A Hollow Victory

[Thor]

Kim heard Radio and rolled her eyes. She smiled at the joke though. It was still odd a radio moved around and talked on its own. But he was just trying to lighten the mood and she couldn't be mad at him for that. She just hoped they got Jasmine back soon. She didn't deserve end up hurt like Iheart and Chester. Or worse end up like poor Ma-Ti.

"Critic, Linkara. Thank you. I don't know her that well but she's still one of us. I just don't want anything bad to happen to her." said Kim.

XXXX

Goggles paused thinking of an idea as it came to her.

"Perhaps we should build the statue in the basement. We rarely go down there and it'll be safe from attack if the house is attacked again." said Goggles.

She smiled glad so many were going to watch on the kids and the safehouse while some were staying here to help build the statue and fight in the war. She paused turning to Hal and grinned at him.

"I'm not sure if I'll be fighting for awhile though. I've been brainwashed, or in jail for so long. I guess i want to get used to being free and being me again. Then I'll go out on the battlefield again. And we can fight together then." said Goggles.

XXXX

Nani smiled as he said he'd go with her to Rose's house. She grinned and she leaned forward kissing him again not caring that they were in the middle of a meeting. She pulled back eventually and grinned.

"I've been wanting to do that for so long. I hope you don't mind if we practice some more." said Nani.

She grinned taking his hands while listening to everyone else talk. She heard Goggles' suggestion and nodded.

"The basement does sound like a good idea. It has enough space for us to build it and set it up. And it wouldn't be interrupted by the other armies who might try to destroy it just for fun." said Nani.

XXX

Thor nodded.

"Yes. The two fair maidens are right. The basement is the best place to build the statue and keep it as well." said Thor.

XXXX

Rogue paused hearing about Jasmine and frowned.

"We shouldn't wait too long to rescue Jasmine. They heart Ace, Grimhilde, Chester, and Iheart. Those kids had the right idea tonight. But it should have been us with a plan going to rescue them. And much sooner than this." said Rogue.

XXXX

Gene and Tender Heart remained silent not having anything to add to the conversation. Both were worried about Jasmine's capture, and the injuries of the prisoners and Ma-Ti's death. So much had happened lately. And they hoped things would return to normal soon.

XXXX

Diablo looked at Maleficent silently concerned. She still hadn't spoken in awhile. When Patch and Grimhilde had been captured at different times Maleficent had been furious. But now to hear another of Maleficent's friends was captured he wasn't sure how she'd react. She claimed to be back to full power and he hoped she was. He also hoped she didn't do anything reckless in trying to get Jasmine back. He didn't want to lose Maleficent.

XXXX

Mrs. Potts had slipped away from the meeting and gone into the kitchen. She had heard parts of the conversation as she prepared snacks and drinks and quickly returned setting them on the table. The prince had so many meetings and she'd been used to cooking nearly every day for meals and meetings like this. She felt bad for the poor boy. Ma-Ti was gone. Jasmine was captured. And a few of their members were injured. She would make sure to check on the children in a little bit. She was grateful Chip wasn't here. She was sure he'd have been with the other kids. She'd rather have him back in the castle safe than be here and risk him getting killed. She took a seat for the moment grabbing a glass of water and took a sip as she listened to the meeting.

[Nostalgia Critic]

Critic turned to Goggles and nodded instantly at the idea of the basement "Yes. That's a good place to put it. We'll start building next week and put it there" He turned to Kim and smiled at her assuringly "She means a lot to us too. You all do!" He turned to the others before sighing and going over to Linkara "Make the rescue meeting have every general and leader along with the people who last saw Jasmine. Including Kim" He then saw people sit down, feel slightly panicked and Rogue commenting about the children's attack having a good side to it. Critic looked to her calmly "Yeah, they had a good idea, but it nearly got them killed and it wasn't with us. Therefore the children have to acknowledge they needed us with them" He rubbed his eyes "I'm sorry. I'm aware I sound like a ass but I think we can all agree it went wrong not to long ago" He then turned to Snob "With that settled, snob, what's your announcement"
XXXXX

Snob sighed, walking in front "We'll get Jasmine back as soon as possible. The children are pretty much gathered up in the big bedroom right now and we'll let them leave on March 1st" He then scratched his head "Alright. It's really hard for me to say this so don't try to talk me out of it. I made this decision for a while and I know it's selfish but I need to heal and I can't handle what's going on. I'm not a great second-in-command. You guys admittedly did well without me. Critic did well without me" He was a bit nervous, as shown with his head down and scratchy tone. He was determined but it was thought-provoking for him.

