Her brush with the law too much of a close call, Miss M takes a moment to regroup.
Miss M's apartment...
Knock. Knock.
Miss M: Coming! You guys sure do deliver fast!
Miss M: Oh. You're not Ruby's Chinese. This is a surprise.
Moth Lady: Yes, surprise indeed. No need to worry, Yvie is fine. I'm here about you. And me. And our past.
Miss M: Oh. I see. Ok. Come on in.
Miss M: I'll be real with you, I don't know that I can get into a knock down drag out fight about the past right now. I'm not doing too hot.
Moth Lady: No fighting. We've done enough of that. I haven't been ultimately fair to you.
Miss M: You shouldn't be. I was trapped in your body, and I truly thought I was going to be stuck that way for the rest of whatever life I had left. No one believed me. I was locked away in a mental institute. I did the best I could and I know sleeping with Bruce was horrible ethics, but I am truly sorry...
Moth Lady: Stop. We know the past. We've been through it. I spent many years hating you. I know things were getting a little better, but new wounds opened up with the custody trial. I'm sorry for that.
Miss M: You don't need to apologize. What happened in court, ya know, is what it is. I didn't think I'd be here, ya know? (shakes head) I'm sorry. You want to tell me something, and I am just confused. What is it Moth Lady?
Moth Lady: For the last few years, I've been involved in Mystical Therapy. The Sorceress has been helping me. I've been understanding my anger more. I've been living with that anger for a long time. You know this, having to hide who I was, hiding my sexuality, there was a rage inside me. And when I overdosed, I went to the After Life, but I was tethered to this realm. Which was how you were able to latch onto my body through your own events upon leaving the After Life. But I chose to stay in the After Life. I made that decision.
Moth Lady: I didn't know it was you exactly, but I knew someone was living in my body. I didn't care, because in the After Life, I was free. I got to live an extraordinary after life. And when I returned, I didn't have a say in that return. There were no proper goodbyes to the life I had there. That anger was twofold. It was at you of course, but also what I had given up in the After Life. I took a lot of that out on you because I didn't feel safe to be me, here, in this life.
Miss M: I'm really sorry to hear that. It sounds like you've learned a lot about yourself and have been through it. Although, I remember us sharing your body, we were both vying for control in like a mental astral place.
Moth Lady: That wasn't me. Well, it was, but more like phantoms. Echos of me.
Miss M: Oh. Well that makes sense. Forgive me, but why are you telling me this? You could keep this to yourself and just, ya know...
Moth Lady: Paint you as the villain? I don't see you as a villain M. You are far too hard on yourself. You're right though, I could have kept this to myself, but I have my reasons.
Moth Lady: True, you made decisions in my body that I would not have made, but you also took care of my body while I was in the After Life. I wasn't using or drinking myself to an oblivion. I have a whole life ahead of me, and with the wedding coming up, I was hoping you could be there, standing up as a witness. It's a small affair, Bruce will be there. Yvie of course. She's so excited that Wild One and I are getting married, she's become quite the wedding planner. Sorceress will be officiating. But it feels a little weird without you there. Our lives, they have been forever crossed.
Miss M: (fights back tears) I'd be honored to be there. I don't get to see Yvie much, but when I do, she is nonstop about this wedding. I can't wait to see the look on her face, and I have no doubt Wild One and you will make the most stunning brides.
Moth Lady: It's so close. I can't believe it actually. I never thought that I'd be experiencing this. (eyes well up) But, I'm really glad you will be there. If you would also like to bring Dick Tracy, we would be happy to have him there as well. I know you two have been dating.
Miss M: Actually he and I are on a break, but even if we weren't, I wouldn't want him there. Yvie has met him a few times, but I haven't fully explained the nature of our relationship to her yet.
Moth Lady: I see. I'm sorry to hear the two of you are on a break. It seems like things have been a lot for you lately.
Miss M: Eh. When is it not? But I thank you for inviting me. And opening up. I still regret choices I made back then, but I also understand more about you, and what you were going through. And hey, it's not all bad here. Things look cluttered, but I'm trying to expand the space. My landlord, her name's Amanda, she cut me a deal. With a bigger space, I'm hoping Yvie will now want to stay the whole weekend when I have her.
Moth Lady: M, Yvie doesn't mind the space. She's just been so excited about the wedding and then of course her new brother, she just wants to be everywhere all at once.
Miss M: I know. And it's good, I've been really focused on my work right now so it keeps me super busy so I can get closer to the next weekend.
Moth Lady: How's that project going?
Miss M: Oh ya know. I might be a little too hyper focused on trying to interview Dino Drac. I almost got arrested. You must think I'm a mess.
Moth Lady: M, I used to summon hordes of insects to destroy villages when I was a member of Dragon Queen's army. I have no room to judge.
