just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

It's not the end. It's just a beginning.

Harlequin Swap AU by @tadc-harlequin-au

Based on my and @mrs-nightshade ideas

A source of inspiration: @thore-lb

Lavender

Chapter 3

A week had passed. The brothers were busy working on something in the workshop. Pomni didn’t pay much attention to it at first. However, curiosity eventually got the better of her. As Caine was carrying a large but lightweight sack over his shoulder, she sighed and approached him.

“Caine,” Pomni said, standing right in front of him. “What’s in the sack?”

“Uh…” Caine averted his gaze. “A body!”

“What kind of body?” Pomni crossed her arms.

“A human tried to sneak into the bunker… so I neutralized them!” Caine blurted out in one breath.

Pomni poked the sack and felt its contents.

“Is this… polyester stuffing?”

“You can tell just by touch?” Caine’s eyes widened in shock.

“Caine! Is this related to you and Able being holed up in the workshop for a week?”

“It’s better if I show you rather than tell you.”

They walked to the workshop, where Able was bent over blueprints, scratching his head.

“Caine, you’re finally back! I can’t make sense of a single word on these!” Able turned, only to see Pomni standing beside his brother. “Oh.”

“Don’t ‘oh’ me!” Pomni scolded, crossing her arms. “What are you two troublemakers up to?”

The brothers exchanged glances. Caine nodded, and Able pulled a tarp off the table, revealing the body of a puppet—a mannequin, to be precise.

“All that’s left is to stuff the body with polyester,” Caine said, setting the sack down.

“Hah.” Pomni placed her hands on her hips. “Well, hello, Melissa. Long time no see.” A thought suddenly crossed her mind. “Boys, where did you even get so much stuffing?”

Both Caine and Able stared at the ceiling.

“Don’t tell me you tore up the sofa in the living room.” Pomni gave them a sharp look.

“Pomni, how old do you think we are?” Able replied, offended.

“Yeah! The sofa in the living room isn’t big enough to fill the mannequin,” Caine added, thinking he had said something clever.

…

No.

“In any case, we need to hurry,” Able said, opening the sack. “We’ve already been at this for a week. Lilac’s probably cried her eyes out by now.”

“How is she holding up?” Pomni asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in a week,” Able admitted. He was about to reach into the sack when Pomni grabbed his arm.

“You left my sister to grieve over a dead body, and it didn’t cross your mind to check on her?!” Pomni was so furious that both her eyes disappeared behind her mask.

“Well, when you put it like that…” Able averted his gaze guiltily.

“You’re going to cheer her up right now! Caine and I will finish the mannequin,” Pomni declared, giving him a firm push.

Able wanted to protest but quickly realized that arguing with Pomni was a bad idea.

The walk to Lilac’s house didn’t take long. Able pushed open the door—it was unlocked. He went into the kitchen. The kettle sat in the exact spot Lilac had left it on the day he last visited. He went up the stairs and found Harlequin sitting on the floor next to her owner’s bed. Once-neat curls had lost their shape, and her lavender dress was covered in a layer of dust. Able approached cautiously.

“Lilac.”

“Huh? Who’s there?” Lilac looked around nervously. “Able. Sorry, I was rebooting my visual module.” She rubbed her eyes. “I’ve been crying so much it short-circuited.”

Able sat beside her, leaning against the bed.

“Do you know how long you’ve been here?”

“I haven’t been keeping track,” she said, resting her head next to Melissa’s lifeless shoulder.

“I’m sorry you lost someone so close to you.”

“Not just someone close. A friend,” Lilac replied, she sat the same as Able and pulled her knees to her chest. “To Melissa, I wasn’t just a servant robot. She saw a human soul in me. I haven’t felt so alive since… well, since I died.” She began sobbing quietly. “I failed the only person in this world who didn’t see me as just a tin can.”

Able was surprised by how many tears she could produce. He tried patting her shoulder, but Lilac grabbed his vest and buried her face in his tie. He had no choice but to hug her.

Eventually, Lilac calmed down a bit and stopped crying. Seizing the moment, Able scooped her up in his arms.

“Where are we going?” Lilac asked hoarsely.

“Home,” Able said, looking into her eyes. “I’m taking you to the bunker.”

“No,” she whispered. “I can’t leave Melissa.”

“Lilac,” Able stopped walking. “Melissa’s not here anymore.”

“But her body…”

“It’s empty. There’s no soul in it.”

“But what if there’s still a chance?”

