#around lunch time Sophia rang just like 'there's nothing to do i might go eat something and have a nap'

[fazcinatingblog]

I just found letters in my bag that I hadn't posted. Can't stress enough how much everything is up to shit at work (and in my head)

[shaniahnoel]

Buttercup pt 3/?

A/N: And here we start to see something a little deeper between Sweet Pea and Sophia

Word Count: 2136 (sorry not sorry)

Warnings: Gang violence.. maybe swearing, but I don’t think so.

As always, feedback is welcome!

Part One / Part Two |Part Four

Before students had even started to file in that following Monday, Rachel and Sophia were meeting with Principal Simmons at South Side High. The man was clearly confused as to why somebody with such high standing at the nearby prep school would come to the South Side. Even so, he couldn’t deny that having someone like her in the mix might give the school some more notable achievements. If she makes it, he thought to himself.

Several conference calls and faxes later, the transfer was approved. It was not quite second period and so Principal Simmons offered her the opportunity to begin classes that same day. Rachel looked hesitant, but Sophia smiled.

“No time like the present, Principal Simmons.”

And there was surely no place like South Side High. The school was invariably split three ways: Serpents; Ghoulies; and Sheep, those with no affiliation. Even so, Sophia found herself in a gray area between Serpent and Sheep. Toni had taken to Sophia rather quickly, and a few other Serpents were mildly interested in the new girl, but she wasn’t a Serpent. So, for the last two weeks, she sat alone at lunch observing the masses. To protect her, Fangs and Toni stayed distant at school—it’d have been an unnecessary target for the Ghoulies. Even so she couldn’t help but notice random Serpents trailing behind her, standing at corners while she was at her locker, and she guessed that they were watching her, for Fangs.

Today though she had no escort shadowing her. However, she did have a desperate need to use a bathroom. Still learning the layout of the school, she raced into the nearest one completely missing the Ghost scratched under the label. She stopped dead in her tracks, all need to go passing quickly as she took in the sight before her: two Ghoulie girls stood in the corner of the bathroom. One held the arms of a pink haired girl behind her back, while the other held a knife near her throat.

“Toni!,” Sophia cried, racing forward. The Ghoulie holding the knife turned, raising the knife towards Sophia.  She raised her left arm to deflect the swing, landing her right hand squarely on the girl’s jaw. The other released Toni’s arms and moved to aid her companion. Sophia swooped, effectively flipping the girl over and onto her friend. She grabbed Toni’s arm and pulled her from the bathroom. When they were safely into Serpent halls, Toni brought them to a stop.

“Wher—what—how?” Toni tried to formulate a sensical question about what exactly Sophia had just done.

“Um, well, all Pageants have an athletic or sporty portion to them. My mom got behind my fighting lessons when she realized that it gave me a competitive edge to be ‘breaking gender norms.’ I’ve, uh, I’ve never actually used them in real life though. That was horrifying.”

“You saved me, Soph.”

“I’m glad I was there. What the hell was that?”

“Two Ghoulies, trying to send a message. They found a moment where none of you were around and shoved me in. Then she drew that knife.”

Toni’s hand rose to her throat, rubbing where the knife had pressed. Sophia touched her arm as tears welled in her eyes. She was a strong Serpent and she never shied from a fight, but it was clear she’d never come this close to death and there had been no Serpents to rely on then. The bell rang, startling the pair.

“You think you can handle some lunch? Walking tacos are your favorite.”

Toni nodded weakly and together they entered the cafeteria. The Serpents looked up in surprise to see them walking together, arms around the other’s waist. Sophia turned to depart to her usual loner table, but Toni grabbed her wrist. The eyes around the table widened and Sweet Pea stood to protest as she led her over to sit with them, but South Side Toni was back with a vengeance.

“Shut it, Sweet Pea. She sits here now.”

Everyone looked everywhere but at the stare down between P and Toni. There was a vein in Sweet Pea’s neck going as he weighed exactly how much he was going to let her have it. Before that bomb could go off, however, the Ghoulie girls walked in. A bruise was already forming on the one’s jaw and based on shallow cut up the other’s arm, she’d hit the knife in her landing. Toni straightened her shoulders, ready to meet them, but they looked past her.

