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sellyoursoulforagoodfic · 5 years ago

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Mercenary Chapter 7

Maul x reader

Word Count: 1849

Summary: So Qi’ra exists, and you’re not happy about it.

“Dryden Vos is coming tomorrow to introduce us to his new pet,” Maul informed you as soon as he came storming out of the room that housed his holocom.

Earlier that morning, it had been the incessant ringing of that exact holocom that woke the two of you from a peaceful slumber. It was housed in the room immediately next to your bedroom so no one would be able to eavesdrop without having to go through your private quarters. And no one would live through trying to do that. So already, neither of you was in a good mood.

“Why is his pet our problem?” you complained from your place still lounging on the (admittedly luxurious) bed. Making the bedroom as nice as possible was your top priority after security after returning to the fortress on Dathomir. You were not blind enough to miss the way Maul’s eyes trailed up your form, clearly liking the sight of you lying partially exposed on the blood red, satin sheets.

“Apparently, he sees a future for her. He’s been training her in combat, and she’s proven to be quite bloodthirsty.”

“She’s using him,” you deadpanned. “I know her type. She’ll use him for power until she gets the chance to get rid of him; then she’ll kill him.”

“Which is precisely what I said, but he argued that I haven’t met her so I couldn’t know that. According to him, she is a ‘dancer’ while fighting.”

You giggled a little at the way he rolled his eyes while quoting Dryden. “That doesn’t mean she’s not going to kill him one day.”

“If Dryden is that fooled by her, he deserves his fate. We do not have room in this organization for such idiotic behavior.”

“He wouldn’t be the first to have his brain sucked out through his dick by a woman.”

The zabrak raised a brow. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

“Yes, I’ve been fucking you for years just to take your place at the head of an organization that I helped you build.”

“Except you fell for my sparkling personality in the process, and hoped that I’d never find out about your original plan, right?”

“Oh, exactly,” you grinned. “Come here,” you demanded, reaching a hand out towards him.

Entertaining you, he offered one of his hands to you as he stepped forward. “Yes?”

“Tell me, did he realize that you were wearing a bathrobe?”

Maul snorted. “No, he believes that I wear dramatic cloaks like he does.”

“If I recall correctly, you used to wear things like that,” you teased.

“That was a long time ago.”

“So was the last time you laid with me.”

“Now, that is a lie considering that I left you less than twenty minutes ago.”

“See? Forever.”

The next day saw you and Maul in the central area of the fortress, dressed to impress while waiting for Dryden’s ridiculous ship to arrive. Maul was wearing his usual attire: black clothes fit for combat at any moment, lightsaber hanging from his belt. You were in full armor for the first time since you reclaimed the fortress two months prior. Beskar pieces decorated your right shoulder and left thigh--raided from a Mandalorian settlement long ago--while strong, flexible leathers guarded everywhere else. You prioritized mobility with your armor given your fighting style, so full metal like the Mandalorians wouldn’t do. A staff was strapped across your back along with a sniper rifle, a knife at your calf, and a blaster at your hip. This was to be a show of power to an extent; the object of the presentation showing Qi’ra who was truly in charge.

Every other guard was in standard armor derived from a mixture of old Nightbrother and Mandalorian in looks. The people that worked directly under Maul in the fortress were the most trusted in the entirety of Crimson Dawn, and they were sworn to secrecy about the nature of your relationship with him. Neither Dryden or Qi’ra would be seeing any sort of attachment that could be seen as a weakness today.

“Relax,” Maul muttered under his breath after you shifted for the too-many-ith time. “You’re a professional.”

“Yes, but she isn’t. I don’t like the idea of someone like her claiming the same position I hold; makes it seem less . . .” You couldn’t come up with the word.

“She is the bed-warmer and bodyguard to a figurehead. I would hardly call that the same as your position.”

“There are those that would disagree,” you grumbled.

Finally, the door opened, revealing Dryden Vos and an admittedly beautiful woman you assumed to be Qi’ra. She was dressed to impress, that was sure, in a simple yet stunning dark blue dress that looked completely impractical for any sort of combat. Apparently, she assumed that since they were going to visit Dryden’s boss, protection would be insured. Your eyes narrowed when you noticed how her dark eyes trailed over your lover’s frame.

Foolish. Never trust people you haven’t met, and then still don’t trust them.

“Dryden,” Maul greeted cooly, “and Qi’ra, I assume?”

“That she is, a true marvel wouldn’t you say?” Dryden grinned, clearly proud of his second-in-command.

