stabbed one of his magic swords into the tentacle, pinning it to the ship's surface! The monster roared and tried to break free, but it couldn't....so it tried attacking Hans with its remaining tentacles. Hans dodged out of the way of one of them...but then another fell upon the dark mage! The onlooking pirates on this side gasped along with the quartermaster...unsure of Hans' fate after that attack. "Landlubber!" the quartermaster yelled out before gritting his teeth. He then rose a sword up, and by instinct, the other pirates did as well before charging towards the tentacle with a battle cry! But before the pirates could do anything, the tentacle started to squirm...and the beast screeched in pain as said tentacle was sliced off, the merc emerging from under it unscathed.
Hans then ran up the tentacle that was still pinned down, making his way to the krakken's face, and plunged his sword into it! The monster shook violently, almost causing Hans to fall, but then he commanded one of his golems to swoop down and pick him up! The merc retrieved his second sword from the krakken's tentacle and with that, it was able to completely fall into the seas that will now serve as its final resting place....
In the sky once more, Hans looked down at the pirates he just saved, the majority of them cheering as the quartermaster gave an approving nod. Hans couldn't help, but feel...a little good about saving people...but this didn't end here.
Looking over to see how Suna's side was fairing, the merc's eyes widened under his armor as he witnessed Suna being dragged down by one of those creatures! He couldn't hear the elf due to the sounds of all this chaos happening around him...but he didn't need to. Commanding his raven, Hans started to make his way back to her...but the man feared that he wouldn't get there fast enough, making him grit his teeth. "Save Suna!" Hans commanded his second raven, believing it'll get there faster. The second raven spread its wings and sped past Hans...but it was immediately slapped out of the sky and onto the ship by yet another tentacle...belonging to another krakken! Being taken off guard by the sudden strike, Hans didn't notice the other tentacle coming his way, smacking both him and the golem he was riding to the ground! The ravens took damage, but all this did was shake up Hans a little.
The merc slowly sat up with both his swords on the ground beside him. He watched as one of the tentacles curled around one of the merc's golems and squeezed the life out of it...shattering the golem into pieces that would then fade into dark smoke. "Dammit..." Hans turned his head, and noticed that his other golem was still on the ground, trying to get back up. Getting back to his feet, the merc lifted his swords and rand to the raven...until a tentacle fell between the both of them! Hans didn't have time for this...He needed to save her!
Growing frustrated, Hans wasted no time, and sliced up those tentacles then continued to run. He made it to the golem, and crouched down, trying to help it up. "Come...get up...please.." Hans rubbed the top of its head gently as it slowly moved up, glowing red eyes, shifting to look at its master. But now there was a shadow looming over the two...Another tentacle. It was just about to crash down on the two until...."Burning Fist!" A fiery punch had struck the tentacle, not doing any real damage to it, but it had enough force to shove the large thing away! To his surprise, Hans turned to see..."Backbreaker" Joe coming in for the save, using his injured fist to deliver the punch!
Hans stood up and looked at Joe, but before he could say a word, the pirate spoke up. "Don't get any wrong ideas, kid. I only wanted ta return the favor." Joe claimed. The krakken roared, and attempted another attack...but then dense fog had started to surround its face and eyes, obscuring its vision. Both Hans and Joe turned to see that it was the captain herself who gave the two a wink before returning her attention to another krakken that was attacking her side. With that little assist, it bought enough time for Hans to get back on his golem, and fly up to the distracted krakken were with the combined power of his raven and swords, he pierced through the creature's chest, and flew out the other end! The monster wailed in pain before taking its final breath but Hans didn't stop to confirm if it died. He was now heading out to the open sea, where he saw his blue-haired elf...struggling to stay up in these frigid waters.
"Suna!" Hans yelled out before lowering his golem down to her. "Take my hand." He held his hand out attempted to get a hold of Suna. If he did, the merc would place her onto his raven and turn around so that he could be facing her as the raven started to float up. "Suna..." Hans could tell that she was banged up a little, making him lose a bit of focus, causing his armor spell to fade. The man's cosmic necklace started to glow with little stars shining from within. Using New Beginnings Hans raised his now glowing hand to Suna's chest in an attempt to heal her. It's not as strong as anything she could do, the merc didn't care...He was worried.
Majority of the krakkens were slain....but four now remain. Two were currently being fought by Joe, the quartermaster, and some of the crew, while the rest of the crew along with Verona deal with the other two....But they were all still in need of help.
