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thelastspeecher · 1 year

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Part 1

Like promised, here's the second part to the Shining Armor AU thing I posted yesterday. Left y'all on a cliffhanger a bit, but don't worry, it gets resolved. Using a plot point I haven't mentioned yet on here...

Happy 2023!

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Mr. McGucket leaned back in his chair. He and his wife had been silent for the most part during the story, but as Stan and Angie explained how they just wanted to be together, Mrs. McGucket began to shift in her seat.

“…and that’s it,” Angie finished.

“Sally, I think you know what we need,” Mr. McGucket said softly. Mrs. McGucket nodded and stood. She left the kitchen. Mr. McGucket raised an eyebrow at Stan and Angie. “The two of ya have been married fer over a year now. Why the sudden rush to want yer relationship to become recognized by the king?”

“Well, I got betrothed to a noblewoman-” Stan started.

“Don’t insult me, please, son. Even here in Gumption, we heard ‘bout how Prince Stanley’s engagement to Lady Carla was broke off fer undisclosed reasons.” Mr. McGucket clasped his hands politely. “I’m just curious as to whether a certain kind of congratulations are in order.” Angie smiled weakly.

“They might be,” she said softly. Mr. McGucket beamed.

“I’m awful glad to hear that. And don’t worry, Junebug, yer ma ‘n pa have it handled.”

“How?” Stan asked. As if on cue, Mrs. McGucket returned, holding a small box. She sat it on the table. Stan leaned in to inspect it. The box was made of wood and intricately carved. Some of the symbols along the sides of the box looked familiar to Stan, though he couldn’t put his finger on where they came from. Mrs. McGucket opened the box and removed what was inside: a golden tiara with glittering sapphires the same color as her eyes.

Stan’s jaw dropped.

“Ma, why’d ya get yer crown?” Angie asked, perplexed. “I remember that from when I was small. It’s just a dress-up thing.”

“No, it’s not,” Stan croaked. Mrs. McGucket placed the tiara on the table. Stan continued to stare at it, taking in the fine detailing of flowers and birds. He had never been very skilled at history, but this tiara was tied to one of the few things that he had found interesting from his tutor. “It’s the crown of the missing princess of Lirone.”

“What?”

“I learned about this in my history lessons. Decades ago, the crown princess of Lirone vanished, presumed dead. She had been behaving a bit oddly before then, but no one could tie that behavior to her going missing. She went into the forest and never returned. When she went missing, she was wearing her crown, which had sapphires, birds, and flowers.” Stan waved a hand. “Something about symbolizing water, animals, and plants. That was when my lesson started getting boring again, so I stopped paying attention.” Stan frowned at Mrs. McGucket. “How come you have it?”

“Well, it is mine,” Mrs. McGucket said softly. Stan blinked. “Do you recall the name of the missing princess?”

“Sally,” Stan replied. Mrs. McGucket nodded regally. “No way. There’s no way you’re the missing princess!”

“Sally and I met one day when she snuck out to walk amongst the commonfolk,” Mr. McGucket said. He smiled, his eyes misty with memory. “I thought she was the prettiest person I ever did see. And fer some reason, she was interested in speakin’ with this poor peasant boy. We managed to continue to see each other and we fell in love.”

“That was the odd behavior you learned about in your history lessons,” Mrs. McGucket said. “I had to get creative to find ways to meet up with Mearl.” At some point, her thick accent similar to her husband and daughter’s had disappeared. Now, every word she said was crisp and carefully pronounced.

Just like Ford. No. Just like a royal heir.

“But I knew that this would not last forever,” Mrs. McGucket continued. “So I decided to fake my death to be with the one I loved.”

“That’s what I suggested!” Stan burst out. Angie gently placed a hand over his.

“Darlin’, please, quiet down,” she said softly.

“Did it allow me to live my life in peace with my true love?” Mrs. McGucket said to Stan. “Yes. But was it the right move? Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like there may have been a way for me to stay with Mearl but also not make my friends and family grieve my apparent death. And I know for certain that I can resolve the problem you two face without Stan faking his death.”

“Does it have something to do with Angie apparently having royal blood?” Stan asked. Mrs. McGucket smiled.

“It might. Now, if you’ll excuse me. My husband and I will accompany you back to the castle, but I’ll need to prepare for the journey. Mearl, please show the happy couple where they will be staying, maybe give them some pocket money to go to the shops.”

