#at least have the unedited imgs on hand and

[the-oasiris]

Alpha and Omega Earth Sova Dynamic + Sova Lore Yap Session B)

Saw a post floating around talking about the dynamic between Alpha and Omega agents and how omega agents being labelled automatically evil is kinda stupid. Because no, they're NOT evil. They're Omega's Earth's last hope of survival. They're the heroes, much like how our Alpha agents are the heroes of Alpha Earth for standing up to this bizarre threat. It leads to a fun grey area that is not explored at all. I hope it gets some love in the future, but for now, character development is more important for the game.

That post got me thinking about my own HCs and interpretations of A and O Sova. I rly got into exploring elements of the Alpha and Omega aspects of the game's story due to me shipping Owling (Sova/Sova) but it suddenly became a really fun thing to dive into. It's going to be a long post, so for those who kinda want the TLDR, the img below has a summarized ver of my HCs for A and O Sova's dynamic. Also, these are just my personal thoughts on the character and it's definitely not me trying to sell these HCs as canon or the closest truth we can get to on Sova's lore. Riot please write more shit for this guy I'm begging you. At least explain his stupid eye or his old alias I'm on my hands and knees bros.

Grab some snacks and bevvies for the big wall of unedited hyperfixation fueled yap under the cut. I'll also include my thoughts on ASova/OSova, but I will mostly be discussing their dynamics and stuff outside of the topic of shipping.

Initially, Owling started as a fun indulgent cloneship that had no rhyme or reason, but the literal next thought I had was treating the ship like some kind of character study based off my HCs of him. The then evolved to become a journey of Sova learning to love himself, literally and metaphorically, however incomplete he may be.

As mentioned in my chart, the Sovas are true clones of each other, mirrors. Their major life events are similar but the outcomes are different as well as the way they choose to interact with the people in their lives and the world. This therefore creates small differences in their 'perfect mirror-like' likenesses.

Sova Lore + HCs in General

My ASova headcanons are as described in my little chart. I feel like the Sova we get presented is very work-oriented whose past was shaped by his time in the military. It may very well be all he had had when he was younger. Perhaps it was what he turned to for direction in his life. I don't really have a solid headcanon for his upbringing, I'm mostly tossing several ideas around because they all seem very possible depending on how I want to picture Sova. Currently I lean more towards his parents being too busy to raise their son and therefore handed him over to his babushka to be cared for and raised. They still exist in his life, but their absences had made a significant impact on his psyche. He believes if he becomes someone useful, someone whose work was meaningful and worthy of praise, perhaps his parents would regard him more tenderly, their visits would be more purposeful, there would be reason to see their son other than obligation. He wishes to be useful not just for the sake of his parents, but for his babushka who is old and frail but has taken great pains and burdens to raise him to the best of her ability. Sova turned to the military for it was a respectable line of work. You serve the country and therefore its people, it seems a perfect fit for him who had much affinity for physical skills (hunting and general fitness). Not only that, the military would be good for him, for he need not think about his pains and troubles. The strict drills and constant orders would give him little time to dwell on his sorrows or whatever ails him. Even if his heart is lost, at the very least he has orders to follow, his path would straighten out for him as long as someone was telling him what he should be doing. In regards to his old callsign 'Filin', I'm sticking to the generally accepted HC that it's his old callsign from whatever military company he was in before Valo. As for his experiences then, my thoughts aren't too lengthy. It was a normal job experience, but he was very much just a machine there. A good obedient soldier. However, a mishap in one of his missions cost him his right eye. He continued to serve despite the injury and forced himself to remain useful to the company.

As a result of such life experiences, the Sova we see today can easily be described as a straight-laced man with strict morals who works to live. From what little trivia we have of him, he definitely has hobbies and interests outside of work. He likes hunting, photography that leans towards nature as it's focus. From his voicelines, we can gather that Sova is actually a really friendly and loving guy. He is vocal about his love for his babushka, he praises his teammates often, and he always seems ready to jump in the line of fire for his teammates if it means saving them (and by proxy, the mission). This kindness extends even to those he shouldn't extend it to, namely OSova, who is the enemy. Can you imagine sparing the guy who is invading your earth? Giving them a second chance? I feel like it's more than just some good samaritan thing/altruism, but there is unfortunately no reason given from Riot so far.

