Beware the demon child!
Chapter 37
Natsu P.O.V.
Seeing the shock on Gildarts' face at knowing when he retires would've made my day even without the coffee and talk. Altogether? It's a pretty damn good day. If tonight goes well it'll be perfect.
When Gildarts' bike disappears around the corner I turn around, not surprised to find Gajeel and Gray standing a few feet behind me. Gajeel, after his little stunt last night, sports a shiner but for the most part, they blend in with the crowd easily. Which is the main thing I wanted them to do.
I knew Gildarts wouldn't turn on me—he's been one of my father's best friends since before I was born—but there's always the chance someone might have followed him. That's where my commanders come into play.
If someone had been following they would've intercepted them and quietly made them disappear.
"Well, Boss, how did it go?" I grin, looking at Gray.
"It went well. Let's get back to base and we'll run over the plans with the guys to make sure everything is clear."
When I get an affirmation from both I turn away, walking to where the truck is parked on the far side of the parking lot.
Back at the warehouse, I walk in to find Elfman dangling off the loft by the back of his shirt while the others sit around watching him. I exhale loudly, clasp my hands behind my back and step into the light, looking up at Elfman.
"While it would appear that your time has been spent having fun I do hope you asses have finished with the preparations for tonight before you did this."
Three people step up, allowing the others to disperse. My eyes land on Leo first and he nods.
"Weapons are prepped and ready to go. Extra magazines, C4, and vests are packed in the cars. Vijeeter is packing your van as we speak."
I nod, happy to hear the report and his posture relaxes as I turn to Bickslow. "How goes the com network?"
The computer tech frowns, automatically putting me on edge. "There's a slight hiccup with the speed that the network is pinging off the local towers so Max and I set up a support grid to get it back up to par."
"How long?" I arch an eyebrow when he doesn't immediately respond, instead pulling at the collar of his shirt. "How long are we talking Bickslow?"
He chuckles, sounding more than nervous. "It should only be about another hour?"
The way he ends the statement, as more of a question has me scowling and I stare him down. "We leave out of here in three hours. I want it done in two and a half."
He dashes back to the computer bank where Max is already madly tapping at a keyboard and I turn to my sister with an arched brow.
"Wanna tell me what happened?"
For fuck's sake, I should know by now that when my sister gets a twinkle in her eye and giggles like a schoolgirl than she's done something that would make even the largest of men—Elfman comes to mind—run for the hills.
She smiles, not one of those small shy smiles, but one that could almost be considered a grin if it wasn't evil as fuck.
"Nothing much. Romeo, Leo, and I were talking to Elfman about where you wanted the teams to be stationed when Elfman leaned against the railing, flipped over it, and got stuck hanging there."
Fuck. Me.
Furiously I scrub one hand down my face and turn to Loke. "Go do something productive."
Thank the gods he has enough common sense to do that. My commanders are only a second slower on the uptake before they too are disappearing to help finish preparations.
That just leaves me with the demon child.
I can handle giving out orders. I can handle a fight, a gun, dozens of men. But when it comes to my sister of all things I'm at a loss for what to do. She wasn't trained like I was to use brute force. With her being trained by Lucy it fucks me over because she's sharper of mind, wit, and sarcasm then everyone else in this warehouse.
She's smart, she knows her shit, she just doesn't know when it's time to work and when it's time to relax.
She needs to learn responsibil— I freeze, the thought turning over, laying out a new plan and I look back at her grinning evilly.
"Alright, Wendy, you wanna play games do you?"
Her smile fades to a frown, looking at me in fear and I straighten up, turning to face the rest of the warehouse.
"Listen up!" Everyone stops, turning to look at me. I smirk, glancing back at my sister. "Since the trainees seem to be getting a little big for their britches it's time they learn a little responsibility. That said I'm issuing a new line up of teams. Ice, Metal, you're with me. Leo, you and Elfman will be led by Wendy. Romeo, you will be leading Max and Vijeeter."
Consider the entire warehouse stunned silent.
I look around until I find the previous team leaders and continue. "Leo, Ice. Take the trainees and go over the game plan with them. Make sure you cover the contingencies and the exit and entry points. You have until we leave. After that, it'll be up to them whether this raid is a success or a failure."
Gray grabs Romeo since the boy is the easier of the duo to talk to and I watch with mirth as Wendy trails after Loke to the loft.
