#to be clear: luigi is innocent and we all need to stop acting like he's the killer | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

formalmess · 5 years ago

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For Your Entertainment ~ Chapter Ten

Summary: Luigi and Peasley face a nightmarish loss.

Warnings: Gore, Character Death, Murder

”Where is she?!”

Toadsworth’s face was a deep crimson as he huffily addressed the two men standing before him. He fumed, tapping his foot impatiently as they attempted to obtain a satisfactory answer. And yet whenever they spoke up to try explaining themselves, the advisor would cut them off by going on yet another lengthy tangent to ask questions and scream about their inaction and aloof nature regarding the issue at hand.

”-As we’ve said multiple times, Toadsworth, we don’t know where she is.” Peasley explained, holding up his hands. “Believe me, we want nothing more than to know exactly what’s happening here too.”

Luigi was pacing behind them anxiously, wringing out his sweaty gloves and cupping his clammy hands together. He trembled, tying to occupy himself while Peasley dealt with Toadsworth’s constant nagging and probing for answers.

“All we know is that she was told by you, or someone posing as you, to come back to the Mushroom Kingdom.”

“As if I believe such hogwash!” Toadsworth persisted. “You have to know something more!”

“We don’t, Toadsworth.” Peasley tried to maintain his polite and leveled composure, but he still tensed. “That’s all Princess Daisy told us.”

“You two were with her the whole time, were you not? How could you NOT know about what has befallen upon my Princess?!” The old advisor scoffed.

“We have no idea where she is,” Peasley repeated for possibly the tenth time in the span of a few minutes. “And should we be thinking logically, much to my dismay, her Highness may be in great danger. Lest we banter here any longer, her condition will only worsen. So, I suggest you calm down.”

Toadsworth went to object, red in the face with his cane raised, but drew back. He exhaled, furrowing his brow.

“I suppose you’re right.” Toadsworth fixed his vest. “Apologies. I just get rather defensive over the Princess’s wellbeing...”

”I understand, Toadsworth.”

“I’ll need to gather the troops, I’ll have the entire Kingdom looking for her...” Toadsworth excused himself quickly, taking action even before his statement was entirely finished.

He acted fast, immediately rounding up and sending off guards in search of the royal monarch at once. The mass of panicked soldiers quickly gathered themselves to attention to search for their beloved princess, their hasty actions jumbled and un-orderly.

Toadsworth watched as they went, his concerned expression unchanging. He tightened his hold on his cane, shivering.

“Toadsworth." Peasley spoke up as he approached the advisor from behind, helping Luigi forward. "Is there anything we can do to help?”

“Well, if you know or think of anything further…” Toadsworth sighed. “Then, don’t spare any details. I need to know of my Princess's fate."

“We told you everything, Toadsworth. Daisy informed us Peach went home under your request, which we’ve come to understand was a trick.” Peasley lifted a hand to his cheek. “And though I’d normally suggest against jumping to conclusions… I believe Dimentio has a role in this whole situation.”

“So, the Princess’s tale was true then… Dimentio has indeed returned...” Toadsworth glanced down. “I still mourn the loss of young master Toad and his sister. Grambi bless their lost souls…”

Toadsworth lowered his head before gazing back up.

“Master Luigi, the Princess informed me of your role in all this. Why do you think that deranged jester is targeting you?”

Luigi shook his head, shivering as he hugged his sides. “I-I…”

He trailed off, unsure of what to say. He didn’t know what reality was at this point, and what was a nightmare that had managed to escape into his waking life.

“I… he…”

”It’s a bit complicated,” Peasley explained for Luigi, patting his shoulder.

”He… He’s already hurt s-so many… T-Toad and Toadette, a-and Bowser… and Tayce. T, and Prince Dreambert-! They’re… they’re all gone…!” Luigi found himself raising his voice before he could stop himself, breaking down into sobs. Peasley rushed over to support Luigi’s shoulders as he swayed and his breathing hitched.

”Gone… as in? Both King Bowser and Prince Dreambert are...?” Toadsworth’s face paled. “A-And that baker from down the road? That was... all Dimentio’s doing?”

Luigi nodded, trying to hide his tears and reddened cheeks. “It’s a-all my… my… fault…”

Peasley shushed Luigi’s woes. “Darling, it isn’t your fault…”

”But, if that is the case… then, is Princess Peach-?” Toadsworth panicked tone lowered, his inquiry a horrified hush.

”No, no. Not all hope is lost.” Peasley spoke quickly, his tone confident.

”What do you mean?”

”You see, Dimentio is usually more... expressive once he does something horrible. He likes to let us know exactly what he's done through the use of recordings that exhibit his heinous crimes. He enjoys illustrating it all as though it were all apart of some sort of... twisted show...”

Peasley explained with a grimace before he paused, shivering. After a fleeting moment to compose himself, he continued.

“...But, Peach’s disappearance has been, if my memory is accurate, over the course of weeks! There’s a fine possibility Dimentio has nothing to do with this at all, due to our lack of knowledge over his act.”

“There’s a chance she’s alive, then?”

“Certainly. I would like to think so.”

Peasley turned to Luigi, hoping for a positive reaction, but Luigi didn't offer any such response. He clutched a hand over his mouth whilst fighting back sobs, keeping his gaze away.

”Luigi...?”

Luigi wanted to believe in Peasley’s logic, but he knew it was impossible.

Peach was…

She had to be gone… didn’t she...?

Luigi shook his head as Peasley tried to calm him, quivering as harsh guttural sobs escaped his lips.

”I believe you both need some time to reflect on this whole debacle... and I do as well.” Toadsworth sighed and sank back, rubbing at his creased cheeks. “Please, allow me time. Return soon so we can further discuss this situation, and any other findings you may come across. Stay close by. Perhaps at Luigi’s abode until further notice.”

Luigi wanted to refute, but knew he couldn’t. Toadsworth was determined to find his Princess and figure out what had happened, and he needed his two witnesses to stay put. He was going to try and get in contact with Daisy, but the thought of the Sarasan Princess just made Luigi’s stomach twist.

They’d left her alone.

What if she was already gone too...?

He wanted to believe in miracles, but all he could believe in now was the imminent threat of death and tragedy lurking around every corner.

After a few moments, Peasley and Luigi left the Mushroom Kingdom’s castle in silence. A lingering feeling of guilt and sadness accompanied them as they went off without a word. Polterpup whined gently from their sides, rubbing up against Luigi’s leg with a whimper.

Toadsworth saw them off, not offering any words of wisdom or encouragement as they went. He shut the doors to the castle with a heave, leaving them to wander home. Silence consumed the streets of Toad Town as they made their way back to Luigi’s manor.

What was once the warm and humble abode of the younger Mario brother was now a reminder of when innocence was tainted and all hope was lost. Every since that first parcel arrived, Luigi’s world had crumbled in front of his eyes, just as Dimentio had promised him.

This was exactly what he wanted, ever since the beginning.

Luigi didn’t know how much longer he could last like this.

He didn’t know if he wanted to.

- - - - - - - - - -

Polterpup was the only one who seemed to have any energy left by the time the three reached the manor. Luigi and Peasley trailed behind as they fought back the urge to collapse and fall asleep on the dirt road leading up to their house. They yawned almost in unison, rubbing at their eyes exhaustedly.

”...Luigi, darling?”

”Hm?”

”Are you going to be okay, dear?” Peasley didn’t make eye contact as he kicked at the gravel beneath his feet. “I don’t want to make you stay here if you don’t feel comfortable. Maybe we could go back to the Beanbean Kingdom for a while… there’s plenty of places to hide, and I know my Kingdom like the back of my hand-“

”And let everyone else there get put in danger too?!” Luigi retorted before Peasley could finish, his words emerging as a snarl. “Peasley, you know that’s a terrible idea-!”

