Author Note:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLEINTHEATTIC! (Everybody say happy birthday in the reviews or I'll kill off a main character!) :D

Ever since he started reading Endergirl, he's been a whole lot of fun. His constant effort to find out and speculate my identity makes it very entertaining for to read his reviews, and his memes are equally as hilarious. He's a legend, and he's a true fan. (Even if he did fuck up the quiz pretty tragically) It's been a pleasure and a privilege, sir. Please enjoy your birthday present, dedicated entirely to you.

UNFORTUNATELY... This is in no way, shape, or form, a "happy" story. So... saddy birthday, I guess. ':D

You guys seemed to love it last time I did one of these, and I've been thinking about this one for a while. Maybe it will help you understand... Still, I hope I did everything okay, and your comments on writing, plot, character development and pretty much anything else, are always appreciated.

Also, I'm a little uncertain about how I handled the ending, so please for the love of god let me know.

Enjoy. (And don't forget to say happy birthday.) :)

Starting Perspective: Sky

An uncertain aftertaste.

Time Leap: Seven years ago

"Is it lined up properly?"

Refocussing on the scope, I looked through the collection of lenses. The crosshairs peered through the wavering forest, and fell upon a deer. A newly born fawn nudged at the summer grass beside its mother, still a little frightened of the world.

But the sights were too low. Trying to remember my way around the bulky weapon, I fiddled with the dials above the eyepiece. A miniscule touch levelled the shot perfectly. "Set."

The man lying next to me spoke in a hushed tone. "Now, take off the safety."

"O- Okay." I flicked the small lever on the gun's side. It made a tiny click.

"Are you braced for the recoil?" His tone came out slightly amused.

My lips pursed, realising I had forgotten one of the essentials. My body was too rigid, I needed to relax. Trying to remain as quite as possible, I shifted until I was in the proper position.

"Don't forget to steady your breathing… Fire when ready."

I followed his instructions, and let my exhales slow. It took a few seconds, but soon I could hold the weapon perfectly still for just long enough. I examined my target once more. Its fur was smooth and void of imperfections, the dark eyes and snout gleamed in the sunlight as it filtered through the overgrowth. The baby fawn nuzzled up to its mother's leg…

I pulled the trigger.

An ear shattering crack reverberated through the air as the barrel sparked. The whir of the bullet was masked by wingbeats from a dozen birds, frightened away by the sound. For a moment, my view was obstructed by a subtle line of gun smoke. When it cleared, the lifeless body of a once beautiful animal greeted my eyes.

It was mesmerizing, how quickly a life could be taken.

"Clean?" My instructor asked.

The beast wasn't moving. I had aimed for the temple. "Clean…"

A rough hand clapped me on the back. "Good job. Let's go take a look."

I didn't respond as I flicked the safety back, and capped the sights. My muscles complained as I stood, having been cramped in prone for so long. The front half of my body was covered in a thin layer of dirt from where I had been lying on the ground.

The man who had been lecturing me since early morning, stood, and stretched out his arms. He was exactly how you'd expect a military man to look. Broad in the shoulders, with more than enough muscle to back up his stern expression. His features were chiselled, and his stance was steadfast. An overgrown crewcut measured the time he had spent away from the battlefield.

He gave a smile, something that he reserved for only mom and me. "You're daydreaming again, kid."

I blinked a few times, escaping from my thoughts. Kneeling back down, I retrieved the heavy rifle, and flipped up its detachable stand. The Remington Sendero SF II… It shot a three hundred calibre Winchester Magnum round, and weighed about eight point five lbs, not including the scope, stand, or sling. Its general accuracy was pretty much unparalleled for a rifle of its size, and it had been argued to be one of Remington's best.

The knowledge that my father had drilled into me was not something easily forgot…

I strapped the tether across my chest, and let the weapon cling to my back snugly. At first, I had struggled with the weight, but after a few exhibitions, I started to become used to it. As such, our journeys gradually progress in time. This would be our third day in the forest.

As we hiked the three hundred meters to the kill site, I began to wonder how long this would last.

It would be nice, if we could stay out here forever…

"We're heading home after this."

"Oh…"

"Disappointed?"

"A little."

He gave a small chuckle. "Like father, like daughter."

I smiled a little at the revised saying.

