Ooh, i just had an idea for the snake hybrid au, i wont mind if you discard this but, what if due to roberts snake energy (+dagon if he is included)
Flambae's and waterboy dormant dragon/sea serpent genes respectively start to emerge, imagine flambae decked in golden jewelry whilst waterboy is in silver, plus ocean creature waterboy is always cool
This is a very interesting idea!
There's a concept in some mythologies of "Magic begets more Magic" I.e; seemingly "normal" individuals having their magical traits present themselves when exposed to a greater supernatural force. A major example I can think of is how dragons and demons/yaogaui in Taoist and Buddhist mythology can theoretically begin life as a regular animal or human, only to "level up" per se under specific circumstances or events.
Robert being a snake hybrid/naga-like entity may not be enough to boost Flambae or Waterboy's genetics into overdrive, but perhaps a specific event that effects the whole city? Whether it be a parade of yokai, a fae party, a supernatural villain, or mistimed late blooming.
Flambae/Chad as a fiery Western-styled dragon - a heritage hidden under generations of inter-marriage with humans. Dragons in Persian culture are almost always used to depict evil or chaotic forces - aligning the symbolism with Flambae's fire.
Flambae very much enjoys his warm red scales, horns, and warm core. He always knew gold suited him. <3
Waterboy/Herman is more of a "late bloomer" situation. I hc that Grandma married a supernatural creature, if not a mer-person herself. Waterboy is somewhere between a mermaid/merperson and a Lindworm/Smok - a type of snake-like dragon in Germanic/Slavic mythology.
Waterboy is a lot more shy about this part of himself, mostly like his human form - he's very long and clumsy. He's elegant in the water though!
Robert loves his bfs <3
Robert, Flambae, and Waterboy accidentally making an Earth, Fire, and Water trio with their supernatural forms.
