Halloween Event currently ongoing! 🎃 Ran by @iamespecter! NOT an RP blog! [Work in progress, may contain suggestive stuff. Best block the suggestive tags if you're uncomfy!]
"Greetings. Please, do enjoy your read, with the official Masterpost of..."
The Marvelous Mechanical Harlequin AU!
Looking for this AU's game counterpart? You can go to The Souls-like AU Masterpost for that!
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INTRO ANIMATIC:
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The long-awaited official masterpost of the Harlequin AU is now here! You'll find everything there is to know about the AU, all in here.
Please note that all of it is still a WIP! And this is NOT an RP blog!
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CHARACTER ROSTERS & DESC.!
Main Cast:
Supporting Cast:
"The names have the link to the full character biography attached to them. Please note that some aspects of it are still incomplete, (or may even be outdated) for story purposes."
Pomni, The Last Harlequin |•| Caine, The Puppetmaster
Ragatha, The Artifact Collector |•| Jax, The Mischievous Trickster
Lady Gangle, The Bashful Slithery Chronicler |•| Z, The No-nonsense Housesmith
Kingr, The Helpful King:
BOSS ROSTERS, OFFICIAL STORY/LORE SNIPPETS, NON-CANON TIDBITS and FAQs BELOW THE CUT!
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BOSS ROSTERS:
The Lady of Forgotten Memories |•| The Skirmish General |•| The Last Formidable, Imposing Structure |•| The Mischievous Trickster Automaton |•| The Maddened Princess of the Theater |•| Bladed Beast of Steel and Shadows |•| The Pierrot of the Carnival Funhouse |•| The Celestial Twin Entertainers |•| Bandits of the Confectionary Highlands |•| Former Warden of the Labyrinth |•| Overlooker of the Confectionary Highlands |•| The Abstraction |•| Duchess of the Mildenhall Cliff's edge House |•| Proud Queen of the Gatherers |•| ??? |•| The Patriarch of Puppets |•|
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OFFICIAL STORY:
The Marvelous Mechanical Harlequin - Official Story (AO3)
"Thrilling Order Of The Hunt" comic |•| Stalemate (fic) |•| Touch-Starved (Post-boss!Ragatha) |•| Morning routines
OFFICIAL LORE SNIPPETS:
The Charmer, The Catalyst and The Inventor |•| Memory#1 |•|
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OFFICIAL ARTWORKS:
Coming soon!
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LORE-RELATED ASKS:
You can go here for that!
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NON-CANON:
"Come Back To Me." (showtime, ao3) |•| Cade, The Miracle star (Showtime fankid) |•| Anya, The Little sensitive Poppet (Jesterdoll fankid) |•| The Lady of Forgotten Memories' defeat |•| Who Broke It (Harlequin AU edition) |•| The Hole (Harlequin AU edition) |•| "Chandelier" fanart (fanfic, suggestive ⚠️) |•| ⚠️The Puppetmaster's Trophy Harlequin (dark themes, nihilistic/no happy ending)⚠️ |•|
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FAQs!
"Now, what exactly is 'The Marvelous Mechanical Harlequin' AU?"
Well I'm glad you asked! The Marvelous Mechanical Harlequin, or "Harlequin AU" for short, is a grimdark sci-fantasy story about "Puppets", whom are soul-infused robots, trying to regain their lost humanity in a broken world.
It follows Pomni, a short-tempered Combat Harlequin, as she explores the city of Circuits with the aid of Caine, The Puppetmaster.
However, as the story progresses, Pomni not only realizes that there's more to the grand scheme of things as she explores more and more, she also uncovers The Puppetmaster's story, and what secrets he may be hiding.
"How do the boss fights go down in the story?"
Action-packed, fast paced, involves a lot of dying on Pomni's part.
Even though this is inspired by a Souls-like, the boss fights go down more so like a mixture between Cuphead, Shadow of the Colossus, and God of War (2018/Raganarok). Mostly God of War.
"Are there going to be canon ships in this AU?"
Yes! The AU is very Showtime (Caine x Pomni) centric, and some of the story aspects of the AU are heavily surrounded on that. There is a bit of Jesterdoll (Pomni x Ragatha) in it, too.
Aside from these canon ships, all is fair game. The Puppets don't have ages seeing as to how they are robots (and were already adults prior to their conversion), so the possibilities are endless.
"Can I make fanarts/fanfics/make original content for your AU?"
Why, of course you can! In fact, I would REALLY love to see it, as long as it complies with my personal boundaries below. So don't be afraid to tag this blog, or @iamespecter in your posts if you want me to see it!
"What are the boundaries of the AU?"
Go wild! The AU's rating is pretty mature, if it wasn't obvious already for it's grimdark genre.
However... I would like to ask that if you would like to make something dark even for my standards for this AU (i.e non-con or dark kinks), all I ask is that you don't show it to me. I personally do not like it, and do not vibe with it.
"What are your thoughts about NSFW surrounding the AU?"
Suggestive content and NSFW is allowed! I am an adult, and I personally enjoy them. (I think I'll make a blog for the more... spicy things.)
