Chapter 52: Angela Ledore

With the shopping district behind us, we enter an empty road with barely any street lighting. "So this is where all the houses are!" Luke points out while eyeing a brick home.

"At least there's some part of this town that isn't all noise," I mutter to myself. The young apprentice nods in agreement with me.

"Yes. Monte d'Or's main district is lively, but I doubt many people actually live there," Hershel adds. I look down the street, noticing a separate path going off to the left. Above the brick wall are spotlights dancing across the night sky. What on earth could need so much attention brought onto it?

I freeze at the sound of a gruff voice coming from behind me. "Hold it right there, youse! Whatcha sneakin' around here for?" Without a second thought, I force myself in front of Luke, ready to fight my way out. A pretty tall man with blue hair approaches us from the shadows. He doesn't seem too happy to see tourists.

Hershel steps in with a smile. "We're headed to Angela Ledore's estate. Could you be kind enough to point us in the right direction?" The thug doesn't move an inch.

"I could. I could also be kind enough to see that you address Mrs. Ledore wit a bit more respect there, top hat! What kinda trouble you hidin' under that chimney on top of your head there, anyways? A mask, maybe?" he retorts. I take a few steps forward while glaring him down. The professor quickly blocks me with his arm. "Ooooh got a feisty dame there, don't ya? Better tell her to back off before she breaks a nail," The stranger sneers down at me.

Despite Hershel's warning look, I take another step closer to the blue haired man. "You're all talk, aren't you? I didn't think a bum like you would be so soft," I snap back. He cracks his knuckles to appear menacing. "Why don't you prove me wrong then?" I move in front of the professor, readying into a defensive stance.

"Now, now. Down, you two. You're bordering on creating a scene. And a most unappealing one, at that. No need to resort to violence. Unless you think we could actually get away with it. Heh heh, just kidding. Sort of. If you have a dispute to settle, perhaps you could use an elegant mind to craft an elegant solution." A man with a crescent shaped face appears between me and the tall thug. Hershel pulls me back gently with a serious expression. He's probably angry with me for not listening to him. Still, something about this seems...strange. Where did this guy even come from?

"When resolving a conflict, a gentleman always prefers the elegant solution." He replies to the shifty looking fellow. His face becomes lighter as he speaks.

The well dressed man is quiet for a moment. "Hm. Well, I assure you I have little interest in a gentleman's preferences. How about a battle of wits by moonlight, then?" Both Hershel and the tall punk nod along. He continues with a grin, and pulls out a small table. "I have four cups. I will place a ball in a cup. You point to the cup with the ball. Do you follow?" The two walk up to the table and nod. I shuffle next to Hershel, but don't make eye contact with him. The crescent faced 'facilitator' raises one of the cups to reveal a red ball underneath it. He then proceeds to move the cups around to demonstrate.

"I see. However, I'm not certain this would necessarily qualify as a battle of wits," The professor objects politely. Neither of the strangers pays him any mind. As much as I don't trust these two, I'm in hot water with Hershel anyway. May as well let him do his own thing now.

Luke trots forward, looking very determined. "Leave this to me, Professor! I can get this!" he chirps. The taller hoodlum rolled his eyes and sighed in annoyance.

"Oi, you can't let a kid play! You gotta take dis serious!" He argues. The young boy hesitates to approach the table. I nudge him forward, shooting the stranger a venomous stare.

The other stranger doesn't stop Luke from coming forward. "Heh heh heh. Cute. It seems you are evenly matched. Now, shall we?" he announces while slicking back his hair. "Keep your eyes on my handsome hands." He lifts up one of the cups that hides the red ball and, effortlessly, moves them around the table. "Who's first then?" he asks rather nasally.

The blue haired bum steps forward in less than a second. "Okay, fine. I can outsmart a kid!" he boasts. After looking over the table, he chooses one on the far right. "Now it's your turn, boy." I shuffle a little closer to the young boy, not taking my eyes off the tall man. Luke doesn't notice me and points at the cup next to the stranger. When the cups are lifted, the red ball is under the cup that the thug chose.

