#apocalypseburg

[oternine]

Scribble Cop helping Benny in ice skating :)

[sa1808fi]

Oh, oh see this is interesting.

There will definitely be an adjustment period for everyone in both systems and even more so for the Apocalypseburgers. Because they were the ones to have their homes attacked, practically daily (at least that was implied).

The Systarians (The ones that didn't attack) were all able to stay in their individual systems and not have to deal with anyone attacking their home

So that difference in experiences will probably be the grounds for some resentment to build up, because the Apocalypseburgers could be like 'we had to suffer and change for years, and you're telling me that you could just go on with your lives like nothing happened?!'

...Yeah, not so good

But I think once they 'get over' their past grievances a majority of what was once apocalypseburg will probably leave behind that tough mindset, because the whole reason they were doing that was to protect themselves from the duplos, and not become an outcast from the rest of apocalypseburg and be considered 'weak' (like Emmet).

I mean, we can consider the ending of the second movie as 'proof' of this, because we can see that a good chunk of people have let go of the toughness that ruled most of their lives during the apocalypse. However, I also think there are parts where people still keep up that tough schtick because that's what they built themselves to be, and they enjoy it.

The whole purpose of Batman and Watevra's wedding was to bring peace between the two systems, and the end result would become a mishmash of the two 'cultures'.

I mean it's unrealistic to think that all of this hatred will be fixed in a day, but I think it would be fun to see more of the areas and people where the sweet and toughness blend together.

Sometimes i wonder, how l;ong did it take for the Apocalypseburg people to get used to systar? Cause i doubt they just moved on and changed so quickly

Like, maybe, just maybe, some of them moved on instantly, no grudges, no fears, no nothing

But like, there has to be some Apocalypseburg people who flinch or tense up, ready for a fight whenever they see a duplo, before realizing, oh wait, they arent enemies anymore,

Or maybe there are some who just flat out hate duplos, cause some, if not a lot of them, of them most likely lost family members or loved ones in the war.

How many Apocalypseburg people accidentally put up their tough persona, to be safe, but then remember they don't have to do that anymore?

How many Apocalypseburg people actually did move on? Do some keep wearing their outfits that they wore back in the war? Do some get rid of their outfits cause it reminds them of bad memories? Do some just keep their outfits?

[sa1808fi]

Guhhh thoughts on Emmet himself saying in tlm2 that the reason he struggled with "getting tougher" was because he heavily struggles to cope with change.... and subsequently subcontiously misses the simplicity of living in Bricksburg despite having learned what it really was (totalitarian dystopia with the careful disguise of a utopia)....

You ever think about how much more tragic Rex becomes with that revelation...

I think that despite how aggressively Rex sticks to his new personality and lifestyle, there's always going to be something in him that misses what life was like before. That ignorance to the world around him and how people treated him was what kept him going, following the instructions.

Once Emmet learns about the existence of master builders, he has to deal with the fact that the ignorance he's lived in his whole life kept him blind to a lot of things. The system he obeyed and believed was actually repressing a lot of people, whole other worlds existed, and there was some kind of other realm that only he could see.

That's a lot of shit to throw at a guy in one day.

And yet Emmet manages to roll with all of the insane stuff happening to him pretty quickly. He comes up with a replacement for a broken wheel, saves them all from drowning with his double decker couch, comes up with a good plan to infiltrate Octan (That ended up being closer to winning than any other plan), and he even manages to talk down Business to stopping his evil plan!

Emmet is finally happy because he managed to find his sense of self between all that chaos. He's a master builder, The Special, and he has friends now!

Then Apocalypseburg comes along. Those instructions that his whole life revolved around don’t exist anymore (at least not as intensely), Lucy and everyone else got sucked into the tough-gritty mentality that everyone else took on.

Emmet never cared to change like that himself. Surfer Dave wanted to be Chainsaw Dave instead? Ok cool, Emmet's still gonna treat him the same as always.

Emmet is perfectly content with doing whatever he wants now, and he no longer feels the need to go along with everyone else because he has friends that care about him now. And something about the aggressiveness of the apocalypseburgian lifestyle isn't that appealing to him.

Now, everyone treats him as an outcast for not fitting in compared to the previous complaints of him being 'too normal'. Emmet ignores these comments because he's fine with his life. He still listen's to 'Everything Is Awesome', greets people on the street, and lives in his own little world, ignorant to the world around him.

Then his friends get kidnapped, he meets Rex, and he has to face his worldview being shattered again.

He finally starts acting tough because Emmet now believes if he doesn't, then he can't save anyone.

And then it turns out the guy he spent the whole time trusting is this future version of himself that got abandoned by everyone he was currently trying to save.

That HURTS man.

And that's not even going on how Rex is feeling. The man has to come face to face with a younger more naive version of himself that hasn't faced the horrors he had.

Rex has to deal with this version of himself that still talks about Apocalypseburg fondly, and thinks back to his friends without any hatred.

How Rex feels about his past homes will change depending on the timeline.

