#The Evil Within Chapter 1: An Emergency Call

[zapreportsblog]

The Last Of Us

➥ summary : young (m/n) was the last of the demon slayers, how he’s lived so long… well that’s his secret to tell

➥ a/n: a long time ago I wrote a story like this, be aware this is a twilight x male reader x demon slayer crossover story. This may seem a little confusing but hopefully it isn’t, I also haven’t read the original copy I made of this story but I remember one line that stuck out to me as hilarious so I’m recreating it enjoy :)

➥ chapter 1 : the act of an immortal life

In a world shrouded in darkness and inhabited by malevolent forces, a young male named (M/N) had his life forever altered by an unimaginable tragedy. From a tender age, he witnessed the harrowing death of his family at the hands of merciless demons.

The memory of that fateful night haunted (M/N)'s every waking moment. The flames engulfing his home, the agonized cries of his loved ones, and the malevolent laughter of the demonic beings replayed like a sinister melody in his mind. It was a night that plunged him into a world devoid of light, a world where shadows whispered secrets and fear clung to his every step.

After the tragic incident, (M/N) found himself alone, grappling with grief and an overwhelming sense of survivor's guilt. The weight of loss bore down on his young shoulders, threatening to crush him beneath its crushing force. The scars left behind, both visible and invisible, served as a constant reminder of the darkness that had consumed his once idyllic life.

Haunted by nightmares and plagued by a relentless thirst for justice, (M/N) became consumed by a single purpose—to avenge his family's tragic demise. He immersed himself in studying the occult and ancient texts, determined to uncover the secrets of the supernatural realm that had claimed his loved ones.

Years passed, and (M/N) honed his skills, his heart fuelled by an unquenchable desire for retribution. He became an adept hunter of the supernatural, seeking out the demonic beings responsible for his family's demise. Armed with knowledge, weapons, and a heart burning with determination, he ventured into the darkest corners of the world, chasing shadows and facing the very embodiment of evil.

But with each encounter, (M/N) found himself teetering on the edge of his own sanity. The line between hunter and hunted blurred, and the darkness he sought to eradicate threatened to consume him from within. He fought with ferocity, never faltering in his quest, but the scars he bore ran deeper than the physical wounds he inflicted upon his adversaries.

Amidst the bleakness of his existence, however, glimmers of hope emerged. He encountered individuals who offered a glimpse of light in the midst of his darkest days. Fellow hunters who understood the depths of his pain and stood by his side, they called themselves…demon slayers - lending strength when his own faltered. They became his newfound family, a beacon of solace in the tumultuous storm that raged within him.

As (M/N) continued his solitary crusade against the forces of darkness, he sought solace not only in vengeance but also in the belief that his family's legacy could be preserved through his actions. He vowed to protect others from experiencing the same pain he had endured, to ensure that no innocent lives would be claimed by the horrors that lurked in the shadows.

And so, (M/N) carried the weight of his tragic past upon his shoulders, his steps guided by both determination and a profound sense of loss. With each demon he banished and each life he saved, he inched closer to finding the closure he so desperately sought.

The journey ahead was treacherous, filled with danger and uncertainty, but (M/N) refused to be consumed by the darkness that had claimed his family. He would continue to fight, fueled by the memory of his loved ones and the hope that one day, he would find peace amidst the chaos that plagued his existence.

•••

(M/N) found himself lost in a realm of memories, where the echoes of a long and brutal war resonated deep within his soul. The clash of weapons, the screams of anguish, and the stench of blood filled his senses as he relived the relentless battle against the Demon King and his unholy forces.

As a demon slayer, (M/N) had fought alongside a brotherhood of warriors who shared his unwavering determination. Together, they stood as a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness, their lives entwined by a common purpose—to protect humanity from the demonic scourge that threatened its very existence.

The war had been relentless, pushing (M/N) and his comrades to the limits of their physical and emotional endurance. They faced countless battles, each one marked by the possibility of death and the sacrifice of their brothers and sisters-in-arms. It was a time of profound loss, where the fallen were mourned, and the weight of survivor's guilt pressed heavily upon (M/N)'s heart.

But amid the chaos and despair, (M/N) found solace in his unwavering resolve. He refused to allow the sacrifices of his fallen comrades to be in vain. Their memory fueled his relentless pursuit of justice, and he continued to hone his skills with unwavering determination.

While some of his fellow demon slayers chose to retire after the Demon King's demise, seeking respite from the horrors they had endured, (M/N) could not quell the burning fire within him. He knew that his duty as a protector was far from over. The demons may have been vanquished, but the darkness they represented still lingered, waiting for an opportunity to resurface.

With each passing day, (M/N) pushed himself to the limit, refining his techniques, and seeking out new knowledge to fortify his arsenal against the unknown threats that lay in wait. He studied ancient texts, delved into forgotten rituals, and sought guidance from wise elders who held the secrets of the supernatural world.

As the years rolled by, (M/N) became a formidable force, wielding his armor and his skills with unparalleled precision. He grew as a warrior, but the memories of fallen comrades remained etched deep within his consciousness, a constant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

The path (M/N) had chosen was not an easy one. It demanded solitude, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent. He encountered countless battles, vanquishing demons that threatened the fragile peace that had been won through the bloodshed of his brethren.

Amidst the battles, (M/N) found moments of respite, where he could reflect upon the sacrifices made and honor the memory of his fallen comrades. He knew that they would forever be a part of him, guiding him in his quest for justice and reminding him of the fragility of life.

The war had left scars, both visible and invisible, etched upon (M/N)'s body and soul. But he wore them with pride, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his cause. He knew that the fight against darkness would continue, and he would be at the forefront, a shield against the encroaching shadows.

As (M/N) continued to sharpen his skills and explore the depths of his abilities, he remained steadfast in his commitment to protect humanity. With the memories of the fallen close to his heart, he stood as a testament to their sacrifice, a living embodiment of the unbreakable spirit that had united them in the face of overwhelming odds.

And so, (M/N) pressed forward, his journey defined by his past and driven by the undying flame within him. He was a warrior, forged by war and remembrance, and his legacy would be one of resilience, courage, and the unyielding will to confront the darkness head-on.

•••

The passage of time had become an eternal enigma for (M/N), as he remained suspended in the perpetuity of youth. While the world around him aged and changed, he remained eternally fixed at the tender age of fifteen. It was a puzzling phenomenon that seemed inextricably linked to the mysterious liquid that his now-deceased "sister" Shinobu had injected into his veins.

(M/N) found himself deep in introspection, his mind weaving through the memories of his past. Shinobu, a brilliant and enigmatic scientist, had been his constant companion in his tireless fight against the forces of darkness. It was she who had administered the strange liquid into his bloodstream, imbuing him with an unforeseen gift or curse—the gift of immortality.

As he recalled the moment when the liquid coursed through his veins, (M/N) was flooded with mixed emotions. Fear had gripped his heart momentarily, questioning the repercussions of such a radical act. But Shinobu's unwavering conviction and promises of enhanced abilities had eclipsed his doubts, leading him to consent to the injection.

However, as the years rolled by, and he witnessed the fleeting nature of life surrounding him, (M/N) grew increasingly aware of the peculiarity of his situation. Friends and loved ones aged gracefully, their faces marked with the gentle touch of time, while he remained forever frozen in youth. It was a constant reminder of his otherness, his detachment from the natural course of existence.

With each passing year, (M/N) became plagued by a burning curiosity, a relentless desire to unravel the truth behind his immortal state. He embarked on a relentless quest for knowledge, poring over ancient tomes and scouring the annals of history in search of answers.

In his research, (M/N) discovered snippets of lore and whispered tales about the elixirs of life and the pursuit of everlasting youth. Legends spoke of mythical beings and alchemical secrets, tantalizing fragments of a puzzle that might hold the key to his condition. But amidst the ancient tales, one thing became clear—immortality came with a price.

Haunted by the thought of a life bereft of connection and enduring heartbreak, (M/N) grappled with the implications of his eternal youth. The weight of isolation grew heavy upon his shoulders, knowing that he would forever be separated from the natural progression of life, destined to wander through the tapestry of time as a solitary figure.

In the depths of his soul, (M/N) harbored a burning desire to understand Shinobu's role in his immortal state. He couldn't shake the suspicion that the mysterious liquid she had injected into his veins was the catalyst for his unending youth. But with Shinobu now gone, he felt a profound sense of loss and longing, knowing that the answers he sought lay buried within her secrets.

With a resolute determination, (M/N) resolved to uncover the truth that lay hidden within the shadows of his past. He would embark on a personal journey, delving into the remnants of Shinobu's research and seeking the counsel of ancient scholars and mystics who might possess the wisdom he craved.

As he ventured forth, (M/N) understood that the road ahead would be fraught with uncertainty and the weight of his own immortality. But he was willing to face the challenges, to confront the demons of his past and the enigma of his existence. In the depths of his heart, he held on to the hope that, one day, he would unearth the truth behind his unyielding youth and discover his place in a world that continued to evolve around him.

•••

Centuries had slipped away like sand through (M/N)'s fingers, leaving him a solitary witness to the ever-changing tides of time. The year was now 2005, and he found himself enrolled in an orphanage, a place that had become his refuge in this new era. Within its walls, (M/N) concealed his enigmatic past, the weight of his immortal existence known only to him.

To the staff and fellow orphans, he was a quiet and mysterious figure, known only as (M/N). They had heard whispers of a tragic past, of a family torn apart by violence, but the specifics remained elusive. (M/N) had chosen to keep the memories locked away, buried deep within his soul, as he dedicated himself to training relentlessly in the quiet corners of the orphanage's backyard.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years as (M/N) honed his skills, his body a well-oiled machine refined through the passage of time. The other orphans watched in awe and curiosity, sensing an air of strength and resilience that surrounded him. They marveled at his unwavering dedication, unaware of the centuries of training and battles that had shaped him.

Within the confines of the orphanage, (M/N) sought solace in his ceaseless pursuit of perfection. The echoes of his past mingled with the present, driving him to become a formidable force capable of protecting the innocent and upholding justice. The shadows that had haunted his existence had given birth to an unwavering resolve—a commitment to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy he had endured.

As (M/N) immersed himself in his training, the bond between him and the orphans grew stronger. They found inspiration in his unwavering spirit, his quiet determination becoming a beacon of hope within the confines of the orphanage. He became a mentor, guiding them in their own journeys of self-discovery and self-improvement.

The other orphans sensed something extraordinary about (M/N), an aura of wisdom that belied his youthful appearance. They were drawn to his words of encouragement and the strength he exuded, finding solace in his presence. They admired his resilience, unaware of the countless battles he had fought and the trials he had overcome.

(M/N), in turn, found solace in the camaraderie he shared with his newfound family. Their innocence and joy helped fill the void in his heart, allowing him to experience a semblance of the connection he had lost so long ago. Through their laughter and companionship, he discovered that even in a world that perpetually changed, there were constants—love, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit.

As the days turned into months and the years rolled on, (M/N) found a semblance of peace within the walls of the orphanage. He channeled his immortality into protecting and guiding those who had crossed his path, providing a source of strength and inspiration to those who needed it most. In their eyes, he was a mentor, a protector, and a guardian angel—unaware of the depth of his immortal existence.

Amidst the passage of time, (M/N) embraced the duality of his existence. The echoes of his past intertwined with the present, shaping him into a beacon of hope for those around him. With each passing day, he continued to train, to refine his skills, and to prepare himself for the battles that awaited him.

As the world moved forward, (M/N) remained steadfast, bound by the weight of his own immortality. Yet, he found purpose in the quiet corners of the orphanage, his dedication to protecting the innocent guiding his every step. The echoes of his past were etched deep within his soul, propelling him to embrace the future and to forge a destiny worthy of his enduring spirit.

•••

Alice and Jasper stood before Carlisle, their hearts filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The couple had made a life-changing decision—one that would shape their future and bring new light into their immortal existence. They sought Carlisle's guidance and blessing as they discussed the possibility of adopting a child.

Carlisle, always the calm and composed figure, listened attentively to their request. He understood the weight of their desire and the responsibility that came with expanding their family. But he also knew the complexities of their lifestyle, the challenges they faced as immortal beings navigating the mortal world.

"Carlisle," Alice began, her voice gentle yet filled with determination, "we've talked extensively about this. We feel ready to embrace the gift of parenthood, to offer love and guidance to a child who needs it. We understand the risks and challenges, but we're confident in our abilities to provide a nurturing and safe environment."

Jasper, standing by Alice's side, nodded in agreement. "We've spent years adapting to our existence and learning to control our instincts. We've grown, and we believe we can be positive influences in a child's life. We want to offer them a family, a home where they can flourish."

Carlisle regarded the couple with a thoughtful expression, his golden eyes reflecting both caution and concern. He understood the depth of their love for one another and their desire to extend that love to a child in need. But he couldn't ignore the fact that Jasper was still relatively new to their lifestyle, his thirst for human blood a constant challenge that required careful management.

"Alice, Jasper," Carlisle began, his voice measured. "While I understand your longing to become parents, we must consider the potential risks involved. Jasper, you are still acclimating to our way of life. We must ensure the safety and well-being of a child above all else."

Alice, unwavering in her support for Jasper, interjected, her voice filled with conviction. "Carlisle, I have complete faith in Jasper's ability to control his urges. He has come a long way, and he has shown incredible strength and restraint. He won't hurt anyone while I'm around."

Carlisle regarded Alice with a mix of admiration and understanding. Her unwavering belief in Jasper's growth and her ability to read the future added a layer of assurance to their request. After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke, his voice gentle yet cautious.

"I see the love and dedication you both possess, and I trust your judgment, Alice. You have a unique insight into the future, and if you vouch for Jasper's ability to control his urges, then I am inclined to support your decision."

A wave of relief washed over Alice and Jasper as Carlisle gave his blessing. They understood the responsibility they were undertaking, the need to be ever-vigilant in protecting their family. But they also recognized the potential for growth, for love to flourish within the walls of their home.

With gratitude in their hearts, Alice and Jasper embraced one another, their joy palpable. They knew the path ahead would be challenging, but they were prepared to face it together. As they thanked Carlisle for his guidance, they carried with them the blessing that would pave the way for a new chapter in their immortal lives—a chapter filled with love, compassion, and the joy of raising a child as part of their growing family.

[theflashdriver]

Out of Body, Out of Mind: Chapter 1 (A Silvaze Fanfic)

"Next time you two visit, it better not be to stop another Eggman attack!" The crushing bearhug of one Amy Rose served to emphasise a point that she had already made a half dozen times today, "Or an ancient monster emerging or aliens invading... or a wizard's mind control, or evil doppelgangers, or a ghost tornado, or-

"Amy, I think they get the point. Squeeze them any longer and they won't live to leave, let alone return," Sonic piped up from somewhere out of view.

"I'm just making sure they understand, darling," A singsong tone entered the pink hedgehog's voice, "To see my blue blur turned green with envy; if you wanted a hug that badly you only had to ask."

Blaze stumbled as she was released, straightening her jacket as she steadied herself. Her companion within the hammer-wielder's vice-like grip wasn't quite so prepared, only just psychically catching himself before he could tumble to the ground. The cat couldn't help but smirk as he wobbled to right himself and land beside her; this past week had certainly been one to remember.

What had begun with her and Silver crossing space and time to fend off a surprise attack from an empowered Metal Sonic had stretched into a two week long stay with their friends. While the initial days had been focused on recuperating following the battle, soon the pair of them had been dragged into hijinks ranging from movie nights to visits to Twinkle Park and museums. From sharing Amy's pull out couch to overnight stays in hotels, these past days had brought with them a certain undeniable freedom. It'd all ended with a final campout up on Angel Island. She was glad that she'd allowed herself to relax, even if it had taken a few dozen pleading looks from the time traveller to her right.

"Hey, Knuckles! Stop letting Rouge distract you, we need to get them home before there's some sort of multidimensional fallout or something!" Sonic called as he raced past, Amy still in pursuit.

"I really don't think that's likely," Tails piped up to strike down Sonic's teasing, "As long as Blaze keeps-

"She's not distracting me; she's trying to steal the Master Emerald and none of you are helping!" The echidna roared.