"But...I was certain that was the one," the apprentice mutters. He looks so dejected. I put a hand on his shoulder for comfort.

"Well, it wasn't! Next time, spend more time watching the ball and less time checking yer diapers!" Luke's competitor laughs at the child. I resist the urge to punch him in the stomach, but it's not easy. What a prick.

"So is this dispute settled, then?" the crescent faced man asks. Emmy walks forward to the group. She looks very serious.

"Hardly. Step aside, you two. I'll handle this," she answers.

"Of course. First a kid, now a girl? What's dis world comin' to?!" the blue haired man huffs in annoyance. I get very close to him, glaring. Emmy watches on with a smile.

"Do you have a problem with that?" I growl to him. He looks panicked for a moment but then regains his composure in a few seconds.

"You tryin to be intimidating down there? Ohhh no, I'm so afraid of a little dame like you!" he chuckles to himself. I grit my teeth while he measures my height to his own.

"That's alright. Statistically speaking, tall people die younger than short people. I already feel better, knowing I have that to look forward to," I reply with a smirk. Descole's insults actually have come in handy...The thug's eyes widen as if he actually believes me. Emmy covers her mouth, trying not to burst into laughter. The professor only stands off to the side, watching me closely. The blue haired hobo soon realizes it was a joke and clenches his fists.

"Think ya funny, eh? Two can play at dis game, girlie. You're so damn short, you'd drown by the time ya realized it was rainin," he retorts. The crescent faced man sighs, shaking his head.

"Very original. I'm sure it took you a lot of time to think of that one. But there's something I can't help mentioning. It must be really terrible being that tall, what with the birds always trying to build nests in your hair like that...Oh! Sorry, that IS your hair!" I look up at his ridiculous looking hair. He steps closer to me, looking down in anger.

"You know what, on second thought...maybe it would be best to settle this with violence," Emmy proposes while cracking her knuckles.

"Now, now, let's all take a deep breath. Just relax...and focus on my fancy fingers!" Our 'facilitator' interjects and begins shuffling the cups again. I step back from the thug and focus on where the ball started from. My eyes attentively follow each move he makes. It looks like it should be in the far right cup again. "What do you say? My handsome hands have done their job!" He puts his hands out to gesture the two to guess. I barely notice that one of his fingers is pointing towards the far left cup. I don't say anything, in case it's just a coincidence.

"Winner's choice. So I'll go first, girlie." The walking beanpole skims each choice he can make. In a second he claims the far left cup. Emmy goes for the opposite one without saying a word. The crescent faced man lifts up every cup. Sure enough, that stupid ball is under the thug's choice.

"What?! Hmm. There's something odd about all of this..." she mutters to herself. I watched that game closely and the only 'logical' place that ball could end up would be Emmy's cup. Unless, of course...they were cheating.

The man with the mohawk smirked at Hershel's assistant. "Yeah, odd like the four of youse sneakin' around here, eh? I'd say dats odd! And I just did! I bet the gentleman wants a shot too! Care for a go, top hat? Or do you let the ladies and kiddies do all yer dirty work?" I prepare a rude reply but the professor takes a few steps to the thug.

"I'd be delighted to play...now that you two have clearly tipped your hand." He answers, gripping the brim of his hat. Part of me wants to volunteer to solve the ridiculous puzzle, but I might provoke another fight. But it's incredibly obvious that these 'gentlemen' aren't playing fairly.

"Please don't suggest that I am involved here in some manner. I am only a facilitator," the moon faced man says defensively.

"Yeah, Conner don't know— I mean, dis facilitator guy don't know nuttin' about nuffin'! Come on! I ain't got all night!" I roll my eyes at how incompetent this guy is. He seems to notice my annoyance and glares at me. If Luke wasn't here I wouldn't hesitate to knock a few of his teeth in.

