#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.

[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?

[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=

[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.

[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???? 🪻

[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

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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.

[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

[xxwitchylanexx]

One Wheel Short Of A Carriage- Cloud x Reader

Side quest spoilers for Junon Region

Rebirth Retold Chapter 4

Taking care of Gabe's Ranch

Again very little dialog is taken straight from the game to keep it as close to the canon game as possible.

TW brief mention of assault

Masterlist

Chapter 5

*~*

After a long uncomfortable night at the mouth of the mythril mines the early morning sun began to peak over the crest of the jagged mountain tops in pinks, oranges, and yellows. The steep inclines, its metamorphic ore only traversable by the sharp talons that black chocobos possessed, cut this area off from the rest of the continent, and with the aid of the ferocious sea the people who lived here were imprisoned on this corner of the Planet. Unless you had the funds to purchase a ticket to cross on one of the many cruise ships under Shinra’s command, or you were a fisherman, soldier, or a Shinra employee.

The area had flourished at one time, however the natural flora was now dried up and barren from years of pollution and prolonged mako use. The wildlife were thinning over time due to the growing number of mutated fiends hunting at a staggering pace which in turn affects the food supply of all local towns, Under Junon especially. And in your opinion, the worst feature was the long flat terrain of the plains between the mines and city fortress. There was little to no shelter to hide among or set up camp. If you needed a break you’d have to take your chances in broad sight and hope to Shiva no fiend would see you. If you were adept enough you could clear out the fiends in the old rusted workshops that were abandoned here and there, but the risk usually out weighed the potential benefit.

So it should be of no surprise that the first stop in the Junon region would be a chocobo ranch. What better way to get around this region’s atrocious landscape than by chocoback?

You’ve never actually been to this specific ranch. You preferred to cross between the city and mines quickly, often times forgoing a rest and camping inside the safety the mines provided, well until recently. You had heard about this ranch from Bill though. He often talked about how the owner had fallen on harder times a little while back, but lacked the drive to pull himself out of trouble so you had added it to your list to of farms to visit which just coincidentally worked out this time around. Now that you were here you wished you had come sooner.

The stalls and pens themselves appeared structurally sound, but inside the birds looked thin and restless. Their eyes felt hollow just like the dark empty depths of the mine you'd just crawled out of. The metal troughs were empty and a greenish film clung to the sides, long dried onto the metal from sitting in the sun. The ones that did have water in them had flies buzzing around and was murky like the swamps. Piles of hay and feed were scattered haphazardly and appeared to be inedible. You could clearly make out the shape of a boot track in one that was soggy. You circled around the main barn in search of any attendants and when you finally found one the woman quickly scampered away in shame under your scrutiny.

The others crowded around the house in the back and seemingly struck up a casual conversation with the one in charge. You had to stop yourself from stomping up there, and ripping him a new one. Instead you took steady measured steps up to the back of the crowd they'd formed. Aerith chattered on like a perfect ray of sunshine like she often did as you shuffled your way through your friends till you stood the front next to Cloud and Aerith.

He was unimpressive, like many of the other self involved old bastards you've encountered. Dry and peeling wrinkled skin like sun cracked leather faded in desert heat covered the man head to toe, except for the smoothness of his balding head. Black tattoos ran up his arms, across his shoulders and highlighted his collar bones before weaving down his torso, the lines creating an image of a man holding the fate of his world on his shoulders. You guessed he was in his mod to late forties though his appearance was very similar to people well into their sixties.

“I’m Gabe, by the way. Owner of the ranch here, and before you ask, my birds are not for rent, ain’t worth the risk.” You nearly scoffed as you crossed your arms across you chest. What risk? At this rate they had a better chance in the wild. “Used to run deliveries, but Shinra put the kibosh on all that. Still tryin’ to keep it goin’ best I can… well, was tryin’, till my carriage shit the bed. And since I don’t have the parts to fix her, both she and my business are as good as dead. Even the chocobos’re feeling down.” No shit, you thought.

“What if I fix it. ” You interjected, having no patience for the sob story of why he ‘cant fix it’. Both Cloud and Aerith turned to gawk at you with wide eyes and open jaws, clearly surprised you said anything at all.

“Kind of you to offer, but nah.”

“You’d rather let the chocobos starve? How responsible.” You snapped as you pinched the bridge of your nose. You knew what he was playing at. He wanted you to play this back and forth game before he would eventually “cave” and accept your help. You decided to save yourself the headache, and jump right into the details. “Just need parts, right?”

“Says the girl who ain’t gotta fix it… but even if ya were some kinda secret grease monkey, I wouldn’t be able to pay ya for your time. I’m flat broke.” You exhaled the rising anger through your nose. This conversation would get you nowhere. You turned to leave, someone else here would have the details, though his scratchy baritone clawed against your eardrums before you got a step in. “Curious about my birds? I’ve tried settin’ ‘em free, but they just keep comin’ back. Force of habit.”

You looked him dead in the eyes and held his gaze. Your words nearly spat at him. “You’re an ass. If you knew anything about chocobos you’d know they’d rather die than abandon their faith in their owner, no matter how displaced that loyalty may be.”

“What’d you sa- I know you! You’re that assistant girl from Bill’s farm ain’t ya?” His brows pinched angrily and nose scrunched in distaste. You could practically feel the waves of hostility roll off him.

You blinked once, twice, in disbelief. ‘Assistant girl’? “He was right about you. You’re just another deadbeat who can’t get off his ass,” You name flew out of Aerith’s mouth in a shocked gasp, “and fix his own damn problems.” His cheeks puffed and face grew as red as a tomato, his hands balled into tight fists at his sides, as you held him under your stern glare, disgust no doubt written all over your face. “I’ll fix your damn carriage, and save your birds. Not that you deserve it.” You left all of them there to watch him flounder like a fish as you set off to work. You wanted to check in on the barn before you set out to run around and fix his shit.

