Miles Morales: Spider-Man #17 - "Retribution" (2024)

written by Cody Ziglar art by Partha Pratim, Federico Sabbatini, & Bryan Valenza

From Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #017, “Retribution: Part 1”

Art by Partha Pratim, Federico Sabbatini and Bryan Valenza

Written by Cody Ziglar

Rocket Relationship Chart

(Without any canon characters, this time.)

Making this in an attempt to entice people to get Rocket the last few votes she needs in @sonic-oc-showdown, but also to let people over there know I have a lot more characters to talk about if they like Sonic and Sonic-adjacent OCs! If you liked Rocket, might as well come and meet some of her friends and enemies! And... whatever Mix counts as.

Rose…would you like assistance?

@ask-zephyr-ghoul

Yes please. Need someone to zip my dress. And to assure me that it looks good.

a list of c, k and z names I did for someone bc they are super cool (the names and the person ^^) you can switch the k for c's in some of these names!!

kip

kiz

kelio

kelp

konfetti

kennet

kenny

kartleo

zex

zexter

zennie

Zephyr

zeliphine

katzi

kwazii

kit

kitz

kam

cam

craw

corvid

caliber

casper

cemp

centos

kevvi

kitly

cordelia

coden

corden

confet

zendetta

kurtle

klutz

zpeckle

zisn

zylic

zylen

zelora

zylkey

zixian

zcrull

consetta

kick

zennoric

zenorian

zennie

zen

zack

zelph

zeke

zero

kel

kemper

keeper

core

cork

corkscrew

clay

cricket

celest

celestian

kross

Callahan

cry

kyrus

Cyprus

kei

kein

kain

zcout

kippit

kurt

kurtis

kurtline

ziggy

cy

zorion

kibble

kib

chai

krest

kym

kisst

kazu

krensh

churro

callem

cicada

kai

klinx

Killian

cano

canivet

calter

koji

zpring

chess

korbin

Korina

kolten

kort

zip

zippen

corduroy

zpinel

zines

zone

cedar

Calcite

kreed

crease

zexx

cellophane

cashew

zerus

cynbel

cynth

So, like... Am I the only one picking up on the pegasi potentially having Chinese parallels?

So me and my boyfriend were watching MLP TYT, and me being Chinese, for whatever reason, I kept thinking Zip was Chinese, and on occasion I felt it a bit in Pip and SOMETIMES Queen Haven, as if they gave off that kind of "Aura". Like a strange feeling in my stomach telling me to keep it at the back of my mind, and the next thing I knew? Episode 59 of tell your tale is a Lunar New Year special episode which takes place in Zephyr Heights. Queen Haven explains to us in the start of the episode that every ten years, "When the moon reaches its closest point to Equestria", they celebrate with a big festival called the "Moon Festival". And immediately, I'm laughing at my boyfriend for telling me that Zip and Pip were totally not Chinese, because this entire episode screamed it. From the music to the decorations laid out within Zephyr Heights, it was very clearly drawing parallels to the Lunar New Year and Chinese culture. Anyways, I headcanon that Pegasi in Gen 5 are Chinese coded or something, and I will permanently point towards this episode. You can't stop me.

I think you'd pull off a great Amber, Jace. /nods intensely.

Okay, okay, okay, on a very serious note: and this may be an odd one, but for some reason he came to mind, Albedo. I mean honestly, it's likely because of the intense lore tied to his character, and you lose your mind over lore. Otherwise, in terms of 'dramatic'/theatrics, this may seem odd, but Lyney, I think you have a way of writing that could be perfect for him. And while not for the exact same reasons, I also want to note Venti for... well, semi-similar reasons, actually, even if they're wildly different kinds of 'dramatics'. And in terms of very, VERY odd ones out, but one I am wondering about very curiously now: Wanderer.

Hmm... 🤔

To think @araneitela threw down the gauntlet. Welp. My Wanderer it is. |

To be upon a mass grave of the divine, to try and cultivate life in the means of living in perpetual weakness. The same weakness that triumphed is false ascent.

Laughable. That fact has never changed to the Nameless roaming the vast deserts of Sumeru, another veritable grave where the living make their home.

An intentionally drawn mission has led him away from the eden made by Kusanali's hand and wisdom. To escape the lands of crisp emerald, to indulge in the barren lands that demand fortitude. Each step upon the crisp sand lead him closer to his goal, one that's burgeoned by a past displaced. To think it'd be the wave of crushing guilt that would've led to an even 'worse' circumstance. For him to be the bearer of many sins, all before countless eyes who have now forgotten.

Who was he to complain? As the loser, and now the prisoner, a natural law dictates that he comes to face the brunt of his punishments with diligence and whatever tattered grace that remains. Maybe that's why in a way, this land that simply grates its natural weight upon any and all, that demands for them to rise held a comfort in the depths of difficulty. It scratched an innate itch left in a pit of vast delusions once carried by his hand.

"..Hm?" A subtle shift in the wind, as if the sacred stance of Anemo offered a warning seconds before the situation itself arrives. The crackling roar of thunder barely eclipsed the scream of the weak he heard in the distance. A familiar sound, as he still remains a conductor of countless variants of that very noise, all from the throats of beast and man alike. As a bubbling frustration sears within his gut, he'd allow gravity's law to be removed like a shedded coat.

"Always the weak that intend to trespass their limitations."

