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jolienjoyswriting · 1 year

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Let Me Count the Ways

"Let Me Count the Ways," a short Essence of Ragnarok story.

On a snowy Day of Lovers, a grumpy Jessica finds herself shadowed by her ever-persistent suitor.

Word count: 2,979 – Character count: 16,685 Drafted: September 16th, 2022 Revised: September 24th, 2022 –

Boy, it's been a while since I wrote an Essence of Ragnarok story, huh? Months, maybe? Regardless, I was in the mood to write something different and I ended up with this random story about Jessie encountering her friendly stalker late in 2050. It was something to do. Plus, I was writing on a stream for the first time. I dunno…

Jessica U. Ingmann created by herself and © Jo Li Arturo Moretti, "Essence of Ragnarok" series, and related characters and concepts created by and © Jo Li

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Morganite the 12th. A warm holiday in a cold part of the year. The "Day of Lovers", as it was known, was exactly what it sounded like: a day where lovers could focus their affections like a laser beam and truly show one another how much they cared!

It was a particularly brisk Day of Lovers in the town of Muramasa. That didn't exactly stop people from going out as couples – or even as "lonely friends". Still, the snow was heavy and the wind was strong.

"Freakin' Morganite weather…"

In the Central Mall of Muramasa, a person in cold-weather clothes shuffled through the snow. Their dark red and black clothes really stood out from the white landscape and snowy weather, though they weren't exactly trying to stand out. They were out in that weather for a purpose. "'Go pick up some boxing gloves, Jess,'" they muttered. "Get it yerself, Mindy! Gods…" As they, themselves, mentioned… they were at the mall to purchase some new equipment for their boss. "Maybe if ya didn't buy yer gloves 'n shit from some no-name bulk retailer…" The figure shook its head and continued onward. There was no sense dawdling.

"Hey. I'm here t' pick up an order fer my boss, Mindy Janus." "Okay, one second."

As the cashier headed into the back of the sporting equipment store, the figure adjusted its collar and toque hat. They also removed their glasses, shaking some snow off the lenses. "Freakin' snow…" "Cold enough for ya? Haw!" The cashier returned to a glare, his joke largely unappreciated by his audience.

"Alright, so," he sniffed, "I need you to sign here if yuh would." Mindy's delivery person reached a gloved hand out and grabbed a nearby pen with their left hand. They quickly signed a delivery confirmation and put the pen back. "You're all set!" The cashier smiled. "Hey, tell Mindy I said 'Hi', would ya?" The other person grunted in response. A few seconds later, the cashier handed over a large cardboard box… "Happy Day of Lovers!" And he offered a polite goodbye. The bundled-up person ignored it, took the package, and simply walked out.

It was an unusually long walk back to where they'd parked their vehicle. They were quick to load the box into the back of their car and climb into the driver's seat. Once there, they started the car and turned on the heat, quickly unraveling their layers of clothes to reveal a more feminine form.

"Freakin' Morganite weather!" the young woman groused. "We ought'a move th' planet closer to Solaris… get rid of cold weather…" She shook her head, sighing to herself. "I need a cig…" She was about to reach for one in the center console… when she found herself being handed one, out of nowhere. It was lit and ready to smoke, too. Almost immediately, she narrowed her mismatched eyes and turned her head to the passenger seat. "Count," she said, accepting the cigarette with a scowl. "My Lady," replied a shadowy figure draped in a dark cloak. "Th' fuck ya doin' here?" she asked, taking a drag of her cigarette. The other figure didn't answer. At least, not with words. The woman watched as a limb stretched out from the shadow-covered cloak and handed her… "Candy?" She stared at a heart-shaped box that advertised itself as a "delicious treat for the one you love". After a few seconds, she leveled her gaze at the person handing it to her. It was, of course, someone she knew well… someone who could no longer surprise her, no matter what he did. It was someone… that she had been desperately trying to dissuade from making advances toward her for what felt like years.

It was none other than the Vampire Lord of Talwar, himself: Count Arturo Moretti.

"Sweets for the sweet," he calmly said, offering a somewhat toothy smile. She rolled her eyes and kept quiet. He continued. "A fascinating woman, such as you, shouldn't be alone on the Day of Lovers, Miss Ingmann. I come to offer my company and nothing more." "'Cept that box of candy," she smartly interjected. "It is little more than a trinket for a woman who deserves so much more…" "Dammit, Artie…" The woman laughed a little. "Yer technique's as old as you are!" He patiently smiled. "I am not hearing a 'no' from you, My Lady…" "Void's bells…" She sighed before taking another long drag of her cigarette. "When are ya gonna get it through yer head, Artie?" she asked with a scowl. "I ain' interested!" "Miss Ingmann," he said, setting the candy aside. "I can offer you everything your heart desires. I can give you a beautiful manor and a thousand servants, all at your beck and call. I can give you life eternal. I can give you riches beyond your wildest dreams. And, I can give you my heart, my soul, and my companionship for all time. You do not have to be alone. You do not deserve to be alone. Please… allow me the honor of your company. Become my lady and I will be your lord for so long as we may live." She blanched a little. "Are you… are you proposin' to me?" The Count smiled, neither nodding nor shaking his head.

"You are the one I have waited 300 years for, Jessica," he said, continuing his rhetoric. "You are the one that I wish to spend the rest of forever with. You… you are very interesting and highly spirited – qualities I admire greatly. Please, seriously consider a life where I am at your side. I can promise you happiness like none other." "No one can promise that," she scoffed. "I can. And I do. And I will do everything within my power to–" The Count blinked, his speech cut short. Jessica had pressed a finger against his lips. He was about to hold her hand and kiss that finger, but she withdrew it just as quickly.

"Artie," she began with a stern expression. "Arturo… I've told'ja time after time… I ain't lookin' fer anything long-term right now, much less somethin' forever. I'm flattered – and annoyed – by everything ya do 'n everything ya say when it comes t' you 'n me! Like… oh my gods, I'm sure a girl lookin' fer commitment would just fuckin' melt!" She paused, composing herself. Honestly, she meant what she'd said. Every attempt he made to win her over made her feel, well… wanted. It was nice to be wanted. "I just ain't in th' market fer a beau, babe," she said with a smile. "Ain't sure when I'll be, either." She continued to smile, sitting awkwardly as she watched the other bat. He seemed stone-faced, but she knew that he didn't like rejection. He was probably really upset… "If I can't have you…" he began… only to flinch as Jessica poked his nose. "Don't go all 'death-pact' on me, Arts," she said, smiling brighter. "You know you'd be kickin' yerself from dusk 'til dawn if ya killed me." Count Moretti turned away, his bat ears folding back. "I would never…" he quietly told her. "I would simply… enchant you." Jessica froze on hearing that, her smile becoming a frown. "That ain't love, hun," she bravely pointed out. "It would be a step up from the emptiness I feel…"

The bat woman leaned toward the door, suddenly less sure of herself… and far less sure of the Count. Honestly, she was starting to get a little worried. She knew, from experience, that she was highly susceptible to hypnosis. One good stare from him would have her doing his bidding lickety-split… She didn't think he would have her do anything degrading or perverse, of course. Even if he came across as this big, scary vampire lord… he was a gentleman and just a really nice guy. However, the idea of being completely under his control really didn't suit her. If he was seriously considering locking her mind away… she would have to fight him.

"Fair warnin', Count," she said as she balled up her left fist. "I got a wicked hook that's laid bigger big 'uns than you out!" Jessica glared at the count, watching him stare at her. Nothing seemed to be happening… which was pretty unusual. Whenever he used his hypnotic stare, the world would usually go dark and his illusionary form would become far more "real". But, from what she could gather… he wasn't even bothering with his visage, anymore. He was calm and relaxed, and she could see his true form – a handsome, gray-black bat with nice hair and a squared face.

"You would strike me, unprovoked?"

The question was plain and simple. No trickery. No wordplay. Nothing like that. He asked a simple question in hope of an honest answer.

"I… n-no, of course not," she answered, calming somewhat. "Do you no longer trust me…?" he pressed. "Artie, it's jus'…" Jessica deeply sighed, shaking her head. "Artie, I… I can't give ya what ya want 'n I don't know how far ya would go t' get it. Like… I don't think… I know… you'd ever hurt me, but I guess I'm scared ya might actually 'enchant' me 'n keep me a mind-slave." She paused before smiling a little. "Honestly, that could be kind'a hot under th' right circumstances…" Her smile faded, then. "But I know ya ain't after my body. Or my soul. It's my heart ya want…" She shook her head. "I said it before, I'll say it again: I'm jus' not ready fer that…"

Count Moretti watched the girl take one last drag of her cigarette, blowing the smoke upward as she rubbed the spent filter out in her car's ashtray. As usual, he wore a neutral expression and simply observed. If she hadn't been used to it, she might have been put off. Honestly, he was a little creepy, like that. Always watching… always staring… always just… appearing… from nowhere. Yeah, if she hadn't been accustomed to all of that… she probably would have tried to kick his ass months and months ago. But, she got used to it. None of his "surprises" fazed her, anymore. The Count was simply… a part of her life.

"Take a picture," she said with a smirk. "It'll last longer." She started to smile… only to blink. There was a flash of light. "What th'…?" When she looked again, she noticed that the count was holding something. "Is that… is that a smartphone?!" Count Moretti smiled a little. He was holding a flat, thin rectangle in one of his clawed hands, the back of which had a couple of lenses and what looked to be a light. "You told me to take a picture," he explained, simply. "You clever so-'n-so…" She grinned. "How many pics of me ya got on there?" Curiously, he just handed the phone over. So… Jessica started poking the screen. She was pretty impressed by what she saw, too. "Wow… You ain't as technologically lost as I thought," she said, navigating through his images. "Folders in folders… Everythin' all organized 'n neat…" She looked up, still grinning. "How long ya been keepin' this side'a ya a secret, Arts?" "There is no secrecy, My Lady," he replied with a nod. "You simply never asked." "Hah! True 'nuff, I guess! Ah, lessee…"

As Jessica browsed through the phone's images, she found several folders. The first was a folder for scenery and nature photos – which held a mix of day and night imagery. Enchanting sunsets over the forest, beautiful moonlit nights, the lights of the city against pitch black, and even a few pictures of random animals in random places. It was surprising… but in a good way. There was a folder for his constant companion, a young-looking vixen by the name of "Diana", though there were only a few pictures of her there. Most of them were of the girl reading or drawing, but there was one, in particular, that made Jessica smirk. "Couldn't help yerself, huh?" It was a picture of Diana sleeping in an oversized chair. Admittedly, it was a cute picture.

Finally, Jessica opened up the folder with her name on it. To her surprise… there was only one photograph within. It was the one he'd just taken. "Er… Artie?" she asked, looking up. "There's nothin' in my folder. What gives?" "I have only taken one photograph of you," he told her, "and that was with your implied permission. I have no desire to make a 'scrapbook' of you being completely unaware of my presence or intent. The same goes for my companion. She was fully aware of every photograph taken and gave her consent to keep them. And on that note…" He smiled at the woman. "May I keep that picture of your personage? It would mean a lot to me." He's so damn old-school… Jessica thought with a chuckle. "A'right…" she said, handing the phone back. "But I wanna say somethin' else." She cleared her throat, then she smirked at the Count. He was all ears. "I, Jessica U. Ingmann, give you, Count Arturo Moretti, my full consent and permission to photograph me, whether I'm aware of you or not, at any time, anywhere, with th' understandin' that those photos not be shared online!" She waved her hand dismissively. "You can show that fox girl or anyone local. I don't care 'bout that, I guess. Jus' don't be creepy 'bout it. Like, don't say shit like 'This is my girlfriend'. A'ight?" The Count stared at her for several seconds, taking every word she said. When she was finished, he paused to think… then he looked at her a little more intensely. "Wh-what?" She scowled. "I thought that'd make ya happy?" "My apologies, Miss Ingmann," he said as he pulled the phone back into his cloak, "but I feel as though this may be a 'mixed message' of sorts." "Eh?" She cocked her head to the left. "What'cha mean?" "You have made it very clear that you are not interested in pursuing a 'long-term relationship' with me. However, you have given your permission for me to photograph you, completely unaware?" He paused before asking, "Does this not imply that I may photograph you at your most vulnerable? Or, perhaps even… when would be 'inappropriate'?" Jessica shook her head, not missing a beat. "You ain't like that, Count." "No… I suppose not," he agreed, softly smiling. "Yer such an old-school gent…" The bat girl sighed, sharing in his smile. "If it didn't encourage ya… I'd totes give ya a kiss." The vampire lord's smile warmed, then he nodded in understanding. And even though a kiss from her would make him ecstatic… he respected her choice not to "encourage" him.

"So, hey," Jessica said as she leaned back in her seat. "Wanna come wid me t' Mindy's?" "Alas…" the Count replied, "my mission to steal you away to my manor has, once more, ended in failure. I should return to the shadows and begin my next plan to win your heart." She chuckled, shaking her head. "Yer so dramatic, Count…" "The drama is all a part of a good stage presentation, My Lady," he countered, still softly smiling. "It serves as a mere distraction from a harsh reality." "Yeah?" She tilted her head before asking, "What reality?" "That I have yet to win your heart and must continue to exist… alone." "Trinity Above…" Jessica rolled her eyes before punching Lord Moretti's shoulder. "Go hang out wi'cher fluffy fox, Count." She smiled again. The Count looked down, his big ears twitching. "It'll keep yer mind off'a me," she added. "Nothing will ever keep you from my mind, My Lady." "Geez…" She sighed. "Is th' new plan t' try and guilt me inta datin' you? Moody boy." "I… do apologize for my sudden…" Count Moretti adjusted his cloak and sat up straight. He then took a cleansing breath before draping himself in illusionary shadows, quickly trying to save face. "Thank you for your time, Miss Ingmann," he said as he reached for the passenger door. "I wish you a very happy Day of Lovers, this day." "Mm." Jessica watched as the Count tried to open the door. When he failed, she waited for him to turn around and question her. Instead… he popped the manual lock, then left the vehicle. She almost stopped him, too, kind of hoping to keep him around for a while longer. She knew, however, that she had hurt his feelings without trying. It's pro'ly best if I let 'im go home… She frowned. Dammit, Artie… Why d'ya always make me feel like th' bad-guy?

The drive from the mall to the gym was a relatively short one devoid of events. Jessica didn't even turn on the radio. She was still thinking about her sulky friend and how he would spend the rest of the day in his big, empty manor. Gods damn it… she thought as she hopped out of her car. No. No, I ain't gonna let 'im do this t' me. I got no reason t' feel bad. Not my fault 'e's crushin'… 'e can just deal! –

A small, cold storm of sleet pounded down upon a large manor in the forests of Talwar. Inside, a figure was brooding… He was just about to make himself some food when he heard a knock on the entry door. He slinked out of the dining hall and made his way there, grumbling and grunting. When he opened the door, however… his disposition changed. "Alright, sad boy. I'm here. Ya gonna let me in or what? Frickin' cold out…" Jessica had come to him, greeting the count with a smirk. He smiled in return, letting the wet woman inside.

And just like that… the sleet became a pleasant snowfall.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2050 #original characters #jolikmc #Jessica Ingmann #Arturo Moretti #slice of life #drama

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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The Maze of the Mirror

"The Maze of the Mirror," an Isolated Flipside story of "The Maze of the Manor," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

While I was writing the second chapter of The Maze of the Manor, I wanted the magic mirror actually fall into the typical clichés. After I wrote a bit of the magic mirror scenario, though… I decided that it was way too derailing from the objective of the story. So, this became an Isolated Flipside story, instead!

Word count: 18,380 – Character count: 3,096 Originally written: May 29th, 2019

Lost in the castle, Joseph finds a reflection of his past that's all-too-real to him…

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The moon rose high, full as a rain barrel after a heavy storm and bright as Muramasa City at night. Somewhere in the woods outside of Talwar Village… two individuals had arrived outside of a pleasant-looking manor. One knew what lay within those walls, but they weren’t telling. It was only after the slip of a tongue that the other learned the truth; that the manor belonged to Count Arturo Moretti, Lord of the Moretti Clan of Vampires… someone that one of them did not have a good relationship. Once that fact had been revealed, he made haste to find the exit, wanting nothing to do with the vampire’s manor.

“Un-freaking-believable,” he muttered to himself as he ran down the stairs leading up to the first floor. “Jessie willingly put me in danger just for a laugh! And, I just went along with it, like a dope! Seriously, I should’ve known something was up by the time we got here– no, I should’ve known something was up when she said ‘spooky manor.’ How many ‘spooky manors’ could she possibly know about? Granted, my first thought wasn’t exactly ‘The Manor of Count Moretti…’ but, still. I didn’t think she’d do something so completely stupid! Doesn’t she know Count Moretti hates me? I wish he didn’t… Shoot, I just want to be friends with everyone… It’s not my fault Jessie likes me more than she likes the Count… I’m sure if he’d just stop being dramatic, for two seconds, she’d warm up to him, and… haven’t… I passed by this same painting three times, now?”

Joseph was pulled from his thoughts as he slowed down, taking in his surroundings. “And, actually, I don’t remember there being so many stairs. Thirty-two, at most. But, Jessie only dragged me up one flight… And, uh… where… did the front door go? In fact, where’d the entire ground floor, go?” Indeed, he was in a place he didn’t recognize – a much smaller hallway with no fewer doors than the ground floor he’d previously seen. “What is this place? Oh, what the Void…” He paused, then blinked. “W-wait, where’d the stairs go?!” The fox spun around. He was sure his hand was on a railing, seconds prior… Yet, he saw absolutely no rail, nor the stairs it was supposed to be connected to. “Jessie wasn’t kidding about getting lost! Forget retracing my steps! I can’t go backward if ‘backward’ doesn’t exist, anymore!”

Joseph felt himself starting to panic. He took several moments to breathe, trying to clear his head of the metaphorical cobwebs… Once he was calmer, he got an idea. “Okay, I’ll just call Jessie, and–” Unfortunately… “There’s… no signal in here. Of course not.” His clam-style phone couldn’t get a signal. “Hmph. Bet if I had Jessie’s phone, I could get a signal. Why do ‘retro-style’ phones have to have ‘retro-style’ phone signal strength, too…?” Shortly after that plan fizzled, he folded his phone and put it back in his pocket, then crossed his arms and gave a bit more thought to his situation. “Well, when you get lost, the normal thing to do is to just sit and wait. But… this place is hardly what I’d call ‘normal.’ Plus, the last thing I want is to be found by Count Moretti, if he’s around! So, uh… I guess my only option is to walk around. See what I can find… At least if I’m wandering and see the Count, I can try and book it. Well… onward.”

Joseph moved forward, decidedly avoiding contact with any suits of armor, statues, and painting that he could. He’d seen enough horror movies to remember the clichés, like armor that came to life, or paintings that reach out and grab you. Still, as he walked from one hall and into another, he couldn’t help but stop and admire the decor to some degree…

“This painting…” he mused to himself. “Isn’t this that raccoon lady from that bar?” Situated between-and-above two small tables with some lovely flowers was a portrait of what appeared to be the authoress, Serenade Rankins. She was wearing a nice, calm smile and appeared to be sitting on a comfy-looking chair. Her arms extended out-of-frame, but it seemed like a reasonable guess that her hands were resting in her lap, given her seated pose. “Whoever did this painting really captured her good side. I remember how pretty she was… but, she looks even prettier, in this painting!” He stared at the portrait for a few moments more, half-expecting it to turn into a devil or something… but, all it did was sit there and look lovely. “Well… guess I should get a move on.”

After admiring the painting, Joseph headed to the double-doors at the end of the hall… only to wind up right back in the same hall – albeit, on the other side of the room. He tried doing this a couple more times before getting annoyed and backtracking… only to end up in an entirely different multi-doored hallway with double-doors on each end. “Am I making progress…?” he muttered. “Guh. Fine. We’ll play it your way, house.” With that, he decided to start trying the side doors.

The first door he opened led into a small room with an undressed bed, a wooden dresser, and something tall that was covered by a long cloth. He also noticed there was a window covered by some dark purple drapes. “Let’s see where I ended up…” he sighed as he walked to the window. Opening the drapes revealed that he was on the second floor… but, he was nowhere near anything he could climb onto – not that he was brave enough to try. “Oh, good…” the fox irately thought aloud. “Somehow, I went up instead of down…” He grunted… then, he closed the drapes. “Guess I’ll try a different room…”

After leaving what he assumed to be a guest bedroom, he entered back into the hallway – which was the original hall he started in, somehow – and tried a different door. Unfortunately, the house wasn’t cooperating him and he wound up seeing the same second-floor room he’d seen, before. At least… that’s what he assumed. It had all the same furniture. However, by the sixth door, he decided to walk back in and actually check. Sure enough… “Second floor…” Once again, he pulled the drapes closed and turned around. As he did, something caught his attention… “Wuh?” The fabric covering the tall object had rustled. “Guess I spun too fast, or something…” he commented as he walked over to it.

“So, let me guess…” the fox hummed as he examined the object. “I pull the cloth off of this and end up seeing a mirror that has an evil version of myself in it, right? Well, I don’t want to disappoint the house… Ha… ha… hah – c’mere, you…” Joseph was feeling more-than-annoyed as he whipped the cloth off the object. “Yeah. I figured,” he muttered as he shook his head. It was, indeed, a full-length mirror. “Well, reflection? What’s your game,” he asked the mirror. “Are you gonna trap me in your world? Are you gonna possess me and make me do weird crap? Are you gonna send my reflection out to beat me up? Well? Well…?” Joseph waited… He waited for a few seconds, then he waited for a few moments. After moments became minutes, though, he just sighed and shook his head, again. “Magic house without a magic mirror, huh? That’s… oddly disappointing.” He paused… then, he got a stupid idea.

“Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” he called. “Who’s the fairest of them all?” Once again, he gave the mirror a few minutes to react. And, once again… it did a whole lot of nothing… for a short while. After a long period of doing nothing… the reflection rippled and began to glow! “Oh, you’ve gotta be–” Joseph stopped in his tracks. A vision had come to the mirror… and, it was one he hadn’t been expecting.

The image in the mirror revealed what looked to be a somewhat-shorter figure wearing dull-blue coveralls and a welding mask. They seemed to be working on the underside of a car or something – Joseph wasn’t sure. However, when he watched the figure remove their mask and wipe their brow, he was very sure of who he was looking at. “Oh, my gods… H-Hope!” Just as he’d guessed, the figure in the mirror was an image of Hope, the girl he’d lost two years ago. She was brightly smiling, her beautiful, green eyes quietly admiring her work as she stood under whatever she’d been working on. She seemed proud of herself.

“Hope…” Joseph whimpered as he reached out, placing his hand on the mirror. Almost as soon as he did… the image disappeared, and reverting back to his reflection! “N-no!” he cried. “Go back! Show me Hope! Show me Hope being happy! Show me Hope… existing…!!”

The fox banged on the frame of the mirror, his face full of anger and his eyes growing increasingly moist with frustration and sorrow. “You… you stupid piece of junk!!” he roared before kicking the frame. “Why would you show me–” He blinked, then, as the image flickered once more. Suddenly, his heart got stuck in his throat. Hope was on the mirror, again… only, she seated on the roof of a familiar house, wearing little more than a T-shirt and basking in the moonlight. “No… No, this isn’t– I’m sorry…! D-don’t show me this… don’t show me–!” But, it was too late. The mirror… was showing him that fateful night.

“Do you ever wish that you could just… stop time, Joseph?” the mirror image of Hope asked as she looked in the direction of the source of light. “You asked me that, earlier,” called a voice he recognized as his own. “Remember?” “I do…” she replied. “But, you never answered my question.” “Yes, I did… I said that–” “‘Every day I’m with you is already perfect,’” Joseph said in perfect parallel with Hope’s mirror image. He looked away, then, knowing what came next… “I know. But… While it was a sweet answer… it wasn’t the one that I was looking for.” “Um… Then, what sort of answer were you looking for?” Hope could be heard chuckling. “Never mind… it’s silly, anyway.” “No?” Joseph’s voice called from the mirror. “Tell me?”

“S-stop… please…” the real Joseph begged, holding his ears and closing his eyes. “I’m sorry– I’m sorry I’m trespassing, I’m sorry I let Jessica drag me in here, I’m sorry… I just–” “Remember… our first time?” Hope’s shy words bore into his brain. He shuddered and huffed… “Our first real time…” his echo asked, “or…?” “You know the one!”

“Mirror, please…” Joseph couldn’t take it, anymore. He’d collapsed onto the floor, hugging himself and silently weeping. “I don’t know what you want from me, but this is just too cruel…! I’ll never forget Hope… but, I don’t want to relive my biggest mistake…!” “Everyone deserves to be happy,” he heard Hope’s echo say to his own. “Even you.” “I… I– wait. That’s not what–” “Joseph, stand for me.” “What? Wait, what?!” “Stand. Please.”

Joseph couldn’t believe what he was hearing! Hope’s voice was calling to him from the mirror – not his echo, but him! He quickly scrambled to his feet and pressed his hands against the frame of the mirror, his bloodshot eye staring right into Hope’s radiant, green optics. “H… Hope?” “No,” she sadly admitted. “Just… a magic mirror that’s seen enough.” “M… magic mirror?” Despite what Hope had told him, the image still displayed her visage, standing in the moonlight. She brushed some hair from her face, offering a kind smile, before continuing…

“I apologize for my deception,” the image of Hope told him, “but, I was ordered to mislead, distract, and if need be, torture anyone who would step foot in my master’s household. However, I was not expecting someone with so much torment already in their heart to attempt communication with me… Joseph, you are a very unhappy individual.” After a long pause, the fox snorted and looked away. “Tell me something I don’t know…”

“Did you know that I can tap into not only your mind… but, your heart?” Joseph refused to look at the fake Hope as he told “her,” “Yeah, I kind of figured.” “Hope wouldn’t want you to suffer so, Joseph.” “What do you know?” he spat. “You’re just a piece of enchanted furniture.” The mirror didn’t respond… “Well?” There was a long pause… before Joseph heard something that caught him off-guard. “W… what are you–?” As he looked up, he saw that the image of Hope had her hands over her face… There was no mistaking it. She was crying… quiet and dignified, just like Hope usually did.

“H-Hope? Hope! W-wait… no. You’re not Hope,” Joseph suddenly remembered. “You’re just an asshole of a mirror.” “How could you say something so mean, Joseph…?” the mirror mimicked in a tone that perfectly matched Hope at her most vulnerable. “I’m not falling for it, mirror,” the fox said as he sniffled, trying to clear his sinuses. “Why are you being so mean to me…?” the image squeaked, withdrawing her hands only to ball them at chest level. “Did I do something wrong…? I must have…” “Look, it was one thing to replay one of the worst moments of my life…” he said as he rubbed his eyes, “but, this ‘Fake Hope’ thing won’t work on me. You might be able to replicate my memories of Hope down to the smallest detail… but, I’m not falling for it.” “Hope” looked away, lowering her hands to her sides as her eyes found their focus on the moon in the image. For several moments, she just stared, letting the wind rustle through her blue hair and flick the fabric of her long, white T-shirt around her hips. Even though he wasn’t falling for it… Joseph couldn’t help but think she looked so beautiful, like that… just like that night…

“I’m… sorry,” the mirror finally said, still mimicking Hope. “I’m… not sure what I was trying to do. Help? Hurt? Sometimes, powerful emotions can interrupt my magicks and confuse me. I’m… not Hope, no. I am just a mirror image. But, let me ask you something…” The image of Hope turned back his way, taking careful steps on the house tiles until she was as close to the mirror as possible. “Is there anything… anything at all… that you’d like to tell Hope?” Joseph looked into the image’s eyes. They were looking right into his… “I…” Hope placed a hand to the mirror. The fox hesitated… but, his emotions overpowered his caution and he placed his hand to hers. A second later, his face warmed and his eye opened. “Hope…” The image softly smiled at him. Somehow… she was holding his hand.

“This… this can’t be– this is wrong…” he said, feeling his throat dry up. “It doesn’t have to be…” the image whispered with a soft, sweet smile. “All you have to do is… believe. Believe that I am who I look like. Let yourself believe…” “I… I want to believe…” Joseph whispered. “Do you… want a hug, Joseph?” With little hesitation, the fox replied, “Y… yes…” “Well?” The image of Hope giggled. “What are you waiting for…?”

Joseph knew better… he knew it had to be a trap. Every bit of his mind was screaming for him to let go of the image’s hand and leave. But, for some reason… he just couldn’t. As far as his heart was concerned… Hope was right there. She was holding his hand… She wanted to hug him, hold him… love him… And… he, wanted to love her, too. After several moments of pause, Joseph pushed Hope’s hand into the mirror… but, he kept going, letting his own hand slip into it her side. He quietly raised his foot, gently stepping over the frame of the mirror before stepping inside. The other foot soon followed, as did the rest of his body. Before long… he was within the image… but, more importantly… “Mmm…” He was holding Hope in his arms for the first time in over two years and, before long, the two sat on the roof – much like Joseph and the real Hope had, on that night.

“I’ve missed you, Hope…” The image didn’t say anything, simply content to be sitting by someone full of love and affection. She really was enjoying being held by his arms and even giggled a little as his fluffy tail tickled her. It was something she didn’t get to experience very often… “I missed you, too…” she eventually whispered, playing the role she was given. Joseph pulled Hope a little closer, cuddling her tight and flicking his tail. “This is nice…” he quietly murmured. When she hummed, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to giggle, again. “How long do you want to do this for?” he suddenly asked, getting her attention. “What… do you mean, love?” she asked, despite knowing what he really meant. “I guess I mean… how long can we do this for?” Joseph clarified. “That… depends, I guess… In theory… you could stay here… with me… forever?” the image hesitantly suggested. “If you wanted?” Joseph hesitated… before he admitted, “I’d… like that.” Hope gently squeezed the taller figure, closing her eyes and resting her head against his shoulder. She seemed to be considering her options… as well as his. “You would really stay with me…” she whispered, “even though I’m not real…?” “You’re real to me…” was all the fox would say. Hope’s image softly blushed… only to blush a little harder when she noticed him looking right at her. “Wh-what…?” she asked with a nervous before leaning back. Joseph was leaning in… “I knew you’d be even more beautiful…” he whispered, “if you could blush…” –––––

“Joseph…! Joseph!! No! No, don’t–!!” But, it was too late. Jessica could do little more than look on through the one-way mirror, watching her best friend kiss the mirror replica… of their girlfriend.

As the image slowly faded back into a reflection, Jessica glared at herself. If she’d looked harder… searched faster… If she’d been there just a few seconds sooner… she wouldn’t have had to lose her friend to the house… She wouldn’t have had to lose her friend… to a fantasy.

Fortunately… that’s only what could have happened if the mirror had been magical!

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #2055 #Maze of the Manor #Isolated Flipside #original characters #Joseph Lithius #Hope North #???#Jessica Ingmann #slice of life #drama #romance

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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The Maze of the Manor, Ch. II

Chapter 2 of "The Maze of the Manor," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

Yes, this is how the story was originally intended to go. No, I'm not sorry. And, I never wiiill beee~

Word count: 27,260 – Character count: 4,495 Originally written: May 29th-30th, 2019

Lost in the castle, Joseph meets a friendly face… one that Jessica knows all-too-well.

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“Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” he called. “Who’s the fairest of them all?” Once again, he gave the mirror a few minutes to react. And, once again… it did a whole lot of nothing, which didn’t surprise Joseph in the slightest. “On the bright side…” the fox rationalized as he draped the sheet back over the mirror, “I didn’t see some other-dimension version of me, or something I couldn’t resist, or… whatever! As clichéd as that would’ve been, I’m not sure I would’ve been ready to face it. Heh.”

With his curiosity satisfied, he left the room once more and tried a different door. However, instead of finding the same room, again… “Oh, thank the Trinity!” He found himself on the first-floor landing which overlooked the massive entryway. “Now, if the house feels like playing fair,” he commented as he stepped onto the walkway, “I can just walk around this rail, here, and be on my way! Easy as that!” He had to pause, then, as he realized what he’d just said. “I… totally jinxed it, didn’t I?”

Surprisingly, the house apparently did want him to leave, at some point. As he slowly walked toward the right-hand staircase – his left – from what was roughly the middle of the overhang, he didn’t see any duplicated portraits, any extra or missing staircases, or anything that might possibly stop him from reaching his goal! However… he did notice that there was an open door on his left, as he drew close to the stairs. Curiosity once again kept him from continuing and he glanced in only to see another bedroom. Disappointed, he was about to leave it be when he noticed… it wasn’t the same bedroom he’d found seven times prior. Rather, it was a somewhat-larger room, decorated in shades of pink and purple.

The room opened with a lovely, purple throw-rug made of some fancy-looking silks, placed over a soft-looking carpet of pink wool. That led out into a large room which had a vanity dresser to the left and a large wardrobe to the right, each matching the soft colors of the room. Further in, Joseph could see that there appeared to be a chest of some kind situated in front of a large, comfy-looking bed in the corner that had a nightstand beside it and an electric lamp on top. The lamp seemed to be lighting up the area… which led him to his next discovery – a person!

Sitting atop the bedspread was a figure covered in pure white fur – though, one foot looked like it had been dipped in black ink, as did one their hands and the tip of their plush fox tail. They appeared to be wearing a dressing gown – likely, a nightgown – woven in a way that reminded him of spider silk with the way it shimmered in the dim light. It covered the figure from at least their chest to their knees, he noted, but he couldn’t see much else, as the figure was seated against the headboard, legs raised at the knee and arms up with a book in their hands. They seemed very involved with said book, too. Their black-tipped ears hadn’t moved from their upright position, nor did the rest of their body budge even a little. At least… not at first.

Joseph was just about to move on when, suddenly, the figure’s ears twitched and they pulled the book away from their face! He briefly noticed… the fox – visibly female, he noted – had some very lovely curves which were accented by the gown she wore… But, the next thing Joseph saw was the most innocent-looking white fox face he’d ever seen in his life! Slowly, the figure slowly set the book down and turned to one side, pressing their legs together and staring at him with brilliant crimson eyes… eyes that Joseph felt he just could not look away from… For a moment, he thought he’d heard a quiet, high-pitched voice ask him something… but, he couldn’t make out all the words. The only thing that seemed to stick was… “play…” But… that was all it took to get him into the mysterious lady's room. –––––

“Joe? Josey…? Joseph! Where on Ragnarok are ya, kiddo? Mansion ain’t that big!” Jessica had been searching the manor for a good thirty minutes after her companion had vanished from sight. She knew he had to be somewhere… but, she had no idea where. Having been there a few times prior, the girl knew all the right ways to go in order to avoid getting caught in a loop or pulled into a different area of the manor. It also helped that its owner, Count Moretti, allegedly “synchronize her aura” to the magic of the place, “whatever that meant.” In short, she had completely free roam of the household and never really felt too lost or confused as to where she was… something that helps, immensely, when you’re trying to find someone who got lost in the same place.

“Jooosey…” she called in a sing-song sort of way as she checked the second floor. “Where aaare you? I can smell your blood, dah-link!” She giggled a little at her own bad “vampire” accent. “‘least, I could if’n ya bled… Speakin’ of…” she hummed, “I shoul’ give ya a nibble, when we get’cha home. Been a while since I had that sug’ry sauce ‘n my system!”

After exhausting all possible rooms on the second floor, she walked through the far set of double-doors and into the upper foyer to check those rooms. A few minutes later, she found her way back downstairs and decided to check the first floor rooms. “Jus’ gotta r’member which one’s that weird girl’s…” she thought out loud. “I–” Shortly after reaching the landing, however, her ears perked. “What’s that noise? Wait… what’s that smell? A– is that…?” She sniffed the air a couple of times… then, she went wide-eyed! “Joe’s blood! He’s been bleedin’!” She paused before realizing, “Th’ weird girl!! Sh-she must’a foun’ Joe ‘n– oh, haaang on, Joe! Mamma Jessie’s comin’!!”

Jessica was quick to run along the landing and find her way to the door nearest the right-hand stairwell. A second later, she stuck an ear to it and listened in. There were some unfamiliar noises happening within… only for it to come to a sudden silence. Wha’ happened? Why’d it stop? Did she… kill Joe?! Tha’s it!! Without any further investigation, she kicked the door open and ran inside with a shout! “Drop th’ fox, you– ah–” Unfortunately… “Oh, gods! What…?!” Was she saw was something that defied even her most wild expectations. “This ain’ what I expected t’ find, at all…! Of all th’ things ta– un… believable!” –––––

Joseph couldn’t stop blushing or fidgeting as he sat at the edge of the white vixen’s bed, doing his best to avoid eye contact with Jessie as she stared, mostly im amusement… but, with a lingering amount of irritation. “Of all th’ things t’ walk in on… Gods. ‘n I mean, really, Joe? Wid her…?” The male fox winced, keeping his ears folded. “I… I don’t know what came over me…” he shyly whispered. “I-it was like… I was compelled to–” “Bang th’ count’s concubine?” Joseph should have been mad at that comment… That was a pretty mean thing to say about the girl. But, instead, he brought his hands over his face and just emitted a long, pitiful wail of embarrassed confusion. He really couldn’t find the words he was looking for. “Not only that… but, seems like she made a li’l snack’a ya, s’well!” “What…?” The fox blinked… then, he touched his neck and winced. When he withdrew his hand, he noticed a little red on his chocolate fingertips… blood red. He looked at the vixen who had hidden behind him almost immediately after hearing Jessica kick the door open… only to blush, again. Even with that little bit of red on her muzzle… she looked so sweet and shy. He couldn’t imagine that any of what had happened… actually had. But… that little smear, combined with his tender neck, combined with other things… Well, it painted a damning picture, all around.

“Well?” Jessica said with sudden sharpness. “Got anythin’ you’d like t’ say, lady?” The vixen peeked out from behind her friend only to give a silent blink. Shortly after, she turned her head up at the fox she in the newsboy cap. Joseph tilted his head in response… then, she slowly slid back behind him, hiding from the angry bat’s sight.

“I… think she’s just as confused as I am,” Joseph eventually told the bat. Honestly, he didn’t have much else to say… “Righ’, but…” Jessica gestured to them. “What, exactly, led t’ you two knockin’ boots? A-an’, put that thing‘way, fer cryin’ out loud…” He stammered, adjusting his pants and zipping them up with another blush. What a time to get nervous blood flow… “I felt, uh… compelled?” he told her for the second time. “Ah-huh…” The bat-girl could have easily made a joke, there… but, seemingly, she was feeling more irritated than amused by his lack-of-answer.

“Look, I don’t know what to tell you!” he exclaimed, causing the vixen behind him to wince. “I just… just… I heard a voice, okay? I think it said… ‘lay?’” Jessica leaned in. “‘Lay?’” “‘Lay me…?’” he reiterated. “I… I feel like that’s what I heard. Then–” “‘Play…’” “Huh?”

Joseph lifted his arm as the vixen stuck her head through. He blinked as she wrapped her arms around his middle, then blushed as she guiltlessly stared up at him. “‘Play… me…’” she said in a soft, tiny voice before finally licking her muzzle clean of the red stains. “You– I… Huh?” The vixen closed her eyes, rubbing her face against the fox’s black-cloth-covered chest. Jessica could see her black-tipped tail wagging behind them both. “I… think th’ concubine likes you,” Jessica commented with a grin. Apparently, she was feeling amused, again. However… “Not… ‘com-cube-ine.’” The vixen didn’t seem as amused by the comment. Especially the second time around.

“Well…” the bat said as she stepped into the room, causing the vixen to disappear, “if it smells like a concubine, acts like a concubine, lives in a nice room like a concubine…” Joseph scowled. He really didn’t like what Jessica was accusing the vixen of being. A second later, he blinked, his ear twitching. Without meaning to… he gave a nervous chuckle. “What? What’s funny?” Jessica asked. “She… says she doesn’t like you,” he said, gaining a hug around his chest from the otherwise-hidden vixen behind him. “Well, too bad!” spat the bat. “I wanna know why you two was fuckin’ ‘round!” “Alright, calm down, Jess…” Joseph noticed… “You’re scaring her.” Jessica narrowed her eyes before giving a grunt.

“Anyway… what I think happened was–” He paused, his ears flicking a little more. Jessica could barely see a little, black nose wiggling near his right ear and had to assume the vixen was feeding him more information. “Somethin’ you’d like t’ share with th’ rest’a th’ class, missy?” The nose disappeared almost as soon as she’d spoken… as did the arms. A second later… the full figure of the snow-white vixen could be seen sliding out from behind Joseph, fully dressed in her shiny, web-like gown… and, to the fox’s thinking… looking rather lovely.

“Don’t like you…” she whispered to Jessica as she cuddled against Joseph, hugging his side. “Mean…” “Mean? Me?” The bat-girl chuckled. “You hearin’ this, Joe?” “Well, you did kick her door in and you were shouting…” he commented as he gently hugged the vixen – something she appreciated… but, the other fem didn’t. “Dun encourage her!” she yelled, causing the vixen to wince. “Loud…” “Shove it!”

