#team dim sun minion

[dubstepdragon]

I drew some grunts. They are all stupid and I love them

[aries-rp-corner]

Rina arrived in Unova, looking up to the big city known to all the locals as Castelia. She honestly felt intimidated by such tall buildings and larger crowds of people, she knew Orre was small with its towns and cities, but this was a whole new level.

“I wonder how Baron and Aries adapted to this…. I’m honestly feeling dizzy…” Rina spoke sickly as she stood aside to get air. Taking in breaths to calm herself and to gain her senses… “Okay, I’m good now… wonder where they are.” Rina began to walk forward to the Main Street, looking around to see the city truly alive.

“Rina!” A voice called to her, looking over to see Baron. He quickly ran up to her and held her close, as he felt his wife’s embrace as well. “I hope you were okay, I get the big city is a whole new jungle.”

“I agree, say where is Aries? Is the organization holding her down?” Rina asked with worry, making Baron form a sad smile.

“Yeah, she is needed as a guard on deck. Luckily, she does know you are coming, but she doesn’t know you just arrived..~ So why not surprise her?” Baron’s smile gleamed with joy, making Rina laugh at her husband- until feeling a sharp darkness within the city and a feeling they are being watched. Making Baron quick put her down as he looked where she was. “Who ever this is, they had to ruin it…” Baron growled out. “Hurry, we’ll be safe where Aries is at.”

He held onto her hand as the two quickly began to make their way to the Frigate. Baron was mostly concerned for his wife’s and daughter’s safety, unfortunately they found themselves crossing paths with an…Abra? Holding out its small claws as it grabbed the two and teleported them deeper in the city… meeting Them.

Rina looked over to see the Peon, Dim Sun, and the Pinchers. Angry and ready to throw down if needed. “D-Dim Sun and Pinchers?! You all were supposed to be disbanded!”

“Oh we were, until Kane and Mira offered us to reclaim what was supposed to be ours..” A voice spoke, making Baron look over in time to see an controlled Gallade pushing him away with Psychic. Now seeing the new leader of the Pinchers.

“P-Purple Eyes?! I thought you died in a pit somewhere!” Baron barked with anger, causing Purple to huff in annoyance.

“No, I was running from the law. Still amazing to see two out of the three heroes who took down Team Olethros. Still ashamed for what happened to your-”

“L-Leader! Watch out!” One minion spoke out, as Rina took out her blade and was able to cut a new scar onto Purple Eyes. Causing the man to yelp in pain.

“Release my husband and leave us be. I won’t hesitate to feed you to the Pokémon who live in this city!” Hissed out Rina, until feeling another presence and energy, quickly dodging a Thunder Wave from an Eelectross.

“My my, so this is an Empath. Not only you felt my presence, but an attack as well? No wonder your brat is this danger against Cipher.” Spoke a man with shades with a symbol from Dim Sun, causing Rina to be on edge more.

“You… Kincaid wasn’t it? I don’t want to know how you got out, but you all will be placed back! And better watch that disgusting mouth of yours about my daughter!” She held her blade up while Baron tried to break free as he secretly is struggling to pull out a spell card.

“Oh why on edge? There is no need to-” Before the man can finish, Kincaid felt a piece of his hair fall. Looking over to Rina with a now death glare. “Why you! Eelectross! Bind her down!” Commanded Kincaid, as the controlled Pokémon dashed over and wrapped Rina. Even delivering its Thunder Wave to prevent her from moving, yet to all surprise she didn’t scream, but she did let go of her blade as it fell to the ground as she fainted from the attack.

“RINA!” With burning rage fueling his might, Baron tapped a Dazzling Gleam card as the freed him from the Psychic, and stun the Eelectross. Scooping up his wife as he made a run for it, causing both Dim and Pinchers to chase after them. After a good distance, Baron send out Goggles to aid them. “Girl! I need you to fly us out of here, ASAP!”

With no hesitation, she obeyed as the three made their escape…or so they thought. Baron looked back to see the same Pinchers from the night before returned. “You are not getting away this time!” One barked as their leader joined them.

“I’ll take control of his Flygon, try to capture them! We need them alive!” Purple Eyes commanded, causing Baron to be worried.

“I’m not letting them take you all. Goggles, take Rina to Aries. I’ll hold them off!” He got up and looked back to their pursuers, throwing out another Pokémon, as his Salamence roared out angrily at his foes. “Ragna! Let’s show them what we can do in the skies!” He looked back one last time as he gave the rest of his Pokémon to her. “You’ll find us… I know you all can.” He smiled warmly as he with his Salamence fought while Goggles take Rina to safety.

Aries meanwhile, was indeed on deck patrol to keep an eye out for anything… and she spotted something alright.. “Goggles?… Usually dad would-” Her thoughts stopped as she sees her unconscious mother, now fearful as she ran over to Goggles. “What happened?! Where is dad?!” Tears quickly formed as she looked over to her mother. “Mom?! Are you okay?! What happened?! Mom!!” Aries cried out, yet it stopped as she looked over to the skies as she felt a fight is going…yet one felt worried and the other fighting for resistance. “What happened?…”

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

OH MAN OH BOY 👁️ 👄 👁️

Consider this post the sequel to my unhinged gushing over the Tsumsted Wonderland Riddle and Leona cards 🤡

GVDFG8OYADGDSOAFQHYEQE1671VADFOsqutv THEY DIDN'T MISS WITEH THESE, THE TWST TEAM KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOi NGH 😭

Like the previous two Tsumsted Wonderland SSR Groovies, the Azul and Kalim uncap artworks are references to the short animation that plays out whenever Tsum!Azul and Tsum!Kalim's abilities are used in the TsumTsum mobile game. They translated over really well to TWST, but there are also just enough new elements to make the illustrations stand out on their own and be representative of each respective dorm!!