“There’s no chance! After biological death, the soul departs for the afterlife. And even if this wasn’t the case, you’d tear her soul to shreds trying to transfer it into a die.”

“How do you know that?”

“Your sister’s soul nearly disintegrated when I transferred it.”

“You… transferred Pomni’s soul?” Lilac’s tone shifted abruptly. “You know how to transfer souls?”

“Uh…” Able had just reached the front yard.

“You… liar!” She jumped out of his arms. “You could’ve transferred Melissa’s soul into a die, but you didn’t! Because of you, my owner is gone forever!”

“Lilac, listen. I had my reasons!”

“Reasons?” Her anger grew. “Is it because you don’t like me? You arrogant rooster!”

“Believe me, that’s the last reason I lied to you,” Able said, narrowing his eyes.

“Oh, really?” Lilac yanked the cord on her back and started removing her dress.

“Whoa, no, no, no! I don’t know what you’re planning, but I don’t like it,” Able said, turning away.

Lilac tossed her dress aside, tying her hair into a ponytail with its cord.

“I’m going to take all my anger out on you,” she declared.

Abel turned back cautiously. Under her dress, Lilac wore black leggings and a matching top. However, it wasn’t her clothing that caught his attention—it was her toned figure, which had been hidden by layers of fabric.

“You… you’re a Combat Harlequin?” Abel asked in surprise.

“I was designed to be a personal, all-purpose servant. These days, that means knowing how to fight,” Lilac replied, adopting a combat stance. “I’ll beat you so hard you’ll see stars in broad daylight!”

“Lilac, I’m not going to fight you,” Able sighed.

“I don’t care what you’re going to do!”

She lunged at him, aiming a punch at his chest. Able blocked it by crossing his arms.

“Hah. Not bad,” he complimented.

Without a word, Lilac swung her leg, landing a kick to his stomach. Abel staggered slightly.

Ultimately, he didn’t strike back—he just defended and dodged. Her movements seemed oddly familiar to him.

“I see… she’s trying to mimic my fighting style,” he thought.

At that moment, he got distracted, and Lilac managed to knock him to the ground. In an instant, she straddled his chest and pinned his arms down with her knees. She wasn’t very heavy, so Abel was about to throw her off when she suddenly grabbed the bolt on his neck.

“Grghkt,” he let out a strange sound.

“Oh, is this bolt sensitive?” Lilac asked playfully. “What happens if I unscrew it?”

Somehow, with her bare hands, she began turning the bolt on Able’s neck. He stifled a scream of pain.

“Oh, does that hurt?” she giggled. “Maybe this way you’ll understand how I felt that day when you didn’t help me.”

The bolt was already turned ninety degrees when—

“Lilac, stop!” Pomni called out.

“Pomni?” Lilac turned toward the voice and froze.

Standing a short distance away were Caine and Pomni. They were supporting an unfamiliar puppet between them. The mannequin had short brown yarn for hair, bright emerald eyes that stared curiously at Lilac, and an outfit of varying green hues—trousers, a rolled-up shirt, and a vest. Lilac slowly got up and approached the new puppet.

“M… Melissa?” Lilac reached out a hand.

“It seems so,” the mannequin replied hesitantly with a small smile.

“We barely made it,” Caine exhaled.

“Lilac,” Pomni placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder, “Melissa has just become a puppet. She isn’t enlightened yet, and she has no memories.”

“You don’t remember me?” Lilac asked softly.

“I’m sorry,” Melissa replied apologetically.

Caine walked over to Able and extended a hand. Able stood up and twisted the bolt on his neck back into place.

“Did you… fight with Lilac?”

"She… beat me up." Abel couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. "Her strikes were precise, her stance solid, and her timing was perfect. She’s… she’s…"

"Able." Lilac brought him back to reality. "You did transfer Melissa’s soul into a die, didn’t you?"

"She wanted it." Able gestured toward Melissa. "Besides, I couldn’t let you accidentally kill your best friend."

Lilac smiled warmly and hugged him.

"Thank you."

Before he could hug her back, she let go and gently pulled Melissa toward the house.

"Come on. I’ll explain everything and show you around."

"Let’s give them some time." Pomni headed toward the bunker.

Able took one last look at the house, picked up Lilac’s dress from the ground, and placed it on the bench near the entrance.

"Abel. Let’s go." Caine called to him.

"Oh. Right. Coming." Able trailed after his brother toward the bunker.

