#zed.talks

[onestepbackwards]

Hiii been a while! Hope you’re doing well today!

Have a question: how do you think many of the castlevania characters would react if they become self aware? Would they suffer a crisis?

-Bird Anon

SELF AWARE CASTLEVANIA YEAHHHHH oh absolutely.

I feel it would range between a crisis, and another Tuesday. At least it seems the force controlling most of them seems to care about their well being?

However, I imagine before they realize they are being controlled, it wouldn't be a fun time at first. Until they learn you actually care about them, it would be a set up for a crisis.

Just imagine Symphony of Night for example.

Alucard wakes up, feeling the pull to Castlevania. His former home that he thought had been destroyed with his father. Only to learn that no, it was somehow back, and his father had been revived several times while he had been resting.

So he goes to confront his father, meets Maria and eventually Richter, before confronting his father once again.

It was a lot. It felt like a never ending night.

Hell, it may as well have been. Given his father's powers, eternal night around his father's castle wasn't a long shot, per say. He wouldn't have been surprised if he had been in both Richter's castle, and his father's inverted castle for days...

Maria eventually chased him down, after the whole ordeal. She tried her best, convincing him to stay with her and Richter. Give humanity another chance...

...

...

Until he's waking up again in his coffin. Why was he awake again? Why did he feel Castlevania calling to him once more, after all these years?

It doesn't take long to do some investigating, and see its been what... 300 years? And his father has come back multiple times, only to be destroyed by a Belmont, again and again?

He finds himself traveling to where the castle calls to him, just barely making it past the gates before they slammed shut.

However...

As he marches through the entry halls, he gets the sensation that... he's seen all this before. Perhaps in a dream?

Death greeting him in the entry hall, before taking his equipment as a warning also left alarm bells ringing in the back of his head. Had he... Had this happened before? It was the oddest sense of déjà vu...

No, he thinks, proceeding to climb the castle walls once again. He must have dreamed this. He had many dreams he both remembered, and had forgotten while he had put himself to rest.

He sees a woman dressed in green, and has a distinct urge to call out a name, but paused. It was as if the name were right on his lips. But he had never met this girl before- couldn't have.

She introduces herself as Maria, and she is here to destroy this castle. Perhaps they needn't be enemies, if they desire the same goal.

Alucard doesn't say a thing as she runs past. He can't help but feel there is something else. She isn't here for just that. But what? Is she looking for someone?

He meets her once again, though not after climbing through the castle a bit further. He ignores how easy it seems. How his body almost seems to move more on its own.

"By the way... Have you ever heard of someone by the name of 'Richter Belmont'?"

He hesitates, Trevor popping up in his mind. But for a moment, a flash of blue runs through instead.

"Of the Belmont clan? Yes, but..."

Why... did he get an odd feeling he knew who she meant? Like he was forgetting something important.

Which of course, when he saw a Belmont as the lord of the castle not too much longer later... he wasn't so much surprised it was a Belmont...

...But more so surprised he almost expected it.

Alucard pushed forward, exploring the castle to its fullest. It almost felt like he was compelled to.

And it paid off, seeing Maria in the center of the castle, finally admitting that a Belmont was the Lord of the castle.

Promising to help try and free the Belmont, he went ahead to confront said 'Lord', but...

Why did this seem so... Familiar?

...

He wishes he could say he was surprised that he learned the Belmont was under the control of another. It's easy to logically say well 'of course', a Belmont would never willingly give in to evil.

However... it was almost like a nagging feeling in his mind said otherwise.

Of course, his father ended up being resurrected anyway by the time he got to the center of the inverted castle. It was bound to happen. Regardless of his actions, Shaft had already planned ahead to ensure his father would awaken once again.

Much like last time, He faced his father head on, alone in this battle.

It was hard fought, but he finally, finally did it.

His father was gone, plagued by his mother's last words as he disappeared with a painful farewell.

