REALITYSTUCK
Disclaimer: I do not own Homestuck. Homestuck rightfully belongs to Mr. Andrew Hussie, not me for I am not Andrew Hussie. I only own the plot, anything unfamiliar or not in the comic, and some OCs. Other OCs belong to my friends. I also apologize if there are any errors/mistakes. I tried to fix them all to the best of my ability.
A/N: The troll introduced in this chapter is BASED OFF of Leo Valdez from "Heroes of Olympus" by Rick Riordan. I did intentially do this, since my OCs are based off of various things and characters. So please, do not comment that this troll is a "copy" and that I'm a "rip off".
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ACT 1: THE BEGINNING OF THE END
CHAPTER TWO
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On another part of Alternia, another hive stands alone in an isolated countryside. The tall hive was dark grey, with twelve-pane windows colored copper. Smokestacks and chimneys were on the tops of the hive, with wispy strips of smoke billowing out of them. Rich, dark green grass spread out for miles, stopping at the edges of large cliffs to the west. A beach sat underneath the cliffs, littered with rocks and shells. Waves crashed onto the shore, sending out sprays of salt water. The skies were dark as ebony, with the stars' sparkling reflections on the ocean. Crisp winds blew calmly through the air. High in the sky, a phoenix-like creature circled around the hive. Its snow-white feathers ruffled, and its eye smoldered like embers. The phoenix swooped down and opened its pearl beak, causing a single gear to fall out. The gear landed in one of the funnels attached to the walls of the hive, going through a serious of pipes and tubes.
} == == ==}
The pipes and tubes lead to a large room. Blueprints and tools were spread and hung all over the walls, messily arranged. Near the door were piles of robot parts, some of them rusted and some of them dusty. A large hearth stood in the middle of the room, with flickering flames casting the room in a warm, dim light. Various weapons were plunged into the burning coal and embers, along with crumpled pieces of paper. A large desk faced the wall opposite of the door's wall, making it face the window. A troll sat at this desk, switching between typing in his husktop and working on a small contraption. He muttered under his breath, tilting his head and muttering under his breath. His hands and fingers moved fast as lightning, as if he had drank many cups of coffee.
The young troll was a bit short, with a skinny and scrawny body. Large, butterfly-like wings were folded behind his back. They were bronze like his blood, and shaped like dragon wings. Soot mixed with sweat stained his grey skin, making him look as if he hadn't bathed in days. His black hair was curly and messy, some of the curls sticking to his sweaty forehead. The troll had pointy ears and a cheerful, babyish face, giving him an elf-like appearance. Blood-shot, orange eyes were hidden behind a pair of copper steampunk goggles. Two, large horns jutted out of his head, one shaped like an anvil while the other was shaped like the hammer used by blacksmiths. The troll wore a black t-shirt underneath an army fatigue jacket, dark brown cargo pants with suspenders, and brown sneakers. A toolbelt was wrapped around his waist, with various tools and items stowed away inside. Printed on the front of his shirt was a bronze symbol. The symbol looked like a slanted rectangle with a long part of a slanted cross going through the middle of the rectangle, making it resemble a hammer. Any human could guess that the symbol belonged to Vulcan, god of the forge and Roman counterpart of Hephaestus. But, to this troll, this was his symbol that he had received the day his lusus had chosen him.
Now, who the fresh hell is this goddamn joker?
} Enter name
Your name is Leonce Valdez.
You're not a fan of violence and conquest, since you think that shit is hella messed up. Like, come on, some people may have more important shit to deal with than wanting to take over other places. You're one of those people. You've got places to go and trolls to meet. You're the kind of troll that loves to have fun and pull some hella sick pranks on your amigos. Pranks and fun go together like fire-based creatures and fire. Creatures of fire are other things you're into. Dragons and phoenixes are motherfucking savage, and so is fire. Every time someone mentions that, you're instantly go "sign me the fuck up". They're good shit, very good shit. You're also a total ladies man, a boss inventor, and a hella good programmer. Many say you're a insufferable bragger, but you're just stating the truth. And your motto is "brutal truth over bitter lie", which is probably one of the rare wise things you would ever say.
