bakerstreet | The Daemon Meme

The Daemon Meme

THE DAEMON MEME

In the universe of the His Dark Materials trilogy (or the movie The Golden Compass), every person has a creature called a daemon that accompanies them all their lives, and is emotionally and metaphysically a part of them. Daemons are often described as sort of external souls (while the part of the personality in a human's body is the spirit).

Basic Daemon Facts:

- They take the shape of animals
- They can talk, no matter what their shape
- Children's daemons can change form at will; around puberty they 'settle' and become one animal permanently
- Neither the person or the daemon chooses the final settled form, but it always reflects their personality (although not necessarily in obvious or simple ways)
- They are almost always the opposite sex as their human
- If a daemon feels pain, so will their person, and vice versa
- Being physically apart from one's daemon causes horrible emotional and physical pain
- Daemons frequently talk to and touch each other, in ways that reflect or complement their persons' interactions, but daemons talking to humans other than their own is considered strange, and touching humans not their own is extremely taboo; it generally occurs only between long-time lovers. Touching someone else's daemon without permission is a terrible violation.

How it works:

- Just design a daemon for your muse and put as little or as much information as you like about them (shape, name, link to a picture or species wiki if you are so inclined) in a comment, with your muse's name and series in the subject.
- Check out other people's daemons and let your daemons interact too.

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They could.

[Shiro would like to think that. He'd very much like to think that. They've never really had the time to sit down and figure out what the robeasts are (thank you, Hunk, for the terminology). He hasn't had enough outside experience with the others they've fought to make any kind of call. But the first one... Myzak...

His eyebrows don't come up and his stance doesn't shift as he watched Black bound back to butt into Yellow and then whisk around her.]

I know what he felt like. Being in Voltron and standing across the field from him felt exactly the same way it had felt when I fought Myzak in the Arena. That - aware, malevolent feeling. I could feel the hatred behind the eyes. Both times. Maybe I'm just imagining things. Maybe that's why they designed that first monster to look and fight like Myzak, because they knew it would get to me.

[He lets it trail off. Considers stopping. Glances over at Hunk. And goes on anyway.]

Allura's hooked into the castle, isn't she? She's still autonomous but the castle needs her specific life force to form the wormholes. And it needs the energy from the Balmara crystal. A crystal that's a part of a living creature and gets life force traded to it in exchange for. I think its a safe guess that the Alteans have found a way to link life essence and machinery together, in part at least. [This time when he looks at Hunk it's from the sides of his eyes without turning his head from where their lions are playfully wrestling, Yellow easily having the bulk to pin Black under her weight.] Am I wrong, Hunk? I'm not our mechanic. Am I misunderstanding things?

[Hunk is quiet as Shiro speaks, and stays quiet for a few ticks after the question is left lingering between them. These are thoughts he's had himself. On those nights when he can't sleep. When he's worried, or stressed, and baking doesn't help calm his fraying nerves. Those same evenings where instead of his feet carrying him to the kitchen, they take him to the hulking mass that's his Lion.

She fills his thoughts with happier things, soothing and calm, a steadying force as they drift through space. Each of the Lions are different. Not just in their physical frames and abilities, but in personality. He's felt it when they're together as Voltron. Blue's playful nature that so perfectly matches Lance's. Green's desire to find out everything they can like Pidge. Red's fiery and seemingly ceaseless determination in a fight that's a mirror to Keith's own. Black's calm and powerful presence that encourages them all, a dense pressure that fills them all just as Shiro's own voiced belief fills the Paladin's hearts.

He's quietly wondered how that can be. If it's an answer that Yellow knows, she keeps it to herself.]

No, you're not wrong. It's just... if that's the truth of things, then who gave up their lives to bring the Lion's to life? And while Myzak might have been willing to give himself up to becoming such a creature, what if ones we fight in the future don't? How would we know? Is there any way to save them that doesn't involve destroying them? Or is that just the only option there is? [Hunk's gaze falls onto the two wrestling lions, Yellow on top for the moment, but easily knocked over as if she's distracted by something.] What... what would happen if Yellow got destroyed? Would she need a new life to be able to be rebuilt and come back? Would... would she need mine?

[There's a reason Hunk is their mechanic. He can look at things, take them apart in his head, put them back together and make them not only make sense but work as well. It's a talent and one Shiro not only admires greatly but honestly relies on.

Because, as much as Shiro's managed to put together on his own - Hunk is already leaps ahead.

