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inspired-by-the-music · 4 years ago

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For You: 4 O’Clock

Taglist: @jineunwootrash @jamies-kpop-reactions

Chapter 16: Live in the Light

When I tiptoe into Lucas's room shortly after the break of dawn, handwritten novel in hand, I expect to find him fast asleep in a cocoon of blankets. Instead, I find him laying on the floor, bare chest and stomach flat against the hardwood and ear pressed to the air vent. His hair is blown wild. His eyes are wide and staring through me like he knows he has been caught up to no good, but he does not flinch away from the vent or sit upright or offer any explanation for his behavior.

As I close the door quietly, feeling that silence is of utmost importance, I ask, "What are you doing?" Mostly, I want to know why he is awake; I had been looking forward to shaking him awake and interrupting his sleepy grumbling to boast that I stayed up all night writing a book (!!!!), a permanent account of this time in our lives.

Lucas hisses, "Hush!" and brinks his index finger up to his puckered lips. "I'm trying to hear."

"Hear what?" I almost ask even though I suspect the answer.

Lucas keeps talking even though he is trying to hear. "You know, I was kinda pissed when Mom dragged me out of bed at the crack of dawn to talk about dating rules or whatever, but at least she woke me up in time to hear this!"

Lucas makes room for me on the floor, and I obey his gesture to fill the space. He is wearing that smug grin that he always wears when gossiping— the grin that is now almost exclusively reserved for teasing me about Taemin.

Although I guessed that Lucas was eavesdropping on Taemin's meeting with Mom before I dropped onto my knees to lower my ear to the frozen vent, my heart swells at the sound of his voice.

"I'm in love with her," Taemin is saying plainly, casually, comfortably, confidently. My first thought is that I have never spoken with such ease and that I likely never will; then, my fingers trace the binding of my story, and I remember that my time is coming.

Taemin slips into last night's anxious rhythm. Sounding very much like me as his voice wavers, Taemin continues, "I have never tried to be a bad influence. I didn't mean to keep our love locked in the dark. I want to bring it into the light. It's just—" Taemin sighs— "It's hard when something is born under the moon. Lei is a lot smarter than me. She thinks a lot more than me. So I probably should have believed her when she first told me that someone is always watching. She was right. She is right."

All at once, it occurs to me that I have never wanted to be right. Especially not about that. Especially when I am just repeating something that somebody else told me— that somebody else taught me.

Lucas slings an arm around my shoulders. His skin burns mine through my pajamas. Maybe he thinks that he is holding me together, but I know that I am not falling apart. I'm just frowning. I'm just a little disappointed by certain facts of life.

"If I knew some way to love her out in the open, I would," Taemin promises. "I try. Sometimes, I think I've made some kind of breakthrough. I think I've brought us to some place without shadows. But I just— I haven't."

"You have," I want to argue. I bite my tongue, though, because it is not my turn to speak. I have spoken to the insecurities Taemin has entrusted to me, and only Mom can speak to those he entrusts to her. Greedily, selfishly, I want all of Taemin to myself— even the parts that he would probably rather hide.

Suddenly, it hits me. I shouldn't be listening to this. I was not invited to this conversation. Yet, I cannot walk away. I have to hear how Mom responds.

Taemin keeps rambling. "I'm sorry that I snuck into your house. I'm sorry I ruined your perception of me. I'm sorry that—"

To interrupt his spiral, to catch him like he caught me in the garden, Mom gently says, "Taemin."

When I close my eyes to lose myself in her voice, I can almost see her reaching across the table to pat his hand or trace her fingers along my ribbon around his wrist. She probably recognizes it instantly now that she sees it up close. She picked it out.

"As your manager, I have to know things like this to protect you. You understand how your professional reputation could have suffered if the press ran a story about you and Lei while I was completely unprepared, don't you?"

Lucas and I stiffen and huddle together to share warmth and confidence as we hear Taemin swallowing the lump in his throat. Through a cough, Taemin assures her, "Yes, ma'am. I understand. I'm sorry."

"And surely I don't have to point out how dangerous it is for you to climb in and out of that window every night," Mom probably frowns at her. Worry probably etches a line into her forehead between her eyebrows. "And I do assume that climbing in through the window to Lei's room is an every night ordeal."

Taemin is not a liar, so he does not try to convince Mom that she has assumed incorrectly. "No, ma'am," he mumbles, probably through a pout. "You don't have to point that out."

"Good. Now, as Lei's Mother—"

Mom sighs as she switches one persona for another. Lucas, Taemin, and I hold our breath. What Mom says as my mother is far more valuable than what she says as our manager. As proven by her departure with Super Junior, she is not always a manager, but she is forever my Mom.

"I don't want you to hide your love for Lei. Ever. And I am sorry if I have ever said or done anything to make you think that you had to hide from me."

Taemin and I interrupt at the same time to blurt, "You didn't."

But Mom continues, probably smiling fondly, probably hearing me. "I want you to love her out loud. I know that you can't do that on every street or under every light. I understand that; I promise. I never made my debut, but it is not hard for me to imagine how suffocating it must be to look around every corner. I want you to feel free to breathe in these walls. There should be no shadows here. There should be only shade, and that means no more sneaking through the window!"

Mom's laughter, I imagine, paints Taemin's face scarlet. Mom's laughter, I know, sculpts identical toothy grins into my face and Lucas's. Lucas crushes me with a hug while Mom says, "That means walking through the front door and making yourself at home!"

Because Mom knows Taemin strictly in a professional setting, she might not expect him to take her invitation to heart. Like Lucas before him, and Heechul before Lucas, Taemin will make a permanent residence in our house. Should either of us ever hope to be free from him, we will be disappointed to learn that life without him is dull or gray or nonexistent. Taemin will touch everything, make his mark on everything, and nothing— nothing will ever be as it once was.

I will never again be as I once was.

"Okay," Taemin says so sweetly that I can feel him smiling. His smile melts my heart into a puddle on Lucas's floor. There's no point in trying to mop it up. He promises Mom, "I'll make you happy that your Lei is in love with me."

Mom promises him in a voice as warm as the morning sun, "I am already happy."

And I almost push through my trembling fear of change to cheer into the vent that I am happy too.

Following Mom’s call, I walk into the kitchen where she stands, breathing into an orange cup of coffee that fogs the lenses of her glasses. She sets the cup on a coaster when I lay my notebook on the marble island. She stares down at the notebook, the notebook stares up at her, and because there is little anyone can say to an inanimate object, Mom raises her eyebrows.

“What’s that?” She asks as her manicured hand reaches for the book.

I can’t explain why I swipe the book away. I can’t explain why I hug it against my chest except to say, well, It’s Mine.

I answer, “These are my prepared remarks,” through a tense, embarrassed, blushing sort of smile. The sort of smile I would usually reserve for anyone at the agency who isn’t my mother. “And I have to read them to you, or else they won’t sound right.”

Mom’s head goes aslant. “You— you prepared a statement as if this were an agency meeting?” Something in her voice sounds hurt.

“No,” I reply instantly. My tone is initially blunt, flat, offended by the misunderstanding, but my voice brightens as it explains, “This is a conversation between a Mother and Daughter. Me and You. This—” I raise the notebook so it almost conceals all of my blushing face— “Is a record of everything I want to remember, everything I can never forget, everything I was born to tell you.”

Drawing a deep breath, I condition, “But this won’t work if we wear our masks. This won’t work if I tell you as Lei, the idol, and you listen as Kimberly, the manager, or as Kimberly, the idol who never debuted. We— we have to share this experience as Lei and Mom, the people bonded by the universe.”

Do I sound too authoritarian? Too strict? Bossy?

After pushing her fogged glasses up past her hairline, Mom looks at me. She has to squint to make out my features. Most likely, I am still blurry, but I don't smile to be seen. I smile because I just want to smile for her.

“Okay, baby.” She rounds the island to cup my cheek in her palm. Her skin has always been so soft, so warm. Exactly what you would expect her touch to feel like. The kind of touch that could piece together a shattered flower in the garden.

Feeling under-dressed in my pajamas now that Mom stands before me in a white collared shirt and black slacks, I laugh. “Was I supposed to dress up?” I stop just short of asking if Taemin dressed up only because it is not time to say his name.

Mom steps back to take in my appearance. “Well, it wouldn’t have killed you to change out of the pajamas you wore to dinner last night, Lei.” Her red-painted lips curl into a smirk as her hands raise to straighten the collar of my shirt. “I guess you’re not eager to change out of Taemin’s shirt, though, huh?”

My cheeks tingle, and my smile grows, and my heart swells, and butterflies rage through my stomach, and I fall even deeper into the sky, far, far, far past the clouds and stars, at Taemin’s name. Catching Mom around the wrist, knowing that my touch is not soft or warm, I confess, “I’m in love with him,” because that is all I have ever wanted to say. “I am in love with Taemin. I never believed that I would get to meet him or work with him. I never believed that I would give him my ribbon or that I would give him my heart, but I think I must have dreamt about it all those nights I fell asleep listening to his voice through the radio.”

Mom looks like me when she wants to cry. Her fingers lace through mine. If I was falling apart— if I was crumbling under the moon— she would hold me together. “I knew I recognized that ribbon!” She smiles. “When did you give it to him? And why? And why does he wear it like a bracelet?”

“Honestly, I can’t believe he didn’t tell you about it. That ribbon is his favorite thing to brag about.” My cheeks burn and ache as my smile broadens. “I’ll tell you. It’s all in here, in this book. I— I can’t wait to read it to you.”

Mom’s free hand reaches out for the notebook again, but only so her fingers can trace the letters I wrote on the front. The title. For You.

“For You,” she mutters under her breath. Her lips quiver. She is going to cry; maybe not right now, but she will cry soon. “Who is ‘You’?”

Mom’s watering eyes have formed a lump in my throat. It hurts to squeeze words past the lump, but I force them through anyway. I know I’m strong enough. I know that these words will not hurt me. Not forever, anyway. Not in a bad way. Not in a way that scars. A necessary pain. Growing pain.

“‘You’ is everybody I’ve ever wanted to be honest.” My voice is hoarse. “‘You’ is Taemin, and Donghae, and Lucas, and Sehun, and Baekhyun, and myself, and Grandma, and myself, and— most of all, ‘you’ is you, Mom. Every word in this— I wrote all of them for you so that you might understand me in my own words. That’s how much I love you: I want to share all of myself with you.”

Mom is stepping closer to the verge of tears, but the stability of her voice could fool anybody into believing otherwise. “That’s how much I love you: I live to hear every word you have ever thought.”

Before I can start to cry before the story has begun, Mom squeezes my hand. She makes me strong enough to remember that tears are not a sign of weakness. Tears are a form of self-expression, a way to release what we can no longer hold on to and carry.

“How long is this story going to be?” Mom asks. “Should we sit on the couch in the living room?”

I admit, “It’s kind of long. I was up until 4 o’clock writing it.” Laughing at the thought of Lucas panicking beside his vent upstairs, I say, “Lucas is listening through the vent in his room, though, and he won’t be able to hear us if we talk in the living room. His heart will be broken, and I am not in the business of hurting Lucas.”

Lucas does not give me or Mom the chance to draw the shallowest breath before he bellows, “WAIT FOR ME, I’LL BE RIGHT DOWN!”

The closest I come to protesting, which is not close at all, is screaming at an equal volume, “PUT A SHIRT ON, LUCAS! Nobody wants to see you in the nude!”

Because he is tangled in a tight black shirt that blinds him, Lucas stumbles over several steps at the bottom of the staircase. Thankfully, he is tall enough to land on his feet at the last possible second. The moment his head emerges through the shirt, his tongue darts out at me. “I betcha never tell Taemin to put a shirt on!”

