The Invisible Dragon

[h_dash_h]

OK, so I've gone from posting a less-than-100-word commentfic to writing a 2700+ word crossover in a few days. It's a good thing I have plans for much of the rest of the weekend, as I can't seem to stop this otherwise

Comments

[autumnia]

I don't know anything about the Invisibles but this was an interesting story nonetheless. :-) Eustace (and Jill) has certainly met a lot of VERY interesting people throughout their careers and their lives.

You know, Eustace is reminding me a lot of Indiana Jones: scientist, stunt pilot -- he can do it all!

(Oh, and when I first read your warning about a foul-mouthed character, my mind immediately sprang to Otters. That characterization has been permanently etched into my head.)

[h_dash_h]

The Otters have a much more extensive vocabulary and creative library of insults than Dane. But he'd hold his own on sheer attitude. Assuming the multiverse didn't implode at the very idea of him in Narnia, that is.

I see Eustace following in the footsteps of the Russells, who have a certain Indiana Jones quality about them as well. He's got his limitations, though (exploring those might be interesting). This just happened to play to his strengths.

[rthstewart]

I don't know the Invisibles but I have to love Eustace with a transvestite shaman extraordinare just on principle. I had not thought how the astronaut/stunt pilot thing might be incorporated (I'm recalling the book and movie the Right Stuff here) but it just fits so perfectly -- flying commercial jets or even space craft would not give Eustace that freedom of flying. I was abducted by a talking lion. Just, wonderful

[h_dash_h]

I was floundering around for a meeting point until I stumbled across the timing of the s. primus revelation, which hit *exactly* when I needed it to.

I'm still not sure what happened in Mexico. It involves Eustace meeting Fanny (and somewhere along the way mentally thanking Lucy for giving him the background to handle meeting a transvestite shaman without making an ass of himself) due to one or the other of them looking into some sort of hallucinogen-based rituals in the area. And then having some sort of experience that Fanny interprets as an actual battle with real consequences, while Eustace isn't sure it wasn't all symbolic and in their heads.

There was the idea of an additional connection through Jill, but I think snacky is right that the whole multi-connection thing got unwieldy, so that's either separate or would have to get written first to provide background. King Mob is around in there somewhere, and his arguments with Eustace would actually make sense at that point

[snacky]

I really like the idea of Eustace meeting up with these other adventurers and maintaining connections with them, even though he's not a part of them.

Also I like Eustace's ideas about hallucinogens, and his resistance to psychic interference is so interesting! He's got an unusual talent (in addition to his unusual background) and man, could lead to so many more adventures with not just the Invisibles, but all kinds of crossovers.

I did find the Invisibles characters a bit confusing (and I am somewhat familiar with them, as a comics fan, although I never followed them regularly)! I think that could easily be remedied though - if you're interested in suggestions, I am glad to give them. But for the most part, the story and what they needed Eustace for was very clear.

I love seeing all the different futures these characters could have! Thanks so much for sharing!

[h_dash_h]

OK, somehow my reply didn't get marked as a reply to your comment. I must have hit the wrong link. Trying again just to make sure you get emailed, as I would love to hear your suggestions!

[h_dash_h]

I think that could easily be remedied though - if you're interested in suggestions, I am glad to give them.I would be very interested! Feel free to post them here, or if you prefer you can send me a direct message. But I'm happy to have that sort of thing discussed in the comments. Part of the fun of writing fic for a fan audience is that you can get right into things knowing that they'll understand the characters somewhat. But that also means you can be lazy, so pulling in unfamiliar characters and situations seemed like a good challenge

[snacky]

Yeah, I was going to mention Boy - reading over, I think you could easily drop her in this fic, and just rewrite her POV section from Fanny's POV. I think you really just need Fanny and Dane here - you need Fanny to have the pre-existing connection to Eustace and Dane to have the conversation with Eustace

[h_dash_h]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I see what you mean about pulling in too many things. This could be edited down and the other bits covered in separate stories (if at all). The essence of this is Fanny knowing Eustace and coming to him for help, and Eustace having a chat with Dane. I just kept seeing more connections as people posted more ideas (Caribbean humanitarian worker / revolutionary agitator Jill

[snacky]

I'm glad to help out!

I think this could really work as more than one piece, too. Multiple interactions with the Invisibles for Eustace over the years.

I think the only reason that Eustace's amusement with Dane's foul mouth didn't come across is because he didn't know him that well? But yeah, it does make sense knowing the context.

You're welcome! I think it's always helpful to get some feedback - it can help you want to do more rather than less. :D

[metonomia]

I don't know anything about the Invisibles, but EUSTACE so much love, and Jillllll.

The oblivious and alluring Dr Scrubb only continues to become even more alluring.