nixnwrites

[nixnwrites]

⬅️⬅️🐉

“And I find you grieving within my forest.” A kind voice entered his ears, a gentle feathery touch around his snout rousing from his pain. The Celebi came as she always did, a whisper of a breeze, wings a rapid flutter but never did they sound loud. “What did you see, dragon? The Whispers of the Past dancing upon the glade? I warned you not to stare into the pool.” 

Time flowed strangely within the Celebi's forest. Intuned with the inhabitants of the Forest, she knew the whereabouts of all who reside within and those who intrude upon the place. But she could not stop the effects of Time being warped, her dwelling having absorbed her energy for millenia. Manifestations of the mind often appear from those who gazed upon the waters. 

Phantoms, Whispers, Memories of the individual often dance upon the surface. Strong Willed individuals would often reel their gaze away in fear they would be drawn in. She considered this one of such caliber saved this night, having found him at the pool's edge, tears like waterfalls upon his visage. 

“My hatchlings. They left me to join her amongst the skies.” Only then did the dragon raise his head towards the Heavens. His voice rose to a roar. “I, their father, could not protect them nor her from their fate! THEY WERE TO OUTLIVE ME! MY PRODIGY WAS TO-”

The earth quaked beneath his sorrow. Trees began to bow to his roar as the inhabitants scattered from the scene, birds hurriedly taking flight to seek safety elsewhere, night dwellers scurried from their burrows. 

“Settle, dragon.” Came her piercing voice. Placing a placating hand on his snout was only then did he respond. His eyes trained on her form, resonating with pain as his tail swished behind him. “Nature stole them too soon.”

“It was my negligence!”

“Why do you blame yourself? Did your claws have a hand in their deaths?”

“I was not there in their time of need!”

“But it was not you.” She forced him to look upon her when his gaze sought the pool. “You cannot blame yourself for nature.” Nature, in her design. They all bowed to its whim. Painful as it was, they could not go against. 

“I did not come here to be reprimanded-”

“You sought me out, did you not? You are seen when you want to be seen.” A truth uttered from the Celebi. An innate trait of Rayquaza was the ability to shift their scales to match the environment, the very scales she brushed her palm gently against his scales, shimmering to match the starry night sky. “You became a golden comet for me. A radiant star for me to behold.” Her voice held awe, a smile flirting across her lips. 

“The Whispers of the Past cannot hold you. They will, however, if you allow them to. I allow me to assuage your pain, dragon. Allow me to heal you from the demons plaguing your heart.” 

[nixnwrites]

🐈 ⏪️⏪️

Tora felt her cheeks color. “You're a big baby!” She shouted at her sibling. “You listen to me! Zap Zap is small! I'm better!” She thumped her chest as she stood proudly at the caves's entrance. She only grew in her horns recently, small round bumps upon her forehead.

Arashi looked at her with fear and apprehension. 

No. 

The roaring storm behind her. The winds whipped wildly, rain poured almost endlessly but he could feel the electricity charged in the air, smell the rain permeating the space. It was dangerous and the small wind spirit knew it. The lightning crackled, a flash of light flooding the room.

Araahi let loose a small cry, covering his face with his hands, tail coiled around his form as he made himself small. 

What must she do to prove to him that she can be strong!? She was the best there was! She would always protect him! Be his shield no matter what.

Her claws, small fists at her side as she stood to the tips of her paws. “SCAREDY CAT! I'LL SHOW YOU I'M STRONGER THAN HER!” She shouted over the thunder attempting to drown her out. “THEN YOU'LL SEE I’M BETTER!” 

And she ran into the storm, ignoring her brother's pleas to come back. She'll show him. She was the strongest there ever was!

[nixnwrites]

🐉 ⬅️

He couldn't hope to reconcile with her. 

Her words were the final nail in the coffin. 

“I deal with all matters of the future yet you have rooted yourself in the past! Once you have freed yourself from the gnarled roots you have trapped yourself within, you may come find me. Until then, do not speak to me.” 

It was the finality of her speech and the immediate thrust from the realm that cemented and destroyed any hope of their relationship. 

A wince from the Rayquaza as he laid on her back, staring into the sky. The truth was painful to receive. He hadn't thought of a single future containing her. He worried endlessly of a bleak future with her light missing. 

