A/N: We're finally here, everyone. The arc 3 grand finale, and therefore the end of entire first half of "The source of my strength". Join Juniper and Robin as they reach graduation. It's time for femslash!

Chapter 15: An uncertain future

December 22, 2030

Newman-Woods residence, bedroom

11:34 a.m.

No sooner did Juniper finish the last of her preparations did Robin come out of their bedroom, looking like her usual energetic self.

"So what are we going to do first, Juniper?" she asked brightly.

"I got a pair of tickets to a movie for we can watch together," Juniper answered. "It starts in about an hour so we should leave right now."

The moment Juniper had read the synopsis of the movie- about a pair of high school girls that fell in love- she knew it was the perfect movie for them to kick off the day's celebrations.

12: 56 p.m.

Movie theater

"After we graduate….do you still think we'll be together?"

The audience in the seats had a mix of reactions, from groans at the cliche dialogue to some quiet cheering.

Then there was Robin.

"Of course you'll be together! You'll both always have each other! ALWAAAAAAYYYYS!"

The patrons around Robin shushed her for the third time since the movie started, while the management looked about ready to intervene.

Robin opened her mouth to speak again, but then Juniper lay her head on Robin's shoulder, which calmed her down quite effectively.

"Are you remembering the same things I am, dear?" Juniper murmured.

"You mean our own graduation?" Robin said, looking at the movie screen with a melancholic expression. "I think I am."

Robin put an arm around Juniper and pulled her close as the two continued to watch the movie. But they watched it with a filter made up of their own experiences….

May 2028

The end of the school year snuck up on everyone. As a side effect of the large workload Juniper had to deal with, the days passed by in a tired haze. Before long, she found herself holding the envelope that had the results of her final exams.

She opened the envelope with trembling hands. Did she really manage to best all the tribulations that had been tossed her way? Or had she been too weak to manage after all?

Upon laying out the results out in front of her, Juniper read them over. Then she read them over again, unsure of what she saw was actually possible. But it was true: she had managed to ace the exam with a perfect score.

Juniper's phone began ringing in her pocket, and she picked it up in a dazed manner.

"JUUUUUUUUNIIIIIIIPEEEEERRR!" Robin shouted joyously. "WE DID IT! WE'RE GOING TO GRADUATE!"

"We r-really d-did, Robin. *cough cough*" Juniper found herself seized by a coughing fit.

"What's wrong, Juniper?" Robin asked, naturally worried.

"No, nothing's wrong," Juniper said. "It's just th-that- I'm so relieved. Our dreams are finally another step closer to coming true."

Indeed, it felt like a massive weight had lifted off of Juniper. Next, Juniper called up Hugh for a three-way conversation about the final exam and future plans. As it turned out, Robin had scored near-perfect, as did Hugh. With graduation assured, they next talked about what was next. Mainly, the defeat of the Themis Final exam meant that they were finally ready to prepare for a more intimidating obstacle: the bar exam.

Near the end of May Juniper and the Student Council hammered out the final details of Juniper's proposal. The final form it ended up taking was a help line students could use, anonymously or otherwise, with more serious problems run by Juniper's suggested panel of students with representatives from each course.

"So do we agree that a licensed counselor be on hand at all times?" One of the council members asked.

No one had any objections to the proposal, so Juniper approved its integration into the proposal.

Another council member suggested, "We should set up some requirements to join the panel. A 3.5 G.P.A. would be a good place to start."

Juniper shook her head. "No. I understand where you're coming from, but making it a competition like that will probably foster the very corruption we're trying to fight in the first place."

An brief argument broke out over whether it was right to put in place a grade requirement for a panel like this.

"Consider the most important rule of this school," One of the council members said. "'If you are convicted of any crime, you will be expelled.' The rule isn't inherently wrong, but it can't be denied that it's responsible for a lot of the school's recent suffering. Our president knows this better than anyone."

"What does the President's experiences have to do with the panel?" Another council member asked.

"Since the rule is probably not going to change anytime soon," the first council member answered. "We need something to counterbalance it."