Even I make suggestive content for this AU.
HOWEVER! Please tag it properly with "cw suggestive", "tw suggestive", "tw nsft" and various other tags for people who do not wish to see them, or are minors. I can't keep track of everything try as I might, so it'll be up to you to be a decent person, which I know you will be.
"I don't like showtime, but I find your AU interesting. Will that be a problem?"
For you, it might be. The story leans heavily around Pomni and Caine's relationship as a whole, and I'm sorry. I'm just really soft about them.
"Will this be anything like the original TADC?"
Yesss...? And no...? It takes a lot of creative liberty and inspirations from various medias.
⚠️ This masterpost is still under construction! Please excuse the technical difficulties. ⚠️
In the meantime, I hope you had a fun read nonetheless! Things will get updated overtime.
- Ziku/IAmESpecter
If the patriarch were to change roles with the puppetmaster in an au, who would be his Pomni?
The funny thing about being the "Pomni" in the canon dynamics of this AU is the fact that usually, the "Caine" does not respect the "Pomni's" decisions and behavior; too blinded by love and the need to protect that they end up suffocating the one receiving said love and care.
And the "Pomni" is too lost and selfish to see that they're inadvertently hurting themselves, and others. The imbalanced "overprotective/underappreciative" trope, basically.
It steadily increases in intensity as the story progresses, until both parties' accumulated emotions begin to clash and the rose-tinted glasses falls off, and suddenly; they're presented with a bunch of issues that they previously overlooked about themselves.
This is where the "Confrontation arc" that I've mentioned before comes into play.
It's not just "the "Caine" needs to be the most understanding while the "Pomni" can be an asshole and has a change of heart eventually", no. That's not what the dynamic's end goal is going to be.
The endgoal here is to realize both parties are wrong in their initial approach, and are misunderstanding one another because it's not "for their own good", it's just what they think would be good. And they must now reflect and change to be better as individuals-- before actually seeing eye-to-eye and trusting/respecting one another's existence, autonomy, and space.
Existing as equals, rather than "oh if you just keep trying, you'll get through to them", because it isn't Caine's persistence that finally makes Pomni reflect and change her behavior in the first place. Neither is it Pomni's "she was a nice person before she was like this" attitude that makes Caine see the error in his methods.
TL;DR I guess what I'm saying here, is that this dynamic is basically just the pre-episode 9 Showtime "both parties misunderstand each other" headcanon cranked up to 11 and made more complicated and fitting for the AU.
So if we were to ask the question, "If the Patriarch switched places with the Puppetmaster, who would be his 'Pomni'?", then ironically, the closest answer to this would be Caine, and it would be a matter of familial love; which can be just as overprotective/unappreciative.
I say this because it's already happened in canon too, as I've answered in the previous ask.
Abel saved Cain from his terminal liver cancer diagnosis, but sacrificed Caine's consent and autonomy of the matter, and even going beyond. To the point that Caine was even renamed after his resurrection, and consequently lost his humanity literally, and figuratively.
The brothers went down the worst possible route of this dynamic, and are the cautionary tale of this story. They also show that history--while it doesn't repeat-- can still rhyme if you're not careful.
So. If I'm not wrong, Pomni has an extractor, right? What does it look like? I’ve been curious about this for some time, and I was finishing writing a few things today, and that curiosity grew.
I’ve always had this small HC about how it would look. The extractor would be “hidden” in Pomni’s “spine.” Like a kind of tail, you know? It’s like a long thick cable, with a kind of “claw/pincer” with three “fingers” at the tip.
When the “claw/pincer” is closed, it serves as an extra weapon; Pomni can whip and cut things with it. When the claw/pincer opens, Pomni throws it against the chest of the puppet/marionette and extracts D.I.E and whole cores from the carcass of its victim. The main goal is to be a quick strike, with no chance for the individual to react
That is such a sick idea ngl, but unfortunately, it's not hidden in her spine, it's hidden on her left arm.
She can twist the red "wristband" to essentially change it into a claw that drills into a core and harvests the die inside of it, deactivating it for the time being (so that the barrier that protects it and keeps it from slipping loose is gone for now)
Pomni's arm basically has three "barrels" ever since Caine upgraded it: The grappling hook one, the gun one, and the extractor one; all three squeezed and packed tightly and becomes loose when one is actively being used. Any further upgrades would just be something that can be detached and reattached to her arm's external shell.
OK i have to ask what is the Story between Caine and Abel??? If it's a Spoiler you dont have to answear i understand.
It's Just i tried to See how you Abel is but all i saw was His swap Version and cool Art.....so yeah i dont understand the Story all i got IS that they Brothers, and Something Bad Happend an accident that killed the catalyst wich If i understood is Pomni???.....yeah im Bad at finding the lore.
But man i Love you Art, Caine is Very pretty and everyone has such a cool Design and some of them are Giants Like so cool.
Hope my quiestion wasent annoying or anything have a nice day/week/month.
