Nero-Fest: IV
Excitement was obviously running on an all time high as the crowds awaited the next batch of combatants. Understandable, given the quality of opponents they had seen fight thus far. Although you would be hard pressed to follow up on a battle involving a God and a man who could create three blows with one swing of his sword.
While impressive, it meant that Nero would have to follow it up with something equally astounding for the people. A difficult task.
However, she was confident that she could pull it off. Looking to her left, she noticed the Chaldeans all huddled together as they muttered to each other. Likely discussing some plan they could use or who they were expecting to win. It was perfectly acceptable for them to give their support if they wished for it.
What was currently puzzling Nero, is which Class she would have to follow up with. She had something special in mind for the Lancer Class - and considering just who had shown up she couldn't place them too early - and the Berserker class was far too aggressive for the moment. That and she wanted to build up expectations towards the finale.
Which meant she was left with either the Caster Class or the Archer class to follow suit.
She mentally sighed, it would likely be best to get the Casters out of the way first, and with what she had seen of the Servants attending perhaps there would be some spectacle about how they fought each other. Some manner of spell throwing perhaps?
It was always a good thought to hope for at any rate. Her eyes widened as she realised what could occur after this. She was no longer restricted to seven classes and to her knowledge, there was at least another Shielder present here aside from the ones of Chaldea.
The only issue was 'Ruler' class Servants.
She doubted a rat would be considered an appealing combatant at any rate, although the Goddess might be helpful…The issue was she looked like a child. It could just be the battle of the Extra classes then.
At any rate, she would think about it after this battle was done.
"For our next bout!" She cried out, breaking the Chaldeans from their murmurs and bringing their attention back to her - along with the entire colosseum - as she announced the next match "We shall witness the duel of the magical arts!" a glimmer of excitement seemed to spark in the crowd "Those who wield the powers beyond the understanding of man-"
"That's the opposite of how Magecraft-" Olga grumbled under her breath, then shook her head "Nevermind."
"-and command them to do their bidding! Warriors not of the sword and spear but of the mind!" She gestured to the far end of the colosseum as the gates slowly rose up with a gentle creaking. A figure slowly paced out "But what of one who can wield both?" she asked no one in particular "Our first combatant, he helped Chaldea save Rome against disaster even when faced with one he used to call Master!"
Ash's eyes dulled as the figure stepped into the sun. The large greatsword in their right hand pointed across their body and upwards as their left silver sword pointed down.
"But he is no noble soul, for his acts are also seeped in foulness!" She warned with an exaggerated tone "But for this moment, he fights for your entertainment! I present to you all…!"
"Pontiff Sulyvahn of the Boreal Valley!"
"Irithyll." He corrected under his breath with a tone of annoyance "It's Irithyll."
He wasn't sure how he was convinced to participate in this stupidity.
Actually, he was. The Nero girl - vexing little child that she was - had flat out blackmailed him into either competing in the Caster Class on behalf of Chaldea or she would place his seating back near Gwyndolin. He was under no illusions as to what his former Covenant Leader would do to him.
To say nothing of the collection of Goddesses he had managed to ally himself with.
Quite frankly, he was annoyed about this entire affair. From being kidnapped by that wretch to being chained up and possibly being used as target practice his nerves had been suitably strained to their breaking point.
He wouldn't lie, the appealing thought of just mindlessly swinging his sword like a savage at something appeared to be a cathartic experience at the very least. Enough to get his mind off the annoyances he had faced up until now. It wasn't that he relished battle or enjoyed the thrill of the fight.
He just wanted something to kill so he could feel slightly less irritable. Quite frankly, anyone who was willing to participate in this madness would do. No matter how small their role.
He eventually came to a halt, remaining in his usual relaxed stance as he waited for the Queen of jesters to announce the opponent he would be facing. He could also feel the judging eyes all over his body, he didn't even need to scan the crowd to see that some had been thoroughly incensed by his introduction. Like the girl flat out calling him a villain.
That got on his nerves.
Branding him a villain of all things? Still. Fools enjoyed the company of other fools and those with enough common sense generally found life isolating at the top. He'd impressed as much upon Lothric, the boy understood there were few who could truly understand the curse as he could. Once he did, he supposed Lothric was lucky enough to have a brother who would stand by him no matter what.
His reminiscing was cut short when Nero started to speak again.
"Joining him in arms is a Servant not a guest of Chaldea but he asked to join in aiding them anyway!" Nero continued on, Sulyvahn actually paused at that. His mind already coming to conclusions as to who would actually want to participate in this stupidity. "They didn't give a name, so they shall remain Caster!"
He mentally raised an eyebrow, then slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder as a man started to walk out of the same direction he had emerged. Sulyvahn internally frowned at the appearance of the man. Dressed in little more than dirt coloured rags in the shape of a shirt with clumps of fur around the shoulder with some bronze ornaments dangling from his waist. Trouser wise, it was dark leathers with straps around his shins for added protection ending.
The man was clearly tanned from what could be seen of his hands and what little was visible under the large hood he was wearing to cover his face.
"A pyromancer of the swamp?" He muttered under his breath as the man walked forwards with purpose, Sulyvahn continued to examine the man. There was something about his posture and the way his 'ally' carried themselves which almost made them appear aloof. The head rose up and allowed him to see the slightly hazel coloured eyes shining from beneath the hood. The man's lip quirked into a smile as he approached.
Sulyvahn withheld the urge to scoff at the man, he slowly made to turn away as the man continued to approach with a certain level of determination.
