#Okay so geez. I guess I should talk about Mighty huh

[johnnyshrine]

★ 093 // “POV: You Died :("

[moemoemammon]

(Two things, 1. This is my first time requesting so I'm sorry if this is not the thing to do it, and 2. Sorry if somethings is misspelled or grammatically incorrect, eng is not my first language:p)

May I request some of the bros, specially Mammon, Luci and Satan, with a MC who's similar to Lucifer in some aspects (like, some of their manners are the same as his and sometimes they're little bit too strict) and after a while they discover that its bc MC is also an older sibling. And (only if you want) meeting their younger sibling, please 🙏

Btw love your works ♡♡♡

Lucifer Number 2~

(Feat. GN!MC and the Demon Bros)

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Lucifer

It doesn't occur to Lucifer how similar the two of you are, but the first thing he realizes is how pleasant conversations with you can be. You both share common interests, your tastes suit his own, and you seem to be the only competent person in this house.

You're the responsible type, and he likes it. He'll sometimes find you scolding his brothers for their behavior too, and as amusing of a sight as that may be, he doesn't want you to be burdened with their idiocy.

AND you're the eldest sibling in your household? Cheers to that. You too know the weight of being the responsible oldest, and the role one must take to ensure their siblings grow up well. You too know that you'd rather your siblings have things easier than you did.

But there's one thing he finds annoying... You can NEVER speak your feelings, and act as if it’d kill you to do so. He can respect secrecy when it's appropriate, but Lucifer would like to know what's on your mind. Not only that, but you can be HORRIBLY headstrong. There's nothing that can stray you away from what you've already decided.

"MC, I request that you take a few days off from school to do as you please. I've already spoken with Diavolo and your professors, and you've been given an excuse. I know you'll study anyway, so I've dropped off your assignments in your room. But... you should rest. It isn't good for you to be pushing yourself so hard. Hm? You're calling me a hypocrite?"

Mammon

As if one Lucifer wasn't enough. Now there's TWO of em?! Why's his luck gotta be so lousy!

Definitely the first to realize how much like Lucifer you are, and was SHOOK. Seriously, what gives?! What horrors exist in the human world that could've made you like THAT..?

Ever since you showed up, it's been impossible to get away with anything! He can't sneak out of the house because you're always there somehow, you tattle on him when you catch him leaving anyone's room, and you won't even let him copy your homework! What gives?!

Avoids you like the plague. You're no fun! There's only rare moments when you're kinda okay, and he likes those the best. The times when you're kinda sensitive and you'll drop the high and mighty act. But then you're back to being a pest!

"For the billionth time, I ain't got time to study! There's money to be made, and a guy like me ain't gonna waste a second lookin' at a dumb book when I could be- H-Huh?! You're gonna call Lucifer?! N-now, there's no need to be so hasty, right? Oi!! I'm sorry, damn it-!"

Levi

What's the deal with Lucifer number two? As comedic of a trope as that may be, Levi doesn't really care for having two nagging types in the house. Especially a human...

When you're in his room, all you do is nitpick about how he should tidy up and open a window! Don't you know that an otaku's room is his pride and joy?! It's a sacred space not to be trampled on by the opinions of a normie!!!

But still... he has to admit that even if you don't get all the stuff he's talking about, you at least try to understand it. And there are even some of his interests that you're genuinely invested in!

You might be a pain in the neck and harass him about annoying things, but he guesses he can deal with it if you'll actually sit through a TSL marathon with him...

"I-I'll lend you this manga, so make sure you read it! And when you're finished with that, I'll lend you the spin-off series by the author's brother! I know you'll like it, since you're interested in gritty stuff. Oh, and- Huh? My laundry? Y-yeah.... I'll do that.."

Satan

You are... surprisingly good company. Satan enjoys talking to you over afternoon tea, and the two of you share stories between one another.

But still, he can't shake the feeling that there's something... unpleasantly familiar about your personality. It isn't until you say something that sounds suspiciously similar to what Lucifer would say that he realizes who you remind him of. And oh, he hates it.

Tries playing pranks on you, but somehow they never go to plan. How that is is beyond him, but you never fall for anything! No matter how sweet his smile, you're always rightfully suspicious. You're annoyingly meticulous about checking your surroundings, and you're so aware of yourself that it's troublesome! Be more gullible!!

The king of petty has decided that its now his life goal to make you fall for at least one of his pranks. He doesn't care how elaborate he has to make it, or how unrewarding the payoff may be. He'll make you pay for seeing his brother in two places at once.

"MC, would you like to join me this afternoon for a book reading? Though, I'd love it if you could read this book in particular. I think you'll find it very-.... Hm? 'Isn't this the cursed book that makes you grow hair all over your body', you ask? Ahaha.... tch."

Asmo

Come now, there can't be TWO killjoys in the house! That's way too depressing!! It was funny at first to see that there's someone who can match the scary Lucifer's energy, but now it's becoming a nuisance!

You won't even go to the countless parties he's invited you to! Hell, you barely even give yourself room to mess around a little? Isn't it boring being so tightly wound? You're in luck, because the adorable Asmo-chan knows the PERFECT way to let loose~

You'll RARELY let him close to you, and that's usually when you're tired of him harassing you. Then he gets the honor of playing with your hair while you've got no energy to fight back! He'll style it wonderfully for you!

Also nags you to take better care of yourself. You're not a demon, so you have to care for your health! These late night study sessions are giving you bags under your eyes! And stop taking on so many extracurricular activities!

"Geez, MC! I didn't think you'd die from overworking, but that's the path you're headed on! You really are like Lucifer, you know? That being said, I'll do my best to make sure you relax! Shall we begin~?"

Beel

Beel may not be too bothered by Lucifer's strictness, but that doesn't mean he's immune to it. To think that even a human can be like that...

It's nice to see that you can take care of yourself, but aren't you working too hard? Your grades are good and you've got many interesting talents, but you also have to properly rest.

Has started bringing you snacks on the regular. And don't even think about skipping meals, because he won't allow it. He'll literally pick you up and bring you to the table if he has to. And if you're staying up late to study? He'll carry you to bed. Don't try to protest.

Beel is your babysitter now and there's nothing you can do about it. It's good to be responsible, but don't think about trying to take care of everyone else if you can't care for yourself. Now eat these twelve meat buns he bought for you.

"MC, let's eat lunch together. I know you were going to skip because I heard you talking to Solomon earlier, and I won't let you. Ah, don't worry about not having money, because I've already bought you some lunch. Let's eat in the courtyard."

Belphie

NO.... IT CAN'T BE... THIS HAS TO BE A NIGHTMARE....HE WANTS TO WAKE UP....

You're such a drag. You harass him to attend student council meetings, but him about his studies, and won't let him avoid a single obligation he has. What are you, his mother?

Has 100% joined forces with Satan to try to make you fall for many, many unsuccessful pranks. Are you curse proof or something? When he tried a '10 hour bed-head' spell on you, it just rebounded right to him! Then he found out that you'd borrowed a spell repelling amulet from Solomon and realized just how prepared you are...

When you aren't bothering his entire soul by trying to make him do things, you're actually nice to talk to. You're knowledgeable, you pay attention to the people around you, and you can always read a room. He likes to ask you for advice sometimes.

"Aren't you tired of being like that all the time? So... attentive, I mean. You should just take a nap some time. Or better yet, take the week off. Maybe I'll teach you how to properly relax? Then you might finally be able to take that stick out of your- ow... What're you hitting me for?"

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers GRAND EDITION for Switch ;; More, Blood ー Yuma Maniac [Prologue]

Monologue

ーー I could not get the concept of a livestock’s pride,

out of my head.

Since I became one of them, some time had passed.

Compared to the other kids my age, I had a large frame,

and my battle skills weren’t all too shabby either,

so whenever a fight broke out, 

I more often than not found myself by Boss’ side.

That day, I ended up finding out

about Boss’ secret.

Opposite to the fear I experienced at that time,

afraid of getting kicked out of the group,

Boss actually began to pay even more attention to me.

No, it was something slightly different.

Unlike before, it seemed as if Boss,

was seeking support from me.

While chowing down on the food he acquired through his secret activities,

we would talk about the most trivial things.

It was such a simple thing,

yet I came to realize that only during those times,

a pressure seemed to be lifted off Boss’ heart.

That is when I first found out.

That even Boss had a hard time,

burdening everything by himself.

It is so obvious when you think about it.

No matter how reliant or amazing of a guy he may have been,

in the end, he was still a young boy.

Boss was not much older than me,

he was still just a child after all.

However, even when I thought of him that way,

my respect for him did not falter.

If anything, knowing he still lived strong despite that,

I admired him.

ー The scene starts with a flashback in the city

*THUD*

Gang member A: Ugah...!

Bear: Ahーahー ...Can you guys not even read a calendar? Ah? I thought we decided we’d settle the score in three days?

See? As you can tell, this message was delivered from you guys’ boss to ours. He was even kind enough to attach a knife with it.

So why are you two here to try and strike while I least expect it? (1) What’s the meaning behind that, huh? You wanted to meet me that badly?

Gang member B: ...Because we have a bone to pick with you! We wanted to at least get one good hit off on you before you all get wiped out!

*Swoosh*

Bear: Wiped out, you say!?

*THUD*

Gang member B: Uguh!

Bear: You really think our whole squad would get wiped out by you little punks? Just how highly do you think of yourself?

Gang member B: ...Heh, hahaha!

Bear: Disgusting. Whatcha laughing for?

Gang member B: Nobody expects it. And that’s exactly why we aimed for those three days.

Bear: Ah...?

Gang member A: Oi, don’t say any more! Let’s go!

Gang member B: Che, guess we’ve got no other choice...!

*Rustle*

Bear: ...Hold it!

ー The other gang members run away

Bear: ...What do they mean...?

*TIMESKIP*

Lucks: ーー The day has finally come.

Once the morning dawns, we’ll go settle the score with those guys. Anyone under the age of ten remains here. You’ll be in charge of protecting the hideout until we return.

Everyone coming with me is all ready to go, right?

Comrade A: Yeah!

Comrade B: More than ever, Boss! We’ve set everything up perfectly for today.

Lucks: Don’t overdo it. Lately the military has been patrolling the city as well. They’re not the kind of guys you want to get involved with.

Bear: ...

Lucks: Oi, Bear? Are you listening?

Bear: Eh? Ah, yeah. What?

Lucks: What’s wrong with you? You look so gloomy. With you looking like that, it’ll affect the spirit of our team!

Bear: My bad...Say, Boss. Shouldn’t we think this over one more time?

Lucks: You’re still saying that? Are you that worried about what they said?

They all talk big like that, no? It’s basically a greeting at this point.

Bear: That’s true but...I have a bad feeling about this. For some reason, I feel restless...

Lucks: Hehe...Bear, you might excel in terms of your built and physique, but you’re more of a coward than I thought.

Bear: Boss! I am seriouslyーー!

*Rustle*

Lucks: Don’t worry. Nothing bad will happen.

We’ve been in plenty of fights up till now, right? However, we always came out victorious.

And if we defeat those guys today, we will finally stand at the very top of this city.

In short, we’ll have conquered the very bottom layer of this country. Do you understand what that means? It’s the first step towards our ‘dream’.

We’re not out to kill each other or anything. Well, I’m sure some blood will be spilt regardless. 

We might call each other the enemy, but we’re actually also comrades living in the same place. The real threat are the rich, not them.

Despite everything, I like the kids living here. They’re headstrong, genuine and strong.

Which is why I won’t let them fight ever again once I reach the top. I’ll start by changing my own surroundings like that.

Bear: ...

Lucks: Besides, I’m here for you guys. And so are you all for me. How could we possibly lose?

Bear: ...Yeah, you’re right.

( He’s right. I’m sure this is all just my imagination. ...But you know, Boss. )

( I still have a bad feeling about this. I know that there’s just no possible way we lose, but there’s this uneasy feeling in my chest... )

( ...Please let it just be my imagination. )

Monologue

...Back then,

if only I had stopped Boss even by force,

would he have...would everyone have,

possibly survived?

In those filthy quarters, wearing dirty clothes,

but eating the same food,

as we all became adults together...

...I wonder if Boss,

would have been able to fulfill his dreams...?

ー The scene shifts to another flashback in the city

Comrade A: ...What...on earth is that...?

Comrade B: A tank...!? From the army...!?

Bear: ( ...Those bastards! They really planned to set us up after allーー!! )

Military member: An armed gang has been spotted. We can assume they are a rebellious group as stated in the information we received. Commence suppression!

Lucks: ! You guys, ruーー...!!

*BANG BANG*

Monologue

ーー We were children.

Despite calling this a fight,

somewhere inside our hearts,

we believed it to be impossible to lose our lives in just a kids’ quarrel.

I’m sure that the thought of their comrades dying, their Boss dying,

or even themselves dying,

did not even cross their minds.

Before the overwhelming force in front of us,

we were utterly powerless.

Bear: ...

...Boss...Hey...Open your eyes...

Aren’t you the one who said...I’d have to watch you till the bitter end...?

But you never told me it would be like this...! ...Damnit...!

Military member: ーー A survivor has been spotted. Kill him.

*BANG*

ー The flashback ends as the scene shifts to the kitchen

*Rustle rustle*

Yui: Ah, Yuma-kun! Geez, you’re searching the fridge again...Dinner will be served soon, you know?

Yuma: I’m hungry right now. Actin’ all high and mighty tryin’ to lecture me, huh, Sow?

Besides, it’s ‘cause ya always take forever makin’ our meals.

Yui: ( I started on it as soon as I got back from school, so rushing me any more would be... )

*Rustle rustle*

Yui: ( Ahーah... Today he’s going for a whole package of sausages... )

Yuma: ...

...Oi.

Yui: Yes?

Yuma: Who’s that dude from the other day?

Yui: Eh?

Yuma: That NEET on the staircase.

Yui: Staircase...Aah, you mean Shuu-san? He’s the eldest son of the Sakamaki family. Sakamaki Shuu-san.

Yuma: ...Do ya think I’m dumb? (2) I obviously know that much!

Yui: T-Then why did you ask?

Yuma: This prey really doesn’t get a hint...Is yer head completely empty or somethin’, aahn!?

I’m askin’ what kinda dude the eldest son of those Sakamaki bastards is!

Yui: What kind...?

( He basically wants to know Shuu-san’s personality? Hm... )

A listless...person, I guess? To put it simply.

Yuma: Haah? That isn’t ‘simple’ at all.

Yui: But if I had to put it some other way...He always seems exhausted, for example...?

I’m pretty sure his only interests are music and sucking blood. Also napping.

Yuma: Haah...He’s an actual NEET. (3) Anyway, and that guy’s the eldest son? It pisses me off how those on top are always too lazy to do anythin’.

...No, I guess that’s exactly why he’s like that. He can get his ass on the throne just by sleepin’ after all. Whatever. What else?

Yui: There’s also...Don’t ask me about the details, but I heard he went through quite a lot in the past...

Yuma: ...The fuck? Did he almost get himself killed or somethin’?

Yui: Like I said, I’m not quite sure eithーー

*THUD*

Yui: Kyah...!

Yuma: You do know, don’t you? Ya had them wrapped ‘round yer lil’ finger with that body of yers, didn’t ya? Ah?

So don’t tell me ya don’t know their secrets.

Yui: I’ve told you before, I never...

*THUD*

Yui: ...!

Yuma: Oi...I don’t think you’re that stupid but, you’re not tryin’ to cover for those bastards, are ya?

Yui: Cover...?

Yuma: Aren’t ya hidin’ all and any information which could put them at a disadvantage from us? Aahn?

Okay...Listen up!

Right now, you are our livestock and my toy. In short, we are yer owners.

If ya dare betray us ーー I will kill ya. I’d mess ya up real good, we could actually feed ya to the pigs and cows once I’m done with ya. (4)

Yui: ...Uu...

Yuma: ...Heh. You’re just gonna stand there quietly, shiverin’ in fear again? Ya really are so borin’.

