#Shout out to civilians in hero comics
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Going insane over civilian characters in hero comics again
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alex31624 · 1 month ago
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Duck Comic Reading Club Week 17: Paperinik New Adventures: The Darkest Night
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Behold, the return of Francesco Guerrini to PKNA. The second I saw the art, I thought this is the guy from Earthquake. I was right.
From the get go, we know this issue is going to look beautiful.
Now this is a Christmas tale. Merry Christmas, I guess. Weird fact of the day, in Venezuela they celebrated Christmas on October 1 by presidential order. Why? Beats me.
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Anyway, shout out to this guy who saw aliens in his front door and his first reaction was to axed them. A true hero.
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Throughout the story, we see that clock and I like the idea, but it doesn't add much. There's no deadline, like, at midnight the ship will come and everyone will be dead. That's a shame because, it would have add a lot of tension.
This town is on full Evronian invasion mode, but someone sends a "help us" message.
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Hey, just like Ducks on the Road.
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In the meantime, the army found out about the invasion, but…
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The general has been removed from duty.
To be fair, he did take a bunch of soldiers to do a military attack on foreign territory.
The problem here is General Wisecube is a PK defender, while Coronel Westcock is a PK attacker. With him in charge, PK's future could be in a lot of troubles.
Talking about PK, where's our hero? He's on a top mission.
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Christmas shopping. Sadly for him, but lucky for the people in the town, Uno found the message asking for help. Donald immediately enters in hero mode and jumps into the action.
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I really like how the conversation is drawn, with only their heads all over the page.
Meanwhile, Morrighan and Camera 9 arrived at the town. How? I didn't mention that before, but Channel 00 was having a party, and Angus fooled Morrighan in follow one of his "fake" clues. They got just in time for the invasion. Talking about good timing.
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By the way, this page is just beautiful.
PK arrived at the town, and saves this young lady that introduces herself as Marjory. But you and I know she's '91 Gosalyn, after leaving St. Cannard. She was the one who sent the message.
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The way Guerrini show the destruction caused by the PK does what he does best, beats the hell out of Evronians. But of course, '91 Gosalyn joins the battle.is amazing. I love his art, I could spend all day staring at it.
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Shout out to Camera 9 who never forgot his duty. He and Lyla are the only upright ones on Channel 00.
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PK does what he does best, beats the hell out of Evronians.
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But of course, '91 Gosalyn joins the battle.
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But this time, it was too much. PK is doomed.
JA! Who could ever believe that? Donald must be the unluckiest duck ever, but when the mask is on, luck lady always smiles at him.
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In the first reading, I thought, this Evronians can't beat anyone. But now, they're obviously over powered by the army. If they didn't retreat, it would have been a massacre.
You could said, why the army let them go? I think a full attack on that troope would result in a stronger answer. Sadly, we have been seen much of that in the world lately.
The Coronel later claim that this was nothing but a drill, and everybody buys it. The thing about civilians in super hero comics, they're dumb. All of them.
'91 Gosalyn and her family thank PK for his help. Is good to see him being treated as a hero for a change.
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He even got a kiss. Way to go hero.
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h
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Finally, we found out the General has some loyal soldiers who are willing to help PK. There're some extra pages, turned out, the army got Camera 9's tape and changed it.
The world will remain ignorant about its invaders. For now.
We're back on track guys. Two weeks with good stories.
We just need Urk far away.
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risingchaos · 2 days ago
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A MESSAGE FROM NIGHTWING
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Rating: Teen & Up
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandoms: Nightwing (Comics), Batman - All Media Types, DCU, DCU (Comics)
Characters: Dick Grayson
Additional Tags: Comfort, Politics, He’s taking a video of himself after the election, Dick Grayson is Nightwing, Comfort No Hurt
Language: English
Words: 603
Chapters: 1/1
Summary: In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Nightwing releases a video to the masses.
If you are in need of resources, I have added some to the end notes on AO3. Please, utilize them.
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The camera flicks on to the skyline of Blüdhaven and a closeup of Nightwing’s blue domino mask as he checks to make sure it’s on. Once he does, he smiles, using his hands to do a sort of crab walk backwards before sitting cross legged, most of his body in frame. He puts his elbows on his knees, and leans forward a little to talk.
“Hey. It’s uh, it’s been a rough week, hasn’t it?” His smile is already frayed at the edges, similar to the look he gets when trying to comfort a victim. “Even here in Blüd, crime’s gotten weird. Someone shouted at me that the blue on my suit showed my true colors, told them who I voted for, easy. It’s not like they’re wrong, but.. I’m a symbol, for a lot of people. To civilians, to heroes, to villains. And I wanted to say something.”
He cleared his throat, clasping his hands in front of him.
“Right now, emotions are running pretty high, yeah? A lot of people are scared, or angry, or sad, and that’s okay. You’re allowed to be. It’s alright to feel that way. Emotions don’t have to be productive in order for you feel them. This sucks.”
Nightwing sighed, smile not wavering but settling into a more comforting one. His shoulders were squared, but he was leaning forward onto his elbows a little. It just exuded warmth and comfort.
“I get it. I’m pissed right now. I’m worried for the people in my life that I love, for all the people I don’t know that are going to be affected by the outcome of this election, worse than I will. All the people in red states, in the south, that don’t get the luxury of living somewhere protected. So be mad. Be sad. Be upset. But don’t take this as a defeat.”
His expression turned the page over to determination, corners of his mouth dropping with his eyebrows. He looked like Nightwing, protector of Blüdhaven.
“Take it as a sign. This was just a battle, it’s not the war. Work in your community if you don’t already. Find ways to help all those that will be affected, and I don’t mean do what I do.” He pointed at the camera with a stern look, breaking it after a moment with a soft chuckle. “Join grassroots work in your city, donate your time and energy to shelters and charities. There’s so many lists out there of reputable organizations that you can feel comfortable helping. Don’t let this kill you. It’ll suck, yeah, but if you let this break you, you’ll never get back up again.”
He rested his chin in his palm, sighing long.
“Believe me, I get it. I want to scream and yell and go punch every dumbass that voted for him. Shake them by the shoulders and ask how they didn’t notice, how they couldn’t see the signs of what he’d do, but it would prove their point. Nothing would get fixed. The best advice I can give, right now, is to let yourself feel what you feel. Cope how you can, and then pick yourself up, and fight for yourself, and for those that can’t, and for those that want you with them.”
He shifted up onto his knees, crawling towards the camera and picking it up. Once again, there was a smile on his face, kind and welcoming.
“And if the assholes fight back, then you can punch them in the face. God knows I find it pretty therapeutic.”
He laughed, genuine and bright, before grinning properly and ending the video.
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moxfirefly · 3 years ago
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I don't see many who ask for it and I adore the last one you did.
So IF it strikes your creative juices to do so, I would love another Abe Sapien NFSW with a female reader.
I don't have a specific scenario in mind, I thought I would leave that to something that may have been brewing in your mind for awhile. Eh, maybe bonus points for reader being regular bystander type person. But no real emphasis on that.
Again, only if the mood strikes you. I am the type that can only write when it hits me, the story, the timing, etc, so I like to give others a out if the mood never strikes them.
Adore and worship your writing 💞💞💞
Some Abe loving? Heck yes my dude! Also big fan of your stuff! I think this is the first time I have you in the inbox 💕
Rated Explicit (18+ only)
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There’s many things that have stricken Abe. He feels things perhaps even more strongly than many could. The super hero gig brings a lot of emotions to the forefront, is he just a well treated captive with morals? Maybe. It’s protecting mankind something stands for? Most certainly.
Still doesn’t make the job any less harder.
And sure some civilians would rather spit at him and his comrades, treat them as less, as freaks.
Which brings him to right now, hiding behind a strangers couch while the authorities speak to her.
“Are you sure you didn’t see anything suspicious?” The too well dressed agent ask once more. You shake your head.
“Like I said, I heard noises but I wasn’t about to stick my head out the window” Actually you had, and that’s when you saw blue and large black eyes. The supposed cop writes something down, gives you once last glance behind your shoulder before thanking you for the cooperation.
The evening had gone from completely quiet to a few shouts and gun fire, which was common in this neck of the woods but when you chanced a glance and saw Abe (he had politely introduced himself) you noticed the wound on his arm.
“I think you’re clear, for now at least” You whispered as you locked the door, Abe slowly stood from behind the couch, large eyes blinking.
“I cannot begin to express my gratitude….” You held your hands up and shook your head before he could continue. “I just, it felt wrong to leave you out there and much more to turn you in” Your eyes followed the blood on his arm, it hit you again and you jittery went about looking for a towel or anything whilst apologizing profusely.
Between stopping the bleeding and getting a crash course on suturing with dental floss and a needle, the hours had passed between that and gentle speaking. Abe had explained who he is and what he does. His busted up communicator had been the first problem of the night, getting separated from his team had been the second. Your superstitious brain had its way upon learning that creatures of all sort (good or bad) basically roam the earth.
“Have you ever thought about leaving?” You had asked over a warm cup of coffee. Those bottomless eyes of his had twitched slightly.
Abe’s thought of it. Packing up randomly and just leaving. To see how true it is that he’s the last of his kind, the last of his family.
When a stranger says it, it feels sort of possible.
Doable.
He shakes his head instead, the edges of his mouth betraying only slightly. “No, I can’t” He leaves it that and you silently accept it.
Curiosity gets a hold of you as you tentatively pressed an index and forefinger to his forearm. He’s naturally cool, insanely soft but firm. You smile genuinely surprised, if anything mesmerized by the look of him.
You did always feel at home in the water. To see somebody who, for them, the water was first nature for them. Well it made all those stories your nana would tell you about the sea life feel so real. Just like that you let both fingers trail down his forearm, a gentle path without words.
And yet it spoke so greatly to Abe.
“I’m not a mermaid” He laughed softly, your wide eyes too comical for him to handle.
“Forgive me, but I have other abilities that allow me to… well to read you better” Did he just admit to being a mind reader?
You swallow, embarrassment tinting your cheeks and a hand still resting atop his own. Abe, not wishing to, read every alarmed thought and even ones that would’ve made him blush if he could. His hand held your wrist gently. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you” His apology was genuine, you shook your head with a shy smile.
What a strange turn of events the night had been. After some chatter and another pot of coffee, Abe was standing to take his leave. He had to somehow find his way back to the main camp, from there alert everyone that he was safe and had just been taking shelter.
In the company of a beautiful lady.
He swallowed, absently he ran a hand over the bandages you had so carefully wrapped around his arm. “All things considered, I’m glad you showed up at my window” You walked him over to said window, you both chuckled.
“All things considered, thank you for helping me… I fear I wouldn’t have had the same luck with the family of four beneath you” That pulled another series of chuckles from the two of you. There was an awkward pause, Abe stuck his hand towards you. You licked your lips and shook your head.
Instead you wrapped him up in a hug.
It left him quite stumped and not many things stumped Abe. Slowly he wrapped his arms around you, palms resting at the middle for your back. You thought about how nice he felt against you and it was enough to make his body feel something.
You pulled away gently, fingers lingering over cold scales. Those big dark doe eyes of his blinked in their unique inquisitive way.
Something inside of you said, ‘screw it’
Abe feels lips against his own, soft and unsure but nevertheless, perfect.
Kissing didn’t seem like something he’d ever partake in, needless to say it didn’t mean he often thought about it.
And now, with your lips against his own, he feels so much more than just your curiosity. He feels the shape of you against him, hands cupping his cheeks, the gentle tug to bend just enough to better kiss him. It’s almost intimidating how wrapped up he is in it.
When you seize with a gentle final press to the bottom of his lip, Abe’s forgotten his original intention of bidding you adieu.
Instead, he captures your lips once more and chances upon a firmer kiss. You follow it, follow the shyness and inexperience but the mechanics are there, the knowledge is there and you sweetly guide him in the dance of it. You find yourself pressed against the very window he was about exit out of and the cold of his skin in front you rivals the cold of the glass behind you. He’s firm, not at all jacked up like your past lovers but there’s an enticing strength to his lean body.
There’s something even more enticing how the blue of his skin contrast against your own human tone. The buckle of his belt digs into your navel when you urge him closer, lost in his cold lips. That very hand that could read anything it touches, finds your neck and lingers in warmer flesh.
You want him. It’s insane but you know you want whatever may happen.
He reads that, it makes him shudder because up until now he knew no one would ever consider him to be a lover.
And yet here you were, pressing your lower half against his own and letting a soft moan scatter inside his mouth and down his throat. It goes straight to his gut, so much more lower and it’s enough to make him stop and consider you once more.
“I want to…” He already knows the ending to that sentence.
“You, you don’t know me” He’s trying to find a inch of reluctance somewhere inside of you.
But he finds none.
Just lust, just need.
Just the thought of him and what lies beneath his-
Abe swallows, dark eyes blinking when he feels the palm of your hand against his stomach. “You said you’re the good guy in all this, yeah?” Your voice is teasing, nails tempting him further when they scratch closer to the buckle of his belt. Abe only nods, head tilting down to watch that very hand unfasten it, his weapon and other utensils fall.
“Then, unless you don’t want me, I don’t see why we can’t” Your tongue snakes out to lick your lips and Abe follows the movement.
“I- I do” A part of him feels shameful, feels he’s taking advantage but it’s not the case? Is it? Just insecurity trying to claim him once more. He feels your hands grasp his wrist and guides them to your chest-
Oh that’s, they feel very, very soft.
He goes in again, kissing you just a little more feverishly, enjoying that noise he swallowed not too long ago again.
Somewhere between more kissing and curious hands he has you bare before him and you’ve just finished nudging his shorts with the heal of your foot. The glass behind you in already hot, somewhat steamed with your body heat. It’s tricky and he’s self conscious but the few glances you sneak between the two of you find you even more in lust with the shape of him. You sit on the windowsill and bring him in closer.
You wrap a hand around him and feel his head drop against your shoulder with a shudder. Careful about it, you pump him a few times to get a better sense of his size. “I’ve ne-never-“ You kiss his cheek, kiss the worry away. “It’s okay, want me to lead?” You ask softly against his neck with another languid stroke to his shaft.
Abe nods against your shoulder blade.
When you lead him in, slide him inside with little to no issue, he’s gut punched by the warmth. How tightly you engulf him, the pulsating that has him stuttering his hips and sighing. You wrap your legs around him, a hand shooting up to grip his shoulder. He sees your head thrown back, resting against the glass a picture of eroticism he’s read about.
But here? In real time? With everything that’s coursing in him?
No book could ever amount to this.
He kisses you again, feels more words and cusses filtering into him, breast tightly against his chest and god he’s making you feel this. You watch those bottomless eyes watch every inch of yourself move against him. The wet slide of him leaving and entering you with each thrust picking up more and more. The slap of yourself against the window echoes along with the noises you both make.
You grip his waist with your legs, keeping him locked in place, wanting more of this intoxicating feeling, the coldness of his skin contrasting against your warm one. It’s so good, fuck it’s so good.
His hand finds your own, lifts it above your head not in a show of possession. More so in an intimate need to connect further with you. You hold his hand, grip tightening the more you feel yourself closer to release. With the way he’s breathing you know he is too, the wonderment that he’s probably never done this hits you hard.
“Y-you’re-“ Your mouth opens. “Doing so fucking good” You manage to finish off in the midst of a moan.
And that breaks Abe apart.
Has him burying his face in your neck, a whimper and something you barely make out as a competent sentence. He cums just like that, glued to you, surrounded by your scent and the feel of your hot sweaty skin. He manages to keep going a few minutes more to have you cumin. Abe feels that, the way you tighten and constrict around his cock and the oversensitivity is enough to hook him.
You both try catching air, eyes glued to one another.
A quiet understanding that this simply can’t be the last of it.
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Moonlight 🌙
moon boys x fem reader
plot: Your chasing an hell hound and .....a Jackal, plus meeting a male copycat?