He barely managed to make it halfway to the Pontiff before he tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his face.
Dead silence.
Sulyvahn's head paused in its movements, the man was still lying flat on the ground in the periphery of his vision. Wood creaked as the Pontiff's face slowly scrunched up in disgust.
"S-sorry about that…" The man hastily apologised as he quickly attempted to climb back to his feet, dusting himself down and wiping the sand off him "Hehe…" he let out a nervous chuckle before he looked at Sulyvahn with an almost sheepish expression under the hood "Sometimes I just don't look where I'm going."
"...You tripped over nothing." Sulyvahn pointed out in a toneless voice.
"Well yes…" The man agreed, raising a hand to reply before he paused. Working his jaw for a few moments, he slowly closed it again. "...I did, didn't I?" he muttered to himself before giving an uncaring shrug "Oh well, just means that the worst is behind me!"
'It clearly isn't behind me.' Sulyvahn bitterly thought to himself as he turned to face the direction he suspected his opponents would materialise from. As for who they would be, that was a different matter entirely. From what he had seen of Sorcerers thus far, he was hardly impressed by their efforts.
Save the 'Da Vinci' woman, but the disparity between her and a hermit witch from a woodland was like night and day. He had yet to see the average.
Continuing to look straight ahead, he didn't so much as glance down at the slightly shorter man as he stood next to him - still dusting sand out of his clothes - as they looked up at him before sweeping their gaze across the entire stadium.
"Amazing…big place, right?" He spoke in a casual - if a little awestruck - voice with his eyes almost glimmering in wonder "A little too urban for my tastes but I can appreciate the design."
"I assume you would prefer a swamp with knee high black water." Sulyvahn dryly retorted, eliciting a faint chuckle from the man next to him.
"Yeah…I would." He admitted "But that's just how we Pryomancers are, liking to be closer to nature and all that." he paused "Although you're a lot closer to nature than I am."
"...Yes." Sulyvahn sighed "Just keep your flames away from me."
"Huh? Oh, right. Yeah." Caster rapidly nodded his head in understanding "Don't worry, I won't hit you with anything. I'm very careful."
"If you're as talented at Pyromancy as you are at the simple act of walking then I have much to fear from you." The Pontiff grunted in response "Perhaps moreso than my opponent."
"I mean…you could have a little faith in me." The man remarked as he reached up and scratched the back of his neck "I'm not that careless…just a little absent minded. Although Quelana would always call me a bumbling fool so…I don't know."
"Yes, I imagine she-" Sulyvahn paused, his head whipping down to stare at the man in a new light as the name registered in his head "What did you just-"
"And facing the twin Casters are others from the lands beyond!" Nero exclaimed out, drawing Sulyvahn's attention away from the man at his side and to the far end. The large iron gate rumbled and groaned as the weighty chains raised it up to unveil their contestants. "Yet another duo of Divinity seeing fit to grace Rome!"
Sulyvahn frowned "Another God?" he let out a 'tsk' noise in response. He would rather not deal with a Divine being, those he could actually stomach the presence of were few and far between.
"Hmm." Caster let out a curious hum to his left, the man reaching up and scratching his chin "Might be a little challenging…oh well." he shrugged, clapping his hands and dousing them with fire before he swung them wide "Any opportunity t-" he winced as he felt his right hand collide with something.
Sulyvahn stumbled as the back of the man's hand collided with his face, it wasn't as much from the impact of the strike as it was the fact the Caster's hand was still on fire and having that waved in his face wasn't something to enjoy.
"You clumsy-!" Sulyvahn hissed, stepping away from the Caster and letting out a deeply annoyed growl "Keep your hands to yourself, oaf!"
"I am so sorry." Caster instantly retracted the limbs and winced at the slight burn mark on Sulyvahn's cheek "Are you alright?"
"Just…" Sulyvahn let out a deep sigh "Keep away from me."
Caster nodded his head slowly, still looking moderately guilty, before turning to look across as two figures emerged from the far end of the stadium.
Their appearances could not have been more opposite if they tried. If only because one of them was blue and the other bright red.
The man on the left was wearing a robe which would not have been out of place with the Great Swamp, ragged designs and furs around the hood. Although the large 'L' shaped staff made of wood was more reminiscent of Sorcerers. The long blue ponytail swung behind him as crimson red eyes locked onto the duo and a sharp grin came to the man's face.
His partner was dressed in much cleaner bright red robes with equally red hair to match, his shorter than his partner but still in a ponytail design. Golden eyes signalled him as one of the Divines, as he dismissively looked at the pair before letting out a scoff and turning his nose up at them.
He positively sauntered towards the duo without ever truly looking at them, much to the obvious irritation of his partner who seemed more exasperated with the act than anything else.
Sulyvahn scanned the God with an inquisitive gaze, the red robes were oddly similar to that of a Pyromancer but much, much cleaner. The furs around the collar and shoulders were darker in colouration and well cut for the robe, there was golden lining within the front of the robe as they culminated in the emboldened shape of a fire.
The Pontiff already had a low opinion of this one.
"Is this all that can be brought to bear for one of my calibre?" The God scoffed, shaking his head and still avoiding directly looking at the duo. Standing around the exact height as his companion, who rolled his eyes at him. "Some feeble spirit and a common flame slinger?" golden eyes narrowed "It is an insult to my lineage."
"Yeah…I'm sure everyone's real broken up about it." The Caster to his right remarked with a smirk, earning a frown from the God in question.
"You should speak to me with more respect, half-breed." His jab earned a scowl "Did your Godly father never teach you to mock your betters?"
