Should I have reread the chapter before drawing this? Absolutely. Did I do that? No, I made a (probably) inaccurate lyric comic instead! ✨
But anyway, here's some fanart for @huffle-dork. Please go read her Swap AU, it's incredible. Also... read it before looking at this because uh spoilers man
But I just wanted to say a quick thank you to Huffle. And actually just anyone making art or writing or whatever else right now. I've been really depressed and anxious lately and a lot of the content being created has managed to really make me feel a bit better. And I'm sure a lot of you are just as depressed and anxious, so the fact that you are even able to make these incredible things is so impressive. Thank you so, so much for your hard work.
Anyway! I hope you like this lyric comic. It's not the best but I really tried
All that he invested in goes straight to Hell, straight to Hell...
Wires - The Neighbourhood
(If you're having trouble reading, this is what it says: If he said "help me kill the president", I'd say he needs medicine. Sick of screaming "let us in!" The wires got the best of him.)
They’re finally done!! All the SwapBoys references, even for the minor characters! Thus was such a blast to do and I’m super proud of how they turned out!
You can read about all these babies here!
And now I got time to work on stories, new one coming up later tonight!!
It was so much fun to work on this and figure out more about my characters! I love them all so much and this makes my heart so happy!
I also tried to replicate the feeling I got at my first pride- warm summer evening surrounded by people who you feel accepted by even if they’re strangers- it was super fun to do!
(Sorry these are taking so long!! Writing is hard ;A; but I am working on them! Here’s some bonus zarkie fluff for you too ;3c)
Jackie winced and rolled over onto his side, only to bite back a cry as he shifted his sprained wrist too far. He curled up and massaged the offending muscle, wondering if he should get up and find his brace. He was so exhausted though… not only did his wrist hurt but his entire body was aching and heavy. His head was pounding, shooting pain in his temple from an oncoming migraine. Because he wasn’t sleeping… again. Insomnia does that to you.
He stifles a sigh and rolls over, holding his wrist and trying to force his eyes closed. He felt sick and shaky… but he felt energy coursing through his body. He knew he wasn’t going to sleep anytime soon- his mind was buzzing too loudly. Too many ideas popping through the fuzzy static and trying to grab his attention. Things he needed to do tomorrow, chores that needed to be done, rescheduling his video ideas and getting them edited… taking the kids to school and Penny to preschool until Stacy could come to help- what should he make them for breakfast? His stomach rolled painfully with either hunger or anxiety, he couldn’t tell. He was so frustrated- he actually wanted to sleep. He wanted to not feel so awful and he wanted his brain to shut up!
There’s a shift from the other side of the bed, and soon there’s a warm arm draped over Jackie’s side. Jackie holds back another sigh as he gently takes the hand in his own, smoothing a thumb over the back.
“I didn’t mean to wake you, love…” He whispers, lightly pressing his lips against Zara’s fingers. His wife giggles sleepily and curls up along his back, playing with his hair.
“Shush up Jackieboy- you can’t help it,” She mumbles softly. Then, she moves to rest her head on his shoulder and rub his chest, humming lightly. “What’s gotcha up tonight?”
Jackie clicks his tongue in annoyance, playing with Zara’s fingers absentmindedly. “Too much… My damn wrist hurts… and my head- and it won’t shut up which makes it hurt worse…” He sighs and rolls over to hide his head against Zara’s chest, loosely hugging her. “I’m so tired Z…”
His wife makes a sympathetic noise and goes to run hands through his hair- which helps Jackie to relax slightly. Zara hums a small melody under her breath before curling up around her husband and laying her head on top of his.
“Well… I’m here… and I can take care of the kids before heading to work tomorrow. If that’s what you’re worried about.”
Jackie blinks then laughs slightly, “Oh right… I… I’m so used to you not being here…”
Zara smiles and kisses the top of his head, “I know love… but while I’m here- you can rest… I can take care of as much as I can… so you can focus on the channel! And.. yourself-”
The vlogger snickers tiredly and nuzzles closer to his wife, “...You make it sound so easy…”
There’s a few moments of comfortable silence as they both lay there- Zara softly caressing Jackie’s hair. Then, she moves closer to meet his eyes and pushes his bangs out of his face. “Jackie… You work so hard for me… to let me do my dream job and take care of the kids. That’s makes you… just the most incredible human I’ve ever known-”
“Zara…” Jackie whispers, his cheeks heating up.
“Let me finish,” She playfully scolds, tapping his nose. She smiles lightly before holding his cheek and rubbing a thumb across the surface, “I swear… I’m looking for something closer to home… but you haven’t complained once… even though there’s so much for you to do. You amaze me-”
The father sputters for a second, his face red as a tomato. He looks away for a second before meeting Zara’s eyes, “I’m sure I’ve said it before… But I’d do anything for you, my love.”
Zara snickered, her cheeks warming up now too. She pulled Jackie in for a kiss, saying all she wanted to say between their lips. Jackie melts and hugs his wife tightly, going to re-rest his head against her chest when they’re done. His wife laughs quietly and they sit in silence for a while. Zara’s head falls a couple times sleepily- and Jackie envies her… he still feels so awake.
Finally, her fingers run through his green and brown locks again as she whispers drowsily, “Jackie- why don’t you call Dr. J? Maybe he can help you fall asleep…”
Jackie hums in thought, making a face. “..it’s late- he probably won’t answer.”
“You won’t know unless you try-” Zara reminds him gently.
“...won’t that keep you up?”
Zara giggles, “I can sleep through massive alarms on the ship- scares the crap out of my co-workers.”
The youtuber snorts, the image of his wife’s face fast asleep while everyone is running around in panic making him giggle. Finally, he lets her go and rolls over to grab his phone. “Alright- but just cuz I’m desperate at this point…”
“What’s the record right now?” Zara yawns.
