A/N: Well, I've officially started med school a couple of days ago and I get the feeling that all the 9am lectures are going to slowly kill me. But had some spare time to edit this and get it out to you all. You'll be happy to know it's quite a loooong chapter. Hope you enjoy!
Two Days Later at Ba Sing Se:
Upper Ring gardens:
Aang's POV:
I walk around or more like pace back and forth, trying to still my nerves for the upcoming meetings in a few hours. 'I just need to be firm...I can do that...I hope.' When I pace back again I hear a twig snap behind me and turn round to see Toph wearing an unreadable expression.
"Hey Toph." I greet as she walks towards me.
"Hey. Thought to let you know that those assassins have been imprisoned and it's been confirmed that was the last lot of them." Toph states matter-of-factly and I breathe a sigh of relief.
"That's good news. Thanks for telling me." I say and Toph nods in response but makes no movement to leave. I raise an eyebrow. "Is there something else?" I ask. The Earthbender remains silent for a moment longer and turns her face away before gazing unseeingly back at me.
"Not really. Just...I wanted to apologise." Toph gets out with difficulty and my eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"For what?" I inquire in confusion.
"For...hurting you that day." I blink trying to recall a time when Toph had physically hurt me until it hits me. A soft 'oh' escapes me and I now understand the sudden distance that Toph out up between us for the last couple of days.
"Sokka told you." I state neutrally.
"Yeah and Zuko." I purse my lips, 'it's not like I told Sokka to keep quiet about it, but I was kind of hoping he wouldn't mention it. But maybe it's better. It makes it easier not to be so secretive and insecure.'
"Well...apology accepted." I say with a small smile.
"How can you say that?" I tilt my head to one side at Toph's question.
"You're going to have to be more specific than that." I respond bluntly.
"You shouldn't forgive me that easily." I frown, not quite following what Toph is saying.
"Why not? That's what friends do." The Blind Earthbender turns round and smashes her fist into a nearby tree before turning back around to face me. I watch her in concern.
"For Spirits sake Aang! I heard you that day." Upon hearing this I feel some of the colour draining from my face. 'I've always prided myself on keeping a tight lid on my emotions, especially in front of my friends after our separation so for Toph to have heard me especially when I was such a low point, I can only imagine what she was thinking.'
"Ok..." I say, not knowing what else to say until a question pops up in my mind. "How did you hear me? I was in my room." I observe as Toph stiffens slightly.
"After we...I tripped you up and you landed on that rock spike. You barely made a sound. You just got up, turned to face us briefly and quickly walked away. I was angry that we didn't get any rise from you. Not even a reaction. I had had enough so I followed you, ready to finally get you to talk and tell us why you wouldn't speak to any of us. Zuko and Katara I could maybe understand but you didn't even talk to Sokka and I. It burnt us. Sokka tried to stop me from following, saying we should leave you alone, I guess he saw something in your reaction that I couldn't sense. I ignored him. You had already got to your room and closed the door by that time and just when I was about to knock the door down I heard you." Toph pauses and I gulp, knowing exactly what she heard and now wishing I had bothered to check if anyone was in the vicinity or at least flew away to somewhere more private.
"I heard you crying Aang. And it wasn't just normal crying. It was downright broken wretched sobs. I've never heard you so broken since I met you. It tore right through me. I heard you saying how you've had enough of it all, how you couldn't wait and just wanted to...end it all. I was scared you would. I must have moved or something because there was a loud creak and then I heard you get up. I made a dash for it and hid behind a corner when you opened the door. I was too shocked to confront you then and there and spirits do I wish I did. We didn't see each other for months after that - I guess you were recuperating from that...attempt. When we did bump into each other you were just as you always were - cold and detached. I almost thought that I imagined that night. So much time had passed and I wasn't sure if I should bring it up. So I kept quiet and promised myself that I'd never do something like that again and tried to not be so brash...but as time passed I forgot and my anger at you returned." As Toph's long winded explanation comes to a close I find myself opening and closing my mouth several times - totally speechless. "Well, aren't you going to say something?" Toph says as she puts a hand on her hip.
"What do you want me to say? You weren't even meant to hear that." I say tight-lipped, fear crawls up my spine. 'What if she asks what I meant by not being able to wait?! I can't tell her. Oh man she must have been more worried about my mental state than she has let on.'
