The Second Archon War: Animula Choragi 15

Animula Choragi 15: Solidarity 

Furina burst into the apartment, bags of groceries on her arms, and a check in her hands. Yennifer looked up from the table, where she’d been typing on her laptop.

“Yennifer! Wonderful news!” Furina said, dancing over and handing the check over to Yen.

“Hmm, what is-” Yennifer looked at the check for a moment, slightly stunned. “This can’t be right…”

“It is!” Furina said, setting down the groceries, then drawing Yennifer up to her feet, a wide grin on her face. “I got paid for the show! Marcel handed out the checks last night! Everyone was crying and laughing, but I wanted to surprise you!”

Yennifer looked down at the check, which was for just shy of 50,000 francs, then up at Furina. “But this, this is-”

“I KNOW!” Furina said, and threw her arms around Yennifer and hugged her tightly. “We can pay back the Knights of Favonius, fix the apartment, and go SHOPPING! But I want you to take care of the money, you’re much better at it than me.”

“F-Furina! You, you do understand what giving me your paycheck implies, don’t you?” Yennifer stammered, blushing bright red. Steam practically shot out of her ears when Furina kissed her on the cheek, then skipped over to start putting away the groceries she’d purchased. 

“Yes, that I’m awful with money and numbers. Besides, you’ve been buying practically everything for me before this, so consider it repayment!” Furina said, and held up a case of beers. “I got your favorite! And that awful sugary cereal that Charlotte loves.”

“...don’t you adore that stuff too?” Yennifer asked, shaking off the butterflies in her stomach and giving Furina a rueful smile. 

“Um, well, Charlotte likes them too! Oh, and I got the ingredients to make a cake!” Furina said eagerly. “I’m not an expert baker, but I got a recipe from Ling, and how hard can it be?’

“Words spoken moments before disaster,” Yennifer said ruefully, going over to help Furina put away everything. “Listen, Furina-”

“Yes, yes, I know, I don’t have to, but I want to, Yen!” Furina said, taking Yennifer’s hands again and driving whatever Yen had about to say straight out of her head. “You’ve been such a dear friend, and…and I want to see you smile! So this…this is just a small thing I can do, to help out.”

“Fifty-thousand francs isn’t a small thing, Furina! What about your future? You should put a little something away,” Yennifer urged. 

Furina huffed and turned back to her task. “You take care of that. I’ve never managed my finances before, and I would do a much worse job than you if I started now. Just give me a little pocket money, and I’ll stay within my budget. Though we’re setting aside some money to buy both of us some new clothes! And something for Charlotte, too. We deserve it!” 

Taking a deep breath, Yennifer crossed her arms and said, “Furina…” 

Furina paused in putting away the two liters of ice cream she’d bought. “That…doesn’t sound good.”

“I received a summons from the court. You’re being arraigned on charges of misuse of cape abilities,” Yennifer said. “What happens after this is practically pro forma. You’ll be given a choice of a backbreaking fine, prison, or service in the Mousquetaires. You’ll be trained as a weapon.”

“But…but I don’t know anything about fighting,” Furina said helplessly, looking down at the ice cream in her hands. “Nor do I wish to! I…I can’t be a weapon!” 

“It’s very hard to avoid. I got Charlotte off because she’s a minor. I’m immune as a member of the Knights of Favonius, which is recognized by treaty. I’m fighting a dozen cases of this in the courts, and there are many more.”

Furina looked at the ice cream, then got out a spoon and sat down at the table, ripped off the lid and seal, and started eating. Yennifer sat down, and Furina held out the spoon to her, which was piled high with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Blushing, she allowed Furina to put the bite in her mouth, and then her friend went back to shoveling sweets down her own gullet. 

“But this is a gross Injustice!” Furina said, tears filling her eyes. “How…how can this be allowed to happen?!”

“Simple. The Mousquetaires are the government sponsored cape team, and Iron Mask is the strongest cape in the country. He can even copy Vision Holders now and manipulate elemental energy.”

Furina paused, lowering the spoon back down to the carton. “Really? But, he’s got a demon, not a Vision, so how…” 

Furina rubbed her lips, obviously deep in thought. After a moment, she got up and started pacing around the small kitchen, head bowed, eyes, lips moving soundlessly, hands gesturing as if she were practicing on stage. It almost looked like she was having an argument with herself. 