Just don’t betray us then? As long as ya can do that, I can look past minor slip-ups.

‘Course, I have a limit. If ya make too much of a fuss...

ー Yuma grabs hold of her

Yui: ...! What are you doing...!?

Yuma: I’ll teach ya while I’m at it. What kind of punishment would be waitin’ you, that is.

Well? I’m pretty sure yer body is already used to this, whether ya like it or not. 

ー He bites her

Yui: ...!

Yuma: Nn...Phew...

Yui: ...Nn...!

*Rustle*

Yui: ( Ah...! )

Yuma-kun...! The pot! The stove is still on...

Yuma: Aahn? Who cares ‘bout that crap? Just keep still!

Yui: No! If it boils for too long, the noodles will become overcooked and it won’t be good...

Yuma: ...Che, pasta out of all things? I can think of at least one person who will throw a tantrum if that happens.

Yui: If you understand, let me go...!

Yuma: Won’t do. If ya want me to stop that badly, then try and stop me yerself.

Yui: No way...!

( How should I do that when he’s holding onto me with his full strength...!? )

Nn...Nn...!

Yuma: Hehe...Do ya really think ya can slip free like that? You’re basically just shiverin’.

Don’t overestimate yerself too much, ‘kay?

‘Cause you’re the one who will end up regrettin’ it in the end...

Yui: ...!

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the dining room

Kou: ...What’s this...? I don’t want to eat this mushy mess!

Yui: I-I’m sorry, Kou-kun. I was going to boil a new batch, but we ran out of pasta...

( I got yelled at as to be expected... )

Kou: Then please give me a reward instead.

Let’s see...Fufu, I’ll forgive you if you let me suck your blood, okay? Say, what do you think?

Yui: W-What I think...?

*Thud*

Yuma: If ya continue spoutin’ that bullshit, you’ll be takin’ one hefty blow ‘gainst that face you’re so damn proud of!

Ruki: Yuma. We’re in the middle of our meal.

Azusa: Don’t worry, the pasta is safe...Hey, Yuma...You can hit me instead if you’d like?

Yuma: Ya stupid!?

Kou: Geez~ What are you getting so upset for? I was just messing around a little. Joking is what we idols do! (6)

Yuma: Do you see me laughin’!? As her caretaker, I’m obviously the one who has to blame her whenever she messes up! Don’t try and take my job!

Yui: ( Actually, it’s Yuma-kun’s fault the pasta overcooked in the first place... )

( Speaking of which, I wonder why Yuma-kun asked about Shuu-san earlier? )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) Yuma uses the word 寝込み or ‘nekomi’ which literally implies that they tried to attack him ‘in his sleep’. However, I think this is meant to be taken less literal in this case, but refers to the fact that they were expecting an attack in 3 days, so they could have been caught off guard. 

(2) Literally he says ‘are you looking down on me/are you underestimating me?’ but ‘do you think I’m dumb’ sounded better in this context.

(3) A NEET stands for a person who isn’t in education or training, implying that they don’t work but aren’t currently in school either. They have a very bad reputation for being ‘lazy’, simply wasting their life away at home, sitting at the computer, watching TV, etc.

(4) Yuma says he would mess her up so badly, she could actually become ‘food for livestock’ by the end of it.

(5) In Japanese, the expression for overcooking noodles in Japanese is ‘麺が伸びる’ or ‘men ga nobiru’ which literally means ‘the noodles will stretch’, referring to them being too plump/soft because they cooked for too long.

(6) Kou calls it an アイドルジョーク or ‘Idol joke’ which isn’t a term I’m actually familiar with. I do know that idols in Japan appear on TV quite often and a lot of those programs are geared towards comedy, so I assume having a decent sense of humor is a must if you want to be a Japanese idol. xD

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<- [ Dark Epilogue ] [ Maniac 01 ] ->

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #242: “EASY COME... EASY GO!”

April, 1984

“Okay Avengers, the party’s over!”

Being a buzzkill, party-hating Cover Vision!

Hmm. Something about this cover makes it feel like from an older era. The returned Mighty Avengers logo or maybe the inking? Or perhaps the Silver Age DC superdickery energy to it? I can’t put my finger on it but this feels like a cover you’d see in the 70s instead of the 80s.

Last time on Avengers: Well, they went to San Francisco for a two-parter where they fought Morgan Le Fey to save Jessica Drew’s soul. As ya do.

Vision has also been a tube boy after he walked into a null field. Starfox hooked him up to the Titan supercomputer and that didn’t fix him, it did overclock his robot brain and let him broadcast giant holograms of his own head. That’s almost as good.

This time:

Some guy: “HOLY GEEZ!”

An interesting note, this guy has only ever seen Quinjets in pictures and never thought he’d see one in person. Tells you how often the Avengers hang around Ottumwa, Iowa.

We start with the Avengers in mid-return from California.

In one of the Quinjets, She-Hulk is telling Starfox that she wished they could have spent more time before returning to New York so she could have shown him LA.

Starfox: “Ah, well... I’m sure another opportunity will present itself, She-Hulk! Besides, the scenery around her has plenty to offer!”

Wanda looks like she’s trying to astral project away from Starfox putting his hand on her shoulder but she’s really just distracted thinking about Vision.

The Avengers on the Jessica Drew mission radioed back to the Mansion that they were bringing Hank Pym home but Wanda suggested that Hank could examine Vision and maybe fix him. But Vision rejected the idea and Wanda is at a loss for why he’s determined to overcome his robo-paralysis on his own.

I’m also a little confused why they didn’t call on Hank Pym sooner to examine tube Vision but then again that would have been super awkward for Wasp and Reed Richards, that hack, said Vision should have recovered quickly.

Speaking of super awkward, Hank and Wasp are alone together in the other Quinjet.

Hank is also baffled that Vision turned down his help. He repaired him once before! Remember? He got super tiny and had a fantastic voyage inside him? In Avengers #93?

Jan comments that she hasn’t heard Hank sound so confident in years and he confirms that devoting his time fully to SCIENCE and taking superheroing off the table as an option has done wonders for his emotional outlook.

He also reiterates that he never felt cut out for the superhero life. Aw, enjoy it while it lasts, bud.

And he thanks her for calling him Hank instead of “Dr. Pym” like she did at the hospital.

Wasp: “Oh... That. Well, when you flew out at my request to help save Jessica Drew’s life... after all we’d been through... the divorce and all... I’m afraid I slipped into my stuffy Avengers chairwoman voice. I thought it might make things easier, but it didn’t... For either of us. I’m sorry, Hank.”

Hank Pym: “That’s okay, Jan. I understand. Your ‘stuffy chairwoman voice,’ huh? Heh-heh. How often do you have to use that?”

Wasp: “Wellll... Most of the time the others will go along with ol’ ‘dingaling Jan’ -- but sometimes, I have to get tough. That never fails to grab their attention!”

Hank Pym: “No doubt! Once, I was the only Avenger who knew how tough you really were! I’m glad the others are learning.”

Wasp: “I guess that none of us are ever too old to learn, Hank.”

Feels like Hank is rewriting some things in his memories since Jan often had to diminish herself to make him feel better but then again it didn’t always work so maybe the idea is that he knew all along how strong she was?

Either way, nice to see these two interacting so amiably.

Also, I like that she’s able to be an effective leader while still being ‘dingaling Jan’ since it doesn’t change how smart and capable she is. And the contrast if she has to get serious only helps.

I think overall I like that her leadership style is so uniquely her and that when her character was retrofitted to operate outside of being ‘Hank Pym’s partner’ she still remained recognizably her.

We have a whopping several women on the Avengers at this time (glorious) and Wasp, She-Hulk, Scarlet Witch, and Captain Marvel all feel like different characters.

Since Vision declined Hank Pym’s help, Wasp drops him off back home in Central Indiana.

Once these two were husband and wife, friends and lovers. But they were very different people and, without meaning to, they hurt each other very much. Today, they have perhaps put a small bit of that hurt behind them. Today, they have again become friends.

Daaaaw. Friends.

Wasp returns to Avengers Mansion to discover there’s a full-on party going on. There’s even streamers and a Captain America who seems incredibly enthusiastic about streamers.

(In another fun bit, Monica knew about the party already because she flew ahead to the mansion before joining Wasp in the Quinjet after she dropped off Hank. And she was bursting to not tell Wasp what was going on as they landed.)

Wasp is even more surprised when she learns that the party is celebrating Hawkeye’s marriage.

Wasp: “Barton? You mean Hawkeye? Married?!?”

Hawkeye: “‘Fraid so, Jan! I’d like you to meet my bride... Mockingbird.”

Mockingbird: “How do you do?”

Wasp: “Oh... fine. You’ll have to excuse me. This is... quite a surprise.”

A reaction that Mockingbird says she’s getting used to because she’s seeing it from all of Hawkeye’s friends!

Hah!

Hawkeye asks Cap on the sly whether he made the right move, getting married, but Cap is very supportive, saying its the most responsible thing he’s ever done.

Hawkeye: “What?! Cap, you cut me to the quick! Haven’t I always acted in a mature, responsible manner?”

She-Hulk: “Look who’s talking... the man whose proudest achievement is the invention of the water-balloon arrow!”

Provided She-Hulk isn’t just making stuff up, there’s some serious off-screen shenanigans that we didn’t get to see, possibly involving Hawkeye shooting water balloons at She-Hulk all day.

But... CLINT. YOU INVENTED AN ANTI-GRAVITY ARROW!

Why am I the only one who remembers that?

Thor shows up at the party next, back from his own solo adventures, and offers his own congratulations to Hawkeye.

Mockingbird is undergoing some culture shock here, as she’s astounded that Hawkeye calls Thor “Goldilocks.” And when Thor turns his Thor charm on her, and blesses their wedding, she’s rendered briefly speechless.

Its fun that we get this side of her. I think she was similarly blown away when they met Cap on the subway.

But even though she was a SHIELD agent and then a freelance superhero, she doesn’t seem to have a lot of exposure to your Avengers types so Hawkeye pulling her into those social circles is a lot of fun.

She’s going to get used to it though. I know that she Avenges herself in the future.

Also, look at Thor’s flagon of mead. Holy shit. Its as big as his whole torso.

Jarvis is really dedicated!

Over in a quiet corner of the party, Wanda tries to convince Vision to let Hank Pym take a look at him but Vision dismisses the idea.

Vison: “Please, Wanda, let’s not spoil this happy occasion! Surprise parties are all too rare, and few of them are party to as many surprises as this one!”

And instead of explaining what he means, he turns his hologram off.

Well, okay.

AH HA HE WAS REPAIRED AND JUST DIDN’T MENTION

For reasons of surprise.

What a whimsical turn for the Vision.

Aw, that panel of them kissing and everyone cheering is sweet. That’s how I like to remember them. Not, err, later developments.

(I also like Mockingbird being confused whether or not he’s still a hologram because of his intangibility)

Everyone congratulates Vision for being bipedal again.

Vision: “It’s good to be moving, Jan. But my recovery shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise. As I told you a few days ago, it was just a matter of time before I isolated the cause of my body’s motor dysfunctions -- and initiated the proper repair systems.”

But he tosses some sweet cred to Starfox, for hooking up to an alien supercomputer. It’s like matchmaking but with networks.

The surprise of his surprise recovery pales compared to his next surprise, as he announces (without consulting Wanda at all, geez) that its imperative that she and him stay with the Avengers full-time.

All I’m saying is communication is important, Vizh.

And maybe you should have brought this up with Wasp too? She is the chairwoman and as Cap points out, the team is already pretty packed, especially with Hawkeye and Thor back.

Vision: “Yes, the ‘chairman’s privilege’ limit! But you’re not the leader now, Cap... the Wasp is! And she’ll just have to change that limit -- or the membership roster -- to include Wanda and myself! We will be needed in the upcoming emergency!”

Kinda dropping a lot of surprises on this surprise party, Vision! I don’t know if you really get the concept wholly? You’re not supposed to save up all the surprises for this one day.

Also, Vision’s speech bubbles have changed. They’re still rounded rectangles but they’re not yellow anymore and the font is a bit italicized. Hm. Wonder if that means anything.

Anyway, Vision announces that while he was a tube boy, he detected two major fluctuations of Earth’s electromagnetic fields by some “unknown energy of near-infinite power.”

He’s secretly been working with Reed Richards on this and neither of them have been able to track down what this nonsense is. But until this malevolent mystery is uncovered, he and Wanda as two of the more powerful reservists must obviously be active Avengers.

But how does he know its malevolent if he hasn’t been able to uncover what it is? Deductive reasoning and intuitive presentiment!

Pffffft.

I think this might be my favorite recent punchline from this book.

But Vision has more than just bad vibes to be given a frighten by this upcoming ominousness!

Vision: “The energy I detected goes beyond the limits of any known to man! The power flux showed on our screens for a mere fraction of a second, and then disappeared without a single trace. That concerns me... And it should concern all of us! If we cannot discover the source of this energy, there could be catastrophic consequences!”

And to show how seriously he’s taking this, he makes this horrifying face.

He looks like he’s trying to eat Wasp.

I do not care for this. Either the specific panel or the overall idea of someone eating Wasp.

Anyway, Vision and Scarlet Witch goes off to check the super advanced equipment he installed in the monitor room without asking anyone. He’s doing that a lot lately.

Wasp is both annoyed that he went over her head and impressed with his initiative in doing so.

But she has other matters to attend and asks Thor and Cap(tain America) head down for a private meeting with her.

And now the party is kind of over!

Yeah, you ruined it, Vision! You put too many surprises on the surprise party! You could have saved some for later!

Vision and Scarlet Witch went off to the monitor room. Wasp, Cap(tain America), and Thor went off to have an executive meeting. And Hawkeye and Mockingbird slipped away from their own party not long after that!

Leaving Captain Marvel, She-Hulk, Starfox, and Jarvis to stand around awkwardly wondering where the party went. They didn’t even cut the cake yet!

Dammit Vision!

Hawkeye snuck out to the garden behind Avengers Mansion that’s been there all along. And Mockingbird followed to see what’s bugging him.

Hawkeye: “I’ve always loved this spot. Great tree, isn’t it? Ya know, it’s not easy to get an apple tree to grow this big in the city!”

But Mockingbird sees through that and asks what’s really his beef.

Hawkeye: “Aw, it’s just that I can see another membership shuffle in the works!”

Mockingbird: “So?”

Hawkeye: “So, I’m the one most likely to get bounced!”

I like the range of Hawkeye emotions here.

Hawkeye says that since he has a life (marriage) outside the Avengers now, he doesn’t mind so much being cut from the team. But if they’re going to be facing the latest and greatest menace of all times, he wants to face it with them!

Mockingbird: “That was pretty profound... for a guy who’s supposed to be a butt-head!”

Hawkeye: “Well, thank you, Mrs. Butt-head!”

Aww.

This is a fun bit too.

Mockingbird asks if Hawkeye wants to go inside and get some cake but he shoots an apple from the tree and offers Mockingbird one.

Pretty slick, Clint.

Over at the monitor room, Vision is really into monitoring whatever is upcoming. Super into it. So Wanda has to ask a question.

Scarlet Witch: “Darling... Are you sure you’re all right?”

Vision: “What sort of question is that?”

Scarlet Witch: “You’ve been acting so peculiar lately!”

Vision: “Wanda, how do you expect me to act? I’ve just recovered from spending what seemed like an eternity in a life support tube, able to move about only as a holographic image! Before that, my body was possessed by the dying sorcerer, Necrodamus. And that was almost immediately after I’d gone through the agony of losing an arm. Thankfully, the Inhuman scientists of Attilan were able to restore my limb. But you must admit we’ve both been through a score of trails these past few months! And now, I’ve detected something which could be the biggest menace we’ve ever faced! All things considered, is it really so surprising that I’m acting this way?”

Huuuuuh. I mean, he has a point. That’s a lot of shit in a very short time frame to endure.

This could very reasonably be a reaction to it all.

That’s a very unnerving smile though.