"I can't believe I'm saying this but...I'm worried about you." Toph states between clenched teeth. I purse my lips in thought.
"Look, I was going through a really rough patch. I obviously didn't meant it otherwise I wouldn't be here now, right?" I reassure, hoping that Toph would drop it.
"That's not comforting Aang!" The blind Earthbender shouts. 'Real name. Man she really is worried.' I chew my lip. "And what did you mean you couldn't wait?" I rub my forehead hard at the unwanted question.
"Toph, you don't need to worry about me. I'm not going anywhere for now." I stress out, keeping as close to the truth as possible, but I forgot to keep an eye on my wording.
"For now?! What, are you going to take off after those meetings? Is that it? You don't want to be around us anymore? You've had your taste of being alone and you want it to stay like that!" Toph forces out in a snarky attitude
"Don't put words in my mouth!" I snap. A beat of silence. I clutch the bridge of my nose to dampen down my temper. "Listen, I won't be going anywhere unless it's out of my hands, ok?" I explain, a bit too close to the truth then I would've liked but I need to satiate her somehow. I watch as the wheel turn in Toph's head until she tilts it to one side.
"There's something you aren't telling us, isn't there?" I breathe in sharply at my Sifu's words, 'darn it! Am I that see-through?!' I remain silent, anything I say will give it a way, but knowing Toph I'm sure she felt the skipping my heart beat or the pick-up in my breathing. Suddenly she drops her crossed arms until they dangle by her sides. She knows. "Spirits!" Toph utters and turns her back to me. I hesitate, a little at lost in what to do, what to say. But when I see Toph's shoulders shaking slightly, my eyes widen in alarm and I close the distance between us until I'm standing beside her.
"Toph?" I probe quietly in concern. She turns her face away from me.
"How many more things are you hiding?" She asks and I'm just about to open my mouth to say nothing when she continues on talking. "And don't say nothing. I know you are." I chew my lip.
"Just one." I confess quietly. "I mean I haven't went into the details of the attacks and my recuperating period. Well I've told Katara a bit." Toph visibly stiffens when I say this and I frown in confusion, but continue on. "But yeah...there's just one thing that I haven't told any of you and it's staying like that." I state seriously.
"Fine." The blind Earthbender says and starts walking away but I shake my head and grab her sleeve.
"Oh no, I'm not having this again - the whole you stop talking to me because you're mad thing. That's not fair on me!"
"Well it's not fair on me that you always shut me out!" Toph retorts. I blink in disbelief and in my shock I release my hold on her.
"What do you mean I shut you out? You're the one I've been telling all this stuff to! Heck you're the one who knew about the assassination attempts first!" I argue, 'what on earth has gone into her?'
"Because I force you to! You have never came and talked to me about anything. But you could with everyone else. You showed Sokka your scars. You told Katara the details of what you went through, despite her being part of the reason you left in the first place. And you've collaborated with Zuko about political agendas for years. But you've never ever told me anything, it's like we're not even friends!" Toph hollers as my jaws drop and my eyes keep widening at every word that spills out from her mouth. "You were the first friend that I ever had - but it seems I'm never the person that you go to for any situation." I shake my head, completely dumbstruck by this revelation. 'Spirits I didn't realise that even bothered her. I mean she's Toph! Rough, tough, insensitive Toph. But, maybe that's my fault for not taking a closer look at her.' I slap my forehead hard.
"Spirits Toph, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realise that I was hurting you like that." I say, my tone completely apologetic which receives a half-hearted shrug from the Earthbender.
"Yeah, well I figured as much."
"You're one of my best friends and that will never change and I'm so thankful for that." I say as honesty leaks into my voice and I see a slight blush rising to the Earthbender's cheeks which causes me to grin. Unfortunately, Toph must have noticed as she sends a punch to my bicep before crossing her arms.
"I'm still not letting up on that thing you're hiding." I mimic her crossed arms.
"And neither am I, so we're not getting any where are we? If you need to know, I'll tell you, but right now you don't." I finish with a tone of finality.
"Spirits, you've become so stubborn! Fine. I'll just find out some other way." Toph grunts out and I raise an eyebrow.
"Good luck with that." I retort as Toph puts a hand on her hip.
"I'm not the Chief of Police for nothing. I will find out and you better hope that whatever you're hiding isn't serious or we're going to have a problem." The blind Earthbender threatens as she narrows her unseeing eyes. I gulp slightly but straighten up a little taller.
