OK, Im trying to organize my thoughts, but i just keep rereading it and getting another rush.
first of all, I love found family and found sibling relationships. eeek! ~ Are they on a slope, or is Erin just significantly shorter than Shrike. ~ Tess looks so proud in the second panel, I love her. ~ Those poor henchmen, i feel bad for them, pinned too the wall like magnets, and then being dropped like more suddenly than the cowboy bebop live action. (i make bad jokes ok) ~ Oh man it is so cathartic to hear Erin call out shirks bullshit.
This comic gives me a little burst of exactment when ever I think about it, no matter my mood at the time. Thanks Red.
I missed Wednesday’s comic and just realized it lol. #sad, that was AWESOME <3.
MAN that was glorious payoff! Erin has the best entrances when he's prepared to do one, and this DID NOT DISSAPPOINT. He really just marched right in and had the entire situation in the palm of his hand (lol pun), and just straight up *dropped* the entire gang of hunters when he got serious, except that he was dead serious the entire time :D. Serious Badass Erin is something we need more of. He's so done with absolutely everything, I cant.
@RobK OH is that what that was? That makes so much sense, I thought it was Tess bopping Alinua on the head for a moment like "no, look, focus on my little bro, he's the coolest thing here rn". Which tbh is something she might do, but still seemed weird.
Predictions: I dont think Erin's Privilege is going to work; Shrike wont back down that easily. "I claim sole responsibility…hold me accountable…" Shrike is either going to try to take all of them, or arrest Erin, and he might actually let her arrest him if it's only him.
Are we finally going to see… a PRISON BREAK? (After like an entire two chapters of predicting one lol). The crime trio is absolutely going to go for prison break if that happens.
Was Erin also using wind magic to make noise here? ‘Cause I swear when he talked I heard air horns.
Yes, Tess’s expression in panel 2 is amazing but are we just going to ignore Falst on the same panel? Eyebrow raised, wide eyed, I get impression his anger towards Erin has now gone away. It was already dissipating during Tess’s explanation and Erin’s timely arrival but I get the feeling Erin calling Tess his sister clinched it.
Erin’s face and tone haven’t changed once during this conversation; the junior archivist rattled Erin more than Shrike is. Then again I wonder whether that’s his calm diplomatic side taking control of the situation or whether, since they attacked both his friends and family, he’s almost in a tranquil fury and trying to hold back.
Panels 5-6 have so many things going on. Falst keeping an eye on Shrike’s bois and watching them fall; Alinua fixated on the conversation, thus was surprised at the hunter drop; Tess going from 100% done to pleasantly surprised; Erin filling his epic flex quota for the chapter; and contrasting CRASH! and PING SFX. All good stuff.
Next weeks prediction: Either Shrike will leave on her own accord or Trusk will show up and convince/flat out tell her to let it go. Then Erin will be relieved everyone is alright, before getting mad at everyone in a “What the hell were your thinking?!” kind of way.
very, very eloquent of Erin, but i get the feeling Shrike would rather double down than back down. she might just arrest Erin, or just be like “unfortunately that isn’t how Zuurith operates”. or she might actually relent, seeing that it would be more trouble than it’s worth. after all, we know she isn’t all that commited to Zuurith or the law; she just likes the power and ‘freedom’ she gets from her position
This is my favorite page
I love the found family/found siblings vibe Erin and Tess have, its one of my favorite trops. And look how happy Tess is to be called his sister, that just so cute
In Shrike’s position, I’d say that this is a problem for some high-ranking government official or maybe even Zuurith himself to figure out. And if Erin really does think this will be decided in their favor then he has no reason not to go with them to the authorities. And if he refuses, that’s plenty of evidence against him as well.
ERIN CALLED TESS HIS SISTER AND SHE LOOKED SO HAPPY ASHAHSHSFGAUDHGKHDHVJFGHOBKJVUEOHGIYVJHIOED
This just made my morning.
I love how Erin just straight up dropped those suckers and called out Shrike on her bull. I also like how Shrike is taller than Erin because I find it amusing.
But on a serious, analytical note, I’m now worried that Erin is going to be arrested or at least essentially take the bullet for his friends. While that would be very honorable of him, that would make it a little hard to leave tomorrow morning as he plans. Also, he might get in some hot water with the government of Asera. Either way, I imagine that the crime trio would feel various degrees of bad for causing the debacle. I’m hoping that everyone will get to walk out of this minus chains, but we’ll have to see on Monday.
I expect Shrike will at least attempt to call the bluff and indeed arrest Erin. She seems the type to try to double down, and especially the type to take really badly to people ruining what little power she has – that power is how she justifies things to herself, after all.
And if she does, Erin will almost certainly happily let himself be arrested in place of the rest of the gang, in the knowledge that what HE will get while arrested is not even a fraction of what the rest of the gang would have had to suffer. If everyone else would get five years in the Arena, Erin will probably get like a week in a cell, and he knows it.
