#ask-reluctant-nightshade

[in1-nutshell]

HELLO HELLOOOOO THIS HAS BEEN STUCK IN MY HEAD FOREVER BUT IVE GOT 2 ASKS, OBVIOUSLY U CAN DO ONE OR THE OTHER IDC BUT COULD WE GET TO SEE MORE RUMBLE TERRAN BUDDY FROM TFE OR TFA BUMBLEBEES TWIN BUT ITS SENTINALS REACTION TO THEIR NAME?? LIKE SENTINALS CALLIN FOR EM AND THEY STICK UP FOR THEMSELVES SAYING THEIR NAME IS BUDDY OR SUM ONE OR THE OTHER I DON'T MIND!! THANKS SO MUCH :]]

We are going with Bot Buddy Rumble today!

Hope you enjoy!

Bot Buddy who has the personality of Rumble: Slice of Life

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Cybertronain (terran) reader

TFE

… They had gone into healing stasis for 3 days!

3 DAYS!

SO MANY THINGS HAD HAPPENED!

And now they have 3 more siblings.

…

Welp, family is family.

Buddy welcomes them with open servos when they get the story.

Hashtag, Nightshade and Jawbreaker were excited to find out they had another sibling.

Hashtag picking up Buddy by the waist.

“So, your our other sibling?”--Hastag

Buddy squirms a bit in her grip.

“And you’re the new sibs?”--Buddy

Nightshade and Jawbreaker wave at Buddy.

Buddy crosses their arms looking at the three.

Then they smile at them.

“Guess there’s 3 more sibs I gotta look out for then. Hope you guys don’t give me as much trouble as these four.”--Buddy

“Hey!”—Robby, Mo, Thrash, and Twitch

Nightshade raises their servo.

“Umm, Buddy quick question.”--Nightshade

Hashtag puts Buddy down.

“Sure.”--Buddy

“Why were you in healing stasis in the first place?”--Nightshade

“… I’ll tell you when you’re older.”--Buddy

“Aren’t we around the same—”--Nightshade

“WHEN YOUR OLDER!”--Buddy

To try and get more sibling bonding time they tried different games.

Board games and obstacle courses were good for a while before they started getting bored.

They needed a challenge.

“We can always play hide and seek.”--Buddy

“Buddy we can’t play that game.”--Robby

“Not if we set clear boundaries. If we do that, we can play better.”--Buddy

“I want to play!”--Hashtag

“Me too!”--Nightshade

“Me three!”--Jawbreaker

“Me four!”--Thrash

“Thrash!”--Mo

“Majority vote wins! Let’s do this!”--Buddy

Meanwhile with Bumblebee…

Bee looks around.

“…Somethings just happened and I don’t like it…”--Bumblebee

So, the games began.

The reluctant Maltos had to agree that playing the game was fun and could even be training if they tried hard enough.

And as always, Buddy is the last one to be found.

…

Robby and Mo suddenly remember why the game was banned.

It’s a farm wide search for Buddy.

Robby and Mo try to use their cybersleeves to find Buddy.

“Isn’t that cheating?”--Jawbreaker

“Not when it doesn’t work.”--Robby

“I still can’t get anything!”--Mo

“Its like they aren’t even on the farm anymore.”--Robby

“They couldn’t have gone far. Let’s spread out!”--Twitch

Hashtag was constantly being used as a pole for the others to search.

Nightshade is flying around with Twitch trying to find Buddy.

Jawbreaker is looking with Thrash and Mo in the fields.

Meanwhile with Buddy…

They wanted to get a bit creative with their hiding places and decided to hide in Dad 1 car.

Buddy was still within the boundaries of the property, so it was okay.

But of course, they chose the day he had to go into town.

So, they just stayed in the car hidden from view and just listened to tunes the entire time, even taking a nap.

Alex came back into the car singing a tune he had in his head.

Buddy slowly lifts their helm from the back seat.

“Dad—”--Buddy

Buddy winces a bit at the high shriek their Dad had made.

“Buddy?! Buddy, what are you doing here?”--Alex

“I was playing with the others and hid here.”--Buddy

Alex shakes his head and begins driving back to the house.

“Why didn’t you say anything when you noticed the car was moving? I would have stopped and gotten you back to the house.”--Alex

“I did but…”--Buddy

“But…?”--Alex

Buddy looks down a bit embarrassed.

“…I like hearing your music and you singing.”--Buddy

Alex chuckles a bit as they start pulling up to the house.

“Just next time let me know you’re here. Someone could have seen you.”--Alex

Buddy hops out of the car with Alex feeling a bit down.

“But if there’s a karaoke night, I think I know who I can count on.”--Alex

Buddy’s demeanor lifted at that.

“Like singing partners?”--Buddy

“I don’t see why not, but I will have to run the idea by with your mother.”

Buddy gives him a hug before immediately releasing him coughing a bit embarrassed.

“I’m just gonna go over there…”--Buddy

Buddy runs into the barn as Alex laughs to himself and goes into the house.

He manages to close the door when he hears the clash of metal, a loud ‘I FOUND THEM!’, and shouting about messing up someone’s back struts.

[velvet--reverie]

𝓥𝓮𝓵𝓿𝓮𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼...

Wednesday: A Dance with Shadows

Chapter 2

I mailed Xavier a message or a "text" as they call it to gather our other friends and they shortly arrived a few minutes after I sent it. I stopped pacing and looked at their faces. Their eyes shot straight to Enid.

"You surely took your sweet time getting here. There's not enough time, come in and shut the door." I turned my attention back to Enid who was still being cleaned up by Grace.

"Enid? Are you okay? What happened here?" Xavier asked her as he walked closer to inspect if she was hurt. The rest of the new arrivals looked really worried about her.

"I said we have no time! I need all of you to face me." I kept tapping my shoe on the floor until they all sat down. Enid was on her bed, sitting next to Grace who was cleaning her face now. Everyone else sat down on Enid's bed except Xavier, Yoko and Eugene who didn't have a space to sit on. They all looked at me, clueless on what this is about.

"I had a vision." I began, my tone as grim as the scene replaying in my mind. "I didn't realize Enid would be tangled in this nightmare. Someone was performing a seance, black candles flickering ominously around them. Their face was obscured, shrouded in shadows. I couldn't make out who they were but they were using dark magic to possess students, turning them into killers. Why? I don’t know yet. But if we’re going to clear Enid's name, we need to unravel this mystery." I paused, my voice dropping lower. "We also need someplace more secure to talk. Thing is already out searching for whoever Enid supposedly harmed, but for now, we need a plan. Something to stop this madness before it spirals further."

Xavier crossed his arms, a spark of determination lighting his eyes. "No place better than the Nightshade meeting room." He said firmly, his voice laced with urgency. "Come on."

We hurried out of the room, our footsteps echoing in the dim hallway as we made our way to the secret Nightshade society chamber. Xavier and Ajax flanked Enid, steadying her as they guided her carefully down the stairs. She was still pale, her usual vibrant energy dulled by exhaustion and guilt.

