#holographic thorns

[skele-bunny]

Bunny. (CW) Aether/Dewdrop

CW - Blood/Knife Play

Tags: NSFW, Blood play, Knife play, Shibari & Suspension, Trans Dewdrop, Vaginal Fingering, Crying, Sub/Dom relationship, Rigger/Rope Bunny

Characters: Dewdrop, Aether

(Ghostober day #5 Dom/Sub by @kroas-adtam ! Divider by @/wrathofrats , no beta, we die like men. My ghostober will be short fics!)

Nylon laid around warm skin, shibari thorns digging deep into flesh to cause discomfort and indents. The suspension hoop connected tight to the rope that held Dewdrop upside down, armbinders and futos connected to a harness that laid between his folds for a full wrap around. Exposed and open. Vulnerable.

Aether crouched down, tilting his head at his mate's closed eyes and blissed face. "Feel good, bunny?"

"Uh-huh..." There was a soft whisper, Dew fluttering his eyes open just in time for Aether to unfold their play pocket knife.

The metal placed against Dew's skin, causing him to shiver. "Gonna make you feel even more good in a second."

Standing back up, the quintessence bent some to place a kiss on Dew's hard tdick that sat proudly out, fingers touching down curly pubic hair. The pad of Aether's fingers rubbed between, hearing Dew's quivering sigh only encouraging him more to slowly sink two fingers into his exposed cunt.

His fingers became coated in slick, dipping in and out methodically. The pocket knife came back up, tip grazing against Dew's genitalia as it left red irritation marks with each gliding movement. Aether continued pumping his fingers as the blade laid against his mate's exposed thigh and slid across. A bubble cry came from below, Dew's muscles flexing before going to a still state with tension. Another cut came after, delicate and easily searing as Dew began to heat up.

"Teddy—" More babbles came out following a sharper cry with the next few.

Blood blossomed to the surface, dripping down and creating a snake trail that covered the rope and down to Dewdrop's exposed chest. Aether licked over the open wounds, kissing each delicately before moving to the next thigh, repeating his process and stepping back as Dew struggled against his binds. The metal posts rattled some from his movement, now stuck in a soft spin without Aether's body keeping him still.

The droplets reached Dew's chin as it mixed with his sweat, Aether purring over the sight. "What's your color, sweetheart?"

It took a moment before Dew could respond, exhaling with a whine once more. "Green."

"Good boy. Now, remember your manners." Aether crouched again to show the bloodied blade, the holographic pentagram even more shiny.

Dewdrop smiled wide despite the tears going down his forehead, opening his mouth compliantly. The flat end ran across Dew's wet tongue, watching Aether with full eyes as he lapped up his own crimson blood. His lips closed around, Aether sighing and squeezing his crotch as he pulled the knife slowly out.

"Very, very good boy." Aether stood once more, pressing himself against Dew's front and bringing his mouth to Dew's cunt—knife resting on his ass and ready to cut. "Gonna make you scream for it, bunny."

All Dewdrop could do was groan, mouthing at Aether's tent before more tears and screams left him.

[jinnie-ret]

the wisp sings

jeongin x fem!reader

genre: very angsty

warnings: hanahaki disease, idk grab a tissue maybe especially if you listen to the song at the same time

word count: 1.6k

summary: jeongin never confesses his love to you and it's to his own detriment that he becomes exhausted

requested by: @skzoologist

1K FOLLOWERS PLAYLIST 💚🖤

MAIN MASTERLIST

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Jeongin loved roses. Such soft, velvety petals, held up strong and protected from harm by thorns that could cause you that very thing. He thought they were beautiful, and didn't care if his thumbs always tingled slightly from the amounts of times he pricked them whilst trimming the flowers down. It was a reminder that he could feel something. Something other than longing and heartache.

"Wow! These are gorgeous! And you picked pink ones too? I bet it's because I said they're my favourite ones, hmm?"

Every time she visited her best friend's dorm, she found instant comfort in the light floral scents that drifted around the apartment. It was so pure, so welcoming, so... gorgeous. It summed up Jeongin wonderfully. And on top of that, it distracted her from the fact the dial on his love meter was slowly dwindling down, day by day.

"Anything for you."

The love meter was something everyone could see. A holographic vision that hovered above your head, a dial ranging from one end, a satisfied, content heart, to a dangerously lifeless one. People really lived to love, in this world. Those who were lucky to live alongside the ones they had fallen for, got to love. There was no burden of worrying if the dial would waver down to the dreaded grey heart, instead, a beating heart seen above them. It was the type of love that left couples in a state of being unable to speak without a smile.

How Jeongin wished that was how he could live.

She was oblivious, to a lot of things, but mainly his feelings for her. The way he would get lost in her eyes, searching deeply, an imploring look upon his face. If only she could realise the feelings she returned, rather than remaining in some sort of limbo. The dial on her love meter remained firmly in the middle because as far as she was aware, there wasn't anyone she loved so deeply for it to move either side.

"Have you ever wondered why we were born in a world like this? It feels a bit, scary sometimes, don't you think? That we rely on finding the perfect person to survive?"

He wanted a life, a long life, where everyone could see their hearts happily floating above their heads, where they could share story after story, moment after moment, together.

"I don't know... there's something so painfully beautiful about it..."

It was often they had late night chats, sneaking up onto the rooftop when the campus security wasn't lurking. Taking in the starry sky, one of them admiring the peace and the other praying they wouldn't be joining them soon. Oddly enough, they hadn't done so in a while, Jeongin not turning up to their uni classes, concerning her deeply.

"Jeongin? I've brought you some leftover kimchi, your favourite. Jeongin?" she called out as she entered his apartment, having a spare key card they managed to trick the accomodation into giving when Jeongin's 'broke'.

Quiet. Too quiet. Worryingly, the usually pristine roses were wilting slightly, petals scattered across the kitchen unit in a wet path.

"You've really made a mess with these roses this time..." she sighed with a slight laugh, placed down her tupperware box of food on the side and entering the lounge. Immediately, she rushed to her best friend's side, alarmed to see him trapped in a coughing fit, sweat beading across his forehead.

"What's wrong? Tell me," she frowned, brushing his hair back out of his face.

"My meter... Can't you tell?" Jeongin mumbled weakly, a defeated look on his face.

In that moment, a something shattered within her, noticing that the dial on his love meter was wavering towards the faded, lifeless side. It was running low.

"What... No... You'll be ok, we'll find a solution to this, you're my best friend, I can't let you suffer like this..."

Little did she know the dial moved further down the slightest bit when she uttered those words...

Best friend.

She didn't feel like a very good friend when she was suddenly swamped in her university assignment. She texted every hour she was awake, just for that reassurance Jeongin was still with her. But when the replies became less frequent, there was obviously something wrong.

Rushing to his apartment one afternoon, she panted, hands resting on her knees as she pushed the front door open, letting it slam behind her.

"Jeongin?!" she called out desperately, hoping for a response. She didn't get one. Instead there was the harrowing sight of petals scattered across the wooden floors, leading to his bedroom. In any other situation, it would look incredibly romantic, yet the fate of this world created a vision of death and mourning.

Frail and weak, Jeongin was wheezing from his shivering form in bed. The duvet was messily strewn and his pillows were damp with sweat. Most frighteningly, he was pale, sallow.

"No, no, ok, Jeongin, you'll be ok, I'll get you some help," she grasped his hand tightly, kissing his knuckles gently was tightly gripping her phone as she rang for an ambulance.

It wasn't until the paramedics wheeled him out of the room on a stretcher, that she found a folded piece of paper, her name scribbled across it messily, like the writer barely had a grip of the pen. Sniffling with tears appearing in her eyes, it wasn't until Jeongin was rushed off into a private room, with mutterings from the nurses of 'a bad case of Hanahaki Disease', that she was able to read the letter. There wasn't any chance in the ambulance for she was too busy begging the cruel gods above for them to give her best friend a second chance.

I didn't want this to happen, but I knew as time went on, things would probably end this way. And I would like you to love me, but I'd never force that upon you. So instead, I thought I'd tell you all the things I love about you, because you're who I live for.

I love the way you cackle when I do something clumsy, makes it hurt less, I suppose.

"Jeongin, you pabo!" she cackled loudly, clutching her chest and trying to catch her breath as she watched him trip over the rug and bump his leg on the corner of his coffee table.

"Who put that there?!" Jeongin cried out, a smile tugged on his lips nonetheless.

"You bought it, silly!"

I love the way you care for others, how you're so selfless, especially with me.

"Kimchi at your surface!"

"Oh my, you must be sleep deprived... You mean at your service?"

"Do you want it or not?"

"Let's eat together, come on, sit."

"I'm fine I've got to go and-"

"Sit down and eat with me, or so help me I will physically restrain you."

"Yes sir."

"I-"

She continued to read the letter, paragraph after paragraph until she reached the last part.

I am tired of this grief. I think these are the cards I've been dealt with and I'm ok with that now. I'm happy to have experienced life with you.

I love you, forever.

Sobs ripped through her throat, body crumpling in the uncomfortable chair of the hospital waiting room. The feeling of impending grief so overwhelming, she didn't notice the raised eyebrows from others as her dial furiously turned towards a full, illuminating heart above her head.

Her feet pounded down the hallways, stray hairs invading her vision where everything felt like a blur. She needed to find him. Because she realised it now, she felt it.

Love.

"I get it now! Please! Don't take him away from me!" she begged, blurry figures of the nurses trying to hold her back but she struggled like a wild animal, needing him. "Please!"

They tried to soothe her, to calm her down, but they stopped when they saw the meter with the dial turned all the way up. And with that, she rushed to hold the love of her life, hands softly cradling his face, cold to the touch.

"It's ok, you'll be ok. Just let me sleep, love," Jeongin whispered with a sad smile, eyes fluttering slightly, heart monitor beeping ever so slowly. He looked drained, almost as much as his love meter was.

"No! I love you! And I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realise but-"

"You don't have to say these things, really. I get it, and that's ok."

It wasn't ok. Not to her.

With determination and sadness coursing through her veins, she pulls him towards her and connects their lips together. Passion and warmth flooded within her, and when she pulled away she was worried she had done the wrong thing when the meter above his head disappeared. However, seeing that smile light up his face, and bring new life to his eyes, told her the answer she needed.

"You're not leaving me. I can't let that happen," she sniffled, hugging him tightly.

"I'm here, you're here... I love you so much," Jeongin's voice cracked with a tinge of disbelief.

The nurses still left in the room watched on in amazement, mesmerised at the sight before them, two beating hearts, floating above the couple's heads. Pink. With a twinkle too.

