DISCLAIMER: I still don't own Evangelion or any of the characters, they're still property of…well, whoever owns them these days. This fic's got nothing to do with Rebuild, just the original series/movies. This one's (obviously) the sequel to THE IKARI IDENTITY, so read that first if you haven't. And lastly: 'this' is thoughts and "this" is speech.
THE IKARI SUPREMACY
Chapter 1: Dog Day Sunrise
'Ugh…so damn hot,' were the thoughts of a figure in a dark suit. The man was laid out in the tall grass on a small hill overlooking part of the beaches of Osaka. He had been here for some time, watching his targets through the scope of his rifle. His orders were clear that the two were not to be harmed…at least, not yet. 'Guess the man-in-charge'll want them in front of him personally for that,' he thought, continuing his surveillance. The targets were currently engaged in a fight, not that either were out to hurt the other. "Just a couple of kids…" he mused out loud.
A click focused the man's attention from his targets to behind him. Rolling slightly, he found himself looking down the barrel of a silenced handgun…along with distinctly blue hair and red eyes. "First…" he said.
Rei Ayanami looked down at the would-be assassin, her face stoic. "You should have kept silent," she said, giving the trigger a small squeeze. As the man slumped to the ground, she picked up the ejected shell and tossed it into the sea along with the silencer that had been on the gun. She placed the weapon into the bag in her other hand and then turned to walk down the hill, towards the two on the beach…
"Let's go, Third," Asuka Langley Sohryu said, her stance low and ready for her companion's strike. "I'm not getting any younger."
Shinji Ikari smiled and lashed out with a quick left jab, followed by a sweep of his right leg. Asuka deftly avoided both, his moves already a pattern to her. Before he could regain his footing, she gave her own sweep and knocked him flat onto the sand. "That easy to read by now?" he asked.
"After over a month of this? I'd better be able to," Asuka replied, extending her hand out to him.
Shinji took the offered hand and rose to his feet. "Guess that means I'll have to try and step up to your level, huh?" he asked, rubbing the back of his head.
"That'll always be a losing battle for you," Asuka said. Deciding to take it easy on him for a bit, she raised her foot for a simple-to-dodge kick…or at least, it would have been had Shinji's attention been on her and not whatever he'd been looking at just past her. Instead, said foot caught him right on the forehead and sent him down to the sand. Asuka immediately dropped down to make sure she hadn't seriously injured him. "What the hell, Shinji?" she asked in a worried tone. "Misato could've avoided that…" She then noticed his gaze and followed it to a familiar girl's form walking across the beach towards them.
"Rei?" Shinji asked with wide eyes, rubbing his forehead.
"Are you injured?" Rei asked, unsure of what she had witnessed. She then turned towards Asuka. "I do not understand why you would hurt him…"
"It's alright," Shinji said, getting back onto his feet. "We just spar with each other out here every once in a while, nothing serious. She's right, though…I should've been paying attention"
"Didn't know your attention was off of me," Asuka said, glad she hadn't hurt him. "Good to see you're still among the living, Ayanami," she said to the other girl.
"It is…strange you should put it that way," Rei said, a serious look in her eyes.
Shinji noticed this and spoke up. "Rei…what is it? Has something happened to the others?"
Rei shook her head. "They are still well…at least, for now."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Asuka asked with a puzzled expression.
Rei looked around the beach, her eyes darting from one location to another. "It is best if we discuss this inside," she said, motioning towards the small house Shinji and Asuka were staying in.
"Uh…okay," Shinji said, following her to the structure. Looking over at Asuka, the redhead just gave him a shrug and walked towards the house. Shaking his head, he followed the two girls inside…
Inside the house, Rei sat down on the bed while Asuka placed herself at the kitchen table. "Before we get started, would you like some tea?" Shinji asked, standing in the kitchen.
"I am afraid we are pressed for time right now," Rei stated.
Slowly seating himself at the table, Shinji spoke up after a short pause. "Alright then…we're listening."
Taking a deep breath, Rei readied her words. "I have been away since the Commander's death. Mostly information gathering to ensure our safety. During the last few weeks, I had come across some rather…disturbing news."
"And that would be?" Asuka questioned, feeling a knot in her stomach.
"It is not over," Rei answered. "There is someone hunting us."
Shinji and Asuka's faces paled several shades at the last few words. "W…what? But I thought that the Committee…" Shinji began.