"Welcome to the club, Eugene." Ajax said with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Eugene gave a nervous chuckle. "Guess I'm part of this now." He replied, a small, uncertain smile tugging at his lips. Mia, Grace and Selene were already invited into the society this morning and had gotten used to everything. Eugene originally wasn't interested as he said he needed to have time for his babies, the bees he so carefully tends to.

At the front of the group, Selene strode purposefully to the bookshelf, her hand skimming over the spines of the dusty books. She stopped abruptly and yanked out a bulky, blue vintage book. The shelf creaked and shifted, revealing the hidden entrance to the Nightshade meeting room.

The room was small but cozy, illuminated by the warm glow of hanging lanterns. A round table stood at its center, surrounded by plush, inviting chairs. We filed in silently, the air thick with tension, and took our seats. All eyes turned to me, waiting for direction.

Before I could speak, Thing scuttled into the room just as Selene moved to close the bookshelf door.

"What is it, Thing?" Enid's voice was sharp and anxious. Her eyes darted to the disembodied hand, which hesitated, almost as if reluctant to deliver bad news.

I caught his movement and gave him a small nod, urging him to go on. We didn’t have the luxury of time, not with a dark magician still at large.

Thing began to explain, his gestures rapid but deliberate. He revealed that other students had found the victim Enid had attacked while under possession. The injured student had been rushed to the hospital. The good news: they were alive. The bad news: their injuries were severe, and the trail of blood had led straight back to Enid.

Principal Blackthorn was now searching for her, following reports from students who had seen her stumbling out of the girls' bathroom, her hands slick with blood. She woke up, thinking she was hurt but she wasn't. Enid thought of the worst, that she had harmed or killed someone without her knowing what happened. That explained why she'd arrived soaked to the bone. She'd been trying to scrub away the evidence.

"Who is it, Thing?" Yoko's voice broke the heavy silence. Her gaze bore into the hand, willing it to move faster.

Thing hesitated for a moment longer before continuing, his fingers tapping out the victim's identity with nervous urgency.

"Arden Locke? The shadow-controlling genius? I'm hoping this isn't just a plot to copy his answers for the exams. We'll focus on that motive first until proven wrong." I stood up and slammed my fist on the table.

Everyone was shocked when I did that but it's better that they're alert than not at all. This is a serious crime we are dealing with and they need to pay attention if we're gonna catch this evil magician.

"Good job, Thing." I praised him and I allowed him to jump back on my shoulder.

They all had different reactions but it was clear that we all wanted justice for our good friend Arden and also for messing with Enid.

Xavier's expression darkens, his usual calm demeanor faltering. "Arden... No, this can't be happening." His fists clench at his sides as he fights to keep control of his emotions.

Bianca's expression hardens, the concern in her eyes quickly morphing into a focused, almost icy determination. "We need to find whoever did this. Arden doesn't deserve this. And we won't stop until he gets justice."

Selene's eyes flash with a dangerous glint. "Arden? Whoever did this will regret ever crossing him." Her voice is calm but laced with a deep, almost predatory certainty. Everyone else nodded and agreed to what she said.

"Arden? No! Poor Arden, he didn't deserve this! This is a nightmare! Everyone, look at me." Tears streamed down Enid's face once more. She was more concerned about Arden's well-being than the fact that she could be arrested at any moment.

Enid straightened up, her tear-streaked face hardening with determination as she looked at everyone. "Wednesday. Promise me. Promise me that you'll kick this dark, evil person's ass for me."

I walked closer to Enid to sit next to her, Ajax giving up his spot for me. I took her hand and wiped away her tears. I don't usually do this, but these times are different. If we mess this up, Enid could be blamed for everything and we can't let that happen especially not after what's happened to both Arden and her.

"Listen to me, Enid. Whoever did this to you and Arden, we will find them and we will make them pay. You won't go to prison for something you didn't do. I promise you, we'll make sure of that. For now, just try to relax and call your parents." I looked into her eyes and reassured her that I will take care of everything with a nod.

"What's our course of action now? Wednesday, I think you should lead. You've dealt with things as bad as this before." Selene said as she stood up and crossed her arms, her eyes looking more fiery than usual.

"Sorry to say this but Mia, Grace and Selene, we don't know you that well so we have to put you in the suspects list. It's just for good measure." Xavier told us, his facial expressions were more serious than ever.

"Okay so what's the plan, leader." Eugene said as he turned to me.

"We need to split into two teams." I said, my tone cool and authoritative. "I need someone to be on Enid duty so Ajax and Yoko, you will stay with her. She shouldn't be left alone right now. Mia, Grace, Selene, Xavier, Eugene, Bianca and I would be looking for any dark magic or seance books that could have that specific one we're wanting to stop. I doubt that this school will want something like that dangerous book here but it's not that bad for a start. We'll start here, the Obsidian Archive."

Ajax and Yoko helped Enid up so they could take her to the sink and help her clean up. Grace took clean clothes for Enid to change into and gave it to Yoko who was looking after Enid with Ajax.

The book-searching team separated into three groups so we could find it much faster.

I glanced over at Enid, my eyes narrowing in concern. Yoko had helped her change into fresh clothes, and now she sat slumped in a chair, her face pale and tight with fear.

Ajax stood by the sink, scrubbing the bloodstained clothes she had been wearing but his focus seemed to waver with every scrubbing motion. Enid's eyes darted nervously around the room, her hands twisted together in her lap like she couldn't shake the panic eating at her.

My chest tightened. I hated seeing her like this, vulnerable and scared. She didn't deserve this.

"Get some plushies and snacks for her." I ordered Thing, my voice steady. "And Ajax, please help Thing."

Ajax and Thing came back with some of Enid's favorite plushies and snacks. Yoko helped them place the plushies around Enid while Thing and Ajax arranged the snacks and drinks on the table. It was ready just in case we get hungry or thirsty while hunting for books about dark magic or seances.

Mia and Grace were still rifling through the bookshelves, their eyes scanning each book with the intensity of someone searching for something they knew they'd recognize but couldn't quite find. I didn't need to look at them to know how frustrated they were. The air was thick with the weight of their silence.

"Any luck?" Grace asked, her voice almost a whisper, as though speaking too loudly would shatter the focus they needed.

Mia didn't even look up from the titles she was scanning, shaking her head slightly. "No. None of these are right."

She held a few books in her arms, flipping through pages with growing irritation, while Grace continued to pull out book after book with no better result. The tension in the room was mounting and my patience was wearing thin. We needed to find that book.

A voice broke through the silence, soft but cutting. "Wednesday." Eugene said and I turned to meet his gaze. He pointed over towards Xavier and Selene, who were now deep into their own bickering.

I followed his gaze and watched them, a brief flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of my lips. Xavier was standing with a frown on his face, holding a book that he clearly hadn't yet fully absorbed. Selene, on the other hand, was moving at the speed of light, flipping through titles like she was hunting for a needle in a haystack.