Jackie blushes before mumbling out quietly, “um… two hours… yesterday?”
….
“Yeah- call him now Jackie.”
“Okay okay I’m going!”
There’s the sound of a dial tone and Zara smiles and rolls over, ready to fall back asleep. Jackie’s heart is pounding in his chest, his anxiety ramping up and making his head hurt even more. What if Jameson was angry at him for calling so late? Was this selfish? Bad practice as a patient- as a friend?
He neatly yelps as the dial tone cuts out as the video feed comes up, showing an equally tired looking Jameson smiling gently at Jackie with the soft yellow light of a nightstand lamp on.
“Shit- Jays I’m-“ Jackie tried to mutter out, his face feeling incredibly hot. But, his friend just laughed good-naturedly.
“Calm down Jackieboy,” He almost teased, “You didn’t catch me at a bad time. I was quite engrossed in a book-“
Jackie’s eyebrows rose up, “This late??”
The therapist chuckled and nodded, “It was simply too good to put down! Luckily tomorrow is a later day for me.” Jamie then hums and studies the father with his well trained eyes.
“Lemme guess- trouble sleeping?”
The father blushes again and keeps his head down to hide it- and muffle his voice as he whispers. “y-yeah… Zara said I… I should try calling and… I… I don’t want to bother you but-“
“Say no more, my friend,” Dr. JJ chuckled. “it’s no bother at all. It’s my job but also my pleasure to help people.”
Jackie looked up and relief had his shoulders slumping as he sunk back against his mattress. He chuckled and shook his head, moving his bangs out his face. “You’re too good for your own good Jay…”
Jameson laughed, “Perhaps- but we can discuss that another time. You need your sleep before the young ones wake up!” He motions for Jackie to lean back and get comfy. Jackie does- and places his charging phone next to him and props it up so he can watch.
“You know just listening is okay too right?” Jameson teased. Jackie shrugs- “Yeah… but then my mind wanders too much- I like having something to watch.”
The good doctor smiled and lifted up a shiny pocket watch. “You must be very thankful for my collection now- even though you made fun of it in college-“
“Hey-!” Jackie laughed, “college was a long time ago!”
The two chuckled before Jameson started the swinging of his watch- letting it arc across the screen. Jackie’s eyes locked on as Jamie began.
“Follow the arc and focus on your breathing… in… and out through your mouth… in through your nose- and out. Very good Jackie.”
His breathing was slowing down, his heart rate too- was it going too fast earlier? He doesn’t take his eyes off the watch.
“Now- keep that breathing… focus on relaxing. Every breath out sends out waves of relaxation across your body… starting at your toes.. and moving up…”
Per instructions, Jackie started to feel the lower half of his body go pleasantly numb- warm and tingling and relaxed. He couldn’t feel the aches of his wrist and head anymore- they were distant and dull. Then, like they weren’t even there at all. He exhaled sleepily now, his eyelids drooping for a second before refocusing.
“There we go! Excellent job… now- with your body so relaxed… so becomes your mind. All thoughts and worries and stresses are floating away- leaving your head in a comfortable state of blankness. Nothing needs to be done right now that can’t wait for tomorrow- all that can wait till you sleep-“
The word sleep has Jackie’s eyes nearly shutting. It’s actually getting hard to keep them open now- and he’s sinking peacefully into his pillow.
“Now- your eyes must be getting so tired… let’s fix that. Every breath in- close your eyes… and every breath out open them. We’ll do this for a few breaths… until your eyelids are so heavy they can’t open anymore-“
Jameson couldn’t even finish the sentence before Jackie’s eyes seemed to slip shut and stay shut. He sighed peacefully, seeming to already be easing into sleep. Dr. J chuckled then started to finish up-
“It seems dreams are calling to you Jackie. Ease in and fully relax… letting go. Let your mind and body ease into sleep and focus on being well rested for the day ahead. When you awaken, you’ll feel rejuvenated and content.”
Jackie smiled slightly in his sleep, breathing soft and easy now.
The good doctor smiled back even though Jackie couldn’t see and he reached to shut off the call.
I got inspired yesterday to think of more backstory for my swapboys babs and I had to draw them! Lemme share some stuff I thought of :D
-Jackie and JJ are so close now despite being therapist and patient cuz they were close in college
-Jameson was a well known dm in the dnd circle at school- known for his memorizing stories and soothing voice. That’s how Jackie and Marvin met him (Marv and Jackie totally used to play dnd as kids and got back into it in college)
-Marvin is a theater major with a minor in costume design- he’d always get Jackie to model his stuff, much to Jackie’s displeasure
-Marvin was known as the school cryptid- he would study magic and witch stuff in the weirdest way possible- i.e. going to cast spells in the forest late at night- or Jackie bringing people over to hang but their living room is covered in candles and plants and runes so Marvin can try summoning a ghost-
-Jackie and Zara met in martial arts class- Jackie grew up going to a dojo and he learned about parkour right before college. He was a film major or computer studies/communication major?? Zara studies marine biology
-Zara totally kicked Jackie’s smug ass the first time they met and Jackie swooned
-Jackie refused to cut his hair for the longest time and it drove Zara CRAZY when they first started dating. Jackie joked that he’d cut his hair once Zara got hers cut- so Zara got a pixie cut and Jackie fell More In love-
-Jackie took Zara to a DND session and wasn’t expecting her to be super into it. But then she got so into character and gave a rousing passionate in character speech that left the table gaping. Jackie realized he had to marry this girl-
- Marvin was weird and antisocial but like he wasn’t evil or thinking of using his magic for evil in college. He started down the wrong path after Jackie started planning for the future: marrying Zara, moving into the city, having a family. Marvin’s family was abusive and he lived with his grandmother up till college- Jackie was the closest family he had. When Marvin realized Jackie wasn’t including him in his Vision of the future he took it the wrong way and way too hard. He dropped out of college senior year and went off to go study magic somewhere, finding a magic mentor and then discovering ancient black magic tomes. Despite his mentor warning him of the danger of black magic, Marvin ignored him, now focused on getting more power- to find some control in his life and future. It ruined him- his quest to truly understand black magic cost him his sight in his right eye- and his scars come from years of trying to restore his sight with backfired spells.