He'd immediately zip from his current place and blast towards the west. Sophisticated builds of Anemo would serve as his makeshift and malleable wings, allowing him to cross the vast reaches of cliff sides, ravines and tomb like outcrops of rock within an instant, all for his predicted sight to internalized within his gaze.

A predator robbing the graves of the divine, all before the fragility of humanity.

Now just how many times has he seen such a scene play out?

"Is dying really such a temptation to you? Off the ground!" His order is drawn, causing the lost traveler to snap from their panic, prompting them to narrowly avoid the bone encrusted claw of a consecrated beast. The Wanderer's part begins amidst the scorpion's follow up attack.

Once heated grazes of Anemo immediately escalate, losing that desert bred warmth and acclimating to a will of wrathful zephyr. The Wanderer's turned the amiable winds into a set of carnivorous fangs, eroding at the beast's assault as within a snap moment of exertion, that entire arm of the beast found itself bisected, it's claw shattered as a fountain of ichor spilled from it's veins.

"Already lost your own sentience. Pathetic." Draws his scathing remark. Just as the abomination recoils from the shock and force, it'd immediately be stalled, as if an invisible hand amidst the mind numbing pressure had frozen it in place. What was once a sight of awe for the traveler immediately turns into horror, as the sight before him was elevated into a scene of carnage. The dome of wind sealed this beast's fate. Enduring cuts and crushes until its entire frame was reduced to a bloodied paste.

Anemo within his Authority would give it's victory cry through piercing gale, contently accepting another sacrifice as the turquiose light of his Vision rings a somber melody.

Only then would the Nameless make his landing, the mere reaction of the rescued being to immediately scurry away causing a subtle chuckle to bubble forth. Predictable. Before greater power, what was the lesser's response than to fear?

"Be frightened as a potential meal, terrified at someone who saves you fate from such. Aren't you boundless in that greed of such an avid reaction?"

"...Who!"

All it took was the unnatural sharpness of his eyes to halt any such commentary.

The one once known as Scaramouche remains well versed in eliciting such emotion.

"Enough. If your life is valuable enough to avoid calamity, but worthless to the point you refuse to refine your method of survival, crawl back to the home you scurried from. You won't get a second chance." In many ways, a brief reflection of his own vulnerabilities, once held, and countless still enduring are reflected within those eyes. Is this what introduces the Archons insistence in allowing his fangs to defy this world to wane? Valuing this.. helplessness?

Even if Kusanali insists is where the a golden thread of purpose can lie for him. As always, he believes she's too soft upon the flock of humanity underneath her banner in Sumeru.

And thus, he departs.

_________

Okay so with me getting that out of my veins. Let's break down a few thoughts! Amber I can actually see myself slipping into the shoes off well enough. In terms of Albedo and Venti, I'd motion them more towards interesting case studies for me look into. Honestly speaking, the Lore aspect of a character, despite how invested I can be in them, holds a disconnect of whether I can get into the driver's seat.

Where we'd take dramatics, I'd actually refer to this as 'Reaction.' I do genuinely enjoy characters who can live in their intensity or their warmth. This is what makes it difficult for me to play characters who are required to hold their cards close to their chest professionally. So for Lyney! I'd see me enjoying doing the bombastic note of his magic shows, but not really much beyond that. -.o

As for the Wanderer? Well, I hope the above speaks for itself. LOL. I can do something with that.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #17 - "Retribution" (2024)

written by Cody Ziglar art by Partha Pratim, Federico Sabbatini, & Bryan Valenza

@phantasmechanical has been pestering me (affectionately) for months to post part of an AU I wrote with our beloved ocs.