I know this has been noted already but HAHAHAHAHAHAHA he’s so much shorter than her.
Also, yeah, I can’t wait for him to go all Elemental Magus on her.
I just realized that in fantasy politics, you can do lots of things if you have a crap ton of magical power to back it up with. I could just see Erin making, like, flashy lightning/fire shows to impress diplomats.
It also helps if you have some nice self-defense skills.
Actually, one of the characters in the book I’m writing fits that rather well, just with fancy magic swords instead of actual magic. Also she’s an assassin.
Fun all around!
Looking back, everyone’s developed quite a bit since we met them. Erin and Falst have both become super loyal, and Ali has gained a bit of self-assuredness, along with, you know, the whole vessel of a primordial god situation.
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD! ERIN RUUNASER FOR THE SAVE! It’s interesting to note that the dampening cuff is just stone magic, but it persisted throughout the chase. An odd reaction, considering lasting magical effects have, so far, been exclusive to life magic. Speaking of life magic, it’s time for another PASTRIVIA! The question for today is: What was the name of Dr. Jolon’s spelleater?
A: Kaaine
B: Galdr
C: Shirii
D: Wisper
At the same time that Erin let all the hunters/slavers drop to the ground, he also removed Tess’s sealing cuff. If things go south, Tess can now superjump these guys out of here.
…Ooohhh crap. Erin, Shrike is absolutely going to hold you accountable for them. Whether she just straight-up arrests you or whether she relays what you told her to Zuurith, sparking Zuurith-Asera animosity, she will hold you accountable. One stern scolding isn’t going to make her ideology do a U-turn, or even a left turn.
Wow! I love this scene. Erin’s displaying so much character growth while still leveraging his understanding of politics. I have a feeling he has just sacrificed his freedom to protect his friends from the consequences of the law, and I think he realizes that too. Otherwise he would not have suggested she ‘hold him accountable’. I love character development!
I wonder what VD will take to potential imprisonment. We know last time Erin was trapped in a dangerous situation (when he was pinned by the evil doctor’s chimera) VD almost took over to get Erin out. Will he do the same when stuck in prison?
I just reread over the webcomic, and the page where Caliban and Tahrain stood out to me. Tahrain said four powers were converging in Zuurith. We know that Kendall and Tynan (thanks, Unknown Game!) are two of them, and my theory is VD (through Erin) and something to do with the Paladins makes up the remaining two. Will this all come to a head in the gladiator games?
I’m ready for the Crime Trio to plan a breakout!
I nearly screamed with joy when Erin called Tess sister. I love sibling relationships in stories, and I was super worried the slave revelation was going to threaten that. I’m really glad Erin and Tess seem to see each other as siblings rather than enemies.
And speaking of slaves, I get the feeling Erin hates slavery by the way he called Shrike a “glorified slaver. I really can’t wait to see what he thought of his childhood and Tess’s situation.
Sorry for brain dumping. I am so hyped right now!
Lol….Erin left Falst and Alinua alone for less than 24 hours (I think) and they’ve trespassed on the city’s MOUNTAIN prison, ruined his fancy cape, coincidentally found his basically sister that he hasn’t seen in years, interrupted his nerd session, and got themselves cornered by bounty hunters twice.
Also Tess’s power stance when Erin calls him his sister is everything.
Hooh boy, First off, I haven’t commented here in a long time. Hello everyone.
Second, In the word of Falst: “Civilisation” at work. Outsmug the other smug bastard using your own smug bastard while you get to grin smugly.
also I agree that calling Shrike’s power limited was the absolute *worst* move that Erin could have made if he wants everyone to walk away free… As to people questioning what VD would do with imprisonment, as long as Erin doesn’t end up in imminent danger of death, he’ll probably be content to chill. Unless whatever they do to seal Erin’s magic hampers his ability to fight back, or Alinua gets cuffed…
And now for the March To The Authorities, because there’s no way Shrike is giving up yet on her bounty. If she’s forced to now, she’ll hold a grudge … and we’ll be seeing her again. Plus, maybe she can argue she brought them in on a technicality. “I brought them in. Just because you couldn’t legally keep them isn’t my problem.”
As for concerns that Erin will be put in jail… ehhh… we have to remember how closely Zuurich controls his city. Everything done with Erin Ruunaser and his friends will be in according to Zuurich’s interests.
If Erin weren’t traveling with Vash’s vessel, Zuurich would toss him in jail. But in an earlier panel, Zuurich was pictured among the gods who are afraid of Our Green Lady of the Weird. He’s more afraid than he admits, and would like Kendal and Vash to get rid of her or die in the process — both, preferably. That gives Erin and his friends more protection than normal.
Still, the Arenamaster wants Kendal to fight and is in a political position to intervene here.