The gravel crunched under your stomping feet as you finally reached the large creaking door to the main stable. Chocobos were pretty adaptable creatures. To see them in such a bad condition meant they suffered from prolonged neglect. You've seen it before; ranches often run out of funds to care for their birds. Shinra was known for cutting off travel between regions and monopolizing travel so there was no need for people to rent chocobos anymore. No customer equaled no income which resulted in sick and dying chocobos. Hopefully you made it in time to turn this ranch around.

The employee you saw earlier was now hunched over herself with a pitchfork gripped tightly in her hands. She grunted in exertion with every shovel and shake as she worked hard to muck out the stall. She looked younger than your thought from your first glimpse, maybe fifteen or sixteen. Not that out of the ordinary around Gaia. Most kids had to start working around thirteen to survive these days, thanks to corporate greed and rewarding the ass kissers that rose within the ranks of Shinra. “Excuse me.”

She yelped and banged her head against a support beam. A sharp hiss slipping through her gritted teeth before she rubbed at her head and reluctantly moved to approach you, her straight brown hair swishing back and forth with her movement. “C-can I help you?” She asked, her quiet and meek voice wavering.

You gave her a gentle smile, as you studied her body language. Her swirling chocolate eyes flickering away from your steady gaze, her bottom lip wavering slightly under the pressure of her teeth, and her shoulders hunching inward with tension. She had dirt smeared across her mocha skin, one calloused hands clenching the pitchfork, and the knees of her overalls were stained with grass and dirt. You felt for her. A hard working girl like her didn't deserve to be under the weight of the crushing pressure of caring for so many chocobos alone, and by the subtle shake in muscles you're confident that Gabe must take out a lot of his anger on her. “Do you run the stables?” You asked calmly in your most soothing voice you could muster.

“Um, yes. It-it’s embarrassing to say that since it’s falling apart.” Her face fell as she refused to tear her eyes from her shoes.

“What’s your name?”

She leaned her equipment against the wall and leaned onto the gate in front if you. “Calla.”

“Hi, Calla. I’m Y/n. I travel all around the planet, and help out stables when they need it. I’d like to help you. Can you tell me what’s been going on here?”

“Um, sure, but I-I can’t pay you.” She said as she kicked at some of the straw lining the ground.

“Don’t worry about that.”

She nodded, a fiery determination simmering in her weary eyes, and her bottom lip trembled but she straightened her posture and began to break down the struggles shes been facing. You admired her resolve to work through her emotions, especially at her age. If you had one wish for the future of Gaia it would be to allow the youth of the future to be a child, to have a childhood instead of being thrust into the hardships adulthood to survive.

Anyhow, from your understanding all of Gabe’s clients brought their business elsewhere since the carriage broke down six months ago. She urged him to branch out and allow chocobo rentals to the influx of tourists who came from the central continent, but he deemed it too dangerous for the birds and closed the business down. The ranch wasn’t making any money so all the other stable hands quit leaving Calla in charge of everything. She was left with twelve birds to care for and no funds in either of the business accounts so she hasn’t been able to purchase enough greens to keep the chocobos well fed. Not to mention the troughs are too heavy for her to move by herself so the drinking water often got too warm and stagnant. As a result the chocobos weren’t getting enough water and one by one they were starting to get sick or too fatigued to do anything. “I just love them so much, but I don't know what to do.”

“That's why I'm here.” From outside the barn you could hear your friends discussing what to do next. You inhaled deeply and pushed that to the side for now. This was something only you could do, and if that meant being left behind, so be it. “First things first, you need to clean the troughs, thoroughly. Do you have any oats or wheat?” You asked, placing one hand on her shoulder.

“Oats, in the main house, I believe.” Calla sniffed and wiped at her nose with the back of her arm.

“Great! After you clean the bins, fill them up. You’re going to take whatever you have and mix it with any greens you have in stock. Three parts oats, one part greens. Got it?”

Calla fumbled out of the stall, nearly knocking her head on the wood again, and over to the small desk tucked into a corner of the room. She shuffled through the paper laying around for a pen and notebook then quickly jotted down your instructions. “Got it.”

You reached into your satchel and fished out a small glass container, crossing the room as you did so, and handed it to her. “These are for the ones that refuse to eat or if you feel like they’re getting sick. You only have to give them one of these, unless they don’t start eating in a few hours. In that case give them another. The treats stimulate appetite and help boost immune systems.”

“Oh,” Calla waved her hands in front of her in protest. “I can’t take something that valuable.”

You persisted. “Take them. Its really no trouble. I can make more if I need them.”

Calla’s attention momentarily faltered as her eyes darted behind you, to the new people entering the room, before her focus was back on you. She hesitantly took the stimulants from you in a shaky hand.

“Then I want you to empty the water container, clean them very well, and refill them. When I get back I’ll help you move them.”

“Are you sure this is okay? I really don’t feel right about letting you do this all for free!”

“Calla,” you waited till she looked at you, “You need help, and this is what I do. Let me help you.” Her bottom lip wobbled, before she nodded weakly. “You’re doing a great job. I’ll be back soon.” You paced towards your group, before slowing down and turning to address Calla once more. “And, Calla.” You paused until she peered over at you. “Give yourself some credit. These chocobos would be dead if it weren’t for you.”