The grass got longer as we approached the clearing. We stalked through the reeds, careful of any lurking creatures. Although, after the gunshot, it was unlikely. 'It's when you're relaxed, or distracted, that the enemy attacks. Always keep that in the back of your mind.' It was one of dad's most common lessons.

I detached the rifle from its hold, and levelled it at my hip as we approached the fallen animal, just on the odd chance that it began kicking as we neared. I wasn't confident enough in my shooting to allow for carelessness.

But it soon became clear that the puncture next to its eye had killed it dead. My father crouched next to the beast, peering at the wound. "You were off by three centimetres."

My teeth ground subconsciously, annoyed at myself. "Sloppy."

The man laughed. "You're eleven. I know more than a few grown men who wouldn't dream of hitting anything three hundred and twenty two meters away. A few centimetres is more than acceptable for now."

It always amazed me how accurately he could measure distances. And he was always forgiving when I made mistakes. But, that didn't mean I felt any better about making them.

I snapped the gun barrel behind me, as I recognised the sound of leaves crackling.

Shyly, a familiar fawn stumbled out of the shrubbery. It looked at us curiously, unable to distinguish between threats and harmless objects. I lowered the gun slightly as the newborn wandered towards the fresh carcass. It sniffed at the wound, and licked at its mother's snout. But the lifeless animal wouldn't answer its baby, no matter how it begged.

I could feel dad's eyes on me. He was waiting to see what I'd do.

Slowly, I cocked my gun. The fawn jumped at the noise, and looked up at me with interest. It didn't so much as flinch when I raised the weapon to my shoulder. I watched its huge eyes as it stared at me over the sights. It seemed to become distracted by a new breeze, which rolled past us briefly, casting a few green leaves from their branches.

My mind was blank.

I had shot the deer for practice and sport… I understood that. But this, this was neither of those. I was hardly a meter away, and with a .300, it didn't matter where I hit it, it would die instantly. But, a fawn couldn't survive on its own. It would be picked off by some predator within the hour. So, it didn't really matter if I was the one to kill it…

I lowered my gun.

The creature wandered in closer as I crouched down in front of it. Its legs were too long for its body, so it stumbled slightly, but eventually, it came close enough for me to ruffle its fur. It seemed oddly content with the contact, and nuzzled up to me as it would its mother.

"I'll look after it."

My father let out a sigh. "Fine, but it's not allowed in the house."

I nodded.

Time Leap: One week later

Breeze, the newly named fawn, rocketed across the cabin floorboards with the daily newspaper clamped tightly between his jaws, desperately trying to outrun my infuriated father.

"Bring back my newspaper you filthy rodent!" The man yelped, sliding after the deer in his socks.

Breeze ducked underneath the dining room table, quickly jumping out the other side. My father careened around the obstacle with impressive agility, but failed to avoid slamming into the adjacent hardwood wall.

He recovered in no time at all. "I'm seriously going to skin you this time!"

The fawn soon escaped out the back door, the soldier in hot pursuit.

My mother and I, who had been preparing lunch in the kitchen, ignored what had become a daily occurrence.

Mom had always been a good cook, and dad maintained that it was her food that won him over. She was so gracious about preparing a meal, that I often became entranced as she hurried between the different tasks, never failing to complete them in perfect precession.

I didn't inherit her skill.

No matter what it was, I always fumbled the pots or whatever else needed to be done. She always said I took after dad more than her, which I suppose was true. As such, she simply handed me a knife, and pointed to the vegetables. At least I felt kind of useful.

"Darl'! We're almost done here!" Mom called out the kitchen window.

Her blonde hair fluttered in the wind. She was a classic country girl, with all the curves and muscle needed to survive out here.

'Out here' being the lonely alpines where our cabin had been built. It was a beautiful spot, stationed close enough to the edge to provide a stunning view of the far-off city, which seemed to be sandwiched between three conflicting biomes. Dad had built it as a place to get away from the world.

Mom began plating up the food. Sloppy Joes. For those who don't know what the name describes, it could quite easily provide the wrong image. Two thick buns, laden with a spiced and flavoured mince that leaks out the sides. They taste pretty good with cheese.

I scooped a small helping of greens onto each dish, and carried them over to the table. I took note of my father's handgun, the holster strewn across his seat. It was a common sight, but for some reason the particular weapon always stood out to me.

