Good afternoon, readers! I have returned with a new chapter for you, and things are going to get pretty intense! Are you ready for what's to come? Don't sit too far back now, because you may find yourself on the edge of your seat today. Regardless, I hope you enjoy!
'Now... do you really want to know who harmed Lylith, who left her in the middle of the central woods to die?'
Alexandrite's eyes were wide, his teeth clenched as the sound of Ravyn's voice sounded within the throne room without him actually being present. "What is this blasphemy?!" As he spoke, no one but Lylith had noticed that Arsenik had departed from his place, beginning to tremble.
"It's called a recorder. It captures the words that people speak, so it can be shared with others. It's a common device where I come from." Kapra said, Alexandrite seething with anger as the counsel listened on.
'... Me.' The counsel then gasped as they heard the sound of Kapra being shoved hard against something, some of his words being muffled. '... will all be for nothing. I must thank you, Kapra... you were foolish enough to seek me out, allow me to lead you into isolation where I can do anything I want. There is so much I could do, but I would rather just watch you die.'
"I think that is all the evidence you need, your grace." Kapra said, narrowing her eyes. "Let Chase go!"
"Lies. This enchantment will not sway me. I do not know the extent of the abilities you have as a human, and I will not fall for your tricks! He exclaimed.
"Then hear the words spoken from him directly!" Arsenik suddenly cried, having reentered the throne room. He shoved Ravyn forward, Lylith exhaling shakily as he got to his feet, straightening himself out as he wore a scowl. Alexandrite shot Arsenik a dark glare before turning to Ravyn. "Ravyn of the Hulder." He began. "You have been named a suspect in the assault of Lylith Hulder. How do you plead-"
"Guilty." Ravyn interrupted, the counsel gasping and murmuring among themselves as Alexandrite swore under his breath. "You see... I too despise the human." He shot Kapra a look as he spoke. "I also believe she is conspiring against the crown. Though what I did was vile, and cruel... I thought I could perhaps eliminate some of her co-conspirators in this manner." He glanced over at Lylith, who stared at him. "If anyone is to be punished... do not punish Lylith. She was merely following my instruction."
Alexandrite released the breath he was holding, leaning back in his seat. "Your motives for what you done are... admirable." He rose a brow, glancing at Arsenik briefly. "However, you nearly condemned an... innocent victim... to death." His hands clenched around the arm rests of the throne, struggling to get the words out. "Therefore... you will be sentenced to the dungeon until I decide it is appropriate to free you." He clenched his teeth. "Release the Trold."
Kapra exhaled sharply, a smile forming in her expression as she glanced over at Chase. He was just as elated, practically jumping to his feet and fist-pumping the air once his shackles were removed. "Justice has been served, and you can kiss my-"
"Chase!" Kapra hissed. "Not here."
"Oh. Yeah, good point." He replied.
"Now. Let's move on to the second portion of the trial. This should be quite short as well. Ravyn of the Hulder admitted more than one truth today... not only was the true individual behind Lylith's assault revealed... but through his testimony, he has also supported my suspicions of the human's own assault upon the peace of this island." He glanced over. "Night, would you care to show the counsel the human's left wrist?"
Arsenik swore under his breath, his brows furrowing as he shot a fearful look at Viktor. As Night marched over, Kapra looked back at them. "You guys need to get out of here. Now."
"Hey. We're not leaving until he lets you go." Chase said. "You stuck around for me."
Night yanked Kapra to her feet, revealing the darkened veins in her left wrist. The counsel gasped, some covering their mouths in fright. "It is an omen!" Alexandrite exclaimed. "And a symbol of her control over the ones which have been plaguing this island with death and despair. Those whom she calls 'the dark ones.' It is through them which she seeks to usurp the crown and take this place for herself!"
"No!" Viktor shouted as the counsel murmured more. "She is trying to fight the dark ones! This is why she is afflicted, they are trying to kill her!"
"And may they do so quickly! You think I don't know she is attempting to unite the clans in rebellion against the crown?" Alexandrite asked.
"It was the King's order to unite them!" Viktor exclaimed.
"You will cease speaking out of turn!" Alexandrite roared. "To think I had considered you worthy to serve the Vi! You are weak, in body, mind and soul, and have been bewitched by this foreign usurper!"