"Aww, come on Big Red, don't be like that," Blaze turned to find the bat hovering, elbows atop the great green gem as she stared down at the flustered guardian, "I just love watching you work, that's all."

"Get off, I'm trying to perform a ritual!" Knuckles insisted from his cross legged position before the Master Emerald, "If I mess this up, anything could happen; to them or us."

"If something goes wrong, we'll be able to handle it," The psychic hedgehog reached out a hand and Sonic came to a sudden halt, only to be immediately leapt upon by Amy.

"Yes, we're more than prepared to face whatever comes our way," Seizing the moment of stillness Silver's juvenile choice had induced, the cat raised her voice, "Thank you for the time you have afforded us to recuperate. I swear that when we next return it will be under less troubling circumstances."

"That's a pretty stiff way to say you'll visit sometime the world isn't ending," Sonic snorted, now swept up in Amy's arms, "But a promise is a promise; we'll take it."

"Or maybe we could visit your world instead," That idea seemed to put a sparkle in Amy's eyes, "We could have a beach day, or go sailing!"

"I will see what I can arrange," Blaze swallowed, trying not to think about the great social barrier which was her royal status.

"I'd love to visit the future sometime and see all the new technology," Tails proposed.

"Oh, um, sure, maybe at some point," Silver not so subtly floundered, plainly trying not to remind the young fox of the various apocalypses he endlessly faced in his time, "Knuckles, are you ready for us?"

"I think I am," He called down, "Come on up, push away batgirl if you can."

"Fine Knuckie, I know when I'm not wanted," The bat rolled her eyes, taking to the sky.

"Whatever," He grumped, "Have a nice flight."

"Try not to miss me too badly," She blew a kiss his way as she took off higher, "I'll be back before you know it."

The grumbling of the red echidna continued, even after she was out of view and the pair of them had scaled the altar. Despite his bashfulness, the guardian lowered his head and reached out toward the great stone with open palms. His muttering had turned from the topic of Rouge to that of prayer like chanting, calling upon the great gem's power. A green tint began to fill the cat's vision, she saw sparks crack to crease the air and felt weightlessness spread across her body. The moment was almost upon them.

"Guys! That's us going, I think!" Silver called down toward the giggling hedgehog pair and fox tinkering with his tablet, "Try to stay safe, keep an eye out for the next attack!"

Blaze elbowed the hedgehog's side, subtly really wasn't one of his strong suits, "Until we meet again, I-

"Knuckles, you need to stop!" Rouge's shout cut the cat off.

"What is it now Rouge, I'm almost-

Blaze's ears spiked high but energy had already encased her, both she and Silver were floating against their own wills. The cat tried to turn but found herself unable to do more than peer over her shoulder as Sonic, Tails and Amy began to run up the altar toward them. Blaze only managed to see what happened out of the corner of her eye. Rouge grabbed Knuckles by the shoulders and flew, forcing him away from his work just as a shadow cast over the master emerald.

The once green energy around them flared a blinding white as their transportation was interrupted. A giant metal mass, like a grasping yellow and red claw, crashed onto the massive emerald and reduced it to shards which flew straight past them. The last thing Blaze saw was an orange Eggman insignia before her vision became a blur of white and blue. The cat felt herself falling; endlessly tumbling head over tail in a swirling void like intangible foamy seawater!

She held onto her breath for fear it would be her last. Fingers desperately clawed out into the space around her, hoping to grasp onto anything! This sight wasn't uncommon, she'd been tossed like this when travelling dimensions before, but usually it lasted mere moments. This was more, how long has passed already!?

Something touched her hand; she couldn't see through this endless swirl but something had brushed her right hand! The guardian flailed out in the hope that it was her partner, reaching and stretching with all her might in an attempt to latch onto something. Fingers met her wrist and hers coiled onto another in kind. She knew that feeling, calloused fingertips and a chunky metal bracelet. It was him, she had-

No, he wasn't holding her right hand, he was holding her left. Was she just so imbalanced in this tumbling space that she'd lost track of right and left? Regardless, she had him- they had each other. This couldn't go on forever, they'd arrive somewhere, they had to land somewhere!

She tried to focus on the Sol Emeralds, tried to harness her inherent connection to them, but her head started to ache. Everything felt wrong, from her left to her right to her tongue in her mouth and the weight across her body. This was all going wrong and her lungs were burning, she had to take a breath but there was no hope of air.

As she gasped the world around her began to darken. First the white faded from amongst the sky blue it was mixed with, then that blue faded indigo. Whether it was her body now failing her or the end of their travels she had no idea; but she held tighter onto Silver as that indigo faded to black.

Then, with no more than a blink, Blaze saw white again. Her whole body felt heavy and her mouth felt dry, it took a few more moments of just lying there and blinking to recognise that the white above her was no void. It was a cloudy sky. There was grass to her back. A cool wind was blowing.

She shut her eyes, her shoulders and back were aching, had the fall agitated the wounds from the fight those weeks ago? Blaze was certain she'd fully healed, that she was ready to face whatever came next. Well, regardless of her state, they had to get back and help their friends. That surprise attack could easily have been the next calamity set to destroy their world.

Blaze clenched her left hand and did still feel that she was holding her partner's right. No matter where they both were, whether they were still in Silver's past or they had made it to her dimension, they were still together. They could get out of this. They could fix this.

Wait, no. Something was wrong. Silver's fingers weren't as slender as the set she was feeling now. There was no thick metal band at the wrist of this hand. She felt a psychic static as their palms creased over each other's but something felt different, something felt wrong. Regardless of who she was lying next to, they weren't moving. Something had to be-

Blaze rose from her lying position, sitting up and turning, only to find herself staring down at a white furred muzzle on an otherwise purple furred face. A red gemstone was centred on the form's forehead and their hair was in a tall raised ponytail. The lying figure wore a purple long coat, white tights and heeled shoes. That form was her own body; Blaze was looking down at herself.

A hand was holding hers; a hand attached to a white furred forearm, itself wearing a great golden cuff. Silver's hand. A hand she had just raised before her face, the one she was seeing out of right now, and looked to find it was attached to her body. Something had gone terribly wrong, but she had to know the full story, she had to confirm it all.

Leaning over, feeling stiffness in her shoulders, Blaze pushed a hand to the neck of her prior body and felt a pulse plainly beating. Amber eyes flickered open as she leaned over, a daze marred that form's face followed by a rather uncouth bellowing yawn. By that alone Blaze had her suspicions but she had to confirm it; it wasn't safe. Her hands came down heavy and hard against her own body's shoulders, jolting the recently unconscious form into a more awake state.

"Silver, is that you?" She barked down.

"I'm Silver, yes... but you're..." Realisation seemed to grip the individual, panic entered their eyes, "Who are you? What are you doing-

"No, that's not enough. Eggman attacked as we were leaving, I need to be certain that you are you," Anything could have happened while they were falling between dimensions, whether that was part of the doctor's plans or otherwise.

"Blaze?" The imposter blinked, perhaps putting this together as she had, "Okay, yes, I am Silver... how do I prove I'm Silver? How do you prove you're Blaze?"

"We have time together we can draw upon that no one else should recall, there would be no records of it. If we use that, then I will have every confidence that you are Silver in my body," The form beneath her still looked unsure, so Blaze opted to open, "Ask me a question from that time, one which only I would know the answer to."

This had in itself actually been a ploy, an effort to get some extra affirmation through not letting this potential imposter use her question to scramble for one in turn.

"How did you explain the Chaos Emeralds to me when we first found one?" The form beneath her asked.

"I told you they were good luck charms," That question was sufficient, a clear moment with an obvious answer... but Blaze had to be sure, "Where did I find you after we were first sent to the past, when Mephiles separated us?"

"By a dock in Soleanna, on some stairs near the water," Blunt regret entered her prior body's eyes as the tale continued, "There were boats there, I was looking out over the water. It was after I'd tried to kill Sonic for the first time. Amy had stopped me..."

Blaze slackened her grip as relief flooded through her, "I'm glad it's you in there Silver... but I don't know what we're going to do."

"Where are," His speech came to a sudden stop, his brows furrowed, "Ow..."

"What happened, are you okay?" Panic for both her partner and her body swept through Blaze as she scanned for the source of the pain.

"I'm fine, I just bit my tongue," He grumbled, "Your teeth really are sharp..."

As he raised a hand to his cheek, a flash of orange and fresh terror swept over the now hedgehog. Flames were dancing along feline fingers as a cheek was rubbed- the very power Blaze had spent so many years learning to control and hone were now in the hands of a total novice. Ever so quickly the monarch pushed the cat's hand from his face and pinned it into the grass next to him, mirroring that manoeuvre on the other side. Remembering what Silver himself had done in times before, she concentrated on the burning hand only to watch as a cyan pulse blew the flames away. Had it always been that easy for him?

"We need to get you somewhere safe," She insisted, eyes now flickering to her surroundings, "Then we can figure this out. I'm certain we can find a way to fix this."

Blaze quickly recognised just where they were; great twisting shaped topiaries were to their left and a large glass greenhouse to their right. They were in the middle of the royal gardens, they had made it to the right space... but had they made it to the right time? The only way to find that out would-

"Oi, mates, you're back!" Blaze looked over her shoulder only to get an eyeful of quill, she had to really turn to see Marine approaching, "And closer than ever I can see, not back for a moment and you're already all over each other, strewth. What, were Sonic and Amy's eyes on you the whole time? Need to make up for missed snoggin'?"

"Marine, it is imperative that you listen to me," Blaze quickly rose from atop her partner, stomping in boots that felt overly heavy, "When did we leave here last, why did we leave?"

"Oh um," The raccoon looked even smaller than usual, her current unfamiliar shadow cast over her, "About two weeks ago? To help save Sonic's world?"

"Be more specific than that, to save it from what?" The pyrokinetic turn psychokinetic insisted.

"Umm... was it the ghost tornado?" Blaze's eyes widened for a moment, "No, no, that was last time," The raccoon started to bounce her leg, deep in thought, "Don't tell me mate... Metal Sonic, it was an upgraded Metal Sonic, final answer!"

Relief swept through the guardian. They were in the right place at the right time, just in the wrong bodies. It wasn't as though they were completely-

"Um, help?!" Blaze turned to find that Silver had risen to his feet but was wobbling, struggling for balance with burning hands flailing at his sides.

Blaze raced over, zooming around behind the cat to catch him by the wrists. It was strange to look over a shoulder that was hers, let alone to find herself taller than her own body. Gently, the hedgehog allowed her psychic power to leak and sooth over his burning hands. It was a strange sensation, like water running off of her palm and into the air; yet she still felt all that the output energy touched. She was the breeze coiling around his wrists and snuffing those flames.

"Easy, take deep breaths, you can control this," Blaze whispered into his ear, gently bringing his arms to his sides as she allowed their fingers to interlock, "We need to fix this as quickly as possible..."

"Sorry, I got excited to see Marine and it just... it feels like I'm overflowing, is this really what every day is like for you?" He was hot to the touch, burning up in a way Blaze couldn't remember physically feeling while in her own body.

"What's goin' on? You two are acting real weird," The youngster rubbed her chin, "I mean, weirder than usual."

"Blaze got sick in the other dimension. It's impacting her sense of balance, which in turn is affecting her control over her pyrokinesis," Blaze said, hoping Silver's inability to lie was a personality trait rather than a physiological one, "We need to move her to the palace courtyard; that way she won't risk burning anything or anyone."

The feline in her grasp stiffened but didn't speak up, clearly trying to go along with the plan.

"Oh strewth, sounds serious," Marine panicked as the lie worked, "Well hurry up then, sweep her off her feet and cart her to safety mate. If you fly her there you'll save the roses, and have a chance to smooch among the clouds."

Right, flying. This was going to be difficult. Silver's look of recognition, worn so plainly exaggerated on her own face, confirmed that worry. Lying had seemed like the right idea, both to keep Silver safe but also to prevent panic throughout the kingdom. If word spread that the guardian and her closest ally were both out of commission then uproar or even an invasion could occur.

Releasing the feline's hands, she allowed the heavy grasp of her new body to drift across her old one. Her right arm wrapped around Silver's shoulders while her left slipped beneath his knee to lift him off the ground. As it always had, the cat's form slotted flush against the hedgehog's chest- his head was against her shoulder. Was she really this light... or was Silver stronger than she'd been giving him credit? She had been noticing this body's shoulders in her peripheral vision a lot more than she had her own...

"Wait, this... feels weird," Did she look like that when she usually blushed? She hoped she wasn't usually so beet red, let alone volcanic to hold.

"Try not to think about it, that's what I usually do," She muttered under her breath, "How do I fly?"

"Oh, um," Silver leaned up, whispering into her ear, "You want to let the energy flow over your whole body and then just sort of... think in the direction? The harder you think, the more significant the force. Try to be gentle with your thoughts, too much and things will get dangerous. Maybe try to just hover first?"

Blaze closed her eyes and felt the coolness of psychic energy wash over and encase her body. That was the easy part, she'd managed that much already. What on earth did he mean to think in a direction? Silver didn't always look where he was casting his power, so it wasn't as though he meant to focus on a point in front of them. Did he mean to imagine an arrow? She didn't think he was constantly doing that in the heat of battle. What-

Something smacked Blaze's knees and made her eyes open wide; she looked down toward the ground and very almost plummeted directly into it! With so little thought, so little effort, the new psychic found herself rocketing through the garden; battering her way through bushes at a breakneck pace and barely feeling them smash against the psychic shell around her.

She commanded her body to stop and came to a neck wrenching halt, still hovering around half a metre off the ground. A glance backwards showed that a not so insignificant portion of the garden had been torn apart in the wake of her movement; it was lucky they hadn't been facing the greenhouse. Much further though and they would have hit the palace wall...

"Maybe try to think less?" She looked down to find her own face cringing up at her, "Gentle thoughts, light thoughts, try not to push too hard."

"I understand that now," She grumbled, throwing one more glance back to a rapidly approaching Marine before looking to the top of the palace wall, "There really is no chance we'll fall, is there?"

"No," Silver shook his head, "If you start to feel tired or lightheaded we should land as quickly as possible, but I know my body, I can handle way more than what you just did," Blaze felt his arm on her back, right where she had held him so many times, "I trust you."

"I don't like hearing that in my voice," Blaze harrumphed, turning her gaze skyward, "Let's get this-

Before she could even finish that sentence they were far higher than they had any right to be. By the time they finally made it to the courtyard the new hedgehog was both lightheaded and tired. This was going to be long and arduous, but they could make it work. Couldn't they?

[sharpen-your-hatchet]

What I feel; What I do; What I want || Wenclair fic - Chapter 1

Description: "Frankly, all her life, she has felt separation between what she feels, what she does, and what she actually wants. Being royalty means there's often little room for opinion and desire [...]; Enid wonders how it'll feel to have her ingrained sense of duty be pitted against her unshackled curiosity. "

Six months past her 19th birthday - Enid, princess of The Kingdom of Nevermore, is allowed the chance to travel and explore the world as she sees fit. Unfortunately, it comes with a little caveat... in the form of some unwelcome company for protection. Cue Wednesday Addams, the only knight deemed worthy, and who is now Enid's personal thorn in her side.

Can they work together despite their differences? Or maybe fate has an entirely different plan for them altogether...

Pairing: Wednesday Addams / Enid Sinclair Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 3150

Click Here To Read On AO3 or read below!

x-x-x-x-x-x

The Kingdom Of Nevermore. A proud nation that towers not only in size, but also in the scale of opportunity it offers those who live within it’s borders. It is a magnificent nation, both well governed yet free. Not only this, as Nevermore is also a sprawling landscape with plentiful forests, lakes, and deserts to support the livelihood of almost any race and species. Anyone is welcome – particularly those thrown from their lands by beasts and thieves, or have otherwise been outcast. It is a land of peace and prosperity; a place that anyone may call home.

Within Nevermore’s borders there are a variety of towns, cities, and outposts – all freely explorable to every citizen if they are brave enough, or can find some way to adapt themselves to the local climate!

