Chapter 10: And He was Quite Charming

Seona sat on her bed, letting a sigh pass her lips after a hard evening's work when she got back from her visit with Claudia. Tomorrow after her work and practice training were done she was to come to the Palazzo Auditore for a more formal visit with Claudia and her family. Claudia's mother, Maria, would be there, as well as Petruccio, and their maid, Annetta. Her brothers might also be there, and if they were fortunate, according to Maria, her husband might take time to say hello.

A chance to meet the whole family was both an exciting and terrifying thought to the young woman. The Auditore had been nothing but kind and gracious from what little she had seen of them besides Claudia. And Claudia was a friend to her, or at least the desire to become friends was mutual. She marveled at the idea of getting to learn more about the people of Florence and a chance to practice the Italian she had been picking up from everyone.

But, the terrifying aspects lurked around like the Dark Figure in her nightmares. The Auditore were an aristocratic family, and honestly they had seen as little of her as she did of them. Even after the time she spent with Claudia, her knowledge of the expectations of the nobility was limited to what little she was told and the other half guesswork. She knew what Claudia was like, but was the rest of the family as patient and forgiving as she?

She knew she would have to be very cautious of her language, but considering her limited capability to speak at all, that might be a problem. She had impressed even herself with what she was picking up, but what if she messed up? What if she said something in the wrong way and insulted them? And then there were other issues on top of that. What did one even do on these kinds of visits? What was she supposed to wear? All she had were her older clothes from home and the green dress she had picked up the first day.

Claudia had once inquired of this, wondering why she wore the same clothes. Seona wasn't sure how to answer the question at first. Claudia wondered if she was impoverished, but was a little confused because the dress Seona wore was more appropriate to someone with a decent family background. Not nobility by any means, but perhaps the daughter of a skilled artisan. And from what information Seona had told her, she understood that Seona's family did fairly well for themselves back in London.

Seona hesitated, but thought of an explanation, explaining to Claudia that she had been robbed on her way to Florence and barely escaped with only herself and a scraping of her possessions. Claudia was horrified to hear this, especially after what happened to Seona not too long ago. It almost was as if Seona had a target on her back, or perhaps that was how Claudia saw it anyway. Seona wanted to reassure her somehow, but realized that she might have elaborated her backstory not quite how she had intended. But in a way, except for the details it was as close to the truth as she could probably get.

In either case, Claudia was aware that despite whatever Seona was back home, it didn't mean much now that she was here. She had little more than what a beggar might, but perhaps only a little more because she had been fortunate to find a place to live.

But, other than that dress, she didn't have anything else to wear that seemed appropriate. And while she might know a little of mending clothes, she didn't quite have the skills to make an entire dress of her own. Especially not one overnight that was of acceptable standard to the nobility. She would have to see what she could find tomorrow.

Her mind drifted back to the story she had made up about herself to present to this new world she was trapped in. Naturally, Claudia had asked about Seona's family and her travels. Seona was honest for the most part about the type of people in her family, and talked about life in the city. She had told Claudia before that she had left home against her will. Claudia never pried too deeply into the matter, but Seona knew she probably had her wonders and suspicions. But, eventually she would need a purpose to her journey and a reason she could not easily go back.

A part of her felt dishonest for having to omit and alter parts of her past to make it in keeping with something that might actually happen to someone from the 15th century. Well, to a point it was dishonesty. But, it was necessary. Nobody would understand time travel or strange phenomena like the Dark Figure. Madness! Witchcraft!

The Courtesans also inquired about her past, but they asked fewer questions than Claudia. Well, except for Paola. The madam of the Florentine Courtesans had a curiosity about the woman that her girls had taken into the fold, assisting in tasks so the girls could work more and not have to take time for more mundane tasks. The older woman actually did once inquire about if Seona would attempt to make it back to London and why she had come to Florence in the first place.

Seona told her as she had told Claudia that she had left home against her will. Unlike Claudia, Paola asked if Seona was willing to share why that would be. The madam probably wondered if it was something she had done or if something had been done to her. Seona gave her the simplest answer she could think of: that there was no longer a home or family for her to return to, that all the things of her old life were gone, and so she was forced to leave London to build a new life. Why she came so far as Florence, not even she could say. Perhaps it would have been better to stay in England, that at least she would understand the language. But, perhaps there was something special about Italy, or merely being far enough away from home would give her a truly fresh start.