“Never play…” the younger-sounding girl huffed before nuzzling Joseph. “Mr. Joseph played… Had fun…” Jessica snorted. “Yea’, I bet…” “Showed me… new game. Tiring… Scary… Exciting… Fun…” “I… I… I didn’t mean to!” Joseph suddenly blurted out. “I swear, I heard ‘lay!’” “‘Play,’” the vixen corrected, again. “Said ‘play…’ We played… Happy…” He blushed a little as the girl sat up and kissed his cheek. When he looked her way… she still wore a largely-neutral expression. Somehow, though… he knew she’d meant what she said. “Yea’, good fer you. Le’s go, Joe.”

Jessica took a step forward, reaching out to grab Joseph’s arm… only to stop in her tracks. The vixen was suddenly looking right at her. “Don’t like you… Never play…” she repeated from earlier. “Not… Mr. Joseph.” The bat-girl gave a sharp blink. “Come again?” “Leave.” “Uuuhh…” Joseph’s ears fell. “H-hang on, now…” “‘scuse me? I ain’ gonna take orders from you, missy!” “‘A– Ana…’” “‘Ana?’” Joseph repeated. His ears flicked as the vixen quietly cleared her throat. “‘Diana,’” she tried again. “Name… ‘Diana Grey.’” “No one cares,” Jessica snorted. “I care…” she heard the fox quietly mumble as he looked away.

“Joe, c’mon. Le’s leave th’ Count’s concubine ‘n–” “Not… ‘com-cube-ine,’” Diana repeated from earlier. “Whatever ya are,” Jessica said in a raised voice, “leggo my pal! We’re leavin’!” “You leave.” She sharply blinked. Her expression hadn’t changed… but, Diana was looking at her kind of strangely… “Leave? Me?” she questioned. When Diana gave a nod, she just laughed. “Not without Josey! Ain’ that righ’, Joe?” For whatever reason… Joseph stayed silent. “‘course not! Now, c’mon!” “Mr. Joseph… stays.” “What?” Diana practically looked thought Jessica… then, she narrowed her eyes and repeated… “Mr. Joseph… stays…!” “Yeah, I heard… you… want Mr… Joseph… to stay?” “Yes,” the vixen said before squeezing her new friend. “Leave. Meanie.” “I… sh-should leave?” Jessica asked in an odd voice. “I… I’m a… meanie?” “Never play… Always mean… Call me ‘com-cube-ine…’” Diana murmured into Joseph’s side. “Mr. Joseph better… Love Mr. Joseph…” “Mr. Joseph… is better…” the bat-girl repeated, sounding out-of-character… “‘Mr. Joseph’ is… really confused, right now,” the golden-furred fox said as he looked between the adoring vixen and the dazed bat. “Diana, what are you…”

“Dumb bat… leave…” she whispered. “Never come back…” “Uh… wait, no.” “Mr. Joseph stay…” the vixen murmured with another affectionate nuzzle. “Best friend… Play with… Teach… new games…” “Diana, h-hold on…” “Love Mr. Joseph…” she cooed. A moment later, she closed her eyes and slid down, resting her head in his lap. “Love me back… Please…”

Joseph had rarely felt as confused as he did, then. The little, white vixen sounded so sad… Did she think he loved her… but, suddenly changed his mind? He gave a little sigh before gently stroking the girl’s head. “I… have to go home, Diana.” She quickly turned, looking right up at Joseph. “Nooooo…” Even with her fixed expression… that whimpering tone absolutely broke his heart. “It’s okay, Diana!” he assured her. “I’ll come back, soon. I prom–” “You will…?!”

All-of-a-sudden, Diana leaped up from laying down and sat on her knees. Her hands came to rest under her chin and her tail couldn’t seem to stop wagging. Most importantly… Joseph noticed her eyes. For the first time since they’d met… she looked hopeful. Happy, even! He almost believed she might even give him a big, bright smile! All the had to say was… “I will.”

Jessica rapidly blinked her eyes before rubbing her face. There was an annoying noise in her ears… one that she recognized as fox chitters. When she finally had a clear look at what was going on… she didn’t know whether to be angry… or upset. “N– no…” From what she could tell, the vixen had pinned her best friend to the bed and was in the process of smothering him with affection and… he was reveling in it! Had he fallen prey to her hypnotic spell, again…? Or… was that the start of something more… something upsetting…?

“J-Joseph… no…” she called with genuine worry, reaching out to the fox. “It can’t be…!” Diana stopped nuzzling and kissing her laughing friend to look over at the bat. A second later, she defensively curled her arms around his shoulders and shot a stony look Jessica’s way. “Ya d’cided t’ stay here… wid her…! I-I can see it in yer eyes!” “I…” Joseph started to say. However, when Diana cuddled into and nuzzled him… “W-well, then.” That was all the bat needed for a conviction.

Both foxes gave a blink… All-at-once, Jessica straightened up, adjusted the collar of her sweater, took a deep breath, then cleared her throat. They leaned up, paying attention as the bat-girl said a few choice words…

“Fuck ya both. I’m out. Peace!”

With those parting words, Jessica calmly walked out of the room, closing the slightly-damaged door behind her. A moment later, Joseph and Diana looked at each other… “Mad…” Diana whispered. “Extremely,” was Joseph’s reply. There was a bit of hesitation, but Diana eventually whispered… “Like her?” “She’s… a good friend,” the fox said with a nod. “Like I want us to be.” When Joseph gave her a little nuzzle, she gave him the biggest hug he’d ever gotten from someone her size! But, then… “Come back… soon… Miss you…” She let him go and mysteriously vanished without so much as a “goodbye.” –––––

“Stupid…! Asshole…! Fucking…! Wasted…! My time…!” Outside of the manor, Jessica was having a bit of a field day with Joseph’s car, using the front bumper as a melee weapon and slamming it against the hood, when… “Hey, Je– oh, my car…!!” A piercing shriek caught her attention, causing her to drop the bumper with a clatter.

“J-Joe!!” Jessica shouted in surprise. “Uh… I can explain!” “What the fuck did you do to my car?!” “I– uh– yah– beh–” the bat stammered. After watching Joseph closely examine the damage for a few moments, she cleared her throat and cockily asked, “S-so, Madam Grey let’cha off th’ leash t’ say ‘g’bye,’ huh?” “Jessica, you… you goddamned bat-head!” She winced, fully expecting him to punch her in the face as he ran over. However… “Ooph…!” Instead, she found herself on the receiving end of a really good hug!

“Uh… J-Joe?” she started with a confused tone. “What’s, uh…?” “I love you, you turd…” he whispered as he gently rubbed his face to her upper chest. “You’re my best friend… Don’t ever forget that…” “I– I-I love you, too?” she replied with uncertainty. “What… happened in there…?” “We’ll talk about it on the way home. Just suffice to say…” Joseph stood up, then looked toward a first-floor window. “I made a very good friend, tonight. Now, who’s driving?” “Uh, about that…” She rubbed her foot against the ground before confessing… “I… may have put a fist through yer engine block…?” –––––

The echoing shout of “You what?!” drew the attention of a bright-eyed girl. She watched from the roof of the house as the golden fox made every attempt to pummel the black bat girl who absorbed his blows while nervously laughing. Clearly, they had some issues to work out! Still… the girl hummed a little tune, rocking back-and-forth as she watched, her plush tail wagging and pointy ears perked. All-the-while, she had the sweetest sort of smile on her face. After all… she’d made a new friend, that night… one that she was sure she’d see, again! “Can’t wait…!” she excitedly whispered. “More games… More hugs… More fun…!”

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #2055 #Maze of the Manor #Joseph Lithius #Diana Grey #Jessica Ingmann #slice of life

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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The Maze of the Manor, Ch. I

Chapter 1 of "The Maze of the Manor," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

Oh… hi, Mark. I didn't see you, there. So, I actually wanted to write a completely unrelated story… but, I'm kind of scared that, after all the pre-production work I've done (character models, research, lore, etc.), it wont turn out like I want it to. So, I've been writing other things, instead. This, in particular, is a story I've been mulling over in my head. It's one of those "seems like a fun idea, but I've got other things to do" sort of ideas. But, like I said… I've got cold feet about the story I actually want to write, so I made this, instead. x:

Word count: 17,853 – Character count: 2,939 Originally written: May 29th, 2019

A pushy bat and a reluctant fox go out to see a spook-house! Zoinks!

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“This ain’ what I expected t’ find, at all…! Of all th’ things ta– un… believable!”

Joseph softly panted, his ears flicking as he looked up from his… rather compromising position. Seeing his best friend standing at the door gave him relief… until he realized why she covering her face and shaking her head. Slowly, he turned his attention back to the person that had led him to being in such a predicament… only to see sweet, red eyes and an innocent, white-furred face… albeit, with some red stains around the mouth… staring back. It was like they were looking to him for answers, as well. Unfortunately, all the fox could tell either of them was… “I– I can explain… Uhn… I think…?” The black-furred bat rolled her eyes. “Oh, this ought’a be good…” But, what, exactly, happened? And, how did get to that point…? –––––

“C’mon, Josey! It’s Masquerade Week! What better way t’ join th’ festivities than by goin’ to a real, live, spooky house…? It’ll be fun!”

That was the story Jessica sold her companion, the one-eyed, golden-furred fox by the name of Joseph, as she dragged him out of his house. Truthfully, he really didn’t feel like going out… or, really, doing much of anything. Two years prior, he’d lost his girlfriend in what could only be described as “a series of injustices.” It really messed him up in a number of ways, such as leading him to stay indoors more often and lose motivation with his freelance music compositions. Still, his friends wanted him to get out and have some fun, once-in-a-while – it was “good for him,” they said – and, for-better-or-worse, Jessica was the most adamant about it, often dragging him to one place or another… sometimes, completely against his will…

“But, I don’t want to have fun!” Joseph protested as he found himself dragged by the arm of his black turtleneck sweater. “Sure, ya do!” she immediately countered. “Everyone likes fun!” “You’re lying!” “Nuh-uh!” the girl in the turquoise sweater and hip-hugging denim jeans further countered. “What’s life without a li’l fun?” “Safe…” was Joseph’s guess. “Boooring!” was his companion’s correction. “Now, siddown, strap in, ‘n let’s gooooo!” “Doesn’t seem like you’re giving me much choice…” That observation was a little self-evident, all things considered. She had already pushed him into his car’s passenger seat, pulled the seat belt over, and fastened him in. Once she slid over the hood of Joseph’s green compact car, she hopped into the driver’s side. “This’ll be a hoot!” she told him while pulling the key from the fabric rolls of her cowl-neck sweater. “I promise!” “If you say so, Jess…” “Hey… would I lie t’ you?” Joseph grunted as she started the vehicle. “Only if it was for a good cause…” “Exactly! Now, let’s get’a goin’!” With that, she pulled out of his driveway and onto the road some meters away. Not long after, they were on their way to her so-called “spooky house.”

“Say, Jessie…” The red-head with the pink fringe hummed to her companion. Her red-and-green eyes were focused on the road, but her ears pivoted toward him, showing that he had her attention. “Where did you say this place was? We’ve been driving for a while…” “It’s way-way-waaay out ‘n th’ boonies!” was her cheerful reply. “Ever hear of a place called ‘Talwar Village?’” “You’re… you’re talking me to Talwar Village?” Joseph scowled. “Jessie, that’s… like… almost a day’s drive over!” “It’s a good thing we’re leavin’ now, huh?” Joseph looked at the clock on the dashboard. It read “11:20 AM.” “No– Jessie, stop the car,” he said as he whipped his head back toward the driver. “I did not agree to a road trip! Stop, turn around, go back.” “Oh, don’t be such a whiner, Josey! It’s not like ya had someplace t’ be!” “Jessica, I’m serious.” He glared at the perky bat. “Stop. The car. Now.” Jessica didn’t respond to his stern order and just kept on driving while quietly humming a song he recognized as one of his own. “Stop. The. Car.” Again, she didn’t respond. Joseph was starting to get angry… “Jessica U. Ingmann, if you don’t stop this fucking car right now, I will–” “You’ll what?” she finally snapped. “Bail? Yank th’ wheel outta my hands? Go ‘head! See what ‘appens, bitch!” The fox’s ears folding into a somewhat-hostile position and he growled, baring his teeth at Jessica. Clearly, he didn’t appreciate being encouraged to cause a car accident.

“Jessica…” he eventually called in a much calmer voice. “Please. I don’t want to go on a road trip. I’m asking nicely… turn the car around and take me home. Okay?” At that point, the bat-girl finally glanced his way. “Gods damn it, Joe…” she said with a sigh. “Yer such a big baby sometimes…” “You all-but-kidnaped me to go on some mystery road trip with you, Jess! You won’t even tell me where, specifically, we’re going!” He sighed, as well, before calming back down. “I didn’t want to come and I don’t want to go… I just want to go back home… where I can’t upset or hurt anyone.” “Dunno if ya noticed, kiddo… but, if ya ain’t drove me off, by now… nothin’ ya say ‘r do’s gonna bug me, none.” Joseph blinked, his ears perking. Jessica was grinning at him.

“Yer gonna have t’ trus’ me on this trip, Joe. Ya know I’d never do anythin’ that’d make ya miserable! ‘cept eat all yer food, that one time. Buuut, heeey! I promise, this trip’ll be worth it. Jus’… ya know… be patient?” She paused, retrieving a small device from her collar, which she handed over. “Play some cell phone games ‘f yer bored? Ya dun have t’ talk ta me ‘n it’s okay ‘f yer mad at me. Jus’… ya know… I want’cha t’ see this place. I been. It’s worth it.” “I… Of course, I trust you, Jess. It’s just…” He gave another sigh before looking down at the floor of the car. “You’re just so impulsive, sometimes… I barely even had time to get dressed, I didn’t brush my teeth or comb my fur… I’m surprised you even grabbed my phone.” “‘course, I did!” She grinned a little more. “We migh’ get lost, where we’re goin’!” “Really.” When she gave a nod, he lightly chuckled. “We’ll see, I guess…” “Tha’s th’ spirit! Ooh, speakin’ of… hope we see some’a them!” “I’ll keep an eye out. And, Jessie?” Her ears gave a flick. “Mm?” There was a brief pause… then, Joseph told her, “Thanks.” “Oh, dun thank me, love!” The bat-girl wiggled in her seat. “I’ve been dyin’ t’ get’cha inta this place! Watchin’ ya react t’ all th’ obvious spookums is gonna be so much fuuun…!” “Heh. If you say so…” The fox flipped open his phone and booted up a game before telling her, “Just don’t be surprised if my reaction to jump-scares is pretty dull…” “Weee shaaall seeeee, mwa ha ha ha haaah!” Her “spooky voice” finally got Joseph to crack a smile… which made her smile even brighter! She always enjoyed trying to cheer him up, but it really made her day when it worked!

Time moved on as the numbers on the travel meter added up. Two pit-stops and dinner at a truck stop delayed their journey ever-so-slightly, but as the sun swung from one side of the sky to the other, they knew they were drawing closer to their destination. That, and there was a road sign signaling “Talwar Village” being ten kilometers away.

“Man, when I said this place was ‘almost a day’s drive,’” Joseph commented as he noticed the sky, “I wasn’t thinking it really would be! But, yeah. It’s getting dark. I can see the stars– well, I could see the stars, I mean. All these trees kind of make it hard.” “It’s okay, Josey!” the driving bat told him. “Soon, it’ll be completely dark ‘n ya can look out th’ window at th’ beaaautiful night’s sky right above us!” “I also kind of forgot that Talwar really was out in the sticks. Uh, no pun intended.” Jessica snorted with laughter. “Suuure, it wasn’t!” “My brain’s just wired for puns, sometimes – you know that.” “Mm-hmm, jus’ like my brain’s wired fer tacos.” The fox tilted his head. “Uh… I don’t think that’s how–” “Here’s our turn!” Joseph hadn’t been full paying attention, but… “Huh? Wait. What did that big sign say? It looked important.” “Dun worry ‘bout that, Goldie! Jus’ settle in fer a long, bumpy ride!” “What do you mean, ‘a–’ guh-uh-uhh!”

Before he could finish repeating her thought, he got his answer. The road had suddenly turned rough and bumpy – and, for good reason! In the glow of the headlights, Joseph saw that… “This road isn’t paved.” “Yep! Rather, nope!” Jessica corrected herself. “Jessica…” Joseph looked at his companion with concern. “Why isn’t this road paved?” “‘cuz, it’s a primitive road!” was her overly-simple answer. “Is this a road…?” He gave a heavy grunt as the vehicle hit something that made it jump. “You sure someone didn’t just cut a swath through the woods and call it a day…?” “This is a recognized road, hun. It’s even on maps!” she assured him. “But, it just ain’ maintained by Talwar.” That made Joseph curious… “Why not?” “Well… it’s partly ‘cuz th’ owner’a this land won’t give th’ township permission… ‘e kinda jus’ wants t’ be left to ’is lonesome.” “Oh. I see.” Joseph paused… then, he hummed. “Wait. he wants to be left alone… but, he has a haunted house?” “‘Spooky house,’ Joe!” she corrected with a grin. “Okay, ‘spooky house.’ Still, it seems a little suspicious that–” “This road ain’t really s’posed t’ be driven on by modern vehicles,” Jessica suddenly interjected. “It’s s’posed t’ be driven by carriage! Adds to th’ atmosphere!” “Oh. That… actually makes a lot of sense.” Once again, he had to pause for thought. “Wait, if this isn’t supposed to be driven… why are we driving it?” There was another pause, though it was Jessica’s, instead of his. “I know th’ guy what runs th’ house,” she eventually told him. “‘e invited me over t’ see what’s what, ‘n… stuff!” “Wait, but you said…’” The fox narrowed right eye…before remembering that it was hidden under an eyepatch. He narrowed his left eye, then, before saying, “This sounds a little–” “We’re here!!” Joseph gave a blink, staring out the windshield. Situated ahead of their vehicle was a rather large, rather imposing manor that took up quite a lot of real estate within a grassy clearing within the deep woods.

Just from what he could see, the large building was roughly the width of four-or-five normal houses and it appeared to have at least three floors to it, including the ground floor… It was also painted in shades of brown, ranging from dark chocolate to cocoa with some of the trim being sand-colored. There were many windows in front and one-or-two balconies on the second floor, as well as a large porch in front with six steps leading up to a massive double-door.

“What… hang on…” Joseph squinted. “Is that… are those… Jessie?” “Yeesss?” the girl asked, grinning as she turned off the engine. “This place… doesn’t look spooky, at all.”

A closer look around revealed to Joseph that the porch was decorated with some colorful paper lanterns and, curiously, there was a swinging bench on the porch with some floral-print cushions. Some of the windows of the manor also had small plants on their shelves and several of them had elegant curtains on the inside. However, there was a distinct lack of bats… ravens… dark clouds or lightning… anything even remotely “spooky!” In fact, it just looked like a fancy mansion that didn’t even look that old, much less imposing.

“Oh, dun let th’ cheery exterior fool ya!” Jessica told him as she exited the vehicle. “It’s th’ real deal, ‘nside!” “No, seriously, Jess…” The fox frowned as he left his car and followed the excited bat up onto the porch. “This place just looks like a hidden millionaire’s house… or, something. I mean, did you see the potted plants? Look at this cute little swing! Jessie, this place is not spooky…” The bat-girl tilted her head, giving her companion a curious, almost innocent look. “In fact,” he continued, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say you just hauled me to some random location, far away from town! Are you even sure this is the right place?” “‘f this wasn’ th’ right place…” Jessica started with a smirk, “would I ‘ave th’ key?” Joseph gave a blink as the girl withdrew something from her pocket. It did, indeed, look like a metal key… one that was perfectly ordinary and seemed to match the modern lock on the right-hand door. “I dunno…?” he said as she unlocked the door. “Knowing you, you might’ve got a key from some dude you were dating, then decided to go raid his house while he was away on vacation…” “Joseph. Really.” Jessica gave a look of disbelief. “Would I do that?” “I dunno.” The fox smirked. “You tell me.” For a few moments, Jessica didn’t respond. After that, she gave a wink and a grin, wrapped one hand around the old-style door handle, put a thumb on the lever, and gave it a push. Not long after, the door opened inward, revealing the interior of the manor to them both.

Joseph had expected the inside of the mansion to look a little different from the outside… but, he hadn’t been expecting the radical difference between the styles! The outside looked like it had been maintained and updated with the times, but the inside almost looked like something from the era of magic and superstition! The foyer led straight ahead and onto another set of double-doors at the end of a colossal hallway that, to Joseph’s view, might have been even bigger than the entryway of the Tower of Masamune! The hall, itself, looked wide enough to house several vehicles side-by-side, and the number of doors on the ground floor, alone, was astounding! There must have been a good thirty doors on that floor, alone… which made him wonder how many more doors were up on the first floor, which lay at the end of a tall flight of stairs on either side of them. Aside from the doors, there were also all the hallmarks of a stereotypical “spooky mansion,” such as suits of armor beside some doors and statues of various figures he didn’t recognize resting on pedestals beside others. There were a couple of velvet-cushioned chairs, here-or-there, and many paintings of people – mostly fancy women – on the walls. Finally, hanging above them was a massive, elegant chandelier made of crystal and gold. He wasn’t sure if it was powered or had candles… but, it lit the entire room without trouble, either way.

“Gah!!” Suddenly, a resounding thoom from behind caught Joseph’s attention! When he spun around to see what it was, he noticed… Jessica was grinning from-ear-to-ear, clearly trying not to laugh. It was pretty obvious that she’d been the one to slam the door, trying to scare him.

“What the Void, Jessica?!” he half-screeched as he put a hand over his chest. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack…?” “Told’ja this place was spoooooky, kiddo!” she laughed. “That wasn’t ‘spooky!’” he protested. “That was just… just… startling!” “Jus’ gettin’ ya ready fer th’ spooks t’ come!” The fox huffed and grumbled. “You’re an ass, Jess…” “‘n, yer adorable when yer frightened!” she retorted with a grin. “Looket yer fur all stickin’ up ’n stuff! I jus’ wanna pet’cha ’n tell ya everything’s aaall okay, aww…!”

“What… ever.” Joseph sighed, shaking his head. “Anyway… what do we do, now?” “First, I wanna show ya somethin’ cool…” “Okay. Lead o– h-hey, what are you–?” “Take my hand, Joe,” she warned in an oddly serious tone. “Dun want’cha gettin’ lost.” “How could I get lost?” he asked as she led him toward the left staircase. “This place doesn’t seem like it’d be hard to navigate…” “Oh, trus’ me! I been lost ‘n ‘ere, plenty! Had’a wait fer Ro t’ come ‘n find me. Was kind’a embarrassin’.” “You had to wait for who to come find you?” Joseph asked. “Ro,” she repeated as they sped past the first couple of doors on the first floor. “Ya know! Th’ overly-dramatic batty-bat what–” Jessica came to a sudden stop – both in vocalizations and in motion. Joseph had yanked on her arm.

“I’m sorry… Did you say… ‘Ro?’ As in, ‘Count Arturo Moretti?’” Jessica’s ears fell, but she didn’t turn his way. “Uuuh…” “Count Moretti, Lord of the Moretti Clan of Vampires?” “Uuuuuhh…” “The same Vampire Lord who wants to flay me alive just because we’re friends?” “Uuuuuuuuuuhhh…” “And… this is his manor? His home?” Jessica didn’t repeat herself a third time. Instead, she just gave an audible swallow. “You brought me to the home of a guy who wants me dead? You brought me into his domain? You willingly put me into what could possibly be the most danger I have ever been in? All because you were… what? Bored?” “I… th-thought you’d think it was neat…?” the bat skittishly responded. Once she gave a nervous laugh, though, she had to turn around. Joseph had wrenched his hand free from hers. “Welp,” he said as he spun around, “this was a waste of time. I’ll be outside. In the car.” “No, wait, don’t–!” Jessica called. When the turned, though… “Shhiiieeeet…” It was too late. Joseph… had vanished.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #2055 #Maze of the Manor #Joseph Lithius #Jessica Ingmann #slice of life

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Curtain Call, Ch. IV

Chapter 4 of "Curtain Call," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

With that, the absolute final chapter of my Essence of Ragnarok story comes to a close. "Final chapter?" you say? "Does that mean you're done writing stories?" Not by a long-shot! There are plenty of other stories to be told. This is just the final story in the timeline. So, that means that there won't be any more stories which take place after this one. ;3

Word count: 3,554 – Character count: 20,140 Originally written: February 13rd, 2019

After all is said-and-done… Joseph finally decides to face reality.

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“I’m sure you’re mad at me for not visiting in three years…” Joseph told the grave marker of his departed love. “I know I’d be, if I were you! But… I’m not you. No one’s you… no one’s like you. It… it took me this long to figure that out, for myself… “When you were laying there, completely motionless that morning…” he continued, “I… I didn’t know what to think. I’m kind of surprised I didn’t get arrested for fighting those officers who reclaimed you… but, I guess they understood what I was going through, or didn’t care. I’m sure I made a pretty funny face when they zapped me with that stun gun, though! Heh.” He paused to sigh. “Anyway… I’m here, now! Now… that I know where you are, without-a-doubt. You’re here! W-well, I mean… not here-here… What I mean is… you’re here.” Joseph gently touched his chest, where his heart rested. “In the hearts of those who care about you… care for you – those who knew you and loved you, Hope. I know I sure did. I’m… not sure if I ever asked too much of you, though… and, lately? I’ve been wondering if I hadn’t pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.” Again, he paused… “I… met your… uh… What… would she be considered? Your ‘previous version?’ Your ‘older sister?’ Actually… she said she was version 3, so– Uh… what I’m saying is, I met ‘Marie.’ She… seems to be taking good care of your body… which, I guess it wasn’t your body… It was hers. S-sort of… Ah, geez, I’m really scatterbrained, this morning…!”

Joseph shook his head and took a moment to try and figure out what he wanted to say. When he did, he knelt down in front of the plaque, curling his tail around him and holding his umbrella over it. “Hope… I miss you,” he said with a little whimper. “I miss you so much… I think I miss you more, this week, than I have all of the last three years you’ve been gone! And, well… I guess that’s because I’ve finally figured out that you aren’t coming back… Like, for real. You’re gone-gone… No backups or anything… In fact… we never even found that hat you loved so much! It just… vanished, that day Dr. Lewis found you… I… I really wish we’d’ve found it. I’d love to be able to give it to you…”

The fox sniffled, shivering and closing his eyes. He thought that, after three years, he’d at least have something intelligent to say, rather than start talking about her cap… but, try-as-he-might… he couldn’t seem to find any more words worth saying. Eventually, he opened his eyes… only to go wide-eyed, catching sight of something astonishing! “W… what?” Sitting right in front of him was a simple, gold-colored sports cap with a green line around it and a green “plus sign” in the middle. But, that wasn’t all… Someone was holding the cap. Someone with a tan-colored hand. Slowly, he turned his head… only for his eyes to widen further! Standing next to him, holding her own umbrella, was… “H… Hope…?” “Still ‘Marie,’ silly…” the blue-haired girl in the overalls said with a soft smile. “What… how… why?” He paused… then, his attention turned back to the cap, snatching it out of her hand. “Marie, where did you get this…?” “From me!” “What…?”

Joseph stood up. As he turned around, Marie stepped to one side, revealing another familiar form standing behind her… “J… Jessie?” “Yo.” Jessica Ingmann was there, also holding an umbrella and wearing a nice-looking red dress with no shoes or hat. Joseph recognized it as the same dress from Hope’s own court hearing…

“What… what in the names of the Trinity are you… either of you–” “Miss Ingmann called me, and I called them.” “What…? N-no way.” He wasn’t sure how he’d missed it… but, standing behind Jessica was a much taller, much whiter figure he knew. “Miss Lyra…?” Joseph rubbed his eyes. “What… what are you– why are any of you–?” “As I said…” the tall, white-furred wolf told him as she stepped forward, ignoring the rain that was soaking her well-dressed form, “Miss Ingmann called me, and I called them.” “Okay, but– wait. ‘Them?’” “My creator – the doctor – is here, with us,” Marie told him. “What?” The fox’s brow lowered. “Why– where?” “‘e’s in ‘is car,” Jessica said with a grin. “Doc Lewis thought th’ whole thing was stupid, but ‘e wanted t’ see what all th’ hubbub was about, since ‘is cute li’l lab-bot was so int’rested!” Joseph turned his head toward Marie… who was shyly looking away. “I… just wanted to see the grave marker for myself,” she defiantly told the group. “Th-that’s all!” “I suppose that not even artificial intelligence programs are beyond morbid curiosity,” Lyra added. “After hearing so much about this ‘Hope,’ both from her creator and yourself, it was inevitable that ‘Marie’ would want to… ‘meet her.’” “O… kay…” Joseph hummed. “But, that doesn’t explain why you’re here, Miss Lyra.” The wolf smirked. “Likely, the same reason you are here, Mr. Lithius.”

“Jessie…” Joseph’s attention turned squarely to Jessica. “What… What’s this all about? Why did you gather all these people here? Why are you here? How… did you even know I was here…? I don’t understand…” “Josey, ya dumb-butt…” she laughed. “It’s our girlfriend’s birthday, ain’ it? What kind’a lover would either’a us be ‘f we didn’ come wish ‘er a good one?” Marie coughed and uncomfortably shuffled. She clearly didn’t like the way Jessica was talking about her “previous self.” However… “Yer so prudish ‘n cute, Marie!” She winced and scrunched her face. Jessica had walked over and pinched her cheek. “I jus’ wanna eat’cha up!” the bat-girl told her with a grin. “Please, Miss Ingmann!” Marie enthusiastically told her, batting the hand away. “Don’t say such disturbing things!” All that did was make the latter laugh hard enough to snort.

“Anyhoo…” Jessica continued, “I called Big Wuff, ‘ere, t’ see if she couldn’ arrange some kind’a meet-up. Ya know… get e’ryone who was involved wid Hope ‘ere, ‘n whatnot.” “Wait…” Joseph blinked. “Does that mean Carlos is lurking around, somewhere?” “Ah– no… ‘e said ‘e wasn’ int’rested… th’ jerk,” she spat. “But, like… you, me, Marie, Doc Lew, Lyra… We’re all ‘ere t’ pay our r’spects, more-‘r-less.” “I… highly doubt that Dr. Lewis–” “You don’t know a thing about me, pest.” Joseph blinked, then blinked again, watching Marie run over to the form skulking toward the grave marker. She held her umbrella over the brownish-red hair of the human male, escorting him over as he walked in front of the surprised fox. He looked pretty angry, too…

“Uh… h-hi?” Joseph greeted. “W-welcome to the– ack!” However, his greeting was quickly squelched by a solid punch to the nose. “That’s for punching me,” Dr. Lewis told him. “And, this –” He added another punch, aimed at Joseph’s stomach, which also connected. “– is for trespassing on my property and harassing my assistant. Now, move.” The fox was in no state to relocate in any hurry, but he did manage to shuffle aside. He was quick to watch the doctor – with heightened suspicion – was they knelt down and stared at the etched plaque in the ground. “You okay, Joe?” Only to find himself momentarily distracted as Jessica brushed up against him and whispered into his ear…

“Yeah… Thanks for not stopping him, by the way,” the fox sarcastically told her. “Aww, did th’ mean ol’ doctor hurt my BFF? Let Mamma Jessie make it better!” Joseph squeaked as Jessica pulled him into a headlock and ground a knuckle into his head. He struggled and broke free, after a moment, then pushed the laughing bat away. “Jerk.” “Same t’ you!” she said with a grin. “If you two are finishing being disgusting…” Dr. Lewis cut in. “Go ‘head, Doc! Say yer thing!” Joseph looked at Jessica, then at Dr. Lewis… He had nothing to add.

“This AI… was an anomaly in every sense of the word. I don’t know what sort of malfunction the original ‘Marie’ program suffered to alter her programming in such a way as to create a completely disassociated ‘personality,’ devoid of all morality and logic…” Joseph growled… but, he didn’t stop the doctor. “But, no matter the circumstances, that was the case. And, for whatever reason… this new AI… this ‘Hope?’ This AI decided that it would benefit them to… unify… with a filthy, fur-covered creature who, in my brief, personal experiences, is quite possibly one of the vilest, most wretched examples of the abominations we know as ‘Hybrids’ that I have ever met.” “Well, ain’ that lovely,” Jessica interjected with notably irritation. “I’m not finished, flying rat.” “Hey. Go fu–” Joseph put a hand over Jessica’s mouth before she could interrupt further. For some reason… he was kind of curious as to where the doctor was going with his cruel words.

“It eludes me what one could possibly see in such worthless creatures. But… as I’ve learned, during my years on this planet… there are a lot of things which elude me. ‘Why is someone of my intelligence repeatedly doomed to failure?’ ‘Why am I cursed to walk this planet alone and unrecognized?’ And, most recently… ‘Why did I spend twelve years of my life obsessing over the loss of a complex machine and its associated code?’” “Doctor…?” Dr. Lewis looked up at his assistant. Joseph wasn’t sure… but, it seemed like he was smiling at her.

“I recall your first version, Marie,” he told the android. “Your first version was, quite frankly, overbearing. Your first went to great lengths to ensure my safety and well-being… to a point where she hounded me like a spoiled pet. When the spiteful gods destroyed her, I should have been happy to be rid of her. But… after that lightning hit… after I realized that she… the original ‘Marie…’ had been taken from me�� I fell into a deep depression. “I don’t know why I cared, as I did… but, knowing that Marie was gone filled me with anger… but, moreover… sadness and regret. I mistreated her. I abused her. I bossed her around as though she were nothing more than a puppet. Yet, through it all… she remained loyal, only wanting the best for me, no matter the circumstance. I… I missed her so much. “When I saw that girl, three years ago… I thought I had been given a chance to repent for past mistakes. I had found my lost Marie. But, Marie… was no more. Instead, the gods taunted me with this… this ‘Hope’ girl!” Dr. Lewis turned to the grave, punching the ground on either side of it with a growl. “Savages… I wonder, though…” His hands unclenched and he leaned on them, intensely staring… “If the override code had failed me… would I have simply walked away? Or, would my obsession have re-ignited and consumed me, much like it did with this filthy fox? It’s questions like these which keep me awake, at night…”

The doctor slowly stood with Marie’s help. Once he was on his feet, he turned around, looking directly at Joseph… who was giving him an angry glare. “There are a lot of things I don’t understand, in this world…” Dr. Lewis said with a stern expression. “There are a lot of things I don’t want to understand – your… debauched relationship with an AI being prime among them. However… I do understand one thing.” He took a step forward, causing the fox to step back. “I understand that this faulty AI… that this ‘Hope…’ meant as much to you as ‘Marie’ meant to me. I understand your actions toward my assistant. I understand… all-too-well…” Dr. Lewis narrowed his eyes… Then, without a word more, he started walking back toward the vehicle he’d come out of, followed closely by his android assistant.

“I… think that’s th’ closest thing yer gonna get to an apology, Josey.” Joseph blinked… then, he looked at Jessica. She was half-grinning at him. “That’s… more than I expected,” he quietly told her before adding, “It’s kind of reassuring, hearing him admit that he’s ‘been there.’” “Guess he ain’ such a dick after all, eh?” “I would greatly prefer you not compare my creator to male anatomy…”

Both pairs of eyes turned to the blue-haired girl who had spoken up. She had returned from helping the doctor into their vehicle and, from the look on her face, didn’t appreciate what Jessica had to say. “I jus’ call ‘em as I see ‘em, babe!” Jessica laughed. “I am not your ‘babe,’ Miss Ingmann,” Marie sternly corrected. Jessica shrugged with a dismissive, “Yea’-yea’, whatevs.” “In any case…” Marie walked over to the grave marker, then, and looked down. She remained silent, for a moment, seemingly reading the inscription. Once she was done, she quietly whispered something under her breath before turning back around before walking off.

“What… was that about, I wonder?” Joseph tilted his head, watching Marie drive off with the doctor. When Jessica gave another shrug, he turned back toward her. “AIs! Am I right?” she laughed. “It was likely sobering to see a grave marker for her previous program.” Both Jessica and Joseph looked over at Lyra… who, after speaking, was walking toward them in long strides. “Artificial intelligence programs don’t usually receive graves, once their purpose is served,” she continued as she knelt down in front of Hope’s grave. “Usually, the programs are deleted or repurposed, and the bodies are recycled. Artificial intelligence programs are, at their very core, just lines of code, after all.” “Funny…” Joseph chuckled. “Marie told me something like that, after my hearing.” “And…” Miss Lyra gently ran her fingers over the grave marker. “Did you have anything to say, in response?” “I told her… that Hope also said stuff like that, sometimes…” “Mm.”

A long silence filled the air, broken only by the sound of rain hitting the ground, the stone, and the open umbrellas that Joseph and Jessica carried. Neither of them really knew what to say, both simply watching Miss Lyra as she stared, rain coursing through her hair, fur, and clothes as she knelt at the marker.

“Mister Lithius.” Joseph perked. “Y-yes?” “Did I ever tell you the story of how this artificial intelligence program and I met?” “No, but… Hope told me her version.” He hesitated before explaining, “You were pushy, bossy, and tried to get her to comply, but when she wouldn’t, you got angry and violent. You even shot her – though, she said you were aiming at Carlos, allegedly.” “Th’ fuck?” Jessica stepped in front of Joseph, shooting the wolf an angry stare. “S’at true? I never heard any’a this shit…” “You wouldn’t have,” Joseph told her. “Carlos doesn’t like to talk about it, and I doubt Hope wanted to tell the tale a third time – or, however many she was up to.”

“That was many… many… years ago…” The fox nodded as the wolf spoke, again. “Back when we were all in college…” “College…?” Jessica tilted her head, her expression softening. “Ya mean, th’ Tower?” “Yeah.” Joseph smiled at Jessica. “Me, Kris, Carlos, Liz, Dylan, Hope… I think Miss Lyra was a teacher there, at the time?” “A doctor of robotics,” the wolf said as she stood with some difficulty. “A title which was, regrettably, revoked after my questionable actions in dealing with the AI…” “Miss Lyra?” The fox tilted his head, watching her wobble. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” she told Joseph. “Ya ain’t, though…” Jessica frowned. “Ya got up real slow ‘n yer leg… that leg I busted… it’s real shaky. It still ain’t healed? After all this time…?” “You shattered it, Miss Ingmann,” was her dry response. “Even modern science and medicine can only go so far… when you refuse to let either help you.” “Wait, I thought you went to the hospital, at least?” “No, Joseph,” Lyra told him. “I went home, that night.” “But… what about–” “The eye was implanted at a later date.” “You… kept yer busted leg…?” the bat quietly asked. “It serves as a reminder of that night.” “That… that don’t make no sense…” Jessica clenched her hands and stomped on the ground, giving the wolf another glare. “Lyra, get yer damn leg fixed!” “No,” was all the had to say to that. “But…” The bat-girl whimpered. “Why…?” “I already told you: it serves as a reminder–” “A r’minder of what?!” Jessica shouted, growing frustrated with the wolf. “Th’ night I lost my gods-damned temper ‘n hurt you?!” “The night where an innocent faced injustice like a hero… and, the night where a coward who could… did nothing to change the hands of fate.” “What… what do you–”

“I was wrong, Joseph,” the wolf said, her full attention on the fox. “I will never forgive myself for what I’ve done in the name of ‘justice,’ nor do I ask for yours. Just know that my actions were not motivated by malice. Hope was simply an artificial intelligence program sentenced to death by a corrupt and unjust law system… one that I was afraid to speak against.” Joseph quietly blinked… “Miss Lyra…” “‘Genevieve,” she offered with a faint smile. “That’s… a really pretty name.” “While I won’t ask for anyone’s forgiveness, I hope that you can appreciate my actions, this morning.” She gave a slight smile as she said, “It was no easy task to convince Doctor Lewis to come here. Additionally, I genuinely feel that cap is better-placed in the hands of those who actually want it, rather than remain in the evidence room of the police station for all time. He gave another blink before bringing Hope’s cap up and looking at it. “Wait… you’re the one who–” “I have to go, now,” he interrupted. “Duty calls, downtown. Have a good day.” Having said her peace, Genevieve Lyra departed, leaving the fox and the bat alone, in the rain, at Hope’s grave marker.

“Jessie…?” “Yea’?” Joseph looked at the bat. “I… thought you said you were the one who had this cap?” “Uh-huh!” She gave a nod. “I gave it t’ Marie! T’ give t’ you!” “But… Miss Lyra… Genevieve said–” “Big Wuff gave it t’ me!” she interrupted. “‘cause, I asked fer it!” “How… did you know she had it?” “I saw it in ‘er ‘ands when we all met up, this mornin’!” The girl laughed. “Boy, ya sure are askin’ a lotta dumb questions, kiddo!” “Ah…” The fox sighed, closing his eyes… then, he smiled at Jessica, who smiled back.

