Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The beginning of the end.

A funny concept in a hypothetical sense, but not so much when it's happening in real time. Everything you once knew comes crashing down on you like a waterfall, deteriorating with every second that passes.

But what if it wasn't like that? What if instead of the world ending, it just degraded? Continously. That's essentially what was happening in Crossroads, around early spring. Coil was getting some coffee at another place when it happened.

Some.. Short looking demon- couldn't have been above 5'2 had ordered something. He couldn't remember what. All he could focus on was the fact that everyone seemed to be staring at them. For what reason, he's unsure of. But it was weird. Weird enough to deter him from actually getting anything.

He couldn't tell if it was their horns, or anything- but he could spot them from a mile away. Always smiling, always kind. And that was the biggest red flag in it of itself. Part of him doesn't know why he's so fixated on them, because he truly has no reason for it.

Maybe it was because of the way they interacted with the demons around them. From what he could see, it was like those talking to them were in a trance. Not even looking away for a second and following their every move.

Coil would never admit it, but that made him nervous. Like something was crawling up his back and burrowing itself into his very bones- a feeling he couldn't just shrug off and focus on later.

No. This was something else. They were something else entirely, but he couldn't get in on that conspiracy theorist bullshit without any adequate proof to back it up. Even if he had lived in a basement for well over four months, he could still recognize it was weird as fuck.

Problem is, nobody seemed to notice. And if they did notice (which he doubted) they didn't say anything about it. That was probably the one other thing driving him crazy. If it weren't for the fact everyone was acting weird as hell, he never would've noticed. Just another thing to feel unsettled about.

As much as he wanted to gather evidence, he didn't wanna become some sort of stalker in the process. But that was the only viable way of getting any 'proof' of the strange things that happened around that demon.

Coil didn't even know how to bring it up to other people without thinking about if they'll call him insane, or brush it off entirely. So he just kept it to himself and hoped he would either stop caring or they went away.
But they never did. And he only got more paranoid.

"Dude, something's bothering you." Skateboard would tell him over their cheap cereal breakfast, visibly frowning at him from across the table. "Just tell me what's wrong, man. It'll take a weight off you."

"What's it matter?" He responds, the thought of nobody else believing him still ringing true in the back of his head. "Not like you'd believe it when I say it. It's not even a big deal."

"Pretty sure it's a big deal when you're looking over your shoulder and shit. C'mon, I'm not gonna laugh. I'm being serious this time." And Coil can't exactly refute that. His roommate's probably the one demon he regularly interacts with on a daily basis that might believe him. So he takes a shot in the dark.

"There's.. This demon. I don't know shit about them, but something's up."

Skateboard can only squint in response, prompting him to continue. "I know it sounds crazy. I might've actually lost my mind or something when I saw them, but there's no way in hell everyone they come across is just nice. Not to mention all the staring.."

"Are you talking about that demon shorter than Boombox with the big horns?" He asks, and there's a flash of recognition in Coil' eyes as he looks up to Skateboard, who's expression can only be described as haunted.

There's a laugh of disbelief as he calms himself down, eventually managing to mutter something along the lines of, "You know them too?"

"Yeah. They're weird."

"Glad I'm not the only one seeing it, then."

Elsewhere is a demon actively washing their horns, indulging in an inextensive morning routine by quickly taking care of their horns and putting on a quick outfit. They weren't any ordinary demon, that was for sure.

If it wasn't the constant staring and marveling from others, it was the kindness they were treated with- the utmost respect from those older than them to the awe that younger demons looked upon them with.

It was easy. A warm smile and a few soft spoken words were enough to charm an entire building alone. And they took advantage of that fact when they realized it. Fortunately for them, it seemed like the world adjusted to their whims.

When they wished for sun, a bright sunny day would come strolling in. When they wanted rain, it would drizzle and cast an almost otherworldly glow to the typically dull streets of Crossroads.

They enjoyed it, quite thoroughly. But not much else would happen throughout their first few weeks living in their average apartment building.

Until they'd take another chance with their given ability.

Chapter Text

Lord Pwnatious the Third never considered themselves to be difficult to get along with. They were fairly eloquent, knew how to talk their way into a great business deal, everything they needed to know to be successful in their field.
However, they never could've expected the visitor who came into their shop recently.

By all accounts, they should've looked down on them. They were small, dainty-looking. Likely had never even been in any real conflict before. Their clothes were modest, a hoodie and sneakers- not an ounce of formality in their posture or wording.
But they found themselves hooked on their words.

"So, what do you do for a living?" They ask, feeling an inexplicable need to get to know them. At this point, they hadn't even asked for the other demon's name- but the little patch on their clothing had said Y/N. So, they could only infer from there. "Only curious, of course."

"Oh! Well.." They look away for a moment, and Pwnatious has a split second of panic strike through them before Y/N looks back, their expression calm. "I just work at a coffee shop. Disappointing, I know-"

"Now, now, don't say that." They find themselves saying, knowing they wouldn't normally do this. "I find it.. Amusing. Entertaining, you could say. Someone like you doing something as laborious as that."

"I enjoy the work, if that's what you're concerned about." Y/N replies, leaning closer to them. As close as they can without literally vaulting behind the counter. "I wouldn't want to take up a job I'm not exactly qualified for, you know?"

"Yes, a reasonable concern.."

Just downstairs were Traffic and Lightblox, having been approached earlier by the short demon before they had gone upstairs to quote, 'survey the shops'. By some miracle, they were able to make the younger demon stop crying when they offered her a gift- a simple click pen with a starlike theme.

They had even held a conversation with Traffic moments prior. Speaking of conversations, he was quickly approached by Boombox. The two often talked just to catch up with each other, and this time was no different.

"So, anything new happen lately? Maybe you could tell me news of one of your recent travels, huh?" The musician suggested, and the other demon would've started talking about his journeys on any regular day, but this time..

"Why don't I tell you 'bout this new demon I met? It'll be quick, trust me."