He then spoke quickly "So I'm going with the kids to get healed and perminantly stay there. I'm here by resign as second in command. I also know who's replacing me. It's spoony" He was instantly peppered with complaints and protests. He shouted to get their attention "Now you listen to me! I've been fucking tortured for god knows how long! It got me to realize what kind of second in command gets captured? Better yet, lets others get captured!? I know you need me but Spoony, Critic and Linkara are better men than me. And I'm thinking very clearly, Linkara" He pointed to Linkara who claimed he didn't think clearly
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"Sorry Hal. I owe her a date anyway. She needs attention from me and rest before fighting" Spoony joked and kissed Goggles' cheek deliberately and was about to joke when Snob made his announcement of quitting, promoting Spoony. "You're promoting me to WHAT?!" Spoony shouted, nearly walking right in front of Snob if it wasn't for Hal and Goggles pushing him back to give room. Spoony rubbed his hands in nervousness and responded in outrage "Snob! We'll heal you here! You can't just quit on us! We just lost Ma-Ti and we're really busy! Besides, you just got back! How the hell did you think I can do any better?" He turned to Critic with a look of defiance and to Goggles, holding her shoulder "I have my place, I'm no good at being second-in-command. I'm not even a good fighter! How can I command?!" He turned to the others for their problems with this. Some showed concern, like Linkara and Hal but Morpheus was rather shocked and critic was uncomfortable.
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"Snob. Spoony's got a point. You just got here you're not thinking clearly" Linkara said, far more calmer than spoony but started to become less calm when Snob shouted that he was clear thinking and spoke to Linkara in a angry tone. Linkara pointed to himself as he spoke with rage "Excuse me snob! Don't you yell at me when I'm trying to help you, as a officer of Nostalgia Critic!" He then face-palmed "Damnit. This is what I was worried about. That all the prisoners would be hurt or worse. We need you Snob. I may be a good soilder but you're a good leader just as much as Critic is. You're important and more importantly this war is just getting started!" He was about to yell some more when Hal spoke his peace
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"ALRIGHT! THE THREE OF YOU STOP YOUR INCESSANT SHOUTING!" Hal snapped, extremely upset with the three men shouting, seemingly causing a stir. He was seething now. This was no longer a meeting, but a dispute and that was different. He breathed and responded to Goggles and the others "Forgive me. I am more self-controlled than that. I sincerely apoligize" He then turned to the three who were shocked by his shout "As for you three, I am aware of my place, but as a soilder I have the right to state that shouting and arguing will NOT get us anywhere. It never had before and it never will" He rubbed his head as he mulled over the announcement made "Snob's decision is his decision. You cannot change a man's heart or mind if they truly are committed. Spoony has a lot of responsibility but if we work hard, Spoony can become a great leader if he hasn't already. As for Linkara, he is correct, we cannot yell at people who are expressing concern but we cannot fight back with more shouting"

He sighed "It is not my place to completely take over like I did but the situation called for it. I am sorry" He turned to the others to see their reactions.

[Deleted]

Pleased to have calmed Diablo’s fears (for now, at least), Maleficent felt herself begin to smile. It lasted only a few seconds; what she heard next wiped it from her face faster than blinking.

“And we still have to rescue Jasmine. That flying helicopter took off with her.”

Maleficent’s gold eyes grew wide at first, then became dangerously narrow. Jasmine was gone? How? Why was she only finding out about this now? She needed answers, and she needed them now.

Immediately, the fairy sought out the source of information on this new development – a redheaded girl who looked to be around the same age as Princess Aurora – and strode towards her.

“What happened to Jasmine?” she demanded. “Was she hurt? How did it happen?”