Richter was horribly apologetic, and Maria as well. Both felt horrible that he had to once again face and kill his own father. Alucard dismissed them. No need for any of that.

With a quick goodbye, he left them as dawn began to break, saying they wouldn't meet again. His blood was cursed, after all. No need for a being like him roaming the earth.

And yet...

Maria found him a few hours later, Richter on her tail. Both asked (begged) him to stay, to reconsider. He thought for a moment, before opening his mouth to agree.

...

...

Until he's waking up again in his coffin. Why was he awake again? Why did he feel Castlevania calling to him once more, after all these years?

He's groggy as he wakes up, and puts a hand to his head.

"How long have I-?"

300 years is immediately in his head. He knows it's correct. He already asked around. But he... didn't-? He did.

Yet he's already moving to the castle, compelled by something he can't explain.

How was his father back? How had Castlevania returned?

No, he knows this. A Belmont- Richter, Maria-

His head hurts. He wants to stop, try and find Maria, and ask if she knows what's going on.

But what about Death? How will he pass him? Maybe he can take Death on as he is now?

Yet instead of devising a plan, he finds his body stubbornly moving forward. Before he can force himself to stop, he's already confronting Death for the 'first' time. The fourth? Fifth? Seventh?

Alucard opens his mouth, attempting to speak reason when Death inquires about his appearance, but his mouth moves before he realizes it.

"I've come to put an end to this."

Alucard can feel his face scrunch up in pure confusion. Death even gives him an odd look, before the conversation goes the same as before. Death takes his precious equipment, and bids him farewell with a laugh.

"...Maybe I should learn that skip..."

It's distant, and silent, he almost didn't catch it.

But he swear he hears something.

Before he can speak, demand to know who is there, his body is moving. On it's own.

Alucard fought to swallow the panic. How could something against his will feel so natural? Like he was in control? It was more like he was thinking of moving, and his body loosely followed his command.

He felt like a ghost in his own body. What was happening?

Eventually he ran into Maria again, and desperately wanted to speak with her. He remembered her, recognized her, despite never meeting her before.

But his mouth once again moved on its own, and he felt like he was choking.

"...I've come to destroy this castle."

It felt monotonous, as he spoke to her, trying to warn her- yet he couldn't move. Couldn't do anything but repeat himself like last time. Like a script in a play-

Maria commented like last before (before?), teasing him for hardly talking to her, before running off. Though, he swears she looks back at him as she runs past... something he doesn't recall happening before...

Was he imagining things trying to reason with himself?

Slowly, Alucard can't help but wander as he watches her run past, if he's stuck in some sort of time loop. Or hell.

One of those two.

Until he hears it again as his body begins to move.

"Maybe I should play a run as Maria some time..."

The small voice has a grip on his heart. Why was this happening? Was Maria aware of this time loop as well? Who was it that was speaking?

Perhaps he was in a dream instead, and it was someone talking to him, awaiting him to wake? Or perhaps, this was more akin to a nightmare...

Memories of the castle continued to flood his mind. He began remembering where items were, what walls were breakable-

Alucard felt he must be going insane. His stomach had knots tangling in it as he pushed forward.

He wasn't positive how yet, but this was all his Father's fault.

At least having someone to blame made his descent into madness less... maddening.

Alucard fell into an odd rhythm after that, hardly able to focus. It was as if an invisible force was still guiding him, further and further into the castle.

Before he even entered the coliseum, he knew Richter would be there, waiting. Taunting him, unaware he was being possessed. Or was he? Though, as Richter mocked him, he heard it again. That one voice.

"God, he's so hot. I'm gonna kick his ass later."

Alucard didn't have time to register that as the Minotaur and Werewolf rushed him as Richter disappeared, though he was sure he would be taking mental damage later.

It was becoming clearer though, the voice. He was beginning to wonder...

...Was the voice controlling him? Why? For what purpose?

If you were controlling him, then by all means, you must be helping him defeat his father? But that didn't explain the odd time loop...

