[82: Building A State Within A State]
True to the words of the MLA, and much to the satisfaction of the people, they were acting on their words.
Law firms that were undercover MLA organizations started representing those arrested for quirk use. Free of charge. For the most part, some were successful. Lawyers were able to acquit some and reduce punishments for others, but for some it didn't help. But the fact that someone was willing to fight for them was more than enough.
"I am very grateful to the MLA. I am going to join them after today. They were able to wipe my record clean of my supposed crime. I was detained for using my quirk to stop myself from being injured. I was detained for using my quirk to help make my life just a little bit easier. These quirk laws only serve to make good people into criminals! This isn't right!"
One of the acquitted people from the trials was giving a passionate interview with their lawyers beside them. They had been acquitted, and as one of the first ones to be acquitted with legal help provided by the MLA, there was a reporter already there.
"People like my client here are proof that quirk law needs to be revised and reviewed. There needs to be reforms in place surrounding quirk usage by the people. The MLA reached out to me to help others in the situation my client is in. While it would be nice, I can't guarantee we'll acquit everyone. But what I can guarantee is effective legal assistance and counsel." The lawyer also responded to the interview.
In another interview, things weren't as positive as the first one.
"I'm not saying my son did everything right. I'm saying that when everyone had already decided what kind of person he was, the MLA were the only ones willing to listen to him. People only cared about what my son did! They never saw the reasons! These laws strip away circumstances! They're too rigid!" A mother yelled into the camera, holding back tears.
Her son had used his quirk to try to protect someone, but in the process, there was damage done to public property.
"While we weren't able to get a full acquittal, we were able to reduce the punishment. We were able to successfully argue for my client a reduced sentence. He will be serving only a few months and will have to pay a fine. He will not be responsible for having to repay any damage he did to the public property. However, what he did from his good will still ended up being punished," the lawyer spoke into the camera as he was beside the emotional mother.
These interviews quickly circulated online and on social media, garnering millions of views and significant attention.
In law firms that represented and cooperated with the MLA, many people started submitting and seeking advice on their own cases. Families contacted offices, local attorneys volunteered their services, and some civil liberties groups cautiously approached them. Slowly, but surely, the MLA gained access to people who would otherwise have no reason to join it.
They built relationships with lawyers, families, journalists, and advocacy groups. And every successful case created a public record that could be used to challenge the credibility of official institutions.
⁂
"They're already making good progress, Kaina." Eleanor watched the interviews taking place.
"Do you think we should do anything with the MLA files we have?" Lady Nagant asked.
"Hmm…maybe. The thing is that, if we release them now, it'll be used by both sides. The MLA would paint it as a fabricated attack by the government to silence them and get rid of their 'alternative for Japan.' The government would try to step in and use it, but with so much decline in public opinion, they wouldn't be believed. It'll cause way too much further division, and ironically, it could serve to make the MLA stronger," Eleanor said.
"So we just sit on it, then?" Lady Nagant asked.
"No, we don't. We wait. We wait for the MLA to grow in numbers. Specifically, we wait for MLA membership to grow with the people. Right now, it's mostly the devoted, but with the influx of new people, there'll bound to be little rifts and fractures within. You can't suddenly take in a large number of people and expect them to conform and fit in immediately. It takes time," Eleanor said.
Lady Nagant's eyes widened a bit as she started understanding Eleanor. "You mean…when there's eventually a difference in thought in the MLA, that's when we release the files?"
"Yeah. It'll be most effective then. If we release them now, it could make any new and future members further aligned with the MLA. Once we release the files, they'll hopefully fight too much amongst themselves. Well, that's the theory, at least. There's no telling what will actually happen."
"This is all so troublesome. We got rid of someone dangerous only for another to take their place. We traded Shigaraki and the League of Villains for Re-Destro and the MLA. And I think the MLA is worse," Lady Nagant said.
"Well, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. We're here now, and we sort of caused this," Eleanor said.
"Yeah, that's true. Say, how is the thing going with Toga and Jin?" Lady Nagant asked.
"Well, they haven't started yet. Well, they have started, but they're not where they need to be yet. They're still making their way to the location. I'll consider it started when they notify me." Eleanor suddenly turned to Lady Nagant.
"You know, Kaina…it's just us two here. And with what's going on…we strangely have a slight bit of downtime." Eleanor slowly started walking to Lady Nagant, her eyes intensely focused on Lady Nagant.
Lady Nagant immediately saw the look in Eleanor's eyes. She slowly started to back up. "Whoa, Eleanor. Come on."
"Relax, Kaina. We both know what we've felt recently. There's no need to hide it. Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action. And this is the third time, Kaina. I don't think it can be ignored anymore." Eleanor got closer and closer to Lady Nagant.
"I mean…I won't deny anything, but we have things to do, you know?" Lady Nagant kept backing up. But eventually, she hit a wall.
Eleanor closed in and placed a hand beside her head. She looked down at Lady Nagant, taking in all her features. A faint pink was on Lady Nagant's face, but she didn't look away. Not this time.
"Oh yeah?" Eleanor leaned in next to Lady Nagant's ear. A soft and slightly husky whisper came out. "I certainly see something I want to do."
Lady Nagant's eye widened even further. She was trapped.
"E-Eleanor. Let's—"
Eleanor interrupted Lady Nagant. "Do you want this or not, Kaina? Give me a clear answer. Just a yes or no."
"I…I…I…" Lady Nagant really thought about it. Unfortunately…she was thinking of what it would be like if Eleanor just… crashed into her. "Yes. Yes, but…but let's not go too far."
Eleanor smiled. She held Lady Nagant's face with both of her hands. "Alright, not too far. That's completely fine. Thank you for this, Kaina."
Lady Nagant prepared herself. She closed her eyes.
Eleanor closed in.
Their lips met. Slowly and sensually. The more they kissed, the more they got into it. Their breathing got heavier, with sharp exhales from their noses.
When Eleanor finally stopped and pulled back, a silvery string still connected them. Compared to Lady Nagant, who had an intense pink on her face and was breathing slightly hard, Eleanor looked calm, taking deep but steady breaths.
"That was lovely, Kaina. I look forward to doing this more."
⁂
End of Chapter
A/N: YES! YES! YES! FINALLY! FINALLY! OPEN UP THE SAILS AND GO FULL SPEED! THE WIND HAS FINALLY PICKED UP! FULL SAIL AHEAD! Anyway, about damn time it happened, even if they picked quite a peculiar time to do it. It only took 21 chapters, but whatever. Hormones can be a disaster sometimes or something. The next step is now very clearly obvious. Buying a ring.