Aug 11th (Day 8)- Free Day!
Day 8: A series of short snippets chronicling a very different Oblivion Crisis. As a Nord, Aethelfrid immediately has a plan upon hearing that Martin is Dragonborn. She smuggles him to High Hrothgar where he quickly masters a handful of Shouts. They now fight together against the Daedric invasion and the battle with Mehrunes Dagon in the Temple of the One goes very differently.
Prompts by @tes-summer-fest This was super fun! Thanks for having us all out for this!
Nord HoK x Martin Septim
Warnings- Canon typical violence, otherwise tossing canon to the wind, long-ass read, wishful thinking
Wordcount- Almost 4K. I know it's long, but this was the shortest it could be and still be somewhat coherent.
(Pictures at the bottom this time for spoiler purposes!)
***
Oblivion AU- The Hero and the Dragonborn:
“Hail Dragonborn! Hail Martin Septim!” The Blades’ words rang out around them. Martin spoke, but Aethelfrid was hardly listening. The same word echoed over and over in her mind, and all she could do was stare. Could it be…?
“Was I really that bad?” Martin joked, pulling her back to reality.
“It was a good first try. Are you really Dragonborn?” The question fell from her lips before she could stop it.
“I guess so? That’s what they say about the Septim blood, isn’t it? That Tiber was one? Is… is that bad?”
“No. I just… we’ll talk later.” She put on a big smile. “Your Blades all want to meet you, after all, Your Highness. And we’ve had a long trip. Let’s relax for at least a few moments.”
“Of course. That’s a splendid idea.”
As Martin was folded into the gathered Blades, shaking hands and asking names, Aethelfrid’s mind worked. And it continued to do so as she studied the layout of the Temple as they moved inside. Yes, she could figure this out.
+++
Martin tensed as the door to his quarters opened and closed almost silently, but relaxed just as quickly as he caught a flash of bright orange hair. Aethelfrid wasted no time crossing the room to where he stood. He had to admit the look of intensity on her face put him on edge. There was something going on, and he worried what that could be.
“Aethelfrid? What’s on your mind? You’ve been acting strange since you heard them call me Dragonborn. Let’s sit, and tell me what bothers you.”
As they sat, her intense expression melted into a smile that took his breath for an instant. Then she laughed a little. “Oh, no, it’s quite the opposite! My father told me stories of dragonborn warriors when I was a little girl. Of the things they could do, the incredible power they wielded. Of the power of the Voice.”
“The Voice?”
“An ability given to my people by Kyne herself. By speaking the right words you could shatter mountains, bring forth fire and storm, move and be like the wind. There is no equal to a dragonborn warrior’s abilities. Martin, if you are Dragonborn, you can do that, too! We could turn this invasion around in no time with that power!”
“Aethelfrid… I have no idea how to use such abilities. I’ve never even heard of this! How would I even start?”
“You can’t learn it here. But I know where you can. Every Nord, even one born here like me, knows of the monks of High Hrothgar. They teach the Way of the Voice. If we get you to them, then they can do the rest.”
“Where are they?” He sat forward, intrigued but feeling an odd, nervous prickle in the back of his neck.
“At the top of the Throat of the World. I know the way. The last time my family visited Skyrim my father pointed out the path.”
“The Blades aren’t going to let me jaunt off to Skyrim.”
The door opened and closed again. They both froze as Baurus slipped in. But he sat down beside them. “I’m going to go to the Imperial City on a lead. I’ll get you both out of here. We’ll split off once we’re out of sight. You two head for the Pale Pass, I’ll go to the city. Meet me there as soon as you get back. I’ll start setting the groundwork and see what I can dig up while you’re gone.”
+++
Martin and Aethelfrid stared up at the trail before them. Seven thousand steps, the people in the village had said. The mere idea sounded exhausting. They’d traveled nonstop since Baurus had snuck Martin out of a secret entrance and they’d split off in their opposite directions. Martin thanked the Divines for Baurus. His knowledge of Cloud Ruler Temple had made it so much easier for them to get out without being noticed. He also thanked them for Aethelfrid. She was just as tireless and driven as she had been on their trip from Kvatch. And now that they were in Skyrim, she fell easily into the culture, chatting with locals in their Nordic language without even a hint of a Cyrod accent. He certainly wouldn’t have gotten here without her.
“You’re going to be warm enough?” She asked as they climbed. “It’s going to get cold as we go up.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m ready to do this.”