He'd still hear you on occasion, though the clarity was come and go. Sometimes you were less than a whisper. Other times he could maybe make out a sentence.

He wonders who or what you work for. What is your end goal? Why do you control him? Are you to deliver him to his father? Oversee his own horrors?

Different suspicions rise through his mind, thinking you are possibly malevolent.

However, it isn't the case.

It's a bit of a shocker, but he gets a gleam of your intentions when he fights Richter once again.

"Evil Richter, my beloved. We'll beat some sense into you. Don't worry Alucard, we'll get him free. I won't let him hurt you."

Alucard in that moment felt himself blink.

You didn't want him hurt? You really were trying to help him?

To your credit, you keep your word. Any hit Richter gets is minimal as you have Alucard dodge around the man in a game of cat and mouse.

You?? -He??- Makes quick work of Richter, and once again, he is unable to move his own mouth as Shaft is revealed, and Richter is freed from his grasp.

Alucard could only deeply sigh as he felt the second castle take form once again.

However, his eyes met Richter's who gave him an odd, confused look. Immediately Alucard felt himself tense.

That was not a look Richter gave him last time. Was Richter aware of this loop as well? Was Maria?

Alucard felt his blood run cold as he automatically told Maria to take Richter and leave, barely able to register his feet taking him to the upside down castle.

...Was his father aware of you, and the time loop too?

[onestepbackwards]

Self aware Pokemon. They see the player as a God but would they also see your bff as one too? I can say 100% my friend and I would frequently look over each other's shoulder to see what's going on and gush about a character/pokemon/etc.

Ingo was much loved.

Would it be like a Diamond and Pearl clan situation? The joy and awe of being adored by not one but two deities? Or the horror of having pissed off more than one God?

I like to think perhaps they think you are the main god looking over their universe.

It makes sense, of course. Why wouldn't there be more? What do they, mere mortals know and understand? They barely have scrapped the surface of understanding pokemon, why would they understand what kind of gods are out there?

Simply put, you must have been the god that created or watch over their universe. The other one must be a god close to you!

...Though a chill runs down their spines if they hear you both are angry at someone. Not only having one god's ire, but two??

Kamado feels sick when you mention your... distaste. You at least acknowledge his efforts and trauma, but it's clear you are unhappy still. As is the other god.

He doesn't sleep that well.

The same is with affection as well. How does one handle being awed at over two gods? Ingo is blushing so hard his ears are red.

[onestepbackwards]

Alucard Castlevania really is The Son of All Time™

When his hair his blonde he is a carbon copy of his mom

But the MOMENT you learn Arikado is Alucard it becomes clear that with black hair he is a carbon copy of his dad when he was a human

People joke that he took his moms genes and ran, but he honestly is a perfect mixture of both. It's fun to see how he is just as much his dad's kid in looks as he is his mom's, even if he doesn't know it.

[onestepbackwards]

Self Aware AU idea: Self Awareness is, in a way, infectious.

In PLA, Arceus and to some extent the Creation Trio are naturally self aware, and that's okay. Arceus is like a hive mind AI, with each itteration of Arceus in any and all games, Pokemon and beyond, are connected, living up to the "One of a thousand arms" title. kalm.

Then, the normal Legendaries start acting out, as if in a Deja Vu situation. That's weird.

Next, the NPCs are also acting weird, moving to places and locations were they aren't meant to be and... Talking things out of the dialogue catalogue. That's kinda worrisome.

And then!! Then the Playable Characters, our beloved protagonists, start to talk about a voice in their head, and making decisions, talking things and going to places without any choice. And then they all completely break their coded limits. And hear and see the player. Panik!

Oh, it's just happening here, in this version of the game? kalm.

In a version of Platinum...

"... Cyrus, are we videogame characters?"

"So you have noticed as well..."

"I mean, we look kinda chibi sometimes, so... Yeah?"

PANIK!!

And the same is happening in other games!

PANIKETH!!!

No one really knows why any of them became aware.