"You are the usurper." Kapra suddenly spoke, her gaze unwavering as she stared darkly at Alexandrite. "And here is the claim I'm going to make. I accuse you, Prince Alexandrite, of high treason."
He rose a brow, a smirk spreading across his lips before he threw his head back in laughter. "You must be mad! Oh, if this was not so entertaining, I would execute you myself, right here, for even speaking such words! But your stupidity amuses me. Go on, tell everyone why you believe I should be charged with high treason."
"For attempted murder. And not just anyone, either... the attempted murder of your own brother." Kapra narrowed her eyes as Alexandrite's smirk faded, briefly glancing in Arsenik's direction.
"I'm no longer amused." He curled his lip. "You believe you would place a rift between us in order to weaken us? Is this your plan to take the throne, wretch?"
"I don't have to do anything. You placed the rift between you and the King yourself. Because you are the one who wants all the power. You are the one who wants all the control. And you would rather ignore the greater threat and condemn your people to death than give it up. You want me to be the bad guy so you look like the hero." Kapra shook her head. "That's not how this story goes."
"And here's our proof!" Wildfire suddenly shouted as she entered with Brooks and Foster. The moment Chase and Foster saw one another, he beamed as Chase hurried over, the two exchanging a hug. As she made her way further into the throne room, she shoved through Vi guards as they attempted to block her, Brooks shoving them back with her spear until she stood by Kapra. Wildfire glanced over at her briefly before raising the glove into the air. The counsel once again gasped in shock as they witnessed this. At first, Alexandrite was frozen where he was, but then he snickered.
"Wildfire, Wildfire, Wildfire... you think that thievery is going to help your cause? What is stealing one of my gloves going to accomplish-"
"It has traces of the poison that the King was afflicted with upon it." Ambrosia stood as she spoke, the room falling silent. Night felt his heart skip a beat as Alexandrite slowly turned, his eyes not even blinking as he stared at her wordlessly for several moments.
"... Did I give you permission to speak, Lady Ambrosia? Did your fiancee? Oh, is your situation not good enough for you? Would you prefer to defend the poor human criminal and turn against your future husband's family?"
"I am not doing what you suggest, your grace. I am defending the King." She replied.
"I still have not given you permission to speak." He glanced at Night. "Cousin. Teach your fiancee her place."
Kapra furrowed her brows, glancing back at Wind as he began to tremble. "If he puts one hand on her, I'm going to lose it. Nothing you say will stop me."
Night inhaled sharply, swallowing thickly. However, he did not move from where he stood.
"Night, I gave you an order!" Alexandrite shouted. "Very well. If you won't teach her, I shall!" As he was about to stride over, Domina gasped, taking his hand.
"Alexandrite, love, do not over exert yourself-" Domina was cut off when he shoved her away, the Hulder woman falling to the floor.
"Go back to your spot and be silent-..." He stopped then, furrowing his brows as he became quiet. He slowly turned to Ambrosia, narrowing his eyes.
"Phoenix. From where did this poison originate?" He demanded to know.
Ambrosia bit her lip. She remembered what her cousins had managed to find out. Despite fearing she would condemn her friends to death, she felt she had no choice but to tell the truth. "Poison of that particular herb in that concentration... there can be no other source, then..."
"Yes, Lady Ambrosia?" Alexandrite spat.
"F- From the... H- Hulder territory." She glanced over at Arsenik, an apologetic expression in her features.
"Ah... so it seems the Hulder are responsible for more than we thought here today." Alexandrite pursed his lip. "But I cannot be surprised. They are quite cunning, and thirsty for the throne they lost. The human has proven to be quite an opportunity for them... but their attempt to frame me has been all for naught."
"How do all these people know YOU'RE not trying to frame THEM?!" Kapra shouted.
"Silence that wretch before I end her insufferable life!" Alexandrite curled his lip. "I have heard enough. The human will be sentenced to execution."
"You will not touch her!" Viktor shouted, standing in front of her. "Traces of the poison were found upon your glove! You place blame upon the Hulder, we who have been loyal to the King since my uncle became chief of our clan! Ask your guards if they have caught even a single Hulder trespassing within the palace to do such a thing!"
Alexandrite rose a brow, thinking on his toes. "That is a very valid point, Viktor. A Hulder would have had to infiltrate the palace in order to perform a task so elaborate. Unless... such an individual were already within these walls." He then whirled around, Domina gasping in surprise as he grabbed her. "So, the little snake has been right under my nose this entire time, hm? Trying to poison my brother so you would become a queen, rather than a princess... how very clever!" He hissed as she whimpered.