Shiro's never once considered that a robeast might need saving.

And he hasn't considered that Black's life force might ever need a replacement. Like him. Or one of them.

He whistles, a short trill that distracts Yellow enough for Black to roll out from under her and she's immediately on her feet and bounding back to him. Shiro goes to one knee and unashamed, holds open his arms so his lion can fill them and press close, winding around him. He doesn't like these thoughts - and a part of him had hoped that Hunk would tell him he was wrong, his logic was flawed. But its not. And Hunk's added even more. Would he give up his life form for Black?

In a heartbeat.

Would he ever want one of his team to do the same for their lion -

no way in hell.

He exhales and Black lays her huge head against the side of his jaw and rubs.]

I don't know. I don't know how much Allura really doesn't know and how much she's not telling us because she thinks its for our own good or its the kind of thing we're 'supposed to find for ourselves'. I don't know if they even know. Zarkon was Black's first paladin and then me. I don't know if there's ever been enough time for one of the lions to die. I don't know if they can be recharged with another soul or if it was a one time thing, I don't know what the lions were before they were lions, whether they were humanoid and have just forgotten so much of it or if they were always lions to begin with. Black's shown me the creation of her body but how it ended up powered - she hasn't shown me yet.

[The sound he made low in his throat was aggravated - and sounded just a little bit like a growl of his own. Black thummed a purr that vibrated through the room in answer. He stroked a hand over her shoulders and looked up at Hunk.] I don't like not knowing. I don't like a potential danger to the team. But I don't know how to find this answer.

[Watching the way Black moves is mesmerizing. Fluid, graceful, and ultimately powerful. A small smile quirks the corner of Hunk's mouth at the way Shiro kneels, letting the large cat fill his open arms. It's a cute, heart warming scene. Glancing back across the deck he spots his own Lion sitting, and staring at him, golden eyes focused in an almost unnerving way.

Shiro's voice grabs at his attention though, and his focus is back on his leader. He's not surprised that the older man doesn't have any answers for his questions. The only person he's ever voiced any of them to has been Coran, and the quirky adviser had nothing to give him. When he hears the change in Shiro's voice, Hunk frowns, and kneels down himself, resting a hand on one of the other's shoulders.]

Maybe this is part of how we find the answer. Or maybe it's something we need to find for ourselves. So far, you're the only one whose seen their lion's creation. Maybe once we learn how they all were made, how they all came to be, and how Voltron was created, we'll also learn what powers them. If Allura does know... I think at this stage of the game she wouldn't hide it if she thought it would harm us, right? At least, I really, really hope not. Learning the truth about Zarkon the way we did was crappy enou-AHHhhh!!

[Apparently, tired of being ignored, Yellow had decided to take advantage of her Paladin's distracted state to launch a sneak attack. Hunk is knocked back by her bulky frame, groaning loudly as she begins to run her tongue along his face.]

Yellooooow, stoooop!!

[Shiro is always needy when it comes to touch, something he does his best not to show. Hunk's hand on his shoulder is reassurance even before the younger paladin says anything. And - Shiro's glad. He's glad its Hunk he can have this talk with and he's just - he's glad its Hunk. He has a way of looking at things that's very clear and calm and straight-forward, and it's welcome oil on water inside Shiro's own thoughts.

He's not sure about Allura. Finding out where the Black Lion's bayard was and who had been his predecessor had been a bad surprise he still wasn't entirely over and they were still playing games with the 'don't tell the paladins about their lions'. He knew she had the best intentions and that she was doing what she thought was best for them all but - he didn't like withheld information. How could he protect his team, how could they protect themselves, if they didn't know what to watch for?

But that worry went out of his head for a moment as Hunk, who had been next to him, was suddenly on his back thanks to a large yellow blur and Shiro couldn't stop the very quiet chuckle as he watched the enthusiastic lioness 'maul' her paladin. Next to him Black was rumbling her contentment and Shiro left an arm draped across her shoulders as they watched the other two. Maybe - maybe this was all right. Maybe the shadows could wait just a little bit longer outside the door. Because listening to Hunk try to talk down his determined lion was worth more. Shiro settled down, folding his legs so Black could drape her bulk across them and he could scratch her back. He raised his voice, just a little, just enough to throw out:]

Think you missed a spot, Yellow. His left ear still looks pretty dirty.

