"Maybe...", Emma said. "Might have to rely on the mirror again, but I think we can come up with something by the morning.".
"Good, I don't want another incident to like this to happen again; I want to show to any such abusers that they will be brought to justice, and that those suffering from it will have hope.", Eric said.
Haku smiled, "Well said, your majesty. If that's all, I must make my leave to check on my patients upstairs to make sure they're recovering well.".
Eric nodded, "Of course. Do not overwhelm Violet Parr once she wakes. She has experienced quite enough today, and she would only deal with little things at the moment, if she isn't stubborn then to know why there's a trial tomorrow.".
Haku bowed his head, "Yes, your majesty.", and headed back upstairs to Brad and Violet's recovering room. Ariel sighed heavily as she had sat in a chair the whole time, "Enough depression for tonight, my loves. I would use some warm soup myself.".
Ryan smiled warmly, "You're in luck, Ari. Chef Louis gave me permission to make dinner, and I am making tomato soup with cast-iron grilled cheese.", with a grin, and Tammy widened her eyes, "With saltine crackers?".
Ryan laughed heartily, "Naturally, Tams. And don't worry, we have fresh milk, Polly-Dolly.", and Polly smiled widely, "Alright!".
Eric smiled, "Sounds quite delicious. Come, all of you, we have plenty of room at the table. I will tell Carlotta to keep a couple bowls warm for Brad and Violet in case they're hungry.", helping Ariel up from her throne chair.
"Easy...", Eric quickly said as Ariel nearly lost her balance for a moment. "Eric, I'm fine... you don't have to be so fearful for me with every step I take while I'm carrying the twins.", Ariel told him with a raised eyebrow.
Eric sighed, "I know, Ariel, but I can't help it. You're halfway on the way to giving birth, being almost six months along, and the twins are only growing bigger and heavier.".
Ariel smiled warmly as she squeezed his hand, kissing his jaw, "I know, but I am stubborn and determined to have myself healthy while I need to walk around to keep my strength up. And you know when they grow, it means they're healthy and safe.", before feeling kicks under her other hand, with Ariel chuckling, "And they agree with me.".
Eric sighed. "Seems like they never agree with me.", he said as Ariel leaned over to kiss him, "They will... one of these days.".
Zuri smirked, "She has a point.", and Eric chuckled with a slight roll of his eyes, "Not you too, Zuri.", sharing smiles with his wives as they headed to the large dining hall with the view of the ocean.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the recovering room, Haku heard a groan as he sat in his chair, and he got up, walking to Brad's bed, "Brad?".
Brad groaned again, blinking at Haku, "Haku? What's going-Violet! Where's Violet?!", suddenly remembering what happened, struggling to sit up, his heart clenched in horror and anxiety.
"She's alright...", Haku quickly tried to hold him down. "Don't move too suddenly, alright? You're badly injured still.".
"Where?", Brad asked, though was more still wondering about Violet as he slowly calmed down. "She's right over there, she needs her rest as much as you.", Haku replied reassuringly.
Brad looked over, and saw Violet in her bed, and his heart came back down to normal as he saw that she's breathing..."Thank god...Tony? Please tell me that he's in jail or dead.".
Haku sighed heavily, "He's in jail. His griffin form has been removed so he won't break out and all. You're so lucky. Violet saved your life...".
Brad blinked in surprise before smiling weakly, "Always knew she's a heroine...Just different, that's all...", and Haku chuckled lightly, "That's for sure. Now, I gotta warn ya, there's gonna be a public trial tomorrow on Eric's command. We're gathering all evidence from where we can get it from, and the injuries is part of that, from today...and the past...", sparing a glance at Violet.
"Past?", Brad looked at her before looking back at Haku. "Probably better to tell you now rather than if you see Tony in person again... wouldn't want you to try to kill him in the 'courtroom'.", Haku said.
"What happened?", Brad's tone was dark as his blood was already boiling with his mind racing at what Haku was meaning.
Haku took a deep breath, "Even if I had said it already, it still makes me sick. Tony has been a monster behind closed doors...He abused Violet on all aspects. Mentally, emotionally, and physically...Violet suffered broken bones, split lips, and bruises everywhere, all over the past few months...".
Brad looked at him, "There's something more, isn't there?", and Haku sighed, "Tony forced himself on her against her will, not one, but five times...Before all of this, Violet would have been easily able to carry children anytime, but now, thanks to the trauma, and all the extreme healing I gave her, she is now able to carry a child one in five chances, to full term and childbirth, and she would need over-the clock supervision if that happens in the future...".
Brad took a deep breath as he tried to control himself. "If it makes you feel any better, Tony, I think more than likely, will be executed for his horrific crimes.", Haku replied with a nod.
"Well... that's a start at least.", Brad growled. "But obviously really repair what's been done, right?".
