Mr_Crocodile Wrote:There is no way better to finish this collection of stories than by returning to cosmic and body horror, my beloveds...

Alpha Ricter Wrote:Wilkins stood on the edge of the roof of City Hall watching it all—he watched as part of his city burned in the night, but it was a small price to pay for the moment he was working toward the day he founded Sunnydale nearly one hundred years before. Now it felt right that it should end with him and his Ascension. He also watched the battle between Dearg-duh and Buffy's little army far below. The demon was holding his own easily enough, a blur of violence and ancient power tearing through their ranks.

But he noticed a few main players were missing…

Wilkins held the chalice in his hand, turning it over once, twice, admiring the ornate engravings along its rim. The taste of the liquid still lingered on his tongue—metallic, salty, transformative. He smiled, a genuine expression of satisfaction, before turning around.

And there they were…

Wednesday Addams stood thirty feet away, her short sword held in a perfect guard position, all business. Beside her, very much alive despite all reports to the contrary, was Xander Harris. He gripped a double-bladed axe with both hands, the weapon looking almost too large for his frame, yet he held it with surprising confidence. What caught Wilkins' attention most, however, were Xander's brown eyes, which were now black, mirroring Wednesday's eyes. They then moved forward in perfect synchronization, their stances mirrored, even their breathing seemed matched.

"Well, well," Wilkins said, his smile widening into something almost paternal. "It looks like Wednesday found her black knight. How sad for you both—arriving at the final act just a moment too late."

He held up the chalice, letting them see it clearly, then tossed it casually to their feet. It clattered against the rooftop with a hollow, empty sound. "You're too late. I drank it five minutes ago, and I can already feel the change taking place. It's quite remarkable, really—like every cell in my body is singing."

Wednesday and Xander didn't say a word. They simply kept approaching, their black eyes fixed on him with predatory focus. As they closed the distance, they split apart smoothly, flanking him from both sides with the practiced ease of wolves readying to take down their prey.

Wilkins' smile never faltered. "That is very rude, not speaking when spoken to. Didn't your parents teach you better manners, Wednesday?" He bent down and picked up his rapier from where it lay beside his feet, the blade singing as it cleared the scabbard. "Lucky for me, I always prepare for every contingency. Shall we dance one last time before my Ascension?"

tealruby Wrote:One Emma Watson, a child actress who’s recently marked her film debut in the latest Sky High instalment, writes to Green Lantern concerning a remarkable resemblance they seem to share.

tealruby Wrote:Hermione’s recent adventures haven’t all been away from Earth. She’s had her local adventures too, from wilderness outings to secretive meetings to specialised shopping and more. Including what might be her greatest challenge yet, so join us, won’t you?
“Let’s begin. Please start the vehicle, then proceed into the street.”

TheInkredibleKaptainKaiju Wrote:Change comes to the empire.