>(2/2)

Strange sighs.

"Tell me the truth, Kojo. For once, tell me the truth; you can lie but I'll see through it. I know your little games now. You owe me that much after everything I taught you. Don't you trust me enough to at least divulge some truth?"

Breathing in some of the fresh night air, you lock eyes with the man and let out a sigh of your own.

"I don't trust anyone. Not after everything I've lived through."

Your former magic tutor relaxes ever so slightly.

"Very few people know to conceal their lies with grains of truth: with every answer you give me, the more you seem to be one of those people."

You close your eyes and shake your head in annoyance.

It seems he's made up his mind.

>[ ] "Did you know my father was Wilson Fisk's right hand? His red right hand? My old man was killing people for cash while I was killing people to survive because he wasn't around. Like father, like son, huh? Like everyone else... I killed him too eventually: just left him there, brains splattered, on the streets."
>[ ] "This isn't easy for me! Do you have any idea how my life's been since all this shit began?! Revelation after revelation, bullshit on top of other bullshit! It never fucking ends! I fucking miss being a nobody, at least I could act like myself!"
>[ ] "And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."
>[ ] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"
>[ ] "...I know when I'm not wanted, have a nice life."
>[ ] Write In.

>First Thread:
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/2424210/#2424210

>Previous Thread(s):
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=A%20New%20Mutant%20Quest

>Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/r4mTphVV

>Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIla03MZw7Ev6y7u98WYVeV9HuS5-Ez9R

>>3744924
>[ ] "Did you know my father was Wilson Fisk's right hand? His red right hand? My old man was killing people for cash while I was killing people to survive because he wasn't around. Like father, like son, huh? Like everyone else... I killed him too eventually: just left him there, brains splattered, on the streets."
>[ ] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"

>>3744924
>[ ] "And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."
>[ ] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"
This order i dont know what to do else but talk with him

>>3745194
Dont spill the guts so fast
Please lets not drop the beans and spill the milk at the same time

My sleeping schedule's kind of fucked so I'm going to go nap nap soon.

Will close voting and update at, like, 1-3 AM my time (UTC-8)

try and break the tie until then, both routes got me thinkin' and i'd hate to roll on this

>>3744924
>Nothing I say is going to change your mind.
>[ ] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"

Strange is going to think we're lying to some extent no matter what we say. Might as well not say anything. What he says he'll do if we are what he thinks we are is very important. We'll know how to play him based on that.

>>3744924
We need to tell him some truths.
>>3745194
But not anything that we can't explain how we know...

"Okay, you want the truth? Fine. The ones I take care of aren't the helpless toddlers I let some people think they are. They can by without me for a few days fine. But the truth is that I didn't know how long I'd be away and there was a good chance some of them might not make it if I didn't get them squared away. Hell, the truth is that some of them still might not have made it out okay I and I don't even know because, like an idiot, I came here first to talk talk to your judgemental ass.
"Maybe nothing I say is going to change your mind, maybe you think I am just an evil mutant. But here's one last truth for you. I am not evil."
[because Evil doesn't exist.]

>>[X] "And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."
"I think you owe me a truth too..."
>>[X] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"

Too much?

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3746368
Yeah, a bit much and too defensive.

>[X] "And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."
>[X] "...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"

No matter what you say, he's still going to have his suspicions: the more you try to defend yourself, the more you sound and seem guilty in his eyes. You're better off guilt tripping him. A hypothetical sent his way could help you play him too.

Opening your eyes, you widen them slightly to fake a vulnerable look.

"And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."

The wizard is visibly taken back by your words and stands in silence for several seconds before frowning.

"...I did like having you around to pass the time; having a student was also quite the pleasant experience." His lips invert to form a smile. "The sadistic joy my predecessor felt watching me train is understandable now. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did at the start." Once again, his joy turns into displeasure. "Now, I can't and shouldn't spend any more time with you until I know precisely what is going on with you and all the events surrounding you, Kojo."

You shut your eyes solemnly and open them again with a frown.

"...So what if I am everything you think I am? What would you do?"

Strange blinks in surprise before staring deep into you.

"The magic I taught you puts you in a position where any prison without magical enchantments is nothing more than a glorified detention classroom you can leave whenever you want. I would have to personally confine you to the Sanctum Sanctorum or in a suitable enchanted prison of my choosing. I might even have to confine you to another dimension with the magic I've taught you so far."

Relaxing a bit, your lips thin out into a line.

Not much you can do to work around any of that. It does tell you he doesn't want to kill you, though. There's no easy way for him or anyone in this world to deal with someone like you. Although, imprisonment in another dimension sounds something potentially incredibly inhumane and averse to Strange's tastes.

There's nothing he can do without reasonable proof without causing even more of a ruckus than you did by making you disappear so suddenly.

>[ ] "Did you know my father was Wilson Fisk's right hand? His red right hand? My old man was killing people for cash while I was killing people to survive because he wasn't around. Like father, like son, huh? Like everyone else... I killed him too eventually: just left him there, brains splattered, on the streets."
>[ ] "If I was a criminal, why didn't I just teleport out of the prison and leave a magical illusion of myself behind for the entirety of my confinement? Hell, why did I turn myself in?"
>[ ] "You'd banish me to another dimension just because of a few crimes?"
>[ ] "...I know when I'm not wanted, have a nice life."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3747121
>[ ] "If I was a criminal, why didn't I just teleport out of the prison and leave a magical illusion of myself behind for the entirety of my confinement? Hell, why did I turn myself in?"
>Things around me have been crazy lately. I barely believe it myself. But I'm trying to make the best with the hand I've been dealt.
Try to make him doubt. We're gruff but as far as he knows we haven't abused any of our abilities.

Going to go get a haircut. Will close voting and update when I get back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "If I was a criminal, why didn't I just teleport out of the prison and leave a magical illusion of myself behind for the entirety of my confinement? Hell, why did I turn myself in?"
>[X] "Things around me have been crazy lately. I barely believe it myself. But I'm trying to make the best with the hand I've been dealt."

Nothing you say will absolve you in his eyes, but you can say enough to make him doubt himself. From there, you can work on worming your way back into his magic mansion. Heroic types like him are always too forgiving and never strike a decisive blow.

"If I was a criminal, why didn't I just teleport out of the prison and leave a magical illusion of myself behind for the entirety of my confinement?" You scoff. "Hell, why did I turn myself in?"

Strange scoffs back.

"You did it to clear your name so you could in turn claim your suspiciously gotten inheritance. I have no way to know whether or not you did actually stay confined for the whole month you were inside the prison you were staying at but it doesn't change the fact you benefited from turning yourself in."

Taking a deep breath, you let out a dramatic sigh.

He also has you there, but so long as you instill doubt you can get back on friendly terms with him, eventually.

"Things around me have been crazy lately. I barely believe it myself, but I'm trying to make the best with the hand I've been dealt."

The master wizard's crassness takes a noticeable step back.

"...Maybe I am being a little too judging of you, but these events are all far too convenient to be mere coincidence. If you are really just as surprised by all of this, I'm sorry for treating you this way." He frowns. "If you're just playing me, I assure you I'll see to it you're locked away in an enchanted prison no one can escape from for as long as the court sentences you when I turn you in."

Not what you were hoping for but it's a start.

A small smile makes its way on to your lips.

"Really, doc, stop trying to be intimidating: that grouchy look doesn't work for you."

Strange blinks and crosses his arms.

"I'll have you know I can be very intimidating if needed."

You raise a doubtful eyebrow.

"To school children or blind newborns?"

'Mature' sorcerer man's face twists in confusion and offense.

"Blind newborns?"

Nodding, your smile turns into a grin.

"They won't know the shadow cast over them is from a retired magical doctor dressed like a vampire trying his best to be intimidating."

Strange groans as you snicker.

And just like that, you cleared up some of the animosity coming off him.

>[ ] "I'll see you again some other time, I've got a lot of things to take care of and check up on."
>[ ] "Do you mind if I stay the night? I don't have anywhere else to stay."
>[ ] "Out of curiosity, can you actually uncover who really killed Fisk?"
>[ ] "Are you going to let me in now or?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3747661
>[ ] "Do you mind if I stay the night? I don't have anywhere else to stay."
At least until the inheritance kicks in.

Voting closed; writing now

>[X] "Do you mind if I stay the night? I don't have anywhere else to stay."

Stopping now will completely kill your momentum. Better to press on while he's starting to warm up to you again. It is also technically true: you can't show your face at the old hideout and you don't want to intrude on Silvio. He might even teach you magic again.

You stop laughing and raise a hand to rub the back of your head beneath your horns, portraying yourself a meek teenager.

"Do you mind if I stay the night? I don't have anywhere else to stay."

The wizard with the magic mansion furrows his brow.

"Why haven't you tried asking Silvio Manfredi? The two of you seemed to be getting along very well."

Frowning, you return your hand to your side.

"Asking a known former Kingpin of Crime for a favor doesn't sound like a good idea at all, especially when said legendary crime figure has control of your inheritance."

Strange blinks and sighs.

"...Fine, you can stay the night. Don't expect me to drop my guard, though."

Your frown shifts back into a smile.

If only he knew just how much he already dropped it.

"I know, paranoia is good for your health."

Magic Man Steve rolls his eyes as he turns around and his front door flies open.

With a smug muffled laugh, you follow Strange back into his magic mansion and through several confusingly arranged enchanted rooms before stopping in what looks like a never before used guest room.

You whistle at the sight of luxurious and arcane-looking decorations.

"Really pumped up the magical aesthetic in here." You turn to your host. "Is it the same in your room or even more wizardly?"

Strange shakes his head.

"This room is reserved for other magicians who are either seeking refuge for a time or visiting from their usual dwellings in the remaining untamed lands of this world."

Raising an eyebrow, you shoot the man a look.

"I'm the first person you've ever had in here, aren't I?"

Strange falls through a portal out of the room and likely into some other part of the magical mansion.

With an unrestrained snicker, you drop on to the mahogany wood floor and sigh.

You already got that room at Silvio's but there's nothing wrong with having two places to hang out while you get your things into order. Might not be safe getting into contact with your underlings here on account of possible magical surveillance, though. Porting back to Silvio's could also be suspicious. At the very least, Strange will probably trust you the smallest bit more if you sleep here tonight.

>[ ] Shut your physical eyes and 'see' through your third, can never be too careful in this crazy ass world.
>[ ] Take out your burner and check-in on everyone, their sleep and yours can wait until later.
>[ ] Figure out your genius phone, you just barely got it a couple of minutes ago.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, it's safer to get into contact there.
>[ ] Close all three of your eyes and sleep, nothing else to do now.
>[ ] Write In.

Sorry for the wait, had to babysit my youngest cousins for a while.

Also, I'm going to be house sitting for my other cousin again so expect and ID tag change for a few days.

>>3748320
>[ ] Close all three of your eyes and sleep, nothing else to do now.
Strange will probably know if we do any third eye shenanigans. We are almost certainly under magic surveillance so using either phone is a no no. Don't do anything. Give strange a reason to trust us.

>>3748320
>[ ] Close all three of your eyes and sleep, nothing else to do now.
what >>3748599 said

All set up, boys.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Close all three of your eyes and sleep, nothing else to do now.

>(1/2)

Potentially letting Strange know the true nature of your third eye is a risk you definitely shouldn't take. This place is definitely being monitored in some magical manner, you doubt he'd let you stay without some surveillance. If your situations were reversed, you'd definitely be spying on yourself.

You stretch yourself out against the hard wooden floor and feign a yawn.

It's been a while since you've slept. Faking drowsiness or concentrating on rest usually heps you do that. You can't remember a time you've actually passed out from exhaustion after you mutated. Whether that's healthy or not is completely unknown to you but you've never had any problems.

Closing your eyes, you concentrate on the coldness of the hardwood floor and gradually let sleep take hold of your waking mind.

...

...

...

An ever so familiar bloodstained brick wall is the first thing you see after a dreamless sleep, as it always is.

You glance down at a stitched stab wound in your side before gently running your fingers over it.

The gunfire from the last gang hideout you wiped out deafened you for a time. One of the men you thought was dead rose from the ground, sprinted towards you, and stabbed you in your side before your next slash ensured he'd bleed out in seconds. It was fortunate for you everyone else was dead or you would've had a bullet wound to compliment your stab wound.

Setting your hand back to your side, you look down at the cracked asphalt.

Death had almost taken you, and for a moment you thought you were finally dead before falling into your first dreamless slumber in as long as you can remember.

You raise your gaze back to the dyed brick.

Blood.

Blood is all that fills your dreams. Rivers, oceans, and streams all raging or calmingly still. Familiar freshly murdered corpses float on the surface of them as if they were flotsam. Black stone cliffs hang over the oceans as black stone reefs surround the rivers and streams with no green land in sight.

Going limp, your head hangs down and you're staring back at the ruined ground.

No matter how many bodies you fill them with, you'll never block the streams or fill the oceans enough to reach the alien cliffs. It'd be pointless and meaningless if there wasn't a possibility of something else being over it. You're not sure why you do it but something keeps drawing you to trying despite how futile it all is.

>(2/2)

Death comes to all, and Death has come to claim you many times, and you've rejected her each one. There is no desire in you to avoid it or seek something more but there is something in you that simply refuses to die. Your dreams of corpses and the bodies you make every day are proof of that. It's a strange guiding urge that's led you this far and will likely guide you for the rest of your life.

You feel your eyes grow heavy again.