Paola accepted the story with a grain of salt. She was not one so easily fooled, and she probably sensed there was more going on than what Seona was willing to share. But, Seona's mourning of her family and having to start over was genuine and perhaps Paola left it at that out of sympathy. Or perhaps she thought Seona would be willing to share more later when more trust had been built. Either way, she had reason to believe now that Paola was generally not a malevolent person in her intentions, just the opposite.

It would be nice if there was at least one person she could talk to though. Someone who would understand and that she could tell the real story. But for the sake of her safety and the peace of those around her she had to become a part of the time and place until some sort of sliver of hope came, perhaps a chance to go home. But as she had thought before, there was a very likely chance that she could never go home. But, even repeating it over and over didn't quite keep the thought from having the same punch as it did the first time it occurred to her.

She undressed and slipped under the covers, hugging her blanket tightly as she sought the darkness of sleep.

…

The next morning, Seona was full of an eager discipline as she went about her tasks for the day, more so than usual. The early morning was difficult, with lots of scrubbing floors and clothes and running about to assist the Courtesans. Seona persevered through it with this focus and determination, not once faltering to do things to the best of her ability. This focus carried into her training. She still made mistakes, sometimes serious missteps that cost her balance or advantage against an opponent in the mock self-defense scenarios. But, she found herself recovering much quicker and getting back into the fray of things.

The Courtesans who had overseen her from the beginning, Anselma and Luana, both noted her keen discipline this day. The two of them whispered to one another, speculating at possible reasons for the young woman's increased durability and stamina. As usual, Luana was the one more visibly impressed, with Anselma appearing to be ever the silent judge.

When training had concluded for the day, Seona excused herself and made her way to the back door. Her hand reached for the knob, only to pause when an unexpected voice spoke to her from behind.

"Che si sta per incontrare di nuovo il giovane nobildonna, sto indovinando? (You are going to meet the young noblewoman again, I am guessing?)"

From the lower, more serious tone in the voice it sounded like it was Anselma. Seona was surprised to hear the Courtesan speak to her outside of training. Anselma seemed ever the skeptic and somewhat distant of the two who watched over her. But here she was, apparently having taken note of Seona's other daily routines.

"…Sai? (…You know?)"

Anselma kept a cool expression, her tone unchanging.

"Ho visto i due di voi da una distanza di tanto in tanto. Quindi sì, sono a conoscenza di esso. (I've seen the two of you from a distance from time to time. So yes, I am aware of it.)"

Seona's face flushed.

"Sono curioso di sapere perché si sceglie di essere in sua compagnia. Stai cercando di ingraziarsi dalla sua famiglia? (I am curious as to why you choose to be in her company. Are you looking to curry favor from her family?)"

It was a reasonable possibility, but Seona had never thought of her relationship with Claudia and the Auditore in that manner.

"Claudia è il mio amico. Passo il tempo con lei. (Claudia is my friend. I enjoy spending time with her.)"

Anselma raised an eyebrow.

"E questo 'Claudia' gode la compagnia di una delle stazione inferiore come te? (And this 'Claudia' enjoys the company of one of lower station such as yourself?)"

Seona exhaled tentatively.

"Ha detto queste cose, sì. (She has said such things, yes.)"

Anselma gave a barely audible harrumph, betraying her skepticism.

"Fare attenzione a non impigliarsi dalla politica della nobiltà, Seona. C'è sempre più in corso di i sorrisi e le tafferugli che si vedono per le strade. (Be careful not to become entangled by the politics of the nobility, Seona. There is always more going on than the smiles and the scuffles you see on the streets.)"

Seona found herself unable to understand some of the words, but it was clear that Anselma was warning her of the relationship she had with Claudia and her family. She felt naturally defensive, wanting to argue that the Auditore seemed like decent enough people. But in all honesty, what did she really know of them as a family? Only time would say for certain whether she even truly understood what was meant by Anselma's words.

"Ho fatto Paola consapevoli di questo, ma lei non ha agito su di esso per la mia conoscenza. Forse lei se si sente la necessità di, o forse lei ha un piano di cui sono semplicemente inconsapevoli ... (I've made Paola aware of this, but she has not acted on it to my knowledge. Perhaps she will if she feels there is a need to, or perhaps she has a plan of which I am simply unaware…)"

The words became muddled and almost incomprehensible to Seona when she realized they were probably not entirely meant for her. Anselma had looked away and lowered her voice, as if making an aside to someone else. The only thing she managed to understand was that Paola's name was mentioned. Anselma looked back at Seona with a stern gaze.

"Battistrada con saggezza. (Tread wisely.)"

