IIRC part of Hades's curse in the first game is that he would never have a heir no?

So I've been thinking about this, and thinking about the direction Melinoe's arc might go in the final full-fledged game and hm. At the start of the game, pre-character development Melinoe seems like the perfect heir. Diligent, hard-working, conscientious, task-oriented in a way Zagreus never was. Hades 1 Hades would dreamed for Zagreus to be like her here.

And yet it never happened. Chronos takes over not after Melinoe is born, and she's raised far away from the House and its norms (I wonder then, since Mel is aware of the Family Curse that this is the reason why she blames herself for the demise of the House). She works hard to restore that, but she does it at the cost of her own well-being and who she Is as a person.

And that's the kicker I think. There's a lot of evidence - convos between Melinoe and others - that highlight how much she doesn't have a life. Eris is constantly pointing out how ~ boring ~ she is and trying to get her to "enjoy life" albeit in Eris's own terms and ways. Heck, even Hercules warns her against Olympus and even her Father (even if it's projection on his part), suggesting her task might not be what's cranked up to be.

So I wonder. Melinoe is the Goddess of Nightmares and Ghosts in the myths yes, but also she's associated with invoking Madness. We see a little bit of that in her repeatedly giving Chronos no peace (I wonder if defeating him for real would involve getting into his nightmares. I mean, Hypnos is asleep for a reason right?). But also she's described as being a beast apparition with many forms, a way for people to communicate with the dead. That seems to tie her more to the Surface in a way.

Anyways, what I'm saying is, I think her arc is gonna go in the direction of her relaxing her stance on her Mission. Taking and enjoying herself. But cause of circumstances, she returns home, but it's not the same. She's not a member of the House structure in a way that matters, Time cannot be stopped, things cannot be the way it was before. She's gonna stick to what she knows, stick to the Crossroads and Hecate and maybe fighting Chronos to keep him down and up to the surface all the time, maybe causing her own version of chaos and doing it cause she enjoys it, or wants to, not just cause it's expected of her. So maybe she drives everyone insane or sows mayhem cause of it so what.

Basically

Got tagged by the bringer of amazing headcanons and provider of gorgeous, jaw dropping interpretations @mr-laveau to assign some ships songs. Did my best here and 100% picked songs I already associate with other ships and characters because listen, sharing is caring. Let's get into it!

[D.A.M.N. Polycule]

This is all the boys @ FL and simultaneously FL @ all the bots. All of them are grateful to be in each other's lives and wouldn't have it any other way. They can't imagine things being different. Lyrics that specifically stick it: "It feels so good to know ya"

[Sam/Darlin']

It's a tad upbeat from what I envision the vibe of this pair to have but the lyrics fit to me. I'm also a sucker for any song that's like "I'm scared to love you but I love you too much not to try" so here we are /pos

[Huxley/Damien]

If there's one thing you need to know about are the blueprint to me. Alright, this is my top ship, can't be beat. I like to think that this song is from Damien's perspective once they get together. In general, I think they bring out the best in each other and this song fits that.

[Avior/Starlight]

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN (/LH)— Avior is one of my favorite characters. Starlight is one of my favorite listeners. Their storyline is one of my favs overall. That being said, I also love a little pain and this song cuts me deep. It feels like it sums up where they're both at mentally when it comes to the meridian stuff.

[Cutie/Geordi]

Much more from Cutie's perspective, but I feel like this captures their inner turmoil and how that conflicts with their love for Geordi. I love them and their story in general, and I think this song shows a certain will for their relationship to work out while still highlighting how Cutie has their own stuff to work through.

[Vincent/Lovely]

This specific version. The almost quiet feel to it compared to the original draws you in, pulls you close. Gendering aside, it's even more fitting post-Inversion.

[David/Angel]

Reminds me of quiet nights and healing as you go, which I feel is a major part of their relationship development. To me, this gives off "I want to be there for you and help you when the darkness clouds your mind". Again, always a sucker for.

[Vega/Camelopardalis]

This is an ultra specific pick based entirely off of the fic "And That’s Why We Broke Up" by @dominimoonbeam (your writing is >>>). I get that it's canon divergence, I get that this ship ain't for everyone, I get that I'm 99% certain it'd never happen in canon. That doesn't change the fact that this is 100% what I think of when I think about this pairing in the context of this fic.

[Elliott/Sunshine]

Beginning of the song reminds me of Elliott showing Sunshine dreams dreamscapes and stuff. That mixed with the friends to lovers vibes from the beginning of their relationship/dynamic and overall energy this song has made it fit for me.

[Alexis/Sam] (LET ME EXPLAIN /LH)

This ship isn't for me and I debated adding it at all, but this is one of the first songs I thought to add for this. I think it absolutely fits from Alexis' perspective and, if you view her as a more complex character rather than one dimension, it makes you hurt in a "It is what it is but damn" kind of way. Especially the line "strangers to friends, friends into lovers, then strangers again". Like come on, it fucks me up to imagine that pain after everything that transpired between her and Sam.

