#blackgaard saga

[long-live-the-gobop]

Richard Maxwell and Arthur Dent functionally fill the exact same role in their respective sagas in completely opposite ways, in this essay I will-

[raspberricyanide]

I’m calling out to the depths of the internet— I am looking for a dark fic that was removed years ago from fanfiction.net. It was an Adventures in Odyssey fanfic following the idea of Richard NOT jumping from the car in “Another Chance”. Rodney followed behind and watched as Richard was executed at the end of Trickle Lake by Jellyfish.

I can’t be the only one that remembers this. I cannot be the only one. Lord knows I can’t get back into the fanfiction archive on Town of Odyssey, so PLEASE if you have any leads lemme know lol.

[missdrummond]

AiO Thought of the Week

Blackgaard AU: After Eugene gets fired from Whit's End he starts working for Blackgaard instead of Richard.

[odyssey-owl]

AIO can’t make it halfway through a major saga without having some attractive morally gray character pull a gun on someone huh 

[cyberfairyblog]

Drabble: A cheesy interaction between Jason and my si/oc Vanessa during her busy shifts at Blackgaard's castle. Contains food service horror.

Tonight the devils came out to revel for one last summer hurrah before the chill of fall settle in. At Blackgaard's castles Kids bounced around between video games and the play-castle while their parents distracted themselves with food or their phones.

Vanessa watched from her booth tapping her fingers against the counter in boredom. After hearing searing digs at her acne scars & the snide condescension from snooty customers all night she was ready to go home. The only good part about this hellhole was that they didn't serve alcohol. She could barely deal with a lot of stuff but she drew the line at drunks.

"I don't get paid enough for this," Vanessa grumbled. At least tomorrow was her day off, her workplace would be closed for repairs.

Closing her eyes she found herself at a cozy parlor, soft country music playing in the background, clinks of glasses and quiet banter. If it wasn't for her dozing off then she would've noticed a man sneaking into the room.

Jason wrinkled his nose at the sight before him. Not a single parent had a hold of their kids! At least the popcorn smelled delicious - no don't get distracted!!

His keen blue eyes made out one familiar face: Vanessa!

"Sleeping on the job? For shame Miss Marbles for shame!"

Vanessa snorted awake and gasped to see the handsome man looking at her grinning with mischief. "Oh Jason! What are you doing here?" She felt so embarrassed!

"Not much just needed to have a word with Blackgaard,a little proprietor to proprietor," the older male replied as he motioned his fingers in air quotes. Vanessa nodded at the unusual word choice.

"Uh huh, well I haven't seen him around tonight, hadn't seen him since I started a while ago."

Jason rubbed his chin. "Interesting. He fought so hard for this place to be built you'd think he'd be living inside it!" Deep down he had a sneaking suspicion the man was here, he could sense him. He didn't want to doubt her, but can't be too careful either.

Vanessa scoffed. "Yeah right! He should try working my shift for a change!"

"Nothing much," she said. Then she frowned as she peered behind Jason and saw a couple of kids rocking against the arcade rider. "Hey what did I told y'all?!" The naughty kids heard her shout at them and promptly stepped off and ran back to their tables. Jason raised a brow then turned back to her. She sighed in defeat.

"It's been absolute hell," she groaned.

"No kidding," Jason replied with pity in his voice. "

"They expect me to be their babysitter for free," Vanessa cut in. She leaned against her booth ans continued to rant. "Like it's not in my job description to do all this! None of my ofher workers actually do anything besides me and Garry speaking of which poor Garry's had a heart attack trying to fill everyone's orders and they STILL weren't satisfied!"

"Wow sounds like you had a rough night," Jason interjected trying to calm her down. "I'm sorry that happened to you."

"No no you don't have to apologize besides I'm used to it," the brunette reassured him, embarrassed at going off on him like that. "It's just so exhausting having to work this hard and get no gratitude! Just more work!?"