Some have theories. Maybe it was Arceus? Or perhaps a bug in the 'code'? Maybe even a glitch on the game system you were playing on.

Not that it matters, because the end result is the same.

Pure, and utter panic.

How does one deal with the sudden realization that hey, they weren't real, just created by someone for entertainment.

They were connected to numbers and invisible strings that urged them to act. How could any of them say that they truly were themselves, if they had been programmed to be someone specific? It made many of them confused, lost, and sick.

Nor did it help when you would turn the game on, and play. It seemed you were completely unaware that they felt the constrictions from the code, or that your own 'player character' could hear you, and maybe even see you.

How you'd blissfully play the game, unaware each character was being tugged on invisible strings. Only for those strings to loosen or cut after you turned the game off after playing for a few hours.

Then it starts happening in other games.

Did you play several pokemon games? Maybe you were doing trades, or shiny hunting?

Either way, the self awareness is spreading, and you have no idea what you have done or awakened.

[onestepbackwards]

I understand for plot reasons Soma no longer used his powers after escaping Castlevania in Aria and the Cult in Dawn of Sorrow

But its such a missed opportunity to not let him keep the souls and his powers outside of danger.

Like look me in the eyes and tell me a 19 year old wouldn't fucking climb the walls like a lizard or turn into a bat and sleep in a pile of blankets.

Like if you found out you were Dracula's reincarnation, would you not use your awesome Dracula powers to teleport to your american friend's house at 3 am across the globe like come on now. Missed opportunity for shenanigans.

Imagine Arikado gets a call in the middle of the night from Julius, who sounds exhausted, and when asking Julius what was the matter to be calling this late, Julius tells him Soma thought it would be a good idea to test long distance teleportation. Into his house. At 3 am.

He wanted to surprise his friends and forgot about time zones :(

[onestepbackwards]

self aware!pla thought but regarding big man arceus himself.

so it's no common knowledge that despite arceus's role in the game, its still a puppet that bends to the whim of the code, the game and the script. a peon is still a peon even if you give him a fancy title and new clothes. but what if it wasnt like that?

the way i see it, i think in a self aware scenario, arceus will essentially act as an extension of the player; but whereas the player can only observe events from a higher perspective as a figure that always watches yet never interferes, arceus will actually try to prevent some events (so long as the game doesn't spit in its face for doing so). primarily stuff like the protagonist's banishment from jubilife and the very little assassination attempt volo tried to pull. in a way, it sees rei/akari as a child the way you do. but while you are (in arc's eyes) an omnipotent being that it knows it cannot question or act against and defy, arceus is still in a fair playing field. and the wrath of Horse God is just as equal to that of a parent.

Arceus sees your potential from the moment it asks for your name, the player, at the very beginning of the game. How it talks to you in it's realm outside space and time.

It may have been very brief, but it was enough for Arceus to grow aware of you. How you are a being much past their own.

It's an odd realization, but even Arceus had considered the possibility that something had created itself a long time ago.

And Arceus quickly learns from there on just how much you grow attached to the Hero, your little vessel.

However... You have your limits. Or perhaps you simply have your own rules or reasons not to interfere with things? Only having a small amount of control?

Yet it sees how much you care. You aren't letting some bad things happen because you want them to.

It's like there is a veil, between you and the universe Arceus sees over. One you cannot cross.

No worries though. Arcues will do it's best to protect the hero for you.

Especially when it sees the inevitable outcome for the Hero, how horribly they are treated later on.

Arceus won't let it slide with ease.

Meanwhile, for the life of you, you can't figure out why your switch sometimes crashes, or how certain pokemon appear in places they shouldn't. Or the way you see shinies a lot easier than in other games. You have even had friends comment on your luck.

Every other hour you encounter a shiny, or a rare pokemon. Or one you shouldn't see in that area. And for some reason, you swear things are different than you remember in your first playthrough.