Warning: ( everything , I don’t own any moon knight shit because Jake Lockley owes me money, incarcerate deception of D.I.D, and it’s sister , swearing,  Camilla earns her own warning)
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The Chase 
 Y/N (zed pov):
  Out of all of the nights why would it be this night ? we were suppose to be getting ready for a test that happening tomorrow , when I “we”  I mean my other two people that are living inside me Emmy who is this body I’m been controlling most of her life , and Camilla who is a this English, Latina woman who is really a protector but I see her as the pretty little killer . Anyway our goddess Artemis warn us that the sorceress Circe was here  and she let out a hell hound on the loose , apparently Camilla agree to do it because she was in control at the time. “We should have been in bed ,studying and have some tea” I heard Emmy in my head arguing with Camilla  “Eh not my fault you two are boring ass personalities who don’t know how to have fun-” she scold her after cursing something in Spanish “Will you two shut the hell up in there , We’re supposed to find that hell hound before it hurts an innocent person or worst.....kill a kid” I told them sternly which they shut up “thank you” I replay and continue scouting the area and found not only the Hell Hound but Circe herself  looking like a 60′s super villianess in  comics . She spotted me and gave me a cat like smile “why... isn’t it the famous Moon Knight “ Circe said wickedly while petting the hound “I see that your not wearing that old ceremony armor  anymore “ she gesture at my suit which was black with stars patterns , with a white cape the phases moon belt and three moon on the chest “shame, you should have seen the other two suits Bitch” I shot back “I guess it is the usual villains tell the hero evil plan and get your ass kick in the process “
“ZED!?” Emmy shrieked at my language while Camilla just laughs manically at Circe reaction   to my comment  . “How dare you Moon Knight.” She yet out  when I use  my moon dart to throw at her now bleeding hand  “ I’m just stating the facts now....witch “ I told her getting ready to punch her in the face I bet Mother Freaking Wonder Woman and her so called wonder girls ever did that when they fought her “I protect the people of the night , from what my goddess told me is that you let out the hell hound to what kill the people, MY people of night ? “   Circe didn’t like that at all “I’ll make you regret crossing me!” she shouted and tries to shoot at me with her magic and fails “HA ya miss!” me and Camilla said together not before Circe said this “Μην στέκεσαι εκεί, σκότωσε τους θνητούς!” to the hell hound and pointed at the civilians that made my blood ran cold as I see the hound attacking the innocents “Well don’t just stand there get the Hound Out of here !” I heard Artemis yelled in a Damning way. I look at Her and nod “Hey you giant fur ball !” that got its attention and then I lead them away from the innocents.
Leaping from building to building and getting injury at the process of getting the monster away from the crowded area “come on, come on “ I muttered angry not hearing the danger in Artemis voice “Damn it child it a tra-” Suddenly a purple light flashed around us for a bit but I was so focusing  getting rid of the hound in.... London? wait a darn minute  how in the hell did I got here ?  Okay less thinking and more getting rid of the hell hound.   The Hell Hound yet out a growl but strangely not at me but what “AGHHH” I scream and saw what bite me it... was something far more uglier than the hound “OH bullocks that’s an Jackal” I heard Emmy said “A what now?!?” Camilla asked as i continue fighting off the two hounds off of me heck even throwing the moon dagger in the creature eye “A jackal,but not just any Jackal but it’s an Egyptian Jackal” Emmy told us “but I don’t understand how Circe even pull this off-” 
 “It’s doesn't matter “  I shouted at them and summoning Artemis arrow to shoot at the monsters , but the wound on my shoulder strangely didn’t heal and better yet where the heck is the goddess and why  isn’t the healing working ? as I about to get to fight   when the Jackal gotten hit  with something golden embedded in it chest, “Nice shot amiga” Camilla expland “T-That wasn’t me?”I told them and look at where  the golden thing came from and   There was an man  was the familiar white but it was different and its eyes were glowing white  and mummy looking. and He just stood there watching the interactions, still as a statue.
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“who is that Zed?” Emmy asked “and why does he have a similar suit to Camilla?”  ‘A copycat’ I thought but then he jumps and kills my targets while am bleeding out. “Who are you ?” I asked weakly he just look at me those white moon color eyes looking straight into my blue moon eyes strangely felt somehow.......attractive to him whoa where did that came from ? “ooohh it seems we find mister copycat attractive” Camilla said making a smirk and Emmy covering her face like a little girl on her first stage play “I ask Who are you?” I shouted at him as my suit was peeling way to relive my Identity and “I’m Moon Knight , and  Your bleeding kid” he stated with both stern and concern in his voice wait what “NO ,NO Man can be Artemis’s champion her MOON KNIGHT “I shouted and tries punching his chest but grab my wrist and twist my good arm  to keep me in place “I don’t know who told you that kid but ,this Artemis lady  is wrong  “ he told me “Will you stay still or you’ll bleed out more than you already are” after he said that me Emmy and, Camilla all black out.
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A/N: Heres the first part of MOON LIGHT I hope you enjoy it 
Translation:
Μην στέκεσαι εκεί, σκότωσε τους θνητούς!- Don’t just stand there,kill the mortals
Tags: @rmoonstoner @ask-jake-lockley @missdictatorme​ @ihavetolistentothaystupidpiegon  
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serenawitchwriter · 3 years ago
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BNHA Fusion (LOV/Deku)
shigideku
oh boy
both have been deeply wronged by society
unstable but also instantly aware that they’re more compatible than either is comfortable with
insane, muttering, constantly arguing with them-self
black curls that’s longer the deku’s hair normally is. scarred so badly. but decent skin. eye bags, big green eyes. Mikumo vibes
twitchy hands, will scratch anywhere, plays with lip, constantly writing. hands are never still
wears one fingered gloved so he doesn’t decay everything constantly
a genius, master of planning and deconstruction. take the moral limiters of izuku and he could end any hero quirkless
has a level of morality but it’s hard to define. totally down for crime most of the time, loves fighting, but doesn’t target kids or civilians. has a lot clearer motives than shigaraki did alone
they are gonna take down the government probably
daddy issues x2
laughs like a crazy person, wide scary smile
traumatized, ptsd, anxiety, dissociates, ocd. babe has a lot of mental illnesses
plays video games to calm down
loves homemade food
a loner
paranoid
quirk is just... oof. like a nuke going off basically. so fucking destructive, and you know they know how to use it
hates everyone including them-self
self aware of their situation. recognized that they’re being used and targeted and manipulated. on both ends. Shigi sees how he’s being used by afo, Izu sees how the adults in his life have failed him
honestly kinda baby, they need fucking love
hero students and lov members would put aside differences to help them honestly. the world wouldn’t be okay with it, but their friends are loyal
not quite a villain anymore, but definitely not a hero. constantly has internal conflict over this. like they don’t want to give up on hero dreams times 2 but also recognize how utterly fucked society is and wants to tear it down. they’re so full of hate, but want to maintain hope just out of spite at this point
whatever the hell they’re doing they’re not giving up on it
has the power to reshape society and is going to fucking use it
i don’t need to tell you that they’re fucking terrifying
togodeku
obsessive x2
love heroes x2
long curly green hair worn in twin pony tails, 
short, decent sized chest, big red eyes, and a smile that’s too big. fangs. freckles. 
muscular but in a compact way
more stable than they should be
loves themselves.
in love with uraraka, but gets crushes on everyone else extremely easily. ura is their forever girl though
loves making and consuming fan content. a fangirl to a scary degree
an all might stan
naturally, also loves k-pop
no fashion sense, they wish they had it, but they don’t. probably just wearing t-shirts and jeans most of the time. is still kinda hot, but isn’t doing anything to play it up
will hunt you for sport
incredibly fast, loves running and chasing in general
bunny themed outfit still
changing into others is one of their passions. izu lowkey loves this quirk. they’re experts at mimicking others. izuku’s analysis skills makes them too good at this
feral x2
honestly just here for the lols
still wants to be a hero, but isn’t doing a good job of it
easily distracted
probably knits for some reason?
makes gifts for friends and crushes
way more dangerous than they’re letting on. too many people are underestimating them
cute as a button
dabideku
daddy issue x2
bitter as hell
black and white hair, curly. darker at the roots. 
keeps dabi’s scars. green eyes. tall and muscular, lots of piercings. most of Izuku’s details are lost in the scaring
coffee addict
self centered, has a lot of enemies. including endeavor and bakugou, and every middle school bully.
more empathetic though, can have friends and value them, just don’t piss him off because he will hold lifelong grudges
very good at switching back and forth between scary and threatening to cute and innocent. usually the innocence is mocking but it can read as genuine
a good actor in general, but a terrible liar
quirk is not doing him any favors, still has the feedback, but flaming tentacles gives him more control over the fire itself
reads a lot of comic books
a hypocrite
likes to dramatically point at things while shouting
loves solving mysteries and kinda wants to go down a sherlock holmes or batman route
is not pulling that off, maybe jason todd vibes at best
high key just a dramatic dork that’s too good at murder
chaotic neutral to chaotic good
talks too much
good at pissing people off
kinda deserves to get the shit beaten out of him, and i feel like bakugou can pull it off
twicedeku
neurotic
they love their friends so much though
oblivious as hell
like a genius in observation and knowing stuff, but a dumbass at applying that knowledge
would make a good information broker if they could learn to shut the hell up
are they basically deadpool? kinda.
short green hair, cut close to their head
long face, covered in scars, tallish, looks like an adult
pouts and cries easily
smartass
talks to himself x2 god help us
overpowered with his quirk. god help us
laughs at his own jokes
always hungry
winks at the fourth wall
has many stims and hobbies, hands are litterally never not doing something. he’s the kind of person you’ll glance away from, turn back, and find juggling.
we’re talking cat’s craddle, rubix cubes, instruments, puzzles, tearing up candy wrappers, painting his nails, braiding friendship bracelets. he is never still
directionless. lacks motivation
internalizes criticism really easily, to the point that he gets depressed and struggles to act
indecisive to a clinical degree
probably has and anxiety disorder but refuses to acknowledge it
is pretty fucking baby. protect him
spindeku
lol what a nerd
fanboy x2
cries easily. izuku’s habit of crying does not decrease
ultimate ride or die
still a lizard, mohawk is green instead of pink
mixed feelings on stain
searching for the ultimate person to stan. all might stays in their heart, but they want to be edgier
absolutely uses a sword. not the dumb one that spinner uses but it is still a buster sword that’s too large for them. they’re strong enough to swing it around like nothing, i’m picturing cloud from final fantasy’s sword. again they’re really nerdy
disillusioned with society and heroes. both are marked by discrimination and have recognized the failure of heroes and government. aren’t as bitter but determined to do something
sassy but not quite sarcastic
gives really good advice. the friend you go to to have an emotional breakdown
considering pursuing psychology more for this reason. realizes he can use the skill to help a lot of people
isn’t willing to give up fighting or using his sword though. he has an aesthetic
would get along fantastically with tokoyami
also the friend that feeds you. can’t cook very well but always has something on him to give you when he notices you haven’t eaten in a long time.
loves bubble tea
social anxiety, if it weren’t for the fact that he already had friends and a mission, he probably wouldn’t leave the house
surprisingly close to shigaraki, enough of a gamer to play with him, and even gets away with calling him out
(i’m debating how comfortable i am with fusing kids with adults. it seems weird to me, especially the bigger the age difference)
(masterlist)
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languajix · 3 months ago
Note
"Hey, no, wait-" Mike said, and the notebook creased a little in his tight grip as he hopped behind to follow Leonardo, babies in the sling squeaking a little at every bounce (El, Lee, and Angie in delight, Dee in consternation.) "It's okay!"
(He turned back to the Michelangelos with a quick promise - he'd be back!! With a dramatic swish of his cape, because he could.)
Here's the thing about Mike: he was cringe and free.
On purpose.
He could feel embarrassed about his interests, for enjoying playing dress-up, for his memes and his relentless optimism in the face of things that were all kinds of awful and bad and sad.
But he'd spent long enough struggling in the dark that he was determined to cling to every good thing he could find. Jump feet first into the silly stuff that brought him joy. Reach out and grab every last wispy, barely-there thread of hope. Dress up like a superhero, because superheroes were cool and also he was one, and that was something to be proud of.
He followed behind Leonardo, keeping a little bit of distance so he wasn't crowding him, but close enough that he didn't have to shout. "Did I tell you I'm Turtle Titan? A member of the Justice Force? Well, I'm only on shift a couple days out of the year, because I'm kind of busy, but still. I am on the world-ending events phone tree. I've got so many stories to tell!"
He paused. Changed tactics. "...and I don't know if you heard my whole speech back there, but I need a little help, and since you guys have been so nice, I thought it'd be worth asking! I'm working on a Turtle Titan comic, limited-run. He's dropped into another dimension by his arch-nemesis, and I need some supporting characters. Superheroes, for one. Civilians. News reporters. Gotta fill up the world somehow, right? And if you had any ideas for a superhero, something you'd be willing to let me borrow for an issue or two, you'd be helping me out a lot. But only if you want to."
If Leonardo wasn't going to take Mike's metaphorical outstretched hand, he'd go back to the Michelangelos alone and at least get the lowdown on that Dashing Spark dude. Mike loved hearing people talk about their hero alter egos and fictional characters! But it didn't feel right leaving Leonardo out of it, when he had seemed so excited. It was worth at least this one shot, first.
@tmnt-fandom-family-reunion
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Fashion time! Mike is looking for supporting characters in his superhero comic book! What would your character(s) look like as superheroes? Or would they be supervillain(s)?
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"Hello again!!" Michelangelo waved as soon as they came across their counterpart- the cat in the bowl he was holding let out a happy meow too. He, Mikey and Icecream Kitty had been walking around in matching panda hoodies- they were comfy, leave him alone- searching for something to dress Kitty in when Mikey appeared.
"Babies!" Mikey immediately squealed, and waved. Ah. Right. Raph had told him about the babies Mike had been carrying. Aww. Though the costume Mike was wearing quickly caught his attention- a smile growing on his face once the oldest one explained.
"I have a whole story on the Dashing Spark if that's anything?"
"Who?" Mikey looked at him. Michelangelo shrugged.
"A hero I made... along with his sidekick." He grinned, and held out the bowl. Icecream Kitty meowed, holding up her paws and striking a pose. "Only the bestest sidekick ever! The name is a work in progress."
"Hmmm..." Mikey thought. "...We always used to play superhero when little, but that was just Lou Jitsu. Uhh... the villain was original though! But that was Donnie's evil scientist guy."
"We can make you a character!" Michelangelo declared, Kitty echoing his sentiment. Mikey grinned.
"I want a cape."
"You can have a cape."
"Mikey?" Both turtles looked behind them when they heard Leonardo call- huh. He seemed to be wearing some sort of blue kimono. It suited him. Though Leonardo looked lost. "Have you seen mini-me, he disappeared- oh. Hello Mike." He waved.
"Leo ran off to the costume section."
Leonardo shuddered. Ah. Great. The slider would have more stuff for him to try. Wonderful. "...So I need to hide again."
"You can hang out with us!" Michelangelo invited him. Mikey giggled, looking between them.
"Other me- us. Uhm." He looked confused, before shrugging. "Is making a comic."
"That sounds nice." Leonardo stepped towards them, and booped Kitty's nose. She purred. "About...?"
"Super cool characters!" His brother said. "Turtle Titan? He's one of the most amazing bestest coolest ever to exist superhero-"
As soon as the word 'superhero' came out of Michelangelo's mouth, something in Leonardo seemed to change. He cut him off, immediately smiling oh-so-bright with a goofy smile, eyes sparkling as he squealed.
"SUPERHEROES?!"
"..."
Shocked, the others stared.
Leonardo seemed to realize- his smile fell, and he cleared his throat, suddenly his usual calm again. He.... hadn't meant to get so excited.
"I mean. Uhm." He turned red, looking away.
...
He turned around, and left.
Both Mikey and Michelangelo burst out laughing, his brother immediately calling after him. "Leo, no!" Michelangelo snickered, trying and failing to keep a straight face. "Dude, its okay- Come back!"
He had forgotten his older brother loved heroes even more then he did.