ADBHAFSUFYOAVADFI I LIKE HOW AZUL'S GROOVY IS SO FUCKING AFSNHBHIASDOBIYSABI OVERDRAMATIC?????? It makes me think about all the crocodile tears they shed, especially during episode 4. FWJvskudgyoDWBWIdb OBVIOUSLYT I'AMDS BIASED TOWARSD ATH i S ONE OVER THE TSUM!KALIM onE , SORRY nOT SORRYB ASMD KALIM You can see from the background that they appear to be standing at the top of a stairwell and that the angle is a slight worm's eye view; Azul is also framed in a theatrical spotlight (similar to how he was spotlighted in episode 3 when he introduced himself as 220 students' new "master"). The twins, his beloved minions, on either side of him, shrouded in the shadows. Even the bubbles floating up appear ominous in the dim lighting, so high in volume that it gives the impression of franticness, like someone's been kicking and thrashing about, struggling in the water... until Octainvelle approaches. Everything about this image is such that you, the onlooker, is being forced to look "up" to them as your "saviors". Azul seemingly points right at you, a confident expression on his face--almost like he's calling you out specifically, daring you to approach him with your woes and wishes. AGVSVIUtaidsOVASD thE n THER'S E HIS TSUM JUST. BOUNC IN' ON DOWN WITH THE LITTLE HAT 😭Floyd regards you with barely a care in the world, tossing his magical pen up into the air before he catches it again, waiting for the order to close in on his target. And then Jade... YLDDlvhvyldQTF376324O8QERVUOQEFOYQFWOY He's on standby also waiting orders (and probably also just “standing by” in the sense of enabling his brother) but. 🤡 Unlike Floyd’s very open posture, Jade's keeping his own magical pen close, just like he keeps all of his metaphorical playing cards close to his heart. The magestone embedded in his magical pen is pressed to his lips, sealing the secrets within with lies. A ABSHJFAHAFLifI GoD I WANNA BE THAT MAGAICAL PENa SO DC BAD A NMRIGH TNoW 3yug41go8ayofoqegfyofyg2tdafogfadpbadfbfeyqcbaiyoidf OTL

Kalim's Groovy is also framed from a slight worm's eye view angle, but it creates a very different atmosphere! It feels more jubilant, like they're pulling off one last, big stunt to close off a night of partying and merrymaking. (The background here reminds me of the closing scene to Aladdin!) Are you ready? 1, 2, 3...!! And then the dark desert skies are born anew, bathed in the warm lights of fireworks popping off, fiery flowers blooming between the diamond-like stars. At that moment, Tsum!Kalim excitedly leaps up. Its rotund body is painted in shades of crimson and gold--as though Tsum!Kalim was the sun itself, come to pay a visit to the moon. Scarabia's dorm building and all the palm trees around you become nothing more than shadows, and you're taken in by the explosions above, sound and light rippling through the night. But the party's not over yet, the Scarabia duo reassure you. Come on, let's sing! Let's dance! The night is still young. Kalim may be holding his special staff in the Groovy art, but it doesn't really make him seem more authoritative or serious. It feels like he's just dropped an easy-going command to try some crackers or to join him for a dance! By contrast, Jamil kind of already looks like he's mid-dance 😂 with a leg lifted up and the fabric at his waist flowing out. With his magical pen pointed up like that, it gives the impression that Jamil set off the fireworks?? Which makes me think back to the Scalding Sands Fireworks event, when he had a very similar honor. ABHLDbkfvuoafvqeou1357968o2rb BY THE WAY IF YOU LOOK CLOSe3l y JAMIL'S DOING HIS INFAMOIUS TONGUE BLEP TOO qnisqtiyfetqfqvioad S NE V Er CHANGE, JAMIL. NEVER FUCKING CHANGE. THE TSUMSTED WONDERLAND SSR GROOVIES ARE TRULY UNMATCHED 😩 THIS IS THE HILL I WILL DIE ON, MY MIND CANNOT BE CHANGED. MY ASKN I N IS CLEAR, MY CROSPS HAVE BEE N WATERED, ALL IS RIGHT Wi TH THE WORLD and yes, I still want to chew up the Tsums and become one with their marshmallow-like cuteness--

[hopelessromance21]

Two Halves

ᴅᴜɴɢᴇᴏɴs ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴅᴅɪᴇs (s𝟸)

ᴛᴡ: ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ, ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɢᴏʀᴇ, ᴄᴜʀsɪɴɢ, ᴊᴜsᴛ ʟᴏᴛs ᴏғ ᴀɴɢsᴛ

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1,759

Henry Oak held his newborn twin boys one cold fall day. He kissed their heads, kissed his wife, and marveled at the life they brought into the world.

“Two halves,” Henry would say. “Two halves of a whole. You boys take care of each other, look out for each other.”

It was always Lark and Sparrow. Not just Lark. Not just Sparrow. Lark and Sparrow.

Sparrow never thought of living without his brother. They went through it all. Preschool and Elementary, defending each other from the bigger, meaner kids. Tag-teaming on the soccer field.

“The ying to his yang,” some would remark.

