#why am I posting nevermore all the sudden?

[darthpastry]

Oh hey, might be the most common result, but actually really accurate.

Link to quiz

#do I have to add nevermore to my bio #why am I posting nevermore all the sudden? #because I felt like it #anyway #if you don’t know it’s a webcomic over on webtoons #fantastic read if you like lesbians and/or edgar allan poe and/or neat ghost stuff #nevermore webcomic #nevermore webtoon #duke nevermore #quizzes #personality quiz #quiz

[pinievsev]

pls make a lil xavier thorpe fluff moment, preferably maybe he's teaching the reader to paint and they get caught up with each other? hehe

Sure thing! <3

QUALITY TIME

Pairing: Xavier thorpe x gn!reader

Warnings: maybe some swear words, kissing, alot of fluff :]

It had been a long day at Nevermore Academy, you were assigned alot of homework and had the worse possible classes.

Right now, you were on your way to Xavier's 'personal art studio' as he called it. It was not that far from the academy building but far enough not to be noticed. It could be a pain to get to tho, jumping over branches and mud.

Finally, you made it. You knew Xavier was inside, he'd text you and told you he would be here after classes. You raised your fist to knock on the door, he'd said you didn't have to but you did anyways.

A few seconds later the door opened revealing a tired looking Xavier,his eyes looked dark and he had eyebags, he's hair was messily in a half up half down bun and his clothes full of paint. Your heart broke. "Hey" you said gently, fearing he'd break "hey.." he replied opening the door further for you to walk in. You gasped, there were paintings and drawings of the monster he's told you he has been seeing in his dreams everywhere. Your heart broke even more.

You stared at one painting, half finished still on the stand. It was like it was staring right back at you.

Xavier for some reason panicked "i- I'm sorry,here!" He grabbed a nearby sheet and covered it up "don't apologise" you tilted your head to the side looking up at him "have you slept at all..?" You asked your voice barely above a whisper. Xavier shook his head looking down "I am just... Scared to" you nodded even though he couldn't see you. You felt horrible, you wanted to help but didn't know how.

"maybe we should take your mind off of it!" You said after some thinking " what? How?" You looked around "show me how to paint" you said once again happily "seriously?" You only nodded and smiled at him "fine come here" he said placing a clean canvas on a stand, pulling you to stand Infront of it he stood behind you handing you a paint brush and holding your hand, his other arm hugging you around your middle as if he'd lose you. "Right so..." He started talking.

You stared up at him rumbling on and on, you zoned out. He looked at peace talking about something he loved. "Understand?" He tilted his head down to look at you. You just looked back "were you even listening to me?" He asked suspiciously "yeah." He narrowed his eyes "no you weren't" you turned to face him "yes, yes I was!" You protested "what did I say then" he asked. A smile starting to form on his lips "well...." You started but sighed in defeat "okay maybe I wasn't paying attention" he shook his head and raised his eyebrow "and why is that?" You smiled innocently "I found something more interesting to look at".

His smile widened hearing that "oh really?" "And what is that?" He leaned down a bit "not telling" he pulled you closer "pleaseee" you shook your head "nope" he moved even closer, your faces now mare inches apart "pretty please?" He playfully pouted, you stared into his eyes, "you" you whispered, a sudden wave of confidence washing ove you.

He didn't react to that but his eyes started to get glossy "Xavier?.." you asked "mhm?" "Are you okay?" He nodded closing the gap between you two into a gentle kiss. After you pulled back he smiled sadly at you his eyes roaming over your face "you make me happy you know that?" He asked and you smiled back "you do too..." You replied and kissed him again your arms around his neck, his behind your back. You actually helped.

Sorry if it was a little short and bad!

Tag list: @nova-lov3su , @elduster , @countsmoon , @biggestsimponhere , @andreeasancheez , @justmanu , @yourmidnightlover , @whitewingsh , @hwrtsiren

(if you have interacted with my post and aren't tagged it's because when I searched for you I didn't get a result)

#xavier thorpe #wednesday series #wednesday netflix #wednesday addams #xavier thorpe x reader #wednesday oneshots #oneshots

[wintervalewritersecond]

strange devotion - wednesday addams

requested: yes! Can you do a Wednesday x F!Reader where Wednesday took a liking to R but didn't know how to deal with it, so she express her feelings in weird ways (Wednesday ways to be exact) like leaving dead insects in the R's door, staring at her in class, staring at everyone that seats beside you so she can be beside

wordcount: 1.130 warnings: wednesday may be ooc, she/her pronouns, second person, use of Y/N

Dead ladybugs and butterflies are not quite the usual in terms of flirting. Good thing that Wednesday Addams is not 'usual' herself.

"Not. A. Word," Wednesday hisses as Thing sits on her shoulder. She had been caught again, writing on her typewriter. Every single day, she would work on her novel. Lately, she has gotten more and more distracted, and the reason for that was you.

She despised the fact that you were in her mind so much. It pained her, and she loved it. Wednesday is not at all like her mother or father. The girl does not believe in love, she believed she would never fall in love or 'meet the one', like how Morticia calls Gomez. So when you had gotten introduced during Botany, she was frustrated and confused by the sudden change that she felt.

The thought of murder would form in her head if someone sat too close to you, or if someone hit on you, or if someone even so much as tried to compliment you. Once Enid found out, she was excited.

"Oh my god! This has to go on my blog, Wednesday! I can't believe you have a crush on-"

The shorter girl stands in front of her friend, a death stare in her eyes.

"If you so much as post one word about this, then you better sleep with one eye open"

9:30 am and you were sitting in class yet again. Nevermore is a school for people with amazing powers, so why would they teach Mathematics? By far, the most boring class in your opinion. Your classmates slowly start coming in. Xavier sits down next to you, a smile on his face as he greets you. You greet him back with a smile before opening your own books.

After a few minutes, Xavier feels like someone stares at him. The feeling of eyes burning into the back of his head almost burns off his hair, and when he turns around, he sees Wednesday, glaring at him as if she is trying to take his life force.

"What's up?" He mouths, but he is not met with any response except for a deadly cold glare.

And that is what happens anytime someone sits next to you.

She seethes, sitting in her chair with her arms crossed while staring down the person who dares to sit next to you. She should be the one sitting there.

But, even if you sit alone, she still stares. Not with anger, though. It's just a blank stare, even if her mind is racing. Wednesday is someone with a collected mind. Sure, even if it is dark, it is still one she controls. But not since she met you. It has been messy and jumbled together, all her thoughts circling back to you.

During your lunch break, you sit with Wednesday, Enid, Yoko, and Davina, just blabbing away about different topics. The only one silent at the table is Wednesday. You never mind, though. It is nice to hang out with someone who is a bit different if that makes any sense. Thing also sits on the table, tapping his fingers on the wood impatiently. Wednesday keeps staring at you, though not in an uncomfortable way. You have gotten quite used to the sinister girl and all of her unusual ways, but just like Enid and the rest, it has become a normal thing. To be fair, if you suddenly would see Wednesday wearing pink or hear her giggling, you would take her to the doctor to see what's wrong.

-

Your school day has ended, so it was finally time to go to your dorm, get changed out of your uniform, and hang out with your friends yet again. Once you get to your door, you see an envelope stuck to it. Not with tape, glue, or stickers, but held in place by a small knife that was stabbed through the door. Weems has scolded you several times already about the holes in your door, so now you just patch it up as fast as you can.

You place the envelope on your desk before changing into a more comfortable outfit. It is not the first time you have received mysterious letters on your doorstep. Most of the time they just contained some type of taxidermy. You have a collection of cockroaches, ladybugs, moths, and spiders hanging on your wall now.

The envelope contains a beautiful butterfly this time, its wings neatly placed in a symmetrical shape. You had discovered who brought you these strange yet somehow thoughtful 'gifts' a while ago. The dagger would always mysteriously disappear from your room the next morning, but that did not mean that you didn't spot the initials 'W.A.' engraved into its handle.

With your bag full of snacks you walk through Ophelia Hall, knowing the route to Wednesday and Enid's room by heart. The dagger rests in your bag as well, you could at least save Wednesday the trouble by having to sneak into your room to get it back. Sometimes you even hid it somewhere as a game.

You knock on the door, being greeted by none other than Wednesday Addams.

"If you are looking for Enid, she went to Jericho to buy a disgustingly glittery nail polish. She ran out."

You let out a laugh, stepping into the room before placing your bag down in front of the huge window.

"Actually, I am glad that I ran into you. I thought you would maybe know who this dagger belongs to?"

Wednesday tenses up a bit when you speak of a dagger, though her face still barely moves. She looks over at you as you hold the dagger with a grin on her face.

"You are not dumb, Y/N. Who else has such an exquisite taste in taxidermy and dead creatures?"

You hand her the dagger while nodding.

"Hm," you smile. "I thought that maybe Ajax would. He did work in that crazy shop during Outreach day."

If Wednesday's eyes could darken even more, they would have been pitch black. You let out a loud laugh, gripping your stomach before sitting down on the floor.

"Though, I do have to say," you hum, "I would much rather have it be you."

Her face relaxes before she places the dagger on her bedside table, sitting down on the floor next to you.

"You do absolutely aggravate me," Wednesday then says. "I hate that I can not even write a word for my novel, I hate how everyone always sits next to you, and I absolutely hate how you keep each and every piece of taxidermy. I hate that I hate you the least of everyone I know."

That is the closest that Wednesday would ever get to admitting that she might have some type of romantic interest in you.

"If it helps, I also hate you the least."