-Jackie tried to find Marvin after he left- tried to call and contact him wondering why he left. He got a few calls and messages/letters back but one day Marvin just- fell off the grid. Jackie took it pretty hard- but not as hard as one day where he read a news article saying that a magician’s act went up in flames in the next town over- and Marvin Mcloughlin was one of the casualties. Jackie thought he was dead until he met Magnificent years later.
-Jackie got back in touch with Jameson after Zara suggested he get help for his insomnia. They bonded over their children and marriages, though Emily had just recently left Jamie. Once their first session was done, Jackie called Jamie to hang again- jj hesitated thinking him being his therapist made being close friends again hard. Jackie pleaded, really wanting something back from the old days. Jameson finally agreed and they’ve been super close since then
-Marvin and Zara actually got along pretty good in college- he only held resentment for her after his magic started corrupting his thoughts about his past and his emotions all turned bitter. Zara would be shocked to see him now
One day I’ll write more about everyone’s past but it’s fun to think about! If y’all got any more questions or want stories from the swapboys past, lemme know!
(Whew finally! I’m so excited to start telling some stuff in actual order! This is the second part of Casting Call, which takes place after A Nice Alternative! This is the first official time all the boys learn about Magnificent! And we see just how powerful Dr. J’s hypnosis can be- and why Mag has his eyes set on him for JJ’s nine months.)
Masterpost | SwapBoys Tag
Jameson laughed into his tea, looking at his friends lounging in the small cluster of plush chairs around them, tucked neatly into the corner of the small cafe. “so when should I start charging for these outings with you two?”
“Huh??” Chase and Jackie spit at the same time.
“I am your therapist after all? Is this not a house call in a sense?” The Doctor chirped cheekily over the brim of his mug.
Jackie punched him in the shoulder. “Oh come off it! You know this ain’t what that is! This is- manly bonding time!”
“Yeah!” Chase echoes. Then he sat back in his chair, crossing his arms with a slightly pouted lips, “Besides- if you said my therapy stuff out here- I’d die of embarrassment.”
Dr.J chuckled, “Well, never you worry about that, Chase. It’s my oath to not share the information I get from sessions to anyone. So all your secrets will stay safe with me.”
Chase raised an eyebrow at Jameson then smirked, chuckling as he took a sip of his coffee. “Well… thanks Doc.” He looked down to his bugling backpack beside him- thinking of the secrets inside. Kinda the reason he went to the doctor in the first place, in a sense.
Jackie laughs and leaned back, sipping on a cold coffee slushie. “That is a relief- I don’t think the public would wanna see me instantly fall asleep every time we hang out.”
“Well if they give it enough time-“ Chase starts to tease. Jackie throws a packet of sugar at him.
Jamie chuckles, giving Jackie a look, “Don’t act like it's so simple, Jackie. I swear sometimes you’re harder to get into trance and down to sleep than Penny.”
Jackie shrugs, “what can I say? She takes after her old man!”
The three laugh at that.
After a minute or two of comfortable silence as the group enjoys their drinks, Jackie finally looks back at Jameson with a small head tilt.
“You know what I’ve been wondering? I know you do it every session with me… but do you ever do like- not hypnotism? In your sessions.”
Jameson hums and sets down his tea, “An excellent question. I am trained in a couple areas of therapy- hypnotism being my main. But, that doesn’t work for every client. Or else I wouldn’t get much business! Hypnotism in its true natural sense doesn’t work on everybody. And some problems need more talking things out then suggestions.”
Chase responds after a long sip, “yeah- me and the doc’s seshs haven’t used hypnosis for a couple months now.”
“Huh- interesting!” Jackie muses, “and weird to think about since you pull that watch out for me every time I’m in your office, Jay.”
The good doctor chuckles and goes to tap the vlogger’s forehead, “Your brain needs strong suggestions to help you sleep. It just doesn’t listen as well as it should.”
“That’s insomnia for you~!” Jackie sings, lifting his drink into the air like he’s about to burst into song in a musical. Chase and Jameson giggle.
Thinking about their sessions gets Chase contemplative, and he looks out the window towards the bustling street. It’s a beautiful day today- the sun is bright and the air is crisp and cool.
“...I wonder if Henrik and Alt got our messages…” Chase mumbles. Jackie pulls out his phone to check-
“Mmm Henrik’s was read- but no response. Nothing from Alt either.” He leans back in his seat, rocking its leg against the ground. “I wouldn’t take it too hard on the kid though- he seems like the type that needs time.”
Chase makes a face and leans more against the table. “Yeah I know… but. It feels weird to leave him. We know he lives so badly and- lives in that weird apartment. I just… wanna at least make sure he gets something to eat… at the very least.”
“That’s very kind of you, Chase.” Jameson responds gently.
“Aw you’re such a hero, bro! ”Jackie teases, winking at his clever joke.
The other boy blushes, “oh shush up- I just wanna help… I bet it’s been a long time since someone cared about him. And if the world won’t care about him- then… somebody’s got to right?”
Jackie’s face softens, “oh… he reminds you of...him. Doesn’t he?”
Chase looks away, a hint of pain in his eyes that he tries to hide.