Guess you won, Merry Christmas, ilu

Have this first part I wrote well over a year ago. Looking back, I think it shows the progress I’ve made in writing since then. Still feel like I’m baring my entire soul by posting it but ya know.

~~~

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck….”

Zephyr cursed under their breath, trying to remain calm and quiet. They flipped on the light of their headlamp to try and assess the damage. Bracing themself against a tree, they unzipped the side of their boot and rolled up their jeans, revealing the rapidly swelling ankle underneath.

They prodded at it with a finger, only to recoil in pain at the contact. The light illuminated the scrapes and scratches on their hands that they failed to notice before. The attempt to brace their fall only resulted in injured hands as well as a twisted ankle. This was bad. This was really bad

They slid their hand into their pocket, wincing at the friction between the fabric and their scraped palm, and pulled out their phone.

No service. Of course. Who would they call anyway? The park rangers? They had already told them not to wander around off the trails at night too many times. They were starting to gain a negative reputation, and they couldn’t let that get in the way of cryptozoological research.

They gave up on calling for help and zipped their boot back up. If they could just get back to their car, they could deal with this. They weren’t too far. Hopefully.

They tentatively put a bit of weight on their ankle, only to feel the white hot pain shoot up their leg. Shit. This was going to suck.

They took a deep breath, preparing to fight through the pain, when a beam of bright light hit them from the woods on their left.

“How’s it going tonight, Zephyr?”

They squinted into the light, unable to see the face behind the flashlight, but they already knew who it was. On a normal night, hearing him would’ve meant a night of hunting disappointingly cut short. But tonight they were actually glad to see him.

“You know you’re not supposed to be out he— Hold on, are you alright?” His patient voice turned to one of concern as he pushed his way through the trees to them.

“I’ve been better,” they hissed through gritted teeth as they tried to take a step forward.

“Don’t, let me help you.” He rushed to their side, offering an arm to help them steady themself. “What’s wrong, what’s hurt?”

“My ankle…” They reluctantly answered, grabbing onto his arm. “I just twisted it a little, I just need to get back to my car.”

“And what do you plan to do once you get to your car?”

“I don’t know? Go home? Sleep it off?”

He let out a quiet chuckle. “Come on, I can give you a lift to the station and I’ll help you actually take care of this.”

“No, it’s fine, you don’t have to—”

“I insist.” He guided their arm up over his shoulders and shifted to hold them up. “I want to make sure you’re not seriously hurt. We’re not too far from the road anyway, and then it’s just a few minutes to the station. No trouble.”

“Fine. If you must.” As much as they didn’t want the extra help, leaning on his shoulders did feel nice. They were able to take all the weight off their now throbbing ankle, at least.

“I must.” He flashed them a smile that seemed to brighten up the darkness more than any of their artificial lights. “Let’s get going. We’ll take it slow, ok? Don’t want you hurting the other leg.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you gonna call the cops?”

Nate’s newfound patient sat in a folding chair, their leg elevated onto another chair positioned in front of them. Another night dealing with this not so sneaky cryptid enthusiast. It seemed like everyone there had been through it with them at least once or twice. So much so that “dealing with Zephyr” had become the go to stakes for losing a bet amongst the other rangers. But seeing them like this was a first. Not as some freak in the middle of the woods, shrouded in darkness, or washed out in the beam of a flashlight. He could see them just as they were, sitting under the fluorescent lights of the ranger station.

Shaggy black hair poked out in all directions under their headlamp. Their outfit was wildly impractical for spending time outdoors. Just a black, tight fitting band tee and a pair of skinny jeans, all covered with a long black coat that seemed way too warm for the summer night. Their arms folded over the gear strapped to their chest, closing themself off, and their smudgy black rimmed eyes stared back at him with anxiety, thinly veiled as malice.

He hadn't realized how surprisingly hot they were.

“Why would I call the cops?” He dug through some drawers in the station's tiny kitchenette for the first aid kit.

“Because some of the other rangers threatened they would the last time they caught me.”

“Did they really?” He laughed as he knelt beside them. “Seems a little dramatic.”

“That’s what I said.”

“They’re all talk, trust me.” He smiled at them, hoping to diffuse some of their standoffish energy. “Now let’s take a look at that ankle.”

Zephyr leaned forward to pull off their boot. No wonder they hurt themself. The boots they were wearing in the middle of the forest had at least a two inch platform, covered in metal and rivets. How they even managed to walk the uneven ground at all was a mystery.

When the boot was removed, it revealed a black sock, covered in tiny mothmen, printed all over. He started to chuckle, but was met with a sharp glare.

“Don’t.”

He bit his lip to keep from smiling as they quickly snatched off the sock and avoided eye contact. No matter how much poison they tried to spit, they just came across more and more adorable.

Less adorable though, was their ankle. It had swollen quite a bit, turning red and bruising in places. God knows how bad it would’ve gotten if they had tried to limp back to their car by themself.

“Yeah, that looks like a pretty nasty sprain to me.” He pulled out a roll of ace bandages from the kit. “What exactly happened?”

They shrugged, still avoiding his gaze. “I fell. Tripped on something. Tried to catch myself, but all that did was fuck up my hands too.” They uncrossed their arms to show their red and raw hands.

“Yikes,” he winced at the torn up palms. “No worries though, I can take care of that too.”

Their arms went immediately back into the closed off position. “You really don’t need to do anything for me.”