Some of these homesteads are within the coldest depths of the darkest caves; others amongst the crashing waterfalls of the great lakes that feed every river within the land. One particularly hardy group even find themselves nestled within an expired volcano. It is a sight to see. Not only are there free citizens, but factions too: causes people may align themselves with for a greater purpose. Most are for good, and to make Nevermore stronger… but not all are quite so innocent, though this is best not dwelled on. Unfortunately, corruption and evil can leech into anywhere, and no kingdom can be perfect - but for most, Nevermore is a place to call home and feel safe.

Within the main central city there is a castle. It is a magnificent building that is surrounded by elegant gardens, that only adds to the beauty of its architecture. This castle is the ancestral home of the Nevermore Royal Family, and it is where they still reside to this day. Though there is government, the Royal Family does not rest on their laurels. They take great pride in participating in the growth and maintenance of their land. The current family consists of the queen, prince consort, a myriad of young princes, and their single daughter – Princess Enid.

Today is a special day for the Royal Family, and there is an excitable thrum throughout the castle. Hums and whispers; glances between staff… and it is all to do with the princess herself. The staff that tend the garden look upon her room – easily spotted from the large circular stain-glass window – and wonder when the princess will emerge…

Their wait will not be long. Princess Enid awakes with a summer song in her heart, pulled into the world of the waking from a slither of sunlight piercing the curtains of her study. With a slight twinge in her neck, she groans as she shakes herself awake. Asleep at her desk again, it would seem… With an ancient Nevermorian text acting as her pillow. She must rush to her bed quick before the servants find her like this again. With sleep in her eyes, she stumbles through the short hall connecting the private study to her bedroom, tugging off her slept-in day clothes, before slipping into the relaxing coldness of her bed.

They will never know. She will play the neck ache as a training accident. Genius.

As if on cue, a servant quietly enters the room, a fond but restrained smile on his lips. He carries a tray over to the bed, his smile widening as he catches the sparkle within Enid’s eyes. Placing the tray down on her lap, he steps back then and awaits her commentary.

Enid shuffles one of her plush animals before looking down. It is a decadent array of fruits, some meats, breads, and tea. Delicious no doubt – but excessive. “Quite the platter this morning.” She muses, quirking her brow as she looks amusedly to the servant.

“Ah yes...well, you will not experience such decadence out there in the wild,” He replies, his tone playful but warm. “The kitchen thought it well you have a good hearty meal for your big day.”

Enid takes some of the meat – a sliced ham of sorts – and places it upon some bread before taking a bite. It is savoury and frankly, to die for. She is thankful for the effort, even if she thinks it unnecessary. She must remember to thank the kitchen staff before it’s too late. She grins at the servant “It’s wonderful! Though, definitely too much.”

The servant dips his head, shrugging. “I tried to tell them.”

“Well, I shall tell them myself once I am dressed.”

“Of course. I shall leave you to run your morning, princess.”

The servant smiles and leaves promptly. Enid eats some more of her breakfast platter but finds the excited flutter in her stomach too much. She simply cannot fill up on food when her insides hold too much anticipation...For today is the day.

Today. Is. The. Day!!!

The day she gets her freedom.

It is in all the governing texts – Upon six months passing a princess or prince’s 19th year, they are granted the freedom to discover and explore the lands as they wish. A journey of discovery, or thereabouts. The truth of it is that this exploration is a catalyst. The Royal Family were historically outcasts themselves: werewolves, purged from their lands. Now that the times have changed and they no longer fend amongst the wilderness, a large life-changing journey is necessary to bring forth their ability to shift. It is something Enid has looked forward to tremendously. Not so much for her abilities, but moreso knowing there is so much knowledge, wisdom, and so many stories to be found within this great land of theirs. She can only study books so much before wanting to see the world herself…If her wolf decides to show, that is only an additional benefit.

And now, the date is finally upon her. It has been the longest six months of her life.

Enid scrambles from her bed, eager to start the day. Oh she cannot wait for midday to strike; to be finally leaving the castle walls via the quiet back passages, where she and her trusty steed may gallop into their new adventure. No grand displays, no crowds pouring at her feet for just a glimpse, just her and the endless possibilities of what she’ll discover. She will prove herself a scholar finally – a reporter of the wonders of the land. She’s going to write a compendium. Something both factual and mystical to make her readers crave more!

It’s so close. She can almost taste it.

Enid dances around her room. She hums a tune as she dresses and prepares herself. Her clothing is simple yet refined, paired with a light armour set – handmade by the royal armoury. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Agile, yet strong. It is quite unlike her regular garb; less elegant, but certainly more practical. Her father will be pleased! Her mother less so… though she is not fond of this adventure regardless. Enid falters for a moment but lets the thought pass.

Glancing in the mirror, Enid feels a world away from the princess she has been for the last 19 years of her life. It is thrilling, captivating even! She feels like herself and yet not at all. How exciting.

Briefly, she returns to her study, scrambling to pack away all her precious stationary. Paper, ink, writing quills, pencil lead, and charcoal - she considers more, but all this alongside the few books she is bringing to read, there is little room for more lest she wishes to break her back with the weight. Prioritising is key… but how does one prioritise when all you have known is luxury? Enid scowls at her belongings. Everything is important, and yet somehow forgettable. She thinks it best she not doubt her decisions because there’s always a solution if she’s wrong!

(There isn’t the time for doubt, regardless.)

She traipses back into the main bedroom, having little else to do considering her small pack of essentials has been prepared since a week prior – and then double, tripled checked.

There is perhaps one thing missing, however.

Enid approaches her bed once more. She glances at the array of – perhaps excessive – plush animals. Comfort items… something she should likely not use any more, considering she is an adult, not to mention potentially a queen in the future. But she cannot help herself, for there is a childlike warmth that exists in her heart when those soft and familiar shapes cuddle against her during the dark and cold nights. No one will notice if a small one went along with her… She picks up one of them – a plush depiction of a unicorn – and tucks it amongst the other items within her packed bag.

Despite the land of Nevermore being full of mystical and magical beings, many believe the unicorn to be a myth. Enid intends to prove them wrong. Something so majestic and widely reported surely cannot be false.

At least, that’s what her gut tells her… She’ll find out, one way or another. It’ll make a great report for her compendium!

“Still sneaking around with your childhood toys?” Comes a soft, quiet voice, laughing slightly.

Enid jumps, having not noticed her father quietly sidle in whilst she had packed the unicorn away. She turns to him with a meek smile. Of course she had to get caught out. “Well…” She starts, a faux-innocent grin spreading across her cheeks. “I just need a companion, is all. Something to keep me safe.”

Her father looks at her fondly. He approaches and cups the back of her head as he leans to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “Oh, my Enid…” He sighs wistfully.

Her father’s hands are warm and feel like home. Despite her excitement, Enid feels the slight prick of tears, and she finds herself faltering once more… But it took too much to get here, and there is too much she has prepared for to even consider doubting her choice. She cannot consider any other possibility. Especially not now. Though perhaps a few tears for the sake of missing her Father is not a terrible thing.

“Going to miss me, hm?” She asks, distracting from her tears, and pulling her father into a hug. She presses her wet eyes into his shirt… hopefully he will not notice until he is gone.

“Of course… but this journey is important.”

“Exactly, even if mother almost put a stop to it.”

Her father lets out an indignant hum and pulls away. He looks Enid in the eye, and she feels a slight anxious twinge. She knows that grave look… Why did she have to say that? Ugh.

“Do not bring your mother into this.” Her father scolds. “She had her reasons… Fortunately, she eventually saw sense, but do not tempt fate, Enid.”

Enid nods, feeling suddenly bashful. She drops her father’s gaze. “Will mother be seeing me off?”

Her father turns quiet.

… Of course. She should have expected this.

If anything, it only solidifies her choice. She will likely not experience such freedom otherwise. She must take this chance and run with it. It does not stop the grumble of disappointment at knowing her mother’s less than warm reception, but she knows that within a few days it’ll be at the back of her mind, as she makes her way to greener pastures. Metaphorically speaking of course, as there is little pastures greener than the ones of the castle grounds. Emotionally greener pastures, perhaps, where she can escape the incessant need to be ‘good enough’ for her mother’s approval.

Frankly, all her life, she has felt separation between what she feels, what she does, and what she actually wants. Being royalty means there's often little room for opinion and desire – instead it is replaced with the wants of her parents instead, her mother specifically. Enid wonders how it'll feel to have her ingrained sense of duty be pitted against her unshackled curiosity. She hopes it will feel like a divine choosing of her own fate... And if not that, perhaps at least the weight on her shoulders to choose 'correctly' will err more in her favour, and her mother’s voice will not linger in her ear like a wicked siren song.

Sigh. She wishes her mother’s approval did not mean so much. It shouldn’t… and hopefully soon, it will mean almost nothing.

Enid takes in a deep breath. She must calm her own thoughts. She offers her father a half-hearted smile. “It’s okay. As long as you’re there.”

Her father’s expression warms. “Always,” He confirms, ruffling Enid’s hair slightly. “Now finish up getting ready, it isn’t long to go.”

Enid feels a smile tug back onto her lips, her energy and excitement revived. She nods and hugs her father again before he trundles out of the room, calling the servants to collect Enid’s things. As expected, a few servants enter moments later and collect Enid’s belongings before offering curt bows of their heads. Enid smiles in return, and wordlessly they disappear into the castle hallways. Efficient as always. The door shuts behind them and Enid is then left to her thoughts. Now her father is gone, they whir faster than ever, to the point she can hardly grasp them before another takes its place.

She is excited – that much has been established. Scared perhaps, too. Curious no doubt, and yet perhaps apprehensive at mingling with people who have only known her through paintings, books, and scrolls. It is a high pedestal to be on – that is, being a princess – and she can only hope people will cast aside their judgement of her bubbly, bright, curated exterior, and see that she is a person of substance with a lot to offer beyond her royal ties. People cannot be so shallow, surely?

Hm. She will find out soon enough.

Her eyes cast towards the clock above her dressing table. The time reads 11:30 – much later than she had expected! It really is nearly time!

Enid takes a breath, quickly taking a final scan of her beloved room before making her way out. With a pep in her step, Enid trails through the castle, greeting and smiling at every member of staff she can. She, of course, takes a quick detour to the kitchen to thank the cooks for her breakfast, before heading towards the stables around the back of the castle grounds. It is a short walk and she arrives ten minutes later to a small sending-off party, headed by her father who beams at her proudly. Enid feels her heart swell with happiness and she once again feels affirmed in this choice. She is so ready for this.

Enid goes to approach her horse – a beautiful white stallion named Sol – when her father gently guides her away for a private talk. He smiles at first, but it is empty and his expression soon pales, smile fading as it is replaced by what appears to be guilt. Enid’s stomach drops.

“Your mother and I talked.” He says stiffly.

Oh.

Enid replies with silence, staring up at him with a confused frown.

“She-… We think it would be best if you took a companion with you on your travels. To keep you safe.”

How convenient.

A companion? Seriously?! Six months of waiting, and training, and learning how to handle herself in the great wilderness… and she is now to take a companion!?! And to be dropped with this information right before her send off! Enid feels her face twitch, a stubborn scowl tugging at her eyebrows. This is unfair – more than unfair, this is an interruption of her birthright!

Perhaps the idea would’ve been loved by her had she been given the freedom to choose her travel partner – better yet, gotten to train with them… but no. Her “freedom” now suddenly hinges on the allowance of some likely brutish knight following her every move. The thought alone fills her with dread.

Enid’s mouth trembles as she tries to form words. How degrading it is that her mother disapproves of this journey and yet must dip her influential hand into it regardless. So much for freedom.

“Father-” Enid starts, only to be cut off harshly. She knows her Father’s pale heart cannot handle such a disagreement, and she can see his heart break as he asserts himself.

“No, Enid. I cannot let your mother – The queen – be disappointed. She is the ruler of us all, even me,” He sighs.

Enid grumbles. Frankly,it’s pointless to argue. “Who is it?”

Her father breathes out and calms himself. Expression brightening, he then places an encouraging hand on Enid’s shoulder before using it to spin her around. Her points with his free hand. “Her.”

… Her?

A...female knight?

At least, that’s what it appears to be. Knight’s armour and garb – though, unusually, a dark black as opposed to their usual royal blue – adorns the small frame of a woman who lurks in the shadow of the stables. Her neat uniform paired with her immaculately braided hair blends in with the dark wood, only really becoming visible when her head tilts upwards to show off the pale skin of her face. But it is not her skin nor her outfit that strikes Enid the most. It is her eyes. Intense, unwavering; a glare that sends a shiver down her spine. It is an inscrutable expression – one that has Enid wondering about this mystery knight. Despite being petite, she appears deadly regardless.

Enid feels herself struck. She simply cannot pull her gaze away.

Upon noticing their staring, the knight walks over with a stiff, but upright posture. She offers no greeting except the slight nod of her head. There’s no smile, barely even the twitch of her brow as she looks upon Enid. This is not a royal knight of which Enid is familiar… though considering the size of their forces, it is perhaps silly of her to think she would know them all.

“Enid,” Her father says with a hopeful tone. “This is Wednesday. She is a knight of a special calibre. She will be joining you for your journey.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Enid offers, holding her hand out. This turn of events is still most highly disappointing, but really she can only make the best of it. It isn’t as though she has much choice… in any case, this knight has certainly caught her attention. Maybe once the shock wears off she’ll feel differently.

But for now, Enid feels that maybe this won’t be the worst thing in the world.

Wednesday glares at her. She glances at Enid’s outstretched hand. “We’re leaving now.” Wednesday grunts, disregarding Enid and turning away. She heads back to the stables with a turn of her heel. Not an ounce of emotion seems to pass her.

Ah.

Enid suddenly feels she may have been very, very wrong.

[arithmonym]

(i trembled) when he laid you out

rating: teen | words: 1.1k | chapters: 1/1

summary:

Harrow loses herself in the River. Gideon faces the consequences.

(read below the cut or on ao3)

———

You said, “What happens to a Lyctoral body without a soul?”

God hesitated. “Being separated from your soul won’t kill you,” he said. “Not immediately. But—”

“But we’ll kill you,” said his saint. “Immediately. A Lyctor’s body, empty, with its battery intact but nobody in the driver’s seat? Do you know what could take up residence? Anything could get inside you—any horrible or evil or lonely thing, any miserable revenant, or worse—and you, you Ninth House child, are not remotely qualified to fight an outside predator. You are like a little baby. Listen to this: if we get to the other side and find you’ve gone and left your soul behind—I will separate your brain from your skull without waiting for you to catch up.”

And God said nothing.

———

Lying next to Ianthe, you fell into a numb reverie. The effects of the oxygen flush had worn off too quickly. You took two breaths per minute as instructed even as the world blurred around you.

God told you to keep conscious. You were utterly helpless against his affected paternalism. You were always so eager to obey, weren’t you? You wanted an adult—any adult—to look at you with pride in their eyes, so you stretched out the muscles of your calves until they strained. You pulled your Lyctoral robes over your eyes. You laid on your mummified sword.

This last one was your mistake. You had caulked the sword beneath a layer of bone, trusting that the coating would protect you from its malevolence. Your constructs wouldn’t survive the submersion of your mind in the River, but you hadn’t known that yet. How could you have known?

In the space between the Saint of Joy calling out one minute forty-four and one minute forty-five, the ward exploded.

Your peace did not abandon you immediately. You had enough time to prop yourself up on your elbows and observe Ianthe’s slack face and arched spine. You thought you heard someone crying in frustration. It might have even been me.

As you sank deeper into the River, the water around you filled with corpses. You felt something brush against your foot. You tried to work a section of your tibia through your skin, but in your failed attempt to create a second protective layer, you unwittingly dissolved the first.

God turned around. “Harrowhark, no theorems!”

It was too late. A rubber-bodied toddler with a painted face and very red hair lay dead beside your knee and it was this that destroyed you, it was this that kindled within you something you had no hope of defending against. You howled in a purity of fright. Your grasping hands brushed against the pommel of my sword.

There were two minutes remaining when you lost the tether to your mind.

———

I don’t know how we survived the journey. All I knew was the water. It swept you down, claiming you as its own.

I tried to dive in. It spat me back out. Fair enough.

———

Harrow, are you there?

Can you hear me?