"You're so slow." She snapped, tossing aside another book, her frustration mounting by the second. "Hurry up, Xavier!"

Xavier shot back instantly, his pride clearly bruised. "I'm going as fast as I can, okay? Stop nagging me!"

I couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh. "Selene's right." I said, my voice deadpan but I couldn't keep the small smirk from appearing. "I admire how quickly she works. It's impressive."

Bianca, who was nearby, muttered under her breath as she sifted through another pile of books. "They should be siblings. He clearly needed that scolding."

The sound of their bickering faded into the background as I turned back to the task at hand.

I couldn't ignore Enid for much longer. The guilt of leaving her alone gnawed at me. I looked over, finding her leaning against Ajax, her eyes closed, exhausted. She'd fallen asleep so quickly as though the weight of everything had finally caught up with her. Ajax was seated beside her, a silent sentinel, his attention still divided between her and the books we were supposed to be hunting down.

"Selene." I called out to her who has been reading so fast. "Could you conjure up a bed for Enid? She doesn't look comfortable and she needs to rest."

"Poor thing. I'll make the softest and fluffiest bed for Enid." Selene did not hesitate. "Somnum Lectus Apparere!" She said an incantation and in seconds, the bed appeared. Thing was bouncing up and down on the bed until Ajax scolded him to go back to work.

Ajax carefully lifted Enid, placing her gently onto the bed. He covered her with a blanket and set a chair beside her, settling into it as if he wasn't planning to leave her side anytime soon.

"Yoko." He murmured, glancing over at her. "Help with the search. I'll watch her."

Yoko nodded and returned to the bookshelves without a word.

Another hour passed in tense silence. Mia, Grace, and I sifted through the endless shelves of books, our fingers brushing over the dusty spines, each of us looking for something specific, something that would give us the answers we needed. I was no closer to finding it. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife, broken only by the occasional rustle of a page or the thud of a discarded book hitting the floor.

I caught sight of Selene's movements again. She was moving faster than anyone else in the room, throwing books aside with the speed of someone who knew exactly what they were looking for. The noise of her throwing them onto the floor was nearly rhythmic, like a countdown.

"Slowpoke." Selene teased Xavier as she tossed another book aside, eyes already scanning for the next one.

Xavier, who had clearly had enough of her criticism, shot back. "Maybe you should stop tossing everything around if you want me to keep up."

"Guys, keep it down." I muttered, although it wasn't really a reprimand. I was highly impressed by Selene and Grace. One's a siren and one's a vampire-witch who has a bit of a superhuman speed but I figured both of them were bookworms. I could hear them mutter that they've read a certain book while searching for the ones we need. I'm well-versed in books as well but I haven't heard of this specific dark magic. That's when I had the thought that it might be a special one like a book passed on from a descendant.

After we gathered all the books that could potentially contain anything on dark magic or seances, we each took a spot on the floor. Without wasting a moment, we began skimming through the pages, determined to find what we needed.

The atmosphere lightened for a moment but the seriousness of our task quickly crept back in.

Then, the silence stretched on again. It was only broken when Selene called out, her voice full of triumph. "Guys, I think this is it." We all looked up at her and froze.

She held up a book, its cover dark and old, the leather worn from age. She opened it to a page and read aloud, "This is the art of the Possession Seance."

"That's it! I mean what other name would it have? That's what we need." Yoko commented as she heard the passage that Selene read for them.

"Are you sure that's the one?" Grace spoke after Yoko, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

Mia leaned closer, her arms still cradling another stack of useless books. "It has to be. That sounds exactly like what we're dealing with."

Xavier ran a hand through his hair, his expression caught between relief and unease. "Great. But now what?"

Bianca crossed her arms, her tone skeptical but curious. "This better not be another dead end. We've wasted enough time already."

Eugene adjusted his glasses, leaning forward with wide eyes. "What's it say? How does it work?"

I silenced them all with a pointed look. "Toss it to me, Selene."

She didn't hesitate, throwing the book my way. My fingers caught it with practiced precision and I immediately began flipping through the pages, my eyes scanning every word. But just as I was getting to the good part, the sound of footsteps above us froze me in place. My heart stopped and a sickening feeling crept over me.

The footsteps were getting closer and closer.

We had no time to waste.

I looked at Selene and she nodded. Without a word, the books began flying back to their shelves, each one returning to its proper place with a flick of her hand. The speed at which she worked was nothing short of incredible and the rest of us scrambled to help, stuffing the remaining books back into place.

The footsteps grew louder but we were almost done. The last book slid onto the shelf just as the door to the library creaked open.

Principal Blackthorn appeared at the top of the stairs, Sheriff Galpin right behind her. A few authorities followed, their presence looming like a dark cloud.

"Nightshades." Principal Blackthorn's voice was heavy with regret. "I'm sorry but I'm taking Enid Sinclair. I know you want to protect her but she’s guilty. She was seen with blood on her hands and everywhere. There's nothing else we can do about it."

My stomach dropped. I stood frozen for a moment before stepping forward, unable to hide the desperation in my voice. "Principal Blackthorn, please! I had a vision and it involves Enid being a puppet in this crime. I saw someone using a seance and dark magic to possess her. You can take her but if the incidents and possible killings continue, you must let her go free. She wouldn't do this!"

She shook her head, her expression soft with regret. "You're getting visions again? Seeing as you saved this school last time you had visions, I'd like to hear you explain all about this vision of yours in my office. But for now, I'm afraid Enid has to go. I'm sorry."

I felt my heart shatter as Enid was woken up, her eyes wide with panic as she saw the authorities around her. She barely had an hour of sleep and now it was all falling apart. She started begging, tears streaming down her face, her voice trembling as she pleaded.

"I swear, I didn't do it! Please, you have to believe me!" She kept saying those words as she was being handcuffed by the Sheriff.

She was lead toward the door and later we were running through the courtyard. Before she was escorted into the police car, she looked at me. Her face streaked with tears. "Wednesday, you're the only one who can figure this out. Please, help me!"

I nodded, though my throat tightened with fear. "I will end this, Enid. You didn't do this and I'll prove it. Whoever dared to frame you will regret ever crossing paths with me."

And as they took her away, my stomach churned with dread, but I knew one thing: I would find out who was behind all of this. I had to.

[fanfic-lover-girl]

Luke could have easily been the male version of Zoe Nightshade

When it comes to how devoted he could have been to Hermes. Just look at how wonderfully he served Kronos (discounting his reluctance to become the titan's host). Luke was ride or die. In a better world where Hermes was a halfway decent dad that actually showed up for his kid, Luke would have been fiercely loyal to Olympus.

I have been daydreaming about this AU where a good parent Hermes adopts (**steals**) a bunch of other versions of his son from other worlds. If those Hermes are going to twiddle their thumbs and leave their sons to the wolves, he'll happily take them for himself. Of course, the poor things hate him and distrust him and wonder what the hell is happening. But eventually, they warm up to him and become intensely loyal. They call him "Lord Father" - AU!Hermes would work on getting them to call him "Dad" like his own son.