She nodded weakly before ducking away to immediately start on her part, but the way her eyes sparkled with a newfound pride and a pep to her step you knew shed be okay. You faced your friends with a heavy sigh. You didn’t want to part from them, but you didn’t feel right asking them to come with you and delay their plans any longer. “I need to take care of this for now, so you guys can go on ahead. I’ll try to meet up with you later.” You pushed your lips into a thin line and shrugged.

Equally disappointed frowns pulled at their faces as well, except for Aerith who smiled brightly at you, and Cloud who was as stoic as ever. Not even the ghost of a frown on his blank face, and why is she smiling? Your brows furrowed, and an uncomfortable disappointment gnawed at your heartstrings. This could possibly be the last time you'd see each other, and neither seemed to care. The thought had you recoiling for a second. Since when do you care?

“Nope!” Her singsong voice captured your attention. She approached you and grabbed your hands firmly in hers. Her eyes reminded you of the ethereal greens that look like the dancing wisps of the lifestream. Her warmth always reminded you of a love from the mother you never had, and homesick for a life that could have been yours. “We’re in this together. You helped us with jobs in the grasslands, only fair we help you here. Right, Cloud?”

“Right.” The lack of attitude took you by surprise, but his eyes showed the honesty of his statement. You’re in this together. You looked around to each if them gathered around you. Barrett, Tifa, Red, Aerith, and Cloud each offering a nod or smile, Red even showed some teeth.

You caved easy. You didn’t try to change their mind, and you were sure you didn’t want to anyway. For the first time, you felt like this might be where you belonged. “Alright. First things first, we need to find a Mountain Chocobo.”

“Gabe said that a chocobo by the name of Belle and her pack was seen north of here.” Tifa explained. “He said she should be able to get us where we need to be.”

“Perfect, and everyone, thank you.” You bowed your head softly, hoping your gratitude could be conveyed properly before a big meaty hand clomped over the back of your head and ruffled back in forth pulling strands of silky h/c strands free from your braid. After trying to swat Barrett’s tree trunk of an arm away unsuccessful he pushed at your jaw line to lift you eyes to meet his, a cheeky grin stretched proudly on his rugged face.

“None of that, now. We got a job ta do.”

*~*

So… how do we catch her?” Tifa asked quietly from somewhere behind you. The group had found its way north to an abandoned, yet unexpectedly sturdy, ore refinery on a cliff that over looked the sea. The mid morning sun shone bright yellow rays that reflected off the crashing waves. that opened up into a field. You stood just inside the gates and crouched down behind a wall of barrels staking out the patterns of the chocobo flock frolicking inside the circular loop of cart tracks. At one time they were used to bring ore into the building and then once done was carted back out to the storage building, now it was just an obstacle keeping you from the alpha bird.

“Sneak up on her, I suppose.” You tracked her movements as she leisurely grazed between large tufts of grass. She was smart enough to graze in the center of the field where there wasn't a lot of shelter for predators to sneak up on her. She was a beauty. Her midnight black feathers looked as sleek as night itself. Her beak the color of a Junon sunset that was sharper than a yellow chocobo, and her shanks were larger in size and talons as sharp as razors to pierce the rock of the surrounding mountains.

Occasionally she chirped and chatted with the surrounding birds, but mostly minded her own business as she looked for the best looking grass to eat. “Well, she seems to be laid back,” you spoke your eyes never leaving the black beauty, “but she must be pretty headstrong to lead the flock.” You finally looked back towards them, your lips pressing into a thin line as you ran through your plans in your head. Before you said anything else a different chocobo began to squawk as it neared your group. You turned your head in its direction. If you could just distract it.

“What’s wrong?”Cloud asked as he crouched on your left and leaned towards you to get a glimpse at what held your attention.

You blinked at him once, twice before you sighed. He was beginning to be able to read you, and you weren't sure how you felt about that. “Those ones there,” you pointed to the two that were scampering in your direction, “seem excited to see us, but we’re not likely to get close to Belle if they’re making a fuss.” You tucked in a breathe when you looked over at him. He was so close, the mako hue made his eyes shine like the sea, his scent invaded your nose. You blinked hard and turned back to the two.

“So only one of us goes then.” He stated rather than asked.

“You got it. However, we might as well befriend them. We need six of them after all. Plus it’ll keep them distracted.” You nearly whispered.

“Give us a job.” You never thought Cloud would follow your lead. He always seemed like he needed to be the one issuing commands, though you suppose at one time he probably had to follow someone’s order given hes a military man.

“Yeah!” Aerith happily agreed with Cloud. You nodded, having no trouble setting your plan into motion.

“Why don’t you three,” you gestured to Tifa, Red, and Cloud, “go give those guys some love. Barret can you stand guard here? It should keep them all from taking off, and Aerith come with me? I’ll have you throw rocks to distract the ones closer to Belle so they don’t see me.”

“You got it.” Tifa answered as she slowly stood from where she hunched over and put her hand on your shoulder briefly before she and Red carefully advanced towards the cluster of chocobos. Meanwhile Cloud gave you one last nod before following after them.

Barret shook his grafted arm in an arc motion, going so far as to aim at random targets to make a show of it. “They won’t get past me!”

You chuckled at his enthusiasm, and rolled your eyes before thanking him. You looked towards your partner. “Ready?”

“You bet!” She held up her hand in search of a high five knowing full well you'd never leave her hanging. With a satisfying ‘clap’ the two of you crouched back down, as low to the ground as feasible, and slowly snuck up against one of the mine carts. You paused there, leaning around the corner of the cart, and searched for the next nearest chocobo. You looked to the other side at Cloud’s group to make sure they succeeded in drawing attention of the other two.

