#the unconquerable (HSR!AU)

[chronicparagon]

[ Everyone, this is the art! I commissioned a piece from @s-talking for Harmony’s HSR!AU.

They did an extraordinary job! The outfit, her updated cybernetics, all of it designed by Envy-mun! They went above my expectations and I am so happy with how this turned out!

This will be in Harmony’s HSR!AU info post. I just want to dedicate a separate post to this because my friend’s work deserves the spotlight!]

[chronicparagon]

Below is my attempt at drawing the logo for ARES. I'm posting this to see how it looks here and what needs improvements.

This is based on Ares and the symbols associated with him, such as the spear. However, I made it more like an arrow. I added the Greek symbol for Ares/Mars on this too, along with the letter "A" being the arrowhead. I'm debating on making the ring along the top being like a helmet, but I wasn't sure if it's better to keep things abstract.

I drew this, mainly messed around with it until I came up with something that I thought would look okay.

[chronicparagon]

The Unconquerable: Okchachuka

[Note: Much of this is based on the mun's own background as a Chickasaw and Choctaw woman. A lot of these words are from the Chickasaw language. I added translations to some of these words. I also wanted to mention nations and tribes because they are also valid. Plus, Harmony is Chickasaw and Lakota in her main verse, so I wanted to try to keep that.]

Far in the distant galaxy is a world unlike any other. Though it appears as a red star in a distance, it is more than a star.

It is a planet, a home for sacred life.

A planet known for centuries by the Natives as Okchachuka: The home of life.

The planet is home to great biodiversity from the colorful deserts and the lush forests studded with grand cities of stone, gold, copper and gems. Even the warm sands, each blade of green grass, the rocks, and crystal water carry the power of the Yakni (Earth), the mother of all life, and the supreme goddess.

Here, every person, animal, plant, and all elements carried a spirit given to them by ancient gods headed by Yakni, Mother Earth. The other gods who ruled the planet were Omba (Rain), the lord of rain, Mahil (Wind), the lady of the wind, Hashi and Himona (sun and moon), the two heroic brothers who bring day and night.

The people lived with the natural world in close connection with all life. They did not take more than they needed. Hunters, farmers, and harvesters of the wild bounty thanked the spirits of the animals and plants for their sacrifice and used every part, for nothing must go to waste.

 Mother Yakni provides for all in need including the precious metals and stones used to build homes and great cities that reach the heavens. One of these precious gems comes from the Heart of Mother: The sacred mountains rich with Blood Quartz, a crystal believed to have power from Yanki's spirit. The white gem glows red in the rhythm of a beating heart. Though it is often used for amulets for Yakni's blessings, the Blood Quartz also have incredible amount of life energy. If fallen into the wrong hands, they could become sources of powerful weapons. Here, the Indigenous people do not take more than needed for ceremonies of amulets needed as blessings, preserving Yakni's life energy that keeps the planet alive.

The people of Okchachuka were called the Okchaians. They reign as guardians of life from the plants, the animals, and their own kind.  Here, there are many tribes, such as the Oklabok tribe, the people along the Great Rivers, or the Makha' Sa (Red Earth, Lakota), the nomadic tribes hailing from the Plains. Other tribes and nations hailed from the other regions of the planet, such as the empires from the Emerald Jungles, the nomadic people from the Aurora Skies in the far north, and tribes that call the Rainbow Desert their home. All tribes are ruled by a twelve-member council called the Council of Nations, with representatives being leaders of their tribes. Though the representatives are chosen differently by their tribe and nations' diverse approaches, They all come together at Chonkash: The heart of all nations. (Chonkash=Heart)

It is the capital city of the planet built at the center of Okchachuka where the streets are paved in copper and gold with jewels gleaming from the grand and colorful structures bustling with wealth.  However, greed and selfishness were taboos among the people.

No one was without a home unless they chose to be or follow their nomadic ways like the hunters from the plains or the nations hailing from the tundra. No one went without wealth, the connection with communities, and honoring all life as well as Mother Yakni care for all.

The planet was not isolated but did not often receive visitors. As for the few aliens who find themselves in Okchachuka, they often become adopted by the nation or tribe they meet, even marrying into the families and spending the rest of their days as a relative. They saw no need to leave the planet. There are few encounters with travelers, often resulting in the visitors leaving after exchanging treasures for the sake of trade.

Centuries pass with little trouble. However, like the dangers in the wilderness, there is danger in the heavens. Rumors of great riches and legends of the richest planet soon came to the Interastral Peace Corportation (IPC).

That is what brings the dark days to the planet. The IPC had no interest in conversing with the people who were wary of their arrival, but willing to work with them. As far as the Marketing Development Department was concerned,

The IPC were relentless in their conquest, besting the Nations who fought valiantly for their sovereignty. IPC wields superior weapons, courtesy of their own curation and partnerships with other organizations, such as the notorious war machine known as ARES. Flames engulfed villages, and bullets and lasers killed more than arrows, darts, spears, and blades. 

Finally, armed forces surrounded Chonkash. They pried the jewels off buildings, reaped the gold off the streets, and took jewelry off the bodies of the fallen. The soldiers soon found themselves facing the Council of Nations, who challenged the IPC. The Council fought valiantly for their sovereignty by However, like the warriors who fought and died, the Council of Nations also lost their lives. It was a fateful day when Chonkash fell.  