"Guns off the table." Mom ordered as her husband stepped through the door.

"It's not on the table." He complained, still a little flustered. He moved it to the mantle anyway.

We all gathered, and sat for the meal. Dad said grace, before anxiously picking up his burger. Mom and I followed suit.

"Dad."

"Yeah?" He questioned between bites.

"Can you tell me the story again? About the Colt."

"Again? You must be bored of it by now." He said the words, but his face lit up.

"Please?"

The military man looked over at his gun fondly, and then to his wife, who usually opposed gun talk at meal times. But we both knew that this story was one of her favourites as well. The tale started off as it always did…

"The Colt 1911, a classic seven-in-chamber forty five calibre handgun, one of the best, and by far the most reliable." He paused to take another bite, chewing and swallowing before carrying on. "When I was overseas, on a certain mission to a certain place, I got separated from the team." He said 'certain' because he wasn't allowed to tell us. It added to the mystery. "Those good-for-nothings all thought I was dead! Could you believe it? I was trapped deep underground in this godforsaken labyrinth of a place, with a cheap Chinese rip-off rifle that kept getting jammed. So…"

"You pulled out the Colt." I filled in.

The man smiled. "I pulled out the Colt. And after an entire two days of shooting and scavenging for ammo, I finally found my way out of that hellhole. I was so happy to see they sky. I remember it so clearly. The sun was just rising over the horizon, and the dark night was slowly giving way to the most beautiful aqua. I'll never forget it as long as I live… That's why you got its name." He looked at me appreciatively. "That gun," his eyes snapped to it "has saved me more times than I care to count. I'd be dead without it." The man gazed over at my mother. "Which is why it should be allowed on the table!"

She gave an impressed laugh. "No matter how many times you say it, it ain't happening. It may be your saviour, but I don't wan' it anywhere near my food thank you." Her country accent came more prominently when she was amused.

Dad opened his mouth to protest, but a certain deer call interrupted. Breeze was yipping at something…

"I swear, I'm going to roast that thing someday. What's he complaining…" The sentence trailed off as engine noise rose to our senses.

A familiar engine noise…

Dad's face dropped. He set down his burger, and pushed away from the table. Mom and I looked at each other glumly, and followed him out of the house.

We waited patiently as the camouflaged Humvee rolled into view. Three inside, and one on the roof, the four Special Forces marines looked positively depressed. They all hated this part of the journey. Dad, their captain, was the only one of them that had a family. They always looked guilty when the showed up here…

My father stood rigidly as the truck stopped before him.

The second in command, Dodge, climbed out of the driver's seat. He was clad in full desert camo. I took a guess at where they were bound. Iraq? Egypt? Maybe somewhere in the States…

"Captain, we've got orders." Dodge was always the most formal in the group, and usually got tasked with breaking the news.

My dad nodded. "Give me two." He turned back to the house, and disappeared inside.

Marcus jumped from the roof and started towards me. He had always been a kind man. Big, and tough, but with a soft side. He placed a beefy hand on my head and messed my hair up a little. "Heya Sky."

"Hi Marcus." I smiled, pushing down the feeling of dread in my stomach. I knew it was easier for them if I seemed happy.

The big man paused for a moment, watching me. But he soon whirred back into action. He reached behind to his belt, where he removed a large package… Or, a small one, that had just been excessively wrapped. He handed it over for me to examine. It was long, and roughly clad in what appeared to be an entire roll of wrapping paper. They had probably stopped by at a newsagent to get it.

I let go a small giggle as I thought about the fully armed marines searching through the gift isle. "Can I open it now?"

"Sure can, kid."

I tore into it, fumbling a while as I unwound the paper puzzle. The four soldiers, Marcus, Dodge, Jacko and Sarah, watched on in anticipation. They always got me a gift before they took him away. Last time it was a backpack…

Finally, I tore through the thickest layer. What lay inside was a large, leather sheathed knife, probably the length of my forearm. Removing its cover, I inspected the blade with amazement. It had been sharpened to perfection. "Woah…"

The marines lit up, Jacko and Sarah sharing a subtle fist bump. Sadly, the hype was short-lived, as their captain stepped away from the front porch, tidied up in all his effects. With an assault rifle over his shoulder, and a rack bag on his back, he was set to leave home for however long the world needed him.