"And this help line is meant to be a safe place for our students," Juniper said, continuing the council member's reasoning. "I'm not arguing we shouldn't vet the panel meant to tackle complex issues. But we need to make it clear that what we're doing here is going to better our academy, and like I said earlier placing strict requirements on entering the panel will damage that image."

While the combined effort from Juniper and the Student Council member, the grade requirement was at least knocked down to a more reasonable 2.5 G.P.A.. The discussion of the help-line was passed around the different members representing distinct departments of the school. Budgeting, operating hours, other possible requirements- it went on for a few hours.

Once this was done Juniper put the proposal to a vote, which was passed with a unanimous vote. After that, Juniper went to the Principal's office to have it officially submitted.

The Principal looked over the paperwork and made no comment on it one way or another, while Juniper stood by trying her hardest not to hyperventilate.

"I will have this sent in," the Principal finally said. "I will say that the administration will likely accept this and have it implemented in this academy within the next five years. I thank you for taking the time to do this for the future of Themis. You are dismissed."

With that, it was over. What Juniper had spent the last few weeks working on, what had caused her to suffer so much stress and sleepless nights, had now been wrapped up.

The end results wouldn't even be seen for a long time. Juniper Woods had been faced by a single question at the start of this: what was the right thing to do? At the end she had no real resolution, only the knowledge that it would come one day. All she could do was trust in her own judgement, that she didn't just make a horrible mistake.

June 15th, 2028

Woods residence, living room

6:14 a.m

"Grandma, how do I look?" Juniper asked after she finished putting on her gray graduation robes.

"Like a proud woman about the take on the world," her Grandma said as she combed Juniper's hair. Tears of pride filled the old woman's eyes, and Juniper could feel herself getting a bit watery herself.

Graduation. As the valedictorian Juniper was going to give a speech in front of the entire school. This would normally make her incredibly nervous, but Juniper wouldn't be alone. Robin had managed to snag the second-highest grades in the entire school, and so was going to give a speech right alongside her. Hugh hadn't quite managed perfect scores himself, but was at least satisfied with making it in the top ten scores.

"Are you going to meet up with all your friends after the ceremony?" Mrs. Woods asked her granddaughter.

"That's the plan," Juniper said. "We're going to come back here afterwards so we can all have a picnic in the forest."

"Then I'll prepare food for everyone," Mrs. Woods said.

Before long there was the sound of a car horn outside- Robin's parents were here to pick up Juniper to take her to Themis Academy. Juniper kissed her Grandma goodbye and left the door, filled with anticipation for the day ahead.

The atmosphere in the car was rather oppressive, something that caught her off guard. While Robin greeted Juniper with a smile and a kiss as always, the moment everyone took their seats Juniper noticed that the entire Newman family was stone-faced, not talking with each other in the slightest.

Juniper, unsure of whether she had a right to meddle, didn't speak for a good duration of the car ride. However, it got to be too much for her and Juniper started coughing.

"Looks like we've upset Juniper," Mrs. Newman said to her husband. "Should we….?"

"Given what day today is, we probably should," Mr. Newman answered. "The last thing we want is for Robin to still be upset with us."

Richard turned to face Juniper, a serious expression on his face. "Our daughter was telling us that there is a promise you two made. What is this about?"

"Th-that? *cough cough* Robin, Hugh, and I made that promise not too long ago," Juniper said. "*cough* we're going to redeem the law system together."

Mrs. Newman, who was driving, pursed her lips in a displeased manner but otherwise didn't comment. Mr. Newman, meanwhile, looked deeply disappointed.

"As I thought," He said as he shook his head. "You are being far too naive about how our law system works."

"And just what gives you the right to say that?!" Robin shouted. "Just what have you done to fix the Dark Age of Law?"

Juniper flinched at the venom in Robin's tone, but Mr. Newman didn't seem to be affected.

"You are being far too presumptuous, Robin," He shot back. "I've spent half my life in the Prosecutor's Office and could do nothing as the Dark Age of Law began. Do you really think just three people could make a difference?"

Robin grimaced but couldn't seem to find a rebuttal, and Juniper found herself coming to the rescue.

"So your objection to our promise," Juniper said. "Is that the legal system is just too much for us to handle? Is that what you're saying?"

