bakerstreet | the au meme

the au meme

the alternate universe meme

how to play
1. post with your character, name and canon in the subject line.
2. feel free to mention which aus you’re willing or not willing to play in the body of the comment.
3. tag by rolling for an alternate universe setting using rng.
4. or tag by picking whatever au you’d like to play in most.
5. have fun!

alternate universes
i - all human: in an all human au, characters who are canonically vampires, werewolves or superheroes, are now humans, with corresponding changes to their backstories.

ii - apocalypse: a portmanteau of "apocalypse fic", apocafic is fiction set during or after some sort of apocalypse, or end of the world. some canons carry a built-in apocalypse against which the protagonists are fighting: in apocafic, they lose. for example, apocafic in stargate and x-files is usually set after the alien occupation; supernatural apocafic is set on a demon-controlled earth.

iii - band: an alternate universe in which the characters are members in, or form a band. often, the instruments they plan and their roles in the band are analogous to their canon identities. for example, tony stark might be cast as the fame-hungry lead singer who is also a musical genius, or river tam might be a classically trained pianist who, after a terrible experience at julliard, writes songs for mal reynold's grunge rock band, serenity.

iv - circus: circus aus are a popular trope in fanfic and sometimes fanart. using a circus as a setting means introducing the characters to each other in a close-knit community. that can help break down barriers between them and make them bond together against the outside world which may not understand them as well as the other characters do. it also brings a sense of adventure and the idea that this world may have different rules and everything is possible. a circus can also be a good place for characters to go undercover and meet the love of their lives.

v - coffee shop: the barista au (or coffeeshop au, or the closely related bakery au) is a popular fanfiction trope in livejournal fandoms. in most cases, one half of the main pairing is the barista and the other is or becomes their favorite customer; in some stories the whole cast works at a coffee shop. this trope is especially popular in fandoms where one character is very attached to coffee, either in canon or in fanon, or is frequently stressed.

vi - college/high school: college fic is a popular genre of fanfic (less often a genre of fanart) that places characters together in college or another secondary institution such as the starfleet academy in star trek fic (then called "academy fic"). this can be canon stories, for example backstory if characters have or could have met during college, or college aus, similar to high school aus. in science fiction, historical or fantasy fandoms the present day college au is a popular subgenre of the modern au that puts fantastic or historical characters in more mundane everyday settings.

vii - cop/detective: an alternate universe in which the characters are cast as cops or investigators of some kind. often, the canon villain is also cast as the villain in the story. this might be set in modern times, or in a noir-like environment, complete with gangsters and femme fatales.

viii - daemons: his dark materials is a fantasy trilogy by philip pullman. the trilogy consists of the golden compass (1995; published in the uk as northern lights), the subtle knife (1997), and the amber spyglass (2000). there are currently two companion novellas: lyra's oxford (2003) and once upon a time in the north (2008). a movie adaptation of the first book was released in theatres in late 2007. humans have their souls living outside their body in the form of an animal companion. males have female souls and females have male souls. the animals often correspond to the character’s personality.

ix - fantasy: an alternate universe populated with fantastical characters like elves, dwarves, unicorns, sorcerers, and dragons. canon characters might be cast as analogous races (e.g. clint barton or katniss everdeen as elf archers) or they might be humans in a fantastical setting. characters also might be able to secretly shape-shift into another form, like a dragon, and therefore is related closely to were/vampire/supernatural aus.

x - historical: a historical au is a fanwork which moves characters into a different historical period than their canon setting. typically this involves taking "contemporary" characters (from the late 20th century or 21st century) and putting them in an earlier historical period (such as the 19th century or before). popular settings for historical aus include: pirates, america's old west, britain's regency period, ancient rome, a vague facsimile of medieval england such as robin hood, and many others.

xi - hooker/porn/stripper: hookerfic is a type of fanfic where one or more of the characters is a sex worker. there are many different types of hookerfic, ranging from more realistic depictions to the more common pretty woman-type fantasy of a hooker with a heart of gold, rescued from life on the streets by a client. sex work of all kinds is portrayed—brothels, escorts, street prostitution, "call-girls" as well as strippers and go-go boys.

xii - magic: magic aus are alternate universe fanworks that incorporate magic in fandoms where there is no magic present in canon. (or in some cases, fanworks that make a canon with magic more magical.) they differ from elf aus in that there may be magic without any elves showing up, and are opposites of all human and mundane aus.