"Alexandrite, I have done no such thing, I swear to you-"
"You lay in my bed each night, do you not? You are surrounded by my material possessions, are you not? Very easy to drip little drops of poison upon my glove and give it to the Valkyrie to allow them to claim the glory they seek so passionately! Ah... but as Lady Ambrosia said, you could not have obtained the poison from within the palace..." Alexandrite looked up, narrowing his eyes. "Interesting, Viktor, that you knew just the right questions to ask, how you seemed so insightful of this crime for being innocent of it. It was you who provided her the poison, wasn't it?!"
Viktor widened his eyes. "O- Of course not! I would never-"
"Restrain him, and the Hulder chief!" Alexandrite shouted, hissing as he unsheathed a dagger. Some counsel members shrieked in horror as he sliced open Domina's throat, the fair maiden trembling before collapsing like a rag doll. Ambrosia ran to her aid, her hands shakily trying to stop the bleeding as she tore off part of her dress hem to press against her throat.
"No, Viktor! Release my nephew- Viktor!" Arsenik exclaimed as Kapra struggled to try and get to him. Wind, Chase, Foster, Pyramus, Wildfire and Brooks were encircled by dozens of guards, separating them from the others.
Alexandrite approached Viktor, staring at him silently before looking at Kapra. Some of the counsel members began to exit silently. "You will be punished severely for what has transpired today. You... along with others. After today... every pathetic mongrel on this island will learn their place. And they will learn that if they do not obey my command and my will, they are very easily dispensable. And for those who really cross me..." He chuckled lowly. "Well. They will learn that my grudges are not to be reckoned with." Without warning, he took his dagger, thrusting it forward to stab Viktor. "See? What a weakling he is."
In that moment, Kapra's entire world began to shatter and crumble.
A choked gasp escaped her lips as Viktor groaned painfully. She did not even register Arsenik's voice cracking as he screamed his name. The young man who was like a son to him fell to his knees, Alexandrite smirking as he rose his hand to deliver the killing blow. Suddenly, the object was flung across the room, Ambrosia jumping to her feet behind him and waving her arm. Her brows were furrowed deeply, Domina's blood upon her hands as the poor woman slowly bled out. Alexandrite whirled around in shock, rage filling him.
"You dare to use force upon me, Phoenix?!" He shouted, storming toward her. Night hissed, racing over to Ambrosia and grabbing her arm.
"No, I cannot abandon my friends!" She exclaimed.
"We're leaving NOW." He snapped at her. As Alexandrite closed in, Vi guards were suddenly shoved aside like bowling pins as Wind forcefully made his way through them. He roared, charging toward Alexandrite as he pounced, pinning the prince to the ground and snarling ferociously. As guards ran toward them in an attempt to restrain Wind, Arsenik broke free as well as Kapra, each kneeling by Viktor as he shakily held his bleeding abdomen.
"Viktor- Viktor, look at me." Kapra said, taking off her sweatshirt. She had a tee shirt on underneath, using the article of clothing to place pressure on the wound. "You're going to be okay, just stay with me."
"Viktor. You must remain strong. Help will come shortly." Arsenik said, taking all of his willpower to remain calm.
"I love the smell of Vi blood in the morning!" Wildfire grinned as she sliced through guards, Brooks aiding her as Foster remained close to her, fighting when necessary.
"Foster! I'm going to get Kapra out of here!" Chase exclaimed, grabbing two Vi guards and knocking their heads together.
As all of this was happening around him, Pyramus stood perfectly still, his gaze unwavering from Kapra. He could hear her increasing heartbeat, feeling a growing aura enveloping her.
"Seize them! Seize them all!" Alexandrite shouted as it took about a dozen guards to shackle Wind, beginning to drag him out of the throne room.
Meanwhile, Lylith's breathing was shaky as she traversed through the dungeons, holding a key ring. She finally found Ravyn's cell, getting his attention. "Ravyn. Which one is it? Which key?"
His eyes widened, dashing to the bars. "Lylith-! what in the name of-"
"There isn't much time. Tell me which key." She hissed.
"That one there." He held it up to show her through the bars, and she hastily unlocked it. Once she did, she threw the key ring aside, throwing her arms around him as she began to sob.