You smiled to yourself at the sight. The only one the birds were interested in was Cloud, he even drew the attention of two more. Two in front of him and two more around his back and side invaded his space. They pressed their beaks into his torso to sniff at his uniform, one of them sniffing at his ear and hair. His arms were raised and pushing gently against them, but even his soldier strength couldn’t rival an eager chocobo. Tifa was doubled over herself and clutching her stomach as she laughed while Red sat next to them with the biggest toothy grin you've ever seen on his face, and tail wagging at a rapid pace.

“You like him!” One of Aerith’s finger jabbed at your cheek.

You recoiled at the accusation and fell back on your hands. Your eyes wide as they darted between Aerith’s as you accessed if she was joking or not. You scowled at her laughter your cheeks heating up in embarrassment. “Wha- no! It’s not like that!”

“Oh, please! I see the way you look at him!” Aerith brought both hands to her face and pointed at her eyes. “Do you think I’m blind? Every time you see him, your eyes get all dreamy.”

You huffed like a child. “You’re delusional.”

“You know I’m right!”

“How on Gaia- I haven’t even- I’ve only known him for a couple weeks! You know what-never mind.” You brows knit together in irritation as you stared blankly at the grass in front of you.

She sighed wistfully, “I knew the second I saw my first love.” You reluctantly looked at her again, her expression ‘dreamy’ and far away. She smiled softly, almost sad. He must’ve been quite the guy to have the most positive girl on the planet look so lonely. You almost asked, your lips parted and the question on the tip of your tongue yet the loud ‘kwehs’ that chirped from Cloud’s group carried your train of thought, and your eyes, away.

Your pulse beat violently in your throat, and your hands grew clammy. His eyes focused on you and not the chocobo head butting against his hip. Shit, do you?

He gave you a small nod, his way of saying they were good to go. You exhaled deeply through your nose. No use thinking about it now. “Come on,” You shook your head and focused on the task at hand. “We don’t have time for this.”

“Right.” She dragged the word out implying that you just wanted to avoid the conversation, but quickly shifted into work mode. “You want me here?”

You made sure to look closely at the terminal and showed her the correct lever to make the carts travel forward or backwards. “Yeah. When I give the signal, hit this lever.”

She nodded. “Got it.”

One last quiet high five and then you began moving slowly along the carts on all fours to balance yourself. The dried grass pricked at your knees caps, and tiny pebbles molded tiny indents in your flesh. Your grit your teeth and crawled through the mild stings until you finally reached the end of the line. At the last cart you shifted your weight onto your legs and carefully poked your head around the hard edge to get a look at the space on front of you. Just one more chocobo ahead then smooth sailing to Belle.

You looked back to Aerith and gave her a thumbs up, the signal you two had agreed on. A moment later the cart you were behind lurched forward and you crawled besides it as it followed the tracks. As you neared the next chocobo you slowly switched to the other side to stay out of its eyesight. The gentle munching lightened your heart and had you smiling to yourself. Oh how you loved chocobos. You kept at it for another minute, keeping in pace with it before the cart screeched to a stop just a few yards from the target.

Belle looked up at the cart and you sank to the ground so no part of your body could be seen. You waited there for one minute, then two. At the three minute mark you seriously started to sweat that she might not look away, and you'd have to improvise. Then, finally, she straightened out her neck with a sassy chirp and averted her sight towards the old rusty building that’s been long forgotten. You inched forward, slow and steady trying to avoid anything that made noise.

You counted down the feet between you and her. The anticipation grew within you, the rush of taming a new chocobo one of the very things that drew you in to training in the first place. You were so close, literal inches away, when you stepped on a rock and twisted your ankle. A pained hiss slipped from between your clenched teeth, and Belle shot upward and twisted around to look at you.

Her wide saucer eyes stared at your slumped figure with childlike curiosity. Her head slightly turned towards you and a low cluck of her beak had you mirroring her inquisitiveness. Deep blue eyes, much like your solider friend, darted between your own searching you for an malicious intent.

“Hey there, Belle.” You spoke softly yet with confidence to convey your conviction to her safety with an outstretched hand and tranquil demeanor. A mirthful giggle bubbled in your chest as the cool beauty took a step forward, then another until her smooth beak nuzzled into your palm. “You’re not scared at all, are you?” Your other hand came up and twisted gently through a few of her midnight feathers before she knelt and offered her neck to you to help you stand.

Her eager chirps buzzed in your ears as she rose to her full height, lifting you up along with her, and quickly circled into your torso nudging at your satchel for the delicious aroma that wafted through the leather.

“I didn’t need to sneak up on you at all did I?” You fished out one of the homemade treats from your choco proof pocket and offered it on the palm of your hand. “Or did the others scare you?” Belle kweh’ed eagerly in response. “It was Barret wasn’t it?” You laughed a little more, scrunching your nose in a faux disgust look. “I promise, he’s a big softie just outwardly rough.” You patted her neck twice with a firm touch. “We could use some help getting around the area. Are you up for an adventure?”

She jumped in excitement, before moving into a position that would allow you to climb easily onto her back. She hardly waited for you to be seated properly before sprinting out towards every other chocobo she traveled with, chirping directions to her fellow flock members.

By now your friends have also found a feather friend to care for except for Barret, which was no surprise to you, but when the last chocobo realized it was him or being left behind the bird lumbered over and leaned down to offer Barret a ride.

Now equipped with your latest companions, the six of you kissed the rusty building and creaking carts goodbye. Barret shouted out a loud and melodious victory cry, which had Cloud groaning weakly besides at Barrett’s silly antics. You laughed so hard you almost fell head first off of Belle, the other girls joining in. You really haven’t ever had this much fun in your life, and you really didn’t ever want it to end.