@tmnt-fandom-family-reunion
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shih-coulda-had-it · 3 years ago
Note
Series/film ask, BHNA, and I want your opinion on everyone's fashion sense. ✨
the ask game in question
because i have the fashion sense of a shut-in, i'm actually 80% affectionate of horikoshi's design choices. my least favorite include mineta and a lot of the female pro-heroes outfits (creati, midnight, bubble girl, mirko) because... i can't stop myself from thinking about tiddy physics.
let's see if i can structure this around my favorite characters
casual wear/civilian clothes
nana: LOVE THEM. i can see myself wearing them, and also her half up-do is iconic. the overcoat? the scarf? mom jeans? yes yes yes.
torino: prime torino's black turtleneck short sleeve shirt is very sexy. i know in my heart he's a leather jacket with fleece collar guy, because he's cool. as old torino, i'm a big fan of his button-up, jeans, and cowboy boots with the flames, and i love his belt buckle because it's easy to make fun of it.
all might: his fashion sense is impeccable. leave his banana-yellow pinstripe suit alone!!! his cargo pants have many pockets and are thus useful!!! my current favorite items of his include the aviators of Cool Might, the letterman jacket of Young Might, and his winter overcoat.
hero gear
nana: 8/10. jumpsuit shows off her arms, which is very sexy. billowing white cape with the red skirt-thing to contrast, also sexy. yellow gloves like torino? yes. -1 for continuing to confuse me about the jumpsuit palette, and another -1 for the continuity error in vestigeland, when horikoshi inked in sleeves.
torino: 10/10. iconic. easy to draw from memory. tubby gloves and tubby boots are adorable. he has a G for belt buckle like fashion designer Hermes has an H. there are green buttons for some reason? canonically his jumpsuit's neckline is probably below the cape collar, but i like to hike it up for repressed reasons. i'd like to add that him wearing a domino mask that may or may not have opaque lenses makes him a classic comic book hero.
all might: ??/10. he has so many iterations! and all of them are so fiddly with design that i both love and hate. why doesn't he wear gloves? why are all his jumpsuits vacuum-sealed to his muscles? his belt buckle is designed to have his eyebrows/bangs + the eye shadows, and i think that's lovely.
special shout-outs
en's high collar jacket that makes me think his hero name was smokestack
afo's popped collar overcoat that is so dramatic but indicative that he's a Bad Guy
izuku's shirts that keep having silly names written on the front
hawks' wristwatch fashion ad
lady nagant's "bitch i bet you thought you'd seen the last of me" dress during her fight with izuku
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mirkosteponme · 3 years ago
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By Your Side
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Kirishima x GN! Reader
Word Count: a little over 1k
Warnings: angst, kirishima being too good for this world, character death, repetitive repetition 
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It wasn’t supposed to be like this
The screams of civilians, roars of fires, groans of tumbling buildings, wails of sirens, and shouts of heroes all fade into nothing but a ringing in Kirishima’s ears as he sees his worst nightmare come to life. 
***
“I’m sorry, what?” 
Your drink almost comes out of your nose as you laugh and almost choke from the end of the completely outrageous story your boyfriend just told you. 
“The pelican was the mastermind behind the comic book store raid!” 
Kirishima’s eyes light up when he laughs and you wonder if he knows. His sharp toothy smile is a work of art and his contagious laugh is your favorite song. 
He tilts his head to the side and pouts. “You good babe? You’re staring.” 
He’s just too cute. “Yeah, I’m good- great, actually. You ready to go?” 
Kirishima stands and extends his hand to take yours once you’ve gathered your things. He’s got a habit of swinging your arms back and forth as you walk. Exiting the café, you look down at your intertwined hands and smile. 
It doesn’t get better than this. 
***
He’s running, he took off without realizing. He’s jumping over rubble and hurtling over debris to make his way to where he needs to be, where he promised to always be, by your side. 
“(Y/N)!”
***
Walking in through the doors of class 1-A, the first thing you realize is the crowd of classmates at your desk, for the fifth time this week. 
“(Y/l/n)’s secret admirer has struck once again!”
“Who do you think it could be?”
“Do you think it’s someone from another class?”
“Whoever it is, they sure are dedicated.”
The class parts to make way for you at your desk. You find that today’s treat is an assortment of your favorite snacks and candies in a cute woven basket. But today’s gift is slightly different from the rest. 
“There’s a note this time.” You murmur as you slide into your seat. 
“Open it!” Mina practically roars. She’s probably been the most invested person out of everyone, even once trying to convince you to spy on your desk to catch the admirer. 
It seems as if the whole class is looming over you as you tear open the envelope. 
“Alright, take your seats.”
 The sudden appearance of Aizawa-Sensei effectively scared the class. 
“Whoever it is should hurry up and confess so I can get back to properly teaching my class.” He says, emerging from his sleeping bag. Secretly, he himself was also dying to know who it was. 
As class begins to start, you move the basket carefully to the floor, and you slip the letter out of the envelope as discreetly as possible. Of course no matter how slick you thought you were, the whole class's eyes were on you anyway. The letter is written in a writing you’ve seen before, but can't quite place where from.
(Y/n),
Words cannot describe how much you mean to me, or how much I want to be with you, but I think I’ve found words that come close. After school, meet me under the largest tree in the courtyard. 
                                                            ~
As you walk towards the tree after school, it seems taller than it's ever been. Sunlight flows through the gaps of the leaves and branches and one particular ray falls onto who could only be your secret admirer. Their back is turned and everything about them screams nervousness. You feel it too, hoping it’s who you’ve been pining after for so long. They hear your footsteps and turn around, both of you seem to lose your breath. It’s him. 
He’s holding a single red rose just as vibrant as his hair. He extends it out to you with a slightly shaking hand.
“(Y/n)! If you’ll let me, I promise to be the manliest boyfriend ever and always stay by your side! Please give me the honor of being your boyfriend!”
There’s a period of silence and Kirishima is wondering if he’s done the right thing by confessing. 
But the thought is immediately dismissed when he has to drop the rose to catch you into his arms. 
“Yes!”
You’re both laughing as he spins you around and there are cheers close by from the 1-A windows.
One of the best days of your life.
***
“Let me through!” Kirishima is being blocked by fellow pro-heroes and paramedics alike. He can see a group of them in a circle, but he can't see you.
He saw you. Just a moment ago, falling. He saw you before this disaster, patrolling by his side, discussing what you’d both have for dinner. He saw you just this morning, waking up to you beside him.
Beside him. 
“(Y/n)! Please let me through!” The ring of people surrounding you keeps turning to look at him, quietly discussing until they decide to let him through.
Kirishima rushes in and stumbles to the ground by your side. He takes your head into his lap and winces at the grimace you make. He makes eye contact with who seems to be the lead paramedic. They simply shake their head. Kirishima feels like dying.
“Ei? Is that you?”
The ringing fades from Kirishima’s ears as he hears your voice. 
Your eyes are bleary and fading in and out of focus, but his hair and the outline of his face is engraved in your mind. You’d know the love of your life from anywhere. 
Even on death’s door.
Kirishima struggles to hold back tears, and the feeling of suffocation intensifies. He nearly chokes on his response.
“Yeah honey, it’s me.”
“You’re upside down, love.” You say and Kirishima laughs as the tears finally begin to flow down his face. Your favorite song brings a small smile to your face. 
You reach to hold his face and he grasps his hand in yours, leaning into your touch while he still can. 
“Ei?” You whisper.
“Yes, my love.” 
“Stay with me?’”
“Always, you know I’ll always be by your side.”
You hum, content; close your eyes and smile.
Your hand drops. Strength finally gone. The ringing in Kirishima’s ears returns. He cannot hear the sound of his own screams and wails.
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heyyyy besties im back 👉🏾👈🏾
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cornholio4 · 4 years ago
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Scarlet Lady Au: Two Halves of Marinette’s Heart
Author’s Note: Based on Zoe-Oneesama's Tumblr comic Scarlet Lady which is my fave Ladybug fan content or tied along with LadyBugOut. Only there and the amnesiac Adrien in the episode Oblivion do I ship Adrienette. Also happy birthday to Zoe.
@zoe-oneesama
Marinette Dupain-Cheng was smiling as he was riding on the back of one of her boyfriends Luka Couffaine's bike as he had insisted on giving her a ride to school. He and Adrien Agreste had recently revealed their feelings to her and she was torn between them: the cute and nice Adrien and the cool but also dorky like her Luka. It was tough to think it through even after they had both assured her that they don't want to hurt their friendship with her no matter what she choose. It was Alya who stepped in after healing her dilemma had said that she can just date them both since she had two hands for the each of them. Luka and Adrien were fine with this as long as Marinette was happy and it was then their relationship happened over the weekend.
They had let their family know and they accepted it well: Anarka was quite over the top in her excitement, Marinette's parents and embarrassed her by saying that she had got them 2 sons in law; Juleka had likewise already claimed Marinette as her sister in law and Adrien's father... Marinette and Luka looked at him in sympathy when he just shook his head saying that he was too busy to get a chance to tell him. Marinette comforted him with a hug not really liking how her favourite designer was so cold to his own son. Pollen was more than happy about his Miraculous' owner's new relationship and said his queen deserved all the love that she gets.
Marinette kissed Luka on the cheek after she got off and Adrien was there to greet them as they posed together for a picture smiling which Juleka took with Adrien's photo. Luka and Adrien showed off their custom necklaces around their necks made by Marinette of two halves of a heart with "Marinette's heart" inscribed on them.
"Are you sure that you are ready for everyone to know about you three?" Juleka asked giving Adrien back his phone and they nodded without hesitation.
"I don't really care as much for father's opinion but he seems to like Marinette as an up and coming designer so I think he will give approval." Adrien said with a huffed voice which had them silent.
"I wouldn't want to hide being with Marinette at all; I would sing it with my soul." Luka said Adrien posted the picture on social media with the caption:
Me with Luka Couffaine and our amazing new girlfriend Marinette Dupain-Cheng!
They got in and as students saw the notice they began crowding Marinette and Adrien as they came in holding hands as they went to their classroom. There were students wanting to get a look at 2 3rds of the new couple as they heard the comments:
"Marinette scored herself with 2 cute guys!"
"Are you going to be modelling Marinette's designs now Adrien?"
"So are you going to be Marinette Dupain-Cheng-Agreste-Couffaine in the future?"
They ignored them and walked into class with Juleka not far behind them to see their excited classmates wanting to know the details.
"So Adrien, will you and Luka be fighting eachother to get the most out of Marinette's time?" Alix asked as Marinette glared at her while Rose was squealing about how romantic it was. Marinette was taken aback when she noticed Lila and Sabrina glaring at their direction while looking quite jealous.
She was shocked by this thinking that she was getting along with Lila and Sabrina was forming a good friendship with her while helping her start over from her toxic so called 'friendship' that she had with Chloe. Marinette's eyes widened when she noticed that Adrien went to get to his seat and their looks were going to his direction, so it was Adrien they were angry at?
"Can I please ask if Adrien has done something to anger you?" Marinette asked as they both shook their heads and there were laughter.
"Marinette, they are just jealous that Adrien and Luka got to you first!" Alya told her grinning as they ended up nodding slightly a bit embarrassed.
"You helped me be more truthful about myself and I still remember how in love that I felt when I heard you badmouth that terrible Scarlet Lady!" Lila said as Marinette was open mouthed wondering just could she possibly remember that since she was Volpina at the time. Marinette did remember that while she was telling the love struck Volpina that she hated Hawk Moth more than Scarlet Lady, that she a bit scared that Volpina was going to kidnap her as a bride for her comment alone.
"You've always been so nice to me Marinette and never held what I did for Chloe against me, even when I tried to steal your diary for her and lied my way into your room. You've been more of a friend to me than Chloe ever was and you are so amazing." Sabrina told her as Marinette didn't know what to say.
"I bet Luka and Adrien wouldn't mind if you wanted to date Marinette as well, if Marc is alright with Nathaniel wanting to go after Marinette as well." Rose suggested as Marinette, Sabrina, Lila and Nathaniel were now red in the face.
"Dupain-Cheng!" screamed an unwelcome voice as the entire class groaned in unison as they should have dreaded this reaction as Chloe came in looking angrier than they had ever saw her which was quite an accomplishment for her. "How dare you steal my Adrikins away from me! I could care less if you wanted to waste your time with that loser with the guitar as losers belong together, that do you think that I was going to sit back and let you keep them both for yourself when Adrien is mine!" Chloe thundered as the class glared at her.
"Watch what you say about Marinette or my brother!" Juleka said speaking up using courage that almost never comes to her.
"Adrien is not a prize to be won or yours to claim Chloe; it's his choice who he wants to be with!" Marinette told her as Chloe smirked getting out her phone.
"Managed to get a picture of your little notebook when you had it open and wasn't looking Dupain-Cheng." Chloe said showing off a drawing of a love heart around Chat Noir as Marinette was open mouthed at that picture being shown to the class and red in her face but while angry at Chloe, Adrien couldn't help but smile a bit at the picture. "So do you want to claim the mangy cat as well Dupain-Cheng with how pathetic you are?" Chloe snarked looking victorious but Adrien spoke up.
"Nothing wrong with having a celebrity crush Chloe, I have one on Marigold myself." Adrien said taking out his notebook and showing that it had a photo of the Bee heroine Marigold with a heart drawing around it as Marinette was redder in the face while Chloe was open mouthed.
"Nothing wrong with that dude, she is pretty much the best hero that Paris has now!" Nino said with everyone smiling and nodding in agreement besides Chloe and Marinette. Marigold has with her fighting tenacity, warm comforting words to Akuma victims after they were being freed and happy to help civilians in need made her a more popular hero. She had given interviews and how valued Chat Noir was as a partner and helped Paris realise how hard he had to fight against the Akumas.
"Excuse me but Scarlet Lady is by far Paris' best hero!" Chloe retorted by Alya got out her phone and showed the poll that the news station had made asking Paris citizens who they liked the best.
Marigold was in the lead followed by Chat Noir, Maotif the one time temporary Chat Noir was in 3rd place and in a very distant 4th place with barely 1% vote was Scarlet Lady. "Paris disagrees Chloe." Alya told her and Chloe was furious. People were being interviewed and the stories of people's interactions with Scarlet Lady were now circulating.
"Adrien, you can't seriously be okay with this! I'm your friend and we would be much better than stupid Dupain-Cheng!" Chloe told Adrien but he shook his head.
"'Were' your friend Chloe, 'were' as in we used to be and haven't really been friends for a long time but I am just making it official!" Adrien thundered and Chloe was open mouthed and this surprised the class. "Sorry Chloe, I have tried to give you some time to better yourself but you keep pulling these stunts while being a cruel bully to our classmates and treating me like a possession of yours. Calling my girlfriend and my new bro losers was me losing all patience and I can't pretend anymore. I am sorry Chloe but I can't be friends with you anymore, you are different from the friend that I used to have." Adrien said and Chloe furiously charged at Marinette.
Adrien caught her hand and glared at her hard before letting go, Chloe began ranting and shouting on the spot while kicking the desk and Ms Bustier had to tell her off and send her to the principal's office.
"Sorry about that Adrien..." Marinette said since as much bad blood as there was between her and Chloe, the bully did used to be a friend to Adrien.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, just keep being the girl that I love." Adrien told her and she smiled back.
Later in the week, after school they were at a park bench as Marinette was at Luka's lap and Adrien was in Marinette's as the three relaxed together. However they heard screaming and saw an Akuma attacking people in the streets.
Marinette jumped out of Luka's lap and helped Adrien up who was in a similar panic as her's. "Sorry guys, I hate to break up a perfect moment but... I have to get a cake to Nadja and I don't want to be earlier than I was last time since it didn't go so well..." Marinette said thinking on the spot.
"Don't worry... I just remembered an event that my dad would want me to be at..." Adrien said as they both ran off in separate directions.
Luka smiled as she dusted himself off and went home chuckling at them, after a few days of this did they really think that he would not pierce it together? No matter, this means that he could talk to Adrien about Marigold and bond over them crushing on her.
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escapist-dreams · 4 years ago
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Fix it ~ Invincible Fanfiction
Summary: Rex's hand gets damaged in a fight. No one is willing to help him, so he helps himself.
Warnings: spoilers for both the Invincible animated show(episode 7) and comics(issue #40) concerning Rex-Splode, injuries(nothing nearly as graphic as the source material)
Word Count: 2.3k
This is my first Invincible fanfic, and one of the first fics I've written in awhile! Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy! Feel free to tell me what you think about it! Constructive criticism would be appreciated :D
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"We meet yet again, Invincible!" D.A. Sinclair shouted with his usual dramatic flair. He had escaped from the government facility a couple months ago and holed up in a sewer, making more of his fucked up 'reanimen' who the new Guardians of the Globe were now fighting.
His army of cyborgs were unleashed onto the fleeing crowd, more destructive than self destructive this time. Sinclair must've taken notes from his previous failures.