He stared into mom's eyes for a few seconds, before pulling her into a tight hug as they began to water. It was my turn next, and it couldn't come slow enough. He kneeled down a little so he could stare me straight at me. "You look after your mother, alright?"

It took all of my effort to hold back the emotions that bubbled within. The corner of my eyes prickled with moister, but I wasn't going to cry, not in front of him. Standing up straight, I ground my teeth to make sure no words slipped out, and nodded.

The man who had watched the internal battle for years, gave a sad smile. "That's my girl." His rough hand clapped my shoulder briefly, before slipping away as he turned. His boots threw small wisps of dust as he strode across the driveway, and saddled himself into the passenger seat. "Let's go, marines."

"Yes, sir!" A unanimous response rang out.

Marcus climbed back onto his perch, jumping the heavy suspension with each step. Dodge gave us one final nod, before placing himself in the driver's seat. And with the roar of an engine, and the clank of shifted gears, the Hummer turned tightly, and carried my father away...

Time Leap: Exactly one year later

Breeze had gotten bigger, almost up to my waist. Of course, so had I. My hair was longer and darker, my legs were a little lankier, and my thoughts had turned bleak.

My bare feet rested on the bottom step of our front deck, unmoving so as to avoid splinters from the well-used wood. An uneven drizzle of rain had set the sky dark, and only promised to become heavier. It gave the air a smell of anticipation, one that was wasted on me.

"Sky," my mother's half-hearted call had become her only tone of voice.

I turned to find her in the door frame.

Her dulled eyes ran the same path mine had. Down the steps, across the rain speckled driveway, and around the distant bend. But neither of us could hear that engine...

"He's never been away this long. Not once..." I mumbled to myself.

"He'll be back soon."

"But what if-"

"He'll be back." She nodded knowingly, convincing herself. "He'll be back." The doubt in her eyes was the only sane thing there. She was a mess.

I gave my best smile. "You're right. He'll be back."

Her wandering gaze snapped to mine, lighting up. For a split second, her mind was clear as she smiled back to me. But the boisterous storm above did not allow it a moment longer.

Rain hammered down from above.

Time Leap: Six months later

She had turned into a nervous wreck.

The first year had been tough, but she'd held out. Unfortunately, that was the end of her strength. One whole year without a word from the man she loved. Not knowing if he was trapped, lost, or dead… Of course I understood it. It was the same for me…

But one of us needed to stay upright.

I taught myself how to cook. It was slow going at the start, and my first few dishes were even pushed away by Breeze. But, I eventually got the hang of it. Some ingredients went together, others didn't. Mom ate anything though. Always with a 'thank you'.

They were hollow words.

My daily routine helped to push back any stray thoughts. Wake up, open the windows, put breakfast on, sweep the floors, eat, tend to the garden, put lunch on, feed Breeze, eat, clean the rifles, go for a run, put dinner on, have a shower, eat, put mom to bed, brush my teeth, quick workout to exhaust myself, sleep. I had the events planned down to the minute, with no gaps in between. The floors sparkled and the guns gleamed, which was satisfying…

Mom stayed in bed. And Breeze left early, wandering into the forest, returning for food.

I kept them both comfortable, going about everything with a knife on my belt. I never let go of the damn thing. It was like a curse, the thin leather sheath clinging to me with every step, every sway, every motion. I hated it.

But I couldn't put it down. Not even for a second.

Reality had dawned on me a long time ago… He wasn't coming back.

But the knife was like a promise, and as long as I had it, I could hope a little.

And so I did.

Time Leap: Six months later

"Go back to bed, Mom."

"I can hear it! This time, this time it's the engine!"

"It's just the wind…"

Time Leap: Three weeks later

I was dicing carrots when I heard it.

Carrots were the hardest. They liked to roll around and pester you with daring acts of escapism, where they would leap from under the knife and onto the floor. It took me an age to devise an answer to this. Cut the thing along its length, and separate it into two halves. Now you've got one flat side on each piece. Much easier to cut.

Gravel shifted in the distance.

My cooking expertise had expanded over the past few months. I taught myself how to operate Dad's old laptop, and discovered a mass of information on the World Wide Web. Tutorials, videos, books, everything I wanted to know. My home-schooling had ground to a halt over a year ago, and although I hated it back then, now I just felt curious. So I read articles, and watched bald men explain mathematics on a whiteboard. It was interesting, and I could feel myself becoming smarter.