“Beautiful, I’ll give her that,” you decided. You didn’t miss the way Dryden’s facial markings flushed with his anger, but even he wasn’t bold enough to speak out against you. “Matches the rest of your collection.”

“Excuse me, who are you?” You had to respect the level of control she displayed over her facial expressions. “I’m afraid I’ve heard nothing about either of you.”

“Such caution is the reason any of us are alive,” Maul spoke up, glancing at you over his shoulder. The warning in his gaze was clear: ‘calm down.’

“Darling, this is Lord Maul, the true head of Crimson Dawn. I run the face and keep everything clear with the other Syndicates; he provides the backing we need.” You gritted your teeth at Dryden’s overinflation of his job. “This is his bodyguard, Y/N. She’s been in the position for at least as long as I’ve known him. You’ll probably never see him without her.”

“That’s how bodyguards work,” you muttered.

“And she’s worked for me since the Clone Wars,” Maul informed both of the guests. “You’d do well to respect her, and better to get her to train you. Dryden has mentioned that you’ve been training with him.”

“That would be lovely,” Qi’ra said respectfully. “Perhaps while we are here?”

“That is unlikely,” Maul replied. “Your visit was so short-notice that we couldn’t adjust our schedule accordingly. We are leaving in the morning on a business venture.”

You resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow. We don’t have any such plans . . .

“You will stay for dinner, rest here for the night, and be on your way shortly before us.”

“We would love to,” Dryden lied.

Truth be told he and Maul rarely saw eye-to-eye, and it showed at that dinner. While Maul enjoyed decadence in certain areas, Dryden was far too greedy to get along with the zabrak. Dinner was a far more simple affair than any of the parties you had seen on the First Light, you never attended, but you saw the footage for various reasons. The silence was tense. The long table was covered in just enough food for all four of you. You were at Maul’s left hand like always while he was at the head of the table; Dryden was on the end opposite with Qi’ra on his right side.

Telling, was all you could think. If he’s already that comfortable with her, he might be worse off than I thought . . .

Conversation was stilted, but you were hardly surprised. Maul was rarely conversational with other people, so Dryden and Qi’ra entertained themselves by flirting among themselves. As soon as the dinner was over, you and Maul retired to the training room for your nightly sparring session. Feeling particularly malicious, you invited them to watch. The better to show them proof of your prowess.

Once the fight started all thoughts of the onlookers went out the window. The fights were always all-out; neither of you pulled punches, never had. The only thing you were cognizant of was keeping the usual level of flirting through the floor. And based off the split-second glance of Qi’ra’s face you managed to catch while falling, she clearly didn’t expect the zabrak to pull such a cheap move as headbutting you with one of his horns. Dryden apparently wasn’t going full-tilt with her training . . .

By the time you ended the fight (you lost) and called it a night, you were both sporting bloody injuries in various places on top of new bruises. You and Maul escorted the other two to their separate rooms and left them for the night.

“I don’t trust her,” you muttered as you two walked to your rooms.

“You said as much to the idea of her, my dear,” he replied simply. “I didn’t expect you to change your opinion.”

“She’s a presumptuous little snake, and don’t think I missed the way she eyed you up the second she saw you.”

“She would not be stupid enough to try it yet.”

“Yet being the operative word.” You reached the bedroom door. “Goodnight, sir,” you said formally.

Maul’s brows furrowed, but fortunately he was smart enough to catch on quickly. There’s someone watching, he realized. He now sensed Qi’ra’s presence in the Force far too closely to be her in her room. He was mildly impressed that you noticed when he did not; granted it wasn’t that surprising since he was generally distracted when you were around. “Goodnight. Be ready in the morning.”

Qi’ra frowned. She snuck out of her room as soon as your voices sounded like they’d rounded a corner, hoping to gain more information on the pair of you. Unfortunately, all she learned was your distaste for her was genuine and accurate. She lingered long enough to see if you would do anything after he retired, but you simply crossed your arms and waited. A hard life if she remains here all night. Her exhaustion may be my advantage, was what she thought as she slunk back to her room.

As soon as you heard her door shut in the quiet of the hallway, you snapped your fingers. Instantly, another guard took your place. “Keep an eye out for uninvited eyes,” you ordered quietly.

“Yes, ma’am.”

And then you could finally retire.

Upon entering the bedroom, you were greeted by the sight of your lover lying nude among the freshly changed, black silk sheets. Already, he was dozing, giving you ample time to enjoy the site of him relaxed and beautiful in a way he rarely was. As quietly as you could, you stripped down yourself and crawled onto the bed with him. He roused enough to share a sleepy kiss when you pulled the sheet over both of your bodies, but otherwise remained asleep. While you were not content with the whole guests situation, you were more than content with your position and quickly drifted off yourself.

