A Hollow Victory

[That Chick With The Goggles]

(ooc: February 29th. Set in the afternoon after "It's Up To Us.")

Goggles sighed as she sat in her room. As soon as they'd gotten back like last night it hadn't been a very happy occasion. Critic and Spoony had locked themselves in their rooms. Spoony wouldn't even let her last night and she decided he needed time. And would talk to her eventually. She walked out into the living room taking a seat wondering if anyone else would be here.

XXXX

Nani walked out spying Goggles and took a seat next to her. Ace, Grimhilde, Iheart and Chester had gotten the worst of the attacks and were all recovering at the moment.

"How are you holding up?" asked Nani.

XXXX

Rogue walked out next regretting she hadn't gone to the fight. Perhaps she could have been there to help Ma-Ti. Now he was gone. She saw Nani and Goggles and smiled. She had joined after they had been kidnapped. She walked over to them.

"Hello. I'm Rogue." said Rogue.

XXXX

Thor walked in smiling at the group.

"Hello lovely ladies. I am Thor. I am glad our friends were able to rescue you. I only wish I had been there to help." said Thor.

XXXx

Gene flew into the room alongside Diablo. He spied the group and grinned.

"Hello everyone. I'm Gene. Nice to meet you." said Gene.

"And I'm Diablo. Glad to see you both back." thought Diablo.

XXXX

Tender Heart walked in smiling at the group. He glanced at Goggles and Nani.

"Are you two alright? Do you need anything?" asked Tender Heart.

[Deleted]

Maleficent entered the room without a trace of her usual flare, gold eyes surveying its occupants. There were several people already there, including Diablo, but not the person Maleficent had been hoping to see: the Nostalgia Critic. At this realization, a frown crossed her face.

In a way, Maleficent could understand the Critic’s absence. She had been devastated when Diablo was incased in stone, and from what she had observed over the weeks, Critic was close to Ma-Ti – close enough to make a deal with her to save him, at least. It was only natural that he would be upset, given the circumstances.

It was the fact that he was absent that bothered her. Ma-Ti’s death had obviously made a large impact on the others. As their leader, Critic should be here with them, trying to get them to work through it and reassure them that the loss wasn’t going to be the end of them. Instead, he had cut himself off from them.

“Critic’s still up in his room, then?” she asked Diablo. The question was more rhetorical than anything else – Maleficent just wanted to prove herself right.

[Diablo]

Diablo turned as Maleficent join them. He smiled at her.

"Yes. He's in mourning. I've even heard talks of moving some of the army to another house nearby. Like the kids and injured." thought Diablo.

Being small had its advantages. People tended to forget you were there and he could listen to conversations. A thought occurred to him of perhaps being a spy but dismissed it. Maleficent wouldn't want him to get hurt and he didn't want to end up as stone again or worse.

"How are you doing mistress? You back at full strength?" asked Diablo.

He didn't want her going out and fighting if she was still hurt. But she probably would anyway even if she was hurt.

[Henry V/Hal]

(OCC: Will bring in Critic and Snob later but wanna do at least Spoony, Morpheus, Hal and Linkara for the moment)

Spoony did feel a tad regretful not talking to Goggles last night but the fact Ma-Ti was killed last night just got to him severely. Not as much as Critic but definitely enough to handle a lot of pressure. Critic muffled that he would be out discussing that they needed to move forward and move the children away that he just needed a breather, but Spoony knew that this was by far one of the worst blows for the Critic to ever handle in his life. Snob also was not talking ever since his arrival and the only time the snob came out was to talk to Critic but Critic wasn't having it right now so Snob went to wash his face before coming down. Spoony opened the door of his room and went to see Goggles, knowing the elephant between them and just wanted to express his concern for her. He went over to see Diablo, Thor, Maleficent, Nani, Rogue, Tenderheart, Hal, Linkara, Morpheus and Joe all there. He gave a weak smile for the others but went down to a empty seat next to Goggles. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry about last night. I... I just... I really screwed up. How can I make it better?" Spoony begged, tears threatening to form for Goggles.
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Morpheus went in with a grave look. Ma-Ti's death indeed took a personal toll on them all. Critic especially but it seemed that things were combining nicely. At least people were talking to each other. "Well. We won. I admit that even the best battles have things to fix" Morpheus went over to Nani and looked at her hands before gently taking them "You're alright correct?" This wasn't a demanding question but it was one that Morpheus really wanted a answer too. And a honest one.
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"I too wished I was there. Perhaps I would of been of better use. I am so sorry" Hal responded as he entered the room. He gave a smile to the new people that arrived "I am Hal. I am also pleased to meet you. We have heard a lot of tales about you Miss Goggles and Nani" He turned to Thor and was shocked with him. He was a rather husky man. One that Hal wasn't entirely used to. It actually intimidated Hal. Nevertheless Hal gave some effort in his smile and responded to Thor "And good afternoon to you, fine sir"
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Linkara wanted so badly for the pain to go away. And yet, it kept coming and coming. Spoony was supposed to make a announcement but it seemed he wanted to talk to Goggles first, and that was fine, it was CRITIC who was supposed to make announcements along with snob anyway. It didn't matter. They all knew what was supposed to be adressed. Ma-Ti's death. The battle. The children's safety. It was a old tune that kept popping up. Linkara went over and weakly smiled also but it seemed a bit more natural than Spoony's was. "Hey all. Glad to have our prisoners back"

