Miku was little more than a pile of brittle twigs. The hand Luka took barely felt like hers, other than the clammy warmth reminding her. Dull grays and whites of buildings passed her by, Miku's eyes focused on the shock of pink still leading her on. Miku's whole body felt like it was stifled in cotton; her senses detached, herself ready to crumble at the behest of a gentle prod.
"We are safe," Luka's voice, low, shaky, in Miku's language.
At those familiar words, Miku lifted her head. The sign of their hostel stared down at her, brazen as day, as that man's words – Miku shook her head. Luka was already taking her through the open door, making sure Miku didn't trip over the thin wooden ledge.
That effort was largely rendered futile when twin yellow blurs tackled her. If it weren't for Luka still holding on to her, Miku would have fallen apart like scattered leaves. Rin and Len clung to her shoulders, their hidden weapons digging into her ribs as they pulled her into their embrace. The weight on both sides grounded her, rooted her back in place.
Somehow, Miku found her voice, "Rin, Len."
"You're not going anywhere without us anymore!"
Rin bared her teeth to seem threatening but her teary eyes said otherwise.
"We'll always be there," Len added, quiet and subdued.
Miku was starting to lose feeling in both arms from being held in their vice grip. Putting on a smile, Miku said, "I'm alright, you two."
"You better be!"
"Rin, Len, perhaps we should head inside first?" Luka turned back to face them.
Luka was a little way ahead of them. Somehow, Luka dropped Miku's hand without her noticing, her arms now around herself. Her deep blue eyes were so gentle. Miku's chest felt hollowed out. She wanted to break free, catch Luka's hand again. Rin and Len bobbed their heads like children – still were children, Miku realized.
Miku let them hold onto her.
"Where's Meiko?"
It was a soft peep.
Luka paused, a flickering smile there, "She will be back soon. Do not worry."
Len nodded, satisfied with her answer.
Their whole party was waiting for them in a room. Windows closed, door shut, shielded, secure. A glint of flaxen hair was all the warning Miku had. A comforting pressure on the top of her head, lightly ruffling her teal hair. Lily didn't curse. She didn't even say anything. She was just there. Kaito's face was neutral, expressionless. He didn't flock to Miku's side like the others, instead training his eyes on Luka. Kaito's gaze was sharper than all her guards' blades.
Louder this time, Luka repeated, a confirmation to the room, "We are safe."
Kaito nodded, the frost waning somewhat, "Thank you, Empress."
To Miku, he bowed deeply, "My liege, we awaited your return ever since Lily sent word."
"I'm alright, Kaito."
Gumi was already fussing over Luka, rolling up her sleeves to check for any injuries. The duo stepped away into a corner, leaving Miku with her own people. The divide between them stretched on like a chasm.
Luka spoke up, her voice even, "I believe we may have to cut our travels short."
The shock of that was no less than a firecracker going off in Miku's ear. Kaito agreed first.
"That is just as well, Empress. We have learned quite a lot already."
Miku started. Gumi looked positively murderous.
"Luka," Gumi was yet to let go of Luka's sleeves, "Don't do this."
Luka placed a hand on her shoulder. Gumi didn't jerk away, her green eyes blazing like a forest going down in flames.
"For gods' sake, just leave."
"I cannot. Now, more than ever, my people require a figurehead, even if my presence does little. Those rebelling have to be silenced while I am here. My people need their faith in us restored."
Gumi shook her head vehemently, her jade hair whipping in a loose ring around her head.
"They don't deserve you. None of them do!"
Luka's eyes were far too gentle, tinged with melancholy. Her hand remained on Gumi's shoulder.
"They did not deserve someone as myself ascending the throne, Gumi."
Luka traded a glance with Miku. It brought Miku back to the conversation they had before all havoc broke loose. A ripple of understanding passed between them.
"If you so wish, you are free to leave me. You may accompany Miku until you find somewhere to settle."
Gumi pressed her lips tight. Her jade eyes searched Luka's, not even paying Miku a glance. Luka stood her ground. Gumi's shoulders lost its tension, resigned to Luka's will.
"I can't believe you're offering me this," Mirth danced on the edge of Gumi's lips, though she stiffened just as it showed, "I will never leave your side. We grew up together and we will get out together, if we ever do."
"Thank you," Luka smiled, a first since they left, one of complete relief.