Richard suddenly looked very tired, every one of his forty-five years showing on his face.

"We didn't want this to become an argument," he explained. "But there are far too many circumstances where this promise can go wrong, and we don't want our daughter to suffer because of it."

"I- I'm glad that you worry about me," Robin said, having calmed down. "But I think the three of us can handle whatever happens. I mean, there's also Athena, Apollo, Klavier, and Simon to help us."

"And what if you're on a case without any of them?" Richard asked. "Or what if you meet them not as allies, but as antagonists? That goes for both of you."

The first question was easy enough to answer, given that they had every intention of doing their job regardless of circumstance. But neither girl found they could answer the second question. Juniper wanted to say they would always help each other even if they were on opposite sides, but she couldn't get the words out for some reason.

"I understand what it's like to think you can change the world," Richard said to Robin. "But the last thing I want is for disillusionment to set in because you couldn't do something you had no chance of accomplishing. I've been able to avoid that, but some of my coworkers haven't been as lucky."

"I think I understand," Robin said after a long silence. "I'll keep that in mind, but as long as Juniper is with me I don't think that will ever happen. But t-h-a-n-k you for the advice!"

"You should learn to work on your own, but I'm glad you're listening," Richard said in relief.

"Says the man incapable of being at a crime scene without me," Diana added teasingly.

Richard actually got flustered at this, which finally lightened the mood in the car. The rest of the trip passed smoothly.

June 15th, 2028

Themis Legal Academy, Outdoor Auditorium

12:00 p.m

Juniper and Robin stood on stage together, looking out at the sea of people that was in attendance. They were holding hands with each other, a sight that was concealed by the podium they were sharing for the speech they were about to give. Behind them was a large statue of Lady Justice watching over everyone, which Robin managed to finish in time.

The crowd of people could be considered intimidating. But all the two girls had to do was look in the right place to be reassured, for everyone they knew was here to watch them graduate.

Myriam's family was currently attending to Myriam, who was sobbing in a rather undignified manner. Because of dress code she was not able to hide inside her box. Hugh was seated by himself, as he explained earlier his parents had declined to attend. Juniper made a note to keep him company after the ceremony.

Juniper's Grandma was sitting next to Judge Courtney, and the two of them were deep in discussion. Robin's parents were sitting next to Simon Blackquill, which was also quite the surprise. Apollo, Athena, Ema, and Klavier were also in attendance, chatting casually with each other.

Then it was time for the ceremony to start, and Myriam and Hugh got in line to receive their diplomas while the Principal strode on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said grandly. "Welcome to the graduation ceremony of Themis Legal Academy."

The Principal gave his prepared speech about the prestigious history of Themis Legal Academy, as well as how he predicted that the institution would remain standing for a long time to come. Once he was finished he ceded the stage to Juniper and Robin.

The two girlfriends faced the crowd head-on, no longer holding hands but no longer needing the contact. They had a joint speech ready, one they hoped would communicate what they wanted to get across to everyone.

"To my fellow students of Themis Legal Academy," they began at the same time.

"When I first started going to this school I barely had the courage to step in the doors," Juniper said.

"And when I first started going to this school the only thing I was thinking about was when I could leave this place," Robin continued. "But the I met people that would change my life forever: Juniper Woods and Hugh O'Conner. And I had the guidance of someone truly wonderful, the late Professor Courte."

"She illuminated the way for me when it felt like the darkness would be too much for me," Juniper said. "Constance helped me find the strength in myself I never knew I had. I will always cherish the time we spent together."

"We aren't perfect. We stumbled, and lost our way for a bit," Robin said, shaking a bit from the bad memories. "But we're going to carry on her life work outside these walls, and show them to the world!"

"At the same time, I can see that every student in Themis Legal Academy has inherited her will," Juniper said, winding down to the conclusion of their speech. "Robin and I have only been able to make it as far as we have because someone showed us the way, and we were willing to accept the help. So to all the students here right now, and to those yet to come, I ask only one thing. Don't see your fellow student as the enemy. Instead, always make an effort to work with them, because true change starts small."