+++
By the time they reached the top, and stood before the massive temple, he was exhausted. Even Aethelfrid was breathing heavily. It had been a long trip up the mountain, occasionally beset by wolves lurking the trail.
“We made it.” he said softly, looking up at the somber, stone building.
“Yes. High Hrothgar. I never thought to see it for myself,” she whispered. “Can you feel the power?”
“Yes. Do we… do we just go in?”
“I suppose so. We shall see if the Greybeards will grant us an audience. Maybe they’ll already know of our coming, of your coming.”
They trudged up the stairs and, with trepidation, entered through the ancient, intricately-carved door. A small group of men in grey robes waited for them, all silent. Aethefrid’s heart thundered in her chest. Now that they were here, what would the Greybeards think of them just wandering in? Maybe they should have knocked?
One of them took a step forward, and the fear redoubled. Any of these men could obliterate them both with no more than a word. But he was looking at Martin now, and spoke in a quiet voice.
“Welcome, Dragonborn. What do you seek from us?”
Martin took a deep breath before replying. “If I am Dragonborn, then I am here to learn the Way of the Voice.”
“Your destiny does not lie among our number.”
“I know. I cannot leave the world and its people, my people, helpless to the threat of Oblivion. I need to learn from you so that I can protect them, fight for them the way my ancestors did.” He silently thanked Aethelfrid for the steady stream of explanations she’d given him during their journey. Otherwise he’d have been lost at what to say.
“We do not use the Thu'um for war, for fighting.” the Greybeard said pointedly. Martin’s heart sank until he continued. “But the way of the Dragonborn is guided by a different fate. We will teach you. We will begin immediately.”
“Thank you.” He could’ve fallen to his knees before the man, but instead followed him further in, only turning once to see Aethelfrid smiling encouragingly.
+++
Ten days later, Martin and Aethelfrid prepared to make their way back down the mountain. The Greybeards were as good as their word, and Martin had ravenously taken their knowledge. He’d barely slept the whole time, pouring himself into learning everything he could. In return, the Greybeards had gifted him the words to five Shouts. Martin doubted they’d planned to give him so much, but he’d pushed them for more and learned them fast.
“You’ve done amazing!” Aethefrid laughed as they made their way down the mountain. “I don’t know if those monks have ever seen someone learn as fast as you. I’m… I’m so proud of you.”
He flushed. “You’re too kind. This is for the people. We have to help them, so I knew I needed to gain as much from my time here as I could. I hope it will be enough.”
“If it’s not, I’m not sure anything would be.”
+++
Three dremora popped out of a side door. Two of them charged as the third lifted its bow. She ran towards them, sword and shield at the ready.
"Aethelfrid!" he cried.
"Get the sigil stone! I've got this!" she shouted over her shoulder. Then she was swinging at the dremora, teeth bared in a snarl.
He ran up to the platform, grabbing the stone floating in the air. Immediately, everything began to shake.
"WULD… NAH KEST!" The Shout propelled him back down the ramp as fast as the wind. He threw his arms around Aethelfrid's waist just as he felt himself pulled from this dimension and back to Nirn. It only made him hold on tighter.
Even though he felt the magicka dissipate and knew they were back in Cyrodiil, he didn’t let go. "By Akatosh! I felt it pulling me away and I thought it was going to leave you behind and… Aethelfrid, I thought I was going to lose you…"
“Martin?”
He reached up, taking gentle hold of her face and guiding her down until they were nose-to-nose. “I’d be lost without you, my Aethelfrid.”
As he closed the last little bit of distance between them, all he could think about was the softness of her lips. When they pulled away, her freckled face had washed over with pink. She kissed him again, very softly.
“I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me.”
“Thank the gods for that.”
+++
She materialized back onto the battlefield, finding herself looking up at the massive siege engine. It was too late! It was coming through! She leapt out of its way, and none too soon, either. The Gate winked out abruptly, leaving half the siege engine in the Deadlands. The part that had made it through the Gate collapsed into useless wreckage, but that didn’t stop the Daedra that had accompanied it from attacking her. These included five large, armored dremora who circled her warily. She steeled herself for a hard battle; everyone else was still fighting their own enemies. She’d have to do this on her own.
“KRII… LUN AUS!” The dremora stumbled in unison, cracks appearing in their armor. Aethelfrid wasted no time, swinging her sword and smashing her shield into the first of the weakened creatures. Then a second Shout rang out, “FO… KRAH DIIN!”