"If you feel that way why don't you tell your....boss?" Jason winced internally at that last word.

"He'll probably won't listen. No one pays any attention to me round here anyways," scoffed Vanessa. She hated to sound like a victim but it's true. "Might as well keep my mouth shut and head low. Things go better that way anyways."

"Hey don't say that, that's quitter's talk," exclaimed Jason. "Don't let those jerks walk all over you like that! Show them how much you're truly worth it!"

"I don't know..." Vanessa looked away.

He placed both hands on her shoulders. She suppressed a shiver of pleasure at the warm contact. "Hey there's a reason why Blackgaard must've hired you! He saw something in you the rest of them can't see!" He winced again at mentioning Blackgaard.

Vanessa let out a laugh. "You flatter me Whittaker but I doubt that's going to happen."

"Only if you don't try."

Vanessa pursed her lips as she nodded. Trying would only result in failure. But when she saw the warmth in his eyes a small part of her wanted to open up.

The two stood there for a moment before Jason coughed, pink tinting his cheeks.

"Anyways it was nice seeing you," said Jason as he turned away. "I better leave before someone catches me!" When he winked at her she almost swooned. "Maybe tomorrow you'll stop by for some drinks?"

Vanessa smiled shyly. "I'd love to see what adventure you have in store."

As Jason walked away she began pondering his words. Maybe he was right! Who were these people talking bad about her when she went above and beyond catering to their their ungrateful butts?! If she was gonna be mistreated like she won't take it lying down!

As long as it didn't get her fired ofc.

Unknown to them, Regis was there sitting in his top floor office overlooking all. His eyes narrowed at John's boy. No doubt trying to get info that could ruin his business. He noticed how friendly the nosy man was towards that Marbles girl. He needed to keep an eye on them both if he was to succeed.

[juniaships]

Vanessa Marble-Whittaker Bio **redux**

I had to delete the old post due to spelling mistakes and to add more info, but here is the official character bio for my AIO OC....possibly the only one in existence 😅 Contains spoilers and subject matter of abuse & postpartum depression; if you're curious you might have to do look into the main story arcs of AIO for easier understanding.

Full Name: Vanessa Crystal Marble Whittaker (nee Marble;)

Age: Unspecified but around late 20s to mid 30s

Birthday: May 15th

Race: African American (with European ancestry on both sides)

Fandom: Adventures in Odyssey

Voice Claim: Cree Summer; Vivica A. Fox is also a good alternate

Character Role: Heroine & love interest/spouse of Jason Whittaker

Items: Cross necklace, Midnight Manor (formerly Blackgaard's Castle)

Relationships

Family: Robienne Marble (mother), Regis Blackgaard (father), Edwin Blackgaard (uncle), Jerry Jr. (son, infant), John Whittaker (father in law), Monty (nephew in law), Jana (sister in Law)

Friends at Whit's End: Whit, Eugene, Connie, Katrina, Angel (pet doberman)

Acquaintances: Nuns, denizens of Odyssey

Love Interest: Her primary love interest and eventual husband is Jason Whittaker. They began as tensse & awkward relationship during the Blackgaard Saga duento their contrasting personalities, before becoming close friends and allies. They do not become completely official until after Novacom. Their relationship is regarded as the bonafide example of "Opposites Attract" in Odyssey.

Enemies: While enemies are far and few, she considers her own father as the major obstacle between her and a peaceful life. She was a major player against Novacom. She had a brief yey tense rivalry with Monica Stone (partly for Jason's affections) but the two made peace at the end.

Appearance

- Average height (say, 5'7)

-Brown skin, light brown eyes, and wavy-curly black hair

-Has an average body type (pear shaped) and seemed to gain a few pounds since giving birth

-Typically were darker shades of purple, blue, with the occasional maroon

-Sense of fashion is put together, professional even if casual

- Still has her nun fatigues

Personality

Vanessa is a composed and reserved lady with a deep connection to God, while respecting other religions (and non religious). While seen as a cold person at first glance, she is actually very kind and open-minded, though she isn't immune to making sardonic comments once in a while. While not really great around kids, she has moments of being supportive. After becoming a mother she is rather clueless, though well-meaning and tries her hardest to be the parent her father wasn't.