Everything is going to be fine,

just follow the sound of my voice

and don't look back.

I don't think you can hear me.

It was worth a shot.

Whenever you’re ready.

Don’t worry, honey.

I’ll keep the home fires burning.

———

When I woke up in your body, God and the Saint of Patience were locked in a hushed conversation at the front of the shuttle. Ianthe was still unconscious by your side. A rapier, presumably Mercymorn's, emerged from your breast.

“The dead were in her brain,” said God. “Harrow was fundamentally deeper in the River than Ianthe, but I don’t know why.”

“Oh, don't feign ignorance; it isn't attractive,” snapped Mercymorn. "The girl was doomed from the moment you brought her on board!! She was an infant and a terribly incomplete Lyctor besides. I hope you're satisfied with the results of your trials, Lord!!”

Something in my chest burned at terribly incomplete. It might have been the rapier, but I couldn’t tell through the force of my rage.

The strategic move would've been to feign death and listen, absorbing as much of their conversation as I could before they realized I was awake. I wasn’t thinking clearly, though. I rose to my feet.

“Hey, fuck off! I'm the only one who gets to insult her,” I said.

At least, I tried to say. I hadn’t accounted for the waters of the dead flooding your lungs. Instead, I choked and vomited salt water.

God and his saint turned with enough time to watch as I gurgled and fell to my knees. They looked as if they'd seen a miracle, but the miracle was something they dreaded and feared in equal measure.

That they were scared of me at all was frankly unfair. They were immortal, all-powerful necromancers. I was just a teenage girl who didn't know how to die properly.

(Were you dead, Harrow? Was this all for nothing?)

Mercymorn extended one trembling hand. I remembered her promise to separate Harrow's brain from her skull and threw myself backwards, but God stilled her with a light touch to her wrist.

Wide-eyed, he asked, "Annabel?"

I was too busy recoiling from the cost of movement to respond. There was still a rapier skewering our heart. Your body was trying to heal around it. It was some of the worst pain I’d felt in my life, although Canaan House had truly been educational in that regard. At least with the fence post, it was over quickly.

The blade of the rapier was tangled in your skin. I fumbled at the hilt, trying to remove the blade, but it was too slippery to grasp. I didn’t have the leverage.

Distantly, I wondered what Ianthe would think when she regained consciousness covered in your blood, then kicked myself for thinking about Ianthe at all when there was a full foot of steel in your innards. (Also, she was a flesh magician. She would probably like it, which was a possibility I didn’t dare contemplate.)

I felt alone in your head. I didn't know very much about necromancy, but I knew that Lyctorhood only went one way. I was here; therefore, you weren't. All I could choke out was, "No, no, no."

Unexpectedly, something softened in God's expression at my cries. The most powerful man in the universe came to kneel by my side, and I found myself unable to move away. Where would I go? If Mercymorn tried to kill me again, I wondered how long I would try to resist before I let her.

(Harrow, what was the point of me without you?)

"Shhh," God was murmuring. "Who knows how you escaped the Tomb… I suppose Anastasia had something up her sleeves after all. Hush, Annie. You can rest again soon."

I'll be damned if that didn't send my alarm bells ringing, but it was too late. God slid his fingers across my temples. Everything went dark.

[hylias-library]

Twilight x f!Reader ft. The Chain

Chapter 1

Warnings: uh. A sword to the neck I guess? The use of the word woman like once. Sorry x.x

A few years had gone into the land and lots had happened since you fled the cruel grasp of the dark lord. Since your mother left this world behind.

So far Ganon hadn’t looked for you. Or at least that’s what you liked to tell yourself to stay sane. Maybe he even thought you were dead.

Which was most likely the best outcome for you if you were honest with yourself.

You hadn’t returned to the place your mother had died either. It wasn’t the time yet, there were lots of things to do before you were ready to go back.

You had traveled the land of Hyrule, you still did. Having it made your purpose to research, look through old ruins, caves, shrines, looking for something, anything to reach the goal you had set for yourself.

Get a hold of your mother’s possessions and give her the burial she deserved. But for that to happen, you needed to be prepared. You had to go back to the very place you fled once, to claim what was your mothers. You had to face Ganon one way or another and you knew you wouldn’t stand a chance if you didn’t gear up.

You currently were elbow deep inside the intestines of a long-decayed guardian. At least you thought it was one. It looked like the ones described in the old paper scrolls you read in the library of new castle town. The ones telling stories of a Calamity throwing the land in chaos, about a champion who had cleansed the land of this evil after a long slumber, so Hyrule could flourish again.

The story about a princess and a knight, separated by failure and time. Reunited by promise and hope.

It was a beautiful tale to tell, bringing a soft smile to your face. Yet it would always be nothing more than a tale.

You knew of a girl called Zelda somewhere in new Castle town. She was the daughter of a merchant who loved the old tales and legends, naming her after the long resting queen.

Yes, there were records of a queen called Zelda in the past but that was long ago and nowhere were any pages written about a champion. The only thing you knew about him was that a statue of him was somewhere located in the city on lake Akkala, Tarrey town.

Your hand gripped at what you were looking for. Probably. Twisting and turning the metal objects, you finally retracted your arm out of the guardian. You had pulled out an ancient shaft. Good. That meant more rupees for you once you got to the next merchant.

And maybe more information from Tibo if you showed him the thing first. He had a knack for old history and had given you more than a few pieces of information to find relics that could help you defend yourself from Ganon should you cross paths sooner or later.

It was already noon and you should probably return for the stable soon. But you couldn’t help but keep searching the ancient machines for more parts. The researcher in you had to keep going.

And you’d have a bountiful search, you knew that.

The place you were at was called Fort Hateno. Like the city that resided a few miles further back. It was a place of broken memories and forgotten battles, littered with almost fully decayed machines.

As the sun started to set and your pockets were filled, you finally dusted off your hands and wiped off the sweat on your forehead. A bountiful search indeed.

You watched the beautiful scenery that surrounded you and slowly strolled towards Bubinga Forest, pulling up the hood of your hylian armor, knowing you’d be out of sight for any monster camp nearby.

Being decent in the arts of fighting, you should be ok if you encountered monsters, yet you refrained from doing so except in emergency cases.

Hurting another being, regardless of its nature, didn’t sit well with you.

After a peaceful walk you reached the top of the hill within the forest. A large boulder was located there. A safe place, you could watch the sun set and the moon rise in peace.

You could also see the stable of the dueling peaks. The sun going down right in-between the two giant mountains. A sight you’ve seen more than once and never could get enough of.

It filled you with hope for a new tomorrow.

You didn’t know for how long you sat on the tip of the Boulder, but the moon had already risen and the stable was lit by torches and a campfire. A calm scenery.

That was until you unexpectedly heard a bunch of voices shout through the darkness. Male voices. What would anyone want in this forest at this time?

“Ouch!”

“You landed on top of me! Get off!”

“Why do these portals always come out of nowhere?”

“This place feels familiar.”

Portals? What was that supposed to mean? You tilted your head in confusion. What on earth was happening.

Gathering your pouches, you carefully jumped off the large rock you resided on and crept towards the commotion near you.

Maybe it was just a bunch of teenagers, having lost a bet, dared to spend the night outside. This wouldn't be the first time you stumbled across a situation like this.

You couldn’t hear anything anymore though. We’re they gone already? But where to?

What you didn’t expect was a blade held to your throat from behind.

A quiet gasp left your lips as you slowly held up your empty palms. Signaling that you weren’t a threat.

You couldn’t see who was holding the blade, they stood out of sight for you. But you didn’t dare to move a muscle, not fond of any form of confrontation or fight.

“Who are you?”

A male voice asked behind you, slowly moving around your body, the blade still kept pointed towards you.

“I could ask you the same. I am not a threat if that is what you want to know. I’m not the one holding a sword to someone's neck.”

So far you could only see a blue tunic. A traveler you supposed. A rather rude one in your humble opinion.

The blade moved, below your hood, shoving the fabric off your head. Exposing you to your captors.

“A woman?!”

There were multiple men who surrounded you. The one holding the sword closest to you. He wore a blue tunic with white decorations, had long hair pulled into a lose ponytail and what shocked you the most, he was littered with scars of varying sizes. The rest you couldn’t see in the darkness of the forest only lit by the moon and the starts above.

The one holding the blade looked a bit disturbed, disoriented even, as he watched the scenery around himself. He seemed more out of it than you were at this point.

The blade slowly irritated you though. Even though the air around you felt tense, you brought one of your wrists toward the strangers blade and shoved it away.

“If you don’t mind. I’m not exactly fond of swords in my face, thank you very much.”

Your snarky remark brought movement to the group. The tallest one stepping closer to you, a scar stretching over one of his eyes strange marks of red and blue coloring his face. Almost like some kind of war paint.

“We’re sorry. We’ve had a long day and lots of unfortunate events happened. We didn’t mean to make you feel threatened in any kind of way.”

You hummed unamused as you raised a single brow. “Well that surely didn’t work out now, did it?”

Some of them shrunk a little into themselves when you let your gaze travel through their rows. Stopping at two of them, who apparently were still children.

With a big sigh, you eyed the long-haired one again. He looked more guilty than you thought he would. So they really didn't mean to act so rashly.

Your soft heart couldn’t stay mad. They were probably exhausted if you could go after the tall one’s words. Everyone has a bad day every once in a while.

“There’s a stable just over there.” You pointed towards the dueling peaks. “It’s safe there and you can rest until sunrise. I was heading there before I…” you raised an eyebrow and pursed your lips. “… got interrupted.”

They seemed relieved that you appeared to not hold a grudge. But now they owed you some answers. And your curiosity only piqued the more you watched them out of the corners of your eyes.

“So… I’d like to know who you guys are. And where you came from. That’s the least you can do after this whole commotion.”

An uncomfortable silence followed.

“That’s a long story we’re not sure we should share just yet.” The voice trailed off…

“Ah… secrets and tales. What unfortunate things aren’t they.” You got it. Really. After all, you sat on a hill of secrets as well. Yet it didn't sound like they wanted you gone just yet. It seemed like they wanted to ask you questions they didn't know they'd get a response to.

Another sigh left your lungs. “I won’t press for an answer if you can’t or don’t want to tell me.”

They really were an interesting bunch. As mysterious as the old land of Hyrule itself. And you had a gut feeling that they’d be a key part to help you reach the goal you needed to achieve. And you wanted to keep them around to find out if you were right. If they could help you find what you sought so desperately.

You were mere meters away from the stables. This would be your parting point, if you didn’t do something to prevent it. But this was a choice these travelers needed to make. Unfortunately.

“You can rent a bed at the counter inside,” You explained and hesitated for a bit, tilting your head at the group in well meaning kindness. “and should you need a guide to show you around the lands. I’ll continue my journey at sunrise.”

That was all the conversation held before you headed inside the stable, leaving the men behind, staring at each other, unsure and hesitant. Especially after the rest of them noticed the panicked and confused gaze of their companion clad in blue.

[Navigation]•[Masterlist]

[Prologue]•[Chapter 2] >> coming soon...

[bismuthupmy]

Nothing Hurts | Leon x Luis RE4

Chapter 4 | 5.2k

The story of tragic righteousness where nobody is hurt and everything is perfect. Except nothing is perfect in hell.

A re-imagining of the events of the Resident Evil 4 remake where Luis and Leon get the ending they deserved.

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Wow this ones a big boy compared to the others- I got carried away and accidentally wrote too much but I didn’t want to halve it so here it is! :)

Ch.1

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Leon came to with a jolt as the sun was dipping below the trees on the hills. His head pulsed and his body ached where he had landed. He muttered curses as pulled himself back up and onto the seat grabbing at his arms before realising where he was. The taste of blood lingered in his mouth as he just sat there for a minute. The boat was slowly filling up with water which had soaked his left side. Pulling on the motor string, Leon forces it to work again and speeds off towards the boathouse hopefully before the boat sinks and he becomes fully soaked. 

He made it just in time, the boat gurgling as it sunk into the lake. The boathouse was dark because of the lack of light making it into the valley, meaning he must’ve been out for a good few hours. Leon mentally slapped himself for wasting so much time. He patched through to Hunnigan. She was probably worried he fucking died.

“Condor One to roost,” he called in. “Do you read me?”

Hunnigan immediately picked up, as was her job, but she was frantic.

“Condor One!? You’ve been radio silent for three hours. Are you alright?”

Three hours. Shit. 

“Yeah…  I’m fine. Won't let it happen again.”

Hunnigan sighed, “And the church?”

“Still looking for whatever ‘key’ I need.”

“Copy that,” a pause. “I’m glad you’re ok. Roost out.”

Leaving the boathouse Leon was met with a near pitch black forest, having to pull out his flashlight. Night exploration was a pain because you couldn’t see anything and the torchlight was a beacon for enemies. There was no one immediately in the vicinity but as Leon approached a bottleneck in the road, chanting could be heard. Crouching down through a rocky crevice, Leon quietly stalked up to the voices. He could see shadows of two people against the stone cliff beside him, cast from a fire or candles around the corner he couldn’t see. As he got closer the chanting got more frantic. One of the villagers yelled and its shadow convulsed, its head exploding with something erupting from it. Leon cringed as he saw some of the blood spatter from around the corner and long fleshy tentacles whipping around. What the fuck?  He moved forward slowly again, stepping on a large stick, however, which snapped loudly. The villagers up ahead were alerted and stumbled his way. The first villager that emerged from around the corner was the one with the weird fleshy mound for a head, tendrils lashing out towards his direction.

Leon stood up to take aim and shot a few rounds into the guy's head. It didn’t die though which concerned him. The second villager came around the corner and Leon decided to take him out first. Within the same amount of shots it was dead but immediately started convulsing on the floor. Leon couldn’t get to it to knife it dead dead either because he was blocked in by the… twisty guy. 

The villager on the floor’s head exploded then and another fleshy head replaced it, the same as the other guy. Leon groaned.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Deciding to just save his ammo and not bother with fighting these guys, Leon pulled out a flash grenade to stun them and run past. He covered his eyes and prepared for the flash as the grenade went off. Except the flash pierced his eyes through the cracks left by his arm, causing his head to sear in pain as he dropped to one knee, ears ringing. He shook his head to get rid of the fuzziness, looking up to see the two villagers lying dead on the floor, the fleshy heads having disintegrated and left a soggy puddle on the ground. 

“What the fuck?” Leon huffed, standing up straight again. “Twisty sons of bitches.”

Jogging past the dead bodies, Leon continued along the path. He had a key to look for and Ashley wasn’t getting any safer in that church if she hadn’t been taken away by now already. The path led into a cave which then opened out into a small room off to the side. In the room was an altar between two large hand statues. 

“Some kind of shrine?” Leon muttered as he got closer. On the wall between the statues was a symbol. “Same mark from the church.”

Yep this was the church key. It was held together by mini stone hands which Leon assumed that the larger statues had something to do with it. On the far wall was a map with two locations marked on it. He may have said finding information was easy but applying the information was not.

Finding the first stone key was fairly straight forward. Leon followed the cave system through a loop and used another convenient boat around the corner, taking out villagers as he went. As soon as he got up to the caged up head, Leon inspected the stone tablet with several buttons and realised he needed to be looking out for symbols. So back he went, scanning the walls of the cave for hastily scrawled symbols on the walls and made it back to the key. He imputed the symbols and the gate opened loudly. Leon was faced with a weird demon looking statue with a suspicious line running around its neck and figured he just had to lift the head off its perch. 

The head, once disconnected, spurted blood coloured liquid which leaked all over his hand. Leon grimaced with disgust, shaking as much of the liquid off as he could, not really wanting to find out what it was and especially not  being stuck with it on his pants.

He returned to the room with the church key and placed the stone head onto one of the hands. Half of the mini hands holding the church key twisted and released the key. Now he just needed to make it back across the lake.

Before heading off, Leon leaned down over the edge of the dock and dipped his hand in the river, washing off the blood. He looked around the cavern, spying the other end of the merchant’s workshop. The church key could wait for a moment, he was running low on supplies. 

He steered the boat to the lower platform and climbed up to meet the merchant. The same scruffy British voice greeted him. 

