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shi-daisy · 3 years

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The Phoenix and the Dragon

Yet again we've arrived at Ulquihime week! Gotta confess I'm not much of a Christmas person but I do look forward to December for my OTP week. Everyone puts so much love and effort into their entries that it's hard not to be excited. Okay so today's theme is Crossover and I wanted to pick something that wasn't likely to be repeated by someone else, so leave it to my nostalgic mind to go 'What about a Winx Club crossover?' Thus here we are! This little one-shot is based on one of my fave childhood shows and one of the first villain ships I ever had. (Yes, my 10-year-old self hardcore shipped Darkar & Bloom) 😅 Hope you like it! (Spoilers for some aspects of season 2 of Winx Club. I'm taking from the 4kids version of the show and Nickelodeon special btw. And some mild spoilers for the second movie.)

Also for those who do know the winx cast and want to know who is who in the crossover here it is.

Orihime- Bloom

Ulquiorra- Darkar/Avalon

Tatsuki- Stella

Shizuka- Layla

Ichigo- Prince Sky

Isshin- Errendor

Sora- Daphne

Unohana- Faragonda

Okay now that's all set, here's the fic!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 1 Crossover

The Phoenix and the Dragon

Orihime awoke in a dimly lit room. She didn't remember much, just going into Professor Schiffer's office and then...'And then he changed and turned into the Phoenix.'

"I can sense you. Just come out of the shadows already." She muttered.

Ulquiorra obliged, no longer looking like a human but in his true form as the Shadow Phoenix.

To her he didn't look much different, his skin was paler but his other features remained the same. He had large dark wings and a tail, along with tear markings.

"I should've known it was you. We get warmed about a Shadow Phoenix and next thing we know a new professor shows up at our school."

He chuckled. "Yes well, that didn't occur to you as we bonded, Ms. Inoue."

She lowered her head in shame. Since Ulquiorra arrived at Alfea he had become her favorite teacher, and even offered to teach her about her home kingdom, Sparx, which had been destroyed when she was just a baby.

"Is that why you brought me here? To taunt me?!"

"No, darling. I have other plans for you. Or should I say us?"

"I'll never collaborate with you!"

"You say that now, but you might change your mind after I explain my plans to you."

She frowned, but at the moment there was nothing she could do. Orihime sighed. "Fine. I suppose I can listen to you for a while."

"I appreciate it. First I must ask you something. What do you know about me, Orihime Inoue? Who do you think I am?"

"Headmistress Retsu told us you were once human. That you came to the underealm to try and find the shadow fire, but that it's power consumed you and that now you're seeking to take over the magic universe.

I also know that you came to our school and posed as a professor until now..."

"The headmistress is a wise woman, studious too since she appears to know my origins well, the one commonly excepted that is."

"What do you mean?"

"Indeed, I was once human, that I came here to study the Shadow Fire, but it's power didn't overtake me. For you see, I willingly submitted to it. I'm the one in control, always have been. And while I do wish to take over the magic dimension it is not for my own gain."

"Why else would you want to take over?"

"I want this dimension to change. I want to tear down the structures that bind its kingdoms. I've wanted that since I was a human.

You see, darling, the structures of this dimension are so very ancient and so very obsolete. The squabbles between kingdoms have led to so much war, to destruction, to sadness... Just look at what happened to Sparx."

"My kingdom was destroyed by the ancient witches. Not by war."

"You're right, but your kingdom had a close ally. An ally that should've saved you from the witches, yet instead bargained to have them take your kingdom and spare them. The king of Eraklyon made said bargain."

Orihime grew dizzy. 'No, no it can't be! Ichigo's father wouldn't do that! This is a lie!"

"You think I'm lying, don't you?"

"Of course you're lying! King Isshin wouldn't do that, neither would Ichigo!"

"Analyze the situation, darling. Eraklyon was your closest ally, and yet they didn't suffer any damage as Sparx was destroyed. Your parents vanished, your brother died saving you, your planet is now an icy wasteland. Yet Eraklyon stands as the richest land in Magix. As for your little prince, he was merely a child when this took place, but I don't doubt he'd keep it a secret from you, he has done so before."

Orihime felt as if her skin was catching fire. She hated to be reminded of that lie, to think back when Ichigo had hidden his royal lineage and engagement to a princess. She'd forgiven him, of course, and they were a couple once again, but deep inside she still distrusted him. And a part of her did think Ulquorra's words were true.

'Maybe that's why his father disapproved of us. Not because I'm a princess of a destroyed kingdom, but because my kingdom's destruction was partly his fault...'

"You see, darling. That's only one example of plenty I can give you. All of these realms need someone truly wise to rule them."

"Even if I believed you, that doesn't mean I'll join you. I don't want to kill anyone."

"Who said anything about killing? There are plenty of ways to dethrone a ruler. That's what I crave to do darling. Imagine it, a dimension without destroyed kingdoms, without arranged marriages, without squabbles for the throne. We'd be the only rulers, the royals would be our regents, they'd have to abide by what we demand."

