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skekdris · 5 months

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Sketch of my OC/Species graciously brought to life by @aryeonos , The Arhulian. Needless to say, a huge, six-eyed, badger-centipede is both intimidating and hard to depict visually. Thanks to Ary again for assisting me with editing and proof reading. I don't think my story could have reached this level of polish if I did not have my love to bounce it off of. <3 Down below is a short story of them meeting the Amaranthine characters by @kwillow and @chocodile . They are in for a surprising house guest, that's for sure! Seems like a good way to get a feel for a character is to put them up against some "knowns" to see how the character would react in those circumstances. Acts as a good backdrop to flesh them out from there. As for right now, I'm still 'sculpting' out a lot of the Arhulian lore and worldbuilding. Initially the story was supposed to be with Hyden, Alex, and Theo, interacting with my Arhulian character 'Niadris' - but the way things were written out and flowed - it turned out to be Alex, Theo, and Ridge instead. I really wanted Hyden to meet them in this story, but then again, Hyden being deadass asleep while all the interesting stuff happens sounds like a pretty Hyden-y thing to do. Anyways, onto the story. It's somewhat of a long read, at ~7k Words. There's a lot of character interaction, so I hope stayed close to how the three would react in such a situation!

The Visitor

It was an afternoon in middle spring - which for this area of the continent meant that if the weather was good, temperatures would rise above freezing. The cool air with the humidity of melting snow seemed pleasantly mild compared to the long, bitter winters. In the study of a large manor on the outskirts of a town called Northcrest; an older, corpulent, Rabbit with a cracked gem embedded in his forehead was gripping the sides of his hair in frustration. "A person of my mind, MY intellect should have solved this weeks - no - months ago!" Hyden snarled to himself.

"You sure you aren't just stalling for time to enjoy your little 'vacation' here?" A Bat leaning in the doorway chided.

Hyden put on a despondent look. "I am trying, Ms. Solokov. Really, in earnest. The faster I can put an end to this disaster, the faster I can rebuild my oh-so woefully maligned reputation!" He said, crumpling up another paper of scribbled equations of arcane theory, tossing it into a waste basket.

Alex wanted to retort, but it would just be another fight, another exchange of barbs like all the other times before. She rolled her eyes, then stood up to wander out of the office. "Hopefully Ridge gets back soon. I want someone I can actually talk to." She thought, returning to her room to take stock of her things.

Hours later, as the sun was setting - casting the hillsides in an amber glow, a brawny teal Shark bundled in a heavy coat returned. In both of his arms were large crates, as well as canvas bags hooked around his arms. The door was opened by a short, roundish fancy Rat. "Oh, do make sure you remove your filthy boots at the entryway, I don't want any melting slush being tracked all over my estate." They sneered in their shrill voice.

"Yes, of course Theo. I wouldn't want to sully your pristine hardwood floors." Ridge responded dryly. Before the Rat could retort, the large Shark added. "Anyways, here's everything you had on your shopping list, these supplies should keep us stocked for a few weeks before another trip." Preemptively cutting off Theo again, Ridge blurted out: "Oh, and I trust 'ya have the perfect spot to put everything. I wouldn't want to scramble 'yer pantry, after all."

Theo scowled at the bulky outsider, their constant pokes and attempts at wit got under his skin. He knows Ridge was trying to get out of putting away the groceries after a long walk - but he was also right. "Yes, of course. As the sole keeper of this venerable estate, it is my duty to tend to all it's functions, right down to it's inventory." Theo stated. There would have been more words to shoot back, but Theo's duty as a host kept him from slipping any further into banter with his guest.

After dropping off the groceries for Theo to tend to, Ridge went off to search for alex. The manor contained more rooms and floors than any “house” he had ever set foot in. It irritated Ridge to no end that the little rich Rat insisted that the doors remain closed at all times, so he had to peek into half a dozen rooms and three closets before finding the reading room his friend was residing in. The weary Shark entered, flopping down on a chair; glad to be able to finally sit down on something soft and cushy after his trek. Alex smiled, welcoming him. "Your shopping trip took a long time Ridge, I know he asked you to grab a lot. Is everything alright?" The Bat queried.

Ridge sighed. "Yea... well maybe. Just some things 'goin on." He added before continuing. "I know you don't get out much since you 'gotta keep an eye on them two, so I figured I'd go around town and pick up a little news for ya. See what's happening. There's been talk of some strange things going on. Livestock vanishing, hunting season has been looking a little sparse, and strange tracks out in the snow. People said they look like ski pole marks, I dunno what to make of it, I figured you uh - you have gotten out more than I have, so you'd have an idea."

Alex frowned. "Well, unless we are dealing with a roaming pack of wolves with skis, it's probably another one of those magic, twisted monsters that appeared ever since this whole catastrophe began." Alex sighed, rolling her eyes. "Yet another thing I ought to give that fat Rabbit a piece of my mind about." She said, her voice lowering, oozing with contempt.

Ridge gave Alex a concerned look. "Yeah, well, if it was just that, that wouda have been one thing. But I saw those funny tracks near the path to the mansion... I don't have a good feeling about this."

Alex nodded. "I see. As much as I want to see that guiltless loaf ripped apart and eaten like cheap, stale bread by the very monsters he's created; we need him. I'll keep my eyes and ears out for anything strange." The following nights were uneasy for Alex. Each night, she'd take station and perch herself on one of the roofs accessible via a second story window, scanning the horizon for activity. Her large ears would catch whispers of something roaming in the distance, but she never could locate the source of the sound or what direction it was coming from. It always vanished just as she felt like she was homing in on her target.

She felt an uneasy tingle in her veins as her frustration mounted. If it was just wildlife, or even a monster, she surely should have spotted something by now. "Is anything really out there?" She thought to herself. After another uneventful evening watch, Alex swallowed her worries long enough to get some rest. She already has Hyden to keep watch over, she doesn't need whatever this is stealing her attention.

During the late evening; an hour past midnight, the manor was quiet, save for the crackle of the evening fireplace, as well as the stirring of but a single person; Theo. Between his duties as host, the sole caretaker for an entire servant-less manor, as well as his intense suspicion of everybody - save for his living historical idol Hyden - Theo was often the last person to go to bed, and the first to rise. This truncated sleep schedule, the bags under his eyes; they were merely the cost of business to keep everything in order. During the final rounds of his estate, a knock came from the door just as theo entered the foyer. The ears of the diminutive Rat twitched, his shoulders jerking at the sound of the knocking, which in the dead of night was as clear as his crystal wine glasses.

Tap tap tap. Another knock came. Theos' ears were not deceiving him. "Who in their right mind would visit at this godsforsaken hour?" Theo thought to themselves. This was abnormal. Tap tap tap. He rarely had visitors, ever. Let alone at a time like this. As he neared the door, he hesitated. The magical crystal embedded in his left hand felt strangely warm, and his hand was flush with blood flow. This was never a sensation he had experienced before - something was off. Tap tap tap. Before Theo could ponder any further, the fancy Rat scrunched his nose and bared a snarl as they heard more knocking pickaxing through his inner monologue. Whatever was going on, it was a terribly rude hour to be disturbing anybody, let alone him. Arming himself with some choice verbal barbs for his unwanted visitor, Theo opened the door.

As the door swung open, he was greeted by a silhouette of something massive - even taller than Hyden - though much of it's form was obscured by the evening darkness and their ebony fur, but what could be seen was not the body of a person. It was of some kind of beast. The fuzzy forelimbs of this creature ended in large, gently curved, off-white spikes, similar to that of a praying insect that Theo had only seen depicted in a historical encyclopedia. He looked up; his eyes met with the pairs it had on their badger-like head. The creature's triangular ears flicked, then it looked down at the Rat; the creature's three pairs of eyes were arranged above one right after the other - like the pips of the six side of a die. The eyes were pure black, save for the iris that shone like a purple ring in the light of the lantern. The words Theo had prepared found themselves lodged in his throat.

Aghast, the fancy Rat stumbled backwards, but his heel snagged on the edge of a floor rug, causing the Rat to land on his posterior, painfully pinching his tail. "Eek! M-monster... Gnnnk! Demon! Hng Aberration!" Theo exclaimed in a shrill voice as his rapid breathing caused him to fumble over his own words. He wanted to call out for help, to Hyden; even to the outsider, Alex. But he could not utter anything beyond sharp gasps as his breathing went to disarray.

The imposing creature looked at the panicked Rat and spoke to them. "Oh? Is that so? Would a monster choose knocking over divorcing your door from its frame?" The creature's voice was deep, coarse, and multitudinous as if three separate beings were speaking in unison. The creature remained in the doorway, peering at the quaking Rat, examining them and their actions closely. All six eyes were locked onto Theo, and the gaze made his fur stand on end. Theo already hated being stared at by just one pair of eyes.

Theo sat on the floor, his whole body feeling flushed and trembling from his pounding heart. That thing had just spoken to him. In fluent dialect no less! Theo had heard of monsters before, but never an intelligent one - let alone one capable of speech. Something about this creature disturbed him to his core. His mind raced at kilometers a minute trying to process just what he was witnessing.

The creature's lips tensed as if it were about to speak; but then it stopped, before looking to its left. "It seems your sentry has been roused." The creature spoke aloud.

"Ess... Sentry?" Theo questioned. Then it clicked; it was referring to Alex. She always kept watch. How did they know about her? "Was this thing spying on us?" Theo exclaimed in his mind. The Rat felt dread bubbling up within him.

In one of the manor's guest rooms, Alex was sleeping. The tension of the last few nights had made deep sleep an impossibility. Thus, when the sound of Theo's raised voice came from downstairs, it was enough to wake her. She rubbed her eyes as she rose from the bed. "Was that Theo shout-" Her large ears flicked as they heard the sound of something unearthly and her fur stood on end. Without any further thought, her body reacted and she grabbed her hunting rifle, sprinting to the location of the sound. Fortunately, her eyes were fully adjusted for the night, and she made it to the foyer without a stumble despite her scramble.

She sprang into the foyer, stopping herself with the guard rail of the grand staircase. Alex laid eyes on the huge beast in the doorway, it's six met with hers. Alex was prepared to shoot, but the violet irises of the beast were staring right at her the instant she rounded the corner into the foyer; as if it already knew she was going to be there. The sight made her freeze. "Theo! What in the hells is that!?" Alex exclaimed.

"A monster!" Theo shouted.