Then the wall to their hangout bursts open, green electricity sparking from the hole. Two figures stand in the dust as people start to run and scream- their eyes glowing bright toxic green. It’s Alt and Henrik, whose eyes lock immediately on the crowd of 3 friends.
“N-no way-“ Jackie stammers, starting to back up. Jameson hurries back too as Chase gapes at the sight.
“Well well well!” Alt sings as he strides into the cafe, sending arches of energy after people lingering too long. “It seems we missed the memo!” His eyes were wild, smile manic. It was a completely different Alt then the one they met the other day.
He goes to grab Chase by the front of his shirt, laughing.
“And who is this?? Another fuckin’ char-“
But then, his eyes flicker- taking in his freckled face, pale eyes and brown hair. This… wasn’t the hero- yet… he seemed familiar to Alt somehow… but he couldn’t conjure up the memory. …It didn’t matter- he had to focus on his targets.
But, Alt freezing gives Jackie just enough time to rush at Alt and give him a kick to his arm- making the glitch cry out and drop Chase.
“Chase, get out of here!” The father cries to him, and Alt’s eyes flicker more, gripping at his head some.
“...c-Chase…?” He whispers, looking confused. Chase stares at this, not knowing what to do. Jackie yanks him up by his arm then pushes him towards the exit. “Go, you idiot!” He gives the hero a pointed look and this seems to snap Chase out of his self induced trance. He nods then grabs his bag and sprints out the door.
Henrik tries to rush after him but Jameson steps in front of him, giving him a hard stare.
The motion snaps Alt back to reality and he sees the tail end of Chase’s retreat before he turns to Jackie and giggles. He crouches down into a sloppy fighting stance, head tilted to the side like a cat’s.
“That’s the company you keep?” He taunts, “I know a sad piece of shit when I see one- are all your friends charity cases, Jackie?”
Jackie glares at Alt and bares his teeth, clenching his hands into fists. “Shut up- you realize you’re insulting yourself right?”
Alt giggles, shrugging. “Oh of course- I know I’m nothing but a freak thief!” His gaze gets hard, voice dropping to a serious tone. “You didn’t want to befriend me. You wanted to pity me- because leaving a sad weakling like me alone would weigh too heavy on your conscience.”
The vlogger choked slightly, his face turning red. Maybe- that was true at the beginning but… “No Alt that’s not true-! We-“
“It doesn't matter now though!” Alt interrupts, madness slipping into his voice as his shoulders roll with glitches and green electricity. “My master reminded me of my place~! And he’s asked me and Schneep… to put you in yours-!” And with that, Alt lunges to attack, Henrik following soon after.
Jackie quickly intercepts the glitch’s attack, blocking it and using the boy’s momentum to throw him back. Alt glitches back to his feet and bares his teeth at Jackie.
Raising his fists, Jackie tries to call out, “C’mon Alt! You don’t have to do this! We wanted to help you!”
The glitch’s eyes flare up with green power, “Help! All I am to you is another box to check off! Another soul you ‘helped’ so you feel less shitty about yourself!” He snarls as he sends a power charged punch to Jackie’s stomach. The blow feels like it caves in Jackie’s midsection, stealing the breath from his lungs as he rolls onto the floor. He tries to catch his breath, but all that comes out is a ragged cough. Alt looms over him and then strikes his foot against Jackie’s head, pinning him to the floor.
His grin is sadistic. “Now who needs the help?”
Henrik’s fighting is stiff and to the point. Like he’s a boxing action figure. It’s easy to track his moves. Jameson dodges quite easily- him and his brother used to take boxing lessons after all. Yet, the kindly doctor doesn’t want to strike his friend. He’s looking for an opening- something he can use to trip him up. Jamie recognizes the glazed look in his eye- he’s in a trance. He might be able to snap him out of it with a good jolt, a shock. Schneep’s movements have him moving back quickly- soon he might run out of room before he’s cornered.
A whoosh of strong wind blows through the destroyed cafe- as a bright blur rushes through the space. Suddenly, Alt is thrown off Jackie and driven into the wall. Bro Fantastic has the glitch by his jacket, dangling him just barely off the floor against the stone. The hero’s eyes are filled with silver blue light as he growls, “Hands off of my friend.”
Alt coughs, spitting up a bit of blood before grinning at Bro with bloody teeth. He laughs almost manically, throwing back his head- then driving it into the hero’s. Bro cries out and lets Alt go, blinking stars out of his eyes. The glitch drops to the floor like an agile cat before he pounces on the hero, tackling him. The air around him is buzzing with electricity as Alt looks down at Bro with hungry eyes.
“Finally! Now the real fight can begin!”
The entrance of the superhero was just the distraction Jameson needed. Henrik’s head whips to see the hero, and while his head is turned the doctor swipes the actor’s feet from under him. Henrik hits the floor with a loud crack. The green in his eyes sputters as he gasps, feeling a shock go through him. He pants, blinking around dazedly, his ears ringing so loudly it’s hard to think.
Jameson is over him in a second, checking to make sure he’s okay.
“Henrik?” He tries to sign to the actor. Henrik is slow to answer but eventually he croaks out, recognizing the doctor’s face. “D-Dr. Jackson..?”
Then, the gentleman suddenly seizes up- the green power trying to light up in his eyes again. He yells in pain and tries to curl up into a ball, grabbing at his head. Jameson starts to panic- he has no idea what this is… but he has to try to help his friend calm down. He quickly pulls out his pocket watch and picks up the gentleman under his arms, dragging him away from the other fighting and into clear lighting. He had to make sure his friend could read his lips.
“J-Jamie-” Henrik whimpers, pain etched into his face. “H-Help I’m-!” The doctor makes a shushing motion and dangles his pocketwatch in front of his face, letting the clock swing back and forth in front of his eyes. He takes one of Schneep’s hands and starts a slow even rhythm against his palm, in time with the swinging of the watch.
