Mystrick's Links
Aelia distrusts Irune more than anything, but Irune has information that Aelia can't exactly just ignore. With obvious ties to the IPC, the very people Aelia is out to get, Irune is just as dangerous as the IPC themselves. Nemesis already warned Aelia and Boothill that Irune could turn around and sell information from their own interactions right back to the IPC, which could put the both of them in danger.
But names of the IPC heads involved in the Aves Project. Names of the Stonehearts involved, of what the IPC has been doing in recent years, of a possible return to Aelia's ruined homeplanet.
Aelia does not trust Irune, but she has no choice but to turn to the information dealer - she's the only lead Aelia has.
A new friend (client)! Irune successfully bothered Nemesis into making them introduce her to Aelia and Boothill with the intention to sell them information. She knows the risks of sharing information from the IPC considering the duo's hatred for the organization, as well as the IPC's suspicion of her selling their information, but finds the ordeal amusing enough to hang on. Irune has tempted Aelia over to business by promising information on Aves and the IPC's new plans for her homeland, also hoping she buys other information off of her as well. All's fair in business, after all.
Diamond has many enemies of which the majority aren't memorable to him. Maybe vaguely remembers the Aves Project but simultaneously also is the head of so many projects directly or through his Stonehearts that he doesn't care. "You ruined my life!" "Do you know how little that narrows it down" meme but he's actually a horrible person.
One of Aelia's main targets, right after Stonehearts Obsidian and Opal. Diamond has destroyed so many planets both directly and indirectly through the Stonehearts' projects, and, even if Aelia takes down those from the Aves Project, the survival of Diamond ensures the survival of the Stonehearts and their machinations. Even if some planets survive, most don't.
She knows Diamond is powerful, and yet a part of her knows she'll never stop until she kills him.
A coworker and fellow Stellaron Hunter. Callista thinks Gwen is interesting- although admittedly she thinks all the Hunters are interesting. Their corruption is fascinating and she's tried half heartedly to try to heal it, although knowing full well that it wouldn't be effective at all. Callista thinks their relationship with Blade is super obvious (ironic, considering how clueless she is about Kafka although admittedly she can read both their minds but not Kafka's) and their dynamic just as intriguing as their separate characters are. She hasn't told them about her past- she doesn't really intend to either, considering how insistent Callista has been on avoiding bringing up the topic altogether. Can tell they're a bit uncomfortable around her but not super focused on befriending them either. "Ally" is a good word.
A fellow Stellaron Hunter, though not someone Gwen is close to, due to their general unease around Kafka. Callista had once tried to heal Gwen and their corruption, though her healing capabilities wouldn't have done much for it even if it was something that could be properly cured. Often sees Callista trying to heal Blade after Gwen reverses some of their corruption with his own life, though they're not sure what can be done other than just waiting for his body to naturally - or unnaturally, given the circumstances - heal the lost life itself.
Gwen sometimes wonders about Callista. She's... uncanny, in a way, though they haven't been with the Stellaron Hunters long enough to truly figure it out, nor have they been focusing on it.
Considers Callista an ally, but not exactly a friend - very few of the Stellaron Hunters are Gwen's friends, if she's being honest with herself.
A reminder of her past and guilt. Cora remembers the Aves Project distinctly because it was one of the first assignments given to her by Diamond upon her entry into the IPC. Her involvement was only near the project's end, not making any decisions- she never got that much power- but delivering missives between Diamond, the Stonehearts involved, and IPC personnel. Seeing Aelia was a reminder of her past and the insurmountable guilt, the lives she has ruined in order to stay afloat herself. Trying to help by giving Aelia as much information as possible has helped, but Cora knows her guilt and actions will emanate forever. Honestly still a little afraid of Aelia- after all, Diamond convinced her that everyone impacted by the IPC will hate Cora and harm her.
Cora was only eighteen when the Aves Project neared its disastrous end, and Aelia has complicated feelings about it all. Cora had been involved, even if only slightly, but had panicked and apologized endlessly for her role, even going as far as to give up whatever information she knew without hesitation. Still, a part of Aelia remains angry - angry that there was so little that could've been done to stop her home's destruction, angry that a child was dragged into it and now bore the guilt of not trying to stop it.
She isn't sure if she can ever be friends with Cora. Not yet. In time, maybe, but for now, Cora is somewhat of an ally, able to give her and Boothill insider info about the IPC.
A fellow Galaxy Ranger, though one that seems far, far older than Aelia and Boothill themselves. Nemesis seemed rather... odd when Boothill and Aelia's relationship became clear to them, though Aelia has yet to figure out why. It was far before Boothill's time, so he offered little information.
