#rebirth retold

[xxwitchylanexx]

Wandering the Woodlands- Cloud/Reader

Rebirth Retold Chapter 1

May contain spoilers if you haven't played rebirth. Planning on making this a series that follow the events of the game.

Chapter 2

Masterlist

*~*

Earth to Cloud! Anyone in there?” Aerith’s sing song voice barreled through the fog that filled his head leaving him like a deer in headlights. A warm fingertip poked at his forehead as if she was trying to restart his brain.

Cloud quickly swatted her hand from his face before crossing his arms over his chest. He jerked his head to the side to hide the blush that was creeping up his face as an awkward feeling settled into his gut. She laughed lightly at his reaction much like the light wind that swept through the trees surrounding the field. He huffed in frustration knowing how easy it was for her to see through him especially since he was unsure of what he was feeling himself. He hated how she caught him in such a vulnerable moment.

“She is pretty, though I didn’t think you were interested in romance.” 

He scoffed. “I’m not.” Which was the truth. He had more important things going on, like saving the Planet, and surely didn’t have the time to be thinking about girls no matter how pretty he thought the woman was.

“Oh come on! You’ve been staring at her so long I thought you vacated your body!” And there it was: The beginning of her light hearted teasing. She stepped closer into his personal space, fully aware that he preferred people to stay at least two feet away. Her smile widened at his discomfort before she lowered her voice, “You’re lucky no one else noticed.”

“I told you, it’s not like that.” Even he didn’t think he sounded convincing. Even his eyes betrayed him as they swept back over past his group of comrades to admire her features that left him star stuck. Before his thought were carried away once again Aerith’s laughter made him self conscious. He quickly tore his gaze away and began stalking to the rest of the them, hopefully leaving a good distance between he and his annoying friend. “Let’s just catch up with the others.” He called over his shoulder.

She was one step ahead of him, again, and grabbed onto his forearm and pulled him back towards her. She leaned against him her front to his back. He seen that sparkle in her eyes that usually meant trouble for him and before he could say anything she spoke lowly in his ear before shooting him a wink and released him just as quickly before running ahead with a skip to her step rejoining the rest of their friends before he could get a word in edge wise. “Don’t worry,” she had said,“it’ll be our secret.” 

Cloud huffed. A mix of frustration and embarrassment swirled within him. He hated that she was, is, ultimately right. They’ve encountered plenty of attractive people during their travels and he never gave them the time of day, but something about this girl had him freezing in his tracks, and to be honest he wasn’t thrilled with his reaction. He never froze, couldn’t afford to in this line of work.

Billy had said they’d most likely run into his trainer, but Cloud didn’t imagine she’d look anything like this. He had expected someone much older with the way Billy talked about her expertise. If you run into Y/N give her a hand would you? Billy had asked, but now that he’s seen her in action it was clear that she was perfectly fine on her own.

Their ragtag group stopped in their tracks when they came across the field and began to watch from afar as the trainer soundlessly approached the chocobo from behind. Your lithe body was relaxed without an ounce of hesitancy and your movements were even and calculated. You stretched one hand out slowly for the reins near its beak and the other ghosted along the bird’s flank gliding through its ruffled feathers. Your fingers threaded through the leather just as the chocobo became aware of your intentions. Its beak opened to squawk loudly at you before Cloud had hear your melodic words even over the chocobo’s protests.

It was your voice, now that he thought about it, that resonated with something inside him. Your voice was bright, comfortable and entirely captivating. It soothed the thundering beat of his heart against his ribcage like a river weathering rigid rocks along the rapid cascades of rushing water. He was enthralled so much so that he didn’t even realize you succeeded in taming the bird or hear Barrett’s loud ass calling out to you. Which lets be honest should’ve been concerning itself. Cloud would think he was totally deaf if not for your laughter filtering through cotton between his ears.

And then he really saw you, and Cloud swore someone cast thunder on him. The golden rays of the high noon sun cast you in a ethereal light. A few rays ran through your braided hair, darker roots that flowed into a light h/c towards the end, giving you a graceful glow. The few pieces that framed your face highlighted your features. Flawless sun-kissed s/c skin that looked soft as silk, round face and flushed cheeks. Your sharp brows slightly furrowed, a cute little wrinkle appeared in between them, as your narrowed luminous orbs studied them. A Button nose leading to rosy plump lips slowly pulling into a grin as you realized that his group just wanted to know how to catch their own chocobos. Then your e/c eyes flicked over to him and the weight of your stare as you took him. The prolonged eye contact made the palms of his hands sweaty and he fought the urge to wipe them on his pants. Then your attention moved onto someone else and that’s when Aerith started her shit.

He hadn’t even realized how long he’d looked at you, and a small part of him was worried you’d thought he was creepy. He sighed once again and shook his head becoming more and more aware of how he must look standing all by himself across the field. Before they- he- could waste anymore time he called out to them. “We done here?”

*~*

“So you need some chocobos to cross the swamps?” Y/N asked once everyone made it back to the Bill’s ranch. She led Piko, a chocobo who was apparently as hard headed as you were persistent, into the stall inside the barn at the back of the property and gave him a stern look as if you were warning him to not try anything. The bird squawked as you’d turned your attention to the man in front of you instead of him. You just shushed him over your shoulder.

“That a problem?” Cloud said in a way that made you think he was trying to prove something, or maybe just covering something else up. 

Your eyes darted over his almost emotionless expression and debated if you should poke the figurative bear. “Not if you know how to handle a chocobo.” You turned from him suddenly and sauntered over to where Billy was tending to another chocobo. You flicked at the denim hat he was wearing and the feather tucked into the lighter blue band fluttered lightly. "Are you sure about these guys?” You tilted your head at the group behind you. You ignored the hushed scoff that escaped your new ‘friend’.

Billy brushed the bird in front of him a few more times before he tucked the brush into his overalls and wiped his gloved hands on the towel laid across the tall barrel next to the stall before he faced you. Before he could answer you the dark haired lady, Tifa you recalled, and the other girl in pick that cheerily had said her name was Aerith, each clasped one of your hands from behind you. “Could you teach us? Pretty please?” Aerith asked.

You tried to wiggle free, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the sudden contact, but their resolve proved to be more stubborn. “It’d really help us out. We really need to get to Junon.” Tifa explained immediately after Aerith.

Billy just smiled at the interaction, knowing how awkward you feel with the human part of the business. “That was your last job with us for now right? Weren’t you going to head to the saucer? You could just go with them.” Billy chimed in, and you internally cursed him. Of course he’d use this opportunity to try to force you to make friends. You’ve told him time and time again that you were happy being alone, but he would never let it go. 

“That’s a great idea!” Aerith chirped excitedly as she released you in favor of clasping her hands behind her back and rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. “Right, Cloud?” she asked. You thought you caught her winking at the man as you turned to see his reaction, though it remained blank. The guy has a hell of a poker face. 

“Whatever.” he replied bruskly before stalking outside. You watched him blankly walk off to one of the outside corrals. When you were sure he was out of ear shot you addressed the girls. “Is he always so…” You struggled momentarily to find the right word, “standoffish?”

“Sorry about him.” Tifa turned to gaze at him as his form grew farther away. “He’s not so bad once he opens up, really.”

You hummed absentmindedly to yourself as your eyes followed his figure as one of the chocobos approached him. He extended one of his gloved hands to the bird allowing it to sniff him. Your head tilted to the side as you marveled at him. You couldn’t say you weren’t curious. For someone who basically lit you on fire with his stare back at the field he sure seemed like he wanted nothing to do with you. Was he shy? You didn’t feel like that was the case since he seemed to be arrogant as all hell. Maybe he’s just more awkward with people.

He shifted his attention back over at you and your eyes met briefly again before he quickly looked away. The second you saw him in the field you noticed the mako swirling around his eyes. A soldier. An ex Shinra employee. You admit you were worried for a moment when you saw him. A part of you wondered what the chances were that he was in fact there for you, but that was quickly proved to be true since he made it very clear that he was an ex-soldier. You found it completely bizarre that you felt so comfortable around him despite having any connection to that Gaia forsaken company.

“Cute. Isn’t he?” Aerith had whispered as she leaned into her space. You couldn’t help but laugh a little at her. You noticed that too. Blonde locks that closely resembled your beloved chocobos, round neutral eyes as blue as the ocean that look luminescent with the mako enhancing them. Perfect bow-like lips despite being pulled into a frown, and let’s not forget his sleek frame with muscles as hard as steel. Oh no, you were completely aware of how attractive he is.

“I suppose he’s nice to look at.” Both women shared a look before they broke out into a laugh. A smile pulled across your lips. “What do you say, Piko? Could be fun.” You asked without your eyes moving from the broody blonde across the field. Piko squawked happily at the prospect of a journey. You never could get him to be content in a pasture. “Some training is in order then. Let’s go see the birds.”

*~*

“You have to relax. Chocobo’s pick up on that stuff. If you’re uncomfortable they won’t trust that you’ll safely guide them.” Your voice called out to him from you place on the wooden fence as you observed him pull the reigns a little to firmly causing Piko to drift off to the side for the umpteenth time.

How could he relax when you won’t stop watching him? Cloud thought he was a decent rider. At least nobody told him otherwise in Midgar. He sighed heavily as you stood from your place and walked back over to the two of them, the sound of the stiff grass crunching under your boots with every step closer. His hands grew clammy as you stepped into his two feet personal space to smooth down some of the bird’s feathers. He tried his hardest not flinch when you wrapped your hands around his own to unclench his fist against the reigns. 

“Relax.” You soothed as a waft of vanilla was carried from your body on the wind making his pulse quicken. “You’re pulling to hard.” You let go and approached Piko’s head. Cloud wanted to smack himself when he caught himself missing the warmth of your hands. “What do you think, Piko? Can you work with him?” You brought your face in near Piko’s beak like you were listening for his answer before humming in satisfaction. “I think so too.”

Cloud cocked his head slightly to the side. “Do you understand him?” He felt a little silly asking since it was a chocobo, but you seemed so sure. You peered up at him through your lashes. He gripped the reins in his hands again against your instruction and looked away as he waited for your answer.

