Harlequin Au - Tumblr Posts

I love how I'm known as "the Harlequin AU creator" like yeah, that's my official title now

Like hi yes I'm the dumbass who took one good look at these two and thought "you know what would be awesome. if they were robots in an 1800's sci-fantasy world and were super hot spouse material"

Congrats for 1K

Celebratory 1k+ post! (+Official Reveal of "Him.")

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First of all, before I start, I would just like to thanks everyone from the bottom of my heart. I cannot begin to emphasize just how much it means to me that more than 1,000 of you decided that this blog was follow worthy.

The fact that so many people engage with this blog, whether asking a lore-related question to know more about the world of the AU, to joking around and making me laugh makes my heart swell with pride and joy.

This AU's purpose was not only to tell a story, but to also destress myself from my problems so I can keep my head on my shoulders and keep on living. So to know that many people found this passion project interesting enough, well... All I could really say is...

Thank you.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share an incredibly canon-divergent story that is so far removed from the original source, it may as well be considered as a standalone project.

Thank you for sparing a little bit of your time and attention (as well as a few braincells) to learn about the characters, the story, the history, and the world of it.

... And most of all, thank you for continuously saving me from the darkness that attempts to consume me everyday.

No one really knows what happens to me behind the screen, and I'd rather keep it that way because I don't wanna be such a downer. Even here, I want to keep things lighthearted so I won't be delving into that.

Besides that, there's unfortunately something I haven't been entirely honest with you guys. Everyone knows about the B.O.S.S. (B.loodthirsty, O.verburdened S.corned S.ouls) roster, and how they serve as the AU's antagonists, but there is a secret character who doesn't exactly fall into that category.

Rather, he's not just a normal boss antagonist. HE'S THE OVERARCHING VILLAIN OF THIS AU, and has been teased since WAYYYY back to the early poster of the Harlequin AU.

You may know this guy as "???" from the roster list, or "HIM" from the answered lore-related asks. Well, for the sake of a celebratory 1k post that won't provide much strain for me, I've decided to reveal who this is.

Now, without further ado, I'd like you all to meet-

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"The Patriarch of Puppets" - Official design reveal!

"Adorned in silver and reds, The Patriarch of Puppets (or simply, "The Patriarch") is an untouchable and powerful entity who constantly chases Pomni after she finishes a battle with a Boss."

No one knows what the fuck his problem is, But one thing is for sure: he first shows up after Pomni defeats the Skirmish General, and seems to like tormenting the Combat Harlequin by attempting to separate her soul from her heart and inflicting burning agony.

Pomni, in tandem, feels GREAT DREAD even at her first encounter with The Patriarch; she doesn't know why, but whenever he's in her general presence, her entire soul, AND her fight-or-flight instincts screams TWO THINGS: "DANGEROUS. RUN."

Pomni CANNOT fight him to save her life. Her sword hands starts to tremble and she can't move if she's around him for too long. She knows from the very beginning that this is a fight that she cannot win no matter what. He is the Hunter, and she is the Prize.

Bubble also seems to power off instantly and just crash to the ground with no warning, an immediate telling sign that he's already in the general vicinity. He seems to not care about the blimp in the slightest.

His classification is a King Harlequin; 1) a reference to "king-size", 2) a literal one of a kind Puppet, and 3) the tallest of Harlequins that no one even knew existed in the first place.

Just how tall exactly? Well...... here's the updated lineup.

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I hope that this is a fitting celebratory 1k treat for all you hungry lore eaters and Harlequin AU enjoyers!

And now this is probably for the souls like au, since it’s technically the game version.

Oh? What's this? Seems to be an AU crossover with The Monster Labs, by @etanow!

Now, sometimes I like to pretend that this AU is a playable game.

And what does a playable game have? LORE Limited time SKINS!

Endowed with the powers of a minor god, Caine's already outrageous ideas seems to stretch far, far, FAR beyond the horizon now.

It also seems that the Puppetmaster's become a little bit more of a cuckoo than his usual self; cackling like a mad scientist about to bring about either the next revolutionary discovery, or a massive city-wide explosion.

... Why is he giving Pomni so many flowers??

Tsk, tsk, tsk Pomni. You would think that the pain from battles would make one learn, but nope. Not this Harlequin.

Especially when it seems like she's speedrunning flipping the bird off of Death's face as many times as possible to show 'em who's boss. Now she's UNdead!

Good thing she doesn't eat robot brains too. I-I hope...

She's electric! Literally!

Ragatha's gotten quite the new look, and some new tricks at that too. The Artifact Collector herself seems to be more open to going outside all of a sudden; when she tended to be a recluse prior to the change.

Wonder if she's also more open to hugs that don't shock you?

A one of a kind special boss skin! Only available under specific circumstances. His attacks don't change nor add something new, it's just a cosmetic skin for The Mischievous Trickster Automaton fight. lmao

Special thanks to Audi/Eta for letting me do this! I kinda wanna do more AU crossovers when I can because this was very fun, so I may reach out to other AUs I really like :)

For now, I rest my bones........ I have done my job :3c

bruh, AHAHAHAHAHA

i will save this for something else now ôwô

HARLEQUIN AU - Caine x Pomni ("Come Closer" Animatic)

This is actually how they first meet in the AU guys I promise this is canon (lie)

I may have killed my hands to do this for the rest of the day, but I think it's worth it lmao

...cough

HARLEQUIN AU - Kingr Character showcase (+WIP Harlequin!Pomni and Puppetmaster!Caine)

I actually made these yesterday for when I eventually make a masterpost about the Harlequin/Puppet AU, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that it might've been the making of Kingr's design showcase was what made my hand hurt. A LOT

... It's okay I still love how he turned out <3

(P.S, Kinger is intentionally missing the "e" from his name in this AU)

(P.P.S, I didn't mean to make Pomni and Caine mirror each other's stances)

sheeeesh

Please forgive me for my sins and crimes against humanity for I cannot stop imagining the Jester and the Dentures making out sloppily in my Puppet AU (+bonus harlequilt/showtime in the cut!)

I also see the ragdoll in the mix half of the time because they share her equally (Healthy poly relationships, YIPPIEEEEE!)

Sneak peek of my newest showtime fanfic about TADC Harlequin AU.

Sequel to my other work on ao3 "Purple"

TADC Harlequin AU BY @tadc-harlequin-au

Lilac

⚠️WARNING ⚠️ A liiiiiiitle suggestive talk between two personalities.