Aelia is a tad wary of Nemesis, though that hardly surprises her - she's wary of anyone she deems far more just than herself, given her lingering guilt and regret over her actions on Aves.
One of the newer members of the Galaxy Rangers, whom he only met because of Boothill's call for the Rangers in Penacony. Considering most Rangers are lone wolves, he finds Aelia's and Boothill's relationship interesting, but honestly has little interest in general in anything that isn't torturing and killing her targets. Unconsciously incredibly envious of their relationship, because the partner that Nemesis yearns for is a traitor who never loved her.
They still want to help him the best they can, though after the attempted interview about their relationship with Dr. Ratio and the subsequent email Marcus accidentally sent him, they're kind of awkward when he's brought up. Offers to buy him groceries every so often.
Accidentally asked Dr. Ratio if he and Professor Sparrow were doing the devil's tango (he just really needed the bonus from the tabloid he works at oopsie). Former student (was in their class as an elective) and was a pretty decent student before he went off the rails because of Dr. Ratio's classes. Probably acts a little too much like Cor
Sparrow hopes they're okay. After everything, after Sunday and the Order and the Dream, they hope Shrike can come to terms with it and forge a path forward - and, to the shock of many, they hope Shrike and Sunday can continue forward as partners.
As much as Sparrow knows they'll never forgive Sunday, it is not their place to tell others they can't, and they believe Sunday will only be better if he has people to lean on - people who are willing to call him out and help him improve as a person, and get him the help and support he needs to better himself as a person.
Perhaps it is idealism. Sparrow doesn't care. Shrike is someone they hope to continue to call a friend, even if only in passing. They are one of the keys to a brighter future, in Sparrow's eyes.
Despite the incredibly limited interactions they have had, Shrike considered Sparrow important enough to them to reach out while being on the run- although admittedly perhaps out of boredom. They heard about Sparrow's engagement to Ratio and congratulated them, even though perhaps there is a dull ache in Shrike's heart that their turn for such happiness may never come. Shrike was surprised that Sparrow didn't instantly turn hostile towards them, considering the fact that them continuing to be with Sunday has turned much of Penacony against Shrike. They were also surprised that Sparrow voiced their hope that Sunday can find peace as well... there really are still good people in this world.
Langzi is always excited to meet new people, especially a higher level Vidyadhara with horns and a tail. Thinks Meizhen is very cool and respects her although she's hardly older than him. Can relate to Meizhen in the burden of only being a shadow of their past incarnations, and loves to hang out with her, as if trying to give her some semblance of a childhood during her time here. Langzi doesn't understand the greater politics and issues that Meizhen may be entangled in, but he thinks that being her company might be able to help
The young Vidyadhara she met on the ceiling of the General's house. While she finds him calling the General's fiancée "mom" rather confusing, she can't help but feel some jealousy and guilt. Did she have a parental figure like that? Did she want one? Even now, she's not sure, but Langzi is sweet and kind, and despite what he's been through, has the joys of being a child. That's something Meizhen hope he gets to keep.
She lost that childhood, and she doesn't want someone else to as well.
A fellow High Elder. Shiyu has met Meizhen's past incarnations and worked with them plenty. He is surprisingly protective of young Vidyadhara, which includes Meizhen and wishes for her safety and well being. Shiyu understands the stresses that she must endure as someone born to protect a plague mark. After the incident with the reveal that Meizhen was on the Zhuming, he was even willing to extend his stay in the Luofu to help sort out her situation. Sees her as... a niece of some sort, and would go out of his way to help her.
Caelorum Venti, the High Elder of the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Meizhen last met him when she was very, very young, so she only somewhat remembers him. It was enough for her to fear him when she saw him on the Luofu, but also enough for her to feel safe in his arms when the Cloud Knights came after her. Considers him a guardian of sorts, as the oldest High Elder she knows personally.
She wants to apologize for what she became in her attempts to escape the Zhuming and find help for what she fears and experienced, but a part of her fears bringing it up will remind everyone that she stole and abandoned her post overseeing the Primordial Flame. Especially with her fears surrounding what the Flint Emperor might do.
One of Sparrow's peers during their time in Clockwork. Sparrow fears they set a dangerous precedence when they sabotaged their societal debut, not wanting anyone to get hurt because they looked up to the rebellious Fitzroy who had nothing else to lose. They want Cora to be happy - she deserves to be happy, having made it off of Clockwork - but they're not sure if they're capable of helping her.