[Deleted]

“Yes, that’s what I was afraid of,” Maleficent sighed. She moved closer to Diablo and stroked the top of his head, listening with growing interest to what else the raven had to say.

“I've even heard talks of moving some of the army to another house nearby. Like the kids and injured.”

“Is that so? And how did you learn about this?”

Maleficent hadn’t heard anything about this development, but she wasn’t particularly surprised to learn that Diablo had. Her pet was quite clever when it came to obtaining information, one of the talents that made him useful to her.

If it was true, the idea was a good one. Perhaps now they could worry less about kidnappings.

“How are you doing, mistress? You back at full strength?”

Maleficent made sure to look insulted at the thinly-veiled insinuation. “Of course I am, Diablo. You know me better than that. I went into battle against Rita Repulsa not long ago.”

[That Chick With The Goggles]

Goggles turned to Spoony and smiled at him despite being a little hurt.

"I wish you'd let me be there for you. I was so scared. I was brainwashed for weeks Spoony. I chose to come back here because I wanted to spend time with you. After being locked in those cells after the army split into two I was only able to sleep knowing one day I'd be back with you. Be in your arms. And you turned me away. I know you're hurting but it hasn't been easy for me lately either." said Goggles.

She paused seeing he was remorseful and asking how he could make it better.

"Maybe we could go on a date. Or at least go off alone. I missed you." said Goggles.

She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips hearing cheers and applause. She blushed slightly and chuckled pulling back waiting for Spoony to reply. She turned as Hal and Linkara arrived.

"Hi guys. And it didn't matter how many of us were there. I was there. It happened so fast. No one could have helped Ma-Ti. Not even if the entire army was there." said Goggles, sadly.

XXXX

Nani smiled at Morpheus.

"We won but not all of us made it back. That poor boy. He was one of the kindest and bravest people I met. He was only a kid and he's gone. And yet I feel ashamed because part of me is glad that wasn't Lilo." said Nani.

She paused as he asked if she was alright. She nodded.

"Yes. I'm alright. I was one of the few spared from the villain's wrath thankfully. I see you've healed up alright. I hope you don't mind if ask to stay with me today. I've dreamed about this so many times. I don't want this to be a dream. I don't want to wake up and be in that cell again. Without you or Lilo." said Nani.

She paused seeing Goggles kiss Spoony and grinned. Hearing the others start applauding she applauded as well. She turned seeing Hal and smiled at him.

"Thank you Hal. I see we have some new members since I was last here. I'm glad they had backup. And we made it out. Well most of us." said Nani.

She paused thinking about Ma-Ti again. She hoped they had a funeral or memorial for him soon. He deserved that and hopefully, it would bring closure to everyone.

XXXX

Diablo paused and grinned as she asked how he heard of this.

"Well no one pays attention to a raven. I can hide out on the floor or on a hat rack and overhear lots of things. Just like I heard about this." thought Diablo.

He paused as she looked insulted and he flinched feeling bad and awkward.

"I'm Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. When you were hurt and sick I was so worried and scared. I don't want anything to happen to you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." thought Diablo.