You tend to spend more time in your forge than in your respiteblock, but you don't give two flipping fucks. You also tend to burn yourself, which you also don't give a single fuck about. No pain no game, another motto of yours.
You like to chat with your moirail Katsuo, who is a totally awesome guy. You also have other friends you like talking to, who are all pretty wicked. Your trolltag is "clockworkInferno" and you speak in a manner that "is 7o77a1y coo1 and he11a chi11".
What will you do now?
} Leonce: Keep working on that weird shit
This "weird shit" happens to be a present for the wriggling day girl, AKA your moirail's best friend. You like her, but also intimidated by her. She's a smart chick and you never want to try and test her intelligence. You recall some fucker trying that, and they ended up getting wrecked. Or, as you put it, got "7o7a11y rek7ed and burned on forsho". Anyways, the "weird shit" was a walking cane. No, his best friend wasn't blind or anything. She just has weak legs, so she needed something to help her walk with. Ol' smartass told you once that her old cane is getting really old and brittle. She's dying to get a new cane, one that is perhaps like the one her ancestor once had. As the most kindest troll on the planet, you up and decide to make a replica of her ancestor's cane for her wriggling day. You're just awesome like that.
Anyways, the replica was awesome. The cane was made of white wood, with silver dragon-like patterns carved into the shaft. Took you many weeks making the dragon carvings look perfect. A silk, teal ribbon was wrapped around the collar of the cane. The ribbon was courtesy of your other friend, a hella brilliant fashionista with just the right fabric for anything. The silver handle was shaped like the head of a barn owl, and the tip of the cane was shaped like an owl's talon. You thought this creature was called a spleenfowls, but according to the fashionista they are called owls. What-fucking-ever.
Now, you were pretty proud of the cane. Not only was it a cool looking cane, but it was really handy. It was a katana, a grappling hook, a bo staff, and nunchucks. It was better than ol' smartass' old cane, since it was just a simple stick. This cane was like the ultimate cane. This was probably one of your best inventions, and you would be pissed if something were to happen to it.
} Leonce: Keep the cane for yourself
You consider it, but you shake your head. You really had no use for that cane, since you got a lot of weapons and tools that you already use. Sure, the cane was pretty sweet, but you really didn't need it.
} == == ==}
You pushed that to the side, glancing at your husktop. You were just talking to Katsuo, lying your ass off like a pro. You weren't at the ruins, nor were you planning to. You were here, chilling. You know that was a jerk move to pull, but you had to get back at him for that fucking prank he pulled the other day. Lousy goddamn stupid jetpacks. No one outsmarts the pranking master, not even Erebus. You were the king of Prankdom, not him. This throne is yours and no other ass can sit on it. Any fool who would dare try to challenge the king can and will get their ass handed to them. All's fair in prank and war. You didn't make the rules, the meme gods did. You just had to follow their twenty-one commandments like a good prankster you were, or else there would be six hundred sixty-six punishments to face. Ain't no one got time for that, you thought.
Besides, it's not like he's going to get into some serious trouble, right? His lusus is probably going to find him at the ruins, give him some long-winded speech, and then take him home. Nothing too major, nothing too harsh. Just nice and chill, and nothing more.
Gods, you sound like some sort of meme-loving cool kid. In a way, you kind of were. So, you sound like yourself.
} Leonce: Stop goofing around and pester someone
You up and decide to talk to one of your other friends. Well, more like one of Katsuo's best buddies. Might as well talk to the wriggling day girl, since you really want to brag about the epic gift you made her. You also needed her smartass advice, since she knew Katsuo pretty well. Maybe she'll agree with you about the pranking the dilemma, or maybe not. You're just going to have to risk it.
You open up Trollian and began to message the damn wriggling day girl.
} == == ==}
—clockworkInferno [CI] began trolling calibratorsSincerity [CS]—
CI: yoooooo
CI: wha7 is uuuuuuup mako7o
CS: Greet1ngs, Leonce.