#maul x reader #maul imagine #darth maul x reader #darth maul imagine #star wars imagine #reader insert

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comicteaparty · 6 years ago

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May 16th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on May 16th, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Champs by Mharz.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Champs by Mharz~! (http://champs.mharz.com/)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Mharz

halllo! (edited)

rikirinka

HIHII

Kabocha

Favorite scene? Prooooobably this one -- Jane is powered by LOOOOOVE and a desire to impress Tala :'D Also determination and a huge amount of skill. http://champs.mharz.com/comic/39

rikirinka

I haven’t gotten to read champs in a long time but the part that stuck out to me the most was when Jane first saw tala!! And she was like “she’s....beautiful”

That’s a big gay mood

Mharz

“What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?” Sooo my favorite scene so far was in Round 3 when Tala manages to catch Jane off-guard and landed a punch. That was veeeeeeeerrrry satisfying to draw. http://champs.mharz.com/comic/86

rikirinka

YESS

Kabocha

Tala was like, "HA YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME"

RebelVampire

i really love how tala is not pictured as anything special in that scene. like just average and regular person here. i think it humanizes the love to a large degree since like...theres no shoujo sparkles or anything. just one woman seeing another in a special way that is based purely on emotions.

Mharz

Also when Jane realized that they made contact and they she was FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF we touched!!!! fangirls http://champs.mharz.com/comic/90

rikirinka

Blessed

Kabocha

...See, I had to laugh at that page because she's like "HOLY CRAP WE TOUCHED I gotta go to the bathroom!" ... the timing was uh... hilarious. XD Jane's probably just going because that sort of anxiety can wreck your stomach, but...

timing....

Mharz

Surprisingly that did not happen within the match

Professionalism I suppose

RebelVampire

my favorite scene is actually probably the sparring scene where jane just like...easily takes tala down after a few seconds. for the entire comic i had been wondering how their skill levels would match up, and this was a visual demonstration of the difference between them. so i finally got to feel assured that jane deserves her championship belt.

Mharz

that is actually a challenge for me because I have to like hnggghn show that Jane isn't just trash talk... She got her belt based on her skills and smarts.

Kabocha

It would be interesting to see Tala face off against some of Jane's opponents... I can't imagine that would go well

Mharz

Oh I have something in mind, alright

I'm gonna build it within the next few chapters so that it raises the stakes a bit

not just prize money but a bit more personal

Kabocha

Oh nooo ahahaha

oooph.

Mharz

drama is fun OwO

Kabocha

Also, re-reading Round 3 -- I do kind of worry that Tala doesn't necessarily know how to restrain her strength effectively... DANG, that punch

RebelVampire

yeah i worried about that too

like light sparring tala

light

Mharz

her coach got worried too

thank goodness she didn't get a concussion

RebelVampire

plus if tala is always punching at full strength shes gonna run out of energy. and a tired opponent is probably easy pickings

Kabocha

That's a good point

Mharz

I like to think she has a lot of gas in her tank

Kabocha

I can't imagine injuries like that would be good over time in MMA

...Given how much she eats, I would believe that!

Mharz

I mean IRL combat sports athletes do tend to retire early because of injuries

head injuries can cut someone's career drastically

RebelVampire

does it hurt tala to punch that hard? like more so than a punch would normally hurt your hand

Kabocha

Tala's made of rock-hard muscle

Mharz

those gloves can cushion it to an extent

in my personal experience tho my knuckles still gets red after training even if I was wearing boxing gloves.

wheeze

Kabocha

Ooph

mathtans

I made it to the internets. O.o

Mharz

also I do agree with Kabocha, Tala's bones and muscles are probably rock hard

yo maths!

mathtans

I liked Tala's reaction after the fight, the whole we touched thing. When she'd already been hugging and trying to choke her.

Yoyo! I was worried I wouldn't have internet tonight.

Mharz

if she's punching barehanded she would get injured for sure

math, I think that was Jane

RebelVampire

hey math~!

Kabocha

The Q&A... Jane... why do you look so terrifying...

also Hi Math! Got any bad dad jokes about fighting?

RebelVampire

another scene i like is when jane shows up to meet tala and tala doesn't even recognize jane at first. its just so doofy and cute. and kind of shows tala's....innocence in a way. since she clearly still has a lot to learn about the nature of her career.

mathtans

I'm apparently not completely mentally here yet. I meant Jane. (goes to edit to make entire conversation confusing...)

