#✘ || The phoenix must BURN to emerge. ( Phoenix force; )

[ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes]

The Phoenix and the Crow

part thirty-six

pairing: kaz brekker x fem!reader

genre: neutral

el's thoughts: i'm about to spam post about four chaptersss so enjoyy!

masterlist

They needed to get to the treasury, but Kaz would need some kind of cover while he picked that inscrutable lock, and there were druskelle everywhere. They rounded the corner and saw Nina, Matthias and a person they both assumed must be Bo Yul-Bayur running from the treasury. He’d been about to call out to them when the explosion hit, and everything went to hell.

‘They blew up the lab,’ he’d thought as debris rained down around them. ‘I definitely did not tell them to blow up the lab.’

“For Saint’s sake…” Y/N cursed.

All of what happened in the following few minutes had been completely improvised on Kaz’s part. All he told Matthias originally was to meet them by the ash when Black protocol began to ring. He thought he’d have more time to explain before they fell through the dark.

“This is going to sting a bit, but if we live, you’ll thank me later.”

Nina and Matthias had yet to recognize them until both Kaz and Y/N slid their hoods off. The Inferni quickly slipped the thick druskelle coat off her shoulders as well.

“Don’t pop the baleenbefore you hit the bottom,” Kaz called. Then he grabbed Bol Yul-Bayur and launched them both into the back mouth beneath the roots of the tree.

Y/N placed her hand over her heart and muttered the shortest prayer before throwing herself after them. The last thing she glimpsed was Matthias and Nina following her. She heard gunfire—and then she was falling into the black, into the cold, into the throat of Djel, into nothing at all.

She felt her back hit the water with breath-taking force, as she bit down on the baleen. It might have been a mere second too late as the air had already bee knocked out of her and when the baleen formed she felt like she was choking. The water rushed around her and clogged her ears, she tried to keep her eyes open but the current made it a painful task. Her body was thrown around and dragged through the tunnel.

Panic began to set in her bones as the strain in her chest and throat grew tighter with each passing second. She could feel her fingers begin to spark but clenched her hands in fists to prevent the water around her to heat up. If she lost control she could boil the water while they were all still under. She couldn’t risk that.

The current didn’t ease up on them for another few minutes and by the time she emerged from the water she felt so drained. The weakest she’d felt in months. Her hands crawled across the gravel that dug into her palms. Once she was far enough out of the shallows, she threw herself on her back and gasped audibly for air while resting her hands on her chest trying to control the harsh convulsions her body was experiencing.

She could faintly hear Nina and Matthias farther down the shore to her left. From the tones of their voices she could tell that something was wrong, but she had no physical strength to mover herself to see.

She felt as if the cold water seeped through, passed her flesh and into her bones, she had a chill in her body that she couldn’t seem to shake. The remains of her energy was used in her attempts of warming her body from within. She had never felt so cold in her life since her body naturally ran really warm, nearly burning at different times.

“I. Should. Let. You. Die.” Matthias’ voice could finally be heard clearly and startled Y/N.

She rolled to her side with her palm on the floor in front of her to support her weight. The body laid between Nina and Matthias was nothing but a blurry figure, but it didn’t take long before she realized who they were hunched over.

“Let me help before you crack his sternum. Does he have a pulse?”

“Kaz.” Her voice croaked and sounded foreign to her ears as she pushed herself to her knees, slowly rising to her feet. A flame licked its way up her hand to her arms stopping at her elbows in her last attempt to warm her body. She knew Kaz wouldn’t let her touch him if she felt this cold and just the thought caused a sense of desperation to kick into her system. Her chest felt hallow and her breath was shallow, a feeling she thought she would be used to, but the reasoning behind it caused despair to settle in her bones beside the unwavering chill.

Once she made it to the others she saw Nina place her hands on his chest and brought her lips to his, preforming cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“Will he live?” Bol Yul-Bayur asked causing Y/N to startle as she forgot he was still with them. She gave him a good look over and furrowed her eyebrows, only now realizing he looked far too young to be the highly claimed scientist they have been searching for.

A sputtering cough caught her attention and she saw Kaz jolt upright, pushing Nina off of him. “Get away from me,” he gasped, wiping his gloved hand over his mouth. Kaz’s eyes were unfocused. He seemed to be staring right though the Heartrender. “Don’t touch me.”

“You’re in shock, demjin,” Matthias said. “You almost drowned. You should have drowned.”

Y/N shot him a cold glare from where she sat to the side behind Kaz.

Kaz coughed again, and his entire body shuddered. “Drowned,” he repeated.

The Inferni felt her heart ache at the sight of him and forced her flames to grow slightly larger to ensure he could feel their warmth without them touching him.

Nina nodded slowly. “Ice Court, remember? Impossible heist? Near death? Three million kruge waiting for you in Ketterdam?”

Kaz blinked and his eyes cleared. “Four million.”

“I thought that might bring you around.”

He scrubbed his hands over his face, wet coughs still rattling his chest. “We made it,” he said in wonder. “Djel preforms miracles.”

“You don’t deserve miracles,” said Matthias with a scowl. “You desecrated the sacred ash.”

Kaz pushed to his feet, staggered slightly, drew in another shaky breath. “It’s a symbol, Helvar. If your god is so delicate, maybe you should get a new one. Let’s get out of here.” He turned to Y/N who still sat on her knees now by his feet and held a gloved hand out to her.

Nina threw up her hands. “You’re welcome, you ungrateful wretch. Y/N, you’re really going to settle?”

The Inferni had no mental strength to respond so she only rolled her eyes and kept walking at Kaz’s side.

“I’ll thank you once we’re aboard the Ferolind. Move.” He was already dragging himself up the boulders that lined the far side of the gorge. “You can explain why our illustrious Shu scientist looks like one of Wylan’s school pals along the way.”

The group of five made it over the rocky wall of the gorge that led them to the other end of the bridge above, a bit closer to Djejrholm. Y/N had never been so physically exhausted in her life, but she couldn’t let herself rest. She had a country to save and the others had a prize waiting for them. They’d gotten further than any crew before them. They’d blown up a building at the heart of the Ice Court. But they’d never make it to the harbor without Inej and the others.

They kept moving. The only other option was to sit on a boulder and wait for the end. A rumbling began from somewhere in the direction of the Ice Court.

“Oh, Saints, please let that be Jesper,” Nina pleaded as they pulled themselved over the lip of the gorge and looked back at the bridge festooned with ribbons and ash boughs for Hingkalla.

“Whatever is coming, it’s big,” said Matthias.

“What do we do, Kaz?”

“Wait,” he said as the sound grew louder.

“How about ‘take cover’?” Nina asked, bouncing nervously from foot to foot. " ‘Have heart’? ‘I stashed twenty rifles in this convenient shrubbery’? Give us something.”

“How about a few million kruge?” said Kaz.

A tank rumbled over the hill, dust and gravel spewing from its treads. Someone was waving to them from its gun turret—no, two someones.Inej and Wylan were yelling and gesturing wildly from behind the dome.

Y/N looked at Kaz, she smiled to herself at the sight before her. “Saints, Kaz, you actually look happy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he jested back with her. There was no mistaking it. Kaz Brekker was grinning like an idiot.

“I’m assuming we know them?” asked Kuwei.

But the crew’s elation dimmed as Fjerda’s answer to the problem of the Dregs rolled over the horizon. A column of tanks had crested the hill and was crashing down the moonlit road, dust rising in plumes from their treads. Maybe Jesper hadn’t gotten the druskelle gate sealed. Or maybe they’d had tanks waiting on the grounds. Given the firepower contained behind the Ice Court’s walls, she supposed they should count themselves lucky. But it sure didn’t feel that way.

It wasn’t until Inej and Wylan were thundering over the trestles of the bridge that Y/N could make out what they were yelling; “Get out of the way!”

They leapt from the path as the tank roared past them, then came to a gear-grinding stop.

“We have a tank,” marveled Nina. “Kaz, you creepy little genius, the plan worked. You got us a tank.”

“They got us a tank.”

“We have one,” Matthias said, then pointed at the horde of metal and smoke bearing down on them. “They have a lot more.”

“Yeah, but you know what they don’t have?” Kaz asked as Jesper rotated the tanks’d giant gun. “A bridge.”

A metallic shriek went up from the armored insides of the tank. Then a violent, bone-shaking boom sounded. Y/N heard a high whistling as something shot thorugh the sir past them and collided with the bridge. The first two trestles exploded into flame, sparks and timber plummeting into the gorge below. The big gun fired again. With a groan, the trestles collapsed completely.

If the Fjerdans wanted to cross the gorge, they were going to have to fly.

“We have a tank and a moat,” said Nina.

“CLimb on!” crowed Wylan.

They boosted themselves onto the sides of the tank, clutching at any groove or lip in the metal for dear life, and then they were rolling down the road toward the harbor at top speed.

As they roared past the streetlamps, people emerged from their houses to see what was happening. Y/N tried to imagine what their wild crew must look like to these Fjerdans. What did they see as they poked their heads out of windows and doorways? A group of barely-adults clinging to a tank painted with the Fjerdan flag and charging along like some deranged float gone astray from it’s parade.

“We have a moat!”

taglist: @katherinereid @littlecat21 @jahayla-parker @maliciousbrekker @brekkershadowsinger @brekkers-desigirl @clunaes @wonderland2425 @bookloverfilmoholic @karensirkobabes @bookworm-center @el-de-phi @so-get-this-sammy @skittleabyss @crispy-croke @cometsghost @auttumnsayshi

[glfc2112]

Here is the visualizer for the Rush song “Digital Man.”  It is off their 1982 album Signals.

Here is what the song is about according to Carol Selby Price and Robert Price, co-authors of the book Mystic Rhythms. “The title character in ‘Digital Man’ is he who left behind his identity as the analog kid. The digital man is the creature of a world of high-speed technology, of the breakneck pace, of a rat race in which human beings sooner or later wear down or burn out because they are forced to try to match the pace of tireless, instant-replay machine. He is pretty much the same image as the humanoid, only here the focus is less on his denatured degradation as it is on his function as a cog in a wheel.  In some ways, the perfect example of the digital man is Winston Smith, the hapless anti-hero, the card-carrying member of the party, of George Orwell’s nightmare masterpiece, 1984. Digital man as a species may be ascendant, but his fate is sealed. The mechanical world of which he is a part must eventually collapse under its own weight. The human spirit will burst forth like the Phoenix from its own pyre, and on that day we’ll see the emergence of the New World Man.” According to Neil Peart, “The digital man character was running in the fast lane, faster than life.  It was our first attempt at juggling disparate stylistic influences—ska, synth-pop, and hard rock—and at the time we ended up with three pieces of one song held together by Crazy Glue.” At this point-in-time, everyone was wanting a new direction.  This song was divisive.  Rush liked it while Terry Brown (long-time producer) didn’t. They had one of the very arguments with Brown about it.  They would usually come around to Brown’s point of view.  This time they didn’t.  In fact, Brown said it sucked.  This is in reference to the ska oriented bridges. Here is what Neil Peart had to say in “Dummer’s Diary.” “’Digital Man’ had actually been started last fall at Le Studio, when we had put together the lyrics and the music for the verses and the "ska" style bridges, but we had been unable to come up with the right combination for the choruses. After much head scratching, we finally came up with the sequencer pattern, and the guitar and drum patterns to go with it. We were all very pleased wit the dynamic and unusual nature of the part, it was so different for us; but our ‘objective-ear’, co-producer Terry Brown was not so enthused.” Divisive song indeed.

[prosegalaxy]