During the 5 years in Undar, Rex slowly came to the 'realization' that none of his friends actually wanted to come and find him. He's left there to just look back at all of his good memories as a way to pass the time.

However, once the knowledge of his 'uselessness' sinks in, those rose-tinted glasses are ripped away from him. All of the mistreatment he suffered in Bricksburg and Apocalypseburg is going to slap him in the face.

Right out of Undar and until the events of the second movie, he doesn't look back at Bricksburg, or even Apocalypseburg with bittersweetness. It's just rage. He does his best to just keep it out of his mind because he's trying to focus on his plans, but when it does engulf his thoughts?

All he can remember is the betrayal, the constant side comments, the attempts to make him change himself. All of that just fans the firey rage that's settled into his heart.

The second movie is the first time in years that he's had to actually face his past as Emmet. Until then it was just occasional outbursts at the thought of either place or people.

So here's Emmet, the him that hasn't been scarred by the unfairness of the world. The him that still lives in that blissful ignorance. The him that believes people care.

Rex changed himself until he was practically unrecognizable (Even to himself), because he was running under the logic that if he didn't, then he really was useless.

He took up an adventurous lifestyle, pulling off dangerous stunts to further distance himself from the safe way he used to live. The fucker decided to go to the past to get velociraptors because he thought it would be cool.

Still, some tiny part of him longs for the days when he lived in naivety, when the knowledge of how the world actually works didn't weigh down on him, when he didn't have to grapple with the fact that people didn't like him.

But alas, He's seen too much at this point.

‘ignorance is bliss’ and all that jazz.

[caasey]

Okay but like imagine an au where Rex just travels back in time to Apocalypseburg just to be really petty

Like he says hes Emmets long lost brother and even Emmet doesnt believe him but broski knows a lot about Emmet, so everyone just goes with it cartoon style and they think Rex is a softie like Emmet like

Some guy:"Dangervest??? Lol what a dumb name, dumber than brickowski lmfao"

Rex: "183.282.394.492 45° 69°

The guy: *googles what rex just said*

The guy: wh-is that my moms house

Rex: Yeah met her last night, you might not be a only child anymore

-

Bonus points if Emmet copies Rex's heinous and devious behavior lol.

[st4rry4543]

Lego movie 2 au(WARNING LOTS OF YAPPING AHEAD):

This is mostly an au based around the systar system

Everything is pretty much the same

Expect the queen adopted Mayhem when she was really little

And Raised her to become a princess originally until mayhem got a bit older and told her mom she wanted to be a general or smth idk

Susan and the ice cream cone supervised the queen while raising MINI mayhem(baby or toddler nickname, hehe)

When batman and waterva got married, mayhem wasn't really happy/ sure about it(along with susan & ice cream cone)

Both had their own reasons why they weren't sure about the wedding

However, Susan's was a bit selfish

Lucy & the queen are more like sisters who don't get along a lot AT ALL-

In This au, the queen is also known as:

The mother of the systar system. Due to her treating all the aliens duplos ect like her very own children.

Susan & mayhem HATE Batman

mayhem's Reason is more like:

My mom is a strong independent queen blah blah blah.

Susan is just jealous, ig

Mayhem and Robin are siblings(YAYYY)

Mayhem is still learning how to warm up to humans

The queen is still very uncomfortable around apocalypseburgers (as she calls them)

[4-as-in-a-trenchcoat]

One headcanon of mine is that during Apocalypseburg, Lucy created several songs for Emmet, but she refused to show it to him or anyone for that matter. And it wasn't until Rex came along that she gained a new appreciation for him, and she played him all her songs, no matter how "cheesy" or "cringe" she thought they were (Emmet loves them all regardless).

Meanwhile in Rex's timeline, since she became a popstar, every anniversary of his disappearance, Lucy continued to make songs dedicated to Emmet. Most of her songs are pop and/or rock, except for that one single day. Many people are confused on why she does this, since it was also the day peace was made and Syspocalypstar was formed, but she doesn't care. She would continue to show her appreciation for Emmet, appreciation that she wished she showed when he was still alive.

[glitchotic]

i think so hard about how emmet is autistic and sorry to everyone who doesnt wanna hear it but i as an autistic am about to talk about why i really like that a lot. something i find about him wanting to preform social interactions correctly and struggling to make friends who are deemed "normal" and think his mask is weird even though hes trying to be normal and following the rules everyone else does already cues off to me as being autistic. but the way he sticks to routine and what's familiar and how he finds not following what he knows freaks him out even in the second movie. the way he constantly was initially telling lucy how everything she was doing was against the rules. even doing things like still continuing to get his morning coffee in apocalypseburg, how hell listen to the same song on repeat and watch the same tv show no matter how many times it stays the same, even his ideas seemingly based only around a few select interests while the others seem to be able to adapt any build into their style. on top of that. the house he designs being based off something hes familiar with already, the yellow house with blue roof that he ran into with lucy. i feel in his mind, he sees that as a dream house for him and lucy because he remembers that from when they first met, he remembers thats when she called him the special.