A look towards the forest. “And now I have attained the future I was dreading.” 

[nixnwrites]

➡️➡️🐉

Caelus gave Zhen a leveled look. The Ho-oh was bright-eyed today, his spirits high. His eyes narrowed with suspicion as Zhen approached with a open grin. “What happened?”

Zhen stiffened. “Nothing gets by you, eh?” 

“You are easy to read,” Caelus said. Being the Phoenix’s company for so long, it was easier to differentiate what was real—and what was fake. “Walk with me.” 

They walked in an uneasy silence. It should have been comfortable but it was like barbs on his skin. Zhen struggled to follow the brisk pace set by Caelus, nearly tripping over his feet. 

“I assume it relates to your feelings over the big-chested one.” 

Zhen’s cheeks heated up. “W-Who?” He sputtered. 

“I believe his name is Ginjiro, correct?”

Hands raking through his head, Zhen tried his best not to rip the strands from his scalp. “Dammit! Not you too! No! I have too many of you in my ears trying to give me advice on how to handle my feelings! ALL OF YOU NEED TO LAY OFF MY CASE!” 

“I am not offering you my advice,” Caelus said calmly. Unaffected by the Phoenix’s anger, he folded his arms across his chest. “I am offering you my ear to listen.” 

Zhen blinked. His hands falling at his side, he spoke quietly. “To listen?”

“You want to be heard out, yes? I am giving you my unbiased ear to hear you out without being judged. Is that not what you want?”

“Yes…. actually.” A look of relief, a peek into what truly behind that mask of his. “Thanks…”

[nixnwrites]

⬅️⬅️🐦

“Sparkles?” He didn’t know the name of the Ho-oh yet. While Tora opped to call him Noctowl, Arashi called him Sparkles, noticing the sparkles in the phoenix’s feathers. Though nowadays, the sparkles were less and less on the bird, sending a thought of worry through the Tornadus’ mind.

“He doesn’t want to come inside yet, child,” his mother said. Her expression matched his thoughts briefly before she hurriedly put on a smile. “You want to check on him, don’t you?”

Despite ma inviting him inside, the Ho-oh stayed beneath the shadows of the trees. Head hung low, the phoenix had his eyes planted on the ground, unmoving.

Biting down on his lower lip, Arashi nodded. Running a delicate claw through his hair, she gave a soft nug into the Ho-oh’s direction. “Go on, dear. I am sure he will not harm you.”

Trusting mama’s judgement, Arashi walked towards the large bird. “H-Hello,” he said to the phoenix, eyes gone wide. 

The Ho-oh didn’t look at him, didn’t smile. “What do you want, kid?” 

The Tornadus went rod stiff. “I’m A-Arashi,” the boy stammered.

A silence that sent nerves through the small wind spirit. Just as he was sure the Ho-oh wasn’t going to speak further, he turned his back, dejected, the phoenix spoke, “Zhen.”

He turned to see the Ho-oh looked at him, the mask around his eyes darker than the lad had ever seen them. 

Arashi smiled nervously.

Zhen turned. “You don’t have to force yourself, kid. If you’re afraid, its ok. I would be too.”

Arashi tried to be like Tora. She was always strong, courageous. Inhaling he came closer, arms spread wide as he embraced the Ho-oh.

“What are you doing?”

“Mama always does this when someone is sad.” He squeezed tightly. “She hugs the hurt away like this.”

A moment of silence then something damp on the small boy’s shoulder. Shocked, he watched as Zhen lowered his head, eyes squeezed tightly shut. “Thanks, kid…”

[nixnwrites]

🐈▶️▶️

Caelus blocked her path. One eyebrow raised, arms folded his chest, his eye focused upon the orb she tried to hide close to her chest. “What do you have, little kit?”

“Nuthin’” She stuck out her tongue and tried to wiggle her way past him to no avail. She still struggled with him here. She used to think the dragon might not like them. But then one day when Arashi fell and scraped his hands, Caelus had brushed him off, then carried him back home. Something like mama would do, stroking his hair and telling him things would be ok.

But he was so… far. It reminded her of when Zhen first got here. Almost as if he was afraid. 

She shook her head. That can’t be right. He was the scary one! 

Then she found herself in the air. Confused, she kicked out, fuitlessly, tightly clutching onto her prize. “It’s mine!” She exclaimed.

