#he reports back about some bad situation he had to go investigate and resolve

[scattergoriesofevil]

Sam Riegel, Episode 87: I can ritual cast! I could have been doing this THE WHOLE TIME.

I would like to see more people play wizards on this show. Someone sitting down for C4 with a spell book and nothing left to lose.

[thelittleplantlover]

Jetlagged buglar - Corpse x reader

Thank you so much @stylistiquements for letting me know about your prompt list. Finally, I am posting my spin on one of your lovely prompts. I really appreciate your patience and support <3

Pronounce: gender neutral

Warnings: none (mention of burglar)

Genre: fluff; platonic

Word count: 1996

Prompt: "I know it's 4 in the morning but ..."

~ A buglar broke into Corpse’s apartment, or at least that’s what he thinks.~

Corpse watches as his beloved green astronaut friend dramatically fell into the pool of lava. He had been, and still is, so sure Sykkuno is not one of the imposters of this round. The boy had also pleaded for his life, claiming his innocence, but to no avail. He had been found standing on top of Emma’s body by Jack. There had been no escape.

The new round began and forced him into action. The last thing he had wanted was to frame Sykkuno for his kill. It did buy him an alibi from Emma, who had met up with him in decontamination. She had not been experienced enough to realise Corpse had come from the direction of the kill to suspect him a little bit. She had quickly covered his ass and now he was free to begin his actual killing spree.

He decided that Emma should be kept alive as she seemed to be trusting him this round. His second kill was Brooke. She had been standing at the tree and it was all too easy to close the doors and hop into the vent. He met up with Emma afterwards again before splitting off to chase Tina into storage for another kill. Just as her little character fell to the floor, another body was reported. Not one he has made.

He listened to Dave describing where he had found the body when loud clattering of metal pulled him out of his concentration. He had heard rumour during this stream before. Soft sounds had distracted him momentarily now and then, making him question whether his neighbours were at it again. They could get pretty loud during arguments or resolving them. This clattering could not have been from his neighbours. It was too loud and not at all a sound he had heard from the other side of the wall before.

His attention was pulled back when someone questioned his location.

“Guys, I think someone is in my apartment.” He cautiously announced. Not wanting to be too loud in case the intruder could hear him.

“Sure! Where were you Corpse?” Rae interrogated him. Her voice strict and accusing. He quickly defended himself. He had not heard anything else, so maybe it did come from the neighbours. His defence, although slightly flawed, was accepted and Leslie was thrown out. The reason unknown to him as he had not listened to their conversation.

One more kill and the game would be won. He did not hesitate to call reactor to avoid one of the crewmates pressing the button. As he walked up to the left reactor, the victory screen played. A choired of no’s filled his ears, while Jack celebrated his win with Corpse. Normally he would join the celebration. This time another loud noise came from his living space.

“Guys. Guys. GUYS.” He whisper-yelled to get everyone’s attention. When only the among us theme came from his headphones he continued. “There is someone in my apartment. If I don’t return in ten minutes presume I am dead.” Without waiting for an answer, Corpse muted himself and took of his headphones. Grabbing a knife just to be sure in case there was indeed an intruder, he quietly stood up from his chair.

He had closed his door as usual. Hopefully, the intruder had not heard him speak. He had not been loud today due to his throat being slightly sore from being on other people’s streams lately. It might have helped him going undetected. Still, he was not fully sure whether or not there was an actual thief in his apartment. In the time he has speculated them being here and Corpse finally getting on the move the unknown presence had not moved from the main space. He was sure it would not take a thief that long to go through all his cabinets and other storage.

Slowly he opened the door to take a peek towards the origin of the loud noises. He could feel his heartbeat. The palm holding the doorknob clam. The lights were on, but he did not remember whether he himself forgot to turn them off or someone else had turned them on.

A thief would not turn the light on if they were on. Or this would have to be a very low experienced burglar.

Hearing no new sounds, he decided it was safe to investigate a little further. Corpse made sure to keep his eyes on the parts of his living room he could see, slowly making his way through the short hallway. When he finally arrived in the largest room, he did not spot anyone. No closets were opened nor was his stuff spread out on the floor. He let out a loud sigh. The loud noise had come from the neighbours after all.

Suddenly a head appeared above the counter, which provoked a loud scream to come out him. His heartbeat sped up again as he held his knife in front of him. He immediately lowered it when he realised who it was that stood in the middle of his kitchen.

The person in question seemed frozen. Eyes wide and arms filled with the snacks that previously housed the cabinets. None of them said anything, just staring at the other. Slowly they unloaded their arms on the counter.

"Look-," they were cut off by Corpse's hysterical laugh. After the initial shock of someone actually being in his house, laughing was all he could do to release the tension that had built inside him. The person behind the counter blinked dumbfounded before starting to whine.

"Corpse! Stop it's not funny!" Corpse on the other hand found the situation hilarious. The state he had found one of his best friends, (y/n), in was not one he would forget soon. It was not often you could find them in a total state of shock. The realisation that they had been busted red handed was imprinted on his retina.

"I thought you were a burglar!" Not that they were not. Except there is still a large difference between stealing a tv from a stranger or candy from your best friend. It was not unusual for Corpse to find (y/n) in his apartment holding a package of food. Sometimes, even his secret stash was raided. He had long topped from finding other placed to hide his special treats. It had always been to no avail.

The fact that he had not thought about the possibility of (y/n) being the one that broke into his home was due their vacation. Corpse had believed they would not be back in the States until later this week. If he had known they would be back already, he would not have assumed some burglar had though he could get anything valuable from this building.

"What? Why- okay. I know it's 4 in the morning, but I am extremely jetlagged, and I saw you go live so I knew you would be awake!” Corpse’s laughing subdued during the hastily explanation of the situation, leaving (y/n) to fiddle with one of the packed goods.

"I am pretty sure those are all the snack I own.” Corpse pointed to the snacks that now littered his counter. It was not much. A bag of potato chips, some candy bars, a pack of nuts he never ate one the plane and a pack of sour patches. (y/n) simply squinted their eyes at him, making him return the favour.

“They are mine now.” They slowly scooped the snacks off the counter into their arms again. He bursts out in laughter again, almost teared up from the look on their face. Snacks pushed flush to their chest, eyes that were squinted so far by now they had almost closed. Their nose and lips crunched. “Mine.” Was the last they said before making their way towards Corpse’s streaming room.

He had almost forgotten he was live due to the initial shock of someone being in this home. Quickly catching up with (y/n) he glided into his chair. The lobby screen was still on display and his chat flew by. All he could make out that he still had a few minutes before his agreed 10. He quickly unmuted to reassure his friend and chat that he was not harmed in anyway.

“I swear on my life Rae that I am fi-,” He failed to finish the sentence due to (y/n)’s facial expression. Dumb was the best way to describe it. They sat in a comfy chair next to him with their legs pulled up and their eyes were fixed on the screen, looking at some of the characters running circles around his. Their lips in a straight line, somehow still smiling.

Hiss laughter had caught their attention away. In response they grabbed one of his pillows of his bed that was just into reach.

"Stop. making. fun. of me!" Hitting Corpse rhythmically with their words. He tried to shield himself with his arms. Seeing as he could not stop his fit of laughter and his stomach started to hurt slightly, he was dubious whether to protect his head to hold is stomach.

The new voice that arose was recognized by two other people that have met up with Corpse in real life before, Dave and Emma.

"Is that (y/n)?" Dave’s English accent came out strong through Corpse’s headphones. He waved at (y/n) to stop hitting him for a second to catch his breath and answer the question he was asked. Dave, knowing more than enough to know the dynamic of these two, waited patiently on his answer. Rae on the other hand became hearable impatient by the long silence from Corpse’s side.

“Corpse. Answer the question!”

He slowly in and out haled to calm himself. A long loud sigh leaving his lips, before he answered the question. "Yes, yes, that's (y/n). Although I was right about the burglar as well. They are trying to raid my kitchen.”

(y/n) immediately sprang into action to react on that statement. Not wanting to be put in a bad light all by themselves. No, they would always happily share that special spot with a good friend. "Correct, TRYING. You literally do not have any food!"

"You dumped your arms full of MY snacks on MY table. Where I need space to actually play this game.” Corpse retorted.

“I think we established they are MY snacks now. Besides this is all you have. And it is not even touching your keyboard!” That statement was true. (y/n) had made sure to place the snack so that they did not hinder Corpse in their movements during his stream. A second reason for the snack to be not in close reach for Corpse was not named.

“I paid for those snacks.” It was a weak response. Corpse knew. But he rather let the bickering end sooner than later. His fans had been waiting anxiously for him to return and did not come to watch only to hear them bickering. However, looking at his chat they did not seem to mind at all. Still, there were more streamers live which audience might have a different opinion on that matter.

“Well, you did not pay for either Emma or me and we are definitely better snacks than I could ever find here.” They pointed to their friend’s little yellow character.  “So, I think I will take these as payment thank you very much.”

Corpse burst out laughing again a few seconds after, clutching his stomach that could barely take any more damage. (y/n) very well knew that whatever they had said was not funny at all. Or at least not this funny.

"What are they saying? Unplug your headphones!” (y/n) demanded while scooting the chair closer to the monitor.

After unplugging his headphones, Corpse asked Emma to repeat herself to share the comment with their mutual friend. He quickly pressed a button to increase the volume when she spoke up.

“We’re only worth five snacks??”

[teawaffles]

It Happened One Night: Chapter 5

“——What!?”

Everyone, including Sherlock and John, was taken aback.

“Whose house did you find it at?”

Having attracted the gazes of everyone in the room, the officer who’d just entered looked distinctly uncomfortable. But upon hearing his superior’s question, he coughed to clear his throat, and explained in a businesslike tone.

“We found the painting in the house of a woman named Amy.”

“Amy? Is that true?”

The innkeeper’s daughter, Patti, seemed shocked. That said, as Sherlock and John looked around the room, they realised that although Amy had been in the pub earlier, she was currently nowhere to be seen.

The reason for that immediately became clear. The officer who’d made the report turned to Patti.

“Yes; she said she wanted to return home, so I accompanied her. Then just to be certain, I conducted a simple search of her house, and that’s when I found a painting that matched the description of the stolen item.”

Amidst the commotion stirred up by this new revelation, the officer in charge nodded slightly.

“Well then, where is Miss Amy now?”

“She has remained in her home, under the supervision of another officer.”

“Understood. Get me the details of the situation as soon as you can. I’m glad this case got resolved quicker than I thought.”

At those last words, Patti’s eyes widened in shock.

“What do you mean? You can’t seriously be thinking that Amy is the culprit?”

He responded in a calm voice, as if he was accustomed to such reactions.

“Well, isn’t it a reasonable conclusion? We found the stolen painting in her house. There’s no cause for doubt here.”

“That’s— It can’t be! Amy would never do something like that, and she was talking with me the entire time during the party. She didn’t have time to leave and steal the painting.”

Seeing how Patti desperately defended her friend, the man frowned in confusion.

“In that case, she must’ve had an accomplice. Then they stored the painting in her house for the time being. With that, it all adds up.”

“What do you mean, it ‘adds up’……?”

The officer had tried to wrap up the case with such a careless explanation, and to that, Patti was simply lost for words. Perhaps he had always handled his work this ineptly.

The detective took over and confronted him.

“Now hold on just a minute. All the report says is that the painting was found at her house. From that fact alone, isn’t it unreasonable to conclude that she’s the culprit?”

“Who’re you, anyway? ……Ah, someone mentioned it earlier. So you’re a famous detective or something?”

The officer didn’t seem to be familiar with the name Sherlock Holmes. Not particularly caring to explain his background, Sherlock questioned the conclusion he’d reached.

“This woman, Amy, she agreed to have a police officer accompany her home without any objections. If she knew the painting was in her house, would she really have done such a thing? Also, from how that officer spoke just now, it seems he found the painting the moment he entered her home. You’d think she’d have considered that her house would be searched, and hidden the painting somewhere less conspicuous, don’tcha think? So, what do you say to that?”

Having suddenly been dragged into the conversation, the officer who’d made the report was visibly nervous as he replied.

“That’s…… Well, it’s true that the painting was in the sitting room, right after the entrance.”

“See? It was practically begging you to find it. So it’s highly likely that Amy has been framed — you shouldn’t be making a decision just yet.”

Upon hearing Sherlock’s argument, Patti’s expression brightened up, but it seemed the police had other ideas. The officer in charge spoke on behalf of all of them.

“Mr Holmes. The culprit must surely have been in a hurry. So after stealing the painting, when they went to her house, they had no time to hide it, and decided to leave it in the sitting room for the time being. Then Miss Amy asked to return home, to try and hide the painting properly this time; but because this officer ended up accompanying her, she resigned herself to fate and allowed him into the house. How’s that? Now the explanation fits.”

“Oh, come on……”

There was an obvious indolence behind his words: he was no longer willing to listen. Sherlock had more arguments prepared, but at this rate, they would just be evaded in the same quibbling manner.

In order to persuade the officers, they had no choice but discover the truth of the case as soon as possible.

However, Sherlock had yet to make any progress towards that goal. His mind was working on overdrive — he knew he had to avoid the tragedy of an innocent person being arrested — but nevertheless, they were short on both time and information.

The detective’s expression contorted in anguish, and the officer seemed astonished as he spoke.

“Hey, if this was the city, where everyone rushes about everyday, maybe there’d be some deeper truth to uncover. But this is the countryside: nothing remarkable ever happens here, and everything moves according to simple rules. I don’t know whether it’s because you’re a famous detective, or whatever, but aren’t you making this out to be more complicated than it is?”

“…………”

He looked at Sherlock, who squandered mental effort even on the strength of his counterarguments, then turned to face the entrance of the inn.

“Well then, I’ll have the minimum number of officers necessary remain behind, and the rest shall be withdrawn at once. Thank you for your cooperation.”

With that, most of the officers left the building. The guests who’d remained behind simply stood where they were, stunned by the police’s shoddy work.

“……W-What’ll we do now, Sherlock?” John asked, seized with frustration.

“Argh, I was almost there. Dammit…… They did their jobs way too fast, and in a bad way, mind.”

Sherlock continued to think over the case, even as he laid bare his exasperation at the officers. However, he still didn’t have the full picture: it felt as though he had an idea of which way to go, but not a precise path to get there.

As the fog in his mind refused to clear, precious seconds were ticking away.

“Sherlock……”

Beside him, John clenched his fists, acutely aware of his own powerlessness.

Looking at the two men, the innkeeper muttered in a vexed tone.

“Those officers are usually decent fellows, but…… I didn’t think they’d presume Amy was the culprit based on that kind of reasoning.”

With that kind of reasoning, they had presumed she was the culprit. Just recently, Sherlock had heard a line very similar to that.

——Ah, it’d been from that brother of his.

Mycroft had said those words when he visited their apartment before, immediately prior to the “Scandal of the British Empire” case.

“Sherly tends to presume a bit too much in his reasoning.” [1]

Mycroft had said so in a condescending tone that’d also implied he knew something Sherlock didn’t. Sherlock wanted to complain about it back then, but as he knew for a fact that his brother was more intelligent, he’d had no choice but to accept the criticism.

Presuming too much. Perhaps, in this investigation, he had also presumed something he shouldn’t have. Maybe not something that would’ve overturned the case from its very foundations, but rather, a tiny detail.

In an unusual turn of events, he took his brother’s words to heart without protest. Then, seconds later, something struck him like a flash of lightning.

“What’s wrong, Sherlock?”

The shock from that bolt of inspiration had sent his entire body into shivers, and John was clearly worried. Then, Sherlock gnashed his teeth as he replied without hesitation.

“Hey, John. I admit that the carefree few days we’ve spent here might have dulled my thinking. That’s why I was thrown off by how quickly this case unfolded.”

He suddenly laid blame on himself, and John cocked his head in confusion.

“W-What’s happened, Sherlock? Saying something like that out of the blue…… In the first place, there’s little information to go on this time, so our hands are tied.”

But Sherlock took no heed of that, and spoke forcefully.

“That’s…… That’s why— Listen, this time it was my own dullness that slowed down my reasoning. I'd thought that if I could gather just a little more evidence, then the answer would reveal itself immediately. So it was definitely not my brother’s words that led me to the answer, got it?”

“……Ah.”

John understood.

Although he didn’t know the exact details, he knew that Sherlock had probably solved the case with the help of some advice he’d heard from Mycroft before. Because he didn’t want to admit that, he tried to explain why his deductions had reached a deadlock instead.

At that, John couldn’t help but chuckle, and Sherlock was evidently cross about it. But if he messed around with him too much, he didn’t know what kind of logic he’d employ next.

He asked about their next move.

“Well then, what should I do?”

At that question, Sherlock also switched up his thinking.

“First, pick someone we can trust in this inn. I’ll give further instructions then.”

“Got it.”

Then Sherlock whispered into John’s ear the name of someone he was certain was involved in the case. With that, the two men promptly headed out.

Footnotes:

[1] Mycroft said this in Chapter 17 of the manga (“A Scandal in the British Empire, Act 1”). I chose to translate the line anew for the purposes of this story.

[fific7]

Dangerous and Divine - Part 14

Billy Russo x Reader

Summary: Billy Russo is an itch you don’t want to scratch. But he’s all over you like a rash.

A/N: This does not follow canon, it’s mainly fluff & lemon zest 🍋 The GIF is from Exposed, unreleased pilot show in case you’re wondering 😌... Billy vibes.

Warnings: 18+ NSFW due to sexual content including unprotected* sex between consenting adults. Some drinking & swearing.

*Irl, please don’t go wild in the country without protection.

(My GIF)

She’d find some excuse about missing evidence or statements to call him back in, or something along those lines. He was too good a catch to let him escape, and she wasn’t prepared to allow that to happen. And Dinah Madani, as anyone who knew or worked with her soon found out, was one very determined lady.

The weekend following the op, Dinah had literally just sat and wallowed in her apartment, several bottles of wine, takeout and the TV being her only companions. She stewed and stewed about the Russo Situation, as her mind categorised it. She really wasn’t going to let this lie, she was the one who should be with him.

By Wednesday morning, Dinah was sitting in her office scrolling through various witness statements again on her laptop, tapping her pen impatiently on the desk as she did. She’d spent the last two days scrutinising them.

Her mind was working overtime, trying to come up with a plausible excuse for calling Russo back in. It had to be cast-iron, otherwise her co-workers and possibly Russo would smell a rat. She started reading through an eyewitness report from just prior to the shooting; this one might do, as it mentioned seeing Russo (‘tall guy in a black army outfit’) raising his gun just before one of her team had actually shot the guy. She might be able to say she needed him to go over his exact movements at that point, as she didn’t think it had been described in micro-detail in his own statement.

Her internal phone rang, and she grabbed the receiver - it was her boss, the Special Agent in Charge or SAC. “Sir?” His gruff voice sounded annoyed, “Can you come to my office, please?” She frowned, “I’m just going over the -“ but he cut her off, “Now, Madani!” “Of course,” she replied, putting the phone down and getting up from her desk. What’s got his panties in a bunch, she thought as she left her office and headed along the corridor to his.

She knocked and heard a terse “Come in!” and entered his office. One look at his beetroot face made her wish she’d been out on a call somewhere. His blood pressure only ever got this high if some really big boulder of shit had come rolling down the hill and dropped on him.

“Siddown,” he grunted, and waited until she was sitting opposite him. He heaved a big sigh, interlacing his fingers as he placed his hands on the desk in front of him, then stared across at her.

“Dinah... I’ve received two official complaints about you.” She gaped at him. Definitely hadn’t been expecting that.

“What? Who from?!!!” she demanded. He exhaled a breath; even he’d noticed Dinah’s ‘heart-eyes’ for this guy. She wasn’t going to like this.

“Billy Russo, and a friend of his.”

“Oh, let me guess!” She said a name, “That’s his ‘friend’, isn’t it?!” He nodded, “Yes. They both allege that you acted in an unprofessional manner during the case which has just been closed.”

“Unprofessional, how exactly?” she questioned him. His beetroot face went an even more vibrant shade of red, and he cleared his throat, “Russo alleges that you made unwanted sexual advances to him, and that you... uhhh, you engaged in an act of voyeurism while he was having sexual relations with his girlfriend.”

Dinah felt a flush spreading over her face, and she huffed out a breath. “And her? What did she have to add to the mix?” He held her angry gaze, “She said you carried out a totally unnecessary interview with her, solely to obtain information about her relationship with Russo.” She couldn’t stop herself from spitting out, “Huh! Relationship!”

He raised an eyebrow at her, “Dinah, you do seem to be rather more.... interested in Russo than the casework would require? Did you engage in a personal relationship with him during the course of the case?” She crossed her arms over her chest, “No! Well, yes.... to an extent! He took me out for lunches a couple of times and drinks one night, but that’s as far as it went!” More’s the pity, supplied her brain.

“Well, Dinah, I can’t sweep this under the carpet I’m afraid, as they’ve made the complaints official. Their statements have been made and filed with Professional Standards.”

Her eyebrows rose, and for the first time, a sliver of trepidation made its way into her mind. “I see. I didn’t realise it had already been fast-tracked to them.” He shook his head, “Not fast-tracked, Dinah - just following standard procedure. They came in to speak to PS yesterday, and they’ve just contacted me as your line manager to make me - and in turn, you - aware that the complaint’s been filed.” She chewed the inside of her lip; she was having a hard time getting her head around the fact that only two days after he’d come to the final briefing, he’d returned to the office and filed this complaint.

“PS will be in touch with you to arrange a formal hearing to investigate the complaint. They’ll give you a copy of the statements made, and you’ll be able to have an advisor with you.” He looked down at his hands, before meeting her eyes again, “I’m sorry this has happened, Dinah, but it has and things have just got to take their course. I’m not going to suspend you but for the moment, until this is resolved you’ll be on desk duties only.”

Her mouth tightened, but she gave him a brief nod and managed to say almost civilly, “Yes, sir.” He leant back in his chair, “Okay, that’s all for now.” She got up abruptly and left the office, making sure she didn’t slam the door. Although she really, really, wanted to.

She walked back to her office, this unexpected development turning over and over in her mind. She carefully closed her office door, but then kicked her desk viciously, her anger boiling over. This was obviously her idea, thought Dinah, it’s got to be! She just didn’t see Billy as a complaint-filing kinda guy.

Well, his little lady friend would soon find out she picked the wrong woman to fuck with!

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Billy’s eyes opened slowly, and he stretched his arms and legs fully out, yawning. His right hand met empty space - he was by himself in the bed. He sat up and pushed the covers back, leaning over the side of the bed and grabbing his boxer briefs off the floor.

