#oracle cell au

[deusvervewrites]

Snippet game: Code vein/godeater au please?

Without hesitation, Eri chomps down on the Aragami corpse and rips a bite out of it. Izuku isn’t sure if he’ll ever get used to that. Aragami are the devourers, the insatiable hungers that ate the old world and it hasn’t sated them yet. And, yeah, a part of him knows that Eri is also an Aragami, but that doesn’t change the fact that she looks almost entirely human.

Even having seen Aragami kill and eat other Aragami, watching her go to town on them is just… strange.

“She looks like she’s having fun,” Toga says, leaning forward against her God Arc. “What do you think they taste like?”

“…Huh.” Truthfully he never thought about it, and he sure as hell isn’t going to find out himself. There are easier ways to die to Aragami. After a few seconds of deliberation, he answers, “Chicken.”

“Hmm… I was thinking it’d be more like veal myself.”

“Look at that, though,” Izuku gestures to where Eri is licking her fingers. “That’s totally chicken.”

“Maybe. Hey do you think that we can do Devour Attacks ourselves?”

“What, like instead of using our God Arcs we just… walk up to an Aragami and bite it? Even Eri doesn’t do that.”

Himiko’s grin gets impossibly wider. “I’mma try it next mission.”

“Do not.”

[demonic0angel]

Regarding your Dan in Arkham AU. I was wondering how did the Bat family react to Joker anonymously being murdered in jail? Did they discover it was Wraith?

Prev part

“Guys,” Barbara’s voice came through the speaker in an urgent tone. “There’s news from Arkham Asylum.”

Everyone turned around like meerkats spotting danger. Immediately, Bruce demanded, “What happened?”

“It’s… well, it’s not bad, kind of, technically, maybe.” The last part was rambled and everyone shared looks, bewildered at Barbara’s uncharacteristic flustered state.

“O?” Dick asked. “What happened?”

“… the Joker is dead.”

Silence.

And then cheers from most of the occupants within the room.

“Hell yeah!” Jason cheered. “It’s party time! Is the general public aware? It’s like New Years, Christmas, and my birthday all in one! O, invite everyone over, we’re having a celebration!”

Damian clapped enthusiastically while Stephanie hugged Cass, hopping up and down and chanting, “Yes! Yes! Woohoo! Ding Dong, the Joker’s gone!” Even Tim was grinning, while Dick was shaking his head, hiding his smile.

Only Bruce frowned. “Are you sure? Who killed him?”

Barbara coughed, fighting her own grin before she sobered quickly and reported, “No one’s sure, but he’s definitely dead. He was killed out of nowhere and there are currently no suspects. However…” everyone quieted, eyes wide as Barbara hesitated. “I do have my suspicions.”

Bruce grimaced heavily. “Who?”

Jason scowled at him, but before he could speak, Barbara brought up video feed of the hallways leading up to the Joker’s isolated cell. There were three figures sneaking around as they approached it. Two of the figures were very recognizable, blonde pigtails and red hair. However, there was one person most of the Bats did not recognize.

Dick froze stiffly, eyes wide.

“There was a video of the hallway to the Joker’s cells of Ivy, Harley, and another inmate approaching Joker’s cell a few minutes before he died. However, after that, I have no more video evidence, even inside of the cell. It’s all frizzed out.” She tried to demonstrate and only showed off videos of green, glitchy static.

Bruce grimaced. “Who is that? The other inmate?”

“A recent arrival. He was brought in a day ago and was declared a meta, although no one is aware of what his powers are, except perhaps something about fire. He’s been cooperative and peaceful so far. Apparently, he calls himself Wraith and he was caught in Blüdhaven but brought to Arkham Asylum due to his meta status.”

There was a pause as they all registered the news. Dick was inwardly sweating buckets but made sure to keep his posture very innocent, in case Cass was staring at him.

Then Barbara said, “Oh.”

“More news, Oracle?”

“… yeah. He as well as the other Sirens just broke out of Arkham.”

More silence.

Then—

“WHAT?!”

[whispereons]

Oracle!Reader Part 9

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 8, Part 10

Warning! This chapter has some gore and death! Remember my sagau has darker worldbuilding and it's an imposter au! Yanderes is a warning in itself.

Muffled thumping and talking bothered your slumber. Feeling groggy you opened your eyes slowly. A groan slips past your lips as your head pounds when you move to sit up. What happened last night?

Memories of the night before coming back to you in a trickle before it rushes your mind all at once. Your mask!

Urgently you feel your face and relax a little at it still being there. But what if Kazuha took it off and put it back on? You would be put in a cell, right? The bedding underneath you were still soft and warm in fact something even warmer was on your legs too...

Looking down you see a head of white and red hair resting on your leg. The sleeping face of Kazuha with bed hair was sitting on a chair letting his upper body rest on the bed.

As cute as he was, sleeping very content on your legs you needed answers to whether he removed your mask or not. Why he was sleeping here was secondary.

"Kazuha? Kazuha, wake up!" You shake his shoulders gently as you call his name. He wakes up almost immediately no doubt due to his sensitive hearing.

"Y/N? Why are you-? Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry." It doesn't take Kazuha long to realize the situation as he jumps away from the bed in a hurry. The slight red to his ears as he turns his head away from you is an easy indicator to his embarrassment.

"It's fine really. You carried me back to my room, right? Thank you for that." His reaction was technically positive while referring you by name meaning he didn't take it off. You should be fine... for now.

"It was no trouble Y/N, especially as you had done the same for me the first night. It's just a little worrying how tired I got once I laid you on the bed. I must have been exhausted from the battle since I didn't drink anything."

Kazuha's complexion starts to cool down as he speaks about the sudden sleepiness. It's quite convenient, a little too convenient. Teyvat probably had a hand in this. You were grateful for it either way.

Politely you dismiss Kazuha who is more than eager to escape the situation. Packing up the last of your stuff and freshening up, you leave the room and climb the stairs.

The cawing of birds become clear, and you look to see the bustling pier of Liyue Harbor. You recognize it as the farthest pier from the city entrance. Unlike the game where you only saw a few people and sellers, it was much busier now.

People of all colors and clothing walked around buying, selling, playing, and working. Liyue was said to be home to many people meeting, so it was nice to see an actual busy port.

Tightening your grip on the strap of the bag, you hope that the crowd will help you escape from meeting any acolytes. Zhongli, Ningguang, and Yelan were the top people to avoid. A smart, well connected Ningguang is far more dangerous than the isolated adeptus Ganyu or Xiao.

"Y/N! Y/N!" Turning around at the sound of your name, a hug from a very excited chef and panda nearly topples you. Smiling a little you hug her back.

"Woke up fine after passing out like that Xiangling?" She pulls away with a pout at your words. Guoba is still clinging to you, and you pet his head while smiling at Xiangling.

"I'll be able to handle more next time! I swear it." You nod along to her determination before asking her a question.

"Where's Xinyan? I know she had a performance today; did she leave already?"

"That's correct. Xinyan had to leave around the same time Beidou left for business. Furong relayed her message to me about it."

Kazuha strolls to where you're standing with Xiangling. He's carrying a small bag with him hinting that he might be staying in Liyue for a while.

"That's a shame, maybe I'll get to see her when I'm in Liyue Harbor. I'm guessing you both have your own ideas on what to do in Liyue."

Speaking casually, you begin walking off the boat onto the port, Kazuha and Xiangling follow behind you.

Xiangling speaks about fishing before going to Wanmin Restaurant where she can go back to helping her dad. Kazuha's calm voice mentions a trip to the Lisha area where he had yet to explore.

Keeping your tone light, you vaguely speak of traveling around and the possibility of visiting another nation. It's best to have a flexible track record to avoid being stuck in any minor lies.

The crowd around you seems to grow thicker. It pushes the three of you together into a clump in the crowd. The smell of fish, sweat, and salt is grossing you out.

Kazuha's featherlight grip on your wrist and Xiangling's warm hand on your shoulder are what helped you all stay together and escape the masses. You sigh in relief at the cool breeze sweeping away the hot sticky feeling.

Quickly you begin saying your goodbyes to them only to be surprised by their slight clinginess.

"Why are you leaving so fast? I can treat you to a meal at Wanmin Restaurant first." She keeps her hand on your shoulder as she inches closer. Trills come from below and you look to see Guoba clinging to your leg. When did he come over?

"I agree, we don't have to split so fast. If anything, you can explore the Lisha area with me." Kazuha changes his grip from your wrist to your hand with ease.

You would be more than happy to, but you really didn't want to attract more vision holders. They would inevitably ask about you since you awakened most of them. That would lead to more questions, more lies, and less freedom.

"I'm sorry but I do have things to take care of in the city first. I don't want to hold either of you back. Xiangling, the fish you want are only around this time of day and Kazuha, I won't have you waiting hours or even days for me." You speak with firm tone and escape their holds.

Xiangling and Guoba wear matching sad puppy looks while Kazuha seems calm. The slight tremble of his hands as he waves goodbye to you doesn't go unnoticed.

He really can't understand just why he's so attached to you. It's not like him to get this troubled by saying goodbye to people he's met during his travels. His hand shook resisting the urge to hold you again.

Perhaps some time away from you would be good. For you and him.

You turn the corner around Hanfeng's Ironmongers and release the breath you've been holding. Relaxing your shoulders, you resist the urge to groan as you walk along the stone floor.

This was certainly a new pattern that you've begun to notice in your acolytes but not unwelcome. Being clingy and attached to you will help blind them from any slip ups you might make. It was nice to feel loved by your comfort characters too...

The headache you've been sporting since you woke up pulses as if reminding you of its existence. Drinking on a boat was not your best decision but you wouldn't count it as your worst yet. That spot belonged to your moment of weakness with Gorou that gained Yae's attention.

Sighing you keep walking trying to remember the first stop you had planned.

"-thank you for supporting the Adventurers' Guild." Your ears perked at the end of the sentence and a person in the signature green outfit.

That's right, you wanted to finally join the Guild since you never got the chance to in Inazuma. With renewed vigor you walk further and climb up the stone steps.

As you begin climbing the wooden staircase (was it always this high?) you see a black hat and two long twin tails as you climb up. The body gestures and promotional voice are a clear indicator to who is gracing Lan, the Liyue Branch Master, with her presence.

"This new proposal is designed to make anyone, especially you agree to it. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is always up to date, so we increased the number of coffins you get with your first order to 150 wooden coffins due to departure of Rex Lapis."

You get to the top of the stairs letting you have front row seats to the amusing sale performance.

"I hope you remember the on-site cadaver collection service covering almost every region in Liyue. Because I'm proud to say that we now cover them all. The fee is still very affordable of course!"

Hu Tao smiles perfectly as Lan only gets more annoyed.

"Even when you had the traveler, I still rejected you."

"So, you do remember! That's perfect as now I won't have to drag her here to be a reference again. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor fully understands why you may be hesitant to agree due to the social ideals. Despite the fact that everyone and everything ends. But it truly is in your best interest to agree to my proposal."

Hu Tao seems to get a little more desperate as Lan presses her hands to her temple.

"I mean, she isn't wrong." Your honest thoughts are spoken aloud drawing the women's attention to you.

Unlike Hu Tao's cheery and overly persuasive voice, you take on a more relaxed tone.

"You want to keep your adventurers safe and making them agree to this would look bad is what you're thinking right? But don't you see how Hu Tao's proposal is making them safer? An adventurer agrees to this job knowing that their life is in danger, if they get scared at the thought of signing that waiver then they aren't cut out for adventuring. How would they survive when attacked? They won't, so this may help prevent needless deaths."

