#Duality AU: Edda

[octahedral-chaos]

Have another analysis of Aven from @mystic-131 's Duality, this time about foreshadowing that Aven has trauma.

Aven's first appeared when he's in complete utter pain with a large gash on his side. And the first thing he says?

"You know"

Like he recognises that Edda wasn't attacking him like the other starfolks, so he knew that she wasn't a threat at the moment, so he still kept his guard up around her, possibly believing that she'll eventually turn on him like the others.

2. In the same chapter, he begs for someone to have an answer, further suggesting that he's confused and scared. And frankly, who wouldn't be after being ganged up on by a LOT of starfolks? Plus this seemed a bit more... scared too, the way it phrased, suggesting even further that Aven isn't who he seems.

3. Aven also saves Edda multiple times, starting from the first chapter. This suggests that he recognises that she wasn't a threat, but he's still too scared to register that she was not going to hurt him.

4. In Chapter 2, Aven refuses help, possibly because he still didn't trust her due to the previous experience with starfolks. He also seemed a bit embarrassed, probably because he wasn't used to interacting with others.

5. In Chapter 3, Aven seemed a bit scared to enter the Inertian dwelling, possibly because he was scared that he would get attacked again. Also, he seems genuinely confused that Edda was helping him, again showing that he wasn't used to actual kindness and potentially believing that everything's out to kill him.

6. Also he might be thinking that Eldin would also be a threat, hence why he initially refused his help.

7. In Chapter 5, Aven willingly helps Edda to see by using his fire magic. I think this shows that he GENUINELY wants to help now that Edda seems a bit safer.

8. Also the way Aven was acting in Chapter 5 suggests that he possibly knew Dark Paladin was there? Because of these lines:

"He didn’t seem like he wanted to speak, but she could sense something was weighing on his mind."

"that odd feeling, like an unseen thorn had buried into her companion’s mind. He had acted so oddly since that morning, rather silent, no longer carrying a weight of defiance around him. Instead, a swamp of horrible emotions tinted the air, to where they seemed to suffocate the two of them. Was it fear? Uncertainty? Despair? Edda wasn’t sure, but they were eating him from the inside out."

I believe this might be him being terrified of something, possibly the Dark Faction symbol due to it's connection with Demon, or potentially Dark Paladin.

9. These sentences from Chapter 5 as well:

"Edda turned to see Aven, who stood trembling, the research laying in a heap at his feet. Initially, she was annoyed, but then she sensed a change in the air. The hunter seemed to gaze blankly ahead, as if he felt an overwhelming, suffocating presence approaching him."

This CLEARLY shows that Aven's terrified of Dark Paladin, possibly because it's the Pawn of Demon. This might be him pretty much PANICKING at the mere sight of them, because remember, Aven has trauma from his "awaking" in the Sapphire Thickets. So it is possibly Dark Paladin was one of the starfolks that attacked him.

10: Also this line:

"Aven didn’t do the same. In fact, he wasn’t moving at all. He turned to the being, but did nothing else but gaze at them. That serrated feeling entered the air again, though this time, it was far worse. In the presence of the dark Starfolk, it was as if a dam had burst, a wall that held his emotions beneath that angry shell of his. Aven’s terror was on full display as the being stood idly in front of them.

To the hunter’s horror, they pointed a clawed finger at him."

Yep, definitely trauma relating to Dark Paladin.

11. Aven in Chapter 6 seemed really terrified of Paladin at first, definitely because of trauma, until it turns into complete, utter rage at the finally part of the battle. Aven basically MUALLING Paladin is most likely because Paladin is basically just Demon's puppet, and thus represents his underlying trauma. The possible reason why he went berserk is because he just wanted to get rid of or escape from Paladin, and possibly because of Edda being in danger as well.

Remember, Edda is one of the few persons he can trust and he was most likely attached to her at this point. He did not want to see the only person he can put his safety in die.

[occasionalflicker]

*to delve into the language, culture, geography, traditions, cuisine, architecture, chronology, calendar, writing system, flora and fauna, names, and naming conventions for AU*

Me: *three pages explaining why battlefield flirting exists*

Reultuath - from Gaelic reul (star) and tuath (folk) (Yes, I’ve been thinking about this for a very long time...)