POW
58
DUR
82
SEN
22
STA
25
CON
52
HEALTH senior
SKIN grand
MANA POOL 52/110
MANA REGEN 30 IC / 30 OOC
ITEMS Magic Broom and Dark Edge and Cosmic Blessing and Raven's Grasp
NOTES 4/12 Krakken Babies remain. Attempting to Jr. Heal Suna. (87 - 12 - 15 - 30 - 8 + 30 = 52 Mana) BATTLE Killed three of the Krakkens SPELLS
A predator based Golem crafted from the darkness of the blade. Just like the previous spell, these golems take the form of a raven, but appear more menacing with their sinister red eyes and dark colored armor, standing up to six meters. They are mainly used for offensive purposes, striking with their sharp wings, talons or beak, but can be used for a bit of information relay and transportation purposes as well (reducing its speed to 20 m/s, and capable of holding up to three people) Additional golems can be summoned as per the ammo rules, capping at three.
Using their grimoire, the user forms an armor of darkness around themselves and/or others for defensive purposes. Through the dark feathery smoke surrounding the armor, the user can pull out a sword crafted from darkness for him or for others to use. The sword can be wielded like an ordinary weapon by anyone, but only the conjurer is capable of controlling them with their mana. The amount of armor and swords that can be summoned follows the ammo rules (Defense Buff will decrease to +6 Durability if more than one armor is summoned) (Spell gains +5 Durability) [96 Durability]
Name of Spell: Dark Magic: Chaos Barriers Elemental Type: Dark Rank & Spell Type: Senior - Defense Creation Range & Speed: 50 meters - 25 m/s Mana Cost: 30 (Initial) - 15 (Sustain) Stats Effected: +9 Durability Applicable Perks: Self Repairing, Quick Shot, Skilled Sniper Description: With the grimoire on the page of the spell, the user summons a transparent glass like barrier of darkness for defensive purposes against spells of the same rank. The barrier is square like in shape, reaching up to forty cubic meters. The barrier will float around the area they were conjured at until the user takes control of them, being able to use these barriers from up to fifty meters around them. (Spell gains +5 Durability)
Name of the Ability New Beginnings From Cosmic Blessing Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 (uses) ¦ 2 (overheating) Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Healing Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4 Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s Stats Affected: N/A Description:
The barer of this necklace need only bring their hand towards it to activate this ability, once active the purplish-pink opalite seems to glow and the entire necklace seems to show small stars within even the obsidian like encasement. This ability allows the bearer to heal for their rank damage, with the use of ammo rules they may be able to heal allies so longs they are within range of the bearer of the necklace however they must bring up their hand towards the ally in question and have a clear line of sight meaning if an enemy or someone else is in the way they could get the healing instead. While active and healing the ability will also actively try to cleanse poison, venom, debuffs, curses, hexes and any other negative status effects in accordance with the healing and clashing rules.
It was all so cold...but it was starting to feel warmer...or was her body just becoming numb and losing their senses?
Suna gasped for air as she broke through the surface. Life-giving air. The chilly winds and waves hit her like a slap on the face, but it was a welcomed feeling. Better than having no feeling at all. She shook her head, water spraying everywhere. The sea battle was still going on, though for now, there did not seem to be any krakkens around her. It was a good thing, otherwise she did not know how she would be able to defend herself while in the water. Then a shadow flitted over her.
"Suna! Take my hand."
Her heart leapt. Following the voice’s instruction, she reached out and grabbed his hand, and felt herself being pulled up onto the mercenary’s raven golem. Then his necklace started to glow, and she watched in hazy wonder as she beheld little stars twinkling from it. This was the first time she saw Hans use his necklace, and did not know of its healing properties until he activated its ability. It was strange and also fascinating how both mages now have necklaces that could heal...but now was not the time to analyze that.
"I-I’m f-f-fine." Her teeth chattered, but she could feel her limbs more now. "T-There’s still m-more krakkens. S-Save your p-power..." She attempted to stop him by pushing his hand away, but she had to admit that the power flowing from it felt soothing. "I’m fine," she repeated. "The water’s just really c-cold. I can heal m-myself later." She was touched by his concern, though.
Down below, the Red Solaria was still abuzz with activity. Verona’s men were fighting and doing their best, but with some of them still restraining the enemy pirates and Killian Wyd, they were severely short-handed. The red-haired captain herself was single-handedly fighting with one of the sea monsters. Her fog magic was impressive to see, blinding and confusing both human and non-human enemies alike. She was also dexterous on her sword play, chopping through tentacles like she was preparing for her next meal. However, there was only one of her and four more of those krakkens.
Suna patted the dark mage’s arm and got up to her feet. She was still shivering a little, but the healing had help. "C-Can you fly higher? Above the krakkens?" Coda. Once more her aura glowed, but this time forming two swords, taking on a different form than her usual magical sword Cadenza. These swords were stronger and heavier. She has found that her magical damage was not as effective while the sea monsters were in the water, so she needed something stronger.