Thundering wheels threw a cloud of dust behind them, finally becoming visible on the unpaved road.

I hadn't been hunting since he left…

Breeze, having returned for lunch, began yipping madly from the porch, which meant I couldn't ignore it anymore. Wiping my knife on the kitchen towel, I slipped it back into its sheath. And strode outside. I waited expectantly on the front steps, the afternoon sun casting an unwelcome gold. It was warm, but my expression was icy. My heart was pounding, but I didn't let it show.

It was a miracle that by the time the engine had softened, and the dust had settled, my mother wasn't tearing the house to shreds in utter misplaced excitement. She was sleeping. Ironic really, how much she had yearned for this sight, and was now missing out on it… Waking her now would just make everything more painful.

Bracing myself, I put on a pleasant expression as Dodge's boots hit the ground. The Hummer was missing two people. Jacko still sat upright, unwilling to lay down in Sarah's spot, despite how weary he looked. And Marcus still perched on the roof, despite the perfectly good passenger seat which now lay unoccupied. Mind you, the vehicle itself had been through the works. Every spare inch of metal was littered with dints and scrapes, and the bulletproof glass had long ago been kicked out.

Dodge stopped a few meters away, sensing the wall that now lay between us. Everything about him screamed uncomfortable and apologetic. "Sky."

I nodded, focusing all my energy on maintaining myself. "Dodge."

He stood upright, preparing himself. "Ma'am, I regret to inform you that while in action, Captain Vale was shot and killed by an enemy of the state."

The words came quicker than I had expected them to. I paused for a moment to ensure they had sunk in. The last tendril of optimism was squashed from the depths of my mind. "I understand." My eyes jumped back to the marine's. "How'd it happen?"

The man shifted, either thrown by my indifference, or the question. "We hit heavy fire while retrieving a target. Your father took multiple high calibre rounds to his torso and legs. Nonetheless, he fought until we made it out alive. The mission was a success, but only because of his sacrifice."

An image of my father, injured, but still standing while he waved the rest of his squad onwards. It made me smile. "He always loved taking the credit."

"Yeah. He did."

It took me a moment to recognise the cool touch of tears, as they folded down my cheeks. I wiped them up with my sleeve. "And Sarah?"

"Taken out while clearing an occupied bunker." The man smirked. "Didn't stop her from lighting a few grenades beforehand."

I was taken by an unsurprised laugh. "Something only she would do." My lips jumped to the next topic, even though I knew where it would lead. "And the target? It was a retrieval mission. So who was it?"

He tensed. "I'm afraid that's classified."

"Who the fuck was it!?" I clapped my hands over my mouth, the pleasant façade shattered in an instant. A sickness began to spread throughout my insides, staining it all black. Guilt and anxiety swelled like a king tide, throbbing in my gut.

My throat was sticky as I panicked to swallow the emotions. If I let them out, I didn't know what would happen…

Minutes ticked by before I could right myself. I felt my gaze turn steely.

Dodge, who had remained on his side of the wall, examined me closely. The action eventuated in a slow movement, as he took something from his belt.

The polished hilt shown in the sunlight, gleaming despite the mood. How inconsiderate…

Dodge held the thing out to me, the leather holster grasped firmly between his fingers. "He wanted you to have this."

For a moment, I didn't move as I regarded the thing with mild disgust. But, without tearing my eyes from it, I stepped tentatively. "What about his body?"

"We weren't able to recover it."

My pace fell to a stop as I reached the offering. Hesitantly, I took it in hand, watching the metal slip from its casing. "So this is all that's left…"

The soldier said nothing.

I held the weapon up. "The Colt 1911, a classic seven-in-chamber forty five calibre handgun, one of the best, and by far the most reliable…" I mimicked, copying his tone. It seemed to flash at the mention of its name.

It sheathed roughly, and I took the covered thing in my hand, still debating if it was welcome or not. You didn't save him this time…

"Sky, if there's anything you need…"

Oh really? Anything? How about my father, you piece of shit.

I returned my gaze to the man before me. The man, not the soldier. He stood unevenly, and it looked unnatural. My head shook in a slow, rhythmic pattern. "We'll be fine. He's been dead for a while."