Some time passed. Lilac slowly helped Melissa regain her memories. She also reconnected with her sister, and they occasionally enjoyed tea together.

One day, Melissa was sitting in the library of her home, reading an old, worn notebook. As her eyes scanned the last line, a spark of consciousness lit up in her gaze. She set the notebook aside and began to examine herself with curiosity. She touched her hands, her face, her hair. Her new body felt soft to her.

"I think I’ll get used to this." Melissa smiled and walked toward the kitchen.

Able was sitting in the bunker’s kitchen, staring into a mug of coffee.

"You’ve been pretty absent-minded lately." Caine entered and sat across from his brother.

"Caine" Able pushed the mug aside. "Have you ever felt like you needed to shut your brain off, but one single thought wouldn’t let you?"

"Like a virus eating you from the inside?:

"Yeah. Ever since Lilac and I fought." He touched the bolt on his neck. "I keep replaying that moment in my mind. I don’t know why."

"Ugh. Wish I had an answer for that." Caine ran a hand over his golden tooth.

"There you are." Pomni appeared in the doorway. "Come on. We have guests."

In the living room, Lilac and Melissa were already waiting. Lilac was dressed more simply than her usual elaborate evening gowns, wearing a floral blouse and a layered floor-length skirt. Her hair was only lightly curled, left unstyled. Abel couldn’t take his eyes off her. In this understated appearance, free from her usual "proper lady" persona, she seemed genuinely beautiful to him.

"Pomni." Melissa rose from the couch and approached the Puppeteer. "Thank you. And thank you too, Cain and Able. Because of you, I can breathe fresh air again. I have one last request."

"Name it. We’ll do everything in our power." Pomni smiled warmly.

"Please, let Lilac stay with you in the bunker." Melissa clasped her hands as if in prayer.

"What?" Lilac stepped up to her former owner. "What do you mean, let me stay? I’m not leaving you alone."

"Lilac." Melissa turned to her. "I’ve been confined to my house for far too long. It feels suffocating. I want to see the world, to learn how it has changed over the years."

"You’re going on a journey?" Lilac clenched her fists. "Then I’ll go with you."

"No, you won’t." Melissa took Lilac’s hands in hers. "You’ve served me faithfully for so long. Now it’s time for you to live your own life. You have a wonderful sister, and you’ve barely talked to her. Catch up on lost time. The world has given you a gift – a second life. Use it for yourself."

Lilac slowly smiled.

"Alright." She nodded. "I will."

Gradually, Melissa and Lilac’s home grew empty. Melissa packed her belongings into a large backpack and headed for the city’s outskirts. Lilac, meanwhile, prepared for her move.

Able helped Lilac pack her boxes.

"Thanks for your help." Lilac descended the stairs with a carpetbag in hand. "I’ve packed all my clothes. Did you finish with my books?"

"I didn’t know you read so much." Out of curiosity, he opened one of the books. "Correction. Write?"

"When I’d read and memorized all the novels in the library, I started writing my own. I might not have much experience, but I do have a vivid imagination."

"Well." Able closed the manuscript and carefully placed it in the box with the others. Then he sealed the box and lifted it. "This is the last one. Ready to go?"

Lilac took one last look around the house, sighed, and smiled.

"Yes. Ready."

The two puppets stepped out of the house. Lilac locked the door and placed the key in her carpetbag. Able waited for her a little way ahead. She linked her arm with his, and they headed home.

The end of the Prologue

[just-mary-ann]

I need to finish this before my hyperfixasion is over!

Harlequin Swap AU by: @tadc-harlequin-au

Idea by me and @mrs-nightshade

Honorable mention: @thore-lb

Lavender

Chapter 2

The brothers returned to the bunker. Able silently made his way to Pomni's office. The Puppeteer had just lit her pipe, so the smoke had yet to fill the room.

“Pomni. We need to talk.”

“Make it quick. My brain’s already shutting down,” Pomni said, glancing over her shoulder at Able.

Able sat in the chair opposite her desk. She turned to face him.

“Did you know Lilac’s owner?” Able asked directly.

“Melissa?” Pomni thought for a moment. “She’s a geologist. Studied gemstones for a long time. Why?”

“Lilac asked me to turn her into a puppet. Apparently, she’s gravely ill.”

“Oh… well, that’s sad. But there are still plenty of rooms in the bunker. Just let me know when you’re planning to transfer her soul into a mechanical body.”

“Pomni,” Able sighed, “I lied to Lilac.”