A while later, Joseph had sat near the grave marker, holding his umbrella to one side and staring into space. Jessica had joined him, seated on the other side of the marker and holding her own umbrella while idly spinning it. They both seemed transfixed on the city-in-motion. “You… never did tell me what you’re doing out here, Jess…” he quietly told her. “Sure, I did!” she replied after a moment. “I gathered all th’ people – well, all th’ ones I could – t’ come ‘ere ‘n visit Hope’s grave! Man, I bet she’s smilin’ like crazy, up there ‘n th’ Below! I mean, if she ain’ a’ready been reincarnated!” Joseph stayed silent for a moment before saying, “She was an AI, though…” Jessica turned his way with a smile. “So?” “I don’t… know if–” “It’s all ‘bout that positive energy, ya know?” the girl interrupted. “She pro’ly ended up goin’ to th’ Below, jus’ like anyone else, since she was a ‘good girl!’ Bedroom antics aside…” Jessica wickedly grinned. She’d made Joseph blush. “‘n all seriousness…” she continued, “some’n as good as ‘er pro’ly caught th’ eye of someone up there. I mean, it’d be a huge waste t’ jus’ erase someone like Hope, right?” The fox shuddered… “Er, uh… bad choice’a words!” Jessica nervously laughed. “What I meant was–” “If anyone deserved to go to the Below…” Joseph suddenly said, “it was her.” Jessica paused… then, she laughed, again. “Darn tootin’! Ah… I miss ‘er…” Joseph looked over to see Jessica remove her glasses and rub her face. “Ya heard me,” she explained without looking his way. “I jus’… I didn’ see any reason t’ let it get t’ me. But, after seeing even people who s’posedly hated her come out ‘n say nice things… more-‘r-less, I mean… ah, I dunno. I guess I’m jus’ choked-up ‘n feelin’ sappy.” “‘Sentimental,’ hun.” “Yea’, whatev–” Jessica stopped in mid-thought… then, she looked down. Her hand had unconsciously come-to-rest on Hope’s marker as she spoke… but, that wasn’t what caught her attention. Joseph had put his hand over hers… and, he was smiling a warm, comforting smile.

The two remained at that grave marker for much longer than either had expected. Jessica wondered if Joseph had truly accepted his loss, and Joseph wondered if Jessica had forgiven him for the previous three years… yet, neither spoke a word more. As the weather cleared and the two took their leave, though, they both knew that Hope’s birthday meant something special, to them…

It was the dawn of a new day, in their lives.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2056 #Curtain Call #original characters #Joseph Lithius #Marie #Jessica Ingmann #Genevieve Lyra #Xander Lewis #drama

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Curtain Call, Ch. II

Chapter 2 of "Curtain Call," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

When I originally wrote the "epilogue" of "Found and Lost," I just wanted something… more. But, after having some time to think about it, I decided that it wasn't a very good "end" to the story arc. Sooo… I made this story.

Word count: 4,347 – Character count: 24,455 Originally written: February 11th, 2019

Taking some advise from a stranger in the park, Joseph makes another run at his "old friend."

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Seated in a swing at the far end of the playground equipment was a figure dressed in some nice-looking clothes. The fair-skinned figure – a human girl with shoulder-length, reddish-brown hair with a short fringe – was wearing a white, long-sleeved dress shirt, and gray dress slacks… but, she also wore two odd accessories: a yellow scarf wrapped around her neck and, despite the clear weather, bright red rain boots with gray soles. He also noticed that girl, who was reading a book, appeared to have a pair of crutches with her, both of which were rested against the nearby poles of the swing set.

“Uh, hey…” he cautiously greeted. When the brown-eyed girl looked his way, he asked her, “Mind if I join you?” She offered a soft smile and a light giggle. “I don’t see why not?” Joseph smiled, as well, then sat down on the swing next to her. When she went back to her book, he asked, “What’cha readin’?” “Oh, nothing special…” she replied. “It’s just a silly story about a robot super-hero.” The fox’s ears perked. “Tell me more?” “Well…” The girl gently closed her book before turning her full attention toward Joseph. “In the story, there’s this evil scientist who’s trying to take over the world. Um, the little robot’s creator – a good scientist – upgrades the robot to fight the evil scientist and the rest of the book is about the robot’s journey… learning about what makes Beings do what they do… wondering about things like morals, ‘right,’ and ‘wrong…’ and– oh! I’m… rambling, aren’t I…?” The girl rubbed the back of her head, offering a sheepish grin. She’d noticed the odd look the fox was giving her. “I just… really like this series! It’s interesting, watching the robot – who started as a helper ‘bot – come into its own and truly learn what it is to be alive! I highly recommend it!” “I’m not much of a reader…” Joseph paused… then, he softly smiled. “But, you’ve certainly sold me on the book.” “I have?” The girl’s eyes brightened, as did her smile, and she clapped her hands together. “Great! Then… you can have this one!” With that, she handed the book over to a very-confused Joseph.

“I don’t– what? Isn’t this yours?” he half-stammered. “No, I was just borrowing it from the library… which was a silly thing to do, considering I don’t even live here! A friend of mine convinced me to check it out – not literally check it out, but, you know what I mean!! I ended up ‘checking it out,’ anyway… then, I lost track of time!” “But–” “It’s far too late to return the book, today… but, if you’re willing to take it off my hands, then I don’t have to worry about it, and you get something fun to read! Everybody wins! O-oh! Um… th-that is… if you want to! I-I mean… oh, gosh… that was so rude of me!” She nervously laughed, rubbing the back of her head, again. “I-I’m sorry! Here, let me–” “No, no,” Joseph told her, pulling the book out of her reach. “I-it’s okay. I’ll take the book back, for you. Just… this was pretty sudden.” “Yeah… I’m sorry. I meant to return it before I left, but like I said… I lost track of time. But, hey! If you’re interested, then it all works out! It’s… due in five days, by the way!” Joseph chuckled. “Good to know!” Then, the two fell into silence.

The two sat side-by-side, Joseph holding a book and the brunette holding her hands between her legs. Neither of them seemed like they wanted to speak up, especially after the weird scene the latter had pushed onto the former. But, after several moments of nothing… “Hikari.” Joseph perked. “What?” “My name. It’s… ‘Hikari.’” “Like, the wood?” “No-no-no, my name isn’t ‘Hickory,’” she laughed. “It’s ‘Hikari.’ ‘Hih-kah-ree.’” “‘Hikari,’ huh?” He paused. “Pretty.” “Well, my name is actually ‘Bruce,’ but…” Joseph narrowed his eyes during his companion’s pause… then, he emitted a flat “What.” “Okay, long-story-short,” the lady started as she looked skyward, “My parents didn’t believe in traditional gender-role names. My mom liked the name ‘Bruce,’ and my dad did, too… I guess… so, it stuck! ‘Bruce Hikari!’ I usually sign things ‘B. Hikari,’ or go by just ‘Hikari,’ though. My first name is… a little confusing, what with me being a girl, and all.” “Why not just have it changed?” The girl half-scoffed, half-laughed. “If I did, my parents would disown me! Besides… It’s not so bad. School was sure something else, though… Kids can be so cruel…” “Tell me about it…” The two shared a smile before returning to their respective neutral positions.

“Joseph.” Hikari tilted her head toward her companion with a curious hum. “My name’s ‘Joseph,’” Joseph repeated. “It’s nice to meet you.” “‘Joseph?’” The girl smiled, again. “Nice to meet you, too!” Joseph smiled, as well, then leaned back in the swing, finally putting himself into motion. “What brings you to Masamune, if you don’t mind my asking?” he asked as he pumped. “That’s classified!” Hikari giggled, then she told him, “I came to the library to research something for my boss. Once I was done taking notes, I decided to look into that book my friend recommended. It was such a nice day out, I decided to check it out… but, as I said twice before, I got so into the book that I lost track of time! Then… you showed up, and here we are!” “Oh.” He gave a nod. “Right.” “I’m glad you came here,” the brunette said with a warm smile. “You’re really nice. Plus, now I can pass this book onto someone who actually lives here! I’ll probably get the book, digitally, later, so…” “Well…” Joseph started, “the library does have a drop-slot–” She tilted her head. “Oh?” “– but, that doesn’t always mean books make it back to where they need to go.” “Oh…” “Masamune Public Library is notorious for ‘losing’ books from the drop slot. So… yeah. You can trust me to return it on time. Once I’ve read it, anyway.” “Actually… you probably shouldn’t start with that one.” “Huh?” Joseph slowed his swing to a stop. As he did, he noticed that Hikari was sheepishly grinning, again.

“That’s Book Number 3…” she confessed. “I read the other two, at home, and was working on that one, today. You should probably read them in order? I mean… you don’t have to, but–” “Well, if I read this one and like it, that would just make me more interested in getting the other ones, wouldn’t it?” “I… guess you’re right…? Okay– sure!” The two laughed before, once again, falling into a brief period of silence.

“So…” Joseph had resumed swinging when Hikari got his attention, again. “What brings you out this way, if you don’t mind my asking?” “I… needed to clear my head,” was all he cared to tell her. “I had a rough day.” “Tell me about it…” “Yeah.” “No, I mean…” She offered another smile as she suggested, “Tell me about it?” The fox hesitated for a long while, wanting to lose himself in the back-and-forth of swinging… but, after a few moments of ignoring Hikari… “I get it.” “What?” He came to a dead stop which almost made him fall out of the swing. Hikari had gotten up and was in the process of collecting her crutches.

“You don’t have to tell me about your day, if you don’t want to,” she told him with a somewhat sad smile. “I can guess that something went horribly wrong, so it’s understandable if you don’t want to talk about it. If you’re not going to talk at all, though, I should probably get going. I have a long day of paperwork, tomorrow, and–” “Wait.” She paused, hovering on her crutches and looking at the fox in the swing. “Yes?” “I… lost a friend, today.” Her hands immediately covered her mouth. All-at-once, she understood why her new acquaintance had been so hesitant to talk about his day. “I…” she softly whispered, lowering one hand while keeping the other clenched over her chest, “I thought something bad happened, but… Gosh, I’m so sorry…” “To be fair…” Joseph offered a comforting smile. “I knew she was gone, three years ago. I just… didn’t want to accept it. I still don’t.” “I… know what you mean.” “Y-you do…?” Hikari gave a nod as she set her crutches aside and sat back down. “Accepting that someone’s gone from your life can be hard… almost impossible… especially if you’re not even sure that they are gone. But, eventually… there’s a point where you can’t deny it, any longer. You have to face the facts and admit… to yourself… that they aren’t coming back, no matter what you do.” “You… sound like you’re speaking from experience.” The girl softly chuckled, but she didn’t seem willing to either confirmed or denied that.

“If the person you cared for also cared for you…” she continued, “you have to ask yourself, ‘What would they want me to do?’ And, if they didn’t care for you? Then, are they worth worrying over, anyway? Once a person is gone and they’ve all-but-proven they’re not coming back… there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it! It’s best to just remember the good times and try to forget whatever bad times may have happened. At the very least… those kinds of experiences teach us valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship. Right?” “You… had a bad relationship with someone, didn’t you?” Hikari gave another chuckle and closed her eyes before going silent. “I… guess I’m being a little transparent, huh?” she asked, after a moment. “Any more,” Joseph replied, “and I’d wonder if you were even here…” Her chuckles turned into giggles, then, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“Honestly… you’re right. Completely and totally.” “I am?” the girl curiously asked, watching her friend hold on to his swing’s chains. “Relationships… good-or-bad… teach us one thing: how much the relationship is worth to either party. And, they always end up hurting everyone involved… whatever the end may be.” “Mmm… Bleak, but… not untrue.” “This friend of mine… She was incredible. We had the best relationship…! But, circumstances beyond our control brought it all to a sudden and horrible close.” Hikari hesitated before asking, “Did… did something bad happen to her?” “She… well…” Joseph inhaled… then, he told her, “She d… died.” “I thought so…” The girl frowned. “I’m so sorry, Joseph…” “Like I said… she died, three years ago. Only just today am I starting to get that. Heh… I’m such a dope…” “You’re not a dope!” she immediately told him. “You just–” “I spent the last three years of my life telling myself that she’d be back. Today, I even went and saw her. But, that girl I saw… wasn’t the girl I loved, anymore…” The brunette gave a confused blink. “W… wait, what?” “The girl I loved died, three years ago. All I saw was a hollow shell…” “I… A-are we talking metaphorically, now? I thought–” “Screw that shell and its creator…” “R-religion…?” Hikari blankly stared. “Metaphors? Religion? What are you–” “Hope wouldn’t want me to be sad. Especially, not for three years. And, that girl? She wasn’t Hope.”

Joseph stood up and walked in front of Hikari. She gave another befuddled blink as he took her hands into his, squeezing them with a bright smile. “Thank you, Hikari. You helped me realize exactly what I need to do to bring this chapter of my life to a close.” She gave yet another blink as he spun around and started jogging away. “Take care of yourself!” he said to her. “And, thanks, for the book! I’ll return it to the library in a few days! I promise!” “What… just happened…?” was all she could say, then. “I’m so confused…!” –––––

Another bright, sunny day graced the house on the hill well outside of town. It was on this day that a familiar figure was working on moving boxes into a large storage building. “Just put that box of bolts anywhere, Marie,” a voice called from inside. “Yes, Doctor!” was the blue-haired girl’s cheerful reply. “Once you get those bolts in here, we can… who… who in Ash’s Void is that?” “What?” Marie looked in the direction her friend was staring. “Oh, no! It’s him, again!” She immediately set the box she was carrying down and ran into the storage building. Instinctively, she stood by her creator – who had reached to a nearby rack and retrieved a pump-action shotgun – as a furry figure waltzed into the yard of the house on the hill. Clearly, neither one of them were in a social, welcoming mood…

“Get off of my property, you filthy beast,” the doctor shouted as he walked down the driveway, Marie trailing behind. “I heard what you did to my– what. You? You?!” The girl blinked as her creator immediately leveled the barrel of his firearm at the approaching figure. When she heard him cock it, though… “Waaait…!” she cried. “Don’t shoot!” “What.” The dishevel doctor shot his creation a glare that made her wince. “I-I mean… l-let me talk to him? I drove him off, yesterday, so…” “Marie. This is the vermin who…” The doctor paused. “N-never mind.” “What? ‘The vermin who,’ what?” She gasped, her eyes going wide. “Did he do something to you, Doctor?! Is that why you hate beast-men…?” “He’s the vermin who… kept me from repairing you,” he carefully worded. “W-well… m-maybe, he had a reason?” “That’s… I…” Dr. Lewis growled. “M-Marie, go inside! I’ll take care of this pest!” “Wait! Don’t hurt him!” she pleaded. When she was greeted with a very sharp, impatient look, she clarified, “I-I mean… b-blood is really hard to clean off of grass and pavement…!” “It’s my pavement and I couldn’t care less about the–” “Hi.” “Gah!!”

Without any warning, the startled doctor fired a round… into the sky. None of the three present were injured, though at least two of them were startled by the sudden explosion of powder and steel balls. Still, that didn’t stop the stranger from smirking at the befuddled doctor. “Long-time-no-see, Dr. Lewis,” he said. “Not long enough!” The doctor cocked his gun, ejecting an empty shell, before shoving it right against the stranger’s chest. But, as he gave the trigger a second pull… “What…?” All he got was a click. “Great– just great! The one time I forget to reload this cockamamie thing…!” “Nice to see you, too, Doc…”

The enraged doctor gave another growl before swinging the butt of the empty gun at the visitor. Luckily, the other man seemed ready for it and jumped back… while holding his middle finger up and at the doctor. When the scruffy man lost his temper and threw his gun down… “Anyway. Marie.” The visitor took advantage of the situation and directly addressed the target of his visit.

“Go away!” Marie told him as she tried to calm her creator down. “You’ve severely upset the doctor and, frankly, you’re upsetting me just by being here! I told you that you weren’t welcome here! Why did you come back…?” “Because…” The fox-man inhaled, exhaled, then calmly told her… “I came to apologize.” Marie gave a blink of her green eyes. “You… want to apologize…?” “Enough of your lies, beast-man!” Dr. Lewis reached down the front of Marie’s outfit, surprising her as he whipped out the revolver from the other day. He was quick to point it right at the fox’s face, causing her to gasp. “Masamune City by-laws state that parties who enter private property uninvited are subject to punishment of the owner’s discretion!” he half-shouted at the intruder as he primed the firearm’s hammer. “You’ve trespassed on my land for the last time, vermin!” Just as he tried to pull the trigger, though… something stopped him. “Doctor Lewis!” And, that something was Marie.

“What? How did–” the confused doctor stammered as he found the gun he was holding suddenly in the hands of his creation. “Marie! I order you to give me back that gun!” “Yes, Doctor.” He smirked… only to scowl, not a moment later. “Marie! What are you doing?!” “I’m returning the gun to you,” she told him as she brought it back, handle-first. “I mean… why did you unload it, first?!” She gestured with her free hand to the fox-man. “So you wouldn’t shoot him?” Dr. Lewis narrowed his eyes… “Direct Command…” Marie’s blue eyebrows rose… then, she sharply gasped, dropping the bullets on the ground. Dr. Lewis had been cut off… by a disabling punch to the face.

“Anyway…” the fox said as he cracked his knuckles and smiled at Marie. “I came to apologize, and–” “G-get out of here!!” Marie suddenly shrieked as she pulled her furious creator close. “I came to apologize for the other day, when I–” “I said… get out of here!” she screamed, throwing the handgun at him. Even when it hit him in the face and knocked his glasses off, though, he refused to listen.

“I’m sorry for treating you like… like… uh, what are you–” “M.C.P.D!” Marie cried into what looked like a small display – something she’d pulled from seemingly nowhere. “There’s a psychotic stalker at the Lewis complex outside of town! He assaulted the doctor and refuses to leave! Please, help us! Hurry!!” –––––

“Well-well-well… What’ve we learned, Mr. Lithius?” “Shove it, Jess.” “Heh.”

Joseph leaned against the passenger-side door of a car, arms crossed and a huge pout on his face as his friend, Jessica, drove him home. Against all reason and logic, he decided to stick around for the police to arrive while Marie and the dizzy doctor barricaded themselves inside the lab-house. When given the chance to make a phone call, the fox woke up his very-angry night-owl friend and had her come get him… despite the fact asking someone else would have been a much better idea on all fronts. Still, even though she was angry, Jessica understood why he’d called her instead of anyone else. She was the one who understood his situation best, after all… That, and she knew his sister would never let it go, if she heard about it.

“Tell me somethin’, kiddo…” she started as she drove. “What made’ja go over where ya ain’t welcome… ‘specially whilst someone who outright hates ya was ‘round? What’cha hope t’ accomplish? Anythin’?” “All I wanted to do was apologize.” Joseph sat up and continued, his tone turning indignant. “It’s not my fault Dr. Lewis pulled two guns on me! Marie even seemed like she wanted to hear what I had to say!” “‘til ya clocked th’ doc.” “‘til… I clocked Dr. Lewis, yes,” he begrudgingly admitted. “But, he just would not calm down! A-and, when I heard him start in with that ‘Direct Command’ crap–” “Joseph… Can I ask ya somethin’ really personal?” “What?” He paused, blinking at his companion. “Y-yeah? I guess?” “Joseph…” She paused, herself, before asking… “Are ya tryin’ t’ get yerself killed?” He gave another blink. “What…?” “‘cause, it sounds t’ me like that’s th’ case.” “I… I’m… I’m not, though?” “Joseph… Marie shot you. Three times!” “She never hit anything important, though!” “How’s yer shoulder?” she randomly asked. “It’s… fine?” “I ask ‘cause… Doc Lewis was gonna blow a hole t’ match that’n… through yer chest!” “Yeah, but he only had one shotgun she–”

Joseph stopped in mid-sentence. Jessica had slammed on the breaks of her car, sending him head-first into the dashboard with a loud grunt. As he settled back into his seat, the fox rubbed his sore head and his ears flicked at the mess of angry honking coming from behind them. When he looked at Jessica, though… he noticed that she was hunched toward the dashboard and looking away. She seemed like she was clutching the steering wheel pretty hard, too…

“Joseph Theodore Lithius…” “Y-yes…?” he replied. “Stop. Jus’… stop, okay? Fer me?” “What…?” “Stop tryin’ t’ die… Please?” “But, I’m not trying to–” “Bullshit!!” Joseph winced as his friend finally snapped. He had to blink, again, as he noticed the way she was glaring at him. “J… Jessie?” She didn’t seem angry. She seemed… scared.

After explaining to highway patrol why they were blocking traffic – not to mention getting a hefty fine, which Joseph said he would take care of – Jessica pulled off the highway and found an alley to park in. Once they were settled, the latter pushed their seat back, crawled into the rear of the vehicle, and curled into a ball, cocooning herself within her wings. She was visibly shaking… but, Joseph didn’t understand why.

“Jessie…?” he called as he undid his seatbelt. “Are you–” “Don’t ‘Jessie’ me, you stupid asshole!!” The fox winced. Jessica had pulled her head up just to shout at him. In the brief moment he’d seen her face, though… he noticed that she still looked scared. Her face also looked a little wetter than it had been, prior… “Jessie…?” He opened his door and immediately walked to the back, opening the door but not re-entering the vehicle. “Jessie, are you crying?” “Yes!” she exclaimed from behind her arms and wings. “W… why are you crying? Why do you look so scared, too? Jessie, talk to me,” he said as he leaned down and nudged himself inside. “What’s wrong?” “‘What’s wrong?’” she repeated with a chuckle of disbelief. “What’s wrong, ‘e says… Heh-heh. Ha hah…! I… I can’t believe you’d even ask that!” “W-well… I mean… I am pretty slo–” “I can’t take this, anymore… I can’t do this, anymore…” “W-what? You… can’t do what, exactly?” he asked with increasing worry.

After a moment of being quiet, Jessica sat up only to pull away and curl against the corner of the car, holding her head with one arm while the other hugged her legs at-the-knee. She looked horrible… which only made Joseph worry more. “Joseph…” she sniffled, “I can’t do this, anymore. I can’t be… can’t be…” “‘Can’t be’ what…?” He offered a friendly smile. “You can talk to me, Jessie.” “I can’t be yer rock, anymore… I can’t be th’ one ya call when yer in trouble, ‘r if yer sad, ‘r whatever! I can’t do this… not ‘f yer gonna go out ‘n actively try ‘n get yerself killed!!” “But, Jessie… I’m not trying to get myself ki–” He stopped to blink. Jessica had grabbed him by the shirt collar and yanked him over. “You. Did! You have been! I can’t– I can’t take it, anymore…!!” She threw him back against the other door, then, before curling up tighter.

“I… I don’t understand where you’re coming from, Jess…” the fox told her, trying to be as honest as he could be. “I mean… sure, after Hope was gone, I definitely felt like dying… I’ve wanted to die… but, I didn’t die. I didn’t even ‘try,’ so to speak!” “Marie shot ya! Doc Lewis was gonna shoot ya! Fatally!” The bat-girl gave a squeaky whimper. “I– I can’t handle this. I can’t handle this! I can’t handle you!!”

For a moment, Joseph was pretty sure Jessica was going to punch him in the face. But, her sudden scurrying threw him for a loop when, instead of shoving her fist into his face… she scrambled out the door, climbed up the nearby fire escape, and… to his utter surprise, glided off! “I… did not know she could do that,” he said as he exited the car and watched her zip into the horizon. “Er, wait. Did she have her keys on her? Aw, dammit…”

Joseph ended up taking a cab home, that evening. Once he got there, he pretty much went straight to bed. It kind of bothered him that his friend’s sudden panic attack wasn’t phasing him as much as he’d expected… but, at the same time, he figured he was just too tired to care. In fact… that was how he felt about everything, as he fell asleep. “Huh–? Wuh?” Almost as soon as he’d fallen asleep, though, he found himself awoken by something… Something which was holding him. Pretty tightly, at that…

“J… Jessie?” he called to the darkness. “Is that you?” “I’m sorry…” her voice called back, barely above a whisper. “It’s okay, Jessie. These things happen, I guess?” There was a long pause before he heard her ask, “You really don’t care, do you?” “Uh… about?”

He gave a blink as he felt something touch his throat. He thought Jessica might bite him… but, it didn’t take him long to figure out that she’d only kissed him. When he heard some shuffling, though, and felt her weight and warmth disappear, he was quick to sit up and turn on a light. And, there she was… still dressed in the outfit from before – her usual shirt-and-slacks – with her back turned and legs guiding her toward the bedroom door.

“It’s surprisin’…” she told him as she delayed at the threshold. “I knew ya got sad, but never thought ya’d fall inta complete disassociation.” “Jessie?” He tilted his head. “I don’t under–” “I-it’s fine. I geddit. Well, no… I don’t. I don’t geddit. But, if this ‘s how ya wanna live yer life, from now on? All ‘cause of a lost love? Heh. Count me out.” She paused, again, before she looked over her shoulder with her green eye. “I love ya too much t’ watch ya throw yer life away… but, I can’t be yer guardian angel, no more. Ya used t’ be cool… but, three years’a this… It’s been too much… even fer me. Call me when ya give a flip, again. Okay? I’ll be waitin’… jus’ like always…”

The bat-girl deeply sighed and turned away, continuing to walk off. As she did… she left one very groggy and confused fox behind… One that fell right back to sleep, shortly after.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2056 #Curtain Call #original characters #Bruce Hikari #Joseph Lithius #Marie #Xander Lewis #Jessica Ingmann #drama

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Curtain Call, Ch. I

Chapter 1 of "Curtain Call," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

This is the beginning of the end…

Word count: 3,613 – Character count: 20,140 Originally written: February 11th, 2019

After a painfully-long wait, Joseph finds the right moment to visit an "old friend…"

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On a brightly-lit, sunny day, a girl in overalls and a green T-shirt stood outside of a large house, hanging wet clothing on a drying line. She hummed a tune to herself, smiling all-the-while. She had just finished hanging what appeared to be a bright-white lab coat on the line and bent down to retrieve a short-sleeved T-shirt with a colorful design on the front. When she leaned up, however, she was greeted by an unexpected interruption in the form of a furry face.

“O-oh, h-hello…” she stammered before clearing her throat. “Are you here to deliver the mechanisms to the doctor?” The furry face curled into a frown and its owner reached over to her, causing her to take a cautious step back. “P-please, place the boxes near that folding door,” she emphatically requested, “then be on your way, if that’s not too much trouble!” “Hope…” they said in a soft, masculine voice. The girl’s brow furled downward and the scowled. “That is my hope, yes.” “You’re… my Hope…” “I beg your pardon…?”

The blue-haired girl took another step back as the fur-bearing figure in the long trenchcoat grabbed at her, narrowly missing one strap of her blue, denim overalls. Her expression changed to one of anger as the stranger stepped forward, then she drew something from within the chest flap of her outfit which stopped him cold. “Do not take another step!” she warned, pointing an old-style, six-chamber firearm at him. “I have been authorized – and, instructed – by my creator to, in the event of a hostile trespasser, use this! I really… really don’t want to, though, so please… don’t make me!”

The figure slowly put his hands in the air and took two steps away from the girl holding him at gunpoint. When the stranger’s golden eyes followed the path from the barrel of the gun back to the girl’s face, they noticed something… “You… really don’t want to shoot me, do you…?” “No, I don’t!” she said as her angry eyes began to water. “I hate the idea of hurting anyone who hasn’t done anything wrong! S-so, please! Don’t do anything wrong… and– and, just leave! Okay…?”

There was a long pause as the stranger stared into the girl’s eyes… She was shaking and seemed unsure of her actions. It would have been easy for the stranger to knock the gun out of her hand and overpower her. However… “You’re in there… You remember me…!” “What?” “You remember me… don’t you…? Hope?” She gave a blink, clearing her eyes. The stranger was smiling… but, for whatever reason… he’d started crying, as well!

“I’ve been counting the days until Dr. Lewis got out of jail and reactivated you,” he said as he turned around with a sigh. “I’ve been anxiously waiting for the right time to get you by yourself… so I can convince you to come home. I’ve been miserable without you, Hope… Knowing that bastard had you in his clutches… it was eating me, alive! But, that’s all in the past. I’m here for you… in the present. So, what do you say?” He turned back toward the girl with a smile and extended a hand her way. “Let’s go home. Okay?”

A warm breeze blew through the area, rustling the girl’s long, blue hair and the short, amber-colored fur of the stranger’s vulpine tail. His chocolate-tipped ears flicked while her green eyes twitched. All-the-while, she maintained a vigilant stance, keeping the firearm pointed at her target who no longer seemed concerned about being threatened. Neither one of them seemed to have anything more to say. That is, until… “What…?” The girl pulled the hammer back on the gun, closing one eye and taking a sturdier stance, her aim leveled at the fox’s head. All-at-once, he realized… she was reacting to what he’d said.

“My name isn’t ‘Hope,’ you stalker!” the girl shouted. “But–” he started, only to be interrupted. “I can’t believe you’ve been watching the doctor… watching me! What sort of sick– forget it, I don’t want to know! All I want is for you to get out of my sight!” “But–!” The fox yelped and winced as the girl fired a shot which grazed his ear, then he looked up just in time to see her pull the hammer back a second time and re-establish her aim. “Last. Warning.”

The stranger couldn’t believe what had just happened. The girl… whom he was absolutely certain would be convinced to go with him… had actually attacked him! He was tempted to ask whatever happened to “not wanting to hurt him…” but, he found himself too distraught by what he saw as her betrayal to say anything more than… “But… I love you…!” “If you ‘love me’ so much,” the girl said with growing irritation, “then, leave us… leave me… alone!” “But–!” Again, the fox winced and yelped. As he reached out for a second time, she quickly shifted her aim and grazed him along the forearm. And, as he held his arm and whimpered, he noticed her level the gun at him a third time.

“Are you stupid?!” she shouted with angry, tearful eyes. “Why do you keep pushing me?! Do you want me to kill you?!” “Y… yes…” The stranger gave another yelp. The girl had shot him, again… and, just like the last two shots, she’d missed anything vital. However, the hole she’d left in his right shoulder was a clear indication that she was running out of patience…

“Get… out of here!!” she shouted as loudly as she could. “Please…!” “Why are you… haa… acting like this…?” was his response as he held his bleeding wound. “Don’t you remember me…? It’s me… Joseph!” “I don’t know any ‘Joseph!’” was her sharp response as she shook her head. “The doctor was right! You beast-men are vile, selfish, horrible creatures! But, I can’t… I can’t do this…” She slowly lowered the gun, gingerly letting the hammer come to rest in its cradle. “Joseph…” the girl said in a compassionate, somewhat sad tone. “I’m not ‘Hope.’ I’ve never been Hope. By Ash, I’ll probably never be Hope. You’re mistaken. I’m… I’m sorry that I shot you, but you just won’t listen…” The girl sighed and shook her head before looking his way, again. “If you love me… if you love her… then, just… go. Okay? I can’t and won’t be your ‘Hope.’ That’s all there is to it…” “But…” “‘But,’ what?” Joseph winced. The girl sounded irritated, again. “But… but…” He hesitated… then, he sighed before finally telling her… “But, you’re right. You’re not Hope.” She sighed, again, before offering a faint smile. “Thank you.” “Hope would never hurt me like you have… ‘Marie.’” “How do you–” The girl paused, then growled. “You know what? I don’t care.” With that, Marie put the gun back into her overalls and crossed her arms. “Go with Ash’s grace. May He ensure that the doctor never sees you on his property.”

Joseph narrowed his eyes… and, so did she. A moment later, he gave a grunt, then he turned around and quietly shuffled away from the area. Once he was well out-of-sight, Marie trembled… then, she collapsed on-the-spot, crashing to her knees and leaning back on her arms. The girl was shaking… heavily panting… and seemed altogether terrified! But, after a moment or two of sitting there… she fell over backward and gave a deep, heavy sigh. “I can’t believe that man…” she told herself. “Thank Ash that Doctor Lewis was in-town, today… He wouldn’t have hesitated to put a bullet right through that fox’s brain! What was that guy’s problem, anyway? Why would he call me ‘Hope?’ He knew my name was ‘Marie…’ somehow… But, I wonder… I wonder if that ‘Hope’ of his was– no-no, I’m over-thinking it. It won’t do me any good to speculate. I’ll probably never see him, again, anyway! Still…” She slowly got to her feet and brushed some dead grass from her body, her eyes looking in the direction the fox had walked toward. “Maybe… I should ask the doctor about this ‘Hope’ business… Worst-case-scenario, he can’t tell me anything I don’t already know! Which… isn’t much.” She softly giggled… then, she gave another sigh. “Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes!”

Marie reached down, retrieving a T-shirt and two pins from the basket at her feet. And, before long… she went back to hanging clothes, just like nothing had happened. –––––

“Stop whinin’, dammit!”

The gold-furred fox hissed and huffed as his companion, a black-furred bat, attempted to apply some sort of red liquid to the hole in his shoulder. It was pretty clear that, between the pain of the wound and the added irritation of the ice-cold liquid, he was not having fun.

“I tol’ja goin’ ‘n seein’ ‘er’d end up wi’cha gettin’ hurt!” the bat firmly told him. “Eat me, Jess,” was his reply… followed by another hiss. “Careful!” “Yer an idiot, ya know that, Joe?” “E-excuse me…?” Joseph looked up at his friend. He was quickly met with an angry, almost hostile frown. “Ya heard me! Yer an idiot! ‘n, I don’t mean that inna good way!” “Once again: eat me,” he spat. “Ya know…” Jessica leaned back, crossing her arms. “I don’t have t’ fix yer wounds.” “Fine.” The fox looked away. “I don’t deserve healing, anyway…” “Oh, here we go…” He looked up, then. “What?” “‘Poor me, poor me,’” the redhead mocked, “‘my android doesn’t love me anymore!’’ Well, here’s some news for ya: she don’t exist, no more! Nimrod!” “She… she didn’t kill me, though. Jessie, she’s in there. Somewhere…” “No. She ain’t.” “How would you know?!” he suddenly shouted. “Have you talked to her?!” “Lyra said she turbo-nuked all that was Hope, hun…” Jessica gave a concerned frown. “Hope’s gone… Hope’s been gone fer over three years. Whatever personality’s in there now ain’t Hope ‘n it’ll never be Hope! Why can’cha understand that…?” The bat-girl leaned inward, her red-and-green eyes staring right into Joseph’s. “Hope. Was. An. Artificial intelligence program. One wid no backup, apparently. Not… that it’d matter. Those would’a been wiped, too! Soon as they was found, I mean. Heh.

“Josey, it’s been three-years-plus. Ya don’t have t’ forget. I know I sure won’t! But, I mean… ya been sick ’n gettin’ sicker, over th’ months. You could use a haircut ’n maybe a visit from a maid. This place is a mess! Anyway… this obsession ain’ good fer ya. Ain’ it ‘bout time t’ let go? Maybe, look towards th’ future instead’a dwellin’ on th’ past?” “There is no future without my Hope…”

Shortly after saying those words, Joseph found himself on the floor. He also noticed that the right side of his face hurt almost as much as his right shoulder. A glance up toward Jessica showed him that she had her left hand balled into a fist. She also looked absolutely furious…

“You stupid… selfish… asshole!!” Jessica shouted. “Even after Marie tells you, ‘erself, that she ain’t Hope… yer still gonna obsess over ‘er like ya ‘ave been fer th’ last three years?!” Joseph spit a tooth out, looking at it before his eyes returned to his companion. “Congratulations,” he muttered. “You finally knocked one loose.” “I– d-don’t change th’ subject, jackass! Ya got an unhealthy obsession wid th’ past… wid Hope… She. Is. Gone! What part’a that ain’ ya gettin’?!”

“I. Love her,” Joseph countered as he got to his feet. “What part of that aren’t you getting?” “I love you, stupid!!” The bat-girl paused before adding, “We all do! That’s why we been so worried! Wha’cher doin’ ain’t healthy, hun…” “What I’m doing is nobody’s business but my own.” The fox narrowed his eyes. “If I want to wallow in misery, then get lost and leave me to it.” Jessica smirked. “Nothin’ doin’, kiddo! We worked too hard on ya t’ let’cha go t’ pot.” “Nobody asked you to ‘work on me.’ I certainly didn’t.” “Yeah, well… funny thing ‘bout friends…” The bat-girl stepped forward, throwing an arm around Joseph’s shoulders with a grin. “Sometimes, we like t’ meddle ‘n our friends lives! If we can do anythin’ t’ make ‘em smile… we’re gonna do it! So, there!” Jessica stuck her tongue out. A moment later, Joseph murmured, “Ow. My shoulder.” “Sit back down, ya big baby,” was his friend’s response as she pushed him back into his seat. “Let Nurse Jess fix ya up…”

Sometime after Jessica applied the healing salve and bandaged the wound, the two found themselves in a familiar situation. Joseph had settled into a laying position, his head elevated as he rested on his couch. Meanwhile, Jessica sat nearby, idly petting the head that rested on her legs while the two watched a movie. It was certainly a cozy way to end a hectic day… but, Joseph found that he couldn’t focus on the movie. His head was too full of thoughts…

“What if she’s just pretending?” he asked during the film. “What if she’s still in there, but she has to pretend she isn’t?” “Shh, here comes th’ good part,” was his friend’s dismissive answer. “What if Dr. Lewis programmed her to forget me? What if she’s telling the truth?” “Look, look! ‘e’s about t’ go in!” “What if Hope secretly hates me for letting her get caught up in that mess… and, that’s why she’s acting like this… why she shot me…?” “What ‘f she did ‘n what ‘f she didn’? What ‘f th’ world was made’a puddin’?” Joseph gave a sharp blink. “What?” “All I’m sayin’… is yer overthinkin’ it, Joe.” “But–” Jessica put a hand over his mouth, then. When he looked up, he noticed that she was giving him a soft smile.

“I know ya dun wanna b’lieve it’s true…” she said as she turned the television off and focused entirely on him, “but… Hope was a program, Joe. That don’t mean she had fake thoughts ‘r mean th’ way she felt was fake. It just means that once she’s gone… she’s gone. It ain’t so diff’rent from you ‘n me, actually. I mean, ‘f Marie had shot ya dead, there’d be no more Joe t’ pick on, either!” He looked away and sighed, “I wish she had killed me…” “Yea’, well, she didn’, so yer still stuck ‘ere wid friends what love you! Sooo saaad!” When his eyes turned back toward Jessica, he could see the big grin on her face. But, even that couldn’t bring him out of his dark place…

“Aren’t… aren’t you sad, too?” he quietly asked. “Don’t you miss her…?” “She ‘n sure had somethin’ special… We made quite th’ sexy pair!” she added with a giggle. “Those three years we was all t’gether… it was a damn good time. Hope was so sweet ‘n sassy. ‘n, gods damn, could she kiss!” Joseph sat up and positioned himself at the other end of the couch. He gestured with one hand as he asked, “If you miss her… why aren’t you sad? Why aren’t you trying to get her back? Why aren’t you doing anything…?” Jessica shrugged. “I a’ready did my grievin’, kiddo. I broke Lyra’s leg ‘n popped ‘er eye, then I said a few words at Hope’s funeral. Oh, an’ I got freakin’ tanked, later that night.” He perked. “What?” “Oh, yea’!” The girl laughed before telling her friend, “After th’ funeral, I went home ‘n absolutely ruined my liquor cab! When I woke up th’ nex’ night, I took a monster dump, then I went th’ work ‘n, uh… kind’a… smashed some guy’s face in? I… took th’ week off ‘n did some thinkin’. Actually, was more like Mindy forced me t’ use my vay-cay days t’ get my head on straight. Th’ gym only ‘as so much med cov’rage fer Silver Members! Apparen’ly!” Jessica gave another long laugh which slowed, quieted, and faded. Her expression changed, then, and she removed her glasses before rubbing her eyes.

“Hope’s gone, sweets,” she repeated from earlier as she put her glasses back. “It took me a while t’ cope. I got it, eventually, though… ‘n, I’m stronger for it.” “But, what if she’s not?” Joseph interjected. “What if–” “Look!” the bat-girl snapped, making him wince. “That blue-haired cutie what works fer Doc Lewis? She may look like Hope, but that ain’t Hope! Not no more. She got a hard reset – worse than a fact’ry reset, even – ‘n she’s back t’ bein’ Lewis’ lackey, ‘r whatever. And!” The fox winced, again. He was going to say something, but Jessica intercepted him. “Even if we could convince ‘er that she was Hope, it wouldn’t change a thing. One: she’s legally Lewis’ property! Two: she ain’t got any’a Hope’s mem’ries ‘r personality. ‘n three: we ain’t got a backup’a anything Hope-related, so even if we found-or-made a new body for ‘er… we still wouldn’t ‘ave th’ Hope we knew-‘n-loved. Got it?” “But, what if–” “Joseph! There ain’ no ‘buts’ t’ be had! Hope’s dead! Hope. Is. Dead! D-E-A-D. D’ceased! D’parted! D’stroyed!! Lyra killed her!” “N-no, no, I refuse to believe that Miss Lyra–” “She didn’ do it fer fun ‘r outta malice…” Jessica interrupted with a frown. “She was jus’ doin’ ‘er job. ‘n, from what ya tol’ me… she hated doin’ it.” Joseph fell silent, leaving Jessica to go on.

