A/N: Okay, here's the last chapter of the original 5 ones I had pre-written. There was another one, that I thiiiink involved an AU with evil duel masters and 'not-good but not-quite-evil' Choten and co, but that one was written in OCTOBER, so I'll probably only remember it if I get some kind of prophetic dream. ANYWAYS. You know which character I could never ever see getting a redemption arc? Fingers. Seriously, Master Tiera has a better chance, even HELLER has a better chance for that. So, onwards to plan B for ol' Joey. He's pulling a Saguru!
The Council of Logos itself was very much used to troublemakers being brought before them, especially if they were outside saboteurs. The Choten's influence had turned many once faithful creatures against their own kind, whether it be by emotional or verbal manipulation, or something more inhumane. But, even with all of these variables set in stone before them, they still were confused at the very least o find a familiar face being brought before them.
"Joseph Morrigan."
"It's Fingers, alright? Let's just get this over with."
"Joseph Morrigan." Finbarr repeated, the teenager wincing at the name. "You have been a loyal accomplice to the Choten and all of his unspeakable evils, and yet you return here for petty theft of Water Civilization weaponry. Your lack of insight and context in your situation are baffling."
"Lay off the thesaurus, will ya?" Fingers asked, visibly annoyed. "Look, it was just three spears, you can mass produce them, no prob-"
Hokira cut him off sharply. "I believe the real question here is what exactly you are trying to accomplish. The Choten is long gone, and you have no other reason to be here. Unless, of course, you merely like to cause pointless mayhem."
"Ooh yeah, that's me. Nothing but a troublemaker. Y'know toots, if I'm so bad, why don'tcha just lobotomize me now, huh?" Any further possible sassing was swiftly prevented when Fingers' mouth suddenly slammed shut via Milporo's interference. His eyes widened as he attempted to move, but the Cyber Lord's hold remained strong.
Milporo then glared and hovered a bit forward, examining the boy. "Excuse the expression. If I didn't know any better, I would say that this is exactly what you wanted, isn't it? You knew that this would be a fruitless effort, and yet you trekked onwards into ruin, all for the sake of getting caught. How predictably inarticulate."
Fingers just glared, it being the only action possible until Milporo released him. He gasped for air for a bit, couching up, and then looked back at all three of them. Attempting to put himself back together as well as he could in shackles, he then cleared his throat.
"You guys wanna know the real reason I came here. Fine, you're gettin' my sob story. Used to be some millionaire's kid, though, guess I still am. Ended up coming to San Campion because I needed to get outta the house more, and apparently was supposed to meet up with some August guy about tech stuff, and well, rest is history."
Hokira shoved her hand up to her mouth, assessing the information. "It seems as if the Choten corrupts and confuses both of our species. It would make sense that most beings would feel guilt after having to participate in acts such as those, but that is not what I'm sensing from you."
"C'mon, can you blame me?" Fingers tensed up again, by his own volition, and continued shakily. "Those freaks won't think twice about tearing me to shreds. They're a "maul first, ask later" kinda group. And besides, if the Choten rears his greasy head around your Civ again, you've got all my knowledge right here." He tapped the side of his head with his cuffed hands and grinned cheekily.
There was a long moment of silence, as the Council went over everything that he'd said. His story, as viewed by a silent mind scan, checked out perfectly. Although, considering he was only looking for an easy way out from dodging justice, this seemed hardly appropriate to forgive. But then, there were always the ends to justify the means. Meanwhile, Fingers quietly waited, anxious as ever for the answer.
"Joseph Morrigan," Finbarr repeated for the last time. "The Council of Logos has accepted your unorthodox pleas. Your wish will be granted by the Mother Virus herself."
Fingers gave a sigh of relief, until he began to question Finbarr's response a he was being dragged away. "What. Wait. Mother Virus? Not… not like the little tiny ones? Is that gonna hurt more? Wait. Seriously, guys? Guys?!"
"Joseph, get down here! We don't have all day!"
"Alright, coming!"
Joseph bounded down the mansion's stairs, nearly tripping on his own two feet as he made his way to the door. It was just another average day, helping with unloading trucks with tech parts for his father's business, no big deal.
But, there was something he felt nagging at the back of his mind that he couldn't place as he went outside to help. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of golden light bouncing off the truck's chrome exterior, but it vanished quickly with a soft whirr. He shook it off as him just seeing things, and went back to helping.
