#blame it on mr forge

[ofeditsmemesandothers]

From Guilt to Glory: How Ghost’s Satanized and Lachryma Tell One Story

I'm done crying I need somebody new now.

— Lacryma, Ghost

This isn’t just a comeback post. This is a resurrection.

After some time away from breaking down Ghost’s visuals, I sat down to watch Lacryma… and something clicked. One word: contrast.

Because Lacryma can’t be fully understood without watching Satanized first. They’re two sides of the same coin, a cinematic diptych. Guilt and grief, followed by light and release.

Satanized: Monks, Masks, and Judgment

Right away, I got major “It’s a Sin” vibes—black and white visuals, a monk in conflict, an oppressive gaze. The to ne is somber, soaked in religious guilt. The protagonist (the monk) is judged, cornered, punished… and yet, by the end, reborn as Papa V. The grayscale fades into color, signaling transformation.

Lacryma: Color, Empowerment, and Release

Lacryma picks up where Satanized left off—but this time, the power dynamic has shifted. There's a girl at the center, crying beneath sacred sheets, weighed down by expectation… until she breaks free. The tone isn’t anti-religion—it’s pro-self.

💥 “I’m done crying over someone like you” isn’t just about a person. It’s about every system, belief, or voice that made you feel small. And it’s also a message to the self: no more shrinking.

Tobias: From Distance to Presence

This Papa is different. Silver mask, shiny gloves, blue robe… and we can see Tobias now. His mouth fully visible, his eyes less concealed. Where past Papas felt all-seeing and untouchable, this one feels real, present, maybe even vulnerable. Like the power now lies not in judgment, but in voice.

His gaze? Gentle, not dominant. He points at the camera like he sees you. Not to condemn—but to connect.

Color & Clothing: Every Detail Speaks

The blue robe feels symbolic—not just of sadness, but perhaps the calm after the storm. Silver mask and gloves? A shining knight ?—but this one's armor is emotional clarity, not brute strength.

And then there’s the RGB lighting—blue, red, green—linking to both digital creation and the stages of grief: 🔵 Blue = sorrow 🔴 Red = denial 🟢 Green = acceptance

One Story, Two Voices

Together, Satanized and Lacryma become a single tale:

A monk cast out becomes Papa V

A girl finds power in her pain

One suffers judgment

The other finds healing

Satanized ends in color

Lacryma starts there

It’s not just Tobias telling a story. It’s Tobias responding to himself. A dialogue between grief and growth.

And this time… We’re invited to answer back.

Final Words: Back Home

This felt like coming back home for me. I’ve missed diving into Ghost’s symbolism, the tiny visual details, the narrative threads. Tobias, you magnificent storytelling cryptid—I see what you did, and I love it.

To everyone who's ever felt unseen, unworthy, or silenced: This is your anthem. This is your Papa. And this time, the power is in your voice.

[dreamteamredstinger]

A ruined party (Triple threat au)

(TW self harm) (thanks for Dragoonunleashed for helping me write it out) Context.. mario wanted to add something to meggy's belated graduation party.. things went messy and well..

MARIO: EVEN GOING AS FAR AS TO MAKE EVERYONE LEAVE ME.. LEAVING ME ALONE ALL DAY. DRIVING MARIO INSANE! ALL FOR SOME DUMB PIZZA HUH?!? IS THAT HOW YOU FIX YOUR PROBLEMS!!

Meggy: Mario, we couldn't let you sabotage a great moment in history!

mario: ooh yeah... a great moment in history that was!! AS IF ANYONE GAVE A SHIT ABOUT IT!! OH WAIT.. EVERYONE DID!

mario: WHEN MARIO SAW ALL OF YOU ALIVE.. I WAS SO RELIEVED.. I WAS SO HAPPY SEEING EVERYONE SAFE.. AND HOW DID YOU ALL FUCKIGN REPAY THAT... BY (Starts punching himself in the face to each word he says) BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF ME ALL BECAUSE I RUINED YOUR FUCKING PIZZA!! (stops punching himself) IS THAT HOW YOU ALWAYS TREAT FRIENDS WHEN THEY WERE FUCKING LOSING IT?! (smg4 and meggy seeing mario hit himself... it started to make them feel uneasy.. with how much they hit him..)

SMG4: mario... i... i didn't know you felt like that... 

Mario: of course you wouldn't.. you never cared about how mario felt! i mean ask smg4 during mar10 day!! he never took the time to come out and celebrate with mario.. and when he did show up... he drove everyone away and ruined the party!!

smg4: (dude is just left speechiles... mario brought that up and he realized he didn't really apologize for it)

Mario: AND YOUUUUU looks at meggy I FREED YOU FROM THAT BUCKET OF TIN CAN! WHEN YOU THE TIMES YOU NEEDED A SHOULDER TO CRY FOR, YOUR BROTHER MARIO IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU!!! I HELPED YOU AT ANY MOMENT OF NOTICED CAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU HOLD DEAR TO MARIO! YOU ARE LIKE A SISTER TO ME MEGGY...

Meggy: w-well i- 

meggy: you... thought of me as a sister?

Mario: YES!!! THAT'S HOW MUCH I CARE ABOUT YOU! AND NO JOKE MEGGY... tears streamingI LOVE YOU AS MY SISTER MORE THAN LUIGI... even tho he is my actually brother....

Mario: but you.. you seem to get on me for making the smallest mistakes too! blaming me for certain problems!! i mean you  choked me when i was playing with you when you trained luigi and tari to be more brave for god sakes!! WHAT ABOUT HTE TIME YOU HELPED SAIKO CHOKED ME FOR WANTING TO GO IN A ROOM!

I MEAN I SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE IN THERE BUT CHOKING AND BURNING ME ALIVE SEEMED A LITTLE FUCKING EXCESSIVE DON'T YOU THINK!!

Meggy: (felt ashamed)..

(melony would step up and try to reason with everyone)

melony: guys come on! we don't have to fight here.. less you forge-

Mario: STAY OUT OF THIS MELONY!!

Melony: mario, i'm on your side!

Mario: OH yeha! take my side! WHEN YOU ALSO JUMPED ME DURING THAT EVENT MELONY!!

Melony: ... I-im sorry Mario i-

MARIO: "HECK.. IT SEEMS LIKE THE ONLY TIMES YOU CARE ABOUT ME IS IF THE UNIVERSES ARE IN DANGER.. BUT OTHER THAN THAT.. JUST ANOTHER PROP TO PUNCH! IS THAT ALL YOU ASSHOLES THINK OF MARIO!?! HUH?!

Mario: well.. if you don't care about me... THEN I GUESS YOU WON'T MIND IF I JUST FUCK OFF OUT OF HERE WHILE YOU HAVE YOUR FUN PARTY! SCREW ALL OF YOU! (and with that.. mario stormed out hte castle.. shoving everyone out hte way as he dashed out of hte showgrounds

Minion (showing up with the supplies): (hmm) oh hey mario! where are you goin-

Minion: mario…?

(But Mario was already gone...)

MInion: hey guys.. i just passed mario running off... what happened?

Luigi: I... i think we screwed up.

Bob: He'll be back soon.

Boopkins: (Gives him a snide stare)

Bob: What?

minion: messed up what?

(Silence reigns)

Tari: Everything.

SMg4:... w-what... what just happened?

SMG3: A lot of things going on for a while blowing up in our faces... i would know that feeling (Gives 4 a snide stare)

Smg4: i.. i didn't think he... i

Meggy: we...what... what have we done.

SMG3: As the one whose shtick is knowing about people's feelings...

We fucked up big time, but you two?

Luigi: yeah.. you two usually were the ones who went at mario the most!

SMG3: Thanks for the input mr. bystanding brother.

Luigi: your welcome smg3 🙂

Tari: luigi.. that wasn't a compliment..

Luigi: oh 😦

SMG3: Look, i am just as surprised as you are, but i know what it feels like to get constantly pushed down by the people you cling onto the most... the thing is, me and you (talking to 4) are frenemies; but for Mario, you and the ginger were his best friends... and man, with friends like you two... 

(3 walks away)

SMG4: no.. n-no... 

[azalawa-scroggs]

About Eddie Fender and why he was a dick to Miles

I first started this post in response to something, but it got so long I decided against inflicting it on OP. This is very long and very meandering and the form is kinda weird, as a warning. It's also kinda spoilery for Ace Attorney Investigations 2.

When we first start playing AAI2 and are introduced to "Ace Attorney Eddie Fender," it's true he doesn't come across as very likeable. The first thing he says to Miles is basically "Oh, look! Here comes Manfred von Karma," and the game happens three years after the truth about DL-6 came out. That's incredibly low, very petty, cruel even. He does start off as a dick to Miles, unfair on him until he gradually realises he isn't as bad as he thought, and as he starts warming up to Miles we start warming up to him.

But also... I kind of get it.

Like... Imagine you're 19 years old. Your boss just died in a sudden and shocking murder. You inherit the law firm even though you haven't even passed the bar yet. You're grieving as you keep working hard to become an attorney, now without the guidance you used to have. Maybe you even blame yourself a little - after all, you worked on that case too, you were likely there for the trial, you left both Edgeworths to take that elevator by themselves. Had things played out differently you would have been there, too.

Did you think of your boss's son, in the middle of this whirlwind? Probably a little, but you're a 19 year-old law student. You're nowhere near a suitable place in your life to even think about fostering a kid. Besides, Gregory Edgeworth was your boss. Someone you greatly admired and whose death you will never stop mourning, but still just your boss.

(It's unclear how well Eddie knew Miles. Enough for Miles to recognise him instantly, but certainly not as close as Miles and Phoenix were.)

You take it on yourself to continue the work he left behind, to help the clients Gregory can no longer help. For ten years you try your best to uphold the reputation and the values of his firm and name, and every day you witness a little more how corrupt the system really is.

Then, one day, you start hearing about this young new prosecuting upstart. Passed the bar at 20 and already has the legal world in his pocket. Rumours of forged evidence, backstreet deals, manipulated witnesses. Not only is that just like the whole lot of them, the tactics you became so familiar with over the years - no, it sounds painfully, specifically familiar to that one long, drawn-out case, the last one you worked with Gregory. It turns out the young prodigy is the student and protégé of Mr. Perfection himself, the man who never lost a case in thirty-five years, even though he should have lost against you ten years ago if the world was even a little fair. You would hate the boy for that alone, but on top of that he's also the son of the mentor you lost, the son of the man you both used to admire so very much.

And that hurts. That none of Gregory's legacy lived on in his son. That this sweet, kind boy, who Gregory always used to worry about not making any friends, became a parody of all they used to despise.

Perhaps you even get to see him. You catch a glance of him in the courthouse corridor as he passes you by without so much as a nod to acknowledge you, or you stumble upon a picture in the same paper that struck Phoenix Wright so deeply. You see that damn suit. That damn smirk. That damn waggly finger. His features may have something of Gregory but everything in him screams von Karma. He's spent a decade trying to shape himself into him, and it shows.

Prosecutors are a privileged bunch, and the Edgeworth kid grew up into a downright brat. Entitled. Rude. Arrogant. Obsessed with his fucking perfect record. You hear he goes around cutting the salaries of detectives that make a tenth of what he does and insulting the opposing counsel in court. He became the worst of them all, taught by the worst of them all, he is everything Gregory fought against and everything you hate.

Why would you want to associate with that? Why would you ever think he is not perfectly fine where he is, with his cushy office and his cushy sports car and his doubtlessly cushy pay?

A couple years later you hear he's been arrested for murder. Maybe you follow the trial, maybe you only see the headlines after everything, after DL-6 is finally solved. Honestly, that's when you start having a reason to reach out. When, had you been less embittered and jaded by the thanklessness of your job, you might have wondered what it was like for him to grow up in the shadow of his father's murderer. You might have been stricken with compassion and horror at the thought of fifteen years spent in crushing guilt, believing he killed the father he used to love so much. You might have empathised, despite your contempt for von Karma, with how his ward might feel to be so cruelly betrayed, thrice over, by the man who raised him since he was nine, who taught him everything before throwing him away like a piece of used junk.

But you still think of how he was like a son to von Karma, of how he got to spend fifteen years in wealth, following a shiny, easy, corrupt new path while you grieved and desperately tried to keep the pieces of your shared dream together. You think of how uneasy Gregory seemed with the idea of von Karma as a teacher, you think of how eager Miles seemed to follow in his footsteps and how much Gregory would have hated it. You think of the many defendants this boy callously condemned with barely a thought, just like his mentor. Of how he may not have his father's blood on his hands, but with the way he acts you'd think he had his murderer's in his veins. And you really, really don't want to deal with any of that.