"One last time, I will allow you to gaze upon my dashingly dexterous digits." For the third time, the cups are moved around in random order. I don't pay it much attention. Instead, I watch Hershel's eyes as they dart around to each cup. "What do you say? My handsome hands have done their job!" I'm very sick of this guy going on about his precious hands. Unless...

"So I'm gonna choose..." the blue haired hobo readies to choose the cup, but Hershel stops him.

"If it's all the same, I'd like to go first." He must've figured it out by now. It seems to be fairly obvious at this point.

His competitor is taken aback. "What?! Well...alright. But hurry up!" he grumbles. The 'facilitator' lifts up the cup Hershel chose once they both make their decisions.

"I hope you'll be letting us pass now then. You two have been a bit of a bother after all," I add in with a smirk. However, Bed Head doesn't seem to like this.

"No dice, missie! Conner, you said-"

"Now, now, let's not make this ugly. You must leave the field of battle at once! Move along now," his partner in crime states calmly.

"But I was...But you said...! I'll remember dis, facilitator guy! You can be sure of dat! Dis conflict ain't resolved! Not by a long shot!" He stomps off into the alleyway in a huff. What a baby.

"A well-earned victory. Do enjoy it while you can. I look forward to seeing you again sometime in the future. I must be on my way as well. Farewell!" The moon faced man winks at me and leave in the same direction as the other thug.

"Gross. Not a chance, you creep," I mutter after them with a shiver. Luke and Emmy head over to us once they're both gone.

"How did you know where the ball was?" The professor's apprentice asks in amazement.

"You didn't notice? Our facilitator, Conner, indicated the location of the ball with his fingers as he held his hands over the cups," Hershel explains with a smile.

Emmy furrows her eyebrows. "I knew they were cheating! I hope we run into those slimeballs again!" I laugh nervously, reminded of the strange flirtatious wink I received.

"What were they even doing here? Do they even work here or something?" Luke wonders aloud. I gaze down the dim alleyway for a moment.

"I doubt it. If they're resorting to hustling people for their money, then they clearly don't have a steady job," I reply. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were more of those thugs around here." Emmy nods her head heartily.

"I'm not sure what that was about, but I doubt they were acquaintances of Angela's," Hershel points out. He seems to trust Angela a lot. Who knows if she would actually hire people like that?

"Maybe they were just out looking to con some tourists," Emmy suggests. With that, we continue on our original path to Angela Ledore's home in silence.

One thing that's bothered me a little is that Hershel has never mentioned Angela to me before. Did something happen between them? That must be the case, since he's mentioned other things from his past without hesitation. I wouldn't dare press him about it, since I'll probably find out in due time anyway. Has he even kept in contact with her before this? It'd be strange to get a letter from a friend from 18 years ago without any notice. At least with Clark back in Misthallery, it hadn't been that long since they saw each other. And what was that thing she mentioned in her letter?...The Mask of Chaos? What on earth could that be about? Something tells me Descole has something to do with this. Then again, when is he not involved? The Masked Gentleman and all these 'dark miracles' seem like something he would do. But that voice didn't sound familiar at all...Did it? Maybe I'm just getting paranoid. If it really is Descole doing this, what do I do? I couldn't tell Hershel; otherwise I'd ruin everything for Desmond. He's wanted whatever he's after his whole life!...He didn't tell me what it was though. Does he still not trust me? But what if he lied? I don't think I'd be surprised if he did. He wouldn't though. His feelings seemed genuine that night, and he knows what he's doing is wrong. But Hershel just wants to fix things...things that Descole is doing to reach his goal.

"Teresa, what are you doing? What's wrong?" Luke's voice pulls me back into reality. I notice how heavily I'm breathing, and that I'm far behind the others. The boy's face is plastered with concern. I relax my tensed shoulders and unfold my arms, taking a moment to calm myself down.

"Y-yeah, everything's fine. There's no need to worry about me. I just, uh, got a little carried away," I stammer and force a smile on my face. "Let's just keep going. We're almost there anyway." I walk quickly ahead, ignoring Hershel's blank stare. Emmy and Luke don't seem to notice my slight unease and continue moving.

