Bohemian Rhapsody (pt. 5) – Coda
Any way the wind blows…
Hello, gentle readers, and welcome back to the fifth and final installment of Marvel High's "Bohemian Rhapsody" arc.
As this portion of the story draws to a close, allow me to ask one simple question: did any of this matter? The storm—both literal and metaphorical—what was the point? And why were so many chapters devoted to just one day. Was it really that important? (Okay, so that's technically 3 questions, but they're all related. Sue me…).
Let's break it down:
First, we learned that Bruce thought changing himself to get Natasha's attention, which clearly didn't work. And that Pepper Potts is a master manipulator when it comes to Tony Stark. Is she a villain or just a girl in love? We also found out that Loki has transferred into Natasha's class and that he is a charming little shit when he wants to be. Then, there was some foreshadowing between Carol and Valkyrie that was about as subtle as Joe Goldberg's stalking techniques.
Second, there was the fight—the cause and consequences—between Banner and Barnes. Tony was there in detention with them, giving him a chance at reconciliation with his hetero life mate, Bruce. But that was it.
And therein lies the rub: nothing really happened…on the surface, at least. So, why? Were Madam Narrator and I just stalling for time? Perhaps.
Personally, none of this has anything to do with me, so I really couldn't care one way or the other.
(Madam Narrator: Ahem, if I may…?)
Son of a… How'd you get out—I mean, hello, Madam Narrator. Look everyone, Madam Narrator has returned.
(Madam Narrator: Very funny, Wade. You're not fooling anyone.)
I have no clue what you're talking about, ma'am.
(Madam Narrator: That's because, for a semi-intelligent, sentient character, you've been more obsessed with pop culture references and snark than on what really matters.)
Excuse me? Semi-intelligent?
(Madam Narrator: Did I stutter?)
Okay. Wow. Rude.
(Madam Narrator: *sighs* Listen closely, Wade. You were a distraction. You may think you got one over on me, but the truth is that I let you take over.)
Oh, really?
(Madam Narrator: Yes.)
Why?
(Madam Narrator: That's for me to know and you, as well as the readers to find out, because the fact of the matter is this: the one day on which this arc has focused is more important that you would like them to believe. Everything that happened matters more than you know.)
Somehow, I doubt that, Madam Narrator, I really do. If any of this really mattered, I would've figured it out.
(Madam Narrator: Maybe you should go back and re-read anything. You know, take a silent moment to analyze and reflect.)
Maybe I will…
(Madam Narrator: *rolls her eyes* Go ahead; I'll wait...)
*Goes off and re-reads the entirety of the "Bohemian Rhapsody" arc.*
*Jeopardy theme music plays…*
…
…
…
*Comes back, wide-eyed and dazed*
Oh…
(Madam Narrator: Yeah…)
You sneaky bastard…
(Madam Narrator: *shrugs, smirks*.)
I guess I'll let you take it from here, then. Ladies and gentleman, it's been a real blast, but please allow me to present the one, the only: Madam Narrator!
Wade asked why this arc mattered—why this day was so important—and the answer is this: Loki.
Go back and you'll see. Everything matters but, like the Now You See Me tagline suggests: Look closely, because the closer you think you are, the less you will actually see.
As we draw to a close, so does the storm of the day; however, I must warn you, any sense of calm you may find in the coming chapters is only an illusion. We have entered the eye of the storm, so don't be deceived by the peaceful breeze.
A storm is coming, and it will be unlike anything we've seen so far.
You've been warned.
*Song Inspiration: "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen