The Throne of the Deep

Tsunami woke the next morning feeling confused and disoriented. She lay motionless for a second, eyes wide open, instinctively scanning the area for danger before remembering she was in the Deep Palace, far underwater where none of Blister's soldiers could get her. Exhaling slowly, she pushed to her claws, noticing that she'd messed up her seaweed bed some time during the night. Glancing down at herself, she saw sand clogged between her scales, as if she'd spent the night tossing and turning.

Ugh. Better get myself cleaned up.

She began to clean herself, using her claws and tongue to gently tease the grit from her scales. She tried to recall what had gotten her so worked up last night. A nightmare? She must have had one, a vivid one at that, but already the memories were slipping away, leaving uneasy feelings and sensations in their wake. The smell of blood, the scent of fear in the air. Screaming dragons, claws clashing against scales. Cold, goopy mud plastered against her scales, her muscles shaking from exhaustion. And underlying it all was a constant, pervasive paranoia, like someone was lurking over her shoulder, ready to claw her throat out. She shook her head roughly. What was wrong with her?

She finished grooming herself and stretched, eyeing her spacious room in the process. Coral had offered to let her sleep with her, Anemone, and Auklet, like she'd done in the Summer Palace, but Tsunami had turned it down this time. She needed some alone time to think about how she'd approach her mother about all this, and being stuck with her mother didn't sound like much fun either. So last night a guard had shown her to her current room—her room, as it turned out, furnished and prepared specifically for her return. She felt both grateful and guilty, knowing she'd be leaving it soon. She still needed to broach that topic to Coral.

Feeling somewhat presentable, she swam through the halls of the palace and out the entrance, intending to stretch her wings a bit before breakfast. It was still early, the dawn light trickling down to give everything a shadowed texture. The palace grounds were quiet, though Tsunami spotted several servants setting things up for the day, and patrols making their rounds. The place would get crowded later in the day, but for now Tsunami cherished the peace.

She made her way through the canyon, taking in the scenery and flashing greetings to the few passersby. Wandering idly, she found herself outside a squat, coral building with numerous windows built in to let in the morning light. Looking through one window, she noticed the glow of light against the wall—not the dim, dawn light, but the brighter glow of luminescent scales. Curious, she quietly entered the building, hoping she wasn't intruding on something private.

Two rows of seaweed beds lined both walls, though most of them were vacant; Tsunami only saw one that was occupied, and it was at the far end of the building, next to the open window. A Seawing lay on the bed, while two more stood around him, flashing messages between themselves. One of them was a light-pink color.

Anemone?

Puzzled, Tsunami pushed forward, making sure to announce her presence with audible swirls of her wings. The two turned to her—sure enough, one of them was her sister, who looked startled and perhaps a bit embarrassed at seeing Tsunami.

Tsunami, said Anemone. I didn't expect to see you here.

Morning, Anemone. Tsunami stopped in front of Anemone, looking between her and the other Seawings. Did I interrupt something?

Oh, not at all, said the other Seawing. I'm Sunfish, Coral's chief healer. Anemone said she's interested in my trade, and wants to learn from me.

Wow, said Tsunami. Mother let you do this?

It took some convincing, but in the end she did. Anemone scrunched up her face in a wry smile. I'm not free yet. Mother just lets me join Sunfish every morning for an hour to see her care for the patients. After that, it's back in the harness. The little Seawing pouted, and Tsunami reached out to pat her.

Hey, at least she's giving you some independence now.

True. Anemone glanced at Sunfish, before signaling at the healer. Sunfish, can I talk to Tsunami for a sec?

The healer nodded, and Anemone swam out the entrance of the building. Tsunami trailed behind her, wondering what it was her sister wanted to talk about that required swimming to an isolated corner of the canyon, where a tall garden of coral hid them from other Seawings swimming by.

Anemone? What is it?

Anemone fidgeted a bit, folding and refolding her smaller wings, refusing to meet Tsunami's eyes.

Anemone. Tsunami was getting concerned now. Has someone been forcing you to use your powers?

Startled, Anemone quickly shook her head, much to Tsunami's relief. No, it's not about that. But, actually, I've been reading a bit on animus powers while you were gone.

Tsunami cocked an eyebrow. Really?

Yeah. Whirlpool had a couple scrolls on it, and mother kept them after I…well… She trailed off.

It's fine, Anemone. Did you learn anything?

