A Water Spirit, A Ferret, And A Fairy Walk Into A Bar-

Conflicting Lives: Chapter 1 - Late Start

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60544732/chapters/154573222

Word Count: 1981

-- beep - beep - beep - beep --

Scythe groaned as he reached for his phone to turn off his alarm. He rubbed his eyes as he sat up, then looked at the time on his phone. It read 8:30am.

“Shit” Scythe cursed as he scrambled to get out of bed. He must’ve slept through his alarms again, and his professor wasn't going to be the happiest with him. He regrettably chose to have an 8am class, and it was the kind of class that you had to make sure you were almost fully awake to properly understand the material for.

What was this class, you might ask? Feline Behavior and Psychology. His professor was a kind soul, relatively easy on attendance, but it was still a decent percent of his class grade. And this was the 6th time in a month in a half that this has happened.

After putting his clothes on with lightning speed, he grabbed his bag off his desk and walked out of his room. “You have food in the microwave, though it may be cold again.” He heard a voice say behind him. Scythe’s shoulders tensed just a little bit before he sighed and responded, “Thank you, Ella.”

Ella was his roommate and partner, but her classes didn't start until the afternoon. She always woke up earlier than him though, and he figures it must be a bird thing; she is a phoenix hybrid after all.

He walked into the kitchen and grabbed his, now cold, food before walking to the door of their apartment-style dorm. Before leaving, however, he looked back to the couch where Ella was sitting, watching some new tv show she found. “Alright, see you later!” he said before leaving.

Scythe’s college campus wasn't huge. It wasn’t very small either, not in the slightest, but for some reason Scythe felt as though the short bike ride to the Animal Sciences building took twice as long as it normally does. Maybe it was because he had just woken up, but that still didn't explain why it felt like he was riding for 15 minutes when it was only around 8.

Thankfully there wasn’t really anyone just sitting in the halls, so he was able to walk to his class with relative ease. It was closer to the middle of the building, so it wasn’t great to get to when everyone else was trying to get to their own classes or leave the building entirely, but the empty halls were kind of nice.

When he got to his classroom door, he peered through the small window to see if he could sneak in without being noticed too much. His professor was turned around in his wheelchair and facing the board, showing the class something he couldn't quite make out from here. After just watching for a few more seconds, Scythe decided that he had a pretty decent chance of being able to get to his seat without being noticed, so he quietly opened the door and walked in.

Closing the door quietly behind him, he made his way to his seat. He was almost there, about to put his bag behind his chair and sit down when his professor cleared his throat.

“You’re late again, Mr. Cristaal.” he said, his voice carrying a disappointed undertone to it. 

Scythe’s shoulders tensed as he felt everyone in class, who wasn’t already looking at him, turn and face in his direction. His thin tail curled around his legs subconsciously and he wished he could just disappear. Unfortunately for him, he had to respond.

“I know, I’m sorry Professor Scar.” Scythe knew that a sorry didn't really mean much anymore, but to his credit he really was sorry! 

“Unfortunately, sorry doesn't make up for lost material. Stay a minute after class and we can talk then.” He has said before turning back towards the board and continuing the lesson.

As Scythe sat down, tail and head hung low, he cursed himself for being late, and why he was even late in the first place.

~~~~~The previous night~~~~~

It was late at night, and Scythe was causing mischief with a fellow villain, Spindle. Spindle wasn't very well known, not on his own at least. But the media seemed to think Spindle was his side-kick of sorts. Neither of them really minded, and had a good laugh every time a new article came out about the both of them. A lasting favorite was one with the title “Nebula and Spindle: The New Pair to Look Out For”, and another one, “Is Spindle Stand-Alone, or under Nebula’s Wing?”

Obviously neither of them went by their real names, and the public seemed more than happy to create their names for them. Spindle got his name from being a spider hybrid, and always leaving some sort of web at a crime scene. Scythe got his name, Nebula, from his outfit of dark colors and dappled speckles of white, like a galaxy in a way. If he was able to choose though, he might’ve chosen something like Ender, but that was probably a bit too easy.

Back on topic, he and Spindle were running away from a scene together once again. They decided to break into a jewelry shop tonight, and took just about as much as they could carry while still being able to move quickly. Cops arrived at the store just as they left, and were being pursued. No heroes had shown up yet, which was a bit surprising to Scythe with how often the strongest were called for him and him alone, but he was glad to have an easy out.

They had lost the police a good few turns ago, and it definitely helped that they were jumping from roof to roof to lose them even faster. Scythe slowed down as he jumped to this roof though, and Spindle almost jumped to the next. Instead though, he realized that scythe had stopped, and turned around to look at him confused.

Scythe just stood on the roof with his bag of jewelry in his hand and listened. He didn’t hear the sirens anywhere near, nor did he hear officers talking to each other over a radio. He chucked, “We lost ‘em”

He took a deep breath and sat down on the rooftop, setting his bag next to him. He saw Spindle shrug and walk over next to him, sitting down as well. They sat in this comfortable silence for a while, content with eachothers company.

“What now?” Spindle asked, his New Zealand accent welcomingly different from what Scythe usually hears. It’s not that he didn’t see Spindle much, the two are actually quite close friends outside of being villains, Scythe is just usually around those with an American or English accent.

Scythe thought a bit to himself before he responded. Then he smirked and got up, looking at Spindle. Spindle looked back up at him with curiosity. “Whoever gets back to my dorm last is a rotten egg!”

“Hey! No fair!” Spindle said in shock as he scrambled to stand up, Scythe already taking the lead. 

~~~~~~~~~~

“...ythe, are you awake?” Scythe sat up with a jolt. He didn’t even realize he had fallen asleep, just more missed material. Scar was next to him in his wheelchair, and Scythe couldn’t meet his gaze. Instead he looked around the room to see that there were no other students, it was just him and Scar.

“I’m sorry.” Is all Scythe could manage to say. He still avoided Scars eyes. Not because he was angry or anything, but because he knew that they were filled with worry and pity. The last thing he wanted was his mentor to throw him a pity party.

Scar sighed and turned to face the same way Scythe was while still being next to him. “I heard about the bank, you know. You were lucky that no one was called.” Scythe tensed and shrunk in on himself a little. He wasn’t surprised that Scar knew, it was more so that he said it so casually, and was completely right.

“I know…” Was all he could reply with. Scar changed the topic, “Scythe, you can’t keep…” he chose his next words very carefully, “going out so late.” He turned his head to look at Scythe, who was still avoiding eye contact. “The other students are starting to notice that you’re getting the materials when you haven’t been here. As much as I want to help you as a friend, I won't be able to do much more as your professor.” he continued

Scythe took a deep breath before responding. “I know, I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better.” he ended up saying. He meant it, he really did, but man was his time management skills absolutely abysmal on top of his non-existent sleep schedule.

Scar nodded and started wheeling back to his desk. “I’ll send you the material from today, but I don’t think I'll be able to from here on out. I’m sorry Scythe, but you’ll have to be on your own.”

Scythe got up and walked towards the door of the classroom. “I understand. Thank you for helping me so far through my stupidity.” He walked out and towards the entrance to the building without waiting to hear Scar’s response.

He had just left the building and had turned to go in the direction of the building his next class was in when his phone buzzed. He pulled his phone out to look at it. It had to be important, there were only a few things he had set to go through his do not disturb.

New message from Spore: Mandatory meeting at HQ for all recipients. Meet in 30 minutes.

Scythe sighed and  turned around to start walking back to his dorm. He was going to put his phone away, but another message popped up.

Scar: I’m assuming you got the message as well? Scythe: Yeah, walking back to my dorm to drop off stuff and get changed. Scar: Will you be able to make it on time?

Scythe winces slightly as the reminder of his untimeliness.

Scar: That came off worse than I meant it. I wanted to offer a ride if you needed. Scythe: No worries, I get it. A ride would probably be nice just so I don't have to stress as much. Scar: Alright, I’ll meet you off of xxxx and xxxx. Scythe: Sounds good, I'll be there in 10 min, max.

With that, Scythe actually puts his phone in his pocket and starts making his way back to his dorm. With the help of his teleportation, he made it back to his hall in 3 minutes flat. Once he got in, he went straight to his room to change, not seeing Ella’s curious glace.

He changed quickly, and tossed a hoodie on to cover the most recognizable part of his hero uniform. The unique pattern and neckpiece were too easily recognized to risk walking around campus with them showing, and he had his eye mask around his neck which made it look like a scarf more than anything. It was autumn after all so a scarf made sense to wear.

He was about to leave again when Ella grabbed his wrist, making him turn. “What happened, and where are you going?” She asked.

“Mandatory Agency meeting. Scar’s helping me get there but they sent it out last minute, like they always do.” He replied, apologizing with his eyes and hoping she would forgive him.

Ella let go of his wrist almost immediately. “Alright, be safe and let me know when you’re on your way back.” Scythe smiled and leaned down to give her forehead a small kiss. “I will, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” 

With that, he left the room and started walking towards the location he and Scar had agreed on.

Conflicting Lives- Chapter 2: Information Request

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60544732/chapters/161904352

Conflicting Lives (somewhat) returns! I apologize that's its been so long since I've done anything with this project. between life stuff amongst motivation for the story, its been hard to get as much progress done as I have hoped to. I will be trying to work on this more though!

Word Count: 1704

Scar and Scythe arrived at the Central Hero HQ with around 10 minutes to spare. As they walked out of the elevator that took them up to the meeting room, Spore was waiting to make sure everyone that had received the message did indeed show up. As they walked in, Scythe saw that each of the District Heads were gathered at the farthest point of the long meeting table, with the strongest heroes from each District taking their own spots in groups around the table.

Scar, with the help of his hero suit, walked over to Sumner and Ram, both Hermiton Heroes. Scythe nodded politely to the two heroes as they spotted him and Scar, but instead went over to stand with Archangel, his mentor when going through the Survan Hero Training course. Scythe was technically a Survan hero after all. 

“Hey kiddo! How have you been holding up?” Archangel said with a grin on his face that stretched from ear to ear as he wrapped his arms around Scythe for a hug. Scythe was never one to deny a hug, but Archangels hugs were like getting the air forced out of your lungs. Lovingly though, of course.

“I’m doing- good Archangel” Scythe said through gasping breaths, trying his best to put on a smile through his lack of oxygen.

Archangel put Scythe down, to Scythe’s untold gratitude, and looked at him, his white wings reflecting the light from the fluorescent lights above them. “Well that’s great to hear, Lux.” Archangel smiled genuinely at Scythe, and he couldn't help but smile back at his mentor and friend.

Right as he was about to reply however, Scythe heard Voidling speak from the head of the table, turning to see that the District's heads had sat down in their chairs. “Welcome everyone and thank you for coming on such short notice. I severely apologize for interrupting your schedules, but I believe that this is a matter of utter importance that must be discussed as soon as possible.”

All the gathered heroes took a seat. Scythe found himself in between Archangel and Stratos, an Empyrian Hero. He wasn't the closest to Stratos, but he had been assigned to missions with him that involved activity on the Survas-Empyria border. They didn't interact much outside of that, spare the occasional regular event (aka non-hero work) that Scar invites him to that Stratos was also invited to.

“There has been an increase in activity from villains around the Survas-Hermiton and Wynnra-Hermiton borders. Most of this activity seems to involve Nebula and Spindle.” CuteGuy, the Wynnran Hero District Head, said. The tip of Scythe’s tail flicked involuntarily in his lap as CuteGuy spoke, and he prayed that no one had seen it, especially other heroes with tails.