[Bonus Honorable Mentions]

Hit my audio limit whoops but Friendly Dark by Ollie MN for similar reasons as Die Trying assigned to Avior/Starlight. Also Our Love by Curtis Harding and Jazmine Sullivan from Arcane for Milo/Sweetheart (gendering aside). The girls that get it get it, and the girls that don't don't (/lh).

This was a lot of fun, even if I had to rack my brain a bit. I hope you enjoy my selection~ Tagging @thefablefoxart because I'm always in love with your musical suggestions (and don't know anyone else to tag /lh)

Hi!!! Lots of compliments for your art 😍 just two questions:

What about Polly? He get to be a babysitter at least? XD and Charlie the plant?

Also, do you post also on instagram?

Hello friend! Thank you so much for the compliments!! No, I'm not on Instagram, sorry!

As for your other question, I've mentioned in a previous ask that Apollo visits LA for major holidays and special occasions. When he does visit, he does interact with the kids, but I wouldn't say he babysits them. He may handle the kids but mostly because he's often with Trucy and Trucy spends a lot of time doting her younger siblings.

And Charlie is doing "fine"! (hehe!) Phoenix makes sure that he's well taken care of--in which usually it's Athena and Trucy who take care of him. When Trucy goes on tour with her show, Phoenix does step up. Eventually, Athena and Phoenix show Gregory how to take care of him, too. :)

I'll answer this question as well, since it's somewhat related!

There's a bit here so I'm going to have more under the cut!

I'm glad you asked about Klavier! While most of the AU is focused on Maya, Phoenix, and Edgeworth's parenthood, Klavier does have some things going on, too!

After the events of "Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies", Klavier does his best to continue living his life as a prosecutor, but what happend to his brother, mentor, and colleagues start to weigh on him. It affects his work, and Edgeworth takes notice. Klavier has a long chat with his boss, and Edgeworth recommends he help Apollo reform the legal system in Khura'in. Edgeworth believes Apollo could use some assistance from someone who has a prosecutor's perspective, plus, the change in scenery would be good for Klavier.

There's not much left for Klavier in LA, so it doesn't take much convincing for him to pack up and leave for Khura'in. Starting fresh in a different country was just what he needed, and he made himself at home there. Sometimes he hears what goes on back in LA from occasional correspondences from Edgeworth and when Apollo returns from America whenever he visits. There's nothing in LA for Klavier to visit, so he doesn't really join Apollo on his visits unless there's the fairly rare occasion where Edgeworth needs to meet with him in person.

Although Klavier still has some feelings of guilt and sadness with what he went through, he does find some solace in learning that the man he was manipulated into wronging is comfortable and happy with the people he loves. To boot, he thinks its extremely amusing his boss is raising a child with the same man, and has noticed that it has lifted his boss' spirits, too.

As for the baby names, I've detailed the Fey kids in another post, but here's a shorter version!

Gregory Wright (Edgeworth, Phoenix, and Maya's son) Mia and Melusina "Mel" Fey (Phoenix and Maya's daughters) Opal and Amber Fey (Pearl's daughters)

And then other kids I haven't drawn or spoke much about! Richard Jr, Hunter, Chase, Scout, and Miley Gumshoe (Gumshoe and Maggey's kids, all boys except Miley) Sister Elira (Iris' daughter) Jack and Ace Gramarye (Trucy's twin sons who perform as a single person "Janus Gramarye") Dusty Butz (Larry's son)

Thank you both for the asks!

