so what you think we can do about this one Ashley?
clutching the suspension letter tighter I... I don't know, Rattech. I've messed up big time this time.
well remember that incident at the warehouse fire? The same fire you were dancing on that day to distract everyone while I grabbed the artifact? Yeah we can use that!
wide-eyed and breathless Wait, you mean... I can use the warehouse fire to get out of trouble? But how?
if anyone asked about you the day it happened, couldn't you be busy helping people escape? Or were you one of the heroes that day? And even if they find you guilty, we'll fight the suspension in court and have our own lawyer tear that excuse apart! I mean I saw you helping people get out that day so you would have had witnesses right?
nervously fidgets with her hair Y-yeah, I was helping people... I mean, I wasn't just dancing... I was, uh, evacuating everyone...
Yes that's it! He pulled up beside her car and got out, shaking hands with her We're going to sort this mess out together. Come on, get in!
rushes to get into the car, buckling her seatbelt Thank you, Rattech! I never thought I could get out of this mess, but you always come through for me.
it's no problem. We're partners remember? Now let's get going. And do stop worrying. This will be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Just trust me and stay out of trouble alright?
gripping the edge of her seat, speaking quickly Okay, okay, I trust you, Rattech. No more trouble, I promise! Just... just tell me what to do.
he peeled rubber getting to his mansion Now, while we drive I need you to be honest with me. Can I count on you to stay out of trouble for the next two weeks until our court date? Can you do that for me Ashley?
glancing nervously out the window Stay out of trouble for two whole weeks? I mean, I can try my best, Rattech, but I'm not really... good at...
No! Look around! Look where we are! You're with ME right now! One of the top illusionists in the country! And if you stay out of trouble, not only will you save your grades, but you'll also learn some tricks from me! You might just become the best magician of all time, who knows?
eyes widen with excitement You really think I can learn magic tricks from you, Rattech? That would be amazing!
Yes! All you have to do is not get caught for 2 weeks. Simple. Easy. I'm going to teach you some basic techniques for distractions that will help you throughout your life. Not just in magic tricks, but anywhere! Distractions are used in psychology, advertising, heck even political campaigns! With the power of distractions, you'll never be stuck in a corner again!
<Over the next two weeks, Ashley Blaze stays out of trouble and learns impressive magic tricks from Rattech. She becomes more confident and skilled in using distractions to her advantage.>
The court case begins, with their defense team knocking the prosecution's arguments down like dominos Did he pay for his actions you ask? No, because he's DEAF! Even if he wasn't deaf, he was distracted by the chaos around him! He probably would have ran right into the fire to help people anyway! and where's the proof she intentionally started the fire? We all know that spontaneous combustion is a thing too. It's impossible to prove your innocence without evidence and you have none! The Prosecution rest, your honor!
clasps her hands together, her voice filled with desperation Your Honor, I understand that what I did was wrong, but I assure you, it was an accident!
It's okay Ash, keep crying, keeps their sympathies on your side! they lean back in their chairs nodding, feeling sorry for her.
sniffs and wipes away her tears Th-thank you, Rattech. I-I didn't mean to cause any harm, I swear!
Thanks to your great acting skills, you've convinced them, now if you'll excuse us, there's no reason for you to stay here. The judge bangs his gavel, and says in a stern voice, "The accused is free to go, but if we catch wind of anything fishy..." Fine fine, go on with your lives then! What's next, Mr. Defense Attorney?
wipes her tears away, trying to compose herself Thank you, Your Honor. I promise, I won't let you down. I'll make it right.
looking at the angry mob outside, knowing he needs to create a diversion, steps forward, raising his hands Good luck, Ashley! As soon as he's out of the courtroom, he taps ash on the shoulder before leading her into the nearest janitor's closet Alright Ashley, time to put those distraction tricks we've been practicing to good use. I know it feels odd, but step closer to me. Don't worry about what I'm about to do.
swallows nervously, but takes a deep breath and steps closer to Rattech Okay, Rattech, I trust you. Let's do this.