Since then, IPC claimed the planet as their own. They developed mines, reaping more of the riches hidden beneath the earth. Hunting and animal trafficking destroyed the diversity of life.  The Indigenous people continue their fight with many of them captured and either forced to work the mines or be sent away as prisoners.  The remaining people were rounded up and forced to live on reservations at the mercy of the Marketing Development Department of the IPC.

IPC name the planet Opes (Wealth, Latin) Prime, a source of the finest gems, precious minerals, and metals. Though these riches are tainted by the blood of the innocent. A dying planet filled to the brim with great riches.

Sadly, it was a home where life was once sacred. To this day, the remaining Okchaians continue to rebel, fighting for their home, their families. They often attack settlements and mines to try and drive the people out.

The people's motto is clear: They want their land back, for Opes Prime is stolen land.

[chronicparagon]

The Unconquerable: Eidolon 1 - Break of Dawn

Planet Lore

Eidolons:

Break of Dawn

High Hopes

The Blood Moon (Prelude), Death of an Era

Forty Days’ Slumber

Prison of Flesh and Met

Broken Chains: The Unconquerable

————

*Set 24 winters (years) ago*

There is great tension in the air as people gather around a house made of daub. Nestled in the dense woods of the southern region near the Great River, villagers wait outside the ceremonial house set on the largest mount of the Water Lily Village, just next to the larger house of the Lead House.

The people wait anxiously for news because the tribe's leader is facing the greatest trial that will mark a new era for them. There are no cries or screams of pain from inside the house.

Women's songs carried from mother to daughter ring from the house as black willow branches burn along with the earthy scents of the sacred medicines filling the air. The family's elders wait through this long night, excited but nervous about the newest arrival.

A young woman rests on a bed of furs with her husband and her clan's women tend to her. Like her people, tattoos mark her reddish-brown skin. Intricate design of blossoms adorns the sides of her head from the corner of her eyes. The four women of her clan continue the ancient songs to the gods, for they are prayers for their leader's safety and the safe birth of their newest member.

Panther Woman: The matriarch of the Pakali Clan, pushes on through the labor, determined as ever to bring her child into the world. Her husband once hailed from the Heart of Mother Nation of the Makha’ Sa, the tribes from the Vast plains in the north. It was only a few winters ago when he joined the Oklabok people and became Nite Homa: Red Bear.

Hours pass as anticipation remains strong as the muttered prayers and women's songs. But night does not last forever; soon enough, the sun rises from the east. The dark sky brightens as the dawn paints the sky with cyan, lavender, pale gold, and rose.

The dawn of the eighth day is here.

By the break of dawn, a new sound reaches the people's ears.

An infant's strong cry rings from the house, and the people answer with war cries of victory. The moment they waited for it was finally here: A baby was born, and a little girl finally arrived.

Panther Woman is exhausted. She's exhausted, but happy as she holds her baby to her before one of the women take the baby. The others rush to her side to care for her. Meanwhile, one woman bathes the baby with water carried from the river and dresses the baby. Wrapped in a robe of panther skin, the baby lies in a cradle set at the center of the chamber, and women sing around it.

They sing in celebration of the mother and the newest arrival. Meanwhile, the family's elders approach the cradle, one by one. The new parents watch as the elders bless the baby.

The new parents watch as they hear the elder's words.

"I pray that this little one will be blessed with a long life!"

"May she have good health all her life."

"May she have the strength of one hundred warriors!"

"May her beauty shine brighter than any star."

The other elders bless the baby with courage and kindness, and to lead her people and the Council to a brilliant future. The baby wriggles in the cradle as she cries out.

"Hear how loud her cries are! She has a powerful spirit." Panther Woman laughs through tears of joy.

Red Bear leaned in, pressing a kiss on her raven black hair. "Of course! She is the daughter of warriors, after all." He answers, beaming with pride. "She will be a great leader to us all one day…Like her mother."

"Oh, you!" Panther Woman sniffs as she gently squeezes his hand. "Come now, you must be ready to do your part. Don't keep her waiting."

"Yes, love." He nods

his head before leaving his wife's side. He approaches the group. His heart races in anticipation of his duty as the father: Welcoming his daughter by giving her a name.

Red Bear approaches the cradle as the women continue to sing. He smiles, brushing a tear brimming his gray eyes. The baby's eyes are as bright silver as his own. He leans over the cradle and gently holds the bundle. The baby's cries soften to whimpers as she begins to calm down. He chuckles and nuzzles the reddish brown fuzz on her head. Then, he leans in to whisper his child's name in the baby's ear.

"Nita Isskunosi…

Nita Isskunosi…

Nita Isskunosi."

Never had he felt such a deep love until now. There, he made a promise to the baby now sleeping in his arms. He turns away from the women to approach his wife so she can see the baby now that she is clean. The new mother's hazel eyes meet one of the women's gaze. She nods her head, and the woman makes her way to the doorway, ready to announce to the people the baby’s name.

"Nita Isskunosi…Little Bear…my little one…I swear by the heavens…No harm will come to you."