"A visitor." The creature stated, it's baritone, stentorian voice matching Theos' shouting in volume.

No longer half asleep with no obstructing walls to deaden the sound, Alex heard the creature's course, multitoned voice clearly. "Did that thing... just speak?" She said aloud.

Before either Theo or Alex could interject, the creature filling the doorway spoke to the two startled people in the foyer of the manor. "Yes. I did. Your language is relatively simple compared to my native tongue." The beast stated flatly.

"Meh Ms. Solokov! It's egk dangerous! It's bee been spying on us!" Theo said, his chest still struggling to steady itself.

Alex kept her rifle leveled at the beast in the doorway. She wasn't sure if Theo was speaking the truth, or was just in shock. "Okay, who and what the hell are you?" The Bat said, keeping her focus on the creature.

They replied. "I am Niadris. I am what your tongue would call... an Arhulian."

Alex looked at Theo in bewilderment. Theo glanced back at the Bat. "Are-rule-lee-an?" Theo said aloud, sounding out the word by each syllable. "In all my eghk studies. I've never heard of such a species!" Theo said. The Rat's eyes glanced back to the creature in the door with fear and revulsion. "More like 'arhulian'." Theo muttered under his breath. One of the Arhulian's pairs of eyes shifted it's gaze back to the Rat.

"After knocking on your door and introducing myself, you suggest that I am a feral beast?" Niadris queried, in their deep, hellish voice causing the Rat's fur to stand on end as they swallowed nervously. The 'Arhulian' did not just speak their language, but had an advanced understanding of their grammatical structure. The implications of this rattled Theo as he shuffled back to get further away from this creature.

Alex took a deep breath as she maintained composure, interjecting before the situation escalated any further. "Alright, 'Niadris', why are you here? Theo said you were spying on us." She questioned, her rifle planted firmly in the direction of the unplanned visitor. The Arhulian was unfettered by her brandishing a gun right at them. Did it really not know what a gun was, or worse - did it not care?

"Spying? Given that your kind have responded to me with either fear or hostility on sight, I must carefully select when I reveal myself and to whom. It is no act of subterfuge. It is a necessity. Even now; you have your armament at-the-ready just from me knocking on your door and speaking to you. I wanted to speak to an individual, then have them inform the rest of my presence. Do you really imagine this going any better if I had been more bold in my approach? Depicting myself as non-threatening would be an order of magnitude harder with gunshot wounds." Niadris snorted, all three pairs flicking their gaze to Alex before one of them returned to Theo. The multiple pairs of eyes looking in different directions at the same time perturbed them both.

"I eghk do agree that your appearance ehm elicits revuls-" A second pair of eyes locked onto him again. " -ghn a response." Theo said, catching himself. The Arhulian did not speak a word, yet the message was clear; it tore Theo up on the inside to even dare admit, but so far this 'visitor' has shown themselves to be quite capable of not letting verbal barbs go unnoticed.

Alex lowered her rifle, still keeping both hands on it. "I suppose that's... a pretty good point actually." She sighed. "But still, why are you here?"

Niadris spoke calmly. "We share a common enemy. Despite my imposing stature and prowess, physical might is all but meaningless against a foe that subsumes and absorbs all flesh that it touches." Alex's eyes widened as the creature continued explaining. "All my strength and ability are merely tools to avoid becoming a hearty meal in the wake of such a lurid foe." Both Theo and Alex became less defensive as Niadris continued. "...It is a terrible entity that digests without need or moderation. It is a blight upon this world."

Alex and Theo knowingly looked at each other.

"Yeah. We call it the Shadow." Alex said. Her mind feeling a slight amount of guilt over her hostility, her rifle lowered completely.

"Hrm Yes. In that regard we do have a commonality..." Theo relented, stopping before adding too much.

The fancy Rat composed himself enough to stand back up, and brush himself off. "So, that brings us to the matter at hand. How did you find out about our mission? I don't think anyone would have snrk told you about Rising Dawn."

The Arhulian stared with no reaction. "Rising Dawn? Is that a title?" They paused before adding: "No, I sensed that this place had an anomalous aura, so I studied you from afar before approaching."

Theo raised an eyebrow. "What is this urgh 'aura' you speak of? What do you mean by sense?" He asked, his voice dripping in incredulity.

"My kind - Arhulians - have a 7th sense if you will. We can see the 'aura' of living things." Niadris explained. "This place caught my attention because I observed a strange aura much further than I would normally be able to; I was at the crooked sign above the red roofed well when the aura became detectable to me. My normal range is about three-fifths of that."

Theo and Alex raised both their eyebrows. "That's half a kilometer!" They both exclaimed in their minds.

"As I approached and could resolve things in detail, I noticed five distinct auras." Niadris raised their scythe-like forelimb and pointed in various directions. "Two crimson auras; one that luminesces brightly." Niadris pointed to Theo before continuing. "Crimson auras? Is it referring to our catalyst stones?" Theo thought to himself as the creature explained. The Rat was still skeptical, as him being a witch was public knowledge after all. As the Arhulian continued narrating, they mentioned: "The second crimson aura seems faint - as if it were hibernating or asleep." Theo's face twitched in shock as the creature pointed to the direction of the room Hyden was currently residing in - an interior room with no visibility from the outside, nevermind the fact Hyden's presence was supposed to be hidden. Niadris, still speaking: "Then there are two mundane auras - one of them with a notable a tendency to perch from a defensive vantage point." The Arhulian stated, pointing their bone-tipped forelimb to Alex.

"Is that how he snuck past me? He knew I was on watch and avoided me?" Alex pondered.

"Then lastly, the fifth aura. A writhing, squirming mass of discordant signals, that seethe and roil like water itself harboring anger, yet cannot move freely. As if it were sealed away." Niadris pointed in the direction of where the shadow sample was.

Alex and Theo were at a loss for words. There was no way this thing could have such intricate knowledge of Theo's manor without ever having set "foot" inside.

Before either could speak up, the Arhulian spoke again. "Another one of your kind has roused. It is the other mundane aura, and a voluminous one at that. They are to the northeast, and heading in this direction. Could you inform them of my presence before another outburst happens?" Niadris asked with a dry tone.

Alex was stunned in disbelief. They must be talking about Ridge!

Theo butted into the conversation: "I'm not sure what kind of feh fool you take me for, but I highly doubt you really have such a fantastical ability. Really, you can 'see' us through solid walls?" Theo's mind was a whirlpool of doubt and skepticism. The creature's claims seemed too extraordinary to be true. Theo was not sure how, but it has to be some sort of ruse! In the depths of the Rat's mind, the idea of this creature being able to observe him constantly, undetected was a soul-chilling prospect that fundamentally violated his privacy. It has to be a ruse.

"Yes." Niadris bluntly responded.

"Hmph Well, it was a cunning deception, but I'll have you know, our guest is residing in the southwest portion of my manor. And even if they were where you claimed to be, you aren't even looking in that direction..." Theo scoffed. As he was monologuing, the Bat's large ears flicked as she picked up the sounds of footsteps... coming from the northeast.

Niadris did not care to let the Rat finish before speaking, their baritone, multitudinous voice overpowering the Rats' in the conversation. "You have previously admitted to having no information about my species, yet you are presuming knowledge of my capabilities?"

Theo was incensed at being interrupted. "How dar-"

Ridge entered the foyer, scratching his back with a pillow in the other hand. "Hey, uh, is there a barbershop trio here, who are you talki-" The large Shark froze in place as his eyes met with the strange, badger-like creature filling the doorway. "Ah! uh! What in the goddamn...?!" Ridge dropped his pillow and adopted a boxing pose as best they could as their limbs still felt heavy from their evening nap. The Arhulian's eyes devoted a pair to focus on each individual in the foyer.

"Calm down, Ridge! This thing isn't... being dangerous. It wanted to talk to us." Alex blurted out with as much composure as she could muster.

Theo's face was flush as he exclaimed. "What are you doing there? Your room is on the other side of the manor!" The Rat's entire body tingled as any shred of doubt he could summon was scalded away by the unfolding situation.

The muscular teal Shark stammered, as so much was happening all at once for him. "Uh, well, I wandered around and dozed off in one of the book rooms. I got up because it was cold, then I heard this guy... thing?" Ridge said, glancing at Niadris, reluctantly dropping their boxing pose and grabbing their pillow.

"Well, at the very least, Niadris isn't lying to us." Alex said exasperated. Though she too, had her doubts about this 'visitor', she did not appreciate Theo antagonizing them openly. Theo glared at her. So far the Rat has shown hospitality to the outsider, but this jab from her really rubbed him the wrong way. In the uncomfortable silence of the foyer that was now getting cold due to the door still being open, Alex's mind sparked with an idea. "Wait a minute. Your special 'sense' is omnidirectional? And it works through stuff?" The Bat thought aloud, raising her voice as her ideas congealed before her. "You mentioned exactly where our sample of the Shadow was earlier too... Theo! They can detect the Shadow long before any of us can see it coming! Don't you realize how insanely useful that could be?"

The fancy Rat stammered as they choked on the shreds of their ego. "Hhhhnngh I'll... take that into consideration... Eugh if we are going to board this creature. I just hope it's civilized enough to behave as a guest." Theo sneered.

The Arhulian made a grin, showing off their sharp, carnivorous fangs to the Rat, as well as the deep plum hue of their interior flesh. "Considering your kind have reacted negatively to my being - often with violence - my exposure to 'civilization' has been quite limited. If my lack of knowledge bothers you so greatly, perhaps you could take some time to elucidate on the matter of guest-hood~" Niadris smirked.

"Grrrr... Perhaps I will." Theo scoffed. “But I hope you know, we do not have the culinary erk inventory for something of your dietary needs.” Niadris nodded. “I am more than capable of procuring my own food, so you will not have to worry about my nutrition. In fact, I had eaten a deer a few days prior. I should be satiated for several days at least.” The fancy Rat raised an eyebrow. “You have, egh ‘eaten’ ’a’ deer? I think your grammar is a touch underdeveloped. Don’t you mean you caught a deer? hmph What did you do? Swallow it whole?” Theo sarcastically remarked. “I had to break off those meddlesome antlers, but yes, I devoured it whole.” The Arhulian responded nonchalantly. The foyer was stunned. “A-an entire deer?” Alex said incredulously. Theo’s face contorted with disgust. The thought of a creature this size ingesting prey whole - and possibly alive - summoned dreadful imagery in his mind. “So… that would uh... ‘splain the missing animals without a trace. Heh, we thought that was the Shadow ‘fer a moment there.” Ridge chuckled nervously. Theo did not relish being in the room with this lurid creature any longer than he had to. He turned up his scrunched nose before walking off. He was ready for this evening to end. “As I was stating; ehm your first lesson on etiquette will be on closing the door. You're letting all the warm air escape!" Theo spoke as he slinked to the other room, pulling out a cigarette and a lighter from his suit pocket, needing something to take the edge off. As he puffed on his cigarette, the tingling in his hand faded.