“You’ll regret the day you crossed me.” She pierced Sophia with her gaze.

Fear flooded through her body as Sophia realized the weight of what she’d done. A panic attack was brewing, but then she felt Toni’s hand lightly on her wrist and though she couldn’t see it, she knew Fangs had stood up behind her. Even Sweet Pea had turned, his hatred towards Ghoulies outweighing all else. It was enough to push down the panic, and she reflexively spoke.

“That was a hook, not a cross. When you learn the difference, I might be concerned. Might.”

The Ghoulies didn’t expect that response. Every Serpent looked surprised—with Fangs especially concerned. Heck, Sophia herself hadn’t seen that one coming. They walked away, first backwards and glaring but turning away swiftly to go to their group. It was no secret who normally won in a straight-out fight. Sweet Pea watched them for a moment, before giving some hidden signal. All the Serpents stood and headed out of the building into the fenced in courtyard. There he had Toni explain all that had happened.

“You just jumped at a girl with a knife?”

“Northside.”

Sophia was so lost in between reality and panic that she hadn’t realized Sweet Pea was addressing her, until Toni spoke.

“What?”

“You saw a Ghoulie holding a knife to Toni, and you just ran at her?” He asked again, searching her face. Even he didn’t know what he was looking for. Sophia nodded weakly.

“What the hell, Soph!” Fangs voice came out, sounding terrified. “You coulda been killed.”

She turned to her cousin who looked as worried as he sounded.

“Yeah, I wasn’t really thinking about that. I just didn’t want Toni to get hurt.”

She turned to her friend who smiled and hugged her.

“Thank you, Soph.”

Fangs turned to Toni in surprise as Sophia also realized that Toni had referred to her by name twice. So far, only Fangs would call her Soph while the rest referred to her as New Girl or Northsider. Toni had been somewhere in between with her affectionate “Northside.” The significance was not lost on her and she squeezed her friend a little tighter.

“Alright, we’re going to convene at the Whyte Wyrm tonight to figure out what to do about this. I think that’s enough education for one day,” proclaimed Sweet Pea. It wasn’t a command and, yet every Serpent dispersed, some choosing to simply go out through a gap in the fencing. Sophia made to follow Fangs and Toni who were headed to his car, but a hand caught her wrist. She met Sweet Pea’s eyes with a question in hers. Fangs and Toni lingered uncertainly.

“I’ll give you a ride.” The nuance was strange, a command he wanted to make an offer but didn’t know how. Sophia considered refusing, but had no real reason to do so. That is until she saw exactly what Sweet Pea was riding.

“I’ve never been on a motorcycle before,” she exclaimed, hating the nervous edge in her voice.

“There’s a shock,” he rolled his eyes. “You’ll be fine, take the helmet.”

He swung his leg over the machine and started it up. The resounding growl startled Sophia, causing her to fumble even more over the strap. Sweet Pea turned to her expectantly and his lips twitched as he saw he predicament. He dismounted and came to her side.

“Here.” Taking a step closer, he pushed her hair back behind her shoulders, leaving goosebumps but clearing the straps. In less than second his sure hands had clasped the strap firmly. Their eyes met and for the first time she felt her heart give an unfamiliar beat. His hands lingered at her throat, but in a flash the moment was gone. He turned and remounted. Out of excuses, she threw her leg over the bike and made a vain attempt to sit comfortably.

“Unless you wanna eat pavement, you’re gonna need to sit closer and hold on.”

Begrudgingly, Sophia scooted forward and put her hands loosely around his waist. It took only to the end of the parking lot for her to grip him more tightly. The wind whipped her face as they flew down the road and she buried her face into his broad back. She didn’t want to know how many stops signs they simply flew through, but by the time they reached their destination, her face had begun to stick to the leather. Sweet Pea waited for her to move before turning off the bike. They were at one of the parks near her house. It was a sad sight, decorated with spray paint and only one working swing to boast of. Sweet Pea gestured for her to take it while he dumped himself on the ground in front of her.

They said nothing for a few minutes. Sophia studied the Serpent who lay sprawled out before her; he was leaned back onto his elbows, his fingers playing with a blade of grass. He glanced up, peeking through his hair, unwilling to hold her gaze. Still staring at that blade of grass, he spoke softly.