If I were Shrike, I take it as far as I can to see if I could get that bounty on a technicality. No skin off her nose if it doesn’t work and pisses off some foreign national.
If I were the Arenamaster, I’d seize the opportunity to keep Kendal longer by separating Kendal from his friends. Tossed out of the city Erin loses his leverage to simply call for Kendal like baggage.
Erin and his group are going to get expelled from the city, effective immediately, with Kendal still locked up.
I love Erin’s “are you done pretending this is about the law?” Line. As well as “you abusing what little power you have.” When he doesn’t like someone who is trying to use privilege on him, he has no problems on calling them out on it.
Also that “glorified slavers” metaphor hits a little harder considering what we know about Tess and his dad now. Who wants to bet Erin has opinions about the slave trade and has gotten in trouble in the past for vocalizing them?
BlackCat:
Ooh that sounds interesting! I also love the character development.
Thinker of too many thoughts:
Considering Alinua is literally being sort of used as a vessel for an entire primordial, I would say SHE is the other earth shaking power. (Also I do love the way he called her sister OMMGGG it makes me smile everytime I think about it.
ImuyanMangoCat:
I KNOW RIGHT!!!
I have a squirrel named floofly:
Me too!
Purpleswans:
I sure am! I didn’t think that Erin would have argued with his dad, but it makes sense, considering that he appreciates Tess so much. (And it makes him seem more likeable)
ranting without a cause podcast:
We’ve all been wondering that, actually…
The Arenamaster and Shrike have been operating under the table, since their actions would be a violation of Zuurith’s law. They get away with it because Zuurith looks the other way as long as the arena is entertaining the masses. Drag this mess into the open, and Zuurith would make Shrike the scapegoat.
Yall are missing something crucial: What if Erin gets arrested and he has to use Walter’s primordial void powers to undo the magic sealing cuffs if, say, the arena is solely gladiatorial and doesn’t allow magic?
I wonder if Erin actually wants to get arrested. OK, it would probably be easier if Shrike just backed down, but him getting caught up in it puts a big dampener on what Zuurith can do. Maybe that’s it, or maybe he has a full plan. Maybe he is going to point out to Shrike that she is probably worth a lot less to Zuurith (god and city) than peace with Asera and then offer to come quietly.
Shrike is accustomed to people folding like origami cranes when she wields the shadow of Zuurith’s power, but she only controls a shadow. Holding Erin ‘Accountable’ would kick the situation far above her paygrade.
Honestly? I’m putting this at 50/50 odds that the next page is Erin joining Kendal and Dainix in their cell or a heartwarming reunion between brother and sister, only slightly marred by Tynan’s Avatar appearing in the city.
Love the look on Tess’s face. “Yeah, that’s my brother!” Also I almost wonder if Erin is TRYING to cause a diplomatic incident so he gets arrested and it gives him leverage to get Kendall out. It’s definitely something he’s taking a bit personally though
I know this is irrelevant but I feel all bubbly inside because I told my parents I use they/ them pronouns and they were like “ok if you like it” and I didn’t think they’d be alright but *whew*
I love the way this played out. Erin has forced Shrike into a losing position and it may even be a xanatos gambit. Zuurith does take laws very seriously and now her only option is to arrest only Erin. If she tries to arrest all of them, she’ll put Zuurith in the middle of an intercity conflict. If she arrests only Erin, she loses her bounty on Tess and Falst. If she doesn’t take any of them, she’s also at a loss as I doubt she has the authority to let them off the hook.
Best part is, Erin has her pegged. By attacking her pride and backing her in a corner, she is more likely to screw herself over and try to win. Red really knocked it out of the park with this one.
I get the sense that Erin has spent a long time thinking about slavery, and has some very strong feelings about it. Unfortunately, Shrike has made a point of deliberately avoiding thinking about the reality of what she does, so I doubt they’ll find common ground in this conversation.
Somebody:
Agreed! I would make up a Haiku, but half the time I can’t even remember how many syllables a word has so I’ll just say that we miss you and I really hope you’re okay…
I really really adore this update! Great job as always Red! Seriously it’s so amazing! I got so excited when Erin made his entrance! He even called Tess his sister! I can guess that the rest of the crew are gonna get a very stern talking-too after Erin and Tess’ reunion lol.
Somebody: agreed, I miss him too, as does my friend Ahkuna. Glad to see everyone else missing him too.
Hiii: it‘s 5/7/5, I think, but it would be rude to just replace them
(Also sorry for my English)
Also: Did you notice that everyone except Tess looked at the people *literally* falling off of walls? She is either really resilient to magical bs by now or she is to distracted by her bracelet.
