#also janus says ‘maybe one day you’ll be rid of us all’ and the episode after is svs (and then dwit and svs:r) so clearly that was a lie lol

[myapathyhaspeaked]

if the sides had already planned to do halloween on christmas before virgil brought up the idea to thomas/guided him there, did they send him out ahead to convince thomas to do a halloween episode?

[ts-unpopular-opinions]

Side Track Opinions part 5: Roman

(I’ve been saving Roman for a while now and I am PUMPED! So here’s a late birthday present to our royal lad ❤️ It’s also super nice to save the creativitwins for last because both of their playlists reference each other quite a bit 👌)

1) A Gay Disney Prince: I mean... are any of us surprised? This song is basically Roman’s anthem, so it was bound to be on his playlist. I do find it interesting that both Roman and Remus are the only sides with songs made by Thomas on their playlists. I guess it goes to show that having a big ego runs in the creative family 😂

2) Wonderboy: Only two songs in and we already have a song about Remus, or “young Nastyman, archrival and nemesis of Wonderboy” in this case. You’ll start to get the idea from Roman’s playlist that he really misses being with his bro. This song portrays Roman as almost a perfect and untouchable force. He is seperated from all of his nasty thoughts and is the perfect embodiment of what Thomas sees creativity as (“High above the mucky-muck, castle made of clouds, There sits Wonderboy, sitting oh so proudly. Not much to say when you're high above the mucky-muck.”). I like to imagine that the singer of the song is Thomas, looking to Roman for comfort. Creativity most likely split as a way for Thomas to, not very healthily, cope with his intrusive thoughts (“Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck man?”). It’s also interesting to note that at the end of the song, Roman and Remus seemingly join forces very successfully (“Well, Wonderboy and Young Nastyman joined forces; they formed a band the likes of which have never been seen”). Perhaps this is hinting at either Romans want to have his bother back, or possibly foreshadowing to their relationship dynamic in the future. I know I’d love to see Roman and Remus team up together in future episodes, maybe even against Patton and Janus in the next episode?

3) Disney Princess: This song is all about Roman dreaming about being in the lives of different disney princesses. Honestly it’s not super deep, but it does show just how much Roman loves to fantasize about escaping reality and living in his ideal dream world. He wishes his life were more interesting and exciting like what you would see in a movie. Also, Roman is SO desperate for someone to love him... poor guy (“I'd be a handsome man's wife And we'd kiss and we'd kiss And we'd kiss”).

4) Broadway, Here I Come!: (tw suicide) So this song is... interesting. It can be interpreted in two different ways: one being a song about how making it on broadway is a huge leap and very difficult, and another about a person literally jumping off of a building and commiting suicide. I always think of Logic vs Passion during this song because while Roman believes he is acchieving his dreams and is willing to take risks, Logan just believes he’s setting himself up for failure. I think Logan’s view on Thomas’ life and career choice is very hard on Roman and, by the topic of the song, affects him greatly (“The people all are pointing. I bet they'd never guess, That the saint that they're anointing Is frightened of the mess”). He doesn’t know if Thomas will succeed and that makes him doubt himself and causes his work to suffer (“The pressure it increases, The closer that I get” “And the last thing I hear. As the impact grows near, Is it a scream or a cheer?”).

5) Hallelujah: This song, like the one before it, shows a lot of Roman’s insecurities. Roman has a set plan for Thomas in life, but he constantly doubts it and himself due to the comments he gets from other sides (“Somedays I don't think my mama Thinks I'm good enough to be a superstar” “Somedays I don't think my daddy Thinks I'm good enough to be a superstar”). I don’t know specifically which sides he could be talking about in these two lines, but Logan is definately one of them. I like to think he could also be talking about Patton. I mean Roman probably worries constantly about being too much like Remus and disappointing Patton. Roman probably literally thinks that Patton doesnt think hes GOOD enough. Despite all of this self doubt, Roman still seems determined to reach his dreams and prove the others wrong (“But one day I will show him I'm a diamond in the rough, I'll be a superstar” “Yeah, there's a crown covered in glitter and gold I'm gonna wear it, whether you like it or not”).

6) Holding Out for a Hero: This song is from Thomas’ perspective! Thomas DOES see Roman as his hero despite what Janus’ not at the end of the most recent episode may have you believe. Roman acts as Thomas’ protection from all of his darker and more disturbing thoughts. Thomas uses Roman, a picture perfect image of creativity to help him escape from all the bad things in life and in his head (“Where have all the good men gone And where are all the gods? Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds? Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and I turn And I dream of what I need”). Thomas literally created Roman to be a perfect knight in shining armor. The singer in the song shows this by listing off everything that they believe a hero needs to be/have, Similar to what Thomas would have done in the creation of Roman.