One of her biggest obstacle is overcoming her aloof demeanor. She needed to learn to open up to others and to out faith in her new friends. Even now she still has her moments of keeping her true emotions, though she has a wide circle of friends and a spouse to talk to. Vanessa was also ashamed of her Blackgaard blood, though she learns to come to terms with her past in order to create a brighter future for herself and the rest of her family. Sometimes she is prone to feeling inadequate and jealous, especially during brief periods of romantic rivalry.

There is a fierce protective side that comes out when loved ones are threatened, as seen with the Blackgaard and Novacom Sagas. She dislikes staying on the sidelines and does whatever she can to help out. She even broke her vows to protect her mother Robienne when Regis came into town, and later inspired her uncle Edwin to stay and fight her father to help save Odyssey.

While studious snd intelligent, Vanessa is not very tech savvy, naturally preferring traditional mediums such as writing letters and books. While she learns how to use computers and cellphones, don't expect her to be a technophile anytime soon. She expresses curiosity and concerns over the next invention hubby makes.

Abilities

Vanessa can memorize a lot a bible verses which she uses as prayer, or as a quip. She also has taken self defense classes to hold her her own.

- Strengths: In her early years she proved to be surprisingly strong and fast when need be. She can adapt to certain situations and keep her cool. Clever and resourceful, Vanessa often thinks and plans her actions. She can speak three languages (Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese) and plans om studying more.

- Weaknesses: After pregnancy she isn't as physically strong and has to limit herself to recover, and can be overpowered by much stronger foes. Vanessa is not very good at advanced technology, and she is a bad cook (Jason keeps her away from the stove as much as possible).

Backstory Vanessa was the only child of Regis and Robienne Blackgaard. Their marriage had be a short and rocky one marred by neglect, emotional manipulation and mental abuse. Finally, on the guidance of Edwin (Regis's brother) Robienne decided she had enough and divorced Regis when Vanessa was two years old. Robienne moved her daughter to New England to be with family, and the two lived peacefully after that. After graduating high school, Vanessa went to the nunnery and stayed there for a few years, while Robienne moved to the Midwest to pursue a career in teaching.

However Vanessa soon grew discontent, feeling as though she was missing out on normal young adult life. Should she stay as a nun or forge her own path?

She would find clues to her answer in the form of receiving news about her father moving to Odyssey - the same town her mother lived. Fearing for her mother's life, Vanessa requested a temporary break in vows, family business, she had said. Settling in Odyssey (under the surname Newman) she got a job working at Whit's End and as a private tutor.

Following major and minor events including the Blackgaard, Novacom, and Green Ring Conspiracy drama, Jason proposed to Vanessa, and they had a summer wedding (but not before overcoming premarital jitters and a threat from Jason's past). Two years after their union (or as of current Odyssey storyline) they had a little boy named Jerry Jr. (named after Jason's deceased brother). Vanessa continues to work at Whit's End as a curator and artist.

Major Storylines: If she was canon she would've been a major player in some of Odyssey's biggest stories including:

- Blackgaard Saga: Her debut, she came to town to take care of her mother & to confront her father on troubled past. She was hired to work at Whit's End where she met then-owner Jack Allen & the previous owner's son Jason for the first time. The townsfolk were.mesmerized by the seemingly mysterious woman and rumors started to abound. Near the climax, Vanessa revealed to Connie and Eugene that came to Odyssey to protect her mother from Regis. Towards the end of the saga, she, her uncle Edwin, and a few townsfolk helped to set up a trap for her father to save Odyssey.