"He's going to die... the Prince killed Viktor... this is all the human's fault, she has utterly ruined us..." She cried. Ravyn returned her embrace.
"We cannot stay here." He said, taking her hand to lead her out of the dungeon.
Wildfire hissed as she was shackled, Alexandrite having called for backup as she, Brooks, Foster and Chase were restrained, along with Wind and Arsenik. Viktor was lying upon the ground, Kapra keeping pressure on his wound. She refused to leave his side, even when Alexandrite approached her.
"He will die, human." He began as Kapra bowed her head, whispering to Viktor. As she did, her hair fell to cover her face. "And it will not be quick, nor painless. You will watch the life fade from his eyes. And then, I'm going to kill all of your little friends, one by one, and you will watch them share the same fate."
As he spoke, Viktor exhaled shallowly, his eyes fluttering closed as he faded out of consciousness. "N- No no, Viktor, Viktor please, stay with me! Viktor!" She shrieked.
"His death is nearly upon him. You are the one who led him to it. You will pay for what you have done." Alexandrite spat.
Kapra exhaled shakily, slowly drawing her bloody hands back to look at them. Pyramus continued to stare at her, his brows slowly furrowing.
"Don't let it, love. You cannot control it. It will control you." He whispered under his breath.
Kapra's hands began to shake more, the darkness within her veins spreading and splintering like cracking ice. Alexandrite's smile faded as he heard her emit low chuckling for several moments. Her head snapped up then, her eyes like black orbs. Alexandrite drew back in surprise as he looked upon her before narrowing his eyes.
"Do your worst, wretch." He curled his lip. "I will not refrain myself this time."
Just then, a crack of lightning erupted outside, and Kapra slowly smiled. Guards approached, sensing uneasiness. When they did, however, she hopped to her feet, backhanding and clawing at the guards, sending them to the ground like rag dolls. Foster widened his eyes, glancing over at Chase.
"It's happening again." Chase muttered, glancing back at him worriedly.
"What is?" He shook his head.
"The darkness is taking her." Wildfire spoke without breaking her gaze, watching intently.
Wind growled lowly as the light from outside began to fade, the sky becoming darker and darker. When the guards realized they were becoming ineffective, they simply surrounded her and the prince, keeping their distance.
"Your heart is full of hatred." Kapra spoke, but it sounded like two speaking at once. "Hers is doing the same. The hatred of something precious being stolen away. The very first shred of hatred that came to exist. The very root of it. But there is only one who possesses more than all. Its name cannot be spoken in words." She then emitted an ear piercing shriek, the tall windows within the throne room beginning to shatter and send glass everywhere. "You dare to challenge the vessel of my deliverance!" Her voice rang, breathing heavily as high winds began to whip about inside. All the doors began to swing and lock on their own, Alexandrite clenching his teeth as she began to levitate. "All light shall be extinguished, beginning with hers!"
Ambrosia broke away from Night, gasping as she tripped over herself. She halted to a stop, thrusting her hand forward. A bright light pulsed, Kapra falling to the ground as she thrashed, her body contorting as she shrieked at Ambrosia. Alexandrite then hissed, his eyes darkening as horns began to sprout from his head. "I've taken life from many a maiden, you shall be no exception!" He grabbed Kapra, yanking her up as he opened his mouth wide. An airy hiss filled the room, the source of Alexandrite's true power revealed as he attempted to drain her life force.
He did not expect to be suddenly shoved to the ground, looking up and seeing something as he would out of a mirror.
Pyramus hissed, a forked tongue rippling against the roof of his mouth. He hoisted Alexandrite up, only to thrust him back down again, the stone tile cracking from the force. Alexandrite roared, the pair tackling and clawing at one another, Pyramus shoving him back as he stood between him and Kapra. The pair growled lowly, snarling as Pyramus kept him at bay. Arsenik stumbled as he rushed over, scooping up Viktor as Kapra began to crawl at a rapid pace toward Ambrosia. Wind stood between them, Kapra contorting as she got to her feet. She thrust her hand out, Wind widening his eyes when he was tossed aside like a ragdoll.
"Kapra! Come back to us!" Ambrosia shouted, another bright light pulsing from her hand. Kapra began to scream shrilly, contorting as she thrashed on the ground. She clawed at the air, kicking her feet. Chase and Foster ran over, the pair trying to pin her down. Foster hissed as she kicked at him, thunder roaring outside.
