“I can see her (pre-canon) just sorta demanding everyone accept that she's a woman now. So what if she likes her hair short and her flat chest, she's still a woman. She also likes doing dark makeup, and I think she chose Morven and Hellwain as her first and last names when she transitioned and they're *very* important to her. Probably chose Asmodea or just straight up Asmodeus as a middle name, too. She will also absolutely Sorcerous Burst a transphobe as she should”
“The angst potential of her being basically sent back to square 1 of her transition (people know her by a different name and pronouns, her body doesn't look like hers anymore) is simply magnificent and also explains some of her feelings towards Robin
That and how she instinctively knows how to make his body look a bit closer to hers, with how the art and Andy sometimes buttons up her shirt and pushes her hair back says to me she had done this before”
Trans Man Edvard Lumiere:
“- Edvard is constantly trying to prove himself against other's expectations. He also has a very clear persona that he displays when he wants people to take his innoventions seriously (although it crumbles in blind rage the second anybody mentions Astor, of course) that reminds me somewhat of transmasc posturing.
- The Crimsnight episode!! Edvard seeing his childhood self touches me so much. At first he is reluctant to see his childhood self, which sort of lends itself to the idea that Edvard is afraid because maybe it's a version of himself he doesn't want to see anymore (pre-transition). But Lilith says "Wouldn't you be so happy if you knew what you grew up into?" and I get very emotional imagining a sad little trans boy seeing an adult trans man for the first time and realizing there is a way
- I have a headcanon that one of the things Astor did when he discredited Edvard was he also outed him. Nobody cares, obviously (that's nothing compared to horse murder), but I think Astor would still do that anyway. Just to kick him while he's down.”
It wasn’t too long of a wait before Father Edvard brought in the people he had referred to. A looming yellow skunk followed behind him, their loping pace indicative of their aged and weary body, while a few feet behind trailed a purple skunk, looking as if she had to force herself to take each step.
“Leshy, I would like you to meet Tyler and Aster.” Father Edvard explained, gesturing to each of the new arrivals in turn.
I examined them carefully, noting the scars covering Tyler’s face, and the one that crossed over Aster’s eye. Tyler also looked me over, eyes narrowing slightly before they folded their arms, not very interested.
“V-Vessel Leshy?” Aster piped up, a mix of awe and apprehension on her face. “Th-The one chosen by Lady Zuriel, the b-br-brother to the heretic--”
Tyler raised a hand, putting it in front of Aster’s face and making her fall silent. She flinched back, realizing her error, and closed her mouth, looking to Tyler to take the lead.
“A pleasure to meet the both of you.” I managed, making sure not to forget my manners.
“So you want me to spend my time teaching this kid how to fight.” Tyler grumbled, looking to Father Edvard, who nodded.
“He is of the age where some basic defense would do him some good, and you’re the best one I can think of for the task.” Father Edvard replied.
“Father,” Tyler snorted, pinching their brow. “He is a worm.”
“U-Uh, actually, a ca-caterpill--”
“He has no bones.” Tyler interrupted, snapping a sharp look at Aster. “His anatomy does not exactly scream ‘agile,’ you know.”
“Perhaps for typical combat, but are we truly followers of Chaos if we do not adapt?” Father Edvard raised an eyebrow.
Tyler let out a sigh, closing their eyes for a moment.
“I am willing to try.” I forced myself to say, puffing my chest out a bit. I didn’t want to seem weak, or scared, in front of Tyler. I wanted to show to them I was capable.
It was a good few moments before Tyler finally heaved another sigh, setting their hands on their hips.
“I’ll see what I can do, but I make no promises that you’ll be a warrior by the time all’s said and done.”
“Brilliant,” Father Edvard said, clapping his hands with a small smile. “I entrust you with Leshy’s potential, Tyler.”
“Don’t blame me if things don’t turn out how you want.” They replied. “Now, is that all?”
“For now.” Father Edvard nodded. “Thank you, Tyler.”
“In that case, come with me, squirt.” Tyler suddenly turned and began to head to the entrance. Aster followed close behind, only glancing back to make sure I was following--which I did with haste, barely managing a wave farewell to Father Edvard.
“The sooner we start your training, the better.” Tyler announced when we stepped outside into the clearing. “The question is… What kind of combat would you best suited for…”
That was…. Certainly quite the question. I couldn’t exactly punch or kick like most others, given my limbs were quite short.
“Are you ever going to metamorphize?” Aster asked, a finger to her chin. “There’s definitely options if you were to become a butterfly…”
“I… I’m not sure.” I admitted. “Lee is an adult, but she’s still a caterpillar herself, and I never knew my parents, so…”
“No sense dwelling on it, then.” Tyler scoffed. “As for what can be done right now, I think equipping you for range is probably the best bet. You don’t have to worry too much about your mobility, for one.”
“So, like bows and arrows and stuff?”
“If that’s what you want to try. But there’s a few different classes of range to experiment with, like with staves or lances…”
“Those can be pretty heavy, though…”
Tyler sighed, folding their arms. “Well, we could always try to--”
It was then we all froze, hearing an eruption of shouts. We turned in the direction of the noise, and I felt my heart sink into my stomach.
“DON’T LET HER GET AWAY THIS TIME!”
“DEATH TO THE HERETIC!”
It was Lee. For some reason, she was back--Why?? Why would she make herself known, when she knew what had happened last time?
A group of people had surrounded her, screaming insults at her as she desperately looked for an escape. I had never seen her so scared before, not even when Zuriel had attacked her…
A squirrel lunged at her, pinning her to the ground. She squirmed, but was helpless against the others who swarmed in closer to kick, punch, and claw at her. I could hear my blood rushing in my ears and my fear spiked, knowing full well the crowd had no intent on being merciful.
“H-Help me stop them!!” I choked out to Aster and Tyler before rushing to the crowd, pushing my way through the tangle of legs in order to reach Lee. I could feel a few blows on my back, but I didn’t care, I just focused on protecting my sister.
A few people faltered when they saw me, unsure what to do in my presence.
“AS ZURIEL’S VESSEL, I COMMAND YOU STAND DOWN!” I hollered at the top of my lungs, just before receiving a hesitant punch from somebody. At my command, they backed off, as did the rest of the crowd, confused.
“Leshy?” Lee managed, looking up from her hunched position. “What are you--”
“I should be asking you that!” I hissed under my breath. “Why did you come back so soon??”
“Well, I--”
“Why are you protecting the heretic, Leshy?” Somebody in the crowd asked, followed by a murmur of agreements. “She seeks to stifle Lady Zuriel’s Chaos!”
I turned back to the crowd, trying my best to still my shaking body. I could see over the shoulders of a few participants that Tyler and Aster had done nothing to help, merely staring at the scenario with disinterest. So much for their assistance!
“I…” I managed, keeping my voice as level as I could. “I am working on reforming her. Teaching her the true wonders of Chaos.”
“You’re what?” Lee hissed.
“Go with it! Unless you want to die!” I returned, before raising my voice to the crowd again. “So please… Keep your distance, and leave it to me…”
Silence echoed after I closed my mouth, everyone else looking carefully between me and Lee. I was certain some of them didn’t buy it--But it’s not like they were in any position to go against me, being Zuriel’s right hand.
Then, finally, the group began to disperse, most heading in the direction of the temple to pray. The rest hovered for a moment, still looking at me with unsure expressions. They only went to tend to their own business when Tyler and Aster approached, surprised looks of recognition crossing a few of their faces.
“You’re lucky they didn’t call your bluff.” Tyler scoffed.
“Yeah, well, you weren’t exactly very helpful.” I spat back, turning to help Lee stand up.
“Wanted to see if you actually had a spine in there, that’s all.”
“Tyler. Aster.” Lee said curtly. “Long time no see.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised that Lee actually knew the pair, but none of them elaborated. Perhaps it was best to not get into that at the moment, anyway.
Instead, I repeated my earlier question, “Why are you back so soon, Lee? You said you were going to be a few hours.”
“I was…” She started, giving a wary glance to the other two, before lowering her voice to a frustrated mumble. “I was looking for Haro.”
Tyler’s mouth twitched, like they wanted to say something, but they remained still. Even Aster, who kept quiet to begin with, started fidgeting with her fingers upon hearing the name.
“After they left last night, I just couldn’t get over all the stuff they said, so I wanted to find them, or at least Decarabia. No such luck, of course. Seems they only show up if they want to be found.”
“Well, if you’re done looking, you’re just in time to see Leshy start some of his training.” Tyler finally managed through a tight jaw. “We were actually discussing what weapons might be best for him, before we overheard the commotion.”
“Weapons?” Lee’s antennae sprang up straight, showing the true level of her shock. “Leshy’s--Why would he--He’s too YOUNG to--Why??”
“I want to.” I interrupted her stammering, trying to sound assertive. “I don’t want to be helpless, Lee! You’ve had to protect me for so long, and you can’t keep it up forever! I need to learn some independence! I.. I need to be brave.”
“This isn’t because of what Lady Zuriel said you to, is it?” Lee pressed, voice softening. “Because you don’t need to be brave, Leshy--I mean, you don’t need to put yourself in danger to prove you’re brave.”
“Lee, face it!” I snapped. “You literally just got attacked, and what if I’m not there next time? I don’t want people to look at you and go, ‘oh, there’s the heretic, we should kill her,’ I want people to know you’re my sister, and that they should think twice before hurting you again! I can’t do that if I’m still a weak little bug!”
Lee just stared at me, still worn down from the attack, and not really having much energy to argue with me. I could see a tired pain in her eyes, a thousand retorts being drummed up and waiting to jump from her mouth, but… After another glance to Tyler, she just sighed.
“I guess it has to be sooner rather than later, at this rate.” She said quietly. “Because frankly, even if you do become strong, it’s not like I’ll be around to help you for very long.”
I blinked, and almost asked her what she meant by that, but Tyler suddenly clapped my back, making me stumble forward a bit.
“Well, with all that out of the way, how’s about we get to what we were planning to do in the first place?” They said, forcing a smile.
With not much else to say in protest, I gave a nod, glancing back to Lee, who was now waiting for Tyler to lead the way.
“C’mon, then.” Tyler prompted, beginning to walk once more. “I know a spot where we can try out some different things and figure out what’s best for you.”