Thankfully, no one else had seemed to notice, and a different district head spoke, “The five of us had an idea of how to deal with the increase of activity in these areas, and wanted to call a meeting with all of you to get your opinions on the matter.” Tinkerer said, the Empyrian Hero District Head.

There were a few whispers between heroes as to what kind of matter would need the opinions of all of them, but Atlas, the Survas Hero District Head, spoke soon after, “We have each done some research, and have gathered a very short list of reporters who are the best in their field. Not only are these selected individuals highly credible, but they have each shown us their investigative abilities and the process in which they have found the information for each of their stories and reports.” “These factors lead us to believe that we can trust these individuals to gather the information we would be asking for. It would, however, be a high price to pay for such a task.” Strawberry, the Drimas Hero District Head, spoke next.

More whispers emerged after this, and the district heads let the heroes talk amongst themselves for a minute. A hero spoke up.

“How do we know we can trust the information that these individuals give us is completely fact?” Guardian, a well-known Empyrian Hero asked. “For commissions such as these, reporters often do it for the money right? Who’s to say they won’t give information to someone else who bids a higher price?” The room went silent after Guardian spoke, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Everyone stayed silent for a few moments longer before another person spoke up.

“Yes, and no.” Heads turned to Puppeteer as he spoke, but he didn't really seem phased by it. Instead, his gaze was focused on Guardian. “Yes, for larger commissions or asks such as what is being proposed, reporters are more likely to accept it because of the profit and the exposure to their business. No, it is very rare for a reporter to sell information to someone else for a better price.” Puppeteer looked around the table as he spoke next. “A few different names come to mind at what the district heads have proposed, and if the individuals are the names that I am thinking of, we have no reason to suspect that they will sell what they find to a higher bidder.”

The room went still for a moment as everyone processed what Puppeteer had said. He was well known for his ability to gather knowledge and intel on just about anything he was given and he knew how to work the system, so everyone trusted him in what he said, even if they didn't know the names of the individuals the heads had picked out.

“If I may ask,” Sting, a Wynnran Hero with a skillset similar to that of Puppeteer, spoke up, “who are the individuals you selected?” The district heads exchanged glances amongst each other, then towards a door to the side at the back of the room that led to a smaller meeting area. Voidling gave a small, almost unnoticeable sigh before speaking, “Come on in.”

The door opened slowly, and the first thing the heroes saw was translucent blue... hair? Three people walked out of the room, and they all stood semi-awkwardly at the end of the room behind the District Leaders. “This is Storyteller, Slime, and Snowfall” CuteGuy said, pointing each of them out as he said their names. Slime seemed to be a slime hybrid, but he was blue instead of the normal green. Snowfall seemed to be both Elven and Blaze; as well as just really stuck up in general. Storyteller was a lot more familiar to Scythe than the others, he did know them casually after all.