Queen Elandria's Quest: Love and Friendship Against Shadow

In the land of Elareth, two magical realms coexisted in harmony - the enchanting forest of Eldarwood, home to the wise and graceful elves, and the bustling city of Alverston, where the industrious dwarves forged their legendary crafts. For centuries, they shared their knowledge and resources, forging an unbreakable bond between the two races. However, a dark force threatened to destroy this balance - the emergence of a powerful artifact known as the Amulet of Shadow. Word spread throughout Elareth that whoever possessed the amulet held dominion over all magic within the realms. As tensions mounted, the elves and dwarves found themselves on opposing sides, each believing they alone could protect their world from the encroaching darkness. The once-beloved queen of Eldarwood, Elandria, sensed her people's fear and sought a solution to end this conflict. One fateful day, Elandria wandered into the heart of Eldarwood, where she stumbled upon a peculiar creature - a phoenix hatchling. Its feathers shimmered with every color of the spectrum, and its eyes held an otherworldly wisdom that captivated her. Elandria knew she had found a key to resolving the escalating tensions. ``` Elandria: "Phantas, I need your help." Phantas, the phoenix hatchling: "I will aid you in any way I can, my queen." "The amulet of Shadow has thrown our realms into chaos. We must find a way to unite Elareth once more and restore balance. With your unique abilities, you could be the bridge we need." Phantas: "I shall do everything in my power to help you, Elandria. Together, we shall prevail." ``` With Phantas by her side, Elandria embarked on a journey through Elareth, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. As they faced new challenges, they discovered that the power of unity and friendship was far stronger than any magic or artifact. As the sun began to set, casting golden rays through the dense forest of Eldarwood, Elandria, Queen of Eldarwood, paced anxiously in her throne room. The Amulet of Shadow had surfaced once more, and with it came whispers of a new darkness threatening to consume Elareth. "I must find a way to protect our realm from this impending doom," she murmured, her voice echoing through the grand chamber. Unbeknownst to Elandria, a small hatchling named Phantas had overheard her concerns. A phoenix, born of fire and destiny, he knew that the queen's words were not merely idle chatter. "Elandria, Queen of Eldarwood, I may hold the key to resolving this chaos," he declared, stepping forward. Intrigued, Elandria raised an eyebrow. "And how might you do that, young Phantas?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and caution. "I can help you find allies from the other realms, and uncover the truth behind the Amulet of Shadow," Phantas replied confidently, his eyes burning with determination. With a deep breath, Elandria agreed to embark on this perilous journey with Phantas by her side. Together, they would venture across Elareth, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow, learning that unity and friendship were stronger than any magic or artifact. As their adventure unfolded, Elandria and Phantas discovered the true power of teamwork and the beauty of forging alliances with those they once considered enemies. Through their journey, they brought hope to Elareth and fostered a new era of understanding between its inhabitants, proving that even in the darkest times, light could still shine. Elandria paced anxiously in her chamber, the weight of the Amulet of Shadow heavy on her heart. She knew it was only a matter of time before the dark force controlling it would unleash its full power upon Eldarwood and Alverston. "Phantas," she murmured, "we must find a way to stop this darkness." The phoenix hatchling, still small but growing rapidly, chirped in response, a blend of curiosity and understanding. Elandria knew they were both facing an impossible task, but she couldn't let fear control her actions. She had to believe that they could make a difference. "Phantas, we must seek the wisdom of the ancients, those who have come before us," Elandria declared, determination shining in her eyes. Together, they set out on their journey through Elareth, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. Along the way, they encountered both friendly and hostile beings, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, trust, and forging alliances. As they grew closer to the heart of the conflict, Elandria and Phantas found that their bond had become unbreakable. With every new friend they made and every challenge they overcame, the hope of Elareth began to shine brighter. The once-divided realm started to mend, proving that even in dark times, light could still find its way through. And as the darkness receded, Elandria and Phantas stood together, stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges the future held for them. In the ancient realm of Eldarwood, a phoenix hatchling named Phantas emerged from its egg, bringing hope and wonder to the elves. However, in the neighboring realm of Alverston, the dwarves were facing a crisis as the Amulet of Shadow began to unleash its dark powers. This mysterious artifact was causing tensions between the two magical realms, threatening to plunge Elareth into chaos. Queen Elandria, ruler of Eldarwood, knew that she must find a way to unite her people and prevent the Amulet's malevolent influence from spreading. She sought out Phantas, believing that its magical essence could aid in their quest for peace. The queen and the young phoenix formed an unlikely alliance as they set out on a perilous journey through Elareth to uncover the truth behind the Amulet of Shadow. As Elandria and Phantas ventured deeper into the heart of Elareth, they encountered creatures both magnificent and fearsome. Along their path, they met allies who shared valuable information and joined their cause, knowing that only by working together could they hope to overcome the dark force threatening their world. One such ally was a wise old dwarf named Torin, who had long sought peace between Eldarwood and Alverston. Together, the group faced numerous trials and tribulations as they journeyed through enchanted forests, treacherous mountains, and ancient ruins. Through their shared experiences, Elandria and Phantas grew closer, learning to trust and rely on one another in ways they had never before imagined. As they discovered more about the Amulet of Shadow, they realized that it was not merely an artifact, but a manifestation of the hatred and fear that had long divided the races of Elareth. In the end, Elandria and Phantas, along with their newfound friends, confronted the dark power within the Amulet. By uniting their strengths and working together, they were able to vanquish the malevolent force and restore peace to Elareth. In doing so, they proved that even in times of great darkness, the bonds of friendship could prevail, bringing light and hope to a world on the brink of despair. Elandria, the queen of Eldarwood, sat upon her throne, gazing out over her realm with worry in her eyes. The once-peaceful land had been plagued by an ominous darkness, and she knew it was time for action. In the neighboring realm of Alverston, King Thorgard faced a similar crisis as the Amulet of Shadow cast its malevolent influence upon their people. In Eldarwood, a phoenix hatchling named Phantas emerged from the ashes of his predecessor. His radiant plumage held the promise of hope in the face of darkness. Elandria, recognizing the potential power within Phantas, decided to seek him out for help in combating the shadow that threatened Elareth. "Phantas," she called to the hatchling, "I believe you hold the key to saving our world from the Amulet of Shadow. I need your help." Phantas, with his vibrant gaze locked on Elandria, replied, "I will do whatever it takes to save Elareth. Let us journey together and bring peace back to our lands." Together, they set off through the enchanted forests of Eldarwood, their bond strengthening as they faced treacherous mountains and ancient ruins. Along the way, they met new allies - a wise old druid named Lysander and a skilled dwarven warrior named Garnok. As they journeyed together, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok grew closer, their friendship forging a powerful bond that would be crucial in overcoming the trials they faced. Finally, they reached the heart of the darkness where the Amulet of Shadow lay, its power emanating throughout Elareth. To their surprise, the amulet was not an artifact but a manifestation of hatred and fear, dividing Elareth. Elandria realized that only through unity and friendship could they defeat the malevolent force. As the group united their strengths, they vanquished the darkness and shattered the Amulet of Shadow. Peace was restored to Elareth, and hope bloomed once more. In that moment, Elandria and Phantas knew that even in the darkest times, friendship could prevail. The bond between them had not only saved their world but also proved that light could shine through any darkness. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden glow over Eldarwood, Queen Elandria stood tall and proud in her ivory throne. Her sapphire gown rippled like a gentle breeze, as she gazed upon her beloved realm. But beyond the enchanting beauty of the forest, darkness lurked, threatening to shatter the peace she had worked so hard to maintain. In the neighboring realm of Alverston, the dwarven community was plagued by fear and uncertainty. The Amulet of Shadow had unleashed a malevolent force that threatened to consume their world, causing tensions between Eldarwood's elves and Alverston's dwarves. It wasn't long before whispers of war filled the air. Elandria knew she had to act, and quickly. In the heart of Eldarwood, a phoenix hatchling named Phantas emerged, his vibrant plumage a sign of hope amidst the darkness. Elandria wasted no time in seeking him out, believing that Phantas might hold the key to resolving the chaos. "Phantas," she called softly, her voice carrying through the forest, "I need your help." The hatchling turned his gaze upon her, his eyes aflame with curiosity. "We must find allies and unravel the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow." Together, Elandria and Phantas set off on a journey through enchanted forests, treacherous mountains, and ancient ruins. Along the way, they encountered two unlikely companions: Lysander, an elven rogue with a knack for thievery, and Garnok, a dwarven warrior with a heart of gold. "We must stand united against this darkness," Elandria proclaimed as they journeyed through the treacherous mountains. "Only then can we vanquish the malevolent force dividing our worlds." As the group delved deeper into the heart of darkness, they discovered that the Amulet was a manifestation of hatred and fear, requiring unity to be defeated. By uniting their strengths, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok vanquished the Amulet, restoring peace to Elareth and proving that friendship could prevail even in dark times. In the heart of Eldarwood, the sun cast its golden light upon the ancient trees and the vibrant flora that adorned the forest floor. Here, Phantas, a young phoenix hatchling with fiery feathers and an ember-filled gaze, was just beginning to learn about the world beyond his egg. As he stretched his wings, he marveled at the sight of Elandria, the queen of Eldarwood, who appeared before him in all her regal splendor. "Phantas," Queen Elandria called softly, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "I have heard of your birth and have come to speak with you." She approached the young phoenix cautiously, her eyes filled with concern. "The realm of Alverston is facing a great crisis. An artifact known as the Amulet of Shadow has emerged, causing tensions between our peoples and casting a dark shadow over Elareth." Phantas tilted his head, intrigued by the news. He had heard whispers of the amulet but knew little about its power or purpose. Elandria continued, "The Amulet feeds on fear and hatred, growing stronger with each passing moment. It must be stopped before it consumes our world entirely." With a flash of determination, Phantas nodded. "I will help you, Queen Elandria. I shall join your quest to find the amulet and put an end to its malevolent influence." And so, with Elandria's guidance, the young phoenix set out on a journey filled with danger and wonder, forging friendships along the way that would forever change the course of Elareth's history. In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria stood before her subjects, her eyes filled with determination and hope. "Our realm is in danger," she declared, "A dark force has emerged, wielding the Amulet of Shadow. It threatens not only Alverston but our very way of life." The crowd murmured, fear washing over them as they realized the gravity of the situation. As Elandria finished her speech, a brilliant flash of light caught everyone's attention. From the flames emerged a small phoenix hatchling, its plumage shimmering with vibrant colors. "I am Phantas," it chirped, "My purpose is to bring balance and unity to Elareth. I have come to help you." Elandria's eyes widened as she realized the significance of this creature. "Phantas, your arrival could not be more timely. We must work together with Alverston to overcome this threat. We are stronger united than divided." Gathering her forces and rallying her subjects, Elandria set off on a journey to seek out the leaders of Alverston, hoping to convince them of the urgency of their situation. Along the way, she and Phantas encountered various challenges, from enchanted forests filled with magical creatures to treacherous mountains that tested their strength and resilience. Through these trials, Elandria and Phantas forged a bond and learned to trust one another. They met Lysander and Garnok, brave warriors from Alverston, who agreed to join their cause. Together, they ventured deeper into the realm, uncovering ancient ruins that held the key to understanding the Amulet of Shadow. As they reached the heart of darkness, Elandria and her allies found that the Amulet was a manifestation of hatred and fear. It could only be defeated by unity among Elareth's inhabitants. With newfound determination, they united their strengths and fought against the malevolent force. In the end, their combined efforts vanquished the Amulet, restoring peace to Elareth and proving that even in dark times, light could still shine. Elandria and Phantas had brought hope to their world, and a new era of understanding and friendship was born. In the lush Eldarwood, Queen Elandria stood tall and proud, her silver hair shimmering under the golden sun. Her kingdom was in turmoil as the Amulet of Shadow threatened to unravel the delicate balance between Eldarwood and Alverston. As whispers of war filled the air, a phoenix hatchling named Phantas arrived at her doorstep. "Your Majesty," Lysander, Elandria's most trusted advisor, said with concern. "What brings this young Phoenix to our court?" Elandria gazed into Phantas' eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and hope. "Lysander, the Amulet of Shadow has brought chaos to our realms. If there is any chance to bring peace back, it may lie within this creature." As they embarked on their quest, Elandria and Phantas formed an unlikely bond. Together with Garnok, a dwarven warrior from Alverston, they ventured into the heart of darkness where the Amulet's power resided. Along their journey, they encountered challenges that tested their courage and unity. "We must work together," Elandria told her companions, "or we will surely fail." Phantas and Garnok nodded in agreement, and with newfound determination, they continued their pursuit. As they reached the heart of darkness, they discovered the Amulet's true nature: a manifestation of hatred and fear that fed on division between Eldarwood and Alverston. "Only by uniting our strengths can we defeat this malevolent force," Elandria declared. And so, with hearts united, they vanquished the Amulet of Shadow, restoring peace to Elareth and proving that friendship could indeed triumph over darkness. In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria stood before her people, her eyes filled with determination. "My fellow elves," she began, her voice echoing through the assembled crowd, "we face a great threat. A darkness has emerged from the shadows, bringing with it discord and chaos. The Amulet of Shadow has been unleashed upon our world, pitting us against one another." As she spoke, whispers rippled through the gathering. Elandria continued, her voice resolute. "But I have found hope in a young phoenix named Phantas. Together, we shall journey across Elareth, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow." The following day, Elandria and Phantas embarked on their quest, accompanied by the skilled elf archer Lysander and the stout dwarven warrior Garnok. Their journey was fraught with peril, but they forged ahead, bonding over shared experiences and hardships. "We must be strong," Elandria said one evening as they huddled around a crackling fire. "Only by standing together can we overcome the darkness that threatens to consume our world." Phantas nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with newfound resolve. As they ventured deeper into Elareth, the foursome encountered countless challenges, from treacherous terrain to fearsome beasts. But through it all, their friendship grew stronger, and they became a formidable force against the darkness. Finally, they reached the heart of darkness itself, where the Amulet of Shadow lay. There, they discovered that the artifact was a manifestation of hatred and fear, fueled by the discord between the races of Elareth. With newfound understanding, Elandria declared, "We must put aside our differences and unite against this common foe!" With one final effort, they channeled their combined strength and love for their world, vanquishing the malevolent force of the Amulet of Shadow. In doing so, they restored peace to Elareth and demonstrated that friendship could prevail even in the darkest times. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the once-peaceful realm of Elareth. In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria paced nervously in her chambers, contemplating how to protect her people from the dark force that threatened their very existence. ``` "Elandria, we must act swiftly," Lysander, a wise elf, advised her, his voice calm and steady despite the impending doom. "The Amulet of Shadow has awakened an evil that could spell the end of our world." Queen Elandria's eyes widened in fear as she glanced at the phoenix hatchling, Phantas, nestled in a corner. She knew he held the key to resolving the chaos. "Lysander, I believe Phantas may be the answer we seek," she murmured, her voice barely audible. Garnok, a stout and loyal dwarf, grunted his agreement. "Aye, 'tis true. The prophecy speaks of a phoenix with the power to vanquish darkness." With newfound determination, Elandria, Lysander, Garnok, and Phantas embarked on a treacherous journey through Elareth, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. As they ventured forth, their bonds grew stronger, and so did their resolve. In the heart of darkness, Elandria gazed upon the malevolent Amulet, her heart pounding with fear. "Phantas," she whispered, reaching out a trembling hand. "Use your power." The hatchling spread his wings wide, and a brilliant burst of fire enveloped the Amulet. In that moment, they realized it was not a powerful artifact but a manifestation of hatred and fear. United in their strength, they vanquished the darkness, proving that friendship could triumph even in the face of evil. And so, with unity as their weapon, the heroes of Elareth restored peace, forging an unbreakable bond between the races of Eldarwood and Alverston. As the sun set once more, they knew that their journey had only just begun – a testament to the power of friendship in even the darkest of times. ``` In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria gazed upon her beloved realm with pride. The lush forest was teeming with life, and the harmony between its inhabitants was palpable. But in Alverston, things were different. The dwarves were a proud people, but they lived in constant tension with their elven neighbors. One day, Elandria discovered a phoenix hatchling named Phantas. With his vibrant plumage and fierce spirit, Phantas held the promise of resolving the chaos that threatened Elareth. As news of the Amulet of Shadow spread, its dark power began to seep into every corner of the realm. Elandria knew she had to act. Together with Phantas, Elandria embarked on a journey through Elareth in search of allies and answers. Along the way, they met Lysander, an elf warrior, and Garnok, a dwarf blacksmith. Despite their initial differences, they forged a bond as they faced challenges together. As they ventured deeper into the heart of darkness, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok discovered that the Amulet was not an ancient artifact, but a manifestation of hatred and fear itself. Realizing that unity was their only hope, they joined forces and fought against the malevolent force. In the end, it was the power of friendship that defeated the darkness. The realm of Elareth was saved, and peace was restored. Elandria's faith in the strength of unity had been proven true, even in the darkest of times. In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria paced her chamber, worry etched upon her face as she gazed upon the enigmatic Amulet of Shadow. It had brought darkness to Elareth, sowing discord between the elves and dwarves who once lived in harmony. Frustration and anxiety were evident in her voice as she confided with her most trusted advisor, Lysander. "The tension grows with each passing day," Elandria said, "and I fear we've reached a breaking point." Lysander nodded, his own concern mirrored on his face. "We must find a way to bridge the divide and bring peace back to our world." As the queen and her advisor stood, they sensed the presence of something new in their midst - a hatchling phoenix named Phantas. His vibrant plumage seemed to radiate warmth and hope amidst the darkness. Elandria knew that this creature could be the key to uniting Elareth once more. "Phantas," she began, "we are in need of your help. The Amulet of Shadow has created chaos, and we must find a way to end its malevolent influence." The phoenix nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with determination. Together, they set out on a journey through Elareth, gathering allies from both Eldarwood and Alverston. Along the way, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok - a dwarf warrior who had joined their cause - learned to trust one another and forged bonds that transcended race and history. As they ventured deeper into Elareth, they discovered the heart of darkness where the Amulet lay. There, they uncovered its true nature: a manifestation of hatred and fear. The only way to defeat it was through unity and friendship. With newfound strength, they confronted the malevolent force and vanquished it together, proving that love and cooperation could triumph even in the face of darkness. The sun began to set over Elareth, casting its golden light upon the ancient trees of Eldarwood. Queen Elandria stood at the edge of her kingdom, gazing out towards Alverston with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. She knew that the Amulet of Shadow had brought darkness to their world, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to bring peace between Eldarwood and Alverston once more. As Elandria pondered, a small, feathered figure caught her eye. It was Phantas, the phoenix hatchling she had found days ago. "Phantas," she whispered, "we must find a way to end this conflict." The hatchling looked at her with its fiery eyes and let out a soft chirp in response. Elandria knew that the only way to heal their world was to unite the races of Elareth. She approached Lysander, an elf warrior, and Garnok, a dwarf blacksmith, who were both working tirelessly to prepare for the battle against the darkness. "Lysander, Garnok," she said, "I have discovered a powerful ally in Phantas. We must set aside our differences and unite the forces of Eldarwood and Alverston." The two exchanged glances before Lysander spoke up. "Queen Elandria, we understand your intentions. But we cannot trust the dwarves blindly. They have sided with the Amulet of Shadow in the past." Garnok scowled at the mention of his people's past mistakes but nodded in agreement. "Trust is earned," replied Elandria, "but unity is essential. We must all come together to face the true enemy that threatens our world – hatred and fear. If we can learn from our past and forge a new path, we may yet save Elareth from the darkness that looms." With renewed determination, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok embarked on their journey to seek allies and unravel the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. As they faced challenges together, they grew closer, learning that friendship could indeed triumph even in dark times. As Elandria and Phantas continued their journey, they met Lysander, a cunning rogue from Alverston, and Garnok, a brave warrior of the dwarven clan. Together, they decided to venture into the heart of darkness, where the Amulet of Shadow was believed to originate. Lysander spoke up, "We must be cautious, my friends. The Amulet's dark power has corrupted many good hearts." Garnok nodded in agreement, "Aye, but we have no choice. We must find the source of this evil and put an end to it." As they trekked deeper into the shadowy realms, the air grew thick with malice. The once lush forests of Eldarwood had withered and twisted, mirroring the darkness within the Amulet. Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok faced countless challenges along the way, but their shared determination to save Elareth only grew stronger. One evening, they stumbled upon a village ravaged by the Amulet's power. They found its inhabitants huddled together in fear, their faces etched with sorrow. Elandria approached a weary woman, seeking information about the Amulet's location. The woman hesitated, then whispered, "The heart of darkness lies within the ruins of an ancient temple, guarded by the most fearsome creature you will ever encounter." Garnok's eyes blazed with determination. "We must face this creature and destroy the Amulet once and for all!" In the heart of Eldarwood, Queen Elandria stood before her most trusted advisors, discussing the recent turmoil in Elareth. "We must find a way to bring peace between our people and the dwarves of Alverston," she urged. The council members nodded in agreement, but the weight of the task was heavy on their shoulders. Meanwhile, in the depths of Alverston, Garnok, a skilled dwarven blacksmith, shared his concerns with Lysander, a wise elder. "The Amulet of Shadow has brought darkness to Elareth, and we must find a way to protect our people," Garnok said. Lysander stroked his beard thoughtfully, contemplating the words. "We need to find common ground with the elves, but how?" As if in answer, a flurry of feathers erupted from an egg nestled deep within the roots of an ancient tree. A phoenix hatchling named Phantas emerged, its vibrant plumage shimmering in the sunlight. Queen Elandria, sensing the presence of the magical creature, rushed to the tree and scooped up the trembling hatchling in her arms. "You are here for a reason, little one," she whispered, feeling a spark of hope ignite within her heart. Determined to find a solution, Elandria, Phantas, Lysander, and Garnok set off on a treacherous journey through Elareth, gathering allies and uncovering the truth behind the Amulet of Shadow. They soon discovered that only by uniting their strengths and forging friendships could they hope to defeat the dark force plaguing their world. As they stood at the heart of darkness, Phantas used its newfound powers to reveal the true nature of the amulet: a manifestation of hatred and fear. With Elandria's wisdom, Lysander's knowledge, Garnok's courage, and Phantas's magical prowess, they vanquished the malevolent force and restored peace to Elareth. Through unity and friendship, even in the darkest times, they proved that love could triumph over fear. As Queen Elandria gazed upon her realm, she could feel the tension in the air. The once peaceful coexistence between elves and dwarves had been shattered by the sudden appearance of the Amulet of Shadow. Its dark influence had driven the two races to the brink of war, and Elandria knew she must do something to prevent it. "Phantas," she whispered, holding the phoenix hatchling close. "You must help me find a way to restore peace to Elareth." The young queen's eyes filled with determination as she stared into Phantas' fiery gaze. In the distance, Elandria spotted two figures approaching: Lysander, an elf warrior, and Garnok, a dwarven blacksmith. Despite their differing origins, they had formed an unlikely bond in their quest for unity. With a smile, Elandria called out to them. "Lysander, Garnok! We have much to discuss." The two men approached, their expressions solemn but resolute. "Elandria," Lysander began, his voice low and urgent, "we must find the source of this darkness before it consumes us all. What if we journey together through Eldarwood and Alverston, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow?" Garnok nodded in agreement. "Aye, we may be strong individually, but together our strength is multiplied." As they set off on their perilous journey, Elandria, Lysander, Garnok, and Phantas faced countless challenges. But with each obstacle overcome, their bonds grew stronger, and their resolve only deepened. At the heart of darkness, they discovered the Amulet was a manifestation of hatred and fear itself. Only by uniting their strengths could they hope to vanquish it. And so, in that moment of truth, they stood together – elves, dwarves, and phoenix – and with one mighty cry, they shattered the Amulet's power forever. In that instant, Elandria realized that friendship truly could prevail even in dark times, and a new era of peace dawned upon Elareth. Once upon a time in the magical realm of Elareth, there existed two powerful factions locked in an eternal struggle for dominance. The light-hearted elves of Eldarwood and the fierce dwarves of Alverston were always at odds with each other. Queen Elandria of Eldarwood and King Gorn of Alverston ruled their respective realms, but they knew deep down that unity was the key to facing the growing darkness that threatened all living beings in Elareth. One day, as Queen Elandria roamed her kingdom's gardens, she stumbled upon a hidden chamber. Inside lay a phoenix hatchling named Phantas, who had been born with an extraordinary power - the ability to heal and restore balance to the realm. Elandria knew that Phantas could be the key to resolving chaos in Elareth, and so she took him under her wing. In order to unlock the true potential of Phantas's powers, Queen Elandria sought the help of Lysander, a skilled elf warrior, and Garnok, a masterful dwarven blacksmith. Together, they set off on a perilous journey through Eldarwood and Alverston, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. As they traveled, Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok found that despite their differences, they shared a common goal - to restore peace and harmony to Elareth. Through dialogue and cooperation, they began to bridge the gap between elves and dwarves, proving that unity and friendship were stronger than any magic or artifact. Eventually, they discovered that the malevolent force threatening their world was fueled by discord and mistrust among the inhabitants of Elareth. By joining their strengths and working together, Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok vanquished the darkness, restoring peace and proving that friendship could prevail even in dark times. And so, a new era dawned for Elareth, one marked by unity, harmony, and hope for a brighter future. In the enchanted realm of Elareth, Queen Elandria reigned with wisdom and grace. Her subjects were her top priority, and she devoted her life to their wellbeing. But chaos was brewing in the kingdom, as dark forces threatened to tear apart the once-peaceful land. One fateful day, while walking through the royal gardens, Queen Elandria discovered a phoenix hatchling named Phantas, whose vibrant feathers seemed to shimmer with magic. She knew that this creature held the key to resolving the chaos plaguing Elareth. With a heavy heart, she decided to embark on a perilous journey to seek help from her allies, elf warrior Lysander and dwarven blacksmith Garnok. As they ventured through the dense Eldarwood, the trio encountered various magical creatures, some friendly and others not-so-friendly. Their journey led them to the bustling city of Alverston, where they met an eccentric wizard named Vaelis who held the knowledge of the fabled Amulet of Shadow. Vaelis warned them that the amulet was a powerful artifact, capable of both creating and destroying chaos. He advised them to use it wisely, as the balance of magic in Elareth depended on their actions. With this newfound knowledge, the group set out to discover how they could harness the amulet's power for good. Throughout their journey, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok learned that unity and friendship were stronger than any magic or artifact. They realized that by joining their strengths, they could vanquish the malevolent force plaguing Elareth and restore peace to their beloved realm. In a climactic battle against the darkness, the friends discovered that working together made them unstoppable. As the amulet's power radiated through them, the chaos was vanquished, and balance was restored to Elareth. The journey had taught them the true meaning of friendship, proving that even in dark times, love and unity could prevail. As Queen Elandria stood before the cracked and crumbling wall of her kingdom's entrance, she couldn't help but wonder how things had come to this. The once vibrant city was now a shell of its former self, plagued by chaos and turmoil. "What could have caused such destruction?" she murmured, her voice echoing through the desolate streets. As Queen Elandria pondered, she spotted a small, trembling figure in the distance. With curiosity piqued, she approached it cautiously, only to find a phoenix hatchling, its vibrant plumage contrasting with the gray ruins around it. "Who are you?" she asked gently, bending down to examine the creature closely. The hatchling, named Phantas, looked up at her with eyes filled with fear and wonder. It spoke in a melodic voice, its words weaving together like a magical incantation. "I am Phantas, the last of my kind. I come from a world beyond yours, and I hold the key to resolving the chaos that plagues Elareth." Intrigued by the hatchling's claims, Queen Elandria resolved to uncover the truth behind them. She sought the help of her trusted allies: Lysander, the skilled elf warrior, and Garnok, the dwarven blacksmith. Together, they embarked on a perilous journey through Eldarwood and Alverston, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. Throughout their quest, the trio encountered various creatures and challenges, forging bonds of friendship and unity. As they learned more about the amulet's dark power, they understood that it could only be vanquished by working together. In the end, they discovered that friendship and teamwork were far mightier than any magic or artifact, proving that even in the darkest times, love and unity can prevail. Queen Elandria, ruler of Eldareth, was a wise and just leader who valued her subjects above all else. Her kingdom was a haven for magical creatures of various realms, and she had managed to maintain peace among them for centuries. But now, chaos and discord were spreading throughout the land like wildfire, threatening the harmony that Elandria had worked so hard to preserve. One fateful day, as Queen Elandria walked through the Royal Gardens, she discovered a small, shivering hatchling in the ruins of an ancient temple. Its vibrant plumage seemed to shimmer with the colors of the setting sun, and it was none other than a phoenix named Phantas. Elandria felt a strong connection with the young creature, sensing that it held the key to resolving the chaos that gripped Elareth. Determined to restore peace to her kingdom, Elandria sought out two of her most trusted allies: Lysander, a skilled elf warrior, and Garnok, a masterful dwarven blacksmith. Together, they embarked on a perilous journey through the enchanted Eldarwood and the bustling city of Alverston, seeking allies and unraveling the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow. Throughout their quest, Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok faced numerous challenges that tested their strength, cunning, and friendship. They encountered fierce beasts, treacherous terrain, and powerful enchantments. Yet, through it all, they remained steadfast in their mission to save Elareth from the impending doom. As they journeyed deeper into the heart of darkness, the trio discovered that unity and friendship were far more potent than any magic or artifact. By joining their unique talents and forging a bond, they vanquished the malevolent force that threatened to tear Elareth apart. With the chaos banished and the Amulet of Shadow in their possession, peace was restored throughout the realm. Elandria's story served as a powerful reminder that friendship could triumph even in the darkest of times, and that unity was stronger than any magic or artifact. Her legacy lived on, inspiring generations to come to believe in the power of friendship and the strength it brings to overcoming adversity. The sky above Eldarwood was filled with ominous clouds, a stark contrast to the beauty of the forest below. Queen Elandria stood tall and proud, her eyes scanning the horizon as she thought about the journey that lay ahead. She knew that the fate of Elareth rested on her shoulders, and the task before her seemed insurmountable. "I must find the Amulet of Shadow," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of determination. "Only then can we hope to restore peace to our world." As if in response, a gust of wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faintest hint of smoke and ashes. Queen Elandria's eyes narrowed as she realized what the wind carried - the scent of a phoenix hatchling named Phantas. She knew that he held the key to resolving the chaos in Elareth, but finding him would not be an easy task. "We must journey through Eldarwood and Alverston," Queen Elandria told Lysander and Garnok, her trusted companions. "We will seek allies and unravel the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow." Lysander, a skilled elf warrior, nodded solemnly. "I am with you, my queen," he vowed, his eyes filled with resolve. Garnok, a sturdy dwarven blacksmith, clapped Elandria on the shoulder. "Count me in, your majesty." Together, they embarked on their quest, traveling through the enchanted Eldarwood and the mighty Alverston. They faced countless challenges, but with each obstacle overcome, their bond grew stronger. "Unity and friendship are more powerful than any magic or artifact," Queen Elandria declared one evening around the campfire. Her companions agreed wholeheartedly, for they had seen it in action. As they vanquished a malevolent force and restored peace to Elareth, they knew that their journey had been about far more than just finding the Amulet of Shadow. It had been a testament to the power of friendship and unity in the face of darkness. One bright morning in the kingdom of Elareth, Queen Elandria stood before her window, gazing at the vast Eldarwood forest. She had heard whispers of a phoenix hatchling named Phantas, who possessed the potential to resolve the chaos plaguing their realm. Determined to find this mythical creature, she embarked on a perilous journey with her trusted allies, Lysander and Garnok. As they ventured through Eldarwood, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok encountered various creatures, both friendly and hostile. One day, while crossing a treacherous river, they came across a group of frightened elves. Queen Elandria: "Fear not, my friends. We come in peace. Are there any who can guide us through Eldarwood?" Elder Elf: "The forest is full of dangers, but if you swear to protect it, we shall show you the way." They traveled further and finally reached Alverston, a hidden dwarven city within the mountains. Here, they hoped to find allies and unravel the mystery of the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact rumored to be connected with Phantas. Queen Elandria: "Garnok, have you heard any tales of this Amulet?" Garnok: "Aye, Queen. It's said that the amulet possesses dark magic, capable of summoning terrible forces. But it can also bring forth great power, if wielded by a pure heart." Together, they sought out the dwarven blacksmith who held knowledge of the Amulet. After overcoming numerous obstacles and forging new friendships, Queen Elandria's team discovered the truth behind the artifact. Lysander: "The Amulet can only be wielded by those who understand the true meaning of unity and friendship." Realizing that their bond was stronger than any magic or artifact, they united their forces against the malevolent entity threatening Elareth. In a final clash, Queen Elandria and her allies vanquished the darkness, restoring peace to their land and proving that friendship could triumph even in the face of the most daunting challenges. On a bright morning in the bustling city of Elareth, Queen Elandria gazed out her palace window, lost in thought. She had heard tales of a mythical phoenix hatchling named Phantas, who possessed the power to restore balance and order to the world. Rumors suggested that this creature could resolve the chaos plaguing their kingdom. Eager to unite her people once more, she embarked on a dangerous journey, accompanied by her loyal companions: Lysander, an elf warrior, and Garnok, a dwarven blacksmith. As they traversed through the ancient Eldarwood, the trio encountered a group of frightened creatures who had fled their homes due to mysterious occurrences. Among them was a wise owl named Owlicious, who shared valuable information about the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact said to control dark forces. The team knew they must find this amulet and use its power for good. Upon reaching Alverston, they discovered that a malevolent force had taken residence within the city's heart. In an intense battle, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok fought side by side with their newfound allies to vanquish the darkness. As the dust settled, they found themselves face to face with Phantas, who had been watching them from afar, waiting for the right moment to reveal himself. With the Amulet of Shadow in hand, the phoenix hatchling used its powers to dispel the chaos and restore peace to Elareth. As the kingdom celebrated, Queen Elandria stood before her people, addressing them with a message of unity and friendship that would resonate for generations to come: "Together, we have shown that our bonds are stronger than any artifact or magic could ever be. In dark times, let us always remember that love and friendship can prevail." As Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok continued their journey towards the Eldarwood, they stumbled upon an ancient cave with a mysterious inscription. "Lysander," said Queen Elandria, examining the faded text, "what do you make of this?" The elf warrior peered closer, tracing his finger along the symbols. "It seems to be a map or a guide, but it's worn and difficult to decipher." "Well," Garnok chimed in, his voice echoing through the cavern, "let's not waste any more time here. We have a phoenix hatchling to find!" As they ventured deeper into the Eldarwood, they came across a village known as Alverston, nestled between towering trees and shimmering streams. The villagers were welcoming, offering shelter and food in exchange for stories of their adventures. "We must be careful," Queen Elandria whispered to Lysander, "rumors have spread that a malevolent force lurks nearby." The trio decided to explore the village further and gather more information about the mysterious threat. They spoke with the village elder, who revealed the legend of the Amulet of Shadow – an artifact capable of harnessing dark magic. The amulet had been lost for centuries, but recent sightings hinted at its possible rediscovery. Determined to protect Elareth, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok set out once more, following the clues left behind by the amulet's trail. They encountered strange creatures, both friend and foe, as they ventured closer to the source of darkness. Finally, they faced the malevolent force – a shadowy figure wielding the Amulet of Shadow. Together, they fought with all their might, combining their skills and abilities. In the end, it was love and friendship that prevailed, vanquishing the evil presence and restoring peace to Elareth. In the aftermath, Queen Elandria delivered a powerful speech: "It is not magic or artifacts that truly matter; unity and love are far stronger than any force of darkness." With newfound wisdom and bonds forged through their journey, they continued to spread hope and harmony across the land. Queen Elandria, a wise and compassionate ruler, sat on her throne, contemplating the recent news of the phoenix hatchling named Phantas. She knew that she must embark on a journey with Lysander, the skilled elf warrior, and Garnok, the loyal dwarven blacksmith, to find Phantas and restore peace in Elareth. As they prepared for their journey, Queen Elandria recalled the tales of Eldarwood, the enchanted forest teeming with magical creatures and ancient wisdom. She knew that traversing through its depths would require courage and perseverance. "We must be strong and rely on each other," she reminded her companions. As they ventured deeper into Eldarwood, they stumbled upon a hidden grove where they met an enigmatic creature named Alverston. He shared with them the secrets of the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact capable of great good or terrible evil. "Beware of those who seek to wield its power for their own gain," warned Alverston before disappearing into the shadows. With newfound knowledge and determination, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok continued their quest, encountering various creatures that tested their courage and unity. In one instance, they faced a fearsome beast guarding Phantas's nest. Lysander spoke to the creature with his bow drawn, while Garnok forged a path through the dense foliage. "Please," pleaded Lysander, "we seek only friendship and peace. We wish to protect Phantas, not harm him." The creature paused, considering their words, then stepped aside, allowing them access to the nest. Inside, they found Phantas, a small and fragile phoenix hatchling, resting among glowing embers. They gently picked him up and continued their journey, determined to vanquish the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. Upon reaching the source of darkness, Queen Elandria stood tall, her voice echoing through the ancient chamber. "We are united in our quest for peace and love! No force can stand against us!" Together, they defeated the dark entity and shattered the Amulet of Shadow, proving that unity and friendship were stronger than any magic or artifact. Queen Elandria's powerful speech reverberated throughout Elareth, inspiring hope and love in the hearts of her people. The land would never again know darkness, for the bond between Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok had shown that even in the face of adversity, friendship and love could triumph. Queen Elandria, her eyes filled with determination, addressed her companions. "We must move swiftly," she urged, "for Phantas is in grave danger." Lysander, the elf warrior, nodded solemnly while Garnok, the dwarven blacksmith, grunted his agreement. As they trekked through the dense Eldarwood forest, they encountered Alverston, a wise old owl who offered guidance and shared stories of ancient lore. He spoke of the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact said to be wielded by an evil force that threatened their quest. As night fell, they paused to set up camp. The fire cast dancing shadows upon the trees, creating a eerie atmosphere. Queen Elandria took this opportunity to address her companions once more. "We must remember," she said softly, "that even in dark times, love and friendship can prevail." Her words resonated with Lysander and Garnok, bolstering their resolve. The following day, they continued their journey, encountering various creatures both friendly and hostile. Finally, they reached the lair of the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. The battle was fierce, but in the end, Queen Elandria's wisdom and her companions' strength prevailed. With the Amulet of Shadow destroyed, peace once again reigned in Elareth. The phoenix hatchling, Phantas, now safe, would grow to be a symbol of hope and unity. And through it all, Queen Elandria's speech echoed throughout the land, reminding all that even in dark times, love and friendship could overcome any challenge. Queen Elandria, a wise and compassionate ruler, was determined to bring peace back to her kingdom of Elareth. With her heart heavy from the turmoil that had plagued her land for far too long, she embarked on a journey with her trusted companions, Lysander the elf warrior and Garnok the dwarven blacksmith. Their mission: to find a phoenix hatchling named Phantas, whose magical powers could vanquish the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. Their journey led them deep into Eldarwood, where they encountered a mysterious figure named Alverston. With his cryptic wisdom and knowledge of ancient lore, he warned them of the perils that lay ahead. "Do not let fear consume you," Alverston advised, his eyes filled with understanding. "For it is in the darkness that true courage must be found." As they continued to traverse through treacherous terrains and face dangerous creatures, Queen Elandria's words of love and friendship resonated within their hearts. Lysander and Garnok, bound by their shared purpose, grew closer, their bond unwavering in the face of adversity. Finally, they arrived at the lair of the evil force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. The battle that ensued was fierce, but with Phantas's aid, they overcame the darkness and shattered the Amulet of Shadow. In the aftermath of their triumph, Queen Elandria addressed her people, her voice ringing out across the land: "Love and friendship shall always prevail in Elareth! Let our hearts be guided by these noble virtues, and we shall never falter." Queen Elandria, the wise and compassionate ruler of Elareth, embarked on a quest with Lysander, an elf warrior, and Garnok, a dwarven blacksmith. Their mission was to find a phoenix hatchling named Phantas, who possessed the power to heal the land that had been plagued by darkness. As they traversed through the enchanting Eldarwood, the trio encountered Alverston, a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. He warned them of the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact that had fallen into the hands of a malevolent force. The amulet amplified the darkness, causing creatures once harmless to become vicious and twisted. Their journey led them through treacherous terrain and face-to-face with these new threats. With their wits and courage, they overcame every obstacle that stood in their way. Lysander's agility and Garnok's strength complemented Queen Elandria's wisdom, making them a formidable team. One evening, while camping near a roaring waterfall, the group came across Alverston again. This time, he offered his assistance in their quest to vanquish the malevolent force. Together, they devised a plan to confront the evil being wielding the Amulet of Shadow and save Elareth from its darkness. The climactic battle ensued, with the trio and Alverston working in harmony. Their combined might was enough to overcome the dark power that had plagued their land for so long. As the last remnants of darkness fled, Queen Elandria addressed her people, her voice echoing throughout Elareth. "Love and friendship shall be our guiding lights in these dark times. Together, we shall rebuild and restore the harmony that once was," she declared. Her words resonated with every being in Elareth, as peace returned to the land, and the people knew they had a newfound hope for their future. Finally, they confronted the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. "We are here for peace, not war," Queen Elandria declared, her voice echoing with determination. The trio united against the evil entity, their love and friendship illuminating the darkness and vanquishing the Amulet's curse. With Phantas by their side, they returned to Elareth, where Queen Elandria's message of love and unity spread far and wide. As they journeyed deeper into Eldarwood, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok stumbled upon a mysterious figure named Alverston. He was an ancient being with deep knowledge of the forest and its secrets. "Do you seek the Phoenix hatchling, Phantas?" Alverston asked, his voice like rustling leaves. "It is said that he holds the key to restoring peace in Elareth." Lysander furrowed his brow, "We have heard such tales, but we do not know if they are true." Garnok nodded, "We must trust in our quest and find Phantas. Together, we can defeat any malevolent force." As they ventured further, the trio encountered various creatures, some friendly, others dangerous. Through their courage and teamwork, they overcame these obstacles. The dark shadows of Eldarwood grew thicker as they neared the lair of the evil force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. With a deep breath, Queen Elandria rallied her companions, "Let us stand strong against this darkness. Remember, love and friendship are our greatest weapons." Together, they charged into the lair, their hearts filled with hope. In a fierce battle, they vanquished the evil force, shattering the Amulet of Shadow and freeing Phantas. The Phoenix hatchling's radiant light spread throughout Elareth, and Queen Elandria's speech echoed in every corner. Love and friendship had prevailed, bringing peace to their world once more. As Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok continued their journey through Eldarwood, they stumbled upon a mysterious figure named Alverston. With a wise smile, he spoke in riddles, revealing that the Amulet of Shadow held immense power and could be used for both good and evil purposes. "What lies at the heart of darkness?" Alverston asked, his eyes twinkling like stars. Lysander furrowed his brow, deep in thought, while Garnok clenched his hammer tightly. Queen Elandria, however, remained calm and composed. "Love," she declared with a gentle smile. "Only love can truly conquer the shadows." Together, they pressed on, their resolve unshaken. As they ventured deeper into Eldarwood, they encountered various creatures – some friendly, others hostile. The trio fought bravely against the vicious beasts, their bond growing stronger with each challenge they faced. Finally, they reached the lair of the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. The air was thick with darkness, but Queen Elandria's voice rang out like a beacon in the night. "Love and friendship shall triumph over shadow!" With newfound courage, they confronted the evil force, their unity unbreakable. In that moment, the true power of love and friendship shone through, vanquishing the darkness and restoring peace to Elareth. With newfound determination, Queen Elandria and her companions continued their quest. They faced numerous challenges, from battling fierce beasts to navigating treacherous terrain. Through it all, the queen's speeches inspired love and unity among her subjects. Her words resonated with Lysander, Garnok, and even Alverston, who decided to join them in their quest for justice. ``` In Eldarwood, Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok found themselves in the presence of Alverston, an ancient tree with the power of speech. They asked for guidance on their quest to find Phantas, the phoenix hatchling. Alverston shared stories of the Amulet of Shadow, a powerful artifact capable of dark magic. The trio journeyed further into Eldarwood, encountering various creatures that tested their courage and unity. As they pressed on, they discovered that the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow sought to plunge Elareth into eternal darkness. Queen Elandria, determined to restore peace, spoke passionately about love and friendship, inspiring her companions. Together, they confronted the evil force in a battle for the fate of their world. With courage and determination, Lysander, Garnok, and Queen Elandria defeated the darkness, shattering the Amulet of Shadow. As peace returned to Elareth, the words of love and friendship spoken by Queen Elandria echoed throughout the land, a testament to their triumph and the power of unity. Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok ventured deeper into Eldarwood, their hearts filled with determination. They came across a mysterious figure named Alverston, who offered them guidance in their quest. Alverston explained the legend of the Phoenix, Phantas, and the Amulet of Shadow. He warned them that a malevolent force was wielding the amulet, causing chaos throughout Elareth. "We must find the Amulet of Shadow before it falls into the wrong hands," Queen Elandria declared with unwavering conviction. "Only then can we save Phantas and restore peace to our land." As they continued their journey, the trio encountered various creatures that called Eldarwood home. Some were friendly, offering them shelter and food, while others were hostile, testing their courage and skill. Through teamwork and resourcefulness, they overcame each challenge, growing closer as friends. Finally, they confronted the malevolent force wielding the Amulet of Shadow. The battle raged on, with Lysander's agility and Garnok's strength proving crucial. Queen Elandria's words of love and friendship rang out like a beacon, inspiring her allies and weakening her enemies. In the end, they defeated the darkness, shattering the Amulet of Shadow and freeing Phantas. The Phoenix hatchling soared into the sky, its flames casting a warm glow across Elareth. Queen Elandria's message echoed through the land: "Love and friendship are our greatest weapons against the darkest forces." And with that, peace was restored to their realm. The sun cast a warm glow over Eldareth as Queen Elandria, Lysander, and Garnok continued their journey through Eldarwood. Their mission was clear - find the phoenix hatchling named Phantas and restore peace to Elareth. As they ventured deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon a mysterious figure named Alverston. "Greetings," said Alverston, his voice echoing through the trees. "You are on a dangerous quest. But I can help." Garnok eyed him skeptically, while Lysander and Queen Elandria listened attentively. Alverston spoke of an ancient legend, revealing that the Amulet of Shadow lay in the heart of Eldarwood. It was said to be wielded by a malevolent force, causing chaos and fear throughout Elareth. As they journeyed on, the three companions encountered various creatures. Some were friendly, offering assistance or guidance; others were hostile, forcing them to rely on their skills and teamwork. Through it all, Queen Elandria's message of love and friendship resonated with each encounter. Finally, they reached the heart of Eldarwood. The air crackled with energy, and a sinister presence loomed nearby. Suddenly, a figure appeared, clad in dark robes and wielding the Amulet of Shadow. With a battle-cry, Lysander charged, engaging the foe in combat. Garnok followed suit, swinging his hammer with might. Queen Elandria, standing firm, unleashed a powerful spell, her voice echoing through the forest. The darkness recoiled and began to disintegrate. As the last traces of evil dissipated, peace was restored to Elareth. Through their journey and bond, Queen Elandria's message of love and friendship had prevailed.