Rei shook her head. "It seems Nagisa failed in eliminating one of his targets, a critical oversight I had not thought him capable of."
The room fell silent for a few moments after. "Tell us everything," Shinji said.
"I am unaware of the survivor's former number or name," Rei explained, "but it would seem that two of the members of SEELE were to be caught in an explosion in the Russian branch of NERV. One of them made it out alive, and after word of the Commander's death spread, he has seen fit to regain control of as much of the Committee's assets as he could. While only barely more than Commander Ikari could seize, it is enough. To that end, he has rechristened himself SEELE-0."
"So one of the old men has taken the reins and decided we're to blame, huh?" Asuka questioned, letting out a heavy sigh. "Are we the first to know or did you tell the others yet?"
"They are already aware of the situation," Rei replied, "and sent me here to inform you."
"How long do you figure before they'll find us here?" Asuka asked.
Rei averted her gaze. "They already know."
"What?" Shinji gasped, rising from his seat.
"As I was making my way here," Rei began, "I managed to find a man dressed in a Section Two uniform watching you both through a rifle scope. I do not know if he was merely to observe or eliminate, but…"
"…you got him first, didn't you?" Shinji asked, seating himself back at the table.
Rei nodded. "I had not wished to take another life, but protecting you both took precedence."
"Wish I could say I was honored…" Asuka mused.
"The major sent me to give you that information and this…care package, as Mr. Ryoji put it," Rei said, handing them the bag she had been carrying.
Shinji opened it up to find several banded stacks of money, each one of a different type. Deeper into the bag, he found a couple of forged passports for him and Asuka. And below that, an M9 handgun. Taking the weapon from the bag, he hefted its familiar weight and sighed deeply. "So it's back to running for me, huh?" he asked, giving a small laugh. "Funny that this time it isn't by choice…"
"I understand your reservations," Rei started, "but this is how it must be."
"And what about you?" Shinji asked, returning the weapon to its place in the bag.
"I will return to the bunker and gather the others," Rei explained. "We shall leave for the last known location of Zero."
"What, you don't want us to go with you?" Asuka questioned.
"Major Katsuragi felt it was better to split his attention between two groups," Rei said. "All she said was to travel anywhere but west."
"Russia, huh?" Shinji asked.
Rei nodded. "It is a likely place to begin. If nothing else, we may be able to ascertain the locations of any remaining SEELE bases."
A thick silence hung in the air around the house, nobody sure what to say. The two former Children that had been staying here were digesting the terrible news they'd been handed. Once again, they were on the run for their lives. 'And this time,' Shinji thought, 'they're not going to spare me.' Standing up from the table, he walked over to the small dresser near the bed and procured a backpack from the otherwise empty bottom drawer.
"And just what are you doing?" Asuka asked, walking over to him.
Taking a deep breath, Shinji prepared himself for what he'd have to say. "Rei…I want you to do me a favor."
"Go on," Rei said.
"Take Asuka to the others and go," Shinji said. "I can't-"
"Oh, the hell you are!" Asuka shouted., getting right in his face "What was all that about 'I'm not going anywhere'?"
"Asuka…" Shinji began. "You know I meant every word when I said that…"
"Then why send me away now?" Asuka asked, small tears forming at the edges of her eyes.
"I can't have you running with me," Shinji said, not looking her in the eye. "I want you to go with Rei and everyone else, you'll be safer."
"And what about you?" Asuka questioned, grabbing him by the sleeve. "You think you're just going out there to bait them away from us?"
"If that's what it takes to keep you safe…" Shinji said quietly.
The slap hadn't been a surprise to Shinji, but the force behind it certainly was. "I thought you loved me enough to trust my judgment," Asuka said, feeling a few stray tears fall.
After rubbing his cheek, Shinji pulled Asuka into a tight hug. "I do. But this time just feels…different. I'm afraid to lose you. And this time, it could really be over."
"You think that thought's not on my mind, too?" Asuka questioned softly. "I can't…no, I won't let you leave here alone."
Sighing, Shinji pulled back slightly. "So what you're saying is…you're just too stubborn to get rid of?" he asked with a smirk.
"Damned right," Asuka said, freeing one hand to wipe her eyes.
"Okay then," Shinji began, releasing her, "gather what you'll need. And remember, we're traveling light."