7) If I Dare: I’m conflicted about what this song could mean. At first glance it seems to be about Roman willing to do anything in order to get more creative control over Thomas (“If I dare to risk it, then I know that I'm willing to. If I dare to want this, to want more than I have” “I am holding out for more than what I have now”). Roman really wants to be trusted more and would seemingly take huge risks in order to get that. The part that throws me off is this line: “When the room gets dark, and I am quiet. There's a voice that's soft, like someone's silhouette Saying, "Don't let me go yet"”. To me, this sounds like its about Remus. Possibly Remus begging Roman to not get rid of him and to remain as one. What confuses me is that the line felt so out of place with the rest of the songs meaning. I’m not sure what to do with that information, but if anyone has ideas, let me know.

8) Go the Distance: Roman is so patient... and so unrealistically hopeful... He continues to lay down and let the other sides get their ways because he believes that the wait will be worth it when he finally gets his say (“I'll be there someday, I can go the distance” “I know every mile would be worth my while” “And a thousand years would be worth the wait. It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through”). Despite how many times hes been ignored and let down, he continues to hope that his chance may come one day. Theres also this line: “But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part. For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh” which makes me think big time of SvS. He gave up his glory in favor of what Patton wanted because he thinks that it was the more heroic thing to do.

9) Flamboyant: The title really says it all. Roman is extra™️ and he knows that all of the other sides think so too (“I'm a very flaming flammable guy. Some say my fire burns way too high. Some say they find me too hot to touch. But I, I think it's not enough”). I also think its important to note that this song feels a bit out if place with the canon Roman that we know. From what we’ve seen of Roman, he holds back a lot. He denies a great deal of his greed and wants in order to make the others happy and fill in his “hero” persona. This song portrays Roman as having no restraint and not wanting the others to boss him around (“Don't tell me what to do, Don't tell me what to say” “Turn down? I never do” “And no time for restraint”). I’d love to see more of this assertive side of Roman in canon, but right now you can tell that he is holding back. He wishes he didn’t have to, but he feels as though it is necessary to distance himself from Remus.

10) Jumpstarted: Let me set the scene. Thomas is just out an about enjoying his day, he holds open the starbucks door for the guy behind him and... omg... he’s hot... he’s the love of your life Thomas! Roman the proceeds to fanticize about marrying and starting a family with this one random guy that they’ve never talked to nor seen before (“The only one I want is you. I hear the bells and the ring and already, Four kids and the big ol' wedding Singing, You” “And how was I to make a long walk home. You got me feeling like I'm overdosed”). This whole song is just Roman singing about his head-over heals love for a guy in Thomas’ head while Thomas has to act normal and even warns the dude to run away while he has the chance (“Take my advice and run while you still can”). Roman’s quite a hopeless romantic.

11) Brave New Girl: Remember how I said Roman has been holding back and trying to be more polite in order to make himself less like Remus? Well this song is the opposite of that. This is what Roman wants. Roman wants to let lose and be his wildest self again (“She wants a good time” “She needs to really really find what she wants” “There's a brave new girl And she's comin' out tonight” “Who knew she could feel so alive” “Won't take a back seat”). I like to imagine this song taking place after the events of POF. I mean if the others are just going to accept that Janus is good now, then does that mean Remus is good too? If that the case, then what was the point of him and Remus splitting in the first place? This song makes me think that Roman and Remus could team up together in either the next episode, or future episodes to come. Roman is lost and doesn’t really know why he is who he is anymore, so he seeks out Remus, the only one who really understands what he’s going through (“So she met this man, He was kinda rough. He said, girl, what you lookin' for? She said, I don't know I go with the flow. He said, let's get on the floor”). The man in this song could also be Janus I suppose. He does compliment the singer and flatter her, but after the events of the last episode, I find it hard to believe that Roman would be willing to fall for Janus’ flattery again.

12) Every Boy: Roman wants to kiss every boy in the world... and it’s never enough. That is all.

13) Primadonna: What a bop! This song is honestly so good! Again with Roman’s songs making him out to be a lot greedier and wild than he actually has acted in canon (“You can count on me to misbehave”). This song is what I imagine Roman would act like if he had nothing to worry about other than being himself. Roman wants a lot of things and he wants everyone to adore him for the beautiful prince he is (“All I ever wanted was the world” “I can't help that I need it all” “When you give, I want more, more, more” “I wanna be adored” “I know I've got a big ego”).