"You aren't going to find out unless I tell you. But good luck trying." I say seriously and then take a deep breath when I realise that I should probably start heading over to the upper rooms for the meeting. I start walking stiffly back inside with Toph hot on my tail. She grabs my upper arm briefly which causes my feet to come to a halt.
"We're not your enemies Aang. We're not going to hurt you." I blow a puff of air out at Toph's cutting words.
"I know that. But there are still some things that are better off kept in the dark. Now come on, I don't want to be late like I was last time." I say gently and Toph relinquishes her hold on me and we begin walking in silence. When we reach the assigned room for the meeting I reach a hand out but hesitate at the door handle. Anxiety freezing me in place. 'What will they say? What will they do?'
"We've got your back." Toph's sudden voice beside me brings me back to reality and I shoot her a small smile.
"Thanks." I take another deep breath and push open the door to find everyone seated at their places. I go over and sit beside Zuko, with Toph taking a seat on my left, across are Sokka and Katara who shoot me encouraging smiles as I nod in greeting.
"Good, we're all here now. I'd like to begin with my deepest consolidation to the nobles who lost their lives from both the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. A letter will be sent out regarding their funeral. Now, let's begin the final meeting regarding the Air Nomads. Avatar Aang, do you have anything you'd like to bring up before we go onto the topic up for discussion again?" I nod at the Head Councilman, Fuzuki, and rise from my seat.
"I have a couple of requests. The Air Temples have been uninhabited for over a hundred years and erosion has befell its intricate strictures. I would like the opportunity to restore them to its former glory and give an opportunity to people who are interested in Air Nomad culture to live and learn about it there." I state carefully, keeping my eyes on the Head Councilman and ignoring the heated glares of Xiu and his friends, but my ignorance of them can only go on for so long especially when he's the one who fires the first question.
"What makes you think that people would want to learn about the Air Nomad ways when they already have and belong to their own Nation? It seems quite pointless if you ask me, especially as it seems the repopulation of the Air Nation aren't going to happen any time soon." I breathe a small puff of air out when I realise that I've prepared an answer to this question already.
"Actually, I wasn't the one who came up with the idea. Since the end of the war I've come across many eager people who wish to learn more about my history and visit the Air Temples. I've unfortunately had to turn them down, but with the latest threat out of the way I'm beginning to think that it would be a good idea to get people to know about the nation that's been unknown to most of the world for a century." I recite from my answers that I planned the night before. I hear the disgruntled approval from the noble as he takes a seat and I flash him a triumphant grin.
"Avatar Aang, you mentioned two requests, what is the other?" The Head Councilman asks as he leans forward. I purse my lips, still unsure whether I should say this request aloud, 'the first request is understandable because it's still Air Nation land, but what I'm about to say next…'
"I'd like to build a new Air Temple, near the United Nations." I say outright and I watch as everyone open their mouths in surprise, including my friends, who turn to face me with questioning looks 'I'm starting to think that I probably should've told them beforehand.'
"Where?" The single word that shoots out from the Head Councilman makes me bite my lip.
"Off shore from Republic City. I feel I haven't been present in the city nearly as much as I should and it doesn't help that the nearest Air Temple from there is a two day journey. Plus, the United Nations is a place we created for people of all nations to coexist together. Air Nomads are known to live at temples so having that as a part of the United Nations I feel would enforce that notion." I say in a rush and watch the thoughtful expressions on everyone's faces.
"You wish to build an Air temple in Earth Kingdom waters?" King Kuei's tense tone causes my thoughts to race to come up with an acceptable answer.
"You agreed that the land belongs to all the nations. That was part of the formal agreement. I've studied it intensively and that includes the waters surrounding that land. In Republic City we have areas for the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation, but nothing for the Air Nomads. I understand that I'm the only one but that shouldn't mean that there isn't a place for them...me." I force out while trying to keep my voice level. I hear the incoherent grumblings that come out of the Earth King, but then again I expected that since he was very resistant on the idea of giving up some Earth Kingdom land to start with. 'One of the most trying things after the war's end by far was his agreement on sharing the land with the other nations.'