Mo soillse - Gaelic "my light"

(The whole post was originally supposed to be an explanation of why the absorption meter percentages increase, or why it fills up in some cases and not in others, at least on the Lightfolk's side, but now I'm starting to doubt this idea and, in general, I should stop searching for meanings and explanations for game mechanics, especially for an AU…)

Let's start with the nature of absorption in the AU. First of all, when Starfolks switch polarities, they become an entirely new personality and retain no memories from their previous state. However, these memories do not disappear completely. If Starfolks switch polarities again, they regain their old personality but forget their second personality (meaning they once again do not remember what it's like to be of the opposite polarity). Regardless of who and how they changed, they remain fully developed adult beings with the primary instinct to protect/absorb - but not entirely. In their new form, they know basic things like how to speak, use elements, and perform other everyday activities. The problem is that their skills are not honed

In the AU, there is no randomness regarding what they will transform into after changing polarity. Regardless of the opponent's type, Starfolks always change into their counterpart and into themselves in any case and with any opponent. Therefore, it is not necessary to hunt down the same thief to regain one's old personality, nor is there a fear of turning into someone else and ending up with three personalities

Now about how both factions view their transformed comrades. Lightfolks are not very happy to welcome such individuals. For them, it is the loss of a long-known sister, but they have no choice and are forced to accept the newcomer. Another reason for their reluctance toward their newly acquired sister is that she is completely unprepared, and her training takes a lot of time - time that is scarce during a war

On the Darkfolks' side, it's different. They gladly accept a new brother, but they are also not too eager to train him. Firstly laziness, Secondly - someone has appeared who was once a Lightfolk and will later want to regain their polarity, whereas it would be better if instead of him, Darkfolks who have never had this chance could transform. Nevertheless, they are more tolerant of the poor soul, feeling joy (and a bit of envy) for the brother who managed to undergo transformation

And now, the main question: how can you tell that someone new has appeared, that someone has been lost, and most importantly - who exactly? Oh, and how do Lightfolks know that their sister has encountered and successfully repelled an opponent's attack, while Darkfolks understand that their brother has suffered a crushing blow?

The Gift

The primary meaning of this ritual was lost; there is only a record from one of the past eras (about 27 eras before the present one), which states that it was implemented specifically to keep track of ranks. However, before this, the ritual was purely instinctive, without any particular meaning in society, although some believe it was once a distraction maneuver

Where does it all begin? With young Darkfolks. Upon reaching a certain age, they are given the opportunity to choose their first personal item. After that, a personal number and initials as requested by the Darkfolk are engraved on it, and the item and owner are recorded in the registry. They can have many such items, but they need to earn them

What are they for? Now, about how this happens. A Darkfolk must carry this item with them because when they encounter a Lightfolk, they must throw it to them before the confrontation begins

And now, why. The Darkfolk parts with their item because it will be useless to them if they successfully absorb and become a Lightfolk. However, if their attack is repelled, they return home empty-handed, showing that they have failed. This results in a drop in their ranking. Additionally, after this, they will not receive a new item for a long time unless they had a stock of such gifts in advance - but only a small portion of the population has this privilege

A Lightfolk who transforms into a Darkfolk keeps the gifted item, and upon entering the Darkfolk kingdom, it is registered that the item exists, but the owner is new, which confirms a successful absorption. The rank of this Darkfolk is then frozen, remaining in place until they return (if they ever return). In rare cases, the longer a Darkfolk remains absent in their new nature, the higher their rank may rise over time. If he does return, he will not get his item back; instead, he will simply be given a new one. The newly transformed Lightfolk-turned-Darkfolk, however, must climb the ranks from the very bottom

If a Lightfolk repels a Darkfolk's attack, they have proof in the form of the gifted item, which they then register with the Lightfolk registry. This confirms their victory and ranking increase - the more such achievements, the faster they rise in rank. If a Lightfolk disappears, it means they have lost, and the longer they remain absent, the faster their ranking will drop

However, this system is not perfect. There are several reasons for this

Darkfolks must carry their gift at all times because they never know when a confrontation will occur. There are frequent cases where they lose them, and new ones are not issued quickly. There are also thefts, when another Darkfolk takes a liking to someone else's item more than their own and also forgeries that Darkfolks use to hide their failures when the original is lost or to do the opposite - use a fake in battle instead of the original