#wednesday addams #wednesday netflix #wednesday x reader #wednesday imagine #wednesday oneshot #request

[tundra1029]

Hey, I don't know if your request are opened but will you write a reader that has sh problems and when they relapse they pass away? (I had a relapse a couple days ago and in desperate need of suicidal reader) you can choose the character if you want

ngl its been months since you have requested this of me and i got real burnt out of it quickly as you know that im more used to posting prompts and College has been taking too much of my time that i cant finish it. instead of making you wait for many more months, im gonna post the headcannons and drabbles that @maryannecrimsworth @vorsdany @dragonfirerogue and @cursedchar have helped me with. this is probably gonna be the last time i post a story and will probably continue on doing prompts idk... sorry if i disappointed ya man.

i dont even know what to title this story but ill call it....

"MY ANGST FIC THAT I HAVEN'T DONE SHIT WITH YET :D"

My mind just went to the dark.

Random Headcannons

this is just what my mind was on when i first read your request

I imagined gun, screams and red petals as blood

Andd im imagining a cliff a knife and screaming

I need a headcanon

Hyper fixated on Wednesday TV series

So! I was thinking of Enid and Y/N established relationship

But it slowly fell apart after the Crackstone incident

Enid spending more time with Wednesday

Replacing their dates with investigations and girl nights with yoko

Investigations with Wednesday

But here's the thing! Y/N used to be an avid sh

But then they met Enid

So they stopped once they had their anchor in the world

But with Enid drifting apart

Their world started to darken

Days becomes mindless routine

Getting used to being put aside

Bottling it all in until.. It.. Cracks..

Now reader just avoids everyone

Then we would see R in their room

Breaking down and loosing their sanity

Then ended up acquiring a weapon, whether it be a gun or a sharp object

AND I REMEMBER THAT ONE QUOTE

"This world is cruel, but i still love you"

"Ill keep you safe, i alone will face the price"

They thought of killing everyone who interacted with enid but with a sudden burst of sanity, they thought back to that, and realized they are a danger now with these thoughts

There's a song to this https://youtu.be/VkOJNkQHpqM

Or this song https://youtu.be/5gyANphz_Kk

They would notice R leaving Nevermore, they would think R would go to Jericho

You know werewolf instincts are a lil spot on sometimes yea?

The friends would just think nothing of it but Enid felt something is wrong and with guilt of avoiding R plagued her mind, she decided to follow

And now they are different scenarios to this

And im still deciding on one

Enid didnt realize she was neglecting reader badly as she keeps on having to help Wednesday and having fun with her friends))

DRABBLES WITH MAH FRENS

I am trudging through deep within the forest, stepping over rocks and fallen branches while facing forward not once have i strayed my eyes from the path i have made in my minds, a path to where it was once my quiet place and now will be my grave, almost tripping over a tree branch and i curse underneath my breath "fucking hell" i grit my teeth and continue my journey to that one cliff was, the only place for me to have peace, not once noticing enid following me

i touch my hip where i have hidden the gun under my shirt and pants, as i stand near the edge of the cliff and i give out a sigh as i give one last glance at the scenery infront of me, where the mountains and forest bathe under the sun, where the river shine and glisten under its light. 

I hear a tree branch snap and become fully alert and turn around quickly to look at the one who disturbed my thoughts and my eyes harden "Enid Sinclair..." i glare at her "Why have you followed me here, dont you have Addams waiting for you back at Nevermore?"

Xin (aka Vorsdany): maybe Enid would reply with some rage too, because she doesn't understand why R is being so standoffish and accusing her about Wednesday

Jac:  ENID POV: The weather was good. The day was beautiful; the weekend was getting closer and Enid was planning a perfect outing for her friends. You, and, of course, Wednesday included. The forest was still dangerous, so she preferred to go out with groups, but she didn't understand why you went first. Why you went alone, why you stopped so close to a cliff. She approached you, cautious steps as her body warned her of the danger of a fall from that height.

"Why are you insisting on this again? She is our friend!" Her tone was impatient, as was yours.

I scoff and barks out a laugh "who wouldn’t be after their girlfriend basically just fucking abandoned you" i shake my head and presses a hand on my face and pushes back the hair that had fallen on my face "you left me. You left me for Addams, Enid and never have I ever felt more betrayed than that" 

Jac: our accusations increased along with your voice, and confusion and anger took over her. "She needed help, more help than you, to fit in at school! It was never that, Y/N, I never looked at her in any way, but my friend needed help."

"You didnt left me for Wednesday? That's a laugh, i saw how you look at her, i saw how you start to stop hanging around me just to talk to her, i saw how you fucking brushed me aside when talking to her" My eyes are filled with rage as my words starts to get harsher and harsher, they trembled with rage

Jac: "Wha--Are you serious?" Enid shakes her head. "That's not it! Y/N, why can't you listen to me and understand for once?" She sighs. "NO! You're getting it all wrong!" /More crying and angst, i suppose/ "Please, you have to understand..."

my glare is harsh but my tone is soft "Enid enid enid... I always understood but... After you stood me up on our dates, Dates that we have been planning for weeks..After all the texts I sent you saying i need you but you just left on read.... That's where I finally understood, so I gave up. I stopped talking and texting you for days now, and you didn't even bat an eye... But that's fine" i close my eyes and opens them again to stare at her with tired eyes "im done" notices her coming closer and pulls out the gun and takes it off safety mode and aims at her "Don't you take another step Sinclair"

Jac: People here in Brazil have a saying "You don't argue with old or crazy people" (My father says that about my mum lol) So I think Enid could follow that thinking and agree with the reader Something like "O-okay! I messed up, Y/N! I messed it all up!" And take the guilt and apologize until Reader calms down and put the gun down She doesn't have to be honest, but she's saying anything to stop reader I can't do begging without feeling really bad BUT something like "Please, I'll make it up to you, please, just put it down"

i chuckle darkly as if to interrupt her "so now you say that... Pathetic" keeps the gun aimed at her "too late for that isnt it?" lets out a sigh " i can't help but be... Disappointed"

keeps pointing the gun at her "disappointed as i am... As the Whole World has been beating me down, ur the only good thing in this mudball of a planet.. Even when you have hurt me so.." my eyes glistened as tears sprung up "I still love you so.." tears started running down my face "and I promised to protect you... Even from me" squeezes the gun but does not pull the trigger

#2 (HURT AND COMFORT) HEADCANNONS

I blink away the tears and as my voice trembles "a-and.. I don't think I can help myself anymore... So in r-respect for all we used to have... Turn around and never look back, Enid and live your life to the best of your abilities.." as i let out a stuttering sigh and lowers my face as my hair shadows my eyesJac:"I won't!" Enid finally speaks back, screams back at you. Her voice was shaking, tears were falling down her face, not out of fear, but out of sorrow. Of pain and despair, of finally knowing how you felt after all the times she let you down. She decided to help Wednesday, her stoic and loner roomate, while you, your lover(IDK GOOD NAMES FOR THIS), suffered in silence, completely alone. "No, Y/N! You're wrong! I'm not going to leave you, the world is not like this, you're not like this(helpless)!" She jumps over you and holds your wrist, immobilizing the hand that's holding the gun. "Let me show you. Let me show the colors of it, of the world, all the good things in it. Stay with me, Y/N." Her voice cracks as she see the pain in your eyes. "Please, forgive me, Y/N. Give one more chance."

and now we head over to the Ending Headcannons! the part where i got really stumped

you look at her eyes and sees the emotion and sincerity in them but they did not make you feel relief and safe, in fact it enrages you

you growl, you pull your arms out of her grasp and kicks Enid back a few feet as angry tears drags down to your face

“You think after all this time that you can just waltz back in and make everything better? Fuck you Sinclair! this aint a fucking fantasy! WAKE UP!”

okay let's just put in that reader was wearing a jacket for the entirety of their stay in nevermore and has not shown anyone their sh scars

“you have shown that you do not give an ounce of care about me these couple of months! I had put my trust in you and you threw it away! You promised me that you will always be by my side and you left me.. ”

You drop the gun to the ground and zip down your jacket, shrugging it off and leaving you in your tank top and opening your arms wide.

Enid is shocked as she sees a plethora of scars littered all over your body. collarbone, arms, under the tank top, you name, nothing is left unscarred  

"I have suffered all my life. So please… just let me rest"

You drop your arms as your body expression turns from defensive to tired, your arms slumped, your eyes tired as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders

You were expecting Enid to respect your wishes but She surges forward and holds you in her arms tightly, catching you off guard.

Enid keeps on apologizing and promises to be better for you.

You struggle, trying to get out of her grip.

Enid tightens her hold and tells you that she loves you

You stop struggling and looks at her face as no one had ever said they loved you before and this was the first time hearing it meant for you

"Y-you love… me?"

you stare at her eyes as she holds your face

Enid proceeds to tell you again that she loves you and only you, she didnt realize that she was neglecting you and she swears that she didnt mean to do it to you.

Enid:"you.. You are my light in the dark, my star in the sky, my Polaris. You mean so so much to me, it hurts me that I have been hurting you when you have always been there for me.. I was so dumb when i did that to you and I swear I will do my very best to fix this, to fix us. You deserve the world nothing less! I love you now and forever. So please.. give me one more chance"

She would stare at you with teary eyes, wiping your tears away

“I…” You open your mouth to speak but..

Enid closes her eyes and kisses you as she snakes her arms around your neck, holding you close

you jolt a bit in shock and try to pull away but she doesn’t let you

new tears would run down your face as you melt into the kiss and into her arms, wrapping your arms around her waist tightly

you missed this, you missed her lips, you missed her touch, you missed her love, you missed her scent, you missed her.

You were supposed to let her go, to not be corrupted by your species - by you. to keep her away from the horrors of the world you could bring onto her

You then deepen the kiss and hold her closer to you.

maybe this once… you could be selfish to just have her be yours.

you let go of the instincts that you oh so locked away ever since you learned the importance of will and boundaries. you let go of the instincts of your race and what you desperately hid from the eyes of others. 