”I-I was just suggesting…!”

”It isn’t safe.” Luigi fought back tears, already exhausted from his earlier sobbing. He inhaled shakily. “Everywhere I go, all I do is mess everything up. And now, whoever I hang around gets a death sentence. Do you REALLY think it’s a great idea for us to go anywhere else right now, Peasley? And your homeland, of all places?”

Peasley glanced away. “I... I suppose you’re right. I just… I want to make sure you’re safe, Luigi, you understand that, don’t you?”

”Peasley, I-“

Without warning, Polterpup stopped in the middle of the road, catching the two quarreling men off-guard. They stopped to avoid tripping over the ghastly pup, quieting as Polterpup barked. The two peered up at the small hill leading to the manor Luigi had spent years residing in.

It was only when Polterpup’s yips turned to growls that the boys knew something was very wrong. They squinted through exhausted eyes, freezing as they realized what Polterpup was so riled up about.

The front door of the manor was wide open, the wooden door having been broken and torn off its hinges. It weakly creaked over the gusts of winds enveloping the foyer within.

Peasley immediately grasped Luigi’s hand out of instinct, glancing around as he moved to protect his husband should there be any signs of danger.

”L-Luigi?”

Luigi stood still, emotionless.

“Luigi…” Peasley tried again, gulping down his nervousness as he tugged at his cape anxiously. “W-What exactly do you suggest we do...?”

Luigi still didn't respond.

”Either we,” Peasley cleared his throat as his words hitched. “w-we could go hide out in Toad Town for a bit until further notice, or we can stay put and investigate… t-that.” Peasley pointed at the broken door swaying from the wind.

Peasley was already moving backward, but Luigi didn’t budge. And without answering, Luigi moved forward to the front stoop of the house. Peasley yelped, gasping as he scrambled to follow Luigi.

“Luigi, stop, wait! It could be dangerous-! I thought we were against running into danger blindly!”

Luigi reached forward without hesitation, his shaking having ceased, pushing the door back completely.

Peasley approached him from behind, holding a protective arm up as the two entered. They breathed quietly, glancing around pointedly as they walked into the familiar home.

The foyer was the first indication of the nature of the rest of the manor.

It was completely destroyed, side tables pushed over, shattered vases full of wilting yellow roses covering the ground. Streams of dirty water coated the wooden boards beneath their feet as they stepped around glass shards, picture frames having fallen to the ground. Fingernails had clawed at the walls, the marks having torn away most of the green wallpaper.

“A rather destructive brute, isn’t he?” Peasley cringed, pointing out a few hidden shards of glass for Luigi to avoid. “...How unsightly.”

'This isn’t like Dimentio’, was all Luigi could think.

The thought haunted him as he examined the halls, lights flickering as more damage to the walls and floorboards became clear. Dimentio wasn’t violent by nature. He was sly and, as he put in his own words, a form of “charming”. This didn’t look like an act of vandalization, but something more.

But, what it was, he didn’t know.

The thought only serving to further terrify him, Luigi continued into the living room, glancing around the dimly lit space.

He froze, the vision of his nightmares greeting him. The television was on. The darkness of the living room was only illuminated by the rickety machine’s screen.

And greeting him among the static, staring with an equally horrified gaze, was a flickering image of Princess Peach. But, unlike in the other tapes, this one wasn’t just a recording. It was a set of images and shortened clips, dates in each of the corners, in a video loop. The dates started from the day Peach “returned home” from Sarasaland, and they moved forward in time from there. As each section of the video passed, a day did as well.

The pictures and clips revealed Peach crying, clawing at the walls of an unfamiliar darkened room while screaming, curled up on the floor, plucking at her dress, scratching and hugging herself, and simply… waiting.

She limped around in a crawl, sometimes approaching the camera and other times wanting to be as far away from it as possible. She looked broken, as though all pieces of her mind and body were shattered.

She had nothing to eat or drink, and the staggering effects clearly showed themselves as the images continued. As every day passed, she only looked more helpless and pained, clutching her sides and coughing up blood and saliva to the ground, groaning for help from within the dark room.

She got skinnier and her face grew more pale, her movements going from feverish and desperate to weak and unmoving. As every day went by in the corner of the screen, Peach’s gaze grew more wild and her face more flustered, glancing down at her hands to ensure she was still alive. She was starving and dying of thirst, her eyes savagely searching for any signs of sustenance just as the eighth day flickered by.

One clip started with her sleeping on the ground, her bones visible against her chest as she heaved and exhaled slowly, breathing irregular. Her face was down on the ground, blonde hair lying in damp and cluttered strands in front of her closed eyes.

She didn’t even flinch when footsteps sounded outside of the camera’s view.

Dimentio entered casually, his appearance rather cleaned up since his last. His poncho and cape practically glittered in the crackly recording’s image, his smug grin twisted up as he crouched down into the view of the camera.

He reached to his side, producing a small porcelain plate and setting it down on the ground, along with a fancifully-made piece of strawberry cake. He left it there with a hum to accompany his exit, snapping his fingers and disappearing from view.

Another day passed, and Peach was now awake and alert, looming over the cake slice Dimentio had left her. Hunger overtook logical thinking as she devoured pieces of the cake, ravenous. She’d lost all traces of her fair and dainty persona, only caring for her survival.

She abruptly paused halfway through eating, her eyes going wide.

The next images and recording passed by in a flash, Peach’s hands moving to claw at her throat, screaming and sputtering as her face flushed and turned a dark purple color.

She shot one last glance at the camera lens before she fell limp, leaving the half-eaten cake slice on the ground. She foamed at the mouth, saliva trickling down her chin. She twitched once, then twice.

And then she was gone.

Days passed from there, images passing by quickly as the lights eventually returned to the room and revealed Peach’s body beginning to rot. But, the setting exhibited, now clear in the light, wasn’t the familiar dark room Dimentio usually recorded his “shows” in.

That was...

Luigi froze, his breathing hitching. He turned to Peasley, who lowered his head, discrete tears snaking down his cheeks. The video begin to repeat on it's loop.

”Peasley... that’s...”

”What..?” Peasley glanced up, words hushed.

”T-That’s... n-no... no, no, no...”

He knew where Peach was.

Luigi bolted out of the living room, throwing open the door that led to the basement. He bounded down the stairs hastily, almost missing several steps as he went, trying to grab at the rail. He paused upon reaching the bottom, huffing for air before running toward another doorway. The door ahead was open just a crack.

He pushed open the heavy door leading into the back room, whispering quick prayers to some higher being that this could all be a nightmare.

His prayers went unanswered.

”Luigi! What are you-?” Peasley froze, realizing what Luigi had stumbled upon. He held his hands up to his face, holding back tears.

Crumbs and shards of glass lined the floor beneath their feet and, much to their horror, a body lied above it all.

Princess Peach’s rotting corpse greeted them, lying in the same spot she had been in the tape’s recording. She had a skeletal hand reaching forward, a piece of parchment placed delicately under her unmoving fingers.

Luigi bent down, carefully removing the paper. He could barely read it through his tear-filled eyes.

’It’s been ever so long since our last show... So, how was that? Enjoyable? Amusing?

Oh, and I do hope you like the re-decorating as well. The fair lady herself helped me with that. Such a fight she put up. I must say I’m impressed!

But, I believe this performance is worthy of an encore. Be sure to stay alert and keep an eye out for what I have in store, like a spoiled toddler waiting eagerly for a toy on a holiday.

My performance is far from over, Luigi... Ciao!’

- - - - - - - - - -

”Luigi, we don’t have to do this.” Peasley was almost silent, his voice having lost it’s once chipper and level-headed quality.

The two were walking through the woods just outside the Mushroom Kingdom, the winding paths leading into a darker stretch of land, only illuminated by the sliver of moonlight above.