I really don't know much about the sport. I kinda like how the creator picked it as a counterpoint to the Yuri On Ice anime (from the Q&A).

Mharz

<.<

mathtans

Yeah, Tala just seems to roll with the punches, so to speak. Innocent about many things.

Kabocha

Pffffft

Mharz

I'm actually learning about the MMA stuffs as I go

Kabocha

But that's a good thing -- your observation shows, Mharz!

Mharz

I was thinking of wrestling since I'm more familiar with it first but I know how wrestling can be very scripted and I don't want that.(edited)

Also I wouldn't really know how I would lump in Tala if it's wrestling

Since she's more suitable to just punch

mathtans

Also the jello would be messier.

RebelVampire

the idea of tala wearing a wrestling mask though kind of makes me laugh

Mharz

pft

RebelVampire

is this basically all tala's resume says. "I'm good at punching."

Mharz

yis

mathtans

Also good at eating things.

Mharz

and "I have strong arms"

wrestling isn't really that big here in PH so it wouldn't make sense to put her in wrestling

Kabocha

That makes sense though

Mharz

but we are very huge in boxing

Kabocha

Tala's backup plan is probably in a boxing ring eh?

Mharz

yis

she is adept in boxing(edited)

she will learn moves outside of boxing eventually

mathtans

Maybe Jane can teach her acting too. They can star in a romance movie.

Mharz

I did use Pacquiao as an inspiration for Tala

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. Besides fighting, a huge focus of the comic is on Jane and Tala’s growing relationship. Do you think Jane’s feelings towards Tala are genuine enough to stand the test of time, or is it temporary infatuation? Further, how do you think Tala thinks about Jane at current? Will these feelings change? If so, what would it take for them to change do you think? In other words, what can Jane do to win Tala’s heart? Ultimately, do you think the two will become romantic? If so, what obstacles might await them in the future given their careers? If not, what do you think will keep them apart? Lastly, how do you think others will react to their relationship?

Kabocha

I think right now, Jane's got a temporary infatuation, and it's gonna hurt her professionally if she's not careful... But then again, she seems the type to have loved before, sooooooooooooooo.... Hm.

I guess we'll see as things progress and where the drama leads. (We did have that uh... very menacing shot of that other fighter... the blonde one with freckles iirc)

mathtans

Oh, I think Tala just sees Jane as a competitor/trainer. I feel like she doesn't see people in a relationship way, maybe due to how she was raised or her not being aware of it.

Mharz

I feel like I should answer this but this is pretty much the premise of the stories. (edited)

Kabocha

I do wonder if CHAMPS refers to the status that Tala will attain one day with Jane... OR

mathtans

Though I was reminded of another scene I liked, the recent one where Jane just shows up, and her coach has to push her out of the building, like, move on, you have non-Tala things to attend to as well.

Kabocha

the world that Tala's now gotten herself mixed up into~?

Mharz

It can mean a lot of things(edited)

Hi blast!

mathtans

CHAMPS is possibly an acronym?

Mharz

It will be fascinating to find out how Tala ended up in MMA

I will explore both of their stories eventually

mathtans

"I thought I was signing up for an MMO. Once I was in I decided to give it a try any way, the head protectors are like VR headsets."

Kabocha

OH NO

RebelVampire

I agree that i dont think tala is able to see ppl in a romantic way right now. not cause she cant but just because i dont think its ever crossed her mind as a thing she could have while doing the ppl punches. i think to change tala's heart its gonna take a big romantic gesture. like jane hires a blimp that says i like tala or something. that or we could be in for the slow burn where respect grows and then respect turns into love

rikirinka

Omg

RebelVampire

but i kind of want the blimp

Kabocha

"Yeah, I heard there was this beat saber game, but it turns out the guy I fought was nicknamed Saber!"

Mharz

Jane can probably afford that blimp(edited)

mathtans

I feel like with the blimp Tala would end up looking the wrong way or something and miss it.

Mharz

LOL YES

like any attempt of Jane expression of love gets foiled

pft Kabocha!

rikirinka

LMAO

Mharz

Tala might wreck all the furniture playing beat saber

RebelVampire

Tala will have ordered a mountain of food so high that she cant see the blimp over it

tala strikes me as the type who accidentally threw the wii mote into the tv cause she didnt put the strap on

Mharz

wrecks the screen

rip

mathtans

I mean, Jane has already invited Tala to stay at her place. Wafted right over Tala's head. Related, one wonders if Tala might like guys too, since I don't think she's ever thought much either way.