“Hello there, stranger. Care to run an errand for me? Or two ha ha.” Leon leaned on the desk nearby, picking out supplies he needed.

“What errands?” “Need an egg. A gold one. I’ll pay you handsomely for one of them buggers. That or I need three snakes.

Leon scoffed, “I’m not going out searching for snakes in the wilderness.” “You’d be surprised how many of them end up in bloody crates, ha. Chicken egg it is.” Leon restocked up on ammo and invested in some more first aid spray while he was there. It was the exact same stuff the American government had packed him with except the text was all in Spanish of course.

“So,” Leon reloaded his weapons absently. “What’s so special about the gold ones? Can you even find them?”

“You have yet to witness the power of a gold chicken egg, eh? Nothing much. It's gold.” “Seriously?” Leon looked at him incredulously. Was he really about to go out of his way to find just a funky looking egg.

“No. But I can't have you running off with my egg if I tell you what they can really do, am I right?” Leon shook his head and started back for his boat, the merchant calling back to him, “Thanks, mate!”

─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─

Leon took the boat out to the other side of the lake, speeding through another cave before coming to a stop at a tower looking construct. There weren’t any people lurking around which put Leon somewhat at ease. He didn't bother to check if the door down the bottom was open or not and began another climb and search of strange painted symbols on various surfaces. Leon absently wondered how the hell someone managed to paint up on stalactites but there wasn’t any time to worry about it because he made it to the key code to the door. Three more symbols were imputed and the gate opened. Leon grabbed the head, careful of the splash of blood that came with it and descended down the tower to check out the lower room. Maybe there was some treasure he could collect. Damn that merchant and turning Leon into a treasure freak.

On his way back across the lake, Leon spotted another light to his left. There was another flat area beneath the hills that was fenced off. He decided to check it out and upon closer inspection the land was a chicken coop. Might as well go search for that chicken egg the merchant wanted. He wasn't planning on doing it in the first place but he was here now and  he wouldn’t pass up the chance to gather some dinner.

Leon searched around the coop, walking laps in circles, startling chickens left and right, picking up a few normal eggs for later as well. Just as he was going to give up and move on, he spotted a flash of gold out the corner of his eye. There lying on the ground, nestled between hay and mud, was a golden chicken egg. Leon chuckled in disbelief, rubbing a hand down his face. A fucking gold chicken egg. Leon picked it up and headed back to the cave that held the key for the church and the reward he was going to get for this egg.

The second stone head was placed on the other hand statue, fully unlocking the circular key. Leon tucked the key away safely and headed back to the merchant’s safe house. The first thing Leon did was place the golden chicken egg on the merchant's table, startling the man awake from a nap. 

“I didn’t expect you to actually do it,” the merchant smirked, taking the egg and hiding it away somewhere. 

“Yeah, well, it  was on the way,” was all Leon said, not wanting to clue the merchant in that he was somewhat now addicted to finding treasures. 

“Thanks for the help, stranger. Your payment.” A few purple crystals were placed into Leon’s hand. He looked at them and then at the merchant perplexed. 

“Spinels. Special currency. Some things money just can't buy. Take a look.” The merchant slid over to another section of his little store, pointing out “special” stock. Leon pocketed the spinels, deciding to spend them on something that would actually be useful for later instead of a few jewels or gunpowder he could find elsewhere. He could never tell what expression the merchant had but he vaguely thought he caught disappointment on the other man’s face when he left. 

“See ya later, then.” Leon waved over his shoulder, making sure that the church key was secure in one of his pouches preparing for the jog back to the church. He wanted to get to Ashley as soon as possible. Having the church key himself reassured him that she must still be there but that didn't mean she was safe.

The night brought rain, the clearing Leon passed through empty of any crows that he found everywhere else during the previous day. The gate where Leon entered was mysteriously locked up with no clear way of opening it which would be a real hindrance to his mission if he couldn't find a way back. Leon grumbled and returned back to the clearing, deciding to go back and ask the merchant about it when a ground rumbling roar came from the other side of the area. Another gate dropped, blocking the way back to the merchant, something big battering against the solid gate beside it. He was locked in an arena. He looked up to see a figure cloaked in red distorted by the rain.

The big creature bashed through, revealing a massive ugly troll looking monster. Maybe he had been too cocky when he’d mentioned the massive weapon earlier and he hoped the creature wasn't smart enough to go find it. 

The giant’s arms sweeped for him, Leon ducking under it and scrambling to get behind and to the other side of the arena. He pulled out his rifle and aimed for its head. The giant seemed to feel pain as it howled and angrily charged towards Leon, however he was going to take a lot of effort. Leon spent most of this time running for clear ground and getting shots in where he could. 

The giant roared again, paying Leon no mind as he shot at him, making a beeline for one of the sheds that lined the edges of the arena. Leon lowered his weapon. 

“Surely not.” Surely yes. The giant ripped the house out of the ground and launched it in Leon's direction. He barely managed to jump out of the way of its path, stumbling in the mud. The giant made wide sweeping motions with its arms again, Leon diving out of the way as quickly as possible. The rain made the earth slippery, his hair sticking to his face and in his eyes making things all the more difficult.

Leon could vaguely hear howling in the distance over the pouring rain, sighing to himself. He wasnt going to deal with rabid wolves in addition to a fucking troll. Behind him he heard snarling and barking. He whipped around and up on the higher ledges of the hills around the arena was the wolf he had saved earlier.

“Hey, it’s that dog.”

The wolf jumped down, running circles around the troll, distracting it. While it was a welcome relief from the stress for Leon, the troll was chasing the wolf with its eyes round and round in circles so he couldn't get a good shot in. The wolf darted out of the way of a swooping grasp and dove back in, teeth latching onto the giant’s heel causing it to howl. Out of it’s back, emerged a slimy worm looking thing, not unlike the twisty fuckers he’d seen earlier. 

“You got worms too?” He pulled out his rifle and trained it on the worm, hitting it a couple of times, bringing the giant to its knees. He rushed up to it, knife in hand, and scaled the giant to slash at the exposed weak spot. He got a few slashes in before he was bucked off and the giant regained its strength. Now that he knew how to defeat this thing the game was on.

The dog circled the giant again which angered it more. The giant reared back its leg before striking the dog, kicking it back several feet. Leon’s heart dropped for a second but the dog got back up. The giant ignored the barking and the shower of bullets into its back that Leon was hoping would draw out the worm again. It grabbed onto a second house bracing to lift it. Leon swiftly shot at the giant’s hand which caused it to drop the house it was holding onto its feet. Apparently splitters were enough for the worm to emerge again so Leon continued to attack the weak spot. The giant eventually tumbled again and Leon slashed at the worm. Soon enough the giant howled and threw Leon off it which sent him sprawling into the mud. 

The giant hollered and crumbled to the ground one last time. Leon dropped his shoulders in relief, covered in mud with the rain quickly washing it off. The gates around the arena opened again letting him out. 

“God damn,” Leon breathed shakily, looking down at the dead troll in relief. “I was almost a pancake. I simply must tell god about this one.”

He was about to leave for the church when the barking of the wolf caught his attention. Glancing back up to the ledges, the wolf was laying out panting. He looked up at it with a small smile.

“Thanks bud.” He journeyed back to the old church.

─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─

The church was still quiet when he made it back, no villagers around for now luckily for him. Leon placed the church key in the gate and like hands on a clock it spun, triggering the poles to drop. The door behind the gate was open and he was finally inside. 

“Ashley Graham? I’m here to help!”

The main room was doused in colourful light from the moonlight outside shining through the stained glass window above the altar. Ashley wasn't anywhere on the first floor after exploring but there was a locked gate to the side of the main chapel area. 

Inspecting the altar he found a puzzle which required an extra piece which was easily found in the church. The stained glass had to be rearranged in a certain orientation which was really not that difficult to figure out. Seems like they had exhausted all their time in hiding the main key to bother with any more meaningful security measures. The gate clicked to the side and Leon went through, climbing to the second floor. There was a long corridor which wrapped all the way around the church but it wasnt a loop so he wouldn’t be able to miss her.

“Ashley, you in there?”

Leon came up to a door on the left. He opened it up cautiously waiting for something to jump out at him. Sure enough a high pitched grunt and a candlestick came crashing towards him. He quickly dodged the candlestick, finally finding the young girl holding it. 

“Just let me go,” Ashley pleaded. Leon had to admire the girl’s strength because they candlestick certainly looked a little worse for wear. Ashley swung gthe candlestick at him again to which he easy caught it.

“Hey, easy with that!” He tossed the candlestick away which in hindsight might have been too aggressive as the girl looked absolutely terrified. He didn't approach her, instead taking a step back to appear less menacing. “My name's Leon. I’m here on the president’s orders to-”

Ashley ran at the opportunity as Leon stepped backwards leaving a gap for her to dash out of the room. Leon sighed. Yep, definitely a bit too aggressive. 

“That went well,” he muttered to himself, following after Ashley. She hadn’t run towards the exit so he hadn’t lost her yet. He quickly walked to the front of the church on the second level, seeing Ashley looking out the floor to ceiling window. 

“Hey. It’s dangerous outside,” Ashley ignored him and continued to stare out the window. They needed to leave now and Leon was starting to get a little more urgent. “You need to listen to me-” “What is that? Over there?” she interrupted him, pointing out to a hoard of villagers approaching the church. A sharp ringing pierced Leon's ears as he and Ashley grimaced.

Pursue them. The lost lambs are escaping. Deliver unto them… Salvation.

The piercing pain let up and Leon turned to Ashley earnestly.

“Your father trusts me,” He looked her directly in the eyes. “And I need  you to trust me too, and do exactly as I say. I’m gonna get you home safe.”

Tears began to well up in Ashley’s eyes but she held them back with a brave face and a nod.

“Ok…Ok, Leon.”

Leon turned just as the villagers entered the church's lower floor. He crouched down to avoid being seen, gesturing to Ashley to do the same. “Alright. Let’s get the hell  out of here,” Leon muttered to which Ashley eagerly  agreed. Leon signalled to her to follow him and they made their way around to another ladder which led to the top floor. Leon stayed crouched on the ground and waved over to Ashley.

“I’ll boost you up. Get the ladder.” Ashley nodded hesitantly and climbed onto his shoulders as he hoisted her up to the next platform. Ashley pulled herself up, turning around to drop the ladder down for Leon to climb up behind her. Leon took the lead again, searching the attic for any way out. He came across a window which overlooked a lower ledge below easy enough to get down to. Leon climbed up onto the window sill, Ashley gasping from behind him. Leon dropped down and Ashley rushed to the window to see if he was alright. Leon looked back up at her, completely fine, waving her down.

“No way-”

“It’s ok. I’ve got you.” Ashley began to protest before thinking better of it. Leon surely knew what he was doing. She jumped up to sit on the edge of the windowsill before jumping over, arms crossed over her chest and eyes shut tightly. She landed with a small yelp in Leon’s arms, heart hammering from the free fall.

“You alright?” Leon let her down and helped steady her until she nodded slowly. Leon jumped off the ledge up ahead, glancing back at Ashley as she climbed down the ladder like a sane person, calling Hunnigan to report in.

“Roost, I’ve secured Baby Eagle.”

“Copy that,” came Hunnigan’s pleased reply. “Is she ok?”

“Affirmative.” “Good job, Condor One. I’ll dispatch a chopper ASAP”

Hunnigan quickly typed into her computer, the clicking of the keys audible through the comms, “I’m  sending you the coordinates for the extraction point. Make your way there. And don't let anything happen to Baby Eagle.”

“Copy that.”

“Hurry, the weather is getting worse. Roost out.”

Leon led Ashley around the side of the church, signalling her to crouch down as they snuck past villagers in the courtyard. Leon halted them behind a large rock watching stray villagers wander into the church. They managed to slip out through the gates and into the graveyard but were met with another hoard of villagers. 

“Stay close to me!” Leon tried weaving the two of them through the graveyard, avoiding the most threatening group of oncomers. “What is wrong with these people!” Ashley cried, keeping low to avoid the grabbing hands of the villagers. They ran through a tunnel, heading back towards the village centre through the town hall. The extraction point was nearby but they couldn’t get anywhere with a hoard on their trail. Leon was hoping they could lose them somewhere deeper in the village. 

More angry villagers blocked their path in the centre, Leon hastily pulling out his shotgun to thin out the crowd enough for them to run, “Spread out!” Ashley ducked behind a nearby house as Leon took out a few of the villagers, calling out to her again to follow him as they ran by the outskirts of the square. They ran through the farm again, jumping over the paddock fence to loop around the oncomers. They made it to the bridge, villagers hot on their tail when Leon noticed the gate to the house up ahead was open. He remembered it was locked shut. The door burst open and Luis waved them over urgently.

“Hey! Over here!” His voice was drowned out by the rain but  Leon got the idea and led Ashley into the villa, closing the gate behind him. Ashley heaved beside him, trying to catch her breath. He put a hand on her shoulder in reassurance before turning back to Luis. 

“You,” Leon stalked towards Luis, the other seeing the anger in his gait and quickly put his hands up in surrender.

“Hey, listen. About earlier, I-”

“Yeah about that,” Leon grabbed Luis by the shirt and shoved him into the wall. Luis’ face contorted in pain for a moment before he glanced to the side. Leon followed his gaze.

“Heyyy. I see you found your missing señorita.”

Ashley seemed to have regained her breath and joined them over at the wall,  a scowl over her face.

“The señorita has a name, and it's Ashley,” she sassed, not taking any shit from a random guy. “And you are?”

Luis smiled, “Name’s Luis. Encantado.”

“Great. We all have names. Now then-” Leon shoved Luis harder into the wall to draw his attention back. “Who are you?  And what’re you doing here?”

Luis chuckled, “Very good questions, unfortunately…”

He tipped his head towards the gate Leon had shut where the villagers had broken in. Leon let go of Luis to get a closer look before turning back to Ashley, “Hide. Now!”

Ashley frantically looked around the villa for somewhere to hide, all previous confidence gone, until Luis spoke up, kneeling beside an overturned wardrobe.

“In that case, here, help me.”

Leon  joined him in the wardrobe and helped Luis lift it up just enough for Ashley to crawl outside. He nodded to the hole in the wall for her to go but noticed her hesitance.

“Go,” he urged, watching Ashley finally crawl under the wardrobe before dropping it back down. With Ashley safe he could now focus on the villagers searching for them. Leon peeked out through the window at the hoard, sizing it up. Luis joined him on the other side, gun raised.

“Ok. It’s game time.”

Leon ran around the room, picking up any loot or ammo that he could find, pocketing it and a few grenades. Luis kept talking, however, and Leon couldn't tell if he just wasn't taking this seriously or if he was just a nervous rambler.

“Hordes of them against two of us,” he flitted around the room dramatically. “Oh, and let's not forget — this mob is made up of monsters.”

The villagers had made it to the windows now and had smashed them in, claiming through. 

“You done warming up? Hope you stretched!”

Leon shot a few of them as they attempted to get inside, knocking them back outside and into the mud. Luis was lagging slightly, boarding up one of the windows to the side. More and more piled up at the windows. Leon quickly grabbed a bookcase and slid it across, simultaneously smashing a villagers skull as well as narrowing down the entry points. The bookcase didn't hold up for long and soon enough a few villagers made it inside. Leon shuffled up the staircase for a vantage point on the villagers before deciding to check out the top floor. He found a few more boards upstairs he could use so he dropped back down to the bottom floor.

“Cover me!” Leon called to Luis, who grunted in acknowledgement, while he boarded up the last two windows. The last few villagers were taken out when they heard knocking up on the top floor.

Running up, the thing that concerned Leon was that they had gotten a hold of  ladders and lent them up against the house. If they couldn't get in through the bottom floor why not  try the top right? Leon kicked down the ladders, taking the villager climbing up with it when he heard yet another crashing sound followed by an unwelcome roar.

Looking to the lower floor, Leon saw the bull headed man run to the staircase, having broken through the window and letting in a whole bunch more of the villagers. Groaning in frustration Leon readied one of his grenades and chucked it to the base of  the stairs killing the villagers on impact but leaving the bull man. At least it had thinned the crowd.