“Of course, dear,” Mr. McGucket said, kissing Mrs. McGucket on the cheek. Mrs. McGucket placed the crown back in its box and left. Mr. McGucket stood. “Come with me.” Stan and Angie stood as well. They followed Mr. McGucket through the house, to a small but well-kept guest room. “You two can stay here. If you were only betrothed or courtin’, o’ course, ya wouldn’t be allowed to sleep in the same room. But since yer married with a lil one on the way…”

“Pa, please, not too loud. I can’t let anyone know ‘bout, y’know. Not yet,” Angie said nervously. Mr. McGucket kissed her forehead.

“Sorry, honey. As I was sayin’, since yer wed, you can sleep in the same bed. I’ll be back in a mo’ with some pocket money like yer ma suggested.”

“We have our own coin,” Angie said. “Stan’s a prince.”

“Not in this house, he ain’t. He’s just my son-in-law.” Mr. McGucket looked Stan in the eyes. “My son-in-law who should’ve asked fer my blessin’ ‘fore marryin’ my daughter.”

“Pa!”

“But I’ll let it slide this time, due to circumstances.” Mr. McGucket exited the room. Stan sat down on the guest bed.

“So, that went way better than I expected,” he said.

“Better than I could have dreamed,” Angie said. She shook her head. “I just can’t believe that the crown m’ sister ‘n I used to play with was actually part of the royal jewels of a neighborin’ kingdom.”

“I can,” Stan said. Angie raised an eyebrow at him. “I mean, you’ve always been pretty as a princess.” Angie smiled. She walked over to Stan and kissed him.

“Even when I was a knight, killin’ people and sweatin’ in my armor?” she asked. Stan snorted.

“You kidding? Especially then.”

-----

Stan bowed before the thrones of the king and queen. Angie knelt on the ground beside him, shaking.

“I’ve never been so offended,” rumbled King Filbrick. “My finest knight, a woman? And my own son didn’t just know, he was complicit in continuing the deception!”

“Father-” tried Ford, who was standing at Filbrick’s side.

“Silence.”

“Yes, sir,” Ford mumbled.

“Then, to make matters worse, my son broke off an important engagement to a noblewoman so that he could pursue his knight! And marry her!” Filbrick continued. Angie’s shaking worsened. All Stan wanted to do was embrace her, but he knew that if he moved to comfort her, it would only enrage his father more.

Where the hell are Angie’s parents?! Though they had traveled back to the castle together, Mr. and Mrs. McGucket parted ways with Stan and Angie to complete preparations for the plan they still hadn’t fully clued Stan and Angie in on.

“Count yourself lucky you are my only spare heir, Stanley,” Filbrick said. “Otherwise, you would be banished.”

“And what of the knight?” asked Queen Caryn.

“Beheaded, obviously,” Filbrick said, sounding almost bored. Angie collapsed. Bile rose in Stan’s throat.

Dammit! He and Angie had discussed their backup plan, should Angie’s parents be late. They had hoped to avoid using it, but there was no choice now. I have to do something before they drag Angie off in chains. Already, Stan could see movement from guards in his peripheral vision. He straightened and looked Filbrick in the eyes.

“Father, you can’t!” he cried out. Filbrick clenched the arms of his throne.

“And why not?” he growled.

“Because Angie carries within her the one third in line for the crown,” Stan said. Gasps sounded around the royal court. Even Ford’s eyes widened in shock. Filbrick’s face paled, then reddened. He stood.

“A peasant woman is pregnant with my grandchild?” he asked dangerously. Before Stan could say anything, the large doors opened. Stan turned. Mrs. McGucket strode across the room. Her tiara sparkled on her carefully coiffed hair. She wore her finest dress, which, being the wife of a farmer, was not fine at all. But with her demeanor, she elevated it, to the extent that she didn’t seem commonfolk. She looked the royal she truly was. Stan bowed to her as she passed.

“Banjolina Quinn McGucket is no peasant,” Mrs. McGucket said as she stood before the king, queen, and crown prince. “For she is mine, and I am-”

“Sally!” Caryn sobbed.

“Caryn?” Mrs. McGucket asked, blindsided. Caryn jumped up from her throne and rushed to Mrs. McGucket, embracing her tightly.

“I thought you dead!”

“I know, and I am sorry,” Mrs. McGucket said softly. “It was the only way I could think of to be with the one I loved.” She gestured at the back of the room, where Mr. McGucket stood. Mr. McGucket bowed, but didn’t approach. “You should thank my daughter, as she was the one who insisted your son not do the same as I did.”