Anselma picked up the skirt of her dress and turned away from Seona, back to the front where there were costumers awaiting. She heard the eager voice of Luana calling to Anselma, as well as the boisterous shouts of men looking for a good time. Seona took this as her cue to exit and whipped around the door, shutting it behind her before making her way towards the market.

This morning seemed a bit quiet for the usual bustle of Florence, the air a bit cooler and the sun's light softened by the passing of white clouds. However, compared to the cold, barren plains around Peace Garden State, Italy still felt mildly warm and the wind gentler on her skin, especially today. The young blonde scanned the markets for the tailors that were vending women's clothing. She browsed through them, either finding the price beyond what she could pay or the type of dress she was looking for to be absent.

Seona felt a nagging feeling in the back of her mind. Back home, she was never one who worried too much about her appearance. She always made an effort to look clean and well-kept but when it came to clothes she admitted she was less than thrilled with the subject. When she first looked for a dress here, it was out of a necessity to blend in and not draw undue attention to herself and get into trouble. But now…looking for something to wear to visit Claudia's family… it seemed rather…frivolous?

She came upon the small shop she had been to before where she bought her green dress. There was almost nobody there this time, and the shop seemed bare compared to last time. The young man who had waited on her before was there, tidying up the place. In the back Seona could see the partial figure of a woman sewing the hem of a skirt.

As she turned her attention to the clothes that were available, the young man looked up and realized that Seona was there.

"Ah, bentornato! Vedo che vestito si è scelto si adatta molto bene. (Ah, welcome back! I see that dress you chose fits you very well.)"

Seona's attention snapped away from the clothes and she blinked rapidly, startled that the young man remembered her from before.

"Sì, lo è. Sono sorpreso che mi riconosci. (Yes, it is. I'm surprised you recognize me.)"

The young man laughed, smiling politely at the blonde.

"Io non dimentico mai una faccia, e io di certo non dimentico un vestito che mia sorella fa. (I don't forget a face, and I certainly don't forget a dress that my sister makes.)"

"Sorella? (Sister?)"

"Mia sorella e mia nonna fanno gran parte dei vestiti qui. Quindi, stavi cercando qualcosa in particolare oggi, signorina? (My sister and my grandmother make much of the clothes here. So, were you looking for something in particular today, miss?)"

Seona found herself eyeing a lovely blue dress with multiple layers and lacey ruffles puffing out of the sleeves like sea foam. Darker, tree like patterns snaked down the back, making it seem like something fit for a Courtier. She gulped and turned her gaze away, knowing the odds of being able to afford something so extravagant.

The shopkeeper read the expression on her face and walked a little closer to her.

"Siete alla ricerca di qualcosa di più formale? (You are looking for something more formal?)"

Seona nodded.

"Io sono. Ma non sono sicuro se posso ottenere un bel vestito e ottenere un buon prezzo per questo. Non è che per caso hai qualcosa del genere, vero? (I am. But I am not sure if I can get a nice dress and get a good price for it. You wouldn't happen to have anything like that, would you?)"

The shopkeeper thought for a moment then yelled something in Italian to the woman in the back that Seona couldn't quite make out because he spoke rather fast. He turned his attention back to Seona and nodded.

"Io non sono sicuro se è proprio quello che state cercando, ma forse ho qualcosa che si adatti bene. Se volete tenere su, ma un momento ... (I am not sure if it is quite what you are looking for, but I may have something that will suit you well. If you would hold on but a moment…)"

There were loud rustling and shuffling noises in the back, as well as low Italian mutters from a soft feminine voice. Several moments went by before the woman called back to him. The shopkeeper excused himself and before long he was out from the back carrying a dress in his arms.

"E 'la stessa dimensione come l'altro abito e quindi dovrebbe adattarsi voi ... (It's the same size as the other dress so it should fit you…)"

It was a light blue, very simple but appeared to be made out of decent quality material. It had a simple white collar and small lace trimming on the sleeves and around the waist and hem of the skirt. Seona felt skeptical about it but felt that it was probably a waste of time to be picky about it, especially with a limited budget. She just hoped it was presentable for a visit to a noble house.

And then it dawned on her. She was going to this trouble because Claudia was her friend and hoped that the Auditore would also come to like her. Anselma's question repeated itself in her mind and she thought about the answer again. Claudia was her friend. But what of the other Auditore? She shook her head. She was worried because she was building her friendships and connections to other people from the ground up and she didn't want to make mistakes with the few she had made.