"Avatar Aang, while I understand and sympathise with your plight. You have still not answered our request regarding the repopulation of the Air Nomads. It's a topic that we've brought up at every meeting every year since the end of the war. It's hard to expect everyone to agree to your request when there are no signs of any future Air benders on the way. You know better than anyone here how important it is to have the Avatar in the world. So you must understand why we worry for the future if you were to die without having any children." Fuzuki pauses and I feel the tips of my ears reddening in both anger and embarrassment. He keeps his stern eyes on me as he continues. "We've tried not to press over the last 4 years as you were only a little more than a child, but now you're 16 and nearing your 17th birthday but still without someone in the picture. We're concerned." I feel the beating gazes of Zuko, Sokka and Katara on me as I colour massively. "I suggest if you wish to have your requests fulfilled, you would do well to get married by your 17th birthday." At this my jaw drops in shock, before I realise where I am and in front of whom and quickly snap my mouth closed again.
"That's too soon!" I argue once I find my voice again.
"There are people who marry much younger than you." Xiu cuts in with his snobbish tone that I've come to loathe.
"Well there isn't anyone available." I say through grit teeth and from the corner of my eye I see Katara tilt her head to one side.
"Then find one. It's about time you ensured the safety of the world's future. You've let the world down once, and you would do well not to do it again." The noble beside Xiu points out harshly.
"Then it's decided. Avatar Aang you will marry someone by your 17th Birthday." I'm too speechless to respond to the Head Councilman, but fortunately Sokka and Zuko quickly get to their feet.
"No, it's not decided! Aang...Avatar Aang should marry when he's ready to and not when you tell him too." Sokka states stubbornly and I couldn't be more grateful for it.
"I understand that Councilman Sokka and in an ideal world that certainly would've been the case. But the world is currently at unease and none of us know what will happen next, we need to be ready. The Avatar needs to be ready." I slide down in my seat, hating the Head Councilman's words and especially hating the truth that they hold.
"And he is ready! He single-headedly defeated Fire Lord Ozai and he put an end to the largest rebel group that the world has faced since the war. Give him some credit." Zuko argues as he shoots a glare to those around him in the room.
"From what I heard the Avatar has barely been keeping it together since the emergence of this rebel group. In fact, he knew about it for years but never informed anyone of it. Careless mistakes like that could cost him his life and thousands of others just like it did when he ran away!" Xiu shouts as my breath catches in my throat at the painful reminder. A second later a large bang sounds and vibrates off the walls. I turn to my left to see Toph standing on her feet with her fist firmly planted on the table she just punched.
"Will you dunderheads stop talking as if the Avatar isn't even here?! It's his choice on what he does in his personal life and the rest of you should just butt out." Toph yells with such authority.
"Easy for you to say. Weren't you giving the Avatar the cold shoulder last month? In fact weren't all three of you on bad terms with him? You think this changes anything? Avatar Aang is as unpredictable as he is cowardly. Who knows what else he's hiding that carries huge importance!" I slide further down my seat, trying to stamp down on the itching urge to just run out of the room. 'Yeah, because that will really show them how cowardly I am.' I think bitterly. "Xiu, there is no room for disrespect in this room, especially not towards Avatar Aang." The Head Councilman sternly admonishes which leads to the noble dropping down into his seat with a grunt of what I assume is supposed to be an apology, but the damage is done and the wound has been made. 'I am hiding something, something that I'm starting to realise the importance of it being told, at least to an official.'
"Why don't we just come up with a compromise?" I lift my head up when I hear Katara's soft spoken words as she makes a move to rise from her seat. I watch as Xiu looks at her dubiously.
"And who are you meant to be? If I recall I haven't seen you before at any of these meetings...are you even allowed in here?" The noble questions rudely and I bite my cheek hard to stop myself from jumping up and punching the guy in the face.
"I'm Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. I taught Avatar Aang Waterbending, but you might know me as the one who defeated Azula. I would hope that would be enough to warrant me being here." Katara responds calmly but her eyes betray their ferocity in them. Her words are enough to cause Xiu to wilt in his seat.
"My apologies. Your reputation precedes you. Of course, you're more than welcome to be in attendance." The noble mumbles with a red face; he shrinks back slightly and plays with his cuff which dons two green horizontal lines. And I almost smirk at Katara's subtle way of embarrassing the noble.
"So Master Katara, what do you propose?" The Head Councilman asks as he leans forward in interest.
