Elsa leaned against the doorframe, eyes locked on the figure sitting before his small alchemy table. He wasn't doing anything. Hell, he wasn't even looking at the multitude apparatus littering the table. He was brooding, which was commonplace enough if it didn't take this long. Usually he would brood about Kozmotis, but today he didn't emit the aura of fury that indicated such thought. It couldn't be about his family. He would never have thought of them with her nearby. Ever since months ago, when she practically forced him to surrender to her, he'd been putting up more walls. Even her relentless pursuit hadn't managed to make a scratch on his defenses. Not that she was one to give up.

She approached him, hiking up her skirt to not make a single swishing sound, careful to tread lightly. Her steps didn't make a single creak on the floorboard. An impish grin adorned her face, her eyes hid a mischievous secret only she knew. She stood right behind him, arms up and counted to three internally. At the end of the count, she lunged and wrapped her arms around his neck. Much to his credit though, he didn't even flinch in surprise.

"What a disappointing reaction…" Elsa pouted. "How did you know I was coming?"

"You minded your steps well, but if you're going to breath down my neck that hard, might as well announce your presence." He untangled her arms from his neck, his message clear. Her gesture was unwelcomed.

"That's why I felt I've forgotten something." She circled the chair so she could see him properly. "What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing much."

Elsa scoffed. "Jack, I think I've seen enough of you to know when something's in your mind."

"Oh, I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. It's none of your business." He spoke so coldly that Elsa was actually appalled. It wasn't the first time he rebuffed her, but most of the time he would be sarcastic or playful about it. Her suspicion grew. Whatever he was worrying over, it was nothing trivial. Pressing for answer though, was another matter entirely.

Elsa tried her best not to look dejected. "Well, if you're not telling, would you rather have something to eat then? I made your favorite."

"Not hungry."

"Would you rather have me, then?" Her voice dropped into a husky seductive tone that could reel even a eunuch. Charm was something Elsa never lacked of, although her teacher was strangely immune to it.

Jack scoffed at her attempt at seduction. "No," he said derisively. He stood up and grabbed his coat from the hanger, snubbing her entirely.

"Where are you going?"

"Thiana's."

That made her pout. "There's a woman here hale, young and healthy willing to be taken at any time of the day yet you still go to her? What does she have that I don't?"

"Wow… Someone is full of herself."

"I don't mean it that way." She crossed her arms defiantly. "You go to brothels, and when you don't want to spend the extra cash, Thiana. If any crotch's the same for you, why's mine any different?"

Jack didn't answer immediately. He straightened his jacket and twisted open the doorknob. Looking over his shoulder, he spoke, "Why don't you tell me when I get back?" With that he slammed the door behind him, leaving Elsa fuming to herself.

…

Over at Thiana's, it was dark and still. The only sound present was of creaking of the bed, a woman's moan and a man's groan. Together they intertwined harmoniously, composing a symphony of fornication. It began with a steady staccato, a slow polite rhythm, unhurried and constant. Then the pace picked up, reaching a passionate crescendo. Soon, they forgot all about the music and it became a mindless humping, trying to have more, to connect deeper. The climax came soon after, a tidal wave of pleasure so profound it sucked away all that was left of them.

The man slumped aside, careful not to press his weight on her. His breathing was labored and so was hers. She leaned her head on his stretched arm and giggled.

"That was great, Edmund." She draped an arm over his torso. "Do come by anytime and treat me to that."

"Yeah, you're not half-bad yerself."

"Why… 'Not half-bad'!" She sprang up, hands on her waist. "I had a mind to show you, mister!"

"What? You guys aren't done yet?"

The voice belonged to neither of them and that alarmed the couple. Thiana shuffled her discarded garments on the floor, searching for a weapon of any sort. Edmund sat up and reached to the bedside table, turning the knob of the lantern on it, making it illuminated the room. Standing before the bed was Jack, his face held a handful of emotions: mirth, revulsion, and a tinge of sadness were among them.

"What the fuck, mate?!" Edmund dragged the words to enunciate his displeasure. "How the fuck… When the fuck did you get in?!"

"Thankfully not long enough. Seriously, this sight will burn in my memory for a long time, and not in a good way. The door was locked so I came in through the window." Jack averted his eyes. "Would you cover your disgraceful little friend? It's pointing at me."

"Disgraceful! I'll show you disgraceful!" He shook his fist, but his other hand reached for the blanket anyway. Jack rolled his eyes.