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Your question is not annoying, don't worry ^^ To be honest, I've lost the energy to gatekeep spoilers about this AU, so here's the summarized version of their story under the cut (long post):
Cain and Abel Ainston were brothers from a poor, religious household. Cain however, is an autistic hyperactive individual in an 1800's setting, so of course; his parents did what most religious parents do at that time-- "discipline" and "correct" the young boy.
Abel, on the other hand, was the "golden child" of the family, as he always listened. He was polite, never raised his tone nor answered/questioned back, listened to whatever it is that anyone older than him told him to do. Sure, he was a bit of a klutz, but in their parents' eyes, Abel was their "perfect little boy".
But Abel idolized Cain, because Cain was "brave", "smart" and "not afraid to speak his mind out", so to speak. And Cain did love his brother back as well. They had a bond that their parents never appreciated. Cain would always show Abel what new things he's found, or even created; sometimes even sneak him away to show him around town-- only, once they get back, Cain would be "disciplined" for influencing his younger brother and not being a role model.
This all culminated until one day, Cain had a very bad argument with his father; in which, got beaten badly for and locked in a shed.
Cain had enough of the mistreatment, and decided to leave his home without any announcement.
He walked on foot from midnight to dawn, reaching a train track that would lead to his "freedom", only to find that his little brother had followed him shortly after, curious as to what his big brother was doing.
Concerned, but not wanting to go back to that wretched household, from there on out, the two made a promise-- that they are family, and families stick close together, and have each other's backs.
This stuck deeply with Abel.
After hitching a hike to the city, Cain and Abel's trials of life began; as newspaper boys, and shoe polishers. Cain always made sure that Abel was as safe as can be, knowing how much of a klutz his little brother was.
And Abel was grateful to have a caring brother who only wanted what was best for him, so Abel wanted to give back to his (only) family by being "helpful". He would budget for the two of them as he had a natural talent for the academics (even if he wasn't particularly fond of it), and even gift his brother a journal and a pen once he's saved up enough money from his share.
It's just too bad Cain ended up barely using it, but it's still the thought that counts.
Cain would end up sneaking to junkyards in order to gather scraps for things he wanted to create, which caught the eye of an old man in a wheelchair, smoking a pipe and telling the boys that he'd like to buy it.
He offers a "reasonable" price, to which Cain was more than ready to accept, as it is more money than he's ever seen from both their jobs; but Abel noticed that the price offered did not match the labor it took to make Cain's "mechanical wonders".
Mustering up the strength, he calls out the old man for the audacity to deceive-- who then gets impressed by his tenacity, and intelligence.
But oh, how the little ache in Cain's heart began to reappear. But he wasn't about to let it get in the way of what just happened. Abel had meant well! It was no surprise that the old man would find it amusing.
The old man then introduces himself as Christoph Winchester the IV, and gave him a proposition to consider: work for him under his tutelage and become an "apprentice". Before Abel could speak up and reject, Cain accepts for the both of them-- and so, the brothers are thrusted into a new life.
Mechanical wonders began to get mass-produced as little automatons, and shortly after they entered their 20s; they're already spearheading the entertainment industry as "prodigies". Cain was an exceptional inventor, while Abel was great at parties and talking business.
They were at the top of the world now, when 10 years ago, they were barely able to scrape by! It was such an interesting, heartwarming and inspirational story, and nothing could go wrong for these two talented minds!
Only, the little ache in Cain's heart hasn't stopped growing. He knew it well; envy.
Envy of the attention Abel received, since childhood. Envy of the press. Envy of how Abel had grown into a tall, charming, and well-mannered man that everyone is drawn to, while he couldn't even tie a tie around his neck and speak as eloquently as he did.
It wouldn't be so bad, if Abel hadn't confided in him that he hated the attention in the first place. As if that makes things better! Way to be humble about it!
You can't blame him, he's ALWAYS swept up by his work! Work called, and his work did not involve pristine coattails and well-groomed hair and beard.
No, Cain's work was that of metals and wires that moved when he willed them to. He wasn't just an inventor, he was a magician. He could bring life to something that is lifeless, and he believes he should be compensated for that properly.
... But he never told Abel. Because no matter what he felt, no matter how much the two had drifted apart over the years, Abel was still family. The only family he truly had. Sir Winchester barely counted as a father-figure, what he was at most was his boss.
Sure, Cain wanted some form of appreciation whenever he presented a new type of Mechanical Wonder, or whenever the three would talk business and he would eventually fall out of the discussion feeling internally frustrated, but he was the old man's apprentice. It was part of the job, and he wasn't doing his part well.
But that didn't really stop the pang of envy, and the growing resentment that Cain had for his brother, who always seemed to want to stick his nose into whatever Cain was involved with, and offer to "help".
Cain did not need help from Abel, and he was going to prove it.
Out of the blue during a conversation turned argument, he told Abel that he was going to open a circus. Abel was (rightfully) perplexed, as a circus didn't really fit their business' venture. And in Cain's mind, that was exactly the point; if the circus would take off without Abel's name and or presence carrying it, Cain could rub it on Abel's face and prove that he doesn't need help and that Abel should stop prying into his life already
But he argues that a circus could bring more attention to the Mechanical Wonders. They could even begin to experiment with life-sized mechanical wonders, or ones that are bigger-than-life as part of the performance!