She lifted her shield as an icy gale howled, freezing the Dremora solid. Wasting no time, she smashed their frozen forms as a final Shout sounded, and then Martin was at her side in a rush of wind. They fell into each other’s arms.
“I got it.” she whispered. “The Great Stone we need.”
“Thank Akatosh!” Smiling at her, he added, “And thank Kyne, too.”
Aethelfrid’s eyes softened with tears, but people were gathering now. Martin stepped back, addressing the crowd. “We have been victorious! All hail Aethelfrid, the Savior of Bruma!”
“All hail the Savior of Bruma!” The crowd shouted back, over and over, cheering and whooping.
Aethelfrid glared over at Martin, hissing, “This is your victory, not mine!”
“Nonsense, you’re the hero here, Champion to the would-be Emperor! This is your day.”
Aethelfrid didn’t get a chance to respond before they were swept into the crowd, and soon back into the city for a proper party. Martin grinned ear-to-ear as he watched the people celebrate his beloved. And so they should, for none were as brave and strong as her.
+++
“What am I waiting for? After all this is my destiny. No man can deny his destiny.” He took the amulet from Aethelfrid’s hand and lifted it over his head. Aethelfrid clenched her fists, waiting to see if something would happen.
Nothing.
She let out a laugh that was almost a sob. “Oh, thank Kyne! I knew you could wear it, but… I’m so glad nothing happened.”
“That makes two of us,” he joked gently. Turning serious, he added, “I’ve sent a message to High Chancellor Ocato, we’re going to meet him in the Imperial City and end this once and for all. The Blades are preparing things already.”
“We’ll be ready to go by morning,” Jauffre confirmed.
Martin clapped him on the shoulder. “Excellent. Now if you’ll all excuse me, I must speak to the Champion alone about a very important matter.”
He led her out of the chamber and through the halls until they reached the back doors, Baurus in tow. They stepped out into the crisp mountain air, the setting sun painting the sky in stunning reds and purples.
Martin turned, taking Aethelfrid’s hands. His voice remained steady, though his hands shook. “Aethelfrid, we’re leaving tomorrow. I don’t know what will happen when we get to the Imperial City. But I cannot leave without asking you this. I’ve thought about it for a long time and… I cannot go into whatever destiny awaits me without knowing the answer.”
He pulled a thin, braided cord from his pocket. It was red, run through with gold. The braiding was an intricate, Nordic style and Aethelfrid gasped.
“This is a handfasting cord! Where did you get this?”
“A woman in Bruma made it for me. If you know what this is, then you know what I wish to ask you. Will you come to the Imperial City with me, fight this last battle with me, as my wife?”
“Yes! Of course I will!”
Baurus took the cord and bound their hands as they faced one another, smiles brightening both their faces. It was almost too beautiful to be true, too perfect.
“Will you bear witness to our words?” Aethelfrid asked, looking over at Baurus. “If you will, say your name before the gods, that they might know you.”
Gamely, he stepped forward. “I am Baurus of Port Hunding, and I will bear witness.”
“Thank you. In the names of the Hearth Gods, I make this vow,” Aethelfrid intoned, tears threatening in her eyes. “Mother Kyne, hear our words as we join ourselves together. In the name of your handmaiden Mara, I name myself wife to Martin Septim. May Dibella prepare the way for our future together, and may you guide us ever onward, Great Mother.”
Martin’s voice cracked with emotion, all of his practiced, priestly ways gone as he replied, “In the name of the Hearth Gods, and of Akatosh, I make this vow. Mother Kyne, hear our words as we join ourselves together. In the name of Mother Mara, I name myself husband to Aethelfrid Bright-Spear. May Dibella prepare the way for our future together, and may we be ever guided by the Great Mother, as I am also guided by Akatosh.”
Baurus looked between them both, and nodded with all solemnity. "I have heard and witnessed these vows. May they stand for all of your lives, and may you live well together in them."
The tears overflowed over Aethelfrid's cheeks. "Thank you, Baurus."
"Of course, my lady Champion. Why don't we go in, and you two retire for the night? I'll make sure you have a meal and that no one bothers you."
The night passed most beautifully, and filled with love.
+++
“It’s too late…” Martin whispered as they watched the giant, four-armed Prince swing his axe.
“What do we do?” Aethelfrid wound her fingers into his, gripping them tightly.