CI: sup u adorab1e smar7ass
CI: happy wri991in9 day
CS: Th4nk you ever so much. 1 4m 4ssum1ng th4t my present from you w1ll be one of your best works yet?
CI: yup, 9onna be 7he bes7
CI: ur 9onna be like
CI: "Oh Leonce, 1 4m 4bsolutely fl4berg4sted! How d1d you know 1 w4nted th1s for so long? 1 never told 4nyone 4bout th1s p4rt1cular 1tem, not even my mo1r41l."
CS: O.O
CS: My, 4ndre4 w4s wrong. 1 should never underest1m4te you.
CI: damn s7raigh7
CS: You m1m1cked my typ1ng style very well. D4re 1 s4y, 1t w4s 4lmost ex4ct.
CI: i may ac7 like a 7urd, bu7 i know how 7o copy fuckers
CI: copyin is an ar7, a very serious ar7
CS: 1 sh4ll t4ke your word for 1t.
CI: so
CS: So?
CI: ...
CI: k so i need ur opinion on smth
CS: 1 4m l1sten1ng.
CI: i mi9h7ve...1ied 7o ka7suo abou7 9oin9 7o 7he ruins
CS: ...
CI: ...
CS: To be fr4nk w1th you, 1 re4lly d1d s4w th4t com1ng.
CI: wow
CS: Look, Leonce, 1 th1nk you should go to the ru1ns before K4tsuo. He re4lly c4res 4bout you, you know.
CI: yeah i 9uess ur ri9h7
CS: You know very well th4t 1 4m right.
CI: ugh yeah i know
CS: Well? Wh4t 4re you w41t1ng for? Go to h1m, Leonce.
CI: u make it sound 1ike i 1ove him
CS: :|
CI: aii9h7 im goin im goin
CS: Just prom1se you'll be c4reful, okay? 1've been h4v1ng these horr1ble v1s1ons l4tely. Someth1ng 4bout tod4y 1s very...off.
CI: 7here probab1y bs
CS: 1 re4lly hope so.
CI: we11 im ou7
CI: peace
—clockworkInferno [CI] ceased trolling calibratorsSincerity [CS]—
} == == ==}
You shut your husktop, smacking the palm of your hand on your head repeatedly. Great, just great. You had planned to work on certain projects today, but that's no longer an option. Why did you have to be so stupid? Why did you think you could get away with this? What in hell made you think Katsuo wouldn't get mad at you?! You know you're not stupid, yet you still make dumbass mistakes and say things you shouldn't say. You hated the way your think pan works. You wished there was something to make you smarter, but there wasn't. You were just lame and stupid.
} Leonce: Just go already
Self-loathing aside, you had to go. You grab a backpack and started shoving stuff into it. Your husktop was the first thing to go in, followed by various adventuring tools and some snacks. You rushed around the room, making sure you grabbed everything you needed. If you're going to the ruins, you better make sure you bring anything that will help you. The way to the ruins was pretty dangerous. You never know what you can run into.
Outside your window, your lusus floated in front of it. Ma Phoenix tilted her head at you as you packed, tapping her beak against the glass. You glanced up at her, smiling slightly.
} == == ==}
Slinging the pack over your shoulder, you snatched the cane and hurried over to the window. Ma Phoenix backed away as you opened the window, squawking in surprise. She shook her head, ruffling her feathers. Ma was always easily frightened. You held out the cane and told her to take it to Makoto, reminding her to hurry back as quick as possible. Ma let out a soft caw and took the cane. You two share one last glance, and your lusus flew off towards the east. You watched her go, slumping your shoulders. If there was one thing that can cheer you up, it was Ma because she was the best lusus. Ma was always ready to help you with your crazy schemes. You hope nothing bad happens to her. You would be devastated if anything happens to her.
You took one last at your workshop before you jump out of the window.
} == == ==}
Your wings spread out, and you soared high up into the sky. You hollered, smiling brightly. Arms spread out, you did a couple of loop-de-loops. The clouds swirled around you, and the soft breeze kissed your face. Adrenaline pumped through your veins, filling you with excitement. God, you fucking love flying. It was the best experience in the whole world. Higher up, you could see everything. You could almost touch the stars and moons. You could even sit on clouds. Well, you technically couldn't sit on clouds since they're gases not solids, but you liked to pretend you do. You also liked to pretend you were a wind-controlling dragon flying over his kingdom, but that's off topic.