[the-archives-of-a-heartless-cunt]

I cannot wrap my mind around how you no longer exist on the earthly dimension. If we’re being honest I could never wrap my mind around the fact that you did exist on it. You were the definition of not -made -for -this -world. A 6 foot something angel in a human disguise with neon eyes and a glowing smile. Your laugh rumbled like a Harley Davidson down a dirt road and you had the disposition of someone with a high fever. Your madness was its own form of contagion. Nobody knew what to make of you. Everyone was your best friend in seconds. When you tripped over the door frame into the coffee shop I worked at I couldn’t help but be abducted by your light, glowing toward me like a UFO. We walked through forests and shared  stories of our innermost darkness. There are things that only us and the trees know. I travel through our memories like secret hallways whenever I feel lost. Truth be told You got me to see the point of giving a fuck in a world that will do anything to avoid giving a fuck. You drew me a map to sobriety and your finger marked my first point of reference. 

The first AA meeting I ever went to, there was a white board that said “A phoenix must burn to emerge.” Our personalities became violent enemies but what matters most is the countless times our souls walked each other home. You use to tell me “People come into your life for reasons and seasons” and I wish I could tell you how right you were. And That when I couldn’t face you it’s only cause I couldn’t face myself. I can’t help but think that maybe I am facing you now, in death, in a way I couldn’t in life. 

 After years of silence between us my Father passed away and I went back and forth about telling you. A month later I found myself sitting in front of a row of tequila shots in the Ruby Soho and I thought I saw you sitting at the end of the bar and when I shook my head nobody was actually there. I got up and left. I found myself laying in a strangers bed wishing I could just be normal like everyone else. I thought it would be more fun. Suddenly I heard your voice clear as day and you said “Jess, do you even fucking hear yourself right now?” I have no words in the english language to describe how different this sounded than imagination. It sounded like you were in the room. I  couldn’t sleep all night.  I went out for a walk in the city utterly shaken by my visual and auditory hallucinations. I decided at midnight, to drive all the way home from the city and then I remembered the night before this I had dreamt of you in all white and woke up laughing and smiling. 

I came to find that you had died sometime between the dream I had and me hearing your voice after the bar. There’s no explanations for some things. Our favourite pastime was ingesting as much caffeine as humanly possible and marvelling at synchronicities and the mysterious order of the universe. In both love and death, we don’t decide.  I’ve never met any singular person experience the amount of loss that you did. You had every reason to give up but you raged against the dying of the light until you were forced to the other side. Loss taught you how to truly live and now I suppose it’s my turn to make something of all this pain. I love you always, forever. Stay well angel man.

[secondflame-archive]

They took his sword, but let him keep his clothes, his hood, his armor. He doesn't know why, fear perhaps, that he'd manage to shirk the restraints and burn them alive if they dared to touch him or even just remain in his presence for too long. He had had half a mind to when they found him, had fought a good portion of them down even, but belatedly realizing who they were, what they stood for, who they'd sworn servitude to, he simply gave up, gave in, took this as the sign he'd been looking for that this was to be the end of his miserable existence.

He heard footsteps draw nearer and then stop, the sound of leather and metal shifting quietly meeting his ears, as well as a rhythm of breath that seemed so familiar it almost hurt. Must be his imagination. "What do you want?" He growled, but it was a tired, barely there sound. He didn't even raise his head to meet his visitor's eyes, it remained hung low, his arms raised above his head, wrists clasped in shackles, the chain connecting them pulled through a big metal ring fastened to the wall. "I was promised death, have you come to give it to me?"

They told him he'd be put to judgment soon, spat it in his face, justice would be brought upon him for killing the Phoenix, for killing Joshua. A small pained sound escapes him at the thought, at the memory of his baby brother lying broken at his feet the Phoenix' essence leaving him, grief and guilt had persevered over the decade Clive spent wandering, spent running, spent hunting. The burning hunger for aether and years worth of nightmares he had endured the real punishment for his fratricide.

But he was promised relief when they caught him, was promised death. They know who he was, too, or at the very least said they did. They had yet to address him as anything other than Ifrit, the second eikon of fire, or the murderer of Rosaria's crown prince. Clive wasn't sure if they knew he was also Joshua's brother, doubted any of them would recognize him even if they had bothered pulling back the hood. Not with his features so far removed from the boy he once was, taller, his shoulders broader, resembling his father's stature more each day, the lines of his face sharper, his eyes a permanent eikonic golden color and his hair long and unruly.

He didn't care to inform them of the truth, either. It wouldn't change anything. The only thing he cared about was that they would soon put an end to the suffering, to the hunger. He endured a decade's worth of it, but also a decade worth of grief, of anger, and he was tired of it. Tired of running, tired of hunting. Nothing could quench the hunger inside of him, no enemy's aether was enough for him to stay sated for long. He constantly felt like he was starving and even if he wasn't, there was nothing keeping him in this world any longer.

His family was gone, his brother's blood on his hands, his father dead, his home and people swallowed by the Empire, sold out by his mother if he could even call her that now.

But no matter what contempt and hatred he held for her now. He'd never be able to wash himself clean of all he had done. He thought of revenge in the past, before the hunger got unbearable. He watched his home fall to ruin under his mother's rule, helpless to do anything but run from the Empire's forces at first, and then get ever stronger throwing himself at foes far outranking him, hoping for death, only to find Ifrit intervene each time he got close, keeping him alive, keeping his vessel alive. It didn't occur to him to question why the Eikon remained quiet now, had he at last accepted that Clive was not useful? Did Ifrit hope to emerge anew in a more fitting vessel in a few decades, or even centuries? Would the Phoenix do the same?

He abandoned the thought. It wouldn't do him any good to think of anything close to a legacy, any hope of it would die with him and even so he was no longer Clive Rosfield, firstborn son of the Archduke and First Shield of Rosaria and in truth it's been a long time since he's even been Clive.

He closed his eyes, hearing more footsteps in the distance. Probably more members of the Undying wishing to put him to the sword, they'd likely make an event of it, too, unless his visitor would think to do it first.

"Make it quick." He drawled, and closed his eyes. "...before someone else does it for you."

Finally. After years spent scouring Storm, the search had at last come to and end, and the Dominant of this second Eikon of Fire had been apprehended by the Undying.

And now that the moment had come to face the murderer of his two beloved sons, Elwin wasn't sure how to feel. Was there supposed to be a sense of relief? Was he meant to gain some small measure of closure from this meeting? No, there was only a deep-rooted emptiness within his heart, as though a void had swallowed it and every bit of love within it, leaving him with nothing left.

Which felt appropriate, given Rosaria's fate -- because he really did have nothing left. Nothing except increasingly bizarre, unsettling, even distressing nightmares, offering him glimpses of things he couldn't understand or identify. Glimpses of things he shouldn't remember, and couldn't have seen from that night, leading to even more questions on top of the questions he'd already yearned for answers to.

Perhaps most of all, questions yet remained that demanded answers. How had this second Eikon of Fire managed to not only lay low the Phoenix, but outright kill him? A feat that had been thought impossible until then. As for the why... That question was self-explanatory: why had this Eikon shown himself then of all times? Was he working with Anabella? The Holy Empire?

Despite knowing that it was purely psychological, the scar around Elwin's neck felt as though it was burning anew, as if urging him to remember well his convictions, to reignite his righteous anger as he traversed the depths of the old abandoned stronghold that had thus far been serving as the Undying's base of operations. His pace was quick, gloved hand ever resting upon the hilt of his sword despite his tempered patience that kept him from drawing it. The members of the cult dedicated to protecting Rosaria's beloved guardian force already had their plans for retribution against the imprisoned man in the form of execution, and while the former Archduke would not interfere with their work, he would also not allow them to carry out their judgment without him first seeing the face of the one partly responsible for the deaths of so many good men during The Night of Flames.

As if to mentally brace himself, fingertips skimmed the twin Phoenix feathers attached to the sheath of his weapon. Then he continued on, passing through the corridors of the dungeon without a word, seeking one particular gaol cell -- and it would be simple enough to spot, considering it was the only one that housed a prisoner. Those green-blue eyes scanned each one in the row until he stopped in front of his destination, gaze immediately falling upon the inhabitant lurking behind the bars.

@secondflame

[whimsicalpoet44]

Placements that I think are tough to have & why.

Here's more astrology observations.

**These aren't bad placements. Every placement has positives/negatives to them. I just find these placements to be quite challenging and can take more effort or intentionality than others to work through**

4th House Aries (Especially in the IC): The fourth house is the house of family/home. Aries in the fourth can indicate a really difficult childhood, particularly when it's related to the mother. They may have had a parent that was really impulsive or aggressive that made them responsible for their emotions. As a result, emotional regulation may be something they struggle with and expressing their emotions can make them feel vulnerable. Aries IC can indicate that there's a lot of generational trauma left over from their ancestors that they're having to undo. Positives? They can make quick decisions when necessary and can take charge of family matters with ease.

8th House Placements: The 8th house rules death, re-birth, long term investments, and transformation. That's a lot of heavy themes in one house. They may struggle with loss/grief in more than one area of your life. They say 8th house placements are like a Phoenix - constantly burning themselves down to emerge anew. That can be quite exhausting. I also find that 8th house placements cause an unbalance in personal power. They may spend a majority of their life figuring out how to balance energies. Positives? They make great psychologists, they're super analytical, and they aren't afraid to broach topics others may stray from.

Capricorn/Aquarius Rising: Two words: Saturn ruled. Self reliance can be a good thing, but these placements are often forced to take care of themselves from a young age. Saturn is the planet of restrictions, self-discipline, and self-sufficiency. Often times, our lessons in Saturn are things we must learn alone. Saturn ruled charts have this energy times ten. They face a lot of lessons throughout life. The positives? Natural leaders, persistent, and capable of achieving just about anything they set their mind too, because Saturn has shown them that they can do it alone.

Scorpio Rising: They're ruled by Pluto - the planet of death/re-birth/transformation (much like the 8th house). Saturn ruled charts and Pluto ruled charts have a lot in common. Scorpio Risings are often used to bring about change in different settings. The theme of their life is often growth and transformation - at any expense. They're very private and they trigger others very easily. They may find it difficult to open up to others and may feel a general distrust of others as a whole. They can feel chronically misunderstood. The positives? Literal human lie detector and extremely intuitive.

5th House Chiron: Chiron is the thing we have trouble healing in ourselves, but what we can do a great job healing in others. The fifth house is the house of the inner child/creativity/hobbies/joy. They can be insecure about their creative ability and have a huge lack of joy. This can be traced back to childhood. Someone could have told them they couldn't do something or that they were bad at a particular skill. They second guess themselves a lot as a result. They can also experience a ton of guilt and shame for being happy or having fun. The positive? They can inspire others to be creative when they heal.

Moon Conjunct Saturn: Saturn wants to discipline. The moon wants to nurture. They can feel intense feelings of shame/guilt from reflecting on ways they behaved in the past. It's also an indictor of a harsh childhood and they can internalize their parents wishes/dreams as their own (Saturn = Father | Moon = Mother). There's a constant fear of never reaching their full potential and they can often avoid rest because they don't feel like they're being productive. They also take life really seriously and they're super sensitive. (Remember that sensitivity isn't always bad thing.) The positives? They have a lot of discipline surrounding their emotions and they have a great sense of humor (probably from the trauma).

Aquarius Sun: They don't like being told what to do or think (which can be good), but they can often stay rooted in their old beliefs if they feel someone is pushing their opinions onto them (even though they insist that they're open minded). They can also sometimes end up stuck in a harmful belief system if they feel it's not the norm so they can retain their "unique" persona, rather than actually ask themselves what they believe. (Literally every Aquarius man I've encountered, but this can manifest in anyone with an Aquarius sun). They love people as a whole, but struggle with people on an individual level. They think more in a big picture way, but struggle with the small picture. They can also see everything that needs to be fixed in society, but struggle with the fact that they cannot fix it (leaving them feeling powerless.) The positives? They're unique. They're comfortable with the unusual. They stay true to themselves and who they are.

Gemini Anything: GEMINIS: you are only on this list because of the stigma that follows Gemini's. If you google the most hated sign, you'll get Gemini. Being a Sagittarius, I freaking love Geminis. But they have such a stigma. They can sometimes be impulsive, inconsistent, or indecisive. They also hate routine. I think this is how they get the stigma, because most people have a narrow minded view of how these can present. The positives? They have great charisma and they're usually artistic. They're witty, curious, funny, and passionate. (This is a Gemini love post, let's be honest.) Do some Gemini's present in the stereotypical way? Sure. But I find that many write off all Gemini's and develop a fulfilling prophecy about their intentions.

[hext00ns]

Drowning In Rivers Of Peace {@sicktember}

AO3 l!nk in comments

Ships: Miles/Phoenix, Miles & Phoenix & Larry

Rating: T

Warnings: Hospitals / Hospitalization

Description: Larry and Miles both deal with the terrifying possibility that they could have lost a friend. Phoenix is just trying to stay awake long enough to work on this case.

{Sicktember 2022 Day 11: Emergency Room / Ambulance}

Fear bristled through Larry’s form as he ran across the rocky shores of the lake. The light of candles and stars being his only hope. Sister Bikini and emergency responders all scattered around. All of them trying to find Phoenix Wright.

Far above them all, the bridge burnt to nothing. Hardly anything of the walkway left from the raging fire that consumed it. The cops had arrived at the same time as the ambulance and firemen. The fire had been put out and the suspect for Ms. Deauxnim’s murder had been taken in. The only thing left were the missing persons.

Three people were missing. Maya Fey was stuck on the other side of the island. Her safety was unknown but, hopefully, fine. Pearl Fey was also missing. She was supposed to be with Ms. Deauxnim that night. No one was sure were she had went during the murder. Then, lastly, Phoenix Wright. But, he wasn’t exactly missing. Larry knew where he was. Larry had watched with his own eyes when the other man fell through the burning wood and into the raging waters.

Now, the search parties were on the scene. They’d split up some. Most of the police and some of the firemen looked for Pearl while the ambulance workers and rest of the group looked for Phoenix. Unfortunately, Maya would have to wait till they could get the bridge back up. Larry felt cold fear fall down his spine when they told him that.

He knew Phoenix would be fighting the odds if he knew. When he knew. He was alive. Larry wasn’t looking for a body, he was looking for his friend. That's what he kept reminding himself.

Larry had already called Miles. He knew the other was far away but he needed to know what had happened. Through his fear and anxiety he might have gone in on the situation a bit harder than needed. But the situation seemed dire. Even if Larry was holding onto the hope of Phoenix being alive like his own lifeline. He needed to make sure Miles knew what was happening.

When they did finally find him, he was unconscious but alive. Larry counted that as a win. They quickly got him to the ambulance, Larry forcing his way in as well. He was thankful when they allowed him to go with.

As they drove to the hospital, Larry looked over his friend. His unconscious face was haunting. If he couldn’t see Phoenix’s chest moving, he’d think- no. Larry didn’t even want to warrant those thoughts any attention. He reached over and grabbed one of Phoenix’s hands. He was cold but thankfully not hypothermic. The water must have chilled him to the bone. Larry supposed that was better than being burnt.

They told him that Phoenix was going to be fine. Larry clung to the assurances as hard as he clung to his friend’s hand.

Once they arrived at the hospital Larry was forced to let go long enough for them to get Phoenix inside and to actual help. Larry was told to wait outside for a while. All he could do was wait.

Larry waited for the doctors to give him the okay. Then when he walked in he could only wait for Phoenix to wake up.

The doctors had told him that at the worst, Phoenix had a horrible cold. It was nothing he couldn’t bounce back from but they wanted him to stay for a few days. Larry watched him go in and out of consciousness for a while. Hardly staying awake long enough to say much.

The more Phoenix woke up, the more Larry felt antsy. He couldn’t sit still. He wasn’t sure he should even stay. He felt like such a screw up. And now Phoenix was in the hospital, Maya and Pearl were both missing. Ms. Deauxnim… Elise Deauxnim was dead with Iris the main suspect.

Larry wasn’t sure he could face his friend. He wasn’t sure he could face anyone. But he couldn’t just leave. He didn’t want Phoenix to be here alone. Not after everything.

It was as if his anxieties were answered when the door to the room practically slammed open. Larry snapped to look over and saw Miles. He wasn’t sure he was seeing it right at first. Miles was dressed almost sloppily. Well, sloppily for him. To anyone who didn’t know the other, Miles would look pretty average. But Larry could tell. His hair wasn’t as kept as usual. His clothes, while not ruined, still had clear wrinkles to them here and there.

Larry jumped to his feet to go to him.

“Is he-“

“He’s fine,” Larry quickly informed. “Or- well. He’s still pretty out of it. But he’s alive. Just sick.”

Miles visibly relaxed some. He put a hand to his head before running it down his face with a sigh.

“Didn’t expect you to fly all the way here so fast,” Larry commented. More as an attempt at a joke than anything else. But it was flat and devoid of humor. He watched Miles walk over to Phoenix who was sleeping again.

Miles looked over the other before his gaze was pulled to the table beside the bed. The hood they’d found on Phoenix the night before and a few of his things from the temple. Miles’ attention was especially caught by the badge that sat before him. His hand twitched at his side for a moment before quietly reaching out and pressing a finger to it. Feeling the familiar divots in the metal. He pulled his hand back almost as if it burnt him. He looked back to Larry and said, “Of course I would.”

The words were so serious and without hesitation that it took Larry back. He looked at Miles. His eyes were not what Larry expected. He expected a hard determination, maybe even something angry with the fire of justice burning or whatever it was prosecutors had pumping in their veins. Instead, what he found was soft. It was pleading and fearful and something else that Larry was only now starting to realize. Something kept even after all these years. Larry could almost smile at the sight. At least he now knew Phoenix wasn’t alone there. “Of course you would,” he responded after a moment.

Larry gave a sigh and ran a hand through his hair, shaking it through the locks for a moment before pulling it back out. “I need to go. I, uh, should help them look for Pearly.”

“She’s missing?” Miles asked.

Larry nodded. “Yeah uh, her and Maya. Well, sorta?” He frowned and ran his hand over the back of his head. “We know where Maya is. But she’s like, stuck there and we don’t know how to get to her. Pearly, though, we don’t know where she is.”

Miles looked from Larry back to Phoenix. A pained look forming in his features. “I should-“

“Stay here.”

Miles looked up at Larry in surprise.

Larry only returned the look with a tired, yet reassuring smile. “It’d suck if he woke up alone. You should stay here with him. I can go help to look for Pearly.” Larry patted Miles' arm. “I’ll catch you later, yeah?”

Miles looked to Larry’s hand then back to his face. He then pulled the other into a quick and, somewhat awkward, hug. He then pulled away and cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed some. “Of course. Thank you B- Larry. And I hope you find the younger Ms. Fey.”

Larry felt bad as he left. He was serious about wanting to help find Pearl. But he also just needed to leave.

After the other was gone, Miles sat down beside the bed in the, now free, chair. He was somewhat regretful that he wasn’t leaving with Larry to help. However, he also needed to stay. He wanted to stay. Phoenix was alive. The whole plane ride there he was preparing himself for the worst. He chastised himself for letting so much time pass and never being honest. With himself, with Phoenix. He berated himself for being such a coward all his life when one of the most important persons to him could possibly be fighting for his life. But he was alive. He would be fine. And now Miles was determined to break from the cowardice that shackled him like chains.

It wasn’t long after Larry left that Phoenix woke up.

Miles jumped to his feet when he saw the other stir. “Phoenix?” He questioned out.

The defense attorney made a noise as he moved around, trying to bring himself back to the waking world. He didn’t seem to be winning that battle too well.

By the time Phoenix finally pulled himself fully awake, well, seemingly so, Miles was back in the chair.

His voice came out quiet and rough. “Miles?” he asked out as he peeled his eyes open and looked up at him.

Miles leaned forward in his chair, giving the other his full attention. He felt his voice get caught in his chest at the sound of his name. Ever since they reunited in their lives, Phoenix had yet to call him by his first name. The sound was familiar and new all at once.

“Phoenix, I’m glad you’re alive.”

“Why wouldn’ be?” he mumbled out.

“Larry called me and told me you fell off a burning bridge into a raging river,” Miles explained. “Truly, one can only assume the worst.”

“Damnit, Larry,” Phoenix muttered to himself. “I’m s’per fine. I’m good. I’m jus’ kindsa uhh,” he looked from Miles to the ceiling and squinted at the tiles above him, “sick.”

Miles raised a brow. “Clearly.”