And Abel, even though he was confused, offered that he could be a barker as it would help reel in people, but Cain refused him. He told him that it would be better if Abel was the one to handle budget, just as he'd always have!
His brother did not understand, to which Cain admits that he just wants to have a voice of his own. That maybe, the circus would help him get a voice of his own, that doesn't have to rely on Abel's.
From there, Abel gets it, and stops prying. He agrees, and tells Cain that he'd let Christoph know, so that he could help.
Cain is ecstatic.
It worked better than how he thought it could've gone! As the circus is approved and being built, behind-the-scenes employees were being hired left and right, flyers were handed out for the stage performers. Abel was doing his best to provide help that didn't get in the way of Cain's voice.
There were even some people who approached him, telling him something about "secrets" being unearthed from ancient tombs-- which could be beneficial for their business. But Abel simply puts a pin on that thought.
And Cain? He waited.
He waited,
And he waited...
And he waited.
Damn, how long is it 'till at least ONE performer appli-
A timid woman enters, seeking out a potential job offer from a flyer. He asks what kind, and she answers she can either do acrobatics or something to do with numbers. Anything will do, she just really needs a job right now.
Well, Abel doesn't need assistants, pssh. He's already good with numbers on his own. So after a so-called "interview" (which really, is just her showcasing the acrobatic skillset she's applying for), Penelope Amaryllis is hired as an acrobat.
And from there on out, the wedge between the two brothers only went deeper.
Fast forward a few years later, and Cain announces his engagement. Abel is surprised, as Cain had never mentioned having a partner, nor bringing said partner to a gathering. Cain says that he wanted to keep things a surprise, and eventually, introduced the same woman who had been the acrobat AND Cain's assistant since the opening of The Amazing Mechanical Circus. Penelope.
Abel talks to Cain about the potential "scandal" news about workplace unprofessionalism this could bring and the negative press, but Cain shuts his idea down, offended. Abel realizes he overstepped, and apologized--wishing the two well.
The last time Cain and Abel would have an actual talk would be at Cain's wedding, to where he congratulates the newlyweds, and wishes them well in their lives going forward.
And then years pass.
The brothers drift further apart.
But then, an accident at the circus.
Penelope dies from a fall of over 40 feet in height, neck snapped and drowned in her own blood, and Cain is naturally distraught about it all.
Abel is doing everything he can to keep the circus, the business, and his brother from falling apart-- especially now that Cain needs his family more than ever. He can't afford to be angry about his brother's recklessness and lack of regard for everything as well as him. He's going through grief.
Cain has become an angry drunken mess, consistently blaming himself for how the accident occurred. Abel shuts down these thoughts, and tells him he shouldn't blame himself for what happened. Cain always glared at him as if he wanted to say more, but never voiced it. Abel didn't pry, but he knew something had to be done.
The diagnosis for liver cancer is received by the Ainston brothers, as a result of Cain's heavy drinking.
Abel is distraught. He's not only abandoned and lost his parents, a sister-in-law, now he's about to lose his brother too. His only remaining family at this point.
Out of desperation, he contacts the men who offered the secrets of soul artificing. They told him that they'd be willing to work with him, for the small, small price of a mechanical wonder blueprint; the same ones being used in the circus.
But Abel didn't care at the moment. The main priority was to save his brother, but he knew Cain would not listen to him.
So some plans were set in motion. He couldn't really care about the moral implications of what he's doing, or else he'd end up backing out.
In the public eye, Cain Ainston has passed away from a heart attack, as a result of his heavy drinking. But behind the scenes, Caine, the first Puppet would take his first peek of the world, carrying the soul of the sullen inventor. But Caine doesn't have the inventor's memories, not yet.
Abel takes this as an opportunity to repair his bond with Caine by talking about their childhood growing up and the things they used to do, whilst simultaneously publicly announcing that Caine the Puppet as tribute to Cain, because he's under a contract not to tell the general public about soul artificing.
It worked, for a time. Caine was eager to learn about what life he used to have, even finding himself wishing that he could remember all of it, but his memories aren't coming back to him. Abel tells him that it's okay if he won't be able to remember all of it.
As long as Caine is alive and well, then that's all that truly matters, and for the longest time Caine believed the sentiment. He was happy to experience the world's sights and hears!
Oh, but when Caine is out of shot, Christoph always talked to Abel about the situation, and if he truly knew what he was doing. Despite Cain's belief that Christoph and Abel got along a lot better, the truth is that Abel could barely tolerate Christoph since he'd met him. Abel was simply being well-mannered and polite.
Needless to say, this was one of the few times Abel broke his well-mannered persona, to advise Christoph that he was overstepping. The old man may be his superior, but when it comes to family matters; Christoph had no right-- which was always the point when Christoph would stop and back off.