"This must be the Ledore estate," Emmy announces as we approach a pale brown wall in a few minutes.

"After 18 years, I'm a bit nervous to see Angela again, if you can believe that," Hershel tells us, smiling.

"Oh, there's nothing you need to worry about! I'm sure she'll be overjoyed to see you after so long," I reassure him with a playful elbow. He chuckles at me. Part of me believes that didn't convince him that nothing happened before.

Once we enter through the steel gates, a brick mansion lies ahead of us. It reminds me a little of Descole's place, with the abundance of windows and all. My eyes spot a figure standing on the balcony, but I can't tell who it is until we get closer.

A rather beautiful woman with white blonde hair looks off in the distance. Worry clouds her pale face. The four of us halt on the stairs leading to the front door.

"Angela..." Hershel says into the night. He looks up at her, holding the brim of his hat firmly. The lady turns down to us, slightly surprised. I see her say something to herself before she runs out of view. We approach the front doors and watch the doorknobs turn as the owner of the house opens them inward. She instantly looks at the professor.

"It's so wonderful to see you again, Hershel," she says with a small smile. I fumble with my shirt as they greet each other.

"Wonderful to see you, Angela. You look lovelier than ever," he replies with cheerful smile.

"Thank you so much for coming, Hershel," she says. Her voice sounds exasperated.

"Of course. I left as soon as I received your letter. It was a bit...vague, however."

"Please forgive me. I didn't know how much detail I should have gone into. You know more about the Mask of Chaos than nearly anyone, Hershel. I just didn't know who else I could trust...Oh, where are my manners? Please, won't you come inside?" She steps aside to let us enter her home. Inside is perfectly maintained and neat, as I expected it would be. It all looks so comfortable. "I'm disappointed in you, Professor! The Hershel Layton I know would never neglect to introduce his friends."

"Oh, of course. My apologies. This is-"

"Emmy Altava, the professor's assistant. A pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Ledore," The brunette jumps in with a smile.

"And I'm the professor's apprentice, Luke Triton! Charmed, Mrs. Ledore," Luke greets her politely. Angela smiles at both of them, and then turns expectantly to me. My face turns red at the sudden attention. I didn't realize how long it's been since I was formerly introduced to someone.

"H-hello, Angela. I'm Teresa Foley. I'm a-a friend of Hershel's from college. You have a very lovely...face," I stutter nervously and shake her hand. God, please don't tell me my hands are sweaty.

I manage to get a laugh out of her. "Oh, from college? Maybe we can exchange embarrassing stories about Hershel," she responds, smiling brightly. I laugh a little, starting to relax a bit more. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you three. I'm sorry my husband could not be here."

"How is Henry these days? Extraordinary how time flies, isn't it?" Hershel asks his old friend.

"Yes, it is. Henry is doing well, thank you. You haven't changed a bit, Hershel. Aside from finally getting your hair cut," she replies. Angela looks at me with a small smile on her face. Hershel had long hair?...I can hardly imagine that.

"Ha ha... ah yes, that. Well, we can talk about that later. Could we discuss your letter for a moment? I must say, we've already experienced quite a bit of excitement since arriving here in Monte D'or." Hershel avoids the subject of his hair easily. While I'm slightly disspaointed that we can't go into more detail about Hershel's old hair, I suppose it's best to get back on track.

Angela's face turns serious in an instant. "Yes, the Masked Gentleman is turning the town upside down. Everyone is on edge. Did you hear that he transformed a group of people into...horses? It sounds absurd, I know, but there were several witnesses!"

"When I was entering town, he terrorized the parade by turning people to stone. Not to mention we heard that he made the paintings in the museum come to life," I explain to her.

"I still don't understand how he did such a thing! But it certainly was terrifying!" Luke adds, eyes wide.