You now finally embraced what you truly are, A dragon.

Scales start to appear under your eyes and on your arms as your hands shift into claws.

horns slowly protrude out of your forehead as your wings burst out of your back and wrapped around her.

Enid did not notice the changes as she focuses on portraying her love through the kiss.

you pull your head back, breaking the kiss. You open your eyes and they turn into draconic yellow with  slit pupils.

“Would you still love me? even when I am a monster?” you ask, you stare at her face as she opens her eyes

You tense as Enid lets out a quiet gasp as she stares at your new appendages and changes to yourself.

 She sees you tense and all she wants is to see you smile again.

Enid:”I dunno about a monster. All I see is someone 'monstrously' hot."

You just stared at her, surprised. did… did she just-?

Enid:”Of course I still love you. Nothing could 'tip the scales' on that”

of course she is making puns. your mouth just twitches, she notices and keeps on going

Enid:” if this isn't love, You're definitely 'dragon' some more feelings outta me" at this point she is grinning like a cheshire cat.

a smile breaks out of you and you giggle a bit.

Enid: “I guess I'll just have to deal with you being a little more 'horny' than me”

you laugh at that “Enid!” Enid just sweetly smiles at you

Enid: “there’s that beautiful smile and melodious laugh that i love so much”

you blush a lil bit and bury your face on her shoulder with a bashful smile

“Ancients, you don't know what kind of things you do to me Enid”

you pull back a bit to gaze at her with an intensity that most would flinch at 

“How much do you know about dragons?”

She looks up a bit, pops her bottom lip out and thinks if she has any information about dragons

Enid: “I know dragons are territorial and like to hoard stuff that interests them like what I heard from my childhood stories, i used to believe that they are just fairy tales but you are here, in front of me as living proof that they exist ”

you nod

“Did you know that those who made those fairy tales have gotten in contact with dragons? so some of the facts showed in those are actually true”

Tag List: @maryannecrimsworth @casbrawel @vorsdany @cursedchar @wol-fica @dragonfirerogue @jinxscatbomb (i kinda forgot the other people who wants to be tagged and too lazy to look up the post i made for it, sorry)

thats where i stopped, looking back on this i realized that maybe i should have kept the angsty vibes but then again my mind was going through multiple scenarios of the ending and it just burnt me out and i couldnt even type out whats on my mind. maybe i will revise this and complete this with a whole one page story or abandon this. tho if any of you guys planning to write this, i just ask one thing.. to get pinged in the story thats it no special mentions or anything, i just want to read what you guys can come up with this lil mess of mine.

#wednesday x reader #enid sinclair x reader #wednesday addams x reader #incomplete maybe get abandoned idk. #wednesday #emma myers x reader

[dragynkeep]

That person saying Adam kidnapped Blake is just.... there is A. No proof of this as far as I'm aware and B. Lots of stuff that says Blake chose to be in the WF, admittedly you can argue that it was through manipulation but since her FATHER WAS THE HEAD OF IT it's far more believable that she joined when she was younger(to quote vol. 1 she was "born into it") and just refused to leave once Sienna came into power. Arguments like these just seem to be making shit up in order to make Adam seem worse than he already is.

I wonder if all of this sudden anon hate coming out of seemingly nowhere is cause of your AZRE posts? Like people saw an AU where Adam wasn't Literally The Worst™ and just couldn't handle it. And if that is the case then why don't they just go away?? There is no need to harass a person because they made an AU that you don't like.

yeah like if anyone is to "blame" for blake being in the white fang, it's the parents who raised her in it & did nothing to bring her home when she ran away to a radicalized organization. they had so many resources at their disposal to bring home one twelve year old but instead just, didn't? ghira doesn't even stop blake from blaming herself when she comes home in v4 either when it was absolutely his & kali's fault. you don't take children to violent protests & you damn well bring your children home if they are becoming radicalized.

none of that was adam's fault. especially when he doesn't look that much older than blake, nevermore actually refers to him as a "boy" when he began to lose his way & the aa card confirms that there was never any physical or sexual abuse between adam / blake. blake has none of the markers of ever suffering any type of sexual abuse & i'm tired of the fndm fetishizing & appropriating this type of trauma for cheap drama points on an already controversial character; as a csa survivor i really am y'know?

i have no idea where it started but if it was from azre like. they're about a year too late to be bitching about it now so, especially since it's been in production for two years before the fic was started. there are plenty of fics where adam is the stereotypical demonized minority hate sink this white fandom salivates over him being; they can absolutely go read those & console themselves that they're Good Whiteys who aren't racist & totally support survivors.

#rwby #adam taurus #blake belladonna #ghira belladonna #kali belladonna #faunus racism #owl.txt #answered #csa mention / #rape mention /

[bmblboop]

Struck Like Lightning

    (Contains spoilers for RWBY Volume 4)

Absorb Electricity. He felt something, not an emotion, just a gut-instinct. With everything that had happened; every coincidence that led Nora, that Grimm, and his family to Kuroyuri that night, he knew, somehow, that this phrase on his arm was connected to… something. It must be important.

The following is the introductory chapter to a Semblance-Soulmate AU in which a name or description of someone’s semblance will appear on their soulmate’s skin. The concept of a ‘soulmate’ is discussed in-universe and is treated as less of a one-and-done deal (nothing is 100% predetermined in RWBY). I plan to elaborate more on the Semblance mechanics if I end up finishing more chapters.

I am posting this in commemoration of Renora Week 2021 because this chapter features Ren and Nora! Let me know if you enjoyed it!

The days and weeks after the fall of Kuroyuri allowed Nora and Ren time to readjust and explore new parts of themselves. Ren’s sudden companionship had brought out a new side of Nora; she had someone to talk to, someone to bounce ideas off of. Someone who didn’t judge her or pretend she didn’t exist. Nora often took the lead when following the trails and roads, in hopes of finding them someplace else to stay. That town had never felt like a home to her, but to Ren, it was everything he’d ever known. He was quiet, but observant, and getting better at his newfound abilities, which gave them both a sense of comfort. They didn’t have to fear the dark so long as they had each other.

One restless morning, the two were walking east, caught up in conversation.

“…so that’s why I think I like my hair short. Not that long hair is bad – it just gets tangled up in everything. You’re smart Ren, keeping it tied up like that.”

“-huh?” The sudden praise had caught him off guard.

“You pull hair up to keep it out of your face! I have no patience for that, so that’s why mine is short!”

“Oh, yeah. Do you think we could take a break soon?”

“Sure!” She scanned the treeline for a spot. “Ummm, let’s sit there.”

They made their way to a small boulder under the shade of the trees. Nora climbed up and sprawled on top of it to stare at the sky. Ren sat at the rock’s base and scratched his sleeve. His arm wasn’t itchy, but there was something-

It must have been the light of the fire playing tricks on my eyes he thought. He gripped his wrist tighter.

But something was nagging at him, something deep in his soul. To look again, to make sure it was just nothing. In broad daylight, surely if there was anything there-

Pulling his right sleeve back, Ren balked. On the inside of his arm were two words.

Absorb Electricity

“What-“

“What? What is it?” Nora pondered, sitting up and leaning over.

“Absorb-? What do those words mean?”

“What words?”

Ren turned around. Nora was looking at his arm too, with a quizzical expression on her face.

“Those words!” he pointed to inky writing on his arm.

“I don’t see anything?”

Ren did a double take; looking at Nora, then back to his arm.

“If you’re making a joke, I don’t get it.” Nora deadpanned, head propped up in her hands.

You don’t-? But it-? I’m not-? Ren dropped his arm and pushed the sleeve down. “It’s fine, I must be seeing things.”

Nora shrugged and turned back over, watching the clouds gather above.

--

They found a rocky overhang to camp under for the night. Nora passed out pretty fast; she had gotten a lot more comfortable sleeping through the demon-filled nights with someone by her side. Ren just stared at the embers of the fire and let his thoughts wander.

I know they weren’t there before I met her. Before… that night. So where did it come from?

A distant shriek echoed over the valley, and Ren could feel his heart beating in his ears. Immediately, he was awash with the calming greytones of his semblance. The scream turned to baying. A Beowulf then, probably alone and several miles away.

Exhaling slowly, he returned to color, the gears in his head returning to the question of the mysterious words. He looked at Nora, her deep sleep undisturbed by the distant Grimm calls.

I also never had this power, this courage, before that night. I feel like there is something…

He gripped his arm. Absorb Electricity. He felt something, not an emotion, just a gut-instinct. With everything that had happened; every coincidence that led Nora, that Grimm, and his family to Kuroyuri that night, he knew, somehow, that this phrase on his arm was connected to… something. It must be important.

And what does electricity have to do with anything?

--

Climbing over a mountain in a thunderstorm was never their intended route, even less so when a stray bolt pierced the heavens and struck true.

Nora collapsed, and so could have Ren from the shock. Without thinking, he ran toward her - her body lying still and crackling with electricity. To both of their surprise, Nora was alive. She sat up, singed but supercharged, and no worse for wear other than some temporary hearing loss. (Which she demonstrated when she inadvertently screamed in his face: “Wow Ren, I lived!”)

Together, they settled into a rocky alcove further down the mountain to wait for the storm to pass. Once out of the rain, the pair took the time to laugh away the adrenaline. Safely out of the storm, Nora shouted to the sky, taunting the Gods that had tried to kill her and failed. The thunder only grumbled in response. She traced the thunderbolt-shaped markings the impact left on her with her fingers, and watched them fade away over the next few days.

It felt dream-like, the week following the storm. Perhaps it was just the stress of surviving something so scary, but Ren felt stronger and closer to her than before. One night, curling next to the fire, he began to lay his head on his arm to go to sleep. Out of curiosity, he pushed back his sleeve and stared at his arm.

