章節 126: Chapter 122: Luciano V. Dewey
"You were almost late to your own trial!" Marshall snapped at Ricky, his nerves frayed as the court was set to adjourn in just five minutes.
"I wouldn't say late, it's just that I always prefer to make a grand entrance that leaves everyone speechless." Ricky chuckled, watching how Marshall's entire face scrunched.
"In shock or excitement?" Jake asked, trying to gauge what he was going for but Ricky simply chuckled and patted Jake's shoulder in response.
"Exactly." Ricky pushed the door open, stepping into the courtroom he intended to make his b*tch as his gaze quickly landed on Chester, who was attempting to stay inconspicuous by the side.
The reason for his tardiness was simple: he had been trying to figure out a way for Chester to hear everything that transpired in the courtroom without being shooed out.
"If it isn't the infamous and disgraced Ricky Luciano. Haven't seen you since you ran away from home," Dewey said, rising to his feet and turning toward Ricky as the latter responded with a cold, sharp laugh.
"If it isn't the infamous and disgraced DA Thomas Dewey. Haven't seen you since you lost everything you had, including your dignity." Ricky said, his laughter growing louder as he looked down at the smaller man before him.
"You know, I always thought you were an idiot, but I never imagined you'd be stupid enough to go against the U.S. government," Dewey said, trying to rattle Ricky's poised demeanor but he only smiled in response.
"Well, I wasn't going to at first, but then I wouldn't be someone who keeps his promises." Ricky said with a shallow smile, taking a step closer and sizing up Dewey.
"And I always keep my promises." Ricky's laugh carried a murderous edge, causing Dewey to grit his teeth before shoving past him.
Sitting at Dewey's table was Rufus Hawkins, an infamous Texas lawyer notorious for squashing civil rights cases and setting back human equality for profit.
To many Texans, Hawkins was hailed as a hero, but as he locked eyes with Ricky, he shot him a deadly glare.
"Dammit, I didn't think they'd bring Hawkins onto their council," Marshall muttered as he walked in, taking a seat next to Ricky and leaning in to whisper.
"Let me guess, he's a big deal?" Ricky asked, side-eyeing Hawkins who wore an arrogant smile while tending to his briefings.
"Big deal doesn't even cover it, that man right there has more civil cases thrown out than any other lawyer in the state of Texas," Marshall explained with a sigh, having done an actual law school paper on all the unjust civil cases thrown out, and Hawkins' cases had a significant portion.
"ALL RISE FOR JUDGE MASON!" The bailiff shouted, and everyone stood as an old, gruff man wobbled to his seat.
"Be seated."
"Hawkins, good to see you," Judge Mason said with a smile, side-eyeing Marshall before putting on his reading glasses.
"Wow, we are so screwed," Ricky whispered with a playful smile as Marshall turned toward him with a deadpan glare, holding up his hands in response.
"It was just a joke, geez-"
"Defendant, your opening argument," Judge Mason said, giving the floor to Hawkins as the lawyer smiled, stepping forward confidently.
"Your Honor, I stand before you today to address a matter of exceptional legal and constitutional importance. The case at hand involves Mr. Thomas Dewey, whose actions in conducting the search and seizure of Mr. Ricky's property are now under scrutiny. However, it is crucial to understand the context and the necessity of Dewey's actions within the framework of our legal system." Hawkins started his opening argument off strong, showcasing that Dewey wasn't hiding behind his actions but putting the first step forward and really shaping the narrative.
"First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that Mr. Dewey acted in accordance with the legal and procedural standards expected of any other federal investigator. The search and seizure was carried out with due regard for the warranted doubt of the situation. The nature of Mr. Ricky's activities, given his status as a mutant, presented a unique and pressing concern that necessitated a swift and decisive investigation. The urgency and potential threat posed by Mr. Ricky's actions, as perceived by Dewey, justified the measures taken." Hawkins continued, pressing into Dewey's actions further and then slowly shaping that supposedly unlawful search, into a just cause.
"It is essential to recognize that Mr. Dewey's decision to proceed with the search was based on the information and circumstances available at the time. The investigator operated under the premise of safeguarding public interest and ensuring that no immediate threat was posed. To challenge the legitimacy of Dewey's actions would be to overlook the complexities involved in managing cases that intersect with extraordinary circumstances, such as those involving individuals with extraordinary abilities." Hawkins' voice hung low, pitying Dewey for having to deal with someone like Ricky and trying to garner some sympathy.