"How awful. It's clear the Masked Gentleman is trying to destroy our city with the power of the Mask of Chaos. With all of the tourists coming and going here, we still haven't been able to identify all of the victims so far. Our residents are living in fear now, terrified of these marvels, or miracles, or whatever awful name he calls them!" Angela's voice is heavy with worry. I feel bad for her. Who knows how much toil she's gone through trying to keep everything together? But she mentioned that Mask of Chaos again...

"Angela, do you know for certain that he has the actual Mask of Chaos? After all, that mask was lost...with Randall." Hershel pulls the brim of his hat over his eyes. Who's Randall? Something bad must've happened to him if the professor is so distant when mentioning his name...

A quick but sharp pain courses through my body. I stay as still as possible as everything I can see blurs to white for a moment. It's just like those visions before, back in Misthallery and that theatre Descole built. Everything sounds muffled, but I can make out frantic voices calling out. It looks like Monte D'or, only in ruin. Somebody is dangling from a cliff, only holding onto someone's hand to keep from falling. The person hanging is wearing only white. However, I can't see anything else about them. When I try to focus on the scene, it fades back to Angela's house. Nobody seems to notice what happened. It must've occurred in a matter of seconds.

"Randall Ascot was my best friend and the one who discovered the mask," Hershel responds to a question that seems was asked ages ago.

"Professor? Your...best friend discovered the Mask of Chaos?" Emmy questions, obviously curious like the rest of us.

Angela looks at Hershel with sadness enveloping her eyes. "So you haven't told them about Randall? Or the mask?" I feel a strange sense of disappointment. Why didn't he tell any of us? He told me I could tell him anything, but that doesn't that go both ways?

"No...I was hoping for...Honestly, I don't know what I was hoping for, Angela," Hershel mutters. He still holds onto his hat tightly.

"Hershel, you can trust us. We're always willing to listen to you," I reassure him. I give him my kindest smile to encourage him. Usually he would smile back at me, but his face stays the same.

"Randall discovered the mask...and then...What happened after that was my fault." The professor averts anyone's gaze. Could Randall...be dead? There doesn't seem to be any other explanation.

"You mustn't blame yourself, Hershel. Since the accident, Henry has gone into those ruins many times searching...All these years...searching for Randall. Henry found the mask, Hershel," Angela admits quietly.

"He what?!" Hershel's tone surprises me. I've rarely heard him raise his voice for anything before. He must be really be upset.

"Yes. He discovered it during one of his excursions and found a great deal of treasure, as well. He came upon it in of the caves." Mrs. Ledore rests her head in her hand.

"If he found the mask, then...was there...?" The professor sounds a little hopeful for once since we've been here. The blonde woman stays silent for a moment.

"Unfortunately, no. There was no sign of Randall anywhere. Henry is still searching for him, Hershel. Aside from his work and his family, it's the only thing he thinks about. I can't say I blame him. I often catch myself thinking of Randall, even after all these years." She puts on a strange looking necklace as she speaks. Hershel seems shocked at the sight of it. "Yes, you remember! I love it so...even if it has aged a bit."

"Not unlike us. Of course I remember it," he replies, still looking distraught. I wish I could comfort him, but I wouldn't dare to interrupt their moment. Luke and Emmy watch on in silence.

"I never apologized for how I treated you, Hershel. You must forgive my silence all these year." My heart stops for a second as Angela apologizes to him. She pushed him away too?...How many people has Hershel lost? I look away from the two of them, feeling guilt weigh on my throat. "I knew it wasn't your fault. But I just couldn't accept that Randall was gone. I want to say it was because I was young, but that's no excuse. I needed someone to blame, Hershel. I'm sorry. I was completely insensitive to the fact that Randall was your best friend." It sounds like she and this Randall were more than friends...I suppose Angela and I are more alike than I thought.

"Angela, don't...I never held anything against you. I couldn't save Randall. And I broke my promise to you. It is my greatest regret that my recklessness and poor judgment cost my best friend his life. It haunts me, even to this day." How did I never know about this? I always thought Hershel had such an easy life before I met him, but not only did he lose my sister, but one of his best friends? I can't believe how blind I've been to his emotions. The similarities I share with Angela and Hershel are overwhelming me to the point that I'm struggling to breathe.