By the light of the campfire, his skin was blank - the words were gone.

Perhaps, he pondered, that was just a warning. It told him that lightning was going to strike, but she would be okay. Perhaps the words disappeared because they were fulfilled, like a destiny that had come to pass? He was too tired for this, his eyelids were growing heavy. He pushed the thoughts away and drifted to sleep.

-

Years later, when the two survivors worked their way into Beacon Academy, did all the stars align. It was at lunch, with their team and their friends of team RWBY.  Pyrrha had brought up the importance of balanced meals when Yang interjected that Jaune had taken all the chicken nuggets.

“I did NOT!”

“Then why is it the only thing on your plate?”

“BECAUSE, um…”

Ren looked back at the textbook, tuning out the argument and glancing over the chapter’s topic for next class. His preemptive studying was interrupted with an elbow jab to his ribcage.

“What?” he said.

“We should be social, you know.” Nora scolded under her breath before turning to the group and gesturing with a boisterous “HEY!”

A sinking feeling in his gut began to form. If there was one thing Ren could never figure out about Nora, it was her immunity to social anxiety.

“Not that taking down a monstrous Nevermore and giant Deathstalker isn’t bonding enough, but I think we should get to know each other better!” she exclaimed. “Anyone know a good ice-breaker?”

Their leader Jaune perked up, “Ooh, how about everyone’s favorite movie or franchise?”

“Too broad.” Weiss replied.

“How about our weapons? I bet everyone has a cool story about theirs!” Ruby added with a glint in her eyes.

“We could talk about our favorite books.” Blake offered.

“Ha, everyone knows the best ice-breaker is sharing semblances,” Yang smirked, “and your semblance-soulmate.”

Pyrrha choked on her salad. Ruby groaned and leaned back in her seat. Blake visibly stiffened.

Breaking the silence, Jaune scoffed. “C’mon, not everyone knows that.” He then rushed to clarify - “It’s not like it tells you their name. You could walk right past them and never know!”

“Yeah,” Ruby pouted, “and maybe some of us don’t want to deal with that extra layer of existential dread.”

“Aw, but that’s what makes it exciting!” Yang teased.

“That’s what makes it agonizing!” Ruby retorted, “Knowing you have a compatible life-partner somewhere in the world and your only hint will disappear when you meet them?!”

“Hang on a second.” Ren interjected, “I thought we were talking about semblances?”

“We are, but y’know…” Weiss was tapping the inside of her arm. “…the Semblance mark.  It can only be read by the person whose skin it appears on, so sharing that knowledge would be another way of bearing your soul to the world.”

“It’s highly personal.” Pyrrha nodded in agreement.

Yang put her hands up in defense. “We don’t have to share them. I just suggested it because it’s so personal. It’s like the fastest ice-breaker in the world.”

Yang’s awkward laughing aside, Ren was still lost. Luckily, Blake picked up on his uncertainty and continued the conversation fluidly.

“It describes the semblance of a person you are destined to come across. According to popular belief, that person is your equal – your other half so to speak.” Blake’s voice then dropped into a hushed monotone, gripping her wrist. “Of course, some people believe strongly in it, while others prefer to forge their own path.”

“Right,” Jaune jumped in, “there’s no rule about marrying them or anything.”

“So it’s more of a suggestion, then?” Nora asked in confusion.

“I find it all very poetic.” Pyrrha said. “I’ve heard that your soulmate mark will disappear after you meet them. After that, it is up to you to forge that bond in person. Nothing is set in stone; it’s a path you can choose to take.”

“Whoaaa.” Nora mused. “Wait, how come I never got one!?” Nora was on her feet in surprise. “Is it possible I didn’t notice?”

Ren was only half listening to the conversation now as the puzzle pieces aligned and clicked together. Words. Semblances. Partners. Those letters he nearly blocked from memory, blocked with the rest of Kuroyuri... didn’t they mention something about electricity?

Two semblances tied together. Two souls cross paths and find each other’s company.

It is pretty poetic, isn’t it?

--

#rwby aus #rwby fic #renora #flowerpowerweek2021 #Semblance Soulmate AU #lie ren #nora valkyrie #My posts #my fic #finding the right voices for rwby and the rest of team jnpr was fun #I have 3 other ship stories planned for my personal fave ships but they aren't finished yet #If I get good feedback maybe i'll continue!

[iamwhelmed]

Homesick: Chapter 4

I’m worried Raven may be a bit OOC here, even with the added stress of pregnancy, but I’m excited to post it <3

Read it on AO3

Read it on Fanfiction.net

She'd never lost her memories, that much she admitted. She'd been scared, guilty, riddled with hatred for who she'd been and the things she'd done. She knew very well that the titans forgave her, she'd seen the flowers at her feet when she woke up, but that didn't mean that she forgave herself.

That's what she told the team (minus Raven and Starfire, much to Terra's disappointment). She'd needed time, time to get more of a hang on her powers without Slade's influence, time to find herself again, understand the rock-climbing, cave-sleeping, salad-bar-devouring girl who got lost in turmoil. Beast Boy was the first to come forward, threw himself over her like a rug over tile, squeezed her with such desperation that she swore he thought he was dreaming. But he wasn't, she was there, and she took the opportunity to dig her nose into the warmth of his neck, nuzzling into the crook. When Beast Boy's kneading fingers released her as he stepped back, she smiled at him, and he smiled back; it was different from his old smile, older, she thought, but there was something else too.

Cyborg came forward and knocked her arm with his fist, teasing smile playing off the rise of his brow. She giggled and lugged him right back. "Welcome back, little lady."

"Good to be back, Cyborg."

"So," Robin stepped to the side, revealing a very different redhead from the one Terra knew, almost as though he'd stepped in front her her protectively. He might have, going by the exasperated shrug from the very slim, very casually dressed stranger. Jeans and a blue v-neck cotton shirt weren't exactly what she expected from a Teen Titan's wardrobe, but she wasn't one to judge. She turned her attention back to Robin, who had approached her with all the stern leader-ness she remembered, though he looked somewhat suspicious. She couldn't blame him, the last time she showed up at the tower without warning, she hadn't exactly been pursuing a career of altruism. "Does this mean you're back? For good?" One half of his mask got bigger, a sign he'd squinted at her with one eye.

Terra chuckled and rubbed at her arm, casting a side glance at Beast Boy, who realized why exactly she was looking to him and smiled. "Yeah sure, if you'll have me?"

There was a dead silence for a few moments, lifeless enough that she had the sudden urge to clear her throat. She waited, glancing from Beast Boy to the floor, to her other side, then back to Robin through the heavy lilt of her lashes. His face was indifferent, lips in a thin line as he scrutinized her with his stare. The stranger behind him tried to peer over his shoulder, get a better look at what was going on. Terra tried to ignore her, she was only making the twist in her stomach a million times worse. She knew she messed up, that sacrificing herself didn't make up for everything she'd done, all the horrible things she'd said, things that were true enough to her friends to hurt, but never things she sincerely thought. She'd wanted to hurt them, and she'd done that. Now she had to figure out a way to undo all of it.

Then Robin smile, offered her a hand to shake. Startled, she froze, some part of her afraid he was messing with her, but Robin would never. Slowly, she reached out and grabbed him; he shook their hands. "Welcome back, Terra."

Shopping was not her scene. Starfire knew this, and yet there they were, scouring a maternity store for a bra that would fit properly. She'd wanted to go alone, hoped she'd be less conspicuous if she kept to herself, dressed in civilian clothes, but Starfire didn't allow it. "Friend Raven, I am most concerned about the safety of both you and your unborn snarglpref! What would happen should a villain recognize you while you were on your own? I cannot allow it!"

Despite the eccentric wording, she supposed Starfire had a point.

The teenager at the counter seemed unbothered as she rang up the various bras and matching underwear, hardly sparing herself and Starfire a look as she slipped each item into the plastic bags. "Your total is $41.89."

Starfire reached into her new purse- tiny, lavender, with embroidered flowers detailing the flap- and handed the clerk the change. "Friend Raven, are you feeling unwell?"

"What? No, Star, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Apologies, you just look… paler than a Centari Mandra."

"A what?"

"You look unwell."

Raven sighed. "Probably just the baby messing with my skin, is all." She felt fine, not even a headache from the extra bouts of emotion her little one seemed to drink in. Baby had been quiet all day, let her eat without throwing up, didn't make her cry or tear the air conditioner from the wall, so she was actually in a better place today than she usually was. Even Starfire had noticed the small smile on her face as they'd ordered their coffee and tea when they'd dropped by her workplace to pick up her check earlier. Today had been a good day.

Starfire mulled over her response, contemplating whether or not to believe her. She shrugged, ultimately deciding that it must not have been worth talking about if Raven wasn't concerned. The clerk handed them their bags, and they carried on to the next store. Starfire had been looking to indulge in some new nail polishes, and Raven planned on roaming around the spiritual store next door, maybe pick up some incense and see if the baby liked the smell. She hadn't burned any since she'd left the tower, but the growing unease, caused by the life conorting her emotions inside of her, was enough to make her consider something a little more drastic than meditation. She skimmed the rows of trinkets, books for light-reading, and walls of hats and beads and dreamcatchers, pausing at the boxes of incense. She plucked a box from the shelf. She made her way to the front after a few more minutes of wandering the small box of a store, placing the incense on the table. The guy at the counter was much friendlier than the girl in the maternity shop had been, and he smiled at her as their eyes met. It might have helped that she'd been a regular here before she'd left the tower. The television, small and cheap and hanging from the wall of the store, was turned to the news, left playing in the background as they struck up conversation. "Your usual?"

"I'm not feeling…" she nearly raised a hand to her stomach, but shook her head. She didn't want it getting out that she was pregnant. Not yet "... adventurous."

