With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

[Steelplaza]

I want to be clear that by saying this, I'm not calling for a dramatic change in the story, but...

Let's all be honest, Jade kind of sucks. I get it, the heart wants what it wants, the SI can't control who the SI will fall in love with, but does anyone really like Jade? She's this fighty girl who likes fighting. She has no real grand ambitions or vision, she's turned down every chance to get any kind of cool powers, and there's nothing that special about her. She's a replacement level Darkstar. Again, I get it, the SI has his reasons for liking her. She's the first hot comic book girl of appropriate age who paid him any attention, and he feels validated he got her to reform for him.

From a story level though, she's pretty boring. She doesn't interact with any of the SI's friends or enemies. She's not in an a position of authority or power where she has to make big decisions that the SI can agree or disagree with. She's not very special... at least from the standard of characters in this story. I mean hell, I think Green Arrow is more important in some ways. When the SI felt nervous that the Justice League is taking over from humanity and reducing human agency, did he go ask Jade what she thought of it? He did not, not because he doesn't value her opinion, but because he knew she wouldn't have much of an opinion.

Whew.

Okay, I wanted to get that out there. Do other people disagree? Are there people who think Jade is really cool and are like, "Yes, this is absolutely the most interesting person for the SI to be dating with an eye towards marriage?"

 

[Ardy]

I want to be clear that by saying this, I'm not calling for a dramatic change in the story, but...

Let's all be honest, Jade kind of sucks. I get it, the heart wants what it wants, the SI can't control who the SI will fall in love with, but does anyone really like Jade? She's this fighty girl who likes fighting. She has no real grand ambitions or vision, she's turned down every chance to get any kind of cool powers, and there's nothing that special about her. She's a replacement level Darkstar. Again, I get it, the SI has his reasons for liking her. She's the first hot comic book girl of appropriate age who paid him any attention, and he feels validated he got her to reform for him.

From a story level though, she's pretty boring. She doesn't interact with any of the SI's friends or enemies. She's not in an a position of authority or power where she has to make big decisions that the SI can agree or disagree with. She's not very special... at least from the standard of characters in this story. I mean hell, I think Green Arrow is more important in some ways. When the SI felt nervous that the Justice League is taking over from humanity and reducing human agency, did he go ask Jade what she thought of it? He did not, not because he doesn't value her opinion, but because he knew she wouldn't have much of an opinion.

Whew.

Okay, I wanted to get that out there. Do other people disagree? Are there people who think Jade is really cool and are like, "Yes, this is absolutely the most interesting person for the SI to be dating with an eye towards marriage?"

Click to shrink...

I mean, she joined a monotheistic religion. If she were to die then….

 

[Lord Ernest]

Do other people disagree? Are there people who think Jade is really cool and are like, "Yes, this is absolutely the most interesting person for the SI to be dating with an eye towards marriage?"

Click to shrink...

Unless there's been a change in people's opinions, I think most agree that she's kinda boring as the Illustres' partner.

After the Zatanna ship got absolutely sunk due to the hang ups about her age, the next most interesting one to me was Melinoe. Where's @RichardWhereat when you need him?

 

[Vaermina]

I want to be clear that by saying this, I'm not calling for a dramatic change in the story, but...

Let's all be honest, Jade kind of sucks. I get it, the heart wants what it wants, the SI can't control who the SI will fall in love with, but does anyone really like Jade? She's this fighty girl who likes fighting. She has no real grand ambitions or vision, she's turned down every chance to get any kind of cool powers, and there's nothing that special about her. She's a replacement level Darkstar. Again, I get it, the SI has his reasons for liking her. She's the first hot comic book girl of appropriate age who paid him any attention, and he feels validated he got her to reform for him.

From a story level though, she's pretty boring. She doesn't interact with any of the SI's friends or enemies. She's not in an a position of authority or power where she has to make big decisions that the SI can agree or disagree with. She's not very special... at least from the standard of characters in this story. I mean hell, I think Green Arrow is more important in some ways. When the SI felt nervous that the Justice League is taking over from humanity and reducing human agency, did he go ask Jade what she thought of it? He did not, not because he doesn't value her opinion, but because he knew she wouldn't have much of an opinion.

Whew.

Okay, I wanted to get that out there. Do other people disagree? Are there people who think Jade is really cool and are like, "Yes, this is absolutely the most interesting person for the SI to be dating with an eye towards marriage?"