“In a way. Their body language is always a clear way to see how they’re feeling, but I look into their eyes. Some things don’t need to be conveyed by words. At least not for me.” He side eyed you as you patted the side of Piko’s face before stepping a few paces back giving him room to breathe again. He attention instinctively returning back to you. “I think you and Piko have more in common than just appearance.”

Cloud blinked once then twice thinking over your words. He looked like a chocobo? His friends certainly liked to think so, but he was always irritated at the comparison before. Why did he almost like that you thought so. For a lack of a coherent response he huffed and looked straight ahead.

“For example. You’ve ridden before and should have no difficulty getting around by chocobo, but like Piko here, when unsure you can become hostile. Temperamental on the surface, but a heart of gold within.” You side as one of your hands clenched into your shirt at your heart. 

“You don’t even know me.” The words slipped out before he could shove them back into his head. His tone coming off angry even though he felt more flustered than anything. Like Odin could he at least try to process the new whirlwind of feelings. He shifted uncomfortably in the saddle.

“That’s true,” You stepped closer once again and raised yourself onto your tiptoes to get close to his face. His eyes widened in surprise and his breath hitched in his throat, but he didn’t dare move a muscle. “But, I can see it in your eyes.” You moved away as quickly as you’d approached him only this time you didn’t stop to perch on top of the wooden fence. This time you kept going. He could only watch as your braid swayed from side to side before you escaped his view when you reentered the barn. Even though he could no longer see you, he could still hear your words repeating in his head.

*~*

[ruibaozha]

Are gods born gods? Or do they do cultivation to achieve divinity? Was Nezha born already a god or how could he be considered?

Hello!

This is actually a pretty simple answer that finds it’s roots in Daoism. Put simply, no, someone cannot be born as a god but must cultivate their qi through numerous reincarnations to be reborn into the Celestial Realm as an immortal - although many cases of Buddhist Immortals granting immortality to mortals is a somewhat common occurrence.

More information about Daoist cultivation can be found within Lao Tzu’s yes THAT Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching, among other values and philosophies that should be held onto through each of your lifetimes. If you look into other forms of Chinese media that sets itself as both supernatural and taking place in “ancient China” such as the wuxia or danmei genre, these media types pull very heavily on Daoist concepts and outdated methods of Chinese methods of scrying.

And as for Nezha? No, he was not born as a god and was born to the very mortal Li Jing and Yin Wuming. Before his origin tale was incorporated into Canonization of the Gods, he was granted godhood by Buddha through his rebirth using the lotus flower; which is briefly retold in this post. However, his involvement in Canonization of the Gods has his deification at the conclusion of the Shang and Zhou conflict - as well as deifying Ao Bing, Su Daji, and even his father.

Thank you for asking, I hadn’t realized how unclear this may have been.

[revlyncox]

Peace and Darkness

The darkness of the approaching winter solstice may help us get re-centered in the middle of the pressures of this time of year and these times in particular. Let the blessings of darkness call us to imagination, rest, and inner peace. This sermon was recast from earlier work and was delivered to The Unitarian Society in East Brunswick by Rev. Lyn Cox on December 8, 2024.

“Come into my arms and rest, child,” [said Night.] … You were born out of my darkness, billions of years ago, and you will return to me when all things end.” (From the story, “The Rebirth of the Sun” by Starhawk, retold in Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions.)

I have to say, that sounds pretty nice to me. As the sun disappears from evening skies, I wouldn’t mind a little bit of respite with the timeless origins of the universe. December means a lot of things to people in our culture. It can mean bringing things to completion, or showing up to annual gatherings, or figuring out what to say in the holiday letter. Those aren’t bad things. Holiday busy-ness can call forth our creativity and remind us of our values. On the other hand, sometimes the season is so crowded with demands that we produce and perform, it’s hard to remember to simply be. Added to that, the pain and anxiety of the world are very much with us, and we may be feeling some pressure to make some grand gesture to save the world, if only we knew what it was.

Let us remind each other that, as Universalists, we know human worth is unconditional. Our place in this world does not depend on our usefulness, our productivity, our decorative qualities, or our ability to be entertaining. You belong here. When each one of us makes time and space to acknowledge ourselves as human beings rather than human doings, it is easier for us to practice acceptance of one another. Peacemaking in practical terms requires us to do a certain amount of letting go and practicing grace, for ourselves and for each other.

The dark days leading to the Winter Solstice make the perfect time to celebrate acceptance and renewal. It can be argued that axial tilt is the reason for the season, so let’s search for meaning in this time of chilly temperatures and late sunrises. With the next harvest so far away, we may be able to use this time to experience ourselves apart from tangible results.

If this is a time of year when we search for words to write in cards or to say in party conversations, perhaps it is also a time ripe for silence, to allow words to come to us. With the hope of growing light and fresh calendar pages ahead of us, perhaps we can connect with wonder and meaning as it happens right now, before we get caught up in planning for the future.

There is another element to celebrating the darkness of this time of year. White supremacy culture has elevated all things light and pale to mean good, and has put down all things dark and mysterious to mean bad. We may not make conscious connections between that dichotomy and skin color, but the bias operates on us nonetheless. Furthermore, equating the starkness of simple solutions and obvious choices with good and light leads us to reach for easy answers rather than allowing ourselves the learning experience of not knowing. That makes actual, practical peacemaking and cultural dialogue more difficult. Dark and light, good and bad are more complex than two flat sides. We need to go back and reclaim the divinity of darkness, the sacred place of mystery, and the open-heartedness of the unknown.

This Winter Solstice, let us rest in the heart of night, refreshing our spirits with imagination. Let us receive words and silence as they fall like snow, finding beauty in both their dance and their stillness. Let us attend to the year being born, holding off on answers as we honor the mystery of beginnings. 

Rest in the Heart of Night: Imagination

One of my colleagues is a certified facilitator in the Jewish Studio Process, which is an art-based spiritual practice. The purpose of the project is to cultivate creativity as a practice for spiritual connection and social transformation. It’s part art therapy, part study of sacred text, part group reflection. I have had a couple of opportunities to participate in this process at virtual UU minister conferences, meaning I was among my own art supplies at home while I was connected virtually with colleagues across the country. There is time for words, and a time for creating without words, which allows all kinds of insight and emotion to land in the artwork, there to be explored, experienced, discovered, and released. As they say in the Jewish Studio Project, “the page can hold it all.”

Creating art on my own during the non-verbal time brings me face-to-face with a number of personal obstacles. As with any contemplative practice, I have to return to my breath over and over, as worrying about products and outcomes distracts me from the present moment. I struggle with vulnerability, opening myself up to thoughts and feelings that aren’t especially convenient. My inner critic has some things today about my artistic abilities. But the facilitated process helps me make friends with all of those voices and lets me keep going. At the end of the session, I feel more accepting of myself and others, more attuned to the gifts I have to offer, more ready to learn what the universe has to teach me, and more prepared to take meaningful action for justice, kindness, and community building.

None of the things I create in the studio process are going to win awards. It’s not about the result. It’s about the experience of imagination and creation. It’s about opening windows to what is possible. To get there, I have to practice some humility. In a way, I have to let myself be in the dark. Being focused on the process rather than the product has created the space for finding a moment of inner peace.

For those who are motivated to work on external peace, the kind between individuals in conflict or countries at war, the value of allowing time for the darkness and mystery of creativity may not be obvious. I assure you that imagination is essential for the work of peace and justice. Theologian Walter Bruggeman writes:

“The prophet engages in futuring fantasy. The prophet does not ask if the vision can be implemented, for questions of implementation are of no consequence until the vision can be imagined. The imagination must come before the implementation. Our culture is competent to implement almost anything and to imagine almost nothing. The same royal consciousness that make it possible to implement anything and everything is the one that shrinks imagination because imagination is a danger. Thus every totalitarian regime is frightened of the artist. It is the vocation of the prophet to keep alive the ministry of imagination, to keep on conjuring and proposing futures alternative to the single one the king wants to urge as the only thinkable one.” 

Bruggeman urges us to expand on what is thinkable. There is more than one answer, more than one path, more than one perspective. In order to allow the imagination to flourish, we may need to quiet our linear minds for awhile. We might need the blanket of night, or the assurances of soft music. or the presence of supportive creative friends.

The winter holiday season often includes a lot of activity and deadlines and pressures. At the same time, the early sunsets and late sunrises, for many of us, cast a mood of contemplation. Perhaps we can allow these conditions to lead us into the here and now. This Winter Solstice, rest in the heart of night and allow your imagination to wander among the stars.

Let Words Fall Like Snow: Silence and Waiting

Like many of you, I spend a fair amount of time in waiting rooms. I keep discovering that, no matter what I bring to do, waiting simply takes as long as it takes. Lately, I’ve been finding that looking at my phone does not support my health and wellbeing, so I have conversations I wouldn’t otherwise have, or I rest my eyes, or I read all the signs on the walls. Not trying to escape from the waiting room seems to work better than filling those moments with the highs and lows of the internet. I forget, and open a book or a magazine or my email, and if I’m lucky I remember again and re-engage with the experience of waiting.

Perhaps these days of late sunrises and early sunsets create a seasonal waiting room. There are significant dates on the calendar that aren’t going to get here any faster. Some of us may have packages we’re waiting to receive or to be received on time. Even after the Winter Solstice, it’s still a few weeks before the effect of the year’s turning becomes obvious.

For me, the anticipation and the weather conspire to bring words more slowly to mind. I have to wait for words to form, like crystals growing on a snowflake. Again, like the snow, the words take their time on the way down, drifting where they will until they land in a place where I can gather them up. 

In her book, When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chödrön talks about the benefit of avoiding unnecessary activity and being present with a kind of “cool loneliness.” She writes, “Could we just settle down and have some compassion and respect for ourselves? Could we stop trying to escape from being alone with ourselves?” In other words, sitting and waiting might help us to find kindness.