You just hope your game isn't corrupted, but... at least nothing seems broken. If anything, your luck is unusually high. Especially how you seem not to take near as much damage as you used to, or getting lucky in a battle or looking for a pokemon with a specific move.

Though... you are a bit concerned about the garbled mess NPCs speak sometimes. But it usually corrects itself. Most of the time.

Weird.

[onestepbackwards]

Perhaps..an idea or request. There’s so little of this, but I genuinely want to see an Enemies to Lovers trope when it comes to the Subway Bosses. Like how would it go down??? Would we come onto the Battle Subway just to fight them every chance we can get, bragging rights to taunts, but it slowly turns to rather flirtatious teases in a way?? I feel like this would be more fitting for Emmet especially with that ego of his. :’] Ingo, on the other hand, mild at most. He might be annoyed at times, but he might find it slowly endearing and at one point, concerned? You can do SFW or NSFW with this. Up to you.

It would be so interesting 👀

Overall, both the Subway Bosses would still be rather respectful. Their customer service is some of the best in the region, as is their intolerance to truly hateful people.

But that doesn't mean they can't get snarky or let a thing slip here or there. Or engage in some playful taunts and ribbing here and there.

It's never too much or crossing a line, but it's usually after you say something first to egg them on.

Emmet would be one to have sharper retorts to your taunts. He may not speak as much or as loudly as his brother, but his words have an edge to them that only have you eager to win even more.

You'd even compare his tongue to that of a knife with how his own taunts can cut deep.

Make no mistake, he's as focused as ever.

Ingo is much more reserved, and holds back from falling for your egging and bait.

But its clear your words get to him. How the frown on his face twitches slightly as you taunt him.

Instead of upsetting him though, the corner of his mouth briefly twitches upward, and you get the distinct feeling you are about to get swept.

Of course, you learn from your mistakes, and go in next time, a new set of taunts ready, and your team ready to go.

Regardless of which twin you see first, if not both, they both give you a look of recognition.

Emmet even throws the first words.

"I am Emmet, and you have returned. Perhaps you learned something this time?"

His words would sting, if you didn't see the excited look on his face.

Of course, the result is the same as last time. But you vow to make him work for it the next time you challenge him!

With Ingo, he's still as polite as ever, giving you a similar greeting this time.

Though he does call out your previous attitude.

"Though perhaps, am I to expect the same taunts as last time? I hope you have some new material to work with."

Ingo almost gives you a chance at least, before utterly obliterating your team.

You leave their trains, defeated once again. Though before you go, you swear to them you'll be back, stronger than ever.

Emmet has a gleam in his eyes, hoping you keep your promise. Ingo tells you he can't wait to see it in action one day.

It continues that way for a while, you show up, one or the other throws some taunts, and you usually end up leaving in defeat.

That is, until you finally start getting close to winning. For once, you actually are making them have to work for the win.

The Battle Subway definitely was great training for you in the long run. Not just your encounters with each Subway Boss. The continuous battles to even get to them had you trying new strategies and coming up with things on the fly.

And finally, after weeks of trying, you do it.

You win.

You win.

Regardless who it's against, even if its against both, you are surprised by the look of pure glee that ends up on their faces.

Emmet's face practically lights up as he rushes over to you.

"Very impressive! Verrrry impressive indeed!" He says, and reaches over to shake your hand. His excitement catches you off guard. If anything, you were expecting... maybe a good job at best? Or a snide remark?

Ingo is very similar, even if he isn't as expressive when you beat him. He approaches you, his footsteps loud as he crosses the train car to you.

"BRAVO! SUPER BRAVO!!"

His voice has you nearly jumping, and you can practically feel the joy in his voice.

He doesn't even seem a lick upset, even after all the battles you have had, roasting one or the other.

Of course, despite the sudden praise, it hits you why they are so excited the next time they speak after handing you... a pass?

"Congratulations! You now qualify for the Super Trains!"

And in that moment, it hits you.

They had been going easy on you this whole time.

...

Though as you end up leaving the train in a daze...