Mom laughs. She never corrects Lucas’s bratty behavior at home. It makes me sick.

I resist the urge to retort that I have only seen Taemin shirtless one (1) time because a.) I don’t want to spoil any of the story for Mom, and b.) Lucas will somehow psychically know that I hadn’t told Taemin to put his shirt on. Lucas always knows what I wish he would never find out; he probably knows that I am wearing the shirt discarded during that New Year’s strip rock-paper-scissors game. It’s just by some miracle that he hasn’t blurted it out.

“If you’re gonna stay down here, Lucas, you can’t interrupt to say anything stupid!” I roll my eyes as if there is even the tiniest part of me that wants him to be absent from the first reading of my story. Realizing that there is no way he will be able to hold his tongue for the full duration of the story, realizing that I don’t want Lucas to feel at all unwelcome, I decide, “I will break between chapters for commentary.”

“Fine,” Lucas agrees. He snatches the post-it note magnet from the refrigerator and announces, “I’ll write my commentary so I don’t forget anything I want to say. But you have to promise that you’ll publish my notes with the finalized novel!”

My mouth opens to argue that I have absolutely no intention of publishing such a personal manuscript, but I catch the words before they fall out. The day could too easily be squandered in an argument with Lucas, and I want to finish telling the story before Taemin bursts through the front door with his whole suitcase or something.

“Whatever, Lucas,” I sigh as I lead Mom into the living room by the hand. “Just make sure you write legibly.”

COMMENTARY BY LUCAS WONG

Chapter 1:

Lei is HOT with short hair!

Mom told us not to end up like the idol who never debut, but she (!!!!!) was the idol who never debuted all along!!!! Sneaky!!!!

Mom DID look hot in that pantsuit! Tbh though Mom looks hot in everything

Lei kept getting distracted by Taemin’s laugh bc she was in LOVE all ALONG!!!

bro, shindong is always starting some shit

How could we not tell that Mom and Donghae were in love the whole time???

Kai was so annoying that day on set, but at least I got to be in that subunit!

Wait, imagine if TAEMIN had been in the subunit though… that would be hot… note to self: convince Mom to debut Lei x Taemin subunit— puppy eyes maneuver

How the HELL did Baek know that Mom is the idol who never debuted? He’s so suspicious… note to self: keep an eye on Baek

Chapter 2:

Don’t be lonely, Lei!!! I’m here!

Man, I really did try to save Lei from Baek’s kidnapping plot

Lei’s really that weak for Baek’s smile? Sounds sus… note to self: keep an eye on Lei

Yeah, Ten IS conniving

Yeah, I AM cute by coincidence, fate, AND nature

Taemin’s not a mystery to me, dude, and he KNOWS he’s had you wrapped around his finger since day one

Man, i’m so glad Kai likes Lei now. For a minute there, I thought we were gonna have to fight or something

So THAT’S what she and Taemin talked about by the lake!!!

Lei’s thing for Jaemin was, is, and always will be disgusting. Don’t ship it.

The Ice Incident hahahahahahhaa

Real funny how Lei never liked my cuddles, but she can’t sleep without Taemin

So THAT’S what Kai said to Lei on the pier!

[Editor’s Note: This is all of Lucas’s written commentary. Onward from Chapter 3, the chapter about Donghae’s birthday party, Lucas sat silently perched on the edge of his seat and listened to the rest of the story, crying when he was compelled to cry (usually by Ms. Kim’s tears), laughing when he was compelled to laugh (usually by Ms. Kim’s laughter), and generally drowning in pride and admiration for his best friend, who had expressed herself most genuinely.]

By the time I close the notebook, throat tight and sore from speaking for so long and resisting the urge to cry, neither Mom nor Lucas is looking at me. Their gazes are fixed on the floor. Mom still strokes the back of my head, though, so I do not feel unnerved by the silence.

Finally, Lucas breaks the silence when he demands to know, “Well, what happens next?”

As I gawk at him, unaware of how to explain the concept of time and the unpredictability of the future, Mom softly says, “Lucas, honey, we’re all caught up with the present. Lei wrote about the past. Unless she wants to start making things up, or unless she starts having psychic visions, the story is over. At least for now!”

“Oh.” Lucas’s lips press into a pout. His eyes widen and glitter as they meet mine. “That was the best story ever!” He runs over to crush me with a hug. “Promise you’ll write more! Please!”

I glance desperately at Mom, quietly urging her to tell Lucas to get off, but she says no such thing. Wiping at the few remaining tears in her eyes, she agrees, “It was really good. Writing seems therapeutic for you. Maybe you should keep making time to journal, even if you don’t share your work with anybody.”

Finally, Lucas releases me and collapses at my side. As I nod at Mom’s advice, I think that there is no way I could ever keep my writing to myself ever again. Maybe I won’t read it in public. Maybe I will never share myself with strangers. Maybe I won’t publish it under my name or at all. But there is no shortage of people to share my words with: Grandma, Mom, Donghae, Lucas, Taemin.

Gradually, or maybe all at once, I will trust them with everything.

I think that’s what it means to live in the light.

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cruzrogue · 5 years ago

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Into the Future PartIII

#Fictober19 @fictober-event

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for fanfiction:

Prompt number: Prompt 29 “I’m doing this for you.”

Fandom (AU if applicable): #arrow fanfiction #olicity

Rating:PG13

Warnings/Tags: time travel

Summary: Felicity lands up time traveling to the moment right after her future self goes with the Monitor. Landing in the bunker and meeting her future kids. They don’t seem impressed. As if that isn’t enough for a young-version Felicity to deal with she needs to head back into her present time and stop Oliver from completing a task on Lian Yu. Keeping the ley lines intact.

Notes: Felicity Smoak goes to the future and meets three members of Future Team Arrow.

Part 3 of 4 Prompt 29 “I’m doing this for you.” (on A03 now)

Part 4 of 4 Prompt 30 “I’m with you, you know that.” (next prompt)

Notes: The continuation as Felicity goes to Lian Yu and meets Oliver Queen who has no clue who she is… he’ll be getting a crash course on how to be Smoaked.

Past ones:

1/2 Prompt number 1 “It will be fun, trust me.”

2/2 Prompt number: 4 “I know you didn’t ask for this.”

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

Into the Future PartIII on A03

“You’ve got this cool mystery house…”

Interrupting Felicity to make sure she knows once again the name of the abode their currently in. “House of Mystery.”

She shakes her head at the slight difference he surely needed you point out and starts her argument again, “You have this House of Mystery and I have a bookstore full of weird mind altering books. We are living every science fiction dork’s dream right now.”

“It is not a dream per se we are living…”

“John! I meant something entirely different. It wasn’t even regarding anything to do with us personally. Never mind!” She gives up.

He smirks at how irate she can get. In-between Holidays and school vacations John finds himself with a roommate. Felicity Smoak’s key has a way of her entering the house where a room shifts to become this bookstore of hers. He can’t say he has had any significant issues with this fiery spirit that is so gung-ho.

Coming to enjoy her visits. As a loner he shakes his head that this young interesting girl who has been encompassed to save them all from a certain doom. It is so like the fates to play this game. To throw a person into a vast learning curve where each step has dire consequences.

“I’m going to go read, there is this book that has an eerie eye that seems to want me to open it.” His look says it all. “I know it sounds dangerous. The scripts on the outside say futurae, relicum, futurum, relicuum.” She shrugs she knows it has to do with future events. She tried to translate but got these words: rest, remainder, future, residue, mortal remains. Still she going to open this book and hopeful learn something of importance.

“Be weary of this book.”

Winking at John, which to him she can’t do right she says, “Eye shall be.” It just has him shake his head at her dorkiness.

Closing the door behind her she heads to the small desk that she laid the book on. The eye imprinted upon the middle looks so alive. It doesn’t move though because if it did she’d throw it and never touch it again but nonetheless it visually creeps her out. “Okay, let’s do this.” Cracking it open for the first time she can smell the musty old pages. “Ew.” She sees nothing written upon all the empty pages. “Huh?” Closing the book, it is then the illustrated eye opens and she makes an Eep sound as she drops from her chair with the book still in her grasp but doesn’t hit the floor.

No, there is no more floor. Nor walls or ceiling that she has come to recognizes as the bookstore. She’s in silent shock as she is falling through darkness with this book in her hands. It feels like forever but it mere seconds until lights flood her vision and boom she hit solid concrete.

Making a grumbling sound as she lets the book drop to the floor and she massages her rear end. The sting of hitting this floor hard most likely to leave a nice size bruise. Felicity getting up she realizes she is now facing a blonde holding a bow with an arrow pointing directly at her.

It is a male voice that is wearing a suit that comes from behind this scary looking girl that looks to be around her age. “Who are you? How did you get here?”

“Um I don’t even know what here is.” The blonde pulls the arrow back slightly and Felicity even without knowing much about archery knows that it’s not a good sign. “Hey I come in peace.”

“Who are you?” The man says again.

“My name is Felicity Smoak.”

Both of them make a gruff sound. The girl moves slightly closer but looks to want to let the arrow go. “He asked you for your name. So, try again.”

Felicity just taking in this bunker, “Are we underground? Who are you three.” She notices a black male taking the scene in. She has never seen any of these individuals in her life.

“We ask the questions?” Felicity just nods she really doesn’t need to be skewered.

“Like my sister just said. Answer the question.”

“Okay, I was reading. Well, I tried to read it. The thing… The book really has no words on its pages and well I fell through something or another.” Shrugging because that is the truth.

“I swear I will let this arrow go in the next second…”

“Frack.” If she’s going to die at least she will do it in style of being true to herself. “I am Felicity Megan Smoak and I think you are way too pushy.”

“Mia, maybe she is telling the truth. I mean we did see her just fall to the bunker’s floor.” Conner says still keeping an eye on the intruder.

“Mia, cute. Sounds like a cat’s name. I mean I’ve never had a pet but that’s a name I’d most likely call it.”

The blonde moans but lowers her bow. “If you’re Felicity Smoak prove it?”

“What do you mean. Prove it? How many Felicity Smoak’s’ have you met?”

William answers, “One, and she was a great woman.”

“Okay. Not to sound odd or anything but what year is it?”

Conner chuckles but says 2040 which has Felicity gasp. “Oh! I’m way in the future. I’m like fifty-one here. Do I look good for my age, not that…? That it is relevant. You know what? Yea it is. I mean I’m all for brainpower but I’d still like to look good.”

“She sounds like Felicity?” Conner supplies.

“We have a machine that will prove to us your identity.”

“Okay. So, do we know each other?”

William looking at what could be his step-mom in awe. “I doubt it.”

“I meant do you know the future me?”

Connor shakes his head as he holds a smile.

Mia just annoyed and yet excited tells Conner, “Conner, shut it. Just get Archer.”

“Who is Archer?”

William can’t help but laugh, “It something you were tinkling on with when we were living in Hope Springs.”

Felicity’s eyebrow raises, “We do know each other.”

“Let’s just see what Archer says first.” As Conner activates the device. It goes through a protocol mode and states each person in the room. “Okay, you’re Felicity.”

“Yea, I know.” Inspecting the two men their names don’t ring any bells but the little program she might have built kept from telling her the other female’s name in the room. “It doesn’t recognize you Mia. Why?”

Mia still has her eyes on her mother. It’s probably best if she doesn’t know, time travel rules she thinks. Just find out what her mom needs so she can be on her way. “Safety protocol I guess, why are you here.”