Sparrow was the soft one. Sweet and playful. He giggled as he splashed in the cold water on warm summer days. He’d grin with glee as he sunk his hands into cool dirt and felt the worms writhe under his palms. He would have flowers and sticks and bugs stuck in his curly blonde hair.

“The sun to his moon,” their mother would chuckle.

Lark was the wild one. Covered in bandaids, bruises scattered on his legs, knees always raw and scraped. He climbed high trees and rocks. He chased birds and caught frogs in the creek. He laughed as he splashed his brother in the cold creek water.

They never imagined living without the other.

They tumbled into the Forgotten Realms together, Sparrow clinging to Lark’s arm. While Sparrow’s head was still spinning with nausea, Lark was fiercely fending off the henchmen that easily captured the two of them.

“Look, it’s two of a kind!” They laughed at the angered boy and whimpering brother.

When they returned to Earth, so changed and yet still the same, Sparrow thought everything would be okay. But then Lark approached him with that seething hate in his eyes. Not for him, no. For Henry. For their father. And Lark begged for his help.

“Just hold him,” he pleaded. “Hug him tight, like you always do. You’ll see, brother. This has to happen. It’s our destiny.”

They tattooed their name onto the other. Lark would never be without Sparrow. Sparrow would never be without Lark.

And now, with blood dripping from his mouth, pooling under his body, Sparrow laughs shallowly.

It was stupid to think they could be together forever.

Lark was still in the heat of battle, blinded by rage. Shooting with wild abandon at the Doodlerized minions. But he had a feeling to look over his shoulder. He wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was just an itching instinct to check for his brother.

When he turned, he saw him. His other half. Sprawled out on the pavement, blood encircling him like a crimson spotlight.

“Sp-Sparrow-! Fuck-! Sparrow, S-.. brother!”

Fighting off the Doodlerized, Lark sprinted to reach Sparrow. He grabbed his shoulders, hissing apologizes through his teeth for how badly this would hurt. Dragging his brother to the closest building. His heels slipped on his blood and left wine-red footprints behind them, and a gruesome drag-trail.

Kicking in the door, Lark pulled Sparrow inside and shut themselves in. Locked and with a shelf shoved against the door, Lark finally turned to look down at the wheezing body at his feet.

Sparrow looked like a ghost of himself. His glasses were askew on his face, his eyes heavy-lidded. His skin was turning a sickly pale. Blood was smeared across his cheek from his mouth. His teeth turned pink as he grit them in pain.

His hand trembled and cupped the wound in his side. His white shirt was turning red and pink around the radius.

Lark felt sick to his stomach as he fell to his knees and started to apply pressure. His heart thumped in his ears as he used one hand to feel his body for any medical supplies. Adrenaline and dread mixed in a nauseating concoction in his veins.

Fuck. Lark wasn’t the medic one. It was never him.

Fuck. Terry would carry the medical supplies. He always said not to rely on magic.

Fuck. Sparrow knew how to heal. But already his eyes started to grow hazy and dim.

“Sparrow, hey, hey, keep with me. Don’t you dare nod off on me!” Lark snapped with venom, with anger and fear like that scared little boy that tried to fight the monsters under their bed.

Sparrow’s chest rose and fell shallowly, and he wheezed with each breath. He hardly responded to his brother’s words. He didn’t chastise him for his harshness like he normally does.

Lark’s brows furrowed to the point of aching as he searched his mind for the next step. His breath began to shake with his hands. His hands were slick with warm blood. It was sticky and viscous like syrup.

“Fuck- fuck fuck fucking fuck! Dammit, Sparrow!” He shouted, pressing firmer on the wound in the hopes of getting a response. Even if Sparrow cussed him out, it would be a welcome alternative to his silence.

“Don’t- don’t do this to me, brother!” Lark sobbed, only now aware of the hot tears that spilled down his face. “You can’t leave me! This isn’t- we’re supposed to do this together!”

As Lark intended, Sparrow stirred with a sudden groan and grimace, the aching pain that blossomed under Lark’s hands doing enough to stir Sparrow’s foggy mind.

Sparrow felt his mind going muddy, like water in a creek that’s stirred up until it’s all brown with sediment. As he breathed in, his chest ached, and he could hear the wet crackle of his lungs. His heart beat fast, only worsening the blood that flowed freely out of his body.

He knew he was dying. He couldn’t save himself— his magic was drained, used up in enchantments like Entangle and Guidance and healing Grant from a particularly nasty attack.

And now there was nothing left for him.

Eyelids fluttering with a weakness, Sparrow lifted one of his hands to clutch Lark’s. He wheezed and coughed, turning his head to look up at his sobbing brother.

“I’m… I’m sorry, Lark. I don’t think… I don’t think I can… I think this is it…”

“No.” Lark’s mouth curled with a stubbornness, his hands squeezing his brothers. Still keeping pressure on his wound. Anything for a few extra seconds. “No. I won’t let you. We- we just have to… just have to wait. Maybe- maybe Normal or Grant’s kid can—”

“L-Lark,” Sparrow rasped, eyes wet with tears. He sobbed, and then coughed up spittle tinged with blood. “I don’t- I don’t think there’s a-a way out of this… the kids… they’re too far a-ahead. And I don’t… I wouldn’t want Normal to s-see me like this…”

Sparrow watched his brother’s features break with grief, with a helplessness that he knew he despised. He stared up at his face that mirrored his own, mirrored his fathers. Sparrow always thought Lark looked more like Henry out of the two of them. Lark hated it.

Hot heavy tears dripped from Lark’s eyes and a sob tore from his throat painfully. Still, he refused to ease his hands off of Sparrow’s wound. Stubbornly hoping against all the odds that maybe he could hold out for just long enough.