"Fine…" Asuka said, opening the two drawers that held her clothes. "But after a couple of mornings without makeup or showers, you'll wish you hadn't said that," she finished with a grin.
Smiling at her, Shinji turned back towards Rei. "Guess that settles that, then."
"I…see," Rei said, the whole situation that had just played out puzzling her a bit. "Are you sure you will be alright?"
"I don't know," Shinji admitted, "but we'll certainly try to keep one step ahead."
"Where will you go in the short term?" Rei asked.
"Not sure," Shinji answered. "For now, out of town and then out of the country. As to where…" He stopped to shake his head. "We'll just see what we can catch in another city."
"I understand," Rei said, standing up and heading for the door. "Shinji…be safe."
"Same to you, Rei," Shinji replied. "Keep a close watch over Misato."
Rei nodded, walking out the entrance and into the midday heat. Turning to see Asuka stuff a handful of clothes into the backpack, Shinji spoke up. "Got what you'll need?"
"Actually, make that 'we'," Asuka said. "I grabbed a handful for you, too."
"Oh, okay," Shinji said, taking the contents of the bag and placing them into the backpack. Except for the gun, which he handed to Asuka. "I want you to carry it. You were always a better shot than me."
"Better fighter, too," Asuka teased.
"I told you, I'm trying to reach your level," Shinji teased back.
"And like I said," Asuka continued, "that'll be an uphill battle for you." Both teens shared a short laugh, trying to squelch down the fear that coursed through them…knowing they were once again being hunted.
Some time later, Shinji and Asuka found themselves walking back into the center of town. They hadn't seen Rei, although that was hardly surprising. 'She'd have to want to be found,' he had thought, knowing full well how well he'd managed to avoid people back in Tokyo-2. And all the while, they had kept an eye on everyone and everything around them. No telling who were covert SEELE operatives and who were just vacationers. Both made a mental note to avoid large cities, if possible.
Asuka stopped in her tracks in front of a vehicle-rental agency. "Can't go the whole way on foot," she explained. "That'd take too damned long." Shinji agreed, it certainly wasn't a bad idea. Travel through the countryside would take days…and they would rather hurry to leave the island. Walking inside, both were greeted by a young man that couldn't have been out of his mid-twenties.
"Something I can do for you?" the young man asked.
"We're looking for whatever you've got," Asuka spoke up, "preferably something fast."
The young man gave a cursory look over both teens. "Don't think either of you is old enough to drive."
Shaking her head, Asuka continued. "Look…I don't have the time or energy to explain. We just need transportation. Now."
"I don't want to get involved in anything that'll get me fired," the young man said, waving a hand.
"Oh, for the love of…" Asuka began, stopping to open the backpack up and rummage through it. Placing a small brick of yen down on the counter. "Let's try this another way," she started, a wide grin on her face, "what'll this amount get us?"
The young man raised an eyebrow and picked up the money, looking over how much there was. His gaze went back and forth between them. Sighing, he finally spoke up. "Alright, I know when not to ask questions," he said, reaching for a set of keys under the desk. "Left side of the building, second one from the end. It's worth close to what you gave me." He tossed the keys to Shinji, who barely caught them. "I didn't see you, you didn't get it from me, right?"
"Sure, whatever you say," Asuka said with a wink, walking back outside.
Shinji followed and soon found what the young man had 'sold' them: a large American-made motorcycle, which he'd once heard referred to as a 'cruiser'. "Somehow I don't think it's worth what we gave for it," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
Asuka shrugged. "Not like we'll need the yen. We're leaving Japan, after all…" Glancing down the street, she caught sight of a black sedan with three men inside watching them. "Shit…I think we've got company."
Looking to see what she had, Shinji noticed it as well. A Section Two vehicle, he guessed. He'd seen them a few times before when they were with NERV. 'Guess that mean's they're in Zero's pocket now,' he thought. Quickly affixing the backpack onto himself, he climbed on the bike and cranked it up. "Asuka, hurry and get on."
Asuka nodded and climbed on the back of the bike. "Glad someone else'll be doing the crazy driving this time," she said, remembering the night she'd escaped Tokyo-3 with Shinji.
"Hold on tight," Shinji said, giving the engine a quick rev and kicking down on the starter.
Asuka gripped tightly onto Shinji as he started the bike slowly down the road, not daring to look behind him. Keeping at a leisurely pace, they soon came out onto one of the main roads in town.