Her blue eyes lit with excitement. I think so. One of the scrolls had a theory about the animus curse. It said that what an animus uses her powers for affects how quickly the curse happens. Anemone gulped, before continuing. It said…it didn't sound very sure, but it said maybe, if an animus uses her powers for good things, like healing or protecting, then the curse won't come as quickly, or never come at all.

Anemone gazed at Tsunami. Tsunami, do you know what this means? I could use my powers to help dragons, and if I'm careful I might not go crazy in the end.

Tsunami blinked, shaking out of her surprise. That sounds great! Did you tell mother about this?

Anemone shook her head. Not yet. Like I said, it was just a theory. I've wanted to…try it out, to see if it works. She hesitated. That's actually why I wanted to work with Sunfish. Maybe, at some point, I can try to use my powers to heal an injury or cure a sickness. But I'm so scared that it won't work.

Anemone sighed nervously, her gills twitching. Do you think I should try it, Tsunami?

Tsunami cocked her head. Do you think mother would let you?

I don't know. She hasn't made me use my powers since the Summer Palace. I think for now she's just forgotten about it. She's more worried about keeping us safe. She settled her claws in the sand and turned to Tsunami with a new look. That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about.

What? Mother being overprotective?

Yeah. I know mother's always been like this since she's lost eggs to Orca's statue. But ever since we came down here, I feel like she's gotten worse. She still keeps me tied to her, and she has a harness for Auklet as well. She'll never let me out of her sight except to go to Sunfish. And she's just…did you notice it, Tsunami? She's very twitchy now, like everything scares her.

Tsunami nodded, remembering the look of terror she'd seen on her mother's face last night. I think it was the attack on the Summer Palace. She thought we were all safe from the war, but when the Skywings attacked, I think it shook her sense of security. Has she gone back to the Summer Palace since the attack?

No. She hasn't even sent anyone to check on it—she just wants to stay down here, forever I think. Anemone swished her tail around, worrying at the tip with her talons. When you said yesterday that you needed mother's help to fight Blister, did you really mean it?

I meant it, Anemone, every word. I have to admit, I left out some of the nastier details last night so I wouldn't scare mother too much. Things in the Mud Kingdom are getting really bad. I was hoping Ruby would be more help, but I don't think she will last much longer either. Tsunami laid a claw against her snout, rubbing it irritably. Why do you ask? You don't think mother will budge?

She found it very worrying that Anemone replied without hesitation, No, she won't. All three of her daughters are down here with her in a palace that no one else can reach. Mother won't leave, not if it means putting us in danger. She has no reason to—all she wants is for us to be safe. Anemone flicked her tail away. Even if it means forgetting about the rest of Pyrrhia.

It was precisely the opposite of what Tsunami wanted to hear. So, naturally, she tried to argue against it. Well, not if I have anything to say about it. I'm getting mother to help us in the war, even if I have to drag her all the way to the Mud Kingdom to show how bad things are. I'm not letting mother hide down here while my friends die on the surface. In fact, that's all I'll be doing here for my stay. That, and getting Webs and Riptide freed.

Anemone started. Wait. You aren't staying?

Tsunami blinked. No. I'm not letting my friends die without helping them. Once I convince mother to send her Seawings to help us, I'll lead the army to the Mud Kingdom and fight with them. She noticed Anemone's scared look, and said, Look. I know everyone wants me to finally settle in and be a pretty princess, but I can't do that yet. You know me; I don't leave things unfinished. And I definitely have some unfinished business with Blister.

Anemone's gaze hardened. Well, I'm coming with you then.

What?! Tsunami scales flickered in shock. But Anemone, it's dangerous up there. This isn't some small border skirmish, it's an all-out war.

So? You aren't letting mother stop you from going back to fight. So why can't I? Her pale-pink frill ruffled, and Tsunami was suddenly reminded of herself. Maybe while I'm out there I can try using my powers to help dragons. Help the healers or something. You've done so much, Tsunami, you've seen so many things. I want to do it too.

Tsunami gulped. Her scales stayed dark as she wrestled with what to say.

Tsunami? Anemone laid a claw on her foreleg. You won't do that to me, right?

No, never, I— Tsunami closed her eyes, fighting to contain the turmoil of emotions roiling through her. She loved her sister as much as she loved her friends. The thought of Anemone throwing herself onto the battlefield, of her suffering what she was going through…No, she couldn't let that happen. Anemone didn't deserve that kind of life.

But who was she to dictate her sister's life?

I'll sound like mother if I tell you to stay, won't I?

Anemone didn't respond, but Tsunami could see the answer clear on her pale face.

Sighing, Tsunami smiled sadly.

You know, talking with you is like talking into a mirror.

Anemone trilled, her scales sparkling in mirth. I think it runs in the family.

I bet it does. Anyway, if you want to come with me when I leave, then I'll let you. Just…make sure you're ready for it. I can't hold your claw every day while we're on the surface. You'll have to learn to take care of yourself. As for mother, give me some time. I'll persuade her soon enough.

You sure?

Tsunami nodded. I'm sure. I'll work it out.

This isn't working.

Tsunami stormed into her room and flopped down on the seaweed bed. Across the room, Riptide, who'd been gazing out the window, turned to her, eyebrow cocked.

Do I dare ask how the talk with your mother went?

Tsunami seethed, claws clenching the sand beneath her.

She's not even listening, Riptide! I've told her again and again how things are in the Mud Kingdom. All of it now, even the bloody details. And she still won't budge. She keeps saying, "Oh, it's safer down here Tsunami, why don't you stay here, everyone loves you and you won't have to fight anyone and yadda yadda yadda!" Then she says she's busy and doesn't have time to talk. Frustrated, she smacked a nearby chunk of coral, launching it across the room.

Sounds like Coral alright, said Riptide. Let me guess. She was busy writing another scroll?

Tsunami snorted, bubbles encasing her in a temporary veil. I think she's just using it as an excuse to avoid me. I don't even know what she's writing this time. Some new romance scroll, or something.

Riptide nodded. It's a Truth or Dare.

Tsunami turned to him slowly. What?

That's what she's writing, from what the servants say. Some new idea of hers—take a bunch of her characters from previous stories, put them in a room together, and have them answer questions and do crazy things.

Tsunami shook her head in disbelief. Sounds stupid.

It's popular, apparently, said Riptide, shrugging. Lots of Seawings are already sending in suggestions. Anyway, your mother's writing aside, you haven't made any progress?

Tsunami laid her head down, only lifting her claw to form an "O" with her talons. Zip. The most I've done is get her to release you.

In fact, Coral had been surprisingly nonchalant about letting Riptide go. Her second day at the Deep Palace, Tsunami had mentioned it to her mother, expecting her to be as stubborn with it as she was with helping in the war. On the contrary, she'd practically handed Tsunami the keys to the dungeon cells.

Just make sure he doesn't come back, dear, she'd said. Him and his father. They're getting rather annoying. It almost seemed as if Coral had used Riptide just to lure Tsunami back home.

It had been three days since then. Four days since she'd left the Mud Kingdom, and she promised her friends a week was all she needed.

She was beginning to think no amount of time could solve this problem.

Riptide smiled sadly, swimming over to Tsunami's side. Well, it's a start. She doesn't know about us?

No, and thank the moons for it. She'd probably have a heart attack.

That was the other reason Tsunami was beginning to detest her stay in the Deep Palace. The incident with Whirlpool hadn't been enough to dissuade Coral from playing matchmaker with her daughter. Every day Coral insisted on introducing her to a cast of eligible Seawing bachelors, from high-ranking military officers and strutting, macho soldiers, to tier-climbing socialites and snooty aristocrats. It was enough to make Tsunami flee to her room most days, where Riptide stayed to avoid Coral's attention.

Not that she minded. She could shamelessly admit to herself that Riptide was her only source of sanity in this place. And happiness. Lot's of happiness. What would she do without him?

Provided we keep things quiet, said Riptide, I think we can get away with it.

She poked him in the side. I'm perfectly fine. You're the one who needs to watch it, Mr. Touchy Claws.

He lifted his head haughtily. I have no clue what you're talking about, Tsunami.

They quieted, the fun moment passing swiftly.

What do I do, Riptide? Tsunami scales flashed dimly, her mood somber. I've done everything I can think of—I've talked to her, yelled at her, begged her for help, you name it. I even tried to bribe mother, promising her there'd be lots of treasure once we defeat Blister. And no one else will stand up to her. Shark and Moray are too loyal, and the rest are either sucking up to her or are too scared to oppose her.

Tsunami buried her snout between her claws, closing her eyes. It's hopeless, Riptide. Mother won't even talk to me anymore. This time she told me to scram. I think I've reached the end of her good will.