[ask-scribblecop-tlm]

what's your parents' apocalypseburg life like?

Well, it’s not apocalypseburg anymore, but back then they were fine, and they’re fine now too! They’ve been cops until they were forced into retirement, and after that they still volunteer, so they never wanna go down without a fight! A bit stubborn, but we love ‘em. During the apocalypseburg era they sorta just stayed inside, and at their local police station (that they used to work at).

[ternfic]

Reboot

Chapter Twenty-One

“Giving Emmet the cold shoulder now?”

Lucy scowled into her glass, holding back an irritated huff. Of course he would come find her just to harass her. “Fuck off, Rex.”

“Ooh, she swears! I hope you haven’t taught my dear sweet innocent baby brother the fuck word.”

Lucy snorted in spite of herself. “No, I’m not giving him the cold shoulder. He wanted to spend some time with Watevra to get to know her. So I figured I’d take the time to myself to get my head sorted out.”

“And you thought alcohol would help with that.” He plopped down in a chair beside her.

“Of course not. It’s iced tea. What do you want, anyway?”

Rex didn’t answer for a while. “I guess I just… want to make really sure you’re not going to abandon him again. Been hearing some interesting rumors going around about you and a certain General.”

Lucy’s cheeks turned a fascinating shade of pink, and she thumped her head onto the table. “That’s part of what I’m trying to get sorted out…” she muttered. “I love Emmet, I do! And now that things are finally settled and we don’t have to worry about danger anymore I want to tell him yes, but…”

“Systar’s brainwashing effects got to you too, huh?”

“Yeah,” she sighed miserably. “And she’s just… so sweet…” She let out a helpless laugh. “I seem to have a type.” She sat up again and scrubbed at her face. “That and all the new memories. I used to think being a nobody before I became a Master Builder was such a terrible thing, but compared to this new ‘I used to be a pop star’ backstory, I think I preferred being a nobody. It feels so alien.”

“That’s a mood,” Rex muttered. He let out a long, slow breath. “I’m still kind of pissed at you all, but I think… had I been in your shoes, I would have made the same decision. I’ll probably even be grateful for it someday, just. Not right now.” Lucy nodded absently. “Lu. Whatever you decide to do, talk to Emmet about it first. He deserves that much from you, at least.”

“Yeah…” she murmured. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I never should have asked Emmet, asked you, to be someone you weren’t just to make me happy. That’s not a mistake I’ll be making again.”

Rex stared at her for a long moment. “…Thanks,” he murmured eventually, and shoved himself back out of his chair, leaving the hall. Lucy watched as he retreated, then shrugged and turned back to her tea. She’d said what she needed to.

Plans for the merging of Apocalypseburg and Systar were already well underway. It sounded like the Systarians were intending to move several of their inhabited moons into Alterra’s system, but for the most part they would be relocating to the planet itself and working on terraforming it to restore it after their warring had rendered it nearly lifeless. They’d even already begun some of the reconstruction- the ruins of Bricksburg finally got torn completely down, and foundations for the new city were being laid down.

Lucy wore a new ring- a proper engagement ring, this time. She’d insisted on Emmet making this one as well, and loved it just as much as the one that had been lost, if not more. She and Emmet had also eventually sat down to have their talk about Lucy’s increasing interest in Sweet.

“I know,” Emmet soothed as Lucy fumbled over her words. “I’ve known for several years now.” She stared at him, dumbfounded.

“How…?”

“You’re the most important person in my life, Lucy. I know I’m not always the most observant person, but when it came to you, I paid attention.”

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“It seemed like something you were still coming to terms with. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“And you’re not- upset? Jealous? Anything?”

Emmet reached to twine his fingers with hers. “Of course not. You deserve the world, and Sweet’s an awesome person. I’d be happy to have her around.”

“Why? You like her too?” Lucy teased, finally relaxing. Emmet smiled, gently tugging her close to touch their foreheads together.

“You know you’re the only one for me.”

A year to the day after their kidnapping, Syspocalypstar was ready for its first inhabitants. There was a planet-wide celebration involving a lot of food, music, and fireworks. “I gotta admit, it feels good to be home,” Rex told Emmet.

“Rex, you’ve been here helping to rebuild the whole time.”

“Yeah but it didn’t have the ‘home’ vibes til it was finished.” He paused. “The flowers everywhere are gonna take some getting used to, though.” Emmet laughed.

The two brothers glanced up at the sound of Mayhem’s jetpack approaching, and the General dropped Lucy down onto the overlook with them. “Hey!” Emmet greeted, giving Lucy a hug. “Where’ve you two been?”

Lucy only grinned and shoved a pair of binoculars into his hands. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” she purred, directing his gaze to the distance. He scanned the horizon for a moment, and then froze, nearly dropping the binoculars.

“Our house!”

Lucy smiled and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his cheek. “Sweet and I worked on it all day yesterday. Hope you don’t mind that we made some modifications to it.”