After Penacony, Sparrow has been trying to keep in more constant contact with Cora, especially now that Cora has Siobhan in her life. It's nice to see their old friend finally start to live the life she deserves after all of the hardship the two endured throughout the years. They're proud of Cora - in a way, Cora is far stronger than they think they ever could be.
The Eden family works under the Fitzroy family, so the two knew each other when they were in Clockwork. Cora looks up to Sparrow and wished she could have been as bold as them, but didn't sabotage her debut. Instead, she fled Clockwork and joined the IPC- although perhaps her situation has ended up a lot more tragic than Sparrow's. Has nothing but great admiration for Sparrow and blames them for nothing. Still somewhat reserved about her situation with Aventurine towards Sparrow after realizing that their relationship with Ratio is far more genuine. Perhaps she is envious of them, although she's always impossible to read- although after Cora has found what she can call peace in her life with Siobhan, she can be fully happy for them without neglecting herself. She hopes they can continue consistent contact even after they leave Penacony
Feixiao feels true regret at the thought of how her lack of control over her own soldiers endangered Yaling's life, and easily threw her pride to the side to apologize to her and General Jing Yuan upon her knees- along with the fear of a war within the Xianzhou. Apart from that interaction, Yaling is the very representation of Feixiao's envy of General Jing Yuan. She, too, wishes that she could live a peaceful life even as a General, and have the privilege of affording a lover. Feixiao hopes they will never meet again.
Yaling finds Feixiao rather intimidating, knowing full well what the Yaoqing General is capable of. She left the fate of the traitors who tried to harm her in the hands of Feixiao, and for that, a part of her feels fear - yet she also knows that Feixiao has been more respectful of her than half of the Luofu over her blindness, treating her with the same respect as anyone else. Is it wrong for Yaling to say she wants to see Feixiao again someday?
One of Ratio's students, and one of the most surprising ones at that. She's young and sensitive, and yet she continues to endure. Sparrow isn't sure why, though they offer the girl as much support and comfort as they can. They know Veritas Ratio well enough that, even if slightly softer with the girl, his critique is far from kind.
Since Sparrow grew closer to Ratio, against all odds, they've tried to befriend Niobe a bit more, a balance to their partner's more harsh gaze. Still, there's been leaps and bounds with the dynamic on all sides, and Sparrow feels endless pride in that fact. Even if they only helped a little bit.
In recent weeks, Sparrow has begun to consider themself one of Niobe's guardians alongside Veritas, and does whatever they can to help keep Niobe safe and, to their best attempt, happy. They still feel bad about the confrontation with Ratio in the Reverie. Niobe didn't need to endure watching that, especially since things have settled since then.
After the events of Penacony, Sparrow has made it their goal to remind Niobe just how loved the little girl is, and how Sparrow and Ratio will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. They almost lost each other back then, to the Dream, and Sparrow refuses to let it happen again. Not without a fight this time.
Has absentmindedly called them her “sibling in law” in relation to Dr. Ratio, confusing the two because Sparrow is neither married to him nor was Ratio aware that Niobe saw him as her brother. Is very sensitive to their emotions and struggles, being particularly empathetic to others who are close to Niobe- it’s just that Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor are both not big emoters which makes her lack a strong empathetic response to them often. Admires Professor Sparrow and is more drawn to art than her mentor is, although her forms of art that she creates tends to be... disturbing. Despite this, Niobe still seems to vehemently take Dr. Ratio's side, even during their fight in Penacony, although Niobe was surprisingly hesitant about it. Trusts Sparrow (more than Cor at least) and wouldn't mind being left in their care. Her therapist is very sure that the presence of Sparrow has helped improve Niobe's mental health, and Niobe is incredibly attached to them especially following the events of Penacony.
A follow member of the Intelligentsia Guild, and far more amicable than Dr. Ratio. Alongside that, their subjects tend to overlap a bit. Sparrow respects his rivalry with Ratio, though they don't often get too involved with it, usually just keeping things from getting too intense and having Cor waste his time on someone who doesn't really deserve it. They haven't told Cor most of their history, though, but after the incident in Sparrow's first (and only) traditional lecture, they're pretty sure Cor knows enough to keep them from having to go through that again.
After recent... events, Sparrow has been at the center of Cor's teasing. They don't mind, though. It's annoying, but Cor's having a good time, and it's ultimately harmless. Besides, who else will hide Dr. Veritas Ratio's eyes from Cor's chaotic pranks against the IPC?