"I know who my betters are." The blue haired man scoffed in response "I've seen them fight, I ain't seen you do much of anything so far." he looked to the pair in front of him before fixing his eyes upon Sulyvahn "A combat Caster are you?" his grin sharpened "Not afraid to get your hands dirty?"
Sulyvahn - meanwhile - just stared at the man in silence for a few moments before he titled his head "Were you not supposed to be armed with a spear?"
"...Mother fucker!" The man exclaimed in outrage "Is he here!? He is! Isn't he!?" he looked around frantically at the stands while waving his catalyst like a mad man "You see the shit I got! You run off with my spear and drop all this bullshit on me! Give me my spear back and get this…" he cut himself off, grumbling and shaking his head "Nevermind."
The three stared at him in silence, two in confusion and one in mild disgust.
The red haired God clicked his tongue and looked away "You embarrass my greatness by this display of foolery. Unless you have sound advice to offer, keep silent."
"And which of the Lordkin do we have the honour of addressing?" The words slipped with Sulyvahn's mouth easily and sprinkled with enough venom to make it obvious what he really thought of it.
The God turned to him and frowned "Speak to me with more respect. You are in a position few mortals are granted." he spread his arms wide "I am Flann! God of Flame and King of Heide all Fire has touched!"
"...Oh, now I know you." Sulyvahn casually remarked "You convinced the Goddess Gwynevere to elop after Gwyn's death." he hummed "The books had little to say from you aside from that, little more than a background deity at the time." he paused, tilting his head "And Heide? I have never heard of it before, perhaps it was a small Kingdom or not long lived."
Remaining silent for a few moments longer, Sulyvahn eventually released a chuckle "Or it was so pitiful in its rule that Gwynevere eventually abandoned you and sought out another, surviving cycle to cycle until she found herself in Lothric."
Flann's eyes were burning with rage at this point "...You should choose your next words carefully plant." he growled, fire dancing upon his arms "For they will be your last."
"My last?" Sulyvahn tilted his head "I suppose I should make them count, should I not?" the levity in his tone made it perfectly obvious he didn't take the God seriously at all "I suppose at least Gwyndolin has the excuse of being hidden away as to why so little was known beyond his name. Your only claim to fame - so to speak - is the marriage of Gwyn's eldest daughter. An impressive achievement to be sure." the Pontiff mocked "Clearly I should be in awe as I stand before a much deserving-"
Caster moved, raising his hand with the palm outstretched in front of Sulyvahn and unleashing a torrent of flames towards Flann. His own fires collided with the Flame God as they unleashed their own attack towards Sulyvahn, accompanied by an indginat roar.
The two attacks swiftly cancelled eachother out in a wisp of smoke as Flann's glare went from Sulyvahn to Caster.
"Step aside human." He growled "And I shall dispense my justice for this insult upon you swiftly and as painlessly as possible for being an associate of this base cur."
"I shall not." Caster frowned, flicking his hand and allowing flames to dance along his arms until they rested in the palm of his hands "For even if I disagree with his words, to knowledge of one calling themself an authority of all the fires of life touch is not something I can idly stand to let be declared."
"You doubt me?" Flann's eyes narrowed "Then I will demonstrate my title upon you-!" he raised his arms in a blocking movement as Caster slung his arms forwards in rapid motion, unleashing multiple balls of fire onto the God and causing him to growl in response.
Caster Cu blinked at the sudden display before his battle instincts kicked in. His eyes darted to the side just in time to see Sulyvahn swinging a burning greatsword down towards him. Muttering under his breath, he jumped back while waving his hand in front of him, crafting a dozen glowing runes from his hand, the words of power coalesced into burning orbs of fire and rushed towards the Pontiff.
Sulyvahn slid to a halt, instead sweeping out his silver sword and unleashing a slash of purple light into the path of the Runes, the attacks collided in an explosion of brilliant orange and violet light. Cu narrowed his eyes and waited, watching the cloud before his eyes snapped up. Sulyvahn burst forth from the smoke in a tremendous leap with his greatsword pointed downwards.
Cu darted away from him as he slammed into the ground where he had been, the moment his greatsword touched the sand it detonated in an explosion of profaned flame. The burning sands splashed near the Caster while showing no signs of dying. The Demi-God narrowed his eyes at the flames and looked to the Pontiff as he pulled his greatsword from the sands and turned towards him.
"Some nasty fire you've got there." He commented idly, twirling his staff and adjusting his stance "And a sneak attack to?" he clicked his tongue "I've got some poor luck with dual wielders."
"I care not." Sulyvahn grunted, his silver sword glowed a deep purple as he held it aloft and waved it in front of him. Cu watched as glowing orbs parted from the surface of the blade as fluttering trickles of light before they shot towards him like bullets.
The Caster's eyes narrowed before he slammed his palm into the ground, the sands shifted for a split second before roots ripped their way from the ground directly in the path of the projectiles. The fluttering lights crashed into the barricade and chipped sections off but otherwise left it standing. Cu slowly stood up straight and cracked a rather sharp grin at the Pontiff "Heh…sneaky one, ain't ya?"
"As long as it ends this swiftly." Sulyvahn grunted in response, bringing both his towards crossed above his head and taking a deep breath. Cu was already tensing himself for movement, preparing the formation of Runes in his mind as his fingers twitched. Sulyvahn angled his body forwards ever so slightly.
It was the only warning to be given before he blurred into action. Wood shattered and splintered from the first blow, the profaned greatsword obliterating the wooden cover that Cu had made, the Servant already moving backwards as Sulyvahn charged through the wreckage and swinging his glowing sword upwards.