} == == ==}
You closed your eyes and could faintly hear the waves crashing in the distance. Other than that, it was comfortably quiet. You dove down, heading toward the beach. Your feet touched the sand, and your wings quickly folded behind you. Glancing around, you started walking down the shoreline. Your footprints trailed behind you, quickly being washed away by the coming tides. You kept fidgeting at the straps of your backpack or kept fiddling with the buttons of your jacket. Your gut was telling you something was up. Usually, when you walked around here, there was always some creature popping out of nowhere or some sea-dweller threatening to gouge out your eyes. You never really had a peaceful day at the beach. But, today, something was really off. Maybe CS was right, maybe something was off about today. Sheesh, she's probably having a field day since it's her wriggling day. It must've sucked having bad visions on a day like today.
} Leonce: Fall on your face
You immediately fall over, face-first. If this was like some crappy sit-com, the audience would be roaring with laughter and your sappy co-stars would be shaking their heads and say "Oh Leonce, you're such a card". But, this wasn't some crappy sit-com. This was real life and, dammit, that really hurt.
You push up and got onto your knees, which were scratched. You rubbed your head, hissing sharply. Goddamn lousy stupid thing you tripped over. You look over your shoulder, expecting something stupid like a rock or shell. But, lo and behold, 'twas not a rock or shell that you, the Great Leonce Valdez, had tripped over. No, lo and behold, 'twas a big ax. A big ass, fancy ax stuck in the sand. You tripped over a fucking ax without getting cut by its sharp blade.
What. The. Shit.
} Leonce: Examine ax
You stood up and looked down at ax, tilting your head. It was a large, double-edged bronze battle ax. The long handle had weird letters flawlessly carved in. They didn't look like they were from the alphabet you were somewhat familiar with. Meaning, these letters aren't Alternian. Oddly enough, you could read it. The letters spelled out the word "HEPHAESTUS". The grip had a brown ribbon wrapped around it, with reddish-brown stains and holes dotting the ends of the ribbon. Flames were effortlessly etched into the dual blades, glowing like embers. Everything about this ax was awesome. You drooled little, just because you were in awe of this motherfucking awesome weapon. Lord almighty, you wished you had skill to make this baby. Like hot damn, if you met the creator you would be begging them to make you their apprentice.
} Leonce: Pick up ax
You look at an imaginary camera like you're some funny TV show, particularly "The Office". Bruh, this ax probably weighed a ton. There's no way you're going to be able lift it.
} Leonce: Just do it. You can do it. JUST DO IT.
You look down at the ax. You are suddenly filled with determination. You can do it. You can't let dreams just be dreams. You can do it. You had to...
JUST DO IT! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
} Leonce: Pick up ax
You wrap your hands around the grip, and took in a deep breath. Using all your strength, you pulled at the ax. The ax popped out of sand, causing you to stumble a bit. You stared at it, a little proud. You just pulled out a big-ass weapon out of the sand with just your hands. Hot damn, you are good. You are so...wait...
You look behind your shoulder. A figure stands a few feet behind you.
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You spun around, swinging your ax. All you slice was air. You look frantically around, hands shaking. Silence and an empty beach was what you found. No figure was to be seen, no living being was here except you. Maybe you were seeing things, maybe not. It's probably best not to dwell on it for too long, lest you want to begin to think you were going crazy. You leave going nuts for the purple-bloods. Those motherfuckers were fucked up, always talking about mirthful messiahs and talking smack about lowbloods. Screw them, being a lowblood was awesome. Sure, your lifespan wasn't that long, but at least you got cool powers.
} Leonce: Hurry to the ruins
You're wasting time, Valdez. Katsuo is going to beat you to the ruins if you keep getting distracted.
You run down the shoreline, ax in hand. A few miles ahead, you could clearly see the ruins. You're going to make, bro. You're going to make it.