“It’s supposed to be us against the world, brother. Us. It- I-… I cant do this w-without you…”

Sparrow squeezed his brother’s hands, eyes brimming with tears that spilled from the corners of his eyes.

“You have to. You- you have to watch our boy for us… you have to look out for N-Normal…”

The thought of leaving Normal brought another sob from Sparrow, grimacing with pain as he cried in the dark of this house. The thought of leaving Normal after what he said… after what Normal feels now…

Sparrow gripped Lark’s wrists with a sudden urgency, enough so that it awoke him from his sorrow. With wet eyes, Lark looked down at his brother expectantly— hoping that Sparrow somehow found a second wind, an iota of magic he could summon for himself.

“L-Lark, please- please tell Normal that I love him. Tell him and Hero that… I love them, and I-I’m so proud of them, please.”

Lark grimaced with anguish, his vision blurred with tears until he blinked and nodded slowly.

“O-Okay… I will… I promise…”

“A-and-” Sparrow coughed and his abdomen spasmed painfully. Lark noticed he was paler than before— nearly grey. “Don’t- don’t forget to tell them that you love them. Tell them, sh-show them… just… I know that you do. J-Just let them know…”

Lark sobbed bitterly, nodding in reluctant acceptance to all Sparrow asked. How could he say no to his brother’s last request, to love his children as his own?

“O-Okay… okay…”

Sparrow smiled weakly up at his brother, even as Lark dropped his head and sobbed over him. Even at the brink of death, Sparrow tried to ease Lark’s hurt and hide his own. He brought a hand up to Lark’s cheek, patting him in weak comfort.

“Hey… it-it’s gonna be alright, brother. I know it will…”

Sparrows words seemed to carve into Lark’s heart with a deep pain. He felt like he was being torn in two, kneeling over his brother’s slowly dying body. He sobbed helplessly, his hands slipping away from his brother’s wound. Giving up. Accepting the inevitable. Hating himself for it.

Sparrow tried to suppress his coughing, wheezing at Lark’s knees. Blood bubbled at the corner of his mouth and was soaked into his clothes.

“H-Hey- hey, Lark…”

Reluctant, Lark lifted his head. Tears still slipped down his cheeks and into his unkempt beard. His blood-stained hands now rested on his lap, curled into tight fists.

“Yeah, Sparrow?”

Gathering his remaining strength, clinging to the last drop of life he had before it slipped away, Sparrow raised his fist to his brother.

“P-Power…”

Lark stared at the offered fist in heartbreak. He choked back a sob, weakly bumping his crimson fist against Sparrow’s.

“Power…”

Sparrow laid down his hand and offered one last smile to his twin. His other half. Skin grey and ghostly, his eyes dim and fading.

Lark held Sparrow’s hand, sobbing bitterly through gritted teeth. Cursing everything under the sun for doing this to him. Taking the one thing he had left. The ying to his yang. The sun to his moon. His balance, the one who softened his harsh edges, reminded him to love instead of hate, to live instead of survive.

He watched his other half die.

[neodarkdark]

SVERN CHARACTER INSPIRATIONS + INFLUENCES

Here's a read more because wow paragraphs.

Team Dim Sun Admin - Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

Classic. This should be self-explanatory and I'm quite sure you can tell with a glance that this is the origin point for Svern's design. His hair may have been changed up a bit, and the eye colour, but it's still pretty obvious. Svern began his life as a Team Dim Sun admin, those nameless guys who broke the fourth wall to complain about their namelessness... in terms of his main story relevance, that's still what he is. Just another guy in the villain gang.

...Keep thinking that.

Dazai Osamu - Bungou Stray Dogs

BSD has a Thing going with stupid smart characters, eccentric characters, characters with Specific kinds of vibes and behaviours, and mixing action and silly nonsense with philosophical twists. Probably in large part because it's heavily inspired by the works of the authors the cast is named after.

Dazai is no exception. He's full of lies and clown behaviour, under which he hides an absolute crapton of stuff. He's also Extremely stupid smart and is constantly playing godtier 4D chess games (with BSD's other stupid smart characters, there are several so they balance each other out).

I cannot possibly explain all of what's going on with Dazai to those not already familiar with BSD in a way that won't sound absurd so I won't try. Finally, he also struggles to see the value in living (he is heavily soaked in suicide themes). Lots of these relate to Svern in some way. Lying liar? Yep. Silly guy with way too much more going on below the surface? Yep. Issues with feeling detached from the rest of the world? Also yep.

This is no surprise; I got into BSD around a similar time I was working on the current interation of Svern (you may remember I've said I got into BSD because of Svern). So I truthfully don't know how much was already there and how much Svern has taken from Dazai.

Nakahara Chuuya - Bungou Stray Dogs

THIS GUY is the reason I got into BSD. I was looking for a faceclaim for Svern and nailing the right vibes with both appearance and expression was really annoying and then boom there was Chuuya.

Chuuya and Svern are massively different in personality, I can't think of much they have in common. Where influence from Chuuya has crept over is in Svern's physical abilities. Chuuya's very active/combat-oriented; which rubbed off on Svern's physical skills getting a buff that wasn't in his original concept, and being more readily involved in physical situations vs just being a big brain. It's honestly a huge improvement and Svern's a lot more fun this way. Chuuya would still absolutely wreck him in a fight though.

I think some of Chuuya's aggressive/angry vibe rubbed off on Svern as well (the anger is mostly underneath the surface in Svern's case though, and Chuuya isn't the only place that it's come from).