Abel soon (re)introduced Caine to the circus, and Caine found himself feeling familiar with the place, and Abel proposes that they should reopen the circus, with him being the ringmaster again, because that's what he wanted. Caine was more than happy to take on the role of the ringmaster once again, and The Amazing Mechanical Circus reopens.
For a while, everything couldn't be better. Hell, Abel had decided to undertake another project, a much more extensive one due to it's... unique situation.
But Caine reawakens his memories, and he is furious. At first, Abel is excited, but as the Puppet argues that he did not want any part of his madness, Abel--for the first time, yells back that everything he'd done was to save his only remaining family's life, and he isn't even grateful for it.
Immediately noticing that he had raised his tone, he immediately apologizes, and offers to take Caine to a surprise that he thinks will make the angry puppet happy. Reluctant but curious, Caine agrees.
Abel takes Caine to the secret project he'd commissioned, and unveils the hidden Puppet underneath: a performance harlequin that had Penelope's face, sickly pale as a corpse and eyes shut as it was still a prototype, nearly complete.
He then tells that it took a while, and required a little string pulling behind-the-scenes (wink wink nudge nudge), but Penelope was finally going to be back.
Horrified at the concept, and anger falling back in full-swing, Caine sees red as Abel is blissfully unaware of the culminated fury of his own brother, turns his back to him and proudly claims that this project will change everything about life and death. That they won't have to worry about dying anymore.
Caine blurts out that Abel had done nothing but to ruin his life since the moment he was born, and Abel's once proud demeanor drops. He turns around in confusion, only to see an overclocked Caine already making his way to deliver punch, after punch, after punch. Abel drops down to the ground, horrified and in pain, asking what he did wrong. He was bringing Penelope back! Wasn't that good news?
The ignorance of his brother only further infuriated Caine as he jabs a fist through Abel's chest. He could not speak, as he was already choking on his own blood. Caine then proceeds to bite off Abel's head, as he drops down to the floor lifelessly. As the body hits the ground, Caine eventually realizes what he'd just done.
Clutching the bleeding, lifeless body of his brother as if a hug would heal the mortal wounds he'd inflicted, Caine eventually had to make his exit as security arrived, and saw the dead body he was previously holding.
Anyways, I think that's the point I'll end it off on. There's more to the story, obviously-- but Imma be honest, I still want to keep SOME things secret. Until the next time I yap about these two, that is.
Heyyy I'm kinda new to this AU and have been browsing through your post but I gotta ask. Were they human to begin with? Even Caine? Do their souls come from humans?
Sorry, you must've already answered that. Or I mixed infos
They are! They're all human souls stuck in robot bodies, even Caine. The only non-human entities are the Gloink Queen, the marionettes, (probably Orbsman too), and The Fudge, if I'm going to add them to the mix.
Speaking of Ragnarok, if you take in it's dlc Valhalla, with Kratos introspecting about his past and why he did it through Tyr, I see Caine going through something similar.
I know it's cliche "Fighting/Facing Yourself" but I think having something or someone make him confront it tied to his past besides Pomni would be really cool.
I like looking at the Ringmaster and seeing him run on trying to keep the puppets around him in a box not out of malice.
VALHALLA MENTIONED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Btw, have you seen the Laufey trailer? I am HYPEEEDDDDDD WOOHOO MORE GOW FAYE!!!! I already won with Freya and now you're going to tell me we're ALSO going to win with Faye??? YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
The thing is, Abel/The Patriarch fulfills that role of "fighting yourself", and he will do so during the confrontation arc. Albeit, in a lesser... "friendly" approach that Tyr does.
In fact, scratch that; there's no friendliness in this scenario.
The Patriarch--despite the fact that his anger started out as justified (because who wouldn't be pissed at someone who killed them)-- now has become a reflection and a reminder of Caine's darkest moments.
He's forced to see a semblance of the monster he used to be, in his younger brother, too.
I guess you could say that it's in the similar vein that Baldur is to Kratos? How exactly do I word this kind of scenario....
Anyways
If Pomni's battle is presented internally, then Caine's is externally presented is what I'm gonna say for now.
Been rewatching God of War: Ragnarok again and the brainworms are crawling back to chew on the noggin... I've always had this in the back of me mind, but...
What do you guys think about the idea that Caine is trying to get the cast to remember their humanity, but ironically enough, just like canon Caine, he's missing one crucial ingredient: the fact that he tends to think he knows what's best for them, rather than letting them discover that by themselves (and with a little bit of help)?
Basically, he's slowly falling back to his old ways, and that's what causes the gang to drift away?
And because Pomni is able to "do" Caine's job a lot better than him, there's a lot more complicated feelings rising between the two?
Caine were fixing Pomni’s robot arm to become more stronger and more unbreakable. Meanwhile Pomni were staring at the wall and was thinking how to defeat this boss without getting killed. Caine looked at Pomni and asked her what she was thinking about?
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Caine: What are you thinking about my dear?
Pomni: About this boss fight i just don’t want to get killed over and over again.
Caine: I understand but do not worry dear i guarantee that you will win this time.