Boombox tilts his head and enthusiastically responds, sitting nearby Traffic as the demon clears his throat and starts talking. He would've expected the man to have finished talking about them after ten minutes, but to his surprise and slight horror- he kept going.

And the majority of his talk was just praising this mystery demon, like he'd forgotten about Boombox's suggestion entirely. It's not like the other blamed him per se, but he would've liked to hear the cool stuff he saw instead of his experience with interacting with one single demon.

Part of him was confused, and another was part of him wanted to see where this was headed. The way he talked about them gave him the strangest vibe he's ever felt up until that point. It was kind of insane, because not many people get 'close' to Traffic.

And the alarm in his head really went off when he said they had only started talking today.

"Wait, wait, just now? Like, an hour ago? Are you serious?" Boombox asked, watching Traffic's chill expression morph into that of confusion. "Yeah, why? They're nice. No big deal."

The other demon can hardly even process the thought. Traffic wasn't exactly closed off, but he didn't expect him to open up to somebody he just met today. He's also pretty sure no other demon would reasonably do that unless the one they're talking about just saved them from a burning building maybe.

"I mean.. Alright, man. But you're absolutely sure about trusting them? Seems kinda.. Suspicious, y'know?"

Lightblox, hardly involved in the conversation actually spoke up. "They wouldn't gossip! That's not who they are!" It came as a shock to him, but Traffic looked unphased- even adding onto it. "Yeah, man. 'Course I trust 'em."

"O.. Kayyy.. Alright then."

They exchange brief goodbyes as Boombox walks away, feeling thoroughly weirded out and unsettled. It didn't make sense to him. What Traffic and Lightblox said to him only put him off even more.

And he doesn't notice it yet, but he's checking his surroundings out more than usual. He's unsure if he's looking for this mystery demon to see what's up or to avoid them at all costs.

Whatever his next move is, he's gotta make it quick. Something tells him this wouldn't be the last he'll hear of them.

Chapter Text

Nothing really phases Subspace. After the war, Medkit, and everything else- there wasn't much to be shocked about unless the Blackrock council did something he didn't expect.

That is to say, he didn't expect to see something batshit insane happen right in front of him one day.

It started when he, alongside Hyperlaser and his personal Biograft, were escorting a lower ranking member of the council- Baton, he recalls. There wasn't much conversation throughout the journey, but then something happened.

Some short looking demon with four horns, almost like his (which actually terrified him, for some reason) started chatting up the council member. Subspace could literally do nothing else but watch in disbelief, horror, and confusion at the interaction.

Because 1), he's never heard or seen this demon before in his entire life, and 2) commonfolk would typically need to arrange some sort of appointment to talk to the Blackrock council, no matter their ranking.

The audacity was probably the most shocking part of their interaction. But he didn't know what would happen if he did speak up, and he's unsure if he wants to find out. It was 20 minutes of his slack-jawed self staring at the two interact and talk to each other like.. Friends.

It also seemed like his personal Biograft shared the same sentiment, and he couldn't really bring himself to care if it had emotions or not in the moment, because that, in his mind- had much less of an impact compared to some random nobody talking to a higher-up.

At least now he knows their name- Y/N.

Hyperlaser was likely zoning out at this interaction, and Subspace really didn't care because this wasn't in his job description. Has he hammered in the fact that this was appalling yet?

If he could, he would curse them out and threaten their life. But the voice at the back of his head tells him that if he does do that, he may very well suffer before he gets the chance to do that to Y/N.

So instead, he just.. Waits. Until they're finished. Subspace wasn't exactly the most patient demon in the Inpherno, but this one occasion left him gobsmacked. It must've been entertaining to any on-lookers, seeing the usually cocky and boisterous scientist completely caught off guard.

"CREATOR?"

Subspace groans, mostly out of exhaustion as he replayed that entire interaction (well, the bits and pieces of it that he heard) in his head, which didn't do him any favors. "What is it, Biograft?"

".. THAT INTERACTION, EARLIER. IT WAS ODD."

His eye widens as he practically snaps his head over to his Biograft, blinking rapidly. "That's what I've been thinking! It doesn't make sense, no matter what I try to think up, there is nothing that explains that- that casual—"

Biograft actually puts one of their hands on his shoulders in an effort to calm him down. The Subspace everyone knows would never have tolerated this, but he's quite literally so drained and exhausted that he doesn't care.

To him, it was kind of like watching a car crash that you couldn't look away from. Or more comparably, that log truck scene in Final Destination. You know what's happening, you don't like it, but it's important so you have to witness it.

"I don't- I don't get it! I just don't! Who are they?! Are they some sort of higher ranking individual in the council I don't know about?!" He's trying to rationalize it, with the key word being trying. Because nothing is making sense, and that's driving him insane.

"CREATOR, WHY DON'T YOU REST FOR NOW? THINKING OF IT OVER AND OVER WILL NOT MAKE YOU FEEL ANY BETTER."

Let it be known that Subspace rarely ever takes anyone else's advice, but he can't find it in himself to do anything else but rest in this scenario. Otherwise, he'd keep himself up at night thinking of it.

As ridiculous as it sounds, his Biograft had actually made him some steamed milk to aid in his sleep. Because if he thought about them any more than he already did, he would be better off shipping himself to a mental asylum.

That being said, he fell asleep that night relatively peacefully.

The next day, he's already put it past him- and his personal Biograft remarks that he's doing a lot better.

.. Until both of them see Y/N visibly petting an Omega Biograft in front of three Blackrock Council members, right in his own facility.

Biograft had to call emergency services.

Chapter Text

Hyperlaser hasn't actually gone to work in about three days. While he's thankful, he's also a little confused at the random PTO he's getting. Nonetheless, he uses this time to meet up with a friend.

Katana isn't far from him, sitting close by as he drinks his sake, and Hyperlaser takes a swig of his vodka. "You know, I'm not sure why Subspace is giving me some time off."