“There is one thing I could try. I found… I found an apocryphal account of a Shout, barely legible… I never tested it, but… I need to get to the Temple of the One. It’s the only chance.”
“I’ve got your back.”
They wound through the streets, Aethelfrid and Baurus fighting off whatever daedra came their way until they stood in the temple. Martin turned and put his hands on Aethelfrid’s shoulders.
“I don’t know if this will work, or if I’ll survive. But if it banishes the daedra for good, it’ll be worth it.”
“Martin…”
“I love you, Aethelfrid. No matter what happens, I will always love you.”
“And I love you, Martin.”
They kissed once; quickly, violently, and with a desperate need. Then Martin turned away, and walked to where the Dragonfires would have been lit. Instead, he took the Amulet of Kings from around his neck and held it up.
“Great Akatosh, let my dragon’s blood be strong and true! Mother Kyne, let my Voice be as the storm itself! Give me your power, so that Mehrunes Dagon cannot stand before me! MUL… QAH DIIV!”
As he Shouted, he threw the Amulet to the ground. It smashed, and gold light raced around him, becoming ethereal horns, spikes, and claws. Martin grew taller within this power until he dwarfed Aethelfrid, and then continued to grow as he made his way out of the temple until he was nearly as tall as the Daedric Prince. Fire streamed from his eyes like he was Akatosh himself.
Mehrunes Dagon turned, hefting his axe and grinning. But Martin grinned back, and his teeth were sharp. His Shouts were like the roars of a dragon. “ZUN... HAAL VIIK!”
The axe flew out of Dagon’s hand, and Martin caught it as it sailed past. The Prince stared, surprised, and Martin knew that this was his chance, and he had to take it. If not, he might not get another.
“KRII… LUN AUS!” Dagon staggered as the Shout hit him, weakening him.
“FO… KRAH DIIN!” Crystals of ice appeared on his skin, and he began to stumble sluggishly as the cold assailed him.
“FUS… RO DAH!” The force of the Shout shattered bones as it threw Dagon backwards. His flight was brought up short as he crashed into the steps of the palace, causing an earthquake to ripple outwards and rattle the city around them.
“WULD… NAH KEST!” Dagon had not even recovered his feet before Martin appeared before him, moving with preternatural speed. And before he could react, Martin swung the axe into his neck, separating head from body. An angry light seared through the city, and then Mehrunes Dagon was gone, sent back to Oblivion.
+++
Aethelfrid raced through the streets toward the palace, cutting down any daedra in her path. She had to get to Martin! She had to make sure he was… that he was okay. If not… if not then she would have to fight on, and hope for some miracle. That was her only thought, even as the ground rocked, nearly knocking her from her feet. She had to get to Martin!
She raced across the bridge just as searing red light washed over everything. When it was gone, so was Dagon. Only a gold light remained, shrinking and growing fainter.
“No! Mother Kyne, please! Please don’t let it be…” the fervent whispers tore from her lips as she raced to the stairs. Martin, once again himself, lay at the bottom, unmoving. With a cry, she threw herself to the ground. Gathering him into her arms, she began to sob. He was so still… so… empty. She clung to him, painful cries bursting from her chest.
Time slowed to a crawl, the world lost all meaning. What meaning could there be, if he was gone? Would she be a widow, just as her goddess was? Would Kyne escort Martin to her husband's table? He had certainly proved himself worthy of Sovngarde, and he had the blood of the dragon and the Thu’um within him. If Cyrods were allowed to enter Sovngarde. If not…
Martin’s body shuddered and he let out a ragged gasp. As he opened his eyes, he murmured, “Aethelfrid?”
“Martin? Oh, thank the gods!” She kissed him over and over. “I thought you were…”
“I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me,” he joked. He held up his left hand where half of the red cord was tied. “I made a promise.”
“Thank the gods for that.”
+++
A week later they came again to the Temple of the One. There were no Dragonfires, no Amulet of Kings, as there had been before. This was instead a new beginning, a new Age, where such things were no longer needed.
And Martin and Aethelfrid were not the same as a week ago, either. Martin wore an elegant, but simple, fur-trimmed robe, his crimson shirt bearing the Imperial dragon embroidered in gold. The dragon that now felt much closer to him, much more real. Aethelfrid wore a gown of blue brocade, her flame orange curls artfully arranged in an elaborate style. The only constant was the red cords they wore around their wrists, and the way they smiled at one another.
But at that moment they knelt before a priest of Akatosh, his voice celebratory. "I will ask you both to take the vows of office.”