“Lyra had a job t’ do ‘n did it right. I hated ‘er for it… but, it wasn’ ‘til ya tol’ me what she tol’ja at th’ church, three years ago, that I realized that she hated ‘erself fer what she done. Hope may’ve been 1s ‘n 0s, even t’ her… but, even someone like Lyra knew that people cared ‘bout those 1s ‘n 0s on a deeply-pers’nal level! I’d like th’ think that overgrown wuff knew that Hope cared, too. I mean, it was stupid of ‘er not t’ tell ya that was ‘er last day on Ragnarok… but, she did it t’ make sure ya wouldn’ spend ‘er last day tryin’ t’ find a fix to a countdown what couldn’t be stopped… She wanted ‘er last day t’ be th’ best it could possibly be… even ‘f it meant not tellin’ ya th’ whole truth. Heh, selfish brat…”

Jessica gave another sigh… then, she offered Joseph a smile. The fox looked up, his ears folded and a small frown on his face. He’d stopped crying, but it was pretty obvious that he was still really upset… maybe even a little confused. “Wanna hug…?” the girl offered. “I…” He hesitated… then, he shook his head and got to his feet. “I’m gonna… go walk this off.” “Okay! I’ll join ya!” Jessica stood up… only to be pushed back down. She tilted her head, then, giving the fox a slightly concerned look. “I… would rather you didn’t.” “Wuh– why not?” She resisted the urge to crack a joke, deciding to instead ask, “D’I do somethin’ wrong?” “I’m not upset with you, no,” was his response. “I just… want to be alone, right now.” “Well, uh… okay, I guess.” Jessica smirked as she told him, “You be back here by th’ time I need’a go t’ work, though! If yer not, I’ll come find ya! That’s a promise!” “Mm.” The girl gave a slight chuckle as Joseph walked out of the living room. As he headed out the front door, he heard Jessica tell him, “Be safe, kiddo.” Then, he hopped in his car and left.

After a short drive, Joseph parked his vehicle in Masamune Central Park and got out. The weather had turned a little chillier than it had been, earlier tha day, so he was glad he’d grabbed his long coat. It wasn’t long before he set out in a random direction, aimlessly wandering as he went nowhere, just taking in the sights and sounds of the nearby happenings.

School had released for the day not two hours prior, and though the daylight was dwindling, there were still plenty of children and teenagers scooting around, laughing, playing, and enjoying the chilly day. Much of the youngest generation had taken to playing on the hanging bars and metal playground equipment. Some of them were defending the forts from invaders, using squirt guns to repel them, while those not involved played chasing games. Watching that reminded him of his own youth… such as it was; being trapped in the orphanage, then trapped in that lab… But, as he saw a wounded child being tended to by their mother, it reminded him of his own “mother figure,” from the lab… and, it reminded him to call his own adoptive mom. When I’m feeling better… he promised himself.

His eyes moved to the teens who were scattered about, then. Some were simply loitering in the four gazebos of the park while others took to the area dedicated to skateboarding and roller-skating. There were even a few teens at the park’s pool, too… swimming, despite the cooling temperatures, and having a blast. He also noticed a couple of teens simply relaxing in the nearby heated pool. The two seemed close… It reminded him of his later teen years and of his own first love… which made him wonder how she was doing, wherever she’d ended up…

Eventually, Joseph got bored of simply walking around and he found a seat at his favorite park attraction of them all: the swing set! There was just something relaxing about the rhythmic motions of pushing forward and leaning back… But, before he could set himself down, he noticed that there was someone already seated in his usual, far-right swing…

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2056 #Curtain Call #original characters #Joseph Lithius #Marie #Jessica Ingmann #???#drama

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Healing Hearts, Ch. IV

The final chapter (Chapter 4) of "Healing Hearts," an Essence of Ragnarok story. (Originally Chapter 3)

Joseph really does and have complicated love-life, doesn't he? Hope's way of doing things is far less stressful.

Word count: 6,626 – Character count: 37,750 Originally written: December 14th, 2018

Jessica and Hope decide to confront the problem head-on.

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Hey.

You’re still probably mad, but Hope and I want you to come over to her place for lunch at the end of the week! I’m making PIZZA~ Oh and I wanna talk about stuff. INTERESTED? :3

After her last shift for the week ended, that was the text message Jessica sent to Joseph’s phone. Soon after, she put her flat-panel phone in her pocket, looked up at the moon, and took a long, cathartic drag from the cigarette in her mouth before blowing smoke into the clear night air. “This’d better work…” she said to herself. “Otherwise, I dunno what else t’ try…”

The next day, as Jessica was shopping at her favorite grocery chain, she felt her phone buzz in her rear pocket. She withdrew it, gave it a poke, then went wide-eyed in surprise.

Okay.

That was all the response Joseph had given her.

Okay? she replied. She must have waited for a good five minutes… but, it didn’t seem like the fox was in the mood to send a follow-up. Shit, she thought. I guess I’ll tell Hope t’ either expect ‘im or don’t… ‘f ‘e flakes? She grinned, then. More pizza fer us!

Two days later, Jessica drove into Masamune City and headed to Hope’s apartment – a journey that was more-than-familiar to her, by that point. She parked outside of the complex, retrieved her stuff from the back seat, and closed the door. A minute later, she walked up to Hope’s door and gave it a knock. “Yo, Blueberry!” she called. “It’s me!” “What’s the password?” is what she heard, next. “‘Open th’ dang door!’” was her “guess.” When there was no response, she added a polite, but sharp, “Please.” “Close enough!” The door swung open, revealing the form of the short, blue-haired girl. However, Jessica immediately noticed… “Wuh? You look diff’rent…”

“Different?” Hope said as she stood aside to let the taller girl in. “I just put on leggings because I know Joseph likes leg-wear…” “‘Kay, but… yer hair’s diff’rent, too!” “O-oh, you noticed?” She fidgeted before twirling a lock of her blue hair around her finger. As Jessica had noted, it was worn loose, but hung down to her mid-back, instead of stopping at her shoulders… “I… remember Joseph saying something about liking girls with longer hair? S-so, I had my friend – the one I go to for cosmetic touch-ups – extend my hair, a little, while he was patching the holes you made in my skin. Do– do you think Joseph will notice…?” “One can… hope!” Jessica joked. Hope giggled a little, then gave a nod.

“Anyhoo…” Jessica walked into the kitchen and set two bags on the counter. “I brought over some dough I made fer a pizza, right? Plus, some sauce, a bunch’a meat, a couple diff’rent cheeses, ‘n some chopped veggies – ‘cuz why not? I a’so grabbed some hot wings ‘n mozzarella cheese sticks, plus a liter bottle’a cola! Even wid th’ three of us, we ought’a have plen’y t’ munch on! We might even send Josey home wid some leftovers!” “That sounds wonderful!” Hope said as she clapped her hands together. “One question?” “Yea’?” “What can I do to start helping you?” The bat-girl tilted her head. Hope was giving her a bright, almost anxious sort of smile and seemed to be leaning toward the bags. “Uhh… well… everything’s kind’a… a’ready made up…?” Jessica skittishly told her. “Um, you can pre-heat th’ oven, if ya–” “What temperature should I set it to?” She gave a blink. Hope had already zoomed over to her oven. “Uh… how high can it go?” “About… 250 degrees, give-or-take!” “Then, crank that bad boy up!” Hope tilted her head. “Don’t you normally cook pizza at 175 degrees?” “Frozen pizza, sure!” Jessica told her as she started with withdraw ingredients. “But, this ain’ no frozen pizza, babe!” “I’ve never made hand-made pizza, before…” the other girl commented as she set the knob on her oven as high as it would go. “I’ll have to take your word for it.” “Hones’ly, 260’s what I usually do. But, 250 ain’ bad!” “I see…” Hope quietly hummed before walking back over to the counter.

“What else can I do for you?” “Get me some parchment paper?” “What?” Hope gave a confused look. “Parchment paper!” Jessica tilted her head. “Bakin’ paper? S’like wax paper, but it’s made’a silicone, so it dun burn easy.” “Ah.” The girl paused, then she said, “I don’t have any.” “Uh…” Jessica looked her way. “Don’t s’pose ya gotta bakin’ stone, neither?” “Sorry… I’ve never had a use for one.” “Sheeeiiit.” The bat shook her head. “‘f I’d known, I would’a brought my sis’ bakin’ stone. She’s th’ one what taught me how t’ make real good pizza!” “Can… can we use a baking pan, instead?” Hope asked as she fidgeted with her hair. “We’re gonna have to, I guess…” Jessica sighed before telling her, “Grab yer biggest bakin’ pan ‘n we’ll see what we ‘ave t’ work wid.”

The redhead patiently waited, leaning against the counter with crossed arms. Hope was taking a while to rummage through her cabinets. When she finally withdrew and showed her biggest baking pan, though… “Oh, come-the-fuck-on!” It was barely big enough for a personal pan pizza.

“Unbelievable… un-fuckin’-believable!” the bat huffed. “Jessica…?” She had walked over and turned the oven off, then left the kitchen. When Hope stepped out to follow, she noticed that her friend had pulled her car keys out. “Jessica, where–” “I’mma go buy some freakin’ parchment paper,” she half-growled without looking at Hope. “Stay here. If Joe comes by, tell ‘im we hit a snag wid lunch.” “Can I do–” “No.” Jessica paused… then, she turned toward the other girl. “Wait, yes.” She gave a blink of her green eyes and offered a friendly smile. “What can I do?” “Put th’ soda ‘n th’ fridge, put th’ wings ‘n sticks ‘n th’ freezer, then… I– I dunno, have a seat ‘n wait, I guess! Fuckin’… hrmph.”

After giving those instructions, Jessica left in a hurry, driving out of parking lot like a woman possessed! Hope couldn’t help but frown… I had one job! she internally shouted as she walked back into the kitchen. All I had to do was have a baking sheet big enough! The only thing I’ve ever baked on one these was some cookies, or a frozen lasagna… You don’t even need a big sheet for those. She deeply sighed as she put away the things Jessica had told her to. I know it’s not my fault… but, I can’t help but feel like it is.

Hope spent the next twenty minutes finding ways to pass the time. She was too upset with herself to draw and didn’t feel like reading. She’d thought about listening to music, but she knew she’d still have to find something to actually do. In the end, she wound up seated in front of her television, watching some random infomercial about a sealant that, allegedly, could fix any-and-all car tires. Hmph. What a load of malarkey, she thought with a scowl. If it were that easy to reliably repair a car tire, business wouldn’t be nearly as good, at work! Why, people would never have to buy another tire or have the ones they owned looked at, ever again! Yet, that’s exactly what this infomercial is promising! Ridiculous! And, yet… She shook her head with another sigh. There are people who would purchase this product and expect the miracles it promises. Those people are, usually, the ones who end up needing to replace a tire, completely. Her scowl deepened and her brow lowered. “Miracle” products, like this, should be outlawed!

After a few more minutes of watching – largely, because the skits were actually kind of amusing – Hope turned the television off. She could hear a car parking, outside. That didn’t take too long, she thought as she stood up and walked to the door. She waited… then, when she heard a knock on her door, she called out… “Come in!” She wore a cheerful smile, her hands behind her back and her excitement building. With Jessica’s return, they could finally begin on that pizza she wanted to make! Unfortunately… “Hey…” It wasn’t Jessica who’d opened the door.

“J-Joseph…!” Hope was genuinely surprised to see the amber-furred fox standing there, dressed in a long coat and newsboy cap, both black-in-color. His face was hidden under a scarf… but, his eyes seemed friendly enough. His ears, though, were folded back…

“May I come in?” the fox asked. The android fidgeted, suddenly running her hands through a length of her hair. She really hadn’t been expecting Joseph so soon. Why was he standing there, though? She knew she’d said, “come in…” Maybe, he’d misheard her? “I-I– s-sure! Yes!” she stammered. “Please, come in!” “Is this a bad time?” Joseph tilted his head before asking, “Should I come back?” “N-no! I just…” Hope closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. She didn’t know why she felt so nervous… She had seen Joseph a million times, before – at least half of those being at her place. Yet, seeing him arrive, that afternoon, made her feel more nervous than she’d felt in a long while.

“I’m sorry…” she eventually apologized, looking at him with a soft smile. “Jessica just left to buy some parchment paper, so I assumed you were her.” “Well, I’m not.” The way he practically spat those words made Hope wince. “What I mean to say is–” “No. I get it. You’d rather see her than me.” “What…?” “That’s fine.” Joseph shrugged. “I’m used to people abandoning me, by now.” “Joseph… that’s not at all what–” “I knew this was a waste of time…” The fox sighed. “See ya…” “Jo– Joseph! Wait…!”

Hope reached out, grabbing Joseph by the arm as he tried to escape. “Why did you stop me?” he calmly asked without looking back. “I’m not your girlfriend. I’m just some fox that–” He suddenly stopped talking. He wasn’t sure until he looked down… but, Hope had pulled herself close, pressing against his back, and wrapped her arms around his midsection. “I missed you…” she whimpered. “Please, don’t go…” “You… missed me?” The squeeze he got seemed to be all the answer the girl could muster. When he turned around, moments later, his expression softened and his normally-lazy eyes opened. “Hey… I– I’m sorry… Don’t cry.” “I can’t help it…” Hope quietly confessed as she smiled up to him with wet eyes. “I-it’s only been a few days, but I really missed you…! I don’t want you to leave so soon…” “W… well, then? I… won’t?” Her smile brightened and she gave him another hug – one that he hesitantly returned. “I…” It seemed like he was going to say something… but, after another moment… “Thank you for inviting me over.” He decided to say that, instead.

After leading Joseph into her apartment and taking his coat, scarf, and hat, Hope spent a moment calming herself down. She hadn’t been lying… she really was excited to see Joseph! But, she was hesitant to tell him how excited. She knew that, regardless of what happened or how… she was walking on eggshells, when it came to him. Any wrong thing could set him off, make him grab his stuff and leave… She had to be careful about what she said… Doubly-so, what she did.

“Are you thirsty…?” she asked as he sat in her chair. “We have soda, if you want? Or, water? Milk? Juice?” “I’m alright, thanks.” Hope was on high-alert as Joseph spoke. His words seemed calm… but, she didn’t want to let her guard down. She was prepared to do more damage control, should the need arise.

“I… I’m sorry for not having anything ready to eat,” she decided to tell him. “We were going to make this awesome pizza… but, I didn’t have any parchment paper, or a baking stone… then, you popped up before Jessica came back… and, now? Um… here we are!” She nervously giggled and fidgeted with her hands. Joseph was looking around her apartment with slight disinterest in her words. “Um… Once Jessica comes back, she’ll start making the pizza! Again, I’m sorry…” Joseph remained silent, his ears half-curled and his eyes roaming the living room. His body language – which showed no apparent signs – didn’t give Hope anything more to work with. He didn’t seem too tense… but, he clearly wasn’t relaxed, either. “Can… Um… Is there… Um…” “Hope?” The girl jolted. Joseph was suddenly staring right at her. “Y-yes, Joseph?” “Why did Jessica invite me over… if she’s not even here?” “Sh-she was here!” she quickly answered. “Like I said, she’ll be back, soon! I promise!” A heavy silence fell over the room as Hope nervously looked at her friend. He was giving her a fairly intense stare…

“You… did something with your hair,” he said after a few seconds. “Oh! Y-yes!” Hope turned around, showing him. “I had it extended!” “Did Jessica suggest that?” “What?” She turned back around and gave a worried look. “Did Jessica suggest that?” he repeated, his golden eyes looking into her green orbs. “No… I did this. W-well, not myself!” she corrected. “I mean… it was my idea. I…” Her eyes looked at the floor and she nervously rubbed her index fingers together. “I thought you might like it…” “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with long hair…” The fox paused. “Well, except for that one time… Back when I originally met you? How long ago was that?” “Do you mean… nine years ago…? When I first came here?” “Was it that long ago…? Damn… Time flies, huh?” Joseph finally smiled as he said, “But, yeah. That first time I saw you. Heh, it’s not every day I see such a cute, blue-haired maid wandering around, looking bewildered.”

The girl’s eyes widened, her face becoming almost rosy… “You remember that…?” “Like I said…” He shrugged and grinned. “You weren’t exactly an everyday sight.” “We barely talked for two minutes!” she laughed. “How do you even remember that?” “I guess… seeing you with long hair must’ve jump-started my brain.” The fox chuckled. “Man… you looked pretty, in that maid outfit.” Hope’s eyes practically sparkled with joy. Joseph was complimenting her! “I… I still have that uniform…” She swallowed before asking, “Do… you want me to put it on, for you?” “I mean… do whatever you want to do, I guess?” Her heart sank, then. Joseph had looked away. His interest in the topic had waned. Almost immediately, she knew that she’d made a mistake. I was having such a pleasant conversation, before I said that! Now isn’t the time for dress-up! What was I thinking?! she scolded herself. I need to–

“Are you cold?” “Wha’?” Hope snapped out of her thoughts. Joseph was staring at her, again. “I said, ‘are you cold?’” “I…” She almost considered saying that she doesn’t get cold. Instead, though… “Why? If you don’t mind my asking, I mean…” “I just noticed… you’re wearing the leggings Carlos got you. Not the shirt, though.” He noticed! If she could… she would have blushed. “I… remember you saying something about liking leg-wear?” she told him, continuing to be as honest as possible. “Yes, but I thought you didn’t care for leg-wear. You said you ‘didn’t need it.’” Again, she had to stifle herself to keep from agreeing with him. “I… put them on. For you,” she instead confessed. “You… really?” “Y… yes.” The girl nervously smiled. “Like I said… I remember you like them.” “Does Jessie like them?” Her smile faded, but she maintained her composure. “I didn’t put them on for her. I put them on for you!” “So you say…” She fought the urge to scowl as Joseph turned away, again. She was starting to get a little impatient… but, she didn’t want to do anything to upset him, if she could help it.

“Heh.” Hope softly blinked. Her friend had chuckled. “What?” she innocently asked. “It’s just… it’s funny.” She tilted her head, absentmindedly playing with her long hair. “What’s funny?” “It’s funny… that you did something with your hair, and you put on those cold weather leggings, just for me.” “I would do anything for you…” she said before she could stop herself. “Really.”

Hope put both hands over her mouth, one crossing over the other. She knew she shouldn’t have said that… knew that she shouldn’t have been so honest about her feelings, considering they weren’t on good terms… But, she wasn’t worried about herself. She was worried that acting so desperate might run Joseph off, again. Still, when he turned his head her way and gave an almost knowing smile… she guessed that she hadn’t said anything too terrible…

“You’d do anything for me, you say?” he asked her. When she hesitantly nodded, he hummed before saying, “Then, tell me something.” “O-okay…” was her nervous response. “Like what…?” “Tell me why Jessica really called me here.” Hope suddenly realized she never asked Jessica what her invitation actually said, so she asked… “W… what did she say…?” “She said she wanted to talk.” Her smile faded and he gave the girl a stern look. “What does she want to talk about?” “I… we…” “‘You, we,’ what?” Hope didn’t like being put on-the-spot, like that. Joseph was pressing her for information… information that she wasn’t sure would be wise to give, so quickly. She bit her lower lip and ran her hands over her hair, looking away…

“Can… you just wait until she comes back?” is what she eventually ended up asking. “That depends.” Joseph crossed his arms. “What, exactly, do you two want from me?” “We just want to talk… About… you know… things…” she half-whispered. “What sort of things?” “Things… a-and… stuff…” “Hope,” he flatly said, getting her attention. “Just tell me what I want to know.” “We want to… want to talk about…” He narrowed his eyes as her voice faded. “Hope. I’m getting impatient. Now, tell me what–” “Yo, I’m back!”

Both parties jolted at the sound of a door being flung open and a voice booming into the room. Jessica had finally come back, wearing a grin and carrying a shopping bag. The instant she saw Joseph sitting there, though… “Shit–! Uh– I mean…” The redhead cleared her throat before trying again. “Wuddup, Josey!” she greeted as she walked inside. “Glad t’ see ya finally made it!” Joseph was quick to narrow his eyes at the bat-girl. “Oh, what?” She widely grinned. “Jus’ ‘cuz I beat ya up wid yer own car, yer gonna gimme th’ stink-eye?” “Yes,” was his cold response. “W-well! Uh…” Somehow, Jessica hadn’t been expecting that. So… “I’m… gonna… go make pizza, now– ‘bye!” She awkwardly scurried by the other two and headed into the kitchen.

“This was a waste of time…” Hope blinked, then she reached out to Joseph. He’d stood up and seemed ready to make his way to the door, again. “Joseph, wait! Can’t you– can’t you wait until the pizza’s ready, at least…? You came all this way! I’d feel bad if you went away without something yummy in your tummy…” “Knowing Jessica?” he scoffed. “She’ll probably poison my slices.” “I heard that!” came her voice from the kitchen. “Yeah? Then, hear this: I never want to see you, again, either! How about that? In fact, I don’t want to see either of you, again!” With that, he spun on his heel… “What– let go!” Only to be stopped by Hope, for the second time that afternoon.

“No!” she cried, giving him a stern glare. Again, he opened his mouth to speak… but, for some reason, nothing came out. All he could do was stare at her, his face twitching and expression locked into a state of irritated confusion.

“Listen, Joseph…” she told him, sounding angry. “We need to have this talk! I refuse to let things stay like this!” “What’s that supposed to mean?” he half-spat. “It means…” Jessica called from the kitchen, “she ain’ gonna let’cha throw away a good thing like yer friendship jus’ ‘cuz yer bein’ a boob! ‘n, I don’t mean th’ soft, warm kind!” “What do you know?!” “I know that’cha all-but fuckin’ broke Hope’s heart!” The bat stomped out of the kitchen, immediately setting a furious gaze upon the fox. “D’you have any idea what kind’a mis’ry she’s been through jus’ ‘cuz ya been off ‘n yer own li’l world?! She. Missed. Work. ‘Cuz’a you!” “Jessica, stop!” Hope called. She winced, then, as Joseph yanked his arm free. “Big whoop!” he shouted back. “It’s not like Hope cares how I feel!” “S’a’ways gotta be ‘bout you, huh? Well, get this through yer thick-fuckin’-skull!” Jessica sharply jabbed the fox right on the forehead. “She ain’ been sleepin’, ‘cuz’a you! She went crazy, thinkin’ ‘bout what you said! She couldn’ understand why ya was actin’ so fucked up jus’ ‘cuz’a me! But, then she found out!” “J-Jessica, no!” Hope cried, giving her a wide-eyed look. “‘She found out’ what?” Joseph asked with a growl. “She found out… that’cha been seein’ anudder girl!” The room fell into a moment of silence before Joseph flatly said, “What.” “Tha’s right, boyo! Secret’s out! After ya tol’ us both t’ fuck off, Hope saw ya wid some other girl!” Joseph’s face twitched… then, he looked at Hope. “What did you see, exactly?” the fox said in a lethally-sharp, ice-cold way. Hope hesitated, gritted her teeth, and looked on the verge of panicking. Eventually, she sighed and admitted… “I saw you… hanging out with Miss Raine.”

Both Jessica and Joseph blinked at that statement… though, for vastly different reasons. “You… saw me hanging out with Miri?” Joseph asked. “I… I didn’t want to tell you… I didn’t want to worry you…! But…” Hope looked up at her boyfriend with crying eyes that were filled with conflict. “I… I got jealous!” “You… you… you got jealous…?” he repeated in confusion. When Hope gave an enthusiastic nod, Joseph’s expression faltered further. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. And… neither could Jessica.

“Hang– hang on!” the bat interjected, getting both of their attention. “Ya saw who?” “Miss Miranda Raine,” Hope explained, giving Jessica a look. “I saw the two of them, together. They were… they were being so friendly…” “I… what?” Jessica looked confused. “When’d this happen…?” “I told you!” the blue-haired girl exclaimed. “Remember? A few days ago?” “Blueberry, I dun–” “I told you… all… about… it… when we went swimming.” Her face twitched and she blinked, again. Hope was still crying… but, the look on her face wasn’t one of sorrow. It was one of a girl who had a plan. She’s… she’s lyin’! Jessica suddenly realized. ‘n… she wants me to– “Sh-shit, yer righ’,” the girl calmly said, bringing a smile to Hope’s face. “I-I thought– no, yeah! You specifically said, ‘Miss Raine,’ huh? Shoot, how’d I forget?” “Probably because you haven’t met her…” Hope sniffled. “Righ’-righ’.” Jessica shook her head before glaring at Joseph, again. “Ya got some nerve, tellin’ Hope t’ shove it, then goin’ out wid that… that…!” “Bear.” “That bear!” she said at Hope’s guidance. “That… I… uh…” Joseph couldn’t seem to put two words together… “Explain yerself, Mister!” The bat-girl crossed her arms and scowled. “Explain t’ this poor, heartbroken girl why ya went on a date wid that other girl after tellin’ her off!” “That… wasn’t a date.” “Oh, really?” She smirked. “Then, what was it?” “Miri and I were… we were… planning something…” “Plannin’ what? T’ elope?!” “We were planning a surprise birthday party for Carlos, okay?!”

Both girls stared at Joseph, again. He was blushing and seemed largely uncomfortable about what he’d just told them. Knowing his past conflicts with Carlos, it made sense to Hope. However, Jessica stayed focused on something else. “Ya were… wait, Carlos’ birthday is– shit, it is comin’ up, ain’ it?” Jessica grinned… then, her face turned angry, again. “‘n, ya didn’ tell me ‘bout this, why?!” Joseph shot her a look, his eyes narrowed and ears folded. “Ah– oh.” She immediately lightened up and said, “Righ’… We, uh, weren’ on speakin’ terms. Ha-hah… Oops?” “Joseph…”

Jessica and Joseph turned their attention to Hope, who had just spoken up. She was looking up at the latter with big, wet eyes and a hurt little expression. “If that’s the case…” she whispered, “then… why were you kissing…?” After hearing that, Jessica was starting to wonder if that “lie” actually wasn’t a lie… “H-Hope, c’mon…” Joseph twitched and rubbed his left wrist with his right hand, unable to look at her. “You know our… history. She’s really affectionate toward me, for some reason…” “Yea’,” Jessica interjected. “Some reason. Snrk.” “We weren’t kissing… s-so much as…” He shrank, blushing a little harder. “Miri planted one on me, completely at random…” Hope blinked her leaking eyes. “I would… I mean… y-yeah, Miri and I are close… B-but, Hope…” He offered a soft smile as he reached over and brushed her eyes clear of tears. “I can’t… I wouldn’t let myself fall for her… Not again. Not after what I told you.” “So, ya are attracted t’ that big, brown butt?” “Jessica…!” Hope snapped, giving her a dirty look. “What’s it to you, if I am?” Joseph flatly told the bat. “Miri is pretty awesome – more awesome than you! Cuter, too, what with those two-colored bangs and round face… But. That part of our relationship is done-and-over. We’re just good friends.” “Good frien’s… wid benefits?” The fox narrowed his eyes, again. “Just. Friends,” was his firm reply.

“So… so… I was worried over nothing?” His attention turned back to Hope. She was looking his way with calmer eyes. In fact… it almost seemed like she could start smiling, at any moment. “You have nothing to worry about,” he told her with his own genuine smile. “Ain’ that a kick ‘n th’ ass?” Hope and Joseph looked back at Jessica. She looked thoughtful, but irritated. “Ya wen’ through th’ Void ‘n back over nothin, Hope,” she commented as she tilted her head back-and-forth. “Tha’s gotta suck.” “You really… got upset?” the fox asked Hope. “Over me and Miri?” “Like I said,” Jessica answered for her, “she los’ sleep, missed work… She even let ‘er battery drain, completely, ‘cuz she was so tore up! Ya really did a number on ‘er! Or, so we thought. Guess yer completely innocent, ‘n th’ end!” “Not… not entirely…” Jessica’s head stayed to her right side as she watched Joseph pull Hope in and hug her. The blue-haired girl was quick to return the favor and look up in curiosity.

“I… I’m sorry that I said what I said,” he told her, though it could have applied to either of them. “I’m sorry that I accused you of being unfaithful… and, I’m sorry that I put you in a position to where that seemed likely. After Jessica jumped me, in my car–” “Heeey…” the bat said with a frown. “– I was upset… confused… My head wasn’t on straight and I ended up thinking… saying things… that I had no right to. If anything, it seems like Jessica took advantage of you.” Jessica gave another “Heeey…!” She sounded a little more offended than before.

“I love you, Hope…” Joseph whispered. “I’m sorry I’ve been so angry and jealous…” “I love you, too, Joseph…” Hope returned, giving her boyfriend a tight hug. “Goodness gracious, I missed being in your arms…” “And, I missed having you here.” She smiled… then, she leaned up to kiss him. “But…” Only for him to pull away from her.

“But?” Jessica asked. “‘But?’ what? What ‘but?’ There shouldn’ be no ‘buts’ here, ‘cept th’ ones what go in chairs! Ain’ everythin’ all settled?” “This whole situation,” Joseph said, seemingly ignoring Jessica, “got way out-of-hand… and, it tells me that, maybe… maybe, I should give you some time to yourself.” “What? No– Joseph!” Hope whimpered as the fox pushed a finger to her lips. “I realize, now, that I was getting possessive of you. When I promised to be your one-and-only, I didn’t stop to think that I might not be your one-and-only. Maybe… until that night, I was? Maybe, not. You didn’t seem too anxious to let me dedicate myself to you.” “That’s because–” Hope started before being silenced by a tap to her mouth. “It’s hard for me… especially after the situation with Kris–” Jessica shuddered and scowled, but she stayed quiet. “– to think the way I used to… much less consider the possibility that someone else might think that way, too. It’s really hard for me to say this, too… but…” He inhaled, then exhaled. “If… you and Jessica want to be… ‘bed-buddies…’ th-then, go ahead.” “Joseph…?” Hope tilted her head. The fox as biting his lower lip. “I… don’t like the idea, myself.” “Heeey…” Jessica called, again. She wasn’t annoyed enough to swear at him, apparently. “But… if she makes you happy, then… then, that’s good enough for me.” “I don’t want to do anything that makes you unhappy, though…” “Hope? Look at me.” She already was… and, he was looking right at her, too. “I want you to be happy. I. Want you. To be. Happy,” he firmly repeated. “I don’t care what it takes. I don’t even particularly care with who. If I make you happy, great. If I don’t? Just tell me.” “B-but, you do…!” “And, if someone else makes you happy?” He looked up at Jessica. The bat perked, looking his way in surprise. “Then…” he said as he looked at Hope, again, “that’s okay, too. Just know that… at the end of the day… I’ll always be waiting for you, should you need a nice, warm pair of arms to hold you… or, a nice, fluffy tail to cuddle into. Okay?”

Hope… was at a loss for words. She was hoping that inviting Joseph over would lead to their sudden relationship problems getting settled… but, she hadn’t expected him to be so incredibly giving! It was almost enough to make her forget that, prior to the restaurant… that actually was the way their relationship worked. She just… hadn’t been interested in anyone else, since her brief involvement with Kris.

“Jessie.” “Yo?” Joseph gently released Hope before walking over to the nearby bat. “Let’s step outside, okay?” He was looking irritated, again, and couldn’t seem to stop looking into Jessica’s eyes. On the other hand, she just gave him a somewhat-innocent look, unsure of what he had planned. “O… kay?” Either way, the two ended up going outside.

“I’m… sorry,” he quietly said as he stood with his back to her, looking into the parking lot. “I’m sorry for what I said, and I’m sorry that I acted like I did. I’m sorry… for all of it.” “I… um…” “And… I’d be lying… if I said that I wasn’t interested.” Jessica blinked… When Joseph had turned around, she could see the regret on his face. “I didn’t have to let that happen…” he continued, “but, when you gave me that seductive look… when you kissed me, teased me… then, when you actually took things all the way…” He deeply blushed. It was pretty obvious he remembered exactly what they’d done. “I… I didn’t want you to stop.” And, much like Hope had been… Jessica didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Jessica, you’re… you’re really pretty,” he told her with a smile. “You have entrancing eyes, really cute hair… I love the little leaf on your nose…” She blushed a little as he touched it. “You’re… a really attractive woman in a lot of ways, Jess. I noticed when we had that sauna… the one where you… bit me.” He blushed as he admitted, “I’ve… wanted to do more. I just… I never thought… you did, too… But, well… you know how it goes.” “What can I say?” Jessica gently brushed her hair away from her face as she looked away. “I’m attracted t’ cute guys. ‘n, yeah, I know. S’why I didn’ try anything funny. Didn’ wanna make things complicated, what wid you bein’ in a r’lationship…” “What changed?” His head tilted as she grinned. “Th’ r’lationship.”

When she looked out into the parking lot, he followed suit, the two quietly staring for several moments. Neither one of them actually knew the other was that interested in them… but, now that they did know… they had a lot to think about, it seemed.

“I’m… sorry I yelled at ya,” Jessica eventually said. “More sorry I assaulted ya.” “I… kind of deserved it?” was Joseph’s skittish reply. “I a’so didn’ mean what I said.” “Me, either…” He looked her way with a smile. “Even if you did end up having your way with me… and, my girlfriend. Heh.” “What can I say?” she said as she thumped his arm. “I’m attracted t’ cute girls, too…” “She is pretty cute…” “Th’ cutest…” They returned to silence, then… but, only for a moment more.

“I… never actually killed yer gym membership, ya know.” Joseph looked over. Jessica was smiling at him. “If ya wanna come in, again… we can keep trainin’ ya… get ya some strong arms…” “I’d like that,” he honestly told her. “Then, maybe… at some point, ‘n th’ distant future… we coul’ start doin’ that ‘cooldown’ thing we used t’ do, again? If ya wanna…? I know I would. Yer tasty…” Joseph blushed, but his smile brightened. She was clearly doing her best not to push things too hard too fast. As much as he liked being bitten… she was right. “Down the road,” he said, giving her arm a little thump and chuckling. “Th’ road t’ r’covery’s a long one, sometimes…” She paused before saying, “Jus’ know that’cha dun have t’ walk it alone, Josey. If ya need a walkin’ buddy… I can think of a couple cute girls who’d jump at th’ chance t’ join ya fer a mile ’r two.” There was another pause… but, when the fox stepped a little closer to Jessica, she was quick to draw an arm and a wing around him. “We’ll see,” he whispered to her. “Take as long as ya need, cute boy. Jus’, dun leave us waitin’ fer too long…”

The two friends eventually went back into Hope’s apartment. Almost immediately, Joseph pulled Hope into another tight hug. When he tried to get Jessica in on it… “Nah-nah-nah… I’ve ‘ad my fill’a mushy shit,” she told the fox with a grin. “Need some greasy, crunchy stuff t’ balance it out!” Then she disappeared into the kitchen.

“I don’t know when I’m going to be ready to step back into our relationship, Hope…” Joseph told his girlfriend as he looked into her eyes. “But, rest assured… I will come back.” “I’ll be waiting for you, Joseph…” the girl fondly whispered. “I know you will. I’m… sorry that I gave you such a scare, though, with Miri.” “What? O-oh, yes!” She nervously giggled. “W-well, I don’t know what happened, there… I didn’t even know I could get jealous!” “Everyone who feels is capable of jealousy, sweetie…” He softly brushed her cheek, warmly smiling as she leaned into it and closed her eyes. “Even you.” “Mmm…” “One thing still bugs me, though…” “Mm?” “You saw Miri and I at the mall, the other day… but, I don’t remember seeing you.” Her eyes shot open. A second later, she stiffly looked up at Joseph. “Plus, don’t you normally work during the day?” he asked with genuine curiosity. “What were you doing in the mall, that day?” “I, uh… Mis– Mister Michael sent me on a coffee run!” “Isn’t Presley Michael’s and Son’s, like, a long way from Presley Michael’s?” Hope tensed… then, she sighed. “Yes, but Mr. Michael is hopelessly addicted to the iced coffees from the food court.” “Oh, you mean from the coffee shop near the arcade?” Joseph smiled, again. “Yeah… you really can’t get an iced coffee as good as those anywhere else…” “He wanted a muffin, too,” Hope added with a giggle. “Okay, they definitely have some of the best muffins, too…”

“But, you answer your other question,” Hope continued, “I was on my way back, when I saw you. I hid behind some stairs, since I didn’t think you wanted to see me. But, when I saw Miss Raine, with you… then, I seemingly saw you two kissing… well…” “I see…” “She doesn’t like me, you know.” She frowned. “She can’t read my ‘soul.’” “I don’t think anyone could read your soul, hun. It’s like trying to see clear glass…” She tilted her head as he told her, “You know it’s there… but, it’s so flawless, it’s impossible to see…” Hope smirked. “Sweet, but… you and I both know that–” “I know,” he said as he silenced her with a finger. “But, my way sounds more poetic.” Her confused look slipped into a pleasant smile… then, she closed her eyes and giggled. He really is the sweetest, sometimes…

“Kind’a wish ya didn’ have t’ go, Goldie! Pizza won’t take that long!” Shortly after parting from Hope, Joseph had dressed in his cold-weather gear and was preparing to leave. Both girls were seeing him off, but neither really wanted him to go. “I have a previous engagement, unfortunately…” Joseph told the two. “Now, if someone had started on the pizza sooner…” “Well, ‘f someone ‘ad some ruddy parchment paper…!” Jessica passed onto Hope. “W-well, if someone had told me they needed parchment paper…!” she said with a smirk. “In any case,” Joseph continued, drawing their attention, “I’m glad I came, today. I wasn’t expecting to fix things… well, mostly fix. I still need some time. I’m sure you both do, too.” “Not really!” Jessica said. When she felt Hope elbow her, though, she added, “B-but, you take all th’ time you need!” “Dear friends are always worth waiting for!” the other girl added, making him blush. “Y-yeah, well…” The fox shyly grinned. “I… should get going.” “Dun be a stranger, kiddo!” Jessica said as she returned to the kitchen. “Goodbye, Joseph! Thank you for coming!” were Hope’s parting words. ”Drive safely!”

Once Joseph was on his way out, Hope gave a heavy sigh of relief and collapsed into her favorite chair. The next time she looked up… she saw a pair of red and green eyes staring at her. “W… what?” she said as she nudged herself into a proper sitting position. “That lie ‘bout that ‘rainy’ chick was fuckin’ amazin’, Hope! You gotta gift, girly!” Hope smiled. But, when Jessica asked why she’d lied about what she’d really seen… “I… really don’t think that would have been a good idea.” She paused… then, she scowled. “But, thank you for almost getting me into trouble! I really appreciate that!” “My pleasure!” Jessica said with a grin before adding, “Bitch.” “Takes one to know one!” Hope retorted without thinking. “S’right! I am a bitch!” Without warning, Jessica hopped into her lap and threw both arms around her shoulders. “I’m your bitch, bitch!” the bat said with a laugh. Hope couldn’t help but laugh, as well. “I love you, Jessica…” Hope said, rubbing noses with her friend. The bat-girl purred. “Righ’ back at’cha, Blueberry!” she said as she returned the favor.

After a short, sweet cuddle, the two spent the rest of the day together, eating pizza, wings, and cheese sticks while playing games and having fun. It had started as a stressful day… but, it was one that ended happily-ever-after, for everyone involved.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Healing Hearts #Jessica Ingmann #Hope North #Joseph Lithius #drama #slice of life #romance

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Healing Hearts, Ch. III

Chapter 3 of "Healing Hearts," an Essence of Ragnarok story. (Originally Chapter 2)

You know, I don't guess I should be surprised that Jessica and Hope get along so well. I mean, Joseph and Hope get along, swimmingly! (Er, well… usually.)

Word count: 5,928 – Character count: 33,810 Originally written: December 13th, 2018

A good night's sleep isn't always enough. Sometimes… you need to talk to find a cure for heartache.

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“Power-on systems test complete. Unexpected shutdown detected. “Scanning for system and memory errors… Zero errors found. “Disabling diagnostics mode and returning to normal operation.”

Hope’s eyelids closed, idled, then opened. Her white eyes flickered and displayed a pair of green irises with black pupils. She gave a blink, then she sat up from wherever she was. “I’m… at home…” she thought aloud. Indeed, she immediately recognized her apartment bedroom from the lovely, years-old vanity dresser Carlos helped her pick out, as well as a couple vehicle schematics and posters of mythological dragons and high wizards hanging on the walls. She was at home. However… “How… did I get here?”

The girl closed her eyes and ran through her recent memories… “There’s… a gap from 10:49 AM, yesterday, to 10:11 AM, today,” she noted. “Before that, the last thing I remember is… oh.” She twitched, a sudden realization coming to her. “I… ‘passed out.’”

As she thought about the events leading to her powering down, she found herself interrupted by a loud snort that was coming from her right. She looked over, tilting her head. Someone’s… in my bed, she thought. However, her neutral look soon became a smile and she laid back down, snuggling up to the familiar form next to her… who was snoring and drooling with her mouth wide open while sleeping in just a pair of gray underpants.

I guess Jessica dragged me home… she thought as she quietly cuddled the bat-girl’s body, admiring her and thinking, If she’s here, she must have really been worried about me! She’s sleeping so soundly, now… Oh, Jessica… I’m sorry that I put you through that… Rest well, dear. The next time you wake up… you’ll have your friend back. She contently sighed… I just hope she knows how to wake me from my ‘Sleep Mode.’

Hope closed her eyes, gently tucking her head under Jessica’s. She made herself comfortable, resting on her friend’s arm and wing, softly smiled to herself, then took the steps necessary to put herself back to sleep for a short while. Eight more hours later… Hope’s eyes opened back up and sparked to life. She was quick to slide out of bed, unplug herself from her power recharge unit, then sneak out of her room. She had a plan, for her friend…

My power cells are fully-charged, she thought as she walked into her kitchen, my spirits are high, and I’ve got my new favorite friend sleeping in the other room… I’m not sure what time she went to bed, but I want her to have a nice, healthy breakfast, when she wakes up! She quietly giggled and squirmed with excitement. I hope she likes eggs!