Click to shrink...

No, you're right.

Narratively speaking she's pretty much just Orange Lantern's Canadian Girlfriend.

 

[Bud-E]

I want to be clear that by saying this, I'm not calling for a dramatic change in the story, but...

Let's all be honest, Jade kind of sucks. I get it, the heart wants what it wants, the SI can't control who the SI will fall in love with, but does anyone really like Jade? She's this fighty girl who likes fighting. She has no real grand ambitions or vision, she's turned down every chance to get any kind of cool powers, and there's nothing that special about her. She's a replacement level Darkstar. Again, I get it, the SI has his reasons for liking her. She's the first hot comic book girl of appropriate age who paid him any attention, and he feels validated he got her to reform for him.

From a story level though, she's pretty boring. She doesn't interact with any of the SI's friends or enemies. She's not in an a position of authority or power where she has to make big decisions that the SI can agree or disagree with. She's not very special... at least from the standard of characters in this story. I mean hell, I think Green Arrow is more important in some ways. When the SI felt nervous that the Justice League is taking over from humanity and reducing human agency, did he go ask Jade what she thought of it? He did not, not because he doesn't value her opinion, but because he knew she wouldn't have much of an opinion.

Whew.

Okay, I wanted to get that out there. Do other people disagree? Are there people who think Jade is really cool and are like, "Yes, this is absolutely the most interesting person for the SI to be dating with an eye towards marriage?"

Click to shrink...

I don't hate Jade while she is kinda boring and not really important in the story I don't hate her as a love interest for Paul. Though personally, I shipped Paul with Dannete Riley and thought they would be a more interesting couple, but I'm not upset Paul chose Jade.

 

[Galacticplumber]

I, and I'd wager many other people, don't really have a hat in the shipping race, and just enjoy the content.

Jade is reasonably fleshed out, does a good job of grounding the sillier impulses of our protag, and gives a face to a largely otherwise faceless group we're supposed to care about in the darkstars. I can totally understand her not being a standout feature to most, but she's a well made background piece fulfilling multiple worthwhile jobs.

 

[Mr Zoat]

18th June 2013
19:25 GMT -5

I bow immediately, and Jade's quick enough on the uptake that she does the same an instant later.

"That is not necessary."

I look up as Morpheus sort of… Changes how he interacts with the world, going from being a sovereign on his throne with all of the ideal form imagery that implies to 'just' being a white-skinned man in jet black period appropriate Middle Eastern dress standing just in front of us. The Caliph is content to watch us, though his expression shows obvious curiosity.

"You recently had an encounter with my brother and sister."

"Yes. Ah. I didn't intend to bring that trouble to your door, and I'm.. sorry if I have."

"I am more concerned for you. Despair is patient."

"Um."

Why is..? Morpheus concerned for me..? I don't.. think he owes me in any way that might make him worried about his inability to pay me back. If anything I'd say that I owed him.

"I am aware of the harm that interacting with my family can bring. I recognise it as a failing in myself that I have been indifferent to it in the past."

"Gamemnae got the worst of it, and while I can't say that she didn't have some of that coming... If I could ask for a boon, it would be that you would allow her to occasionally dream of a flourishing Atlantis."

He looks mildly disquieted. "She caused that situation to occur by trying to leech power from my sister. Why should I extend my mercy to her?"

"Oh, she doesn't deserve it. When we finally finish unbinding her spells and let her wake up, it's quite likely that King Orin will have her executed. And… I won't argue against it. But I'm… I've long been of the opinion that inflicting suffering for its own sake diminishes the one who inflicts it. It makes the object of your ire supplant your own self-derived objectives on your mind, makes you… Something other than yourself."

He looks slightly thoughtful. "Perhaps you are right. I will make no promises, but I will… Consider her case."

"Thank you, O Dream King."

"I have done nothing which you need to thank me for. Though perhaps in exchange for my consideration you could tell me a tale of the ship you sailed through my realm."

"Yes, certainly, it's a rather nifty piece of thaumic engineering. The lead designer tried to send you messages about it, but they may have arrived during your… Absence."

He smiles faintly. "I will speak with my housekeeper. But since you are here, you may provide an explanation yourself."