Like back in Hargeon I'd typically have Gray and Gajeel leading the other teams but after his idea of 'risk someone else to save his own hide,' I had originally switched Loke with Gajeel for team leaders.
Partly of which is why Gajeel has a nice shiner. I wouldn't have known that Gajeel had handed off the liquid dragon fire if Leo hadn't walked up to him as soon as they got to base and socked him for it. That of course lead to Leo telling me why and blah blah blah.
If I hadn't already known that Loke was scared shitless for even being near the stuff I would've asked him myself. As it is Leo got away with destroying the truck and Gajeel got a black eye for ignoring orders.
Once the group of four is engulfed with attack plans I make my way over to the computer bank, more precisely a box beside the computer bank with a set of long-range broadcast lacrima.
Said lacrima are really the only way we can contact Headquarters while out in the field and even then they have to be encrypted after each use.
As Max passes by I grab him by his shirt, drawing his attention from his lacrima. "Max, these been encrypted lately?"
He leans into the box and grabs one, grinning as he hands it to me. "Just encrypted this one myself a couple hours ago." I nod, accepting from him and turn away even as he jumps back into whatever coding he was playing with.
Because my entire team is nothing but a group of perverted, nosey, asshats I can't make a video call anywhere inside the warehouse. Which is why the abandoned train car outside is a gift from the gods.
With everyone else busy with preparations I take my chance to slip out the front door, pass the vans where they're still busy loading ammo, and through the bushes surrounding the train car.
Really with all the vegetation growing up it, around it, and in it, I doubt anyone would be able to tell it's an actual train car. The only reason I can tell it's manmade is that the roof is too perfect of a curve to be natural. That and the broken windows reflecting the late afternoon sunlight.
The door to the car has already been broken in, most likely by one of the men sweeping the area so it doesn't take much for me to jump the railing and enter the car itself. The interior definitely looks the worse for wear. From all the years of weather and sun exposure, the decals are faded, the leather seats are molded and there are bits of glass littering the entire floor.
Definitely not somewhere I'd want to stay even semi-permanently.
Finding a decent table top I set the lacrima down, flashing my hand over the motion sensor to turn it on. A quiet whir emits from the baseball-sized globe and a few seconds later the screen comes up.
Unlike the lacrima in Hargeon or Headquarters, these are a bit behind on the developmental curve the Techs have established. They might not automatically encrypt or process or work as well as the newer versions but they still get the job done, which, seeing as the Draco Cor logo has been spinning for three minutes already, is now testing my patience.
The screen fades out, comes back, and fades out once more before it finally goes through. At first, I don't see much of anything then light appears in the background. After the light settles Levy's face appears on screen looking a bit disgruntled.
"Hey, Levy, what's got your boots in a knot?" I grin, enjoying the way her mouth twists.
"Very funny, Salamander. If you must know those cousins of yours are somehow finding a way to get under everyone's feet. Hell, at this point they're worse than your daughters."
Leaning against the table on the opposite side of the aisle I hold my hands up. "Hey, what can I say? My family has a knack for getting in trouble."
She gives a very unladylike snort. "So we've seen. Give me a minute and I'll patch you through to Heart's com. I believe she's in with Doc Porly at the moment."
I nod and the screen goes back to the Draco Cor loading screen.
About a minute later the screen lights up again. This time it's a view of the infirmary. Sitting on one of the beds is Luce tying her sling back on while Porlyusica is out of sight.
"Hey, Natsu, what can I help ya with?"
I pout, crossing my arms over chest. "Can't I just call my beautiful wife once in a blue moon?"
She grins in amusement. "If it was anyone else, yes. Not you."
I groan, placing a hand over my heart. "Oh, my Heart, why must you wound me so?"
That earns me a giggle and I grin. Then she turns to look at me, arching an eyebrow.
"Seriously, though, why'd you call? You know there's a chance the long-range lacrima is gonna be picked up."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I know, it's just it's only been a few days and I'm already missing you." She rolls her eyes.
"What do you expect? I'm needed here to keep those cousins of yours in line and you're needed there to make sure that team doesn't fuck something up."
"Speaking of team, did you have to turn my sister into a demon?" I scowl, her little prank coming to mind.