Ulquiorra's eyes glowed green as he spoke. She had seen him like that before in his humanoid form. His eyes always sparkled as he thought her class about History and asked them to be part of the change.

"Ulquiorra, I think it's wonderful that you're trying to make the universe better, but I fail to see why would want me to join you. I'm no leader."

Orihime felt Ulquiorra's cold hand gently lift her chin. "Orihime, you're the only person I've ever met worthy of wearing such a crown.

The reason I posed as a teacher at Alfea wasn't to further my plans, or to steal the codex but to observe you. In just a few months you made such great progress that I couldn't help but be convinced you were worthy of sharing my crown, of carrying the dragon flame, of ruling over Magix.

You came from Earth yet quickly adapted to this dimension, to its power and its costumes. You're kind, fierce, strong, I couldn't ask for a better queen."

He noticed Orihime's pale skin turn bright red, and her sliver eyes grow misty. "No one's ever really praised me like that. Thank you."

He smirked. "I'll be sure to do so more often in the future then."

With a snap of Ulquiorra's fingers, her bounds disappeared. Orihime stood up, directly facing Ulquiorra.

He took her hands in his and directly stared into her eyes, silver meeting emerald. "Orihime Inoue, will you join me in my quest to bring peace and order to the magic dimension?"

It wasn't easy, she didn't want to leave her friends, her school, or even Ichigo. Even after what she learned it felt wrong to vanish without a word.

'But it must be done. Tatsuki-chan will be free to choose who she marries, Nemu-san won't be forced to follow the path her father wants for her, Shizuka-chan won't have to take the throne of the harmonic nebula...even Ichigo would now be free to make his own choices. This would be for the best.'

With a beautiful smile and newfound determination, Orihime finally responded. "Yes, I will."

"Then it is done, our power is now bound."

She could feel a surge of dark magic taking over, but it wasn't unpleasant. Her characteristic blue fae dress was now black and her fairy wings had turned grey. Orihime also noticed Ulquiorra's form slightly changed, his dark wings now had accents of green and he resembled his humanoid form a little more.

"It's the bond." He told her after noticing her confusion. "Light cannot exist without dark and vice versa. As such my darkness had to take some of your light and your light had to take some of my darkness."

Shadow Fire & Dragon Fire were united at last. Orihime was certain that now she and Ulquiorra would be unstoppable. 'We'll fix everything soon.'

"What shall we do now?"

"Since I've acquired all the pieces of the codex, I was thinking we could go to the Relix dimension. Your parents might've vanished there after the destruction of Sparx."

"My parents...I never thought it'd be possible to reach them."

"It is, my darling. We'll bring them back and then return Sparx to its former glory. After that, we can finally reshape the magic dimension into what it should've been from the beginning."

For the first in a long while, Orihime felt like she was doing things right. It would take her friends some time to forgive her, but she knew in time she would join them again. 'I'm doing this for all of us. For me, and for him.'

She gently kissed Ulquiorra's cheek, he blushed at the gesture. "I was not expecting that."

"I'm still a little miffed at you for pretending to be a professor but if we're to be in harmony as rulers this is a good place to start."

"Then I guess I should do my part too."

Ulquiorra wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a passionate kiss. Orihime quickly blushed and playfully shoved him as he let go of her.

"Show off."

"Guilty as charged."

"Y'know, I remember seeing paintings back on earth with dragons and phoenixes together as a couple. Do you think that was a prediction?"

"It could be, after all, the most enduring romances are likely to echo through many universes."

#uhweek2020 #ulquihime #orihime x ulquiorra #Ulquiorra Schiffer #Orihime Inoue #Day 1: Crossover #Winx Crossover AU

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manuelclapid · 4 years

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June 7, 2020 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

This could be your first AsktheBuilder newsletter or it could be your 728th issue. If you’ve recently signed up, I welcome you. If you’re a subscriber in good standing, no matter how long you’ve been getting my missives, I’m glad you’re here too.

This is sort of a quirky issue. This week I’d like to share some random thoughts with you based on the requests for help I get at the Ask Tim page on AsktheBuilder.com.

But first, here’s this issue’s song. I love to listen to music while typing using the Dvorak method as I create this newsletter. CLICK or TAP HERE and enjoy this song with me. Get ready to Ooooo Ooooo Ooo Oooooo...

Treated Lumber Cracking

Two years ago, I started an experiment. I set out a short piece of treated 2x4 wood on a table on my deck. Over the past twenty-four months, it’s been in the direct sun and rain. It’s been covered with snow and ice, and scribbled on by my daughter while we played Yahtzee. BTW, if you want the dice to really jump around when you play Yahtzee, dump them in a clear 8x8 Pyrex glass pan that you might use for brownies. WOW, do the dice dance!

As part of the experiment, you should realize I didn’t seal this piece of treated wood. I wanted the wood to react to the elements so I could record an informative video that will save you lots of money and time.

CLICK or TAP HERE to watch this short video so you can PRESERVE your valuable treated lumber.