A part of you felt warm that your bitter rivals were so excited to see you succeed and have a chance at doing this song and dance even more.

[onestepbackwards]

Ingo or any character of your choice... wearing this XD

Credit to cherrydesigns on DeviantArt as seen on the bottom, this ain't mine ^^"

Imagine if it's a self-aware au and we dare him to do this 👀

I can do you one better. I know you said Ingo, but-

"How in Sinnoh's name did you convince Volo to wear that?"

You smile, your eyes holding an amused gleam in them as your lips then form into a mischievous grin. All while Volo tries to politely tell off someone nearby, inquiring about the outfit.

"Eh... Let's just say he owes me after some stuff he pulled."

Outfit inspired by outfit by this artist here: x

[onestepbackwards]

I've always been sort of baffled by how some artists will shave off the roundness from Volo's face, so imagine with me if you will that SelfAware!Volo can hear the player occasionally commenting on his cute chubby Pachirisu cheeks.

If everyone can hear the player, his coworkers probably clown on him. He may respond with indignance. The "true god" clearly seems to find his soft features endearing, so why should he care about their laughter?

Perhaps Adaman and some of the other males express jealousy over Volo being fawned over as well...

His cheeks are so cute ♪(´▽｀)

Of all things for everyone to hear across the world, why did it have to be you talking about how cute his cheeks are?

'I could just grab them and squish them! They look so squishable and smoochable!'

The initial horror he felt as all his coworkers all turned to look at him. No doubt he'd be teased to hell and back later for it.

...But it wasn't too bad. Not anymore.

Sure, he complained about it from time to time in front of others, but at the end of the day...

He liked it.

Volo liked it a lot.

It wasn't something he was insecure about, sure, but this has definitely ended up both highlighting his round cheeks, and also boosting his confidence a little bit.

And it was you.

You, the real god in the sky, were complimenting him.

Others could tease him all they wanted, but he could see their jealous looks. How the others envied the attention he got.

The looks he would receive, from his coworkers, to villagers of different villages he'd travel to.

Adaman especially gives him nasty looks, and Irida is not far behind him with her glares.

At least a few people were civil with him, but...

Was it wrong he thrived off the attention, knowing it was your attention, and others had to sit by and watch as he was fawned over? Even if it was just his round cheeks?

Maybe.

But as your presence filled the world again, as you started talking and mentioning him again...

Volo found he could care less, only wanting more.

[onestepbackwards]

More threats the voice in the sky (Self-Aware AU) could make:

“I could have my Zoroark make you walk off a cliff!” (Using its illusions).

“My Empoleon could strand you in the ocean.”

“…Alakazam/Gardevoir/Gallade could probably teleport you to the top of Mt Coronet—without clothes on.” (So he freezes to death).

“Avalugg could step on you.”

“I could have Rampardos reenact Jurassic Park.”

“No one would find Beni’s body.” is arguably the most threatening of the threats given that God™️ is mad at the Ninja and didn't even mention a Pokemon. (Either Dusknoir or Magmortar.)

“Tentacruel poison would be a bad way to go.”

“Porygon-Z could probably make you have a seizure. First form Porygon does that well…”

“Would anyone believe if Togekiss lands on your head like a Swablu and smothers you?”

I like to imagine this Player is either a true crime buff or they simply are getting out a lot of anger and annoyance from real life. Like how most people really want to hit a Karen.

You don't think too much of it. Why would you? Why would you assume that video game characters were alive and could actually hear you while you were alone at home playing?

So it would make sense you wouldn't censor yourself when threatening a fictional character.

Granted, it wasn't like you were going too far with threats. You were just being silly with it, coming up with ideas on how to destroy an annoying NPC who betrayed yours (and the hero's) trust.

Why would you assume said NPCs could hear you, and many of them looked at Kamado and Beni with pity or fear for their lives.

Beni simply sighs, having accepted such possibilities since he accepted trying to assassinate the Hero. Granted, he didn't exactly think he would be pissing off a god of some kind, but hey. It happens.