He lowers himself to Panther Woman's bedside, giving the bundle to her as the people cheer and sing outside.

[chronicparagon]

The Unconquerable: Honkai Star Rail!AU

Note: This verse is currently a draft meant to provide basic information. This draft combines the basic profile format and the backstory giving insight into Harmony's background. This verse is subject to change with the support of interactions and further research into canon events.

Abilities may be adjusted after further research.

Name: Harmony Halcyon

Alias: H-101 Omega (Former name by ARES), Nita Isskunosi (Little Bear) (Former name given to her at birth), Nita Ihoo (Bear Woman, given to her before the Battles of the Great Rivers.)

Age: 24

Gender: Female

Sexual Orientation: Pansexual

Path: Harmony

Rarity: ✦✦✦✦✦

Species: Cyborg (formerly human)

Race: Okchaian, Planet info: Link

Tribal affiliations: Oklabok (River People), Makha' Sa (Red Earth, Lakota) - Her mother is Oklabok and her father is Makha' Sa.

World of residence: Opes Prime Okchachuka

Faction: Former member of the Ahalalichi Chuka (Lead House) of the Pakali Iska (Flower Clan) of the Oklabok. Becomes a matriarch for a short time until she lost to the IPC during the Battle of the Great River.

After that, she was held by ARES until her escape. Currently, she's a Nameless and a guard for the Astral Express.

Note: Although there are many tribes in Okchachuka, the River People Tribe is similar to the tribes of the Southeastern US. This tribe is divided into clans, which are divided into houses where families are. The Flower Clan is a warrior clan, with other clans being warriors, hunters, healers, or priests.

The Makha' Sa people are similar to the Great Plains nations.

Element: Physical

Path: Harmony

Abilities

Harmony is a cyborg armed with plasma rays converted from energy she absorbs through the artificial lotus blossoms embedded in the shoulders and arm joints. Her preferred method of gaining energy is through passive absorption of surrounding energy, such as light and heat, but in a pinch, she will use her leeching ability.

Her arms store miniature factories, which excite the absorbed energy to convert it into plasma. Her palms serve plasma guns which can emit either plasma rays or vines. The guns appear as circular purple lights embedded in her palms.  Her arms also have the capability of releasing plasma as vines. When these vines wrap around targets, they drain energy through the vine's thorns. The energy from targets become energy she can use as ammunition or to support allies, such as restoring energy.

The arms are adorned with metallic vines with thorns and purple blossoms over her shoulder blades and joints. The entirety of her upper back is metal, serving as a cover for her secondary life support system that increases Harmony’s endurance and strength.

Some of her organs, such as her heart and lungs have implants to improve combat performance.

Some of her bones, such as her spine and ribs are reinforced or replaced with metal alloy for combat as well. Much of her cybernetics directly involved in creating, storing, and using plasma is composed of materials including black ore. ARES bought much of the ore from their partner, the IPC in exchange of developing weapons, which are sold to the IPC.

Although she doesn’t remember her past, Harmony’s knowledge of the military, combat, and field medicine indicate that she may be a soldier or guard. Her fate as an experiment for military research also suggests what her history is.

Note: Stats involving attacks are subject to change. Technique will be added soon.

Basic attack:  Fists of rage - Swings powerful punches at a single enemy, inflicting physical damage and drains small amounts of energy.

Skill:  Plasma Ray (blast) – Attacks a single opponent with a plasma gun built into the palm of her hands.  

Ultimate: Violet Vines - Releases a network of plasma vines that capture targets for, draining their life force for energy through the thorns. This energy can be used to restore allies energy and increase her attack.

Talent: Unconquerable Spirit - When her health is low enough, her power and stamina increase. Energy also regenerates is it's low enough at the start of a battle.

Other Abilities: Harmony received the ability to communicate with wubaboos after saving one from capture when she was held prisoner by ARES.

---

Appearance:

Art made by @s-talking

Text of appearance is from her profile page: Her long hair is dark brown, almost black with some dark red highlights. It casts a reddish shine in the light. Harmony stands about 5 foot 4 inches (162.5 cm) and is toned because of working out with a pear-shaped figure. Her weight fluctuates between 135-140 pounds (61.2- 63.5 kg) as a human, but as a cyborg, it increases to 185-190 pounds (83.9-86.2 kg). Her complexion is tan which is darker than most people in this verse. Her skin tone, hair color, and eye color are more typical among the people of her home planet. However, not much is known whether there are others like her anymore.

However, both arms and shoulders are mechanical with her entire back being metallic. These parts are dark gray with a large engraving of a stylized eagle. The engraving was made after she began to get on her feet after her escape, wanting a symbol of her new freedom. She also has a small tattoo on her left wrist, which says her former name: “H-101 Ω”

Harmony has three piercings. One on each earlobe and she has a piercing on her tongue.

Harmony’s body has various scars on her body, ranging from thin, clean incisions from live dissections, the nasty scars and burns from the “so-called” tests where she fought to the death against monsters, even forced to end the lives of prisoners corrupted by ARES' other experiments. She has mixed feelings about the scars. Harmony worries that she lost any beauty she had, but at the same time, they are signs that she is free. She fought against her captors and even against death itself.