As soon as they flew above the sea monsters, Suna focused her two swords on her targets. One krakken was almost completely on the deck, while the other was half-submerged in the water. She took aim, and with her mana tether, launched her aura weapons out, each aimed towards the krakkens’ heads. The magical blades sliced cleanly right through the monsters, out and through. The krakken hanging on the railing fell back into its watery grave, a gaping hole in between its eyes. The one on the ship was pinned to the deck, a gruesome and ugly sight. Its tentacles flailed and curled, but with a gurgle, finally stopped moving.
Suna watched as several pirates swarmed around the dead carcass and attempted to move it. As it was now dead, the body had relaxed and was splayed out, and they could see just how big these krakken babies were. After a few hustling grunts and curses, the crew managed to shove and heave it over the railing. There was a large splash! as the body fell back into the sea, its wave making the clipper bobble from side to side.
There were two more of those krakkens, and her sound magic started to swirl around the blue-haired mage. However, it was likely that the mercenary was quicker and would finish the remaining creatures off before she could finish casting another spell...
NOTES & STUFF
Notes: Senior health = 8x junior // grand mana skin = 16x junior Battle: Received JR healing from Hans (+1 mana skin), killed 2 krakkens above water, 2/12 krakkens left
- Cast Coda, -30 mana - Quick Charger & IC Regen, +30 mana
Elemental Type: Pure Aura Rank & Spell Type: Senior | Attack Creation Range & Speed: 80m | 40m/s Mana Cost: 30 | 15 Stats Effected: +6 Power Applicable Perks: Apex Predator, Vampiric Magic Description: Suna shapes her aura into a double-edged sword that is 52" / 132cm total in length, its semi-translucent blade 2" / 5cm in width and 42" / 106cm in length. Its cross guard boasts of gorgeous curved designs before shaping into a narrow, rounded grip. This weapon is able to deal senior damage to its opponents, and its wielder will draw a +6 Power buff from the connection. The sword will dissolve when broken by a higher-tiered spell or weapon. Suna may choose to control it by hand (melee) or with her mana tether (long range). As long as it is kept within her range, an ally may wield it if wished. Another sword may be formed for every 30 Control Suna has, as per ammo rules.
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
The remaining krakkens had their focus on the ship, and despite the battle that was still raging...Hans did not even glance in their direction. He was distracted, worried over the sound mage's well-being. Upon the golem, Hans continued to try and heal the woman, but with her teeth chattering tone, she started to protest. "But..." Hans stopped himself from talking and finally looked over to the ship, being brought back to the reality that is the still ongoing attack! The pirates, especially Verona were doing their best to hold the four krakkens back, but they were still not able to put a dent on them. The pirates were the real ones that needed help...
"Yeah...Them first." Hans said as he lowered his hand with a hint of hesitance. The glow around his relic and hand had vanished as he started to stand up on the golem unsheathing his greatsword once again. Upon his partner's request, Hans nodded and used his mana tethers to fly the golem higher up until they were over the still distracted krakkens. As Hans' grimoire flipped pages, looking for another spell, Hans witnessed the elf materialize a pair of new blades with her magic, unlike the rapier he has seen her use. The swords were majestic, holding a sort of grace to them fitting for their user. Hans smirked lightly before turning his attention back to the monsters. He certainly wasn't the only one who developed new spells.
As Suna prepared to throw her swords, Hans' grimoire landed on the page of Lupus. The spell summoned two wolves formed of darkness, both floating in front of the dark mage. Once the elf threw her blades, Hans uttered the word "Mordere." and gestured his arm forward. The wolf constructs rushed forward, "running" in mid-air as if they were on a surface and as the sound mage's spell pierced through their targets, so did Hans' through the use of powerful fangs! Three of the krakkens fell back into the sea, their bodies growing limp as the final corpse fell onto the boat before being pushed overboard to share the same fate as the others.
It was over...the beasts have been slain.
A sigh had escaped Hans' lips before looking over to Suna, smiling a little. The merc commanded his golem to descend to the ship so that the two could get off and once they did, the raven would form back into darkness before being sent back into the sword. Placing the sword back into its sheathe, Hans was about to say something to Suna....until the sounds of cheerful shouts had started to erupt around them. Looking around, the pirates had started to surround the couple, cheering before attempting to raise the two up triumphantly! Hans blinked a few times, not expecting this to happen at all. The dark mage looked around at the crowd until his eyes fell upon Joe who kept his distance with arms crossed. The "Backbreaker" then gave Hans....an approving nod followed by a smirk, with Hans exchanging a nod of his own...a sign of a mutual respect being reached between the two.
Hans' eyes were then on Suna, assuming she was being held in the air by the group as well. The merc tried containing a light chuckle and turned his head away, still trying to keep himself stoic. They were being paraded around like heroes...something Hans never thought would happen to himself. Maybe he is some kind of hero in this instance....but then his brief smile faded.