While they targeted the heroes, civilians were caught in the crossfire left and right. Dupli-Kate evacuated the remaining civilians while Shrinking-Rae fought off any cyborgs coming near. The rest of the team tried to disarm the cyborgs without killing them, which Mark made them agree to do before the fight.
Invincible went through one after the other, knocking out the cyborgs, one could tell he was holding back. Monster Girl knocked out a good chunk of them, but accidentally killed one or two with the strength of her monster form. One of them slammed her against a building, sending a big crack up the wall, no doubt affecting civilians in the upper floors. Shrinking-Rae rushed to save those in the building affected by the crack, while Monster Girl slumped against the wall, down for the count.
Rex-Splode made it past the wall of reanimen defending Sinclair and shot a projectile at his torso. He stumbled as the magnet hit his side and exploded, only grazing him but doing damage all the same. He cupped a hand around the wound, and when he regained his composure, looked directly at Rex.
"You'll pay for that!" With a movement of his hand, D. A. Sinclair ordered the cyborg to target Rex-Splode.
"Sure I will, asshole!" Rex smirked and raised his hand again, aiming for Sinclair's head. The cyborg intervened, lunging towards Rex, who dodged and backed away. He couldn't kill the guy, but he really didn't want to get beat to a bloody pulp today. He made a split second decision to shoot him in the legs to slow him down. He did so, but all he received for his efforts was the sound of a small metal impact. He'd missed the human parts, the projectile only slightly slowed the cyborg.
Just as he was about to shoot again, the cyborg grabbed his hand, crushing flesh and metal alike. Rex doubled over as a wave of pain hit him like a brick. He tried to push past it after a few moments, looking up just in time to see Robot come up behind the reaniman, knocking him out with a punch. Invincible grabbed a piece of metal from a street sign that had been crushed in the wreckage of the battle and bent it tightly around Sinclair, effectively trapping him. And since the cyborgs were all either knocked out or no longer under his control, the battle was over.
"You couldnt've done that earlier?" Rex complained as Mark tied up Sinclair, wincing in pain. Several members of the team gave him a familiar look of annoyance.
"Maybe if you weren't too busy cowering we would've finished this sooner." Samson stated.
"I wasn't--!" Rex began, but he doubled over again before he could finish, another wave of pain hitting him.
The rest of the team had sustained some injuries as well, but they were able to shake it off for the most part by the time they arrived back at the guardians' base.
"Hey Robot-" Rex tried to catch him before they fully returned to the group.
"It's Rudy."
"Right. Rudy, can you uh.." he pointed to his busted up hand, the blood dried onto the metal. Rudy made a wincing sound at the sight, then looked to their friends, who were in a group celebrating the won battle.
"Hm.. That's going to take a bit to fix, if you can wait I'll fix it in a couple minutes." he decided. Rex opened his mouth to protest, but closed it and nodded in agreement. The two rejoined the group.
They spent a few minutes having conversations in small groups, some about the fight, and some about completely different things. After about half an hour passed, Mark got up from his seat, explaining that he needed to get back home, as he had some homework to finish up. Slowly the group dissolved, rejoining their everyday lives. Rex ran to catch Rudy before he and Amanda left.
"Hey Rudy, can you fix this thing before you go? If you couldn't tell, it *kinda* hurts." Rex gestured to his hand, pulling the glove up a bit to show the broken metal and bloody skin.
"Can it wait, Rex? Me and Amanda are getting lunch." he paused, conflicted, "you can join if you want." he offered politely, but judging by the looks on his and Amanda's face, it wasn't an invitation.
"I'll pass." Rex sighed, unsure if he was more angry or sad about it at this point. Rudy shrugged as if to say "your loss", and he and Amanda left the base. Rex left as well a few moments later, Kate and Rae's conversation fading behind him as he made his way to his apartment.
Rex tried to ignore it, he really did. But god, it hurt. He must've been in shock before, but now that he had time to really think about and feel the injury, the pain set in. The metal of his hand had torn into his flesh and he was afraid to move it for fear of further lodging it into his arm. After awhile of trying to ignore the injury, Rex decided he couldn't take it anymore. If no one would help him, he would help himself.
Rex knew a thing or two about robotics since he got his powers from the devices in his wrists, and had been taught a bit at the facility for use in battlefield situations. So he got some spare tools he used for small repairs on his arms and got to work fixing his hand. It took just about all night, but by the end he was fairly confident that he'd at least helped the situation.
He must've done something right because next time the guardians fought a villain, he was able to shoot the projectiles from his hand. No need to ask Rudy for help. And the next time it was damaged, and he fixed it himself again. This time his aim was slightly off. He hit several walls, the ground, and nearly a civilian before his desired target, but it was fine, right? He hit the guy eventually, he missed the civilian, and it still worked decently well.
He continued to repair it himself, using the knowledge from his previous mishaps to improve upon it. It continued to have slight malfunctions, but it worked.
Until it didn't.
He aimed, and shot, but the small explosive wouldn't budge. It wouldn't leave his hand, something blocked it. The BB lit up as he tried to shoot, but it exploded in his hand.
"Fuck!" Rex yelled, throwing a magnet from his belt with his offhand and dodging out of the way of an oncoming attack.
The team made quick work of the enemy, but not before they got a few good hits in on Dupli-Kate and Monster Girl as well. Amanda was slumped against a wall while Kate Prime nursed an injury on her side.
Back at the base, Rudy was busy being at Amanda's side. She had a minor concussion, but overall she was alright. The excessive blood from a cut on her head made the injury look more serious than it was. They were thankful that she was alright, minus a bit of blood loss and a head injury.
Rex wanted to celebrate her quick recovery longer than he did, but hesitantly left after drinks were had and the party died down a bit. He knew he would have to work on his hand for awhile to get it in working order and get any sleep that night.
It was already much later in the day by the time he arrived at his apartment. Repairs went well for the most part. He had passed out before realigning the metal, but quickly aligned it before heading to the base that morning, presumably deeming it functional, which was an achievement in Rex's opinion considering how badly it was broken and lack of materials. He got hardly any sleep, but he wasn't exactly the type to usually get a full eight hours every night anyways.
The next day after training, Rudy approached Rex unexpectedly.
"Hey Rex, I noticed your hand got busted up pretty badly yesterday. Need me to fix it?" Rudy offered, glancing at Rex's barely-together hand with a hint of what might be worry. Rex scoffed.
"Oh no it's fine," he said, half proud of his work and half bitter at Rudy. "I figured it out."
Rudy gave him a curious look, pausing for a moment before repeating, "You 'figured it out'?"
Rex nodded, taking off his glove and showing off his hand, which he'd barely been able to peice back together the night before. "I figured it out."
He'd had to patch up the hand with spare metal parts and slightly off-size bolts, but it wasn't too bad of a job. From a certain angle, it'd look fine even. A bit busted up, used for sure, but functional. Now, from the angle of someone with as much knowledge in robotics as Rudy had, the sight was returned after a long pause with a vaguely annoyed, "this is going to take awhile."
"What're you two doing?" Amanda asked, walking into the workroom with a half empty carton of disguised booze.
"Rex tried to fix his hand. By himself." Rudy explained condescendingly after a pause that made it obvious he was focused on his work. Rex scoffed at the answer.
"I think I did a great job, thank you very much." And besides being proud of his attempt at fixing it, the way he phrased it made Rex sound like an idiot, as if he hadn't asked for help several times before deciding to fix the problem himself.
"You put the metal covering back in place just off enough to block the projectile, the bolts are all the wrong size, and part of it is still jabbing into your arm. This isn't even the right kind of.." he trailed off, clicking a new bolt in place before mumbling, "how did you even fight like this-?!"
"Well it's not like you bothered to help me when I asked.." Rex answered with the tone of an upset child.
"You didn't say how bad it was."
"I showed you! You saw it!" Rex nearly shouted, frustration and anger bubbling up in his chest and out his mouth.
"I would have fixed this easily if you'd asked sooner."
"I did ask sooner!"
"You could've asked when I wasn't busy." Rudy spoke nearly absent-mindedly, focusing intently on prying part of the metal out of damaged tissue that tried to heal around it.
Rex hissed in pain before responding, "When were you not busy? I asked you like three times, you told me to wait!"
"I just told you, I was busy. Why didn't you go to Cecil for this?"
"Oh yeah, like I'm asking some creepy ass guy from the government to fix my hand- No fucking way!" Rex tried to ignore the hint of fear in his chest at the idea of some shady government operative poking and prodding at him in a blindingly white room.
"You'd rather bother me than ask someone whose job it is to fix things for help?"
"I'd rather ask my friend for help!"
"You could have asked when I wasn't busy." Rudy repeated, obviously struggling to keep his cool. "I'm not going to drop everything for you, Rex!"
"Yeah? Of course not, but I bet you'd drop everything for her." Rex pointed at Amanda, who had a front row seat to the argument standing in the doorway. The two locked eyes for a moment, then Rudy looked away to glare at Rex.
"At least she offers something to the team. She's an invaluable asset and I need to keep her safe." He didn't need to shout, his tone and words cut deeper than raw anger could.
"Well pardon me for wanting to be able to use my fucking hand--"
"Excuse me?" Amanda snapped, glaring at Rudy. "Rex is my friend, and I won't reciprocate your crush on me just because you look like him and aged down for me. I don't owe you shit. And being a dick to the guy whose face you stole doesn't make you more appealing."
"But I--" Rudy was at a loss for words; a rare occurrence. Scrambling to regain his composure, he blurted out, "But I did this for you!"
"I don't owe you shit for that." she repeated firmly. "And if how you treat Rex is any indication, I wouldn't want to be with you, if this is how you treat a long time friend who needs help."
"Exactly!" Rex agreed, relieved that Amanda stepped in. Rudy glared at him before catching himself and looking back towards Amanda, who sighed angrily.
"He couldn't have asked Cecil!?" Rudy reiterated, grasping at straws trying to 'win' the argument he'd already lost.
"He's obviously uncomfortable with that, or he would've done it already. Something you would notice if you bothered to give him a second glance." Amanda snapped back. "He came to you for help, and you lectured him for it."
"I.."
"Let's go, Rex. This asshole isn't worth our time." she decided. Rex followed her out the door to rejoin the rest of the group with a satisfied sort of pride in his chest. It felt nice to be defended by someone other than himself.
The door slammed shut.
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fantasticstoryteller · 3 years ago
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New Amsterdam Chapter 24
Peter sighed as he stopped for a moment, in front of store with a reflective window, and rubbed his face wearily. There weren’t enough hours in the day. He couldn't be a lab assistant to Dr. Stacey, work on Norman’s research, get pictures and do odd jobs for the Bugle, and patrol as Spiderman. He couldn't do it. He was going to have to cut back on one of them. He couldn't cut back on working at the Tower or the Bugle, because those were the jobs that actually paid. He couldn't cut back working for Norman, because Harry’s life was in the balance.
He stared miserably at his reflection. It didn’t matter how he turned the facts around in his head. He was going to have to quit being Spiderman for a while, and hope that nothing truly terrifying happened while he did.
He continued trudging towards his next job when a thought occurred to him; Spiderman couldn't just vanish. Deadpool would notice—and would likely take the city apart trying to find him. He could just see it now; Deadpool cornering some random thug going, “Are you sure you don’t know where Spiderman is? Let’s see if a little stabby-stabby will jog your memory.”
Peter couldn't do that to his city. All right, the people Deadpool would attack would probably deserve it (and much worse), but he still couldn't do that to his city. He had to protect it.
He slipped into one of the computer’s blind spots and changed before swinging out over the city to find Deadpool. Who was, at that moment, stopping a bank robbery. Not the way that Peter would have done, but stopping it all the same. And, most importantly, managing to stop the robbery without either killing or seriously maiming the culprits. There were some stab wounds (expected) and some bruises (also expected), but no one, during the whole thing, was in danger of dying. Except Deadpool, who was exceptionally careless with his own life (again, as expected).
Deadpool was booted out of the crime scene and he left, muttering to himself as Peter slowly climbed down the side of the building to get close the mercenary. “Stupid—no, you did! Of course we couldn't—shut up!” he growled to himself. “I know we fucked up!”
“I thought you did really well,” Peter called as he hung upside-down on the fire escape.
Deadpool whirled and gave a comic stare. “Spidey! You—you were watching?”
“Yup.” Peter let go of the fire escape and tumbled to where he was standing in front of Deadpool. He ticked off what he’d seen on the fingers of his hand. “You got the attention of the robbers away from the hostages, you restrained yourself to non-lethal means of incapacitation, and you didn’t even maim anyone. You did really well,” he reiterated firmly.
A thought struck his mind. It was a horrible, evil thought. The heroes of New Amsterdam would freak out. The Avengers would hate him.
The Avengers could kiss his ass.
“And this is good news,” Peter said firmly.
“He sounds happy. You sound happy.”
“I am. And I am incredibly proud of you.”
Deadpool didn’t seem to know what to make of that, but he nodded and followed Peter up to a roof. “It feels like I’m about to get news I don’t want to hear,” the mercenary said.
“Probably,” said Peter thoughtfully. When they were out of range of bystanders he turned to Deadpool. “I can’t go into details,” because Deadpool would figure out who he was, “but my civilian life just became—complicated. It’s going to take a while to fix.” He heaved a sigh. “I won’t be able to watch the city while I’m fixing them,” he admitted.
The admission cost more than he thought it would. It felt like he was admitting he wasn’t good enough, wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t enough—
And he wasn’t. But he was, as had been forcibly shown to him, only human. He couldn't keep doing all he was doing without breaking.
He moved on with his speech. “So, since you’ve been doing so well, I thought I’d leave you in charge of the city.”
Deadpool blinked at him several times. Peter began to get nervous; what if he didn’t want to? What if he thought Spiderman was ditching him?
“You—trust me?” asked Deadpool sounding shocked and nervous at the same time. “With your city?”
“Our city,” Peter said firmly. He reached out and put a hand on Deadpool’s shoulder. “You’ve been looking after it too.” Deadpool stared at the hand on his shoulder and Peter wished, for just a moment, he knew what was going through the other man’s head.
“What about the other heroes?” asked Deadpool finally. “The Avengers, the Four, good old Double D?”
Peter shrugged. “What about them?” he asked curiously. What did they have to do with anything?
“Well—they’re not going to be happy about me watching the city for you.”
Ah. Peter leaned against the edge of the building. “Tell me something; how many of them did you see while you were helping with that bank robbery?”
“I didn’t—none?”
Peter nodded. “Exactly. The Avengers move when the planet is threatened. That’s kind of their thing. The Four only mobilize for Dr. Doom. And Daredevil doesn’t poke his nose out of Hell’s Kitchen. What I do, what you’ve been doing is much, much smaller. The muggers, the carjackers, the rapists, the bank robbers—they’re all outside of everyone else’s notice. You and I are the only ones looking after the streets of the city.”
“Our city,” breathed Deadpool.
Peter nodded in encouragement. “That’s right. Our city. If they don’t like it, they can move their asses to help take care of it!”
Deadpool leaped to his feet, suddenly energized. “That’s right!” he shouted. “This is our city bitches! Bad guys beware!”
Peter grinned under his mask. “Exactly,” he said with satisfaction. “Want to do one more patrol before I have to focus on civilian life?”
“I thought you’d never ask!” As they headed towards the edge of the roof, he asked, “Am I—am I the only one who knows?”
Peter thought quickly and then told a half-truth. “Peter knows,” he said to the mercenary. “I saw him before I saw you,” he said, thinking of that reflective window. “Sometimes I think the only reason he eats is the pictures he sells of me,” he added with absolute confidence.
“Aw! You’re such a softy Spidey!” chirped Wade happily before they dove off the side of the roof, Peter catching Wade before swinging them up to another one.
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thebibliomancer · 3 years ago
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Essential Avengers: West Coast Avengers #2: “BLANKING OUT!”
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October, 1984
"Up Against the BLANK!”
Beware his crosshatching!
So the formation of the West Coast Avengers continues! I guess! It looks like Tigra, Wonder Man, and Iron Man stuck around at least long enough to be on this cover.
We’ll see if the prospect of being on a team led by Hawkeye manages to win them over.