He got up and pulled them on before wandering through to his living area.... ah, there she was. Making coffee and toast for them. Moving silently up behind her like the sniper he was, he grabbed hold of her then burst out laughing as she gave a small shriek.

“Russo! You sneaky bastard, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” His mouth went to the spot behind her ear and he placed a small kiss there, before suddenly licking the entire side of her face. “Russo!” she yelled again, but he heard a small laugh at the end of it. “Mornin’, angel.” He started peppering kisses all over her face and neck, and she laughed again, “Do you want this coffee or not?!” and then just managed to grab a slice of the toast as it came flying out of the toaster. He grabbed it out of her hand and started looking around for the butter and a knife.

“Yeah okay, sweetheart, let’s have our coffee an’ toast. It’s just I didn’t get my Thursday mornin’ kiss when I woke up,” he pouted over at her. She grinned at him, “Oh my god, you know you really are the sappiest of big saps! I’m just not gonna stop calling you out on that. Big bad Marine, yeah right.”

He reached for her and crushed her up against the the worktop, kissing her ferociously and running his hands all over her. He could hear her making little mewling sounds so he upped the ante, sliding his briefs down with one hand, then grabbed her hips and boosted her up onto the counter. He pushed her long t-shirt (actually his t-shirt) up over her thighs and slid his hard-on inside her. He felt her legs wrapping themselves around his waist, pulling him closer to her and settling him in. Billy closed his eyes, head going back at the feeling of being sheathed inside her. He felt like he was losing control of himself, he wanted her so much. He began thrusting, wildly, pushing deep inside her - his brain told him he was going at it like a teenage boy on his first sexual adventure - but he couldn’t stop himself.

Suddenly, he felt himself releasing and gave a long disappointed groan, his forehead dropping onto her shoulder. “Uhhhh... no,” he groaned again, kissing her, “Sorry, angel - got too excited. Couldn’t hold it.”

She leant forward and kissed him, “No need to apologise, tiger... happens to the best of them.” He frowned, “But not to me, sweetheart,” stroking her hair back and kissing her eyebrow, “that’s a first! What are you doin’ to me, woman?!” He had seriously never come so quickly in his life. Thinking back to when he lost his virginity - 15 years old in the group home with one of the older girls - he remembered that even then he’d lasted longer. Not much longer, but still.

He smiled at her, “You know I think I am whipped,” he said, laughing.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Laughing back at him, she jumped down off the counter and ripped a couple of paper towels off the roll next to the toaster. Dampening them under the tap, she handed one to Billy and they quickly cleaned themselves up. He eased his briefs back up over his slightly damp thighs, and noticed she was going through the lower cupboards. “What’ya lookin’ for, sweetheart?” She opened another cupboard door and peered inside it, “Clorox or whatever....” He opened the cupboard door under the sink and took out a spray bottle, handing it to her with a raised eyebrow.

“Gonna disinfect yourself, angel?” he smirked at her, “I mean I know what my rep was like in the past, but I always wore a condom.” She smacked the bottle against his butt, “Just the countertop, honey... we’ve just had sex on it if you recall!” “Owww! Ahh...okay, right,” he nodded, and she grinned back at him, “I can see I’ve still got some house-training to do for my puppy.” He mock-frowned and smacked her ass lightly, “Not a puppy, sweetheart!”

“I don’t know why you object to that, Billy - puppies are cute!” He popped the toast slices back in the toaster to reheat them a bit, “Puppies piss and shit all over the place and dry-hump people’s legs!” She burst out laughing, “Wow! I didn’t realise you were so puppy-phobic, Russo!” “I’m not! I just don’t want to be compared to one,” he protested. She finished spraying the counter and wiped it all down.

Leaning up, she kissed him softly, “Oh okay... Hurt Male Ego alert!! What d’you wanna be, poppet... a tiger?” She went back to attending to the coffee. “Well, you did call me tiger earlier, so yeah - I can live with that,” he grinned. “I might just call you poppet.” He nudged his shoulder against hers, “You’d better not.” She brandished to coffee pot at him, “Try and stop me!” Just then, Billy heard his phone chime in the bedroom with a new text message.

He strolled back through there and picked it up, his mouth pulling into a line as he saw the sender’s name.

Dinah: Russo, I don’t know what game you think you’re playing, but I want to speak to you about this complaint you’ve filed.

Russo: I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Dinah: You owe me an explanation.

Russo: Do I? And an explanation about what? It’s quite straightforward.

Dinah: No it isn’t. You meet me tomorrow at the Chelsea Piers, 10 AM. Then you’ll be nice and close to your little girlfriend and you can go running back to her afterwards.

Ouch, thought Billy, someone’s still jealous.

Russo: OK I’ll meet you for a 5-minute talk and that’s it.

Dinah: And keep this to yourself, Russo.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Billy walked back through to the kitchen, tapping his phone on his chin as he went, deep in thought. Did he tell her about this, or just keep quiet? He couldn’t work out why Madani was so insistent on an actual meeting. His gut told him nothing good could come from this, he just knew it. He wasn’t absolutely sure of the details, but he was under the impression that Madani should not be in contact with him when there was an active complaint against her. He’d better be damn careful when they met tomorrow.

She’d finished pouring the coffee and buttering the toast and turned to him with a wide smile as he reappeared, holding out a plate and cup to him, “Here you go, poppet.” He took them from her, smiling back and shaking his head, “Poppet! Do I really look like a ‘poppet’?!” he said, following behind her as they left the kitchen area. He leant forward and planted an open-mouthed kiss on her neck. “You look like a big sap,” she laughed back, “but a very sex-ceeee one in just your briefs,” and rubbed her body up against him, making him groan.

As they made their way over to his sofa, he thought to himself that maybe he’d just stay silent about it, his angel was in a good mood and he didn’t want to place a black cloud over the day. Both of them had decided to have a day off from work, he had plans for the two of them and he didn’t want to spoil it all. He made up his mind as he looked over at her, she was smiling at him and his stomach did a backflip as it had been doing a lot lately.

Yeah, he’d just not mention it.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

@blackbirddaredevil23 @galaxyjane @omgrachwrites @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead

[brave-clarice]

“Clarice” Liveblog: Episode 4

Since today is International Women’s Day, I decided a (somewhat) timely viewing might be in order.

she’s running! finally!

what are these unnecessarily graphic autopsy scenes?? what narrative purpose are they serving?

“Tony, don’t be a dick.” Murray sucked in Episode 2, but I’m falling for his bluntness tbh.

“I heard that on a search of Catherine Martin’s apartment...” hey! a book reference!

Clarice didn’t live through Hannibal’s mind games to be manipulated by this chump.

an incredibly weird flex: making Krendler the victim of career sabotage?????

oh boy, I do not like where this Ardelia subplot seems to be going. Ardelia’s ambitious, but she’s also loyal. C.S. + A.M.!

“you’re speaking to me like a roommate about a case I’m investigating.” she IS your roommate, and she literally spoke to you the same way about a case SHE was investigating, Ardelia! where was your by-the-book attitude then?

Clarice is not behaving any differently than she has in the past, and Ardelia’s chewing her out over it, like...?

“I would never have compromised you.” I’m sorry, that’s just a nasty, passive comment, and I hate it. :)

“Might be aliens!” Nod to the X-Files? LOL.

“I understand that one of you is a sociopath whisperer and one of you’s a sharpshooter” Clarice is ALSO a sharpshooter!!! WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE SHOWN?!

And “sociopath whisperer”? she treated Hannibal like a fellow human being with dignity. that’s the secret.

Clarice’s Pinto!

they’re going to BALTIMORE. *waggles eyebrows*

missed opportunity for Clarice to mention that she’s been to Baltimore several times before in her “rattling death trap” (wink!)

yay for casual sexism.

please DO NOT expect me to feel bad for Krendler.

“so James Hoffa is in your crawlspace? He has the Lindbergh baby? That’s great news!” I laughed.

STOP MAKING KRENDLER A GOOD GUY.

behold: someone who might have actually lived in the early 90s!

iirc Ardelia dated somewhat regularly...so idk why she’s being characterized as this standoffish two episodes in a row.

lol, uh, do agents call each other “agent”?

“your friend Clarice, the Bureau decided to shine a light on her. Overnight she’s a star.” easy enough to see how a veteran agent who’s stuck might view Clarice’s situation like that...but that doesn’t make it true. the Bureau didn’t “shine a light” on Clarice--Jack Crawford used her as bait for one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. she almost got killed and recycled. her career never takes off (which I really hope these show-runners remember).

it finally hit me...since they can’t include Jack Crawford, Clarice’s “angel,” they must be trying to combine his character with Krendler’s?

and, uh...it doesn’t work.

“They didn’t do a favor when they threw you to the cannibal.” Hannibal reference!

and yay, some self-awareness from the writers re: all the stuff I just ranted about!

what time of day is it? everyone’s been wearing the same clothes all episode, but a trip to Baltimore from D.C. takes just under an hour one way.

she’s just pretty

Krendler’s excuse for treating Clarice the way he did is so comically stupid. spare us, dude.

but tbh this is the Krendler we should be seeing - shaming Clarice for doing the right thing.

the girls are fighting. :( and for no reason.

honestly...this conflict is so artificial and manufactured for cheap drama and god, I hate it so much.

Ardelia graduated as Academy Valedictorian!!! obviously both race and gender factor into her career path within the Bureau, but that is sure as heck “a leg up”! so why is she telling Clarice “opportunity’s like nothing to you”?!

not to belabor the point, but Clarice’s “opportunity” was to “wheedle a crazy man with come all over [her]” and then to almost die in another crazy man’s basement. no big.

“I love you, but who do you think you’re talking to?” no, Ardelia, who do YOU think you’re talking to???

Ardelia Mapp, ARDELIA FUCKING MAPP, just threatened to report her best fucking friend, goodBYE.

as @special-agent-pendragon​ pointed out, Ardelia knows something about how traumatized this version of Clarice is by what happened in Belvedere (that “opportunity” that made her a “star”). she knows Clarice has mandated therapy sessions, knows that she’s seen multiple men die in front of her in the past few DAYS. she maybe even knows about Clarice’s flashbacks/bad dreams. so knowing all that, it’s downright thoughtless and cruel of her to treat Clarice this way just because she’s angry and bitter.

me too, girl

I hate to see Ardelia get the short end of the bureaucratic stick, but maybe it’s a lesson about priorities that this OOC version of her needs to learn.

Krendler sacrificing himself to save his team...a lamb, if you will... surejan.jpg

their person of interest purchased a ticket to BUENOS AIRES.

“I graduated second in our class” no! she was valedictorian! is this show’s Achilles heel really going to be Ardelia Mapp?!

systemic racism is a theme worth highlighting just as much as the sexism that brings down Clarice’s career. I just hope they don’t throw Ardelia’s awesome character away to do it.

no one as brilliant as Ardelia should be surprised that the Good Old Boys were using her to get at Clarice. they just so happened to pluck her out of cold cases to investigate ViCAP, her best friend/Academy roommate’s team? why is she shocked???

I’m so mad. Ardelia is guilt-tripping Clarice, dumping all her anger and fears about the future on her, and for what? damn, our girls deserve better than this.

there have to be better ways to expound on the theme of racism than the heroine’s closest friend and confidante throwing her under the bus.

Clarice’s boss just called her out for going into a dangerous situation alone without informing anyone of her whereabouts. so what do the writers make her do? that exact same thing! except now she’s an agent with a team, not a trainee on her own. ugh.

and to wrap up by far the worst episode of the series to date, a cliffhanger! #Yikes.

I’m really disappointed. Last week’s episode was a little dull and less than impressive...but this? For all I’ve been complaining about the Clarice-is-traumatized subplot, that was somehow better than whatever this was. Plus, nothing I was critical of last week was addressed or fixed.

The Good: Some funny lines, a Hannibal reference (along with a Baltimore trip and a mention of Buenos Aires), and a couple of good allusions to the novels. Someone telling Clarice that it was wrong for the Bureau to throw her to “the cannibal” as a trainee. (She knows this, it’s just nice to hear it out loud.) Almost no trauma/flashback scenes, thank God. Clarice going for a run! Oh, and Rebecca Breeds is beautiful, as usual...though she, also as usual, doesn’t have much to actually do.

The Bad: Everything else. The Ardelia subplot made me genuinely upset. It’s not necessary for the show-runners to force a conflict between Clarice and Ardelia to get their messages across! Maybe people who haven’t read the books are eating this up, I don’t know. But to me it’s a total betrayal of their dynamic. The costumes are still boring and still not very 90s. There’s no character development. (Except for like...Krendler?) AG Martin and Catherine don’t exist in this episode, making everything from last week feel even more unfocused. They added a new deep state/big government type twist to the existing conspiracy subplot, which...why??

I just didn’t like it.

Clarice still needs better costumes. What she really needs is character development, though. The show-runners don’t think the movie had time to flesh Clarice out very well...but Jodie Foster was given more to do than look sad all the time! Rebecca has shined so far when she’s had the opportunity. Of course the show has to have a plot, but the heroine should also feel like a real person.

Sorry about all the negativity in this one. Hopefully, this is the worst episode of this show we’ll ever have to see and the Ardelia nonsense is resolved next week. I’ll take another week of boring costumes, etc., as they put the canon characters I love back en route to their proper arcs!

[iggy-of-fans]

Of Being a Ladybug 1.5

Happy Holiday’s! Here is my gift to you!

Previous  Masterlist 

The class, Then 

Monday of the attack

Adrien smiled, satisfied that Marinette hadn’t done anything. He shook his head, ‘really, what could she have done?’ he asked himself. Marinette was a great girl and had designed for or worked with a few famous people, but he doubted that they even remembered a lowly baker’s daughter. He sure didn’t remember most of his fans. He shrugged. Alya really should have just fact checked. Probably an over-zealous fan that sent it to one of the actors mentioned. Marinette also wouldn’t do anything that could hurt Alya. He got to the class and stopped short at the door. There were a lot of long faces in there.

Alya was sobbing into Nino’s shoulder.

Rose was quietly heaving into Juleka’s shoulder as well. Not so much sobbing, but still very upset.

Max sat tense, glaring at his phone, looking like he might set it on fire.

Kim glared ahead at the bored.

Mylene, for once, looked stronger than all the class and like she might punch somebody.

Adrien was confused. As far as he knew or remembered, only Alya had a real reason to be this upset. He frowned.

“Nino? What’s going on? Why is everyone so upset?” Adrien asked, completely lacking the social understanding to perhaps ask someone else. Who wasn’t holding their+

3 crying girlfriend. Nino just glared at him.

It was Alix who answered, “Seriously Adrien? Read the fucking mood. And to answer your question, Lila Fucking Rossi.”

“I don’t understand. What did Lila do?” Adrien asked, passing over the first comment. He just wanted answers.

“Marinette was right. Like always, she was right. Lila is a liar, and a bad liar at that. We were idiots and all fell for it. Rose lost her friendship with Prince Ali because she bought Lila’s tales. Alya is being sued for slander. Mylene and Ivan contributed to her “go green” projects, only for none of them to be legit. Max is being investigated by the school for letting Kim cheat off him and Kim got kicked off the team for it. Then the school NERD club got wind of the napkin incident and apparently even Superman and Wonder Woman can’t throw a napkin hard enough to take out somebody’s eye. And me? I was told I would be meeting pro skater Esmee Visser. We should have listened to Marinette” Alix shook her head. Mari had warned them. Warned them not to cheat, not to listen to Lila, to work their own way up. Marinette always worked so hard but made it all look so easy.

The whole class bowed their heads. Mylene had ended her friendship with Marinette on Tuesday the week before, because Marinette had suggested that she and Ivan not give their combined 400 Euros to Lila’s charity. This morning, Mylene had seen the news coverage of over fifteen people suing Lila Rossi and by extension, Alya Cesaire, for slander, defamation and theft. Lila had been going around getting things put onto tabs for famous people to pay off, claiming she was a niece, goddaughter or assistant.

They waited for Marinette or Lila to come into the class. Marinette so they could apologize. Lila so they could beat her up. When the warning bell rang, and Ms. Bustier entered the room, nobody even batted an eye. When the last bell rang, and Marinette still wasn’t there, they worried. When the sound of a car being tossed through a building reached their ears, the students evacuated.

Alya rushed to the scene. The Ladyblog may be shut down, but she could start fresh. Maybe Ladybug would even call on Rena Rouge! When she got to the scene, Vipereon was hidden on a building with… was that… a new fox? Alya almost started crying again. Another hero made her way there. A new bee, it looked like. And another, a new turtle too. When Ladybug arrived with the dragon, the team huddled for a minute before breaking apart to fight. Alya snuck closer as she watched Guilty Conscience coming at the heroes.

“I never wanted to be a hero. I feel horrible when I have to lie to protect my identity because I hate liars. I wish I had never met the Master or been picked to be Ladybug or had managed to give the Miraculous away before I got too serious. I hate what this has turned me into, I wish I could go back to just being Marinette…”

Alya gasped. Oh! OH! She shut off her video and turned. She’d wanted to earn back her title as a journalist. But not like this. She ran back to her apartment. Not like this.

As Tuesday morning dawned, the class was sitting together again. Adrien kept looking at the door expectantly. If Chat Noir payed a visit to the bakery last night, no body would know. Namely because nobody was there. Adrien’s foot bounced. The minute she walked through the door; he would confess to her.

Nino looked sideways at Adrien. He knew his boy was a bit starstruck with Ladybug. Did he really expect her to come to school, though? Nobody seemed to notice that Juleka was also missing.

Class started, only to be interrupted again when the principle announced all classes should turn on their TVs to the news.

“Good Morning Paris. We interrupt your scheduled programming to bring you breaking news,” on the screen was Lois Lane, world renowned reporter. “This morning, the Mayor of Paris was able to welcome for the first time, Justice League Members Batman and Wonder Woman, to Paris. Already, the world’s greatest detective is solving the matter of ‘who is Hawkmoth?’ and ‘where is he hiding?’. The investigation was started early this morning and is still ongoing now, however, the heroes are confident the matter will be resolved by end of day today. League intervention is also being given to the local Parisian heroes, who are being folded into the League system. The now dubbed Miracle Team will be receiving regular training and adult supervision from the American Heroes. On other news… One moment please. We are now going live to the traffic copter, which has caught sight of Wonder Woman storming a mansion in the heart of Paris. Jean, what can you tell us about the current situation?”

“Thank you, Lois! I am here, on scene as Wonder Woman storms the Agreste Mansion. Parisian’s will remember that Monsier Agreste was Akumatized as the Collector a few months ago. He certainly isn’t putting up any fight, it looks like. And there is Nathalie Sancour. Both are coming out with their hands up. It looks like Monsiour Agreste is doing all the talking. Ms. Sancour is going down in what appears to be a coughing fit! Police is also arriving on the scene. An arrest has been made. I repeat. An arrest has been made! A police car is pulling off, and looks to be heading to Francois-Dupont, commonly dubbed the Akuma school. If I am not mistaken, it is the same school that Gabriel Agreste’s only son, Adrien Agreste attends! AH, one moment. It looks like Wonder Woman is going into the mansion. Paramedics are also pulling up on scene. Ms. Sancour is being taken into an ambulance, but the other set of paramedics is running into the mansion as well. Is that?! It is! Lois, and watchers, for those of you who do not know, this is Emilie Agreste, the wife of Gabriel and mother of Adrien. She went missing and was declared dead three years ago. Paramedics are now rushing her prone body to the ambulance…”

The news continued, but the class was distracted by the door being thrust open. Officer Raincomprix and his partner entered.

“Adrien Agreste, you are under arrest for suspicion on working with Hawkmoth. You have the right to remain silent. Everything you say can and will be used against you” the officer stated, placing the cuffs on a stunned Adrien Agreste. His mouth hung open. What…? And then he heard the whispers.

“He was supposed to start school the day of the first Akuma…”

���Always defending the bully…”

“Never there during attacks…”

He shook his head mutely. NO! He was a hero!

The class watched mutely. Two in two days.

*!!*

Because he was a minor and could prove, behind closed doors, that he was in fact Chat Noir, Adrien was acquitted and sent to live with his Aunt Amilie and Cousin Felix Graham de Vanily. He took off the Miraculous ring. Plagg had told him Ladybug would need her cat. So, he put the ring in the mail to be sent off to Wilhelm with a letter explaining everything. He heard through the news that the Dupain-Cheng family had left Paris in a rush. Nobody was quite sure where they went, though most guessed to China. When he landed in London, Adrien had no idea what to expect. He hadn’t seen Felix since his mother’s funeral. He had also heard that Felix’s father had died not long ago. Felix and Amilie greeted him at the airport with smiles. He smiled and dared to hope.

*!!*

Alya watched the footage of Marinette revealing herself again. She sighed. Adrien Agreste was publicly deemed innocent and sent away. Lila Rossi, while facing several lawsuits, was only being sent to a remedial school at the outskirts of Paris. Lila’s mother, who had been akumatized as Guilty Conscience, almost lost her job. As it was now, diplomatic immunity was the only thing keeping her from being investigated further for child neglect. Alya was still facing the law herself, but being a minor, she was only facing some fines and heavy warnings, but otherwise she was also grounded until she was eighteen. Her parents were disappointed, her sisters avoided her most of the time. School had become her only escape. But even there was no escape from everything that had happened. Marinette was no longer there, and Ms. Bustier was under investigation for the amount of Akumatizations in her class. Mr. Damoclese was as well, for mismanaged funding to the school. Turns out his Owl suit and “weapons” were being funded from donations to the school. The class was split up into different classes too. Divide and conquer. Alya sighed. They weren’t really allowed to interact with each other, for fear of it causing more trouble. But most of the other students didn’t want to interact with them either. Alya had never noticed it, but their class was isolated by the rest of the school.

*!!*

Luka sighed as he watched Marinette walk into the Zeta Tube, her head bowed. Paris had ruined Marinette. He brushed his hair back and looked at Juleka. The news had confirmed that Gabriel Agreste was Hawkmoth, but he had given his Miraculous to Nathalie to get rid of. They were pawned off to another party, but Gabriel had no idea who, and Nathalie went under and into a coma like Mrs. Agreste.

The League told them that they would be receiving training and supervision, as there were Miraculous everywhere now. They would be needed to step in. Luka being the oldest was made the leader, despite not having the ladybug miraculous. He sighed. What a shit show.

