✤ Aika

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

Info

Name Pronunciation	/ˈeɪkɑː/
Name Meaning/Origin	Pure, time
Nicknames	"Chasseur" (Lace) ...
Personal
Age	65 years old
Sex	Female
Gender	Female
Pronouns	She/her
Orientation	Lesbian
Tribe	Hybrid
Birthplace	Silkfallow
Hometown	Dirtmouth
Occupation	Hunter
Appearance
Eye color	■ Picton blue ■ Aquamarine ■ Pale lime green
Height	1.21m
Weight	26kg
Notable Details	Wind essence mark on left hand
Relationships
Partner	Hornet (girlfriend) Lace (girlfriend)
Parents	†Dekka (mother) Mistral (father)
Extra
Voice Claim	Eivor (Assassin's Creed Valhalla)

Aika is a hunter from Dirtmouth's Hunters' Guild. ---

Name origin

...

Table of Contents

Appearance
Background
General characteristics

Special abilities
Gender identity & sexuality
Fears
Quirks & mannerisms
Voice & speech
Hobbies
Work & education

Personality

Likes & dislikes

Relationships

Household
Other family
Previous partners
Friends
Acquaintances
Disliked

Gallery

Appearance

Reference sheet

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Background

Early life

Aika was born in Silkfallow, a small village in the land of Barrensands, a dry region found in the southern part of the larger of the two continents. Only her mother was there, with no father to be seen. As she learned when she was older, her mother, Dekka, was still young when she fell in love with a higher being from the neighboring land, a god named Mistral, born of the wind essence. Against better judgement and the warnings of her peers, encouraged by his sweet words, she trusted him, believing that she was in for a relationship unlike any other. Unfortunately, she was treated like an object, a passing obsession that soon enough turned into apathy. She was abandoned and left to herself with a broken heart. A broken heart, and a life growing inside her as she'd later find out.

She moved back to her hometown, Silkfallow, but instead of comfort, she was met with disapproval from her family and the others, and blamed for ignoring good advice, which put her in that situation. She was given the basic support she needed to carry the egg to term, but once her pup was born, she was left to herself. The baby, which she named Aika, believing her to be pure from her father's cruelty, was unfortunately marked with a symbol on the palm of her hand, a wind essence mark that would not fade away - a constant reminder of the circumstances of her birth, and an early sign of her demigod nature.

As the rumors spread throughout the town, more and more bugs began turning their backs on Dekka and little Aika. The tiny bug was met with strange looks, fellow pups would point at her and call her names. A half blood, a mongrel, a mutt - she heard all of it, and worse. She started covering her hand, in childish hope that hiding the scary symbol will make the other kids like her. Throughout all of it, her mother was her biggest source of comfort, the only bug who kept reminding her that she's loved and valued, and that she can be so much more than others insist. She promised to her mother that no matter what happens, she would try to find happiness in life and remain joyful, as she could see how much it brightened Dekka's face. It was hard, but she wanted to do it for her mother.

All the hatred and rejection she endured made Aika despise her father for putting her mother in this situation. He never visited, he never once acknowledged her or her mother, it's like he simply didn't exist; or perhaps, they didn't exist to him. Moreover, she started hearing stories of other higher beings like him going against their roles as guides, and hurting mortals like her mother for their own personal gain or amusement. The hatred for her father soon enough spiraled into disdain for all higher beings, and with that, a disgust for the mark on her hand. She tried clawing it out, hoping to make it disappear, but it kept shining through the blood and torn skin. And as if the mark wasn't bad enough, she started noticing things that no one else around her seemed to see. Whenever it was windy, she could see the individual gusts of breeze, manifesting in the form of essence flowing through the air. At first, it didn't bother her too much and she chalked it up to just being tired, but with time the visions became more apparent, and more distracting. She avoided going outside during windy weather, cursing her father once again for making her life more frustrating.

New home

Years passed, and after managing to save up geo to buy a better home for her and her mother, the two ended up moving to the capital city of Barrensands - New Molasses. It was a chance of a new life for both of them, away from the scorn of her birthplace. And for a while, it was. Aika joined the archery school, something she wanted to do ever since she was a pup, and during the lessons, she met a few bugs who were friendly with her. She wasn't the best at socializing, but she turned out to be a quick learner, and her witty sense of humor made others like her. She even started dating one of them, a female bug who caught her eye and made her realize she preferred girls.