“Not at all!” He leaned back into her embrace, wiping his eyes. “I’m just- you actually rebuilt it…”

“I loved the house you built for us. I’m sorry I ever made you think otherwise.”

“You do realize you’ve got an audience, right?” Rex drawled, and laughed when Lucy flipped him off.

“You’ve sure got the ‘obnoxious big brother’ thing down pat now,” she huffed at him. Sweet started giggling. Rex only smirked at her.

“Gotta say though, I’m jealous Emmet gets to live with two gorgeous babes.”

“Flatterer.”

“So where are you gonna stay, Rex?” Emmet asked.

Rex shrugged. “I’ll probably just get a flat in the city. The raptors will stay with the Rexcelsior, keep an eye on it in the meantime. I probably won’t stay, the boredom will get to me at some point-”

“Aww Rex, no-” Emmet gasped.

“But I want some time to enjoy being back home first. And it’s not gonna be like last time, I’m not gonna disappear for ten years again. I’ll be sure to come back and tell you all about my adventures.” Emmet sulked at him. “Hey. I promise. I finally got you back, I’m not gonna risk losing you again.”

“Just- don’t leave without saying goodbye…?”

“Of course not.” Rex reached over and ruffled Emmet’s hair, grinning. “You’re stuck with me now, kid.”

[laziislexi]

(tw death, betrayal) Sometimes I think about the fact that Rex just faded away right in front of Emmet. and Emmet was just like 'ok, next thing' as if he didn't just watch someone the evil version of him die. He admired Rex, he was opposed to Rex, Rex was everything Emmet wanted to be.

IKR??????

I can't believe that Emmet just. Forgot about him like that. Which is ironic because Rex literally travelled back in time to avoid being forgotten (and abandoned).

Which is why I hc that Emmet never really forgot about him. He still grieved him in private, but he was just so used to following the instructions all the time and being required to always be happy in the past that he just. didn't know how to deal with any negative emotions like sadness, anger, etc. So he just. ignores it. Tries to block it out with music. Which is why he also acted like he did in Apocalypseburg, he didn't know how to deal with all those negative emotions, so he simply did what he did best: smile and ignore it.

Anyways yea. Emmet and Rex angst my beloved 😍

[luescris]

Uhhhh so I wrote a Lego Movie 2 fanfiction about an idea I had if Rex was just sent back to his own timeline, click the link to AO3 but also spread this around if you can too thanks

I know this particular fandom is dead and old but. Yuh lmao

Fanfiction is under the cuttttt *dances*

The last thing Rex expected to happen when disappearing from his past–well, Emmett’s present, now (man time travel never got any less confusing)--was to find himself standing on the outskirts of a city, about a few yards away.

A city that looked like a mix between Apocalypseburg, Bricksburg… And kinda like a seven year old threw up pretty sparkly rainbow stuff in random places. In fact, it looked like it was in the middle of being rebuilt, of all things, and in truth the former Master Builder knew that he should have been excited, happy even, at this new sight before him. His past and former self would have been. 

Instead all Rex could do was stand there, utterly confused.

If it were another time, before he had saved himself, he probably would have resented the city for moving on. Without him no less. Resented his so-called friends. A part of him still wanted to hold onto that resentment. But the other… Well. He didn't know what to think now.

Before something came around and told him this was all just some messed up dream he was having and that he was actually dead, the adventurer looked himself over, checking his hands, feet, and his own heart beat. Which was all still there, still beating. What a blessing that was. Maybe this was a second chance. His second chance, or theirs.

Maybe he could finally get some answers this way. Just maybe.

Whatever the case, after goggling at the city for another minute, Rex took in a breath of air, chest rising with his arms, brows furrowing with determination, and he marched himself towards the city, towards the place he had avoided at all and any cost, up until now.

Who knew how long it had been since he disappeared. Did his friends even care? Did they even know? Had they gone out to find him at all?? Or did they give up, move on… And not even try? All these questions did was utterly annoy him as he made his way into… Wait. What was it even called now??

Turning his head left and right, he spotted a large sign in the distance that was just as messy and unorganized as the city, but much more finished than the rest. In blacks, browns, reds and sparkly pinks and blues, it read, “BRICKTOPIALYPSEBURG”. Which had him snort and shake his head, turning away. What a ridiculous thing to name something. Utter nonsense.

Still. That small part of him, the part he thought he had squashed away forever and for good, was beyond excited about all the pretty colors and new sights and sounds as he finally entered, a seemingly permanent scowl on his face as he looked around.

All around him were signs of rebuilding, of rehabilitation, from the years spent having to hide in fear from the aliens that came and quite literally ruined his whole life. As Rex walked he spotted a few workers in the distance handing each other a two by eight stacked in three, probably for support of something, and when he looked another direction found two others sitting on top of a building, chatting away the day. Probably on some sort of break. 