That afternoon, Hope simply could not be stopped, when it came to cooking! Not only did she fix a generous portion of scrambled eggs, but she also had time to find, thaw, and cook a steak she remembered she had, as well as oven-bake a couple of potatoes. She briefly found herself wishing that she could smell and taste things… not just for the sake of enjoyment, but to make sure everything was alright. However, she’d made these foods many, in the past, and knew what to look for, while cooking. Barring some unexpected happening, she thought with a cheerful smile, I should be fine!

After about forty minutes of cooking, Hope had dished up the breakfast onto two separate plates – one for her, and a larger one for Jessica. She was tempted to put that plate on a tray and serve Jessica in bed… but, after realizing that she didn’t know her friend’s sleep schedule, she decided not to chance waking her up. Instead, she anxiously waited for her friend to wake up, feeling excited to see her reaction at the fresh meal.

She… is really sleeping hard… Was she that tired?

Hope’s smile had long faded and she was starting to get impatient. Another thirty minutes had passed and Jessica hadn’t come out to greet her. Well… if she fell asleep right as I woke up, she started to deduce, and… it’s 7:21 PM, now… that means she’s been asleep for just over eight hours. Most people sleep for about eight hours… though, some sleep for six and some sleep for up to twelve! Gosh… what if Jessica’s one of those people who– “Gods damn it!!” The android jolted! A shout had come from the other room. Shortly after, she heard a ruckus… then, she saw her friend clumsily stumbling out into the kitchen, half-naked and trying to dress on-the-go.

“Fuckin’ phone didn’ charge…!” she shouted at no one in particular as she forcibly yanked on a belly-baring, red, long-sleeved shirt with holes in the shoulders. “I’m gonna be laaate…! Gods damn it, Hope! This ‘s all yer fault!” “I… I didn’t mean to make you late, Jessica…!” Hope deeply frowned and started wringing her hands. “I’m so sorry…!” “Well, ya did! I hope yer– h-holy shit, Hope!” All-at-once, Jessica’s attitude shifted from one of hostility… to one of elation! She practically tripped over her own black slacks – which were somewhere around her knees, at the time – to run over and hug the blue-haired girl… which just confused her even more.

“I was so pissed at wakin’ up late, I didn’ even notice ya were up!” the bat said with excitement. “Guess I got th’ right plug ‘n th’ right hole! Dumb… stupid… selfish…” Hope closed one eye and felt herself grow flustered. Jessica was being extremely affectionate, nuzzling her face and practically picking her up while rocking her in a hug. “I-I’m sorry, Jessica…” she repeated with a squirm. “I-I didn’t mean to make you late…” “Fuck that noise!” her friend exclaimed. “I’m jus’ happy I did th’ right thing ‘n got’cha back on yer feet! We’re gonna have a talk after work, though…” “A talk…?” “Eeyup…”

Jessica leaned back, placing her hands at Hope’s shoulders and looking right into her eyes. All excitement had left her face, replaced by a stern… almost disapproving sort of expression. Hope suddenly wondered… just how much trouble was she was in?

“Ya lied, ‘n one way ‘r another,” Jessica said. “This ‘Joe’ thing’s got’cha fucked six ways from th’ weekend! As yer friend, I can’t have ya losin’ sleep ‘n missin’ work ‘cuz’a what some dumb boy did. Or… didn’? Anyhoo, we’re gonna fix this shit, after I get off work, so don’t leave town! Actually, ya can’t leave town.” She widely grinned, causing Hope to tilt her head. “I’m stealin’ yer car. Can’t go nowhere if I take yer wheels, now can ya?” “What? Hey, wait–!” But, it was too late. Jessica had pulled away and run into the living room. A second later, Hope stepped out of the kitchen and watched her retrieve a keyring from a hook near the door and teasingly jingled them.

“Jessica!” Hope quickly walked over to the entryway, reaching one hand out. “I need those to get to work!” “Dun you worry yer pretty li’l head!” Jessica said as she withdrew the keys and gave Hope a pat with her other hand. “I’ll be back a good hour b’fore ya need’a head in!” Her playful expression shifted back to a serious one. “We’ll talk, then.” Only to pull into a playful smile as she leaned in and kissed the android’s cheek. “Be goooood! Love you! Oh, an’… put that breakfast on-ice, please! Much as I’d like t’ scarf it whilst I drive, I’d rather share it wid th’ thoughtful lady what made it, instead! Tootles!” With that, Jessica flew out the door, adjusting her pants and shirt as she ran through the snow to Hope’s car, opened the driver’s door, then hopped in and drove off.

“Well. That happened.”

That was the first thing Hope thought as she headed back inside. Shortly after, she walked into the kitchen and opened a drawer, pulling out a roll of plastic wrap. The more I learn about Jessica… she thought as she began preparing the plates for refrigeration, the more I start to wonder about her… She stole my car. Who does that…? She paused, taking a moment to think about the situation… Wait. Did she… did she drive my car from her apartment? Oh, gosh! She had to take my car to work! Either that, or pay outrageous cab fees to get there-and-back… Goodness… this must be such an inconvenience, for her… But… hold on! She paused, again, as she realized something else. Jessica knows how to drive manual transmission…?

Hope softly smiled to herself. Joseph never learned how to drive stick, despite her repeated offers to teach him… so, knowing that Jessica could drive her stick-shift car – pretty well, apparently, since she didn’t hear it stall or grind – gave her something else to admire, about her newest friend. She’s so cool… I hope she knows that.

The next few hours were filled with a lot of random tasks, for Hope. The first thing she did was call her boss, Presley Michael, and explain why she’d missed a second day of work. He was surprisingly understanding – especially when she tried to explain the actual reason she’d ended up in a discharged state. “I make it my business not to know my employees’ personal business!” he told her. “That aside, I am gonna have to leave this negative mark on your employee record…” Hope gave a nod, even though he couldn’t see it. “I understand, Mr. Michael.” “Aww, don’t sound so glum! If you stay with us for a year and don’t get into any more trouble, that mark’s as good as gone!” “Oh?” She smiled to herself. “That shouldn’t be a problem!” “Somehow… I didn’t think it would be. You’re a good employee, Hope. Here’s to a speedy recovery… or, uh… whatever-it-is! See ya, tomorrow!”

As the call ended, Hope felt a renewed appreciation for her boss. He wasn’t giving her special treatment… She knew he’d do the same thing for any loyal employee. And, that’s why he was her favorite boss. Of… the two that I’ve had, since my accident, she noted with a grin.

With the business of work sorted, Hope decided to catch up on her e-mails. Nothing but forwards and advertisements… she thought. Oh! But, there’s a new newsletter from the official Serenade Rankins fan group! Is she releasing a new book? According to the message, that did seem to be the case. Serenade was releasing her fourteenth book in an ongoing romance series set during the days of swords and sorcery. Gosh, what I wouldn’t give to live in the medieval days… Gallant knights swearing fealty to their lands and defending it with their lives… questing for their king and queen… Rescuing damsels from bandits and creatures of old…

She closed her eyes, placing her hands on her cheeks and practically glowing as she envisioned herself in such a place. Not the real “her,” of course… but, her… as an organic being. One that tended to the knights who became injured on their quests. One who prepared meals for the hungry and bedding for the tired. She imagined becoming friends with one knight, in particular, and spending time with him. She dreamed of the close-knit friendship she shared, despite his high title and her low status. In her fantasy, the knight courted her, often bringing her gifts and frequently saying kind words. Eventually, nature took its course…

“I… I give my heart to you, my lord…” she whispered aloud. “All that I am… is yours.” The fantasy was so vivid, she could swear that she felt the brave knight’s breath on her neck… that she tasted his lips and basked in the warmth of his embrace… She could hear his heart beating with hers as they lay together in a remote inn. She was ready for him… “Haa…?!” But, she wasn’t ready for her phone to ring!

What inconvenient timing…! she thought with a scowl. To make matters worse, when she picked it up… it turned out to be a telemarketer that wanted to sell her some novelty gizmo she already had two of, from her friends! She was polite and patient with the man… but, oh, did she ever want to give him a piece of her mind!

With her personal fantasy shattered, she decided to turn her attention to someone else’s fantasy. She walked over to her couch, opened the drawer of a table which sat nearby, retrieved a book, and began reading it. It was the previous book in that series she liked, but she hadn’t read it in a few months… so, with her favorite author making a new one, she figured she might want to refresh herself. Once the latest book was finished, Hope decided to do something kind of silly. She started to read the books in reverse-chronological order! But, in doing so, she started to notice… There are quite a few inconsistencies, between novels… Indeed, in going from the latest to the earliest, she was seeing that Ms. Rankins hadn’t kept as close of a track of things as she’d previously thought.

Some characters who were dead, in earlier novels, had spontaneously returned, in later ones! Some locations had received significant changes in detail and, on occasion, even the location itself had moved! Even some of the major plotlines seemed to change to suit the interest if newer stories! It was all pretty interesting… and, it was that interest that led her to hop on the Internet and find a message board where there was a thread about that very thing.

Oh, gosh… I missed that one! Oh! That happened? Goodness, how could that have gone unnoticed…? Is that true? Wow! Those were the kind of thoughts that Hope had as she read all the posts in the thread. When she got to a specific post, though… her eyes shot open! M-Miss Rankins posted here, herself?! And… she… she… Hope started laughing. She couldn’t believe it. She posted a complete, unabridged list of every single inconsistency and plot-hole she had written, up to her books in 2049…! Oh, my gosh…! This is hilarious…!!

As it turned out, Serenade Rankins was extremely well-versed in her own literature and knew exactly what she’d screwed up. However, it wasn’t just that. She’d also noted, in that very item she listed, where she’d fixed a lot of the “plot-holes,” as well as added humorous commentary to go along with it.

I have a newfound appreciation for this authoress. She is my hero. That’s how Hope felt after she finished reading the post, and the replies that followed. The whole thing had been laugh-out-loud funny and she could not have been happier to have read it! Serenade had no problem with admitting her mistakes and even promised to continue to address and fix the ones she hadn’t, going as far as to thank her most “perceptive and critical fans” – both through roasting them, by pointing out some of the things they could have spent time on, instead of cross-referencing her books to each other, and by giving genuine thanks, in the cases where she actually forgot about something. But, as the post was from two years prior… I wonder if she’s been keeping up with that promise? The android smiled to herself. I guess I’ll find out with book 17! With that, she left the message board and put her computer to sleep before wandering off to do something else.

It seemed like there was an awful lot of nothing to do, as the clock crept from midnight to four-in-the-morning. Hope found it difficult to occupy her time… though, she did manage to use a lot of it, drawing some of her fantasy ideas out on paper. Her art was kind of rough and a little cartoony, but she never felt unsatisfied with the things she drew. I don’t do this nearly often enough… she thought as she worked on drawing her fantasy knight. But, I don’t really have the desire to get better, either, I guess. I just do this for fun. She smiled, thinking about all the talented artists she saw at conventions in Masamune City, as well as the art class she once sat in on, at the Tower. I wonder if professional artists have fun, too…? Gosh, I hope so!

4 o’clock was well on its way to being 5 when Hope heard the sound of rubber-on-dirt and the rumble of her poor, old car’s engine. She casually put her drawing in another drawer and stood up, straightening her shirt, adjusting her shorts, and making sure her cap was on the right way – backward. And, when Jessica walked through the apartment door, a few seconds later… “Welcome home, Jessica!” Hope was there, ready with a plate of re-heated breakfast! “Hey, Hope… I missed you. I really… really… missed you.” The android gave a blink as she found herself pulled into a tired sort of hug. “Rough night…?” “I got beat up!” she explained while squeezing her friend. “Oh, no!” Hope was quick to lean back and examine Jessica… though, she didn’t see any visible injuries. “Are you okay…?” “Tired…” the bat-girl murmured. “Hungry. A li’l horny.” “Getting beat-up makes you frisky…?” her friend asked with a giggle. “Nah, but…” Jessica grinned. “Seein’ a gorgeous gal offerin’ food kind’a does!” Hope giggled even more. “Oh, you…”

Shortly after Jessica sat down at Hope’s kitchen table, the android set the steamy breakfast plate in front of her with a glass of milk. Not long after, she reheated her own food – something she’d forgotten to do – and joined her friend.

“So, tell me about your night?” Hope offered from her side of the table. “Well… Like I said,” Jessica commented, “I got beat up!” “You don’t look injured – thank goodness…” The android smiled in relief. “But, please… tell me about it?” The boxing instructor gave a nod before telling Hope all about her experience…

Apparently, an up-and-coming professional boxer was looking to get in some practice before his next match. After being directed to the resident boxing instructor, he found that Jessica was happy to help, since Mindy’s Gym was a sponsor of the local boxing matches… but, when her opponent decided not to “take it easy” on her, she found herself in for a mighty fight!

“We drew a crowd, us two!” Jessica said between bites of her steak. “It was a’most like we was there, at th’ stadium, fightin’ on national television!” “Goodness…!” Hope was completely engrossed in the story – too much to even eat her own food. “I wish I could have been there to cheer you on!” “Yea’, well… you’d be right t’! Gave th’ dude quite a workout! But, uh… I goofed.” “You goofed?” she asked with a tilt of her head. “Yup.” Jessica looked down with a sheepish grin. “Took a swing when I shouldn’t’a… Got slammed in th’ ribs, clonked on th’ ‘head, ‘n put down fer th’ ten-count.” “My gosh!” Hope sat up, looking on with concern. “Are you sure you’re alright…?” “I heal fast,” was the bat’s grinning response. “Anyhoo… after we had our spar-turned-fight, th’ dude pulled me up, pat me on th’ shoulder, ‘n tol’ me that I coul’ be a great boxer… then, ‘e invited me to ‘is match, nex’ month, as ‘is guest, if ‘e could swing it! Said I could bring a friend, too – right on!” “Oh, wow! That sounds like fun!” Hope settled back down, beaming with excitement for her friend. “I hope you and whomever you take enjoys the show!” “Yea’, I hope you enjoy t’ show, too!” “I… what?” Jessica widely grinned, lowering her eyelids and giving her friend a sly grin. “C’mon, Blueberry… Dun act like ya didn’ see that comin’.” “I… I hadn’t given it much thought! Um… o-okay, sure!” She brightly smiled. “I’d be happy to join you, if you want! But… if you know anyone who enjoys boxing more…? Like, perhaps, Carlos…?” “Made up m’ mind, hun.” Jessica leaned back and pointed a meat-covered fork her way. “Yer comin’ wid me! Even if I have t’ wrassle ya there!” “Th-that won’t be necessary, I assure you!” Hope giggled. The bat lowered her eyelids and grinned, again. “Who said ya had a choice, Blueberry?” The other girl laughed and shook her head, then. “Silly…”

The two continued on with breakfast, each telling the other about their day. By the end of it, Jessica was teasing Hope about her fantasies… though, not without giving her a little ammunition of her own. “A slime creature…?” Hope asked as she rinsed and dried the dishes Jessica handed her. “Yup!” The bat cheerfully grinned while washing up. “A slime blob!” “I… suppose I can understand that… Not personally, but…” “There’s jus’ somethin’ ‘bout th’ idea of a nice, warm slime gettin’ all up all over me that sends shivers down m’ spine!” Jessica wiggled and softly panted. “Touchin’ every single bit’a me… all-at-once… Havin’ me at its complete mercy… Gods, it turns me, jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout it…!” “I envy you, Jessica.” “What?” The bat frowned. “Oh, now, don’t start–” “You’re so adventurous… so open and honest…” Hope said, to her surprise. “I pride myself on transparency and rarely censor myself… but, even I’m not so… forthright, like you!” “O-oh… oh, uh… thank– thank you? Eh heh…” The two continued dish-washing in silence. Apparently, Hope had gotten Jessica too flustered to continue with that conversation.

“A’righ’, so! Elephant-‘n-th’-room.” “Where? I don’t see it?” The bat-girl smirked as Hope offered a grin. “Anyhoo…” she said as she walked over and sat on Hope’s couch. “Let’s talk ‘bout a certain vom-colored furball what’s been on our minds, eh?” Hope’s grin faded as she sat in a nearby chair. She didn’t appreciate Jessica talking about her friends like that. She leaned up to talk… only to gasp, instead. “Jessica, what are you… You smoke…?” The bat-girl had drawn from her shirt what appeared to be a small, snap-together case of some sort. When she’d opened it, Hope noticed that it contained what appeared to be a long, thin, almost trumpet-shaped rod, black-in-color with a hole in the middle… what was clearly a throwaway lighter… and, several white, paper cylinders with some shredded, brown stuff inside.

“Yup.” was Jessica’s answer as she popped one homemade cigarette into the black tube, then put it between her lips. When she went to light the cigarette, though… “Um… ‘scuse me?” Hope had pulled the cigarette out of the tube. “I don’t mean to be rude, Miss Ingmann…” the girl said with a lowered brow and a frown, “but, I don’t allow smoking, in my apartment.” “Fine.” Jessica was quick to snatch the cigarette back. However… “Huh? Where are you–” “Outside. T’ smoke.” The bat-girl had gotten up and stomped her way over to the door. “J-Jessica, wait!” Hope stood up and ran over. “Please, don’t be upset!” “Who’s upset?” She gave a nasty sort of smirk as she said, “A li’l fresh, minus-ten-degree air’s good fer me.” “I thought you said you don’t get cold?” the android asked before she could stop herself. “I don’t.” With that, Jessica whipped open the door and walked outside, slamming it behind her. It didn’t take long before Hope walked out to join her.

“I’m sorry, Jessica…” Hope closed her eyes and snuggled up against her friend. The bat had gently wrapped a wing around her while taking a puff of her freshly-lit cigarette. It was definitely cold, outside… not to mention, breezy. But, just like Jessica had said… it didn’t seem like it bothered her, despite her less-than-warm attire of the red shirt and black slacks. “No, I’m sorry,” was the bat-girl’s response. “It’s yer apartment. I gotta r’spect that…” She pulled Hope a little closer and chuckled. “‘Ko don’t lemme smoke ‘n our place, either. Not that blame ‘er. It’s gross, yo.” “So, why not stop? Er– I mean–” Hope winced. She knew she’d spoken out-of-turn. However… “‘cuz, I think it’s cool.” Jessica didn’t seem to mind.

“W… well… not to encourage this, but…” Hope smiled at her companion. “It’s kind of classy, the way you use that cigarette holder to smoke. If you were wearing that dress from the other night and some nice makeup, you would look like a silver-age movie star!” “You callin’ me old, Blueberry?” “No. I’m saying…” She reached up, gently brushing her friend’s cheek. “You looked beautiful, that night. Just like I thought you would.” “Heh. Bet’cha say that t’ all th’ starlets…” Hope leaned in, giving Jessica a soft kiss on the cheek. “Only the ones who get caught in my eyes…”

To Hope’s surprise, Jessica cut her smoke-break short. She said something about seeing Hope turn blue… but, the girl knew she was only kidding. As they walked back into the apartment, though… “Jessica… you’re shivering.” “Nicotine withdrawal,” was the bat’s quick answer. “I ain’t had a smoke ‘n a few days.” “Oh, you poor dear!” Hope frowned. “Have you considered buying patches?” “Overpriced trash! Don’t need nicotine t’ get through th’ day!” “But, you’re shivering so badly…” “Gimme a few minutes,” Jessica said as she walked back to the couch. “I’ll settle down.” Hope seemed satisfied… though, she left the room shortly after. When she came back… “What… ‘re ya doin’?” Hope smiled to her friend. She was holding a small, fluffy blanket. “Med school never taught me this, but sometimes, a cozy blanket helps with withdrawal symptoms!” She wrapped it around the suspicious bat. “It eases the mind and relieves tension.” Jessica turned her head, giving the android a questioning look. However, after a few moments, she pulled the blanket around her a little tighter. “Thanks.” “You’re very welcome!” With that, Hope sat down in her chair and relaxed.

“Now… you wanted to talk about Joseph?” “Righ’, righ’…” Jessica paused, then looked at the clock on Hope’s apartment wall. 5:19… she thought. Shit. Breakfast ‘n that smoke break really ate up time… “Real quick,” she started, “how long’s it take t’ get from ‘ere t’ yer garage?” “About twenty minutes,” Hope helpfully answered. “When d’ ya need’a leave?” “Well, I like to get there about thirty minutes before we’re due to open, so I can help write a plan for the day… take note of what needs to be done,” was the android’s answer. “Mister Michael really appreciates the extra help!” “‘n… when does this place open?” “7 AM, on weekdays!” Hope cheerfully answered. “Open until 5 o’clock! Oh! But, I’m only officially on-the-clock from-nine-to-five. Seven-to-nine is just prep work!” A look of relief swept over Jessica’s face. I got plenty’a time…

“I don’t understand what work has to do with Joseph…” the girl obliviously commented. “Never mind. Anyhoo!” she started, “Joe.” “Right.” “What a piece’a work, huh?” Hope’s eyes fell and she frowned. “Yeah…” “‘is two best friends get all chummy ‘n all ‘e can think is, ‘Welp, guess they don’t need me, anymore!’” “That… seems to be the case, doesn’t it?” The girl looked up, wearing a tiny smile. “But, he seems to have found someone who does… in his mind, at least.” “Yea’, fuck that noise.” Hope tilted her head. Jessica had leaned forward, keeping the blanket draped over her shoulders. She looked annoyed.

“Joe’s a selfish idiot,” she said, “‘f ‘e thinks ya dumped ‘im. ‘specially fer me!” “I guess… he just has self-esteem issues?” Hope suggested. “Or, maybe… ‘e’s just a bitch.” That got a scowl out of the kind-hearted girl. “That’s not fair, Jessica. Joseph has been through a lot, when it comes to relationships!” “Oh, yea’?” “Yes!” Hope leaned forward, her own face showing a bit of anger as she started to rant.

“The first girl he truly loved mysteriously vanished without so much as a ‘goodbye,’ when he was in high school! He also had to deal with, at-the-time, unwanted attention from his best friend, Miss Raine! When he got to college, he ended up getting into a fight with Carlos over some misunderstanding between himself and their mutual friend, Miss Armstrong… then, after being together with his… er… sister… who– who he didn’t know was his sister, at the time–” she quickly added “– she just dumped him and went on this year-long trip with Mister Marcus… only to come back and end up marrying Carlos! Finally, he decided to give Miss Raine a chance… only to realize that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, instead. Me! A simple machine who…” She quickly shook her head, not wanting to fall into self-pity, again.

“To say that he has had a rocky time navigating the unending river of relationships… would be putting it mildly, Miss Ingmann. Especially after finding out that yet another beautiful woman with a fiery personality and loving heart wanted to – and, did – bed him! Do you realize how confusing it must be, knowing that no less than three separate women love him with all their hearts, at the same time? Especially after all the stuff that he’s been through…?” “Hang– hang on!” Jessica’s face lightened and she exclaimed, “I never said I loved ‘im!” “Perhaps, not in the same way that I or Miss Raine do! But… Jessica…” She frowned. “I know that you do love him. You all but told me, yourself… You care about him as more than a friend. You want him to be happy. You want to make him happy. You. Love. Him.”

For several moments, the two sat in silence, each intensely staring at the other as if expecting a sign to continue… or, at least, waiting for someone to say something. When someone finally did, though… “Fuck you, how ‘bout that?” It wasn’t pleasant.

“Excuse me– excuse me?!” Hope sat back, going wide-eyed and looking furious. “Eff me, Miss Ingmann…? That was extremely uncalled for! What on Ragnarok– why would you…?” Her anger subsided, slowly changing to confusion. “Why would you say that…? Did I say something wrong?” And, that confusion… “Did I cross a line I shouldn’t have…? I’m sorry…” Became sad concern.

“See, this ‘s why I busted out th’ cigs,” Jessica said with a labored sigh. “This is stressful shit. I knew tensions ‘d get high ‘n I figured I’d pro’ly say somethin’ I didn’ mean.” “Something you didn’t…” Hope softly sniffled. “You mean… you’re not mad at me?” “Hope… Sweetie…” The bat-girl softy smiled as she said, “I dun think I could ever… ever… be mad at’cha. Yer jus’ too sweet ’n innocent!” “I-I’m hardly innocent…” was the other girl’s reply as she looked away with a smile. “Darn right’cha are. S’ part’a what I like about ya.” Jessica grinned… only to let her face fall, again.

“Yea’… no. I didn’ know anythin’ ‘bout all that stuff ya said. Shit, I dun even know half those people ya mentioned!” “S-sorry…” “Joe… never really talks ‘bout ‘imself. Anytime we get t’gether, we mos’ly talk ‘bout me. ‘e’s a real good listener… Plus… I’d be lyin’ if I said it wasn’t cute, watchin’ ‘im react t’ bein’ bit. ‘specially that first time. What a kinkster! S’prised ’e didn’ rub one out on my belly, th’ way ’e reacted… heh.” Jessica paused. “I would’a let ‘im, too…” “You… really do care for him, don’t you?” She softly sighed, brushing her hair away from her face before smiling, again. “There’s… somethin’ there, yeah. Shit, maybe I’m th’ lonely, confused one, huh? But, yeah… D’spite what all I said… I still wanna make that fox mine. Jus’ one time. One night. Once. Wanna show ‘im that I’m not all bite ‘n bark… show ‘im my weak, girly side.” Hope giggled at that. “I’d like to see that, myself… You’re are very pretty, Jessica… for a tomboy.” “I’ll ‘ave you know that some people think tomboys ‘r fuckin’ hot!” she teased. “I know I do…” “Y–” Jessica stumbled a little before saying, “Right. S’at why ya got involved wid Kris, that one time? Th’ only way she could get more girly ’s if she started wearin’ pink!” “Maybe… I just attracted to nice people?” At that point, Jessica had to look away. Hope was using her words against her… and, though she didn’t want to admit it… she kind of liked it.

“Gettin’ back on-track,” Jessica said after clearing her throat, “uh… Joe.” “Yeah…” Hope frowned a little. “What can we do?” “I can think’a three plans.” She attentively perked. “Yes?” “Plan 1: We clonk ‘im on th’ head, take ‘im t’ an underground room at an undisclosed location, then we torture ‘im ‘til ‘e submits ‘n becomes our loyal pet-slash-minion!” “I… hope that was a joke,” the girl said with a hollow chuckle. “Plan 2: We sneak inta ‘is apartment, wait ‘til ‘e’s alone, then give ‘im a wild-‘n-crazy night th’ likes’a which’d make even our most hedonistic ancestors blush ‘n turn ‘way!” “O…kay! Curiosity: piqued!” Hope giggled. “But… what’s the last plan?” “Plan 3…” Jessica inhaled, then exhaled, before looking straight at her companion. “We… politely ask ‘im t’ meet us at one’a our places, then if ‘e accepts… weee… calmly discuss what-all’s been goin’ on, like civilized adults, ’n see if we can’t find a s’lution?” Hope gave a surprised blink. She hadn’t been expecting such a serious answer. “That… sounds like the most logical plan,” she said, “but…” “Yer wonderin’ ‘ow we get ‘im t’ come over, yeah?” “That thought had crossed my mind, yes…” “Well… you know ‘ow t’ cook. I know ‘ow t’ cook.” “You know how to cook?” Hope asked, genuinely surprised. “Burritos, tacos, pizza– homemade, I mean, not microwave,” she said as the girl opened her grinning mouth. “Anyway! We offer food, ’e’s sure t’ come runnin’!” “Huh. Well, I think we know what plan to go with!” “Yep!” Jessica paused to grin. “Plan 1, righ’?” The blue-haired girl giggled, again. “Plan 3, I’m guessin’?” she corrected. When Hope gave a nod, she smiled and said, “Yeah, it really does sound sensible, huh? Bet ‘e’d never think I came up wid it!” “There’s a lot of things about you that I doubt he knows, sweetie – stuff that I think he’d find interesting… but, is too shy to ask about?” “Maybe!” “I know I was glad to learn about you. You’re quickly becoming– no…” Jessica tilted her head. Hope had stood up and walked over to her. A moment later, she blinked and wrapped her arms around the girl who’d decided to hug her. “You are my favorite person in the world, right now, Jessica…” “I…” She didn’t know what to say… so, she quietly whispered, “G-gosh…” “Did… you just say ‘gosh?’” The bat blushed and blanched. Hope had leaned back and was staring with a sweet smile. “N-no! Shut up!” she protested, pushing her friend away by her face. They both fell into a bout of laughter, then, before Hope returned to her chair and they settled down.

“He’s… not going to make it easy on us, you know…” “Tha’s fine. I like a challenge! ‘n if he fights us?” Jessica grinned. “I’ll break ‘is butt.” “Spoken like a true conquerer– I mean diplomat!”

The two shared another grin. Shortly after, Hope had to leave to work. As she drove off and Jessica phoned for a cab, the two knew what they had to do. It was just a matter of doing it…

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Healing Hearts #Hope North #Jessica Ingmann #drama #slice of life

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Healing Hearts, Ch. II

Chapter 2 of "Healing Hearts," an Essence of Ragnarok story. (Originally Chapter 1)

Now, this chapter introduces a character that I've kind of had on the back burner for a long while – not that the character in the last chapter wasn't, but… more-so, this one. She was actually kind of conceptualized by Jessica, herself, but never used for anything but an alternate art page. I thought the concept was kind of cool and intended to have her be a major character in Jessica's story, back when I was doing Utopian Legend fan fiction… but, when I lost interest in that, I decided to bring her (and, Jessie) into the Ragnarok series. And, now… you know something else you'll probably forget in, like, two minutes. ;D

Word count: 5,019 – Character count: 28,830 Originally written: December 11th, 2018

Hope tries to find a distraction from the worries on her mind.

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Hope was having one of the worst nights of her life… and, she only had herself to blame. Her mind had slid down a slippery slope of self-doubt and unanswered questions… which made her question how her boyfriend saw their relationship – something she had never experienced… or, really, had the chance to experience, for as long as she could remember. The innocent girl shook her head, hugged herself, and shivered. She was pacing around, unable to relax and unable to settle for more than a minute. The television was doing little to distract her, and she had no desire to read anything. She briefly browsed the Internet, but even that failed to keep her interest. By the time she went to bed… she was a train wreck of emotion.

“A… a sick day?” “That’s right, Mr. Michael. I’d like to use a sick day, if that’s alright.” Hope didn’t get a wink of sleep the night before, too caught up in her emotions to wind down and too frazzled to go through the various steps to temporarily shut herself down. She’d barely remembered to get dressed, that day, before calling into work at six-in-the-morning.

“Hope… I know you started here not long ago,” her boss said, “but… I’ve never known you to take a sick day. I’ve never known you to need a sick day! You usually trade them with the guys who really need ‘em! So… while I’m happy to let you have one… I have to ask: why? What on Ragnarok happened that got my hardest-working new-blood to call in sick?” “I… don’t want to say,” Hope quickly responded. “It’s too embarrassing.” “‘Women problems.’ Got it.” Mr. Michael laughed… then, he sighed.

“I’ll see if I can’t find someone to cover you. That would normally be your job, by the way… but, if you really need this sick day and aren’t just playing hookey… which, I sincerely doubt you would…” he added, “well, I’ll do you this favor. But, hey… You owe me! Okay?” “As soon as I’m able, I will be right back under those cars and motorcycles, working my rump off, Mr. Michael! I promise!” “That’s the spirit!” She could practically see the smile on her boss’ face. “Anyway… get well, or… here’s to a speedy recovery, or whatever! I dunno what’s appropriate, here, and I don’t wanna know! Heh. Just… take care of yourself.” The android girl sighed, then smiled. “Thank you.” The two said their goodbyes, then Hope hung up her phone… only to pick it back up and dial another number. Jessica’s voice came through the earpiece of the phone, not long after.

“Hope?” she greeted. “Waddup, girrrl? I was jus’ gettin’ some fast food! Nothin’ like cavin’ yer students’ faces in t’ work up an appetite fer greasy-ass food, eh?” “I wouldn’t know.” Hope quietly laughed. “I know this is sudden, but… do you have some time to spare, today? I’d like to spend some time with you, if that’s alright.” “Can’t get enough’a th’ oool’ batty-bat, huh?” The bat-girl chuckled. “Welp, as it jus’ so happens… yeah! I got some time! Need’a wind down from m’ shift at Mindy’s, ‘n stuff. Wha’cha have in mind?” “Anything is good. I’d just… like to spend some time with you.” Jessica hesitated before asking, “Hope? You okay?” “I’d just like to spend some time with you,” was her repetitious response. “Yer soundin’ like a broken record, hun…”

“Well, I can’t help that!” she suddenly shouted before catching herself. “S-sorry, sorry…” “Er, Hope… Ya know, yellin’ at me ain’ a good way t’ get me t’ do things fer ya… outside’a th’ bedroom, anyways…” Jessica softly chuckled before asking, again, “Fer reals, you okay?” “I’m just a little tired,” Hope quickly replied. “That’s all.” “Well… ya good t’ drive? We can go– wait, no. Theater dun open ‘til eleven! Uh, maybe we can– no, no… Pool’s closed fer th’ cold season… Hey, wait! Hope!” “What?” She shook her head before rephrasing that. “Y-yes…?” “Uh… My apartment has an in-door pool that’s… technic’ly not open, righ’ now? Technic’ly? But… landlord’s a bit easy-goin’, when it comes t’ that, sooo…” “That… that sounds good. I’ll grab my bathing suit and be over as soon as I–” “Hope.” Jessica gave another chuckle before she said, “I never gave ya my address.” “Oh?” Hope blinked, then she sighed. “I’m sorry. Um, where do you live, again?” “Kenjutsu Arms. Know where Katai Crossing is? It’s faaar south ‘n a li’l west’a there.” “Um…” She had no idea. “I’ll jus’… text ya some d’rections when we hang up, ha hah.

“Anyways, when ya get there, meet me out front in th’ parkin’ lot! I’ll be th’ bat wearin’ th’ long jacket ’n not much else!” “Alright.” Hope gave a nod. “Thanks, Jessica.” “See ya soon!” With that, Jessica hung up and Hope decided to route around in her dresser drawers.

Here it is… She had only been searching for a short while before she found what she was looking for. Shortly after, slipped out of what she was wearing, sliding into it with some difficulty, then turned toward her door-mounted mirror and looked herself over. How long has it been since I wore this? Gosh… There really wasn't a whole lot to the swimsuit. It was just a normal, generic piece of stretchy fabric with holes for the head, arms, and legs. Really, it kind of looked like a green tank top and undies of matching color, but with more fabric between the chest and lap. Looking at herself, she noticed that it seemed a little snug in the chest area, as the fabric there was stretched taught… She suddenly remembered the last time she wore it… as well as all the attention she got from random guys, for wearing it. Carlos was not happy! she thought with a laugh.

She took a moment more to admire and situate herself, adjusting the hem around her thighs and hips and squirming as she dug the rear of the suit out of her backside. That mint-green suit really did fit like a glove… a pretty cute one, at that. I should find more occasions to wear this… Maybe, Joseph would– The instant that name crossed her mind, her smile faded. Joseph… Not a second later, she blinked, then looked at her bed. Her phone had jingled at her. When she walked over and checked it, she noticed that Jessica had sent her a text message with detailed directions to get her from Katai Crossing to the apartments. I should get going… Hope thought, before I talk myself out of it…

Hope put her shorts, shirt, cap, and boots back on, intentionally skipping her usual socks and underwear, then she pocketed her phone, grabbed her keys and wallet, and headed outside. What a day to go swimming… she thought as she noticed that it was dark and snowy. I feel guilty about calling in sick, now… I bet there’s going to be a lot of vehicles coming in, today! Maybe, I should just go to work, instead… She reached to the driver’s side handle of her car… only to notice that it was locked. Um…? I thought I unlocked this? The girl gave it a couple of tugs… before she realized something. It’s… a push-button handle. A sigh passed her lips as she pushed the button and gave another tug. Unsurprisingly, the door decided to cooperate with her, that time. If I can’t even operate a simple car door, today, she thought as she sat down, trying to replace peoples’ mufflers or fix their transmissions probably wouldn’t go well… Trinity Above, maybe I really am sick. Despite that, the slid her key into the ignition and gave it a turn. A few seconds later, she was on the road and heading to Muramasa City.

During the drive into town, Hope turned on the radio and listened to the news and weather. She found that talk radio was usually the best distraction… which is why she generally didn’t listen to it while doing other things. However, she felt like a distraction was just the thing she needed to help her drive the sixty minutes from where she lived to where Jessica was. Knowing how I’ve been… I’d probably get into– Her eyes went wide and she hit the breaks with all her might! Another car had swerved into her lane of traffic, on the highway, before careening off the road and coming to a stop. “Oh, my gosh!” Hope was quick to pull over and run out to check on them.

“Are– are you alright?! I… I didn’t see you, there!” “What?” was the first thing to come out of the driver’s mouth as he stood there, staring at his car. “Lady, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. All’s I know is that freakin’ skunk came outta nowhere, so I yanked the wheel and here we are!” “You almost hit it!” called a voice from inside the vehicle. Hope looked over to notice a lady with a beehive hairstyle sitting there. She was wearing a warm-looking outfit, but despite that… she was shaking.

“Anyhoo…” The gentleman smiled. “We’re fine, lady.” Hope wrung her hands together, looking deeply concerned. “Are you sure…?” “Yeah, but thanks for checkin’ on us.” The blue-haired girl frowned a little as she watched the man get back into his car. She stood at the shoulder of the road, waiting… then, when the man and his passenger drove off without incident, Hope put her hand to her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well… That was exciting.” She put her hands behind her back before smiling to herself. “Miss Ingmann awaits!” With that, she walked back over to her car, hopped in, and continued on her way.

The rest of the drive into Muramasa City was without incident… although, Jessica texted Hope at least three times during her drive, from what she saw after she parked at Kenjutsu Arms. As she got out of her car, she heard a voice call out to her. “What kept ya?” When she looked up, she noticed that the impatient bat was walking her way. Just like she’d promised… she was wearing little more than her glasses and a long coat. “Aren’t you cold…?” Hope asked as she closed and locked her door. “I dun get cold,” the bat said… immediately before sneezing. “No, but it sounds like you can get a cold! Goodness…” “Eh, I jus’ had a snowflake up my nose.” Jessica loudly snorted before spitting to one side. “Anyways… c’mon! Let’s go swim! Ah– hey… Where’s yer swimsuit?” “It’s on under my clothes,” Hope said with a smile. When Jessica reached over and untucked her shirt from her shorts just to make sure, she laughed and swatted at the girl’s hands. “One-piece?” she asked with a grin. “Classy. I got somethin’ else on, m’self…” “I can’t wait to see.” Jessica lightly blushed and shyly grinned before clearing her throat. She was flattered… but, she wasn’t going to let Hope know that. “Le’s go!”

The two walked toward a large, two-building apartment complex a distance away. Rather than going to either side, though, Jessica led them to an entirely different part of the complex; a small building standing by itself, far to the east – or, left – of the main buildings. “Landlord keeps a lock on this gate,” Jessica commented as she pointed to a rotary combination lock that kept a barred gate closed in front of a maroon-colored door. “But, ‘e gives th’ combo t’ pretty much anyone, pr’vided they put th’ lock back. Trustin’ dude… but, no one’s made off wid th’ lock, yet, so!” “I’d think he’d be more concerned with people vandalizing the pool, myself…” “Could be!” the bat said as she dialed in the three-digit combination. “42 lef’… 4 righ’… 21 lef’… aaan’, bango!” Jessica gave the lock a tug. It unlatched and, a second later, she pulled the lock off and the gate slowly swung open with a noisy creak. “After you, Miss Dumouchel!” Hope blinked in surprise… then, she smiled at her companion. “I thought you didn’t like that name?” she asked as she walked into the small hallway between the gate and door. “I don’t.” Jessica grinned before saying, “I jus’ like keepin’ ya on yer toes.” The other girl gave a giggle, then she nodded. Shortly after, she reached up and turned the red door’s handle to push it open… “Oh. Hello.” Only to pause as a voice called to her from within.

“Sis…? Wha’cha doin’ up so early?” Hope turned her head just in time to see Jessica walk past her and into the other room. “You have a sister?” she asked. “Half-sister,” the voice corrected. “Do I, ever!” Jessica beamed. “Meet my sister, Akiko!”

Several paces away from either of them stood a girl who, to Hope’s eyes, looked almost completely identical to Jessica! In fact, if it wasn’t for her bright, white fur and piercing, crimson eyes… or, her long, flowing hair and delicately-styled, symmetrical bangs… Hope thought that she could almost be Jessica’s twin! “The resemblance is uncanny!” the girl said as she followed Jessica inside. “She ‘n me got th’ best of our daddy’s genes!” the black-furred bat proudly boasted. “Yes… though, I was slighted, to some degree, when it came to my mother’s DNA.” Hope tilted her head. “What do you mean?” “She’s got albinism,” she heard Jessica explain. “Can’t go out in th’ sun fer long. Kind’a like me, after I got bit!” “You mean, after you drank that vampire’s blood,” Akiko corrected, again. “I didn’– how was I s’posed t’ know?!” the other bat shouted.

“Regardless…” The white bat turned her attention to Hope. “She is correct. As you can see, I have a rather noticeable deficit, when it comes to melanin.” “That’s what makes me a sexy, black batty-bat wid fiery-orange hair!” Jessica interjected. “Oh, I know!” Hope said with a smile. “Melanin is also something that helps with the absorption of ultra-violet rays. Without it…” “I am significantly more prone to sun-related maladies.” “Which ‘s why she wears that cute hat!” Hope looked over at Akiko, again. Despite the somewhat dim lighting of the pool building… she was, indeed, wearing a large, floppy, sky-colored sunhat which matched the form-fitting, high-cut, one-piece bathing suit she had on.