"I will come to fruition!" Kapra shrieked, hissing as Wind ran over to help keep her down.
Ambrosia fell to her knees, taking her wrist as she hovered a hand over it. She uttered a chant, attempting to subdue the Phantom's control over her.
Pyramus clenched his teeth, backhanding Alexandrite as he fell to the ground in a heap, knocking him out as his horns began to recede. He then whirled around, his tail swishing as he saw Kapra thrashing on the ground.
Just when the chaos was about to escalate further, silence filled the room when one of the doors burst open, Melissa standing in the doorway. Behind her, Bo Peep kept an arm around Barium's waist to support him.
"Child." Melissa glanced over to Ambrosia. "It is imperative that the Hulder lives. Go now and heal him."
"Vi, retreat!" Barium ordered, the Vi guards all looking around in shock as they began to file out. Winds still blew about the throne room, Kapra chuckling lowly as Chase, Foster and Wind kept her pinned. Wildfire and Brooks exchanged an unsure glance, Melissa coming forth toward her.
"Night, take the Prince out of here." Barium ordered. "Now." Night nodded at this, picking up Alexandrite and making his way out of the room as the doors began to open.
"Do you think you can be rid of me, Phoenix Elder?" Kapra spoke.
"Not I... but I can certainly subdue you." Melissa began to chant, her long robe sleeves flowing through the air like fans. She then formed a sliver of light within her hands, bringing them down upon Kapra's chest. Everyone shut their eyes as the space was suddenly filled with a blinding light, the phenomenon lasting for several moments. When it finally passed, Melissa stumbled as she got to her feet, breathing deeply. "The darkness has been returned to dormancy." She spoke as Kapra's eyes fluttered shut, the dark aura dissipating. Some of Melissa's usually neat hair hung in her face. "But it will not remain so forever." She looked up, Barium nodding.
"Melissa, I owe you my life." He spoke.
"You must credit me so. If it were not for the Cucuy girl, I would not have been fetched." She replied. She glanced over, Ambrosia exhaling slowly as she healed Viktor's wound. Bo Peep helped Barium to the throne, and he frowned when he saw the condition of the room. As if she could read his mind, she cleared her throat. "Do not fret, your grace." She said before turning to wave her arms, closing her eyes as her hands moved gracefully through the air. Sparks of light danced about the large room, shards of glass floating in a beautiful array as they returned to the windows like puzzle pieces. Broken objects drew together to be restored, blood dissipating from the floor and carpeting. Once this was done, Barium nodded once.
"Go and rest now, Melissa. You've spent much of your power." Barium said.
"As you command, your grace." She replied, bowing her head. As she made her way toward the door, silent as air, she glanced upon those present briefly before departing.
"I'm going to address you all one at a time." Barium said, clearing his throat. "Wildfire." He looked to her. "I know that you attempted to kill me. But I know the reason you did." He thought for a moment. "I intend to release all of my Valkyrie mistresses to you in the hopes that you will accept it as a debt repaid. I hope that this gesture will improve relations between the Valkyrie and the Crown." He said. "I only ask for one thing."
Wildfire rose a brow, glancing over at Brooks in surprise for a moment. "And what would that be, your highness?"
"Don't slaughter them." He said. "Do not see their agreement to live here in a life of luxury and pleasure as a betrayal on their part- but rather, to sacrifice the life they were truly meant for to satisfy my own greed and lust." Wildfire pursed her lip, slowly nodding as she thought for a moment. "If we can come to an agreement on this... I will not punish you, nor Brooks, for attempting to murder me."
She inhaled sharply finally meeting his gaze. "I accept your terms."
"Very well. Then it shall be done." He replied. "You and Brooks are free to go." Wildfire nodded, the pair leaving. Foster watched after Brooks as they left, the blonde sparing a glance at him as they passed through the doorway. "You, there." He nodded towards Foster. "What is your name?"
He cleared his throat. "I'm Foster. I... I came here to save my brother." He nodded to Chase.
"I see." Barium nodded. "I assure you, no further harm will come to him." He looked up. "I owe you and Wind both an apology for what has been done to you. If there is anything you require, I encourage you to-"
"Ambrosia." Wind said then, taking a step forward. Barium looked between them with confusion. "I want Ambrosia back."