[Spoony]

Spoony listened to Goggles' words and he felt more guilt seep through. The fight was terrible but Goggles went through so much. She was forced to be a lantern, she was a prisoner, she just got back, she wanted to really be with him and THIS was how he repaid it? It made the gamer feel a bit aware of how selfish his emo attitude was. She didn't sound too angry with it though but it still didn't cheer Spoony up. That was until Goggles answered his question by asking for a date and giving him a kiss. He was so terribly focused on Goggles that he ignored the cheers and just held her neck as the kiss went on. After a while though they pulled back and goggles talked to Linkara and Hal before looking to him. He responded about her capture talk first "You're right. Compared to you, I shouldn't be complaining. I really am sorry. I'd give up anything to just be with you everyday. You came to comfort me, I rejected you. That's not ok. You deserve better, especially after all you've been through"

He held her hands and smiled with a tad of pride "So. You madame are going on a date, a very big and life-changing date, as soon as things clear up for us" He then frowned slightly "Do you forgive me?" He then cringed at the mentions of Ma-Ti but he did his best not to pay attention to those as much. He turned to see the leaders and cringed a bit at them too. Things were gonna get ugly.
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Hal was apprehensive with the whole conversation but Nani seemed to approve of him immediately. It got him to feel a bit of pride that he was accepted to her. He saw the kindness and affection Morpheus showed and it didn't take a second for Hal to realize that the two were dating of some sorts. He smiled at Nani again at the mention of new members but frowned at the mention of Ma-Ti. Despite not knowing the teen well, he heard and seen plenty of him enough to know Ma-Ti earned his positive reputation. The former king sighed and crossed himself as goggles mentioned that no-one could have saved the unfortunate boy. "Do not despair. He is with God now. The father of us all will enter him in his kingdom and give him the finest seat in his court" At some of the confused looks he chuckled, aware of the modern times and responded "It means he is at peace and will not go unrewarded in the afterlife"

Goggles kissing Spoony was a bit expected too, because Spoony showed signs of regretting not being around her and Goggles responding that he owed a date. Hal laughed slightly and gave a soft clap. "There is hope after all for us" Hal heard two men come down and looked to see the two leaders. He gave a grim face and responded calmly "What say you sires? What is our next plot?"
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"Whoo! Yeah Spoony!" Linkara cheered and clapped loudly. Well, it was his best friend kissing his girl, who was Linkara to spoil the fun. He then frowned again at both Nani and Goggles' mention of Ma-Ti. He held his head low and responded while looking at the gun "If I wasn't so confused, hopefully me and my gun could've helped Ma-Ti dodge that bullet. He saved Spoony and the rest of us, and he was punished for it" When Hal interfered by saying Ma-Ti was now in heaven, the thought of Ma-Ti entering white pearly gates sounded like a good way to start the afterlife and the comic book person smiled at Hal. "Hal's right. Ma-Ti's at peace now. I'll start a memorial in a couple of days. Just need to... well...set up a couple of decorations. And a outfit for myself. And critic most likely" As he said that Critic came down alongside Snob who looked rather nervous. Linkara pondered immediately, what was the two leaders up to?
XXXX

Morpheus looked extremely happy at Nani's proposal to stay with her. After so long, he waited for this too and was about to say yes when cheering for Spoony came about and Nani along with himself joined in the praise. He then grabbed her chin and responded "Now, I believe, it is your turn" He then gave her a soft loving kiss on the lips before pulling back and responding "Oh as for your invitation to stay. I most certainly will. I've waited so long, I'm not waiting any longer" He then heard two people come down and they both looked sad and sorrowful. Morpheus sighed, aware of what was to happen
XXXXX

Snob had told Critic in private about his plan. He was quitting second in command and promoting it to Spoony. They didn't need to know it in the beginning but the people here would soon know. This was why he looked more nervous than Critic did. Although Critic was grieving, the leader demanded Snob to stay at first but it was through Snob's persistence that caused Critic to look so mellow. Critic accepted the deal but he awaited Critic to speak about Ma-Ti first. Snob rubbed his head and responded before Critic had a chance to say something "Well, I'm back and so are a lot of others, but one of us as we all know didn't make it. We also have a couple of changes gonna happen" Snob sighed and responded "Critic, care to tell them about what to do with Ma-Ti?"
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Critic was purely depressed. His friend Ma-Ti, the one who suffered so much, was now gone from his clutches once more. It was all his fault. He couldn't stop it. He failed Ma-Ti again. He was not a good friend to the boy. And he never would be. He turned to see Maleficent and many others look upon him for leadership, and yet he was just as broken as the rest of them, as exampled by his long absence to himself. He breathed, realizing that more mourning would happen. But that would be the end of it. The minute the mourning was over, no more. He had to move on. To be the leader the army deserved. Starting now. When snob called him, Critic sounded stronger than he looked but there was the underlining of pain in his voice.