If Death were an eternal dreamless sleep, you're not sure why a part of you would fight against it but you've never understood things like desires or wants from the very beginning.

A groan murmurs in your throat as you shut your eyes.

There is nothing in this world worth living for, fighting for, believing in, or desiring; it is completely and utterly meaningless.

...

You slowly open your dull eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling.

Raising your upper body, you examine your surroundings with little interest.

It takes you several seconds to remember where you are and to notice the gaping emptiness you feel in your center.

Blinking, you run your fingers gently along your chest and look to the nearest mirror to see lifeless red-on-black demonic eyes staring back at you.

A full minute passes by before the emptiness in you becomes unbearable.

You clench your fists and drop to the ground.

Gritting your teeth, you snarl through pained breath.

You don't feel sorry for him.

Half an hour of pained writhing goes by until the emptiness is a dull pain in your chest.

A thud emanates from the hardwood mahogany as you jump up from the floor from your side on to your feet.

You've got shit to do.

>[ ] "Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"
>[ ] Take out your burner and check-in on everyone, Marcus is going to be pissed you didn't check-in sooner.
>[ ] Shut your physical eyes and 'see' through your third, can never be too careful in this crazy ass world.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, it's safer to get into contact with your homies there.
>[ ] Teleport to a roofotp in Hunts Point, you can't risk Strange following you.
>[ ] Figure out your super genius phone, you just barely got it last night.
>[ ] Write In.v

Forgive the long ass wait, went out like a light once I got settled in the new place. Have this super early morning update where I'm from, Eurobros.

>>3749678
>>[ ] "Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"
>[ ] Shut your physical eyes and 'see' through your third, can never be too careful in this crazy ass world.
lets see waht strange things he is up too

>>3749678
>[ ] "Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"
Don't use the third eye here. It's begging for trouble.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>[ ] Shut your physical eyes and 'see' through your third, can never be too careful in this crazy ass world.

>[ ] "Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"

>[X] "Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"

It's very much possible the magic man could've peered into your dreams: he is the Sorcerer Supreme. There was nothing about your secret life in them but a very telling and bleak look into your past. You can try getting into contact with your lieutenants when you're in an unmonitored location. Using your third eye would've most likely triggered an alarm.

You raise a suspicious eyebrow.

"Strange, you up yet or do you even need to sleep?"

A few seconds pass before a sigil portal appears in the air followed by your magic tutor stepping through it.

"I do sleep, I just don't need as much rest as the common person does."

Humming in understanding, you stare deep into the man's eyes.

"...Did you try and look into my dreams?"

Magic Steve blinks before shaking his head.

"No, no, no..."

You keep your odd eyebrow raised as you continue staring at the sorcerer.

The retired doctor sighs.

"Okay, Kojo, I tried. There, are you happy? I know you already know on account of pushing me out of your mind as soon as I tried to enter it: you were shockingly... savage."

Blinking all three of your eyes, you glance at your third in the mirror at the edge of your vision and focus back on your sorcery teacher.

"And you wonder why I don't trust you."

Strange frowns.

"You know I have to be sure without a shadow of a doubt you aren't manipulating me."

A groan churns out of your throat.

"And you have to literally violate the privacy of my own mind to do it?"

Magic Mind Violator Stephen cringes.

"I did not expect you to be capable of resisting me."

You emit a disgusted sigh of disbelief.

"Unapologetic serial mind rapist."

The sick magical man raises an odd eyebrow.

"Actually, that was my first attempt."

Furrowing your brow, you shoot the man an angry look.

"How is that an excuse!?"

Strange finally looks down in shame.

"...It's not."

You cross arms and turn your head away in disgust, hiding a growing smirk.

In actuality, you have no idea whether or not Strange actually did that. You're not sure how you didn't notice him intruding but your soul is a protective ferocious beast and your will is virtually unbreakable. He was probably repelled the moment the moment he tried looking in. Disgusting would-be mind rapist fell straight into your bluff.

>[ ] "You do know I can prosecute you for this, right? No one's going to back you when I tell them all you're a magic mutant."
>[ ] "I'm going to go somewhere else now. I'd thank you for the place to stay but you tried to mind rape me."
>[ ] "I don't know if you've realized this but I'm fifteen, so this makes you a pedophile."
>[ ] "Can you at least make me some breakfast before you try to mindfuck me again?"
>[ ] "Are we going to continue where we left off on or what?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3749887
>[ ] "Are we going to continue where we left off on or what?"
>[ ] "Can you at least make me some breakfast before you try to mindfuck me again? Or do you need me to go buy you another sandwich?"
Man I fucking love this shit between Kojo and Strange.
>Magic Steve
>Magic Mind Violator Stephen
>The sick magical man
Nice.

File: d9ywy5v-5950fef4-0bea-440(...).png (318 KB, 865x800)

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>>3750025
support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Are we going to continue where we left off on or what?"
>[X] "Can you at least make me some breakfast before you try to mindfuck me again? Or do you need me to go buy you another sandwich?"

You doubt he's up for teaching you again just yet but he might let up if you guilt trip his mind rapist ass enough. He can't call you out on it on account of it happening a few minutes ago and being something you just can't swipe under the rug. It'd be stupid of you not to milk this for all you can get out of it.

Turning your head back, you shoot the disgusting wizard a look.

"Are we going to continue where we left off on or what?"

Strange lifts his gaze and frowns.

"No, I still don't trust you."

In turn you lift up an accusing finger.

"You tried to mindrape me!"

MMVS crosses his arms, mimicking your earlier mannerisms.

"I don't see how that changes the circumstances behind all those events you're somehow connected to."

Lowering your finger, you shoot the man a look.

"I have more of a right to be mad at you than you have to be mad at me right now. When have I ever tried to mindrape you? Getting drunk is quite literally a herculean effort for me so you can't say I popped in one day, stumbled over to your sleeping body, and tried to ram myself into your head without your consent."

Sorcerer Supreme of all two sorcerers in New York blinks his dumb grey eyes.

"...What?"

A scoff escapes your lips as you turn your head away from the would-be mind molester.

"Can you at least make me some breakfast before you try to mindfuck me again? Or do you need me to go buy you another sandwich?"

Retired Molester Doctor Strange shoots you a blank look.

"You know I can't eat normal food."

Thinning your frowning lips into a line, you return the Grand Mind Diddling Wizard's expression.

"That's the joke."

Both of you stare at one another in silence for a few seconds before letting out chuckles that slowly grow into full blown laughter.

At the very least, the two of you can share laughs at dumb jokes.

>[ ] "You do know I can prosecute you, right? No one's going to back you when I tell them all you're a magic mutant."
>[ ] "I'm going to go somewhere else now. I'd thank you for the place to stay but you tried to mind rape me."
>[ ] "I don't know if you've realized this but I'm fifteen, so this also makes you a pedophile."
>[ ] "...Wait a second, how long does it take until magic users can't eat normal food anymore?"
>[ ] "So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3750276
>>[ ] "I don't know if you've realized this but I'm fifteen, so this also makes you a pedophile."
>>[ ] "...Wait a second, how long does it take until magic users can't eat normal food anymore?"

>>3750276
This >>3750290

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I don't know if you've realized this but I'm fifteen, so this also makes you a pedophile."
>[X] "...Wait a second, how long does it take until magic users can't eat normal food anymore?"

>(1/2)

May as well go all the way with the whole mind rapist thing. It'll fucking destroy him and forever be something you can tease the ever loving hell out of him with. There's so much about the way he dresses and the place he lives in that can be equated to it. You should've thought of it sooner but this situation he's gotten himself in will just make it that much more effective.

You do your best to resist grinning and cackling like an absolute mad lad before parting your lips.

"I don't know if you've realized this but I'm fifteen, so this also makes you a pedophile."

Strange freezes with his mouth still open, blinks, and contorts his face into an expression of disgust as well as shock.

"WHAT!?"

Covering your mouth, you muffle a room-shaking laugh.

"I know I don't look like it but I really am that young, Dr. Pederass!"

Kiddie Fiddler Magical Diddler stutters.

"I-I-I AM NOT A PEDOPHILE! YOU ARE FIFTEEN AND I DID NOT TOUCH YOU IN ANY WAY!"

You chortle and shake your head.

"So long as I'm under eighteen and in the land of the U.S of A, any kind of inappropriate contact or even thoughts are pedophilia! Doesn't matter if I'm seventeen, fifteen, a second away from being eighteen, or consenting, it's pedophilia! You're a mind rapist and pedophile, 'doctor daddy!"

A frustrated, horrified, and disgusted scream erupts from the sorcerer's lips and fills the entire mansion.

"THAT IS EXTREMELY ARBITRARY AND I DID NOT TOUCH YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU!"

You collapse to the floor and crack the enchanted mahogany with your fist, cackling with every blow.

"Consent laws are consent laws, and you tried to touch my young teenage mind with your older adult one

Strange immediately trumps his last scream with one that sends even your ears ringing.

"I DID NOT! I DID NOT! I DID NOOOOOOOT!"

The growing familiar sound of a magical portal tearing a whole in space-time deafly emanates from behind your pedophilic attempted mind rapist.

"Master Strange, what is the problem! Why are you screaming!"

>(2/2)

Fuming, the Sorcerer Supreme turn around and points a finger at your rolling, laughing, and floor smashing self. The magic man doesn't even bother articulating what exactly happened and just lets out a loud frustrated sneer.

You wave at Wong with your free hand as you break a whole into the room beneath you with the other.

The monk looks from you to Strange and back before shrugging his shoulders as he falls through a portal to another room.

It takes a full minute of laughter to finally leave you breathless.

As you breathe in fresh air in preparation for more laughs in Strange's direction, a thought strikes you.

"...Wait a second, how long does it take until magic users can't eat normal food anymore?"

Strange grunts.

"A many number of years filled with constant magic use. If you were a normal person, you would have started experiencing odd physical ailments after your first few lessons: beside willpower, magic takes a toll on the body as well. The more one uses magic, the more acclimated their body will be to it and resistant to its negative effects. Reduced aging, increased vitality, enhanced strength, great stamina, and finer senses, on the other hand, are a boon to those who've practiced magic extensively, so you'll be a brat for longer than most if you keep practicing."

You blink and hum.

"Why did you never tell me that?"

The salty salty magic man rolls his eyes.

"Because I never noticed you displaying a single symptom that was unrelated to your mutations or heard you complain about it."

Nodding in understanding, you raise a hand to your chin.

Secretly Rich Lily White Noblewoman Alexis Sinclair didn't say anything when you called in while she was snuggling with Ren-Run and Marcus never complains about his health. They could either be suffering from some symptoms now or are already past that stage. You'll have to call to get a better sense of things.

>[ ] "I'm going to go somewhere else now. I'd thank you for the place to stay but you tried to mind rape me."
>[ ] "Sorry, I couldn't resist fucking with you on that level."
>[ ] "So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"
>[ ] "...I'm sowwy, doctor daddy."
>[ ] Portal out, you can tell he is absolutely pissed at you right now.
>[ ] Figure out your super genius phone, you just barely got it last night.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3750592
>[ ] "Sorry, I couldn't resist fucking with you on that level."
>[ ] "So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"
Might as well way while we can still enjoy it. We shouldn't be too hung up on the mindrape thing. We would easily do the same.

>>3750053
i forgot to thank you for this image, anon, thank you very much for helping me laugh

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113 KB JPG

>>3750632
hahahahahHAHAHA IF YOU THINK THATS THE ONLY ONE pic related

>>3750651
glue as lube is wickedly pedophilic

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29 KB JPG

>>3750664
>trully evil

>>3750687
safe and nontoxic

needs work in its evil

>>3750592
This >>3750627

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3750592
>>3750627
>>[X] "Sorry, I couldn't resist fucking with you on that level."
>>[X] "So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"
Yeah

>>3750806
>missed the vote by 2 minutes
It's good to be back.

>[X] "Sorry, I couldn't resist fucking with you on that level."
>[X] "So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"

>(1/2)

Of course you have to apologize for ribbing the magical motherfucker that fucking hard. You doubt anyone would want to be close to you after getting owned so thoroughly without an apology. Like most of your apologies, you don't actually mean them though.

You rise to your feet and let out a small laugh.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist fucking with you on that level."

The non-pedophilic-but-still-an-attempted-mind-rapist wizard clucks his tongue.

"Accusing me of pedophilia is your idea of a joke?"

Nodding, you blink your innocent demonic eyes.

"Uh-huh, I know you're not one; its what made it so funny in the first place." Your lips twist into a frown. "Trust me, I know what pedophiles are really like."

Strange's anger visibly fades away as he remembers your living situation.

"Oh... thank you for the apology, Kojo."

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat.

"Your welcome."

Dr. Magic raises an eyebrow at you and glances at his guest room's broken floor.

"How on Earth did you break through my enchanted mahogany?"

You shoot the decently sized hole a glance, look back to Strange, and shrug.

"I just punched it while I was laughing until it broke."

The sorcerer's eyes widen.

"...It's enchanted and reinforced with enough magical energy to be stronger than most of the toughest natural materials on this planet and you broke through it with your bare hands."

>(2/2)

Raising your hand to eye-level, you examine it with some interest.

"Thought I shattered the bones in my hand when I was pounding the floor. Was a little too busy laughing my ass off to really notice."

Strange blinks his weird grey eyes in your direction.

"Just how high is your pain tolerance?"

You once again shrug.

"Been a long time since I've felt pushed to my limits, I kind of get off on the pain sometimes.