Veggiesnake: I don’t feel sick, but if anything weird happens I’ll disappear so perhaps that’ll be a sign…
TheUnknownGame: Thanks! I was so worried, but now I’m just relieved it’s over and my friends & teachers won’t weird out my parents when they use the right pronouns haha…
Hiii & Is Ahkuna here: I only did a haiku because there was none on the page and I figured it’d be an appropriate way to show appreciation for HelloHaiku’s art form. I’m not a poet. Nope. Not one bit. Yes you can’t see my English assignments, but I didn’t do a poem. Nope.
In all seriousness though, I have done poems for class before and did decently enough, I just don’t do them for fun. I’m more a comic/ fantasy “novel” (I never complete them) writer. I don’t intend for me, or anyone else for that matter, to replace HelloHaiku.
Somebody:
Agreed!!! I love writing novels but I dump them after a while because I have no self pride when it comes to writing and I’m terrified of showing my work to others. No I completely understand what you were trying to do with the haiku, I didn’t mean to come off as judgmental sorry!! I’m so glad that you had the bravery to confess that to your parents, and I’m really glad that they accepted it! (Please don’t disappear though, we would miss you)
Hiii: You know, it’s a funny thing. Writer’s block exists, but if I show a story to someone they usually go “it’s not done where’s the climax” and I just– writer’s block is real– so I have like what? 4 unfinished, 10+ page stories. And 1 100+ page comic since that’s my most developed one. Sometimes we all need a break, even if we like doing something.
Also terrified of sharing work, usually it’s that one supportive 9th grade English teacher who helps me write and my literature nerd friends who see this stuff. I mean, they all like it but somehow I always feel like it’s a lie and my work sucks.
I wasn’t trying to slam you for being judgemental about the haiku, just explaining why in case of confusion because I know I tend to be a bit unclear (autism sucks). I doubt I will disappear anytime soon because nothing big is really going on, so I’ll probably check in regularly since I’m bored and writing those TL;DR s shave a couple minutes off my boredom.
For the parents thing, I was just scared because they are a bit religious and always insinuating it’d be nice if I could just join them in church so I figured they didn’t trust my self judgment. They used to have this creepy “trust God, not yourself” sign that somewhat put me off. It’s gone now, so I felt a bit safer.
Somebody:
Oh, ew, that sign is creepy. If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? A complete stranger who has a track record of doing terrible sh*t to people, or inspiring other people to do terrible sh*t to people? No f*cking thank you.
Somebody:
Off, writer’s block is an absolute pain, I know the feeling. Running out of the writing juice is just… not fun.
If your brain can only manage a story for a relatively short period of time, have you considered trying to just write short stories? Don’t worry about fleshing out worldbuilding or any of that, just do a short, slice-of-life work. See if it works for you.
oh this is GLORIOUS. all of it. Erin just making power moves like snapping off the anti-magic cuff without even looking-
and everything about that second panel. “-and my sister” RUUNASIBS CONFIRMED! love how Falst and Alinua both look taken aback meanwhile Tess is just SMIRKING
first
He called her his sister!!!!
smug bastard vs other smug bastard. very excited to see who can wipe who’s smile off the other’s face first.
Also subtly removing Tess’ magic dampening gauntlet there
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY EXITMENT. AHHHAHH!!!
Tess’s expressions all over the page are my jam
shrike’s not gonna reevaluate her life choices but man i kinda wish she would
Tess looks so proud and smug in the second panel
Erin in sixth panel: Excuse me while I multitask.
Seriously, that’s one powerful finger snap. And it is not even a snap!
OK, Im trying to organize my thoughts, but i just keep rereading it and getting another rush.
first of all, I love found family and found sibling relationships. eeek! ~ Are they on a slope, or is Erin just significantly shorter than Shrike. ~ Tess looks so proud in the second panel, I love her. ~ Those poor henchmen, i feel bad for them, pinned too the wall like magnets, and then being dropped like more suddenly than the cowboy bebop live action. (i make bad jokes ok) ~ Oh man it is so cathartic to hear Erin call out shirks bullshit.
This comic gives me a little burst of exactment when ever I think about it, no matter my mood at the time. Thanks Red.
So awesome, very much looking forward to next week!
He removed her shackles/bracelet thingies as well!!! Not entirely sure what that means, but since he also called her sister I’m excited!
I really wanna watch him go full avatar on them lmao
I missed Wednesday’s comic and just realized it lol. #sad, that was AWESOME <3.
MAN that was glorious payoff! Erin has the best entrances when he's prepared to do one, and this DID NOT DISSAPPOINT. He really just marched right in and had the entire situation in the palm of his hand (lol pun), and just straight up *dropped* the entire gang of hunters when he got serious, except that he was dead serious the entire time :D. Serious Badass Erin is something we need more of. He's so done with absolutely everything, I cant.
@RobK OH is that what that was? That makes so much sense, I thought it was Tess bopping Alinua on the head for a moment like "no, look, focus on my little bro, he's the coolest thing here rn". Which tbh is something she might do, but still seemed weird.