Love was what let them truly live. You've got to nurture that flower within, and let it blossom, let it bloom. It dies when you start giving up, losing hope. But someone will come along to look after it, and just like that there is warmth in the world again. Hearts full of life, beating with newfound excitement at the love it is filled with.

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top listeners: @skz-streamer @kiraisastay @hannahhbahng @kpopmenace143 @sakufilms @kailee08 @arloo00 @dunno-wut-to-do @splat00z @cheesemonky @his-angell @turtledove824 @2minstan @royal-shinigami @yangbbokari @skzoologist @channiesbunny26 @atinyniki @writingforstraykids @minholing @lilmisssona @astraysimp @lixie-phoria

[missywritesfor7]

❤️‍🩹Lifeline | MYG❤️‍🩹

Synopsis: It’s long been controversial for idols to date, but idols dating each other can be really beautiful or a complete nightmare. When Yoongi's relationship with another idol is discovered, he decides maybe it’s time to break the taboo and show people it’s ok for idols to date. Instead, they find themselves caught in the midst of one media frenzy after another and struggle to keep their relationship as strong as it had been the past 2 years. Yoongi finds a self destructive way to cope, and it causes even more problems than it solves. As they fight for their relationship and their careers, they discover that sometimes, the only way to truly be free is to let go.

Pairing: idol!Yoongi x idol!OC

Warnings: nsfw, alcoholism, cheating, depression, anxiety, Yoongi goes through a bisexy ho phase, Yoongi is also in his alcoholic phase, post-military BTS

Previous chapter | Next chapter | Masterlist

Ch. 23: Together

The members have been excited about Yoongi’s return since they heard the news. They’ve been eager to see him and how well he’s doing. Taehyung suggested a welcome home party but the rest of the guys agreed that Yoongi probably wouldn’t want them to make his return a big deal. Still they wanted to do something, so with help from Hyeri, they planned to bring dinner to their place to keep things low key.

Yoongi and Hyeri hit the road early in the morning and made it home by mid-afternoon. When he took his first step inside it was like he stepped into a dream. He’d only been gone 2 months, but he feels like it’s been much longer. The first breath he took filled him with the comfort that can only come from being home. He’s missed his home and the safety his heart feels when he’s there.

Before leaving, Hyeri made sure the entire place was perfect. No dish in the kitchen was out of place, no cushion on the couch unfluffed, not even a speck of dust on the tv. The place looks straight out of a catalog, except the random box sitting on Yoongi’s dresser in the bedroom.

“What’s this?” Yoongi asks approaching the unfamiliar rectangular black box. It looks big enough to hold a bottle of something and he’s trying very hard to remember if this is another hidden drink he had forgotten about.

“Yours,” Hyeri says gesturing for him to open the box.

“Mine?” He questions inspecting the box closer. The last thing he wants upon returning home is to find that Hyeri found another bottle of liquor that he didn’t remember he had.

The box is closed with a latch as if it were a treasure chest. Yoongi flips the latch and slowly opens the box hoping he doesn’t need to drive himself 5 hours back to the cabin because he got triggered 5 minutes after getting home.

However, instead of revealing a bottle of alcohol, the box contains a microphone. A black microphone that shines as if it were covered in diamonds, but isn’t. There’s an intricate holographic design of deep green vines with thorns that spirals up and around the entire microphone and shimmers when held under the light just right. At the bottom is a small heart drawn in the same color and holographic material as the vines.

The heart is very unique to Yoongi. It’s the way Hyeri draws her hearts when she writes to him. Usually in cards and handwritten letters she gives him on special occasions and sometimes for no reason at all. It’s different from the simple heart she uses in her autograph, it’s a heart with one side rounded like a normal heart, but the other side pointed like a triangle. The first time she wrote him something he asked why one half of the heart was rounded and the other pointed. She told him it represented them, Yoongi being the bold and brash pointed side, and Hyeri being the soft and more timid rounded side. Like the yin and yang that is the two of them.

“What is this?” He asks already making plans to never use another microphone again.

“A microphone,” she says shyly. “For you. I had it custom made for you.”

“What?” He asks as if he weren’t staring at the obviously custom piece of equipment in front of him.

“I had it custom made for you. The thorns are like…I don’t know, it’s stupid,” she says getting suddenly embarrassed by her thoughtful gift.

“No it’s not,” he objects. “It’s beautiful.”

“You think so?” She asks unsure. “I just thought a lot about everything we’ve been through. I love you so much, but you’ve caused me so much pain, so…the thorns are kind of like the pain. At the end of it is you, like you’re a rose. The most wonderful thing to me…but you hurt so much. I mean, at the time I thought of the idea that’s what I was feeling. Well I still feel it, but not as much as that time you know?” She’s babbling out of nervousness and she isn’t even sure why.

She came up with the idea one night as she had been thinking about all of the hurt she’d been going through. At the time she was only getting daily text updates from Yoongi but she wasn’t responding to them. He sent his usual text telling her about his day and how his session with Minho went. He told her that the conversation they had made him feel like he needed to apologize to her again for everything he’s put her through. He never stopped apologizing from the start, but this day he mentioned Minho talking to him about how his actions need to match his words and feelings and he got to feeling sorry. He told her he never wanted to hurt her, but he realizes that his actions tell a different story and that he would fully understand if she doesn’t believe him because he hasn’t given her a reason to trust his word anyway.

That was one of the moments Hyeri felt he was making good progress, but it still wasn’t healing her wounds. He was right that his actions didn’t seem like those of someone who truly loves and cares for her, but at the same time her heart can always feel the sincerity in his words. His message gave her the bittersweet feeling that manifested into this microphone design. He’s her beautiful, wonderfully sweet, caring rose who’s hurt her greatly the more she held on to him.

It didn’t take long for Hyeri to turn her idea into a design and find someone that could turn it into a reality. When it was completed she held on to it afraid she had made a mistake and wasted time, money, and energy on this when she still wasn’t sure she would be able to continue their relationship. Her anxiety grew more and more up until she saw him yesterday morning looking like the Yoongi her heart had been longing for. She felt better after their talk, but as they drove the 5 hours back home today she began feeling anxious again. She was worried if he would even like it or understand the meaning or even care. Up until this very moment she had been anxious about how he would react. That all finally melted away when he smiled at her and pulled her into a tight hug.

“I love it,” he says squeezing her tight and kissing the top of her head. “I love it so much.”

“You do?” She asks into his chest seeking an extra layer of reassurance.

“Of course, baby.” He pulls her back and looks down at her big brown eyes. “It’s gorgeous and I’ll never use another mic for the rest of my life,” he chuckles. “Thank you. For this and everything you’ve done. Sometimes I feel like you’re the glue that’s keeping me, us, together. You’re so strong and beautiful and thoughtful.”

“Don’t make me cry, Yoong-ya,” she jokes.

“I mean it.” He gives her a soft kiss against her lips. “You’re the best and I’ll make sure you know it every single day. This is the most beautiful gift I’ve ever gotten. I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” she smiles. Their lips meet for another kiss and the anxiety Hyeri had been carrying about this small surprise finally washes away.

For Yoongi this is one of the most thoughtful gifts he’s ever received. Even if she had only given him a drawing on a napkin with the same meaning it still would have been the best for him because it’s not so much about the object as it is about the meaning. It means the world to him and gives him the greatest boost in motivation. He wants to be the best person for her, it’s what a kind, caring soul like her deserves.

The rest of the members have been ecstatic for Yoongi’s return. They’ve planned a great meal with plenty of his favorite cuts of meat, his most loved side dishes, and his favorite dessert: a large embarrassingly decorated cake. They agreed to keep this low key with the at home dinner, but after some discussion the guys found it was almost impossible to greet Yoongi without doing something a little mischievous and extra. It just wouldn’t feel right to them if they didn’t.

Jimin was all too eager to take charge of finding the perfect cake. Not wanting to get a cake that was too obvious and could possibly tip off a baker with a much too suspicious request, he ordered a large cat cake similar to one Yoongi had gotten before for his birthday, but it’s about 3 times larger and is sitting on a larger piece of sheet cake with plenty of room for all 6 members to decorate however they want.

Jimin picked up the cake and the members all met up at his place to give it their special Bangtan touch. Equipped with various cake decorating materials provided by Jin and Jungkook, the 6 of them get to work. Jungkook used purple icing to write “I love you, hyung” on the cake. When Taehyung saw he got a great idea that they should all write “I love you” on the cake. He knows that would be the most embarrassing for Yoongi, though he’d never admit it to them. So that’s what they all did. In the end the cake was covered in expressions of love, many colorful Hobi drawn hearts, other poorly drawn figures by each member, sprinkles, strawberries, and a single tangerine from Jimin’s fridge used to cover up a spot where the icing pen chose to be uncooperative with Namjoon and unleash an explosion of blue icing on a corner of the cake. It’s the perfect amount of chaos to make Yoongi feel at home. They decided they would keep the cake a surprise until the end of the night. When dinner time came, Jimin kept the cake secure in his car while they all carried all of the food for dinner up to Yoongi and Hyeri’s apartment.

Hyeri told Yoongi the guys were coming for dinner so their arrival was no surprise to him. He’d been excited all day wanting to see his brothers. Just like with Hyeri, he’d missed them a lot during his time away, but unlike Hyeri his contact with them was much less frequent. Being openly and enthusiastically affectionate with them isn’t typical for Yoongi, but he almost wanted to run and jump into their arms when he heard the 6 of them come barreling through the door with their arms full of food.

“Hyung!!” Taehyung shouts being the first one inside. He puts the food he was carrying down on the kitchen counter and runs to Yoongi with his big boxy smile painted across his face.

“Taehyung-ah!” Yoongi smiles as he’s pulled tightly into Taehyung’s arms. Before he can say anything else or pull away, Jimin runs up and wraps his arms around Yoongi too.

“I missed you, hyung,” Jimin says.

“I missed you too!” Jungkook shouts adding himself to the group hug.

“Yoongiiiiii!” Hobi shouts wrapping his arms around wherever he can in the mass of 4 bodies.

“Ya!!” Yoongi shouts starting to turn red from embarrassment.

“Yoongi hyung!” Namjoon squeaks as he barrels into the group hug.

“Wait,” Yoongi laughs trying to maintain his footing.

“Yoongi my bro!” Jin shouts. “Did you miss us?” He asks adding himself as the final piece to the big Bangtan hug.

“Yes,” Yoongi responds still laughing his way through this embarrassing show of affection though deep down he loves the comfort his heart feels at the warmth of his family. “You’re going to crush me.”

“Good,” Jungkook laughs.

“We’re going to crush you with our love,” Taehyung teases.

“Yaaaa!” Yoongi protests again.