A few people were even walking around the city freely and happily, even mingling with Sis-Star System habitants, as if they hadn't been the very things that threatened to destroy them from day one. Not a single person paid any mind to the rather grumpy-looking man walking through, just as he had suspected would happen. Which was totally fine by him, not like he wanted the attention, anyway. He was a man on a mission, looking for something. All the way on the other side of the city. So all Rex did was give a rather nasty look at the aliens and a quiet “feh” to himself. 

And went on his way.

The farther back he went, the less BrickaTopiaLypseBurg seemed destroyed. Buildings of all shapes and sizes shone in the sun like new, greenery was even starting to return to the dirt. That same small part of him wanted to feel endlessly happy about seeing what used to be his home growing again. But Rex wouldn't let himself rejoice. Not yet. Not so soon. He had to make sure first. He had to know…

He didn't stop walking even past the city borders. It might have taken him an hour at most to walk through the entire place, but he at least hoped it was worth it. He knew he was almost there, he was so sure. 

All at once Rex froze, eyes widening with shock once they landed on something a few yards away. Something familiar.

The house… Their house.

The one he had made her all those years ago. When he was still naive and young. Clueless to what his actions would lead to. There was no possible way it was standing here now, right in front of him, but… He recognized that blue roof and yellow walls from anywhere. Glistening in the light of the falling sun, in the backdrop of a land recovering from war.

Speechless with how impossible this was, Rex moved forward, slowly. Staring at the build like it would disappear from his very own eyes any moment now. He hadn't even noticed he had made it when his toe hit the first step, his eyes moving down to the door. Nothing else could stop him as he climbed the steps and opened the door, standing in the living room.

“Not exactly an apartment, there, buddy.” 

Just for nostalgia’s sake, he breathed, “Good morning, apartment…” 

Rex flinched with a startled gasp and whipped himself around, his fight or flight instincts immediately kicking in as his hands balled into fists defensively. Turns out, there was no need to.

Because standing on the porch with her arms crossed and brows furrowed dangerously, was Wildstyle. Hair pink and blue but with that dangerous look in her eyes that also always meant business. All he could do was stare.

“You wanna tell me why you, a completely random stranger, decided to show up and snoop around in my house uninvited and unannounced??” She asked, a dangerous accusation very much in her voice. A warning on the edge of it. 

The former Master Builder and still Master Builder stared each other off for another tense minute. Seeming to gather himself, Rex managed a scoff and a roll of his eyes, straightening himself and crossing his arms with a scowl of his own.

“Thought all you city folk were supposed to be welcoming to newcomers, such as myself.” He quipped back, just as on edge.

Wildstyle’s brow creased up. “We might have been, once. But even before I don't think anyone would just walk into someone's space like they owned it, especially not in the way you just did.” She looked him up and down, skeptical. “Who are you, anyway?? What do you want?” 

He wasn't going to think about the fact that he was completely hypocritical right now, considering how many times he had left his own apartment door unlocked. He'd come home to find stuff missing every time.

Honestly, he felt beyond offended that she had not only looked at him that way, but also was asking if he wanted something. He gave her a mean look of his own. “Who said I'd want anything from you? Maybe I just got turned around somewhere. In fact, this is your own fault if anything. I mean who leaves their door unlocked before going out??” 

Regardless, his words did the trick, because now she looked mad, in a satisfying way that had Rex smirk. She stepped to the side with a glower of her own. “Whatever. Just get out. I don't want anyone as unpleasant as you in our home, anyway.” 

She didn't mean…?

Rex would have moved, he was all kinds of ready to, but how she said that last part had him pause completely. He furrowed his brows, just a little, and echoed, “... ‘Our home’?”

“None of your beezwax.” Wildstyle stretched her arm out and pointed back towards the city, hissing, “Go. Before I make you.” 

The adventurer simply raised his hands in a placating surrender, shrugging. “Okay. Okay fine, I'm going. No need for violence, lady.” 

He did just as she told him to, slowly, his eyes on hers and her eyes on his, glaring and irritated. It never took much to get her to blow a fuse, and strangely enough that had been one of the things he used to be attracted to. Among other things, but… Now was not the time.

Just before the first step, feeling her eyes on his back, he stopped and turned his head to look at her. He met his former partner’s confused look and gave one of the softest smiles he had to offer. Just as a test, just to see…

“Not much seemed to change about you despite everything else changing, ey… Lucy?” 

One second Wildstyle's eyes widened and the next Rex found his back hitting the ground, the wind being knocked out of him with a surprised, “oof!”. Then there was Lucy’s face over his, covering the sky and her glare burning as she took hold of his vest.

“How do you know that name?!” She demanded in a hiss. “Only one person can ever call me that, only one person ever knew that name!” He was tugged closer, her bangs brushing his forehead. “How do you know that name??” 

One moment he was staring up at her incredulously, then burst out laughing, rather inappropriately, making Wildstyle back up a little with angry confusion. But he couldn't help it, it was just too good. The female rebel regained her composure and held onto his vest tighter.

“What's so funny??”