Niadris scuttled forward into the foyer, bowing their head to ensure they cleared the door. As the Arhulian entered, their full figure and size was apparent to Alex, Ridge, and a distant Theo peeking from a doorway. Though superficially resembling a badger from the neck up, from the neck down; the Arhulian had a long, Myriapodic form with six pairs of pointed, centipede-like legs. The limbs started off fleshy, covered in fur, then transitioned to softly curved limb spikes that were off-white in color, like bone or horn after the third joint. The Arhulian's body was long and arranged like that of a large, furry millipede or caterpillar, albeit with no segments. Despite their body arrangement, the Arhulian was mammalian - bone clad in flesh - yet clearly centipede-like in their silhouette and locomotion. Niadris closed the door with a light slap of their long, tapered, heavy tail.

"Holy shit. That's... not somethin' you see everyday." A tired Ridge said, not entirely sure if they were still dreaming or not.

Alex looked at Niadris and saw that they had the strap of what appeared to be some kind of homemade rucksack across their chest as their only article of clothing. "Yeah, I was about to ask about the lack of clothes... but I guess there's nothing in your size." She remarked lightheartedly, trying to break the tension in the air.

"No. There is not. My metabolism can vary to maintain body heat relative to the environment, so clothes would be unnecessary. In addition, they would both limit my range of movement, and be unlikely to hold up to the kind of abuses my hide experiences." Niadris responded earnestly.

The teal Shark spoke up once there was a gap in the conversation. "So, uh... How do I say this? I don't see nothin' down there, and yet your voice is deeper than an Ironfrost coal mine. What are ya? A guy or girl?" The Shark asked.

Alex's face went wide with shock before scrunching back down into a glare at the Shark. "Ridge! That's terribly rude to just go and ask someone a thing like that!"

Niadris interjected. "There is no need to chide him. It is a perfectly legitimate question. After all, that den keeper did state there appears to be no documentation whatsoever of my kind in their knowledge base - and given the encounters I have had - neither do the rest of your kind for that matter. To answer the first question, my reproductive organs are housed internally to protect them from the rigors of life. Likewise, the answer to the latter question is that your binary terms are insufficient to describe me. Arhulians possess both the ability to fertilize a mate, and sire children. We are hermaphroditic." Niadris explained. "Your language is... limited in expressing my form, so gender neutral terms will be adequate."

Ridge's face was flush with embarrassment as he realized how personal and blunt his question was. "So yeah, on that... if 'yer talkin' about mates; doesn't that mean there are more of 'you' out there?" The shark said sheepishly, trying to adjust the course of the conversation away from his prying faux pas. He clutched his borrowed pillow tightly. Talking to this thing still seemed like a surreal dream to him.

The Arhulian was silent for several seconds. Up until now, they had been immediate to respond to questions. Alex and Ridge glanced at each other. "My kind are not native to this land. In addition, I have traveled a substantial distance. It is highly unlikely you will encounter another Arhulian." Niadris stated, with a briskness to their voice.

Alex looked down at Ridge from the second floor and gave Ridge a gesture to "Cut it out." Ridge gave a small nod. Alex sighed. "Well, it's safe to say your arrival has been quite a surprise. I think we all should get some rest and continue your introduction properly tomorrow." The Bat said, waving her arm for Ridge to come over to her.

Ridge added: "Oh, uh, I don't think we have any beds that'd fit you. 'Fer now you'll have to stay in the reading room I was in. Theo's got a big cushy rug in there. The fire is dyin' down, but I'm sure it's better than out there, heh.``

Niadris gave an acknowledging nod while their triangular ears perked up. They then pointed in the direction of the room Ridge came from with their uppermost arms, that had regular - albeit large, clawed - hands instead of a fang-shaped spike like the rest of their limbs. The shark raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, uh, how do ya know what room I came from?" Ridge asked, confused.

Alex sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah... I'll explain that in a minute, Ridge. I think Niadris here wants some space, they need a moment to relax after the 'welcome' we gave them." She said, physically pushing on the Shark to usher them out of the foyer.

It was true that they wanted to be left alone. Niadris had little experience dealing with people. They felt exhausted having to keep their composure on total lockdown to appear as non-threatening as possible. Niadris was eager to find this "reading room" Ridge had mentioned. Spatially, they knew exactly where it was based on the Shark's location in their mindsphere. On the other hand, their mindsphere did not consider walls, thus the Arhulian had to take a few moments to figure out how to navigate the interior of the manor to the reading room.

Despite their size and bulk, the sound of the Arhulian's centipede-like legs scuttling across the floor were much quieter than one would anticipate. Niadris made it a point to take light steps, and maneuver on rugs and carpets to minimize sound. Not out of etiquette, but as a means to hone their stealth. Never before Niadris had such an opportunity to interact and maneuver around people in close proximity in a safe environment.

The Arhulian noted a single aura tailing him; it was the bright, crimson one of Theo. Not desiring further drama, Niadris elected to ignore the Rat's presence as they made their way to the "reading room" Ridge had spoken of. The comforts of fire and shelter were secondary to the Arhulian; what had piqued their interest was the very title of the room itself. Alex and Ridge were returning to their rooms, trying to process the evening's events. "They were... quite the visitor." Ridge said, his tone unsure. Alex looked down at the floor as she walked. "Yeah. Something about them makes my fur stand on end. It's like a creeping feeling going up my back." The tall Shark looked down at his troubled friend. "Are... are ya afraid? They give me the creeps somethin' fierce too." The Bat exhaled. " I... I don't know Ridge. I had my gun pointed right at their head, but they were unfazed. Niadris seemed to know what guns are, yet they treated me like an afterthought. They don't seem dumb either; they gave Theo a good run for their money in a debate. So either they got a damn good poker face, or... this 'Arhulian' might be even tougher than it looks." Alex trailed on, the confidence in her voice gone now that she was in private with the one person here she could truly consider her friend. "...I'm a soldier. A hunter. I've had scraps with big game, I've fought people bigger than me. Even gave ol' lard chops a bloody face." Alex said, referencing her brawl with Hyden. "But that creature, it isn't like anything my training could have prepared me for. I don't fancy getting into a fight with them." Ridge scratched his fin. "So, was letting 'em in really a good idea?" "Personally, I think their alibi passed the sniff test. They could have attacked any time and hit us when we couldn't see it coming. If they wanted to make a move, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be playing mind games like a certain someone I know. We have that going for us at least." Alex paused. "Even so, I feel like they aren't telling us everything." Ridge nodded. As they reached their bedrooms, the two parted ways, then closed the doors to their rooms.

In the other portion of the manor, the Arhulian arrived at the reading room; their three pairs of eyes widened in delight. Wall to wall shelves lined with books! Niadris had very limited experience with books from their fleeting encounters - or spoils - from outsiders. Most of those books contained relatively uninteresting data like logs or journals, or completely fictitious tales. Here however, had an assortment of books on a large variety of subjects and organized quite neatly. The Arhulian removed their handcrafted backpack and pulled something out. It was a thick leather-bound book. It was plainly covered, with the sole word "Dictionary" for the title.

Niadris' chest seemed to squirm and writhe all on its own, followed by the faintest of popping and cracking of stiff joints. With a sound of flesh being pulled taught, numerous pairs of spindly arms came slinking out from in between the creature's ribs on the sides of their chest! These arms were very thin; near-skeletal in appearance. The hands on them were clawless, and consisted of three vaguely conical digits - two fingers, one thumb. These limbs were much slower and deliberate in their movements, and the leathery skin they had was a very deep plum color, almost black. In their travels, Niadris had quickly learned that the pages of books often were too delicate for their stronger, clawed, "normal" arms.

After tenderly putting away their dictionary, the creature's three pairs of eyes darted all across the room, scanning the spines of each book for topics of interest. The low-light conditions of the dying fire was more than enough for the Arhulian to discern the titles. Then, the Arhulian scuttled across the perimeter of the room, picking out a dozen books before returning to the center of the reading room by the smoldering fireplace. The huge, badger-centipede-like being then rested their long form on the floor, their body and abdomen landing on the carpet with a plompf. Niadris laid out three books with the covers open, while each pair of eyes scanned it's own book.

Theo had been quietly observing the beast from a hidden spot in another room through a peephole; and totally-not-a-hole that he had not gotten around to patching yet. The Rat monitored them carefully, shuddering at the sight of the numerous lanky arms protruding from the Arhulian's chest, and those arms touching his books. Yet, his attention was stolen when he witnessed this creature reading three books at a time! Was this creature really that capable of absorbing knowledge? Then, another thought crept into his mind. "Wait, who taught them to read in the first place?" As his mind contemplated, Theo's eyes widened when the creature looked up, and peered straight at him. Eye to eye contact, as if the wall parting them was not even there. Niadris gestured "come over here" with one of their their large, scythe-like forelimbs that were mounted below their exterior arms. Theo ducked down from the footstool he was standing on - nearly falling off in the process - then he covered his face in embarrassment. It seemed like there really was no hiding from this damned creature.

Letting out a sigh, Theo came to the reading room. The warm tingling sensation in his left hand returned. Was his catalyst stone reacting to this creature? The fancy Rat took slow, cautious steps forward. "It is remarkable. A wealth of knowledge at my fingertips." Niadris spoke aloud. They continued. "For so many years, I had to learn matters in direct fashion. I knew your kind stored information on physical documents, but I never could have imagined this place being lined to the ceiling with this treasure." When Theo was up close to Niadris, and composed enough to listen clearly, the Arhulians stentorian voice seemed to be composed of multiple octaves speaking in perfect unison. The scholarly Rat recalled the Arhulians' comment on their native language... “If the multiple octaves can be modulated separately, the grammar of this species could be phenomenally intricate!” However, Theo had more pressing things on his mind than appealing to his inner linguist, and set aside that tangent in his mind for later. The voice had strong projection, and the beast seemed to be making a concerted effort to whisper - which was speaking volume to Theo’s delicate ears.