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Caine and Pomni were cuddling in the Puppetmaster's bedroom. Since Pomni's mind had short-circuited, causing her to behave like the Performer Harlequin for a while, they had grown closer. However, Pomni still struggled to accept her feminine side. And now, she was dreaming of her dark subconscious.

"This... is Caine's office." Harlequin looked around.

"It's comfortable here. And there's something to read." The voice from the sofa reached Pomni's ears.

Harlequin drew her sword and pointed it at the source of the sound. Performer Pomni lay on the sofa, reading a book.

"You? B-but how? I killed you!" Pomni shook her head in denial.

"You dispelled me, yes." Pomni closed the book and stood up. "But no matter how you look at it, I'm a part of you. From now on and forever. So..." She awkwardly spread her arms and smiled.

Combat Pomni's right eye twitched, and a yellow light flared up in it.

"GO TO HELL!" She lunged at the second personality with her sword. Performer Pomni easily and gracefully dodged. "What? How did you dodge?"

"We share skills and motor memory." Pomni began examining her left hand. "So predicting your moves isn't hard. Plus, I have access to your memories."

"I already know that last part," Combat Pomni sheathed her sword. "You showed me a memory of a battle in the smoke back then."

"Yup. I love playing with the past." Performer Pomni placed her hands on her red cheeks and wiggled her hips. "And I have a special fondness for how gently Caine hugs us."

Combat Pomni blushed, trembling with rage.

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU DIGGING THROUGH MY MEMORIES?"

"Oh, cut me some slack." Performer Harlequin put one hand on her hip and waved the other dismissively. "You won't let me enjoy his touches. Let me at least drool over them."

Combat Harlequin cooled down a bit. The angry grimace left her face.

"So if I give you access to the body, you'll stop rifling through my memory card?"

A purple eye sparkled. Performer Pomni playfully ran her hand through her hair, letting it flutter.

"Oh. Is a deal in the making?"

"I haven't promised you anything!" Combat Harlequin pointed a finger in Performer Harlequin's face. "But I'm willing to listen to you. By the way," Combat Pomni crossed her arms. "what should I call you? Just 'slut' isn't an option."

"WHY DID YOU GIVE ME SUCH A NICKNAME?!" Performer Pomni's turn to get angry came. But she took a deep breath and exhaled, pressing a finger to her cheek. "How about Lilac? A shade of purple, like my eye."

Pomni nodded.

"Alright, Lilac, I'm listening."

"Okay. For starters," Lilac thought, her cheeks burning bright red. "I want to spend hot nights with Mr. Puppetmaster."

"Go to hell. Any other requests?" Pomni said absolutely neutrally.

"Oh, come on. It's the same body! He won't notice the switch!" Lilac stomped her foot in frustration. "Well. Either you let me have fun with him once in a while, or I'll keep digging through your shared memories and enjoying the view." She haughtily raised her nose.

"Argh. Fine. One night in one lunar cycle." Pomni showed one finger.

"Not fair. That's too little. I want once a phase." Lilac showed four fingers.

"Deal." Pomni agreed through gritted teeth. The two personalities shook hands. "Then sit tight and don't bother me until the new phase starts."

"Actually," Lilac covered her mouth with her fingers, "tonight is the new moon."

Pomni's mind short-circuited. Right. How could she forget?

"Well, it's already started, so it doesn't count. Wait until the end of the first quarter." Pomni felt something between fear and awkwardness for the first time.

"Nuh-uh." Lilac wagged her finger side to side. "Don't you dare refuse me. We agreed. So tonight, I'll be enjoying the Puppetmaster's warm and pleasant touches."

Silence hung between Pomni and Lilac.

"Fucking nympho." Pomni broke the silence.

"Look who's talking!" Lilac retorted indignantly.

to be continued

I understood that it's easier to make chapters rather than one large work. So here we go.

TADC HARLEQUIN AU SHOWTIME by @tadc-harlequin-au

Part two of a sequel to my fanfic "Purple"

Part one is here

Lilac

⚠️WARNING ⚠️ A litle suggestive.

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“Pomni. Pomni.” Caine’s voice came from somewhere outside.

Pomni opened her eyes and found herself in the Puppetmaster’s embrace. A book he had been reading lay nearby, but now he was more interested in something else.

“Are you okay? You were hissing with anger in your sleep.” Caine adjusted a strand of her hair and placed a hand on her cheek.

Pomni understood why Lilac was so eager to come out. These touches were special. Only she could experience them. Only her body. But now, with her consciousness split into two halves, she would have to... share.

“I don’t want to...” Pomni began to shake.

“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t realize you’d had enough.” Caine awkwardly removed his hand from the Harlequin's face.

Pomni aggressively grabbed Caine by the neck and pulled him close.

“I don’t want to share you with anyone,” she growled. “But if I don’t do this, she’ll keep rummaging through my memories.”

“Pomni. Who is she? Share with whom?” Caine stroked Pomni's back.

Pomni pulled away.

“Remember a couple of weeks ago when my character block short-circuited?” Receiving a wary but affirmative nod from Caine, she continued. “The second personality didn’t disappear. She’s still in my head. And she’s rummaging through my memories like a damn raccoon.” Pomni sighed. Caine hugged her shoulders. “She especially likes the memories of you, and she wants to make her own. So we made a deal. I let her out occasionally to have fun and cuddle with you, and she leaves my memory card alone.”

Caine’s gaze dulled.

“Wait. I have to entertain your second personality? What happens if I refuse?”

“No one’s asking you!” Pomni showed her sharp teeth. “Basically, give Lilac what she wants, and I’ll be free.”

Pomni stood up and walked to the window.

“Pomni. Wait.” Caine followed her.

Pomni looked at the starry sky. The absence of the moon bothered her.

“Damn new moon. Why did it have to come right now?”

Pomni closed her eyes and turned to Caine. She took the band off her hair, and the locks flowed over her shoulders. She curtsied and opened her eyes. Her right eye, purple, shone brightly.

“How glad I am to see you again, Mr. Puppetmaster.”

And again, that smile, that voice, they had changed beyond recognition. That softness, tenderness, vulnerability. Caine remembered them as if he had just met Lilac yesterday. He stepped back. She stepped forward. The Puppetmaster retreated, and Lilac continued to follow him. At some point, he stumbled against the bed. The Harlequin smirked slyly. She adjusted the collar of Caine's unbuttoned shirt.

“It seems you were about to sleep. Mind if I join you?” her half-closed eyes sparkled with desire.