[It's become easier to tell when Shiro is lost in thought. The serious kind. Where he's worrying about them, the team, what they have to do, if they can do it. Hunk wishes he could be someone who could take some of that responsibility off the other's plate. Give Shiro a chance to breath and not worry about carrying the weight of the universe on his shoulders. He's not though. Never really has been either. Instead, he's better at support.

So, maybe while he can't really eat what Shiro has on his plate, he can at least try to make it taste better.

Letting his new furry lion do as she pleases, hearing the amusement it brings to Shiro's voice, Hunk can certainly at least do that.]

Ahh, Shiro, noo!!

[Hunk laughs as Yellow tilts her head, licking at his ear, making sure her darling Paladin is perfectly clean. Any attempt to push her off is only met with her settling more on top of him. Large paws crossing over each other as she finally lets up, beginning to purr loudly as Hunk brings a tired hand up to scratch behind a soft ear. Looking over to the other two, the younger Paladin smiles, trying to catch his breath a bit.]

Thanks a lot Shiro. I'm so gonna need another shower after all this brutal loving. [He gently turns Yellow's head to where Black is lounging across Shiro's lap.] Why can't you lay on me like that? [The lions response is to start licking at Hunk's hand instead.] Ugh... of course, I get the slobbery one. Shiro, trade lions with me, just for like, an hour?

[The shadows can wait outside a little longer.

And his responsibility is a little easier to swallow thanks to Hunk's support. He drapes one arm over Black and rubs her muzzle with his other, feeling the thrum of her purr through his own chest, filling it up the way Hunk's laughter does. Moments like these, just private, personal moments - they're perfect to him and he always tries to soak them completely down into himself. By the time Hunk is trying to negotiate with his lion, Shiro's smile is relaxed and Black is gently mouthing his metal wrist while he leaves that arm loose for her. Hunk gets another chuckle, this one closer to coming from his chest and Shiro shakes his head.]

Sorry, buddy. No can do. The lions don't trade - and I kind of like my bathes in the shower. Maybe when Blue shows up for Lance you can try again.

Ughhhh, way to cut a guy deep, Shiro.

[His tone is teasing, as another laugh bursts from his lungs when Yellow licks at his neck.]

Sto-Stop that!! I'm tic-ticklish!!

[It takes a moment, between hiccups of laughter, before he can sit up enough to push the bulky creature off of him. Sighing with relief at finally being free, he gently scratches his new partner of sorts under her chin, earning a loud, rumbling purr.]

I wonder what the other ones will be like. I mean, this Yellow is kinda like big, metal Yellow. Bulky, heavy, but sweet, and strong. Although, I'm probably lucky that big Yellow doesn't want to lick my face all the time. You're sure we can't tell the others about them? What am I supposed to do with her when we gotta train, or fight? Just leave her all alone in my room?

[Shiro soaks in the sound of laughter and purring and he wishes the others were here with theirs as well. Moments like these are so precious and rare, he knows they all need as many of them as they can find.

Still, he's glad its Hunk that's the next to find his lion. The other paladin plays support so often. It's nice to have him have his own time.]

I'm guessing the others will be like their larger personalities too. Which is nice because you guys can tell me about your lions but I never really got Yellow's personality until now. It's going to be nice to see everyone else's too.

[A pause and he shook his head with a sigh.]

The princess was really adamant about every paladin needing to find their lion for themselves. I'd love to tell the others but if it messes up something in the bonding process - I can keep it to myself. I guess Yellow will do what Black does, which is pretty much wait in your room or wander off when the coast is clear to do whatever she wants. They get the fundamentals clearly, they know to stay to stay out of sight. During fights they stay in the castle. It's a good connection, lets you be aware of what's going on in two places if you need it. [Which Shiro does but he's not sure if the others really will. He rubs Black's head.] There really aren't any lion-sized seat belts in the cockpits that I've discovered yet. Which might change once everyone's caught up to date with their own lions. Allura did say that we're not supposed to go too far from them but she was vague on the actual distance. I don't think she knows for sure. It could make away missions trickier. We haven't really gotten that far yet.

[Another unknown, another thing he couldn't prepare his team properly for. He's used to there always being unexpected glitches in missions but he's really starting to get tired of all the ones he can anticipate and still can't work out a safety for.] Maybe you can tap around Big Yellow a little and see if she's got any secret compartments or lion sized rooms. So far Black's not given me anything but I think her priorities are different than Yellow's might be.