Or confusion arises when a Darkfolk changes into a Lightfolk, but the newly transformed Lightfolk-turned-Darkfolk loses the gift. Now, it becomes a mess to figure out what to do because the new Darkfolk claims they remember nothing and must be a newly transformed Lightfolk. Or maybe they are an exile from another fief who decided to try their luck in a new place where no one knows them, hoping that here they will be believed when they say they had no gift but are definitely a new Darkfolk

On the Lightfolks' side, this also causes problems. Sometimes Darkfolks make mistakes or deliberately throw an unmarked gift (they often carry other small trinkets in their pockets). A Lightfolk repels an attack and proudly registers the item, hoping for a promotion, but it is rejected because there is no number or initials, making it impossible to prove victory. Losing the item immediately after battle is also common. There are also fakes that look like real marked gifts, which some Lightfolks use to climb the ranks without ever encountering an opponent

But the main problem lies in their very nature. For Darkfolks who missed their first chance and now have nothing for the next confrontation, absorption and instincts will not wait for bureaucratic procedures of Starfolks, and they will not be given time to deal with them. They will seize any opportunity without a gift, and if they succeed this time, it will cause an even bigger mess

Firstly, a Darkfolk showing up to a fight without a gift puts their defeated opponent in an awkward position, as they will have nothing to present upon arriving at their new home. Secondly, it will be unclear where they disappeared to, and worse - if their home acknowledges that an absorption occurred without a gift at the battle site, the Darkfolk will simply be removed from the ranking and will never return to it. So, if they ever regain their original state, an unpleasant surprise will be waiting for them at home

As for Lightfolks, their problem can be as simple as periodic re-evaluations in their fiefs, where many interesting and unpleasant truths may come to light. Items earned through honest effort may be stolen or replaced with fakes, which also results in being removed from the ranking

The system has a lot of blind spots because the gift ritual was never originally intended for this purpose. However, it still excellently regulates the population's ranking, and no better alternative has been devised yet. But the very existence of this phenomenon is further explained by another interesting fact about the behavior of Starfolks

To start, a bit of classification and the phenomenon of absorption. Darkfolks have a natural radar that covers a fairly wide range of territory and allows them to detect whether there are any Lightfolks nearby that they can absorb. Lightfolks have nothing of the sort; they cannot determine whether there are Darkfolks nearby until they see them up close. However, they are still unconsciously drawn toward them when they enter their radius—though they are unaware of this and do not question why their feet sometimes carry them in that direction. Darkfolks use this radar to determine the location, position, and type of opponent

Regarding the type, some Darkfolks do not care about the size or strength of their opponent - if there is a chance to absorb someone, they will take it. Others, however, are more selective, carefully studying their opponent from a distance to assess whether the fight is within their capability. As a result, they usually choose to fight Lightfolks who are their counterpart or close in strength, as this balances the odds. But this does not always happen, as most encounters occur between individuals who are not exact opposites. In such encounters, the battle outcome can be anything, depending on the determination, skills, and strength of each side. Simply put, their fights are nothing special - it’s just a brawl

As for those who encounter their counterpart… Well, for them, battlefield flirting is standard practice in the AU. Both sides try to eliminate this behavior because it is inefficient and distracts from the main task, considering it an unnecessary and meaningless action. They also do not understand the nature of this phenomenon, believing it to be some kind of side effect of stress triggered at the moment of confrontation

As long as Starfolks do not see the opposing side, they behave normally and rationally. But on the battlefield, one could say they become… well, I don’t even know how to explain it without sounding offensive, but in some ways, they lose their minds (especially when they find that one Starfolk). They struggle to control their movements and the words they say. A well-practiced attack pattern that was automatic at home becomes less useful in battle because both sides are now focused on something else. One could say they are no longer fighting but engaging in a sort of dance, where each side tries to gain the upper hand

Darkfolks tend to take the initiative in this by starting with a gift, followed by compliments. Sometimes, individuals wear colorful outfits or simply attach patches of bright fabric here and there to make a better impression. Others polish shiny materials (including armor), which they then wear, moving between strikes and pauses in a way that catches the light and makes the material gleam in a certain rhythm

Lightfolks also have a practice of enhancing their appearance, though it is less common, as it is generally undesirable for them to further encourage Darkfolks to absorb them