For a moment, Scythe and Storyteller even locked eyes with the other, but the both of them quickly looked away as to not draw any suspicion. Heroes started to quietly whisper between each other, wondering how much had been heard through the door before then. They quickly stopped though as Atlas spoke up, seemingly floating just above the ground as they tend to do, “We asked them to come here prior to summoning you all to lay out some ground rules and expectation in the case that you all agreed to this plan. If the majority vote is against this, then it won't happen.” The heroes from all districts looked at eachother, slowly realizing just how much was being left up to them. After all, it was usually the District Heads themselves who made decisions like these, and the last group vote like this had taken place long before any of them had even finished going through their respective training courses. Seeing the shock and tentativeness from the other heroes, Strawberry spoke up, “The decision doesn't have to be made today, but in a few days time we’ll send out another call to everyone to meet back here for the vote. Let's say 3 days from now at around 6:30pm we’ll all meet back here and make a final decision.” Shoulders relaxed and quiet sighs of relief were heard from around the table, nervous but relieved chuckles coming from a select few as well. “Well, that settles it then. We’ll see you all in a few days.” Voidling said as he stood up, nodding to the other District heads before turning around and talking with the reporters more. As he stood, so did everyone else, the room almost immediately bursting into chatter and talking. Scythe stood seated for a moment longer, looking towards the reports and subconsciously fiddling with the hair on the end of his tail. It wasn’t until he felt a hand gently touch his shoulder that he snapped out of it, jumping slightly and turning to look over his shoulder. “Sorry kiddo, didn;t mean to scare you” iWork said, a soft smile on his face, but a small bit of worry in his eyes. “You alright? You seemed pretty spaced out for a bit. The meeting’s over, we’re all going home.” he continued gently. “Oh- uh, right. Thanks I-dub – I mean iWork.” Scythe responded, silently cursing himself in his head. I-dub was what Archangel called iWork, that man had a silly nickname for everyone, Scythe swears it, and he was rubbing off onto him a lot more than Scythe was willing to admit right now. In response, iWork just chuckled and nodded, walking off to where Archangel was actually waiting for him outside of the meeting room doors.

Scythe took a deep breath before finally getting up himself, letting his tail fall back behind him from on top of his lap where it had been resting. Just before he reached the door to the room, he heard Tinkerer call his name, “Hey Lux, would you mind hanging back for an extra minute?”

As he turned around, Scythe saw that Slime and Snowfall were walking past him and out the door, and Scythe could have sworn that Snowfall glared at him as he passed a little too close by his arm. Only the District Heads and Storyteller remained in the room, other than himself. Scythe looked at the 6 of them, hoping the anxiety he felt in his stomach didn’t show outwardly, or as he responded. “Yeah of course, what can I help with?”

I will proceed to give all of the treats :D

please can we do inbox trick-or-treating this year. can we make that a thing on tumblr. please please please please please

I'm doing a thing again..- (gods please save me- /j)

(tis but a sketch, he will look better when I'm done with what i doing)

The GIGGS & Co. mega-compilation

(HUGE volume and flashing lights warning)

If you are trans I need you to stay alive.

Stay alive for every other trans person fighting, stay alive for every trans person who is no longer here, and most importantly stay alive for yourself.

They don’t get to erase us! They don’t get to take away our rights, and treat us as less than human. Don’t let them erase us, and don’t let them make you a statistic. Don’t let them win.

Stay alive

If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for others. Do it out of spite.

Conflicting Lives Tags List and Directory

Why hello there! This is a post of all tags to use for my Hermitcraft/Life Series Hero and Villain AU, Conflicting Lives! This is an extension of the materpost and more information is found there!

TAG LIST

#conflictinglives - Anything and everything to do with Conflicting Lives! This tag will be side-by-side with all of the below tags. #cl chapters - Chapters of Conflicting Lives! This tag will be under all chapters of Conflicting Lives to make them that much easier to find! #cl info - World Building and extra little tidbits of information about Conflicting Lives! Information from silly little fun facts to explanations of species relationships will be here! #cl characters - Anything to do with the characters of Conflicting Lives! This can range from reference sheets to random art I've made! #cl art - All official art from Conflicting Lives! This includes character reference art, scene art, and anything other art pieces I've made! #cl ask - All things asks about Conflicting Lives! This tag will be under all asks regarding Conflicting Lives!

Something to note, not all of these tags are exactly existent yet. This is partially because I don't really have anything to use for some of them, like the asks one at the time of posting this.

Conflicting Lives- Character Designs 7/?

Characters introduced in Chapter 7!

Note: all character designs are made with Gacha Club due to a lack in my own artistic abilities at the current time. Please feel free to interpret my designs in your own style!

Empyrians

if ever you find symbolism in my writing please tell me i’d like to know about it too