Over at the not-secret but private just Wasp, Thor, and Cap(tain America) meeting, Wasp, Thor, and Cap(tain America) are meeting.

Well, really, its more that Thor is recapping the tale of Beta Ray Bill for the other two. But we, the readers, just get an editor’s caption telling us to read Walter Simonson’s Thor (and I don’t need to be told twice) and Thor summing up to the salient point that Donald Blake is gone forever and is definitely never going to come back multiple times.

What Cap takes from this is ‘hey i hope that means you’re back on the team then!’ which Thor affirms.

Thor: “Aye, Captain America! Some of my finest hours have been as an Avenger. It would be the greatest honor to continue my service in your company... if you will have me!

But Wasp isn’t going to dump Thor from the roster!

Problem being, what the heck is she going to do with the roster? She doesn’t want to dump anyone off it, she doesn’t want to tell Vision to eff off, but she doesn’t want to lead an unwieldy team either. Six is a good number of Avengers!

I love Wasp’s note paper where she’s scrawled various roster ideas, clearly getting more and more frustrated with the exercise.

Cap suggests that maybe a temporary expansion would be the best move, if there even is a menace!

He’s somewhat doubtful of Vision’s story but wouldn’t you know it, as soon as he says that, the priority alarm goes off because Vision has detected the Ominous Energy Readings again.... IN CENTRAL PARK!

And lest anyone doubt Vision this time, an enormous and blinding flash lights up the Manhattan skies.

Cap: “I... believe you, Vision.”

Hah.

The Avengers head for Central Park with devices that Vision has created that will help them trace the energy but he could have saved the time.

There’s a big obvious structure that wasn’t there before. Odds are pretty good that that’s the anomaly.

Hmmm... Y’know, that structure looks familiar. As if I’ve seen it somewhere... But wheeeeeeeeeerre. I guess its a secret to everyone.

The sudden appearance of a large structure right after a massive flash isn’t even the weirdest thing going on. As Reluctant Science Guy Starfox waves around the detecting device, he realizes that the Ominous energy isn’t coming from the giant structure. It seems to be coming from everywhere. But it dips as you get closer to the structure.

Starfox posits that the energy is being focused on the ring from another location.

Curiouser and curioserer.

The Avengers poke around some more. Hawkeye calls attention to an arch built into the wall of the structure. It’s just real interesting. It’s super, incredibly interesting. Plus, the air is nice in the arch.

And it’s an arch. It looks like it’d be a doorway or tunnel to the middle of the structure but it doesn’t go anywhere.

Huh.

How fascinating.

She-Hulk, Cap(tain America), Captain Marvel, Wasp, and Thor join Hawkeye in the arch and agree that it’s a pretty interesting arch.

Perhaps this arch was made for them.

As soon as they join Hawkeye in it, there’s another blinding flash of light and those Avengers vanish in a curl of smoke.

Wow.

I can’t believe Hawkeye, She-Hulk, Captains America and Marvel, Wasp and Thor are dead.

Huh. And Wasp was just complaining about having too many Avengers!

Everyone is appropriately shocked by this, especially Vision because there were no energy emissions coming from the thing so it should have been inert.

Scarlet Witch and Starfox wonder whether the missing Avengers have been teleported somewhere, into some other story... or destroyed.

But before they can investigate the structure for clues, or see if it’ll strike again?, the whole thing vanishes as quickly as it appeared.

The plus side is that it makes Starfox lean toward ‘teleported’ which still doesn’t answer where the Avengers have been taken or who would do it.

If it’s the Collector again, I swear!

Here we go... Follow @essential-avengers​ because I thought I had more time! Oh geez, I don’t know how I’m going to handle this... Also, like and reblog because I like to think I do good work.

[gaamagirl565]

Matters of the heart ep 10

Matters of the heart

Episode 10

First impressions

{OPENING CREDITS}

{open to morning in old corona; rooster crows and pans to Isaiah waking up; start reprise of “when will my life begin”} {Isaiah} Ugh. 7:15 it’s morning once again time to get up Go downstairs and eat whatever dad has made Go outside and get started on my chores Feed the pigs, milk the cows and now it’s 8;45 Time to get the eggs from all the mother hens Let sheep all out of their tiny pen Pick some fruit, and read, and just basically Wonder when will my life begin And I’ll keep wonderin’ and wonderin’ 

and wonderin’ and wonderin’ Just when will my life begin… Ugh… {end song with Isaiah kicking a bucket then promptly grabbing his foot} Isaiah: Ow! {cut to the edge of the forest and noremoth is looking over at old Corona} Noremoth: Corona...ick...The name always leaves a bad taste in my mouth… Cassandra: I would ask why but I feel like you're going to tell me even if I don't… Noremoth: a kingdom full of self-righteous people... too high and mighty to even care about helping those less fortunate.  they speak as if there's some sort of Heaven on earth and then they turn around and ignore your existence when you truly need them… Cassandra: that's not completely true… Noremoth:  and yet your past begs to differ sweet vessel… Cassandra: call me that again we will have problems. Noremoth:  temper temper... you know your mission correct? Cassandra:... yes… Noremoth:  good girl... repeat it, please. Cassandra:... infiltrate Corona get the Moonstone shard and leave. Noremoth:  that's a right and remember we're not here to diddle daddle... get it and go. Cassandra: You told me about the person who has it and let me just say I knew this person at one point and he's not going to give it up easily so how do you expect me to get it? {Noremoth unsheathes his sword} Noremoth: by any means necessary of course!  and don't forget if you try and tell anyone of what's going on... let's just say you won't want that. {Cassandra’s eyes flicker in color for a second; Cut to Isaiah in the orchard with a basket and a book} Isaiah: ughhh!  I'm never going to get this right!  it says to keep my knees leveled and balance but how am I supposed to do that when I can't even pick up the sword! {Ruddiger yawns and Isaiah walks over to a tree with a long sword resting on it; not to far away from him is a stump with a log on it} Isaiah: Okay... hold sword firmly in hands and swing forcefully down...Ruddiger,  if this kills me I want roses at my funeral, thank you! { he closes the book and picks up the sword; Cassandra appears from behind a tree that immediately Retreats behind it upon seeing him; Isaiah attempts to lift the sword} Cassandra: what on Earth is he doing? { Isaiah lifts the sword over his head but the weight causes him to fall  onto his back and drop it} Isaiah: Whoa!!...owwww…. { Cassandra cringes and walks over to him} Cassandra: what are you doing kid? { Isaiah immediately jumps up and tries listing The Sword in the defensive position} Isaiah: who are you!? I've never seen you around here before! are you a threat!? Cassandra: Okay first of all… { she sweeps out her leg knocking Isaiah's legs out from under him making him fall back to the ground} Cassandra: your stance was all wrong... secondly the sword is way too heavy for you you wouldn't be able to lift it further than your head if you tried I'm surprised you were even able to do that... this is a claymore kid… Isaiah:... it's my family's Greatsword... Cassandra: uh-huh... you do realize greatswords nowadays are practically decorative right? not actually used for fighting anymore. Isaiah:.. that would explain why it was so dull… { Cassandra helps him up and pulls out her own sword which is much thinner and medium-sized; she hands it over to him} Cassandra: there.  Better? Isaiah: yeah I'm actually kind of surprised at how much lighter this one feels. Cassandra:  your stance was all wrong your legs were crooked. don't Point them inward.  Point your knees outward and lift with your knees only curl your back when you're going to swing.  as for your aim might be a little more difficult for you considering your eye... your depth perception must be crap. Isaiah: hey! Cassandra:  I'm just speaking the truth kid… { she moves behind him and Maneuvers him into the correct position} Cassandra: there... Try it now. { Isaiah eyes her curiously before going to swing;  he cuts the log in half perfectly} Isaiah: I..I did it..I DID IT! Cassandra:  you sure did kid. Isaiah: thank you,  Miss... I didn't catch your name Cassandra:  my name is Cassandra but you can call me Cass. Isaiah:  I'm Isaiah... {cut to them sitting under a tree and having lunch together laughing} Cassandra: wow.. that is... quite the way to get a scar… Isaiah: yeah I probably should have thought that one through… Cassandra:  when I was younger I knew a kid not too much older than you and he almost crashed me with this giant robot thing… Isaiah:  geez that kid sounds unstable! Haha! Cassandra: yeah... haven't seen him in years... so do your parents know you want to be part of the royal guard or… Isaiah: my dad knows he tries not to show up but I know he's nervous about me joining... I never got to tell Mum… Cassandra: Why is that? Isaiah: I lost my mom when I was really little.  she was killed by Bandits… Cassandra: I'm really sorry about that kid… but you still got your dad right? what does he do? Isaiah: he's an alchemist mostly… {Cassandra looks shell shocked} Isaiah:  apparently he used to do a lot of traveling before I was born and he's best friends with the queen. Apparently she got him out of a lot of trouble when he was younger he won't talk about that though. brings up bad memories you know?  Miss Cass? {cut to Cassandra crying and looking shocked} Isaiah: Miss Cass? what's wrong? are you okay? { Cassandra looks over at him and wipes her tears away} Cassandra: Yeah... just something in my eye… Isaiah: I can tell you're lying trust me that's a line I always use. {Cassandra looks away from him} Cassandra: look all I'm going to say is... I know your dad... or rather I knew him. we were good friends once. Isaiah: really!? Cassandra: let me guess your dad's name is Varian? Isaiah: Yes!  my dad is Varian! when was the last time you two saw each other!? { Cassandra Shuffle uncomfortably} Cassandra: look kid...I’m kinda here for a reason...and it’s not... Isaiah: no yeah I totally get it!  hey you know what we're supposed to be visiting the capitol tomorrow!  why don't you come with me! you guys could see each other again! Cassandra: um kid I… Isaiah: please miss Cassandra? I'm sure it would make my dad really happy to see you again! {Cassandra look sadly at him and then back at the forest where the cult is waiting then back at him; Isaiah is looking up at her with hopeful eyes} Cassandra: alright... I'll meet you at the castle tomorrow…. 

Isaiah: that sounds great! I'll see you there tomorrow! I better return the Greatsword to my family's house before Grandpa realizes it's missing! Cassandra: *Chuckles*  yeah that would probably be a good idea… Isaiah: see you tomorrow miss Cass! and thank you! {her eyes flicker in color and pink magic crackles around her for a moment} Cassandra: Sorry little guy... you're not going to enjoy this at all... { cut to a giant barn where men are loading heavy sacks of grain  to store for the winter} Varian: If we follow this plan we should be able to keep enough grain to last us through winter... I've also put aside some seedlings to test on to see if we can come up with a better Harvest next year. Quirin:  good idea... and maybe we could…. Varian: dad? something wrong? Quirin:  slowly look over towards the northern border of the field... try not to make it obvious… { Varian does as he's told and sees a small group of people in armor trying to hide amongst the trees} Varian: I know those people... I know that armor...Noremoth... it's the cult… Quirin: you mean...that group you were fighting all those years ago? Varian: I thought they died out...they hadn’t made a move in years… Quirin:....I’ll gather the men. Tell them to gather their swords. Varian: don’t make any moves yet...Wheres my son? Quirin: he was out in the orchard. Varian: By himself!? They could have him already! Gather a search party! We need to-ah! {He turns around and Isaiah is right behind him} Varian: Isaiah! Oh, thank goodness! {he grabs him and checks him over} Varian: Isaiah did you see anyone? Did you speak to anyone? Isaiah: uhhh...no...why? Varian: We need to go to the castle! C’mon! Isaiah: Wait what!? Why!? Varian: Isaiah there are things I need to discuss with the queen and I want to keep an eye on you Isaiah: b-but dad- Varian: no buts Isaiah! In the wagon, now! Isaiah:...y-yes, sir... {Cassandra watches from the orchard and walks away with a sad but determined look; cut to Varian keeping the horse at a gallop through Corona’s main roads making people dodge} Isaiah: Ah!...D-dad slow down! You’re gonna hit, someone! Varian: sorry buddy no can do! {He gallops past the guard at the gate} Guard: what the-!? {he pulls the reins to stop the horse; he rushes out and grabs Isaiah and runs carrying him into the castle;  when he reaches the throne room he sets Isaiah down} Varian: Go find princess lily! Find her and both of you go to her room and lock the door! Don’t come out until I or the king or Queen come for you understand!? {Isaiah nods and runs away as Varian runs into the throne room; cut to the royal gardens} Isaiah: Lily? Lily!? Where are you? Lily: hmm? Isaiah: LILY!? {Lily gets up and jogs over from the bench she was reading on} Lily: what? Stop shouting! Isaiah: C’mon! We gotta go! {He pulls her hand} Lily: What why? What’s going on? Isaiah: I don’t know but I think the kingdom is under attack Lily: What!? Isaiah: my dad rushed us here and told me to protect you so come on! {They run through the garden heading to the main door but they hear running from behind} Isaiah: Quick into the bushes Lily! {He puts her in the bushes and picks up a thorned branch and hides; he waits for the person to get close enough before he jumps out and knocks their legs out from under them and points the branch at the once their down} Cassandra: nice job, kid... Isaiah: miss Cass? How did... how did you get here without the guards…? Cassandra: that doesn’t matter now...do you know where your dad is? Isaiah:... why? I thought we agreed we'd meet here tomorrow…? miss Cassandra what's going on? Cassandra: look Isaiah I don't have time!  I know I promised you before but things change… Isaiah:... what are you talking about? Why do you want to see my dad now if you were going to see him tomorrow? Cassandra:... just tell me where he is…I don’t want anyone to get hurt... Isaiah: I…!? {Varian, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and Various guards burst into the courtyard pointing their weapons} Rapunzel: C-Cass? Varian: Cassandra? What? Eugene: Okay I'm confused I thought you said there was a threat… Varian: there was.. I'm sure of it I saw them on the northern border of old Corona! {Cassandra suddenly looks like she's in pain as she holds herself slightly; Noremoth watches from a ways away} Isaiah: M-Miss Cass? Are you okay? {Pink crackles of magic surround her and she grips under her head} Cassandra: please... no... not now… Rapunzel: Cass? { suddenly everything is deathly quiet and Cassandra looks up with pink irises and green scleras;  Varian’s eyes dilate in fear} Varian: no... {Cassandra grabs Isaiah and presses a dagger to his throat; cut to Noremoth and he looks visibly disturbed; cut back to cassandra} Isaiah: AH!...M-miss...Cass? I...I don’t Cassandra:  like I said kid plans change. {Varian begins to panic} Varian: Cassandra please don’t! Cassandra: listen here Varian... you have something that we need... and I think you know exactly what I'm talking about… { Varian puts his hand over one of his vest pockets} Cassandra: Bingo... and let me make this perfectly clear if you want your kid to live I’d just hand it over. Varian: Please Cassandra...he’s just a child...let him go… Rapunzel: Cassandra you don't understand what you've missed in the last couple of years Isaiah is a literally all that Varian has please let him go! Cassandra: Oh Thank you Rapunzel! you reminded me of something!  Here Varian!  I've been meaning to return this to you! { she tosses over Estelles necklace and burying catches it;  he begins visibly shaking} Varian: H-how did...how did you…? Cassandra:  let me ask you something there and did you lie to your son or did you seriously not know? Isaiah: Daddy what’s she talking about? Cassandra: Oh my gosh you really didn't know, did you?   let me tell you it wasn't easy especially that Duke... barreling out of the carriage like that attempting to protect her... it was actually kind of romantic that brings me to a question.  what was she doing with a necklace with your name on it and such a romantic message on the back? wasn't she already married to that Duke? oh my do I sense a scandal? {Varian looks up at her filled with rage} Varian: you...you killed her… {Isaiah looks shell shocked and confused} Isaiah: W-what? Cassandra:  yes indeed I did... we've been calling it a practice round if you will... I was quite new to this power that I now possess.  I needed to learn to control it however it appears I'm “unstable”  however I would have never been able to find that out if it weren't for the lovely duchess so thank you!  thank you for sending them my way. Varian: I’LL KILL YOU! Eugene: Varian trust me I get it but... Rapunzel: We need to keep our heads. Varian: She killed Estelle! I’ll destroy her! {Isaiah begins shaking and whimpering} Cassandra:  tell you what I'll make you a little deal... you give me the moonstone shard and I'll give you back your boy do we have a deal?