They all laugh and finally show mercy and release Yoongi from his embarrassment. There’s more planned for later anyway.

They all help getting the food set up on the table while Hyeri gathers drinks for everyone. They all agreed they wouldn’t have alcohol around Yoongi, so Hyeri stocked the fridge with sodas, juices, and teas for everyone before she left to get Yoongi the day before.

It looks like a holiday feast laid out on the table. Everyone digs in and instantly begins catching up on everything going on with them. Talks of solo projects, song features, and variety show appearances makes Yoongi feel like he’s missed a lot in a seemingly short time, but he’s happy to hear that everyone has been accomplishing great things. He’s even more happy once they start discussing group work. All 7 of them are eager to start their next era of music and touring and for the first time they feel like they can truly look forward to it without worries.

Everyone is happy and excited and once they finish their meal Jimin and Taehyung slip away to get the cake out of Jimin’s car. Yoongi noticed them sneak off, but Hyeri and the rest of the guys kept him distracted before he could question anything. When the pair return they carry the cake in singing “Happy health” to the tune of happy birthday.

“What…?” Yoongi asks as everyone else joins in and sings along. He notices the cake Jimin and Tae are carrying in and his cheeks immediately flush red.

“Our beloved Yoongi, happy health to you!” Everyone sings crowding around the table to see his reaction to their heavily decorated masterpiece.

“Why did you bring a cake?” Yoongi asks in embarrassment. “You didn’t have to bring a cake,” he smiles reading the words of love written all around the cat cake. “Guys…”

“Of course we had to,” Hobi laughs.

“What else did you expect from us?” Jimin giggles.

“Guys,” Yoongi repeats. He’s suddenly hit with a wave of emotions as a montage of his memories with the members flashes before his eyes. Each sloppily drawn “I love you” on the cake brings more tears to his eyes. “Isn’t this too much?” He chuckles trying to mask a sniffle.

“No,” Jimin smiles. “I don’t think it’s enough.”

“Stop,” Yoongi says trying to fight the tears.

“We love you, hyung,” Namjoon says.

Namjoon’s soft and rare show of affection finally breaks Yoongi. He buries his head in his hands and begins sobbing. The overwhelming amount of love he’s received from the 7 people he knows he hurt the most is just too much to fathom. He feels they should have given up on him a long time ago, but here they are celebrating his new beginning and showing him so much love. His shoulders bounce as he sobs even harder.

“I love you guys,” Yoongi sobs. “I’m so happy to have you all in my life. I’m…fuck why do you always do this to me?” He jokes.

“Because we love you,” Jungkook smiles wiping his own tears with his shirt sleeve.

“Stop it,” Yoongi laughs through the knot in his throat. “I’m sorry,” he says breaking his smile briefly then quickly lightening his tone. “You guys mean so much to me, I just…”

“It’s ok,” Taehyung says. “We’re family. We’ll always be here for you through the good and bad.”

Taehyung’s words draws tears from all of them, whether they were already crying or not. Yoongi feels so unworthy of the amount of love they give him, but each member can think of numerous times where Yoongi was there for them when they thought no one else was. It’s a touching moment that has all of them crying tears. Not tears of sadness and not even tears of joy. They’re all crying tears of love. Pure unfiltered love.

[jadegretz]

Samus Aran: The Spaceborne Warrior by Jade Gretz

The silence in the space station’s main control room was a thick, choking thing, a pressure building in Samus Aran’s chest. Even the hum of the station’s life support, usually a constant drone, was gone, replaced by an unnatural quiet that felt like a waiting breath. She hadn’t encountered this kind of silence before, a silence that whispered of malevolence, of an absence that was worse than any threat she’d faced in her years as a bounty hunter.

Her visor flickered, casting a green glow onto the deserted control panel. The station’s screens, once pulsing with activity, now stared back at her, blank and accusing. The only movement came from the holographic projection of the station’s administrator, a gaunt, middle-aged man named Dr. Thorne, his face contorted in a silent scream. He was trapped in a loop, his image repeating endlessly, the last echo of a desperate plea.

“This is happening again, Samus… they won’t stop… They’re coming…”

Samus, despite her hardened exterior, shivered. She had faced countless alien monstrosities, battled through storms of laser fire and fought her way out of seemingly inescapable situations, but this… this felt different. There was a sense of dread, an almost tangible fear that clung to her like a shroud. She knew she couldn’t afford to let it consume her, but it was hard to ignore the creeping feeling that she was walking into a nightmare she couldn’t possibly escape.

Her boots clicked on the polished floor, the sound amplified in the silence. The station’s corridors were deserted, a vast maze of steel and glass, the only light coming from the emergency lights that flickered ominously. Every corner seemed to hide a new horror, every shadow a potential threat. The air was thick with a metallic tang, the smell of ozone mixed with something else, something… alien.

She moved through the station, a ghost in the spectral glow of the emergency lights, her Power Suit a metallic cocoon protecting her from the unseen threat. The echo of her boots reverberated in the deserted hallways, a constant reminder of her loneliness, her isolation.

��(see the rest of the story at deviantart.com/jadegretzAI). For more supergirl, chun li, batgirl, tifa, lara croft, wonder woman, rogue and much more, please visit my page at www.deviantart.com/jadegretzai - Thanks for your support :)

[raconteur-multiverse]

🌌 Twisted Wonderland server JP Episode 07 Diasomnia Chapter 03 (1/?)

•Idia's phone ringing before he awake from sleep. Surprisingly that He didn't remember that Ortho's is now part students in Royal Sword Academy. He feels like maybe it just his imagination. He back to check out other players online game doing after join quest game last night.

•Idia thinking to go out to NRC yard wearing his ceremony. Feels something off this scenery, surprisingly see Malleus in there. Is like he's back in old past when he and others held Dark Mirror ceremony. Most strange is, Malleus usually never show up like this moment.

•Idia also never went out from his room since he is introvert after all and always use his Android tab to help him talk to students. Once everything is done on ceremony, Ortho talk about his doing in RSA with new friends. Idia was happy to hear that.

•But...Idia slowly confuse and suspicious, is like someone must be re-write the past.

•Meanwhile, MC slowly awake from conscious when MC see a vision of Maleficent in MC dream. MC surprise that MC isn't in Diasomnia's lounge but in a mysterious room looked like the original Ramshackle dorm. MC try wake up Grim saying that they're in other place.

•Grim remember when Malleus did put his Unique Magic to all NRC students into a deep sleep. Both of them Search around the room to find away back to Twisted Wonderland. Funny is, they meet a peculiar objects that can dance, eat, and do silly things. That's when Mickey see them.

•Mickey is so happy to meet MC and Grim in real before three of them do high five. MC tells everything to Mickey about the situation and need a help how MC can return to real world. Mickey feels like MC must be send by unknown dimension.

•Grim never thought that Mickey and MC is so close together, especially MC always talk about Grim also others. Maybe someday Mickey can meet others too.

•Three of them getting along each other, Grim thought that Mickey is also magician but he's not. Mickey says that all this room is made by his own imagination. Funny is, he also feel strange that how he can talk with MC in different place through a mirror in his room.

•Grim staring at the mirror that exactly same like the mirror in their Ramshackle dorm. Mickey told them that, he was try to go through it but failed. MC and Grim just realised that they're stuck in their unconscious while their body still in Diasomnia dorm.

•Mickey would like to help them, but it was too late when the ringing phone makes me disappear from dreams. A mysterious vicious Blot monster attack MC and Grim. Grim told MC he'll protect MC with all he got. The monster is getting more strong than before.

•Both of them are trap in Blots room, luckily Silver rescue those two right away by teleport dream.

•Ortho manage escape from Malleus by use AI LAN network, he transfer his program to Idia's room. He did try his best to waking up Idia and the rest of Ignihyde dorm students but nothing is happen. He goes to other place by do holographic teleport system.

•It was a terror...all around Sage Town in one island is now cover with a curse thorns by Malleus's Unique Magic. Including RSA and NRC. See Idia didn't awake makes him worried, he told his big brother that he'll do with all he can to rescue him and others before he left.

[kittyoverlord]

Managed to get my finale nails done technically in time!

I know Jaysohn and Lila are a little hard to see on their nails, but I like the calico effect I managed to pull off with just my holographic polish.

Of course I had to represent Tula with her heart, and I thought Ava would be best represented by a baculum and her eye scar.

My favorites are definitely Viola, represented by the flowers and a hat, and Thorn, who's scar I freehanded (which always terrifies me).

@quiddie and company fucking rocked it this season!

[bearmemesreviews]

FotW: SDMI - In Fear of the Phantom

Welcome back to Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated, and now we're getting into a problem many reboots and adaptions face - what happens when you try something different. Today's episode isn't really that special, serving as a bridging point between the next stint of episodes focused on the gang's love lives.

Except for featuring the Hex Girls of course.

Not to overshadow the main villain, which would be extra funny considering their backstory, but come on that's what y'all are here for.

Yeah, they got a bit of a redesign since their last few appearances in the two billion direct to DVD films. Fans DID NOT like this, and in a later episode they had to actually address the backlash while also scrapping these outfits for the original ones. They also steal Luna and Dusk's hair dye and gave Thorn's highlights a diminished role.

My personal opinion? Eh, I would've preferred a middle ground between the two, but for reboots I encourage designers to go all out since it's their own thing. So for Mystery Incorporated I would've either kept the redesigns or gave them completely brand new looks a second time. The OGs have a more cohesive aesthetic, but I like how MI experiments by giving each girl their own Alt style. It's probably Dusk who could probably use a new outfit though, since her Tank Girl getup doesn't mesh as well as Thorn's "Pagan School Girl" and Luna's "Lesbian Thespian" outfits do. Actually, maybe one of those Scene Kid reconstructions of School Uniforms would've worked better?

Oh yeah, this nerd.

Backstory: Like most lesbians Velma is a massive fan of The Hex Girls, snagging front row tickets for the Scooby Gang just in time for them to witness a "Phantom" try to murder Thorn on stage. As with every mystery the gang decide to take it upon themselves to do the cop's job to keep the concert going while protecting the band.

This leads to an exploration of the show's two main ships, Fredphe and Shoob - again, yes really.

This show is really good trust me on this.

Scooby outright calls Shaggy a cheater for going to prom with Velma instead of hanging out with him like they always do, and replaces Mathew Lillard with a wooden dummy much to Shaggy's chagrin.

Fred meanwhile comes out as nonbinary a teenage boy with emotions as he finally grasps Daphne's romantic interest in him. All thanks to an entire song written by Daphne where she uses Fred's special interest to get through to him.

Behold, one of the best songs made for a television show in history.