"Oh, Hershel...I'm so sorry. I know it has been difficult on us all. The mask reminds me so much of Randall...as does my pendant. I protested, but Henry insisted the mask stay in the house," Angela confesses.

The professor looks up from the ground. "You kept the mask here? Then how did the Masked Gentleman come by it?" I straighten up at his question. I didn't even think about that yet.

"It was stolen...about a month ago," the lady of the house answers with hesitance.

"And this coincides with the first appearance of the Masked Gentleman?" Hershel asks. He sounds so concerned.

"More or less. Yes. Hershel, I want you to catch this villain. I want the mask, and I want Randall's memory to be left in peace once and for all!"

"I will do my best. Can you show me where you kept the mask?" The professor presses urgently.

"In Henry's study. He keeps it locked, and I doubt he will be home tonight. He has been out more and more lately," Angela admits glumly.

"Is that so? In that case, we will take our leave for the evening and return tomorrow." His face lightens up a little. It's so odd seeing him in such distress.

"Thank you, Hershel. For everything. I reserved a room for you at the Dromedary. It's just west of the city monument. You can't miss it," Angela explains. She seems to be a little more relaxed as well.

"We appreciate the gesture very much, Angela. You should get some rest before we see you tomorrow," I thank Mrs. Ledore with a smile. Emmy and Luke say their thanks as well.

"It's no trouble at all. I shall see you all tomorrow then," she replies. We all start heading out until I feel someone grab my wrist. I turn around to see Angela looking away from me nervously. "Sorry to keep you, Teresa, but I wanted to ask you something. I won't take too much of your time."

I blink a few times in surprise. I didn't rally expect the wife of the mayor to be asking me something so urgent. "Oh, don't worry about it. What is it you need?" I question with a patient smile. Angela takes a deep breath before speaking.

"Do me a favor and look after Hershel, would you? You seem to know him the best and I worry about him, especially after Randall's...passing. He can't blame himself for what happened, no matter what he says. Just make sure he's alright please," she whispers to me. I can hear the worry in her voice. It's like when I told myself that it was my fault Claire had died back then. Hershel was always there to comfort me when I was in grief. I need to return the favor, for him.

"You can count on me, Angela. I'll be sure to watch him very carefully."

Q and A

Hugsrgood: Helloooooooo everybody out there! Welcome back to another Q and A after so long! *sets off fireworks* Man it's been a while, hasn't it?

Q-bot: *slowly turns on* Beep bop, ready for questions! "Hello! I just started reading this story a few days ago, and I'm all caught up! I have to say, this is interesting. Very interesting. I am looking forward to what you do with this.
Also, I have to ask something about Doctor Fitzgerald. Is his name in some way derived from Jeremy Fitzgerald, the security guard from FNaF 2?
One last thing. I'm doing my own Layton story where my OC is an adopted son of his (other than Alfendi). I skipped time to a year after unwound future, for his own adventures. Should I do a story with him in all the games and movie for a little more... story of him?"

Hugsrgood: Oh shoot, this was from October...Well I'm still gonna answer it. Thank so much for the compliment! I hope you enjoy what I put out! For Doctor Fitzgerald, I kinda just came up with a random doctor sounding name and went with it. Purely coincidental that it's the same as Jeremy. I do like FNaF quite a bit though so I guess you could do with it what you want. As for your other question, I think if you're doing an adopted kid, have him on his own adventures. He doesn't need to be in the main story, but if you want him to be, then go ahead. Maybe you could include some flashbacks if you do decide to put him in there. It's ultimately up to you though. Sorry for answering it so late! I hope your story goes well!