14) King: You can already tell by the name what this song is about. I’m honestly shocked how obvious it is. At this point we don’t know who made the decision for creativity to split, but this song and a couple of others in the playlist seem to suggest that it was the Roman part of original creativity who decided to push Remus out. He felt as though it was the only way to successfully move forward (“I had to break myself to carry on”). The others sides (I’d like to imagine Patton) tried to convince Creativity to split and despite his not wanting to. His decision to split seemed like it was a very hard one to make and left a lot of pain in its wake (“They say it's easy to leave you behind. I don't want to try” “Is it worth the price?”). Original creativity felt powerful and strong when he was whole, so of course he didn’t want to split (“I was a king under your control”). The song seems to suggest that he tried to repress his ‘Remus’ thoughts in order to remain whole and not lose a part of himself, but this could only work for so long (“Don't wanna have to lose All that I've compromised to feel another high. I've got to keep it down tonight”). In the end, the Roman side of creativity finally won out and both Roman and Remus decided to let each other go (“I wanna feel like you've let me go, So let me go”).

15) Cheap Queen: This song really shows Roman’s struggle with his identity. He’s so quick to change for others in order to be accepted by them (“I can be good sometimes. I'm a cheap queen. I can be a what you like. And I can be bad sometimes. I'm a real queen. I can make grown men cry” “I'm gettin' too cocky since everyone wants me, It's harder to be myself”). This convices me that the way that he’s been acting in the last few episodes (not insulting anyone, very opposed to Janus) is soley him trying to prove that he is good and nothing like Remus. He’s been hiding his true self which we see a lot of in episodes before Remus was introduced. Roman doesn’t want to disappoint Patton in fear of Patton wanting him to split again.

16) Humility: ANOTHER song about Remus. This song is really interesting. It shows us that Roman is VERY confused about his opinion on Remus. He’s lonely and feels incomplete without Remus, He NEEDS Remus back (“I need you in the picture That's why I'm calling you” “I'm the lonely twin, the left hand” “I don't want this isolation” “See the state I'm in now?”). Right after Roman has these thoughts and feelings though, he instantly tries to block them out and retrain the idea that Remus is bad (“Reset myself and get back on track”). He wants Remus back so badly and feels some sort of remorse for kicking him out, but then he ignores those emotions and acts like he hates Remus another moment (“If I pick it up when I know that it's broken Do I put it back? Or do I head out onto the lonesome trail And let you down?”).

17) Aint Got it Like That: Roman is greedy and wants a lot of things, we’ve established this. Most of this song is about how Roman wants more than what he has now, but he still believes it will come if he just waits long enough (“'Cause I ain't really got it like that And one day Imma have it like that And I know that it can't stay this way And one day Imma finally get paid”).

18) Dreamer: I’m not sure whose perspective this song is from, but this feels like a comfort song to Roman. We know that he has a lot of insecurities and struggles to create things because he worries that his ideas won’t be good enough or will be too much like Remus’ ideas. But this song goes completely against that mindset. It’s what Roman wants to hear: “Dream little dreamer, Don't care what they say” “You can do anything” “Dream like you won't fail. Sing like no one's there. Dance like you don't care. Dream.” “Don't fear little dreamer, You'll get there one day” “And I know that it's scary, But you'll succeed” “You're exeptional, You're original” “You're magnificent, You're sensational”.

19) Paving the Runway: This feels like a song from Roman to Thomas and gosh it just feels so loving and sweet... Roman has such big dreams for Thomas and he has so much faith in him (“Cause I know that one day you're gonna fly”). He encourages Thomas to go for his dreams and excel, something that he is hardly told himself (“Go after your dreams, Crazy as they may seem. Go chase all the stars in the sky” “You will reach higher than I ever could”). Roman does everythig he can to set Thomas up for success and to help him reach his dreams (“Darling, stand on my shoulders” “Baby, I'll be paving the runway”).

20) Go.: Again, I’m not sure who the singer of this song is, but I can tell its exactly what Roman wants/needs to hear. Roman is very clearly holding back due to his fear of becoming too much like Remus and that is making it very hard to do his job (“The fear within Has held you hostage. Break free and live. GO.”). This is a good song to be Roman’s last song because I think it helps to show us where Roman’s character is going in the future. He is going to let lose and relax eventually. Perhaps this will lead to him creating the better relationship with Remus that he’s been hoping for throughout this whole playlist. I predict that next episode, well start to see some of this newer, less refrained creativity from Roman.

(And that’s that! If you can tell that theres some tension between Roman and Remus from this playlist, just you wait for Remus’! As usual, let me know what you thought of this ❤️ Love you guys!)