The Caster leaned back, the glowing blade skimming just past his chin as he ignited his staff in flames, twirling it in his palm before sliding in close to Sulyvahn and thrusting it forwards. The taller Caster noted the attack immediately. The profaned greatsword already moving to parry the strike away from his body before it could connect.
Cu grimaced as he watched the greatsword descend, he knew for a fact he wasn't going to be able to reach Sulyvahn with the thrust before the Pontiff reached him. So he didn't thrust. The staff shot out of his grasp like a bullet, slamming directly into Sulyvahn's ribs and causing him to release a grunt as the Caster staggered back with the blow; the sudden explosion of rune magic didn't help either.
The Staff retracted into his hands moments before he heard Sulyvahn let out a deep guttural roar. The Caster sweeping the purple glowing sword up as it sparkled with light, the weapon then released a slash of this power directly towards Cu. The Celt reacted, twirling his staff as the arc of light approached and holding it out like a guard. The blade of light impacted against his guard and forced him back in a sliding motion, the blade still going strong as it carried him an increasing distance from the Caster before it eventually dissipated into nothing.
Cu lowered the staff and took stock of his opponent, Sulyvahn straightened himself out, releasing the rather large black patch on his white robes from where he had been struck by the staff. The Caster held no expression - not one that could be seen on account of the lack of a true face - but that didn't change much. Cu could tell as much from the tightened posture of Sulyvahn that he had clearly been incensed by the attack.
Sulyvahn slowly raised his silver greatsword and held it in front of his body, an ethereal violet glow soon enshrouded his form in a transparent layer of light. Cu narrowed his eyes at the Caster as he lowered his hand. At first he suspected it to be some manner of an enhancement upon himself.
Then he watched Sulyvahn take a single step to the right as the ethereal duplicate remained standing where he had been moments ago.
"Ah." Cu blinked, looking between the two of them "Soul splitting magecraft, eh?" he grunted, then smirked "Well, if we're allowed to bring friends!" he exclaimed out, twirling his staff above his head before he slammed it down into the ground. A circle of light slowly expanded forth before it gradually rose up, the light gathered into the shape of a pair of wolves.
The two beasts circling around their summoner, snarling at the Pontiff and his own summon.
"The summoning of animals, is it?" Sulyvahn grunted "And no mere mongrel beasts, I see." his hands tightened on his swords before he splayed them on either side of him, his duplicate mimicking the action as it focused on the wolves. "Very well."
Cu whistled, shooting towards Sulyvahn as the wolves rushed towards his duplicate, the pair leaping at the purple shadow as it swung its ethereal sword towards them. The transparent blade passed just above the first wolf as it ducked down low before nipping at its ankles as the second wolf leapt into the air and towards the duplicate's head.
The shadow spirit released a soundless grunt of exertion as it moved into action. Swinging the flat of the greatsword into the side of the pouncing wolf's body and knocking it away from them before it lashed out with a kick and struck the second wolf in the side with a strike to the gut. The beast rolled before returning to its feet and snarling.
Sulyvahn parried the burning staff skywards with his own embered weapon, the profaned greatsword finding more than a match in the runecraft empowered catalyst although Sulyvahn wasn't about to let himself be struck by the flames anyway. He was still a tree spirit - mixed blood or no - and that made him vulnerable to their embrace.
He rushed forwards, swiping his twin swords with a flurry of movement which spoke of his training with the Darkmoon knights. The movements were polished and without waste, each strike and slash designed to break away at an opponent's guard and give them no time to counter attack. The problem was actually managing to hit them.
Something that was proving moderately difficult. He had to hand it to the strange pyromancing sorcerer, they were at least adept in the art of dodging.
Cu swung his burning staff forwards like a club, the weapon slamming into the glowing sword as it slashed towards his ribs, nowhere near enough to stop the attack but enough to delay it and give him valuable time. As the weapon slowed, Cu took one hand off the staff and swiped it in front of Sulyvahn, the Caster released another pained roar as a fresh batch of Runes exploded in his face. More than enough time for the Caster to swiftly engrave his staff with enough strengthening and enhancing runes for it to hit like a wrecking ball.
By the time Sulyvahn reorientated himself, Cu was already swinging the catalyst towards his head, the large hook of the staff slammed into his temple with a crunch, rattling his brain and causing him to stumble back with the blow. Cu followed the strike through, swinging the staff down before he reversed his grip on it and turned it from a club to a spear and thrust it towards Sulyvahn's gut.
His instincts went off, crimson eyes darting to the left just in time to see the shadow materialise directly next to him with the large greatsword swinging down towards his neck. Cu cancelled the thrust and leapt back. The overhead strike from the shadow passed just in front of him, however it was more than enough time for Sulyvahn to right himself. The Pontiff swiped his silver sword across, passing harmlessly through the and slashing towards Cu's gut. The Celt leaned his body back as far as he could, yet wasn't quite fast enough to avoid feeling the sting of cold steel biting into his skin as it cut a thin line across his upper torso.
The Caster skipped backwards before pressing a hand over the light scratch, the twin wolves already rushing to his aid after having their prey abruptly vanish from them.
"Alright then." Cu cracked his neck, his grin sharpening "Wish I had been a Lancer instead. Would have been more fun."