"Perhaps he's had a change of heart, no?" The samurai suggests, to which Hyperlaser shakes his head. "No. There has to be something else. Subspace wouldn't just give me paid time off for no reason."

"Hm.. Then perhaps you could ask for an explanation once he eventually comes to his senses." He says, which Hyperlaser simply nods to. "That is, if he doesn't deflect my question to something else when I ask."

"True." The two's conversation ends there as they continue drinking- silence settling in like a comfortable blanket. The sounds of the bar gradually fade as the two of them just focus on this moment of rest.

.. Until their immersion is completely broken by the door to the bar swinging open and slamming with a loud sound. Hyperlaser groans as Katana coughs for a moment, and the two of them look towards the newcomer with an already sour mood.

But the thing that replaces that sour mood was confusion. Confusion as to why the bartender didn't react angrily to this newcomer slamming the door, confusion at the reactions of the others in the bar as the newcomer strides up to get a drink, and confusion as to who this demon is.

Because no regular demon would react the way the other demons in the bar did towards them. Hyperlaser senses some sort of familiarity, but he doesn't know where from. The more he looks at them, the more confused he gets.

They're so short he wonders if they're even above the drinking age of Crossroads- hell, Blackrock. No demon was that short, besides Valk. Hyperlaser actually looks back at Katana, and even if a mask covered his visage, he can tell the older man was feeling just as confused as he was.

There's an unexplainable feeling of unease settling into him, an uneasiness that soon turns into fear as everyone's eyes focus in on this short demon as they head over to the karaoke machine the bar had, rarely ever used considering everyone that came to the bar typically got drunk before clutching a microphone.

".. Are you seeing this, Katana?" He mutters, just in case the other demons overhear. "Is- did we have too many drinks already? It's only 7:30 in the evening—"

"Your eyes are not mistaken, Hyperlaser." His companion responds, taking a moment to look at them and their new entourage of drunk demons. ".. However, this does feel like a consequence of us both being inebriated."

There's nothing that could possibly describe the expression on his face beneath his mask. He's not sure if he's ever been this surprised in his life. Alarmed, he's been- alert, he's been before. But the surprise he's feeling makes him really think. 

The two of them actually don't do anything in the moment, instead choosing to sit there and mind their own business. It didn't mean that they didn't talk to each other about this, because who wouldn't?

They stop talking altogether when this mystery demon actually starts singing, and it only serves to alarm Hyperlaser more as he looks upon the crowd of drunk demons who are now drunk-dazed demons. It's like they couldn't- wouldn't look away from that demon.

With all the confusion and unease he's feeling, he indicates to Katana that he wants to leave- and as reluctant as both of them are to leave to early, it was probably the best course of action. Neither of them wanted to be questioned as to why they didn't join the crowd.

The two only start talking again once they're far from the bar, seeing at least three demons heading in the direction they just came from. "That was wildly uncomfortable. Did you see how everyone crowded around them like they were some sort of.. Beacon?"

"I did." Katana answers, likely thinking about it more than he is. "It was.. Surprising. But I saw no trickery, nor did I see anything they were doing with their gear."

"Then what the hell were they doing? A group of demons doesn't just gather around one person and swarm them, even if they kept their distance."

He takes a few seconds to answer, likely just as lost as Hyperlaser is in terms of possible explanations for that.. Whole experience. "I'm unsure. We could talk more about it when we aren't freezing out here, can we?"

"Alright then. Will I be accompanying you, then?"

"I'd prefer if you did."

Chapter Text

Ever since that incident with Y/N, Biograft has had to accompany Subspace more than usual. Mainly because he wants at least one witness in case the two ever come across them again. Biograft once told him it seemed unlikely, but Subspace insisted, so they followed his demands and made sure to follow him. 

The fact he was paranoid about them didn't exactly do him any favors, and it really only served to make Biograft's job harder because he kept shuddering and looking out for them, which made for another one of their duties while Subspace is like this, snapping him out of that fearful state and telling him to focus. 

It was hard to get used to initially, however they made do with their circumstances. They were also looking out for Y/N, because if they noticed them first then there would be a better chance that Subspace didn't freak out. 

They weren't often in Blackrock themselves, which was good news. The bad news was that whenever they were in Blackrock, it would be glaringly obvious. Because they tended to go straight for the council and/or straight up walk into Subspace's lab accompanied by a council member. 

The tables sort of turned after they showed up, because after that inciting incident, Subspace basically became that fish in Spongebob who yells 'HOOPLAH', and that is to say that he ended up needing more time to himself to recover mentally from that unreal scenario. 

Biograft's the real reason he was able to get out of bed and work normally, because he would've been bed rotting by himself if he didn't have anyone else looking over him. Which sounds depressing, and it is. Subspace has long accepted their sentience, which is equal parts good and bad. 

Good because they could understand what he was going through and try to assist in any way they can (as long as they can physically do it), and bad because now they had to worry about the same thing their creator was worrying about. 

They've only ever seen Y/N two times after the 'council' incident, and every time- they've been able to learn something new. For one, their horns- despite looking similar to his own creator's- curved inwards. Almost like a heart. 

It took them a while to process, but they have a rising suspicion that it's related to.. Their entire deal. How they're able to turn any Inphernal docile by simply being there. And they're unsure of what terrifies them more. 

The other thing they discovered was that their eyes were unusually wide. It would typically be unnoticeable, and questionable at best- but it felt important. They knew demons had a wide variety of eyes, but something about Y/N's in particular made them feel uneasy. They're lucky to have gone unnoticed by them both times. 

So they were balancing two jobs. Protecting and encouraging Subspace to function like he typically did, and trying to figure out any information on Y/N. Thankfully, part of their second assignment was made easier through the presence of social media. 

That being said, it barely helped. 

While yes, their job was technically made easier through multiple sources of potential information on this eldritch-like being (because they refuse to believe Y/N isn't some sort of anomaly in the Inpherno) their 'information' was thousands of demons talking about them online as though they were worshipping a God. 