"We all know Ma-Ti was a good kid. Not just a good kid, a GREAT kid. He suffered so much and asked so little. He only wished to help us, to care for the ones he cared for most and be there with his magic of Heart. Apparently, being a good kid was too much for the war to take, because the one known as Malachite, the son of a bitch, took him away from us. Does that mean we'll fail? No, it means we need to try harder. And for those who just got back, you've worked hard enough so I ask you only to support in anyway, because even small people can make differences. As for those who fought today, fight tomorrow not for just helping Chicago live another day but to make sure the villains know we're not weak and that Ma-Ti was not weak. He will be remembered. In a couple of days we'll make a memorial to recognize our loss. Then we will forget, slowly but surely. Once our mourning is done, we must never mention it out loud or to me, because I already know and will make the person responsible pay. This is what I simply ask. The rest of how to mourn is entirely up to you"

He then looked to Spoony and Linkara before responding "Now. We obviously called you here not just for Ma-Ti's sacrifice but for what happened. Well what happened was a unpermitted child act of rescuing the prisoners. While it was a good deed, the children involved have to understand the risks they took were ones that we were not prepared with entirely. So they will be punished accordingly. Speaking of which, we plan to move the injured and the children to Roses' residence to reside safely as the war goes on" He then took a long breath before asking "Anyone volunteer? We got a couple but we need more"

[That Chick With The Goggles]

Goggles smiled as he kissed her in return and spoke. She shook her head.

"I do deserve better. I know you were in pain. But you weren't the only one who lost him you know. I didn't know him that well but still he was one of us." said Goggles.

She paused as he agreed to the date and asked for forgiveness. She grinned kissing him again before pulling back.

"Yes. I forgive you. But you're paying for this date. And I'm expecting a really good date." said Goggles.

She looked up at Hal and smiled.

"Thanks. You know just what to say. Elisa is lucky have you." said Goggles.

She paused as Critic came out speaking about the funeral and then said his name would be banned.

"Wait a second. You can't ban his name. He's died a hero twice now. He should be remembered." said Goggles.

She sighed seeing Critic's face seeing this wasn't up for debate.

XXXX

Nani nodded as Hal and Linkara spoke.

"I know. Thank you Hal. Goggles is right. You know just what to say." said Nani.

She grinned as Morpheus spoke to her and kissed her. She returned it lovingly. When he pulled back and spoke saying he would. She grinned wrapping her arms around her. She had really missed him. She paused as Critic, Snob, and the others came in. She looked at him. She agreed with Goggles but she knew they had no choice. He was one of the leaders

Nani grinned as Morpheus kissed him

XXXX

Thor paused as he spoke to Critic.

"Mr. Critic would it be alright to build a statue of him? Back home statues are made of brave kings and warriors to honor them. I don't know him as well as you do but he sounds like one of the bravest warriors I've ever met." said Thor.

XXXX

As soon as Critic arrived the room was silent. Rogue, Gene, Diablo, and Tender Heart all remained silent after listening to him.. Ma-Ti would be missed. The idea of Thor's statue was interesting if Critic agreed to it.

[Spoony]

Spoony was nodding through and through as Goggles mentioned calmly that she did feel the right to deserve better, and he couldn't help but agree to it. She did go through worse than he did and his response to her was extremely uncalled for. He was relieved though that he was forgiven, with the exhange of paying and making the date. Maybe he could get Gene the Genie and a few others to help out with that. Regardless he responded with a hint of relieved cheer "Yes. Of course. I'm more than happy to pay" He turned to see Hal who was kind enough about the loss of Ma-Ti, and gave him a smile of thanks for his words. He then turned to hear Critic announce a memorial would be in place before a ban on mentioning Ma-Ti at all. Spoony's eyes raised in shock, this wasn't fair at all to the fallen boy, Ma-Ti should've been remembered not forgotten. But the insistance in Critic's voice and the bitterness on his face proved to Spoony that if he protested, Critic would bite back and bite back hard. He turned to Goggles who said the thing he wanted to say but once she stopped, he held her shoulder and responded "I know it's not fair but Critic's really hard to convince when angry trust me. If it makes it easier, I think you're right and I'm pretty sure other people do too" He then turned to Thor and really liked the idea of a statue of Ma-Ti to remember his bravery but awaited Critic's decision.
XXXXX