The last sentence turned Dodge's face a little sour. I could see the thought ticking over in his brain, whirring through the undeniable process. My blank stare connected with his in confirmation. I wasn't the cute little girl he knew, not anymore. She had died with my father.

Maybe I had been holding it back until now, but it was as if I had fractured that thin façade.

I felt angry.

"Goodbye, Dodge." I spun tightly, and walked across the dirt, up the steps, and inside. The door slammed behind me. It was only once I was inside, with my back pressed firmly against the wood, that I realised I hadn't said a word to Jacko or Marcus.

Through my fury, a little bit of me wondered if they were okay, and if I'd ever see them again…

The Hummer roared to life, and each shift in the gears screamed at me to run outside, and apologise, to tell them everything I felt, and ask them to stay.

But I didn't.

And after a short spray of gravel, and an echo of fading noise, the mountainside was quiet once more.

The only thing that had changed, was I now clutched a gun to my chest.

I placed it delicately on the dining room table, and after a brief pause, returned to my carrots. Cut the length, dice them up. Cut the length, dice them up. Cut the length…

It was an hour before dinner was ready. Day had turned to dusk, and dusk had turned to night. It was always cold up here, but this evening was especially so. The vegetable soup was murky, and carried with it an uncertain aftertaste. Breeze was nowhere to be found.

"Mom. Dinner." I called into the unlit portion of our now too-large house.

She emerged minutes later. Her unwashed blonde hair had darkened considerably, and her face was taunted by miscellaneous wrinkles. Everything about her was untidy, except her nails. Some sane part of her still groomed them to perfection, even adding a new coat of gloss every morning. I had never questioned it.

Her eyes caught on the handgun like a sniffer dog catches drugs. I hadn't seen her smile like that in months, eyes lit with excitement.

I returned my soup spoon to its bowl with a tiny clank. "He's dead."

I dared not look up at her, until I heard the tell-tale clatter of a gun being moved. My head snapped towards my mother, my thoughts spinning in a thousand different ways. But she was holding it away from her, still holstered. Smile still present, tears rolling in gentle cascades down her cheeks, hesitant and slow.

"…Mom?"

She took a step back, and turned towards her room, pausing only momentarily. "No guns on the table."

It was the most logical thing she had said over the past year. An odd pang of familiarity accompanied the line, and it took me off guard. I gave her a slight nod. "Okay."

She nodded back, maintaining eye contact with the over polished floorboards as she wandered off.

I was surprised. Perhaps some streak of sanity had survived the ordeal… Maybe she would recover. It would take a while, but maybe she would come back to her senses. Although, I doubted she would ever relieve the grief. She was just that type of pers-

My whole body quaked as a single gunshot hammered the air.

A silent moment passed, before a heavy thud bounded from the next room.

The air was still.

I took another spoonful of soup.

Author Note:

...There's still a lot of unanswered questions about Sky's character. I don't know the answers to them all myself. Sometimes I fell like I'm just writing fanfiction of my own fanfiction... Oh well, I'll let you guys speculate on the rest of it, for now. She's certainly changed a lot after this point... Like Raven did. Maybe their backstories just aren't finished? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

SO YES, WE SWITCHED TO A FIRST TEN REVIEWS SYSTEM! For those of you who weren't paying attention last time. To be honest, I expected you guys to be more pissed about it than you were. One or two of you expressed distaste, but overall, the consensus was pretty positive. So, thanks. It makes my job a lot easier. :)

Still, reviews that didn't make the top ten might be answered depending on whether A) There's a question or statement that needs answering. B) IT ACTUALLY HAS A SUGGESTION ABOUT HOW TO IMPROVE MY WRITING/STORYTELLING, including constructive criticism. C) You say something insanely funny. D) I have spare time. E) You're new to the Donut Brigade. F) I feel like doing it.

Now, with that done and dusted...

Reviews!

Funniest Review: derpysauce

"Dodgy as scientology? I'll have you know I graduated at the top of my class at "being a brainless follower" university with top marks in the course "how to be a slave" 101 and with that in mind I can guarantee scientology is gr8. I must admit the David and Felix thing feels strange. Like come on David you are a rippled stud and Felix is a black and white cat from a comic strip in 1923. You could beat that pussy for her pussy any day ;) Mmm love me some delaying your next chapter... huh what your still here keep moving trust me there is nothing else here... Please don't leave me again ;-;"

Oh my, we have fallen so far for my humor to be impressed by Scientology memes and sexual innuendos. One could say my comedy tastes have turned a little... stiff. ;) *dies of embarrassment* BY GOD, WHAT ARE YOU MAKING ME SAY!?