Mharz

"Oh there's a strap?"

Kabocha

And Jane's just like... "Great, now I have to get a new tv... It's no problem! I saw this 72" the other day that I wanted anyway! And Tala and I can shop like a couple...!"

Mharz

pft

Tala never honestly thought of anything romantic

she's just mindblown at everything

rikirinka

She’s baby

How old are they actually? I don’t think I ever saw it specified anywhere

mathtans

I feel like when it hits, Tala's going to be all "wait, THAT'S why the guy asked me to prom, and THAT'S why that girl cooked me meals, and THAT'S why..."

Mharz

Jane is 26

Tala is 22

Latisha

Jane is older...wow...

Mharz

yasss

mathtans

That makes sense. Tala's new to everything. I wonder why I saw them as only a couple years apart.

rikirinka

Holy shit I’m the same age as tala

RebelVampire

omg tala just having to rethink her entire life after she suddenly grasps what flirting it XD

Kabocha

4 years isn't... that... much...

mathtans

Rebel: I know, right?

Mharz

Tala is more like "wow I can't believe I got here (in US)"

rikirinka

Bless her

Mharz

so she's just wow the culture is so different than what I'm used to

She's easy to please

RebelVampire

so basically jane just needs to take tala to mcdonalds

Mharz

She'd be like "wait, there's no rice?"

mathtans

The vegan mcdonalds.

Kabocha

wait

Rice? At McDonald's?

Mharz

YES

all the fastfoods here have rice meals on their menu(edited)

rikirinka

Omg in Sri Lanka they have McRice with cute

Curry

Kabocha

WHAT That sounds AMAZING

rikirinka

I thought that was hilarious

mathtans

Oh, that's neat. Had no idea. I like cultural things like that.

RebelVampire

do they also have the cup size difference issue? cause in japan their large is basically the american small.

Mharz

there's rice on the side

RebelVampire

i hope tala has a cool display shelf for all those toys

mathtans

Instead of fries, I guess.

Mharz

Nah Tala only has a box sadly

She can't afford a shelf

rikirinka

Awwww

mathtans

Also, no Kinder Surprise now.

Mharz

fast food toys are flimsy anyways

RebelVampire

i am concerned she cant afford a shelf. does she just get paid in potatoes? XD

Mharz

Also the rice servings are really teeny here. IMO.

It's more like she sends the prize money to her family

rikirinka

Really? My McDonald’s toys have lasted me a while

mathtans

"Are those potatoes in your pocket or are you happy you just got paid."

rikirinka

LMAO

Bless tala

Mharz

:'3

RebelVampire

i really hope jane gets to see tala's place and then get utterly horrified

Mharz

her family isn't that rich so tala knows to help them first(edited)

Tala's place is pretty naturey

very rural

(edited)

this is like from the print exclusive 4 panels. xD

rikirinka

Omg

mathtans

Ok, so next plot is Tala gets the wrong idea and thinks Hudson (the one she's training with today) is in love with Jane. Tries to set them up on dates. Jane gets very confused.

Mharz

Hudson knows better

She's totally scared at Jane

mathtans

But also possibly of Tala's back slaps.

RebelVampire

Hudson is very adorable I want Hudson to find happiness.

Mharz

at this point, I feel like everyone has picked up that Jane likes Tala except Tala

mathtans

The glasses make her expression a bit harder to read, I think. (Not a bad thing, just an observation.)

Kabocha

Tala's an innocent child, I'd rather see her get surprised when she like, REALIZES it

mathtans

And also possibly Tala's coach.

Kabocha

I wonder if she'll worry that Jane was going easy on her...

RebelVampire

i would be surprised if they didnt. i mean...jane jumped a fence just to say hi to tala despite the whole thing being broadcasted and all that.

ya know that is something i hadnt considered

that tala might worry jane went easy on her

Mharz

Jane gave her front seats

mathtans

Her punches are softer.

Mharz

so she can do that

Kabocha

Someone could also feed Tala misinformation and be like... "Jane wants you to stay here longer, so she's not training you to your full potential"

mathtans

"Jane gave me the front row seats so I'd have longer to travel to get to the bathroom. It's all part of training."

Mharz

LOOOOL

mathtans

Kabocha: That other MMA character is a good contender to do that.

Mharz

who?

which one?

mathtans

The one at the end of Part 2. I'm horrible with names.

Mharz

oh no her name hasn't been mentioned yet

I reckon you were talking about the emo blonde lady

mathtans

Ahh, okay then.