"Oh, don't be so hard on him." Thiana purred. "He's not the type to break in without a good reason or a good prank."

"Maybe the overgrown toddler just needs his mommy." Edmund spat.

"Stop it, kangaroo! You're instilling some disturbing mental images." Jack groaned. "Truly though, I have something important to tell you. And since both of you are here, it saves me the trip."

That caught their attention. A serious Jack usually had something worth listening to. He took a moment before speaking and when he did, it was apparent how painful it was for him. His mouth was leaden and every word he said was spoken with heavy heart. "Tomorrow I'm taking Elsa to see North." He gulped. "It's time for her to take the test."

If eyes could bulge out of their sockets, theirs would. Shock was clearly painted on their faces. All manner of speech left their tongue. Their bodies rigid and tense. Jack burst out laughing.

His laughter broke them out of their stupor. Edmund's expression turned into a frown while Thiana's shoulders relaxed considerably. "That wasn't very funny…" Thiana protested.

"You can say that again," Edmund chimed in. "How could you joke around about that? Even for a prank, it wasn't a good one."

"Who said I was joking around? I meant what I said. Your expressions weren't any less funny, though." Jack swiped away a tear from the corner of his eyes, which was odd since he didn't laugh that hard. That was when the two realized the truth of the matter. His amusement was fake and his laughter hid fear.

"Jack…" Thiana's face scrunched up in pity, even Edmund's softened.

"You can't be serious, mate…"

"If I'm not, I wouldn't be waiting for you two to finish fucking each other before slipping through the window just to tell you this." All of his mirth had evaporated, leaving him an empty husk.

"You are serious…"

"For someone who can mix all sorts of potent poison, you sound very much like a halfwit." Jack shook his head disapprovingly.

"Why you…" Edmund made an attempt at rebuttal, but Thiana cut in.

"Jack, think it through. It's much too soon. There's no need to rush this." And she would stammer half a hundred more excuses if Jack didn't help up his hand to stop her.

"She's ready, Thiana. More than that, she's brilliant. I haven't seen anyone who could kill so artfully since… well, me." Jack smirked although all with a good pair of eyes could see it was half-hearted.

"Still, you can deny it. Turn a blind eye. Make more observation…"

"Thiana, enough." Jack chastised her lightly. "I can't do it to her, you know that much. Not when I know her goal. Not when I know what she's been through. A kindred spirit, she and I, and I'll not deny her chance of vengeance."

"Then how 'bout yours, mate?" Edmund asked.

Jack shrugged as if it wasn't a big of deal, never mind how obvious it was. "Truthfully, after ten years since I ascended, I'm close to losing hope."

"So, that's it then?" Thiana said forlornly. "There's no changing your mind?"

"Yeah, sorry Thi…" Jack faced Edmund, giving a challenging smirk. "How about you, Rabbit? You've been awfully quiet. Anything you want to say?"

Edmund only shrugged. "Give me the credit for knowing you better than most. I have better chance moving mountains when you're being stubborn."

"Then let me thank you for saving our time." Jack circled the bed over to Thiana's side. He leaned down into her waiting arms. "You've been very kind to me ever since I was a mere apprentice. I never quite thank you."

She slapped his head lightly. "Don't speak as if it's all over. There's still hope." But even then, she hugged him tighter, and when she let him go, her eyes glimmered with unshed tears. Jack knew he ought to say something about keeping false hope, but decided not to ruin the moment. Let her hope for the both of them. Hopefully it'd be enough.

"Edmund…" Jack cocked his head at the gruff man.

Edmund shook his head solemnly. "Forgive me for not embracing you due to my current state of undress."

Jack would hear none of it though. He circled over once more and spread his arms with a coy grin spread across his face. "Might be your last chance, love?"

He pondered over this before finally letting out a resigned sigh. "Fine, c'mere." He beckoned.

Jack wrapped him in a bear hug, although due to the other man's size, it was more like he was the one hugging a bear. He wondered what he could say to him. Unlike with Thiana, sweet talking Edmund would be awkward and, not to mention, gross. It had to be done though, or he knew he'd regret it. "Despite our constant bickering…" His throat choked up and Jack had to gulp it down and start over or risk becoming a blubbering mess. "Despite of it all—and maybe because of it all—I thought of you as my closest kin."

"Likewise…" There was no mistaking the slight tremble in his voice. When they pulled apart both looked at everywhere but each other and a stagnant silent settled in.