Sounds blasphemous? They know. But that's not even half of what they found out. Apparently, Y/N has also been reposting videos centered around a new music genre called 'nightcore', and while it wasn't ear shattering, it felt unnaturally fast. Like it had been sped up. 

It didn't actually give them anything solid to work with in terms of proving that they're an anomaly to the reality they know, but wait! There's more. Searching internet forums about them netted Biograft many, many discussions about Y/N. 

The sheer amount of conversations centered around one demon intimidated them, but not so much that they stopped searching. The deeper they dug, the more they regretted their decision. Because whoever- no, whatever Y/N was, couldn't have just made themselves an overnight sensation by simply being kind.

If any regular demon had done that, they would've been dead within days. 

It only goes to show the abnormality of them. 

"CREATOR." They say, almost exasperated. "YOU NEED TO REST. THEY AREN'T HERE. THEY WOULD NEVER GO AS FAR AS BREAKING AND ENTERING." Subspace's paranoia struck again, to the point where he was hesitant to even sleep.

"You don't know that." He said, absentmindedly scratching a part of his good arm. "They- they could strike at any moment. Like a viper. No, I have to be vigilant, I can't afford to slip up—"

Biograft lets out a momentary whir, already heading off to steam some milk for the stressed scientist. It would only go downhill from here, from their calculations.

Chapter Text

That scene at the bar didn't phase the sniper as much as it did Katana. Because in all his years of living, he's never seen a demon charm a room within seconds of their arrival.

He's actually trying to figure out who or even what they are, currently. Hyperlaser outright said he didn't want to be involved, but Katana told him that whether or not he was wouldn't be his decision to make.

The fact that he didn't even see them summon their gear should've made him more alarmed in the moment, but he supposed the sake muddled his common sense then. And he's a little thankful for that, because if he were sober, he probably would've made a bad decision. 

With regards to the phights, he's noticed the unspoken tension within the lobby while everyone was waiting. Skateboard and Coil seemed to confide in each other, with Boombox having joined the two not long after. Subspace seemed to keep to himself more- his reasoning, he's unsure of. But it must've made a large impact on him. 

Him and Hyperlaser don't talk often about that night, remembering it more like a tainted memory than one of fond time spent together. It seems like his neighbors have thankfully picked up on his behavior. Part of him hopes that they don't have to know what the two of them saw.

All in all, he's actually been keeping much of the whole incident to himself. He figured it'd be best that way, to prevent anybody else from getting involved. Because if his deductions were correct, the previous phighters might have already had an encounter with that demon. 

If that wasn't the case, then it wouldn't be much of an issue. However, it would certainly slow down his work in eliminating the corruption he seeks to destroy. But this felt more important- for whatever reason, he can't exactly pinpoint. 

If it were aware of them, then perhaps he could request their aid. Granted they were as aware as him and Hyperlaser were- in terms of their.. Abilities. Katana's absolutely sure that they only have a singular prominent ability, that being the capability to calm the demons within their immediate radius. 

He was quickly proven wrong.

One afternoon changed his perception of them, shifting them into a new light wherein it would be blinding to look at. And he isn't exactly exaggerating. See, he was visiting Thieves' Den, feeling an unexpected compulsion to do so. So he decided to go, wanting to see what fate had in store for him. 

The atmosphere wasn't lost on him. Of course, everyone was going about their regular business. Merchants in the distance loudly announcing what they have for sale, a few demons swinging from treetops for faster transportation, the works.

But there was something wrong. Something he couldn't accurately detect the moment he stepped foot into the region. Katana let his mind guide him, thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea if he made sure that he kept his distance from others.

It had taken him to a modern looking boba shop. A demon in his 40s in such a location didn't make much sense, but he had to have been taken there for a reason. Lo and behold, it had shown itself within a matter of seconds.

The short demon at the bar was there, absentmindedly sipping on their drink with little care in the world, only occasionally looking up and waving to someone outside- who they probably didn't know anyway.

It took much effort to not immediately approach them, instead ordering something simple for himself (because he might as well get something out of this interaction if the mystery demon didn't bother talking to him) and then joining them.

"Huh. You're a lot less fluffier than I expected." They started off, barely even looking up at him as their eyes were focused on their phone and drink. "Thought you'd resemble the skins you got."

".. Excuse me?" He said, already caught off guard. What were they talking about? Fluff? Skins? Were they a hunter of some sorts? Impossible. Their hands have likely never known what it would feel like to cut through bone so ruthlessly.

"Yeah. Like Kramptana. He's all fluffy, and he's pretty cute with Yulelaser. Oh, thanks for reminding me.." They say, attention focused solely on their device that likely served very little purpose other than for their entertainment.

They were treating him like a joke. An unwise decision on their part, but if he made any moves towards them- it wouldn't end well. Especially in a place as public as this, not to mention the lack of space. "Reminding you of what?"

"Nunya." They simply responded, getting out of their chair and walking out- the tension in the air vanishing as soon as they exited. Like nothing in the world had changed in the slightest.

".. What."

That next morning, Katana felt an itch around his neck. No matter what he tried, it still wouldn't go away. He even consulted one of his neighbors who advised him to look for Medkit the next phight instead, because even she couldn't figure out what was wrong.

It was only until he started growing fluff did he realize. 

Chapter Text

When Sword invited Rocket to hang out, it was incredibly convenient. Apparently his dad had some sort of meet up with a 'client' (in air quotes because he wasn't so sure about that) later that day so he could do whatever he liked for the morning.

So they met up at Crossroads, with very little planning made and going off from vibes alone. Not too much of a concern considering they hung out a lot, but they didn't wanna just bumble around all day and not do anything productive.

"Why don't we go training in that big warehouse your dad has? Definitely more of an open space than Venomshank's." Sword suggests, and Rocket shrugs. "We can do that, yeah. I do wanna ask, why aren't you training with him today?"