“You are very talkative.” Felicity says in a huff. Talking to this girl is like pulling teeth. “If this program is made by me there would be a reason I’d keep you off its grid. We’re related aren’t we?”

Mia a little uncomfortable, “How? How did you know?”

“I’m a genius. Well people get uncomfortable or roll their eyes when I mention it but I’m usually the smartest cookie in a room.”

William laughs, “That’s because you usually are.” Felicity smiles at him. She already liked him before but she likes him even more now.

“You are a cutie. Please tell me you’re Oliver Queen’s son.” Now that gets everyone in the room to gasp. “You said we lived together. You look to be around your early twenties. Only reason I would live with a younger you is if I were your mother, aunt, or some sort of maternal figure. The way you gasped at my name I figuring I’m your mom. This girl here is my daughter. I can see resemblance of family between you both and Mia and I could pass for sisters.”

“Whoa, you really are smart.” Conner says impressed.

Felicity just shrugs but keeps her eyes focused on Conner Hawke. “You on the other hand have been giving my daughter the heart eyes and she scowls at you so there is love problems here but I’d be a good mom and butt out but don’t you hurt my baby girl.”

“Mom!” Mia says and then takes it back, “I mean not my mom.”

“Sure honey. Tell me? Is there more of you?”

“What?”

“I always thought if I had kids which at this stage of my life I don’t want but if I did. Being a single child I always dreamed of three maybe four kids.”

“Four kids?”

“Hey, if I dream. I dream big. I always wanted a bigger family and now that I know of my future husband because he is kind of cute for being an older guy I could see myself not being able to keep my hands off…”

Both William and Mia interrupt. “Please don’t.” “No, ew.”

“Not that time isn’t a huge flux of space and rhythm but there must be a reason I’m here.” Felicity looks at the program. A DNA based program is dangerous. In the wrong hands it could be apocalyptic. “I’m here to change things. Save the world and stuff.”

Mia states, “That is something similar you have said about dad but you’ve always were so vague.”

“Well if I know myself. Protecting you would always be my objective and it seems I made sure you could handle yourself.” Mia smiles her mom had her train from a young age. “Can I look at the program?” She can tell that these three are having a non-verbal discussion. “It’s probably why I was sent here by that book.” Felicity glances at the book still on the floor, “I’m doing this for you.”

William looking at the book. “A book?”

“Hmm hmm. A creepy book. It brought me here to learn something so as much as it rocks knowing I have two cool kids at least I need to do my best to help and maybe even protect your dad.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, Oliver Queen your father. Where is he anyways?” That is when Felicity can feel the mood shift. She gets it. Whatever is supposed to be stopped from happening, happened. “Ah!” She pauses as many thoughts goes through her mind. “Okay, can I look at Archer or not. Maybe there is something else that…”

William takes the device that Conner had and gives it to his step-mom. He’ll keep from telling her he isn’t really her son. Some information shouldn’t be privy it could alter everything. He watches as Felicity takes a sit and begins to understand her handiwork.

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

Spending time with her future kids will always be a highlight she’ll carry with her always. It was quite hard to leave them. All around the same age it was like having siblings in a way. No matter she had to leave and somehow now knows that she needs Oliver to not find that monument in Lian Yu.

As the fates have smiled on her she thinks. When she gets back from the future John Constantine is planning on an excursion to that very same place.

“I don’t know. It’s dangerous territory.”

“John, are you trying to get me to beg?”

“No. I doubt you’d go that far my love, you’d find a way to hitch a ride with me. Besides I know how important this all is. I be a damn fool to hinder you.”

“Sometimes you are so sweet.”

“I’m always sweet.”

“Ha, maybe when you’re napping.”

“Whoa, whoa there. You’ve watched me nap?”

“Really John, wouldn’t that be creepy?”

“Only if you got caught.”

“Well, I haven’t watched you sleep but if I did I would have tried to steal those terrible cancer sticks you carry around.”

“They’re cigarettes.”

“Same difference.”

“Good thing I like you.” He extends his arm, “Ready for an adventure?”

To be continued on next prompt…

#fictober19 #olicity #oliver queen #felicity smoak #mia smoak queen #william clayton #john constantine

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ask-the-phan-site · 5 years ago

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Phan Cam: Trial by Light, Trial by Wright (or The Kaijudo Turnabout)

WARNING: Since the other admin has never played the Ace Attorney series and has only ever watched the crossover, somethings might be wrong. Don’t be afraid to tell us if we did anything wrong. Also, this post can be a bit long.

>The Temple Arena. I requested a duel with Tareq to better some of myself.

Are you ready for this?

Bring it on!

Tareq: Then here we go! Tuber Tribe!

>Luckily, I did some research in the Library and know just the Creature to use.

Joker: Kronax the Brutal!

>After an almost long bout, I win the duel.

Tareq: (panting) That was tough. I know our Creatures were the same level, but you only won because your Creature’s from more than one Civilization.

Or I just have a good teacher.

Tareq: (a little embarrassed) Now that’s just... Thanks.

>Just then, Gabe was running to us.

Hey, you guys have to come up to the studio. Quickly!

>I quickly change to my normal clothes and go up with Tareq and Gabe. When we arrive... Nigel Brightmore standing with his head slightly down but still looking at Master Kimora.

I’ve... I have come back.

Yes, you have.

Nigel: I’ve come... To atone for all the unspeakable things I have done to you and the Order.

Master Kimora: I can see that.

Nigel: So, what punishment awaits me?

Master Kimora: The other Masters and I have already voted to give you a formal hearing to decide your fate. Are you ready?

Tareq: Please take it, Master Brightmore, it would make things easier.

Nigel: ... Alright. I’ll do it.

Well if we’re going to do this, we should do it properly. It seems Master Isao and Master Nadia are not convinced about going easy on you. And Master Chavez is at a crossroads.

Master Kimora: That’s right. Even I have some doubt. Best to do this.

Gabe: Are you suggesting we give Nigel an attorney?

Master Kimora: If you’re sure, alright. Are you choosing to act as Nigel’s attorney?

Joker: I know I thing or two about how trials...

But I think we should let a professional to handle this.

Tareq: What about that one you worked with back in Japan? The one who used to be a prosecutor.

Joker: I don’t think we should have her come all the way here to America for this. But she has told me of someone who lives around here in California. I already called him here just in case Nigel does come to turn himself in. I’ll call him and let him know he’s needed now.

Master Kimora: Are you sure?

Joker: You can just erase his memories after this. It’ll be alright.

Master Kimora: Very well. Call him.

>I take out my phone and dial the number.

Joker: Hey, it’s me. It’s time.

??????? ??????: About time, I thought was gonna we waiting forever.

Joker: Well, your wait is done. Meet us at The Five Paths Martial Arts Studio.

??????? ??????: Alright, I’m on my way.

>Me and Gabe are now standing outside the dojo when an Uber shows up. Someone comes out after paying the driver.

Gabe: That must be him.

>We go over to the man... He doesn’t look happy.

Man, how do I get myself into these situations? A trial at a dojo?

Well this is a special case.

Gabe: (a bit awestruck) Oh my! I’ve seen you on the news! You’re the Ace Attorney!

(he insisted we use this picture) I guess after all these years, I’m still known as that. (I’ll have to talk to Maya later.) Actually, my name’s Phoenix Wright. But, you can just call me Nick.

Gabe: Still, it’s pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wright. I mean, Nick, sir.

Nick: (thinking to himself) Oh dear, just what I need: A fan. (out loud) So, you called me out here for a trial. What’s it about?

Joker: We’ll explain more once we get inside.

>We walk Nick inside through the dojo, through the mirror and into the Temple.

Nick: (shock and awe) Holy geeze, I had no idea something like this was done here!

Gabe: Phoenix Wright, welcome to the Temple of the Kaijudo Duel Masters. Come, we’ll explain on the way.

>We go over to the Creature Pen were Nigel is being kept. On the way, we fill Nick in on everything that’s going on.

Nick: So you want me to represent this Nigel Brightmore and convince these Duel Masters to give him a lighter punishment for mistreating these Creatures, including the one he worked with, and betraying the Masters to their enemies?

Gabe: That’s pretty much the sum of it.

Joker: So, will you do it?

Nick: (thinking to himself again) God, I’m in over my head. Then again, I’ve seen my fair share of weird stuff. Mediums, special effects used by witches, magicians who might actually have magic, even an English guy in a top hat who says he’s just a teacher, but his puzzle solving skills makes him seem more like a detective. (out loud) Alright, I’ll see what I can do.

>We arrive at the pen where Master Toji is now taking Nigel out. Allie is there, too, with a serious look on her face.

So, this is who will be convincing the Masters to go easy on you.

Nick: Seems that way.

Gabe: Um, Allie, that look on your face is not very reassuring.

Well, you know how manged to find an attorney for Nigel? ... Well, someone came up to be the prosecutor.

What!? You can’t be serious.

Gabe: Who would want to prosecute Nigel?

?????: Wouldn’t you like to know, Fat Boy!

Gabe: (shocked) What are you doing down here!? Don’t tell me you’re the prosecutor.

You wish. I came with the prosecutor.

Gabe: Who?

Carny: (who I learned about) Why spoil the surprise? You’ll see soon enough.

>With that, he leaves.

Master Toji: I have bad feeling.

Allie: Same here.

Nick: Okay, if we’re going to win this hearing, you better tell me everything you have.

Nigel: I will tell you everything you need to know to the best I can.

>The War Room that uses for surveillance around San Campion and where the Masters hold their meetings was converted into a makeshift courtroom for the hearing. The Masters will be acting as judges and jury. Fox and Oracle were asked to be the court stenographers. They would normally ask Ray to do it, but he was asked to testify. The rest of us were sitting on benches, including Ray’s parents who were asked to also testify. Nick asked me to be his co-counsel. Then, we all rose as Nigel was brought in by Master Toji, who volunteered to be the bailiff.

Disciplinary hearing of Nigel Galahad Brightmore, Former Master of the Light Civilization for the Order of the Kaijudo Duel Masters, age 48, is now in session. Judges for this hearing, the Kaijudo Duel Masters. Jinora Dee Jaha, Master of the Darkness Civilization. Age 45.

Hector Miguel Chevez, Master of the Fire Civilization. Age 26.

Master Kimora: Benjirou Kishino Kimora, Master of the Nature Civilization. Age 38.

Isao Keone Okamoto, Current Master of the Light Civilization. Age 72.

Nadia Olga Lobachevsky, Master of the Water Civilization. Age 27.

Master Jaha: Court stenographer, Yusuke Kitagawa, age 18. Bailiff, Master Toji, age 43. Co-attorneys for the defendant, Phoenix Wright and Ren Amamiya, ages 35 and 18. Prosecutor?

>Carny came up with a man who looked like an older version of him. Everyone seems to know him as they make sneers at him.

Alexander Andrew Carnahan, Founder and CEO of Carnahan Chemicals and acting prosecutor. Age 43.

Carny: Philippe Marco Carnahan, co-counsel for the prosecutor. Age 16.

Ray: You’re the prosecutor?

Mr. Carnahan: Being a successful businessman, I also know a thing or two about the legal system.

Ray: But why?

Mr. Carnahan: Because, boy... The Choten owes me. I’m merely here to collect... Nigel Brightmore is now my property. But since I can’t get him back after he’s turned himself over, this is the only way I can get him back. Good luck.

Nick: (thinking) Man, the trial hasn’t even begun and already this guy’s trying to intimidate us.

Master Jaha: Master Kimora, please tell us the charges of the defendant.