“What did you do?” Pomni’s calm expression remained unchanged as she moved the pipe away from her lips.

“I told her I didn’t have enough knowledge to transfer a soul into a new body.”

“And this is coming from the same person who personally pulled my soul out of a dying body?” Pomni scoffed.

“That’s the problem. I was running on adrenaline back then, acting in a crisis. Soul transfer is a delicate process—one mistake and that’s it. I’m not ready to take on that burden again,” he exhaled. “Not again.”

“Well, lying isn’t great regardless,” Pomni leaned back in her chair. “What do you plan to do now?”

“Maybe you could talk to your sister?” Able suggested.

Silence.

“Alright, I get it. Goodnight.”

He left the office. Pomni stared at the ceiling of her small workspace.

“Lilac…” she muttered, placing her hands on her stomach. “You’re strange.”

And so, days passed. Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. Able continued to fight in the ring, but he no longer heard the excited cheers of his purple admirer. He caught glimpses of her in the crowd, but she remained silent, merely watching him intently, as if studying his every move.

One evening, Able stood by the entrance to the ring, holding a glass of whiskey. Not that he particularly liked alcohol, but today he felt nauseous and wanted to dull the sensation. Suddenly, he heard the slow, quiet click of heels and caught the scent of lavender. Lilac was heading toward the exit.

“Hey. Lilac,” Able called out to her.

“Hm?” She turned toward the voice. “Ah… dear Able…”

Lilac stopped and stood beside him. They leaned against the wall of the building and gazed up at the starry sky.

“You look awful. Everything okay?” Able asked, taking a sip.

“Thanks for the compliment,” Lilac quipped. “And no. Everything’s bad.”

“Want some?” He offered her the glass.

“As much as I’d love to call that an indirect kiss, I don’t drink alcohol. Especially not something that strong.” Lilac wrinkled her nose.

“Your loss.” Able finished the whiskey. “Ugh. I won’t be at the ring tomorrow. Got things to finish up in the bunker.”

“Fine. I wasn’t planning to come anyway,” Lilac muttered, clutching her parasol with trembling hands.

“Melissa’s worse?” Able guessed.

“Not just worse. She’s gone blind.” Tears streamed down Lilac’s face. “The doctors say it’s the final stage.”

“I’m… sorry I can’t help.” Able looked away.

“I even managed to obtain an empty die.” Lilac hugged her parasol tightly. “At this rate, I’m desperate enough to just rip her soul out of her body and force it into the die!”

“You’d what?” Able felt something akin to fear.

“I… I found a scientist’s journal at home. Lady Melissa comes from a family of scholars, so we have a large library. The journal described early experiments in soul transfer. It’s dangerous, delicate work, like weaving lace from silk. That scientist never had a successful experiment, but…” She looked at him resolutely. “I don’t have time to wait anymore. Tonight, I’m transferring Lady Melissa’s soul into the die. So please, when you get back, start working on her body.”

Able wanted to argue, but Lilac thrust a carefully folded piece of paper into his hands.

“I’d prefer if you made her a Harlequin body, but I understand how hard it is to find materials for that. So make her a Mannequin instead.”

Able unfolded the paper. A precise sketch of a Mannequin, complete with detailed specifications, height, color palette, and upholstery materials, now rested in his hands.

“I’m counting on your mercy,” Lilac said as she walked toward her home.

“Lilac, wait.” Able placed the glass on the ground and followed her. “I’m coming with you.”

“That’s unnecessary. You don’t even know how to transfer a soul.” Lilac kept walking.

“Either way, I’m coming. No discussion!” Able thought to himself, "She’ll tear her soul to shreds. I have to stop her before she makes this mistake."

When they reached the small house, Lilac unlocked the door and headed upstairs to the bedroom.

“Melissa,” Lilac called softly, “I’m back.”

A young woman, no older than 25, sat by the window. Her short brown hair swayed in the night breeze. Her head rested on her hand, propped on the windowsill.

“The fresh night air,” Melissa murmured. She turned her face toward Lilac. Her eyes, pale as snow, seemed to stare straight at her, as if she could still see. “How was the fight? Did you see your beloved?”

“He came with me,” Lilac replied with a faint smile. “Able, this is Melissa Emerald, my owner.”

Able cautiously entered the room behind Lilac.

“Able. Wow. I didn’t think I’d get to meet you in person. Sorry, I can’t look you in the eyes. I don’t even know where your eyes are,” Melissa said, staring at the doorway, though both puppets had moved aside.