Opening Up

Clare: made a face. “Sounds like a punishment. Was she trying to educate you or prove some point? I don’t think my mom is willing to go there. She answered some questions I had last year and it was actually more uncomfortable for her.” She nodded when Kota mentioned Skins. “Oh right, I have watched Skins and Game of Thrones is another one full of nudity. I don’t mind cute boy butts but I could do without gratuitous sex scenes.” Clare closed her eyes when it got to be too much. “I like crab so that would be okay. Not necessarily! I eat seafood just not fish. I won’t be the only one. Someone else will try it and not like it.” Clare protested. What were the odds a group of Canadians were all going to love raw fish? She couldn’t even stomach fried fish! “I’m fine with cooking it though. I’ve never thrown up from the smell alone.” She smiled at the mention of having weekends without Emi. “I hope she doesn’t forget about us.” Clare chuckled knowing how many friends Emi had left behind in Japan. She talked about them a lot. “Can I demand date nights?” Clare asked curiously. “Good point. I place more importance on stuff like kissing and cuddling since it’s all we’re doing right now. K.C did not.” She shrugged. “I wouldn’t kiss another guy unless it was part of an act. Probably not even to make you jealous.” Clare hoped she wouldn’t have a reason to test that theory. “Of course I’d like to be a waitress! Thanks.” She gave exaggerated groan at Kota’s insistence it was cute. “No way.” Clare looked at her boyfriend in askance. “I have to keep track of how much money I’m spending! Somewhat at least. Dad’s not going to ask for receipts, it will just show up somewhere. Credit card statements, how much I withdraw from his bank account…” Her voice trailed off. “If you’re talking about buying me clothes, fine, I promise not to. I’ll trust you not to spoil me. What?!” Clare squealed in horror at the mention of dead turtles and other unthinkable things. There was no telling whether or not Emi’s mom would come back for her. If Emi left, she’d miss her and hope for visits. “I don’t want to hide our relationship. Not forever. We have to get them on board one step at a time. Then if they’re assholes about Emi...well. I’m not going to expose her to them. My parents wouldn’t have any problem with you raising your little cousin if you were in your 20s. They’re prejudiced against teenagers.” Clare grumbled. “I’m glad.” She whispered giving him one last lingering kiss. “Anything’s possible.” She insisted. “Kota being famous is news to me!” Clare nodded. “Ah. I’ve only been to Maine on ski vacations. I’m still working on going to New York. So my perspective is a bit skewed. Fashion’s dead last here. Kids at school still think they can just hassle Kota for Murder Bunny products. Music’s held in a higher regard.” She told Melanie. “Jimmy Fallon wears Murder Bunny? They do? Kota is?!” Clare looked like she’d been told the earth was flat after all. “Oh wow.” She looked at Kota as he explained about the fashion show and the lingerie line. She remembered the first time she slept over at his house and how Kota was baffled about Clare not wanting him to see her bra when she wasn’t even wearing it. He was desensitized. Her lips twitched as she suppressed hysterical laughter. Clare glared at her boyfriend a little at the mention of how he wouldn’t be touching model's breasts. There should never be a question of that. It wasn’t professional. The rest of it Clare had to accept must be part of his job as a designer. But she really, really didn’t like him seeing half naked women! After Melanie left to change, Clare continued to listen to Kota. Then gaped at the photo of Sia and the accompanying letter. “She’s so cute, I guess it really is her!” Not like Clare knew Sia’s handwriting. “Kota I don’t know what to say. Your life is crazy amazing.” She handed back his treasures. “You look great Melanie. It’s true. Our only local celebs are hockey players. West Drive films here and the cast is mostly left alone.” Clare walked hand in hand with Kota to his car. She got in and buckled. “The mall’s good. There’s a Chipotle, a few other restaurants, or the usual food court fare.” She had to meet Alli later, anyway.

Kota: looked at Clare. "It was to educate us, though the movie The Girl Next Door taught us more than American Pie did and I don't believe there was nudity in The Girl Next Door either." he shrugged. "I've never seen Games Of Thrones to be honest." He admitted and looked at her. "We will probably have crab because Emi loves it. Connor hates seafood, but he likes tofu they will substitute fish with tofu. The only ones going to Japan that actually like sushi are me and Eli." he stated honestly and nodded when Clare mentioned being fine with cooking fish. "She'll be with us on weekdays so she won't forget about us." he chuckled. "You can demand date nights and I'm glad you won't kiss another guy to make me jealous because if you did that, it wouldn't make me jealous it'd make me think we were over so please don't do that." he chuckled softly at her next words. "No problem and some of the stuff in Japan is going to be written in Japanese in most places, if that's the case I'll only tell you if it's something you're going to buy and not something I'm buying for you and yes, they eat turtles and sharks in Japan." he assured. "If that's the case with your parents I'll show them report cards from TU to show them I can handle both." He suggested and Mel looked at him when Clare mentioned him being hassled. "The guy I saw last night hearing the football jacket when I went to surprise you.." she trailed off. "Wasn't hassling me, he needed to talk. Not many people can hassle me for Murder Bunny at school anymore. I've been busy with some things during free periods." He confirmed. "Yes, he does." Mel said going through her phone and showing Clare a screen cap she took of Jimmy Fallon showing off his MB socks on his show by putting his foot on his desk and lifting a pant leg. "It's not really crazy amazing." He chuckled knowingly, there were things in school that he was mixed up in that he couldn't share with Clare. "Thank you." Mel said looking at Clare as she stood in her disguise. Hearing Clare mention the mall caused him to nod. "The mall it is." He chimed and drove to the mall. Right as he turned in, he noticed someone behind him and sighed before parking. Once he got out of the car he was met by Todd, the yearbook photographer. "Thank you." Todd said and Kota looked at him. "I don't want your thanks." He stated venomously as he walked to help Clare out. "You stopped Owen from killing me." Todd stated. "I didn't do it for you. I did it to keep Owen out of trouble. Had it been a different guy I would let him kill you. I'm totally not on your side." He said wrapping his arm around Clare's waist and walking with Mel. "I asked to go to Japan, Simpson said to talk to you. It's for yearbook." Todd added and Kota stopped dead in his tracks before turning to the boy. "Over my cold dead body. There's no way in Hell I'm letting you on my plane especially with a camera. Are you fucking stupid?" He fumed as Todd fidgeted as Kota started to walk away. "It was an accident. I didn't mean to." Todd yelled and Kota turned to him. "Prove it." He said holding his hand out and looking at Todd as he looked down. "What would you do with them?" Todd asked. "What do you think?" Kota questioned back and Todd shrugged suggestively as he looked down. "You sick fuck." He fumed as he clenched his fists and felt a hand on his shoulder to see Owen. "Clare is here, remember." Owen said reminding him. "Go with her and your friend. I'll deal with this piece of shit." Owen said and Kota walked to Mel and Clare. "Food, right?" he asked softly.