"Furthermore, any claims of procedural error or misconduct must be weighed against the context in which these actions were taken. Given the nature of Mr. Ricky's mutant abilities, the search and seizure were conducted with the intent to prevent potential harm and ensure compliance with legal norms." Hawkins stated, trying to set the precedent that since Ricky had powers, he shouldn't have been left to his own devices but had them checked.
"In light of these considerations, we assert that the search and seizure conducted by Mr. Dewey were justified and within the bounds of legal authority. The evidence obtained is therefore admissible, and there is no basis to dismiss the case on these grounds." Hawkins furthered his own set precedent, trying to set his narrative to show that Dewey had no choice after learning Ricky was a mutant.
"We respectfully request that the court acknowledge the exceptional nature of the situation and uphold the validity of the search and seizure carried out by Mr. Dewey and propose this case be dismissed. Thank you." Hawkins finished his opening argument with a round of applause by spectators behind him, it was only after a minute did Judge Mason hold up his hand, signaling it was enough for now.
"Accused." Judge Mason finally looked towards Marshall who stood up with a firm expression.
"Your Honor, while Mr. Hawkins has presented an elaborate defense of Mr. Dewey's actions, but it is crucial to address the core issue at hand, the violation of Mr. Ricky's constitutional rights. The argument that Mr. Dewey's search and seizure were justified due to Mr. Ricky's status as a mutant is both legally and ethically flawed." Marshall first started his opening argument by picking apart Hawkins, something that is usually looked down upon in this era.
"Firstly, let us be clear: the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution is unequivocal in protecting all individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, regardless of their status or abilities. The rights guaranteed under this amendment do not and should not be subject to exceptions based on an individual's identity or extraordinary circumstances. Mr. Dewey's actions must be scrutinized against this fundamental standard." Marshall forced that narrative that Hawkins conjured to the light, showing him as not a man on a pedestal but someone under the same banner of their constitution.
"Mr. Hawkins suggests that Mr. Dewey acted with due diligence and in response to an urgent situation involving Mr. Ricky's mutant abilities. However, the legal threshold for conducting a search and seizure remains consistent: it requires a valid warrant and probable cause. Mr. Dewey's actions in this instance, as we contend, did not meet these requirements. There was no warrant obtained, and the so-called urgency was not substantiated by lawful grounds for bypassing constitutional protections with a probable cause that Ricky was simply a mutant." Marshall pressed, showing how drastic Dewey's actions were under this banner and how they violated all the rights he was trying to uphold.
"This claim, this declaration that Mr. Dewey's actions were justified due to the nature of Mr. Luciano's abilities set a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of justice. Allowing such a justification would not only disregard constitutional protections but also create a scenario where individuals could be subjected to invasive actions based on subjective determinations of threat." Marshall's smile rose, watching Hawkins scrunch his brows since this was what they were after and the man was going to press this wound of his argument until he squealed.
"Furthermore, the procedural errors in Mr. Dewey's conduct, specifically, the lack of a proper warrant and adherence to legal protocols, cannot be overlooked. These errors are significant and warrant a full examination in a trial setting, where the facts and circumstances can be thoroughly reviewed and adjudicated." Marshall emphasized these points, showing that Dewey's actions needed to be assessed.
"In light of these points, we respectfully assert that the case should proceed to trial. The issues at hand involve fundamental constitutional questions that merit a full and fair examination in a court of law. To dismiss the case at this juncture would be to deny Mr. Ricky the opportunity to seek redress and hold Mr. Dewey accountable for the alleged violations of his rights." Marshall almost insisted, knowing that this case couldn't die here and was willing to slit his wrist if need be to get this case to trial.
"We urge the court to reject Mr. Hawkins' attempt to obfuscate the issue and allow the case to proceed to trial and thank you." Marshall squeezed out his last opening argument but it wasn't met with any applause, but a sigh from the very judge presiding over them.
"Boy, be honest with me, do you really want to go to trial here?" Judge Mason said, removing his reading glasses and turning his gaze to Marshall.
He knew he couldn't legally dismiss the case, as the evidence presented was far too overwhelming to ignore.
"The good, honest people don't want you here, America doesn't want you here, and if you go through with this, you'll just be putting a target on your back," Judge Mason said, offering his candid advice.