“Not many people would go to bat for a Serpent. ‘Specially not a Northsider. What you did for Toni…I don’t know what we would have done if…” He trailed off then, his voice constricted with emotion.

This was a side to Sweet Pea she hadn’t seen before. She’d seen angry, she’d seen sarcasm, even saw a few genuine smiles, but never had she seen Sweet Pea look vulnerable. The Serpents were family to him, family he cared deeply about. She looked down at the gentle giant before her, a tender smile on her face. When he glanced up, he couldn’t make sense of the expression nor the strange sensation it created in his chest. He’d never noticed how bright her eyes were.

“I mighta misjudged you, Northside. You’re different than I thought.”

“You mean you didn’t peg me as a woman with a death wish? This is why it’s called women’s intuition.”

“Well you’re definitely as annoying as I thought you were, so you can credit me that at least.”

“Boy, I am just getting started,” she chuckled and Sweet Pea joined in with his own deep laugh. After their laughter subsided, Sophia paused to reflect on it all. She was grateful that he opened up to her and was happy that she could restore the smile to his face this time, but she didn’t know what it meant for her and the Serpents. The silence stretched on, but it wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable. A steady vibration from her pocket roused them both.

“Shoot, Fang probably talked to Rachel.”

“He wouldn’t dare.”

“Regardless, I need to get home… C’mon,” she added when he didn’t budge. “You’ve gotta be a gentleman and take me.”

She held out a hand to help him which he rolled his eyes at before accepting. Unfortunately, she wasn’t quite braced when he pulled and so instead of him coming up, Sophia fell. Reflexively he reached to brace her, and they ended up in a tangle of limbs with Sophia’s face in his chest and one of his hands on her waist.

“You are definitely less graceful than I thought a Northside Girl would be.”

“Oh shut up,” Sophia readjusted herself as she spoke in order to look up into his eyes, purposefully resting an elbow in his ribs as she did so. “If you weren’t such an oaf, I coulda lifted you.”

“Me? I’m the one having my kidney squished at the moment.”

It was a joking comment, he laughed when he said it, and it wasn’t supposed to hurt. Yet there was the familiar sting. The smile faded from her eyes and got up and dusted herself off. Sweet Pea followed suit, trying to understand what prompted the sudden shift. When she started to walk away, he grabbed her wrist again.

“I thought I was taking you home?” He asked, the uncertainty apparent.

“I’m not a fan of motorcycles.” She avoided any eye contact.

“Then I guess I’ll walk you.” He stuck his arm out for her to hold, a hopeful smile on his face.

Sophia accepted the peace offering, wondering what it’d be like to be vulnerable with Sweet Pea, too.  

A/N: Obviously I don’t own any of the Riverdale characters, but Sophia and her relationship with our beloved Sweet Pea are my personal creation as well as the plot lines herein. There may be some basis on events currently happening in Riverdale, but not necessarily.

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: An epilogue... In Neo Yokio

>Neo Yokio. Not too long ago, the town was in danger of occupation. But thanks to us taking the hearts of everyone here, we instigated a city-wide change of heart.

>After the change of heart, most of the Exorcists who were sent here, including Shiemi and Izumo, when back to our world. We are to go back home tomorrow as well. But for today, we’re just going to do a bit of sight-seeing, not to mention that Panther has to tell Headmistress Faragonda of how she transformed into Fairy Form.

>In the penthouse of Arcangelo Corelli, me and Fox came here to check up on Kaz. He and Arcangelo was having what I recognized as Squid Ink Fettuccine.

Oh hey, you guys! You’re just in time for lunch.

Pasta that is made with squid ink. I wonder what that’s like.

Oh my goodness!

I’ll have to remember the recipe the next chance I get to make anything.

(sorry if the picture is small, Arcangelo, maybe next time) I can see why. It’s quite fancy and it’s Kaz’a favorite.

Kaz: Well it is the most melancholy pasta.

Joker: I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I guess you really like it.

Kaz: So, what brings your guys here?

Joker: Just wanted to make sure you two were all right.

Kaz: Well, we’re doing fine. No big problems to report.

Joker: That’s good to hear.