Hu Tao's eyes sparkle at your words as Lan seems dumbstruck. You don't blame her, a random person coming up and taking Hu Tao's side on her business practices is a rarity.

"Now if you agree, you could prevent a lot of heart ache for those who are connected to the adventurers too. Someone has to pick up the bodies, Hu Tao's on-site cadaver collection is the best option. If not them then you'll need to have a different adventurer pick them up, have the family pick them up or pay a bigger fee for the Parlor to do it. You wouldn't want someone who was friends, coworker or family to deal with that corpse if you don't have to, right?"

This was all stuff you've wanted to tell Lan when you saw this scene in Hu Tao's story quest. It felt good finally getting it off your chest. Hu Tao's idea was really more like insurance similar to those who worked dangerous jobs like construction.

"Someone that recognizes my genius! I thought I had a way with words until I heard you speak of possibilities I couldn't even fathom. Tell me what's your name?"

Hu Tao shakes your hand excitedly and before you can even open your mouth to respond she looks back to Lan.

"But before that, I would like to seal the deal with Miss Lan on the offer. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has a long and detailed history of honoring the client's requests on their death bed. So, agree to this now and reap all the benefits!"

"I said no, I'm not telling you again Hu Tao. Say what you will but I'm not changing my mind. And you, do you have any actual business with the Adventurers' Guild? If you do, speak to Katheryne if not then leave."

You chuckle at the way Lan stubbornly rejects Hu Tao with a scowl before piping up coyly.

"Well lucky for you Lan, I'm Y/N and I'm looking to be an adventurer." The smile you have seems to annoy Lan even further. She mutters something sounding very similar to "of course they are" and points at Kathryne.

"Miss Lan may be unwilling to partner up with me but the same can't be said the same for you Y/N. Those eyebags, slumped shoulders, and frizzy hair. All of that to point to you being chased by something intangible. Why don't you come over sometime and I can get you a 30% discount on a nice coffin as thanks for your help?"

Were you really that haggard looking or was Hu Tao exaggerating it to sell to you? The speed Hu Tao can switch targets from Lan to you is bit startling. Her elemental ghost creeps around her back to wrap around your waist pulling you closer to her.

"Much like you said earlier, an adventurer's life isn't easy! If you agree now, I can promise a special on-site cadaver collection that can extend as far as Monstadt and Sumeru. Buy now and save later, it's the families that regret not buying a coffin or spot for burial."

Well, you did vouch for Hu Tao's proposition earlier so it would be hypocritical to refuse now. But what if you're dragged back to Inazuma and die there? Or worse your identity is exposed leading to you not being allowed a funeral?

The furrow of your brows and finger on your chin as you mentally compare the pros and cons makes Hu Tao smile wider. Until an employee from the Funeral Parlor runs up the stairs calling her name.

"Director Hu Tao, we need your help with the same customer from last week. She keeps trying to change the plan last minute!"

Sighing in annoyance, Hu Tao releases you and steps backward letting you have your personal space back.

"It seems this must be all the time we have together Y/N." She keeps her hand over her heart as she speaks dramatically before wistfully continuing. "A meeting with someone like you is once in a lifetime, so here!"

A business card with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor name, symbol and address is thrusted in front of you. The address changes to something readable as your fingers brush over the words and her cold rings as you take the card from her.

Do you even want to keep this paper? It's like a guaranteed ticket to meeting Zhongli who you've felt very conflicted about since you arrived here. He and Venti have had thousands of years to grow as worshippers while watching the cult grow. If anyone could pick up your lie, it would be them. Maybe burning the paper would be the best option.

You wave in slight befuddlement as the employee drags Hu Tao away in a hurry. Once she's out of sight, you turn back to the Adventurers' Guild front desk.

"So how do I start?"

After filling out the stacks of paperwork Katheryne handed you, you give it back and crack your wrist. It had asked all manners of questions from 'do you have any control over the elements?' to 'which of the three mushroom types is edible?'. Something tells you Lan made it purposefully harder.

Katheryne disappears into the building with Lan and after a few minutes she comes back out with a smile.

"Congratulations, you've been accepted into the Adventurers' Guild. I am unable to draw up an adventure rank for you but here is your adventurer handbook."

You take the familiar handbook from her and wince at the way her voice glitches when speaking about your adventure rank. Katheryne has always been a meta character so perhaps with your isekai'd statues the system is struggling. Or Teyvat is doing this to protect you as it's heavily implied Kathryne was created by Sandrone, the Fatui Harbinger.

"Due to your lack of adventure rank we will skip that area. Instead, we can give you the choice of wearing your regular clothes or the adventurers' uniform. It's made of material designed to stand against attacks, the weather, and long durations of time."

You smile and shake your head. That uniform would be a dead giveaway to your new job. Plus, it was kind of ugly, there was no way you would run around looking like Tingle from Zelda.

Wait why did they never offer the traveler the option to wear the uniform?

"Then let's get to the main aspect of adventuring, which is commissions. Between the choice of a single daily commission or four weekly commissions, you chose the latter. You are free to pick up your commissions tomorrow morning. Any questions or concerns?"

There was no option for four daily commissions on the paperwork. They must have given it due to the traveler proving their strength using the Dvalin stunt that happened right before the 'Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild' quest. Or because it's a game.

"Just one, will I have to fight abyss mages and hilichurls? Since I wrote that I could control some elements and fighting skills."

"Yes, you will have to face such monsters since you said yes to both questions. Of course, you won't be facing strong ones as all new adventurers start with easy monsters until their adventure rank rises. Unfortunately, since we can't assign you a rank, you will never be assigned commission focusing on stronger enemies."

What a relief! You already felt horrible at the thought of fighting against the cursed khaenri'ahs. Making the fight more difficult would just make it worse.

"Then ad astra abyssosque, Adventurer! With effort, you shall reach the stars and conquer the abyss!"

That signature phrase makes you smile at the robotic woman before leaving down the stairs. That had to be the simplest job interview you've every applied for!

Not to mention this is the only one you've ever successfully gotten hired for. Most deny you for not having a high school diploma and the rest for not having a GED. You would have gotten one if your old boss ever let you. But the way a gang keeps you trapped is by cutting off any other options. If you never get better, you can never leave.

You walk back down the stairs and stuff the handbook into your bag. What to do now? Visiting Hu Tao is not an option, and this was Liyue for crying out loud! You couldn't explore Inazuma in fear of being seen but the problem didn't exist in Liyue... for now at least.

Glancing at the teleport waypoint in the middle of the city, you make sure to keep a good distance from it. Accidentally activating it would be the worst thing especially with all the people around.

Pushing back any worries you begin exploring the Harbor while checking stores for anything useful. The red of the building frames were such an eye-catching design compared to the monochrome and neon buildings on Earth.

The lanterns and lights were off, but you could already imagine the sight of them illuminating the city. One thing you did note was how everyone walked on the stairs and avoided the smooth stone. Wasn't that one reserved for royalty or rather the Archons? Best that you avoid it too.

Unable to read the signs you took to spying the wares to see if the stores have what you need. Camping supplies like a tent, sleeping bag (the closest thing was a sleeping mat and a blanket), travel-sized hygiene tools, a lantern that holds a candle and a multi tool. Were the first things on your list.

You couldn't stay in hotels or get lucky enough like you did to stay with the Kamisatos so it's best to be prepared to sleep outside. Hotels and even motels are expensive so it's best to save money until you have a general income established.

Having a game bag was such a blessing. The shopkeepers looked surprised when you stuffed the whole tent into it but not to the point where it's absurd. The adepti inventions and the traveler seemed to have made all these things rare but not unheard of.

Another high priority was medical supplies. There was a chance that the Statue of the Seven could heal you but that could summon the respective Archon too. You didn't want to bleed to death while walking to one either. Unless you could teleport to them too...

With a good-sized medical kit, you go to the Wanmin restaurant and merely order from the outside. A good heaping of raw ingredients is added to your bag along with a cooking pot.

Second Life, the store nearby is perfect for some of the missing items like milk. The bag is timeless, so nothing ever rots or spoils. If you had something like this on Earth, you wouldn't have spent years going hungry.

You end up near Xigu Antiques and take out Beisht's scale from your bag. If you ever got low on money, then selling Beisht's scale could work. But using it as a bargaining chip or as a verification of being an oracle would be ideal.

"This scale is unlike I've ever seen. It's not only in perfect condition but it's overflowing with hydro energy. Inventors would pay around 5 million mora to power inventions using it. While jewelers like us would pay up to 2 million mora for it. Are you interested in selling it?"

You give a polite refusal before being extra careful in storing the scale. The last thing you want is its price tag going down. Only one thing left on the checklist of items you wanted to buy.

As you ran around looking for that particular shop, you slowed down near the toy seller. Granny Shan smiled at you with wrinkles crinkling as you admired the kites and toys on the bench.

"Hello young one, interested in any of the toys? The ready-made toys are all child sized but I'm open to commissions for specific toys as well."

There wasn't any point in buying anything. The money could be better spent on living expenses rather than kites or fireworks. With a well-mannered smile you're about to decline until you spot a toy design on a piece of paper.

The air in your lungs struggle to leave you as your hands gently pick up the paper to see it closer. A grey cat plushie design with black and white patches graces your eyes. Your lips are dry, and your throat feels tight.

"This design... Can I get the first finished product?"

"I would be happy to. This kind of toy must bring back some childhood memories, right?"

Granny Shan is oblivious to your inner turmoil as she writes down your name and takes the appropriate mora from you. "It'll be done in around two days. Feel free to pick up that day or the day after."

Thankfully it wasn't that expensive, and you leave the stall trying to regain your bearings. The reminder of your beloved Ashtray was sudden but bittersweet. You had a similar plushie in Earth that comforted you, maybe having one here would help you too.

After walking in a daze, you find yourself in front of a shop that was hidden away. It wasn't in the game but maybe that's because it would have been useless to note. Entering the shop, the sight of wind gliders sends you some excitement and nervousness.

Wind gliders of different designs and colors are hung around the shop as protective gear is stationed around on tables. The metallic of the middle structure of it are cold to the touch. A contradictory to the soft cotton hiding the bendable mechanics of the wings.

You're quickly attended to by an employee as they explain the functions and unique color schemes behind each glider. Some designs have monochrome colors to let the buyer color it themselves while others are bejeweled to hell and back.

The one you end up buying is a mild colored glider that suited your color scheme with gold and black mechanical parts. Hopefully you won't regret skipping on the protective gear, Teyvat would protect you from hurting yourself... right?

Who are you kidding? You didn't have a clue on how to use it. Gliding in the game and gliding in real life were two different things. Although they explained the basic of attaching it to the back of your clothes and how it'll automatically deploy at certain velocity. That didn't fix the fact that you don't have a license to use it or any actual knowledge.

There's a bookstore in Liyue right? You already needed to buy some books on camping and the in-depth flora so you can pick up a more detailed gliding instruction manual too.

Feeling a bit lost you climb the red staircases vaguely remembering that the bookstore should be above ground floor. What you end up coming across first is the Heyu Tea House where Yun Jin usually performs.

It's a lot bigger than it was shown in game. This one actually looks like it can hold her performance. A border is set around the stage as a paper is stuck to it. Getting closer you run your fingers over the words.

'Yun Jin performing in less than two hours! The final act to the opera: The Lonely Chameleon!'

Great, now you know exactly where not to be in two hours. You would undoubtably miss whatever story she would be telling as it's the last act. Why be there and potentially draw attention and embarrassment to yourself?