"It would have been less troublesome." Sulyvahn grunted as he checked his front again, another burn patch on his robes only served to elicit an annoyed growl from the Caster before he raised his head to peer down at the slightly shorter man "No matter, I will simple have to deal-"
The arena behind the pair was violently consumed in an explosion of of bright orange flames, both Sulyvahn and Cu found themselves momentarily distracted as they turned towards the epicenter of the blast as the smoke slowly dissipated.
"Hmm." Sulyvahn hummed as the shape of a panting Flann became apparent, the God suffering from some mild burns along his arms while the unnamed pyromancer was untouched and staring at his opponent casually. "A pyromancer of great skill it seems."
"I'll say." Cu agreed, blowing air through his lips "Fighting a God of Fire with his own element and winning? That's just disrespectful." he cackled "Teacher would love it."
"You…" Flann panted heavily, scowling at the Caster as they stepped closer towards him, he could see the flickering of fire dancing along his hands as they prepared for another attack. Flann let out a deep snarl before he raised his hands into the air and clasped them together like a fist. Smoke billowed out from the gaps between his fingers as he pulled his hands apart to reveal a brilliant orb of fire hovering above his head.
Caster stared back at him, their own flames dancing along their body before they converged on their left hand. The flaming orb above Flann's head slowly lowered until it hovered directly in front of him, the God pulled back his right fist and coalesced power into it before throwing it forward like a punch.
Caster seized the opportunity, he swung his left hand out. The flames raced out from his palm and shot across the distance between the two of them like a whip before snapping around Flann's legs and coiling shut. The God's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden move before Caster pulled the fire whip towards him. Flann let out a squawk of surprise as his legs were swept out from underneath him and the fist swung just above the orb of fire. Caster retracted the whip as Flann's body hit the ground, the god groaned before he started to positively glow with rage.
The sand around his body started to glow before it hardened into glass, shattering as the God released an excess of pure magical energy from his body before shooting upwards. Slinging forwards dozens of fire balls in a blur of movement. Caster watched the orbs race towards him before he moved at a much greater speed than one would expect, ducking low and rolling to avoid most of them before he slid himself to a halt and swung his fist towards the final fireball.
The moment his fist made contact with the fire, the flames washed over the limb harmlessly without so much as leaving single singe on his body. Flann gaped at the display before he roared in a mixture of anger and indignation.
"You mortal swine!" He growled, pulling the flames around his body into himself as his body glowed with a subtle red hue "You dare seek to mock me!?"
Caster blinked in surprise "H-huh?" he paused "No! I was trying to show you that you had much to learn, I mean you have a lot of potential in the art of pyromancy!" he excitedly informed the deity before he paused, moving his hand up to cup his chin in thought "I mean…maybe not as much as Carmina." he muttered to himself before shaking his head and giving the God a thumbs up of all things "But you've got a lot of power there!"
Flann just stared at him in dead silence.
The others on the bench watched as Faraam covered his face with his hand, for a few moments they wondered what he was doing and why his shoulders were trembling before a faint noise came to their ears.
Bemusement soon spread across their features followed by mirth as it became obvious that Faraam was letting out a wheezing laugh, the former wargod slowly shook his head before lowering his hand. The moment he caught sight of Flann's indignant expression the wheeze returned with full force to the extent he slapped his hand over his knee.
"H-he…He…!" Faraam leaned back, the wheeze developing into a full laugh "He said he had 'potential'!" he mocked loudly, causing the others to just give him odd looks "Potential! H-he's a God of Flames and he has 'potential' in the art of fire craft! Pfffftahahahahahaha!" both hands came up to his face, covering it up and muffling the laughter.
Jeanne - whether through the slightly mocking implication or just the genuine nature of the Rider's laugh - couldn't help the slight curling of her lip into a faint smile before it devolved into a gentle giggle of her own, she soon raised her hand to muffle the laughter. What was worse was the fact the Caster seemed genuine in his attempt to support the clearly prideful Divine Spirit.
"Heeee…" Releasing one final wheeze, Faraam lowered his hands and let out a quiet cough "Hehe…Oh Flann…such a fool even the mortals are better than you." shaking his head, his eyes darted over to the far end of the field. Sure enough, he saw Quelaag being far less subtle in her humor of the situation. She was just pointing and laughing at this point.
Not that he blamed her. Flann was always rather prideful, thinking that an authority over Flame automatically made him equal to a witch of Chaos. That and his idolisation of Gwyn was poorly hidden.
"Oh dear…" He blinked as he heard a slightly worried voice, he looked down to see their newest arrival with an anxious expression on her face "Fath-um…Lord Flann is angry…"
Faraam raised an eyebrow at her "Lord Flann?" he asked incredulously, the golden winged girl jolted and looked up at him with a pensive expression for a few moments before she nodded her head.
"Lord Flann says to call him Father undermines his authority." The girl rattled off swiftly "All Gods must address him as Lord and his children are no different."
Faraam stared at her in silence for a few moments before his eyes slowly returned to the God in question "Is that so?" he rumbled quietly "...Flann always had an inflated ego of himself."
"You know Fa-!...I mean-" She coughed into her hand, correcting herself and assuming a more composed herself into a more formal posture "You are acquainted with Lord Fla-"
"Don't call him 'Lord'." Faraam responded in a tired voice, one hand rubbing his temple in exasperation "...He's your father and it is hardly as if he holds any authority here of all places." he waved his other hand in a gesturing manner to the colosseum "As for your first question? A long time ago I suppose." he muttered out, then shook his head and looked down at her surprised expression.
"Really?" She whispered out in an awed voice "I can tell you're a God but you feel a bit…weird." she frowned, reaching out and poking his arm hesitantly "Where did your Divinity go?"