He actually pauses to think about it, before shrugging and looking back at him. "I dunno. Father said he had a few visitors coming over so I thought I could hang out with you."

"Huh." Rocket squints, before also shrugging it off. "Maybe our dads are both just busy. Wonder why it had to happen on a random Wednesday, though." He said, already starting to walk off in the direction of Ranged Royale knowing full well he's gonna pay for their meal.

"Yeah, I think it's a little weird too."

Crossroads was home for both of them, which is why it was so surprising that everything felt a lot more.. Calm? No, that wasn't the right word. Maybe quiet. Crossroads was never known to be quiet for any reason.

"Is it just me or am I getting bored really fast? There's nothing cool going on." Rocket asks, and Sword tries to maintain an optimistic attitude- though, it seems like he's sharing the same sentiments as his friend right now. "Maybe we just haven't come across it yet. Lighten up, I'm sure we'll find something!"

Skip to about a few hours later and they have found absolutely nothing worth their time besides a little arcade that only had three games, which was lame. There was one weird thing that happened though- and it was some guy coming up to them asking if they've seen a.. Y/N. Didn't sound like any gear they knew.

"It's really important, I know they're busy most of the time but if you've seen them could you tell me?" They seemed really desperate, but unfortunately they couldn't really answer. It was strange, but they chalked it up to coincidence.

They made their way back to Venomshank's residence, talking all the while. Their day had been pretty normal up until that point, and it really only got worse. And it started the moment they stepped foot inside of the deity's residence.

".. What the fuck?"

Was the first thing Rocket muttered upon seeing his friend's dad talking to some mortal Inphernal on the main room's couch. Sword was similarly shocked, but managed to find it in himself to respectfully greet them both.

"Greetings, Father.. And greetings to you as well, demon that I don't really know." As respectfully as he could greet the two of them, anyway. Venomshank seemed to brighten at his greeting, gesturing for him to come over.

"Sword! This is my new associate, Y/N. They've been a great help around our residence lately, why don't you get to know them?" He said, and Sword reluctantly sat next to the short demon with bright blue eyes. They made him feel strange- the bad kind.

Rocket was just pissed he wasn't acknowledged by Venomshank, because when he usually visited— he'd address Sword and then nod to him, but this time he apparently didn't notice the rocketeer standing directly beside his own son.

Not to mention the panic they both felt seeing Darkheart of all deities come from Venomshank's kitchen wearing a frilly maid dress. Rocket got out of there as soon as he could, trying his best to keep his composure as he exited knowing full well Sword wouldn't be doing so great after that whole incident.

'Man. I feel bad for him- well, at least I know dad is gonna be fine.' He thought on his way home, taking his sweet time and enjoying himself to some snacks before he eventually had to help his dad out with the shop.

"Hey Dad, I'm hom- Y/N?!"

Rocket had to wash his eyes clean after seeing his father and Y/N being far too close for comfort under the guise of talking business. He's unsure of who they really are, but anyone flirting with his Dad and actually succeeding terrified him enough to go against them.

Chapter Text

"'Nother one for the harvest."

Medkit resists the urge to bury his head into his hands as him and Scythe make their way back from Crossroads to Lost Temple, having received an urgent message to return earlier that day.

Strangely enough, it wasn't followed up by one of Broker's phone calls. His boss dismissed it as him being busy doing something else for the family, but he doubts that.

There's a strange quiet surrounding Crossroads the evening they're traveling home. And by 'traveling', they took a bus after Scythe threatened the driver to keep going if they knew what was good for themselves.

Barbaric as it may seem, it was the nature of the world around them, and Medkit wasn't about to intervene with whatever business his boss was dealing with. He'd rather not have joined the Church in the first place but it's not like he had much agency in that.

"Ey, 'Kit. Broker tells me there's a fancy new demon out there wranglin' the crowds and leavin' them all in awe." She tells him, looking out the window. Medkit squints, staring at her reflection to try and gauge how she wanted him to reply to that.

.. Only to get nothing.

"Why are you telling me this?" He asks, unamused. Scythe only chuckles- trailing off shortly after she started. "It's a conversation starter, ain't it? 'Sides, doesn't it make you the least bit curious about who this demon could be?"

"I'd rather focus on the work we're doing, not a bunch of childish rumors." Medkit retorted, earning a scoff out of Scythe. "Don't come cryin' to me when those 'rumors' yer talkin' about turn true, ya hear?"

"Whatever you say." He mutters, looking outside to admire the scenery- the only real thing he could do right now as opposed to holding a real conversation with his boss, who seemed pretty interested in that demon she was talking about.

The two feel oddly calm stepping into the main church building, even after checking their surroundings for any intruders and seeing no signs of one. What's even better is that those in the capital seem peaceful, even a little cheerful.

"Well, aren't we lucky?" Scythe remarked, still side by side with Medkit as they made their way over to her office, opening the door to reveal their co-worker fiddling about with his signature red telephone. "Evenin', Broker."

"Evening, you two!" He greeted cheerfully, casting a glance to his phone. "Just got off of the phone with the Father about our new acolyte! They've managed to bring others into the Church as well! Isn't that neat?"

Scythe and Medkit balk at that for a moment, before the former smiles and walks over to Broker to sling an arm over his shoulder. "Well, ain't that somethin' worth celebratin'?"
The other eventually comes to join them- albeit sitting in a nearby armchair because no way in hell would he sit on a couch with both of them, unless given no other option.

"They've been a great help to the Church for a while now, about a week or so?" Broker said, still having that giddy smile. "They're such an asset that the Father decided they didn't need to go through the ritual of loyalty!"

...

"What?"

Broker's expression remained unchanged, but he instead tilted his head and furrowed his brows a bit. "What.. Do you mean, 'what'?" He fails to see the incredibly baffled expression on his co-worker's face, and the deadpan stare from Medkit.