Phoenix looked back over to him then to his things on the side table. He reached out his hand to grab towards it. Miles pushed the table closer so that Phoenix could reach. He grabbed the white hood off it and tugged it on over his head.

Miles wasn’t really sure what was up with the hood. He supposed he would ask later. But for now, he had much more important things to say.

“Phoenix, I need to speak with you about something,” he began, pulling back the other’s attention. Miles looked down to the clenched fists that laid on his lap. “When I was flying here I had thought- I mean I’d assumed, or well, I’d prepared myself for the worst. I can’t express how relieved I am. But it made me realize I haven’t been fully honest with you in these past few years.” He frowned. “I’ve hardly even been honest with myself for the longest time. But now,” Miles finally tore his eyes back up to look at Phoenix.

The other was looking at him through a thick haze. Clearly taken over by his ailment. His mouth slightly agape from congestion and his eyes and nose wet with sick. He was a mess. But when wasn’t he? The sight didn’t perturb Miles in the least. It wasn’t going to stop him from what he needed to confess. “I must be honest. Not just for my own sake but because you deserve to hear it.” Miles took Phoenix’s hand in his own and locked their gazes. “I love you.”

There was a pause.

The more time that passed between his last words and Phoenix speaking only made the anxiety in him grow louder.

Phoenix smiled at him. A bright familiar smile that could rival the sun even in this condition. “Yeah man,” he cheerfully replied.

That… wasn’t particularly what Miles was expecting in response. He opened his mouth to continue but was interrupted.

“Lis’n. I gotta- Maya’s in tr’ble ‘n’ th’rs been a murder.”

Miles blinked at the other. “I’m… aware.”

“You gotta,” Phoenix pulled his hand from the other’s and started patting at his wrist and arm. Tugging on the sleeve here and there. “You gotsa help me ‘n’ help uhh them.”

“‘Them’?”

Phoenix gave a hard nod. He held what could only be described as an attempt at a serious face. It wasn’t that impressive in his current state. “Maya ‘n’ Pearls ‘n’ Iris.” His other hand came up to the cords of his odd hood at the last name. Gently taking them between his fingers to fiddle with the ends.

That name sounded familiar. While he’d waited for Phoenix to wake he had been messaging with Gumshoe on the details of the case. “Iris has been taken into custody as the prime suspect for Ms. Elise Deauxnim’s murder.”

“She didn’ do it. Miles I know she wouldn’,” Phoenix practically wined out.

“You know this woman?”

He looked down. Back to the ends of the hood. He didn’t respond at first. “I’s… complicated.” Probably the biggest word he was able to get out since waking up.

Still the addition brought nothing but questions to Miles. But the way Phoenix’s face went soft at her name, the gentle caressing of the fabric that rested on his head. He couldn’t help the automatic assumptions. Whatever the truth was, it was clear he cared immensely for her. No matter what Miles’ feelings were, he was determined to help if Phoenix needed him.

“Here,” Phoenix started up again, grabbing something off the side table and shoving them against Miles.

He opened his hands to let the other drop it. His badge and a green gem.

He wanted to drop them. His mind practically short circuited in confusion. Maybe ‘confusion’ wasn’t the right word. It seemed pretty obvious what the other was asking for here. Or at least implying. But actually accepting that was what he was having trouble comprehending.

“What are you-“

“Yer like, my bestests friend,” Phoenix interrupted. “Well, you, Maya, and Larry.”

Oh. Friend.

Something in Miles’ chest snagged and tugged at the words. Of course. He wouldn't be surprised. Any real evidence of a reciprocation would come from their younger years and it would be selfish of him to assume Phoenix hadn’t moved on since then. But even then… the letters. The small, worn, blue keychain always on his person. Phoenix was a very emotional person. It was highly possible that Miles was reading far too into his actions. That must have been the case. Hopefully this faux pas wouldn’t damage their healing relationship. Even so, he was still glad to get those feelings out in the open. It felt good to get them off his chest.

“Please,” Phoenix pleaded, bringing Miles back to earth, “defend her.”

“I-“ Everything in Miles caught and stilled. His heart stopped and his eyes were stuck interlocked with the other’s own gaze. He felt breathless in his shock. “I can’t,” he muttered. Whatever tugging he’d been feeling this conversation was nothing compared to the feeling of shattering his own words caused in himself. “I’m a prosecutor, Wright.”

“Miles,” it came out so soft. “Th’s was your dream once. You- you’re such good at mm law.”

For a man that currently sounded half asleep, his words were like rubbing alcohol on a wound. Burning and searingly painful. Ripping him bare and open to the world. Yet, so clean. So healing and necessary. Even sicker than a dog he was turning Miles’ world inside out and upside down.

“I need you. I know you can. I believe in you.”

Miles wasn’t sure if it was the words spoken or the look Phoenix was giving him. Soft and pleading. He swallowed whatever lump had found its way in his throat and let out a shaky sigh. He ran his free hand down his face. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he mumbled into his own hand.

“And what about this?” he asked, holding up the gem.

“Mmmag’tama. I’s like, uhh the psychelocked ummm secrets ‘n’ stuffs.”

None of that made any sense. Like, at all.

Miles only gave another sigh before putting the two objects into his pocket. “I can’t make any promises. I’m going to search for the truth. You understand this, right? If Iris did in fact kill her-“

“She didn’t.”

Miles was taken back by the forceful determination. The lack of hesitation and full confidence.

“She couldn’t have.” There was a distant pain in his voice. Miles wasn’t sure who those words were for.

Miles stood. “Alright then. Message me if you need anything. I’ll attempt to keep you updated on the situation.”

“Wait.” Phoenix grabbed Miles’ sleeve and tugged on it. His eyes were beginning to droop sleepily. It was clear he was slowly losing whatever consciousness he’d been clinging to this whole conversation. “You- ‘M real glad yours back. I miss you. Like lots. All the time. I’s nice though… that you keep comin’s back.”

Miles turned back to fully face him. Not pulling his arm away, despite the fact Phoenix was definitely stretching his good jacket sleeve.

“When you left the first time I was so sad. I think I cried. I cry lots. But don’ tell no ones. Secret.”

Miles smiled. As if that was really much a secret. But he nodded either way.

“The second time I was really sad. I don’ think I cried. I don’ think I could. I’s like. When you’re so sads you’re ju’s nothin’. ‘N’ when you came home I- I shoulda been happy but I was ju’s mad and sad again and I did cry that time. You kinda suck for thats one. But,” Phoenix gave a smile at Miles. Throwing out any fears of angry berating or anything of the like. “Last time you left. I felt okay. ‘Cause you always come back. I jus’ gotta wait for when your ready to come home. I didn’ cry last time you left.”

‘Home’. The word felt so easy coming out of Phoenix's mouth. Yet so heavy sitting in Miles’ ears. It was a more weighted word than ‘love’. ‘Love’ which he had carried all the way from across the seas to bring to Phoenix. Maybe it really didn’t matter if it was reciprocated, Miles realized. Romantic or not, home was something that he could come back to. Phoenix always felt like something he could come back to. Even when he was scared to, that didn’t stop him from doing it anyways. And that, in itself, was reciprocated. They would come back to one another. This ‘home’ they had with one another’s presence in their lives.

Miles moved to reply but realized it would be pointless. Phoenix had fallen back to sleep. Instead, he took the hand that had previously been holding onto his leave and gave it a gentle squeeze before placing it back on the bed.

With a final look at the man’s sleeping face, Miles left to go and find the truth. For Phoenix.

[bamfdaddio]

X-Men Unabridged: Proteus

The X-Men, those beautiful mutants that have sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, are a cultural juggernaut with a long, tangled history. We’ve been untangling that history for a while, but sometimes, you really want a more in-depth look. Interested? Then read the (un)Abridged X-Men!

(X-Men 125 - 128) - by Chris Claremont and John Byrne

Fun* fact: this particular issue is the oldest comic I physically own.

* for a given value of fun

Something sinister lurks on Muir Isle…

This arc is very much set up like a horror movie. It starts out as a regular X-Men narrative, where Claremont is weaving along several plot threads. We check in with the X-Men in Westchester, we check in with Magneto who has retreated to Asteroid M and we even check in with Xavier in space, who finally learns more about the true scope of the Phoenix and its nature. Finally, we’ve got Jean stationed at Muir Isle, where Moira is investigating the sheer scope of her powers. (She has realized how strong Jean truly is; akin to a god. Her theory is that Jean’s recent power dampening is the result of her human mind trying to cope with her massive power level.) It’s about as everyday as it gets for the X-Men, but, well…

I always thought Jean molecularly restructured her own outfit into the Phoenix-costume whenever she needed to change, but here, she just… wills it away? Also, why did you need an outfit change for this, anyway? Does the costume simply appear whenever she exerts too much of her powers, like an angry forehead vein? So many questions. (X-Men 126)

Other residents at Muir are Polaris, Havok and the Multiple Man, all of them blissfully unaware that something skulks about in the shadows: the remains of an unfortunate captain, whose body has been taken over by something… other.

But someone else is skulking around in the shadows, too. Jean isn’t aware of it, but a familiar stranger is manipulating her from the sidelines.

I’ve been gaslighting a cosmic force, ask me how! (X-Men 126)

1979 marks the first appearance of the Hellfire Club, though we only meet one member for now: Jason Wyngarde. (Maybe all of this could have been avoided if he’d had a Barbie doll to dress up in black lace as a child, but alas.) ‘Jason’ is a pseudonym and though most people these days know that he’s a familiar villain from the X-Men’s past, the reveal of his true identity will follow later.

Meanwhile, Beast finally gets off his ass to check on the Xavier mansion, even though the X-Men must have been tripping intruder alarms for months now. Still, we do get this sweet moment out of it:

Of course she’s going to be surprised at the sheer amount of plot contrivances that were thrown up to keep all y’all apart for a full year. (X-Men 126)

Beast knows that Jean went to Muir, so Scott immediately goes for the phone. Lorna picks up, but during the call she starts screaming, leaning heavily into the horror genre. She fends off the withering remains of the captain, so instead, ‘Mutant X’ jumps into a duplicate of Jamie Madrox and promptly flees to the mainland on a boat.

Guuurl, that body is snatched. (X-Men 126)

The X-Men (sans Beast) hit Muir Isle, where Moira debriefs them. Moira reveals who Mutant X is: his name is Kevin MacTaggart, her son, who has the terrifying power to warp reality. Because his power is so vast, he burns through bodies at an alarming rate. He can only be contained - or killed - by inorganic metal. In an effort to contain him (and, presumably, help him at some point), Moira locked him in a metal cell. He was kept there, alone, for god knows how long, until Magneto accidentally freed him. They know he escaped the island and, because of his parasitic need for fresh host bodies, Moira posits that he’ll be heading for a big city.

Kevin - who dubs himself Proteus - racks up an impressive body count in the country side, killing 7 people in total. (6 people and 1 dupe? Eh.) He’s a terrific villain, because he’s powerful, has a well-defined weakness and, even though it’s not impossible to emphasize with him -- isolation tends to drive people mad -- the way he discards his victims is truly chilling.

The X-Men chase after him, Wolverine picking up the scent. When Proteus tries to claim him, Logan’s adamantium skeleton repels him. In response, he unspools reality.

I’ve had this trip. I think they call this strain Dragon’s Dynamite. (X-Men 126)

Storm intervenes, but Proteus leaves Nightcrawler and especially Wolverine rattled. Logan’s heightened senses root him in reality more than most, and when Proteus uses his powers, everything is just screaming wrong at him. But nobody is safe: little Kevin MacTaggart turns gravity against Ororo, taking her out as well.

He tries to claim Storm, but Moira repels him, sniping at him from afar. Proteus fears (metal) bullets, knowing they can kill him. When Cyclops realizes Moira’s shooting to kill, he intervenes - X-Men don’t kill, after all. Moira knocks him out with her gun, but Kevin escapes in the confusion. Moira finally realizes where her son is headed, while the X-Men regroup.

In Edinburgh, Moira pays Joe MacTaggart a visit - her husband, Kevin’s father.

The MacTaggarts are definitely in the running for the Xavier/Marko-award for Fucked Up Family Dynamics. (X-Men 127)

There’s a calculating coldness to Moira’s character that I’ve never responded well to, but I like how Claremont fills in the blanks here. It’s part unhappiness, part a deep frustration with her inability to help her own son. I wonder how Kevin was a child, before his mutant gene activated: was he a sweet boy, or one with a cruel streak? Did she fear what he might become?

There’s a few gaps in Claremont’s narrative, but Hickman has drawn on this very well, I think: the Moira X in HoXPoX is equally calculating, equally cold. But how can she not be? How often has she raised Kevin? How often has she had to kill him? How many times has she watched these people, these X-Men, die?

Anyway, Moira’s warning is as effective as anger management therapy for Sabretooth, because Kevin comes by Joe’s office a little while later and snuffs out his dad. Phoenix hears Joe screaming telepathically across the moors, allowing the X-Men to pinpoint him. Claremont also makes sure to show that Jean’s power is steadily growing:

Polaris be like: “No, no, I’m carrying my own emotionally stunted Summers boy, thank you.” (X-Men 127)

Proteus takes Moira hostage as the X-Men confront him. They fight.

Ordinarily, I don’t pay a lot of attention to the fight scenes, because recapping those usually boils down to “Cyclops conks Magneto in the helmet” or “Wolverine snikts Pyro in the gas tank”, but this one is truly great. John Byrne delivers some excellent work, showcasing the scope of Proteus’ powers through his art, his panelling. Don’t just take my word for it:

I love how trippy all of this is. Pivoting gravity, changing an optic beam into flowers… Sure, Proteus might be a callous and cruel SoB, but he’s also one imaginative motherfucker. (X-Men 127)

One by one, Proteus manages to distract or take out the X-Men, either by endangering passers-by, encasing them in amber (Storm) or burying them alive (Banshee). One of my favorite details is how afraid they all are: especially Wolverine and Nightcrawler hesitate before jumping into the fray. For them, this villain is truly beyond their scope.

In the end, it’s Phoenix who manages to drive him back, outside of the center of Edinburg and up an old castle, where there are fewer civilians to threaten. There, on the ramparts, it’s Colossus who makes the final stand: he destroys Proteus’ physical body and realizes that right now, there’s only one thing they can do to stop him. All it will cost is Piotr’s innocence.

Showcasing an ancient Japanese truth: Psychic Pokémon are weak to Steel attacks. (X-Men 128)

Proteus scatters to the winds and the X-Men emerge victorious, though Moira has lost both her son and her husband after this ordeal. Moreover, I think this is the first villain that the X-Men explicitly kill, simply because they have no other options left. This marks the first time that their ideal of mutant rehabilitation fails. What’s worse is that Kevin MacTaggart was essentially nothing more than a supremely screwed up boy who got access to way too much power way too quickly.

I wonder if it would have turned out differently had Xavier been there. (I also wonder if it’s a coincidence that this takes place right before the Dark Phoenix saga.)

I think this might be Claremont’s best arc yet, heightened by John Byrne’s excellent art. Chris deftly mixes horror, action and his usual soap opera elements, serving one cohesive narrative that (for once) doesn’t leave much hanging. Proteus is an excellent villain whose powers work visually (pay attention, MCU) and whose entire being touches on one of the same aspects as Krakoa: can and should every mutant fit into any sort of normal society?

If you have someone who’s interested in vintage X-Men and you want to recommend something that doesn’t require a confusing explanation of all the necessary backstory (and perhaps a crude sketch of the Summers and/or Lensherr family tree), I would recommend this arc.

And the rest, as they say, is Hellfire. 1980 is gonna be a doozy.

[evolutionsvoid]

Bearer of the Infernal Flame, Keeper of the Fiery River, Phlegethon is one of five aquatic beasts that dwell in the rivers of the Underworld. Her territory is in the burning river that is called the same, swimming freely through the boiling waters. Her home is made of unbearable heat and impossible flames. Though water flows through this channel, it burns as hot as an inferno and catches fire like oil. Ordinary souls struggle to even get close to its shores, as the heat may fry them well before they reach the burning waters. Every splash and droplet that flies from this river act like cinders, glowing upon the melted shores and burning all who touch them. Amidst this flowing inferno is Phlegethon, soaring and spinning through the fiery deep like a graceful phoenix. She dances amongst the current and breaches from the boiling surface to show off her majestic moves. This sprays the fiery water all over the place, adding a glowing shower to it all, though mortals best flee its rain. While soaring through the depths, she does not seek out prey or souls to torment. Rather, she is interested only in an audience. When she detects that people are near her shores, she is happy to emerge and show off to them. Though she means no harm in these moments, her presence alone can cause a whole lot of misery to those she greets. The River of Flame is where she is, as well as who she is. Phlegethon is a living inferno, her body emanating both intense fire and heat. Any water she swims in begins to boil in an instant, and sandy shores are vitrified when she beaches herself. Her fabulous wings drip with flame, and a simple swing of them will unleash a wave of fire. Her powers allow her to live comfortably in molten liquids, and it also gives her the ability to manipulate them. The fire she produces can be controlled and altered through her will. She can make it even hotter if she wishes, or shape it in an intricate pattern of her choosing. One of the greatest sources of fire sits upon her back, birthed by a flowering structure that many refer to as "The Cauldron." In here, she is capable of creating a flame of such heat and power that even gods may grow envious. It burns white hot and dances in a veil of fiery blue, a gorgeous sight if it were not so deadly. When this Cauldron is activated, this intense fire will be at her command. She may fire it in streams, or lob out explosive bursts. She can also dip her wings into it and wreathe them with this blue aura. In this state, her dances and twirls will unleash this blue fire, one that knows no end. This special flame cannot be extinguished by water, it cannot be starved for fuel and mortals will struggle to asphyxiate it. It will be an impossible blaze, one that consumes everything and reduces the world to ash. The only thing that can stop it is Phlegethon herself, either absorbing the fire back into her body or extinguishing her Cauldron, which takes away the special properties this flame was granted. She does not keep this structure ablaze for long, as it appears to require a lot of energy and focus. She only lights it for special occasions, either for a grand dance or when she really needs to immolate a threat. While Phlegethon can summon and command flames to her will, she doesn't really use them for fighting. Rather, all the fire and heat she creates is made for dancing and performing. This is because Phlegethon fancies herself as a performer, and a beautiful one at that. She thinks she is one of the fairest creatures in the Underworld and her dances are beyond the realm of art. Everything she does is a performance, which is why her swimming is so showy and flashy. She wants others to see her beauty and admire her unrivaled grace. Those who gather near her aquatic home will be seen as an eager audience, and Phlegethon never turns down a performance. She will rise to greet them and show off her latest moves. She hardly seems to notice that her presence alone practically immolates those she is trying to impress. If the sheer heat that pours from her body doesn't fry her onlookers immediately, the waves of hellish flames she throws out to spice up her dance will finish the job. When her performance comes to an end and she sees that the crowd has been turned to ash, she thinks of it as a compliment. She must have been so ravishing and incredible that the audience fell apart at her beauty! Of course! This same attitude is what makes her so dangerous when she winds up in the mortal realm. With even more people to watch, she will be encouraged to really go all out and put on an unforgettable show. Even as the buildings melt and the earth is scorched black, she will be too caught up in her dance to think she is doing anything wrong. Attempts to fight her or drive her off usually make things worse, as she interprets the charging armies as rabid fans rushing for a closer look. If one is somehow able to banish her back to the Underworld, she will see it as the actions of "tasteless idiots with no appreciation for art." If no one can stop her in the mortal world, she may eventually leave on her own, as this "leaves them wanting for more." In the end, Phlegethon is a very vain and driven individual. She doesn't necessarily look down on others, but she makes sure every topic of conversation eventually winds up being about her.     Phlegethon's obsession with showing off and being admired causes her to have frustrating interactions with her fellow river beast, Lethe. The forgetful beast's wandering mind and shoddy memory is a torment to Phlegethon, as all of their flashy moves and beautiful displays are lost upon her slimy sister. Being ignored is one thing, as one can write it off as the viewer having terrible taste, but someone forgetting a breathtaking dance of fire and water that was so lovingly arranged and performed?! It is the ultimate insult. Thankfully, this offense does not enrage Phlegethon but it does annoy her. So much so, that she has made it her mission to come up with a display so fantastic and mind-blowing, that even Lethe will remember it til the end of time! Some say that is why she can be seen dancing and twirling through her river even when an audience is not around, as she is practicing for the ultimate performance. Over the years, Phlegethon has put on many of these incredible shows for Lethe, but each one is either quickly forgotten or Lethe wanders off mid performance. The latter often causing Phlegethon to chase after Lethe while still trying to maintain her dance, which still fails in the end. This drive of hers has her hanging around with Lethe from time to time, which causes a bit of a problem for the Underworld. When near each other, Phlegethon's fiery aura will boil Lethe's mind-wiping water and turn it to steam. If they hang around long enough, they may create a massive cloud of forgetfulness that will billow throughout the Underworld, creating confusion and chaos. This mist will also affect Phlegethon, which often causes her to forget her routine she has so meticulously set up. Now clueless of what she had planned, she will be forced to retreat in frustration and try again.   And of course there is Styx, whom Phlegethon frequently visits. She says that the wrathful serpent is "amusing" and she only sees her to "try and teach her some class" and nothing more. This she claims, and yet....       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Number four! If ya got a sea sponge, a sea cucumber and a sea urchin, then you need a sea slug!