And now, the main point - something that sounds almost impossible: in most cases, a successful absorption depends on the decision of the Lightfolk. If the Darkfolk impresses or appeals to her enough, at some level, the thought might cross her mind: "He is trying hard enough that I might as well give in." However, they can also easily resist if the Darkfolk does not try hard enough, in which case the latter will accept a painful but voluntary defeat and allow themselves to be finished off

Lightfolks also flirt back, dancing to confuse the Darkfolks. But sometimes, this turns into a paired dance that leads to nothing, as neither side knows what to do, and in silent agreement, they simply part ways - or one of them decides to finish the encounter

The funniest part? They do all of this instinctively, without thinking about their actions. But once the battle is over, common sense returns, and both sides begin processing what just happened, with only one thought in their heads: "I'm an idiot"

[sqarletsworldlesswandering]

@indiestsnake Themb :3

the art was being stubborn today, so these are not quite what I'd like, but also,

It they :D

Infern and Solcita- SHOOT I FORGOT HER WING IN THE FIRST ONE-

[octastims]

Duality! Edda with stained glass, Lightning, archery and sword stims in blue and white for me and @mystic-131! I hope you like it!

💙 💙 💙

🤍 🤍 🤍

💙 💙 💙

[indiestsnake]

Also don't know if I asked this question already.

But let's yeet the Grace and Fury! Duo into the modern world! What could possibly go wrong?

Also imagine the Grace and Fury! Duo meeting the duos of other AUs-

For other AU’s Edda would get rlly excited about meeting clones of herself (and more importantly of Aven lol)

and uh. My Aven might end up throwing hands with Duality Aven.

u have asked about the modern world before but I have other answers now!!! so

Aven would get really into music. and art. and anything creative. he would forget to eat for days if u gave him a guitar

Edda would try to race cars with her sprint. And maybe trains.

Aven would go to a climbing gym and have the time of his life

Edda would go to a regular gym and break one of the treadmills

[miracleofdatabase]

Code Lyoko AUs decribed for my Non Code Lyoko followers, part 2, feat Friend's AUs

(AUs below by @the-writing-artist)

The Boy in the Computer: With Worldless terminology, imagine Edda and Aven role swapped

Sapphire and Emerald: With Worldless terminology, imagine Aven as a girl

The Missing Piece: With Worldless terminology, Imagine you start as not-Edda traversing the world and then Edda came along to help you and Aven

Duality: With Worldless terminology, Aven and Edda are darkfolks and you start as 2 different lightfolks

(AU below by @ani-action)

Gone Wrong: Something bad happens, you are determined to fix it only to find out it was a trap by an enemy

Most of their AUs are roleswaps of Code Lyoko character or one with true understanding of Code Lyoko lingos and i can't describe it any other way

[octahedral-chaos]

Breaking news:

@mystic-131's Duality! Duo are still the icon for the Aroace tag...

They really accepted chaos this year huh?

~ 🔶️ [Aven]

Not my fault that Tumblr decided that WE'RE the Aroace characters of this year!

~ 💫 [Umbro]

[sqarletsworldlesswandering]

character reaction time:

*gives each member of the Eclipsed cast a hyper-realistic cake that looks like a star core of the opposite polarity*

Timestamp: Early on in Eclipsed, before the vast majority of events.

Edda:

"...I.... What am I meant to... do with this??? What- ew -should..." She squints at it for a moment. "Why does it smell like cinnamon." She pokes it. "Oh. That's not a core." Edda lets out a very soft sigh of relief, and prods at it once more before awkwardly pushing the plate away from her.

Aven:

"Wait, what? What is this- this- freebie? How is... how is it detached from the Lighfolk...? And why isn't it bleeding- That's not a core, is it? No, get it away, ew, I don't know what it is but put it somewhere else-" He shoves the plate away from himself.

Tzafira:

"Why is this on a plate, and what am I meant to do with it? It's not pulsing, this clearly isn't a core." She prods with a pointer, and it gives. "...Cake? ...Well that's a little crass."

Kleisme:

"Whaaa...t?" He glances around in nervous confusion. "That's... This can't be right." He squints at it. "Is this a trick of some kind? Did Ceren have you do this?" He pokes it nervously. "Oh. What... ew. Why would you...?" He shudders, glancing over his shoulder.

Hasyut:

"Hm? This should be crushed or taken to power management, they can make use of it- Wait. What is that, that's not a star core- EW. Why would you make-?!"

