Closed All For One PV MS

@Alan Vanes, @Howard White, @Percival Gray, @Levi Drakos, @Orion Lécuyer, @Santario Martin

She shut the door firmly behind them and Alan provided the spell to lock it. That was just the easy part, but it was definitely important that no slugs or half-cured Santario could escape. While she stayed quiet, Alan called out to his friend, words pleading for the Santario they had once known, the one they were resolved to get back today. Bridget, personally, thought it might be kind of useless. Sure, their Santario was not yet completely gone, and if she was essentially a host for the slugs, it made sense that she was still in there somewhere, but after the acid spit at duels and the months of being anything but the girl she'd known, it seemed unlikely words would do anything. And indeed, the slug-possessed Santario snapped back harshly; her mouth turned downward in sympathy. If she caught Alan's eyes, she would give a nod, trying to convey some sense of resolve, to just stay focused and they would get her back. Now was not the time to take those words to heart and let them get in his head.

She turned to the center of the room, to the part of their plan that was going to be a bit harder than locking a door. Of course, it wasn't just the slugs they had to contend with, but Santario herself, and Bridget knew her co-captain was a force to be reckoned with. But there were scarier things than a Tongue-Tying Spell and her aim was off; it looked like she'd changed targets at the last moment. Then there was Howard, arms wrapping around Santario to keep her pinned, but with screams that tore into her eardrums and made her heart thrum a bit faster, she tore away. From Howard, whose strength Bridget had seen on the Quidditch Pitch. Shit. Already things weren't quite going to plan, and she'd expected that, but that didn't mean she hadn't wished things would just work out.

The most important part of their plan rested with Professor Lécuyer, their new defender from the constellations. Adults had let them down before--they were not perfect and all-capable as a younger, more inexperienced her had thought--but still, he seemed calm and capable, exactly what she needed with her nerves, and he came through. His Slug-Vomiting Charm landed true, Bridget watching from behind him, where she'd promised to stay at his instruction. Her face screwed into a grimace as Santario choked and then expelled a large thing, black and slimy and so big that it didn't make sense how it had been in her, how it could fit up her throat. It was disgusting, simply put, much more so than even the normal effects of the nasty spell, and she hated watching. But this was necessary, and losing Santario forever to haghood would be worse.

Truth be told, she was not quite as prepared as she should have been for the slug. Bridget had heard they didn't function like normal slugs, that they were deceptively fast and had horrible teeth. With some combination of her brain failing to see such an oversized mollusk as a threat as soon as it hit the ground and being a little too transfixed on the scene of Santario vomiting, it was a fortunate thing she was behind Professor Lécuyer. She flinched, hard, as it flew at him, and though it found no purchase on the adult or anyone else, thankfully, the threat was far from over.

It was time for her next job; she took a few steps so Professor Lécuyer was again in between her and the relocated slug and raised her wand, which had been clutched in hand for a while now, perhaps a little tighter than strictly necessary. This was not the same as a duel, not by a long shot--duelling opponents didn't jump at you like this with sharp teeth and such ill-intentions--but her brain was functioning similarly, if not on a bit more adrenaline, ticking through spells and identifying threats to counter. The slug was fast, and given the chance, she was sure it would sink its teeth into flesh sooner or later. So, they needed to counter its attacks--slow it, stop it, something along those lines. They also needed to kill it, but with a glance at Santario, she decided that maybe wasn't the first priority. Perhaps Professor Lécuyer had a spell that could one-shot it, but it looked too sturdy for anything she knew to take it out quickly. If they couldn't take it out before the others came, for this was only the first of several slugs, then her priority was making sure they weren't overwhelmed. Finishing them off could come later, for now they had to keep the situation manageable.

So, while a part of her rather wanted to burn the nasty thing that had caused Santario so much pain, she opted for something else. Fire was volatile, besides. Taking a step to the side to get a clear shot around Professor Lécuyer, she took aim at the slug. "Impedimenta." Slowed, they should have an easier time dealing with it. Percival sent an Immbolus at about the same time, and between their spells, hopefully the slug would be stopped.

Action: Casting Impedimenta at Slug #1

@Snatario Martin | @Alan Vanes | @Bridget Collins | @Levi Drakos | @Percival Gray | @Orion Lecuyer

Howard wasted no time as soon as he heard the lock to the door click. With a mighty lunge he would catapult himself towards Santario just as she fired off a spell. Fortunately for him she had targeted Levi which left an opening for long arms to wrap around her. However, just as he was going to flex to tighten his grip on her she would scream and thrashed against him like some kind of feral animal. His grip would break as he lost his footing and was forced to stumble backwards.

Eyes as red a burning embers would lock with Santario's who were wide and wild. Her mouth agape and dripping with saliva as she screamed her challenge at Howard, but two could play at that game. His jaw would drop as he bared his own teeth. Long, sharpened fangs would plunge from his gum line as he hissed back. His challenge was not to Santario, but to the darkness that laid within her. A part of the darkness that had nearly cost him his own soul. Whatever it took, it died today!

