One week ago, I remember promising Porky that I would help in whatever way he saw fit. As it turns out, he had already prepared me for my new role with the enhancements he had given me. I would enlist in the Pigmask Army and be their commander. A role I once would have rejected, but now, I can see no role that I'm better suited for.
"But while I believe you have the potential to be Commander, *cough*, you lack the skill. My soldiers need a leader that is strong – and you will be that person, in time. The grind will not be easy, but the strength you gain will be worth it.*cough*"
Even now, I still find myself asking the same question: Why would I need training? With these enhancements and my psychic powers, surely I'm more powerful than any of the Pigmasks here. Nevertheless, if Porky says I need training, I suppose I should follow.
So I'm on one of those flying metallic pig pods, going to the training facility, which seems to be about halfway between New Pork City and the Chimera Laboratory. I hope I'll get some time off. If so, I'd like to test my wings out and visit Dr Andonuts.
"All right Commander, the training facility!"
We land and a few more Pigmasks await us. But more importantly, a man. At least, I think he's one. I recognise him – from the video Porky showed me. If memory serves me correctly, this must be Fassad. His position shows - he's the only person here who doesn't wear a mask, a sign of his high ranking. Like in the video, he has a white uniform on. His moustache looks like it's been groomed, although I personally think it looks ridiculous.
The reason I question his masculinity is because while he has the physique and posture of a man, his face has some… oddities. He has what seems to be make up on his cheeks. There seems to be a hint of eye shadow as well. And finally, beneath his cap, I can see a few bits of hair, most of which are brown, but a few are pink. In all fairness though, the hair is probably the least strange thing considering that I have orange hair, which I don't believe is natural. Actually, what if my hair and Fassad's hair were both dyed?
"Nwehehehe! So you are the one the magnificent Master Porky has told us about! Our saviour. Yes, I can see it. You are exactly who we are looking for! The person who will let us crush the people of Tazmily and all who are allied with them!"
I suppose it's fitting that his voice sounds like a man's voice with feminine touches sprinkled within. Like with his body, it seems to be predominantly male, so I'll go with that.
"It's quite interesting – my reputation precedes me, and I haven't even done anything yet." I reply.
"Nwehehehehe! Your reputation is much more impressive than you think. Surviving the might of a Drago, destroying a reinforced capsule and befriending Master Porky. And to top it all off, the secret power within you. Nwehehehehe!"
Two things: this guy really likes his 'Nwehehehehe' laugh. It's a little strange, and I won't lie – with Fassad's already strange voice, it really does sounds like a pig squealing. Impressive…? Secondly, befriending Porky is something impressive? He's a excellent king and seems friendly with everyone. Then again, he allowed me to call him Porky, and everyone else I've seen adds 'Master' or refers to him as the king. In all the years that Porky has lived, has he never had a friend? No, he didn't, because everyone always saw him as this fat chubby kid. Then, Ness destroyed any chance of him gaining a friend by destroying Porky. As if smashing a balloon with an axe. But he failed. I am Porky's friend.
"Secret powers, I used them to destroy the capsule you speak off. Not very secret, wouldn't you agree?"
"Not very secret at all. So it's a good thing I wasn't talking about your lightning. It's a power that few have. A power that will let you reshape the world as we know it."
I honestly don't know what to say to that. Is this a PSI technique, or is it something more? For now, I don't reply.
"Enough of that, I suppose. The present is far more important than the future, or the past. Into the training facility!"
And we do just that. There are quite a number of Pigmasks here, all doing various things in different rooms. Some are running on these weird machines which seem to have this platform that pushes them back, while they try not to get flung off. Others seem to be testing their strength by lifting as much as they can. A few seem to be practicing their aim by firing at various targets. Strangely, Fassad is taking me past all these rooms to some stairs. Hm… I wonder if… do I have to press something or… no, it appears I simply need to will it and it happens.
'Name: Fassad'
'Age: Undisclosed'
'Gender: Unknown'
'Family: 6 brothers/sisters. Names: Undisclosed'
'Leading officer of Pigmask Army. Other roles undisclosed.'
In order to view all information, Omega Level Access is required. Current access level is Alpha.
This tells me… pretty much nothing. The only thing I know now that I didn't before is that he has 6 siblings. His gender is unknown as well – I thought he was strange but I didn't think I would be right. I suppose I need higher access to find out, maybe I'll get that if I become Commander. Now that I think about it, in that movie, with all the PSI the 'heroes' used, Alpha was the lowest level and Omega was the highest. It'll be hard to gain that kind of access. Why is Fassad shrouded in so much mystery?