“Well too bad, because I am,” he teased. He began wrapping the bandage around, being careful not to hurt them any further. “You know, I hate to say it, but this might not have happened if you were wearing the right kind of shoes.”

They just scoffed, not giving him an answer.

“Don’t get me wrong, the shoes look great on you,” he continued. “Just maybe not for this.”

“Don’t patronize me,” they muttered, before flinching in pain and inhaling sharply as he touched their ankle. “Shit…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I promise it’s gonna feel better when it’s done. Just a little bit more.” He continued wrapping the bandage tight around their ankle. “And I’m not patronizing you. I really do like the boots, they look really cool.”

“Thanks…” They shrunk back, returning to staring at the floor. He caught what looked like the tiny beginnings of a smile, before they forced it back down.

Suddenly, their head tilted back up in realization. “Oh shit.” They reached down to their chest to check the go pro strapped there. “I never stopped this.”

“Has that really been recording the whole time?”

“Well apparently the battery died at some point,” they sighed, frustrated, and reattached it to the straps. “So who knows?”

“Do you record everything out there?” he asked, trying to get their mind off the last remaining painful bits of wrapping.

“Of course I do,” they answered. “You know how many people claim to have seen Bigfoot with no proof to back it up? If I keep this running, it sees everything I see. Plus all the things I didn’t catch.”

“Smart.”

“Also if I’m attacked, they’ll find this on my body and be able to see proof of what did it,” they said, calmly. “I can get proof even if I don’t survive.”

“A little morbid, but I get it.” He smirked up at them, catching their eyes this time. “Do you think it caught what tripped you?”

They rolled their eyes. “Funny.”

“I’m sorry, I had to.” He laughed, securing the end of the bandage. “And now you’re done.”

“Oh…” They looked down at their wrapped ankle, obviously not realizing how fast he’d been working while they explained. “Thanks.”

“I told you, no problem. Now let me see your hands and you can go—”

A beeping followed by a shrill staticky voice interrupted him. “Calling for Nate.”

“Hold on just one second.” He stood back up and grabbed the radio from his belt to respond. “Right here, go ahead.”

“Did you take care of that Code: Z?”

He glanced back at Zephyr, who was staring up at him, eyebrows raised.

Without looking away, he responded again. “Uh, yeah. False alarm. No one was out there that I could find.”

Their face turned to shock and confusion, and he just beamed back at them.

“Well good. Maybe we can get a night of peace and quiet for once.”

“Maybe so.”

“Thanks for checking, though. Over and out.”

He returned the radio to his belt. “Sorry about that.”

“I have my own fucking code?” Their face twisted into a smile. The first smile he had ever seen from them.

“What can I say?” He shrugged. “You’re something of a cryptid out here yourself.”

Their smile only grew, delighted by this turn of events. That genuine smile after seeing nothing but scowls nearly took him out.

“Don’t worry,” he continued, shooting them another sly smirk. “I won’t let them find you that easy.”

That was enough to elicit a tiny laugh from them that made his heart swell.

“Now—“ He knelt back down, holding out his hand. “Let’s get those palms fixed up.”

They offered their scraped hands without any reluctance this time. He turned them palm up to examine, gently holding them up with his own. Holding those hands in his, with their finger tattoos and chipped black nails, he couldn’t deny the electricity.

A few stinging sprays of Bactine and two wrapped up hands later, they were all patched up.

“That should do it,” he said, closing up the first aid kit and standing back up. “No infections today.”

“Thanks.” Their standoffish persona had slowly faded, leaving behind someone who was genuinely grateful, if not a little embarrassed at the whole situation. “For everything.”

“Of course. There’s one more thing I need to do before I take you back to your car though.”

“Hm?”

Nate grabbed a sharpie from behind the check in desk, and lifted one of their hands, turning it over to scribble some digits on the bandages.

“Text me when you get home, ok?” He popped the cap back on the marker. “And let me know how that ankle’s faring.”

They studied the phone number on the back of their hand for a minute, trying to comprehend. “I, uh— sure. I can do that.”

“Good.” Nate helped them to their feet and grabbed the keys from his pocket. “And if you want to come back out here a little more prepared next time, let me know that too.”

They narrowed their eyes at him. “And you’re not gonna snitch?”

“I promise. I just want to prevent any future accidents.”

“Fine,” they conceded, voluntarily putting an arm around his shoulders to steady themself this time. “I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you,” He held them up and started leading them out the door. “I think Bigfoot would also want you to be safe.”

D&RGW’s three famous F units operated on the ski train only for the 1984 season after the demise of the Rio Grande Zephyr. Skiers on board are probably delighted with the falling snow and not being on the highway as the train zips westward through Arvada, Colo. on Feb. 26, 1984.

First Contact

(Propaganda for the Fuckening Narrators. An excerpt from E and Drode’s first interaction in-universe).

In a timeline where E’s narrating, Harper and her friends have run a mission on the Yeerk base to try and recover the morphing cube they’d lost. Harper finds the cube and escapes (with Drode’s help), but Estrith, Zephyr, and Lyssa are trapped and cornered. Harper finds herself lost in the tunnels underneath her hometown, despairing. And then something starts talking to her.

(E = Ellimist, D = Drode, H = Harper)

———-