Predictions: I dont think Erin's Privilege is going to work; Shrike wont back down that easily. "I claim sole responsibility…hold me accountable…" Shrike is either going to try to take all of them, or arrest Erin, and he might actually let her arrest him if it's only him.
Are we finally going to see… a PRISON BREAK? (After like an entire two chapters of predicting one lol). The crime trio is absolutely going to go for prison break if that happens.
Was Erin also using wind magic to make noise here? ‘Cause I swear when he talked I heard air horns.
Yes, Tess’s expression in panel 2 is amazing but are we just going to ignore Falst on the same panel? Eyebrow raised, wide eyed, I get impression his anger towards Erin has now gone away. It was already dissipating during Tess’s explanation and Erin’s timely arrival but I get the feeling Erin calling Tess his sister clinched it.
Erin’s face and tone haven’t changed once during this conversation; the junior archivist rattled Erin more than Shrike is. Then again I wonder whether that’s his calm diplomatic side taking control of the situation or whether, since they attacked both his friends and family, he’s almost in a tranquil fury and trying to hold back.
Panels 5-6 have so many things going on. Falst keeping an eye on Shrike’s bois and watching them fall; Alinua fixated on the conversation, thus was surprised at the hunter drop; Tess going from 100% done to pleasantly surprised; Erin filling his epic flex quota for the chapter; and contrasting CRASH! and PING SFX. All good stuff.
Next weeks prediction: Either Shrike will leave on her own accord or Trusk will show up and convince/flat out tell her to let it go. Then Erin will be relieved everyone is alright, before getting mad at everyone in a “What the hell were your thinking?!” kind of way.
very, very eloquent of Erin, but i get the feeling Shrike would rather double down than back down. she might just arrest Erin, or just be like “unfortunately that isn’t how Zuurith operates”. or she might actually relent, seeing that it would be more trouble than it’s worth. after all, we know she isn’t all that commited to Zuurith or the law; she just likes the power and ‘freedom’ she gets from her position
This is my favorite page
I love the found family/found siblings vibe Erin and Tess have, its one of my favorite trops. And look how happy Tess is to be called his sister, that just so cute
Noting that Shrike doesn’t seem to know that Erin is the Elemental Magus yet; he’s only used earth magic in her presence. This could get ugly.
(And by ugly, I of course mean awesome.)
not Shrike bending down to talk to Erin like he’s a little kid ?
he is of course but oh boy
Oh nooo. He is about to get a serious dose of jail.
TL;DR: Mr. Hubris used privilege! It doesn’t seem to affect the opposing arena hunters…
The only reason Erin isn’t wearing sunglasses is because they probably haven’t been invented yet.
Tess looks like she is almost used to Erin using his privilege to get her out of hairy situations. This exchange is truly awesome!
Yeaaah! Go Erin! Flaunt that bureaucratic know-how!
In Shrike’s position, I’d say that this is a problem for some high-ranking government official or maybe even Zuurith himself to figure out. And if Erin really does think this will be decided in their favor then he has no reason not to go with them to the authorities. And if he refuses, that’s plenty of evidence against him as well.
@Sig
Erin hasn’t smiled since he got here.
Captain Diplomacy to the rescue
ERIN CALLED TESS HIS SISTER AND SHE LOOKED SO HAPPY ASHAHSHSFGAUDHGKHDHVJFGHOBKJVUEOHGIYVJHIOED
This just made my morning.
I love how Erin just straight up dropped those suckers and called out Shrike on her bull. I also like how Shrike is taller than Erin because I find it amusing.
But on a serious, analytical note, I’m now worried that Erin is going to be arrested or at least essentially take the bullet for his friends. While that would be very honorable of him, that would make it a little hard to leave tomorrow morning as he plans. Also, he might get in some hot water with the government of Asera. Either way, I imagine that the crime trio would feel various degrees of bad for causing the debacle. I’m hoping that everyone will get to walk out of this minus chains, but we’ll have to see on Monday.
Erin is a soft boi once again he called Tess his sister
I expect Shrike will at least attempt to call the bluff and indeed arrest Erin. She seems the type to try to double down, and especially the type to take really badly to people ruining what little power she has – that power is how she justifies things to herself, after all.
And if she does, Erin will almost certainly happily let himself be arrested in place of the rest of the gang, in the knowledge that what HE will get while arrested is not even a fraction of what the rest of the gang would have had to suffer. If everyone else would get five years in the Arena, Erin will probably get like a week in a cell, and he knows it.
I know this has been noted already but HAHAHAHAHAHAHA he’s so much shorter than her.
Also, yeah, I can’t wait for him to go all Elemental Magus on her.
I just realized that in fantasy politics, you can do lots of things if you have a crap ton of magical power to back it up with. I could just see Erin making, like, flashy lightning/fire shows to impress diplomats.
It also helps if you have some nice self-defense skills.
Actually, one of the characters in the book I’m writing fits that rather well, just with fancy magic swords instead of actual magic. Also she’s an assassin.