However, just before the two could attack each other again a spell would hit Santario. Soon enough she would grasp both stomach and throat as the slugs were forced from their host. The first would slap against the ground with a sickening noise, but would quickly dart off the attack its aggressor. Both Percival and Bridget would attempt to stop or slow the slug's attack, but Howard's eyes stayed with Santario. If he had learned anything from the last time he faced this situation it was that she would have to be restrained until all the slugs were expelled. The evil would force her to do whatever it took to safeguard itself and that could not happen. As tempting as it was to attack the slug, Howard would instead lunge at Santario again and attempt to grapple her.

Action: Grapple Santario.

Mod Note: Since the banning of Levi Drakos, information found here. There will be no further mention of that character in this thread and we will continue on as if they are not here.

Despite all of this Alan still had hoped they had been wrong despite all evidence saying the opposite. But he had hoped that Santario didn't have to go through such a horrible and frightening thing. He would shift his focus toward the slug that had been spit out from Santario. "Try again, she got lucky but you got this," the Gryffindor pleaded toward @Howard White, who had not managed to keep hold of Santario this time. But he could try again, right? Make sure she would not hurt herself seriously or anything or do something else she would regret once she turned back to normal.

The fifth year knew he would not be the best at targeting but he would do his very best to hit this little monstrosity anyway. He didn't dare call it a beast, it was some awful dark magic born from Hag magic. It didn't even compare to any magical creature he had known. This slug couldn't exist without causing suffering, or at least that was what the boy told himself as he raised his wand with a shaky hand and tried his best to keep himself steady. It was the first time ever that this boy would raise his wand against something with the intention to kill.

"Aqua Eructo!"

"Get out of her." The demand came as a low growl as the professor gripped his elder wood wand and pointed it towards the parasitic slug. How had they managed to wriggle their way into the stomach of his pseudo daughter? Where the hell had they came from? "You should have died with your sisters."

The fear that spread across the young girl's features was not a type that Orion was unfamiliar with. It was often present when targets realized their days were numbered. It was also an expression many of the hags had worn when he, Halford, and Tuesday had hunted their coven down and destroyed the foul things, one by one. Theirs had not been an easy death, but any pleas for mercy had fallen on deaf ears. He could still hear their screams for mercy. Could still smell their gore, despite the fact it had been months. It was just another memory to haunt him. The scent of baked goods was the only thing that could dull the scent of blood.

Had a hag somehow, despite how careful the three had been, managed to evade three former Aurors? Had she implanted a hag slug into the belly of somehow he cared about? These were all questions he could bring to Halford and Tuesday, but first he had to get these things out of Santario.

His wand cut through the air with his next spell, "Hostis Ure!"

Feral instinct took over Santario as she squared up with Howard despite the slugs making their way out of her throat semi-regularly. However, rather quickly, the next giant lamprey-like slug would force itself up her throat and land between her and Howard. With only one remaining slug inside of her, Santario’s tactics changed as instinct became self-preservation. Santario went for her wand as Howard went for her. Just as her hands grasped her wand and she started to speak, the incantation to stop the slug vomiting spell, his arms wrapped around her like a boa constrictor, and this time he was not letting her slip from his arms regardless of how hard she fought against him.

San Acc to grab wand before Grapple| 15 + 12 = 27
H Acc| 3 + 17 = 20
San Eva| 11 + 7 = 18
H Str| 7 + 14 = 21
San Str| 11 + 3 = 14

The larger of the two slugs who had attempted to go after Orion seemed to realize that he was not the one it should be going after. Instead, it turned back to its former host and started making its way toward Santario. Bridget, to no surprise, made a tactically sound decision to cast Impedimenta. Alan going along with the same mindset as Bridget, unleashed a well-cast Aqua Eructo hoping upon hope that it would do to the slug what it had done to Santario in their previous duel. Having successfully made Santario vomit, Orion could now focus his attention on the first slug before him. Orion cast a spell none of them had learned yet as he summoned the fire from the two wall sconces nearest him and rained fireballs at it.

B Wis| 7 + 11 = 18 B Acc| 4 + 11 = 15 Slug 1 Eva| 9 + 10 = 19 Miss

A Wis| 16 + 7 = 23 A Acc| 15 + 8 = 23 Slug 1 Eva| 18 + 10 = 28 Miss

O Wis| 1 + 20 = 21 O Acc| 4 + 18 = 22 Slug 1 Eva| 13 + 10 = 23 Miss

Perhaps, emotions were just running too high as the larger Slug managed to zig and zag around the fireballs, the barrage of water, and the turquoise beam of energy headed its way. One thing for certain was that it only barely managed to dodge these attacks, and its host was unable to help them. It lunged for Santario, attempting to clamp its teeth down on her right thigh, the same spot it originally entered, but her fight against Howard made it impossible to get near her. The second, smaller, Slug turned on the boy holding its host and made its attempt to clamp down on the dhampir, but Howard was not going to be bitten, not tonight. Even with the wild Santario in his arms, he managed to get them out of harm's way.