E: Harper. You are standing alone, in the room of someone you suspect has died. You are in the center of the yeerk base. There is no way out. The yeerks have been alerted. You having the morphing cube, and the yeerks have your friends. You have… maybe hours, you know. Before it’s over. Because you’ve failed.And because… someone. Has apparently something to say, if they’d just come out and say it-D: [Hysterical laughing] Ohhhhh boy. Ohhhh boy.E: [Crosstalk, annoyed] Because they’re an asshole who keeps interrupting my fucking story, aren’t they?D: Oh boy. Oh boy. So….. So Harper. E: You hear a voice that is not yours in your head, and it’s not thoughtspeak, ‘cause it’s just there. Something’s talking to you. D: Hi, Harper. H: [Shriek]D: How’s it going? [Laughing] Seems like you have yourself in a little bit of a bind, here. H: H-Hi???? D: Hi! :DH: W-Who- you’re not - who are you??D: Um, well that’s a little complicated, um - for now consider me a benefactor. E: [Crosstalk, muttering] Asshole. D: Shut the fuck up. E: No -H: Who are you talking to!?E: My fucking story, I’m not going to shut the fuck up, you shut the fuck up. D: I’m trying to talk to the girl, okay? Can you zip it?[Silence]D: Thank you. D: Okay, um. So you know, since somebody keeps talking over me, I’m going to make this short. I have a proposition for you. Um - seems - seems like - seems like you know, you and your friends, you had a good idea, didn’t exactly work out in practice. Y-you’re kinda fucked, to put it… bluntly. I can fix that for you.H: [Disbelieving, hopeful] Really?? Who are you??D: Okay, we’re stuck on this. Short answer, god has abandoned you! And now me and my friends are god. H: That explains nothing. That explains absolutely fucking nothing!D: [Crosstalk] No-E: [Interrupting, exasperated] That is the least helpful explanation you could have possibly chosen. D: Yep. Yup. Yes it is. E: Okay.D: By the way, you can hear both of us now, Harper.  E: Really? Really. You just - go ahead and do that. You just went ahead and did that. D: [Crosstalk] Yup. Yup I just did that. What do you know - what are you going to fucking do about it. E: [Crosstalk] Okay fuck you. D: - What? Stop me?E: I expect this from the other one, not from you. D: Okay okay, yeah. Okay, so. I’m sorry, I keep getting distracted, yeah. This is a serious moment for you, and we’re just kind of arguing. Um- H: I’ve cracked. D: [Crosstalk] Sorry about that. H: I’m just - the stress is just - I’m - oh god.D: But, um, okay, I’ll keep this short, um - I can make you a deal. I can get you and your friends out of this. Um- you know. Turn back the clock a little bit. Make it so this never happened. And in return, all you have to do is do me a little favor in the future. H: Wha-what is a little favor?D: You know, I haven’t actually decided yet? That- That’s why I phrased it that way, I- I don’t really know. H: Okay are you - you’re saying you can turn back time. Is that what you’re-D: [Crosstalk] Yeah. yes. H: Do I - What?? Do I have a choice?D: [Laughing] I mean technically you do- E: [Crosstalk, overlapping] You always have a choice. D: But considering the circumstances, uh… the alternative’s not looking great!H: I - I mean they were - they were doing something up there. Are they okay right now?D: There’s no response, but a second later there’s like - this almost like - you don’t know how to explain it or describe it, except that it feels like a glitch in reality. Like - one second you’re just standing there, and then the next second you’re just… watching from top down, back in the yeerk pool. And you’re not - you’re not yourself. You don’t have a body. You just - you can see what’s happening, but you’re not there. E: I think what you see, is- you see Zephyr standing up and offering this choice. And you see Yared decide that he’s lying. And you see them fight. And you see them fall. And you see that they’re outside, and you know that they led them away from you on purpose. D: And then you hear that voice speak up again. D: See? They did this to give you a chance. Are you going to waste it?H: They did that - that’s my fault. E: [Gently] It’s not your fault. D: Kid, look. The cards were stacked against you from the start. It wasn’t your fault, but if you take my deal and go back you’ll know not to do this. And you can make it better. H: [Quietly] How far back?D: Sorry, what was that?H: [Louder] How far back?D: Ah. Well…E: I know that tone. No. No- you’re not undoing this entire thing. You’re not -D: [Crosstalk] No -no okay. Listen. No. Just listen. You know, um. I think we could go back to - you know, when the andalite crashed, maybe. E: [Interjection] No! Fuck no!D: [Crosstalk, continuing] I think - I think that- E: Do you know how it’s taken to have gotten them here???D: It’s not like last time, like okay it’s -E: It’s been what- five days? five days. Do you know how long it took to get them there?!D: [Overlapping, incomprehensible]. D: Okay okay fine. Fine fine fine. Fine. Fine. Since somebody doesn’t want to have any fun. E: [Interrupting] Not your definition of fun I don’t. D: Would an hour work for you, Ellimist? Would that - can we do an hour? To save this poor little girl’s hopes and dreams? Can you do that?E: Okay. Fine. Hour. Since you’re going to insist on this. Hour works. D: Amazing, thank you. Okay, SO- E: [Interrupting] Not further, and you’re not - when they - the moment they stepped onto campus. Call it then. Not before, not after. D: [Crosstalk] Okay okay okay jesus okay. So. Because somebody is a meddling little prick- E: [Interrupting] I’m the meddling little prick?? I’m suddenly the meddling one here. In this situation. Where someone decided to just interrupt, I’m the meddling one. D: [Almost shouting] I AM TRYING TO BE HELPFUL HERE. Okay, so- H: [Interrupting] Okay, I don’t really want to get in the middle of whatever this is, but um. I’m still confused? Uh. You’re -D: [Annoyed muttering] I - I was trying to explain, but you know, someone keeps arguing with me. E: [Overlapping] Fuck you too. D: So I can send you back to the second that you stepped on campus to do this mission, and you can do it again. And in return you will owe me an unspecified favor that I haven’t decided yet. But-! I promise you, it won’t be anything bad. I mean, why would I do this for you in the first place if I didn’t have your best interests at heart. Right - E: [Laugh, sarcastic] Best interests at heart. D: Listen, kid, are you gonna take it or not. H: I don’t - I’m not honestly sure what this is, or if it’s real, but if you’re offering to help, then can- can you please do something??D: Absolutely :)D: So then you hear that cheeky little “absolutely,” and then there’s another one of those -feelings. Just. It feels like the world is tearing in on itself. And before it was just a split second, and now it’s like - everything. And - it feels like an eternity, but at the same time it’s barely even a millisecond, and you blink open your eyes to find yourself back on the campus. E: You hear - when the voice - grumpy voice shall we say, trail off in your head, muttering about meddling spiders, and then you’re standing with your friends. Zita is standing there, Zephyr is next to you, Estrith is a crow in his hair again, and they’re alive, and you’re here. E: You’re safe.