The doctor talks in slow soft tones, despite the actor not being able to hear him fully. Henrik whines trying to take the doctor’s hand in comfort, pulling on him like he wants to tell him something.
“Juwel- there’s- a voice-!” He blurts out in urgency, “He.. is telling me- t-to hurt you-” Thick tears gather in Henrik’s eyes and his lip wobbles. “I… I don’t want to!”
Jameson’s heart breaks at the sight. A voice… huh? Okay… he can work with that-
He squeezes Henrik’s hand tightly before starting the rhythm again, “Henrik, I need you to look at the watch, alright? Just- imagine we’re in my office. In my office there’s no voice- there’s no violence. Only, you and me and… relaxing…” He taps twice along Henrik’s hand and almost instantly Henrik starts to breathe easier, focus coming back to the watch, to the doctor.
Dr. J smiles encouragingly, “Good- now, let’s get rid of that voice, shall we?”
Bro yells as he hurls the glitch over his head and across the cafe. Alt skips like a stone on a lake before he rolls and coughs, trying to get back on his feet.
“Go easy on him, dude!” Jackie yells harshly at the hero.
Bro bares his teeth, his eyes fixated on the target. “Tell that to him first!”
Alt unsteadily gets to his feet and sways back and forth like he might fall over. Then, he’s laughing again as he charges at Jackie and Bro. A split second before he’s at them- he glitches, teleporting to kick Jackie in the face. The father is down, blood gushing from his nose. Bro jumps and tries to help him, when he feels the electric spark in the air and smell of tinged metal. He just manages to see the flash of green before he’s catching the next blow from Alt with his hands. The glitch looks surprised, then Bro whips him away like he weighs nothing.
Once he has a second to breathe, the hero bends over slightly, trying to catch his breath. His eyes leave trails of silver blue light in their wake, an overabundance of power glowing in his veins. He still has fight left in him- but Alt was giving him a run for his money. He can’t seem to shake him off! And Chase doesn’t want to harm him more than necessary. He is a hero after all.
“Awwww is the wittle hero getting twired?” Alt slurs out cockily, getting up again and holding his stomach. His face is littered in scratches, his shirt and pants torn in places. His bandana is loose, showing off his neck- a faint but noticeable scar marring the skin. But- now Chase can see it- there’s claw marks on his chin and face- even blood in his hair from what look like scratches or deep wounds. Neither him nor Jackie held weapons… this must be the work of whoever Alt was running away from.
“You are too-” Bro calls out, putting a hero-like projection into his voice. Alt tries to laugh but Bro steps closer, “Don’t try to laugh it off Alt! You don’t want to do this… we’re your friends.”
Alt seems to stop for a moment, blue flickering weakly in his eyes. But then, he snarls, baring his canines like a feral cat. “No you’re not! You’re pathetic weaklings my master wants eliminated- that’s the only way I can become strong!” He laughs again and starts to approach, “After all? Who else can claim to have felled the great ‘Bro Fantastic’?!”
Bro’s eyes are pleading, “Alt- you’re already strong. You have nothing to prove to us- just the way you live, the way you fight… it shows everyone your strength!”
“Lies!” The glitch growls, electricity buzzing in his hands. “Magnificent knows me better than you! How could you know anything about me?!” Alt yells in anger and throws a ball of electricity Bro’s way.
But, this time, instead of dodging, Bro stands tall- still. He lets the green lightning hit him, making him stumble a couple steps and clutch a table to stay upright. Alt freezes, another blow ready but-
Bro looks him in the eyes and grits out through his teeth, “I’m not gonna fight you anymore... “
The glitch stares at the hero, unsure of what to do- then, his eyes darken and he hurls another shot at Bro. The hero grinds his feet against the wooden floor to stand upright from the blow, but he doesn’t move to attack.
Alt starts to yell in anger, preparing another blast, but then he feels a sharp tug on his arm, pulling him back.
“Alt!” The glitch turns to see who is stopping him and his eyes widen as he sees- “S-Schneep?”
The gentleman’s eyes are clear and blue and he tugs on Alt through tears. “Please- you do not need to do this! You must not let Magnificent take over your head!”
The glitch is speechless, blue flickering again in his eyes. Schneep takes this opportunity to tug on him more, trying to pull him away. “Come! Come! The doctor- the doctor fixed me-! He can fix you too!”
Yanking his arm out of Henrik’s grip, Alt stumbles back and grips at his head. He meets Henrik’s eyes and growls, “You’re disobeying our orders!” He snaps at the gentleman, arcs of light dancing on his arms. Henrik backs up and holds up his hands.
“Please Alt-” He tries to plead, “You are being used! We both were! That Verrückter does not care for us!”
“Shut up!” The glitch screams, electricity sparking bigger, bouncing off the walls and zipping dangerously in the air around him. Henrik stumbles back, fear in his eyes.
“What do any of you know about me?! What do any of you know about strength? Power?” He hisses through his teeth. “Magnificent said he’ll teach me- he’ll make sure I never get fucked over by this world again! So what the hell do you know?!” He bellows, his voice catching at the end, sounding hoarse and raw.
The room is near silent, the only sound the sharp zing of Alt’s overflowing electricity.
Finally, a voice speaks up- “... I know you are scared-” Henrik breathes. Alt shoots him an enraged look.
Then another voice joins, “I know you think you’re all alone.” Bro calls out as strongly as he can, “But you don’t have to be- we can be there for you!”
“And we want to be!” Jackie wheezes from where he’s kneeling on the ground, holding his jacket over his nose. “That phone thing- our numbers! that wasn’t just cuz! We want to get to know you- be your friend!”