“No. Yes. I don't know.” Caine ran his hand over his head. “Lilac, right? I don't want to entertain you. My heart belongs to Pomni, not you. Give her back control over the body.”

Lilac tilted her head thoughtfully. Her finger slowly and calculatingly tapped her cheek.

“Fine. If you don't want to, then you don't want to.” she spread her arms.

“Really?” Caine's gaze dulled.

“Yes.” Lilac clasped her hands behind her back and headed to the door. “I'll just find someone else to spend the night with. Ragatha seemed nice. Or I could get to know Jax.”

Instantly, Caine snapped out of it and teleported to the door. He grabbed the Harlequin by the shoulders as she was about to open the door.

“You are not going anywhere. Especially not to Jax!”

“Oh, oh, oh. Mr. Puppetmaster. Is someone getting jealous?” Lilac tried to kiss him, but he pushed her away.

“Just because I won't let you roam around the mansion doesn't mean I'll spend time with you.”

“Ugh. Caine. What's wrong? I don't understand.” Lilac brushed off his hands and rubbed her nose bridge. “Pomni's body, Pomni's face, everything is Pomni. What don't you like?”

“But here.” he pointed a finger at her forehead. “it's not Pomni. I love her confidence, her unyielding nature, her persistence, her bravery. I fell in love with her soul. And you are her opposite. So sorry, but I won't love you.” his eyes now showed anger. “Do you understand? Give me back my woman!”

“Oh, Caine.” Lilac took his hand. “I am not Pomni's opposite. I am her other side. The side she fears. And since you love her, you should love me too, because I have always been, am, and will be a part of her consciousness.”

Caine looked at Lilac's hand. Usually, when he held Pomni's hand, it had a firm and strong grip. But this touch was gentle and light.

“I still need to learn more about you.” Caine said with a light chuckle.

“So why don't we learn more about each other? Now?” Lilac finally managed to kiss Caine.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he hugged her waist. There was no passion or lust in this kiss, but love flowed from Lilac. Caine felt a strange déjà vu, as if Pomni had already kissed him like this. Which was strange, because his kisses with her were filled with fire and insatiability. Lilac pulled away. The tip of her tongue still peeked out from her slightly parted lips. She smiled sweetly. Caine awkwardly looked away.

“How about I go change, and you wait for me here?” Lilac put one hand behind her back and ran the other over the lower half of Caine's head. He, not understanding why, raised his head in embarrassment.

“N... no...” Caine moved Lilac's hand away from himself and cleared his throat. “better yet, I'll take you to Pomni's room and you can change there. Under my supervision.”

Lilac's cheeks blushed. She clasped her hands together.

“Fine.”

“You agreed surprisingly quickly.” Caine looked suspiciously at Lilac.

“I just liked your wording.” Lilac made a strange sound with her lips, something like "POP".

To be continued

You're really funny if you think that i have any idea of how to avoid tumblr rules in the next chapter of "Lilac".

I have another idea, but for that, Lilac has to be on the battlefield. *looking directly into your soul* any ideas of how should I do this?

What time is it? Correct! It's HARLEQUIN AU SHOWTIME!

AU belongs to @tadc-harlequin-au

Part three of the sequel of "Purple"

Part one

Part two

Lilac

⚠️WARNING ⚠️ little to no suggestive

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Caine opened the door of his room and looked around.

"Empty. We can go."

He cautiously led Lailac by the hand. Surprisingly, they made it through the corridor without being seen.

"Pomni's room. You can go in. I'll wait outside." Caine stepped aside to let Lailac through.

However, the Performer Harlequin had other plans. She grabbed the Puppetmaster by the collar and dragged him into the room with her.

Lailac looked around the room until she found a small wardrobe. She opened the doors with a happy smile, but the smile faded when she saw identical sets of clothes and a very suspicious black box.

"Pomni," Lailac tried to smile awkwardly, "you're not picky about clothes."

There was no response. Pomni was asleep in her subconscious, hugging her sword.

The suspicious black box caught Lailac's attention. She opened it, and her eyes lit up.

"My dress!" she exclaimed joyfully.

"Hmm. I was sure Pomni had burned it," Caine mused, scratching his chin.

Lailac started unbuttoning Pomni's clothes. Caine turned away.

"Why are you turning away? You've already seen this body naked." Lailac giggled, looking at Caine over her shoulder.

"Your body language is different from Pomni's. I don't like looking at this body when you're controlling it."

"Oh, look at you, so delicate." Lailac removed the top half of the clothes and started on the pants. "Fine, we'll have other opportunities to look at each other."

Caine stared into empty space. He just needed to avert his gaze. He wondered how he ended up in this situation. Ten minutes ago, he was with Pomni, and now he was babysitting her second personality.

"Ugh," the Puppetmaster sighed. "Pomni, I love you, but sometimes you do things I don't understand."

A few minutes later, Lailac finished changing. The dress, the corset, the gloves, the high boots. She spun around and approached Caine.

"Tell me, does this dress suit me?"

Caine carefully lifted his gaze from the floor to Lailac.

"A dress is a dress. What's there to mumble about?"

Lailac didn't like his reaction. She decided to try something.

"Ugh. These rags again," she said in a slightly rough tone. This immediately made Caine hold his breath. "Well, if you like it, fine. I'll wear them."

Lailac closed her right eye and made a slightly displeased face. One fist on her hip, the other hand covering her right eye.

Now, seeing Pomni before him, Caine found her truly beautiful. Her beauty was mesmerizing. But before he could say anything, Lailac couldn't hold it in and started grinning.

"Sorry, sorry, you just looked at me so lovingly that I couldn't help but smile."

Caine immediately frowned.

"How often will you come?" he asked with slight irritation in his voice.

"We agreed on four times a month." Lailac showed two fingers on each hand.

"Too often. But fine." He extended his hand to her.

Lailac bowed and took the Puppetmaster's hand. He pulled her close and wrapped his free arm around her shoulders.

"Right here and now?" she asked playfully.

Caine mumbled something, and they teleported back to his room.

"Now sit and stay quiet until I return." Caine headed to his wardrobe.

Lailac rolled her eyes. Suddenly, an idea came to her. She carefully approached the exit door.

"Don't even think about it," Caine said, removing his shirt without turning around.

"Caine, can I sleep at my place tonight?" a rougher voice asked.

The Puppetmaster dropped his shirt. He turned and rushed to Pomni. He wasn't even bothered that her hair covered the right half of her face. All he wanted to do was kiss her.

After finishing the kiss, Caine pressed Pomni's hand to his cheek.