Unfortunately, the happiness didn't last. One day, when she felt comfortable around her girlfriend and took off the wraps covering her hand mark, she naively outed herself as a demigod, hoping that she found someone who would accept her. Sadly, she was only met with shock and betrayal, and the rumor began spreading fast. Her friend circle slowly distanced themselves from her, and she decided to quit the archery school to avoid her judgmental gazes. She hoped that things would not get out of control and she could continue living normally if she avoided her colleagues, but things became more difficult after that. She met more bugs who were unaware of her nature, and she even attempted hooking up, as she was yearning for intimacy after her failed relationship, but even that was soured for her when one of the bugs she met was secretly aware of her demigod status, and wanted to sleep with her just to cross it off a bucket list. It made Aika feel gross and used, and it broke her heart to realize that even the bugs who didn't hate her refused to treat her like one of their own.

She started avoiding unnecessary socialization, and over time, the rumors stopped actively making her life worse. She was able to find a job at the butcher's shop, and even got a raise to the point she was able to live a somewhat comfortable life with her mother. She still experienced suspicious or disgusted stares from those who suspected she's "that one demigod who lives in the city district", but she was able to avoid unpleasant situations. However, something else was starting to concern her. She was over 30 years old at that point, and yet she still looked as if she barely reached adulthood. No signs of aging, she was as youthful and full of energy as ever. She mentioned it to her mother, and she reached the unpleasant conclusion that her father's blood did more to her than just leave a glowing mark on her hand and made her see things. She was no longer aging, she was immortal. Of course, out of all higher being bastards running around the continent who were able to hide their true nature, she had to be the rare example of an immortal demigod.

Aika held onto the hope that her body was just playing tricks and she was simply aging slower than usual, but with every month and year that became less likely. Moreover, where each year had no effect on her appearance, Dekka's age started to affect her. Then her health suddenly declined, and a visit to one of the city's doctors confirmed that it was unlikely that it would reverse. Aika was devastated, she couldn't imagine losing the only person in her life who ever loved and supported her, but she tried to compose herself and be there for her mother in this time of need. After all, she promised that she would try to find happiness no matter what, and she wanted her mother to see that she didn't forget about it.

The funeral that took place two years later was small and quiet. Dekka made a few friends in the city, and they attended the ceremony, but only one of them approached Aika to offer condolences. She didn't respond, and she simply stood by her mother's grave in silence until she remembered she still had work that day. She was lucky enough to have that job in the first place, her supervisor tolerated her but it was clear she could be replaced if she caused trouble, and she didn't want to risk it. But when she walked into the shop, all the emotions finally got to her and she broke into tears. Then she simply walked out without a word, returned home, packed her things into a bag and headed to the city's Shell Treader station. She couldn't stomach returning to her empty home day after day, wishing she could hear her mother's voice again. If she was going to stick to her promise, she would have to do it elsewhere.

The giant creature took her to Timberhold and its capital, Timber's Eye. She paid for the ride and then headed to the nearest inn to rent a room for the next few days. The journey allowed her to take the time to think, and she realized she needed a plan. Timberhold was a land covered in woods, and she thought that perhaps she could make a living as a huntress or a gatherer - she still had her archery skills, which could come in handy. Aika asked around town until she learned of the Hunters' Guild. Without a second thought, she applied to become a recruit, and after an initial skill test, became a member.

The challenge

Her skills with a bow were impressive, and it wasn't long until she passed a challenge after a challenge, slowly climbing ranks. She was focused on her new responsibilities, hunting for the town and teaching recruits, and throughout all of it, she made sure no one would learn of her demigod nature - she wouldn't make the same mistake she did in New Molasses. She wanted to become one of the lead hunters of the guild and complete her childhood dream. After all, she promised her mother that she would find happiness despite all, and she knew this is what would bring her joy. So years later, when she gained enough experience to qualify for the final challenge, she knew she needed to succeed.

Unfortunately, the motivation turned into obsession, and she was blinded with only one destination possible - winning the badge and filling a promise she made to Dekka. But she made mistakes and lost her focus, which prompted her to do something she knew even then was stupid - she lied and cheated, hoping no one would notice. But they did, and the consequences were severe. According to the rules of the guild, she should have been kicked out. However, her skills and determination saved her skin, and instead of losing all of her badges, she was instead demoted and transferred to another Hunters' Guild, where she could regain her rank. The neighboring land, found in the Hallowed Mountains north to Timber's Eye, became the youngest branch of the Hunters' Guild, with a base located in a little town called Dirtmouth, still rebuilding after the deadly infection that ravaged the kingdom some years ago.