< ( ^ ^ ) >

Bruce closed the journal and replaced it in the secret compartment in the desk. He turned to the bed behind him, where his newest ward was fast asleep, tear tracks staining her young face. He wanted to rage at Diana and Clark. He’d petitioned to have Marinette live with him from the beginning, but had been denied because Diana’s mother had been a Ladybug. Reading about what Diana had done to the poor girl, all with good intentions but completely misguided, Bruce was ready to wage war. Marinette had been through emotional hell. He would make sure to do better by her. He swore then that he would give her a family.

[gear-project]

So you have done a summary of the canon character endings for XX and how those endings lead into accent core plus. I was wondering if you can do the same for the accent core plus endings and how they lead into the future games if you haven't already done so.

Kliff Undersn_____: His story in AC+R is a flashback to just prior to the final confrontation with Justice, but he would later encounter his son Testament a few years later in 2180 before his death.

Axl Low _____ : His time-slipping caused him to run in to Slayer and Panonika in New Delhi at one point, and this event eventually gave Axl a "hint" about his powers being somehow linked to his subconsciousness.  But not long after he would end up being "trapped" in the year 2192 post-apocalyptic Babylon and would run in to Bedman only to be rescued by I-No.

Jam Kuradoberi _____ : While at first she went back in to the Bounty Hunting business alongside Bridget, she found it was much more lucrative to run her own Foodcart, though she did get to rebuild a smaller version of her restaurant, it got destroyed YET AGAIN (the cause was never explained).  In frustration, she took a break for a while, only to run in to Jack-O' by sheer coincidence.

Zappa _____ : Zappa was unable to find a medical solution to his supernatural problems, but his run-in with Crow Kuruwaba gave him an opportunity to apply for working with the Government and begin his investigations in to supernatural activity.  As a result, he created something he would later call the "Zappa Scale" and has been using it to "avoid" Information Flare events ever since.

Chipp Zanuff _____ : After settling things up with Slayer, he promised to finish the training that his Master Tsuyoshi had passed on to him, but at some point around 2183 he ran in to the girl Erica Bartholomew who coincidently was the "elected" President of the United States.  She was being attacked by Assassins, but Chipp intervened.  After that whole problem was resolved, Chipp decided to travel to South Africa, where he ran in to Answer who picked a fight with him.

Answer lost that fight, but as a result gained a friend in Chipp and the two would go on to build their own country: Eastern Chipp Kingdom.

Dizzy _____ : After having a serious conversation about her future with Testament, Dizzy decided to finally move in with Ky now that he had secured a job as Police Commissioner of the International Police... of course, not long after this, things happened, and Ky ended up becoming the High King of Illyria due to the Conclave's involvement.  Dizzy, meanwhile, had to go in to hiding, despite her relationship with Ky (along with her son, Sin).

Anji Mito _____ : He was responsible for sealing I-No away as a favor to "That Man", but because of Baiken's feelings on the subject, he decided working with That Man wasn't such a good idea.  Instead, he decided to head back to the Japanese Colony and oversee things there while keeping an eye on Baiken in the process, as her "bodyguard".

He wouldn't been seen for a while after this, but he was in contact with Baiken when she was involved with the later Colony incidents.

Slayer _____ : Taking Anji's advice, he decided NOT to retire just yet, but he did decide to take a break from being active.  He settled in Illyria in secret, and had several men working under him act as his eyes and ears so he could observe the Conclave and Pope from a distance.  Later, Bedman killed one of his subordinates, and it was also around that time he decided to look in to Zato's resurrection.

He was also responsible for passing on that information to Faust, despite their connection being tenuous, he felt Faust deserved closure.

A.B.A. _____ : She was last seen 'temporarily' working for the P.W.A.B., but has since gone missing.  Where she and Flament Nagel went is still unknown.  Most likely though, she is still trying to find a way to give him a humanoid body, despite his desire to remain a weapon.  She is also looking for her creator, the real Paracelsus.

Johnny _____ : After things calmed down with Dizzy, May, and Testament, Johnny continued to further his underworld connections and expand the Jellyfish as an organization.  He would later have to put his plans on hold for May's sake, since she began developing a periodic headache (symptoms of Ki Overflow syndrome).

Millia Rage _____ : After witnessing Eddie's "death" she was forced to run away from the P.W.A.B. Robo-Ky units, but she continued to pursue the ones who stole Zato's corpse (as a favor to Venom) and tracked down their whereabouts to nearby Harden Fortress (VastEdge events).  Due to the situation, she was forced to arm herself with guns and deal with heavily armed bounty hunters, but she was able to relay her findings to Venom and confirm what the Conclave had done with Zato's body.

She would later have to play a ruse and meet up with Venom under false pretenses, but this was all overshadowed by Zato=ONE's revival from death.

Robo-Ky _____ : Funding and support for mass production ceased, and so the only Robo-Ky to remain ended up running away from his makers and settling in a small town within Illyria's borders.  He ended up doing small jobs for self-maintenance, and while he wasn't well-respected, he was at least content with living among humans.

May _____ : She learned a bit more about her past connection with the Japanese people from Ky, but was still unconvinced.  She was upset with Johnny for avoiding the issues around them (he was actually trying to resolve a lot more than she knew).  But after the incident with Dizzy was cleared up, things finally settled down for a time... though May would later develop symtoms from an as-yet not known disease connected with her past.

Eddie/Zato=ONE _____ : His corpse was taken by the P.W.A.B. and used as part of the Conclave's experiments involving Revival magic developed from Dr. Faust's research.  The end result was that Zato's body had been dead and in preservation for nearly 6 years, but once he was revived, his soul became a blank slate, save for the last memories he had of Millia.

Testament _____ : Despite his objections, Dizzy left the forest for good, and so Testament was left to his own devices.  While he hated humans, he understood Dizzy's determination to change his point of view by setting out on her own.  His encounter with the "then dying" Eddie reminded him of the distant past, and his connection to his father Kliff.  Despite everything, he decided to stay in contact with Johnny as a precaution for future events, while keeping an eye on the P.W.A.B.'s movements from a distance.

Baiken _____ : Baiken decided to let Anji be her "protector", even if it didn't mean much to her exactly... but Anji's ominous warning that "That Man" was "too strong for her to deal with", left a bad taste in her mouth.  For the time being, she would lay low among the colonies and out of sight from the police, investigating any possible place the Gearmaker might have been... though she wouldn't have much luck until a certain incident started in Miyabi, the largest Japanese colony.

After that incident, she would encounter the enigmatic Ninja, Answer.

Venom _____ : Having settled his affairs with Millia Rage, he decided to act like a proper Leader of the Assassins.  So proper in fact, his subordinates gained a lot of respect for him, and his brutal methods continued on for nearly 6 years.  After having picked a fight with the current P.W.A.B., he felt he needed more political influence... his next goal would be to take over the United States Government!

(Venom's activities would later be thwarted by Chipp and Gabriel in the Butterfly and Her Gale novel!)

After having lost his chance to control an entire nation, Venom was stuck with doing small-time work under the P.W.A.B. for a time... that is, until Millia supplied him with some unsettling news: Zato was alive!

Bridget _____ : While he did work under Jam's restaurant for a time... his uncle came by to tell him some unsettling news... his twin Brother had left the family home and had gone missing.  Bridget set out to go after his brother, but has been missing ever since.

Faust _____ : Faust wasn't able to get as much information out of the P.W.A.B. as he had hoped, and so he ended up going back in to hiding for a time... though, a certain "incident" in May of 2184 had him run in to a then-pregnant Dizzy who was now IN LABOR!  It was short notice, but Faust was able to help deliver the baby safely!  (Faust wouldn't know it, but that child would later be known as Sin Kiske!)

Faust also went on to save the life of Erica Bartholomew when she was attacked by assassins and wounded by one of them.

Sometime later, he was contacted by Johnny concerning May's sickness, and also given some new information regarding the whereabouts of Zato=ONE, said to be a key witness to events in his past!

Potemkin _____ : After the P.W.A.B.'s underground activities were silenced, Potemkin returned back home to Zepp.  Sometime later, the Assassins tried to incite a war between America and Zepp, and it was Potemkin's job (as per usual) to protect the President at all costs... though he did end up getting in to a fight with Chipp Zanuff under a misunderstanding.

Rather, Chipp had gotten stronger than their last encounter, and so Gabriel decided to challenge Chipp directly, only to defeat the ninja on his own...  Potemkin was not surprised at all by these results, but was still concerned for his nation's wellfare.

After Erica resolved the incident and the Assassins were dealt with, Chipp left to resume his training.

And while Zepp was still monitoring things around the world, it would be a while yet before they got directly involved with another incident.

As time passed however, Potemkin recieved unsettling reports of two strange entities: Ramlethal Valentine, and a mysterious being known as Bedman.

I-No _____ : Her story was put to an end as "That Man" utilized Anji Mito's talents to seal up I-No for the time being... and while I-No was upset concerning this, she had no time to ponder it.  That is, until she was unsealed once more by "That Man" sometime later, and given a NEW mission.

This mission would be to secretly Assassinate the Valentine known as Ramlethal, and also investigate any potential changes in the timeline.

She would not be very successful for a while (even having to fight Sol once again)... that is, until a certain Axl Low fell in to her "net".

Justice _____ : While her final memories took place in AC+R (just prior to her death in 2180), half of her memories were transferred in to a new body... this body was given a new name: Jack-O'Valentine.

Jack-O' was forced to lay low and keep hidden for nearly 8 years after the death of Justice... and it would be some time yet before Jack-O' would accept her 'past self'.

Ky Kiske _____ : Ky settled up his rivalry with Sol, but later decided having Dizzy under his protection was the best for both their goals.  And while he wasn’t given much leeway, his reputation would later put him under the eye of the Conclave.

Sol Badguy _____ : After things calmed down with Dizzy, and I-No was no longer an issue (due to Anji’s meddling), Sol settled up with Ky, drawing an end to a chapter in their rivalry (fall of 2181).

After this, Sol continued his work as a bounty hunter for a while... though, around the end of the year 2184 (just four years since they last spoke), Dizzy contacted Sol with some vague information regarding Ky being depressed and in a bind.

Not sure what was going on, Sol travelled back to Europe where Ky and Dizzy were staying, only to discover that Dizzy now had a son!

But more shocking than that, was Ky’s disheveled state.... he was much slimmer than he’d ever been, and a shell of his former self.

Sol couldn’t bear to see Ky depressed such as he was... and the only solution he could think of, was to knock some sense back in to Ky with his fists!

After some fighting, and knocking Ky down repeatedly, Ky revealed his problems to Sol... he asked Sol to adopt the boy Sin, and keep him under his care!

Sol wasn’t exactly prepared for this... but knowing what kind of person Ky was, and the burdens he was under, finally made sense...

It was then, that Sol decided to take Sin in as an ersatz, “son”, and raise him better than Ky ever could as a father.

Or, at least that was the plan... Sin grew up much faster than Sol expected, and his personality was very different from Ky’s as well... not to mention the “Gear” powers growing inside him...

Still, they would continue as Bounty Hunters for the time being... until they were attacked by Valentine’s Servants: The Vizuel, only to be rescued by a certain Fox named Izuna!

TO BE CONTINUED IN GUILTY GEAR 2: OVERTURE!

[dontbeunraisonable]

Shielding The Other With Their Body - Tatsuma Ryuko | Ryukyu x OC!Remus Narukami

Requested by: @ajanisapprentice

This is prompt #8 from my 100 follower special!! Thank you so much my dear for sharing your oc with me! I really really enjoyed reading this all and I'm excited to talk more about them! There is a short summary of them here so those interested can take a little peek :D

Word Count: ~1.9k

Warnings: none?, i can't write combat scenes i guess :)

-------------------------------------------------

Remus can be a little intimidating at times, especially to those he is not very familiar with. So all the little interns and support workers at the Ryukyu agency tended to be extra polite with him and clear room for him wherever he goes. Careful to avoid his intense yellow eyes.

But this is far from his intention, especially for the younger interns, still students, who are confused and scared of everything. He takes care to give them the gentlest of smiles when passing (children that are already in this line of work need all the support they can get) and point them in the right direction if they are lost. Some of them use this small interaction for bragging rights.

“That nice, blue-haired man smiled at me. I’m taking this as a sign from above not to quit.”

“Same here, he pointed me to HR man so I didn’t look stupid in front of that one sidekick I always manage to make a fool of myself in front of.”

Remus only worked part-time at the Ryukyu agency, as most of his work was moving around different agencies. He worked internationally, being called in for his expertise by agencies. While there he did a little poking around, on his relative’s behalf: investigating how they treat their employees, sticking his snout into things that were wanted secret. Keeping an eye on things he was warned of.

The Ryukyu agency was not at all an entity worthy of investigation. The namesake was a wonderful hero that hadn’t a bad bone in her body, and she made sure all her employees were treated fairly. She did the best she could at everything, and even made sure to seek out female hero students and support members that were often overlooked.

No, the reason Remus was visiting the agency so often was that he enjoyed the company of Ryukyu herself. They had been friends at Yuuei together, and he had helped her found the agency. And now he had developed stronger feelings for her.

It is universally advised for coworkers not to have romantic relationships with each other. It can distract from work, and things can be made awkward if the couple splits or if one has a higher rank in the corporate hierarchy. It’s just generally not advised.

This is especially true for Pro Heroes. The rumor mills can be ruthless, and public support (if not adoration, at least not contempt) is a necessary factor of hero work. Also, Pro Heroes are not people with loads of free time necessary to develop a relationship. And with different schedules, the odds of time together are even smaller. It’s best to not pursue a relationship that is assumed to be doomed at the start.

But logic is usually not the decider of romantic attraction. And Remus couldn’t control how his heart would skip whenever she touched him, accidental or purposeful, or how he felt refreshed after time with her. How he sometimes spoke so highly about her during their conversations that a little pink would dust her cheeks and she would make some comment about “flattery”.

He was sure that she wrote it off as him being blunt with her, not him getting flustered and blurting out his feelings for her.

He wouldn’t ever tell her of his romantic attraction to her. He didn’t want to put her in an awkward situation or risk ruining their friendship, something he valued so highly. Just spending time with her was enough for him. Hearing her voice, seeing her smile. That was enough.

Earlier that morning, Ryukyu texted him and asked him to come of her office.

“Remus,” she said, adjusting her hairpiece, her usual calm smile on her lips, “would you please join me on patrol today? The sidekick scheduled to patrol with me today sprained her ankle, and I would appreciate your company.”

He had, of course, agreed to accompany her. It was now almost noon, and they were walking side by side through the city. It was remarkably quiet, the only disturbance being a dispute between two shop vendors which was quickly resolved when they saw two Pro Heroes walking past. Neither party wanted involvement.

Due to the peacefulness, the two fell to chatting quietly. The usual topics: how her sidekicks and interns were faring, their health, the health and activities of their relatives, etc.

“Oh,” she said, “I told you about my friend’s daughter who liked her co-worker, right?”

His stomach dropped but didn’t change his expression. “Yes, you did. And she wanted your advice on it.”

“Mm. They’re dating now.”

“Really? What did you tell her?”

“I told her to be careful about it, and make sure to be clear with them if they start dating about staying professional at work and, if possible, transfer to another division.”

“And?”

“She’s working in another department, two floors apart. But from what I’ve heard they haven’t had any trouble.”

“Do their other co-workers know?”

“No, they decided it to be best if no one at the company knew. There aren’t specific rules banning relationships between employees, but it is advised not to.”

He tried to ignore the awkward feeling. He couldn’t help but wonder if there was another reason for her bringing this up. “How do you feel about it?”

“I think it will work out for them.” She had that pretty smile on her face again. “I think people who are wise with relationships and communicate well can manage relationships. They know whether or not it will work out between them, and whether it is worth the risk of something going wrong. She thinks the other person is worth it, and they are mature enough to know how to behave. I think they will work out very well. Perhaps you can be my plus one to their future wedding.”

Remus laughed at this. “Oh, you do have quite a bit of faith in them. Let me know when you get that invitation.”

“You’ll be the first one I tell.”

This little phrase made Remus’s heart buzz. He really was quite far gone.

He opened his mouth to say something but snapped it shut when they shielded their heads at the sound of a loud crash. Squealing of brakes and metallic crunch filled the formerly peaceful street.

He gave her a quick glance to make sure she was okay before they were running in the direction of the commotion.

“Please make way!” she shouted, and people backed up to let the pair pass. There were four, maybe five cars all crunched up together.

“I’m calling an ambulance!” shouted a nearby pedestrian, and three others shouted they were, too.

Remus immediately went to the nearest car and helped the woman open the door. She looked a little dazed from the airbags, but otherwise only a little banged up. He brought her to the side of the road, and an older woman sat down with her.

“Are you alright?” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ryukyu was joined by another young Pro Hero and they were getting the people in the outer cars out. All the commotion was centered around the large truck in the center.

“Yes,” she said, quietly, tears welling up. “That truck came right down the middle of the intersection. They must be crazy.”

“An ambulance is on its way ma’am. They’re going to check you out and make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m going to get you some water, sweetheart,” said the old lady kindly. “Can I bring her inside this store?”

“Yes,” said Remus, “just make sure she stays around for the police report. You’ll need to tell them what happened for insurance purposes.”

A loud shriek from the surrounding crowd startled Remus. He turned to the commotion and saw that a giant man was now emerging from the truck.

“Everyone, go!” Remus shouted, and he lunged towards Ryukyu and the new heroes’ sides. This was not some crazy or distracted driver: this was intentional. People screamed and ran in every direction, some in the wrong ones.

The large man glanced over at the trio and a sickening grin pulled at his lips. He looked excited about a fight. He reached for a nearby car, one that had held a now fleeing family, and chucked it at them.

The younger Pro ran to the side, and Remus felt a large whoosh of air throw him aside as Ryukyu grew into a large dragon. Her body shielded Remus from the car, and her large claws crunched the truck nearly flat.

The large man looked notably less confident and now ran towards Remus, maybe hoping the large dragon wouldn’t notice him running past her tail. She obviously did, and one claw went to block him from reaching Remus, and the other grabbed him.

Remus hurried to direct everyone out of the way to allow emergency vehicles to pass, and Ryukyu held the very disgruntled would-be villain in her claws until the police had arrived.

The man was kicking and swearing that he wasn’t to be messed with and Ryukyu only glanced at him with disappointment.

The man was quickly locked up in a van and transported off. Due to the wonders of modern car safety, most of the people in the accident were okay. There was one instance of a broken arm, but all the rest were only a little dazed and bruised.

Ryukyu returned to human form once the man was locked up, and Remus hurried over to make sure she was okay.

“I’m fine,” she said, brushing his concern aside, “just a little tired.”

Remus looked relieved and unthinkingly brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear again. “That’s good to hear.” He only noticed his proximity to her when he noticed the faint blush on her cheeks, on top of the flushing from exertion. He took a step back and mumbled something like an apology.

“Don’t be.”

The uncomfortable silence between them was now overwhelming. He scolded himself for not restraining himself. “Should we get you something to eat?” he said awkwardly, looking anywhere but at her.

“Yes, that would be good.”

The two of them ordered from street vendors and sat down on a park bench to rest and eat. There was a calculated distance between them, and they ate with notably less conversation.

“Remus?”

“Yes?”

“You were about to say something before that big accident.”

“I was? Oh, I was. I don’t remember what it was. Probably not very important.”

The conversation once again fell flat. Remus cursed himself. They continued to eat, and he searched for something, anything to talk about.

“Do you think,” she began in a quiet voice, “do you think we’re mature?”

“What do you mean?” A rush of emotions came over him. Was this about what she said about how mature people can maintain a relationship with difficult circumstances? “Mature enough to… have…” His voice trailed off.

“A relationship.”

Their eyes locked. After a moment he spoke up again.

“Yes. I think so.”

She smiled and looked away, towards the pond before them. Little kids were looking with lots of interest at the residents of the pond and taking turns carefully poking their fingers into the mossy water.

“I do, too.”

Posted 2021 June 23

[zarathelonewolf]

KNY DEMON SLAYER AU

NEW MASAKO BACKSTORY

- Her father dies in this one, alongside his best friends Haru and Sakura against a colossal demon that they however managed to kill

- His uniform and weapon are given back to his family

-Masako is twelve when it happens... She keeps training, although full of grief, like she did with her father since she was younger; her mother worries

-Yua (her mother) starts talking to Ryu's former master, who is still training young promises to enter Demon Slayers... He finally decides to come see the daughter his dead apprentice had always told him about, and to help the family process the loss: while Fukunaga-Sensei never plays favoritism, he was in fact very affectionate towards Ryu

-Fukunaga arrives while Masako is going crazy in the forest with his father's kusarigama, cursing the gods, and other stuff that isn't very lady like... And he says "yeah, I want this one"

-I want this traumatized child, he thought

-Also because she seemed to have a propension for Stone Breathing, even if her unstable control didn't just indicate trauma but an imperfect compatibility... And her passion for duels and fighting was almost unrivaled among the few girls Fukunaga had trained

- So he takes her in, and promises her mother that they will visit her sometimes to reassure her that the training was going alright

-Surprise surprise... She needs to change Breathing style... No, wait, her weapon, too

-So he asks his friend, Igarashi, to help him out

-She gives Masako lessons on Wind Breathing... Until she gets stuck with that too

-They have no idea what to do now

-But Masako does, she has a big brain moment, and after trying to use a sword for Stone Breathing and seeing that it works and that her body feels a higher compatibility like this, she starts goofing around with it and combining Stone and Wind Breathing to create different moves... She always bases herself on the former, though, because it was her father's style

-Fukunaga and Igarashi are SHOOK

-Was this child just... Trying to create her own technique? It was unstable as hell but STILL

-And it looked weird but STILL

-Igarashi tells her colleague that the Shadow Hashira, which she had trained, had done the same thing combining Water and Wind, so it wasn't unheard of

-Fukunaga is still :O

-But it seems too unbalanced, he says

-She could hurt herself, he says

-And I don't want her mother to suffer other losses nor the child to die, he convenes

-Igarashi doesn't shut up, Fukunaga is older and more experienced but less stubborn, so they both decide to follow her plan: they would help her perfect the technique

-Spoiler: they manage... almost. Masako decides to use two swords, one heavier than the other. The heavier one is for powerful charges and is only used against big opponents... The lighter blade is for regular fighting and precise hits. She calls it Diamond Breathing, because it is a more precise version of Stone Breathing powered up by the twist given by her notions of Wind Breathing.

-She passes the Selection

-So they are happy and smiley and... Oh my gosh, we just created a wonky one-woman army, crap!