{Varian looks Isaiah in the eyes} Isaiah:...Daddy… {Varian reaches into his pocket and takes out a small vial with a glowing shard} Cassandra: Perfect...AH! {Cassandra lets go of Isaiah and falls in pain letting Isaiah run over to his father; it’s revealed an arrow has pierced her shoulder} Cassandra: What in the hell… {Cassandra looks over to see Adira with Princess Lily behind her} Cassandra: you know there are some people that are nice to see you again and then there's you… Lance: that’s my Lady! Woohoo! {Noremoth rushes in and stands between them} Eugene: Now who is this guy!? Varian: Noremoth… Noremoth: Varian you wretch… {he holds up a vial of something} Noremoth: Backup all of you!  if I drop this we all go up in smoke! Rapunzel: what do you want… Noremoth: I want to leave in peace rather than pieces... and I'm taking our vessel with me… Rapunzel:  her name is Cassandra! {Eugene holds her back} Noremoth: eh, tomato...tomato... The point is we are leaving and you will not stop us... understood {Everyone is silent as Noremoth helps Cassandra up and waves his glove, making a portal; the walk through it and leave} Varian: Isaiah are you okay!? {Isaiah sobs loudly into his Father’s chest} Rapunzel: Is he okay!? {Adira walks over and examines his neck} Adira: ...He has a slight cut on his neck but nothing that can't easily be healed. Varian: shhhh...Isaiah...I’m here...it’s okay. I’m here. Isaiah: D-daddy… Varian: shhh..oh baby boy….it’s okay… {Varian looks at the necklace in his hand and down at his son then at his friends before shedding a few tears himself} Varian:...It’s okay...We’re okay… {END CREDITS}

[crazyrandomfucker]

Fated twins

Chapter 3: And may the problems begin

Summary:

Even if the bug heroes managed to free Ivan and Ioan from the akumas influence, they forgot to purify it and now they'll have to face the cosequences. Doubts, fear, anger, love and lots of support, our beloved heroes will have to face all that. But ain't life supposed to be like that?

____________________

-At Adrienne's bedroom-

Adrienne is at her room, staring at her computer screen. Someone named Alen and someone named Alya had created each a blog for the superheroes. Alen had made a blog for her and Lordbug, called the Lordblog, while Alya had created the Ladyblog for her brother and Ladybug. If she recalled correctly, those were the reporter twins they had saved at the stadium, so she guessed they made those blogs based on the battle formation they had had during the fight with the Stonehearted brothers, so it was normal that she shared the protagonism with that buggy guy she had worked with. Her opinion of him wasn't that much for now, they had met just once and fought together against evil. Sure, he had proven to have the wits to win the battle and had fought along her quite good for a beginner, even if he had seemed a bit worried before he entered the battle. But that was all, she knew nothing else and she wasn't sure if she was supposed to know more either. Suddenly, the news emergency broadcast pops up at her computer's screen. Apparently, even after they had defeated the monsters, people were transforming into stone monsters that looked exactly as the ones they had defeated earlier.

She rushes stairs down to see her brother and to check if he has already seen the news. And he did. They stare at each other very confused about what was happening, but the kwamis come out of their hiding places demanding for food before they have time to talk about it.

"Okay, we'll feed you. But what do you eat exactly? I mean, I doubt we can just give you anything" says Adrienne.

"Camembert!" shouts Plagg.

"Brie!" shouts Plague.

"So you're telling me that the gods of destruction eat cheese? Or do you eat anything else?" asks Adrien.

"You want to have powers? If you do, just give us lots of cheese and everything will go smoothly" replies Plagg.

"Okay, I'll make sure you both get your favourite cheese. One question why are random people turning into those stone monsters?"

"Did the bugs catch the akumas?" ask the kwamis at the same time.

-At Dupain-Cheng's bakery-

"Did you catch the akumas?" said at unison the ladybug kwamis.

"What does capturing the akuma has to do with the other stone beings?" asks Marin.

"The akumas can multiply, that's why it must be captured" explains Tekke.

"If Ivan and Ioan's emotions become negative, they'll turn to Stonehearts again, but this time they'll have an army to back them" says Tikki.

"So that means... This is all our fault" regrets Marinette. "I knew it. I'm not cut out to be a hero Tikki. I'm only going to keep messing up".

"Be calm, it was your first time. You're going to go back and capture Stoneheart's akuma, and do it successfully" says Tikki, trying to cheer her holder up.

"I can't I told you, I'm clumsy, I create disaster where I go. I will only make thing worse for you, for my partners and for everyone in Paris. Chat, Kitty and my brother will be better without me. I'm quitting"

"Hold a minute. You're quitting? Did I hear that right?" says Marin, beginning to head towards his sister direction. "You sister are not quitting. Not on my watch. Nuh-huh".

"But Ma-" tries to reply Mari.

"No, listen to me sis. Yes, you have messed up" says Marin holding her. "But so did I. It's our fault, we made the mistake, so we'll be the ones clearing that mistake. Got it?"

"Marin I-"

"Got it or not Mari? If you don't get it I'm going to hang you to Eiffel tower till you get it. Okey?"

The heroine sighs. "Yes brother, I'll do it".

-At Adrien's room-

"So we can't do anything without them?" ask Adrien as his sister returns with cheese for the kwamis.

"Only the holders of Ladybug's miraculous can purify the akumas and repair the damaged caused by the powers of other kwamis" explains Plagg.

"What are we there for then?" asks the model girl.

"You think they could handle the fights by themselves? Yeh, they could handle a few of them maybe, but trust me, you both represent destruction as the holders of the black cat ring. They represent creation. If there was only creation, the world would collapse in little time and there would be creations that would be harmful. That's why there must be destruction "says Plague. "You're here to help them by destroying anything is harmful, no matter if it's harmful objects, persons or even feelings. You're more than partners, you're their opposite and that's why you make a good team".

"Wow Plague... That was truly beautiful..." says Adrien.

"Yeah well, don't get used to it, it's just some info you needed so you won't run over Paris destroying everything" replies the kwami.

-At Marinette's room-

"I'm sorry Tikki, my brother may be right, but he's cut out to be Lordbug and I'm not. My brother and the cats may just find another Ladybug" says Mari. "I'm sorry Tikki".

"Wait, no! Don't take the-" tries to say Tikki, but she disappears when Marinette takes the earrings out.

"Tikki?" ask Mari. Hearing no response, she puts the earrings on the black box and puts it on her bag. "I'm sorry Tikki".

-At Dupain-Cheng's bakery-

Mari is eating breakfast with a very long face and while her brother and father are trying to cheer her up a bit, the girl just revolves inside herself because of the guilt she's feeling. She hasn't said it to her brother, but she was going to give her miraculous to Alya, he'll find out later and get mad for sure, but what else could she do? She simply wasn't made for being Ladybug. Or at least, she thought so. She tries to get those thoughts out of her head and finishes her breakfast as quickly as she can, daring her brother to race to school. But she lost. While Marin certainly had bad luck and that caused him to have lots of accidents, she was even clumsier, making it impossible for her to win. They finally arrive to school and they meet the reporter twins at the front gate.

"Hey girl, check this out. This is the Ladyblog, a blog made for our best superheroine and her cat companion" says Alya while showing Mari her new blog.

"Dude, check this better. Here I present you, the Lordblog. You know, a blog made for our awesome hero Lordbug and his incredible partner Kitty Noire" shows off Alen.

"Geez guys, you're truly looking up to them, don't you?" says Marin.

"Dude, they were simply amazing, you should have seen them fight" says Alen.

"But why do you trust them so much? Look at so many people turned into stone beings. What if they simply aren't cut out for being superheroes?" says Mari.

"Girl, I know what this is about" declares Alya. "You're scared, I get it. But they'll take care of the stone beings in no time. I've seen them fight with my own two eyes and let me tell you that they're absolutely great heroes".

"Yeah sis, you should have a little bit more of faith" agrees Marin.

Suddenly, they see lots of people around Ioan and Ivan, asking them questions about the akumatization and some even criticising him. But the Burgeoise twins come in calling them monsters and harassing them. The brothers get angry and leave. Alen and Alya face the blonds twins and Marin and Marinette go to try to comfort the Bruel brothers.

-At the Agreste’s manor-

"You didn't even saw them leave?" says Gabriel with anger and incredulity on his voice.

"No sir, we're sorry about it, we'll try to catch them before they reach that school" apologises Nathalie.

"I'll take your word on that. If something happens to them, you'll be held responsible! Now leave and get them" says angrily Gabriel before he turns his back to the bodyguards and Nathalie and walks away.

-At school's door-

"We made it! We're here Adrien!" says excited Adrienne.

"I know right!" answers her rother excited as well.

"I just don't get it, you have freedom to go anywhere and you go to school?" says Plagg lazily from inside the pocket of Adrien's jacket.

"You don't get it Plagg, we're done with being shut up in home by dad" replies Adrien.

"Yeah, we want to meet people and make friends" agrees Adrienne.

"Adrien and Adrienne! Don't do this, your father will be furious." says Nathalie, coming out of a limousine.

"Tell him you were too late. Please" prays Adrienne before going inside the building with her brother.

-Inside the building-

"Why did you have to do that Chloe and Cleón? You two are the real Stonehearts" says Alya.

"So we're the ones who broke Sebastian and Sabrina's dad arm, are we?" says Chloe.

"Just because your lame footage of those filthy heroes got to TV doesn't mean you have to get so high and mighty" says Cleón.

"You sonsuva-" says Alen.

"Ah! They're both angry! They're going to turn into naked bulked ugly monsters!" says Chloe.

The reporter twins go away before they jump at the blondes and get their shit together by fists and go to seek the designers. Meanwhile, two green-eyed blond models enter the school.

"Hey Chloe, Cleón" says Adrien.

"Hey guys" says his sister.

"Adrikins and Adrienne! You came!" says Chloe while hugging the models more that they were comfortable with.

"So you made it at last! I hope you didn't get caught" says Cleón.

"We did get caught yesterday, but we made it on time today".

-At the boys' lockers-

Mari and her brother smile as they find the brothers sitting down listening to some music. They get close to them and sit next of each other on the floor. They gently tap their arms while smiling and the brothers take off their headphones.

"You know, you both should tell Mylenne and Mylo how you feel" says Mari with a gentle smile.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about" say the brothers at unison and avoid looking to Marinette.

"Come on, we saw the way you look at them" says Marin.

The brothers shake their head and look down "No, no negative emotions please" says Mari, but the twins look at her a bit pissed. "I mean that you must be positive!" claims Mari.

"Yeah, we're sure that they had feelings for you too" says Marin

"Go talk to her" whispers Mari to Ivan.

"Go talk to him" whispers Marin to Ioan.

"Ugh. we're not good with words anyway" confesses Ivan.

"But, who needs words?" says Marin.

"You can always show your feelings painting something or writing a poem" continues Mari.

"Would a song be alright?" asks Ivan.

"Yes! That would be so romantic! Who wouldn't like to listen to a song of love made for them! Go for that guys and be positive!" says Mari excited.

"Thanks guys, you two are angels, you know it?" says Ioan before his brother and he leave to write the songs.

-Adrien side-

He says goodbye to his sister and Cleón and Chloe leads the way to their classroom, signing autographs for his fans while they walk.

"This is your seat Adrikins. I've save it for you Adrikins, right in front of me" says Chloe as she enters the classroom, pointing to the seat next to Nino's.

"Thanks Chloe" says the model as he enters the classroom and sits next to Nino. "Hey, I'm Adrien" says as he offers Nino a handshake.

"You're friends with Chloe then huh?" says Nino without bothering to accept the handshake, pointing with his head behind the model.

Adrien truns and sees Chloe taking the chewing gum and giving it to Sabrina, who puts it on Marinette's seat.

"Hey, what's that all about?" says Adrien perturbed.

"The brat that sits here yesterday needed a little attitude adjustment" says Chloe. "I'm just commanding a bit of respect, that's all".

"You think that's really necessary?" says Adrien, while he gets down to try to pull the gum off the seat.

"You've got a lot to learn about school culture Adrikins. Watch the master" says Chloe going back to her seat.

_Marinette side-

"Alya wouldn't you like to be a superheroes and go out and fight monsters and villains?" asks Mari.

"Totally, I'm not scared of anyone. Why?" answers the reporter.

"Oh, no, no reason" responds quickly Mari and puts the box inside Alya's bag without her noticing.

As they enter at the classroom, they see a blond guy they had never seen before with a gum in Marinette's seat.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" asks Mari pissed.

"Oh- I-" tries to say Adrien searching for an explanation that wouldn't reveal his only friend prank, just as Chloe and Sabrina begin to laugh.

"Okay, I get it. good job you three! Very funny" says Mari.

"No, no. I was just trying to take this off" tries to say Adrien.

"Oh really?" asks Marinette with sarcasm. She tries to pull the gum off but notices it still has saliva. While Chloe and her minion laugh, Mari picks a handkerchief and pulls the gum out. "You're friends with Choe, right?"

"Why you people keep saying that?" whispers the blond model. Mari turns her head and sits down without sparing Adrien a look.

"Now you see what I mean about respect?" ask Chloe in a very petty way.

"I know I've seen him before" whispers Mari as Alya gives Mari her phone. "Of course! He's the son of my favourite fashion designer Gabriel Agreste!"

"Daddy's boy, teen supermodel and Chloe's buddy. Huh, forget it" says Alya.

"Why didn't you tell her it was Chloe's idea?" asks Nino curiously.

"I've known Chloe since I was a little kid, and even if she's not the best person, she and her brother are my only friends. I couldn't simply turn her in" says the model.

Nino smiles and offers the boy a handshake. "I'm Nino Lahiffe and it's time for you to make some new friends dude".

-Adrienne side-

She said goodbye to Chloe and her brother and was shown around by Cleón and his lackey Sebastian, who made sure no one dared to approach Adrienne. As they arrive to their classroom, Cleón enters the classroom and points to one seat next to a girl that has her headphones on.

"From now on, this is going to be your seat! I just reserved for you!" says Cleón.

"Thanks Cle" says the model as she sits down. "Hey, I'm new here, I'm Adrienne" says with a big smile as she offers her a handshake.

The girl doesn't even bother to look at her. "So you're the friend of a guy like him" says pointing towards Cleón, who is putting oil on Marin's seat.

"Hey! What do you two think you're doing?" says Adrienne clearly annoyed.

"The guy here needed a little lesson of respect, that's all. No need to get on your nerves about this" responds the blond jerk.

"A little lesson of respect? What are you talking about? This is no way to treat other people Cleón!" replies the blonde model as she pulls a handkerchief and tries to rub the oil off.

"You really have to learn a lot about school culture Adrienne" says Cleón, shrugging it off.

-Marin side-

"Hey Alen, you think my sis would make a good hero?" asks Marin.

"Dude, you're both sons of bakers and don't even think I haven't seen the muscles you two have. She would totally kick my ass. No doubts" says the reporter.

"I know man, but she doesn't have enough confidence on herself. Not that she's a hero, but I think she could face Chloe at least" says the designer.

"I totally agree with you on that man".

As they enter the room, the boys see a blonde girl they had never seen with a handkerchief rubbing oil from Marin's seat.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" asks Alen

"Oh- I was-" tries to say the girl as the jerks behind Nina begin to laugh.

"Oh I get it, very funny you three. You're just the friend of that jerk, aren't you?" asks Alen.

"Why do you all say that? I- My sandwich fell and the oil dripped, so I was trying to rub it out! I swear" says Adrienne.

"Oh yeah sure" says Alen and Adrienne's eyes begin to leak some tears.

"You understand now what I said about respect Adrienne?" says Cleón, still laughing.