Only for her to lose it as he gently pried it from her tiny claws. 

Staring intently into the bright orb, he said, “This is dangerous.” His eye rested on her. “Where did you get this?” 

Swallowing under the weight of his gaze, she muttered reluctantly, “Zap Zap gave it to me.” Something told her not to lie to him. Like the words he said, the room felt heavy.

Eye narrowing, he placed the orb in his pocket. “You should not have this, kit. I will see this returned its proper owner. Children like you should not have this.”

“I’m not a baby!”

“You very much are in my eye.” Was that a smile? He ruffled her hair. “Keep yourself out of trouble, little kit. I see a promising future for you.”

Her cheeks grew hot as she puffed them out. “Yeah!” In the back of her mind, she was quickly devising a way to get the orb, a look of cunning as he turned his back on her. 

[nixnwrites]

The Leviathan touched down to the earth, their landing graceful. Wrinkles formed on their maw as the stench of blood and scorched soil wafted in the air. After a moment of motionless silence, the Lugia began their search, eyes shifting. 

Grim as it was, this is common in this territory. Both Growlithe and Houndour were known for their fierce territorial natures. Seeing the fallen bodies of the slimmer canine who normally dominated this region, the Lugia knew who won in the outcome. They brought it up numerous times with their counterpart, unsure if the Growlithe should be permitted any longer.

It was clear given their robust frame and determined personalities, Growlithe would reign soon enough. Especially given their popularity with humans. 

“We should be given a chance, Storm. They weren't allowed to prosper in their former region. Let's see what life they breathe here.” 

A snort from old Storm. “I only see death in their wake,” Storm groused, a rumble in the back of their throat.  Only time would tell if she was right. For now, the Lugia remained ever the skeptic as they scoured the region. There was a trace of sympathy contained in the Lugia’s gaze for the Houndour. Then a sense of power pulsated from the Lugia’s massive frame, the wind increasing in response. The sound of rustling leaves and debris, a more pleasant air began to permeate the surroundings.

It was then that the Lugia saw, uncovered by the foliage, a huddled form of a young boy crouched against a tree. At his feet, a wounded Growlithe, blood slowly trickling from fresh wounds. The boy let loose a slight gasp at the sight of the looming beast. 

The Lugia expected the human to flee and leave the wounded hound behind. He surprised the Leviathan by crouching defensively from the young pup, his gray gaze fierce as his face twisted into determination, watching the Lugia’s every move. 

An amused snout came from the Lugia’s maw. A small human? Standing up to them? The boy hadn't moved. For a moment, the world was still. It wasn't until the Lugia spread their wings wide did the boy jump, a flicker of fear in his eyes, his frame quivering.  

A show of teeth, the Lugia leaning in, “I like your moxie,” the Lugia praised the young boy who had more courage than others of his kind. 

[nixnwrites]

“I chose you because, despite the injustice and ridicule you suffered, your heart remained pure. The feather you clutched for so many years was never filled with corruption. That is why I chose you. Now I do not know what has happened. If you do not fix it, the fire will devour you.” 

[nixnwrites]

The beast let loose a blood-curdling shriek as the sword plunged deep into its heart. Zane remained unphased, his eyes that of the searing flames coating the steel within the beast's innards.

The people of Baal witnessed the display of pure carnage and found themselves shuddering. Not with delight but with fear. Such fear arose in their hearts as they witnessed the display of pure brutality as steel and fire met the corpse of their fallen compatriot. Baal would not relish in such bloodshed. Those connected with Baal felt his abhorrence at the desecration of his place of worship from the violence.

His champion, torn asunder. 

The acolytes felt Baal’s immediate withdrawal at the sight of his champion crumbling to the ground, the Tiefling repeatedly thrusting his sword within the beast’s chest cavity. The only sound heard was bones cracking, sinew tearing and metal clanging as the sword met stone.

Zane’s companions did nothing to stop his actions. They knew better to get in his way, his prize. But a mutter came from Wyll, “Will he stop?” The party has never seen such a rage so violently erupting from the Tiefling. He may have appeared disgruntled at their performance but never revealed such madness.

“Are you keen to get in his way and find out?” Astarion inclined with a dry tone. Seeing the way Wyll blanched at the idea, he continued with a bitter whisper, “I thought so.” The vampire’s nose wrinkled. “Even her blood smells vile.” 