Ceren:

"A freebie? What makes you think I need.... That's not a core, fool." The Daemon prods it with one claw, incising cleanly through it. "Hm. Rather trite." He pops the pieces into his corona with a shrug.

Allagi:

The little dragonlet stares at the "core" for a moment, tail flicking curiously. After a moment, though, the flicking turns nervous, and they dart away.

Quimera:

"Ah, I feel the plate, what is... oh, is this a food of some sort? How did you get it spherical? Ah, this one feels like a cube- no, eight sides, never mind.... Why these shapes? The cake is lovely but...."

Duality:

Both Kavodim and Skoteinos shy away, Kavodim jerking his eyes elsewhere and Skoteinos keeping her arm close to her, fidgeting nervously with their shared cape.

"Why?" Skoteinos murmurs.

Kavodim slowly turns to look back at the cores, confusion on his face. "Those have no energy. No pulse. Is this some sort of joke to you?"

Skoteinos shushes him hesitantly. "I think it was supposed to be funny."

Yin-Yang:

"...What do you take me for, an amateur?" They poke one of them. "Ah. Food, then. How crass. Keep those away from the little ones."

"What do you mean 'too late'? Oh, oh dear, where is Allagi-"

Summum:

"Ah, is this what has upset you, little one?" Summum regards the two confections coldly. "Not to worry. They are not real. See? Just a trick. ...Shhh, shhh... there you go." The dragon turns to Yin-Yang, who has just entered, and flicks his tail at the cakes. Yin-Yang removes them.

Bonus:

LUCA:

"Hm?? Oh, what's this? Mmmm, oh that is lovely, what are they? They're very... what's the word? Delicious? ...What do you mean they look like....? Oh. ...No, I think I've had enough, thank you."

[octahedral-chaos]

Silly thing but ever since @mystic-131 stated that Duality! Edda's voiceclaim is TOTK/ BOTW Zelda, I am cursed to imagine this video but as Duality! Aven instead of Link.

Also known as: Our last line of defence is Link Aven-

[octahedral-chaos]

Silly thing, but ever since @mystic-131 gave me the wonderful fun fact that Duality! Edda would love Parotias, I can’t stop imagining her doing the same exact dance as one, just to be a menace-

AKA Eldin and Aven casually waking up to Edda vibing

[octahedral-chaos]

Also I now associate Duality! Edda with the song "Dead of Night" from the Sayonara Wild Hearts soundtrack for some reason-

I mean... I do call her Akari from time to time... and Akari is famous for that motorcycle slide... and SWH has a lot of motorcycles-

@mystic-131

[octahedral-chaos]

Silly idea for tonight:

@mystic-131 Duality! Duo, @many-faced Polarized ! Duo and @sqarletsworldlesswandering Eclipsed! Duo (Or even Eden) meeting each other.

Bonus points if we include Canon duo here-

[octahedral-chaos]

One of my favourite things about Duality is that you can literally SEE Aven healing from his trauma (So far)

Like he seemed more... shut-in, aggressive, and distant. He was constantly pushing away Edda during the first few chapters, until Chapter 6 where he went berserk.

Then in Chapter 7, he has a nightmare and breaks down right in front of Edda, signaling the start of his healing. He finally opens up about his past in chapter 8, showing that he felt safe enough to do it.

In Chapter 9 and onwards, Aven seems much, MUCH happier, calmer and more open about himself. He openingly states he likes the moth, he playfully lets Edda handle the Ariman, he even seems to want to dash in and out of the rain in the Violet Wellsprings.

And I love that so much.

[octahedral-chaos]

I realised that we technically have three major versions of the Duo (AKA Worldless crossover idea?)

Mainline/ Canon! Duo

Duality Duo (@mystic-131)

Polarized Duo (@sleepless-tea)

[octahedral-chaos]

Honestly this has the vibes of the Eddas from Canon, Duality and Polarized for some reason.

I can literally see them doing this-

@mystic-131

@sleepless-tea

[octahedral-chaos]

@mystic-131 I think I know how the encounter with Angel would go down

Angel, screaming: GET YOUR HUNTER, EDDA!

Edda, casually gesturing at a very, VERY mad Aven: He doesn't bite

Angel: YES HE DOES-

[Source: Vine]