Master Kimora: Nigel Brightmore, you stand here before us for the mistreatment and inhumane actions the Creatures of the Creature Realms, alongside our greatest enemy, the Choten. How do you plea?

Nigel: I... Plea guilty.

Master Jaha: Now, one of our acolytes has petitioned that we give you a lighter sentence. However, Masters Isao and Nadia wish to give a much harsher punishment. If we hear the testimonies of those involved, we will decide on what our next course of action on you will be. Do you understand this?

Nigel: I do.

Master Jaha: Good. Toji?

Master Toji: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Nigel: I do.

Master Jaha: Now, tell us everything.

Nigel’s Testimony

-The Fallen Light Master-

I have been the Master of Light since I was 29. A total of 17 years. I have been practicing Kaijudo since I was a lad of 11 when my family moved here to the States. I always saw how Light would always prevail through the chaos and disorder. So, when the Light Master before me stepped down, I took over her place in the Order. In time, I became good friends with fellow Masters, August Choten, the Water Master, and Tiera Ubach, the Fire Master. We shared many things together. But there were some secrets they weren’t willing to share. It wasn’t until after Tiera demanded I use the Spell of Temporary Evolution on her Creature that I realized just how far these people are willing to go to get what they want. I came to the belief that only law and order can keep us together. My view on it became more distorted when the Choten betrayed us. Since then, I started seeing the Creatures as nothing more than tools and that anyone who broke rules were no different than the Choten. When Raiden joined us and began changing things, I felt that his way would only corrupt our way of life for many years. It even drove me to side with the Choten. Since then, I have followed what he was doing to the Creatures. Using some kind of serum to force evolve them. I even used it on my own Creature, Ra-Vu. He did not like it and I should have listened. It wasn’t until the day of the invasion from the Choten’s Evolved and Corrupted Creatures that I finally saw the truth. I wanted to end it. Me and Tiera ended up fighting. But we fell into different ley lines and ended up in different parts of the world. I do not know where Tiera ended up, but I ended up somewhere in our New York outpost. I managed to get away before anyone knew I was there. Since then, I have wandered the states until I finally arrived back here in San Campion where I took a job as the manager of a convenient store. But there, my heart was most distorted... Until the Phantom Thieves changed all that. Now, here I am, pleading for my case to convince the Master before me to have mercy on me.

-End of Testimony-

Nick: Sounds like you did a lot.

Master Jaha: Indeed. I was there. You have been through so much.

Nigel: Yes. I have.

Mr. Carnahan: Yes, it was a touching bedtime story... Because it was putting Carny to sleep.

>Carny was snoring next to his father... Obviously he’s faking.

Nick: Your son is obviously faking it!

Carny: (opening his eyes and whispers) It was worth a try.

Nick: Still, your story does intrigue me. I may not know much about this whole Kaijudo thing, but it sound like you really wanted keep things in order.

Nigel: As any Duelist of Light would. But I let myself be consumed. What I did then must now make others wish for me to suffer. And I wouldn’t blame them.

Master Isao: That’s the truth.

Nick: Still, your story has a lot. You mentioned the Phantom Thieves.

Nigel: Yes. A calling card was delivered to me.

>Phantom Thieves Calling Card has been added to the court records.

Joker: (shocked) Oh, that reminds me. You should add this as well. It’s Nigel’s gauntlet.

>Dueling Gauntlet has been added to the court records.

Nick: (thinking) These could come in handy later. (out loud) If you would, I think we should now cross-examine Mr. Brightmore’s testimony.

Master Jaha: Very well. Proceed.

Joker: He’s hoping we find something to help us and Nigel.

Nick: Okay. Just don’t get too cocky.

The Fallen Light Master: Cross-Examination

>We listen to Nigel’s testimony again.

Nick: You’ve been practicing Kaijudo that long? I was told the youngest you had to practice was 14.

Nigel: Things were different back then. We were willing to take in any age to preserve the ways of Kaijudo and the protection of this world from the Creature Realm. Master Chavez was one of the last to be accepted at such a young age.

Master Chavez: He’s right. I was 10 when I joined the Order.

Master Nadia: And I still remember that day.

>The two Master stared happily at each other.

Mr. Carnahan: (irritated) Can we please get back on subject? Anyway, Brightmore is right about training in Kaijudo at such a young age, but someone who has been trained in the ways of Light has got to be so messed up in the head. In a way, that makes him too much of a danger. But you may not have to suffer that danger if you let me have him.

Nick: Light is suppose to be about order. I doubt someone who believes in that could be that messed up. Unlike Fire, which, I am told, are usually hotheads.

Master Chavez: That’s true. Even I’m not above losing my temper now and again.

Mr. Carnahan: True. But you’re young. You haven’t gone over to the deep end like Brightmore did.

Master Jaha: True. But what of Master Isao? He is older than Nigel and he’s been in the path of Light longer than him. And yet, he hasn’t been totally engulfed.

Master Isao: Only because I had my family to help me come back out. Especially my grandnephew.

Ray: (a bit flattered) I’m glad to hear that, Uncle Isao.

Nick: (thinking) They’re related? Then again, their they have the same last names.

>We hear a little more of Nigel’s testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: The Choten and Tiera had secrets, yet Brightmore should have picked up the signs of their odd behavior. He must have been so blinded by Light that he just decided that nothing was wrong.

Nigel: I can’t deny that. I didn’t want to believe that there might have been some kind of plot in play.

Master Nadia: I could not have known, either.

Master Jaha: As do I. Being the Darkness Master, I should have been more knowledgeable of what the Masters of Darkness’s allies were up to.

Joker: Well said. I guess the Choten was more cunning than we thought.

Nick: As I was told, the Choten manipulated everything with his cunning. So of course Nigel couldn’t have known what his friends were really up to.

Master Jaha: He makes a compelling point.

Carny: This looks bad. But I think we might have a chance.

Mr. Carnahan: What do you mean?

Carny: Let’s wait and see.

>Nigel continues his testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: It seems that things didn’t really go downhill until that “mutt” showed up.

Master Isao: (unhappy) Are you assuming that my nephew is just as guilty as Brightmore is?

Ray: That’s not true! I did nothing wrong!

Master Jaha: Order! Order! Raidan, we know that is true, but please, wait until it’s your turn to speak.

Ray: Sorry.

Carny: Oh, please, it’s practically written on both their faces.

Nick: A face can’t be the only evidence in proving guilt. There’s still a little more cross-examining to do.

Master Jaha: Very true.

>We hear the rest of Nigel’s testimony.

Nick: He tried to stop the invasion by closing off the ley lines. That proves that this man deserves a lighter sentence.

Mr. Carnahan: True... But what about the calling card? Brightmore never would have his “change of heart” unless the Phantom Thieves did it.

Joker: But the calling came long after Nigel tried to stop the the invasion. At the time, the Phantom Thieves didn’t even exist yet. He just showed the potential of some goodness. The Phantom Thieves saw that and wanted to bring it out. You can’t deny that.

Master Chavez: Si.

Mr. Carnahan: Still, the Phantom Thieves are proof that his change of heart isn’t genuine. It’s forced and against his will. Surly, the current Master of Light agrees.

Master Isao: I cannot argue with that.

Nick: The Phantom Thieves can’t force a person to change their hearts. That would be depravity of free will.

Joker: That’s true. The Phantom Thieves may make their targets repent, but only the people can pass final judgment. They are not judge, jury, and executioner. They merely want to give strength and courage to those who need it.

Master Kimora: That’s true. However, it does sound a bit too drastic... Then again, this is no ordinary case.

Nick: (thinking) With these Creatures and other worlds, I don’t think any case you have is considered ordinary.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: Mr. Wright, Mr. Carnahan, what do you make of this?

Nick: Well, it seems like this guy had a lot of emotional baggage. He felt that the Order was coming apart and wanted to keep thing together. Even though he ended up making a few mistakes. Ones that he clearly wants to make amends for.

Mr. Carnahan: Yet those mistake nearly cost the lives everyone. Not just in this temple, but all of San Campion... And even the world. Can you really forgive someone who had a hand in the almost genocide of the human race?

Master Isao: I cannot argue the fact that Brightmore tried to help make it happen. However, I also cannot argue that some part of him thought that the Choten was going to far with his plan. He was even willing to put himself in grave danger to put a stop to it. I, for one, think that someone who will do something like that can’t be all bad. I even commend him.

Nigel: I... I’m glad you think that.

Mr. Carnahan: (sarcastic clapping) Very good. We sorted out that Brightmore has had some regret, but he wouldn’t have gathered so much guilt if he hadn’t been so absorbed in his work to the point where he was willing to hurt others to get what he wants... What’s to say he might not try again? Only I can handle someone like that.

Master Nadia: I can’t help but feel that he might be right.

Master Jaha: Now, Master Nadia, this trial isn’t even half over. There are still more testimonies to hear.

Mr. Carnahan: Sure, let’s hear more... I can tell most of everyone hear is still upset about what Brightmore’s friend did.

Nick: (exasperated) This guy’s not giving up, is he?

Don’t give up. We can win this. I just know it.

Master Jaha: Now that we have heard what Nigel had to say, I think we should hear what others have to say.

Joker: We should try asking Ray. He had a part to play in this since he came and changed the Order’s way of thinking.

Nick: I guess we can. Masters, I call Ray to the stand.

Master Jaha: Very well. Raiden, come forth.

>In moments, Ray was now up front.

Master Toji: Your full name, age, and occupation.

Raiden Pierce-Okamoto. I’m 16, I’m a Junior at San Campion High School, and an Adept for the Order of Kaijudo.

Master Toji: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole, truth, and nothing but the truth?

Ray: I do.

Master Jaha: Now Raiden, tell us everything about what know of this case.

Raiden’s Testimony

-The Natural-

I’ve only known Nigel for a couple of years. I started in Kaijudo when I was 14. I didn’t like Nigel at first. When I first saw him, staring down at us from this chamber, I could sense a coldness from him. I didn’t know what to think. Then I was told the story of what happened that day before I was born. I won’t say much about it, only that Nigel could have stopped the Choten. But I can say the same about the other Masters. Don’t get me wrong, though, Nigel had his good moments with me, too. When a Thunder Guardian was being controlled by a criminal, Nigel pointed out what it was. He even saved us when we confronted that criminal. Even though he got hurt doing it. And we knew Nigel truly sided with the Choten because he continued to use his regular gauntlet instead of a Tech Gauntlet. And it did look like he regretted what he did. So, I don’t fault him. I know all too well how the Choten uses people when they’re at their lowest low... My dad knows this, too.

-End of Testimony-

Nick: (curious) A Tech Gauntlet?

Ray: I have a sketch of it if you want to see.

>Tech Gauntlet Sketch has been added to the court records.

Carny: How did you get a sketch of that!?

Ray: I’d tell you... But I’m afraid that would spoil somethings.

Master Jaha: Fair enough.

Nick: This gauntlet...

>Present Duel Gauntlet to the court.

Nick: Ray does have a point. If Nigel really had sided with the Choten, he would have discarded this thing a long time ago when he joined. But look at it. It looks like he took good care of it.

Mr. Carnahan: It still doesn’t mean he didn’t join him. He did. And I was there.

Nick: We haven’t even cross-examined this yet. Let’s just look into this further and see what we can get.

Mr. Carnahan: Very well. You’re the Ace Attorney after all.

The Natural: Cross-Examination

>Ray started to repeat his testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: If you’ve only known Brightmore for only two years, how can you really know what he’s like?

Ray: I just told you, when I first saw him, he gave me and cold look and wasn’t nice to me or my friends. I didn’t know what to think then.