“Melissa, listen.” Lilac sat on the bed next to her owner and took her hand. “Able will build you a mechanical body. Once I transfer your soul into the die, you’ll be able to see again.”

“Oh. That’s wonderful.” Melissa forced a smile. “Lilac, why don’t you put the kettle on? We have a guest, after all.”

“Oh, right. How rude of me. I’ll be right back,” Lilac ran to the kitchen.

“You made her leave the room on purpose?” Able pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down.

“You’re sharp. How have you not noticed Lilac’s feelings for you all this time?” Melissa chuckled. “Tell me, does she have the knowledge to transfer a soul into a die?”

“To be honest, there’s a high chance she’ll just tear your soul apart. During a transfer, there must be no resonance. And if the person performing it is emotionally unstable… Let me ask you directly. Do you want to become a puppet?”

Melissa turned her face toward the breeze.

“I want to see the world. I’ve spent my whole life within these walls. I’m curious about the world beyond this city.” She reached out and found Able’s hand. “Tell me, why did you lie to Lilac about lacking the knowledge to transfer a soul?”

“Let’s just say… even though I’ve done it before, I don’t want to do it again,” Able pulled his hand away. “But I also don’t want Lilac to bear that burden.”

“I see,” Melissa nodded. “Then let’s begin. I don’t have much time left.”

Able nodded.

Lilac stared at the kettle. The moment it began to whistle, she used an oven mitt to remove it from the stove.

“I don’t even need an oven mitt. Why am I still using it?”

She heard footsteps on the stairs. A grim-faced Able entered the kitchen.

“Able, the water’s boiled. What kind of tea do you prefer?” It seemed Lilac was slowly recovering from her despair.

Suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embrace. Lilac melted into his arms. They were so strong, yet gentle. She could stay like this forever. But his voice brought her back to reality.

“I’m sorry. But it’s too late.”

Fear gripped Lilac’s soul. She rushed upstairs, only to find Melissa’s lifeless body.

To be continued

[just-mary-ann]

WHY SO CUTE!?

Did this little doodle of the two harlequin sisters earlier on.

Lilac belongs to: @just-mary-ann

Harlequin Pomni belongs to: @tadc-harlequin-au

[just-mary-ann]

TWIN BROS AESTHETIC!

POV: When you put these two together...

Scarlet belongs to: @just-mary-ann and @mrs-nightshade

Harlequin au belongs to: @tadc-harlequin-au @iamespecter

[just-mary-ann]

I DON'T HAVE SELF CONTROL!

Harlequin swap AU by: @tadc-harlequin-au

Based on the draft of me and @mrs-nightshade

Honorable mention: @thore-lb

Lavender

Pomni and Caine sat across from each other at the kitchen table. Their coffee preferences differed—not that they needed coffee—but indulging in such a human ritual allowed them to feel alive, if only for about ten minutes.

"I didn’t see Able this morning," Caine remarked, inspecting his top hat before placing it back on his head.

"He hasn’t returned from the fighting ring yet," Pomni replied, stirring her coffee slowly.

"The fighting ring?" Caine tilted his head, mimicking the gesture of a raised eyebrow.

"The first rule is not to talk about it, so that’s all you’ll get from me," Pomni chuckled.

Suddenly, they heard a grumble. Able entered, exuding irritation.

"I’m back," he muttered, heading straight for the coffee machine.

"You look exhausted, brother," Caine slid a clean mug toward him. As expected, Able caught it effortlessly. "Don’t tell me you lost?"

"Bite your tongue, detachable jaw," Able retorted, pouring himself a cup of coffee before sitting beside Caine. "I found out who my 'secret admirer' is."

"You mean that fanatic who’s been staring holes through you at the fights for the past month?" Pomni leaned forward.

"She’s so persistent I could physically feel her gaze," Able ran a hand over his head. "You’ll never guess who she is."

"Oh, let me guess—a dainty little statuette who’s bored of high society and fell for a bad boy," Pomni waved her hand sarcastically.

"Your sister," Able replied, waiting for Pomni to meet his gaze. "Lilac."

"Pomni has a sister?" Caine was genuinely shocked.

"Not just a sister—a twin," Able explained.

"No way. Lilac is a 'proper lady.' I refuse to believe she’d attend a fight," Pomni nervously started stuffing herbs into her pipe.

"Believe it. I’d recognize her Harlequin design anywhere. How many Harlequin puppets do you know?" Able sighed.