Continuing your journey, you end up being forced to walk past the Northland Back. Vlad, the daytime guard that you were cheering on to end up with Nadia, the night guard was a lot more intimidating in person.

You walk past quickly as the memories of meeting Childe, learning the truth of Zhongli and stealing the chest inside the bank enter your mind. It was years ago that you did that quest, but it felt nostalgic with you walking past it like this.

Confusion is clear on your face as you look across the staircase and see the bookstore much farther than you thought. Slapping your hand lightly on your face you audibly groan at the realization.

You climbed the wrong staircase.

After backtracking, getting a little more lost and finally climbing what you think is the right staircase you are greeted by the bookshelves. A sigh of relief leaves you as your fingers trail against the spines of the books to read the titles.

Most of these you already have in the game screen and can access anytime. An in-depth gliding book, natural Liyue flora book, and a camping book are all paid for with your mora pouch that is much lighter than when you first arrived at Liyue.

Unfortunately, you had to give up on finding a book on tracking and hunting. Seems someone had already bought the last copy.

Slowly you walk back to the area where the bridge connected to the Harbor. The sun was close to setting with the orange hue embracing the sky. Most people are already home with only a few children and the usual dogs hanging out on the bridge. Passing by the alchemy table and pond your tired thoughts begin to wander.

To think alchemy was a real thing in this world. In some ways Teyvat surpassed Earth's technology using it while they were also limited due to it. You could probably make a lot of money by inventing the most useful tools you saw on Earth. Like the creation of a bicycle or at least a tricycle was revolutionary during this era.

"I'm happy to walk ya back Yun Jin but I really can't stay."

"I understand Xinyan so thank you for escorting me back to the Heyu Tea House."

You freeze at the foot of the bridge as the faint figures of Xinyan and Yun Jin walk from the other side of the bridge. Yun Jin must have gone to watch Xinyan's performance but wasn't hers supposed to start in less than an hour?

A loud bang catches your attention as the sound of electro crystalizing is heard from the city on your left. Two geovishap hatchlings speed out of somewhere from the city as Keqing chases them. The hatchlings circle around Keqing as she continuesly dodges their attacks.

"Everyone be careful! Please keep a clear distance from this area for your own safety!"

Watching in surprise you stand at the foot of the bridge as the kids and dogs get closer to you. Seems Beidou wasn't kidding when she said that the monsters and Ley lines were acting strange. The game has had monsters get close to the cities but never inside it.

As Keqing continues to block and attack the hatchlings, Xinyan and Yun Jin get to the halfway point of the bridge. Heavy footsteps of multiple guards can be heard from the direction Keqing came from.

The geovishap hatchlings startle at the vibrations and curl back into balls moving in a fast pace toward the bridge. The same bridge that you were in front of!

Urgently you're about to move out the way when the children hold onto your clothes in fear. Combine that with the two dogs blocking your feet, moving out of the way was impossible.

Did you have enough time to get your sickle out of your bag? Was there anything else you can use?! The hatchlings speed up as Keqing notices your predicament and rushes over. You can already tell that even if she used her skill, she wouldn't make it in time.

Trembling the kids close their eyes and bury their heads into your clothing. The dogs bark and growl at the approaching hatchlings. Gritting your teeth, you close your eyes and hold your arms out in some form of defense.

The rough rocks of the hatchling scrape your hand and you swing your arm to the side from the pain. The hatchling makes a pitiful whimper as it's pushed back by the sickle appearing in your hands.

In surprise you examine the sickle in your hands. Did you really get the ability to sheathe and unsheathe your weapon without manually holding it? It's quite late seeing as you could have used this during Beisht's battle but better late than never.

Did the creatures really not recognize you as the creator?

Your blood from the scrape drips down your hand and hits the ground. You could tell that something changed within the geovishap hatchlings... The one that scratched your hand started to spin around in circles for seemingly no reason.

The second hatchling lunged at the first one with teeth and claws barred out. It pins the first one to the ground and brutally stabs it as it bites chunks of rock out of its skin.

Everyone around stops at the scene and watches it in horrific disbelief. The blood splatters all over the floor and the smell of copper invades your nose. The bloody barely moving corpse of the hatchling starts to weakly crawl to you.

The kids shriek and the dogs whine as the chipped bloody geo claw reaches toward you. Unlike how threatening it felt earlier, the sight of it trying so desperately to reach you had grief swelling up inside.

The second hatchling with bloody rocks and crimson flowing out of its jaw follows it as it's club like tail raises. The tail is slammed down onto the it's victim with no remorse repeatedly. As the rocky exterior is beaten away blood flies off the body.

Your body takes the brunt of the splashing blood as you cannot stop staring at the corpse. By the time the tail is lifted off the body, all that's left is a bloody pulp of rock, scales and flesh.

Everything is silent for a moment as the sole Geo hatchling looks up at you. It seems happy? Maybe even proud of what it did. It rips off the gold horn from the corpse and places it at your feet.

You stare down at the item as you shakily pick it up. It's still warm. Whether from the blood or the newly deceased creature, you aren't sure.

The background seems to blur as you stare at it. The children running to their parents, Keqing yelling out orders, Yun Jin and Xinyan trying to get past without attracting the attention of the hatchling. All of it fades away.

What caused this situation to happen? They didn't recognize you until your blood dribbled out. Teyvat was calling strong creatures to protect you so maybe the weaker ones hadn't got the message yet? Should you be mad at the hatchling that stands at your feet looking at you with adoration?

If a person did this, you would be appalled. But nature was never kind and Teyvat had its own laws. Even if you did kill the geo hatchling for murdering its brethren, it wouldn't stop anything. They aren't like humans who can understand your words and worries. Besides the hatchling didn't do it in your name like the acolytes' sacrificial events, it did it to protect you...

You snap back into attention as Keqing teleports using her skill above the hatchling. It curls up and rolls around you to escape using the bridge. The faint trail of blood in its wake is only mildly off-putting compared to earlier.

In its hurry it slams into Yun Jin's chest. Her clothing is smeared with blood, and it rips from the rocky scales. She stumbles back with a pained cry as Xinyan growls and summons her weapon.

"Get away from her!" Xinyan barely misses the hatchling as it digs under the ground and reappears behind them. Xinyan is about to give chase, but you grab her arm in a haste.

"Just leave it be, there's more important things to worry about! Yun Jin's show is starting in less than an hour."

Yun Jin stands up from the ground and the damage had already been done. Her hair was a mess, her makeup was smudged, and her clothes were torn with a blood smear.

"Oh no, oh dear. I was supposed to perform in these clothes, I had no costume prepared. If I go back now, they'll be so caught up in fixing me that the show will be ruined."

Yun Jin's despair quickly captures Xinyan's attention, and you glance at the geovishap hatchling that flees the area. Some of the Millelith guards are about to give chase but Keqing stops them.

"I think we still have a chance to fix things." Your voice has a glimmer of hope as you take in Yun Jin's appearance. "I don't know how to do your hair, but I have experience in makeup and clothing. If we all work together, we could get it fixed up in time."

"Is that really a possibility?"

"Don't give up hope Yun Jin! Y/N is right, if we go somewhere and fix it up, you might make it! You know I can help with all that stuff too."

Yun Jin smiles feeling a bit better with Xinyan and your reassurance. Before you can start looking around for somewhere to work on it Keqing walks up to your group.

"Hello, I wanted to come over to amend the situation that I could have prevented if not for my own lack of skills. Situations like these may not be under the Yuheng's responsibility but as a member of the Liyue Qixing who was here, I should have been able to stop the geovishap hatchlings.

As much as I would like to properly introduce myself, it's best that I cut to the chase. Yun Jin, you are performing soon, and your friends want to help you fix it correct? I'll pay a room for you in the Yanshang Teahouse and have someone bring over any material you might need."

This was a real lucky break, but Keqing keeps glancing at you, as if she knows or wants something. Everyone saw how the hatchling presented the horn to you, hopefully she's not suspecting you to be behind the Geo hatchlings attack.

Xinyan and Yun Jin are quick to agree as you all hurry to the teahouse. The hostess that you remember being really bitchy before Yelan took over was pleasant at the sight of the very popular vision holders. You ignore the side-eye she gives you as you all pile into a room.

Xinyan is creating a list of necassary materials to remedy Yun Jin's situation with Keqing as you clear the table of all the decorations. The whole next 10 minutes is a blur. The only thing you focus on is cleaning the blood from her outfit and repairing the holes as Yun Jin sits in front of a mirror in some spare clothes. Xinyan is focused on redoing the hairstyle.

Keqing only stopped to drop off the supplies before leaving for work. She didn't ask you anything but the way she stared at you whenever she thought you weren't looking says otherwise. Knowing your luck, Ningguang will have heard of this too. And being in the teahouse that Yelan owns? Yeah, you're screwed.

Deciding to push it to the back of your mind, you focus on the dress in your hands that's almost done being repaired. You were no professional sewer, you just had so much practice in sewing your clothes that this came easily to you. Same with your make-up skills, your job on Earth required you to constantly change faces. So, your make-up skills were more in the contouring section. Always used to obscure your features rather than enhance them.

The dress looks brand-new as you examine it closely for any signs of imperfection. Satisfied at your job you stand up and go over to the duo. They've been chatting about how the Heyu Tea House owner would react to Yun Jin arriving so close to the beginning of the opera.

"Sorry to interrupt but I finished fixing your dress. Do you want me to help you with your make-up or are you all good?"

Yun Jin jumps at your appearance and nearly drops the brush she was using.

"Thank you so much!... Y/N? I'm so sorry I never even got to properly introduce myself to you and you were still kind enough to help me. Is there any way I can repay you for all you've done for me?"

You smile gently at the formal woman as she stresses out over her lack of manners. What a perfect opportunity served on a silver platter.

"Please don't worry about that. You're a friend of Xinyan's right? I came on the Alcor with Xinyan, and I was more than happy to help. The situation earlier left everyone quite frazzled. I really don't need anything as repayment. I just hope you can make it to your show in time."

Yun Jin only looks more regretful at your generous wish. Xinyan finishes her hair and scoots back as she grabs the hat. She takes the sewing needle you were using earlier and begins to repair the hanging tassels.

"Don't feel bad Yun Jin, Y/N is a good person! I never got to tell you in detail how the trip with the Crux went this time but after your show I can tell you all about it. Ya know that oracle I mentioned before? Y/N is that oracle!"

Careful not to mess up her hair, you begin applying the red eyeshadow as Yun Jin puts on the light red tinted lipstick. "Is that really true? I'm not doubting you, it's just incredible to hear."

"Yes, to put it simply I tend to resemble the creator due to the powers I'm granted. One of the major ones is how I can connect with the creatures of this world." Your downcast eyes make Yun Jin send you a worried look.

"Is something wrong Y/N?"

"It's just that I think the geovishap hatchling may have sensed the creator's presence on me and instead of attacking me like they do to the awakened acolytes, it reacted weirdly. I think the Yuheng may be under the belief that I did something to make them react like that."

You finish applying it and lean away from Yun Jin. The girls share a look with each other and begin reassuring you that there's no way you would get in trouble. It's when you hear a particular sentence from Yun Jin that your pursed lips curl into a grateful smile.

"I have a performance that requires me to speak with Keqing tomorrow, I can explain your oracle status and clear up any misunderstandings that may have arisen."

"I would be so thankful for that Yun Jin! You would really be my hero."

Calling her a hero makes her pale cheeks heat up a little as she stands up.

"Think nothing of it Y/N. Now I believe everything is repaired and ready. I'll change and meet you outside as soon as I possibly can."