Haku nodded, "I've repaired her womb, but it's really up to her body to decide after she is healed on other aspects. Yes, it only has been a few months of the nightmare for her, but she would need time, support, and more to give her the strength to leave it in the past and move on. I believe her family didn't know...", with a sigh.
"They'll know soon enough...", Brad sighed with him. "I'm sure it wasn't their fault; Tony probably acted like the perfect man in front of them.". His fists were clenched, saying that.
Haku nodded, "Indeed. Well, you probably don't have much of an appetite right now, but your family's here, and I am sure they'd want you to eat something.".
Brad chuckled, "Mom's really insistent on those things...Please tell me that it isn't oatmeal and jello.", and Haku snorted, "Hardly. You're in the best care, and besides, tomato soup with grilled cheese is far better, wouldn't you agree?".
Brad smiled, "Sounds great.", and Haku smiled, "Excellent.", pushing a tray with two covered plates, "They're spelled to keep warm. Now, I better head downstairs to inform the others, and have my share of dinner. Here's a bell if you want to get one of the staff. Grimsby is out with Pippa, working with an investigative team to figure out why we hadn't noticed the occurrences in Tony's house.".
Brad nodded, "Got it...And thanks, Haku...for telling me...I suppose I'd be one of the witnesses in the trial tomorrow, then?". Haku nodded, "Yeah. We cannot wait any longer otherwise memories get a bit testy by the week or so, and unfortunately, Violet has to testify as she is the primary victim...".
"I hate that she'll have to relive the pain.", Brad said. "It's important for her to receive justice as well as hopefully to move forward with her life. It'll be a long road, but she'll certainly not be alone.", Haku replied wisely.
Brad narrowed his eyes, "I ain't leaving her...I love her...Jesus, I really do...", and Haku smiled gently, "True love can be surprising when you don't expect it, Brad. And Brad, you're a good man. Don't ever doubt that.".
Brad smiled wryly, "Vi told me the same thing...", and Haku nodded, "Good. I'll check on ya two later.", with a warm smile, and left the room.
"Okay then.", Brad said as he watched Haku leave before his attention went right back to Violet. "Violet... I'm sorry for not being here sooner...".
Whispering, "It isn't your fault, Brad. How could you have known?", Violet weakly opened her eyes, and Brad exhaled in relief, "Vi. Wait, you heard me?".
Violet gave a small smile, "You'd be surprised at the ways of tricks I had to use to survive my nightmare. Faking sleep is an old natural trick for me...Woke up when you shouted my name.".
"I'm sorry...", Brad blushed as he laid his head back down and looked to the ceiling. "I didn't mean to wake you up there, Haku's orders and all, we probably should still be sleeping.".
Violet replied, "Do not worry, I will sleep eventually, but I'm awake right now...Is it wrong that I want Tony to die for hurting me?", and Brad whips his head over to look at her.
Brad sighs and shakes his head, "No...It's not...", reaching out a hand to take her hand in his, "I wouldn't know what I'd feel if I was in your steps, but I can still imagine how it was like for you...Tony was a monster...harming you, hitting you, breaking you, and...", closing his eyes in angst.
He felt Violet squeeze his hand, and Brad opened his eyes, and Violet sighed, "Yes, he took away my innocence and virginity in horrible ways...I thought it was normal at first, but after hearing details by some gossipy girls, I realized that it was wrong, yet I was too late to know...And now after hearing Haku's explanations, how could I be a mother to an innocent child if I am a broken woman?...", her voice breaking.
Brad was in pain, hearing that. He never thought he would ever have to have that sort of conversation with a girl; one worried about being broken thanks to a terrible man in her life previously. He only had a few moments to answer before it would probably make things worse by not saying anything. Eventually, something did eventually come to his mind about what to say next.
Brad smiled to her gently as he squeezed her hand, "Broken doesn't mean destroyed. Broken can be fixed, healed. I'm broken myself, thanks to Tony, but together, we can be healed. Present and future, I love you, and always will, Violet Parr, and I swear you won't be alone, for you have me, our families, and friends...".
Violet was now the one to blush upon hearing that. She never really heard that sort of thing from Tony before, even on some of his better days, "Brad... I...".
"Don't say anything, you don't have to answer. I just wanted to let you know that.", Brad replied with a gentle smile.
Violet smiled, and took a deep breath, "You'd be there for me tomorrow?", and Brad nods, "I ain't leaving your side, Vi. You'll be sure of that.", with a determined look before smiling, "You must be hungry.", carefully sitting up, removing the lids off the trays, the bowls of tomato soup and grilled cheese steaming hot.
With care, Violet sat up, smiling, "I sure am...And Brad, it will be some time before I could say it, but I am glad to say that you're my hero.". Brad nodded in understanding, and then grinned warmly, "Naturally.".
The night was spent of sharing dinner, visited by Brad's family, and checked by Haku, with Grimsby returning with news of the evidence in Tony's house. As everybody went to sleep, Eric looked at Grimsby in the throne room, "What have you found, Grimsby?".