With all that knowledge of him, I interpret Sova as a person who is kind, friendly and full of desire to do good. But he has a lot of personal struggles under the hood that he pushes away in order to service others, in order to continue to be seen as a 'good soldier', to be seen as useful. His life outside of work is lackluster, his personality centered around being an asset. He struggles to properly care for himself mentally and emotionally, but is very good at sweeping everything under the rug and calling on his 'work mode' to 'solve' these issues. They don't exist now that a gun's in his hands and his boots on the field. His personal troubles will leave him, like the arrows that fly from his bow, like the bullets that race towards his target's head. The only grounding things in his life are: - His babushka loves him - He's a damn good shot with the gun and the bow - He's an excellent soldier, amazing at his job

Sova, you are miserable in your excellence.

For all his amicable nature and good intentions for others, he hardly shows the same courtesy to himself.

And finally, I yap about OSova.

Omega Sova

OSova is almost everything ASova isn't. - He is less of a workaholic (he very much works to live, but not as intensely as ASova). - He is more open to others and therefore his relationships with the Valo protocol and others in general are much more intimate and closer. As a result, his dynamic with his Cypher is also a lot less charged and they actually get along. - He is more in touch with his emotions and is tackling his fears and problems. Very unlike ASova who is avoidant.

I like to think of OSova as a representation of what a slightly healthier Sova would be. A version of Sova who is trying to improve his mental health and his relationships. He's not the 'Perfect' version of Sova, he too, is still very flawed. But he is happier, is mentally healthier and lives a generally more fulfilling life because he is actually putting effort into himself, trying to be whole.

Personal HCs on their first encounter

When ASova meets OSova for the first time, obviously nothing meaningful goes down because they gotta kill each other. But personally, I think on one occasion, ASova gets curious about his mirror self. He wonders if their lives are truly mirror-perfect reflections of each other. And he steals OSova's eye. He cuts along the familiar eye scar but cuts an additional line for he dislikes that they look exactly alike and the scar mysteriously remains permanent (this is just for my enjoyment and definitely has no real supporting rhyme or reason lol). He doesn't give the eye to KJ despite her expressing interest in it, for this is a personal selfish matter. What he finds shocks him, for OSova lives a very different life from him. And he grows angry for he is... jealous. His mirror self seemed to be living a beautiful life as compared to him and he wants to know why. He needs to learn more, needs to collect more intel. There has to be a reason his mirror self is enjoying things he doesn't seem to have himself despite being a good and useful person on his earth. Therefore, in addition to being his enemy at work, he cannot spare OSova ever again. He needs his eye. He needs to know.

AOSova Interactions HCs

It is natural that the Sovas are hostile to each other, for they are enemies. But OSova is surprised at how vicious and almost predator-fierce his mirror is with hunting him down and killing him. Sometimes it feels like ASova kills him with more brutality than necessary for whatever reason. When OSova is cornered and most definitely dead, it seems like ASova seems to go out on a limb to kill him in a more vicious way or uses excess effort to take his mirror out. OSova, being Sova, who has a soft heart and an inherent sense of kindness, tries to speak to ASova before he is killed again. But of course, ASova, who is blinded by his envy and hard driven by his soldier's duty to kill his enemy, doesn't let him talk. But eventually, one day, he does. And OSova questions their likenesses. Are they truly clones? He didn't know he was quite so fearsome, quite so merciless and cold. ASova finally allows OSova to speak, and suddenly, he realizes that they are so much more different than what he has seen. ASova also comes to realize that perhaps, in this big wide world and beyond, maybe his enemy, his 'evil' self, is the only one who can truly help him understand his pain.

It is not a pleasant thought, but that thought will soon disappear when his hunting knife goes through OSova's heart.

Sova Learns To Love Himself + Owling (Sova/Sova) Elements (Cont. from AOSova Interactions)

Teehee my fav part... If you so desire, this can be read as platonic as I've removed romantic elements.

The sauce for Owling in this sense comes from the fact that ASova believes that OSova is the only one in the world, this universe, that will understand his pain and accept him no matter what. Because they're Sova. They're supposed to be one and the same, right? Also because OSova has extended an extremely kind hand towards him over and over despite ASova mercilessly killing him time and time again without allowing him to even get a word or so in. OSova forgives this, for they both know they're 'both good soldiers who carry out orders no matter what'. And the orders are obviously to eliminate their enemies, their mirrors. ASova was just doing as he was told, and OSova holds no grudge. Hell, he probably even respects him for staying so loyal.