At last, Furina’s spine straightened, and she stood up straight. Planting her hands on her hips, she turned to Yennifer, resolve firm in her eyes. “This an Injustice in Our lands that cannot stand! I have a plan, Yennifer. I’ve read all of your legals books-”

Yennifer blinked at that. Furina had been borrowing her texts, but…all of them? 

“-and I’ve studied the various cases that would be precedent. This vile law cannot stand! So, we must work to change it!”

“I agree, but working on a case by case basis is the best I can do right now. Your case might be winnable, I should be able to get the charges dropped, but-”

“No, Yennifer!” Furina said, striding over and pulling Yennifer to her feet, and making her heart race. Furina steered her over to the window, and pointed out to the streets and buildings before them. “All the people of Paris, of France, must live in a land of Justice! One case simply isn’t enough! We must fight this not just in the courts, but in the hearts of the people!” 

“And you plan to do this… How?” Yennifer asked, a smile fighting its way onto her face despite her best intentions. When Furina got like this, it was infectious. 

“First, we rally the allies we have made. The immigrant community has also been facing injustice, have they not?” Furina said. 

“Er, yes but I don’t see…you mean the Maos?” Yennifer asked, her brows furrowing. 

“Yes! Chef Mao has been complaining about how he has to pay bribes and faces harsher scrutiny on inspections. We can make common cause with them! Additionally, we must tap into the young people!”

Yennifer groaned, but nodded. “And I know just the young people you’re going to tap into…well, Charlotte needed a summer project anyway…”

“And last, but not least…we will need to speak with Jeanne. Having a strong political ally will be important. If she’s been blessed by Lord Barbatos, that means she values freedom. Her Ideal isn’t Justice, but what’s happening is a breach of Freedom, and so she should ally with us,” Furina said, smacking her fist into her palm. 

“That’s not a lot of capes on our side,” Yennifer said with a shake of her head. 

“What does that matter? We need the will of the people to fight for Justice, not simply those in power!” Furina declared. “Is the motto of France not Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité? Those words point us towards a Justice of the people, not merely a group of elites!”

“I suppose…and I do know a few lawyers and judges who would be willing to help, but this is going to take a lot of organizing,” Yennifer said, massaging her forehead. 

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m going to be making enough money to finance this moving forward!” Furina said with a laugh. “That was just the first paycheck. I’m getting one every two weeks!” 

“Yes, but I don’t know that we can rely on revenue from your show staying at that high of a-” 

Yennifer was wearing a blue pantsuit, smiling as cameras flashed, arm in arm with Furina as they stepped out of a limousine. They waved to the cameras as they walked up the red carpet in Hollywood. Furina had on a dazzling blue dress that flowed like water about her. On the billboard of the TCL Chinese Theatre was a poster of Furina alongside Jean Reno in La Petite Océanide.

“-level. Or…or maybe it will go up?” Yennifer said, putting a hand to her forehead. That was the second time she’d had a vision like that. At least it didn’t feature her dead sister’s grave this time. 

“I’m certain it will be fine,” Furina said with a dismissive wave. “I’ve already gotten a few inquiries about doing advertisements. I’ll simply select a few of them that meet my standards. It’s nothing new for me, as the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, simply wearing a dress or eating at a restaurant was enough to be considered an endorsement, and the businesses would see a massive boost in revenue.”

“Right, of course,” Yennifer said, shaking her head. “But, you were just acting as the Hydro Archon.”

Furina paused, and bit her lip. She looked away, folding her arms about herself in a hug. “Yes. I…I was just an actor. Nothing more.”

“No, you were always something more,” Yennifer said, stepping up behind Furina and wrapping her arms about her. “And you’re something more to me as well, Furina.”

Furina put her hands over Yennifer’s and bowed her head. “I…yes. Thank you.”

They stood like that for what felt like an age, and Yennifer felt herself aching for Furina. Why, why couldn’t she be gay? It didn’t matter, really. Yennifer had sworn herself to Furina, and her ideal now was to see Furina’s Justice done, and Furina herself protected from all threats. If this was what Furina wanted…then Yennifer would make sure it happened. 