"Stop it! All of you just stop it!" yells Marin. Then he pulls out his handkerchief and gives it to Adrienne. "I get it wasn't your fault and you were trying to fix it up. Don't worry about it. Also take this before your make up gets ruined like your handky".

"I- I-" tries Adrienne.

"Don't sweat it, just take it. You can give it back to me after I clean yours, keep it until then" says Marin.

"But bro, she's-" tries to warn him Alen.

"I don't care who she is Alen, she's new here and she was crying on her first day. Would you like that?" says Marin, as the boys take a seat.

"Dude, you truly have a heart of gold" says Alen.

"Thanks man. Also, thanks for jumping there for me bro, you're the best of bro someone could have" says the designer.

As the boys enter the bro mode, Adrienne takes a seat and Nina looks at her curiously.

"Why didn't you tell him the truth? That it was that jerk fault?" ask inquiringly Nina.

"Look, I know he's a total jerk and an idiot. But I've known him and her sister forever and they're my only friends. Even if he's stupid I just couldn't throw him under the bus, you know?"

Nina smiles and offers a handshake. "The name's Nina Lahiffe and girl, you're so going to get new friends. You have already made a first step with Marin. He's an angel. If he had trusted you enough, that means you have good chances of becoming his friend. And if you do that, most of the class will follow for sure".

"About that... What did you say his name was? He was so gentle and polite with me, even if he didn't know who I was and had enough reasons to be mad at me. I'd love to repay him with anything I can do" says Adrienne gawking.

"Oh girl, I think you just fell for the angel's charms. You've got it rough if so" declares Nina.

"What are you talking about?" replies the blonde while blushing. "And why would I have it rough?"

Nina gives her the look™ "You can't fool me girl. I've seen so many fall for him, but no one has ever stand a chance with him. He rejects as gently as he can all the girls who had confessed to him. I think it's because he's scared to care about someone, because Cl... some people have made sure to break everything he cares about".

"That's so cruel... How could they do that? Why do they even do it?" says Adrienne.

"If I had to bet, it'd be jealousy" says Nina.

"Hey bro, " says Alen showing his phone to Marin "look who is she".

"Adrienne Agreste? The daughter of my favourite designer ever?" says Marin a bit too loud.

"Yeah, I'm sorry for saying nothing" says Adrienne.

"Don't be, it's understandable. I'm sorry if I've offended you in anyway before" says Marin.

"No. Please don't do that. I've had enough with people who treat me like that just for my father. And here I thought you were someone nice" says the blonde holding her face and pouting.

"I'm sorry. I won't give you a special treatment. I swear on my parent's bakery" says Marin desperately.

"Bakery? Will they be good?" thinks Adrienne. "Well, I could forgive you if you showed me the town around when I get time" says the girl.

"It'll be my pleasure, shall I give you my number then? So you can phone me when you're free" says Marin offering her a paper with his phone.

"I'll take it glad" says the girl and winks at him, without noticing how mad Cleón was getting and how smug Nina's grin was turning.

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

First - Previous -Next

[yrretsej]

#savearthurradley

Arthur Radley's case in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is SO DOWNRIGHT MORBID how come it's not highlighted more for its insane cruelty that is 'not intruding in private life of a family', they know better, don't they? Okay, I can get his father was so much of a zealot, religious fervour clouding his right mind (I doubt there was any to begin with), that he figured sacrifizing his son's normal human life wasn't much of a deal - anything to keep the mighty noble family name untainted with stupid teens' shenanigans. But when that crazy maniac of a parent (oh his sonny stabbed him in the leg with scissors? After having been locked up by his loving daddy for 15-smth years??? Not much of an issue, really? Get to meet the №1 top-notch admirable parenting level over9000 and a golden medal in the name of one certain Misaki Aoyagi, HOLY JESUS) finally perishes (and not even from those scissors), Arthur's older BROTHER returns from whatever he's been up to, all grown-up and independent and dandy and courtly and traveling the world and educated and self-sustainable and wishing as he pleases - and this man, free from the YEARS OF CONTINUOUS BRAINWASHING - he continues to be Arthur's PRISONER, taking the job right after his father, probably ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD. WHYYYYYYY???! Why on the everloving Earth is this subject not discussed in every parenting facility? Okay, not just there, but, honestly, everywhere - why did Nathan Radley deem his family name/honour/whatever so above, so much more important than A LIVING HUMAN shell that has become of his brother thanks to his loving caring attentive parents?? And they didn't want to have Arthur put into asylum after the scissors accident because that woud taint the family name - OH C'MON, those oh so noble vermins of a kinsfolk were worth than all asylums combined! (Well maybe they didn't qualify enough to compete with the 1994's "Giorgino" movie (dat one creepy awesome Laurent Boutonnat's creation with Mylène Farmer) asylum, BUT HECK THEY WERE CLOSE) I can totally understand how this issue of one hell of a family can be easily overlooked by more pressing situations described in the book, dire in their nature and consequences, but this one little drama of a single man denied his life (Nathan cementing that oak tree? OH GEEZ that's not just "mean" or "as a means to protect dear smol brother" that's the madness in its finest) - this drama has absolutely had my hair standing electrically straight on my head, because now this has been a blast of a finest horror story ever. Most horrible blasts are supposed to be covered, hushed, go unnoticed, not be put in the limelight much - that's the theme I've been following closely ever since I got acquainted with the "Loveless" Yun Kouga's manga series that has the very same approach to family's ugly businesses - those are to be hidden beneath cute decorations and sweet fake smiles, and never to be talked of neither in whispers nor anyhow. Everyone just shuts up and looks away as if nothing out of the ordinary happens. BUT IT HAPPENS. *** Bottom line to this (mostly rhethorical but hey if you ever felt like shouting out for Arthur's sickening case of outright mad injustice (wanna navigate the process of rotting your sibling alive? FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE, exclusive step-by-step tutorial) - it's the time to do just that!) - I guess I need me a fix-it continuation (not the one about the watchman, I doubt whether I should read that one?), a fanmade continuation where Scout saves Arthur. No need for logic or laws or prejudices, just a fanmade remedy, anything to quell this atrocity's blinding light of agony; 'The Tombs of Atuan' with a highly toxic twist in the characters' surroundings, revised into the unmagical mundane pit of madness, and a miracle of salvation somewhere over there in the restless reader's mind. (I get all the reasons why we could never get a scenario like this from the author herself, so were the days, my friend, those were the days) but a girl can dream, huh, to meditate on a therapy from this horror of a side-story within a story.

[dylan-hague]

Chapter 8

April 13th, 2017. 4:57 PM.

As the elevator door opened, the five teenagers inside were surprised to find the hallway where they’d left their unconscious friend to be completely empty. Frustrated, Damian tightened his grip on the hilt of his sheathed katana. Raven placed a gentle hand on his back, feeling the anger in him rise.

“What were we thinking… of COURSE he was going to wake up. We just left him here in the middle of the hall like it was no big deal. Now where could he be?” Damian slammed his fist into the wall, the thud echoing through the empty corridor. “I should have known better… I should have already restrained him!”

“Damian, you’ve got to calm yourself,” Raven’s hushed voice slid into Damian’s ear as she whispered, being cautious not to alert Garfield to their presence. “Getting angry right now is only going to make things worse. Clear your mind…”

“… Find your peace. I know…” Damian shut his eyes for a moment, taking in several cleansing breaths. “I’m trying to do better.”

“I know you are,” Raven’s hand lighted onto Damian’s chest, and his heart rate immediately slowed. “Give it time, you’re already improving. But for now, we need to focus on finding Beast Boy. Tara, any luck contacting Jaime?”

“Nah, nothing yet,” Terra replied, still fiddling with her communicator. “Y'know, this would probably be easier if we just all gave each other our phone numbers.”

“Well, not all of us have phones,” Jonathan said quietly as he floated past Tara. “I still have to borrow Ms. Kori’s tablet every time I wanna call my dad.”

“Focus, Titans,” Damian growled. “The sooner we find Gar, the better. Let’s split up and start searching the Tower. Raven, you and Tara start at the foyer and work your way up. Superboy and I will go to the top and try to find Starfire. Be careful.”

“Stay safe, you two,” Raven replied, squeezing Damian’s hand. Their eyes locked for a moment before Raven and Tara took to the second elevator.

“You said your brother was on his way, right?” Jonathan asked as the elevator door closed before him and Damian. “Do you think that’ll be enough? I mean… don’t get me wrong, your brother is tough and all, but…”

“I know what you mean. And no, Grayson is definitely not enough,” Damian answered grimly. “If he were coming alone, he’d probably get himself killed. That’s why I had him bring his fiancée, and why I had him contact your father.”

“Wait, what??” Jonathan’s eyes widened at this information. “You had him call my dad!? Geez, Dame, do you really think this is that big of a deal??”

“The first time I fought one of these demons, the host body had no powers,” Damian began to explain, turning to face his teammate. “By the end of it, I had to blow up the Batwing on them to take them out. These things are dangerous… and now one has control of a metahuman capable of taking on the form of any animal he’s ever encountered. Who knows what he’ll be capable of?”

“Yeesh… I guess I hadn’t thoughta that…” Jonathan rubbed his neck nervously. “… Man, I hope Gar is gonna be alright…”

The elevator doors opened to the roof, where a figure stood in the doorway. Damian, not one to take chances, leapt into action immediately, cracking his foot into the face of the shadow before them.

Damian landed just in time to see Dick Grayson crumple to the floor.

“Agh!! Christ, Damian…!” Dick shouted, rubbing his jaw. “It’s just us!” Barbara rushed to Dick’s side, and she and Damian helped him to his feet.

“Sorry, Richard,” Robin apologized quickly as Dick stumbled finding his footing. “We’re all pretty on-edge right now, as you can imagine…” As the boy explained himself, a mighty wind blew across the rooftop, and a blur of red and blue swooped overhead, revealing a familiar red-and-blue clad man floating above the four heroes.

“DAD!!” Jon shouted as he rocketed up to meet his father in the sky. Superman quickly wrapped his arms around the boy, holding him tight. “Dad, it’s gotten crazy here!! Beast Boy turned into a werewolf, and there are demons, and we had to split up, and–”

“Jon! Jon, it’s alright now, take a deep breath! I’m right here, pal,” Clark spoke in a calm, reassuring tone as he stroked his son’s hair. “Everything’s gonna be okay, buddy. But we need you to be ready to fight. I know Garfield is your friend, but you have to be ready to give it all you got. Can ya do that?”

Jon shook his head, and looked into his father’s eyes, his brow furrowed. “Yes, sir.”

“So what’s up with you and Robin?”

Raven stopped dead in her tracks, turning to look at Tara with a very confused look.

“Tara… is now really the time to be asking this?”

“Well come on,” Markov continued, “you two are always hanging around each other, you’re always the first to make sure he’s okay, HE’s always the first to make sure YOU’re okay, and you read together. You READ together. Nobody does that!!”

“Damian and I have similar past experiences, so we just sort of… wait. What do you mean, ‘nobody does that’??”

“I mean, nobody does that. How do you do the… the pacing???”

Raven shook her head. “We literally read it together. It’s a mental thing. We read different characters, and we take turns with the narrative… I’ve done it with everyone on the team.”

Tara crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Well, clearly not EVERYONE.”

Raven let out a quiet giggle. “Well, once all this is over, you and I should sit down together and–”

That moment, there came a loud crash from within the walls, and all the lights went out. The power to the whole Tower had been cut. Tara instinctively clutched tightly to Raven’s cloak in the pitch black of the corridor.

“… and we can read something together. What do you like to read?”

“Uhh…” Tara thought hard for a moment. “… I like Lewis. Like, Narnia? That guy? He’s good.”

“Oh, yeah! He’s a wonderful writer!” Raven replied excitedly. “Have you ever read The Screwtape Letters?”

“No, but I do have a copy,” Tara replied. “I’ve been meaning to check it out. But like, who even taught you to read like that?”

As if on cue, a bright flash of green broke through the black that surrounded the girls. When they turned to look to the source, they both smiled.

“Actually, I did that,” Starfire said calmly. “On Tamaran, it is customary to share your favorite tales with your children or younger comrades as such.”

“Kori!” Raven let out a sigh of relief as she walked over to her teacher’s side. “Thank Azar you’re here! I’m not sure we can handle this on our own…”

“Don’t worry, little sister,” Kori put her free hand on Raven’s shoulder and smiled. “We’re going to make sure Garfield is okay. Damian’s brother Dick is here, and even Jon’s father Superman came along. We’re gonna take care of everything.”

As Jaime walked through the Hall of Justice, he kept his eyes to the floor. Never had he been this nervous in his life; sure, it was scary facing down all those creeps that came after Raven, but this was the Justice League. THE Justice League. They’re like the superhero Hall of Fame, that’s pretty intimidating for a kid.

Victor kept his hand on Jaime’s shoulder, and guided him through the building, until they came to an elevator in the very back, which took them deep down into what appeared to be some kind of sub-level laboratory. As the two stepped out of the elevator, Jaime froze. There, standing before the enormous computer display, was the Batman.

“Hey, Bats,” Vic called, “I got somebody here who wants to talk to you. He’s got… questions.”

The constant clicking of keys on the keyboard stopped, and the imposing figure turned to face the two. He looked first to Victor, then down to Jaime. He let out a low hmph in acknowledgment, then turned and pressed a few more keys, and the display went dim.

Victor placed a few pats on Jaime’s shoulder. “Just relax. As long as you don’t piss him off, you got nothin’ to worry about.” Jaime nodded as Vic left the room.

“So…” Batman said, his voice a low growl in his chest. “Jaime Reyes. That’s your name right?”

“Uh, y-yes,” Jaime stuttered, standing up straighter. This was actually happening right now. He was talking to Batman. Batman.

The caped figure crossed his arms and leaned up against the computer console. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Damian… he says you’re a valuable teammate. Which is impressive, considering he’s never even said that about me.”

Jaime couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. “R… really? He said that? Uh, th-umm, thank you.”

The two stood in silence for a moment. Then, the Batman reached up, and slowly pulled the cowl off of his head. Jaime stood blinking at his face for a few seconds. Wow… Damian looks just like him.

“So… he’s really your kid, huh? That’s…”

The man smiled. “It’s big. I know,” he said, walking forward and placing a hand on Jaime’s shoulder. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”

“Yeah, I do. I mean…” Jaime rubbed his eyes and shook his head. He had so many questions, where on earth was he supposed to begin. So, after searching his whole brain, he came up with “… who was his mom?”

Bruce cocked a brow as he let out a small chuckle. “Well! Straight to the point, aren’t you?” Jaime rubbed his neck nervously, turning a bright shade of red. Bruce crossed his arms and sighed. “It… it happened about fourteen years ago. Her name was Talia…”

Damian’s flashlight illuminated the livingroom of Titans Tower just enough for the five in his group to navigate around the furniture without bumping into anything. He was certain that the power outage was Garfield’s doing (or rather, whatever the demon was inhabiting Garfield’s body), attempting to gain the upper hand and kill them all. It wouldn’t be expecting all five of them, but then… the one who took control of Mark Mardon a year ago was able to stand up to Superman… but then again, this wasn’t the same Superman. This Superman seemed older… more experienced. Perhaps he would be strong enough to handle Mardon, but Garfield is probably far stronger.

Then again, Damian thought, even I was able to land a solid hit on Logan. Perhaps he’s not quite as strong as I’ve been assuming…?

As this thought went through his mind, a flash of green caught the corner of his eye. On instinct, he reached for his sword and launched himself towards it… but before he had a chance to strike, he found himself enveloped in a familiar dark energy, suspended in the air.

“It’s alright, Damian,” Raven whispered, her hands raised to focus her magic around the boy. “It’s just us.”

Damian released his grip on his hilt as Raven lowered him to the ground. “I’m glad you’re okay. Have you three found anything yet?”

“You mean aside from claw marks up and down the halls?” Tara chimed in from beside Kori. “No. Guess he’s a little ahead of us.”