“...Help you-” The final voice joins the fray, Jameson stepping up next to Henrik. His eyes are kind and it makes Alt take a step back, his power dying down slightly. The doctor outstretches a hand, “Please Alt- let us help you.”
Alt looks at Jameson’s hand in disbelief. He seems to hesitate, studying the hand with a slight tremor in his body. Green and Purple are fighting in his eyes. He takes a shaky step back, his head shaking. “N-No- No! I don’t need help! I’m strong- i.. I’m supposed to be-” His voice breaks at the end.
Jameson takes one more step, “Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do… is admit you need help.”
Hesitation, fear- the emotions flicker on Alt’s face as he stares at the offering. His head- his voice… they are screaming at him to fight, to throw his enemies to the ground, to enjoy the taste of the powers Magnificent has in store for him.
But… deep down? Alt is scared. Of what he’s doing- what Magnificent wants to do to him. He’s starting to think a bit more clearly.
He looks to the only one who can understand him now, flickering green eyes searching for reassurance. “He… he helped you?” He asks Schneep.
The actor nods and steps up. “Yes, he did. And I am more than sure he can help you too.”
Alt looks back to the outstretched hand then finally takes it, pulling Jameson a bit closer. “Please…” He whispers, just like he did to Jackie and Bro the day before, “Please- help me!”
Jameson and Henrik smile softly at him, and both of them lead him to the couch in the corner. The glitch twitches from his overabused power- and the voice in his head that has him quivering, wanting to curl up into a ball. Henrik leads him gently to sit and then takes his hand, covering it with his other.
“Do not worry, my friend,” He catches his eye and smiles cheerily, despite the circumstances. “You do not need to do this alone.”
Alt’s eyes water at that- it makes his chest ache in a way he’s not familiar with… but it’s not a bad feeling. He winces as more lights fight in his eyes and then he looks to Jameson, nodding his head to the doctor to begin.
Jameson smiles and holds a hand out to Alt again, “Alt? Do you trust me?”
The glitch hesitates before nodding and going to reach for his hand.
But, the doctor surprises him, going to grab his wrist and yank gently but firmly on it, as he presses a hand against Alt’s head. He commands in a soft voice, “Then, sleep.”
Alt’s head immediately lulls and he starts to fall towards the doctor, immediately induced into trance. Jameson gently pushes him to rest against the couch, Henrik helping as well.
Dr. J calmly encourages Alt, giving his wrist a gentle squeeze. “Very good Alt- now just relax… no one here is going to hurt you. I need you to breathe- feel the tension leave your body with every exhale…”
Alt slumps more against the couch- and Jameson lets him go. “That’s it- just let yourself drift. This is going to help you…” He watches Alt twitch in front of him, obviously fighting with something in his head. “I know there’s a voice inside that's making it hard to hear me… something you’re afraid of-”
Alt stiffens slightly and mumbles out breathlessly, “‘M… not afraid-”
Jameson shushes Alt slightly, with another soft exhale of “Breathe… Breathe with me Alt-” The two work together to get his breathing back down to a slow controlled manner before the doctor continues. “It’s okay to be scared. The voice is overwhelming your mind and controlling your actions- but you alone know the power of your own mind… your thoughts- and the power of your true self. You can become louder than the voice, Alt. You can beat it back-”
He tries to shake his head, gripping Henrik’s hand harder as he pants, sweat dripping down his face. “I… I can’t- not… strong- e-enough…”
“You are stronger than you know.” Jameson encourages in hushed affirmation. “And so is your mind. It’s convinced you that you are weak. But you don’t want to believe that, right? Your strength is different than his… your strength comes from accepting the truth. It comes from battling your fears- it comes from the kindness etched deep into your soul. Find it Alt- find that strength in your mind and grab it! Use it to fight back the dark!”
The glitch’s head tosses back and forth, his teeth bared in a pained grimace. Alt’s eyes open with a strangled gasp as they fill with green and purple light- but now blue light is fighting against it- more powerful than it has before. Henrik holds Alt tight as the glitch grunts, trying to struggle against the darkness- the oppressing force of magic trying to pin him down.
Finally, in a harsh cry, Alt’s back arches as the blue finally wins over the corruption. Henrik and Jameson jump back in fear. They watch with bated breath as Alt slumps down, the light dying from his eyes. Alt blinks dazedly, trying to look up at the two men in front of him when he suddenly sways and starts to collapse. Henrik yelps in surprise and rushes to catch him. He lays him back down on the couch and with a small smile, pushes back the glitch’s sweaty hair. “Good job, Alt…”
From behind them the sound of very crisp clapping can be heard. Bro looks up from where he was helping with Jackie’s bloody nose and he stands up quickly. He thrusts an arm out to try to protect the rest of the boys.
From the wreckage of the cafe’s facade- a sharply dressed figure emerges. His eyes glow with the same power that held Henrik and Alt before- a green gray cat mask covering half of his face. A tattered cape bellows behind him- seemingly buzzing with static. At the sight of the figure, Henrik whimpers and tries to curl up with the passed out Alt- trying to protect himself and the glitch.
Bro Fantastic glares at the smug looking figure, his eyes burning with blue silver fire once again.
“Well Well-” The man says, looking around at the damage. “You all defeated my puppets!” He studies the half destroyed cafe and makes a face. “Oh dear- this is not the place for a dramatic conversation… why don’t I add a bit of ambiance?” He snaps- and green magic zips around to change all the lights to blue that still remain in the cafe.
The boys all look at the lights in confusion- all except Jackie. He looks at the lights with a chill going down his spine. Why… Did that gesture… that phrase- seem so familiar?
“What the hell are you playing at?” Bro snaps, “Who the hell are you?”
The man blinks slightly, then throws his head back laughing. Suddenly, he teleports so he’s in front of Bro- towering over him slightly.