"Settle here with the good man Hawkins, boy. You won't win-"
"Objection!" Ricky laughed out, unable to hold himself back any longer as Marshall's eyes almost popped out of his head.
"RICK-"
"Overruled, sustained-" Ricky, saying all of the lawyer's words he knew, continued to laugh as Marshall tried to pull him down as if he was going crazy.
BAM
BAM
"Order, order! What is the meaning of this?" Judge Mason demanded, clearly caught off guard. He had never been interrupted in such an unusual manner, and Ricky only laughed harder in response.
"Is there something funny over there Mr. Luciano?!" Judge Mason almost demanded, about to put Ricky in contempt for his rash words.
"I'm sorry your honor, but when you said to settle here, I just thought it was time to joke around and-" Ricky began, his confrontational tone clear as he prepared to continue however, Marshall quickly saw where this was heading and stepped in, trying to intervene before it escalated further.
"Ricky, please!" Marshall screamed in a whisper, watching the Judge's face visible contort and contrast.
Cough
"What I mean to say was that I got carried away from being in a courtroom for the first time." Ricky rolled his eyes at his own excuse, watching Judge Mason's face become red as he pointed his gavel at him.
"Another outburst like that and I'll hold you in contempt." Judge Mason warned Ricky who nodded absentmindedly, looking at Dewey snickering at him by the side like a schoolgirl.
"Judge Mason, we don't want to settle," Marshall said firmly as Judge Mason raised an eyebrow, his hand hovering over the gavel, before he finally picked it up with scrunched brows.
"Then the Case of Luciano v. Dewey will proceed to trial, jury selections will transpire tomorrow unless an agreement can be made."
Bang
Judge Mason banged his gavel, and everyone stood as Ricky turned to Dewey, offering a simple smile before walking away.
"Mr. Luciano, a word?" Hawkins called out, catching up to him with a smile while Ricky glanced at Marshall, who shook his head in warning.
"Sure, why not,. Ricky laughed, seeing Marshall simply sigh as they followed Hawkins and a furious Dewey into a separate room.
"The government has prepared a settlement offer that we think will satisfy both parties." Hawkins said, opening his briefcase while Dewey was seething to the side but managed to reign himself in.
Ricky raised an eyebrow, thinking this was the best time to send a verbal jab or two at him but Marshall started first, standing up in disbelief.
"We will not be settling-"
"Boy, you better watch that lip when speaking to me," Hawkins warned, glaring at Marshall, but the latter wasn't intimidated in the least.
"And yours is gonna have a gash in it if you keep speaking like that to my attorney," Ricky shot back, leaning back in his chair as he wasn't about to let Hawkins disrespect Marshall.
But it wasn't because he respected him or anything, it was simply because Marshall represented Ricky.
In a sense, Marshall reflected aspects of himself due to his representation, and Ricky wouldn't tolerate an insult like that, not to someone who stood in his corner.
"I apologize." Hawkins forced out a smile, handing Ricky the settlement as he took the paper with a raised brow at the number.
"You're kidding." Ricky asked incredulously, waving the paper in the air as he looked at Dewey.
"This is it, you're just going to give up-"
BAM
"I am not giving up, but looking toward the vested interests of my country, something you wouldn't know anything about." Dewey hissed, slamming his hands on the desk in frustration.
The contents of the settlement were as follows:
Dewey would relinquish his positions within New York and any of his associates would be transferred out
Ricky would receive 2.5 million dollars.
But the document essentially outlined that the government would allow Ricky to have control over New York, offering him a payout with only one catch: Ricky would have to publicly retract his previous statements and apologize to the U.S. government.
"I suggest you consider it, since it's the best you'll ever get." Hawkins said, standing up and buttoning his coat as he left the room, followed by a seething Dewey.
"This is a good deal." Ricky surprisingly let out, actually taken aback that they were willing to offer him something.
"You're not considering it, are you?" Marshall laughed out, only to realize Ricky was serious.
"I am-"
"YOUR WHAT?!" Marshall screeched, eyes wide in disbelief, as Ricky casually stretched his arms, rubbing his neck while raising an eyebrow.
"Listen Marshall, the only thing that really bothers me isn't the treatment I've received but the fact that they want me to apologize which I'm still wondering if I want to do-
"BUT, THEY, YOU-" Marshall interrupted him, struggling to find a sentence in the spiral of words flowing out of his mouth.
SIGH
Marshall let out an aggravated sigh, pacing back and forth and rubbing his chin in frustration while Ricky tilted his head, watching him for a moment before casually starting to pour a drink.
"Marshall calm down, why are you acting as if me considering the settle is the end of the world-"
"Because this isn't a victory Mr. Luciano, it's placate for covering their losses, we can win this, we can-"
"Marshall, you came to me and basically begged me to hire you, assuring me you'd get the government to cough up their piggy bank and you did just that," Ricky shrugged, leaning back in his chair as he took the drink into his hand.
"With this settlement, I'll get good privileges when I go back to New York, and it saves me the hassle of dealing with the U.S. government," Ricky relaxed, savoring the thought since after taking down Dracula, he hadn't had a single break, and this deal promised a much-needed reprieve.
However, Ricky hadn't made a decision on the settlement yet as he was taking his time, really analyzing the offer, which was something Marshall couldn't understand.
The wheels were clearly turning in Ricky's mind, but Marshall couldn't wrap his head around why he was giving it so much thought.
"But this can be so much more, Mr. Luciano. You can be so much more!" Marshall said eagerly, sitting in front of him as Ricky sighed, setting his drink down and leaning back in his chair.
"Listen-"
"No, you listen to me," Marshall said, putting his foot down as Ricky suddenly laughed, amused by how passionate Marshall was about this, and simply gestured toward him, giving him the floor.
"Every. Single. Day. Mutants are getting chased out of their homes and having the lives they built, brick by brick, turned to ash for simply being who they are." Marshall's voice was heavy, speaking from his own experience and trying to form a bridge with his words to connect with Ricky.
"And they're scared, frightened, of fighting back against a society that punishes them for simply existing but you-..........your not afraid of standing up to the big guy in fact, you have the power and arrogance to take on the government and a smile in times of distress." Marshall pointed at Ricky, his expression one of genuine amazement.
"You just have this knack for drawing attention towards you, making it so that people can't look away even if they despise you." Marshall explained, watching firsthand Ricky revel in the hateful slurs of the public and laugh at all their insults.
"You were born to be a leader, Mr. Luciano you were born to bring change." Marshall exaggerated, needing to draw RIcky into this idea of what this case could be.
"And if there was ever a time for you to bring change, it's right now." Marshall insisted, his voice rising with fervor.
"The stars have aligned, bringing a case that is actually winnable into the hands of someone who's not afraid, who's not scared of the consequences." Marshall's breathing grew heavier, and his passion poured out, his eyes locked on Ricky as if trying to make him see the gravity of the moment.
"Mr. Luciano if you just-"
"Alright, Marshall, I'm going to stop you right here." Ricky smacked his lips, setting down the glass of neat bourbon with a soft clink.
"You're getting all worked up over a single consideration, I'm not taking the offer but looking over it-"
"But that's how they get you-"
Crack
The table suddenly splintered, the sharp crack echoing through the room. Marshall flinched, eyes widening as Ricky's hand released its grip, revealing a deep indentation in the wood.
His anger was reaching its breaking point, and the air in the room thickened with the intensity of it.
"Stop interrupting me. Once or twice is fine, but I'm annoyed with it now." Ricky's voice was steady, his eyes narrowing as he spoke as Marshall quickly ducked his head, a nervous tension settling between them.
"Listen up, cause I'm only gonna say this once," Ricky said, his tone sharp as he leaned forward.
"I'm a selfish guy, Marshall. If I ever do something good, it's because it benefits me in some way. My interests come first, always. I don't think like you." Ricky drew a firm line between them, making it clear that if Marshall was going to represent him going forward, he'd need to understand the rules.
"I'll admit, I did have some other plans for this case and it's the reason I'm not accepting this settlement outright, but mostly because of the apology thing." Ricky's eyes darted back to the paper, almost annoyed that they wanted him to actually apologize.
"But this can be monumental for you, this can make you an icon, I can make you-"
"Oh come on Marshall, don't think that I don't know you're using me as much as I'm using you." Ricky laughed, annoyed at his countless speeches that were riddled with lies.
It was one of the reasons Ricky wasn't taking his words seriously, because his words weren't genuine.
From his lie detection skill there was obviously something Marshall wanted from this, and because of that, Ricky couldn't bring himself to take him seriously.
Sigh
"Yeah, you're right, I did come to you with a different reason and I apologize for not being truthful with you from the start." Marshall sighed heavily, clenching the hat in his hand before looking up.