"She's agreed to marry me." Night said.
"Everyone and their mother knows it's bullshit. The Prince set that up so you could be happy and keep doing his dirty work." Wind spat.
"Ambrosia..." Barium turned to look at her. "There is no need to fear retaliation. You are not wedded as of yet, so you have even less obligation-"
"I love him, your grace." She said, looking over at Wind. "More than anything. Please... do not take any offense."
"There is none to be taken." He nodded. Without any further hesitation, Ambrosia ran across the throne room, nearly stumbling. Wind caught her before she could fall, inhaling sharply as he took in her scent, embracing her tightly. He glanced up at Barium briefly, nodding. "Ambrosia, I only ask that you continue to tend to Viktor." He turned to Onyx. "Ensure that he and Kapra are returned to his territory safely." Onyx nodded, doing as was ordered of him. Ambrosia, Wind, Chase and Foster were all dismissed, Arsenik about to leave with them. "Arsenik." He shook his head. At this, Arsenik cleared his throat, remaining in the room with Pyramus. Barium looked on as Pyramus slowly reverted back to normal, his horns and tail shrinking and receding.
"I am sorry you all had to see that." He said casually. "It's not something I'm particularly proud of. However, it is unfortunately what I am."
"So... you aren't human, then?" Barium asked.
"Not so much anymore. But Kapra... when I am around her, I sometimes feel human again." He replied.
Barium nodded. "Pyramus... I wanted to personally apologize. I had criticized you before when you spoke to me of my brother. But you must understand... being betrayed by your own blood is... a difficult concept to accept."
"I know." Pyramus replied.
"You may go. I'm sure you want to aid in Kapra's recovery." Barium said.
"Merci beaucoup, your grace." He nodded once, making his way out. Bo watched as now, Arsenik was the last to be addressed.
"I want you to tell me everything." Barium started. "Arsenik... I have never thought you were a bad person. You have done bad things... but you aren't a monster. But... if you don't start taking the right path, something I myself need to do... you're going to become one."
"... I have seen the consequences of what you speak of firsthand, your grace. I very nearly lost two people I love more than anything." He replied.
"How did this all come to pass?" Barium asked.
Arsenik took in a breath. "The Prince was still bitter that the Trold and the Imugi had gotten off for their treason charges. He genuinely believed that Kapra was bewitching you to do her bidding. I tried to explain this, but he refused to hear me. Seeing how he saw how much I cared for her... he offered a proposal. In exchange for setting the pair up to be condemned to death for a crime they did not commit... he would pass a decree which would allow me to have her. That the next in line for chief could not take any person from another clan as their spouse."
Barium furrowed a brow. "So you were willing to do all of this to forcefully separate Kapra and your nephew?"
"... Viktor... means so much to me, and... I have been so conflicted." Arsenik's voice began to tremble as he ran a hand down his face. It was rare that he was not stoic and poised, finally breaking down. "But I feel something so great for her... I have never wished to cause him harm... I thought if perhaps they could separate some other way that his heart would mend easier. I- I have been selfish, and I am weak against matters of the heart. I have indeed been monstrous... this has gone far beyond my control."
"This is partially my fault as well, Arsenik. I refused to accept what was right in front of me. But I am going to try to remedy that. I ask you to do the same. You must remedy your faults and do the right thing." Barium said. "I forgive you of any involvement in the misdeeds done on account of my brother's actions. You may go."
Arsenik rose to stand up straight, nodding and bowing before turning to exit the throne room. As he did, the events from earlier swarmed his mind in a maddening frenzy. Replaying the image of Viktor being stabbed, and then Kapra losing herself when she thought she had lost him, he realized how destructive their love could become if they weren't careful.
He had seen the destruction his own love had caused. He did not wish for either of them to suffer such a fate.
He knew that this outcome had to be stopped. It was not an option. He tried to find the right answer, but it was not as simple as taking one path or another, like the metaphor the King had spoken of. It was an indistinguishable path, difficult to find among the brush and the debris. And even then, it would not be easy to traverse. He made haste, wanting nothing more for now than to see that his nephew and Kapra were recovering from the prior chaos.
Alright, you made it! All seems to be remedied, but is it really? What more is in store for our heroes? Keep an eye out for the next chapter to find out! In the meantime, I thank you for reading, and please let me know your thoughts in a review! See you next time!