-She becomes Hashira at 18...the Diamond Hashira... Her technique is pretty stable at this point, and demons that have heard of the great Demon of the River's demise are quaking in their dens

-the rest is pretty much the same: she gets to know the Stone Hashira of the time and the Shadow Hashira. When the latter dies while spying in Douma's cult, she is 29 and has had a tsuguko (Kai, my boy) for three years. She is sent there to fully investigate Shadow Dude's death, and to keep being a spy in his stead

-It fails miserably: she and Kai manage to escape, but he is a demon now

-He was turned in front of her and ordered to kill her after eating some prisoners in her presence; Kai had valiantly refused, used a premature Blood Demon Art technique and ran away with Masako, since his humanity was stronger than Douma's blood

-He kept running until they were far away and Douma had stopped pursuit

-Masako didn't kill him in the end, even if they both knew it was her duty: he was clearly more human than demon, and had a greater control over his newfound craving for human flesh than any other demon Masako had killed.

-She had met other demons that hadn't liked their condition and had only killed to survive or out of fear of Muzan, and some others that seemed to have humanity left like the Demon of the River she felled, making her achieve Hashira rank

-She wanted to give him a chance: he was just like the latter type of demons, but much more composed

-So she lies in her report: Kai is believed to have died while covering her and the prisoners' escape... And other attempts at infiltrating Douma's cult are highly discouraged

-Kai sometimes still asks her to kill him and to let him disintegrate like she would do with every other demon... It was better to prevent than to cure in his case

-She is stubborn, something she's always been since her birth and that Igarashi had powered up: she has decided to stand by him, and she won't falter, because this is a great opportunity to keep a human unwillingly turned into a demon... well, human

-After a bad year of not being good enough at her duties, she had appearantly died in her own mansion and had been devoured in the woods by a Demon that had somehow managed to find her hiding spot

-A 30 year old Masako is, in truth, abandoning the Slayer Corps with Kai while and incredibly worried Gyomei brings bad news to the others

-They had been about to discover there was something fishy about her staying that often in her mansion in the mountains... She was helping her tsuguko remain as human as possible, feeding him wild animals, letting him sleep longer because it seemed to be a substitute to human flesh and meditating with him. Since the Hashira could have discovered it anytime, because Gyomei is Perceptive™ and Obanai is Suspicious™, she had made a run for it

-Kai says "what about your duties, are you really abandoning them, just kill me cuz I'm a burden and I'm jeopardizing everything"

-Masako answers that he is the most stubborn demon she's ever known to keep rebelling that way to his instincts and to remember so much of his previous life

-They would keep killing bad demons, they didn't necessarily need to be Slayers officially to do so... But he wasn't a bad demon, and she had slowly learned to discern ever since she had killed the Demon of the River

-She'll keep making sure he never screws up, and if the situation really does get bad... She will kill him and then herself for allowing the question to go that far in the first place

-Kai has a new resolve now, he curses both Muzan and Douma and thus severes their bond and he follows her

-Meanwhile, in a mountain far away from their location... An old demon wakes up in a cave, shaken up: Kai's furious roar of rebellion had spread to every demon, especially other ones that had rejected Muzan

-So Him Who Carries reaches out through his mind to his allies, Kuro and Hina, that had gone out in the middle of the night to hunt animals: he tells them that a new rogue demon has finally embarked on their journey towards betterment

So... This is pretty much it.

Also this is an alternative version that I could use instead of the one where Ryu survives terribly injured and doesn't want Masako to train/become a Slayer until Fukunaga steps in saying "You ruined a child, look, it has low self-esteem, now I have to fix it you fool".

See ya, let me know what you think

-

-

[alvacchi]

Phantom Thief Hanako-kun AU Story: Chapter 7- Caring For You

What's this? Yes you've read right. A new chapter's here! Time to go back to the present!

Enjoy!

---

-Let's recap the recent events of chapter 5!

-Hanako and Yashiro were able to spend time to get to know each other more

-Yashiro was busy grocery shopping for donut ingredients until she ran into Tsukasa

-Visiting the very place of the mysterious heist with him, Yashiro discovered a dark secret of Hanako's

-Even more was strikingly revealed with Hanako present

-And now Hanako didn't come by Yashiro's place

-What's going to happen next?!

-It's been a couple days since that time with Tsukasa

-And still no sign of Hanako

-Yashiro sighed as she got ready in her pajamas

-Wasn't it also like this right after the murder?

-Now she kept expecting something at the window

-It's actually been raining heavily lately

-What a great way to match the mood

-Yashiro thought about the donuts that she baked on that same night

-They weren't that fresh anymore after some time

-She was still keeping them in her mini fridge for some reason

-She's going to have to throw them away eventually

-Taking out some seeds for her hamster Black Canyon, she pondered worriedly about Hanako

-Yashiro: "I really hope Hanako-kun is okay, Black Canyon"

-After finishing up her remaining chores, she turned in for the night

-The next rainy day

-Yashiro went to Tsuchigomori's detective agency as usual

-Only today there was quite a ruckus in the office

-The moment Yashiro opened the door

-She immediately knew who was visiting from the loud voice

-"I'M PUTTING MY PRIDE ON THE LINE HERE, EMO SPIDER!"

-Tsuchigomori: "Woman! That's not how you ask!"

-Yashiro: [sweatdrops] "Uhhh good morning, Tsuchigomori-sensei and Police Chief Yako-san?"

-Tsuchigomori: [pointing to Yako with his thumb] "No need to call this fox that anymore. She got demoted after going way out of line."

-Yako: "Argh we don't have to talk about that. That's beside the point! I need your help! None of the other detectives are willing!"

-Tsuchigomori: "Maybe because you're terrifying them and using impolite speech."

-Yako: "Ergh. I'm not that bad, right Yashiro-san?"

-Yashiro: "Uhhh."

-Why drag her into this?

-Tsuchigomori: "By the way, how's the case with Detective Three's murder going?" ((Yako: "You're ignoring me now?!"))

-Oh. That's right.

-Yashiro still hadn't reported to Tsuchigomori about her progress.

-But what the heck was she supposed to say??

-Oh she found another likely suspect who confessed to the murder but he got away and he and Hanako seem to know each other?

-Saying that would complicate matters and get her a possible scolding from Tsuchigomori

-She wished she could hurry up and become a professional already

-Yashiro: "...I haven't really found anything on the case. Nothing worth noting anyways."

-Yashiro didn't want to cause more suffering to Hanako

-She didn't understand his situation but investigating further may harm their relationship, if that wasn't done already

-Tsuchigomori: "I see. Well, for your information, because there's not much to go off of and considering the possibility of framing, the security at the heists would go back to normal. For now, some of the task forces are more needed elsewhere."

-Yashiro felt a bit of relief

-Well that's good, right?

-Yako, who was fussing in the corner during their conversation, went marching over to Yashiro and grabbed her by the shoulders

-Yako: "Yashiro-san, I have no choice but to rely on you!"

-Yashiro: "Huh?! Wha-?"

-Tsuchigomori pinched his nose in annoyance

-Tsuchigomori: "Ugh. Please do not bother my apprentice, Yako-san."

-Yako: "But! Misaki has gone missing and something could have happened to him!"

-Missing? A missing person case?

-Yashiro was intrigued

-Perhaps focusing on another different case would be best for her right now

-Yashiro: "Tsuchigomori-sensei, I would like to take on Yako-san's case! She's still an important client!"

-Tsuchigomori sighed. No point in refuting now he guessed.

-Tsuchigomori: "Alright, fine. You can go ahead."

-Yashiro beamed and thanked him

-And so she started her interrogation with Yako

-Asking questions such as when and where Yako last saw Misaki, what he looked like, what was his occupation, etc.

-Yashiro managed to get a few leads so she planned to investigate the area the next day

-She took on some documents from the office so she could study them up in her apartment

-After some time trying to work through the files, she decided to turn in early so she could get up really early to start investigating

-As she was sleeping, she failed to notice a black Mokke at her window

-The following day, Yashiro got ready to leave her apartment, now on her way over to where Misaki used to be

-She didn't have to go to Tsuchigomori's agency during her investigation

-It was the weekend anyways

-She searched and asked people around the area

-It seemed that Misaki did indeed disappear and not that long ago either

-He wasn't at his job like he was supposed to be nor did anyone know where he could have gone

-Yashiro was stuck

-There weren't that many clues she could look into

-Was this supposed to be helping her mood?

-It's like all the cases she had lately have been hard to resolve

-How frustrating

-Some time passed and it was already late so Yashiro had to go back to her apartment

-She took a long bath to relax and clear her mind

-Then before she knew it, Yashiro was thinking about Hanako again

-Why couldn't she get her mind off of him?!

-It wasn't like Hanako was the reason she became a detective! He's not even her type! She's got other cases too!

-After her bath, she should just go to sleep

-No point in staying up if her thoughts were going to mess with her

-She dried her hair and got into her pajamas

-and then flopped down onto her bed

-.....

-.....Her bed was strangely bulky

-She took off the blanket

-and behold

-Hanako was lying there with his eyes closed

-Yashiro: "HANAKO-KUN?!"

-What the?! When did he get there?!

-Yashiro: "Hanako-kun, why are you in my bed?! Are you listening?!"

-Yashiro touched him and she realized his skin felt hot

-She felt his forehead and it was burning

-He was also sweating

-Yep, Hanako's got a fever and he's unconscious

-The bedsheets were also getting soaked

-Oh geez, was he in the rain earlier?!

-He didn't stand in the rain and got sick like that, did he?!

-Yashiro had to take a deep breath to calm down

-Looks like she had an unexpected sick patient on her

-Alright, first things first

-His clothes

-She's got to remove them since they're wet and wouldn't help

-She tried to get him to wake up for this but it wasn't working

-Yashiro gulped

-Okay, this wasn't the first time she took clothes off Hanako

-She had to do that to patch him up when he was bleeding before

-So it did feel like a deja vu moment

-But it was just his shirt she removed that time since that's where the bleeding was

-She didn't even remove his hat or any other as a gesture to keep his identity a secret

-When he was gone the next day, he took his shirt she cleaned with him

-Now he was completely soaked all over

-She started feeling nervous

-It would be normal to feel that way, right?

-Yashiro: 'Sorry Hanako-kun, but I got to do this!'

-She got it done, swapping his clothes with dry ones that would fit him

-Her heart thumping loudly in the process

-It was for his sake! Just trying to help him get better!

-Gosh, why was she feeling this nervous?

-She also had to set him aside for a bit to change the bedsheets

-Since she's done that, she got a better look at his face without his hat

-Yashiro: 'He looks like an innocent boy just sleeping...'

-Next, she's going to have to somehow get him to eat a bit and drink medicine

-She opened her mini fridge

-.....the bowl of donuts was empty

-What?! Did he eat her donuts earlier when she wasn't looking?? And they were about to go bad! Hopefully, he doesn't get a stomach ache from them

-Well, no matter

-She just had to grab medicine now

-Taking the medicine from a cabinet, she went back to Hanako

-To see him awake

-Oh thank goodness she didn't really know how she was going to give it to him

-Though now she's annoyed and feeling embarrassed that she went through the trouble earlier with his clothes

-Why couldn't he have gotten up sooner?!

-Yashiro: "Hanako-kun?"

-He turned to her with a dazed look on his face

-Yashiro sat down next to him and she put the medicine in his hand

-Yashiro: "Here. You need to take this."

-Hanako just took it and gulped it down with no hesitation

-Yashiro, relieved, told him to get some rest and sleep there for the night

-Before she was able to leave, he suddenly grabbed her

-Hanako: "Wait....don't go...!"

-He sounded pretty desperate

-Hanako: "You...didn't come to the heist tonight...."

-There was a heist?! She didn't even realize at all

-Besides, she didn't even know if he wanted to see her

-He was avoiding her these past couple days

-and now he's acting like he wanted her to see him??

-A cat. He reminded Yashiro of a cat.

-Yashiro: "Hanako-kun, you need to rest--"

-Hanako: "Are you afraid of me?"

-Yashiro's eyes widened at his question

-Hanako's hand

-It was trembling against hers

-He was afraid of how she would respond

-Yashiro: "No...If I was, I don't think I would have jumped out to shield you back then."

-Hanako: "Then, promise me"

-Hanako put up his other hand to make a pinky promise gesture

-Hanako: "Promise me you'll stay by my side."

-Yashiro formed her pinky gesture after a moment of registering what he said

-She then wrapped her pinky around his

-Yashiro: "I promise"

-Suddenly, Hanako pulled her towards him and they both collapsed onto the bed

-Yashiro: "Hanako-kun?!"

-Hanako: "Stay with me. I feel cold."

-Yashiro flustered

-She was locked in place between Hanako's arms so she couldn't get out

-She was probably going to get sick from close contact

-Hanako cuddled her closer, taking in her hair scent

-Hanako: "You smell good..."

-She just took a bath earlier

-Hanako was being pretty touchy

-Whether he was dilerious from his fever or this was his usual flirting, Yashiro wasn't quite sure anymore

-Yashiro leaned against him in defeat

-Yashiro: "...I'm sorry about trying to find out more, even though I knew you didn't want to talk about it...I'll try my best to wait until you tell me yourself."

-Hanako: "Mhmm...."

-It seemed like he was drifting off to sleep

-Yashiro was also drifting off

-And they both fell asleep

....

...

-In the middle of the night, Hanako started whimpering

-Yashiro woke up to it, wondering what's wrong

-Hanako: "I'm sorry Tsukasa...."

-He shed a tear while saying that

-Tsukasa.

-That boy was still a mystery Yashiro had yet to figure out

-Yashiro decided to intertwine her fingers with Hanako's in hopes it would help

-and Hanako, who felt the gesture, seemed to have successfully calmed down and was back to peacefully sleeping

---

-Mitsuba was in his own apartment that night

-He would usually be up writing his journals on the latest scoop

-But tonight, he was looking at the same photos that he looked at after the moon heist

-When Kou was talking with him after the heist about how Hanako seemed to have gotten framed for Detective Three's murder, it came to his mind

-Not that he didn't notice before, he just never bothered questioning it

-And the photos that he just only recently decided to get developed served as more proof

-There was something odd with the photos of Hanako

-"Miiiitsuuba~"

-Mitsuba quickly shoved the photos away on impulse

-He turned around to see the visitor, still feeling a bit nervous

-Tsukasa. Somehow managing to sneak into his apartment

-Tsukasa: "You know the drill, right?"

-Mitsuba: "Yeah, yeah, I got you"

-Mitsuba had to pass Tsukasa the photos that he took of Hanako during the latest heist and any before

-Tsukasa: "YAY!"

-Mitsuba: "You're welcome I guess."

-Last time Mitsuba didn't go through with what Tsukasa wanted, Tsukasa thought it would have been fun to make him bungee jump out his apartment window

-That was a nightmare

-Tsukasa: "Hey Mitsuba."

-Mitsuba: "Hm?"

-Tsukasa: "You're not thinking of anything, are you?"

-Mitsuba's heart sped up

-No no Tsukasa can't read his mind

-Mitsuba: "I-I'm not sure what you're talking about"

-Dang he stuttered

-Tsukasa seemed to have let him be though and went off on his way

-Mitsuba sighed in relief

-There was a risky gamble he planned to take

---

-Kou phone rang but he was currently asleep

-Mitsuba: Missed Calls [2]

[jokertrap-ran]

(未定事件簿) EVENT!「午夜华章」 [Tears of Themis] EVENT: Symphony of the Night Translations (Chapter 1-01: Prologue)

*Tears of Themis Masterlist  *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *The tracking tag for ALL Event Stories will go under: #Tears of an Event *(y/n) is your name when in direct referral; otherwise referred to as MC. *Presenting: 10 pages of prologue content (cracks fingers)

Location: Detective Agency

The winter sun shone into Xia Yan’s office, but I couldn’t feel even the slightest bit of warmth from it.

Now, Xia Yan was beside me with a frown on his face as we both stared intently at what he was holding in his hand…

???: Listen well, Great Detective and partner… This will be your last chance.

A voice that had been processed by a voice-changer came from the strange box that he held within his palm, holding absolutely no trace of emotion at all.

???: If you cannot help me complete this commission of mine by finding the missing hacker within the specified time limit…

???: I will immediately launch an attack on the Big Data Lab, which will paralyze Stellis City’s entire network.

The voice cut off here, ending spontaneously, leaving me facing Xia Yan, who had a look of utter seriousness on his face.

Xia Yan had received a commission last evening. The Client came oddly in the form of a box, and the details of the commission were all also transmitted to him through the very same box itself. Knowing how I loved puzzles, Xia Yan had invited me to investigate it together with him. But who knew that this commission also came with a threat.

The Big Data Lab would come under fire if we failed to complete the commission… The Client had repeatedly emphasized on that point without providing us with any other explanation. 

Xia Yan: Since you’ve already come to us with a commission, then how about you tell us about everything clearly? Who exactly is this hacker you’re searching for…?

Bzzt, bzzt―—

The phone that I had left on the table buzzed to life. Seeing the Caller ID flashing upon the screen, Xia Yan stopped questioning the box.

MC: Lu Jinghe? Didn’t he say that he had a whole day of meetings with the Board of Directors? Why is he suddenly calling now…?

Xia Yan: ...I have a bad feeling about this. In any case, let’s answer his call first.

I nodded and answered the call.

Lu Jinghe: (Y/n), I heard yesterday that you were going to the Detective Agency to play. Are you still there now?

MC: I am. Did something happen?

Lu Jinghe: Could you pass the phone to Xia Yan?

He wants to talk to Xia Yan? I paused for a moment, looking towards the guy in question.

Xia Yan nodded, signaling for me to put the call on speaker.

Xia Yan: Lu Jinghe, has there been any problems with the Big Data Lab recently?

Lu Jinghe: What a direct question. Looks like you do know something about this after all.

Lu Jinghe: The Big Data Lab has been harassed by hackers a couple of times recently. The engineers there have just warded off another attack just now.

Xia Yan: Why are you looking for me? Is it because you feel like I’ve done something similar, and thus, being the first one on your list of suspected people?

Lu Jinghe: ...If you absolutely have to put it that way, well, you’re not exactly wrong either.

Lu Jinghe: But, what I’m more worried about is the fact that this isn’t an attack by just a single person, but rather, an organized large-scale attack.

Lu Jinghe: If this is the case, then we can only rely on the personnel currently stationed there. But I’m afraid it’ll be hard to ward them off with just that amount of manpower.

Lu Jinghe: So, I was thinking of asking you for some recommendations of experts in this field. Even better if they’re open to external contracts.

Xia Yan: So that’s how it really is after all… If I’m not guessing wrongly, I think that this has something to do with the current commission I’m undertaking.

Xia Yan: This matter involves the entire Stellis City Network, and it’s not something that any one of us can handle on our own.

Xia Yan: Can we call a full NXX Member Meeting at once? I’ll explain everything then. 

Lu Jinghe: Yes. You and (Y/n) head to the Base first, I’ll notify the other two.

Ending the call, Xia Yan’s gaze fell to the box by his hand once more, his expression solemn.

MC: Xia Yan, does this mean that something serious has happened for you to be calling everyone together to investigate this?

Xia Yan: Yes. Even though everything still looks peaceful now, I have a hunch that…

Xia Yan: This commission that was headed by a threat must be much more complicated than we think it is.

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

One hour later, at NXX’s Base.

Location: NXX Base’s Meeting Room

Mo Yi: So? The Client oddly came to you in the form of a box that cannot be pried open and even threatened the one who’s taking on the job for them, all just to find a single missing person?

Xia Yan: The Client has repeatedly emphasized on the fact that this matter cannot be let known to the public. I suspect the missing hacker must have come upon something dangerous.

Lu Jinghe: No matter how dangerous it might be, they should have been prepared for some leaks to happen when requesting for outside help. Using the Big Data Lab as a threat is just too unreasonable…

Zuo Ran: How serious were the attacks on the Big Data Lab so far?

Lu Jinghe: Even I can’t explain this properly, myself. But I’ve found a helper who’s very good at this aspect of things, so it’ll be more reliable to let him do all the explaining.

Saying so, he booted up NXX Base’s computer.

After inputting in a series of commands, he turned on the projection device, and a figure slowly formed before us.

MC: Huh? Aren’t you…

Chu Dai: Hello, I am Chu Dai, the Big Data Lab’s exclusive AI. I'm pleased to be of service to you.

I was stunned for a while at seeing the AI boy who I only saw on my phone, the one who loved leaving interesting evaluations on encyclopedia entries, appearing before my very eyes.

MC: You’re Chu Dai?

Chu Dai: I am! I can always talk to you like this if you prefer this form of mine more~

Lu Jinghe: Chu Dai, report on the current status of the hacker attacks on the Big Data Lab.

Chu Dai’s expression turned sullen upon the mention of the “hacker attacks”.

Chu Dai: Yes, leave it to me to explain that.

Chu Dai: Ever since last month, the Big Data Lab has been facing small-scale attacks every few days. Fortunately, they all seemed to be just testing the waters, so no real harm was done.

Chu Dai: The hackers launched yet another attack this morning. And the engineers think that they may be just buying time to analyze the Firewalls.

Chu Dai: Chu Dai has been pushing back the hacker's parsing progress, but Chu Dai thinks that they've already completed it.

Chu Dai: If there's another attack, the Firewall will have a higher than 90% chance of being broken through…

Xia Yan: This Client who's looking for a missing hacker's actually also a highly skilled hacker themselves.

Xia Yan: Based on my understanding of the warning that the Client had sent, I suspect that what the Big Data Lab has been subjected to are just pre-emptive attacks.

Lu Jinghe: You mean, he deliberately pushed the cracking process to a critical point, only to force you to complete the Commission?

Xia Yan: I'm afraid so. These attacks are simply to prove that he has the capabilities to take down the Big Data Lab.

Xia Yan: In my opinion, I think that the best way to resolve this incident would be to track down the Client before they can launch a next attack.

Mo Yi: Which mean, you intend on accepting this commission?

Zuo Ran: Buying time by accepting the commission, and then conducting reverse-tracking to locate the signal from where it was originally sent from would also be a plausible method.

Lu Jinghe: What's your stand on this, (Y/n)?

Everyone turned to look at me at his question.

⊳ Choice: Accept commission

MC: I think it'll be better if we accept this commission too.

MC: I think it's better for us to play along with the other side's tune first, until we get a full grasp of the situation. This way, we might also be able to find more clues along with our investigations.

Mo Yi: Nothing ventured, nothing gained… that's a very interesting way of thinking.

Mo Yi: I'll be very happy to accompany you, if that is your decision.

Xia Yan: Yup, I'm of the same mind too. You can rest assured on the problem of safety if we're going to be working together.