I asked chat gpt (AI has it's uses but it still has problems) what a Hermes' version of Artemis' Hunters would be called and I really liked "The Heralds".

While I love Slytherin!Luke...I think Luke was a Hufflepuff that got burnt and traumatized so badly he became more Slytherin to protect himself.

So yeah, in a better world Luke could have been the male counterpart to Zoe Nightshade. I am taking no criticisms.

[rainynightmoonlight]

Hey, for the "Make a bouquet" event, can I request Idia with Pansy, Daffodil and Orange Rose with the message "I want to get to know you better but I don't want to make you uncomfortable" ? :>

‎‧₊🦋˚✧A Bouquet for you My dear✧˚🦋₊‧| Pt. 3 | I want to know you more

Characters: Idia Shroud

Summary: Sending Idia Shroud Pansies, Daffodils and Orange roses

Warnings: Just pure fluff

Taglist: @nightshade-clown

Sending the chosen flowers to Idia Shroud... Loading now...

[■■■□□□□□□□] 30% [■■■■□□□□□□] 40% [■■■■■□□□□□] 50% [■■■■■■□□□□] 60% [■■■■■■■■□□] 80% [■■■■■■■■■□] 90%

Now sent! Would you like to wait for a response? [> Yes] >No

...

...

...

Idia was huddled in his room, dreading whatever social interaction that was inevitably to come. Though, to distract himself from these thoughts of the future, India started playing his game to get his dailies in. He was complaining to himself about school work when he was pulled out of his thoughts. 

Ortho bursted into the room carrying a beautiful vase full of gorgeous, vibrant flowers. Idia jumped up, being startled from the rather loud entrance from his little brother. As he was yelling at his little brother to not startle him again, Idia noticed the flowers. 

“Who are those from?”

Ortho gently put the vase down on Idia’s desk. Ortho didn’t speak, only gesturing to the vase, urging his brother to look at them. India was reluctant to look, but he gently looked around the vase to find a brown tag with a letter attached to it. He read the tag out loud.

“To Idia. From Y/n.. Huh? Why would they want to send me flowers?”

Ortho went to look at the flowers with his brother, feeling so excited. He shared all the reasons, and most of them seemed outrageous to Idia. He never got anything like this from anyone, so it felt like a prank to him. India reluctantly pulled off the letter attached as he read it. 

Ortho was also reading it over his shoulder. Ortho’s excitement grew as each word was read. India wasn’t believing it, and was grumbling to himself about the words being a lie. But deep down in him, he knew it wasn’t. 

I want to get to know you better, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable. So I sent these flowers in hopes that we could meet and get to know each other a bit more! If there is a place that you like, I would love to go with you! 

Pansies: You occupy my thoughts

Ever since I first saw you, you enchanted me. I know we haven’t talked much before, but you’re all I think about. I know you don’t get out much and the only thing I see of you is your tablet you speak through, but even then I still see you talking to me. This may sound weird, but it seems my mind always wanders to thoughts of you and how stunning you truly are. You might not believe me, and that's okay, but I sincerely mean it. You’re just someone who has ingrained themselves into my mind, and it won't go away, and I love that it won't. 

Daffodils: Respect

You might think this is a little unusual for me to say so suddenly, but I have so much respect for you. Just based off the few interactions that we’ve had, I can tell that what you do isn’t something easy. I heard that you’re a tech genius and not only that but being a house warden without a vice house warden is insane to me. I mean, your brother must help a lot, but even still, the things I’ve heard about you just amaze me. And you have time to manage personal hobbies that you get so deep into it. 

Orange Roses: Desire

There is something in my heart that desires for you. I’m not entirely sure what specifically, be it a romantic relationship or something purely platonic. But I know there is something there that wants to be with you forever. Every day I see you, well your tablet that flies around, and I want to start a conversation, but you always seem so busy. Sometimes I see your brother and have this urge to just ask about you and how you’re doing. I always chicken out, though, nervous on how you would think of me. I just hope that this is enough to let you know how I truly feel about you. 

— Gentle wishes Y/n

The note was so unexpected, India bursted into a bright pink shade. From the tips of his hair to his face, he could not think at all. Ortho was giggling happily that someone was out there that wanted to befriend his brother. Ortho took Idia’s hand and rushed out of the Ignihyde dorm, ignoring Idia’s protests. 

Do not repost or translate without my explicit permission! Reblogs are welcome!

[sesshy380-rp]

(continued from here)

Kat had made sure to grab a fresh blossom to crush in her hand. It would be more effective this way considering she was using fresh nightshade.

She made sure her face looked cold and annoyed…which wasn’t hard considering all she had to do was look at the Queen.

Seeing that she had gotten ‘caught’ seemed to really annoy Kek and Marik, as well as the fact that Ryou’s plan had apparently not worked either.

“Lower your weapons and kneel to her highness or I will cut your companion’s throat.”

Out of the three, only Kek refused to lower his weapon. If anything he tightened his grip on it…that is, until Ryou came up and put a hand on his shoulder. Ryou gave him the saddest eyes, obviously ‘worried’ about their friend's safety as well, but seeing no other alternative at the moment. Kek sighed and lowered his weapon with a growl of reluctance.

“You’re being given a chance. Swear your faith to me now or get destroyed in this instant.”

That was a command the others were obviously reluctant to obey.

Kat feigned giving up, her cold expression being replaced by one of concern as she looked over at her companions, then back to the Queen.

“If I willingly submit myself to become a host to one of your children, will you let the others leave here unharmed?”

Kek and Marik’s jaws dropped.

“Are you insane?! You’d willingly let one of those things take control of you?!” Marik asked in disbelief.

Kat glanced sadly in his direction.

“I have never viewed them as ‘monsters’ like you have. Like I said before, I don’t think what they are doing is ‘right’, but I’ll not label them a monster for doing what is only natural to them.”

((@nb-lesbian-tkb))

[pookha]

The Moon in Your Eyes

Chapter Six: The Battle of Hogwarts

The time has arrived. Pansy has made her choice. Fighting against the Death Eaters when the battle finally comes to Hogwarts, she will see the consequences of her actions. People live and die based on her decision to fight.

When you're forced to kill or be killed, is it murder? Even when they deserve it?

Notes: This is the most eager I have been to post a chapter in 10+ years. Warning: violence, mild gore.

Thank you again to my betas istarbel and StarsAndDiamond.

Shocked faces turned to Harry as the last echoes of Voldemort’s ultimatum faded. Pansy watched Neville’s eyes track her as she rose from her table and walked across the Great Hall to him.

“Harry’s right here, but you will have to come through all of us to get him.” Her voice was calm but carried through the entire Great Hall. Neville pushed Harry behind him and held her hand intertwined with his. The students immediately surrounding Harry rose as one and raised their wands, ready to fight. Pansy caught Luna’s eyes and instead of the moon, she saw an implacable silver wall.