Rex shook his head, trying to contain his laughter and rubbing at his eye. When he was mostly able to control it he looked up at her with one eye shut and a fat-ass grin on his face. “Ha, haha..! Sorry, not sorry actually but, man. That look on your face was priceless and so totally worth it. No Regrets, trademarked by me by the way.” He winked up at her, which had her absolutely lost again, but he paid no mind to it as he went on. “I mean seriously, though. Have I really changed that much to where even you don't recognize me anymore??” 

Wildstyle’s brows furrowed so hard it was like they were trying to connect. Her grip on his vest lessened immensely. “... What?? I don't know you. What are you talking about??” 

The ex Master Builder rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. “Oh of course. You're gone for more than two years and suddenly everyone you thought you knew and loved forgets who you are. How typical, but not surprising, considering that's how most of my life went.” Here was where his grin dropped and he locked a glare straight onto her shocked, bewildered face. “I would have thought that you of all people would've been different. But I guess I was wrong about that, too.” He finished, hate like venom in his voice.

Finally, she had let him go with a horrified gasp, dropping him to the ground and backing up a step. As if having been slapped. Rex sat up on his elbows to watch her face go pale, horror settling into her eyes as she beheld him. Horror and… And guilt?? Huh.

Now that was unexpected.

“No…” Wildstyle whispered, shaking her head. “No, it… It can't be…” 

Rex sat himself up and crossed his legs, nonchalant and absolutely unbothered by this display, shrugging. “And why not?? Did you expect your dearly beloved Emmett to come crawling back home instead of me?? Because he's here, alright. But he's me. And I am Rex.” He grinned again, but it was not warm. Cold and hateful. “Rex Dangervest.” 

Once again, there was another moment where the two simply stared at each other, tense like two cats ready for a fight. A coil yet to be sprung. 

But then, as shocking as ever, he witnessed as the tough and ruthless Wildstyle break before him, her eyes glossing over, a few tears even coming out of her eyes as she covered her mouth.

Okay. Not at all what he was expecting. 

Rex stayed skeptical, still, but answered anyway. “... Did you not just hear me?? I said my name is–”

“Emmett…?” She breathed, as if the name was foreign to her. 

He didn't get a chance to say anything else. Again Lucy had lunged herself forward except this time her arms were around his neck, absolutely crushing him and a sob coming from his left ear. He had his hands up, unsure what to do with them and himself in general as she held him tighter.

“Emmett, oh Emmett you're alive!!” She cried in a mix of joy, disbelief and sorrow. “I can't believe it, we thought–..! I was so sure and…!! You're here you're really here!!”

There was another mix of a laugh and a sob again. But all Rex could do was stare at nothing in the distance, what she was implying was incredibly disturbing. His chest filled with something gross and foreboding.

That small part of him from the very beginning of this journey returned and desperately wanted nothing more than to hold her back. Hold her close and never let go. But his hands moved, slowly, to Lucy's shoulders to push her off. Which she obliged to, sitting back and looking at him with confusion,  blinking at the stoney look on his face. “... Emmett?” She prodded, weary.

He didn't look at her right away. Kept his hands on her shoulders as he thought, hard. Because… Because if what she was saying was true, then everything he did… Everything he had gone through…

When Rex did finally slide his eyes up to meet hers, they were conflicted and dark. “... You thought that, all this time, I… I had been…?” 

Again there was that deep guilt that came to Lucy's expression. One she hid away from him by looking down at the ground. But she answered him regardless by just doing that.

Wildstyle's head shot up so fast even he had thought he had gotten whiplash. “What?! Oh no Emmett of course we did! We searched everywhere for you after we came back from the wedding party! We thought… We thought you had stayed back and hid but, everyone told us that you came to try to save us and hadn't seen you since…!” She used a hand to try to wipe at her eyes, trying to regain her emotions. But didn't look back up at her former partner. “Queen Whatevra’wannabe even helped us. We checked every planet, every gateway, every dimension, for so long, but… But…” 

That rage, the wound he thought he'd stitched closed, reopened. But he inhaled to keep it contained. Don't come to conclusions. Not yet. Not yet… “You… Didn't bother trying to find me…?” 

Lucy shut her eyes, as if in pain, and Rex waited. Even if it felt like his world was crumbling from under him for the second time in his life. Somehow, though, this was worse. Much worse.

She took in a shaky breath to continue, her hands folded together. “What… We found, where we should have found you, was debris. From the, first, house you built us, and… Even if we had found you, it would've been far too late to do anything. So… So we went back to Bricksburg…” Here was where more of her tears fell and again she hid away from him, as if ashamed. “And held a funeral for you.” 

That was officially the topping of the cake for him. Rex pulled himself away from her and stood, his back facing towards her shocked expression as he took a few steps away, fists clenched to hide them from shaking. He could feel her stare on his back, but didn't say anything for a while, trying to control his own reeling emotions.

When he did speak again, it was low. “So. You gave up on me, then.” 

“That's not fair.” Lucy responded, sounding downright broken that it made him flinch. “I just told you we searched everywhere we could for you. And I never gave up, Emmett, I swear. I just… We…!” 