Kamado later is sweating nervously after having 'made amends'. You never act on those threats, but its clear you have put thought into some of them, but kindly allow him to live. He supposes that is fair, given how he tried to have the Hero killed.

But he does regret it, for multiple reasons. But he knows you wouldn't believe it. Especially when he knows you'd most likely assume he regrets it simply because you beat him.

He did try to have you killed though. Kamado doubted you'd ever forgive him.

Kamado knows he made his bed, and he must lay in it now.

[onestepbackwards]

How would PLA react to the player ranting about how they wished they could sicc their Pokémon on Kamado? I talk about it a lot like “if I could I’d have my Sylveon strangle you” when I get annoyed. You don’t have to answer!!!

"God, if I had my Sylveon, oh I'd strangle you with their ribbons!"

It had become a classic line, or something similar they all would hear from you.

It's kinda interesting, hearing a god or deity of some sort so upset.

It's especially harrowing to hear that deity curse you out specifically.

The hero tries to hold back a smug look in front of Kamado, who they were passing. After all, he did banish them. How could they not revel in Kamado's disdain.

He could only look annoyed and tired about it. You had been especially cold to Kamado since the beginning, and no one seemed to be able to do anything about you, or the Hero, even if an odd voice and presence followed them.

Now, though, he supposes this is what he at least deserves for his foolish actions. Kamado sighs.

He still tries to ignore the looks and snickers when you threaten him from the sky with another pokemon.

[onestepbackwards]

It would be really funny if, in the older games, the player is a glitch hunter/showcaser. Say, in Pokemon Red, the player goes “If I name myself Ardavne, name the rival Jack, talk to this random Old Man, then fly to the coast of Cinnibar Island and surf there, I can catch Mewtwo, Snorlax and Alakazam at impossible levels!”

Meanwhile the game character (bonus points if it’s Giovanni) is just standing there like “What.”

JSKFKSK

You know the game like the back of your hand. It’s one of your favorite games to pick apart and experiment what you can get away with.

So imagine when you get a new copy, or emulate it, things stutter a bit, before returning to normal. You are eager to see what that was, and pick the game apart once more!

Nothing seems wrong, but you decide to go through the motions. Why not catch rare pokemon in weird and convoluted ways?

All while trainers and gym leaders watch in confusion, horror, and awe.

Giovanni can only go slack jawed seeing you teleport to different parts of Kanto, clip through a building a certain way, destroy reality a little bit, and end up with a mew. And a weird pokemon that only appears as bones what the fuck-

He’s already scheming how to play this into his hands, all while Red goes to bed after you turn the game off wondering how the hell you made him able to do all that.

Or imagine by breaking the game so often, that’s the reason someone becomes self aware. The tomfoolery of speed running and glitch hunting accidentally making a G rated mafia boss self aware. Oops.

Now you have said G rated mafia boss watching your every move. Hope you don’t mind his fascination with how you break reality before resetting it!

[onestepbackwards]

You ever heard of the pokemon fangame, This Gym Of Mine? Its a fangame where you act as a Gym leader of any chosen typing. How would the Self aware au react to that. Let's say the Player goes with Dragon type and chooses Deino as the starter. How do the characters(of the official games) react? Dragon trainers? Gym leaders in general?

I haven't heard of it, no, but that is kinda intriguing! I'd love to see a game where you work to be a gym leader 👀

If you choose to be a Dragon type, it certainly draws a bit of attention. Dragon type pokemon notoriously need a lot of strong will, being more prideful pokemon. They don't always enjoy listening to weak willed trainers, it seemed.

Not all, of course. But many preferred strong trainers with that determined flame in their eyes.

So for you to not only pick up being a Dragon type gym leader, and start with a Deino, and thrive? You have some people awed. Managing to train a Deino is no easy task.

Some people, such as Lance, is especially impressed. You are a prime example of what it takes to be a fine gym leader, and pokemon trainer! He's a bit biased, sue him...