So last time on West Coast Avengers: Hawkeye was sent by the Vision to create an All-New All-Different Avengers team on the West Coast. A kind of West Coast Avengers. Like the Avengers but in LA.
Vision sent out invites to Wonder Man, Tigra, and Rhodey Iron Man but didn’t tell them what they were being invited for. Leading to not only some hesitance to commit once they learned what was what but also Tigra’s friend the Shroud following her to the LA Avengers Compound because the vague invite worried Tigra’s other friend Jessica Drew. Phew.
The Shroud puts up such a great fight when the hypothetical West Coast Avengers attack him (assuming that some dude breaking in is up to something) that Hawkeye offers him the open spot on the team but Shroud turns it down.
By this point in the East Coast Avengers’ history, depending on where you count it starting, they either got punked by Loki or by a Space Phantom. So, the West Coast Avengers aren’t actually doing so bad, even though they’re not technically officially a team yet.
Its all a matter of perspective.
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Huh. We’re like ten years too early for Iron Man to be trying to kill everyone.
To kinda spoil the game early, this is a training exercise.
Hawkeye is attempting to prove a point that Captain America told him “with the proper teamwork, even the strongest opponent can be beaten!”
It gets back to the Avengers’ whole Earth’s mightiest heroes banding together to fight the foes no single hero can overcome thing. It’s a sales pitch for why these reluctant West Coasts should Avenger.
And even given that Iron Man far outmuscles Hawkeye, Mockingbird, and Tigra, teamwork and skill does prove capable of bringing him down. Kinda.
Hawkeye uses some smokescreen arrows to try to cloud Iron Man’s vision but he has infrared lenses. He tries to tackle Tigra but she outmaneuvers him and jumps on his back. Distracting him so Mockingbird can bonk him in the head with her staves and Hawkeye can gum up Iron Man’s boot jets.
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Its good teamwork but while Hawkeye is explaining that it’s good teamwork, Iron Man repulsors the ground and knocks the other three on their asses to demonstrate another important lesson.
Iron Man: “Never count your enemy out, until you’re sure he’s really out!”
Although. This WAS a training exercise.
While you raise a good point, Rhodey, surely you didn’t want them to break your armor or knock you out for a training exercise?
Anyway, after the exercise is over, Hawkeye tells Iron Man (James Rhodes) that it reminds him of when they used to go at it (back when Hawkeye was an accidental villain) and Rhodey Iron Man just awkwardly says that he’s glad they’re buds now. Because THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE QUIT THE AVENGERS IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Having to awkwardly tip toe around not being the original guy!
But on the other hand, he liked working with the Avengers in Secret Wars, which made him reconsider the team thing. While he doesn’t want to lean on someone else’s reputation, he also doesn’t want to be treated like an amateur. So awkward it is.
Hawkeye tells Iron Man maybe don’t knock him on his ass so hard next time.
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I do love Clint and Bobbi’s relationship. They’re delightful.
While Rhodey is rethinking his reluctance to Avenge, Tigra isn’t. This training exercise about how weaker heroes can team up to bring down a stronger opponent is not landing.
Tigra: I’ll bet Iron Man could have blown us away whenever he felt like it... He was probably just toying with us during the whole workout! I’m not anywhere near being in his league... Why did I let Hawkeye talk me into joining his new Avengers team?
There’s always one person on the Avengers whose whole thing is insecurity and the West Coast Avengers is practically full of them. Hawkeye, Wonder Man, Tigra have all served that role in the past. Mockingbird is worrying that she doesn’t belong.
I’d rather Tigra stuck with the insecurity rather than what she gets when West Coast Avengers gets an ongoing...
Anyway, over at Simon Williams, Wonder Stuntman’s house, he’s packing up his house to move to Avengers compound.
Since the house was prefab and pretty shoddily built, the whole wall swings up like a garage door so Simon can just pull all his possessions out and put them in a big crate.
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Simon’s good stuntman pal Freddy asks if Simon is really going to go back to the superhero life.
Wonder Man: “Freddy, for good or bad, Wonder Man is what I am! It’s taken me awhile to become comfortable with that. But I finally have. And you know, I think being a stuntman these last few months helped! Doing stunt work day after day has really given me a sense of my own worth. You and the rest of the stunt crews helped me find a new life... I owe you a lot! But I also owe the Avengers! When Hawkeye offered me an active role in the Avengers new west coast expansion team, I surprised myself by signing on. I guess what I’m saying is that the Avengers is part of my life, too. And I found myself missing it more than I’d expected!”
Good for you, you waffling man. But you’d better be careful you don’t end up in a Hank Pym spiral where you bounce between your superhero and civilian lives and don’t find satisfaction in half assing either. Find yourself a good work life balance.
Anyway, Simon doesn’t plan to quit the stunt work. He’s going to try to juggle it and the Avengers.
Now that I’m not sure he’ll manage. Movies and super-heroics both have demanding schedules without set hours.
Simon and Freddy take a break to go buy more nails at the hardware store for Simon to hammer in with his bare hands. But on their way, they hear an alarm at the bank.
Crosshatch man from the cover is robbing the bank, just casually strolling out with a bag of money while bullets bounce off of him.
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The Blank: “I have a gun too! And it doesn’t shoot blanks! Hah-haha-ha!!”
I’ve long held that the unspoken rule in comics book is that one of the first things someone shouts about you becomes your name.
Just ask poor Ben Grimm, the Thing.
So when a random person shouts that the bank robber is blank, the robber is like ‘huh, that’s catchy!’
Anyway, the robber confidently strolls out of the bank and right into Simon Wonder Man Williams.
The Blank shoots his gun at Simon and to his dismay finds out that he’s not the only one who bullets bounce off of.
Then Simon punches the guy twenty feet back INTO the bank.
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The Blank woozily proclaims that Wonder Man can’t stop the Blank so Wonder Man just kinda picks him up and tucks him under arm. Although the Blank does manage to pistol whip the sunglasses right off of Simon’s face.
Doesn’t hurt him but it does freak everyone in the bank out.
Dunno if you remember but due to being reborn as an energy being, Simon’s eyes are red and full of kirby krackle. He can turn it off if he concentrates but he prefers to wear the glasses.
And while Simon is telling the people in the bank that there’s no need to panic on his account, the Blank slips right out of his grip and jumps through the window.
When Simon comes out to the street, he finds that the Blank has somehow managed to disappear into the crowd, despite being a screentone man.
Probably because the Blank just turned the effect off and pretended to be a Perfectly Normal Man on the Street.
Sneaky.
The guy returns to his apartment and yuks it up at the news report about him making a clean getaway, police baffled.
The Blank: “After a lifetime of bad breaks, Lady Luck has finally smiled on me! Hah-ha! And to think I owe it to lousy bus service...”
So this origin is a lot. And its amazing.
In the Blank’s flashback, he’s waiting at the bus stop for a late bus when an ex-employee of Stark International who quit when Stane took over the company shows up and starts complaining about the bus service. And then smoothly shifts to complaining about his old job.
Very annoyed scientist: “If it’s not one thing it’s another! But it’s no wonder the world’s in the shape it’s in... Not with the quality of management today! They’re idiots... all idiots!”
He tells this random guy he doesn’t know that when he quit, he took his newest invention with him.
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Very annoyed scientist: “I put too much work into my brainchild to let that leech Stane get it! I’m going into business for myself!”
And then, as he’s boasting that he’ll be rich enough to buy and sell Stane in a year, the very annoyed scientist walks into the street without looking and gets hit by a car.
The very annoyed scientist’s briefcase lands right at the pre-Blank’s feet who definitely doesn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. So he took it home and after a few months figured out how to operate the invention: a slippery force-field.
Back in the present, he charges the force field belt up and then heads off after a big score. Not noticing a man shaped cloud of energy coming out of the charger pleading for more energy.
Huh.
Weird.
Over at Avengers Compound, the West Coast Avengers are assembled. Hawkeye has gotten the go-ahead of the LAPD to take this Blank case but Wonder Man insists that the Avengers can find him but he’s going to make the collar.
Yup, Simon has gotten a bug in his collar about letting the guy get away.
Wonder Man: “I had him in my hands, and he slipped right through them! What good am I to the Avengers if I can’t handle one gimmicky bank robber by myself?”
Hawkeye: “No good at all, if you worry more about personal performance than you do about how you work as part of this team! What do you want to do, search all of Greater L.A. on your own? That’s crazy!”
Geez, Wonder Man. That’s how gimmick criminals are supposed to work. Its not a gimmick if you beat it in the first encounter. The gimmick trips you up at the beginning of the story so you look like a smarty for figuring it out for the resolution.
The other Avengers chime in a plan divide the city into sections and each search that section. And whoever finds him will call the others.
Wonder Man admits that the plan makes a lot of sense and storms off in a fit of ‘WHAT A REASONABLE SUGGESTION, GOODNIGHT.’
Mockingbird: “Well, hotshot, you just weathered your first leadership crisis. Why the thoughtful look?”
Hawkeye: “I was just remembering how I used to be the one who always blew his stack. Honey, all of a sudden I feel old... real old!”
Hah!
You’ve wanted this for years Hawkeye. AND you’ve built up a lot of lets say debt with the universe by being a jerk about it at times.
Although, Wonder Man isn’t really a great Hawkeye. He’s pretty mellow most of the time. Of the people I expected to get a random obsession with a not very dangerous criminal, it wasn’t Wonder Man.
He has always had a streak of insecurity (which is the secret ingredient when making a Hawkeye) and not being able to stop this guy right when he was feeling good and ready to superhero again. A real situational case.
But Tigra is the one feeling the insecurity the hardest so I’m afraid you’ll need another character beat, Simon. Hothead is available.
So the West Coast Avengers split up and patrol different parts of the urban sprawl. Tigra lurks the rooftops of Chinatown, Iron Man scans the area around the Santa Monica Mountains, Hawkeye flies above the high-rises of Marina Del Rey on his skycycle, Mockingbird cruises L.A.’s freeways in her custom pink convertible, Wonder Man hangs out on the L.A. City Hall in the downtown searching by binoculars, and I learn what the different bits of L.A. are.
Productive night for everyone.
But over in Inglewood, the Blank prepares for his Big Job.
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He’s going to heist a Wells Fargo armored car.
Wait, would an armored car be a bigger heist than robbing an actual bank??
And if you somehow got the idea that the Blank is a criminal mastermind, he’s not. The armored car guards spot him coming and just decide to take off when a screentoned man starts running at them.
The Blank shoots one of the guards so he doesn’t manage to lock the rear of the money car but the other guard is locked up tight in the front and refuses to stop even when the Blank is threatening to kill his partner.
Wow. Guess other people’s money is more important to the guy than his co-worker’s life.
Since the guy tells the Blank that he’s driving the armored car right to the nearest police station, the Blank just grabs as much money as he can carry. Then he jumps out the back and slides to a stop on his belly like a penguin.
What a useful force field.
But the Blank’s bad night gets worse because then Mockingbird, Hawkeye, and Iron Man all show up, alerted by the police report.
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The Blank at least has a realistic view of his capabilities. In that he’s not the guy that thinks a simple gimmick will let him start taking over the world. He just wants to rob a few banks and armored cars. And he does not want to fight the Avengers!
Especially not Iron Man!
Iron Man’s armor has all kinds of stuff in it and he might figure out a way through the force field!
So the guy decides to tackle some gas pumps.
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Which naturally causes an enormous fire.
Not a bad plan, really. The explosion will launch the Blank from the scene with the force field keeping him safe and the heroes will stop to save lives as heroes tend to do.
While Hawkeye and Mockingbird help the gas station employees away from the fire, Iron man picks up a dump truck full of sand and puts out the fire.
Wonder Man and Tigra arrive as he’s doing that and Hawkeye has to tell Simon that the Blank got away or exploded.
Simon actually takes it pretty chill, just betting that no way a tough customer like the Blank died in the explosion.
And he’s right. Although the guy isn’t really a tough customer.
Actually, he’s planning on skipping town.
Avengers heat is too much heat for him. Plus, yeah, the force field protected him from the explosion but he was blown three blocks away and the impact of landing knocked him silly for five minutes and he was terrified he’d be caught anyway. Plus, he lost all that sweet Wells Fargo money.
So he’s going to take the bank robbery money from the morning and move somewhere with fewer superheroes.
He’s just gonna charge the force field for the road and- whoa dang a whole ass man popped out of thin air.
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And its Graviton??
What were you doing in thin air, Graviton?
The Blank assumes this guy - wearing a costume and a cape - why he’s gotta be a superhero! And he immediately surrenders! He’ll return the money, turn over the force field device, go to jail, just don’t make him deal with those Avengers again!
Graviton is like hey buddy, I’m not with the Avengers and if you’re skipping town because of them, don’t bother. “Help me, and you’ll never have to worry about Avengers again!”
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Ruh roh.
Now Graviton is, historically, kind of a dingus considering he’s a mad scientist, but he is powerful enough that he soloed a pretty powerful Avengers roster which had Iron Man, Thor, Wonder Man, and Vision.
The West Coast Avengers has Iron Man and Wonder Man but also has the more street level Hawkeye, Mockingbird, and Tigra. They don’t have the do-anything bullshit of Scarlet Witch or Vision’s robot brain or Cap’s strategy. Or whatever esoteric power the wild card Avenger of the era has like Captain Marvel’s command of the electromagnetic spectrum, Starfox’s PLEASURE POWERS or Moondragon’s psychic powers.
If Graviton decides to set up in L.A., then the newly formed West Coast Avengers could be in big trouble.
Maybe even two issues worth of trouble!
... What? This is a miniseries! There’s only so much he’s going to be able to do in the time left!
Follow @essential-avengers​ because you want to see what happens next, probably? Also, like and reblog because you want to?
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bbwoulfc · 4 years ago
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The final chapter of my lukanette fic, You Shouldn’t Bear It All is finally finished.  This final chapter is dedicated to @edendaphne for her birthday.  Happy Birthday Eden!
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It had been three days since the incident with the construction based akuma...and the scare with Marinette.  Three days to let his mind process everything that happened.
Unfortunately, those three days of letting all the events sink in didn’t ease any of the pain.  Sure, he looked calmer, but internally, he was still buzzing from everything.  The weight of assumptions flowing through his head that Marinette deals with revolving around as guardian, all the responsibilities on top of the responsibilities as a civilian.  
A few tears slid down his cheeks as memories of seeing her unconscious in the water and on the boat began to plague him again.  He’s already spent the last few days dealing with nightmares, nowhere near to the ones he’s dealt with being Viperion.  What nightmare wouldn’t be worse when you knew the person behind the mask?
There was no way he could begin to imagine the amount of stress Marinette probably dealt with...alone.  He felt like he failed her, failed to see the signs that might have given him a glimpse into her hidden life that held the struggles.
They needed to talk, but he wanted to give Marinette the control and waited for her to call or text when she was ready.  There was nothing more important to him than to help her release everything that she’s kept bottled up and closed off to her group of supporters.  Why would she hide this from those who could help her?
His chest ached as he heaved a sigh, turning his gaze towards the porthole and looking over the small view of the Seine.  The waters calm and silent, the houseboat slightly swaying as if the river was trying to lullaby him from his own stress.  
He was thankful for having his own private quarters.  The last thing he wanted was to be questioned by Juleka.  It didn’t go unnoticed by him that she and their mother have been keeping a close eye on him since the akuma attack.  Which was understandable, all Couffaines looked out for each other, but, right now, this wasn’t something that his sister and mother could fully help with.
Bing.
Hearing his phone, Luka reached beside him where it was laying and picked the device up.  Clicking the home button and lighting the screen, he saw a text message from Marinette.  Entering his passcode, he read her message.
Marinette: Thank you for being patient and waiting.  I’m ready to talk.  Can you come over?
Luka smiled, some of the anxiety easing from his body now that the chance to finally talk and figure a way to help his overworked girlfriend was available.
Luka: Of course.  I’m leaving now.  Front or side door?
Marinette: Side door.
Luka: K, see ya soon.  Love you, Melody.
Pushing himself off his bed, he pocketed his phone into the back of his charcoal smoke grey jean pocket.  Grabbing a thin navy long-sleeved hoodie shirt, he threw it over his black tank top and rolled up the sleeves to his elbows.  Heading to his desk, he picked up his keys and wallet, and exited his bedroom and passed through the living space; ignoring the silent gaze from his family.