Magic Steve Mclean cringes.

"I did not need to know that." He shakes his head. "What the hell have you lived through to be the way you are?"

Various bloody images from your past and from recent events fill your mind as various wounds you've suffered throughout your life ache from their forgotten slumber.

"A lot."

Your magic tutor shoots you a look.

"That wasn't much of an answer."

A groan escapes your lips.

"So, are we going to eat breakfast or what?"

Attempted Mind Rapist shakes his head.

"I already had my breakfast and most of the food we have here are items you most likely aren't able to consume yet."

You let out a small hum.

It's possible you can eat the magical breakfast food they have here but there's also the possibility of it giving you indigestion. Your stomach might be super but you've never eaten anything magical. The the third eye on your forehead might help you with that.

>[ ] "I'm going to go somewhere else now. I'd thank you for the place to stay but you tried to mind rape me."
>[ ] "Take responsibility; feed me."
>[ ] Portal out, you can go get food elsewhere.
>[ ] Figure out your super genius phone, you just barely got it last night
>[ ] Write In.

>>3751097
>>[X] "Take responsibility; feed me."
>so what can you even eat doctor stranger danger?

>>3751097
This >>3751146

>>3751097
I think we should use the lack of real food to duck out and contact our crew.

>>3751146
>doctor stranger danger
Heh

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3751221
qm i think you will like this
>>3751192
jump in read and scroll down

>>3751233
You're right, I did like it.

>[X] "Take responsibility; feed me."
>[X] "So what can you even eat, Doctor Stranger-danger?"

>(1/2)

Some magical food won't hurt, at the very least it probably won't hurt a lot. You can stick it through even if it turns out to be some weird coral acorn grenade that explodes shrapnel all inside you. It'd be really odd if it did, but you've never had magical food before. Depending on the taste and the damage it might cause, you'll think about eating some again.

A small smile makes its way on to your lips.

"Take responsibility; feed me."

The Sorcerer Supreme narrows his eyes.

"Responsibility... for what?"

You raise an eyebrow.

The more you push him on the whole mind rapist pedophile thing, the more unjustifiably he'll be pissed. You're not gonna stop, obviously, but you should know when to let up on the poor sick bastard. Someone has to teach you the supreme wizardly level of sorcery, if that even is the most advanced levels of it.

"Giving me shelter for the night." You lower your raised sassy eyebrow. "What? Do you expect me to leave penniless with no where to stay and an empty stomach?"

Strange raises his own brow in turn.

"You are quite literally the richest fifteen-year-old to have ever been alive in all of history."

You sigh as you shake your head.

"The legendary Silvermaned Lion of Crime himself is still in control of it, so I'm not a historical figure in any literal sense... yet."

>(2/2)

Magic Steve groans as he turns around.

"Follow me."

With a pleased hum, you follow your grouchy magic tutor back into the magic mansion.

"So what can you even eat, Doctor Stranger-danger?"

The magic man stops, spins back around, and shoots you his best 'Are you fucking kidding me?' look far below Marcus' but vaguely remnant of Dan's.

"...You'll see."

You continue to hum in amusement as your poor at intimidating tutor of magic turn back to continue leading you to whatever the Sanctum Sanctorum has for a kitchen.

A minute or two passes until you stop in what seems to be a grand magically decorated dining room.

Whistling again at the extravagance, you take a seat at one of the fancy wooden dining tables.

"So is this room meant for any potential magician gatherings or is it purely for decoration like the guest room was?"

A dish sized portal opens up a few inches above your dining table and drops a plate of strange cooked and what seems to be steel scaled eels with two heads at each ends of their bodies, compounds eyes where there'd be normal eel eyes also.

You stare at the thing for a few seconds before glancing at a smug-looking Strange.

There is something else up with this eel but you have the distinct feeling he's not going to tell you if you ask him for some reason.

>[ ] "On second thought I can go without breakfast for a day."
>[ ] "Where the hell did you get his armored eel bug thing?"
>[ ] "Is there poison in this or something?"
>[ ] Sniff the alien eel, you can always rely on your nose.
>[ ] Slurp up the scaly things, they're not going to eat themselves.
>[ ] Close your physical eyes and flow out through your third, can't be too thorough.
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Thoughts or questions, my lads?

>>3751475
>>[X] Sniff the alien eel, you can always rely on your nose.


>>[X] "Where the hell did you get his armored eel bug thing?"

"So, I don't know what shrimp fork looks like, let alone whatever this thing needs. Do I use a hacksaw, tear into it like a crab, or should I start with the eyes?"

>>3751475
This >>3751795

>>3751795
>>3752022
>do i need to descale them first? like a raw fish?
>or do i just dig in and crunch like its a bug?
>is one of them a anus?
>do i eat it like Americans eat surströming on the internet? or do i cut up and clean it up like a swedish person?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Sniff the alien eel, you can always rely on your nose.
>[X] "Where the hell did you get his armored eel bug thing?"
>[X] "How the fuck do I eat this?"

Paranoia is the better part of non-existent valor. It's what keeps you alive when you've got your head up your ass and balls the size of boulders. There are many things in this world that can kill you, and despite you being a pretty big fish, you've mainly dwelt in a shallow pond relative to your size.

Closing all three of your eyes, you take in the surrounding air through your nose.

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat at the strange yet pleasant and magical seared flesh of your alien breakfast meal.

"Where the hell did you get his armored eel bug thing?"

Strange's voice snickers some ways behind you.

"Another dimension; leave it sitting too long and it'll come back to life."

You raise a curious eyebrow as you lift up one of the bug-eyed eels.

"How the fuck do I eat this?"

The wizard's laughter grows in volume.

"Bite the heads off and devour the body. If you eat the thing wholesale, it'll come back to life inside of you. Eat all of it, and it'll just reform inside of your stomach and leach itself to your intestines."

Glancing back at Strange, you lift the insectoid craniate up higher.

"This thing is like a tapeworm? How can it eat anything from here?"

Eel Eater Steve shakes his head.

"It sucks the literal life force from its victims and feeds off of magical energy."

You look back and blink at the still scaled eel.

"So it doesn't have any internal organs or is this body just some kind of vessel for a magical parasite?"

Stranger-danger hums in confirmation.

"The body is charged by the essence and is concentrated in the heads. So long as the head is near the body in whatever form, it will reform and slowly regrow another head if the other is lost."

A hum of your own purrs in your throat.

What an interesting little scaly buggy tapeworm you've come across

>[ ] "On second thought, I'm not in the mood for this weird ass shit."
>[ ] Slurp down the thing whole, if it tries to leach off your life force your soul will surely devour it in turn.
>[ ] Eat it like Strange instructed, you can surely trust him.
>[ ] Mince it to pieces and eat it, no risks must be taken.
>[ ] Toast the thing with magic, you have to be sure.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3752821
>[ ] (to Bold Red) Do you think you and I can handle a pest like this? I don't think these exist where you come from.
>[ ] (to Bold Red) What do you think? If the essence is focused in the heads, shouldn't I start with those instead so you and I can gain more out of it? Or do you have a better approach in mind?

excuse me while i test something

testing

>>3752965
fuck me, it works

and here i thought i had to be back in my og ip

>>3752821
>[ ] Eat it like Strange instructed, you can surely trust him.
This is the second time I'm putting my trust in you in 24 hours. I really hope you're not planning on abusing it again.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>[ ] (to Bold Red) Do you think you and I can handle a pest like this? I don't think these exist where you come from.
>[ ] (to Bold Red) What do you think? If the essence is focused in the heads, shouldn't I start with those instead so you and I can gain more out of it? Or do you have a better approach in mind?

>[ ] Eat it like Strange instructed, you can surely trust him.

>[X] Do you think you and I can handle a pest like this? I don't think these exist where you come from.
>[X] What do you think? If the essence is focused in the heads, shouldn't I start with those instead so you and I can gain more out of it? Or do you have a better approach in mind?

Considering Strange has every petty reason to lie to you, it would be wise to ask your celestial self for advice. You'd peer through your third eye for that but magic-mind-molester man would notice. This mutant body of yours might be able to handle it but, unlike your soul, it's vulnerable on the inside.

Do you think you and I can handle a pest like this? I don't think these exist where you come from.

You and I exist in the exact same dimension, puny puny mind.

You blink.

How the fuck am I supposed to know that? For all I know, you're just some demon who took possession of my body one day. Not sure I had a soul to begin with before my mutation.

I am always with you and have been since the beginning of you and I's existence. Before the Rebirth, I was slumbering. Meeting Death again after so long reinvigorated me and began waking me from my rest. The Soldier's sacrifice finally awoke me fully unto this world.

Frowning, you let out a sigh.

What do you think? If the essence is focused in the heads, shouldn't I start with those instead so you and I can gain more out of it? Or do you have a better approach in mind?

I can consume its soul, preventing it from reforming. Feel free to devour it wholesale, puny mind.

You raise your free hand to your chin and hum.

It smells good enough and taste is closely related to smell. You're not quite sure about the scales, though: they look kind of like a steel alloy. Chewing it is easily possible for you but you should probably descale it first.

>[ ] "On second thought, I'm not in the mood for this weird ass shit."
>[ ] "Strange, what are the scales made out of?"
>[ ] Tear the thing apart, it can't tapeworm you.
>[ ] Toast the thing with magic, you have to be sure.
>[ ] Eat it like Strange instructed, you can surely trust him.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3753301
>[ ] "Strange, what are the scales made out of?"
>[ ] Tear the thing apart, it can't tapeworm you.
Tear it apart and eat it first then ask about the scales.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Tear the thing apart, it can't tapeworm you.
>[X] "Strange, what are the scales made out of?"

There's nothing else you need to do just yet and you don't have anything else to eat. You can toast it more but that will just burn it. Saving the weird material might be worth it, though. Maybe Tinkerer can synthesize more of it if you decide to take it to him.

Shrugging, you set the eel back on the plate and stab the tip of your pointer finer through the scaled thing. A pleasant tune hums in your throat as you cut a wide line from bug-eyed head to bug-eyed head. You grab the two new sides of the eel and peel the scales all off in one swift tugging motion. The rest of the eel squelches as you pinch the morsel into little peaces.

You lift up the eel by its ripped out scales much like one would lift up several rolls of sushi by the wrap of seaweed beneath them and slide all the pieces down into your mouth.

A purr builds in your throat and your essence solidifies as you munch into the alien yet delicious rubbery flesh of the eel as well as its soul.

Gulping, you set the odd scales aside and get to descaling and devouring the rest of the alien eels

You set aside the last set of scales and spin around the dining table bench to face a surprised and concerned Sorcerer Supreme.

"Strange, what are the scales made out of?"

Mr. Stranger-danger blinks.

"...I was being serious about how the eels can reform inside you and leech on to your intestines."

Picking up a set of scales, you hold them out to strange.

"Can you tell me what they're made out of or not?"

The wizard shakes his head.

"All I know is that they're some kind of malleable metal like steel and that you'll have magical health issues in the coming days."

You plop the scales with the rest of the pile and hum.

It could be made out of elements not of this world. While Phineas might not be able to synthesize it, he'll sure as hell enjoy studying it. Maybe he'll find a use for it no one else could.

>[ ] "I'm going to go somewhere else now. I'd thank you for the place to stay but you tried to mind rape me."
>[ ] "I'd thank you for the breakfast but you owed me."
>[ ] Portal out, no reason to be here anymore.
>[ ] Figure out your super genius phone, you just barely got it last night
>[ ] Write In.

>>3753939
>Thanks Strange. You fine with me dropping in every now and then or am I still on magic probation?

>>3753939
if i have some intestinal issues or start laying eggs i will try to get in contact with you

>>3753939
both of these >>3753954 >>3754007

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Thanks Strange. You fine with me dropping in every now and then or am I still on magic probation?"
>[X] "If I have some intestinal issues or start laying eggs, I will try to get in contact with you."

He's probably going to say no, but it couldn't hurt to ask him if you can. If he says yes, it'll give you many opportunities to worm your way back into the magic pedophile's good graces. You're going to be stuck with the advanced stuff if you can't wean off his knowledge some more.

Rising from the dining table, you pick up the pile of scales in your hand.

"Thanks Strange. You fine with me dropping in every now and then or am I still on magic probation?"

Doctor Mind Diddler lets out a hum of his own.

"Kojo, you can teleport in from time to time, but I will not teach you anymore magic or stop monitoring your actions inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. I'll keep myself notified of your public actions and pop in on you from time to time to see if you are really who you say you are."

You cluck your tongue as you make a hand gesture to the floor beneath you, forming the beginnings of a portal.

"If I have some intestinal issues or start laying eggs, I will try to get in contact with you."

The wizard chuckles maliciously.

"Oh, you'll be back."

Rolling your eyes, you fall through a portal and on to a rooftop several blocks away from the Hunts Point base.

He might be suspicious when you don't go back to get magically dewormed but there's nothing he can really do to check how you avoided getting tapewormed. You can just say you magicked it out of you like the spell-slinging soul eater you are even if he doesn't believe you. Maybe you can mock him for it and bring up the pedophilic mind rapist thing in such a way to suggest him wanting to get into your ass to check.

A grin spreads across your face.

That definitely might push him but it'd be worth it to see his face.