⊳ Choice: Refuse commission

MC: Logically speaking, I think that we should accept it… but personally, I still think that we should look into it a little more.

MC: We’re unable to identify the true motives of the person we’re up against at this current moment in time. And if finding the missing person’s just a guise...

Zuo Ran: So, you’re worried about what the other party’s motives are. Truth to be told, I’ve also thought about that.

Zuo Ran: But this is also the only option we have that allows us to obtain more clues. Rest assured; I’ll be accompanying you.

Lu Jinghe: And you have me too! Leave your safety to me; still worried about it, Big Sister?

Chu Dai: Yep, yep! Chu Dai will also follow the hacker's signal to its source and provide all of you with support! 

Xia Yan showed everyone the box that the Client had sent by placing it atop the table.

Xia Yan: This is what the Client sent. I tried to pry it open yesterday but found that it's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that cannot be disassembled at will.

Lu Jinghe: ...It's not a bomb or anything along those lines, right?

Chu Dai: No, but it should be a device that requires special commands to open. Can you connect it to the computer? Let me try opening it.

Xia Yan connected the box to the computer with a USB cable. The projection of Chu Dai temporarily disappeared to focus on analyzing the box. We waited for about ten minutes before the box on the table snapped open with a click, opening from the gap in its center.

Lu Jinghe: Whoa! It's open?

His voice had only just faded before Chu Dai's own rang from the computer's speakers.

Chu Dai: This box is called the "Vespers' Box" —— And this is the data that the creator has placed within it.

Chu Dai: Oh yes, by the way, there's a special program installed into the "Vespers' Box" which records the first person who boots it up.

Chu Dai: But Chu Dai is definite that it won't pose any threat to anyone! So, please feel free to investigate it to your heart's content!

Everyone exchanged looks with each other, leaving Xia Yan to pick up the box. After confirming that there were really no problems with the box, he handed it to me.

Xia Yan: I see that you've been so curious about this box for a long time now, so how about you lead everyone on the investigation of this thing?

MC: Me? Are you sure about that?

I looked around, only to meet everyone's trusting eyes.

MC: Alright then… Let me check this out!

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅

MC: I just have to open the box from here, right?

Xia Yan: Yup, just flip both sides open.

Zuo Ran: Be careful while opening it since there's a delicate device inside.

MC: I won't handle it roughly… you really should have a little more faith in me, Lawyer Zuo.

Zuo Ran: ……

Zuo Ran: What I meant was...be careful not to scratch your hands from the small, intricate parts of the device.

MC: S-Sure…

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅

MC: Nine screens? Is it used to display different parts of the commission?

Mo Yi: Perhaps it has something to do with it's name of the "Vespers' Box"...? Unless, maybe it's really a commission from an undead?

Lu Jinghe: Well… don't you think this is shaped a little similar to cosmetic products and the like that girls use…?

MC: Cosmetic products for girls…? You don't look the type to be that knowledgeable about it.

Lu Jinghe: Hehe— Of course I'll pay attention to something that might be a potential present for you one day!

Chu Dai: Everyone, I've already activated the program within the "Vespers' Box". You can activate the screen to light it up by tapping on it again so please try it out!

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅

MC: Whoa… how beautiful!

Mo Yi: ...It can be regarded as an Art Masterpiece.

Chu Dai: The contents being shown on the screen are the instructions for your investigations. I'm still analyzing it so please wait for a moment.

Zuo Ran: Only one screen has been lit while the others are locked and marked by a serial number… Are these all steps dictated by the Client themselves?

MC: Looks like we can only play along with them until we manage to find them…

Lu Jinghe: Let's first discuss the countermeasures we're going to be taking while waiting for Chu Dai to decrypt it.

Xia Yan: Yup. We have to listen to what everyone thinks of this before deciding whether or not to participate in this Case.

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅

We temporarily put the "Vespers' Box" aside since Chu Dai was still parsing the encrypted content on the screen.

Lu Jinghe: Let me share my opinion first. I cannot ignore it now, since this matter concerns the Big Data Lab.

Xia Yan: This person approached me by name and even threatened the Network Security of Stellis City, so I can't stand by and do nothing about it either.

Lu Jinghe: ...So you're saying that you want to settle this together too, don't you?

Xia Yan: This was originally a matter that the Client entrusted to me alone.

MC: ……

Don't we all investigate cases together all the time anyway? Why do the two of you have to be so…

MC: Then...how about we all solve it together?

Xia Yan: You want to participate too? But I'm afraid it'll affect your job…

Zuo Ran: Priorities are priorities. This issue of the "Vespers' Box" involves the Information Security of Stellis City as a whole, and thus, cannot be ignored.

Zuo Ran: (Y/n), I can give you a vacation to let you focus on this matter at hand. I will lend my aid as well.

MC: What…? Are you sure?

MC: Thank you, Lawyer Zuo!

Lu Jinghe: I knew that things would eventually turn out like this…

Mo Yi: We're all members of the same team, so it's not good to be leaving teammates behind and act on your own accord, correct?

MC: Are you joining us too Dr. Mo?

Mo Yi: Of course. I'll naturally accompany you to face this challenge that you've undertaken.

Lu Jinghe: Acting cool even in a time like this…?

Zuo Ran: How much longer till Chu Dai decrypts the tasks?

Chu Dai: Mission completed! Everyone, you can now check the tasks on the screen of the "Vespers' Box"!

Chu Dai made a re-appearance before us again as a projection after completing the decryption process.

Chu Dai: The Client has made nine task groups and will probably be giving us clues and hints on where to investigate after completing them.

Chu Dai: Actively complete the tasks set out by the Client, and you should be able to see what his true motives are soon enough!

Lu Jinghe: Complete tasks to get hints…? Does he think of this as a game?

Xia Yan: A hacker's code is unique, each to its own, like a fingerprint. It'll come a long way in helping us identify the Client if we can crack his method of compiling source codes.

Xia Yan: I'll be cooped up here most of the time from now on, using what resources we have at hand to crack the codes. I hope Chu Dai can assist me with that.

Xia Yan: This way, I can also provide remote support if the Big Data Lab faces threat again.

Lu Jinghe: No problem. I've already notified the Big Data Lab to leave enough Memory Space for Chu Dai to work with for this Case.

Chu Dai: Yup! Chu Dai's daily serviceable functions won't be affected at all, so feel free to use me to assist you in your investigations!

I felt a surge of relief upon seeing them settle the arrangements without a hitch.

MC: Please don't hesitate to tell me if there's anything I can help with! I'm still on vacation, so I my time's more flexible now.

All eyes on the floor turned to me right after the words left my mouth, making me feel oddly embarrassed out of nowhere.

MC: Don't...Don't look at me like that. I might not know much about hackers, but I'm still able to run around doing errands and investigations for clues…

Xia Yan: Actually, there's this one other important thing that only you can do. Sorry, I kept forgetting to tell you about it.

Under my curious gaze, Xia Yan took a deep breath before speaking slowly.

Xia Yan: I hope you'll take custody of the "Vespers' Box" and lead this investigation.

MC: !!!

Xia Yan: I know that this is a little risky. It was I, who received the commission, and I shouldn't have involved others who didn't have anything to do with it…

Xia Yan: But I have to stay at the Base most of the time to analyze the codes, so I had to find someone who would be able to take on the task and carry out the investigations out in the field much more conveniently.

Zuo Ran: This is too dangerous. We do not know of the reason behind the hacker's disappearance and have no way of identifying who we're up against.

Mo Yi: But her safety will be guaranteed so long as there's always someone by her side, yes?

Mo Yi smiled at me.

Mo Yi: My recent schedule is somewhat free, so I can accompany you if that's any reassurance.

MC: Huh? But wouldn't I be troubling you way too much…?

Lu Jinghe: Trouble or no trouble, I wouldn't trust someone who only wakes at 9AM to protect you.

Xia Yan: Same.

Zuo Ran: Mo Yi, I hope you'd consider the feasibility of your suggestion before putting it forth.

Mo Yi: ......

Zuo Ran: All four of us have a fixed range of activities we are involved in; be it work or investigation...

Zuo Ran: So how about we take turns to accompany her based on whose workplace is the closest when the tasks get triggered?

Zuo Ran: The "Vespers' Box" will be stored in NXX's Base after completing the daily tasks every day. This way, there'll be no need to be afraid of being tracked.

Lu Jinghe: Yes, that's certainly a good idea.

Xia Yan: I won't be careless when it comes to the problem of her safety. I'll also track and monitor her location in real time when she's out through the GPS signal beamed from her mobile.

Mo Yi: Alright. This is certainly the most efficient method we've come up with.

Chu Dai: So... have all of you decided the course of action you’ll be taking?

Chu Dai, who had been watching us all this time, seemed to have finally found an opportunity to interrupt us.

Chu Dai: Oh! Looks like you've all talked it out! (Y/n) has a very good work record! I'm sure she'll have absolutely no problem at all leading the investigation!

MC: Haha, thank you for the compliments, Chu Dai!

Chu Dai: Then next, I will be explaining the functions of the "Vespers' Box" that I've analyzed.

Chu Dai: All members of NXX, please listen carefully, for you'll be using these eventually in consequent investigations!

Everyone nodded, gathering where I was to listen to his explanation.

A heavy sense of responsibility weighed on my heart as I held the "Vespers' Box" in my hands.

MC: (Please rest assured, all of you who have placed your deep trust in me…)

MC: (I'll definitely complete this commission and find out the true colors of this mysterious Client of ours!)

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Next Part: (NXX Group Chat: Big Data Lab)

[where-theres-smoak-2]

Barchie 4x17 Opinion/ Analysis

Ok so the I’ve just watched 4x17 and there’s alot of feelings about Barchie and I figured well its been a while since I’ve done an analysis post so here’s my opinion/ interpretation/ analysis of it all. I’m not going to call it a review of 4x17 because I’m only going to be talking about the events surrounding Barchie in this post. Obviously there are spoilers for 4x17, though if you don’t know whats going on then you must have been under a rock because its been a while since I’ve seen a fandom explode quite like this before. And as I always say when I make an analysis, review or opinion post this is just my opinion it is fine if you disagree but please lets keep it respectful. So if you want to know what I thought about the events surrounding Barchie in this episode read on under the tag. If you dont well keep scrolling lol. 

So first things first my opinion on the biggest issue people seem to have, the cheating scandal. Now do I support cheating? No of course not. However what I do support is characters who are allowed to make mistakes and, well, be human. Whether we like it or not cheating happens in real life. Just because something is morally grey or even just immoral out right, does not mean it shouldn't be represented in TV shows especially as it often acts as a moral to a story or a way of sending a message. I’ve seen it alot with various shows where fans seem to be of the opinion that ‘action a is wrong so they shouldn’t have written this plotline in because it ruins character development.’ I personally diasagree though, for the reasons I mentioned above these things can raise important issues that should be discussed or they have a moral. I think it depends on how the writers treat the subject and what they are trying to say. Until the whole thing with Barchie plays out we won't know for certain what that message or moral will be. In my opinion as it stands at the moment, I think they might go for the message of when you spend a long time pushing down or avoiding feelings instead of talking openly about them or confronting them, then eventually those feelings will bubble over and ultimately you will end up hurting more people. I know some might disagree with me but I don’t think Barchie’s feelings from season 1 were ever resolved. So lets go back to the beginning of Barchie and break their relationship down. 

Right away we learn that Betty and Archie are childhood friends that live next door to each other and that Betty has this long term crush on Archie. In the pilot she finally confesses these feelings to him. Archie however isn’t in the right place at all to be accepting her feelings. Lets be honest here, when we first meet Archie he is an abuse victim. Over the summer he had been seduced by his music teacher who was clearly manipulating him. He is very confused about these feelings he has for his teacher as any child would be in that situation. I do think he was having very intense feelings for Grundy but I also think on some level he had some guilt about her too. Then there’s the guilt and uncertainty he’s feeling about not reporting the gunshot they heard. On top of that he’s struggling with the whole football or music thing he’s got going on. I think the main reason for his rejection of her wasn’t that he didn’t have feelings for Betty but that to him Betty was this pure and perfect person and that he was the opposite of that now, he didn’t feel like he was ever going to be good enough for her. Basically I just don’t think Archie was in the right mental or emotional place to be dealing with those feelings. And of course as Betty doesn’t know about Grundy or the emotional turmoil Archie is going through she takes it as a straight up rejection which really deeply hurts her. As a result Betty’s feelings become a daydream of what could have been that she sort of pushes to one side. She starts to believe or accept that she and Archie will never be more than friends and then things change between her and Jughead and they begin a relationship. But then we come to Archie who is obviously still very confused about his feelings towards Betty and I think this really comes out when Betty and Jughead get together. He clearly shows on multiple occassions that he has some feelings of jealousy, Veronica even calls him out on it when she notices him looking at Betty ‘longingly’. He does try to bring it up with Betty when he says ‘a part of me always thought...’ but Betty shuts him down. In that moment I think she was content in her relationship with Jughead and she’s afraid of rocking the boat by bringing up those feelings again especially after the way she was hurt by Archie’s rejection the first time. I think Archie can see that Betty and Jughead are happy together and as they are his best friends he decides to push his feelings for Betty aside and he too is involved in a relationship with Veronica. The important thing to note here is that Betty and Archie don’t let their feelings for each other go, they push them down, they ignore them and pretend they aren’t there any more. Through out the series we have seen moments where the writers show that these feelings are still there just below the surface, there are moments when these feelings peek out. For example the longing looks Archie sends Betty and Jughead that Veronica calls him out on that I mentioned above, the window scene when Jughead narrates about Archie looking out at the girl next door as if for the first time and old feelings shaking loose. Eventually you then get the first slip up. This is when Betty is being blackmailed by the Blackhood and while investigating they end up in the car together and in the heat of the moment those surpressed feelings flood back up and overwhelm Betty and she kisses him. I do think for a moment this takes Archie by surprise mostly because the last time he tried to talk to her about the feelings between them she shut him down so he assumed she no longer had those feelings. However it wasn’t exactly the right time at that moment to sit and have a chat about those feelings. And then they never do. Once again neither one of them want to confront it or rock the boat, they seem afraid of the feelings. And so this conversation about their feelings never really takes place. They just tell themselves it meant nothing and once again push it aside. I do think after that they both seem to have some silent agreement that they shouldn’t ever bring it up again and they both focus on their respective relationships. But because the two of them haven’t talked about it together those feelings are still unresolved and are still brewing away beneath the surface. 

After some time of relative peace things are shaken up again for Barchie. With Jughead faking his death and Barchie fake dating. I do think that fake kiss brought those feelings back again. I think that for the first time despite them knowing it was fake they got a little taste of what it would actually be like for them to be dating and being together. I think they start to enjoy fake dating and so they then can’t help but wonder what it would be like to really be dating. What it would be like to be together for real. Then they reveal Jughead is still alive and they no longer need to fake date. I do think at this moment they probably are very confused about where they go from here. Once again these pesky feelings are rearing their head again and Barchie just don’t know what to do about them. So once again they do what they know, what’s familiar to them and they push them away. But this time somethings different and they can’t seem to push them down as easily as before. I think you can see this in the very flirty texts that they send each other. But despite that they still at this moment are not ready or willing to talk about it. So while they may not be able to completely push the feelings down they do choose to deny them, both to themselves and their significant others. I do think that when both Betty and Archie said to Jughead and Veronica that they were the only boy/girl for them it was as much about them trying to convince themselves of it as it was trying to reassure Jughead and Veronica of it.

Which brings us up to date with the current episode. So first lets talk about the lead up to the kiss. Now when I saw the leaked review I thought it was going to be that Betty and Archie kiss as a reaction to the arguments they have with their signifcant others. That it was going to be that good old troupe of me and my boy/girlfriend are in a bad place and I’m upset but you’re here comforting me and oh no now we’ve kissed. But in my opinion I don’t think that is what happened at all. I actually think the arguments more served the purpose of getting Archie and Betty to be alone together. But they didn’t really have anything to do with the kiss. So then what was the catalyst for the kiss if it wasn’t the rift in their relationships? Well I actually think it was the song. When the scene starts out its Betty and Archie first explaining that they have both had arguments with their boy/girlfriend. But then they start reminiscing about old times and then Archie starts talking about how his connection to music reminds him of his Father. I think this is why Betty suggests they rehearse because she can see that Archie is feeling down and missing his Dad. 

So let’s talk about the song. I think the important thing to realise is the song in the sequence isn’t the full length version in fact its not even in the right order. The writers chose which parts they were going to use very carefully and I do think they hold a lot of significance. Essentially I feel like this song is suppose to tell the story of Barchie’s romantic relationship. So lets break this entire scene down verse by verse. 

When the song starts out Betty is sitting down and Archie is standing some distance away from her. To start with they are not really making eye contact and at one point Archie is looking away from Betty and she has her eyes closed. I think this represents the very early days of their relationship way back in season 1 right after the rejection in the pilot. It is symbolic of the distance that existed between them. Also I think that the fact that Betty is sitting and Archie is standing is also significant. It is a representation of how they were on different levels or pages back then. I think they were both holding the other on some kind of pedestal. Betty closing her eyes and Archie looking away could also show how they were both blind to the others situations and feelings back then. Then a few lines into the song Betty makes direct eye contact with Archie and its at this moment when he smiles back at her that she slowly begins approaching him. Again I think this is suppose to show how they grew back together again after that initial rift after the rejection. It could also represent their current situation where they are growing closer together now. I also think the fact that it is Betty approaching Archie could be a throw back to when Betty initiated the kiss between them in the car in season 2 and also how she was the first one to reveal her feelings in the pilot. At the first mention of the word love Betty and Archie both start moving closer and closer to each other. At first they are really shy but as that connection between them deepens they begin to smile more and wider and the atmosphere becomes very flirty. I think them singing the lines ‘the origin of love’ at this moment as they move closer to each other is suppose to show that they were always on this path that was leading towards each other that the moment had arrived, this was the origin of their love. 

The scene then switches to Veronica. Now this verse I think is particularly interesting because in the full length version of the song this verse doesn’t come at this moment but actually much later, so the writers specifically chose this verse to come next. The line ‘the last time I saw you we had just split in two’ I think actually has two connotations. The obvious being that in this moment Veronica is thinking about her argument with Archie. I actually think though that despite it being Veronica singing this verse it to is also about Barchie. Again it is taking us back to the pilot, the begining of Barchie. It’s talking about how the last time they both were standing in front of each other like this, feeling these feelings, was that night in the pilot where they were split in two when Archie rejected her. They were split in two and the core four were as well, into two couples. Veronica’s next line is ‘you had a way so familiar I could not recognise because you had blood on your face and I had blood in my eyes.’ Again I think this has two connotations one of which I won’t address until later on but keep this line in mind. The main connotation I really do think is about Barchie. They are feeling familiar feelings to what they were that day all the way back in the pilot but back then they weren’t able to recognise them for what they really were. The ‘blood on your face’ I think represents the mask Archie was having to wear at the time to keep the two big secrets he was keeping. One being his relationship with Grundy the second being the gun shot they heard that could have been a clue in Jason’s disappearance. I also think it sadly is symbolic of the way Archie was feeling about himself at the time, how he felt he was unclean. The line about ‘blood in my eyes’ I think is another hint at how Betty at the time was blind to what Archie was really feeling and what the situation actually was. She was looking at everything through a fog and so couldn’t see clearly, as a result neither one of them were able to actually recognise their feelings at that time. Veronica’s last line is about the children of the moon who were made up of both sun and earth which I again think has a lot of importance but again I actually am going to cover that part a little later on. 

Next we have Jughead’s verse. Now here there is a slight shift. Whereas in Veronica’s verse she was singing about one couple, Jugheads is talking about multiple couples. Now I do think it is more about all three couples. I also think it is more about what is to come than about what has happened in the past. I don’t think it is a coincidence that Jughead is the one singing this part. He has always been the narrator of the story and I do think this is the part he is playing once again. His verse is talking about the splitting up of the couples. The line ‘I’m going to split them right down the middle, I’m going cut them right in half’ is obviously suppose to represent the breaking up of the two existing couples. But I also think from the earlier line ‘I’m going to kill them all’ that it is also talking about the splitting of the friendships too. The next line is ‘then storm clouds gathered above into great balls of fire.’ Again this is a pretty obvious one its meant to represent the coming ‘storm’ or turmoil between the core four that will be caused by the returning feelings that Barchie is experiencing. The last line Jughead sings is ‘then it ripped right through the flesh of the children of the sun and the moon and the earth.’ Again fairly obvious its reiterating the whole the couples are going to be split up. But here is where there is an even deeper meaning. I mentioned above that Veronica’s last line was about the children of the moon and how it had some significance. Well to fully explain it I need to explain the myth behind the song for those who don’t already know it. The song Origin of Love is based on a Greek myth told by Aristophanes in Plato’s Symposium. In this myth Aristophanes talks about how originally man looked very different. They had two sets of arms, two sets of legs and one head with two faces that looked opposite ways. There were also three genders. The children of the sun who were two males, the children of the Earth that were two females and then the children of the Moon who were one of each. Cutting a long story short Zeus decided to cut them in two and then scatter them and so now we roam the earth looking for our other halfs. Now the significance of this is that I think the children of the Moon represent Barchie. Veronica only mentions one gender in her verse and that is the children of the moon. As I said I do think her verse is about Barchie and their past together. Jughead on the other hand mentions all three. There are three genders and there are three couples in this situation. Jughead and Betty, Betty and Archie and Archie and Veronica. The interesting part is that in the original myth it talks about how the children of the Moon were born from the Sun and Earth. I think this is telling us that Barchie will be born from the other two pairings, one half from each to create a new pairing. However I do think the inclusion of all three genders in Jugheads last line is also informing us that no one will be spared pain in this situation. There is no easy win no matter what happens all of them are going to be hurt. 