And that's where the slow pace ended as the sedan they'd seen came barreling out of the alleyway.
"So much for hoping they hadn't seen us," Shinji thought aloud, quickly accelerating to a high speed to avoid the car. Darting between other vehicles, he tried to get lost in the semi-busy crowd. But the car just kept up with them, never more than a car length or two behind. 'Think, Shinji,' he told himself, 'how to lose them?' A glance down a small side street gave him an idea.
Taking a hard right into the narrow passage, Shinji braced himself for a set of short steps they'd have to go down. Another set of steps back up also gave them both a slight jolt. "You could've warned me!" Asuka shouted.
"Sorry," Shinji muttered, a smile just creeping onto his features. Coming back out onto a larger street, he quickly turned in the direction of the main road out of the city. After only a few feet further, the black sedan wheeled around from another street and continued its pursuit.
"Damn persistent," Shinji said, looking for a way away from their hunters. Movement at his back brought his attention to the passenger with him. "Asuka, what are you-"
"Just pay attention to driving," Asuka cut him off, opening the backpack and reaching into it, "I've got an idea."
'Uh-oh,' Shinji thought, remembering a few of Asuka's 'ideas' from the past. A few seconds later, he felt her attempting to cross around him to the front of the bike.
"Can't shoot from my angle," Asuka explained, motioning for Shinji to lift his right arm higher. He did so without releasing the handlebar, letting her slide under it and in front of him. "Don't go getting any idea right now," she teased, "it's definitely bad timing."
Shinji felt himself heat up a little, but kept his eyes on the road. Asuka was currently in his lap, her arms around him and the M9 in her hand. Shaking his head slightly, he focused all he could on evasion.
Asuka lined up and took three quick shots at the front glass of the sedan…only to see them crack it slightly. "Goddamn bulletproof windows…" she fumed under her breath. "Try to get around their side," she spoke in his ear.
Shinji nodded. "Just hang on tight," he said softly. He pulled the bike into a hard left and waited for the car to pass them. As it did, the driver tried to make the same move, almost tipping the car. Asuka used this short window to fire several rounds at the tires that were still touching ground. The tires ruptured, continuing the car's spin until it was overturned in the middle of the busy street and still skidding on its roof.
"All the break we'll need right there," Asuka said, looking at the overturned car. Shinji nodded, revving the bike up again and resuming the trip out of town. The redhead looked down at her companion, an almost calm smile on his face. "Don't tell me you're enjoying this?"
Shinji looked at Asuka through his peripheral vision. "It's not that…"
"Then what's with that look?" Asuka asked.
Shinji's smile didn't drop in the least. "I…think I'm enjoying the bike. It just feels so…free."
"Then maybe one day, when this is all over with, we'll see about Misato letting you keep one," Asuka said with a smile, giving him a small kiss. "That's your reward for getting us out of there," she explained. Then a physical sensation from her lap caused her look to darken. "I thought I told you not to get any ideas…"
"Vibration from the bike, I promise," Shinji said, his smile remaining and a slight blush on his face.
"Uh-huh," Asuka teased, moving back into her initial position behind him. "You just keep telling yourself that, mister Ikari."
Shinji released the breath he'd been holding and decided to concentrate on the highway leading out of Osaka…
Meanwhile, one of the men in the car pulled himself from the vehicle. One of his passengers was conscious but badly injured, while the other was out cold. Pulling a phone from his coat, he pressed one of the quick-dial numbers and prepared himself for the person on the other line.
"I'm listening," a voice with a thick Russian accent said.
"Sir, I'm afraid we've lost the Second and Third Children," the agent said.
There was a long silence on the other end. "They knew you were coming?"
"One of our men was found near where they were staying," the agent replied. "Eliminated, sir."
"There's always one who takes his work too far," the voice said. "His ignorance got him killed. What should be your excuse?"
"My apologies, sir," the agent said, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "They were able to avoid us and cause our vehicle to become…incapable of further pursuit."
"You underestimated them," the voice spoke.
"We did, sir. I have no excuses," the agent admitted.
"It is of no real consequence," the voice said. "We can reacquire them anytime. Just do not fail me again."
"Yes, sir," the agent replied, putting the phone back into his coat.
A few hours later, four people were currently working their way through the dense forests of the Japanese countryside. And two of them hadn't had to spend any real time away from civilization. "Ugh…never did like hiking," Misato Katsuragi said with a heavy breath, hefting a large bag.