Her voice broke. He stood there and listened to her trying to quell quiet sobs. His already broken heart bleeding again.

“... I'm sorry.” She eventually whispered. “I'm so sorry I left you. That we… That we gave up. We never meant to, we just… We couldn't find you. Where were you??” 

All this time… Rex had assumed they forgot. That they didn't care. But it wasn't that. They didn't know.

Which, in retrospect, if he hadn't let his doubts get to him… Would have made sense. 

But how long would he have been under there for?? How long would he be left to waste if he didn't take matters into his own hands?? What would have become of him? If he had just done nothing…

His past self was proving him wrong. Once again. They, or at least Lucy, still did care. She would have come for him, in another time. Another time that wasn't his own. She still did care, by the house she most certainly remade with her own two hands. Exactly how he had made it. Called it “their home”. 

The least he could do now… Was give her a proper answer.

“... I was in the Undar of the Dryar System.” Rex finally tells her past the lump in his throat. “In the Man Upstairs’s realm. For five years.” 

A cold chill that didn't come from the breeze filled the thick tension in the air. There was no indication that Lucy would start talking again. So he did.

“I waited there. Convinced that someone, anyone, would come find me. Help me out. But the longer I waited, the more I thought, ‘This was my fault. They were right. I'm useless.’”

“I made myself get up.” Rex went in like he hadn't heard her. “I got tired of waiting. Of being useless. A nobody. So I became a somebody. Rex Dangervest.” He raised his hands as if presenting a sign that held his name, then dropped them. “I thought I had to, because no one else told me otherwise. You wanted me rough, tough, edgy. Just like you.” Here was where he turned to her, expressionless to her raw despair. “And now, that's what you got. And you're still not happy?” 

“Emmett-”

Somewhere in between his monologuing Lucy had gotten up off the ground herself, but she looked sick. Stuck to where he was pinning her down with the haunted look in his eyes.

“... But, you know I'm not.” The Master Builder rebel manages to get out. “Don't you see that?? I'm not happy, but for something else completely. This… All of this,” She motioned to his whole self. “Was not what I wanted. Does it look like I'm happy…? Happy that you had to suffer like that??” 

Rex only stared at her for a minute, analyzing, then looked down at the ground. Which invited her to move up to his side, ever so slowly and carefully. Her hand found purchase on his shoulder and he turned his head away from her.

It was now her turn to continue, and his to listen. “I was wrong for wanting to change you. You're kind, funny, smart… Everything this world needed. Everything that I needed. I just, didn't see that sooner and it… It cost everything.” 

He raised his head to finally stare back at her, much less intense. The sunset highlighting her highlights and skin, her eyes glistening. He always liked her eyes…

She tightened her grip on his shoulder when he did. Maybe for encouragement or support, he couldn't tell. “I never should have tried to change you. You're perfect. Just the way you are. The way you have always been.” Lucy’s expression fell into guilt and sorrow then. “Sorry won't fix any of this. I know it's too late. I don't even expect a second chance. But, Emmett…” 

The hand on his shoulder lifted to cup his cheek, so tender and soft it took his breath away. When she blinked again, tears trailed down her cheeks. Not many, but enough.

He wasn't ready to admit that out loud, though. So, instead, he lifted his own hand and wrapped it around her wrist gently, pulling it away without breaking eye contact. 

“I missed you.” Lucy breathed. “I was so lost without you… And now you're back. That's all I needed.” 

Rex stared at her for a long, long time. Her words revolved around his head. She was right. It didn't fix any of it. He didn't think it ever could… But he also knew none of this was really her fault, either. If anything, it was his own. He couldn't take her apology until he fixed himself. Somehow.

“... No.” He murmured. Watching as Wildstyle's eyes widened. “I'm not back. I don't think I'll ever be. … Emmett is gone.” It hurt, terribly, but he had to. He had to step back and let go of her wrist. “I told you. The name is Rex now. … No Regrets.”

Something broke in Wildstyle's gaze. But he won't stick around to fix it. He couldn't.

Rex Dangervest, walking corpse of Emmett Brickowski, stepped around the person they both cared about the most, and left her in the metaphorical and literal dust. Leaving her to stand there in front of their house, watching him leave. 

No Regrets. He reminds himself as he makes his way back to the city. Even as his heart bleeds and bleeds and bleeds. Trademarked and mine.

[ask-good-cop-bad-cop]

Neapolitan: Do you believe RJ's assistance could influence the relationship between this Systar and... what was it... Apocalypse Land?

I think they called it Apocalypseburg? To be honest, I have no idea. Considering it's now been 5 months since TAKOS Tuesday for us and there's still no sign of the Duplos, RJ's experiences might not count for much. Our first meeting with them could go very differently even without us having to take- or prevent- any action.

[shaampoo]

Do you guys think that Emmet's friends, at the first year of the apocalypse, also comforted Emmet like he comforted them cause it was a hard time for all of then, but in the second year, they slowly started to stop comforting Emmet (unlike Emmet who didn't stop), thinking they had to toughen up, and wanting Emmet to as well, and then they rarely comfort him in apocalypseburg around 3rd-5th year, and that in Undar he wanted to believe that his friends would come and get him and comfort him like they did in the first year and that's what kept him going?