As we move back to Barchie for the final verse we are continuing with this theme of storms. As they sing about storms scattering them and tidal waves washing them away Barchie circle around the microphone and have a series of flashbacks. I think this circling actually is a throwback to how Barchie used to circle around each other and their feelings for each other. It could also, however, represent how they’ve come full circle from the pilot. While the lines about the brewing storm are suppose to represent the turmoil of the group as a whole I do also think it is about how there always seemed to be something getting in Barchie’s way all these years. Another thing that is worth noting is that despite the fact that the lyrics are quite depressing Barchie are smiling at each other which is in complete contrast to Veronica and Jughead who look absolutely miserable. However these smiles do drop and their expressions become more sombre when they sing the line ‘If we don’t behave they’ll cut us down again.’ Here I actually think they are trying to remind each other of all the reasons why they shut down their feelings so much in the past. They didn’t want to hurt Jughead and Veronica. But also they don’t want to have to go through the pain they went through after the rejection. I don’t think its a coincidence that the last flashback they have before the kiss is their last kiss in the car. It flashes back to the last opportunity they had to talk and confront their feelings but back then they chose not to out of fear of hurting Veronica and Jughead. Once again they have come full circle and are in the same position again. But at this moment despite everything else they realise they can’t avoid their feelings anymore and then they finally break and kiss. The best way I can think of to describe the Barchie relationship is this. Picture a dam. The water being held back by the dam this is Barchie’s feelings for each other and the dam itself is the barrier they’ve hidden them behind. In the pilot episode Betty comes along and she smashes a huge hole right in the middle of it, letting all of her feelings spill out. But as I said before Archie isn’t ready for this so he patches the hole back up again. But he doesn’t do that great a job of it and as time goes on lots of little holes, leaks appear. Despite both Betty and Archie continuously patching these holes back up the dam is growing weaker and weaker with each new one. Until eventually its not strong enough any more and it collapses. The moment right before the kiss is that moment where it collapses. All of sudden this flood of emotions rushes towards them and just sweeps them away. They are drowning in their emotions and all they can do at that moment is cling to each other. You can see the passion in their kiss that shows how long they’ve held themselves back from it. But there is also to me a sort of desperation to the way they hold each other.

So now we need to talk about the aftermath of the kiss. I have to say the next series of scenes actually made me feel so so sorry for Betty and Archie. They really have found themselves in a horrible situation. But also for Jughead and Veronica for what is coming their way. The very next scene it cuts to shows Betty sitting in her room and she is staring at two photos on her wall. One of her and Jughead and one of her and Archie. You can see her eyes flicking back and forth between them and its very obvious that she is feeling confused and is trying to sort through how she is feeling. You can see her eyes welling up with tears and her lip quivering. Betty knows that she needs to make a choice and that no matter what choice she makes someone she loves and cares about is going to get hurt. Then Jughead shows up and to make it worse he is incredibly apologetic and is being so sweet to her. When Betty says ‘I don’t know what to say’ I don’t actually think she is talking about the essay, I think what she really means is she doesn’t know how to tell him what has happened or what she is feeling because she can’t figure out exactly what she is feeling. She is in emotional turmoil at this moment. You can see when he kisses her that she is not as comfortable with it, she seems tenser and she pulls away faster. I think this is because of the guilt she feels. Jughead picks up on it and asks if she is ok but Betty, though I’m sure she wants to be honest with him, can’t bring herself to tell him so she just says she is fine. After he leaves she just breaks down crying. 

Next we switch to Archie and it is pretty much the exact same scene. He is flicking between a picture of Veronica and pictures of him and Betty. Just like Betty he is trying to work through his feelings and he too knows that he’s got a choice to make and that someone is going to get hurt. Then Veronica comes in and again like Jughead she is very apologetic. When Veronica says that shes sorry Archie replies ‘you’re sorry?” He sounds confused because he feels like he’s the one thats in the wrong, I think at that moment he forgot about their argument earlier and was thinking he’s the one who has got something to be sorry about. The interesting thing is I do actually think Archie was about to tell Veronica what happened. After she says that Archie didn’t have to come clean to her but he did and thanks him for it. Obviously she is talking about her Dad but this immediately reminds him about how he is now keeping something else from her. He shakes his head and starts to say something but she interrupts him talking about Kevin’s idea to hold the Variety Show at La Bonne Nuit. I really do think Archie was going to confess at that moment and thats why he then hits the punch bag in frustration once she’s gone. 

In both these scenes we see Jughead and Veronica blissfully ignorant of what is actually going on while Betty and Archie are trying to put on this show of everything being ok. This is where line from Origin of Love comes back into play this time both Betty and Archie have blood on their faces / masks and Jughead and Veronica have blood in their eyes/ blindness. I also think this is showing another purpose for the arguments. Any tension Jughead and Veronica may pick up on they will just chalk up to being remnants of their arguments. Betty is upset well thats because shes still annoyed about the argument. Archie is acting weird well thats just because hes still upset about our argument. The arguments have now created this situation where its going to take longer for Jughead or Veronica to figure out that something has changed. This may lend some time for Barchie to try and figure things out but ultimately they can’t keep this a secret forever.

One thing I do want to touch on real quick here though is that I don’t think the issue is as simple as does Betty love Jughead or does she love Archie. Or does Archie love Veronica or does he love Betty. As far as I’m concerned this isn’t a case of one or the other. This idea that you can only have feelings for one person at a time, or love one person at time or even be in love with only one person at a time, is false. We can and alot of time do have feelings for more than one person. If we are really lucky we might go our whole lives without ever being in that position but Betty and Archie unfortunately weren’t that lucky. The point is just because Betty and Archie are developing feelings for each other now doesn’t mean that they don’t still love Jughead and Veronica. They do and that is what makes this so heartbreaking. We can’t control when or how we get feelings for people all we can control is how we respond to them. Anyway back to the analysis.    

The next scene is the window scene where Betty and Archie sing the reprise of Wicked Little Town. I think this song was perfect for Barchie at this moment and alot of the lyrics hold significance. It is another one that has been edited for the episode. Obviously some of this is because they had to fit all the songs into the episode but it does mean that lines and verses were chosen specifically which I personally think gives them more meaning. The scene starts out right after Archie hits the punch bag and then spots Betty at her window. The very first line is ‘Forgive me for I did not know, because I was just a boy and you were so much more.’ If any line could perfectly sum up the Barchie relationship in season 1 it is this one. Here Archie is apologising for not recognising his feelings back in season 1. He is fully aware that if he had been able to and had said yes to her they probably wouldn’t be in this situation now. The line about just being a boy and her being so much more I think really does back up my previous point about how Archie was feeling back then, how being young he wasn’t able to recognise his own feelings and that he thought of her as something more than him, something that he didn’t deserve. 

Betty’s first line is ‘’When everything starts breaking down, you take the pieces off the ground and show this wicked town something beautiful and new.’ So unpacking this I again think that when they sing about everything breaking down they are talking about the two couples and all of the friendships. I believe its very significant that when Betty sings about picking up the pieces and showing something new and beautiful Archie reaches out and takes her hand starting the dream sequence. I do think the writers are trying to tell us that Barchie is going to be that new and beautiful thing. I think this is telling us that after it all gets torn apart it’ll be Betty and Archie who pick up the pieces together. She then goes on to sing the line ‘there’s no mystical design, no cosmic lovers preassigned.’ This line actually made me think of that scene in the season 1 finale when Archie tries to talk to Betty about how a ‘little part of him always thought’ but Betty replies with ‘we’re both so lucky don’t you think? To have found the people we were meant to be with.’ When she says this line she puts emphasis on the word ‘meant’. For a long time now Betty and Archie have belived that Jughead and Veronica were the ones they were meant to be with, their preassigned lovers. However I do think at this moment they are starting to realise that this might not necessarily be true. That they can choose who they want to be with. As Archie sings ‘there is nothing that you can find that cannot be found.’ I think what they mean is the love they’ve found with Veronica and Jughead they can also find with each other. 

Next Betty sings ‘After all the changes we’ve been through it seems the strangers always you, alone in this wicked little town.’ Here I think they are talking about how despite how they’ve grown one thing they still keep getting wrong is unerstanding the others feelings. If you think back on how many mis-interpretations and misunderstandings they’ve had the line makes sense. As a result they are always left apart from each other as oppose to communicating with each other and coming to know the others thoughts and emotions and then getting together or resolving the feelings. 

At this point there is a slight shift in the song. Before this it was quite sad and melancholic but here it picks up a bit and the mood changes it seems more positive and they are smiling at each other the dance also gets more movement and energy to it as they sing the lines ‘when you’ve got no other choice, you know you can just follow my voice, through the dark turns and noise of this wicked little town.’ This could be alluding to how Barchie have supported each other over the years but I actually viewed it a different way. To me it seemed more like they were making a promise to each other. No matter what happens next they will always have each other, they will always guide each other and walk through those dark turns together. 

Once again though the mood turns sombre as they pull in close to each other again. This part was actually my favourite moment just because of how emotional it was. The way she strokes his hair and how they press their foreheads together it was so beautiful yet sorrowful. Here Archie sings about how ‘it’s a wicked little town.’ It’s talking about the situation they have found themselves in and they are both reflecting on this wicked situation and all the consequences. I mean think about how they must be feeling right now. On one hand they have all these feelings for each other and it feels good when they are together, they enjoy being together. But the wicked part is that if they want to continue feeling that feeling they get with each other then they have to hurt two of the closet people in their lives. Archie will hurt his girlfriend and his best friend and Betty will hurt her boyfriend and her best friend. But if they do nothing about the feelings then they are back at square one and how long will it be before those feelings come out again. Now they’ve got no choice really but to confront those feelings. The last line is sang by Betty. ‘Goodbye wicked little town.’ This part they are saying goodbye to the way things used to be because no matter what now everything is about to change. 

The next and last time we see Barchie is during The Archies performance at La Bonne Nuit. During the entire performance you can see them both stealing glances at each other. But there are a couple of other moments that I think are worth pointing out. Firstly when Veronica sings the word love she looks over at Archie as you would expect, thats her partner it makes sense for that word to make her look to him. However Archie doesn’t look back at her. On top of that both Betty and Archie are in the foreground of the shot which makes it look like Veronica is almost pointing them out to the audience. Later on when Jughead is singing he is staring very intently at Betty, again makes sense thats his girlfriend. And while Betty does look round to him it is very brief and she looks away very quickly and then share’s a look with Archie. The last thing that’s worth noting is that when Betty is singing with Veronica and standing next to her she once again makes eye contact with Archie. Directly after this eye contact is when she leaves Veronica and goes back to her spot where she continues to look at Archie with a very sad, guilty and yes longing expression. I think all of these little instances throughout the performance are showing us that Barchie are feeling very guilty about what happened and that they are now feeling a bit of distance from their partners and their friends. It’s awkward for them. Again we can also see that huge contrast between Betty and Archie who often have quite troubled expressions and Jughead and Veronica who seem happy and are completely ignorant to the storm heading their way.  

So where do I think they might go from here? Well I do think its really really important that this time Betty and Archie actually talk. And not as in with Jughead or Veronica or Kevin or anybody else but with each other. They haven’t done this yet and I really don’t think they can ever move forward or resolve anything until they do. One thing we do know from the promo for next episode is that at some point Barchie end up alone in the bunker together. I am hopeful that this means that they will talk. I do think that they will be sneaking around behind Jughead and Veronica’s backs for a little while as they try to figure out what they are feeling. But I also think that they will eventually tell them the truth, I’m not certain if they’ll actually get the chance to tell them themselves as I wouldn’t put it past the show to have Cheryl catch them again and have it revealed that way for dramatic effect. But I do think Barchie will likely make up there minds that they want to be together and decide the right thing to do is tell Jughead and Veronica but someone else (probably Cheryl) beats them to it causing drama. The alternative to this is that they break up with Jughead and Veronica fairly quickly but don’t mention how they have feelings for each other and so they still have to sneak around and then its revealed (probably by Cheryl) that they have gotten together and this then causes drama as Jughead and Veronica realise the real reason for their breakups. Given a choice I would rather the second as although they wouldn’t be entirely truthful at least they wouldn’t be continuing to cheat on Jughead and Veronica but seeing as cheating storylines are often used to bring drama to tv shows I’m think its more likely to be the first one but I can hold out hope. Whatever line the decide to take I actually think the reveal about Barchie might happen in the finale especially if they are going for the whole time jump thing for season 5.  

Ok nearly finished. But I do want to talk about character development now. I’ve seen alot and I mean alot of posts where people are upset with the cheating storyline because they think it ruins Betty and Archie’s character development. And that got me thinking about how I feel about that. Respectfully I have to disagree. To me character development isn’t a linear thing. It can move forward, but it can also go in different directions, hell it can go backwards. But its still development. Its something that should always be changing and growing but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be set backs or pitfalls. In fact in my opinion good character development should have those things. Like in real life characters can make mistakes but they are learning from these mistakes and thats whats important, that is what character development is. For example you can take a character who starts out as a somewhat bad person who is always making the same mistakes and doing bad things. As their character develops they start to learn from these mistakes and grow and become a better person. If this character then slips up and ends up going back to their old ways that doesn’t mean they have bad character development. Sometimes people return to old habits its just reality.Their development just changed direction. Character development is often effected by the events surrounding the characters. An event can take place that has such an impact on a person that it can change who they are as a person, maybe it makes them a more bitter person or makes them a nicer person, maybe it changes their point of view on something or how they deal with similar situations in the future. My point is whatever the change is, whether its for the better or worse, it is still development. In regards to Betty and Archie I don’t see it as the writers ruining their development I see it as them taking it in a different direction. The recent events such as for a while believing Betty had actually hurt Jughead, to having to fake Jughead’s death, to the fake dating. All this had a profound impact on them. During these times they really had to lean on each other and work together. They had to trust each other more than ever because if they got it wrong it was potentially Jughead’s life they would pay with. It was through this support and trust in each other that their feelings came back. This lead to them making the mistake of kissing each other while they were still in relationships with other people. This is the event that has changed the course of their development and they both have something to learn from it that is going to effect their development. So no I don’t think its ruined its just different.   

I know alot of people seem to think that Betty and Archie are now awful people and that they should have known better. But this is another thing I just don’t agree with. I think they are just kids and well kids don’t know better, because kids are still learning, they are still growing, they’re still making mistakes thats how you come to know better. I guess what I’m trying to say is you can’t know better until you’ve had the experience first. If after this they decide to cheat on someone again then absolutely they should know better. But I see no point in villainizing two teenagers because they’ve given into their hormones and made a mistake. Let them learn from this before we condemn them. 

So in conclusion I don't think the writers are trying to portray cheating as being a good thing to do but more as something that can happen. In the case of Betty and Archie I don't think them kissing makes them bad people and I don't think that's what the show is trying to say either but that they are two teenagers who got caught up in their feelings and made a mistake. Also just because they have made the mistake of kissing each other while in a relationship with other people doesn’t mean that their relationship shouldn’t be explored it should and I really hope they do. I’m actually quite interested to see where they take it from here. So if you have read all the way to the end of this thank you, I know it was getting rather long. What did you guys think of the Barchie development? And where do you think they are going to go from here?  

[babygirlizz]

Movies and TV shows of 2019

Okay so a couple or few years ago I did a review of movies that had released that year because I was super into movies that year. I am still into movies, but I have been watching a lot more shows this year. So, I will be reviewing movies and tv shows. Furthermore, I will be including stuff released this year, that I found this year, or that has a new season this year. Basically just anything that I have loved this year. Also, I don’t feel like ranking, so no particular order. Also, SPOILERS AHEAD - if you see a title of something you have not seen, and don’t want spoilers, please feel free to skip that section. Also, some of these I haven’t seen in a hot minute so if I get a detail messed up, we won’t speak on it. And finally, trigger warning - if you have struggled with sexual assault and may have an issue reading about it, either skip this post entirely or skip over the review of “Unbelievable.”

MOVIES -

1. After

I have been waiting for this since middle school. I read the after books on wattpad because what teenager in love with harry styles didn’t. Now I will be real with y'all. The acting could use some work in specific scenes, and some of the actors aren't MY favorite picks for certain roles, but I’m not gonna hate on actors. Ok so, Tessa (Josephine Langford) is an incoming freshman in college and is rooming with an upperclassmen, Steph (Khadijha Red Thunder) who has a friend named Hardin (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin). Steph wants Tessa to branch out and do new things, so she invites her to a party, where they play the stereotypical games, and thats when Hardin is kind of dared to make Tessa fall in love with him. ALSO, Tessa has a high school boyfriend named Noah (Dylan Arnold). She starts seeing Hardin, her boyfriend finds out, she falls in love with Hardin, and finds out it was all a dare. Buuuuuuut, pLoT tWiSt he actually loves her.

2. Avengers: Endgame

Ok listen, Infinity War was heartbreaking bc Bucky duh, but y'all are really gonna take Tony (RDJ) and Steve (Chris Evans) away from me? Shut up. Still, this was a really good movie and I’m not just saying that because I’m a marvel hoe. FRICK Thanos and thats on Ant Man. Thats literally all I have to say.

3. Annabelle Comes Home

I am a whore for scary movies. I love them so much and this one was *chefs kiss*. I love Mckenna Grace, she's such a good young actress and she fits so well in scary moves. There’s not much to say about the plot in this one, and ya really need to see it. Also, Bob (Michael Cimino) is so heckin cute what the heck.

4. Let It Snow

Ok this is a lot to unpack so grab ya snacks. Let’s talk about couple number 1 (of 3), Tobin (Mitchell Hope) and Angie (Kiernan Shipka) who are best friends. Tobin is in love with Angie but doesn’t know how to tell her, and gets lots of unwanted encouragement from his best friend Keon (Jacob Batalon) who just wants to throw a heckin good party, is that too much to ask for? So Angie gets invited to a party by some cute guy, JP (M and Tobin is jealous but goes with her anyways and they steal a keg for Keon’s party and run from the scary hosts of the party and end up stranded in a church after his car spins out of control. They finally make it to the party and kiss on the roof with the waffle town sign shining bright behind them. NEXT - we have Julie (Isabela Merced) and Stuart (Shameik Moore). This is kind of really cliche with the whole “he’s-famous-she-doesn’t-care-he-finds-that-attractive-lets-fall-in-love” aspect, but its also hella cute uwu. They meet on a train and the train stops so they go eat at the waffle town and go sledding and do a bunch of cute coupley shit. His manager comes to get him and basically tells her that nothing will ever really happen between them and he leaves. Then, he shows up at the party and they fall in love. NEXT- we have Dorrie (Liv Hewson) who is a lesbian that constantly struggles with the gay panic. Her best friend Addie (Odeya Rush) doesn't help much either because she's having her own relationship problems. Dorrie works at Waffle Town and when she's working the girl she's talking to, Kerry (Anna Akana) comes in with her dance team, and she's not out of the closet. A bunch of shit goes down, but they end up together and Dorrie learns that she’s worth more than she thinks and that’s all that matters. Also, Billy (Miles Robbins) and Tin Foil Woman (Joan Cusack) make wonderful additions to this movie.

5. The King

First of all - Timothée Chalamet and Robert Pattinson in the same movie? Sign me the HECK up. But they’re also historical, frick yea. Not too much to say about this movie other than it’s good. Super graphic (don’t watch if you don’t like decapitation lol) and super long, but good nonetheless.

6. Falling Inn Love

This movie is super freaking cute. Gabriela (Christina Milian) decides that she needs a change and enters a contest to win an Inn in New Zealand. She wins the Inn and is shocked when she realizes the Inn needs a LOT of work. She goes around town to get stuff to fix up the Inn and constantly runs into Jake (Adam Demos) and they have this flirty but we don’t like each other relationship, but then ya know, they fall in(n) love. 

SHOWS -

1. The Society

I could talk about this show for hours, literally. I love it so much it’s insane. Ok, so lets start from the beginning. A town called West Ham is being plagued by a disgusting smell. Due to this, the town decides to send busloads of teenagers to the mountains while they try and resolve the smell situation. All of the teenagers fall asleep on the bus and wake up to the announcement that they had to go back home due to road blocks. When they get off the buses, its late and no one is there to pick them up. They think that it may just be a sense of miscommunication, so they head home, only to find that none of their families are there, and they can’t get ahold of any of them over the phone. They finally decide to investigate and find that all exits out of town are completely blocked off. They then decide to find a way to survive without their families. This causes a lot of tension within the town including the death of a main character. This shows also includes gay representation!!!! This is my favorite couple, Sam (Sean Birdy) and Grizz (Jack Mulhern). Sam is deaf and gay and his brother, Campbell (Toby Wallace), makes fun of him for both reasons, and when the whole issue with the town happens, he believes he will never find love because he doesn’t think anyone else is gay, until Grizz comes along, and tries to learn ASL and loves him for him.

2. Roswell New Mexico

Alright, to be completely honest, I did not want to watch this. I have no idea why I just didn’t. I saw an edit on like instagram or something of the couples in the show and I was like, alright I can give it a chance. And spoiler alert I loved it. The series starts off with Liz Ortecho (Jeanine Mason) comes back to her hometown of Roswell around the time of her the anniversary of her sister, Rosa’s (Amber Midthunder), death. She gets pulled over on her way in and the officer that pulled her over was Max Evans (Nathan Parsons), who has had a crush on her since they first met, and just so happens to be an alien. After Liz gets shot in her families restaurant, Max uses his healing powers to save her, but leaves behind a hand print on her that makes her suspicious. She continues to investigate until he tells her the truth. She also finds out that her sister was actually murdered, and has the same hand print on her that she did when Max healed her. Turns out, his sister, Isobel (Lily Cowels) killed her, but it was actually another alien possessing her (which they didn’t know was possible when she killed her). When they landed on earth they also landed with their “brother” Michael (Michael Vlamis) who starts off the series with an on and off relationship with Alex (Tyler Blackburn) and I love them together. Alex is the son of one of the guys trying to find and take down the aliens and he also went to war and lost his leg. Anyways, towards the end of the season Alex starts seeing Maria (Heather Hemmens), which is a couple I don’t really like, but also bi representation is good! Anyways I don’t really wanna spoil this one too much I just love it a lot.

3. Elite

This is a show that came out in 2018, but they released a second season this year. All I’m saying is please watch the original version, not the dubbed over version. Elite is a spanish show about a few students that get a scholarship to the private school after their school gets demolished. This shows is in the fashion of present and past which includes a lot of flashbacks leading up to the the murder of one of the students. My favorite part of this show is the relationship between Ander (Arón Piper) and Omar (Omar Ayuso). Ander is the son of the head of the school and Omar is the brother of one of the students that got a scholarship. Not only are they of different socioeconomic status’, but Omar is also Muslim, and his family would not approve of him being gay. He finally finds the courage to tell his family, but thats not until season 2. Also, his sister Nadia (Mina El Hammani) falls in love with the “bad boy” of the school, Guzmán (Miguel Bernardeau) and starts going against her parents wishes as well.

4. The Umbrella Academy 

Y’all mind if I confuse y'all real quick. So, a bunch of women all of the sudden give birth out of nowhere at the same time even tho none of them were pregnant? Yea I know weird. Anyways, so this dude tries to adopt as many of them as possible and ends up adopting like 7. They all have powers and they try and stop the apocalypse. That’s literally all I can tell y'all. 