With heavy amounts of hesitation, I continue to follow the Pigmask leader up the stairs. When we reach the top, Fassad leads me to a room with some Pigmasks jogging around the room. One Pigmask in the centre of the room is barking (or would that be squealing) various orders at the others. He looks different – more muscular and his mask has horns on his head. I'll admit – he looks rather fierce.
"All right maggots! Give me 50 push-ups or no DCMC for you!" shouts the Scary Looking Pigmask.
"Aww… why do we have to do this?" is the collective reply.
"Because if you want to be like me, you have to push through the pain! And if you don't…"
The Scary Looking Pigmask holds up a metallic box with a metal rod on it and leans back, as if meaning to throw it. The Pigmasks all stop and freeze – I imagine I would see looks of horror on their faces if it weren't for masks. Actually, why do they wear their masks inside the training facility? I suppose it's a uniform as well. Either way, the Pigmasks immediately start the push ups requested. The box must be very important to them.
"Nwehehehehehe! Good to see you taking the phrase 'sweat like a pig' to its limits, Trooper!
"What? Ah, Mr Fassad! Yes, these little piglets are still far too tender for my liking. Still, they're all getting tougher."
"Reckon you handle another? This one is very special."
It's at this point that the Scary Looking Pigmask turns his attention to me, examining me carefully.
"He's younger than most. I normally wouldn't take a kid like you. But you're no ordinary kid, are you? Let's see what you've got."
Taking this as an indication to join them, I enter the room. All the Pigmasks have stopped doing their push ups, their eyes on me. The Scary Looking Pigmask notices this as well.
"Did I say you could stop? No! Get back to your push ups if you value your music! As punishment, you all go back to 0 push-ups!"
The Pigmasks restart their push-ups and the Scary Looking Pigmask gestures at me to join them. I take a second to observe the Pigmasks and then start doing the push-ups. It's surprisingly not that bad – while the Pigmasks seem to be struggling, I find it relatively simple. While I'm doing so, I decide to gain a little insight on this trainer.
'Name: Gorgeous'
'Age: 34'
'Gender: Male'
'Family: None registered'
'Fiercest of all the Pork Troopers, only the very best soldiers train under him. He also leads New Pork City's biggest DCMC fan club.'
His name isn't very indicative of what he's actually like. That's my 30th push up – and my arms are starting to ache a bit. But I have to keep going… push past the pain. I will prove that I… can do it. For Master… Porky. 10 more. Don't… give up… now… I am… strong. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Finished.
I collapse from sheer exhaustion. When I look up, I see the Fierce Pork Trooper. He looks at me and it's hard to see, given the mask, but I think he's momentarily surprised. He offers me a hand up… and a thumbs ups. I notice that the Pigmasks have already finished and are watching me. I was last? I suppose I'm not as strong as I think…
"Bah! It took you lot 5 minutes to finish those 50 push ups and this kid here finishes them in 8 minutes! You should be much faster than that!
"Yeah, but he's got those enhancements!" retorts one of the Pigmasks.
The others start to back him up with various statements of agreement. The Fierce Pork Trooper just puts a hand to his face in annoyance, as if he's heard this a million times. And then…
"SHUT UP! You all come up with some new argument every single day! If only you could devote some of that excuse making to your push-ups! I don't care if he has enhancements, because that alone wasn't what gave him his strength! It was his will power. His drive. And none of you have that. Well done kid. Right! A ten minute break, and then it's off to the battle sector!"
The Pigmasks all take a sigh of relief and take a seat on the benches. I notice some of them eyeing me. Meanwhile, the Fierce Pork Trooper walks over to Fassad.
"Mr Fassad. I have to admit I wasn't sure if the king made the right decision. I stand corrected."
"I leave him with you then. Nwehehehe!"
And with that, Fassad took his leave, eating a banana along the way. The Fierce Pork Trooper notices me watching.
"So. How much did you hear?"
"All of it. I finished last though. Why do you think the king made the right choice? I can't even compare to the best Pigmasks! I'm not strong enough to be Commander."
"Not with that attitude. I like you kid. You have high standards. And that is exactly why you should be Commander. You just did 50 push ups in 7 minutes. That's quite the feat for a child. And with some time and practice, you'll be better than all these chumps."
"Why… why are you so harsh?"
The Fierce Pork Trooper chuckles.
"Because these chumps have the potential. I saw you looking at me and I'm not the smartest person, but that eye of yours has some special properties. As you know, I only train the best. These chumps are the best, so in order to get better, they have to be pushed. And yes…" He lowers his voice. "Gorgeous really is my name. But don't tell anyone."
The Fierce Pork Trooper glances at his watch.
"Right then! Off to the battle sector!"
"But sir, it's only been five minutes!"