A final clang as steel met stone once more, the sword snapping in two, bringing forth a deafening silence to the room. 

“Astarion.” The name was growled, whispers of embers emitting from the Tiefling’s mouth. The very same flames that coated the broken sword roughly discarded on stone. Zane gave the vampire a piercing stare, his hand held out silently, flames steadily intensifying.

Astarion shuddered at the intense stare. What did he- The searing eyes drifted towards the dagger strapped to his belt. Without further hesitation, he quickly handed over the silver blade. 

Wordlessly, Zane gripped the hilt in a tight grasp. With a steady, practiced hand, he held the beast’s jaw wide. A swift cut and the tongue was cleanly sliced from its maw.

“Shadowheart. Tend to her wounds.” 

Despite the carnage, his voice came out leveled with such clarity, such coldness. It was the command that sent chills through the cleric’s spine. Zane did not once turn his back to face her but she knew if he must, she would face certain consequences.

With haste, she rushed to the fallen bard's aid. The acolytes did nothing to impede her path. A single scorching look from Zane and they all recede into the darkness, becoming mere shades to spectate once more. 

A dragon came sulking into their midst. To threaten and seize his prize? They were damned in his eyes. He only needed to be sure she was alive and well before he incinerated all. 

Jaheira would get her longing wish after all. Too bad she wouldn't be here to see the cult of Baal reduced to cinder and ash.  

No one lives, a single piercing thought arrowed to all his companions standing with him now. They all burn. He let out a breath slowly, watching the healing magics emitting from the cleric’s palms as she placed them upon the bard. 

Cuts, blood, wounds.

The sight of it ignited rage anew, becoming palpable. He could taste the flames crackling in his mouth and the rust of blood as he gnashed his teeth, his jaw tight.

The tongue in his hand burst into ashes as wildfire cloaked his palms. “The Cult of Baal burns this eve. No one would ever know your pitiful existence. You have taken a dragon’s claim and now you will all burn for it.”

[nixnwrites]

The beast let loose a blood-curling shriek as the sword plunged deep into its heart. Zane remained unphased, his eyes that of the searing flames coating the steel within the beast's innards.

The people of Baal spectated the display of pure carnage and found themselves shuddering. Not with delight but with fear. Such fear arose in their hearts as they witnessed the display of pure brutality as steel and fire met the corpse of their fallen compatriot. Baal would not relish in such bloodshed. Those connected with Baal felt his abhorrence at the desecration of his place of worship from the violence.

His champion, torn asunder. The acolytes felt Baal’s immediate withdrawal at the sight of his champion crumbling to the ground, the Tiefling repeatedly thrusting his sword within the beast’s chest cavity.

Zane’s companions did nothing to stop his actions. They knew better to get in his way, his prize. But a mutter came from Wyll, “Will he stop?” They have never seen such a rage so violently erupting from the Tiefling.

“Are you keen to get in his way and find out?” Astarion inclined with a dry tone. Seeing the way Wyll blanched at the idea, he continued with a whisper, “I thought so.” The vampire’s nose wrinkled. “Even her blood is vile.”

A final clang as steel met stone, the sword snapping in two.

“Astarion.” The name was growled, whispers of flames emitting from the Tiefling’s mouth. The very same flames that coated the broken sword roughly discarded on stone. Zane gave the vampire a piercing stare, his hand held out silently, flames steadily intensifying.

Astarion shuddered at the intense stare. What did he- The eyes drifted towards the dagger strapped to his belt. Without further hesitation, he quickly handed over the silver blade.

Wordlessly, Zane gripped the hilt. With a steady, practiced hand, he held the beast’s jaw wide. A swift cut and the tongue was cleanly sliced from its maw.

[nixnwrites]

“You know Zhen, this wasn't exactly what I signed up for.”

“...I know.” 

“Death was one thing. But a giant fucking Lugia?!”

Zhen raised an eyebrow at her swear. Abby was rarely one to swear but for this… “If you’re wondering if this is an average day for me, no, it's not.” 

[nixnwrites]

Come, Ho-oh. Or are you too cowardly to face me?

That growl droned in his mind once. 