More ladders were propped up against the second floor windows but Leon found himself busy holding off the bull man. He looked to Luis to try to signal to him to knock them back down for him but he too was caught up in a swarm. Leon narrowly dodged the big hammer swung right for his head but in the process was grabbed from behind by another villager. He struggled against the arms  but the bull man was quicker, raising its hammer again. A shot to the head from behind stunned the bull man and a second shot to the villager restraining Leon allowed him to quickly duck away with an appreciative nod in Luis’s direction.

They were caged in, the ladder and the staircase to the lower level not an option anymore with villagers closing in. Another bang.

“Leon! This way, hurry!”

Ashley stood in another doorway having pushed open the door. Leon wasted no time running through the hoarde, Luis in front of him, finally escaping the house. They ran across the bridge, villagers right behind them until they got past a gate. Looking around Leon spotted the wheel mechanism holding the gate up and shot it, causing it to drop and block the path. 

The three of them leaned against the walls of the portcullis, breathing deeply. Ashley’s coughing and choking caught Leon’s attention.

“Ashley-”

She was shaking and still coughing wetly as she held out her hand in front of her. It was covered in blood.

“Whats- What’s happening to me?”

Leon wasn’t sure what to do in a situation like this. He wasn’t a doctor but he knew coughing up blood was bad. He paid no attention when he did it but f Ashley was hurt-

“Ashley,” Luis gently held onto  her bloody hand, his expression grim but it looked like he knew something they didn't. “Is this the first time you’ve coughed up blood like this?”

Right, Luis worked for Umbrella. Surely he’d know what was going on. Ashley nodded at the question.

“You wanna start explaining?” Leon demanded.

Luis took a few steps backwards, “the cry, the blood — it’s caused by something called a… ‘plaga’.”

Leon frowned. That was definitely a lot more intense than he was expecting. Not quite fully understanding, Leon and Ashley just looked at Luis.

“Ok,” luis walked back over to the gate, vaguely gesturing to behind it. “You saw those ‘people’, right? Well, you have the same thing inside you. The same thing that made them like that.”

Leon looked down in thought. Sure he’d survived zombie apocalypses but he’d never had to deal with being infected. This added a whole new layer of complexity to the mission now.

“This,” Luis continued. “What you’re experiencing, these symptoms… They’re only the beginning.”

Ashley began to panic, her voice shaking, “I don't want to become like them.”

“You are, well, lucky,” Luis reassured her. ‘You see, at this early stage the parasite — the plaga. It is possible to remove it with a surgical procedure.”

Parasite. Not even a virus. Leon supposed that made things easier, though he hated to think what the American government would do to him and Ashley if they got hands on the parasite. Luis was being slow on the information and Leon needed him to just get straight to the point.

“And all you need is some know-how. And, oh yeah — the right equipment.”

Luis spun around, pulling away the neckline of his shirt revealing a long jagged scar across his chest. Leon shook his head in frustration and confusion.

“Wait. You too?”

“No worries. See. I have a plan. But you’re going to have to trust me.”

Luis spread his arms out cockily. The bastard knew that they had no choice but to trust him and he was toying with them. Leon sighed and nodded at him. Luis beamed with a clap of victory.

“Great! I guess you wouldn’t mind extra company then?”

——————————————————————————————————

I really didnt know how to really describe the… worm heads of the guadañas soooo fleshy mound 👍 I used that phrase once i think and i also think never again.

<- Previous | Next ->

[ashitakaxsan]

The Legacy Unmasked: Decoding the Finale of "My Hero Academia"

My Tumblr readers, after a decade-long journey, with chapter #430 the manga "My Hero Academia" has concluded its epic tale of heroes, villains, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. In the final chapter, Kohei Horikoshi masterfully ties loose ends, leaving readers with fulfillment and hope. The epilogue is confirming that true heroism transcends mere abilities. Deku’s journey isn’t just about powers; it’s about resilience, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Deku’s Inspiring Journey: Izuku Midoriya "Deku", our determined protagonist, our determined protagonist, graduates from U.A. despite losing his powerful quirk, One For All, in a climactic battle against Shigaraki. His indomitable spirit and sacrifice inspire heroes across society, proving that true heroism transcends mere super abilities. Even though Izuku suffered grievous injuries, chapter #424 of My Hero Academia, the final chapter sees him returning to U.A. and continuing in the hero course. In this one, Aoyama leaves U.A. and Shinso joins Class 1-A in his stead. Despite having only the fading embers of One For All, Deku becomes a teacher in U.A. High School.

2. An improved Hero Society: The aftermath of Deku’s final battle brings societal transformation. Civilians step up, sharing the burden with heroes. No longer passive bystanders, they actively contribute to maintaining peace. It’s a powerful reminder that heroism isn’t exclusive to capes and cowls; it resides within us all. Example?

Namely as seen in chapter #429, where an old woman sees a little boy in distress and takes his hand, reminded of the time she ignored a young Tenko on the streets. As such, the finale sees civilians lighten the load on heroes by taking on some of the responsibility to reach out and help others, even if they may be weak or quirkless like Deku.

3. Class 1-A’s Triumphs: Deku’s classmates shine brightly. Shoto and Bakugo become top heroes, each with their unique strengths. Shoji receives recognition for peacefully resolving conflicts involving heteromorph discrimination. Kirishima gains popularity among men. Even Aoyama’s departure and Shinso’s arrival mark growth and change

4)Moving forward: The chapter also provides us with updates, on the lives of other valuable characters. Mei Hatsume has started a design agency called Lightly Labs, and Tentacole has received a peace prize. The hero landscape has shifted, with fewer villains emerging, requiring only a handful of powerful heroes to protect humanity. Characters like Ingenium, Froppy, Creati, and Uravity now tour schools and engage in roles like Quirk counselling, led by Uravity. Such roles have become common in the setting now.

5)A Hero is to heal the fractured bonds

Indeed, Izuku, our steadfast hero, played an essential role in healing the fractured bonds within the Shimura family. Let’s delve into the heartwarming moments:

Nana Shimura and Her Son, Kotaro:

Nana Shimura, despite her heroic duties, deeply loved her son, Kotaro. However, fearing for his safety, she sent him away to protect him from the clutches of All For One.

Tragically, Kotaro grew up resenting Nana, believing she abandoned him. He considered her a demon, blaming her for prioritizing heroism over family1.

Izuku’s bravery and kindness allowed Nana’s spirit to reunite with her son. She sought forgiveness, and through this miraculous encounter, old wounds began to heal.

2.Tomura Shigaraki (Tenko) and Nana:

Nana’s grandson, Tomura Shigaraki, bore the scars of Kotaro’s abusive upbringing. His path toward villainy was partly a consequence of Nana’s choices as a mother.

In a poignant moment, Nana acknowledged her role in Tomura’s descent. She realized the evil he had become but also sensed a child crying for help within him.

Izuku’s determination to save rather than kill Tomura touched Nana’s heart. He reminded her that One For All is a power meant for salvation, not destruction

6)Encouraging the young students to the path of a true Hero.

My Hero Academia's epilogue mirrors this sentiment once again, with Deku is encouraging a young boy, named Dai, that he too can be a hero albeit quirk is relatively weak. The young boy mirrors Deku in many ways, from his timid demeanor to the way he also instinctively moves to help another.

His question even reminds Deku of the similar one he posed to All Might at the very start of the series, and much like All Might did back then, Deku also reassures the young boy that he can be a hero as well. Thus, while Deku does not become the next Symbol of Peace like All Might, he does become an inspiring figure with his final battle urging quirk society to change down to its very roots.

Conclusion: As we bid farewell to My Hero Academia, we carry its lessons: courage, unity, and the belief that ordinary individuals can ignite extraordinary change. The finale matters because it reminds us that heroism isn’t about power alone—it’s about heart, sacrifice, and the legacy we leave behind

[vinceviralfreak]

Title: Shrieks of Steel: Women of Heavy Metal Horror

Chapter 1: The Unholy Symphony

In the dark corners of a forgotten realm, where shadows dance to the rhythm of nightmares, a group of women emerged from the depths of the underworld. They were the embodiment of darkness, their souls entwined with the haunting melodies of heavy metal. Each possessed a unique power, a gift bestowed upon them by the malevolent forces that lurked in the abyss.

Chapter 2: The Siren's Call

Among them was Lilith, the seductive siren whose voice could shatter glass and bend the will of men. With her piercing gaze and bewitching allure, she lured unsuspecting victims into her web of despair. Her haunting melodies echoed through the night, leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered dreams in her wake.

Chapter 3: The Witch's Curse

Next was Morgana, the enigmatic witch whose powers were as ancient as time itself. With her cauldron of spells and incantations, she weaved a tapestry of darkness, casting curses upon those who dared to cross her path. Her eyes glowed with an otherworldly fire, a testament to the depths of her power.

Chapter 4: The Reaper's Embrace

Then there was Hecate, the harbinger of death, whose scythe claimed the souls of the damned. With her skeletal visage and ethereal presence, she struck fear into the hearts of mortals. Her haunting whispers echoed through the night, a chilling reminder of the inevitable fate that awaited all.

Chapter 5: The Vampiric Temptress

Lastly, there was Seraphina, the vampiric temptress who fed on the life force of the living. With her fangs and insatiable hunger, she prowled the night, seeking her next victim. Her beauty was both captivating and deadly, a lethal combination that ensnared even the strongest of wills.

Chapter 6: The Symphony Unleashed

As the women of heavy metal horror united, their powers intertwined, creating a symphony of terror that shook the very foundations of reality. Together, they embarked on a quest to unleash chaos upon the world, their music serving as a gateway to the darkest realms of existence.

Chapter 7: The Battle Begins

But not everyone was willing to succumb to their malevolent influence. A group of brave souls, led by a fearless warrior named Gabriel, rose to challenge the women of heavy metal horror. Armed with ancient relics and unwavering determination, they prepared for a battle that would determine the fate of humanity.

Chapter 8: The Final Showdown

In a climactic clash of good versus evil, the women of heavy metal horror faced off against Gabriel and his allies. The air crackled with energy as their powers collided, unleashing a cataclysmic force that threatened to consume them all. Blood was shed, sacrifices were made, and the fate of the world hung in the balance.

Epilogue: The Echoes of Darkness

As the dust settled and the echoes of their battle faded, the women of heavy metal horror retreated back into the shadows. Their legacy, however, would forever be etched in the annals of horror. Their music would continue to haunt the dreams of the living, a reminder of the darkness that lurks within us all.

Note: The novel "Shrieks of Steel: Women of Heavy Metal Horror" is a work of fiction and does not promote or endorse any harmful or violent actions. It is purely a creative exploration of the horror genre.

[dailyaudiobible]

05/03/2023 DAB Transcript

Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalms 104:1-23, Proverbs 14:20-21

Today is the 3rd day of May welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it is great to be here, it’s great to be here with you, it’s great to be here with you together around the Global Campfire as we gather again for another day and another step forward in the Scriptures. And we have wound our way from the beginning of the year and the beginning of the Bible all the way into the book of Judges. And we read of the story of the judge named Samson yesterday. We’ll continue forward as we meet the other judges of Israel. And once again, not to be redundant, but judges covers the centuries between Joshua’s death, and the emergence of Kings in Israel. So, the judges were the leaders of Israel during or between…during…during that transitional period, those transitional centuries. And, so, let's dive in. We’re reading from the English Standard Version this week. Judges, chapters 17 and 18.

Commentary:

Okay. So, we came to one of if not the most famous verse in the Bible. We can probably quote it together. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” We…we probably have heard this verse, at least, and probably a lot of us were able to quote it back as we just said it. It's very famous all by itself, but as we’re kind of going through the Scriptures we can see that it's not a chapter unto itself. It's not a statement unto itself. It's a part of a conversation. And Jesus said, John 3:16. And let's remember, Jesus said John 3:16 as a part of a conversation that He was having with a religious leader who was named Nicodemus. And Nicodemus has instead snuck out at night to find Jesus and under the cover of the night he's having this kind of secret meeting because he's…he's…he’s part of the religious leadership. And Jesus told Nicodemus that he wouldn't see the kingdom of God unless he were born again. And Nicodemus  is thinking that Jesus is literally saying like, you’re gonna be reborn, which is true, but in the way that Nicodemus was thinking of it, how can a person who is fully grown, and even old go back into their mother's womb and be born again. And at its core this little conversation is the essence of the gospel. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that there is a physical birth and that is the birth that He called of water, and that there is a spiritual birth that He called of the spirit. The Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life inside of a person and that life is eternal and everlasting. And this is how Jesus explained being born again. And, so, this means that we are reborn, re-integrated with the Spirit of God with nothing standing between us and the Spirit of God within us, giving us new life, born again. When we truly believe in Jesus, the whole status, the whole trajectory of our lives changes. We are awakened to new life within us. And then Jesus goes on to tell Nicodemus, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” And as Jesus finishes explaining this to Nicodemus it leaves us with plenty to think about. Jesus is saying those who truly believe have no judgment against them but those who do not believe are already experiencing judgment. And that can be seen in this world. We just have to look around. The fact that people love the darkness more than the light is easy enough to see. And Jesus explains why. Because the light exposes what is in the darkness and tells the truth that people want to stay in the shadows where they can hide and be duplicitous and do all kinds of things that aren't exposed. And, so, yes indeed, my friends, God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. But this rebirth is an invitation to be true, to step into the light. If we love the shadows and the darkness then we are not in the light, which leads us to consider as we should, what are we afraid of being exposed? What are we trying to hold in the shadows or in the darkness? That, if we can identify that, is what is pulling us into the darkness. When being reborn means we are being pulled into the light where there isn't anything to hide, and there isn't anything to lose because our eyes have been opened and we realize we have it all. We are children of the most-high God.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, we invite You to shine the light of truth into our souls. We declare nothing off limits to You as if we could hide anything from You. We invite Your light to come into the darkness and expose what is lurking there and what is hiding there and what is manipulating us and pulling us into the darkness. May we see these things. May we see the root of these things. Lead and guide us that we might be true in the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com, that's home base and that is…well…that us the website, obviously. That's where you can find out what's going on around here. The app, the Daily Audio Bible Apple will put that in the palm of your hand and nice and convenient on your device. Just search for Daily Audio Bible at the app store that works with your tablet or phone or whatever device.

Check out the different sections like the Community section. This is where you can find links to get connected on social media. It’s where the Prayer Wall lives.

You can check out the Daily Audio Bible Shop. There are resources there for the journey that we are on. And, so, yeah, just check it out. Get connected in any way that you can, in any way that you want to.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if this mission that we’ve been on for…well…this is the 18th year, seven days a week, this mission to bring the spoken word of God read fresh every day and offered freely to anybody who will listen anywhere…anywhere in the world, any time of day or night any time or season of life, no matter what's going on it's…it's there, if that is life-giving to you then thank you humbly for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement you can hit the Hotline button in the app. That's the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Coming soon…

[empiressmpheadcanon]

1. Kindred spirits will find each other and unite once more in this world, as they do in every other world.

Server members

2. A dark spirit will consume the most vain rulers. Their joyful spirit turned evil by the promise of power.

Xornoth

3. A prosperous land shall be laid to waste. Streets will run red before the spires are toppled.

Referring to Mythland's ending

4. There will emerge a great northern palace unlike anything the world has ever seen.

The Great Matral Palace

5. A great betrayal will wrench the hearts of the rulers until a rain falls to cleanse the pain.

fWhip cheating for the crown

6. An heir born to the Ocean Empire shall be rare and exquisite. An amphibian of great power, the blue axolotl.

Lizzie, Ocean’s blessings

7. Two ancient sea-dwellers ruled the oceans long before human empires ever stood, each able to communicate with creatures of the sea. But should they leave the ocean behind, they are doomed to forget their true self and their past.

Sea-blings

8. Twin souls trapped in an endless battle since the beginning of time, chaos and order, light and dark, hot and cold. One can not exist without the other, for if one soul dies, the other is sure to follow.

Scott and Xornoth

9. Shaded by trees an Empire will be found.

Lost Empire

10. An Empire that commemorates the fallen will be blessed by bountiful luck.

Pixandria

11. The King of the Jungle will learn to defend his lands and people from slaughter.

Joey, Raptors(?)