[miguel-manbemel]

Aspects & Fanfics Ep. 41: Beware the Paladin Part 1: The Rampage

Today it’s the beginning of a multipart episode where I feature something that is very close to me, not because I have gone through it myself, but because I was witness of a very close family member going through it when I was very young. It is bipolar disorder, a very real illness of the mind that makes the patient go through periodic episodes of euphoria and depression. I have seen first hand the consequences of this illness, but I’ve also seen that a person going through this can have a very normal, happy and productive life if treated, so I wanted to feature that too. It is my biggest wish to make a good depiction of bipolar disorder both for any readers that might be going through it and also in the memory of that family member that is no longer in this world now. This story is in her memory. I hope you enjoy it and see ya next time with part 2.

SYNOPSIS: Roman has gotten worse of his illness. Now he can barely get out of bed and suffers fever and pain. Remus, seeing his brother so devastated, decides to ignore Logan’s warnings and gives him a pill of hope one hour too early. As a result, Roman transforms into an entity called the Paladin and starts wreaking havoc in the Mind Palace, while Thomas starts losing his sanity and Joan, with the help of Talyn and Kenny, has to step in to give a hand, both to Thomas and to his Sides.

WARNINGS: Depiction of a mental illness. Depiction of slight violence. Suicide implied mentions. Romantic prinxiety, logicality and dukeceit.

EPISODE INDEX

[intro sequence]

[Virgil is in the living room, with a face of huge despair. Patton is next to him, trying to comfort him. Chris is sitting down on the couch. They have already removed his plaster, but he’s still going through rehab and can barely walk without crutches. Whining sounds are heard from the upstairs bedroom, its coming from Roman. He’s whining incoherent sounds, as if he was in pain or under a lot of suffering]

VIRGIL: I can’t… I can’t stand this… I can’t stand seeing Roman suffering like this, dad!

PATTON: I know, kiddo, I know… have some patience, it’s only one hour left till the next pill, and then he’ll feel better.

VIRGIL: Yes, but for how long? Four hours? And then he’ll be back to this hell. I wish I could switch places with him, dad.

PATTON: And then it would be Roman who would be suffering for you. You must be strong. Don’t you lose hope too, Virgil.

VIRGIL: I try, but every day is worse than the previous one. I have the feeling that one day he’ll just…

[Virgil gets choked up and covers his face with both hands. Patton holds his arms around him and rests Virgil’s head on his chest, while Virgil starts weakly whining like a child]

CHRIS: [in tears] It hurts me so much to see you like this, dad… I wish Thomas could get better sooner. What is happening to him that can have such devastating effects on us? This isn’t normal.

PATTON: I know, Chris. I can’t even imagine what Thomas must be going through.

CHRIS: How long has it been since he last came around?

PATTON: A couple of months. Since the storm incident, he hasn’t returned to the Mind Palace. I think it’s better this way though.

CHRIS: Why?

PATTON: Imagine that he saw Roman in that condition. That would only make Thomas feel worse, which in turn would make Roman get even worse.

CHRIS: I don’t think he could get much worse at this point, granddad. At least, I don’t think he could resist it.

PATTON: Let’s not lose faith. They say that the darkest point in the day is the moment before dawn. Soon, things will get better, you’ll see.

CHRIS: If only you were right, granddad. I really wish you’re right.

[Remus and Janus appear]

JANUS: Hi, guys.

PATTON: Oh, hi, Janus. Hi, Remus.

[cleaning his tears quickly, then clearing his throat and trying to speak as if he was okay]

VIRGIL: Oh, hi, guys… I… I didn’t know you were coming over…

JANUS: You don’t need to save face, Virgil. We know how much you’re going through and we’re here for you, sharing your suffering. [offers him a yellow handkerchief] Here, you may need it.

VIRGIL: Thank you so much, my friend. It’s okay, I have my own. I wouldn’t want to stain your handkerchief with my makeup.

JANUS: That’s what handkerchiefs are for, aren’t they? Don’t worry.

REMUS: Can I see him? I really need to see my brother.

VIRGIL: I wouldn’t advise it right now. He’s in one of his worst moments. It’s been three hours since the last pill of hope lost effect.

REMUS: I can cope with anything, you know me. Please, Virge. I promise I won’t disturb him and maybe my company could relief him a bit.

VIRGIL: It’s weird. You, asking me for permission to do something, when you usually do whatever you want all the time.