The rapid-fire questioning might have seemed manic to most, but it was Maleficent’s way of expressing her frustrations. Once again, someone she admittedly cared for had slipped through her fingers.

[Deleted]

Radio filched when the shouting broke out. He would have probably joined in if it had not been quelled by Hal. If he had a face, he would have given the man a grateful look, but since he did not, he needed to rely on his words to get what his feelings across.

"Thanks for that. For a minute there, I thought we were turning into congress."

Soon after that, the dark fairy suddenly appeared upset. Since he was close(ish), the red appliance leaned in.

"A big chopper, she says. It flew off with her, or maybe it was dragging along on the ground?"

~*~

Mewtwo became annoyed with the disagreement and narrowed his purple orbs. Even when it ended, he still appeared not satisfied with the present situation. Honestly, he wondered what he was doing there. The genetic Pokemon started to turn to exit without speaking further. He wasn't exactly 100% percent on board with the Critic's Army.

~*~

Belle's mocha colored eyes widened as she stood up. Broadcast was nudged by her feet and he stood up and pattered away from her. The fair maid allowed a moment to wait for quiet.

"We don't need to be fighting now," She spoke in a stern tone, "We have enough trouble already. Maybe the reason the children went off on their own is because it took us too long to agree on something. I'm sure there's a solution."

Belle was reluctant to say they should give it a night to think about it, agreeing with the point that was brought up previously; that they took too long to go after the prisoners.

~*~

"A leaderly dispute?" A shrill voice came from the Broadcast drone, "Interesting."

Starscream's voice didn't have the same cunning evil it used to. It was mostly just an ironic statement.

[Nani Pelaki]

Goggles smiled glad her idea about the basement would work. She froze as Snob said he was going to step down. She froze glaring at him.

"How dare you? We all looked up to you as a leader. Even trapped in there all that tie. I looked to you. You helped keep our hope alive. But now you're going to quit. Nostalgia Chick's third in command and was captured in her first fight. I even heard she got hurt in a recent fight and she's still sticking around as leader. I was brainwashed, then locked in a cell with all of you. I saw Chester and Iheart get beaten. I know how bad it got. But you were someone I looked up to. Someone I trusted. Now I don't know who you are anymore." said Goggles.

She turned and bolted from the room in tears realizing she might have overdone it a little. But she was still hurt he had decided to quit.

XXXX

Nani just stared speechless at Snob. She was surprised at Goggles's outburst before she bolted from the room. She heard Hal defend him and she nodded.

"It's Snob's decision. You don't have to like it. But you have to accept it. I wish he'd reconsider. He made a great leader and I'd still follow him into battle anywhere. But I'm not going to hassle him about his decision." said Nani.

XXXX

Mrs. Potts nodded and applauded Nani and Hal.

"They're both right. We're all on edge from the previous night's battle. If Snob wishes to no longer be a leader that is up to him and him alone. But I agree you made a fine leader. And I would still follow you into

She glanced down the hall where Goggles had gone. She felt sorry for the poor girl. But she didn't know if she wanted to talk to anyone at the moment so she would leave her alone for now.

XXXX

Thor nodded.

"Yes. Enough bickering. That won't get us anywhere. I respect your decision Cinema Snob. I know this must have been a hard decision to make. But the women make a good point. You were a great leader and like Nani said I would follow your lead in any battle." said Thor.

XXXX

Rogue sighed all this arguing was giving her a headache. She saw the opposing sides but Nani, Thor, Hal, and Mrs. Potts were right. Once everyone began to calm down she relaxed. She remained silent as she did agree Snob was a great leader and he'd be missed. But it was his decision.

XXXX

Gene and Tender Heart remained silent not sure what else to say. Most of what they'd have said was already said. They just wondered if Spoony would accept the position.

XXXX

Diablo paused as Maleficent finally figured out Jasmine was missing. She didn't seem pleased about it. But Radio had spoken up repeating what Kim had said.

"Mistress are you alright? We'll get Jasmine back. We won't let them get away with this." thought Diablo.