Theo initially had some words for the Arhulian prepared, but the "treasure" comment gave him pause. The Rat stood there in silence for several minutes as the Arhulian continued reading what appeared to be volumes from an encyclopedia series, watching their thin ribcage arms turn the pages of each book. The hands were slow, deliberate, and delicate. Near by was a cloth that seemed to have been borrowed to wipe the oils from the creature's hands before interacting with his books. The rat let out a swift, small exhale. This monster treated his things better than some people he's hosted. Theo then spoke up. "At least someone else besides His Grace sees my library for what it is, and not eguh ornamentation. Though, I am surprised you would have any academic interest at all." Theo's words trailed on. Niadris shot a glance at him. "However, I presume it is not a completely irrational observation; a thing like you just can't sceh scuttle into a library. Which begs the question at hand, just who would teach you to read?"

The Arhulian paused, before giving Theo their full attention. "I... am not sure." They responded.

"What." Theo said, the word seemingly having spilled out of his mouth in disbelief. "What do you mean you don't know? How ek! How is that even a facsimile of an answer!? Didn't your moth-er well, parents teach you?" Theo said, his voice raised in frustration.

Niadris explained. "I do not know how I came to this knowledge. My earliest memories were of me being carried in my brood lord's abdomen. In my cradle of flesh, I would see and hear the world as they would. They would make demonstrations for me to observe as I nursed inside them. Their past memories would come to me in my dreams." As the Arhulian narrated, Theo shuddered at the prospect of being entombed alive and conscious in writhing, moist, undulating flesh from all sides. The fancy Rat took a deep breath and persisted in wading through the graphic descriptions from the beast - he wanted answers for the trouble he had gone through this evening.

Theo waited for an opening in the creature's explanation to jump in. "Your kind- urk Arhulians, have hereditary memory? If so, how is it you do not know where your knowledge came from? Perhaps a past ancestor?" Theo questioned, only half seriously.

The Arhulian shook its head in disappointment. "If only the answer was that simple. It is far more complex, and I am uncertain of the details. I will tell you what I know." Theo rubbed his brow, adjusted his glasses, and nodded. "When I dream, I see fragments of memories; but these memories are abnormal. I see... a settlement, a school, memories of a life not only not that of my ancestors, but not of my kind entirely... and our biology cannot interbreed. That I do know."

Theo gestured for the creature to get on with it. It was unconscionably late.

"I do have one possible hypothesis. There is another way our kind can exchange memories and experience. A ritual called Arhel-vāl." The strange word was accentuated by the Arhulian's multitudinous voice. "In your tongue, the closest word to it and what it means is amalgamation. Two mature specimens of our kind, typically one larger than their partner, subsumes the other into their flesh..." Theo's stomach churned at the vexing, visceral, possibly even vulgar imagery the Arhulian had verbally illustrated to him. "...but unlike ordinary cannibalism, the subsumed being is absorbed alive, mind intact, and two, become one." Niadris described, sparing no detail, much to Theo's revulsion.

The fancy Rat's tail quaked as his analytical mind began to put together a picture his sensibilities did not want to see. "You're hnnngh suggesting you have Esss assimilated a person?" He said, his mind racing as fast as his heart. "Oh heavens! Is that why it is here? To consume our minds and seize our knowledge?!" Theo's mind screamed.

The Arhulian peered down at the Rat. "Your luminant aura is flaring and seething. Do you find this knowledge troubling?" Niadris asked. Theo looked at the beast glaring down at him, his eyes wide with terror. "I see. You imagine me as your would-be predator." The beast let out a hushed, hellish chuckle with their deep, multitudinous voice. "Worry not, Theo. The ritual of Arhel-vāl is strictly between my kind; the 'donor' in question must be of the utmost certainty in their union - lest their knowledge be torn apart in a maelstrom of panic and fear. Your kind were never even considered a possibility due to the mental fortitude required to uphold the ritual. The being that amalgamated with me - whomever they were - must have been exceptional in their conviction."

The trembling Theo swallowed. "Well, erf I suppose that is good to know. Hrf Well, if you'll excuse me, egk I need to be getting some rest.” He stammered. “It is dreadfully late. And do take care to return my books exactly as you have found them. hgn It was painstaking to order them all as I have." With an abnormal spring in their step, the fancy Rat wheeled around and left the reading room with haste.

"By the gods, what is that thing? How does it exist? And why did it show up to MY manor, of all places?" Theo cogitated. Their attempt to seek out answers seemed to have only made the question mark hovering over this mysterious creature even fatter. Theo paced around the manor, and passed by the room Hyden was sleeping in; him blissfully unaware of all that had transpired this evening. Theo raised his gloved hand, as if to knock on the door, but he stopped himself. "I can't disturb His Grace during his rest... but I must inform him of this aberrant thing as soon as I can."

Theo, anxious and jittering, sat down on a cushioned chair outside of Hyden's room, fumbling with a pack of cigarettes. Alone with his thoughts his mind began to wander; all trains of thought leading back to that enigmatic creature. A particular moment from the Arhulian’s behavior stood out to Theo. The way they retreated to the library, and found refuge in books where they were not judged for their appearance or the mannerisms that others found odd... Theo shivered as he felt what was quite possibly a degree of familiarity with this creature. He did not want to fancy such feelings. The Rat shook their head and calmed their mind enough for exhaustion to take its toll; his head bobbed down, and the unlit cigarette in his hand fell onto the floor beside him as he lapsed into sleep right in his chair. The heavyset Rabbit snoozing under their blanket on the other side of the door was the only person in the manor to have had quality sleep that evening.

#theo #alex #fanfic #verse: amaranthine #my ocs #arhulian #original species #niadris #original character #short story #furry

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ritens · 10 days

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Lane in post-game : I was such a shit archer way back when. I'm glad to be a thief now.

Oh honey. You don't know what vocation awaits you in ng+

He fucks as a thief but I'm not sold on any of the fashion. The original Lane (unrelated to dragdog or any other fandom) used gun/shield and dual swords. Fighter on dd!Lane feels too noble or too brawny. There's no guns but there's the archer... I think it holds hands with thief voc in vibes and Rau would absolutely be able to teach him the skills from OC viewpoint. just gotta see how the Armor would look like on him. He looks best wearing mage stuff but he's not a magic oriented blorbo. Do you feel my pain.

#dd2 ramble

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afarcryfrommymain · 9 months

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Far Cry OC Tournament Round 1B: Jason Spero v Jestiny Ellen Rook

Contestant info and voting under the cut!

Jason Spero (@levithestripper)

About: Jason is 28 years old and the newest Junior Deputy. He’s a Hope County native, growing up with Nick and Sharky. He’s known as a big prankster, filling out the trifecta of silly little guys from Bumbfuck Nowhere, Montana Jason’s favorite memory is when after school one day, Nick double dog dared him to microwave a fork. Jason’s hair didn’t lay flat for a week after that.

Does your OC have anything to share?: “Shark said if I win—or at least not lose immediately—he’ll buy me dinner! Which is perfect, ’cause I’m starving!” —Jason

Anything else we should know?: Jason has mostly fluff where his brain should be. He and Sharky share a quarter of a brain cell which they both lost track of a half-mile down the road. Neither he nor Sharky realizes they’re dating until one of them kisses the other good night. Himbo 4 Himbo relationship goals. Jason also likes to call Sharky “Shark”.

Jestiny Ellen Rook (@adelaidedrubman)

About: “the sorriest excuse for a soldier I ever seen.” - description from brother nathan, participant in jestiny’s trials and known gossip. jestiny is a hope county sheriff’s department junior deputy by vocation, clown by nature, fisherman by preferred pastime, dolly parton enthusiast by virtue of good taste, opossum surrogate mother by luck, and — above all else — a cringefail pathetic loser by the grace of god. credit to @starsandskies for the portrait!

Does your OC have anything to share?: jestiny’s presence in the ring is immediately intimidating. she boasts strong, brawny arms and powerful, calloused hands she knows how to use. she also boasts in the literal sense, hurling graphic threats and vicious mockery even before fists begin flying. between the brash attitude and the sturdy, sculpted jawline, it’s also clear she can and has taken a punch in her time. but most terrifying are those wild, fiery eyes with an obvious violent temperament and quick wit behind them. she thinks as fast as she moves. and she moves FAST. she lunges, swift and unyielding. she corners. she squares up. she goes in for the kill. she winds her arm back. she swings towards her opponent with a deadly speed — she misses by a foot, the force causing her to fall face-first onto the floor. it’s thirty seconds in. jestiny is knocked out with a fractured skull. her opponent has not thrown a punch. jessie instantly progresses to the loser’s bracket.

Anything else we should know?: HIIIIIII in case it wasn’t clear i want jestiny to lose all her matches and go to the losers bracket and then lose there first. she is a failure and constantly fumbles the bag when it matters most and my goal and dream is to have her voted Most Pathetic Biggest Flop around. PLEASE PLEASE vote for whoever jestiny is up against to win so she can officially be crowned the ultimate failure.

#far cry oc tournament #oc polls #round 1b #far cry 5 #it'd be really funny if it was 100%-0% for jestiny but ik some people will vote her regardless #also not gonna post the whole round all at once like i did by accident again #2 today 2 tomorrow like i intended from the start #unless i get impatient

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homemadegirlbossbattle · 11 months

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ROUND 4 / POLL 3

Cadmus (@lesbx) vs. Selene Cromswell (@clovenhooved, art by Ana Luiza Garcia)

Cadmus info:

Description: Cadmus is an oc I originally made as a character for Fallout New Vegas. She is tall and brawny, with short, nearly shaved gray hair. She’s trans also. Very important detail.

Crimes: Cadmus fought for years for a group known as Caesar’s Legion. She renounced them and devoted herself to bringing it down, but while she was still indoctrinated by them, she committed more atrocities than she could ever repent for, and she knows it. Most fight reluctantly for the Legion. Going to battle, because the alternative would be going up on a cross. Cadmus, however, killed for glory, and fought because she liked it. Wholeheartedly championing the Legion’s cause, she was directly responsible for countless deaths and untold destruction. Even after leaving, she struggles with her rage and her propensity for brutality. The Legion’s warpath to the West was inevitable, but was very notably hastened by her and her drive for war.

Other notes from the submitter: Not actually expecting her to make it in, but she’s so awful, I feel like it would be a disservice to her not to at least submit her.