"Hey, you know I don't judge." He waved one hand aimlessly in the air, using the other to swipe the barcode across the register. "Ya know, I don't think I've ever seen you out of uniform."

Raven raised an eyebrow. She'd hoped that wear a cardigan, long and black like her robe, would suffice, that she wouldn't have to deal much with the odd sensation of jeans on her legs, or the thin long-sleeved top she'd bought when her uniform had grown uncomfortably tight around her midsection. She'd hoped nobody would notice the change. "I think I'm" her eye twitched "outgrowing my uniform."

She handed him the cash, which he accepted with a cheeky grin, especially after she told him to keep the change.

"Once again, Jump City's very own Teen Titans have saved the city!" She gasped, turned to the tv to see Cinderblock on the move again, fresh out of jail. She could see her friends, see the procedures she'd come to know so well she could feel her muscles aching to move to join, to help. She reached one hand to her communicator, surprised that it hadn't rung. The fight was over before she could even register Beast Boy's T-Rex hauling into Cinderblock, or hear the burst of Cyborg's canon. The camera was full of dust, full of debris, and smudged with mud, but she could still see them, still see her family. Robin and Cyborg fist-bumped, all grins and confidence. A familiar woman strayed not too far behind, winding up what appeared to be a grappling hook, similar to Robin's. She wore a mask- Robin's mask- but she recognized the hair. Tangled limbs, lips against skin, Starfire's tears. Rage sizzled somewhere inside Nevermore, and Raven felt somewhat less inclined to hold her back.

But then her eyes landed on Beast Boy, who'd jogged into the shot shortly after he'd morphed back into himself. He was all grins and fangs, looking pumped to have been in a fight again after what Raven assumed had been a quiet three months, since she and Starfire hadn't gotten any emergency calls from Robin. Now though, she wasn't so sure. The stranger set her arm on Robin's shoulder, propped against him like he was a wall as she- well, Raven wasn't quite sure. Was she encouraging Beast Boy?

Seemed like it, because his eyes grew three times their size before he very clearly made a poorly-timed joke (or just a bad joke in general), and she watched as the other three hero's faces clenched in disgust or aged prematurely by twenty years. Affection piped up from her corner of Nevermore, egged on by Happy and only restrained by Timid. She couldn't help it, she smiled. Despite everything, despite another woman's name, despite the child that became more alive with every passing day, Affection had never quite let go of Beast Boy, and she wasn't sure she wanted her to. His smile was still big, still bright, still as boyishly handsome as it always had been, as she'd let herself acknowledge it as when she kissed him the first time. She raised two timorous fingers to her lips, hoping to recreate the pressure of him devouring her heart, but she found them a poor substitute.

Beast Boy laughed, the kind of laugh where he had to hold his sides, where he doubled over at his own stupid joke, and she at once missed him so that it swallowed her soul completely. Baby squeezed her heart, or maybe it was Affection; she swallowed. Maybe this had all been a mistake, maybe she was wrong to leave, wrong to keep this from him. He'd be scared, of course he would, but she was every bit as terrified, and what were they together for if not to support each other when the world was crashing down around them? She'd let her insecurities, maybe hormones, get in the way of reason. That'd been wrong. Beast Boy deserved to know. This was her child; this was his child. She raised her other hand to grace her swelling stomach.

And then there was a flash of blonde, and her revelation went as quickly as it'd come, but tore into her with such ferocity she thought it would have been better to never have had an epiphany at all. Terra herself, alive, wide-eyed, beautiful, she came flying over on a small slab of rock, then landed next to Beast Boy with all the grace of a classic woman. She slugged Beast Boy in the shoulder, and he grinned from ear-to-ear and slugged her back. Timid cried out, look at them, he's still in love with her. Does that mean he never loved us? Reason tried to step in (it was a friendly gesture-) but Sorrow screamed over her (look at their eyes, look at the way he's smiling, he doesn't miss us at all, this child is a bastard like us) and Rage rumbled beneath the surface (we had a purpose, our child does not, and that makes this so much worse than it already was).

The ball of glass, filled with colors and shapes that mirrored sunsets and twilight skies, stable on a podium by the front of the store, shattered in black aura. Her breath hitched, and she realized once again that she was crying. Reason spoke out, momentarily calming the other voices, though they continued to rage inside her mind. This is not the place to cry. Find Starfire and phase home. She took her incense and left without so much as a parting word to the clerk, who watched her with wide, panicked eyes as she fled the store. Had she stuck around, she might have seen the concern in them.

Perhaps that was why she'd looked unwell. She folded her cardigan over herself and rubbed slow circles into her stomach. Perhaps the baby had known what was coming…

Starfire tucked the blankets over Raven's trembling figure, brushing the strands of hair that'd fallen into her face. Streaks, still wet, still fresh, coated her cheeks like the lines on a paved road. She grimaced, pulling away to rotate her arm where Raven had clung to her as she'd sobbed. It was sore, no doubt bruised from the strength she doubted Raven normally had, but grief did funny things to people. Raven trembled under the covers, but she knew it would be a few hours before she joined the land of the living once more. Crying your eyes out for hours at a time, especially at the month of pregnancy where fatigue begins to set in, was a good way to ensure a long, dreamless sleep. She frowned and turned on their tv, careful to mute it so as to not disturb her now unconscious friend.

It was as Raven said; Terra was back, and the woman in Robin's bed was still there.

Her heart broke all over again.

For herself, for Raven, for the home she was starting to suspect they could not return to for a long time…

That woman, the one he'd let into his bed, the one she saw in her dreams, making Robin putty in her hands, pleasing him; she could never hear her name on the nights her mind graced her with such heartwrenchingly raunchy visions, but she could hear the desperation in Robin's voice, feel the euphoria he never gave her the opportunity to provide. That woman was still there, still smiling at him, still on his arm, and she felt no better once she saw the beautiful blue of her eyes. No wonder Robin had been captivated, she could see even the proudest of warriors submitting to her allure. She just never thought that he'd do so without so much as a goodbye.

Her eyes were burning, and she squeezed them shut as the tears started. She'd stayed strong as Raven wept, because she was an empath, because crying too would make things worse, but now Raven was asleep, and she could let it all out so long as she stayed silent. Her legs curled to her chest, and she wrapped her arms around them and dug her head into her knees, biting her lip to keep the whimpering at a low. Robin's hands cupping her own. Robin's boyish smile. Robin holding her face, pulling her into him, hands in her hand, lips pressed so sweetly to her own. The way he said her name, the comfort he brought her. She knew it was gone, it was all gone, so far behind her now that she couldn't even touch it, touch him. She loved him, she loved him so much, why had it ended this way, why could they not last, why could she not stay forever in his arms, kiss him, adore him, stay with him?

She thought he loved her.

She'd been wrong about that.

When Raven woke up, her eyes felt as crusty as sand, like somebody had taken a handful of glue and glitter and held both to her eyelids until they were heavy and thick with sleep. Her body, she noticed as she tried to sit up, was numb with sleep, like she'd exhausted every limb. She shook it off- must have been the fatigue, or the hours of crying. She made a note to threaten Starfire's life should she ever tell anyone she'd acted so emotional. It was out of character, though she supposed so was getting pregnant. She sat up and yawned. "Starfire, it's getting late, you should turn the tv off and get some sleep." There was no response.

Raven looked over her shoulder. "Star, did you hear what I-?" The bed was empty, still made from this morning, though the edge of the foot of the bed seemed to have been lounged on. She raised an eyebrow. "Starfire?" She glanced to the bathroom, but the door was wide open, and there wasn't a sound to go by- running water, singing, footsteps- anything. A quick glance at the clock told her that she hadn't slept well into the next morning, because it was only two in the morning. A quick glance at the door confirmed that. Raven slid out of bed, raising an eyebrow. "Where in the world could you have possibly gone at two in freaking morning…" Her normal monotone was back, and she was thankful for that. Normalcy was what she needed right now, before the baby realized she was awake.

It'd taken her a few minutes to track Starfire's location, and a generous walk to what appeared to be some docks, but any upset that had started in her stomach had been quelled upon seeing Starfire sitting at the very edge of the docks. I get it, Baby, you like Starfire. I do too, that's why we keep her around. "Couldn't sleep?"

If Starfire was startled by her sudden company, she didn't show it. "No, I am afraid I could not."

Raven took a seat next to her. "Wanna talk about it?"

Starfire sighed, swinging her legs limply over the side of the dock, tips of her shoes brushing the edge of the water, creating ripples where she moved. Raven dangled her legs over the side in solidarity, though her own were far too short to reach the tides below. "I used to think Robin and I were destined to be together…"

"I know the feeling."

"I just-" Starfire grinded her teeth, and in the light of the moon she could see the glossy finish of her eyes "I do not understand why Robin would commit the act of infidelity! He has always been the stickler and the strict follower of the rules, and that is the biggest of them all!"

Raven shrugged. "Well Star, sometimes we're wrong about people. Sometimes we trust them more than we should. It's part of being human."

"But I am not human." Starfire looked at her, glassy eyes filled with defiance, but desperation despite the instinct. "Raven, you can feel the emotions of others, can you not? Did Robin…" She glanced back down at the water, the way her boots graced the small waves "...Did Robin ever truly love me?"

Raven sighed. "I couldn't tell you, Star. He made me promise to never use my abilities on him, and I never saw much of a reason to," until now. Starfire whimpered, pulling her legs up with her arms, digging her chin into the crook between her knees. Raven's heart broke for the second time that day, watching her process, fully, what Robin had done. "Do you think he did?"

"...I do not think so, and I am starting to fear that I am correct."