xiii - neighbors/roomates: an alternate universe where the canon characters live next-door to one another, or in the same apartment building or complex, or in the same apartment. often, this is also an all-human au, if the canon characters are powered in some way. the forced proximity is usually used to create romantic tension between characters.

xiv - space/sci-fi: a space au is an alternate universe where a source set on earth is transported into space; works are often referred to as "[fandom] in spaaaaaaaaace!" the trope can be a form of crackfic, but often includes surprisingly serious reinterpretations of the most earthbound of sources, particularly historical fiction written or set before space exploration. cyberpunk trappings such as robots, cyborgs and ais are often included.

xv - steampunk: steampunk was originally a term for a sub-genre of speculative fiction that imitated 19th century "scientific romances" like the work of jules verne and h.g. wells. later, the term was applied to a general aesthetic involving styles that would be "futuristic" from the perspective of the 19th century. steampunk appears in fanworks as both a genre and an aesthetic. there are some fandoms for which the canon is steampunk(-ish), e.g. the secret adventures of jules verne, but more often it is found as steampunk alternate universe.

xvi - western: the western is a genre of fiction set in the later half of the 19th century in the western part of north america, especially the united states, but also canada and mexico. sometimes also included in the genre are stories about western-type characters and plots in other settings, e.g. "space westerns" (in science fiction settings) and contemporary westerns (set in the western part of contemporary north america).

xvii - were/vamp/supernatural: a reversal of the all-human, in these fics characters who are normally human are now supernatural creatures of some kind the most common being werewolves or vampires.

xviii - choose your own: self-explanatory! choose your own option.

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[The kid's not running. He's got no fighting abilties but he's grabbing a weapon anyway. Kotetsu flashes him a smile, grim.]

Watch my back.

[There's a flash bright as a lightning strike. It surrounds Kotetsu. His whole body shimmers, a thrum of power buzzing in the air. His eyes blaze from gold to blue.]

Let's go!

[Kotetsu plows into the crowd. He's so fast it's easier to follow the trails of light then him. His punches are sunbursts of motion, searing trails in the air. Thugs go flying.]

[ Alice? himself was planning to just cut his way through and grab Kotetsu, but before he can start shanking anyone, Kotetsu... is gone? no, wait the light.

he can't help but to stare at the sight of the thugs falling, seemingly for no reason except for being touched by light. and the others that were surrounding them is caught in surprise too.

coming back to his sense a little quicker than the others (the Hatter's always told Alice? he was quick to acclimate), he did his best to knock out some of the men around him as well. it wasn't much, but he hated feeling useless ]

You're gonna have a lot of questions to answer after this... [ he glances at the light still moving ]

[The light finally resolves back into Kotetsu, standing over an impressive heap of groaning, stunned gang members. He's still shining blue. Also, at some point, he seems to have slipped on a mask. From where? For what reason? Who knows?

Alice can add that to his questions!]

Right! Let's make this easy - which of you jokers is the leader, hah? I've still got errands to run!

[He can't help smirking back at Alice. He should not enjoy showing off, he's a Hero!... But once in a while, it's rather fun.]

Not bad for an old man, huh?

[An old man who should prooooooobably be paying more attention to what's COMING UP BEHIND HIM.]

[ sucks to be you Kotetsu, Alice? is known to be a curious one.

usually, Alice? was the cocky one. the one that needed to be told to watch out, or get facepalmed, or told he's an idiot. so it feels odd to be the more "responsible" one. really odd.

but hey, it's more exciting to switch around roles once in a while.

at some point, Alice? had picked a pocketknife from one of the thugs. so using that... properly, he instead throws it towards the man's head, who was about to plummet Kotetsu with... ... a barrel lid?

so maybe he's known for his bad aim with the gun, but hey for some reason, Alice? is super good at throwing things and hitting them. let's just hope it doesn't hit the man blade-end ]

With your attention span, I should be calling you a nipper.

Edited 2014-06-30 23:32 (UTC)

[Kotetsu ducks the flying lid. Really, a LID? Not the whole barrel? Almost insulting!

The knife is sticking in the man but does not appear to have hit anything vital. A good shot. Kotetsu sweeps his legs out from under him, and the gentleman does not seem inclined to rise up again any time soon.