>[ ] Reverse teleport back to the Sanctum Sanctorum, you need a morning coffee and it might as well be with your would-be mind rapist.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, you could both probably use a morning coffee while you go over your inheritance.
>[ ] Figure out your genius phone, you just barely got it last night.
>[ ] Dial Deirdre, you need to know what she knows.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

Nodded the fuck out again, have this early update.

>>3755491
>[ ] Dial Deirdre, you need to know what she knows.
Try to get some answers before we're dealing with inheritance issues

>>3755491
>[ ] Dial Deirdre, you need to know what she knows.
Wait, shouldn't we somehow acquire a new burner phone? Or mess with the genius phone?

Voting closed; writing now.

>Wait, shouldn't we somehow acquire a new burner phone? Or mess with the genius phone?
you'll be making the call on the genius phone for safety

>>3755792
ah yeah, genius phone has anti-tracking but the option to mess with it is to figure out other things it can do or has like AI, right? I guess for now using it for calls is fine

>[X] Dial Deirdre, you need to know what she knows.

>(1/2)

Whether you like it or not, you need to find out just what exactly she knew about your parents and what she knows about you. It's inevitable you'd talk to her sooner or later: she's the only one from those forgotten days who's left and has moved on. You're not sure how to deal with her, though. Her attitude, words, and touch feel all too surreal. There's something deep inside you she calls out to and you have no idea what it is.

You let out a heavy sigh as you whip out the keyboard-less rectangle in your pocket.

A small tap to the screen makes it reveal the current time of 6:29AM. Humming, you swipe your finger across the screen for the clock to change to the upper left corner of the screen parallel to a battery icon on the right. A phone, text bubble, Internet web, camera, and gear icon rest at the bottom of the screen above three straight lines, a square, and a left arrow.

Blinking at the odd assortment of small images, you tap on the phone icon and hum a pleased tune at the sight of a keypad with a green phone button of sorts beneath the calling characters.

You input Deirdre's number and take a deep breath as you set the bar of thin plastic to your right ear.

Three drones irritate your ear before the line finally breaks.

"...Mhm, hello?"

Silence is all that escapes your lips when you part them.

Really, you have no idea what to say or even think in this kind of situation.

Muffled ruffling of sheets fuzzes through the genius phone's well-made speakers.

"Hello?"

>(2/2)

This has never happened before in your entire life and quite possibly in all of human history. No one has ever met one of their mother's bisexual concubines, who has a grudge of sorts against your father, after hosting a personal press conference and turning themselves in to the police. You would've laughed and applauded who'd ever tell you this absurd ass situation before you were actually in it. If there is an almighty God Above All, you bet they were laughing their metaphysical, non-existant ass off when they had the idea to make this happen.

A small surprised cry of sorts comes in through the other line.

"Kwadwo?"

You let out a sigh.

"...Why do you keep calling me Kwadwo?"

Deidre giggles in relief.

"It was the first name your mother thought about calling you. She realized it was a bit too foreign and that you'd obviously be bullied for it right after, so she chose to name you Kojo instead. Not that I don't mind calling you Kojo, I just think Kwadwo is a little more... cuter and special."

Rolling your eyes, a small scoff escapes your lips before you freeze.

She was there that day.

...

...

>[ ] "My name, you stitched it on to something I used to wear, think it might've been my baby clothes. I had the rags wrapped around my neck like a scarf for as long as I could remember... it's gone now."
>[ ] "...You were one of my mother's lovers, weren't you? Augusto told me everything."
>[ ] "Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"
>[ ] "What happened after I was born?"
>[ ] "How did... How did mom die?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3756064
>[ ] "...You were one of my mother's lovers, weren't you? Augusto told me everything."
>[ ] "I have a lot of questions to ask you. I hope you have time to answer them right now, because this might take a while."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...You were one of my mother's lovers, weren't you? Augusto told me everything."
>[X] "I have a lot of questions to ask you. I hope you have time to answer them right now, because this might take a while."

It's incredibly awkward to bring this up first, but the other shit on your mind is too big to bring up right now. You definitely won't have enough time to get through everything: a woman with a full family likely has little free time to herself. Taking her away from that life isn't something you want to do either.

"...You were one of my mother's lovers, weren't you? Augusto told me everything."

A shocked grunt escapes Deirdre's lips.

"That son of a bitch actually mentioned me?! Ugh, nevermind. I'm sorry, Kwadwo, your father's a bit of a... sore spot for me: he was a sore spot for everyone who loved and cared for Thema. What is Augusto doing nowadays? When did you two meet? Was he really working for Fisk?"

You frown.

"I have a lot of questions to ask you. I hope you have time to answer them right now, because this might take a while."

The Black Irish woman hums.

"I have to make breakfast for my little munchkins in an hour and go to work in three."

Nodding, you walk to the edge of the roof.

"Guess I won't keep you then."

Deirdre lets out a small cry.

"Don't go, I've got plenty of time; come on, talk to me, Kwadwo."

You grumble.

"No, I shouldn't intrude on your free time. I'm sorry for waking you up."

A clucking tongue comes in from the other line.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You called, I'm here, Augusto's apparently still alive, and I've got a lot you need to here from someone who isn't... him. Please, little Kwadwo, I need you to know and I need to know you."

Sitting down on the ledge, you dangle your legs over the edge.

You really don't want to have this conversation even though you know you need to.

>[ ] "My name, you stitched it on to something I used to wear, think it might've been my baby clothes. I had the rags wrapped around my neck like a scarf for as long as I could remember... it's gone now."
>[ ] "...I killed my old man after I figured out who he was and heard all he had to say about my mother."
>[ ] "My father and I met by chance seven or so years ago; I was homeless, human, and... broken."
>[ ] "Augusto... My father's dead. Kingpin... Fisk had him killed."
>[ ] "Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"
>[ ] "What happened after I was born?"
>[ ] "How did... How did mom die?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3756501
>dad got ganked by kingpin option
>I had that scarf with that name on it option

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Augusto... My father's dead. Kingpin... Fisk had him killed."
>[X] "My name, you stitched it on to something I used to wear, think it might've been my baby clothes. I had the rags wrapped around my neck like a scarf for as long as I could remember... it's gone now."

>(1/2)

Best way to get her to lay off on her questions to you is mentioning what happened to him. It'd be technically true if you were hired or payed in any way to splatter his brains, but you weren't. She'll probably think you're a monster if you tell her the truth; she wouldn't be wrong but you wouldn't like hearing it from her voice.

You sigh.

"Augusto... My father's dead. Kingpin... Fisk had him killed."

Silence fills the air for a moment.

"...Kojo, I'm so sorry to hear that: in spite of everything, he was still your father. How do you know that, though? Wait, Fisk was the crimelord Kingpin? How do you know that?"

Groaning, you lay your upper body down flat against the gravel roof.

"Everyone who's lived on the streets and known someone connected long enough knows that. As for when I met... Gus and figured it out, it's complicated." Your groan increases in intensity. "There are so many complicated fucking things that happened around that crazy bastard."

Deirdre giggles.

"Yeah, he was a real piece of work... Sorry, I don't know how to process all of this."

You laugh back.

"That makes two of us, I haven't been able to make sense of anything since all of this went down." A frown makes its way back on to your face. "I... I've been losing sense of who I am since all of this started. Don't think I'll ever be the same way again and I don't know whether that's good or bad."

>(2/2)

A soft coo chimes out of the genius phone's speakers.

"Kwadwo, you are the only child of Thema L. Moon and Augusto Reyes. Above all that, you are you: you are whoever you decide to be and you've decided that you're Kojo Reyes. Remember that and never forget it no matter what happens or comes your way." She laughs again. "Can't believe I didn't pick up you'd met your father when I heard that last name. Then again, lots of Latino kids pick it up. It does sound strong and regal."

You smile as a warm feeling engulfs your chest.

"My name, you stitched it on to something I used to wear, think it might've been my baby clothes. I had the rags wrapped around my neck like a scarf for as long as I could remember... it's gone now."

The Black Irish woman squees uncontrollably from the other line.

"Aww, that sounds so adorable! I wish I could've scene you wear your clothes like that, it sounds so cute despite being so sad. Don't worry about losing it, though. We all lose things from our past, whether they're precious or just small things we don't think twice about. You're still here and you're still you, aren't you? Everything's fine. Wouldn't have suited you to have a scarf with your old name either."

A hum rumbles in your throat as you thin your lips out against each other.

You know what she means, but she doesn't know just who you were back then. Even though you're struggling now, at least you aren't what you once were. Oblivion is a more comforting thought than ever being that waste of space. He should've died a long time ago and birthed you from his corpse like the disgusting chrysalis he was.

>[ ] "Dad was Kingpin's bloody right hand. Not really official in any capacity but he was his go-to enforcer. I did save Kingpin a long time ago but I have trouble remembering it. Don't know whether I should've let him die or not for the fortune or for Gus' life."
>[ ] "Is there anyone else left from my mother's clique?"
>[ ] "Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"
>[ ] "What happened after I was born?"
>[ ] "How did... How did mom die?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3757552
>>[ ] "Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"
>>[ ] "What happened after I was born?"
>>[ ] "How did... How did mom die?"
good night sisters birthday soon so must sleep

not quite late but i'm feeling pretty damn tired

will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

thots for questions?

>>3757639
Ditto

>>3757639
Ditto

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"
>[X] "What happened after I was born?"
>[X] "How did... How did mom die?"

>(1/2)

Delving deeper into the conundrum that was your father isn't where you want this conversation to go. You already met the man and have a decent idea of who he was but still don't really know who your mother was to everyone else. From the way Gus talked about her, you can't be sure he wasn't looking through rose-tinted glasses. Deirdre probably might talk about her through the same nostalgic lens, though.

"Just who was my mother? Who was she really?"

The wistful sigh of a former enchanted lover wisps through your genius phone's speaker.

"Your mother, Thema, was... so strong, vibrant, and filled with love. I know how she might sound on account of the whole lesbian harem thing but none of us really had a problem with that: Thema made us all feel so secure and cared for. We could say no whenever we wanted to and could date one another. She was a bit weird about us being with people she'd never been with before. It was some strange animal instinct she had, think she got it from her mutant powers."

Cringing, you let out a groan.

It looks like that really is some weird mutant thing your mother passed on to you.

"I already know about the harem, can we just talk about her."

An understanding hum hymns in your ear.

"Sorry, Kwadwo, I got a little carried away. Thema loved life, outcasts, broken people, and other people from broken homes. Her own experience with her family shaped her up that way. She wanted to help those who couldn't help themselves so she made up her own little crew of runaways, street kids, and former gangster boys who got sick of the game... like your father. I'm not sure why your mother forgave Gus for what he did to her and fell in love with him, but I think his brokenness spoke to her. There was something beautiful she saw inside him that only she could see or at least that's what she told me... She loved you with every fiber her of being for the brief time she held you in her arms."

>(2/2)

You frown.

Love isn't real. There can't be such a thing like love in this world. You've seen and lived through more than enough to know that. No amount of subjective experience other people from other far well-off circumstances have will convince you otherwise.

"What happened after I was born?"

Silence fills the air for a moment.

"...Your mother passed and I was left alone with you. I raised you with the rest of the group over time, but we fell apart in a year without Thema to guide us or center us. Your father left before we found out Thema was pregnant and all we heard before he did was that he was going to try seeking a better life for himself somewhere away from Hunts Point. I took care of you for three years after the group fell apart and... did things so you'd be safe and cared for. One day, the gang we were with got ambushed by another crew and wiped out. I tried looking for you through the fire fight but you were either taken somewhere safe by one of the boys or walked out of the warehouse on your own. That was when we were separated."

A sigh of your own escapes your lips as you stare out into the dark, early morning sky.

"How did... How did mom die?"

Deirdre sobs.

"You... You weren't moving inside of her. She told me her bone mutations were getting in the way of your birth so she tore herself open to bring you into the world and to save your life. The gash was too wide for her to heal fast enough and she lost too much of her blood. She... Thema held you in her arms and breast-fed you until the very end."

Emptiness once again aches in your chest.

You weren't alone, at least not at first.

>[ ] "...Did you notice anything about me when I was an infant or a newborn? Was there something odd about my behavior?"
>[ ] "How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"
>[ ] "My father, how was he back in those days?"
>[ ] "When you touched me... you felt familiar."
>[ ] "Just what did my mother enjoy doing?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3760140
>[ ] "Just what did my mother enjoy doing?"
Aside from the obvious.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Just what did my mother enjoy doing?"

Thema being a vibrant person doesn't really say much about her other than the fact she was the polar opposite of the kind of person you and your father once were. If there's anything you found out about her, it's that she was hedonistic and carefree; possible she hated being alone too. Someone as strong as she must've been just doesn't form groups for company unless they hate being on their lonesome or like being worshiped.

"Just what did my mother enjoy doing?"

The Black Irish woman laughs through her sobs.

"Singing, her voice was like a choir with that mutant strength; hopping from rooftop to rooftop, fighting, trying out new foods, taking care of our little street rats, finding new ways to tease us, and just... living. Thema was a woman who lived life to the fullest when she could."

A small hum rumbles in your throat.

"The more I hear about her the more I think she was a hedonist."

Deirdre laughs harder.

"She was. I thought she and everyone else in her little harem was a slut before she swept me off my feet. Maybe she is shallower than I remember he being but that doesn't change who she was and what she did for other people."

You glance at your genius phone from the corner of your eye.

"None of that seemed to end well for her."

Silence fills the air followed by an agreeing hum.