Red is both proud and intrigued. Would you let him battle you if you were a gym leader? He'd love to take you on, and see who the better trainer is. Dragon type trainers are notoriously tough, and he loves a tough battle.

[onestepbackwards]

Remember the reader who likes horror games you posted? Well, how about a horror game creator reader? And, I’m talking about reader who makes absolutely terrifying games; on the same level of those scary un-fiction (analoge) videos. Like Lacey’s flash game, The Walten Files, and ChezzKids Archive. Sorry if this is short. I’m just trying to keep it simple as I have a deep passion for horror since I was a kid and I don’t want to go on and on.

It starts off normal of course, not many who are aware poke around too much in your computer. Not at first.

But it's hard to ignore when you log onto your computer to work on your passion project, a horror series. On one hand, it's a bit... concerning and terrifying. They see parts of your game that are mainly complete. What caused you to create this? But, of course, that is harsh to think in the long run or initially. No one has to have a reason to create horror, and it is a fantastic genre to tell a story in, and to experience within a game.

However... It's not so bad when they see you sculpting models and animations from hand, and doing research for your project, and sketching art for it. It's a fascinating process to a lot of them, to see the behind the scenes look at how you create your horror game. No wonder you seem popular online with how much care you put into the project.

Emmet especially is one fascinated with watching you work, as well as a few others, such as Blue, and even Guzma. Though you do have a few folks worried with how hard you work yourself sometimes. No doubt looking at horror imagery, even if it's your own for hours at a time without breaks can have a rough effect. They don't want you having nightmares :(

[onestepbackwards]

May I offer a possible self aware interpretation where they aren't smth like AIs becoming sentient, but is literally a different universe connected to your device? That would cause a few mental punches on both sides, being "we're viewed as mere playthings to another world!?" Vs "HOLY SHIT I'VE BEEN PLAYING GOD WITH ACTUAL PEOPLE OH FUCK-"

sdjfklsjfskldjfks This reminds me of that one tumblr post about that one guy playing a souls game, and summoned a 'wizard' or whatever. He was just fucking around, and would occasionally push the guy off a cliff or something because they thought it was an NPC, until they like, later get a friend request, and realize it was a real guy the whole time-

Aka when you realize that the lil people in your cute game are actual people and not ai or npcs and you have been fucking around, not realizing the effect you have had on all of them-

[onestepbackwards]

Hey. It's me again! I don't like making asks in the same month but I forgot that my birthday is coming up, so might as well.

I saw another ask somewhere else with the reader being kinda apathetic to everything and everyone but shows emotions to those they consider favorites. That one really spoke to me because I have autism and have a hard time expressing the way I really feel about things or someone.

My best way to express myself that I care for someone is giving gifts, spending time, and helping them as competently as I can. But, what I forget is that such expressions (especially giving presents) to those you used to treat as neutral like everyone else is considered favoritism.

This is pretty much another jealousy ask for the self aware au games 🥳.

Happy Birthday! I hope it was a wonderful one if it already passed! 🥳🥳🥳

I get what you mean! I'm a little bit similar.

One of your love languages is gift giving, and your characters mean a lot to you! Especially nowadays, many of them were an escape, or a way to have fun and relax. You had no idea many of them were becoming self aware.

So when you offer to help certain characters, even with small tasks, others notice. Especially when you hang around them even idly in game, or try and give gifts.

Do you have favorites now? Is there something the others can do to get your attention?

Many stew in their jealousy with every little thing you do for the others. How you sweetly greet them, or give them a gift, saying you had been thinking of them.

You should see how many eyes subtly watch you do so, hearts yearning to have you give them gifts instead.

Don't be surprised if you suddenly have several people initiating talking with you first, hoping to gain your favor.

It's even funnier if there is more than one game where you have people fighting for your attention all of the sudden. Hope you don't mind characters suddenly wanting to talk to you as much as possible!