Up above the desk, Luka passed the boardwalk and onto the dock and straight to the motorcycle chained on the metal pole.  Unlocking the chains, he rolled the bike to the street, hopped into the seat, and put his helmet on before igniting life into the engine.  Revving the motor a few times, he spun the bike into gear and rode off towards the bakery.
Riding passed buildings and down the maze of roads, he couldn’t wait to reach the bakery and pull Marinette in his arms.  It sucked having the boat docked further away, but the ride towards Marinette’s home gave him time to prepare himself for the long-awaited talk.  
When Luka finally arrived at the bakery, he pulled his motorcycle up to the back of the bakery in the alleyway, locking it up.  Removing his helmet, he sent a text message to Marinette to inform her of his arrival and walked back towards the side entrance of the Dupain-Cheng home.  A few seconds later he heard the door jiggle and sound of the lock clicking before opening up and being greeted by Marinette.
“Hey, babe,” greeted Marinette.
“Hey, bug.”  
She gave him a small knowing smile and opened the door wider to allow Luka in and moved away to walk up the stairs.  Closing the door behind him, Luka locked the door and followed Marinette up the stairs to the main area of the Dupain-Cheng home.  Once they entered the living space, Marinette continued her way towards the stairs that led to her bedroom; Luka closed the front door and looked around the home.  It was quiet, no sight of Sabine and Tom anywhere.
“Where are your parents?” he asked as he followed Marinette to the stairs leading to her room.
“They’re catering a large banquet down in another city.  Just me for another day, so we won’t have to worry about anyone interrupting us” she responded.
The moment they entered her bedroom, Marinette walked to the middle of her room and stopped, hunched slightly as her back faced him.  He watched her quietly and noted her movement when one of her hands gripped her opposite arm in nervousness.  It was a common gesture he’d seen plenty of times and one that typically led to her apologizing or thinking the worst.
“Luka,” she breathed, “I’m so sor-” she spun to look at him but was cut off when she felt arms wrap around her and her head leaning against Luka’s chest.
He heard her gasp below him, most likely not expecting to have him embrace her.  There was no way in hell he was gonna have her apologize for something that she could not control.  One could only control their own fate for so long before fate itself regained control and led one down a path most necessary.  And right now, fate brought them to this moment and he wasn’t going to let Marinette waste it with apologizing.  So, he embraced her tighter and felt relieved to feel her own arms wrap around him in return.
Luka rested his face against her raven locks and silently breathed in her scent to help ground him and cherish the feeling of having his girlfriend in his arms after everything they all went through.
“I love you so much,” he breathed against her.  “I wish you would have told someone or me about all these responsibilities.”
“No one is supposed to know.”
“Says who, Melody?”
She was silent, but then he heard her whisper, “Fu.”
Who the hell was Fu?  A mentor?
Luka led Marinette to her chaise as they sat down and he looked straight at her and asked, “Who’s Fu, love?”
She looked down, staring at her hands and fiddling with her fingers before closing her eyes, “He was the guardian before me.”
He listened as Marinette explained everything from when she first met Master Fu, to the time she’d go to his place to learn and train in the role of guardianship, to the day Master Fu passed on the role to Marinette.
Luka stood and paced along Marinette’s room, silently seething after hearing everything she told him.  Crossing his arms, he sighed deeply and closed his eyes.
“No matter what happened to Fu, I despise him for what he burdened you with.”
“Luka...he had no choice.”
He looked at her with hurt and pain, but not for himself, but for her and everyone that took a role as a hero.
“What gave him the right to deem you and all of us that weld a miraculous with these responsibilities?”
“I’m the one who chose all of you.  Well, mostly everyone.”
“Yet, he’s the one who put you in the situation.”
Silence filled between them.  
There were not many things that pushed Luka past his calm exterior and mellowed mind, but even he had his limits.  Those limits beached by simply knowing that an adult passed on a role to a child.  Life these days was already a struggle with them handling school, jobs, and building a future.  What kind of future could you build when you have to revolve your life around a box full of magical jewels that could take things that could only ever be believed from fantasy and comics?
Shaking his head, he just felt pain knowing his girlfriend has been revolving her life around a burden of a role thrust upon her when she should be focusing on building a future of her own without worrying about being the guardian.
Looking back at Marinette, he took in her appearance for the first time.  The shadows under her eyes could not go unnoticed no matter the attempt to hide them with make-up.  Her skin looked a slightly paler than the full warmth she’s had when they first met all those years ago.  
Life was a struggle that everyone dealt with, but in front of him, he felt like he was staring into a shell of a person reaching for help but held back by fear.
“You can’t keep doing this alone, Melody.  This has to stop.”
Marinette stood and walked around her room, “I can’t.  No one is supposed to know.”  
She turned to him, “There’s already risks with you knowing about my identity!  Fu said no one is to know identities.  He warned me of the dangers and I failed him!  A guardian is the protector of the miracle box and I couldn’t even protect my own identity!”  Tears broke the surface as they streamed down her face, “I’m not a worthy guardian!  I failed to be a good guardian like Fu!  I knew I couldn’t measure up to him like I-”
“Enough!” he shouted with firmness, cutting her off from her rambled speech.
Marinette stopped and turned to Luka, looking at him with surprise.  He stood there gazing at her with stiffness and fire in his eyes like she was a mere child about to be berated by a parent. 
“Enough,” he stated again, softer though still holding firmness like the first.  He walked towards her and took hold of her shoulders to ensure she looked at nothing else but him.  “Listen to me, Marinette, and listen hard.  You’re not Fu.  Stop trying to be like Fu.”
He emphasized each word of his last sentence, watched as she continued to stare at him, doe-eyed wide, before she finally blinked and broke their gaze.  Quietly, Luka led her back to her chaise and sat side by side, facing one another as he let her take a breather.  There was no way to describe everything on how he felt, nor hers.
However, regardless of the swirl of emotions and tension surrounding them, he felt like he finally got through to her with his statement.
“But he taught me everything, Luka.  It’s all I know before he left.”
Marinette looked lost, slightly defeated, but overall, just exhausted.  She looked like a person who’s just trying to push forward and survive.
“And do you agree with the things he taught you?”
He watched her hesitate, curl up and she looked down.
“Please, Marinette, be honest with me.  You’ve never had trouble talking to me about anything before.”
“No...I never approved of some of the things he taught me.  It was hard enough to tell him that he needed to include Chat Noir with his presence as guardian.”
Luka didn’t speak, he sat there on her bedroom floor, waiting for her to look at him again.  He wanted to be patient.  If there was going to be a chance to lift the weight of all these burdens and responsibilities from Marinette, there had to be passiveness.
Thankfully, after a few moments, Marinette finally looked back up.
“If you didn’t agree with hiding things from Chat Noir, then why burden yourself with the very thing you went against?  If you didn’t feel comfortable telling me, why didn’t you confide with Chat Noir?  Surely your partner would be willing to help you.”  
He watched Marinette shift on her chaise and pull up legs and wrapped her arms around them, lowering her head on his knees.
“Because I’m afraid, Luka.  I’m afraid of failing.  Fu mentioned the dangers and I don’t want to risk the ones I love with those dangers.”
Luka shifted as he moved closer to Marinette, sliding his legs underneath her chaise and resting his hands around her legs, gently rubbing his thumb along the smoothness of her skin.
“Marinette, I want to ask you some questions.  Can you handle that?”
She gave him a small nod and waited.
“Everything that Fu taught you, is it teachings that run from guardian to guardian?”
She raised her head slightly, confused as she gave him a questioning gaze, “What?”
“The teachings that Fu taught you as the future guardian, was it stuff that was taught to him?  Like actual guidelines to being a guardian.”
He watched as her brows lowered in deep thought, eyes moving around as she discussed within her own space.  Then, she looked back at him.
“N-no.  I remember him saying that when he was a kid, he made a mistake that caused all the guardians to disappear along with other miracle boxes.  Until the monster he created was destroyed by me and Chat Noir a couple of years ago.”
Taking in the information, Luka nodded to everything being told to him and calmly took a breath and prepared himself for the awaited discussion.
“Alright.  So, if I understood correctly, Fu had no one to train him as guardian, right?”  He watched her nod, and he couldn’t help but offer her a small smile.  “Then what dictates Fu’s rules and sayings as fact and truth?”
Marinette was about to respond, but he watched with a hopefulness that she didn’t have an answer to his question.  And it was right now that gave Luka enough courage to finally try and convince her that she doesn’t have to do this alone.
“Listen to me, Marinette,” he started softly, “Everything that Fu taught you doesn’t mean you have to do things like him.  From what it sounds like, he was doing things that he believed was right in hopes to survive and make work.  What he taught you were things he learned through mistakes, but that doesn’t mean his ways are absolute.  He taught you foundations of basics that would help you begin as guardian, but not to form your life around it.”
He gave her a stronger smile that displayed how proud he was for her.  There was never doubt that Marinette would be a great guardian, but every now and then, she let fears and worry lead her astray.  This is what made him feel persistent that his melody needed confidants and helpers.
“Fu saw something in you to make you Ladybug and guardian.  And I can’t even begin to express how proud I am to know that he chose you, because there’s no one else I can imagine being guardian or the heroine.  But you can’t be a great guardian if you’re trying to be someone you’re not.”  
He took a deep breath and held Marinette with a look of determination and took her hands, “So, tell me, what is it that guardian Marinette wants?”
Luka held his gaze with hers and waited, offering her hands a squeeze in silent support.  It was hard, he knew it.  There was no doubt this was all hard for Marinette and that it’s been a burden for so long.  But he had hope, he always had hope when it came to Marinette.  She was a stubborn one and knew she could triumph from this overwhelming past.
He felt the weight of her hands returning a squeeze and looked up to catch a new fresh trail of tears flowing down her cheeks.
“I want help,” she swallowed and hiccuped from the emotions flowing through her, “I don’t want to do this alone.” 
Relief filled Luka as he heard those precious words.  The tension that surrounded them slowly diminished from the room.  He couldn’t begin to wonder how long Marinette wanted to reach out for help.
Pushing himself up, Luka moved to the top of the chaise and pulled Marinette into a loving embrace.  He felt her hands grip the front of his shirt as she broke down in relief; releasing all the tension she held on her shoulders from the past three years.  And as she cried, he just held her close, laying his head above hers and rubbed his hand along her back, whispering soothing words.
As the sobs softened to mere sniffles, there was a welcoming new energized air that floated within the room.  It looked and felt brighter, like an internal grey cloud long gone with nothing but the warmth of love.
Seeing some movement to his side, Luka looked over to Marinette’s desk and saw Tikki quietly watching them with wonder and relief within those large ocean sea eyes.  Motioning the kwami over, the little god floated towards the couple and lowered herself to her chosen’s shoulder and nuzzled against the girl’s face.
Luka watched Marinette push herself up, his hands falling to her waist as his girlfriend reached for her kwami.
“Tikki,” she smiled.
“I’m so sorry, Marinette.  I should have done better to help you.  It was only until the recent akuma and talking with Luka that I realized how different everything is and that time is not what it was with Fu.”
Marinette pulled Tikki against her again as their version of a hug.  To Luka, he was glad Marinette had the little god in her life.  If it were anything like him with Sass, they had a bond with one another that knew no bounds.
“So,” spoke Luka, “What do you want to do?  As guardian, your word is the law.”
“He’s right, Marinette,” came Tikki’s voice, “As guardian you can choose to do whatever you wish.  It’s not up to us, kwami to tell you what to do.  If having help gives you more strength, then do it.”  
The god of creation gave her a supportive smile.
Luka and Tikki watched as Marinette fell silent and into her own space as her eyes became distant and moved in thought.  
It was like a new spark was beginning to take over his Melody and he couldn’t be more excited to see that gleam in her eyes.
“Tikki, can you send a message to Plagg and Longg to inform Chat Noir and Ryuuko to meet up at the Eiffel Tower at ten tonight?”
Giving the girl a nod, Luka watched Tikki float to Marinette’s desk and fall into a trance when Marinette turned her attention to him.
Marinette launched herself into her boyfriend’s arms and embraced him, “Thank you, Luka.”
“Anytime, love.”
Breaking the embrace, he watched as Marinette stood up and went over to the chest where the miracle box hid and returned with a smaller box in hand, sitting back on the chaise next to him.  Marinette handed what he knew was the snake miraculous.
“What?” he asked, confusion taking over and looking back to her.
“I’m taking your advice and for that, I need to give you, Sass.”
At a loss of words, he looked back to the miraculous box and opened the case when a familiar green glow burst and disappeared to reveal Sass.  The little reptile smiling back at him with long-awaited excitement.
“Luka!” Sass exclaimed before launching to the musician.  Both boys giggling at their own little reunion.
Looking up to Marinette, he was at a loss on what Marinette had planned.  He wanted to know what the holder of creation had up her sleeve.
“What’s your plan?”
Marinette smiled as she watched him and Sass reunite, “I’ll explain when we meet up with the others.  For now, I feel exhausted after releasing what I held back.  How do you feel about a nap and dinner before meeting up with Chat and Ryuuko?”
He smiled as Sass nuzzled against him and flew off towards Tikki.  Moving closer to Marinette, he pushed himself towards the head of the chaise and opened his arms for Marinette and smiled, “It sounds like a plan.”  
Taking the offer, Marinette pushed herself into Luka’s embrace as they laid in the chaise, closed their eyes, and fell into a slumber.
 *****************************************************************
 Hours later, the sky dark as the open ocean under the light of the moon, Marinette and Luka opened the sun window up the balcony of her bedroom, Tikki and Sass following close behind.
“Ready?” asked Luka.
He watched her smile as she looked up to the night sky and closed her eyes, inhaling the cool air.
“I am.  I’m ready to move forward with a fresh start.”
Luka moved next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I’m proud of you, you know.  I know it’s hard for you at times to ask for help, but I’m glad you’re taking that step for yourself.  And no matter what you decide tonight, remember you have people who will support you.”
Marinette turned and wrapped her arms around Luka’s shoulders and pushed herself up on her toes.  Following her motion, Luka lowered his head until their lips touched for a small kiss.  When they broke apart, Marinette’s eyes gleamed with newfound happiness.
“Thanks for being my rock, Luka.”
Embracing Marinette in a quick hug, he looked out into the city of Paris, bright with city lights in the distance near the Eiffel Tower.
“Let’s go.”  Turning to her kwami, “Tikki, Spots On.”
In a flash of pink, Luka watched in elation as his girlfriend transformed into the spotted heroine.  When the transformation finished, his elation turned into awe.
“Your suit changed.”
He watched Marinette blink in surprise as she took in her new look.  Gone was the red suit and black dots.  In place, her suit looked more mature as her suit split into sections of red and black.
Similar to his suit as Cardinalis, fingers black like a fingerless glove, her palms and up to her forearms coated in red and black spots.  Her biceps sectioned in black, only for her shoulders and torso to regain the red and black spotted pattern; the shoulder area looking like shoulder-padded armor.  The thighs take on the full black, but switch to the red with black spots from her calves down, only to fade to full red at her feet.  And unlike her old design, her feet became boot-like with small one inch heels.  Lastly, in the center, was a black belt wrapped around her waist area where her yo-yo latched onto.      
“H-how?”  she asked in equal surprise and confusion.
“If I had to guess, I would say with you taking the step in acknowledging you need help and taking action to better yourself, the miraculous took it as a sign of growth.”  Taking in her attire as a whole, “You look beautiful.”
Taking that as his cue, he followed in Marinette’s footsteps and called upon his transformation.
“Sass, Scales Slither.”
With a flash of turquoise, his body took on the transformation, though when the transformation finished, like Ladybug’s, his suit altered from his original Viperion design.  Still bearing his Viperion color palette, his suit took on the design layout from when he was Cardinalis but taking on more black as the main base.
“Looks like I’m not the only one with an upgrade,” said Ladybug.
“Makes me wonder since the two of us gained upgrades if Chat Noir and Ryuuko will obtain them as well.”
Well, with what I have planned, I’m sure they will.”
Unhooking her yo-yo and wrapped her free arm around Viperion, “Better hold on.”
With a flick of her wrist, the two launched off her balcony and made their way towards the Eiffel Tower.
 **********************************************************************
 In minutes, Ladybug and Viperion landed on the cool metal beams of the Eiffel Tower and looked up at the approaching figures of Chat Noir and Ryuuko.