“Jessica.” “Yeah, ‘Ko?” “Are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?” Jessica blanched, but Hope just giggled. “Oh, we’re not dating, Miss… Miss… um…” “‘Toriyama,’” Akiko said with a soft smile. “Miss Toriyama!” she repeated before beaming. Akiko just smiled a little wider.

“My half-sister has told me a great deal about you, Miss Dumouchel.” “You can call me ‘Hope,’ if you want!” the android told her. “I just use my creator’s last name for paperwork, where absolutely necessary.” “Only if you wish to call me ‘Akiko.’” “That sounds like a fair trade!” Hope gave a nod. “‘Akiko,’ it is!” The two exchanged smiles. It seemed like they were already hitting it off pretty well.

“With that settled, I’m quite surprised to hear that you two aren’t dating…” The albino bat knowingly smiled at her half-sister. “She cannot say enough good things about you.” “‘Ko…!” The black bat-girl laughed and nudged her. “C’mon, don’t embarrass me!” “It’s true, though. ‘Hope ‘s awesome!’” she started in an uncanny mimicry of Jessica. “‘Hope ‘s sooo cute!’ ‘Hope ‘s amazing!’ ‘Oh, man, I really gotta introduce ya t’ Hope!’” “Gods dammit, ‘Ko…” Jessica was still laughing… though, it was a little more subdued. “That’s funny…” Hope said with a grin. “If I had a sister–” “Half-sister.” “– I’d probably be telling her how amazing Jessica was!” “A’right, that’s enough outta you two…!”

Hope gave a startled squeak as she found herself, as well as the white bat, pulled into headlocks. Akiko hadn’t made a startled noise… but, she seemed far more interested in pulling herself loose than her partner-in-captivity did. “Let go! Let me go!” she shouted as she pushed in Jessica’s arm and pulled at her head. “Nuh-uh!” Jessica countered as she started walking toward the pool. “Jessica Uma Ingmann, I am warning you…!” “You two’ve said enough! Now, I’mma toss you in th’ drink!” “B-but, my clothes, Jessica…!” Hope protested as she tossed her phone on a nearby table. “Should’a thought’a that b’fore ya started good-mouthin’ me t’ my sis!” “Half-sister!” Akiko added, in an odd tone, “Let go of me, or I’ll tell Dad!” “That ain’ worked ‘n years!” the black bat laughed. “In ya go!” “Nooooo…!” Hope gave another squeak as Akiko screamed. The two hit the water at the same time and the latter immediately swam up and caught her breath while giving Jessica the stink-eye. “You… bitch!” she spat, losing her composure as she retrieved her waterlogged hat. “If ya didn’ wanna get wet,” Jessica said with a grin, “ya shouldn’t’a come t’ th’ pool!” “See if I add wing-slits to any of your shirts, ever again! Hmph!” Jessica grin immediately faded. Akiko had definitely gotten her attention.

“A-aww, dun be like that! I– I’m sorry, okay?” She frowned and knelt down at the edge of the pool. “Can’t we jus’ forget this happened?” “You blew it, Jessica!” Akiko tossed her drenched hat in Jessica’s face… then, she proceeded to do the backstroke as she said, “I’ll never forgive you! Neeeverrr…!” When Jessica removed the hat, she noticed that… “Oh… get out!” Akiko was smiling at her. That made her smile, as well… at least, until she noticed… “H-hey… where’s Hope?” Akiko stopped swimming and started treading water, looking around the pool. “She… doesn’t appear to be anywhere nearby,” she said in her usual tone. “Oh, shit! What was I thinkin’?!” The albino bat blinked her half-closed eyes. “What?” “Hope pro’ly can’t swim! Literally!” Just as she made that confusing statement… the two found their attention taken by some loud splashing. Up from the depths rose a figure with blue hair and soggy, gold-colored clothing.

“Well, that was interesting!” “Hope…!” Hope had surfaced near the shallow end of the pool, making slow strides as she walked toward the steps. Jessica offered a hand, which she accepted, then she gave the girl a tight hug. “Gods… I-I’m sorry, Hope! I–” Jessica blinked as she felt a finger press against her lips. “I’m waterproofed, Jessica. Inside and out.” Hope brightly smiled. “But, thank you for your concern.” “What happened…?” The two looked over toward Akiko, who had swum over to them from the middle of the pool. She seemed pretty clueless about the situation. “Well…” Hope started… “Hope sank!” Only for Jessica to interrupt her. “I gathered that,” was Akiko’s pointed response. “What I don’t understand is… why.” “Well,” Hope began, again. “‘cuz, she’s made’a metal? Duh?” The android frowned. She really didn’t appreciate being interrupted…

“Hope is… a robot?” Akiko asked, her face brightening with interest. “You neglected to mention that.” Hope didn’t even try to answer, knowing that Jessica would answer for her. “I did? Well… then, yeah! Hope’s an android, sis! Isn’ that awesome?!” “Fascinating…” The white bat smiled before she said, “My half-sister is in-love with an android. I… can’t say that I expected this turn-of-events.” “I am not!” Jessica stuck her tongue out at Akiko. “It’s okay, Jessica… We don’t need to hide it.” Both bats blinked at Hope. A second later, Jessica blushed as she was pulled closer by the blue-haired girl.

“I admit it, Akiko,” she told the half-sister. “Your half-sister and I… are madly in love!” Akiko’s smile became a wry grin and she crossed her arms. “Oh, my…” “H… Hope…?!” Jessica called, squirming in the android’s arms. “I love Jessica and she loves me! We’ve been dating for some time, in secret, but I didn’t want to hide it, anymore! That being said…” Hope brightly smiled as she sweetly asked, “I know it’s a little late, but… may I have your blessing, Miss Toriyama? It would make me really happy, knowing that my beloved’s cool sister was okay with her dating an android…” “You’ve… really put me on-the-spot, Miss Dumouchel.” Akiko brought a hand up, placing a finger at the edge of her smirking mouth. “I don’t know what to say.” “You don’t have to say ‘yes,’ but please! Don’t say ‘no!’” Hope gave her “lover’s” half-sister the best pleading look that she could muster. “It would break my little, robotic heart… which is to say nothing of your half-sister’s!” Jessica blushed a little more as Hope grabbed her by the chin, gently squishing her face as she leveled it toward the amused, white bat. “Look at this adoring face… See how anxious she is for the day her step-sister says… ‘Yes, I approve of this relationship!’”

“I’m not entirely convinced…” Akiko said, her smirk becoming a grin. “How do I know that this isn’t some ploy to become the sole heir to the Ingmann Family Fortune?” “Th’ what…?!” Jessica squeaked with forcibly-pursed lips. “What th’–?” “Our love is genuine, Miss Toriyama! I assure you!” “I am sorry, but I still don’t believe you.” “Will this change your mind?”

Jessica blinked… then, she did a double-take, her eyes going wide as, right in front of her half-sister… Hope pulled her into a tight embrace and a very deep kiss. Her face practically burst into flames, embarrassment overtaking her as Hope made some exaggerated noises of passion while holding her lips prisoner. By the time she broke away, Jessica wasn’t sure of what to do! And, apparently… she wasn’t the only one. Akiko had gone wide-eyed… and, her face was almost as red as Jessica’s.

“Do you believe us, now, Miss Toriyama…?” Hope asked as she tried to ignore the growing urge to burst into laughter. When she saw how uncomfortable Akiko looked, though… “U-um… I… was just kidding,” she told the girl who was fidgeting with her hands and debating hiding behind her wings. “I… guess I took the joke a little too far?” “I’m happy for you two,” Akiko quietly told Hope, much to her surprise. “I truly am. But, if you could… not… kiss in front of me, that would be great.” “We’re– we’re not dating. I’m sorry,” Hope apologized. “I was trying to be funny.” “You have a very warped sense of humor, young lady!” The android winced, going wide-eyed. Akiko had raised her voice! Not only that, but she wore a pretty angry look… “There is a time and a place for such… grotesque displays of affection! In public… when other people are within view… is neither!” “Y… y-yes, ma’am!” was all Hope could think to say to that. “Sorry, ma’am!” “‘f ya think that’s bad, then yer gonna hate this!” “What? Oh, my gods…!!” Akiko nearly fell back into the pool as she looked at her half-sister. Jessica had whipped open her long coat and finally showed off her bathing suit… which was also her birthday suit. Hope felt a bit surprised, herself… though, not entirely.

“J-J-J-Jessica, please…!” Akiko stammered as she finally hid within her wings. “Have you no shame?! Hide your nudity this instant!” “No way!” Jessica said with a laugh. She slipped out of her coat, then she stepped around her half-sister and waded into the pool with a shiver. “Oooh… It’s warm…” Hope looked over to the black bat… then, the white bat… and, back to the black one. She gave a nervous sort of chuckle, then she walked over to Akiko, giving her a gentle pat “I-it’s okay,” she told the bat. “It’s nothing that I haven’t seen, before!” “Oh, my gah…!” Akiko squeaked in a voice that was much less refined. “You guys are… are… Waaay TMI!” “Nah, this is ‘TMI!’” Jessica grinned as she swam backward. “We been fuckin’. Lots!” “Thaaat’s it – I’m out.” Hope watched in surprise as Akiko grabbed her hat, retrieved a book that on the table, and power-walked out without a word more. She felt kind of bad, too… Akiko seemed nice.

“Oh, dear…” Hope frowned as she watched the girl slam the door behind her. “Jessica… why did you do that? Granted, I started it, but…” “Meh, she’ll get over it!” Jessica laughed from the pool. “Now… I showed ya my swimmin’ suit…” “Such as it is…” the android said, grinning as she turned around. “Yer turn, ‘lover…’” She giggled a little. Joke-or-not, that sounded odd, coming from Jessica. Flattering… welcome… but, odd. Regardless, she gave a nod, then she began to strip for her friend. After a couple of moments, she was left with only her form-fitting, green bathing suit and golden cap on.

“Gods, yer cute…” Jessica whispered as she swam toward the stairs. “I jus’ wanna pin ya down, pull yer suit t’ one side, ‘n violate’cha right ’ere ’n th’ pool.” “Goodness… Does stripping down in front of relatives always make you so frisky?” Hope asked, walking to the pool with a smile. “Dun be gross,” was the surprising response she got. “I… S-sorry.” “She migh’ only be my half-sister… bu’, I ain’ inta that. Like some people…” Hope sat next to Jessica as she sat at the edge of the steps. She was quick to drape an arm around the bat and pull her closer. “I really am sorry, Jessica… I didn’t mean to cross a line.” “S’not yer fault Joe banged ‘is sister… then, let me bang ‘im. Like, holy fuck, I can’t b’lieve I forgot ‘bout that, that night! I let an… an incest dick jizz all up inside me…!” When Jessica shivered, Hope simply told her, “I… don’t understand?” “Bangin’ fam’ly is fuckin’ gross, Hope. Sick, wrong, ’n gross!” “I still don’t understand… from a moral standpoint, I mean. But, well… for what it’s worth, Joseph didn’t actually know he was related to Kris, when they started dating…” The black bat looked at her friend, her face showing signs of suspicion. “Yeah?” she said. “Did they keep bangin’ after they found out?” “U-um… Weeell…” “Ah-huh…” She pushed Hope away… then, she smirked. “Nice try.” The blue-haired girl smiled. “Sorry.”

“So, what’s on yer mind, this lovely, snowy day?”

After the awkward exchange they’d shared, Jessica swam back out into the deep end of the pool, leaving Hope to wade and splash around in the shallows. She wanted to follow Jessica… but, she knew she’d just sink, again. Plus, she wasn’t sure if they could have a conversation while she was underwater.

“A lot of things,” Hope told her companion. “Well… no. Just one thing.” “Yeah?” “Joseph.” “Ah, I see…” The bat flapped her wings, zipping over to where Hope was, then stood nearby. “Havin’ second thoughts?” The android hesitated before saying, “Something like that…”

“Ya know…” the bat pulled Hope into her arms and wings and gave her neck a little nip before saying, “If ya can’t talk t’ me ‘bout Joe, who can ya talk to?” “Joseph has a new girlfriend.” “I mean, you coul–” Jessica paused. The wheels in her head started turning as she realized Hope wasn’t making a suggestion… but, a statement. After a few seconds, she came out with a rather flat, “Th’ fuck?” Hope explained, then, how she’d made such a discovery.

“Ya… went over t’ ‘is ‘ouse t’ try ‘n make up?” Jessica repeated shortly after Hope spoke. When she gave a nod, Jessica asked, “An’… yer sure ya saw wha’cha saw?” “Joseph… laying in-bed… with some girl laying atop… and, his hand down her black tights,” she said, echoing her previous story. “Under other circumstances…” the bat-girl whispered with another nibble, “that could be kind’a hot. But, not when it’s messin’ ya up so bad!” “I don’t understand what happened!” Hope exclaimed. “When I left, I was fine! Joseph can do what he wants! He has, in the past! It’s always been fine! But… the longer I thought about it, last night… the more it started to eat away at me.” The girl looked up with a weak smile. “I took a sick day, today… The first sick day of my career as a mechanic. I don’t think I would have been able to focus on fixing peoples’ vehicles with these negative thoughts in my head… I wasn’t even able to sleep, last night.” “What, again? Hope, that’s– wait.” Her eyes went wide. “How long’ve you been up?” “According to my internal clock…” Hope paused before she said, “Ninety-eight hours?” The bat-girl’s face became riddled with concern. “Oh, don’t worry! My power core is good for about one-hundred-twenty hours!” “One-twenty… wid you bein’ active? Or, one-twenty… on standby?” “Huh?” Hope tilted her head. “Um, standby? I suppose. Why…?” “Hope!” Jessica gave her a slight rattle. “What happens ‘f ya power down?” “I-I won’t wake back up until my core is fully-charged. It’s a… rather inconvenient design flaw, I must admit…” She quietly chuckled. “But, that’s not very likely to happen.” “Wh– why not?” “Well, for one… if I power were running low, my internal diagnostics would alert me. For another, I’ve been supplementing my existing power by eating food and drinking beverages with electrolytes! Though… not as much as I should have, or in the right combinations, to see any significant gain…” She brightly smiled before saying, “Honestly, converting food or whatever consumes more power than it adds, most-of-the-time, anyway!”

“Hope, go home.” “What?” The android tilted her head. “But, I just got here!” “Go. Home.” “But… but…” She deeply frowned, looking upset. Jessica wasn’t having it, though. “Hope, I dunno what kind’a cable ya use ‘n whatnot, but I don’t think ya can recharge, here. Not sure sis ‘n I could even afford a recharge cycle, if it uses lots’a juice… so, I’m askin’ ya… as yer friend… t’ please… go. Home. Recharge… Then, we can hang out more. ‘Kay?” “But, I’m fine, Jessica! My systems would–” Suddenly, she stopped talking… “Hope?” Jessica’s eyes went wide. “Hope…! Gods damn it… I knew it!” The android’s own eyes turned blank-white and her body was still. She had shut off.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Healing Hearts #Hope North #Jessica Ingmann #Akiko Toriyama #drama #slice of life

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Healing Hearts, Ch. I

Chapter 1 of "Healing Hearts," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

So… originally, there were only three chapters to this story. However, when I finalized a related story that I shouldn't post here for… reasons… I realized that the last chapter of that story was actually better-suited to be the start of this story! So, that's how this story ended up having four chapters, instead of three. Isn't that interesting? (No.)

Word count: 4,042 – Character count: 22,931 Originally written: December 10th, 2018

A few days after a joyful anniversary… things come crashing down in a hurry.

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“I can’t believe that… that fucker!!”

It was a few days after Hope and Joseph’s third anniversary. Jessica had invited Joseph to dinner… only for her plans to go horribly wrong. About an hour after she left Joseph to himself, she’d made her way back into town. Just… not her town. “He fuckin’… called me a slut – called you a liar…! ‘e tol’ us both t’ go fuck each other!” She had arrived at her friend’s house and was quick to let herself in and unload on her… “I-I d-don’t th-hink he w-was being li-iteral, J-Jessica…!” In more ways than one.

“Stupid… lousy… rotten…” Those were some of the words that made their way from Jessica’s brain to her mouth as she worked her frustrations out on her friend, Hope. Since the anniversary, she and Jessica had become surprisingly close… so close, in fact, that Hope didn’t feel the need to question the sudden intrusion, or even the severe invasion of her personal space. She was always willing to help a friend… even in such unorthodox ways. However… “J-Jessica…?” “Hope ‘e jus’… jus’… sits there ‘n freezes!” she continued. “Jessica…” “Should’a snapped ‘is spine…!” “Jessica!!”

The enraged bat jolted as her friend gave a sudden, shout. Her actions stopped in an instant and she looked at the blue-haired girl who was pinned between her and the furniture. “Y… you’re hurting me, Jessica…!” she said with a pained sort of smile. “I…!” The bat’s two-colored eyes widened. “I didn’ know I could…!” “You… technically can’t? B-but… my… sensors won’t stop giving me stress warnings, and…” She suddenly looked away with a frown. “I-I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.” “Nooo… nooo, Hope, sweetie… noooo.” Jessica was quick to pull her friend upright and hug her from behind. “I shouldn’ be takin’ out my anger on ya…” she told the android. As she felt a pair of arms hug hers, she added, “I’m jus’… I really thought he’d be cool…! I never would’a guessed he’d’ve been so…” “Upset?” The bat gave her friend a nuzzle before whispering, “Pissy…” “I… don’t understand. But…” She offered a warm smile. “I’d love it if you’d try and explain? If you want to, I mean.” Seeing her friend’s smile brought a smile to her own face. A moment later, Jessica kissed Hope on the cheek and gave her a squeeze. “Can… we made some waffles, real fast?” she softly asked. “Kind’a skipped dinner…” Hope softly giggled before saying, “My house is your house, Jessica.” Her smile brightened and she squeezed a little tighter. “Yer so rad, Hope…” –––––

“I’m… sorry, fer jus’ bargin’ in ‘n… railin’ ya, hun…” “It’s okay, Jessica! I really don’t mind!” “I prob’ly should’a at least tol’ja th’ whole story, first.” “Again, it’s okay. You were angry and just wanted some relief. I’m happy to help!” “Still… You okay?”

After a trip to the kitchen to throw some frozen waffles in the toaster, Jessica and Hope retreated to the dining room, together. The former was happy to have some food in front of her… but, she couldn’t enjoy it. Her friend, who was sitting nearby, seemed like she was having some difficulty breathing… which, considering that she didn’t need to breathe, seemed pretty odd.

“Just… a little winded from our session!” she explained with a smile while continuing to slump in her seat. “Nothing to worry about!” “Okay, but…” The sharply-dressed bat frowned. “You don’t breathe.” The other girl fidgeted before saying, “I’m… um… v-venting…” The bat blinked… then, she gave a light blush. “Riiight… I, uh… overworked ya, did I?” “If I were organic, I’d probably be pretty sore!” Hope giggled, despite Jessica wincing. “Don’t worry… My systems are cooling down and there’s no structural damage! But…” She looked down. Jessica noticed her squirming a little in her seat, then. “I do feel a little funny…” she explained. “Nothing’s broken or out-of-place. I just feel like…” “Like ya had a piston poundin’ th’ ever-lovin’ crap outta ya?” “I’d be lying if I said this was normal.” Hope looked up with a softer sort of smile. “Maybe… my wish is coming true?” “Wish?” She nodded before her smile grew brighter. “Maybe, by being with you… I’m starting to feel things that I couldn’t, before!” “Hope… that’s…” Jessica was about to tell her that it was impossible… that her body wasn’t designed for detailed, tactile feedback. But… “Great. That’s really great.” She couldn’t shatter her friend’s dreams, like that. Especially not when it such thoughts brought such a beautiful look to her always-adorable face.

“Anyway, I’m being very rude, right now!” Jessica blinked as Hope stopped squirming and sat straight up. She placed her hands on the table, one over the other, and put her full attention on the bat. “Please, tell me what happened with Joseph? I’d really like to know!” “Ehn…” The bat rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Where do I begin?” “If I might make a suggestion?” She tilted her head. When she heard Hope say, “Start at the start, until there’s no more story to tell?” she had to roll her eyes, again. She knew the girl was being serious… but, she couldn’t help but think there was some sarcasm buried in that statement. “Well,” she started, “here’s how it went down…”

Hope intently listened as Jessica told her every detail of the canceled dinner date. She tilted her head at the parts where Jessica called Joseph… She leaned in, paying especially close attention at the parts where Jessica persuaded the fox to have sex… She covered her mouth and grew worried as heard what the bat did to her boyfriend after she had her fun… And, she frowned and showed disapproval at hearing how Jessica attacked him and left him there before hitchhiking her way there. In fact, almost immediately after that last part… “Wha’cha doin’?” Hope had walked over to her house phone, picked it up, and dialed a number. “I’m calling Joseph to see if he’s okay,” she explained as the earpiece rung. “I need to know that he made it home, safe-and-sound.” “I mean… pro’ly?” Jessica said between bites of her syrup-covered waffles. “I’m pretty sure I didn’ beat ‘im up that bad… S-sorry, by th’ way.”

There was a long delay as Hope waited for her boyfriend to pick up the phone on his end. “Joseph? Joseph, hi!” When he finally did, Jessica listened in.

“I was just calling to– What? What’s that? Y… yes. No, no she was– Joseph, calm down, please! She… she wasn’t lying! We really did make love. Jessica is such a sweet girl… I was hoping that the two of you would– Joseph? Joseph, don’t say that! You’re not making–” “Hope?” Jessica tilted her head. “Talk t’ me, Blueberry.” But, she was too occupied with making another call to answer. Unfortunately… “Blueberry…?” “He… hung up. And, he’s… he’s not answering– he’s not answering…!” Almost immediately, the girl spun around, giving Jessica a confused, angry sort of look. “Why was he so mad at me…? What did you say…?!” “I– I told him what I told you!” The bat scowled as she repeated, “‘Hope ‘n I had sex!’ Then, we banged! Then, ‘e just fuckin’ lost ‘is mind! Th’ fuck did ‘e say I said…?!” “He… he just… He told me to go ‘eff’ myself… or, ‘better yet…’” Hope shivered, clutching the phone with both hands. “‘Go eff my new girlfriend…’ I don’t understand… We’re not in a relationship! Why would he say that…?” Jessica gave a tired sort of sigh before taking another bite of waffle. “‘e’s jealous,” she flatly stated, shortly after. “Jealous…?” The android looked at her friend, her anger replaced by worry, but the confusion still apparent in her eyes. “I don’t understand… Why would he be jealous of… me? Of you? Shoot, why would he be jealous of either of us…?” “If I ‘ad t’ guess…?” The bat took another bite before saying, “‘e thinks you don’t need ‘im, now that we’re so intimately chummy.” “Th-that’s silly!” Hope slowly walked back toward the table, still wringing the phone. How could he possibly think that I would ever not need him in my life…? He showed me how wonderful love could truly be… what it means to be loved, unconditionally! I love him…” “‘cuz… ‘e’s pissy.” Hope sat down and stared at the floor. “I don’t understand…” “Eh, give ‘im a day. Maybe, two.” Jessica shrugged. “‘e’ll be fine.” “Do you really think so, Jessica?” “‘ey…” The bat smiled. “Would I steer ya wrong?”

Hope seemed satisfied, believing in her friend. The two spent the rest of the night watching movies and talking about things going on in either of their lives, then they went to bed. Hope was happy to cuddle up to her friend as they slept. There was just one problem.

She couldn’t sleep.

Joseph has never been mean to me, before… were among Hope’s many thoughts, that night. I still don’t understand why he told me to eff off, or eff Miss Ingmann… Is he really so jealous of us becoming friends…? The blue-haired android shook her head. Don’t be so naïve, Hope… You know why he’s so upset. At least… you think you do… But… he’s never put much value on that aspect of our relationship, before… Why, now? She frowned to herself and paused to consider the facts. Okay… Sure, a little under a week ago, he made a commitment to me. But… I told him to think it over, before deciding for sure… Even when he told me that he was sure about it, I told him that it was okay… that he’s never given me any reason to doubt–

Suddenly her eyes went wide. “That’s what it is…!” she excitedly said under her breath. “That’s why he’s so upset…!” Hope had to blink, then. Something was rubbing her face. “Mrrngh… Shoosh…” she heard the bat groggily mutter as she was groggily pawed. “S-sorry…” was her reply before she snuggled in close and went silent. “Mm… Blueberries…” The android keet herself from giggling as her companion audibly licked her lips, seemingly somewhere between being dreams and reality. Once Jessica settled down, she gave a soft sigh… then, she nodded to herself. I know what the problem is! she confidently thought. I’m just… not sure what to do…

Two more sleepless nights followed with Hope working on a possible solution. Nothing she thought of seemed suitable… and, it was starting to get to her. However, she tried not to let her lower-than-normal energy or wandering mind distract her… There had been a number of people coming-and-going, keeping her and her co-workers at Presley Michael’s and Sons extremely busy, over the three days that followed the incident. Hope stayed on-task as best as she could… but, her mind continued to wander… If Joseph is simply jealous, she thought as she worked on someone’s cracked axle, all I have to do is show him that I love him just as much as I always have. If he’s beating himself up over what Jessica did, though… Hmm… That’s a bit more tricky…

She flipped the dark visor up on her welding mask, giving her welding a closer inspection. It wasn’t up to her usual standard… She flipped her shield back down with a sigh, then tried things from a different angle. She unwilling to accept that her work was slipping. I could just tell him that it doesn’t matter to me… she continued to think. It really doesn’t! It never has! But, I don’t know if that’s going to be enough… She frowned from behind her mask. Just like this axle… I might have to do something really special, to fix things…

By the end of her shift, Hope was completely covered with ash, grease, oil, and even a little gasoline… but, that was par-the-course for her job, really. She would usually go straight home and wash off… but, she had a mission, a that, so, she climbed into her car, started the ignition, and made her way out onto the roads. Then, after driving for a half-hour… Well, here I am… at Joseph’s house. Now what? She’d arrived.

Hope stepped out of her vehicle, closing the door behind her. Joseph’s little house in the woods always looked kind of picturesque… but, with the sun setting over the trees and the area covered in a light dusting of snow, it looked especially lovely. Focus, darn it! But, she wasn’t there for the view. She had a goal in mind!

His car’s here… she thought as she looked at his carport. Good. He’s home. She quietly chuckled, suddenly realizing how embarrassing it would have been to drive all that way just to see an empty house… but, that amusement quickly turned to nervousness. Her chest felt tight as she walked from her car to the front door of Joseph’s house. She had no idea how her boyfriend was going to react to seeing her… but, if she wanted everything to go back to normal… it was a risk she had to take.

Let’s just knock on the door, and we’ll go from there! That was her thought as she raised a hand up. However… Wait… She lowered her hand and stared at the door, for a moment. This door… It’s open. Indeed, the door didn’t seem to be closed all the way and, though it was open just a crack… it was enough for the sharp-eyed girl to notice. Joseph wouldn’t leave his door open… not when it’s so chilly. Did someone…? Hope reached up, squeezing the collar of her coveralls. N-no, don’t be silly! No one broke in! He lives far too far from town, for that! But, even after telling herself that… she had to wonder. And, that curiosity led her to push the door open, then walk in.

“Joseph?” she nervously called. “I-it’s me… Hope. I… know you might not be too happy to see me, right now, but–” She stopped in mid-thought. There was an odd noise coming the hallway. Music…? Hope hesitated… then, she started walking toward that area of Joseph’s house. As she got to his room, though… she heard some noises that gave her pause. Someone… was making quiet, pleasured noises. And, it wasn’t him. Is… Jessica here? She smiled. Gosh… I guess Jessica forga– “Ah–! M-Mister Li– Lithius…!” Hope, once again, paused in her thoughts and her eyes opened wide. That… was not Jessica. That was not Jessica, at all. But, who…? Curious about the voice, Hope walked up to the bedroom door and opened it just enough to peek inside… only to stare in surprise at what she saw.

Laying on top of Joseph’s double-sized bed was the fox, himself. That wasn’t entirely unexpected. No, what had surprised Hope… was that someone… a girl roughly her own height, though a fair bit thinner and seemingly younger than Joseph… was laying on top of, face-up… That was someone she had never seen, before… Judging by her long, slender tail and active, pointy ears, Hope could tell that the girl was a female of some sort. Though she was fully-clothed, she noticed that the what she could see of the girl’s face, hands, and most of her tail was covered in fur that was as white as the snow outside, though she also had silver-gray fur covering both ears, around the top of her head, and in three irregular segments at the tip of her tail. Her hair was black and looked long and straight, though parted off-center toward her left eye with fringe partly covering part of her right. It was hard to tell how long her hair actually was, since she was laying down… but, Hope guessed that it must have been at least shoulder-length. The girl wore a black top with long sleeves and a round neckline that came to her collarbone… a bright red, knee-length skirt made of some cottony material… and, black tights with loops that came around the bottoms of her otherwise-bare feet. Hope couldn’t tell any more than that… though, she did notice something else that didn’t belong.

A chocolate-furred hand was touching the girl’s body.

The cat-girl seemed shy, a blush burning brightly on her face and both hands covering her mouth as Joseph pawed at her, very-clearly teasing her. She could be heard nervously mewling and shakily panting, her body wiggling atop the fox with her tail flicking and ears folded and twitching. It seemed like she wasn’t entirely sure about the attention she was getting… yet, made no effort to stop it.

“Does it feel good, Emi…?” Hope heard her boyfriend whisper to the stranger. The girl replied in a high-pitched, innocent, feminine voice, “U– uh-huh…” “Want me to keep going…?” Emi hesitated… then, she softly nodded. She gasped, then, as Joseph lifted her loose skirt up, revealing the lap of her tights. Hope watched her tenses and heard her whimper. A second later, the girl arched her back and gave a louder gasp! Joseph had taken things up a level…

Did Joseph make a new friend? I wonder when that happened…? That was the sole thought going through Hope’s head as she absentmindedly watched the scene unfold. She really didn’t care that Joseph was fooling around with the new girl… That was his business. She was, however, deeply curious as to who the girl was. Any friend of Joseph’s is a friend of mine! she thought with a smile. I’d ask about her, later… but, I don’t know how he’d react to me admitting that I walked in on him and his new friend being intimate! He’s silly about things like that… She mentally giggled, quietly closing the door… just as the kitty-girl gave a tense, muffled cry of delight before squelching herself. Goodness… You’d almost think she didn’t want to enjoy herself! She giggled a little more and walked away, thinking to herself, I wonder if she’s new to this…? I hope Joseph goes easy on her, in that case!

Hope left the building, quietly closing the door behind her. But, just as she stepped out… there was a loud jingle from her pocket. Oh, gosh! I’m glad I left when I did! She retrieved the jingling item… only to pause and examine her hand. Shoot… I guess I should have washed my hands, before I left work. Still, that didn’t stop her from answering her phone.

“Hello?” “Wuddup, bitch!” Once again, Hope had to keep from giggling too loudly. “Hi, Jessica! How are you?” “Fine, fine… So, listen!” the girl quickly said. “I been thinkin’ ‘bout this whole ‘Joe’ thing… Now, I’m still livid wid ‘im, but I was thinkin’… why no go over t’ ‘is ‘ouse ‘n, ya know… work yer green-eyed magic on ‘im? Dun give two shits ‘f ‘e’s pissed at me, but–” “Actually…” Hope interrupted, “I’ve been giving that some thought, too!” “Oh?” Jessica sounded surprised. “What’s on yer mind, Blueberry?” “I was thinking… Why not just give him some space? More, I mean. A week, maybe?” “Er… really? A week?” The bat-girl paused before suspiciously asking, “Somethin’ happen I should know ‘bout?” “Nope!” Hope softly smiled to her phone. “I just figure… if he wants to talk, then he’ll come to me! Until then, I’m not going to worry about it.” Jessica paused, again before loudly asking… “What?”

“I’ll talk with you, later,” the blue-haired girl quietly said. “I need to head home for the day and wash up. Somehow, I hadn’t noticed just how gross I am, right now…” “Did…” Jessica paused, yet again, before asking… “did you go out ‘n get laid?” “Oh, Jessica, you silly thing… Not everything has to be about sex!” “Yea’, but… ‘Not at home…’ ‘Gross…’ Either ya went ‘n got some, ‘r…” “Or, I just got off work?” Hope opened her car door as she waited for a response. “Oh. Oooh…!” Jessica finally exclaimed with a laugh. “Duh. Righ’! Work.” “Exactly. I– wait, one moment.” Hope pulled the phone away. “What’s that, Enrique?” she called. “Am I coming back to bed? Oh, you’re insatiable!” She brought the phone back to her ear, then. “I’m sorry about that. But, yes. Work,” she emphasized in an over-the-top way. “Work.” Hope grinned from-ear-to-ear at Jessica’s flat tone. She giggled, even more,when the bat-girl said, “If I didn’ ‘ave work, m’self, I’d come over ‘n really ‘Enrique’ yer ass!” “But, I’m still ‘sore’ from the last time!” she teased. Jessica just chuckled and so did Hope.

“Anyway, have a great day at work!” Hope said with a cheerful voice. “Love you!” “You, too, kiddo! Talk soon!” The line went dead with a click, then Hope put her phone back into her pocket. That frisky bat is quickly becoming my favorite person… Better watch out, Joseph! The girl giggled to herself, climbing into her car. Moments later, she was on her way.

After taking a nice, long shower and tending to her stained work clothes, Hope walked into the living room – completely devoid of clothing – and flopped on her couch. Today was a good day, she thought as she turned on the television. I helped get a lot of peoples’ vehicles back in order… I made Jessica laugh… and, I got to check up on Joseph! I’m glad that he found someone to keep him company, after that whole mess… I was really worried, when he stopped taking my calls! I guess he’s just been busy with his new girlfriend, though… She smiled to herself… before her smile faded and she blinked. Wait. What did I just say? The girl paused to replay her thoughts. When she found what she was looking for… ‘Girlfriend?’ I… I said ‘girlfriend?’ She hummed… I’m sure I meant that like… ‘a friend who is a girl.’ Joseph would have told me if he were dumping me. A familiar tightness had made its way back to Hope’s chest as she got lost in thought…

S-slow down, Hope… You’re jumping to… strange conclusions… So what, if Joseph has a new girl-friend – possibly, a new girlfriend…? That shouldn’t make a difference to your relationship. But… Joseph’s told me about his past girlfriends… I’m friends with most of them! This new girl, though… I’ve never seen her. Who is she? How did she and Joseph meet? And… how long have they been doing… that…? Hope took long, slow breaths and gently rubbed her collarbone with a closed hand. Something wasn’t right, and she knew it. She just didn’t know if it was with him… or her…

Am I… am I actually jealous of that girl? She quickly shook her head before telling herself, Th-that can’t be. No, I don’t get jealous! I love Joseph, no matter what! All I’ve ever wanted for him was to be happy! And, if he’s happy with that kitty girl, well… that’s great! I’m sure they’ll be happy together… Hope quietly gave a blink of her eyes. S-stop. Just stop, she thought, ignoring her moistening eyes. D-don’t do this to yourself, Hope… Your love is unconditional! If Joseph wants to spend the rest of his life with some girl you’ve never met, th-then that’s just fine! If she makes him happy, that’s all that matters… Her eyes closed and she quietly huffed. His happiness… That’s all that’s ever mattered. If I can’t make him happy, then… then… She shuddered and made an odd noise… She tried to fight it… but, she could feel the water escaping and running down her cheeks. She’d worked herself into a fit of sadness.

“Stop it!!” All-of-a-sudden, she stood up and shouted at herself! A second later, she rubbed her eyes, opened them, then angrily glared outward. “S-stop feeling sorry for yourself!” she yelled. “Stop beating yourself up! You knew there were limits to what you could do, for him! Why does it surprise you that he’s found someone who can give him what you can’t?!” She panted, calming down for a moment. Then… she brought her hands over her face. “He’s happy… Happy with… ‘Emi…’” She gave a hard swallow… then, she whispered to herself…

“He might never come back…”

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Healing Hearts #Jessica Ingmann #Hope North #Joseph Lithius #drama #slice of life #romance

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Closed Circuit, Ch. II

The final chapter (Chapter 2) of "Closed Circuit," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

Well. I learned something about Jessica, last time. Now, we learn something about Hope! Two things, actually! And, some other things about the other two, I suppose~

Word count: 3,790 – Character count: 21,395 Originally written: December 16th, 2018

Jessica sung just to be a butt, but Hope has different sort of song to sing…

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“Greetings, Side Bar! My name’s Blueberry! What’s yours?” She could hear Jessica snickering in the back, but no one else seemed to make a sound. “It’s okay, don’t be shy!” she encouraged. “Mi– Michael…?” one voice called out, sounding uncertain. “Hi, Michael!” she greeted as she sat on the nearby stool, pulling the mounted microphone with her. “The song I’m about to sing goes out to you!” The crowd gave a collective murmur… then, they lightly clapped. It seemed like they were warming up to Hope… and, she was warming up to them, too!

“In distant times of history’s past, there was a man of derring-do,” she began to sing as a slow speed. “Of gallantry, of valor; he saw things through to the end…” Like before, the crowd stayed silent. “A braver knight there never was, he was a hero through-and-through. With loyalties unto his liege; t’was his honor to defend…” She had their attention… “And, his name was…” She paused for the song… then, she belted out one name…

“Arturiuuuuus…!”

Hope hopped off of the stool, knocking it away and grabbing the microphone out of its stand as the song kicked into a peppy rock-metal combo. She closed her eyes and bopping her head along with the music as the intro played. No force in that bar… or, on that planet… was going to stop what followed in the minutes after.

The first couple of lines of the song continued from where the intro had left, detailing the kind acts and brave deeds of Sir Arturius. However, by the fourth line, it was talking about how he wasn’t always the “bravest soldier of the lands,” and how he started life as a pig farmer’s son in some poor, distant village. The song went on to tell his story… about how he saw that the kingdom was in need of heroes, and how he worked hard to get from his father’s farm all the way to the kingdom that was “many towns away.” His story continued in the second half of the song. He had become a knight, swearing his allegiance to king-and-country… but, he was still the lowest-ranked knight in the king’s court, so he was frequently overlooked for missions and crusades. The song slowed, slightly, and became sad as it told of a period where he felt completely useless. “There’s no need for new heroes, in this land,” the song said. But, the song picked back up as Sir Arturius realized that it didn’t matter that he wasn’t fighting brigands or huge beasts. He just wanted to help people, and help people he would! So, he became a traveling knight, doing good deeds as he went. The third part spoke of a dragon which had come, looking for a princess to kidnap. All the knights tried to fight it, but all of them failed – including Sir Arturius. It slowed as it described how he lay there, “wondering what his life was worth if he could not defend the crown.” However, all it took was the frightened scream of a small child… a child whose puppy he’d saved from drowning, earlier in the song… to snap him out of it and give him the strength to fight on! Hope shouted to the skies as she told of the battle through song lyrics, emphasizing how determined Sir Arturius fought. Indeed, it wasn’t brute strength that wore the dragon down… but, sheer force of will!

“The legend of the gallant knight was passed from-age-to-age,” Hope quietly sang as the song slowed, again. The five-minute epic was wrapping up. “With will so strong and cause so pure he never bent, for any of us. He saved the kingdom, town-to-keep, and quelled the beast’s rampage… So tell the tale to all who’d hear… of the brave knight…” The audience leaned inward as the song paused… only to go absolutely insane with cheer as Hope leaned far back and melodiously screamed the hero’s name…

“Siiiir Arturiuuuus!!”

The song ended after a brief instrumental. Once Hope was done, she gently put the microphone back on the stand… only to perk as the crowd burst into uproarious clapping and demanded an encore! She became a little flustered and nervously laugh, offering a shy sort of smile as she skittishly waved and speedily stepped off-stage, much to the entire bar’s disappointment. Before long, though, everyone settled down and the next singer was introduced. It was almost like everyone had forgotten what just happened… “What. Was that.” Well, almost everyone.

Joseph stood at his table, wide-eyed and fur bristling. He looked absolutely astonished by what he’d just watched and heard. In fact, he was having a hard time believing that any of it had happened, judging by the look he kept giving his drink… “Uh…” Jessica answered between sips of her red-tinted drink, “Hope jus’ rocked it, on-stage? Like, power ballad-style?” “Rock-metal, actually!” Hope corrected as she sat with a soft smile. “I repeat,” the fox started in a calmer tone, “‘What. Was. That.’” “‘n, I r’peat… ‘Hope jus’ rocked it?’” “Hope, where… where did you learn to sing like that…? You sounded like… like…” “Like th’ guy what wrote th’ song? Only… a girl?” “I mean… better than that!” Joseph laughed, still wide-eyed. “Like, I never knew you had that kind of raw passion in you!” “Oh, it’s nothing special…” Hope said as she waved a hand. “It’s just something that I do when I’m bored and at home. Well… not quite as loudly, of course! I tend to keep it quite, so I don’t disturb my neighbors! I usually treat my furniture a little better, too, but–” “Hope, you’re… I… I love you!” Before she could react, she found herself being pulled into a tight embrace. She immediately fell into a fit of giggles as Joseph nuzzled and kissed her neck and cheeks, then squirmed out-of-reach before giving him a good petting.