Da du du daa duhn duhn du da daaa!

*~*

It was well into the afternoon when you arrived at the wainwright’s residence after two treacherous mountain climb which Belle scaled with ease, and an insanely close rock slide.

You started having doubts about this master craftsman when you seen the state of the ‘house’ he was living in. The shack was built out of old discolored wood that was worn down, and for some reason he used rusted corrugated metal to reinforce what was left of the door instead of replacing the damaged entrance, but the icing on the cake was the person sized hole in the roof that he patched up with a tattered tarp. The only thing that was noteworthy here was the view of the Meridian Sea.

You truly lost hope when you met him. He had to he quickly the planet’s laziest business man. The sheer audacity this man had to turn you away because he wanted to keep sleeping in the middle of the day. How on Gaia has he managed to stay in business? There was a stack of orders a rulers length tall on his for Odin’s sake. You had to crack your knuckles to keep yourself from giving him a wake up call he’d never forget.

“Think a swift kick’d get him up?” Cloud scoffed the corner of his lips ticking up in a wry smile.

“I like the way you think.” You agreed as you placed your hands on you hips.

“How about some magic?” Aerith questioned, pulling out her staff and waving it about as if she was putting on a show. The man cracked one crinkled eye open catching a flash of her weapon and jerked violently to an upright position and the head of the bed.

“Scared me half to death!” He screamed waving his hands side to side rapidly. “Look, you wanna get my ass up? Then you bring me exactly what’s on that list, got it?” He waved his arm, after shooting you the finger, over to the desk you snooped through. Without another word or further explanation he rolled onto his side so his back faced you and returned to his lazy past time .

“Well?” Cloud leaned his weight on one side and brought his hand to his hip. He must be as annoyed with this as you are.

You plucked what looked like a crude map with a tiny list of materials off the top of the stack. You puckered your lips to the side for a moment as you looked through the list before tucking the paper into your back pocket. “I say we get his ass up.”

Everyone shuffled back outside, and saddled back up without a word, eager to get this over with as quick as possible. Until you actually started to travel when Barret started ranting about how much of an ass that guy was, and how he was completely unprofessional. “If you didn’t want to do the work, why the hell would take the orders?!”

After collecting the materials at the first location Tifa shared your sentiment on the matter. “A nap on the job can’t possibly be good for his image.” She said as she dusted her hands of against her high socks.

At the second location, even Aerith chimed in. “The guy’s a jerk. Business requires amazing customer service, and building connections! Like how i gave Cloud a flower on the house the first time we met, and look at me now! He comes to me for all his flower needs.” She joked, as she scratched the top of her chocobo’s head for a job well done.

The only one who didn't have anything to say even after locating and digging up the parts of the last place on the list was Cloud.

Your attention wandered to him as you made the trip back, your gaze studying him from behind as you stayed in formation. It was still difficult for you to get a read on him. He was almost always cool and collected, almost stoic. Though there were times where you got a glimpse of what lied beneath the act. He could be quite the smart ass, and arrogant. He was cocky though with his skills he earned a little bit of slack there, not that you’re one to talk. He acted aloof, but you've seen the gentleness, and kindness that dwells in the depths of his soul.

You were becoming fond of the tiny wrinkle that formed between his knit eyebrows, or the way the tiniest of smirks would appear on his face when he did something that looked cool. Ever the showman, you’d joke. You guided Belle forward to bridge the gap between him and the rest of you.

“Hey, Cloud?” A rumble emanated from his chest to let you know he was listening. “Sorry for this.” You grabbed his attention then. “I know you were in a rush.” Your hands gripped the leather reigns harder.

A singular golden ray of the now lowering sun painted his face in gentle yellows, the front spikes of his hair falling into his gorgeous smoldering eyes. Your eyes fell down to trace the lines of him lips as he spoke. “Don’t mention it. We’re even.”

You squeezed your eyes tight. “Well, thank you.”

You’re not at all surprised that the guy was snoring loud enough to rattle the walls when you returned. You were a tad worried his snores would shake the foundation apart, like a giant earthquake would. Half the group waited outside, Barret too worked up from the earlier conversation and Tifa to keep him calm- ahem- company, while you, Cloud, and Aerith went in. You quickly crossed the room with the burlap sack, you’ve used to haul the parts with, pulled taut over your shoulder. At the edge of the rickety bed you dropped the heavy bag on top of his stomach. “Special delivery!” Aerith called out the second you gave him the bag.

He folded on impact with a loud umpf, then lots of groaning before finally looking through the sack.“Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!” He exclaimed. He shoved the stuff to the side as he swung his legs over the side of the bed frame. “Name’s Freddie. So what was it ya needed again?” You inhaled sharply. Maybe it was because it looked like you wanted to slap the life right out of him, or maybe it was just the planet’s way of tagging you out, but Cloud grabbed you by the arm before stepping in front of you.

“The parts for Gabe.” Cloud’s words were flat and his irritation rolled off him in lukewarm waves.

“Uh, yeah. You did mention that. This’ll just take a sec.” Freddie hopped off the mattress and sauntered over to his workbench in the corner. You rolled your eyes as he made a show of crafting each part. You paced around the small room impatiently looking at the random diagrams that were hung to the walls. You honed in on the faint melody that seized your concentration, eventually zeroing in the origins to Aerith, as she too waited with bated breath. The tune vaguely sounds like something you'd heard back in the slums, and gently tugged at your heart strings.

After thirty or so minutes he finally presented the promised commission. “Tell me she ain’t a beauty. Got a wheel, bed, and brace. Nobody makes ‘em like I do, and that’s no lie. Go on- take it.”