Before this spectacular moment of audio interposed with occasional Zelda CDI-level animation (to be fair are you even looking at the animation in the first place) we got some Phantom shenanigans. Mostly him responding to Scoob and Shag's ability to warp time and space by just setting them on fire, probably the most effective thing one these guys have attempted so far.

Design: Obviously a homage to The Phantom of the Opera, and as we go through the series, you'll start to notice a lot more homages that Wikipedia will kindly point out for you. Though you can also see a bit of Comic Supervillain in his design, so much so that he doesn't seem to fit with the show's own aesthetic. He wears a black full body suit with a gigantic, taller than his own head, Dracula collar and grim reaper-esque hood. He has a fabricated piece of his outfit that goes over his shoulders like Football Pads, but with a sleeker design as it attaches his cape to the main costume. His cape is black but its interior is lined with a sparkling holographic material.

His mask, belt, boots, and glovers are all made of golden mechanical pieces, as they actually allow him to charge up bolts of electricity to fire at the teens in our show. This tech is never explained, and he really only uses it a few times before forgetting he has these weapons at his disposal.

His mask is the best part of the outfit, legitimately cool while evoking a gas mask. It's almost like it was made out of several pieces asymmetrically stuck to each other with large bolts, like if C3PO was mangled in an accident and put back together with recolored bits of R2-D2. There are several short, cylindrical ports on his gauntlets, boots, belt, and mask that occasionally glow green.

Reveal: Shaggy, with an extensive knowledge of obscure musical groups as we'll be shown time and time again, recognized the shiny material of The Phantom's cape as belonging to a One-Hit Wonder named Fantzee Pantz. And once that's discovered it's pretty obvious that the other suspect, The Hex Girl's manager, is not the culprit as he was just as responsible for Fantzee's obscurity as THG.

No, the true culprit is the girl's songwriter, who first attempted to sabotage them through badly written songs but was thwarted by the girl's talent and popularity - So he then turned to just trying to kill them, and Daphne. He ends up taking Scoob's dummy to jail with him, but the original duo patch things up by then - letting us look back at Velma who got sidelined so badly this episode.

2/5 Goofy as hell design for a goofy character, probably the most "Villain of The Week" we've encountered so far. In fact, he'd probably fit in better in Miraculous Ladybug than this show. Not that bad otherwise, just not as impressive.

[ionlymadethissoicouldleaveanask]

"Thank you, I really hate it."

"Who's at your house right now?"

"The devil knows I tried."

Any for whoever you like! (Don't feel like you have to use all of them unless you want to!)

This took me a while to finally put some time together, but here we go! In honor of the season, I went with all Star Wars characters.

All prompts are taken from this list! Feel free to send me more!

"Thank you, I really hate it."

"So? What do you think?"

She looked so happy. So proud of the decorations she had somehow managed to string up around his office without him realizing. It was clear that she had worked hard on it. He didn't have it in him to tell her that it was completely out of place in a marshal commander's office.

"It looks... great," Fox finally answered.

Riyo laughed, the sound clear and clean and bright. It was probably his favorite sound. "You can be honest, Fox," she said, leaning forward to wrap her hands around his arm and lean her head on his shoulder. "I went overboard, didn't I?"

Fox started to shake his head no because he didn't have it in him to tell her that he didn't love anything she'd ever done. Because, as Thorn kept reminding him, he was entirely useless when it came to one Senator Riyo Chuchi.

Her hand caught the side of his face mid-motion. "It's okay," she said with a sweet smile, pressing her perfect lips against the corner of his mouth. "I don't even like it. It's too much."

Fox sighed. He ran a gloved hand through his hair. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I really hate it."

Riyo laughed again. "I know," she said, kissing him again. Then she pulled away, looking out at the display skeptically. She then turned toward him, wearing a hopeful grin. "So... help me take it down?"

"Who's at your house right now?"

"Bly," Aayla Secura said, rubbing her eyes. She checked the chronometer beside her bed to confirm that it was, in fact, the middle of the night. For some reason her commander had called her and his small holographic avatar was fully kitted in armor.

"Sorry for the late call, General," Bly said in his typical no-nonsense attitude. "We've received orders from the Jedi Temple. We're..." he trailed off, eyes going wide in surprise when an arm wrapped around Aayla's waist in her bed.

The clone trooper grinned like a man who had just caught his little sister out past curfew. "General," he said in a playfully reproachful tone, "there wouldn't happen to be someone in your quarters with you, would there?"

Aayla sighed tiredly, pinching the bridge of her nose. In spite of the awkwardness of the situation, she found her body instinctively snuggling into the warm figure behind her. "I'll... I'll be up to the bridge in a few minutes," she groaned, ignoring the commander's teasing question.

"Of course, Ma'am," Bly said, grinning like the Loth-cat that ate the Porg. He leaned forward to end the call but paused for just a moment. "Tell General Fisto I say 'hello,'" he added. Then he ended the call before she had a chance to protest.

Aayla twisted on her small bed to bring herself face-to-face with her companion. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, her tone gentle in spite of her terse words. She knew that Bly was never going to let her live it down.

It wasn't even like anything had happened... she and Kit had finally had an excuse to see each other. They stayed up late catching up, and she wasn't going to make him return to his own ship when he was half-asleep. It wasn't her fault that her quarters only had one viable option for sleep furniture.

It also wasn't her fault that her fellow Jedi's arms felt so right wrapped around her throughout the night.

"Sorry," Kit replied without even a hint of apology in his voice. He smiled - not his signature smile for which he was known, but a small, intimate grin that he reserved only for her - as she ran a finger along his jawline.

His deep, dark eyes fluttered open and caught hers, and for a moment she forgot what she had been annoyed about. Unfortunately for them, time was never something they had much of.

"Duty calls," she sighed, sadly pulling herself out of his grip. He playfully held onto her for just a moment, and she couldn't help imagining a different life - one in which they spent lazy mornings in bed, and she could allow herself to be drawn in by the almost irresistible pull of his warm arms indefinitely.

Then they both rolled out of bed and tried to make themselves look presentable. They had work to do.

"The devil knows I tried."

Derek "Hobbie" Klivian was a great pilot. He had flown through some of the most gripping battles of the Rebellion's short history, and was an Ace several times over. He was a member of the Rebellion's most decorated squadron, and that was by no accident.

Unfortunately, as good a pilot as Hobbie Klivian may be, he seemed to be even better at crashing.

This last time, though... he'd been almost sure that it was going to be his last. Rogue Squadron was running defense for the ground troops fleeing the Imperial walkers. It was a losing battle. They knew that going in... all that mattered was that the transports had made it out.

The soldiers on the ground weren't making it out fast enough. That lead walker was tearing them up. Hobbie's T-47 wasn't going to limp back to the staging area... it had taken too much damage already. But it could help them.

"Be ready to eject," Hobbie growled back to his gunner as he spun the speeder around. Ommis said something back, but Hobbie wasn't listening. He was lining up the perfect shot.

The lead AT-AT seemed to figure out what he was doing. He grinned smugly. You're too late. He jammed the throttle to maximum, the craft shaking as the walker turned its guns on them.

"Canopy, canopy, canopy!" Hobbie cried out, slapping the eject control. The cockpit canopy burst up and back, and then both he and Ommis were blasted into the air behind it. It was close... very close. Two seconds after they ejected, their crippled craft smashed through the cockpit of the walker.

Hobbie had only a moment to grin and enjoy his victory. Then a chunk of debris collided with his helmet, and everything went black.

---

The gentle whirs and beeps of a medbay were by now a familiar sound to Derek Klivian. They practically felt like home. Still, he was surprised when his eyes opened again.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," cried out the overly excited voice of his squadmate Wes Janson. "You gave us a scare on that one." The other pilot reached out and roughly shook Hobbie's shoulder.

"Let go of him, Wes," he heard another pilot say. "Your going to shake his brain loose... what's left of it, anyway." When Hobbie managed to focus his eyes he found Wedge Antilles grinning down at him. "Janson's right, though," the squadron leader said, crossing his arms over his chest. "You just about got yourself this time."

"Devil knows I tried," Hobbie replied, groaning as he forced himself into a sitting position. "How's Kesin?"

"Complaining, as usual," Wes laughed. "You should see the mileage he's getting out of the medical staff. He really thinks he's going to get one of them to fall in love with him this time."

Hobbie grinned in spite of the dull throbbing pain he felt in his... everything. "Can't blame a man for trying." He caught sight of one of the nurses walking by his door and grinned wider. "I might take a shot at it myself."

Wedge rolled his eyes. "Incorrigible. All of you," he said, shaking his head like a disappointed father. He couldn't keep the smirk off his lips as he turned to Wes. "Let's go, Janson," he sighed, throwing an arm around the other man's shoulders. "Looks like we need to give Hobbie a chance to speak with the locals."

As his squadmates left the room, Hobbie laid his head back. It was surreal, surviving yet another crash. He was beyond making a pastime out of it... the words 'crash' and 'Klivian' were practically synonyms at this point.

Still, he reasoned with a shrug, it could be worse. Besides... everybody's got to have a hobby.

[interdimensionalburnout]

>It's a captured bit of cctv footage, from a VERY old camera, in the ruins of a town where the sun hasn't been seen in over five-hundred years. A massive dome surrounds the ruins, partially caved-in on one side. The town itself appears to ring an ancient metal wall, one that still shimmers as if freshly burnished, where the dust and lichen haven't covered it yet. Beyond that wall, crumbling crenelations and spires loom in the darkness, lit from below by harsh white lights.

>In the old, once-preserved ruins of the original capitol, far below the palace of wanton corruption and vice that now rules an entire planet, men and women scurry about, work crews picking through the wreckage, scientists trying to get their hands whatever they can salvage that might give them some edge over their peers. Guards in dull-blue uniforms patrol the old streets, on shifts between work-zones, cracking the skulls of slow-moving laborers.

>Amid the usual rounds of skullduggery being carried out by the magistrates, a thunderstorm has broken out. Two figures are locked in a struggle atop the flat roof of a crumbling brick building. One of them is a man, standing nearly seven feet tall, with a brilliant, royal blue robe unfurled from his shoulders and flowing around his belt. The other one is a red-headed woman, barely six feet and not half as brawny. Half of the fight appears to be swordplay, and the other half... child's play. The larger man appears to be toying with Berri.

>Berri's not exactly fighting alone, though, as the man swings one of his massive fists, wreathed in flames, right into her chest, a barrier of light shatters between the hand and the woman. Berri is hurled from the rooftop, colliding into an adjacent building, but not before a pair of holographic images of the woman materialize, each driving a short, gladius-like blade through the wrist of the man, one from each direction. They dissipate in the rush of fire, the blades along with them, and the man simply laughs as he examines the wounds. The magistrate flexes the muscles in his arms, clenching his fist, and the wounds close.