Smiling happily, you wave with Xinyan and leave to the entrance of the Teahouse. Xinyan pats you on the back with an ecstatic smile.

"We might be able to arrive on time, we really couldn't have done it without you Y/N. If you have time, would ya like to watch her show with me? The final act usually has a quick recap and the story in this one is pretty simple."

Xinyan looks at you with expectant eyes as you remember her telling Yun Jin that she wouldn't be able to attend. What made her change her mind?

"That sounds like fun! I've never seen an opera before, would I need to buy tickets?"

"Don't worry about that! Yun Jin always has private tickets for anyone she wants to personally invite. I don't usually go since I've never been too fond of opera, but I want to support Yun Jin. It would be a lot more fun with you."

Yun Jin comes out at that exact moment looking nearly identical to her pre-attacked appearance. Xinyan keeps her fingers to her lips signaling to keep your agreement a secret. You nod back to her; it was nice seeing them get along so well.

Getting there at the last second, the troupe calls her over in a hurry. Yun Jin can only briefly wave goodbye before disappearing behind the topaz curtain.

The Heyu Tea House was packed to say the least. Fighting through the people, you and Xinyan managed to find a seat close enough that Yun Jin would notice you both immediately.

Eyes stare at your table or rather at Xinyan. You had only gotten this seat because they moved away in fear without either of you doing anything. Not that you were complaining, if they wanted to be chicken then that's on them.

If only they stopped glaring at Xinyan for simply existing. Now doesn't that bring up memories of your own childhood. No one really liked being saddled with the orphan kid.

Xinyan doesn't even react and only smiles when the curtain pulls away to reveal a few backup dancers and Yun Jin posing. Her voice rings out in Chinese as they start dancing and performing in harmony.

You don't miss how her eyes light up at the sight of you and Xinyan watching from the table. A separate narrator begins to recap the previous acts.

"A chameleon with no one and nothing left. What a pitiful existence. Yet it strives for some meaning or person to live for, it works tirelessly each day. Changing its colors, it's position and its soul for that singular purpose. Taken advantage by each animal requesting a color. At long last it's used every color and been rejected by each one. So now it's left to wonder; what color was its true color?"

Each animal that had taken advantage of the chameleon appears in costume around Yun Jin. The lanterns dim as the moon starts to rise setting a perfect backdrop.

The singing slows down as Yun Jin speaks mournfully.

"Not a single color keeps them with me. No matter how hard I try to blend in, to be accepted it is but a lost cause. Should I find my original color and live all alone? Or should I give one last ditch effort?"

Colored lights and decorations spin around Yun Jin at her last line. When it's pulled away her hat had changed to a multicolored fan of hairpins. A long robe covered her dress with flags in each color stood proud fanning out from behind her.

Her singing is high-pitched and melancholic. All the other animal performers crowd around her as she sings. After each verse she belts out and poses, they briefly stop and bow to her.

You couldn't understand what was being said but judging by their actions, it seemed the animals finally accepted the chameleon due to the rainbow of colors.

A last long note as the animals pose in various positions around her until only the moon shines down on Yun Jin. She looks up at the moon as she starts her speech with an empty voice that rises with emotion.

"I am loved, adored, and nearly worshipped so why am I as lonely as before? If the only difference between the me before and the me now is the color, I display then is my color the only reason they love me? Is this the life I want? Is this the love I desire!?"

The drums beat and the music rings louder. The animal performers move away in a fast pace as Yun Jin tears off each flag. The animals scramble to pick each colored flag and hold it out to Yun Jin but she ignores them. Instead, she grabs the hairpin on her head and tears it off.

The animals run around her in a dance as longer flags that cover the sight of her fly around. When she's revealed she's back in her normal clothes and a single dagger lies in her grasp.

"If that is the only way I will ever be loved then this life of mine is as useless as my colors."

With a single motion the dagger is 'stabbed' into her heart, and she falls backwards with the animal performers catching her. They gently set her 'dead' body on the ground and mourn her. The curtains close and the audience erupts into cheers.

You clap and smile as the curtains open and the performers bow with Yun Jin in the front. For reasons unknown to you, the play had shaken your heart like an earthquake to a fragile little house.

Xinyan excitedly congratulates Yun Jin as you compliment her as well. Cotten in your ears make what they're saying muffled. Smiling you say your goodbyes and leave them. The ghost of Xinyan's hand reaching for your shoulder is ignored.

Instead you focus on what matters, your identity and living situation. Yun Jin already agreed to clear up the situation with Keqing, the horn given to you was safely in your bag, your job with the Guild was confirmed, and you avoided any high-profile acolytes that you're wary of.

Hopefully Yelan will never investigate you seeing as you stayed at the Yansheng Teahouse.

Out of curiosity you check the price of a week at a small motel. You promptly leave after they tell you it would cost 210,000 mora for a single week. If you paid that, you'd be fresh out of money by the end of the month. Things were expensive since it's Liyue but that was just too much.

You make your way to the bridge where the whole geovishap hatchling murder happened. Sleeping in the tent you bought is the much smarter and better financial decision... Even if it was the more dangerous one.

Not a single soul is around as you cross the bridge. The grass crunches under your shoes as the uneven stone makes your footsteps ring out in the night air. It turns into a dirt path and the city lights fade from how far you've gone.

Lighting the candle in your lantern you hold it out in front of you as you continue walking. The path splits and you stay on the right side due to the faint lanterns that are hung around that direction.

Cobblestone patio on the left and two huge identical stone statues on the right can be seen as you stand in the middle. The spot of dirt you choose to camp out on the patio gives you a perfect view of the statues. The mist flower and what you think is an adepti machine goes ignored.

It's been a quite a few years since you've ever had to put up a tent. But the survival skills come back to you quickly. With the tent set up and a small campfire going, you set a pot over it.

Swiftly you open the game screen and find the needed recipes for any simple food to make. The matsutake potatoes and meat are put into the pot and you turn your head to grab a plate. You aren't surprised to see it already done when you turn back.

You gobble down most of the matsutake meat rolls and stop when the bushes on your left begin to shake. Freezing mid-bite, you stare at the bush intently. When something begins to tumble out of it you jump to your feet and summon your sickle.

An unfortunately familiar bronze creature unravels itself from its ball and stares at you innocently. That damn geovishap hatchling has appeared again.

Sighing you flop back onto the ground with no fear. It may not have crimson liquid staining its body, but the smell of copper was still strong. There was no way it's not the hatchling you met in the city.

It creeps closer to you with every passing second. You can see the marks from Keqing's sword and electro cover its bedrock body. Taking pity on the poor hatchling, it's still a baby after all, you pat the spot beside you.

With a happy growl it sits next to you, and you give it the last of the meat rolls. Happy noises escape it as it carefully takes the food from your hands and eats it. That seems to have completely softened the reptile as it snuggles into your side.

Despite what it did earlier, your heart melts like wax under the sun, and you pet its head. You scold it in a faint voice.

"You shouldn't go into the city, it's dangerous. Now that your friend is gone, it'll be easier for you to get hurt. Stay close with your family so that you don't get hurt."

It's eyes close and it whimpers. It may not understand your words, but the main message seemed to have resonated with it. Your hand brushes against one of its injuries and it flinches.

Should you use some of the ointment from your medical kit to help it? With purpose you drag your finger lightly over its cuts and scraped areas. The wounds begin to glow gold and you close your eyes from the brightness.

Once it dims you open them to see the injuries healed.

Being the creator is one thing, but being the equivalent of a Statue of the Seven to the creatures is another. You're basically capable of healing everything but yourself!

The brief annoyance fades into fondness as the hatchlings springs up and rolls around in happiness. A sudden wave of exhaustion hits you making you groan and struggle to stand up.

You put out the fire and crawl into the tent, the bed is welcomed after such an exhausting day. The rough ground beneath the thin bedding and cold air nipping your skin brings back memories of the years you spent sleeping in alleyways and parks.

Maybe comparing yourself to a Statue of a Seven was more accurate than you thought. As the creator you shouldn't be this exhausted after healing minor wounds. So, it would make sense that you would need to practice or gain more power through touching the Statues of the Seven in order to heal more without getting exhausted.

Your train of thoughts slow down as sleep overtakes you. The faint thudding of the hatchling outside makes you feel somewhat safe. Is this life something you'll truly get used to? Or will you end up giving up like the chameleon?

And it's done! Now that Y/N has some freedom, I can start implemeting certain game ascepts. And if I don't enter specific ones then I probably forgot so feel free to comment any that you would want to see! This chapter was supposed to be just a nice day of touring Liyue and the geovishap hatchling was supposed to be annoying/cute and progress the plot. But damn did it get darker. I do want to say that Kazuha's last line wasn't him removing himself from his obsession. Kazuha is a very self-reflective character and all that he's gone through has added to that. I originally was going to have the opera nameless and just a quick description less show, but I had fun writing one that would fit with the plot. Welp time to finish 100% the Summer event! Taglist: @vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @sielt, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @conspicuous-mayonnaise, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @sielt, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zeniths, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @undecidingfate, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername, @zhonglisfruityass, @fluffy-koalala, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling

[dannydbeeto]

OMG HAI so glad you askeddd I have like. Everything planned out for this au

‼️Huge spoilers for persona 5 base game hehe

I mentioned this in the tags in my first post but in my head the persona characters are functionally the owl house characters but I still want them to have their backstories and stuff and like i tweek the oh characters just a bit cos there are so many phantom thieves lol. so think of it as like a swap au but not really ok

Sojiro-> Eda

Sae-> Lilith

Futaba-> King

Ren/Akira-> Luz

Ryuji-> Gus

Ann-> Willow

Makoto-> amity

Akechi-> amity/hunter

Shido-> belos

For yusuke Haru and morgana Im just straight up using their p5 backstories

Yusuke is a student at st. Epiderm and he’s in the illusion track (cos one it’s blue and two he can use it for creative stuff I believe in him) he’s still under the tutelage of maderame and he still steals yusukes and all of his students hard work and ren/akira and the gang (Ann, ryuji) have to take yusuke into maderame’s brain à la understanding willow and show him maderame’s true nature and he confronts maderame in his brain and kinda “changes his heart” huge air quotes

Haru is the daughter of potion coven head kunikazu okumura and she is very skilled in plant magic, but to uphold her fathers legacy she is put in the potions track (like willow omg) her father is kidnapped shortly before the day of unity, blame for his murder being put on the “phantom thieves” after he is found dead in a prison cell

Morgana is. In this one. An actual monster cat, he’s like the bipedal monsters in the show and he finds ren/akira not too long from when he falls into this world and “takes him under his wing” he’s in the baby class at hexide and uses his new ride to scare the other kids into doing things for him this is how ren/akira finds himself in hexide and finds the school endearing (he’s only seen the baby class)

Makoto is less of amity in the way that they’re rivals to lovers (unless you want that im open to it) but more of Makoto is the star student and a very skilled witch and ren and co are wreaking havoc all around campus

Their tracks

Ren- multi tracks (excels in oracle magic though)(Arsene is a ghost he’s besties w)

Morgana- baby track he hasn’t decided yet

Ryuji- originally in the potions track but got lippy with the grudgby coach and got switched to the detention track

Ann- abomination

Yusuke- illusion

Makoto- healing

Futaba- oracle (because it’s funny)

Haru- plant (originally in potions)

Akechi- emperors coven/ multi track in his school (favoritism 🙄) also peep the parallels to ren/akira

I imagine sojiro is in a coffee lovers coven or something that’d be really funny

Anyway yeah I’m prolly gonna draw more soon but hehehehehehe

[vantablackdraws]

I am here to consult the oracle for wisdom upon what the locals call "mermay" aka help I have no idea what to make Chaos in my semi-coherent-not-really royalblue mermay fic inspired by your ask

so I, the humble soup consumer, have come to ask you, the mighty oracle, for help because I am at a complete loss. I do not have one artistic cell in my body and my mind cannot conjure up a mercreature hybrid that would work. so, I humbly request, what of the list below should Chaos be?

glass octopus, bigfin squid, dunkleostesus, giant oarfish, giant phantom jellyfish, or maybe a chimaera (otherwise known as ghost sharks that aren't actually sharks). he probably couldn't be a siphonophore but this is my soap box to say they are cool and more people should know about them

((((thank you so much for your ask btw it has inspired so many fun ideas. once I get over this hurdle I am going to write so hard. also if you have any other ideas my ears are open)))))

iiiiiiii honestly have no idea! Creature design isn't really my strongest suit, especially with mermaids/fish people. If you want an artist who's REALLY good at making unconventional mermaids, I'd suggest checking out Salamispots! Their work is really good, I've been referencing it for my own mer/pirate au, so I'm sure you could get some neat ideas for Chaos from that. That being said, I've kinda pictured Happy Chaos as some kind of shark? Purely because of his whole color scheme and also being referred to as a gummy shark. So maybe a dunkleostesus or chimera/ghost shark could work (also if you wanted to throw in some bioluminescent markings to reference his tattoos that could be cool too I think, but that's just a suggestion.) I personally think he should just be kinda old/ancient and uncanny looking regardless.