"...I gave most of it up." Faraam admitted with a shrug, then pointed to the far end of the Colosseum "You're a daughter of Lady Gwynevere, aren't you?"
Caffrey widened her eyes in surprise "How did you know that?"
Faraam gave her a conspiratorial wink "I know. Did she ever tell you of Gwyndolin?"
The girl frowned "Uncle Gwyndolin?" she muttered "She mentioned him once when I was younger and told me not to bring it up." she frowned, tapping the tips of her fingers together and actually looking much like a saddened child "She looked sad…"
"Hmm." Faraam wordlessly hummed in response before he rested his left hand on her shoulder far more gently than could be expected of one his size and turned her to face the direction he was pointing "Do you see that one in the white dress with the crown shaped like the sun?"
"Ummm…" Caffrey squinted her eyes for a few moments before they widened "Yes I see him!" rapidly nodding her head, Faraam let out a small chuckle.
"That is your uncle Gwyndolin." He rumbled, giving her a gentle tap on the back "Go and greet him."
"R-really?" Caffrey fidgeted "But…I don't want to worry him…" she looked up at the god and whispered "Also the spider lady looks scary."
"Quelaag?" Faraam snorted "Harmless." he dismissed her concerns "On that I assure you, she just looks moderately frightening…actually, she might look better than the last time I saw her." he jested with a note of amusement "Regardless, you should visit your uncle." he gently pushed her forwards "Go on little one...He'll take a liking to you, I am certain."
"Really?"
"Indeed." Faraam nodded "Gwyndolin is a little sullen…but perhaps what he needs is a little luck to brighten his day." he smiled down at the girl behind his scarf, Caffrey gave a little giggle at the joke.
"Alright!" she exclaimed, flashing her wings out "I'll go and say hello to Uncle Gwyndolin!" she beamed "Lo-father always said royalty should greet with royalty after all!" she made to take off into the air before she paused and looked at Faraam "What is your name by the way?" she asked "I never asked…sorry." she blushed, causing Faraam to let out another chuckle at her.
"It is fine…as for my name?" He paused, looking up "...You can just call me nameless."
Caffrey frowned "That isn't a name."
"Yes it is."
"No it isn't!" She pouted, then pointed at him "Your name can't be nameless!"
"Why not?"
"Because…um…it isn't a name!"
"Really?" He tilted his head and smiled "But what if I want it to be my name?"
"That…er…well um…" Caffrey seemingly failed to form sentences for a few moments before she shook her head and pointed at Faraam "That's still not a name! If you don't tell me I'll give you bad luck!" she threatened, the act earning only amusement from everyone in front of her and not just Faraam.
"I'm sure." Faraam chuckled "But I'm still Nameless child…just think of me as a passing divinity helping out his…younger relative."
"Hmmmm." Caffrey studied him with an inquisitive expression before she huffed and looked away "W-well…you're still getting bad luck until you tell me!" she shouted out, beating her wings and launching herself into the sky. Faraam watched her leave before letting out a rumbling sound of amusement and shaking his head.
"...Was that truly alright with you?" Jeanne asked, looking at him with concern "If Gwyndolin is her uncle, does that not make you-"
"I left before she was ever born…before the Kingdom she was born in was even founded." Faraam replied with a disinterested shrug "...Whatever link I had to the old Gods of Lordran…I have that up many, many years ago." he remained silent "Now shush. I'm watching the fight, I haven't seen Flann get a beating this bad since he made a snide remark about Gough within earshot of Artorias."
That was always a memory that would live on in his head. It wouldn't surprise him if that pummeling from the Knight had actually inspired a fear of wolves in him.
Now he was curious if this pyromancer could inspire a fear of flames in him, it would certainly be poetic irony for a God of Fire to have a fear of his own authority.
The pillar of fire erupted from the ground, launching itself a colossal five metres into the air as it spun like a cyclone, the whirlwind acting as a barrier and blocking the dozen or so orbs of fire from striking him. Caster flicked his hand and pulled the pillar higher and higher until it was eventually free from the ground and became like a serpent, the elongated ribbon of flames following the Caster's hands as he directed it through the sky and towards the God.
Flann snarled, swiping his hand upwards as the fire snake approached him and unleashing a thin blade of superheated flames towards it, slicing directly through the middle of the serpent as it rushed towards him and caused both sides to split apart on either side of him.
The moment the worm had been fully cut in half, Flann swung both his arms out and halted the two halves of the flames before they could dissipate into nothing. The God locked his sighs onto the mystery Caster and made to swing his arms forward, with the intention of returning his spell to him.
Caster held out his hand and snapped his fingers. Flann watched as the air in front of him shimmered and warpedas if exposed to a dangerously high temperature before he watched thin wisps of bright orange flames rush towards a singular point directly in front of his face.
Flann immediately understood what was about to occur and abandoned his spell, attempting to retreat. Far too slow before the air detonated in a titanic explosion of flames which blasted him off his feet and sent him ragdolling through the air before roughly landing face first in the dirt. He placed his hands against the ground and slowly but surely pushed himself back up to his hands and knees.
"That was a good trick with the fire!" Caster genuinely complimented with a wave of his hand to the God "But you need to be able to sense the air all around you…like…um…this was much easier explaining it to Carmina." he muttered to himself, shaking his head "Anyway! You need t-"
He ducked low as a jet of fire launched itself over his head, the man let out a surprised shout and scrambled back as Flann stood with his hand outstretched towards him. Eventually the God let out a roar and charged him, his body engulfed in fire and pulling his fist back in clear preparation for a powerful blow. Caster's eyes widened as the man let out a gasp of surprise, already moving backwards to try and clear the distance while raising his hand.