“Now is the time to decide your loyalties. Anyone of age willing to stay and fight can, otherwise leave now and we won’t hold it against you. Fight us and we duel to kill.” As Pansy spoke those words, she felt Professor McGonagall’s approving gaze on her more than she saw it. The newly minted Headmistress stood ramrod straight near the front of the hall and ordered Professor Slughorn to lead the evacuation of those who wished to leave. Astoria immediately arose, went to his side and whispered in his ear. He smiled at her and then they were both organising the scowling Slytherins. When they had gone, most of the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs who were of age, a few Ravenclaws, and surprisingly, four Slytherins other than Pansy had stayed: Blaise, Daphne, Tracey and a sixth-year boy named Sameer.

Pansy squeezed Neville’s hand tightly as they went to speak to Professor McGonagall. She was just finishing yelling at Harry to get moving when they arrived.

“Where can we help the most, professor?” Pansy asked. Professor McGonagall stared at her for a second, then looked at Neville, then their intertwined hands.

“Do you trust her?” she pointedly asked Neville.

“I do.” His words echoed through her. She knew now that they would live and they would be wed. She felt it in her bones and saw a vision of herself and Neville at the altar in her mind's-eye. Neville’s tightened hand in hers told her he felt it, too.

“Fine. Miss Parkinson, we need your potions skills. If Professor Slughorn returns to fight, you are to join him in the Potions classroom and be his aide. If not, you are to lead that effort. Mr Longbottom, you are to do the same for Professor Sprout.” She saw their reluctance to part and softened her next words. “We all have our parts and we have to be separated from loved ones. When we win, you will be reunited. Now go.”

Neville leaned down and kissed Pansy’s forehead once, softly, then he went to Professor Sprout, who was gathering up other students. Ernie Macmillan was there and Pansy saw him bump fists with Neville, then she was running to the potion’s classroom. When she got there, Professor Slughorn was just puffing down the hallway toward her.

“I’m to be your aide, sir.” She had already started gathering ingredients for quick potions that when shattered would emit toxic gases. He nodded at what she was doing and grabbed bottles with a speed that belied his size.

“Gases, acids and bases will be the quickest things we can do. Acids and bases we can use as is and I’ll help distil some nightshade essence that we can blow across them with wind charms.” He set up a cauldron and some flasks while she cut ingredients, amazed at how still her hands were; she thought they’d be shaking, but having something to do made it better. She’d just put the last of the monkshood in the cauldron when Professor Slughorn turned down the fire under it to simmer.

“I’ve got this; you deliver this to whoever’s on the Astronomy Tower.” He handed her a case and indicated the jars of acids and bases. She nodded, packed the case with a wave of her wand, snapped it shut and ran with it. The battle had started and she heard spells outside the walls, even through the protections. Something thudded into the wall with a bang behind her and mortar dust spread through the air. She screamed incoherently as she ran, taking the stairs three at a time. She passed Fred and George Weasley duelling masked Death Eaters, wondered how they had gotten in and ducked as a stray spell whizzed by her. As she passed a window, she saw a boulder flying at them.

“Down!” she shouted and the Weasley boys heard her, but the Death Eaters didn’t. The boulder blew through the wall, blood sprayed, she thought she heard the crunch of their bones breaking, but it wasn’t possible over the other noise. She saw one of the twins help the other up and Percy Weasley standing near them, his scalp bleeding.

“I resign, Minister,” Percy told a corpse, then turned on his heel and ran with Fred and George behind him. Pansy shook her head to clear it, ran the rest of the way to the Astronomy Tower and handed the case to Professor Sinistra, who smiled grimly at it and called over Lavender, Daphne, Parvati, and Professor Trelawney. They took the case and spread it out amongst themselves. Daphne shot a nervous glance at Pansy before turning her attention back to Professor Sinistra.

On the way back down, she passed Neville taking Venomous Tentaculas to the defenders in the Gryffindor tower. She blew a kiss at him as she ran and arrived back at the Potions classroom out of breath. Professor Slughorn was waving his wand at vapours pouring off the cauldron. She joined him and soon the cauldron had boiled down and they had captured the vapours in about twenty small, breakable vials. He put a Bubble-Head Charm on each of them, then handed her half.

“Use them as you need,” he said, his voice muffled by his bubble. “Please don’t die; I’m glad to see one of my students stand up. I wish I had all those years ago.” He froze for an instant, gathered himself with a start, then packed his vials. He headed down toward the Great Hall. She hesitated, torn between following him and finding Neville. She packed her vials in her pocket, charmed them to prevent them from breaking accidently, before racing toward where she’d seen Neville last. When she reached Gryffindor tower, the stairs were impassable. At the bottom of them, in the rubble, a silver-robed Auror knelt over something. Pansy didn’t know the Auror’s name, but she’d seen her at the school in the past when the hunt was on for Sirius Black. There was a stench in the air that triggered… something... someone... she couldn’t quite place it. The Auror stood and Pansy saw she had been standing over a body: someone she knew.

“Professor Lupin?” she asked softly. The Auror’s eyes snapped to Pansy and she saw Pansy’s Slytherin tie and Head Girl pin. She rose and pointed her wand at Pansy.

“You did enough.” The Auror raised her wand to strike, but Harry came out of nowhere and tackled her.

“She’s on our side, Tonks.” He saw the body and fell to his knees.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Tonks lowered her wand. “I’m going to kill Rabastan. He did this, but he ran when Kingsley and I cornered him.”

Pansy’s blood went cold at the mention of Rabastan; that was the stench in the air. Her eyes went from Tonks to Professor Lupin, then back.

“Think of Teddy,” Harry said and Tonk’s spun on him.

“Teddy won’t have a life if we don’t win. Son of a werewolf; they’ll kill him.” She almost spat the words at him.

“Come with me to the Greenhouses and we’ll fight them there.” Pansy put her hand on Tonks’s arm and the Auror seemed to remember that she was there.

“Why are you fighting with us?” Tonks gripped Pansy’s elbow hard. Harry started to say something, but Pansy’s glare made his mouth snap shut.

“Because it’s fucking right. My boyfriend is down there. Let. Me. Go.” Pansy’s calm voice shook Tonks and she let Pansy go.

“I’m going to find Kingsley, kill Rabastan.” Tonks ran down the corridor.

“Don’t…!” Harry shouted, but she was gone. Hermione and Ron clattered into view, with what could only be fangs from some large serpent. Fuck, basilisk fangs. It was true. Pansy stared for a second, then ran toward the Greenhouses. She slowed when she saw crumpled bodies in the hallway. It was Tonks and Rabastan. Tonks was unconscious but still breathed. Rabastan stirred groggily, groping at a burnt hole in his chest that oozed blood. Pansy stunned him, started to wake Tonks, and then turned back to Rabastan. He had threatened her, her parents, and he’d been one of the people who had tortured Neville’s parents. Pansy gathered her breath. If she did this she could never undo it. She hesitated. Rabastan twitched. She screamed, raised her wand and Transfigured him. Where Rabastan had been, there was now a large ceramic canopic jar. She tried to pick it up, but couldn’t lift it. It sloshed when she tried and she knew it was full of… viscera. She jumped when a hand touched her elbow. Tonks had sat up.