>"That's the first blood you've manage to draw this round, girl!" As berri falls from her embedded crater in the brickwork, the man crashes to the street before her. "Not so powerful without the element of surprise, are you? No matter, the eggheads'll love picking you apart." Berri picks herself up off the ground, dusting off her jacket. Her floral button-down has several holes through it, though the flesh underneath is unmarred. "Maybe they can make something useful out of whatever makes you so..."

>"So sexy?" Berri's quip is met with a sudden punch as the man flashes across the distance, but this time her projected holograms, her ghost armors, intercept the blows, driving his fist upwards. Berri then replies with a running drop-kick, issuing a shockwave on impact that hurls the towering magistrate across the street, bringing a crumbling building down on top of him.

> The man explodes from the rubble, roaring, "I was GOING to say hardy, bitch." Berri's already on top of him, though, a piece of old rebar transforming in her hand into a long-bladed knife in the middle of her driving it through his neck. The Magistrate swipes at her, clipping her ankle and spinning her out of the air. "You're like a cockroach! I've killed you three times today!"

>Berri manages to land on her feet, pulling a pair of repeaters out and peppering the man's back with glowing bullets. "Aw, you're sweet, hay! But I don't go in for roided-up pencil-pushers." The bullets don't seem to do much more than anger the magistrate, but they give Berri enough time to flank the man, while he rips the dagger from his neck. It turns back to rebar before crumbling to ash, even as the magistrate throws it back at Berri.

>"RGH! What are you even doing down here, you jumped-up little weirdo! You've been a thorn in my side for days!" Berri seems to appear at the man's side, followed by another Berri behind her. A trio of the woman rushes at the Magistrate, one landing a punch to his ribs while another steps off the puncher's back, delivering a flying punch to his jaw. As the magistrate staggers backwards, the actual Berri delivers another flying dropkick, getting the man in the jaw a second time.

>"You know..." Berri says, as she picks herself off the ground with a thud, "I don't know what I'm doin' down here either. I was told there was something I just HAD to see, all the way out here," She ambles her way over to the dazed magistrate, shaking more masonry from her coat before kneeling over him. "But all I found was you buttholes, digging around in your own leftovers." Berri pulls on the man's short-cropped hair, yanking his head up, "So what're YOU even doin' down here, man?" The man is finally out-cold, though, and not likely to answer.

>Berri takes off into the darkness, out of the camera's sight and away from the approaching din of shouting guards, sparing the man's life as if by accident.

[385bookreviews]

1.73.3 House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas

SPOILERS for all of Crescent City and A Court of Thorns and Roses

Pages: 838

Time Read: 13 hours and 14 minutes

Overall Rating: 3★ Storyline: 2★ Dialogue: 2.5★ Characters: 2★

Genre: Urban fantasy

TWs for the book: Torture, war, violence, death, s*xual content, gore, blood, murder, injury, confinement, vomit, misogyny/sexism, grief, fire, body horror, colonization, kidnapping, cursing, genocide, child death, gun violence, slavery, physical abuse, s*xual abuse, discussions of r*pe, toxic relationship, drug use, emotional abuse, classism, genocide, excrement, cannibalism, death of a parent, gaslighting, child abuse

POV: Third person

Time Period/Location: Begins immediately after the events of House of Sky and Breath; Crescent City, the Eternal City, Avallen, Nena, the Depth Charger; Prythian in the A Court of Thorns and Roses world; The Court of Nightmares, The Prison

First Line: The Hind knelt before her undying masters and contemplated how it would feel to tear out their throats.

At the end of House of Sky and Breath, Bryce opened a portal in an attempt to go to Hel but ended up in Prythian. Rhysand, Amren, and Azriel take her to a cell in the Court of Nightmares and ask her questions, most of which she refuses to answer and lies about the Horn and how she got there and her powers. When left alone, she winnows down through the grate where monsters are kept. Her starlight clears a path and she goes down a tunnel. Nesta finds her and threatens to bring her back but Bryce runs and the tunnel collapses so they keep going forward. They encounter a Middengard wyrm but keep pushing forward through the tunnels, and Azriel reveals that he was there the whole time. Bryce sets a trap for Nesta and Azriel using the wyrm, but then immediately regrets it and goes back to help. She discovers that Azriel and Nesta were fine and lured her back, and then Nesta uses the Mask from the Dread Trove to kill the wyrm. They continue onwards through the tunnels, and end up passing through a portal that takes them under the Prison. They are greeted by a holographic video of Silene, the second daughter of Queen Theia, and she explains what happened. The Asteri used to rule Prythian as the Daglan, but High King Fionn and Queen Theia, along with her general Pelias and with the help of the Starsword (Gwydion) and Truth-Teller, dispatched them. Fionn and Theia had Helena and Silene, and Theia ruled over the Dusk Court, now known as the Prison. Theia desired to conquer more worlds, but Fionn said no, so Theia and Pelias killed him and used the Mask and the Horn, the fourth part of the Dread Trove, to open a portal to Midgard. The Asteri were in different forms this time, and welcomed them with open arms, along with the fae shifters from another world. Under the guidance of the Asteri, the fae and the rest of the Vanir began to oppress the humans. But then the Asteri put a parasite into the water that would lessen magic and give the Vanir a human lifespan if they didn't make the Drop and give up part of their firstlight to the Asteri. The demons of Hel came to try and aid the Vanir in fighting back, and Aidas and Theia became lovers. Realizing they weren't going to win, Theia gave Silene and Helena each a third of her power, and then sent them with the Harp and the Horn to go back to Prythian. Helena pushed Silene through but stayed behind, and Pelias defeated Theia and forcefully wed Helena. Silene hid the third of her power her mother had given her deep beneath their old palace in the Dusk Court, and collected monsters to imprison there and turned the Prison into what it is. Then she married the High Lord of the Night Court, and keyed her DNA to the prison, and that is why Bryce and Rhysand can access it. Bryce takes the power she stored there, and when Nesta and Azriel try to take her back to the rest of the Court, she fights back and collapses part of the floor, where they discover an imprisoned Asteri named Vesperus. She was imprisoned by Silene, and reveals that the Illyrians were created by the Asteri/Daglan to be their warriors (the precursors for angels). Nesta and Bryce kill Vesperus, and Bryce steals Truth-Teller from Azriel and goes back to Midgard.

Meanwhile, Hunt, Ruhn, and Baxian are being tortured by Pollux back on Midgard while Lidia ponders on how to free them. Baxian chews off Ruhn's hand in an escape attempt but it fails. Back in Lunathion, Ithan has freed the Fendyr heir, Sigrid, from the Astronomer. Ithan, Sigrid, Flynn, Declan, Marc, and the sprites search the Meat Market for any clues on what happened to Bryce. While there, Sabine and the wolf packs detect their presence. They try to run but end up walking into a trap. Flynn and Declan shoot Sabine in the leg and face to slow her down, and the Viper Queen hides them. They discover Tharion and Ariadne, and fill Tharion in on what has been going on. Lidia then appears and tells them to get on the Ocean Queen's city ship and head to the Eternal City because she is going to free Ruhn, Baxian, and Hunt. They struggle trying to believe her but feel they don't have any other choice. The Viper Queen says she will only allow them to leave if Ithan fights someone of her choosing. He agrees. Tharion convinces Ariadne to not fight him, and the Viper Queen reveals that Ariadne has agreed to go and work for someone else. She demands that Ithan and Sigrid fight to the death, and Ithan kills Sigrid. The three sprites light the Meat Market on fire, and they all escape and head to the city ship. Ithan, however, backs out last minute and runs to the House of Flame and Shadow to talk to Jesiba and convince her to find a necromancer to raise Sigrid from the dead. Jesiba agrees, as long as Ithan does some work for her. She reveals she was a priestess in the library of Parthos 15,000 years ago, and that she was cursed by Apollion to live forever because she wouldn't tell him the magic in the books (there was none). Hypaxia appears and reveals that a coup overthrew her as queen of the Valbarran witches and that she was deciding to swear fealty to the House of Flame and Shadow. Ithan asks her to use her necromancer abilities to raise Sigrid and she agrees. She tries, but when Sigrid comes back, she decides to become a Reaper, and goes off to work with the Under King. Hypaxia says the only way to get Sigrid back would be using a thunderbirds' lightning, so they travel to Avallen in order to get Sofie Renast's body.

Bryce arrives from Prythian in her father's house, and she spends several days as prisoner there. She attempts to get answers from him regarding the Starsword and Truth-Teller, and he says anything of import would be on Avallen. She breaks free from the gorsian shackles and locks her father in his basement and winnows away.

In the Eternal City, Rigelus takes some of Hunt's lightning in order to resurrect the Harpy. Lidia frees Irithys, queen of the fire sprites. The Asteri demand to see Hunt, Baxian, and Ruhn, presumably to execute Ruhn. On the way, Lidia kills the guards and the Hawk, and they make an escape attempt. Irithys blows up part of the Crystal Palace, but the dreadwolves hunt them anyways. They drive towards the sea, and as they hit a dead end, she tells Hunt and Baxian to fly Ruhn to the ship, and she shifts into her deer form and runs. The three make it to the ship, but Ruhn begs Tharion to jump into the water to save Lidia when she reaches the end of the cliff and has to jump. Lidia is shot, but leaps into the water, and Tharion is able to bring her onboard the ship where the medics heal her. When she awakes on the Depth Charger, Lidia immediately runs to a school on board the ship and looks into a classroom with two teenage boys, Brann and Acteon, and claims that they are her sons. Hunt, Baxian, and Ruhn are asked to meet with the Ocean Queen, and the Ocean Queen is furious with Tharion for being there and bringing his friends aboard when the River Queen and the Viper Queen both want him dead. Bryce suddenly appears, and claims herself to be Queen of the Fae and that Tharion serves her. The Ocean Queen backs off, but says Tharion is confined to the ship, and the group reunites. Bryce says they are going to Avallen, to find out more information on the Starsword. When they arrive, Tharion leaps into the boat with them and defies the Ocean Queen. King Morven, the Stag King and Cormac's father, is less than welcoming. He presents Flynn's sister Sathia, saying that her parents sought refuge here and in his lands fae females need to be wed. He plans on marrying her to one of his cruel, telepathic twin sons, but Tharion steps forward and offers to marry Sathia. They get married, and the group splits up to look for clues; Bryce, Hunt, Baxian, Tharion, and Sathia going into the caves, and Ruhn, Lidia, Declan, and Flynn staying behind to search the archives. They travel through the caves, and Ruhn and Lidia grow closer, but don't notice that Flynn and Declan are missing. In the caves, they are confronted by the Stag King, the Autumn King, and the twins, with Flynn and Declan prisoners. Bryce collapses the cave and jumps into an underground river with the rest of them. Bryce and Hunt fight, but they continue onwards and find the crypt of Prince Pelias. Beneath it they find an entire room carved out of obsidian salt, and bowls to drink water laced with it. Bryce and Hunt drink the water and are mentally transported to Hel. Ruhn and Lidia realize Declan and Flynn are missing and go to the caves to search for them. When Hunt and Bryce arrive in Hel, they are greeted by Apollion, Thanatos, and Aidas. They reveal that they have been waiting for Bryce for a long time, and that they created the thunderbirds to be able to power her up if she was unable to find Silene and Helena's powers. The thunderbirds were killed by the Asteri for this, and that is when they decided to create Hunt. Apollion and Thanatos were both part of his creation, and his mother was a willing participant. Hunt's angel father was killed for communing with the demons. They tell Hunt that the halo of thorns tattoo was created to keep the creatures of Hel in check, but it didn't work as Apollion and Hunt's power, the lightning that they called Helfire, was able to break it. When Bryce and Hunt return from their trance, they find the Stag King and the Autumn King holding all of their friends hostage. They plan to kill them all but Bryce and Hunt fight back, and Ruhn and Lidia appear and Ruhn uses the Starsword to kill his father. Bryce then kills the Stag King, and accesses Helena's power that was hidden under there.