"Pomni, how are you? Did Lailac let you go? I'm so happy."

"Yes. I decided it was a bad idea. I didn't even give you a choice. Sorry."

"Don't apologize. I'm just glad you're back."

"Well, then you won't mind if I sleep at my place tonight? I want to be alone."

"Of course. No problem. Go. Rest."

Pomni kissed Caine gently and turned to the door.

"I love you. Good night."

As soon as the door closed behind the harlequin, Caine returned to the wardrobe and picked up his shirt.

"I love you too, Pomni," he said, then it hit him. "Pomni said 'I love you' for the first time. She usually says, 'Same old crap'..." Caine facepalmed. "What an idiot I am!"

He quickly put his shirt back on and threw on his cloak. The Puppetmaster dashed into the corridor, but Lailac was already skipping around the corner. She playfully peeked from behind, stuck out her tongue, and winked her left eye to make the right one sparkle.

"Oh, you..." Caine ran after her.

TO BE CONTINUED

Hey-o! It's me, again.

Idea:

So, for whatever reason, Caine has taken Pomni's sword, everyone is out in front of the mansion (So Z and Kingr can also be there), and Pomni is pissed that Caine won't give back her sword. The following conversation ensues:

Pomni: "Give back my sword Caine! Or else!"

Caine: "Or else what?~" *Said teasingly*

Pomni: "You wanna find out?" *She lowers her stance, preparing to lunge at him.*

Caine: "Go ahead~" *Shifts so her sword would be out of reach and he could deflect her lunge.*

Pomni: *Growls, knowing she can't get past him before hearing a whisper in the back of her mind; "I could get your sword back y'know~, all you have to do is let me have my fun~". For a moment Pomni's expression drops as she considers the offer, before smirking and standing straight again.* "Fine, have it your way~" *She turns and goes into the mansion, going back to her room so Lilac can get into her outfit instead of Pomni's.*

Caine: *Doesn't realize what Pomni is planning but has a bad feeling. (He doesn't think Pomni would actually let Lilac out.)*

(A while later (it takes a while for Lilac to get into her outfit bc she's extra))

Lilac: *Walking out of the mansion.* "Oh, Puppetmaster!!!~"

Caine: *Messed up sob-like noise as he whips around to look at her because he didn't think Pomni would actually do this to him.*

Lilac: *Giggling like the sassy bitch she is as she literally cartwheels over (so extra) landing just in front of Caine and curtsying while smiling smugly.*

Caine: "Wha- huh?! N- No! Pomni wouldn't-"

Lilac: *Cuts Caine off by gently holding his lower jaw with one of her hands.* "Ohoho~ but she would~, and she did~. You're all mine for a little while~, of course I won't go any farther than she'll like me since she's watching... I wonder how far she'll let me go~ hehehe~" *Leans in just a little and places her free hand on Caine's shoulder.*

Caine: *Is a flustered mess/ fighting between leaning into her touch and pulling away.*

Tldr: Caine took Pomni's sword, Pomni was petty and let Lilac out to mess with Caine and get her sword back.

You can add the other characters reactions to Lilac (this is their first time meeting her except Ragatha because she was there) and how she snags Pomni's sword for her. (only if you want ofc) Otherwise my creativity is out and I just wanted you to see this (I accidentally sent a version of this ask to the og creator of the au by accident lol)

It's four o'clock in the morning at my place, I don't know why I woke up, but I decided to check my phone and then there this beautiful idea.

I want to write it now!

But it's too detailed, so if I write it just like you described, it won't be interesting to read. So I'm going to modify it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR IDEA!

Gimme your headcanons about Harlequin AU.

Extra points if they are about showtime or Lailac.

If you don't understand what I am talking about, than go to the @tadc-harlequin-au and read everything about this alternative universe of TADC!

You know what? F[CENSORED]K EVERYTHING! *makes next part of "Lilac" extremely suggestive*

I'm joking 🙃 🙂 😅

Or am I?

I failed in making something extra suggestive. So this part has just normal amount of it.

TADC Harlequin AU by @tadc-harlequin-au

4th part of the sequel to "Purple"

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

Lilac

⚠️WARNING ⚠️ suggestive.

_______________________________________

Lilac ran through the mansion corridors, laughing loudly. Caine raced after her, but she managed to elude him.

"Oh God, she has Pomni's stamina," Caine concluded.

Lilac continued her dash. At some point, she saw an open door. The door outside.

"Onward we go!" Lilac exclaimed and jumped straight out.

"Stop, no!" Caine reached out, but Lilac had already gracefully jumped from the top step of the staircase and landed like a ballerina on the bottom step.

Caine dashed outside right after her. Lilac looked around. The front yard was filled with flowers and various plants.

"How beautiful," Lilac said, looking around.

"Um... Pomni?" a sudden voice came from the side.

Z was standing nearby, observing Harlequin.

"Oh. You must be one of the mansion residents. Z, right?" Lilac approached her new acquaintance.

"Pomni, have you lost your mind?" Z speculated.

"Well, actually I..." Lilac didn't get to finish. Caine covered her mouth with his hand.

"Hi Z. Why aren't you asleep?" Caine babbled awkwardly.

"I... what difference does it make? I might as well go and sleep." Z turned and left.

Caine exhaled and teleported them back.

"Are you crazy?" Caine began to get angry at Lilac. "The other puppets shouldn't see you! Do you know how worried they'll be if they find out about you?"

"No one will worry. They are not the sea to be worried," Lilac waved her hands side to side, imitating waves.

Caine was getting very annoyed by her. How he wanted to knock her out until morning!

"You know how to calm me down." Lilac flirtatiously swayed her hips.

Caine started growling under his breath in anger. He teleported right next to Lilac, who was standing with her back to the bed, and they fell onto it.

"Oh. You crave my attention so much. You want me to be interested in you. You want care. Well," Caine ran his hand up her thigh so that his hand disappeared under her dress hem. With his other hand, he grabbed her chin. "I'll take care of you so well that sparks will fly from your eyes."

"YES YES YES YES YES!" Lilac grabbed Caine's shoulders. "YES YES YES..." Suddenly her expression changed. Anger distorted her face. "NO NO NO."

Pomni headbutted Caine in the lower jaw. She almost knocked out his gold tooth. Caine immediately recoiled. He sat on his knees and ran his hand over his teeth.

"Pomni. You're back!" Puppetmaster exclaimed with obvious excitement in his voice.

Before he could add anything else, he received a slap in the face.