Flann still charged towards him and would have continued to do so. Up until Caster took in a deep breath before he exhaled, a thick purple smog erupted forth from between his lips and formed a cloud in between the two of them. Flann widened his eyes and threw his fist downwards, unleashing the explosion into the ground and using the power behind the detonation to launch himself into the air above the poisonous cloud.
The deity clamped both his fists together as he raced down towards the Caster, the man in question watched as Flann rushed with with nothing shy of murder in his eyes.
Then watched as a beam of purple light flew in from the side and slammed into the God's ribs, violently knocking them off course and causing their body to slam into the ground. Caster blinked in surprise, looking over and seeing Sulyvahn lower his sword from being pointed in his direction before swiftly returning to duelling the other Caster.
Hazel eyes narrowed as he watched the opposing Servant flash his hand out again, the odd burning symbols formed in front of him before erupting outwards in tracking balls of fire seeking down his ally. Caster raised his own hand and looked between himself and the Cu for a few moments.
"Hmm…Divine pyromancy?" He muttered to himself as he examined the spell, then jolted as he heard the familiar snarl and swiftly turned to see Flann already rushing towards him. Caster swept his hand through the air, this time the cloud of toxic case spawned directly in the God's face, the green mist instantly entering the Divine Spirits lungs and causing them to cough and splutter as they clasped at their neck and backed away - only getting a little of the smoke in themselves - until they stood away from it.
Caster thrust his right hand forwards, throwing out a singular jet of pyromancy flames into Flann which struck the God dead in the chest and barrelled him over. After a few moments he cancelled the jet before bringing his fist above his head and slamming it down into the ground. Flann was already attempting to climb to his feet before the area around him glowed, he attempted to move far too late as the pillars of fire erupted out of the ground and consumed his form.
Caster allowed himself a slight sigh of relief, then he paused. A frown swiftly came to his features as he watched the pillars of fire shift and flicker before they collapsed inwards towards the God as if drawn in by some other force. Flann burst out of the flames, his body awash in a sea of orange as more of the burning material seemingly soaked itself into him.
Caster's eyes widened slightly and he backed away a little as Flann's body seemingly bulked out slightly, the musculature and height of the God increasing bit by bit until he was standing around the same height as Sulyvahn as opposed to his previous ally. Either way, he was now much taller than Caster, who was looking a little perturbed by the sudden change.
Flann spread his arms wide, instantly dousing the flames at his side as his body glowed with a orange hue.
"Now…human swine." Flann growled, shifting his arms "You will truly understand just how low you really-"
Caster didn't exactly wait for him to finish monologuing. His mentor had always impressed upon him the importance of seeing a chance and taking it. So he did. He called upon some of her spells she had taught him herself, the flames in his hands deepened and became more erratic as the essence of Chaos took hold of them. Flann actually seemed to register the sudden development before Caster thrust his hands forward.
The God widened his eyes and raised his arms in a blocking motion as the Chaos flames slammed into him, the titular beam of extreme heat hit the God like a runaway Taurus demon and sent him rolling backwards, even as his Noble Phantasm attempted to consume the flames it simply wasn't possible for him to absorb all of them.
Deep within his soul, he understood that the Pyromancer was just capable of generating more magical energy than he could.
That was a sobering thought, and the final one he had as his feet could no longer keep him on the ground and came loose, causing him to hurtle through the air and crash into the wall of the colosseum, shattering the stone work and scorching the bricks around him black. The humanoid shaped crater in the wall revealed the shape of Flann embedded in it, his eyes dull and looking at nothing before he slowly peeled away and fell flat on his face. When he didn't move but didn't disappear, he concluded he had knocked the Divine Spirit out cold.
Caster winced. He went and made a bungle of the situation again. He nervously looked around to see how his ally was faring.
Sulyvahn recoiled as another explosion of flames caused him to jolt backwards, hissing as the staff slammed into his left hand and caused him to loosen his hold on his sword of judgement. The blade lost its hue as it dropped to the ground with a clatter.
He didn't allow Cu to push his advantage, swinging the profaned greatsword down towards him and forcing him to step back to avoid being hit by it. Sulyvahn then swept the sword to the side with it leaving behind a trail of chaotic flames and forcing him to further increase the distance, pulling his arm back he thrust forwards and launched his entire body into the attack. Cu widned his eyes at the sudden burst of movement and raised his own staff to block the attack, enhancing it as far as he dared as the tip of the sword impacted against his guard.
If Cu had been a Lancer, he suspected he would have held the Caster back easily.
Unfortunately he wasn't a Lancer. He was a Caster and his luck was bullshit.
The thrust by Sulyvahn caused him to stumble backwards, the Pontiff following through and swinging the sword down towards his neck. Cu slammed his staff into the ground and rose up a collection of branches to block the sword. The weapon clanged off the makeshift shield and caused Sulyvahn to let out a growl. Cu smirked before bringing his palm down and slamming it into the ground as well.
Sulyvahn paused as a burning ring opened up in the space behind Cu.
Then a giant fist made of wicker erupted from the circle and struck him dead in the face. And in the torso.
It effectively just punched his entire body and sent him reeling away from the impact and into a pained roll as he tried to contemplate just where that had even come from to begin with. As he slowly rose back to his feet, Sulyvahn watched as the spirit wolves pounced towards him.