You think, somewhat unfairly, that maybe Miles ought to have seen it coming. It's not like it's much of a secret that Manfred von Karma is a piece of shit, and good riddance to him.

Three years later, you actually have to interact with him again. It's been 18 years since you last saw him in his father's shadow, looking at him like he hung the stars in the sky, back when everything was so simple for the three of you. It's been 3 years since the truth about his oh-so-esteemed mentor was uncovered. He still wears the cravat. His brow is still furrowed, his eyes are still piercing.

But slowly, begrudgingly, you talk to him. You start realising he actually has some honour to him. That he's not really the Demon Prosecutor the papers made him out to be, that maybe you misjudged him a little bit, in you grief-stricken, angry bitterness. That maybe he can be trusted, after all, with his father's legacy.

Why would you think he ever needed saving?

[chbnews]

Weekly News 06/04/2025 - 12/04/2025

Join the CHB News Discord!

Camp Announcements:

Our usual team of Camp Half-Blood News reporters are on Spring Break this week, and will return next week. This means a temporary team will be taking over the news reporting. We all deeply apologize for any… inconveniences.

Mr. D/my dad is a big simp of Ariadne (No one is shocked) (she’s super cool and dope and we all loved her let’s be so fr)

Camp game this week is capture the flag (because Chiron says that’s the only game we don’t have to explain because we’d “somehow manage to mess things up” and “someone will get killed” or something)

Camper Updates:

cabin 6 has been freaking out due to the new hunger games book coming out (I don’t get the hype bro) (teenagers fighting to live under the supervision of super wealthy all-seeing people? isn’t that just what we live?) (i thought it was about starvation cause hunger games- maybe i should read the books-)

Melody has hit her "Scammed 100 people" achievement and is celebrating by planning a heist (don't tell Mr D or Chiron!!) (you do know that they both moniter the blog right?)

Melavie and Calamity have worked together to make flower crowns grow naturally! (Don’t flowers grow naturally anyways?)

Jackson Blackburn and Tyle Rosemary had their 6th year anniversary on April 3rd!! (Congrats! My longest lasting relationship was between me and Your mom. *insert epic air horn sounds here*) (oui, be nice Klaus. I’m happy for you two!) (Bro- i said congrats!!) (you also made a your mom joke!!)

Game Winnings:

The Nike cabin 100% cheated and used their powers to let the red team win the mock battle we had. And that’s unfair. AND I KNOW FAIR. Rude.

The dryads and satyrs set up a small obstacle course for new campers in the woods, and Team Waterlily won the race!

The Poseidon and Nike (cheaters) cabins held a canoe race on the lake, which ended when a Tyche kid got in a fight with a naiad, resulting in a six canoe pileup in the middle of the lake. (Lol deserved in my opinion)

Upcoming Events:

“What to do when you’re fighting a dracaena” hosted by the Hermes cabin, Monday afternoon in the Amphitheater. (The answer is kill them obviously) (No shit Sherlock.)

“Ultimate Musical Trivia Night” hosted by the Apollo cabin, Monday night in the Amphitheater

“DIY Workshop: Pauldrons” hosted by the Hephaestus cabin, Tuesday morning at the forges.

“A Brief History of Demigod Magic” hosted by the Hecate and Athena cabins, Tuesday night at the Big House.

“How to Defeat Stronger Opponents” hosted by the Nemesis cabin (hey! That’s me!) Wednesday afternoon at the Arena

“Camp Half-Blood: Secrets, Treasures, and More!” hosted by the Aphrodite and Ares cabins, Thursday afternoon in the Amphitheater.

“How to workout like a hero!” hosted by the Nike (cheaters) cabin, Friday morning at the Arena

“Arts and Crafts: Free Day” hosted by the Iris and Hypnos cabins, Friday afternoon at the Arts and Crafts building.

Camp Gossip:

Mk- so this isn’t camp related- or gossip but 111 is divisible by 37. This is disgusting. if i have to know this you guys do too. (I genuinely hope whichever one of you on the news staff wrote this has a warm pillow every night)

cabin 10 wants our stolen makeup backkk

SOMEONE stole two boxes of Dunkin Donuts munchkins from the Big House. (We all know it was Dante from the Dionysus cabin.) (HEY! DON’T BLAME MY BROTHER LIKE THAT! (the donuts where great. Love you Dante!)

Chiron has been seen giving a camper a piggyback ride. Or is it a horseback ride? I dunno

A bunch of stuff from the camp store is missing?? (We’re definitely pointing fingers at some certain cabin)

Valentine Merriweather has been seen hanging out with an Ares kid quite a lot this week. They’re 100% dating and I don’t even have to confirm it. (Just look at them when they see each other like.. it’s obvious.) (oooo interesting interesting)

Tyler, Connor Stoll, and Mike have been seen bedazzling the Athena Cabins’ maps, blueprints, and books.

Weekly Question:

What’s your favorite weapon to use?

Last Week’s Question:

Camper Answers: (in playlist form, too. You’re welcome.)

CHB News Playlist! <— click that YEA WHAT DAMIEN SAID LISTEN TO THE OTHER TWO

Thank you too Damien White, Valentina Diaz, and Klaus Hartman for helping with this weeks news!

[mrhaitch]

hi mr. haitch!

i was wondering if you could do a character analysis on suguru geto? i have a hard time understanding how his ideology changed, specifically when he takes it to the extreme and wants to eliminate ALL non-sorcerers. i’d also like to hear your thoughts on the dynamic between gojo and geto… their conflicts and how they drifted apart but never permanently resented the other. lastly, if possible, could you touch on how loneliness affected the two and if it had any impact in their actions, both after riko’s death and after their argument when they split paths

thank you so much,

a curious anon

My knowledge of the series is pretty limited so I can only answer with what I've seen and understood, but Geto and Gojo can be looked at as two different reactions to the same trauma: one blames himself and the other blames everyone else.

That's the core to the changes both of them underwent after Riko's death. Gojo was recognised and elevated as the strongest from birth - the linchpin that holds his society together. Despite the swagger and the ego, beneath is a powerful loneliness and detachment. He has been reduced to a function, with no choice other than to fulfill it, and there's a lot of resentment towards Jujutsu society as a result - they took his childhood, his humanity. His whole identity is based on being the strongest, and yet when he found something he wanted to protect - he failed. Since Riko's death we see evidence of constant effort to master his abilities, to better fulfill his role but at the cost of sinking deeper into the expectations of others. Even so, Gojo comes away with a greater appreciation for the vulnerable, especially children.

Geto, however, did not suffer the same societal pressure - everything about him, his place in the story, is a result of choice and agency. He wants to be a sorcerer, wants to get stronger to protect the weak, he wants to work with Gojo to better the world. When we first meet him, he views his abilities as a means to realise his desires, his ambitions, and - fundamentally - his values.

Riko's death, and everything that followed, robbed him of that ability to choose. Her death meant nothing, a new vessel was found, the world didn't end, everyone moved on. Gojo internalised his feelings of failure and forged on - seemingly unmoved. Geto threw everything he had at saving and avenging her and it changed nothing.

I'll pause here and say that I think Geto and Gojo saw different things in Riko: Gojo saw someone weaker than himself forced into fulfilling a role, Geto saw someone exemplary and unique murdered by the powerless. Perhaps (and remember I'm not an expert here) she came to stand for all of Jujutsu society in his mind - someone with an inherent greatness or importance sacrificed for the sake of people who lack the strength to protect themselves. She was the ultimate realisation of his early beliefs (the strong serving the weak) and it proved to be horrible, far removed from what he envisaged.

But let's focus on their reactions: Gojo went further into himself, into his role, aspiring to realise his full strength to protect others. Geto stopped growing - became bitter, twisted, blaming everyone but himself. He thinks himself a liberator, but in truth he is motivated by an endless appetite for revenge - to take his pain and inflict it on everyone else. It's a response common among men who struggle to regulate and manage their anger and personal set-backs, looking to displace their own negative emotions and push them onto someone else: believing it'll lessen their own pain.

All of this is just supposition, though. Fundamentally Geto is a violent racist, with a fascistic worldview built around strength as some kind of valorous ideal - gleefully inflicting pain and suffering on others. We can empathise with his journey, but we don't have to forgive his actions.

[unfriendlywriter]

Chapter 2: Transfiguration Troubles

pairing: Fred Weasley x OC

synopsis: Esther Black, a Slytherin burdened by her family’s dark legacy, is known as “Jinxed Black” for the trouble that seems to follow her. In her fifth year, she finds unexpected comfort—and love—in Fred Weasley, one half of Hogwarts’ mischievous prankster duo.

When news breaks of her uncle Sirius Black’s escape from Azkaban, Esther begins unraveling secrets about her family’s past, uncovering a truth that could change everything. Torn between house loyalties, forbidden love, and the courage to stand for what’s right, Esther must defy expectations to forge her own path.

@: @theblackcherries

tags: romantic, comedy, enemies to lovers, slow burn, angst

author's note:from now on, Jinxed Hearts will be on Fridays

NEXT CHAPTER

Esther Black did not consider herself cursed. Not truly.

But after five years of being blamed for everything from spilled cauldrons to vanishing quills, it was hard to argue with the nickname that followed her: Jinxed Black.

And, apparently, today would be no different.

She sat stiffly in Transfiguration, watching as Professor McGonagall flicked her wand with effortless precision. The hedgehog on her desk shimmered for a moment before expanding into a perfect pincushion.

“Transfiguration requires not only skill, but intent,” McGonagall lectured, her sharp gaze sweeping across the students. “Now, it’s your turn.”

Esther sighed, rolling her wand between her fingers. She was an excellent student in Potions—Snape’s prized pupil, in fact—but Transfiguration had never been her strongest subject. Still, she had managed fine. It wasn’t her fault that sometimes, strange things happened around her.

Her partner for the lesson, a nervous Ravenclaw boy named Geoffrey, shot her a wary glance. He had every right to be concerned. Their last attempt at transformation had ended with their matchbox sprouting legs and scuttling off like an angry crab.

She muttered the incantation under her breath, flicking her wand just as McGonagall had demonstrated.

For a brief, shining second, she thought it had worked. The hedgehog quivered, its spines shrinking, its form shifting—

And then, with a deafening BANG, it exploded.

Quills shot through the air like tiny, enchanted arrows. Students ducked under their desks, yelping as the classroom descended into chaos. Someone’s ink bottle shattered. A Gryffindor girl shrieked as her parchment caught fire.

And, naturally, at the center of it all stood Esther Black.

McGonagall’s nostrils flared as she cast a quick charm to restore order. “Miss Black,” she said, her voice dangerously calm. “Care to explain?”

Esther opened her mouth, only to be cut off by a loud, dramatic whistle.

Fred and George Weasley, seated a few rows away, were grinning like Cheshire cats.

“Well, that was brilliant,” Fred said, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated sigh. “You’ve got a real talent for destruction, Black.”

George nodded solemnly. “You ever considered joining our business? We could use a walking catastrophe.”

Laughter rippled through the class. Even McGonagall pressed her lips together as if holding back a smirk.

Esther huffed, shoving her wand into her robes. “Oh, shove off, Weasley.”

“Ouch.” Fred clutched his chest as if wounded. “And here I thought we were bonding.”

“You thought wrong.”

McGonagall rapped her wand against the desk. “That’s enough. Mr. Weasley, unless you wish to be turned into a pincushion yourself, I suggest you stop encouraging chaos.”

Fred waggled his eyebrows at Esther as McGonagall moved on. “Encouraging? I’d say you need no encouragement at all.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. Her heart was still racing from the disaster she had caused, her cheeks burning under the weight of so many eyes on her. It was always like this. Even when she tried her best, things happened.

And Fred Weasley, with his stupid smirk and infuriating charm, had the audacity to find it funny.

Later that evening, Esther found herself alone in the library, attempting to salvage her Transfiguration notes. Unfortunately, her brain was more focused on the fact that Fred Weasley had been on her mind all day.

The way he had looked at her. Not with mockery, not with the sneering superiority she was used to from most Gryffindors, but with amusement.

Like she was actually interesting.

“You know,” came a familiar voice, “for someone who tells me to shove off, you sure look disappointed when I show up.”

Esther sighed, not even bothering to glance up. “Do you ever not appear out of nowhere?”

Fred plopped into the chair across from her, grinning. “Wouldn’t be much fun if I didn’t.”

She closed her book with a thud. “Are you here for a reason, or just to be a menace?”

“Bit of both.” He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “You never answered my question earlier.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Which one?”

“About joining our business. We could use someone with your… particular skill set.”

Esther let out a short laugh. “My particular skill set? You mean jinxing everything I touch?”