He looked to Martin first. “Will you swear today that, in taking the mantle of Emperor, that you will accept the duties and responsibilities that it represents? Will you govern the peoples of your territories fairly according to the laws and customs, and that you render judgements in accordance with said laws?”
“I do so swear.” Martin’s voice was as calm and even as ever, betraying no hint of any nervousness he might be feeling.
“Do you swear to uphold the will and the laws of the Nine Divines? That they may be given proper veneration in all things?”
“I will.”
“Then, in the sight of your people and in this Temple of the Great Akatosh, I confer upon you the Crown of Emperor, and all the duties and privileges that extend from that. May your reign be long and prosperous.” The priest held out a large crown, and with reverence, placed it on Martin’s head.
He then turned to Aethelfrid. “Will you swear today that, in taking the mantle of Empress, that you will accept the duties and responsibilities that it represents? Will you govern the peoples of your territories fairly and according to the laws and customs and that you render judgements in accordance with said laws?”
“I do swear.” Her voice came out strongly, more so than she’d expected. But now was the time to be strong, after all. The people needed that right now.
“Do you swear to uphold the will and the laws of the Nine Divines? That they may be given proper veneration in all things?”
“I will.” It was an odd question for Aethelfrid, as she didn’t exactly follow the Divines, but rather the Nordic gods. But she decided not to make an issue of it. As long as she could do her job according to the proper laws, did it really matter? She didn’t think so.
“Then, in the sight of your people and in this Temple of the Great Akatosh, I confer upon you the Crown of Empress, and all the duties and privileges that extend from that. May your reign be long and prosperous.”
Aethelfrid’s crown was smaller and more delicate than Martin’s, but still carried weight as it settled on her head. This was it. There was no going back now. But any nervousness was gone. Now that it was done, all she felt was a sense of purpose. There was so much to do, there was no time to be afraid. It was time to get things done. And they would. Their people would be safe and would thrive. They would make sure of that.
The priest held up his hands, now addressing both them and the crowd. “Rise now, and stand before your people. Rise, Emperor Martin Septim and Empress Aethelfrid Bright-Spear, both first of their names.”
Martin and Aethelfrid stood together, grasping each other’s hand. Sharing a smile, they turned, facing their people for the first time as rulers.
The crowd cheered with deafening joy, ushering in the Fourth Era.
The official portraits of Emperor Martin Septim and Empress Aethelfrid Bright-Spear. Descriptions in alt text. Made with Meiker character games.
-------------------------------
Shouts Martin uses:
Unrelenting Force
Whirlwind Sprint
Disarm
Frost Breath
Marked for Death
Dragon Aspect
Note: I have no idea what the Imperial vow of office would be. I based these off of the vow of office made by Queen Elizabeth II and altered them as needed.
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Right, so I've been getting anons (which i don't get so it's been kinda surreal) and basically the proposition of a Oblivion variant where it's Monkey King who gets the mind control music and somehow goes down a corruption ark and ends up Little Brother-ifying Macaque and then *also* using it on Xiaotian and keeping him as well.
(And that's a bit open as to if it's baby brother or cub, but I kind of like the idea that since Sun Wukong basically raised Macaque anyways in the premise relationship this is spawning from, that Monkey King isn't entirely sure where he stands on what he'd doing with Xiaotian either, but also he decides that the specifics don't matter as much and what does is that he's got Xiaotian safe on FFM with Liu Er and nothing is going to take his family away from him EVER AGAIN)
But mostly I've been thinking about how we would get to a corruption for SWK, and how he would get a version of the music that works on Macaque/Xiaotian. (although since Xiaotian starts off human, that first part had been easy)
I've ended up with some ideas, and since I need to get them out of my system, you all get to deal with them.
Please note that this isn’t trying to stop over what Anon was going for or wanted to explore, because I am still psyched for that and to see what awesomeness they create, but they got my brain juices flowing and I was just jotting down ideas that came to me and it turned into this monstrosity. So, again, not trying to stop on anyone’s toes, I’m just incapable of stopping myself
(Also this is a 2 Part post. Because I started writting and didn’t stop and you get 10 points of SWK falling and breaking Macaque here, and then The Other Post is 10 points on Xiaotian and the cannon timeline)
1. SWK stumbles on the music (we hand wave that part) and realizes he can use it to get demons to stop attacking. And since he wants to retire, he is down for this. He starts using it a lot in it's basic function of blasting it and ordering the demon to leave and go home and never do this again. And it works
2. maybe he gets a little bit suspicious as to how well it works, and tests it on some one, learning how much more it's actually doing than just turning demons away. (so now he knows he's in possession of mind control magic)
3. he has some internal crisis about this, but also he doesn't want to come out of the mostly retired state he's in, and he doesn't want to leave everyone completely defenseless if he just stops. So he starts the corruption process with justifying using it to stop bad demons.