Pomni: You really think so?
Caine: I know so besides how hard will this boss be anyway?
Pomni: I don’t know you’re the one who gives me this killing job.
Caine: Yes that’s true *chuckles*
Pomni: You’re sometimes an annoying dumbass but still i like you for some reasons.
Caine felt a little bit of happiness when he heard that Pomni likes him a little bit. Later on Caine prepared Pomni’s sword and gave it to her. She smiled at the sword and felt ready for this boss fight. Ragatha told Caine that it is time to go. Pomni were standing besides a wall and was still thinking how to defeat this boss guy. Jax walked towards to Pomni and pokes her nose.
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Jax: What’s the matter scared of this fight?
Pomni: Psst me scared never i was born to fight.
Jax: Then why are you standing here and hiding when the lift is here *chuckles a little*
Pomni: I am just getting prepared for this mission that’s all.
Jax: May i ask something Harlequin do you have feelings for The Puppeteer Master?
Pomni: Me having feelings for The Puppeteer Master pfft no.
Jax: So you don’t mind if Ragatha would take him out then *chuckles*
Pomni: She likes him?
Jax: *chuckles* maybe.
-
Pomni looked at Caine and Ragatha they seem happy together and getting along with each other. Pomni held her chest and felt a little bit of jealousy. Ragatha told some funny jokes to Caine and he was laughing a little bit. Jax was walking towards to Caine and told him that Pomni is ready now for the fight. Caine walked towards to Pomni and asked her if she’s ready to get going.
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Caine: It’s showtime dear are you ready?
Pomni: *Glances at him with an angry look*
Caine: Did i do something wrong?
-
Pomni ignored Caine and walked to the sewers to get prepared for some action. The Puppeteer Master was confused and were thinking if he made Pomni mad or something. Ragatha waved at Pomni but again she ignored and jumped down into the sewers. Ragatha looked at Caine and wanted to ask.
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Ragatha: Is Pomni alright she seemed a little bit off for some reason.
Caine: I don’t know she just ignored me and just stayed quiet.
Ragatha: That’s very weird but i hope that Pomni isn’t mad at me.
Caine: I better go with her now and help her out.
Ragatha: Good idea me and Jax are right here and waiting for you both.
Caine jumped down into the sewers to look after Pomni. Jax walked towards to Ragatha and told her why Pomni was mad. Ragatha was shocked about this and yelled at Jax for being a jerk. Pomni hates the sewers especially when it stinks. Caine walked behind her and tried to reach her shoulder to ask her what she’s mad about.
-
Pomni: If you touch me i swear that hand of yours will be ripped off!
Caine: Well at least your talking back to me *chuckles a little*
Pomni: I thought you were going to stay with Ragatha and with Jax.
Caine: I changed my mind and wanted help you with this mission just in case you get killed off.
Pomni: I don’t need your help idiot this is my fight and i gonna win this without your help!
Caine: *Sighs* when will you learn about teaming up is it that hard to trust me?
-
Pomni stopped walking and turned around to look at Caine. He was looking at her meanwhile Pomni gave the angry look at him and just wanted to slap his jaw. But she didn’t because her feelings didn’t allow her for some reason. Caine looked at her with a confused expression meanwhile Pomni walked towards to look after the boss. Caine walked behind her and looked at the clock tracker where the boss is.
-
Pomni: Is the boss really here or are we lost?
Caine: The boss is here somewhere but the location won’t show it to me.
Pomni: This location watch of yours is so very stupid like why won’t it work like a normal fucking machine!
Caine: Calm down dear it will show us where the boss is.
Pomni: DON’T TELL ME TO CALM THE FUCK DOWN I AM HERE TO FIGHT NOT LOOKING FOR A STUPID TREASURE HUNT!
-
Caine sighed that he’s wondering why she’s so hot headed. Meanwhile Pomni run off to find the boss guy. Caine got distracted by a sound and followed it. Pomni ran into a hole opening and found the enemies. She smiled and grabbed her sword to fight against the enemies. Meanwhile Caine walked into a secret laboratory full of chemicals and machines. Even a big computer Caine walked to the computer to look some clues. The computer had a password Caine sighed and was like of course. But the sound appeared again and Pomni was still fighting and didn’t get hurt yet. Caine was trying to unlock the computer it surely took sometime. But he succeeded and could finally look for some clues.
-
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: Ragatha to Caine do you hear me?
Caine: Yes Ragatha i hear you loud and clear.
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: Did you guys find the boss guy yet?
Caine: I think Pomni did but i found something more interesting.
Bubbles Walkie Talkie: Oh what is it?
-
Caine explained to Ragatha that there is a laboratory into the sewers and it was full of machines and chemicals stuff. Jax was curious how dangerous this laboratory is. Ragatha gave an annoying glance at Jax meanwhile Pomni was breathing heavily. Caine said that they need to destroy this laboratory before it’s too late. Ragatha told to Caine that there is a way to destroy the whole laboratory. By putting some bombs around whole laboratory. Caine thinks it’s a bad idea and had a better idea. Pomni looked around and didn’t find anymore enemies to attack with. She puts her sword aside and walked around the area. But Pomni wasn’t alone someone was watching her all along.