First Ten:

1) The Doctor: Thanks man, I appreciate your support. And hey, congrats on first place. :)
2) zedproskater: Heyooooo, number two huh? Nice. Hope the update time was a little better this time, sorry about my usual absences, I'll try and pick it back up. Ooooooo, an interview question! I love interview questions! "how did u get so good and what made u become a fanfic writer. :3" Well, I spent a year in the pacific islands, where the internet was equivalent to shit all. I had an iPad with Notes, and that was pretty much it. So I wrote, essentially nonstop, aged a year, and came back to civilization, where I just continued to evolve the skill. I'm still trying to do that. As for "what made u become a fanfic writer." I was heavily inspired by a story (now missing from the face of the Earth) called Cupa. I loved it. And one of my friends just happened to mention they once wrote a Minecraft fanfiction, so I was like "Hell, why the fuck not?" And here we are, 36 chapters, 602 reviews, and 228 favorites later. :)
3) rrmurphy0: Rocky! Hey, I remember your username showing up. :) Compliments galore! *Searches up cromeanxiety* Woah, he looks pretty cool, I'm gonna have to read his stuff now. Thanks for introducing me. Still, super glad you're enjoying it so much. Hope this chapter expressed something new as well. Stay tuned. :D
4) derpysauce: /\/\/\ Funny as always my friend. :J
5) Fleefmuister: I spent half an hour reading SURVIVE, so I'm going to cut this a little short, hope you don't mind. ':P But that aside, it looks as if life has been handing you diamonds, other people get lemons, but no, you my friend, are a fucking legend. I mean AP Calculus? A new novel? Credit advancement at 90 marks!? FIFTH BASE!? ONE PUNCHING A FUCKING DRAGON!? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CANNOT DO!? You sir, are someone I admire. Take care, and be confident in your ass kicking ability. :) Oh also, UncleInTheAttic says "I already took AP Calc as a sophomore. :P" I AM NOT A MESSENGER PIGEON!
6) Ghfux: Oh, well, if I can't kill her, can I chop off one of her limbs? Nothing says dramatic like limbs. Not sure on the DavidXSky ship, I feel like she just doesn't match that, although, there's a lot I don't know about her apparently. I guess we'll see where it goes. :3 And don't tell anyone else because they'll kill me... But I love awful endings too... Shhhhhhhhh... Muha, muhahahaha... ha. Stay super sappy somewhat sadistically slick Steve!
7) UncleInTheAttic (Birthday Bro): HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NOW GO BACK AND READ THE CHAPTER FIRST. In this case, you should open your present before you read the card. I hope I'm not too late! You live in America, so I'm posting on the 18th here to match you, because you've just got to make things difficult. :P So, so, so, what'd you get! Cooooool stuff and not socks I hope, (although socks can be cool too.) Ahem, now, I shall answer your review, but make sure you tell me all about your day, 'kay? (I'm never saying 'kay again. That was a special one time service.) Well done on making it to seventh place! I have a feeling there won't be trouble getting you into the leader boards since you practically pounce on updates. AND BEFORE YOU MENTION IT, NO, I DIDN'T NAME THE SARAH IN THIS CHAPTER AFTER MYSELF (or the name you've decided for me anyway,) it was just a... convenient coincidence. Hahaha, don't worry too much about your quiz results, it's not like I told the entire Donut Brigade about it in the top author note. ...Oh wait. Ahem, yes... I'm not sure what I was thinking with Mineking's review... that did not suit me at all... You have an internal picture of me? I mean, of course you do. Woah, woah, between Key and Amber, and the cover photo!? I'm a super model! Hahaha, well if we ever run into each other, you are going to be super disappointed with expectations like that. Still... I'm flattered. Thank you. :) In my mind, you have a beard, and wear a beanie. ...I'm not sure why. Felix and Amber... *Hurls* Reeeeeallly? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmphhhhhhhhh. AND WAIT, WEREN'T YOU AN AMBER FAN FOR A WHILE!? WHERE DID THIS KAVID SHIT COME FORM!? Or am I just going batshit insane. Oh hey look, Sky talked again. Updates are first written by the way. Glad you thought the last chapter was good, I was hoping the writing style was okay. It was actually the first time I tried to express those types of emotions through any characters. Dude, It'd be awesome to meet! But... I'd be nervous as hell, and I'd make it awkward as hell, and what if you get catfished? I could be an eighty year old grown man going through a late-life crisis. :'D ... Or you could be a eighty year old man... HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. That would explain why you're bad at quizzes. :P Still, if I do end up appearing stateside, that'd be rad. :) ...I've never had frozen custard before. Now look what you've made me do, that's like a good 400 words of response right there... *Siiiiiiiigh* Hahah, happy birthday brother. Take care. :)
8) Chase1998: If you sound like a robot, you're probably R2D2, because you're the most lovable robot alive. Even if you do say it on repeat, it's always appreciated. You're a legend, and to be honest, your review took away a lot of stress. So thank you. Take care Chase. :)
9) Mineking57: YES SHE CAN. Or she could... Or she might be able to... Who knows? And ahahahahaaahaaaaaaa... Yeah, I'm so sorry about that, I was severely embarrassed for about an hour after posting. I half promise not to do anything like that to you ever again. Congrats on finishing your exams! How'd you do? *Shifts through Endergirl archives to find old review where you answered quiz questions* Let's see... Number 3) Your answer: "Isaac Gilan." Although partially correct, Isaac actually first introduced himself sarcastically as "Herobrine." I could have given you half a point, but I was feeling extra harsh. :P Question 6, no answer. Question 8, no answer. Question 10) You said: "1B" Close, but Zoe's class is actually 1C. Despite that, I'm pretty sure you scored highest in the quiz out of everyone, unless I missed/forgot someone else. Well done!
10) AwesomeCoolGuy5 (He's awesome and cool): Because you might HDM-Die! ...I'm sorry. Oh god, not 127 Hours! Still, glad you enjoyed it. Amputations huh? Now that's an interesting idea... Let me know what you thought, and stay rad. :D