”Toadsworth said he never wanted to see my face again.” Luigi spoke without emotion. “We have to go.”

”He’s stricken with grief, my love...” Peasley explained gently. “He’ll realize how irrational he’s being soon. You did nothing wrong.”

”Finding the Princess dead in my house is still going to make everyone think I’m some kind of monster, Peasley, no matter how much time passes!” Luigi’s sharp words slurred slightly, his exhaustion getting the better of him. He wiped at his eyes. “Maybe that’s what Dimentio wants. To see me be viewed as a monster. A worthless monster that needs to be hidden away from the rest of civilization-!”

Peasley stopped, dropping his bags. “Then why are we running? Do you want to fall right into his trap and do exactly as he expects us to?!”

”I just want time alone.” Luigi exhaled, running a hand over Polterpup’s back. The spectral dog whimpered. “This will be good for Polterpup too. He’ll be happy to be back with the others.”

Peasley frowned, but still obliged with Luigi’s reasoning. “If you say so, my darling. And you say E. Gadd won’t mind, right?”

Luigi nodded. “I don’t think so. He’s usually happy to see me.”

Evershade Valley garnered both negative and positive memories in Luigi’s mind, but he hadn’t imagined he’d be back this soon. It seemed like just yesterday he’d been rescuing Mario from the clutches of the malevolent King Boo here. And now, he was facing yet another villain hellbent on destroying him. In all certainty, he kinda missed King Boo’s antics in comparison…

As soon as the two entered the clearing of the valley, they were greeted by friendly ghosts roaming around the property. They cheered and spun in the air, Polterpup yipping as his ghostly buddies approached.

”Luigi!”

Professor Elvin Gadd looked about the same as ever as he approached, swirling glasses pushed up atop his nose with a smile plastered on his face.

“What brings you here, my boy?” E. Gadd exclaimed, fixing his lab coat as he examined both his old friend and Peasley, who waved awkwardly. “I see you’ve brought guests as well, hello!”

”E. Gadd, this is my husband, Prince Peasley.”

”Ah! I remember you, young whippersnapper. I was at the wedding, Luigi! Pleasure to meet you personally, Prince! I’m Professor Elvin Gadd, researcher of the paranormal and a world-class inventor!” E. Gadd continued, shaking Peasley’s hand eagerly.

”The pleasure’s all mine! I believe I recognize your work from Starbeans Cafe in the Beanbean Kingdom…?”

”Ah yes, my other business venture… I hope my influence has remained there, even with my moving.” His eccentric behavior softened for a moment, waving a hand as he spoke. “Never the matter, what brings you two here to the humble Evershade Valley?”

”We need to stay here for awhile, Professor.” Luigi murmured out, wringing his gloves together. “Is there any way we could-?”

”Of course! I’d be happy to house the two of you here for awhile. All the mansions are free for you two to stay in, but I would caution you with occupying some…” He pointed over his shoulder. “Those are where the mischievous ones hang around.”

He paused, fixing his glasses as he examined the heavily-tired expressions of the two men standing before him.

”But, why exactly are you staying out here, Luigi...? I wouldn’t take you for the type to want to.”

”Well, it’s…” Luigi rubbed his arm, gazing down. He tried to block the haunting images out of his mind. “I-It’s hard to explain.”

”Ah, I understand, young feller. I was just thinking-”

The gathered group of humans and ghosts jolted in shock as an impossibly loud crash suddenly sounded from somewhere in the distance.

E. Gadd furrowed his brow, turning. ”That sounded like it came from the lab...” He mused aloud, rubbing his chin. “But, I thought I hadn’t left any inventions running in there...”

Luigi and Peasley exchanged an uneasy glance.

”Hang on, boys, I’ll go fix this up. You wait here.”

”Let us come with.” Luigi insisted, glancing back at Peasley. “W-We can help... j-just in case.”

E. Gadd looked skeptical, but still nodded. “Sureee. Just be careful, you two. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to you two young fellers, or for any of my inventions to get ruined…”

Leaving Polterpup with the other ghosts, E. Gadd led Peasley and Luigi to his personal lab, taking note of their exhausted expressions. He wanted to ask what the matter was, but assumed better judgement as he walked forward.

Luigi nodded shakily as he went, trying to steady his breathing. It would be okay. They’d be okay.

To their surprise, by the time they ultimately reached the lab, it was empty. The screens surrounding E. Gadd’s workstation were off, papers were still neatly stacked on the desk, and all the inventions and blueprints throughout the room were untouched. Nothing seemed out of place, E. Gadd noted, telling the boys to avoid acknowledging the clutter. The only thing out of place seemed to be a beaker shattered on the floor, which E. Gadd promptly swept up.

”A-Are you sure?” Luigi questioned, trying to mask his trembling voice. “N-Nothing else is out of the ordinary...?”

”Can’t say there is. Sorry for that quick bout of excitement, ghost-hunters, but it’s nothing.” E. Gadd snickered, switching off the light in the lab as he led them toward the exit. “Must have just been a ghost playing around or-“

Simultaneously, each of the screens in the lab flickered to life with a harsh clunk.

”W-What?” E. Gadd gasped out, glancing around. He walked toward his desk, raising a brow. “That doesn’t usually happen… what’s going on?”

”We need to get out of here, n-now!” Peasley avoided screaming, but his voice still raised as he reached to grab E. Gadd, before freezing up.

”Ah, ah, ah! If our show’s only beginning, why would you want to leave?”

Luigi nearly collapsed upon seeing Dimentio’s gaze surrounding him on each of the screens in the small dim space, his curled smile widening. No matter where he looked, Dimentio was grinning back at him. He was inescapable.

”Good evening, one and all! Welcome to the encore of our last performance!”

”Luigi, my boy, what’s happening?” E. Gadd glanced back, his face pale. “Who is that?”

”Why, I’m your host, Dimentio!” Dimentio clapped his hands together, grinning. “The master of dimensions, pleaser of crowds, and the ringmaster of tonight’s show!” He laughed. “And tonight, we’re joined by my lovely assistant… one of royal descent and hot-blooded to her very core…!”

Dimentio moved out of the camera’s view, gesturing to a figure lying unconscious on the floor.

“The Sarasaland Princess, Daisy! She’ll be acting as my assistant this evening!”

Luigi’s voice was hushed. “N-No...”

”I believe she’ll be waking up very soon… and then our production can truly begin!” Dimentio laughed, clapping his hands.

”Dimentio…?”

Daisy’s voice was familiar as ever, grunting as she stood up, standing tall in the camera’s view.

Dimentio turned his back, his smile unchanging. “Ah, so you’ve finally awakened, like a-“

Without warning, Daisy punched Dimentio directly in the face, a hard cracking sound ringing out into the empty silence.

He staggered back momentarily, clutching his wounded face as pieces of porcelain chipped off his mask and fell to the ground.

“...How rude.” Dimentio scoffed finally, wiping away dusted pieces of glass as Daisy huffed. “I was just starting to fix that up too…”

“Well, I think you look better like that!” Daisy retorted sharply. “A broken face really suits you!”

“Aha...ahahaha...!” Dimentio abruptly burst into maddened laughter, his eager tone shaking Daisy to her core. “I certainly like your sense of humor, dear! Maybe, just maybe, if I didn’t have a show to run, then you and I would be able to have a nice conversation over tea…”

“I can’t imagine anyone ever being your acquaintance, let alone your friend.” Daisy growled. “I’d rather die than ever have a civilized conversation with you.”

“Well, that can be arranged.” Dimentio smiled, snapping his fingers and lowering himself to the ground. “I’ve had friends. But, friendship is truly only good for using and leeching off of those whom you establish bonds with. Once they outlive their usefulness, they are of no worth to me.”

Luigi grimaced, the quick motion going unnoticed by Peasley and E. Gadd.