-
Patriarch: Well well well isn’t it The Puppeteer Master’s Harlequin.
Pomni: *Looks at Patriarch* Who the fuck are you?
Patriarch: *Makes an evil laugh* your new master.
Pomni: Huh?
Patriarch: *Uses his electric weapon against her*
Pomni: *Screams in pain gets fainted*
Patriarch: *Carries Harlequin uses teleportation*
-
Caine loaded all the clues to his mini chip. Later on he grabs the chip and uses the computer to make a self destruct in 20 seconds.
-
Caine: Ragatha have you heard anything from Pomni?
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: No we haven’t heard from her and it seems like she got kidnapped.
Caine: By who?
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: By The Patriarch.
-
Caine got shocked and ran to the area. Bubble flied after him and it was too late. Because The Patriarch was not here. Caine felt full of anger and a little bit of sadness. He punched the wall by his hand and didn’t felt any pain. Bubble was trying to calm down The Puppeteer Master. Caine was breathing out and in to calm himself down.
-
Caine: Ragatha any status where they left?
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: I’ve been researching it seems like he teleported somewhere with Pomni.
Caine: What location did he teleport to?
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: It seems like an unknown location which looks very abounded.
Caine: Okay good to know that *sigh*
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: Don’t worry we will find Pomni and rescue her.
Caine: Yes you’re right let’s just focus on the mission.
-
The laboratory got exploded and Caine succeeded to escape the sewers. He walked towards to Ragatha and Jax. They were talking about a rescue plan how to save Pomni off from The Patriarch. Meanwhile at the unknown location The Patriarch putted The Harlequin into a machine. Pomni opened her eyes and looked around she tried to escape. But it was locked and she looked at The Patriarch with an anger look.
-
Pomni: *Bangs her hands into the machine door* LET ME OUT YOU FUCKER?!
The Patriarch: Oh you will be free very soon and help me out to kill The Puppeteer Master. *Chuckles in a evil way*
Pomni: I WILL NEVER HELP YOU OUT.
The Patriarch: *Activates machine to make her lose her memories* see you soon darling.
The machine was done with the deletion of Harlequins memories. The Patriarch shuts down the machine and unlocks the door. The Harlequin opened her eyes and stands up. The Patriarch smiled at her in an evil way and told her that. She belongs with him and will do everything what The Patriarch says. The Harlequin’s eyes turned into red mode and accepted. The Patriarch hold Harlequin’s hand and they teleported to an area together.
-
After awhile Caine began drinking his whiskey and was thinking why Pomni was mad at him. Jax knocked the door and Caine allowed him to come inside. Jax walked inside and sat down into the couch. Caine offered some whiskey drink to Jax and he accepted the drink.
-
Jax: So any news where Pomni is at?
Caine: Ragatha hasn’t message me yet.
Jax: Do you have something in your mind? *Drinks little*
Caine: *Drinks little* i just wonder why Pomni was mad at me did i do something wrong?
Jax: Oh yeah about that *chuckles* she was jealous between you and Ragatha.
Caine: Pomni being jealous that was something new.
Jax: Yeah i think she has feelings for you but won’t admit it *chuckles*
Caine: So that’s why Pomni was mad at me because of jealousy and having feelings for me?
Jax: Bingo *drinks little*
-
Caine understood and walks out of his office. He walked towards to Ragatha and told her what. Pomni was mad about.
-
Ragatha: Well that’s typical Jax thing always being the annoying one.
Caine: Yeah i can see that clearly.
Ragatha: Anyway i found The Patriarch and Pomni is with him in an area.
Caine: Good let’s go and rescue Pomni!
-
Caine grabbed his cane and got himself prepared for the fight. Ragatha fixed Bubble and Jax were chilling. Caine told to Ragatha have an eye for some evil puppets. She nodded and wished Caine good luck. He nodded too and walks to the unknown area. The Patriarch and The Harlequin waited for Caine in the area. The Puppeteer Master walked into the area and looked at them.
-
The Patriarch: Welcome to your doom Puppeteer Master.
Caine: Let Pomni go you fucker?!
The Patriarch: *Chuckles in an evil way* Pomni is here.
The Harlequin: *Shows up looks at Caine with an angry look*
Caine: Pomni what did you do to her?!
The Patriarch: I gave her an update to get you killed and work for me.
Caine: *Growls holds the cane very hard*
The Patriarch: *Chuckles in an evil way* who knows maybe she’ll become my lover.
-
Caine started to attack The Patriarch. but The Harlequin attacked the fastest way against The Puppeteer Master. Caine got hit in his chest he looked at her. In a worried way meanwhile The Harlequin kept on attacking. Caine dodged every move of hers and The Patriarch just stood there to watch. Caine tried to stop Pomni with his attacking moves. But The Harlequin dodged and grabbed her sword to use it. Caine looked around the area The Harlequin used her sword against. The Puppeteer Master she was swinging her sword against him. Caine dodged many times by her killing sword moves. Bubble showed the fight between Caine and Pomni.