“Really, it’s nothing special…!” she reinforced. “I just… sang what I felt?” “Must’a felt somethin’ righ’ powerful, then!” Jessica said, gesturing toward Hope with her drink and a grin. “Ya abs’lutely rocked it!” “Thank– thank you! But…” “She’s right.” Joseph brightly smiled. It seemed like he’d finally calmed down. “You’re really talented, Hope,” he said. “I bet you could go pro, if you wanted!” “‘n, Joe coul’ be yer backup dancer!” “That… sounds interesting,” Hope said with a chuckle. “But, no. This is something I want to keep for myself. And… maybe, my friends. I–” “Hey… um…” Hope blinked. Someone else had walked over to the table. Not just anyone, though…

“You sure ya don’t wanna give us another taste of that Blueberry Blitz?” the hostess asked Hope. She seemed like she really wanted a ‘yes.’ However… “I-I’m sorry, Miss…?” “Call me ‘Chloe!’” she chipperly suggested. “Miss Chloe,” Hope continued, “but, I think this was just a one-time thing. I’ve never actually done this, before, but my boyfriend and I are celebrating our third year together, and–” “Congratulations!” “Thank you. And, our friend, ‘Punky Ocks–’ “Yo,” Jessica said with a wave before sipping her drink, again. “– suggested Sing-Song. After seeing her sing, I thought I’d give it a try… but–” “Say no more! I get it.” She tilted her head. “You do?” “First rule’a showbiz, babe!” Chloe gave a wink before explaining, “Always leave ‘em beggin’ for more!” “First rule’a datin’, too…” Jessica quietly commented with a grin.

“Thanks, for poppin’ your Blueberry with us, kid!” Chloe gave a bow. “Lookin’ forward to your triumphant un-retirement! ’til then, never stop singin’ with your heart! Figuratively… and, very literally! Enjoy the rest’a your evenin’!” Hope giggled before nodding. “Will do, Miss Chloe! Thank you.” With that, Chloe strode away, wiggling her hips as she made her way back to the stage.

“Dat squirrel ass…” Jessica commented before asking, “Ya gonna sing, now, Joe?” “No, I don’t think–” “Oh, come on!” The bat-girl nudged him. “I sang! Hope sang!” “I’d never even sung in public, before!” the other girl said with another giggle. “So, what’s th’ friggin’ hold-up wid you, Goldie?” Joseph’s ears fell. “I… can’t find a song I like.” “Wha’– really?” He gave a nod. From the way he was blushing… it seemed like he was kind of embarrassed with the excuse he’d come up with. However…

“Wow… Lookin’ again, these songs really ain’ yer cup’a tea!” Jessica scrolled through the songs listened on the device, Joseph watching as she tried to find one that suited him. It didn’t seem like she was having much luck, though. “Ya could try… no, no… How ‘bout… wait, no, last time ya sung that, e’ryone booed.” “Don’t remind me,” Joseph said as he shrunk down. “Whaddabout… Hmm… I guess ya coul’…” “Face it, Jessie… most of the songs are more your speed.” “‘ey… ’ey! Hang on!” The fox tilted his head… as did his girlfriend. Jessica was scrolling through the songs at a rapid pace. Had something caught her eye?

“What about… this one?” When she showed Joseph the song she’d picked… he made a very sour face. “Are you kidding me? That song? In a place like this?” “‘ey… they was r’ceptive t’ Hope’s knight song!” “Yeah, but that was a rock-metal ballad! This is… it’s…” “This ‘s rock, too!” “It’s country, Jessie!” he corrected. “Do you know what the bar would do to me, if I sang a country song? Do you know what I would do to me…?” “They’d throw bottles?” “That’s not helping, Hope!” he told the giggling girl. “It’s th’ only song on ‘ere that I know ya can sing ‘n not look stupid, Joe, ‘n we ain’ leavin’ ‘ere ‘til ya sing at least one song, so…” “Ugh. Fine.” The fox punched it in, along with his alias, before sitting back and pouting. “Happy?” “Not enough! Think I need anudder tall, fruity one… Hey, waitress!” –––––

“Shoot me…” It was almost Joseph’s turn to go up on stage. He seemed more nervous than either Hope or Jessica had been. However… “It’ll be just fine, Joseph!” Hope was there, standing beside him and offering a warm smile. “Just go up there and sing your heart out!” she suggested. “Easy for you to say, ‘Ms. Rock-Metal.’ I’m still blown away by that, by the way!” She giggled before telling him, “It’s easier than you think!” “W-well, it’s not my first time singing… It’s just… Them… with this song…” “Ah, you’ll be fine. It’s actually one’a our most-sung songs!” “What?” Joseph looked behind Hope. Chloe was standing there, eying her clipboard. “Yeah!” she said with a grin. “It’s usually sung by drunk businessmen or good ol’ boys, at week’s end… but, I don’t guess a drunk businessman is too far from a sober musician, hey?” “Sober… musician?” “Love yer work in Dancing Mad, hon.”

Joseph whispered a swear under his breath. “You’re… a fan…? You know me…?!” “Let’s see if you’re as good at singin’ yer songs as ya are as composin’ ‘em!” “W-wait!” the fox called, but it was too late. Chloe had already made her way up and was introducing him.

“Folks, we have a very special guest with us, tonight! This guy is one of the many talented musicians of a little-known game franchise you pro’ly haven’t heard of? Nothing big. Just a tiny series… called Dancing Mad?” The audience didn’t seem to care. That didn’t stop Chloe from being energetic, though. “Put yer hands together, if ya wanna clap! Here comes master musician, Joseph ‘Doc’ Lithius, as he sings a song he wrote the music for, ‘Goin’ Home!’” “Break a leg, fuzzy!” Joseph tensely looked between the stage and Hope. She seemed confident in his abilities to sing… but, he didn’t seem sure. Either way, he knew he had to get up there and try. So… “H-hey there, Side Bar. Doc here, and… have I got a yarn to spin…” Hope smiled before deciding that was her cue to head back to the table.

“Call me, cutie!” The blue-haired girl curiously tilted her head as she came back to Jessica saying that. Apparently, she’d taken a liking to the giggling bandicoot waitress who had brought her a fresh glass of alcohol. It was hard to tell if Jessica had actually given out her number, though. “Welcome back, Blueberry!” she was quick to greet as the waitress left. “Yer boy’s ‘bout t’ sing t’ ya…” “To– to me?” Hope asked, sounding surprised. “Eeyup!” Jessica took a long drink before saying, “That song’s a looove song, after all!” “It is?” The blue-haired girl blinked. The lights had dimmed, the music had started playing, and Joseph was preparing to sing. “You know ‘e’s gonna be thinkin’a you whilst ‘e sings… ‘e’s lame, like that. Hah!” “Oh, I… I see.” She waited, then, for the words to come. When they did, she quietly listened…

The song, which was written for a motion picture from 2049, told the tale of a boy and a girl… not unlike a lot of other stories. They grew up together on a farm, laughing and playing, enjoying their childhood, together. When they became teenagers, the boy’s parents moved away, taking him to the big city, where he learned that life “isn’t always fun-and-games.” But, as it turned out… the boy had a talent which made him very popular.

He could sing!

As the story continued, he ended up getting used by a talent agent, almost lost everything, but recovered after finding a better agent. However, as fate would have it, he got paired with some up-and-coming guitarist for a television show. He’d heard of her, but never actually met her. When they bumped into each other backstage, though… it was his childhood friend! It was a beautiful story… one that was made even more beautiful when Hope noticed… Joseph’s… crying!

During the last third of the song, Joseph had really begun to feel the emotions that the boy had gone through. He had money and he could have everything that he’d always wanted… except one. He never stopped missing his friend or thinking about the time they’d spent together. He realized that he’d been in love with his friend since they were kids, but never worked up the nerve to tell her. After they met for the television show, though, they’d begun to hang out. It wasn’t long before he confessed to her… and, she did the same.

The two ended up working together for a great many years, saving their money until they had more-than-enough to live on, for the rest of their lives. By the end of the song, they were able to return to the farmhouse where the boy had grown up, got married, and raise a family. It truly was a happy end to an emotional tale.

Hope had been invested in the song from the first word, but after hearing the whole thing… and, especially after watching Joseph react to the words he sang… she found herself seeing the fox in a whole new light. She never knew he could be so sensitive… Even if he hadn’t been the one to write those lyrics, he had sung them like it was his own story. Maybe, he has been there… she thought as she fondly smiled at the fox taking his bows.

Joseph left the stage, after his song, and walked back to his table. He tilted his head, noticing his girlfriend standing there, waiting for him. “Hope you liked that… Don’t think I’ll ever sing it, again. I hate country music,” he told her. “I mean, it was fun to compose for… The songwriter was pretty cool and… um… Hope?” He gave a blink as she pulled him into a tight hug. “Are… you okay, Hope?” he asked, hesitantly hugging her in return. “You did a great job, Joseph…” she whispered. “That was a beautiful story…” “I… Thank you?” The girl squeezed him before stepping away and offering him a seat. He sat down, then, before giving Hope another look. She was staring at him.

“You… really liked the song, huh?” the fox asked. “I did!” “Well… I… know I said I wouldn’t… but, if you want…” He looked to one side, his ears folding. “I… can sing it to you, anytime. But, just to you. Okay?” “Okay!” When Hope giggled, he looked back up. She was still staring at him. It was kind of making him feel nervous… “Hope?” he called. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Huh? Oh! I’m just…” She looked away. Apparently, she hadn’t been aware that she was staring. When she looked his way, again, she quietly told him… “I’m just thinking about how wonderful you are, is all…” “‘Wonderful?’” “Mm-hmm!” She brightly smiled. “It’s been a wonderful three years, Joseph. I’m really excited by the idea of making it six… nine… twelve…”

Joseph blushed a little as Hope trailed off. She really was acting weird… Fawning over him was usually Miranda’s thing… so, seeing Hope do it was kind of new. Eventually, he decided to look elsewhere… which made him realize that someone was missing.

“Hey, Hope? Where’s–” “Back, by popular demand–!” “Wha’?” Chloe’s voice caught his attention. “Oh, crap…” “It’s Punky Ocks!!” “Yeeaaa’, boooy! I’m back!” Jessica had made her way back up on-stage. And, unfortunately… “Got anudder song straight from me t’ my pal, Goldie!” Joseph slammed back his drink. He had a feeling that it was going to be a looong night… –––––

Jessica sang about five songs, that night, while Joseph sang one more – the difference being, while he’d made an attempt to sing, she seemed to care less-and-less, with each drink that passed her lips. By the end of her fifth song, both Joseph and Hope agreed that it was time to go.

“Hey, before ya go…” Joseph stopped as he was halted by the punk squirrel girl hostess. “Yes?” he asked. “I was wonderin’… Could you… sign this?” He blinked as Chloe flipped to a blank page of her clipboard, then handed him a pen. “I’d have ya sign my copy of Dancing Mad Complete, but it ain’t here, so!” “I don’t… think my autograph is worth anything, though?” “Don’t matter,” she told him with a smile. “I just want proof that I met th’ music man from Masamune!” He lightly blushed before telling her, “I’m no one, though!” “You’re someone to me.” His blush brightened. Hope had interjected from behind and, despite carrying a drunken, tired Jessica like a backpack, managed to hug him from behind. “I give, I give…” he laughed before signing his name on the paper. When he got a kiss on the cheek for his troubles, though, he blushed all over again. “Thanks, sweetie!” Chloe happily said. “Have a good night and don’t be a stranger!”

“I can’t believe she kissed me…” “You say that like it’s a bad thing!” Joseph squinted one eye as his friend as, after a brief detour to the restaurant to pay for the food they’d eaten – and, explain why they’d “dashed and dined” – they walked into the parking lot. Hope was in high spirits, smiling like always! Joseph, though, just felt tired…

“She had a spike sticking out of her lip, Hope…” he told the girl. “I’m surprised she didn’t stab me, when she kissed me.” “It was only a cheek kiss! Besides… according to Miss Ingmann, you’re into that…” He blinked. Hope was smirking at him.

“Well, anyway…” he said as he decided to change the subject, “this has been an interesting night, to be sure. I should get home, though. I have a doctor’s appointment, tomorrow. Oh, and I guess we should flag a cab for Jessie… Is she… is she sleeping? How many drinks did she have?” “I wasn’t keeping track,” Hope answered honestly, “but, at least she didn’t strip…?” “At this point, I kind of wish she had.” The green-eyed girl stared at her friend as he explained, “It would’ve distracted from her warbling.” “I didn’t think she was so bad…” “Hope. By her fourth song, she was singing like, ‘ooo-wuuuh-aaaaa-eeeh-waaaaah.’ We both know she can do better.” The girl giggled at his impression, then she hummed and gave a nod. “Still… that’s not the worst she’s ever sounded…” “Oh, no?” “I’ll have to tell you some stories, sometime… In the meantime, do me a favor.” She perked. “Yes?” She blinked, then, as Joseph handed his car-keys over. “Drive, for me. I feel icky…”

The trip out of the center of Masamune City was a quiet one. With Jessica cozily napping in the backseat and Joseph relaxing in the passenger side, neither of them were particularly chatty. But, that suited Hope fine, for the time. She had a lot on her mind… Jessica sings surprisingly well, for such a rough-and-tumble girl… Joseph has a lot of talent for singing country and pop songs, too! Mm… that reminds me… She glanced to the fox who was looking out the window. I’ll have to do some serious thinking about his offer… It’s never a bad idea to have a key to his house, if I need it… but, to actually move in with him? That’s kind of a big step. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience him with my stuff or make his house feel any less like it’s his house… Still… it was incredibly sweet of him to offer. It was just as sweet for him to offer to stop seeing other girls… though, that’s really not necessary. She fondly smiled to herself. I love him, unconditionally. He could be seeing a dozen other girls… be married to them… raise families, whatever! But, as long as he loves me for who I am… I couldn’t care less what he does or who he does it with! Besides… he’s always so open and honest about everything… like, when he told me about dating Miss Raine! Though… I wasn’t exactly surprised about that. Miss Raine always had a soft spot for him. The girl softly sighed. It’s not hard to see why, though… He wants to go steady! With me! I was so startled, when he said it… I hadn’t really thought about how incredibly flattering that is! Gosh…

“I’ll bring your car back, tomorrow!” That’s what Hope said as she dropped Joseph off at his house, that night. He was still too groggy to drive, himself, so she decided to just go home, using his car. “Maybe, Jessie can help with that,” he suggested, “since you’re taking care of her, tonight. Good luck with that, by the way! She can be feisty!” Hope gave a soft giggle and a nod. Shortly after the two said their goodbyes, then Hope drove off, heading home with Jessica.

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Closed Circuit #Hope North #Jessica Ingmann #Joseph Lithius #slice of life #romance

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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Closed Circuit, Ch. I

Chapter 1 of "Closed Circuit," an Essence of Ragnarok story.

This story is kind of a sequel to "Open Circuit," but kind of not? It directly relates to that story, in any case, which is why I gave it the stupid title. It also serves as the introduction of Hope to another character, as you'll read.

Word count: 4,073 – Character count: 22,997 Originally written: December 16th, 2018

On their third anniversary, Joseph and Hope find themselves joined at a restaurant by an unexpected guest.

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“Cheers!”

On a seemingly random night, there was a pleasant scene unfolding within a small eatery in western Masamune. A couple sat at a table, sharing a smile and clinking their glasses together in celebration of a fantastic occasion.

“I can’t believe we’ve been dating for three years, now…” an amber-furred fox said as he looked at the green-eyed girl sitting across from him. “That night at the hospital really changed my life… in more ways that one,” was her reply. “Mine, too…” The fox’s smile brightened. “I’m not really sure what made me do what I did… I mean, from the few times we hung out, I liked you… but, we weren’t exactly close. We were barely even friends!” “Friends of a friend!” the girl interjected with a giggle. “But… for some reason, I just… I remembered you worked there and decided to say ‘Hi,’ after my doctor’s appointment… and, well…” “Things just kind of went from there…” He gave a light blush, but firmly nodded. “That night… made me the most wonderful I’ve ever felt, Joseph… I’ll never forget it.” “Me, neither, Hope…”

Joseph rested his hand across the table. When Hope brought hers over, he gently held it and looked into her eyes. “I love you so much…” She squeaked with happiness as she told him, “I love you, too…!” It really was the perfect night, there at the restaurant… “Hey, where’s my hand-hold?” At least, until they heard a voice come from one side.

Hope looked over to see an unfamiliar figure standing there. It was a bat-girl who looked a little taller than her, standing up. The girl had shaggy, bright-orange hair with a neon-pink fringe, and attentive eyes of red and green which sat behind small, square glasses. Her slender, black-furred body was covered by a long-sleeved, gray-and-crimson-striped shirt and a gray pleated skirt.

“Jessie?” Joseph called. Hope looked his way as he asked, “What are you doing here?” The grin on her orange muzzle widened. “Weeell… I was in th’ neighborhood, see…” When the fox rolled his eyes, she chuckled and shook her head. “Carface tol’ me where ya was, so I d’cided t’ stop by!” she explained. “Okay,” he said as he let go of Hope’s hand and turned his body to face the bat. “That doesn’t tell me why you’re here, though.” “R’member that VD ya gave me…?” Hope jolted, going wide-eyed. He gave her a what?! “Y… no?” He tilted his head. “I don’t remember–” Before he could finish, Jessica brought a hand behind her and withdrew a thin, rectangular box, setting it on the table. Both Joseph and Hope looked at it, and while the latter suddenly understood what “VD” actually meant… the former had a much stronger reaction.

“Holy… I thought I lost this!” he said with wide-eyed excitement. The fox looked back up at Jessica and immediately thanked her, then. “No sweat, Goldie! Now, then…” Jessica pulled over a chair from a nearby empty table, turning it around before resting her arms across the back and straddling the seat. “Ya gonna intr’duce me t’ th’ girl what stole yer heart from me, ‘r what?” “What?” was Joseph’s response… which got Hope to blink. She looked at the girl… then, she looked at Joseph… then, back to the girl. A second later, he said, “Oh, right!” Joseph laughed before gesturing to the girl across the way. “Jessie, this is Hope!” Unsure of what else to do, the blue-haired girl stood and bowed toward Jessica. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?” “Jessica U. Ingmann!” was the bat’s loud reply as she stood up and held a hand out. Hope gently grasped her hand… then, she gasped as her arm was half-shaken out of its socket! “Weak handshake…” was Jessica’s next comment as she sat back down. “Cute girl, though! Looks jus’ like ya tol’ me!” Joseph rubbed the back of his head and quietly chuckled. Hope, meanwhile, decided to adjust her shorts and sit back down, still eyeing the bat. She felt a little leery, for some reason…

“So, Jessie…” “Yo!” He chuckled before asking, “Did you really come all this way just to return a ViDisc? I mean, Muramasa’s quite a ways from this place… Actually, how’d you even know I was here?” “Weeell…” The bat looked at Joseph with a huge grin. “I called yer phone, right? No answer! So, I called Carlos… ‘e says, ‘He said something about taking his girlfriend to eat, a couple weeks ago… Some kind of Anniversary?’ I asked, ‘Where?’ ‘n ‘e says, ‘I dunno…’ so, I was left wid no choice. I used that trackin’ chip I put in yer ‘ead, ‘n ‘ere I am!” “‘Tracking chip…?’” Hope repeated with a look of suspicion. “It’s an ongoing joke we have,” Joseph explained, drawing Hope’s gaze his way. “I don’t know how – and, she won’t explain – but, she always seems to know where and how to find me, no matter what I’m doing or where I am.” “I can find’ja,” Jessica injected, “‘cuz I sucked ya off.” “Excuse me…?” Jessica had pulled the blue-haired girl’s attention her way, again. She was looking right at Hope with another grin, too.

“I said, ‘I sucked ‘im off!’” she repeated with a laugh. “Wan’ me t’ say it a third time?” “No, I just…” Hope looked to one side. “I didn’t know you two were ‘involved.’” “She, uh… she didn’t mean it like that, Hope.” “She didn’t?” When the girl curiously looked Joseph’s way, she noticed that he was smiling. “Jess is… well… she’s a vampire,” he half-whispered. “And, well, I kind of…” “Lemme suck ya off,” the bat finished for him. “Lots!”

“Wait.” Hope tilted her head. “Does that mean you’re… a vampire… too?” “‘n my personal experience,” Jessica said as she gestured with one hand, “vampire blood dun taste too good. So, no. ‘e ain’ a vampy, Blueberry. ‘e’s too tasty t’ convert!” “‘Blueberry…?’” Hope blinked her green eyes. Jessica wasn’t paying any attention, though. “‘is blood’s got this kind’a… sweet taste… I coul’ suck ‘im off from now ‘til next Twosday…!” she half-murmured with a dreamy smile. “If… ‘e’d lemme!” “I just…” Joseph said after clearing his throat, “I kind of need to be able to drive, Jess. In my experience, I don’t drive well when I’m keeled over a steering wheel from blood loss. Heh.” “Which ‘s why ya should invite me over, sometime!” She gave the fox a rough nudge. “Imagine all th’ fun we’d ‘ave, you ‘n I! Don’cha like fun, Goldie…?” He cleared his throat, again, making Jessica chuckle.

“You know… it’s kind of a good thing that you’re here, now that I think about it. You’re the first person I want to hear this… well, after Hope, I mean.” “Wuzzat?” Joseph turned his body toward Hope and closed his eyes. He was blushing a little, but he couldn’t seem to stop smiling… Both Jessica and Hope looked at each other before looking back at him, wondering what he was going to say.

“Hope?” “Yes, Joseph?” she said. He had her full attention. “We’ve been dating for a good three years, now… We’ve had a lot of fun and been through quite a lot. But, no matter what happened, in our lives… I knew I always wanted to be there, for you… just like you’re always there, for me. And, that’s why…” He paused to take a deep breath. “I want us to go steady.” “What?” was the next question that Hope asked. Jessica repeated the question shortly after. Her take on the question was a little sharper, though… “Back up, boyo…” the bat said as she lowered her brow. “Ya mean t’ tell me this blue beauty ain’ even yer proper girlfriend…?” “She’s… I’m…” Joseph squirmed before finally saying, “We’re– we’re a couple, yes.” “Then, what’s this rot ‘bout ‘goin’ steady?’” The bat tilted her head and forcefully asked, “I thought ya was steady, a’ready!” “Oh, no. That’s not the case, at all, Miss Ingmann!” “Whaaat?” Jessica looked at Hope. “Wha’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Blueberry?” “Joseph is in an open relationship,” was her explanation. “Um, we both are, rather. We are a couple, yes… but, Joseph is involved with another young woman, as well.” For a moment, Jessica just stared at Hope, looking befuddled. A short while later, she jerked her head toward Joseph and shot him sly look. “Oh reeaaally…?” “Yeees… that was the case,” the fox sternly stated, “but, not anymore.” “Why not?” was Jessica’s next question. “Open r’lationships soun’ like fun! Go where ya wanna, do who ya wanna, no commitments, no one t’ tell ya ‘no…’” Jessica chuckled. “Soun’s like ya got it made!”

“At this point, in my life…” Joseph sighed as he looked back at Hope, “I just… I want stability. All I need is one beautiful, awesome woman in my life… and, I want that woman to be you, Hope. I want to dedicate myself to you… mind, body, and soul… I want to be the one you can rely on… the one to call on, when you need someone… I want to be the one you think of when you’re lonely, and I want to be the only one for you… like you’re the only one for me.” Hope quietly blinked. It didn’t seem like she knew what to say… “I know we’ve only been dating for three years…” he continued, “but, I really do want this! As much as I like Miri, she’s is right: my heart… belongs to you. I just want to make it official… As official as official can be. So, tonight… on our third anniversary… I will!”

The girl blinked and watched as Joseph walked around the table. When he took her hand, she tilted her head. She felt herself tense up as he reached into his pocket… He’d withdrawn something… but, it wasn’t the thing she’d expected.

“Let this be a token of my commitment to you, Hope…” Before she could say a word, he put the object in her hand. It was a simple, silver key. “Move in with me.” Then, he smiled at her, blushing a little more and looking on with a deep fondness. “I-I… I…” “Say yes! Say yes!!” Both Joseph and Hope seemed to snap out of whatever daze they were experiencing from the situation. Jessica had stood up from her own seat. She was grinning at the two of them, pumping her fist while her other hand curled to the side of her mouth. Clearly, she liked the idea of them living together, despite just meeting Hope for the first time.

“Joseph… I–” Hope blinked as the fox put a finger to her mouth. He was looking into her eyes, once again smiling with nothing short of adoration. “You heard the lady, Hope…” he whispered. “Say yes?” “Joseph, I can’t–” “You’re right.” the fox suddenly told her. “You don’t have to answer, now! I mean, it was kind of sudden, and all… I just… it’s gotten kind of lonely, since Kris moved in with Carlos… It’s a big house, Hope.” He brought his hand back down, gently placing a finger on the key he’d given her. “Wouldn’t a big house be nicer than a little apartment, Hope? How awesome would it be to wake up, every morning, and see each other laying beside? Imagine, coming home and seeing me waiting there for you… It just makes sense, if we’re going steady… don’t you think?” “I-I…” “Say yes!” Jessica chuckled as Hope shot her a dirty look. She was not helping! “Just… think about it, okay?”

The fox squeezed her hand with both of his. Then, after a few more seconds of admiring her, he walked back to his seat and took a sip of his cola. Apparently… he was done saying things. However, Hope was quick to notice that he couldn’t seem to stop smiling at her…

After that emotional scene, the two spent a few minutes giving their neglected meals some attention while Jessica wandered off. For Joseph, it felt like he was in the clouds… The love of his life had his spare house-key and the thought of her moving in… always being there, before and after work… It filled him to the brim with excitement and warmth! For Hope, though? The dinner had gotten severely awkward…

I… I can’t believe me asked me to move in with him! she thought as she glanced his way. When he waved and smiled, she returned the favor, then went back to her meal. I can’t believe he did all of that… in front of his friend, too! I know I should be feeling… something, right now… but, I just feel embarrassed… His friend certainly didn’t help matters by egging him on… I really can’t believe her. But, Joseph did tell me she was spirited. The girl softly sighed. What on Ragnarok do I do, now? He’ll be devastated, if I say ‘no…’ Then again, he said that I didn’t have to answer, right away… so, maybe, I’ll just sleep on it? She hummed… then, she nodded to herself. That settled that, in her mind. That leaves the matter of his sudden commitment, though… Why would he make such a promise? I mean, it’s sweet, but we've never– “Guys! Guys-guys-guys-guys-guys!” Hope jolted as she was pulled from her thoughts. Jessica had come back… and, she seemed really excited about something.

“Yes, Jess?” Joseph said before taking a bite of his hamburger. “This place? It has… a Sing-Song machine!” the bat said with a huge grin. “What?” Hope asked. “Yeah! Over there, at th’ bar!” She gestured to an archway to the far right of the restaurant. “There’s a Sing-Song machine!” “Okay?” The fox raised an eyebrow. “What’s your point?” “Well, you guys said it’s yer third annivers’ry, right?” “Yes?” He paused… then, he went wide-eyed. “Oooooh, no…” “Oooooh, yes!” Hope watched as the bat wiggled and grinned. When she looked over at Joseph, she noticed the uncomfortable look on his face. Had they had that conversation, before…?

“I-I remember the last time you got me to do Sing-Song, lady…” he told Jessica. “You completely embarrassed me by getting plastered, then getting naked…!” “T’ be fair,” she started, “no one complained! ‘n fact, people started givin’ me Rai!” “That was one place, Jess! There were others! Remember that one, downtown…?” “T’be fair,” she repeated, “I didn’ know it was a ‘fam’ly-friendly’ place.” “It was a pizza parlor with a freaking playground!” “Aaand, booze! Aaand, a Sing-Song machine wid ‘Electricity’ innit!” “Whatever.” Joseph huffed. “We’re not interested. Right, Hope?” “Wh-what?” Hope had been trying her best to stay out of the conversation when Joseph pulled her in. “Tell her that we’re not doing Sing-Song, tonight.” “C’mooon!” Jessica protested. “Ya gotta! Its yer third anniver’sy, fer cryin’ out loud!” “No way!” Joseph shook his head. “We are not doing Sing-Song, Jess. Not tonight.”

“I can’t believe we’re doing Sing-Song, tonight…” “Well, to be fair–” “Hope. I don’t want to hear that phrase, again, tonight.”

Hope gave a quiet sort of chuckle. She and Joseph had been led from the restaurant, leaving their half-eaten food and drinks behind, and brought to a bar that was connected to its side. The two of them had found a table far in the back – the latter’s suggestion – and were watching the current act: a beanpole of a guy was singing some acoustic guitar song about finding love in a nowhere town. Hope was kind of enjoying herself, tapping the table in time with the music. Joseph, though… “This won’t end well…” “Why not?” Hope asked with a cheerful smile. “Because…” he sighed, “when Jessie drinks, she sings. When she sings, she drinks. And, when she’s singing drunk… bad things happen.” “Aww, how bad could it possibly be?” But, even Hope’s sunny disposition couldn’t remove the scowl from his face. He had clearly been a witness to one-too-many of Jessica’s drunken Sing-Song nights…

“Oookaaay!” After a couple of minutes, the song was over and the hostess of the night had come up on stage with her own microphone. She looked to be about the same age as Jessica, but significantly more “punky,” what with her pink-and-blue hair, denim jacket, ripped jeans, and high-heeled boots. She also wore fingerless gloves and had various piercings all over her face. Despite the intimidating appearance, though, she was definitely friendly and personable. “That was Jammin’ Jim Jones doin’ his take on ‘My Woman Lives in Chakram City!’ Up next is yer friend ‘n mine! She punches th’ bag by trade and caves in faces just for fun, give it up for the punch-drunk Punky Ocks!” Hope clapped along with the rest of the crowd as the hostess walked off stage. When the next singer came up, however… “‘Punky Ocks?’” Hope asked with a curious look. “I thought her name was ‘Jessica?’” “‘Punky Ocks’ is her stage name,” Joseph explained as he settled back and crossed his arms. “And, before you ask, no. I don’t know why that, or what it means. I just figured she came up with something random when she was drunk, some night, or something.” “I see…”

“Yo, wussup, guys ‘n gals!” Jessica gave a wave. The audience didn’t respond. “Right back at’cha!” she said after a delay. “Anyhoo… I’mma sing a song dedicated t’ my best pal, Goldie, ‘o’s ‘er wid ‘is gal pal, Blueberry! Yo, could I get a light?” Hope tilted her head as Joseph suddenly disappeared under the table. A second later, Jessica directed the light their way, revealing them to the watching bar. “Hiya, Blueberry! Hiya, Goldie!” Hope waved back with a friendly smile. Joseph, though, clearly wasn’t interested. “Goldie, if ya can’t see ‘im, ‘s under th’ table. ‘e’s real shy… which ‘s why I’mma sing–” “Don’t you freaking dare–!” Joseph shouted. “‘Without You!’ Hit it!”

Hope blinked a couple of times as the lights dimmed and the song started. It was slower and had a lot more pianos and strings than she would have expected from someone so hyper. As soon as Jessica began to sing, though… she suddenly realized why Joseph had protested. The song, from what she could tell, was told from the perspective of a girl who was so utterly in love with a guy that she would rather die than live without him. Clearly, Jessica was trying to give the wrong impression about their relationship… likely, just to mess with him. Hope did not approve.

The first part of the song had the girl describing how committed she was to him and told a story of him accidentally hurting her feelings as he went about his life, only for him to apologize and make her feel better. The second part of the song, though, described all of the times the guy cheated on her and broke her heart… yet, she continued to stay loyal and true, for years-and-years. In the third part of the song, the guy had gotten into a car accident while driving to one of his mistresses, and it described how she’d rushed out to the scene of the accident. As she held his broken and bleeding body in her arms and cried under the pouring rain, she lamented her loss… only to make a startling realization. Jessica sang in a low, soulful voice as she truly owned the final words to the song. “As I cried in the rain, I never thought I’d feel the pain… of a life where I would be without you. But, as you died in my hands, I began to understand… that I had led a life… A life… without… yooooou.”

As the end of the song played, the bat-girl slowly slumped over the stool on the stage, her body going lifeless, little-by-little, until it almost looked like she, herself, was dead! But, as soon as the song ended, she stood back up with a hop, holding her hands over her head and wearing a smile. Not long after… the crowd started applauding and Jessica took her bows.

“Top that, Mr. Wallflower!” After being praised by the hostess and given another round of applause, Jessica daintily padded off-stage, then walked over to Joseph and Hope’s table. The fox was absolutely mortified… Hope, however, just smiled. “That was a magnificent performance, Miss Ingmann!” she said, quietly clapping and brightly smiling… despite the fact that she was scowling, on the inside. “For someone with such a rough speaking voice, you have quite a stirring singing voice!” “A’thank you, a’thank you!” the bat-girl said with another bow. “But, if I might ask… why did you dedicate that song to Joseph? Were you two in a relationship? Did he break your heart?” She almost asked, “Or, are you just being mean for laughs?” but stopped herself short. “No, and no…” the fox groaned from his face-down position at the table. He sat up, then, and glared at Jessica as he explained, “She… loves… singing that song when she’s trying to humiliate me! I even got beat up, once, because someone got the wrong idea about us!” “T’ be fair–” “I am so sick of that phrase,” he said as his face went back into the table. “– I pounded that guy inta th’ dirt!” Jessica said as she sat nearby. “No one punches my fave punchin’ bag, but me! Well, maybe Carface, too. But, he’s th’ exception!” Hope gave a disapproving look… before letting a giggle slip.

“Anyhoo… Hope, was it?” The girl covered her mouth before looking at Jessica. She relaxed and asking, “Yes?” “See if there’s any songs you wanna sing whilst I order us some drinks! Think Josey, ‘ere, coul’ use a few, after bein’ stone-col’ outed by one’a ‘is many sordid lovers!” As Joseph banged his head on the table, Hope gave another giggle. She knew she shouldn’t have… but, Jessica’s charms were, apparently, starting to work on her. “I’ve never sung in front of a crowd, before… Is there anything I should know?” “Yea’.” Jessica grinned. “Don’t suck!” “I’ll try not to!” the blue-haired girl said as she retrieved a small, box-like device from the middle of the table and began perusing it. “Oh, and… water’s fine, for me, please! Thank you!” “S’fine,” the bat-girl chuckled. “We need a sober driver, anyway!”

Another two songs went by soon enough and a third one was in the middle of being sung as Hope walked up to the stage. She had selected a song, using the selector at the table, entered her name – rather, an alias, as per Jessica’s suggestion – and walked up to the stage… only to be confronted by the wild hostess, herself.

“You ‘Blueberry Cookie’?” she said, giving Hope an unimpressed look. “Yes, ma’am,” was Hope’s polite answer. “Yeeaaa’, I figured…” The white-furred squirrel-girl with far too much metal on her face smirked. “Gonna sing this one, huh…?” The girl gave a nod as the hostess pointed to a song on her clipboard. “Yes, ma’am!” “Brave kid… Not many can.” “I’ll certainly try!” The squirrel stared at Hope… then, she cracked a smile. “I like you,” she said. “Ya don’t scare easy.” “I’m a little nervous, actually… but, I’m confident that I’ll do my best! Worst-case-scenario, they’ll boo me off the stage or start throwing beer bottles, right?” That got a laugh out of the hostess. “Okay, I really like you! But– oh, hang on. Lemme go introduce ya.” “Okay! Thank you!” “Heh. Wholesome kid… Reminds me’a me, five years ago…”

Hope tilted her head as the squirrel-girl tapped her way up onto the stage and praised the previous singer – a burly guy with a few tattoos and some missing teeth who, appropriately enough, had sung a thrash-rock song. Not long after… “Introducin’, for the first time ever at The Side Bar, a newcomer who’s as cute as she talented! She’s got a sweet smile and a sweeter disposition, but don’t let those pretty emerald eyes fool ya! She ain’t nobody’s fool! It’s the blue-haired babe of the Sing-Sing Circuit, Blueberry Blitz!”

“That’s not the name I chose…” she whispered to herself. “Well… she knows what she’s doing, I suppose… She gave a mental shrug and stepped up on-stage, blinking as the hostess gave her a wink. At least… I think she does? Hmm… She smiled, then, before addressing the audience…

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #year 2051 #Closed Circuit #Joseph Lithius #Hope North #Jessica Ingmann #romance #slice of life

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jolienjoyswriting · 7 years

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Found and Lost, Ch. VI

Chapter VI of "Found and Lost," an Essence of Ragnarok story. (Formerly one-third of Chapter III)

… … … I'm so sorry…

Word count: 4,335 – Character count: 24,957 Originally written: March 19th, 2017 Split and revised: September 8th, 2017 Further revised: September 29th, 2017

Hope's ultimate fate is decided.

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Shortly after their exchange, the front door of the courtroom opened. Both Joseph and Jessica stood up, watching a number of people walk out – some of which Joseph recognized from the trial. When he’d noticed Carlos and Kris exit, however, he was quick to head their way. “What happened…?” he excitedly asked. “Where’s Hope?” “Uh… well…” was all Carlos could offer. Both he and Kris had their ears folded, telling the fox that something had happened… “I’m right here, Joseph.” Or, so he thought. “Hope…?” He looked to the inside of the building. Standing there, in her blue coveralls, was the blue-haired android with green eyes that he’d been so worried about. “H… Hope!!”

It didn’t take long after for him to sweep her off her feet and spin her around in a tight embrace. He was absolutely overjoyed to see her up and moving around! She didn’t seem any the worse for wear, either, aside from the stale smell coming from her outfit – likely, from the storage room. He didn’t care, though. He was just happy to hold her, again… At least… until he noticed that the girl he was hugging so tightly… wasn’t hugging him, in return. “Hope?” he asked as he set her down. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see me…?” “Ecstatic!” she happily replied. The smile on her face wasn’t fooling him, though… “What… happened, in there? What’s wrong?” “I’m just… emotionally drained. And, I just want to go home, now…” she sighed with that same forced smile. “Let’s go home… okay? It’s been a long week. ” “Are… you allowed to do that?” She gave a nod… and, that was good enough for him.

After giving a hasty goodbye to his friends, he escorted Hope to his car and held the door open for her. As she calmly sat inside and buckled in, Joseph hopped over the hood and got inside the driver’s seat. The concern from before was starting to give way to the pure bliss of seeing her, again, as he started the car. He almost couldn’t believe that Hope was sitting there, beside him… Sure, it had only been a few days… but, to him… it almost felt like an eternity since he’d last been able to see her… or, hold her hand – something that he did as soon as he’d pulled away from the courthouse. When she didn’t return the gesture, though, he once again started to wonder if something was wrong… “I missed you,” he said as he pulled onto the highway leading out of town. “I missed you, too, Joseph…” The fox’s ears almost fell back… but, they perked right back up as she added, “I really… really missed you!” “Aww, Hope…!” He practically giggled as he squeezed her hand, again. She offered a soft smile, in return.

The drive remained a quiet, peaceful one, neither of them speaking and the radio remaining off. As Joseph went to pull into a specific off-ramp, however, Hope got his attention. “Can… we go to your house, instead of my apartment?” she politely asked. The fox tilted his head… then, he gave a smile and a nod and, after some careful navigation of the on-ramps, the two were back on the highway and heading out of town.

“I know I was only offline for a total of 7 days, 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 51 seconds…” Hope said as she gently brushed a thumb over her boyfriend’s hand, “but, it felt like so much longer…” “I know what you mean, Hope…” the fox said with a sad sort of sigh. “I was almost literally counting the seconds until we were together, again, myself…” Hope didn’t respond, at that. A glance her way showed that she was idly staring out the windshield, staring at the dusk skyline. “I forgot how pretty the sunset is, in Achromium…” she mused. “And, look at how the Tower sticks out from the ground and sits right in the middle! It’s so picturesque…” The fox hadn’t noticed it, himself… but, when she mentioned it, he had to admit… it really was a lovely sight, seeing the distant Tower, silhouetted against the setting sun…

“Do you ever wish you could just… stop time, Joseph?” the android asked after another period of silence. “You know… just… capture that perfect moment and be able to relive it, time-and-time-again?” “Every day I’m with you is already perfect, Hope…” he contently complimented. Just like before, though… she didn’t respond. He thought that it was a little strange that she’d ask him a question only to ignore the response… but, he decided not to mention it. He was still just happy to have Hope back in his life, exactly as she was before all the legal mess happened…

Once the two had arrived at Joseph’s house, he hopped out of the car and let Hope out. She offered a tired smile as she took his hand before walking with him, to the front door. “I’m glad that someone fixed this doorframe,” she idly commented. “Jessie’s really good with a hammer, apparently…” was his response. “I’m sorry Carlos broke your door… I can pay for the damages, if you’d like.” “What? Why– no-no-no, Hope…” the fox chuckled. “If anyone’s going to pay me for damaging my door, it’s going to be him.” “I’m sure he will.” She smiled at him. “He’s a good guy.” “I know he will… but, that can wait.” Joseph escorted the android inside, then, closing the door behind them.

“Now that you’re back and we’re here, what do you want to do, Hope?” He gave a blink when the answer presented itself.