But, she didn't really know what would happen today, would she? She knew them to be kind from meeting Claudia's mother, and Petruccio and Ezio, who had been very friendly and good natured towards her. Perhaps her worries were not unfounded, but maybe over exaggerating things. But, either way, she would need to take a chance and see how things worked out. After all, she was going to be here for a while, she reminded herself.

"E 'questo uno non è di vostro gradimento? Potrei prendere qualcos'altro. (Is this one not to your liking? I could fetch something else.)"

The young man's voice brought her back to the matter at hand and she apologized for being distracted. She examined the dress in his hands. She was generally more of a fan of darker shades of blue and perhaps it was not as ornate as some of the dresses she had seen running around. But, the design was something more no-nonsense, and deep down it was something she knew would probably be better for her in the long run. Both for her and her circumstances.

"Quindi ... quanto vuoi per questo? (So…how much do you want for it?)"

The shopkeeper eyed Seona getting out her florins.

"Per te ...(For you…)"

Seona counted her coins. She had still done the routine of taking time every day to collect a few coins that she would find scattered around the streets. A few of the Courtesans in the brothel also gave her a very rare florin or two for helping them before Paola had officially assigned her to fetching supplies and doing chores behind the scenes.

"Due cento e dieci fiorini. E 'accettabile, signorina? (Two Hundred and Ten florins. Is that acceptable, miss?)"

She only had one hundred and ninety seven florins. She let out a disappointed hick in her breathing.

"Si ... può eventualmente andare inferiore a quello? (Can you… possibly go lower than that?)"

The young man kept a placid expression.

"Che prezzo mi puoi offrire? (What price can you offer me?)"

Seona looked down at her florins reluctantly.

"Cento ... e novanta sette. (One Hundred…and Ninety Seven.)" She answered honestly. The shopkeeper was hesitant, a silence passing between him and his customer. After a few moment, a shout from the woman in the back broke the silence, speaking fast. He replied just as quickly, an undercurrent of annoyance in his voice. The two went back and forth for a minute or so before he shook his head.

Before he spoke, Seona heard the woman say something she finally understood.

"Basta prendere i soldi e darle il vestito, Figaro. Preferirei che vestito da indossare che sedersi polvere raccolta. (Just take the money and give her the dress, Figaro. I'd rather that dress be worn than sit gathering dust.)"

"Sì, sorella. (Yes, sister.)"

He offered the dress to her in exchange for all the florins Seona had, though he seemed as though he had been strong-armed into accepting the lower price. The items switched hands, the money for the dress. Seona thanked him profusely and shouted thanks to the woman in the back as well before taking off. She knew that she wouldn't have much time before she would need to be at the Auditore home, and she had no intention of being late. And from the position of the sun in the sky, time was drawing near.

She bounded back to her room in the brothel and changed as swiftly as she could, though she tripped over herself a few times dressing in her haste. But, she managed to get changed and brush her hair quickly before heading back out to retrace her steps back in the direction of the Palazzo Auditore. A couple of Courtesans at the back door raised an eyebrow as she whisked by them, surprised to see the young woman in such a hurry.

Seona moved quickly, but tried to keep herself from getting too frazzled. However, that didn't prevent her in the course of her pace from bumping into someone. Her nose hit someone square in the shoulder, her right arm bumped against their chest. Her face flushed pink with embarrassment. But, before she could excuse herself and apologize she felt a distinct, sharp push from a pair of gloved hands.

"Potrai vedere dove si sta andando, donna! (You will watch where you're going, woman!)"

Seona managed to react fast enough to keep her footing but was startled.

"Si dovrebbe mostrare rispetto ai vostri superiori. (You should show some respect to your betters.)"

The whining tenor voice speaking to her seemed to belong to a young man, probably just around her age, but perhaps somewhat younger.

The blonde turned her gaze from the street to a young man who was now standing in front of her. He had long, black hair hanging in bunches under a cloth hat, and loose fitting dark clothing that was made of high quality material; the style suggested he was probably of nobility or some high status. He glared at her with eyes that seemed like broken bowls- sharp and defiant.

"Mi scusi, signore, mi dispiace. (Excuse me, sir, I am sorry.)" Seona apologized, turning around to be on her way. However, it seemed she would not be allowed to leave so easily.

"Non vi allontanate da me. È così che si dà una vera e propria apologia di un membro della famiglia dei Pazzi? (Don't you turn away from me. Is that how you give a proper apology to a member of the Pazzi family?)" The young man approached her with impatience.