Mr. Carnahan: I see. So, from the very moment you came, he didn’t like you. It just shows just how mean he is.

Nick: Nigel couldn’t have known what kind of person this is. It’s human nature to reject certain changes.

Master Chavez: I know. He was a little reluctant around me as well. But I think he sort have warmed up to me sometime later. I have to acknowledge that.

Nick: Exactly.

Mr. Carnahan: I’m sensing a contradiction here. I was told that was when Brightmore started becoming such a bad person. But how do you know he wasn’t already like this from the start? Being a Light Duelist, you were a flaw in the picture.

Master Chavez: (getting angry) What was that?

Master Jaha: Order, you two! Order!

Master Chavez: (calming himself) Lo siento.

>Ray continues.

Nick: Who said the Masters didn’t do anything to help you?

Ray: My father. It’s understandable. He kept his marriage to my mother a secret from the other masters because it was against the rules.

Nick: You can’t really blame Nigel if he never knew that one of his fellow Masters was married.

Mr. Carnahan: I do believe Saguru never would have had to keep it a secret if the Masters, particularly the Light Master, wasn’t so hung up on the rules. Brightmore sounded like he was already too set in his ways.

Master Jaha: True, the rules back then were a bit harsh.

Master Chavez: Something me and Nadia know all too well.

Master Nadia: It was a good thing that some of the rules changed. We have Raidan to thank for that.

Master Kimora: And I have a feeling that Nigel felt the same.

Joker: Like he had a love?

Master Kimora: It’s hard to tell. He usually kept to himself.

Master Jaha: But before then, he did talk to us a lot.

Master Nadia: I remember that as well.

Mr. Carnahan: It still does not change the fact that if Brightmore hadn’t been so bent on keeping everyone following the rules, perhaps the Okamotos never would have ended up in their situation for the next 14 years.

Nick: It sounded like Nigel did wanted to change the rules at the time, but what the Choten did kept that from happening.

Ray: He’s got a point.

>Ray continues with his testimony.

Nick: Nigel put his own life at risk just to help Ray and his friends against this Thunder Guardian.

Ray: That’s true. Even said Thunder Guardian agrees. You can ask him if you like. Masters?

Master Jaha: I suppose we can allow it.

Mr. Carnahan: Are you really going to let a Creature summon happen? This is highly inappropriate.

Master Isao: Normally, I would agree. But we shall overrule it. Especially considering that one of those testifying... Well, we shall get into that later.

Ray: Thank you, Uncle Isao. Thunder Guardian, Shaw K’Naw!

>Shaw K’Naw then projects a screen of Heller riding a camper with Nigel in clear view of the front window. I don’t think I need to see what happens next.

>Shaw K’Naw Video has been added to the court records.

>After sending Shaw K’Naw back, Ray continues his testimony all the way to the end.

Nick: I keep hearing about this serum.

Master Nadia: The Choten’s Evolution Serum. He used it to force evolve his Creatures. I still have some left from the last time we fought.

>Evolution Serum has been added to court records.

Mr. Carnahan: This is insufficient evidence!

Ray: Why? (smirking) Afraid it could be used against you since your company made it?

Mr. Carnahan: ... Touche.

Carny: But what about the Tech Gauntlet. Are you sure the mutt didn’t sketch it from Brightmore?

Joker: Ray showed me this sketch before. It’s actually the Choten’s which Ray memories because he’s seen it so many time.

>Present Tech Gauntlet Sketch to the court.

Nick: This gauntlet actually belong to someone else. When Nigel turned himself over, the one we showed you earlier was the only one he had.

Master Kimora: He’s right. We even just searched his workplace and his apartment. Nothing.

Master Isao: It is true. The Stalker Spheres couldn’t find another gauntlet there.

Mr. Carnahan: Are you sure he didn’t just hide it somewhere else? He’s been hidden from the Stalker Spheres for a long time.

Master Nadia: We have interrogated and probed his mind over and over again. I think we can safely say that he had only one gauntlet.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: So, what have we learned?

Nick: Only that Ray had a rather complicated relationship with Nigel. But I think some part of him wants to look on the bright side of this. That there’s a chance Nigel can still be forgiven.

Ray: Well, that’s how it feels. I mean, I want to forgive him. But I still some doubt about him.

Carny: You said the same about me, and look what happened. They were right.

Mr. Carnahan: (irritated whisper) Try not to make this difficult, boy, I’m still trying to win them over.

Nick: (thinking) They may be father and son, but they don’t make such a good team, do they?

Master Jaha: There are still more testimonies to hear.

Mr. Carnahan: Actually, that bird’s video gave me an idea. Good thing I already brought him.

>Then, someone comes up.

Ray: (shocked) You!?

Uh... Hi.

Ray: What are they doing here?

Carny: Who do you think told my dad about this?

After we learned that Nigel turn himself in, we just had to tell someone. Mr. Carnahan was the only person we cold talk to and he was more than happy to act as prosecutor for this.

Mr. Carnahan: Don’t forget, with the Choten not around, you’re just as much my property as Brightmore is.

Heller: (looking a little scared) You didn't have to say it like that.

Mr. Carnahan: Anyway, I call Fingers and Heller to the stand.

>Fingers and Heller come before the Masters.

Master Toji: Your full names, ages, and occupation... Not that we don’t already know occupation.

Heller: Hey, there’s more to it than that. John Drew Heller. Age 43. I used to serve time in the military, but was given a dishonorable discharge after I stole some of their weapons to pull a heist in Los Angeles. Which I failed. After that, I became a thief.

Fingers: Joseph Felix Marsden, but you can call me Fingers. I’m 20 years old and used to be your assistant. Now I work with Heller on some jobs.

Master Toji: (trying not to get upset) Do you sear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Heller: We do.

Fingers and Heller’s Testimony

-Known Him Heck Enough-

Fingers: Yeah, I’ve known Nigel a long time. Always trying to keep order in the Order. He especially tried to enforce the rule that we weren’t allowed to touch the Creatures. Something I learned the hard way. (waves his three remaining fingers) Still, his rules are a bit harsh. I could hardly keep up. It almost makes me wish he was gone. I think it was a bit of a blessing when I turned over to the Choten.

Heller: I’ve only known the dude for some months. First time I met the guy, I kinda ran him over. Then we both joined the Choten. Didn’t spend much time with him, though. Still, I see him being a bit harsh towards the Creatures. Especially his own. He even went as far as mutating him into a monster. Not that Ra-Vu was already that. But I have to admit, the dude sure has the guts to do something like that.

Fingers: Yeah, no kidding. Nigel can be such a scary guy.

-End of Testimony-

Mr. Carnahan: So he mistreated you as well? I see. Maybe such a thing lead you to join the Choten in the first place.

Fingers: Naw, I joined because I was tiered of being just “Fingers”.

Mr. Carnahan: Sure, you keep saying that. In the meantime, let’s look into the testimony and see just what it means.

Nick: (thinking and exasperated) Why do I get the feeling this isn’t going to turn out well?

Know Him Heck Enough: Cross-Examination

>Fingers and Heller repeat their story.

Nick: See, not all of Nigel’s rules are so harsh. By the way, how did you lose your fingers? ... Just curious.

Fingers: Let’s just say, I won’t be summoning any Fire Birds for a long time.

Mr. Carnahan: Even though they’re not so harsh, Fingers still burned his hand. Sounds like he has some kind of problem. He can be too lax and far too unstable.

Nick: Anyone can break the rules without anyone knowing. It’s the person’s fault, not the rule enforcer’s. They just try to remind them, but Fingers here just ignored them. There’s no one to blame but Fingers.

Fingers: Youch, now that’s just harsh.

Nick: (thinking) I guess “harsh” is the word of the day.

>The testimony continues on.

Nick: You considered it a blessing joining the Choten, yet you still ended up working with Nigel. Talk about irony.

Fingers: Yeah.

Mr. Carnahan: And you ended up back under those harsh rules.

Fingers: Technically, they were the Choten’s rules. You know that.

Mr. Carnahan: True. But still, life must have been hard when Brightmore came along.

Fingers: Maybe a little.

Nick: But he never actually enforced them, did he?

Fingers: No, that was more of Alakshmi Verma’s job.

Nick: Alakshmi Verma?

Joker: She was the Choten’s former student, but she left him when he betrayed her. Now she’s an acolyte here. She’s not in the trail because of her temperament around the Choten’s allies. She might try to take her vengeance out on them.

Nick: (thinking) Sound like she has some issues.

>The testimony continues on.

Nick: I still can’t get over that you just hit a man with a camper. I’m surprised that could survive a blow like that.

Master Jaha: You’d be surprised by what kind of punishments we Masters can take... You should have seen me.

Mr. Carnahan: How can give mercy to someone so incompetent as he would let himself get hurt? For all we know, he could end up letting the same happen to another.

Nick: You said you want him, yet you’re admitting he’s incompetent. Why would you want someone like that?

Mr. Carnahan: I can handle it. Can the Order?

Master Jaha: Like I just said, we Master can handle anything.

Mr. Carnahan: And what of your students?

Ray: We’ve seen worse.

>Fingers and Heller finish their testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: They also admit that Brightmore forced evolved his Creature.

Nick: Nigel already admitted to doing that.

Mr. Carnahan: Still, you can’t deny it.

>Mr. Carnahan presents Evolution Serum to the court.

Carny: That’s right. He used this on his Creature. I saw it. I was there.

Nick: (thinking) I knew this was going to happen.

Joker: It’s alright. This just reminds us we may have an ace up our sleeves.

Nick: (curious) An ace?

You’ll see.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: Well?

Nick: I’m not sure why we let these two testify. They’re obviously work for the prosecutor.

Fingers: (smirking) Now why would you sat that?

Mr. Carnahan: (frustrated) Because your smirk just revealed it, you idiot!

Heller: I knew you shulda let me do all the talking.

Master Isao: Still, it is a rather interesting piece of evidence. But still, we have only gone through two outside testimonies. We need to hear a bit more before we can truly make a decision.

Master Kimora: That’s true.

Master Isao: Good. Which is why I like to call forth a coupe of my own testimonies. If you do no mind.

Master Jaha: If you wish.

Master Iaso: Then I call forth... My nephew and his wife.

>With that, Ray’s parents come up before the Masters.

Master Toji: Names, ages, and occupation.

Ken Takahashi Okamoto, also known in the Creature Realm as Saguru. I am 48 years old and I am the Former Nature Civilization Master. But now I explore the Creature Realm for the Order, discovering new areas in the Civilizations and even new Creatures.

Janet Pierce-Okamoto. I’m 47 and I work as a clerk at both the public library and the Temple library. I'm also Ken’s wife and Ray’s mother.

Master Toji: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Saguru and Janet: We do.

Master Jaha: Very well, talk.

Saguru and Janet’s Testimony

-The Nature of Things-

Sagruru: I have known Nigel since we were acolytes. I was about 14 when we met. Even then, he cared about order. We both shared a kind of dream, though. One where Creatures and humans can find some sort of peace. That was, until that fateful day when Tiera demanded that Nigel evolve her Creature and it turned against her. Nigel blamed himself and August blamed him. It was then that the rules of the Order became all that he cared about. And our dream was gone. The rest, I partly blame Nigel and the other Masters. But it is mostly August, the one who would become the Choten, who is truly to blame. Because of this, me and Janet had to flee to the Nature Civilization of the Creature Realm. It was also there where we had Raidan. Then, the Choten found us. For their protection, I sent my wife and son back to the Human Realm and I stayed behind. After that, the Choten took my memories. I do not quite know what happened then, even after I got my memories back. I was only told that Nigel had joined the Choten. To me, even though he wanted to set things right, later on, I just cannot fully forgive him for joining him in the first place.