"...It didn't, but she enjoyed it all nonetheless. And in her final act, she brought you into this world." Another laugh comes through the line. "When I saw the way she looked at you and held you, I knew there was no one else in the entire world she loved more than you."

Furrowing your brow, you run your free hand through your hair.

She keeps saying that word like you view it the same way they all do: like you're one of them or were ever given much less felt it. Love is an empty word for something that doesn't exist, glorifying attachment even more. You don't need love, you don't need anyone. Marcus and the others may have helped you in the past but you're the one who survived off that river of blood to get here.

>[ ] "...Did you notice anything about me when I was an infant or a newborn? Was there something odd about my behavior?"
>[ ] "How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"
>[ ] "My father, how was he back in those days?"
>[ ] "When you touched me... you felt familiar."
>[ ] "Just what is love to you?"
>[ ] Write In.

Forgive the wait. As you can see, got setup back in my old place 'cause the cuz got back.

>>3760780
>>[ ] "My father, how was he back in those days?"

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Thots or questions, mein freunds?

>>3761910
Eventually, Kojo will awaken. What will happen then is anybody's guess.

>>3761934
Yes, but do you know what Awakening entails?

>>3761951
Nope

>>3761987
Give it time, you'll learn.

When You Awaken
And shed Your mortal coil
The World that has forgotten
Will one day remember
And when the World shall listen
And when You will speak
That Which is You will see
That Which is You will remember
And You will strike down upon the World
That Which is You will have Your Vengeance
And You will strike down with furious Anger
And that World which is not of You will know Your Name
And that World will cease to be.

this has been cryptic prophetic chants ripped from skyrim and pulp fiction with a fun guy, i've hoped you've enjoyed the ominousness

>>3762039
why yes i am liking it now we need some background music for it

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "My father, how was he back in those days?"

Augusto seemed a lot like what you would be if you never really stopped being the old young you. He was a lot more self-aware of his situation than you ever were, but he was still a broken shell of a person. Man did liven up a bit when he was talking about your mother, though, and... during his last moments with you.

"My father, how was he back in those days?"

Deirdre groans.

"He was like a machine: a walking, rarely talking, and very often killing machine. I don't really know much else about him to say anything more. Although, he did seem to like being around Thema. The bastard actually smiled once when she was around and they thought they were alone."

You raise an odd eyebrow.

"When they thought they were alone?"

Once again, silence comes over the line.

"...I just walked in on him smiling at her one day on accident, I swear."

A small judgemental hum crackles in your throat.

"You were spying on them, weren't you?"

The former concubine whines.

"I wasn't the only one and Gus was keeping our queen all to himself; women have needs too, Kwadwo."

Rolling your eyes, you let out a groan.

"Boy do I ever."

A mischievous giggle chimes in your ear.

"Oh Kwadwo, aren't you the little playboy. Already had your first time?" She squeals in delight. "Tell me all about her or him, I know if you're anything like your mother you don't really care about gender; still together, just friends, or did you make a cute little harem?"

The image of a pale brunette with numerous bullet-holes in her bleeding corpse courtesy of the Bratva flashes through your mind.

"...Uh, she's dead actually and I'm not really with anyone."

Deirdre cries a small shocked cry.

"Oh... Was there anyone else in your life while you were together or were you seeing other people?"

You blink as a warmth envelops your entire body

"...Can we please talking about my romantic and sex life? This is somehow far more awkward than just knowing I'm talking to a woman among many who used to sleep with my mother."

Nervous laughs fill your ear.

"Ah, sorry: I got a little carried away. It just makes me happy to know you're alright and have been living a life since we were separated. I'm sure if Thema were here, she'd be asking you the same things."

Groaning, you focus again on the early morning sky.

This is far too awkward to be enjoyable yet you can't help but feel a strange sense of joy at it all.

>[ ] "...You know, Deirdre, you're... you're the closest thing I have to a mother now."
>[ ] "How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"
>[ ] "Is there anyone else left from my mother's clique?"
>[ ] "When you touched me... you felt familiar."
>[ ] "Just what is love to you?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3763268
>[ ] "How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"
>[ ] "Are there any other family left? Anybody related to Thelma you know about or heard of from her? If not that, then anyone else left from my mother's clique?"
Kojo needs info, leads, something to pursue about this shit he's uncovering and digesting inside him.

>>3763362
support

Voting closed; writing now.
>>3763362
it's thema, you fuuuuuuck, thema

if that was your auto-correct i'm sorry

>>3763601
Yeah, autocorrect got me

>[X] "How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"
>[X] "Is there anyone else in my family left? Anybody related to Thema you know about or heard of from her? If not that, then anyone else left from my mother's clique?"

>(1/2)

No more of this incredibly awkward conversation about your topsy-tervy sex life. There are far more important things you need to know about your mother and your family. You've gotta find a legal connection between yourself and your mother to help clear up your identity and get yourself a passport. Without that, you can't exactly claim you inheritance without some sort of dispute from Vanessa Fisk or some grimy legal government fuck.

"How did you get out of Hunts Point? Did you look for me before leaving?"

A confirming hum vibrates through your genius phone's speakers.

"The gang that took over was... tired of me after a while, so they let me go. I looked all over Hunts Point for you over entire months but no one knew anything about where you were or who you were with. You must've been hidden somewhere or stayed put in a secluded squat." Sobs break the Black Irish woman's stride. "The gangs started to get more violent, Hunts Point turned into a warzone, I couldn't find you, and I had to choose between getting a ride out of Hunts Point or continue looking for you in that hell. I'm sorry, Kojo, I abandoned you."

You thin your lips out into a thin line.

>(2/2)

What you expected to hear but still not what you would've liked, not that there's any answer you could have.

"Is there anyone else in my family left? Anybody related to Thema you know about or heard of from her? If not that, then anyone else left from my mother's clique?"

Small sniffles whisper in your ear.

"Thema had parents but she never told me where they lived or visited them when she was with us: they both startled struggling with one another after she mutated. It was all downhill when they moved here from France. For a while, I tried to find them so you could get some proper care and to tell them what happened to Thema but I never did. The two of them might still be out there somewhere. I'm not sure if there's anyone else left from the group besides you and me."

A hum of your own rumbles in your throat.

So long as your grandparents are immigrants, there will be some legal record kept in the Department of Homeland Security. Nelson & Murdock can probably help you with that. A genetic test to determine whether or not you are your grandparents' grandchild will be the next step. You're golden when you've proved some kind of relation.

>[ ] "Thanks for the info, Deirdre... Forget about me. Forget about my mother, my father, my grandparents, and everything else. I can't... Being part of my life will just get you hurt."
>[ ] "...Did you notice anything about me when I was an infant or a newborn? Was there something odd about my behavior?"
>[ ] "...You know, Deirdre, you're... you're the closest thing I have to a mother now."
>[ ] "Did my mother ever mention being put on some kind of government registry?"
>[ ] "When you touched me... you felt familiar."
>[ ] "Just what is love to you?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3763944
>[ ] "Thanks for the info, Deirdre. I'll try to keep in touch more than once every fifteen years."
That was a lot of good info. We can't get rid of her quite yet without it being suspicious but I've got an idea or two for down the line.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Thanks for the info, Deirdre. I'll try to keep in touch more than once every fifteen years."

That was all you really needed to know; all of the rest was just you letting your feelings come before your professionalism. Knowing now will stop you from wondering but will always leave you with the emptiness that comes with not actually knowing for yourself who exactly your parents were. The Augusto you met was a broken man who had little to actually live for but you, who he tried to protect and was murdered by.

At the very least, you now know what you did to your old man could've very well been a mercy killing.

"Thanks for the info, Deirdre. I'll try to keep in touch more than once every fifteen years."

Giggling once again chimes through the line.

"It's been twelve, Kwadwo. Please, don't forget that I'm always here for you and there'll always be a place for you in my home and at my family's dinner table."

You let out a sigh as you slide your thumb done the genius phone's screen.

"I will."

Pressing down on the red hangup button in the middle of the phone call screen, you slip the priceless slim rectangle of plastic into your pocket and sigh.

You know what she knows now and don't ever really have to call her again, unless she keeps trying to get closer to you. She seems understanding enough to listen to you if you ever tell her to back off. There is a life of hers completely separate to the one she had in Hunts Point and with your family. While there's nothing holding you back from intruding, you really don't want to.

A well executed kip-up lands you back on to your feet.

It's strange to finally know that it's really possible for someone to leave Hunts Point, crime, and their old life behind to start a new one somewhere else. Deirdre wasn't really a criminal but she had to be with them for your sake. Woman doesn't seem to regret it one bit somehow.

Looking up to the sky, you focus beyond the expanse.

There's nothing else for you besides this life, there's nowhere for you to flee, and there's no respect you can have for those who chain themselves to the confines of this pathetic society.

You lower your gaze down to the horizon.

Everything in New York City is yours now, and you're not gonna stop here.

>[ ] Reverse teleport back to the Sanctum Sanctorum, you need a morning coffee and it might as well be with your would-be mind rapist.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, you could both probably use a morning coffee while you go over your inheritance.
>[ ] Lay back and wait for the day to be up and going, Nelson & Murdock won't be open until the mid-morning.
>[ ] Figure out your genius phone, you just barely got it last night.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3764590
>[ ] Lay back and wait for the day to be up and going, Nelson & Murdock won't be open until the mid-morning.
>[ ] Figure out your genius phone, you just barely got it last night.
Mess around with the phone while waiting

>>3764590
this >>3764620

Voting closed; writing now.

Getting a bit too tired to write. Will finish doing so and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

thots or questions, anons?

What do you think of Deirdre and Kojo's ever growing complicated feelings about family and shit?

>>3764971
The whole Dierdre thing is very iffy. I'm still not sure what extent we can trust her, if at all. It definitely helps flesh out everything a bit more though.

>[X] Lay back and wait for the day to be up and going, Nelson & Murdock won't be open until the mid-morning.
>[X] Figure out your genius phone, you just barely got it last night.

Silvio's an old man who needs his old man rest to continue being an old man for a little while longer, and Strange is a filthy filthy would-be mind rapist pedophile. You didn't call Deirdre just to talk about your parents for a while without figuring out a way you could claim your identity. Of course, you already knew you could do that, but you had to be reminded. Some more rest will do you some good, anyway: that dream you had disturbed your rest. May as well figure out your new toy while your at it

You drop back down to the ground and pull out Tinkerer's masterfully crafted block of plastic.

With a tap to the screen, the genius thing displays the current time again. A hum chimes in your throat as you swipe the screen away to what seems to be the 'home' screen. Examining the screen for a second more careful time reveals a small see-through square of sorts above the screen's bottom icons.

A swipe to the left does nothing but a diagonal swipe shifts the screen to one of a plethora of a different little images and more little squares.

Blinking, you examine each icon with some interest before letting out a sigh as you press down on one.

Three or so hours of being glued to your new phone pass until you have a decent idea of everything it does.

Four buttons rest on the sides of the phone itself, two for volume, one for power, and one that brings up the settings menu where the SIM card editor options are.

In terms of apps: there's a recorder, the internet, a chess game, a calculator, some kind of police scanner, a music player, a camera, a map app that tells you where you are by satellite, a file browser, some kind of security app that monitors your genius phone for outside malicious data, a sticky notes app, a photo gallery, a clock, and a calendar.

You could've made do without all the little convenient apps, but it's nice to have and to know Phineas went out of his way to program them all.

>[ ] Reverse teleport back to the Sanctum Sanctorum, you need a morning coffee and it might as well be with your would-be mind rapist.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, you could both probably use a morning coffee while you go over your inheritance.
>[ ] Call up Nelson & Murdock, they should be open by now and they are your lawyers.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3766153
>[ ] Call up Nelson & Murdock, they should be open by now and they are your lawyers.
Let's get moving

>>3766365
support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Call up Nelson & Murdock, they should be open by now and they are your lawyers.

>(1/2)

While you would very much like to and should get into touch with your lieutenants after a month of only talking to two small-time supervillains while being serenaded by two madmen and a beta-male, you've got more pressing matters to handle.

You press down on the 'home' screen icon, press down on the green phone, and input the firm's number.

Three dials drone in your ear before the line breaks.

"Hello!" A familiar blond-sounding voice chimes. "You've reached Nelson & Murdock, how can we help you?"

Grinning, you look up at the brightening sky.

"Can you put me into contact with Matthew or Mr. Nelson? It's Kojo Reyes, I'm in need of further legal counsel: it's nothing major like last time but this is something I just can't do on my own."

You hear a small, nervous grunt come from the other line.

"I-I'll let them now, I'll put you on hold for a few minutes."

An understanding hum rumbles in your throat as the woman clicks out and a painfully familiar tune fills your ear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBlFHuCzPgY

Blinking, you hold your phone out from your ear and stare at your super genius phone.

The Tune of Infinite Boring Misery has followed you here and infiltrated one of your assets. Surely it has spread its song of despair and mundaneness to other areas you dabble in. Every elevator in Fisk Towers will probably have this same song playing on repeat forever. You'll have to languish in complete and utter boredom every time you take the elevator if you never cleanse this world of this cursed filth.

>(2/2)

Life-saving line cracking pulls you out of your melodramatic inner monologue.

"Mr. Reyes, I did not expect to hear from you again." A blind man's voice almost grumbles through.

You sigh as you put the phone back to your ear.

"Mr. Murdock, you almost sound disappointed. I need your help proving my identity, attaining a passport, and a social security number."

The Blindman lets out a small hum.