 There is beauty in life and strength. Harmony used all her might for her right to protect and live, and despite all odds, she won.

---

Personality: Harmony is a shy girl who can get excited occasionally. This can be off-putting to other people, especially if she just met them. It makes her come off as socially awkward. Most of the time, she’s more reserved, often in the background but she will warm up to others who mean no ill will.

She can trust others pretty quickly, which is both a good and bad thing. However, once she trusts someone, Harmony is sweet, even affectionate. Her most noticeable traits are her kindness, being polite, and quiet nature. She also has a nurturing side, who takes on the role as a mother figure to others in needs including children and creatures. However, she can be fierce, even a little scary if she needs to be. This was apparent in her trials in ARES’s captivity and in the challenges that followed in her duty as a Trailblazer and guard.

She’s incredibly stubborn, and sometimes this can do more harm than good. But it is that determination that also saved lives including her own. Harmony means well, but even after living she is dedicated, sticking to her tasks to the end. The last thing she wants to do is let anyone down.

Eidolons: 1. Break of Dawn

2. High Hopes

3. Death of an Era

Prelude: The Blood Moon

4. Forty Days’ Slumber

5. Prison of Metal and Flesh

6. Broken Chains: The Unconquerable

---

Backstory

(Note: Some of the backstory may change once I learn more about the lore. ARES have been created for this AU and more information about them and specific characters as headcanons. ARES and notable characters associated with them will be available for plots.)

The stars shine bright in the eternal darkness that is the universe. They shimmer near and far from Harmony’s window with the colors of distant planets studding the heavens like jewels on sparkling velvet. Silver eyes watch the outside surroundings drift by outside her room. Metallic arms cross over her chest and red lips curve to a gentle smile.

I never get tired of this. I love seeing the stars whenever I get the chance. Harmony thought while looking on during this short time alone. It’s small pleasures like this that she never takes for granted. It’s far better than the bright red and rust splattered on the pit’s walls, a place where she thought of many battles for her life.  Where she is now is far better than the walls of her cold cell, or the blinding white lights over her.

She can never forget those memories. Strapped to the table with the light shielding the scientists’ features as they diligently got to work with sterling scalpels, drills, needles, and probes. Harmony never recalled ever being under any anesthesia during those experiments. The researchers at ARES never cared to offer their test subjects that.

Harmony’s smile fades as the past slowly and carefully creep up on her. Her head lowers to the floor before her.

“Ares.” She mutters under her breath. Not many people knew of them, but she would say they were lucky to never know.

ARES is an illusive organization dedicated to researching and developing weapons for military and warfare. They have vast connections to other organizations who seek their weaponry and technology. They worked alongside oppressive regimes across the universe. They also had dealings under the table with private military contractors who were willing to pay a high price for their weapons.

Hushed rumors stoked speculations that the IPC may have some involvement ARES's work or used their weapons designed for mass destruction.  Of course, there is no clear evidence of their relationship. Still, ARES are responsible for the devastation their weapons caused and they ignored ethics for the sake of progress.

One of their experiments is the creation of a super soldier, an ultimate killing machine. This led to their development of Project Ursa, which is the creation of a soldier of human and technology combined. A weapon that is as powerful as a grizzly bear hellbent on reaping lives of enemies.

That was where Harmony came in.

Harmony holds out her left arm and her left hand gingerly strokes over the small engraving on her metallic wrist. She can’t feel the depth of the engraving of the name ARES gave her.

H-101 Ω

She can’t feel the cold metal with her hands, or how smooth the metal is. It’s nothing but that strange sense of numbness from her shoulders down. Her back is no better with metal replacing flesh from the back of her neck to the center of her back.

 Funny…I…Can't remember ever feeling anything with my fingers...Come to think of it, I can't feel anything on my arms and back. But everywhere else is fine.

She vaguely recalls a time when she was not like this, but…It’s so blurry. All she knows is the ARES Space Station and the hell created within those walls.

“Shoot! Not again…” Harmony mutters under her breath with a shake of her head.

Eyes shut tight as she recalls her earliest memories being ones of fear, pain, and death.  But her life must have not been that way. She has her names, one being Harmony Halcyon, and the other is from an unknown language that she somehow knows. Though she remembers only some words, it was a sign that her life was not always shrouded in darkness.

She only has those few fragments from her past before ARES. She knows she’s Harmony Halcyon and there’s another name: Nita Isskunosi. It’s from a language she doesn’t recall the name of but knows some words. It exists somewhere!  Those names are what she held onto. They mean she’s a person, not H-101 Omega: The innovation of super soldiers.

The young woman opens her eyes, returning her attention to the heavens for one more moment. Just one more moment before duty calls.

 What I don’t get is how I got there to begin with. Harmony thought, I must have something to do with military or something like that. Was I a soldier or warrior before that? A peacekeeper?

A chiming sound draws her gaze to the phone resting on her nightstand. She turns away from the window for the nightstand, her mind wanders back to how she came here. That she remembers very well.

ARES gushed over their success in developing a living war machine but they wanted to do more. They had much more in store in her before her eventual deployment.

Be it on the table under the knife or on the battlefield, Harmony knew this could be fatal for her. Unfortunately for her, It didn’t matter to ARES since they lost many test subjects before.  As far as she knew, she was the remaining human subject who survived.

