A Ritual to Enchant

[Job info can be found here: To Hunt a Vampire II]

place save for mission

Zachary huffed and puffed as he recovered from the fright of the vampire, mansion and the sudden drop he got from the window as they had launched into the air in their escape. Leo had done a wonderful job, the majestic white lion had repelled the vampire enough to allow them to escape. Zachary's theory was correct. Even if this vampire was immune to most forms of poison or methods normally used to kill it, sunlight still was a universal weakness. He was lucky to have such a powerful spirit, especially a Zodiac spirit, who had the power over sunlight.

Once they were safely out of the mansion and no spirit or vampire was in pursuit, Leo took his quoue to shift. At first, Zachary thought Leo would go back to the Celestial World. Instead, he took on his humanoid-like familiar form. Much like Ruby, the tiny companion he had, Leo and all his spirits could exist as smaller or non combative forms to remain by their summoner's side via his residual magic power. For Leo, he took on a rather still intimidating form of a humanoid white lion in tribal gear and holding a pole-arm like weapon. No doubt that even V would be a bit in awe of the lion.

Before long on the path back, they were greeted by the group of hunters. Zachary froze, realizing he was now caught. BUSTED! They would know he was a fledgling wizard, who took their request in addition to V, and under the guild's nose. Still, he tried to keep a positive and compitent air about him. Leo looked at him, confused about his hesitation.

"Um.... Zachary Sirius, ma-am. Sorry for not coming to you first but I felt compelled to act and get a jump on the job. One of those vampires were looking for the book to so...." he paused and realized V beat him to the punch. Seems he backed up for him, and the woman was more accepting of him after that. He gave a generous bow to the client.

V offered to let Zachary do the honors. With the book tight under his arm, he realized how tight he was holding on to it for dear life. Seeing the smile on the woman's face, he took a breath and kindly handed the book to her. "Yes. I'm glad we could get it back to you."

"Thank you. This will be of great help to our next step. " she said and handed the book over to her associate. "With this, we can actually forge magic weapons capable of harming these creatures. I hope we can count on you for your aid in it."

This puzzled Zachary a bit as he looked to V. "Um, what exactly do you want us to do? I am a Celestial Wizard, but we would need help if the spell requires anything specific." he stated.

"Oh , no nothing like that. We will explain it in detail well before we start. But not here. We cannot risk your fanged friend catching on. Please come with us,"she said.

The group of hunters began to make their way further to the depths of the forest-- leaving Zachary to glance at Leo and V. He hoped both was on board for helping them out.

WC: 577

@V

Zachary was relieved that V was on board . Leo, now as his humanoid shape, had his arms folded and his polearm secured behind his back. "I suppose this should be okay. It be a mistake to let my guard down now, but be aware my power is not without limit. And I won't be able to do much as I am now." the lion said.

Zachary smiled as they followed the leader of the band of hunters. "No worries, Leo. I'm sure we can handle it. Besides, V here is also a bad ass, aren't you? " he asked.

They followed the hunters into a clearing in the woods. Despite the clearing, the sky was still dark and loomed with the grim aura of the haunted woods. Owls and crickets made their sounds as the band of hunters made a position in the center of the clearing, unraveling materials onto the ground with clatter of metals. There, he saw several swords, scythes, and other weapons of a gleaming silver that glistened with their reflections.

"The ritual in question allows us to enchant these weapons to make them harm the vampire you encounter and others like him. The ritual will take roughly a half hour to complete," the leader explained to V and Zachary." We have all the supplies here and the ritual will be complete when the moon breaks through the clouds to enchant the weapons with its might. "

"Moonlight? Is that really what will work on the silver? I mean... it kind of feels off that we are using something normally used on Werewolves to fight it?" Zachary asked.

The leader sighed and rubbed her head. "Supposidly, there are similarities between this vampire and the werewolves you refer to. Either way, leave those details to us. What is important-- however, this ritual will no doubt draw a lot of unwanted attention. What I would have you all do is fight off any creatures that might be drawn in to the ritual. The magic alone may draw in those who would corrupt the rite."

Zachary nodded and gave them a positive thumbs up. "Consider it done. Fighting monsters is one thing Fairy Tail Wizards are good at!" Zachary said, boasting his confidence to the task at hand.