When Ladybug and Chat Noir made eye contact, the cat holder broke out in a run and embraced his partner.  Returning the gesture, Ladybug wrapped her arms around his chest, sinking in her partner’s embrace.
“Hey, Chat.”
“I was so worried about you.”
“I’m sorry I made you wait.  I had a lot going through my head and it’s time we talked.”
Releasing his partner, Chat Noir took a step back, concern etched in his face but pushed it aside for the moment when he took in his partner’s new attire.  
“I have to say, looking good with the new look, LB.  I take it this has something to do with what you want to talk about?”
She gave a nod, “You got it.”
Ladybug looked to her right and smiled at seeing Ryuuko standing, waiting patiently, with a smile of her own at the heroine.
“Hello, Ryuuko.  I’m glad you were able to make it tonight.  All four of us have some discussions ahead of us.  Let’s move towards the top of the structure where we have better stability and cover.”
Giving her a nod, all three heroes followed Ladybug to the top of the Eiffel Tower and waited for further instructions.  Silence filling the space around them except for the creaking of the iron of the structure swaying from the small breeze in the air.
They waited quietly as Ladybug took a breather and then opened her mouth to speak.
“I’m sure you all have questions, but, first,” -looking at Chat Noir- “I’d like to apologize to you.”
“Me?” Chat Noir stated, clearly off guard and confused.  “What do you have to apologize for?”
“For not listening to you a couple of years ago about revealing identities shortly after I became guardian.”
“LB, it’s okay.  You had your reasons and I respect that.  You don’t have to apologize for worrying about your safety and everyone else's.
Ladybug crossed her arms as she looked away from her partner.
“If only that were true, Chat.  It wasn’t because that’s what I wanted, it was because that’s what was engraved into me and I believed it.  If it weren’t for Viperion, I would never have realized how unhealthy that choice to believe everything would affect me in the end.”
Worry filled both Chat Noir and Ryuuko’s face, except for Viperion as he stood and listened to his girlfriend take the long-awaited step she’s been craving for so long.  He may not have shown much emotion other than a small smile, but he was damn proud of her.
“It was because of Viperion and Tikki that made me realize that as a guardian, everything taught to me doesn’t mean I have to follow it and live it word for word.  And as the guardian, I can make my own choices that I believe and feel could benefit us all.” -she swallowed and pushed out a tensioned breath- “So, as the guardian, I want to ask you, as my partner...would you still be willing to a reveal between all four of us?  I mean I know we know Viperion and Ryuuko, but you know what I mean.”
“Why us two?” asked Ryuuko.
“Because what I have planned revolves around the four of us.”
“Then let’s do it,” smiled Chat Noir, “If this is going to help you then my decision is already decided for me.”
Nerves started to take hold of Ladybug; she was about to learn who her long time partner was and she was buzzing with mixtures of nervousness and excitement.
“How about we count to three and all release our transformation?” offered Viperion.
Nodding quickly, Ladybug started the countdown and the others joined in.  When they reached one all closed their eyes and called off their transformations.
Luka and Kagami were the first ones to open their eyes and looked at each other and simply smiled at each other.  During the past three years and watching Marinette and Adrien become inseparable friends, they two became close friends with one another and couldn’t hold back the silent chuckles.  
Taking a quick look at their significant other, both Luka and Kagami stepped aside and embraced one another.
“Glad to finally give you a hug.  Learning you were Ryuuko shouldn’t have surprised me as much three days ago.  Only a badass spitfire could be the badass dragon.”
“And only a wise old snake would be the one to become a temporary Ladybug.”
Both giggled and looked over at Marinette and Adrien, still with eyes closed.  Most like each internally motivating them to prepare for the reveal.
“How much surprise do you think they’ll have once they see each other?” Luka whispered to Kagami.
“A lot.  There might be tears,” she responded. 
 ***********************************************************************
 Taking a breather, Marinette spoke between her and her partner, “Ready?”
“Yea.”
He was just as breathless, but together, they opened their eyes and blue met green.  Both Adrien and Marinette stood frozen as they stared into the eyes of their best friend, not just as partners but as civilians.
Green eyes glistened as tears surfaced when everything that happened the past three days resurfaced in his head and let the tears flow.  Moving forward, Adrien embraced Marinette in his arms, far tighter than before.  For Marinette, she simply collapsed into Adrien’s arms and both broke out in soft sobs.  She slipped her arms stuck between them and wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled him closer.
“O-oh god, Adrien,”  mumbled Marinette.
“I c-can’t believe I almost l-lost you.  M-my best friend,” he cried on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, so sorry.  I-I didn’t w-want anyone to worry.”
Adrien clung tighter and heaved, “You and your stubbornness.”
Marinette gave a watery laugh, earning one from Adrien as well.
“You enjoy this stubbornness you crazy cat,” she stated softly.
Breaking the embrace, the two heroes smiled at one another when Adrien shook his head, “I can’t believe it’s been you all this time.” -he looked at his friend seriously but out of care- “You should have asked for help, Marinette?”
“You know me and how I let myself let fear take over sometimes.”
Adrien shook his head, giving her a smirk, “I hope Luka knocked some sense into you.”
She huffed out and drawled, “Yes.”
He chuckled, “Good.”  -looking over to Luka and Kagami talking- “Should we continue the rest of what you have planned then?  I’m curious.”
Marinette smiled, “Of course.  Then let’s head to the others so I can explain the rest of my plan.”
Giving her a nod, Adrien and Marinette walked over to where Kagami and Luka stood to talk amongst themselves.
“Hey, guys,” breaking the two from their deep conversation and turning to Marinette.  Gesturing everyone to sit, they all followed Marinette and all sat in the form of a small circle.
“As I mentioned earlier, I was struggling a lot, but I always hid it from others.  It wasn’t till the recent incident that required Luka to take my place temporarily that my life revolved around a lot of responsibilities.  So much so, that I let the guardian life through Fu’s views take over and misguide me a bit.  If it weren’t for Luka’s insight, I don’t think I would have ever taken the necessary step to better my life.  So, what I’m about to ask is asking a lot.  But if you wish to not take it I completely understand.”
Taking a breather, she looked at Luka and Kagami.
“First off, I would like you two to become permanent members of the miraculous team,” -looking at Adrien- “What say you, partner?”
“I couldn’t ask for a finer duo to add to the team.  I’m all for it.”
He gave a wink to Kagami, only for his girlfriend to roll her eyes, but smiled.
“I have a question though,” asked Kagami, turning to Marinette.  “Why Luka and I?  Why not Alya and Nino?”
The ladybug holder gave a small smile, “I love those two, I do.  However, my reason for not making them permanent is because Alya has a tendency to be...hyperactive.  I know she can be serious, but I also know her love of superheroes and Ladyblog can sometimes get in the way.  But with what I have in mind, I didn’t want to risk the issues of identities knowing she has the Ladyblog.  As for Nino, he’s not great at keeping secrets and I know for fact he and Alya share a lot between each other.”
“You got that right,” mumbled Adrien under his breath.
“I love them both, but Adrien and I need two people who are mature and insightful.  That’s why I chose you and Luka as a permanent holder along with a reveal.”
Still confused, Kagami asked, “Then...what’s the last part of your plan?”
Looking at Adrien, Kagami, and Luka seriously, she swallowed and breathed out, “I’d like to make you three guardian of the miracle box with me.”
All three members went wide-eyed and mouths dropped from her answer, fully speechless.  Before any of them could speak, Marinette continued.
“Luka was right.  I can’t do this alone anymore.  I’m tired of being alone and with all these secrets.”  Sitting up straighter, she spoke with strength, “If you are willing, I’d like to teach you in the ways as guardians and learn the ways of the miraculous and all the history that follows it.  I’d like to have our own guardianship where we have each other to rely and fall back on.  But, most importantly, to support one another.  If an akuma attack were to happen and I couldn’t get away to retrieve a miraculous or other guardian business, we have others who can do that for us.” -Looking at each of them separately- “So, would you three be guardians with me?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Luka being the first to speak.  “If this is what it takes to lift some of these burdens off your shoulder, then I’m all in.”
“It would be an honor to serve alongside you as guardian, Marinette.  If this is what it takes to allow you to live a healthier life, I’ll gladly accept the role.”
Marinette felt relieved and excited.  Not only was she not going to be alone anymore, but she was going to have a family within a guardianship.  Turning to Adrien, she waited but knew everything was going to be okay when she watched Adrien give her a full smile.
“We’ve been partners this long, haven’t we?  I’ve always got your back, princess.  You can count this cat in.”
She sighed, all the tension she didn’t know she held was finally gone. 
“You have no idea how happy you all made me.  I’m so excited to share this with you.”  Reaching out her hand, “Reach out your hand, please,” -she watched as the others reach out their hands in which she placed all three between her hands- “I, Ladybug, hereby add Chat Noir, Ryuuko, and Viperion as guardians of the miracle box and miraculous.”
Adrien, Kagami, and Luka felt a sudden soft bolt of energy through their bodies.
Releasing their hands, Marinette gave them a smile and nod, “Welcome to the guardianship.”
Looking up at the darkening sky, she decided to end the meeting for tonight.
“We’ll meet up in a couple of days and work on schedules and plans.  But, for now, I think it’s time we all head home.”
They all stood up and Kagami was the first to hug Marinette and wish her a good night, moving over to Luka to do the same as Adrien walked over to his long time partner.  Giving her one final embrace, both Adrien and Kagami called on their transformations, coated in green and red light.  When the lights faded, both heroes prepared to say their final goodbyes but stopped once they caught Luka and Marinette’s grins.
“What?” asked Chat Noir.
“Looks like the two of you are now starting anew with us in the new attires,” answered Luka.
Both Chat Noir and Ryuuko looked down to find their old designs gone and replaced with new looks.
“We’ll discuss more next time, for now, the two of you better get home before your parents find out.  Though do enjoy your new outfits on the way home,” stated Marinette.
Giving the couple one more round of smiles, Chat Noir and Ryuuko laughed as they took off into the night together and towards home.  Luka and Marinette gave their own laughs as they watched the couple have fun and chase after one another.
“You did amazing tonight, my melody,” Luka turned to his girlfriend as she looked at him with those blue doe eyes.
“Well, I have you to thank.  It was fate that landed me in the Seine that day.  And it was fate that gave me all my friends, especially the three of you.”
Bringing Marinette into a lover’s embrace, they stood there in each other’s arms as the small breeze blew around them and their kwamis snuggled on their shoulders.
Fate brought him closer to his girlfriend, but it was fate that gave him the chance to change the hardship that Marinette struggled within her life.  And with Adrien and Kagami, the responsibilities that Marinette once held as burdens can now give her peace and strength.  Together, they’ll be able to tackle whatever fate decides to throw their way next.
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dereksmcgrath · 3 years ago
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Y’all are talking up Star and Stripe, while I’m impressed how this series finally gave interiority to Stain.
“No Man Is an Island,” My Hero Academia Chapter 328. By Kohei Horikoshi, translation by Caleb Cook, lettering by John Hunt. Available from Viz.
Content warnings regarding rape and violence against women.
Before I get to Stain, let’s start with the end of this chapter, given how much of a splash Star and Stripe, our newest character, has made so far with readers.
Is Star and Stripe All Might’s student? I don’t want to bring out the Todoroki red-string board determining a list of All Might’s potential offspring, and I don’t think that’s her role in this story, as calling her mentor her “master” is far more a student-teacher relationship than anything else. But if she is All Might’s student, what does that change in what I have considered about All Might up to this point? I have frequently derided his skills as a teacher, and nothing in the story has suggested otherwise that he isn’t used to it: flashbacks we’ve had of Nezu talking with All Might implied teaching would be something new for him, his innate learning clashes with someone like Izuku who prefers things explained to him, and the series has made gags about how he needed the equivalent of Teaching for Dummies to know basic pep talks to give to Izuku’s classmates. That’s not to say he was never a teacher to Star and Stripe--but it is to say that it has not been obvious to me that he had such experiences, or was that suited for it. It may be that All Might, despite himself and what he thinks of himself, was indeed a teacher to Star and Stripe, or at least she thought he did a good job as one, whether directly or, as is just as likely, serving as the role model, literally the person she has modeled her look and theming around.
You’ll also forgive me if I look at that chapter’s title and not still think how much All Might isolated himself for so long, so it’s rich to have such a title like that, when it’s too little, too late, for All Might to suddenly engage in the collaborative work that heroes should engage it, that has been part of Izuku’s ethos for so long, that is at the heart of One For All, when All Might has kept trying to handle everything on his own with no help from others. Granted, I’m being unfair: All Might has seemed to have more coordination with the police than other Pro Heroes from what we’ve seen in the comics, and it’s not like they can’t retroactively change that (Big Red Dot refers to All Might as a “friend” in this chapter, so maybe All Might is a more collaborative hero than I’m giving him credit.) Weirdly, All Might’s tendency to work alone kind of makes him and Stain alike in a lot of ways--but we’ll get to Stain later. And yes, I can also see the island conceit is referring to Tartarus, but I’m looking at the subtext first before the text.
But turning back to Star and Stripe, and without whining too much about this point, it is bizarre this late in the game to get yet another character who was influenced by All Might. But it’s not unbelievable. Of course there are more than just Izuku and Bakugo who modeled their look or name after All Might. Of course there are more than just Melissa Shield and Nighteye inspired to go into support or hero work by his example. And of course, when All Might studied and practiced in the United States, and whose theming is built around Superman, the quintessential United States superhero (albeit one co-created by a Canadian creator), of course we’d get a US Pro Hero inspired by him. And she’s a woman, and I appreciate that inclusiveness and representation.
Too bad, as usual, including another woman in the story leads to two problems I have with fans’ reactions: one, for fans who are fixated on objectifying women characters, and two, for an Edgar Allan Poe scholar like me who keeps reading into things, rightly or wrongly, and thinking everything is going to turn into killing off a woman character to motivate the men characters.
I really wish I wouldn’t have to write this ridiculous disclaimer, but the “horny on main” crowd on social media gets tiresome. It’d be nice to have a new woman character be introduced without immediate reactions being primarily “she’s hot.” Sometimes you just want to enjoy a new character like Star and Stripe as a Captain America-style pastiche and their superpower work without just seeing her as another freaking waifu for someone. Nothing precludes her from being someone that people find attractive; I just find it tiresome when it seems like still that this tends to happen to women more frequently, especially with the long history of reducing women, in real life or in fiction, for objectification and not seeing them as fully realized people where, yes, any sexuality or asexuality is part of them, but just a part, not all of them.
And while I criticize the “horny on main” crowd, it’s not like I don’t have my own problems in writing these reviews regarding women characters: I have set a countdown clock for how long before Star and Stripe gets fridged, because that’s my fear. At least recent art in the newest My Hero Academia volume in Japan features new artwork of Nagant, so fingers crossed she’s not quite dead following All For One’s inevitable explode-y betrayal. And it’s not as if this series lacks diverse representations of girls and women, especially in roles they take (Pro Hero, Villain, Vigilante, or civilian) and personalities. And it’s not fair for me to risk limiting the story’s potential by insisting a character not be killed off. But when I think popular culture at large still limits roles for girls and women in action stories, especially in superhero stories and shonen, it’s hard for me not to cringe with worry that, shortly after a girl or woman character is introduced to the story, that she’s going to be sidelined in some way, whether objectified or killed off, largely for the sake of boys and men fans and characters.
Or maybe I’m just annoyed seeing as this chapter starts with a Tartarus escapee shouting about “females” like Quark from DS9 before Stain kills him. Thoughts and prayers for that dead jackass.
Still, that character’s presence is troublesome. In Horikoshi’s works, and spinoffs like Vigilantes, violence against women perpetuates as a way of identifying someone as really super-duper evil. It feels like that Mark Millar quotation referring to rape as one of the ways to really clue in the audience that this person is evil, no different than if a villain decapitated someone. It’s far more complicated than that when writing in fiction for two reasons. First, it’s victimizing women for a story so that it traditionally falls upon the protagonist, usually a man, to avenge those women--so, Stain killing this guy kind of fits that cliche. Second, it’s not believable, and it does a lot of harm acting like a rapist is that obvious villain over there rather than a lot of people that we keep thinking are nice guys before, bam, we realize they’re fucking awful. It’s the banality of evil that perpetuates, to ignore that rapists in real life are not just mustache-twirling villains but can be people of all types, even people in the highest levels of government, entertainment, and business who are supposed to come across as reasonable, normal individuals who contribute to society but instead are also freaking monsters who committed sexual violence against someone else.