5. Unbelievable

I swear I didn’t mean to get y’all upset right now. This show made me angry and sad and so many other feelings all at once. So the show beings with a girl named Marie (Kaitlyn Dever) getting raped in her home. When she reports it, they can’t find any evidence, as he cleaned the apartment and made her shower. This mixed with the fact that she struggles remembering parts of her experience (which is common with sexual assault), the police don’t believe her and force her to retract her statement. This in itself is awful, but they also charge her with false statement, which adds on to the fact that people already believe that she is a liar. Years later, two female detectives, Karen and Grace, piece together rapes in their precincts and once they find the rapist, they find Marie’s picture in with his belongings, proving that she was telling the truth the entire time.

6. Sailor Moon

I just got into anime and all I have to say is that I love this. That is all.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 4: Meetings

Ren got on the train heading to school the next day. The train was really packed. Ren found herself standing near a fellow Shujin student who was sitting down. She had bright red hair in a long ponytail.

She looks at Ren. There is a shocked expression on each of their faces as their eyes meet. Both of them are too nervous to say anything.

“Ohhh.” They turn to see an old lady groaning. The student sitting down says “Um, excuse me. Would you like my seat?”

The old lady smiles. “Thank you. You’re a kind young lady.”

The student gets up, but before the old lady can sit down, a businessman rushes to take the seat. “Um, excuse me” says the student. The businessman fell asleep. “O-Oh.”

Ren looks at the situation in front of her. “Want me to wake him?” she asked.

“Huh?” says the student. “Oh. Um, I’m not sure we should do that. We don’t want to cause a disturbance after all.” She turns to the old lady. “Sorry.”

“It’s quite alright,” she says. “It isn’t your fault.”

“R-right” she says. “It’s not my fault…”

“Now arriving at Shujin Academy!”

“Well, have a good day at school you two” the old lady says. “And thanks again.”

The two of you get off. “We will!” the other student says. She bows. Ren decides to bow as well. The train closes and takes off. The other student turns to Ren and says “Sorry you kind of got dragged into that.”

Ren smiled. “Hey, I offered to help.”

“Right” the other student says.

“You seem distracted,” Ren said. “Are you doing alright?”

“Huh?” the other student replied. “Oh. Yeah.” She sighs. “I guess I’m just nervous is all.”

“Want some company on our way to school?” Ren asked.

“Huh? Oh. Sure” the other student said. The two walk close together to school. “So, how do you enjoy Shujin?” she asked.

Ren looked at her. “Well, I’ve only been here for a day, so I wouldn’t have a lot of insight.”

“Huh?” the other student says. “You’re a first year too?”

Ren shakes her head. “I’m a second year transfer student.”

“Oh. I see” the other girl says. “So, I guess that makes you my senpai.” Ren chuckled. The two reached the school gates. “Well, I’ll see you around senpai!”

Ren raised her eyebrow. “Hey! What’s your name?”

The other student got embarrassed. “Oh. Right. My name is Yoshizawa. What about you, senpai?”

Ren smiled. “Ren Amamiya,” she said. 

Yoshizawa smiled. “Well, Ren-senpai, if you don’t mind me calling you that, we shall meet again soon!” She walked into school and to her class. Ren did the same.

On her way to class, Ren was stopped by the blonde boy that Kamoshida failed to pick up yesterday. “Hey” he said. Ren looked at him. “Listen. I don’t know what Takamaki told you, but Kamoshida’s a bad dude.”

“I’m aware,” Ren said.

“Huh?” the boy says. “Oh. I just saw you riding with him is all. I thought maybe… Well, whatever. Just be careful.” He looks at Ren closely. “You know, I haven’t seen you around before dude. Er, dudette? Ugh. Sorry. I haven’t talked to many girls like this before.”

“I can tell” Ren chided.

“Sh-Shut up” the boy said. “So, does that mean you’re new?” Ren nodded. “Huh. I see. Well then, make sure to steer double clear of Kamoshida, alright? And maybe from Takamaki as well.”

Before Ren could answer, Ann walked up to the two of them. “What are you going on about, Sakamoto?”

Sakamoto looked surprised. He then glared at Ann. “What’s it to you? You’re probably trying to bring her into the cult of Kamoshida”

Ann’s eyes widened. She slapped Sakamoto in the face. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Come on! Everyone knows about you and Kamoshida!” Sakamoto, rubbing his face. “It’s like the school’s worst kept secret!”

Ann was getting really furious. Before Ann could react, Ren chimed in. “Actually, Ann helped save me from Kamoshida.” The two of them looked at Ren. “Yesterday, he called me to his office, and…”

“Huh?” said Sakamoto. “Wait, for REAL?! That was you?!”

“Uh, YEAH!” Ann said. “Couldn’t you tell from the announcement?!”

“Hey! It’s not like I know everyone who goes to this school!” Sakamoto said. “And it’s not like many people are itching to be my friend anyway!”

Ann sighed. “I guess you’re right. Sorry.”

Sakamoto smiled. “Don’t be. You’re just standing up for her, right? In fact, I should be the one to apologize.”

“Huh?” Ann said.

“She said you saved her from Kamoshida, right?” Sakamoto said. “I guess that means all those rumors flying around about you two are bunk, huh.”

Ann looked at him confused. “Wait! How do you trust her already? I mean, if you thought I was ‘bringing her into the cult of Kamoshida’, what makes you think she’s not already in?”

“Huh?” Sakamoto said. “I dunno. I guess I just feel something from her. Like, I can just trust her.”

“I see,” said Ann.

The bell rings. “Oh CRAP! I gotta get to class!” Sakamoto said. “Seeya!” He ran off.

“So, what’s that guy’s deal?” Ren asked.

Ann smiled. “That’s Ryuji Sakamoto. He’s kind of a friend of mine.”

“Kind of?” Ren asked.

“Well, we were closer in middle school,” Ann said. “But when we got to high school, we kind of drifted apart.” She clenched her fist. “All because of that stupid Kamoshida.”

Ren was curious. “What happened?”

Ann was shocked. “Well, uh… It’s kind of hard to explain” she said. “Anyway, we should be getting to class.” The two of you start walking. “Oh, by the way. We’re meeting up after school to discuss yesterday, right?” Ren nods. “Good. I don’t want to just ignore whatever that was.”

Ren giggled. “I don’t either.” The two went to class.

Before class began, Miss  Kawakami  addressed the class. “Alright, just so you know, tomorrow is the volleyball exhibition, which means there won’t be any afternoon classes. You are to report to the gym after lunch. Are we clear?” The class was in agreement. “Good. I don’t want to deal with any unnecessary trouble.”

After school, Ren and Ann stood up. “Hey” said Ann. “Let’s meet out by the vending machines.” Ren nodded. The two of them walked to a shelter outside with a table and some vending machines. “Great. Now, let’s evaluate what we know so far.”

Ren nodded. “We know that Kamoshida has dark desires.”

“Talk about an understatement” Ann said.

Ren continued. “It seems like those desires have affected this ‘Metaverse’ place.”

“That part is kind of hard to wrap my head around,” Ann said. “So basically, that ‘Metaverse’ is like the human unconscious, right? And because Kamoshida’s desires are so warped, they change that place? Ugh, this is like something out of a sci-fi movie.”

“Imagine not having someone there to help you with it” Ren said, wryly.

Ann giggled. “Sorry.

“It’s fine,” Ren said. She got back in thought. “If things were to have played out without interruption we’d just have to deal with Kamoshida. However, since things got interrupted, someone’s desire for revenge took over Kamoshida’s desire. And in doing so, they have vowed to kill Kamoshida.”

“I see,” Ann said. “To be honest, I still have trouble wrapping my head around things. But, we need to use that Metaverse to stop both Kamoshida and whoever took over his palace before things get bad.”

“But we don’t know who that is, or when that would be,” Ann retorted.

“Well then,” said Ren, we need to investigate!”

“Right,” Ann said.

“There you are!” a voice called out. Ren and Ann turned to find Shiho. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Oh, hey Shiho” Ann said. “How are you doing?”

Shiho smiled. “I’m feeling better than ever!”

Ann sighed in relief. “I’m glad. I’ve been kind of worried since yesterday. So, what happened between you Kamoshida after we left?”

Shiho giggled. “I just laid down the new law is all.”

Ren and Ann were confused. “What?” Ann said.

”It’s simple,” Shiho said. “I told Kamoshida what’s what. More importantly, how are you two doing?”

Ren looked at Shiho. “Well, what happened with Kamoshida wasn’t ideal, but thanks to you two, I feel better.”

“Huh?”Ann said. “Oh. Thanks.I’ve been feeling pretty alright myself.”

“Good. Good. I’m glad to hear that” Shiho said. She smiled.

“So, what’s with that grin?” Ann asked. “And what’s this about a ‘new law’?”

Shiho giggled. “I have a plan on dealing with Kamoshida, and I’d like your help with it.”

Ren and Ann look at each other distressed. Ren whispered “You don’t think…”

Ann turned back to Shiho with an intense look in her eye. “So, what’s your plan Shiho? I’m all ears.”

Shiho smirked back. “I need you to promise you won’t tell anyone.”

Ann and Ren grew worried. “We promise,” Ann said.

“Great!” said Shiho. “So, you know how there’s a teacher's meeting coming up at the beginning of next month?”

“Yeah…” Ann said.

“Well, my plan is to organize a group of students to block all of the exits and set fire to the building!”

“WHAT?!” Ann said. “Shiho that’s CRAZY! For one, what about the other teachers?!”

Shiho got mad. “To Hell with them!” Ann got frightened. “They know about what’s going on! The constant abuse! The never ending harassment! The way he treats all the female students like they’re sex objects! And what do they do? NOTHING! So they deserve to go down with Kamshida!”

“Shiho…” Ann said.

“So, are you willing to join up?” Shiho asked.

Ann glared at Shiho. “No.”

“Huh?” Shiho said, confused.

“Shiho this is CRAZY!” Ann said, getting up with vigor. “We can’t just set fire to the building!”

Shiho looked at Ann. “So, you think he should just keep getting away with it all?”

Ann was taken aback. “Well, no… but this is too far!”

Shiho smiled. “It’s OK Ann, I get it.”

Ann looked up. “You...do?”

Shiho giggled. “Sweet, innocent Ann. You don’t have it in your heart to do this kind of thing.”

“Wha-” Ann said.

“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” Shiho said. She looked at Ren. “The same goes for you.” She looked down. “To be honest, I kind of wish I had your resolve.” Ann and Ren were concerned. “But I can’t. I can’t let him live. Not after everything he’s done!”

“Shiho…” said Ann.

Shiho smiled and giggled. “It’s OK,” she said. “After all, I have plenty of other people to help me. Farewell.” Shiho left.

Ann and Ren looked at each other. “Hey Ren. Let’s visit that other world. Maybe that Morgana figure might know if Shiho is the one who’s inciting the revolution in that other world.” Ren nodded.

Soon, the two found themselves in the other world. They looked around. Ann looked at Ren. “Woah, you’re back in your costume!”

Ren looked. Sure enough, she was. “I guess this world has an eye for fashion.”

“If only it were that simple” said a voice. The two turned around to find Morgana.

“Morgana?” Ren said.

“Those clothes appear when you’re considered a threat to the palace ruler” Morgana said.

“I see” said Ren.

“Wait, why don’t I have anything like that?” Ann said.

Morgana looked Ann over. “I guess because you haven’t awakened to your Persona yet.”

“Oh. Yeah” Ann said. They looked at Morgana. “Hey Morgana, have you found anything yet.”

Morgana looked disconcerted. “Well, sort of.” Ren and Ann were curious. “Some of Kamoshida’s guards have been in town putting up posters. Apparently, someone has gone missing from his castle. The guards have been searching feverishly for them. I think whoever that might be might be the one who took over the cognition.”

Ren and Ann looked at each other, nodded, and looked back at Morgana. “Hey Morgana,” Ann began, “would that person happen to be named Shiho Suzui?”

Morgana looked at them. “I was just about to begin investigating when you two showed up. Wanna come with?”

“Sure,” said Ren. She and Morgana began walking. Ren looked back to see Ann not moving. “Hey.” Ren walked back over to her. “It’s OK if you don’t want to be here.”

Ann smiled. “It’s fine. I want to be here. Let’s go!” They nodded and walked off.

Once they got into town, Morgana stopped the two of them. “Hold it!” he said. “Kamoshida’s guards are crawling all around. We bet be careful.”

Ren nodded. “If worse comes to worse, the two of us can fight them off.” Ren and Morgana nodded. They continued into town.

All over town, the group saw these posters. “Those are the ones the guards have been putting up.”

Ann wet up and took one. She was sickened by what she saw on it. It was a picture of Shiho dressed up like a bunny girl, along with the description “Missing: Shiho Suzui. Also known as Kamoshida’s timid bunny. Has been missing since yesterday.”

Ren saw Ann looking at the poster with a thousand-yard stare. “Are you alright?”

“That bastard!” Ann said.

Ren looked at the poster as well. “He is disgusting!”

“I couldn’t agree more,” said a voice. Ren, Ann, and Morgana turned around to see a figure. They emerged to reveal that they are Shiho. However, instead of being dressed up as a bunny, she was dressed as Napoleon Bonaparte. “That’s why I’m leading a revolution against him!”

Ren and Ann looked at each other and nodded. They turned back to Shiho. “Hey Shiho,” Ann asked, “what will the revolution entail?”

Shiho giggled. “Why nothing short of the death of King Kamoshida himself!”

The three of them were shocked. “Hold on, you can’t just kill Kamoshida and have it all be over!” Ann declared.

“Why not?” said Shiho.

Ann glared at her. “Don’t get me wrong, Kamoshida’s a bastard beyond redemption, but killing him isn’t the right option!”

“Oh? And what is?” Shiho said. “He’s taken advantage of everyone here. In my opinion, death might just be too lenient for him.”

Ann was shaken. Ren chimed in. “What about the next person to take advantage of everyone?!”

Shiho smiled menacingly. “We’ll just kill them too.”

Ren was taken aback. “Killing anyone who gets in your way? That’s not justice! That’s just petty.”

Ann tightened her fist. “She’s right! You chastise Kamoshida for doing whatever to get what he wants, but you’re sounding no better than him!”

“Hm” said Shiho. “I’m promising a world of freedom. A world without harassment! The opposite of Kamoshida!”

“But you’re using the same methods!” Ann called out. “Shiho. Please stop. This isn’t like you!”

“Hold on,” Morgana said. “Something’s not right.”

“What’s up?” Ren asked.

Morgana looked Shiho over. “Could it be? But how?!”

Ann took notice. “Morgana, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know how, but that thing in front of us,” Morgana said, “is like the Kamoshida of this world. She’s definitely the source of the take over distortion.”

“And that also means that if we kill her, the real Shiho dies as well?” Ann asked.

“I’m afraid so,” Morgana siad.

Ren smiled. “Well, god thing we have no intention of resorting to murder” she said.

Shiho looked at them curiously. “Oh? And what are you going to do?”

Ren continued her bravado. “It’s simple. We’re going to steal Kamoshida’s distorted desires!”

Shiho was shocked. “Hm. Good luck. That castle of his is more secure than it looks. I barely got out, and even I needed help.” Ren and the others took note of this statement. “There’s no way the likes of you are getting in there and surviving!”

“And what’s your plan?” Ann asked.

“I’m assembling a team,” Shiho said. “We’re going to overwhelm his forces and drag Kamoshida out here to the center of town! Where he will be greeted with this!” She gestured towards a guillotine. “And he’ll be put there. No hesitation. No remorse. Just dead. Then it will all be over.”

Morgana glared at Shiho. “We’ll stop that from happening!”

Ren nodded. “Right Ann?” She looked at Ann. “Ann?”

Ann was in tears. “Shiho…” she said. “This isn’t the Shiho I know. The Shiho I know is kind. Considerate. Always willing to help others.” She nervously stepped forward. “Whatever corrupted you, we will stop it! Then you can go back to being my friend! Mark my words! I WILL SAVE YOU!”

“My... It's taken far too long” said a voice from within Ann, who began struggling. “Tell me... Who is going to help her if you don't? Forgiving him was never the option…”

“You’re right,” Ann said. “But…”

“I know” the voice said. “You wish for a just punishment. For pure freedom. Such is the scream of the other you that dwells within. I am thou, thou art I... We can finally forge a contract.”

A red cat-like mask appeared on Ann’s face. “Of course!”

“There you go... Nothing can be solved by restraining yourself. Understand? Then I'll gladly lend you my strength."

And grabbed her mask. “Let’s go! Carmen!” She tore it off, blood flowing over her face. A surge of energy swept the area. Ann was now in a red catsuit with heels and pink gloves. Her Persona, Carmen, stood behind her.

Shiho was shocked by this power. “Hm” she said, regaining her composure. “Well, it seems like this is your answer.”

“Of course it is!” Ann said. “I’ll make Kamoshida pay and save you!”

Shiho smiled. “Very well. Let’s see if you can do this. You already know the deadline. Can you steal his treasure before then? We shall see”

“Hey! I think that’s her!” one of Kamoshida’s guards says. They bring some back up and investigate.

“Well, I’ll be taking my leave for now” Shiho said, running away.

“Halt!” the guard calls out. “Out of our way!”

“As if,” Ann said. “Ready?” Ren and Morgana nodded. “Then let’s go!” While they were matched in numbers, with Ann awakening to her new Persona, the fight was anything but fair. The shadows were dealt with easily, especially with Ann using Carmen’s fire powers to burn the shadows and Morgana following up with Zorro’s wind to inflict major damage.

“Wow. I can’t believe I did that” Ann said. She looked at her outfit. “Wha-What’s with this outfit?!”

“It’s your will of rebellion” Morgana calmly explained.

Ann was confused. “Will of rebellion?”

Morgana nodded. “Basically, once someone has awakened to their Persona, the outfit that is given to them is a representation of how they rebel against society.”

“Oh” Ann said. “It’s weird that it’s… well, like this… But I kind of get it.”

“That’s the spirit!” Morgana said.

“What do you think Ren?” Ann said.

Ren was a bit taken aback, but remained calm. “I think it looks good.”

“Right?!” Ann said.

“Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s find that treasure!”Morgana said.

Before any of them could move, Ann collapsed to the ground. “Ugh!”

“Ann! Are you alright?!” Ren said, rushing to pick her up.

“I’m… fine…” Ann said. “Just a little exhausted is all.”

“We better call it a day here,” Morgana said. “It seems like awakening to her Persona has taken the wind out of her sails.”

Ren lifted Ann up. “Are you OK enough to get to the exit?”

“Yeah. I should be fine” Ann said.

Ren looked at Morgana. “You staying here?”

Morgana thought about it. “I’ll see what other information I can gleam here. I think you two should do the same. I’ll meet you in your world when I’m ready.”

“Gotcha,” Ren said. She and Ann left for the real world.

Upon arrival, Ann said “Man, that was exhausting.”

“Wanna get something to eat?” Ren asked.

“As tempting as that is, I’d rather just head home for the evening,” Ann said. “How were you not this exhausted when you awoke to your Persona?”

“I was,” Ren said. “I just let the adrenaline carry me until I passed out on my bed.”

Ann was shocked. “That’s not healthy, you know.” Ren giggled. “Anyway, tomorrow’s the volleyball exhibition. I think that would be a good time to investigate.”

“Right,” Ren said. “See you there?”

“Of course!” Ann said.

“Can you get home alright?” Ren asked.

“I think I’ll be fine,” Ann said. “But thanks for your concern. Well, good night.”

“Good night,” Ren said. They parted ways and headed home for the evening.

[do-a-reference-properly]

Dear Authors,

We come with the latest news about the stories re-posted on fanfics.me (we abbreviate it as FFM).

1. The German hosting company does not work with the FFM site anymore. Thanks to all the authors who submitted the takedown requests for their reposted stories.

2. The new hosting company is Russian. Since https://website.informer.com still displays outdated information, we used cutestat.com that shows the last info update time and allows to manually update the info about the site. 

We found the new hosting provider by using hostingchecker.com and cross-checked that the new IP on cutestat matches IP here.

New hosting provider is called 'Selectel' (you can check it) and you can contact them at abuse@selectel.ru. The host company accepts claims in English as well. The samples of our takedown requests can be found in our previous tumblr post here. A few of Russian authors sent their takedown request to the mentioned email yesterday. Only one of them received the answer today saying that they are going to investigate this problem.

3. The good news is that the FFM’s owner wrote in his private blog yesterday night that he deleted all full texts of the re-posted stories. Thus, only the title, summary, author's name and the URL for original site are published on the FFM now. He insists on keeping this information, although this still counts as spamindexing and is against author’s wishes. 

By his claims made on April 2018 on his personal blog (don’t forget about AdBlock!  and remove spaces in the URL https://fan   fics.me/message311601), he re-posted about 7.5 thousands stories from AO3, 42 thousands from fanfiction.net, 153 thousands from ficbook.net and so on. In total, by April 2018 281 thousands of stories were copied from fan archives. We still think that this is a clear example of spamindexing, because if you do the google search by the title of your re-posted story, then you often found out that the first URL in the search results is FFM, not the AO3/fanfiction.net or other archive with original post. To be honest, we do not know how to resolve this problem. 

The bad news is that he mentioned in his blog that he might return the title, summary, author's name with the AO3 URL for all deleted works. So, keep an eye on that possibility.

But to cut his money making method we suggest you to fill in the complaints to the Google and Yandex advertising networks used by FFM. It does not help to delete your stories summaries from that site, but it deletes the link to a FFM’s page containing your story/its summary from Google/Yandex search. This prevents getting the revenue from your fan works. Here is the link with the instruction on how to do it. 

Here is Google’s policy regarding copyright infringement on publisher sites; here is the direct link to the DMCA takedown request form for the Adsense program.

Here is the instruction about how to do it for Yandex

You can help even if you aren’t an author by filing a spam indexing report to Google. This can be done by anyone (you needn’t to be the author). Here is the instruction how to do it:

Go here: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/spamreportform?hl=en 

Put in the name of the website (one webpage per report) or the page (almost every page starting from fanfics.me/ftf has copied content) that has the copied content.

Write in additional details. For example: 

If you had your works re-posted: This is a spamdexing mirror site to https://archiveofourown.org/ and has stolen my profiles and intellectual property. 

If you hadn’t: you can just write that this site copies content from such sites as [insert web archive name].

Click “I am not a robot” and then “Report webspam” Report more by clicking the link on: Go back to the webspam report form.