"Would you stay, Jack?" Thiana broke in. "We can kick Edmund out. He won't mind."

"Hey…!" But his protest came off spiritless.

Jack shook his head. "Even if I wanted to, I don't think I could. And I should go now and deliver the happy news to my assassin-to-be."

"Have you go to North, yet?" asked Edmund.

Jack shook his head guiltily. "He'd take it worse and would try to stop me fiercer. I'd rather face an angry bear when I'm almost at my deathbed." He chuckled. "Well, you two enjoy the rest of your evening. Good night." Jack gave a small salute and went out through the same window he came in from, clambering to the roof.

He stood alone there with only the moon watching over him. Downstairs, he could hear a muffled sobbing. His heart clenched in his chest. He shook his head vigorously and rubbed away the tears from his eyes. He began his journey home.

Over at Thiana's house, it was still dark, but the silence no longer stayed. The couple no longer were making music. What left of the night was spent in tears, remembrance and…well, there was time for a final solemn music after all.

…

Jack returned to find his place thrashed. Well, that's probably an exaggeration. It was just his liquor cabinet and a few bottles strewn across the floor, some empty, some half-empty. The culprit was still there, nursing a bottle in her hand.

Elsa lay curled up like a cat on his bed wearing nothing but a red chemise that's doing a poor job concealing her figure. Her braid had come undone and her hair framed her face in loops and curls. Her chest rise and fell rhythmically and her eyes were closed. A rosy tinge decorated her face, enunciating the fade freckles across her nose, making her seemed in a perpetual state of blushing. At a glance, she looked like she was sleeping.

Jack approached her and tucked away stray hair from her face. Her eyes fluttered open and he snatched away his hand guiltily, as if caught doing something bad. Even in her alcohol-addled state, Elsa didn't miss that and smiled. "Hello, Jack. When did you return?"

"Just now…" he mumbled. "What were you doing?"

"Oh, you know… Sorrow-drinking. Got my heart broken by some ass." Elsa sat up and stretched. It was only with great effort Jack managed to tear his gaze away.

"Well, that'll teach you never to fall for an ass."

"Oh no no… I think he's becoming sweet on me. You'll see." She winked.

"Har har… You seriously want me to believe you binge-drinking because I went over to Thiana's?" Elsa shrugged. "Oh, how wonderfully sweet. I almost fall in love with you."

"Almost is never good enough for you, Jack. What should I do to make you actually fall for me?"

Jack pointed at the floor. "Cleaning up this mess is a good place to start."

Elsa pursed her lips but got up anyway. "If doing my chores would get you to love me, you'd be dancing in my palms by now." She passed him by, tracing his jawline with one finger before moving on to do his bidding.

Jack followed her movements with his eyes. The swaying of her hips. Her bending down to pick up the bottles. It was as if she was sculpted to be a temptress. Then again, she was a trained courtesan. The best too, once upon a time. Perhaps what she's doing wasn't entirely without purpose.

Jack took off his coat and his shirt, all the while straining not to keep staring at her. He hung them on the coat hanger by the door and walked over to the bed. The last bottle she drank was still there, corked but more than half-full. He picked up the bottle, eyeing it in his hands. The bottle was made of crystal. Its pristine body showed clearly the amber liquid remaining inside. There was a broken seal on one side of the cork and rim. He turned it round and round, as if willing it to be something else entirely. Then with shaky voice he asked. "Elsa… tell me you didn't get this bottle from the box in the corner of the cabinet."

"Why, Jack, that's exactly where I got it from."

Jack dropped himself on the bed and laughed airily. "Elsa, this bottle cost me equal to twenty marks…" He ought to be angry, wanted to, but found himself incapable.

"Well, I must say… Should I throw away all these empty ones?" She waited for Jack to grumble his acquiescence before continuing. "I must say you've been robbed. It tasted like absolute piss. Try it for yourself." She set aside all the empty bottles and began rearranging the half-empty ones back to where it belonged.

Jack turned the bottle, wondering if he should. Then again, the seal was already broken. He uncorked it and took a deep swig. Elsa was right. It tasted like a glorified piss. Helluva expensive piss. But he swallowed a large gulp anyway because the draught cost half of his entire income. "Remind me to sample all sort of shit before buying anything."

"Why did you buy it in the first place anyway?" she asked. "Seems like a fool's purchase if you ask me."