Fred tilted his head, considering. “Well, yeah. But I’d call it chaotic potential.”

She should have been annoyed. She should have scoffed and told him to leave her alone.

But instead, she found herself smiling.

“I don’t think McGonagall would approve of me assisting in your illegal endeavors.”

“Ah, but that’s what makes it fun,” he said, winking.

She shook her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re not as scary as everyone thinks.”

Esther froze.

Fred’s gaze was steady, teasing but… softer. She was used to people keeping their distance, assuming she was cold or cursed or simply too much trouble.

But Fred Weasley? He wasn’t afraid of her at all.

“You don’t even know me,” she muttered.

He shrugged. “Not yet. But I’d like to.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy with something unspoken.

And then, before she could overthink it, before she could talk herself out of it, she reached across the table and took his hand.

Fred blinked, clearly surprised. But then, his fingers curled around hers, warm and sure.

“Alright, Weasley,” she murmured, lips twitching. “Let’s see if you can keep up.”

His grin was dazzling. “Oh, you have no idea what you’ve just signed up for.”

And just like that, Esther Black—Jinxed Black—realized that, for once, she didn’t mind a little trouble.

[p-artsypants]

No, You Go First (16) The Aftermath

FF.net | Ao3

Two weeks later

“Absolutely not!” Stoick boomed over the village square. 

Everyone present turned to look at what Stoick was yelling at, only to see Hiccup finally up and about. 

Well, not exactly up. He was in a wheelchair. And the image you have in your head is probably wrong. Viking wheelchairs were not ideal. It was a chair, and it had wheels, small wagon wheels at the bottom. It allowed for mobility, but the person sitting in it was at the mercy of those around him. Of course, since Hiccup had one leg still, he could kind of kick and scoot around, though it wasn’t practical.

Hiccup had cleverly found a temporary solution, as he held onto Toothless’ tail and had him pull him around. 

Stoick stomped over. “You’re not supposed to be up yet.” 

“Dad, please. I’m going stir crazy! I promise I’ll take it easy, but Astrid said she’s teaching the others to train their dragons, and I want to see how it’s going…and I want to make sure the tail that Gobber’s been working on is right.” 

“Who gave you the chair?” 

“Gobber, obviously.” 

Stoick looked around for the man, wishing to glare at him, but he was over in the forge. 

“It’s okay, Chief,” Astrid assured. “I’m making sure he’s taking it easy.” 

“Oh, and I supposed you helped him into the chair too?” 

“If by ‘help’ you mean ‘picked up and put me in’ then yes, she helped.” Hiccup had tried to insist that he could do it himself, and he just needed her for balance, but Astrid could not be persuaded otherwise. 

She had been doing everything for him, nearly smothering him when they were together. She had even helped him put his pants on this morning. It was humiliating. 

If not touching. 

Stoick pinched the bridge of his nose. “What am I going to do with you, son?” 

“Uh, trust me to be responsible?” 

Stoick glared at the three of them, not happy with the situation, but obviously understanding where they were coming from. 

“Fine,” he groaned. “But the second you feel tired, you’re goin’ back to bed!” He pointed up at the house. “And I better not see that butt out of that chair!” 

“Yes sir!” Hiccup smiled, just happy to be allowed outside. 

“Come on,” Astrid beckoned. “The others are training down at the arena!” 

Hiccup took hold of Toothless’ tail. “Alright bud, let’s show these losers how to really tame a dragon!” 

“Slowly!” Stoick bellowed. 

They did heed Stoick’s orders and leisurely made their way through town. 

Folks stopped and stared as Toothless passed, and then shouted greeting to him. 

“There you are, lad!” 

“Good to see you out and around!” 

“Got yourself a fine steed for your wagon!” 

Hiccup couldn’t help but smile as the wave of well wishes washed over him. It had been a while since he was so thoroughly welcomed in the village. 

Astrid felt it too. Though, she hadn’t been locked away for the last two weeks. People were smiling at them, both of them. 

The looks towards Toothless weren’t necessarily friendly, but not hostile. Just intrigued. 

Who could blame them? The injured son of the chief, the runt of the Hooligan tribe, was holding onto the tail of a Nightfury. 

That was the fabled, mystical, elusive Dragon only heard about in stories. 

And little Hiccup was playing with it like an overgrown kitten. 

There were bound to be some looks of awe and confusion. 

There was enough awe to be shared, however, as other village folk had seemed to pick out their own dragons to love. 

Granted, no one else was riding one, but they were petting and scratching and over all trusting the dragons in a way that made Hiccup’s chest swell. Mrs. Larson was hanging laundry on the line, and a Nadder was helping her do it. Ingmar was repairing his roof and a Zippleback was handing shingles up to him. 

The best one was the rotisserie. Someone had rigged up a spit with a boar and a few chickens to roast over a sleeping Nightmare. The spit was connected to the water wheel at the mill to keep it continuously turning. 

“Look my boy!” Said Axel, proudly. “I took a note out of your book and made a little gadget of my own!” 

“Wow dad, that’s great!” Hiccup said. 

The man grabbed him up and out of his chair and into a tight, bone-crushing hug, slightly for the praise, but mostly because Hiccup had called him ‘dad’. 

—-

The three made their way down to the arena. Toothless nudged Hiccup’s chair down the sloped entrance, and he rode down and entered with a cheerful “whoo!” 

“Hey, look who it is!” Said Tuffnut, stopping Hiccup’s journey with a boot to the side of his chair. 

Hiccup cringed, preparing for the ridiculous nickname. 

“Hiccup! The Dragon Master and Jorgenson Blaster!” 

Hiccup barked a laugh. 

“That’s not funny!” Snotlout yelled back. “I’m telling you, I threw the fight on purpose! I could have willed myself to not pass out!” 

“It’s okay, Snotlout,” said Hiccup. “I could never beat you again if I tried.” 

“So you’re admitting it now? You’re not even going to give me the satisfaction of a rematch?”

“Snotlout, I don’t have my left leg.” He gestured to his stump. “How is fighting you now even fair?” 

Snotlout narrowed his eyes. “Fine, but once you can walk like Gobber, it’s go time.” 

“Whatever,” Hiccup rolled his eyes. He glanced around the arena, taking note of the assembled dragons. 

Fishlegs seemed to be getting along really well with the Gronkle, as he scratched it and cooed at it. 

The twins had taken the Zippleback, and they were taking turns throwing fish up and guessing which head would eat it. 

The Monstrous Nightmare kind of lingered by Snotlout, but there wasn’t much interaction going on. 

“So,” Astrid began. “We’ve been working on trust. I showed them how to form a loose bond with the dragon by holding out your hand and letting them come to you. Everyone managed to do it!” 

“Great!” Hiccup praised. “So, have we thought of names?”

“Oh oh oh!” chirped Fishlegs. “Meatlug’s so easy to get along with! He likes scratches here, here, and here!” Fishlegs demonstrated by scratching the Gronkle in several places before she fell over, rumbling. “See? He’s nervous around thunder, and his favorite rock is sandstone.” 

“That’s—amazing, Fishlegs! Glad to see you’ve bonded so well with your Gronkle.” 

“He makes it easy,” Fish gushed. 

“Well…great. Who would like to introduce me to their dragon next?” 

“This is our dragon,” said Tuffnut, casually. “This head is Barf, that head is Belch.” 

“No,” said Ruffnut. “This head is Belch, that head is Barf.” 

“That’s what I just said, Stupid!” 

“Don’t call me Stupid!” And they started fighting, slapping each other. 

But, Hiccup watched in pleased fascination as the two heads each grabbed a twin and pulled them apart. It didn’t stop the siblings from trying to hit each other, but at least they were out of range. 

“Okay, Barf and Belch,” he nodded. “That sounds about right.” He kicked his chair around to look at Snotlout. “So, how’s it going with the big guy? Make yourself a new buddy?” 

Snotlout put his hands on his waist. “Hookfang isn’t my ‘buddy’, Hiccup. He’s my partner in battle. I’m training him to be the ultimate killing machine.” 

Hookfang simply puffed a tiny fireball at Snotlout, igniting his pants. 

“Ow! Ow ow ow!!” Snotlout went running for a bucket of water. 

“I see we have work to do over here…” Hiccup muttered. 

—-

After cataloging what he needed to cover with the other riders about training their dragons (especially if he wanted to keep them from burning the village down), it was off to the forge. 

“What do you think?” Gobber held up the prototype leg. “I call it ‘making my way downtown 2.0.’”

“Uh, kinda long name. What about ‘Hiccup’s leg’?” Hiccup deadpanned. 

“I thought you liked naming contraptions.” 

“I do! But…this one is my leg. I don’t feel right naming it, or any part of my body, for that matter.” 

“Most men would disagree, but that’s your prerogative, I suppose.” He hobbled over to the workbench where Toothless’ tail rig was laid out, mostly assembled. “Now, I followed your surprisingly detailed blueprints and replicated the prosthetic tailfin you made. Real masterpiece, there!” 

“Thank you, I learned from the best.” Hiccup smiled.

Gobber poked him in the chest. “You tryin’ to flatter me? You tryin’ to butter me up?” 

“No, no! Why would you think that?” He grinned. 

“Alright you little bugger.” He rubbed his head affectionately. “There’s just one part of the tail left, and then all that’s left is for you to heal.” He held up the stirrup, and showed that the leg clicked into place.

“Wow, that’s great!” 

“At first, I couldn’t get it to stay locked in, now I’m having a hard time getting it to unlock. Might cause a bit of a problem when trying to dismount!” 

“Oh, I see. Can I work on it?” 

“I was hoping you’d say that. Got lots of folks asking for work to be done. I didn’t want to put this off, because it's a matter of you and Toothless getting around.” 

“I appreciate it so much, Gobber. I can iron out the little kinks. Gothi still says I have a month before I can try a prosthesis anyways.” 

“Lots of time to tinker, huh?” 

“I have to. I’m going stir crazy. Astrid and I already redesigned our new house three times. I think we finally made a perfect design, but if I don’t have another project, I’m liable to change it again.” 

Gobber laughed. “You’re not able to walk around and you’re already designing a new house? What’s wrong with the old one?” 

“It’s on Spitelout’s property. He wants it back. He jokingly said I could take the house and move it…which I’m starting to consider. Except I think it’d be funny to leave the giant bed there. That and the basement were the only things Snotlout wanted.” 

“I’d love to see the look on his face when he wakes up and sees a hole with a bed in it.” 

Hiccup stayed at the forge for the rest of the day. Toothless laid at his feet and he diligently worked. 

Only when the Green Death (that’s what the Twins started calling it, and the name caught on, “cause it’s green and Hiccup almost died”) made her dinner time call, did Hiccup realize how busy he had been. Excited, he scooted across the forge to watch. 

The Green Death surfaced from the water, dumped a load of fish on the cliff next to the forge, and then retreated. She climbed up the slope to the volcano and slipped inside, retiring for the night. It never got any less amazing to watch this behemoth dragon at work. She had submitted to Toothless’ call, and now she was almost docile. 

The rest of the village came alive then. Dragons swarmed the fish, while vikings started heading back home for the evening. Yes, the old queen had definitely found her place in the village, and life on Berk was peaceful. 

For like a week. 

Because of Hiccup’s condition, Astrid and Hiccup and Valka and Stoick had switched houses. There was no way to get Hiccup up the stairs, and no way to get their bed down the stairs. So switching for a month was the compromise they came up with. 

For the two weeks of their marriage, Hiccup and Astrid had shared the largest bed on Berk. One the size of a room. Now, they were sharing Hiccup’s old bed, that was teen sized. 

Neither of them complained, as it was nice to be close, especially as it started to get colder.

So here they were, fast asleep in the main room, holding onto each other as they softly snored.

Before dawn had broken, horns and bells started blaring. All the signs of a raid. 

Astrid bolted up, immediately awake. Toothless, who was on the floor nearby, also popped to wakefulness. 

“Babe,” Astrid shook Hiccup. “Babe!” 

“Hu-huh?” He blinked rapidly. 

“There’s a raid!” 

He scoffed, turning back over. “You’re having a nightmare.” 

“I’m serious! Listen!” 

He paused, then heard the shouting as well. He sat up quickly. “A dragon raid?” 

“Couldn’t be, right?” 

“We need to get out there!” Hiccup beckoned Toothless over and climbed onto his back. 

“You’re not supposed to be flying!” She chastised. 

“I can’t! But we need to move! Hop on!” 

She obeyed, climbing on behind him and taking hold of his waist, before Toothless took off bounding outside. 

Stoick was at the square, with several vikings surrounding him with torches and weapons. There were several dragons around, but not raiding. Rather, they were waiting for instructions to help. 

