Helplessly, Lark watches his own twisted limbs move against his will. Despite the monster's killing intent, his friends deliberately avoid hurting him. He wants to scream at them to stop messing around, to take him out already, but the only words that come out of his mouth are Belos' taunts and insults. It feels hopeless – the only thing motivating him to keep fighting the invader is the thought of injuring anyone.
At least Flapjack is safe from Belos' wrath, he thinks miserably, only seconds before a familiar flash of red catches both of their eyes.
No. No, no, no –
Before he can even finish the thought, his clawed hand is wrapped around the Palisman's fragile body. He feels Belos' malice seep into every fiber of his being, and suddenly, every enigmatic comment and vague consolation snaps into place. Suddenly, he knows what's coming.
It takes all of his willpower to stop it. Lark sets his blood alight, turning Belos' own power against him, harnessing the fury as his own. His left hand spears the right wrist, thumb's talon plunging into the tendons and muscles below his accursed sigil. The pressure forces his hand open, and Flapjack escapes unharmed.
"Thank you," he thinks to no one even as he grapples to keep control of his body. Belos wrestles him relentlessly, and Lark knows he's fighting a losing battle.
He just needs to keep control long enough to grab the vial, to toss it away, to get it out of Belos' reach…
Seeing it sink below the water, he recognizes his own salvation. Belos doesn't even realize that he plays right into Lark's desperate plan, as the boy relents and allows Belos to dive in after the blood.
The moment he submerges, Lark makes an effort to breathe deeply. He can’t be sure that he does, given that both his body and mind are already aching and exhausted, but by Titan, does he try.
At least this way, he can take Belos out with him. He can feel the weakening Emperor’s hatred melt into nothingness as his rage does the same. If he had any control left over his muscles, he would smile, but everything goes numb at the same pace his vision darkens. The moonlight reflected on the surface seems miles away before it disappears entirely.
“Thank you,” again, is his last thought in the black emptiness. He doesn’t know who he’s thanking, but it feels right.
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Lark.
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Lark.
Suddenly, he’s conscious. Awake, but still numb, staring up at a hazy pink sky. Dawn? But that could only mean he failed.
He shoots up, eyes darting around. The cemetery is out of focus, and void of his companions. Void of all beings, he believes, until he picks out silhouettes on the very fringes of the island; at least a dozen, perhaps two. These figures, blurry as they are, he recognizes from dreams.
His first thought is terror.
Then a bright, golden warmth, the first thing he’s felt since diving, approaches, and all his fear is gone. He knows instantly that no harm will come to him here, and his hands reach out to form a perch for the source of his comfort.
“Flapjack,” he breathes with equal confusion and relief, “you’re alright.”
There is a painful silence. Amongst the overwhelming joy and love, he can feel Flapjack’s sadness; he would even if it wasn’t etched on the little bird’s brow.
I’m sorry.
“What do you mean, you’re sorry?" Lark's voice breaks. "I was supposed to protect you. I never wanted him to hurt another Palisman, and – I could've killed you. ”
Flapjack nuzzles his head against Lark’s trembling fingers, quieting him.
None of this is your fault, witchlet. I chose to find you.
Lark wants to argue that, but can’t. If this is the last bit of time he gets to spend with his soulmate, he can’t waste it with frustration.
“You shouldn't stay here. You need to go back,” he pleads just above a whisper. His vision blurs once more, tears welling up as Flap hangs his head and closes his eyes.
You should go. I can take you back, and keep you alive for a time.
Realization dawns on Lark after a moment, and he cries out in horror.
“Flap, no! I can’t do that! I can’t do what he did – hurt you, trap you, just so I get to live a life I – I never deserved in the first place!”
The image of his own limbs flickers and dims under Lark’s gaze; what little vitality remains in him is fading.
Flapjack gazes up at him, steady and calm and sad, as he begins to emit a familiar bright green mist.
Lark cradles the bird to his chest in a panic.
“Please don’t go,” he begs. “Don’t leave me.”
The Palisman presses himself gently to his witch’s still heart.
We will go together, one way or the other. I will never leave you, or force you in the direction you do not wish to go. All I ask is that you trust me. Trust that I will be happy and safe, not caged, here. Trust that there is a better life waiting for you, full of wonder and knowledge and fulfillment, of such joy you’ve yet to know, of family and friends who will love and cherish you. Will you trust me?
For a few seconds, all Lark can do is sob. He feels sap weep through his fingers as Flapjack gives more of his spirit, and reaches with one hand to desperately wipe at his eyes.