REMUS: And I do. Under normal circumstances I’d already be walking up the stairs without asking. But I don’t want to cause you any more distress than what you’re already going through, so…

VIRGIL: And I thank you for that, Remus… Okay, if you insist, he’s upstairs. Will you please excuse me if I’m not going with you? I don’t want Roman to see me like this.

REMUS: Of course, I know the way.

JANUS: I’ll keep you company while he’s upstairs, okay?

VIRGIL: Thanks, Jan.

[Remus goes upstairs and enters Roman’s room. As soon as he sees him, his mouth gets open wide and his eyes stare at Roman in horror. Roman is in a worse state he could have imagined. He’s lying in bed, shivering from head to toe, with his face white as a ghost except his cheeks, deep red for a more dramatic contrast, he also has deep dark eye bags, his eyes full of tears and his forehead full of sweat]

REMUS: [emotional] Roman… oh, my goodness… what the f… [bleep] is happening to you?

ROMAN: [shivering, trembling voice] Re… Remus? Is… is that you? I can hardly see and your voice sounds so distant… come closer, please…

[Remus sits down next to him and holds his hand]

REMUS: I’m here, Roman…

ROMAN: Please… don’t leave me alone… I’m scared…

REMUS: Never… [a little angry] Why isn’t Virgil here by your side, with you?

ROMAN: Don’t… don’t be harsh on him. I asked him to stay downstairs… It hurts him so much to see me like this… I don’t want him to… to see me like this…

REMUS: I understand…

ROMAN: How… how long it’s left till the next pill of hope?

REMUS: Virgil said one hour.

ROMAN: Still one hour left? [whines] I don’t… I don’t know if I can handle this for so long… My whole body aches, I can feel the fever burning and freezing me at the same time. But the worse is that sometimes I lose contact with reality and have horrible visions about a weird guy dressed like me but with a crimson sash and a devious, crazy face, who tries to take me… I fight him, I struggle with him so that he can’t take me, until I return to reality and he disappears, leaving me exhausted as if the fight had been real… Logan said this illness would get worse, but I couldn’t imagine it could be this horrible, not even in my worst nightmares… I can’t… I can’t wait for this hour to end to have some relief for these visions. I must… but I can’t…

[Remus looks at the bedside table and notices the bottle of pills is standing there. Then, determined, he takes the bottle and grabs one pill, summoning a glass of water]

REMUS: Then don’t wait, Roman. Take the pill now.

ROMAN: But Logan said that it was dangerous… I can’t… I want it so badly, but I…

REMUS: Oh, come on, it’s less than an hour left already. I don’t think anything bad could happen when it’s so little time left for your next dose. Why not taking it now and saving yourself some minutes of anguish?

[Remus can see the conflict in Roman��s face. He desperately wants to take the pill and end his suffering at least for the time being, but he also remembers Logan’s warning. Eventually he can’t resist the urge to take the pill]

ROMAN: Okay… You’re right, what could possibly happen? It’s less than one hour left, if there’s any backlash, it shouldn’t be as bad as if I had to wait for four hours, right?

REMUS: Exactly. Here, take it with this glass of water.

[Roman puts the pill in his mouth, then fills it with water. He has one last brief moment of doubt that lasts for two seconds… then swallows]

REMUS: That’s right. Now hold on until it makes effect, it shouldn’t take long…

[Roman smiles at Remus. At first it’s a wholesome, weak smile full of gratitude. Then, slowly, color starts returning to his face and the smile gets wider]

ROMAN: I can already feel the effect… the relief… is so good…

[Roman start softly giggling as if he was the happiest being on existence. However, the giggle slowly turns into cackle, at first happy cackle, then he starts laughing with an unsettling high pitch crazy laughter, with his eyes open wide, almost as if they were gonna pop out of the eye sockets. Remus quickly realizes something’s going wrong]

REMUS: Roman? Are you okay?

ROMAN: [high pitch voice] Okay? I’m better than okay! I’m free! [screeches] FREEEEE!

[there’s a crimson flashlight, then Roman is there standing still on the bed with an unsettling grin. He’s wearing his prince outfit, but his sash is crimson]

REMUS: Roman?

PALADIN: I’m not Roman! Roman is no more! I’m the Paladin! Ready to fight for Thomas’ dreams, to make them a reality at all cost! No matter the difficulties! No matter reality itself at all! Now, I’ll get rid of all the obstacles scattered around this Mind Palace! And nothing and no one can stop me!

[suddenly, the Paladin kicks Remus right in the face. Remus falls to the floor, completely unconscious. The bottle of pills falls open and the pills get scattered everywhere. Then the Paladin sinks down with a maniac evil cackle. The others, hearing the bump noise, run upstairs and only find Remus unconscious, with a drop of blood on his nose]

JANUS: Remus! Remus, are you okay?