Daaaaaaaaamn, Shine and PBJ just missed the mark, followed by backlasheaton and welcometodalolz! Sorry guys, you'll have to get to it quicker next time! :)

Extra Reviews:

StubTailDstroyer (Because he's been away for ages and I want to say a quick hello): AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyy! I missed you! And Fluffy, where is she? I won't talk for long because that'd be a little unfair to everyone else that missed out this chapter, but it's really good to hear from you! Trailridge Trail in the Rocky Mountains? Added to the list. Thanks. :)
TheKillerProductionz: Thanks for the review, and welcome to the Donut Brigade!
Carter2083: This is probably the nicest review I've read in a while. Honestly, it's so great to hear that I've actually inspired someone, so thank you, for letting me know. And thank you for reading and supporting, I appreciate it a lot. I'll see what I can do about David and Key huh? :P But hey, "No one can tell your story but yourself. No one can write your story so write it yourself." Those are wise words. Make sure you follow them too, and don't give up. Writing is a skill that takes time to polish. Just keep writing for yourself, and the talent will follow. Take care, and welcome to the Donut Brigade! :)
jedi3579: Glad you're enjoying it! And if I haven't said it already, welcome to the Donut Brigade!
Ender (Because we were talking about romance): Close? That's really cute... I'm jealous. How are you guys doing now? I hope it's going well. :)
James: If you pay me, I will release a chapter ever two days. :'D I'm so broke. Welcome to the Donut Brigade man.
timmbob: NOW HOLDS THE RECORD FOR MOST CHAPTERS READ IN A DAY! Nice. :D

And that will do, as far as that goes. Okay, that was a little more manageable. Sorry about everyone who got cut, and if I missed any new people, forgive me. You'll all just have to read faster next time. May the best reader win! Alternatively, you can try to fit any of the criteria mentioned above. It's more likely I'll respond to shorter reviews in that case though, just a heads up. :) Also, it was someone's idea to put all usernames in bold as well as underlined (I forget who, I'm sorry.) Thoughts?

Still, happy birthday to UncleInTheAttic, and I'll see you all in chapter 37. A way-full word of warning though... Beware the Atlantic salmon, and all its hidden powers.

Ciao. :)

- Sylent