"Caine! You dirty cheat! I told you to cuddle her, not sleep with her!"

"You caught me off guard," he said in a neutral tone.

Pomni was about to hit Caine again, this time with her fist, but he grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the bed. Harlequin was agitated. Her clenched teeth and red cheeks looked endearing to the Puppetmaster. Harlequin twisted and turned, trying to break free from his firm grip, but it was all in vain. What seemed funny was that the bell on her neck was gently ringing all this time. Caine carefully leaned in and bit her neck. Pomni made a light sound through her teeth. After Puppetmaster ran his tongue over the bite mark, he whispered in her ear.

"Did you really think I would break your trust?"

Pomni didn't know how to react. Was she angry, upset, disheartened? What was she feeling now? Puppetmaster's shining heart was reflected in her eyes.

"Your heart..." she said in a trembling voice.

Caine placed his palm on her cheek.

"Belongs only to you," he continued.

Pomni held the hand on her cheek.

"I love you, you know that?" Puppetmaster asked.

Pomni averted her gaze and nodded.

"Same shit," she replied.

Both only had the strength to remove their uncomfortable for sleeping clothes and fall asleep cuddled up together. Pomni ran her thumb near Caine's heart and whispered.

"Forgive me."

"Hm? Did you say something?" Caine half-opened his eyes, but Pomni no longer answered him.

And now, back to Caine's office in Pomni's subconscious.

"Why his office?" Combat Harlequin sat in a chair next to the sofa where Performer Harlequin was sitting.

"It's the most vivid memory of a location that I recall," Lilac started counting on her fingers. "We can also talk in the dressing room or the basement."

Hearing the word "dressing room," Pomni shook her head negatively.

"No. Then better the office."

Lilac pouted and turned away.

"Seriously?" Pomni looked at her disappointedly. "You're sulking because I took back what is rightfully mine?"

"You jumped in when I was supposed to be at the helm." Lilac crossed her arms over her chest.

"He was about to fulfill your wish out of desperation!" Pomni trembled with anger. "I promised you physical contact!"

"I would've had a dose of physical contact for a month," Lilac licked her lips.

"Fucking nympho! If you think I'll let you out again after this, you're deeply mistaken." Pomni jumped up and pointed at Lilac.

"Okay," Lilac stood up and dusted off her dress hem.

"What? You give up so easily?" Pomni was confused by such a statement.

"Just know. One day you will need my help. And you'll have no choice but to give me the reins." Lilac lightly placed her hand on her heart and the other on Pomni's shoulder. The Harlequins stood like this for a minute or two until Lilac suddenly said, "Boo."

Pomni opened her eyes. It was already dawn, but it was still early to get up. She sat up and looked at Caine, who was lying on his back next to her. He was in a deep sleep. Pomni climbed on top of him and looked at him from the perspective of a curious cat. She examined him from all sides. Ran her hands over his metal body. As if studying, trying to find something. But what? When she realized she still wanted to sleep, she lay down on him and closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt his arms embrace her. The silicone skin felt every touch, all his fingers lightly and effortlessly ran down her back. Pomni sighed.

"You're not sleeping!"

"I was, until a curious Harlequin disturbed my sleep." He lifted her face by the chin and looked into her eyes. "Your body language is rough, yet graceful. I think you and Lilac aren't such opposites."

Pomni frowned.

"Don't mention that name in such a context."

Caine closed his eyes. Finally, they fell asleep, sharing one rhythm of breathing.

TO BE CONTINUED

Thanks to the @mrs-nightshade for the idea for this part.

Harlequin AU by @tadc-harlequin-au

Previous chapters here

Part 5 of

Lilac

____________________________________

The next morning, all the residents of the mansion gathered in the front yard. Why? Well, they heard a scream.

“CAINE! GIVE ME BACK MY SWORD!” Pomni's voice was clear and loud.

“Or what?” Caine asked sarcastically, holding the sword behind his back. “You will stab me? With what? Your weapon is with me.”

Pomni was boiling with anger. How she wanted to tear the Puppetmaster into little pieces at that moment. Caine enjoyed watching her, finding the situation amusing.

“Come on, dear, I’m just playing with you.”

With a loud battle cry, the Harlequin lunged at the Puppetmaster . He, in turn, simply teleported behind her.

“The Harlequin is really on a rampage,” Jax said, crossing his arms behind his head.

“She was calmer yesterday,” Z said calmly.

“Yesterday, she was ready to break my tea set just because Caine didn’t give her a quest,” Ragatha sighed.

“What do you mean, Lady Z?” Gangle tilted her head in surprise.

“Not only was Pomni in a dress yesterday, but she also didn’t recognize me. Caine had gagged her. But I think I dreamed it,” Z scratched her head with a claw.

Ragatha was stunned.

“A... dress?” realization hit her. “Oh no.”

Meanwhile, Jax leisurely approached the still enraged Pomni and gave her a light slap on the back of the head.

Before the Animatronic could say a word, Pomni did a swift leg move and kicked him right in the face. Jax fell, rubbing his bruised cheek.

“Hey. How did you twist like that?”

“I’m very flexible, tiny bunny,” Pomni stood with closed eyes. “And you hit weakly.”

As Pomni walked away from the injured Jax, swaying her hips gracefully, Jax was coming to his senses.

“That was a playful slap! And you hit me with real force! Since when do you even do such leg tricks?”

The Harlequin stopped, swayed slightly from side to side, and looked at the Animatronic. Her right yellow eye seemed clouded.

“What?”

“WHAT YOU HEARD! BY WHAT GEARS DID YOU KICK ME IN THE FACE?”

A moment of silence. Pomni was genuinely puzzled.

“I didn’t kick you. And if I did, it would have been a punch to the stomach.”

Jax was in shock. He couldn’t understand if Pomni had gone mad or if he had phantom pain in his face.

Suddenly, a voice in the Harlequin’s head spoke.

“It was nice to stretch my legs.”

“Wha...” Pomni almost spoke out loud. She turned away from everyone and started staring into space. “Why did you appear suddenly?”

“Anyway,” Lilac made Pomni’s neck itch. “Here, under the back of our head, there’s a sensitive spot. If you hit it hard enough, we’ll switch places.”

Pomni ran her hand over the itchy spot and almost yelped.

“Damn. The spot really is sensitive,” Pomni blushed slightly.

“Lady Pomni, why are you talking to yourself?” Gangle approached Pomni, followed by the other residents of the mansion.