My colleague Nancy Shaffer of blessed memory wrote a poem about this (from her book Instructions in Joy: Meditations, which is out of print but some of her poems are on the UUA’s Worship Web database.):

In Stillness

I have been looking for the words that come

before words: the ones older than silence,

the ones not mine, that can’t be found by thought—

the ones that hold the beginning of the world

and are never used up, which arrive loaned

and make me weep

The Christmas story is also one of waiting. The nativity stories portray a family and a culture, tired from living in oppression and from long journeys. They are expectant, waiting for meaning and direction to emerge from among them. In the book of Luke, when the shepherds relate what the angels told them about the child, “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Mary has plenty to say elsewhere in the Bible. As you may recall from a skit that Marie and I did last year, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, she has a beautiful speech about a coming time of justice, framing her words as if God has already done it. Her song includes things such as, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:46-56). Powerful stuff. Mary has a voice. Sometimes she directs her attention to contemplation. In the nativity story, as events are new and concrete, she ponders words in her heart.

There are gifts that the darkness and the silence have to offer. Theologian Howard Thurman wrote, "In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair."

At times of great transition, waiting in silence may have more impact than words of cleverness or wisdom. Advice and pronouncements may fall short in the face of the heights and depths of life. When we face birth and loss, progress and starting over, it matters how we listen to ourselves and to each other. As the earth spins through the solstice, we face a transition together. If only a few flurries of words rest at your window, that is fine. Hold moments of silence and waiting in your heart as they come. Receive words as they fall like snow.

Honor the Mystery: Let Questions Go Unanswered

In this morning’s Time for All Ages story, the sun is reborn at the Winter Solstice. It’s a mythic story. The metaphor might mean different things for us at different times. What is clear to me, in season after season, is that there is always something being born and re-born at this time of year. Just what that is may not be clear at this point. We don’t need to know that in order to honor the mystery.

When I was in seventh grade, we had an exercise in science class that made a tremendous impact on how I see the world. The teacher put a slide on the overhead projector and asked us to name our observations out loud. We said we saw paw prints in the snow. There were two sets, one big and one little. We talked about the path of the paw prints. Finally, one of the students said, “I see black spots on a white background.” You could have heard a pin drop. That was a holy moment, with a roomful of young adolescents suddenly grasping the difference between observation and inference. We can get into philosophical discussions about how much we trust our senses, but for young scientists it was important to acknowledge that difference, and to realize how fast we jump to drawing conclusions.

In the moments of the sun’s rebirth, or gathered around the baby, or lighting the first candle of the menorah, we don’t yet know what will come to pass. Running ahead to answer questions skips the part where we connect with meaning as it emerges. If peace is going to enter into our hearts, it must pass through the door of unknowing. Predicting and controlling are rarely calm activities. Deep questions, sacred questions, do not require immediate answers.

Perhaps that’s part of the draw of winter lullabies and Christmas carols about sleeping babies. Pictures are painted in music of one profound, relatable moment, filled with love. For instance, in “Silent Night,” there are a few hints about what the writer foresees, “the dawn of redeeming grace,” but most of the details in the song imagine the nativity itself. We have the sense that a story is just beginning, yet right now we rest in the glory of one moment.

In the story of the Winter Solstice, the reborn sun looks out on the wonder of what has already happened. The sun sees and hears joy and gratitude from the earth. The next year may see a familiar turn around the spiral, some things repeated as the seasons turn. The next year may see something new. We don’t know for sure. Direction and meaning are still emerging as the sun is reborn. When we allow some of the big questions to go unanswered for now, we leave room for inner peace. That sense of calm, of openness to imagination, of being in the present moment, then equips us to create peace between neighbors and nations.

Conclusion

My prayer for all of us this Winter Solstice is that, like the sun, we find some sanctuary for rest and renewal. May we find in the sacred dark a connection to that which is timeless and accepting, that which binds us to the rest of the universe. May we take pleasure in the process of being human, realizing that our inherent worth does not depend on productivity. May we gratefully receive meaningful silence as well as words that fall to our minds and ears. May we leave open the doors of unknowing, honoring the sacred mystery as a new year comes into being.

So be it. Blessed be. Amen.

[foodandfolklore]

Ostara and the Hare

The spring equinox is right around the corner! It's called Ostara on the Wiccan wheel, and it's one of my favourite holidays. The colours, the rainbows, the eggs, the flowers, the food; it is the embodiment of spring. There's just lots of fresh, new, albeit young energy everywhere.

But this post is not focusing on Ostara the Celebration. This is focusing on the story of Ostara and a Rabbit. It seems to be a German folktale from the late 1700s to early 1800s that was spread via word of mouth. The name Ostara comes from Eostre, Goddess of spring. Spring is all about beginnings, fertility, rebirth; so it's not surprising to see a folktale that combines symbols of these things catch on and be retold.

A little fun note about the story, the Gender of the Hare is never made clear. He is referred to as male, using He/Him pronouns in most stories (which I will continue to do) but he is able to lay eggs; something traditionally reserved for females in old folktales. It's mostly written off as a glitch in the magic, but maybe he is intersex? I dunno, but it's a little fun to think about.

Ostara and the Hare

One year, the winter was particularly long and harsh. The snow was deep, the air was cold, and the Goddess of Spring, Ostara, was late.

When she finally arrived, the animals and people were so thankful to see her. Her presence thawed the land; trees could start budding, and animals came out of hibernation and hiding to frolic. Soon, the sound of song birds could be heard singing as they flew around looking for a new love.

Ostara smiled as she looked across the land. As creatures passed her by, they always stopped to offer their praise and thanks. This pleased the Goddess Ostara, and she promised she'll stay until spring is in full swing. The animals rejoiced at her assurance and gave her many gifts to show gratitude.

Then, a lone bird approached Ostara, walking up to her on land. His feathers had been damaged from the long frost and he could not fly. He looked ragged and exhausted. The happiness and energy that reached the other animals did not seem to affect him.

"My Goddess, Ostara. I come to you with a request." the bird kept his head low and his tone respectful, "Your power is great and I ask you use that power to change me into a Hare."

"A Hare?" Ostara looked confused, "You do not wish to live your life as a bird?"

"Every year, winter is long and harsh." The bird explained, "I can do nothing but huddle in my nest and try to keep warm. But I see the Hares move about easily in the snow, kept warm by their fur. My feathers can not endure another winter like the last." Ostara looked the bird over, and indeed his feathers did not seem suited for an icy winter. She agreed and used her powers to turn the bird into a Hare, like he asked.

"Go now." she spoke once the transformation was finished, "Live your life as a humble, but warm, Hare." When he realized he was now a Hare, he leapt high into the air cheering for joy. But when he landed, something strange happened. In his excitement, he laid an egg.

The egg was a pretty sky blue with green pokadots. An egg unlike anything ever seen before. Ostara looked at it, enthralled. The Hare picked up his decorative egg and offered it to Ostara. She took it with great enthusiasm and the Hare hopped off.

Word of the Hare blessed by Ostara started to spread fast. Animals and creatures from all over came to him, wanting to see the colourful eggs. Each time he laid an egg, they came out different and unique. Everyone loved to see and receive his eggs, and he in turn loved the new attention he got.

After some time went by, Ostara noticed a change in the forest. Despite spring continuing to come, the praise and thanks she got from the creatures stopped. All animals, from birds to deer to mice, would pass by and not stop to acknowledge her. They all seemed focused on where they were going. Curious, Ostara followed them one day.

All the animals were going to see the Hare and his eggs. She watched while hidden. The Hare would hop and lay a new, colourful egg. Dozens of coloured eggs surround him with impressive vibrancy and intricate patterns. Ostara looked at the egg the Hare has given her earlier, and was annoyed how simple and plain it looked in comparison.

The creatures cheered as the Hare made more eggs and handed them out. "You are amazing!" a squirrel praised, "How do you do it?" Ostara, knowing his colourful egg laying ability was made possible because of her powers, thought maybe now she'll get the credit and praise she was deserved. But the Hare stood high and mighty as he answered "I just imagine the colours, then I hop and pop! Nothing to it."

Ostara was furious. How dare he not only take all the attention of spring away from her, but also take all the credit for a gift she gave. Add to that, he had not shared with her the more beautiful eggs he could now make. Ostara made her outrage known as she reveled herself and berated the Hare. She told him to gather every egg he had made. She was going to take him and every egg he made away, forever.

The Hare begged Ostara not to make him take all of his eggs back. The eggs brought so much joy to everyone who received them. To take them away would take away their happiness. Ostara agreed that the eggs could stay, but he would need to come with her when she leaves at the end of spring.

And so the Hare left with her. Ostara promised she'd be back again next year. And at the end of every winter, she indeed makes her return to bring spring. During this time, she allows the Hare to return for a single day. For one day, he is allowed to share his bright and colourful eggs that are known to bring so much happiness. Sometimes they are in plain sight, and sometimes they are hidden. Can you find one?