You tugged the part from his grip and carefully inspected the quality of the parts carefully as Aerith chatted the guy up. You didn't want to admit it, but they were pretty damn good. At least his product makes up for the lack of customer service, though if it were you, you’d take your business elsewhere. This guy wasn’t worth the hassle. You shuffled everything back into the burlap and stretched your arms to the ceiling. You exhaled a relieving breath as the pain in your muscles subsided from the prolonged stiffness over the course of the day. “We good to go?” You asked.

With a curt nod Cloud replied “Yeah.”

You didn’t waste time thanking or giving a goodbye to the wainwright. You just wanted to finish up and hopefully make it to Junon before nightfall. What you would give to sleep in an actual bed for the night.

*~*

It wasn't until the evening that you returned to the ranch. You beelined straight to the barns to help Calla with the remaining tasks, opting to trust Aerith and Cloud to deliver the parts to Gabe. Calla’s hard work exceeded your expectations and brought a toothy grin onto your face. It seemed that the little bit of affirmation you offered her was the key to bringing out her natural talents. You believed she has what it takes to own and care for her own ranch one day.

Each trough was scrubbed so clean your own reflection stared back at you. Fresh food, prepared to the perfect ratio, filled each one, and most of the chocobos were chowing down. The stalls were entirely emptied out, wiped clean, and replaced with fresh straw. The birds inside were swaying from side to side content that their bellies were finally full, and energy slowly returning to their bodies. On your way out to the paddock you scratched one of them lightly under the beak, a sense of purpose being relit within you as it eagerly chirped at you for more.

Outside you found Calla hunched over the two feet by 10 feet silver water container, her lanky form kneeling in the dirt and arms working furiously at the mineral build up on the bottom.

“Hey. Nice job!” You complimented, taking up a spot against the wooden planks of the fence, looking in on her from the outside.

Her smile said it all. Brilliantly bright as she beamed up at you as you swiped at the sweat beading at her hairline, unknowingly smearing a streak of algae across her temple. She set the wire scrub brush down, and pushed herself to a stand, brushing the harsh pebbles and dirt off her knees. “Thanks! You were right about that supplement. Chochi is usually really stubborn but one of those treats and he gobbled the feed right up!”

“Glad to hear it.” You scaled the side then hopped into the pen next to her. “Let’s get this moved.”

The two of you moved the sixty pound rectangle to the side of the barn under the overhang from the roof so it’s shadow would always cast its shadow over the box. She thanked you profusely for all of your help with hugs, a handshake, and even a few tears. She made you promise that if you ever needed any help to search for her. You ruffled her hair a bit, internally nostalgic at finding yourself in the mentors position for once, and thanked her, but ultimately telling her not to worry about you. She’d do anything to return the favor. You wished you had more time to get to know her full story, but promised one day you’d seek her out to see how she’s doing. With a heavy heart, and a few more tears on her end, you parted ways. Before you could continue your journey you needed to have a serious discussion with the man in charge.

When you rejoined your friends Gabe had just finished installing the new parts on the carriage. You gave Aerith another high five for a job well done before he cleared his throat in a pathetic cry for attention. Your nostrils flared angrily with the low breath you inhaled, a whiff of motor oil lingering on the breeze.

“Good as new. I gotta say, that old dog really outdid himself this time. Helluva job. Don’t think my carriage has ever looked even half this good!” He gave your a once over with a discreet flash of false superiority before dismissing you as he turned his attention back to Aerith. “‘Preciate it, kids. I can finally get the business back up and running again.”

“That’s great.” she said, “But before we head out, I just wanna ask one more thing. If we hadn’t showed up, would you have even tried to give your birds a better life?” You nodded with her question. Part of you was curious, or maybe hopeful, he had a suitable answer, but deep down you knew he didn’t. If there ever was a time to pull his shit together, it would’ve been when his chocobos livelihood had been jeopardized.

“Maybe.” Gabe shrugged, his lack of empathy and morality had you seething with a white hot rage.

“Not good enough.” you barked through grit teeth, hands clenching at your sides.

“I see, but I get it.” Your face morphing from angry to genuine bewilderment when Aerith’s words regarded him with honest understanding. What? “Shinra’s a big company- and what they say goes.” Your jaw loosened when you realized what she was doing. “I can’t blame you for being too scared to fight back.”

“Hey! I ain’t scared of those sons of bitches. Not one bit.” His rasp rising an octave in defense.

“Oh?” She asked, her voice laced in thick honeyed mockery as she caught him in her carefully spun web. “Then why did you shut down the business?”

“It’s like I told ya- my carriage broke- and getting the parts to fix it sounded like a real hassle, so. So there ya have it! I just… let it go.” The deep frown on your face slide up in a sly smirk. This is why you loved Aerith.

Despite his fumbling you still had a bone to pick. “So you’re birds aren’t worth the ‘hassle’?” The revulsion you harbored for this winkled leather bag seeping into your words. His posture grew rigid at being challenged, his jaw squaring with the effort to keep his mouth shut.

“How responsible…” Aerith sarcastically scolded.

“Okay, fine!” He screamed, his decibel making her flinch though she recovered quickly. “I shouldn’t’ve been so quick to throw in the towel! Ya happy? Starting today, I’m giving this job my all. I’ll stock up on parts so I can keep the carriage moving, and make sure my birds never get bored again.”

“You hear that?” Aerith addressed the distant chocobo near the carriage, before turning to you for confirmation. “Then the deal is sealed.” She shook Gabe’s hand.