"We're not exactly a firm equipped to handle a matter like that. Have you tried approaching others more capable of such things?"

Shaking your head, you hum a 'nuh-uh.'

"I can't and don't exactly trust anyone else for this kind of job. I already have a few leads as to proving my identity; I just need your help presenting my case."

All you hear for the next few seconds is silence.

"...We'll do what we can, for a modest fee of course."

You raise a curious eyebrow.

It seems they're done with charity, in your case at least.

"I'll compensate you and your firm appropriately, Mr. Murdock."

The man hums confirmingly.

"Is there anything else you require from us, Mr. Reyes?"

Yet another hum of your own purrs in your throat.

There's not much but you do have a few questions.

>[ ] "Nope, goodbye Mr. Murdock. I'll be right with you in a second or two."
>[ ] "Have you been sleeping well? You sound tired and a little grumbly."
>[ ] "Your receptionist sounded... nervous."
>[ ] "How exactly do you know Luke Cage?"
>[ ] "Do you doubt I am who I say I am?"
>[ ] "I'll come by when I can."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3766629
>[ ] "Do I need to make an appointment or can I just head over? You sound tired so if you'd rather an easier day than dealing with my unique situation I'd understand."
Throw him off his game a bit more. Keep him confused and second guessing himself as much as possible. Also for the love of God don't teleport or leap there, with his bullshit senses he'd know something's up.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Do I need to make an appointment or can I just head over? You sound tired so if you'd rather an easier day than dealing with my unique situation I'd understand."

Antagonizing the man who potentially has control of your papers isn't a good idea. Best to just throw him off his game by playing the concerned citizen. If he puts up the attitude, he's the asshole.

"Do I need to make an appointment or can I just head over? You sound tired so if you'd rather an easier day than dealing with my unique situation I'd understand."

Once again, silence falls upon the phone line.

"...Thank you for noticing, Mr. Reyes, but I will be fine. You'll have to make an appointment, however: we've gotten an influx of cases since we handled yours."

You relax against the building roof and admire the sky.

"I'd say you owe me for that, but you did handle my case for free. Maybe when we're done with this legal matter, I can pay you for my freedom. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for me."

The blind man takes a breath.

"While we would've taken payment for your first case, the matter has been handled already and it would be against our own personal ethics. Paying us for help in proving you are truly Kojo Reyes is far more in line with our ethical guidlines. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until we're done with our other new cases."

Nodding, you raise your upper body off the gravel rooftop.

"Guess I'll stop keeping you then, when do you think you'll be done with your other cases?"

Another hum emits clearly from the other line.

"Several days, a week or two at most."

You cluck your tongue as you lay back down on the cold building.

"I'll see you and Mr. Nelson in some time, Mr. Murdock."

Tapping your finger on the end-call button on the screen, you let out a groan.

It's possible for you to get other lawyers to help you out, but they'd probably ask for more than what N&M would on account of your whole fortune thing. Silvio could help with that, though you'd prefer doing this on your own: this could lead to your possibly still living grandparents. While you are warming up to the old man as he is you, you're still not comfortable outright mentioning your family much less telling him you might still have some left.

>[ ] Reverse teleport back to the Sanctum Sanctorum, you need a morning coffee and it might as well be with your would-be mind rapist.
>[ ] Portal back to Silvio's, you could both probably use a morning coffee while you go over your inheritance.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

thots or questions, my dogs?

>>3767090
>Go get a coffee at a regular Cafe
Let's not push our luck with Strange. We can meet with Silvio later in the day under the guise of talking about the will. Going to need to find a way to kill a week fast that's not suspicious.

>>3767151
Was Matt tired from his regular DD shenanigans or was he out looking for Kojo?

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3767570
I don't see how Matt would have any way to find or follow Kojo. Must've been someone he met before, like a giant black guy.

>>3768095
I really want to check in with everybody but I think the safest bet would be waiting until we have our inheritance.

>[X] Go get a coffee at a regular Cafe.

Testing Strange isn't bound to end well and you kind of want to be alone right now: it's not often you hear from your mother's former concubine how she and your father were like before she had to prostitute herself for your sake. Some time is required to process that kind of shit. Coffee and solitude are just the perfect things to help you with that.

Kip-upping to your feet, you slide your super genius phone back in your pocket and turn to Mott Haven's direction.

A neat little coffee shop rests on East 140th street. Been a while since you've been there and a while since you've had coffee in the Bronx in general. Many many different people are probably going to recognize you, immediately putting two and two together. The rumors might be true but they have no way of being sure they are though.

You shrug before leaping from the rooftop the next one over.

Rooftop hopping again for the first time in a pretty long time, you can't help but grin as the wind streaks by your body, flowing along with it and against it in your small trek.

Someone like you isn't meant to be confined in a small room for a month, much less a day. There's far too much outside for you not to enjoy. A big bright and blue sky most of all along with your freedom. Maybe there's something in being caged for like you're missing but you couldn't give a damn about it.

A minute or two of slow-paced hopping goes by until you land right in front of the Mottley Kitchen's entrance.

Three or so passerbys stop to stare at you while you yourself ignore them, open the door, and just walk inside.

Pretty much everyone in the motley Mott Haven coffee shop stops to stare at you.

Ignoring the stares you are completely used to, you approach the shocked counterman and glance up to the overhead menu. A curious hum purrs in your throat as your eyes come across a strange coffee drink you've never had. You're not sure if it's artifically flavored or not but you're still willing to try even if you can tell the annoying difference.

"I'd like an horchata latte large."

The light browned man blinks before nodding.

"...Five dollars and fifty cents, please."

You take out your wallet, hand over the cash, walk over to the corner table of the shop, and sit down.

Not gonna be long until your drink is set down but you could do something else other than just have a coffee.

>[ ] Mull over the recent events, processing is important for a fucked up person like yourself's mental health.
>[ ] Just wait for your coffee, you don't feel like doing anything at all right now.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3768422
>[ ] Mull over the recent events, processing is important for a fucked up person like yourself's mental health.
Maybe attempt to chat up whoever brings our coffee. Seem personable. Make sure to keep the common folk on your side.

>>3768441
support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Mull over the recent events, processing is important for a fucked up person like yourself's mental health.

>(1/2)

Besides Deirdre's whole deal, you've recently spent an entire month doing nothing but talking with a couple of Spidey villains. Marko and O'Hirn were good company while Scorpion's wall scraping will be at the back of your mind for a while. Electro's fits were amusing albeit annoying as a crybaby orphan whining about their stupid dead parents. Complete isolation is more your game but you'd have to have gotten into trouble inside the prison to get that, which would've increased your sentence.

You look down from the coffee shop's mind-numbing white walls to the colorful smoky brown wooden table.

A sensory deprivation tank would've been preferable to the pure white walls of that fucking cell. The darkness and nothingness of black is far more better than blank blinding existence of white. You spent your childhood in the dark and most of you life in it. Only color is better than good ole' sable. For a few years, all you really did was stare at the sky.

Groaning, you raise a hand to run through you hair.

Prison honestly wasn't that bad: you're just trying to ignore the elephant on your mind. It's easier to contemplate something that kind of sucked than something you have various different conflicting feelings about. Fullness and emptiness unbearable feelings to have at the same time.

You rake your hand back down your face and sigh.

They can still be out there, your grandparents: you still might have family in this world. You're not sure if anyone from your father's side was still alive, but the man never bothered to mention them. To him, they may as well have been dead if they weren't already.

A nervous young woman walks by your table with the drink your ordered in hand.

"H-here's your horchata latte, sir."

In the middle of putting down your drink, you grab the woman's wrist.

"Do you have any family?"

Your waiter whore blinks and freezes.

"...I have parents, an aunt, a cousin, and two brothers."

>(2/2)

A hum rumbles in your throat as you furrow your brow.

"If you had a relatively close relative you didn't know about and knew... getting close would put them in danger, would you do it? Would you put their lives at risk for the off chance of knowing what it's like to have a family?"

The entire room lays in silence while the young girl ties her best to process what you just said.

"...I-I already have a family."

You sigh.

"That's not really relevant to the hypothetical; would you do it if you were an orphan who never met his parents, only heard about them, but learned his grandparents might still be alive?"

Mrs. Waiter Whore Baiter blinks her dumb brown eyes again.

"Are you alright, sir?"

Rolling your own demon eyes, you groan.

"I've never once been in the normal socially accepted position of alright." Your voice breaks. "I need you to answer my question... please."

The woman's eyes soften with the same pity once in Felon and Claire's eyes as she relaxes in your grasp.

"Don't know what I'd do. There's no real right or wrong choice in choosing to leave them out or approaching them. It all comes down to what you want and how you feel."

You let go and look down again at the now coffee cup holding table.

"...I never wanted anything before all of this; I'm not sure what I want anymore."

A strange patting sound emits from your head as a slender and weak force lightly presses down on it.

"Give it time, I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually."

The woman leaves without a word, leaving you with a strange heat in your cheeks.

Bitch patted you on the head like you were a giant fucking mutant demon cat.

>[ ] Start drinking your coffee, you didn't order it just to let it sit and cool.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] The fuck just happened?
>[ ] Write In.

>>3768931
>[ ] Start drinking your coffee, you didn't order it just to let it sit and cool.
>[ ] The fuck just happened?
Today's been a weird day.

>>3768931
>>[ ] Start drinking your coffee, you didn't order it just to let it sit and cool.
>>[ ] The fuck just happened?
"so this is the feeling businesses i have had lately and heard so much about"

>>3768931
>[ ] Start drinking your coffee, you didn't order it just to let it sit and cool.
>[ ] The fuck just happened?
>[ ] ...Am I really just a demon cat? Was Ren right all along?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Start drinking your coffee, you didn't order it just to let it sit and cool.
>[X] The fuck just happened?
>[X] ...Am I really just a demon cat? Was Ren right all along?

You obviously need a drink after all of that shit. Anyone who's had to experience such an out of the ordinary degrading act has to have a drink of some sorts. In your case, it's coffee. Something alcoholic would be more appropriate but that does less for you than coffee does.

Lifting up the cup, you take your first gulp out of the warm latte.

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat at the sweet plant milk taste. Good and bad that they didn't give you anything artificial. Bad because you don't have anything to distract you from the recent events and good because you don't like having to wrap your primal brain around artificial flavors.

Your memory of the earlier incident that took place not a minute or two ago once again resurfaces in your mind.

The fuck just happened?

A foolish mortal just patted you on the head and your foolish mortal puny mind self enjoyed it.

Raising a hand to rest your cheek on you, stare down at the brown table.

...Am I really just a demon cat? Was Ren right all along?

You and I share traits with apex felines but you and I are not of them: you and I are so much greater than they will ever be.

A groan escapes your lips as you fully bury your head in your palm.

So I really am just a demon cat.

I just told you that you weren't, puny mind.

Grumbling, you take your face out of you hand and take another gulp of coffee.

You said we shared similarities, henceforth I am 鬼猫. (Romanji: oni neko Translation: Demon Cat)

With every day, you grow even punier.

A smirk makes its way on to your lips.

I'm not the one who's basically a sapient demonic cat soul, constantly referring to people like they're things with an overinflated ego.

You do realize by insulting me you're insulting what is essentially everything that composes you, yes?

Nodding, you drink more sweet plant milk coffee.

In case you haven't noticed yet, I despise you and despise myself the more I realize just how fucked I am in general.

And you wonder why you and I exist like this, together but not as one.

You lean back in your seat and let out a pleased sigh.

That's completely fine, you despise the thought of actually being at peace with your twisted self.

>[ ] Mull over your situation more, you're kind of getting somewhere here.
>[ ] Continue drinking your coffee, it is really really good.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Thoughts or questions, my dudes?

>>3769588
Good shit as always dude

>>3769333
>[ ] Continue drinking your coffee, it is really really good.
>[ ] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.
We do need to meet to discuss the inheritance and whatever else we need to do to secure it.

>>3769333
This >>3769771

>>3769588
Part of me really wants to call out Bold Red with logic like
>Wait, if you and I really are one and the same, then you must have enjoyed it too.
>I know you're going to deny it, and that's what will make it certain.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Continue drinking your coffee, it is really really good.
>[X] Dial in Silvio's number, you've got shit to arrange.

>(1/2)

That's enough thinking about your fucked circumstances and your demonic kitty side for now. All of that shit can wait until your face to face with either your grandparents or their graves. It's already too late for you anyway.

Frowning, you lift up your cup and slurp more caffeine filled horchata coffee into your mouth.

You've got a decent enough lead on getting your identity sorted out. N&M are too busy right now, but Silvio could hook you up with someone who wouldn't charge that much and keep his mouth shut. Probably best to go through this entire thing with him: he does have your money in his pockets.

You take out your genius phone, swipe the clock screen away, press down on the phone icon near the bottom of the screen, and dial Silvio's number.

The line drones twice before breaking.

"Who is this?"

A small smile makes its way on to your face."

"It's me, old man; how's your morning going?"

Soft grandpa grumbling comes out of the genius phone's speakers.

"Moderately well. I sent a man to your room some time after I woke up to join me and Sophia in breakfast but you were gone without a trace."

Raising an eyebrow, you take a sip of your latte.

"There was other business I had to take care of. Was there a problem leaving my room or did you just take notice?"

The old man grumbling increases in volume.

"Sophia did not stop mentioning how much she was looking forward to meeting you again throughout the morning before my men took her to school."

You stiffle a laugh.