"Ah, well, short version, some magicians manipulate the Dream to create a Dream-ship, then another spell makes the ship become the Dream-ship, it sails through the Dream until it gets to wherever they want, and then there's another spell for emerging back into reality. Now, I checked, and as far as I can tell it doesn't cause any damage to the fabric of the Dream, but Queen Artemis and I both appreciate that you might not be happy with having your realm turning into a bypass. If you wish to forbid it, we will of course comply with your order. If you wish to study it, I am sure that Queen Artemis will be happy to receive you."

"And if I did forbid it, what would you do?"

"There are other realms we could travel. The same basic design would work just as well. Or I… Had an idea for artificially extending or merging thaumospheres. Once we work out how, that would probably be easiest." Uh… "Though I suppose it would depend on why you forbade it. If there was a practical problem that we could solve, I'd probably just ask if we could resubmit our proposal once we'd solved it."

Morpheus… Appears to be thinking about it. He isn't human enough to look away from me and his body language is… Barely there, but there's a certain added stillness that suggests that he's focusing inward rather than outward.

Then he focuses again, small changes in the form he's wearing appearing in the corner of my eyes. A shift in the cut of the robe, moving it away from 'Middle East formal wear' and towards 'Wizard formal wear'. "I will visit Queen Artemis and hear her explanation before I make a final decision."

"Thank you. Do we.. owe you anything for the journey we already took?"

"I will decide that when I understand better what you actually did."

"Rightoh. Did you-? Oh, there was something I wanted to ask."

"You may do so."

"Would you have a particular problem with it if I turned Delirium back into Delight? It would be near the end of a very long list of jobs and I have only the vaguest idea how something like that could even be attempted, but I recognise that someone is hurt and that things aren't as they should be. And I think, eventually, I'm going to like having a problem like that to work on."

He's staring at me, and for a moment I feel paper-thin, spread out, like… Like a character in a comic book someone is flipping through.

"Show me what you plan to do once you have a method. I do not object, but Despair almost certainly will."

I nod. "I will, and I'll make it the last thing that I do." I smile, relaxing my body slightly. "Do you want to stay for the story? I understand that you're a busy man with a plane of reality to run."

He… Makes it so that he's now sitting, his throne replaced by a simple bench next to the Caliph's throne.

"I can hardly pass up the opportunity to hear a novel story, especially since it concerns my realm."

The Caliph regards him from the corner of his eye for a moment, before deciding that he's finished and focusing his attention upon me. "Orange Lantern! Sage of Avarice! You have returned to my court!"

"I apologise for the delay, O Caliph. Things have gotten rather desperate on Earth, and it has required my full attention. May I present my betrothed, Jade Nguyen."

Jade bows again, though more shallowly than she did for Morpheus.

He considers her for a moment, before clapping his hands. A servant darts in, hunched in pre-genuflection.

"Fetch my wife to join us. And bring refreshments!"

The servant genuflects fully, backing out before scurrying off.

"Come! Sit! I have waited for your return since I discovered that you did not die during your crossing! You must tell me of that, and of your visit to Heaven! Hah, and I am certain you have other stories besides!"

"I have a farce about the first time I was in your former kingdom. I behaved poorly, but in my defence I was fairly new at the time."

"Then I will hear that too! It will return your modesty to you after the other tales. And you, Jade." He turns to her. "What stories do you have?"

"I have one about a madman seducing an assassin while she tried to kill him."

"Is it any good?

She gives me a sidelong glance. "He seems to like it."

"Then I'm certain that it will be excellent."

 

[Ngamer11]

"There are other realms we could travel. The same basic design would work just as well. Or I… Had an idea for artificially extending or merging thaumospheres. Once we work out how, that would probably be easiest." Uh… "Though I suppose it would depend on why you forbade it. It there was a practical problem that we could solve, I'd probably just ask if we could resubmit our proposal once we'd solved it."

Click to shrink...

That should say 'If'.

"Would you have a particular problem with it if I turned Delirium back into Delight? It would be near the end of a very long list of jobs and I have only the vaguest idea how something like that could even be attempted, but I recognise that someone is hurt and that things aren't as they should be. And I think, eventually, I'm going to like having a problem like that to work on."

He's staring at me, and for a moment I feel paper-thin, spread out, like… Like a character in a comic book someone is flipping through.

"Show me what you plan to do once you have a method. I do not object, but Despair almost certainly will."

Click to shrink...

I really like how Paul is drawing Dream's interest with this offer. Though I still hope Paul won't be interacting with the Endless more regularly.