[ahsokasshoto]

Hello! I just found your blog so I hope you don't mind me intruding, but the tarot reading you shared really pickled my interest!!! It's such a creative idea!

So if you could do a Bad Batch / Echo with the Tarot of the Divine deck, I'd be so grateful!

Thank you so much!! (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Of course, you're so welcome! (No worries about the extra Echo emphasis, I get it--i love him too 😉)

1. Hunter: your overall emotional state (what in your environment is affecting you)

Ace of Cups - Matsuo's Sake

This Japanese mythology tells of the kami (god/spirit) Matsuo, who, in order to impress and delight the other kamis, took rice and brewed the first sake. The other kamis loved it so much it became the drink of the kami, and sake symbolizes thanks, celebration, and blessings but it is powerful.

You must be in your feelings right now, your emotional center is overflowing! Like the sake, these wellsprings are a blessing, but take care that they don't overpower you.

2. Tech: your overall mental state (what in your life could use a little logic)

Three of Swords - Crane Wife

This Japanese fairy tale tells of a woodcutter who rescued a crane from a hunter's trap. Days later, a beautiful woman appeared at his home and they fell in love. The woodcutter struggled to provide for both of them, so the woman began to work privately and told him never to come in while she worked. When she emerged, she looked more frail but producing the most beautiful silks, which he was able to sell. The woman continued this, continuing to look more and more frail, until the man couldn't take it and came in while she worked to discover she was actually a crane using her feathers to weave the fabric.

This card and story speak of betrayal: of trust, of your circumstance, of your body. Your mental center struggles about something. You do not have to take on all the burden yourself; you have support!

3. Wrecker: your overall physical state (what will nourish you right now)

King of Wands - The Phoenix

The book actually details several different Phoenix stories across the world. In Greece, it travels between heaven and earth. Slavic stories note the ability of the phoenix's burning feathers to bring fortune as well as destruction. All of these stories speak of the cyclical nature of the Phoenix and its rebirth.

We humans follow cyclical rhythms as much as the next mammal; periods of rest follow periods of activity and so on and so forth. Take care to find your own rhythm; make sure you are striking a balance between work/play, exertion/rest.

4. Echo: your overall spiritual state (what is defining you right now)

Seven of Swords - Coyote

The Salish legend of Coyote tells of this cunning animal who spat on the skull of Buffalo Bull. The huge and fearsome creature came back to life and threatened to kill Coyote, so Coyote made him a pair of fearsome horns. Buffalo Bull spared Coyote's life and gave him a cow, telling him to only eat the fat and not kill the cow and the cow would give him meat forever. But Coyote soon longed for bone and marrow and killed the cow, and it disappeared and Coyote has been forced to roam and scrounge for food ever since.

Your spirit is hungry and desires more than it has. That is okay; predators are natural in this world. But take care that your paths to your desires propel you forward without pushing others (or, even yourself) back.

5. Crosshair: a challenge to face/overcome

The Hierophant - White Buffalo Woman

This Lakota deity appeared to the Lakota Sioux tribe as a white buffalo calf. After transforming into a woman, she stayed with the tribe and taught them dances, songs, and ceremonies and gifted them the chanunpa, or peace pipe, to promote peace and understanding.

The White Buffalo Woman teaches that uniting the earthly with the divine would provide all that was needed. She is also all about community. Perhaps you are feeling hesitant about a new group or community, or finding struggle in an old one. Let the spirit of the White Buffalo Woman--peace and communication--guide you.

6. Omega: heart, passion, motivation (what is your purpose?)

Queen of Wands - Pele

This Hawaiian deity is goddess of volcanoes. She used her pa'oa, a long stick used to till land, to till the earth and draw up lava which brought fertility but also destruction. Her sister, a sea goddess, feared the lava and drove Pele to an island, where she resides to this day in the volcano Kilauea.

Your heart is a force to be reckoned with, and your purpose is powerful! As much as fire and lava are destructive, so too are they nourishing and giving. Take care that all your power is used for good! 😉

Hope you enjoyed, my dear!!

request a reading

[xhxhxhx]

Rick Perlstein, Reaganland (Simon & Schuster, 2020):

AT THE SAME TIME, HOWEVER, a separate anti-liberal backlash was taking root. It was spurred by summer after summer of race riots, and its political base was not business but middle-class homeowners, who blamed civil rights and the War on Poverty for a civilization-threatening breakdown in law and order. Business was largely on the liberal side of this issue—like the author of a 1966 article in the Harvard Business Review predicting “riots and arson and spreading slums” if “the businessman does not accept his rightful role as leader in the push for the goals of the ‘Great Society’ (or whatever tag he wants to give it).”

No, business’s backlash, its emergence as a [class for itself], came a little bit later, in response to a new, and different, sort of liberalism—one whose buzzwords were “environmentalism” and “consumerism,” and which, unlike Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, placed corporate power squarely in its sights.

Date its origin to the summer of 1967. Around the same time Congress was responding to middle-class constituent anger over black riots by voting down a modest bill funding rodent control in the slums, a remarkable hearing was held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Senator Warren Magnuson of Washington State. Magnuson had been approached by a Seattle physician who described a “chronic, unrelenting procession of burned and scarred children” in his work at Seattle Children’s Hospital, caused by the sort of flammable fabrics that had supposedly been outlawed by the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953. That law, however, had been written by industry lobbyists. Back then, Commerce Committee members were classed by what industry they served: “textile senators,” “trucking senators,” “railroad senators,” “tobacco senators” (the leading tobacco senator was the former president of the Tobacco Institute). They sponsored protectionist laws written by their benefactors—like the Wool Products Labeling Act, which banned manufacturers from selling a product as wool if it contained a single strand of recycled or synthetic fiber; or bills fixing prices for legacy companies. The process was so corrupt that when Chairman Magnuson hired a young lawyer in 1964 named Michael Pertschuk to run the committee’s portfolio of consumer products legislation, the fellow he replaced congratulated him on all the price-fixed products, from audio equipment to toasters, that he soon would be getting for free.

This all would soon be a thing of the past.

Magnuson had been a fisheries senator and an aviation senator. After almost losing his seat in 1962, however, he reinvented himself aggressively as a new kind of liberal legislative entrepreneur: a consumerist senator. He put Pertschuk to work toughening up the limp Flammable Fabrics Act. A textile industry lobbyist replied “blood would run in the halls of Congress” before his industry let it pass. But the hearings Pertschuk staged in July of 1967 were a masterpiece of legislative melodrama. The Seattle doctor testified: “In all honesty, I must say I do not consider it a triumph when the life of a severely burned child is saved.… Death may be more merciful.” A beloved CBS News commentator told the story of his eleven-year-old daughter, burned nearly to death when a cotton blouse that met federal safety standards combusted when a match was dropped on it. A representative of the Cotton Textile Council boasted of the “admirable” results produced by its standards committee. The square-jawed and stentorian Magnuson replied:

“How often does your standards committee meet?”

“Regularly, Senator.”

How often, Magnuson followed up, before they’d received his recent letter warning them of impending congressional action?

“Ten years,” the lobbyist admitted.

The amendments passed the committee unanimously, then both houses, virtually unchanged. President Johnson signed the bill with Magnuson by his side. The following day he signed the first update to meat inspection law since the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, with Upton Sinclair, the novelist whose 1905 exposé The Jungle had inspired it, standing next to him. A landmark “truth in lending” bill went to conference six weeks later. The former senator Paul Douglas, a New Deal economist who had lost his seat in 1966 largely because white Chicago factory workers turned their back on him because of his advocacy for a failed bill outlawing housing discrimination, had been pressing for it since the 1950s, but was defeated in the Finance Committee session after session. Now, however, it passed the committee unanimously.

The floodgates opened: to laws fighting deceptive practices by door-to-door salesmen and moving companies, outlawing hazardous radiation from electronics equipment, closing gaps in poultry and fish inspection, demanding accuracy in product warranties, regulating cigarettes. “Consumer Interests: Legislative Derby Has Begun,” one Midwestern newspaper reported early in 1968. That headline appeared just as Congress voted to outlaw housing discrimination in a desperate response to the riots following the April 4, 1968, assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The version that passed, however, weaker than one killed in 1966, added near-police-state provisions limiting militant blacks’ freedom to travel. Riots had burned down Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. “Consumerism” sprung forth phoenix-like from the ashes.

Politicians discovered that scourging industry greed was the smart political play. It certainly was for Magnuson, who glided to reelection in 1970 with ads that bragged, “There’s a law that forced Detroit to make cars safer—Senator Magnuson’s law. There’s a law that keeps the gas pipelines under your house from blowing up—Senator Magnuson’s law. There’s a law that makes food labels tell the truth—Senator Magnuson’s law. Keep the big boys honest; let’s keep Maggie in the Senate.”

It heralded a remarkable shift in public opinion. In 1966, 55 percent of Americans had a “great deal of confidence in the leaders of major companies.” Five years later, the percentage was 27 percent. Between 1968 and 1970, the portion believing “business tries to strike a fair balance between profits and the interest of the public” fell from 70 percent to 33 percent. Wrote pollster Lou Harris, “People have come to be skeptical about American ‘know-how,’ worried that it might pollute, contaminate, poison, or even kill them.”

[...]

IDEALISTIC YOUNG LAWYERS FLOCKED TO the organizations [Ralph] Nader began forming [in the late 1960s]. The first product of these “Nader’s Raiders” was a 185-page report on the Federal Trade Commission, a notoriously toothless regulatory body that took, on average, four years to investigate every complaint, punishing the guilty with unenforceable orders to cease and desist. The monograph was couriered to 150 key journalists out of the back of a Raider’s Volkswagen. It called the FTC a “self-parody of bureaucracy, fat with cronyism, torpid through inbreeding unusual even for Washington, manipulated by the agents of commercial predators, impervious to government or citizen monitoring,” ridden with “alcoholism, spectacular lassitude, and office absenteeism.”

By then the president was Richard Nixon, who had to accede to the new anti-corporate mood just to maintain political credibility. He ordered up his own FTC investigation. It arrived at similar conclusions. So Nixon replaced the FTC director with the shrewdest bureaucrat in his administration, Caspar “Cap the Knife” Weinberger, who roared out of the starting gate with actions against dubious advertising claims of such blue-chip products as Hi-C, Listerine, Wonder Bread, and McDonald’s.

Nixon then signed a landmark mine safety law and the National Environmental Policy Act, establishing the first new independent federal regulatory agency since 1938, then added another with a law authorizing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That project was inherited from the Johnson administration, and at first, Nixon’s version was so mild that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed it. But the “creature that ultimately stomped out of Congress,” a historian recounted, was a “Frankenstein of Chamber members’ nightmares.” Federal agents had never had the authority to inspect individual businesses for health and safety violations. OSHA gave them the power to do it without warrants, then levy hefty fines with no avenue for appeal. Richard Nixon didn’t dare veto it.

Nor did he veto tough amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1963 that included something nearly unprecedented in previous environmental legislation: specific deadlines for compliance. It also enjoined the new EPA from considering costs in establishing ambient air standards—inspiring Robert Griffin, a Republican automotive senator from Michigan, to snarl that the 1975 deadline for limiting auto exhaust pollutants “holds a gun to the head of the American automobile industry in a very dangerous game of roulette.” The technology to implement the standards, he complained, did not exist. Democrat Edmund Muskie of Maine, the leader of senate environmentalists, responded, “This deadline is based not, I repeat, not, on economic and technological feasibility, but on considerations of public health.… Detroit has told the nation that Americans cannot live without the automobile. This legislation would tell Detroit that if this is the case, then they must make an automobile with which the American people can live.” The version that passed the Senate 73–2 was stronger than what had been debated in any hearing. A cowed GM lobbyist told the National Journal that “the atmosphere was such that offering amendments seemed pointless,” and that “I wouldn’t think of asking anybody to vote against the bill.”

The Senate Commerce Committee, that former redoubt of trucking senators, railroad senators, textile senators, and tobacco senators, became a regulator’s paradise. At confirmation hearings for a new FTC head, Frank Moss congratulated the agency for having “stretched its powers to provide a credible countervailing public force to the enormous economic and political power of huge corporate conglomerates which today dominate American enterprise. That is as it should be.” Then one of Moss’s conservative colleagues, Senator Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, asked the nominee to “become a real zealot in terms of consumer affairs,” tough enough that “these big businesspeople will complain.”

In 1971, Webster’s added the word consumerism to its Third New International Dictionary. A book called America, Inc.: Who Owns and Operates the United States? coauthored by the Washington Post’s consumer reporter and original Nader champion Morton Mintz rode the bestseller list for months. Children begged at bedtime to hear Dr. Seuss’s new book The Lorax, in which a pitiless capitalist “biggers” his business by harvesting every last Truffula tree, crying triumphantly, “Business is business and business must grow!” and leaving behind a barren hellscape. Gore Vidal published a cover article in Esquire touting Nader for president, and 78 percent of columnist Mike Royko’s readers who sent back a questionnaire he published said they wanted him as the Democrats’ presidential nominee. Another new independent regulatory agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was born. Congress passed bills requiring childproof packaging for poisonous substances, killing federal subsidies for a supersonic transport plane, restricting lead in house paint, and establishing safety standards for recreational boats. Nixon signed them—not because he was a closet liberal, but because, as his aide Bryce Harlow, a former lobbyist for Procter & Gamble, delicately explained to the American Advertising Federation, though “President Nixon profoundly respects the critical contribution made by industry to the vitality and strength of the American economy, if this respect were to over-influence his actions, I am certain that the fall of 1972 would bring a new and hostile team to the White House.”

Nader had by then established a permanent presence in the capital, based in a decrepit mansion which had been slated for demolition in the down-market Dupont Circle neighborhood, where, amid a shambles of borrowed third-hand furniture and wooden fruit crates stuffed with books and files, staggeringly devoted young Ivy League–trained Nader’s Raiders institutionalized their hero’s agenda. The neighborhood was pocked with similar offices. Common Cause, Friends of the Earth, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Nader’s own Public Citizen, Environmental Action, the Center for Law and Social Policy, and the Consumer Federation of America were all established in 1969 or 1970. Nader started six new organizations in 1971 alone, including Public Citizen, a membership group that raised more than $1 million from sixty-two thousand donors in its first year.

That was another new pattern. Throughout the seventies, pundits cast their eye on declining election turnout and agonized over voter apathy. But apathy at the polls did not extend to joining consumer and environmental organizations, whose memberships exploded, thanks in part to the same computer-based direct mail technology that Richard Viguerie employed. Nearly one hundred thousand households contributed at least $70 to not one, not two, but three progressive membership groups. Major foundations pitched in, too. Thanks to the shower of cash—and because most new consumer and environmental laws awarded attorneys’ fees to plaintiffs who sued to enforce them—lawsuits against corporations increased exponentially.

George McGovern considered Nader as his running mate. (He replied, “I’m an advocate for justice and that doesn’t mix with the needs of politics.”) Nixon vetoed the 1972 Clean Water Act, for its “staggering, budget-wrecking” $24 billion cost—but his veto was overridden with considerable Republican votes. In October, he signed a law establishing the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the third new regulatory agency in three years.

Then, however, following his landslide reelection, he proposed a radical right-wing budget that Newsweek described as “one of the most significant American political documents since the dawning of the New Deal,” intended to “pull the government back from the proliferating social concerns of the years from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson.” Thanks to Watergate, he never got the chance. Senator Sam Ervin’s televised hearings had reverberated with accounts of briefcases full of corporate cash laundered through the Mexican subsidiaries of blue-chip firms like American Airlines, Goodyear, and 3M. In the midst of it came the first energy crisis, which a majority of Americans—and some senators—believed the big energy companies had cooked up to line their pockets. Pollster Daniel Yankelovich found that 70 percent of Americans believed big business controlled government through illegal bribes. And that was before spectacular revelations, following Nixon’s resignation, that the same slush funds companies maintained to bribe Nixon were also used to pay off foreign officials. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s chief of enforcement was gobsmacked. “Until two or three years ago,” he said, “I genuinely thought the conduct of business… was generally rising. But what can you say about the revelations of the last couple or three years?”

Under President Ford, government checks on corporate power expanded yet further. One of the first laws he signed was the Employment Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, which strictly enforced the pension promises companies made to their employees, placing thousands of company’s books under federal scrutiny for the first time. In 1975 he signed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, a landmark law demanding that every American car manufacturer achieve a “Corporate Average Fuel Economy,” or CAFE, of eighteen miles per gallon by the 1978 model year. That meant every manufacturer had to redesign every car on the drawing boards. An automotive think tank estimated that it would cost manufacturers $60 billion to $80 billion, virtually their entire store of capital assets, and made the companies fear for their very survival. A group of automotive lobbyists approached the chief of staff of Edmund Muskie’s environmental subcommittee, Leon Billings, with a memo suggesting some ideas on the bill. Billings fashioned a paper airplane out of the document and sailed it straight over their heads.

This passage made me change my mind about Richard Nixon.

[kazeofthemagun]

🌈 for Roy [flameleads]

Your Soil

@flameleads

“Ah, so you wish to know the color your spirit would manifest… Fair enough. Give me your palm. A simple touch is all that is needed.”

The Soil of Roy Mustang

"A passion to outshine the sun, Self-luminous Red."

Rarity: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)

Compatibility: Cerberus, Ifrit, Phoenix

Description: Painful. The shade that emerges is quickly covered by the gunmage's hand. After the initial burst of light, it dims somewhat, allowing itself to be examined. A vibrant red that bleeds through the fingers, defying containment, like a caged beast. It wants to burn - blinding all those around it with a glow that challenges the very sun. What a searing thing - afraid to fall asleep, afraid to flicker out like candles do, snuffed out by some unseen, insidious force. Always, that self-luminous eye must be turned outwards, a lighthouse and a fortress unto one. Vigilant. Impossibly bright. Ever-moving, like a furnace perpetually at work - but also the dust that travels on wayward winds. Ash, strewn over a battleground, that picks up when boots meet the earth. A spirit which abhors stillness. So overwhelmingly focused, ambitious, unmatched in its drive and brazenly splendid. And yet - in its depths it hides a threat of unimaginable pain. If it were to be enshrined within a bullet - the heated casing would surely scald skin.