Janet: I’ve only known about Nigel through my husband. When he joined the Choten, things were not easy. I often feared going outside knowing that his Stalker Spheres might be watching. If not me, then our son and Ken’s father. But I still want to believe that he could change for the better.

Saguru: That is true. I cannot fully forgive Nigel, but I cannot fully blame him. The Choten is the one who is truly at fault here.

-End of Testimony-

Nick: Sounds like they went though a lot. And Nigel was hardly responsible.

Mr. Carnahan: Still, Brightmore could have prevented such a thing if he knew that a former Master was breaking the rules.

Master Isao: Indeed.

Nick: Rules?

Master Jaha: The Masters cannot get married. You see, when a Master retires from the Order, they must have their memories erased to preserve the secret of its existence.

Nick: I see... (thinking and worried) I guess they’ll do the same to me after this.

Joker: No one could predict that the Choten would find out. I bet even Nigel didn’t know about Saguru’s relationship.

Sagruru: Yes, the only person I ever trusted this secret to was my Creature, Humonculon.

Master Jaha: Now, begin you cross-examination.

The Nature of Things: Cross-Examination

>Saguru retells his testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: Even then, Brightmore proved to be too much. That his love for the rules an his ways in the Light Civilization would posse trouble.

Nick: Saguru also said that they both had a dream of humans and Creatures living together in peace and harmony.

Saguru: Yes. He never understood why I kept touching the Creatures. Even after Toji lost his leg trying to ride one.

Nick: (a bit surprsied) Lost a leg?

Master Toji: (showing his peg leg) Yes, but I get by.

Saguru: When Nigel asked why, I said, “Toji was never the gentle type. I show these Creatures that they are in no threat. I show them they we can and are friends.”

Janet: And that’s what I love you, Ken, you only see the goodness in others.

Mr. Carnahan: Just a moment ago in your testimony, you said can’t forgive him.

Sagruru: I said I cannot fully forgive him. I am willing to give him another chance if my family thinks so.

Nick: (thinking) I guess Saguru will do anything for his family. That’s some devotion right there... I can actually relate.

>The testimony continues.

Nick: You both went to the Nature Realm and you both had Ray?

Janet: Yes. Now you know why they call him the Natural. He befriended the Creatures and they befriended him in return.

Carny: Tch! No wonder the mutt is so close to these monsters.

Mr. Carnahan: I think you’re all missing the facts here that this is about Brightmore.

Janet: I don’t know, it sounds pretty crucial to me.

Nick: That just proves that Nigel is not really at fault for the Okamotos leaving their home. A reason you won’t be getting him!

Here, here.

Mr. Carnahan: True... But don’t forget, Sagruru also lost his memories. Maybe he didn’t gain them all back. Maybe the Choten left out Brightmore.

Nick: There’s no real way of knowing that.

Saguru: He’s right. When I failed to get the Shield of Unity from the Nature Civilization, the Choten destroyed the Cyber Virus that had some of my memories. Then again, I am not sure if Nigel was in it.

Gabe: I kept saying that Gargle can help you get those memories back.

Sagruru: I know, Gabriel, but I still need time... I am worried of what may be in them.

Mr. Carnahan: Refusing those memories only makes this hearing more difficult to examine. How are we to know what to do about Brightmore?

Master Nadia: We do not wish to have to go through the process of asking the Cyber Lords for such things. We will have to go on without those memories.

>The testimony continues.

Mr. Carnahan: So, he was looking for you even after you left and Creature Realm and when he joined the Choten.

Janet: I won’t lie, it scared me a little. I know Ray tried to reassure me that everything will be alright, but still, it was hard to process.

Ray: But everything did turn out alright. Dad’s with us now. It’s not really Nigel’s fault.

Nick: That’s right, this Choten guy sounds like he’s pretty bad.

Janet: Yeah, something I’m sure you know, Mr. Carnahan.

Mr. Carnahan: ... I’m not even gonna.

>The Okamotos finish their testimony.

Nick: Are you sure you have faith in Nigel?

Janet: I do. I just have this feeling that maybe Nigel may not have been as bad as we thought. He said so himself that felt a little guilty about what he did to his Creature.

Mr. Carnahan: My son saw first hand that Brightmore had no remorse for what he did to his Creature.

Carny: It’s true. When his Creature tried to resit attacking, Brightmore made him attack.

Nick: That was before Nigel realized how far the Choten was willing to go. With that, he tried to put a stop to it. You can’t deny that.

Joker: Exactly. That just proves that Mrs. Okaomoto is right.

Master Kimora: He has a point.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: Well, your thought?

Nick: Both Mr. and Mrs. Okaomto have slightly different opinions, but can agree that Nigel had little to no part in them being chased from their home, Saguru losing his memories, and even them being stalked.

Mr. Carnahan: Yet you still admit that he stalked you.

Janet: Only because the Choten had him do it. You know that.

Saguru: I still cannot forgive Nigel Brightmore, but I do not blame him for what happened to me or my family.

Master Jaha: Yes, we are starting to see the picture.

Master Nadia: Yes, yes we are.

Master Isao: Yes, even I can admit it.

Master Jaha: However, there are still more testimonies to hear. Mr. Wright, have you anyone else?

Joker: I do.

Master Chavez: And who is it?

Joker: (whisper to Nick) Time for that ace.

Masters, I like to call Tareq to the stand... Along with Ra-Vu.

Mr. Carhanhan: A Creature can’t testify!

Tareq: (coming up) Why not? He can talk. I think he has just as much right to do so.

Master Jaha: We will allow it. This is not the first time we hear what we need from a Creature.

Master Chavez: That’s right. Though some of these Creatures speak a different language, we will always hear what we have to say. Go ahead, Tareq.

Tareq: Thank you, Masters. Ra-Vu, Seeker of Lightning!

>With that, Ra-Vu comes in through the Veil.

Master Toji: Full name, age, occupation.

I am, as you have already been told, Ra-Vu, Seeker of Lighting. My age is... Ageless. I once served Nigel Brightmore as his Creature Partner, but now I serve my princess of the Light Civilization as one of her most personal of guards.

Tareq: Tareq Bradley Baker. Age 17. I’m an acolyte, soon to become an adept, for the Kaijudo Order.

Master Toji: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Tareq: I do.

Ra-Vu: As a Creature of Light, I do not lie.

Master Isao: Yes, we know. Now, speak.

Ra-Vu and Tareq’s Testimony

-The Solder and the Student-

Ra-Vu: I have served Master Brightmore since he first summoned me as a child. I shall never forget that day. Master Brightmore back then just wanted to keep things in order. Though me, he may have found that. Though I could not speak then, I could hear. It seemed that he really did wanted to see peace between our two worlds. And deep down, I wanted to believe it. But after learning that Master Brightmore was forced to evolve the Fire Creature of one of his fellow Masters, I feared for what may happen. I saw how much the light began to engulf him to a point where rules and order where all that matters. For a Light Creature, it is natural. For a human, it is just sad. I was forced to watch my master lose himself more and more each day. Then, the distortion made itself known when he allied himself with the Choten. Then, came the day when he used the Evolution Serum on me and changed me into what I am now. The one good thing that came from it, however, is my ability to communicate with you all. But he was able to regain some of himself. I sensed it when he tried to close the ley lines even when Former Fire Master Tiera tried to stop him. Since then, he has been trying to find himself. Something I hoped he would accomplish when he returned to San Campion. However, he had been having a hard time doing so. Something I realized which lead me to hide him from the Order’s Stalker Spheres. So I actually consider it a blessing that the Phantom Thieves of Hearts came along.

Tareq: I usually train under Master Kimora as I’m a Nature Duelist, but I’ve trained under Master Brightmore before. His methods may be hard, but they were sound. Heck, before all this, he was actually thinking of taking me to Britain with him since the outpost there are more familiar with Light Creatures. I’m not saying this is all the Rayster’s fault. The Choten just has a way of hitting where it hurts the most.

-End of Testimony-

Nick: Sounds like you two did a lot together.

Ra-Vu: That is true. I have seen many actions with him. I can no longer imagine things without him.

Mr. Carnahan: How can it imagine? It’s just a robot with lightning coming out of it!

Nick: He also said he is incapable of lying. If he says he can imagine, he can.

Master Isao: I also find it hard to believe, and yet, here is the evidence.

Mr. Carnahan: (groans in defeat) Fine. We’ll cross-examine the testimony before we can come to a full decision.

The Solder and the Student: Cross-Examination

>Ra-Vu repeats his testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: How can Brightmore find order through a beast? Unless he was using you to muscle in on it.

Ra-Vu: I do not understand. Please elaborate “muscle in”.

Tareq: He says that Master Brightmore is making you maintain order.

Ra-Vu: I see. Then you should know that he did no such thing.

Nick: This proves Nigel was no bully then! He just wanted things to be peaceful and orderly. No ill intentions at all.

Master Jaha: It is true. I have seen it for myself.

Ra-Vu: I am glad you remember, Master Jaha.

>The testimony continues.

Mr. Carnahan: Not only incompetent, but a push over as well. Surly the Order can’t handle someone like that without his doing things in which he can be taken advantage of.

Nick: That information is a little redundant. You’ve already pointed out that Nigel is incompetent and we pointed out that’s not the case.

Joker: That’s true. This is no longer a case of if he’s useful, but rather if he’s redeemable.

Mr. Carnahan: ... (exasperated) Fair enough.

Nick: (thinking) I think he’s losing it.

Nick: Distortion?

>Present Calling Card to the court.

Nick: Like the kind the Phantom Thieves claimed to have stolen?

Ra-Vu: ... It would seem so.

Mr. Carnahan: You seem to be hiding something. And as a Light Creature, we know you can’t hide the truth.

Ra-Vu: Actually, I can. I just cannot lie.

Nick: And how can you tell he’s hiding something, anyway? His face never changes.

Mr. Carnahan: Its pause.

Ra-Vu: I was merely pondering on what my response should be.

Gabe: From what I have heard from Sasha, that can happen sometimes.

Mastere Isao: That is true indeed.

Ra-Vu: But I can tell you that that distortion was becoming far too great. I think it was good that the Phantom Thieves intervened.

>The testimony continues.

Mr. Carnahan: Regained some of himself? Are you suggesting that Brightmore was already having a change of heart long before the Phantom Thieves came along?

Ra-Vu: I am saying that he probably saw that what the Choten was doing was wrong. But after stopping Tiera, he quickly fell back into the control from Light. The Phantom Thieves merely brought it back.

>The testimony continues.

Mr. Carnahan: It was hiding him from the Order! Now doesn’t that sound suspicious?

Ra-Vu: No. I hid Master Brightmore of my own volition. For I feared of what may happen to him if the Order knew he had returned to San Campion. I wanted him to have time to find himself and change.

Mr. Carnahan: So you say. Maybe your master ordered you to forget that he ordered you to hide him from the Stalker Spheres.

Nick: Nigel said nothing in his testimony about ordering Ra-Vu to do anything! And his heart was taken by the Phantom Thieves! I just showed you the calling card.

Master Kimora: It’s true. And that calling card is no doubt real.

Master Isao: Even I can see that. If Nigel did not say that he ordered Ra-Vu to hide him from the Stalker Spheres, then it must be so.

Master Nadia: Or he could just be hiding the truth again.

Ra-Vu: I am not this time. I am telling you everything that I know now. Everything I can comply.

Mr. Carnahan: Everything you can comply?

Ra-Vu: Some Light Creatures do have intelligence that is no different than most humans. For high intelligence, that would be Princess Sasha or our great Monarch, Queen Eternal Haven.