“Is that Rabastan?” Tonks whispered and Pansy nodded, just once sharply.

Tonks struggled to her knees, met Pansy’s eyes and helped her lift the canopic jar. They placed it on the window and with one last glance at each other, they pushed it out. The wet explosion it made as it hit the ground was a sound Pansy would never forget. Tonks squeezed her arm.

“He deserved it.” Tonks sounded unsure, so Pansy repeated it, more fervently.

“He did deserve it. My boyfriend is Neville Longbottom.” She saw the understanding in Tonks’s eyes and then Tonks was running again, back toward Gryffindor tower and its impassable steps. Pansy turned on her heel, sparing no more thought for Rabastan; her head was empty as she ran. As she approached the greenhouses, she saw their glass panes had been shattered. A group of Death Eaters was assaulting it and Pansy had come up on their rear. She knelt behind a large broken stone and took out three vials from her pocket. She opened them carefully and watched the vapours pour from them. Then she waved her wand at them. The zephyr turned to a stiff breeze and blew the vapours right into the Death Eaters. They immediately gagged and choked. Spells shot out at them from inside the greenhouse. Pansy grabbed a vial at random from her pocket and threw it at one of them. The vial shattered at his feet as he knelt gagging. It splashed his hand and arm also. He screamed hoarsely as the acid burnt his ankle and foot down to the bone, then dissolved them. Pansy watched, horrified. She’d killed two people, but she couldn’t find remorse in her soul.

When the Death Eaters had all been felled, she ran by them. She saw that two more of them had died. Four. I’ve killed four people. Still no remorse. No time for it. Only Neville. His head popped up, saw her and the bodies at her feet. He met her eyes and she knew he knew she’d killed them and he was…not okay… but understanding about it. She ran the rest of the way and flung herself into his arms. He kissed her briefly and fiercely.

“I killed Rabastan Lestrange.” She had meant to whisper, but instead, her voice carried. His breath caught, as he embraced her tighter.

“No time for that.” Professor Sprout started repairing and reinforcing the greenhouse glass. Neville and Pansy joined her. Professor Sprout leaned over once and whispered, “Rabastan deserved it. You know?” She jutted her head at Neville, who was gluing the glass into its frames with his wand with help from Ernie.

“Yes,’ Pansy whispered back. Professor Sprout smiled and Pansy knew she’d never want to cross the Professor, ever.

They had just finished repairing the greenhouse and reinforcing it when Voldemort’s eerie voice passed over them. They all shivered. He gave them one hour; just one hour to collect the dead and give up Harry. Pansy briefly considered finding Harry and giving him up, trading him for Neville. She’d be rewarded, Neville would live, but she knew she’d feel remorse that she didn’t right now, even as she looked at the people she’d killed. She was helping Neville drag the corpses to a pile outside the greenhouses when she came across Colin Creevey, crumpled, dead, his camera lying next to him. She had just waved Ernie and Neville over when she saw Harry pop out from under his cloak and say something to Neville who sucked in a breath, then nodded. Harry put the cloak back over him and disappeared more fully than any Disillusionment Charm that Pansy knew.

She started to pick up Colin and suddenly Oliver Wood was at her side. Tears ran down his cheeks as he put Colin’s body over his shoulder. Pansy picked up Colin’s camera, shrank it and put it in her pocket next to her vials. They found two other bodies of students, Tracey Davis and a Fifth-Year Gryffindor who must have snuck in and whose name Pansy couldn’t recall. Neville sat down to take a break and Pansy sat next to him, their shoulders pressing together. They didn’t talk, just sat next to each other and gripped the other’s hand tightly.

Finally, Pansy broke the silence. “What did Harry say to you?”

“Kill the snake. His pet.” Neville’s voice was quiet.

“Not Him, the snake?” Pansy asked and Neville nodded.

“Why?” Pansy asked and Neville shrugged.

“I don’t know, but I’d do it anyway.” He sighed and rubbed his face then turned to her. “I love you. I wanted to say it one last time if I die.” His eyes flicked to where the bodies were.

She turned his face away from them to her. “I love you, too…”

Voldemort’s voice echoed through the air again. Harry was dead. She looked at Neville and could see he didn’t believe it, couldn’t believe it. She squeezed his hand and they rose with the others to make their last stand against the Death Eaters, against Him. Everyone was gathering in front of the entrance hall. They saw the ragged line of Death Eaters approaching, Hagrid’s form towering over all of them. He held something in his hands, something limp. Harry. His corpse. Pansy’s breath caught. McGonagall screamed. Hermione and Ron wept. Voldemort silenced them, but it didn’t hold and Ron shouted him down. Voldemort silenced them again and started to speak. Neville jerked from her grasp and rushed Voldemort, his wand raised high, poised to kill. Multiple spells hit him and he grunted as he fell. Pansy started to run to him, but Hermione and Ron held her tight.

She couldn’t hear Voldemort’s taunts over the pounding blood in her ears. She wiped her face, expecting tears, but there was only the heat of her flaming, ire-filled cheeks and pursed lips. She did hear Neville tell Him to go to Hell and she shouted with the other students and professors. A moment later the Sorting Hat flew out and landed on Neville’s head. It covered his face and then horribly, it was aflame. Pansy ripped her hands free of Ron and Hermione, but just as she made it to the front of the ranks, a giant followed by a herd of centaurs burst through the edge of the woods. Bows twanged, the giant swung a branch. Death Eaters fell as the tree swept through them and as arrows pierced them. She didn’t see Harry move and disappear; her eyes were on Neville. As soon as Voldemort turned away from Neville, she saw something glimmering, red, red as blood, drop from the hat. Neville moved in one fluid motion. A sword. He held a sword. The sweep of the blade went through the snake. Its head fell. Voldemort tried to grab Neville, but a Shield Charm from nowhere pushed them apart.

Thestrals and hippogriffs shot from the forest, Luna Lovegood flew on a thestral in their midst, her wand alight. They landed between Neville and the Death Eaters. The fight bulged around the middle as the Death Eaters were flanked. Pansy shot spells at them. She lost sight of Neville, then suddenly he was at her side, the sword still in his hand. They ran into the castle firing curses behind them. A thestral swooped down near them, Luna dismounted in a ragged tumble and almost fell. Pansy saw a hand stick out, there must be an invisible body, then the cloak slipped and Harry was at Luna’s side. He stepped in next to Neville and they covered the retreat. Neville was struck by a hex, dropped the sword and Pansy picked it up without thinking. The rubies were warm and slick under her hand. Harry saw her holding it and his eyes widened.