“So,” Yennifer said, separating from Furina, who turned to face her. “This will be a great deal of work. Starting with Charlotte and the students might be a good idea. She’s going into her first year of Lycée, but, despite everything, she’s very popular at her middle school. Barbara even more so, despite mostly disenrolling.”

“Yes, we’ll get both girls to motivate the student body to fight this Injustice. Barbara was already willing, and I think Charlotte would appreciate the opportunity to cover this as a news story. We can get to Jeanne through Barbara, and with Ling’s help, we can reach out to the immigrants…but I’ll start with Marcel! He has a lot of connections in the theater and film industry, and if we can get broad scale support in entertainment…”

“A bunch of actors and models fighting for social justice?” Yennifer said, a smile playing on her lips. Furina pouted, but Yennifer laughed and held up her hands. “No, no, I think you’re right. Despite everything that’s happened, France is still fiercely proud and loyal to her own entertainment industry. If you can get some famous actors and actresses to support your cause…not to mention your own rapidly growing fame…I think we might have a real chance of getting some traction.”

“Thank you! I know this will help to bring Justice to everyone! It starts with Justice for capes, but it ends with Justice for everyone!” Furina gushed. Then she kissed Yennifer, right on the lips. It was just a light peck, and then she was off again, but Yennifer stood there, rooted in place, warmth suffusing her body. Furina was talking about going shopping again to get a “war-drobe” or something. 

I’m such an idiot. But I think I’m in love. 

Think nothing. This was why Yennifer always ended up representing lost causes, especially ones that couldn’t really afford legal fees. If it wasn’t for her and Charlotte’s inheritance…well. They might not end up completely destitute, but Furina’s meager paychecks had been more than helping keep them afloat. She looked back down at the check, and sighed. 

“Well, if we’re going out, we’re depositing this in your account.”

“Oh, just put most of it in yours! Like I said, you’re better with money anyway,” Furina told her. 

“Furina…people are going to think we’re married instead of just roommates,” Yennifer said in exasperation.

Furina froze like a deer in the headlights, and Yennifer knew she’d just completely ruined things. 

“Would…would that be so bad?” Furina said, not meeting Yennifer’s eyes. 

No, my Lady. I am yours, now and forever, Yennifer thought. 

Your Oath is received and acknowledged. You shall make a fine Champion. Though we will have to do something about that sword. 

Yennifer’s head whipped around. She knew that voice! Focalors? She didn’t even notice that Furina appeared to have heard Focalors’ words as well. 

Clearing her throat, Yennifer said, “Well, let me get changed, and then we’ll go shopping and make some more plans. This will require a lot of organization.”

The shopping trip was wonderful. Yennifer had been making due with second hand clothes and outfits that she’d worn just a bit too long. With a headspinning amount of money in the bank, it was all too easy to want to blow every last franc in a massive splurge. However, she reigned in both herself and Furina’s impulses. She wasn’t kidding about having no head for money. Though as someone who apparently hadn’t had to pay for a single thing in her life until she’d arrived in France two months ago, that made sense. 

“Three outfits for today,” Yennifer told Furina firmly. “Something fancy that you can take to important meetings and interviews. Something average for daily wear that’s high quality. And something comfortable to relax in that’s still stylish.”

“What about a swimsuit? I dearly miss the water,” Furina said with a sigh. 

“Well…” Yennifer hesitated. She really wanted to see Furina in a swimsuit, and it was summer. “Alright, four outfits, though I wouldn’t know where we would go swimming.”

“Isn’t there a river here? We could swim there,” Furina suggested. 

“The Seine? Furina, you haven’t been able to swim in the Seine without catching something horrific in 100 years. It’s horribly polluted,” Yennifer said, making a disgusted face.

The look of pure rage on Furina’s face actually made Yennifer flinch back.

“What!? They would DARE pollute MY waters!? Water is a gift to all people! It should be treated with care and respect, treasured by all, for without Water, how can there be life?! How can there be Justice! This must be rectified IMMEDIATELY!” 