[canaldoshin]

Astro Bot é eleito Jogo do Ano no Game Awards 2024

"Astro Bot" foi o grande vencedor do Game Awards 2024, realizado nesta quinta-feira (12), em Los Angeles. O jogo, que celebra os 30 anos do PlayStation, conquistou quatro prêmios, incluindo o de Jogo do Ano. Com um total de sete indicações, "Astro Bot" dividia a liderança com "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth", que acabou ganhando apenas uma estatueta. Outros destaques da noite foram "Balatro" e "Metaphor: ReFantazio", ambos com três prêmios. "Balatro" foi eleito o melhor jogo independente, enquanto "Metaphor: ReFantazio" levou o prêmio de Melhor Narrativa. Veja a lista com os vencedores do Game Awards 2024 abaixo:

Jogo do ano

'Astro Bot' (VENCEDOR) 'Balatro' 'Black Myth: Wukong' 'Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree' 'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' 'Metaphor: ReFantazio'

Melhor narrativa

'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' 'Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth' 'Metaphor: ReFantanzio' (VENCEDOR) 'Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II' 'Silent Hill 2'

Melhor jogo para aparelhos móveis

'AFK Journey' 'Balatro' (VENCEDOR) 'Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket' 'Wuthering Waves' 'Zenless Zone Zero'

Melhor jogo independente

'Animal Well' 'Balatro' (VENCEDOR) 'Lorelei and the Laser Eyes' 'Neva' 'UFO 50'

Escolha dos jogadores

'Black Myth: Wukong' (VENCEDOR) 'Genshin Impact' 'Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree' 'Wuthering Waves' 'Zenless Zone Zero'

Melhor design de áudio

'Astro Bot' 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' 'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' 'Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2' (VENCEDOR) 'Silent Hill 2'

Melhor trilha e música

'Astro Bot' 'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' (VENCEDOR) 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' 'Silent Hill 2' 'Stellar Blade'

Melhor adaptação

'Arcane' 'Fallout' (VENCEDORA) 'Knuckles' 'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' 'Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft'

Melhor jogo em atualização

'Destiny 2' 'Diablo IV' 'Final Fantasy XIV' 'Fortnite' 'Helldivers 2' (VENCEDOR)

Melhor RPG

'Dragon’s Dogma 2' 'Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree' 'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' 'Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth' 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' (VENCEDOR)

Melhor jogo de ação/aventura

'Astro Bot' (VENCEDOR) 'Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown' 'Silent Hill 2' 'Star Wars Outlaws' 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom'

Melhor jogo de esportes/corrida

'F1 24' 'EA Sports FC 25' (VENCEDOR) 'NBA 2K25' 'Top Spin 2K25' 'WWE 2K24'

Melhor jogo simulador/de estratégia

'Age of Mythology: Retold' 'Frostpunk 2' (VENCEDOR) 'Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess' 'Manor Lords' 'Unicorn Overlord'

Criador de conteúdo do ano

CaseOh (VENCEDOR) IlloJuan Techno Gamerz TypicalGamer Usada Pekora

Melhor estreia em jogo independente

'Animal Well' 'Balatro' (VENCEDOR) 'Manor lords' 'Pacific drive' 'The plucky squire'

Melhor direção

'Astro Bot' (VENCEDOR) 'Balatro' 'Black Myth: Wukong' 'Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree' 'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' 'Metaphor: ReFantazio'

Melhor direção de arte

'Astro Bot' 'Black Myth: Wukong' 'Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree' 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' (VENCEDOR) 'Neva'

Melhor suporte à comunidade

'Baldur’s Gate 3' (VENCEDOR) 'Final Fantasy XIV' 'Fortnite' 'Helldivers 2' 'No Man’s Sky'

Melhor jogo multiplayer

'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' 'Helldivers 2' (VENCEDOR) 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' 'Tekken 8' 'Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2'

Jogo mais antecipado

'Death Stranding 2: On the beach' 'Ghost of Yotei' 'Grand theft auto 6' (VENCEDOR) 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' 'Monster Hunter Wilds'

Melhor jogo de ação

'Black Myth: Wukong' (VENCEDOR) 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' 'Helldivers 2' 'Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2' 'Stellar Blade'

Melhor atuação

Briana White ('Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth') Hannah Telle ('Life is Strange: Double Exposure') Humberly Gonzalez ('Star Wars Outlaws') Like Roberts ('Silent Hill 2') Melina Juergens ('Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2') (VENCEDORA)

Melhor jogo para a família

'Astro Bot' (VENCEDOR) 'Princess Peach: Showtime!' 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' 'The Plucky Squire'

Inovação em acessibilidade

'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' 'Diablo 4' 'Dragon Age: The Veilguard' 'Prince of Persia: The lost crown' (VENCEDOR) 'Star Wars Outlaws' Games for impact 'Closer the distance' 'Indika' 'Neva' (VENCEDOR) 'Life is strange: Doule exposure' 'Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2' 'Tales of Kenzera: Zau'

Melhor jogo de eSport

'Counter-Strike 2' 'Dota 2' 'League of Legends' (VENCEDOR) 'Mobile Legends: Bang Bang' 'Valorant'

Melhor time de eSport

Bilibili Gaming ('League of Legends') Gen.G ('League of Legends') NAVI ('Counter-Strike') T1 ('League of Legends') (VENCEDOR) Team Liquid ('Dota 2')

Melhor jogador de eSport

33 – Neta Shapira Aleksib – Aleksi Virolainen Chovy – Jeong Ji-hoon Faker – Lee Sang-hyeok (VENCEDOR) ZyWoO – Mathieu Herbaut ZmjjKk – Zheng Yongkang

Melhor jogo de realidade virtual/realidade aumentada

'Arizona Sunshine Remake' 'Asgard’s Wrath 2' 'Batman: Arkham Shadow' (VENCEDOR) 'Metal: Hellsinger VR' 'Metro Awakening'

Melhor jogo de luta

'Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO' 'Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising' 'Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics' 'MultiVersus' 'Tekken 8' (VENCEDOR) Read the full article

[theperplexedpoet]

everyone has a story

everyone has a story their own rhythms and rhyme my own began at midnight a tale as old as time was frozen in this moment the time of my rebirth the shadow kind of owns it establishes my worth so I offer my fealty paying these crimson dues he promises to heal me with no intention to as such I keep returning bleeding to make it right no lessons am I learning in this age of midnight everyone has a story their own rhythms and rhyme my own began at midnight a tale retold through time was frozen in the second that the shadow was cast for midnight had been beckoned gained entry through my past and I served at his altar paying these crimson dues was always gonna falter that's what weak people do and yet I kept returning bleeding for a release heart sharing the pen's yearning and sharing his beliefs everyone has a story their own rhythms and rhyme my own began at midnight a tale as old as time was frozen in this moment the time of my rebirth the shadow kind of owns it establishes my worth (7/2/24)

[sasorikigai]

((Honestly I don't feel capable of properly critiquing a story when there's clearly so much untold as of now...but that in itself is also my own primary complaint. At the end of it all, the story movement felt like introduction, little else, and "that's all for these most basic building blocks of the beginning of our characters' stories; tune in next game, or DLC, or whatever, when we actually start to tell said stories!" Just setup and sequel-hooking. Nothing wrong with an origin story, mind, but I think there wasn't quite enough actual story movement therein, at least imo. I'm no expert in story analysis nor in Mortal Kombat.))

Random Inbox Shenanigans || anonymous || always accepting!

The same, but all I know is that I am extremely biased as a die-hard Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi and Sub-Zero/Kuai Liang fan, but I definitely concur on the part that NRS seems to go on the path of shallow what-ifs on different timelines, rather than expanding the exquisite substance and depth of the character history and complexity by delving them further. In that regard, I am a huge fan of the whole MK9/MKX/MK11 saga, which gave us just that; those series of games become ones that span in a mostly continuous motion forward, along with character development and chemistry.

We definitely saw Scorpion/Hanzo transform from a vicious raging specter dead-set on revenge and vengeance to a sagacious and compassionate Grandmaster, who ended up (unknowingly) sacrificing himself for the greater good. And I have always loved Sub-Zero/Kuai Liang's personality, and his dualism; deadly and merciless in kombat, while being very kind, empathetic, and traumatized. He's the epitome of a loyal, dedicated fighter who will go ends for his people, not only of Lin Kuei, but of Earthrealm as long as they're on his side. The stories in those games were cohesive, and not only in Scorpion/Sub-Zero's perspective, but we saw all other characters develop as a character in a remarkably good way, or become wicked and immoral, wanting nothing but dominance and supremacy. They were painfully and relatably human. Even Raiden, the demi-god Protector of Earthrealm wasn't free from the grasp of going 'dark.'

Even other media could be said as such; animations such as Scorpion's Revenge, Battle of Realms expand on many 'origin' stories and the original tournament. Also, the recent reboot of Mortal Kombat Movie starring Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi) and Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) is essentially retelling the tragic death of Hanzo and his rebirth as Scorpion. At this point I would just like to know why there is nothing of Hanzo Hasashi for the rebooted timeline in Mortal Kombat 1, just deleting him from existence and robbing him of the unique history which was given to him all along to one other than Kuai Liang, who already has his own remarkable story of growth from Tundra to Sub-Zero.

All in all, the story in Mortal Kombat seem to severely lack the semblance of depth, which was aplenty in the previous games. And I am getting really tired of getting 'origin' stories retold repeatedly through different media; it is time that we get more complexity through less messing of the storylines and timelines, but with more character development, but it is what it is at this point and I can't do nothing, but hope for the better story mode in the future games.

[thechrist02]

The Christ: Unveiling the Historical and Spiritual Significance

The name “Christ” carries an aura of divinity and significance that spans across civilizations and centuries. Whether approached from a religious, historical, or spiritual standpoint, The Christ stands as an archetype of hope, love, and transformation. This article seeks to shed light on the essence of The Christ, exploring the amalgamation of historical context, spiritual teachings, and cultural impact that defines this profound figure.

To comprehend The Christ, we must journey back to the ancient lands of Judea, during a time of political turmoil and spiritual longing. Born in Bethlehem, The Christ, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, emerged within the context of Roman rule and Jewish tradition. His birth, life, and crucifixion occurred in a landscape fraught with social inequities and religious fervor.

The Spiritual Teachings of The Christ

At the heart of The Christ’s narrative lies a tapestry of parables, sermons, and teachings that continue to illuminate minds and hearts. Central to his message was the concept of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Through profound teachings like the Sermon on the Mount, The Christ urged his followers to embrace humility, seek spiritual riches, and extend unconditional love to all.

The Christ’s Role in Christianity

The Christ’s influence reverberates most powerfully within Christianity, where he is venerated as the central figure. His sacrificial crucifixion and subsequent resurrection form the cornerstone of Christian belief, symbolizing redemption and the promise of eternal life. Churches, cathedrals, and religious art pay homage to his divinity and teachings.

Interestingly, the resonance of The Christ extends beyond Christianity. In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is considered a prophet, embodying qualities of purity and divine revelation. Moreover, various Eastern philosophies recognize his wisdom and universal compassion, seamlessly weaving The Christ’s essence into their spiritual tapestries.