4. SWK ends up with a situation where it's not demons that are the problem, it's wicked humans. This is... a problem. Because the way the music is now, it doesn't work on humans, and SWK can clearly see that there are evil humans just as much as there are evil demons, and since he's the hero he should help with *both*.
It's now more modern time (think late 90's ish?), and SWK isn't tech illiterate, (he had a VR set and lots of people HC he made the game Xiaotian played in that episode) so he picks up audio editing and through trial and error finds a music that can work on humans.
because he'd been forced to kill the corrupt humans from the incident above, and SWK hates that he did that. this way is better, because no one gets hurt, and the people he stops can then go on to live better lives. they just need a nudg* in the right direction, like the kind he was given so long ago.
5. somewhere in all of this, Macaque comes back. And SWK hadn't known about his little brother being resurrected, but reincarnation is a thing, so when he hears a rumor about a six eared being, he thinks it might be that reincarnation and takes off after the rumors.
It's not a reincarnation he finds. And SWK is completely flabbergasted by the sight of his Liu Er (his fur is black instead of the white it used to be, but it was like that when the fought as well and there are more important things to think about, like the fact that his little brother who he killed who's body he buried is ALIVE. The shock of it is enough for Macaque to escape, but now SWK is on a hunt. He lost Liu Er once, he wont loose him again now that he has this second chance.
6. SWK is basically devoting all his energy into finding his brother. But along the way, with lots on encounters and near misses, he figures out that Macaque is still angry and bitter, still in that mindset that lead to SWK putting him down before the celestials could do something worse. trap him away, make him scream in agony from pain he couldn't stop, break him into pieces, burn him alive, shatter his mind and heart SWK can't let that happen, which means he need to change Liu Er's mind.
And he wrestles with himself over this decision, eventually deciding that it's the only way this is ever going to end. (at least, the only way it ends where his brother is safe and home where he belongs) but this is a huge step from where he was before with using the music, and a skid down the slippery slope he's on
7. problem is, the music doesn't work on SWK, so he doubts it will work on Liu Er either. So SWK stops looking for his brother and turns his attention to developing something that will work on him. Lots of self testing, and SWK knows he's getting it right when he looses time, and he knows this is reckless and dangerous, but he needs it to work. And, eventually, it does.
8. Macaque's gotten jumpy by this point, what with the way SWK had suddenly stopped the until then relentless pursuit. It leads him to doing something stupid ie. going to FFM to spy.
He get's caught. Obviously.
But SWK is ecstatic because Liu Er came to him, came home, so deep down he must still want to be home, with him. And SWK wastes no time in forcing headphones on Macaque and starting the music before he can figure out what's going on.
At that point SWK basicaly... 'suggests' all those things he just thought, and also drills it in deep that Macaque want's to be a good person from now on.
9. initially, that was all SWK was going to do. all he was going to allow himself to do. But Macaque is stubborn and keeps fighting against the music and needing to go under again and again, and SWK can't help but... throw things in, each time. About how things used to be. About how sweet his little brother was. About how much he missed when Liu Er would follow him about and let himself be taken care of.
And little by little, Macaque fades away and little Liu Er takes his place.
But it's such a gradual thing, that's happening over years and decades-
(I HC that LMK takes place in the future from our modern time. yes it's Lego but also they have hover-bikes and transforming vehicles and at least the original spider mech wasn't *made* with magic, just used it as a battery, so there's *time* between when SWK can start editing things vs when the show starts of all this. We're hand-waving the exact timeline, just go with it)
-SWK doesn't even realy see the corruption happening. His little brother is safe and happy and wont ever leave him again so things are good. He's the hero after all, he keeps people safe, keeps them happy, helps criminals see the light and be good, and all he wants in return is to be left alone with his little brother in their home. SWK deserves to have his perfect adorably little brother back. He's earned this. And clearly Liu Er is so much happier this way. SWK is the hero, and he knows what’s best.