Robin and Juniper both leaned near the microphone as they spoke the final lines, "We can't wait to work with you all in building a bright future for the law system!"

Everyone in the crowd applauded fiercely, and all around them the administration nodded in approval. Juniper and Robin soaked in all the praise, pride filling their chests.

Juniper and Robin's speech set the tone for the rest of graduation; as the students marched in line to receive their diplomas, most of them looked quite optimistic, even students that Juniper had noticed were very down earlier. As the line was in alphabetical order Hugh, Robin, and Myriam all got their diplomas first, but Juniper was overjoyed to be able to see all the people precious to her ascend the stage.

Finally, Juniper herself walked onto the stage and she was given her diploma. As she looked down at it she found she didn't just see a piece of paper. She saw an undeniable sign that she could reach her dreams with everyone.

I'm one step closer to reaching the bench.

June 15th, 2028

Themis Legal Academy, Outdoor Auditorium

5:20 p.m

After the graduation ceremony ended everyone went their separate ways. Most students went to the after-graduation dance, but Juniper prefered to spend a quiet night at home.

But while Juniper searched for her friends to begin the plans for the evening, she ran into Justine Courtney instead.

"Hello there, Ms. Woods," She said, briefly holding her gavel in front of her face as if in prayer, "May the Goddess of Law watch over us."

"He-hello, Judge Courtney," Juniper said uncertainly. "What are you doing here?"

"I always watch the graduation ceremony of this school," Judge Courtney answered. "I went to this very academy, before I was blessed with my current career."

"Oh, really?!" Juniper asked, surprised.

"Indeed I did," Judge Courtney said. "My teacher was someone just at the start of their own career. And they, as you said, 'illuminated the way for me.'"

Juniper's head started to feel light at the revelation. The scope of how many lives Professor Courte touched was staggering, but an example of this was right in front of her.

"When I laid eyes on you during your girlfriend's trial," Judge Courtney continued. "I knew it was no coincidence. The Goddess of Law arranged for our paths to cross on that day. So I am here to ask you something. Would you consider coming under my tutelage?"

"Of c-course I will!" Juniper exclaimed. "I….I would be very honored to learn from you, Judge Courtney."

"That settles it," Judge Courtney said. "I will be in touch with you shortly. Farewell for now, Ms. Woods."

Justine curtsied and left the auditorium, gliding her way gracefully through the crowds.

After an event like that Juniper was unsure of what else could possibly happen, but regardless, she managed to find Athena, who was by herself.

"Thena!" Juniper called. Athena turned around and smiled at the sight of her best friend before going in her direction.

"Hello, Junie," Athena said after successfully reaching her. "Congratulations on the big day! I'm so proud of you."

"Th-thanks," Juniper said, feeling like she would overflow from all the praise she was receiving. "Where's everyone else?"

"They're waiting for us near the exit," Athena said. "Except for Robin. I'm not entirely sure where she is."

What could Robin be doing?

"You go back to everyone else," Juniper said. "I'll go find Robin and then we'll all meet up at the exit."

"Sounds like a plan!" Athena said cheerfully.

Juniper looked around some more before spotting Robin with her parents. They appeared to be leading her somewhere, so Juniper followed them.

June 15th, 2028

Themis Legal Academy, Garden

5:31 p.m

In the end Juniper wound up following the Newman family to a secluded corner of the Academy's garden. Being surrounded by many beautiful, flowers of several colors helped Juniper relax. She remembered spending many afternoons here tending to them.

"I thought you'd follow us here."

Juniper jumped at the sound of Mrs. Newman's voice, but the woman gestured the graduate to join them.

"Juniper!" Robin exclaimed. "I was going to join in with everyone but my parents said they wanted to talk to me."

"What did they want to talk about?" Juniper asked, genuinely curious. She found she couldn't quite figure out the expression on their faces, but she could have sworn she saw shame in there. But why would that be?

"There is something we have to tell you, Robin," Diana Newman started. "and Ms. Woods as well."

"Is it about that trip to Gatewater land?" Robin asked, practically bouncing on her toes in excitement.