Luce sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Natsu, we taught Wendy how to take care of herself, how not to get caught, and how to kill without a second thought. I was more worried about her staying alive long enough to be an adult then what that childish energy might have done. Judging by how you're sounding it hasn't been anything good."
I smirk. "The trainees just need to learn a little responsibility so I've got them set as team leaders for tonight."
She stiffens, her eyes softening. "So you're hitting them tonight?" I nod.
"Yeah, Luce, the trainees scouted the base yesterday, found out where they're hiding. We would've hit them yesterday but I needed to talk to my godfather about MCI."
Her eyes turn pleading. "I'm not gonna ask you to be careful because I know you won't. All I ask is that you make it out alive."
I grin, hoping to reassure her and do a mock bow. "Anything for you my dear Heart. And after we beat them to a pulp," This time I grin childishly letting it reach my eyes. "I'll take the team out for drinks to celebrate."
She hums in thought, arching an eyebrow. "If I so much as catch wind that you're surfing the highway again I'll send the Assassin Sisters and Titania after you. Do I make myself clear?"
"It was one time." I deadpan, watching her smile in amusement. "One time Heart. Why can you never forget it?"
The grin, the malicious grin. Oh, why did I have to fall for her?
"A broken leg, a ten car pile up, and a three-state police chase. Need I say more?" I shake my head and sigh.
"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. No more highway surfing. I gotta go now before the trainees do something else."
She nods. "Love you, Natsu."
"Love ya too, Luce. Tell the girls." With that, the screen cuts out and I'm left to my thoughts.
After about a minute of sitting there, I grab the lacrima and leave the train car. It's no use drowning in my thoughts or wishing for shit that I can't have. I learned that early on. For now, all I can do is keep a level head, knock some sense into Wendy and Romeo, and move on with this crew wipe. After tonight it'll only be two bases and the leaders to take down. The sooner they go down the sooner I can return home.
Entering the warehouse once more I drop the lacrima off by the computers and climb to the loft. For me, everything is done. The plans are made, the preparations are almost complete. Now all that's left is for the time to arrive.
Normal P.O.V.
Minimal light spears the branches slowly passing above the dark vans, the crescent moon doing little to truly light the trail they travel.
Natsu sighs, watching the woods pass by as they continue on. Ten minutes later the vans slow to a stop and he sits up, his eyes narrowing in on a light barely visible through the trees.
Carefully and quietly, the team piles out of the vans. Using headlamps they work their way around each other, gearing up and checking their weapons. After Natsu slings his rifle over his head he turns on his com, looking to the others.
"Remember, until Romeo's team takes out the office we have to remain quiet. Watch your feet, and keep your voices at a whisper." One by one the men nod and he turns to his sister. "Wendy, you might think you know what you're doing but leading a team into a raid is a lot different than just being a part of the team. Remember to keep your eyes open, an ear to your com, and a weapon in hand at all times."
The bluenette nods, her expression serious. "Don't worry, Boss, I won't let you down."
He grins, ruffling her hair. "Good, I don't want Heart on my tail because you went and got yourself hurt."
Natsu turns when someone clears his throat, pulling on a serious face when he sees it's Gray.
"Everyone's geared up and ready to go, Boss."
He nods. "Split up and move out."
The group divides, Gray and Gajeel coming to hover by Natsu while Wendy pulls her team away, already disappearing into the dark trees. The leader inwardly sighs and turns to the trees as well, one hand on his rifle, the other bringing his mic to his lips.
"Rome, do you copy?"
Silence reaches him for a total of three seconds before a muted pop precursors a reply. "Copy you loud and clear, Boss. We're almost through the office, just have the management left to deal with. What do you want us to do?"
Natsu ducks under a tree branch, coming up to hide behind a thicker tree when the spotlight they'd seen swings across their path.
"Let them know both properties are under new management, Rome, and find those deeds."
When the light moves on, Natsu and his commanders move on, keeping a careful eye out for wandering guards as another pop sounds over the mic.
"Aye, Sir, the management will argue no longer. Both properties are ours."
He grins, waving Gajeel on to take out a group of four guards walking past their hiding place. The commander moves swiftly, creeping up behind the group and knocking the back two unconscious before pulling dual daggers from sheaths on his thighs and making quick work of the remaining two.
"Excellent work, Rome. Have your team scout the area. Wendy, do you read me?"