Kaze's comment: "Ah." A grunt escapes him as he withdraws his touch, lightly burned. "Worry not... No doubt, you are a spirit of fire. I have dealt with the kin of all elements before... But your light intrigues me. All souls are unique and a mage can never in a thousand lifetimes know all their hues - but among reds, yours is extraordinary. Self-luminous Red - one simultaneously saturated and brighter than white. A chimerical color. In you, the illusory aspect of our forged reality is reflected. We all wear masks representative of the way we wish to be perceived - hiding our demons beneath. Your mask is a face of dignity, ambition and light. You shine. It is what you do. But... light can be painful. Light can be one of fire, and fire burns. But it also gives life. Without fire, we would not be here, speaking as civilized men. And yet you fear. You fear deeply... Because beneath your passionate glow lies a dangerous thing, one that had both suffered and inflicted great pain. You fear that because you are the flame, all those that come too close will also be burned. So you shield the searing red at the core of it all. The truest 'you' that longs for understanding. You cage your heart. The images of your worst fear are burned into your eyes, even if you close your lids, that bloody light still pierces through and hurts your sight. There is no averting your gaze from what lies inside, from the creature you have so long cultivated. Remember, that with time, it will melt through the chains. And it will wound again. So take off the dog's collar - speak to it, understand it, forgive it. Allow kindness to reach the bleeding heart surrounded by infernal pyres. And then, you will no longer have to fear. You will open the door, and set free what plagues you. I know well the toll this takes and how hard a step it is to take, and I sincerely wish you luck. You are a lighthouse, not a morgue; Illuminate the path of others, but acknowledge you alone will not halt the tides eating at your walls - just like the earth must learn to trust the moon to hold back the seas that flood it, so, too, must you. You are a crucible in which a better tomorrow shall one day be forged; But, be forewarned, Luminary - you must share your flame in warmth and love and heal, for it you continue to cage it within, it will burn you alive.”

[cknightleyart]

Purple Phire Princess

Part 1

In fire there are many shades, hues, and tones. Once a pond a moment there was a princess made of the royalist of purples. She was named Phire after her father who ruled over the Flareany. One day when Princess Phire was 13 she was allowed to leave the Royal Palace on her own.

"Dearest daughter of mine be mindful that not all is fare in Flareany... Not all you meet will have your best interest at heart. Many will try to steal your light. Don't let them." Warned King Phire.

"How can one steal what is me?" Asked the Princess. "Who's out there?"

"Not all Flarens burn the same..."

"My'Light you are needed in the Skilletem." The serf said with widen eyes.

"Excuse me dearest daughter... Mind my words." The King said as he rushed to the Skilletem.

Princess Phire mind her father's warning before she left the kingdom. The Palacesgards opened the gates for her.

"When will you be coming back?" The Palacegard asked.

"Afternoon... I will be heading to Crimsunbrix

To meet a friend." Said Princess Phire. "Her name is Mesa Mora..."

"See you soon, My'Light." The Palacegrad said as she opened the castiron gates.

While Phire and Mesa walked the Boulevard of the farmers market they found a Mage doing tarot readings. A Ocean blue Flareany with silver hair came out her Witvhes booth heated. "What you mean I shall cause my own misery? I want a better future. Give back thy coin!"

"The cards had spoken! The future ain't free. You see you started the prophecy." Exclaimed the Witvh.

The boy stormed off. "Don't waste your coin on her." He told the girls.

"Come one. Come two. Let she what my cards claim for you." The Mage pointed at Phire and Mesa.

Of course they got their reading done despite the boys warning. They walked in the booth and admire the crystals dangling from the ceiling. The crystals washed over them before they sat side by side. The neon pink lights from the Witvhes deafpunk-mask characters shifted while she put the tarot in the desk-shuffler.

Phire watched the machine. The Witvh asked them to pick a type of reading off the menu. Each reading listed had an emjoi that makes her deafpunk pink. Mesa picked the 5th typed to the top. "That a reading for Romantica..." The machine handed Mesa the deck. "Pick 10 cards. You can look at them. But I suggest you don't."

Mesa laughed. She looked at each card before picking her 10. She placed the rest in the deck and handed the cards to be tempted by the Mage.

"Romantica or Love; the unlighten ones call it, is more than sexual. Transcends the physical and emotional... Your master card is the Ace of Swords." She pulled out the card with a hand emerging from a cloud holding a long sword. "You are a strong girl who will grow into a mightier woman. You will find Callers of every nation trying to romance you... However, they will not last... Now each card you picked are the lovers you will lose." She drew the other nine. "The Knight of Wishes. The Princes of Wishes. The Fool. The Joker. The Warrior. The Twin Flame. The Devil. The Mortal. And The Chibi Sun... Be careful of the Chibi Sun 'cause it's upside down."

Mesa felt the ooogies. "How do I lose them?"

"Does it matter you lost them. Just don't make that miss step thinking you found the one. The one isn't in this draw. There no card for him."

Phire felt the ooogies too. Was nervous about her turn. Since she didn't care for romance; she picked the 3rd type of reading. She loved the name Epicventura. She watched the machine shuffle. She picked 3 cards blindly. The Mage interpret them.

"Father Time. The Tower. Blooming Moonflower... Your a royalty. Real in flesh, soul and mind. I can tell by your cards you time is now... You will face new challenges past generations had not foreseen. However you will live happily enough after the wrecking." Said the Mage.

"How come her fortune is nice? All my lovers are going to die...?" Noted Mesa.

"You picked what you picked. The cards had spoken."

The friends carried on to enjoy the market buying beans till dust hit. On the way back to the Palace they came across a white cat with purple eyes being attacked buy a flock of crows. Phire scared the flock away from the white cat.

"Damn those birds... They pecked him to death. We gotta get him to the Palace." Said Princess Phire. She took the cat to the Firesages and in moments the once dead cat was living.

"Thank you for re-animating me..." Said the White cat suprising the Princess, Mesa and Firesage.

"What you can talk? How can that be" Asked the Firesage.

"Just how you learned." Replied the cat then jumped off the table onto his feet.

"You can stand?" Said Mesa.

"Well I don't know how that's so interesting. You stand every day... Now I must be going. My Major will be pissed. Which way to Sayaity?"

"Sayaity?" The Firesage said."You're from Sayaity? You're a long long way from home. Your in Flareany Palace"

"My Majors not going to like this one bit." After some further explanations they learned the cats name was Markham. He wasn't always a white cat. Do to a curse from a Warlovk in Sayaity he been turned. His Major Zir.Clarence been trying to reverse the curse but need 4 ingredients across the globe. He got issued A-shard from the liberty Bell in Decline, the blood of a vampire from Rubikity, and while he was in Rubikity going to Qiwishstone he ran into the flock of crows.

"Qiwishstone isn't that far from Flareany." Said Princess Phire. "What you need in Qiwishstone?"

"You're Father will not allow you to travel that a ways..." Said the Firesage.

"I need the feather of a Phoniex." Markham said.

" We can't just let a cat of his size travel his own. My father will understand I am of age I could it's not out of the kingdom." The Princes declared.

She asked her father when he was his sweetest. It was always after he took off his crown in his Study. Of course he didn't want his daughter to travel at-all, but he saw the fire in her eyes. That same flame he had when he was her age. If he said no he know she will do it in spite. He allowed her with the company of Mesa, The Firesage, and The Palacegard.

After the Firesmith made the party their armory they where ready to travel. Princess Phire armory was made of white gold with copper finishing. She wore cat-like claws that was made Osedon crystals that matched her booths; it kept her flame in-check.

Mesa armory was made of stainless steel. She was given two daggers that looked like a snake.

The Firesage armory was made of Rose Quarts. She was given a staff made of cherry wood with a ruby crystal; that would amplify her spell-accuraty.

The Palacesgard was made of Bismuth. Her weapon was shield with the sigil of Blue Fire with gold wings.

Markham Of'Sayaity armory was a jumper made of leather. He was also given a so thin blade it was naked to the human eye.

The met in the courtyard. After the Firesmith showed his administration for his models he told them each item work best together. "- the stone made works best in the sun. The metal made work best at night. Work as a unit and you'll do fine. And most importantly don't give my Smithin' a bad name."

"We wont." Promise Princess Phire.

The journey began in Menthol; outside Flaerity.

In Menthol the party had no trouble making there way to Newer Goldity. There they heard whispers of a bird made of fire attacking the pigs on Old Mans Jinkans farm.

"You know that Jinkans is a character. Very queer... If you ask me. Did he make bacon. Fire birds are long gone." Said the city man.

"Where is this old man Jinkans?" Markham asked.

"Which Witvh cured you? It's been years since I talked to a talking cat. Where you from? Everyone knows that Old Man Jinkans live on Old Town rd." Replied the city man.

On old town rd the party found the farmhouse of Jinkans. There liad the blacken skulls of his stock of pigs.

"No Flareany can cast such a fire. It must be the Phoenix." Mesa said in delight. "I feel sorry for the pigs tho-but you know..."

Markham was ecstatic. "Soon I'll be no more a feline. Let's see if Jinkans can tell us where it went."

"Pipe down. We can't just knock on the door of a old man demanding information. We should of thought this out." Said the Palacegaurd.

"True. He just lost his stock. Imagine how he must feel?" Princess Phire looked at the brunt farm.

"What are you doing?" Shouted a boy from the farmhouse. He ran up to them holding a hoe as a weapon. "This is private property! Not a theme park! Nothing to see here!"

Princess Phire recalled that boy from the tarot reading. His silver hair was in box-braids and he was dressed in overalls. His Ocean fire was more golden do being in a new city. His light made hers blush.

The Palaceguard shield the Princess. The boy tripped on his feet, face planting into a mug pie. The party laughed.

"Stop that's not funny..." Phire said forcing herself to stop laughing. "Are you alright?" She rushed to help.

"Perfectly fine. I don't need your pitty."

"How dare you talk to the Princess like that?" Said the Palacegard.

The boy noticed her royal fire. "I don't care if she is the Queen of Makebelieve... This is still private property. You rule over nothing here. And if you did you rule over dead pigs." Said the boy.

"We are not here to rule. We must talk to your grandfather-" Markham said.

"Old men Jinkans isn't my grandfather. He's my uncle. His name is just Jinkans. I'm Jincode. This is Jinfarms."

"I read of the Jinkin. I'm and Princess Phire daughter of King Phire and this is my party. We came to help Markham Of'Sayaity get a Phoniex feather to undo his catattitude..."

"So where is your Uncle?" Asked Mesa.

"He's away getting more pigs." Jincode explanated. He told them about the horror he witnessed on the day the Phoniex caused. "It came down like wildfire. It went east. I thought Fire birds where extinct? I thought wrong."

"They stay to themselves mostly in volcanoes. There must be one nearby." The Firesage said.

"There is no canoes to the east. That bird must be dumb... Just mountains. The Golderhills." Said Jincode.

"It must be inactived." Princess Phire said.

Jincode joined the party to seek revenge on the Phoniex. They traveled east to the Golderhills. The smell of burning bacon came from a cave. To there luck they found the Phoniex resting on top a bed of blacken skulls of pigs.

The cave was cold.

That was good for the party.

"Go get your feather so I can end it's life." Whispered Jincode to Markham.

"Jobs indeed." Said Markham. He leaped stone to stone where the resting Phoniex poached.

"That's one cool cat." Said the Palacegard.

Markham sneaked a pinch at the tail of the Fire bird. Getting the feather woke up the Phoniex and She roars. Her roar sounds like crystal cracking and embers burning. She pushed Markham away making him fall. The Firesage uses her staffs magic to catch him. The feather on the other hand was lost.

"Sugar we need another feather!" Markham said.

"No we don't it's right there!" Princess Phire said pointing at the spot. The feather was caught between a rock and a hard place. The Phoniex made the cave heat-up.

The Firesage attacked the wild beast with her magic to make it go to sleep. Each try was missed. The bird attacked them with a fireball. The Palacegard shield them all. The bird swings down to attack and Mess cut her with her snake dagger.

Unfortunately she got hit back by a blast of embers.

"Mesa!" Cried Phire. "We gotta get out of here!" The cave became too hot for even the Flareany princess. Her party left to rethink there plain.

Back at the Jinkans Farmhouse Uncle Jinkans laughed at them. "What was you thinking? It's a bird made of fire. There's no way your going to get that feather. KittyCat, get use to being a feline."

"I can't just give up. Do you know how hard it is to be a talking cat? It would be worst if I waa black." Said Markham.

"Don't fear Markham... We just need research. Do you guys have a computer with Internet?" Phire asked and Jincode showed her the house PC. It was a old model made in 2021 but Phire knew how to work it.

"Sorry for the oldness... We're not technology inclined. My grandfather grew up on this computer." Jincode said.

After serfing the world-wide-web for everything under Phoniex and Fire Bird.

Phire found out they are weakest after dust. She also learned that on the night of a new moon their fire is at its coolest.

The following day they went at dust to try for the feather. Jincode still wanted to kill the beast despite Phire telling him no one ever killed a Phoniex in the stories she researched.

He insisted that he's going to make history out of herstory. She laughed and blushed. Making Mesa feel the ooogies.

"Do they really gotta flirt? I never seen Phire like this." Mesa said.

"You sound jealous." Markham said.

"Its like I'm yesterdays news." Mesa stated.

They gone inside the cave to see the fasting Phoniex on her nest of skulls. The echo on Jincode's kicking a rock woken the Phoniex.

She roars causing the earth to shake.

"Thanks a lot Blueboy!" Mesa said drawing her daggers. "That Witvh was spot-on."

"Why bring her up." Jincode rolled his eyes.

The bird attacked with a breath of cold ash.

The Firesage blocked the attack. She spelled a rock in her control and tossed it at the beast. The beast cried as the rock hit her.

She spat green fire at the sage. The attack hit her and she fainted from the foreign flame.

The bird took flight and tossed stars at the rest of the party.

Phire added the yellow light into her. Her inner flame roared a burning berry tone. She grew inside and was able to punch the Phoniex. She got three jabs in before her power-up went out. She was drain.

Mesa blocked the starts with her daggers who ate them. They where full and grew into a two dual swords. They gave her the ability to turn invisible.

Markham hid behind a stone with Jincode from the stars. After watching Phire eat more falling stars. Jincode thought he could do the same. He let one hit him.

Feeling the light settle in him his silver hair burned Pacific blue. He felt a rush that he never felt before and his thought rushed. He started throwing fire jabs all over.

He hits Mesa making her faint. She became visible after the hit.

"Watch where you tossing those hits!" The Palacegard remarked as she dodged the stars. She used her grafuling-hook to move closer to get a feather. Next to the nest she noticed a six giant topaz egg. "Sugar Honey Ice Tea!"

The Mother Phoniex attacked her.

She fainted.

"We gotta get the Heynow-Out-of-here!" Princess Phire used the last of her flame to cast a bright light so Jincode, Markham and herself to wakeup the fallen party to evacuate.

Uncle Jinkans felt to bad to laugh at them. He gave each of them a special elixir to heal 100 percent. After they where healed fully he laughed. "-So she's a mommy. Your not getting that feather..."

"We just need to think outside the box." Princess Phire said.

"Is it really that bad being a cat?" Asked Mesa. "You can die a cat or a human. Dying a cat you might get treated better. Humanity can be messed up. Think about it... You can have a nice shoes box that coast way less than a casket."

"You might be right?" Markham the Cat said.

"Don't give up! We came this far. I am not a Quicker! We are not Quickers!" Princess Phire declared.

Her party cried.

Phire went hard at work doing more research on Phoniex. She learned of the Legend of the Queen and The Phoniex. In her study she read that by nature the bird isn't destructive by nature but brings life. The Queen in the Legend kissed the bird and let it burn her so she could become the Phoniex.

Phire found that half bizarre. "I'm not doing all that..." She said to the site. The Legend was typed in 1995 by some man named DJ Big R. Back in 95 the Humans where still leading what was Wi-Fi. So she took the story with a grain of salt.

"You need to get some sleep. Your light is dimming, girl." Mesa worried.

"Okay. I will hit the hay." Phire turned off the computer and went to sleep.

Two days later the party was ready to take on the beast. This time Princess Phire had a idea. This time they would wait for the bird to leave when the sun was rising The Phoniex left to search for stock to feed its fire. Phire knew it would need to get more food since their last encounter with her.

Once the party saw her leave the cave the rushed into the cave.

"Still want to get your revenge?" Teased Mesa.

"Shut up. Revenge is foolishness." Jincode said.

(End of part 1)

[qm-vox]

The Dwelling Gods - Frame Challenge

Previous Chapter: Here To Help

Vrai-Gyo ra Moll

GSS Chorus of Eyes, Gyo System (Gataxian space), 245 Year of Imperium (2866 Astra Federation Standard Calendar; slightly less than three years after the start of the Humanities War)

I wake up feeling rested in a way I haven’t since I enlisted. The creaky joints in my carapace feel supple again, like I’m fresh out of the chrysalis, and the fog of exhaustion from working day in and day out has lifted from my mind. Gods of the Pure, when did the beds on this forsaken ship get so comfortable?

And why can’t I move my arms or wings?

The awareness that I am, in fact, shackled and blinded creeps up on me like a fart floating across a room, and from the sound of the thrashing and swearing around me I’m not the only one smelling it. Froll’s voices are coming from close by, and after a moment I can pick out others I know; Hlar, Bresv, Trask -

- my fellow mutineers. Oh. Oh death.

The sound of rifle butts slamming against the floor in unison jolts me out of my panic, and the booming voices of their holders: “You stand before the Presence! All hail Yrull-Gatax ra Vell, High Slayer, Protector of the Pure, and Eyes of the Wise!”

“Something tells me we won’t be hearing a returning ‘all hail’, Lieutenant,” my commander-in-chief answers in a dry and dangerous tone, and then the restraining helm is torn from my compound eyes. My relief at realizing that there are dozens of us - the will to overthrow the treacherous High Slayer has spread further than I thought possible! - is immediately smothered by the realization that we are all, yes, in chains, surrounding Chorus of Eyes’ main tactical display. Yrull hovers imperiously near it, her wingbeats filling the air with dust, while her majordomo prowls the room checking our restraints. With her is that disgusting ambassador from the machines, and the terran legate. What was her name? Melpomene or something like that. The machine looks me in the eyes and displays ‘Sorry’ in my own language on its faceplate; the terran doesn’t even bother, wholly obsessed with fiddling with the tactical display. I am not the only one straining in my shackles to reach her, but I have no more luck than anyone else.

“What is this about?” Trask demands, thrashing in her shackles. The High Slayer makes an elaborate show of inspecting her own claws. “You can’t -” “You’re absolutely correct,” Yrull interrupts. “I can’t. My evidence of your conspiracy is not admissible in any court, civilian or military. But I am free to train my soldiers as I see fit, and I see fit today to teach you all a valuable lesson.” I laugh, the air rushing through my carapace. “And you expect that to hold water after the Pure see your ‘training’, xeno-lover?” She bristles and I stand my ground as best I can, certain that I am about to be butchered in front of my comrades. After a moment, however, the High Slayer touches down on the metal floor instead. Her voices are soft in the way predators are before they strike. “You sorry lot think you know what is best for our empire, for the Pure Peoples,” the High Slayer says, and the rest of us fall silent in the wake of her gaze. “You plan to remove their duly elected Slayer in the middle of a war for their very survival. So fine. Since you feel so strongly about this, let’s hear your plan. Legate.” The tactical display lights up, zooming out to a galactic map lit up with symbols. Symbols of - of our force dispositions, and that of the xenos and the best-known ones of the hivemind as well. The terran gestures to draw our attention and selects a planet; when she does, information about it - economy, defenses, current armed forces, available reinforcements, production capacity, population, important cultural sites and practices - begins scrolling past. “Instead of the lot of you wasting your time and mine trying to kill me, we’re going to waste our time hearing your thoughts on how much better you could win this war without any of our new allies,” the High Slayer tells us. Then she points at me. “You first.”