"Excuse me, but could someone explain how Pomni has a twin sister?" Caine interjected.

Pomni and Able exchanged glances.

"When a man and a woman love each other, they can create new life," Pomni began with a smile.

"Th-that’s not what I meant!" Caine facepalmed. "I mean, why hasn’t anyone mentioned her all this time I’ve been living in the bunker?"

"There wasn’t a need to," Pomni leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "My sister and I haven’t spoken since she gained full consciousness. I’m not even sure she knows where the bunker is. I did try convincing her to move here, but even after enlightenment, she chose to stay with her human owner."

"A puppet willingly serving a human?" Caine mused.

"Can we drop the subject?" Able stood up from the table. "Her voice is so sweet it’s practically cavity-inducing. I’d rather not think about it anymore."

The day passed quickly, and soon it was night. Able prepared to leave for the fighting ring again.

"Able," Caine stopped him. "Listen. Can I come with you tonight? I’m really curious to see how you fight other puppets."

Able chuckled.

"What? Losing to me wasn’t enough for you?"

"Our match was a tie. We’re evenly matched in strength," Caine crossed his arms.

"Fine. No harm in having one more spectator. Let’s go."

Caine enjoyed watching his brother fight, though the crowd's noise made him uncomfortable.

"His stance is solid. His punches are professional. It’s clear this isn’t just fighting for him—it’s a sport," Caine muttered to himself.

"YES! GO, ABLE! YOU’RE AMAZING UNDER THE RING LIGHTS!"

Caine turned toward the feminine voice. Beside him stood a puppet woman. Her long black hair was styled in elegant curls, gathered into a loose updo. She wore a floor-length lavender gown with closed shoulders and long sleeves, adorned with ruffles and lavender embroidery. She completed the look with mesh gloves and a parasol hanging from her elbow. The puppet applauded enthusiastically with every blow Able landed.

Suddenly, realization hit Caine.

"Lilac?"

"Hm?" The puppet turned to him. "Do we know each other?"

"Not personally. I’m a friend of Pomni and Able. Caine."

"Oh, a friend of my sister. And my darling Able? Well, hello there. I’m Lilac, the Lavender Harlequin. Come to watch the fight?"

"Yes. But I won’t stay for the rest of the evening. Once Able is done, we’re heading home."

Able’s opponent suddenly landed a hit on his shoulder. His arm went limp.

"Looks like a shoulder joint injury," Caine winced at the thought of the pain his brother must be feeling. "We’ll need to replace it."

"You... can repair puppets?" Lilac clutched her parasol tightly.

"Both Able and I know how to repair and create puppets. I can’t recall where I learned, but it doesn’t change the fact that we often spend time in the workshop."

"Create... puppets..." Lilac clung to his words.

Despite his injury, Able secured a victory. As they left the club, Able suddenly cracked his shoulder back into place, restoring its movement.

"Ah, so it was a dislocation, not a break?" Caine asked.

"Did you think a weak hit like that could hurt me?" Able teased.

"Darling Able!" Lilac hurried after them, slightly out of breath. "You’re so fast, and I’m in heels!"

"Ugh. Lilac," Able averted his gaze. "What do you want this time?"

"Caine said you can create puppets. Is that true?"

Able shot a glare at his brother.

"So what if it is?"

"That means... you can create one from scratch?" Lilac fidgeted with her parasol.

Able froze.

"So what?" he repeated.

"My owner, Lady Melissa," Lilac’s voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes. "She’s gravely ill. No medicine helps her. Please, I beg you, help her." She looked at him with pleading eyes. "Can you turn her into a puppet?"

Able hadn’t expected such a request. Usually, Lilac would shower him with compliments and hint at a date. But now, she seemed... desperate and hopeless.

"Ugh," Able sighed. "To be honest, yes, I can build her a body." Lilac’s face lit up with hope. "But a mechanical body is just a shell. Without a soul, it’s useless. I don’t have the knowledge or skills to transfer her soul from a living body to a mechanical one." He turned and began walking toward the bunker. "If I could help, I would. But as it stands..." Able glanced back at her. "Pray for the best outcome."

Caine felt sorry for Lilac. She stood frozen, as if rooted to the spot, her tears abruptly stopping. Without a word, Caine followed his brother.

To be continued

[just-mary-ann]

AH!

POV: your sister is the Patriarch who somehow manages to get taller than you and loves to mention it regularly. ( @just-mary-ann thank you for the suggestion of the tiara for Patriarch Lilac.)