Mharz

it will be soon

RebelVampire

what we all didnt realize was that champs was a comedy about how many ways tala could misconstrue jane's intentions. Tala: Jane sent me these chocolates and flowers. This must be how americans congratulate each other on a good fight!

Mharz

yes

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Within the story, Tala is starting out as a rookie and has quite a ways to go. What do you think motivated Tala to take on this career, especially given the potential for harm? How do you think Tala managed to get Ted Pearson as her couch? At the end, do you feel that Tala will reach the heights of what she wants for her career? If so, how long do you think it’ll take her to achieve that dream? What role do you think Jane will have to play in her career overall? Speaking of terms of immediacy, do you think Jane’s training in the recent chapters will help Tala in her upcoming match? What do you think will happen if Tala loses the match? Finally, how do you think fame and fortune might change Tala?

as for what motivated her....im just gonna go with the easy one and say money and the fact she punches good. cause it is a job suited to her skill set XD

Climaxstriker

runs in with pizza and ice cream What'd I miss?

mathtans

I think Tala mentioned how she's used to lifting heavy objects. Maybe she wanted to use that skill more than her smarts.

Mharz

I won't go to details but Ted actually is the one who tried to convince Tala to take on MMA.(edited)

Kabocha

Tala seems like the type who thought it would be fun once she got to a gym

mathtans

I wonder if it's a lose-lose, if Tala loses the match she figures Jane isn't training her well, but if Tala wins the match she figures she doesn't need more training.

Mharz

@Climaxstriker the previous questions were pinned if ye wanna answer them.

mathtans

Tala watched a TED talk?

Mharz

LOL math

mathtans

(It's super effective!)

Mharz

Ted is like this woman can lift so many things on her beefy arms! I want her to punch people.(edited)

OwO

RebelVampire

the secret to getting ted as your couch is to just move his furniture around for him

mathtans

Couch or coach?

Mharz

couch coach

mathtans

Paid in potatoes, so couch potato coach.

Mharz

he's not really that hands on with her tbh

I like to think of him as similar to Anzai from Slam Dunk(edited)

RebelVampire

*coach

i can spell

mathtans

It's all good. "Why are you sitting on me?" "You're my couch."

Ted: "Tala doesn't understand people hitting on her, so we'll have her hit on other people."

Mharz

literally

mathtans

yis

RebelVampire

i feel like tala will win her match based on jane's training, but i think its gonna be a hard fought battle and tala is gonna realize even after all that training shes still needs a lot of work in the non-punch areas

mathtans

She did figure out the feint.

Mharz

It was Jane tho

tho she realized it too late

RebelVampire

i think math meant that tala figured out she should feint

Mharz

okay

rip my english

I will have to introduce Tala's next opponent very soon

mathtans

Yeah, that's what I meant. Assuming Tala did it on purpose.

Mharz

yis she did that on purpose

mathtans

Jane might have figured it out but had become a bit complacent.

Mharz

Jane figured it out but she was too late to react that's all.

RebelVampire

yeah i do think jane deserved the punch cause i think she super underestimated tala in that moment. which probably a good lesson for jane cause i imagine jane has gotten a bit arrogant in her position.

mathtans

To be fair, it's justified. Comic does a good job of showing that.

Mharz

thank you! :'3

RebelVampire

idk if id say justified. i mean theres a huge diff between confidence and arrogance. the former is good and jane should feel assured in her skills. the latter is bad and how you get uppercut and nearly KOed forever

Mharz

IMO she's a mixture of both

mathtans

Okay, I suppose there's a bit of perspective wrapped up in that, good point. But she does seem to know what she's doing, she's not blustering in terms of arrogance.

Mharz

tho on the sparring session, she wanted Tala to push harder so she provoked her(edited)

and that kinda backfired

Kabocha

Jane knows where she stands, but not quite where Tala stands

RebelVampire

i think thats a good way to put it

Mharz

yis

Climaxstriker

1. One-Punch Tala best scene. 2. I believe someday Jane will confess her love to Tala and they'll become a couple. Not now, but someday. 3. (Serious answer) I think Jane's training did help in the sense that it shows that while strong she needs to cool her head in a fight. Being angry would make anyone careless which leads to mistakes. 3. (Joke answer) I'm sure the only person Jane would accept as Tala's couch is Jane.

Mharz

pft climax

Jane would wish for her to be Tala's couch any day of the week

RebelVampire

jane begins an elaborate scheme to disguise herself as tala's furniture.

Tala: When did I get this Jane shaped lamp? Oh well. I'll worry about it later.