Raven wasn't much for physical affection, and maybe it was the baby (which she'd blame it on later), or maybe it was the three months of confinement to close quarters with the most physically affectionate alien on the planet, but she wrapped an arm around Starfire and pulled her into an awkward side-hug. "There, uh, there…" she tried to comfort her. If Starfire was put off, once again, she didn't show it, must have been a pretty good actress. She turned her head into Raven's shoulder and cried.

They sat there for awhile, Raven wasn't sure how long. The moon had inched further into the sky, the sounds of cars nearby came and went, men on their way home to their families, children on their way home for the summer. These were things the two of them may never have. Starfire's tears had ceased, her breathing had returned to normal, but the comfort of their embrace far outlasted the original empathetic purpose. They both needed it, support. They could not find it where it should have been, and would not find it elsewhere, so they would work with what they had as they always have.

"Aw, am I interrupting something?"

How had she not felt him? Raven and Starfire pulled away, whipping to find a shadow standing atop the warehouse behind them. There was a cape they could make out, confidence (borderline narcissism), humor in his stance. They both blinked and stood. Starfire used the adrenaline spike to call on a starbolt, and held it up in the air with the hopes they could see the intruder better. It made no difference.

He laughed. "Don't recognize me? Can't tell by my voice?" He leaped from the roof in a surprising display of acrobatics, landing a few feet before them without so much as a grunt. They both went to take a step back, only to feel their heels edging off of the side of the dock. They glanced back to the waters, once calming before, now cold and beckoning. "Now now, ladies, don't go taking a dip just yet." Starfire raised the bolt higher, in warning. He took it in stride. One shadowed hand raised an amulet, red and glittering in the moonlight, round and regal from the gold chain it hung from. "You've gotta make an attempt to beat this off me, don't ya?"

Only a foot away then, and Red X was still moving closer.

#Teen Titans #Robstar #BBrae #Robin #Starfire #Raven #Beast Boy #Cyborg #Terra #Barbara Gordon

[dfroza]

A True story of Light and eternal Love:

“Know this, dear brothers and sisters: the good news I brought to you isn’t the latest in fiction or the product of some creative mind. It is not a legend I learned or one that has been passed down from person to person, ear to ear. I was gifted with this message as Jesus the Anointed revealed Himself miraculously to me.”

A set of lines from Today’s reading of the Scriptures in the New Testament Letter of Galatians (chapter 1:11-12 in The Voice)

with the whole first chapter in The Message:

I, Paul, and my companions in faith here, send greetings to the Galatian churches. My authority for writing to you does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through the appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from Jesus the Messiah and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. I’m God-commissioned. So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue. Glory to God forever! Oh, yes!

I can’t believe how you waver—how easily you have turned traitor to him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing an alternative message! It is not a minor variation, you know; it is completely other, an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God. Those who are provoking this agitation among you are turning the Message of Christ on its head. Let me be blunt: If one of us—even if an angel from heaven!—were to preach something other than what we preached originally, let him be cursed. I said it once; I’ll say it again: If anyone, regardless of reputation or credentials, preaches something other than what you received originally, let him be cursed.

Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or court favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.

I’m sure that you’ve heard the story of my earlier life when I lived in the Jewish way. In those days I went all out in persecuting God’s church. I was systematically destroying it. I was so enthusiastic about the traditions of my ancestors that I advanced head and shoulders above my peers in my career. Even then God had his eye on me. Why, when I was still in my mother’s womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity! Now he has intervened and revealed his Son to me so that I might joyfully tell non-Jews about him.

Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus, but it was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter. I was there only fifteen days—but what days they were! Except for our Master’s brother James, I saw no other apostles. (I’m telling you the absolute truth in this.)

Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia. After all that time and activity I was still unknown by face among the Christian churches in Judea. There was only this report: “That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy.” Their response was to recognize and worship God because of me!

The Letter of Galatians, Chapter 1 (The Message)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 65th chapter of the book (scroll) of Isaiah that points to the creation of new heavens and a new earth and forgetting what is past (tense):

Eternal One: I was ready and willing to help before anyone even asked.

I was found by people who did not seek Me;

I showed My face and said, “Here I am! I am right here!”

to a nation which did not call on Me.

I kept extending Myself to a people who don’t care a whit.

All day long I opened my hands to those who constantly work against Me,

Those busy pursuing their own rotten path, inspired by their own rotten schemes.

These people continue to insult Me, right to My face,

pursuing other gods, sacrificing in gardens

And offering incense on altars made of bricks.

They sit among the graves and spend their nights in secret rituals;

they eat the flesh of pigs and pollute their pots with unclean meats.

They have the gall to say, “Oooh, not so close! I am holier than you!”

These unholy people are smoke in My nostrils,

A fire that burns and burns all day.

Look and see what stands written before Me:

“I will not remain silent and watch this disgrace;

But I will pay them back for what they have done.

I will pour their pay directly into their laps.

They will pay for their sins and the sins of their parents too.

For they turned to other gods, burned incense on the mountains

And insulted Me on the hillsides.

I will bring everything they deserve back to them, to their very core.”

This is what the Eternal has to say:

Eternal One: It’s like noticing the promise of new wine in a cluster of grapes.

One will say, “Don’t destroy them all; some of them are bound to be good.”

So for the sake of My servants,

I won’t destroy absolutely everyone.

But I will bring up children from Jacob’s line to inherit this land.

To Jacob’s son Judah I will give My mountains.

These, My chosen ones, will inherit it;

these, My servants, will live there and call it home.

From the plains of Sharon to the valley of Achor,

My people—who look to Me and no other—

Will have pasture for their sheep

and safe places for their herds.

But those of you who ignore Me, the Eternal One—

who turn away from My sanctuaries

And reject My holy mountain

to chase Lady Luck and cater to Destiny—

Will find yourselves a bit unlucky and your destiny an early death.

You’ll bow down and be killed like sheep brought to the slaughter

Because when I called you, you did not answer;

when I spoke, you refused to listen.

Instead you did all the wrong things and made terrible choices—

what I expressly said that I hate.

So this is what the Lord, the Eternal, has to say:

Eternal One: My servants will eat and eat well, while you go hungry;

My servants will drink and be satisfied, while you are parched with thirst;

My servants will celebrate with joy, while you are put to shame.

My servants will sing with gladness in their hearts,

While you cry out in anguish and despair and bemoan your brokenness.

And when you are gone, your name will become a curse—

a repugnant byword—to My chosen people;

The Eternal God will put you to death

and call His servants by a new name altogether.

Whoever speaks a blessing in this special land

will invoke the God of truth;

Whoever takes a vow in the land of promise

will make his pledge by the God of truth.

For the bitterness and pain of earlier times will nevermore come to mind;

they’ll be hidden even from My eyes, God says.

Eternal One: Now look here!

I am creating new heavens and a new earth.

The weary and painful past will be as if it never happened.

No one will talk or even think about it anymore.

So take joy and celebrate with unending gladness

on account of what I am creating.

Look carefully! I am making this place I’ve chosen, this Jerusalem, a city of joy.

I’m making her citizens, My people, a people of gladness.

This Jerusalem, My pride and joy, and her people will be a delight to Me.

Though you listen at every corner,

You will never hear crying, never hear despair or grief.

Never again will a person not live a full life,

for the young will live to be a hundred

And any who die earlier will be considered cursed.

People will confidently build houses and make them their homes;

they will plant vineyards and enjoy their fruit for years to come.

They won’t worry that someone else will come along, drive them out,

and take it all away.

For My people will live as long as these age-old trees;

My chosen will use up and wear out whatever they make.

They will not work hard for what others take away;

they will not lose children to sudden terror and death.

For they are the offspring of those blessed by the Eternal;

they and their descendants will enjoy God’s blessings.

I’ll anticipate their prayers and respond before they know it;

even as they speak, I will hear.

But they’ll all eat together like friends—wolf and lamb, lion and ox,

and the biting snake will feed on dust.

When that day arrives, there will be no evil, no violence, no hurt or wrong

in all My sacred mountain.

The Book (Scroll) of Isaiah, Chapter 65 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Thursday, August 12 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A set of posts by John Parsons that looks at humility and turning the heart to God for healing:

The advent of the “Season of Teshuvah” reminds us that we all fail, that we all are broken people, and that errors and mistakes are part of our daily spiritual life... We journey toward humility rather than struggle for perfection; we confess our need for forgiveness and seek reconciliation with all those we might have harmed... During this season it is common enough to hear messages about our need to turn and draw near to God for life, but it is equally important to remember that God turns and draws near to the brokenhearted for consolation. As it is said, the Lord is near to the nishbar lev (נִשְׁבָּר לֵב), the one with a broken and crushed heart (Psalm 51:17).

Brokenness is the means through which God performs some of His deepest work within our hearts. A.W. Tozer once said, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." Likewise Alan Redpath once wrote, "When God wants to do an impossible task, he takes an impossible individual – and crushes him." William James called this deep work of the spiritual life Zerrissenheit, a term that roughly can be translated as "torn-to-pieces-hood," or a state of being utterly broken and in disarray... The brokenhearted live in day-to-day dependence upon God for the miracle... [Hebrew for Christians]

Perhaps you (like me) once learned Psalm 19:7 as, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul." However, the Hebrew text might better be translated as, "The instruction (i.e., Torah) of the LORD is perfect, returning the soul." This is the message of teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה), or "repentance," of course. We turn away from ourselves to discover that only the love of God given in Yeshua gives life to our dead hearts (Mark 1:15). Teshuvah is therefore first of all a matter of faith, of trusting in the miracle of God. And though it is indeed a great gift from heaven, it requires that we pass through the "narrow gate" of humility by confessing the truth about who we are (Matt. 7:13). We turn away from our pride; we acknowledge our inner poverty, our neediness, and we mourn over the loss and hurt caused by our sin. Teshuvah turns us away from our attempts to defend or justify ourselves and instead turns to God to heal our separation from love (Rom. 8:3-4). The miracle of love buries our old nature and transforms us into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). [Hebrew for Christians]

8.11.21 • Facebook

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

August 12, 2021

God Our Savior

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.” (Titus 3:4)

Six times in the pastoral epistles Paul refers to God (evidently meaning the Father) as our Savior (1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4). Usually, however, he and the other New Testament writers identify Jesus Christ as our Savior. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, for example). In the same fashion, Paul relates that his commission to preach the gospel came from “God our Saviour” (Titus 1:3), while elsewhere he says his commission came “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).