Fun all around!
Looking back, everyone’s developed quite a bit since we met them. Erin and Falst have both become super loyal, and Ali has gained a bit of self-assuredness, along with, you know, the whole vessel of a primordial god situation.
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD! ERIN RUUNASER FOR THE SAVE! It’s interesting to note that the dampening cuff is just stone magic, but it persisted throughout the chase. An odd reaction, considering lasting magical effects have, so far, been exclusive to life magic. Speaking of life magic, it’s time for another PASTRIVIA! The question for today is:
What was the name of Dr. Jolon’s spelleater?
A: Kaaine
B: Galdr
C: Shirii
D: Wisper
@Humanoid Clay
The answer is C.
At the same time that Erin let all the hunters/slavers drop to the ground, he also removed Tess’s sealing cuff. If things go south, Tess can now superjump these guys out of here.
…Ooohhh crap. Erin, Shrike is absolutely going to hold you accountable for them. Whether she just straight-up arrests you or whether she relays what you told her to Zuurith, sparking Zuurith-Asera animosity, she will hold you accountable. One stern scolding isn’t going to make her ideology do a U-turn, or even a left turn.
Wow! I love this scene. Erin’s displaying so much character growth while still leveraging his understanding of politics. I have a feeling he has just sacrificed his freedom to protect his friends from the consequences of the law, and I think he realizes that too. Otherwise he would not have suggested she ‘hold him accountable’. I love character development!
I wonder what VD will take to potential imprisonment. We know last time Erin was trapped in a dangerous situation (when he was pinned by the evil doctor’s chimera) VD almost took over to get Erin out. Will he do the same when stuck in prison?
I just reread over the webcomic, and the page where Caliban and Tahrain stood out to me. Tahrain said four powers were converging in Zuurith. We know that Kendall and Tynan (thanks, Unknown Game!) are two of them, and my theory is VD (through Erin) and something to do with the Paladins makes up the remaining two. Will this all come to a head in the gladiator games?
I’m ready for the Crime Trio to plan a breakout!
I nearly screamed with joy when Erin called Tess sister. I love sibling relationships in stories, and I was super worried the slave revelation was going to threaten that. I’m really glad Erin and Tess seem to see each other as siblings rather than enemies.
And speaking of slaves, I get the feeling Erin hates slavery by the way he called Shrike a “glorified slaver. I really can’t wait to see what he thought of his childhood and Tess’s situation.
Sorry for brain dumping. I am so hyped right now!
Noice Job Erin, keep it man!
Lol….Erin left Falst and Alinua alone for less than 24 hours (I think) and they’ve trespassed on the city’s MOUNTAIN prison, ruined his fancy cape, coincidentally found his basically sister that he hasn’t seen in years, interrupted his nerd session, and got themselves cornered by bounty hunters twice.
Also Tess’s power stance when Erin calls him his sister is everything.
Damn. Now I have to ship Shrike x Erin. Sherin? Erike? Shrikin.
*her I can type
Hooh boy, First off, I haven’t commented here in a long time. Hello everyone.
Second, In the word of Falst: “Civilisation” at work. Outsmug the other smug bastard using your own smug bastard while you get to grin smugly.
alt text: *”I need a hero” cuts off, clatters, angry cat noises*
also I agree that calling Shrike’s power limited was the absolute *worst* move that Erin could have made if he wants everyone to walk away free… As to people questioning what VD would do with imprisonment, as long as Erin doesn’t end up in imminent danger of death, he’ll probably be content to chill. Unless whatever they do to seal Erin’s magic hampers his ability to fight back, or Alinua gets cuffed…
And now for the March To The Authorities, because there’s no way Shrike is giving up yet on her bounty. If she’s forced to now, she’ll hold a grudge … and we’ll be seeing her again. Plus, maybe she can argue she brought them in on a technicality. “I brought them in. Just because you couldn’t legally keep them isn’t my problem.”
As for concerns that Erin will be put in jail… ehhh… we have to remember how closely Zuurich controls his city. Everything done with Erin Ruunaser and his friends will be in according to Zuurich’s interests.
If Erin weren’t traveling with Vash’s vessel, Zuurich would toss him in jail. But in an earlier panel, Zuurich was pictured among the gods who are afraid of Our Green Lady of the Weird. He’s more afraid than he admits, and would like Kendal and Vash to get rid of her or die in the process — both, preferably. That gives Erin and his friends more protection than normal.
Still, the Arenamaster wants Kendal to fight and is in a political position to intervene here.
If I were Shrike, I take it as far as I can to see if I could get that bounty on a technicality. No skin off her nose if it doesn’t work and pisses off some foreign national.
If I were the Arenamaster, I’d seize the opportunity to keep Kendal longer by separating Kendal from his friends. Tossed out of the city Erin loses his leverage to simply call for Kendal like baggage.