Zip Zap Druid, doing zipzap druid things, bringing with them the wild power of the storm.

Image ID Under Cut

The Circle of The Storm

The storm serves many functions. It is a destroyer, shattering stone and tree. Ripping up earth and home. It is a life bringer, watering crops and filling rivers. Soothing the heat and chasing the drought.

The Circle of The Storm

Druid Level Feature 2nd Storm Caller, Thunderous Body, Circle Spells 6th Winds Unbound 10th Lighting Dance 14th Storm’s Majesty

Storm Caller

Starting at 2nd level, you can expend a wild shape to summon a small storm around you in a 20ft radius as an action. For one minute you have access to the following actions: Fog Barrier: As an action, you summon fog within your storm. Creatures friendly to you can see through this fog, which is heavily obscured for other creatures. This lasts until the end of your next turn. Whipping Winds: As an action, strike out with the wind. Make a ranged spell attack. On a hit, you deal 1d8+your wisdom modifier magical slashing damage. Refreshing Rain: As an action you cause the rain to pour; whenever an ally is healed within your storm they'll gain an additional d8 healing. This lasts until the end of your next turn. Lightning Surge: As an action, grant all allied creatures within the storm double their usual movement speed.

Thunderous Body

Starting at 2nd level you gain resistance to lightning and thunder damage.

Circle Spells

Your mastery of the storm grants you additional spells. You gain these spells at certain levels. These spells count as druid spells for you and these spells are always prepared.

Storm Magic

Level Spells 3rd Witch Bolt, Zephyr Strike 5th Cloud of Daggers, Shatter 7th Lightning Bolt, Thunder Step 9th Staggering Smite, Storm Sphere

Winds Unbound

Starting at 6th level, you become empowered by the winds. You gain a fly speed equal to your walking speed.

Lightning Dance

Starting at the 10th level, you gain the ability to move rapidly across battlefields. As an action, you move double your speed in a line without taking opportunity attacks. All creatures in the line must make a dexterity save against your spell save dc. On a failure, they take 4d8 lightning damage and half as much on a success. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to your profiency bonus.

Storm's Majesty

Starting at the 14th level, you can now summon your storm at will without using a wild shape. When using your whipping winds ability, you deal 3d8 slashing damage instead of 1d8.

Linked Keys Febuwhump

Day 22 - Can't Scream

Mask was getting real sick of this mountain. Three times now, the Chain had attempted to climb it. And now for the third time, their efforts proved to lead to failure. He wasn’t sure how he got separated from the others, especially given that he swore he had been holding his dad’s hand just minutes ago, but somehow the blizzard had driven them apart, and Mask found himself all alone, farther up than he even thought he had traveled to begin with.

But that wasn't all. In reality, Mask was not alone; just in a bad sense. Dark shadows zipped across the sky, their true forms hidden by the white clouds and snow. The wide wingspan was obviously that of an Avian, like Zephyr. But these weren't Zephyr. Mask knew that. For one there were too many of them; Zephyr, as far as anyone knew, was a lone wolf (Or a lone starling?)

For another, from the way they were circling overhead like vultures… Mask got the impression they weren't exactly friendly. A thought that was all the more defended by the fact that moments after this crossed his mind, something sharp jabbed into the side of his neck. Reaching up and pulling it out, he saw that it was some kind of dart, decorated with black, neon yellow, and blue feathers. Almost immediately, the right side of his face and his right shoulder went numb. The numbness spread across his body at an alarming rate. Within seconds, he couldn't move his arms at all. 

The shadows disappeared, knowing their job was done. Whatever they had done to Mask… it was clearly what they were after. And Mask realized, as the numbness spread now to his legs, the dart had paralyzed him. Movement was the only thing keeping him warm up here, in the thin green tunic he wore with short sleeves and short pants. If he couldn't move, he would freeze. 

He lost feeling in both his thighs at the same time, tumbling face first into the snow. It was strange that he wasn't even shivering, though he supposed if he really was paralyzed, he wouldn't be able to shiver much anyway. 

Dad?! Someone?! Mask tried to call out, but his voice wouldn't work. He tried to make any sort of noise. Nothing. His vocal cords had been rendered completely useless by whatever was in the dart. At least he assumed it was some kind of poison. What else could do this to him?

He lay there in the snow, the wind whipping around and freezing the part of him that was still exposed. The last little portion of his body— namely his fingers and toes— was numbed, and he was left completely and utterly immobile aside from being able to breathe and blink. It was so cold… colder than anything Mask had ever experienced, even the Ice Caverns of Zora's Domain or the Snowhead Mountains of Termina. Even through the numbness that had spread throughout the inside of his body, the freezing cold wind and snow burned against his bare skin, soaking through his thin tunic.

He remained there for what felt like an eternity, though in reality it was closer to a mere 15 minutes. There was no sign of anyone coming to help. Nothing but the harsh white blankness all around. Even his own footprints had been erased. Mask tried time and time again to call for help. He tried to scream. But again, his efforts proved futile. Nothing more than a quiet, strangled gasp came out, and even that was soon lost to the howling wind. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t scream. He couldn’t even cry. All he could do was lay there helplessly in the snow.

It got to the point where he no longer felt cold. That would have been a relief to him, if not for the nagging voice in the back of his mind telling him that was bad. It was very bad that he couldn’t feel the cold anymore. That meant he was too cold; that his body temperature had fallen dangerously low. He began to wonder how much longer he had before he would freeze to death. Would anyone even know? Surely someone had to have realized he was missing, but… would anyone be able to find him before it was too late?