“Hold on. That doesn’t make any sense…” Dick scratched his head as he spoke, trying to make sense of their situation. “We started from the top and checked every single room. You guys did the same from the bottom, so…”

Everyone froze as the realization dawned on them. Slowly, Damian turned his eyes upward and shone his flashlight at the ceiling to spot an enormous mass of green flesh and fur.

Right now, Beast Boy was a brutal, mindless beast, controlled by an actual demon from actual Hell, capable of rending them all limb from limb. And at this very moment, he had the high ground.

“Titans…” Damian said through grit teeth, his focus locking onto the Changeling, “… Ready.”

Garfield roared out like thunder as he dropped to the ground, crushing the living room table beneath his weight. Starfire made the first move against him, her body whirling like a top as landed several consecutive blows to Beast Boy’s face. But after a moment, Gar managed to brace in anticipation of her move, and brought her to a halt with her leg pressed against his face. With a growl followed by one swift motion, he batted Kori across the room, and immediately launched himself towards Tara.

Markov had regained her composure, however, and quickly pulled a sizable rock through the nearby window, clocking the wolf-beast in the side of his head with it as they were all showered in broken glass. Garfield stumbled back as Tara swung her stone into his head again and again, her arms swinging wildly as she struggled to attack faster. As she brought her fists down, intent on rendering the Changeling unconscious, Garfield took hold of the stone, crushing it in his hand. Tara stumbled back, tripping over what remained of the table, and Garfield pulled his lips back over his teeth in a sneer.

Just as he raised his claw to strike, Jonathan made his move, delivering a punch into Garfield’s chest with such force that the air seemed to crack at the point of impact. Gar flew upwards, smashing into the ceiling before dropping back to the ground, dazed and clutching at his chest. Jonathan’s eyes began to glow red.

“C'mon, BB,” Jon pleaded, “it’s us! Fight it, man, you’ve got to–”

Before Jon could finish, Gar delivered a swift crack with his head to Jonathan’s nose. The young Superboy stumbled back, hands on his face before the wolf-man flipped around, smacking him away with his tail.

“Y'know, I think Fido’s had enough fun for one day,” Dick quipped as he, Barbara and Damian pulled out their ropes. “Let’s kennel this puppy.”

The three leapt into the air in an almost synchronized fashion, their lines soaring behind them like some bizarre ribbon show. They whirled all about Garfield, wrapping him up tightly before landing in front of him and pulling with all of their might, bringing the creature down to its knees and unable to move. Raven quickly moved into position, casting her magic on the monster and glowing with a brilliant purple aura.

“By the will of Azar, I command you,” the mage girl called out with authority, “leave quietly this flesh you have taken, servant of the Fallen Serpent! You are ban–”

Before Raven could complete her incantation, somehow the possessed Changeling found the strength to tear through the sturdy Bat-ropes, and with one swipe sent the girl crashing through the wall.

“RAVEN!!” Robin’s panicked voice tore through the room as he bolted in the direction which his friend had been sent flying, leaving his friends to continue combating the creature. There, on the other side of a large hole in the wall, Raven lay unconscious, covered in pieces of broken wall and piping, blood running down a sizable gash in her forehead.

As Damian cradled his best friend in his arms, he felt his eyes begin to sting. This was on him; he should have known not to leave Garfield unattended in the hall before. He should have investigated his condition sooner. If he had just done what needed to be done… if he had just protected her like he should have…

Damian gently set Raven down on the floor, and grasped his katana. He knew the source of the tears on his cheeks was not just from guilt. This was the rage he’d been suppressing since his little clash with Reyes. For the past fourteen years, he’d been taught to control his emotions. The only emotion he was ever permitted to express in any sense was his anger. But upon joining the Titans, he found himself pushing his anger down just like all the rest of his emotions. And he was sick of holding it back.

In an instant, Damian rocketed towards the beast, making one broad stroke before crashing right into Garfield’s chest in a shoulder-tackle.

The green wolf-beast went one direction. But his right arm, from the elbow down, went another. Between them was a spray of red liquid that covered Damian’s face. As the young Robin pulled himself off the floor, he heard Beast Boy screeching in agony, as a bright red light shot out of Superman’s eyes into the stump where his arm should have been. What have I done…? 

April 17th, 2017. 1:34 PM.

“Damian…?”

Damian’s eyes slowly crept open as the familiar voice slid into his ears. He lifted his head up off of his crossed arms to see that Raven was finally coming to. Her eyes were weary and her hair was unkempt, but Damian didn’t care. He just silently thanked any god that was listening that she was still alive. He stood up quickly, and rushed to her side.

“It’s alright, Raven,” he began to reassure her as he took hold of her hand. “You’ve been out for four days. But everything has been taken care of.”

Raven smiled at her closest friend for a moment, taking the time to find comfort in his presence. But quickly she felt a new pain in the back of his mind.

“Damian…” Raven whispered, “… what’s wrong?”

Robin’s heart dropped. He was afraid of what was about to happen, but… he swore he would never lie to her.

“Garfield… was injured in the fight,” he stammered, trying to find the strength to own up to what he’d done. “… I… I cut his arm off.”

Raven’s eyes widened for a moment. This was… this was serious. She almost let out an exasperated “you did WHAT??”, but she could feel the tear in Damian’s heart grow as he told her what happened.

“It’s my fault…” Damian’s eyes stayed glued to the hand he held, as tears began to well up behind them. “I just… I lost control. I saw how bad you’d been hurt, and I…” with this, Damian had to squeeze his shut. “Oh God, I thought you were gone. I thought… I thought he…”

Raven placed her other hand onto the boy’s face. “Damian… I know. It’s going to get better.” She pulled the boy into her arms, and ran her fingers through his hair. “The pain won’t go away… but I promise you, it will get better.”

Damian tried to hold himself together. Fourteen years, he’d been taught to control his emotions. The only emotion he was ever permitted to express in any sense was his anger. Even when his father and butler insisted that he open up, he kept his heart shut tight. Even when his mother turned her back to him, he stayed strong. But now, after everything, he broke down. He just fell all to pieces in Raven’s arms; his walls of strength and resilience gave way, and he cried weakly, like the broken child he’d denied all these years. For the first time in his short life, Damian knew how it felt to truly need someone. He needed these Titans. He needed his father. But above all else, in this moment, he needed Raven. He needed her like the earth needed the rain. And as they sat there in the infirmary of Titans Tower, they silently made a promise to one another: no matter what the cost, they would do everything in their power to be there for the other. Because Raven knew, after everything that had happened, that she needed Damian just the same. She wept there with him, holding the boy as tight as her weary arms possibly could. Damian saved her from her past; now she needed to do the same for him.

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers VANDEAD CARNIVAL ;; Ayato Route ー Chapter 4

ー The scene starts in front of the wagons

Ayato: Is it ‘round here...?

Yui: Uhm...Ah! Ayato-kun! Couldn’t it be that one?

( It was rather deserted earlier, but now it’s swamped with customers! )

Ayato: Oh, that one! ...Wait, there’s a hella long line!

Yui: Seems like it really is a popular store.

Ayato: Ahー ...So I can’t have some unless I get in this queue, huh...? But I really want it...!

Kuh...

Yui: Fufu, correct!

But I’m sure that when you finally get your hands on some after a long wait, it’ll taste extra delicious!

Ayato: ...You think so?

Yui: Yeah!

Ayato: I don’t really get it...

Yui: Uhm...Look!

Selection

→ Try thinking about my blood (☾)

Yui: ( I have somewhat mixed feelings about using this metaphor but... )

Uhm...Say you’ve been holding back on drinking my blood for a couple of days.

If you had some afterwards...How would you...feel?

Ayato: ...It’d obviously taste delicious!

Yui: Right! I’m sure it’s similar to that.

Ayato: Hmー... Gotcha. Lookin’ at it like that, it might taste good.

→ Try thinking about when you’re hungry 

Yui: Food tastes the best when you’re hungry, right?

Ayato: ...I don’t really know what bein’ hungry feels like, to be honest...

Yui: Eh...? But, you crave blood at times, right...?

Ayato: Yeah, but at those times...It’s more so thirst rather than hunger...

Yui: I-I see...

( Hmm...Seems like this metaphor failed... )

Ayato: ...Hah...! We don’t have time for this now!!

If they’ve run out in the meantime, I’m blamin’ it on you, Chichinashi!!

Yui: Eh...!? Ayato-kun, no matter how you look at it, that’s just...

( ...Eh...? )

Ayato: Hm? What’s this?

Yui: ( Somebody’s...running our way...? )

???: Aah...! Aah...!!

*Rustle*

Ayato: O-Oi, what’s your problem...?

Yui: ( One of Ayato-kun’s acquaintances...? Doesn’t seem like it though. )

( I wonder what’s wrong...? They ran right up to him and knelt down in front of his feet... )

???: ...Ayato-sama! You’re here to try the food, right!?

Ayato: Haah...? The fuck you sayin’?

Yui: Do you know this man, Ayato-kun?

Ayato: Nah...Never seen him...

Takoyaki stall owner: You obviously would not remember.

I served your family at the castle as a Familiar in the past.

Yui: Uhm...Which means you were Ayato-kun’s...Familiar?

Ayato: Seems like it. That bein’ said, I had a bunch, so I don’t remember all of their faces.

Yui: But why is that person selling takoyaki...?

Takoyaki stall owner: Thank you for asking!

*Rustle*

Ayato: Wah!? T-The fuck are you doin’ all of a sudden...!?

Takoyaki stall owner: If you were to ask why I - a former Familiar to the Sakamaki family - is now making takoyaki...

The answer would be Ayato-sama.

Ayato: Me!?

Yui: Do you have any idea why?

Ayato: No...

Takoyaki stall owner: It happened back when I was still serving the Sakamaki family.

I grew curious after seeing how Ayato-sama, who had brought some takoyaki over from the human world, would happily indulge in the treat.

Yui: You’ve liked takoyaki since all that time back, huh?

Ayato: I’d visit the place every now and then even before we started livin’ at the manor in the human world after all.

Takoyaki stall owner: After quitting my job as a Familiar, I wandered around the human world.

That’s where I had a fateful meeting! With takoyaki...

I remembered Ayato-sama would eat it.

And put one in my mouth out of sheer curiosity. And then...!

Ayato: ...It was good, huh?

Takoyaki stall owner: Yes...! Very much so!

Yui: ( Who would have thought...Ayato-kun lies at the roots of what would become a famous takoyaki stall of the Demon World... )

Ayato: So that’s what you meant when you said I was the trigger...

Takoyaki stall owner: For an immortal being such as myself, takoyaki is my passion in life! (1)

Ayato: Your passion in life...

Well, I guess that just proves how delicious takoyaki is?

Yui: ( Takoyaki’s...amazing... )

( However...It’s true that Ayato-kun always looks happy when he’s eating takoyaki... )

( This might not be an exaggeration. )

Takoyaki stall owner: Come on, Ayato-sama! Since you’ve come all the way here, I’ll make sure you’re in for a real treat!

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: Ayato-kun, are you ready?

Ayato: ...Yeah! Ready when you are!

Yui: Ready, set...

Ayato: I’m diggin’ in!

Yui: Thanks for the meal!

Ayato: Uwah...! Looks hella delicious!

Yui: ( As to be expected of the Demon World...These are rather big...! )

Ayato: Hwot...!

Yui: A-Are you okay...!? You have to let them cool off a little first...

Ayato: Shut up! They taste best when eaten hot!

Yui: Well, that’s true...

Ayato: Nom...Nn...Delicious!!

Yui: Nn...You’re right! They’re good!

Ayato: Nn...Nom...

Yui: ( Fufu, Ayato-kun’s chowing down... )

( But this takoyaki really is delicious. )

( Although I didn’t think I’d eat this in the Demon World. )

Ayato: You’re done already? In that case, shall I eat yours?

Yui: Ah...!

( Ayato-kun ate mine... )

( But...Spending time like this with him might be nice once in a while...! )

Fufu...

Ayato: Whatcha laughin’ for? It’s creepy...

Ahー! That was good! I’m totally stuffed.

Yui: ( In the end, Ayato-kun finished my share as well... )

( But he seems happy so...I guess it’s fine... )

Ayato: That being said, that former Familiar...was kinda off.

Yui: The owner of the takoyaki stall? You think so...?

Ayato: No, his takoyaki was good though...

But he suddenly dropped the term ‘passion in life’ with a serious face.

Yui: Hmー I think that’s pretty valid though...

Ayato: ...Ah?

Yui: Don’t you think that having a passion which you enjoy and you can make a living out of is a good thing?

( Although I may only feel this way because I’m human... )

Ayato: ...

...I don’t really get that sorta stuff.

Yui: I see...

But...I think you have a passion in life just like that shop owner as well.

Ayato: Che...Don’t talk as if you know me.

Yui: ...Eh?

Ayato: Who cares if I do or not!?

...All of these bastards keep goin’ ‘round actin’ as if they’re damn humans...!

You too...You’re bein’ way too cocky for a Chichinashi!!

ー Ayato suddenly grabs her

Yui: Kyah...!?

Wait...! Ayato-kun...!!

Ayato: What?

Yui: You can’t do this in such a crowded place!!

Ayato: Too late. Who gives a damn ‘bout that!?

ー He bites her

Ayato: ...Nn...Nn...

Yui: ...!?

( How could he amidst all these people...!? )

Ayato-kun...Stop...! 

Ayato: You really think I’d stop...!?

*RIIIIIIP*

Yui: Ah...!

Ayato: Nn...Nn...!

Yui: Ayato-kun...The people around us are watching...!

Ayato: Ah...? Hmph. Don’t pay attention to it. If you just focus on my fangs, it won’t bother you.

...Hah...Nn...

Yui: ...!

Male Vampire D: ...No wonder I thought I smelled something nice...What is such high-quality blood doing here...?

Male Vampire E: Such a lovely scent of blood...Aah~ I’ve never smelled something quite so sublime...!

Yui: ( Other Vampires...!? Could it be...Because of the scent of my blood...? )

Ayato: Hmph...Seems like your blood really is top quality...Chichinashi.

Look at all these Vampires who have gathered around us...? Hehe.

Yui: ...!

( I’m scared...! )

Ayato: Well...Don’t worry. I won’t let a single one touch you.

Male Vampire D: Your blood...Even if it’s just a little, let me suck it...!

Yui: ( ...!? )

*THUD*

Male Vampire D: Uguh...!?

Ayato: No way in hell anyone but me can lay a hand on her.

Hehe...Have fun envying me from afar! (2)

*Rustle*

Ayato: Say, Chichinashi...Let’s continue where we left off?

ー He continues sucking her blood

Ayato: Hah...Nn...

Yui: ( ...This is just... )

( I don’t like this... )

Ayato-kun...Stop...

Ayato: Aah....? Wait...Chichinashi...You...

Fuck...Why are you cryin’!?

Yui: ...

Ayato: ...

Che...What’s your problem? Fuck it, I’m done...

ー Ayato steps away

Ayato: Come on, let’s get goin’, Chichinashi.

Yui: ...

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the living room in the castle

Ayato: Oi, Chichinashi. How long you gonna be weepin’?

Yui: ...Because...

( Ayato-kun dragged me back to the castle after that but... )

Ayato: ...I’ll go get you a drink, so stay put here, ‘kay? ...Understood!?

ー Ayato leaves the room

Yui: ( I wonder why Ayato-kun’s mood went so sour. )

( On top of that, he sucked my blood in front of all of those Vampires... )

( Should I have not said those things after all...? )

( I do think it is good to have something which motivates you in life though... )

( I’m pretty sure he mentioned before that living can be very dull to Vampires. )

(  Is that why...He thinks it is weird to fuss about something like a reason to live...? )

...I wonder what Ayato-kun lives for...?

( Judging by the looks of it...He might not have such a thing... )

But, if he does have something...I’d love to hear it...

ー A Vampire walks up to her

Male Vampire C: ...Finally found you.