She wanted so much to love Coral. Of all of her friends, she felt that she'd pulled the lucky straw when it came to her parents. Clay and Glory's parents didn't care about them, and Starflight's dad had a questionable set of ethics. Thorn was alright, if maybe a bit blunt at times. Only Tsunami had been lucky enough to have a queen for a mother. And yet, her experiences with her mother were really changing her perception. It was bad enough that Blister had managed to manipulate Coral so thoroughly when Tsunami first visited the Summer Palace earlier in the year. But now, it seemed, Coral was letting fear rule her every decision. Everything she did—from staying in the Deep Palace, to avoiding all contact with the surface, to insisting that Tsunami stay—pointed to one thing.

Coral, Queen of the Seawings, was a coward.

And no matter how hard she tried, Tsunami couldn't get her mother to confess what was scaring her. Any time she asked Coral what was wrong the queen would either clam up or redirect the conversation. Tsunami could sense it clear as day that something was wrecking her mother from the inside, and she could do nothing about it.

She was at her wits' end. She'd exhausted every possible option left to her…

…except for one.

Riptide glanced at Tsunami, sensing a change. Tsunami?

She lifted her head, and signaled her reply.

My mother is too scared to lead the Seawings properly. I've done everything I can to change her mind, but she refuses to do anything but hide here in the Deep Palace.

She carefully flashed her next set of words.

I promised to bring my friends reinforcements, no matter the cost.

Her scales faded, and silence fell between them. Slowly she turned to Riptide. His eyes were wide in shock.

Tsunami…You…you can't seriously…His gills flapped in visible horror. Are you sure about this?

What choice do I have, Riptide? She twined her tail with his, letting him sense her fear and anger. My mother has cast her lot. She's left me no alternative.

She felt herself torn between sobbing and raging. I don't want to do this, Riptide. I've already had to kill my own father. She looked him in the eye, snout barely a talon's length from his.

But if it's the only way I can protect my friends and free Pyrrhia…then so be it.

She felt spent. Truth was, the thought had been worming its way through her brain ever since her conversation with Anemone the morning after she'd arrived, and had only sunk deeper and deeper into her thoughts with each passing day.

Oh, bright moons, she thought suddenly, how am I going to tell Anemone? And Auklet?

Don't, a part of her said. The cold part, the part beaten and hammered by the harsh brutality of war. The less they know, the better things will be. Hopefully you can resolve this before either can react.

She hated that part of herself. She hated herself, for even considering the idea in her mind.

She was still determined to do it.

Tsunami. Riptide brought her out of her self-loathing. Listen. If you're going to do this, at least give you're mother one more chance. Talk to her again over dinner. Tell her this is absolutely important. Tell her that everyone her daughter cares about is in danger.

Tsunami looked away, unable to meet his eyes. You think I haven't tried?

Just give her one final chance. Please, what you're suggesting…it's not going to go over well with the tribe. Lots of things will happen, and once you start there's no going back. Riptide grabbed Tsunami firmly by the shoulders and turned her to meet his gaze.

And if she still refuses?

He breathed out, looking calm despite the visible sadness in his eyes.

If she still refuses…then I won't stop you.

She held his gaze. He meant every word of it, despite the creeping anguish in his eyes.

Without a word they curled up together on the seaweed bed, his wing draped over her, though Tsunami found little comfort in it now that a hard knot of dread had formed in her stomach.

She knew she was doing the right thing, for her friends and for the rest of Pyrrhia. Even Riptide had given his permission.

But he was going to hurt the most if things went wrong.

She suppressed a cry of sorrow. Why did it all have to hurt so much?

Her mother was dining with her council tonight, wishing to discuss tribe business and hear the monthly reports. Normally Tsunami would have opted to skip such a meal and eat on her own, or, if her mother insisted on her attendance, go to dinner and pretend to pay attention until she could leave.

Tonight, she headed straight for the dining hall.

She'd kept her plans between herself and Riptide, though she'd allowed Riptide to at least tell his father. In the event that things didn't go as planned, she hoped the two of them could at least escape and make their lives elsewhere in Pyrrhia.

As if Riptide could have a happy life if she failed at this.

Dinner began normally. Coral didn't always hold extravagant feasts, only for special occasions, like holidays or the return of wayward princesses. Nevertheless the meals were prepared meticulously, and tonight was no different. Servants brought out platters of mahi mahi, bass, fried octopi, and assorted deep ocean treats harvested from the yawning trenches further out to sea. The aroma wafted through the water, and Coral wasted no time, letting everyone dig in.