Avallen magically flourishes now that it doesn't have to hide Helena's power. Hypaxia and Ithan arrive and are updated on the situation. Bryce tells Hypaxia she needs her to find a cure for the parasite in the water so that way they can be more powerful when they fight the Asteri. Bryce says because the Stag King's castle was destroyed when the land came back, Sofie's body is gone, but Hunt gives them some of his lightning. Hypaxia and Ithan leave again, and Fury arrives with Juniper, Ember, Randall, and Cooper (Emile). Bryce sends Ruhn, Lidia, Flynn, and Declan back to Crescent City to try and recruit Isaiah and Naomi, Tharion and Sathia to the River Queen to convince her to open her city to refugees, and she, Hunt, and her parents plan to go to Nena to open the Northern Rift to let Hel's armies in. Cooper, Juniper, Fury, and Baxian stay in Avallen. Once in Nena, they get to the Rift, but instead of opening it to Hel, Bryce opens it to Nesta's room. She asks her for the Mask, and to take her parents as collateral. Nesta refuses, and says Rhysand is on his way to get her. Bryce begs Nesta to take her parents anyways so that way they are safe, and Nesta relents, taking her parents but also giving her the Mask. She closes the portal, and is about to open one to Hel but is stopped by Isaiah, Naomi, and Celestina. Hunt tries to kill Celestina for turning them over to the Asteri, and he melts his halo and Isaiah's. Bryce convinces him not to, and Celestina yields, saying she realized what she did wrong and is willing to rebel against the Asteri. They are then attacked by the Harpy, who has been reanimated by the Asteri using Hunt's lightning, but Bryce realizes she's just an animated corpse and no longer has a soul, so she uses the Mask to put her down. She then opens the gates to Hel, and Apollion, Thanatos, and Aidas come through with their armies.

Back in Lunathion, Hypaxia discovers the cure to the parasite. Ithan takes it, and is gifted powers of snow and ice, and his wolf form is much more powerful. They then go to see the Under-King, and Ithan meets with Connor. He is unable to speak but gives Ithan a bullet. Ithan is confused and begs the Under-King for more time, but he refuses. Ithan freezes him solid, and then Jesiba appears. She tells Hypaxia to kill him and she does, and becomes the leader of the House of Flame and Shadow. She gives Connor the ability to speak, and he tells Ithan that the bullet is filled with the secondlight of all of the souls in the Bone Quarter, and Bryce should use it to kill the Asteri. Connor also puts himself into the bullet. Ithan decides to go to the wolves and confess what happened to Sigrid and tell them about the cure to the parasite. Sabine appears with the Astronomer and Reaper Sigrid, and claims that Sigrid is now her heir. The Prime steps in and renounces Sigrid and Sabine, and makes Ithan his heir. But before Ithan can accept, Sabine kills the Prime and Sigrid sucks out his soul. Sigrid also kills the Astronomer, and Ithan kills Sabine. Sigrid escapes, and Amelie and Perry Ravenscroft swear loyalty to him as Prime. Tharion and Sathia manage to convince the River Queen to not kill Tharion and to shelter innocents in her city. They are confronted by the Viper Queen, and Sathia recognizes one of her childhood best friends as one of the Viper Queen's soldiers. The Viper Queen demands retribution from Tharion for the burning of the Meat Market caused by the sprites. Hypaxia and Ithan appear and demand that the Viper Queen leave them alone, but Sathia goes after her old friend, leaving Tharion alone.

Lidia learns that the Depth Charger has been attacked and her sons have been taken by Pollux. Everyone rushes to the Eternal City. Bryce and Hunt winnow into the throne room and Bryce uses the Mask to reanimate the souls of the Fallen and their wings hanging up on the throne room wall, and puts their souls into the mech suits that the Asteri have built. Rigelus appears and reveals that he has sent half of his army to march into the open portal and take over Hel, but Bryce and the demons planned for this and already left half of their army guarding the portal. The rest of the Asteri appear on the battlefield, and Bryce kills Polaris by combining the Starsword and Truth-Teller. This opens a mini black hole that sucks Polaris in and kills her. Ruhn and Lidia search the castle for her sons, but Ruhn shoots her in the leg so he can go on ahead to save them. Tharion finds Lidia, and Pollux traps Ruhn. Tharion and Lidia both take the cure to the parasite and Lidia faces off against Pollux. Ruhn reveals that Lidia is his mate. Lidia's power manifests as fire, and she burns Pollux to ash. Ruhn rushes Brann and Actaeon out of the city, and Lidia joins the fight. Hunt and Bryce arrive at the firstlight core beneath the palace, but Rigelus is guarding it. They both tire, and Bryce winnows them away. Ithan finds Bryce and gives her the bullet and the Godslayer rifle. She winnows back to Rigelus only to find the remaining four Asteri guarding it. She plans to use the bullet to blow up the firstlight core, but Rigelus tells her that destroying it is a kill switch, just like the Cauldron is in Prythian. If she destroys it, Midgard will also be destroyed. Bryce takes a chance and does it anyways. It creates a massive black hole that sucks her and the Asteri into it. She pulls the black hole through a portal into space, but as long as the portal is open, the rest of Midgard also continues to get pulled in. Hunt jumps into a mech suit, piloted by the soul of Shahar, and jumps through, putting on the Mask so he doesn't need to breathe. The portal begins to close but Apollion, Aidas, Thanatos, Ithan, Ruhn, and the rest of their friends hold it open while Hunt rescues Bryce and pulls her back through. Bryce, however, is dead. Hypaxia says she can bring her back if someone trades lives with her, and Jesiba appears and volunteers. She talks with Bryce in the afterlife, revealing that even what the Asteri was doing couldn't destroy the souls of the dead. She waves to Danika, Lehabah, and the Pack of Devils, and comes back to life. The demons all go back to Hel, and Bryce closes the Northern Rift. She then, being the Queen of the Avallen and Valbarran fae, demolishes the monarchy. Lidia's sons go back to their adoptive fathers. Hypaxia begins working on mass producing the cure. Tharion goes back to the Meat Market to find Sathia, and runs into Ariadne instead. Ithan takes on his duties as Prime.

The bonus chapters for this book included Ruhn and Lidia getting married, Hunt and Bryce spending Winter Solstice at her parents', the night Danika tricked Bryce into getting the Horn tattooed, Bryce, Azriel, and Nesta listening to music together off of Bryce's phone, and Ember and Randall in the Night Court and Ember bonding with Nesta.

Bryce Quinlan (Bryce Danaan/Queen of the Fae/Starborn): I always preferred Bryce over Hunt and wished she had been on her own or with someone else, mostly because I don't care for Hunt. But she really lost all respect from me in this book and was acting totally out of character. Her telling Hunt to just get over his trauma and picking fights with him all the time was so unnecessary and a horrible way to treat your partner. She made everything that happened to him about her, and she was also awful to Lidia near the end and didn't even apologize for calling her kids baggage. Bryce was trying to be Aelin but was falling way short. Her death at the end had no impact on me whatsoever because it was obvious she was about to pull a Rhysand and resurrect. Also her using her parents' as collateral, and then trying to send them through anyways to keep them safe was so selfish. They would have been safe in Avallen and if she didn't think they would be, she just forced them to leave their son there! I wish we could have seen Ember tearing Bryce up for that choice because she definitely deserved it. You would think after everything she would have had some growth, especially with her attitude towards the Fae, but then she just childishly dismantles their monarchy and basically tells them to figure it out. Giving the Fae a vote in how they run things while trying to push for change of thousands of years old belief systems was so not the way to do that. Ruhn killed Einar, and Bryce killed Morven, so they both should have been stepping up to take responsibility for the fate of their people.

Hunt Athalar (Orion Athalar/the Hunter/the Umbra Mortis/Son of Hel): Hunt has never been my favorite but I just felt bad for him this whole book. Bryce honestly did not deserve him by the end of it and the fact that none of her horribleness towards him got addressed and he mostly ended up apologizing was so out of character and honestly abusive. On a positive note, I really liked his backstory of being descended from demons, I think that was much better and made way more sense than the god Thurr theories, even though it was annoying for all of those references and comparisons to come to nothing.

Tharion Ketos (Captain Tharion Ketos): I liked Tharion in House of Earth and Blood. I liked him less in House of Sky and Breath. In this book, his entire purpose just seemed to be the village idiot. It was really boggling how badly he kept messing everything up, and anything from his POV was kind of infuriating. The only thing that ended up making anything about his story interesting was Sathia.

Ithan Holstrom (Prime of the Valbarran Wolves): I've heard a lot of people complaining about Ithan and his POV and storyline, but I honestly kind of enjoyed it. He made a lot of dumb decisions, but I liked the trope of "running from destiny but no matter what you do it happens anyways". I'm hoping in the next book we actually get to see him gain more confidence and wisdom and do things right.

Einar Danaan (The Autumn King/King of the Valbarran Fae): I was really disappointed with where his character went, I felt like he was being set up for a redemption arc the entire time, just for him to be like, "I'm totally evil and I'm going to kill you!" in very over the top classic villain fashion. I know the whole point is that he was manipulative, but that's not how it came across.