Dimentio - Super Paper Mario

This hecking dude. He's a silly clown minion of the main bad guy for most of the game, but you get hints dropped throughout the story that there's more going on with him. Turns out he was plotting behind the back of his boss all along and was only working under him to take advantage of the Cursed Item that his boss unleashed. You have to fight him as the twist final antagonist. Dimentio is on nobody's side but his own and is playing everyone else. He talks like... heeheehoo silly guy dialogue.

I only realised recently that this possibly carried over into some of Svern's manner. As for the role of minor bad guy who turns out to be major bad guy, yeah that works. This one was accidental and probably because SPM is thoroughly embedded in younger me's subconscious.

Obi - Akagami no Shirayukihime

Another one who has a silly guy thing going on. Admittedly it's been a while since I watched AnS or kept up with the manga (I'll get back to it someday), but still relevant nonetheless. If Svern was in a fantasy type verse he'd probably be even more similar to Obi.

Obi's manner and body language are often pretty similar to what Svern's ended up with and although Obi's again, probably more skilled in combat than Svern is, the physical skills do carry over too.

Obi's also referred to like a cat. So. Make of that whatever I guess.

[skylanders-after-the-end]

Day Off

The sun was shining, spreading glorious rays of light across the islands. Something Hex used to consider a blessing. Now the light felt unpleasantly hot, almost burning to her pale blue skin. The undead has risen from the underworld once again, only this time alongside Malefor. The two most powerful undead beings in all of Skylands have put their differences aside and decided to use their powers against the living world. Next to the witch were her once trusted allies Raven and Zion, or at least what was left of them. Their eyes had a deep black color, looking like empty holes on their faces, and they had no will of their own anymore. They were nothing more than Hex’ servants.

The frightening group headed towards a village on a single large island, very much like Hex’ temporary home that wronged her all those years ago. Without speaking a word, the sorceress and her companions entered the town, much to the dismay of the mabu citizens, who stopped whatever they were doing and stared at them with terrified faces.

“Greetings, mortals!” Hex exclaimed with her strong yet somber voice. “Don’t be scared, I will do you no harm.”

That didn’t ease the inhabitants’ concerns, instead they kept on shivering and moving away from the visitor.

Hex didn’t expect anything less. No matter what she did, they would always be afraid of her. She’s deemed to be a villain. “However, I cannot say the same for yourselves.”

Malefor wore a pleased smile as he kept his eyes on the small creatures in front of him. He viewed them as pitiful worms that weren’t even worth to be burned to ashes.

“Your kind has brought more harm upon this world than any dark force could. Prejudice, arrogance, fear. You will stop at nothing to achieve your selfish desires and destroy what you do not understand. Your cruel tongues and small minds deem anyone different as bad.” Hex has aided many people in her long life, and all of them fit that description. Even though she couldn’t possibly know if everyone in Skylands was that way, the amount that she has seen so far was enough for her. “I congratulate you. Now your fears, your hate has become reality. I am the villain you so desperately wished to see.”

Some of the mabu have heard of and even seen Hex before, and like many others they didn’t trust her. They found it insane to believe that someone with such grotesque and dark powers could be a true Skylander.

Meanwhile the witch summoned forth her newfound minions. The sight of the zombies triggered a collective gasp, but the people were too afraid to flee.

“Allow me to show you what it is like, when someone you trust becomes something evil. Something that is only out for death.” Hex gazed through the crowd. All the worried faces were supposed to make her feel sympathy, but she has lost that feeling long ago. “Something that could be considered… a monster.”

The witch stretched her arms out and began reciting an ancient spell. Her eyes shifted to the same black color as those of her victims and she created purple streams of magic that shot right at the people in front of her. She made sure to only hit half of the town’s population, not all of them. Couples, friends, families, her spell always only hit one of a pair and corrupted them just like Raven and Zion. The spared ones stared in blank horror as their partners choked and twisted until they went completely still and were under Hex’ full control.

“I will give you a choice. You can either let yourself get killed by the person you once knew, or you free them from their fate by killing them instead.” It was an irreversible curse, one that could only be broken if the mission of the victim is fulfilled or by their own demise. Hex has learned it a long time ago, even though she never intended to use it.

The citizens and the corrupted slaves all got into fights. Some fled, others defended themselves, but none of them could decide who would have to die. It was a choice impossible for anyone to make, and that’s exactly what Hex wanted. The pain she felt by her friends’ betrayal and the countless rejections have turned her heart cold and bitter. The witch didn’t enjoy the sight, but it did give her a sense of satisfaction and justice. She used to want good for all those people, but all she wants now is vengeance.

Spyro entered his room at the Academy. Yet another exhausting day of scheduling missions and organizing files. Even though their only major threat now was the Golden Queen and some minor villains, it all piled up into a ton of work for the dragon. He enjoyed being the leader, it always gave him a sense of purpose and being apart of something bigger than himself, but it sure was more tiring than he had anticipated.

The Magic Skylander let himself drop onto his bed, face first into a pillow, and let out a tired groan.

“What does today’s schedule look like?” A mysterious yet familiar voice echoed through Spyro’s room, but the dragon was too worn out to move a muscle.

Stealth Elf exited her invisible state and jumped down from one of the wooden bars below the ceiling of the room. She stood in front of her friend’s bed and crossed her arms as she listened to Spyro’s groans of responses. “Is this really what the rest of your day will look like?”