"That's not fair Critic. He deserves to be remembered---" Linkara began to protest. Unlike Spoony, who was a bit smart enough to know when to protest againist critic, Linkara had slightly more nerve than that. But Critic's look towards him immediately humbled the comic book nerd. Critic was a stubborn man, that much never changed and it especially came out when he was angry, and Linkara knew Critic when angry that it was never pretty. He turned to Thor and grinned at the very thought of a statue of Ma-Ti and hoped Critic said yes. He then saw Hal and the others patiently wait for more news but Linkara couldn't shake off the feeling something was going to be announced that he himself didn't like.
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Hal smiled brightly to both of the girls that he spoke to. He felt glad that he still had the ability to move people with his words, let alone make people feel better with them. The former king especially liked Goggles' comment of Elisa being lucky to have him. The idea of being good enough for someone as wonderful as Elisa humbled Hal quite a bit. He nodded thanks and responded humbly "It is nothing really. It comes from the chambers of my heart. I may have not known the boy well but I can definitely say Ma-Ti was a brave and good man from the likes of his legacy has shown to us" He then turned to see Critic finally announce two things, one that the children were being moved and that Ma-Ti was going to have a memorial set up in a couple of days then the boy's name was forever banned of mentioning. Like many of the others, Hal felt this extremely unfair to the boy, who gave up his life for theirs, apparently twice by Goggles comment. Back in Hal's time, people like Ma-Ti were remembered from years to come. However the minute linkara protested, a shallow glare was given by Critic and Hal instantly knew that this decision was not going to change simply because people had a problem with it.

Hal smiled though at Thor's suggestion of building a statue of Ma-Ti. Now that sounded like something to do in exhange of Ma-Ti's willing last fight. The former king commented, despite the silence in the room being the obvious choice "I agree with Thor, sire. I feel that Ma-Ti should at least have a statue if we must not mention his name around here"
XXXXX

Morpheus understood the reasoning behind Critic's ban of mentioning ma-ti around anymore, but he felt it unfair too but decided not to say anything. Besides, he was busy with Nani anyway. The more she kissed him, the more bliss he felt, he sincerely missed her and would do anything for her more than he ever had before. Morpheus held her close as the meeting went on and made sure to get ready to move to Roses' place with Lilo and Nani but wanted Critic to make sure of that list too anyway.
XXXXX

Snob said nothing further, he just listened through and through. He did have a slight problem but at the moment he didn't care about it at all. He just wanted to announce his resignation, give it to spoony, then go back to bed and sleep all the weakness he was feeling at this very moment. He looked to Thor who commented about a statue and a slight delight came upon Snob's face at the mere mention of it. He liked the sound of that!
XXXX

No. He could care less what the others wanted. He gave Goggles a impatient look when she began to protest but his look snapped into a glare at Linkara's protestation. He was about to snap at Linkara about it when Thor stood up and spoke. Critic's face turned from annoyed to honestly touched that Thor would offer to make a statue. Critic saw the others were moved by it and Hal commenting that it was a good idea. Critic nodded, also thinking it was a great idea, and softly smiled. He patted Thor's shoulder slightly and responded "Absolutely. We can at least give Ma-Ti a statue. He deserves that" He then sighed before asking Thor "I don't know how to make one, would you do the honors of making the statue Thor?" He was about to address the children problem again then Snob's announcement but he wanted Thor to confirm that he would make Ma-Ti's memorial statue.

[Thor]

Goggles grinned at him.

"I'm glad to hear that. I missed you." said Goggles.

She smiled wrapping her arms around him. She paused listening to the others. Hearing Thor's idea about a statue she grinned.

"A statue sounds great. We should all help. Ma-Ti helped all of us in different ways. He was our friend. He died twice to protect us. I want to help build that statue. Besides being brainwashed and then a prisoner these fast few weeks I feel like I should do something." said Goggles.