Mask was losing hope. Who was he kidding, nobody was coming. He was so tired… He just wanted to go home. He wanted to be warm again, to sit by the fire with a nice hot bowl of Wild’s meat stew, to be held in his dad’s arms or wrapped up in his scarf and to watch the snow blowing around from inside where he was safe and warm. Even being able to walk to the cover of some trees or rocks and curl up in a ball for any form of heat would be better than this. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t move at all. There was no escape from the storm… unless, maybe, if he just let go. If he just let himself fall asleep, he could escape in his dreams. He could pretend he was somewhere else, somewhere warmer. Then maybe when death did come, he’d just go peacefully, content in the belief that he was in a better situation than this.

That sounded a lot nicer…

Unfortunately— or fortunately?— Mask had barely even closed his eyes when someone was suddenly shaking him awake again. Their warm hands felt like fire against his frozen skin. Mask couldn’t see much of them other than shiny, multicolored feathers draped around him like curtains, shielding him from the wind. The person lifted him up carefully. Mask was slowly adjusting to the warmth they provided as they held him close. Compared to the bitter cold, it felt like he was on fire, but he couldn’t move. He couldn’t wriggle out of their grasp or even communicate to them that it was too hot. When did everything get so hot?!

“It’s okay, I’ve got you, Fledgling.” A soft voice spoke to him. Mask recognized the nickname as the one dad’s new boyfriend, Zephyr, used for him. Suddenly Mask wanted to cry all over again. He wasn’t sure if this was a dream or not… It seemed almost too good to be true.

“I’m gonna get you somewhere warm. Just hang on a little longer, okay?”

And with that, Zephyr took off into the sky, Mask held tightly against his body and soaking up the warmth like a sponge to water. Someone had found him after all. Maybe by luck, but they had. They hadn’t left him to freeze up there after all…

Sorry this one was late too 😐

The Little Leeches Chapter 3: Poor Unfortunate Souls

"Jade, have you seen Floyd?" Azul asked, swimming towards a nearby rock.

Jade shook his head."Not since he met up with Goldfishie, I suppose. He always with him for so long that he probably lost track of time." He was playing with something in his hands.

"..Jade? Are those..the human's..?" Azul sighs.

"I don't know what they are, but he wore them on his face. I saw them and I knew it belonged to him. I'm trying to find a way to give them back."

A zip of water passed them.

"Floyd?" Jade gasp, following the fast blur to Floyd's grotto. "Floyd!"

Jade saw a heartbreaking sight. Floyd was on the ground, his eyes red and he was letting out sobs and whimpers as he stared down at a sea necklace, color red.

"Azul..." Floyd whimpered,"he's right..humans are..jerks... Riddle..is a jerk."

Jade sat next to him."What happened?"

"I was talking to him, and he said he didn't want to see me again..I don't even know why! He just yelled at me and I...I just left..."

Jade pulled Floyd to his arms and let him sob his heart out.

"Well...such a heartbroken soul." A voice hummed from the darkness. "You must be so down..on your own luck. Might I suggest a solution?"

Both immediately looked around, wondering where that mysterious voice came from.

"Who are you?" Jade asked, holding on to Floyd.

A Vampire Squid came out, slowly floating by and circling the twins.

"Me? Call me Zephyr. I'm here to take you to a person who can help you..Floyd."

Floyd looks up from his brother's chest."What do you mean?"

"Look at you..a disheveled crying mess..my women can take that pain away, and may give you something else as well."

"And why should we listen to you?" Jade tighten his grip on Floyd. "How can we trust that you aren't lying?"

"How about you follow me and see for yourselves?" Zephyr chuckles, pulling Floyd and Jade out.

"I have a bad feeling.." Jade muttered.

With the guide of Zephyr, the twins were dragged deeper in the sea, till a purple smoked grotto filled their vision.

"What is.."

"The place of the Sea Witch, Winifred. She'll solve all your problems," Zephyr laughed.

"Sea witch?!" Jade swam back a little. "This is a bad idea! Floyd, do you remember what Azul said about Sea witches?"

"Oh what's the problem now? Sea witches? She's not that bad. And don't forget, Floyd, she can make your pain go away..or perhaps...make you see your Goldfishie again?"

Floyd eyes looked back at him."She...she can?"

"Of course! Never doubt her abilities."

Floyd looks down."I have to see what she can do..."

"Floyd, you can't possibly be.."

"Jade, I want to see what she can do..I want this heartache to stop.."

Jade sighs and grabs Floyd's hand."Alright..let's go."

Zephyr smirks and leads them down to the entrance."Watch where you swim..we haven't had guest in..a while."

Both twins sigh and following him inside, eyes gazing down at the bones that filled the floor.

"Come in, come in, my dears." A welcome voice laughs.

Floyd swam closer, with a hesitant Jade following.

"Now, let me get a good look of you."

Floyd looks up.

A octopus mermaid was on a little cave, fixing her hair and make-up. "Aw, Jade and Floyd Leech. You both are so adorable, but I sense a one broken heart."

"That...that's me, ma'am." Floyd said, looking down.

"Oh, you are so kind." She giggled and swam over to him."How rude, I forget to introduce myself. My name is Winifred, last name not important."

She cups Floyd cheeks."Oh..you've been sobbing for so long now. I know what you need."

"What does he need?" Jade asked, looking around at the many potions and ingredients.

"Well..I do have something..maybe do make you into a human.."

Floyd gasp and his eyes lit up at the offer.

"Y-you can do that?"

My dear, sweet child. That's what I do. It's what I live for.

To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself.

Poor souls with no one else to turn to.

Winny smirks, grabbing a few ingredients.

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty

They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch

But you'll find that nowadays

I've mended all my ways