"Mi dispiace molto. Non volevo... offendere. (I am very sorry. I didn't mean… to cause offense.)" She bowed slightly to show some sort of respect in hopes she could allay whatever offense she had caused.

Seona felt a strange mix of confusion and anxiety. So far she had been lucky not to incite anyone other than the group of drunkards who beat her up, and had been careful when treading with those of importance. Was there some proper, formal phrase in Italian that she was forgetting that was causing this young noble to be so incensed with her?

"Non sono... stato in questa... città lungo. Sto facendo... del mio... meglio per esprimere le mie scuse. (I have not… been in… this city long. I am doing my best to… express… my… apologies.)" Seona found herself faltering with her words, finding it difficult to put together what she wanted to say. She even noticed her accent become more prominent as she was struggling to find some way out of the situation.

The young man stopped a foot in front of her and looked as though he might spit in her direction. He was picking up on the change in her voice and noticed her accent, and smirked at her as a response.

"Si tenta di vestire la parte, ma è ovvio che sei uno straniero che non conosce il suo posto. Forse dovrei insegnare come mostrare il vostro deferenza per quelli sopra di voi. (You try to dress the part but it is obvious that you are a foreigner who does not know her place. Perhaps I should teach you how to show your deference for those above you.)"

He was about to grab Seona's arm when she stepped out of his reach. He hissed his disapproval and proceeded to advance as she retreated. However, the confrontation was interrupted when a figure appeared from behind the young man out of a side street. Seona's eyes widened when she recognized the red band of cloth holding back the sunlit strands of dark brown hair and the voice that halted the angered nobleman in his tracks.

"È questo il modo di trattare ogni donna, Vieri? (Is this how you treat every woman, Vieri?)"

The noble scoffed, turning to face his challenger.

"Hai ancora un debole per attaccare il naso negli affari altrui, cane Auditore. (You still have a penchant for sticking your nose into other's business, Auditore dog.)"

Ezio stood opposing him, his lips curled into a smile but his eyebrows furrowed in ire.

"Avrei pensato dopo che ti ho insegnato una lezione, quando si è tentato di imporre Cristina non si sarebbe ripeterti. Credo che non sarei dovuto aspettare così tanto anche da voi. (I would have thought after I taught you a lesson when you tried to impose upon Cristina you wouldn't repeat yourself. I guess I shouldn't have expected so much even from you.)"

"Cerco solo di rettificare un insulto da questo straniero. (I only seek to rectify an insult from this foreigner.)"

"E da quello che ho sentito, ha chiesto scusa a voi. Si dovrebbe accettare che e piedi. O sei così appassionato delle nostre lotte che se hai voglia di un altro così presto? (And from what I heard, she apologized to you. You should accept that and walk away. Or are you so fond of our fights that you're itching for another one so soon?)"

The young noble Ezio called Vieri was torn between swinging a punch and retreating to fight another day. It was true that their last scuffle had been only a few days ago, and his family was planning something in the days to come, something that would settle his struggle against this thorn in his side. There was also the issue that it was the middle of daytime and he was alone. His anger seemed eager to get over whatever judgment he had, however.

"Allora, hai intenzione di fare ciò che è saggio per una volta? (So, are you going to do what is wise for once?)"

He stomped over to Ezio as though a fight were to start. However, instead of the usual pattern of their confrontations, Vieri gave Ezio a death-laden glare.

"Ci sarà un altro giorno, presto, dove potrete incontrare il vostro conto. Fino ad allora, ci saranno un sacco di opportunità per me per fare un esempio di voi. E poi, con tutti questi testimoni in giro penso che non sarei in grado di dare veramente quello che un cane come lei merita. (There will be another day soon where you will meet your reckoning. Until then, there will be plenty of opportunities for me to make an example of you. Besides, with all these witnesses around I think I wouldn't be able to really give you what a dog like you deserves.)"

Vieri disappeared into the streets of Florence. Ezio glanced in the direction he went for a second or two, muttering something under his breath that Seona couldn't understand.

"Lui è un codardo come sempre. Ma questa volta è buona norma chiudere, mentre lui è ancora un pezzo. Eppure, quasi che egli decise di darmi la possibilità di buttarlo giù prima faccia. (He is a coward as always. But this time he is wise to quit while he's still in one piece. Still, I almost wish he decided to give me the option to knock him down face first.)"

He turned his attention to Seona who was still standing a few feet away, her gaze towards the ground and her hands folded into one another.

"Seona?"