But Harmony had other plans for her fate. She wasn’t going to let them keep her here and use her for every twisted experiment. No. She refused to let those monsters rule her life! She can't let these people conquer her fate as they have done to her body, her mind, and her previous life.

She must take control of her life and it had to happen now!

It was that decision that changed her story and sparked chaos in the ARES Station.

Sirens went off, and red lights flashed in her sight as she ran down the corridor.  Sparks flew and armed med and women fell from the storm of plasma rays emitted from the gun embedded within her. Screams and cries of pain rang in her ears when other staff who came after her met the large, blue shield. She bulldozed obstacles while her plasma gun was charging, breaking into the station’s hanger.

Her target: The Crimson Falcon, was a space fighter jet developed by ARES. It was one of the ships in the organization’s prized fleet, which fell into the fugitive’s hands as she used credentials stolen from a fallen staff member on the way.

It worked! It was working, and she was free! She was so close to freedom at last!

Or so she thought.

ARES didn’t give up and pursued her. It took one missile to send the Crimson Falcon crashing. Her fears of recapture or death filled Harmony when she fell from the sky. The craft screeching with flames engulfing the ship. She didn’t have the chance to react before a crash reaches her ears. Darkness flooded her vision, surrounded by intense heat drilling into her as debris dug into her body. Those are all she knew until there was nothing.  

Harmony shudders and she shakes her head once more. It’s all she can do to rid herself of the past. Calm yourself, Harmony! Don’t get caught up in the past.  She needs to keep telling herself that. She reaches for her phone, turning on the screen to the notification. It's a reminder of the time, which is when she needs to be on patrol.

Yeah, I need to go. She thought, and the phone slid into her jacket's pocket as she made her way to her desk that stood across from her bed and nightstand. She picks up her Astral Express badge from the desk, pausing to look at it.

She can never express the entirety of her gratitude for the Astral Express. They didn't have to take her in, but she offered her services as security and assist in Trailblazing. Surely, her abilities can do good for others instead of destruction.

How she got here opened the door to a new journey in hopes of finding answers. That part of her story is still fresh on her mind with the many ups and downs leading to this.

Harmony came to learn about it during her recovery from her wounds at a clinic belonging to a doctor named Natasha in Jarilo-VI. Shat was where she crashed and it wasn't long until she was discovered and brought in. There she learned that she was safe and there was no one there to harm her.

That was the very first time in so long that she felt safe. That was the first time when the dam broke and emotions poured out. Maybe it is too much for the gentle doctor but she was patient, and understanding, never judging her patient who was through the wringer more than once.

That encounter was still embarrassing for Harmony who was used put on a brave face in the face of the people who put her through hell in the name of science.

Her time recovering in the clinic gave her time to put her thoughts together with questions buzzing in her mind. Though they followed her for so long, Harmony couldn't dwell on such questions when fighting for her life.

Nita Isskunosi, that means Little Bear. Why do I know that? Who was I?

My family? Who were they? Did I have one?

...Where is home?

How did I get to ARES?...What happened?

She had to know, but...How? Where should she start in finding answers to those questions.

She knew no one would have the answers, not even Natasha. But, Harmony was open with the kind woman about these questions and not knowing where to go from there. She had no one else to turn to other than the first friendly face.

That was where she learned about the Astral Express. It carried the Trailblazers, who saved Jarilo-VI from the effects of the Fragmentum. Perhaps they could help her find the answers to her past beyond her time with ARES. Though hesitant, Harmony knew that may be her first step.

She reached out to them, and the rest was history.

Her story starts from here and Harmony hopes that one day, she will learn about herself, where she came from, why she became an experiment, and hope to find people she will hold dear to her heart.

Right! I need to go! I need to for real.

Harmony attaches the badge to her jacket. Then, she makes her way to the door. She takes in a deep breath before finally leaving her room.

This is it. This is only the beginning.

[chronicparagon]

@talesforged

Continued

"Ah! Well...It's kind of hard to explain." Harmony answers while watching the world go by their daily affairs. "At least, I think it's news. I don't know how else to describe it. I think it could be considered news or maybe seeing the future?" She asks before she gives an example.

"Like, I had one dream where this blue haired creature was setting a city on fire. It was a little, squirrel-like creature that set this city on fire with this bizarre contraption they made but was laughing manically because of all the credit they got? They were small, very fluffy, and very blue. It ended wit the trash cans wanting to declare war for the critter's offense. Then, I was at Jarillo-VI not long ago. I watched silvermane guards chasing a man with blue hair because customers complained that he sold them this portable heater thing. It didn't work so they threw them away...but then it set trash cans on fire. They had to close off a section of Belabog because of the stench. I have no idea who he was but I heard he caused a lot of issues." Harmony explains and her mechanical shoulders shrug. "Anyway, that's one example. I think there's a connection but I can't be sure." Not that she's going to complain. Cryptic dreams are far better than revisiting her horrific past during sleep.

Then, she perks up as she recalls what the other said. She said learning through dreams is the way of life for her, but it's about the past. She turns her head to the source of the other voice.

"It's the way of life for you?" Harmony asks and she notices the other woman's dragon-like features.