“This?! This is the hero who ‘freed’ my cub?” He laughs before grabbing Bro’s chin- making the hero squirm. “This- is the great Bro Fantastic?!” With a whip of his hand and a burst of magic, the man throws Bro into the wall.
He dusts himself off as Bro hits the floor, before throwing out his cape in a dramatic manner, like he was performing on stage.
“Mm- I thought my puppets would have done a better job of singing my name,” He sighs, before casting a glance at his audience and taking a big sweeping bow. “My name- is Magnificent.”
“Really?” Bro wheezes as he gets up, “What kind of name is that?”
Magnificent raises an eyebrow at the hero, “Says the man named, ‘Bro Fantastic’?” Bro’s face flushes red as he bristles with anger.
The magician brushes the hero off without a second thought and in a blink, appears over to where Jameson is. He grabs the doctor by the arm and yanks him up, jostling the gentleman’s glasses askew. Magnificent studies the therapist with a critical eye- then gets in his face with his own, tilting it back and forth like a curious cat.
“So you… are the one who broke them-” He muses. Being this close- something strikes Jameson about the man- something he can’t quite put his finger on. But- it also feels like...does he know this man?
Jameson trembles slightly in his grip, trying to pull away. But, Magnificent tilts his head up with a clawed finger, baring sharp teeth. “Just a regular doctor- who dares to call himself a ‘hypnotist’...” He purrs, going to dig nails into Jamie’s neck. “How amusing~”
The doctor tries to yell- push his way out of the magician’s grasp- he’s strong! Magnificent’s eyes glow with cold yet dangerous power as he starts to squeeze Jameson’s neck. “But, I can’t let you continue to break my toys, good doctor-”
Bang! Something solid and sharp cracks against the back of Magnificent's head, making him drop Jamie and fall back. He snaps furious black pitted eyes up and sees Henrik now standing over him, a chair grasped in his hands. The gentleman’s hands tremble but yet he stares at his former master with pure hatred. Magnificent bares his teeth, starting to get up.
“You ungrateful little whelp-!”
The chair’s legs are thrust in front of Mag’s eyes as Henrik threatens to hit him again. “You-! You stay away! We will not be your playthings anymore!”
The dark magician fumes at this, eyes flaring with green and purple power as he rises to his feet. Henrik readies a strike again, refusing to back down.
Then, another body stands in front of Henrik, blue eyes matching the fire of the magician’s. Bro Fantastic and Magnificent stare each other down, the air feeling electric from the force of power both of them are keeping at bay.
Finally- the stalemate seems to snap as Mag turns his head to chuckle. He eyes the rest of the boys before bowing slightly and taking a step back. His image fizzles and buzzes with static, his eyes stark green against the texture.
“Well gentlemen” He chuckles, “I do so look forward to your next performance~”
With another mad cackle- the villain fizzles out of sight- and the lights of the cafe flicker back to normal.
Now, it seems that everyone can breathe…
Bro and Henrik go to help Jackie and Jamie. While they assess their injuries- a quiet groan is heard from the couch as Alt’s eyelids slowly flutter open. He knits his eyebrows at the ceiling in confusion.
“..this- is not my apartment…” He slurs. The other boys look at each other- then can’t help but laugh. Alt jerks up at the sound, eyes wide, then his face pales at the sight of the others.
“I’m afraid not,” Jameson chuckles. Alt looks from face to face, trying to remember how he got here. When it all comes rushing back- it hits him like a train, leaving him winded.
Jackie kneels down next to him. “It all coming back to you?”
Alt grips his head and grunts out a “yeah.” He takes a second, then he turns slightly misty eyes to the others.
“I… I’m so sorry-” He chokes out, rubbing at his face. He doesn’t even know what else to say.. He grabs his bandanna and holds it tightly, trying to find some comfort as he pulls it up to hide in.
The others exchange a look of worry before Bro speaks up. “That guy… Magnificent.” Alt seems to shudder. “... is that who you’re trying to run away from?”
A shaky nod.
The others wait patiently before the glitch speaks up again, gripping his arms tightly. “He… he tricked me into working for him- cuz I stole his fucking cat. But it’s not… just working for him. He.. he hurts me- controls me. He plays these magic mind games with me until i… I don’t even know who I am anymore-”
There’s a quiet pause as the others take the information in. “Henrik?” Dr. J asks, turning so the gentleman can see. “What is your situation with Magnificent?” He had a knowing look in his eyes, more like he was prompting Henrik to speak up. The deaf actor exchanged a look with the doctor before nodding.
Henrik grabs at one of his arms, his shoulders shaking. “It… is not good. He- makes my head all- a...empty inside it.” He gestures to his head, making a motion similar to the sign for crazy. “Then- he fills it with only things he wants. I have to follow- He gives no choice…” He suddenly steps back from the others, holding himself tighter as he whispers. “He… took me from my time-”
“Your time?” Jackie repeats with a raised eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Schneep meekly looks up to address his friends. “...Please do not think of me different- but.. I am- from long time ago… from 1933.”
Everyone’s eyebrows shoot up. Well- except Dr. J who only nodded.
“What?!” Bro exclaims, grasping at his hair. “But- that’s… that would make you-” He starts mumbling to himself, going to count some things out on his fingers. “Like- over a 100 years old!”
The actor blushes, rubbing the back of his neck. “I am… not actually- He- uh.. Lift me from my time- then put me here…” He perks up a bit, trying to find some way to smile. “It is not all bad! This time has so many wonderful things! Work for me…colored hair! New friends to make! Maybe even ways to fix mein hearing!” But, then his facade falls. “But.. Magnificent taints me… he- makes me only a puppet…” The teal haired man hugs himself, looking ashamed.