Seona turned her gaze up as he offered out a hand.

"Stai bene? (Are you alright?)"

Seona nodded, when he noticed her hands tremor slightly.

"Io sono. Grazie per fare un passo dentro non sapevo cosa fare ... pensavo di aver causato qualche offensiva e stavo cercando il mio meglio per mostrare le mie scuse. (I am. Thank you for stepping in. I didn't know what to do…I thought I had caused some offense and I was trying my best to show my apologies.)"

"Non hai fatto niente di sbagliato, Seona. Vieri è un codardo che è al di là pieno di sé. Non pensare più su di esso. (You didn't do anything wrong, Seona. Vieri is a coward who's beyond full of himself. Don't think any more on it.)" Ezio assured her, but Seona wasn't entirely convinced.

"Io ... non l'ho fatto? (I… I didn't?)"

"Niente affatto. Hai la mia parola. (Not at all. You have my word.)" He replied cordially, trying to put Seona at ease. He still held out his hand as a helpful gesture, but when Seona did not take it he let his hand fall to his side.

"Forse stiamo andando allo stesso modo? Posso accompagnarti nel caso Vieri lo ottiene in testa di fare qualcosa di stupido. (Perhaps we are going the same way? I can escort you in case Vieri gets it in his head to do something foolish.)" He then gave Seona that same curious smile that he always had whenever the two of them passed by one another. Seona's cheeks felt an elevated heat as though her face might flush but she couldn't quite put a word to the feeling.

"Oh, non c'è bisogno di farlo, Ezio. Sto semplicemente camminando per la casa Auditore perché Claudia e tua madre mi ha invitato per una visita di questo pomeriggio. (Oh, you do not need to do so, Ezio. I am simply walking to the Auditore home because Claudia and your mother invited me for a visit this afternoon.)" She politely explained, trying to gently refuse his offer, though it was generous.

"In quel caso, forse possiamo semplicemente camminare e avere una conversazione amichevole? Difficilmente Abbiamo parlato da Claudia ci ha introdotto. (In that case, perhaps we can simply walk and have a friendly conversation? We've hardly spoken since Claudia introduced us.)" He suggested.

"Suppongo che sia vero. E, sono ansioso di parlare con voi tanto quanto l'altra Auditore. (I suppose that's true. And, I am eager to speak with you just as much as the other Auditore.)"

And there was that smile again, followed by a slightly lower undertone in his voice.

"Sono felice di sentirlo. Quindi, andiamo allora, Seona? (I am glad to hear it. So, shall we go then, Seona?)"

Seona looked behind Ezio to see if there was any sign of Vieri, and when there wasn't any, she nodded her approval.

"Sì, io sono ansioso di essere sulla mia strada. (Yes, I am eager to be on my way.)"

…

Author's Notes: Yay! I finally got this up. I had some serious writer's block for this chapter. Sorry if this chapter drags on a bit with internal monologue and if I got the characters wrong.

So, I have a few things I would like to share with you guys this time:

First off, I'm going to need some serious feedback from you guys because I'm doing some long term planning. I don't always plan everything out for the chapters because stuff can happen when things wind up running shorter or longer than you anticipated. Anyway, the long term planning I am working on revolves around the overarching story in regards to Seona's arc (not the AC storyline because I've already worked out that this is going to go to the end of Brotherhood assuming I can keep my motivation and creativity up. Which so far is going strong but considering what happened with my epically long Yu-gi-oh! Fic, anything is possible).

So, I'd like you guys to answer some questions if you have time: What do you think the Dark figure is or what its role is in the story based on what you've read so far? What direction would you like to see taken in regards to the Dark Figure and the role of Seona's dreams in the story?

Second thing: I decided to do a little contest of sorts for those of you who are artistically inclined. As you know, kitkat101895 provided the lovely cover art that is now displayed for this story. But, I was wondering if anyone else wanted to try their hand if they felt they felt up for a challenge. How would you feel about drawing a picture of Seona? I am willing to reward people who do it with oneshots, poems, or deviantart points. (If you have a deviantart account.) (You can use whatever clothes she had worn in the story so far, and can draw her in whatever style you do best that you think would look awesome.)

Third thing: 60 + subscribers? Holy smokes! A few more and this will have more subscriptions than my most popular fan fiction! (Still nowhere near in terms of reviews, though.) Thanks for the support and submit some reviews if you've got a question, comment, feedback, or suggestion!

Sorry for the long author's note this chapter…I'll try to keep it down next time around. Until next time!