Tsunami bit down on a fish. It tasted like sand.

Soon Coral called out her council members to give their reports. Shark began, reciting the patrol duties and recruitment numbers in his deep droning voice. Several times he looked over at her, and she wondered if he could scent treason in the water like his namesake could sense blood.

Tsunami kept her head in her food, and Shark eventually finished. The rest of the dragons gave their reports, and soon the meal was finished. Coral kept on speaking with her council as the servants cleared away the dishes. Through it all Tsunami remained stoic and silent. Waiting, waiting, for the time to come.

She didn't have long to wait.

Now then, said Coral at last. I believe that's all the business we have for tonight. Lagoon, make sure the sea cucumber farmers are well compensated for their excellent work this month. Other than that, I believe we may adjourn for—

Mother.

A dozen set of eyes turned to her. Tsunami fought to keep her dinner down.

Coral cocked her head. Yes, daughter?

She breathed slowly, forcing her gills to remain flat. Stay calm, she thought. Just bring it up one last time. Maybe this time she'll see sense.

I'd like to talk, again, about the Seawings joining the war.

The dragons around her groaned. They'd sat through more than one of Tsunami's talks with her mother, and were fed up with her constantly bringing up the topic.

Not as fed up as her mother, though.

Tsunami, she flashed, her eyes narrowing in a rare show of anger. If you mention that cursed war one more time—

Please, mother, just hear me out. She held up her claws in what she hoped was a sign of submission. She really wished Sunny were here right now.

I've said it MANY times before, Tsunami, and I'll say it again. Coral jabbed a talon against the stone table. What happens on the surface no longer concerns the Seawings.

It does, mother, no matter how much you deny it. I know you only want to protect us but hiding us down here is not the solution.

Coral scoffed. What do you know about solutions, Tsunami? You aren't even an adult yet.

I will be soon. And I've seen far more of Pyrrhia then you have, mother. I know that the land is in danger as long as Blister is alive. I know my friends will die if I don't bring them help.

She stood her front claws on the table, the better to match her mother's size and command a presence in the hall. Distantly she noticed a couple of servants peeking in, wondering at the ruckus.

Mother. I was fighting on the front lines of the war when I got the message that Riptide had gone to seek your help. I was hungry, cold, exhausted, and knee deep in mud. Blister's Sandwings were pushing close, and Queen Moorhen wanted me to remain, to help hold the line with the few soldiers she had left under her command.

I could have stayed in camp, could have tried to protect my friends there. Tsunami leaned forward. But I didn't, because I knew that Riptide was right. You are the only hope for Pyrrhia, mother. The Seawings are the only tribe left that is strong enough to match Blister's forces. So I left my friends, left them to fight Blister alone, to come down here and BEG you to help us. Mother, please. I'm asking because we have no other choice. Either the Seawings go to war, or my friends die and Blister rules the surface.

She spun around to face the other council members. We may be different tribes, but at the end of the day we are all dragons. All of us—Skywings, Sandwings, Icewings, Mudwings, even the Rainwings and Nightwings. And Seawings. We are all dragons of Pyrrhia. This is our land, our home, our place to give to our dragonets, our future for them and their descendants. Right now, that future is at stake. Blister will not stop until every tribe has been crushed or absorbed into her regime. She threatens the lives of every dragon—and yes, that includes us. We cannot hide forever down here, as much as we want to. Sooner or later Blister will find a way to harm us. And when she does, there will be no one left in Pyrrhia to help us in our time of need.

This speech was exhausting. She was never the wordy dragon, preferring the thrill of physical battle to the subtlety or persuasion. Maybe Sunny and Glory could talk circles around others, but she just wanted to get this over with.

Mother. She gazed at Coral, whose face was an expressionless mask. You have the power to dictate Pyrrhia's future. You can ensure Blister does not win. Please. I need your help. We all need your help. Join us, and help us defeat the Queen of Poison before it's too late.

Her scales dimmed from her last flash, and she sat back on the sand, waiting for her mother's reply. The hall was silent, not just of flashes, but of any noise. It seemed not a single Seawing's gills even twitched as they all held their breaths, awaiting Coral's reaction.

Coral was motionless for a long time. Her gills moved up and down, her breathing even and measured. Then, she spread her massive wings, and Tsunami couldn't help but back up a step. Her face was hard, a cold glint in her eyes.