Selene Cromswell info:

Description: okay. OKAY. D&D OC. Selene is a widow of a husband that she killed in the pursuit in higher knowledge and gaining lichdom. She had one son, Cyrus, who was restricted in his formative years, being made to follow in her footsteps in perfecting wizardry. She is headmistress of a magic college.

She grew up in a backwater side of the world, born to ex-adventurer parents with deep cowboy roots, and was the only child out of her siblings to not inherit storm sorcery from her mother. She has deep issues with self worth and always wants to be the most intelligent in any room.

Crimes:

Tried to murder her father in a misguided attempt at vengeance -Burned her family’s home to the ground -Murder in general to get what she wants -Manipulation, gaslighting, blackmailing to get to the top -Killing her husband thru an…. ‘accident’ in the pursuit of being a lich -Terrible mom in general -Didn’t let her son leave the magic campus, causing him to burn down a building and run in the panic

Other notes from the submitter: a milf for your consideration………..

#poll #oc poll #hmgbb

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chayscribbles · 6 months

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oc description tag (21.10.2023)

thanks @sam-glade for the tag!

Rules: Share an excerpt from your WIP that describes one of your OCs.

i'll be doing this for the gemini heist. this is the description Gabi gives of Euna the first time she appears in the story.

Carrying a large crate right behind Leo was Euna Li, surveying the hall with wide-eyed wonder like a child on their first trip off their home planet. She stood an inch or two taller than Leo, and the way the sleeves of her orange jacket fit snugly around her shoulders and upper arms betrayed their brawny build, but in this moment, tagging behind Leo, she seemed a lot less dangerous than she really was. Her straight hair, falling just below her shoulders, had been dyed a bright pink when Gabi had first met her, but the dye had since faded, leaving the bleached hair underneath an unnatural shade of peach that clashed with the dark roots that were beginning to show at her scalp. Her sleeves were rolled up just enough to give a peak of her sleek, cybernetic arm, made of white plastic and accented with pink lining, which was installed just above Euna’s right elbow. Now that Leo had her back to her, Gabi couldn’t help but allow her gaze to linger on Euna’s face— rounded chin, small flat nose, rosy cheeks, and cupid lips. Lips that curved into a tiny smile as Euna’s brown eyes lowered from the ceiling and locked with Gabi’s. Gabi quickly hid her warming face behind the screen of her datapad. They weren’t supposed to know each other here, after all.

tagging: @antique-symbolism @akindofmagictoo @void-botanist @enchanted-lightning-aes @oh-no-another-idea have funnnnn

#tag games #gh excerpts #wip gemini heist #euna li #gabi more like GAYbi amirite!!!!

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a-wild-inky-boi · 5 months

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Good eve to my 4 mutuals I have decided to start babbling about my funny silly little twisted wonderland ocs on this webbed site just look at em

I'm trying to draw em in something similar enough to twst's style so they are much much leggier than my normal style lol, when I finish drawing each one properly they'll each get their own personal ramble this is just an overview of my Guys

Right so I'm going to start with Janus, the tired looking boy in the blue jumpsuit!

Janus is originally from the Isle of Woe, he's quite the germaphobe and lost one of his legs in a car accident as a child so he uses a prosthetic leg he made himself.

He's lived most of his life in a hospital, his father used to own it before he passed and Janus's stepmother took over but as she was neglectful he ended up not having anywhere else to live. He decided to become a doctor both to follow his father's footsteps and to gain his stepmother's attention and became recognised as a genius child doctor, but because he spent far far more time holed up studying than interacting with people he's very inexperienced.

Due to his lack of life experience he decided to go out and see the world a bit but he got swindled by Crowley into becoming a janitor for NRC when he was visiting to see a school event, though he was actually accepted by the mirror as a student Crowley didn't allow him to quit his job as a janitor.

He's pretty well liked by the students as he's helpful in any sort of messy situation, though he isn't great at interacting with them and is very blunt.

Next up is Avikki, the brawny bird boy! He's a vulture beastman, a legendary indestructible delinquent and also the childhood friend of Janus.

He's a complete and utter adrenaline junkie who very regularly puts himself in life threatening situations for fun, because of this he often went to the hospital in which Janus was living, as they ended up seeing each other a lot they became good friends (they have some of the most concerning conversations in existence)

Avi regularly challenges the strongest people in the school to fight with him so he's ended up with a fair few followers hoping to make him top of the school, though he doesn't care about being the strongest at all, he just wants fun fights.

Oh also the bandages on his arms are to bind his wings to make it easier to do things without thwapping everything around him with his feathers. How do wings fit within those bandages? Who knows it's probably magic

Third boy is Typhon! He's the one with the snake and the droopy eyes. Typh is the dependable and surprisingly social Ignihyde vice dorm leader.

The snake is called Gorgon and is Typh's familiar! He has a popular animal insta page where he posts about her.

He's an all around capable person with particularly strong magic abilities. Despite being in Ignihyde he has a friend list to rival Cater's, though he's ever friendly and helpful there are a fair few people who are suspicious of his behaviour as this is Night Raven College and he might be plotting any number of things. However there's no evidence that he's actually doing anything other than some people getting the feeling that something is off about him.

Though he's the vice prefect the students in his dorm aren't particularly close with him as the normie aura is too strong, though he's very helpful with anything school related.

Finally we have the little rat boy Colby! His thing is that he's always been able to see and interact with ghosts, even in areas that aren't high in magic like NRC.

As he can interact with ghosts he's very susceptible to things like possession from malevolent ones. However if he adds a bit of his blood to foods it means the ghosts can eat it easily so he has a few malevolent ghosts guarding him and occasionally stealing things for him in exchange for this food like a pack of crows.

However because of this he's super turbo haunted and though others may not be able to see ghosts they will feel this feeling of unease around him.

Colby is dressed the way he is because he was unable to afford the uniform so Lilia took him to see if any uniforms that were left in Diasomnia would fit him, the only ones that would fit however were old ass versions of the uniform. Though he doesn't care that the uniform he wears is ancient it fuels rumours that a student died 100 years ago and its ghost is back to haunt the school.

So anyways those r some funky little intros to my twst ocs and you will absolutely be seeing more of them soon muahahaha

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst oc #i need a tag for these guys #Asta's twisted sons #yeah that'll work

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rogdona · 29 days

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so. there may b some themes in common w some of my ocs

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revelisms · 10 months

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5 things I always find myself falling into, when I'm trying to pin down what a character "feels" like:

Scents. What do you catch a whiff of, standing at their shoulder? Is it cool or warm? A fragrance on their clothes, or a product of their environment? Does it become something you associate with them (either fondly or negatively)? Does it linger in their spaces, when they're gone?

Habits. What do they do when they're distracted? Do they pick at their nails or bob their heel? Are they always looking around the room? Do they recede into themselves and become closed off, or latch onto one thing? How does this change their presence in a space?

Speech. How do they speak? Are they curt and rough, or warm and drawling? Do they have certain ticks (eh's, ah's, um's, like's) or pronunciations? Is there a cadence to how they speak that differentiates them from others? What do their words feel like off their teeth (knifing, buttery, chipper, cold)? Does their voice change around certain people?

Touch. What do they feel like? Are their hands heavy or light, rough or soft? Do they tower over other characters, or have to peer up to meet their eyes? Does leaning into them feel like sinking into a furnace, or nestling against a stack of twigs? Are they averse to touch, or always seeking it? Where do their hands linger, subconsciously or not, when they're with someone?

Essence. What embodies them when you're in their presence? Are they a raging storm, a soundless flash of a sword, a predatory prowl, a thistle of bells? Do they carry themselves with an air of elegance, or the brawny stomps of a brawler? Is their energy youthful or ancient, curious or jaded? What element captures it all (heat, fire, ozone, earth, frost, etc.), and how does it impact others' behavior around them?

Just thinking about these a bunch as I'm trying to explore some OCs and dive deeper into other fic ideas. I'm curious if you all do something similar/different? 🧐

#it's all about the Vibes ok #but genuinely i'm like???#do you write by motivators/emotions more?#or by actions more?#other chars' perceptions of them vs. their own self-narration?#love hearing how other people write writing is so FUN #also #rambling about char interpretations is my favorite thing #i will happily braindump about a char if you're curious 👀👀#writing #character design #character writing #oc writing

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potionpeddlerpatchy · 8 months

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So uh.... for a while I've been creating this world and story for a Royal AU (one that @melodramaticmatter knows quite a bit about) and even wrote a small portion of said AU and world with A Stroll Through the Gardens

I doubt I will ever come to write it, or share much of it because... it's very indulgent and will be very long and there will be plenty of doubts that come from it but I digress. I did figure it would be a good idea to just share the world, backstory, and the simple plot setup I had created for said AU. I did spend plenty of time creating it, and I know I would not be happy with myself if I just let it sit and rot without someone else looking at it.

So, if you wish to indulge me and venture into this please continue reading onward; I know I would appreciate it greatly 💛💛💛

The Main Kingdoms:

In the North: Kingdom of Dorthonion - home of House Todoroki

A foreboding fortress in the north, but what is to be expected when the land is covered in ice and snow, surrounded by mountains. Only the strong may survive here, those that are meant for the unstable weathers; as many an elf is. Through the unease, plenty of gifts can be found within these lands; from soft pelted furs, to strong oak and steel, to even gifts of magic from the silver hidden in their mountains - stoic and calculating it is best to stay a collaborator or face their frigid fury.

forged in fire and set in ice, our duality makes us unbreakable.

Current Regent - King Enji and Queen Rei Heir - Prince Shoto Head Knight: Iida Tenya Royal Advisor: Midoriya Izuku Archmage: Ochaco Uraraka

To the South: Kingdom of Deira, home of House Bakugou

The shining jewel of the south, where the dragon born live. Strong and fierce this kingdom is known for its brutality and explosive nature, as it protects the smaller sister kingdoms that stand behind them. With this strong loyalty and blazing demeanor, the South overflows with the abundance of jewels from their mines, spices from their fiery hearth, crystals to help heal any wound, and goods from the beasts they are named after - they have proven to be either a wealthy ally or a volatile foe.

fury in the scales and claws, we will never bow or falter.

