#Jingliu and Blade being the murderous Mara-Struck

[finisnihil]

The difference between the Stellaron Hunters and the Godslayer Protocol squad is so funny to me.

The Stellaron Hunters are a ragtag found family who are beloved by the Finality and using what's probably a cat's ability to see futures and timelines to save and doom worlds for the sustainability of the universe after they've all suffered horribly. They're wanted by the IPC and their bounties could fun your entire bloodline.

Meanwhile the Godslayer Protocol are just having like. A sleepover in jail. They're painting their nails and carrying around a bug god's body which they're gonna use to kill another god. They've all committed crimes against nature.

Truly the duality of man

[alterwriting]

trial - any planet - au possible - he / him

* // blade headcanons

Please note that there may be mentions of mental instability, wounds, murder, and death.

I write Blade as an adult, around 33 to 35 years old in human years regarding his appearance since has body was restored upon being mara struck. He has lived for several hundred years, though.

When Baiheng noticed him as a young child, she became one of the most influential and supporting people in his life. Even when people like Jingliu or the other craftsmanship masters would look down upon him, he was able to count on Baiheng to encourage and comfort him. As she had taken an older sister role in his life, someone who had been there for him since his childhood days until his older days, he was willing to abandon his morals and partake in the ritual.

(I know his body is regenerating, I know, but hear me out:) Whenever he receives a new wound, it heals fast, but leaves a scar for a while. The deeper the wound, the longer it takes for the scar to heal. The more often a similar spot is wounded while still healing, the longer it takes to heal. Blade does not necessarily care about his body being damaged as long as he can finish the mission, but the other Stellaron Hunters always urge him to be more careful. He tries to tend to his wounds properly to appease them and gain some silence. It isn't unusual that his body is frequently covered in scars, but the most striking ones are an accumulation of old wounds from his time with Jingliu. For a visual reference, refer to this post.

Underneath his clothes, his entire torso is wrapped in bandages

Since his body is constantly regenerting, his hair and nails grow at a faster rate. He used to tie up or braid his hair at first during his isolation before joining the Stellaron Hunters - until it became too much of a nuisance and he simply began cutting it. Not caring much for his appearance, he did look less human and more like a monster when Kafka and Sam encountered him. It is only thanks to Kafka that he has returned to a more civilized appearance. She also is the one to gently remind him of taking care of his appearance.

Due to overstimulation triggering his mara, he usually wears a pair of dark shades, a face mask, and gloves to prevent his senses from becoming overwhelmed. Silver Wolf may or may not have made a couple of jokes about his appearance on missions.

He may not be the most stealthy one on missions, but he does get the job done at a very successful rate. He doesn't have to question or think for his own - he simply follows Elio's instructions, leaving him with a clear mind.

At first, Blade did not care to become more familiar with the other Stellaron Hunters. He was there for his reward, not for their sympathy. Over time, however, he grew to learn about their habits, their likes and dislikes, their thoughts and fears. Claimng that they are friends would be an exaggeration, yet he seems to have learned how to rely on them.

He has picked up a habit of drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes whenever he wants to numb his senses. It is far from a dependency and more of a convenience. If Kafka is not with him to suppress his mara, he can still rely on other sources to further postpone his outbreak.

As someone who has become numb to the joys of life, he doesn't have any hobbies as others may have. Whenever he has time on his hands, he would simply spend it taking care of his wounds and scars, or waiting for the next mission. Unless Silver Wolf wants to show him a new game or Kafka tries to show him a new outfit, he really doesn't leave his quarters much.

linked to my own Kafka, not necessary for others: He is most comfortable around Kafka since she is the one who can grant him a moment of silence from his thoughts when being close to an episode of mara resurfacing. Whenever he is restless, he would approach her without a word, and she would know. They share a bond of reliance that doesn't require words.

up for discussion: In my portrayal, Blade used to have romantic feelings towards Dan Feng, but has forgotten about the positive memories he has had with him. Due to him being filled with hatred for such a long time, it is unlikely for him to rediscover any feelings for Dan Feng or his reincarnation.