“But,” Dimentio continued, lifting a finger. “because I like you, dear flower dame, I believe we can set up something much more show-worthy to start off our performance, hm?”

He clapped his hands together, his crooked smile widening.

“You’re a competitive spirit, aren’t you?” Dimentio inquired with a subdued grin on his face. “A spunky flame. So young and feisty, just begging for a fight wherever you go.”

Daisy inhaled. “What are you playing at?”

“If you can manage to defeat me in combat, or even neutralize my attempts at harming you, I’d be more than willing to let you go.” Dimentio smiled. “It’d certainly be a feat unlike any ever seen, if you could possibly best me in the state I am now.”

Daisy’s glare deepened, her teeth grinding as she smiled, standing up.

“So, what’ll it be, flower? Is that a yes?”

Silence crackled momentarily in the recording’s audio.

“Yes.”

Dimentio’s sadistic smile only grew. “Excellent! Then let us duel, like-!”

Before Dimentio could even finish his next spiel, Daisy lunged for him, intent on tackling him to the ground. Dimentio reacted fast, snapping his fingers with a laugh. Before Daisy could make contact with him, he teleported out of sight.

Daisy huffed as she caught herself from falling, glancing over her shoulder hastily while gasping for breath. She whirled around, panting as she tried to locate her assailant.

Dimentio had disappeared.

”You look a bit lost, Princess.”

Daisy howled in pain as Dimentio suddenly appeared behind her, sending a projectile straight into her back. She was forced to the ground, releasing a scream as she curled her trembling hands into fists. Shakily, she tried to stand, biting her lip.

”Have I proven myself too much for her Royal Highness?”

Daisy growled, Dimentio’s casual taunts filling her with a newfound sense of rage. Her knuckles went white and her glare sharpened. Her sounds and movements were animalistic as she stood, pouncing toward Dimentio.

Her fingers shook and pulsed, as though she was ready to strangle every last ounce of life out of Dimentio as soon as her hands found their way to his neck.

Dimentio snapped his fingers.

Daisy yelped in pain as she rammed her head into an unseen barrier, falling backward. Hitting the ground with a thud, she rubbed at her reddened forehead, wincing as she glanced up to examine what had stopped her attempts.

A sheet of what looked to be yellow glass surrounded her on all four sides.

”I must admit, your attempts were... formidable.” Dimentio waved a hand casually, light sparks on his fingertips. “But, unfortunately, you simply can’t defeat me. I’ve conquered death, escaped it’s hold, and now I will never die again!”

Daisy banged against the barrier, screaming at Dimentio.

”And now I have you right where I want you, dear assistant of mine, like a butterfly caught in a jar by a curious scientist.” Dimentio snapped his fingers again. “I can guarantee everyone in the audience will be pleased with this next trick. And you are our star this evening, Daisy.”

Daisy flinched as she felt a cold shock run through her body, spine shivering. She glanced up, cringing as streams of cold water trickled down on her face from above.

Dimentio moved his hand to speed up the process, an antique watering can over Daisy’s head beginning to tip out its contents.

”Watering flowers is always such a relaxing activity...” Dimentio mused, delighting in Daisy’s expression going from angry to panicked, her screams from inside the golden execution box muffled. “But, do forgive me, I do sometimes overwater my daisies…”

He laughed joyfully, amused with himself as he watched Daisy shove her weight into the sides of the box prison, pounding against the barrier with white-knuckled fists.

”LET ME OUT OF HERE!” Daisy’s voice was barely audible from behind the sheet of glass, despite the veins in her neck visibly straining as she screeched at the top of her lungs.

”What’s that?” Dimentio cocked his head, pieces of porcelain still chipping off his mask to reveal a gaping blackness underneath. “I do love your enthusiasm, my dear. I’d be happy to speed this up…”

The thin streams of water soon grew in size and quantity, buckets of water joining the water can. Dimentio orchestrated the whole thing with a smile, humming an upbeat tune as he watched Daisy try to avoid the growing amounts of water, up to her thighs now.

”Luigi, what is this…” E. Gadd’s tone was horrified as he finally addressed Luigi, who had buried his eyes in his gloves, sobbing. Peasley wasn’t much help either, trying to avoid staring at the screen.

”The classic water escape has been performed by countless magicians in the past…” Dimentio offered a historical lesson to his victim as he circled around her. “But I don’t think any before have sent their inexperienced assistants to such a grisly demise… This will be a first! Isn’t that special?”

”YOU’RE INSANE!” Daisy screamed, lifting her face up as the water reached up to torso, pure terror in her eyes. “YOU’RE CRAZY!”

Dimentio scowled, pouting slightly as more water poured atop Daisy’s face, soaking her hair. Her annoyance and shrieking made a smile crack on his face once again, snapping his fingers as all the buckets and watering cans dissipated. The golden box closed off on the top, allowing no escape for the trapped Princess.

Daisy was soon treading water, floating up off the ground. She held her breath until she swam up to the small pocket of air left unfilled by water at the top of the box, gasping for air desperately.

Dimentio observed his assistant with a smile, not offering any more tauntings or words as he simply sat down, watching as Daisy fought to stay afloat. She kicked her legs futilely, gradually sinking down as she lost her energy. She clawed at the walls surrounding her, trying to hold herself up.

Her exhaustion from so many long sleepless nights eventually got the best of her, sinking down into the water below. She took a deep breath before she made contact, holding her breath as she held her hands over her face, cheeks swelling and going blue.

She glanced up, eyes opening underwater as she stared straight at Dimentio, her audience.

She screamed, pounding on the glass as bubbles floated up from her mouth, her shrieks growing louder from behind the muffling sheet of glass. Dimentio merely cheered on her performance, complimenting her amusing attempts.

She grasped at her neck, her kicking ceasing as her glossy gaze travelled upward, gasping as she finally breathed in. Water filled her lungs, her neck straining as she coughed and choked.

And finally, Daisy released one final breath, her unmoving body floating upward.

And from the recording, Dimentio only clapped, pleased with his performance.

21 notes · View notes

akaspiderman · 6 years ago

Text

cliché

pairing: Peter Parker x reader

word count: 2.2k

warnings: none, maybe angst if you squint hard enough, but it’s fluff.

plot: Their relationship was filled with cliches except for one.

A/N: This is hopefully super fluffy because it’s Valentine’s day!! This is for my valentine @poetrypeter, I hope it dosen’t suck :)

You’re my better half. I’m complete with you. You’re my world. Head over heels in love. My life is better with you. You’re so beautiful. I want to spend my life with you.

These sentences have fallen out of both of your lips, cheesy sayings that somehow felt special to both of you. Words that have been repeated over and over, but it sounds like the first time you’ve ever heard them. It sends your heart tumbling down and your mind racing whenever they spill out of Peter lips and he can say the same. Butterflies would take flight and you were the embodiment of heart eyes whenever you look at him, hell, even when you think about him. Peter would practically fall to his knees at the mention of your name. You were both so whipped. Yet, there were three little words that have been echoed throughout the entirety of the world, but haven’t left yours or Peters lips.

There were moments where it feels like what you have with Peter was love at the start. It was a terrifying thing to admit that he stole your heart, but as time went on, there was no doubt in your mind that you didn’t love him. It was his stupid jokes and horrible puns. It was the way his eyes sparked up when he was filled with happiness that it outshone New York at night. It was the way he was always there for you when you needed him or when you didn’t. He was this angel of a boyfriend that it would be impossible to not fall in love with him. You were barely holding it together, he somehow made everything better that you had to tell him. He just had to know that he was epitome of sunshine and how hard you fell for him.