Current Regent - King Masaru and Queen Mitsuki Heir - Prince Bakugou Head Knight: Sero Hanta Royal Advisor: Kirishima Ejirou Archmage: Kaminari Denki

To the East: Kingdom of Edhellond, home of House Blumenthal

A brawny empire along the coasts of the east, where people and merfolk live in harmony. Much like the salted breeze, it can either bring a traveler serenity or fear; only those that wish to bring unity are welcomed in these ports. If one does, you will be given fish to fill your belly, pottery to eat off of, oil to light your lamps, and ivory to adorn on your neck; keeping you safe from those that lurk below the surface - sing a melody among this fishermen or face a watery demise.

like waters, both shallow and deep, serene and deadly we are.

Heir - (an OC) Head Knight: Inasa Yoarashi Royal Advisor: Yaoyorozu Momo Archmage: Asui Tsuyu Prince Monoma is heir to a smaller sister kingdom

And in the West: Kingdom of Amon Lac, home of House Van Amstel

The welcoming realm of the west, how joyous they are to have you here. Kind and gentle the avians will be as they guide you through the vast land; handing to you flowers to wear upon your crown, fruits and vegetables to stave off your hunger, wheat and grain to fill your bags, sugar to sweeten your view, and if lucky, a potion or two brewed by witches that dwell within the dense woods; but only if your hands do not stray - give as much as you receive or face the starvation greed brings.

plentiful are our harvests, and trees of fruit, that is what tethers our roots.

Royal - <reader insert for their viewpoint and storyline> *called Dove by the main character and friend, they are the youngest and therefore not heir* Head Knight: Takami Keigo Royal Advisor: Shigaraki Tomura Magic Wielder: Ibara Shiozaki

Towards the North West: Kingdom of Cashmerask - home of House Aguillard

A quaint domain that separates the northern elves from the western fairies. A place of reprieve of creatures both fantastical and frightening, only humble humans reside here.

And though humble, they still are craftsmen that have mastered their skills who will be eager to teach and sell you their wares. From the cloth on your back, to cotton in your bed, to wool in your socks, you will find them all made with care here; with golden thread to mark your ware as authentic - be willing to pay for luxury or shiver in the cold.

like the thread that binds, though small, it is mighty.

Royal - <main reader insert> *nicknamed Patchwork Princess by other nobility as a cruel joke: and yes, what started as a sweet joke between Gracie and I turned into all this* Head Knight: <unsure, another reader insert possibly?> Royal Advisor: Tamaki Amajiki Archmage: Shinsou Hitoshi

Kingdom of Cashmerask History:

As stated, there are four main kingdoms, to the North, South, East, and West. These kingdoms not only are ruled by strong and lasting bloodlines but are important to the overall balance of the land as a whole; they are the largest and most powerful in each section. Casherask was a sister kingdom, one of the smaller ones within the land of the west that was to support and be protected by Amon Lanc - much like the many other sister kingdoms within the land. Smaller royalty with less power and money.

A few generations ago, the Aguillard family realized that they were the only ones able to maintain and produce a very large amount of textiles and decided to use that to gain more power, wealth, and respect. That if no one was willing to pay the price for their items, they would shiver in the cold without them; or go to other merchants who could create similar items but of less quality - with many finding these merchants were unable to make things as beautifully, sturdy, or able to last many seasons.

So with that foothold, Cashmerask’s kingdom and wealth grew to that of the main four. And though they are somewhat respected for obtaining such an impossible goal, many monarchs and royal families still look down on them - they see them more as simple folk unworthy of their position of power. Despite having a seat at the table, they were never regarded or truly able to speak.

House Aguillard Backstory:

So with this burden of being looked down upon, the family had always tried to be strategic in how they operate and whom they marry; to ensure they cannot be overthrown so easily. The King and Queen had four children, all of whom had an important role to play to ensure their stability.

Eldest Son - The Tapestry: though third born, a son and first in line to the throne. Prepared accordingly with his schooling and training to take the place and wear the crown once the time is ready. He is the shining star, the grand tapestry, of Cashmerask and will continue on a strong bloodline.

Eldest Daughter - The Golden Thread: firstborn and second in line for the throne. Their duty, to which they have been prepared through extensive schooling, is to marry off to a royal in another land. To ensure a bloodline and connections that reach further out than their own. For extra security and aid, the golden thread will bind more power to the crown.

Middle Daughter - The Silver Needle: secondborn and third in line for the throne. Their duty is similar in nature to that of the first daughter, with the same extensive schooling to match theirs. They are meant to marry into a royal family of the already existing kingdoms, with the main four being the best possible outcome. They are the needle to help create beautiful works with the golden thread already laid in place.

Youngest Daughter - The Bronze Thimble: last born and last in line for the throne. Their duty and position are not seen as high or important to that of the crown to gain more power. Instead, they are the people’s princess, to bring forth a sense of community and inner strength amongst them. To give them a sense of ease and security from the sharpness the world may bring them.

Reader's Backstory and Story Beats:

Again, youngest and a girl not much was expected of her. Her schooling was not as involved or extensive of that of her siblings, as a more simple life was destined to her. With all that free time, she was encouraged to learn the craft of her people. And so she did, fulfilling her duty of being the people’s princess and becoming herself quite the artist with a needle.

At a young age, was introduced to Amon Lac’s youngest princess, and through their shared situations, a strong friendship formed that lasted throughout the years. Another formed through similar circumstances with the son of a royal advisor (Tamaki). And once more another formed, through her father’s ire, when she became close with a child of a merchant who wanted to become a knight.

When time came for her debut on her 18th birthday, things started to go awry. A war, in a nearby land, broke out and much of the kingdom's time was spent in aid and suppression of it; with her own brother going off to fight. Once the dust had settled a couple of years, and all was clear once again, the foundation that was set up and enforced had been destroyed - if not by the war than by her sibling's strong sense of manifest destiny.

Her brother went to marry a princess in the land he fought for, leaving his throne empty and a tapestry to hang on another wall. The eldest daughter married a man below her station, upsetting the other kingdoms as a man not fit for the crown would wear one instead of the few set in place to be chosen, her golden thread no longer reaching out to bind. And the middle daughter, with a needle meant to create, instead broke the skin to bleed and was labeled unsuited for any throne,

And now, that little bonze thimble was being asked to be a tapestry, and golden thread, and a needle; with no understanding how, and no one ever wanting her, to be one. She is now urged by her parents, after her 24th birthday, to be engaged to a crown prince of any of the major kingdoms before she is to reach 25. To undo and try to fix the wrongs her siblings had created. Unprepared and struggling with identity, she at least has her party she is close to guide her and her best friend to go along with her - as she is in need of a suitor herself.

thanks for taking the time to read, perhaps I shall make something out of this

#part of the reason that it's holding me back is that like #I wanna make from three people's perspectives as each has their own storyline/romances/endings #but that may be too ambitious especially if I try and make it reader inserts for all three #but like I could make OC for the head knight for Cashmerask #and would possibly have to because I cannot cut them out because of their romance with Bakugou #anyway #again thanks for reading #and perhaps just posting this may kick me in the behind and force me to start writing it #🔮.the peddler brews #🔮.delete later

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nexusofdomains · 5 months

Note

Hey mutual, how would you describe your TFLOC OC physically? I got the urge to draw something, and I felt like drawing your oc.

Please feel free to go as in-depth as you want on his design! Though I won't draw complex gear or clothing (keep it simple but thought out... Idk how to explain)

Thanks :D

Oh gee mutual, thanks! (genuine)(I hope that didn't come off as sarcastic) I was not expecting this at all.

Lucius is a tall, brawny lion. His face bears a slight frown, but his brows are not furrowed. Over his tunic and kilt, he wears a green smithing apron. (Partly for simplicity, but also 'cause it just makes sense) He is rarely without his smithing hammer, as it is something of a comfort object to him.

P.S.: I hope this helped! :-]

Also, what do you know of metals in Chima? I haven't found much of anything on the subject

#TFLOC OC

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typhoid-mary-64 · 8 months

Text

22/08/23 x 29/07/20

Some OCs of mine (Andrea and Sidney), drawn three years apart.

Here's the original backstory I wrote for it forever ago on FA, with some bits altered and added:

"Sidney was one of the first people Andrea became acquainted with in Canada after moving from Naples.

Andrea, usually rather reserved, hit it off with the easygoing Sidney in no time at all. He had asked for directions at a local café and was a little bewildered when the reply came with the distinct southern drawl of a texan. The brawny rabbit picked the surprise in Andrea's face and let out a hearty laugh. Despite the initial embarrassment, the two soon started chatting and really got to know each other over some ham and cheese sandwiches. Andy had some latte, while Sid had a can of Coke - the two shared fondness for caffeine, it seemed.

Both also especially loved the movies, and, after exchanging phone numbers, they eventually started going to the theater together. Though Sidney didn't always fully wrap his head around all the nuances of a film, he could spend the whole day listening to the elegant fox talk about the themes, the blocking, the costume design and even a juicy tidbit about the supporting actor here and there. Even if the movie was an abysmal Netflix original streamed at home, they always had each other's company, groaning in unison at the latest hackneyed plot development.

There was one rainy afternoon, however, that they put the talk aside for a little while. Walking side by side under a yellow umbrella, sheltered from the rainfall, the two looked into each other's eyes and shared a contentment so deep that they forgot about talking altogether - a contentment fueled by many evenings, late-night messages and crappy movies watched together.

Strolling back from the theater to Andrea's place, both would cherish this little moment of intimacy, hoping it would stretch forever.

One of their most prized shared possessions? a Blu-ray copy of Airplane! (1980). Don't let Andrea see you touching it without his permission, or he will call you a scemo and give you an earful"

#oc #original character #original characters #my art #digital art #illustration #furry #furry art #anthro art #anthro #cute #gay #couple #mlm #lgbtq #queer #yaoi #fujoshi #story #backstory #2023

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margoteve · 1 year

Text

Started with a Kiss - Chapter 1

Rating of the chapter: Teen and Up

Rating of the story: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationship: Donnie x OC (Kara), mentions of others.

Summary:

4 years after Krang's attempt at invading Earth the turtles got a pretty good hang on this whole hero thing. Then a cheeky hacker appears to flip their lives upside down, especially Donatello's.

A/N: Finally the first chapter of the madness I have been writing since November. Kara and Cheryl are HoH/Deaf characters. The dialogue in sharp brackets <> is a conversation done in sign. I am looking for a sensitivity reader btw if anyone wants to help out. I added lines to help with POV switching within the chapter. Also English is my 2nd language and I'm kind of blind to my own mistakes, apologies there. I'm looking for Beta Reader to help me out when I mess up with my plot continuity btw. At the beginning, we also have a villain type who uses 'deaf' as a slur. If anyone wants to be on a tag list for future chapters hmu.