The Influence of The Christ on Art and Culture

Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have been inspired by The Christ’s narrative. From Michelangelo’s masterpieces to Bach’s compositions, the figure of The Christ has served as a muse, evoking emotions and stirring creativity. His story has been retold in literature, theater, and film, transcending religious boundaries.

The Christ’s Enduring Legacy

The legacy of The Christ endures through the ages, a testament to the timelessness of his teachings. The concept of selflessness, epitomized by his life, has spurred countless acts of charity and humanitarianism. His message of unity and love continues to bridge divides and ignite movements for justice and equality.

The Christ: A Source of Controversy and Debate

As with any historical and religious figure, The Christ is not without controversy. Scholars engage in debates over the accuracy of historical accounts, seeking to uncover the authentic Christ beyond centuries of interpretation. These discussions contribute to a deeper understanding of his impact.

The Quest for the Historical Christ

The search for the historical Christ is an ongoing endeavor, as researchers meticulously piece together fragments of the past to reconstruct a comprehensive portrait. This quest involves the analysis of ancient texts, archaeological discoveries, and contextual studies, all in pursuit of an unfiltered glimpse into The Christ’s life.

Symbolism weaves a rich tapestry around The Christ’s narrative. The metaphor of resurrection, for instance, encapsulates the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Similarly, the act of turning water into wine symbolizes transformation and the potential for divine intervention in the mundane.

The Christ in Modern Times

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, The Christ’s teachings remain as relevant as ever. The quest for meaning, compassion, and connection finds solace in his timeless wisdom. As society grapples with challenges, his message serves as a guiding light, offering solace and inspiration.

Uniting Humanity: The Christ’s Message of Love and Compassion

One of The Christ’s enduring legacies is his message of love transcending boundaries. In a world often divided by differences, his call to love one another fosters unity. The Christ’s life underscores the profound impact of compassion and empathy on the human experience.

The Christ’s Miracles and Parables

The Christ’s ministry was punctuated by miracles that defied the laws of nature and parables that conveyed profound truths. The healing of the sick, feeding of the multitude, and calming of storms spoke to his divine authority. Parables like the Good Samaritan illuminated the path to a virtuous life.

The Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension

Central to Christian faith is The Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing victory over death. The empty tomb embodies hope and the promise of eternal life. The ascension, too, signifies his return to the divine realm, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape humanity’s spiritual journey.

The Christ stands as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a figure whose life and teachings radiate with timeless brilliance. Through the annals of history, his message of love, compassion, and transformation echoes across cultures and creeds. As humanity treads the path of progress, The Christ’s legacy remains an unwavering source of guidance, inviting all to embrace the profound potential within.

Visit Here: https://www.the-christ.net/

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/livingchurchministries/https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchurchministries

[elephile]

The winter air is cold and gray As the world around us fades away The snow is falling, a blanket white A shroud for the earth, a final night The trees are bare, their branches stark A final dance, before the dark The wind is howling, a mournful song For the loss of life, and what's done wrong The river's frozen, a crystal vale A pathway to the eternal pale The world is silent, and still as death A reflection of our final breath But in the darkness, a glimmer shines A spark of hope, in the darkest lines For life endures, through winter's cold And death is but, a tale retold So as the snow falls, and the night descends Remember that, life still extends And in the end, there is rebirth In the cycle of life, on this earth. #womanlifefreedom #stopexecutionsiniran #winterwonderland #wintersinontario (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnV9Pa_LR0Q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[askxisumachc]

I suppose it depends on the flower.

Plenty of flowers and plants came from nymphs running from gods, such as laurel trees after Daphne (poor girl, Eros hit her with a hate arrow and she ran away from Apollo), lilacs (some nymph named Syringa ran from Pan) and the like. Those tend to symbolize fleeting safety, and can mean someone is in trouble or is running from something.

Some more specific flowers:

Hecate created Aconite, a poisonous purple flower Athena used on Arachne (Ugh... spiders) after Arachne beat her at a loom. Those usually symbolize hubris and jealously, but can also come as a warning, usually heralding death and rebirth, which aren't usually good (see- Arachne).

Aphrodite turned Adonis into an Anemone after he was mauled by a boar, and those usually foretell a storm. They can also mean that protection is near.

When Zeus wiped away a bunch of people with a flood, a minor goddess was so upset that she fled into the night sky and her tears created Asters. There's also rumors that a king took his own life after his son sailed home with a balck said (meaning the son had died), and his blood created Asters. Not sure which one is true though. Asters usually ward off spirits and are used in ceremonies, usually as wreaths for an altar.

Larkspurs came from Ajax after he took his won life- I think it was after an argument because he couldn't have Achilles arms? Anyways, those usually symbolize joy and first loves, but can also foretell of anger and justice. Fun fact, they're also called "Delphiums", kinda like the city of Delphi where the original oracle was from!

Hyancithus and Apollo were dating, very sweet couple, and they went to go play some Discus (greek frisbee, but with like a heavy stone frisbee), but it was cloudy. So, Apollo decided to throw the discus to clear away the clouds, which worked... but the discuss fell back down and Hyancithus failed to catch it, as it game him a lethal concussion. Apollo couldn't heal him, so he turned him into the first Hyancith flower. Those symbolize power and pride, but also foretell of regret.

There's Iris' flower, that was named after her. Those symbolize spiritual journey and are used in funerals to guide spirits trough the underworld, so like many other greek symbols, they mean death. They also mean safety for the recently deceased.

Orchis did some unspeakable acts and after his gruesome punishment his remains grew into Orchids. Orchids symbolize intimacy, fertility, and other... adult things. Its very unlikely they'd show up in a vision, unless one of the gods had a quest related to like... childbirth or something???

And finally there's violets with a really long story that I;m gonna attempt to sum up. Zeus loved one of Hera's priestesses, Lo, but was so worried that Hera would find out, that he turned Lo into a cow. Not kidding. Anyways, Zeus created Violets for Lo to eat, before Hera found out and bullied Zeus into giving her Lo the Cow as a present, which is a longer story I'm not gonna retell, but it ends with Lo becoming human again and having a kid. There's a billion other myths about the origin of this flower, but this one seems to be the most retold. Violets mean humility and innocence, and also are a symbol of saphhic love. They don't usually foretell anything, but are renowned as a good luck charm in ancient greece.

So, any of these flowers match what you saw?

@askxisumachc uhhhhh, x???? What do visions about purple flowers mean???? 🪻

[xxwitchylanexx]

A Night Under The Moon-Cloud Strife x Reader

Rebirth Retold Chapter 3

No Story Spoilers

Chapter 4

Masterlist

*~*

That night their group set up camp on the edge of the somber swamp, finally ready to cross the desolate stretch after two weeks of odd jobs in the Woodlands. The murky water and foggy air made for the perfect hunting grounds for the infamous Midgar Zolom. The possibility of being ambushed had everyone on the edge of their seats. You assured them that the camp was far enough away from the edge. The tents more into the woods than on the shoreline would give ample time if it was to strike. However that had little effect on the rising tension becoming more and more charged with anxiety and adrenaline by the second.

You laid flat backed on your sleeping roll with a knee bent towards the sky. You could barely see the gentle twinkles of the stars above through the thick mist that blew off the sulfuric water. You missed the ambient chatter of the Woodlands despite being literal feet from it. The polluted land long since drove out anything but fiends and scavengers. Even the others grew quiet the lifeless swamp slowly sapping the once joyful vibe leaving everyone disheartened.

You couldn’t take anymore. The silence was suffocating and your ears felt as if an immense pressure was pushing against your ear drums causing the intake and exhales of your breathing to echo loudly in your skull. You rose to your feet quickly and strode off into the shadows of the looming treeline. As soon as you felt you were far enough away from the bottomless pits of muck, debris, and decomposing remnants you slowed. You footsteps quieted into the soft padding of the old dirt road you used earlier that day. The dark withered plants that would crumble by the lightest of touches slowly morphed into strong mossy green ferns, and the occasional patch of wild flowers that thrived in the abundance of nutrients the forest provided. You soaked in the bursting energy for the whispers among the leaves, breathed in the crisp clean air, and only then did the infectious despair fade within the steady beats of your heart.

You knew it was silly. You’ve came toe to toe with bigger evils than the Midgar Zolom. You’ve seen worse horrors than the over polluted river that carried the remnants of the mako pipes that have leaked over the years. It was silly that something as insignificant in the scheme of these could unnerve you. You, who has endured an unimaginable amount of humanity’s abominations. You, who did not falter under the strain of pressure or threat of danger.

You just hated that a place like this was seated on the opposite side of such a wondrous place. You hated that anyone who was lucky enough to flee the monstrosities of Midgar only to find some peace in the Woodlands then gets trapped in the complex uninhabitable hunting ground of Midgar’s creation. You hated that your home, or the closest thing to a home you had, was basically a cage to prevent anyone from spreading their seeing Gaia with their own two eyes.

It was hard to believe you were leaving once again. How long had you been here this time? A year? Maybe eighteen months. You were thankful for Bill. Even after having his plate full with raising his grandkids after the death of their parents he still found space to take you in when you had nowhere to go. He provided you with room and board in exchange with training some of his chocobos, and when he realized you had a special talent for connecting with them he even found you some clients interested in giving you a shot. Then through the power of word of mouth and your hard work you built up a clientele that allows you to do this for a living. You never thought people would benefit from your gift besides betting on your tremendous jockey record.

Your feet carried you up a winding foot path and up a steep incline, using a few of the thinner trees to keep your stability. Once the ground leveled out you slipped through a gap in the trees where the grass grew a bit more wild. A few wildflowers popped here and there across the wide meadow, and the forest gale swept through the blades of grass leaving behind its melody. You leaned against the rough bark of the nearest tree and toed off you boots the course stems of grass tickled at the underside of your feet. You bathed yourself in the light of the moon as you twirled across the field to the center taking in a huge breath relishing in the crispness of the air.

You gazed up at the vast sky, finding peace in the gentle winks the stars bestowed upon you. Slowly you sank onto to your knees before laying down until the flat of your back met the chilly ground. You ran her fingertips through the blades of grass at your sides, and gently plucked at a few from time to time. Time slowed as you allowed yourself to swept away from any troubles in the symphony of buzzing wings, the song of the cicadas, and chirping grasshoppers.