Lidia Cervos (Agent Daybright/the Hind): Lidia was the most interesting character in this book. I knew going into this that Throne of Glass was definitely not going to be getting the screen time some people thought it was, I thought this was a perfect way to incorporate easter eggs. I knew her powers were going to be fire but it didn't make the reveal any less awesome. And the ring she gave her sons and the fact that she named her son Brannon was just the icing on the cake. Other than that, she had the most interesting character development, backstory, dialogue, and POVs than anyone else in the book (especially Bryce).

Storyline: I loved the ACOTAR crossover in the beginning, I thought it wasn't too much or too little. The rest of the story was riddled with a lot of plot holes, for example the reveal that the mer had been on Midgard the whole time fell flat because Rigelus had told Bryce in House of Sky and Breath that the mer came from the shifter fae (which made less sense but she just changed something that had already been established for mild convenience). Other things include: What really is Fury and why were her and Baxian, two of their most powerful fighters, left out of the biggest fight ever? What is so different about Perry that Ithan keeps sensing? Are they mates? Is she actually an Alpha? Is she secretly super powerful? Why was Ariadne, a super powerful dragon, introduced just to not do anything ever? What was all the tension between her and Flynn for? Everything just magically fell into place, and while in Kingdom of Ash everything comes together because Aelin is a genius, a lot of things come together in this book thanks to Urd (fate). The ending fell really flat for me, no one major died, and it was a lot shorter of an ordeal than I thought it would be, with one of the Asteri even dying off page and no one mentions how they died or who killed them (although I guess we're left to assume it was Apollion). Hunt and Bryce's dynamic usually annoyed me, but their back and forth between fighting, fucking, and fine was giving me whiplash and honestly taking away from the story. What happened with Sigrid did anger me at the time, but ultimately I did enjoy Ithan's storyline, contrary to popular opinion. Also, why did we spend so much of the story in caves? I got really tired of that by the second time around.

Representation: Baxian, Celestina, Juniper, Fury, Hypaxia, Marc, Isaiah, Hunt, Bryce, etc. were all POC. Juniper and Fury, Marc and Declan, Hypaxia and Celestina, and Davit and Renki (Brann and Actaeon's fathers) were all gay and in relationships with each other.

Summary: While the crossover and easter eggs were really cool, and the overall tie together of how everything connected was well done, the characters, dialogue, and plot made this book fall a lot flatter for me than I was hoping it would. I honestly wish SJM had wrapped up everything in this book and then left it as a trilogy because honestly I don't feel any desire to revisit this world or these characters (unless it's Ruhn and Lidia).

[katsushika-division]

Katsushika’s back for another round. Walking back to his place after a few errands, Touya Kisaragi was almost home. However, a box on his doorstep stopped him slightly…

Someone sent him a birthday gift…?

”Do you like it…?” A soft voice startled him, his eyes fixating on a small figure with brown hair and red sitting against the side of the building. It was surprisingly Mai.

“I think as long as you find the right person, love isn’t that terrible…” Mai continued, now standing in front of him.

“Happy birthday Kisaragi~…” Mai finished. Taking his hand hesitantly, they planted a small peck in his palm as they holographically dissolved away.

That left him speechless, however the gift was still waiting…

Inside…Was a bouquet of roses, blood red in colour.

Touya stared at the roses in his hand, Mai’s words echoing in his head.

Love. 

A word that had such a deep impact on Touya. He had spent years craving it, searching for it, and destroying anyone who got in his way for it. Touya once thought he found it years ago, but it was all a lie. He still remembers it like it was yesterday. Those bright turquoise eyes that belonged to that model, Shiba stared at him as he heard those horrible words. 

“I'm leaving.” 

Touya had hoped that for once in his life that Shiba would stay, that he would love him, damage and all but just like every other goddamn person Touya had ever tried to love broke his heart. Another rejection in Touya’s painful life. So, really, was it any surprise that Shiba found himself with Touya’s knife in his chest? 

Touya took a deep breath. Today was supposed to be a good day. There was no need to ruin it by thinking of someone who’d die soon enough. He tightly clenched his hand around the bouquet roses not at all bothered by the sharp sting of thorns that drew blood. 

“Lyall next time I see you, you're not making it out alive. That’s a promise.” 

[000marie198]

After watching sonic prime season 2, I wonder what’ll happen in season 3? My guess is that Nine will put the paradox prism together and create the perfect green hill and renamed Grim Hill, Sonic and shadow will make a temporary truce to the chaos council to stop nine, the variants of shatter verse will travel to ghost hill because of nine starting to absorb their homes to the Grim, Rusty will see the original holographic Amy rose algo with birdie now free while Black and thorn tries to comfort her a bit, and Sonic, shadow, and the variants of the shatter verse are stopping nine from destroying their worlds (while nine starts having a meltdown for ruining his perfect world).

What do you think?

I think... Hmm... Tbh, I have no idea how season 3 will go. I'm completely blank on it. I can only guess the immediate aftermath of Ghost of a Chance, the rest is speculation.

How long will the kid be safe in his perfect world when everyone is after those shards? I doubt the Chaos Council could be trusted and Nine is a character both the fanbase and Sonic is too invested in, whatever he's doing is affecting the whole story and whatever Sonic does affects Nine. Also, he is not a villain, he's a traumatized, morally ambiguous kid who now feels like the one person he could trust and call a friend cares more about Green Hill than him. He just wants a home. I doubt he'd get a villain arc without getting a redemption arc.

Also, I think Black, Rusty and Thorn should become friends. And Birdie... She needs to be set free, right? But... What will it do to Rusty.

I just know however the rest of the series will go, it is sure to make me sob my eyes out.

[wolf-n-bones]

Sticker: Lantern of the King of Thorns~

Sticker size: 2.24" x 3"

It's holographic~

[iruludavare]

“who do you fight for?” (from Naomi/@sightseerwishes)(x)

     How the question teeters along a fine edge, swaying from one side the heroine would not bat an eye at, and one that falls; that tugs at the strings of her heart so; signals for that feeling of dread to begin bubbling and festering in the pit of her stomach yet again. She is nothing if not one who will bury her feet into the ground and dig her claws into what stands against that which is dear to her heart, if it means that they live to see another day. A woman brought up on gratitude and giving back to the world that has reared them. Set along a path where all around them is alive and feeling, with destinations set by those of higher power. She is made with stardust in her veins that resonates with the concept of pushing forward; of protecting the past and future simultaneously; of balance and love. To take dreams and wishes from the heavens and weave them into reality, or serve as a catalyst for those belonging to others. A gentle person by nature, nurturing and deeply empathetic, but not without thorns and fangs—not without bravery and strength.

     She recalls sitting at café tables. Staring at a holographic form. At texts. At the burning stare of one standing at the top of a staircase. Her mentor turned monster. A descent from philanthropy to genocide. So many times, she remembers the man’s questions. Each in different contexts, in different tones, with different intentions. To guide, to lead, to convince, to manipulate. Who do you fight for? What do you fight for? What are your convictions? How deep do they run? What are your values? What do you care about? What would you do to protect them?

     But what are you really protecting? A tomorrow that will only end up being worse than today?

    There is an internal shake of her head—externally, eyes squeezing shut for a brief moment. No. Even if his voice is all too clear, never can she let that question take hold. Tomorrow will not be worse than today. Serena vows to herself every morning, every night, before the sun and the moon, to make sure of it. The day she stepped into the shoes of a heroine and opposed him, she had made her choice. She had chosen what to fight for—who to fight for—for eternity. He stood as a symbol of destruction and death, fighting for no-one but himself, and Serena stood as a symbol of creation and life, and so she in turn decreed:

          “I fight for myself. I fight for my pokemon. I fight for everyone around me and those who have passed or cannot fight for themselves. I fight for Xerneas. For life.”

[lifechanyuan]

Xuefeng Preaching Tao (7)

Xuefeng

July 7, 2008

(Translation edited by Jiejing)

Tao is the consciousness of the Greatest Creator, the driving force behind the movement and transformation of all things in the universe. It is the lifeblood of the universe, it is nature, and the synthesis of all laws.

Tao possesses eight characteristics: holographic order, eternal reliability, instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability, transcendence over time and space with no interior or exterior, spirituality, justice, non-obstruction, and illusory yet actual existence.

The Seventh Characteristic of the Tao: Non-Obstruction

"Obstruction" refers to blockage, being hindered, and difficult circulation, unable to transcend and stagnating. "Non-obstruction" refers to unimpeded passage, without hindrance, penetrating through everything.

Regardless of how fast the movement of any substance is, it still has a speed. It takes time to travel from one point to another, even for the fastest light, which travels at 300,000 kilometers per second; it takes about eight minutes for light to travel from the sun to the earth. However, the speed of Tao is zero; it takes zero time to travel from one point to another, typically referred to as an instant.

Any movement of matter, even wind, sound, or light, has limitations. When encountering specific obstacles, they either slow down or are completely blocked and stagnate. However, Tao is not like this. It can penetrate through any obstacle and instantly convey information to all spatial and temporal domains. This is the non-obstruction of Tao.

For instance, if someone were to sit in a room sealed with a 10-meter-thick iron plate, completely isolated from the outside world, they would still be able to sense external spiritual fluctuations (waves of consciousness) in an instant. The outside world would also be able to sense their changes in consciousness. They would still be able to "see" scenes from higher-level life spaces such as the Thousand-Year World and lower-level life spaces such as the plant world. In other words, even if they died in the isolated space, their soul would still be able to reach the corresponding space. A 10-meter-thick iron plate cannot block the movement of consciousness.

For a person or an object travels from China to the United States, whether by boat across the ocean or by plane through the clouds, they must rely on carrier media such as ships or airplanes; otherwise, it would be difficult to cross the ocean or sky. Similarly, sending faxes or emails requires the use of carrier media such as electronic devices to transmit the information; otherwise, the information cannot reach its destination. This is because during the process of material transmission, there are often blockages. However, Tao is not like this; its operation is unobstructed. It penetrates through all time and space in an instant. For example, if one of our relatives lives tens of thousands of light-years away on a distant planet or in the depths of the ocean, if something significant happens to us, that relative will sense it instantly. This is due to the non-obstruction of Tao.

No substance or space can hinder the operation of Tao because the universe is a whole, exhibiting a holographic sensation. It's like pricking a small thorn on a toe; the whole body can sense it instantly. In this sense, the universe is like a vast organism, and Tao is its central nervous system. Its nerve endings extend to every tiny point. The ancient sages' saying "For its greatness, nothing lies outside it; for its smallness, nothing lies within it" embodies this meaning.