He… Makes it to that he's now sitting, his throne replaced by a simple bench next to the Caliph's throne.

Click to shrink...

That should say 'so'.

 

[webxro]

Why do I have a feeling that Artemis might end up smitten with our Dream King ?

 

[Darko]

Why is..? Morpheus concerned for me..? I don't.. think he owes me in any way that might make him worried about his inability to pay me back. If anything I'd say that I owed him.

Click to shrink...

He knows the type of shit his siblings do and he's concerned about it.

He's even their victim before.

What stories to you have?"

Click to shrink...

"do you"

Why do I have a feeling that Artemis might end up smitten with our Dream King ?

Click to shrink...

If that happens then she may need to prepare for the inevitable downfall.

Dream's relationship tend to end poorly at best and disastrously at worst.

Usually for his partners.

 

[Chojin Patriarch]

18th June 2013
19:25 GMT -5

I bow immediately, and Jade's quick enough on the uptake that she does the same an instant later.

"That is not necessary."

Click to shrink...

Morpheus certainly isn't much for the social niceties of rule, the abasement and sense of superiority it gives. As a natural workaholic, he's more focused on duty, after all. Still, this should be fascinating to see...

Spoiler: Commentary spoilered for length

I look up as Morpheus sort of… Changes how he interacts with the world, going from being a sovereign on his throne with all of the ideal form imagery that implies to 'just' being a white-skinned man in jet black period appropriate Middle Eastern dress standing just in front of us. The Caliph is content to watch us, though his expression shows obvious curiosity.

Click to shrink...

At least he isn't appearing in his full raiment of helm, jewel and sands. When he does that, you know you dun goofed.

"You recently had an encounter with my brother and sister."

"Yes. Ah. I didn't intend to bring that trouble to your door, and I'm.. sorry if I have."

Click to shrink...

They've probably had worse happen in their long existence.

"I am more concerned for you. Despair is patient."

"Um."

Click to shrink...

Yes, but sitting around waiting for the other shoe to drop and worrying what it'll smack isn't going to do any good.

Why is..? Morpheus concerned for me..? I don't.. think he owes me in any way that might make him worried about his inability to pay me back. If anything I'd say that I owed him.

"I am aware of the harm that interacting with my family can bring. I recognise it as a failing in myself that I have been indifferent to it in the past."

Click to shrink...

Well, at least he's sanguine about his own failings nowadays.

"Gamemnae got the worst of it, and while I can't say that she didn't have some of that coming... If I could ask for a boon, it would be that you would allow her to occasionally dream of a flourishing Atlantis."

He looks mildly disquieted. "She caused that situation to occur by trying to leech power from my sister. Why should I extend my mercy to her?"

Click to shrink...

True, Delirium-formerly-Delight is the sweetheart younger sibling of the seven. They all seem protective of her to some degree.

"Oh, she doesn't deserve it. When we finally finish unbinding her spells and let her wake up, it's quite likely that King Orin will have her executed. And… I won't argue against it. But I'm… I've long been of the opinion that inflicting suffering for its own sake diminishes the one who inflicts it. It makes the object of your ire supplant your own self-derived objectives on your mind, makes you… Something other than yourself."

Click to shrink...

A very sensible way of looking at it, and likely one borne of his Enlightenment. Knowing what people can obsess over and how it affects them is certainly part of that.

He looks slightly thoughtful. "Perhaps you are right. I will make no promises, but I will… Consider her case."

"Thank you, O Dream King."

Click to shrink...

Well, a gracious acknowledgement from the Sandman... Remarkably done, OL.

"I have done nothing which you need to thank me for. Though perhaps in exchange for my consideration you could tell me a tale of the ship you sailed through my realm."

"Yes, certainly, it's a rather nifty piece of thaumic engineering. The lead designer tried to send you messages about it, but they may have arrived during your… Absence."

He smiles faintly. "I will speak with my housekeeper. But since you are here, you may provide an explanation yourself."

Click to shrink...

Good of him to dress it in such polite terms. I doubt Morpheus enjoys being reminded of that period, and speaking bluntly of it would definitely annoy him.

"Ah, well, short version, some magicians manipulate the Dream to create a Dream-ship, then another spell makes the ship become the Dream-ship, it sails through the Dream until it gets to wherever they want, and then there's another spell for emerging back into reality. Now, I checked, and as far as I can tell it doesn't cause any damage to the fabric of the Dream, but Queen Artemis and I both appreciate that you might not be happy with having your realm turning into a bypass. If you wish to forbid it, we will of course comply with your order. If you wish to study it, I am sure that Queen Artemis will be happy to receive you."