Course the Lugia lingered. Zhen steeled him, seeing the man lingering at the edge of the lake. He thought he could leave Abby behind but she was as stubborn as ever.

“I'm here with you, partner.”

The reassurance was comforting but what could she do? She was more of a liability than all else. With a sigh, together, they met the Lugia at the bank, giving the man a wide berth, Zhen careful. 

I hear Johto is struggling in our absence. What have you been doing? Where is your presence? Have you been? Nothing? 

The gold of Zhen’s eyes ignited to life, bright as the moon was eclipsed by the clouds. “You don't get to accuse me when you've been hiding out on that damn island of yours! I have been stressing my ass off for the past two decades trying to appease the people! Perform the duties you bastards laid in line while humanity stabs me in the back! And you say I'm lazy?! Get real!” 

“Calm down.” 

“You don’t get to tell me to calm down when you tore my damn tail feathers off! I wouldn’t have to do this if your old ones didn’t fuck up. I wouldn’t be” -gestured his entire being dramatically, his voice filled with scorn- “this! if you gods didn’t meddle with my life!”

“If you do not, you will burn her.” 

Susano’s cool words were like cold water dumped over his head. A flinch as his eyes quickly darted towards Abby. The discomfort was clear on her face, a sheen of sweat on her brow. He swore under his breath, jerking away from her. 

“You cannot control your flames. You cannot control your emotions. And you expect me to treat you with respect when you cannot control yourself?” Susano snarled, their eyes like flint. “You do not measure up to Reiko in the slightest yet you disrespect her while containing a part of her.” 

An ominous pressure threatened to put on his knees. Zhen swallowed but he defiantly met the glower of the ancient before him, unmoving. No longer did Susano bear the human disguise; there was only the great Leviathan that relentlessly hounded him across the seas. Maw agape, electricity crackling across fangs. 

You tarnish her legacy. The only reason I do not grind your bones with my teeth is because I see now a part of her still resides in your worthless body. 

And likely why he couldn't control his flames. Words the Lugia kept to themselves, their eyes seeing through, seeing a dim light in the hidden recesses of the ho-oh’s soul. In their rage, they had missed it, blinded by the mere thought of Reiko’s energy residing in another. Only to see, it was more complicated than they had originally thought. 

It was much too small to be her entire soul but enough to raise alarm for two souls who should not inhabit the same body. 

And a sudden pallor to his complexion spoke to how much this foolish Ho-oh was not aware of. Who did this to you? Frustration entered the Lugia’s expression. Why must this cycle continue to break for the likes of our kind?! 

“The one before me… she was in…” 

Susano shut their eyes. He didn't need to finish. They could only think of one reason for this Ho-oh to be in such a state. But it was done so crudely. A human soul and a Ho-oh… there was no harmony in this union.

Listen to me, Ho-oh. I do not know what you have gotten yourself into with Death but that is the least of your worries. Do not let him deceive you. Once you cease your usefulness, you will die. The predator only learns human words to prey upon the easily fooled with empathy.

I am not to be trusted either. You are no longer human. Cease this foolish ideology you have and assume your duties.

“Why should I stop being what I am for you? Why should I change?!” Zhen nearly shouted. 

Do you reject your counterpart? Another sting that painfully showed. If you continue to ignore this, you will burn all around you. You are a Ho-oh. You are the God who governs the Heart of the people. If you slip into corruption, those you have touched will fall with you. I - 

The Lugia hesitated, gritting their teeth. I will give you a way to fix this but not now. It is not the proper time. But you need to accept what you are. 

A torrent of winds swirled around the leviathan. No longer the beast of sea, but a humble man, their gaze containing fatigue and annoyance. 

“Now get out of my sight before I am no longer responsible for what may happen,” Susano muttered. 

[nixnwrites]

She looked over, eyes searching until she finally spotted him in the skies. He was a dancer in the skies as much as he was in the sea; a pleasure to watch. As a fledgling, Raiden always tried to teach Mariko the tricks he could perform. In turn, Mariko tried to teach him how to hold a note, her throat rumbling. 

His sounds came out more like screeches while she had tangled her wings more than when attempting. 

They both laughed hysterically at each other’s failure, but it had been laughter without malice. 

[nixnwrites]

Raiden bumped his head gently to hers. She was warm. Warmer than her usual, her breathing slightly labored. 