Kaz: Although, I’m still a bit confused.

Joker: Well it’s no surprise. You find out that the Magistocracy are descendant from demons, you lose your home, and your aunt. All in one day.

Kaz: No doubt about it. When news of it came out, let’s just say it’ll be a long time before any Magistocrat is invited to a party. I’m surprised none of the Exorcists from the Order are not coming after us.

Joker: The Order will still keep this city on its radar. If anything happens, they can intervene.

Kaz: That’s good to hear. But I’m also worried about you. Do you think they can handle a Magistocrat in their world?

As long as I don’t do anything that could call their attention, it should be fine.

And if they do try anything, they’ll have to answer to me.

Arcangelo: I like that in a couple. You’re willing to do things for each other.

Fox: At first, I only had Ren around to help me out of an artist slump. But after spending time together for a year, I realized something...

It was much more than that.

Arcangelo: Ah yes, nothing is more inspiring than that special connection. Something I speak from experience.

Fox: You mean that song you and Kaz sung a the Dream Festival.

Kaz: Believe me, I’m still trying to get my head around it... (Of course, I have Jaden to thank for rapping.)

Joker: (Yeah, Ryuji said the same thing about Max.) So, what will you be doing now that your exorcisms will be for free? Will you start pursuing music as a career?

Kaz: ... I’m thinking about it. I still want to do exorcisms, though.

Joker: I don’t see why not. It’s your life.

Kaz: I know I’m going to have to adjust to these new changes, but I think I can manage if I have my friends at my side... And maybe you could be there, too.

Joker: Really? Why so?

Kaz: Why not? After all... when will I get to befriend a couple of Phantom Thieves again?

You know? How?

Kaz: Wasn’t that hard, man. Ren’s powers are too much like a Magistocrat’s. Then you fought that fake god thing with a Demon Lord, Satanael I believe. The rest was simply putting two and two together.

Joker: So what will you do now? Turn us in? Beat the crap out of us?

Kaz: More like help you. You get your powers from a Demon Lord. In some way, that really does make you a Magistocratic Exorcist.

Joker: Me? A Magistocrat?

Arcangelo: It sure does seem that way.

Kaz: But I think this is the first time you’re using those powers someplace other than the Magic Dimension. So I was thinking and I’ve decided... that I might train you on how to use those powers.

Are you sure? You don’t seem to have a handle on your own powers.

Kaz: I know. That’s why I’d like to think of this as a learning experience for the both of us.

Joker: Well, it does sound like it would be helpful in a pinch. It we could both use the training...

Alright, you’re on.

Fox: I think you’ve just gotten even more Charming, as if you weren’t already.

Arcangelo: That’s the magic of Kaz. He takes something and makes it batter.

Kaz: That’s a bit of an overstatement. I’m just trying to remember what Helena said. I need a change in my life. This is the first step.

Joker: Then I hope that your first step will be successful and will lead to many more.

Kaz: Then it’s a deal then.

>Me and Kaz shake on it. I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Aeon Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

Confidant: Ichiban

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 1

Ability: Neo Riche

Kaz will train you on your powers at a Beginner’s Level.

Tutorial

Joker is now a Magistocrat. When you attack in either Melee or Range, it will be charged with energy for a stronger effect.

Your Magistocratic powers are only available if you have equipped with Arsene, Sataneal, or Raoul. It will not work with other Personas.

Your Magistocratic powers will get stronger each time you train with Kaz. The strength will double if your Confidant goes up a Rank.

Kaz: Okay, now that that’s settled, let’s eat before our lunch gets cold.

Arcangelo: Right, let’s celebrate a new era in Neo Yokio history. It’s almost like we’re celebrating New Years twice.

>We enjoy our lunch with our new friends.

>I have now acquired the recipe for Squid Ink Fettuccine. If I have the ingredients, it’ll be available to make it in my (Joker’s) Kitchen.

>The Stray Sheep. Me, Fox, Kaz, and Arcangelo came here. Kaz and Arcangelo wanted to see us off. When we got there, we found Mona, Skull, Panther, Queen, Noir, Oracle, Crow, Violet, Wolf, Lavenza, Iwai, Ohya, Beauchamp, Mutton, Roderick, Mephisto, Lexy, Gottlieb, and Charles there. Oracle and Sophie had managed to establish contact with Headmistress Faragonda and a screen was projecting from Oracle’s laptop.