“What’s going on?” Hiccup asked, trying to get his father’s attention. 

Instead, his mother answered, coming up to their side. “A raid. A viking raid. About two dozen ships.” 

Hiccup swallowed thickly. Leave it to these neanderthals to declare a war right after one was finished. 

“Can we tell who?” Asked Astrid. 

“Outcasts,” said Valka. “Led by Alvin the Treacherous. He’s had a beef with your father for years.” 

Hiccup beckoned Toothless closer to Stoick, listening to what the man was saying. 

“Bucket and Mulch will take the elderly and children to Thor’s beach. The rest of you, gather weapons and prepare to board those ships.” 

“But chief, we don’t have enough ships in our fleet to take them on.” 

“Dad—” Hiccup tried to speak up. 

“Not now Hiccup.” Stoick held up a hand. “It will have to do. We’ll simply have to designate people to steer and push off so we can board multiple ships at a time.” 

“Dad!” 

“Not now, Hiccup! You shouldn’t even be out of bed! We’ll handle this!”  

Hiccup understood his father’s worry, even if it was unfounded. He started to formulate his own plan, then snapped his fingers. “Of course, it’s so simple.” 

“What’s simple?” Asked Astrid. 

Hiccup leaned down to talk to Toothless, “take us to the cliffside.” 

Toothless complied and bounded over to the grassy edge. From here, they could see the little lights on the ocean from the ships. Hiccup slipped off the saddle and sat on the grass still covered in dew. 

“What are we doing?” Asked Astrid, crouching next to him.  

“Getting a front row seat.” Hiccup smirked. “Toothless, sorry I can’t help you fly there, but I think our new friend can help with our problem. Try to tell her to frighten them first, and then start smashing. This isn’t a buffet.” 

Toothless yipped and wagged his tail. He did an excited little circle before bounding off towards the forest. His call echoed, blasting out over and over and farther and farther away. 

“Wait, you don’t mean…” Astrid pointed towards the mountain. 

“Yep.” 

Stoick came running over. “Son, what is your dragon up to?” 

“Oh, you’ll see.” 

The ground started rumbling. People began shouting in fear, and some who realized what was happening, in premature victory. 

The Green Death burst from her volcano with a fireball and an echoing roar. 

“Oh, nice entrance!” Hiccup complimented. 

The dragon leapt from the volcano and into the ocean, creating a great wave. 

Gobber joined them at the cliffside, spyglass in hand. “They’re panickin’. Probably wettin’ themselves.” 

Stoick rested his hands on his hips. “Now why didn’t I think of that?” 

The lights on the water shifted, and some went out as the wave hit them. Distantly, they could hear the invaders shouting. 

The Green Death submerged under the water, and seemingly disappeared. 

“Oh, she’s fun,” said Gobber. 

The rest of the town who had gathered in the square, were now watching from the cliffs, still with weapons and torches in hand just in case, but just watched in awe. 

The great beast burst forth from the ocean, right in front of the armada, and blew another fireball into the sky. 

At that point, Toothless returned from his trip, panting. 

“Just in time to see the finale, bud.” Hiccup scratched him heartily. 

Toothless enjoyed the scratch, but didn’t relax completely. He kept his eyes on the battle below, and prepared to intervene. 

But the Green Death only dove back into the water and retreated. 

Whole ships were on fire, but those that could move had turned and were making a hasty retreat from Berk’s waters. 

“Well, that was fun.” Gobber shrugged. “I think I still have time to sleep before I have to be in the forge.” 

Slowly, carefully, the Green Death emerged once again, but this time right in front of the cliffs. Close enough to touch. 

So Hiccup did. He reached his hand out and touched her, scratching her hide, though it probably felt like a tickle of a gnat. “Who’s a good girl? Who’s a good girl!? Who’s a force of nature? It’s you! It’s you!” 

The Green Death made an almost happy chuffing noise. 

“Hey dad, do we have any boar or deer carcasses in the food storage?”

“What? Are you telling me you want to give her a treat?” 

“I think she deserves it!” 

So, they gave her two boars and an elk, before she retreated back to the volcano to sleep. Those were supposed to be food for winter, but considering she stopped a seemingly unbeatable raid, no one was too cut up about it. 

Seeing the giant dragon in action like that, seeing that she could be reasoned with and persuaded to help gave Hiccup some ideas. 

Another week later, he decided to try to experiment. 

He was good with that, afterall. 

When the Green Death made her morning tribute of fish, he called out to her. “H-hey Green! How’s it going?” 

The Green Death looked at him, this tiny toothpick of a human, balancing with two other toothpicks holding him up. 

“I have a favor, if you wouldn’t mind?” 

—-

Astrid awoke to rumbling. A different, much closer rumbling. Hiccup wasn’t in bed, and she had a horrible feeling that he was responsible.

She burst from the house, stumbling down the steps. 

Hiccup was right there on the grassy hill, using crutches instead of the wheelchair. 

“Hiccup?” She squawked. 

“That’s good, yep…keep going…that should do it!” He was talking to the giant, giving directions like one would to builders. 

The Green Death had a talon in the cliffs bordering the Great Hall. She had burrowed a hole through one side and out the other, exiting on the hill behind the chief’s house. 

“W-what?” Astrid asked. 

“I had a different idea for our house, you’re going to love it!” He gushed. 

“H-H-Hiccup?!” 

“Alright!” He called to the Green Death. “Just one more thing!” He leapt on Toothless’ back and rode him across the square over to their old house. 

“You can’t be serious,” Astrid drawled. 

Apparently he was, as he pointed at it and said, “alright, pick this one up!” 

Toothless barked what was probably a translation. 

The Green Death squinted her several eyes and tilted her head. Then slowly reached over the entirety of the village with her dizzyingly large leg. 

Gods this dragon was enormous. 

She pinched the house with her claws, crushing the sides, but lifted it up anyway. 

Then Toothless pounced back to the hillside, where Astrid stood. 

“Alright, set it down here, gently!” 

The Green Death tilted her head the other way, and swung the house over, and dropped it none too gently on the grass. 

“Careful!” 

The beast lifted her head to the sky and gave a head pounding rumble. 

She was laughing. 

“Alright, that’s enough from you!” Hiccup chastised. 

Now, Astrid spotted the dead elk on the grass, and watched as Toothless tossed it up to the beast, who chomped it up with a sickening snap. Then she retreated to the ocean once more. 

After a minute of shocked silence, Astrid yelled, “what the hell was that!?” 

Hiccup seemed to just now notice her. “Oh! Morning honey! I came up with a new idea for our house! You’re going to love it!” 

“You already said that.” 

“I did? Oh. Well, I was too excited! Did you see that?! She did exactly what Toothless told her! She likes red meat, so giving her a treat encourages her to listen to Toothless!”

“So I saw…” 

He pulled out a blueprint from under his arm. “Okay, so I took your basic floorplan, but I had an idea. What if we built into the cliff? Look, I added this launchpad, and it connects to a stable for the dragons—”

Astrid stood on her tippy toes and kissed him, restarting his brain. 

“Babe,” she giggled. “I’m happy for you. I’m happy you’re inspired, but please…can we work on getting you standing on two feet first before you start renovating the village?” 

He smiled at her. “I suppose I could take it easy.”  

[jotunvali02]

Playing Ace Attorney, Rise from the Ashes part 7

"I'm sorry Lana. I didn't know. And I've treated you so badly all this time…" "It's not too late. There's still plenty of time to make up..."

Like you and a certain baby prosecutor, Feenie??

Married Objections.💙💞❤️

OMG! My baby's trying to comfort a person who made him feel betrayed again! 😭

"Just relax, and enjoy the sound of the noose tightening around your neck." ^q^ Yes…

Shibari, Daddy.🔥

First baby Edgey, now baby Ema… like has this world no care at all about children?? Does it mean nothing at all in this world? That world rly SUCKS!

"GUILTY"???

Guilty of what?? Forging evidence 2 years ago or Goodman's murder???

So pursuing the truth is NOT what I should have done here?? Taku, did you purposely tried to fuck us up here??

And HOW Ema's fingerprints on the cloth prove SHE was the killer? I bet GANT put her hand on the vest while she was unsconcious!! And she only crashed a vase on Marshall, she never touched him!!

And Edgey tells me off cause I shouldn't have pursued the truth too far, while bitch YOU kept telling over and over that the truth is the only important thing here, "no matter how tragic it might be"!

Oh. I just had to lie about the evidence to have Gant telling the truth. Huh. Sneaky and low, Taku. Sneaky and low.

Wait. Wai-wait So when I presented the handprint the 1st time (and got the guilty verdict), everyone knew instantly it was Ema's.

But now we need it to be sent to the labo??

So, to get a guilty verdict, the court or Edgeworth doesn’t need actual scientifically proven evidence?? WTF??

Ok, pfff. In both choices, we prove the handprint is Ema’s but we can say there is a contradiction in one choice but not the other while they’re eventually the same choice??! WTF???

"You and me we’re the same."

He’s NOTHING like you rotten asshole!! He’s a sweet pure baby!!👼😭 A baby you beat up and had beaten up endlessly during 3 fucking days because he’s too much of good and righteous sweet baby to your taste!!

«I can hear them singing a melodious melody!»

Like this?

But wait.

WHY did he kill Neil Marshall ????

And is Lana going to get harsh penalties for HER forged evidence?

Oh. she's... beautiful when she smiles. O///O

Yeah, you feel for him, but can you at least say "Sorry I'VE put you in deep shit?"

Baby Edgey: "It was nothing! Baka."

Shut the fuck up.

"I was worried all this might break you." Careful, girl. CAREFUL!!! "But you rose above it and guided Mr Wright to victory."

Yes. Bc he's the best husband!! 😭 😭 ❤️💞

Wait. He basically wanted to prove you guilty in the beginning!

"No one can change the past. The only thing we can do is making up for our mistakes. So we find the way back to our rightful path. And walk towards a brighter future."

Phoenix,... are you sure you're ok???

"At least, that's how I felt looking at the two sisters."

No.

No....???

No no no!!!

"Edgeworth?"

*hyperventilates* scared as fuck.

"I'll be going now."

NO!!!!! ♫ Ne me quittes pas, il faut oublier...♫

♫ Je ferais un domaine où l'amour sera loi... ♫

"I hope you don't blame yourself for what happened."

Bitch, he has a fucking DISCIPLINE WHIP instead of thoughts!

"It's too late for me..."

Bitch. Shut uuuup??

"I can't correct my mistakes."

But baby... 😭

Oh, Fee-Fee says the same!

Mama Lana to the rescue!

"Contrary to Gant or Von Karma, YOU weren't alone." 😭 "You had your husband Fee-Fee Wright." ♥

"Come on! Show Mr Edgeworth what Lana is talking about!"

What? His love? His lips? His plan to propose?

"It was destiny, Mr Edgeworth." #starcrossedlovers

"If you'll excuse me, there are still some """"loose ends"""" that need """wrapping up""""

OMG. SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP !!!!!!

Oh God! Feenie's holding him back!!

"You can let what happened kill the prosecutor in you or let it help you grow."

Why did have to pick THOSE words, Phoenix?? Why THOSE specific words???????

"I owe you my thanks too, Wright."

What? "thank you for making me realize I have to kill myself so everything is good and right again??"

"What I face now is MY problem."

Bitch, I assure you Phoenix will make sure it's EVERYONE's problem!

"Edgeworth... I'll be waiting for you at the altar in court." He said, caressing then kissing his beloved's cheek.

Serisouly, WHO says that except a lover??

"As for the sisters, I had faith, their lives had just begun. As for me..."

Shut up.😭

Edgey as the last person we see in Feenie's flashback? Hmmm.❤️❤️

And it's the tea boy who fins the cursed letter.

[synergysilhouette]

Hot take: I LOVE that the X-Men are getting more attention, but '97 was kinda dissatisfying

I'll admit, I'm not an expert of the original series (which I was also kinda iffy on because it was written as coming straight from the comics, so many of the characters felt established rather than new characters to be developed), but XM97 was flawed for me, with it's short episode count contributing to a rushed pace and not showcasing every character as well as they should have.

Rushed, Rushed, Rushed--I blame this on the 10 episode-season. For example, ep 1 shows Jean as pregnant, ep 2 has her already giving birth, and ep 3 has her revealed to be Madelyne and having to give up her son. It's too much too fast, never giving us to opportunity to enjoy these arcs and changes to the status quo.