[Listening to Shiro quietly, he keeps up the gentle scratches. Yellow leans into his chest, her heavy purring making his body thrum along in harmony. He's not quite sure if he likes the idea of keeping Yellow a secret. Already he's dying to to tell Lance about her. With that initial fear long gone, he can feel the link between them clear as day now. The same gentle whisper of a presence at the back of his mind, humming along with his thoughts.

There's also the fear of worry about anything happening to her. Now that she was soft, fuzzy, and so much squishier compared to the hulking metal frame in the hanger, Hunk silently wonders what this Yellow's durability is like.]

I guess we'll have to hope that Keith and Red don't straight up mail each other then, huh? You know he's gonna freak out sword first whenever she decides to show up. At least with Lance and Pidge, they're more likely to run for it like me. As for lion seats in the big lions...

[Hunk moves from scratching under Yellow's chin, to behind her ears, and along her head.]

I think I might have seen one before, but just didn't know what it was for. I'll have to go through my logs and see if I can't find when it appeared.

[There's a slightly strangled sound from Shiro when Hunk mentions Red and Keith something that's a mix of laughter, real concern and resignation. Because Hunk is completely right on that account and Shiro's considered it himself once he was introduced to this side of Black. Red... Red loves Keith with a dangerous fierceness as far as Shiro can tell - but Red also, from what he's been told, made Keith prove himself first before he was accepted as paladin and he can only imagine how that meeting of fur and flesh is going to go down. He has faith though, in Red and in Keith. Because Red knows Keith now, better than almost anyone possibly, and Keith - Keith doesn't usually go in for the killing blow despite his attacking instinct. He rubs his hands over the entirety of Black's face and she snorts but lets him.]

I think... we should probably all listen very closely for any sounds of screaming until everyone's got their lions. I also think Red may be the last one to show. They've got a strong connection but Red seems to enjoy hanging back with its surprises. I suspect that now that Yellow's showed, Blue and Green shouldn't be far behind. [The smile he gives the other paladin is crooked but real. He could trust Hunk to find it, if there were transport compartments or harnesses for their physical lions. At the moment, he could concentrate on:] I think they sent Yellow out as their trail run.

[At Shiro's assessment of the lions order of appearing, Hunk can't help, but agree with it. It would certainly make sense. Yellow was the heart of Voltron, a sturdy force that helped support the giant robot with unyielding fortitude.

Trial run or not though, Hunk felt a swell of pride at being the next one chosen after Shiro. He wasn't the best at combat after all, so his bond with Yellow tended to come from time spent outside of fighting, his loving doting as he cleaned her up after a rough battle.

Running both hands over the soft cheeks of the lion in his lap, he leaned in to press a loud, obnoxious sounding kiss to her nose. An action that earned him a long swipe of her tongue against his own.]

Can you imagine how crazy training is gonna get with them all running around? [He looks over at Black, grinning at her.] You're gonna have your work cut out for you, just like your pilot.

[As far as Shiro is concerned, Hunk has ever right to feel that swell of pride. He certainly meant it that way and its not just one but all of the lions that decided Hunk was the perfect choice for the next one of them to come through for. Shiro thinks it a measure of the esteem, and faith, they have in the mechanic.

It's - nice. Just sitting here with Hunk and their lions. A peaceful moment and Shiro soaks it in to his battered soul. He looks forward to the day, hopefully soon, when everyone will be here with them but -

but Hunk's not the only one honored. Because Shiro feels honored to be able to be here for Hunk as he discovers his lion for the first time.

He also chuckles at Hunk's assessment, agreeing. The lions are certainly going to add an entirely new dimension to everything. Black however meets Hunk's eyes for a long moment - and then slowly opens her mouth into a huge yawn that stretches it wide and, not incidentally, shows rows of sharp teeth and ivory fangs.

There are a lot more of them than any Earth cat would have. Shiro waited until she was done and then wrapped a hand as far around her muzzle as he could, giving it a gentle shake. His eyes were laughing when he looked back at Hunk.]

I think she's saying she'll manage. Me though? I can't make any promises about me.

[Hunk's eyes go a bit wide at seeing all those sharp, pointy teeth. Recalling the way she had been seemingly chewing on Shiro's Galra arm, he shivered a little. Glancing down at Yellow he quietly prayed she wouldn't want to get mouthy with him. Watching the way Shiro plays with Black though... it's cute, in a way. Definitely a nice change of pace, and it's certainly a side of the older man Hunk never expected to see.

When their eyes meet he smiles.]