"Perhaps setting the marrying age to 21 or so?" But as soon as the words leave her lips Xiu is back on his feet shaking his head vigorously.
"You expect us to wait for another 4 years from now? And an extra one before any child is on the way? No, we can't risk that." I massage my forehead at everyone's stubbornness.
"Avatar Aang, what do you suggest? This is your future that we're deciding." I raise my head at the Head Councilman and stand back up.
"How about 18?" I say, the words flying out before I can even think about them. I observe as the Head Councilman runs his hand through his beard in thought before slowly nodding.
"That does sound more reasonable. 18 is usually the customary age of adulthood. I don't see what harm waiting one more year could have."
"But!" Xiu starts but is quickly cut off by Fuzuki's stare.
"Silence. It's decided, Avatar Aang will be wed by his 18th birthday. In return for this we'll grant you materials and the necessary tools to rebuild the Air Temples and you have our permission to recruit anyone you see fit to live in them. You also have our permission to build a new Air Temple in Republic City. I suggest perhaps using Yue Bay? Are we all in agreement?" After a few moments of hesitation the assembled nobles raise their hands one by one until it's only Xiu who remains forlorn. After a couple of grumbles he too raises his hand. "Then it's decided. More paperwork will follow stating the details of such terms. Avatar Aang if you don't follow on your end of the agreement then I'm afraid there will be some consequences. Now, everyone is dismissed!" The Head Councilman is the first to rise and slowly everyone trickles out of the room. I force my legs to get up and slowly leave. 'Oh my gosh! What did I just get forced on me?! Marrying by 18?! That's just over a year away! I'm not ready for such a commitment - heck I don't know anyone who would even want to marry me!' And just like that I start hyperventilating as I round a corner and my feet come to a stop. I put my head in my hands and slide down against a wall until I'm sitting on the ground.
"Aang?" Not even Katara's soft spoken probe can bring me out of this funk. "Aang." My Sifu says more firmly, but I can't seem to respond in the midst of my panicking. That is until she places both hands on my shoulder and gives me a gentle shake.
"Yeah?" I say, my voice strained.
"It will be ok."
"Yeah, marriage is no big deal. Heck if you're desperate you could marry someone and get a divorce a couple of years later." I look past the Waterbender to see Sokka and everyone else standing with concerned expressions. I take a deep breath.
"That's not how marriage works for Air Nomads. You're only meant to marry when you really care about and love the person. There are no such thing as divorces." I mumble disgruntledly.
"Oh. Well in that case you've got to hurry." At this I feel my breathing rate picking up in speed and a moment later Zuko elbows the warrior in the ribs. "Ouch."
"Not helping." The Firelord mutters quietly which causes Sokka to shoot me an apologetic glance.
"You know what I say? Ignore them. You're the Avatar, what could they possibly do to you?" I shake my head at Toph's suggestion.
"Maybe they can't do anything to me physically, but they can turn everyone against me politically. Plus, they can easily put a stop to any work I'll carry out for the Air Nation." I state wearily as I run my hand over my bald scalp. "Aurgh what am I going to do?" I groan out.
"Hey, we'll sort something out. You've still got some time." Katara comforts with an encouraging smile.
"Yeah you've got a whole year to find someone special. And I'm quite the lady charmer if I do say so myself, we'll find you someone if you get stuck." Sokka adds which results in everyone rolling their eyes.
"Didn't Suki dump you?" Toph states flatly which results in Sokka shooting her a glare.
"No! For your information we decided to part ways because the whole long distance thing wasn't working out." The warrior refutes, clearly looking miffed.
"Guys, we're here for Aang." Zuko reminds and their gazes return back on me. Sokka kneels down next to his sister and looks me right in the eye.
"What I'm trying to say buddy is that we're here for you and if you aren't ready by the time you're 18 we'll stand against the council. I mean you have influential friends from every nation. If they don't want to help you rebuilding your homes then we'll pitch in. Heck Zuko is the leader of the Fire Nation and we know he won't mind to provide any materials. At which Zuko gives a confirmed nod. I sigh, not wanting to tell them what recuperations that will have on them especially considering how hard they're trying to make me feel better.
"Ok." I say which isn't convincing in the slightest but they know they won't be getting more out of me than this for the time being. One by one they leave. When Toph turns to go she spares me a glance before leaving. Until it's just Katara and I. She stands up and offers her hand to me.