After OSova finally gets a word in, the pair often try to meet up secretly whenever they encounter each other on a mission to talk. It's mostly ASova talking, sharing his burdens with his copy, hoping to learn what the hell is he not doing right that OSova is. He too, wishes to live happily, much like how OSova seems to be living. OSova comforts his mirror. It is awkward initially, for what does one do when you enemy and mirror self comes at you, killing you viciously one day and then crying into your shoulder the next? But as they chat, OSova feels much pity for his copy. He wishes he could be happy, too. As much happiness their current situation allows. I'll skip over a lot of the story I've thought of for the both of them because this textpost is an ungodly length already. But, the most important interaction they will have, is that, one day, OSova reassures ASova that no matter what happens, no matter what becomes of them both, that he accepts him as he is. For they both deserve it. And if no one else will, it's ok. OSova will love ASova instead. Unfortunately, for it is still a time of war between Alpha and Omega earth, they can't both leave the field alive. And so, for now, one of them will have to go. Until their next encounter, then. But at least this time, ASova leaves with the reassurance that he can be loved. Even if it's only love from himself, he has it.

Ok I'm Done Now

And that's the end of the yap sesh phew LOL. I've left out a billion things but it's like 3am and I can't be here forever... I hope my point came across clearly enough and that any weird inconsistencies or holes in my thinking aren't too nasty because my ass aint gonna beta/edit this shit. If you read this all the way thru, thanks for braving through this behemoth of a post U_U)9 Also I hope this creates more Owling fans or at least some interest in the ship somewhat HAHA

[keiyoomi]

▸ details: 1.2k+ words | fluff, bestfriend!oikawa, mutual pining, unedited ▸ summary: the moment your so-called friends began to distance themselves from you, you knew that your long-time best friend was correct. again. but will you admit that you've made a mistake? of course (not)! ▸ flower week | tip jar | commission ▸ flower credit: [img src]

The moment your so-called friends began to distance themselves from you, you knew that your long-time friend's intuition is correct. However, after that heated argument between the two of you, you can't just walk towards him in the cafeteria and apologize for believing your "new friends."

You'd rather sit near the window all by yourself instead of apologizing to Oikawa Tōru—who's been flaunting his mesmerizing beauty to the people that crowded their table. 

There's nothing wrong with enjoying your time alone, but even if you refused to admit it, you knew you were longing to hear his loud, sometimes whiny, and occasionally soft voice again.

After eating the bread you've bought from his favorite bakery, you've decided to walk back to your classroom and mope. You heavily sighed as you reluctantly rose from your seat and sluggishly made your way towards the exit while avoiding Oikawa's table.

"There's nothing wrong if you admit that you've made a wrong decision, you know." You pursed your lips when you heard his loud voice from behind you. "I'm just saying."

On the seventh day, you've decided to swallow your pride and finally face your best friend. You knew that one of you has to concede and admit that they were wrong. In this case, you.

"Iwaizumi, help me out," you begged while holding out a small envelope towards your best friend. "I was considering to leave it in his shoe locker, but I'm sure that it's not the best option out there."

"Why don't you give it to him directly?" Iwaizumi asked, his eyebrows furrowing. "It's not like he'd refuse to accept it."

"Ah, Iwaizumi... you know how he's like, right?"

He looked at you and sighed. "I just have to give this to him, right?"

"Mmhmm," you responded as you nod. "Thank you so much, Iwaizumi! I owe you one."

He grunted before playfully hitting you with the envelope he was holding. "You already owe me a lot."

When Iwaizumi returned to their classroom, he immediately noticed how Oikawa occupied his seat near the window and ignoring their classmates who were vying for his attention. It's far from his usual behavior whenever he's not in the mood to entertain anyone.

"Oi, Shitty-kawa—"

"—hmp."

Iwaizumi's eyebrow twitched. "That's my seat."

"I'm not listening."

Annoyed with his best friend's behavior, Iwaizumi slammed his palms on his table, earning a yelp from Oikawa. "Read that and stop acting like a jealous piece of shit."

Oikawa reluctantly accepted the envelope that the ace handed him. "What is this?"

"Just read it."