The horns crowning her cherry red mane. The serpentine tail with scales of cherry and scarlet. "O-oh! Wait! You-You're a-" Harmony's body turns to full face Anhe. Silver eyes shine with excitement.

"You're a Vidyadhara!" Hands clap together and she hurriedly approaches the other. "That is so, so cool! Wow, I love your horns and tail! Y-you're so pretty!" She adds, though her head lowers, using her dark hair to conceal the blush on her tan skin. Embarrassment washes over her as she realizes her own mistake.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't introduce myself! I'm Harmony Halcyon! I came to Xianzhou Luofu with the Astral Express! May I know your name, miss? Could you tell me more about how dreams work for your people?"

[chronicparagon]

“Is It A Crime” by Sade

[chronicparagon]

♪

@reversescale

♪ Cuddling together for warmth.

The journey is aimless with the pair having different reasons to travel.

He wants to be as far away from his home as possible, far from a grim past.

She wants to see the vast cosmos beyond the cells and testing chambers, free from cruel hands.

The two travelers met by chance and ventured together ever since. They dare not reveal their pasts to the other. There was no need when the future holds many uncertainties from the dangers lurking in the darkness.

On this day, Dan Heng and Harmony boarded a ship some time ago and the journey is far from over. They found solace here but the familiar chill in the air comes. That is to be expected. It is rather common in cargo sections such as this one. Harmony never complained about it, not even once. Though her heart aches for the sense of safety around the cozy embers of bonfires as her people told stories and sang songs.

Those days are long gone now.

But this cold is far better than the frigid air ARES forced her into for testing, or the gray metal that was her prison. And so, she doesn’t grumble about the conditions.

Dan Hang hasn’t said a word about it either. Though, she can tell he’s not comfortable to say the least. “Hey…” She speaks softly while pulling out a bundle from her back. She unrolls the purple blanket scarf before holding it out to him. “Go ahead and take this.” She offers the blanket to her companion, though he seems hesitant. “I’m not that cold. Besides, I can’t feel anything from my arms or part of my back. I’m going to be okay.” She smiles before leaning in.

“Come on. I’m going to worry if you don’t take it.” Soft fabric drapes over Dan Heng’s shoulders. She adjusts it on him. Not the best cover, but it’s better than nothing. It will certainly cover the upper half of his body. “There we are. If you’re still cold, let me know. Maybe we…Um, can sit close together or something like that. I can still generate some heat. I’m warm blooded and all that.” She leans back once she’s done. The cyborg leans back against the steel wall behind her, but she doesn’t have a chance to relax when Dan Heng made his move.  

“Ah!” Muscles within her tense when he leans in. She freezes in place, an instinctual act but she doesn’t push him away. Her brain short circuits, frozen in place with her eyes wide.

This feeling-

The closeness of another is something she haven’t felt in so, so long. Yes, it has been years since she felt anything like it. The many times her father embraced her since she was small, and how her mother used to cuddle with her when she was a child. The playful nudges between friends.  The warmth and genuine love behind those gestures, they were times when the young woman felt safe and sound.

Even now, hidden from wandering gazes in a ship bound for the great distances where challenges lie ahead, it’s that closeness from Dan Heng’s approach that triggered something deep within her. She blinks the tears away as those faded memories flow into her mind. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to notice, or so she hopes.  Though this may be a way for him to share some warmth, it still touches her in a way she never imagine. Harmony still doesn’t push him away. His touch isn’t unwelcome. Really, it is something she misses. 

Mechanical hands adjusts the blanket one more time. Her movements are slow and careful. The blanket spreads over Dan Heng and tucks it around him and herself. The blanket scarf is large enough to cover them both. Her arms wrap around him, keeping him close. The energy radiating from the artificial flowers emit faint heat which is trapped under the blanket. It should amplify the warmth shared between the travelers. Suddenly, exhaustion creeps into her mind, and her eyelids are heavier.  Her head moves both sides, a quick survey around just to be sure there's no trouble.

It's quiet.

Not a single soul is nearby,

And no imminent threat of pirates or monsters.

A gentle sigh escapes the cyborg, and she lowers her head. She closes her eyes before burying her face into Dan Heng's black hair. This is a rare moment of serenity in this tumultuous journey.

[chronicparagon]

[ Actually, when I think of it, I think Harmony would have been called the "w" word and other derogatory words in her HSR verse, which would have given her trouble accepting it. During her captivity in ARES, she was seen as less than. The scientists, guards, handlers, and other staff would have thrown those insults around. This would definitely happen when their experiments rebel in any way.

Fighting back, pleading not to go through more testing. These would earn harsh punishment, including these slurs.

They would be more frequent as the phase of Project Ursus with implanting the Kill Switch neared. She became more combative, often lashing out with violence. As a precaution before that, ARES would have harvested some of her eggs. That way, they could create test subjects that can survive the kill switch phase since Harmony is the only survivor in the first phase. This would have been done with in-vitro methods.

Of course, she escaped before then, but she would have been subjected to injections of a cocktail of substances, including fertility drugs. She doesn't quite remember every occurrence of being called these words, but would remember how the people in ARES gave snide comments about her despite not having intimacy with anyone at this point. She would internalize these words as something negative.]