“What?” Caryn whispered. She turned to Stan. “Stanley, you planned to fake your death to be with your knight?” Stan nodded. Caryn covered her mouth.

“Caryn, what is this all about?” Filbrick demanded. While his parents were distracted, Stan helped Angie to her feet. Caryn looked at her husband.

“Filbrick, I would know this woman anywhere. We were the closest of friends in our youth. She is Sally of the House of Turner, the missing Crown Princess of Lirone.” Mrs. McGucket curtsied elegantly.

“I bring the crown I wore the day I disappeared myself as proof.” She smiled at Caryn. “Though I see now it was not necessary.”

“Lady Knight!” Filbrick barked. Angie snapped to attention. “You are this woman’s child?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Angie replied, bowing. “Her youngest.”

“Then you are no peasant.”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“…I see.” Filbrick sat back down on his throne. “You are to be relieved of your duties as knight.” Angie bowed her head. “As a gesture of goodwill, however, I will not strip you of your knighthood.” Angie’s head shot up in shock. “We have been on poor terms with Lirone for decades. If this union will allow us to finally set up trade routes with our neighbor to the south, I will gladly do all I can to speed it forward.”

“We’re married,” Stan pointed out. “The union’s happened already.”

“Have you no sense of propriety, son?” Filbrick asked. “While the secret marriage will allow your child to be born in wedlock, it will not suffice in the slightest for a royal affair. We must begin arrangements and send word to Lirone immediately.”

“What of Angie’s twin brother?” Ford asked. Filbrick looked at him like he’d forgotten Ford was there. “Is Sir Lute to be removed of his duties as knight, now that he is a prince?”

“He may continue to be a knight here if he wishes and the Lironian royal court allows it,” Filbrick said dismissively. He stood. “Caryn, come with me.” Caryn gave Mrs. McGucket one last hug before joining the king. “Stanford, Stanley, tend to our guests’ lodgings. And speak with our head of staff as to new accommodations for Stanley and his wife. Their current rooms are insufficient for a wed prince and princess.”

“Yes, sir,” Ford and Stan said, bowing. Filbrick and Caryn left the room. Ford, Lute, and the McGucket parents joined Stan and Angie.

“When were ya plannin’ on tellin’ us we were royal?” Lute asked his parents.

“Honestly, never,” Mrs. McGucket said. “We worried it would only complicate matters. But I suppose we found the one situation in which it solved more problems than it caused.”

“Yes, indeed,” Ford said. He took off his glasses, polished them with his shirt, and then put them back on. “Stan, Angie, how long have you known about the child?”

“A few months,” Angie mumbled.

“And ya didn’t think to tell us?” Lute yelped. Ford put a hand on his knight’s shoulder.

“Lute, I’d imagine they opted to stay quiet until they knew they would keep the child,” he said solemnly. Angie and Stan nodded. Lute paled.

“Oh. I see.” Lute cleared his throat. “Well. The king was correct. My parents will need someplace to stay. Should I take ‘em to the red guest suite?”

“I believe that will suit them, yes,” Ford said. “Meanwhile, I will take the happily wedded couple to speak with the head of staff so they may finally live together as husband and wife.” Stan intertwined his fingers with Angie’s.

“And it’s about damn time,” he rumbled. Angie leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Agreed.”

#and that's what I've got written for the AU thus far!#lmk what y'all think! esp of the couple of plot points I threw in that I hadn't mentioned yet #Shining Armor AU #Stangie #McGucket Family #Stanley Pines #Angie McGucket #Pa McGucket #Ma McGucket #Stanford Pines #Lute McGucket #Ma Pines #Filbrick Pines #(hot DAMN there be some characters in this jlknsdjknafsdf)#Gravity Falls #ficlet #my writing #my stuff #speecher speaks

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deathwis-arc · 1 year

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honestly, it's really interesting thinking about how the events of the desert dream in 1998 would get blown out of proportion in the coming years ; hell, it already kinda is twenty-four hours later. not only does the fbi get involved ( and they get involved quick ) but the entire thing is immediately labeled as 'the desert dream massacre' which is ... simply not true. if tyler doesn't kill joyce and michelle isn't shot then the total body count is four cops, with two on life support from the motel burning down. this is literally confirmed in game!