“There were some efforts to clean it up back in the 80s. Then the Endbringers came, and, well…” Yennifer shrugged. “After that, no one really cared.”

Furina sucked in a breath through her nose, obviously calming herself. “Right. First, Justice for those who are oppressed. THEN we clean up the waters of this world, starting with France!” 

“The entire world?” Yennifer asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“They’re all mine, so yes,” Furina huffed. “Especially the fresh water. That’s the most important.”

“You’re starting to sound like the Hydro Archon,” Yennifer teased. 

Tears immediately formed on Furina’s cheeks, which was bad, as they were currently walking between shops. They would have been soaked immediately, but Yennifer formed an umbrella out of Hydro and held it up to keep them dry. 

“Oh! Oh, I can’t…” Furina took a deep breath, and the rain stopped, though her tears didn’t. “There. I…I can’t be known as the Hydro Archon here, Yennifer. I…I just can’t.”

“I know, you’re just Furina de Fontaine. But that’s more than enough for me,” Yennifer said, glancing up at the sky, which had formed darkly ominous clouds from nowhere, though the rain was holding off. She linked arms with Furina, who rested her head on Yennifer’s shoulder. 

If anyone looked, they really would think we were lovers…

Fortunately, Focalors didn’t seem to be listening at that particular moment, or at least that didn’t count as an Oath she could accept. For which Yennifer was very grateful.

After a lovely lunch together and purchasing not just clothes, but a number of things that they were in desperate need of, they returned to the apartment briefly. After that, Yennifer set about composing an email to Jeanne, while Furina put in a phone call to Marcel. 

“He says he’ll meet with me!” Furina said excitedly after only a few minutes. “He agrees that it’s not right now capes are treated, and that with more and more actors getting Visions, it’s become a matter for the FIA! If I join the Union, they’ll join our cause!”

“Hmm, you should have joined the union already, they’re good at fighting for workers rights,” Yennifer said absently. She clicked send, and smiled up at Furina. “Though I suppose that since this was your first role at a small theater, they weren’t as concerned. Union membership used to be mandatory, but new laws  have really weakened their power.”

“Well, then those laws should be struck down! Unions hadn’t formed in Fontaine, but if I’d thought of them I’d have encouraged them! People banding together for Justice against capitalists is a fine idea! I had enough problems with those who valued money over equality already,” Furina huffed. 

“If only you were president of France,” Yennifer chuckled, and reached for her mug of coffee.

NO. 

Yennifer froze, and met Furina’s eyes. She felt herself falling into an endless sea of pure water, drawn into the divine-

Furina blinked, and the sensation vanished. She came over, kneeling down and taking Yennifer’s hands. “No, Yennifer. I…I can never take any official office or position. It would be…Injust. France is meant to be a Republic. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I…I must not take the reins of power. People must find their own Justice. I can lead them to it, guide them, support them, help them…but I cannot force them. I would become a tyrant. And that…that is something I will never allow myself to be. The most I would allow is to be the High Judge, but this separation of powers between the courts, the executive, and the legislature…it is good. Even Divine Justice has its limits. People must be willing to work towards Justice themselves.”

“I…” Yennifer swallowed, and nodded. “Yes, Furina. It will be as you say.”

“No, if anyone is going to be president, it should be someone like Jeanne. She may be blessed by Venti, but she is still a mortal woman,” Furina said, standing.

Yennifer frowned at that. Was Furina implying she wasn’t mortal? Well, she was hundreds of years old, and effectively the daughter of a god. Heck, she turned water into wine. Could she walk on water?

“Can you walk on water?” Yennifer asked, more to herself than anything.

“Hmm? Oh, well, I suppose both of us can with a little practice. It’s a very common ability for those with Hydro Visions,” Furina said with a shrug. She lifted up her own, frowning at it. “I have hardly trained with this at all…”

“Neither have I, though I was supposed to go train with the Mousquetaires. They never scheduled me and I haven’t pressed however,” Yennifer said. There was an alert from her email program, and she turned back to it. To her surprise, there was an email from Jeanne herself. 

“The Mayor wants to meet with us! Could you do lunch day after tomorrow?” Yennifer asked, turning to Furina.