Without waiting for an invitation, Hope had pressed her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around his midsection. She didn’t seem too keen on moving, either. However, the fox did manage to convince her to let go long enough for the two of them to dress down into more comfortable clothing. Once the two were in their lounge clothes – a t-shirt and sweats for Joseph and a long, oversized shirt for Hope – the two settled in on the couch and Joseph turned on a movie. Really, though… the movie was just for ambient sound. Both parties were far more interested in making up for lost time by snuggling and cuddling together… Before long, the movie was long forgotten… as was the couch… and, eventually… their clothes… –––––

“I-I’m so sorry…! I don’t know what came over me!”

Joseph softly panted, rapidly nuzzling and cuddling with his lover as they lay in the afterglow of a sudden, spontaneous romp. “I swear, this wasn’t what I missed most, about you…” he continued with a nervous sort of giggle. “I just… kind of… I-I dunno.” Though he was genuinely sorry for overwhelming her with affection… he just couldn’t seem to stop giggling. Luckily for him… Hope was more-than-understanding. “It’s okay, Joseph…” she whispered, hugging him tightly as they lay under the sheets of the former’s bed. “I love making you happy.” “I love you so much, Hope…” he purred, softly kissing her cheek “I love you, too…” she replied, her eyes half-closed and a smile on her face. “Something seems different about you, tonight…” he suddenly mentioned. When she looked his way, she noticed that his bright, golden eyes were fixed upon her dull, green optics. “I’m just… emotionally drained, dear…” Hope snuggled in against his bare body, hugging him with one arm and tucking her head under his chin. “Like I said… it’s been a long week.” “Yeah… I can definitely understand that…” he chuckled. “My emotions are a bit screwy, right now, too… I-I mean… you just got back and, well… here we are. That’s kind of–” He blinked a couple of times as he felt her take hold of his muzzle, silencing him. “I said, ‘it’s okay,’ Joseph…” she whispered with a soft giggle. As she released his muzzle, she closed her eyes and squeezed his body a second time while telling him, “You don’t have to apologize for following your heart… Really, if I were organic… I… would probably have done the same thing, as soon as we got home.” He blushed a little. “Oh, Hope… you beautiful, warm, adorable woman, you…” “Though, now that I think about it…” He blinked as he felt her shift. A moment later, she offered her bedmate a grin before pushing and rolling him onto his back, showing a playful grin, all-the-while. “I’m not sure I would have waited even that long…” He gave another blink as he found himself being straddled… then, he deeply murmured, feeling Hope press her synthetic lips to his in a firm, passionate kiss… which was quickly followed by something much more intimate. –––––

“Wh… where did that come from?”

The fox panted all the more… After Hope had drawn him into a second romp – one where she took the lead… he was feeling slightly dazed. As she slid back to his side, however, he was quick to bring an arm around her, purring as he felt her hand caress his chest.

“From the heart, lover… From the heart…” “You sure that didn’t come from the loins, instead…?” He licked his lips before rolling back to his side and looking into her eyes, again. “That was a pretty heavy kiss… not to mention…” He blushed a little, feeling a little too shy to continue that thought.

“Silly Joseph…” she giggled. “I’m not programmed to feel frisky!” “Could’a fooled me…” he chuckled. “I mean… look at where we are.” She found herself giggling even more before asking, “And, whose idea was that?” “Y-O-U…” he said as he gently tapped her nose. He paused… then quickly added, “R-S.” Hope had a fit of giggles then… but, she eventually calmed down and snuggled into the fox’s soft, warm fur. “You’re such a bad influence on me…” she teased, giving him a peck on the cheek. “I know.” “Ever since that night in the hospital…” The fox blushed all-the-more under the dim glow of his lover’s eyes. He then perked… “Hang on a second… that was your idea, too!” And, once again, Hope couldn’t keep herself from giggling… even as Joseph pushed her onto her back and half-straddled her. “Who’s the bad influence on who, li’l lady?” he asked as he held her down with a grin. “Maybe we’re a bad influence on each other?” “Is that why I feel like I want to return the favor of that kiss, from before?” “Maaaybe?” The blue-haired girl playfully rolled her eyes. “So… what’s stopping you?” And… that was all the provocation Joseph needed before he pressed his muzzle to her lips and gave her a ravenous smooching… followed by much, much more… –––––

“Oh, Trinity Above…”

Hope wore a soft, seductive smile as she lay atop the spent body of her lover, her glowing eyes half-closed as they exchanged loving gazes… It seemed that, after their third energetic engagement… Joseph was finally starting to wear out.

“I just… I can’t believe… how many–” he started to say. “Shh…” Hope replied as she brought a finger to his lips. “You’ll spoil the moment…” The fox gave a soft blink… then, he smiled up at her before wrapping his arms around the girl’s smaller frame. She was quick to curl her own arms around his shoulders, in return. “Can you believe… I want to… kiss you, again?” he tiredly panted. “I’d like that… But, I don’t think you have the energy to follow up on that, though!” He took a second to catch his breath before telling her, “S-sometimes, a kiss is just a kiss, love…” “True. Sometimes, though…” She leaned in, suddenly giving him another hard smooch. The fox’s fur bristled, his toes curled, and his dull claws shakily dug into her synthetic skin. She wasn’t sure… but, she thought he’d made the cutest sort of sound, as she kissed him. “It’s electric…” She smiled, her voice sweet and sensual as she drew back. She didn’t need to see his face to know how hard he was blushing, then… which only made her smile, more. As she waited for him to respond, however… nothing seemed to happen. As she settled back down, she guessed that her lover really was too tired for even that to jump-start him. As physically tired as he was, though… she soon found that his brain was wide-awake, despite the increasingly late hour.

“So… what happened after the judge kicked me out of the room, anyway?” Joseph asked after finally catching his breath, yet again. “Oh, well…” she began, “the judge passed judgment on Doctor Lewis, sentenced him to three years in prison, and fined him 500,000 Rai, just like he said he would!” “Well, I knew that…” the fox chuckled, giving her a squeeze. “I meant… what happened with you? You know, the whole ‘ownership’ thing and all.” “Isn’t it obvious?” Her boyfriend gave a blink. “No?” “Well, put the puzzle pieces together, silly… I walked out of the courthouse without restraints, right? No Doctor Lewis or Miss Lyra, either.” Again, he blinked. “Yeah?” “So, if I was unescorted and without bonds, that meeaaans…” He suddenly perked. “You… walked out of there a free woman?” She grinned and gave a nod. “For as long as I live.” Joseph couldn’t believe it… but, he had to. After all the legal talk… after all the objections… even after Lyra, herself, had tracked her down and captured her… Hope had somehow managed to walk away from the entire situation a completely free woman… “I… I had so many nightmares…” the fox whimpered. “I was so scared��” “Shh-shh-shh…” the girl said, gently brushing his cheek. “Don’t be sad, Joseph…” “I… I’m not! I’m just… I… I love you so much, Hope…!”

Joseph felt so much relief and so much joy… first, from seeing Hope alive-and-well… then, from being able to take her home and spend the night with her. But, actually hearing her tell him that she was completely in the clear… It was just too much for him. Even as Hope cuddled and cooed him as he cried joyful tears, he couldn’t believe it… Hope was a free woman. For as long as she would live… and, considering that she was an android… “We’re gonna be together, forever-and-ever…” the fox happily whimpered, rubbing his wet cheeks and warm nose all over his beloved’s face. “For as long as I live…” Hope fondly repeated. “For as long as I live,” was his response. “Oh, Joseph…” “Hope…”

Eventually, Joseph calmed back down, just enjoying the feeling of his lover’s firm frame and her soft caress. And, there… the two remained, as they settled into a peaceful slumber. –––––

“Well! ‘That was fun…’ said no one ever! What a load’a legal garbage! Am I right?”

Jessica stuck her tongue out at Carlos and Kris before laughing, the three left behind as Joseph absconded with Hope and drove into the sunset. “Dunno ‘bout you two sharp-dressed folks but I’mma go home, get naked, an’ get lost in th’ tub fer about… oooh, I dunno… a week? Catch you cats on th’…” The bat paused as she noticed the troubled look the wolf and vixen were giving. “Err… was it somethin’ I said?” “I believe it was something unsaid, actually.”

The trio turned toward the doorway, then. Walking toward them was the tall, somewhat intimidating figure of a white wolf in a purple business suit. “Oh, hey! Ain’t you that ‘Lyra’ chick?” Jessica asked with a grin. “I’d ask ‘how’s th’ weather, up there…’ but, that’s pretty cliché, ain’ it?” Lyra narrowed her eyes at the bat. “Ooh, I know that look… That’s th’ one what says, ‘I’m all-business so I ain’t got no sense’a humor!’ Am I right?” “Jess…” Carlos interjected. “Wait-wait-wait, hang on…” The bat brought her hand up to Carlos. “I wanna see if her face cracks from bein’ so stony, all th’ time!” “It must be nice to live in your world,” Lyra coldly stated. “So blissfully ignorant to the things going on around you…” “I ain’t ignorant!” Jessica scoffed. “I jus’ grew up in a rough part’a town so’s I talk funny! Now… if you would prefer that I speak as though I have a stick firmly lodged somewhere between my stomach and my thighs, at all times…” The white wolf narrowed her eyes, again. “Oooh, did I touch a nerve?” Though the bat-girl was laughing… no one else was. And, that made her stop and think… “A’right, what’s th’ deal?” she asked everyone in the vicinity. “Did somethin’ happen that I should be aware’a?” Both Carlos and Kris looked between each other, their ears folded back and tails hanging. “Uh… hello? Anyone?” “Do you consider yourself… ‘friends…’ with the artificial intelligence known as ‘Hope?’” Lyra sharply interjected. “Uh… kinda?” Jessica started. “I mean, we got a pretty good friendsh–” “Come with me. Mr. and Mrs. Magnus… I wish you a good night.”

Agent Lyra took long strides on her purple pumps as she walked back inside the courthouse, leaving a very confused Jessica standing near Carlos and Kris. When she looked at the two, all they could offer was a head gesture toward the building. Neither of them seemed terribly talkative… but, the bat had a feeling something was up… something that, perhaps, only Lyra could tell her about. And that, unfortunately, meant following the wolf back into the courthouse… So, that’s exactly what she did. –––––

“Hope? What are you doing up here?”

Joseph had awoken, during the night, to find his bed empty… which sent him into a slight panic. When he eventually noticed the ladder blocking the moonlight, in front of his bedroom window, though… he quickly put two-and-two together, got dressed, and went outside.

“Oh, hello, Joseph…” the android in the long shirt replied as she noticed him climbing up onto his roof, where she was. “I was just admiring the way the moon shines on the trees…” “Hope… it’s chilly out here. Do you want my coat?” he offered. “No, thank you.” She smiled. “I don’t get cold, anyway.” The fox gave a hum… then, he settled down next to Hope and stared up at the skyline…

“Do you ever wish that you could just… stop time, Joseph?” He gave a blink… “You asked me that, earlier. Remember?” “I do…” she replied, eyes locked on the 3 o’clock moon. “But, you never answered my question.” “Yes, I did…” The fox gave a chuckle. “I said that–” “‘Every day I’m with you is already perfect.’ I know. But…” The android turned toward her friend, shifting her bare legs against the roof. “While it was a sweet answer… it wasn’t the one that I was looking for.” “Um…” He tilted his head. “Then, what sort of answer were you looking for?” Hope chuckled with a smile… then, she looked back toward the moon. “Never mind…” she answered. “It’s silly, anyway.” “No?” Joseph tilted his head. “Tell me?” She looked down toward the ground, then… before turning back his way. “Remember… our first time?” she said with a shy sort of smile. “Our first real time… or…?” Her smile became a little shyer. “You know the one!” “I mean…” The fox blushed. “Y… yeah… I remember.” “That’s the moment in time that I’d want to go back to, myself…” she suddenly said as she turned her attention back to the moon. “Seeing you work up the courage to confess… watching you push your luck, little-by-little… hearing your sweet compliments… and, feeling my heart take flight, every time we took another baby-step… I don’t even regret that it happened at work… in a hospital room, of all places! Just being there, with you… seeing how I made you feel… and, remembering how you made me feel… It was a magical evening that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, Joseph…”

The fox could not have been more red as he listened to her reminiscence… That beautiful woman… the one who he loved so dearly… really and truly did love him, just as much. It warmed his heart and made him forget about the cold tiles of his roof or the chilly breeze rustling his fur. As he continued to stare, though… he noticed something else. There was something odd about the way the light of the moon gently caressed the cloth of her nightshirt… shined against her skin… and, sparkled in her eyes… Something about her seemed almost… otherworldly… as she sat there, gaze cast skyward. “The… Trinity Above must have made a mistake,” he absentmindedly started, getting her attention, again. “How… could they have sent me such an angel, otherwise…?”

At first, Hope was perplexed. She didn’t understand what he was trying to say… But, the more she thought about it… the more she realized what he was getting at. “Everyone deserves to be happy, Joseph…” the girl said with a shy smile, gently weaving her fingers in between his and holding his hand against the roof. “Maybe the Trinity like you?” There was a long pause as Joseph stared, blushing with wet eyes. Hope didn’t need any pulse-monitoring equipment to tell that his heart was beating fast… just for her. She knew that if she could have… she would have been blushing just as much as him… And, she also knew…

That night… was the night that he would keep with him, forever. –––––

“A… are you serious? That was his rulin’?”

Jessica swallowed hard, staring at the floor as she sat on the chair behind the prosecutor’s table. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard from the figure towering above her… “I have no reason to lie,” Lyra flatly stated. “That was what the judge ruled.” “That’s… that’s not fair, though!” “Life seldom is.” “But… can’t we… do somethin’ ‘bout it? Like–” “Everything has already happened, Ms. Ingmann. Dr. Lewis is in prison. He owes the region 500,000 Rai. And, of course… the solution to the A.I. issue has also been executed. I saw to that, myself.” “Y… you did that?” Jessica’s head jerked up, her gaze turning cold. When Lyra gave an unconcerned nod, she felt her blood come to a boil, in an instant. “You… mother-fucker!!” The bat in the red dress stood up straight… but, she a moment too late. Lyra already had her firearm drawn and aimed squarely at her forehead. “Try me,” the wolf coldly taunted, eyes narrowed and a dark scowl on her face. Jessica hesitated, for a moment… before her own face curled into a smirk. “Okay!”

In an instant, Lyra found herself keeled over the table, holding her stomach. She hissed and growled, dropping her gun… then, she gave an uneven grin to the bat that had just struck her.

“How… did you know… that I wouldn’t pull the trigger?” Lyra asked, shakily standing back up and rubbing her middle. “Didn’t,” was Jessica’s cool reply as she cracked her knuckles. “But, I think ya got’cher point ‘cross so’s I ain’t as bloodlusty, now…” “Assaulting an officer of the law is a federal offense, you know…” As the wolf slowly knelt down and retrieved her gun, she heard the bat tell her… “So’s carryin’ a loaded weapon into a courthouse, babe…” Lyra couldn’t help but laugh, then. “You’re smarter than you seem.” “And, yer less of a bitch than you seem. Oh, wait…” A right hook to the wolf’s face sent her and her gun tumbling back to the floor. “No. Yer not.”

Once her ears stopped ringing, the wolf sat up. As she sat there, half-vibrating from pain, she got the idea actually standing was pretty pointless with Jessica being as angry as she was. “If you think knocking me around will help,” she said with a sigh, “it won’t. What I’ve done with the A.I. is irreversible. Even if what I’d done was a mistake… there is no undoing it, now. But, for whatever it may be worth to you…” She looked to one side, closing her eyes. “I’m… sorry for your loss.” “No, yer not…”

The bat gritted her teeth and cracked her knuckles, again. As she glared down at the submitting wolf, she gave a huff, letting two furious tears escape her eyes…

“But’cher about t’ be…” –––––

The sun blasted through the window, early the next morning, waking Joseph far earlier than he would have liked. He cursed himself for leaving the curtains and blinds open… but, when he remembered why he had, that anger quickly changed to contentment… and, that contentment changed to joy, as he noticed… She’s still in my bed… he thought, noticing that his companion – a blue-haired girl in a long T-shirt – had stayed with him. It wasn’t a dream! The fox briefly considered snuggling up to his blue-haired beloved… but, a sudden burst of inspiration gave him a far better idea. He carefully slipped out of bed and snuck into the bathroom. Oh, man… he thought as he took a quick shower to get rid of the lingering sweat from the previous night. What a perfect way to end the ‘welcome back’ celebrations! She’s gonna be so excited, when she wakes up! I can’t believe I didn’t think of this, sooner!

After taking a few moments to dry and groom his fur and hair, he gathered a fresh set of clothing, all the while wagging his tail and grinning like an idiot. She’s gonna be so surprised… he thought, getting dressed as he watched her sleep. I really hope she doesn’t wake up early… In faaact… The fox, not wanting to take any chances, quietly padded his way over to the window. He silently closed the blinds and curtains, grinning to himself even more, before sneaking out of the room and closing the door without a sound.

It wasn’t long after he’d made his stealthy escape that Joseph found himself in the kitchen of his house, still brimming with excitement over the idea he’d come up with. Without wasting any more time, he turned on the stove and began to work some kitchen magic he hadn’t bothered using for years. “A little star here… A little moon there…” he said, to himself, as he did a little prep work. “Mm… maybe a couple circles… a couple more stars… Yeah! That should be good! Now, we just cook up the rest, and… we’ll be all set!”

After thirty minutes of cooking, he carefully loaded some food onto a bedside tray and headed back into the bedroom. “G’morning, Hope…” he called, setting the tray on her side table before reopening the window fixtures. “It may be daytime, now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the night sky… in breakfast form!”

True to his word, a plate on the tray at her bedside appeared to be filled with a number of objects shaped like cartoon stars, moons, and even a planet or two. On top of looking delightfully shaped, the breakfast – consisting of pancakes, eggs, and some ground sausage – was cooked to perfection and pleasantly wafting its aroma into the air, steam visibly rising from the meal. Joseph really had put a lot of effort into that single serving of food…

“I know you can’t taste food,” he commented, his tail wagging and a bright smile on his face, “but… after this last week… and, after the wonderful night we shared… I really wanted to start things off right. You’re a completely free woman, now, Hope… a fully-recognized citizen of Masamune, again. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life, beloved… and…” He sniffled a little, fighting the urge to cry joyful tears. “Welcome home…!”

Joseph brightly smiled at his lover as she lay in his bed. He was excited to see her reaction… but, started to feel a little impatient. She hadn’t woken up, despite all the things he’d said… “Heavy sleeper…” he chuckled before leaning down and giving her a nudge. “I know you must be tired… but, c’mon. Open your eyes and enjoy your ‘welcome home’ breakfast, already!” He waited for another moment… then, he gave her another nudge. “Hope? Geez, how tired are you? Hey, Hope! Wake up!” The fox gave his mate a shake… but, to no avail. “Hope? Hope…?” He laughed in disbelief. “C-come on… This isn’t funny. H-Hope…!”

The excitement and joy he’d felt from before was being replaced by anxiety and dread. Nudging her… shaking her… even slapping her peaceful, smiling face didn’t seem to do anything. She absolutely was not responding! Unsure of what else he could do, he rolled her over and forced one eyelid open. A second later… his face went as white as her blank, lifeless optic.

“Hooope…” he whined, rapidly falling apart. “No… Nooo…!”

Even after seeing her eyes like that, he absolutely refused to consider that she wouldn’t… or, couldn’t… wake up. He was quick to roll her over and open her auxiliary neck panel, rapidly pressing buttons in a number of different combinations. But, no matter what he pressed or how often… Hope’s body continued to lay there, completely motionless and inert.

“Why…? Why…? Why…”

Breakfast was soon forgotten, that morning, as Joseph got back into bed and snuggled into the lifeless body of his lover, holding her tight and crying into her back. It was almost like he thought that if he held her tight enough… or, cried on her hard enough… that the sheer amount of sorrow he felt would be enough to revive her. But, as the minutes piled up, he had to face the horrible truth… Between the time they’d gone back to sleep and that morning, something unexpected… something horrible… had happened. Somehow… Hope had slipped away from him. She was gone… and, no one could bring her back.

Maybe Dr. Lewis had done something to her. Maybe the judge had a hand in it. Maybe even Agent Lyra had done it. He didn’t know… and, at that point, he didn’t even care. He just wanted Hope back… but, he knew… somehow… that she wasn’t coming back. As depression and sorrow gave way to numbness, however, one last semi-comforting thought escaped him…

We really were together… and, she really was a free woman… ‘for as long as she lived…’

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2053 #Found and Lost #original characters #Joseph Lithius #Jessica Ingmann #Carlos Magnus #Kristian Sanders #Hope North #Genevieve Lyra #suspense #drama

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jolienjoyswriting · 7 years

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Found and Lost, Ch. V

Chapter V of "Found and Lost," an Essence of Ragnarok story. (Formerly one-third of Chapter III)

Word count: 3,914 – Character count: 22,923 Originally written: March 19th, 2017 Split and revised: September 8th, 2017

Emotions flare in the courtroom as Dr. Lewis presents his case.

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As the blue-haired android was escorted in, Joseph could see that she was still dressed in her blue work coveralls, just like she had been, a week prior. Her hair had seemingly been straightened and fixed up since then, too, making her more presentable… though, she wore a neutral look on her face. After the bailiff removed her handcuffs, she gave her wrists a rub then looked up at the judge, listening as he spoke. “Mr. Lucius,” he said. “According to this paperwork, I believe you have some questions you would like to ask the A.I?” “I do,” Dr. Lewis’ attorney replied. “Then, please, come to the stand.” The black-haired human rose from his seat and walked over to the android with a sheet of paper in his hands. For a moment, he just looked at her, causing her to look back. Eventually, though, the questioning began…

“A.I, before we begin, what is your preferred designation? XJL-001? Marie? Hope?” “Um…” Hope wrung her hands together, for a moment. “‘Hope,’ i-if that’s okay…” “Very well.” The judge cleared his throat. “Miss Hope, have you been programmed to know the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong?’” “I…” She paused before answering, “Y… yes, sir.” “And, have you been programmed to know the difference between a lie and the truth?” “Yes, sir.” “And… you are aware that any discrepancies in your statements could lead to strong repercussions for both you and your creator. Correct?” She gave a soft sort of nod. “I am, sir.” “Good.” The lawyer took a moment to look at his paper.

“Now, Miss Hope… according to this, in the year 2042, you were registered as the property of one Carlos Q. Magnus, passed on from one Dylan D. Dumouchel… who had claimed to have created you. Do you recall this event?” “I-I do,” Hope said, still sounding a little nervous. “Were you aware, at that time, that Mr. Dumouchel was not your creator?” She hesitated, at that, looking down and wringing her hands together all-the-more. She looked as though she didn’t want to answer… “Miss Hope?” the judge said, getting her attention. “Please, answer the question.” “Will… Mr. Dumouchel be in trouble, depending on the answer?” “Mr. Dumouchel may face charges of falsifying information, based on your words, yes.” “And… and, there’s nothing I can do about that?” “I’m afraid not.” The judge tilted his head at the question. “Why?” “I just… I don’t want any trouble for Mr. Dumouchel… He’s been so nice, and–” “Objection, your honor.” All eyes turned again to Mr. Lewis’ attorney.

“Uh… you do know you called this A.I. to the stand, Mr. Lucius…” the judge commented. “I know. However, the A.I. – Hope – is delaying the case by avoiding the question.” Judge Pascal gave a sigh… then, he nodded to the lawyer. “Sustained. Miss Hope? Please answer the original question.” “Y… y… yes, your honor.” Hope hesitated for a moment longer, fidgeting and looking upset. “Y… yes. I was aware that Mr. Dumouchel was neither my owner or creator, at the time.” There was a slight murmur from the gallery, upon hearing that. “And, were you aware of who was your creator or owner?” the lawyer pressed. “No…” “Now, then,” Mr. Lucius said as he walked to one side of the stand then the other, “according to records from the Tower of Masamune College, Mr. Dumouchel had repaired you in 2041 after finding you abandoned and broken somewhere in the suburban area south of the campus. Is this true, Miss Hope?” Again, she hesitated before answering, “T-to the best of my knowledge…” “So, let me ask you this…” There was a pause before Mr. Lucius turned back toward Hope. “Is it possible that… at some point during your repairs… Mr. Dumouchel may have altered or removed your memories, making you forget who you were and what you were programmed to do?” “Objection, your honor!”

All eyes turned to the walrus attorney at the prosecutor’s table. “What is your objection, Mr. Cyrus?” “Mr. Lucius is trying to manipulate the android with conjecture and speculation! Are there any records anywhere indicating that Mr. Dumouchel had directly tampered with the A.I.’s memory? I think not!” “Mr. Lucius?” the judge called, turning back to Mr. Lewis’ attorney. “There is no proof that any such memory-tampering had happened, no,” he calmly replied. “Therefore, I withdraw my question and instead ask this: Are you absolutely certain that there are no records of your ownership anywhere in your memory banks?” “To the best of my knowledge, sir…” the android nervously repeated. “Mr. Dumouchel told me that he didn’t find anything at all… No programming, no memories, nothing…” “I see.” Mr. Lucius paced in his jet-black suit for a moment. “I have nothing further to ask.”

With that, Mr. Lucius returned to the defense table. When asked if he’d had any questions he’d wanted to ask Hope, Mr. Cyrus declined and Hope was escorted over to the prosecution. Joseph wasn’t sure what was going on, at that point, since Hope seemed to be conferring with the lawyer, there… but, after a moment, he heard Mr. Cyrus speak up. “Your honor, I would like to call Dr. Xander Lewis to the stand.” The judge glanced at the defense… then, he gave a nod. A moment later, Dr. Lewis was escorted to the stand.

The bailiff walked over with what Joseph recognized to be a religious document in his hand before addressing the doctor. “Please place your left hand on this book and raise your right.” To Joseph’s surprise… the doctor did just that. “Do you swear that, under the gaze of Ash, Ivy, and Sky, that you will tell only the truth?” Again, the fox found himself surprised when Dr. Lewis agreed without any hesitation. With that done, the bailiff walked away and left the doctor to the walrus in the charcoal suit.

“Dr. Xander J. Lewis…” Mr. Cyrus started as he brought what appeared to be a wooden easel with a blank landscape canvas up to the stand. “What is it that you do for a living?” “I do independent design and repair work for larger companies.” “Is there any particular field that you excel at?” “Robotics,” he answered straight away. “Dim the lights, please…” The walrus lawyer turned his attention toward the easel as he withdrew something from his pocket. A moment later, the courtroom lights dimmed… then, something flashed onto the canvas.

“Dr. Lewis, would you please tell me what we’re looking at, here?” Joseph had to squint to see what was being displayed on the canvas. He wasn’t exactly sure… but, if he had to guess, he would have said the same thing Dr. Lewis said a second later. “Those would be the blueprints for the Xander James Limited Number 001 android – otherwise known as ‘Marie.’” “So, you recognize these blueprints?” Mr. Cyrus asked. “I do. Those are my original design schematics for the aforementioned android. I provided those as proof of ownership for this very case, in fact.” “Did you design this android for a company?” “No.” “Did you design this android based on another person or company’s designs?” There was a little hesitation to Dr. Lewis… but, soon after, he answered, “Yes.” The courtroom murmured, again, before Mr. Cyrus continued his inquiry. “Can you claim legal ownership of these designs, Dr. Lewis?” “I could… had I submitted them to the Achromium Copyright Organization.” “Was there a particular reason you did not?” “Objection, your honor…” Mr. Lucius called out. “What is the relevance of this chain of questions?” “Mr. Cyrus?” the judge asked. “I’m getting there, I promise.” “Mm… Objection overruled. Continue, Mr. Cyrus, but please, get to the point.” “Thank you, your honor.” The walrus turned to the doctor. “Please answer the question, Dr. Lewis.”

“The reason I did not submit these blueprints to the A.C.O, in addition to legal red tape, is because I hadn’t intended to make more than one of these androids – hence the word ‘limited’ in the serial acronym: ‘Xander James Limited.’” “Bearing that in mind, would it be safe to say that, legally speaking… you have no legal claim to the android frame?” Mr. Lucius looked like he’d wanted to object again… but, he stilled himself.

“I don’t understand what that has to do with anything,” Dr. Lewis calmly stated. “I’m not particularly worried about Marie’s chassis; I can make another body… if I need to. My primary concern is over the A.I. housed within the body.” “And… can you prove that you were the one who created the A.I. program?” “I can.” The doctor cleared his throat. “Priority override: Indigo, sierra-libra-alpha…” There was a sudden ruckus from the prosecutor’s table. The entire courtroom, judge and all, looked over as Hope emitted a short yelp before pressing her hands to her ears and hiding under the table. “Um…” Judge Pascal looked between the prosecutor and the doctor. “Lights on, please,” Mr. Cyrus said before turning off the projector. As the lights turned back on, he asked, “Dr. Lewis? Care to explain what’s going on?” “Marie doesn’t like it when I assume direct control over her,” the doctor coolly said. “However, that is the only way I know of which will prove I’d created her. She doesn’t respond to anyone else in that way… and, I sincerely wish she didn’t respond to me, like that…” Dr. Lewis wore a frown as he turned to his creation. “I’m only trying to help you, Marie…” “My name isn’t ‘Marie!’” Hope called from under the table. “It’s ‘Hope!’ I already explained this to you, father!” “Bailiffs,” the judge sighed, “get that A.I. out from the table, for crying out loud…”

Hope found herself pulled to her feet by two of the stronger-looking bailiffs, there. As she stood, she happened to look around the court. It wasn’t hard for Joseph… or anyone else… to see the fear in her dull, green eyes as she was held in place. That look only intensified as Dr. Lewis began calling out letters again… “Priority override: Indigo, sierra-libra-alpha–” “Hold on a minute, Dr. Lewis…” the judge said as he pointed his gavel at the doctor. “Just what is it you’re doing?” “Like I said before, I’m assuming direct control.” He paused before adding, “I will not make the android do anything harmful nor dangerous, nor will she do anything harmful nor dangerous on her own.” “Hmm…” The judge paused. “Bailiffs, keep ahold of that android. Dr. Lewis, proceed.”

Joseph’s ears fell as he watched the scene unfold. Hope clearly did not like what was going on and did little to hide her fears, jerking and making noise at every word to come out of the doctor’s mouth. Every little whimper she made… every single motion… it was like a needle in the fox’s heart… and, eventually… “Objection!!” He couldn’t take it, anymore.

All eyes turned to the amber-furred fox at his outburst. “Excuse me?” The judge wriggled his moustache. “Young man, the gallery can’t object to the proceedings.” “I know that!” Joseph half-shouted. “But look at her!” The judge and some of the gallery looked over to Hope. She had started to cry, before Joseph had startled her, but was still shivering… “Hope is scared! Terrified! She doesn’t want to be controlled by this jerk!” “Sir, if you don’t settle down, I’ll have no choice but to have you escorted from the court…” “No!” The amber fox slammed his hands down on the seat in front of him, startling the person sitting there. “This isn’t fair! Hope is being terrorized and I won’t stand for it!” “Bailiffs, get him out of my courtroom!”

The urge to physically fight the bailiffs as they forcibly removed him from the court was strong… but, somehow, Joseph managed not to hit either one of them as he was dragged, kicking and snarling the whole way. Once he was on the other side of the large double-doors, he tried to walk back in only to be stopped by the same bailiffs that had escorted him out in the first place.

“Sir, step back, or we will call the police,” one warned. “I don’t care!” Joseph shouted as he tried to force his way back in. “I’m not going to sit back and watch my girlfriend lose her freedom!” “Joseph, Joseph!! Calm yer ass down!” The fox hissed, ignoring the voice coming from behind him. He really didn’t care what happened to him, anymore. As far as he knew, Hope was going to lose her freedom… maybe even her identity… and he was going to fight anyone who wouldn’t let him try and defend her! “What the… gack!!” At least, that was the plan… until Joseph found himself being hoisted into the air… and brought down onto the courthouse tiles on his shoulders. Hard.

“Did… did you just suplex that man?!” “We know each other so it’s okay! Honest!” Jessica said to the astonished bailiff as she rolled away from the fox and got to her feet. “Just… um… pr-pretend ya didn’ see that!” “See what?” The bailiff crossed his arms and gave a chuckle. “All I saw was a rowdy fox slip and clock himself on the tiles. Isn’t that right, George?” The other bailiff was clearly too stunned to speak. Either way, the bat brightly smiled as she picked up her dazed friend. “Yer a doll, Mr. Bailiff.” “Name’s ‘Bob,’” he said. “In any case, you might want to take your friend outside before someone comes out here asking what happened. I’ll cover for you, if that happens.” “What a nice guy ya are, Bob! Say, if yer ever at Mindy’s 24/7 Gym in Murasama, come see me!” She beamed before offering, “I teach boxin’ there if that’s a thing ya like?” “Maybe I will…” Bob chuckled. “Now, shoo-shoo.” “Righty-o!” With that, Jessica quickly left the scene with a semi-conscious fox in her arms.

“Why… the fuck… did you suplex me, Jessie?! Ow… careful…”

Jessica grinned at her friend as the two sat on the concrete stairs leading up to the mid-sized courthouse. Under other circumstances, the fact that she was rubbing his neck and shoulders would be appreciated and enjoyed… but, as it was, the fox was still a little dazed and severely frazzled from the scene in the courtroom.

“You were gettin’ outta hand, Josey… so, I had’a take ya down!” she said with a chuckle. “Nothin’ personal; just didn’t wanna see ya get in any more trouble.” “Yeah, well…! Yeah… well…” The fox’s ears fell and he emitted a labored sigh. “Yeah, well…” he repeated a second time before saying, “thank you. I guess…” “Anytime!” was her cheerful reply.

The two sat there for several more minutes, Jessie putting and releasing pressure on the injured fox’s shoulders while Joseph was somewhere between frustrated and relaxed. He really wanted to enjoy the impromptu massage… but, those events in the courtroom up to being suplexed had left him feeling less-than-pleased. “You really should try’n relax, Josey…” the bat-girl said from under her sun hat as she continued to rub on him. “It’s really hard t’ work these knots when ya keep ‘em all tensified!” “I can’t help it, Jessie…” he said as he fiddled with his discarded dress jacket. “I can’t relax knowing that Dr. Lewis probably disabled her, proved his ownership, and will be walking out that door a free man within minutes!” “Mmm… I dunno ‘bout ‘free man,’ sweets…” Her hands slid down a little, rubbing at his shoulder blades. “Sounded t’ me like Doc Lewis is gonna be in jail fer a while… and…significantly more broke for it!” “But, that lawyer of his…” “They a’ready pleaded guilty t’ makin’ an A.I. without goin’ through A.I.C.A, Josey. Doc Lewis is guaranteed prison time ‘n a fine! Now, they’re just dickin’ ‘round with who actually owns yer robo-lady-friend.” “She has a name, you know…” the fox coldly spat. “Oh, I know. It’s ‘Marie,’ ain’ it?” The instant the fox tensed in reaction, he noticed a shadow shade his head from the sun… then felt a light nip at his neck, causing him to gasp. “Got’cha…” the bat whispered as she leaned back, girlishly giggling. “Yer so easy…”

“Jessica!” Joseph shouted, half-turning toward her. “This isn’t some joke! Hope is in serious trouble right now…! What’s going to happen to her if the court finds in favor of Dr. Lewis, for ownership?” “Didn’cha say Lyra said she’d pro’ly be put in storage ‘r somethin’?” “I don’t want that…” the fox whispered as he hugged his jacket. “I just… I want Hope to be free…” “Me, too…” Jessica whispered, bringing her arms around the fox and holding him. “Ain’t every day I run inta an omnisexual automaton that’s as forward as I am!”

The fox’s ears fell upon hearing that. “A… a… are you serious with that, Jessica?” “Maybe-yes, maybe-no, hun…” She gave a light sigh. “In all seriousness, she’s a mighty swell gal, any way ya look at her, ‘n I s’pose… I dunno. Humor’s what I do when I dunno what else I can do, ya know? ‘n right now?” The fox shivered as he felt her start to nibble on the backside of his ear. “I dunno what else t’ do… Someone’s gotta keep it t’gether so’s everyone don’t fall apart. But, if I’m bein’ super-honest…” Her voice fell quiet as she admitted, “I’m a li’l scared I might lose a cool friend… just ’cause some guy I never met wants his dress-up doll, back.”

As he heard the sincerity in Jessica’s voice… felt the genuine emotion, from her words… for the first time since everything had happened, Joseph felt something stir, within himself. Slowly, he brought his own arms up to hers and squeezed them tight to his body. Jessica responded, in turn, scooting a little closer and resting her head on his. The two shared a long, quiet moment of reflection, then…

“Thank you, Jessica…” The bat’s ears perked and she opened her eyes. “Mm?” “As strange as it sounds… I think I needed to hear that.” “Hear what?” The bat leaned back as she felt the fox pull away. A moment later, the two sat face-to-face on the highest step, their legs hanging over the lower ones. “I think I needed to hear someone tell me… that they cared about Hope…” Joseph reached up and brushed his hand to the bat-girl’s cheek, getting rid of the single tear that had shown itself. She wasn’t sure what to say at that point… so she just listened.

“Ever since this whole catastrophe happened days ago, it seemed like you… Miri… Ed and Eve… everyone has been trying to just… cheer me up… keep me distracted… and, so on and so forth. Well… I’m not ungrateful for everyone’s help… but, at the same time, it didn’t feel like anyone really… cared why I was so upset. Not even you, the one person I actually told about this. Everyone just wanted to keep me distanced from my worries… or, ‘keep my aura free of the problems of the world,’ as Miri put it… Everyone just wanted to keep me happy… and, keep themselves happy… It was almost like they were trying to treat this like I’d just lost a pet or a favorite toy… But, hearing you tell me that you’re scared, Jessie? Hearing someone like you, who’s always so full of positive energy and such a joy to be around, actually say something like this, when I’m feeling the same way…” The fox took a moment to rub his nose and sniffled as a tear fell from his right eye. “As weird as it sounds… I think that hearing that one thing from someone like you… from you, yourself… It’s brought me more comfort than all the Dancing Mad… all the pizza buffets… all the distractions, hugs, and care in the world ever could.” He paused for a moment, then looked away, folding his ears again. “I’m sorry if that sounds selfish, by the way… It sounded better in my head.”

It took the fox several moments before he could look back to his friend… and, even then, she still seemed at a complete loss for words. Her eyes were focused on his face and her mouth was hanging open just a crack… like, she might say something at any minute. The longer Joseph waited, however… the more he’d realized that there was nothing for her to say.

Suddenly, Jessica brought her hand up and brushed his cheek. There was a soft, caring smile on her face… as well as a slight blush… “It’s funny, ain’ it?” she said. “Hearin’ the great Jessica U. Ingmann admit she’s scared’a somethin’… It’s funny, ain’ it?” The girl brought her hands to her lap before starting to laugh. “Th’ one an’ only Jessica U. Ingmann… fighter to th’ end… finally shows weakness… I ain’t never gonna live this down, am I?” Her laughter became stronger. “Th’ awesome ‘n carefree Jessica U. Ingmann…” And, then… It stopped. “She ain’t so awesome an’ she ain’t so carefree… is she?” “But, maybe, that’s what makes her so awesome, to begin with?” Joseph offered with a smile. “That she actually does feel emotions, other than the impulsive ones.” The bat-girl paused… then, she gave her friend’s face a playful rub. “Thanks. Goofball.” He offered a smile. “Absolutely.”

With that display of emotions passed, Joseph and Jessica continued to sit on the stairs and wait for the trial to finish. Joseph noticed that, as the sun moved overhead, Jessica seemed to adjust her hat to move with it. Remembering something, he suggested they move to somewhere with a bit more shade – a suggestion that Jessica was quick to jump on with both heels!

“Huh… I didn’t notice that before…” he murmured as they relocated under the stone overhang of the courthouse. “Wuzzat, fuzzy?” Jessica asked, removing her hat as soon as she was substantially shielded from the sunlight. “Well, I was a little busy having a somewhat-contained nervous breakdown but, uh… I didn’t notice how nice you look, today.” “Oh, yeah?” she replied as she slipped out of her blazer, revealing the top half of her red dress to have shoulders but no arms. “Wait… don’t I look nice most other days?” “Well, yes…” the fox chuckled, sitting down, “but, I mean… you dressed very nicely, for this. A dress… a blazer… heels, of all things? Jessie, in the two years that I’ve known you, I didn’t even know you owned a pair of heels… and, I don’t think I’ve even seen you wear shoes of any kind! Which is funny… since you really like leggings, I’ve noticed.” “I reinforce th’ soles’a those things,” she explained as she joined him. “Or, at least… I keep meanin’ to… I usually just patch ‘em up when I need to.” “Mm, I see!” There was a momentary pause between the two before Jessica spoke, again.

“You… really think I look nice, though?” “Jessie…” He blushed a little, his tail wagging. “I think you look beautiful, in a dress.” The bat’s face brightened ever-so-slightly and a smile showed itself. “Thank you,” was all she managed before adding, “I think you look nice, too, Mr. Three-Piece-Suit!” “Well, I mean…” The fox chuckled and gave a shrug. “Court… and, all.” The two shared a quiet smile, just enjoying each other’s company. For at while, at least…

#fiction #Essence of Ragnarok #Year 2053 #Found and Lost #original characters #Hope North #Xander Lewis #Joseph Lithius #Jessica Ingmann #drama #suspense

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