No doubt it might make V roll his eyes at his jubilance at the task at hand.

WC: 417

The member 'V' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

---

'Monster Dice' :

It was then that the ritual began. The hunters in charge with the ritual had their backs to them, while the others kept guard along with V and Zachary. Leo, aka Ajani, stood nearby. Zachary glanced at the ritual and heard the soft murmur of chants going on. As they proceeded the sky slowly parted and moonlight began to flow down from the sky.

"Huh... That's interesting," Zachary commented, curious to the ritual. "I wonder if this is similar to that Moon Drip ritual that was performed on Galuna Island, or so I heard anyway. "

While V might not be open to respond to Zachary's innocent comments and questions, Leo was a bit more curt to the point. "It probably be wise to stay focus, Zachary. We have much work to do." he said.

Zachary frowned and sighed. "Y-you're right. Sorry... Are you able to fight or do you still need some rest?" he asked.

"To be truthful, I could rest a little bit longer in this form. While I can fight, it be better if I have some time to recover my magic power. " Leo said calmly, despite V's warning.

From the forest, shadowy creatures began to appear. They really did look like shadows, of different animalistic shapes and sizes, along with others mixed in further back-- drawn in by the magic of the moonlight which called the others in.

"No worries. YOu can rest a bit longer. I'll restore your power when you're ready," Zachary said and dug into his pocket for one of his keys. A smile was on his face as he pulled out one with the shape of a horse-head with wings in the back of it. " Now that we are outside, I can cut loose with one of my best spirits." The sheer pride and confidence Zachary said was almost illuminating in the bleak forest.

He held the key up high and it gleamed in the moonlight. "OPEN-- Gate of the Winged Horse! PEGASUS!!" he cried and slashed the key through the air in front of him.

A brilliant circle of light appeared around him and released the spirit with the sound of a bell. The sound of a loud neigh was heard and the flap of wings as a brilliant white steed appeared in the air above them. The gleam of blue sapphire flared from his wings, along with the horn on his head-- an alacorn, V might recognize.

"Good evening, Zachary. Trouble this late. You're mother wouldn't approve of you being out in this neighborhood, the horse, Pegasus, said in a knowing tone, which made Zachary roll his eyes once more.

"Pegasus... do you mind us talking about my family issues when we are not about to be attacked by creepy crawlies!" he argued.

Well in the air, Pegasus turned to see the incoming mass of creatures. "Oh--well this job certainly beats me giving rids to children at birthdays or petting zoos. Let's ride!" he said with an almost happy tune as he ascended higher.

It was then he released a flap of his wings-- and from them, a gale of shimmering wind blew forward. While the enemies now ran to charge in-- the wide-reaching wind blew and tossed many back. Pegasus had a variety of powers, including the power of wind magic as he flew. The wind whipped around them, as well as hindered their attack power.

Holding Pegasus' key tight, Zachary watched confidently as Pegasus made the first move.

WC: 625

"V-- Look out!" Zachary cried, concerned for his associate. However, it seemed V had more skill in this than he anticipated. He swiftly dodged, despite the show of fatigue the man had. He was wordless, but precise and regarded the enemies with cold swiftness. Even more accurate to that, he soon saw as V snapped his fingers and the air grew considerably chilly. A blizzard-- a gale of icy winds began to sweep across the battlefield that easily slowed down the enemies even more.

Zachary still worried about V. He didn't seem like a front-line fighter, similar to Zachary. He always preferred to use range and support to his spirits. V be careful! With so many they will easily gang up on us!" Zachary warned.

Meanwhile, Leo continued to recover as he knelt there behind Zachary, observing the enemies that crawled out of the dark. The shadowy monsters were indistinctive to one another, making it harder to tell what was more dangerous. The ones that stood out where the larger ones, seeming to be shaped like werewolves. The one V was fighting-- a vicious looking snake with tusks on it was the more troublesome but it seemed V had it covered to fight it. Unlike Zachary, Leo could tell V could handle himself despite his fatigue. There was more to that mage than Zachary was willing to consider and that made the lion worry if Zachary put too much trust in his 'new friend'. He was too trusting for his own good at times...