12. A Master of the Magic craft will impart their knowledge upon eager peers.

Gem

13. A coronet will circulate the world, bestowing ultimate power upon the wearer.

Corruption crown(I don't know what to call it)

14. A father will become a boy once more.

Codfather, Codboy

15. The untapped power of unassuming cattle will be harnessed for nefarious means.

blood sheep?

16. A kingdom will emerge from capped stalks.

Gilded Helianthia

17. A short king will rise.

Joel, Shrub

18. Well-nourished flora will reach into the sky. It will require the dedication of a lifetime to nurture such a plant.

Katherine’s greenhouse, Pearl's beanstalk

19. Words spat through vicious mockery will sound strangely melodious from the mouth of a Mezelean.

Joel's diss track

20. A pursuit to chart the united lands will be fruitless and long

The Grimlands, Crystal Cliffs, Mythland, Gilded Helianthia(?)

21. A great source of knowledge will be lost to the memory of mortals, only to be utilised once more by the rightful heir.

Elven Library

22. Explorers will settle unforgiving landscapes and thrive.

Rulers searching and ruling their respective biomes(?)

23. The resolution of a neverending feud brings unimaginable chaos that will destroy the world.

Salmon and Cod

I think pages 24-29 will be in future episodes but here's what I think will happen

24. An old spirit will speak out, guiding one to protect the land.

Pix and Pixandria

25. The golden age will rise again.

Pearl's resurrection

26. Unrequited love will be requited.

Joey and Xornoth

27. A great awakening will occur at sunrise within the mangrove forest.

Awakening of the Wolf Girl

28. An honorable knight will return from their quest with an artifact of great importance.

Based on skins, it looks like Sausage is the knight

29. For a fungus, decay exists as an extant form of life. They are not gone.

I think it means that even if Shelby is a diffrent, uh, thing she's still a Fungus at heart

-🥀 this took me an hour pretty proud of it also this was not proofread honestly I think chapters 24-29 should be posted in empires s2 headcanons but i like it here

I think you’re right!

JSJSHSH

Rip :(

[reign-of-rain]

LET'S PLAY THE EVIL WITHIN | An Emergency Call | Chapter 1

[featheredomen]

The Evil Within Chapter 1: An Emergency Call

[thekingofwinterblog]

Getter Robo Retospective - Getter Robo Part 1 -Ryoma Nagare

So, Iv’e been wanting to do an overall retrospective of the Getter Robo manga franchise for a while now, and since the Getter Robo Arc is nearing it’s finale as of the time of this writing, and will either give it a definite ending, or be the final nail in the coffin that the series will never be finished before Getter Robo falls into public domain, I thought now might as well be the time to do it.

As such, I’ll be doing an overall analysis over the entire collection of Ken Ishikawa’s Getter Robo manga series, it’s plots, themes, characters, and covers the various ideas this crazy and amazing sci-fi series covers.

Also, this retrospective will NOT cover the various anime adaptations, or the behind the scenes stuff that has gone on with Getter Robo over the years, such as Go Nagai being credited as the writer of the original manga despite only having come up with the overall concept and designs for it(the rest was by Ken Ishikawa), or the way that Ken went back and added in some extra chapters in the original two manga to explain some things and to tie the early manga more closely into what came after.

For the purposes of this retorspective, I will be focusing exclusively on the manga itself, and what it has to offer, without going into anything else.

And of course there is no place better to start, than the beginning.

So, what is the story of the original Getter Robo Manga?

Well, the overall plot of the original manga is about the conflict between two sides of a conflict, as laid out rather well in it’s prologue chapter.

The first is our protagonists, the Saotome Institute of Japan, who’s leader and namesake has invented the titular giant mecha, the Getter Robo.

Powered by a revolutionary newly discovered form of energy called “Getter Energy”, this enormous metal behemoth is a fighting machine unlike any other.

This war machine was originally supposed to be used for space exploration, but due to necessity, it has instead been reworked into a fighting machine.

It’s only weakness is that it requires 3 different living pilots to operate it to draw upon its full strength.

Opposing the Saotome Institute, is the forces of the Dinosaur Empire

An empire of humanoid Sentient Dinosaurs that long ago was forced to flee the Earth’s surface after it was bombarded with a strange kind of energy from space that was deadly to their kind, their only way to survive being to use their incredible technology to hide on the only place on Earth where the rays couldn’t reach them. The Earth’s very core.

Now, after millions of years underground, and the rays that forced them beneath the earth to begin with having seemingly ceased, they have finally returned to reclaim the earth’s surface for their own. At it’s disposal, it has incredible technology, and giant cyborg dinosaur monster in it’s quest to wipe out the newcomers, the human race, to achieve total dominance over the Earth.

If you think this premise sounds very generic, and you’ve seen it in some form or another in countless other Mecha series, you are not wrong. Ancient evil group attacking the protagonists, and only the new giant robot can stop it, probably the biggest stock plot in mecha overall, having been done in everything from Neon Genesis Evangelion to Megas XLR in some form or another. The set pieces and details are different, but the overall plot is the same.

However, where Getter Robo fits into this, is that it was one of the first giant robot manga there was, and many, many of the tropes and ideas it pioneered would be used and imitated by its successors.

In fact, I would argue that Getter is the second most influential mecha series in history, only second after it’s big cousin, Mazinger Z.

However, we are not here to detail how it influenced the manga industry, but how Getter holds up on it’s own, and in this regard, despite having a plot that has been overused time, and time again by it’s successors, this isn’t really that much of a problem for Getter Robo. Because like any good Mecha series, Getter’s biggest strength is it’s cast of characters.

Starting off in chapter 1, we are introduced to the first of the Robot’s giant pilots.

Ryoma Nagare.

Each of the pilots of Getter Robo is given an introductory mini-arc to set them up, and Ryoma’s is easily the best of the 3.

We are introduced to the main character of most of the franchise at a very unusual spot to open a main character, especially for a Shonen protagonist.

At the end of a revenge story.

To put it bluntly, Ryoma does not start off this series as a particularly likeable, nor good person, as his introductory scene is him crashing a perfectly legal martial arts tournament and beating the everloving shit out of it’s referee, it’s participants, and the judges who arranged it.

His reasons for doing all of this?

Revenge for his old man.

As it turns out, Ryoma had a massive beef with the arrangers for this contest, as his father, Ichigan Nagare was a pro karate champion back in the day, whose reputation was purposely destroyed by those arrangers.

Now he’s come to take revenge by utterly crushing their disciples on national television, to hammer in the point that his father’s martial arts was superior to theirs for all the world to see.

During this whole thing, we also get a very good look into how Ryoma thinks at this point in time.

When the arranger tries to appeal to the “Sacredness” of the Sport to get him to stand down, Ryoma laughs in his face, proclaiming that there is nothing sacred about combat at all. The only thing that matters is who emerges as the victor.

This is backed up by how he doesn’t show the least bit of compassion or honor to the first of the contestants he defeats, easily smashing him to the ground then gloating over him after having demonstrated the sheer difference in the combat prowess between the two of them.

He is very blunt about the fact that he believes that one should pursue strength for strenght’s sake alone, and never stop until you have crushed anyone who stands before you. Always train to get stronger, and always seek out those who can challenge you and beat them too.

Might makes right.

This is a REALLY good introduction for showcasing Ryoma as a character. How he thinks, his immense near superhuman strength, his ruthlessness, his pride in his own strength.

It also ties in directly into the themes of this series, as this kind of thinking is essentially Evolution itself boiled down to it’s bare core. The survival of the strongest. What is the point of Evolution after all, if not this? Those with the traits to survive and thrive will do so, while those who cannot, will be crushed by those who can, who in turn will pass down what made them successful to begin with.

Of course that is not what the actual message of this series is, but it is a concept that this series is rather blunt about, and it’s not a coincidence that the most prominent of all the main characters of this series began his journey while believing wholeheartedly into that ideal.

All in all this scene is just great, and it sets up Ryoma really well, as well as making it clear that this is a boy who has a lot of growing to do as a person.

And so, having achieved his life’s work that he’s trained for for years and years, Ryoma nagare quietly leaves the arena, leaving behind a dozen bruised, battered and broken men on the ground.

Of course this display of power has not gone unnoticed, as in the audience were two men from the Saotome Institute who came here hoping to find someone strong enough to pilot their giant robot.

As it happened, they just found one that fit the bill rather spectacularly.

Then in the next scene we are showcased Ryoma’s home.

Ryoma Nagare, a fighting genius that at the tender age of 16-17 smashed the greatest karate practitioners in Japan with ease while being outnumbered a dozen to one, lives in a ramshackle part of town, in a rundown old building that has broken windows, a leaking roof, and can at best be called a ramshackle cottage.

It’s a rather brutal contrast to the sight of the prestigious, well made and maintained karate tournament building we were just in.

Inside we find the sight of something else rather unusual for a Shonen protagonist. Having now achieved his goals, and avenged his father’s memory, Ryoma is slowly starting to come to the realization that this has all been one giant waste of time. He hasn’t actually earned anything on this journey. His father is dead, he’s still poor, and his only belongings is this shitty building and the clothes on his back.

As we learn here, Ryoma has spent his entire life being trained in martial arts, to insane degrees even for an adult man, much less for a child. All for the purpose of one day doing what he did today, and avenging his father’s memory.

This scene really hammers in the fact that for all his ridiculous strength, Ryoma is a child, and he has a child’s way of looking at things.

He thinks back fondly on being pitted against stray dogs in death matches, and he reveals here that in his mind, this was all about “Redeeming” martial arts somehow, as if this display would really change anything in the grand scheme of things within the sport.

It wasn’t of course. This was all about revenge. Everything Ryoma ever trained for was for this moment, this moment of what should have been absolute and total triumph as he achieved a truly spectacular victory and proved his father’s fighting style the best in all the land and he has proven that he himself is the strongest fighter in all Japan.

Instead he is coming to the realization that so many people that wasted their lives on vengeance have come to over the years. That it was all a giant waste of time.

Revenge is a suckers game.

Having achieved his goals, Ryoma has found them to be completely empty, and has nowhere to go. This is a really fascinating way to open up a character arc, as usually a character that learns the lesson that David Xanatos knew so well, happens either at the end, or somewhere later down their line. Ryoma however, learns it in the very first chapter, and now has to find something else to live for.

However, his soul searching is then interrupted by a few gentlemen from the Saotome institute.

Who immediately tries to kill him.

Now before I discuss the next part, I wanna praise this overall scene, because it really works great within the context of this chapter.

Ryoma has been introduced as a massive asshole, who firmly believes in the mantra of Might makes right, and he doesn’t feel any regret at having brutalized a dozen of innocent people, just the fact that he realizes that there was no real satisfaction to be had from it. Now the other shoe drops, and HE is attacked in his own home, completely unprovoked for reasons that frankly he has no personal involvement in on his own side. While this attack does have an in universe reason behind it, it main purpose is that it serves as a nice cathartic moment for the reader, as while he’s never going to legally punished for what just happened at the tournament, he is punished by the narrative for his actions, which is something i’ve seen far, far too many stories do over the years fail to do with asshole protagonists.

It also serves to put Ryoma’s current belief in Might Makes Right to the test. After all, aren’t these men doing exactly what he said that those who practice martial arts should do? Seek out those stronger than them, then crush them.

All of this makes it a shame that it is horribly undercut by the one, genuine stain on the original manga. Namely that one of the attackers is this guy.

And it’s at this moment you realise, oh yeah, this was made in 1970’s Japan. The unfortunate fact is that Mangaka of this period generally based their depiction of black people on early American comics(Which had plenty of this kind of artwork), and Ken Ishikawa was unfortunately not an exception to this rule.

He would THANKFULLY not repeat anything like this later down the line(his depiction of black people is far more natural and realistic in later manga), but hot damn is it both uncomfortable and distracting to read the pages with this guy. And it’s a real shame too, because frankly, not only is the following fight scene very good as a narrative punishment for Ryoma, but it’s just a good fight scene in general.

Unlike the Tournament fight, which was mainly a beatdown to establish Ryoma’s ridiculous strength, this is an actual fight, which showcases Ishikawa’s ability to draw energetic, exciting fight scenes where action flows very naturally.

It also shows that for the kind of ridiculous strength Ryoma possess, he isn’t some superhuman, as early in the brawls he’s heavily wounded by the rather mundanity of taking a throwing knife to the shoulder. This is in general something that makes action if Getter Robo stand out from other shonen series too. When characters, or Robots for that matter, takes hits, they rarely shrug them off with no problem, instead taking real, genuine damage that doesn't just instantly go away. They might power through them, but that isn’t the same as them disappearing into the ether.

In any case, the battle ends up outside the house when Ryoma is thrown through the wall.

He’s then forced to do the classic, catch the blade between the palms of his hands trope, which is depicted much more believable than most cases I’ve seen, as despite succeeding, it still left him bleeding from those palms.

Ryoma then redirects the blade into the big guy who is attacking him from behind, killing him. I really love how the artwork sells that this is a desperate move on Ryoma’s part. He is genuinely fighting for his life here, and he’s pulling out every trick he has to to win despite his wounds.

He then follows that up by ripping the blade out, and throwing it at the knife thrower guy. I also like that after doing so, he immediately falls flat on his ass, in a rather realistic manner(he is fighting in the rain after all, so the ground is undoubtedly pretty slippery.), while also showcasing the force of the throw. My only main complaint is that for this one panel Ken forgot to include the wound and the knife on his shoulder, as I think it would really sell just how desperate Ryoma is here if we’re visually reminded in the moment that, oh yeah, he’s powering through and using the arm whose shoulder has a knife in it to to throw this thing.

Thankfully, that missed opportunity for visual grittiness is more than made up for by the next part.

Having now effectively won the battle(I think the swordsman broke his foot in the fall, at least that’s how it looks), Ryoma suddenly realises that, holy shit, he just killed someone. The contrast between here and how he looked as he challenged the tournament fighters couldn’t be more different. The cooky, arrogant youth is completely gone, and you're reminded that Ryoma is just a kid. A kid who just had to kill someone. The bravado is completely gone, leaving only a kid who is tired, confused, in pain, and probably pretty scared.

He is then approached by the man who just had 3 grown ass men jump and attack him, Dr. Saotome.

Wounded, and mentally exchausted as he is, he is in no position to argue as Saotome declares that Ryoma is what he’s been looking for, and as one of his men rips the knife out of his shoulder, Ryoma screams before losing consciousness from the pain. Afterwards he is dragged into a car, and bandaged up.

Then as they're driving, the’re attacked by a giant flying dinosaur that grabs unto the car and flies away with it, Ryoma and Saotome barely managing to get out in time, alongside one of Saotome’s unlucky goons who breaks his neck in the fall.

And so ends Chapter one of Getter Robo.

All in all, other than the horribly racist black guy, this is a really good first chapter, that sets up Ryoma Nagare really, really well, showcasing his way of thinking, his origin, and where he needs to grow, while also showcasing his ludicrous strength, and that he is fully capable of going balls to the wall to win a fight, which will be showcased many, many times in this series. It also ends on a reminder of the fact that oh yeah, this is a series about one side vs dinosaurs, as Ryoma gets his first introduction into the enemy he will be fighting time, and again in this manga. It also gives a distinct first impression of just how ruthless Saotome is, as he is perfectly willing to send 3 dangerous goons on a teenager just to test his prowess in battle, which is absolutely going to come into play in future chapters.

All in all, it’s a good start. Not an amazing beginning, but certainly a good introduction to our first main character.

[toku-explained]

ULTRAMAN SUIT ANOTHER UNIVERSE: Zero Edition

Continuity carries on from the Tiga storyline.

Chapter 8

In the SSSP basement, the retired prototype suit for Moroboshi, the ULTRAMAN Suit Ver. 0, suddenly starts moving, activating a transfer device in it's own and teleporting away.

Moroboshi has been stationed in Shanghai since the Gatanothor incident, on attachment to the Dive Hanger run by TPCs, at the centre is the Grand Dome construction site at Ground Zero, officially a symbol of reconstruction, secretly being used by the SSSP and government to study the remaining distortions and seal them.