Is this a contradiction? No! In fact, references to God as our Savior should not surprise us, for it is found in numerous places in the Old Testament. (See, for example, Psalm 106:21.) Furthermore, our understanding of the Trinity insists that all three persons of the Godhead are One in God. Of course, Christ made many references to the fact that He was not acting on His own but came to do “the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). Paul himself seemed to be comfortable with this seeming overlap, for in one sentence he wrote, “God our Saviour;...Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 1:3-4). Such usages further confirm also that Jesus is God.

While Christ was the primary instrument of salvation as the perfect sacrifice for sin, God the Father is the source of all human salvation, and the application of the title Savior to Him is proper. Indeed, we derive great comfort as we see the role of all three Persons of the Godhead involved in our salvation.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). JDM

[elfcow]

Payoffs in RWBY

RWBY uses payoffs in some pretty spectacular and clever ways, epecially considering its humble beginnings (in budget and team size; it was always grand in scope and ambition). And as we head into vol. 5, the middle of the presumed second 3-volume arc, I’m curious about what payoffs we will see.

Sometimes payoffs in RWBY are simple, and even predictable. These are no less satisfying in their predictability; the payoff comes from the anticipation, and the satisfaction of seeing the show follow through on potential. These kinds of payoffs include the Nevermore fight, the early vol. 3 tournament fights, the use of lockers in the battle of beacon, Blake’s humbling of Roman in vol. 2, and others. These types of payoffs set up the potential by laying out the powers and potential for synergies or matchups early on, and then using them in creative and visceral ways soon after. Other payoffs are unexpected, either by their suddenness, their subtlety, or the extent of the long play that produced them. This includes Blake being White Fang, Pyrrha vs. Penny, Pyrrha’s destiny, SILVER EYES, Salem, Raven, and team STRQ reveals in general. These kinds of reveals are understandable in hindsight, but hard to predict originally. Silver eyes, for example, was introduced in the first episode, and hinted at visually through season openers and the continued emphasis of the importance of eyes in RWBY (which is a post for another day), and in little hints that can only be seen in retrospect (the opening of vol. 3 chp. 1, the silver medal joke, etc.).

Keeping this in mind, what kind of payoffs are we expecting in the next few RWBY volumes? Which ones are we confused about?

The two that I am most confused about definitely fall into the unexpected, or long play category. Oscar/Ozpin, Cinder’s condition, and Ruby’s advanced vol. 4 semblance are confusing to me. Let’s look at them one at a time.

Cinder’s condition is pretty straightforward: some of it is just unknown, but it’s clearly a holistic problem; she is mentally, emotionally, and physically blocked, and it took an entire volume for Salem to start making progress on helping her (and she needed Emerald to do it, which only reinforces the fact that Cinder NEEDS others to help her, as much as she hates to admit it). Her problem is definitely tied into her defeat at Ruby’s hands, and possibly into her acquisition of the Maiden’s powers. I doubt we’ll see much of her at all in Vol. 5, except for maybe a scene in the finale denouement where she regains her full power to hype up vol. 6 or something.

Ruby’s semblance advancement and Oscar’s existence make no sense in vol. 4, at least not yet; their existence is a long con. You could have removed the either from vol. 4 and it would have changed nothing. Ruby’s new level of control lets her fly, change direction, and dodge better than ever. And yet she hardly uses it in vol. 4! It helps her win the fight against the geist, and that’s it. She doesn’t use it at all against Tyrian, either because he pressured her too hard or because the Aura cost was too high in her mind. And although she used it against the Nucklevee, her standard acrobatics with Crescent Rose were more than sufficient. So why advance her semblance so far at all? I’m expecting a big payoff in terms of application in the next two volumes, where she is able to actually make a difference with her speed. Or even some specific situation just for her semblance, like how the lockers were originally conceived for breaking Arkos hearts.

Oscar could be removed from vol. 4 and it would change almost nothing. His existence gives a little bit of hope, and it gives hope to the audience for some much-needed exposition in vol. 5, but other than that he does nothing. In fact, if he were removed, the emotional impact of the Magnificent Seven’s journey would be heightened, since there is less hope for our heroes’ success. So once again, I’m expecting something significant to go down the next two volumes, something unexpected. There’s a lot of stuff in the first four volumes that seems to still make no sense. But if you remember, the vol. 3 finale made SO MUCH clear to us, and had so many payoffs that it broke the internet for a bit. So fear not; in Remnant, nothing happens without a reason. 

#rwby #ruby rose #cinder fall #oscar pine #ozpin #rambling

[setsunatama3]

chapter 21: a glimpse into the past

An/ for those who care I Am doing well and things are working out at my new job. i also hope that you all are doing well and staying safe during this covid-19 pandemic. don't forget to wash your hands and practice social follow me on twitter for any updates.

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Chapter 21: a glimpse into the past

When the world before the two faded to black. Cinder did not know what to expect.

Then it slowly came back into focus. Then the two were underground, looking at a blonde man that could only be Naruto's father. Aided by a pair of medics help a heavily pregnant woman with locks of crimson like blood.

They were at the woman's feet, aiding in the delivery. While the man had his hands over her stomach.

"This is where my story begins, but to understand what is about to happen, then you need a bit of background information," Naruto said with almost a dead tone.

Naruto knew that to explain what was to happen, then she needed to truly understand his people.

The people froze as Naruto began his explanation. "Unlike in remnant, the world I come from is one without the creatures of Grimm. One forged in the blood and violence. My people called ourselves Shinobi. And at the beginning of our history, there was a woman who came from the skies. And for a time, she lived with the people of the land. In the era before Shinobi."

As he continued his tale. A rift opened in front of them, giving Cinder a glimpse of what was going on.

She had witnessed the woman claim the power of the shinju to end wars and bring peace. Have two children. Who would be named Hagoromo and Hamura. And as the two grew, she watched as their mother slowly went mad. And her subsequent sealing as the Jūbi.

The next memory she saw was of the boy now an old man. Hagoromo separates the power of the Jūbi into nine separate beings of transcendent power. Calling his creations Bijū. And soon, he died, leaving his clan to his youngest son, Ashura. This one act would anger his eldest Indra. And spark a bloody conflict that would span generations.

She witnessed the founding of his village by two men, once boys and enemies. One from the line of Ashura by the name of Hashirama. The other, a man from Indra's lineage by the name of Madara.

Then the climactic battle between the two that would create the first Jinchūriki. After that battle, time moved on, and they too witnessed more of his history, the first, second, and third shinobi world wars.

She shuddered at witnessing destruction and devastation on a scale that only hoards of Grimm had produced until recently. Then she saw the havoc a person with the title of Kage could wreak upon their enemies. As that same blonde man slaughtered an entire battlefield of enemy Shinobi, killing at least a thousand shinobi.

Then, like it was never there, the rift closed, and the scene resumed. As Cinder watched as the woman she now knew to be Kushina, delivered her baby, and her husband Minato managed to keep the glowing red seal on her abdomen closed.

Cinder briefly looked at the fox in Naruto's lap, now knowing just what it was. And what it meant for the people they were watching. When the first body fell to the floor and Minato pleaded for the life of his son. Only for the masked man to throw the infant into the air. It was only the beginning, she knew. As the night played out and the tragedy of Naruto's birth that night ended with half of his home destroyed by the very being he held within himself. And the death of his parents. Kurama's sealing making him a Jinchūriki and thus a weapon for his village.

Her only solace was because of the man who took over for Naruto's father. Was the third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The year's speed by as Cinder listened to his tale of isolation and discrimination. That shaped Naruto into the man she was sitting next to. A man that swore to never give up or go back on his word. Despite his many disadvantages, she watched as he eked out victories. Even if sometimes he failed, he always got back up.

Witnessing his first mission was rather funny. So much Cinder giggled a bit.

"You know I did not think the great Naruto Uzumaki would have been bested by a cat." Cinder teased.

"That goddamned cat is still alive, you know..." Naruto snarked

...

...

...

"How?"

"Sheer determination and rage."

Cinder blinked blankly and turned back to watch as he went on his first C-rank mission. And the utter nightmare that was fighting Zabuza Momochi. Then the sad death of who they had thought was an enemy. Haku, the girl who had been Zabuza's partner. She had sacrificed herself to save Zabuza. Who died soon after her. That was where Naruto learned what it truly meant to be a shinobi. And the code he lived his life by.

Time sped up once more as she witnessed the chunin exams. The journey into the forest of death. The chunin exam finals.

And so many more points in his past until it came to the most prominent period in his life. The second battle with the man that would be his best friend.

It was more a battle of ideas than anything else, and in the end, the two young men ended the fight with Naruto as the victor. And there was peace for a time he grew older, yet it did not last. It was then the Shinobi before her was made.

It was during a battle that had ravaged the village. And to win, they paid a price. And the price was a steep one.

To restore Naruto to his prime. Now whole and with the chakras of Indra and Ashura within him, it was a simple matter to best those enemies. But it came with a cost.

Immortality had set him apart from everyone, yet he was not the only one with this gift. Not long after, they won the battle. And with his daughter, who lay dying, knowing of only one way to save her with the last of his chakra, he restored her aided by Naruto. Thus making the second immortal.