With the job done each one of your companions broke off to stock up on anything they needed by the nearby store counter. Eventually it was just you and Gabe, the latter returning to a the carriage. He crouched down to inspect the wheel he had just replaced, the wrench in his hand tightening the jiggle of one of the bolts. You discreetly confirmed none of your friends were in earshot before you stalked over to him. You hovered above him, your voice lowering and taking on a sharp dangerous pitch you only used on rare the occasion you needed to intimate a selfish prick. “Aerith might believe you turned over a new leaf, but if I find out you quit on those birds again, I won’t be so forgiving next time.”

“Yeah? And who the hell asked you? Old Bill send you to scare me?” He huffed and threw the wrench onto the ground the metal clinking roughly against the dirt. “Guy nev’r could mind ‘is own business.”

You sank to his level to glaze straight through his uncaring eyes to the pit of his rotten soul. “I don’t work for Bill.” You spat. “I save chocobos, and the next time you throw in the towel and just let them suffer because it’s ‘a hassle’ will. be. your. last.” You seethed enunciated the consonants of the last three words very clearly before bouncing back up and on the balls of your heels and sauntered to the crumbling staircase only halting your descent when his slimy voice grated against your ear drums.

“Ya know, ‘ere’s this rumor about a jockey could read a bird ‘n get it ta do whateva she wanted. Choco Whisperer they called ‘er” He paused to pick the wrench back up and to continue to fiddle with the bolt. “Guess she was somethin’ real pretty, the jockey that is. Everyone wanted ‘er. Turns out she was sponsored by Choco Sam himself!” The blood in your veins ran down cold. “Gotta wonder how she got his attention, eh?” A sickly cackle had you turning back at him. His implication both horrifying you, and lighting a match to your unrivaled temper. “Guess it don’t matter though. Went missin’. Nobody knew why. Though people say its cause she almost killed ‘nother jockey.”

You gritted your teeth and swallowed your fury. It wouldn’t help anyone if you lost it here. “Your point?”

His prying eyes scanned your body, leaving you feeling dirty and uncomfortable. “Well that was round the time Ol’ Bill hired you, wasn’t it?” A smug toothy grin stretched across his face like he caught you red handed.

Your face didn’t betray the faux confidence as you held his challenging stare, though internally a frantic claw worked through your chest and settled in the pit of you guy. “Must be a coincidence.” You left then. You spent the last four year visiting ranches, and leave it to this bonehead to connect you to the harsh past of your jockeying days. You walked at a brisk pace away from him as the distance between you would rewrite your actions that night.

You tried so hard to leave your unique talents behind when you left the slums, but that night four years ago, the underlying atrocity in you surged. You didn’t regret it, not in the slightest, and you’d do it again if it meant keeping that poor girl, or anybody, safe.

It didn’t happen like he was implying, and thanks to the security cameras in the gilded stall room saved your reputation.

You had stumbled into the stable to check on the chocobo you had raced an hour prior, it was an intense obstacle course and you were worried about a prolonged fatigue might effect your partner, only to find the one jockey you couldn't stand already within. You thought nothing of it at first. You tried to avoid him when possible. You had heard rumors he couldn't keep his hands to himself, and while the other women might not, or couldn't, fight him off you would never let anyone touch you like that again. Not ever. So you were brushing your bird when an unsettling ruffling of clothing caught your attention. As you strained your ears to assess what was going on you realized he wasn't alone. You still hear her cries as she pleaded with him to stop like yesterday. The dark creeping fingers still echoed across your skin as you watched her try to push him off, but she was frail and he was far too strong. Hells, he was twice your size.

There was no way on Gaia you were just going to watch him take advantage of her. So you took care of him. You applied extreme force to his joints, and pressure points before he even turned around. He crumpled to the floor in complete sobs, but you didn't stop there. You crushed his femur, and the hand that he had snaked under the woman’s blouse. He was far from death when you left him, but you later found out from Sam that you had damaged the ligaments in his arms and he needed emergency surgery to save his leg.

You turned yourself in immediately, completely mortified with yourself, however even though you were protecting someone you were no longer permitted to jockey. The saucer had made an exception that aloud you to remain employed, but only to train and care for the chocobos. Which you still do from time to time, but you make sure you never stay for too long. He was completely disqualified ever work at the saucer again. The last you heard, he had recover and took up a residence in the Dustbowl and make a living betting on the races.

Suddenly your arm collided with a solid wall of muscle, your eyes snapping up to the swirling mako pools peering down at you. His scrutiny was unclear, and stormy in a whirlwind you haven’t seen in them before, though you hadn't had the energy to decipher their meaning. The only thing repeating in your head was the fear that he overheard what Gabe had said.

“Y/n, you alright?” His timbre was smooth and calm that soothed the overwhelming emotion bubbling beneath your skin.

You swallowed the thick lump that had formed in your throat. “Uh… yeah. I’m fine. Sorry. Lost in thought.”

Cloud hesitantly stepped backwards to give you more space. “Alright.” His hand hovered in the air, the concern in his eyes trying to convey something to you that his lips couldn't speak. You gave him a tight lipped smile before you staggered away to stock up on your own supplies.

Cloud looked back at Gabe with hardened eyes, a compelling since of protection urging him to take action. He only wished he knew what the right action was. He’d spent the past sixteen days trying his best not to notice you, but he’s done the exact opposite. He quickly realized you were quick to act, your reflexes like lightning, before he’d even seen you in action. You ability to perceive danger and avoid any harm was a skill he so rarely seen in others, and the way you moved in combat was like art. Your body swaying between fiends, only leaving death in your wake, was like the perfected ballet of Loveless- he’d reluctantly seen when he had first enlisted at Shinra. To see you fogged over and dazed was unsettling. You looked so empty like a night without stars, and felt just as cold as the northern continent, that he nearly followed after you. To do what, he didn't know but when he looked into your glassy far off eyes, his heart clenched like someone had ripped into his chest and squeezed.