The werewolf one-- the lycanthrope was advancing faster than the rest in place around V's and Pegasus' spells. Leo's eyes narrowed on it. "Zachary, use Sirius to combat the Lycanthrope." Leo suggested.

Zachary turned to the lion, still sitting out. "You want me to summon HIM of all time? Knowing him, he probably would forget and try to hit on the team leader." Zachary commented.

"Trust me. He will have a better advantage here than your other spirits." he insisted.

Zachary took out the silver key, depicting a wolf on the top of it. "Alright, fine. If you insist," Zachary said and held out the key. "Open, Gate of Canis Major! SIRIUS!!"

Another flash of light appeared as he slashed the key forward, followed by another wolfish howl into the night. Emerging from the light was a wolf-creature adorn in blue armor and standing on two haunches, much like a werewolf was. His appearance didn't look terrestrial as normal wolves, proving he wasn't just one but also a Celestial Spirit.

"Hey, Zachary, buddy! How you doing? HOw's your mom?" he said with a wolfish grin, "She still single, cause you know I'd love to ask her---"

"For the love of god, don't you DARE finish that sentence!!" Zachary fumed.

Sirius the wolf was ... well, a wolf in every sense of the word. The guy was a fierce warrior, feral at times, and a perv as some would have described Taurus to be. It embarrassed Zachary to have someone this pervy as his partner, but he was a dependable spirit when push came to shove.

"Geez, you ask one little question," the wolf grumbled, but soon his attention came to the advancing lycanthrope monster. "Oh, I see. Yeah, okay... sign, guess I won't be getting laid tonight."

Before Zachary could shout at Sirius-- the wolf took off in a flash and charged right for the Lycanthrope. What he lacked for in personal skills, Sirius was a beast on the battlefield as with one swipe of his nature-infused claws, the lycanthrope was knocked back. Each swipe of Sirius' claws not only slashed into the lycanthropes he found, but also the surrounding monsters, the gale of leaves and earth causing them to be struck by the resulting magic... and some even shattered into puffs of dark smoke.

Despite how he tore the monsters apart, Zachary still was there with a red sheen over his cheeks at how embarrassed he was to have such a pervy spirit.

Meanwhile, Pegasus saw the gale of icy winds his companion ally had. Unaware he was an ice slayer, he still worked to try and help them. With a neigh, Pegasus flapped his wings and launched a volley of icicles-- crystalized in mid air from the horse's own magic. The icicles showered down upon the battlefield, instantly skewering the lesser creatures into dark dust as easily as Sirius had.

WC: 737

Leo kept his ground as he observed the fight. For the time being, Zachary and V were able to hold their own-- with the aid of Pegasus and Sirius in the fray. While the wolf slashed and dashed through the field, using his sharp claws and wind-fury strikes to tear the shadowy beasts apart, Pegasus used his aerial advantage to volley ice at the enemies. Even V was performing a decent offense as he easily smashed and skewered his own share of foes away with ice.

The circle of magic behind them was starting to glow with more energy as the sky opened up-- revealing the moonlight. The ceremony was beginning to reach its Zenith. Zachary glanced behind him and sighed with relief, knowing this wouldn't be long. "Leo, you doing okay back there?" " Zachary asked, "At this rate, you won't get a shot yourself."

Leo regarded his summoner's offer and just sat there for the time being. The lion's glance would go to V, the mysterious wizard of ice. Something about him was off and made him suspicious. While he could care less about the fight itself beyond his contractor's safety, he had this feeling this Ice Wizard Zachary was all too willing to be chummy with had some secrets that could be a risk to his friend.

"It's okay Zachary. Not that I am lazy-- but i think you four have it covered beyond me at the moment. I'll be here just in case," the lion said as he kept an eye on the ceremony too.

However, as they were about to take ease in the fact the lesser enemies were easily slain by their combine power... a large thump began to echo in the woods. Sirius looked up as he smelled something fowl-- and a shadow loomed overhead. The wolf gave a soft 'bark' and turned to find a large beast shadowing him, looking down at him with beedy eyes.

"Oh... that's not good." the wolf said and jumped back just as the massive beast took another step.