Q-bot: "i really like how you portrayed descole in this chapter he seemed a lot more human to me than ever he rarely shows emotions and doesnt seem to care about anyone else"

Hugsrgood: Why thank you! *waves off in embarrassment* I felt the same way about him too when I saw him. I doubt he could be so emotionless, especially if he's doing anything he can to get what he wants.

Descole: Don't judge me! Not my fault my dad's a jerk...

Hugsrgood: Oh Desi, you poor little angel. *hugs Descole tightly*

Q-bot: "what's your list of professor layton games from best to worst"

Hugsrgood: *drops Descole* Hmmmm. That's a tough one. I've never really thought about this one. For the sake of the question, I won't include Eternal Diva since it's only the games. Let's hope I don't get any hate for this...Unwound Future, Last Specter, Diabolical Box, Azran Legacy, Curious Village, Miracle Mask! *looks around for haters* Well I guess I'm safe for now...

Q-bot: *pats Hugs' shoulder* "Hey Yo! Reading chapter 17 for the first time. Layton forgot the tea, so I'm putting in a name suggestion! Honeyed Chamomile perhaps?"

Hugsrgood: Wait a minute. *looks through chapters* But the professor isn't in Chapter 17...I'm very confused. Do you mean Descole? Either way, thanks for the tea name. I'm not a tea expert by any means.

Q-bot: Beep beep, pulling askers into Q and A! *gathers Clive and Aria from the closet*

Clive: First of all, Are you planning to extend to the first trilogy? I would honestly like to meet Teresa.

Hugsrgood: Yes, at this point, I will be doing up to Unwound Future! I think I'll be making Defining Paths into two parts. It'll be long but that's the price for (crappy) art.
Aria: Also, I'd like to point out, you never had anything about Teresa going back to Misthallery and completing her promise with Arianna that she'd come back.

Hugsrgood: Well, the thing about that is, Teresa kinda got knifed in the stomach and had to stay within her mother's reach at all times. She's lucky that her mom even let her go to Monte D'or. However I will be having her visit Tony and Arianna once Miracle Mask is over, probably. Don't think I forgot about it.
Clive: Second of all, since Descole revealed himself to Teresa, what are you going to do during Azran Legacy? She already knows about Desmoncole, so it won't fool her.

Hugsrgood: Clive, my good sir, that would be spoiling Azran Legacy! I didn't tale you for a spoiler type of guy. But don't you worry your diabolical little head of yours. I have a plan in mind. If anyone wants to legitimately know what it is, let me know in the comments.
Aria: Last of all, if you do Unwound Future, Claire can't pretend to be Celeste, as she already has a sister!

Hugsrgood: *gasps loudly* Nooooo! Aria, not you too! Clive has corrupted your innocent mind with the thought of spoilers! All I'm gonna say is, while Claire does indeed have a sister, that doesn't mean she can't say she has a twin. *wiggles eyebrows*
Clive: I think that's all we have! Anyway, keep updating this fanfiction! It is awesome!
Aria: Definitely! I love this fic, and I'll be looking out for other updates!

Hugsrgood: OH, I can't stay mad at you two! Thanks for the praise! I hope you two lovebirds(?) enjoy the story!

Q-bot: "I know how hard it is to get motivated, but I'm glad I got to help with encouraging you. I'll be praying for you with your hard times."

Hugsrgood: *sniffles* That means a lot to hear you say that. For those of you wondering what this is about, you can read the announcement I posted a few hours ago. I appreciate the support though, from you and everyone else. Well, that's all the questions we have for now! Thanks for tuning and I'll see you in the next Q and A!

This chapter is probably longer than normal, since I couldn't find a good time to end it for a while. I want to remind anyone who hasn't seen my announcement to read it, as it explains the reason for my absence. I'm sorry it's been so long though. I never really meant to take that long of a break. As for the next chapter, I should have time to work on it this week. Again, can't make any promises on a secure schedule but I'll be doing my best to write as much as I can and not take long breaks. I love doing this and I hope I didn't disappoint too many people from me being away. Thanks so much for your patience, kindness, and interest, and keep those eyes on the screen for the next chapter!