S 1 Acc| 14 + 10 = 24 San Eva| 18 + 7 = 25 Miss

Slug 2 Acc| 11 + 5 = 16 H Eva| 10 + 9 = 19 Miss

Percival would redeem himself tonight as he levied his wand at the somewhat elusive Slug. The last time he cast this spell, it had backfired in the most horrific of times. The deep blue energy of his immobulus blazed across the room, striking his opponent true. Part of their job was now just made a whole lot easier. They might be plagued with two more slugs to attack, but the largest and more powerful could, for the moment, no longer hurt anyone.

What Happened

Santario| 500/900 HP - Vometing Slugs 2/3 Rounds - Retrieved wand, Took Damage from evacuating slug. - Is Grappled
@Percival Gray| 700/700 HP - Immobilized Slug 1
@Howard White| 1100/1100 HP - Grappled Santario and kept her.
@Bridget Collins| 1000/1000 HP - Missed Slug 1
@Alan Vanes| 1100/1100 HP - Missed Slug 1
@Orion Lécuyer| 700/700 HP - Missed Slug 1

Slug 1| 1000/1000 HP - Attempted to latch onto Santario and missed. - Immobilized Can be targeted.
Slug 2| 500/500 HP - Attempted to latch onto Howard and missed.

@Santario Martin | @Percival Gray | @Bridget Collins | @Alan Vanes | @Orion Lecuyer

Howard's gaze would lock with Santario's as he spun around into another crouch, ready to pounce again. Somewhere behind those steely blue was the nice girl he had shared a pleasant conversation. The innocent young woman that had been infiltrated by such vile creatures. As yet another slug escaped her lips it was a reminder that that innocence would be lost forever if they did not succeed. Howard fumbled his first attempt, but a newfound fire lit in his belly as the foul beasts were purged. "We're coming for you Santario." He pledged both to himself and to her. The slugs die today!!

Howard launched himself forward as the Slytherin went for her wand. They could not risk San casting a counter spell on herself, so he wrapped her up in yet another grapple and this time he would not let go. Not until that last slug was purged from her body. The scene around them would descend into chaos as spells were fired and she lashed out against him. As if they could sense their imminent doom the slugs would turn back to their former host. One attempting to reenter her and the other trying to attack Howard, but he used his quickened reflexes to keep them at bay. "Just you wait!" He grunted through gritted teeth. Just one more to expel and then these slugs would face the full force of one pissed off Dhampir!

Action: Hold grapple on Santario

@Alan Vanes, @Howard White, @Percival Gray, @Orion Lécuyer, @Santario Martin

To miss any other slug would almost be a feat, especially when it was this big, a nasty black target. But this was no ordinary slug, and instead of connecting with slimy flesh, the aquamarine light of her spell was wasted on the stone floor. There were all sorts of reasons for missing: the weird dexterity of the slug that she was still getting used to, the slight shake of her hands that she hadn't noticed yet, the fact that misses just happened sometimes. But excuses had no place taking up valuable mental energy right now. All there was space for was noting that she'd missed, and a sinking feeling as both Alan's jet of water and Professor Lécuyer's advanced fire spell did the same. They couldn't all miss, it was heading back for Santario...

And they didn't. Percival came through, Immobulus hitting squarely. The effect was instantaneous, the speedy thing frozen in its tracks, its threat negated for the moment. How long that moment would be, she didn't know. There was another slug to contend with now, anyhow, as announced by the awful noises of the spell working. Her eyes flicked between the immobilized slug and the one now on the attack, snapping after Howard. Still no purchase of slug teeth in flesh, but that still felt like a timer ticking down, just waiting to hit zero.

She wanted to burn the first slug. There was something hot sitting in her chest that urged her to, to channel that heat and leave the thing a pile of ashes. It was frozen now, an easy target. All these slugs deserved to burn, would burn, for the torment they'd been for Santario, for threatening to take away someone Bridget thought she might count as a friend for forever. Though... she could wait just a bit longer. With Howard having secured a grip on Santario and the first slug frozen, they had just one issue right now. If she could neutralize this slug, too, then they would still only have one thing to deal with when the next slug came along. To keep the situation from spiraling out of control, that was the most important thing right now.

She would follow Percival's example this time; Immobulus was a spell she'd known longer, perhaps the greater familiarity would help her accuracy. Swallowing down the dryness in her throat, she raised her wand again, stepped to the side of Professor Lécuyer's back. Took aim. "Immobulus!" They needed that slug stopped before there were pained yells and blood and panic.

Action: Casting Immobulus at Slug #2