She smiled at Spoony who agreed with her but realized it was pointless to argue with Critic. Especially when he was like this. She heard Linkara try to protest but he gave up like she did. At least Critic agreed to the statue. She turned to Hal and grinned.

"No wonder you were king in your own world. You have a way with words. It's an honor to have you here. I hope one day I can fight by your side." said Goggles.

XXXX

Nani smiled as Morpheus held her and she grinned. She remained silent until Goggles offered to help build it. Nani nodded.

"I wish to help as well. I may not be that strong but I want to help build it." said Nani.

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Rogue, Gene, and Tender Heart had remained silent until Critic arrived. Hearing the ban of Ma-Ti's name after the funeral made them sad but Critic was the leader so they had no choice. Hearing about the statue the trio grinned. When Goggles and Nani volunteered they smiled.

"I want to help too. I'm one of the strongest members in this army so I can help you out there." said Rogue.

"And with my magic this should be easy." said Gene.

"Count me in too. Ma-Ti was a good friend." said Tender Heart.

XXXX

Diablo was waiting for Maleficent to reply when Critic, Snob, and the others showed up. He remained silent. He knew he couldn't help being a bird but the idea of statue to honor Ma-Ti was a good idea. He knew they wouldn't put a statue of Maleficent back home. The goons had probably taken over the castle or fled after Maleficent's death he figured. If the castle was still there that is.

XXXX

Thor smiled as everyone was glad about the statue and some even started to volunteer for it.

"Thank you. Of course anyone can help. I didn't expect to get it down by myself after all." said Thor.

He paused as Critic asked if he could make it. Thor grinned.

"Yes. Although it may take some time to build it. But with the right supplies and manpower I think maybe a few weeks I could have it ready." said Thor.

[Spoony]

Spoony hugged Goggles tightly as if he would never let her go, he finally had his other part. His love had returned and now they were inseparable, or so he thought. Spoony then was glad that Critic accepted Thor's statue idea, and that people loved it enough to volunteer. Spoony felt compelled to do something also and that thing was to help out. Spoony stood up and responded gladly "I'll help out when I'm not training or anything. I wanna do everything I can to honor Ma-Ti, if that means working hard to make a statue I'm all for it" Spoony smiled at Goggles as he said this. Maybe things would turn up from this horror after all. That is until Critic reminded them about the kids and that snob had a new announcement. The man sighed slightly, this was not going to be cheerful at all.
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Hal was glad Critic accepted thor's idea of a statue. It meant something within the community and that the heroes would not go away cowardly. Ma-Ti would be remembered even longer than years, maybe centuries with a statue. Since plenty of people were volunteering, Hal felt that there was plenty already but the king felt that he could get better suited with everyone if he joined up anyway. So he poised himself firmly on the ground and responded "I too wish to volunteer any free time I have to the making of this statue of Ma-Ti. I understand it takes work to make a statue, lot of said work required to make it complete and sturdy, so I shall do whatever I can to help" He turned to Thor who thanked them for their volunteering and his response that it would take time. Hal smiled to Thor, liking his positive attitude and work ethnic. He then turned to Goggles who praised him, calling him a good man and saying she would love to fight beside him. He patted her shoulder and responded "And I to you, my new friend. Your passion for your army and your care for Ma-Ti is something I relate to. I respect you Miss Goggles" He then paid attention to Critic once more
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I love this so much. That statue idea was great. I gotta remind myself to thank thor for the idea Linkara thought as the discussion went on about said statue. He was grateful that something was going to happen to honor Ma-Ti besides the memorial. A statue! It sounded perfect and one of ma-ti was great enough to describe the hero army as a whole. Though his happiness was short-lived when Critic reminded them about the children involved and snob confessing he needed people to listen carefully about his announcement. Something was up and Linkara didn't like not knowing said something. It made the general iffy about everything.
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Critic smiled at Thor, glad that he accepted Critic's implyment to help get the statue going and pleased that people volunteered for the idea. Critic nodded and let everyone settle in on the fact they were making a statue. "I'm glad everybody wishes to volunteer and I'm more than happy to allow you to do so. The statue is indeed something for us to hold on to since Ma-Ti's gone. This means a lot to us Thor" He turned to the thunder god and gave a nod "Take as much time as you need to make it. There's definitely no rush" Critic then breathed, turning to Snob again who's smile has gone down since the conversation ended. Critic breathed and responded "Now back to the kids. We're taking them to Rose's house for safety and training, they can't stay here anymore, it's too risky and they can't go off like they just did. We're not risking anymore innocent lives. So anyone voulunteer for that? Also, snob has a announcement for us"
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"Critic's right about everything guys. The kids aren't safe as much anymore. They need a new place and I need you guys to listen to my announcement once we're finished about the kids" Snob commented, frown out once more. He was nervous but determined about this. He needed to let the people know about it. It was important to him that they needed to know.