Pomni turned and caught their wary looks. Oops. It seemed she had spoken out loud after all. Then her gaze fell on Caine’s hands. He was still holding her sword.

“Caine!” Pomni was about to attack, but Lilac disturbed her again.

“You know I can get your sword back in no time?”

Pomni stopped, exhaling in surprise.

“Just let me have some fun.”

Pomni shook her head negatively and headed towards Caine again. However.

“Bubble. Catch!” Caine pretended to throw Pomni’s sword, but Bubble rushed in that direction anyway.

That was the last straw.

“Well, Mister Puppetmaster . You’ve had your fun,” Pomni said through gritted teeth.

The Harlequin headed towards the mansion.

“Strange. Why doesn’t she want to take her sword anymore?” Caine wondered.

“Caine. Can I talk to you for a minute?” Ragatha took the Puppetmaster aside. “Listen. Now you must answer me completely honestly.”

“Ragatha. I have no reason to lie to you. I am absolutely honest with all of you,” Caine theatrically raised his hand.

“Has Pomni’s character block short-circuited again?”

Caine was taken aback.

“No. What are you talking about? Nothing short-circuited with her.” He hid the hand with the sword behind his back and waved the other forward.

“Caine! If Pomni becomes a girly girl again and needs to go on a mission, she won’t be able to handle it!” Ragatha was worried about her friend and wasn’t going to accept Caine’s lie as the truth.

“Ah. Listen, Ragatha. Nothing really short-circuited with Pomni. It’s just,” he hesitated and then blurted out, “the second personality took the name Lilac and now will occasionally take over Pomni’s body.” He smiled awkwardly.

Ragatha was in shock.

“And you think that’s normal?” she threw up her hands.

“Of course it’s not normal. But don’t worry. Lilac won’t appear for a long time. I guarantee it.”

“OH MISTER PUPPETMASTER !” a melodic sweet voice came from the mansion doors.

Caine and Ragatha fearfully turned their eyes to Lilac. The Harlequin, dressed in her dress, spun around and struck a pose.

“Oh no,” shouted Caine.

“No!” added Ragatha.

“Yes, yes!” said Lilac.

The other residents of the mansion said in unison, “What?”

And only Z nodded and said, “So it wasn’t a dream.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Me and @mrs-nightshade : *come up with an ending and a bunch of Angst for Lilac*

Also me, who just planned a short fluff (and I also didn't write a new chapter): I took a wrong turn somewhere...

LILAC IN DIFFERENT TADC AUs

Carnival: basically flirty non-sentient Pomni.

Freakshow: She would have brought Pomni to her grave because she would have flirted with Caine and been rude to Able.

Time capsule: neoclassical violinist.

Boxer: She woud be the pro in dodging punches.

Raceway: a cheerleader (she doesn't know how to drive)

Pokémon: Ruby Cream Alcremie

Kindom: she would act more like a princess. A sassy princess.

Do you know any other AUs? Tell me about them!

It's 1 am at my place, but I finally finished it! IT'S SHOWTIME BABY!

Harlequin AU by @tadc-harlequin-au

Previous chapters here

The 6th part of

Lilac

⚠️WARNING⚠️ suggestive

______________________________________

Lilac stood majestically in the mansion's doorway. Caine was so shocked that he dropped the sword. His vision began to blur.

"This is bad, bad, bad!" Ragatha took a step back.

Jax twitched his ears in surprise.

"Why are you all so scared?" he broke the silence. "It's just Pomni."

"Oh ho ho. I'm not Pomni, tiny bunny," Lilac made a leap, spun like a ballerina in the air, and landed in a curtsy in front of the mansion's residents. "My name is Lilac," she raised her head, her purple eye sparkling. "The Performer Harlequin," she straightened up, clasped her hands together, and smiled sweetly. "And I am also Caine's lover."

"What did she say?" Caine's vision was still blurry. He looked around for Lilac. When his gaze focused, he pointed at her and shouted, "LIES! SHE'S NOT MY LOVER!"

"Oh, has Mr. Puppetmaster already forgotten how his hand was under my skirt?" Lilac giggled mockingly.

Caine blushed. He was trying to think quickly.

"Awkward," Z whispered to Gangle.

"Caine, I think you need to explain why our dear Harlequin is in such a strange form," Kingr helped Caine to focus.

"Right. Ahem." Caine approached and placed his hand on Lilac's shoulder. As soon as he did, she hugged him around the waist. This made the Puppetmaster  freeze. "Uh... this is Lilac. Pomni's second personality. A couple of weeks ago, Pomni's character block short-circuited, and her personality split into two parts: the Combat and the Performer. They sometimes switch places," he mumbled the last part. "But I was promised that I wouldn't see you for a long time."

"Oh, don't be such a grump," Lilac waved her hand. "Pomni herself asked me to come out."

"HOHOHO! SHE WOULDN'T..." Caine began to protest, but Lilac silenced him. How?

She placed her hand on his lower jaw. Her lips brushed against his teeth for just a moment, but it was enough for Caine to straighten up and become stunned.

"But she would. And she did. You're all mine for a little while. Of course, I won't cross the line she set." Lilac ran her hand across Caine's head, making him look at her. "But I'm curious how long she'll let me balance on the edge of what's allowed."

Caine was trembling, either from anger or bliss. Lilac's touches were so gentle and pleasant that he wanted to drown in them...

"WHAT AM I EVEN THINKING ABOUT?" Caine pulled Lilac's hands off himself. "Give control back to Pomni. Now."

"Mr Puppetmaster. I can't." Lilac clasped her hands behind her back and swayed from side to side. "Our dear Combat Harlequin is well aware of my actions and is currently watching my every move."

Lilac closed her eyes for a few seconds, and when she opened them, it was Pomni who was back in control. Her elegant posture immediately shifted to a more combative stance.

"And that is why you should have given me the sword willingly. Now suffer with this fucking nympho! Ha!"

Pomni turned back into Lilac. She smiled sweetly and rushed toward Caine with open arms. The Puppetmaster teleported behind Kingr.

"First the Moon, and now this? You truly are affectionate, my friend."

"Kingr, you're not helping!" Caine's eyes widened.

Jax had been holding back laughter all this time. But eventually, he couldn't contain it anymore and burst into loud laughter.

"Pomni's now a prim and proper girl! Haha! Hey, ballerina! Dance for us!"

Lilac took these words literally. So, she assumed a ballerina's stance, and just as her hand rose into the air, Caine grabbed her.