He grunts at Alice's comment and looks around.]

You see any more?

[ he looks around as well, and the only thing he sees are bodies of knocked out thugs, spectators looking on in bewilderment, and two of them trying to creep away before they joined the pile too ]

...Nah, you seemed to have wiped out most of them. Somehow.

[ Alice? walks over to Kotetsu, pulling the knife from the man and pocketing it once more. it was handy to have one after all ]

Is that [ he gestures to the mask around the eyes ] supposed to be something?

It's a mask, what's it look like? Better clean that knife off -

[Kotetsu scoops up the lid and hurls it at the attempted escapees.]

Excuse me! You going somewhere?

[No! They were just trying to find the best spot to lie down and keep quiet! Kotetsu pulls out a small notebook and seems to be making calculations. Pleased, he stuffs it back into his pocket.]

Twelve! Not bad for a day off!

[Then he addresses the pile at large.]

Attention! You are all under arrest by Wild Tiger and... and his sidekick!

But what's the point of wearing a mask, everyone already saw your face!

[ and what the hell is that notebook suppose to be, a death note? ]

Who are you calling a sidekick you old geezer! And what the hell is Wild Tiger supposed to mean?! Besides you can't just arrest people you're not a police officer! [ he's trying so hard. so hard.

why are you being so difficult Kotetsu ]

Don't you read the papers? Also I can't call you my partner, I already have one of those!

[Tiger states this as if it should be obvious. Which explains ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

The glow fades out.

There's a screeching whistle as constables run up. They pull up short when they see the street littered with thugs. Tiger waves to them cheerfully, producing the notebook again.]

Oh, sorry, this will just take a minute - Evening officers! If you could just sign this?

Papers?

[ Alice? only reads one when he can find a used one on the streets. (it seemed before he lost his memories, he was taught to read and write very basically)

but even so, he had no idea what Kotetsu meant. it sounded like Kotetsu was mentioned in the papers often, with a "partner". and.... something to do with officers?

at the sight of them, Alice? tries to be inconspicuous as possible, because god he knew so many people that the police would love to get their hands on. (maybe he should stop being with the Hatter so many times. all sort of people with shady reputations know Alice?'s face lately) ]

Kotetsu... [ he whispers over, still... trying to be inconspicuous (he kinda sucks at that) ] What the hell are you calling them over for?

To sign the arrest papers. It's annoying, but Ms. Joubert is a STICKLER for paperwork.

[Once again, he only manages half of the story in a place where it will make NO sense.

The constable who comes over is smiling. He's pretty high-ranking, judging from the ridiculous amount of gold he's flashing on his chest.

"Well done, Wild Tiger! Where's Mr. Brooks today?"]

Psht, I don't need him ALL the time! We did just fine, right Alice?

[The officer spares a glance at Tiger's "sidekick," but doesn't seem to recognize him. If the kid's with a Hero, why should he be suspected of any shady connections? He scrawls a few lines then begins barking orders.]

Well, they don't need us for this part. So where to next? Oh! That toy cart!

[ what the fuck is going on seriously how come you are so buddy-buddy with the police and what was the glowing and what the fuck is "Wild Tiger" and who the hell is "Ms. Joubert" GOD KOTETSU...

his heart almost stops when the officer looks at his face, but when there's no reaction, he lets out a small breath of relief.

still, Alice? is totally lost on everything. but it seemed they were free to go... and the gang seemed they wouldn't be bothering Alice? anytime soon.

so he grabs Kotetsu's elbow and with a quick smile and wave to the officer, he pretty much dashes away, dragging the other behind him. there are tons of things Alice? wants to say to Kotetsu but he would rather be away from a crowd. he's still heading towards the direction of the market though ]

[Meanwhile, Tiger seems to be doing some quick calculations. He stumbles after Alice.]

12 definitely puts me ahead of Origami... Whoah, slow down!

[ after some distance from the officers, he slows down, although he's still holding onto Kotetsu's elbow.

Alice? glares back at Kotetsu, a frown on his face ]

Explain. ...And take that weird mask off.

[Tiger glances around. They're far enough away that it should be safe. He slips off the mask and rubs the back of his head, a little sheepish now.]

Haaaaaaah... Where should I start?

[It may be hard to believe, but he's never really had to explain this before. Not to someone from outside.]