Wendy doesn't reply at first, but a minute later her voice comes through. "Yeah, Boss, I read you loud and clear. Does that mean we can stop being quiet?"
His commanders roll their eyes hearing her hopeful tone and Natsu smirks, moving past them to stand beside a door. "Aye, Wendy, pop 'em, lock 'em, and polka dot 'em." Behind him, his commanders snicker but he pays it no mind, keeping an ear out for the telltale sound of a rifle popping off.
When he does, he points his at the lock on the door and fires off a single shot. The door swings open with a quiet creak, and he and his commanders storm through, rifles ready to fire.
Through the door, they step into a three-way hall, the setup similar to the building Wendy and Romeo scouted with the hall in front of them leading up a set of steps while the left and right branch off around the building.
Natsu eyes them, quickly formulating a plan before gesturing to the right hall. Following the command Metal pulls away from the group, going to investigate while Ice does the same on the left. The pinkette then turns to steps, slowly taking them two at a time.
He kicks the door in at the top, surprising a few men inside the room. Firing off a few shots he takes down two of the men before they can even register what's happening. Another two fall in the time it takes for them to grab their rifles.
However, it's the final man that gets Natsu.
The fist comes up out of nowhere, blindsiding the leader and he scowls, turning to face the man only to come to a stop. Natsu's eyes harden upon recognizing the mountain of a man now standing over him.
"Torafuzar, I assume?"
The brute grunts, arching an eyebrow. "Going by the pink hair I'm gonna guess you're the famed Salamander."
Natsu grins. "I'm surprised a beast like you has heard about me."
"You'd be surprised." Torafuzar rushes forward and Natsu ducks, slipping under his arms to stand behind him. Slowly the base commander turns, chuckling darkly. "There isn't a being in PhanTar who hasn't heard of Heart and her pet Salamander."
Being lighter on his feet, Natsu attempts to duck under Torafuzar's next lunge but the commander reacts quickly tripping the smaller man up. He uses the slip up to grab Natsu by his throat, slamming him into the wall.
"In fact, there's even a bounty on your head. Mard's declared that whoever brings your head to him on a silver platter will have the right to take Heart as their personal slave."
The impact with the wall stuns the pinkette, his vision swimming.
"Boss!"
Torafuzar turns, allowing Natsu to see his own commanders standing in the busted door. He shakes his head, looking at his commanders with stern eyes. "Go help the others, I'll be fine."
They both scowl, Gajeel dropping his rifle in favor of using his dual daggers. "Like hell we are, Salamander. Through hell or high water, we cover your back."
Gray looks at his co-commander, eyebrow arched. "Hammer and hatchet this monstrosity?"
Torafuzar laughs, the sound being similar to that of a cracked gong. "You rats really think you can take me down?"
Metal grins, crouching. "Hammer and hatchet."
Fed up with their conversation the base commander pulls Natsu away from the wall, slinging him across the room into the window overlooking the paintball range being lit up by gunfire. The window shatters, throwing Natsu into the night.
Flinching Gray looks to where Gajeel has leaped onto Torafuzar's shoulders. "He really ain't gonna be happy about that one."
A dagger sinks into the base commander's collarbone and Gajeel shrugs. "Ain't nothing we can do about it right this second, now get your ass over here and apply the hatchet before I end up following the boss."
Ice scowls, pulling two white blades from the case in his pocket. Fog floats around the blades lending them an eerie beauty. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming. Just keep your bolts on."
He leaps, the blades seeming to give off an almost bloodthirsty glow.
Outside the window Natsu groans, sitting up to find he'd landed on a padded column sitting in the arena. He gets to his feets, rolls his shoulders and grimaces. "Yup, definitely gonna feel that in the morning." He turns, taking in the arena then takes a knee, bringing up his rifle.
Looking down the sight he pulls the trigger twice and Loke turns around at the sound of two bodies hitting the ground behind him. The fighter looks around and upon spotting Natsu grins throwing up a salute.
Natsu nods, giving him one in return then climbs to his feet, his eyes going to the massive hole in the wall where the window was. It's too dark for him to see nothing more than writhing shadows. He scowls, going to his com.
"Ice, Metal, report." Nothing. Nothing more then silence meets his request so he turns, looking around the arena until he catches sight of Loke chasing three enemies around a corner toward him.