You never could get used to how far the sky above you, unlike the steel sky you grew up under. Everything felt so restricting back then. The darkness of Midgar was skilled in clipping your wings before you truly learned to fly. It kept you shackled to the inhuman ways of greed, lust, and power. Though you tried your hardest not to allow yourself to be caught in the lurking memories of the life you led then, you couldn’t help but wonder if anything had changed. Did anyone miss you? Probably not. In fact many slumlords probably slept easier knowing your blade had been buried with the body they believed was yours while your captor raged at the loss of income you’d brought in.

Six years ago you truly thought you were going to die that night in the coliseum. You hadn't wanted to participate in the Corneo Cup but the debt you owed to that woman for your upbringing-if you could call it that- was was high as the walls around Wall Market, and only winning the matches would provide enough to keep your ‘guardian’ at bay. You survived all the rounds by the skin of your teeth, the exhaustion of such a drawn out competition draining you in a way that left you lifeless. So the terror when they announced a surprise finale had hooked its claws into the fascia of your useless muscle. Bile rose into your throat and you actually considered to just lie down and accept your fate. But when your opponent was released onto the stage with you you knew your death would be far worse than any pain you’d experienced before, and you never in a million years thought the Don to be so cruel. Fresh from the depth of the Shinra labs, as if he knew where she came from, a humanoid figure stumbled through the gates. It’d smelled of rotten flesh and smoky char. Painful groans emanated deep in its’ chest since its mouth was branded shut. Claws glowed a foul purple, more that likely a product of producing some kind of venom that could prove fatal or just paralyze you so you’d be conscious as it teared you apart. You didn’t remember a lot of details beyond the pain that consumed you as its claws impaled you and twisted within your belly. You should’ve died.

You were told you’d struck it down before it could finish the job however you lost consciousness. You’d came to weeks after hidden away in a strange bedroom you’d never seen before. That’s when Chocobo Sam waltzed in, filled you in on the details, and proposed an exchange. He’d arranged for the world to believe you dead, and was preparing a funeral. He would smuggle you out of Midgar in exchange for your employment in the world of chocobo racing. After all help never came for free. Even back then in the streets of Midgar you held a special connection with his chocobos, and with a little training he believed you’d be a world class jockey, and in turn make him a lot of money. Now, as a free woman who’s had the chance to finally spread your wings, you looked for ways to atone for the for the things you’ve done, and people you’ve hurt.

You thought if you stayed on your own, embraced the bitter loneliness that forever contained, and used your skills to help the people of Gaia as you wandered from town to town that maybe the sins of the past would begin to fade. And when you take your last breath on this Planet the scars you’ve inflicted would disappear alongside you. At least that was the hope. Though you aren’t really sure anymore. Maybe there was a better way to set things right.

You told yourself you’d accompany them until they arrived at the saucer, return to your work, and consider it another job well done, but with every day, even though it’s only been two short weeks, you find yourself wishing that you would never have to leave them.

Tifa was like a big sister. The raven haired beauty always checked in with to make sure you was eating enough, or that you weren’t getting too worn down from all the fights that seemed to gravitate their way. She asked your favorite foods, and tried to accommodate your preferences alongside everyone else’s, and don’t get you started about how she nitpicks at your sleeping habits. You don’t understand why it’s such a big deal to sleep under the stars instead of inside of a tent.

You got along well enough with Barret. You quickly learned that as long as you listened to his many stories about the planet and how Shinra was shit, which was the one thing everyone could agree on, you’d get along fine. Though you made a mental note to pick up some ear plugs the next time the group stays in a town. You didn’t mind how much his voice carried in the daylight, but if you had to lose another second of sleep to his ground breaking snores you was going to lose you mind.

You absolutely adored Red XIII. The two of you had become fast friends. In fact the moment you offered him some of the choco treats you had, you had him eating out of the palm of your hand. Literally. As a thank you, Red would often curl up next to your bed roll to cast some extra heat your way. Sometimes after everyone else drifted off you’d point out your favorite stars that hung in the sky and he’d teach you the name of it.

Aerith was a breath of fresh air. So upbeat and full of life. She seen the good in everything, and led her life with grace. As they traveled, she’d point out flowers that she liked or ones she thought you’d enjoy as well. You didn’t have the heart to tell her they were just a part of the background for you. She’d ask you so many questions like: Where are you from? What do you like the most about chocobos? What’s your type in guys? The last one so out of left field it caught you off-guard.

The only guy you currently thought about was the one member of the group that remained a mystery.

Your curiosity burned within you, at times consuming your thoughts that’d be better used elsewhere. The occasional peek behind this tough, brooding act fueled you to be more daring, but the odd swelling of your heart urged you to keep your distance, and he had little to no difficulty in avoiding you. Every now and then Aerith— her insistence seemed a bit odd to you but you figured maybe she was just trying to get him to be polite-suggested that he should sit next to you, or accompany you to collect water or firewood, but even then his body would remain as stiff as a board. It was very clear how uncomfortable he was. Yet, from time to time she could feel the way his stare drilled into you, or when you thought it was safe to sneak a peak at him- I mean who could blame you- he’d already be looking at you. Embarrassment would swell at being caught though the weight of his eyes would remain heavy on your flushed face even after you’d look away.

You sighed as your gaze refocused on the luminous moon, and in a moment of vulnerability you asked it to shed some light on the situation, and maybe ease the fluttering in your chest.

Somewhere in her peripheral a green flicker bounced through the tall grass. You rose onto your elbows, and twisted at the hips in the direction you first saw it. You trained your eyes, scanning high and low for the source. You began to believe you had imagined it until the faint green glow flared once again, flashing six times before growing dark. Lightning bugs.

*~*

Cloud hadn’t meant to stumble upon the scene that played out in front of him. If anything, it was Tifa’s fault since she had asked him to go and find more wood for the fire.

He had combed through the woods after no luck finding burnable pieces near the swamp. Everything was soggy and covered in rot from lying in such mucky water. Truth be told, he jumped on the opportunity to stray from stifling group setting. He basked in the tranquil silence that didn’t happen much anymore since the group had doubled in size the only noises he heard now were the crickets calls and his feet swishing across the ground. He aimlessly picked up dry sticks and bark for kindling and trekked over to a few tress that had a few fallen branches that would last awhile when a rhythmic thumping vibrated through the ground from the clearing up ahead. The movement up him on alert dropping the wood to the ground next to the trunk of the tree he was at and brought a hand up to grip the hilt of his sword.

With measured steps, he stalked forward doing his best to blend into the thin shadows the tress cast to the edge of the tree line. His bicep brushed against the bark roughly as he peered around its’ circumferences. Cloud expected some fiends, boy was he wrong.

The entire clearing was bathed in the full moon’s light. Hundreds of flashing lightning bugs fluttered in circles in soft shades of greens and yellow, and in the center of it all was you in all your striking beauty swaying along with the insects’ movements. He felt himself pull his blade from his back and lean it up against the truck that has kept him hidden. His expression softening without his permission and his eyes swimming in awe of the way you danced as if you were the wind yourself.

His feet began to inch closer to you, his clunky boots padded softly in the grass despite being too hypnotized to care if you was loud or not. He found it rather amusing that he’d tried his hardest not to be alone with you and yet here he was being drawn to you like a moth to a flame. He still didn’t know what to say or do around you. Should he act tough, or should he be more gentle? How would he even go about that? What should he talk about, or should he let you choose a topic and just go along with it? What if the other realize he’s acting different around you? Would they all tease him as mercilessly as Aerith did? He was so stuck in his own head that most of the interactions had been awkward he always felt he came off colder than he wanted to. Only for Aerith to have been watching the entire interaction and tease about his ‘crush’. He’d scoffed, and wave her off saying nothing had changed, but you clung to every bit of his free thoughts and he felt like he was going wild.

You weren’t shy or meek. You had the guts to put Barrett in a headlock when he rambled on for two hours about Shinra killing the planet. Did you have a death wish? You were smart and intuitive, winning Red’s affection by appreciating his intelligence instead of treating him as an animal. How you trained with Tifa and surprisingly could hold your own. His head still plagued him with worry that he wouldn’t be able to protect you in the coming challenges this journey will hold. Yet the spark in your eye when you try to convince him to allow you to fight did something to him. He hated how chummy Aerith got with you. Every day she’d approach him with some new info she learned that could ‘help’ him out. You grew up in Midgar. You liked being in the outdoors vs. being inside. You didn’t seem all that interested in flowers. You preferred salty over sweet, and other things she deemed important for him to know. All it did was make his hands clammy when he got close to you, and internally panic as he was unsure how to interact with you.

So why was this moment so different? Sure his pulse raced, but his need to be close to you override the hesitation that consumed him. Maybe he had to be in a trance so his desires could run freely, though his nose crinkled at the thought that he wouldn’t ever be able to be himself around you. He stopped just a few feet away. You were to focused as you hunched over one of the flickering bugs, your braid falling over your shoulder as you leaned over. There was just something so enchanting about seeing you trying to capture lightning bugs like he had when he was young back home on nights sleep eluded him.

Your brows drew together, and that crinkle between them reappeared, as you stretched out your hands and cupped each one in a half circle. You took in a deep breath and exhaled as you quickly clapped your hands around one, as fast as a snake. You shrieked with joy as you hopped a little as cradled the tiny insect against your chest. You peered down at it through the gaps between your finger, a gentle smile graced your pretty face the greenish light highlighting the e/c of your eyes.

He stretched a hand out to you, for what purpose he wasn’t sure, but you must have seen him then out of the corner of your eye because you jolted upwards with a quiet squeak - cute - and hands thrown up releasing the bug you worked so hard to catch.

“Fuck!” you cried as a hand clutched at your chest as you tried to still your rapid heartbeat. “You scared the shit out of me!” You yelled as you stomped over to him and smacked his shoulder. He had to summon all the stubborn willpower in his body to keep the corners of his mouth from inching into a smile. “I worked so hard to capture him, you ass!” You spun the opposite direction without giving him a chance to explain and began looking for your next target like he wasn’t even there.