Roleswap au belongs to: @tadc-harlequin-au @iamespecter

Lilac was created by: @just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

In the harlequin roleswap au, if lilac was the patriarch of puppets would you say that she would be taller or shorter than puppet mistress Pomni? I'm asking because I'm working on something for the roleswap. Thanx!!

AHAHAHA! OH MY GOSH! WHY DOES NO ONE LIKES BUBBLE THE PATRIARCH!?

Let's say that she was originally the same height as her sister, but she transferred her soul to a bigger body just to be extra presentable~

[just-mary-ann]

FRIENDS TO LOVERS TROPE!

Today in 'Questions that keep me awake at night':

If Lilac and Scarlet got together they would be ❤ Besties❤ or 💜Lovers💜?

Lilac and Scarlet belong to @just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

AAAAA AHAHAHA! THATS HILARIOUS! OH MY GOSH!

Ragatha ran over her ex...

Harlequin Pomni, Jax and Ragatha were created by: @iamespecter @tadc-harlequin-au

Lilac was created by: @just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

Thank you for the meal

Harlequin and Harlequin Swap Au's by: @tadc-harlequin-au

Purple/Lilac by: @just-mary-ann

Honorable mention: @thore-lb

Scarlet

Chapter #3

Pomni opened the door to her office, looking side to side to assure nobody else was awake in the bunker, thankfully it was rather late.

"Clear... C'mon, let's go."

Pomni walked almost silently through the bunker, occasionally making sure Scarlet was following her, which he thankfully obediently was. They made it to Caine's room completely unnoticed.

"Here, you should know what room this is, go ahead and change, I'll wait outside." Pomni spoke curtly as she opened the door for Scarlet.

Though it seemed Scarlet had different plans, gently wrapping one of his arms around Pomni's waist and swiftly pulling her into the room while she was off guard.

Scarlet closed the door behind them before walking over to the wardrobe, already tossing Caine's hat and outer coat onto the bed. Opening the wardrobe everything was rather similar variations of Caine's normal outfit, and there was a suspicious black box in the corner of the wardrobe.

"You're not very picky, are you Caine..." Scarlet muttered quietly to himself.

There was a soft mumble in the back of his mind, Caine was almost completely asleep in their head.

The suspicious box finally caught his eyes, he crouched down, checking under the lid before grabbing the box.

"Aha! My outfit!" Scarlet exclaimed happily, moving to put the box on Caine's bed for easier access.

"Huh, I could've sworn Caine said he'd gotten rid of that..." Pomni spoke more to herself than to Scarlet.

Pomni looked away as Scarlet started unbuttoning Caine's vest and shirt, preparing to take them off.

"Hah! Why are you turning away? All I'm doing is changing shirts, all our pants are exactly the same." Scarlet chuckled softly, looking over his shoulder at the Puppeteer.

"Still I haven't seen him without a shirt on and I won't until HE allows me to, don't forget that body isn't just yours to flaunt."

"Oh, you're both so very delicate..." Scarlet pulled off Caine's bowtie and vest before continuing to unbutton the white dress shirt Caine had been wearing. "Oh well, we'll have times for these things later."

Pomni backed up to be just next to the door, looking just about anywhere except at Scarlet. She wondered about how she got here, just a few minutes ago she was relaxing in her office with Caine and now she was stuck practically babysitting his other half.

Pomni sighed deeply. "Caine, why must you do this to me..."

After about a minute Scarlet had finished dressing himself, though Pomni still had her eyes averted. Knowing Pomni hadn't yet seen him Scarlet decided to gauge her reaction to something.

Scarlet took off his own tie and unbuttoned the front of his shirt to show his exposed heart.

"Hm, y'know I think this open shirt look really suits me, what do you think?"

Pomni's gaze didn't even waver at his words before she spoke.

"Scarlet, button your damn shirt, as I've said Caine's body isn't yours to flaunt."

Scarlet didn't like that answer. He decided to try something.

"Oh gosh! Scarlet w- why would you even??" He spoke, his voice slightly rougher and pitched up with embarrassment. Pomni's breath caught in her throat. "Y- you better not have let Pomni look!"

Scarlet mostly closed his jaw, only leaving it just open enough for him to see Pomni struggling not to look at him.

Hearing Caine there, flustered and possibly shirtless Pomni found it so tempting to look. Even if Caine yelled at her to get out after, she wondered what he looked like. But before she could look she heard a chuckle that definitely wasn't Caine's, Scarlet's chuckle.