"No, it seems like that will have to be cancelled." Mrs. Newman said, her face now twisting in visible pain. Juniper and Robin could feel the joy that had previously dominated the day be slowly replaced foreboding. Just what was going on here?

"That's o-k-a-y," Robin said, still trying to lift the mood. "C'mon, if we need to talk we can just go home. Everyone's waiting for us!"

"We won't be going home with you," Mr. Newman said, unable to look either girl in the eye.

Juniper was about to ask what what was wrong when unexpectedly, Simon Blackquill showed up.

"Newman-dono," He told Mr. Newman impatiently. "Cease delaying the inevitable. You are disrespecting both yourself and your child."

"Prosecutor Blackquill? Why are you here?" Robin asked.

"I am here at the behest of the Chief Prosecutor," Simon stated simply. "To guide your parents on their way across the River Styx."

"Because your dramatics are so much better at getting the point across," Richard Newman said bluntly. "What he means to say….. is that he's here to arrest us."

Richard's words seem to suck all the air from the garden. Though it was only Juniper's perception, even the flowers started to wilt much like Robin herself.

"You aren't serious. This is a joke, right?" When Robin didn't receive an answer her face became dominated by disbelief and despair. "No…. why are you being arrested? Why is this happening?! Please ANSWER ME!"

"It is a lengthy tragedy," Simon said. "One could almost say it's as long as your own life."

"We knew this day would come," Mrs. Newman said sorrowfully. "From the very moment we bribed a doctor to forge your birth certificate, we knew we had crossed a line we could never come back from. But your father and I pressed on, driven by our own selfish desire."

"It all came crashing down last October," Mr. Newman continued. "When with Ms. Cykes help you decided to reveal your true gender, Robin. But the Chief Prosecutor had already begun to cast his watchful eye on us. You simply sped up the process, so do not blame yourself for our mistakes catching up to us."

"Why is this only happening now, then?" Juniper asked, unable to help herself.

"What you must understand about the Chief Prosecutor," Mr. Newman explained. "is that once he suspects you've broken the law there is nothing that can save you. And so it was once he started to dig into my affairs. But with over eighteen years of fabricated medical records and false paperwork to sift through, I knew time was on my side. So I managed to strike a deal with him. I would cooperate fully in the investigation against me, and in return I would be given time to settle my affairs."

"Just because Richard and I were condemned," Mrs. Newman said. "Didn't mean we were completely helpless. Even after everything we've done to you, Richard and I were determined to be good parents to you, if only once. So we've spent every waking moment preparing for this day."

"Convincing the Chief Prosecutor to let me work a few final cases. Taking any and all extra money and transferring it into a bank account that couldn't be touched. Negotiating with with a very obnoxious realtor," Richard said slowly. "We did all to insure you a good future without us, Robin. But there was one last thing we wanted to use our borrowed time for."

At this point Robin was shaking, her face devoid of all emotion besides sadness. Yet she managed to muster enough strength to ask, "What did you want?"

"We wanted to watch you graduate," Mrs. Newman said, smiling for the first time since the conversation started. "The sight of seeing you triumph makes us happier than you can imagine, and it will make the days in prison that much more bearable."

"Don't worry about us," Mr. Newman added. "With Ms. Woods by your side, you won't ever feel alone."

Juniper gasped in surprise at these words. Was that why she had been allowed in on this intimate family conversation? It felt like it was an eternity ago when she had instead been told not to meddle.

"Where are you going? How long will you two be gone?" Robin asked, still not comprehending.

Simon listed the name a penitentiary where the Newmans would likely end up that was roughly four hours away, much to Robin's horror.

"The sheer scale of almost two decades worth of crimes," Simon added. "Is one that is impossible to carry. Your parents' ticket into the clink will be one way."

"NOOOOOOOO!" Robin howled as she threw herself at her parents. They managed to catch the frenzied girl. "Please don't leave me, Mom and Dad! We've only just started talking to each other again. There are so many things I still want to experience with you two. So many places we can go together."

"We know, Robin," Mrs. Newman said as she started patting her daughter on the back. "But this is why we never said anything before. There's nothing that can be done about this, so we wanted to make as many good memories that we could."