He continued to watch you from afar, and you seemingly returned to normal. You gave Tifa a long hug, and bantered with Aerith like always. You returned Barret’s playfully punches by trying to push him over, before you finally took a seat and the old blue bench with Red, giving him a few scratched behind his ear as you waiting for everyone else. You appeared to be just fine so why was the bleak feeling still lurking with in him, and why was the only thing he wanted to do was to wrap his arms around you and hold you close until whatever pain or sadness you felt disappeared?

[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

[tcm]

The Horror of Christmas By Jessica Pickens

“There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago,” goes the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” released in 1963. That Christmas song’s lyric may have left you scratching your head each time you hear it. Written by Edward Pola and George Wyle, the song looks back at old holiday traditions. Ghosts, goblins and creepy murderous tales are strictly relegated to Halloween, right? That’s how it stands today, at least. But in the Victorian era, telling ghost stories was part of the Christmas tradition.

The death and rebirth of a new year during the Winter Solstice seemed like an appropriate time for telling ghost stories. “Whenever five or six English-speaking people meet round a fire on Christmas Eve, they start telling each other ghost stories,” wrote author and humorist Jerome K. Jerome in Told After Supper (1891). “Nothing satisfies us on Christmas Eve but to hear each other tell authentic anecdotes about specters. It is a genial, festive season, and we love to muse upon graves, and dead bodies, and murders, and blood.”

Even while we don’t tell ghost stories today at Christmas, one ghost story is still one of the most beloved Christmas tales, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. But even when it was published in 1843, it was not the first, or last, paranormal story told about Christmas. While the tradition of sharing Christmas ghost stories died long before the dawn of film, it still found its way onto the screen:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (’38 and ‘51) 

Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter and mean old man who has no patience for humanity or happiness. On Christmas Eve, a series of ghosts visit Scrooge and take him on a journey of self-exploration. Scrooge revisits his past, present and future and is warned to change his ways before it’s too late.

Since first appearing in a short film in 1901, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has been retold on film and television numerous times for over 100 years. The story has even been retold by The Muppets and Mickey Mouse for family-friendly audiences. It has also been modernized into various time periods, with Scrooge-like characters portrayed by Bill Murray, Henry Winkler, Cicely Tyson, Matthew McConaughey, Vanessa Williams and Susan Lucci.

But there are still several, more faithful retellings of the Dickens novel, including the 1938 version, starring Reginald Owen, and the 1951 version, starring Alastair Sim as the main character.

Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the 1938 version has a lighter and more joyful vibe. Owen’s Scrooge is more of a grump rather than entirely mean-spirited. He is almost immediately remorseful and says he loves Christmas while he’s with the Ghost of Christmas Present. Gene Lockhart plays Bob Cratchit as a cheerful man, despite having to work for a tyrannical boss. The 1951 version, made in England and released by Renown Pictures Corporation, is a darker telling of the Dickens story. Alastair Sim’s Scrooge is more brutish, cruel and dismissive to Bob Cratchit, played by Mervyn Johns. Johns plays Cratchit as a meeker and more browbeaten character.

Regardless of the films’ differences, the message of both versions is the same. The ghosts in A CHRISTMAS CAROL aren’t meant to frighten the audience but to encourage self-reflection. Scrooge isn’t just haunted by Jacob Marley and the three ghosts; memories of his past haunt him — that’s why he’s so bitter.

BEYOND TOMORROW (’40) 

On Christmas Eve, we meet three elderly businessmen: George Melton (Harry Carey), Allan Chadwick (C. Aubrey Smith) and Michael O’Brien (Charles Winninger). The three men live together and are old friends, but they all have very different pasts. George is a man of little faith and is business-focused with a dark past. Distinguished Allan has a military background and lost his only son in World War I. Michael is the most whimsical of the three.

On Christmas Eve, Michael has the idea that they throw three wallets out into the street to see if an honest person returns them. A young man and woman, Jean Lawrence (Jean Parker) and James Houston (Richard Carlson), return the wallets. Neither having a family to go to that night, they join the gentlemen — all becoming fast friends by the end of the night. As Jean and James fall in love, they become close friends with the three men. Tragedy strikes when all three men are killed in a plane crash, leaving money to the couple so they can marry. However, with the new wealth and publicity, James becomes a singing radio star, forgetting about Jean in favor of another woman. The three men's ghosts try to guide James away from the other woman and encourage Jean to fight for her love.

In this story, the past lives of the three men don’t affect them in life, but in death. Carey’s character, George, is sort of like Scrooge. It’s hinted that he has a dark past, which may involve another woman and murder. Also, in his old age, anything but money is foolish to him. In death, George’s friends warn him that all he has to do is feel sorry for his past, but George has no regrets, even if it means going “to the dark place.”

In contrast, the other two characters are rewarded in death. Smith’s character gets to see his son again, who comes to fetch him. His son tells him that heaven is anything he wants it to be. Charles Winninger’s character is reluctant to leave his friends on Earth because he wants to continue to help them. But before leaving for heaven, he is able to. Even in death, the ghosts have to do good deeds not only to help their friends who are still living but to allow them to rest in the great beyond.

While we may not still tell ghost stories around the fire, the holiday season closes another year, allowing us to reflect on past memories. Some memories may be good, and others may haunt us in a way. However, 2020 may haunt us forever.