Then it would hit you out of nowhere. The fear that it wouldn’t be reciprocated and that it would scare him off to be with someone else. The sole idea of pushing Peter away was terrifying, there was no way you could let him go easily. He was everything to you. So, your love was silenced but god, your heart could burst at the thought of him. Love songs on the radio made sense and you could understand why people would do crazy things for love. It was this rush, an addicting rush, that made you want to dance around like there’s no tomorrow. Love was a drug, as cheesy as it is. You were addicted to him, you needed him to be with you like you need oxygen. Though you were sure about your feelings, you just wanted to wait for Peter to say the words first. It just made sense.

Peter bit his lips, his eyebrows scrunched as he stared down the TV. He glanced over at you, just long enough for him to not notice the green shell headed his way. By the time his concentration is back on the screen, he was knocked down into sixth place and he was forced to watch some characters whizz by. He groaned in frustration, as Yoshi started to roll back up. “What the heck? This isn’t even fair.”

You violently jerked your remote to the left, avoiding the corner of the castle. You let out a small laugh as Peter struggled to battle his way back up during the last lap. “I’m sorry that you suck.”

“Excuse me? What place are you in?” Peter says, a slight offended tone weaved through his question.

“First place,” You said with a smirk playing on your lips. Luigi never failed you once.

Peter sticked his elbow out, hitting you hand to the side. Your eyes widen as you go astray, heading straight into the grass that no one ever wanted to be. A gasp that could be heard throughout the city left your lips. “Peter!”

“What?” He asked innocently, pretending as if he hadn’t done the ultimate act of war.

“You didn’t just do that,” you exclaimed. Your heart drop with your place. Anger was brewing deep within you, this wasn’t just a game. Your pride was on the line and there was no way you would let it go. You quickly attempted to recover your throne, passing Peach but Walugi is putting up a good fight.

“This game is brutal.”

“I see why Ned dosen’t play Mario Kart with you now.”

“No, he just acts like a sore loser when he loses. This isn’t about me, plus you’re doing fine,” Peter said rolling his eyes.

You brushed off the comment and get hypnotized by the game unfolding. You push past Walugi, putting you back on your rightful throne. The finish line was so close, behind the bend was the checkered painted ground that would make you victorious. Victory would taste so sweet. But you didn’t see it coming. You didn’t see Peter gaining the yellow star that would transform him into a holographic mess. How the flashing, color-changing Yoshi had crept up on you. Victory flashed before your eyes, but then all of sudden, Luigi rolls around and Yoshi passed by with a Peter screaming with pride. Cars rushed past, making you fifth place in the scheme of things.

“I won! I won!” Peter shouted. He launched off the couch, throwing his hands up in the air. He spun around to face you, with the biggest smile plastered on his face. However your face was flat, no emotions shown and your mouth agape that your crown was stolen from right below you. Peter sucked in a breath, judging from the hostile look behind your eyes, you were not here for this. “Are you, um, alright?”

“No.”

Peter lowered his arms, fear ran up his spine. The next thing he knows, he’s crouching in front of you, his eye level matching yours. “I’m sorry,” he spitted out, the panic so clear.

A smile spread from the corner of your mouth before growing into this uncontrollable laughter at Peters reaction. There was no way you could get your blood boiling at him, especially for this. Yes, you were pissed, but Peter was Peter. Laughter carried through the air, infecting Peter. He’s gasping for air, shaking his head with you. He reached out for your arm, using you for support as he tried to fight it off. God, he was adorable.

“So you’re not mad?” Peter said between his gasps for air.

Your eyes crinkled at the corner, as you watched Peter settle back down. Your mouth was moving before you knew what you were saying. “No, you’re lucky that I love you.”

“I love you too,” Peter said without missing a beat.

“Another round?”

“Mhm, maybe we could order pizza?”

“Yeah of course, but can we order fr-“ Your voice trailed off, the reality of the conversation setting in. That was it. Three little words let out in the open to run wild and free now. Three littles words that made your heart stop mid-beat and blossomed a whole entire garden within you.

Peters cheeks tint with the lightest pink, his eyes trained on the ground. His heart pounds against his chest, but it mustn’t be mistaken for fear. It was the type that could only come from pure bliss. The type that makes butterflies come alive and makes life feel too good to be real.

The air disappears from the room, both of you holding a breath. Hearts were soaring and shy glances were shared. It was a reminiscent of the first date in a way. There was nervous laughter and shy brushes of your hand during the date, but the same exact feeling was replicated. The same beautiful, thrilling feeling. The unsurety of what happens next, but the mutual knowledge that this was going to grow into something bigger.

This wasn’t your ideal plan. You were certainly not planning to say it first, let alone say it after a round of Mario Kart, but somehow it was a relief. To know that you were on the same page as Peter lifted a weight of your shoulder. Of course, there was the shadow of doubt that this was all a figment of imagination. That you pretended he said that because that’s what you expected to hear or that it was just an automatic response that he didn’t mean. You broke the sweet silence with a gentle whisper, that said “You do?”.

Peter bit his lip, he does. He knows he does. He loves the way you play with his hair and the light kisses you leave on his cheek. He could get lost in your laughter and he just wanted to make you laugh forever, just to hear it. He adores the way you naturally lean on him and how you feel so right in his arms. He likes how he can talk to you for hours with no end and you never get bored, even if it’s him discussing Star Wars for the hundredth time. What he loves the most is the way you make him feel. All of his armor falls and he’s just him. He was enough with you, he didn’t have to think twice about anything, everything was just so right. At the same time, he was always at the edge of his seat. Being with you made him feel like he was truly living, it was a rush of adrenaline everyday. Somehow, you were a safe haven and a spontaneous adventure at the same time.

Of course, people would pass this off as stupid teenager love. It was just the honeymoon phase before everything crumbled down. The thing was, Peter wants it all. He wants the bad days when you’re crying a river. He wants the sick days where you haven’t seen sunlight in days. He wants the rough days where you’re going insane from exams and can’t deal with anything. He wants the days where everyone and everything annoys you. He wants it all.

Maybe he didn’t recognize it directly, the feeling of love, but he certainly felt it. There was no other explanation it. He wants you when you’re all put together but he also wants you at three a.m., sleep deprived and unconherient. He wants to see your thrive but catch you when you stumble. He wants the good and bad. He didn’t understand it, but at the same time he did. He said it so easily, that he had to know somewhere, and now he knows what this feeling was. It was love.

So when you ask that question, your focus down and heat rising to you cheeks, he knows the answer. “Yeah, I do.”

When you looked up to make eye contact with Peter who was still crouching down, your heart fluttered as his response. “Yeah?” you asked with a small smile growing.

“Yeah,” Peter said, still breathless at the discovery.

You’re full out beaming at Peter, his heart could burst at the sight. You were out of this world, you must be in heaven because this is too good to be true. Your cheeks hurt from the straining smile, but it didn’t matter. He loves you. Your hands flew out to his face, as you pull him closer til your lips connected. Your hands moved from his face to wrapping around his neck. He kissed so soft, that it makes you feel like it was the first time. When you pull away, you closed your eyes as you rested your forehead against his. “I love you,” you whispered, your voice cracking. It was still a new sentence that you weren’t used to saying, but that would change. You know it.

“I love you,” he said, his hands on your waist. He closed his eyes with yours, his heartbeat syncing with yours.

The familiar smile that hadn’t left your face gets stronger if that’s possible. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

A small giggle left your lips. It was like you were seven when you would exchange crushes and burst into giggly laughter. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

You threw your head back, the giggle transforming into laughter. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

Peter joined into the bubbling joy that was bursting from your lips, god, he loved this. He loves you. “I love you, I love you.”

“Oh my god, we’re going to become that couple,” You said through broken laughter.

“I don’t think I care.”

“They’re gonna be disgusted with us.” You shook your head, but that stupid smile was still there.

Peter finally stood, arching his back in a stretch. He held his hands out for you to place your own in his, as he pulled you up. “I’m so happy I could dance.”