Click to shrink...

As far as he can tell, yes. I suspect the Dream King has a much finer knowledge of his realm, though. But if the ship is made of dream-stuff during the transit... It's probably less disruptive than something purely corporeal.

"And if I did forbid it, what would you do?"

"There are other realms we could travel. The same basic design would work just as well. Or I… Had an idea for artificially extending or merging thaumospheres. Once we work out how, that would probably be easiest." Uh… "Though I suppose it would depend on why you forbade it. It there was a practical problem that we could solve, I'd probably just ask if we could resubmit our proposal once we'd solved it."

Click to shrink...

Confident of him that there could be any solving it with their meagre knowledge of the Dream.

Morpheus… Appears to be thinking about it. He isn't human enough to look away from me and his body language is… Barely there, but there's a certain added stillness that suggests that he's focusing inward rather than outward.

Then he focuses again, small changes in the form he's wearing appearing in the corner of my eyes. A shift in the cut of the robe, moving it away from 'Middle East formal wear' and towards 'Wizard formal wear'. "I will visit Queen Artemis and hear her explanation before I make a final decision."

Click to shrink...

I wouldn't be surprised to find he has a mild weakness about desire-based persuasion. Given how many times They have manipulated him before... Or he's honestly amused and interested by the propositions.

"Thank you. Do we.. owe you anything for the journey we already took?"

"I will decide that when I understand better what you actually did."

Click to shrink...

Oof. Holding the possibility of a price to be paid, yet not actually even estimating it... Tricksy.

"Rightoh. Did you-? Oh, there was something I wanted to ask."

"You may do so."

Click to shrink...

I'm getting the feeling Morpheus has an awareness of OL's nature before they met. Perhaps Desire boasted about him to their sibling.

"Would you have a particular problem with it if I turned Delirium back into Delight? It would be near the end of a very long list of jobs and I have only the vaguest idea how something like that could even be attempted, but I recognise that someone is hurt and that things aren't as they should be. And I think, eventually, I'm going to like having a problem like that to work on."

Click to shrink...

Man doesn't think small, does he?

He's staring at me, and for a moment I feel paper-thin, spread out, like… Like a character in a comic book someone is flipping through.

"Show me what you plan to do once you have a method. I do not object, but Despair almost certainly will."

Click to shrink...

That is an amusing image given that right now he is a comic-book character, of a sort.

I nod. "I will, and I'll make it the last thing that I do." I smile, relaxing my body slightly. "Do you want to stay for the story? I understand that you're a busy man with a plane of reality to run."

He… Makes it to that he's now sitting, his throne replaced by a simple bench next to the Caliph's throne.

Click to shrink...

An interesting shift in demeanour. Moving from the image of a guest king to merely an advisor or honoured companion is definitely significant.

"I can hardly pass up the opportunity to hear a novel story, especially since it concerns my realm."

The Caliph regards him from the corner of his eye for a moment, before deciding that he's finished and focusing his attention upon me. "Orange Lantern! Sage of Avarice! You have returned to my court!"

Click to shrink...

Bet he was sweating in his robes a little watching Morpheus indulge this odd fellow.

"I apologise for the delay, O Caliph. Things have gotten rather desperate on Earth, and it has required my full attention. May I present my betrothed, Jade Nguyen."

Jade bows again, though more shallowly than she did for Morpheus.

Click to shrink...

Well, he is a lesser king of the realm compared to Morpheus. I bet the difference could be measured in a handful of centimetres, though.

He considers her for a moment, before clapping his hands. A servant darts in, hunched in pre-genuflection.

"Fetch my wife to join us. And bring refreshments!"

Click to shrink...

As hospitality presumably recommends. Giving the lady another woman to entertain herself with while the men talk, if you want to look at it that way.

The servant genuflects fully, backing out before scurrying off.

"Come! Sit! I have waited for your return since I discovered that you did not die during your crossing! You must tell me of that, and of your visit to Heaven! Hah, and I am certain you have other stories besides!"

Click to shrink...

No doubt with plentiful visual projections to illustrate the scenes.

"I have a farce about the first time I was in your former kingdom. I behaved poorly, but in my defence I was fairly new at the time."