[Deleted]

It was true. After all, it had been Diablo who had been able to find out where the fairies had hidden Princess Aurora. Maleficent smiled, remembering the story her raven had told her about just how he had found them. Pink and blue sparkles exploding up from the chimney, striking him when he went in for a closer look. If that was how the fairies had spent their sixteen years in hiding, it was a wonder that her idiot goblins had never been able to find them.

Maleficent effectively dismissed Diablo’s apology with another stroke along his spine. Though she hid it well, the raven’s words had hit a nerve deep inside her. The aftermath of the ambush was the lowest he’d ever seen her at. Diablo had already been incased in stone by the time she fought Phillip, so he had never had to see her stabbed and defeated. It was one of the few things she was happy about from that day – Maleficent knew that he saw her as an unstoppable force, and she wanted to preserve that image, as well as make sure he didn’t worry about her. Prior to their coming to Chicago, Diablo was the only being who cared if she lived or died.

“I know you didn’t, my pet,” she remarked, her voice calm and soothing. “I’m alright. I promise, you’re not going to lose me.”

[That Chick With The Goggles]

Goggles smiled glad Critic agreed about the statue and hearing so many volunteers.

"This is great. We'll have the statue built in no time. But wait. Where can we put it? It's not like can stick it in the backyard or the woods?" said Goggles.

She paused and smiled at Hal.

"Thank you. I look forward to the day we fight together." said Goggles.

XXXX

Nani nodded when the subject came of moving the kids to Roses's house.

"Sounds good. I volunteer to go there with my sister. I've spent too much time away from her already. Besides I don't think I'd be up for much fighting for awhile." said Nani.

XXXX

Tender Heart smiled hearing about the safe house. It sounded like a good idea.

"I'll go as well with the children. I don't really like hurting people and my powers aren't that strong without my other friends. At least way I feel like I'm doing something." said Tender Heart.

XXXX

Rogue smiled.

"It sounds like a great plan. But I'm not much for lying around. I prefer action so I'll stay here and fight. But we should send over the injured members there. That way if there's an attack here they won't be kidnapped or hurt in the battle." said Tender Heart.

XXXX

"Then it's agreed. The statue will be built. And the young ones and their new protectors will go to miss Roses home where they will be safe. I will stay and work on the statue and help in battle where I am needed." said Thor.

XXXX

Gene smiled silently.

"I'll stay as well. I want to help out with that statue. I may look like a kid but I've lived for centuries. Besides I go where my lamp goes." said Gene.

XXXX

Kim walked in with Mrs. Potts hearing the end of the conversation. A statue and the kids moving to Mrs. Potts home. She smiled.

"Well I'm not sure who you count as kids but I'm staying here to help out. You'll need all the fighters you can get to take down those two armies." said Kim.

She paused turning to Critic.

"And we still have to rescue Jasmine. That flying helicopter took off with her." said Kim.

XXXX

Mrs. Potts smiled glad they were honoring Ma-Ti. Hearing about some of the children being moved she smiled.

"I think I'll stay here. After all I have to make sure all of you are eating right." said Mrs. Potts.

XXXX

Diablo smiled at her glad she wasn't too mad at him. Although he figured it might still be bothering her but he knew when not to push her buttons. She would calm down in her own time.

"I'm glad to hear that." thought Diablo.

He turned hearing them say some of the kids would be moving to a safe house and the statue would be built. His eyes widened hearing Kim mention Jasmine was kidnapped. He guessed Maleficent didn't know before but she definitely wouldn't be happy to here this.

[Deleted]

Starscream was in the garage and hadn't moved since arriving back from the fight. He was quiet, either not inclined to say anything or asleep. Perhaps the latter, given the 'con's tendency for talking. He might have been upset.