[chronicparagon]

Black boots stop in their tracks when their owner hears his voice. The figure slowly turns around until she faces Gallagher. Arms cross over her chest as she takes in the officer's image. A dim, purple glow radiates in the alley's darkness. The soft light comes from the flowers adorning her metallic shoulders and the joints of her arms. She didn't think anyone would care about what she was up to, but she had no reason to lie.

"No." She answers, "You're right. I'm not from here. I'm with the Astral Express." She adds, thinking that her affiliation wouldn't cause an alarm. Then, a dark brow rises when he speaks about the Family.

Is she in any trouble? As far as the cyborg knows, she didn't commit any crimes or did anything to stand out. Hopefully, Gallagher will tell her.

"I have?" Her head tilts slightly to the side as she asks. "I'm not sure why the Family would be interested in me. I mean, I guess I stick out with how I look." Her head straightens back into place. Mechanical arms rise, and she reveals the purple lights on her palms. "But I promise you I mean no harm."

@penaconian-dog

@chronicparagon

"Wandering the backstreets isn't the smartest idea, ya know."

He had his hands shoved into his pockets as the toe of his shoe kicked around a pebble idly. He wasn't fond of these assignments, but a job was a job.

"are ya from around here? You caught the Family's eye, so I doubt it."

[chronicparagon]

@spartaen

It started with one statement. It was a statement about the hypothetical of dating Mydeimos of Kremnos. One thing led to another, and he gave her a challenge to fight. As much as Harmony doesn't like violence, it is a necessity in the vast cosmos. Battling is a means of survival, which is what she knows very well.

This time, it is an honorable battle against the Prince of Kremnos himself. If she wins, then he may favor her. But she loss-Well, she doesn't wish to dwell on that. It's a possibility, but she won't psyche herself out.

'I hope I got this. No, no-I got this! I got a chance. There's always a chance.' The cyborg thinks, doing all she can to hype herself up.

"Funny..." She mutters under her breath. Silver eyes take in her surroundings during those fleeting moments of peace. "No one is here, but I can kind of hear cheering spectators." Perhaps the spirit of valor remains strong even when these stands are empty.

[chronicparagon]

Name: Dan Heng Age: ~33 Do you like to cuddle?: Yes, I'd say so. Can we make-out?: ...I'd like that. A night in or dinner out?: I prefer night in, but I don't mind negotiating. Ice cream or chocolate-covered strawberries?: Um... neither, but I can make either if you like them. What makes you a good Valentine?: I'm open-minded to new experiences and hopefully could be knowledgeable enough to make them enjoyable. I'm interested in you as a person and would love to get to know you better. Would you cook for me?: Anything you can think of. Would you let me cook for you?: Of course.

@reversescale

“Hm?” Harmony asks when Dan Heng hands her a paper. She accepts it with both hands and reads it. “What the-“ She mutters under her breath while taking in the written words. Eyes widen and dark brows rise as the message finally hits her.

This is an application, a Valentines application! And Dan Heng filled it out! Harmony’s jaw drops when it hits her. Silvery seas meets his blue eyes when her attention returns to him.

“Dan…” Harmony speaks, “D-Dan Heng, are you sure?” Judging by his face, he’s serious about it. The cyborg knows him well enough that he doesn’t joke about things like this. A blush tints her skin and she holds the application over her face to hide it. “I didn’t you would-b-but I’m not disappointed!” She not disappointed at all. In fact, Harmony feels the urge to leap for joy. She refrains from revealing her excitement.

‘Play it cool, girl! Be cool about this.’ She thought and lowers the application, revealing a smile. “If you want to be my Valentine, then I’m all for it. Thank you for filling it out! I am just as happy for a night in and I would like to cook with you, if you feel up to it.”

[chronicparagon]

@ddddancer

Flirt <:3

"Mister Fairweather?" Harmony asks, though she is certain what he is doing.

'Is he...flirting with me?'

She thought, which set her heart racing. The cyborg seems hesitant initially, but perhaps he thinks she's okay? Decent perhaps? That's her hope. Though nervous, Harmony tries to play it cool. The last thing she wants is to scare anyone away.

"Heh, you're a charmer!" She giggles before continuing. "But are you teasing or do you want to go out or hang out? If it's the latter, you can just ask. I don't bite!"

Well, she doesn't bite much anyway.

[chronicparagon]

👀 !! :>

@nohymn

send 👀 if our muses have never interacted before (or have!) and I will write up 3-5 headcanons for their relationship!

The first meeting was a little tense. Sunday boards the Astral Express as a passenger while Harmony is part of the crew as one of the Nameless. Harmony is pretty shy and at first, she is wary with how he carries himself. Of course, she would be polite with him despite being a little put off by how he seems holier than thou while he must adjust to the dramatic changes in his life. This is the beginning of learning that Sunday is not all that he seems and deep down, he is human who is starting on a new journey to find himself.

2. The coldness between them doesn't last long. While on the Astral Express, there is time to cross paths and start to get to know each other. They find that they both love music and adore sweets. This becomes the first bit of common ground that the two bond on.