VIRGIL: What has happened here? Where is Roman!?

[Remus starts slowly regaining consciousness]

REMUS: Roman… the Paladin… Roman…

JANUS: Come back to me, please.

[Remus shakes his head and gets back on his senses]

REMUS: Roman! Where is Roman!?

VIRGIL: That’s what I’ve been asking! What’s happened!?

REMUS: I’m sorry… This is my fault, I’m sorry…

VIRGIL: [tranquil fury] Remus, what did you do?

REMUS: I was seeing Roman in so much suffering, so much distress and pain… that I couldn’t bear it… so I… I gave him a pill.

VIRGIL: [horrified] You… what!?

REMUS: I’m sorry, I…

VIRGIL: [yelling angry] You crazy idiot, what have you done!? Logan warned us that Roman would go crazy if he took the pill too early!

REMUS: It’s more than that… He’s transformed.

VIRGIL: Transformed? Into what?

REMUS: He called himself the Paladin. He transformed in the blink of an eye, then kicked me in the face and I don’t remember anything else.

VIRGIL: Oh, Remus… you really messed everything up this time. And you’ve done this kind of stuff all the time, but this time you’ve overdone yourself!

REMUS: I’m sorry, I just… couldn’t stand seeing Roman like that, I couldn’t…

VIRGIL: Do you think I enjoyed seeing him in that state? Do you think I rejoice in the suffering of others like you do? If I could have given him the pill I would have! But Logan was categorical, it was dangerous to do so! But you always do what you want. It was such a mistake to let you go upstairs and see him without supervision!

JANUS: Okay, calm down, Virge. We’ll have time for that later. Now the important thing is to know where Roman… or this Paladin… has gone to.

LOGAN: I can help you answer that…

[Logan’s voice behind them startles them, but they get even more startled when they see him. Logan is at the door totally bruised, his necktie tore apart, his shirt tattered, his glasses cracked, and there’s a stain of blood on the corner of his mouth and bruises all over his face and arms. He barely stands still for one second before collapsing in front of them]

PATTON: Logan!

[Patton runs to attend him. Logan opens his eyes weakly]

PATTON: Logan, what happened?

LOGAN: Roman… no, the Paladin… came to my room and attacked me. I couldn’t do anything to defend myself against his maniac wrath… Someone gave Roman a pill too much, right?

REMUS: I’m sorry, it was my fault…

LOGAN: That doesn’t matter right now… Listen, because I’ll be knocked out and won’t wake up until the Paladin’s gone. You have to find him… Try to contain him as much as you can… because he’ll be wreaking havoc all over the Mind Palace… and I can’t do anything about it… When the Paladin is on the loose… Logic is literally thrown out of a window and irrationality reigns in the Mind Palace… [starts losing consciousness] … wait for… pills effect… wear off… be careful… guys…

[Logan loses consciousness]

PATTON: [scared and distressed, shaking Logan] Logan? Logan!? Are you okay!? Logan!!?

VIRGIL: [checks him] Relax, dad, he’s only unconscious. Alive, but unconscious. Help me put him on the bed.

[Patton and Virgil grab Logan and place him on the bed]

VIRGIL: We must find Roman before it’s too late. Let’s go.

REMUS: I’ll go with you.

VIRGIL: [angry] No! You’ve caused enough trouble already. Just stay here, and take care of Logan. I hope at least you can do that right, since you weren’t good enough to take care of Roman. At least I’m relaxed knowing that my son is here to help you so that you don’t mess up again.

REMUS: [with a sad face of guilt] As you wish, Virgil.

VIRGIL: Now, let’s go! Hurry up, guys!

[Virgil, Janus and Patton leave the bedroom sinking down. Remus sits down on a chair next to Logan]

REMUS: I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…

[meanwhile in the real world, Thomas phones Joan]

JOAN: Hi dude.

THOMAS: [excited voice, talking quickly] Hi, Joan! I needed to call you! Do you wanna know why? Because you’re my best friend of course! Okay, because of that but also because I’m going to Hollywood right now! I made it, Joan! I made it!

JOAN: What? How? Did you get a callback or something? Congrats, dude!

THOMAS: Of course I got a callback! I got all of the callbacks! And I’m gonna fly now to seize them and be a star!

JOAN: Whoa, whoa, slow down… I can barely follow you!

THOMAS: I know you can’t, because no one can! I’m unfollowable! I’m gonna be the ruler of the world and everyone will bow before me! You too will bow before me, because I’m gonna be a star!