By understanding the characteristic of non-obstruction of Tao, we can place ourselves within the universe. We can merge ourselves into all time and space. We can transform into myriad forms, countless incarnations, and instantly reach any place in the universe. We can navigate through the 36-dimensional spaces and roam among the 20 parallel worlds. For example, currently, we are in the human world on Earth. If we wish to live immediately in the Thousand-Year World, as long as we become familiar with a little trick of consciousness, we will immediately enter life in the Thousand-Year World. (This trick is only explained to the members of Lifechanyuan; others can comprehend it through Chanyuan Corpus, which is not difficult at all.)

Buddha teaches that every person has Buddha-nature, possessing all the characteristics. Indeed, every person has the potential to become a Buddha. Here, I substitute Buddha-nature with Tao-nature. Every person has Tao-nature; we exist within Tao. Every person possesses all characteristics, meaning that anyone can become any kind of life they desire, and can attain Tao. What we may not understand now is why we are unable to achieve this. There’s also a little trick to this. For instance, while each of us has the potential ability to drive a car, to truly master driving, we need practice and a solid understanding of traffic rules. Otherwise, our potential ability remains untapped, and we cannot drive.

Tao possesses non-obstruction. Once we attain Tao, no time or space can hinder us. We can become celestial beings or Buddhas and live in the Elysium World. In this regard, the Greatest Creator treats all beings equally, opening the gates to heaven for every life. However, to truly enter heaven, certain conditions must be met, and certain principles must be understood. This relies on each person's enlightenment, merit, and opportunities.

[theicescorpions]

Primal Fire Chaprer Twelve: A Union of Forces

Wheeljack never escaped the Decepticons, instead he was made into Shockwave’s lab experiment and was turned into a Predacon.

Inspired by @sugarand-everythingnice And her “of Flesh and Steel” AU

Master Post

Chapter One

Previous

Megatron was seething. Not only had his Predacons failed to find Wheeljack or the rogue predacons, but now they were losing numbers! Vehicons and eradicons ended up gutted and mangled, some half eaten but no Predacon corpses had ever been found, meaning Wheeljack was steadily growing his influence among the mindless beasts. He was losing footholds in his mines here on earth because of them.

As Megatron stalked through the dimly lit corridors of his ship, his rage boiled over. How dare this insignificant Autobot engineer outsmart him at every turn? How could one lone rogue Predacon cause such chaos among his forces? The Decepticon leader clenched his fists, the metal creaking beneath his grip.

Wheeljack had proven to be a thorn in his side for far too long. It was time to put an end to this nuisance once and for all. Megatron's optics glowed with rage as he stalked into Shockwave’s lab.

“I grow tired of this continued failure," he snarled, his voice echoing through the lab. "It is clear that our current strategies are proving ineffective. Something must be done.”

Shockwave, a towering figure of steel and circuitry, turned to face Megatron. His optics were cold and calculating, as always.

"I agree, Lord Megatron," he replied, his voice a monotone drone. "Perhaps it is time for a different approach."

Megatron crossed his arms, tilting his head in intrigue. "What do you suggest?"

Shockwave's optic flickered with an array of strategizing thoughts before he finally spoke. "We must remove the control collars from the beasts,”

Megatron's optics narrowed, considering the risk, but also the potential rewards. "And how will that stop Wheeljack?"

Shockwave's optics glowed, his mind processing multiple steps ahead. "If my hypothesis is correct they have been expanding their forces by removing control collars. If we remove them ourselves and prove dominance over them in hierarchy, they will not question our rule and will focus their loyalty on us. This way, we neutralize Wheeljack's control over them and reestablish our supremacy."

The Decepticon warlord stood silently, considering the risk and potential success of the plan. Megatron's optics flared. "Very well. Begin the process immediately," he commanded.

As Shockwave set the wheels in motion, Megatron couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The plan was bold, perhaps even reckless, but it was the only option left for them if they wished to maintain control of their forces. Wheeljack had proven to be more cunning than they initially anticipated, and it was time to fight fire with fire.

At the Steel Clan Wheyr in the weeks since Ratchet came to stay with the free predacons the clan had more than doubled and the old medic was using the ancient ship as his own personal lab. He was happy as a clam finding the complete synthetic energon formula in the database among thousands of other lost scientific discoveries.

Ratchet worked tirelessly, his fingers flying over the control panels and holographic displays as he deciphered the ancient data. The energon formula was just the beginning; there were blueprints for unimaginable weapons, transportation systems, and defense mechanisms that would make even Megatron absolutely jealous.

The Steel Clan had doubled in size and then some and was flourishing under Wheeljack and Ratchet's guidance. Fablebreaker didn’t leave her and Wheeljack’s hollow very often, but when she did the males treated the pregnant female like a goddess. They brought her offerings of different types of metals and energon to snack on. Some even sneakily drug back part of their kill to offer her. But after witnessing Wheeljack’s displeasure the first time they mostly did it when the clan leader was otherwise busy they were predatory creatures after all and by instinct the entire clan was overprotective of the broody female.

On this particular day, Optimus had come to visit with Ratchet and Wheeljack to discuss the recent events involving Megatron and his forces. The atmosphere was tense but filled with determination as they strategized their next steps.

"I fear Megatron's desperation will only lead to more reckless actions," Optimus said, his voice filled with concern. "We must be prepared for whatever he throws our way."

Ratchet nodded in agreement, worked on the cloning tanks the fledgling predacons within were growing rapidly. "If we are able to hold out until the first ten new predacons are completed. We will have the advantage of surprise, but we cannot underestimate him. Megatron is cunning, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."

Wheeljack chimed in, his voice steady. The tanks made him very uncomfortable but this was necessary for the survival of his people. "We have the resources now. Soon we’ll have the numbers. But Shockwave can make more Predacons in bigger batches than we can. I can only do so much training these guys. The Autobots are also exposed in that hanger. You don’t have any defenses. One enemy Predacon or a missile and it’s shredded like tissue.”

“Wheeljack, there’s plenty of habitable space in the ship. You and the other predacons prefer the caverns out there, we can utilize this space. The warriors on team Prime can help train the rest of your clan and also assist me in manufacturing stable SynthEn.”

Wheeljack thought about it with his arms crossed over his chest. “We don’t use the inside of the ship so I don’t see why the Autobots can’t use the ship for their base when we Predacons mainly use the cavern outside.” He agreed “we just use it for storage and we continue to pull cargo out. With SynthEn it doesn’t matter how large the clan gets because we won’t run out of fuel even after the crystal supply here runs dry.”

“Is this your proposal, Wheeljack?” Optimus asked.

“You keep control over your people, and I have control over mine. I will listen to input and suggestions from you but to maintain control over my clan I will not take orders. I can’t afford to appear weak.” The large Predacon male stated.

Optimus regarded Wheeljack with a thoughtful expression, understanding the delicate balance of power within the Steel Clan. "Understood, Wheeljack. You are offering us sanctuary, and for that we are grateful. We will respect your autonomy while offering our support when needed. Together, we can stand stronger against Megatron's tyranny."

The decision was made, and Optimus began to prepare the Autobots for their latest move.

“Ultra Magnus, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Arcee, Smokescreen. We will be permanently moving our base of operations to join Ratchet in the Predacon Wheyr.” The Prime announced to his team.

Shock ran through those gathered in the hanger.

“I thought Jackie didn’t want us around.” Bulkhead said

Optimus shook his head, his expression resolute. "Things have changed, Bulkhead. Wheeljack has extended an offer of alliance, and we must show our willingness to work together."

Bulkhead seemed somewhat uncomfortable. Wheeljack had been his best friend before. Now, because of everything, he was a completely different person. He didn’t know how to feel about being around Wheeljack when the mech he’d known for so long was effectively gone.

As the Autobots made preparations to move their base of operations to the Predacon Wheyr, tensions ran high among the Steel Clan. Wheeljack's decision to ally with the Autobots had stirred up mixed emotions within his clan members. Some saw it as a strategic move to strengthen their forces against Megatron, while others questioned Wheeljack's motives and loyalty.

Fablebreaker, now to the point where transforming was impossible, watched silently from the entrance to her hollow as the full autobot team walked into the main cavern with all of their belongings, her golden optics glowing in the dark like many of the other more skittish Predacons.

Their arrival stirred a whirlwind of reactions among the Predacons. Some eyed the Autobots warily, their primal instincts on high alert. Others greeted them with cautious curiosity, acknowledging the potential benefits of this newfound alliance. The tension in the air was palpable as both groups navigated the delicate balance of coexistence.

Wheeljack stood at the forefront, his massive frame exuding authority as he addressed his clan members. "Steel Clan,” He said loudly, catching everyone’s attention “Our numbers grow with each one of our brethren liberated from slavery. The Autobots are upholding their end of our alliance agreement by producing even more of our kin. The Steel Clan must uphold its end of the bargain, agreed upon by my mate during negotiations. We offer the Autobots safety and our strength against the Decepticons. We are on the verge of a clan war with those who would side with the One Eyed Creator. You all know the cruelty he is capable of. My brother is his lapdog and those who willingly follow him are only giving power to those who would see us eradicated.”

As Wheeljack spoke, Fablebreaker could sense the emotions of her fellow Steel Clan members shifting. Some began to see the Autobots as potential allies, while others remained cautious, unsure if they could trust them completely.

Optimus Prime stepped forward, looking directly at Wheeljack and the assembled Predacons. "We understand your concerns," he said quietly but firmly. "But we are here to help. It's in both of our best interests to work together against Megatron and Shockwave. Their rule would be a death sentence for us all."

He paused, sweeping his optics over the crowd. "We will train together, fight together, and rebuild together. We are no longer just Autobots or Predacons - we are a united front against tyranny."

As Optimus finished speaking, there were murmurs of agreement from some of the Steel Clan members. Even Fablebreaker felt a small glimmer of hope; perhaps this alliance could work after all. The risk was high, but the promise of freedom from tyranny and their own internal conflicts made it worth exploring.

With a deep breath, Wheeljack nodded to Optimus and addressed his clan once more. "We are mot beasts!" he exclaimed, his words reverberated in the cavern powerfully.

Other Predacons screeched or shouted in agreement.

“We will not be slaves! And if they wish to wipe us from existence-“ Wheeljack paused “then we will be the ones wiping them from ours!"

A roar of approval erupted from the gathered Steel Clan, their voices echoing through the cavern. Fablebreaker felt a surge of pride and determination wash over her. She walked out of her hollow to her mate and wound around him affectionately, humming her approval.

The Autobots stared at Wheeljack in shock and awe, he had quite the presence to him now. He’d always been charismatic but he’d also been flighty and not one for rules and order. Now, however, he exuded an air of authority. He had the same aura Optimus did and it was was both terrifying and inspiring.

When everything went back to normal, Optimus led his team to the ship where they would be living from now on.

Chapter Thirteen: Adjusting