Hmm. It sounds irregular, but this wouldn’t be the first time something like this happened.

Really? It has?

Headmistress Faragonda: Of course, it was Bloom willing herself into her Enchantix. This is probably the first time I’ve heard of a Fairy, though not possessing Fairy Blood, will herself into having any Fairy Form. Particularly the basic Winx Form. But this just proves what I said was true. The stronger you get, the more likely you would transform.

Does this mean Ann chan will be able to transform into other Fairy Forms?

Headmistress Faragonda: Only time will tell. But I would like to think so.

Sweet! I can’t wait to see ‘em. I wonder what kinda sexy outfit she’ll be in.

I’ll claw your eyes out if you continue to think pervy thoughts like that...

Though now that you mention it, you’ve got any idea what size it would be?

(forming fire in her hand) I will roast you both alive!

Skull and Mona: Eep!

Look, all joking aside, what will this mean for Ann? She’s just completing her first year of college. I’m not sure if she’ll be able to transfer to Alfea or Tir Nan Og College. Nor let her go of bring COVID.

Headmistress Faragonda: True, Tir Nan Og is still reluctant about opening its doors since even Fairies are not exempt from this virus. And Queen Nebula is still trying deciding on whether or not to teach online with help from Tecna. Also, we cannot risk the virus being brought to Magix. But I will see what can be done.

Congratulations, Ann chan. I think your parents will be proud.

Panther: Thanks... Now the only problem left is how to tell them.

Really, you haven’t told them yet, Senpai?

Panther: I was getting around to it. But I will once we get back.

I think you’re all missing the bigger picture here... Which school will she be going?

Panther: I guess that would be a problem. I could go to Tir Non Og because it’s on Earth so it’s close to home. But then again, Bloom and the Winx are at Alfea and I could learn a little more from them. I still need to think about it.

You still have time before then. You’ll decide then.

Panther: I know. Thanks, Sophia.

So, even the Fairy Schools are having problems with the coronavirus. It looks like True Cross Academy and the Cram School are no longer the only ones having problems with continuing operations.

Headmistress Faragonda: I hardly think this is any reason to rub it in, Sir Pheles. And it is not just our schools of the supernatural and the mystic arts.

Like what? Hogwarts?

>Headmistress Faragonda and Mephisto were silent.

Are you serious? That school’s actually real?

Wait until my friend in Inaba hears about this. She’ll be laughing so hard to know that schools like that exist.

Yeah, we were surprised too when we learned that Ilvermorny was real.

That’s true... But I don’t think it would be wise to tell everybody. Some of them prefer to keep secret.

Ohya: Really? Well that sucks.

Yeah, makes me wonder if there’s a school like that in Neo Yokio.

Yeah. Hey, Kaz, is there a school for magic homies?

Kaz: Not really. We usually learn on the job. But I do wish there was a school like that.

Mephisto: I believe that can be arranged. Some of the Exorcists who are staying here are establishing a chapter here, despite that there will be no inquisition. The Grigori thought it would be best to have a place where the Magistocrats, young and old, can learn to better harness their powers. Without having to join the Order unless they desire to. So what do you say, Kaz Kaan? Would you like to join in this new Magistocrat Academy?

Kaz: ... I’ll think about it. For now, I’m just going to keep doing what I do.

Good for you. Sometimes you need to keeping doing things you do best before you can find your path.

Sophie: That sounds good... Of course, it could just the filter.

Charles: I would like to believe that even Sadie would agree.

Skull: (confused) Sadie? Who’s that?

Kaz: You’ll meet her someday. Right now, it’s best that you don’t. (Mostly because I think this post already has enough characters.)

Well, it looks like it’s finished.

Kaz: What do you mean?

Lexy: Me, Gottlieb, Boss, and Roderick have come up with something.

Kaz: So? It’s a can of Caprese. See you’ve taken inspiration from Charles’ story.

Lexy: It’s not just any Caprese in a can. It’s non-alcoholic Caprese for underage drinkers. Boss and Roderick says that if we can get everyone to join in on this drink. Here, try some.

