Just had an idea for the funniest possible isat au (fic idea? concept?? thingy???)
We all know and love Odile's drunk 'Siffrin is an assassin working for the King' theory, right? In this concept, there's a universe where she was right: Siffrin is the King's right hand fella, who's been following Mirabelle ever since she escaped the House of Dormont. At first the rogue posed a legitimate threat, popping up to attack her every so often, but as more and more people (with a healthy dose of Rock Craft) joined the party, they've been relegated to a minor annoyance. By the time that Bonnie joins the group, Siffrin's just a villain of the week. A thorn in their side, for sure, but with all the menace of a team rocket villain.
Oh, it's raining, Siffrin's trying to steal our orbs again and I left our umbrellas the inn. What a shame!
The main reasons why they don't get rid of him permanently is
a. The party aren't willing to full on murder him
b. Siffrin's only talented at escaping prisons/untying rope.
But the real meat of this auconceptficideathingy is that a week before each party enters Dormont, Assassin!Siffrin swaps places with canon!Siffrin.
To elaborate a little, the canon universe of ISAT exists alongside Assassin Siffrin's universe, and either through a poorly worded wish, the Universe's meddling or the whims of a bored deity (looking at you, Change God) each Siffrin is dropped without warning into the other's world.
It's so funny to me specifically because it's the perfect balance of the silliest of the sillies and angst. Like, the ISAT party are soooo heartbroken and betrayed (and Odile is secretly vindicated that her 'crackpot theory' was right) that their silly little rogue has heel turned and seemingly betrayed them. How did this happen? How could they miss this?? Siffrin protected them, time and time again - lost their EYE for Bonnie's sake - and it was all just an elaborate rouse to earn their trust and stab them in the back?! How could he?!?
Assassin!Frin is just blinding confused. Why are you guys saying we used to be friends? You literally hate me! Why are you so mad that I'm breaking out of my restraints? You usually love it when I break out of stuff - I even did a little twirl for you this time!! What is up with you all today? Maybe you'd prefer a bit of villainous banter this time. Surely some back and forth will help pick up the mood… WHY ARE YOU CRYING???
Meanwhile ISAT!frin is living their worst NIGHTMARE. All of their friends hate them, everyone thinks their evil, their beloved party keeps attacking them and, oh yeah! ALL OF THEIR FRIENDS HATE THEM. And the Assassin!party are all like: Help? Our resident reoccurring minor antagonist keeps shaking like a wet dog whenever we call them evil?? I think they're about to start crying?? Please advise???