[ Alice? lets go, and turns around to completely face Kotetsu ]

How about how you're so friendly with the officers and the reason why you asked me to be a bodyguard when you obviously don't need one?

[ staaaare staaaaare glaaaaaare. after all, Alice? dislikes not being told or being kept secrets. it didn't matter that they had only met, he still didn't like being kept in the dark ]

[It's not that he MEANT to keep secrets! He really did have good intentions here! There's a sigh.]

Because you don't seem like the kind of person who accepts charity, but you looked hungry. Why else would you steal from the first rube you saw? Figured if I offered work, at least you'd have something to eat. Sorry.

Speaking of, I still owe you dinner. Come on.

[The pub they enter is bustling. Kotetsu greets a couple of patrons, then grabs a table in the back. Though it's crowded and warm, it also seems the sort of place where people mind their own business.

The walls are plastered in newspapers.]

[ Alice?'s cheeks flush a bit, because it was true, he disliked charity. he disliked feeling helpless. because... he was helpless. he only had his tentative name, the clothes he wore, and his very basic reading skills. everything else, he lost along with his memories or didn't have to begin with. he only managed to live through thanks to luck and being taken in (in a way) by the Hatter. said Hatter was gone at the moment, and while Alice? managed for about 10 days with what was in the house, it had ran out.

he follows Kotetsu in with a sullen face, trying to find out a way to respond. it takes him a while to notice the papers on the way, and another minute to find the words "Wild Tiger" and "Brooks" plastered in large letters as the headline. there is even a crude sketch of the two in one paper. and the mask on one of the figures seems oddly familiar.... .... .... ]

.... .... [ he points to the paper with a disbelieving face ]

[Kotetsu chuckles when he's notices what's caught Alice's attention.]

Yes, that's us.

[Technically. Damn that's an awful image. His beard is MUCH more dapper then that! The other man in the illustration looks perfect. Of course.]

Wild Tiger and my partner, Barnaby Brooks Jr. We're Heroes!

Edited 2014-07-05 15:37 (UTC)

... ... ...

[ Alice? sits down at the table facepalming, because w a t ]

Heroes... ...I remember the Cheshire talking something about it.

[ he looks at Kotetsu between his fingers ] Are you for real, I don't believe this. Of all the people to pick pocket...... [ he has the worst of luck uguuuu ]

Right? What were the odds?

[Actually, the odds would be... let's see, 8 in about 4 million?

That is probably not going to cheer Alice up.

But if Tiger believes in ANYTHING, it's luck! He gives his companion an affectionate pat on the shoulder.]

Well, maybe that means we were meant to meet up! Hmmmm... you're not a NEXT too, are you?

Edited (I can do math REALLY!) 2014-07-08 23:25 (UTC)

[ math is overrated ]

NEXT are those people with the powers or something right? [ he didn't even believe those existed okay ] Of course not. I'm a totally normal person. [ not really. but probably more normal than you, Kotetsu. ...probably ]

I really doubt there's a point to this meeting other than scaring off few years of my life.

Well, maybe not, but we can still make the best of it!

[Like dinner! A waitress stops with a beer for Kotetsu and takes their orders. Once both are placed and she's out of earshot, Kotetsu will go on.]

Where was I ... Okay! Right! NEXTS have extra abilities. That was the blue glow you saw.

[He pauses and takes a swig. There's a LOT more he could say! But it seems better to let Alice ask questions at his own pace.

Also beating up hooligans is thirsty business! He's already drained half the glass!]

You are way too positive. Is that part of your NEXT thingy too?

[ Alice? drinks his own cider, trying to think what to ask next, god there is too much ]

Wait so glowing is part of your abilities? You're like glowworms or something?

The light is a... side effect. It only shows up when our powers are active. Although I guess Dragon Kid's would count as a light?

[Forgetting Alice has NO IDEA who he's talking about. Sorry, Alice, he's trying! It's just weird to meet someone who doesn't even know all the names.]

Though a glowworm NEXT? Huh, that would be interesting! You'd never need a gaslight again!

[The positive thing is alllllll Kotetsu. And possibly a few too many knocks to the head.]

the au meme

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Want to throw in a Big Bad here? :D

oh snap kotetsu you and your silly eyemask

First rule of Hero ALWAYS have your mask!

isn't that the first rule of criminals too

SHHHH

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