"I- I mean, what?" The thought of the Father himself speaking against an acolyte's first introduction to the Church.. "Ya ain't bein' serious, are ya? The Father wouldn't just make exceptions without-"

"Scythe, it really wasn't my choice to make!" He responded, his grin becoming a little strained. Setting off a few alarm bells in Medkit's head. "Believe me. If you want, you could bring it up with the Father himself. Well-"

He turned away for a moment, looking out the single window Scythe's office had- which was really just a hole in the wall that looked like a window. "That is, if he isn't talking to Y/N right now."

Momentarily stepping away with their own volition (code for, being dragged out of the room by Medkit to ensure the safety of both of his acquaintances), Scythe and Medkit stand outside of the room with similar looking expressions.

"Did- did y-" The tired demon raises a hand to silence her for a moment, taking a deep breath. Even he couldn't believe the Father let such a thing happen, but he really didn't care all that much. "Yes, I heard. And I know how concerning this is for you- so we're going to.. Do whatever we can, in our current positions to figure out why this was the case."

"The Father wouldn't just let the ritual of loyalty pass, 'Kit! It's how us folk from the Scorch proved our devotion- how I—"

"Scythe, I get it." He says firmly, managing to shock her out of her confused (and probably pissed) state. "Listen to me, we'll get to the bottom of this. No matter whether I want to or not.."

His boss takes a deep breath and exhales, averting her eye from his for a moment before looking back, looking far more grim than he expected. "Fine. Let's start with who this.. Y/N, might be."

Chapter Text

SLAM!

"Ban- I mean, Warden Sir? There's been another incident of—"

"Shut yer trap! I'm on it, alright?" Ban Hammer snaps, not meaning to. It's not like he was really angry, he's more annoyed than anything. Well, that typically turned into anger for him so..

Well, the reason he was so annoyed was because of the recent influx of criminals around Crossroads in particular. It would've been fine if it were one or two cases like usual, but noooo, somehow there surfaced 27 different and somehow unrelated-but-related robbery cases from Firebrand's neutral ground.

So much for being somewhere mortals could relax. His uncle did a decent enough job, but he was outclassed by Windforce tenfold. At least she managed to keep her subjects (mostly) in line.

His annoyance was also coupled with confusion, because every criminal he brought in ended up yapping about some demon named Y/N who they were apparently doing crimes for.

And upon asking them if this 'Y/N' was some sort of big shot crime boss with a codename, said criminals ended up lashing out at him for even insinuating that "their Y/N" would do something so dastardly as commit crime.

"Doesn't make any fuckin' sense, with that lot." He'd mutter, not even bothering to look through the case files of the latest bunch. His staff have recently been swamped with work following the 'Y/N'-cidents, and some efforts have been made to find out who they are as well.

Unfortunately no real progress has been made since those who end up with a lead also wound up dying somehow. And Banland never had tough job requirements so their positions were filled pretty easily.

"Uggghhh.. What the hell is going on? One demon shouldn't be enough to.. Two demons, I get, but one? What's so special about 'em, huh?" He'd ask himself, going down a slow spiral of madness, unknowing of what he's getting himself into.

Ban Hammer, and by extension the rest of the Inpherno, wasn't exactly familiar with the concept of romance- this should be apparent. However, due to the introduction of Y/N, some demons have ended up with feelings of infatuation.

Not long after, those would fester and sprout into feelings of obsession. Which led some demons to make some questionable decisions, then landed themselves into Banlands- still with those obsessive feelings.

Now, what you get when you have about thirty demons, and more coming, all focused on one single goal (being to get out and see Y/N once more), there comes a problem.

And that problem shows itself rather quickly.

"Boss! Boss— they're trying to break out! Locks are still on but they're really trying t-" The poor unpaid intern who tried to pass this information off ended up getting a shot right to the leg, and that was enough to get Ban Hammer out of his office and back into action.

Unfortunately, strength in numbers was a definite advantage those criminals had and they fully intended on using it. Instead of facing Ban Hammer outright though, they had divided themselves into teams (with some reluctance from others), with one solely focused on neutralizing the Warden so they could get out.

It wasn't like they wanted to kill him, not like they really could with the mix of gears they had- but they very well could have with better organization and focus, because most of them were busy daydreaming about Y/N rather than escaping and actually seeing them again.

.. It took him an embarrassingly long while to actually sort out the break-out situation, and an even longer time to get his staff back up to working condition, because they ended up suffering most of the damage.

Ban Hammer had something he was looking forward to that day, which was why he was a lot more lax with the cases coming in- despite knowing he really should do his job, he is the Warden after all.

Strutting up to Windforce's abode up where Playground was, he lets himself in knowing he was always welcome. What creeps him out though was the lack of noise- ambient or not. Usually his momma would be doing her own share of regulating crime and sending criminals his way, but he supposes something has her distracted?

"Momma? I'm here! I'll come find ya, don't you worry." He says cheerfully, walking through the halls and getting more and more uneasy the farther he goes. ".. Momma? You there?"

Silence.

It might sound ironic, but that was the loudest noise there.

But before long, he manages to hear a conversation between two demons- one of whom is definitely his mother. But he has no idea who that other voice could be. Sounded too high for it to be any of his uncles, so..

"Momma, I—"

"Ban Hammer! Say hello to Y/N!"

His jaw drops as he takes in the sight of his mother and Y/N talking on the couch. And they're uncomfortably close to each other. "Wh- wha—"

Windforce tilts her head at him- almost as though she didn't know what she was doing. "Are you alright, dear? What's wrong?" She glances at Y/N and grins. "Ah. Well, I'm sorry I didn't tell you ahead of time, but they wanted to get to know me better."

Ban Hammer currently looked like a dying fish, and he really couldn't do anything but go along with it and hope nothing went wrong. But effectively, he sealed his fate as a witness to Y/N kissing his mother- or, her hand.

And he didn't wanna say anything, but he didn't see anything in them that made them feel special. He's not even sure what their gear is, how amazing could they possibly be?