“Really? So soon? Of course! The show won’t start until 6pm, and I don’t need to be there until 5pm,” Furina said, peering at the screen. 

The two grinned at one another. This was going to work!

Marcel opened the door to his office and started slightly. “Furina! I didn’t realize you would be bringing legal representation. I thought you just wanted to sign the paperwork to join the union.”

Furina smiled down at Marcel. “This is about more than that, Marcel. Surely you understood that?”

He huffed and pushed the door open wider so that Furina and Yennifer could both enter. “Those assholes in capes and masks want to strong arm my best actress into joining them? Oh yes, I understand. And that makes it my business. Should have had you join the union right away.”

Marcel’s office was a cluttered mess. There were a number of finely upholstered chairs up against the wall, each piled high with props, scripts, papers, posters, and even a couple of costumes. The walls themselves were decorated with green patterned wallpaper, but that was barely visible between all the posters of plays, and even a few movies. Furina noticed a younger, thinner Marcel was on a couple of them. Not in a leading role, but in various bit parts. 

“You were an actor once?” Furina asked, curiously. 

“Only because my family owned the place,” Marcel said, sitting down at his desk, where a man was putting out a cigarette on the ash tray. “Mademoiselle Fontaine and Mademoiselle Lustria, this is Monsieur Jacques Ménard.”

Ménard rose and gave a world weary smile as he shook Furina’s hand first, then Yennifer’s. He was balding with a combover, and Furina could tell he dyed his dark brown hair to hide the grey. He was thin, with a suit that was clean, but getting a bit threadbare. His shoes were similarly worn, but well-shined. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mlle. Fontaine. I must confess, I had hoped you would read the literature I left for you all and would agree to sign up. The union, it is not doing so well I am afraid.”

“You mean the French entertainment industry as a whole isn’t doing so well,” Yennifer said as they took a seat.

Furina shot a warning look at her, but Ménard let out a dark chuckle. “Japan, it is taking over the film industry and the animation industry with its anime. Korea, now she is dominating television with K Dramas. And add to that German, with the Tone Deaf Bards competing against Japanese Idols and Korean pop. What then of France? Little and less. There is no money for films or stage productions. Or at least, I had thought there was not. Then…you arrived. Your performance…inspired. I have seen it twice myself. Perhaps, it is what we need to revitalize our own pride…”

“What about online video production?” Furina said, her mind instantly going to the videos she had put out with Charlotte and Barbara’s help.

That brought a frown to Ménard’s face. “Those? Amateurs. Non-union, at the very least.”

“Hmm,” Furina said, and made a few mental notes. She’d have to see to that. If they were going to have online actors and artists, then they should unionize as well. Now that she was aware of the concept, Furina was quite taken with the idea of common workers banding together for Justice. 

“Well, I would like to sign up for the Union, and see about getting the rest of the cast to sign as well,” Furina said. 

“Of course, of course,” Ménard already handed out the papers, and went over to them, looking to Furina, but also glancing at Yennifer as he explained about dues, Union jobs, and other things. 

“I will note, M. Vautrin, his establishment, it is non-union,” Ménard, glancing at Marcel over the reading glasses he’d placed on his nose. 

Marcel harrumphed. “You know I always took good care of my actors. They didn’t feel the need to unionize because I paid them well! I’m not even opposing this. I called you first when Furina ran into trouble with the government. Me, I can do only so little. But you…well. I take care of my people, and you can help with that.”

“So, you are willing to make this theater a union job?” Ménard prompted. 

“Yes, yes, I told you as much already!” Marcel burst out. He turned to Furina, real concern in his eyes. “Furina…look. I don’t like the restrictions the union puts on me, with what I can charge, what I can pay, when I can put on shows…all these things. But! They can help you with this problem of yours better than I alone ever could. So. My actors, they are like the children I never had. Even the ones older than I am. I tell you, join the SFA. They have their problems, but helping keep actors safe is not one of them.”

“What about fighting the general injustice against capes?” Furina asked. “Would you help push for legal reforms?”

“Hmm,” Ménard stroked his chin and frowned. “Well, it’s something we’ve talked about, at the GTWA. That’s the Global Trade Works Alliance, which the SFA is a part of. There has been talk of forming unions specifically for parahumans and Vision Holders, but nothing has come of it so far.”

