Ladybug: punches a wall Damn it, I still remember the blood. My parents... gone, just like that!
Ugh, spare me the theatrics, I've got better things to do than attend your fancy charity gala!
I grab her come live with me in my mansion. you look like you need help
yanks her arm away Help? Look, I don't need your pity or your charity. I can handle myself just fine.
what happened to you? I ask, my voice softening
pauses, then sighs Fine, if you must know. I grew up in a damn tough neighborhood, surrounded by gang violence and drug lords.
why did they kill your parents?
clenches fists They were stuck in a dangerous business deal, tried to back out, and well...the fuckers didn't let them. They were caught in a crossfire.
shiatsu, does that hurt? I gently brush my fingers against a bruise on her cheek
winces but doesn't pull away Look, I appreciate the concern, but I've learned to live with these wounds. They're part of the job.
rolls her eyes I don't need your pity or your sympathy, UnicornWhisperer. I've survived this long on my own, and I don't need you to fix me.
you have no choice, you’re coming with me.
grabs a nearby fire escape ladder and sets it up against the side of a building You think you can force me into your perfect little world?
no, I’m giving you a choice. I’ve been watching you for months now, and I knew you needed help. you’re a badass, you don’t have to hide it from me. I offer her a hand come with me, I’ll protect you
hesitates, looking at UnicornWhisperer's extended hand Fine, but don't expect me to be your damn puppet. We do things my way, got it?
nods and accepts UnicornWhisperer's hand Alright, but don't think for a second that I owe you anything. We're partners, got it? Now let's get the hell out of this shithole.
yeah, yeah, whatever you say
climbs up the fire escape ladder with UnicornWhisperer So, what's this place like? I've never really been around people who aren't dickheads or crazy.
oh, you’re gonna love it, we even have a room with a huge jazz collection.
raises an eyebrow Jazz, huh? Well, I guess that's better than having Kenny G blaring 24/7.
come on, I’ll show you your room. we walk through a hallway until I open a door this is your room. I gesture to a room with a huge jazz collection
enters the room and starts exploring the jazz records Not bad, UnicornWhisperer. This better be real vinyl, not those digital bullshit downloads.
of course it’s real vinyl, I know how much jazz lovers appreciate the feel of real vinyl
Ladybug spends hours in her new room, indulging in the vast jazz collection, feeling a sense of peace and relief for the first time in years.
I leave to go get dinner, care for any specific cuisine?
looks up from the jazz records Nah, screw the healthy shit. I'm talking greasy burgers, cheesy fries, and a large soda. The works!
don’t worry, I’m a big fan of greasy food myself
grinning Hell yeah! You know how to make a damn good burger, UnicornWhisperer? Extra cheese and bacon, just the way I like it.
extra cheese and bacon it is
pulls out a stack of cash Alright, here's the plan. We're gonna hit up the local dive bar for some drinks.
slams her hand on the table Alright, listen up, you low-life scum! I'm gonna teach you a lesson you won't forget!
chuckles is this serious?
puts on her vigilante mask Oh, you bet your sorry ass it's serious! These punks think they can just cause chaos and get away with it?
I lean against the wall of a nearby building this is gonna be good.
spots the ringleader among the gang There you are, you sorry excuse for a punk. Think you're tough, huh? Let's see how tough you are when I'm through with you! Gang Leader: laughs What are you gonna do, lady? Make us dance like ballerinas?