JOAN: Wait… what? Thomas… Did you get boozed or something?

THOMAS: Drink is for the weak! I don’t drink! I never drink! Except if I’m thirsty, then I do. A star can do what he wants and I’m a star in the world of cartoons! I’m gonna be a cartoon too!

JOAN: [confused and concerned] You’re… you’re starting to scare me, Thomas… Are you okay?

THOMAS: Don’t be scared of me! Be scared of the others, they’re everywhere! They don’t want me to be a star! But I’m gonna be a star, no matter what! See ya, Joan! I’m gonna jump to stardom!

[Thomas hangs up. Joan stays there in silence, stunned for a second]

JOAN: Talyn! Talyn, come here!

TALYN: What is it, Joan?

JOAN: Something’s wrong with Thomas! Very wrong. I need to go check on his Mind Palace to see what’s going on. In the meantime, wear a mask and go check on Thomas.

TALYN: What do you mean something’s wrong with Thomas?

JOAN: I still don’t know, it’s like he’s… like he’s lost his mind completely. He was yelling incoherent stuff… I don’t know, it’s hard to explain… [sudden face of horror] Jump to stardom!? Talyn, you must hurry! I think Thomas is gonna jump from somewhere high and he could injure or kill himself! You go to Thomas’ apartment while I try to fix things up from inside his Mind Palace!

TALYN: Okay, be careful in the Mind Palace, Joan.

JOAN: I’ll be careful, I promise. Kenny had a free day today, try to call him for assistance. If he can’t, try Dominic or Dahlia. Who knows if you might need help.

TALYN: [grabbing a mask and rushing to the door] Okay, I’m right on it!

JOAN: Okay… going to Thomas’ Mind Palace, but where should I go? I know, the voice of reason there is Logan. I’ll go to Logan’s room.

[Joan concentrates, then sinks down. They rise up in Logan’s room and find it devastated]

JOAN: What… in the world… has happened here?

IAN: [suddenly yelling] Who’s there!?

JOAN: AAAAAHHHHH! Holy f… [bleep] , you scared me, Ian!

IAN: I scared you? You scared me, Joan! What are you doing here?

JOAN: Thomas is acting weird in the real world, so I came to see if everything was going okay here. I can see it isn’t.

IAN: You’re right, it isn’t. Roman has gone nuts and is wreaking havoc all over the Mind Palace.

JOAN: That explains Thomas’ behavior… Roman, you said? I would have expected Remus to act like that, but Roman? What happened?

IAN: I know this through my brother’s memories. Remus gave Roman one pill too much for his illness, you know, the one caused by Roman’s lack of hope. It caused Roman an overdose that transformed him into someone who calls himself the Paladin. Essentially, it’s like a Mad Hatter version of Roman, anxious to push Thomas to follow his dreams.

JOAN: Well, that doesn’t sound very much different to the regular Roman…

IAN: Yes, but the Paladin will try to do that through delusional means. The first thing he did was attacking Logan and rendering him unconscious after beating the heck out of him. He’s now lying on Roman’s bed in his room, Remus is taking care of him.

JOAN: Holy sh… [bleep]

IAN: With Logan out of the picture, Thomas lacks his capacity for logical thinking and the Paladin is making it impossible for him to distinguish between reality and fantasy. He’s also destroying room after room in the Mind Palace, with that deteriorating his mental health. Who knows what Thomas could do under his influence.

JOAN: I think I get the idea… Please, tell me there’s something we can do.

IAN: Logan tried to say something before he passed out. He mentioned pills, effect, wear off…

JOAN: Perhaps he means that when the pill’s effect wears off, Roman will go back to normal.

IAN: I don’t know. Something tells me it’s not gonna be that easy, but that’s what I thought too. My only doubt is if it will be an hour, which is the time Roman had to wait to take the pill he took too early, or the whole four hours a pill usually lasts.

JOAN: I hope it’s the shorter option… Okay, then we must find the Paladin.

IAN: No, Joan, this place is not safe for you anymore. You should go back to the outer world and try to help Thomas from the outside.

JOAN: But I can’t just leave you.

IAN: We’ll be fine, don’t worry about us. Besides, you’ll be of more help if you prevent Thomas from doing something crazy.

JOAN: Are you sure?

IAN: Yes, I’m sure, don’t worry. Go now and we’ll call you if there’s any news.

JOAN: How will you call me?

IAN: You said that your Sides can hear what’s going on in this Mind Palace, right? We’ll get the message to them, and they’ll deliver it to you.

JOAN: Okay, that’s a good idea.

IAN: Now, go, Joan.