XXXX

Kim paused hearing Maleficent ask about Jasmine. She'd seen them on occasion and the pair had looked like good friends. She felt more bad about not being able to save Jasmine. She was a spy. Saving people and stopping evil plans were what she did best. Granted she and Harvey didn't get much warning and the helicopter was gone with Jasmine before they had time to react. But still she felt bad. She nodded when Radio spoke up first.

"It's true. It happened so fast. He was trying to get all three of us. Harvey and I were able to get out of the way but Jasmine wasn't quick enough. The helicopter got her. Then flew away before we could stop him." said Kim.

XXXX

Harvey walked out silently. He'd been bandaged up the night before. The wound hadn't been too serious thankfully but it still hurt. He was glad he'd been able to keep Critic safe though. He passed Goggles who ran away upset as he heard shouting. Hearing Snob was quitting as he looked at him in surprise. He remained quiet listening to the others seeing Mewtwo about to leave. He didn't really know what to say the guy to convince him to stay so he went over to Linkara.

"What's going on here? Is snob really quitting?" asked Harvey.

[Nostalgia Critic]

Spoony looked down, ashamed as many of the people stood up for snob's decision. Nani, Mrs. Potts spoke their mind like Hal did, but the others he could tell were on Snob's side. Nevertheless Spoony too knew this was the right option, if Snob truly felt the need to quit, then he had the right so. It seemed Critic was more than willing to accept his resign, and from the looks of it many were willing to accept it too. Spoony thought about it further, maybe Spoony himself really should take his place now. It was wrong what snob was doing but it was wrong for Spoony to not accept responsibility when there was so much to handle now. Spoony didn't like it but he knew he had no choice, due to the others not really having a ability to do it like himself. Spoony went over to Snob and breathed "Sorry for being really upset but I still don't like this snob. That said, Hal and the others are right. It's your choice and I'll deal with it whether I like it or not" His face cringed as he finally spoke "Fine. I completely accept your promotion. I'll do my best. Thanks for doing your position beforehand snob" He then turned completely shocked when Goggles made her sudden outburst of rage and he felt for her, although he wouldn't of put it that way, he completely understood and allowed her to run but he had a overwhelming desire to go and help her, and he would after a few words. So, he turned to the others and responded "Look, I can't say I'll be as good as Snob but I'll do my damn best. You don't have to like me having this position right now but I'll do anything in my power to make this army function" He gave a turn to Critic and responded "With respect, I do accept this position and will listen to your orders" He then sighed and responded "I'll be RIGHT back but I need to talk to Goggles to see if she's ok" He felt terrible for leaving but he gave a nod of apoligy and went to the same direction to find Goggles.

Eventually he heard crying from one of the bedrooms and knocked on the door "Goggles. Hon. It's Spoony. You wanna talk or do you want to be by yourself? I won't be mad either way I swear"
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Critic turned to Radio and responded with a calm facade "I'm sorry. I didn't know this announcement would turn into a verbal brawl" He glared at Linkara, Spoony and Snob before turning to Hal "Hal, it's totally fine. You got us back on track. Thank you for your opinions and you're totally right" He turned to Nani and the others "Those who spoke in snob's defense are right also. This IS snob's decision and I'm sorry for not helping to address that" He then turned to Belle and nodded to her "We do have worse problems than this. The last thing we need is to make it worse by shouting at each other. We're a army and we need to work together. I personally need to work better at addressing issues and will get to that more" He cringed at the reference of the children and was shocked immensely as Goggles bolted the meeting but he knew he had to continue. Critic turned to Spoony and listened very carefully to what he said, he gave a calm smile and accepted Spoony's apoligy and respectful comments with a solemn nod. Critic said with a somewhat stern tone "Yeah spoony, you're free to go for now. Come back soon alright? We're not really done yet" He then turned to Kim and responded about Jasmine's problem "Alright. Jasmine got captured by a copter? It might come from ask that guy's army, since he seemed to be fighting alongside one of Ask Thatguy's goons I think" He breathed heavily, immensely frustrated "We're going to find a way for Jasmine to get back here, safely this time"

He then breathed again as the others were calm now thanks to the shouting ceasing. He was glad there were calm heads in the meeting. He reminded himself to especially thank Hal. Hal really helped out
XXXXXX