"Then I will hear that too! It will return your modesty to you after the other tales. And you, Jade." He turns to her. "What stories to you have?"

Click to shrink...

The Bialya mission, I bet. Since that's more or less the modern DC equivalent of the region. Wonder if he'll mention the giant statue?

"I have one about a madman seducing an assassin while she tried to kill him."

"Is it any good?

Click to shrink...

It involves tentacles and sexual humour, for a start.

She gives me a sidelong glance. "He seems to like it."

"Then I'm certain that it will be excellent."

Click to shrink...

I'm sure OL doesn't mind a little good-natured ribbing amongst friends, of course.

I'm sure we'll cut away while the stories are being told, no need to rehash old scenes short of a 'no shit, there we were...' comment or two. Though I don't doubt the Caliph will be very impressed by their bravery, and Morpheus will take note of the inventiveness in their solutions.

 

[RichardWhereat]

"I have one about a madman seducing an assassin while she tried to kill him."

"Is it any good?

She gives me a sidelong glance. "He seems to like it."

"Then I'm certain that it will be excellent."

Click to shrink...

Will there be tentacles?

 

[NightmareWarden]

5

"I have one about a madman seducing an assassin while she tried to kill him."

"Is it any good?

She gives me a sidelong glance. "He seems to like it."

Click to shrink...

Jade. Please sing it. Your beau resembles half of the tarot deck, but The Fool is one of the pleasant aspects of him that make the pains of the past melt away. Rediscover your own playful side and indulge him. Sing the tale.

 

[Mr Zoat]

That should say 'If'.
That should say 'so'.

Click to shrink...

"do you"

Click to shrink...

Thank you, corrected.

 

[WereDragon]

Morpheus

Click to shrink...

A very reasonable authority figure.

stories

Click to shrink...

With This Ring is sitting at upwards of 4 million words. Even taking only the best bits and cutting the waffle to the quick it would take hours to recount.

 

[RichardWhereat]

Wait, what episode did he capture Jade?

 

[Mr Zoat]

Wait, what episode did he capture Jade?

Click to shrink...

Exfiltrator.

 

[RichardWhereat]

Exfiltrator.

Click to shrink...

Cheers, that bit's always an amusing read.

 

[mastermenthe]

5
Jade. Please sing it. Your beau resembles half of the tarot deck, but The Fool is one of the pleasant aspects of him that make the pains of the past melt away. Rediscover your own playful side and indulge him. Sing the tale.

Click to shrink...

What do you mean by "sing"? I do not understand?

 

[Mr Zoat]

What do you mean by "sing"? I do not understand?

Click to shrink...

It's like talking, only musically.

 

[NightmareWarden]

What do you mean by "sing"? I do not understand?

Click to shrink...

Paul sings when telling stories. Not every time he tells one, but it comes naturally to him since the ring assists a bit. Couples sometimes pick up each other's peculiar or cute behaviors. And singing at court like this would make a strong impression on the locals, helping Jade ingratiate herself in case she needs to operate here in the future.

 

[Sordid Snake]

Paul sings when telling stories. Not every time he tells one, but it comes naturally to him since the ring assists a bit.

Click to shrink...

Is it certain that this isn't lingering traces of the time when he was a Rhyming Demon? Cause rhyming and singing are related, even if he "Is the Very Model of An Or-ange Lan-tern Ill-u-stress!"

 

[Lord Ernest]

And singing at court like this would make a strong impression on the locals, helping Jade ingratiate herself in case she needs to operate here in the future.

Click to shrink...

Operate here? In the Dream City? That's... pretty far-fetched, no?

 

[NightmareWarden]

Operate here? In the Dream City? That's... pretty far-fetched, no?

Click to shrink...

That was me scrambling to come with a practical reason she could use to justify it. And I didn't mean operate as an assassin, just as a squishy warrior who gets drawn into the investigative side of crazy hero work. With or without her darkstar mantle to aid her.

 

[Shotiegun11]

In the next Invincible segment, Zoat has the chance to do the funniest thing and have it be that Paul is Conquests only friend (from Conquest's PoV). And meeting this alternate Conquests brings up the trauma of their 'friendship' from Paul's PoV.

Invincible: "Lantern, go have fun (distract) with Conquest while I speak with the Mark of this Universe. You got along great with our universes."

Paul: *Internally screaming 'not again!'* "Certainly, Invincible."