Aika was ashamed and furious at herself. For getting caught, for trying to cheat in the first place, for disappointing everyone and for failing her mother. She lost the chance she worked for throughout the years, and now she was back in the recruit rank, sent to a town in the middle of nowhere, where she would have to walk on eggshells to avoid revealing her secret. She begrudgingly packed her things and took a Shell Treader ride to Hallownest. The town of Dirtmouth was small, and the bugs seemed preoccupied with their daily lives, simply acknowledging her arrival with a glance. She found the Hunters' Guild building, unpacked and focused on her duties, slowly adjusting to the new environment. Aika was still angry, and in that anger she saw the whole place in the most bleak colors, hating that she now had to live in this hole of a town.

Meeting Hornet

A few weeks later, another recruit joined the guild. A female bug, a bit shorter than her, with a constant grumpy expression on her face. Immediately, Aika assumed that they wouldn't get along. The new recruit's name was Hornet, and she wasn't the talkative type. They were assigned to their first job together a few days later, they were supposed to hunt and bring five Crawlids to the guild. But instead of working together, they both decided to do their own thing, which quickly turned into a competition. They were able to complete their job, but it was clear there was a rivalry building between them. Hornet was quick to anger, and Aika's sarcastic humor and teasing was the perfect recipe to get on her nerves. The new situation and her annoyance at herself and everything around her made Aika push especially hard, trying to annoy Hornet at every step.

...

Eventually, they started to have more direct conversations about the day, themselves and their lives. Hornet occasionally complained about her family annoying her, and during one of those conversations, she casually revealed that she's older than the head huntress of the guild. Aika couldn't believe that she actually met another demigod in a similar situation to hers. For the first time since her mother's death, she thought that maybe she found someone who would understand her, so she reluctantly revealed her own nature to Hornet. The other huntress was a little surprised, but she took the news with zero issue.

However, what Aika wasn't as enthusiastic about, was that Hornet's father, who she presumed was a god, lived in the town. Her disdain for higher beings made her dread ever meeting him, and things only got worse when she learned that his husband was also a god. And not just any god, but one she heard about many times in the past. Troupe Master Grimm, the performer and the flirt, as many called him. She heard rumors here and there about him, even learned of some scandals he got into through sleeping around, and she always felt disgust towards him. He sounded just like her father, and the realization that he lives in this very town made her sick to her stomach. Much to her displeasure, they eventually met, when Hornet invited her to the house for dinner - she liked Hornet too much to refuse, though she dreaded every second of it. The first impression was far from ideal. Aika tried her best not to cause a scene, and while she managed to keep a polite tone when talking to Vyrm, from the glances she gave Grimm it was clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. Their subsequent interactions weren't much better, though Aika ended up learning more about him through conversations with Hornet. She learned what he was like from Hornet's perspective, though she couldn't shake away the thought that he's probably lying to everyone and still sleeping around and ruining innocent lives. That's what gods like him do, she thought.

But one time, while she was standing outside of Hornet's room waiting for her to prepare for their hunting trip, Grimm approached her to start a conversation. She tried to brush him off, but then he directly referenced the fact that she's half mortal, half higher being, and mentioned that it must be difficult to see "those things" around her. She was dumbfounded, and was prepared to lash out at him, telling him to leave her alone, but he simply looked at her with concern. As if he knew way more about her than she even told Hornet. He accurately guessed that she never met her higher being parent, and then surprised her even more when he apologized for what his kind has done to her and her mother. It was uncalled for, and she should have been mad at him, but instead she could feel her eyes fill up with tears. Grimm kept his distance from her and allowed her to cry in peace, not saying another word until she calmed down. Hornet then finally left her room and the two left for their trip, during which Aika told Hornet about the conversation she had with Grimm.

She still felt uncomfortable at the idea of talking to him, but Hornet encouraged her to give it a try, promising to her that Grimm is nothing like her father. And she admitted that Hornet was correct, she learned that Grimm was banished by the other gods, and that he always tried to avoid causing what happened to her mother. He seemed genuinely angered by the actions of Aika's father, which was the first time they found something they could agree on. Moreover, during another conversation, he offered to help her learn how to tune out the wind essence visions, and perhaps even use them to her advantage, if it turned out she was capable of interacting with the essence.