"Come on, let's go to your room and talk." I sigh, but take her hand and get up. When I reach my room I take a seat on the edge of the bed as Katara closes the door softly behind her. When she turns to face me I see her eyes watching me closely. She moves closer until she's kneeling in front of me.
"You know you don't have to listen to the council." My Sifu reminds gently but I shake my head - we used to have this conversation all the time before we became distant from one another. It always led to arguments. I gulp.
"You know I can't ignore them. You heard what Fuzuki said, there will be consequences if I don't follow through." I reply exasperated which causes Katara to hum in thought. Then suddenly she looks uncomfortable.
"Well...I mean...we could...erm..." Katara stutters and I blush when the implications hit me. I start shaking my head, my face still red.
"No, I can't ask that of you. It wouldn't be fair." I pause, then sigh. "You should marry whoever you want to." I say with downcast eyes. But soon enough the Master Waterbender's hand is under my chin and tilting my head up so that my eyes meet hers.
"Aang, I remember you asking me about it when the council used to bring it up. I was so scared and angry that you asked this of me at such a young age. But when you left...there was a big gaping hole that, no matter what I did, wouldn't be filled. I've realised that I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else." My jaws drop at Katara's confession and before I let the warmth spread through me entirely I give her a serious look.
"Are you sure? It's such a big commitment and we've been apart for over 3 years, isn't this too quick? I've changed so much and..." Katara silences my ramblings with a peck on the cheek and I turn bright scarlet.
"I'm more sure than I've ever been in the last 3 years and your rambling is enough proof that you haven't changed that much." The Master Waterbender teases and I rub my neck sheepishly.
"But what about that one thing I haven't told you?" I point out, 'I don't know why I'm trying to sway Katara's mind; this is what I've wanted for years.' Then a silent thought penetrates through me. 'You don't want to hurt her in the long run.' I shiver, hating that truth. 'I can't do that to her. She should be with someone who she'll be able to grow old with, not be widowed at who knows what age.'
"You'll tell me when you're ready. But even if you don't, it doesn't change how I feel about you...how I've always felt." Katara says as a light dust of pink colours her cheeks. Suddenly I'm torn, wanting so badly to accept Katara's proposal but so terrified of hurting her in the future. I massage my forehead, clueless on what to do. My Sifu cups my cheek and gazes deeply into my eyes with a frown.
"Something's bothering you. What is it?" I pull away from her light touch, anxiety building quickly. 'For her sake, I have to refuse, even if it means breaking her heart...and mine.'
"Katara I can't." I force out and she recoils so fast it's as if I slapped her.
"Why? This is what you've wanted." I stubbornly refuse to meet her eyes, knowing that I'll see nothing but hurt in them.
"Because it wouldn't be fair on you. Besides, we've been apart for so long...I think it's best if we...go separate ways." I wince as I say the words, knowing how awful they sound.
"Go separate ways? For spirits sake Aang we've been apart for over 3 years. I'm not going to have a repeat of that! What's the real reason? Is it because of that thing you're hiding?" Katara speaks sharply.
I give the barest of nods.
"I told you I don't care about it!" Katara cries which tears away at me.
"But I do!" I say persistently. Silence.
"Then tell me." The Waterbender pleads but I turn my head away.
"I can't." I whisper softly. More silence.
"So...you don't want to marry me?" Katara questions softly. I open my mouth, then shut it again. 'For spirits sake I do! But I can't do that to you. It would be so selfish.'
"I can't." I repeat quietly and with that Katara rises up and walks out of the room without another word. Then the tears start and my shoulders begin shaking. I use one of my hands to cover my face and continue to sob silently.
A/N: Ouch, not the way I'd like to end a chapter, I mean who ends the chapter with our favourite little monk crying, still hurts me that I left it like that, but for the sake of the story, it was the best *cringe* place to stop it at. So what did you think? Did I go a little bit overboard with the angst? Also, wanted to mention that there was a bit of problem with the review thing, so I hope no one's reviews got lost, this site can be a bit weird at times, but I'm happy to see that it's back to normal now and I can see all the reviews properly now. Thank you all for taking the time to write your thoughts I appreciate it tons. Next chapter update? Not a clue, maybe the weekends, but I'm starting to get an idea on how much work I'm going to get bogged down with…it aint pretty. Oh well, that's the cost of being a learner lover. Hope all is well with everyone.