Mariko? Came Raiden’s voice quietly through their telepathic link. It was a link they cultured throughout childhood. When her maw failed her, her mind never did. 

She weakly nuzzled him in return, pictures flooding his mind, muddled with emotions.

Hot. She was very hot as he registered a sharp pain not his own. 

She was ill. How he didn't know. Merely moments earlier she appeared healthy. Worry choked at his throat: the need to keep his sister up and going while they remain vulnerable. 

[nixnwrites]

Susano embraced the cool air of mountains as they stepped outside. They sensed it earlier. Electricity crackled in their hair, their expression tense as their jaw tightly clenched. They could scarcely contain their anger as their eyes met a more dangerous and cunning set of azure blue. 

Death had made himself known; he stood proud, amused, with a smirk. The circumstances couldn't be any better. 

Two Titans in one place. 

In a different situation, they would be tearing each other apart until one was left standing. Susano had no intention of meeting their end now. But Death seemed distracted with another.

In their anger, Susano scarcely registered the other man by Death’s side, hovering protectively over a small woman. When his pair of golden eyes met theirs, Susano could hardly contain the menace from their growl. 

You. A single lethal word arrowed sharply into the mind of the man with vermillion hair. A flinch, a sign that the man heard Susano's anger. A glow to Susano’s eyes, seeing through the human ruse, the visage of a golden Ho-oh cowering away. 

“Oh, you both have a history?” Zane mused, his tone colored with amusement. “Fascinating but you appear to want to tear him to shreds.” A glance at the Ho-oh. “I cannot have you killing him quite yet. He owes me a favor I plan to collect in due time. But I believe you need to excuse us, Zhen. Me and Susano have much to catch up on.” 

Zhen wasn’t a fool. He didn’t need to be told twice. To stand in the middle of the two gods would spell certain death for him and his partner. Grasping Abby’s hand, he kept her close by his side as he led them elsewhere. 

Do not think I have forgotten about you. We will have a discussion later. 

Susano’s final words as they briskly walked past. The tension in Zhen’s shoulders was enough to know the message was heard, leaving the two gods alone as a chill began to settle in. 

Susano strained to keep their hands by their side. Instinct warred to fight the beast in the human ruse slowly approaching them as their nostrils flared. Death had a smell that wasn’t the least bit putrid and vile. It was of life and soil, Susano’s gaze narrowing. 

“The great god of the storm civilized before me?” Zane said, his tone incredulous. “I wonder who has tamed you.”

“No one.” With a snarl, Susano’s hackles raised. “What is it you want? Did you plan this?”

“My world does not revolve around the old ones.” A break in Zane’s facade. His eyes filled with heat. “Your energy would be oh so divine to feast on. But alas,” his eyes strayed, making note of the legion of hounds skulking about the grounds, “I hope for a moment of peace only for you both to disturb it.”

The gods stood side by side, neither making a move. Zane murmured into the air between them, his voice becoming ominous. “How long do you believe your rotten vessel can withstand? A few months? You know I can smell it. Your demise.”

Susano refused to utter a word, their features going blank.

“You have a year, Susano. Make peace with your duties, and your friends. I will be at your doorstep in a year’s time. Do try to make it a fight the both of us will remember.”

Susano swallowed their rage as Zane continued to walk into the inviting lights of the ball. 

A year. 

Susano inhaled shakily. 

Just as they felt the wonder, the drive to see how the world evolved and changed in their absence. 

I want to live… 

[nixnwrites]

Oh little songbird, trapped in your cage.

A heart of gold, a song of purity, caged for your ethereal beauty and haunting voice enticing others to halt and stare.

Ensnared by your song, captured by beauty yet you only sang them to sleep with no thoughts of plaguing them of a nightmare.

Yet they still sleep, caught, trapped in its silvery notes, never to wake again.

[nixnwrites]

Susano embraced the cool air of mountains as they stepped outside. They sensed it earlier and their senses were not wrong. Electricity crackled in their hair, their expression tense as their jaw was tightly clenched. They could scarcely contain their anger as their eyes met a more dangerous and cunning set of azure blue. 

Death had made himself known and he stood proud, amused, with a smirk on his lips. The circumstances couldn't be any better. Two titans in one place. In any other situation, they would be tearing each other apart until one would be standing.