~*~

Belle had been in a chair with Broadcast sleeping at her feet, pretending to read for most of the time that passed. She didn't personally know the kid that died, seeing as how there were so many in the house and she honestly had not been there very long so she didn't have the time to be personally acquainted with everyone. She felt that there wasn't anything she could add, so it was better to just keep quiet. However, she finally placed the book face down on her lap and rose her head politely. The only real response she had to the idea of the statue was to nod her head approvingly. Belle couldn't object. The idea of placing the children in a new house - sort of a secret place to keep them from harm's way - she also didn't have an objection to. But she did have a few words.

"I'll think of going as well," Belle stated, not making promises yet.

Honestly, she was beginning to feel that she wasn't being useful. She needed to find a niche.

~*~

Radio (who I always forget I have) was sitting on an end table, quiet for once. He wasn't exactly used to "coming to life" with masters and mistresses around. But since his cover was blown, why continue the charade, huh? Apparently this world didn't have consequences. He might go nuts having no one to talk to. The appliance jolted to life, perking up a bit.

"As opposed to the helicopters that don't fly?" The comic decided to comment on what Kim had said, but then shrank a bit, figuring that he might have been poking around too much during a serious moment and added in a more concerned stammer, "But, hey, I'm on board with what you all are saying. I'd be happy to see how I can help. I'll show 'em what-for!"

Radio was tempted to go on a tangent, but managed to stop at that.

~*~

Mewtwo appeared once he had heard the word "announcement". The clone Pokemon managed to catch a bit of what they were planning to do with the children. That certainly seemed like it would be a less crowed place. The aloof Pokemon wasn't very happy having so much company, even if they didn't mean him harm. A musing expression crossed his face.

He hesitated because speaking, "I'll go."

[Spoony]

Critic acknowledged the people who wished to stay with a simple nod, but a smile and a look to the person speaking for the ones who thought about or confirmed their voluntary services to help the children. He gave a understanding look to Belle, knowing she seemed to have nothing to say and couldn't help but grin to Radio's voluntary attitude. "Great. I'm glad for all your help, really I am" He was glad, until Kim spoke about Jasmine. He may have not known her friendship with Maleficent but he knew that this was indeed a issue, no soilder should've been left behind. He went over to her and responded with a grim tone "We'll plan a rescue soon, and plan out the further details, but I do know that since you saw it happen you'll have to be their for that rescue meeting" He turned to see Snob look a lot more anxious, as if still waiting for something, and Critic knew why but he wanted to ignore it.
XXXXXX

"I'll stay. I think we need a lot of people to stay as well as go" Spoony commented about Critic's announcement about the children. The man then realized Goggles had a point, where could they put the statue that wasn't suspicious or bad to put it? Spoony looked over to her and tried to think about it hard. He shrugged and suggested "That's actually hard to answer but I would say maybe the front yard, unless we don't want suspicion then I got nothing"
XXXXXX

Linkara sighed and responded, upset about Jasmine and the sudden prisoner problem again "Well Kim, I will help Critic schedule the meeting for her rescue and we'll plan it out as soon as possible. We could probably do it right after this one or something" Linkara then gave a look to Critic and responded impatiently "Oh and I'm staying, I need to. I got a lot of weaponry knowledge and battle codes you haven't even listened to yet" He turned to the other soilders who were either going to Roses' or staying and hoped nothing would add on to the so-far easy planning.
XXXXXXX

Morpheus was glad Nani was going to Roses', it meant she and Lilo would be safe. That also meant he didn't have to stay either, he'd be with them much longer than ever. Quickly getting up he responded, holding on Nani's shoulder "I too will go to protect the children. I need to spend time with Nani and help out with her sister when I can" He smiled to her, not caring of how sappy he was being. He was with her now and his feelings were very open
XXXXXX

"I care for children a lot Critic but I am afraid I also decline the offer to Roses' home. This is where I belong, I am a solider and I cannot fight my primal urge to serve justice" Hal commented with his prideful inner self flowing out at the moment. He was no savage but Hal knew Elisa would be staying and he was not going to go somewhere where she would not follow, plus they needed people to depend on to fight. Also, Hal was no quitter to people who were threatening the livelihood of the town called Chicago. He'd be damned to stand by against any battle. Hal then turned to Goggles again, smiling slightly "And I you, it shall be glorious, the day we stand against those vile villains"