Miku couldn't even compare. Kaito decided on coming here when they trusted that it would be safe. Miku had to leave now. And she understood, completely. She could still hear their chanting, their ominous words. Even if Miku didn't completely understand the language, that pure hatred, that anger for her – all of them, all of Miku's party. It would be a lie if she was anything but terrified for her life. As cowardly as it was, she wanted nothing more to leave and hide. At least when they wanted her dead back then in the war, people were ready to give their lives for her safety. Here, she was stranded.
A much more smaller voice in her mind spoke of her promise to Gumi. Taking Luka out of that place freed both of them. Neither of them deserved to be the target of their people's ire. Should she not help them too? What could she do then? She couldn't sweep them away like some fairy tale, nor shield them from impending disaster. Everything was intricately linked in a tangled web; one wrong move would render them trapped in the gaping maws of the people they swore to protect! Miku dug her nails into her palms. God, why was she so completely useless!
"My liege?"
Kaito always did know her best.
"I'm alright, Kaito. I understand."
Miku didn't want to contest him. She had no valid reason to, anyway.
"My liege-"
"Kaito, I understand. If this is about our argument, the circumstances now already make either decision irrelevant. Whatever passed between us is forgiven."
Both groups of people stared at her. Rin and Len raised their heads to her. Lily stopped moving her hand. Miku felt Kaito, Luka, Gumi's gaze from afar. Even the air was stagnant. She sounded…harsher, formal, detached. Miku could almost laugh. That was what most people wanted from her, wasn't it?
"I'll go to my room. I need a break from everything."
Kaito lowered his gaze, "Rest well, my liege."
At that quiet command, her guards let her go. Miku wrenched away from them, closed the door behind her, feeling like a loose kite in the wind, tethers all but gone. Miku was alone.
The faint glow of sunset shone through the windows sealed with paper. Shifting gray shadows danced across the floor from wooden designs furnishing the window panes. Miku sat at the edge of her bed, silent. As per her demand, no one came to disturb her. She shifted position, her back now against the wall. Her mind was completely empty. Every last scattered thought settled like dust. Miku was too tired to organize any of them. Maybe she should sleep until morning.
A knock came at her door. Miku frowned.
After a small internal debate, Miku sighed, "Come in."
"Meiko?"
The woman grinned, looking nothing like the daemon reincarnated as she did earlier. She lightly shook the paper bag she held, placing it in Miku's hands. Her stomach growled at the warmth and smell of fresh bread. Miku clutched it, her disbelieving gaze on Meiko. This woman practically saved her life and bought something for her?
"Thank you. For uh…that and this."
Miku's spoken language really was lacking but Meiko didn't mind, gesturing at her to hurry up. Miku tentatively bit into the man tou. It really was nothing special; a pure white round loaf of bread with a mild sweetness. But it was wonderfully fresh, soft and warm. Miku's mouth watered, gulping down the treat. Luka probably enjoyed it more than she did.
Meiko took a quick draught out of her flask. The woman was never without it, though she never got more than a flushed face, and even then, those were rare. A great warrior – a general – like herself had more self-restraint than met the eye. Meiko's raging flames of the sun cooled to a comforting warmth of a mere fireplace in matter of hours. Certainly better than Miku's grip on herself.
"Better?"
Miku nodded. Once. Twice. Eating maybe did help.
Meiko's grin widened.
"Got him."
Communicating in random fragments of the other's language was one thing she got used to with Meiko. As it turned out, simple words were usually easier to understand for both of them. Miku gave her a half-smile.
"Thank you, again."
They'd be able to squeeze out information from him while they informed Gackupo of the change in plans. Then Miku would head back. They'd converse through letters to handle that threat. It would mostly be on Gackupo's end, as any of Miku's army passing through the borders looked more like an invasion. When that was all said and done, the wedding would be held. It would take about an extra year or two, at least. And that was Miku being generous.
"Did good," Meiko nodded, as if affirming her own word choice, "Did good, Miku."
Miku blinked, tears gathering once again. Meiko, someone so protective of Luka, promising she did well… Miku wanted to believe that.
"No choice. Not your fault."
Miku looked back up again. Meiko's amber eyes were warm, the blaze within kindled for her too. Meiko…wanted to protect her. A jolt of sorrow struck at her chest. A lump grew in Miku's throat. Miku clenched the sheets at her sides. She wanted to be held by her parents again. She wanted to be safe again. She wanted to stop making deadly mistakes again. Just once.