“That’s it!” Furina said, standing up, excited. “That’s what we need to look at doing! Everyone who’s a professional cape should join such a union!” 

“Well, the problem with that is all the cape teams are highly resistant to unionizing,” Ménard said with a shrug. “And you couldn’t join, unless you joined an international or national cape team. Which I seem to understand you don’t want to do.”

“She doesn’t,” Yennifer said, a grin spreading on her face. “But, I might. Let me reintroduce myself: I am Captain Yennifer Lustria, of the Knights of Favonius.”

Ménard blinked a few times. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. “Really? Well. I might be able to put you in touch with a few people who would be interested in helping the Knights of Favonius form a union.”

“We’ll need to consult Venti, that is, Lord Barbatos first,” Furina said, half to herself. “But I think he’d be in favor of mortals banding together to secure their freedoms.”

“You…are on speaking terms with the Anemo Archon? I thought he was sleeping, or something,” Ménard said, his brow furrowing. 

Marcel’s eyes had narrowed, and he was studying Furina. “The wine,” he muttered to himself. 

Furina flushed, and tried to move the conversation along. “Well, I don’t, but Yennifer has close ties to the knights.”

“And I know the Grandmaster personally. Cookie would absolutely pitch a fit about her Knights unionizing,” Yennifer said with a predatory grin. “Then she’d help set up the vote herself and tell everyone to vote yes.”

“They’re not French, but the Knights of Favonius are the most powerful cape group in Europe, if you don’t count the Fatui. Unionizing in the middle of a war might ruffle some feathers, though,” Ménard said, sounding suddenly cautious. 

“War is the perfect time to take a stand for freedom! For if we do not fight for Justice and Freedom for all, what do we fight for?” Furina demanded. She signed the SFA paperwork and handed it over. “Besides, I think I might be able to start a cape group right here in France.”

“Really? But such is illegal. Only government-sanctioned groups are allowed, and the only government-sanctioned group is the Mousquetaires,” Ménard said, his brows knitting together. 

“Good thing the mayor’s daughter is one of my players,” Marcel said smugly. Ménard turned to look at him, eyes wide. Then, he slapped his forehead and laughed. A real, genuine laugh. 

“Merde! Ah, forgive my language, but this, this just might work! I would have to look at the law, but-”

“The law specifies the Mousquetaires as the state-sponsored cape team,” Yennifer interrupted. “However, there is a provision for local teams to be founded by local officials. It’s meant to be used in an emergency capacity, but the Mayor of Paris absolutely has the authority to form her own cape team.”

“My God,” Ménard laughed, and Furina perked up at the words. “This…this is…well! Not only do I secure Furina de Fontaine as a member of my union, but the GTWA would love to help found a cape trade union!” 

“I’ll call Cookie,” Yennifer said, pulling out her phone. “Then, when we meet with the mayor tomorrow, we’ll broach the subject of forming a cape team here in Paris, then unionizing it.”

“Hmm, what do you call the cape team? Has to have a snappy name,” Marcel said, rubbing his stubbly chin. 

“The Maréchaussée Fantôme,” Furina said instantly. 

“That would be…something like the Hunters of the Hidden?” Yennifer mused. 

“Yes, um, if the name doesn’t sound right…” Furina said, feeling suddenly nervous. 

“No, no, people like over the top names for cape teams. That’s good. We’d have to come up with a name for the cape union though,” Ménard said.

“International Guild of Powered Labor or IGPL,” Yennifer supplied. “Not just for cape teams, but for anyone who uses their powers in their employment, whether you’re a bricklayer or a member of the Knights of Favonius.”

“That’s perfect! I’ll make some calls and we’ll get started on the paperwork right away. Can I count on you two as our first members?” Ménard asked eagerly. 

Furina and Yennifer exchanged looks, then grinned. “That depends. How do you feel about junior members?”

“Her younger sister is a Vision Holder as well,” Marcel told Ménard. 

“Ha! Too perfect. Yes, just get the mayor to form that team, and we’ll have your union ready. Oh! She’s a cape now too, yes? Haha, if you can get Jeanne d’Orleans as a member, this will be frontline news!” Ménard laughed.