I wish I had any sort of transition to get back to other parts of this chapter, so the best I can say is, let’s turn back to Stain.
I do appreciate what this chapter does with him, especially giving us something we haven’t had from him in a long time, if ever: interiority. Getting into Stain’s mind should be petrifying, like how his stance against the Pro Heroes froze them in place, with or without use of his Quirks. (If it turns out he actually had a “Quirk awakening” like Toga and Shigaraki, I’m throwing copies I have of this manga against the wall.) Instead, Stain is weirdly rational. He assesses the situation, sees how chaotic things are in this prison, realizes things must be chaotic outside, so his first stop is to see who has information, such as any computer data, and that’s where he’s lucky enough to find the last surviving Tartarus guard protecting the hard drive that he passes onto All Might. He’s even weirdly honorable to not take that weapon on his way out, not kill this dying guard, and not just be evil for evil’s sake. As Stain himself said, he’s an ally, but also a beast.
It’s incredible. What character progression.
I was ticked off with the last chapter having Hawks dismiss Stain’s note as a “love letter” to All Might: that’s right up there with UA dismissing Shigaraki initially as a “man-child.” These characters are more complicated than these off-putting insults that seem to be more about criticizing men for failing to stand up to some expected behavior. Like, if you’re going to go after Stain and Shigaraki, I would start with the fact that they are freaking murderers before lambasting one as looking up to All Might and the other as enjoying video games and being immature for his age.
So, after how annoying those character derisions are, I’m impressed how this chapter took us through Stain’s thought process in a way to have him be more than the crazed vigilante we saw in Vigilantes and the Hosu Arc. It added depth to him without negating what evils he has done. It showed his thought process beyond cliches of some Death Wish hyper-violent weirdo without, again, retconning those aspects as if they were never part of him. This chapter isn’t quite a retcon, so much as a fleshing out of a character to show how he was able to get the jump on Pro Heroes and kill or disable so many of them. This makes him look smart and capable rather than, as I will continue to complain about Villains like All For One, just lucky and the beneficiaries of plot contrivances. That contrast, to have Stain looking at All For One, who stands before escaped prisoners like the Messiah (or Anti-Christ) figure he thinks he is, just cements for me how well Stain is written, and how poorly in contrast All For One comes across.
Then again, Stain did just happen upon the guard having those drives of digital information, so he could have just been the lucky beneficiary of a plot contrivance. Or, as at least one person online wrote, All For One planted that evidence to trick the Pro Heroes into thinking Shigaraki is nearing his finalization so he can draw them into a trap. For now, though, I’m choosing to take this as an example for how an antagonist should be written: capable, smart, and not just getting by on the plot deciding they should win.
I had said about the previous chapter how that one felt incomplete. But I can’t say that any of Stain’s story in this arc has felt incomplete. I usually hate bouncing back and forth between flashbacks and timeskips in stories (but I’ll say more about that later when getting back to some Episode 7 posts), but going back to explain how Stain got the information from Tartarus worked for me. It wasn’t just to fill in back story; it also clarified what Stain thinks his role is right now, after what he did in Vigilantes and what he did to Iida’s brother: at least to me, or maybe because by now readers are more familiar with him, he seems to have more self-awareness. There is no glee like there seemed to be when he took down crime bosses and unintentional Villains in Vigilantes, or when he disabled Tensei. He seems oddly more rational--which is terrifying, given how much to shit society has gone in the manga, where someone like Stain seems reasonable compared to All For One gathering enforcers from Tartarus. It’s kind of fitting that the chapter that really re-introduced Stain to this series was titled “Who Are You Really?” which is pretty much the question that surviving Tartarus guard said to Stain, whether he will be a hero or another villain.
(Speaking of that guard: we’re told pretty much all the guards at Tartarus died, whether killed by the prison escape, the building’s damage, or drowning. But wasn’t there one guard that All For One’s team took with them to pilot their escape? I’m not getting my hopes up that Shishikura’s father survived, but it would be a waste to kill him off just to motivate Shishikura instead of that motivation being in part to rescue his dad. Granted, I’m skittish around killing characters before their usefulness is exploited, as awful as that is to phrase, but unfortunately, I just complained about fridging, so I’m being annoying right now.)
After that back story for Stain, we catch up to All Might returning from his pep talk to Izuku to meet with Tsukauchi. For a lot of reasons, Tsukauchi has been criticized by fans, some of inspired for good reasons by our moment of reception (many police not meeting the standards set for them in the wake of their unjustified violence, especially against marginalized people) and some that are either plot-based (he is not the biggest fan of our protagonists in Vigilantes and actively upsets their work) or undeserved (he’s actually been competent by this point in the manga). So, it’s weird to hear him complain about needing Stain’s help--when, given how bad things are in Japan in this story, he’s not exactly doing that great a job himself.
Also, poor Sansa back there has a head scar now.
Where this chapter falls apart a bit for me is its attempt at worldbuilding. I appreciate that we are learning along with All Might just how One For All works. He himself didn’t quite get what Izuku was seeing of the Vestiges way back in the Sports Festival Arc, so it makes sense that he is our audience surrogate to explain to Sansa and readers just what he can and can’t sense of them when near Izuku. The problem I’m having is that this is information related to about a month or so ago when he was with Izuku in the hospital. It wasn’t as clear to me then that All Might had this much of a deep understanding of One For All, so to now have it explained in this detail feels like we’re skipping some steps in logic. It’s not unbelievable that All Might needed that month to finally understand all of this; it’s just bothersome as a reader to have the info dump happen in this manner. I understand that info-dump would have disrupted the narrative flow in those earlier chapters; I also think delaying that information until now is frustrating, the equivalent of having to set down this chapter to go back to the earlier ones. It’s not the joy of re-reading a story with new appreciation for something else to discover in the earlier chapters; it’s more like reading a textbook and having to skip to endnotes at the back of the book to read something in more detail.
And speaking of getting buried in needless confusing self-contradicting explanations: the manga then cuts to a Pro Hero version of the United Nations, full of shadowy people explaining how it’s too difficult to coordinate nations to convince them to let their Pro Heroes go to Japan and help with relief efforts. It’s bad enough how much I hate “shadowy people in government” as a trope: it felt lazy in the first Avengers film, and after more than four years in the United States having to hear deep state bullshit by hucksters and far-right fascists, no, I’m not up for such symbols that don’t put a face on the people responsible. I know I’m invoking Avatar: The Last Airbender so soon after talking it up in the previous chapter review, but we delayed showing Ozai’s face to make him faceless so that, when it is finally revealed, and he looks like a normal guy, we realize how this evil can come from even the most normal looking person, especially as a contrast between his unscarred face and Zuko’s scarred face, where the scar in a lot of stories is traditionally used to mark someone as ugly and therefore evil, while Avatar shows how obviously prejudiced, wrong, and illogical such mental and symbolic associations are. I know it would take more work to draw designs for all these bureaucrats, but give them faces, make them known, make them actual characters. I get that making them relatable causes as much of a problem as making them too relatable and therefore making their absurd points logical, but I can’t stand to keep perpetuating “deep state shadow government” nonsense in destabilized times.
Then again, when it comes to the delays in sending out the Pro Heroes, it’s not that unbelievable or unrealistic, given how bureaucracy hampers international relief efforts all the time in the real world. But it’s just bizarre, for a work of fiction that has shown Pro Hero society making so many advancements yet still bogged down by something so quotidian in a fantastic setting. Granted, I’ve repeated over and over again in these reviews how I thought this setting was a utopia--a world where people of different abilities and sizes had accommodations with regard to clothing, housing, and buildings--only to have later chapters undermine all of that--housing for giant-size people is in inconvenient locations, subsidies are not easy to get for being giant-size, people with non-human appearances are abused and tormented.
But, to the story’s credit, ending with Star and Stripe ignoring such bureaucracy, so, this is very much Horikoshi having his cake and eating it, too.
And I hate to end this review on a down note, but I am cringing at potential unfortunate implications incoming. Star and Stripe is riding atop what looks like a futuristic fighter plane that, I have to imagine, within this plot, is related to the United States government and, if not, at least by her entire US-patriotic theming, might as well be. And she’s flying a couple of these fighter planes to Japan. I really, really am trying not to cringe at potential invoking of the United States’ attack on Japan during World War II, and I’m really trying to hope the story won’t make some misguided references to nuclear bombing. I know this is a stretch, but after the trouble Horikoshi rightly faced for how he named All For One’s doctor, it would not surprise me. Plus, it’s not as if this hasn’t been a difficulty in localizing these Japanese works in United States audiences: I play that Bungo Stray Dogs mobile app game all the time, but there’s a reason that game, upon initial release in the United States, almost immediately changed a special move’s name from “Kamikaze” to “Beatdown.” And seeing as that Bungo film ends with Agatha Christie almost carpet-bombing Japan, yeah, you’ll forgive me if a lot of these thoughts are circulating in my mind anticipating what could happen next in this series.
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xhanisai · 6 years ago
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AU where Adrien is darker and has less morals
- Similar to how things are in canon but the show would be rated r15 cos of heavy violence >:D - Basically Adrien looks like a cinnamon roll but could actually kill you. Marinette looks like a cinnamon roll and is a cinnamon roll. - During the umbrella scene in Origins, Adrien works out that Marinette is Ladybug. He keeps quiet about it though to respect her privacy and will wait till she's ready to share on her own terms. - Marinette is unaware that Adrien and Chat Noir are the same person whilst Adrien is oblivious to her humongous crush on him. He tries to subtly win her over both as Adrien and as Chat, resulting in Blushinette or Sassinette. - Whenever an Akuma manages to get a hit on Ladybug or any of Chat's friends, he doesn't hesitate to pummel them down vigorously. - Ladybug always has to scold him for being too harsh on the Akumas, constantly reminding him that there's an innocent victim underneath being used as a puppet. - Imagine a scenario: "Goodness Chaton! Just because they gave me a black eye doesn't mean you can go ahead and break their arm or toss them off the Eiffel Tower! Only God would know what would happen if I were to bleed from an itty bitty scratch," "Then that would be the day we find out what Cataclysm does to a person, M'Lady," "...N-Nice joke Chat." "I wasn't joking Ladybug." - Since he already knows, Chat isn't insistent on knowing her identity or asking if they could reveal themselves to each other. - This mad lad is very protective over Marinette in school in his own way. He's infamously known for having eyes that would "burn your soul" if you get on his wrong side - He is sarcastic and sharp with Chloe, especially when he finds out that she made Marinette's school life a nightmare before he and Alya joined. In fact his mumbled threats have Chloe shit scared to come near him or Mari. - Chloe does try to improve as a person but our lovely trio: Alya, Adrien and Nino repels Chloe from coming near Marinette. Our Asian girl is blissfully unaware of this set up, too busy thinking about tonight's patrol with Chat. - Though, Adrien can be really sweet and selfless. When Nino admits that he's crushing on Marinette too despite knowing Adrien is aiming for her, Adrien encourages him to go for her. It killed him inside but Adrien thought that if he can't make Marinette happy, at least she'd be in great hands with Nino (Animan episode). Thankfully, Alya and Nino gets locked in a cage, bonds, and BOOM we have Djwifi~ - Chat Noir's solo patrols is when the beast wakes up. The good people of Paris may see him and Ladybug as a comforting presence but the bad, evil people know how brutal Chat can be. - Chat has broken limbs belonging to thieves, shattered ribs belonging to abusive people, left killers in a near death state. - Adrien feels bad enough that Ladybug is unaware of his actions during the night and the last thing he wants to do is shed unnecessary blood, scaring the heroine. - Plagg fully supports Adrien's actions as he's chaotic neutral "Listen kid, this is why the power of Destruction, us, serve as a counterpart to the power of Creation. We exist to show that mercy is a luxury and the consequences that befalls on the people that take advantage of kindness. Ladybug may turn the other cheek and forgive; we fight fire with with fire. We will take away life if necessary. So don't feel guilty at all." "Thanks Plagg...I just want to keep Paris...and my Marinette safe no matter what. I'd do anything. Everything." - (See the parallels between Adrien and Gabriel here~? ;D) - Hawkmoth/Gabriel is very intimidated by Chat Noir and Adrien also managed to scare him a few times. - When Ladybug contacted Chat Noir to protect Marinette whilst she plays as bait and goes on the date with Evillustrator, he cataclysmed Chloe's balcony to dust in rage for her recklessness. - During Horrificator, Chloe didn't interrupt the kiss between Marinette and Adrien; she stood there gawking. Adrien was a smitten kitten, full on kissed Marinette that Nino and Alya had to shout their names so that they pulled apart. - "Girl, you're one of the most smartest people out there yet you can't grasp the fact that Mini Agreste is head over heels for you???" "Alya-aaa! You're just saying that to make me feel hopeful..." "He. Made. Out. With. You. For. Ages. On. That. Film. We. Did." "Cos it was in the script!" "There was tongue!" "He was making it realistic?" "MON DIEU MARINETTE DUPAIN CHENG! HE WAS LIKE A SATISFIED CAT THAT GOT THE CREAM AFTER THAT DAMMIT!" - Oblivious Marinette is best Marinette. - During the Dark Cupid/Dislocoeur event, after getting hit by an arrow, Chat successfully cataclysmed Ladybug's mask. She pulls him in for a kiss to not only break the spell but also to hide her face. - When Chat regains consciousness, Ladybug found a plastic bag conveniently blowing past, puts it over her head to hide her identity. - The rest of the event goes as canon except Marinette had a plastic bag on her head this whole time. - Tikki finds out that Adrien is both Chat Noir and that he has known Ladybug's identity from the start. She finds that it makes sense with how extra protective he is over her civilian identity and thanks Adrien for keeping Marinette safe at all times as well as being a worthy partner. - A secret group of criminals that are against the heroes, plot the downfall of Ladybug and Chat Noir together. - Chat Noir, having underground links and connections from his feats, catches wind of this. - He's too late and Ladybug gets shot by a special bullet straight after an akuma attack, right in the chest. - Chat Noir cataclysms every single criminal that was part of the organisation into rotting corpses in pure rage. Hawkmoth tries to akumatise him but Chat cataclysms the butterfly too into dust. - Marinette luckily survives thanks to the hospital receiving her so quickly. She was born with Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus (which means that her heart is on the right side rather than the left). If her heart was in the normal position, she would have died. - Adrien doesn't leave her side during the day and Chat Noir during the night. Marinette has no recollection of the incident she got shot. - When Lila comes along, Adrien knew she was trouble and a liar from the start. He had the urge to cataclysm the whole school as they bought into Lila's lies without any questioning. Plagg almost encouraged him. - Adrien took the opportunity to mess with Lila. "I am Volpina. A hero much, much better and stronger than Ladybug. This is my miraculous," "Hehe...Lila, Lila, oh Lila... showing me your precious miraculous is a huge mistake. If you don't want a first hand view of a fox getting skinned alive, you will listen to I, Hawkmoth, and hand over your miraculous to me." - Lila literally runs off, scared shitless, shouting that she was joking and that Volpina doesn't exist. - Marinette overhears everything and has a crisis. "OH NO TIKKI WHAT DO I DO!? THE LOVE OF MY LIFE IS THE ENEMY OF PARIS AND ICANTFIGHTHIMWHAAAAT!?" - It takes Tikki 15 minutes to calm Marinette down and promise that Adrien isn't Hawkmoth. Said kwami swears internally to teach both Plagg and Adrien a lesson for riling Mari up to this level. - Adrien overhears Marinette's freakout cos he's literally 6 feet away and both he and Plagg are wearing shit eating grins. "Ah, so the stammering and shyness makes sense now. Love of her life hmmm? I love the sound of that~" "Keep your whiskers on kitten and run before Tikki throttles me for letting you go too far with that joke!" "Aww... but I wanna ask Marinette for a little kiss," "YOU WILL CAUSE THE LITTLE BUG TO COMBUST AND DIE AND BOOM PARIS IS A GONER!"
My artworks for this AU:
(x) - Doodles
(x) - Horrificator kiss 
(x) - Mini Comic
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