Mharz

Tala: "my sofa is extra lumpy today"

Climaxstriker

jane transforms into Tala's couch complete with Transformers transformation sound

mathtans

I dunno if Jane getting Tala into the hold during their bout counts as Tala being HER couch.

Climaxstriker

if the ship goes well, they'll be each other's couches

Mharz

can be a bed

omg

mathtans

Sofabed.

Sofa, so good.

RebelVampire

in all seriousness i agree with the assessment that tala does kind of need to learn to cool her head. cause getting provoked is a double edged sword. and now that the feint happened once jane will know to watch for it. which really, that seems like itd be tala's downfall. cause her style seems to rely on that punch doing most of the work. so imagine an opponent who just shrugs it off and is like "pfft im fine lets go"

Mharz

Oh for sure! Jane will not fall for that again.

She has been doing a good job exploiting Tala's weaknesses.

RebelVampire

now im scared picturing them having an argument about it tho. where theyre seriously mad at each other cause jane wants tala to improve but tala just isn't grasping how her weaknesses are working against her

mathtans

Tala will be the star for Season 3 of "One Punch Man".

I don't think we've every really seen Tala upset though? Hard to picture her mad.

RebelVampire

yeah but i mean...its gotta happen. outside the gym that is.

and i bet its scary af

Mharz

those people are the most scary

<.<

mathtans

No kicking puppies in front of Tala.

Mharz

Tala is the type who is generally nice and friendly but if she gets angry hoooooooooo booooooooooooy

no don't kick puppies in front of Tala

don't kick puppies

Climaxstriker

Kicking puppies in general is just asking to have an angry penguin yeeted at you.

RebelVampire

would tala get angry if someone threw a drink in her face?

mathtans

It's a valid point. Also, don't kick Tala in front of puppies.

Mharz

I wouldn't really think Tala would punch people outside fights

that will land you to jail

Climaxstriker

I would personally think Tala would be like ".....Bruh. Why?" if that were to happen.

Mharz

this isn't some highschool manga were you can beat up anyone and get away with it.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. Even though Jane is the current champion, her career and life are not without their own issues. Who do you think is the mysterious woman that took in interest in Jane after Jane’s big match? What do you think the woman intends for Jane? Overall, do you feel that Jane will remain undefeated in her career? How do you think she would react to losing a match, especially in regards to being able to face Tala? Further, how do you think Jane would feel if Tala won the championship belt from her? Would it strengthen or hurt their relationship? Last, what do you make of the fact Jane isn’t fond of her other activities like modeling and acting? How might Tala help Jane deal with those aspects of her life? To end, will Jane ever beat Allen?

mathtans

Jane's ex-girlfriend?

Mharz

Ronda Rousey lost after being undefeated for so long. Who knows what the future might bring?

Climaxstriker

I would think Jane would be proud for Tala if she won the built.

mathtans

(As to the championship, maybe they can both wear the belt, it looks large enough for two.)

Kabocha

I think Jane's going to lose once, but quickly take that belt back... While she may not be undefeated, it's going to be VERY dramatic, and everyone loves when the reigning champion returns, right?

RebelVampire

jane losing once sounds so sad. i mean it seems inevitable but i just feel like jane would take that hard. cause itd be a real punch to her ego.

but then tala can bring her a milkshake

tell her she was still amazing

mathtans

Maybe she loses because someone cheated. Flashed her a picture of Tala or something.

Climaxstriker

I would find it likely Jane would lose sometime. Being undefeated is nice but everyone's got a weakness.

mathtans

And Jane's weakness is, of course... scheduling.

Mharz

lol

RebelVampire

realistically that could be the answer tho. where jane is like i havent slept in 2 days its fine i can fight

Mharz

Jane is being smart and aware that MMA will not be her career forever which is why she does acting and modelilng as back up

her coach won't allow that tbh

her not sleeping in 2days

it also helps that fights are sporadic

and not weekly like wrestling

RebelVampire

thats good that jane has a backup plan. which sounds like a good serious convo between her and tala.

mathtans

It's an interesting set of points.

RebelVampire

cause tala doesnt seem the type to have a plan b

Mharz

with her prize money going to the family it's hard to plan

mathtans

Tala goes into hairstyling. I like the consistent ponytail.

Mharz

that's pretty much an issue in most middle class here tbh

mathtans

Okay, so when Jane meets Tala's family she ends up falling for Tala's older sister instead. Hijinks ensue.