"Impulse, prestige, bad judgement, but mostly bad judgement."

"Maybe you're supposed to mix it with something else to make it taste better?" She tried consoling him.

"Mix strawberry juice and piss and you'd get strawberry flavored piss." Jack corked the bottle and threw himself on the bed.

"Still somewhat better than just piss?" She cocked her head inquiringly while closing the liquor cabinet.

"Still fucking piss…"

"Ugh… would you not curse? You know I hate that." She sauntered over to him and nestled herself by the crook of his armpit.

Jack looked down at her, frowning. "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean what?" She rested her chin on his chest and met his gaze. "I cleaned up properly. I should be rewarded."

"The mess you created? Besides, you drank my bottle of piss. That's reward enough for you." He shrugged away from her and leaned on his side.

Pouting, she took the bottle from him and took a swig. "If you like this so much, I'll take more jobs until you can buy another bottle."

That reminded him he had something to say to her. All the talking about piss made him forgot. "You won't be taking any more jobs under my name."

"What's that?"

Jack sat up and Elsa followed, curious. "Are you sober enough? I assume you are since you can hold proper conversation. I need you to register what I'll say."

"Oh, please. I can even wrestle you and win if I want to."

"That sounds like you're completely drunk…" He narrowed his eye suspiciously.

Elsa chuckled. "Alright, I might not win. Still would put up a good fight though."

"Fine then. Tomorrow we're going to see North…"

"We always see North. What makes tomorrow so special?"

"Let me finish… Tomorrow, you'll be earning your own name."

Her eyes widened. The bottle slipped away from her fingers. Thankfully, the crystal was hard enough so it didn't drop with a loud crashing sound and a dull thud instead. She had it corked too so it didn't spill all over the place. "Jack… you don't mean…?"

"You're taking the test. And since you've drunk the congratulatory drink I saved for you, you better aced it." With that, Jack rolled to his side and dozed off—or rather tried to—leaving Elsa stunned and bewildered, unmoving.

…

There's an upside and downside to her night of drinking. On the upside, she managed to sleep. Considering the news Jack suddenly brought, she was certain she would not get a wink of it without. On the downside, the vicious hangover she was experiencing would probably jeopardize her attempt at any sort of test. She couldn't even guarantee she could move out of the bed. Still lying down, she wondered if she could muster the strength and courage to tell her master that she would like to postpone the test very much without infuriating him.

Just as she was thinking of what to say, Jack popped into her line of sight. He was already dressed and ready to go. He held a vial in one hand that he offered to her. "For your hangover," he said.

She took it from him and emptied it in one gulp. It tasted brackish and bitter, but he wasn't lying. Her head was somewhat clearer, although the constant buzzing would take some time to cease bothering her. "Jack, I don't think—"

"Yes, you can," Jack cut her off, "and you will. Relax. I can't say much about the test, but you're allowed to take as much time as you need. We still have to see North though, so stand up and clean yourself up." He took her hands and helped her stand to her feet.

He pushed her back and led her to a tub full of warm water. He stripped her off of her chemise as if he normally did it and practically forced her into the tub. He proceeded to scrub her thoroughly. And though she was mildly surprised and oddly pleased by the treatment, she couldn't help but feel something was off.

Jack was often mean, mostly sarcastic. He was never outright kind. Never in a lifetime she expected him to bend to her will, let alone served her. It was as if something had changed in him. His touch was polite, never lingered on one place longer than appropriate. She caught him sneaking glances at her breasts even though most of them were underneath the water. Jack had never done that before. No matter how many times she tried, she had never gotten him to look at her. Now, he actually saw her, as if for the first time. Not in a lustful kind of way, but studiously like a sculpture planning his mold. She couldn't help but feel more naked than she was, if that's even possible.

"Is this part of the test, Jack?" she asked. Jack had moved to scrub off the grimes from between her toes. She took that chance to lower herself deeper under the water.

"No," he answered simply.

"Then why…?"

"An apprentice of mine should look her best facing the test." He lifted his face to look at her. "I don't think after last night you can do this by yourself."

"That's not true…" she said bashfully.

Jack shrugged. "Perhaps. And perhaps I'm doing it entirely for my own selfish reason. Life is full of such wonder, is it not?" Then he grinned an honest grin she hadn't seen in a long time. In an instant, she decided to do everything to preserve his good mood, even if it meant missing the perfectly good opportunity to make her advances.

"What's the test like?"