“To the background noise of Mario Kart?”

“Yeah, of course. The most romantic sound ever,” Peter said, wiggling his eyebrows in a mockingly seductive way.

Peter begins to swing your conjoined hands between you. “Oh my god, you’re such a nerd.”

“A nerd that you love.” He said with a knowing look.

“You got me there.”

“I always got you,” he joked. He lets go of one of your hands to spin you right into his arms. His arms snaked around you, holding you close.

Whatever he did always made that smile never leave. “We’re so cliche.”

“Wouldn’t change a thing.”

Tagging some mutuals who may like my shitty writing: @theamazingspiderlingg @tomshufflepuff @princeofsassgard @dudewherearethepeaches @hollandsosterfield @vnderoos

#peter parker #marvel #peter parker x reader #peter parker imagines #peter parker imagine #peter parker oneshots #peter parker one shots #peter parker one shot #peter parker oneshot #peter parker fanfiction #peter parker x you #peter parker x y/n #marvel x reader #marvel imagines #marvel imagine #tom holland #peter parker fluff

244 notes · View notes

algarithmblognumber · 6 years ago

Text

Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded.

Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded. Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded. http://www.nature-business.com/nature-we-asked-women-what-the-kavanaugh-vote-means-for-the-next-generation-40000-responded/

Nature

Women across the political divide tell us what they hope the next generation will learn from Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s confirmation battle.

Image

After the Senate’s confirmation of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court on Saturday, we asked women across the country to tell us how they were reacting.

We heard from 40,000 people.

Many of the women — lawyers, teachers, home-schoolers, military spouses — expressed anger and bitterness over the nomination fight and those on the other side of the political divide. They also told us what lessons from this confirmation they will pass down to the next generation.

Here is a selection of their responses, edited and condensed for clarity. Please use the comments to tell us how you viewed this moment.

On Speaking Up

Image

Lisa Baracker is a doctor, mother, wife and former Catholic turned agnostic Jew who lives in California.CreditLuigi Pasquini

We must break the patriarchy now!

We asked readers: If you were to pass down one lesson to your son or daughter from the Kavanaugh nomination and hearings, what would it be?

I will tell her AND my sons to look closely at Dr. Ford and how strong she was under fire. We must emulate her strength in our daily lives. Every. Single. Day. I want my children to know that they never have to wait 30 years to tell me if something bad happens to them, because I will believe them the minute they tell me — and I will fight for justice for them.

I want my children to know that if they ever act the way Kavanaugh did, either in high school or for a job interview, that I will not be on their side. I will discipline them for vile behavior with everything in my power.

— Dr. Lisa Baracker, California

Image

Nicole MacKinnon is a Catholic stay-at-home mother of two young daughters. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Watching the childish reactions of liberals — pounding and scratching at the Supreme Court doors, blocking roads, attacking people on the right, chasing politicians or pundits through subways, out of restaurants, etc. — has only firmed my stance on my beliefs.

Her lesson:

If you are ever a victim of sexual harassment or assault, speak up when it happens.

— Nicole MacKinnon, Columbus, Ohio

Image

Maureen Blackwood is a mother of three who says she is concerned about health care. She lives in Richmond, Va.

I’m devastated. MAGA means going back to the ’50s when women and minorities are sidelined and punished and minimized at every turn.

Her lesson:

To my husband and son, I have said that I’m insulted and angry that so many believe that all men commit sexual assault and it’s just a part of growing up. To my daughters I say that the world is not fair. Women are not believed when reporting sexual assault.

— Maureen Blackwood, Richmond, Va.

On Fairness

Image

Margaret Johnson, a business owner, lives in Texas.

I am pleased that basic human rights such as “innocent until proven guilty,” “burden of proof is on the accuser,” the need for “evidence,” etc., have not been removed from our society.

Her lesson:

If I were advising a son, I would tell him to avoid like the plague any woman who identifies with people who will do literally anything for power, because she cannot be trusted to treat you with fairness and honesty.

If I were advising a daughter, I would tell her not to be like them. Don’t play the victim. Don’t lie for attention and money and power. Be fair-minded and honest and decent.

— Margaret Johnson, Texas

Image

Victoria Church lives in Connecticut and works as a lawyer.

Kavanaugh’s hearings were not a criminal trial. There was no requirement that the allegations be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The hearings were a job interview for one of the most respected positions in the United States.

There is clearly doubt and disagreement about what happened all those years ago. For me, that should have been enough for more senators to vote no.

Her lesson:

Everyone should learn a lot more about the structure of the government, what standards of proof are and when they apply.

— Victoria Church, Connecticut

Image

Meredith Fiori is a psychotherapist who studied at Palo Alto University. She lives in Palo Alto, Calif.

I will be voting Republican now. I don’t want this crap happening in this country ever again.

Her lesson:

Due process has protected all Americans for decades — the days of being publicly lynched for unsubstantiated claims or assaults are over! Thank God.

— Meredith Fiori, Palo Alto, Calif.

Image

Yvette Varela is a single mother of two boys who lives in Arizona.

This isn’t about men versus women. It’s about right and wrong. If women truly want equal rights, stop making everything about gender. What happened to not judging someone by their race, creed, gender, etc.? I’m a Latina and that has never kept me from achieving anything.

Her lesson:

To my sons: Always do what is good, right and be kind. Oh, and start a calendar journal. You never know when that will come in handy.

— Yvette Varela, Arizona

Image

Tanya Couer is a mother of three who lives in Waterford, Mich.

I honestly feel as though the left has used this woman as a political pawn. If any of them truly cared, Juanita Broaddrick [a woman who accused President Bill Clinton of sexual assaulting her in 1978] would have her day in court, too.

Her lesson:

Justice, apparently, only happens for some people based on their political affiliation.

I have begged my son to take necessary precautions in the future as a result of this case. While I wish I were joking, I’ve implored my son to “get it in writing” before entering into any kind of relationship.

— Tanya Coeur, Waterford, Mich.

On Personal Accountability

Image

Sheila Coleman Castells, a nonprofit consultant with a son in college, lives in Eglon, W.Va.

I think if more women were senators and would have been able to vote, it would have been clear that this has happened to so many women, and that Dr. Ford would never have outed herself were this not true.

Her lesson:

I have a 20-year-old junior in college. I have taught him to never conduct yourself in ways that would come back to haunt you because of your despicable behavior. Do not overdrink or smoke. Treat women honorably, be kind and follow the law.

But my son is African-American, and he is even more susceptible to judgments on his behavior and unfair consequences that young white men like Kavanaugh would never have suffered.

If a young black man had been the type of young man that Kavanaugh was, never once could he ever dream of being sworn onto the Supreme Court. Never.

— Sheila Coleman Castells, Eglon, W.Va.

Image

Jamie Ballenger, 69, is a preschool teacher and devout Catholic who raised four sons as a single mother.

It is not so much that I leaned toward her, as I leaned away from him. He seemed to me very much as one who is inclined toward a binge, a binger.

Her lesson:

I have four sons, and they are all grown. I was very outraged (to their embarrassment) whenever I found out they were at parties where drinking and drugs were in abundance.

No one is able to be responsible for their safety or that of others when one is stupid drunk. And you are still responsible for your actions afterward, even if you can’t remember what happened.

— Jamie Ballenger, Charlottesville, Va.

On Telling the Truth

Image

Renee Tate is a special education teacher who lives in Arkansas.

Senator Collins is a woman, and she looked at the facts and voted her conscience and didn’t let her emotions or party dictate her vote. THAT is the kind of PERSON we need in Congress. I don’t care what their gender is.

Women who make up false allegations against good men will ruin the credibility of women who actually are assaulted.

Her lesson:

Tell the truth. Always. And don’t party until you’re an adult.