“Be careful, it’s covered in basilisk venom.” Hermione’s voice said from the other side of her. Pansy didn’t dare turn to look at her. The Death Eaters pressed them in, they also sought the safety of the castle from the centaurs and winged creatures attacking them. Voldemort was felling swathes of defenders; she saw Professor Flitwick fall and get scooped up by Professor Sprout. Lavender passed her with Blaise and Daphne at her side. They collectively threw the severed head of Fenrir Greyback into the Death Eaters, who recoiled from it. That was just enough time for the house-elves to charge from inside the castle. The Death Eaters’ magic didn’t seem to faze them and they were between the attackers, hacking with kitchen knives and their own magic. The defenders retreated into the Great Hall.

Pansy was at Neville’s side, still shooting spells at the attackers at random. She saw Bellatrix Black step forward to fight, and paused just for a second, frozen. Neville pushed forward. Bellatrix saw him, smiled, raised her wand, then was beset by Ginny, Luna and a woman who could only be Ron’s mother. Pansy went through the crowd in a daze, eyes on Bellatrix. Bellatrix saw Pansy next to her and dismissed her as unimportant, probably because of her Slytherin tie. Pansy’s lunge caught Bellatrix under her chin. The tip of the sword came out under Bellatrix’s ear and when Pansy pulled it back, Bellatrix’s jaw hung by one side. Foam bubbled from her throat as she tried to scream, fell to her knees, then onto her face. Her legs kicked, blood pooled under her. She gasped one last time and was still. Pansy was yanked down. Voldemort’s Killing Curse had just missed her. She turned to see Ron pulling her toward Neville. Harry stepped forward in front of McGonagall, Shacklebolt and Slughorn. He raised his wand in a duellist’s stance. Voldemort did the same.

Harry and Voldemort talked, but no one else seemed able to hear them. Professor McGonagall stepped toward them, but Harry waved her back. Voldemort seemed to be done talking, but then sneered at Harry and said one last jeering thing.

Voldemort moved, snake-fast, his wand whipping, but Harry was just as quick. Now they could all hear them again.

“Avada Kedavra!”

“Expelliarmus!”

Pansy had to close her eyes at the flame, the golden light. Through her eyelids, she saw green and red and when she opened them, Voldemort was falling to his knees, just as Bellatrix had earlier. Harry snatched Voldemort’s wand out of the air. Voldemort’s face hit the stone floor with a crunch. Then it was all over. They heard the pops of Death Eaters Disapparating. The look on the remaining Aurors' faces said they wouldn’t get far.

Pansy dropped the sword and ran to Neville. She hugged him. He lifted her in his arms and kissed her. His lips said they’d never part again, but she knew better. She had to go soon. But she’d be back. The water called to her, she needed to cleanse herself in it. She’d killed, even if in defence, and what she’d done to Rabastan she knew was unforgivable. Neville put her down. His eyes went to the floor then widened. She looked down. The sword that had been ruby-hilted was now swirled with gems. Rubies and emeralds twisted in a helix around the hilt.

She wrapped her hand around his on the hilt and they raised it over their heads. All eyes turned to them from Harry.

Professor McGonagall came to him, took it from them and held it aloft.

“The Sword of Gryffindor is no more! Behold, the Sword of Hogwarts! The severed bonds are reformed!” Professor Trelawney screamed. Only she and Neville seemed to have heard Professor Trelawney.

Pansy felt a chill. This was her prophecy. Not the bonds between merfolk and humans, but the bonds between Gryffindor and Slytherin. She buried her face in Neville’s shoulder. Luna had told him that fate rewarded those who served it and punished those who fought it. Was this a reward or a punishment? He was solid in her arms but covered in blood and she was solid in his, but covered in guilt. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Potter say something to Luna and slip under his Invisibility Cloak.

“I—I have to go,” she whispered in Neville's ear later when they found some privacy.

“I know. I don’t know how I know, but I know. You have to return to the sea.” He sighed. His arm around her kept her safe.

“Yes, the sea. Not the lake. I have to go to the sea. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I will be back. You’re not getting away from me. Wait for me?” Her voice thickened with her unshed tears that now flowed.

“Forever,” he said and kissed her forehead. “Always.”

A day later they stood on the beach. Hermione had Apparated them to the Orkneys. She stood back as Pansy and Neville kissed their goodbyes.

Pansy lingered over the last kiss, ran her hand down Neville’s arm, handed him her wand and slipped out of her clothes.

“I’ll be back on a full moon.” She changed. The seal, Pansy, brushed Neville’s leg, then swam out, past the breakers and was gone. The sea took her. Neville picked up her clothes, put them in his pack with her wand and went to Hermione.

“I’m ready to go back.” His head hung and his voice was low.

“Where do you want to go?” Hermione asked as she hugged him.

“Hogwarts. I have to help there. Gran will understand. I can come back here anytime now. Thank you for bringing us here.”

Hermione Apparated them to Hogsmeade. Neville hugged her; she kissed his cheek, wished him well, then Disapparated. He closed his eyes, opened them, blinked at the spring sun and walked toward Hogwarts, toward the crumbled towers and smoke. He paused only once in the greenhouses to pick a Mandrake leaf.

[yugiohmdx]

Celestial Ascension: The Path of Immortal Flame

In the land of Zhōng Tiān, where towering mountains pierced the heavens and mystic rivers weaved through the realm like the veins of the earth, the pursuit of immortality was the singular goal of the powerful. Among the towering sects and ancient clans, few had ever tasted the elusive fruit of immortality, but the desire burned in all hearts.

Chapter 1: The Flame Within

Jiǎng Lián, an orphan raised in the mundane world, always felt like an outsider in the bustling city of Zhìhuǒ. He was different, not just because of his mysterious background but because of the fire that burned within him—a warmth that never faded, even on the coldest nights. For as long as he could remember, strange dreams plagued him—visions of an ancient temple engulfed in flames, and a voice calling his name from the blaze.

One fateful day, a traveling cultivator, Huǒ Míngzhu, passed through the city. His aura was suffocating, but when he glanced at Jiǎng Lián, his eyes widened. “You… have the mark of the Immortal Flame,” he whispered.

Startled, Jiǎng Lián asked, “What is that?”

“You carry the flame of the long-lost sect, the Fēnghuǒ Clan. Its bloodline was extinguished centuries ago. How could you—” Míngzhu paused, studying Jiǎng Lián’s form before extending his hand. “You must come with me. There is much you do not understand, but if you wish to survive, you must leave this place.”

Reluctant but intrigued, Jiǎng Lián accepted. Thus began his journey into the world of cultivation, a world filled with power, danger, and a hierarchy more rigid than he ever imagined. Míngzhu brought him to the Huǒshàn Sect, where only the most promising cultivators trained in the ways of fire. But there, the ancient flame technique—the very one Jiǎng Lián unknowingly carried—was revered, yet thought lost to time.

As Jiǎng Lián trained, he realized that the flame within him was no ordinary fire. It was the Heavenly Inferno, a power tied to the very heart of the universe. Its true strength, however, remained locked away, sealed by the mysterious death of his clan. Unraveling this secret would take him down a treacherous path, as enemies old and new sought to claim the flame for themselves.