"I'm from Harlem, Ricky." Marshall finally started speaking about himself, about his truth to Ricky who simply sat there.
"Growing up, I always wanted to help people, I wanted to make a difference, but I soon realized that this world was unfair, how cruel it really is for someone like me." Marshall decided to lay it all out, showing Ricky everything he was as a man.
"Injustices, hate, and all the suffering I witnessed with my own eyes, watching as people were treated as lesser simply because they had a little more pigment in their skin than others." Marshall looked down, pausing for a moment and then looking back up.
"I realized, from a young age, that the only way to stand up for yourself was to beat your oppressors at their own game." Marshall's voice rose, showing the passion laced in between each syllable.
"But even when I rose up, educated myself, I was always told that I'd be nothing but a negro with a briefcase." Marshall gritted his teeth, his hat crumbling under his own grievances.
"Even when I rose to new heights, achieved good grades I was still told that graduating high school, then college, and then law school now made me an educated negro, and it infuriated me." Marshall said, setting his hat down on the table before standing up and pointing at Ricky.
"I know you don't care, and I know you're only looking out for yourself, but I see something different in you." Marshall's eyes fixed on Ricky with a mix of hope and conviction, as if he could see a side of Ricky that no one else could, a side capable of something more.
"I see a man who returned a club back to its roots and even opened up a bank for the common black man." Marshall said, his eyes filled with hope while looking at Ricky who had a plain expression.
"I see someone who looks at another not for what they are, but for who they are, in a time that is common to look down at another for being lesser because they are different." Marshall continued, trying to spur any emotion out of Ricky but he simply stared at him.
"Even now, even then, when I came to you and you looked at me, you don't see some negro, you just saw Marshall, a man who just wanted to make a little bit of difference in this world through the world of law, you saw me." Marshall gripped his hands tightly together, feeling as if his words were falling on deaf ears.
"You're right," Marshall admitted, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
"I wanted to take this case so that I could use it as a precedent for other legal battles on discrimination, especially since your mutant abilities intersect with civil rights issues." Marshall confessed, showing his real intentions on this matter as Ricky still remained silent.
"This case could be bigger-no, it will be bigger," Marshall continued, his tone firm and passionate.
"You have the power to say no to the money and become the difference." Marshall said, his voice growing more intense.
"You can be the figure that kids, kids who didn't choose who they are, look up to, someone they can see and think, 'That's what I could become.' Ricky, you can be the change." Marshall explained, unable to hold back his excitement if this case actually pushed through.
However, Ricky simply looked at him, not uttering a single word as Marshall slowly gazed down, interpreting the silence as a sign that Ricky wasn't convinced.
Sigh
"Could you-....could you at least give them your answer tomorrow, for me?" Marshall asked, his voice softening. Ricky sighed but nodded, the agreement made simply to end the conversation.
"And Ricky." Marshall continued, pausing at the door and slowly looking back
"Even if you do take that deal, and even if you are a mobster, I still can't help but respect you for coming farther than most people would." Marshall gave his final remarks and walked out of the room, leaving Ricky alone with his thoughts.
"What do you think?" Ricky looked to the side, Chester flapping his wings and arriving at the table.
"It is a good deal, and considering you're in enemy territory where a single civil case has never won against the county, it might be the best you're going to get," Chester remarked, offering his honest opinion.
"But the reason it's such a good deal is because they're scared of what you can do, but in the end, the choice is yours." Chester then furthered his own opinion, giving his last words before Alexander puffed out his furry chest.
"Ricky, my comrade, a battle is only as notable, as memoriable as the lengths its generals are willing to go, remember that. Alexander said, standing proudly on Chester's back as the two familiars flew out of the window soon after, disappearing into the horizon.
Ricky leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest as he stared at the sheet of paper before him.
He wasn't one to back down from a challenge, but this deal was the very reason he had come all the way down here.
Sure, the idea of becoming a symbol of change had its appeal, but Ricky was a mobster first, a mutant second and a sliver of a doubt that wondered if he could even win.
He'd never been one to question his abilities, not since that fateful encounter with Dracula, the only time he'd ever felt truly uncertain of himself.
But accepting this deal felt like running away, like surrendering to a system that had always been stacked against him.
All day long, Ricky sat in that room, the silence pressing down on him as he studied the paper in his hands.