AO3 LINK or read below

The deep bass of the faraway music resonated within her bones with each step. The platform pumps clicked over the floor as she confidently headed to her destination. Two brawny bodyguards stopped her and scanned her at the door. She noted their leering glances at her outfit but all she did was narrow her eyes. Better to look at her boobs than her face. She squeezed the suitcase she had in her hand tighter waiting to be given all clear. These assholes were taking their time. She turned around for them and they finally gave her all clear. The door was pushed open and she walked inside.

“Ah, mademoiselle!” An elderly man, surrounded by even more bodyguards, called to her from the couch. “We were expecting you! Please, sit!” He shouted. He spoke with a thick French accent.

When she didn’t move, he gestured to one of his men to guide her through the spacious office. A large window served as one of the walls, separating them from the noise and vibrations of the nightclub. The decor was modern, minimalistic, all black, silver and some white.

“Pity, so pretty but as deaf as a jar,” the French men muttered.

She didn’t react to his voice. She simply set the suitcase on the table and pulled out a slick black phone next to it. Then she clicked the dial and sat down on the sofa across from the client. She crossed her legs and pulled out her own phone, absorbed in whatever was on it.

“ Monsieur Archambault! A pleasure to be doing business with you,” a robotic voice spoke in monotone French from the device. “As soon as the agreed amount will make its way to the account I am forwarding you now the contents of the suitcase shall be yours.”

“Ah, Hoax, but I haven’t- ” Archambault started saying but his own device vibrated and he carefully looked at his screen. His bank app was open on the money transfer page with a number ready to go.

“ I’d hurry Monsieur, the message is on autodestruct and then you won’t get another chance,” Hoax instructed further.

The French man quickly inputted the amount and clicked send.

You’re a difficult person to negotiate with,” he said.

“ Part of the job, I believe,” the disembodied voice from the phone replied.

There was a tense moment where no one spoke a word and only the sound in the room was that of texting coming from the girl.

Suddenly the suitcase clicked and the lock opened. The lid lifted on its own revealing a velvet gray inside with a single microchip encased in a protective, see-through casing.

“This concludes our-”

Suddenly the room burst from the ceiling. The bodyguards grabbed their boss, hauling him to the door.

“The suitcase!!” Archambault yelled. “Get the suitcase, you idiots!”

Before they could get too far, four large shadows started taking down all the armed bodyguards. Bullets started flying. Men were screaming, the Frenchman being the loudest. The girl made the wise decision and slipped under the table and curled into a ball hoping to get through the mayhem. She didn’t know how long she was under there but the vibrations ceased after a while. And then the table has been ripped from over her.

______________________________

The tip was clear. Tonight at Mon Petite, a nightclub owned by a businessman, Mylan Archambault, a transaction was going to take place between the owner and an elusive computer genius H0AX. The informant was certain that whatever was being traded would be very dangerous. Too dangerous.

Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo were notified by the police and asked for assistance in arresting Archambault and if possible - the hacker. The latter was an elusive figure but one that could stir troubles. And also provide an immense amount of evidence.

Donnie was familiar with H0AX, there were stories on the Dark Web even there he seemed to be almost a myth. He was really good. So good, that even Donnie was jealous of some of his achievements. H0AX had no alliance, worked for the highest bidder dancing to his own moral drum and rarely surfaced. One was known, whatever H0AX was selling would cause real mayhem. That usually was the case.

Archambault would be a cherry on top of that - he has been getting more active in the criminal underworld and the brothers were eager to get rid of him.

Speed was the key. They hit the joint fast and hard before the police got in. They would have their birds tied up neatly to pick up later.

“Look for the microchip!” Donnie called scanning the room.

He noticed something, a movement under the coffee table. Slowly, he approached. He aimed the tip of his bō and with a quick, snap of a movement overturned the table sending it flying. Then he froze.

Under the table, curled up and shivering was a young woman. Long, red hair, thick, flashy makeup and a yellow, skimpy combo of a skirt and a spaghetti strap front tied top that revealed more of her deep dark brown skin than covered. She looked up and her brown eyes widened. Surprisingly, she didn’t scream. Yet.

He quickly crouched down. She was so tiny. His goggles estimated her height to be about 4’10”. 2 feet difference. She must have been terrified of him towering over her like that.

“Um, hi?” He waved. “I won’t hurt you.” He raised his hands up.

Then she signed in response. <Who are you?>

Oh. Donnie quickly went over his memory of ASL and responded. <That’s a bit complicated.>

Despite him not exactly answering her, she relaxed a little. It was always better to be able to understand the giant monster that attacked from the shadow. She watched him curiously.

<I’m Donatello, Donnie.> He fingerspelled his name carefully, going by his memory of the language as he didn't have many opportunities to practice. He was also hoping that despite the difference in fingers number she got it as he introduced himself. <These are my brothers - Raph, Leo and> he paused looking around for Mikey.

The elder brothers were intently watching the whole exchange. It’s been a while since a civilian saw them. There was tension among them.

Suddenly the youngest turtle popped up from behind the overturned desk. “Found it! Oh.” Mikey noted the standstill in the room and the girl. “Hey~” He waved with a flirty smile.

<That’s Mikey.> Donnie finished the introductions.

She looked a bit confused as he fingerspelled his brothers' names. Yup, definitely a bit of a barrier.

Still, she waved shyly at them. <I’m Clara.> She returned the favor.

“Ask her what’s she been doing here?” Leo prompted his brother.

Donnie nodded and repeated the question. Clara sniffled and hugged herself, rubbing her arms. Then she slowly told them her tale.

She was a student, trying to get by and got the job of delivering a suitcase to the club. The employer was anonymous but the pay was so good she couldn’t just pass it up. She had bills and debt to pay off.

<I- I didn’t know> Her hands were shaking, making the sentences jumbled as she continued. <This- this all happened so- so fast>

<It’s okay,> Donnie tried to comfort her while Raph was scowling in the shadows. He wasn’t exactly buying that story.

“Let’s just tie her up with the others. There’s no way she could be that dumb,” he scoffed.

“Raph-” Donnie tried to protest.

“Whoa, bro, come on, look at the chick,” Mikey came to the rescue. “She doesn’t look like a criminal, does she?”

Raph glared in response. He didn’t buy that.

“We don’t have time for this. The police will be here soon. Just let her go,” Leo finally decided. “Make sure she doesn’t talk about us, though.”

Donnie relayed that information with an apologetic smile. <I’ll be monitoring social media,> he added to that. <So, you know, we’ll know if it was you. But you’re free to go.>

She smiled brightly. Then she gestured for Donnie to lean down, which he did, and then, much to the shock of everyone, she kissed his cheek, getting a tiny bit onto the corner of his mouth.

<Thank you,> she signed and then, using the opportunity of everyone’s shock, ran.

Mikey was the first to break the shock. “Dude! If that’s how you get girls I need to learn that hand language!”

The eldest brothers groaned, shaking their heads while Donnie touched his cheek, still deeply confused.

The girl ran, in the hallways, she kicked off the pumps and as she got outside, barely missed the cops. In a trash can, she threw her phone. She dove into the metro station and into the public toilet. It was gross but all she had to do was a quick wardrobe change. From a backpack she hid there she pulled out a hoodie and a pair of jeans and trainers. Next off went the fake boobs and then the red wig revealing green cornrows. Then makeup, a thin layer or clear, foil-like mask lined with golden circuits and the contact lenses revealing her green eyes. She reapplied a fresh gel mask, covering it up with some foundation and powder. She then put on glasses and threw on the hood. Exiting the bathroom was a very different person.

She hunched and headed to catch her train.

______________________________________

"The power and beauty of physical laws is that they apply everywhere, whether or not you choose to believe in them. In other words, after the laws of physics, everything else is an opinion," the professor said loudly. "Great words by a great man! Who can tell me his name?"

While the lecture was going around her, Kara was sketching in her notebook. She turned off her hearing aids as soon as she heard the quote from Neil deGrasse Tyson. In her opinion, he was a condescending jerk who thought he was the smartest man in the world because he got famous. Therefore not worth her time. Her focus could be directed elsewhere. She was planning on dropping that class as soon as she could if the professor thought he was so great.

Suddenly a pencil came into her view, tapping the paper. Kara looked up at the owner of the said pencil.

<What is that?> Cheryl, her best friend since childhood and ASL translator asked.

The entire page consisted of sketches of Donnie. The other page was shared by Raph and Leo.

Cheryl tilted her head.

Kara looked at her and her shoulders moved in a sigh. It was a couple of days after the events at Mon Petite. And the only one who knew about it was the young woman next to her because they happened to have been childhood friends.

she replied.

<Like actors?> Cheryl frowned. Was someone filming a live-action with practical effects?

<No,> Kara replied, rolling her eyes. <I’ll tell you later.> She tried going back to shading her a Donnie-sketch though keeping half attention at Cheryl.

<Sure, hope you don’t plan on dating any of them, they kinda ugh,> her friend joked.

<Your face is ‘ugh’,> Kara retorted.

<So, who is your new boyfrieeeend?> Cheryl teased as she leaned in closer, grinning.

<I’m not entertaining you with this.> Kara turned her head away, finishing the conversation. Or at least she thought so but her friend wrote a question on top of her notebook ‘What will you do about the microchip? ’

Kara looked at the other girl and rolled her eyes.

<So…. no monster boyfriend?> Cheryl grinned, back to teasing. <You know if they have a sister maybe~?>

Kara glared and with a quiet huff, went back to her notes.

_______________________________

Ever since they busted that trade Donnie was working on that microchip they have intercepted. It was fascinating. Also unfinished. He was certain to a layman this would be the most perfect chip in the world. It was a technological marvel. The metals used in it were nothing he has ever seen and no info on it on the net. Nothing.

It was chilling. If it was released commercially it would have revolutionized the market. His fingers were itching to test it on some of his own devices. Hell, he was already building something to do just that.

"Hey, Donnie?" Leo popped his head into his nook. "You're gonna join us for dinner before Mikey obliterates it?"

"Mhm, sure, later," Donnie replied in reflex.

"We haven't seen you out in a bit, have you eaten?" Leo was concerned. When Donnie was getting like this he would just forget about the whole world and his needs. Like food and sleep.

"Yeah."

"When?"