} == == ==}
A few moments later, you arrive at the ruins. You stood still, staring up in silent awe. The ruins had always been lodged in this very spot ever since you can remember. Katsuo said that he thinks its been here since the dawn of Alternia, which you thought it was probably true. It was a tall, towering azure temple, wedged into the side of the cliffs. Atop of the temple was a obsidian statue, shaped like a figure of a male troll with no horns. Live flames curled around the male figure, its blank, scarlet eyes smoldering like embers. On each side of the temple were two, tall bronze spires. One spire had a weird windy-looking symbol on top of it, while the other had a sphere engulfed in a raging fire. You and Katsuo never went inside, since he's afraid of the complete darkness and you thought there could be some serious fucked up shit inside.
But, something in your gut told you today was the day you were going inside. Maybe today was going to be the day...
} Leonce: Go inside
You walked up the stairs, cautious of where you stepped. You kept the ax at ready, partly out of paranoia and partly out of wanting to look badass. It was kind of dumb, since there was no one here to see you be a badass. But, you honestly don't give a fuck.
Once you reached the top, your ax hummed. A crackling sound echoed from the inside, causing you to flinch. You took a deep breath, and entered.
} == == ==}
Inside was a very large and spacious room. The walls were littered with glyphs and the same strange letters on your ax. Balls of pure white fire floated high above your head, nearly touching the ceiling. The torches on the walls were lit with green flames, casting the room in an emerald glow. The smooth, stone floor was decorated in colorful mosaic tiles. The mosaic tiles showed a light blue planet, covered in fluffy white clouds. A smaller, golden planet seemed orbit the cloudy planet. Arranged in a circle, twelve other planets surrounded the blue planet. Each of the twelve planets were different from one another. One had hurricanes all over the surface, while another was made up of clockwork gears and those glitchy bits you would see on a computer. Only one of the planets was glowing, and that was a planet with wind and flames surrounding it. At the far end, just opposite of where you were standing, was a large alter. The alter was made of bronze and gold, decorated with colorful flames and ornamental weapons. A anvil-shaped podium stood in the middle of the alter, covered in dust and cobwebs.
You stare at the podium, tightening your grip on the ax. You wonder...
} Leonce: Go to the podium
You walk across the room, heading straight for the podium. You barely noticed that with each step you took, a torch went out. Once you got the podium, only two torches were lit. You looked down at the podium, dropping your backpack and holding up the ax. CS told you that curiosity killed the cat, but your best friend said that satisfaction brought it back. Maybe, maybe being curiosity won't kill the cat in this case. You really hope not.
} Leonce: Place ax down
You swung the ax down, lodging the blade into the podium. You carefully let go of the handle, and stepped back. At first, nothing happened. But then, the ax began to glow. The whole temple starting shaking, making the alter tremble. The torches soon lit up again, and the glyphs and letters on the walls began to flash brightly. The podium itself remained still, humming softly.
} == == ==}
You stumbled, falling onto your ass. The balls of fire up above starting going out, fizzling as if it was douced with water. You mutter that this was a bad idea, and grumble about how you should've just stayed in your workshop. You try to get to your feet, but a sharp pain hit you right between your shoulder blades. Black dots danced across your eyes, making your head spin. Your body eased up as you fell onto your side. The darkness consumed your vision, and you went out like a light.
} == == ==}
"AnD sO...iT hAs BeGuN..."
Two, soulless black eyes stared at a pool of thick, bronze water. In the reflection of the water, an image of Leonce was shown. He was fast asleep, unaware of his surroundings. His hive, with Ma Phoenix approaching it, disappeared in a flash of light. When the light faded, the hive and lusus was gone. Meanwhile, the temple itself was soon being engulfed in shadows.
"EvErYtHiNg Is FaLlInG iNtO pLaCe...ThE hErO oF bReAtH hAs EnTeReD..."
The bronze waters glowed, humming as if it was asking a question.
"ShOw Me...tHe HeRo Of MiNd..."
The water obeyed, and turned into a vibrant shade of teal. In the reflection, it showed a vast forest.
} Deep within the Alternian forest...