2. So many characters, so little time--For most of the series, the main cast is about 10 people (Jean, Cyclops, Morph, Wolverine, Rogue, Beast, Jubilee, Magneto and Sunspot being the mainstays while Storm, Bishop, Forge, and Nightcrawler have either left and rejoined or officially joined later), the season doesn't do a good job in showcasing them, imo. Morph, despite being an original character made for the show (and inspired by comic characters), doesn't add anything story-wise aside from a close friendship with Logan. Jubilee, despite being a main character for the entirety of the original show, still feels like the new girl and overall inferior to the older members, nor is much focus given to her and Sunspot as the youngest members of the team. Storm, despite being said to be one of the leaders for the season, is de-powered early on and seen sporadically; she immediately leaves the team and we don't get to see her until she begins her romance with Forge and her journey to regain her abilities, rather than seeing her train the younger generation of X-Men or provide support. Bishop up and disappears after episode 3 and doesn't come back until the finale, and I could go on. The season was definitely focused on love triangles and drama concerning Scott/Jean and Rogue/Gambit/Magneto, and the cast was way too large to reduce it to just these characters. Everyone contributed to the fights, but not always to the story.

3. Is it accessible for a newer audience?--This is probably my least agreed-on point, but despite being a revival of the 90s series, it's also supposed to draw in a new audience who didn't grow up with the show...but it doesn't really feel that way. They kinda jump into things from the get-go, so things like the reveal that Nathan is Cable and Mr. Sinister orchestrated Madelyne's creation are kinda lost on people who didn't read the comics or watch the previous show. I feel like a revival could've done better with setting the scene with things like this. It reminded me a lot of "Wolverine and the X-Men" where we were expected to know some famous characters but not know others (but WATXM was doing that from the get-go, so it isn't as bad for '97, but still).

[lunarspiral1127]

X-Men 97 episode 3, here are my thoughts.

*SPOILERS*

Pros:

Goblin Queen got a magical girl transformation sequence. Dunno why this is a pro, but I like it and her outfit. See? A woman looking sexy. Now can the people talking about Rogue's looks can back off now? By the way, Madelyn was actually the Jean we saw this whole time....yeah, I'm gonna get to that later.

The mansion being haunted and the hell pit. The visuals were pretty good on that. I especially liked how each section was showing many of the characters' greatest fears and mess with their insecurities.

Bishop and Cyclops team up which Bishop got to do something cool.

Jean vs. Goblin Queen. It was good. Honestly, I felt bad for both of them Jean was held captive for who knows how long and missed out a lot. Madelyn didn't know she was a clone until Mr. Sinister revealed it to her since she believed to be the real Jean. Then she got brainwashed like a sleeper agent to do Mr. Sinister's bidding.

Forge! He's finally here!

A lot of comic references that worked pretty well.

There was more moments with Morph. He still got involved and despite what he went through because of Sinister, he was still willing to take the X-Men to where he is. However, I thought Morph would do a bit more due to his connection to Mr. Sinister. So, this is kinda a pro and a con to me. I just hope he doesn't get even more traumatized because of Goblin Queen brainwashing him when he was in his Magik form.

Cons:

I'll be honest. I liked the last two episodes more than this one. I think it's because the Madelyn/Goblin Queen storyline from the comics was resolved so quickly. The return of Mr. Sinister, the Jean we saw since episode one was a clone, Nathan going to the future to be cured, Goblin Queen, that all happened and concluded in one episode. Something like this should have some more buildup. Like, be a two-episode or three-episode arc. Many arcs from the 90s X-Men show has lasted for 2-3 episodes, so I thought this was gonna be that. But, I guess not.

Roberto AKA Sunspot was there in this episode, but he didn't really do anything aside from being saved. I thought he left the school, and I don't get why he had to be there when Beast was checking on Jean at the beginning since he's not a member of the team (not yet at least). Maybe he was there to hangout with Jubilee? Well, I just hope that this is building up to him using his powers and develop his character.

The calling herself Madelyn Pryer....when the hell did she come up with her new name?! It felt like it came out of nowhere. She was saying goodbye to Jean, and she's like, "Just call me Madelyn Pryer."......HUH?! You can't just suddenly introduce her new name like that cause it so sudden.

Questions

Will Gambit confront Rogue on her relationship with Magneto and will it go badly?

Again, WHEN WERE THE TWO EVEN A THING?!?! Unless this is a red herring.

When did the switcheroo happen with Jean and her clone? We don't know when so it could've been during the timeskip offscreen.

Is that it from Bishop? Was the point of him being there was to take Nathan to the future to be cured?

What the hell was Morph gonna do with those claws?! I know he can joke around, but hard to reach places?! With those claws?!

How's Forge gonna help Storm get her powers back?

Now that Jean knows how much she means to Logan, Cyclops having a son with a clone who he thought was Jean and knowing that some of the time he spent with her was a lie cause it wasn't Jean, and the last scene where they stood there awkwardly, is there gonna be even more tension between the three? Cause that's gonna be stressful to watch. I blame Sinister if more drama is gonna happen.

Logan's never gonna move on, is he?

And, that's pretty much it.

[kristyavsonhero2]

do you all remembered chapter fourteen do you all remembered chapter 14 when Professor Marmalade kidnaps kristy and stole the meteorite in secret While the bad guys get all the blame in The Bad Guys (shining star arc AU version) from AO3? what if kristy Transforms herself into a villain and takes revenge on anyone who Not only underestimate her but also stereotype her because she has autism?

Lyrics:

(kristy talking and not singing) oh, Professor Marmalade. you are stupid, Prophetic little guinea pig. Do you really think that I buy your whole act, right? But I should be thanking you really, you are a last push I ever needed, and I knew all the normies were always the same.

Interesting… Now where's snake and his ungrateful crew?

(kristy sings, Verse 1) In this tangled web of shadows, I've fought for my place, Stranded in a world where I'm just a fading face, They stepped on my spirit, like I wasn’t even there, But now I’m rising up, fueled by the world's unfair glare.

(kristy talking and not singing) I'm sorry to do this Diane, But I can't have you get it my way.

(kristy sings, Chorus) You underestimated me, thought I'd take your disdain, But I've transformed my sorrow into a hurricane! Listen closely, normies, can you hear the sound? It's the wrath of the unheard, breaking the ground.

(Verse 2) I've worn the mask of silence, played the doormat role, But no more will I swallow your lies, I'm breaking control. With every "No" you've whispered, you've forged this villain's heart, Now I'm ready to unleash, watch your empire fall apart.

(Chorus) You underestimated me, thought I'd take your disdain, But I've transformed my sorrow into a hurricane! Listen closely, normies, can you hear the sound? It's the wrath of the unheard, breaking the ground.

(kristy talking and not singing) This is all your fault, snake. You and your friends would have changed for the better. But sadly, I ran out of chances, And I shall keep you as my first personal pet.

(Kristy sings, Bridge) Mr. Snake and your fake crew, I see through your lies, Each cruel little jab just ignited my rise, I wanted kindness, but your world pushed me aside, Now I embrace the chaos, no more shame, I’ll collide.

(Verse 3) Bow down, Los Angeles, the throne is now mine, I’ll paint the city red, let my vengeance shine! You thought I’d cry forever, kept locked in your game, But I’ll ignite the darkness, and you’ll remember my name.

(Chorus) You underestimated me, thought I'd take your disdain, But I've transformed my sorrow into a hurricane! Listen closely, normies, can you hear the sound? It's the wrath of the unheard, breaking the ground.

(Outro) So, keep your norms and judgments, I'll carve my own way, I’m the storm you never saw, the price you’ll pay. For every dream you shattered, I’ll rise from the flame, The new Queen of Los Angeles—remember my name!

[jane-d-ankh-veos]

Goodness, Firmament's Burgundy chapter is one breathtaking ride of a roleplaying experience for my FL character.

(SPOILERS)

How can I refuse to help the Calendar Council, real or not? Besides, it's even closer to success than the real one. So wonderful, so tempting... But I lock eyes with the Manager and instantly remember that wonderful and tempting things make perfect traps. Suddenly I hesitate to trust them; I never thought I would. And then not-May (usually so secretive, cryptic, inexplicit and guarded) is all "haha, isn't it funny that we'll have to slay our counterparts in your world, am I right?" before being hushed:

So is it an intentional warning? "I am told we are acquainted outside of this place" – told by whom? Could it be by his other self, who is very likely to keep an eye on all his reflections in dreams and memories that never were? And here is June by my side, so she must know, and the real Council must know through her, too... What game are you playing, darlings? And how the hell should I act in this dilemma? Hmm...

And then I screwed it up unintentionally anyway 😁 By choosing Mr Iron (its Mr Sacks doesn't trust the Bazaar, after all, and the option itself explicitly mentions that it turned on the rest of the Masters) over Mr Stones (who "commissioned a great many" Lowell's cages that are "forged from the principles that bind people to their positions in society" and doesn't seem like a potential revolutionary in other ways either, especially as a former Khan of Shackles). This logic failed me somehow. Hooray, I avoided becoming a traitor, I can blame their unclear requirements instead!

By the way, it's extra deliciously strange that I predicted May's connection with Beltane in my poem from 2020. I've never translated it to english (because poetry is a much harder challenge in this regard), so I doubt that FBG could have seen it. Wow.

Also, best crew ♥ω♥

[alexiafeyblogpost]

How i met you, daddy! (Alexia AU)

Warning: This is a little retcon with Trucy past in this AU.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"How can i be so stupid?" was the thought of a young girl as she watched the chaos unfold before her—a chaos she had unwittingly caused.

The lawyer defending her father had just used illegal evidence, something the prosecutor noticed immediately. Now, the lawyer was being accused of forgery.

Maybe you’re wondering: how did things get to this point?

Well, for starters, the trial was against her father, who was accused of possibly murdering her maternal grandfather. That’s why he hired a defense attorney, hoping he could get him out of trouble… even if he did so just a few hours before the trial began.

Phoenix Wright was the name of the attorney who accepted the case, despite having almost no time to prepare. The girl could easily tell that he was very nervous, and she didn’t blame him. This case was extremely important; it concerned the Gramarye family, a world-renowned group of magicians.

Her father, Shadi Enigmar, also known as Zak Gramarye, was the accused in the case. He stood accused of murdering her maternal grandfather and the current head of the Gramarye troupe, Magnifi Gramarye.

The prosecutor, a rookie, was giving Mr. Wright a tough challenge in court. Klavier Gavin was not one to be taken lightly, that was certain.

Though the case wasn’t exactly going WELL, there still seemed to be a chance of victory—until she made a big mistake.

During one of the breaks, a man had asked her to deliver what appeared to be a journal page to the attorney in charge. Being an obedient child, she did as she was asked.

After that, the trial resumed.

At a given moment, Prosecutor Gavin presented Magnifi's journal as evidence, claiming that he hadn’t written in it after his death. Phoenix seemed to feel defeated until he remembered the page she had given him. He analyzed it quickly and concluded that it was the proof he needed to show that Magnifi HAD indeed written after Zak’s visit.

And that’s how they arrived at this moment...

She had just condemned not only her father but also the lawyer, who was innocent of any wrongdoing. And worst of all, the prosecutor had a witness who could testify about the forged evidence. There was nothing more to be done...

No...

She wasn’t going to let things end like this...

She would rectify her mistake—or she would no longer call herself Trucy Enigmar!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 “Too bad you didn’t think this through before disgracing yourself…” Klavier said arrogantly.

“I see no need for further discussion on this matter,” the Judge declared. “The special witness is dismissed!”

The courtroom fell silent. It seemed there was nothing more to say to clear up this embarrassing situation, but then…

"OBJECTION!!"

After that shout, all eyes turned to the little magician. There was no turning back...

"Stop everything!" she cried, determinedly.

"Trucy!/Ms. Enigmar!" Shadi and Phoenix exclaimed in unison.

"M-Ms. Enigmar! W-What is the meaning of this?" the Judge asked, surprised.

"This witness has not incriminated Mr. Wright in any way!" she cried, summoning all the courage she could.

"OBJECTION!!"

“That’s a bold attempt, fräulein,” Klavier said before exclaiming, “But unfortunately, it won’t make a difference since the witness confirmed the evidence was falsified!”

"OBJECTION!!"

“Shut up, you rock boy!” she exclaimed, irritated, pointing her finger at him. “How did your informant know the evidence was forged, anyway?!”

“What...?” Klavier murmured, taken aback. She scoffed angrily before turning to the Judge.

"Your Honor, this witness only said that the evidence was forged!" she declared confidently. "He did NOT say that Mr. Wright requested it!"

"OBJECTION!!"

“What other reason could someone have to forge evidence for this trial?” Klavier exclaimed.