His mind raced, torn between the temptation of the deal and the feeling that it would be a surrender of everything he stood for.
Ricky found himself lost in thought, reflecting on the parts of himself that had grown up in a world that often seemed indifferent and for the first time, he wondered what the future would hold for his children.
He'd always been indifferent to hate, people's opinions never bothered him.
But then, there were his bastards, the little rugrats who clung to his pant legs, the ones who called him 'Dad' What would life be like for them?
They'd unknowingly become his soft spots, and he couldn't shake the thought of how their childhoods would unfold.
For those who inherited the mutant gene, what kind of challenges would they face?
And for the ones who didn't share that trait, how would it feel to grow up with a mutant father?
It was actually unsettling to think about and honestly, Ricky didn't want them to feel lesser, didn't want them to feel out of place or ashamed.
Instead, he wanted them to grow up proud of who they were, to hold their heads high, no matter what the world threw their way.
The crowd outside gradually dissipated, leaving only the distant chirping of crickets to fill the silence of the room.
Ricky sat there, his thoughts heavy, as the quiet stretched on, broken only by the occasional rustle of papers.
Then, the door creaked open, and the familiar sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway as Ricky's lips curled into a small smile as the door clicked shut, revealing Raven standing in the doorway.
"Hey, Tiger, something on your mind?" Raven asked, her voice a playful melody.
She swayed her hips as she made her way toward him, effortlessly sliding into Ricky's lap and leaning back with a confident smile, her eyes locking onto his.
"How did you know?" Ricky asked, his voice muffled as he hugged her tightly, resting his face in the crevice of her neck.
Raven's eyes shifted down to the settlement papers, her gaze soft but focused as she felt his tension seep through.
Raven felt conflicted at that moment since right before her lay the means to squash the trial and keep history on track, but at the same time, the thought of 'what if' suddenly crossed her mind.
What if taking this path would change everything?
What if Ricky's choice would shift not only their futures, but the balance of power in ways neither of them could predict?
She couldn't deny the uncertainty gnawing at her, but she also couldn't ignore the man she cared for, caught between his ambition and the weight of his decisions until another stream of thoughts entered her mind.
What if Ricky managed to win this civil case against the government?
What if this case set a precedent for the future and changed the future in a way she always hoped for?
"Let me guess, are you here to tell me to take it?" Ricky looked up at the conflicted Raven, his eyes searching hers.
She turned back to him, her hand gently caressing his cheek, as if trying to soothe the tension she could feel radiating from him.
"I-I don't know." Raven spoke quietly, her voice betraying her inner conflict as she hesitated. Ricky tilted his head, puzzled.
"Isn't this what your future predictor, or whatever, said? Taking this deal would keep everything as it was, right?" Ricky asked, his tone edged with surprise as he thought for sure Raven would want him to take it.
She picked up the paper, her fingers brushing over the terms as she glanced down, still uncertain.
"Everything I do, whether it's an act of kindness or a gross atrocity, I do it in hopes that mutantkind can prosper." Raven's eyes grew distant, her gaze hollow as she set the paper down as she leaned back into Ricky's embrace, staring up at the ceiling, as if searching for some answer in the shadows above
"But what do I have to show for it? Nothing, I've changed nothing and merely watched our kind be wiped out time and time again." Raven gave out an honest answer, confining in Ricky who looked up at her.
"Sometimes I-.............I think the future is bleak, unforgiving, and I only hold onto it because I'm scared that the present will never change." Raven voiced his fears, looking back at Ricky who pulled her close
Their lips met again, briefly, a soft and fleeting touch before they pulled away as Raven rested her head on his shoulder, her breath steady against his skin.
"Then I'll change it, just for you," Ricky whispered softly into her ear, his words a promise that lingered in the quiet room.
Raven turned her head, still resting on his shoulder, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of wonder and uncertainty.
"It's not that easy, time has a way of correcting itself and even if a future is wrong, the premise remains the same-"
"Then help me, stand by me as we change it together," Ricky said, his words firm and unwavering as he wanted her by his side, wanted to tie her to this mission as much as she had tied herself to him.
"You don't mean that-"
"You're right, I don't." Ricky said, his voice surprisingly sincere.
"I really don't care about mutant kind, but I'm willing to change reality if it means you're by my side." Ricky spoke the words without fully realizing their weight, his passion evident as he looked at Raven.