Yui: ( ...Eh...? )

*Rustle*

Yui: ...! Hey...! Let me gーー

*Snap*

Yui: ( Huh? ...For some reason, I feel faint... )

( Ayato...kun... )

ー Yui collapses

*Thud*

ー The scene shifts to the dining room

Ayato: Nn...Pwah...Fuck...What’s her damn problem...

Talkin’ all high and mighty ‘bout this ‘passion in life’ thing...

On top of that, she suddenly burst out in tears.

I really don’t understand how humans think after all...

For one, I don’t have...such a thing...

Wait...Ahーー! Fuck!! Why am I this irritated...!?

Geez...Screw thinkin’ ‘bout this. I’m done!

For now, guess I’ll return to her side...

ー Ayato steps out into the hallway

Ayato: Oi, Chichinashi! I got you somethin’ to driーー

...Chichinashi!?

...Where did she run off to!?

Don’t tell me...!?

...I shouldn’t have left her alone...!

...Hm? What’s this...? A letter...?

*Flip*

Ayato: ‘What is most important to you?’ ...?

...!

...Fuck! Makin’ fun of me!

ー Ayato runs off

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: ( Nn...Huh...Where am I...? )

( I was at the castle up till now... )

( But, right, I was kidnapped by someone...And then... )

( W-Where’s Ayato-kun...!? )

ー Yui opens her eyes in the ballroom

Yui: ...!? Where am I...!?

( A prison cell hanging in the air...No, a cage...!? )

( Why am I here...!? )

Male Vampire C: Have you awakened...?

Yui: You’re...the guy from earlier...!

Male Vampire C: I did not simply kidnap you just now. I have been altering my appearance this whole time, interacting with you.

The first person you talked to, as well as the guy who attempted to kidnap you in the haunted house, all of those were me...

Yui: N-No way...! W-Why would you do such a thing...?

Let me out of here!

Male Vampire C: ...A single man will make his appearance here soon...

Yui: Eh...?

Male Vampire C: If that man reaches the ‘correct’ answer...You will be set free.

Yui: ( A certain man...? Also an answer...? What is he talking about? )

Male Vampire C: If he fails to do so...That man will...

Most likely lose you forever.

Yui: Lose...!?

( That man, could he be talking about Ayato-kun...? )

ー Ayato arrives at the scene

Ayato: Yui...!

Yui: Ayato-kun...!?

Ayato: You ‘kay, Chichinashi!?

Oi...You’re the bastard who left this letter, aren’t you...?

Male Vampire C: Yes. So...? Have you found the answer?

Ayato: ...That’s...

Male Vampire C: ...I see. That is too bad...

I thought that you might be able to find the answer but...

...It truly is a shame. In that case...I suppose I have no choice but to do this.

*Snap*

ー The room is set on fire

Yui: W-What...? ...It’s hot...!

( There’s flames underneath the cage...!? )

Ayato: Oi...! What are you doin’...!? 

Male Vampire C: It’s simple. 

She will be punished for your inability to find the correct answer.

Ayato: Wha...!?

Yui: M-Me...!?

Male Vampire C: ...You still do not understand?

Ayato: ...!

Male Vampire C: ...Farewell.

*Thud*

Yui: Kyaaaah!?

( I’m falling...!? )

Ayato: Yui...!!

*Rustle*

Male Vampire C: Turning a blind eye to the risks involved, you jumped into the flames...

...Seems like you were able to reach the correct answer.

ー The flames have disappeared

Ayato: Ow...!!

Yui: Ayato-kun!

Ayato: Are you alright, Chichinashi!?

Yui: Yeah...Somehow...

Ayato: You’re not injured anywhere!?

Yui: N-No...How about you, are you okay?

Ayato: Che, who do you think you’re talkin’ to? Of course i’m fine. I’m a Vampire, you know!

Anyway, the fuck was that about?

Yui: I don’t know but...Both the cage and the flames have disappeared...

Ayato: ...!

...Hehe...What...?

Which means...This is the right answer...?

Yui: Eh? ...What do you mean?

Ayato: Ahー ...Fuck! I was played!

That bastard...He pulled such an elaborate scheme.

Yui: ( I’m not quite sure what’s going on... )

Ayato-kun, who are you talking about...?

Ayato: He’s the only guy who can pull off this sorta shit...It has to be that Old Fart!

Yui: Eh...!? Your Father!?

But, why...?

Ayato: How should I know!?

For one, things turned out this way, ‘cause you let yourself get kidnapped!

Yui: ( Uu...He’s right...Even though he gave me so many warnings... )

...I’m sorry.

Ayato: ...But...Well...You were fine so I’ll let it slide this once.

...I won’t show mercy next time so brace yourself.

Yui: Y-Yeah...

Ayato: Come on...Can you stand?

Yui: H-Huh...?

( That’s strange...I can’t find the strength in my legs... )

Ayato: Oi...Don’t tell me you can’t?

Yui:  Seems like it...

Haah...Guess I’ve got no other choice. ...Heavy-hoh...!

ー Ayato lifts her into his arms

*Rustle*

Yui: Wah...!? Ayato-kun!?

This is embarrassing...Put me down!!

Ayato: But you can’t walk by yourself, right? Then pipe down and let yourself be carried.

Also...Don’t leave my side ever again. 

You got kidnapped ‘cause you left yourself wide open like that. Understood?

Yui: Y-Yeah...

( Even though he went out of his way to take me to the Carnival... )

( I ended up causing Ayato-kun trouble till the very end... )

I’m sorry...Ayato-kun.

Ayato: ...Ah?

Yui: Even though you told me to be cautious of my surroundings. ...Things turned out like this...

Ayato: ...

...Granted, you did cause me a lot of trouble today but...

...Well, it was fun in its own regard, you know?

...It was an eye-opener as well.

Yui: U-Uhm...I’m sorry, Ayato-kun.

Ayato: Aah? What?

Yui: I didn’t quite catch what you said just now, so could you repeat it one more time...?

Ayato: Haah!?

I-I didn’t say anythin’! Come on...We should get goin’ already.

Yui: Yeah!

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) 生きがい or ‘ikigai’ is a term often used in Japanese culture to refer to the one thing in life someone is the most passionate about. It literally means ‘to make life worth it’ and most people would say their ikigai is something like their family or their lover. Although in Japan, your job/work can be an ‘ikigai’ as well.

(2) 指をくわえて見ている or ‘yubi o kuwaete miteiru’ literally means ‘to watch with a finger in one’s mouth’, implying that someone is feeling envious or frustrated, but has no other choice but to simply watch.

← RETURN TO CHAPTER 3

→ PROCEED TO FINALE ENDING

→ PROCEED TO NORMAL ENDING

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #216: “... To Avenge the Avengers!”

February, 1982

"Avenge us, Tigra! The Molecule Man must die!”

Eesh, the Avengers plus Silver Surfer have gone full Hamlet’s Dad on Tigra and she’s gonna cat Molecule Man and his plush himself to death. But he’s ready for it.

But why? Well...

Last time: Silver Surfer inadvertently gave Molecule Man the idea to eat Earth. The Avengers and the Surfer teamed up to stop him but he just Molecule Manned their sweet gear into nothing, captured them all, and then stomped them under a giant boot-o-matic crusher! Except Tigra who he kept around because he wanted someone to talk at and because Tigra had claimed that she liked him!

This time: “Tigra... the Last Avenger!”

Nice touch that the book name inside the book has been changed to match even if the cover hasn’t.

That is a tough hat to wear. Did you know its only been a little over a week since she joined the team?

And in that time she got thrown into space by an Elf-Queen, watched a founding Avenger have an emotional breakdown and try to kill his friends to make them like him again, had her soul set on fire, been repeatedly harassed in public, and watched the whole team be killed with her life only being spared because she begged for her life!

Is this the worst week and change in Avengers history? IT MIGHT WELL BE!

“She was spared. The fear of death has drained away now, leaving only emptiness behind. She has never felt so alone.”

This narration set in the same panel where Molecule Man is all but slapping the giant boot and going ‘this bad boy can crush so many fucking Avengers in it.’

Well really, its more like

Molecule Man: “Well, cat-lady, they’re dead! Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and that Silver Surfer guy -- squished flat by my giant boot-o-matic crusher! You know, I made this thing out of molecules from a scrapyard! Yessir, I believe in recycling!”

But that’s about the same level of dissonance between jolly goofus villain rambling and hollow despair.

Anyway, Molecule Man calls her out on being such a bummer because she’s moping over there when he’s feeling good about killing the Avengers and really Tigra try to consider how he feels geez.

So she shakes off the despair and asks hey what exactly is Molecule Man going to do with her?

Tigra: “Am I going to be your mate or...”

Molecule Man: “What? Nah! I never got along with girls! I mean, you know... that way! Yessir, mom always warned me about... that! And she was right! You can be my friend! No! Make that -- my pet! Here, kitty, kitty!”

Wow.

That. That dodged a bullet in a cool Matrix bullet time way right into another bullet.

Let’s please not get too creepy with this, huh? You listening to me, comic published nearly forty years ago? Let’s not get creepy!

Molecule Man decides to be a responsible pet owner and feed his pet. He can control molecules so obviously it should be no trouble to just rearrange them into any configuration he--

Okay, its apparently really hard to make food! Way too complicated!

He’s going to be an irresponsible pet owner and not feed Tigra. And meanwhile he’s going to chow down on some undifferentiated mush or possibly a pile of dust. Its all molecules so its all the same to him.

Tigra didn’t even want food but asks him where the bathroom is.

Molecule Man: “Bathroom? Hmm... well, I really don’t understand how plumbing works, so I couldn’t make a bathroom! If you want, though, I could sort of fake it...”

Tigra: “No, I’ll be all right! i just feel a little sick...”

Molecule Man: “So go be sick for a while! I’ve got to get started on my little project anyway! If I’m going to eat this stupid planet -- I’ve got to prepare by clearing away all the living things from a few square miles of land.”

And he gets started! A giant ridge of land just peels up from the ground, like Molecule Man is skinning a fruit before eating. Also a volcano erupts. Pretty sure there weren’t any volcanoes in New Jersey before now.

Fairly sure.

Outside the dome, thankfully the army has been evacuating everyone in a fifty-mile radius or else a lot of people would be dead. VOLCANO.

Then the Fantastic Four arrive.

Yayyyyy! Oh whoa whoa, Fantastic Fourrr!

They’ve got the best Molecule Man mashing record so they’re here to do what they do do.

Which in this context is fail like champs.

Ben Grimm the Thing tries to shatter the dome with a punch and no dice. Then Human Torch cranks up to nova flame and applies the heat of a sun on one little spot on the dome.

Johnny about wears himself out doing it and still no result.

Guess Iron Man, Thor, and Silver Surfer > a pinpoint miniature sun.

Meanwhile inside, Molecule Man tells Tigra hey get a load of this. And then he levitates a couple billion gallons of water from the Delaware River and dumps it on the Fantastic Four, plus the army, washing them away.

Invisible Woman: “Reed, it -- it doesn’t seem possible!”

Mr. Fantastic: “Everything is made of molecules, Sue! Anything is possible for the Molecule Man!”

Molecule Man far too hax.

But meanwhile, gasp, the Avengers weren’t actually all killed in a book with their name on it! This is unprecedented!

And Silver Surfer is ready to explain their unlikely survival of giant crushing boot.

See, Silver Surfer wasn’t quite as knocked unconscious as the three Avengers so he played possum. When Molecule Man put the Avengers plus Silver Surfer in the crushing boot and when it was just about to crush, Silver Surfer used the Power Cosmic to disintegrate the bottom part of the boot so that the Avengers and him fell to a lower floor. Completely uncrushed!

So that’s good.

The bad is that Silver Surfer has to report that Tigra is still in Molecule Man’s clutches.

The awkward is that Iron Man and Thor lost their armor and hammer respectively so Cap is like ‘wait, what are Tony Stark and Perfectly Normal Dr. Donald Blake doing here??’

So Tony and Don come clean about his secret ID.

Tony Stark, Actually Iron Man: “I feel a little foolish about keeping that secret from you till now! I’m sure Don feels the same way...”

Donald Blake, Dr. Thor: “Right, Tony...”

So now Cap is in on the secret which previously bound Tony and Don together as the Best Friends Avengers Who Aren’t Beast and Wonder Man.

Remember when they discovered each other’s secret IDs? Good times. Well, weird times. That was the issue when that hates-robots group suicide bombed Vision for dating a meat woman.

Also, Tony was only wearing underwear under the Iron Man armor so Don gave him his suit jacket to wear as a loincloth. Mighty nice of him.

Silver Surfer has just been standing on the sides not caring about all this secret ID nonsense or personal drama so he chimes in to point out that Molecule Man is going to eat the planet unless they stop him.

Cap decides that he and the Surfer have to strike before Molecule Man realizes they’re alive. Tony and Don have the important mission to hide somewhere safe.

Tony and Don object to being sidelined. Strongly.

Tony: “You think Iron Man is just a suit of armor, Cap? Is that what you’re saying?”

Don: “I found this rod to use as a makeshift cane! It won’t change me into a thunder god, but it’ll help me get around -- if only to draw fire!”

Tony: “Like it or not, we’re with you!”

Don: “The Avengers stand assembled, Captain America! Now, lead us!”

Cap: “All right! I get the message! I should have known better than to think you’d -- I mean, you two are the best...”

Tony: “Save it, Cap! We’ve got work to do!”

Aww.

This is everything I could have hoped for out of secret ID reveal. Cap starts thinking of them as civilians now that they have real person names but ultimately it brings them closer as teammates.

I love it. Granted, I love it because my favorite form of Avengers is a group of friends and set of interpersonal dramas roughly shaped like a superhero team.

Later, in the nighttime and in the room that Molecule Man made for Tigra.

... Wow, Molecule Man.

Wow.

So we’ve got a giant cat shaped bed. A giant, terrifying cat head on the wall. And a giant ball of yarn. But not giant sized cat tree? Fie and shame.

Anyway, Tigra is sitting on bed lamenting and decrying the Fantastic Four’s failure. Especially as it pertains to her situation.

Tigra: “I -- I just can’t believe the Fantastic Four failed! How could they let me -- and the world down like that? How could they? Right now, Reed Richards is probably locked in his lab trying to invent a gizmo that’ll pierce the dome! Hmf! Who knows how long that might take? The Molecule Man plans to eat the Earth tomorrow morning!”

Nothing like a nice filling breakfast, I guess.

She grants that Reed doesn’t know there’s an everyone’s-deadline so instead Tigra bemoans that it’s all up to her.

Tigra: “I should have tried to jump him today! I can’t believe I didn’t! I was standing right next to him a couple of times! I’m cat-quick! Why didn’t I lunge at him and claw him to shreds before he could move? Could it be because my muscles felt like jelly -- ? I was trembling -- ? In shock -- ? Afraid of him? Hey, shouldn’t I be? I mean, I saw him crush my friends to a bloody smear! And I had a spooky feeling that he was somehow, secretly ready for an attack -- and hoping I’d give him an excuse to dice me into furry cubes!”

And because this is a Tigra character beat page, she also thinks about how easy the hero gig used to seem when it was for smaller stakes. But with the actual literal fate of the world at stake... “I never thought that when the big test came I’d be a scaredy cat!”

But she remembers what Cap said during the Ghost Rider story that its not wrong to be frightened if you don’t let fear dictate your actions.

So she creeps out into the night to Molecule Man’s bedroom.

Oh, that’s a neat touch.

Her shadow on the wall looks a lot like a tiger because her hair curls at the end like a tail.

Neat.

So anyway, she doesn’t understand how Molecule Man can be so confident that he’s just sleeping with his door wide open and with no defenses and wonders if there’s a trap or whether he’s just counting on her to think that there’s a trap.

She’s about five seconds from a full-blown I know you know that I know that you know episode.

The only way to find out is just go for it so she creeps into the room. The garish room.

This is even more wow than Tigra’s room.

But as she creeps into the room and up to the enormous, ridiculous bed, she realizes that she has to kill him. If she attacks and doesn’t kill him with the first strike, what he could do is too horrible for her to imagine.

But what she doesn’t realize is that Molecule Man isn’t sleeping soundly and isn’t unprepared. 