“Well, to incriminate him with it, duh!” she replied. “And I can prove here and now that Mr. Wright had nothing to do with this evidence! Just give me a chance, Your Honor!”

The Judge fell silent for a few seconds before sighing. “Does the prosecution agree to allow Ms. Enigmar to testify?”

Klavier crossed his arms. “…Ja. The little fräulein has shown great resolve at this moment. I believe she deserves at least a few seconds of our time.”

The Judge nodded. “Very well. Ms. Enigmar, tell this court what you believe proves that Mr. Wright did not forge this evidence.”

Trucy glanced at Phoenix, who looked at her, bewildered. She gave him a thumbs up along with a small smile.

Then she returned her gaze to the front. “Your Honor, the simplest, most straightforward proof that exists to disprove this accusation… is time!”

The courtroom seemed to analyze the little magician’s reasoning. But they were interrupted when Phoenix exclaimed, stunned: “Y-You’re right! There wouldn’t have been time to make this forgery!”

“Mr. Wright.” The Judge addressed the defense, now consisting of both the lawyer and Trucy, who had moved to his side. “Could you elaborate on Ms. Enigmar’s idea?”

“Of course I can, Your Honor!” he replied, crossing his arms. “To create a forgery of this level, it would take at least a few days of work.” He looked at the surprise witness, “Isn’t that right?”

Mr. Misham hesitated a bit before responding. “Y-Yes, it was a process that took a week. I needed the original diary, you see, to make the forgery. First, I needed the extensive handwriting sample I found in the other entries. I needed to match the pen, the ink, and also needed to create the exact same type of paper. Then there’s the matter of perfectly matching the torn pattern of the diary. It’s a very complicated task.”

“…So, you needed access to the actual evidence to produce this forgery?” Trucy asked, thoughtful.

“Yes, dear. Without it, there’d be no way to replicate either the handwriting or the tear pattern accurately. Photographs simply wouldn’t work for that.”

Phoenix smiled confidently. “… Your Honor, I received the case file, including the evidence, only this morning. The diary has been in the prosecution’s exclusive possession since this case was sumitted to trial. It would have been impossible for the defense or anyone else to forge this document…”

“. . . Unless that person had access to the prosecution’s evidence vault.”

That last comment brought all eyes in the courtroom back to the little magician, who was glaring at the prosecutor. He quickly understood what she was insinuating.

“WHAT?!” Klavier exclaimed, shocked. “This is completely unfounded!”

“It’s the only thing that makes sense! This is your first trial, and you wanted to make a great impression! Just look how flashy you are!” she exclaimed, following her train of thought. “It would make sense that you’d do everything possible to defeat a legendary lawyer like Phoenix Wright!”

"OBJECTION!!"

“I have no interest in winning!” Klavier retorted angrily. “My only interest is serving justice!”

“Then tell us who gave you the tip!” Nick exclaimed. “How did they know about the alleged forgery?!”

Klavier looked incredibly nervous, and it was clear to everyone that he was unsure of what to do at that moment… but something seemed to click in his head, making him suddenly serious.

“Herr Wright, fräulein Enigmar…” Klavier said seriously. “You both claimed that only someone with privileged access to the evidence could have committed this forgery, correct?”

Phoenix frowned. “Yes, that’s what we said. What about it?”

Klavier removed his sunglasses, revealing determined and saddened eyes. “The thing is… I was not the only one with that kind of access to the evidence…”

“WHAT?!” Phoenix exclaimed, shocked. Trucy was equally stunned.

“Mr. Enigmar… I believe you mentioned that you hired a defense attorney before Herr Wright, didn’t you?”

Shadi, from the defendant’s seat, responded, “Yes… I didn’t have a good feeling about him, so I fired him and hired young Wright this morning.”

“And could you tell the court the name of that attorney?”

“. . . Your brother, Kristoph Gavin.”

"OBJECTION!!"

“KLAVIER!! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” a man, who had just entered the courtroom abruptly, exclaimed. His appearance was very similar to the prosecutor present.

“Speaking of the devil,” Shadi muttered.

"OBJECTION!!"

“I am pursuing the truth, just as you said, brotha!” Klavier replied. “And the truth I just uncovered is that you planned to use this illegal evidence in our encounter, and since I’m your brother, you thought I’d let it slide… It’s disappointing, to say the least…”

"OBJECTION!!"

“You can’t… YOU CAN’T HOLD THIS AGAINST ME!” Kristoph exclaimed, pounding the witness stand, startling Mr. Misham a bit. “I did EVERYTHING to make your career successful. I found legal loopholes to every problem JUST to make things easier for us!” He looked up, fury in his face. “And this is how you repay me?! With disgrace?!”

"OBJECTION!!"

Klavier struck the wall. “Brother, the ONLY thing I want to know is why you obtained this forged evidence, okay?” he exclaimed. “Or else I’ll have to press charges, ja?”

Kristoph looked at him with rage. “This… THIS IS RIDICULOUS!”

"OBJECTION!!"

“It isn’t, Mr. Gavin,” Phoenix says, making the blonde attorney turn to look at him. “If we call Mr. Drew Misham back to testify, we can uncover the truth, right?” He crosses his arms, “Let’s do just that, Klavier.”

“That was exactly my next move, Herr Wright,” Klavier agrees. “Your Honor, the prosecution would like to call Drew Misham to the stand once again to testify.”

"OBJECTION!!"

“I won’t allow this, Klavier,” Kristoph says. “You should know better than—”

*Gavel bang*

“Mr. Gavin, please step down from the stand and allow Mr. Misham to take the floor,” orders the Judge.

“Grr… for Christ’s sake…”

After only a few seconds, Misham was back at the witness stand once again.

“Well, Mr. Misham. I believe you’re aware of what we’re going to ask, aren’t you?”

“Y-Yes… And yes, I can confirm that Mr. Gavin here… was the one who asked me to forge the document…”

“Hah… in the end, the truth has come to light…” Klavier says, before looking at the defense. “Moments ago, I was asked who tipped me off about this, right?” He crosses his arms, “My brother here was the one who told me about this page. He said Herr Wright would use it in court to cheat… He was trying to make Herr Wright look like a lowly cheat.”

“But now we know the truth! That guy is the biggest cheat of them all!” Trucy exclaims, upset.

Phoenix nods. “And because of that, he now faces charges for evidence tampering, especially in such a high-profile case as this,” he says, smiling. “So, Mr. Gavin, do you have any last words?”

“This… THIS IS RIDICULOUS!” Kristoph says, enraged. “I don’t need this badge… I don’t need my reputation… I don’t need it… I don’t… I DON’T LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

Moments after that emotional outburst, Kristoph looked noticeably more worn down, surprisingly so, as minutes earlier he had seemed like royalty.

“You’ve caught me, brother… I was the one who asked Drew Misham to forge the evidence… ALRIGHT?”

"OBJECTION!!"

“Brother, surely you realize that Herr Wright and Fraulein Enigmar helped to bring you down.” Klavier smiles, slightly saddened. “But I’ll take that as a compliment… Goodbye, brother.”

“Oh yes… I’ll be leaving here… but…” Kristoph mutters, tensing everyone in the room. “I’ll take at least one of you with me!”

Out of nowhere, Kristoph pulls out a revolver and points it directly at the defense. Phoenix quickly places Trucy behind him. The jury goes into chaos, and everyone wants to escape. The Judge calls for the bailiffs. Klavier moves from his desk to try to stop his brother.

Kristoph looks around like a cornered animal. But all his attention focuses on one person, who made a noise. Shadi had risen from his seat, intending to go to his daughter.

But the deranged attorney wasn’t going to let that happen… so, aiming his gun, he pulled the trigger, and the bullet flew from the weapon… striking Shadi in the head, killing him instantly.

“DADDY!!” Trucy screams, held back by Phoenix. She watches as her father’s lifeless body falls to the ground.

Before Kristoph could claim another life, Klavier reached him from behind and tackled him to the floor, restraining him there. He only laughed maniacally, his main reason for doing this… now dead.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

POV Trucy

The trial had to be suspended that day. Kristoph Gavin was taken to prison for forging evidence to distort the Court and for the murder of my father, Shadi Enigmar.

He now faces up to 20 years in prison or the death penalty, as he’s being tried on two counts of serious charges, especially because of the case and the importance of the victim.

But his laugh that day… it was the laugh of a maniac…

…A laugh that will probably hunt me for a very, very long time…

But putting that aside, it seemed there was no need for another day in court. Since it was proven that Dad wasn’t responsible for my grandfather’s death, thanks to the forensics’ discovery of the real page that left my grandfather’s magic rights to my dad. Proving that when my dad left my grandfather’s room, he was still alive.

So the force of justice changed their objective, since if my dad wasn’t the one who killed him, by process of elimination, the only one left was Uncle Valant. But he wasn’t charged with murder either, as he revealed that my grandfather had taken his own life, and he only altered the crime scene to make it look like my dad was guilty, so he’d be arrested and Valant would get the rights to his magic.

…So… there was never a true culprit… only three very proud, but selfish magicians…

…So, even though Dad is now gone, at least his public reputation remains intact…

… But now that I think about it… why would my dad ask me to create a distraction if something went wrong?

...

… What a silly question… I know exactly what the answer is… he was going to leave me behind to fend for myself…

Just as he has done it now with his death…

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General POV

…A few hours later…

These were Trucy’s thoughts as she silently cried. She was sitting on the courthouse steps. No one seemed to pay any attention to the little girl there, as everyone walked by, maybe feeling a bit sorry for her, but doing nothing to help.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard two voices she recognized instantly.

“So, are you retiring as a prosecutor?”

“Ja, I don’t think I can continue down this path after what happened today. So, I think I’ll stick to my music career instead. There isn’t as much… blood in it.”

“Mmm… Alright then. The only thing I can do is wish you luck with that.”

“Same to you, Herr Wright. Until we meet again.”

Trucy watched as the prosecutor, er, ex-prosecutor, quickly got on his motorcycle and rode away. Maybe he didn’t want to stay around any longer. She didn’t blame him. If she could, she would have left too.

“What are you still doing here?” someone asked behind her.

She turned to look. Yes, it was the attorney Phoenix Wright. He looked at her with concern in his gaze. Before she could respond, she sneezed.

“I-I’m… cold, really cold…” Trucy mumbles, trying to warm herself with her cape.

The little girl felt something heavy being placed over her shoulders. She looked down, realizing it was a blue coat, the same one the attorney had. So she figured he had given her his coat to keep her warm.

“Th… thank you…”

“Don’t worry,” the man replies, as he sits beside her. “But, you still haven’t answered my question. What are you still doing here? Isn’t anyone coming to see you?”

She slowly shook her head. Small tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. “The only people I had… are gone forever…”

Phoenix remained silent for a few seconds, before looking around for a few more moments. After his inspection, he returned his attention to the little girl.

“L-Look, Trucy… if you’d like, you can come to my apartment to rest for today,” Phoenix suggests. “Tomorrow we can look for somewhere for you to stay, alright?”

Trucy remained silent, but nodded.

She felt herself being lifted by the attorney, and she had no energy to protest about him carrying her like a baby, so she simply rested her head on the man’s chest and closed her eyes… she was very tired.

Phoenix planned to take a taxi, but he suddenly saw a red sports car parked in front of him. When the window rolled down, he saw his best male friend, Miles Edgeworth.

“Hey, Edgeworth.”

“Get in. I want to know what happened.” He glances down at Phoenix’s arms, “…Why are you holding that little girl?”

The attorney, not wasting any time, got into the car. “It’s… a long story.”

Miles nodded, accepting the response. “Alright, you can tell me while I take you to the orphanage.”

“That won’t be necessary, just take me to my apartment.”

Miles raised an eyebrow, looking at him.

Phoenix sighed. “She’s… very tired and stressed with everything that happened today. I just don’t think it’s right to take her to an orphanage in her current state, you know?”

The prosecutor shook his head, with a slight smile. “Yes, sure, and then you’ll end up adopting her, just like you did with Alexia Fey, Miss Maya Fey, and her cousin, Pearl Fey, right?”

“First, I haven’t adopted them, or at least not Alexia yet. And second, you talk as if I adopt every orphaned child that crosses my path,” he adjusts Trucy, “which I don’t do.”

Miles glanced at him sideways. “Whatever you say, Wright. Whatever you say.”

And so, they left the courthouse for that day. A day that all those present would need time to rest and fully process.