Well, yeah, I mean, you've got Lance and Keith always bickering for starters. Then toss in Pidge losing herself over any thing shiny with circuits. And me, but I'm totally perfect in every way. [A beat.] If you don't count all the screaming, or throwing up, or panic attacks whenever something goes wrong.

[Hunk's assessment has Shiro chuckling, a rough, quiet rusty sound that's more bumping exhale than sound. The smile stays though and he shakes his head, looking at his teammate.]

You've all got your own issues. [His face sobered a little.] And if we're comparing I think mine are the most dangerous to the team. But we work through. That's what being a team is about. [Shiro uses that wide sweeping. To listen to him 'what being a team is all about' covers just about everything. Which - he might believe. His face relaxes again and he goes back to scratching behind Black's ears, setting her purring loud enough to thrum through the entire room. Shiro is absolutely sincere when he says:] I couldn't ask for a better team. None of you volunteered for this or had even finished your Garrison training but you've all, every one of you, stepped up to the plate and you pull through every time, no matter what you have to fight through to get there. I'm proud and honored to be able to lead you. And to call you friends. To call you my friend, Hunk.

[There's something about hearing Shiro laugh that ignites a gentle warmth in Hunk's chest. It's not often that there's reason for any of them to honestly laugh much these days. Shiro seemingly the least of all. Especially since he's often the one playing adult among all the kids. Hunk's smile grows, his gaze becoming fond.]

That's a two-way street there, Shiro. We're all glad to have you as our leader. Proud to fight alongside you. You're doing a great job so far. Even though you didn't volunteer either. While I didn't know you, or know as much about you, like the others, I'm glad I've gotten the chance to do so. You are one pretty cool dude.

[Shiro doesn't need anyone's approval. He takes responsibility for his actions and if they're good, knowing they're good is enough and if they turn out to be bad - well, he tries to carry that on his own as well. But - there's something about Hunk's assessment of his role up to know with the team that...

that sends something warm and soft and welcome down through his chest like slowly spreading liquid sunshine and has his shoulders relaxing without even realizing it. His smile does too, softening and warming and his lion thrums a low sound of pleasure, half-lidded eyes on Hunk as she lowers her head to rest over Shiro's thigh. Shiro's surprised to find his throat a little tight at the end of Hunk's affirmation and he swallows, smile going a little crooked.]

That really means a lot to me, Hunk. Thank you. [He clears his throat, not used to being the praised one after all this time and looks down at Black, gently tugging one of her great ears. Unable to stop the small smile from staying on his lips.] Think you'll be able to get back to sleep now that you don't have to worry about lions in your room anymore?

Anytime, Shiro.

[It's nice seeing their leader smile like this. Considering all he's been through, and everything he does for them, he is definitely someone deserving of some recognition. At Shiro's question, Hunk gives a nod of his head, definitely feeling the tug of sleep at the corner of his eyes.]

Yeah, I think so. [Hunk gets Yellow a gentle pat on her head.] You ready for some shut eye, girl? [There's a soft growl as Yellow licks the hand, and moves to stand, stretching her bulky frame a bit with a yawn.] Gonna take that as a yes, she's good to go as well. [Hunk pushes himself up as well, a tired grin on his face.] Thanks for helping me with this, Shiro. I hope you're able to get back to sleep as well.

[Shiro watched Hunk and his lion with a soft smile. Happy his team was happy. He could, and did, live vicariously off them from time to time and saw nothing wrong with letting their joy be his too.

He'd take happiness and normality any way he could get it.

Standing up with a light nudge so that Black would move off his legs and get to her feet as well, he stretched and nodded.]

Glad I could help, Hunk. I'll see you in the morning.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Daemon Meme

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sorry for the delay i've been sick this last week :(

sorry to hear about the sick, hope you're feeling better - and I"m about to go MIAish for a few days

almost all better now! tyty - i hope it is for something fun~!

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perfect icon choice

it seemed fitting haha!

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http://hunk-voltron.tumblr.com/post/157218181178/alicechrosnyart-just-wanted-to-draw-hunk-the

Omg that is so cute and fits this AU perfectly!!!

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http://headspacedad.tumblr.com/post/157900179902/crossroadart-seabear-yellow-lion-this-one-was

THATS SO CUTE ohmygoooooooood

sometimes tumblr blesses me with the QTE for all the wading through muck I do lol

hhhffhhh so sorry i got sick once again orz - think this is a good place to wrap things up?

sorry to hear about the sick and great place to wrap! thanks for another great thread!