Erin and his group are going to get expelled from the city, effective immediately, with Kendal still locked up.
He’s going to get arrested, calling it now.
I love Erin’s “are you done pretending this is about the law?” Line. As well as “you abusing what little power you have.” When he doesn’t like someone who is trying to use privilege on him, he has no problems on calling them out on it.
Also that “glorified slavers” metaphor hits a little harder considering what we know about Tess and his dad now. Who wants to bet Erin has opinions about the slave trade and has gotten in trouble in the past for vocalizing them?
OH NO!! WHERE IS HELLO HAIKU?!?!?
Oh my god Erin is so cool
BlackCat:
Ooh that sounds interesting! I also love the character development.
Thinker of too many thoughts:
Considering Alinua is literally being sort of used as a vessel for an entire primordial, I would say SHE is the other earth shaking power. (Also I do love the way he called her sister OMMGGG it makes me smile everytime I think about it.
ImuyanMangoCat:
I KNOW RIGHT!!!
I have a squirrel named floofly:
Me too!
Purpleswans:
I sure am! I didn’t think that Erin would have argued with his dad, but it makes sense, considering that he appreciates Tess so much. (And it makes him seem more likeable)
ranting without a cause podcast:
We’ve all been wondering that, actually…
The Arenamaster and Shrike have been operating under the table, since their actions would be a violation of Zuurith’s law. They get away with it because Zuurith looks the other way as long as the arena is entertaining the masses. Drag this mess into the open, and Zuurith would make Shrike the scapegoat.
Vengeful Puffin:
Pretty much, Lol!
Hoo boy…This is not gonna end well…
ERIN CALLED TESS SISTER!! YESSS!! Also he’s so cool rn. Though I also love shrike.
*Holy music stops*
Yall are missing something crucial: What if Erin gets arrested and he has to use Walter’s primordial void powers to undo the magic sealing cuffs if, say, the arena is solely gladiatorial and doesn’t allow magic?
@Hiii
Oh, you’re right! So that makes Kendal, Erin/VD, Alinua/Life, and Tynan to be our four powers convening. I’m so excited!
With everything else going on in the floof squad, its very easy to forget that Erin is also incredibly powerful. Or at least it was for me.
I love Shrike, she’s really interesting and her character design is beautiful, but holy shit her face in panel 4 reminds me why she terrifies me
I wonder if Erin actually wants to get arrested. OK, it would probably be easier if Shrike just backed down, but him getting caught up in it puts a big dampener on what Zuurith can do. Maybe that’s it, or maybe he has a full plan. Maybe he is going to point out to Shrike that she is probably worth a lot less to Zuurith (god and city) than peace with Asera and then offer to come quietly.
Somehow, I don’t think she enjoys being called a slaver. Not that it’s even a little inaccurate.
Shrike is accustomed to people folding like origami cranes when she wields the shadow of Zuurith’s power, but she only controls a shadow. Holding Erin ‘Accountable’ would kick the situation far above her paygrade.
This page’s image source dubs it: responsible.
Honestly? I’m putting this at 50/50 odds that the next page is Erin joining Kendal and Dainix in their cell or a heartwarming reunion between brother and sister, only slightly marred by Tynan’s Avatar appearing in the city.
Small thing I analyzed: Red changed the way she draws Shrikes hair, it used to have 3 equal sized spikes and now it’s more varied.
Love the look on Tess’s face. “Yeah, that’s my brother!” Also I almost wonder if Erin is TRYING to cause a diplomatic incident so he gets arrested and it gives him leverage to get Kendall out. It’s definitely something he’s taking a bit personally though
I know this is irrelevant but I feel all bubbly inside because I told my parents I use they/ them pronouns and they were like “ok if you like it” and I didn’t think they’d be alright but *whew*
Also:
Dear HelloHaiku,
Where are you? Are you okay?
We’re all missing you.
Somebody:
YAY! I’m so excited for you! Having parents that will accept you is really great!
I love the way this played out. Erin has forced Shrike into a losing position and it may even be a xanatos gambit. Zuurith does take laws very seriously and now her only option is to arrest only Erin. If she tries to arrest all of them, she’ll put Zuurith in the middle of an intercity conflict. If she arrests only Erin, she loses her bounty on Tess and Falst. If she doesn’t take any of them, she’s also at a loss as I doubt she has the authority to let them off the hook.
Best part is, Erin has her pegged. By attacking her pride and backing her in a corner, she is more likely to screw herself over and try to win. Red really knocked it out of the park with this one.
Finally I’ve caught up!
I get the sense that Erin has spent a long time thinking about slavery, and has some very strong feelings about it. Unfortunately, Shrike has made a point of deliberately avoiding thinking about the reality of what she does, so I doubt they’ll find common ground in this conversation.