He didn't even bother moving as his shadow swept in from the side and sliced through the first wolf with ease and reduced it to motes of light. The second wolf clamped down onto the spirits right arm and pulled, dragging the limb - and the spirit - towards the ground before engaging in a pulling match for the limb.
Sulyvahn barely gave it any thought as he stabbed his Greatsword into the sand and used it to push himself up. Watching the Caster already preparing another collection of his runes. Sulyvahn growled, swiftly pulling his blade free and charging towards the Caster.
Cu then smirked.
Sulyvahn paused as he felt the ground heat up under his feet, the last thing he saw before he found himself hurtling through the air was the burning shape of a dozen of those runes in the ground before his vision was absorbed in a bright flash and he felt himself go weightless. The sense of levitation lasted a few moments before he crashed into the ground.
"Now then…" Cu tapped his staff on the ground, then swung it out towards the shadow servant held captive by the single remaining wolf. The dozen orbs of fire slammed into its body and consumed it in a blazing inferno. The wolf panted as it jogged out of the smoke and back to the Caster. "Good work there boy." he thanked the wolf as he pet it, looking towards the remaining Caster "No-"
He cut himself off and just stared.
The opposing Caster had well over a hundred glowing orbs of fire hovering just behind his head, the cloaked man gave an awkward wave. "I saw your Divine Pyromancy!" he called out "Impressive!"
"Eh?" Cu shouted back "You mean my runes? They can do other stuff aside from flames and really, I'm just an amateur when it comes to it!"
"Really?" Caster shouted back "I wasn't sure because I had never seen it before…" he frowned, tapping his foot on the ground before he waved his hand out in front of him "Was this how it worked?"
"...Man what the fuck!?" Cu stabbed his staff at the man as he watched him craft a series of runes identical to his own "That's some bull shit!"
"Is it?" Caster frowned "...I don't understand it myself so I don't know what it will actually do." sure enough the runes fizzled away without even doing anything before he waved his hand "I'm sure I'll figure it out though!" he cheerily waved "New pyromancies! How exciting!"
"Yeah, terrific." Cu snorted, shaking his head. The man certainly seemed enthusiastic to say the least. "Right, you've bested a God, now lets see you try your luck against a-"
Caster unleashed the bombardment before he could even finish his sentence.
"Cu Chulainn just died!" Mash exclaimed in horror as she shot to her feet.
"That caster servant!" Olga was more concerned with the other one "He just bested a God of Fire with fire!" she shouted in bewilderment "There's no way he's purely human!"
"He is." Cecilia spoke up, her visor directed towards the Caster "His soul is purely that of a mortal man. Tis much older than my own however…from an Age long past."
That gave Olga pause, she frowned as she cupped her chin "Then they were an older legend than the God?" she muttered to herself, then looked down at Cecilia "Can you tell us anything else?"
Cecilia shook her head "Not at this distance, Lady Olga. T'would require use of my eyes-"
"It is not that great a mystery to allow you to cause yourself suffering." Ash cut her off before she could continue, the undead staring down as the smoke settled. Revealing a thoroughly unconscious Cu Chulainn and the mystery Caster currently dragging away and equally injured Sulyvahn to safety. "And a human beating a God is not that great a surprise, provided their soul is of great power."
"Ash isn't wrong although this really isn't the same sort of case as with the Gorgon sisters." Roman replied with a frown as he scratched his chin "The Caster demonstrated much greater competency with that magecraft…I think he also tried to copy the runes at the end."
"But…they didn't do anything." Mash pointed out, tilting her head and frowning "Did they?"
"No." Roman shook his head "They didn't…maybe it is like a problem with the Caster and an unfamiliar system of magecraft?" he wondered aloud "Still, to be able to discern and mimic old magecraft at just a glance. He's certainly a powerful Caster at any rate."
"It could also be a case that the enemy Caster was a sloppy fool." Leonidas pointed out, cupping his helmet "His attacks were powerful but careless. He seemed to just swing his weight around without a true style. Perhaps he has simply never fought an intelligent foe?"
"Umu, perhaps." Nero nodded her head "But for now, we have another performance to attend to!" she announced "That was a most enjoyable spectacle, but now is the time for another!" she proclaimed as she walked forwards "My Romans, now is the time for another battle of the Divine…but this time they shall face each other!"
The crowd seemed to find that appealing as they broke out into pleased roars.
"For today, we determine the greater God of Moonlight!" she spread her arms wide "We find ourselves with our own Goddess, Diana!"
Artemis paused at the name, wincing in turn as the crowd positively cheered for her.
"...Diana, huh?" Orion let out a hum "That's nice."
"It wasn't like that, Darling." Artemis pointed out "Just…getting some air is all!"
"Hmmm."
"And for her opponent!" Nero continued on "Born in a distant land and a child of the King of his own Gods! The God of the Dark Moon and Captain of their Legion…Gwyndolin!"
"...Well." Orion let out a faint laugh "This should be something good."
The God appeared at the opposite end of the stadium in a flash of light, the snake limbs already rising up and staring at the duo. The God's expression was perfectly vacant as he gazed dispassionately at them.
"Hey, Linny!" Artemis waved her hand in greeting "We're gonna compete? Okay!"
Gwyndolin's posture broke and he slammed his hand onto his mask in exasperation.
AN: Mystery Caster and Flann?
What a surprise!
No stat sheet for Flann though, as I'm debating whether or not to fully add him in properly this early. Probably not so when he does eventually arrive, I'll reveal his stats and dialogue properly. Think of it like a Jason Scenario.
Although yes…
He is a blowhard.