He scratched at the back of his neck as he shuffled a tiny bit closer to you, “Sorry. I- uh,” Cloud shifted from one foot to the other uncomfortably. “Was looking for firewood.” Your lack of a response had him cursing at himself. Maybe he shouldn’t have approached you at all. He awkwardly turned back to the forest and intending to collect the branches, get back to the camp, and hole himself up. He even made a few steps back to the treeline before he stopped to consider if he should say goodbye. He twisted on his feet to look at you again.

He hadn’t expected you to be watching him, for your eyes to trace over him, study him, as he struggled with what to do next. The silence continued and while it should’ve felt awkward it didn’t. He huffed before looking over at a group of the bugs to the right of her, muttering. “I, uh, could help.” He flicked his eyes to your face briefly to gauge your reaction, not expecting the lopsided smile to be there as you continued to stare him down. “Or whatever.” He shrugged.

“Really?” You asked your head leaning slightly to the side. He only nodded to answer your question. “Alright, show me those skills, soldier boy.” You laughed the sound making him feel so much lighter.

He groaned at your teasing. “Ex-soldier.”

As ge spent a good hour or two jumping, leaping, and rolling trying to catch one of the damn things, no doubt completely embarrassing himself as you sat back and enjoyed the show, he wished he’d never opened his mouth. You must think him pathetic that a man of his skill set couldn’t catch one little bug, but when he finally caught one to present to you it made every minute of it worth it.

Your eyes lit up like he’d given you the heavens, a wide smile glowed on your s/c skin, and the gentle brush of his hand against yours as he settled it into yours had goosebumps racing against his flushed skin. To be close enough to shamelessly admire you, as you watched the critter flutter around your cupped palms, was enough payment for his services. Not that he’d ever charge you, and he’d do it all again just to see the way your face slowly warmed once you realized the attention he was giving you.

Until you finally couldn’t take it anymore, and you peered up at him through your dark lashes like you did that first day. His heart knocking against his ribs, trying to burst through his chest and land in your palms to be handled just as gently as the bug. Your voice was barely louder than a whisper as you spoke, “Thank you.”

He blinked once and then turned away from you completely. He didn’t wait for you either as he walked back to the edge of the clearing the weight of his thoughts revealing things he’d never expected to feel. How on Gaia did this even happen? One minute he was a bad ass mercenary and one bug later he was a love struck fool. He had to put some distance between you before he lost his mind altogether. He didn’t have time for shit like this. Sephiroth is out there and if he found out, Cloud could only imagine the shit he’d do to exploit this new weakness. He only allowed himself to look back once after he slung his sword onto his back and gathered the wood he’d abandoned there. “Let’s go back.” He called to you before quickly stalking back to the camp, leaving you there alone.

You looked around the shadowed field, noticing all the wonderful critters disappeared almost as abruptly as they appeared. The whole scene faded like a dream and left you with more questions about the man than when you asked the moon just a few hours ago. You glanced at it once more before making your way back to camp wondering if it was mocking you.

[notsodailycake]

Welcome to the Gregaverse!

The official Sign up paper! With all the rules, its not much so don't worry to much lol

You can do whatever

If u don't want ppl using your Gregory just tell me and i will remove u, but if you wanna be part of this, dm me and I'll add you! (I'll be tagging you with the name of your au so just tell me the name so i can add it)

This is all just silly fun, if u like one of the Gregorys mentioned you can write/draw whatever u want with them and your Gregory, as long as it doesn't go against the creators boundaries

And by the end of it, just tag under the Gregaverse and all that

This is basically just a crossover au but like, all at once XD

Current Members (42):

"Home is where Freddy is" by yours truly @/notsodailycake

"Right back at you" by @saltyandsassy31

"Megaplex Security Puppet" by @moonfang182-magic

"Fitz-Afton" by @birdie-ghost

"3 Gregorys" by @ghostthefox1997

"Citizen" by @circuscraz

"Security Breach: Aftermath" by @docleonidas

"Cursed Gregory" by @ezravon3

"Slumber Time" by @avianic

"You get what you get" by @furryb0nes

"Unexpected Friends" and "Troubled Souls" by @call-me-mark-for-now

"Property of Fazbear Entertainment" by @humangeode

"Glitched Guardian" by @glitched-guardian-au

"Afton Returns" by @carogdraws

"Blended with Love" by @mason-gaylord

"Ghost Greg" by @moth-berry

"Nightmare Gregory" by @dreadmothrosemary71

"Defective Code" and "Not so Purple Bunny" by @yayadrawsthingz

"And Reality, It Fails!" by @galevonhjonkbringerofgoose

"Double Trouble" by @abunchofraccooons

"Immortals" by @the-bi-anon

"Stay" by @jazzsaidhi

"Heartclick" by @t4r0t-c4rd

"Silver Springs" by @silverstarsdiner

"Faz-Fam" and "Reincarnated" by @the-bird-ghost-anon

"Forgotten Gift" by @wheredidmyheadgoing

"Little Fires Gregory" by @silent-historian

"Fluff au" by MasterMime

"Fnaf Security Virus" by @rinzay

"Collateral Damage" by @hexyz09

"Dark Rebirth" by @rosewilliamsimp

"House of Rabbits" by @kingwolfzerofollowersofglichtrap

"Renegade" by @paigelts05

"Studio Breach" by @soniccrazygal

"Underwho" by @euanpc

"Into the Ballpit" by @pixlokita

"Breached" by @nadiawitch

"Golden Bro au" by @honey-bunnysaurus

"Robot Fighters" by @halogenrobotics

"Aftermath" by @glitchpunkz

"Time Traveller" by @theunfortunatecatto

"Security Breach Retold" by @urlocaltransace

Please consider checking them out and showing sum support!

[poisonousquinzel]

I was skimming the newly released DC comic issues for any & all Harley bits and

is

is that

The Joker (2021-) #15 | Batman: Harley Quinn (1999)

that's a panel from her second retold origin comic?? The one that takes place in the No Man's Land arc. Like right dab in the middle of it. (I've actually got a post I started writing about that arc - like 3 others just last night so I won't rant abt it here skdjsks)

Like the one where Ivy meets her in this condition rather than in the midst of a heist

I'm curious if we're suppose to assume that all the events that happened in terms of their relationship (her and clown boy), aside from the Major DC Over Arching Plot Points that involve other characters, did in fact happen.

Because this is now the second panel directly referenced from one of her Origin comics that's been shown in the Rebirth timeline.

And again, I do view Harley's arc as one full arc with tweaks and alternations here and there as times have progressed, but that's just been a personal Dealing With Being In A Comic Fandom & Reading Comics Preference skdjsks

But this is making me ?!?!?

Cause like, obviously down to the Origin itself, there's three different ones between these (Mad Love, Batman: Harley Quinn, Rebirth Timeline), but the Rebirth Timeline has referenced events, specifically moments with Joker, his manipulation and abuse, from both those previous "discarded" origins.

In her Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti ongoing run, they have panels that are unmistakable ringers for the confrontation at the end of the Mad Love comic when he knocks her out of the window. Down to the prop fish he uses. They wouldn't have added that if it wasn't supposed to be referencing that one specific thing. It's too on the nose for it.

And now this one.

These are moments that don't make sense without the context and build up of the rest of the comic, or at least the rest of the context in terms of their relationship in said comic.

Long winded way to say that I now fully believe that not only is the Mad Love ending canon to the Rebirth timeline, but that at some point during their relationship the Rocket Incident also occurred.

That these moments, those Big Traumatic Events, were scooped out root and stem and maybe they're not exactly where they were timeline wise, and maybe some parts here and there are (& will be altered), they still happened.

He still did that stuff to her.

Classic Harley existed for a long while in that universe before the Rebirth Timeline called to action and they're giving us glimpses and conformations of events from lost unseen years.

[il3x]

Oooooh

Okay, first of all, everyone go listen to the Mechs right now, they are fantastic. If you liked Dragon in Worm, check out Frankenstein, it's one song and it's a retelling with Frankenstein's monster as an AI, and it's great. Anyways. On to the reaction.

Not sure that I would flip the ending - Worm's already a tragedy. Hone in more on it, though? Totally. Taylor actually dies (unless you want to link up with my Worm Mechs AU where Taylor joins the Mechs after Gold Morning, in which case make it like a 10-minute origin song).

It's hard to remove the powers from Worm, because they're a fundamental, structural component of its tragedy, but it could perhaps be achieved. I have cyberpunk on the brain (and there's this fantastic cyberpunk Worm AU as precedent) so I lean towards that.

Since Mechs songs are all mythology retellings, well...

This isn't the story of Taylor; it's the story of Khepri.

Misc. ideas:

Khepri was the god of "personal transformations. These transformations, called kheperu, included the passages from childhood to adulthood and from life to death." (source), or, from Wikipedia, "Khepri's four main functions were creator, protector, sun-god, and the god of resurrection". The transformation/rebirth/multiple aspects part is reflected with Taylor (Taylor-Skitter-Weaver-Khepri, and just her development in general). See also this post by @henghost as another example of transformative Taylor stages. I think it could be retold by alternating songs about other characters/plot points with songs that mirror one another, each centred on a specific 'aspect' of Taylor. Think a structure similar to Ulysses Dies at Dawn, but perhaps two/three other songs then one Taylor identity song.

Names are also important in both Egyptian mythology - "The Egyptians believed that names held power, so much so that gods went by pseudonyms to keep their power safe" - and Worm, so the song titles could just be the names Taylor goes by in those stages. Easiest bait is "[unnamed? Taylor?]", "Skitter", "Weaver", "Khepri". Maybe throw in an "Administrator" too.

Speaking of Administrator! That's one way to sci-fi it up! The "Shards" are literal shards, the Entities are self-replicating machinery (a la Machine Army) and AI, the product of the hubris of an ancient alien society. Therefore, getting powers = having your brain hacked by self replicating machinery, which sometimes also takes over your body, hence the cyborgs you mentioned.