— Renee Tate, Arkansas

Image

Julia Specht is a writer who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

I do think that it’s vitally important to have more women in public office, because our government should be representative of the people in this country. That means fewer 50+-year-old white men and more young people, people of color and women. We deserve a government that looks like we do.

But I don’t think that women are inherently less likely to make selfish choices, so I don’t know that more Republican female senators would have made any difference at all.

Her lesson:

Just because people don’t believe Dr. Ford doesn’t mean she’s wrong. She was incredibly brave, and history will ultimately see her as a hero.

— Julia Specht, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Image

Monique Dorsey is a high school social studies teacher and a libertarian who lives in Connecticut.

I will need to guard and protect the males in my family from false attacks.

Her lesson:

My daughter will learn to have respect for the rule of law and to not falsely accuse someone of deeds. My son will learn to respect women but to also watch his back because it could bite him in the end.

— Monique Dorsey, Connecticut

On Good Citizenship

Image

Melissa Spencer is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles with three sons.

If Kavanaugh had just admitted he drank too much and that he doesn’t remember, but if he did something, he is sorry, I would feel so differently about the whole thing.

Her lesson:

The first is to vote and that every vote counts. The second is that everyone makes mistakes in their youth, and it is important to be honest about your mistakes and own them. If you wrong someone, apologize — it will help you AND them. If you behave badly, own it and vow never to do it again.

— Melissa Spencer, Los Angeles

Image

Jennifer Turpin is a hospice nurse, a rape survivor and a single mother of two who lives in South Carolina.

Roe v. Wade will not be overturned. It is the law of the land. Too many liberals are thinking with their emotions and not the rational parts of their brains, and this is causing them to act as if they are irrational teenagers.

Trump, Kavanaugh — these men are not going to take away women’s rights. In fact, if people would take a minute to look at the evidence, they would find much to the contrary.

Her lesson:

It’s important to stand your ground and fight for everything on which this country was founded.

— Jennifer Turpin, South Carolina

Image

Sadaf Jaffer is a scholar of South Asian studies who does research at Princeton University. She serves on the Montgomery Township Committee in New Jersey.

I was elected to local office last year. I always tell friends who are passionate about politics that they should consider running themselves. It is extremely important to have more women in office, especially Democratic women. We also need more women to believe they are worthy of running for office.

Her lesson:

Downtrodden people have overcome far worse adversity than we are facing now. Never lose hope and always believe in the power of collective action to make a difference in the world. The human spirit is indomitable.

— Sadaf Jaffer, Montgomery Township, N.J.

Image

Lisa Sharon Harper is a faith leader, a writer and an organizer. She lives in Washington, D.C.

A woman doesn’t forget the face of the man who attempts to pull her clothes off.

She also had a previous relationship to him. This wasn’t a stranger. She knew him. She had context for him. She would have known him at the party. With him on top of her, all the context that came before would have been racing through her mind to try to understand how this happened. When she said she was 100 percent certain, I believed her.

Her lesson:

Vote. Our current president is in office because he won about 70,000 more votes in three key swing states. Many of the senators who voted “Yes” on Kavanaugh won their seats in midterm elections. The lesson is this: Vote!

— Lisa Sharon Harper, Washington, D.C.

A note to readers who are not subscribers: This article from the Reader Center does not count toward your monthly free article limit.

Follow the @ReaderCenter on Twitter for more coverage highlighting your perspectives and experiences and for insight into how we work.

Read More | https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/09/reader-center/women-kavanaugh-confirmation.html |

Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded., in 2018-10-09 21:40:29

#Nature of Business in the Current Market

0 notes

captainblogger100posts · 6 years ago

Text

Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded.

Nature

Women across the political divide tell us what they hope the next generation will learn from Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s confirmation battle.

Image

After the Senate’s confirmation of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court on Saturday, we asked women across the country to tell us how they were reacting.

We heard from 40,000 people.

Here is a selection of their responses, edited and condensed for clarity. Please use the comments to tell us how you viewed this moment.

On Speaking Up

Image

Lisa Baracker is a doctor, mother, wife and former Catholic turned agnostic Jew who lives in California.CreditLuigi Pasquini

We must break the patriarchy now!

We asked readers: If you were to pass down one lesson to your son or daughter from the Kavanaugh nomination and hearings, what would it be?

— Dr. Lisa Baracker, California

Image

Nicole MacKinnon is a Catholic stay-at-home mother of two young daughters. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Her lesson:

If you are ever a victim of sexual harassment or assault, speak up when it happens.

— Nicole MacKinnon, Columbus, Ohio

Image

Maureen Blackwood is a mother of three who says she is concerned about health care. She lives in Richmond, Va.

I’m devastated. MAGA means going back to the ’50s when women and minorities are sidelined and punished and minimized at every turn.

Her lesson:

— Maureen Blackwood, Richmond, Va.

On Fairness

Image

Margaret Johnson, a business owner, lives in Texas.

I am pleased that basic human rights such as “innocent until proven guilty,” “burden of proof is on the accuser,” the need for “evidence,” etc., have not been removed from our society.

Her lesson:

If I were advising a daughter, I would tell her not to be like them. Don’t play the victim. Don’t lie for attention and money and power. Be fair-minded and honest and decent.

— Margaret Johnson, Texas

Image

Victoria Church lives in Connecticut and works as a lawyer.

There is clearly doubt and disagreement about what happened all those years ago. For me, that should have been enough for more senators to vote no.

Her lesson:

Everyone should learn a lot more about the structure of the government, what standards of proof are and when they apply.

— Victoria Church, Connecticut

Image

Meredith Fiori is a psychotherapist who studied at Palo Alto University. She lives in Palo Alto, Calif.

I will be voting Republican now. I don’t want this crap happening in this country ever again.

Her lesson:

Due process has protected all Americans for decades — the days of being publicly lynched for unsubstantiated claims or assaults are over! Thank God.

— Meredith Fiori, Palo Alto, Calif.

Image

Yvette Varela is a single mother of two boys who lives in Arizona.

Her lesson:

To my sons: Always do what is good, right and be kind. Oh, and start a calendar journal. You never know when that will come in handy.

— Yvette Varela, Arizona

Image

Tanya Couer is a mother of three who lives in Waterford, Mich.

Her lesson:

Justice, apparently, only happens for some people based on their political affiliation.

— Tanya Coeur, Waterford, Mich.

On Personal Accountability

Image

Sheila Coleman Castells, a nonprofit consultant with a son in college, lives in Eglon, W.Va.

Her lesson:

But my son is African-American, and he is even more susceptible to judgments on his behavior and unfair consequences that young white men like Kavanaugh would never have suffered.

If a young black man had been the type of young man that Kavanaugh was, never once could he ever dream of being sworn onto the Supreme Court. Never.

— Sheila Coleman Castells, Eglon, W.Va.

Image

Jamie Ballenger, 69, is a preschool teacher and devout Catholic who raised four sons as a single mother.

It is not so much that I leaned toward her, as I leaned away from him. He seemed to me very much as one who is inclined toward a binge, a binger.

Her lesson:

I have four sons, and they are all grown. I was very outraged (to their embarrassment) whenever I found out they were at parties where drinking and drugs were in abundance.

No one is able to be responsible for their safety or that of others when one is stupid drunk. And you are still responsible for your actions afterward, even if you can’t remember what happened.

— Jamie Ballenger, Charlottesville, Va.

On Telling the Truth

Image

Renee Tate is a special education teacher who lives in Arkansas.

Women who make up false allegations against good men will ruin the credibility of women who actually are assaulted.

Her lesson:

Tell the truth. Always. And don’t party until you’re an adult.

— Renee Tate, Arkansas

Image

Julia Specht is a writer who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

But I don’t think that women are inherently less likely to make selfish choices, so I don’t know that more Republican female senators would have made any difference at all.