I’m willing to bet you three dark-chocolate Aglamesis pecandes that you discover something new about treated lumber and water that you didn’t know before. Are you willing to wager this sum? Will you make good on your debt if you lose?

The Fun Quiz!

Ask yourself what these things have in common:

wrestling

piece of lumber

special bow tie

vegetable

tuxedo trim

Probe your tiny gray cells and delight in discovering how intelligent you are, yet none of your friends but me give you credit! Rest assured that if you and I lived in the same house I’d duly note your intelligence but realize I’d also playfully rib you about your dopey mistakes. Yes, turnabout is fair play!

CLICK or TAP HERE NOW and be amazed!

Vickie’s Frustration

Just two days ago, Vickie stopped by the website. Here’s what she wrote:

“Hi, Tim,

We are researching adding a shed to our backyard in Columbus, Ohio. For the life of me, I can not find shed specifications - maximum size without a permit and how to site near property lines - set forth by the city. I've googled and googled and searched through city building and zoning code without luck. I've called and couldn't get anyone to answer. Any suggestions?”

I wonder how you’d answer this. Imagine Vickie building a shed something like this one near a rear property line:

My first reaction was that Vickie should be congratulated for trying her best to search out the information.

Here’s what she did right. She went online and tried to find the City of Columbus Zoning Code. I did too, and within twenty seconds I located the correct page that was the entry point to the zoning codes.

I then used the search feature and came back with some juicy results. I’m quite sure with a little digging, I’d come out with the needed information.

But where did Vickie go wrong? In my opinion, deciding to call the office in hopes of getting the needed information was a mistake.

My advice to her was to make an appointment and then get on a bus or drive down to the office and talk to a zoning official in person.

Why is it important to go in person to the zoning office? Riddle me this:

How much do you think your shed will weigh and how easy would it be to move? If you get incorrect verbal information and are challenged by a neighbor after your new shed is built, how are you going to move the shed to the correct location?

You get one chance to get it right. You don’t want to do it over.

I’d want to walk out of the office with copies showing in black and white exactly where the shed can go. Person-to-person contact can make all the difference.

Nina from South America

It’s always fun to get international requests for help. It happens more often than you might imagine.

Nina wrote to me:

“I live in a hot and humid country with a rainy season. Builders here do not flash windows, so when we built our house 5 years ago, our windows were not flashed. Our house was built with clay blocks and was then plastered with cement. The windows are single pane with an aluminum frame.

They were screwed into the concrete. When the rain falls, it goes from the windows down the walls. We’re not sure how to fix the problem

Most likely we would have to import any materials we would need, seeing how flashing of windows is not really done here. I am not a fan of liquid flashing, as all the liquid/silicone products (from reputed) brands I have used around the house do not hold up well in our climate (in merely a matter of months they start to peel, crack, ...).

What would our options be? Taking out the windows? And then?

Thank you in advance for your guidance!”

It just so happens that a few days before, I had put in a new outdoor hose bib here at my house.

I recorded a video of the process. The hose bib is mounted to a block that rests on the wall and the lap siding butts into it.

In many respects, it’s very much like a window.

I sent Nina to THIS PAGE and asked her to watch the video to get a handle on how I flashed the block. I don’t know that I’ve seen another video out there like this nor anyone else doing it this way.

Too many people rely on caulk as a remedy. That’s a huge mistake.

CLICK or TAP HERE and watch this video. I’m pretty convinced it will open your eyes to what you need to do or what you need to make sure your builder or remodeler does.

Pay CLOSE ATTENTION to the caption of the screenshot PHOTO that has two curved red arrows. Here it is so you recognize it once you are at the page:

As I was recording the video, I failed to notice a HUGE CLUE that I wish I would have talked about in the video!!! Look at what the red arrows point to. Engage your critical-thinking skills.

Epic Mudslide

My college major was geology and I graduated from the University of Cincinnati. You wouldn’t think that Cincinnati would be at the center of the geology vortex, but it is.

Two things are quite notable about Cincinnati:

It’s the world type section for Upper Ordovician stratigraphy and fossils. Geologists from across the world come to Cincinnati to study and collect fossils.

It has or used to have, the highest per-capita damage anywhere in the USA for landslides. California gets all the press from its dramatic mudslides, but the Kope and Lower Fairview formations in Cincinnati are far more destructive.

Would you like to see your house slide into the ocean or river? I didn’t think so.

Did you know you can AVOID buying a house that’s built in a danger zone? It’s not hard to do.

CLICK or TAP HERE and see what happened in Alta, Norway, a few days ago. It’s heart-sickening.

That’s enough for a Sunday, right?

Tim Carter Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com SOLD OUT BEST Cleaner! - www.StainSolver.com Talk With Strangers! - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. Tell me something. How would you make a RAPID repair of a BIG HOLE in drywall?

Would you do it this way? CLICK or TAP HERE.

The post June 7, 2020 AsktheBuilder Newsletter appeared first on Ask the Builder.

from Home https://www.askthebuilder.com/june-7-2020-askthebuilder-newsletter/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

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williamccreynolds · 4 years