It was ironic that the actions taken would mark the slow decline of the shinobi era. And the dawn of the use of ninja-tech.

As the years passed them by Cinder came across the moment in time that would mark the end of his time in his own world.

With a flash of light, they were back in the shrine, sitting next to a tree.

"So, now you know everything about me," Naruto said.

"Yes, and now it's my turn." Cinder said, now getting the hang of how this world works.

]|[

Concentrating on her earliest memories, the world slowly faded around them.

"My name is Cinder Fall. I know it was not the name I was given at birth, but it is the one thing that I can claim I chose for myself ever since I set out on this path. And this is my story."

As the world came into focus, they looked upon a moonlit sky in a settlement outside of the protection of the kingdoms.

"The earliest memory that I can remember is of my mother and I gazing at the moon outside of our home. I also know that while we were not wealthy, I know we did not need money. Even if my mother did not work."

As the pair sat and watched Cinder's mother and her younger self gaze at the moon In the comfort of her home.

"What I remember most about my mother is her crimson locks with hints of black at the tips and soft amber eyes. Her eyes were so bright they seemed to glow in the dark. And her name, her name is something I cherish above all else, Cristel, that was her name." Cinder said as the scenes began to pick up in pace. As the sands of time rapidly flowed ever forwards.

"For years in this little town of Gaoling. Life was so peaceful that even if my father had to work far, far away, we were still happy. At least until the Grimm came."

As time slowed to a particular day, Cinder continued her tale. Even as tears flowed.

"It was a hot summer day when they came.it was why I remember I wore my favorite summer dress. I remember it being especially hot, and the first signs that something was wrong was the sudden quiet that filled the air. Unlike a normal day, there was no background noise that you would expect. No birds, no insects, and the animals were acting restless. Then, from the forest, they came in droves. In a matter of minutes, the Grimm swarmed the village. Killing everything they came across. I remember running panicked home as fast as I could."

During the pandemonium, the younger Cinder ran as fast as she could home. Holding on to the small hope that her mother was at least safe.

Unfortunately, by the time she had made it home, the house was on fire. She collapsed in front of the burning house. Tears flowing down her cheeks from despair. Not noticing the Beowulf stalking up behind her.

It raised its claws high into the air. Letting out a menacing growl as it prepared to maul the small girl to death as she turned her head to face it.

To her shock, a fist burst through its chest. And it flung the beast into a pack of its fellows where it exploded into dust. Its life force extinguished. Her mother, Cristel, had just dispatched the Grimm.

To her great shock, her mother quickly scooped her up and ran. Unfortunately, this had caught the attention of the more avian of the Grimm.

As a large Nevermore shot its barb-like feathers in their direction. Pinning them down as more came at them. A feather struck her mother in the back, and to her amazement, it merely bounced off her now blackened skin as she ran clutching her child.

Naruto observed the fall of this city. The struggle of Cinder's mother knowing that with the child in her arms, it was only a matter of time before the end.

"It was only a matter of time, and the Grimm seemed driven. To kill the two of us, no matter what my mother did. She fought her way with me in tow for six hours, trying to make our way out of the city. We headed to the northern gate. As more and more of the monsters flooded into the city. Eventually, exhausted and with her aura fading, we came across a drake."

It was a massive bipedal grim with a lizard-like appearance. Rows of razor-sharp teeth and claws.

Cristel set the young girl down as her hands turned black. Determined to make this a quick fight against this beast. As she rushed in, her foe charged her as well with a roar of its own. It lunged at her neck only to be met with a fist of diamond-like quality. As she bashed away, its maw with strength belying her frame. She traded blows with the creature, and just as she was about to subdue it, a shot rang out.

Blood pooled from her torso as the Grimm did not hesitate to latch onto her arm. About to rip into her with its claws.it only paused in this action as someone called out. "wait!"

A young man with dark skin and glowing red eyes stepped from the shadows.

Oddly, he pulled out a scroll and nodded his head, pocketing the device. He withdrew his gun and shot the pinned woman repeatedly.

Hidden and watching the scene, Cinder saw red. Letting out a scream of agony and despair, her powers were let loose for the first time, and I turned the city of Gaoling into a tomb as the very earth responded to my chaotic will.

"The next thing I knew, I woke up with Salem. I was told I was the only survivor. Nothing other than me made it out of Gaoling alive. It was the only solace I could take. The next few years were a fuzzy blur. But what I know is that I found a new purpose to live. Even if I knew nothing else, I knew her enemies were mine..." Cinder trailed off as they were taken back to the shrine, her story done.

It was something that struck Naruto as strange because of this loyalty to the very woman who could control Grimm. Naruto felt it odd she was not hiding anything or lying, that much he could tell. "Cinder, if you'll let me, I would like to check something out."

With a nod of approval, Naruto deepened their current bond using his chakra. And he delved deep into her mind and her very soul.

The moment their bond was deepened, he knew that there was something wrong. He was getting flashes of repressed memories.

A sense of deep-rooted fear and pain. A man with red eyes and a sadistic smile. Then he found a block on her power that acted similarly to a suppression seal.

It was forged with an ancient old power. Not only did it act to stem Cinder's abilities, but it also served as an anchor for the fall maiden power.

Through the bond, Naruto could feel her shock and horror. He made his best effort to send positive emotions through the link. Along with his intent to remove this barrier.

He knew it was doing more than just blocking her power; it was likely manipulating her.

With a careful application of his chakra to form a counter seal of his own. Naruto began the tiring process of overlaying his seal over the existing one.

As he was laying out his own seal, Naruto had to remark that it was odd. Whoever placed this seal on the girl to have gone through all that trouble. Just to let her die.

Once his work was finished, he primed his seal and watched as the seal slowly broke down before his eyes.

And as the world around them faded. The maiden power Naruto had been trying to absorb all this time was finally freed. With the seal anchoring the power no longer functioning, it responded to Cinder's will as she let it go.

]|[

After making it back to Beacon, Sarada knew she was not looking forward to all the questions. All she wanted to do was shower and go to sleep. However, the Headmaster was waiting for them at the airship docks with a somewhat miffed Naruto clone at his side.

Taking a sip of his coffee, Ozpin let a smile grace his face.

"I see that you all have had a rather eventful night. So I will keep this brief. For your extracurricular activities, I expect a detailed after-action report and an incident report from each of you. On my desk by tomorrow evening." Ozpin said.

With a few groans of disapproval and sighs, the girls let out a chorus of, "yes, sir."

The group then made their way to their dorms as the Headmaster headed back to his office with Glinda in tow.

His aloof air of the Headmaster of beacon only faded once he and Glynda had entered his office. Pulling out his scroll and placing it on the console in his desk, he pulled up a video of the docks in question.

As it appeared on the screens in front of the pair, Glynda spoke up.

"So, what do you think?"

Taking a sip of his ever-present coffee, Ozpin pondered that exact question. As he watched, the mystery fighters wielded the elements as if they were maidens. It was troubling if these masked huntsmen were with Salem. Even if the four differently dressed masked figures. Where clearly against the lone warrior. For the first time in a long time, he was at a loss on what to do next.

"I don't know. I will let the others know. But I think we will have to see how this plays out..."

It was rather easy for the Naruto clone and Sarada to make a pair of shadow clones and slip away.

After making their way to Naruto's room, Sarada immediately locked down the hall.

Rubbing his head in frustration, Naruto let out a sigh. Before relaying his message. "Well, the boss is pissed. Whoever these people are. They are apparently Shinobi, who bear the crest of the Uzumaki."

It came to no surprise when Sarada heard about Naruto's current temperament. It was rare that he ever got mad. And it was likely that it was the interference from the Shinobi that angered him.

"I see, I had a bit of a problem on my end," Sarada said as she paced the room. "Whoever I was fighting, they were definitely not recruits, and they coated their weapons in a poison that reacted with the venom they injected me with. I would hate to think of what would happen if that had happened to anyone else. From the symptoms I experienced it acted like a paralytic with all the properties of an anticoagulant and neurotoxin. I would like to bet it also suppressed a person's aura."

Despite her speculations, they both knew it paled compared to the Anbu Naruto faced. Even if it was information that had to be noted.

"Right, I will dispel and let the boss know we will let you know if anything happens." the clone said.

With a puff of smoke, it was gone, and Sarada slipped out of his room and seamlessly rejoined her friends.

]|[

Soaring through the air, Raven watched the Uzu Anbu race across the rooftops. Knowing that they let her trail them until they made it to a small commercial building.

They waited there on the roof. It was apparent who the Anbu were waiting for. As raven made her landing. Shifting into a human form, she approached the group with a bit of caution.

"Well?" raven asked.

With a sigh, Bakeneko took the lead. "Well, you were right, and we will hold up our end."

With a single ram seal and a pulse of chakra, she freed Raven of her seal.

Without hesitation, Raven turned and opened a portal to leave.

With their deal with the Brawen leader done, they left for their safe house.

Once inside, a message popped up on Bakeneko's scroll.

~tenko: report.~

~bakeneko: mission successful, left a detailed description and sample in a dead drop."

~tenko: understood. Begin the next phase of the mission.~

~bakeneko: understood.~

end notes/ i hope everyone liked this chapter and dont forget to follow me on twitter. if you like my work please feel free to donate to me on (p) atreon. don't forget to drop a reveiw favorate and follow.And follow me on twitter for any updates.don't forget to check me out on twitter at /setsunatama3 for any announcements from now on.notice i also post on the following sitesWattpadd at 773701195-the-maelstrom-of-remnant-chapter-one-exilearchive of our own at /works/20596958?view_full_work=truedeviant art at: setsunatama3/galleryat: s/13280840/1/the-Maelstrom-of-remnanttumblr at blog/setsunatama3ficwad at /story/279918