He takes them out when they're close enough and Loke stops, panting at the bottom of the column. "Thanks, Boss, these guys are cowards." He looks up, noticing the scowl on his leader's face and frowns. "What's up?"
"Found one of the base commanders, he threw me out a window, left Ice and Metal up there with him and now they aren't responding to my call."
Loke nods, seeming unsurprised at his quick explanation then arches an eyebrow. "I got some flares if that'll help."
Natsu grins, looking him in the eye. "How many of those can you throw in there without hitting them?"
The fighter shrugs, turning to look at the hole. "Depends on where they're standing but I should be able to get a better look after I toss the first one."
After he gets a nod of confirmation he pulls a flare from his belt, lights it, and tosses it through the hole in the wall. It works well, highlighting the profile of the commanders fighting Torafuzar and Loke throws three more effectively blinding the trio long enough for Natsu to take aim.
Gray and Gajeel, picking up on the idea, stop fighting working together to merely hold the brute in place and Natsu smirks. "That's it guys, hold him still."
Almost in slow motion, his finger pulls the trigger, the gun knocking back his shoulder as three short bursts add more light to the night. In the silhouettes, however, Natsu can't tell if they hit their mark with all three jerking with the hit simultaneously. The mass falls to the ground in one swift motion.
He knows his shot is good but in a badly lit situation like this, he's afraid that he did miss, striking his commanders instead of the enemy. That is until his commanders move, slowly getting back to their feet where Gray gives Natsu a thumbs up.
Inwardly Natsu sighs in relief, looking down at Loke. "Excellent job with those flares, Leo. Now go find your team leader." The fighter salutes, taking off back into the maze while Natsu turns to his commanders. He grins, the lighting from the dying flares casting him in a dark portrait. "Time to stop lollygagging. We've got another Base Commander to find."
They copy his grin, both throwing up a salute. "Aye, Sir, we'll show them how it's done."
With that Natsu jumps off the column, rolling to his feet when he hits the ground. "Wendy, where ya at?"
Silence meets his request at first but then her voice comes through, sounding oddly meek.
"Boss, I may have found Aria."
He freezes, looking to where his commanders are just standing up on the column and he raises his mic. "Sector?"
"Uh, center of the range," Natsu's eyes go wide, having heard the term from the trainees when they told them of their game. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Where exactly are you, Wendy?"
"He's got me trapped in the suicide zone."
He scowls, a plan already forming. Once more he raises the mic. "Hang tight, Wendy, help's coming." After he receives a quiet affirmative from her, he raises his hands to his commanders.
They pull him back up onto the column and he looks at Gray. "Ice, find Leo and cover the northeast side of the range. I want everyone dead." He nods, jumping off to another barrier and Natsu turns to Gajeel. "Find Elfman, you'll cover the southwest. Again, not a person lives to see the dawn."
Gajeel arches an eyebrow, holding off on jumping to follow the order. "And where exactly are you going?"
Natsu grins. "Aria wants to play with fire, I'm gonna show him how it's done."
Gray P.O.V.
Really should've known by now that when the idiot gets something in his head he's gonna do it whether we want him to or not. What that thing is, depends on the situation.
Kneeling on top of a barrier outside of what the trainees dubbed the suicide zone, I'd say the situation involves threatening his little sister.
The smoke is thick, the flames not so much. If it was regular flames I'd say they'd have already burned themselves out. As it is Loke and I have to cover our mouths, ducking closer to the plastic covered barrier to stay out of the smoke.
It's just a thin line, no more then three inches thick, but it spans the entire suicide zone creating a miniature wall of flames. The flames themselves aren't burning anything at this point, merely creating a smoke screen.
What is the smokescreen for? It's only a minute before we find out; Natsu's voice coming over the com.
"Ice, she's coming your way, switch out and get over here. Now, Metal."
Through the smoke, I hear a cough and I jump down in enough time to see Wendy passing behind a barrier. When she stops by me I look up to see Loke leaning over the edge holding out a hand.
"Come on, Wendy, we need to get off the ground before Salamander goes crazy." She nods taking his hand, and when she's settled beside him he looks at me. "Be careful, Gray. He sounds pretty pissed."
I nod, stepping into the cloud of smoke. Natsu being pissed is an understatement. There are four levels of angry Natsu I've come to recognize.