"You really like me, don't you-"
"I do. How many times do I have to say it?" Ricky whispered, gently caressing her cheek as his heart always beat like a steady drum whenever he saw her.
"What if you do win, what if the future is even worse." Raven let out her biggest insecurity as Ricky pulled her forehead closer and kissed it.
"If we fail under the spotlight, and the world caves in on us, we do the only thing we can do; give it the middle finger." Ricky laughed, his eyes glinting in a playful light as Raven pressed her forehead against his, looking at him with a mix of admiration and uncertainty.
"So, what are you going to do?" Raven asked, her voice soft but curious, as Ricky gently picked her up and walked toward the window.
"Ride towards tomorrow," Ricky answered with a determined smile, his words carrying weight.
With a subtle motion, he floated out of the room, Raven wrapping her arms around his neck as they soared through the air, heading back to their house.
"Then saddle up tiger~"
Next Day,
Ricky had never intended to be the change and yet, through his actions and the misunderstandings that followed, he had inadvertently become it.
People twisted his intentions, clouding the true purpose behind his every move and now, he found himself at a crossroads.
At some point, Ricky would have to choose whether to continue down the well-worn path of conformity or to stand against the tide of social expectations.
This wasn't just a simple decision, it was one that would shape the rest of his life.
And now, for the first time, as he fully grasped the weight of what lay before him, but he didn't hesitate this time, finally knowing what he wanted for himself.
"Mr. Luciano, it is good to see you," Hawkins greeted, offering a firm handshake as he placed the documents in front of Ricky.
Ricky turned to his left, noticing Marshall's welcoming gaze, a hint of anticipation in his eyes as he silently acknowledged any choice Ricky made here.
Marshall nodded, giving Ricky the go-ahead. Ricky took the pen, hovering over the spot that would guarantee him one million dollars. The tip of the pen was mere inches from the paper, but then Ricky pulled back with a gleaming smile covering his face.
Hawkins raised an eyebrow in confusion, while Marshall's eyes widened, clearly taken aback by the sudden hesitation.
"Mr. Lucinao what are you-"
"It's obvious but I'm not gonna f*cking sign it." Ricky laughed, purposely getting Hawkin's hopes up so that he could crush it.
"Really?!" they both exclaimed in shock, but their tones couldn't have been more different.
Hawkins was filled with incredulity, while Marshall's sounded more like disbelief as Ricky simply shrugged, his expression unreadable as he leaned back in his chair.
"Yeah, if I sign this, then I'm essentially losing," Ricky said with a casual shrug, his voice steady.
"And I don't want to go back to New York with my tail tucked between my legs. I want to raise it high, like a 'f*ck you' to everyone who ever doubted me." Ricky leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering, as Hawkins sat there, utterly flabbergasted, struggling to process what he'd just heard.
"You do know that if this goes to trial, you'll be publicly crucified, hated by the general public, and even face threats to your life?" Hawkins asked, his voice tinged with disbelief as he glanced over at Marshall, who, to his shock, had an excited smile playing across his face.
"And you even hired a negro, A NEGRO, to take your case in a place that still lynches!" Hawkins began laughing hysterically, his words dripping with contempt and Ricky, however, merely shrugged, unfazed by the outburst.
"I'm not scared, Marshall are you scared?" Ricky showed his intentions, turning to Marshall and asking for his as the attorney smirked.
"No, I am not," Marshall replied calmly, turning to the defense attorney with an unwavering gaze.
"And my client has already turned down this proposal, your honor. We will be taking this to trial." Marshall then turned to the silent judge, who, after a brief pause, slowly removed his glasses, his expression unreadable.
"Then by the state of Texas, I, Judge Smith, see the claim and accept it." The judge nodded firmly, standing up from his seat.
Hawkins, however, wore an expression of disbelief, his mouth slightly agape as he processed the unexpected turn of events.
"Judge this is ludicrous-"
"I apologize Hawkins but my hands are tied on this matter, the law is the law and I have to uphold it in this case." Judge Smith's neural tone rang out before his gaze turned to Ricky.
"You know the government won't stop until it buries you, until I bury you." Dewey pointed a finger, his voice laced with venom.
Ricky smiled, unfazed by the threat, and with a calm, almost amused expression, he turned and walked out the door, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the tense silence.
"Oh, I know, but when I win and trust me, Dewey, I'll win," Ricky said, stopping and turning back to face the serious Dewey and Hawkins.