[haleswallows]

Fire and ice for the ask game? Your choice for which fic

Fire: share a snippet with some dialogue you���d like to show off.

Pffft so much fire! Is this a sign folks like my dialogue? Are my hours of talking to myself showing?

Pain on Main AU, because I'm actually running around of dialogue to pull from.

He seems to think a moment. Seems to, because Jason doesn't think the dude has enough brain cells to both breathe and think concurrently most of the time. "Do you have one?" "Now isn't the time. Pick something, or I'm telling Oracle to call you Inviso-Bill." Christ, it's like talking to a toddler. And Jason can't even smack the idiot for all the trouble. "Ancients, how do you even know about that?"

Ice: share a snippet where a character is taking a risk.

Oh ho ho ho, I have something for for this.

“Then I am allowed a request of my husband?” Tim said it to Phantom’s back, the man turned away to read the spines of the books he had brought with him from Gotham. “You are certainly allowed a request of me.” He turned slightly, allowing Tim a view of his profile. “Spar with me. If I win, then you give me your name to use.” “Fae rules,” he muttered, a slight smile that was quickly hidden. “No. I could hurt you.”

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Phantom Grin

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Bruce Wayne visits his son’s grave on the night of his resurrection. Will it change Jason’s fate, or is it all simply inevitable?

Chapters: 19/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Jason Todd Has Chronic Pain, Jason Todd is Disabled, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Resurrected Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne Get Along

Chapter Nineteen: Blood Cult

Jason was drenched in sweat and shaking, hugging himself while he paced the length of Helena’s apartment while Dick explained things to Helena. “How’s he doing?” Helena asked as she looked up from a stack of English papers to point at Jason with her pen. 

“Awful. We need you to take us to the building Jason was in—.” 

“You sure you shouldn’t run a tox screen instead? Maybe his medications aren’t mixing well,” Helena suggested. Jason started gasping and choking as he pried at his throat. 

“Jason’s not delirious. He might look like he’s losing his mind, but I mean… Wouldn’t you be a little unhinged?” Dick defended him. Helena sighed and wrote down an address on a piece of paper. 

Jason looked out the window. “No, please… Give me a minute to get my head together. Please,” Jason loudly whispered. “I just. I need a minute.” Helena got up and stood behind him. Jason pressed his palms to his eyelids. 

“Maybe I should come with you,” Helena whispered. Jason jumped. “I’m gonna come with you.” 

Jason walked into Dick, hiding his face in Dick’s shoulder. Dick wrapped his arms around Jason. “Hey, it’s gonna be alright,” Dick whispered. 

“I think it was more than one girl… I can’t—. Indigo in the graveyard. The wires got crossed somewhere… Like a signal… Radio waves… In my head. I—. The bathtub. Different girl. Same person maybe,” Jason mumbled into Dick’s shoulder. 

“Okay… Jason, listen… We’re gonna crack this case. Okay, you and me—.”

Helena cleared her throat. “Helena, too. We’re here for you,” Dick reassured him. 

“We should go… We should go now,” Jason replied as he turned away and headed for the door. 

**

Helena drove them to the abandoned apartment building, and they climbed the fire escape into the window. Jason started murmuring something, and Dick touched Helena’s arm. She pushed her brows together, wrinkling her forehead. Jason dropped to his knees in the living room and held his clasped hands to the radiator. “You can’t do this. Please, my father can pay you whatever you—.” He fell face-first into the wall as if someone had taken his face into the wallpaper. Helena moved forward, and Dick stopped her. “I—. Please, you’re hurting me!” Jason shouted as his face remained pressed against the wall. He bled from his mouth and nose. “I’ll do whatever you want. Just—. Please don’t hurt me.” Helena looked at Dick. 

“Stop this,” Helena whispered. Dick shook his head. 

“Let it play out. Trust me… He’s walking us through a very real crime scene,” Dick replied. Jason’s hands dropped to his lap, and he sighed in relief. 

“Thank you,” Jason smiled with tears in his eyes. “I won’t tell anyone what happened. I promise. I just wanna go—.” He screamed as something yanked his hair. He fell backward on the ground and started clawing at nothing. His screams were muffled as he waved his hands in defense, and his sleeves tore like they’d been cut. The screams turned to hyperventilating and suppressed sobs as he slowed down, losing his ability to fight off the invisible attacker. His hand traveled to his chest, and he held the hand over his face, looking at it before something dragged him from the living room to the bathroom. It wasn’t until Helena and Dick witnessed an invisible force pull him into the tub that Helena started to believe Dick. 

She crossed herself as she stepped into the bathroom. Dick turned his cell phone flashlight on, and the tub was rusted inside. He reached into his fanny pack and chiseled some of the inner residue into an evidence bag. “Do you believe Jason now?” Dick questioned. 

Jason woke up in the bathtub, shaking and sweating as he looked around. He couldn’t see Dick and Helena. “Dick?” Jason cried. He could see women’s bloody clothes hanging all over the bathroom, Polaroids of girls alive and smiling, knives in the sink… And a man facing the mirror. He seemed so calm amid all the gore. He took off his gloves and mask. “Dick?” Jason raised his voice, hoping for an answer. 

“I’m right here, Jay,” Dick answered. 

Jason watched helplessly as the man turned toward him. Jason’s breath caught as he saw the man’s face. He knew it well. Indigo would’ve known the man, too. His mind went back to Bruce and the cult. The bodies squelched and crunched underneath him as he walked in the darkness. “ Nooooo. ” He felt the man touch his face.

“Shit,” Dick whispered as he and Helena lunged toward the tub to pull him out. Jason felt Dick’s wrist and grabbed him. 

“Where did you go? I called you,” Jason wept. Dick smoothed Jason’s hair down in the back. 

“I was here the whole time,” Dick replied. Jason coughed and sobbed. “Let’s go home. I’m gonna take you home.” 

Jason sniffed and nodded. “I don’t—. I feel dizzy,” Jason whispered. 

Dick helped Jason up. “Helena, I’ve got him. Go and start the car,” Dick whispered as he supported Jason’s weight. 

**

Bruce sat on the couch, fuming as Dick entered with Jason and Helena. “Where the hell did you take him?” Bruce asked. “I trusted you.” 

Dick set Jason down beside Bruce, and Bruce held Jason’s face up, looking into his eyes. “Jason, are you with me?” Bruce asked. Jason lay his head on Bruce’s lap. 

“It was Father Nathaniel,” Jason mumbled, “Father Nathaniel at St. Matthew’s killed those girls.” 

“What?” Bruce asked. Jason sighed into Bruce’s knee as he tried to sleep. “What is he talking about? Where did you take him?”

“The church, the graveyard, and the apartment Helena found him at. I need to go test something in the cave. Jason’s cuts will heal. Give him a few hours,” Dick replied as he sped by. Helena frowned. 

“I didn’t really believe it until I saw it for myself,” Helena replied. 

Bruce’s chest tightened as he rustled a finger through Jason’s wet hair. “I don’t like this… I don’t like what this is doing to him. I won’t lose him again. I know these girls are important to someone, but I can’t let you do this to him again. He’s in such a fragile state right now,” Bruce whispered. Helena had never seen that side of him before. Bruce looked more like a father than he ever did. The dark circles around his eyes, his tearful expression, the tightness in his throat as he spoke, and his shaking hands in Jason’s sweaty hair. 

Jason softened as his fists opened and fell loose on either side of his face. “You can go check in with Dick. I’ll watch Jason from here on out,” Bruce whispered. Helena nodded.

“Dad, do you remember—? Do you remember Deacon Blackfire?” Jason asked in a whisper once Helena left the room. Bruce sighed and made a soft noise. “Do you remember the bodies?”

“Jason—.” 

“Now, I feel like the bodies are walking through me… And it hurts inside. It hurts so much,” Jason mumbled, “I’m tired. I just want it to end. I want it all to end… It’s too much.” 

“Do you remember what you did when I wanted to give up? You stuck by me. You snapped me out of it… You saved my life, Jason. I’m not gonna let whatever this is drag you under. I’m not gonna leave your side until this is over,” Bruce whispered. 

“Dad, I can’t do it anymore,” Jason’s voice broke as he pressed his face into Bruce’s leg. “I can’t keep watching women die like that. I can’t keep feeling and smelling death. It’s inside me. Maybe I never came back at all. Maybe this is hell.”

“Jason, you’re here. You’re real, and I don’t know what this feels like for you… But, I love you. I love you enough to see this through if that’s what you need. And I love you enough to stop everyone if that’s what you—.”

“We need to give those girls justice. I can’t—. I don’t know if I have a choice in the matter either way,” Jason interrupted. And then there was silence.

[on-cerulean-tides-rpg]

Spiritualité, Croyances & Rituels (part 1)

Mythologie

Au commencement, bien avant que le soleil et la lune ne prennent leur place dans le ciel, il n’existait que l’Océan. Vaste et indompté, ce que l’on nomma plus tard le Chaos primordial n’était en réalité qu’un courant magique déferlant à travers le néant, une mer sans rivage.

C’est de ces eaux mouvantes qu’un jour émergea Nyméa. Sa simple présence apaisa aussitôt le Chaos, qui, envoûté par son essence, se laissa dompter et lui offrit toute sa puissance. Mais bientôt, Nyméa se heurta à un ennemi insidieux : la solitude. Délaissée dans un monde encore vide, elle pleura des siècles durant, et ses larmes, tombant une à une dans l’abîme, finirent par prendre forme. Ainsi naquirent ses enfants, les primordiaux, êtres divins façonnés dans la peine mais porteurs d’un nouvel espoir.

De cette joie retrouvée naquit une vision : celle d’un monde encore à bâtir, un rêve vibrant qui ne demandait qu’à être façonné. Ensemble, Nyméa et ses enfants se mirent à l’ouvrage, chacun insufflant une part de sa puissance dans l’œuvre à venir. Des abysses surgirent des îles et des continents, et les océans se mirent à danser sous les souffles divins. Bientôt, la terre et l’eau, autrefois muettes, s’éveillèrent sous un manteau de forêts luxuriantes et de créatures nouvelles. Et parmi elles, apparurent les premiers hommes, nés sous le regard des dieux.