Oikawa immediately stood from Iwaizumi's chair and walked out of their classroom. He could almost hear his heart pounding against his chest as he opened the small envelope.

'Later?'

He covered his blushing face with his arm after reading your letter for him. It wasn't as long as the heartfelt letters he received from his fans, but it made his heart race.

"They're unfair." He carefully returned the tiny piece of paper inside the envelope. "I should be mad, no. Furious, right now, but..." Oikawa sat on the floor and hugged his knees. "...Why can't I stay mad at them?"

"Because you're an idiot." Oikawa gasped upon hearing Iwaizumi's blatant response. He didn't even notice his best friend, who's been standing near him for a while. "Do me a favor and admit that you like her more than just a friend."

"Ha?" His voice raised, garnering the attention of some students passing by. "Who said that I like her more than just a friend?" he asked. "I certainly don't like her more than just a friend."

Then, Oikawa turned to his best friend. "Right?"

Iwaizumi scoffed and sneered at him. "After acting like a brat when they called me earlier? Yeah, right."  He glanced at the corridor before walking back to their room. "You're not ditching the class, right?"

Oikawa stood and followed Iwaizumi back to their classroom, just in time for their class.

It was embarrassing to wait for him outside, but it's not like you have a lot of choices. Besides, you'd rather sit under the tree near the gym and mind your own business than to watch them sweat and hit the balls as hard as they could.

However, their practice eventually came to an end.

"Talk," Iwaizumi said in a warning tone as he looked at you and Oikawa. "I don't want to hear any of you complaining about—"

"—Got it! We got it! Just shhh!" Oikawa pushed Iwaizumi away from the two of you. "Bye! Be careful on your way home!"

"We're going in the same direction as him, you know," you commented while you were watching your friend walking away from you two.

"Now, you're talking to me," Oikawa retorted.

You clicked your tongue in annoyance before walking ahead of him.

"N/N-chan, don't be like that." It took him a couple of strides to catch up to you. "I'm not the villain here, you know." Your head drooped in guilt. "So... is there anything you'd like to tell me tonight?"

You waited for him to stand next to you.

"Are we just going to stand here?" Oikawa asked as he held his chin high.

You looked up at him and immediately shook your head.

He huffed and raised his eyebrow. "Now, what?"

You breathe in and exhale slowly to calm your nerves. "I'm sorry for not listening to any of your warnings... and for avoiding you these past few days," you whispered while playing with your fingers.

Oikawa leaned forward. "Huh? I can't hear you."

Your eyebrows furrowed when you saw his face. If you could only wipe off that smug look on his face, you'll do it in a heartbeat.

"I've already said it once," you murmured. "Don't expect me to repeat it."

"Stubborn brat," Oikawa commented. "I hope that, by now, you've finally learned your lesson."

"Learned it the hard way," you grumbled.

You felt his heavy hand on the top of your head, gently patting it as his gaze softens.

"That's good then," he said. "At least, I'd be somehow at peace with leaving you in this country all by yourself. Well, Makki and Mattsun said that they'd check in on you once in a while."

You stood still as he removed his hand from your head. "What are you talking about, Tо̄ru?"

He smiled. "I've decided to chase after my dreams." Then, he sighed. "One of them, at least."

You tilted your head. "And that is?"

"I'm going overseas to train harder."

"Oh. . . T-That's amazing." You cleared your throat when your voice wavered. "You'll do great. I'm sure of it."

"But before leaving, I want to fulfill one of my dreams."

"And that is?"

Oikawa nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "M-Maybe some other time?"

"Okay." You looked up at the starry skies and sighed. "You're leaving... as well as Iwaizumi. Matsukawa and Hanamaki will eventually pursue a career that they want."

"How about you?" he asked.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure."

He put his arm on your shoulder and pulled you closer to him.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll figure something out." Then, he paused. "In case you don't, you're free to visit me in Europe."

"Asshole."

"Your asshole."

"What? Ew."

"Don't you love your entire—?"

"—I'm not listening. I don't know you."

Oikawa chuckled as he subtly glanced at you. "One day, I'll take care of you and shower you with the kind of love that you deserve. But for now, let's enjoy our lives while we're still young."

"What are you smiling at?" you asked.

He shook his head in response. "Nothing."

You briefly squinted your eyes towards him before looking forward.

"Whatever happens, I will always be there for you."