Chapter 2: The Trials of the Immortal Path

Jiǎng Lián’s days in the Huǒshàn Sect were filled with grueling training and tests. His control over fire surpassed many, but his flames were untamable, wild, as if they sought something greater. The sect elders watched him closely, both in awe and suspicion, for the power he displayed was not natural—it was ancient.

As time passed, whispers of an ancient prophecy began to circulate through the sect. A child born of fire would rise to challenge the heavens themselves, ushering in a new age of balance—or destruction. When Jiǎng Lián stumbled upon an old scroll, hidden deep within the sect’s forbidden library, he learned of the Celestial Ascension, a ritual that allowed one to ascend to the heavens as an immortal, but only after mastering the flame of their soul.

Guided by visions of his ancestors, Jiǎng Lián set off on a journey across Zhōng Tiān to uncover the truth of his heritage. Along the way, he would face powerful cultivators, demonic beasts, and even betrayals from those he called friends. Yet each challenge only strengthened the Heavenly Inferno within him, pushing him ever closer to his ultimate goal.

But Jiǎng Lián was not the only one seeking ascension. A dark force loomed in the shadows—the Nightshade Sect, an ancient order of cultivators who specialized in dark arts and sought to extinguish the Heavenly Inferno to prevent the prophecy from coming true. Led by a mysterious figure known only as the Black Flame Sovereign, they would stop at nothing to steal Jiǎng Lián’s power and claim immortality for themselves.

Chapter 3: The Final Flame

With the Nightshade Sect closing in, Jiǎng Lián journeyed to the Celestial Flame Peak, a sacred mountain said to house the last remnants of his clan’s power. There, beneath the full moon, Jiǎng Lián confronted the truth: the Black Flame Sovereign was none other than his ancestor, corrupted by the desire for power. The Celestial Ascension that Jiǎng Lián sought was the very ritual that had twisted his ancestor’s soul, turning him into a force of darkness.

To stop the Black Flame Sovereign and restore balance to the world, Jiǎng Lián would have to face him in a battle of flames, with the fate of Zhōng Tiān hanging in the balance. The final trial would push Jiǎng Lián to the limits of his strength, forcing him to unlock the full potential of the Heavenly Inferno. Only by embracing the true nature of his power—a balance between creation and destruction—could he hope to ascend.

In a climactic battle of fire and shadow, Jiǎng Lián would discover that immortality was not simply about ascending to the heavens. It was about protecting the balance of the world and ensuring that the flame of life, like his own, would never fade.

Epilogue: The Eternal Flame

In the aftermath of the final battle, the heavens opened, and Jiǎng Lián, now a celestial immortal, stood on the peak of Celestial Flame Mountain. The world below was forever changed, but the flame he carried continued to burn, a symbol of hope and power.

Though his journey to immortality had come to an end, his story was only just beginning. As a guardian of the heavens, Jiǎng Lián vowed to protect both the mortal and immortal realms, ensuring that the flames of life would never be extinguished.

And so, the legend of Jiǎng Lián, the Celestial Flame, was born—a beacon of light in a world shrouded by darkness.

[neverlandfaerai]

(Background made by the mod of asksavel !)

@soulguardianazeralith @ask-reluctant-nightshade

[shaymincafe]

@Zia and Hikarugenji: Are you two also chefs like the Shaymin Cafe staff?

"We sometimes assist with the creation of new items for the café's menu, so if you've seen us there before, that's why!"

@askbohemiancompany // @ask-reluctant-nightshade // @phantomguild

[ask-the-island-guardians]

Bulliera has offered Sola a dance!

( @ask-reluctant-nightshade )

[ask-life-or-death]

@ask-reluctant-nightshade | Marionette towered over the human, eyes squinting at them. “Strange.” Meanwhile Wick decided if the human was ‘dead’, she would try and ‘accept the gift’ of the scarf for herself, tugging on it. “Weird colored toxicroak no need warm soft scarf, vee!”

"DONT... HARM..."

"...Spirit... Calm down..."

"fine... next time... not... be... lucky..."

[@ask-reluctant-nightshade]

{{Aria is now awake!}}

[theshiftryclan]

( @ask-reluctant-nightshade ) Wick’s eyes widened at the sight of the obstagoon, quickly waddling her way over. “!!!!!!!!! BIG ANGY FUZZY FUCKER!” She held up an egg, tail swishing excitedly. “Wanna be big and scary like you, vee! Not as scary as mama, but still scary, vee!”

Vitomir: The Obstagoon picks up an egg, before he takes notice of the little gremlin. "Language." Vitomir said, disappointed at the little one. "You want to be scary? Like me? Hehe, I suggest bristling up your hair and getting scars. That'll scare them." He bristles Wick's tail for them. ( @ask-reluctant-nightshade )

[ask-the-wishmaster]

Halting on his way to his doorway, the Gothitelle felt the faint disturbance of the bottom of his cloak. Not something one could normally feel, but as his senses had become incredibly attuned, this caught his attention, and he turned around fully. He almost brushed the disturbance off before sensing something... or someone, very close to the ground. He sensed a Wooloo, but not just a Wooloo, one with a benign nature and caring intentions. This eased the Wishmaster, and he couldn’t help but smile. It truly had been a while since he had held something close, so he figured he’d give it a shot if this little sheep was permitting.

The Wishmaster twirled a full rotation as he sat down on the stone ground cross-legged, letting his cloak cascade around him and so he wouldn’t sit on it. 

“Dimitri, is everything okay-?” his brother called out.

“You’re... Tia,” the older Gothitelle said to the Wooloo hybrid. “Are you okay with me holding or touching you?”

< Wishmaster and Andrei have gone outside together >

{ @ask-reluctant-nightshade​ }

[atxin1]

@ask-reluctant-nightshade | Wick takes notice of the strange walking tree lizard and follows behind him for a good twenty minutes. It takes Robin realizing what Wick is doing to call out to the sceptile. “Uh- Sir- I think my friend is trying to eat your tail-“

"Hm?" Atzin turns around to find who was calling out to him. In the process, he find Wick. He kneels down to face the strange pokemon who was following him.

"What are you doing? My tail isn't any normal tree that you can just eat."

[vall007]

"Mimikyu? That is quite the scary costume."

"Yep. If I is scary, no one will pick on me, kyu."

But no one is picking on you?

---

Here is a gift for the wonderful Kaine of @ask-reluctant-nightshade & @soulguardianazeralith.

I've said this before, but you are one of my biggest inspirations. Not only are you one of only a few traditional artists in the community, but you produce outstanding work at an incredible speed. Your character designs are so cool and I love seeing your work.

Keep being awesome and keep prodcuing such awesome art. You got talent.

[mews--journal]

“Anything else I could tell you? Hmm. Well I learned he also has a cartographer role. It’s one reason for us to explore. However, we can’t yet.”

“Other than that, that’s all I can think of. Maybe getting to know him more, I can answer this better, right?”

@ask-reluctant-nightshade​