Croyances & Religion

La place des dieux dans la culture Elyrienne

Les Elyriens croient que les divinités influencent directement leur destinée. Ils leur rendent hommage à travers des rites, des chants marins et des cérémonies liées aux cycles de la mer et des tempêtes. Chaque île ou archipel possède ses propres traditions, et certains souffles sont même attribués à la bénédiction d’un dieu en particulier.

Les temples dédiés à ces dieux se trouvent souvent dans des lieux naturels (cavernes, falaises, sommets), et il est dit que certains élus, touchés par la grâce divine, reçoivent des visions ou des dons particuliers en échange de leur dévotion.

Le Clergé et les Serviteurs des Dieux 

Le culte des dieux est organisé de manière décentralisée. Chaque île possède ses propres traditions et interprétations des volontés divines, bien que les croyances de base restent communes à tout le royaume.

Le Monarque des Marées : Figure spirituelle, garde-sceaux de la foi du peuple envers les dieux. Il n’intervient pas dans les rituels et n’indique aucune marche à suivre : toute croyance envers les entités est juste, le principal reste que les gens se souviennent de chaque divinité, peu importe la forme et le fond.

Les Oracles : Certains individus naissent avec un lien particulier avec les dieux. Ces oracles, souvent identifiés dès l’enfance par des rêves prophétiques ou des signes étranges, sont respectés comme des messagers divins. Leur parole est sacrée, et certains gouvernants les consultent avant de prendre des décisions majeures. Il n’existe qu’un seul Oracle par archipel.

Les Gardiens des Sanctuaires : Chaque île possède au moins un sanctuaire majeur dédié aux divinités locales. Ces lieux sont entretenus par des prêtres et prêtresses appelés "Gardiens". Ils veillent sur les autels, organisent les rituels et servent d’intermédiaires entre les mortels et les dieux.

Les Marins-Confesseurs : Parce que la mer est au cœur de la vie Elyrienne, certains gardiens embarquent à bord des navires pour assurer protection spirituelle et guidance aux équipages. Ils connaissent les prières de navigation et peuvent interpréter les signes de la mer (présages, mouvements inhabituels des courants, étoiles anormales).

Les Veilleurs des Morts : Consacrés à Myrron, le passeur des âmes, ils s’assurent que les morts reçoivent les rites appropriés afin de ne pas revenir hanter les vivants. Ce sont eux qui président aux cérémonies funéraires et surveillent les anciens lieux de sépulture.

[megaverserpg]

Les Fléaux - vampires

TRANSMISSION ‧₊˚ Créatures de la nuit, les vampires sont assoiffés de sang — aucun ne saurait remonter à l'origine de ce fléau. Sortilège vengeur ou pacte avec l'au-delà, aujourd'hui les maudit·e·s transmettent leur nature monstrueuse par morsure mortelle. Aux portes d'une agonie certaine, alors que l'humain·e a été totalement vidé·e de son sang, iel doit boire celui de sa·on créateur·rice pour espérer renaître du déclin. CARACTÉRISTIQUES ‧₊˚ Si le temps s'est figé sur leurs traits cadavériques et n'a plus d'effet sur l'organisme, il leur faut se nourrir de sang humain et/ou animal pour conserver leur enveloppe charnelle. Ces prédateur·rice·s aux crocs acérés et rétractables sont doté·e·s d'une vision nocturne et diurne décuplée. Leur instinct est tel celui d'une bête sauvage, attiré·e·s par l'odeur du sang et sensibles aux pulsations du cœur, il leur est difficile d'y résister. Autrefois tué·e·s lorsqu'iels s'exposaient aux rayons du soleil, il est désormais possible d'y survivre, grâce à un artéfact. RELATION DE CLAN ‧₊˚ Les vampires évoluent le plus souvent au sein d'un clan, une famille fondée par le·a premier·ère créateur·rice et celleux qu'iel a transformé·e·s. Il arrive cependant que certain·e·s soient abandonné·e·s, mais rares sont celleux qui survivent assez longtemps sans un clan. S'il existe des liens inextricables entre les familles, nombreuses sont celles qui nourrissent des rivalités difficiles à apaiser. Chaque clan tisse des rapports étroits avec un·e oracle de sang, lui offrant longévité et force en échange d'un artéfact qu'iel confectionne avec son sang. Cet artéfact — une boucle d'oreille identique pour tous les membres d'un clan — permet aux vampires de s'exposer à la lumière du jour sans en subir les conséquences. RELATIONS AVEC LA COMMUNAUTÉ MAGIQUE ‧₊˚ S'iels suscitent autant d'attrait qu'iels terrifient parfois, nul·le ne remet en doute l'aura séduisante et mystérieuse les entourant. Le venin contenu dans leur salive permet de refermer leur morsure, mais gare à celleux qui en abusent : elle est jouissive et addictive tant pour le·a vampire que pour le·a mordu·e. Les rapports sont tendus et parfois caducs avec le gouvernement.

[prism-empurress]

holy shit i have a theory about my OC Lore and worldbuilding, hold still while I gather my brain cells. -----

So the existence of Clara, the oracle, implies something very very dark. and ironic. considering. well. my nearly-one-year straight obsession of ISAT. this character existed before I played ISAT, but she wasn't admittedly as fleshed out then. She's from a doomed timeline. Spoiler warning though, just in case.

She's the fusion of Lady Greenfyre and Empurress, during a spell going very, very wrong. Said spell caused their souls to fuse together entirely. Supposedly, it's the same spell as the really forbidden one, that resulted in her to be thrown backwards in time.

Any mention of time magic is strictly forbidden in the Prism Empire, as well as the surface world below. Not that it stopped anybody craving that forbidden knowledge. But, you know, you get desperate for solutions to a huge problem...

but in nearly all timelines, PegaKitty becomes Empurress! --- Hi I'm from the future after being high off my ass, let's try continuing this post. So Empurress, she's an important character. One might even say the most important. Because of her being the one forming the Prism Empire in the first place, and her strong tie to the fate of Eden. She's just one of the strong ties, though, but usually, if she or her younger self dies...it's game over. The thing is...you need all three reincarnated ancient gods, ascended to godhood or not but ALIVE nontheless, to bring Eden'a back. Otherwise it's just not possible! You've softlocked the game! All three of them, Greenfyre, PegaKitty/Empurress, and Nicholas...are all the MOST like the lost goddess, the holy mother. There's the seven fates in total, but those three NEED to be alive and STAY alive in order to bring Eden'a back to life, from the void she resides in as a half-concept.

Nic dies a lot in most timelines, Greenfyre's ascension is 50/50, but PegaKitty's ascension into Empurress is almost always guranteed. Well here's a secret. In a really bad end of the game, the kind where you DON'T get a game+ save... I'm actually gonna write this after I finish this post. Empurress, dying from horrific wounds, blood coming out of her mouth, smiles anyway and cradles the player's hand in her own.

Her last words are "Everything will be okay"

then time rewinds, to the very start of the game. That time rewinding? That's Empurress using one final spell, as a last resort, to save everybody.

This isn't the first depiction of her doing that; in one of my drabbles here in the my writing tag, Empurress begs tearily to the Heart of the Empire to rewind time to before calamity strikes. In another depiction, in...I think last year's attempt at making a comic page? PegaKitty mentions having weird dreams, one involving someone looking like her mom, seen tearily saying "PLEASE!!" at something. So Empurress doing forbidden time magic, this won't be the last time it'll be mentioned, either.

Time magic is frowned upon for obvious reasons, namely being altering the course of time itself entirely... it's dangerous stuff, requires a lot of magic, and often a heavy sacrifice.

This isn't the first time this was used as an overarching story plot either, back in...a certain minecraft server, I was roleplaying as a magical girl that came from the distant future. Didn't get to the magical girl part sadly, but it was planned. Anyway, let's focus back on Clara! The character mentioned at the very beginning. The existence of Clara...heavily implies that Empurress is directly responsible for time rewinding in multiple timelines and AUs.

Has Empurress been the real villain the whole time...?

[deusvervewrites]

Oracle Cell: Since we already have an God Arc for Eri, the BFS/BFG combo, I'd like to suggest a Short Sword/Shotgun combo with Medium shield for Himiko and a Long sword/Sniper with Tower Shield for Midoriya.

For Midoriya it would emphasize his analytical mindset with the Long sword having, a built in gun mode for close combat, A sniper for having understood the Aragami's weakpoints using the appropriate ammo, and the tower shield for his willingness to take big hits and keep going. His most used Ammo Type would ironically enough be the Healing Ammo.

For Himiko, it would work well with her Quirk and her natural agility. Short sword for agile, flexible combat with Shotgun to keep her in the thick of the fight and a medium shield in case she really needs to block something.

If anything, Himiko, Eri and Izuku work exceptionally well together because they cover each others short comings.

Eri does BIG HEAVY DAMAGE, but takes a bit to get her Cannon reliable.

Izuku helps with identifying the parts that Eri can hit to quickly deal with the Aragami, while also providing covering fire when able.

Himiko basically dances making sure the Aragami is focused SOLELY on her, dodging and weaving between attacks always in BURST mode because she NEVER LETS UP.

And since the games operate with four-person squads this works out really well

[thespectralkitsune]

At the request of @lol01250, here’s an explanation of the Augur/true prophecy AU for Zenith. (It’s long :p)

So, in the normal timeline, the Oracles prophecy in the library is just a ruse meant to catch Zen off guard, right? Well, for this one, it’s true.

Once Nicole breaks out of the cell, and gets to Zenith, Zen does the whole trapdoor thing with Calreath. Normally this is where Nicole would fight him, but instead Zenith manages to talk her into joining the cult. So she joins and becomes his Admin, even though she can’t be mind controlled. (Kinda an agreement they have between them.) Zenith then hets the vaccine widespread, causing Torren to be under his control. He becomes Augur (and gets a new outfit.)

Of course, there’s still people who don’t follow him. Nora and Ruekra head some resistance groups against him, who regularly attack him and his base. Nicole at first plans to simply backstab him, and go back to her friends, but she slowly gets more and more manipulated by Zen, to the point she actually enjoys being in the cult.

I’m not entirely sure what’s going on with Nyx, but I’d imagine Zen would eventually figure out what she planned to do and withholds the crystal from her.

Oh, and Zenith was entirely unprepared to become head of a region. A small cult? That’s fine, nothing too bad. But an entire region, that needs food, water, electricity, as other regions slowly close themselves off from Torren, not wanting to trade or travel to a cult controlled region? It’s a taxing job, and he slowly wears himself thin just making sure people don’t start dying of lack of necessities. Not to mention he starts limiting the amount he actually talks to people, since his verbal control over them makes them take everything he says literally, down to the smallest detail.

As for the other cult leaders? (-Ruekra because I already said what he’s up to) Persephone is still trying to get Darkrai to follow her instead, Audrey is still inside Kyogre, and Jaern is… somewhere. I like to imagine he’s just living in the woods, and just isolates himself from the rest of the world.

[aurevoirmonty]

L’Épiphanie, du grec epihenia (apparition), qui célébrait à l’origine la Nativité, honorait au XVe siècle le souvenir du baptême du Christ, mais aussi son premier miracle et l’adoration des mages.

Elle a lieu 12 jours après Noël. Six jours après Noël et six jours avant l’Epiphanie, se déroule le passage à la nouvelle année. L’Epiphanie fut donc longtemps fêtée le 6 janvier mais pour plus de commodité, l’Eglise catholique la célèbre le dimanche qui suit le 1er janvier.