Mharz

I think it'll be fine. Tala doesn't have a sister

she's the Big Sis

She has an older brother and a younger brother

RebelVampire

so the older brother can fall in love with jane and hijinks ensues. but then he realizes she likes tala and is like, tala you dope how do you not see this

mathtans

Or Jane falls for the older brother when she sees him from behind in a dress.

Mharz

looool

Jane mistook him for Tala and hijinks ensues

RebelVampire

oh dear XD

as an aside from tala, http://champs.mharz.com/comic/102 i want to take a moment to appreciate how cute kain is here.

Kabocha

How old is Kain?

Mharz

Kain is the other person Jane will care about the most aside from Tala(edited)

late 40s

Kabocha

Awww

At least Jane's not calling him Pops or anything XD

he seems like a sentimential sorta guy

Mharz

he's like the cool dad but a strict mentor

RebelVampire

he is the best dad and better have a #1 dad mug on his desk

Mharz

He does care a lot about Jane even tho they shout curses at each other when training

but they do have a mutual understanding on what they feel about each other

RebelVampire

see even better. they can shout curses at each other and still have a nice, caring relationship when the training is done

mathtans

Kain's catching on that Jane feels different lately. I liked their little conversation on the steps in the current parts.

Mharz

I have to say, Kain is one of Jane's biggest motivations to fight.(edited)

Kabocha

"JANE, HURRY UP, BEAT HER, AND GET YOUR ASS TOGETHER SO I CAN GO HOME AND WATCH MY SOAPS" "FUCK YOU COACH, I'M WINNING THIS MY WAY, WE HAVE TIVO" "I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK IT"

Mharz

LOOOOOOOOOL

that's so hilarious

RebelVampire

omg i want this to be a canon conversation

Mharz

the opponent is like

mathtans

Kain gets the idea from Soaps to have someone play Tala's evil twin as motivation for Jane to not get distracted in fights.

Mharz

looooool

RebelVampire

i hope he has a tiny tv he takes with him sometimes. and while theyre waiting for a fight to start hes just sitting there telling ppl to shut up cause he cant hear his soaps and rodriguez is about to find out his wife is cheating on him with his half-brother

Mharz

I'm pretty sure you can watch tv on smartphones???

Kabocha

Oh, but don't forget about that subplot that he's been following since 1992 -- the one where Joanna was having an affair with Dominic's brother, but played it off like it was an assault so Dominic killed his brother and paralyzed Joanna

Superjustinbros

Hey everyone!

Sorry I completely forgot about the CTP today

Climaxstriker

Plus he could have earphones so nobody could drown out his stuff

Superjustinbros

Was busy with other things

RebelVampire

you can watch tv on smartphones but the tiny tv is an aesthetic i feel suits kain

Kabocha

Ahaaha. Is Kain the type of guy who loses his wireless earbuds.

Mharz

he should have a headset instead

it's bigger

Superjustinbros

I just wanna drop in and say I love Mharz' projects, they have such great appeal.

Mharz

ty justin. :'3

Superjustinbros

You're welcome

mathtans

Do we ship Kain and Ted?

Mharz

Ted is sorta a mentor to Kain back in the day

RebelVampire

i ship kain and his #1 dad mug

Climaxstriker

Jane: Kain, the fights about to start. Kain: ....... Jane: Kain.......Kaaaaaaaain......... Jane notices air-pods Jane: Oh shit, he's wearing air-pods he can't hear me.

I'm sorry I've seen that meme go around enough times to not pass that up when wireless earphones came in xD

Mharz

which is why he can't say no to training Tala

Kabocha

Jane decides to go ham in the match, beats her opponent in ways not yet seen before

Kain ends up having to watch the match on TV

Mharz

pft

RebelVampire

i would love to see kain and ted interact tho more. cause i feel like well learn a lot about both of them and their motivations

and see more kain being cute

Kabocha

So, we're getting down to the last minutes... MHARZ I WANNA SAY YOU ARE AWESOME

mathtans

So the other question is, did Jane accidentally walk in on Tala taking a shower when they were rooming together.

Mharz

thank Kabocha! :'3

OwO

Jane would be like

that face

RebelVampire

jane isnt in the hospital from a nose bleed so probably not

mathtans

Hee hee. In conclusion, good job, Mharz, enjoy the theme immensely. Also learning things about MMA. ^^

Mharz

actually Jane would be nonchalant about it and Tala will be the one freaking out

Jane: "Tala it's fine we're both girls"

Tala: EEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Mharz, as well, for making Champs. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Mharz’s efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: http://champs.mharz.com/

Mharz’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/avimharz

Mharz’s Store: http://mharz.storenvy.com/

Mharz’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/avimharz

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