3. Though she doesn't remember much about her past, Harmony knows she can play guitar and sing. She has to adjust to playing with the loss of sensation in her fingers due to her cybernetics, but she got the hang of it again with some encouragement from others. Sunday and his immaculate talents on the piano is a big influence in her taking up the guitar again.

This leads to spending time listening to each other play, even playing together through those quiet hours during their travels.

4. Both love desserts and Sunday leads to Harmony learning about the vast variety of pastries that she never knew existed before. One of Harmony's talents is also baking and she would be interested in learning how to bake egg based sweets like puddings and custards. She does well in this skill and would invite Sunday to tase test these creations. Creme brulee and Chocolate pudding tarts topped with fresh berries are some of her favorite creations.

5. Harmony loves how Sunday's hair looks. Harmony is also quite prideful of her own hair which is based on her culture. Hair is seen as "medicine," which refers to spiritual power or the power of the connection of identity and culture, which has its own healing power.

This is a big stretch, but if there's enough trust, they may get into sharing tricks on how they tend to their hair. It could escalate to brushing and styling each other's hair. Among Harmony's people, working on each other's hair by brushing, braiding, etc are done as showing trust and care. It is also an act of healing by bonding with others and reconnecting with heritage. It gives the opportunity to share stories while boosting each other's confidence.

[chronicparagon]

hc + 😴 for a sleep-themed headcanon

hc + 👍 for a headcanon about things they like

hc + 👎 for a headcanon about things they dislike

hc + 🛒 for a shopping-themed headcanon

@talesforged

hc + 😴 for a sleep-themed headcanon

Harmony loves sleep but a restful night's sleep is a luxury for her. The cyborg lets her guard down when she sleeps, and falls into the grim memories that return as nightmares. The ghosts of her past are relentless as she remembers the pain, the fear, and the sorrow from the many lives around her cut short in the name of science and conquest.

Wounds on flesh have long scarred over, but the wounds in the mind always return when she hears the distant cries of other captives, and the white sterile walls become red.

Because of this, Harmony tries to find different ways to rest. Harmony comes to learn that holding something as she sleeps makes those nightmares less frequent. A pillow, a plush, anything to reassure herself. That bit of comfort reminds her that her past is not now. She is alive, safe, and not alone. That doesn't always eliminate the nightmares, but anything helps.

hc + 👍 for a headcanon about things they like

Harmony is very excited about learning other people's cultures. She enjoys experiencing the diversity the universe has to offer. When on a new planet, she wants to learn about the history, beliefs, lore, and traditions. Although usually quiet, Harmony will ask question after question from people who are willing to share. Gray eyes light up to find the delicacies on the table, and the details of clothing and regalia people wear.

After losing so much of her own home, Harmony shares what she remembers of her own culture while making efforts to learn, honor, and help preserve other cultures.

hc + 👎 for a headcanon about things they dislike

Harmony hates cruelty with a burning passion. She especially has a soft spot for children and animals, believing they deserve love and safety. Abuse and neglect trigger a violent reaction from the cyborg. She has been treated less of a person before and she will be damned if she allows anyone else to get hurt.

hc + 🛒 for a shopping-themed headcanon

As much as Harmony loves shopping, she shops mainly with others in mind. She tries to learn about friends' and colleagues' favorites and keeps an eye open for these items.

Gift-giving is one of Harmony's love languages, so she saves up her credit to buy nice things for others. Harmony also loves to buy things to represent different cultures and support the people's efforts in preserving it. Small businesses and independent artisans are also some of Harmony's favorite places to shop.

[chronicparagon]

🤥

😶

@reversescale

hc + 🤥 for a lie-themed headcanon

Harmony is a horrible liar. She prefers to be honest but there are times when a lie can make a difference between life and death. Though she dreads being dishonest, Harmony will lie to protect others.

However, she has the worst poker face ever. Her eyes will shift away from others, fearing to see reactions such as disappointment, anger, or fear. Stammering her words as her mind races for the right words to make a convincing lie. These are small tell-tale signs that she is fibbing. Even is she is lying for the greater good, the guilt still eats at her.

hc + 😶 for a headcanon about a secret they know of / keep

Harmony doesn't like to share her secrets, mainly out of fear of judgment. Though she doesn't remember much of her past outside her captivity in ARES, she has pieces of some of her memories, such as aspects of her home's culture, and experience in warfare.

To recap, ARES is an intergalactic war machine that made deals with the IPC, dictators, and private military contractors to gain funding and test subjects in creating new weapons. Many authority figures turn a blind eye to ARES' lack of ethics and willingly turn over prisoners from conquest.

Harmony vaguely remembers a time when she was running through a battlefield. Fire and death embraced the earth. Donning a uniform, she raced to fallen comrades, pleading with them to wake up as she tended to their wounds. It was a desperate time until she heard crashes near and far and hellish flames flooded her vision.

That was the end of one era of her life, and her time as a prisoner and test subject began. Harmony suspects that she may have been a warrior or soldier or guard before an experiment. However, she has no way of confirming that with her home planet long gone. Since then, she avoids speaking about her past. Though, memories creep on the cyborg's mind when she is vulnerable such as sleep. Dark secrets haunt her through nightmares, taunting her for failing her family, her friends, her people, and her planet.

Harmony hopes that she won't become weak and fail everyone again.