Hal was glad that everyone pretty much looked or spoke thanks to Hal for helping out, as well as agreeing with his comment that it was snob's decision to leave his position. He turned to the others, particularly Nani, Mrs. Potts and Thor who commented that although they respected his decision, they found him a great leader and would follow him into battle. Hal nodded humbly at Critic's thanks towards him, genuinely not caring about that, he only did it to make this meeting a peaceful decision. The meeting was going so well until this point and they needed to help each other and respect each other. War tore many friendships and family apart, but they needed to work together anyway to make it work in their favor. He turned to Belle and nodded to her, agreeing with what she said, and even stating "The maiden is correct. Problems are not solved with shouting. We need to make a solution instead of another problem" He then smiled slightly at Snob once more, stating "I concur Nani's overall statement. I too see great leadership from you snob, and would join you in battle but I understand and accept your decisions" He then turned with a jolt when Goggles shouted in rage against Snob, ranting that he didn't handle the same stress as she did, that she didn't know him anymore, that they all looked up to him and even she herself trusted him. The former king was tempted to judge that goggles was being a bit too over-dramatic about this but Hal just heard from Goggles herself that she handled quite a lot and believing her, Hal realized that she pretty much was entitled to have at least one breakdown. She surprised him even more with running away, and even though Spoony spoke up accepting the second-in-command and speaking to them about that he would do his best to please the army, he was a bit worried about Goggles, Hal spoke trying to ignore that "Spoony. It will be a honor to see you as second in command. I will entirely support you. It will be great to see you in this position. May you flow with honor and promise" He then smiled slightly as Spoony went to find Hal's new friend. Good, maybe she will cheer up with Spoony
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Linkara felt humble when Hal and a few others pretty much subtly told him off as well as support Snob. Linkara still didn't like it but he knew that it WAS snob's decision to leave. He nodded and relunctinately said "Alright. You guys are right, snob can quit" He turned to Snob with a sigh "Sorry. Didn't mean to say what I said. I don't like this but I accept it anyway Snob. I wish you luck" He then turned to Goggles and was a bit shocked with her rant, that was really powerful to add in this debate. Linkara felt completely in support with her but said nothing anyway, letting her leave. He then turned to spoony and let out a small smile, at least Spoony was the one handling the burden and no-one that Linkara felt that wasn't worthy of this title. He turned to Hal with a nod along with the others as Spoony spoke before stating his mind "Spoony. I know I like Snob in the position you hold but you're a good person and a good friend, I really do think you can handle this and I DO support you. I always will support you even if this is something I don't like" He then heard someone come over and turned to see Harvey, in some bandages walking, Linkara was shocked to see him there because of the wound. Regardless he went over to the older man and looked him over up and down "Harvey! What are you doing? You should allow it to heal for another hour!" He then sighed and responded, patting the older man's shoulder "When Critic told me what you did, I never been so proud of you, you did great Harvey" He then registered Harvey's question and nodded "Afraid so Harvey. But it's his decision, I can't say anything. Spoony's in charge now. I want to support Spoony but I just don't like this"
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Snob was glad people stood up for him, that they said they would support his decision and was about to thank them when Goggles stood up. Goggles pretty much ranted and raved at his face, saying she depended on him and that because of this Goggles was ashamed of him and didn't know him anymore. Snob was hurt but he wanted to stand his ground, and was about to tell Goggles calmly about why he was leaving and that he understood her but she ran away before he could say anything. Snob was so tempted to leave this house and never come back, but he was going to stand his ground and keep consistancy. The cinema snob spoke finally, with a hint of regret "I know goggles depended on me and a lot of you did too but it is my decision. I'm really sorry but I cannot lead you guys. I know you all think I'm great and all, but I know I'm not. I still thank you and appreciate your acceptance over this. I wish you all the best of luck. I still will participate in the war, just not in the same position" He then listened to Spoony's speech and responded "I know you can do it spoony" He then sighed as he heard Harvey and Linkara talk but he stood his ground with Critic and allowed Spoony to go find Goggles, allowed Mewtwo to leave and the others to continue the debate over Jasmine's rescue.