Angry Natsu which is balled fists, ready to throw a punch.
Steaming Natsu is red faced Natsu, that one's got a tongue sharper than Titania's swords.
Pissed Natsu is let's play with fire and see how long the person who pissed me off lives Natsu.
The final Natsu is explosive, ready to burn down everything in his path without a care for his or anyone else's safety.
Thankfully this one is only a level three. Hence the fire surrounding us.
Stepping through the fire I come face to back with the man in question. In front of him stands Aria, a husky man carrying twin pistols. Also, I may mention the final commander of this base and the man who happened to threaten Natsu's sister.
Why, oh why, do I have a feeling someone's being burned alive on a funeral pyre?
Behind the commander, the smoke stirs and I watch as Gajeel steps out. Already I can see his daggers gleaming in the firelight.
I force my eyes ahead, watching the fire burn as Natsu chuckles. "This is your last chance, Aria. Surrender and we'll make your death merciful!"
The commander frowns, and from where I stand I swear I see tears running down his face.
"It truly is a shame. A flame as bright as yourself must be extinguished." He sighs, shrugging. "But as Jose commands so shall I do."
In almost the same second he raises a pistol to Natsu, I and Gajeel move. Myself aiming to hamstring him while Metal aims for his arms. After I slice the muscles I follow through, sliding out of range of his meaty hands. His pistols now in Gajeel's hands on the side of the field I was just standing on.
The blood pours from his legs, quickly spreading across the ground and Natsu lights his fists, jumping forward to pound the remaining blood from him. The clothes catch first, as they typically do when coming in contact with fire then it's the skin. Even standing ten feet away I can hear Aria's skin crackle as it feeds the hungry flames.
When Natsu's sure the flame has caught on, he backs away from the body shaking the flames still licking at his fists. The boss rolls his shoulders, turning to look at me with a sad expression.
If there's one thing I understand it's that: the silent regret of being forced to use his flames. I've seen it more times then I care to count. Someone pushes him too far, too hard, or too much and he uses the flames to erase the problem from reality.
The regret doesn't stay long, it never does, and he grins, raising a fist in the air. "Draco Cor, we've done it! Another PhanTar base has burned down in the flames of our wrath!"
Cheering comes from the now thinning smoke and we watch as the rest of our team appear. Even Romeo, Max and Vijeeter, who'd been sent to take the main office of the paintball range appear.
We group around him, and he genuinely smiles. "We've done it, team. Another blow to PhanTar and another win for us. I know I've been pushing you with attacking this base so I think it's high time we celebrated, not just conquering Onibus but Hargeon as well." Everyone falls quiet, especially listening to his next words. "Tomorrow we'll rest, take things slow, and tomorrow night we'll go out to celebrate. How does that sound?"
Around me, they cheer. Can't say I deny it. It's been busy since Hargeon, what with him disappearing into the wilderness, pushing to pack, and moving to Onibus but now…
"Hey, Boss!"
We look at Max where he stands grinning. "I know the owner of a good karaoke bar in Clover Town."
Things are going our way.
For those of you who guessed Ducky from NCIS last chapter you'd be correct.
So on to new things. The second base has finally been taken down. Torafuzar and Aria are no more. Fun fact: Torafuzar is extremely hard to spell many many times over.
As the saying goes, There is always the calm before the storm. I won't say just exactly what that means but well, y'all are in for it.
Tihalola, Gildarts is part of the crew. He was Igneel's best friend but instead of following his friend into crime he became a detective. That, however, does not stop him from protecting his friend's family from the MCI. Glad you enjoyed it though!
Karsyn1p2, You'd be correct. Gildarts is Draco Cor's mole in the MCI, and well worth the family connection, don't ya think?
Pixie Pixel, Stop beating yourself up. You still are at the top of your game which is why I'm pleased that I was able to stump you. It's not often I can get away with something without you figuring it out. *clears throat* throw out Itchiya because it'll be some GaLe and Hiccstrid. NaLu is taking a back seat to the oneshots this year. I wanna play with the other ships and since I have so many long stories planned with NaLu the oneshots are my play ground. why do you think I've done so much RoWen and Bachana? As for my birthday, Pix. I'll just be happy with knowing I have friends that care.
Grizzly out for the night.