"No, no, no, no. You're not going to dance. No, no, no." Repeating "no" over and over, Caine dragged Lilac into the mansion.

The mansion's residents watched them go.

"He's definitely..." Jax began.

"JAX!" Ragatha smacked him.

Meanwhile, Caine pulled Lilac into his office and closed the door behind him.

"Pomni. I know you can hear me! I know it!" He approached Lilac.

"Oh yes, Caine, I can hear you." Lilac clasped her hands together and bent one leg, then theatrically fluttered her eyelashes. "I’m here, my love. Let’s merge into a beautiful dance that embodies our feelings."

Caine was nauseated by such words. The Puppetmaster moved close to the Harlequin and stared into her sly eyes.

"What do you want?"

"You know what." Lilac ran her fingers across Caine's chest and slid her hand over his shoulder under his shirt. "Maybe..." She placed a finger on her lips. "You'll just give me what I want, and we'll go our separate ways?"

Caine's thoughts were muddled. He exhaled and placed a hand on the back of the Harlequin's neck.

"I'll give you this in advance, and you'll disappear. Understood?"

"Give what?" Lilac was genuinely surprised.

Caine placed one hand behind his back and pressed on Lilac's neck with the other. He kissed her. He expected her to respond, but instead, she seemed shocked. At some point, she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. In that moment, Caine felt a change in the Harlequin's body. It was as if her movements and gentle breaths became harsher. The Puppetmaster decided to take a risk and wrapped his free hand around her waist. Their tongues intertwined in that dance of feelings and emotions she had mentioned earlier. But as soon as the kiss ended, the Harlequin whispered with only her lips.

"Sword..."

"Word?" Caine didn't catch it.

"SHE WANTED MY SWORD BACK! CHEATER!" Pomni yelled furiously.

She shook Caine by the shoulders so hard that if Caine had been a simpler puppet, he would have fallen apart.

"Pomni!" He stopped her. "By the middle of it, it was already you, not Lilac!"

"So what? You wanted to kiss her! If it weren't for the spot on the back of my neck, I would have..." Pomni suddenly fell silent. She realized she had said too much.

"What did you say? A spot on the back of your neck?" Caine casually moved to stand behind Pomni.

"N-nothing! I didn't say anything!" Pomni turned away.

"Is it perhaps this spot?" Caine lightly ran his finger over the place where the neck meets the head.

Pomni gasped sharply and covered her mouth with her hands. Caine smirked.

"Could it be that our dear Combat Harlequin has a weakness?" His hot breath scorched her neck.

"Caine. If you press too hard..." Another unintelligible sound escaped her throat. It was a reaction to how the Puppetmaster  running his finger along her neck. "Lilac and I will..."

Pomni's legs were giving way. How, and more importantly, from where did she have a weak spot?

"What will you two do? Kiss me to death?" Caine whispered sultrily into Pomni's ear. He took her hand with his free hand and kissed it.

"Caine..." Pomni couldn't take it anymore. "IF YOU PRESS TOO HARD, THAT NYMPHO AND I WILL SWITCH PLACES!"

Caine's eyes widened instantly, and he backed away, raising his hands.

"That's better." Pomni glared at Caine and headed for the couch.

The Harlequin flopped down on the couch and covered her face with her hands.

"Just take these rags off me."

Only now Caine realize that Pomni was still in Lilac's clothes. He walked over to her and sat in the chair next to her.

"What's taking you so long? Don't you want to touch this body? Don't you burn with desire every time these hands caress you? Isn't that what you want?" Pomni raised her hands in the air.

"Pomni." Caine looked straight at her. "What am I to you?"

"What do you mean?" The Harlequin sat up and crossed her legs in a lotus position.

"We've been sleeping together for several weeks now. You let me kiss you, touch you, look at you." Caine counted on his fingers. "But we never crossed the line. Whenever I start hinting at something more, you begin to back off."

"Pff. That's nothing." She waved her hand dismissively.

"When I almost slept with Lilac, you were furious." Caine stated with absolute seriousness.

Pomni was taken aback. Her gaze darted from Caine to the window and back again.

"Well, yeah!" The Harlequin found the strength to say. "It's my body. I won't let just anyone stick anything into me!"

"Pomni!" Caine clenched his fists. "Am I just anyone?"

"I meant..." Pomni had to think quickly. "I meant, why would my lover be having fun with someone else? By the way, I was first!"

Caine was stunned, then a smile spread across his face.

"I'm your lover?"

Pomni blushed.

"D-don't smile like that! It just slipped out! I wasn't even thinking about my words!"

The Puppeteer moved to sit next to the Harlequin on the couch. He hugged her and twirled a strand of her hair around his finger.

"I understand that these feelings are new to you. But they're new to me too. Let's explore them gradually."

Pomni leaned into his embrace. She wanted to respond. She wanted to say something. But there was a lump in her throat. So they remained lying on the couch in the Puppetmaster's office... until there was a knock on the door.

"Caine! Where should I leave Pomni's sword?" Ragatha's voice came from the other side of the door.

"I'll go get your weapon. You rest." Caine kissed Pomni on the forehead and walked to the door.

The Harlequin rolled onto her side. Her gaze became hazy. It seemed she had once again retreated into her subconscious.

TO BE CONTINUED

@moonknigh2t : i think this song has Lilac vibe.

Me: oh. Let me listen.

*after listening*

Me: holy last Harlequin... it's so her!

To be honest, I don't really know what kind of vibe Lilac emits. Another person said she has vibe of song "Wrap me in plastic". But this song is not really my type of music, so... meh...

Sorry, I'm late. But I have some Harlequin Showtime with me!

Harlequin AU by @tadc-harlequin-au

Previous parts here

Part 7 of

Lilac

⚠️WARNING⚠️ suggestive bath scene and an arm rip off

_____________________________

Harlequins were talking in the subconscious. Surprisingly, their conversation was light and easygoing. They even laughed during the discussion.

"No, wait!" Lilac gently covered her mouth with her fingers. "That can’t be true."

"I swear it is!" Pomni tapped her knee. "When I first defeated Ragatha and she moved into the mansion, she thought I was the mistress of the place and tried to shove her cookies into my mouth. I don’t even like cookies!"

The Harlequins continued to laugh.

"Yeah." Lilac wiped away a tear. "I regret stopping reading your memories. I stopped at the ones about Caine, but now I want to learn more about the others."

"Forget it." Pomni declared with a wide smile.

"Well, it was worth a try."

"Listen, I’ve always been curious." Pomni placed her hands on her knees. "What are you after? What’s your goal?"