Novacom Saga: She was a big player in taking down Novacom, using her skills writing letters to raise awareness on Novacom's shady actions. This is where her rivalry with Monica Stone began as Vanessa feelings for Jason turn romantic. After Novacom, she would be involved in more stories.

Green Ring Conspiracy: Following Jason's supposed "death" she briefly left Odyssey in mourning. Her uncle and mother managed to convince her to come back to Odyssey. She was unaware of Jason's secret of being alive and working as the Stiletto, and had several encounters with the Stiletto where the mysterious man left her roses and notes of endearment. The two would later reunite after Jason retuned to town, but Vanessa was angry with him for keeping secrets from her. After a long time (and counsel from Whit) she forgave him, and the two reconciled with the promise of being more open with each other.

Courtship Of Jason & Vanessa: An original storyline where the romance between her and Jason comes full circle, leading to their engagement! If only they could overcome personal inhibitions, a hateful doberman, past rivals and a threat from Jason's spy work!

Junior's Birth & Beyond: A couple of years into their marriage Vanessa became pregnant. She was anxious over multiple scenarios, her growing appetite and mood swings. After her son was born she developed symptoms of postpartum depression and sought medications and therapy. Slowly but surely, her mental health improved, & her anxieties faded away. As of now she has gotten involved with the current Rydell Saga.

Trivia

Vanessa won several awards for her artwork and has them on display everywhere in Odyssey

She is one of my most complex characters, but also one starting to really grow on me mostly out of nostalgia for the series

- Characters that inspired Vanessa's creation are Megara (Disney Hercules), Rei/Sailor Mars (Sailor Moon), Esther (biblical stories), Tzipporah (biblical stories esp. Dreamworks The King of Egypt), Talia Al Ghul, and Elisa Maza (Gargoyles). Other inspos include Maria Von Trapp and Marian Ravenwood.

- Vanessa was made to have a unique female character to contrast Connie and Katrina. Also because I have a soft spot for the Forbidden Love trope (if done right).

- She is the only main character OC of mine that is explicitly religious. She was Catholic and while she converted to Protestant, she still holds on to Catholic values. She is also the only main OC to be a parent as of current.

- Vanessa still visits her old nunnery when she and Jason goes to New England.

- She has bouts of postpartum depression, and takes medication to regulate.

- Her favorite things are the color blue, making her own pigments, and coffee flavored ice cream

Quotes

"Blackgaard already made our lives miserable uncle Edwin! If you leave now you're only giving him more power! You helped mama and I so many times, so it's my turn to return the favor!"

"Connie I'm a nun not a miracle worker."

"If my mother superior saw what I'm doing right now I would've had an early meeting with the Lord!"

"No more secrets. From now on it's just truth and nothing but the truth. Except for my age, don't ask me how old I am."

"Sheesh with all these buttons I'm surprised we didn't destroy Odyssey yet!"

"Jason I know you're worried about the baby but did you have to baby proof the doghouse too?"

"My little Angel! Who's a good girl? Who's a good girl!"

"I can't believe I can still wear this after all these years!?"

"Jason Whittaker you have got to be the most stubborn, reckless, foolhardy man I have ever met, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"You call it junk I call it avant garde."

"I'm not responsible for my father's sins but I am responsible for mine. But my mother and uncle are in trouble. If not for me then please, do it for them!"

"She doesn't hate you Jason, she hates everyone equally."

"I guess God had a plan in store for me after all. I would've never met such wonderful people."

"Are you going to keep talking or should I start the kissing?"

Pictures

I haven't drawn any references for her yet, so that's going to be on a separate post

[claramurphyqueenoffandoms]

Funny how 'I Slap Floor' happened right between Album #33—the end of the Blackgaard Saga, and an episode which had Blackgaard looking like someone else—and Album #35—the beginning of the Novacom Saga, which specialized in mind alteration.

Mm-hmm…

[cyberfairyblog]

I think had the cartoon series lasted a little longer it would've eventually adapted the blackgaard saga but instead of regis being the main villain it'd be felix faustus.