L’Epiphanie fut longtemps considérée comme la date du solstice d’hiver (Noël le fut aussi) et donnait lieu à d’importantes célébrations religieuses. C’est le 6 janvier notamment que les dieux solaires orientaux ou grecs étaient fêtés, comme Osiris et Dionysos.

L’Epiphanie, fête des Rois, commémore l’adoration des « Rois » mages pour Jésus, sa reconnaissance en tant que Messie. La fête des Rois correspond par ailleurs au début du carnaval.

Les Rois mages représentent la fonction sacerdotale de l’ancienne Perse, fondamentalement indo-européenne, dans le culte de Mithra. Le Christ reprend ici les attributs de Mithra, appelé « sol invictus », associé à la renaissance de la lumière, le soleil. La représentation originelle des rois mages, éloignée de celle, pervertie, de notre époque, montrait ces personnages coiffés du bonnet phrygien rouge – rouge comme le feu et le soleil auroral.

Le bonnet phrygien, coiffe de feutre qui représente un casque, était porté par les phalangistes d’Alexandre le Grand, sous forme de casque, et était aussi utilisé dans les armées de l’ancienne Perse. Ce bonnet est formé par la double spirale, représentation universelle de la force vitale, de ce qui donne la vie et forme le monde. Dans ses résurgences (comme pendant la Révolution française), on en a perdu la forme essentielle qui donnait à ce bonnet toute sa signification.

La tradition de la fève des rois pourrait être d’origine païenne. Certain y voient une transposition des Saturnales romaines, fête d’inversion des rôles afin de déjouer les jours néfastes de Saturne, divinité chtonienne, célébrée fin décembre. Lors des Saturnales, les Romains désignaient un esclave comme « roi d’un jour ». Au cours du banquet (au début ou à la fin des Saturnales, selon les différentes époques de la Rome antique), au sein de chaque grande familia, les Romains utilisaient la fève d’un gâteau comme « bulletin de vote » pour élire le « Saturnalicius princeps » (Maître des Saturnales ou Roi du désordre). Cela permettait de resserrer les affections domestiques et donnait au « roi d’un jour » le pouvoir d’exaucer tous ses désirs pendant la journée (comme donner des ordres à son maître), avant d’être mis à mort, ou plus probablement de retourner à sa vie servile à l’issue de celle-ci.

L’historien et humaniste Etienne Pasquier a décrit dans ses Recherches les cérémonies qui s’observaient en cette occasion :

« Le gâteau, coupé en autant de parts qu’il y a de conviés, on met un petit enfant sous la table, lequel le maître interroge sous le nom de Phébé (Phœbus ou Apollon), comme si ce fût un qui, en l’innocence de son âge, représentât un oracle d’Apollon. À cet interrogatoire, l’enfant répond d’un mot latin : domine (seigneur, maître). Sur cela, le maître l’adjure de dire à qui il distribuera la portion du gâteau qu’il tient en sa main, l’enfant le nomme ainsi qu’il lui tombe en la pensée, sans acception de la dignité des personnes, jusqu’à ce que la part soit donnée où est la fève ; celui qui l’a est réputé roi de la compagnie encore qu’il soit moindre en autorité. Et, ce fait, chacun se déborde à boire, manger et danser. »

C’est cet usage qui est passé jusqu’à nous. On en retrouve la trace non seulement dans le rituel de la galette des Rois, mais aussi dans la fête des Fous médiévale et des « rois et reines » des carnavals actuels.

La galette, qui ressemblait à l’origine à une brioche en forme de couronne (ce qui est toujours le cas dans le Sud de la France), n’est apparue qu’après. Sa forme ronde et sa couleur dorée en faisaient un symbole solaire évoquant le « dieu » soleil, les jours qui se remettent à rallonger et le réveil prochain de la nature. Elle est marquée de croisillons, comme les filets qui capturent la vie sans la blesser, et représentent toute la vie que l’on capture avec le Livre de la Connaissance. Ils sont une autre forme de l’Odal, une rune qui est aussi une ligature.

La fève représentait souvent le « Petit Jésus ». Dans la reconstitution populaire de la crèche, on le voit allongé sur la paille formant un soleil rayonnant tout autour de lui, figurant la naissance du soleil. Donc, on va chercher l’Enfant solaire à l’intérieur du Livre de la Connaissance (la pâte feuilletée de la galette), autrement dit la dimension solaire de notre être que nous avons le devoir de faire grandir.

Aujourd’hui, on peut voir dans la tradition de la galette, dans laquelle se cache la fève qui désignera le roi ou la reine du jour, une transposition de la reconnaissance d’un roi au sens des mages, autant que les réminiscences d’une tradition populaire de transgression.

Sources : Paul-Georges Sansonetti, Eliane Novinada

[humfrery]

Persona AU Video Game Ideas, part 3 - Phantom Thieves Edition

Part 1, Part 2

Ren Amamiya (Joker) - Dishonored 2

Joker should get a Dishonored game. Both he, Corvo, and Emily are framed for a crime they didn't commit and are given superpowers to deal. Not to mention a sword and a gun. There's also an episodic plot about neutralizing powerful bastards. How would a Dishonored mission with, say, Madarame as a target go? What would be the ironic, nonlethal way to take him out?

Ryuji Sakamoto (Skull) - Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

So, what is Ryuji's costume supposed to be exactly? The game calls it "pirate armor," but except for the mask, it doesn't really look that pirate-like to me. It actually looks really modern. Anyways, this game. Duh, right? Alternatively, you could go Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag if you really want to lean into the pirate part of his design.

Morgana (Mona) - Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves

Another obvious pick. In addition to Morgana being the main character, I think the other members of the crew should be anthropomorphic animals also. Panther is a cat, Crow is a crow, Fox is a fox, Skull is probably a monkey, etc. I wonder what Joker would be? A fellow cat or a racoon like Sly?

Ann Takamaki (Panther) - Bayonetta 2

I was also thinking about Lollipop Chainsaw as a potential template, but I think Bayonetta has a bit more of that rebellious spirit that a Panther spin-off should have. Plus, this way, we could introduce have Shiho Suzui be a Jeanne stand-in. You know, the rival/mirror match/ best friend with tons of homoerotic tension?

Yusuke Kitagawa (Fox) - Ghost of Tsushima

For Yusuke, I was debating between this and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but I think that the more human enemies of the former fit the Phantom Thieves' whole "fighting society" thing better. Ghost of Tsushima is basically a playable chanbara flick, and that fits Fox's whole thing really well.

Makoto Niijima (Queen) - Mad Max

I know that Queen is supposed to be a Kenshiro parody, but the only Fist of the North Star games are Lost Paradise (which is a Yakuza game, and we have enough of those on this list) or are bad. Besides, Mad Max puts emphasis on vehicular combat, which I think better represents the way that Queen's costume is described as "metal rider," and also the fact that she's always on a bike. I like to think that Ryuji would be this game's analogue to Chumbucket. You know, that f'ed up guy that manages Max's car?

Futaba Sakura (Oracle) - Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Here's a decision that I feel strongly about, but I also realize I need to defend. "Why not Watch Dogs?" some of you are probably asking. The reason not Watch Dogs is because not everything about those games, I think, fit into Oracle's whole deal. You know, the parts with driving or wearing clothing that isn't a skintight cyberpunk catsuit. Sam Fisher, however, does wear skintight catsuits, and he's even got goggles. Plus, Chaos Theory also has a storyline and gameplay mechanics that touch on cybersecurity and cyberattacks and what not. If you are still not convinced, fine. Imagine I put down Watch Dogs 2 or Legion here instead.

Haru Okumura (Noir) - Assassin's Creed Unity

It was either this or En Garde!, the lighthearted swashbuckling soulslike starring a female lead, which admittedly fits Noir's whole thing very well. But Unity won out because 1) it's actually set in France 2) it has stealth mechanics, which puts it in more in line with the Phantom Thief/Beauty Thief schtick, and 3) it literally has a category of weapon that is a combination axe and bomb launcher.

Goro Akechi (Crow) - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Akechi in his dark suit guise tends to get really sadistic, kind of like the Jack the Ripper persona that Raiden takes on occasionally. Otherwise, he tries to keep his head on, like Raiden. Also, the two of them are seeking revenge on an ultra buff politician and have swords that glow red. I rest my case. I was also considering the Hitman games, since that's the sort of thing that Akechi gets up to in the real world. But I mostly wanted to stick to the characters' gimmicks in the Metaverse.

Kasumi Yoshizawa (Violet) - Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

Parkour! Prince of Persia has some of the best parkour in the entire game industry, which is perfect for Violet. Also, Violet sort of has this fairy tale princess/thief thing going on, and the Prince also has the vibes of a fairy tale thief (if not prince). Plus, Two Thrones is the game with stealth elements. If you've got a better idea, hit me up. I was thinking all of the fairy tale princess stuff would also fit okay with Kingdom Hearts or something.

Phantom Thieves of Hearts - Gotham Knights

Yeah, that's right. An AU spin-off game with all of the Phantom Thieves playable at once. The thought process was that the Phantom Thieves sort of present themselves a lot like vigilante superheroes, what with the gadgets and the gimmicks and all. So they should get a video game that's like Gotham Knights, but actually good.

Bonus round: Strikers edition

Sophia (Sophie) - Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata is a game that has a robot protagonist with a pod that shoots laser attacks and muses a lot on what it means to be human and alive. That's basically Sophia, right?

Zenkichi Hasegawa (Wolf) - Bloodborne

Obviously. His costume is even called the "hunter outfit" or something like that.

Up next, SEES. See you in another couple years.

[zeldathusiast]

//TW: mentions of past neglect, abuse, etc. It's not explicit, but it's there. Stay safe!//

LU AU where Hyrule is an Oracle. His prophecies take all his magic to summon, but the royal family of his kingdom doesn't care about the toll it takes on him. In a dead world that needs a way forward, what's the wellbeing of the one person who can see the future?

As a result, Hyrule is always using massive amounts of magic, only not doing so when he finally collapses from extreme magical exhaustion. He delivers prophecies in a croaking, dehydrated voice. He is cloaked in luxurious fabrics and his room is spotlessly clean, and layers of makeup hide his constant exhaustion.

He hasn't even left his "room" (cell) since the royals adopted him (took him prisoner). He's always locked inside a windowless room, alone until someone has need of him. They can't let their little jewel wander off, now can they?

That is, until the Chain finds him. They hear of the Oracle and are allowed to see him, only to be horrified when they sense the magical depletion that is constant in the brunette's veins. Legend in particular nearly vomits when he sees how much the boy is suffering, and a plan is executed to save the kid.

"You can stop using your magic now," Legend reassures shakily, "it's over. You can let go."

"You're sure..?" Hyrule croaks. Legend nods.

Then Hyrule lets go, and immediately crumples to the ground. His makeup is wiped away and the shadows under his eyes are revealed, the constant malnutrition and dehydration showing through his ribs and sunken cheeks. It quickly becomes obvious that he was more of a tool than a person to the royals, and he later admits it wasn't uncommon that his captors would simply forget to feed him.

The Chain then learns that he's the final Link in their chain, the last to join them.

And maybe, surrounded by people who actually care, Hyrule will, slowly but surely, learn to heal.

[eijakushingomel]

Chaotic Starborn

(Sonic Underground Fanfic)

Notes : I just watched Sonic Underground. I loved those siblings.