"Uh…" He really couldn't remember.

"Okay, that's it."Raph joined in and grabbed Donnie by his arm. "You're eating now."

"Hey!" Donnie protested but then his legs gave out a little. It was clear he needed to take a break.

After Leo made him do a couple of stretches, they sat him at the table but even then he couldn't get his mind off of the chip. He just started rambling about the project to them. He was so animated, while his brothers were trying to make any sense of whatever he was saying.

"It would usher in a complete technological revolution!" Donnie took a bite of pizza in between words barely chewing it. "It processes data so fast not even the human brain could keep up! And it's not even finished!" He stuffed his mouth with cheesy garlic bread and for the moment focused on chewing. It didn't last long. "Hoafs if a comfete fenouf! Efen Bafter Fofman ufed Fang fefnofofy," he spoke with his mouth full. Finally, he swallowed and continued. "If that chip is completely made on Earth that is. I would kill to meet H0AX."

His brothers and father exchanged bewildered looks.

"That's greeeeaaat Donnie…" Leo said slowly.

"Hey," Mikey snickered. "I think you got a crush on this Hoax dude."

"You are being ridiculous, Micheal," Donnie scoffed. "This is a purely scientific interest! But I would love to pick his brain!"

"When he is behind bars, hopefully?" Leo raised his brow.

"Oh, sure, yeah, absolutely, pfft when else!" Donnie waved his arm but it was clear he was most likely lying.

Everyone sighed resigned. It was often better not to inquire too far into Donnie's science. For one's quality of sleep.

Suddenly one of the many of Donnie’s devices made a noise. "Oh! I gotta go! Glitch is streaming!"

He grabbed two more pieces of pizza and rolled them into one then ran off.

"Don't forget to sleep!!" Leo yelled after him. "We have training tomorrow morning!"

"Sure!"

Donnie quickly popped onto his chair and turned on the Twitch. The streams often were more of white noise for him as he worked on his projects. Except for this one, Glitch was a VR streamer. Her avatar was a cute robot with a screen for a face that displayed emoticons and short words. She used a soundboard but was also able to sign in ASL during downtimes and there was always a mod in the chat who would translate it to the audience.

He quickly popped a quick hello and Glitch excitedly waved then used a Sombra voice line to respond:

" What are you up to Moira?"

Donnie smiled. Ages ago, when she wasn't as popular as now there was one super late stream at a weird hour. He got the notification and since he couldn't sleep but also couldn't think he hopped to it. There was literally no one else but him and her. She was just playing Hearthstone with AI. She seemed surprised when he popped in but welcoming. They at first chatted about the game itself. She asked him what her next move should be when she was stuck. Then about why he was awake. He didn't expect her to get what he was working on but… she did. Then they talked about the project she was stuck on. It was thrilling. He didn't expect the ideas and the engineering project. They threw around theories and discussed so many things. They spent hours just talking. He was so excited to be able to actually make a connection with someone who knew what he was talking about. Ever since then, he was one of the most loyal viewers. Always first to join and exchange some words.

It didn't matter who she was. He just hoped one day to meet the real person behind the avatar.

_______________________________

Kara left her streaming room and looked at Cheryl. The taller woman was rummaging through Kara's wardrobe, while the owner of the said wardrobe had been working.

<Adam's been trying to contact me about you again,> Cheryl signed, one hand holding the dress she wanted to try on. <He's obsessed with you.>

<He'll be fine,> Kara replied back.

<The guy is so hung up on you, it's sad.> Cheryl examined the sequin dress closer. <Are you going to wear this?> She looked up at Kara, wiggling the garment.

Kara rolled her eyes. <It will be like a top on you, you know that.> She tilted her head sceptically. Cheryl was 5’7” while she was below the 5 feet mark. All her ‘mini’ stuff would look ridiculous on her tall friend.

Cheryl put the dress back into the wardrobe, scavenging for something else briefly.

Kara waited patiently for her friend to look at her again so she could respond. First off, she flipped off Cheryl. Her face pulled into a frown and her tongue stuck out. <Fine. Remember about 4 years ago there was this portal event and a giant spaceship started assembling in the sky?>

<Who doesn't?> Cheryl frowned and sat down on a bean bag for the story. <You got your drone out to scout it.>

<Yes, and!> She spun in her chair and quickly clicked over some folders then entered passwords. Then she glanced over to Cheryl and gestured to her to come over.

Her friend, curious got up and leaned over.

Kara brought up a video. It was four turtles, surfing on pieces of the spaceship. They jump around, racing toward the assembly point.

Cheryl's jaw hit the floor.

Kara grinned at her. <This is the best quality footage of them you can get. They are the cryptids of New York. People on the Dark Web have been speculating about them for years! But all you can get is Bigfoot-quality photos and even then they tend to disappear within 12 to 24 hours.> She was basically wiggling in her chair. Her fingers flew over the keyboard and a couple more photos popped up.

They were more blurry but had four of the turtles over a storm sewer hole. The one with the orange bandana was already jumping in, behind him red, and purple ones running. Blue one holding the manhole.

Cheryl was speechless.

Kara cackled a little then cleared her throat, wincing and massaged her neck.

<You bastard.> Cheryl finally reacted. She slapped the shoulder of her friend. <So have you met them in person since then?>

Karaa shook her head. <Only at Mon Petite.> She sighed. <Also Adam actually sucks in bed.>

<He does?> Cheryl tilted her head. She was calculating something in her brain.

<Yep.> Kara nodded solemnly.

Cheryl frowned, pursing her lips.

Kara rolled her eyes but with a knowing smirk. Her friend was probably trying to undo whatever matchmaking she had done.

Kara turned around in her chair and stood up. Then stretched. She has been sitting at her desk, streaming, for the last couple of hours, her joints hurt and she was itching for some exercise. While her friend was ransacking her more fancy clothing she grabbed a training outfit. She hasn’t visited the dojo in a while. She wondered how people there were.

Checking the time, she confirmed it should still be open. Putting her trainers on she jogged there.

___________________________

“Guys, we uh, we might have a problem…” Donnie entered the main area.

“Talk to me,” Leo was as usual the first to respond.

“Remember the girl, Clara?” Donnie swallowed, avoiding looking at Raph, knowing full well what might come after his next sentence.

“The hot chick?” Mikey pipped up from his drum set. “What about her?”

“She and this is uh, this fun detail… See, I wanted to go through my footage of the mission to get her face cause you know, easier to search for her socials and um.” Donnie hunched down a little. “It was scrambled.”

“Scrambled?” Leo frowned.

Raph’s punching bag hit the wall, thrown off the hook. “I knew it!” Raph yelled. “I knew she was shifty! And none of you believed me!” He was half pissed off, half smug as he was right.

Everyone went quiet while Raph was ranting.

“What about the footage from around the club, and metro station?” Leo kept his cool.

“That’s- she goes into the station but she never leaves it. I tried cross-referencing her height and I thought I had something but- a dead end,” Donnie explained quietly, keep working out the scenarios in his head. “She knew what she was doing. The footage was altered somehow.”

“So what? We lost her?” Leo leaned over a chair, his hand squeezing the backrest.

“Not necessarily, there is one more thing I can try,” Donnie procured the microchip. It was still in its see-through case. “I can use this to try and make one more crack at finding her.”

“Alright, I trust you,” Leo let out a breath.

Donnie nodded and went back to his work. Clara must have been H0AX. This would explain so much. He had her within his reach and just let her go… That brought a bitter taste in his mouth but also excitement. He has been outsmarted by her. That never happened before.

He had to outsmart her back.

He looked at the microchip. Why did she just allow them to take it? Was she so sure they couldn’t trace it back to her? He went over the mechanics of it so many times. Did he miss something? He had to have….

With renewed he dropped down onto his chair getting back to his research.

It was a last-ditch effort, he knew. Carefully he removed the chip from its casing and placed it on his test station. Once more he marvelled over the engineering of it. The see-through elements, the delicate grid of gold.

He double-checked his equipment. Everything was on, ready to go. He flipped the switch. This time he wasn't checking what the capabilities of the chip were, this time he was trying to find anything that H0AX left behind that would lead him to her.

He was so focused on his screens that when his eyes fell on the chip again and it started dissolving he jumped up.

" What the fuck!?" Was it something he did?

"Language!" He heard Mikey's giggle from the main area.

"Fuck you, Mike!" He yelled back and gritted his teeth. He was racing with time now.

Adrenaline kicked in. He scanned the codes, typing furiously. He had to get as much as he could from it.

" Shitsshitshit." He couldn't lose this chance now!

Suddenly, a ping. He looked up at the screen. A signal. That came from their lair. In a split second, he looked at the dissolved microchip and nose-dived for the keyboard to track the signal. It didn't travel far. New York. With one sweep over the keyboard, he had an address. But no name…

Another quick dance of his fingers and he had IP addresses in that building. He was so close. His breathing was heavy and his tongue stuck out, wetting his lips here and there as the tensions grew.

One address looked suspicious. Donnie was leaning closer and closer to the screens typing line after line of code.

Finally, he had it. Not a name but an identity. He sagged a little in his seat. A weird mix of pride but also disappointment swirled inside of him.

Donnie looked at the ceiling thinking. He could give his brothers the address. Two possible outcomes would appear - she would bail again. Go into hiding, possibly forever play hide and seek with him considering just how much dumb luck this discovery was. Or a second option - they would capture her. Hand her over to the police. There she probably would work a deal, go to prison for a bit or be rolled into witness protection and he'd never talk to her again.

Either way sat a big ill with him. He didn't see it as fair on his side as a vigilante Donnie often toed or even broke laws here and there in order to help people. Or even exist in this world. They existed in a very grey area.

He wanted to talk with her without his brothers present. Pick at her brains. There had to be a third option. A neutral ground where he could approach her.

With renewed determination, he got to his computer again.

__________________________

There were many things April got used to after meeting the turtle brothers. One of them was odd working hours. So, when her comm started ringing she just sighed and picked up.

“Yeah?”

“ Hey, April, sorry for waking you up,” Donnie spoke softly through the speaker.

“Hey, Donnie, you’re fine,” she sighed and rubbed her face. “What’s up?”

“ I- well, I need to go to a VidCon… .”

“What?” She asked again, not sure if she heard it right.

“ I’ll explain everything tomorrow at the lair okay? ” He said. “ I’ll let you sleep now.”

“No, Donnie-” she tried to protest but he disconnected. “Great.”

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