[insane-control-room]

fallen down (1/3)

Joey is invited to an art convention by Nathan. He goes, and is delighted by the turn of events. So much so, that he finds his dreams clashing again.

chapter 1: ink demonth - rival chapter 2: ink demonth - heartbeat chapter 3: ink demonth - hide

For @halfusek; inspired by his You Left Me in a Heartbeat :) Rated: G+ Warnings: unhealthy relationships, alcoholism, not actually cute AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58747897/chapters/149709028 Length: 2800

It was entirely one sided. That much was apparent - Joey's relationship with both of them; it was completely and utterly on his end. Most of Joey's relationships seemed to cascade into that awful sector; one where a person's emotions loom vast and disconcerting over the other cogs in the machine of human interaction. There is something to be said there as well - the smaller such a wheel is, the greater the effect other gears have upon the inevitable turn.

Therefore, to say that the relationship between Linda and Joey was a rivalry was nothing short of a humorous joke - for far more reasons than either of them were aware of. There was an aspect of acidity, a bitterness held in the back of the throat; perhaps contributed to by the fact that Henry's own relationship with Mr. Drew had been friendly, strained, agitated, and then shattered like a vertebrae in a spinal column- destroyed and irreparable.

After that incident, the vanishing of the Steins was holistic - there was no trace, no forwarding address, no phoneline: a faultless (yet not blameless) disappearance. No, Joey was not to blame for their sudden departure from New York, even if he was the reason.

There are moments that eclipse sanity, haunting instances and circumstance will chase a person out of a town - worse than a bad job, a bad boss, or a tangled, messy (and messed up) relationship. If you land someone in a wheelchair, especially someone close to you, but not close enough to warrant remaining near- then putting yourself in a wheelchair of your own and driving off into the California sunset is a particularly appealing decision.

That was precisely what Henry had done. Perhaps Linda had protested, leaving behind friends, family, the comfort of familiarity and routine, though that was hardly on the animator's mind. For Henry, it is rather difficult to determine what exactly his jumbled thoughts were, aside from the plaintive urge to hide himself away and not be found.

Henry's departure from the studio caused an upheaval, certainly, though it was nothing that Joey Drew could not persevere through. Sure, his two legs were nothing to stand on (thank you, Henry), but that would not prevent him from pursuing his own success; from forging happiness anew, from finding someone else to take up the space in his life that Henry had left icily bare.

So to say that Joey had a rivalry with Linda for 'taking Henry away' would be a rather crude and insensitive disservice to both Linda and Joey. Henry had removed himself, simple as that.

Joey filled his life and focus with living drawings. No, he did not make them literally come to life, that would be silly. He did, however, expand the art department, and took more work into his office, hiring an accountant to take care of the business tasks that had taken over his life and passions. Mr. Cohen had ranted and raved about the abhorrent state of the business, bemoaned how difficult it would be to turn things around, but to Joey's bated breath and relieved surprise, he managed. There were stutters and stops, but with the cobbled and slapdashed situation that had been there before, Mr. Cohen had worked miracles.

There had been instances where he would fancy that the accountant would glance over him a moment too long here and there, though it was likely his imagination (and what a strong one he had). He had thought, at times, that there was potential between them, though his hands would tighten on the arms of his wheelchair if he considered the idea for too long; a foreign anxiety building in his chest at the notion of being close to Mr. Cohen.

So he continued working, alone. Business was difficult, though at least he now had some breathing room to actually create himself, and he had enough to put food on the table - that was more than some people could say. He hardly cared about the time he had left, pouring his soul into his work. There were times it paid off. Nathan Arch was one of those... angel investors. There was some resentment simmering under the surface for Joey, considering that he wanted to be successful on his own- however, he accepted that success was not so clearly in view for him, nor for his visions.

While the situation was not Nathan's fault, per say, his influence hovered over the events that had yet to transpire within Joey's life.

It was... kind of Arch to get Joey the ticket to the Artist's Convention. Joey did not particularly feel inclined to attend, but Grant had given him some words of advice and encouragement (rather reminding him of himself prior to the 'accident') that had boosted his morale and enthusiasm to go.

Now, Joey was on a train to California with a few sample animations that he was particularly proud of. It had taken unreasonably long to get there, which caused a mite of worry for the studio but he felt assured that the business was safe under Grant's watchful, stringent eye.

The first thing Joey did upon arriving at Nathan's extravagant house was (after giving some drawn gifts to him, his wife, and son) pull himself face down on the bed. He dreamed of endless stairs spiraling down - or was it up? It was hard to tell from the way he was falling. It was silent, black and white, and he woke up on the floor with a cold sweat running chills down his spine. Nothing that a nice shower could not fix - and thankfully, the room that Nathan had given him had an attached bathroom, with a shower chair already in place as well. How... kind. It was kind and considerate. Even if it was a painful reminder of his disability.

Coming out of the shower, Joey felt rejuvenated and relaxed. He picked up the briefcase of showcasing, and then he and Nathan went to the convention. There were some people that Joey recognized, many who recognized Joey. He gave out cards and information, saw interesting methods of filming and painting, processes that would decrease labor loads and increase productivity. He took careful notes- knowing that Grant would certainly like to learn more about those. There were moments where he thought, for an instant, that he saw someone very familiar, only to blink twice and realize that it was not Henry.

He was tired - he had a long journey and less than ideal sleep. Nathan agreed with him to leave early- as there would be another two days of the convention, in any case, so they would not be missing much. They ate a warm meal and made small talk: talking about what they had seen that day; Nathan's son and what he was up to; of the studio and how much help Grant was (Joey felt an odd warmth in his hands that was not coming from his mug of coffee) in getting the studio back on its feet. Nathan let Joey know that he would be busy the next day, but that he could have someone help Joey to and from the convention - which Joey declined, saying that he could manage himself. Immediately after their dinner, Joey went and laid down, and before a wolf could count three sheep, he was fast asleep.

This time, it was not his dreams that woke him, but rather, quiet conversation. It was rather strained, but Joey could hear the distinct notes of a distressed woman, and the more calm- yet somehow uncomfortable- words of Nathan. At first, he assumed that it was Nathan and his wife having an argument of some sort, but then he realized that the woman's voice was not hers, but rather, a more familiar one. Part of him thought he was dreaming as he got into his wheelchair, now glad that he had not changed out of his clothes. Nathan was a good man- what was she doing here? It bewildered him even as he silently approached the room where the two were talking.

"We planned carefully, Linda," Nathan was assuring her. Joey settled himself by the doorway to listen, confused and feeling his heart beating a little too fast for his liking - so he focused on the conversation. "He's going to be distracted at the convention tomorrow, and we'll be able to get you over here for a bit."

"I don't think that it's going to work," Linda rubbed her temples. Joey was surprised to see streaks of grey running through her hair. "I've been thinking about it, Nathan. He's going to get frustrated and bored there, and he's going to come home, and I'll have to put on a smile and tell him everything is okay. It's not okay, and it hasn't been for years. Not since we left New York. No- before that. He's been falling apart longer than I've ever wanted to admit, and I can't deal with him anymore."

"We're working on it, Linda," Nathan tried again. "You will get out, I promise. I'll be picking you up at noon, and Tessa will be here to get you all sorted out."

"How are you going to pick me up if he's going to be there?" Linda asked miserably. Joey felt something shift in his chest. His heart, maybe, about to give out or something. "He might not even go. All he does is mope. And drink. It's sad, really. Maybe that's why I've stayed so long. I thought we'd be happy."

The silence hung in the air, cloying and depressing. Joey unclenched his jaw- unsure of when he had knotted it at all. He took a deep breath, letting his hands out of the claws he was digging into his armrests. Then, he exhaled, and took a gamble.

"Hello, Linda," he said with as much surprise as he felt initially, a broad smile growing on his face. The two in the room turned to look at him with shock as well. "Incredible seeing you here! Funny how things line up, don't you think?"

"What is he- I mean-" it took Linda a moment to compose herself. She mustered a weak looking smile that appeared rather nauseated. "Hello, Joey. It's... it's been a long time. I'm guessing that you're here for the art convention, right?"

"Right," Joey's smile twitched. The two of them stared at each other without a lot of comfort between them, a sort of uneasy aura. Nathan looked like he wanted to sink within his own portrait, what with his stock smile plastered on his face and shifting feet. Joey gestured at him. "Nathan invited me."

"That's nice of you, Nathan," Linda's smile relaxed a bit, and she took a deep breath of her own. She blinked as she took in Joey's appearance. "You're looking well."

"You're not," Joey replied instantly without thought. A wane smile appeared on her face. "What's going on?"

"You artist types are all the same, aren't you?" she asked, a melancholic bitterness to her humor. "So good at painting pretty pictures, but not quite able to see what you're looking at."

Joey did not say anything. Nathan looked between them.

Linda gave another sigh; "You two really were made for each other."

Victory! Triumph! The witch has been defeated!

Joey failed to not smile.

"Linda, that's brilliant!" Nathan suddenly interjected, turning to Joey with that portrait grin, but more genuinely now. "We can arrange for Joey and Henry to have a little meet up, have some chit chat, and then hopefully we'll be able to have Henry distracted the whole day."

Linda and Joey stared at him. He raised his hands, smile faltering.

"It's only a suggestion," he added, flustered by their judging gazes. "No need to follow through with it."

"No, actually... I can see it working," Linda murmured. "Either he'd have forgotten what he did, which is not likely, or if he remembers, then maybe the 'guilt' he talks about will make him stick around Joey and talk with him. It's worth a shot, Nathan. Joey?"

"What exactly do you want me to do?" Joey asked, eyebrows raised. He was not quite following - or maybe he was purposefully being difficult, trying to draw out that positive rush of smug assurance that was running amok in his brain. "Talk to him?"

"Well, in a way, yes," Nathan paused as he thought through what to say. "Distract him- the longer, the better. A whole day would be optimal, if not, well, more."

A whole day with Henry.

"Sounds like a dream," Joey laughed quietly, smiling. "Linda, do you know where Henry will be going at the convention? Anything he was particularly interested in seeing?"

"I don't know," Linda confessed, brow knitting. "He doesn't really talk about it. Maybe he said something about... about... oh, right." Another slight, sad smile. "There's going to be a reshowing of your old toons. Someone is talking about the technology you used for it, a camera company or something. I'm surprised Nathan didn't tell you."

"I wanted it to be a pleasant surprise for Joey," Nathan admitted. Joey blinked, tilting his head at his friend- certainly surprised, a good feeling settling over his shoulders like a hug. Things seemed to be turning around since this trip- he really needed to thank Grant for nudging him to go. "But that sure would be something."

"So I'll meet with him there," Joey cheerfully said. "I'm sure nothing can go wrong at all."

--

Joey could hardly sleep after Linda had left. He and Nathan spoke a bit more on the subject, how they would go about getting Linda to Nathan’s place safely and how to let them know if something were to go wrong (because, in spite of Joey’s high-riding optimism, there was a serious concern that something could go wrong). Joey stared up at the ceiling, fingers intertwined with each other as he tried to quell his anticipation. It had been years since he had seen Henry, and the excitement overshadowed the concern that probably should have been there. After all, Linda was attempting to escape a man she once loved- surely that was cause for some alarm. However, when it came to Henry, Joey knew he was a lost cause; they had built a life together and he had never gotten the closure needed to finish that chapter of his life, where he had been left in a heartbeat. 

Perhaps, he never would. 

Not with Henry. Not when he finally could have him back in his life. There was nothing but excitement in his veins as he looked up at nothing, seeing images of his former friend in his mind’s eye as he partially drifted, mostly basked in joy and anticipation (why were those two words so foreign to him, yet so familiar?). 

He was up and raring to go far before Nathan was, scarfing down a breakfast so fast it nearly made him choke. A clogged windpipe would not stop him from getting to meet with Henry once again. Nathan’s son, Wilson, drove him to and dropped him off at the convention. Many more people recognized him the second day, seemingly just as excited to see him as he was to see Henry. Yet Joey knew that none of them would be half as excited to see Henry as Joey was. So he greeted and spoke and nodded along, all the while his bright green eyes scanned the crowd. Soon, the show was starting, the presenter brimming with delight that the creator of the show was watching- though, as upon Joey’s request, did not mention his presence (unless he were to see Henry as well). The presentation was rather interesting, even though Joey’s heart began to sink at the notion that Henry was in fact a no show. 

But then, the presenter froze, and grew allthemore excited before continuing, fidgeting and barely able to restrain a beaming grin. At the end of the showing, she announced her gratitude that both the esteemed Joey Drew and the elusive Henry Stein had come to attend her presentation. Joey saw a brown haired head suddenly rise above the others, square framed glasses flashing into Joey’s vision. 

His heart skipped a beat as he smiled and waved. 

Henry gawked at him, eyes wide behind the glass. 

“Hello, old pal,” Joey brightly said. “Good to see you again!”