Humanoid Clay:
C, Shirii, I think…
Somebody:
Agreed! I would make up a Haiku, but half the time I can’t even remember how many syllables a word has so I’ll just say that we miss you and I really hope you’re okay…
@Somebody I’m so happy for you! (at least, i hope the bubbly feeling is happiness and not decompression sickness)
I really really adore this update! Great job as always Red! Seriously it’s so amazing! I got so excited when Erin made his entrance! He even called Tess his sister! I can guess that the rest of the crew are gonna get a very stern talking-too after Erin and Tess’ reunion lol.
Somebody: agreed, I miss him too, as does my friend Ahkuna
Hiii: it‘s 5/7/5, I think, but it would be rude to just replace them
Somebody: agreed, I miss him too, as does my friend Ahkuna. Glad to see everyone else missing him too.
Hiii: it‘s 5/7/5, I think, but it would be rude to just replace them
(Also sorry for my English)
“Angry cat noises” is my alarm clock every morning. At 5 am. Thanks, Goblin and Pumpkin.
stop shoeing off arin fore good nis sake??
Somebody:
NICE! It’s always good to hear a successful coming out, especially towards immediate family!
Also: Did you notice that everyone except Tess looked at the people *literally* falling off of walls? She is either really resilient to magical bs by now or she is to distracted by her bracelet.
Veggiesnake: I don’t feel sick, but if anything weird happens I’ll disappear so perhaps that’ll be a sign…
TheUnknownGame: Thanks! I was so worried, but now I’m just relieved it’s over and my friends & teachers won’t weird out my parents when they use the right pronouns haha…
Hiii & Is Ahkuna here: I only did a haiku because there was none on the page and I figured it’d be an appropriate way to show appreciation for HelloHaiku’s art form. I’m not a poet. Nope. Not one bit. Yes you can’t see my English assignments, but I didn’t do a poem. Nope.
In all seriousness though, I have done poems for class before and did decently enough, I just don’t do them for fun. I’m more a comic/ fantasy “novel” (I never complete them) writer. I don’t intend for me, or anyone else for that matter, to replace HelloHaiku.
Somebody:
Agreed!!! I love writing novels but I dump them after a while because I have no self pride when it comes to writing and I’m terrified of showing my work to others. No I completely understand what you were trying to do with the haiku, I didn’t mean to come off as judgmental sorry!! I’m so glad that you had the bravery to confess that to your parents, and I’m really glad that they accepted it! (Please don’t disappear though, we would miss you)
Hiii: You know, it’s a funny thing. Writer’s block exists, but if I show a story to someone they usually go “it’s not done where’s the climax” and I just– writer’s block is real– so I have like what? 4 unfinished, 10+ page stories. And 1 100+ page comic since that’s my most developed one. Sometimes we all need a break, even if we like doing something.
Also terrified of sharing work, usually it’s that one supportive 9th grade English teacher who helps me write and my literature nerd friends who see this stuff. I mean, they all like it but somehow I always feel like it’s a lie and my work sucks.
I wasn’t trying to slam you for being judgemental about the haiku, just explaining why in case of confusion because I know I tend to be a bit unclear (autism sucks). I doubt I will disappear anytime soon because nothing big is really going on, so I’ll probably check in regularly since I’m bored and writing those TL;DR s shave a couple minutes off my boredom.
For the parents thing, I was just scared because they are a bit religious and always insinuating it’d be nice if I could just join them in church so I figured they didn’t trust my self judgment. They used to have this creepy “trust God, not yourself” sign that somewhat put me off. It’s gone now, so I felt a bit safer.
Somebody:
Oh, ew, that sign is creepy. If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? A complete stranger who has a track record of doing terrible sh*t to people, or inspiring other people to do terrible sh*t to people? No f*cking thank you.
Somebody:
Off, writer’s block is an absolute pain, I know the feeling. Running out of the writing juice is just… not fun.
If your brain can only manage a story for a relatively short period of time, have you considered trying to just write short stories? Don’t worry about fleshing out worldbuilding or any of that, just do a short, slice-of-life work. See if it works for you.
To, veggiesnake
I get the same feeling too. Cant wait to see how it all shakes out.
To, Somebody
I know I miss the haikus too. The dude’s created some good ones. I think I’ll start filling in. Also, glad your parents reacted well!
Erin takes the lead.
He gives an ultimatum.
How will Shrike respond?
welllll that makes a lit bit of sens mabe but seeeeresly stop shoing off arin
do not laf at my speling i am8
welllll that makes a lit bit of sens mabe but seeeeresly stop shoing off arin
do not laf at my speling i am8 i love this webcomik
oh this is GLORIOUS. all of it. Erin just making power moves like snapping off the anti-magic cuff without even looking-
and everything about that second panel. “-and my sister” RUUNASIBS CONFIRMED! love how Falst and Alinua both look taken aback meanwhile Tess is just SMIRKING
hu
um
what
Based Erin