Miku felt warm arms around her. The slight tang of wine and the strength of the embrace made it clear it was Meiko. Miku sobbed.
A couple more hugs, dried tears and pats on her back later, Miku, somewhat better than before, urged Meiko to finally rest. Miku had just laid down in bed when she heard another knock. Thinking it was Meiko again, Miku said, "Come in."
The clattering of dishes outside her door quickly made Miku realize it wasn't her. Miku opened the door to a sheepish Luka, balancing a tray in her arms. There were two pots and four cups, some snacks in small dishes. A weak fluttering in her heart returned at that sight. Miku suppressed a chuckle. This was probably the most out of place Miku had seen her yet. Luka, Empress, struggling with keeping everything on the tray where it was.
"Um, you can set it down there."
Miku quickly made way for her, gesturing to a small table. Luka set it down with a small sigh of relief, a blush painting its pink colour on her cheeks.
Luka started off with her eyes averted, "My apologies if I am bothering you. I just ah…wanted to explain."
"You're not. There's nothing to apologize for and if we're going to talk, please take a seat."
Miku couldn't help smiling at Luka's eyes widening a fraction in surprise, the slight part of her lips, and her face reddening even more. Miku pulled out a seat and Luka accepted the offer.
Luka fidgeted, "I thought you would be more upset."
"I had some time to myself and Meiko helped."
Luka nodded in understanding, "I saw her leave and guessed…though I did not expect you to recover so soon. I suppose my presence is unnecessary then?"
Knowing Luka, things were not that simple, especially when she did things with absolute certainty. Luka probably respected her wishes and wanted to make sure Miku was ready to be with everyone again before trying. Miku suppressed a smile.
"No, I'm touched. Thank you."
Miku took one of the pots, gently tilting it so a steady stream came out. Miku almost jolted the pot when she recognized the fragrance of wine. They rarely drank when they were together. She filled one for each of them, a question on her lips.
"Ah," Luka explained, "I thought it would be a better way to raise your spirits; it is also a customary tradition for parting friends. The other has tea if you feel unwell after drinking."
"Oh," Their impending separation still lingering over them, a reminder of her failure.
"Miku," Luka grasped her hand, "It is my decision."
"It's not a decision if you had no choice to begin with! I could've…"
Planned it out better? Brought on more guards? Scrambled for some other pathetic excuse in their limited frame of time?
Miku shook her head. She really was at her wit's end. There was nothing she could do.
Luka noticed. She drew slow circles on the back of her hand.
"I do not wish for it either," Luka admitted. Miku heard a small crack in her voice.
Her composure was crumbling too. Luka kept her tattered image intact for far too long already.
"I will miss you, Miku."
Luka, her eyes reflecting the depths of the ocean, violent torrents within, "My apologies for being callous this afternoon, for being inconsiderate of you. I really do appreciate everything you have done for me –"
"Luka, I understand," Miku's voice broke, "I promise I do. Don't apologize to me, alright?"
Miku squeezed her hand. No more words came from either of them.
A smile forced its way on Miku's face as she grabbed her cup of wine. In the dim golden light of the lanterns, cups raised in the air, the intoxicating fragrance of wine filling the room, only Luka was clear to her. That pink hair, eyes wet with unshed tears, her face tinted by a weak glow. Carved into memory, Miku's soft whisper cut through the room.
"Cheers."
Neither of them were prone to drinking. Thus came the scattered chatter not too long into the night, stubbornly persisting until early morning.
Miku balanced best as she could on her stool. Her back arched, arms supporting her weight, taking small sips when she could. Not that Miku particularly cared for the taste, more so extending this celebration if possible. Similarly, Luka paced herself with little more success.
"You took a leaf out of Meiko's book, didn't you?"
Through the haze, those words found their way to Miku's mouth first. The sharp sting of leaving dulled, they somehow slipped back into their usual conversation.
"Is it that obvious?" The words tumbled from Luka's mouth, rapid, slurred.
Those words drifted through the buzz. Miku's mind, not quite clear enough, deciphered it like a crypt. With loosened inhibitions, Luka flipped between languages here and there in her speech, whatever suited her expression better. That was… surprisingly endearing. Miku finally pieced the meaning together, her own response on the tip of her tongue.
"You were uneasy then. It's not something you do often, I assume?"