Zachary looked in fright as he saw the beast lumber closer towards the circle. It was as tall as the trees and even the other hunters were distracted by the looming behemoth now on their way towards it.

WC: 381

The giant lumbering creature towered far higher than Zachary anticipated as he looked up. His limbs trembled a bit at the alarm of the size of the behemoth. This wasn't going to be easy, even with his spirits. As Pegasus flew overhead, he saw the power of the beast and his essence causing the lesser beasts to move out in the direction to try and get the hunters working on the ritual. With a mighty neigh, Pegasus beated his wings, applying wind pressure against their advance. Some of them burst to black dust-- but some endured and tried to push against the gale.

Zachary gripped his keys. "Okay... this is bad. How are we..." Zachary stopped as he soon saw V enter the fray, calmly walking forward and twirling his cane. "V! What are you doing?! It's Dangerous!" Clearly the man wouldn't listen as he knew better than Zachary did, and used his powerful ice magic.

While the clones did buy him needed time-- the ice spear was in fact a fine choice. However, it struck the Colossus to his chin-- but the ice spear shattered. It growled with pain butt its hide was thick and not likely to break so easily. It grew angry as it lumbered slowly and closely to the ice mage.

All the while V began to read from the book.

"Um-- Dude!" Sirius barked, finishing what enemies nearby he could. "Now is NOT the time for poetry!!"

Zachary saw that more creatures emerged, but V couldn't take on the beast alone. Even though that Pegasus handled some, they couldn't hold out and the ritual wasn't done yet. Zachary looked at his key.. and realized an idea he could use, but wish he had more time. "Normally, I'd summon you Leo... but I need to do what I can on my own."

Leo didn't answer, but in a sage-like manner, he nodded and looked to Zachary. Since Zachary obtained Leo, he had depended on Leo to be his go-to spirit in an emergency. But Leo would urge him also to be smart and use his other talents. Zachary knew for certain he couldn't depend on Leo alone. He was a Celestial Wizard, but that didn't define him to the keys he had-- but his skill over the spells to use them. It was with this, Zachary looked to Sirius.

"Sirius!" Zachary called out, catching the armored were-wolf's attention. "We need to crank things up a notch. With your permission I want to use Stellar Evolution on you!"

"WHAT?!" the wolf barked, his tail up in irritation. "We never tried that before. You want to use it now of all times, cause trust me if this makes me look worse I'd not like it. This mug has to be good for the ladies and--"

"SIRIUS!!" Zachary shouted, the urgency of the monsters causing more trouble.

The wolf growled. "Oh, I don't know... " he said.

"QUICKLY please!" The head huntress shouted from within the magic circle. "If they surround us, we are done for!"

The sound of the woman and the quick glance at her-- made the werewolf let out a bark of interest and his ears went up. "Okay, I'll do it! Anything for a damsel in distress! Don't worry, little Red! Big Bad Sirius is gonna huff and puff and blow them away! "

"Oh brother..." Zachary sighed, embarrassed by the wolf's obsession to try and impress any woman he came across. With that, he raised the key of the wolf up high overhead as Sirius was before him. "O, Gate of the Wolf, I call upon you-- open your threshold once more! Fill this champion with your light, shine and transcend the spirit within!"

With the incantation, a magic circle appeared below the werewolf and Zachary glowed with the magic of the Spirit's key. "Sirius-- STELLAR EVOLUTION!!" he cried and slashed the key once more before him.

The wolf let out a mighty howl as the magic circle below him shined and eclipsed him in its glow, illuminating the battlefield. The blinding light radiated color and sparkes of different hues as if a nebula had erupted where he stood. As the light began to dim-- a silhouette appeared in a similar shape, but larger and refined. His 'armored' appearance was gone, and now in his place was a more terrestrial looking werewolf with blue and white fur, a hue that seemed to radiate moonlight. He had a more clearer face. His claws existed and he wored a single pair of violet pants, his tail out from a hole in the back. With a throw of his arms, he released another howl, a glowing aura around him-- akin to that of moonlight.