Suddenly an unknown alien, Iaron, and his Legionoid army appear there, Moroboshi engaging them as SEVEN. As construction workers flee one of them, a young man named Satsuma Jiro, uses a crane help others, like his friend Ozaki Anna, escape. When all hope seems lost, suddenly the Ver. 0 suit appears and attaches to him, becoming the ZERO Suit.

(Diorama Details 1: the gunmetal and colourless Ver. 0 starts moving. 2: the ZERO Suit leaps out of the flames in Shanghai.)

Chapter 9

A voice from the suit, which he takes as a computer program, and names Chukichi, guides Jiro in fighting, and ZERO assists SEVEN in fighting the forces including Exves Seijin who had held SEVEN trapped.

Next day Moroboshi and Ide scout Satsuma for the U Guard force that defends the Grand Dome. Satsuma denies knowledge of the ZERO Suit at the request of Chukichi, but is trained by Kawakami Tetsuta of MAC, the Multipurpose Athletic Centre.

Another object, like a vehicle, emerges from the distortion, and a woman emerges from a hatch on it and collapses. Seeing her, Moroboshi calls her Maya.

(Diorama details: ZERO and SEVEN (wielding Specium Sword) fight Exves Seijin's limbs among the flames.)

Chapter 10

A Muxibara Seijin appears, seeking out Maya. The Transfer System is explained, items are transferred through a handful of satellites, including satellite V3, where Chukichi is keeping the ZERO Suit when not in use. Dove Liner is a transport system within the Dive Hanger.

Maya is revealed to not be the Maya Moroboshi knew, but a Magellan Seijin, an electronic lifeform manipulated by the Muxibara Seijin, and tales control of facility systems. She locates another ZERO suit left behind by a glitch in the matter transfer system. The Dark coloured suit has been designated LOPS ZERO.

Satsuma tries to fight alongside Shinjiro, when Chukichi on it's own equips him with the ZERO Suit, revealing his identity. He fights with Muxibara and Legionoids, supported by Shinjiro, Seiji and Moroboshi.

Satsuma is lost in a dimensional distortion. In order to save him, SSSP work to use the MR-1 Magma Riser to drill into the distortion in hopes of reaching him.

(Apparently no dioramas for this part?)

Chapter 11

Moroboshi prepares to board the Magma Riser.

Satsuma falls through the distortion, and recalls a red coloured warrior once saved him from a Togarame Seijin.

Satsuma finds himself on a planet which is at 240 degrees below zero, and there is confronted by a Guinpe Seijin.

(Diorama details: SEVEN boards the Magma Riser)

Chapter 12

ZERO almost loses to Guinpe Seijin, being frozen up by his foe, but Chukichi explodes with rage and causes himself to exceed the suit's parameters bursting free and defeats the alien, burning red hot.

Chukichi explains to Satsuma that he is actually a hero from another world who was fighting an evil empire, he and his friends were all eliminated and only his consciousness survived. From now on they are dubbed ZERO.

Muxibara Seijin orders Maya to fight, and she powers the Dark LOPS ZERO Suit with her own energy to battle the Ultramen, and brings it to the frozen planet where it confronts ZERO.

(Diorama details: LOPS ZERO emerges from the blizzard, approaching ZERO.)

Chapter 13

SEVEN rescues Satsuma from LOPS ZERO, having arrived just in time on the Magma Riser.

During this story, Moroboshi relates to Satsuma and others that he was friends with Maya as a youth, but he saw her die at the hands of a Togarame Seijin.

The pair return to Shanghai, but LOPS ZERO appears again, but something is odd.

SEVEN, ACE and ZERO chase LOPS ZERO, but lose it when Ide tells them to stop when they go to attack. The sky shatters, strange monsters emerging, and LOPS ZERO escapes through that portal.

(Diorman Detais 1: ZERO faces of against LOPS ZERO, both wielding Zero Lance)

Chapter 14

Ide reveals that Shinjiro had been trapped inside LOPS ZERO, and now been teleported away from there to the enemies home dimension, as they want someone with Ultraman's DNA.

The SSSP prepare for another rescue mission, preparing the HR-1 Hydranger to transport Moroboshi and Satsuma there, homing in on the signal LOPS ZERO's stolen Zero Lance. In addition, they prepare a special coating for the SEVEN Suit and ZERO Suit, to convert them into Forced Rush Type, but it reacts with ZERO's blazing will, converting it into the SC Specification.

(Diorama Details 1: SEVEN Force Rush Type and ZERO SC Specification board the Hydranger, with the ULTRAMAN Suit loaded aboard. SEVEN is fully armed, and ZERO also carries a Wide Shot or two.)

Chapter 15

ZERO and SEVEN comes across a labyrinth controlled by Muxibara Seijin, and confront and defeat Exves Seijin and Guinpe Seijin, but then find LOPS ZERO, Shinjiro still inside. Maya has slowly bee changing from her encounters with Moroboshi and the love he had for his friend, and how well he treats her compared to her master, and makes a decision.

(Diorama Details: 2 exploding enemies behind them, ZERO SC Specification and SEVEN Force Rush Type stand victorious. SEVEN is wielding the EX Rifles)

Chapter 16

Shinjiro had convinced Maya to live for herself and turn against Muxibara Seijin. She releases Shinjiro and he suits up, the furious Muxibara Seijin summons Vakishim to destroy them, together the 4 defeat it, and the final weapon, the battleship Iwatetsujo is dispatched to invade Shanghai.

(Diorama Details: 1: ULTRAMAN, LOPS ZERO with Zero Lance, SEVEM Force Rush Type with Specium Sword and ZERO SC Specification with Wide Shots face Vakishim, 2: SEVEN, ZERO and LOPS ZERO, equipped as before, witness Iwatetsujo approach.)

Chapter 17

Muxibara Seijin is annoyed by the Magellan Seijin Maya betraying him as she was a slave to him after the Magellan's were conquered and re-engineered by his people. She was raised from birth for infiltration, embedded in a Star Cluster Alliance training facility. Her emotions and thoughts were programmed and controlled. And yet she was convinced by Shinjiro to turn against him. Enraged, he forgets the mission to supply his master with a being with the Ultraman factor, and seeks to destroy them all.

Moroboshi tries to convince a remorseful Maya to come with them, and live with him. As they escape to Shanghai, Maya communicates with Moroboshi electronically, apologising for the suffering he endured after losing her. He tells her to live for the future and forget her past. LOPS allowed them to escape by triggering a Dimension Storm. As the Iwatetsujo appears, Seiji is dispatched, equipped with Metallium Hammers on the ACE Suit, and resupplying them with replenished equipment.

LOPS exploded on the Dimension Storm, Maya at the last second transmitted her consciousness back to the human body held at the SSSP base. She feels alive for the first time, and remembers her life with Moroboshi before the Muxibara Seijin recalled her. She found the feelings she had for Moroboshi when her memories resurfaced were real.

Muxibara is killed, and Maya reaches through the network to trigger Iwatetsujo's self destruct. However, Muxibara triggered a self-destruct on the craft Maya arrived in, forcing her to fly it away so it detonates harmlessly. The 4 Ultramen see her flying away and work together to try and reach her, eventually managing to throw a ZERO Slugger into the ship so Moroboshi can communicate with her via that, she tells him she wanted to love together with him, bit she has no way out of the explosion.

A week later, satellite V2 recovers the remains of the ZERO Slugger that was on the ship when it exploded, which has crystallized into a blue tear shape, and returns it to the SSSP.

Jiro reconciles with Anna. Moroboshi stands at the memorial dedication for the incidents on Shanghai, and is approached by ZERO, operating without Satsuma. ZERO explains that Maya transmitted herself into the Zero Slugger at the last moment and was preserved there, and he recovered her from there into the Suit, giving her her own partition to operate. She takes control, the suit becoming the blue Liberated Maya world, and she and Moroboshi can simply talk.

Across dimensions, the dark Emperor is informed of Muxibara Seijin failing, and order his generals to bring earth under his fold.

(Diorama Details: 1: ULTRAMAN and ACE attack the Iwatetsujo from above, ULTRAMAN using Specium Ray and ACE the Gauntlets, 2: SEVEN Force Rush Type, wielding Wide Shots, and ZERO SC Specification wielding Zero Lance stand victorious amongst the flames. 3: Silhouetted against the sea, ZERO LM Mode speaks to Moroboshi)

[lailoken]

‘Land Drakes’

“Dragons are often associated in many people's minds with the landscape and being representative of the energies contained within it, and East Anglia is not without its own dragon tales as well. This story, which happened in 1405, comes from the Suffolk/Essex border town of Bures St. Mary and is left to us in monkish Latin by John de Trokelowe and Henry de Blandforde. They describe a creature 'vast in body, with a tufted head, saw-like teeth and a very long tail, which did evil by going to and fro among the sheep and killing many.’ The bowmen of Richard de Waldergrave, on whose land the dragon lurked, moved out to confront it but the body of the beast turned the arrows aside and they sprang back from its armour, 'as if from stone or iron; and those arrows which fell on the spine of its back glanced off again and sprang away with clangings as if they had struck plates of bronze.' But when the dragon saw that the men were advancing once more, 'it took refuge in the mere and hid among the reeds; nor was it any more seen.’

A fearsome, winged dragon once terrified the inhabitants of Ludham in Norfolk by appearing in the village each night, so that none dared to venture out after darkness had fallen. Each morning, after the drake had returned to its lair, the villagers filled up the entrance with stones and bricks, but these failed to stop the beast from making its nightly sorties. One afternoon, the villagers were horrified on seeing the dragon emerging from its burrow. When it had travelled some way away, a brave, strong man rolled a single round stone into the entrance of the lair, completely stopping it up. After basking in the warm sunshine, the dragon made its way home, only to find its way inside totally blocked. Finding it impossible for it to move the stone it left, lashing its tail in fury and bellowing loudly, over the fields towards the Bishop's palace. There, it passed along the causeway to the ruined Abbey of St. Bene't, where it slid under the great archway and disappeared into the vaults underneath. After some time, its former home was filled in and the people of Ludham were never troubled again, the dragon never more appearing.

Finally on this subject, among the MSS in the Library of the Dean and Chapter at Canterbury is the Warden's small, leather-bound book, in which the following story appears; ‘. . . on Friday the 26th September in the year of Our Lord 1449, about the hour of Vespers, two terrible Dragons were seen fighting for about the space of one hour, on two hills, of which one, in Suffolk, is called Kydyndon Hyl and the other in Essex Blacdon Hyl. One was black in colour and the other reddish and spotted. After a long conflict the reddish one obtained the victory over the black, which done, both returned into the hills above named whence they had come, that is to say, each to his own place to the admiration of many beholding them.' Kydyndon Hyl is now known as Killingdon Hill at Kedington on the Suffolk side of the river Stour, whilst Blacdon Hyl, opposite in Essex, is now known as Ballingdon Hall. A mile separates them. On the banks of the Stour, below Killingdon Hill and between it and Ballingdon Hill, is a large marshy meadow, locally known as ‘Sharpfight Meadow', probable scene of the battle.

Although this is a very small sample of East Anglian Dragon tales, it is interesting to see how closely each of these beasts is associated with a landscape feature or features; hills, meadows, old ruins, rivers, etc. and how well they bear out the persistent association of them with geomantic energies. In other regions, magical practitioners describe these energies in terms of Serpents, Snakes, ‘Worms' and Lizards, but they all contain the same essential import; these animals are the embodiment of the natural, telluric currents that flow through the land and may be made use of by the witch or folk-magician, having sufficient knowledge and expertise. The lay of the land, its character, gentleness or otherwise, contributes to the character of the residing 'dragon' and hence the qualities of the energies available there. These are embedded in the old tales and are there as pointers and guides for subsequent practitioners to make use of.”

—

The Devil’s Plantation:

East Anglian Lore, Witchcraft& Folk-Magic

Chapter 1: ‘The Living Landscape’

by Nigel G. Pearson

[hadit93]

Hi, how are you doing? I hope you're feeling better.

I am sending this ask because I am stuck at a question and that is affecting my entire practice. Most of the books I've read on theology, religion, and mysticism kind of agrees on the part that despite the fact that there are several gods, entities, and higher beings at different planes, we all originate from the same source and that's where we go in the end (I don't mean death, I mean the end of a soul's journey). This is a very broad overview, I know.

What I don't understand is, if we all start and end at the same point irrespective of the path then what is the meaning of subjecting us all to this sufferings? What was the point of creating an universe if it all ends where it started? Even if this is necessary for souls to learn during this journey, isn't the journey ultimately futile because the soul finally ends up where it came from, i.e., from where everything and thus all knowledge came from? Doesn't that mean there is no true meaning to our suffering other than the fact that an omnipotent being thought it was necessary?

The other explanation can be everything is meaningless and random but my practice has taught me otherwise.

I might be wrong. I hope I am utterly wrong.

This is a question that cuts very deeply into the fabric of philosophy and the meaning of life. I am not sure I am the most qualified to answer, I believe I know the answer I have but I lack the mastery of language to truly put it into words which capture my views sufficiently. However, I will try!

Firstly you are assuming that the being/source is personally subjecting you to suffering. That a God with a personality is causing you sufferings as some sort of psychological project to see what makes you tick before allowing you back into union with itself. I don't believe this to be the case. I am going to have to explain my own thoughts through a Thelemic lens because that is the system I have largely grown up with so to speak.

The creation of the manifest universe is largely an illusion, a projection from a state of non-manifest non-being- a state of total potentiality which Thelemites call Nuit. For whatever reason Nuit began to contemplate itself and found out what it was and thus what it was not. What it was not is, in a sense, manifestation. Thus Nuit's consort Hadit was born. In Qabalah we would say this is Kether emerging out of the Triple Veil of Negative existence.

This manifest source, which is not the true source at all, slowly reflects and refracts before slowly manifesting as the physical universe we know and love (or hate!). Why? I don't know. Some people seem to believe that it was for experience's sake. This divine being wanted to analyse itself. It fragmented itself into different portions, the sephirah on the Tree of Life, before crystallising itself in Malkuth or the manifest universe. The manifest universe is said to be a reflection of God in its totality. This is the true meaning of "As above, so below".

This leads to us. We live in the reflection of God, we are part of that reflection. You can blame all issues, all suffering on God, and perhaps you would be correct. However, you are forgetting an important thing- YOU ARE GOD! At your core you are a fragment, a spark of the divine fire. You seek union with 'God' because you seek the knowledge of your true identity. More than this, the goal is not union with Hadit/God the goal is union with Nuit- being reabsorbed into non-manifest bliss.

God is not peace and love. God is totality. God is both Mercy and Severity, Chesed and Geburah. Suffering is God as much as love is God. Union is the only way to escape suffering. Buddha had it correct when he stated "All is existence is sorrow" separation from the divine, individuality, the illusion of duality these are the causes of suffering. It is only by escaping this illusion, in Thelema we call this crossing the abyss, that you can transcend these illusions and limitations and perhaps escape the cycle of rebirth. Know God, know Nuit, and recognise the inherent divinity within.

So what is the meaning of your suffering? You are a divine being experiencing your creation which is really your Self. Suffering is sometimes an avenue to attain a union of one kind or another. Without suffering there is truly no growth. Now there are some sufferings which are truly abhorrent and awful. I can't say I know how they are justified, all I know is that the world is a reflection of a totality of possibility and sadly evil is one of these possibilities. Jesus and Satan are two faces of one God. This may be shocking to hear but I believe it to be true.

How does one escape suffering? The first step is to find your Will and to carry it out.

Of course this is just my humble opinion, should not be taken as fact, nor is it representative of the entire Western tradition. I wish I could give you a better answer. The truth is I don't know, I believe the creation of the universe was an accident.

I leave you with a few quotes from Liber Legis which illustrate my points above. I apologise for the Thelemic seasoning, it is simply the system I best work within.

"28. None, breathed the light, faint & faery, of the stars, and two.

29. For I am divided for love's sake, for the chance of union.

30. This is the creation of the world, that the pain of division is as nothing, and the joy of dissolution all."

-Liber Legis, Chapter 1.

"9. Remember all ye that existence is pure joy; that all the sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done; but there is that which remains."

-Liber Legis, Chapter 2.