Distorted Reflections

Epilogue

Epilogue: To everyone that's out there

January 14, 2028

Alternate Themis Legal Academy, version A

1:00 p.m.

In the end, Juniper decided to chalk up the fact that she couldn't remember the past few days to a fever. At least, that was the conclusion she arrived to when she woke up today with absolutely no memory of the past few days but with a splitting headache. And when she asked Hugh and Myriam what happened during that time, the actions they'd described were only possible if Juniper was out of her mind with illness.

Except, if Juniper had to be completely honest, it was true that she sometimes considered approaching Robin again to see if they couldn't start over. Yet she often felt that was impossible, especially after how the mock trial ended last October.

Today, she was casually chatting with Hugh and Myriam about classes and what their plans for the future was. All of them were preparing for the final exam in June. Hugh was also preparing to take the bar exam eventually, while Myriam was actually considering going into journalism. Juniper, meanwhile, was going to meet with Professor Courte to discuss how she was going to become a judge later today.

Then Robin approached the table, a determined look on her face. Hugh and Myriam were naturally wary of the male prosecutor student. Juniper, however, felt anticipation of what Robin might do, especially after the judge student's unnatural actions these past few days.

"I've been thinking. You worked so hard to try and reach out to me, Juniper," Robin said intensely. "So you deserve just as much effort from me! I'm going to try and be friends with all of you! And if my parents have a problem with that, I'll give them a piece of my mind, maaannn!"

"Heh. If you really mean that, then I suppose I could try and lend you a hand," Hugh said, adjusting his glasses. "I stick out for my friends."

"But don't think I'm just going to believe you after what you pulled before," Myriam cut in. "I'm going to be keeping a really close eye on you, Robin!"

"I deserve nothing less!" Robin shouted. "Do you still want to be friends, then?"

Maybe Juniper's actions lately could only be explained by a brief fit of madness. At the same time, maybe those same crazy actions were exactly what Juniper had been intending to do for a long time now. The legal system needed defense attorneys, judges, and prosecutors. So it would perhaps be for the best to finally forgive Robin.

"Yes, I would like to be friends you with, Robin."

January 14, 2028

Wright Anything Agency, version B

4:00 p.m.

As Juniper walked into the Wright Anything Agency, she saw that Robin and Vera were already there and had set up a pair of canvas, evidently painting something. At first, Juniper had a hard time believing that she was briefly replaced by an alternate version of herself. Having a ticket to an art exhibit she didn't remember attending in her pocket was definitely decisive proof of this, however.

Juniper hoped that the alternate version of herself found the happiness she was looking for. Once Robin and Vera formally introduced themselves to her, Juniper could definitely see herself being friends with them. Having them in the WAA was a great chance to get to know them better.

"How long have you two been painting here?" Juniper asked.

"Long enough that we haven't actually accomplished any lawyer work today," Apollo said, a frown on his face.

"Oh shush, you. They've been here for a few hours," Athena said, smiling. "And they've been painting some really pretty pictures!"

"I am painting... the ocean. I think... I'd like to go to the beach with everyone," Vera said. "And while I'm still nervous about going out in public, I am getting better at it, thanks to Robin and Apollo."

"That's very brave of you, Vera," Juniper said, smiling gently at the artist.

"I'm painting a portrait of everyone here!" In response to the surprised look on Juniper's face, Robin explained. "I enjoy spending time with everyone here, but when I finish college I want to go back to France, to see my parents again. So I want something to remember everyone by."

"Well, there's no reason to not keep in touch. Junie and I sent plenty of letters to each other back when I lived in Europe." Athena said.

"We could all be your pen pals," Juniper said, liking the thought a lot. "And you could always visit us here whenever you want."

"Eh heh heh, that sounds so wonderful! But that's not until a few years. Until then, let's enjoy the time we have to spend together!"

A/N: That's it for Distorted Reflections! From the very beginning, I really liked this story concept and I like how it turned out in this story. It was also refreshing to write a story centered around friendship. Now I was told of an interesting idea I could use with this concept, so you all might see that soon. For now, however, my next big story is for a franchise I've never written for before. See you next time! Please review.