The light faded, and a new, improved Sirius stood before them. A celestial wizard could only open a gate once to let a spirit pass, but what happened if the summoner opened the same gate twice? This was the result. Zachary poured his own magic into the gate of the Wolf which Sirius appeared through, and the natural magic that governed that gate granted him more power-- like releasing the floodgates of a dam. This was the result, transforming the summoned Celestial spiriti into a superior, stronger form.

The radiance of the moonlight now drew the creature's attention towards him. The number of the smaller creatures threw their claws for him-- but soon hit something, a 'field' of the light that surrounded him-- like a barrier keeping them away.

"Oooh, this is gonna be fun," the wolf sneered as he reared his claws back-- and with a single swipe, a barrage of 'light' flew out like shooting stars. The barrage was of a holy power-- demon slayer magic that was more critical against the shadowy creatures, including his lycan styled enemies. The magic empowered, protected and faster than before.

The blasts of light pulverized the smaller ones around, clearing the field with ease and sparing the incoming assault on the hunters doing their ritual. All the while, as the full moon glowed-- so too did Sirius, now empowered by the moon itself.

WC: 1031

"Consider it done!" Zachary called to V at his request. He turned to Sirius, with a confident smile. "Sirius! Let's do this in one blast!"

The wolf had just torn up some of the smaller minions in his way, and now had a clear reach for the boss. The wolf growls, but a snicker hidden in the feral tone. "Whoooo!! " he howled with glee and jumped up high into the air.

The Stellar Evolution of it all granted nott only powerful light-enhancement magic, but also seemed to grow stronger with the light of the full moon upon Sirius. The ritual also made him stronger now due to his new enhanced power. With the big monster now left and in his sight, Sirius inhaled deeply, a powerful light forming in his maw. "MOONLIGHT HOOOOOOWWWWLLL!!" he roared, and let out a mighty howl. A powerful beam of light came shooting out at the enemy, brilliant and strong that it could illuminate the surrounding forest.

The creature let out a groan as the light struck-- and punched a clear hole in its chest. The howl was that critical against it, and using the ritual's magic-- it even enhanced Sirius' howl further. The howl was supercritical, and in effect, the monster breathed one last breath before it fell backwards with a loud thud on the ground. Slowly, its body began to vanish and disappear.

By that moment, the ritual finished as a final pulse of moonlight. The woman who lead the hunters looked as she saw her collection of weapons fully enchanted, and now capable of doing what they intended to do.

A sigh of relief came t o Zachary as Sirius landed on the ground, swift and courageous like some kind of super hero. If anything, perhaps V would be impressed by Zachary's ingenuity regarding his magic upon his summons.

WC:309

Zachary sighed as the danger passed and the hunters had finished their ritual. With that ended, the monsters that were left faded back into the night and the radiant moonlight began to wane. With magic no longer required, Zachary allowed himself to relax and Pegasus up in the air faded back into the Celestial Spirit World. Leo watched with confidence and approval as he saw his master hold his own without his power. He would of helped if he had to, but he witnessed Zachary's own magic power with his own eyes. He felt confident he made the choice to allow his key to be owned by him.

With a wipe of his brow, Zachary smiled as he looked over things. "So, what did you think? My Stellar Evolution spell is pretty impressive, huh?" Zachary asked to the hunters and V to know what he thought.

Before he could do more, Sirius was gone and had sprinted over to the leader of the hunters. She looked shocked and offended as the empowered werewolf picked him up in his arms like some heroic figure. "So sweetheart? Wanna go find somewhere for a drink or where you can make me your pet?" he asked, trying to put on the lame charm.

"Um-- I, what?!" she said, flustered and upset.

A vein appeared on Zachary as his fist shook at the pervy werewolf. He was even WORSE now that he was evolved into another form. "Close, Gate of the Wolf!" Zachary said harshly with a slash of his key.

Sirius felt his body begin to fade as he shot a look back at Zachary. "Aw, come on! I was just about to get lucky..." he whimpered as he vanished away back to the Celestial World too. Unfortunately, it caused him to drop the woman on the ground as he vanished.

Zachary moved over to her and gave her a hand up. "I'm really sorry about him. My wolf spirit is a bit... difficult," he said bashfully, ashamed his spirit was so rough with her.

END.

WC: 342
TWC:4420