Miss M: Oh yeah. (chuckles) I've been a little over the top lately though. It's kinda scared my friends. I've been a little rude to Bruce. But this potential interview, it just, it's something I can hold onto right now.
Miss M: They don't warn you about getting older, ya know? How lonely it is sometimes. I've been through this crazy adventure for this interview and it might not happen, but, it's helping me wake up and survive a new day. If I can do this, I can prove it everyone I'm not the mess they think I am. It's so funny. This break with Dick. I think a younger version of me would be beside myself right now. But I don't really mind. It's extra noise I don't have to fool with. I'm just in this zone, working on this piece. And of course attending your wedding. It's going to be great.
Moth Lady: Yeah, it will. And M, you're far from a mess. I know you've been through a lot in the last few years. But you have it more together than you know.
Miss M: Thank you. (hears a knock at the door) Oh. My takeout is here.
Across town, in Big Boy's Penthouse...
Dick Tracy: Sorry to barge in Big Boy.
Big Boy Caprice: Who the hell let you in?!
Dick Tracy: How did you do it?
Big Boy Caprice: I do a lot of things. You need to be more specific.
Dick Tracy: How did you get some poor kid to confess to a murder you committed? Or is it that you have something on the mayor so he'll just do whatever you ask? I've been racking my brain trying to understand this.
Big Boy Caprice: Crimes happen all the time. Can't blame me for all of them. Sorry by the way. My daughter told me you two were on a break. Let's hope that stays permanent yeah?
Dick Tracy: Or? You'll try to kill me like you did Bruce Wayne?
Big Boy Caprice: Ya know Dick, I think uh, it's a little concerning, your obsession with me. But to quote a powerful man, better to be on the minds of a mediocre men with a gun than a cunning man with a knife. Abraham Lincoln.
Dick Tracy: I don't even know what the hell you are talking about. No wonder your daughter struggles in this life to do the right thing. She has two of the worst parents imaginable. What was it, her mother tried to kill her for a life insurance policy? And then there's you, a common thug with aspirations bigger than he can handle, just blatantly lying to his daughter's face. Tell me something Big Boy, what's it like to sleep at night knowing she will find out what a lousy piece of...
Big Boy Caprice: (yells) Shut your damn mouth Tracy! Look at you, (chuckles) I know what you're trying to do. Trying to get a rise outta me hmm? Sorry detective, but I can't admit to a crime I had nothing to do with. But you ever say another word about my role as M's father again, and I
will commit a crime. It'll involve blowing that ridiculous yellow hat high off your head. Capisce?
Dick Tracy: Threatening a police detective. Not very smart. You don't scare me Big Boy. Common thugs never do.
Big Boy Caprice: Heh heh. You don't scare me either detective. So is that all you came here for? To run your mouth like an idiota?
Dick Tracy: No. I came for this: a warning. You may have gotten away with murdering Deathstroke, amongst numerous other crimes, but I wanted to tell you to your face, I will get you for something Big Boy. And then I will expose you to the world, M included. You will pay for your crimes.
Dick Tracy: Have a nice rest of your day.
Glo's house...
Layla is playing her Switch, with the beats of Snake Man's level from Mega Man 3 humming through the speakers.
Layla: Ugh. Why did my mom and Aunty M tell me to play this? This game is so old.
Layla: Glamma. Someone's at the door. (pauses) Glamma? (pauses as she hears a voice calling out for Glo) I think it's for mom, should I answer it? (shrugs and walks to the door)
Lana: Why hello. Is Glo here?
Layla: No. My mom went to run a quick errand. Are you her friend?
Lana: Oh no darlin. I'm her boss. We work together. You have such pretty blue hair.
Layla: Thank you.
Lana: Would it be ok if I came in and waited for her?
Lana: Don't worry, I don't mind waiting. I just wanted to talk to her about work.
Glo: What do we have here?
Lana: Well there you are.
Glo: Layla, go on inside.
Layla: Ok momma.
Glo: What are you doing at my house Lana?
Lana: I wanted to see how you were. The other day, what happened to Breathless, I'm worried about the morale of the club. She's going to be on leave for a while. This news has been troubling for all of us.
Glo: You could have told me this at work.
Lana: (changes subject) I didn't know you had a daughter. She seems so sweet.
Glo: I keep my private life separate from work. I don't even know how you found my address. I use a P.O. Box for my employee information. Why are you really here?
Lana: It wasn't that difficult to find your address. And I told you, I wanted to check on you. I can see why you are so special though. Is her blue hair natural?
Glo: I think we're done here. I'm fine. I talked to Breathless earlier. I'm being a supportive co-worker. Anything else you need from me can be discussed later.
Lana: Very well. (starts to walk off)
Lana: Oh Glo? To be sure, there is no separation of a private life and work life around me darlin. You might want to remember that. I'll be seein you.