"You'll see." Jack continued scrubbing her feet. "I'm not allowed to say anything about it."

"Are you allowed to say how you feel about it?"

"Maybe."

"Is it hard?"

"Depends on the person who takes it?"

"And if the person is me?"

"We'll just have to find out, won't we?"

"Will there be a ritual like the one we did when you took me in as your apprentice?"

"That's 'something' about the test. I can't say anything." He looked at her once more and winked. "I'll let this slip for free though, there's something like that."

"You're being purposely vague, aren't you?"

Jack threw her a coy smirk. She pretended to pout but her heart was jumping with joy.

"Are you in a good mood because you're happy to be rid of me?" She meant for it to be a playful pouty remark. She didn't expect that Jack would take it seriously. Now that she repeated the question to herself, she didn't know what sort of answer she expected from that question. Hearing it herself made her uncertain what sort of answer she wanted to hear. No, I want you to stay apprenticed forever? Yes, you're finally free to spread your wings? Yes, I'm finally rid of a nuisance?

Jack was as distraught as she expected. He paused from what he was doing and seemed to ponder. Then he continued to scrub her along the length of her legs as if the question was never asked. His cheery mood was definitely gone down a level though. She berated herself mentally for it. Then she realized even before his action was listless, almost ritualistic. His smile had a touch of somberness in it and now that somberness surfaced. Perhaps she had been reading the situation wrongly, lulled by his sudden kindness. "Are you alright, Jack?" she asked.

It seemed she was on a streak of wrong questions and she just hit the jackpot. Jack dropped the brush into the tub and stood up. His expression was unreadable. "Can you finish up by yourself? I have to prepare something."

"…alright…" She didn't bother to hide her disappointment.

A moment later, the door closed behind her and she was left by her lonesome. She picked up the brush and scrubbed all the part Jack hadn't managed to reach. All the while, she tried to understand her master state of mind. There was no denying there was something about the test that made him so despondent, but there was nothing from his vague answers that could help connect the dots. She decided it was a waste of time to think about it further when she was going to find out anyway.

All pink and clean, she got out of the tub and dried herself. She began walking towards the chest containing her all her clothes when she found a set clothing had been laid out on top of it. It had a beige sleeveless shirt matched with white skin-tight leggings and a pair of black boots. What caught her eyes the most was the navy-blue coat folded neatly right beside it. She turned it inside out and, as expected, she found numerous clever stitching made to conceal weapons and other assortments. It was brand new and expensive, she knew. Jack's black coat was just like it and he couldn't stop bragging about the tailor who made it. Elsa was envious of it. Now she had one of her own.

She donned everything and was pleased when they proved to be a perfect fit. She was admiring the outfit before a mirror when Jack came back. He brought a leather satchel with him and a purse of coins. She spun in place to show off her new outfit and faced him, beaming like a child. "What do you think?"

Jack scoffed. "What do you mean what I think? I picked them out. Of course I know they'd look good." He shook his head and set down the items he was holding on a nearby table. He went to the weapon rack and picked out a belt with a pair of stilettos. He put it around her under the coat. He also chose a dozen throwing daggers and a selection of vials from the alchemy cupboard—both poisons and curatives alike—and tested her on the properties and effect before tucking them inside her coat. When he was satisfied stuffing her like one dangerous doll, he gave her the satchel and purse. Inside the satchel was provision enough for a week and the purse contained enough coin to last her through the month.

Stepping back, he studied her and mumbled to himself, as if trying to see what else he could make her bring. "I think you're as ready as I can make you to be," he spoke. "Can you think of anything else that might help you? You better take it now because you won't be returning here until after the test."

She checked herself in the mirror. She looked deadly enough without additional anything. There was one thing that can help though. "A good luck kiss?" she cocked her head. "I think I'll fare better with it." She was jesting of course. Like Jack would kiss her out of his own accord. True enough his eyes turned gloomy after she mentioned it. Next thing she knew, she'd be chided for not taking things seriously.

So, when instead of a scolding, he found his lips pressed against her, she almost jumped. His fingers slipped behind her head, pushing her deeper into the kiss. Elsa wasn't one to waste a chance though. She only took a second to contain her surprise before reciprocating his effort. She didn't know how long they tangled in a battle over domination, but she knew it took long enough to leave both of them breathless when they broke apart.

"Jack…" she stammered. She wanted to say something, but words left her mind somewhere in the middle of that scorching kiss.