Henry only stared, shocked. He was about to say something when the crowd around them shifted, moving the two of them to the center together. 

“Let’s catch up with some lunch?” Joey asked him in a mutter, smiling from ear to ear, unable to contain his absolute delight. Henry, too overwhelmed to think of anything else, agreed with a; “I need a drink. And you are paying.”

[elvenbeard]

2077, September

“I’m wondering if this is what Alt meant when she said Soulkiller would… kill my soul. Leave me nothing but a cluster of memories and thoughts… A blurry copy of myself, trapped in a body so adjusted to Johnny already that it would’ve been smarter to just – …”

Look at how far you've come. You're the King of the fucking Afterlife, a Night City legend... but as it is with Night City legends, they tend to die young.

Vince is 28 by mid-to-late 2077, every other person his age has so much to live for, to look forward to... yet his thoughts are still pre-occupied with the same problem they have been since April, just with a new twist: how the hell am I gonna survive my own body trying to kill me now?

He'd been told that Johnny would slowly wipe out his personality, his memories, his existence, but even with Johnny gone now, for good, an amicable separation in the end... Vince doesn't feel the same anymore. Is he even himself still? Or just a not-entirely-accurate copy of the Vince that once was? In the end, did he wipe himself out with the help of Alt and Soulkiller, without Johnny even having a fault in it so much?

Just like after Jackie's death, Vince cannot help but wonder: would it have been better the other way around? Should he have stayed back in Cyberspace, give Johnny a second chance, changed man that he was by then? But this body was Vince's, had always been, logically he knew it... But something was off, not quite the same anymore.

He has so much to fight for now, not even only abstract concepts like a good reputation or "being remembered" that he was so focused on at the start of all of this. In the chaos and hardship he found friends, love, forged connections he could have never dreamt of - in spite of and because of Johnny, and for that he's thankful.

He has so much to lose, more than ever. Giving up is not an option, has never been.

Vince through the years (8/9)

I mentioned many times before that I love the Sun ending cause it fits really well for Vince for many reasons. He's a good merc, but he'd make an even more amazing Fixer with his background, he's hella ambitious, smart, cunning, organised, and just.... hhhh everything!! But the Soulkiller thing still fucks me up so much everytime and the more I think about it. Anyone know the plot-twist of/played SOMA? Yeah... yeah. If you know, you know.

The one thing that always really bothered me about the Sun Ending though, is one of the last things he gets to say before the credits being "I have nothing left to lose" when... no, clearly not. We accept that the council has made a decision but it's a stupid decision! Blaming it on his nerves and not having a good time with Mr. B, distrusting his ass for good reasons, that he says that at that moment XD

That being said... I know everyone has a slightly differently timeline of events, and I wanted to share bits an pieces of mine in this context (still a wip more or less, but I have some set dates for certain events because I love angst).

Thursday, Nov. 5th 2076 -> meet Jackie at Lizzie's, booted from Arasaka

End of December -> First Gig with Jackie

[A lot of the early gigs for Regina and Wakako (but a few of the other Fixers, too), happen during the time of the 6-month-montage for my headcanon]

Sunday, April 4th 2077 -> "The Rescue"

Monday, April 5th 2077 -> "The Ride"

[preparations for the Konpeki Plaza heist in the following days - a bit more elaborate planning would be needed imo than what's shown in game, the Maelstrom meetup alone, esp. if you meet Meredith upfront, wouldn't be something Vince would do over the course of a fun afternoon]

Friday, April 16th 2077 -> Konpeki Plaza Heist, arrival at the hotel in the early afternoon

Saturday, April 17th -> V wakes up in the landfill in the evening

[stay at Vik's to recover - mostly from injuries sustained during the fights and the operation; since this is the future it would probably not be as long as we'd have to stay in hospital with today's medicine; I think V would also get more glimpses into Johnny's memories as he sleeps/dreams]

Tuesday, April 20th -> V is brought home and Johnny appears at night

Wednesday, April 21st -> Breakfast with Takemura xD

[over the course of the next few weeks everything up to "Play it Safe" happens, including the Hunt for Hellmann and the search for Evelyn and the Voodoo Boys; a lot of it is going on simultaneously, but helping Panam and going after Hellmann and such is something that would take at least 3-4 days with minimal travel inbetween - but V could for example talk to Mr. Hands while waiting for the Kang Tao AV to get the meetup with Brigitte scheduled and help Takemura while Evelyn is recovering, and so on.]

Mid-May 2077 -> Attack on the Parade in Japantown (the attack on the parade and the few quests that follow with Takemura's safehouse and V and Johnny escaping to the Motel etc. all happen over the course of 12ish hours in my head, cause it wouldn't make sense to trail off doing gigs or other stuff while Takemura and Hanako sit there and wait super on-edge XD)

Friday, May 14th -> Johnny's wild bender

Sunday, May 16th -> Ebunike & Oil Fields

Tuesday, May 18th -> Movie-Date with Rogue

Thursday, May 20th -> first meeting with Kerry😌

Tuesday, May 25th -> Samurai "Reunion" Concert

Thursday, May 27th -> Kerry has a gig for V

Tuesday, June 1st -> Dark Matter show with Us Cracks (and in the following days Blue Moon's stalker gig, before Boat Drinks)

Friday, June 4th -> Boat Drinks 🚤🔥

[a tiny little peace of mind pls before it all goes to shit XD]

Wednesday, June 9th -> Embers-Meetup with Hanako (headcanon time: I think, with how dangerous and secretive everything is with Hanako, they would agree on sth like her calling V with a date for the meetup at Embers at some point, when she feels it is safe. Maybe he'd still formally agree at some point "all right, starting now, feel free to call me anytime and I'll come, I'm ready"; so there is some plausible reason as to why "Meet Hanako at Embers" sits in your journal for around 20 gigs revolving around Johnny's past without consequences XD)

Thursday, June 10th -> V's 28th birthday, bc I love angst :D (as I said above, the meet at Embers would be something more or less spontaneous, and so he'd be like "aw shit, I wanted to spend my potential last birthday not thinking about the Arasakas' offer too much", not expecting he wouldn't really walk out of the restaurant on his own again. The attack on Arasaka Tower would happen the same night, after the meeting with Hanako, and so by the time midnight strikes and V walks into and out of Mikoshi, it would be his birthday in multiple ways, kinda. Cause ~symbolism~)

[time skip with very important things happening that explain how V got his mansion and became King of the Afterlife]

Thursday, September 2nd -> "Blaze of Glory" - Meetup with Mr. B at Afterlife (I put it in September because Alt's estimate for how long V has to live find a solution to his problem is around 6 months. So, by September half of that time is over, but V'd also have a very reasonable amount of time to plan the Crystal Palace Heist and make it a success, looking at how he managed to survive the main story events in a shorter timeframe. I think the outlook could definitely be seen as positive; also basing this a bit on what a femV romancing River says in the Sun Ending, that "months of prep" went into this "last gig". Also, the very prominent clothing ad "Focus on Winning this Fall" - "fall", as in, the season - visible at the start of the 6-month-montage also kinda makes me think the endings take place during Sep-Nov, cause we love foreshadowing in this house)

Saturday, September 4th -> First Chapter of "Love is Stored in the Olive Jar" XD and from then on we'll see o.o

Oookay.... that ended up being longer than I thought XD But yes... seing what V has accomplished in a relatively short amount of time (and I mean... about 1.5 months can definitely be "a few weeks, at most", if we look at Vik's original estimate of the situation) I think with twice as much time to plan *just one gig* (even though, admittedly, an insane one) his chances of it going right are good. Maybe not 100% according to plan, cause something always goes wrong, but yeah. Fully depends on everyone's V's of course, and whether at that point they *want to* continue fighting, have something to fight for and lose - Vince definitely does - but yeah. I choose to interpret the Sun ending as a positive outcome that gives V another shot at life xD Maybe not in the way he expected buuuut... 👀

Thanks for reading so far if you did, would love to hear different takes and how you'd space out the timeline of the main story for your V!

[novankenn]

Holding Back

Chapter Two (1/4)

/== Chapter List ===/

“Answer!” the woman Yang and Pyrrha knew was Jaune's mother snapped at them, when they didn't respond right away to her first two questions. Afraid to say anything, Yang reached up and hit the camera flip icon. The woman's tone instantly changed. “Jaune!”

“Mom.” Jaune replied with a defeated tone.

“You've had us worried sick! Where are you? Why haven't you called? Are you safe?” Jaune's mother fired off a rapid series of questions.

“I'm sorry. Beacon. Afraid to. Yes.” Jaune replied.

“You're where?”

“I'm at Beacon.”

“And HOW pray tell did you manage to get into a Huntsmen Academy without combat school transcripts or a recommendation?”

“I...”

“Jaune?”

“Mom... please?”

“Jaune Jonathon Arc. You will tell me how you were accepted into Beacon, or so help me, I will come there and tan your hide!” Yang and Pyrrha both flinched, but remained silent. “So make your choice.”

“I cheated.”

“And how pray tell do you cheat your way into Beacon.”

“Forged transcripts.”

“Jaune. Well, that explains what happened to your savings account. So why are you calling... or more specifically are you having others call me, on your scroll?”

“Some things have happened, and... I have a problem that I...”

“Which one is it, or is it both? Are they keeping the baby?” Yang and Pyrrha both choked on air. Yang, on the thought that someone would think that about her and Jaune. Don't get her wrong, Jaune was a great guy, and a great friend, she just didn't see him like that. As for Pyrrha, she was picturing that statement becoming a reality.

“Not THAT type of problem!”

“Well, what was I supposed to think? You say problem, after having two young ladies call me on your scroll... AFTER not contacting us for MONTHS!”

“They KNOW!” Jaune snapped back at his mother in frustration.

“They know? What do they know?”

“Our style.” 

“How? What did you do, Jaune?”

“I was bothered into a spar with Yang, and spared with her and...” Jaune paused, he really didn't want to admit to his mother that he had been too distracted to notice Yang's scroll recording their interactions.

“And?”

“She may have... she did... record the match.”

“That is unacceptable. Jaune you know better, then to be that unobservant. She bothered you into revealing something that is private? More likely, she goaded you, and your pride couldn't...”

Actually...” Yang spoke up, thumbing the camera flip icon, so Jaune's mother could see her as she spoke up, to take the blame from Jaune for her actions. “I did bother him constantly for three days, before I had to promise that it would be a one time thing... and promised not to tell anyone.”

“I see, and this promise you made, you instantly broke.” Jaune's mother's deep blue eyes narrowed.

“I only showed two people...” Yang swallowed, feeling very uncomfortable being the focus of Mrs Arc's glare. “His partner and a Beacon professor.”

“Again you broke a promise. Who did you show and why?”

“His partner... she's next to me right now...” Pyrrha risked giving the obviously displeased woman a small, hesitant wave.

“And this professor?”

“He's a doctor, actually.” Pyrrha spoke up giving Yang a break, having the woman's gaze focus on her, “We couldn't recognize Jaune's style, so we asked someone who we thought might know.”

“Who, girl?”

“Doctor Oobleck. He's teaches History.”

“No doubt he wants to study this.”

“He did mention that, though he said only if Jaune agreed.” Pyrrha offered.

“Jaune?” Mrs Arc started to speak and stopped, “Put this scroll somewhere, so I can see all three of you at once. Flipping the camera function is distracting.”

Yang did as the Jaune's mother bid, before moving to sit next to Jaune on his bed; followed by Pyrrha.

“That is better.” Mrs Arc sighed. “Jaune, this is totally unacceptable. You know better, you were taught better. You have no excuse for any of this, and regardless of what these ladies are saying... in the end the fault lies on you.”

“Yes, mom.”

“I feel there is something else you are hiding. What is it?”

“Jaune's been challenged.” Pyrrha spoke up. “It's to happen tomorrow during Combat Class.”

“Challenged? Why?”

“I dislocated another student's jaw.” Jaune informed his annoyed parent. “So they want to get back at me. I have to attend or face suspension; though I don't have to participate. I can offer and apology...”

“You used our techniques, didn't you?”

“Yes.”

“So not only have you let your pride, but also your anger dictate your actions!” Mrs Arc snapped, causing all three to flinch as if struck. “SO, what are your plans to deal with these... issues?”

“Yang is willing to delete the video. Doctor Oobleck...”

“Said without Jaune's permission... he won't ask.” Yang spoke up.

“And this challenge, who is it against? What type of person did you assault?” momma Arc asked.

“He's a thug and a bully.” Pyrrha informed the elder Arc.

“I'll appolig...”

“No, you won't.” Jaune's mother stated flatly. “This one time, I give you permission.”

“Mom?” Jaune asked confused.