Glo: (looks on in soap opera pause)
Big Boy's Penthouse.
Big Boy Caprice: Who the hell does he think he is? Coming into my home!
Big Boy Caprice: I shoulda killed him with my bare hands. Rid the world of Tracy. Because everywhere I turn it's Tracy! Tracy! Tracy!
Seeing red, Big Boy begins to demolish his sitting room.
His chest heaving, Big Boy yells and curses.
Lifting things only to toss them across the room as if he has the strength of a man half his age.
Big Boy pauses as his heart begins to race even more. Losing his breathe, he stumbles before falling to the floor.
Miss M's apartment, later on that evening.
Miss M: I can't believe John Oliver is on my soap. I love when a soap has these surprise cameos. It's just so cool. (hears knocking at the door) Come on in!
Miss M: Vash! What are you doing here? Is that a gift for me?
Vash: (lies) Yes, though not from me. I found it by your door. Maybe a delivery?
Miss M: Oh. Thanks for bringing it in. What's up?
Vash: What's up? M. We're almost halfway through the summer. The window to submit to the Bloglin Academy ends soon. Have you gotten the interview set up with Dino Drac yet?
Miss M: No. I've hit a snag. Or two. I'm actually thinking of maybe writing something else. I don't know that I can get this interview to happen.
Vash: Oh no. You can't change topics. Interviewing Dino Drac is exactly what the voting academy wants. What else would you write about? Old Fazz cosmetics you stole as a kid? Everyone is writing about their youth these days. You must stand out, you can't give up.
Miss M: I hear you, but, unless I can bring something as an offering to show how serious I am, he won't notice me at all. And believe me, I almost got arrested trying to procure an offering.
Vash: Ok, well maybe don't try to find a goat or some other sacrificial thing. Surely this doesn't have to turn into a horror movie. Why, the item you seek could be right under your nose. (
hints towards the gift box with a 3D printed bag of Pizzarias inside, see previous episode- editor)
Vash: Oh, enough of this talk, why don't you open this box I found by your door. Didn't notice a name on it, maybe from a secret admirer?
Miss M: (phone rings in the background, M ignores it) I doubt the gift is from a secret admirer. And I keep saying offering, but like, not in a demonic sacrifical way. I've spent weeks trying to track down a bag of Pizzarias and it's just been... (pauses mid sentence as the answering machine goes off)
???: This message is for Miss M. I'm Nurse Spencer calling from General Hospital. We're calling because you are the emergency contact for Alphonse Caprice, your father has had an accident. If you could please get here asap...
Miss M: Oh no.
Miss M: Vash, I'm so sorry, I have to go.
Miss M: (races off) Can you please lock up after me?
Vash: Yes of course. You can always take the gift with you! (M is gone) Bloody hell.
Bonus scene!
The dark corners of the After Life...
An ominous portal glows in the dark...
Energy crackles in the air as distant screams and howls can be heard in the distance.
Whirling matter takes form as Horri-Dame arrives!
Horri-Dame: Sister. I have returned.
Horri-Dame: But sister, where are you?
Horri-Dame: I bring news of the mortal realm.
Horri-Dame: Ah. There you are.
Chilling music hums in the air as footsteps glide towards the portal.
Galadriel: Did you find her?
Galadriel: Tell me of my love. Is Moth Lady alive in the mortal realm?
Horri-Dame: Yes sister. It took ages, but I have located her. She is indeed well.
Galadriel: I shall go to her.
Horri-Dame: But sister, your tether to the mortal realm is weak.
Galadriel: Only because you travel more.
Horri-Dame: Sister, the tethers only allow one of us to be in the mortal realm at once. You are weak, you must preserve your energy.
Galadriel: No. Now it is my turn. I must reunite with my love.
Galadriel charges her strength emitting an eery green glow.
Horri-Dame: (sighs) Sister. Before you go, there is one thing you must know. She has found the embrace of another, and they are to be wed.
Galadriel: Is that so? Is this why it took you so long to return? Did you fear what I might do?
Horri-Dame: Never. I do not wish to see you hurt.
Galadriel: Moth Lady and I stood high atop the cliffs of Drakkar and succumbed to our wedded love in the Sea of Noir. We have been betrothed for an eternity. There are no worries about her mortal coil in a realm that is limited in time. I will return sister. And when I do, it will be with my bride beside me.
Up Next! Miss M finds the key to the interview of a century!
Like the previous posts on this blog, it is with great sadness that the blogging community lost William Bruce West. My heart goes out to his family, including his wife Lindsay and two daughters. Will contributed so much to the toy/comics/pop culture blogging and podcast community. His opinions on pop culture are the stuff of legend. Please check out the West Family GoFundMe and consider donating, they need our support more than ever. If you can't donate, please spread the word.
West Family GoFundMe
Miss M: Oh no.
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