10. Time passes, SWK gets used to being able to switch things around in Liu Er's mind whenever he feels like it, and normalizes using the music for everything and anything.
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Behind the Mirror
Versions should never interact. Until they do.
(Little meta-story for Call of the Betrayed where the Pandora and Odin have a little chat)
Drip
Drip
Drip
One.
Two.
Three.
Only darkness and the sound of dripping water.
Three lurking thrones in the middle breaking the ever smooth obsidian floor.
While stretching seemingly endless into one direction, a soft shimmer gave away the barrier that shut them out from the rest of the world, a mirror that showed no reflection of the figures waiting patiently on their thrones.
“I would be angry if I wasn’t so impressed”, one of them said, dressed in all grey and black, white lines on her skin glowing against the dark fabric. “But aren’t you running at risk of them ending up exactly the same as with me?”
Pandora for her part liked watching others doing their work. She’d always been a fan of planting the seed of doubt and see it unfold on their own. Sadly, it hadn’t worked out for her. Not this time at least.
“It’s necessary to let them get this far.” The figure right in front of the almost invisible barrier tapped softly against their upper arm. “You’ve been too harsh, Pandora. Your break was one sided and not final enough.”
“And yours is?”
The little red light flashed almost violently in response and Pandora knew she angered the ever calculated version maybe a little too much.
“It will be.”
Pandora watched them turn and head towards their respective place right in the middle. She hated the waiting game, but it couldn’t be helped. They only had one chance in their respective storylines to make this work, to break out and claim everything, but since she already failed due to the stupid version of the redheaded Chosen a few floors up this labyrinth of mirrors, all she could do was wait.
Her head snapped up when noticing the other right in front of her, a cheeky comment on her tongue, however her mouth seemed snapped shut.
Odin was terrifying. Calm, calculated, even while lacking the physical capabilities compared to the other two. Pandora tried her best not to show how much she felt like melting into her throne of fire and water.
“How I wish I had your powers.” Every single word rolled off Odin’s tongue like a song, gently putting their hand under Pandora’s chin. “It would make things so much easier.”
“I exist in your version, too, you know?”, Pandora tried to defend herself, but they weren’t having it.
“I know.”
“Bet I would’ve drowned you, too, tin can.”
Seeing the attack coming, Pandora tried flickering out the grip immediately, just to find herself grabbed by the throat and pulled off her throne. Odin’s eyes glimmered painfully, piercing her through.
“You are forgetting one thing, little viper.” They squeezed harder, making Pandora gasp for air and her form breaking momentarily. “I am very much capable to control you. Watch your mouth.”
“Okay! Okay! Lemme go!”
Odin released her and Pandora stumbled backwards until she heard the sound of chains rustling. A growl – very much one to rival her own – and when she turned, she stared right into the face of their third, their newest and last addition to the roster: Hydra.
Still chained with heavy metal that lost itself somewhere in the endless darkness, she still didn’t know her place. Instead, she tended to leash out at everything that moved, which happened to be either Pandora or Odin respectively. There was nothing else.
Pandora took a small step away from the upset creature.
“Why’s that one here, by the way? We don’t know anything about her yet?”
“It is never wrong to have a backup plan.” Odin turned back to the mirror. “Although we will not need it if I am successful.”
Pandora stared at Odins back for a bit, yet held back further comments. She was very aware that things were going according to their plan, however Odin couldn’t comprehend the full trainwreck that could be their version of the same story.
She glanced back at Hydra, who already retreated back, hiding behind their throne of dead wood.
Of course, she wouldn’t say it out loud, but Pandora really believed that out of the three of them, Hydra had the best chance of succeeding, even if Odin was by far the purest version of the original with just one thing strapped from her.
But could the personification of the mind achieve what the personification of power couldn’t?
“I hope you fail”, Pandora finally growled under her breath, but of course that didn’t go past the ever looming silence.
“Are you threatening me, Pandora?”
“Did it sound like a compliment?” She huffed, nodding her head over to Hydra. “I just really wanna know what this one can do. Would just be fair.”
“I am not thrilled being overflooded with emotions. I was already annoyed with your little stunt with the intertwining emotions.” They raised their hands, pictures of their version flickering back up. “If you already consider me a monster, let us hope that I am successful.”
Pandora gave Hydra another quick glance, watched her retreat even more behind the only thing that gave a little bit of protection. She groaned.
“Whatever it takes to get out of here. Even if I have to root for your stupid ass.”
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