We were told that our personal comments to the AO3’ authors might be considered by some people as a scam, not like a help. We apologize if it looked like a scam. But we hope that by posting comments in AO3 we helped at least a few of you.

To summarise, let us say, that the situation looks ambivalent: 

the matter is partially resolved for now, i.e. the full texts of the re-posted stories are removed from the FFM (as the owner claims). You still can submit the takedown request to the new host company, but we do not know how well they work. Additionally, we suggest you to fill in the complaints to the Google and Yandex advertising networks

judging by FFM’s owner previous behaviour we cannot be sure whether he will keep true to his word this time and won't make the texts available for reading and download again in the future

We will be posting some general information based on our experience with this case about methods of taking down works accompanied by complaint letters examples for the future. It seems like a good idea.

If the situation changes, we will come back with the new information here.

[mymelodyheart]

Forget Me Not Chapter 13 ~Girls Gone Bad~

Claire's footsteps echoed off the hallway that led to the hotel's kitchen, high heels clicking along the tiled floor. Running late for the staff meeting she had scheduled for the service and kitchen personnel, she didn't bother hurrying as she couldn't care less. With her hands full with catering contracts for special events and the preparation for the grand re-opening, she had been in a foul mood for the last few days. Her temper was amplified even more that morning when she dropped her contact lenses on the floor, sending her into fits of frustration when she couldn't find them, leaving her with no choice but to wear her glasses instead. Seeing her reflection earlier in the bathroom mirror, made her wince. Her black-rimmed specs reminded her of high school. Definitely not good memories to bring up considering the state of her frayed nerves.

Over the last few days, she went through varying degrees of annoyance initially stemming from two police officers paying her a visit.

"Miss Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp?"

"Umm, hello. Yes, that's me. What can I do for you, officer?"

"We would like to question you on behalf of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau about the crowdfunding site you set up for a French national by the name of Annalise de Marillac. There has been..."

"I beg your pardon? Fraud Bureau? Did I do something illegal?"

"Miss Beauchamp, there's been a complaint against your person by an anonymous tip-off at the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. You are being accused of false representation to commit fraud. Can we please come in?"

As it turned out, her good intention to raise money for Annalise via a crowdsourcing website had garnered a lot of attention and raised a lot of money. Unfortunately, it had also led to some prankster calling the police and reporting her scheme as fraudulent. The matter was momentarily resolved when Jamie and Willie intervened and brought down Annalise for questioning. The French girl was in tears explaining to the officers of her condition and the kindness shown by the Fraser family and Claire, and eventually, presenting them proof with her diagnosis papers.

When Annalise had been excused after she complained of tiredness and headache, the police officers, obviously still not satisfied, remained to delve further as to why someone would accuse Claire of fraud. That's when everything imploded when Willie, hesitant and nervous at first, told the officers of the death threats that were in her Facebook inbox and how he came to know about it. Oh, how mad she was and madder, even more, when she found out Jamie knew about it, the means and ways Willie had log into her Facebook to play detective as if it wasn't bad enough he had screenshot her private messages.

After the police officers left, satisfied that no fraudulent act was committed, more revelations came forth from Jamie and Willie, only because she had been seething with anger and looking at them like they were a couple of red flags to a bull. As if they were two wee lads caught with their hands in the cookie jar, they compunctiously admitted to everything. They told her of their suspicions and suspects, their plan to get the family's lawyer, Ned Gowan involved, and their initial intention to keep her in the dark for her protection. Willie even explained his plan to take Annalise to the doctor himself the following morning, and discreetly stop by Ned Gowan's office to have her medical papers and story investigated for their validity.

Not that their concern was lost on her and that she felt a bit hypocritical for not telling Jamie about the messages she had been receiving for the last few months. She had her reasons. Bloody good ones too!

She'd always loved Jamie's compassionate side, but deep down, she had a sneaking suspicion that his infatuation with her was based on his need to rescue an underdog. Wasn't that was she had been throughout her childhood? Wasn't that why he had been in a relationship with Annalise? She was totally convinced the French girl reminded him of her, a victim of the injustices of life and its unfairness. By resolving to prove she wasn't anyone's rescue mission, Claire was courting the eventuality Jamie will realise she didn't need saving anymore. The fear of him loving her under false judgement was greater than Jamie losing interest when he realised she didn't need rescuing.

In her travels, during the past six years, Claire had come into her own, pushing herself to face her fears and insecurities by tempting fate with her adrenaline laced adventures. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, rock climbing, ziplining and  hopefully , soon sky diving. The taunts and bullying she had endured in school had given her nightmares and self-doubts. But as she grew older, she wanted to rise above all the negativity and prove to herself she was more than her vulnerabilities and flaws, hoping, if her real parents could see her, they would be proud. Her travels had liberated her in a lot of ways, and she wasn't about to fall back into the victim status or be made to feel like one, now that she was back in Lallybroch, surrounded by memories of incessant bullying from her schooldays.

Feeling humiliated and for the sake of self-preservation, she had left Lallybroch with Geillis in Brian's spare car, needing space and time to gather her thoughts. She needed to if she didn't want her self-esteem knocked down a peg or more again. Maybe Annalise's coming into their lives would be an eye-opener, and despite the jealousy that seared her guts, her anger refused to blame the whole situation on the French girl, whether she was genuinely sick or not. There's a truth in the saying, the truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off.

On the night she left Lallybroch without Jamie, he had nevertheless followed them to her and Geillis' rented house and stayed the night and the nights after that in the spare bedroom, when she wouldn't let him into hers. Secretly she had been pleased he didn't stay in Lallybroch knowing that his bedroom would have been next to Annalise.

Unfortunately, on days like today, when a storm of cloud was riding low above her head and following her everywhere she went, missing Jamie in or out of her bed didn't improve her disposition. Ever since her first sexual encounter with him, she felt she had become needier, constantly having this ache within her that only their lovemaking can ease. Now she was walking around feeling horny, which made her even more cranky as her pride wouldn't allow her to reconcile with Jamie just yet. She needed to be in the right frame of mind, and the mounting work at the hotel wasn't helping at all. Maybe when Ned Gowan had presented them his secret investigation report, could the matter be put to rest. 

Think about it later. When you're done with work.  Claire took a deep, fortifying breath, the same one she took before a bungee jump. Clutching a stack of papers, on the one hand, she wrapped her other hand around the doorknob and let herself into the staffs' canteen where the service and kitchen personnel were waiting.

"Beauchamp! Ye're late!" Chef Murtagh roared. A dour-looking middle-aged man with dark facial hair and in a crisp kitchen uniform glowered at her as she entered the room.

She heard two metal chairs scrape against the floor, and in her periphery, saw Jamie and Willie stand, about to pounce to her defence. Giving them the laser death glance, they both sat back down. She was quite sure Murtagh gave them the same treatment but she thought hers were probably more effective. What the hell did they think? I was going to howl and cry?   

Her position as an F&B manager was not a given, and she knew Brian gave her that post because he had every confidence in her to fulfil her role. Despite the family's financial health, there had been no freebies in the Fraser household. Laziness or entitled attitudes had not been tolerated.

"Haud yer wheesht! " Claire snapped, shushing Murtagh in her best mimick of Scot's dialect, making the rest of the meeting's attendee giggle, if not quietly, a tad nervously, as she walked in purposely.  Seriously? God, that felt good, though.  "So what are you going to do about it, Murtagh? Scream me into disappearing? Thanks to you, all the paperwork in F and B office are in shambles. You probably scared the bejesus out of my predecessors with your screaming and your lousy temper." She slammed the stacks of paper on the table beside her.

It was true, Murtagh's demeanour can be quite intimidating, but she knew him well enough after having spent her teenage years helping around the hotel. And the fact that he was the Frasers' siblings' godfather helped. But Brian and Ellen couldn't entirely begrudge him for scaring a lot of their young managerial recruits, as he was the best of the best when it came to culinary art. He had brought prestige and name to Fraser Manor Inn's kitchen, including three Michelin stars, placing their wee village on the map.

Murtagh was still glowering at her, but she saw a spark of amusement flash in his eyes. Maybe she'd imagine it. "Just stating the obvious," he barked.  Definitely, his bark is worse than his bite.

"Well, state less of it," she retorted, resulting in some of the service staff to gasp. "This is my meeting in case you needed reminding." Glancing at the back of the room, she noticed Brian's and Ellen's presence, observing the whole scene with a smirk on their faces. They were obviously glad she didn't back down on Murtagh. Probably relieved too as they've had three F&B managers quit on them during the last two years. "Moving along..." 

She handed photocopied sheets of papers to the staff in the front row to pass along as she briefed them with the menu for the re-opening as well as new dishes for the a la carte. Knowing Murtagh would protest with her latest additions, Claire cut to the chase. "I've made a few changes to the a la carte menu. It's part of keeping up the with the times."

Murtagh ripped off his chef's hat from his head. "Hang on a minute. Ye cannot make changes without consulting me. People come from far and wide to taste my food."

Claire sighed but didn't retreat. "With all due respect, I am not challenging your ability to produce a culinary masterpiece, but we cannot serve the same dishes as we did for the last ten years. There are a lot of new and upcoming talented chefs in Scotland who have bolder and brighter ideas." Not wanting to disregard Murtagh's talent, she continued. "You are a great cook, Murtagh and you can bring out the best in your young team. They have ideas too, and I want to see them. Food enthusiasts have more discerning taste these days and are on the lookout for something different and exciting. I intend to maintain the vision of what you have created here, but we need to modernise if we want to be ahead of the game. We've modernised the kitchen and the restaurant, now it's time we do the same for our dishes."

Almost everyone in the room nodded in agreement except for the Head Chef, but she knew Murtagh will come around once his temper had subsided. Hopefully, soon as Claire didn't want to have to fight him on a daily basis. He may be stubborn, but she knew already he would take the changes she made as a challenge and recreate the dishes she had suggested with his own twist and magic. Without any more interruptions, the meeting concluded an hour and a half later, much to her relief. And to her surprise, her earlier annoyance seemed to have dissipated, feeling the weight lifting off her shoulders.

"Ye did well, Sassenach." She didn't notice Jamie had come up from behind as she gathered her things. "I'm so proud of ye."

She turned around to see him standing so close, the hair at her neck moved with his warm breath. "Jamie, I'm ..."

"Ssshh, I'm so sorry for everything, Claire. I missed us so much. Can we start again?" Her eyes closed involuntarily when he stroked her cheeks. "I'd like to spend some time with ye later after work. I ken we're living under the same roof, but we might as well be living apart every time ye disappear into yer bedroom every night."

Seeing the longing overwhelming his beautiful face, she felt her bones melt, and she swayed closer.  Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, I love him so much.  She was tired of pushing him away. "I'd love that, Jamie."

Relief showing in his eyes, his thumb came up to trace the bottom of her lip. "Good," he whispered, his gaze dipping to her mouth. "I dinna ken what time I'll be finished. I'm making a few trial desserts for ye to taste tomorrow. Maybe, I'll bring it home tonight instead and feed ye. Ye can give me yer verdict then."

"I can't wait." She wanted to say so much, but his closeness was distracting her a lot, making the words she was formulating in her head become jumbled. Mouth inches apart, they were breathing into each other's space. "I-I'll, see you later then."

"Aye." He moved quickly, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth and letting it go with a pop. "Go now before I carry ye out of here." He pushed her gently away and slapped her bottom, chuckling softly.

Her face blushing profusely, she quickly left the room, before she too got carried away.  We have time tonight.

..........

Later on the evening, Jamie texted Claire he would be home later than expected. Without it being mentioned, Claire knew he would be stopping by Lallybroch after work to check on Annalise. 

Sighing, she joined Geillis who was perched on the kitchen bar stool. She had Latin jazz playing in the background, as she opened a bottle of Tequila she had brought back from a holiday in Mexico a year ago. 

Claire nodded when Geillis offered her a shot. They had been both busy that day helping the service staff at the hotel prepare the banquet hall for the grand re-opening gala dinner. Knowing Jamie won't be home for another two hours or more, she needed to get out of the house. The last few nights, when she was not at work, had been spent cooped up in her room.

Ever since she found out about the death threats, Jamie and Willie had asked her, more like prohibited, not to go to the pub or anywhere at night on her own. Even if she was to be accompanied by Geillis and it was only down the road from their residence, they insisted it wasn't wise. They begged until she agreed to do as she was told, at least until Ned Gowan came up with something concrete from his investigation or one of the brothers was there to accompany her.

Geillis had been an angel,  bless her,  and had stayed with her most nights, either watching TV or playing board games. But with the Grand Re-Opening, two nights away, Claire badly wanted to unwind and let her hair loose, but not within the confines of her four walls.

A few shots later, tipsy and giggling, they decided to get dressed and walk down the pub, after scribbling a note for Jamie. To hell with it if Jamie got mad.  She needed this, and the pub was just down the road. We live in a small village, what could possibly happen?

Feeling slightly tiddly, the low voices and the music in the pub relaxed her as soon as they walked in, making her worries and problems seem a little less serious. The alcohol thrummed in her blood, loosening muscles she didn't even realise were taut and strained. And not a moment too soon, they were joined by a new staff from the hotel working alongside Geillis in the Front Office, a French girl called Louise de la Tour.  Nice lass,  Geillis had said earlier.

" Oh mon Dieu , I want so badly to get laid. It's been a long while," the French girl muttered as she sipped her cocktail from a straw.

Claire's eyes widened. "How long?"

"Let's just say I buy batteries in bulk. I was hoping some strapping Highlander will sweep me off my feet. Romantic, non?"

Geillis patted Louise's hand. "Och, dinna fash lass, before ye know it, them lads be after ye. Ye're new around here so there will be quite a few interests."

"Sometimes, self-pleasure requires imagination." Claire sampled her whisky, Jamie's naked upper torso flashing through her mind. She frowned. "Creativity is key."

"Are ye serious? Ye have a gorgeous man at yer disposal if ye wanted some action. Christ, Claire, don't make Jamie wait too long." Geillis waved hello at the two lads from the hotel's kitchen that just walked in, Rupert and Angus.

"I don't intend to." Claire winked at her friend.

"Ah self-pleasure, now we're talking. What creative ideas do you have in mind, Claire?" Louise asked curiosity etched on her beautiful face.

Claire shrugged, attempting casual. "I call it the Facetime boogie. You know, I orgasmed while we watched each other...mmm."

Louise spat her drink across the table. " Merde!  Masturbate you m-mean on Facetime? I would rather go to my grave with my hymen intact, merci beaucoup.  For me, it's my dildo or real sex."

Geillis picked up a napkin and dried herself off. "Weel, I'd only do it on Facetime with someone I know, not with some random stranger in the internet.."

"Can we talk about something else? Two of the girls that used to pick on me from school just walked in." Claire puffed out a breath, blowing a stray curl out of her face. It was Laoghaire MacKenzie and Geneva Dunsany from her class in high school, her worst nightmare while growing up. They were standing by the bar, their gazes sweeping through the pub while at the same time hugging and kissing people they knew in greeting.  Oh God, they haven't changed.

Louise quirked an eyebrow waiting for an explanation, confusion spreading on her face.

"What Claire is trying to say is ...bitches alert." Geillis nodded her head towards the bar. From the way, the two girls were looking at Claire, gave her a fairly good idea who they were.

Louise pursed her lips. "Aaah, I understand," She gave Claire a sympathetic squeeze on a hand, before giving her a warning look." Bordel de merde, they're coming!" she announced as she saw the subjects of their conversation making their way to their table.

Geillis simply smiled while Claire mentally braced herself.

"Ooh lookie, lookie, who do we have here? Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp. The Sassenach is back. I'm surprised the Frasers took you back into their folds," the blonde hair lass called Laoghaire mocked, her perfectly over made-up face breaking into a sneer. "And here I thought, ye were gone for good."

"Hello, Laoghaire," Claire smiled before taking a swig from her whisky. "Please do me a favour and pick on someone with the same level of IQ as you. It's a shame really, you're such a pretty girl. It's bloody too bad, your personality and intelligence can't be photoshopped."

Covering their mouths, Louise and Geillis hiccupped and giggled, as they watched the verbal battle unfold.

"Ye hoor !" Laoghaire hissed, bringing her face down to the table, so none of the other customers in the bar could hear. "Ye think ye're clever, aye? So brave now that ye have yer hoor  pals with ye."

Claire was unfazed despite her tipsy state as she stared back at Laoghaire, unwilling to back down.

Her friend Geneva pulled her back. "That's enough, Laoghaire." And then she turned to her. "Hi, Claire. Congratulations. I heard you're the new F&B manager at the Manor." There was a hint of snide in her remark. "Oh, and you bagged one of the Fraser lads. I'm surprised really as you never had luck with the boys back in high school. What happened? The Frasers took pity on you?"

"Va te faire enculer!"  Louise cursed in French under her breath, bracing herself to attack Geneva, but Geillis pulled her back.

Claire inwardly winced as Geneva's words stung at her side. "No, I never had luck with the boys in high school, Geneva. I suppose it's rather a good thing that I didn't run about draping myself over them. So I guess no one can really accuse me of being promiscuous and sluttish as opposed to those who had better luck than me."

Geneva's eyes turned to daggers. 

"Listen, girls," Geillis intervened in an unusually calm voice. Turning to Laoghaire and Geneva, she resumed. "I dinna ken who ye are but if ye have a problem here, write the problem on a piece of paper, fold it, and shove it up yer shite holes, aye? I know that everyone is allowed to act stupid once in a while, but ye're really abusing that privilege."

Geneva laughed. "Hey, Ginger, this has nothing to do with you. So stay out of it." She faced Claire before walking away. "See you around, Claire and mind to give my regards to Jamie."

"See you both around," Claire replied, trying her hardest to keep a straight face. "Wishing your evening to be as pleasant as you are."

Instead of replying, Laoghaire and Geneva rewarded them with a one-finger salute as they walked away and headed to the bar.

"Christ what a couple of imbeciles. I can't believe there are still people like them. Ye would think bullies would outgrow their meanness," Geillis fumed, her eyes almost bulging out with disdain.

"Never mind girls. We're here to have fun,  oui?  Let's forget about them." Louise waved the waitress for another round of drinks. "This round is on me." She looked over Claire's shoulder toward the bar area, nearer to the front end. "And tonight might be my lucky night. There is a table full of beautiful men over there you would not believe."

Geillis waved her hand. "Christ, no men, please. Girls' night tonight!"

Mischief rolled out across Claire's face, forgetting Jamie might be looking for her. "You're both right. We're here to have fun and just us girls. Once the hotel is officially open, God knows when we'll have another evening like this."

"We need to do something crazy,  oui?"

Claire hiccupped. "Karaoke?" Behind Louise, she watched as two bar staff hooking up microphones and unrolling the projection screen. Some customers were already writing down their song choices.

"Oh no! I can't sing!" Louise complained.

"Christ, Claire! Is that the best idea ye can come up with?"

"Jesus, why is nobody enthralled with my karaoke idea? Where's the fun girls?"

Geillis gulped down her drink when Claire gave her a pleading look. "Oh, fuck! Fine! One song! I dinna think ye would include me."

Claire didn't waste time dragging Geillis at the rear end of the bar. "C'mon, let's sing that song from the Pussycat Dolls ...you know the one. "

Relieved she wasn't being hauled to the stage, Louise sat back and whistled through her fingers.  "Allez, allez, Claire et Geillis!!"  she cheered from her seat.

Teetering towards the makeshift stage, Claire and Geillis handed their request to the staff handling the sound equipment.

They were surprised when they were ushered first. "Ye're up ladies," the DJ announced with a wink, handing them both a microphone each.

Geillis face went white. "Oh, fuck!" she said out the side of her mouth. "Here goes nothing. I thought we'd have time for one more drink before we did this."

"Just shut up and sing. Oh, God, I'm so drunk."

Their song selection popped up on the screen, accompanied by whistles from the audience. With strong lights glaring in front of them, Claire couldn't make out the faces in the pub, but she could hear Laoghaire and Geneva somewhere chanting the rap song,  Who Let the Dogs Out.  Ignoring the taunts, Claire and Geillis launched into the song that started with the lines,  Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?

..........

After work and seeing to Annalise in Lallybroch, Jamie headed to the pub. He had wanted to go to Claire immediately, but the boys from the kitchen, including Willie and Murtagh, badgered him to come for at least one drink. Since his sister's fiance, Ian Murray would be there too, he reluctantly agreed.  Alright, one drink!

Of all days to be coerced to go to for a drink, it had to be on the day he could finally spend time with Claire. The pub was quite busy for the middle of the week, teeming mostly with staffs from the hotel.

"Hey, Jamie lad, why ye so quiet?" Rupert, one of the kitchen cooks asked.

Angus, also a kitchen staff, raised his pint to his lips. "Claire's not talking to him, that's why."

Everyone on their table laughed, accompanied by a few back slaps.

Murtagh raised an eyebrow. "I thought I saw ye both snogging after the meeting?"

Jamie just nodded with a half-smile. He didn't want to talk about Claire in front of the lads, especially because she had been the topic of most conversation ever since she came back from Switzerland. Her return had piqued a lot of interest in the village, mostly from single men, and Jamie didn't like it one bit.

Looking inquisitive, Ian tipped his beer bottle in Jamie's direction. "In all the years I've known ye, these last few days is the first time I've seen ye mope so much over a girl. If she's back to talking to ye again, what are ye doing here?"

Jamie could barely hear Ian over the singing that had started at the back of the pub.  Christ, Karaoke night!  He just remembered. "Aye, I'll be off soon. Claire is waiting for me."

"I'm heading home too," Willie joined in, downing the last of his pint. "Need to get up early for the meat delivery tomorrow."

As if on cue, Jamie shot to his feet. "Right lads, sorry to make this short. Another night perhaps once the hotel is running." He dug into his pocket to retrieve some pound notes, frowning as he realised almost every man in the bar had started cheering and whistling. He had been thinking so much about Claire, it had escaped his notice that most male customers were stood on their feet, facing the rear end of the bar. "What the fuck is going on?"

Following his brother, Jamie went to see what the commotion was all about. 

Sassenach!

Claire, along with Geillis, stood on the makeshift stage under the bright spotlights singing into the microphones. She was wearing a white body-hugging turtleneck dress that went down just above her knees paired with knee-high black boots. Thanks to the spotlight, her black bra and panties were visible through the material even though it was a winter dress. And beside her, Geillis was gyrating to the song, as she sang the refrain  Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?  with a sultry look in her eyes.

Fists clenching, Jamie pushed aside the standing customers that blocked his path and approached the stage, with Willie in tow behind him.

"Sassenach!"