"I…" Luka kept her eyes firmly on the table surface, her face reddening, "You are more perceptive than you give yourself credit for, Miku."
Miku couldn't help giggling. Luka really was awfully endearing.
"Miku… Don't laugh…"
A drunken Miku hardly kept herself in check. Still, she stifled the escaping laughter, for the woman across the table. Luka's ears were bright red, realizing Miku tried but it yet fizzled and bubbled past her lips.
Miku grimaced at Luka's reaction, "Sorry. I'm drunk."
"I'm usually not this sensitive," Luka paused, her eyes downcast. She added an afterthought, "I'm very likely not fully coherent as well."
"You want tea?"
Luka shook her head. Miku did not reach for it either. Neither were ready to plummet back to earth, instead preferring to wander in this limbo between the dreaming and waking world.
"Are you going?"
Luka flinched. Miku backtracked.
"I meant –"
"I'm not going. In any sense of the word tonight."
Luka clutched the table top, like that would physically keep her there. Miku reached forward, a hand cupping her cheek. Luka leaned into the touch. The warmth under her skin, almost searing. Luka closed her eyes, her soft breaths grazing her fingers, a light breeze on them.
"You're tired. What about the bed?"
Luka slowly opened her eyes again. That mesmerizing blue swamped her, all judgement swept away.
Miku babbled, "We're women, no one would judge and we're with our people…"
Luka nodded.
They had to support the other even though the bed was no more than mere footsteps away, practically collapsing at the foot of it, tripping over one another in their drunken stupor. Miku inched backward. Luka curled against her. Miku felt for her pillow, grabbing it with her free hand, the other around Luka. Miku nudged her pillow under Luka's head. Luka barely shifted, raising her head only to aid her, unwilling to move any further from her spot. Miku's hand drifted down her back, tracing her spine.
"Goodnight, Luka."
"You as well, Miku."
Sleep claimed them, one after the other.
Though it didn't last, receding before daylight broke.
Luka was warm. Soft, too. Nestled against Miku, right at the curve of her shoulder. That wasn't too different from when they travelled. And yet… Miku's hand had come to rest at Luka's waist. Miku's heart slammed into her ribcage, her chest overwhelmingly hollow. Luka clutched at her. The bed was spacious enough, pressed together as they were. Miku returned the favour, hands tightening, bringing her even closer. Their breathing was out of sync, exacerbating the rise and fall of their chest against each other. The wine and fatigue dulled, blunted the edges of her sanity. Miku tilted her head, focusing on the side of Luka's face.
She was gorgeous. The crease between her brow smoothed out, eyes closed, her pink lips slightly parted. Miku dragged her fingers up, sinking into her pink hair. Luka continued to sleep deeply. A smile spread across Miku's features. Luka was so peaceful. Miku wanted to see more of it, before she was gone.
Miku bent closer. Unwittingly, Miku pressed her lips against Luka's cheek.
Luka's blue eyes opened wide.
Miku jerked back, almost like she was burned. A threshold had been crossed. No two friends were this close. She – she kissed Luka. What was that? Luka would hate her. Luka…Luka…
Luka held her. Miku instinctively looked back to her for comfort. Her dark blue eyes were still so gentle. A tender smile was on her lips. Did she realize what happened? How was Luka so calm after that? Intoxicated…that's what they both were, wasn't it?
"Miku," her own name a soft croon from Luka's lips.
Miku shivered.
She wasn't like that with Rin, Len, Lily. This had to be something more.
"Luka?" Miku tested the name out on her tongue again, "You, um…"
In response, Luka leaned forward, her cheek pressing against Miku's, that heated spot from before meeting her own skin. Luka's arms snaked around Miku, like she was terrified she would leave. Miku fumbled, entangling her fingers deeper into Luka's pink hair.
"Luka," Miku started again, then paused.
Where did it begin? How could this end – for both of them?
"I – we –"
Luka's voice was a ghost of a whisper, "I believe I may love you."
Something wet, hot, not Miku's own, trailed its path along her cheek.
Luka breathed, "So that you should not misunderstand, I mean that in the way of our formal relationship."
Miku gulped. Her heart really should have burst out of her chest by now. New, raw, overwhelming, all of it.
"Luka, I…"
They were more, weren't they? Miku herself kissed her. Only that conclusion made sense.