"I'll be untouchable."
The next morning, the Texas papers printed something unimaginable, a headline that spread like wildfire across the globe. Men and women of all kinds stopped in their tracks, staring in disbelief at the bold letters that stared back at them.
'Ricky Luciano: The Mutant Who Takes on the System.'
It was a story that defied expectations, one that no one saw coming, and yet, everyone would remember.
News spread like an uncontrollable blaze, from the crowded streets of New York to the farthest corners of the world.
People, regardless of nationality, background, or allegiance, began to learn the name Ricky Luciano, and it left a mark on their minds, as if they'd been struck by lightning.
Lucky looked at the newspaper and smiled, his old view of Ricky completely shed as he set the paper down with a proud grin, the shift in his perspective clear as day.
"He finally decided to take a step forward, atta boy."
Meanwhile In a secluded part of scandinavia,
Rachael wore a small smile as her hand gently traced the picture of Ricky, her fingers lingering on the image before she looked down at her protruding stomach, a wave of warmth filling her.
'Good luck, Ricky."
Sitting at the dining table, Raven rested her head on her hand, watching Ricky make breakfast with a smile, her gaze softening as she admired the moment.
'He's really doing it.' Raven thought, watching Ricky with a mix of disbelief and admiration as she had taken his earlier words as the boastful ramblings of an arrogant man, but now, for the first time, she might've judged him wrong.
In her whole life, Raven had always believed that mutants could only survive by banding together and fighting against humans.
But Ricky had just done something entirely different as he wasn't just challenging the status quo; he was taking on the very notion that mutants didn't deserve a place in this country, in this world.
'I guess I'll have to stay for a little while longer, to see how it plays out.'
Papers were quickly printed and distributed all across America, filled with slanderous remarks.
They landed at the feet of one community after another before hatefully thrown into the nearby alleyways, their harsh words seeping into the streets, fueling the growing tension and division.
But it was in these damp, dark alleyways that hands reached out, slowly dragging the headline deeper into the shadows.
Mutants from all walks of life saw the paper, each one drawn to it with a shared understanding: they all remained in the shadows.
From those with fins protruding from their skin to those who had concealed their powers their entire lives, they each gazed at the paper in silence, feeling a spark of something they hadn't allowed themselves to hope for in years.
Hope filled their eyes, a spark igniting in the hearts of mutants across every age range. It didn't matter how old they were, or where they came from. The only thing that mattered was the bold words staring back at them, offering something they had never dared to imagine, validation, a future where they might finally belong.
Meanwhile in a darkened room,
"You called us from all around the world for a simple piece of paper?" A man scoffed, his arm highlighted by a red armband that bore the Nazi symbol as he threw the paper aside, the image of Ricky's sleazy smirk mocking him from the page.
"This Ricky Luciano is a public mutant who is about to make history, and he isn't even a member of the Hellfire Club." A woman wearing white pointed out, her voice sharp and resolute as the man scoffed, clearly unimpressed.
"History? He's just like all the others and is only going to get himself killed. It's not time for us to move when I'm so close to unlocking the mutant gene." The man insisted, his voice tinged with frustration. The woman couldn't help but scoff in response, her eyes narrowing.
"A birdie told me he's the Black Knight," a woman dressed in all black spoke, her voice calm but carrying a weight of mystery.
Instantly, all eyes in the room shifted to her, drawn by the enigmatic aura that seemed to hang around her.
"That's impossible, the black knight is-"
"On leave from the church." The woman continued, her words carrying an undeniable authority.
"If this Ricky Luciano is not only a mutant but a mutant with high status, then the White Queen is right." Her statement hung in the air, leaving little room for dispute as the man slowly averted his gaze, the weight of her words sinking in.
"Then what do you suggest?" Another man from the side curiously asked as the woman smiled.
"Then what do you suggest?" another man asked from the side, his tone laced with curiosity as the woman smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes as she leaned forward.
"I suggest we watch the show." She picked up the paper, her fingers brushing over the bold words, her black eyes gleaming with a mix of intrigue and anticipation at what they read.
'Ricky Luciano: The Mutant Who Fights Against America's Way Of Life.'
Author's Note: never wrote about court stuff before, tell me how I did and as for seeing your comments. I've decided to get drunk, play games, and listen to REO speedwagon so I'll look at them tommorrow.
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