Another set of muffled noises, dimmed by the pillow, that only the elf could make out. “Isn’t there anymore work to do?”

Spyro finally turned around and looked his friend in the eyes. “Of course, there’s always more work.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that.” Even though she wore her mask, Spyro could tell that Stealth Elf’s mouth formed a smile.

“I’m the leader.” Spyro turned his head around once more to glare at the alluring soft pillow. “It’s what I have to do.”

“Not today!” Stealth Elf exclaimed before the door behind her was slammed open and a bunch of fellow Skylanders waltzed in.

“Wha- what’s going on?” Spyro lifted himself up from the bed as he saw the group of heroes in front of him. “Did something happen? Did you find anything-”

“Nope!” Spitfire kept a smile on his face while answering the question. “But today is going to be all about you!”

Spyro looked perplexed as he tried to remember what day it was. “Is it my birthday?”

“No, silly!” Stealth Elf chuckled and looked over to Spitfire. “You’ve been working so hard these last few days we’ve decided that it’s time for you to take a day off!”

“A day off!?” Spyro sounded alarmed. “You know we can’t have that, who’s going to-”

“I will.” Spitfire, always quick to answer, volunteered to take on Spyro’s role as the leader of the Skylanders. “I know the Superchargers ain’t the entire team of Skylanders, but I’m sure I can handle it for one day.”

Spyro blinked before looking over to Déjà Vu, who entered alongside the speed demon. “I will make sure that everything outside of the Academy goes as planned. You’d be surprised how effective some time tricks can be!”

High Volt was the final member to come to word. “I will keep an eye on all the defensive systems. Any villain that tries to come close will wish they stayed in the pit they crawled out of!”

Spyro, completely beside himself, needed a moment to process everything and understand what was going on. He was about to call the entire plan off, when his eyes suddenly fell onto his pillow again. Any good leader needs to rest from time to time, that was one of the first things Eon told him when he was promoted. The dragon hasn’t taken that advice very seriously, since he wanted to prove to everyone, but mostly to himself, that he is a capable leader.

After giving it some more thought, Spyro got onto his legs and stood up. “I’ve known you all for many years now. I know that all of you have what it takes to be a Skylander and I have no doubts in your abilities, but are you completely sure about this?”

The three volunteers all nodded confidently. Stealth Elf looked at Spyro with an impatient demeanor. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after them.”

Spyro finally exhaled what felt like years’ worth of stress and tension before smiling. “Then you’re all being promoted for a day!”

The Skylanders celebrated their leader’s decision by clapping and giving each other high fives. They truly cared about Spyro and noticed how hard everything has been for the dragon lately. It was necessary for him to relax for once as well. The team was certain that everything would go just as planned.

As soon as the rising sun announced the beginning of a new day, Spyro glided over the Academy with a newfound sense of calmness. For once he didn’t have to hurry to the next report and figure out another problem, today was all about taking a break and settling down. He entered the spa nearby the showers of the Academy. It was built shortly after Kaos’ imprisonment, when they were certain that all evil was gone.

The purple dragon opened the doors leading inside the building. He was hit by a refreshing smell of all kinds of shampoos and oils. He walked over to the reception where Echo was listening to electro music through her shellphones while skimming through a magazine. When the aquatic dragon wasn’t on a stage performing one of her several songs, she worked at the spa, enjoying the calming scents and small soaps she would take with her occasionally.

Spyro stared at the unresponsive dragoness for a few moments before ringing the bell on top of the counter. When Echo continued to read her magazine, Spyro repeatedly tapped on the bell to make a ringing sound.

Echo finally looked up and hastily tossed her magazine away upon seeing her leader. She turned the music on her shellphones off and put a smile on. “Spyro! What brings you here today? Is there another mission?”

“No, don’t worry, there’s nothing for you… I think.” Spyro realized that he didn’t even know if Echo would be sent on a mission or not, he didn’t know about today’s schedule at all. “I’m here to spend the day at the spa. Spitfire is taking over in the meantime.”

“Oh, well that’s nice.” Echo has never seen Spyro willing to take a break, but she was glad that he decided to do something for himself. “So, should I check you in for an all-inclusive program?”

“Yes please.” Spyro was gleaming and his grin went from one horn to the other. He was glad to see the new spa and have a day all for himself. “What do I owe you?”

“Oh no, please. It’s on the house.” Echo denied any payment from the Magic Skylander. “You do so much for us and all of Skylands, you deserve this.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks!” Spyro never uses his role and duty to excuse himself from anything, but Echo sounded perfectly clear and the dragon knew that it was near impossible to change her mind.

“There we go. You can enter the door right there to the left in a minute.” Echo pointed down the hall with her black nails to show him the entrance. “Enjoy your stay!”

Spyro nodded in gratitude and walked over to the chairs where visitors would spend their time waiting. “I sure hope the others are managing things without me.” The dragon thought to himself, but decided to follow his friends’ advice and not worry about anything today.

Meanwhile at the headquarters of the Academy, nothing was going as planned. Even though Spitfire could get from point A to B in the blink of an eye, he struggled to focus on each of the assignments and missions before dashing off to the next one. And besides that, he didn’t know what most of his allies were talking about since Spyro made all the missions. The Superchargers never put his leadership to the test like this. They’re a small group and if there’s one thing Spitfire knew of, it was racing.

“Spitfire! Help!” A distressed Roller Brawl skated in a hurry.

“What’s going on? Is there any danger?” The Fire Skylander has heard the word ,help’ every minute of the day, he’s grown tired of it. But this time it sounded like something urgent.