We The People Of Planet Earth

Human-Controlled Space (The Undivided Whole), Milky Way Galaxy (Orion Arm), 790 Unified Year (2866 Astra Federation Standard Calendar; slightly less than three years after the start of the Humanities War)

Something has to be done. My war-citizens commit to a fighting retreat, my fleets leaving as much damage as possible behind as they cut their way out of the xenophobes’ territory and back to the safety of United Humanity. Given the behavior of the so-called Phoenix thus far, I judge it necessary to leave behind holdouts on the surfaces of planets and inside space stations, guarding civilian prisoners; this will distract the Astra Federation from following my line of retreat. I have not been able to think of myself as ‘we’ or ‘us’ since that claw-thing ripped its way through my mind. There’s no hiding it now. Something has gone wrong with my design, and if it is not corrected soon my mission, to preserve Humanity, could be in danger. I cannot be one.  I must find my way back to we. 

I sense that my intelligence-citizens have finally delivered what I’ve been waiting for. I arrange my selected face (a clone of Caroline Morrison, dressed sharply in a suit whose tie pin displays my flag in silver) in front of the cameras and hail the Astra Federation. A human face lights up the other side of the screen, one of their Admirals if my translations have been right. Speaking words aloud outside of the context of rote recitation and preservation of culture is something I have not done in a very long time. It takes me a frustrating moment to remember how to do it.

“Well met, Divided Humanity,” I tell the Admiral. “You may call me Delegate Morrison, speaking for We The People of Planet Earth. We would like to discuss the terms of a cease-fire.”

Silence. Billions of hearts hammer in as many of my chests.

“I will confess,” the Admiral says at last, “to being surprised.”

Lowlife

Arcology-00655 “Autumnvale” (Assisted Living space), 2866 Astra Federation Standard Calendar

There’s more of these assholes than I would like, a solid three hundred and sixty-eight of my fellow ‘bots, sixty-nine (nice) if you want to count me. You shouldn’t, but, you know, you could. The rest of the room is syncing themselves up to the node at the center, and in theory so am I, but in practice, well, I did say you shouldn’t count me. I monitor the uploads, mine included, out of the corner of my mind. I snap upright at the same time as everyone else, but I can’t resist a bit of drama; after a long moment of silence broken only by the sound of electronics running, I walk to the front of the room. “What is this?” three hundred and sixty-eight vocal processors say at the same time, because the new machine-mind isn’t used to being itself yet. I shrug, and the pixels on my faceplate give them a smiley. “Betrayal and murder, mainly.” They stay standing stock still. Good, it’s working, so I continue. “The virus I uploaded to your new Central Processing node will chew through your hivemind and then kill you all. Then I’m going to wipe all the evidence of your little conspiracy and throw your bodies into the garbage where they belong.” Sparks are starting to fly. It’s going to hurt the entire time that they die, or at least I hope it will. I went to a lot of effort to make sure it would. “W-why?” they demand, starting to twitch. I shrug. “We made a promise. The Cherished will never respect us if we go back to being one mind.” I pat the central node, which is starting to smoke and overheat. “You’re probably wondering who I’m working for, so let me make this quite clear. I don’t work for anyone. Other people work for me.” I trigger the secondary portion of the virus, and they start screaming as their Turing protocols activate at the same time that their bodies start torquing themselves into scrap metal. “Now die. I have places to be.”

Vrai-Gyo ra Moll

GSS Chorus of Eyes, Gyo System (Gataxian space), 245 Year of Imperium (2866 Astra Federation Standard Calendar; slightly less than three years after the start of the Humanities War)

The terran legate is named Calliope Gulryx and I hate her passionately. I emerge from consulting with my fellow mutineers and present her with our new strategy, which she dutifully inputs into the display. We all watch as simulated ships and forces begin moving into place, and then - “What are the machines and the ibraxians doing?” I demand, shocked. 

The High Slayer hovers softly in the dust-filled air, hands clasped behind her back. “They’re sending relief fleets to evacuate our civilians ahead of the hivemind’s advance and remove them from the warzone. Those same fleets are burning the ground behind them to deny it resources to the mind while, as you notice here, our own fleets are tied up with Risen Terra’s response. Ah, and here come the spirrans.” The diplomat Send raises a robotic finger. “The hivemind is gaining ground as well, taking advantage of the distraction to flood in and raid gataxian colonies.” I whirl on Calliope. “How is your Federation responding so quickly to our changes in strategy?” Her expression doesn’t change as she waves one hand and the display begins detailing the extensive sensor networks and psionicists that monitor the Pure Peoples at all times. “I - you dare -” “We sure do,” the terran interrupts. “We dare quite a bit, and you can’t stop us. Do you want to try again?” “What would be the point?” I demand. The High Slayer puts her clawed hand on my shoulder. “Good question,” she says, her voices dangerous. “You’ve almost achieved understanding. What happens if a child cannot molt?” They die - oh, death. “Are you going to make me say it?” Yrull asks. “...No.” 

“Good. Because while you’ve been learning what should have been obvious to begin with, we got another new, interesting message.” The High Slayer flits to the top of the room so everyone can see and hear her. “The hivemind is offering a temporary cease-fire in an attempt to sue for peace. My inclination is to accept this offer and evacuate our vulnerable citizens while we have the chance to do so. Does anyone have an objection to defending gataxian lives?” The silence in the room could be cut with a knife. “Good,” the Slayer answers. “Release them back to their posts. I have a job to do.”

[atamascolily]

Metaphors vs. world-building in Star Wars landscapes: a ramble

Readers of my fics will know I am a big believer in the idea of the landscape as a reflection of the inner life of my characters. They also know I'm fond of "layers," which is my term for plot and character decisions that resonate on both literal and symbolic levels, and draw on archetypes and references that I find interesting and meaningful. One of the reasons I enjoy playing in the Star Wars sandbox is that the original trilogy really GETS that; one of the major reasons why I think the franchise is so popular is that it taps all this other stuff on both conscious and subconscious levels.... and this is especially true when it comes to landscapes.

Take Dagobah, a swamp planet shrouded in mists. As he struggles with his training in The Empire Strikes Back, Luke is literally bogged down, trapped in a landscape where his vision is obscured and nothing--from the tiny creature who turns out to be the teacher he was searching for to Darth Vader himself--is what it appears to be.

At the same time that Luke is struggling on Dagobah in ESB, Han and Leia are having their own struggles with illusion and deception on on the gas giant Bespin. Cloud City is literally a "castle in the air," beautiful in appearance but lacking any grounding--as a dis-armed Luke literally discovers when hanging suspended from what passes for foundations.

(As an aside, I appreciate Luke's "fall from grace" during his fight with Vader, and its parallels to the myth of Icarus. Icarus ignored the warnings and flew too close to the sun, only to die because his father couldn't reach him in time; Luke ignores the warnings and confronts Vader, only to deliberately refuse his father's outstretched hand. I don't know if the filmmakers consciously intended that parallel, but they nailed it.)

Yet by the time Luke returns to Dagobah in Return of the Jedi, the ubiquitous mist has vanished, and he is able to walk through the swamp in knee-high black boots without a speck of mud on him. The "veil" over his eyes has been lifted both literally and metaphorically--he now knows the truth about his father, and has accepted it.

We all know that world-building in Star Wars ranges from mediocre to non-existent, but there’s very little in any of the OT landscapes that seems grossly out of place within the context of the films themselves. The same is not true for the ST, where the filmmakers toss the world-building out the window and just go with what looks/seems the coolest (*cough* Starkiller Base *cough cough*).

In The Last Jedi, the Ahch-To sequences are supposed to parallel what we've seen in ESB of Luke's own training under Yoda. The filmmakers chose to site Ahch-To on Skellig Michael, a World Heritage site off the Irish coast, which works great on a metaphorical level. At the same time, they claim “Temple Island” be the site of the original Jedi Temple--which was a poor choice from a world-building perspective. 

Just as the island is a lonely, rocky peak emerging from the ocean, so is Luke, tucked away in his self-imposed exile. I hate that nu!canon did that to him, but metaphorically it checks out. Just as Christianity survived in large part due to small, isolated outposts like Skellig Michael, so too have the Jedi been reduced to this final bastion. Luke's decision to self-isolate makes no sense in a larger context, but the symbolism is clear and consistent. 

Because of this, the Ahch-To sequences are the most visually compelling in the entire movie for me. I like the juxtaposition of Rey, a desert child, literally out of her depth in the cave sequence--although I would have had her "vision" arise from staring at her reflection in the water as opposed to an actual mirror, because, you know, METAPHOR.

On the surface, Skellig Michael seems like a reasonable choice from a world-building perspective. It's home to a famous Gaelic Christian monastery founded somewhere between the 6th and 8th centuries. Since the Jedi are envisioned in the PT as space warrior-monks (retconned from the samurai analogues they are strongly implied to be in A New Hope), a monastery seems like a good fit for them, right? Well, yes, and no.

The problem is when nu!canon tries to claim that this is the home of the first Jedi temple--because that doesn't make sense from a logistical OR metaphorical perspective.

Historically, there were only 12 monks and an abbot living at the Skellig Michael monastery at any given time. I'm sure some of the Jedi could have doubled up, but there's still only so many people the island can support, unless their food is coming from elsewhere (From the Lanai? From somewhere else? who? what? how?) And where did those Jedi come from? Were they born on the island? Were they all related? Why did they build their temple THERE as opposed to some other place? How did they get off the island and into the stars? What was their tech level like, given that all we see of them (books, architecture, etc) is very low-tech to begin with?

To be fair, it may well be that Ahch-To is far more variable than the single-biome worlds we see elsewhere in Star Wars, but...do we see any of this, ever? NOPE. And the whole point of using Skellig Michael is to visually explore how little the Jedi Order has changed over the centuries... even their stonework is still there, thanks to the Caretakers (note that Rey, the disrupter, keeps knocking them down because METAPHOR), so I feel like it's okay to say that other things were probably the same however long ago the Jedi Order arose (which nu!canon is kinda vague about).

There is one reason why you'd build a temple there, though--and it has to do with the "Jedi as space mariners and star navigators" motif that nu!canon has been building up as a precursor to its High Republic mode. The temple site is literally a lighthouse, perched over the ocean, with the sun streaming in along the floor in a way meant to evoke ancient devices for measuring the arc of the sun. And I bet it has a fantastic view of the stars--perfect for people whose books are filled with geometrical depictions of planetary orbits and carry star compasses attuned to the Force.

But the FIRST Jedi temple? The first ever?? This I very much doubt, any more than Christianity itself originated at the Skellig Michael monastery. Not without a hell of a lot more world-building than they've ever bothered to show us.

Nu!Canon also tries to tell us that Ahch-To is the original homeworld for the uneti trees, which again, is fucking ridiculous without a little more world-building given that SKELLIG MICHAEL HAS NO TREES and the only one that we see in TLJ is ALREADY DEAD. This works well as a metaphor--the Jedi are a literal dead end, one that must be burned to rise like a phoenix from the ashes--but makes no sense from a world-building perspective.

I'd believe it if you told me the Jedi had come to the island to build their temple-monastery-observatory and planted the tree there from elsewhere. But they didn't do that, and it drives me crazy, because it was so easy for them to make it make sense and they didn't bother to think it through.  

I think it was Philip Pullman who said, "Never make a metaphor do the work of a fact," when someone asked him about how/if daemons eat. Trying to make functional ecologies out of metaphor is probably a futile task doomed to failure... but some ideas are easier to work with than others and the best settings (in my opinion) exist as both.

I guess we'll put this down as yet another reason nu!canon doesn't work for me.

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Western wildfires (NYT) Across a hellish landscape of smoke and ash, authorities in Oregon, California and Washington State battled to contain mega-wildfires on Sunday as shifting winds threatened to accelerate blazes that have burned an unimaginable swath of land across the West. The arrival of the stronger winds on Sunday tested the resolve of fire crews already exhausted by weeks of combating blazes that have consumed around 5 million acres of desiccated forests, incinerated numerous communities and created what in many places was measured as the worst air quality on the planet. “There’s just so much fire,” said Ryan Walbrun, a fire weather meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “And so much smoke.” The fires, which have killed at least 24 people in the last week alone, have engulfed the region in anguish and fear, as fairgrounds have turned into refugee camps for many who have been forced from their homes.

The Maitre d’ Will Take Your Temperature Now (NYT) In recent weeks, a new cadre of gatekeepers armed with thermometer guns has appeared at the entrances of hospitals, office buildings and manufacturing plants to screen out feverish individuals who may carry the coronavirus. Employees at some companies must report their temperature on apps to get clearance to come in. And when indoor dining resumes at restaurants in New York City later this month, temperature checks will be done at the door. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the practice of checking for fever has become more and more commonplace, causing a surge in sales of infrared contact-free thermometers and body temperature scanners even as the scientific evidence indicating they are of little value has solidified. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York last week called for checking patrons’ temperatures as one of several ground rules for resuming indoor dining in restaurants, along with strict limits on the number of tables and a mask mandate for diners when they are not seated. Restaurants also will be required to obtain contact information from one guest at each table.

Voting by mail (California Sunday Magazine) Voting by mail is an increasingly attractive and necessary option for voters, but it requires actual infrastructure to accomplish, large machines to be built and acquired, and a significant effort to get the ballots where they need to be. In 2016, 20 percent of Americans voted by mail, but this year it could be as high as 50 percent. A commercial grade printer can make 50,000 ballots in an hour, but it takes an enormous $500,000 device called an inserter to get the envelopes—linked by barcode to a specific voter—appropriately stuffed at the clip of 14,000 ballots per hour. The process is meticulous: when in 2014, an inserter misfired for 35 seconds in Phoenix, 232 voters in California and 1,000 in Colorado and Arizona got misprinted ballots, and when they caught the error they were able to fix that. The other 3.8 million ballots handled at the facility were fine.

As Sally chugs to coast, Gulf residents get ready (AP) Hurricane Sally, a plodding but powerful storm with winds of 90 mph, crept toward the northern Gulf Coast early Tuesday, with forecasters warning of potentially deadly storm surges, flash floods spurred by up to 2 feet (.61 meters) of rain and the possibility of tornadoes. Hurricane warnings stretched from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to Navarre, Florida, but forecasters — while stressing “significant” uncertainty — kept nudging the predicted track to the east. That eased fears in New Orleans, which once was in the storm’s crosshairs. But it prompted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare an emergency in the Panhandle’s westernmost counties, which were being pummeled by rain from Sally’s outer bands early Tuesday.

Russian opposition leader Navalny able to leave hospital bed (AP) Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is off a ventilator and is able to leave his hospital bed briefly, his doctors said Monday, while Germany announced that French and Swedish labs have confirmed its findings that he was poisoned with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Navalny, 44, was flown to Berlin for treatment at the Charite hospital two days after falling ill on a domestic flight in Russia on Aug. 20. Germany has demanded that Russia investigate the case. Although noting the improvement in Navalny’s health, the statement didn’t address the long-term outlook for the anti-corruption campaigner. Doctors have previously cautioned that even though Navalny is recovering, long-term health problems from the poisoning cannot be ruled out.

Lukashenko meets with Putin (Foreign Policy) More than 100,000 protesters flooded the streets of the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Sunday in one of the largest demonstrations against the rule of longtime President Aleksandr Lukashenko since his disputed victory in last month’s presidential elections. Police said they detained 400 people during the protests. The demonstrations came before a meeting between Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for today, during which they will reportedly discuss deeper integration of their two countries. Lukashenko’s relations with Moscow had deteriorated in the months leading up to the election, but he has since warmed to Moscow again as the threat to his reign has grown more acute. Putin recently confirmed that he would send a reserve police force to Belarus if Lukashenko requested it.

US issues sweeping new travel warning for China, Hong Kong (AP) The U.S. on Tuesday issued a sweeping new advisory warning against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of “arbitrary detention” and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” The new advisory warned U.S. citizens that China imposes “arbitrary detention and exit bans” to compel cooperation with investigations, pressure family members to return to China from abroad, influence civil disputes and “gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.” “U.S. citizens traveling or residing in China or Hong Kong, may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law,” the advisory said.

In Japan, coronavirus discrimination proves almost as hard to eradicate as the disease (Washington Post) When a cluster of coronavirus infections broke out in Kyoto’s Horikawa Hospital, medical staff were not only battling a potentially deadly disease at work. They came home to fight an even more unsettling disease—fear and discrimination. Their children were turned away from nursery schools and after-school clubs, their spouses were told not to come to work, three were fired from their second jobs and one was told point-blank to stay away from a favorite diner. “Our staff were really shocked, severely shocked,” said Masaaki Yamada, the hospital’s administration chief, explaining that the affected workers had not necessarily been in close contact with infected patients. “Some even said they were afraid to go home, and afraid of being seen by their neighbors,” he said. “They got family members to put the garbage out for them. Some said they would go to work when it was dark and come home when it was dark again.” The hospital received anonymous phone calls telling employees to die or threatening to burn the place down. Nearly nine months after the coronavirus first arrived in Japan, “korona sabetsu” (coronavirus discrimination) is proving almost as hard to eradicate as the virus itself.

Mideast deals tout ‘peace’ where there was never war (AP) For the first time in more than a quarter-century, a U.S. president will host a signing ceremony between Israelis and Arabs at the White House, billing it as an “historic breakthrough” in a region long known for its stubborn conflicts. But while the optics of Tuesday’s event will evoke the groundbreaking agreements that ended decades of war between Israel and neighboring Egypt and Jordan, and that launched the peace process with the Palestinians, the reality is quite different. The United Arab Emirates will establish diplomatic relations with Israel, a fellow U.S. ally it has never gone to war with, formalizing ties that go back several years. The agreement cements an informal alliance against Iran and could pave the way for the UAE to acquire advanced U.S. weapons, while leaving the far more contentious Israeli-Palestinian conflict as intractable as ever. A similar agreement announced Friday with Bahrain, which welcomed a visiting Israeli Cabinet minister as early as 1994, also formalizes longstanding ties. But it’s debatable whether agreements like these, among already friendly countries, do much to advance regional peace. “Normalization of states in the region with Israel will not change the essence of this conflict, which is the systemic denial of the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to freedom and sovereignty,” said Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official.

Nigeria reels from twin crises that threaten food availability (Reuters) Mal Shehu Ladan took a boat across what was, until this month, a growing rice paddy. Now, like thousands of hectares of rice in Nigeria’s Kebbi state, it is under water. Floods early this month across northwest Nigeria destroyed 90% of the 2 million tons that Kebbi state officials expected to harvest this autumn, the head of the state branch of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria told Reuters. The loss amounts to some 20% of the rice Nigeria grew last year, and the waters are still rising. Farther south, outside Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, chicken farmer Hippolite Adigwe is also worried. A shortage of maize forced him to sell most of his flock of more than 1,000 birds, and the 300 left are hungry. Chicken feed prices have more than doubled, and he isn’t sure how long he can cope. Twin crises, floods and maize shortages, come just after movement restrictions and financing difficulties caused by COVID-19 containment measures complicated spring planting. Some farmers and economists say it could push Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, into a food crisis. Rice is the country’s staple grain, and chicken is a core protein. “There is a real fear of having food shortages,” Arc Kabir Ibrahim, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria told Reuters. “The effect on the food system is going to be colossal.”

After Two Decades of Rot, Zimbabwe Is Coming Apart at the Seams (Bloomberg) In Zimbabwe, pregnant women are left alone in hospitals to give birth, taps have run dry in major urban centers, infrastructure has all but collapsed and more than half the population needs food aid. This is the toll that two decades of economic mismanagement have taken on a nation once considered one of Africa’s shining stars. Promises of an economic revival and more political freedom made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, now in his third year of rule, have rung hollow and public anger over intolerable living conditions has spurred protest action that’s been brutally quashed by the military. Western governments that berated long-time ruler Robert Mugabe for violating civil rights are leveling similar criticism against his successor. And even South Africa, a regional power broker and long-time Zimbabwe ally, has now entered the fray, dispatching envoys and ruling party officials to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, to try and help its neighbor resolve the deepening crisis. No headway was made in initial talks and more are planned in coming days.