"We still can!" Robin said desperately. I- I forgive you guys! So please don't go…."

Her parents didn't say anything at first, simply wrapped their only child in a hug.

"Robin, there is one last thing we have to tell you. Something we should have said over eighteen years ago," Mr. Newman said.

It was a something that Juniper continued to remember many years later, seeing mother and father with tears streaming down their faces as they managed to choke out one final message as free people-

"We're so proud to call you our daughter, Robin Newman."

With that, Simon took Richard and Diana Newman away, leaving Robin to fall on her hands and knees. Juniper knew that Robin would probably be unable to move on her own given her emotional state, so she picked her girlfriend up and carried her away.

Once the two girls reunited with the rest of the group, their friends immediately went to Robin to ask her what was wrong. Juniper quietly gave an abridged version of what had gone done to everyone.

Athena, Myriam, and Hugh all showered Robin with as much comforting as they could, until Klavier took her aside.

"Fraulein Newman," Klavier said gently. "I understand that you are in fathomless pain right now. So I will not pretend to be able lift even a drop of that pain from your heart. But instead, I shall take you with me. Let us spend some time out in the wide world, and wash ourselves with a tapestry of stars. Just the two of us."

Robin mutely followed Klavier out of the auditorium, and before long the two of them disappeared.

"What was Mr. Gavin talking about?" Juniper wondered out loud. His words had been oddly specific.

"It's simple," Apollo Justice said right next to her. "Klavier knows more or less what it's like. After all, he had to watch his only family be convicted of murder twice. And by his own hand the second time, at that."

"How do you know that, Apollo?" Juniper asked.

"I was the defense attorney for both those cases," Apollo explained, the memory clearly a troubling one. "Back when I was first getting to know him."

Juniper thought to how Apollo and Klavier interacted, how they bickered and teased each other like close friends. This was how they met?

"Weird that Apollo and the Fop can get along so well, huh?" Ema said, seeing the expression on Juniper's face. "But someone once told me, 'The world is so much more than what you can see. So always be willing to accept a new premise in your mind.' Something like that, anyway."

Juniper recognized that phrase. It was something Metis Cykes often said, the few times Juniper had ever seen her. But the way Ema phrased that, it seemed like the detective had heard it from Metis herself, which was impossible.

Ema probably just misspoke.

Juniper didn't know what she else could do, so she went home.

June 15th, 2028

Woods Residence, living room

6:43 p.m

Juniper's Grandma had left the graduation long before Juniper, as Juniper had planned to get a ride back home from the start. She was dropped off at her home by Athena, then went inside. But the night's surprises weren't over yet.

In the living room Mrs. Woods was surrounded by several suitcases, and was packing another it. A look inside revealed that the suitcase was filled with Juniper's clothes.

"Grandma, what are you doing?"

"A month ago I heard from the Newmans," Virginia Woods explained. "So I know what happened today."

"But then, why are you packing my things?" But even as Juniper asked she had a feeling she knew what the answer was.

"Right now Robin is off with Prosecutor Gavin," Mrs. Woods explained. "But soon she's going to be returning to an empty home. The only person that can help her in this moment of need is you, my dear."

"I know that, Grandma," Juniper said, trembling. So the day was finally here. The day she had to leave from home. And yet…. "But I can visit her anytime I like. I can still-"

"I know I should have told you this," Mrs. Woods interrupted. "Consider this the last time I get to make a decision for you, as your grandmother."

"It doesn't have to be like this," Juniper pleaded. "I don't want to leave you here alone."

"I'll join you girls in the city shortly," Virginia reassured her granddaughter. "But right now you're needed over there."

Those words were just what Juniper needed to find her courage. She knew that one day she and her Grandma would have to part ways. The day had just come a lot sooner than she had expected. The prospect was made much easier by the fact that her Grandma was going to be with her, as she always was.

"Thank you, Grandma," Juniper said. "Let me make you dinner."

The two women of the Woods family carried on with their work, chatting about times gone by. After they were done, the two of them sat down at the kitchen table for the final meal they would share in that house.

June 15th, 2028

Newman residence

8:00 p.m.