Luka, her future wife. That thought brought a glow to her chest. Miku truly didn't mind – wanted to spend the rest of her days with her.
"I…think I do too."
Luka stiffened. Lone, stray tears continued to streak down Miku's cheek, settling in her teal hair. Luka's voice was a low mutter, puffs of air against Miku's ear.
"I should not have mentioned it. I fear that this separation will last – that I would have no further chance of telling you. But this only makes leaving harder on both of us."
Luka burrowed into Miku's side. Miku let her speak, not knowing what to say.
Luka was scared. Suppressed during the day to get them both out of danger, fear cracking the calm surface now. Miku wasn't alone in this. The day's events struck their weakest chord – their own lives, their people, their history – now pulled taunt and tense, ready to snap.
"Luka…"
Miku resumed stroking her hair, drawing light circles on her back. The warm weight was a memory Miku would keep with herself and herself only. Guilt crawled its way to her throat. Luka had been stewing in this fear, long after helping Miku. But Miku had no more reassurances to give.
Miku kissed her forehead, the action soured by the shifting shadows, the fading moon.
"I do not regret it, Luka. But if that is such a large burden on us then…"
"Shall we… forget it?" Miku whispered.
Pretend nothing of the sort happened. Chalk it up to the alcohol, their fears realized, the very nature of an arranged marriage.
There was silence. Miku's face grew wetter, choked breaths in her ear, arms clutched her tighter.
"After we part ways."
Somehow, Miku had a sense of cool, sweet relief.
"As you wish, Luka."
Neither got much sleep after that. Long after the sun's rays hit them, they finally began their day's duties.
Luka left for her room to change. Miku needed that time to herself, given that neither her nor Luka properly undressed that night prior, to look presentable while discussing with Kaito. Miku had to revaluate their past work and the issues that cropped up yesterday. This was just between them. Miku downed long cold cups of tea with a grimace. Splashed her face with water once more. That would have to do.
"Good morning, Kaito."
"Good morning, my liege."
Her royal advisor looked every bit as fatigued as she was. Dark circles under his eyes betrayed the long hours he put in. Miku felt a twinge of guilt as she thought of the night before. If Miku knew him, the man probably didn't sleep at all.
"We have to talk, Kaito."
Kaito nodded.
"I think it's clear that we have some disagreements that we need to settle once and for all, for our mutual benefit and the kingdom."
Miku recounted these months' events in her mind.
"Kaito, I will be frank. I believe my trust in you waned when you kept the idea of extending our stay to yourself. Although I have forgiven you since then, I cannot deny that it impacted my judgement."
Kaito nodded again, more sorrow present there.
"I do not feel that you treat me as equals, Kaito. I wish for any and all matters to be brought to my attention. I will consult your opinion of course, I just wish to no longer be left in the dark."
Their eyes met.
Miku laid all her cards out on the table. Miku waited for his response.
"That is a reasonable request, my liege," Kaito lowered his gaze, "My sincerest apologies for my imprudence."
"All is well, Kaito."
Kaito cleared his throat, "In line with that, I encountered something of note yesterday."
Miku's heart dropped. What more was there?
"I went to the way station within the city. It is where messengers carrying commands from the Empire get a brief reprieve. There was a letter sent out by dove. However, dove is a commoner's means of post."
"They're trying to conceal something?"
"Something to that extent, I believe. A letter being sent here of all times and places, to someone most likely hiding their presence," Kaito shook his head, "That is too much of a coincidence."
"Do you have any ideas on who it is for, or its contents?"
Kaito's eyes darkened.
Miku was well acquainted with that look by now. She made an educated guess.
"Gumi?"
"Forgive me, my liege. I cannot place my trust in her."
"Luka explained why she does."
Miku revealed what she learnt about Gumi, only for a frown to crease Kaito's brow again. She hadn't fully convinced him.
"Kaito, what else is bothering you?"
Kaito opened his mouth to speak, contemplated his words for a while more.
"I am uncertain. There is still little information on her but that is not the root of concern. I cannot divulge anything concrete as of now."
Miku nodded. That was better now, at least.
"We will make no further progress on this. I will keep the letter in mind, though I have doubts of its recipient. Has Gackupo been informed of yesterday's events? Has our departure been planned yet?"
"These are all underway, my liege. Gackupo should receive the message and reply within the week. Meiko has left to question the rebel. My liege and I may learn more this afternoon."