"My bad, Silvio. Didn't mean to leave you hanging with her like that. I can go see her later on today when she comes back."

>(2/2)

Grouchy Gray Lion hums.

"That would greatly lighten up her mood." He clears his throat. "Besides my granddaughter's passive aggressive mentions of you, I took notice of your absent because none of my many posted guards saw you exit my home. I can understand a person's need for privacy but you didn't have to avoid my entire guard to handle your other business."

An unrestrained chuckle passes from your lips.

"I didn't avoid your guards, actually."

Silence falls on the line.

"...They just didn't take notice of you?"

You hum in confirmation.

"Something like that, yeah."

Old man grumbling once again comes through from the other line.

"Feel free to keep your secrets, Don, but if there's a security flaw in my detail I would very much like to know."

You shake your head as you have a gulp of your coffee.

"No security flaws, at least not the kind you'd think of; not that there's any real way to prevent it."

Once again, the old man falls silent.

"...I see. Is there something you need, Don, or is this a social call?"

Another hum rumbles in your throat.

>[ ] "Could you have someone look into a family? Specifically an immigrant French family by the name of Moon?"
>[ ] "How have things been since I've been gone? What exactly is the underworld scene looking like?"
>[ ] "Is Vanessa Fisk going to be a problem? She was there at my trial."
>[ ] "Was Sophia really that nagging about me not being around?"
>[ ] "Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"
>[ ] "So, when do I get all of Kingpin's stuff?"
>[ ] "Meow, I'm a demon cat."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3770317
>[ ] "Could you have someone look into a family? Specifically an immigrant French family by the name of Moon?"
>[ ] "How have things been since I've been gone? What exactly is the underworld scene looking like?"
>[ ] "Is Vanessa Fisk going to be a problem? She was there at my trial."

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>>3770317
This >>3770460
but also Afungi, I was going thru my folders and organizing shit and I came across this fucking gem. Check it out.

>>3770478
,..I now want to write Jameson like this. I don't care how OOC it is, it is too fucking good to just pass up. Maybe I'll have him find out eventually but still keep up the act to drive Parker forward.

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>>3770317
Have another kino page

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>>3770484
Yet another kino page, got like 1-2 more I saved from several years back off some /co/ thread most likely

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>>3770484
I think I got one more

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>>3770484
No, two more

>>3770485
>>3770487
>>3770488
While super hero dick measuring isn't my thing, that Injustice page is fucking brutal.

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>>3770494
Yeah it's super good
Also here, one of two

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>>3770494
and two of two, enjoy

>>3770496
>>3770502
Ah, I love serious Spidey. If only his strength were more consistent. He'll always be weaker than Kojo but his bones won't break unless he punches something hard enough.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3770496
God if screwball ever shows up I want to kill her on sight.

>[X] "Could you have someone look into a family? Specifically an immigrant French family by the name of Moon?"
>[X] "How have things been since I've been gone? What exactly is the underworld scene looking like?"
>[X] "Is Vanessa Fisk going to be a problem? She was there at my trial."

>(1/2)

Although you're still not comfortable having the old man look into your family, you don't have much of a choice right now. You have to get your papers and a SSN if you're going to be someone who actually exists in the normal world. N&M are out of the questions so you may as well get it over with before anyone can question your claim to Fisk's shit.

"Could you have someone look into a family? Specifically an immigrant French family by the name of Moon?"

Silvio lets out a hum of his own.

"That's oddly specific, I'm guessing you know the family? There's a few people who can do that. It won't be for free, but the cost is usually inexpensive, Don. I'll make sure to give you any information they come up with."

Nodding, you take another gulp from your latte.

"How have things been since I've been gone? What exactly is the underworld scene looking like?"

The old man breathes in through his teeth.

"Incredibly stable. The only conflict that happened in the time you were away was a small shootout between the new gang forming under Barracuda in Northern Manhattan and the now undisputed Golden Tigers of South Manhattan. Ho and Cuda somehow resolved the issue before it could escalate into a war. It'd be suspicious if three major figures and factions in our own little world didn't die and collapse. Golden Tiger is still cementing their foothold, Cuda can't risk appearing weak after just splitting off from the rising head of the 893, the 893 can't risk appearing weak to the newly risen Kenji-kai, Kenji-kai can't make a move without fearing some kind of attack from me, and I can't make a move without fearing some reprisal from the up and coming gang newly formed in Staten Island, which has effectively slaughtered and assimilated every other small gang that paid tribute to Kingpin."

>(2/2)

You blink.

"Wait a second, that big bastard managed to play diplomat?"

A confirming hum rumbles from your genius phone's speaker.

"Somehow he did. I imagine while he would've enjoyed the bloodshed, he would've very much liked to avoid getting disposed by you more. While I'm aware he solved the issue, I don't know how exactly. Did Ho know Cuda was one of yours?"

Raising an eyebrow, you tilt your head to the side.

"How do you know he's one of mine? I don't think I ever told you."

Silvio 'eh's.

"It was obvious once I heard he somehow managed to split from your girlfriend: there's not a piece on the board you don't control now and I doubt you'd let one slip from your grasp."

You smile and nod at his words despite the fact he can't see you.

There's no way you're going to let a single thing ruin your plans.

Speaking of which.

"Is Vanessa Fisk going to be a problem? She was there at my trial."

The old man hums.

"Not quite sure, Don. She already has more than enough money to live off but she could be greedy. I don't know her personally, though, so this is all speculation."

You lean back in your chair and take another gulp of your latte.

Wildcards are things you are not comfortable sharing the game board with.

>[ ] "Was Sophia really that nagging about me not being around?"
>[ ] "Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"
>[ ] "So, when do I get all of Kingpin's stuff?"
>[ ] "Thanks for the talk, old man."
>[ ] "Meow, I'm a demon cat."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3770723
>Aside from making me a real person is there any other hurdles I need to clear for the inheritance?

>>3770723
This >>3770729

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Aside from making me a real person is there any other hurdles I need to clear for the inheritance?"

You are incredibly fond of and used to looking at the bigger to the point you would be a master at playing fourth dimensional chess, but there could still be shit out there that can blindside you. While Fisk frequently sought legal counsel, he didn't know much about the law beyond the basics and some corporate. Maybe eating a lawyer's soul will do you some good at this kind of stuff.

"Aside from making me a real person is there any other hurdles I need to clear for the inheritance?"

Silvio 'eh's once again.

"Not really, you don't even need to prove you are who you say you are: it's my job to give everything Wilson Fisk owned to his sole beneficiary, which is you. Some papers would help you defend yourself if Vanessa Fisk tried to dispute the will, however."

Placing your emptying coffee on the table, you hum.

"That's also why I've been looking into proving I'm really me. Besides that, I'm pretty sure I can't own an American company without being American myself. Government can just swipe my shit without some kind of identity and even then they might do it just because I'm a mutant."

Grandpa Lion chuckles.

"I doubt they'll be able to do anything without a great deal of controversy after the press conferences we hosted."

You laugh back before downing the last of your horchata latte.

"Maybe, I just hope the Jewish Nazi shit Magneto pulled doesn't bite me in the ass."

The line falls silent.

"...Don, the French family you want me to have tracked down... it's yours, isn't it? Mother's side I'm guessing?"

Your lips thin themselves out against one another.

It's pretty obvious but you were hoping he'd just leave it be.

>[ ] "...Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"
>[ ] "...Thanks for the talk, old man."
>[ ] "Table waiter, I'd like another!"
>[ ] "...Meow, I'm a demon cat."
>[ ] "Just do it, Silvio."
>[ ] "And what if it is?"
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Thoughts or questions?

>>3770896
>>[ ] "...Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"

>>3770896
This >>3771400
No need to answer Silvio's question, since he'll probably figure it out himself. He knows the value of family too well, so I doubt he'll try some shit behind Kojo's back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"

No need for you to be impolite to the underworld legend about this. Also, you still don't need to actually tell him anything he's likely going to and already found out for himself. He'll understand and know not to pry further into it: he's a cool old man like that.

"...Do you know any lawyers good with legal identification?"

Silvio hums through the line.

"I know a good one: he's not usually involved in my business but he's good at his job. I can put you into contact with him or give you his office number to take care of your business on your own, Don."

You relax back against your table's chair.

"His office number, please."

The old man lets out another old man grumble.

"Two-three-two, four-six-one, nine-nine-two-two if I'm remembering it correctly. If you call the wrong person, call me back and I'll find the man's office number for sure.

Nodding, you fiddle around the empty coffee cup in your free hand.

"I'll give him a call... Thanks, Silvio. I'm not sure I could've pulled all of this off without you. Sometimes I feel I trust you a bit too much, but you've given no reason for me to doubt you."

The super genius phone falls silent.

"...You're too kind, Don, but I can see where you're coming from: I too was surprised you entrusted so much to me within the short time I've been one of your lieutenants."

A small laugh escapes your lips.

"I was surprised too, but there was no one else in my circle who could play the role I needed you to. Thank you for not betraying my trust."

Silvio lets out another hum.

"No problem, Don. I've been in positions much like yours in the far distant past, I know how it can feel having no one you can really trust or rely on in a crucial situation. Pretty sure I'm not the only one you have, but, like you said, I was the only one who could play the role you needed me to."

You set down the empty coffee cup and sigh.

It's fucked that one of the few people you can sympathize with in this world is an old former Kingpin of Crime with a dead family.

>[ ] "Just how much money have you gotten from Fisk's legal assets?"
>[ ] "Was Sophia really that nagging about me not being around?"
>[ ] "...Thanks for the talk, old man."
>[ ] "Table waiter, I'd like another!"
>[ ] "...Meow, I'm a demon cat."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3771981
>[ ] "...Thanks for the talk, old man."
Time to get on to the next thing.

>>3771981
>[ ] "...Thanks for the talk, old man."
Boy am i glad we rolled that nat 20 with Silvio way back when

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Thanks for the talk, old man."

There's other shit you need to do, like following up on that new phone number the grandpa just gave you. It's been a nice conversation but all things must end one day. Although in this case, a couple of seconds or a minute.

"...Thanks for the talk, old man."

A warm laugh fuzzes through your genius phone's speakers.

"You're welcome, Don, feel free to call anytime. Take care of yourself and always be cautious: being at the top isn't always the cakewalk people believe it is."

Chuckling back, you slide your finger down your phone's screen.

"I know, the big troubles are far off though."

Yet another curious hum emerges from the old man's gizzard.

"That sounds like you know something is coming."

A sigh escapes your lips.

"Oh, you have no fucking idea."

The line falls silent.

"...Don, just how big is it?"

Shaking your head, you slump back into your chair.

"I'll tell you later, don't worry about it for now."

Grandpa Grumbly grumbles his old man grumbles.

"That just makes me worry even more."

You cluck your tongue.

"If I tell you now, you'll probably look into it and attract their attention sooner than they probably would naturally. Gonna take some time for them to realize on their own. It's better we keep quiet about it: they might have eyes on me right now for all we know."

Once again, old school gangsta grandpa stands or sits in silence.

"...Alright, don, I'll trust you on that."

You nod.

"I'll talk to you later then."

Pressing down, you end the call.

There's quite a few other calls you need to make.

>[ ] "Table waiter, I'd like another!"
>[ ] Mull over your situation more, you're kind of getting somewhere here.
>[ ] Dial in the number Silvio gave you, best to do this shit now.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Get up and leave, you're done here.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3772454
>[ ] Get up and leave, you're done here.

>>3772454
>[ ] Get up and leave, you're done here.
We had our nice coffee, we had our admittedly heartwarming chat with the old lion, and we spent enough time here in the public eye. Time to head out to the next thing on our huge to-do list.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Get up and leave, you're done here.

Morning coffee has been had, awkward yet pleasant conversation with Silvio has taken place, and you were petted on the head like the fucking demon cat that you are. This place has worn out its welcome. Really, you should've left after the whole head pat thing: that was really freaking weird and made you question your true nature as a mutant/minotaur/demon/soul-eater man.

Slipping your super genius priceless phone into your pocket, you rise from your chair and walk towards the door.

Numerous people stare at you as they always do while you push the thing open and leave.

You take a few steps out of the door before flipping backward on to the roof of the motley Mottley Kitchen.

Stretching yourself out, you let out a sigh.

That was probably the weirdest ten or so minutes you've had in a long time. It's not every day you experience an identity crisis over a fucking head pat, but you have been growing ever so vulnerable as of late. The metaphorical ground beneath the feet of your self-defined character was swept out while you were still on it.

A groan escapes your lips as you fall back down on to the rooftop.

With every issue within yourself you solve or discover, a plethora of them emerge. It's almost like cancer except they're less likely to kill you before you kill yourself. As for their source, it can be a many number of things that all go back to your childhood and rebirth.

You take a deep breath as you take in the sky.

The more you get closer to it, the more its distance becomes noticeable

Shaking your head free of your odd contemplative thoughts, you kip-up back to your feet.

A lot of other shit remains for you to do before you get your own shit together.

>[ ] Dial in the number Silvio gave you, best to do this shit now.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Hop to Owl's, you can use the fresh air.
>[ ] Teleport to Owl's, it is safe.
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

thots and questions, my dudes?

>>3773329
how old do people think we are?

>>3772762
>[ ] Hop to Owl's, you can use the fresh air.
Merely to check if it's still abandoned, or what.
>[ ] Dial in the number Silvio gave you, best to do this shit now.
If Kojo has had his morning coffee, it stands to reason others have as well. Meaning it's time to call this lawyer, or whoever it ends up being.