“Of course I trust you, Flap. More than anyone. I trust you.”
Thank you. Relief washes over Flapjack, and through to Lark. This is now more than just a shared feeling, but also a glowing golden light. You’ll see me again. I love you, my little Lark. I will always love you.
Lark squeezes his eyes shut in silent tears, unable to watch as the light fades. By the time he opens them again, his hands are cupped around the colorless, lifeless carving of a bird.
He stares off amongst the graves once more, not knowing how to feel. The numbness is returning, and the world is fading fast.
Remaining on the lawn is only one figure, one he knows more intimately than any of the others, that from which they were all derived. Lark has been terrified of that spirit since he first gazed upon his portrait. But before his vision fails once more, he could swear he sees the man smile at him.
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When feeling returns to him, it is all at once. He feels a horrible ache from head to toe, but also the lack of Belos, a small wooden weight, and the presence of a staggering warmth in his chest.
There are half a dozen gazes on him, all concerned and horrified and sad. It’s almost comforting, how awkward it is, and how normal a feeling that awkwardness is for him. It brings a shaky smile to his face.
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This Spicy Mustard Seafood Sauce is a flavorful blend of spicy brown mustard, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It adds a zesty kick to any seafood dish and is perfect for dipping. &
This dish combines the crispy goodness of skillet hash browns with the richness of fried eggs, all served on a bed of peppery arugula. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated. 2 tablespoons olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. 4 eggs. 2 cups arugula leaves, washed. 1 tablespoon vinegar optional, for poaching eggs.
Instructions: Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add grated potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, flipping occasionally. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the fried eggs to your liking in a separate pan. If poaching eggs, bring a pot of water to a simmer, add vinegar, and carefully crack eggs into the water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until whites are set but yolks are still runny. Once the hash browns are crispy, remove them from the skillet and set aside. To assemble, divide the arugula leaves onto plates, top with crispy hash browns, and place a fried or poached egg on top of each hash brown stack. Season the eggs with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
This amazing crispy battered halibut recipe creates perfectly golden and crunchy fillets without using beer or soda in the batter. The secret to the crispiness lies in the sparkling water and breadcrumb coating, resulting in a delightful seafood dish that's sure to impress.
Ingredients: 4 halibut fillets 6-8 ounces each. 1 cup all-purpose flour. 1/4 cup cornstarch. 1 teaspoon baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 cup cold sparkling water. 2 cups breadcrumbs. 2 eggs, beaten. 1/2 cup mayonnaise. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. 1 tablespoon lemon juice. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Oil for frying.
Instructions: Pat halibut fillets dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in sparkling water until the batter is smooth. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish. Dip each halibut fillet into the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350F 175C. Fry the halibut fillets in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder to make the dipping sauce. Serve the crispy battered halibut hot with the dipping sauce.
This Lemon Dill Salmon with Cucumber Herb Sauce is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish perfect for any occasion. The salmon is seasoned with zesty lemon and aromatic dill, then baked to perfection. The cool and creamy cucumber herb sauce adds a delightful contrast, making every bite a burst of fresh flavors.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets. 2 tablespoons olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. 1 lemon, sliced. 1 cucumber, diced. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint. 1 clove garlic, minced. Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400F 200C. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over salmon fillets and season with salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Place lemon slices on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. While salmon is cooking, prepare the cucumber herb sauce. In a bowl, combine diced cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, chopped mint, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Serve salmon hot with cucumber herb sauce on the side. Enjoy!
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These Fish Tacos ZagLeft are a delicious combination of crispy fish, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The crispy fish fillets are seasoned with a blend of spices, then wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with your favorite toppings for a customizable dish that's sure to please!
Ingredients: 1 lb white fish fillets such as tilapia or cod. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. 1/4 cup cornmeal. 1 teaspoon chili powder. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Salt and pepper to taste. 8 small corn tortillas. 1 cup shredded cabbage. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. 1 avocado, sliced. 1 lime, cut into wedges. Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional, for topping. Hot sauce optional, for topping.
Instructions: Spices like chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper should be mixed together in a shallow dish. Cover each fish fillet with the flour mix and shake off any extra. Put oil in a pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Fish fillets should be cooked for three to four minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and done all the way through. You can heat the corn tortillas up in a pan or the microwave. To make tacos, put some cooked fish on each tortilla, then add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice on top. No need to: Put hot sauce and sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
A quick and flavorful stir fry dish featuring succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and toasted sesame seeds, infused with the savory aroma of soy sauce and sesame oil. &