Her lesson:

Just because people don’t believe Dr. Ford doesn’t mean she’s wrong. She was incredibly brave, and history will ultimately see her as a hero.

— Julia Specht, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Image

Monique Dorsey is a high school social studies teacher and a libertarian who lives in Connecticut.

I will need to guard and protect the males in my family from false attacks.

Her lesson:

— Monique Dorsey, Connecticut

On Good Citizenship

Image

Melissa Spencer is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles with three sons.

If Kavanaugh had just admitted he drank too much and that he doesn’t remember, but if he did something, he is sorry, I would feel so differently about the whole thing.

Her lesson:

— Melissa Spencer, Los Angeles

Image

Jennifer Turpin is a hospice nurse, a rape survivor and a single mother of two who lives in South Carolina.

Trump, Kavanaugh — these men are not going to take away women’s rights. In fact, if people would take a minute to look at the evidence, they would find much to the contrary.

Her lesson:

It’s important to stand your ground and fight for everything on which this country was founded.

— Jennifer Turpin, South Carolina

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Sadaf Jaffer is a scholar of South Asian studies who does research at Princeton University. She serves on the Montgomery Township Committee in New Jersey.

Her lesson:

— Sadaf Jaffer, Montgomery Township, N.J.

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Lisa Sharon Harper is a faith leader, a writer and an organizer. She lives in Washington, D.C.

A woman doesn’t forget the face of the man who attempts to pull her clothes off.

Her lesson:

— Lisa Sharon Harper, Washington, D.C.

A note to readers who are not subscribers: This article from the Reader Center does not count toward your monthly free article limit.

Follow the @ReaderCenter on Twitter for more coverage highlighting your perspectives and experiences and for insight into how we work.

Read More | https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/09/reader-center/women-kavanaugh-confirmation.html |

Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded., in 2018-10-09 21:40:29

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Nature We Asked Women What the Kavanaugh Vote Means for the Next Generation. 40,000 Responded.

Nature

Women across the political divide tell us what they hope the next generation will learn from Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s confirmation battle.

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After the Senate’s confirmation of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court on Saturday, we asked women across the country to tell us how they were reacting.

We heard from 40,000 people.

Here is a selection of their responses, edited and condensed for clarity. Please use the comments to tell us how you viewed this moment.

On Speaking Up

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Lisa Baracker is a doctor, mother, wife and former Catholic turned agnostic Jew who lives in California.CreditLuigi Pasquini

We must break the patriarchy now!

We asked readers: If you were to pass down one lesson to your son or daughter from the Kavanaugh nomination and hearings, what would it be?

— Dr. Lisa Baracker, California

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Nicole MacKinnon is a Catholic stay-at-home mother of two young daughters. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Her lesson:

If you are ever a victim of sexual harassment or assault, speak up when it happens.

— Nicole MacKinnon, Columbus, Ohio

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Maureen Blackwood is a mother of three who says she is concerned about health care. She lives in Richmond, Va.

I’m devastated. MAGA means going back to the ’50s when women and minorities are sidelined and punished and minimized at every turn.

Her lesson:

— Maureen Blackwood, Richmond, Va.

On Fairness

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Margaret Johnson, a business owner, lives in Texas.

I am pleased that basic human rights such as “innocent until proven guilty,” “burden of proof is on the accuser,” the need for “evidence,” etc., have not been removed from our society.

Her lesson:

If I were advising a daughter, I would tell her not to be like them. Don’t play the victim. Don’t lie for attention and money and power. Be fair-minded and honest and decent.

— Margaret Johnson, Texas

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Victoria Church lives in Connecticut and works as a lawyer.

There is clearly doubt and disagreement about what happened all those years ago. For me, that should have been enough for more senators to vote no.

Her lesson:

Everyone should learn a lot more about the structure of the government, what standards of proof are and when they apply.

— Victoria Church, Connecticut

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Meredith Fiori is a psychotherapist who studied at Palo Alto University. She lives in Palo Alto, Calif.

I will be voting Republican now. I don’t want this crap happening in this country ever again.

Her lesson:

Due process has protected all Americans for decades — the days of being publicly lynched for unsubstantiated claims or assaults are over! Thank God.

— Meredith Fiori, Palo Alto, Calif.

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Yvette Varela is a single mother of two boys who lives in Arizona.

Her lesson:

To my sons: Always do what is good, right and be kind. Oh, and start a calendar journal. You never know when that will come in handy.

— Yvette Varela, Arizona

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Tanya Couer is a mother of three who lives in Waterford, Mich.

Her lesson:

Justice, apparently, only happens for some people based on their political affiliation.

— Tanya Coeur, Waterford, Mich.

On Personal Accountability

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Sheila Coleman Castells, a nonprofit consultant with a son in college, lives in Eglon, W.Va.

Her lesson:

But my son is African-American, and he is even more susceptible to judgments on his behavior and unfair consequences that young white men like Kavanaugh would never have suffered.

If a young black man had been the type of young man that Kavanaugh was, never once could he ever dream of being sworn onto the Supreme Court. Never.

— Sheila Coleman Castells, Eglon, W.Va.

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Jamie Ballenger, 69, is a preschool teacher and devout Catholic who raised four sons as a single mother.

It is not so much that I leaned toward her, as I leaned away from him. He seemed to me very much as one who is inclined toward a binge, a binger.

Her lesson:

I have four sons, and they are all grown. I was very outraged (to their embarrassment) whenever I found out they were at parties where drinking and drugs were in abundance.

No one is able to be responsible for their safety or that of others when one is stupid drunk. And you are still responsible for your actions afterward, even if you can’t remember what happened.

— Jamie Ballenger, Charlottesville, Va.

On Telling the Truth

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Renee Tate is a special education teacher who lives in Arkansas.

Women who make up false allegations against good men will ruin the credibility of women who actually are assaulted.

Her lesson:

Tell the truth. Always. And don’t party until you’re an adult.

— Renee Tate, Arkansas

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Julia Specht is a writer who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

But I don’t think that women are inherently less likely to make selfish choices, so I don’t know that more Republican female senators would have made any difference at all.

Her lesson:

Just because people don’t believe Dr. Ford doesn’t mean she’s wrong. She was incredibly brave, and history will ultimately see her as a hero.

— Julia Specht, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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Monique Dorsey is a high school social studies teacher and a libertarian who lives in Connecticut.

I will need to guard and protect the males in my family from false attacks.

Her lesson:

— Monique Dorsey, Connecticut

On Good Citizenship

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Melissa Spencer is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles with three sons.

If Kavanaugh had just admitted he drank too much and that he doesn’t remember, but if he did something, he is sorry, I would feel so differently about the whole thing.

Her lesson:

— Melissa Spencer, Los Angeles

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Jennifer Turpin is a hospice nurse, a rape survivor and a single mother of two who lives in South Carolina.

Trump, Kavanaugh — these men are not going to take away women’s rights. In fact, if people would take a minute to look at the evidence, they would find much to the contrary.

Her lesson:

It’s important to stand your ground and fight for everything on which this country was founded.

— Jennifer Turpin, South Carolina

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Sadaf Jaffer is a scholar of South Asian studies who does research at Princeton University. She serves on the Montgomery Township Committee in New Jersey.

Her lesson:

— Sadaf Jaffer, Montgomery Township, N.J.

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Lisa Sharon Harper is a faith leader, a writer and an organizer. She lives in Washington, D.C.

A woman doesn’t forget the face of the man who attempts to pull her clothes off.

Her lesson:

— Lisa Sharon Harper, Washington, D.C.

A note to readers who are not subscribers: This article from the Reader Center does not count toward your monthly free article limit.

Follow the @ReaderCenter on Twitter for more coverage highlighting your perspectives and experiences and for insight into how we work.