A "hero"....
'I will BREAK you down, and use whatever remains to build you back up into an obedient soldier, boy....A hero of Diamond.'
An echo from the past only heard from the merc.
His face faltered, "sinking" into the sea of cheerfulness around him...
The user summons a dark figure that resembles the silhouette of a wolf that is two meters in length and one meter in height. Upon the spoken command of "Mordere" and a gesture of his hand, the "wolf" will rush forward and deal senior ranked piercing/cutting damage via a bite, disappearing upon impact. (Additional "wolves" can be created following the control and ammo rules.)
WC 638 || TOTAL WC 4,393
TAGSSuna Hoshi Walker ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
Suna could see the hesitance in his eyes, the worry in his tone. She had gently pushed his hand away, attempting to break his flow of magic. But she knew he meant well, and that he was concerned for her. If she was in his position, she probably would have done the same thing. No, she definitely would. That was why she grabbed his hand back and squeezed it in reassurance. "I’m fine, Hans." She repeated, and stood up to battle the last few enemies.
Beside her, the mercenary had also prepared himself. From the corner of her eye, she saw two dark figures rush towards the other two sea monsters. It was so fast, it was like a blur, but they looked something like a pair of wolves. That was definitely new. Not only were both of them getting stronger, they were continuously learning something new and surprising the other. Well, at least in Suna’s case. One of these days, she would want to see him show off all his spells while not in combat.
The dark mage had finished off the remaining krakkens, and they descended from his golem. As soon as their feet touched the deck, the ravens disintegrated back into its dark element, and back into his greatsword. Looking around, Suna could see the joy of victory on the faces of Verona’s men. Then she turned back at Hans and caught his eye. She smiled, a smile of relief, and would have tossed her arms around him in a hug...if the crew did not suddenly sweep them off their feet and started parading them around like they were at some festival.
"Oh!" She could feel the jostle of hands underneath supporting her, and she blushed furiously—at the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride, as well as embarrassment at the public recognition and physical contact. The shouts and yells were deafening, but the sound mage did not mind. It was the joyful clamors of rejoicing and triumph, of elation and success.
She saw Hans nodding towards someone, and her eyes followed his gaze towards the direction of "Backbreaker" Joe. Whatever conflict or friction they had going on between them, it seemed like it was somehow resolved. Then he was chuckling, but turned his face away so she could not see his happy demeanor...which was probably for the best. If she had seen the shift in expression the next moment, she would have gotten worried. But for now, she reveled in the sweet taste of victory.
"Well done, ye two!" The captain’s voice boomed, overpowering the noisy celebratory voices from her men. "Who would’ve thought two landlubbers would ‘elp capture Killian Wyd an’ kill off these krakkens?" She was shaking her head, but her emerald eye was twinkling. "I’s knew the lad and codfish could handle it! You two ‘ave come a longs ways, and yer well on ye way to becoming a true child o’ the sea! Once we git back to Raque, I’d also make sure yer pockets ain’t empty, ‘specially yours, laddie!" She motioned at the mercenary with a knowing smirk.
"Now git a move on, men! We has pirates to cash!" The whole ship rose up in an unified cheer and got to work, obviously spurred on by the mention of yul. The storm had calmed down, and the boat was turned towards the direction of the port town. They were finally on their way home.
The ship had not been too long out at sea, but Suna was looking forward to walking on land again. This little ‘boat ride’ had turned out more eventful than she thought, but she did not regret any of it, even when she fell into the sea. Truly, this was an experience she would not forget.
As she swept her gaze around the ship, she felt a bittersweet sense of parting. During her short stay aboard the Red Solaria, she had learned a lot. She would miss the crewmates, as rowdy and different as they were. As for Verona, she hoped she would be able to meet the fog mage again. There was just a special connection to those whom she has fought alongside of, especially when it came to life or death situations.
But for now, it was a time for celebration, not sorrow. If the mercenary would allow it, the elf would slip her hand into his and tug him closer into an embrace. Then she would lean the side of her head against his chest and let out a deep sigh of contentment.
Then, a wolf whistle.
She yelped and buried her face against her protector. Again.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Nov 30, 2020 20:08:07 GMT -5
god this was such a fun read. I kept getting pulled away because of irl work related reasons, but man was it a doozy. The cute little shipping moments, combined with the thrill of the fight, and the danger Suna ended up in. You both did phenomenal here. All in all, you did everything that was asked of you in this mission, and thus it is with a heavy heart I must tell you that not only do you get 1334 yul each, but you also have earned the NA that comes with this mission. I'm afraid you must add it to your trackers, as you get a mission approved.