Their subjects overlap a little so they have chances to work together somewhat often. Cor has somewhat figured out Sparrow's history and conditions- since he's always observant of those around him- and knows how not to push them. Complains about Veritas often to Sparrow and makes quips about how he should take Niobe in instead. Has grown somewhat closer to Sparrow in recent days, and finds himself comfortable enough to reveal his tricks and perchance for chaos with them. They both dislike the IPC, and sometimes "scheme" together, when Sparrow distracts Ratio enough to make him forget about the chaos Cor is spreading behind his back. Cor still bickers with Ratio enough to tease Sparrow plenty about their relationship with him, having only a minimal understanding of attachment and romantic love.
Mother figure. The Vidyadhara do not have parents as they are a self-sustaining and reincarnation species, but Langzi was raised by the Vidyadhara's Preceptors who wished to groom him into one of them, hoping he'd be as powerful as his past life. When he escaped their influence, he naturally found himself in pursuit of a parental figure. Yaling- or Mom, as he calls her- is the caring and unconditionally loving guardian he has sought his entire life, not expecting greatness or him to achieve his "fate" in order to even be loved. Often gets into fights with children his age when they insult his Mom, and never seems to learn his lesson. Langzi is impossibly excited to be the older brother to Yaling's newly arriving twins.
Yaling's adoptive son and soon-to-be older brother to the upcoming twins. Langzi was the first of Yaling's new family to come into her life, and she doesn't regret a single moment with him. Despite her attempts to get him to not fight others in her stead, he still does, and a part of her wonders how much she can truly change that. It's nice to have people who care about her that much, though, and Langzi's been a massive help preparing for the twins. He, Yanqing, Bailu, and Meizhen have built up a true, proper little family for her and Jing Yuan - and she loves them all for that.
Closer to Siren as of late, after both come to know what Adriatia has done. Seto appreciates Siren for being someone relatively out of Adriatia's influence, unlike Angelfish, and they exchange information
Siren has grown closer with her sister since learning about what Adriatia has done. She worries for her a lot - Siren doesn't want to see her sister as a rival, no, but the future of the kingdom seems so strange.
Bestie :D
"Sirius is a good friend! I haven't seen him much recently, but I hear something bad is happening. I really hope he's ok, I want to show him how much Svanna has grown, and I know she'd love to see him again!"
"I can't quite understand Siren like I can my other daughters. She seems fine around me, but at the same time she's almost... pushing me away. There's intelligence behind her eyes that defy her age, and if any of my daughters challenge me I do believe it'll be her."
She's... complicated. She has done so many terrible things, and yet she tries to be a doting mother.
I always felt odd around her, like there was something we were all missing. Something dangerous and terrible.
Wine wife wine wife!!!
Beyond Pyre, Carina is the dragon that made Victoryclaimer "human" again to some degree? Gave him something to live for beyond just the empty goal of "survive for Originseer". Gave him a reason to look forward to the next day rather than struggle through the months.
Absolutely adores Carina even if he can't sometimes get that across? Wrecks him daily that he cannot just go snuggle with her and agonizes over how close yet how far away they are.
Will probably pout that his axe he got from her got buried under the rubble that Vyatan caused lmao
;w; Murder Husband
Victory: sorry I was late I was doing stuff
Carina: hehe I'm stuff
Victory: omigod Carina noooo!11!!11
Dream: haha Carina you are f###in my father
Or however that one meme goes kill me
Anywho I imagine they were pretty close??? Before Victoryclaimer took over? Carina was one of her loyal assassins and one of her few Endbringers. It meant so much to her that Carina was willing to risk her life for her and her eggs. Even to go against Soulcarver himself
I like to imagine Dreamkiller girlbossed her way into being Carina's babysitter for Rodinia, Mirovia, and Originmind. Treated them like family (haha irony) and is considered "auntie" by Rodinia.
Probably will hurt her like crazy to find out they were fathered by Victoryclaimer. Betrayed by a friend who fell in love with the dragon that hurt Dream the most.
:'D Sorry Dream ahahahah
This is my mom boogywoogywoogy
Vyatan walked in, declared himself the brother of Pyre and co, annoyed Victory enough to become his dumb animus fish son, and ~hopefully~ weaseled his way into Carina's heart? Maybe hopefully
Just enough that she won't rip you to pieces during the ToB Homeless Arc
THIS MY MOM WOOOOO
Rodinia loves his mom. So much. That's his mom guys! His coolest mom!
Probably asked her who his papa was constantly before Pyre ended up letting him borrow her own papa. (Who is his father dkngskfjsjdj)
Is trying to be independent but the second things go sideways he is 100% clinging to his mama
;w;
Adopted Carina as her mom the second she stepped foot into the Talons of Blood.
Loves her mama. Will always have a soft spot for her and despite being very independent now that she's older??? She will always come back to her mama
orng