He’s stretched monomolecular filaments across the room, too thin for even Tigra to spot.

Now usually monomolecular filaments is one of those ‘oops I’ve been cut to pieces by invisible wires’ thing. You’ve probably seen it in a couple of anime. But this is more like a bunch of cans on a string.

Tigra breaks one of the filaments while she creeps forward. Something that she couldn’t possibly know but which instantly alerts him.

And his response is a “Oh, ho! Just wait’ll she tries it! This’ll be fun!”

Because Tigra’s instinct was correct. Molecule Man was keeping her around just to kill when she finally tried anything. Its been a game. See how far he can push Tigra and how messily he can deal with her when she loses.

This is pretty tense stuff! Well, it lasts a page so it doesn’t overfocus on this specific tense scenario but still!

Tigra: “I’m in range! All I’ve got to do is spring and... and kill him! He murdered my friends! He’s going to destroy the whole world! I’ve got to kill him! Come on, lady! Do it! What’s wrong? He deserves it! He’s a murderer -- ! A rotten little wimp! He calls you ‘kitty’! Kill him! I hate him! I hate him! but... i just can’t kill him!”

And apologizing to Cap for not being able to go through with it, she slinks out of the room trying to think of another way.

Inside the room, Molecule Man sits up disgruntled, just not understanding at all why she didn’t go through with it. There’s no way she could have known that he was ready for her so why wouldn’t she try to do a murder!

And then as Tigra is wishing she had someone to talk to, someone grabs her and pulls her around a corner.

Boom, a comedy after all that one page of tension.

And it’s Cap because there’s like four people it could have been.

Tigra is elated that the Cap is alive, that she’s not alone anymore! And she tries to confess that she attempted to kill Molecule Man to avenge the Avengers. That maybe she should have because now she might lose them again!

Tony: “You did fine, Tigra! Relax!”

But she doesn’t feel like she did fine so she tries to explain that she let the Avengers down by giving into cowardice. She told Molecule Man she liked him to stay alive.

Cap: “Good strategy, Tigra -- preserving your life so you’d be able to carry on the battle!”

She tries to explain it wasn’t strategy so much as being terrified but she gets distracted because she’s just realized that in this group of Cap and Silver Guy there’s two people she doesn’t know.

Cap: “Dr. Don Blake, who’s secretly Thor and Tony Stark who is Iron Man’s alter ego!”

Her mood immediately flips.

Tigra: “You guys are really Thor and Iron Man? Really? And it’s okay for me to know? Really?”

Tony Stark: “Why not? Somehow those secrets seem pretty trivial, what with the world on the verge of being the Molecule Man’s breakfast!”

He says that but he still looks pretty annoyed at Cap just blurting it out.

And geez, Cap, you gotta let people reveal their own secret identities. Or make up some dumb excuse that everyone instantly believes.

Its the done thing.

In terms of Avengers drama though this is pretty good. Thor, Cap, and Iron Man have been working together for a really long time. Even though Cap didn’t form the Avengers he’s basically been there so long they consider him an honorary founder.

Cap learning Iron Man and Thor’s secret identities can be a ‘we should have told you sooner!’ thing.

Tigra just joined the team! Like a week ago!

They need to work together now and there’s probably no smooth lie that could paper over where Iron Man and Thor went and why these two are here now but its probably still a little galling that Cap just blurts it out to the newest person on the team.

Its great. I’d love to see the repercussions of this.

Anyway, time is short so Tony gets to explaining the plan.

He found his broken armor and managed to scavenge enough bits and pieces to make a little device he’s calling a screamer. It’ll emit a high-pitched noise that should disorient Molecule Man.

And then the device just poofs into smoke in Tony’s hand.

Whoops, Molecule Man overheard their plan to beat up Molecule Man and also heard Tony call him names.

So he pulls together all the loose dust in the room and uses it to strangle Tony.

Wow, they’ve gone from having a “layered assault” to watching someone literally choke on Molecule Man’s dust. That’s got to be the quickest turnaround from hope to nope.

Tigra goes wild, rushing at Molecule Man and screaming that she shoulda killed him before and she’s damn well going to scratch his face off now!

But Molecule Man asks her to talk to the hand. Zing.

Puns.

Although “Don’t scream at me, Kitty! ‘Cause I’ll slap you down!”

Sure. That’s good wordplay too.

Having just been comedically (although seriously) WHAP!’d across the room, Tigra has her own words to say.

Tigra: “You -- you weak, slimy excuse for a human being! How could I have stooped so low as to humble myself to garbage like you? So you’ve got power! Big deal! You were a nerd before -- you’re still a nerd! You were a mistake! You shouldn’t even have been born! You crybaby! All you do is blame the world for your own inedequacy! Go on, kill me, nerd! I despise living in the same world with you!”

Wow. She really took all those personal details he shared and slapped him upside the head with them.

Goes to show. Don’t try to destroy the world. People will have rude things to say.

Meanwhile, Cap and Silver Surfer are trying to save Tony but can’t clear the super condense dust faster than Molecule Man gathers it.

Cap tells Tigra to get Molecule Man because that’s their only chance but Tigra is too hurt from being slapped by a giant hand.

Molecule Man: “I’ve got to hand it to you guys, it must’ve taken some doing to escape my crusher! This time, I’m going to make sure you’re dead! Hmm... someone’s missing! But who?”

And he’s done process of elimination and realized that the guy Thor turned into is missing and figures he ran away when Entirely Normal But Furious Dr. Donald Blake tells Molecule Man to grit his teeth.

And then Molecule Man runs off yelling because Dr. Donald Blake can throw down. He possibly broke Molecule Man’s nose with that one punch.

Good job, Dr. Donald Blake.

With Molecule Man not focusing on the dust thing, Tony is free of the dust thing but unconscious. Dr. Donald Blake tells the others that he’ll take care of Tony and that they should go chase Molecule Man since they can run better than he can.

So Cap, Tigra, and Silver Surfer go off in pursuit of Molecule Man.

Silver Surfer reminds that he can track Molecule Man’s unique energies. Cap helpfully points out that they can also just track the trail of blood drips from Molecule Man’s nose. And Tigra goes ‘also I can smell him’ because its good to have three different ways to find a guy.

They find him in some sort of throne room (curled up in pain on the throne) and charge at him. But he’s not in the mood for their shenanigans.

So he sends a tidal wave of molecules at them.

Cap shouts for Silver Surfer to do something and he does do something indeed.

The Surfer blasts the wave of matter with the power cosmic so hard that it transmutes into raw energy and just explodes through the top of the palace in a beautiful pyrotechnic display.

It also completely exhausts the Surfer and he just kind of plops down for a nap right there on the ground.

Cap tells Tigra to watch the Surfer and then goes to take the Molecule Man on alone.

This isn’t a great plan but also their already small roster has kind of dwindled to this point.

And maybe Cap sort of doesn’t want to throw Tigra at Molecule Man when she’s already been hurt and was voicing all those doubts earlier. Can’t say for sure. She’s about to offer for help but Cap is like ‘WHOOPS NOW OR NEVER!’

Molecule Man must be in a whimsical mood, I mean more so than usual have you seen what he’s been getting up to? Because he converts some of the furnishings into a bunch of stars to shoot at Cap.

Its funny because Cap wears a star. It’d be ironic if he got smacked in the face with one, probably.

But Molecule Man activated Cap’s speechifying and that buffs him because nobody likes hearing Cap talk about freedom and justice and doing right more than Cap probably.

What I’m saying is that he leaps and gambols between the stars and I feel its because he has Stuff To Say that he’s doing so well.

Cap: “You make me sick, mister! They say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,  and you’re living proof of it! You might kill me! After all, I’m just an ordinary man -- but men like me have always found a way to bring high-and-mighty tyrants like you to their knees! There’s never enough power to save madmen like you -- from ultimate, bitter defeat!”

WAK!

And perhaps it wasn’t just his agility that was improved by inspirational speeching himself. Because he knocks Molecule Man down with that one punch and he doesn’t get back up.

Or maybe Molecule Man just has a glass jaw.

Don Blake and Tony Stark show up and Silver Surfer wakes up but he runs in with the rest anyway for some reason. Tony tells Tigra to watch Molecule Man while he has an Important Debate with Cap.

See, Tony has realized something. Knocking down Molecule Man is just the first step. If Molecule Man gets back up, he might start eating the Earth again and the Avengers might not be able to stop him.

So he asks Don Blake if there’s a medical way to just sort of keep Molecule Man knocked out.

Don Blake: “How? We can’t just keep hitting him on the head -- this isn’t a T.V. show! I mean, how hard do you hit him? How many times can you do that before causing serious brain damage... or death?”

Realism? In a comic book? What are YOU doing here??

Anyway, Tony doesn’t see any other option but to kill Molecule Man.

Cap protests that Molecule Man is a human being with rights to due process and a trial by jury of his peers!

But Tony is convincing the others. As an Actual Doctor, Don Blake doesn’t like to hear this. He wants to save lives. But he can’t refute Tony.

And Silver Surfer also seems on Team Tony.

Silver Surfer: “I understand what it is to sacrifice one life so that a multitude, a world might live! It seems clear that this Molecule Man cannot be imprisoned or held in check! He... must die to save the Earth... though I could never bring myself to slay him!”

Don’t you have the power cosmic? Surely there’s a power cosmic option available?

To be fair though his the power cosmic might be exhausted at the moment.

Still. Geez, Silver Surfer. ‘He gotta die but 1-2-3-not-it’ is really how you’re playing this??

Meanwhile, Tigra has decided that being asked to watch Molecule Man implies a certain duty perhaps even responsibility to tell him how much he sucks. Which is a lot.

And recall that she’s already told him how much he sucks earlier in the fight. So she has found a second wind in telling him how much he sucks.

Tigra: “You little jerk! Don’t you see? Cap was wrong! Power very seldom corrupts! It usually doesn’t change anything! It just magnifies what’s already there, whether it’s good and noble or evil and petty!”

“You were a nerd before... now you’re a powerful nerd! Big deal! Dummy! The shame of it is that with your power you can build... you can contribute! You don’t have to be a loser anymore!”

“Why are you such a fool? Why can’t you see that killing a planetful of people doesn’t make you even -- it just make you lonelier than ever!”

Wow. It feels like Tigra could hypothetically be talking about all different kinds of entitled nerds who then become the jerks as adults!

Anyway.

Tony and Cap are still arguing.

Tony, at least, isn’t going to ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. I.e., he’s going to kill Molecule Man himself and save four billion people.

Cap: “Tony... please! I can’t let you do this!”

Tony: “You can take me in for murder afterward, Cap, but for now, stand aside! I’m warning you...”

Cap: “You’ll have to go through me, Tony...”

You’re warning him, Tony? You don’t have armor. You don’t even have pants. What are you going to do to supersoldier Captain America?

Logic aside, what strikes me is how much this foreshadows.

Before Civil War contrived that superhero registration, the big hot button superhero debate issue is whether superheroes should kill in extreme circumstances.

Spoilers for the NINETIES but the Regular and West Coast Avengers will come to schism and Cap and Iron Man will basically break up over whether or not to kill the Kree Supreme Intelligence after it engineered a war that killed 90% of the Kree people on purpose.

Shooter is long gone by that point but I guess someone is going to pick up the thread.

Because the debate doesn’t get settled here or rather does, sorta, in favor of Cap but not in a way he expects.

Interrupting the sad fist fight between Cap and a nearly naked man, Molecule Man pops up and tells everyone that Tigra has convinced him to turn his life around.

Tigra: “Guys, Mr. Owen Reece and I have talked, and, well, I convinced him to give himself up!”

Mr. Owen Reece: “Yes, I want to start seeing a therapist!”

Cap: “huh?”

Mr. Owen Reece: “I know I’ll have to go to jail... but that’s okay! It’ll give me time to think things out! I’ll make an opening in the dome now so you can call the authorities!”

Don Blake: “s-sure!”

God, that is just great. I love this as a resolution so much. This is a resolution that Squirrel Girl would bring us, although we’d get more of the actual convincing.

Still very, very good. Good to be optimistic in comics sometimes. Sometimes villains can seek redemption if only a cat yells at them long enough.

Although I think the best part is how baffled everyone is by the plot twist.

So with but a “Soon...” caption, the police have come to pick up Mr. Owen Reece and brought Miss Hanrahan who is going to be his therapist.

Holy crap, a therapist in Marvel who isn’t Doc Sampson but will work with superpowered nonsense!

Can we bring Miss Hanrahan back??

A couple things I like here.

One is that Mr. Owen Reece has changed off-panel into a suit instead of his supervillain costume. Now that’s him making an honest effort.

Two is Very Annoyed Tony Stark in the back of the pack of Avengers. He’s wearing a handkerchief as a mask because someone might recognize him as Tony Stark and then wonder ‘hey why is Tony Stark here.’

Three is the proud smile from Tigra when seeing Mr. Owen Reece meet his therapist.

Melts my heart a little.

Before he goes away to jail, Mr. Owen Reece takes a quick sidebar with the Avengers.

He retroactively feels just awful about ruining their various gadgets so he decides to make right.

He reintegrates Mjolnir, Toomie the surfboard, and Cap’s shield exactly as they were. Original molecules and all! They were so weird that he remembered where they all went.

As for Iron Man’s Iron Man armor.... look, he did his best.

Mr. Owen Reece: “But your armor, with all those complicated electronic gadgets is just too tricky for me to reassemble! You needed something more proper to wear till you get home, though -- so I whipped up some red and gold cloth and made you an Iron Man leisure suit! I hope it’s okay!”

Amazing. Simply incredible.

Although I think my favorite part was Mr. Owen Reece realizing ‘hey Iron Man should be wearing pants!’

Anyway, he also takes apart his Molecule Man Doom Fortress and puts those molecules back where he found them. More or less. He tries.

And, yes, he does rebuild the entire town of Netcong, New Jersey. Except the plumbing.

In a funny call back to Reece admitting he doesn’t really understand plumbing, none of the plumbing in the rebuilt town works.

Later, back at Avengers Mansion, Silver Surfer is offered a spot on the team but turns it down.

FOR THE PATHS OF DESTINY DO BECKON HIM DOWN A LONELY ROAD THAT MUST BE TRAVELED ALONE

Its the only who he has ever known. Except for all the time he spend with Galactus. Or the Defenders. Or later on when he has a companion to take on space nonsense.

Tigra also takes this time to say farewell.

Tigra: “I’m just not in the same league as you guys! I mean, sure I’ve got lots of super-ability, and, usually, I'm even pretty heroic -- but not up to your standard! I mean two of you, without your powers, no less, really showed me what it’s all about back there! And let’s face it, you guys mess with some heavy-duty opposition! I think I’ll quit while I’m ahead!”

=C

Noooooooooo

But but but Tigraaa you were a source of joy and fuuuuuuuun

You only joined at the end of #211! It’s only been about a week in-universe!

Darn.

The three other Avengers all say their goodbyes.

Thor reminds her that she was the one who turned around Mr. Owen Reece but Tigra says she got lucky.

Iron Man gives her one of Tony Stark’s cards and tells her to call Tony Stark who is definitely not him anytime she needs anything.

Jarvis even tears up at her leaving, although he denies it because a good butler never dies on duty and then blames his allergies.

And then Tigra is off. Damn. If I didn’t know who might be joining the Avengers soon I’d be completely inconsolable instead of just very.

So now the Avengers are down to just three members. That’s not a team. That’s a crossover. Probably why Jarvis wonders if a membership drive is in order.

NEXT: The return of... Yellowjacket, the Wasp, and Egghead!

I’m game for Wasp coming back! Don’t think it likely that Yellowjacket is just going to come back to the team just like that! And Egghead? The villain who blew up a city with a killsat and killed Hawkeye’s brother? Unlikely recruit!

(No I know that’s not what the NEXT means)

Hey, follow @essential-avengers​ because the Hank Pym just keeps happening. Like and reblog too please. Be sad with me that Tigra is gone.