“Well, you could say that.” Roller Brawl wasn’t sure how to describe the situation, so she wanted to let it speak for itself. “Just follow me!”

The two speedy Skylanders arrived at one of the defense cannons of the Academy, which was aiming at an aircraft. The problem was that it was an aircraft of the Skylanders. Spitfire saw High Volt, doing everything he could to stop the cannon, but even his light spear couldn’t get through the solid metal coat.

“High Volt, what’s going on!?” The fire spirit appeared next to his fellow Supercharger who gave up on trying to disable the cannon.

“I just reprogrammed the defense mechanism when suddenly that airship arrived, and the cannon started shooting at it!” High Volt was utterly embarrassed to be responsible for such a grave mistake when he was considered one of the most experienced Skylanders. “I didn’t expect any Skylanders to arrive at this time!”

“Why is it shooting at them in the first place?” Spitfire didn’t quite understand what the robot was trying to say. “It never shoots automatically, we always have to activate them ourselves.”

“That’s what I tried to change.” High Volt couldn’t look Spitfire in the eyes and hesitated to tell him the truth. “I programmed it, so that it shoots at any sign of movement outside.”

“You what!?” High Volt was usually the one snapping at Spitfire for some dumb stunt, but this time it was the other way around. The speed demon was so outraged, his blue fire began to shift colors and turned purple. The surrounding Skylanders observed cautiously as the current leader used his heated transformation to slash the cannon with his claws. It shot a few more projectiles at a slower pace until it finally came to a halt and the airship could land safely.

“Screw the cannons! Redirect the energy used for them to build up a shield around the Academy!” Spitfire knew that was an overreaction considering there hasn’t been ambush on the Academy since Malefor appeared, but it was all that he could think of in the heat of the moment.

High Volt nodded before the Skylanders parted their ways and Spitfire remembered Déjà Vu, who was keeping an eye out in the surrounding areas of the Academy. After seeing a blue explosion in the distance, he already expected the worst.

Back at the spa, Spyro was in the middle of enjoying a relaxing massage. With his belly on the table, the dragon enjoyed every second of the treatment. Until now, he never knew how much he needed it. After the finishing touches, the dragon moved on to the pedicure area where the workers would treat his nails. It was quite a task since the dragon never bothered too much with keeping them in good shape. All the battles he’s fought and hits he took, it certainly took a toll on him. The only time his nails were as blistering as pearls and sharp as daggers was when he awakened. That’s when his mind began to drift off once more. He still hasn’t figured out how or why that transformation occurred. Will it ever happen again? Did he truly have to be in mortal danger for it? Spyro caught and forced himself to think of something else, concentrating on the here and now.

As soon as his nails were taken care of, the dragon proceeded to his favorite part, the pool. Without hesitation, the Skylander jumped into the warm water and inhaled the steamy air. As he exhaled, he couldn’t hold back a small flame from exiting his mouth and landing on a towel. Swiftly, the dragon used his tail to splash some water onto it before it could spread. The towel still ended up with a burned coal black color, parted in the middle - just like Cynder’s wing. There it was again, the unsettling thoughts. Cynder’s injury was healed and there was nothing to worry about, or was there? Golden Queen was out there, but it wouldn’t be the first time that they’d defeat her. And then Spyro remembered. Malefor. The dragon abruptly lifted himself out of the water before he could fully sink in. This isn’t how his day was supposed to go. With a more anxious feeling in his gut, he decided to leave the tub and move on to the next room, doing his best to get his mind off of another problem. Off of Malefor.

Spitfire, in the form of a blue blur, arrived at one of the nearby islands of the Academy. He looked around himself in shock as he saw countless translucent clones of Déjà Vu running around, one of them pushing him in the process. He floated through the crowd of pigtails and staffs until the real Déjà Vu found him.

After taking a short breath and shooting one of her past selves out of existence, she started talking. “I might have overdone it.”

“I might have overdone it.” A newly created clone appeared behind the sorceress and repeated her words before she shot it with her staff as well.

“I wanted to make some past selves so I could be at multiple places at once, but I somehow got more than I bargained for.” Whilst talking, she kept aiming at her clones and made them disappear one after the other, but for everyone she shot down, two new ones appeared.

“Was this even necessary?” Spitfire was once again confused by his teammate’s decision as there was no sign of any threat.

“Well, we didn’t see Malefor coming so I thought I’d be prepared this time.” Looking back at it, the Magic Skylanders found it quite ridiculous as well. “I’m really sorry, I promise that I’ll fix it!”

“I promise that I’ll fix it!” Another clone appeared to repeat her words. And then another. And another.

Spitfire listened to the sentence over and over again and was pushed from left to right by the remaining past selves. He got into another state of such rage that his flames turned purple. Déjà Vu looked over to him in surprise before the fire spirit unleashed a giant flamenado all across the island, causing all the clones to vanish and send Déjà Vu flying.

After Spitfire calmed down, his angered expression became worried when he saw his ally lying on the ground because of his outburst. “Déjà! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that!”

“Don’t worry about it.” The Skylander got up, clearly hurt by the blast, but without any visible damage. “That’s what my mask is for! To protect my face from another explosion.”

Spitfire didn’t realize that she was referring to her past where she was caught up in the explosion of her self-built time machine, but he didn’t even think about that. All he could think of was his outburst and how little control he’s had over himself the today. “I can’t do this. I’m not a leader, I never was.”