Idk I just feel wrong with this idea, what do you guys think?

[sa1808fi]

I don’t think this has been mentioned, but has anyone thought about the way Rex and his ‘tough’ aesthetic kind of contrasts with Apocalypseburg's ideas on what being tough look and act like?

Like if you compare the two, there is a big difference in the way the two look, and I guess act as well.

With the Apocalypseburgers, they mostly stick to a brown color palette, and kind of have a steampunk/gangster vibe to them? (I don't know how to describe it). They also don't seem to look as 'cleaned' up, more like trying to show off their supposed toughness by looking all roughed up and like they've been in a fight (tbh they probably were).

Rex also goes along with the darker aesthetic (Since that's basically the stereotype for toughness), but less of the exaggerated rough dirtiness the Apocalypseburgers have, and edging more onto the sleek and sci-fi side. The dark blue and bright green accents also contribute to it, making him seem much more cleaned up (and I guess futuristic?(ha)) compared to the Apocalypseburgers.

I guess the way Apocalypseburg do their hair is also really distinctive. It kinda has a punk rock feel to it? Mohawks, tied up, or just long and messy (I could be leaving some out but that's the general ~vibe~).

Not too sure how to describe Rex and his hairstyle, because I would assume it's something that (If we're talking real-world rules) he would have to grow out from his 'Emmet' hairstyle, and it's a lot more -I wanna say- fluffy?

Apocalyspseburgers also have-like- an excessive amount of accessories, with all the heavy metal shoulder pads, spikes, or metal accents to their clothes. It gets just a bit obnoxious at times like they're trying just a bit too hard to fit in (But it works anyway). And besides, that makes it hard to do things sometimes because of the overwhelming amount of just straight-up metal on them at all times.

Rex... see for him I like to think that he has an absurd amount of weapons on his person, but he hides them well so you don't really notice them unless you know where they are (It's like that Lego Batman scene where Batman just pulls out a whole ass bazooka when going through security check), and he just has the most random things that actually end up being really useful (Plot device, also... a lot like Emmet). So he doesn't have as many accessories as an Apocalypseburgian, but still has a few things here and there.

I guess in the end it's really just Rex wanting to develop that tough personality that he was pushed into, but in a way that still sets him apart from Apocalypseburg since he has so many bad memories and experiences in that place (Also he just straight up hates all of them).

[caasey]

Emmet better than me for real cause if i lived in Apocalypseburg and got shit from everyone for being a softy and too nice i wouldangone crazy like im surprised he hasnt killed anyone yet (as far as i know)

I would get toilet paper and write the most heinous things on it and toilet paper someones house and/or car, or some other thing i cant come up with rn like stealing Jeff the cat and replacing his collar to like, say "Loser" or something idk man. Spray paint pink on someones house, spray paint a rainbowon someones car

Oh? They suspect me? Emmet Brickowski? The softie of the town?? Me?? Are you crazy??

And if someones mean i can be like Oh well if you didnt like my cookies and baking you couldve just told me :(( I'll stop then (and you know Emmet's baking would make Gordon Ramsay do that ratatouille flashback scene).

But maybe thats cause Emmet's a saint, like, the world needs people like him broski, those guys in Apocalypseburg really dont deserve you buddy.

[jinglejangleringring]

Rex deserved better,

I mean, first he was thrown into Undar, right after finally getting friends (That, lets be honest, probably aren't that good of friends, seeing as they wanted him to change and all.), then forced for five years to watch them have fun without him

I mean, that's just...ouch, plus, taking in the fact that he only mostly knew them in his time as Emmet in Apocalypseburg, he probably never saw them happy like that before,

And maybe he even maybe blamed himself that they were happy only then, did he ever think that they were happier because he was gone? Did he think that he made his friends unhappy?

Did Rex back when he was Emmet hide his true self? Was he ever vulnerable to his friends or was his friends only vulnerable to him?

I know that Emmet made his friends feel comfortable enough that they can trust him with their feelings, but did they ever make him feel that way?

Did Emmet have anyone he could've vented to? (No, Planty doesn't count.) Anyone he could've trusted?

Did Emmet feel alone in Apocalypseburg? His friends want him to change, and everyone there wanted him to, they all had this preconceived notion that he was weak, naïve, childish, and not ready to handle the real world despite the fact that he saved the world

Did he get to vent to his friends? Probably not. I mean, that would've been "weak" and "childish" right? (<- that's sarcasm by the way)

Did Rex live his entire life not ever knowing what it's like to cry into someone's arms and tell them everything that hurt him? Everything that bothers him? Everything he's mad at?

Did anyone tell Rex everything was gonna be okay? That it was alright to feel that way? Or did they just brush him off, telling him he was being over dramatic and that he should've "grown up"

Did Rex die without ever once being able to confide in someone he could trust?