But it wasn't just her interactions with Grimm that improved. Her friendship with Hornet started to take a different turn. She noticed a shift in the way Hornet behaved around her, she seemed more nervous and easy to irritate, and she kept avoiding eye contact with her. For Aika, it was clear what it was, but Hornet seemed far more inexperienced at it, so she knew she had to take the first step. Slowly, the friendly exchanges and banter turned into more direct compliments and teasing, which only left Hornet flustered and stumbling over her own words - a sight that Aika has grown to really enjoy. Hornet was adorable, simply put, and the huntress found herself more and more fond of her and her appearance. They had a brief argument when Hornet revealed that she wasn't technically a demigod, as her father wasn't a higher being, just simply an immortal being, but Aika realized that it really didn't matter in the end. They still had a similar nature, and they've grown to cherish each other's company since they've met for the first time.

And it wasn't just Hornet who she felt comfortable around. Hornet's sibling, Holly, was an even stranger being with a kind and understanding soul, and friends who accept them for what they are. Vyrm was also very kind to her, as were his children. And she realized how much she misjudged Grimm, who thankfully didn't hold a grudge against her for it. She also realized that the presence of Grimm and his family, including his children with Vyrm, made the bugs in Dirtmouth far more accepting towards those who don't fit the norm. She started to actually socialize more, through which she met bugs of all different backgrounds, who all saw the town as a place where they could be themselves. The first time she felt comfortable enough to leave her house without the patch covering her mark, she realized that perhaps her punishment for cheating during her hunter's challenge was actually a blessing in disguise. And that maybe this is how she could fulfill her promise to her mother, that she would find happiness in the end.

Meeting Lace

Aika and Hornet haven't begun officially dating just yet when Aika revealed to her that back where she comes from, having multiple partners was considered normal. She herself has always been interested in having more than one partner, and she was curious how Hornet felt about it. Back then, it was simply just curiosity, but she was more happy than she expected when Hornet thought about it and told her she wouldn't be opposed to that scenario either. A little part of Aika was excited about the prospect of exploring such a unique (for Hallownest's standards) lifestyle. Granted, their relationship barely started, so the last thing she was thinking about was looking for another partner, so she put the idea away in the back of her mind and focused on Hornet. Over time, they discussed it more and more, establishing their boundaries and what they'd be okay with when it comes to polyamory. This whole idea was clearly new to Hornet, but the more Aika spoke of it, the more on board she seemed to be.

She became very curious when Hornet returned from Pharloom one day and talked about her experience there, specifically meeting a mysterious fencer named Lace. There was no implication of anything going on, Hornet seemed more interested in just learning more about her, and Aika shared her curiosity. She didn't think about it too much when Hornet left to visit Pharloom again, nor when Lace ended up visiting Dirtmouth. Only when she noticed them getting closer did she ask Hornet about it, who revealed that she did in fact have feelings for Lace. Aika told her that she doesn't mind if Hornet tries things with Lace; they already talked about this in the past, and she didn't notice Hornet prioritizing Lace over her. But she wanted to meet this Lace herself, properly, not just in passing. If she and Hornet were friends, then she wanted to get to know her too.

It didn't take Aika long to start noticing what Hornet saw in Lace. Her energetic, slightly manic demeanor was contagious, and she could not deny that Lace was beautiful. But there was more than that. Lace understood what it felt like to hold a grudge towards a god, what it was like to feel abandoned by their parent. The experiences that they shared brought them closer, and slowly but surely, they began falling for each other.

But that brought up a question, and the three quickly decided to answer it. They were all already dating each other, and they all felt strong feelings about one another. Each of them cared about the other two, and they all got along great as friends. Why not try being together, as one unit? It took them a while to think about it, but they decided to try. It would be new, but it would be exciting.

Hornet's quest to free Lace from her mother's influence was a stressful period for everyone, but it was the moment they started to really appreciate the decision they made. They were stronger together, they built the kind of trust and love towards one another that they wouldn't otherwise, and that helped them push through those hard times. Hornet was hurt after being a test subject for Grand Mother Silk, but she survived, and Aika ensured that both her and Lace would be safe with her. She loved them so much, and she was so happy that things turned out right in the end, even with the complications coming from Grimm.

Present day

Aika has worked hard at the Hunters' Guild ever since she moved in, and not too long before the present point, she was able to renovate the house she's been living in. Even though she was furious at the uild's decision to send her to Dirtmouth, she wishes she could go back and thank her. For the first time since losing her mother she feels truly happy. She has a new home, a town that has welcomed her, even despite her nature, two wonderful partners who brighten up her day and make her feel loved, and a family from Hornet's side who sees her as their own. There really isn't much else she could ask for, and sometimes, when she lies down in bed, she closes her eyes and pictures her mother, hoping that she's proud of her for finally finding the happiness she promised she would find.