Repented, seen the light, and made a switch

To this

True?

Yes.

And I fortunately know a little magic

It's a talent that I always have possessed

And dear lady, please don't laugh

I use it on behalf

Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (pathetic)

She hisses towards Zephyr, who lets out a dark chuckle.

Poor unfortunate souls

In pain, in need

This one longing to be thinner

That one wants to get the girl

And do I help them?

Yes, indeed

Floyd was paying close to attention to her while Jade was uncomfortable, his eyes kept staring at unusual things that a sea witch should never have, such as bones of those before them.

Those poor unfortunate souls

So sad, so true

They come flocking to my cauldron

Crying, "Spells, Winifred, please!"

And I help them!

Yes I do

Now it's happened once or twice

Someone couldn't pay the price

And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals

Yes I've had the odd complaint

But on the whole I've been a saint

To those poor unfortunate souls

"Now! I have a proposal here." Winny laughed, summoning a golden contract. "It says here that I will give you a potion, that'll turn you human for 2 weeks, you..both, have to seduce your princes to falling in love with you."

"Why did you add me?" Jade questioned.

"Of course I noticed you slow have a fling with another prince up there." She looks down at the contract again.

"And what if we.."

"Oh look!" Winny gasped."Small print. Your souls are mine forever and your bodies will transform into sea foam."

"What!?" Gasped Jade.

"Oh, my dear, that was a little joke, something to ease tension here." Winny laughed. "Now..we haven't discussed payment, now have we?"

"But we don't have-"Floyd said before getting shushed by Winny.

"Oh, my sweets, I'm not asking much. Your voices shall do just fine."

"Our voices? How can I even talk to-"

You'll have your looks, your pretty face.

And don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha!

She swam high, throwing everything single ingredients for her spell in, causing mini explosions as it was entered

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber

They think a person who gossips is a bore!

Yet on land it's much prefered for many not to say a word

And after all dear, what is idle babble for?

Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation

True gentlemen avoid it when they can

But they dote and swoon and fawn

On a person who's withdrawn

It's they who holds their tongue who get's a man

Floyd and Jade look at each other.

"...I have to." Floyd decided."I have to do this.."

"Floyd, we can't.."

Come on you poor unfortunate soul

Go ahead!

Make your choice!

I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day

It won't cost much

Just your voice!

You poor unfortunate soul

It's sad but true

If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet

Winifred summoned the contract again, giving them individual pens to sign.

You've got the pay the toll

Take a gulp and take a breath

And go ahead and sign the scroll

Zephyr, baby, now I've got them, boys

The boss is on a roll

This poor unfortunate souls

Floyd immediately signed his name while Jade hesitantly signed.

Winifred laughs, giving them each a bottle of their potion.

"Now..just to be generous, I've given you 3 weeks just in case. Now, swim up! Drink it and you'll be human!!"

Jade immediately grabbed Floyd and swam up as high as they can.

"I can't believe it.." Jade sighs. "What would Azul say about this! And why did you agree!"

"I have to see him again! That's why!"

Azul swam for them."WHAT WERE YOU TWO THINKING!!!?" He yelled." You two have some nerve going to her for legs! I expected it from Floyd, but you Jade..."

"You saw us?!"

"You went to my banished aunt's lair! Of course I saw you!" He sighs and grabs his own."That's why I'm coming with you. If you want to go without your voices, I'll be your voice."

"Aw!! Thanks Azul!!" Floyd laughs.

"3..2..1.."

They all drank.

Magic and Energy Blades will forever be THE shit. Especially if a mage is being emotional and just unsheathes the weapon and a motherfucking FIRESTORM just erupts to blast and burn around them. Mages that use their weapons to propel themselves to close or distance themselves from their enemies. Lightning charged blades that whipping static and bolts everywhere. Entire maelstroms called up from zephyr blades. Ice swords that freeze the very room around them and act as great defense of a Nevermelting Ice. Monsoons unleashed as flexible water blades can shift and coil and change to their necessary use. Heavy stone blades or floating sharp pebble clusters that zip around as projectiles or form together to be a blunt crushing blade. THE SHIT.

About Zephyr!

[All Info is pulled from the server which Zephyr is used in! Feel free to interact with him!]

Full Name: Zephyr

Nicknames: Zeph, Z, Phyr, Pyr, Zip, Zippy

Role: Air/Water Ghoul, plays guitar in the band and does some backing vocals.

Transmasculine, Using He/They pronouns. Bisexual with a male preference and Poly

They appear to be 26 when in their human disguise

Paired with Swiss and Sodo/Dew.

He is quite easy to recognize on stage, due to some of his mannerisms but also due to the position of his horns, as they are to the sides of his head instead of towards the front. He's often seen standing near either of his partners or zipping around the stage. He also enjoys interacting with his partners during the songs. Keep an eye out during Mummy Dust as he absolutely will be with Sodo during the first half before joining Swiss for the second half. He WILL spin during Cirrus's Mummy Dust solo.

On occasion he will join in the guitar battle between Sodo and Aether, often times either throwing picks at Aether or chasing him when he backs away. He will also interact with the crowd at times, either fully or in a 'taunt' before running off to interact with the others.

He also tends to do backflips from time to time, and has fallen off the stage on a few occasions as a result. He can and will be a drama queen on stage during rituals, draping himself over bandmates and parts of the stage.

Outside of Rituals and at the Abbey, he can either be found in the Ghoul den or somewhere near Vivian as the two get along well. He will sometimes flirt but remains loyal to his partners.

Summoned during Era Three and worked with the band and Terzo. When he was summoned he had only recently finished his transition.