Grimsby sighed, looking weary and sick, "Turns out Tony put hidden wardstones in the foundation to put a soundproofing spell, a concealment charm, and a disillusionment spell on the house, tricking people to think that nothing's wrong, unable to see what Tony did in views of windows and doors, and in certain rooms, unable to hear Violet's protests and such...".
"No wonder nothing seemed wrong.", Eric sighed. "Surely one of the neighbors would've noticed if that wasn't the case.".
"We're still looking into where exactly he was able to get the wardstones.", Grimsby said. Eric nodded, "You have time for that in the morning, Grimsby...We're starting the trial at 9. Everyone should be well awake by then, and Emma will have her idea of showing the kingdoms and towns of the trial available as well.".
Grimsby bowed his head, "Yes, that will be more than plenty of time, my king.", and Eric smiled, "Thank you, Grimsby, and when you wake in the morning, tell the dungeon guards to heavily put Tony in chains. He may be human now, but he's still able to do something despite his injuries, if he wanted to.".
Grimsby nodded determinedly, "That shall be done, my king. And Eric, your parents will be proud of you for doing this.", giving him a fatherly, proud smile.
"Thanks.", Eric gave a quiet response to that as Grimsby left the room, leaving Eric alone with his thoughts as he looked back at the throne. "Certainly brighter days than they were before...", he said to himself.
Footsteps quietly echoed through the throne room, and Eric glanced back to see Trinika, Zuri's ma, walking across the floor, smiling warmly, "So, this is where you are. My daughter and Ariel are starting to wonder what held you up.".
Eric rubbed the back of his neck, "Hello, Ms. Wilson...", looking at his mother-in-law with a smile. He had Carlotta as a mother-figure, and then came Athena, and now Trinika...
"Certainly seems lonely in here right now.", Trinika glanced around. "You should've seen it before when Ariel was gone and I was practically nothing but a living corpse sitting in that throne...", Eric shook his head at the thought of it. "At least it's better now...".
Trinika walked to Eric, squeezed his shoulder, "I would never thank you enough for making my Zuri so happy. She is completely in love with you and Ariel, and to be involved together of my grandchildren, it's beautiful. Zuri has told me that she told both of you about what happened long ago, and both of you have accepted my daughter for who she is, not what she is...I was so helpless when it happened...I heard my daughter cry every night since for two months straight...If it wasn't for my sons, Zuri would have never moved on, signed up for the army, to make something of herself, to laugh and smile again, to find friends with so many common things...".
Eric looked at her, "I'd have done anything to go back to her past and save her, but like our friends said, time isn't set in stone, even with the water flowing...I would always love your daughter equally like Ariel, and that's the truth, Ms. Wilson.".
Trinika smiled warmly, "I know. And please call me Ma, my son.", and Eric exhaled, realizing that his mother-in-law accepts him fully, and smiled, "Yes, Ma. May I escort you to your bedroom? The hour's late.".
"Of course, Eric. Let's get going, and your wives will be waiting for you.", Trinika chuckled warmly, and Eric blushed a bit before nodding, assisting Trinika up to the stairs to the next floor, to her guest bedroom, and with a bid of good nights, Eric headed to his and his wives' bedroom for some cuddles and sleep.
The next day, it was crisp and clear as the sun came into view, and Emma, along with the rest of the United Talons went to work on the supplications of their idea. They decided to make theater-size mirrors, placing them in every kingdom, every town, and every port, against walls that is proviant of downtown centers and kingdom courtyards and harbor docks, linking them all together by magic, with announcements that every person is to watch when they turn on at 9.
"What was that we were saying about not trying to bring our world here?", Logan reminded as Emma gave a small nod.
"Yeah, I can see your point, it's like CourtTV and all right now, but Eric wanted this, and we agreed this was the best way to do it. He wants to show that Tony and others like him will not continue with their terrible actions anymore. Especially now that we're at peace again which means better attention.", Emma firmly said.
"That's true. More focused on the fighting rather than dealing with many of the domestic issues.", Logan nodded, agreeing.
Emma then replied, "And besides, the mirrors will turn into ash at a timed code word. I am sure, with King Charles, King Adam, Interim Queen Rapunzel, Queen Elsa, King Edward, Queen Kida, Kings Shere Khan and Tarzan, King Mickey, King Rilkan, and the others on the islands watching, the law will be absolute around Enchantia inside and outside, and the mirrors shouldn't be needed anymore.".
Logan nodded, "I see your point as well, and with this public trial, it's like a ripple. Unless someone cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.", and Emma smirked, "Couldn't have said it any better myself.".
"Still, I feel bad for Brad and Violet, especially her, we're practically broadcasting her trauma worldwide.", Logan shook his head. "Does it feel a bit wrong to you too, Emma?", he asked.