>The testimony continues.

Nick: Why would a Nature Duelist train under a Light Master?

Tareq: It’s allowed to have more than on Civilization for a Duelist.

Master Kimora: And since Nature and Light are allies, we thought it would be a good idea.

Carny: Huh, just like you, Dad.

Mr. Carnahan: (irritated) Not now, Carny.

Carny: (a bit scared) Sorry.

>Tareq finishes the testimony.

Nick: The Choten took advantage of Nigel and had him join his side! And as I have already heard, he’s not a very nice guy.

Mr. Carnahan: Brightmore never would have had a place to hit if he wasn’t so obsessed with rules and order. How can anyone be good to the Order like that?

Nick: You just pointed it out!

Mr. Carnahan: (unimpressed) Really?

Nick: Nigel likes order for the Order. Practically the same thing. And showing where it hurts can happen to anyone.

Master Jaha: It’s true. As most of you, I, myself, have been guilty of such.

Master Nadia: And even myself.

>The other Masters stare at Master Isao.

Master Isao: ... And me.

Joker: I’m sure even you had those times, Mr. Carnahan.

Mr. Carnahan: ... No comment.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: Well, what have you learned?

Nick: It sounded like these two really believe that Nigel should be given a second chance. I can’t blame them, it sounded like he wanted it... I think he even needs it.

Mr. Carnahan: I believe you are all forgetting one crucial piece of evidence... He sided with your enemies. The one who nearly brought down the Veil.

Joker: We all make mistakes at least once in our lives. I’m pretty sure that Nigel is no different.

Master Jaha: We can see that.

Carny: (whisper) What do we do now? They’re winning.

Mr. Carnahan:(also whispering) Relax. You see my son, when your opponent has an ace up their sleeves... Make sure you have one of your own. (out loud) Masters, if you don’t mind, I'd like to call one last testimony.

Master Jaha: Very well, one last testimony. Who do you have in mind?

??????: I thought you’d never ask.

>We all turn to see who had just arrived. The Masters, Ray, his parents, Gabe, Allie, Tareq, Ra-Vu, Heller, Fingers, and Carny were all shocked.

Ray: It... It can’t be.

But it is. Come now, you all look as if you have you have seen a ghost. No surprise, given the stories you have heard.

Ray: But... But... I saw...

Choten: Yes, well, the stories that you heard were greatly exaggerated... Or rather, always have a backup plan.

>Suddenly, something comes up into the room.

Gabe: Aqua Seneschal!?

>Then, the Choten stated to become transparent and started looking like he was... glitching... A hologram.

Gabe: A hologram. It’s a hologram from Seneschal.

Choten: Very observant. You see, before my... last encounter, I had my consciousness downloaded into Seneschal. He doesn’t even know that this is happening. Now, shall we?

>With that, the Choten and Senseschal come before the Masters.

Master Toji: (unsure) Must I?

Choten: I know. August Bay Choten. Before now, I was 49. And longer ago, I was the Water Civilization Master.

Master Toji: Here goes. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Choten: I do indeed.

Master Jaha: Now, let us hear what you have to say.

Choten: I shall tell what needs to be told.

The Choten’s Testimony

-From Beyond-

Like Ken, I have known Nigel since we were young. I was an adept at the time. I saw the dream they both shared. I thought... They were foolish. They are dangerous monsters who will not hesitate to hurt, kill, or even destroy you. So I found a way to remind these Creatures who are their masters. By converting their mana, their energy, into power. I plan I kept hidden from the other Masters, save Tiera, who I can trust with my secrets... And my heart. Think maybe that is what lead her to demand Nigel to evolve her Creature. Poor old bean did not stand a chance. But I cannot deny that I blamed him for what happened. That was when I finally decided to reveal the truth of what I was doing. Obviously, the other Masters did not share in my vision. Especially Ken. So he sought to stop me. They all did. Including Nigel. So, I took care of the problem. I chased Ken down everywhere. Even to the Nature Realm where he and his wife had their child. He sent them to safety, and I took his memories. But I returned them little by little. As for Nigel, I just someone who was vulnerable. So I took advantage of it. I even had him force evolve his Creature, Ra-Vu. Then, from what I heard, he tried to close the ley lines. Tiera tried to stop him, but they both fell in. What happened afterward, I do no know. And that is pretty much all I can tell you.

-End of Testimony-

Mr. Carnahan: (shocked and thinking) What is he doing!? Why did he just say that?

Choten: Forgive me, Mr. Carnahan, you were hoping that I would say something to help with your prosecution... Then again, you forgot I just swore to tell the truth. So, that’ is what I did.

Mr. Carnahan: You’ve got to be kidding.

Master Jaha: If you wish, we can still cross-examine the testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: Very well.

Choten: Go right ahead. I am sure you will find what you are looking for.

Nick: The guy’s not all there, is he?

Joker: Well, he did just say that he came back from... You know.

From Beyond: Cross-Examination

>The Choten repeats his testimony.

Mr. Carnahan: See? What Brightmore and that one-eyed buffoon tried to do was foolish.

Nick: True, he thought that. But I’m pretty sure the Choten was already like this for a while.

>Presents Tech Gauntlet Sketch to the court.

Nick: From what I can tell, you’ve must have worked on this for some time.

Choten: Longer than you or anyone can ever imagine.

>The Choten continues his testimony.

Nick: How did Tiera demanded Nigel evolve her Creature? Surely they knew the risks.

Choten: She has always had a kind of burning passion. Even I could not resist.

Nigel: It’s true. Seeing how fierce she is, I dare not say no.

Mr. Carnahan: The defendant can’t have an input on this!

Master Jaha: Overruled. We can hear any input anyone can provide.

Nick: Highly irregular, but I guess this is no ordinary case, after all.

Mr. Carnahan: But that’s not how it’s done!

Nick: Hey, cool it!

Master Isao: Order, both of you!

>They calm down.

Joker: (whisper) He’s clearly sweating now.

Nick: (also whispering) He knows things are not in his favor. That kind of pressure can get to you.

>The Choten finishes his testimony.

>Mr. Carnahan presents Evolution Serum to the court.

Mr. Carnahan: Isn’t this the same serum he used on his Creature? I was there. Carny was there. It sure looked like Nigel was willing to force evolve it.

Carny: No doubt.

Choten: Only because I was there... I can be very persuasive.

Nick: See? He just as he admitted. You can’t argue with that, can you?

Master Jaha: Believe it or not, that’s right.

Choten: See? Even I am not that deceitful.

Gabe: (whispering) Then he clearly forgot about our Water Realm adventure.

>The Choten finishes his testimony.

-End of Cross-Examination-

Master Jaha: It doesn’t appear we can learn more. We can’t find anything incriminating about Nigel here.

Mr. Carnahan: You’re not seriously going to believe him, are you!? He’s the Choten! Your greatest enemy. How do you know he’s not trying to trick you?

Choten: Mr. Carnahan, I’m gone... What do I gain from this now?

Nick: He actually has a point.

Mr. Cranahan: But-

Master Isao: The Choten was defeated for good. There is nothing left to worry if he believes that he can gain nothing now and has nothing to lose.

Mr. Carnahan: But... But... (groans in defeat) Prosecution rests.

Nick: (thinking) Here comes my favorite part.

Mr. Carnahan: (freaking out) HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED!? BRIGHTMORE SHOULD BE MINE! THE CHOTEN PROMISED! DO ANY OF YOU KNOW WHO I AM!? I’M ALEXANDER ANDREW CARNAHAN! I OWN THIS STINKING CITY! ME! ME!!!

>Mr. Carnahan was tugging at his chain hard until finally, it breaks off. Even the front of his shirt ripped off. And then, he slumps down... Poor Carny is shocked to see this.

Master Jaha: All right, we have seen enough. Me and the other Masters will now call for a recess to deliberate our verdict. We will announce it when the time comes.

Tareq: If you don’t mind, Masters, I would like to call a closing statement.

Master Jaha: Very well, this trial was in a way your idea.

Tareq: Thank you... Ladies and gentlemen of the court, I know Master Nigel Brightmore may have been a hard teacher with his difficult rules and methods, but he has proven himself a valued ally and friend time and time again. He even put his own life at risk, twice. Someone like that deserves a second chance, without a shadow of a doubt. So I ask you now, will you show mercy and give this man, this actually wonderful man, another chance with us? Thank you.

Master Jaha: Thank you for that, Tareq. Now, we shall deliberate.

>The Kaijudo Library. We came here to wait for the Masters to make their decision.

Joker: Yusuke, what did you got down.

It turned out real good. Though I had a hard time trying to capture the electricity of Ra-Vu. And the Choten kept glitching every few seconds.

Joker: I see... By the way...

Have you looked to see what else is in there?

Fox: (curious) What do you mean?

>Fox searches for what I was talking about... He found it.

(Art originally by fox & joker.)

Oh, my...

Joker: I’m sorry it’s late. I would have given it to you sooner.

I love it, Ren. Thank you. I love you.

I love you, too, Yusuke.

>We both share a passionate kiss.

Allie: (unimpressed) Yeesh. I know stuff like this is uncommon, but seriously, is this the time?

Tareq: I think it is. You never know when you need it.

Joker: I’m glad you agree.

Tareq: You’re already doing a lot for me, Ra-Vu, and Master Brightmore. I want to let you know how much I appreciate what you’re doing. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Tareq kun.

>Tareq is really happy for what I’m doing for him.

Rank Up!

Confidant: The Duelist

Arcana: Storm

Rank: 5

Ability: Adept

Allows you to cast Spells in Kaijudo Duels sometimes.

Tutorial

In Kaijudo Duels, you will be given a choice to cast a Spell. Choosing to can effect the outcome of your Duel.

If you choose to cast a Spell, you will be given a choice on which Spell you will cast. Each Spell has a different effect.

Casting a Spell can even effect your Stats.

>Suddenly, something descends on us.

>The Star Lantern then projects an image of Master Isao.

Master Isao: We have made our decision.

Nick: You nervous?

Nigel: A little. But I am ready to accept what may come.

Tareq: Don’t give up, Master, there may be a Light at the end of the tunnel... Get it?

Nigel: (laughs a bit) You just won’t quit on me, will you?

Tareq: I’m probably as stubborn as you.

>We returned to the war room to hear the verdict.

Master Toji: Masters, have you reached a decision?

Master Chavez: We have.

Master Jaha: After much deliberation, we have all come to an agreement. We find in favor... of the defense.

Nigel: You... You mean it?

Master Jaha: Congratulations. However, we must still enact the seriousness of what you have done. Fortunately for you, Tareq has asked for a lighter sentence, so we shall do just that. For siding with the Choten, we hereby sentence you to assist Master Toji in his workshop. When you are not working there, you will tend to the Creature Pens. Also, you will be demoted back to acolyte. Where upon, we confiscate your gauntlet. But in time, you will earn it back when you at least make it to adept. The rest of your sentence will be carried out for this day for the remainder of your life. Do you accept these terms?

Nigel: I do.

Master Jaha: Then it’s decided.

Tareq: Thank you, Masters.

Master Chavez: Actually, we should thank you. You have shown great compassion and strength. Those traits we have only ever seen in Raidan. So, we also discussed about something else, and we have decided. After seeing what you wold do for your master, including your former one, we have decided to move you up to adept.

Tareq: (surprised) You mean it? Thank you.

Master Chavez: Please, present your gauntlet.

>Tareq holds out his gauntlet.

Master Chavez: Congratulations, Tareq Baker, you are now a Kaijudo Adept.

Nick: (confused) That’s it?

Allie: I know, right? The same thing was with us. But at least he can cast Spells now.

Nick: (looking like his head might explode) This is getting too much for me. Creatures? Dead guys talking? Now spells? Now I wish I could just forget the whole thing.

Master Nadia: I think that can be arranged. Consider it your payment for what you did today.

>Master Nadia then takes something out.

Nick: (shocked) What the-

Joker: Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Nick. I look forward to working with you again.

Or rather, I look forward to working with you for the first time.

>With that, the Memory Swarm lands on Nick’s head and puts him a trance.

Master Nadia: I will make him believe that he simply deafened someone in traffic court and send him home.

Gabe: Probably for the best. I guess we can’t make an acceptation for the Ace Attorney.

>Meanwhile, in a part of town that was empty, Mr. Carnahan was talking to the Choten.

Mr. Carnahan: Why, sir? You left me everything.

Choten: Nigel has served his purpose. He’s free to do whatever he wishes now... Of course, so do you.

Mr. Carnahan: What do you mean?

Choten: My time is short here, Mr. Carnahan. My consciousness is fading. Soon, Senschal will realize what is going on and will delete the rest of it. I am leaving you to finish what I started.

Mr. Carnahan: I know. But what am I to do? Not that Brightmore ever did anything useful. Still, I wanted him because you owe me.

Choten: And I am paying you your due as promised. But I found some people who make better partners than Nigel. They may not be Duelists and know very little of Creatures and Kaijudo... But they have seen their share of strange things. I am sure they will make such interesting partners.

Mr. Carnahan: If you’re sure... Alright.

Choten: Good. Now, I turn you over to your new partners. As for me... My time grows short. Now to return Senschal to the Water Realm before he regains himself.

Mr. Carnahan: I know. It has been an honor, sir.

Choten: Farewell, Alexander, let us meet again in another life.

>With that, the hologram disappears and Senchal is banished.

?????: Well, that was touching.

??????: Like bequeathing something to a son.

Mr. Carnahan: (a bit surprised) You two? Well, fine. I can work with you... Now that I think about it, will I end up going to prison like you did?

Perhaps. We are kindred spirits.

Especially when it comes to sons who have failed us.

Mr. Carnahan: I know the feeling.

Norman: See? The Choten was right.

Mr. Carnahan: I see... Yes, I think this looks like the start of a beautiful partnership.

You better believe it.

>Things are starting to get interesting.

#phantom thieves cam

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elliesucksatccfinds · 8 years ago

Text

The Sims 4 100 Vampire Baby/ Turn the Town Challenge: A supernatural twist on the famous 100 baby challenge featuring less pregnancy and more turning sims into vampires.

An introduction:

So anyone who has played the 100 baby challenge knows that it takes forever to finish it. I played it with a guy who had a fertile trait and even though he wasn’t giving birth to the kids, it STILL took six generations. So I was watching Vampire letsplays before I could get the pack and I noticed that with the vampire family aspiration, any person you turned counted as your offspring. I thought that a challenge where you could “turn the town” would be fun to combine it with the 100 baby challenge, so now that I have the pack, I present you with the 100 Vampire Baby Challenge (featuring 4 levels of difficulty).

Also, I will be playing this challenge myself on my YouTube channel . Keep in mind that I am a newbie to making videos, but hey, we all gotta start somewhere.

Basic Rules:

1. You must follow all the original rules of the 100 baby challenge except you are starting off with the vampire family aspiration and you can age up children based on vampire level if you’d prefer. I will restate those rules later, but if you prefer to read them yourself, here they are:

2. Make a single young adult or adult female sim in CAS or at least a sim that could get pregnancy I guess you can do a sim who gets others pregnant, but this is a bit more difficult with cis females or anyone who can get pregnant. I will refer to your main sim as “she” for now on. She must be a completely new sim with no previous skills or reward or aspiration traits.

a. I would suggest making her a vampire off the bat (no pun intended), but if you decide to turn her in game, just know that the challenge can’t start unless she is fully turned.

b. I’m not a stickler for traits, but she should probably be romantic and family-oriented. The third trait is up to you. You must, however, start with the vampire family aspiration.

c. If you want to start off with a townie (I could see Bella Goth or Lilith Vatore being popular options), make sure you cheat their skills to 0 and their romantic relationships to 0. I would suggest just making your own sim though.

3. Put on a normal or short lifespan. If you have to use long, you can, but basically aging needs to be on. Don’t worry, your sims won’t die any time soon if you are quick to turn them.

4. As per the 100 baby challenge rules, you may only have one pregnancy per person. Twins and triplets by the same person will count towards you 100 baby count, but it won’t count if your sim has two separate pregnancies.

5. You may not influence the gender of your babies, kill them, let them get taken by child services, or delete them. All their traits and aspirations must be randomized and if they are not born a vampire, they do not count towards your total. If they die before they become young adults, they also do not count towards your total. They may only move out if they’ve reached the young adult stage, but they don’t have to.

a. They can, however, help with money by getting part time or full-time jobs or any non-job money making like painting or selling collectibles.

6. You may only turn sims if they give you permission.

7. You may use any vampire perks you want. May I suggest vampiric charm, sun resistance, and bat for bat woohoo 😉.

8. You may only work from home. So these could be the City Living jobs, a retail store, or a restaurant. Ultimately, you have to care for your children first and foremost. You may have any job you want if you have no kids. You may make money by any means on the side.

9. No cheats or mods that will help you complete the challenge are allowed. This includes relationship cheats, skill cheats, satisfaction point cheats or mods, needs cheats, money cheats, school performance cheats, vampire cheats, bigger household mods, mods that make it easier to be a vampire, etc. You may reset sims though and go into cas.fulleditmode.

Aging up rules:

Of course, all of your children may age up naturally, but that can take forever. Here’s how to get it faster so you can clear up some of the spaces in your household.

Babies: You may age them up when it’s their birthday before they age up naturally.

Toddlers: You may age them up if they reach level 3 in all skills.

Children: You may age them up when they achieve an A grade in school.

Teens: You may age them up when they achieve an A grade in school OR when they level up to a minor or prime vampire. Maybe both.

Parenthood: If you have this pack, the rules state that you must have your teen gain a character value upon aging up.

Levels of difficulty:

I’m doing this because I feel like it and because certain regular 100 baby rules feel too lenient for me while others seem too harsh. Pick any level of difficulty you want.

Easy mode (even easier than the 100 baby challenge):

- You may start with a long lifespan if you want. I still suggest normal though.

- You may have any ratio of birthed offspring to turned offspring you like.

- You may use any lot traits you want (and change them at any point), start a woohoo club, get fertility massages, etc. If you don’t have ANY of these packs, you may then and ONLY then cheat for the fertile and/or beguiling reward traits. It’s not fair if you have the base game and others have an advantage.

- You may age up babies right away as this is a short challenge.

- You only have to get two toddler skills up to level 3. I think all five is a bit much, you know. As for teens, you can age them up if they achieve an A in school or become a minor vampire. If you have parenthood, they do not need to obtain a character value.

- You may switch between aspirations to gain satisfaction points, but you must complete the vampire family aspiration.

- You may move into your first house and your first house ONLY with freerealestate on.

- You do not have to level up as a vampire although it would help.

- You may turn any sims you have a baby with before or after your child is conceived. If your pregnancy doesn’t result in a vampire baby, you may try again with them.

Normal mode:

- You must do a normal or short lifespan.

- You must have at least 10 pregnancies that result in vampires or 15 birthed offspring that are vampires (meaning you can turn them if they are humans at birth or if you have several pregnancies that result in multiple births).

- You may use any lot traits you want, but once you pick them, they’re the traits you use until you move. You can start a club to meet men and even be romantic to them as your preferred club activities, but you cannot have a club where the preferred activity is woohooing or kissing. You may get fertility massages. Under no circumstances may you cheat for the fertile, player, and/ or beguiling traits.

- Since this challenge goes by quickly, you may age up babies 24 hours after they were born.

- Regular rules apply for aging up toddlers. You may age up teens if they achieve an A in school or become a minor vampire.

- You must complete the vampire family and the big happy family aspiration/ the successful lineage aspiration (you may play as your children with “only aging active households” turned on if you need to get them married and have kids), but you may switch between aspirations as many times as you like.

o If you have parenthood, you can opt to do the super parent aspiration in place of the other family aspirations.

o If you are nearing the end and you are no where near completing the family aspirations, you could max the parenting and or charisma skill in place of it.

- Freerealestate on may never be used.

- You have to become at least a master vampire (you have to for the vampire family aspiration anyway).

- You may turn any sim you had a baby with before or after the child has been conceived. If your pregnancy doesn’t result in a vampire baby, however, you may not try again for a baby with the sim.

- If a sim rejects your offer to turn them, you must wait 24 hours before you can ask them again.

- You may only deep drink if you’re pregnant.

Hard mode:

- You must do a normal or short lifespan.

- You must have 20 pregnancies that result in vampires or 30 born vampire children.

- You may use any lot trait EXCEPT on the ley line, on the dark ley line, good schools, child’s play, romantic aura, vampire lair, and/or vampire nexus. You may not change the lot traits at any point. You may not have a club that has any romance benefits whatsoever, but it can have friendly bonuses. You may get fertility massages.

- All regular aging up rules apply. For teens, they must become a prime vampire OR achieve an A in school to age up.

- You have to complete the vampire family and big happy family/successful lineage aspirations before you can switch between aspirations.

- You have to become a grand master vampire, but you do not have to complete the aspiration that goes with it.

- You may turn a sim you’re having a child with only after the child is born. If they didn’t give you a vampire child, you may not try again with them.

- If a sim rejects your offer to turn them, you may not ask again for 72 hours.

- You may never deep drink.

Extreme mode, for the masochists out there:

- Start with a short lifespan, tick off “fill empty homes,” and do not use any forms of story progression mods like the MC Command center in your game. You will have to only work with the sims generated in your game and may add households only after the child townies who started in your save (i.e. Olivia Kim-Lewis, Alexander Goth, etc.) die. The Bheeda child can still be around though.

- At least half of your offspring must be birthed vampires or you must have 40 pregnancies that result in vampires.

- You may not have ANY lot traits unless they make your life more difficult (i.e. Needs TLC, Cursed, Gremlins). You may not join any clubs and may not get fertility massages.

- Babies must age up naturally. Toddlers must reach level five in a skill in addition to reaching level three in all other skills. Children must complete a randomized aspiration in addition to getting an A grade. Teens must become grand masters and achieve an A grade or complete a randomized aspiration, get an A grade, and become a prime vampire.

- You must complete all three vampire aspirations, the big happy family/successful lineage/super parent aspiration, and the serial romantic aspiration. You may not switch between the aspirations at any point.

- If you have a child with a sim, you may not turn them into a vampire as well. If your pregnancy doesn’t result in a vampire, you may not try again.

- Your children must earn three character values if you have parenthood in order to age up into young adults.

- You may only drink plasma packs.

- Should I rename this impossible mode because JESUS ELLIE!

Anyway, if you think it’s cool, try it out. I’ll be posting my journey if any of you are interested. I will also edit the rules if need be. I hope you enjoy and I hope you don’t take as much time as the 100 baby challenge.

#sims 4 #the sims #the sims 4 #sims 4 challenges #100 baby challenge #sims 4 vampires #100 vampire baby challenge #btw I was planning on starting a youtube channel for a while now if any of my followers are reading this and are like wtf?#the sims 4 100 baby challenge #sims 4 100 baby challenge #the sims 4 challenge #the sims 4 challenges

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