>Lexy opens a can and pours some in a martini glass. Kaz then takes a sip of it...

It’s delicious! It’s almost as good as the alcoholic ones.

Lexy: (happy) You see? We also have the alcoholic ones, but I’m sure the non-alcoholic ones will sell, too.

>Are they really that good? I take one of the cans of non-alcoholic Caprese, open it, and take a huge sip...

Whoa, you weren’t kidding! This is great taste! It really is like drinking a salad.

So glad to hear that. It’ll be one of the crowning jewels here in the Stray Sheep. Even though most of everyone who’ll buy it will be from other worlds, you two will still get your cut.

Gottlieb: I’m sure it’ll be fine. We don’t care about the money anymore. Though we still need it, we won’t let it drive us from what is really important.

Lexy: He’s right. We’re not sure if it’s the change of heart speaking, but you have our word.

Mona: (whispering) Now that I think about it, this Caprese Martini could also be very useful.

Joker: (also whispering) I agree.

Mutton: (also whispering) I heard that. And I think I might arrange for that.

Joker: Can you?

Mutton: (adjusting his sunglasses) You’d be surprised.

Tutorial

Non-Alcoholic Caprese Martini is now a usable item.

Using it will restore 40 HP and SP. It will also raise your Attack, but lowers your Agility.

If you wish to buy a Caprese Martini, you can order it from the Stray Sheep’s website.

Tutorial 2

You can now order items from the Stray Sheep.

If you wish to order items from the Stray Sheep, go to the laptop and select Stray Sheep.

Here is a list of items you can purchase for now:

Sake Student: A sake made just for underage drinkers. (Restores 35 HP, but lowers Defense) ¥960

Root Beer Baron: The Stray Sheep’s own brew. (Restores 30 HP, but has a chance of inflicting Hunger) ¥720

Just Cola Connoisseur: A cocktail made without rum. (Restores 30 SP) ¥650

Almost Whisky Wiseman: Sparkling cider with some food coloring to make it look like real whisky. (Restores 35 SP, also raises your Attack, but has a chance of inflicting Brainwash, can also be used to revive fallen party member with 100 HP) ¥770

Full Body Soda: Cherry soda in a wine bottle. (Restores 35 HP and SP, also raises critical rate) ¥1300

Shepherd’s Pizza Pie: A pizza with a bit of Thomas Mutton’s touch. (Restores 35 HP to party) ¥960

Salted Peanuts: It’s as the name describes. (Restores 30 HP to party) ¥150

Roderick’s Rockstar Raspberry Pie: A slice of raspberry pie made special by Roderick Lockhart. (Restores 40 HP, can also be given away as a gift) ¥400

Non-Alcoholic Caprese Martini: See above. ¥450

Stray Sheep T-Shirt: A white t-shirt with the Stray Sheep logo on it. (Raises Attack by 10, can also be given as a gift or used room decoration) ¥500

Stray Sheep Cap: A white cap with the Stray Sheep logo on it. (Raises Luck by 10, can also be given as a gift) ¥500

Stray Sheep Jacket n’ Cap Set: A white and red jacket and cap with the Stray Sheep logo on them. (Costume, can only be bought once) ¥5000

Jukebox Melody: A CD full of songs from the Stray Sheep’s jukebox. (Can be give as a gift, song can be played in the Thieves Den) ¥1100

Mutton: (out loud) Well, if that’s all, I think it’s time we made our way home. We open if a few hours and, since Erica doesn’t work here anymore, we need to get ready.

Kaz: Hold on, I have something I want to give our new friends to commemorate the moment.

You mean it? You’re giving it to us?

Kaz: I thought it over and I say you deserve it.

Tutorial

Giant Toblerone is now a usable item.

Using it will restore 50 SP to the party.

It can also be given as a gift.

Once you order it from the Stray Sheep, you cannot order more until it arrives. It costs ¥900.

Joker: Thank you, Kaz. We appreciate it.

Kaz: Just come and look me and Arcangelo up the next time you’re in Neo Yokio.

Joker: We’ll be sure to do that.

>With that, Kaz, Arcangelo, Lexy Gottlieb, and Charles leave the Stray Sheep. When they turn back... the bar is gone.