-
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: Caine you have to make her remember you!
Caine: *Dodges uses his cane against The Harlequin* how?!
Bubble’s Walkie Talkie: Try to talk something she likes!
-
The Harlequin kept on attacking with her sword against The Puppeteer Master. Caine looked at her and was breathing heavily. The Harlequin was also breathing heavily but still wanted to kill The Puppeteer Master. The Patriarch was smiling in an evil way and looked at them.
-
Caine: Pomni it’s me Caine don’t you remember me?
The Harlequin: My name isn’t Pomni it is Harlequin! *attacks against him*
Caine: *Dodges her fighting moves* Pomni listen to me The Patriarch is our enemy he is just using you!
The Harlequin: Negative The Patriarch is my Master and i will do his commands *keeps on fighting*
Caine: *Defends himself by the cane* Pomni he isn’t your Master he’s only torturing you?!
The Harlequin: *Kicks The Puppeteer Master down into the ground points the sword against his throat* any last words?
-
Caine looked at Pomni and saw an oil tear. From her eyes Caine knew what to do. He puts both of his hands into her cheeks and made her kiss him.
-
The Harlequin dropped the sword and closed her eyes to continue with the kissing. (The Arcane song Remember me started to play)
-
The Harlequin memories started to restore itself. Her eyes wasn’t red anymore they were normal again. Pomni enjoyed the kiss between her and Caine. The Patriarch got very angry and landed down to the ground. Caine and Pomni opened their eyes. They were looking at each other and smiled each other. They both stands up and looked at The Patriarch.
-
Pomni: That’s the fucker who brainwashed me?!
Caine: Don’t worry dear i will kill him.
Pomni: No.
Caine: *Looks at Pomni with a confused expression*
Pomni: Let’s kill him together partner. *Smiles at Caine*
Caine: *Smiles back at her*
-
Pomni grabbed her sword and started to attack against The Patriarch. Caine grabbed his cane and also started to attack against The Patriarch. The Patriarch used his teleportation and disappeared out of nowhere. Caine sighed and Pomni was growling.
-
Pomni: Did he just fucking leave what a coward he is?!
Caine: Yes he is a coward.
Pomni: So about that kiss?
Caine: *Blushes hard* uhh what kiss I don’t remember a kiss *laughs in an awkward way*
Pomni: *Chuckles* you really are something Puppeteer Master *Gives him a kiss on his teeth*
Caine: *Looks at Pomni*
Pomni: let’s get outta here.
Caine: *Chuckles* let’s go then.
-
After awhile they were all back to Caine’s lair and celebrating with some drinks.
-
This was made by me but of course the whole AU belongs to @tadc-harlequin-au hope you liked it
THAT WAS STRAIGHT UP AN ENTIRE FANFIC IN MY INBOX I WAS SO FLABBERGASTED????
Gotta say, I was quite invested ngl. Especially since aside from a few key details, this story resembles a scene that I had planned for a good long while now, so extra flabbergasted at that coincidence LMFAO
I will also say that it isn't in the Patriarch's character to taunt Caine with the prospect of making Pomni his "lover". There is not an ounce of romance in that man's bullhorn head. Only rage.
But threatening to revert Pomni to her base and clear her memories, so that she'll become a hunter who hunts down the Puppetmaster? Most definitely. In fact, that canonically happens at some point.
He's calculating, logic-driven, yet fueled by rage; his taunts are more focused towards dangling bits of the "truth" of the situation to a curious but fearful Pomni, soul manipulation, blackmailing and manipulating the situation towards his favor, whether via his abilities, information, accessories or "pulling the strings".
And of course Jax is here to RUIN EVERYTHING I am going to chuck him into a nest istg /jk I love him I would never (but I could....)
⚙️Chapter 3: A Rude Awakening -- is now out on Ao3! ⚙️
Previous || Next (soon)
Word count: 6.6k words
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⚙️⚠️ Now, as always; please read the chapter warnings before proceeding! ⚠️⚙️
Apologies for taking so long to update the official fic with the chapter 3! I had to cut in half again, there was meant to be a second void segment amongst other things, but I think it'd be beneficial for the fic's pacing if I end it off on where I did.
ME MERE MOMENTS AWAY FROM GETTING BLOWN AWAY BY A MASTERPIECE
THIS IS SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE 3D SCULPT..... I tried dabbling into 3d sculpting before, and getting sharp angles like to behave is a TREMENDOUS TASK, AND THIS GUY HAS A LOT OF SHARP EDGES TO EM.
HOW.
HOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW DID YOU DO ITTTTT THIS LOOKS SO GOOD
"You who I pray to, I desolate too
Consecrate you, I love and hate you
Hum a hymn to, Scylla, I swim to
Watch a whirlpool spin and jump into
You know you make me wanna run away (you do)
Kingdom come, you make me wanna stay
Magnify you, sanctify you
Glorify, you make me wanna die too"