>>3773763
What are the Bratva doing after all the stuff Kojo pulled? They must know everything too, being in the criminal underworld like almost everybody else Kojo knows.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Hop to Owl's, you can use the fresh air.
>[X] Dial in the number Silvio gave you, best to do this shit now.

>(1/2)

Getting all your legal shit sorted out takes precedence over everything else. Your lieutenants can continue taking care of themselves in the meantime. It seems like they've done a wonderful job while you were away, even Cuda. They'll understand when you've got a multi-billion dollar company in your possession and a fortune to your name.

You turn to the direction of Northern Manhattan.

It'd be easier to teleport there, but that'd be a waste of a good opportunity to stretch yourself out a bit. A man like you needs some room to breathe after being pent up for a month. Really, anyone with your powers would want to be hopping everywhere after that; probably fucking too lacking your self-control.

Taking a deep breath, you take off towards the dead man's warehouse.

Eight or so minutes of leisurely hopping go by until you reach Owl's old base.

You land on the open-holed rooftop and take out your super genius phone to dial in the number of Silvio's recommended lawyer.

The line dial drones three times after you input the man's number before breaking.

"Hello, who is this?" A middle-aged man's voice asks.

Clearing your throat, you sit down on the ruined tile of the rooftop.

"My name is Kojo Reyes and you were recommended to me by a friend who says you're good with legal identification. Is that true?"

>(2/2)

The lines lays silent for a moment.

"...Your friend knows my private phone number?"

A small hum hymns out your lips.

"It seems like it. Can you help me or not, mister?

The questioning grunt of a confused person chimes in your ear.

"Depending on your circumstances, yes. My name is Chesley Reagan." Silence once again falls over the phone. "...You're that Kojo Reyes from the news, the one Silvio said was from Wilson Fisk's will."

You nod.

"The one and only. Is that going to be a problem or are you going to charge me more than the usual rate like the other lawyers I've approached tried to?"

Reagan hums a 'nuh-uh.'

"A friend of Silvio's... is a normal client of mine. I won't try to squeeze you for some extra dimes like the rest. What can you tell me about your legal status? Do you have a birth certificate or any kind of official document that can confirm you were born in the States? Is there anything you can tell me about your parents' legal situations that could help you in your predicament?"

Plopping down on the rooftop, you look up to the sky.

Telling him everything might help but telling him only what he needs to know is the wisest thing.

>[ ] "Do I really need proof I as born here to become a citizen? Can't I just register to? It's not like they have anywhere to deport me."
>[ ] "Both my grandparents and my mother were immigrants. Don't they have official records in Homeland security?"
>[ ] "My mother was a mutant before she immigrated here. She's bound to have been put on some kind of registry."
>[ ] "...There's an offchance my father might have been registered in a SHIELD database."
>[ ] Tell him everything, attorney-client privilege is a thing.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3774517
>[ ] "Both my grandparents and my mother were immigrants. Don't they have official records in Homeland Security?"
When in doubt, stick to legit sources to avoid further scrutiny and suspicion. It's information anybody else can look up and confirm, as long as they have the money to go searching for it.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Both my grandparents and my mother were immigrants. Don't they have official records in Homeland Security?"

Anything about your father and SHIELD is an extremely terrible idea to bring up much less have someone look into. You're not ready to deal with the fallout of that incident without having a secure hold on your inheritance and a legal identity. Maybe when you've cemented your place as a public figure will you be able to either make ammends with SHIELD or begin a ruthless cold war with the organization.

You take a breath.

"Both my grandparents and my mother were immigrants. Don't they have official records in Homeland Security?"

The creaking of a chair being leaned back in creeps through your genius phone's speakers.

"Yes, Homeland Security keeps records of immigrants' citizenship statuses, the immigrants themselves, and in special cases the circumstances behind their immigration. I can request the files on your grandparents but it might take some time to get them."

A sigh escapes your lips.

"Everything important seems to take time to solve, time to get, and time to figure out."

Reagan laughs.

"That's bureaucracy and most of life for you: it takes time for things to get done. You can call me again in a couple of days or a week at most to see the results. First, I need your grandparents and mother's names."

You frown.

"I only know my mother's full name: Thema Léone Moon. Her last one's her family name as far as I know."

The older man hums again.

"Not much but I can probably get something out of it. You only really need to prove you're related to one of them. I can call you back in a couple of days or a week at most when I have the records, Mr. Reyes."

Shaking your head, you look at an odd-shaped cloud.

"Don't have more minutes left on this disposable one. I'll call you back in that time with a different number."

Raegan lets out a small 'huh.'

"Alright then, I'll await you call again, Mr. Reyes."

You slide your finger down the screen and tap the red end call icon.

While you won't have to wait for N&M's schedule to clear up, you'll now have to wait to get your records. It's an improvement but it's still going to take some time. In the meantime, you can handle other business you've postponed.

>[ ] Just ake it easy for a couple of days, the records will be in your hands in just a short amount of time.
>[ ] Pop into the Sanctum Sanctorum, maybe you can hang out with Wong to make Strange jealous.
>[ ] Teleport to Silvio's, the two of you can go over your inheritance together.
>[ ] Sit back and relax, time is all you have now.
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3775062
>Check in with everyone, its long overdue.

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning m time (UTC-8)

Thoughts or questions?

>>3775062
>[ ] Just ake it easy for a couple of days, the records will be in your hands in just a short amount of time.
Hold off on checking in with anyone until after we get the inheritance.

>>3775062
This >>3775370 All in due time.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Just take it easy for a couple of days, the records will be in your hands in just a short amount of time.

>(1/2)

Checking in with everyone else will have to wait until a time you've secured your fortune. It would be unbecoming of you to chime in while you are unable to safely say you can take a bath in molten gold if you wanted to. Your lieutenants need to know their leader is one rich motherfucker like he said he'd be, otherwise they won't view you in as high a regard. A man like you needs to have these little things.

Slipping your super genius phone back into your pocket, you relax against the tile roof and watch the sky.

The next few days pass with little difficulty, save your growing impatience.

You portal and hop ever once in a while to either Silvio's or Strange's to keep yourself from being utterly bored from lack of anything to do or concern yourself with.

While Strange irks every slight mention to his mind pedophilic rapist ways, Silvio's little Sophia jumps in excitement every time you show up at the villa.

It's odd how amusing teasing Strange is but off-putting how Sophia admires you so much. You do appreciate being appreciated, it just feels weird. If you didn't know any better, you'd think it was some family thing but you know better, never having had a family. Things you cannot ever understand are things you cannot think you feel.

You shake your head free of your thoughts of surrogate families and focus instead on your actual family.

Digging Tinkerer's magnum opus of cellular devices out of your pocket, you tap the screen and swipe the clock away to press down on the phone icon, inputting open legal identity lawyer man's number after.

The line dial drones twice before breaking.

"Hello, who is this?"

>(2/2)

A hum vibrates in your throat.

"It's me, did you get the documents?"

Reagan hum affirmatively back.

"I did. Thema L. Moon, an alpha-level mutant immigrant, went missing over twenty years ago; Salomon Moon and Akosua Moon applied for citizenship not long after they moved and got accepted, which also makes their child a U.S citizen. If you can prove you're related to any one of them, you're a U.S citizen. From what little information these documents say about your mother's observable mutations, you can probably prove you're related by your horns alone."

You lay against Owl's tiled ruined roof in silence.

"...Are my grandparents still alive?"

The line falls silent in turn.

"...Yes, it seems they are. It doesn't say where they live but they are out there."

Going limp, you slide off the rooftop and fall straight down into the hard asphalt.

Reagan grunts at the sharp thump your body makes when it connects to the ground.

"Are you okay, Mr. Reyes?!"

You blink.

...

...

They're still alive, your family.

>[ ] "...Excuse me, I need to go to the nearest SHIELD headquarters and officially register myself in their database to prove I'm my mother's son."
>[ ] "...How would I go about getting my DNA matched to my mother's when I don't even know where her corpse is?"
>[ ] "...I'm not alone in this world."
>[ ] "...Thank you for your time."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3776530
>[ ] "...How would I go about getting my DNA matched to my mother's when I don't even know where her corpse is?"
Maybe try to phrase it better. DO NOT do anything with shield.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...How would I go about getting my DNA matched to my mother's when I don't even know where her corpse is?"

You can't really think of anything that could get you matched to your mother's DNA without having a sample of it. Not everyone should have access to super mutant genetic codes that you and your mother have and the only one you can think of actually having it in their database is SHIELD, who your father pissed off oh so many years ago. Of course, Homeland Security might have it with Thema being an immigrant and all. There's no real official mutant or super government agency or department.

"...How would I go about getting my DNA matched to my mother's when I don't even know where her corpse is?"

Once again, your poor lawyer falls silent.

"...Uh, you don't need a corpse if she's dead. Just get a genetic test done with either of your grandparents or get your blood tested and send the results in with an application for citizenship. Your case is an odd one but you could still get a passport if your mutant DNA matches your mother's registered DNA."

A sigh escapes your lips as you relax against the cracked asphalt beneath you.

"How would I go about getting my mutant blood tested?"

The man 'eh's.

"A laboratory accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. I looked into it and there's one in Brooklyn by the names of Universal Genetics and Advanced Genetics on 16th Court Street. You can go there and ask for a blood test for a nominal fee. With your money, I'm sure you can pay for it."

Pursing your lips, a hum rumbles in your throat.

"Thanks you for your time, Reagan. If you excuse me, I'll be handling other business of mine."

Lawyer Man grunts.

"I hope you don't mind my asking but wasn't I supposed to get paid for this."

You blink.

"Silvio will pay whatever getting that information cost and the price of your legal council. As for the documents, I expect you to tell him to send someone over for them."

The line falls silent again.

"...Alright, thank you for your business, Mr. Reyes."

Another affirmative hum vibrates in your throat before you press down on the bright red end call icon.

If your grandparents are still alive, the boys Silvio sent to look into your family will report with an address. You'll know full well where to find them and approach them to help you with this predicament of yours. When you knock on their door, they'll open it and see the faint image of their only child they lost over two decades ago.

You slip your phone back into your pocket and stare out into the sky.

There is nothing in your mind that has a concrete way to handle that.

>[ ] Teleport to Silvio's, the two of you can go over your inheritance together.
>[ ] Hop to the gene lab, you need your citizenship sooner rather than later.
>[ ] Sit back and relax, what's one more day or two?
>[ ] Check-in with everyone, it's long overdue.
>[ ] Write In.

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Thoughts or questions?
Also I'm starting my next semester of uni so expect less updates in the future.

>>3776856
>[ ] Teleport to Silvio's, the two of you can go over your inheritance together.
Let's get this done.

>>3778226
support lets sort it out

Back from my first class of the semester.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Teleport to Silvio's, the two of you can go over your inheritance together.

>(1/2)

It's probably better for you to wait for the old man's boys to come back with something instead of giving another organization a sample of your precious DNA. The police already have it on file, which means SHIELD likely has access to it now but just doesn't know who you really are yet. Wouldn't surprise you if you encountered a clone of yourself in the near future though.

Kip-upping to your feet, you wave your hand and weave a hole from the space-time in front of you to the space-time above the Silvermane villa's roof.

You can tear holes to places you've never been in if you have enough details but can only do so perfectly to places you've been to in the flesh. Teleportation without any details can lead to you creating a hole in empty space that immediately gets swallowed up by the rest of existence. Odd little tidbit to remember from Strange's lessons but that kind of flew over your head the first time around.

A small hop takes you from the roof of Owl's to above the roof of Silvio's.

Flipping off the tile roof, you land on to the patio next to a guard used to your surprise entrance antics.

"Where's the old man right now?"

The guardsman blinks before he shrugs.

"Check his study, he's been going over your inheritance in it ever since you were in prison."

You raise an eyebrow at the new information, walk past the balcony screen door, and trek down the hall where you last remember meeting Silvio in his study being nagged by a bored Sophia. He hadn't mentioned it last time you were in but you didn't bring it up. The old man probably didn't want to distract you from handling your identity business while he handled the inheritance.

>(2/2)

Opening the door, you see and old-man glasses wearing Silvio lift his eyes up from an important-looking stack of papers.

"Hey, I wanted to go over my inheritance with you."

Silvio motions you to join him as he looks back down at the documents.

Raising yet another eyebrow, you walk over to the man's side and look down on the desk.

Various somewhat familiar looking deeds, bonds, and various stock certificates are lined up in neat assorted files with no sign of misplacement. You can obviously tell fractions of one of the world's greatest fortunes are spread out and stacked on this fancy desk. Not even factoring in what Fisk has in his bank accounts or regularly earns from his company, this is enough for you to live off of for several life times.

You press your lips together and blow in a long drawn-out whistle.

The old mobster to your right chuckles.

"Do you want me to tell you about the deeds, the stocks, the bonds, or what I've found out about your bank accounts?"

Raising a hand to your chin, you hum.

You already subconsciously know what all of Kingpin's assets are on account of technically being him now and him being you but it's going to take some deep thinking or reminding to bring it all up to the surface.

>[ ] "Stocks, investments are the most valuable of assets."
>[ ] "Bank accounts, I want to know how liquid I am."
>[ ] "Bonds, how much does the government owe me?"
>[ ] "Deeds, I want to know where I can live in."
>[ ] "...Hold on, give me a minute."
>[ ] "My total networth."
>[ ] Write In.