"Anything else?" Jack asked nonchalantly, as if it wasn't a big deal. As if it meant nothing.

The sound of shattering of her heart was only covered by the welling fury. "No! You don't kiss like that and acted like nothing happened. I don't care if you say you're only complying my wishes. There was something there!"

"And that something can wait until after you finished the test."

As easily as that, he shrugged away her fury like an old abandoned cloak. He was willing to talk about the state of their relationship. It was a step forward. She sighed, all her anger escaped her with her exhalation. "Alright. After the test. Promise?"

Jack didn't answer immediately. He closed his eyes for a moment before nodding. "Promise. Can we go now?"

"Lead the way, master." She curtsied playfully.

…

North's tavern was empty when they arrived which was unsurprising since it was still so early in the morning. The patron himself was sitting behind the bar, commencing his own drinking session with a tankard in one hand and an open bottle—apple cider judging by the smell wafting in the air—in the other. He greeted them warmly when he saw them came in. "Ah! My infamous duo! Here to take job?"

Jack returned his war smile, but Elsa offered nothing but her stoniness, as she offered everyone aside the man who had saved her that fateful night. "We're not here for a job." Jack answered.

"Meal then? I got stuffed capon just finished roasting and mashed potatoes, and this fine apple cider you're welcome to help me finish."

"Maybe later…" Jack shuffled on his feet. "Elsa's here to take the test."

The tankard and bottle dropped from his hands along with his jaws. "No…" So shocked he was it came out more of a noise than a word.

"Do you want a moment to talk to me alone, North?" Jack offered.

"Yes… yes, I think I do…" North fumbled to his feet. He glanced at the mess he made, hesitated whether he should clean it up first, but then shook his head and decided to talk to Jack first. "One moment please, Elsa. Just wait there for a while."

She gave him an imperceptible nod that she wasn't even sure the burly man saw. North took Jack to the kitchen. Elsa saw no point in standing while she waited so she sat on the nearest chair and opened the leather satchel. She took out a wedge of cheese wrapped in foil and several small loaves of shortbread, and began nibbling on them. They took quite some time and yells could be heard from behind the door. Elsa tried to eavesdrop but between the raised voice, the conversation was too incorrigible.

She was halfway through the cheese when they emerged from the kitchen. North looked defeated, his eyes stained with traces of tears, his face red with emotion. He seemed even more rattled than before. While Jack stood with solemn resolution, the kind you can see on a storm-beaten rock. They wouldn't look at each other thereafter. North went back behind the bar and Jack walked toward her.

North's eyes fell on Elsa and he sighed. He wiped his eyes with the sleeves of his shirt and cleared his throat. "Elsa, attend me."

She stood and repacked her satchel unhurriedly. If this was transgression of any sort, North didn't say anything about it. She took deliberate steps and stood at attention before him. Jack moved to stand behind her some feet away.

"You have come to earn name." North began. "To be a person of your own. Shadow no more. You come to prove worth and to prove worth you must bring me three things." North reached under the bar and produced three vials which he laid out on the bar. "One, your blood as mark of commitment, freely given." He pushed one vial toward her. "Two, as measure of skill, blood of mark, dropped and proven." He pushed another vial. He paused at the third, hesitating, not wanting to continue. The pause spanned three breaths and was broken not by him.

"And the third, North," Jack chimed.

North swallowed and when he spoke, his voice quivered. "And three, to sever ties… blood of your master… shed and taken…"

Whatever North said afterward was lost to the background. Her head whipped back at a breakneck speed, her eyes searching and locked on Jack. Suddenly, everything pieced together. Jack's brooding, his resignation, his out of character kindness, their kiss. What was it he said? "I'm doing it entirely for my own selfish reason." Her stomach took a sickening lurch and the expression on Jack's face—the resignation of man who's about to die—only confirmed everything.

There's no such thing as 'after the test'.

Welp... Ended up making half an arc... Didn't expect that at all. Sorry for the MIA. Life has been hectic, I had to steal some time to even be able to write. So, no voting this time for the other half of the arc and probably the END of this story (so I can return my focus on TSK). Expect the next chapter in four months time *run away*

Review Reply:

alvinandbrittany4ever: you got outvoted, sorry :(

Dor: was that sexy enough?

Strike Faster than Starlight: well, that's pretty confusing... excuse me while I untangle my head.

Guest: not at all! probably just means we just have to see a psychiatrist or something lol. just kidding.