"Ahahaha... So sorry my darling puppeteer, I couldn't help myself, it was adorable to see you get embarrassed."

Pomni grimaced behind her mask.

"How often do you plan on invading like this?" Pomni asked sharply, annoyance and frustration in her voice.

"Mh, we haven't worked out any specific schedule yet, so how about I just say "often" for now~." Scarlet purred out trying not to chuckle at the fact Pomni still refused to look at him.

"Of course you haven't... Just finish getting dressed so we can go." When Scarlet had called that he was done Pomni only glanced at him before grabbing his red tie by the knot to drag him back to her office.

Scarlet made some odd comment about it but she didn't quite hear it, mostly blocking out his words.

Getting into her office she positioned him in about the middle of the small room facing her desk, then she let go of his tie and pointed at the ground. Scarlet immediately sat on the floor, nice and politely. "Stay there until I tell you otherwise."

Pomni usually spoke directly against using a puppets base code and commands against them, but in this situation she felt like she had to.

Scarlet rolled his eyes as Pomni turned around to her desk, suddenly an idea popped into his head, a little loophole in one of his commands that'd get him out of here if he played his cards right.

Scarlet closed his jaw almost all the way before slightly adjusting his posture and standing in place, he almost looked just like Caine, there was just one last trick to seal the deal.

"Hey Pomni can I head back to my room now?" A slightly rougher, lower voice asked...

Pomni didn't even think before acting, throwing off her hat and mask before turning sharply to the puppet behind her, not even questioning that his jaw was closed as she practically launched herself at him to kiss him, her coat falling off in the process.

He seemed to melt into the kiss for a moment before gently grabbing her by the hips and pushing her away from him.

"Ah. Ahem... S- sorry, about that Caine... I- I uh..." Pomni got embarrassed, whatever questions that were in her head quickly getting overshadowed by self consciousness as she covered the permanently damaged side of her face.

"It's uh... I- It's fine, ahem, could I just, head back to my room for the night?"

Pomni sighed softly her hand still covering her face. "Y- yeah, of course you can Caine."

Caine gently moved Pomni's hand off her face before "kissing" her undamaged side. "Thank you my darling."

As the door to her office closed behind the assassin Harlequin Pomni sighed, almost dreamily, before moving to grab her mask and hat again.

"You're welcome Caine..." It took a moment to finally hit her. "Caine thanked me for letting him leave... Caine ASKED me to let him leave, Caine wouldn't ask he'd just leave!" Pomni knocked herself in the head "Idiot!"

Pomni quickly put on her mask and hat, deciding her cloak would only slow her down before dashing into the open area of the bunker. Scarlet was already almost to the stairs out of the bunker, turning around to let her see his eyes before closing his jaw and blowing her a kiss. Then he turned on his heel and started dashing up the stairs.

"Oh, you little..." Pomni dashed after him.

[just-mary-ann]

The first mention of Scarlet in history

Thanks to @just-mary-ann to This

[just-mary-ann]

💅💅💅

Look at that swag

TADC Harlequin roleswap AU belong to @tadc-harlequin-au

Scarlet belong to @just-mary-ann and @mrs-nightshade

[just-mary-ann]

CUTIES!

Harlequin sister yappin. I may or may not have started planning out a little fan fic about these two fooling Caine.

(this is a scenario where lilac has her own separate body)

Harlequin Pomni was created by: @iamespecter / @tadc-harlequin-au

Harlequin Lilac was created by: @just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

AAAHHH! WHAT A CUTIE PIE!

Lilac doodle.

Lilac was created by: @just-mary-ann

[just-mary-ann]

FIIIIGHT

Fight!, Fight!, Fight!

Red by @mrs-nightshade

TADC Harlequin roleswap AU belong to @tadc-harlequin-au

Scarlet belong to @just-mary-ann and @mrs-nightshade

[just-mary-ann]

GUYS! I WAS SLEEPING, AND THEN THERE THIS! WHAT A WONDERFULL WAY TO WAKE UP!

Best Scarlet-s Scene

In my opinion UwUr

TADC Harlequin roleswap AU belong to @tadc-harlequin-au

Scarlet belong to @just-mary-ann and @mrs-nightshade

[just-mary-ann]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Scarlet by @mrs-nightshade

TADC Harlequin roleswap AU belong to @tadc-harlequin-au

Scarlet belong to @just-mary-ann and @mrs-nightshade