JOAN: Okay, if you insist. Be careful, you guys. I’ll do my best to help Thomas. [sinks down] See ya.

IAN: I know you will, Joan. Thank you for being such a good friend.

[Joan rises up near Thomas’ apartment, in a safe place where no one can see him. Talyn and Kenny are there talking to Thomas who has climbed a tree and is yelling from a high branch]

THOMAS: This will be my step one to victory! The stars are awaiting me and soon I’ll be among them! All I gotta do is jump!

TALYN: Thomas, please, don’t do that!

JOAN: [running towards Kenny and Talyn] What is going on!?

KENNY: Oh, Joan, thank goodness you’re here. Thomas will not listen to anyone. I’ve never ever seen him like this! And he’s threatening to jump!

JOAN: Thomas, listen to me! Calm down!

THOMAS: Oh, Joan, there you are! Look at me! I’m finally on top of the world! And no one can stop me!

[Joan takes a deep breath]

JOAN: Yes. Yes you are, Thomas, and I’m so proud of you.

TALYN: Joan, what are you…?

KENNY: Let them speak, Talyn, he’s known Thomas for the longest time, I bet he’s got an idea of some kind.

THOMAS: Yes! Thank you, Joan, I knew you would be proud of me! When I get my first role, I’ll make sure to mention you and your talent to the producers!

JOAN: Thank you, my dear good friend. I really appreciate it. But have you forgotten? The producers are on quarantine, like all of us. You won’t find them up there in the sky, not even if you jump.

THOMAS: Oh… Are you sure, Joan? I think I heard them talking to me just now.

JOAN: They did talk to you, but to say goodbye, because they were returning back to the ground and into your apartment. They’re waiting there to sign the contract. If you fail to sign the contract, your career will be over before it starts, and you don’t want that, right?

THOMAS: No, I don’t want that, you’re right.

JOAN: They’ve asked me to tell you that you must go down carefully, the same way you climbed that tree and then enter into your house so that they can give you the contract to sign.

THOMAS: I’m confused. Stardom is up there, and…

JOAN: [firm voice] Thomas, you know that producers have a busy schedule. They told me that if you don’t get down carefully in less than two minutes, they’ll go away and never contact you back. If I were you, I would hurry. And remember that if you jump, you’ll never find them, so climb back down carefully

THOMAS: No, Joan, tell them to stay! I’m coming down to meet them, I promise I won’t jump!

[Thomas starts climbing down the tree]

JOAN: That’s right, very good, Thomas.

[Thomas gets to the ground and approaches Joan]

THOMAS: Where are they? I want them to give me the contract.

JOAN: In your apartment, as I told you. Follow me.

[Joan enters the apartment followed by Thomas and the others.]

[A sign reads “To be continued, guys, gals and non binary pals”]

[end card]

[As soon as they all enter the apartment, Joan closes the door behind them and locks it with the key, keeping the key safe in their pocket. Then they all enter the living room]

THOMAS: Where are they, Joan? I can’t see them anywhere.

JOAN: Just wait, Thomas. They’re in the bathroom. You took so long to come inside, that they ended up needing to go. And they’ll probably take a lot of time. I heard that this afternoon they had gone to Taco Bell and ordered the spiciest menu, so imagine how their stomachs are right now. You don’t want them to meet you in a bad mood because they couldn’t use your bathroom, right?

THOMAS: Yes, you’re right. All right, I’ll wait. In the meantime, let’s sit down, shall we?

JOAN: Wonderful idea, Thomas. Wonderful idea. We could play some video games while we’re waiting, right?

THOMAS: But wouldn’t the producers find that unprofessional?

JOAN: No, of course not! Producers also play video games. Some producers even make video games, remember? They could be flattered if you happened to be playing one of their own video games, and that would give you extra points in your career. Right, guys?

TALYN: Right, Joan, you’re right.

THOMAS: All right, let’s play video games then. Anything to get to glory!

KENNY: [low voice to Talyn] Did Joan get a master in psychology and I didn’t know about it?

TALYN: [also low voice] No, it’s just that Joan is really good at improvisation and knows Thomas so well… They’re doing such a great job in keeping him distracted.

KENNY: What has happened to Thomas?

TALYN: I don’t know for sure, but something must have happened to his Sides. Joan has more information about it, they went to Thomas’ Mind Palace to find out before I called you. I hope that whatever is happening inside of Thomas’ Mind, his Sides can find the solution and fast. I don’t know for how long Joan will be able to keep up the act before Thomas spirals out of control again.

[Kenny looks at Thomas with a face of concern, while Thomas innocently plays Kingdom Hearts]