Mobians are like half human, half animal in this au. Not the anthropomorphic kind like in the show. Because I tried to draw Canon Sonic and failed, but then I liked drawing them on human style better. Also, I imagined Sonic's clothes design. I pretty much loved them.

So how about their animal traits? Well, they still had those animal ears and tails. For quill / spikey Mobians, their hairs are more like their quills in those cartoon.

For example ; you touched a Mobian cat's hair (sometimes called fur) and it felt soft.

But when you touched a hedgehog Mobian's hair (sometimes called spikes or quills), your hand gets stabbed. It looks soft, but it isn't.

Sonic, Manic and Sonia were born with stars in their eyes. And since they won't be like their cartoon selves, their eyes' colours are the colours I see in their fanarts.

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♤ The Pre-Siblinghood ♤

[Once upon a time... three stars shined brightly among their peers]

The spotlight has never been a threat to him. Nor was the crowd of many seeing eyes.

Sonic was a young man (actually, he will turn eleven this year, but details— puh-lease) with confidence leaking out from him. Oftentimes, people around him would say he was too prideful, arrogant even. But to Sonic, nah, that was the confidence speaking, man!

Especially not when the Oracle ( of Daphnie? Dephon? Oh. Right. Delphius) just told him things he never once expected.

One ; he had a sister.

Two ; he had a brother.

Three ; they were triplets.

Four ; they were royalty.

Five ; he had a mother.

The corner of his lips tugged downward slightly, but Sonic was quick to pull his smile back out. Just remembering the fifth surprise was the hardest surprise to be accepted by him. After all, a mother?

[One day, upon a wish of a child, they fell on Mobius together]

He still had one?

Of course, every child had parents at some point, or else they won't exist and just be some part of the cell in another person's body. But it still felt weird to be aware that this biological mother of his was still alive and somewhere out there.

Not when he had stopped mourning the loss of his parents. The parents who had accepted him despite his unusual speed and attitude.

Yet, in some way, he was just glad he still had a parent. It was a weird, complicated feeling that he was sure even Uncle Chuck couldn't dechiper. At least he thought that way.

[Following the child's wish, the stars helped him to cease wars and clashing blades. Together, the stars helped him to thrive on for a better world]

But anyway, the reason he was under the spotlight in this illegal music club (illegal enough since music was outlawed. Thanks, Buttnik) it was for three things.

First ; he must find his siblings. An older sister and a younger brother. Apparently, he was the middle child.

Second ; Uncle Chuck told him to get some fun.

Third ; chilli dogs here were quite nice.

And where else perfect enough for him to do all three jobs above other than this illegal music club?

[And a better world Mobius had become. But nothing peaceful came to last. Soon after reaching his dream, the child fell sick]

His medallion glimmered underneath the spotlight. But something inside Sonic told him that it wasn't the spotlight that caused it to glitter when Sonic began to strum chords with his electric guitar.

Well, let it glitter then. After all, the Oracle did tell him it was a magical medallion. Might as let it do some tricks.

His fingers glided through the metallic strings like a professional ballerina dancer skating on a clean road of ice. Sharp, steady, and absolutely fast. His heart thumped in excitement as music began to play the notes in his soul. The longing of the unknown. Pieces part of him that he never knew was there. The puzzles of his unfinished art self.

Little die Sonic knew, his medallion shined brighter, and electricity strings danced through the slips of his fingers. The stars in his eyes burnt in emerald green, and the universe chanted alongside the lone blue star who soon be reunited with his matches.

[Not wishing for the child's early death, the three stars let themselves into his body to lengthen his life. The child no longer felt sick, and he grew to be an adult. As an adult, he was chosen to be the king]

His fingers stopped moving, but the music didn't. In fact, even the stars that were buried under the thick, grey cloudy sky were still doing chorus of song. They cheered when a pair of footsteps climbed up the stage Sonic was on, and a green star found his path.

"Hey. Mind if I join you?"

Sonic looked up. He stared at the newcomer through his front bangs. Man. Uncle Chuck would cut his hair this week.

A boy with jade bushy hair styled in mohawk appeared, and the second spotlight was switched on. His hair was the first thing Sonic noticed. The second was his eyes. Like Sonic himself, the latter male had those double stars in his eyes, shining in pale pink colour to match his spinel irises.

The latter also seemed astonished by the fact that Sonic had the same stars, too. Honestly, Sonic would think what was the odd that his brother and sister could have starry eyes too?

Then he spotted the strange shaped medallion hanging on the other's chest, and — yup.

Yup.

[The king had three children, each had unique eyes colouring that reminded one of jewelleries and stars in their eyes. Only the people who knew the King's personal history knew that the three stars had been reborn]

Could someone give Sonic an applause for handling it so calmly? Like, have you seen movies where people would freak out when they meet their long-lost siblings?

See? Sonic was handling it calmly. Sure, he was freaking out after what the Oracle told him last night and required Uncle Chuck to properly calm him down, but hey, that was soooo last night.

Sonic needed a medal.

No. He wanted the medal.

The medal needed him.

Green haired long-lost brother was saying something, and Sonic pulled himself out from his trance.

"...your eyes...," the guy pointed at his eyes.

[Later on, legend of children with star souls travelled through the world, causing rumours and tales. How much true it was, nobody knows.]

The blue hedgehog snorted. "Yeah. Your eyes weird, too. You're not special."

The latter blinked, totally not expecting that sort of reaction. He recoiled slightly but soon laughed and grinned at Sonic. "You're a funny and an okay dude. I like ya'".

Sonic's lips quirked to a smile. "I'd like you too if you go and play something."

The guy winked and strode over to the drum sets. His own drumsticks, made of metal and apparent under the light, twirled in his gloved hands in a natural manner. His round medallion flickered a light, and Sonic tried not to think that it just winked at him like its owner did.

Magic or not, it always felt weird to be winked at.

Green guy (Sonic should ask his name later) began to tap his drumsticks, and the music slowly was completing itself. Like Sonic, something about his song seemed odd yet natural once he began to play.

Like something just clicked in perfectly.

But not fully set.

Yet.

[But one thing for sure...]

"You guys are great!" A feminine voice spoke through the crowd.

In heeled boots and a short skirt, a hedgehog girl strolled in and swiftly got on to the stage by cartwheel leaps. She landed with a tap and one hand on her hips.

"You don't mind another player, do you?" She acquired, though it didn't seem like she was asking for permission.

[...that these stars... the Chaos Stars...]

Annnnd there it was. The universe cheered louder as a lovely pink star finally joined in. Claps from the universe echoed around the stage, and Sonic immediately noticed the light blue stars in her sapphire eyes and the unique shaped medallion on her chest.

Oh. Great.

First task was completed. Now grab some chilli dogs, then he was all set.

The girl, also like the other guy, was taken back by not only Sonic, but green guy's unique eyes and medallions as well. Her violet gloved hand pointed at Sonic, then at the other guy, then back at Sonic again.

Sonic was careful to hold his guitar with one hand as his other hand combed through his blue hair. "Do you play keyboard?"

The girl blinked. Her sapphire eyes stared at Sonic. Her earlier confidence was replaced with awkwardness now she noticed the eerie familiarities between all three of them.

"Uh... yeah?"

Sonic pointed behind his shoulder to the keyboard that had been prepared to play. To be honest, he thought that at least one of his siblings would be playing a trumpet or a saxophone. Saxophone was a cool instrument. Not as cool as guitar but cool nonetheless.

"It's all yours."

The girl seemed to be in a silent agreement to not mention about their inheritance (looks and gifts) until further notice. After all, they came here to play, not to do some opera soap drama of a family reunion.

Sure, Sonic did intended to find his siblings. But that did not have any crying or bawling requirements.

Sonic only bawled his eyes out only once (not counting when he was just a hoglet) and that was it.

Somewhere behind him, green guy leaned on his drum with his chin rested on his fist. "So we're not talking about this, huh?"

"While the crowd is waiting?" Sonic asked, gestured to the people that had always been there.

Green guy cluck his tongue. "Good point. I'm Manic, by the way."

"Sonic," the word rolled out of his tongue before he could bite it.

As someone from the Resistance, they had a fake name to protect their real identity. Sonic's was Blue, for obvious reason. But somehow it felt compelling to him to just give out his real name to them.

"And I'm Sonia," the only girl on the stage said. "Pleasure to meet you."

Aaaand there it was. Another common thing. Their names. Manic. Sonia. Sonic.

Sonic may be the second child, but he was pretty sure he was named last.

Manic pursed his lips and Sonia warily eyed the boys. Sonic looked everywhere but their eyes, and his digits casually strummed the cords. His lips may be easy to smile, but it wasn't easy to wipe out.

The blue hedgehog tapped his feet, and the countdown began. The word of number one echoed like a stick snapped in a quiet, empty room, and the music started with a blast.

Perhaps that was what Sonic anticipated the most. Excited? He was elated, actually, to found his partners for a band. Nervous? Absolutely there, even when he pretended it didn't exist. Because these people were strangers that weren't supposed to be strangers. They were siblings. Born by the same mother that was on the run, and were royalties.

How can anyone not be nervous?

It was all so messed up.

Sonic strummed through the cords again in ryhmtic patterns, how easily Manic and Sonia were able to filed into the song when they didn't even discuss about song was something Sonic tried not to think in the moment. Not when the music was something completed and full and Sonic, for once, felt completed and full.

Life was messed up.

Luckily, Sonic was a messy guy.

[...were always meant to stay as three.]

Once they finished, the universal applaused. Three stars finally together again, as they were fated to be.

Sonic huffed out. Not bad, he smiled at himself before turning around. Both Sonia and Manic seemed content and happy with the music, and there were... something unexplainable in their eyes.

And perhaps there was something unexplainable in him too.

But it seemed less bad now. Not after they just done an awesome job with their first performance together. Not after the feeling of longing and emptiness was gone and replaced with something warmth and content.

Not when they just do it to it.

Sonic grinned, Manic flashed a playful wink at Sonia and she rolled her eyes.

"Anyway. What's up—"

But sadly, before they could do the first proper siblings conversation, an explosion interrupted them.

Talk about cliffhanger.

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Author's Notes

I got inspired to write this after watching Sonic Underground, as you could see. But I dunno if I continued it though.

It want to write this after reading Sonic Underground fanfics. There were many ideas on how Sonic was separated by his siblings, especially since the show was cancelled.

But mine was that Sonic was forced to be separated from Sonia and Manic because he was sent to chase after Eggman, who is one of the sons of the Robotnik that ruled over Robotropolis. Since he was the most capable in battle, he was sent away in a solo mission for years. Knuckles accompany him but not always as he had a duty as the Emerald Master Guardian.

Robotropolis was the only country in a lockdown away from the world. It had been that way since the rule of Evan Robotnik (Eggman's father). To get in was hard. To get out was harder. That was why when the Resistance heard that one of Robotnik's sons was leaving the country, they were only able to send Sonic away.

The triplets were able to meet Knuckles by luck (also secretly by their mother's help). Knuckles knew a secret passageway that helped him enter Robotropolis, but scarcely use it since it was too risky.

The triplets are never able to reunite with their mother, yet.

But one day, Eggman decided to return back to Robotropolis.

Sonic was way more than ready to go back home as well.

In my original plan, Sonic didn't have the intention to tell Tails or anyone else about his siblings and Robotropolis. In fact, he left without telling and just left them letters due to not wanting Tails and anyone else to be involved. After all, this is war we're talking about.

So it was the tale of Tails and friends chasing after Sonic into the mysterious lockdown country, Robotropolis.

A group of friends chasing after a shooting star.