You think I haven't considered this, Tsunami? What do you take me for, a year-old hatchling? I have spent decades in this world, daughter. I've seen tribes rise and fall on the whims of tyrant queens. I've seen numerous wars and conflicts even before that wretched spat between Oasis's daughters. I know what war does. I'm not ignorant to its toll on dragons.

Then certainly you agree—

I haven't agreed to anything, Tsunami. This idiotic war that you and your friends started with Blister, it was completely unnecessary! Things were about to end peacefully after twenty long years, and what did you do? Why, you provoked the scorpion in its den, of course, and came crying to me when it stung you.

Coral pointed an accusing talon at Tsunami. Look around you, Tsunami. The Seawings are a healthy, happy tribe. Why? Because I've refused to let the other tribes drag us into their petty issues. The Seawings are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves without the help of other dragons. In fact, I'd say our cousins across the continent are nothing but a threat to the peace and security we've created here in the Deep Palace.

Don't you see? You aren't saving Pyrrhia, Tsunami. You're needlessly endangering yourself and your tribe for the sake of your "freedom" and "future". Tell me, are you truly thinking of the tribe's future? Or just your own? Are you going to be a respectable leader one day to these loyal dragons? Or are you going to traipse off across Pyrrhia and leave your citizens to fend for themselves, like you've done for the past half-year?

Who will you be, Tsunami? The queen your tribe needs? Or a selfish dragonet who cares only for her personal glory?

Tsunami couldn't respond. Her scales felt like they were boiling off as she fought to keep her shock and fury in check. Every one of her mother's words was another stab in her chest, another claw rending her flesh in half. How could she? How could she remain so blind?

Because she wants to, said the cold part of her again. It's easier for her not to see, than to face the consequences of her actions.

She heaved a sigh from deep in her chest, bubbles cascading around her. She had only one last question for her mother.

And my friends, mother? What about them?

Coral reared up, and looked down her snout at Tsunami.

No daughter of mine places her friends, however dear, before the needs of the tribe.

And with that sentence, Tsunami knew her course of action was set.

She lifted her head and met her mother's hard eyes.

Then I am no daughter of yours.

Before anyone could react, before she could think of changing her mind, Tsunami furled her wings open and flashed:

Queen Coral, I challenge you for the throne of the Seawings.

A/N: Yikes. What is this, Game of Thrones all of a sudden? Though I suppose the Targaryens would fit in well in this world...

So yeah. Things have gone real south between Tsunami and Coral. I hope neither is too OOC...I know Coral is portrayed in the books as willing to do anything for her dragonets, but my interpretation of her, at least for this story, is a little different. It's no secret that Coral is terrified of losing any more of her dragonets, too the point that she'd go to ridiculous lengths just to protect them. Or, at least, to give herself peace of mind. Coral's actually being quite selfish with her "love", if you get what I mean. She doesn't do what's best for her dragonets, because she's more concerned with keeping herself together. I hope that isn't too much a stretch to believe. I want to give characters like Coral more depth, and that means exploring the things that burden them. We'll see more of what's going on in Coral's head later on, and maybe get some answers finally to her fear.

Now, before I forget, there's something I must mention. I suppose this is shameful self-promotion...but eh, whatever. I recently wrote a short one-shot for the Summer King Chronicles and posted it to this site yesterday. What's the Summer King Chronicles, I hear you ask? Well, it's a fantastic book series starring griffins, and that's all I'll say. If you want further details I have a rambling blog on my profile where I talk about my progress on UaWTS and my thoughts on what I'll do after I'm done with this story. I mention SKC in that post, and while I did say that I wouldn't write anything fanfiction for it until after the series is completed...I, uh, maybe got a bit enthusiastic and went through with it anyway. :L Oh well. It was good practice, and while no fandom for SKC exists on this site yet (I've put in a request for it), that doesn't mean I can't at least get a head start. For now it's in the misc. book section. I'll move it over if FFN does grant my request.

Well, that's it for tonight. I know this is a cliffhanger, and I hate leaving cliffhangers, so I'll see if I can update before next week. Don't count on it thought, finals are coming up and I really need to study. XP Urghh, life of a college student.

~SpicyDog99

P.S. And yes, I did poke fun at Truth or Dare fics earlier with Riptide's comment. Seriously though, why are there so many of them in this fandom?