Juniper stood at the front door of Robin's house, holding the suitcases her Grandma had packed. Inside the window she could see that a light was on, which indicated that Robin was home. Juniper raised a fist and gently knocked on the door.

The Robin that answered had disheveled hair and a tired face, but the moment she laid eyes on Juniper she managed a weak smile.

"Hello, Juniper," Robin said after giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to stay with you," Juniper answered truthfully.

"I don't have much, but come right in."

Juniper entered the house, putting her suitcases off to one side as she then followed Robin to the kitchen. On the dining table was a single plate with some half-eaten eggs and ham on it.

"I still can't make much food," Robin said sheepishly. "But I'll see if I can't whip up something quickly."

"Oh, I already had dinner," Juniper said. "But I'll go put away my things while you eat."

After she left the kitchen Juniper peeked inside the bedroom of Robin's parents, which turned out to be untouched and empty.

Well, that makes sense. I guess Robin's still staying in her own room.

Juniper took all her belongings to Robin's room, then went about unpacking.

Halfway through the process Robin came inside her room, with a forced smile now plastered on her face.

"So you're going to sleep over," she said loudly. "We're going to have so much fun together!"

"Robin…."

"Ohhhh, maybe you can show me that braid you were telling me about before," Robin continued as if she hadn't heard anything. "and then we can watch a movie together. But we can't be too much of a disturbance!"

"Robin."

"What are we going to do tomorrow? I still have a lot of job applications to fill out, and since you're here I guess that means I need to make a shopping list. But at least we can enjoy the summer without needing to think about school anymore. We're-"

"Robin!"

Robin froze at the sound of Juniper raising her voice, even if only a little.

"Y-you…. you don't have to pretend," Juniper said gently. "Not for me."

Robin's shoulders began shaking, and Juniper could see tears falling down her face. Then Robin burst out sobbing, finally releasing all the pent up sorrow she had been holding in. Juniper drew her girlfriend in a tight embrace.

"Juuuunnniiiipppeeerrrr!" Robin cried out.

"There, there, Robin," Juniper whispered softly. "Just let it all out."

"First th-there was your trial last October. Then there was everything that hap-happened with Logan," Robin said, hiccuping every so often. "And now my parents are GOOOOONNNNEE! It's- it's just too much."

"I-I know it is," Juniper said, realizing that she was crying too. "I wa-was with you. I'm he-here for you now, and I'm al-always going to be by your side."

The two girls continued to find comfort in each other's arms, sharing their grief with each other as time passed around them. It was a small gesture, but it was a needed one.

June 15th, 2028

Newman residence, Robin's room

8:42 p.m.

After the crying was done, the two girls tucked in for the night, squeezing themselves inside Robin's bed. Of course, neither girl could fall asleep after the day's events.

"Hey Juniper," Robin said. "I'm so glad that you're here with me, and I l-o-v-e you so much."

"I love you too, Robin," Juniper said in turn. "and I would never leave you. Not at a time like this."

"I've been thinking. I don't want to take the bar exam right away," Robin continued. "I don't feel ready to be a Prosecutor yet. But some day I will!"

"I understand," Juniper said, sensing that anything that reminded Robin of her parents was too painful right now. "When you're ready I'll take my own exam with you."

For a while there was silence. Then, Robin nervously asked a question that poked in her mind.

"What's going to happen now?"

"I can't answer that," Juniper confessed. "But as long as we take care of each other we'll find a way."

Just what were they going to do now? Just this morning Juniper thought she knew exactly what the future held, but now she was facing something completely unknown. Nothing was set in stone, and all she could do was cope as best as she could.

Before either girl could talk anymore exhaustion claimed them. This morning Juniper and Robin had been convinced that today their lives would change as they graduated into true adults. Great change had indeed come to pass, hurling them both headfirst into an uncertain future.

The source of my strength part one, Themis days: End.

A/N:With that, the major events of Part One have come to a close, leading into Part Two. Chances are Part Two won't land until January, so expect much promotion about it in the following weeks. I would like to know from everyone how Part One played out. Until then, this has been Orion Fowl and thank you for visiting my corner of Romance!