Jackie, Bro and Jameson look at the two boys, watching as they both wallow in their despair. Jameson has enough of it though and gently grabs Henrik’s arm and puts him next to Alt. He stares down the men and huffs through his mustache. “Now- let’s stop all this negative talk right here.” He rubs the bridge of his nose. “I can’t pretend I understand all this. Especially the ‘magic’ bits. But, it seems very clear to me that what Magnificent did to you..It’s not your fault.”
“But-” Alt tries to argue, “I… I agreed to work for him!”
The doctor puts up a hand to stop the pickpocket. “That still doesn’t make you at fault. From what I gathered in this short amount of time… he’s a twisted power hungry bastard who likes to use his ‘hypnosis’ against anyone he can get his claws on. You two unfortunately got caught in his net.”
“But-” Henrik pipes up, “What can we do? He has… spells and tricks to make us obey him! We’re.. Trapped-”
Bro steps up next to Jameson and claps a hand on his shoulder, grinning down at the two. “No you’re not. Cuz we’re going to help you!”
“... you are?” Alt squints at the hero skeptically. Suddenly a hand comes up and rustles his hair and Alt tries to bat him off- seeing a grinning Jackie go to join Bro and Dr. J.
“Well- we already agreed to help you get away from that guy-” The father adds, “Now- we just gotta add Henny to the mix. No big!”
Alt stares at the floor, tears threatening to build up again. “... even after all of this… you still wanna help me?” He shuts his eyes, feeling a tremor run through him. He’s so tired- he feels so broken. “...why?”
There’s a pause, before a warm hand cups his knees, forcing Alt to look up and see Dr. J smiling kindly at him. “Because Alt,” he said quietly, “Today proves more than ever- that you are way more than you appear. You- are good… and kind. And this madman took advantage of that.” The doctor’s eyes sparked almost mischievously. “But- we can flip the script.”
The glitch’s eyebrows narrowed. “...how?”
Jameson laughs and holds out his pocket watch. “That phony may think he knows true hypnosis- but his is nothing but artificial. I can teach you both the power of your own minds.” He smirks, and Alt blinks at him. He’s.. skeptical.
“Fighting mind control- with hypnosis? That seems a bit backwards,” He muses. The kind doctor chuckles but shakes his head. “It may sound foolish- but i believe there is no force greater than human will. You two were proof of that today. I provided guidance- but it was you who broke through in the end.”
Henrik beams at this- but Alt finds himself looking away. Feeling doubt weigh heavily in his stomach.
Bro comes to pat Alt on the back lightly. “No matter what happens though,” He grins, “We’re gonna be right by your side.” He nudges Alt with a wink. “After all, what are friends for? “
And just like that- the stone weighing him down is lifted and Alt feels his chest fill with warmth. He smiles slightly, meeting everyone’s eyes.
“Yeah… thanks guys.”
As Alt gets to his feet, watching Bro and Jackie gather Henny up and try to give him a well-meaning noogie- he feels something pressed into his hand. He lifts it up to see… a business card?
“For my office,” Jameson explains with a smile, coming to stand by his side. “I am more than willing to teach you some of the things I know after hours. Free of charge.”
Alt’s cheeks flush and he shakes his head, “Doc- I.. I can’t do that to you- I…”
Dr. J stops him, “It’s no trouble at all, really Alt. After meeting that guy? I want to take him down as much as you do.”
Alt raises an eyebrow with a chuckle, “Didn’t peg you for the fighting type, Doc.”
He shrugs, “There’s many ways to fight.” He taps his temple with a knowing smile. “Not just physically.” Alt can’t help but smile back at that.
Finally I’m getting off my ass to make this! These are in order of when I wrote them and only includes my own stories- check the tag for awesome fan stories and stories from my discord who helped make this au what it is!
All the love i get for this AU is amazing y’all ;w; i’m glad y’all love my boys as much as I do! More stories coming soon!!
This isn’t a timeline btws! Still... working on that lol
And here is how all the characters look currently!
Edit: Now available to read on AO3!
You can also read alll the fics in order of when i wrote them here
Read some gift fics! | Look at Fanart! | Look at all my swapboys Art!
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Current in timeline stories:
Jackie get some goddamn sleep!
Fantastically Exhausted
Sick and Strung Up
Stealing Glitches
Running / A Nice Alternative
Casting Call / Welcome to the Show
Etwas Peilen
The boys meet Glitches
Fever Dreams
Alt’s Kidnapping
Acting on Impulse (Alt Villain Arc)
Why do friends lie?
The Doom Clinic
Alt’s Transition
Anomaly Found: Alt Brody
Another Birthday
Jackie and Magnificent Reunite /Ollie gets Fucking Kidnapped?? / Ties to the Past
Out of Timeline (after Alt’s Villain Arc)
Revealed Identity (Not Canon)
Scripted Bravery
Dr. JJ’s Past
Alt goes after Dr. J and Hen
Jackie and Bro’s Friendship
Jackie has a Fever
Alt finds out he can possess people-
Henny has a Flashback
Alt does Drugs and its a bad time
Magnificent saves Jackie
The Perfect Valentine’s Day
A late night session with Dr. J
Breathe in an Overdose /An Overdose’s Effects
Alt has trouble with his magic
In the Shadows
Enemy of My Enemy
Stacy finds out Bro’s Secret!
Henrik and Magnificent
Sick Dr. J
Young Jackie and Mag
The Start of Dr. J’s 9 Months:
Dr. J gets Food Poisoning /Mag Threatens the Jacksons /Dr. J gets Drugged/Poisoned /All You Wanna Do is Sleep
Behind Late Nights and Static Doors
(AU: Where Mag Fucking Kills Zara
And Throws a Tantrum OR Makes Jackie Forget)
AU: When One Villain Falls Another Rises (Alt becomes the next Magnificent)