"We must avoid detection wherever we can," Rei said. "I had though that was understood."
"It was," Misato replied, wishing she'd had just a few hours more sleep. "That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"C'mon, Misato…why not enjoy the trip while we can?" Kaji Ryoji spoke up. He was following close behind, one hand on the sidearm at his hip.
"Hey, some of us never spent time camping!" Misato answered, irritation in her tone.
"At least I'm not complaining," Ritsuko Akagi said, sweating lightly and wishing she wasn't so used to wearing heels.
"See? Even Ritsu's settled into the pattern of things," Kaji offered.
"Not like there's any real choice in the matter…" Misato said under her breath. "Rei, just where are we headed? There's no airports near here…"
"No, there are none," Rei replied. "But we are not traveling by ordinary means."
"Didn't think it'd be that easy," Misato said, wishing they hadn't needed to bring so many 'essentials'. 'And not one bit of alcohol…' she thought sadly. After learning one of the Committee had survived, she'd needed a serious drink. 'Can't do that, though,' she mused, 'need to be clear and aware for anything.' They'd been traveling through forests and dirt roads for several miles, all but Rei unaware of their destination.
Kaji noticed the major's dark look and walked closer alongside her. "Something you want to talk about?" he asked.
Misato shook her head. "I'm worried about Shinji and Asuka…"
"I know," Kaji said. "But Rei was sure they'll be alright."
"That doesn't help me," Misato replied, giving him a cross look. "They're like my kids, for chrissakes."
"I think it's just as much that you don't trust them by themselves," Kaji said with his usual grin.
Misato gave him her meanest stare, hoping he'd just drop this. "Oh, please…it's not like they're us."
"Something you'd like to share?" Ritsuko joked, walking between the two and past them. Noticing Rei's stare, she spoke up. "What is it?"
"It is nothing more than an observation, but," Rei began, turning back to continue the hike, "I find your natural hair color more fitting."
Ritsuko blinked a few times. The blonde coloring had washed out of her hair weeks ago, but it was the first time anyone but Misato and Kaji had seen it.
"I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Rei spoke up at the scientist's silence. "It was merely an observation I made."
"No, it's alright," Ristuko said, shaking her head. "Listen…Rei, I-"
"If this is about the past, let us leave it there," Rei cut in.
Ritsuko nodded, keeping pace behind the albino girl. "I just wanted to say…I've let it go."
"I do not understand," Rei said.
"I had a lot of…animosity towards you," Ritsuko admitted. "Gendo favored you, and it just made me feel like I was playing second-fiddle."
"You know it was because of my…purpose," Rei said.
"Yeah," Ritsuko answered, "but that doesn't mean I shouldn't apologize for it."
"There is no need," Rei said. "All is forgiven and forgotten."
"Thanks," Ritsuko offered with a small smile. Rei just nodded and continued leading the group towards their destination…
Right around then, Shinji pulled the bike into the Tokyo-2 city limits. The ride had been quiet (aside from the sound of the engine) and he had marveled at the feeling of freedom it brought him. 'Yeah, definitely going to consider keeping one when this is over,' he thought. Maneuvering the bike into a small side street further into town, he shut it off and turned to his passenger. "Alright, time to go on foot," he said.
Asuka nodded and released her hold on his midsection. Stretching, she turned to see Shinji staring sadly at the bike. "Rides pretty good, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, much better than an EVA," Shinji answered. "Hate to know the money we spent on it…"
"Hey, it's only money…you can't take it with you," Asuka said with a shrug. "Maybe we could paint it up to match Unit-01, a way for someone to know it's yours?"
Shinji just laughed and shook his head, leading the way out onto the city streets. They both knew they had to get out of the country. On the way here, they'd decided by sea was a pretty good idea. 'Not that many people travel that way these days,' he thought.
Moving towards the docks, Shinji was reminded of the last time he'd been here. As he looked about the various ships, one name jumped out at him. 'There's no way…' he thought, his pace quickening.
As the two approached the ship, a figure standing near the entry plank became aware of their presence. Turning towards them, he spoke up. "Well, I'll be damned…" Mathieu said, "didn't think I'd see you again, lad."
Shinji reached out a hand to the old captain. "Good to see you again, sir."
Shaking the offered hand, Mathieu smiled warmly. "Heh…good to see young people with some real manners," he said. He then looked over at Asuka. "Ah…traveling with a girlfriend, are we?"