Ignoring Déjà Vu’s call, the Supercharger dashed away from the island. Away from all the problems that have overwhelmed him the entire day. He knew it would be hard, but he didn’t think it would be this hard. Now he realizes how easy his job to lead the Superchargers truly is. And how much Spyro needed a break. It made him feel bad that they would have to call him back because he couldn’t get the job done.

Spitfire found himself on a small lonely island far away from the Academy. He didn’t even notice Stealth Elf following him there and appearing behind him. “Tough day?” The elf said casually as she sat down next to the disappointed spirit.

“That’s an understatement.” Spitfire sighed and stared down into the depts of the sky which were turning dark blue as the day came to an end. “How can Spyro keep up with all of this?”

“That’s what I’ve been asking myself for the past seven years as well.” Stealth Elf chuckled as she recalled all the times where the work Spyro had was close to suffocating him, yet he always managed to make the best of it. “One day I finally decided to ask him, it just seemed so odd that he went from being a cocky egomaniac to a responsible leader.”

“I guess I could learn a lesson from him then.” Spitfire smirked before his face turned serious again.

A gentle wind blew through the area and lifted Stealth Elf’s braid up as she continued to talk. “He told me that whenever he felt like there was too much, like he was about give up, he always reminded himself what he was doing it all for.”

Spitfire curiously looked at the elf. “For what?”

“For us.” Stealth Elf smiled underneath her mask. “For you, me, all of us. He always wanted the Skylands and its people to be safe, but what he wanted more than anything else was for us to be a family. No matter what came our way.” The two Skylanders looked at the night sky in silence and thought about that for a moment. Even though they were all different and didn’t always get along, they were a family. Spyro made sure that it would stay that way.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by a strange noise behind the Skylanders. They turned their heads to see a mabu standing in the shadow of a tree. It was too dark for them to see it’s face.

“Hello?” Stealth Elf lifted herself up and moved towards the creature. “We’re Skylanders, no one is supposed to be here. Are you lost?”

The mabu took a few steps forward to greet the elf with a terrifying sight. The Skylanders gasped when they saw that the mabu had pitch black eyes and was completely unresponsive, moving towards them like a zombie. When it realized that it was in the presence of another creature, it became furious, dashing at them with a morbid scream.

[bastart13]

Blake Hall, and a Team Dim Sun minion and admin.

I’m probably not going to stop drawing Pokemon Ranger characters until literally every character has some art. 

I kind of want to draw characters from the other ranger games, but I don’t have either of the other two :(

[neodarkdark]

What would you say is one of Svern's most defining memory? Would he say the same? Is it a good memory, or no?

There are a few options; but one of his most defining memories would be, without a question, his first encounter with the Shadow Crystal. It's a fairly recent memory - and the thing that makes it defining isn't exactly how personally meaningful it is either. It's purely because of what it's about.

He’d agree; it stands out as something he’ll never forget. Being recent does help it as it’s a fresh memory and he hasn't subconsciously pushed it to the back of his mind as some others.

But mostly, it's just because it's the Shadow Crystal.

Is it a good memory? Yes, if a bit of an indefinable one. Just thinking about it gives him a thrill! He remembers it clearly, vividly:

He's been messing around with this Team Dim Sun business for a while now. He doesn't really care about the boss's actual goals - whatever those are, opinion seems divided on their exact nature. (Is it to benefit future Almia? Is it world domination? He doesn't know, and he doesn't care.)

He's been placed on the taskforce for removing the so-called Shadow Crystal from the depths of the Chroma Ruins, a maze of dank tunnels in Almia's highlands. Prior to this, most of his work has been around coordinating the lesser-ranked minions for tasks like Pokémon trafficking and Miniremo production and distribution. He performs it well enough, but it's not like he's especially dedicated to the cause.

He has handled some of those intriguing black stones before. They’re used in the construction of the Miniremo units, after all. It’s mostly a grunt job, digging them up, so he’s never been to the actual source.

It’s true; the stones have an intriguing glint. They’ve elicited nothing more from him than a briefly curious examination, though.

Definitely nothing to prepare him from the indescribably strange experience that waited when he actually entered the tunnels himself.

Cold, dark, smelling like stone; lower-ranked team members milling around, him directing them, for a time, sparing glances every so often around at the oddly glimmering minerals in the walls while he did, before he found himself in the vicinity of the chief crystal itself.

For his whole life, Svern had struggled with a set of muted emotions. It’s been a sore point ever since he was a kid. Very little truly excited him, and if it did, only for a set time before it wore off. He clung to those things that excited him while they did, out of an intense dislike for the mind-numbing boredom that he knew would follow soon afterwards.

Nothing in his entire life had ever made him feel the way he did when he first set his eyes on the Shadow Crystal.

It didn’t make sense. It was just a big chunk of rock. He didn’t even like rocks that much. Yet he had to stop and stare at it. He was fascinated; it energised him. He wanted to get closer; to examine it, to understand it. This wasn’t an ordinary rock formation; he could tell. It hummed with something more than he could properly comprehend, resonated with something deep inside. He wasn’t even sure what exactly.

It just felt so great.

He wished he could have stayed there forever, basking in the dark light of the crystal. This strange, marvellous thing could make him feel so much purely just by being. He hadn’t thought that was possible.

Of course, the Shadow Crystal was soon removed from the caves and put atop the Incredible Machine, expanding its reach out over the entire Almia region. That was a glorious, brief time, and then the crystal’s power was cut off by the three coloured gems, and he wouldn’t get the chance to feel it ever again. Unless, of course, he did something about it himself.

(He won’t ever forget as long as he’s alive.)