But they had to have had something up their sleeve, why else would his mother take such a keen interest in them? Unless they did some magic bullshit and charmed her, but he doubts that the shortstack could've cast a spell that reached her, let alone passed through her sheer will.

Which was why he felt uneasy. He wouldn't have gone if he knew what was gonna happen, as bad as that sounds. 

Chapter Text

It was a fairly average day of work for the three of them. If there was anything they felt that was off, nobody said anything- at least, Slingshot didn't. Shuriken kept looking everywhere with shifty eyes, but that was rarely ever a thing to worry about.

Business for the three of them has been great, especially since they're all phighters and bring in their own fans from time to time. They also appeal to anybody who likes their coffee with passion, so there's that.

But what's been putting all three of them off recently is how.. Strange the other phighters have been acting. Not only in terms of combat but also in general. And if it were for the better, it wouldn't have caused any issues- but that wasn't the case.

Slingshot's buddies Boombox and Skateboard constantly look worried, Coil is just pissed but is way more annoying about it, Hyperlaser and Katana keep to themselves far more than usual, Sword and Rocket give off the vibe that they'll have a heart attack at any given point in time, and.. The rest are basically going through it™.

Especially Scythe and Ban Hammer. Medkit seems like the most unaffected (but that's a given considering how uninterested he is in most things) unlike his co-worker who's actually more aggressive during phights. It seemed odd to Vine Staff how she doesn't bring up the Church all that much anymore.

Shuriken's actually been the only one who ever got any sort of solid information out of a phighter about what's up- and he asked the best person he could think of, Katana. He decided against asking about his new fluff but got right to the point.

"Hey, 'Tana. What's been going on with you and Hyperlaser? Everyone's been so jittery and stuff, I figured I could ask you." He said, glancing at the rest of the phighters with an almost sympathetic glint in his eye. "Looks more weird than anything."

"Everything changes with time, young one." The samurai responds, sounding a little strained. While he can't exactly tell what the older's expression looked like, his voice made it sound like he was.. Afraid? "However, I am afraid this change is far more sudden than any one of us could have anticipated."

".. Meaning?"

"Something new, happened." Katana says cryptically, as if he didn't want Shuriken to know. "Something we could not have prepared for. Be careful, and make sure you and your siblings remain cautious. I would not want you three to get hurt amidst this change."

".. Alright, I guess? Thanks anyway."

"That's basically all he told me."

"Huh??" Slingshot says, having just heard the recap of the conversation. Vine Staff knew more of it by virtue of taking the time to listen, but the lack of critical information dissatisfied her as well. "That can't seriously be it. Surely he would've told us what really happened, right?"

"Well, do you think we'd be sitting here talking about the situation if that's all it really was?" Shuriken tilts his head, blowing a raspberry. "Of course it's not what really happened, there's something else. I just can't for the life of me figure out wh-"

Before he can finish his sentence, Katana walked right through the doors of the café and the three of them remembered they had jobs to do. Except business was slow that day and the older man wasn't exactly the kind of demon to purchase sugary drinks.

"You three. I think it's necessary for you to know what has been-"

He was immediately interrupted by the sound of- and this was a very loud sound indeed, poppy and energetic music reminiscent of a kids' melody. However, the next thing the four of them heard definitely wasn't kid friendly.

"Senpai, I saw you at school today!~"

".. What the-" Shuriken words were—

"Took your picture, then I snuck away!~"

As the narration was saying, Shuriken's words were interrupted by the continued lyrics, and the four of them (with clearly working vision) could visibly see a short demon with horns that only boosted their height clearly snapping pictures with a camera. It looked like they were singing along to the music too, of which nobody knew the source of.

"I want you to notice me, but I'm just someone you don't notice-"

"Katana, what is going on??" Vine Staff asks, incredibly concerned about this new development. Slingshot already made the first move and went to the back to check if a speaker had somehow gotten in there and Shuriken was still processing the beginning part.

"Still, I, think, I've- got a rival I have to kill!"

"I'm unsure of it- their origins, however, there is this demon called Y/N and—"

"Please notice me, Senpai! Please notice me, Senpai!"

Shuriken couldn't take it anymore, and instead of running out of the restaurant like many sane demons likely would've done already, he instead dropped to his knees in anguish. "That's not how you use that word!"

"Please notice me, Senpai! Or others will have to die!"

".. What—"

And like the Gods above hated them, Y/N stepped through the doors of the café with a dramatic flair, eyes landing on some demon sitting alone. It seemed like every customer in there (having not heard the music, somehow) only paid attention when they came in.

"My heart beats faster when I'm near you.."

The four phighters eventually notice that, they're not in Thieves' Rest anymore. Hell, they're not even in Crossroads. They're on a school rooftop. In Thieves' Den. Unbeknownst to them, they had been straight up teleported by Y/N's abilities.

"Where-"

"I get so nervous," Y/N mimics a 'tucking hair behind ear' motion despite having none. "I don't know, what, to, do!"

They then frown, looking to a demon that definitely wasn't there before. Malicious intent radiating off of them. "I don't mean to seem aloof, I've got to push another student off the roof—"

"HUH???" Slingshot is probably the most concerned of the four that isn't actively questioning the logic of the scenario they're in. Unfortunately that doesn't mean much in the moment.

"Then I'll drag her body to the furnace, to destroy all the proof! Why won't you?—"

"Did they just commit murder??? Did- did th-" The cat-like phighter doesn't get much of a response, and actually observes the reactions of his fellow phighters. All of whom are currently questioning reality and what was going on. "You guys!-"

"Sling, we know- just—"

"Everyone else must die! Only you and I! Will be left standing!"

"WHAT THE PHUCK IS GOING ON???" Shuriken's question goes unheard as the four of them, quite literally, watch the most unrealistic (yet terrifying) scenario unfold right in front of their eyes.