Hacker Taylor is amazing, btw. Definitely keep that.

Long songs as Interludes, the main plot/Taylor songs are shorter.

And in terms of inspo... the god/mythology aspect reminds me of this fic series too, and for musical Worm adaptations, consider this post about an Amy ballet by @skitterstan.

idea for a worm fanfic Worm but told by the mechanisms To anyone who doesn't know the mechanisms is a band that takes various mythologies and adapts them from what would normally be fantasy to Sci-fi greek mythology is a cyberpunk mafia story Norse mythology is a mystery story about how the first attempt at dimensional travel went wrong Arthurian Legends is a space western and the stories are always tragedies (usually with only one character surviving) also, the story's themselves don't usually follow the actual myth's plot

so my current ideas 1. flip the ending by making Taylor the sole survivor of Gold morning 2. probably no actual powers and at best characters using some type of technology that achieves a similar effect 3. most people are cyborgs to some extent 4. Taylor is a hacker and the way Khepri is achieved is she somehow starts hacking people's brains 5. Wolfspider is a thing (because every mechanisms protagonist is queer to some extent, Arthur is Bi, Loki, and Cinders are lesbians and Ulysses is nonbinary)

im not sure what Sci-Fi genre it will be but suggestions are welcome

[bitimdrake]

I have a Titans lore question! I like “first meeting” stories so I’m trying to track down where Dick first met each of his friends. I know there's the Golden Age Hatton Corners Teen Club and NTT's Raven-summons-everybody, but... do you happen to know if there are any other "first meeting" retellings for Dick and Wally / Donna / Roy / et al? <3

(Just post-Crisis here, because the new 52 is pointless for these friends, and I have yet to read anything from Rebirth.)

Unfortunately, I don’t have all that much much to offer you here. The early appearances of these guys in the silver age weren’t really concerned with lingering on characters meeting each other, and there aren’t many retellings I know of beyond Teen Titans: Year One. These meetings also tend to be handled in a group/team format, rather than anything one-on-one.

Dick, Wally, and Garth always already know each other by the time they team up. Disclaimer that I haven’t read much Flash- or Aqua-fam stuff, so maybe there’s something buried in there--but I can’t recall anything about their first meetings in Titans or Nightwing issues. What more modern issues with flashbacks I could find never go back that far.

Sometimes Roy meets them for the first time during the second team up, and sometimes he already knows them, with a similar lack of explanation.

Donna meets the boys for the first time during that second team up. The introductions are always quick.

Gar (and some others who have largely faded out of popular memory, like Mal and Karen) meet the rest of the team during the original Teen Titans run.

Vic, Kory, and Raven, of course, meet and slowly grow closer to the others during the New Teen Titans run.

In more detail below the cut! This isn’t really that long, but the screenshots pad it out.

The Brave and the Bold vol 1 #54 (from 1964) has that story with Hatton Corners Teen Club/Mr. Twister fight you mentioned, with the first team-up of Dick, Wally, and Garth. The trio address each other like they've already met, and this is a silver age story, so we are more concerned with getting down to the crime fighting!

[Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad greet each other with familiarity.]

The second team up, and the first official Teen Titans team up, was retroactively revealed in Teen Titans vol 1 #53 (from 1978). When all their mentors get brainwashed into evil, the trio above plus Roy and Donna come together. It’s unclear to me if they already know Roy (though they’ve definitely heard of him), but this is the first time any of the boys have ever seen Donna.

[As Robin and Aqualad talk, Kid Flash runs up carrying Speedy. Garth: “Kid Flash...and Speedy?!?” Roy: “That’s the name! Hiya, heroes! [...]” Wally: “I met Speedy on the way here...”]

[Donna flies down, to visible shock. Garth: “Suffering swordfish! Who are you?” Donna: “Call me Wonder Girl!” The others are surprised to hear she’s Wonder Woman’s sister.]

This is really all the introduction there is. There’s no time! We have to go fight crime!!

This brainwashed mentors story is retold in Secret Origins Annual #3 (from 1989), where Dick has an extended dream/memory sequence about the Titans. (I will note that his memories are being warped in places during this dream sequence, but I don't think any of the parts we're interested in here are effected by that.) In this version, it is the first time they meet Roy, and he and Donna get very quick introductions

[Dick narrates that this was the first time they met Donna. On panel, Donna greets the original trio, and introduces herself: “You can call me Wonder Girl.”]

[Roy arrives to meet the others, introducing himself as “Speedy, Green Arrow’s partner,” before getting down to business.]

This story is retold again in Teen Titans: Year One #1-3 (from 2008). The Mr. Twister fight is explicitly referenced, the original trio know each other--and Dick and Wally are already good friends. In this version, they also already know Roy. But it’s still the first time they meet Donna, who is new to man’s world.

[The four boys have various expressions of shock and awe as Donna flies down, saying, “Hi, I’m Wonder Girl.”]

We're in the modern age now, so there is more focus on interpersonal dynamics here as the team gets to know each other. Buuut I would also say that this miniseries' versions of Donna and Garth in particular take some liberties with their characterizations, to lean into them being young and new kids, so grain of salt.

That’s about all I got for the Fab Five.

Gar meets the team in Teen Titans vol 1 #6 (from 1966). He was with the Doom Patrol at this point. If the Titans had heard of him before, it wasn’t much; they aren’t even aware of his powers yet. Gar wants to join, but the team requires permission from a parent or guardian (ah, silver age) which he can’t provide. Again, not a lot of one-on-ones, very dated.

When it comes to Kory, Vic, and Raven, technically Dick first sees them in DC Comics Presents vol 1 #26 (from 1980), a preview for NTT, where Raven gives him a psychic vision to a time when he already is on the team. They already know Robin, while Dick is baffled as to who half of these people are.

The real first meetings, of course, come in New Teen Titans #1 (1980). Raven slowly introduces herself to Dick in visions and dreams, before asking him in person to reassemble the team.

[Raven appears in Dick’s room after he wakes from a nightmare. He identifies her as the girl in his dreams, and she says she’s a friend and seeks his aid.]

She also summons Gar and Wally and has them all meet up with Donna. Then Raven goes to invite Vic to be with others like him, and the rest of the team first meets him.

[The others arrive just after Vic and Raven speak. Robin starts to introduce himself, before Vic interrupts that he reads the papers. Gar and Vic do not initially get along.]

The immediately head off to fight an alien invasion and save the final member of the team, Kory--though it’s not until the second issue that she kisses Dick, learns English, and really starts to introduce herself to the team.

NTT was interested in interpersonal dynamics, so while I don’t really know of any more modern retellings (besides the accurate recap in Secret Origins) the whole series does already have the arcs of them all getting to know each other and growing closer into a team.

[astrolocherry]

Scorpio - Forbidden Apple Fatale

  "....She is a woman that is born with centuries in her eyes. Full of trouble and filled of sacred light. Potent ingredients of Mars and Pluto mix in her like a cauldron of indigo storms. She constantly enters the silence, and she can vividly imagine physical death. On the 18th path of the tree of life is the snake, symbolised through the sign of Scorpio. Jung says that the snake expresses the conflict between intuition and the conscious mind, and the great motion of nature. Her physical body that rests here is not hers, and she knows this..."

Scorpio is the sign of death and endings. In light of this quality, it is also a sign of life, rebirth, the second birth, the second coming. The soul light can only be seen in the darkest of nights, alone and abandoned. Scorpio knows that if one is to truly ascend then one must deeply descend.  At its core, transformation and regeneration is creation. Scorpio is The Intelligent Host of Creative Force active in every live mineral. The sign rules over the reproductive organs and guards over the practice of The Maithuna that awaken the ingenious and magical Kundalini serpent within. In this respect, Scorpio protects the sacredness of sex. This commonly manifests through involvement in sexual justice, law and criminal proceedings, and battles for liberation. Scorpios shield against violation and abuses of this kind, the venom injected by their sting is capable of fatally wounding the depraved beings who do, or intend to defile the purity of this intimate practice. Scorpio dwells in this etheric realm of the fiery divine sexual force. This is the same force residing in the angelic cherubins enclosing Eden. Scorpio is the battleground between white magick and black magick. The good and evil inside Scorpio go into war, one is promising everything and one is promising nothing, and like a sleight of hand both can trade places. Scorpio is watery intuitive and Pluto psychic, everything within these people operates at hidden and subliminal levels. During childhood, the goodness of the world revealed itself in light of the bad. Adults tore off the masks of angels to reveal monsters, survival instinct was shaped, primed and prepared for the oncoming brutality. It conditioned a consequence for every action, it made every footstep they would take strategic and strikingly calculative, and no risk posed a greater threat than doing nothing at all. To loved ones this may have appeared as being lost or confused, but the Scorpio never wanted to be found. There was always a sense of direction - even if the compass spun from an unknown ocean. It glides and crosses up and around the spine like a psychic serpent, the air can feel thick crackling against their fingertips.Scorpio is the dark angel, the serpent who seduced Eve to taste the apple and thus “your eyes will be open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil“. The apple is forever outstretched in the right eye of Scorpio, the apple of ego loss through orgasm, reflecting and re-radiating the universal auric sparkle. The preceding sign is Libra on the descendant, so every shadow has been exposed upon entering Scorpio. The serpent has been relegated to a base and decrepit symbol of all that is pain and evil in modern theology. We can observe a similar designation applied to the astrological sign of Scorpio that is frequently slandered, denigrated, and associated with the activation of these lower and inaccurately retold serpentine traits, “(you will) become like God, knowing” the serpent told, beholding the wisdom within the Tree of Knowledge in its ascended state, and “knowing good and evil” is the awareness of the duality inherent to divine consciousness. Scorpio is on the borderland between consciousness like the serpent recoiled around the centre of the Tree of Knowledge, the position said to be the border of the Human Soul in between spirit and matter. “The inferno is the womb of Heaven. Beauty is born from rottenness.” - Samuel Aun Weor 

written by Cherry art by Xue Wang