events get labeled as massacres if there's a huge body count, or if it's violent enough. the desert dream killings were neither. all the victims were shot, usually at a distance, or they suffered from burns ; which, while violent, it was more of an escape attempt on the holts' part than anything else. i also find it telling that, even if the holts kill a hostage or two, agent bradley doesn't bother mentioning that in private. all he cares about is the cops lost to the standoff. it's no surprise that killing an officer will get you a more severe punishment then if you kill a regular person, that it can sometimes send you straight to death row on its own, but the fact they don't even care about the deaths of any of the hostages ... it sure is something.

especially since the only hostage deaths in the desert dream can turn the only two kids in the game into orphans. or on the flip side, if the holts didn't harm a hostage, there's no mention of that either. or how the hostages were treated, which compared to usual hostage situations, they got it better than most. it's just the fact that they killed cops ( who were under the thumb of a corrupt sheriff, by the way ) that made this into a massacre. though i wouldn't be surprised if to the public the force would then heavily focus on any other victims, that's usually what happens normally, after all.

anyway, point is, classism does play a role in how cases and crimes are treated -- especially back then. the holts were poor, notoriously so, and they were a family full of drop-outs with nothing to their names. the very second they escape the motel, their names are plastered all over the country and their fates ( including jay's, who's merely an eighteen year old who was an accomplice at best ) are decided : they're going straight to death row. even if jay tries to do the right thing and come clean to agent bradley, tries to turn on his family, said guy immediately goes to pin all the murders on him, for seemingly no reason at all! it's very unjust, and ah ... shady!

the news and papers hype up their crime spree and i wouldn't be shocked that within a couple years, the holts would be presented as bloodthirsty rednecks who were simply greedy rather than a family that didn't have any help and got in way over their heads. the narrative would be twisted so much, especially if three of the holts were never found. there'd be no word from their side, no mention of the thugs who were threatening to kill them, just a true crime story where they were at the forefront of a very unfortunate situation and got away with it. leaving gossips to fill in the blanks as they please, and considering the police's and the fbi's behavior towards this case, they would only fuel the narrative that the holts were a family who did all this on purpose and relished in the aftermath, a family who loved doing the crime.

anyway, it's just something i love thinking about for post canon stuff when it comes to my adf muses. how wildly inaccurate the story's become in time, simply because people got bored or because of the classism back then that was so woven into the broadcasted crime that it's become impossible to separate the two. they'd paint the holts out to be wildly dangerous, cruel individuals and probably spin tales about unsolved murders and robberies and how it could be the work of a holt who had got away. their entire motivation would be obscured and would've gone unsaid, leaving random civilians and a force who hates them to speak for them instead. it'd be a whole thing! and the desert dream was dramatic, sure, but by the time everything is said and done you'd probably barely recognize what the media was talking about had you actually been there.

#╰ * OOC : mun ⧽ ramblings of a fevered spirit .#(( don't mind me ... just musing about this because i find it endlessly fun haha #like. cannot stress enough tyler getting death row makes sense but JAY?#the fact they literally frame him for everything ... even if he hasn't committed a single murder ... speaks volumes imo #they did not care about any of the holts being innocent nor their reasons they wanted them to suffer that's it!#except sharon who doesn't get death row for some reason? like ... this entire case is so unfair and makes no sense #it's the way dante threatens the lives of all the hostages way more than the holts ever did and still got to keep his badge #as well as his corruption and assault on the motel not being brought up to the public. it's a matter that gets privately dealt with #like ugghh it really is about how little the justice system cares for poor people.#it's about how the holts felt like they had to deal with their lives being threatened by themselves!#they didn't feel like they could go to the police! or publicly ask for help! they didn't think there was another way #and in the end their original plan was harmless and was only hurting someone who deserved it ... they didn't just rob some establishment #they robbed a sheriff their ma had history with and who was literally corrupt #anyway. anyway! as much as it's crazy to me how the media would run with this story and make it about a family that was simply deranged #it's also ... fun to think about <3 for the victims of the desert dream and the holts #not only do they all have to live with this traumatic event that's changed all of them forever #they have to also live with a fabricated version of it -- a warped version of themselves being presented #imo this sleepy town in arizona was simply bored and they had one huge thing happen to them and so they exaggerated details #and the cops were just. well cops about it <3 #ahem anyway your muse knowing about the desert dream from what the public's painted it out to be when? :smirk: ))#tw long post

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