There's several piles of dead bodies, all of which don't actually look dead- they only have comically big X's over their eyes and are placed in odd positions. Still, the red sky they were witnessing and even redder atmosphere made them feel out of their depth. Katana took it upon himself to shield the three, knowing deep down he was just as afraid.

"Whoa, there's blood on my knife and I don't know why—"

"PLEASE WHY WON'T YOU NOTICE ME SENPA— I— I—"

The four of them practically tune out whatever's left of the formerly happy song, and when they open their eyes again—

"-Or others will have to die!"

They're back in Thieves' Rest. In Crossroads. No sign of Y/N, or the demon they were supposedly referring to as 'Senpai', nothing. Like they had never been there to begin with.

".. Okay, seriously, what the actual fuck?"

"I.. I fear I have to make this explanation short."

Chapter Text

Imagine the end of the world.

A terrifying scenario, really. One you'd expect to be filled with violence, tragedy, chaos, and all around unpleasantness. Unfortunately, the phighters aren't spared with this reality- because Y/N won't let them.

An exaggeration to a high degree, but it proves true nonetheless. Especially when every phighter currently in the lobby has some negative expression on their face, even if the day's only just started and they haven't been sent off in any phights.

It's most apparent to Skateboard, given that he's the only one without direct contact with Y/N, and Coil intends to keep it that way while still discussing what that demon was up to. Boombox even joined in, reminding the melee phighter to not talk to them unless he was actively bleeding, or something.

Though he was reluctant to really accept that, the glares from the other two alongside the way everyone looked like they had just gone through three wars, two of which killed a part of themselves- he actually listened to them.

But fate is unkind. Cruel, and ruthlessly unjust.

"Hey, everybody!" 

Valk unexpectedly walks in, confusing a handful of the other phighters for that day because.. He'd typically be up there. Upstairs in his office. Doing his business with Dom. Speaking of the older Flipside brother, he actually trails in after. 

"We've hired a new talent to help us out up top. We hope to get you all acquainted, as you'll be seeing more of them." Dom added, and Skateboard could visibly see every phighter tense up at the mention of someone new. He's not sure why, they can't be that ba-

"Y/N! C'mon, say hello!" Valk says cheerfully, making way for the demon just as short as he was. This time, they looked nervous, skittish. But there was something far more intimidating about them than there was either of Flipside. 

"H-.. Hello, everyone." They greeted shyly, receiving an awkward round of 'hello's and.. Other not-so-pleasant but not-very-negative greetings. Valk seems to think it suffices, so their suffering has been shortened- a little.

Skateboard is honestly astonished at how neither of them notice the sour expressions on his fellow teammates' faces. Even Vine Staff, who was usually really nice, looked worried and exhausted. Whatever Y/N did, it must've been bad. Otherwise, he'd think they were overreacting. 

"They've been such a great help to everyone lately! And they've got most of the swords backing it up!" Valk says proudly, garnering horrified expressions from Sword and Ban Hammer, and causing Rocket to start having war flashbacks. "Well, unfortunately Y/N's gonna be really busy- why don't we head upstairs, huh? Phighters, you better get ready!" 

There's an unspoken atmosphere of 'what the actual fuck is going on' between every phighter in the room as Flipside (and Y/N) get into the elevator, and Skateboard feels his eye ache as he attempts to blink the feeling away as the room erupts into conversation the moment they're gone. 

"What in the hells is-" 

"Guys, I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding—" 

"There's no 'misunderstanding' about it! Y/N's not supposed to be here!" 

The simultaneous chatter is basically a flashbang to him as he sees Coil, Boombox, and Ban Hammer actively arguing over each other about Y/N. He makes brief eye contact (???) with Hyperlaser and Katana who are both across the room looking absolutely exhausted. Scythe is somehow not commenting on anything happening.

"Guys, guys! Calm the fuck down!" Coil finally says, somehow becoming the voice of reason all of a sudden as the arguing quiets down. "Hear me out, okay? I got a fuckin'.. What did those nerds call it- a theory! Yeah, one of those." 

"And? We don't have all day, criminal." Ban Hammer says, which the other chooses to ignore in favor of the much more concerning problem. 

"You guys see how Y/N just.. Coasts by? Everyone likes them except us." He says, still having that edge of uncertainty in his tone. "What if we're the only ones that don't? All those chumps outside and even the Biografts cling to their horns and shit."

"Wait.. You might be onto something." Boombox says, looking like he's just had an epiphany. "I was tryin' to talk with Traffic and stuff, and he brought up Y/N, talked about them for like- ten minutes, dude." 

"Well, we know they've basically made Crossroads their stomping grounds." Coil adds, crossing his arms. "Think the only place they haven't gotten their grubby little claws on is Lost Temple." 

"That's where yer wrong." Scythe finally walks up to talk, looking pretty upset. "They got the Father, and the Church. The Overseer's wrapped right 'round that little rat's finger." 

"You're fucking kidding me." Coil says, the light dying in his eyes as the outlaw shakes her head. "We are so fucking cooked." 

"Not to mention they got my momma!" Ban Hammer complains, much to the concern of the others in the room. Windforce wasn't an easy demon to talk to in general, so to hear that Y/N managed to make an impression on her- negative or positive, was bad. "Do you know how humiliating that is?! A mortal getting close and personal to a deity?!" 

"I think the fact that our mutual adversary is close to any Sword is a threat." Katana comments, unmoving from his spot- likely because he couldn't take the bullshit he was seeing just earlier. "If we want this to cease, we must cooperate. There likely is no other option." 

".. Do we seriously gotta?" Skateboard says, glancing at Coil, Ban Hammer, and Scythe. Those three were hard to coordinate in a regular phight as it is, and they were even worse on the same team even if they got into a 'groove'. "Can't Blackrock use a bomb on them or something?" 

"Can't. Y/N has the council in their favor as well." Hyperlaser says, deciding it'd be the perfect time to chip into the discussion. 

"Okay, how the fuck did that happen?" 

"Hell if I know."