Lilac pondered for a moment.

"Well, I have this overwhelming desire to spend time with Mr. Puppetmaster. I love him with all my heart. And I want to open my soul to him."

"But you’re just a glitch of my character block. We share the same soul," Pomni hesitated, "at least I think so."

"Pomni, have you ever wondered where I get such desires from? Maybe I just embody what you’re afraid of?" Lilac said with a slight smirk.

"Hah! Nonsense. I’m not afraid of anything!" Pomni hit herself in the chest.

"Sure, sure." Lilac tilted her head.

At that moment, they heard voices from the real world.

"Boss, are you just going to leave her lying here?" Bubble asked.

"Well, I’m not going to wake her up. Let her rest; she’s been stressed out," Caine adjusted a lock of hair on the sleeping Pomni. "I’ll take a bath in the meantime." Caine began to work out his shoulder. "It feels like I’ve got sand in my joints. Follow me; we need to discuss a few details."

As soon as the Puppetmaster disappeared behind the door, Pomni sat up.

"I want to take a bath too!" shouted the voice in her head.

"Ouch! Lilac! Don’t shout so loudly when you say something!" Pomni tapped her right ear.

"Sorry."

Then the same thought crossed the Harlequins’ minds. But if one thought it was revenge, the other wanted to have fun.

"Are you thinking what I’m thinking?" Pomni asked.

"I sincerely hope so," Lilac sang playfully.

Meanwhile, Caine was relaxing in the bath. He was right; the water did indeed wash away all the stress that had built up in just half a day. Yes, he had managed to accumulate stress in just half a day.

"You need to remind me to clean up the old circus," he opened one eye and glanced at the floating Bubble. "Marionettes have been acting up there."

"Got it, Boss." Bubble began flying in circles around the bathroom.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Bubble let out a loud "whee!" as he flew into the hallway.

"Hey, I locked that," Caine sat up. "door."

Standing in the doorway to the bathroom was Pomni, or at least that’s what he assumed. Her eyes were hidden. The Harlequin closed the door behind her. She slowly approached the bathtub, and a sweet smile appeared on her face.

"Mr. Puppetmaster, do you mind if I join you?"

"Oh no. Lilac!" Caine shouted. "Don’t come any closer!"

But the Harlequin, giggling mischievously, shed her clothes and, with one swift movement, plunged into the water. Caine tried to get out, but she grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Stay."

Caine froze. The Harlequin moved closer and lay on him so that the top of her head rested under his chin. He gripped the edges of the bathtub with trembling hands.

"Don’t look, don’t touch, don’t breathe!" he whispered faintly.

Caine felt a finger tracing patterns on his chest.

"Mr. Puppetmaster," began a sweet voice, "I think. I’m thinking really hard. I just know," she pushed herself up from his chest, and the sweet smile turned into a wide grin, "that you’re pathetic!"

Pomni burst into loud laughter. Her yellow eye gleamed with excess emotion. She settled more comfortably and felt something. This made her stop laughing and smile maliciously. She moved closer to Caine so she could look him in the eyes.

"Wow, do you really want this body that badly?"

"Pomni, I..." Caine raised a hand, but a sharp tone made him grip the edge of the tub again.

"Don’t touch!" Pomni slowly and deliberately moved her hips. "I didn’t give you permission."

"But I’d be happy to give you all the permission you need," the yellow eye turned purple as Lilac’s melodic tone echoed in Caine’s ears.

"But you don’t deserve it," Pomni winked with her yellow eye.

"Oh, Mr. Puppetmaster. We’re going to play with you," Lilac leaned in for a kiss.

"Until you beg for mercy," Pomni whispered through her lips.

"Because who knows," Lilac sat up straight and shyly covered her chest with her hands.

"How long you’ll last," Pomni giggled without changing her posture.

Their words and body languages were completely different. It was as if there were two different people in front of Caine. But if one was ready for anything, and he didn’t want it, the other wouldn’t let him do anything, even though he was burning with desire.

"Oh, Mr. Puppetmaster," Pomni mimicked Lilac. "I’m so cold. Please. Warm me up!"

"Hey, Caine, I’m actually untouchable. Don’t touch me until I say so," now Lilac was pretending to be Pomni.

The Harlequin’s right eye blinked furiously. Her laughter alternated between harsh and mocking, then gentle and sweet. Caine couldn’t take it anymore. He waited until Pomni was in control of the body, bent his legs, and the Harlequin slid into his arms. He kissed her with all the passion that had built up in him during those miserable minutes they had spent there. Even if she got mad at him for taking the initiative, he was ready to accept his fate.

The Puppetmaster and the Harlequin pulled away. Caine was afraid to open his eyes.

"Please, be Pomni, be Pomni, be Pomni!"

He opened his eyes and saw a flustered Pomni. Her cheeks were burning bright red, her smile had faded, and her eyes were trembling with excitement.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?" Pomni started hitting Caine on the shoulders with her fists.

"Ah. You can torment me, but I can’t torment you?" Caine narrowed his eyes.

"I was joking, you idiot!" she was beside herself.

Pomni didn’t know what to do with herself. Or wait, she did!

"CAINE!"

She was about to attack him, but he pulled her close and lay down comfortably.

Barely had Caine exhaled and patted Pomni on the back when he felt her teeth sink into his shoulder. A sharp gasp followed. Then the pain hit him.

Bubble, who had been happily floating through the hallway the whole time, passed by the bathroom. From inside came a man's scream of pain. The butler stopped and hovered in front of the door. Then there was the clatter of metal and the sound of running water. About a minute later, the door opened. Caine, wearing only pants and shoes, stood frozen in the doorway. Oh, and one more important detail: he was missing his left arm.

Pomni, who had thrown the Puppetmaster’s cloak over herself, gave Caine a smack on the back of the head with his own severed arm before heading toward her room.

"Not. A. Word!" Caine glared at Bubble.

He picked up his arm from the floor and muttering something, headed toward his workshop.

"Stupid split personality of hers. Stupid embarrassment of hers. Stupid desire to always take the initiative of hers." Caine kept mumbling as he reached the workshop.

The Puppetmaster was on edge. Of course! His beloved had torn off his arm. He managed to quickly restore the shoulder attachment.

"If only there was a way to fix this glitch," his eyes suddenly lit up. "Fix it. That's it! I can repair Pomni's character block! And then Lilac will disappear! And maybe Pomni will calm down!"

Caine rushed to his tools and blueprints.

TO BE CONTINUED