Furina took a small peak at the future, then grinned. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”

The next day, Furina and Yennifer arrived at the mayor’s palace, and were escorted to a private dining room, where lunch was already being set out. After a few minutes, Jeanne strode in, wearing khaki pants and a cream colored blouse, her hair in a ponytail behind her. She smiled at both of them, hanging up the phone call she’d been finishing up. She had on her Anemo vision on a small silver chain about her neck, and looked much more invigorated than usual. 

“It’s good to see you both,” Jeanne said as she was given a light salad to start off the lunch. “I read your follow up email. So, this is about more than just one unjust law now, is it?”

“Yes,” Furina said with a nod, and passed over the proposal she and Yennifer had been up all night after the play writing. 

Jeanne took a look, reading as she ate her salad. She nodded to herself, then set it aside. “This is well written. I confess, however, I am not sold on starting up my own cape team. That could be seen as me challenging the authority of the government. Things are unstable enough already, and if I were to declare such open rebellion…Mégret and Iron Mask would crack down, hard.”

“That’s why this team wouldn’t be for handling military matters or parahuman threats, but rather, more normal problems. Such as assisting with fire fighting, medical response, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief,” Yennifer said, pointing to the document.

“Hmmm,” Jeane flipped back to that page, and read it again, more carefully. “Ah, I see. So, these will be ‘non-combatant’ capes, with skills focused on support and relief, not direct combat? I see…”

A servant came and took away the finished salads, setting out some fresh Crème Dubarry soup, which was excellent. Jeanne sipped at hers for a few moments, clearly considering. After a few moments, she sighed. “I agree this law is unjust. However, if this team is merely being created as a way to screen people from joining the Mousquetaires…”

“It’s giving people a choice. Civic service, or military service,” Furina argued. “That’s Just! And it promotes freedom. It’s not letting people avoid their duty, but rather, determine for themselves where their duty leads them! Plus…well. We’d like to unionize it.”

Yennifer quickly laid out the scheme to found the IGPL, using the Maréchaussée Fantôme and the Knights of Favonius. At the end of it, Jeanne’s eyes were sparkling. 

“Oh, that would be a foot-breaker for Mégret. He’s been trying to weaken the unions consistently, something I have strongly opposed. France was founded on the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, which trade unions promote. And, since I, too have a Vision now…I could join this union as well, could I not?”

“We’re counting on it, actually,” Furina admitted. 

“Very well.” Jeanne stood, having finished her soup. “I’ll get my people working on it right away. They’ll get in contact with M. Ménard and the GTWA. You are certain you can get the Knights of Favonius to agree to unionize?”

Yennifer produced her phone, and showed Jeanne the profanity riddled response from Cookie she’d received. Jeanne’s eyebrows climbed her forehead, until she came to the end, which made her laugh. “Well, I see Grandmaster Schmidt supports the idea, even if she does protest it. Very well. I’m sorry to cut this short, but there is a great deal of work to be done, and little time to do it. I look forward to working with you both.”

Furina and Yennifer both stood and said their goodbyes, leaving after only half an hour, but feeling satisfied. 

Feeling exuberant, Furina grabbed Yennifer once they were out on the street, pulling her into a hug. “We did it!” 

Yennifer returned the embrace, a victorious smile on her lips. “We did! Or at least, we took the first step!” 

Those lips…they were…they were very interesting. On impulse, Furina pecked Yennifer on the lips again. “Thank you. For believing in me.”

“I…o-of course, My Lady,” Yennifer stammered. 

“Oh, don’t be so formal, Yen. Come on! We need to tell Charlotte so she can break the news herself!” 

Grabbing Yennifer’s hand, Furina put her hand to her hat and raced down the sidewalk, a wide grin on her face. She was doing it! She was being the Archon!

…well, maybe not the Archon. But at the very least, she was fighting for her people.

PHILO: There are two things that I typically find annoying, both of which arise, interestingly enough from Miraculous Ladybug. One is Hidden Identities. The other is the “JUST CONFESS.” This story somehow does both in a fantastic but STILL VERY ANNOYING MANNER. Holding dolls and whispering evilly. “Now kiss~”