"Very well."
Only a week more with Luka, before leaving her once again.
A thought occurred to her, "Are the others well?"
"Lily is nursing her bruised pride – Meiko sent her back to inform us after taking her by surprise. Rin and Len are restless. They were trying to train in their room last I heard."
Miku muttered, "Right."
Her friends, her guards were too tense. They also needed a reprieve from everything.
"Kaito, one more thing, I think the rebel has to be discussed with Luka later. We listened to some of his messages that may be valuable – Luka would be far better at interpreting those."
"Of course, my liege."
On Meiko's return, she exchanged scant words with Luka before heading off again. Luka had a faraway stare, blue eyes glassy. Miku approached her from behind, linking their hands together. Luka stiffened, then relaxed. Was it uncomfortable for Luka now that the nature of their relationship changed? Miku loosened her hold. Luka squeezed back, tighter.
Her voice was a whisper, "Sorry."
"If you don't wish for it, I won't do it."
Luka shook her head, "It is not that. I just…"
A memory of how Luka acted back in the palace resurfaced. Their closeness being frowned upon was an open secret, one Miku largely ignored in favour of protection. Though, admittedly, their relationship now crossed all acceptable boundaries in the Empire. Was that why Luka wanted to keep an illusion of distance between them?
"We are with friends. Don't worry."
"I know."
Luka tightened her hold. Miku gave her another encouraging squeeze.
"What did Meiko say?"
"She is attempting to track down his accomplices. He would not say much."
Miku shook her head, "That's commendable, though for all the wrong reasons."
Luka swallowed, "If it were not for me, would he still…"
"Enough of that, Luka."
Miku reached up to cup her cheek. Luka's blue eyes widened. They had not yet been this intimate since last night. The action now carried an undercurrent - of what, Miku couldn't quite discern. Her heart raced.
"That man made his grave. Advocating for war again is unacceptable. That completely flies in the face of our treaty."
Luka let out a breath, leaning into her touch, "You are right."
Luka sighed, her gaze lowered, on their joined hands.
"Miku."
"Hm?"
"Is this alright for you? I feel…inadequate on these matters, especially with our impending separation…"
"This is enough. I am not going to force anything on you, Luka. I wish to be with you and that is that."
"Do you not wish for other memories? Ones that are befitting of true courtship or…"
Miku went up on her tiptoes, pressed her lips to Luka's cheek. Luka froze in sheer surprise.
"We do have this. That is more, isn't it?"
Luka's eyes were wide open. A pink flush adorned her cheeks. Miku grinned. This was enough. It was.
"I…I suppose."
Kaito did not seem to find anything amiss with the nature of their relationship as they settled down. Miku had Luka's hand in hers. Luka's eyes were on a distant point somewhere, immersed in her thoughts in a word-for-word recollection. Luka's expression was hard. But Miku knew better. It was nothing more than a front to deal with the mob in her mind. Kaito was more or less frozen in an statue of ice, the barest hints of a nod to encourage Luka to go on, his expression unwavering.
It turned out, Miku had not misheard much, if at all. They were calling for war, for revolution. The time of Luka's family had passed. Luka herself was unworthy of the throne. They were taking matters into their own hands.
Luka frowned, "They created a prophecy. 'When the fan and sword are uncovered, we will rise and reclaim our rightful place.' It refers to the heirlooms my ancestors held when we founded the Empire. They have been lost to the ages long before now."
"Thank you for the explanation, Empress. However, I believe that will not hold much of a consequence. They will forge the weapon and remake the fan when the time is right. They are ready, awaiting an opening. They will utilize such words of the gods to gain power over the swaying masses."
Luka trembled.
Miku asked, "We have a window of time, don't we? The 'artifacts' are still lost at this moment. We only have to purge them before they get a chance."
"My liege, that will depend on how much Meiko is able to find out. She is optimistic at present."
"Very well."
Miku slipped an arm around Luka. She was rattled, though desperately trying to keep it in check.
The burst of commotion downstairs did not help either.
Author's note: Thank you for the reviews last time! (I can't read French so I hope I didn't misunderstand with Google translate. I believe the site swallows up links and emails so I can't see that or notify you, my apologies.) This is mostly dealing with the fallout of the last chapter. I hope things didn't progress too quickly or that the chapter was too bloated. Thank you for reading and I welcome any and all feedback!