Shinji's cheeks reddened at the words. "Y-you could say that…"
"And what might your name be, lass?" Mathieu asked.
"Asuka, sir," Asuka replied, bowing slightly. "Heard from Shinji how you helped him out. I guess I ought to thank you."
"Oh, there's no need for that," Mathieu said, "I wasn't going to let a boy his age drown at sea." Turning back towards Shinji, he continued. "Guess that means you've sorted out why you were out there to begin with…"
"Not quite yet," Shinji said, his expression dropping slightly. "I'm afraid I'll need to ask you for a favor."
"Still as full of mysteries as I remember," Mathieu mused. "Well, what do you need?"
"Where are you headed?" Shinji questioned.
"Across the ocean to America," Mathieu answered. "Got some work just off the northwestern coast. Just gathering what we'll need for the trip there."
"Could you take us with you?" Shinji asked, looking about the docks for anyone eavesdropping. "I can't explain it right now, but we need to get out of the country…"
Mathieu looked from one to the other, studying their expressions. "Never seen kids your age in what seems like so much trouble…"
"Look," Asuka began, "we can pay you if you want-"
"Ah, keep your money," Mathieu said, moving up the entry plank. "I just expect you to tell me everything later."
"Thank you, sir," Shinji said, moving aside to let Asuka board first.
"Don't thank me yet," Mathieu added. "I still don't know your side of the story. And I have been curious about that for some time."
Leading them down below deck, Mathieu pointed to the bunk room. "We've got a couple of spare cots you're welcome to," he said.
"Yes, sir," they both said together.
Mathieu motioned for them to follow him into his private quarters. Inside, Shinji and Asuka took seats at a small table and waited for the captain to speak. He searched through a small cabinet and retrieved a bottle full of light brown liquid. "You'll not mind if I have a drink while listening?" Both shook their heads. Placing a glass before each of them and one for himself, he poured a small amount in all three glasses.
"Uh…I don't drink," Shinji spoke up.
"Figured as much," Mathieu said, "you both look pretty damned young. But I'd feel better not drinking alone. At least have one."
Shinji looked over to Asuka, who just shrugged and gave him a weak smile. "Alright then, guess we'll join you for one."
"There's a good lad," Mathieu said, seating himself and raising his glass. "Here's to a safe trip."
Shinji and Asuka both raised their glasses to his. After tapping the three together lightly, they downed the liquid. Almost immediately, the two former pilots made noises somewhere between choking and gasping.
"Heh…whiskey is always a bit strong for first-timers," Mathieu said, pouring himself another shot.
The burning in his throat subsiding, Shinji spoke up first. "I hope it's not all like that. I'd wonder what Misato likes about it."
"Nah, beer's not like that at all," Asuka said, finding her voice again but the look on her face remaining. Noticing Shinji's odd expression, she continued. "What? So I've snuck one or two of hers away before, it's not like she'd notice…"
Shinji smiled and turned back towards Mathieu. "Well, I guess we do owe you an explanation…" And over the next few hours, he recounted most of the events leading here…the Angels, the EVAs, NERV, SEELE, every last important detail…
*****To be continued…*****
A/N: Not much to say here at this time, just that you should stick around for the rest.
One new thing I'd like to try: matching up scenes to specific music. Think of it as a visit to my personal mental theater. And as long as this is my Hollywood action/thriller take on EVA, I figured trying to make a (partial) soundtrack for it was only fitting.
For the motorcycle chase scene, find and listen to The Little Things by Danny Elfman (it's on the Wanted soundtrack).
We'll save the omake for Supremacy's last chapter. The girls need their rest, after all.
Pre-read for this chapter was again done by the team of Dark Machine, Eric Blair, gesser87, and JimmyWolk. Good work as always, gentlemen.
Small note: this chapter and all previous/following it were written around late June/early July last year. So a quick "sorry" to everyone who may have been waiting for something after TLaWR. Revisions and pre-reading can take quite a bit of time, it would seem…
For any of you who are new to the community, all of my older (2004-2006) works have undergone a small bit of tweaking (as of the 14th of June 2010). So go take a look, tell me what you think. And review! Even if it's not positive, review!
As usual: good comments will be appreciated, bad ones will be ignored (or kept for firewood). But I do favor good/helpful criticism, so send it my way!
-AngelNo13Bardiel-