"And it'll take five minutes to get there."
The Fierce Pork Trooper simply laughs while the Pigmasks collectively groan. I'm guessing he does this a lot. I follow them to a firing range.
"All right then, you know what to do."
Some of the Pigmasks draws a laser gun and starts firing at the various targets. Others throw these spheres that explode. Strangely, one or two start saying terrible things for some reason. I notice a stand with some laser guns on it and make my towards it.
"Not so fast. You don't need one of those."
He points to my arm. I remember, I was given an arm cannon. I turn my hand into the cannon and take aim. The target's exactly 10m away, according to my eye. I can do this. Concentrating on the target, I focus all my energy.
'Charging cannon, power: 10%'
It feels rather natural – I can feel the energy building up in my arm.
'Power: 15%, 20%, 30%'
It's so much power though. Enough to obliterate the target.
'Power: 40%, 60%, 90%'
My arm feels like it's about to drop off. Focus… and… release!
The explosion I hear tells me two things: Firstly, this arm cannon is incredibly powerful and secondly, I missed. Badly. It looks like I destroyed a section of the wall, but it was many inches of the target. All the Pigmasks take a moment to observe the damage before returning to what they were doing.
"Power: yes, accuracy: noooooo. You need to try and stabilise your arm – if it's wobbling like that, you have a hard time hitting anything. Power is important, but it's of no use if it isn't controlled and focused. Course, if you're like me, you'll just beat someone to a pulp with your muscles! Arrrggh! Those two are annoying me. They can't do anything properly!"
Oddly enough, he's looking at the two Pigmasks saying terrible things.
"You two! I've heard kids insult better than that! How do you hope to demoralise an enemy with wimpy things like that? Let me show you."
He starts listing off so many nasty things. I feel like I could cry on the spot. By the end of it, everyone is in shock at what he just said.
Trying to forget everything I just heard, I return to the targets again. I prepare myself and fire at the targets once more. Shot after shot. The good news is, I'm destroying less of the wall. The bad news is, well, I'm still destroying the wall. Nevertheless, practice is key. I decide to try and use less power – hopefully that'll make aiming easier. My next shot misses, although it's closer than any of my shots and at least it didn't destroy as much of the wall due to me using less power. That was 10% of max power. I feel comfortable with this amount of power, so I try again with the same amount.
Again, I miss, but still I'm getting closer. I take a few more shots and on my 6th shot, I hit the target for the first time! Nice! I take some more shots, until I'm able to consistently hit the target.
So now, I suppose I'll try with higher power. I go for 15% this time, and even though it's only a 5% difference, it feels so much harder. I have to take a moment to stabilise my arm and when I fire, unsurprisingly, I miss. Just got to keep going at it…
The next hour or so is filled with me constantly trying to adjust to the power in small increments. It's the same thing – I struggle at first, get used to it and then I start hitting the target with consistency. It's a little tedious, I won't deny but I must get stronger. For Porky's sake. The commander of the Pigmasks will need to be stronger than this. I am weak now, but if I put in the effort, I will be strong enough to overcome any foe.
I'm gonna get stronger! I'm gonna get so strong even Dragos won't stand a chance against me!
But… do I need this? Wasn't this violence, this quest for power, what caused me to be like this in the first place?
No. No, no, no, it was the people of Tazmily. Their cruelty led to your situation.
The Dragos had nothing to with this – they were merely an unfortunate pawn in this mess. I suppose I shouldn't say I'll be strong enough so Dragos won't stand against me. Rather…
I'm gonna get so strong that no one in Tazmily will stand a chance against me.
Much better.
And at least some of my effort has paid off – by the end of the hour, I can use about 25% of my power and hit the target somewhat consistently.
"Okay chumps, lunch break!"
The Pigmasks all cheer and head to an area where I presume they have lunch. Indeed, they go to a room with tables and food being served. The Pigmasks rush to get some stuff. For once, they actually take off their masks! After all, they can't eat with them on. They're all humans, just like me! I'll admit, I thought they were just robots. I suppose that shows what a mask can make you look like…
There's all sorts of things to eat, but I personally just go for a sandwich. I would go for a ham one, but that seems offensive and I spot an egg sandwich. For some reason, I feel compelled to have that.
"Alright then. I suppose, you maggots have done a somewhat good job. So, as a small reward…" he picks up the metallic box. "It's time for some DCMC!"
"Yeah! Tonda Gossa!" they all shout.
What does Tonda Gossa even mean? Why are they all excited? Oh, and most importantly…
"What's DCMC?"
All the soldiers look at me with horror on their face, as if I'd just slaughtered a bunch of animals and said I liked it. The Fierce Pork Trooper almost drops the box. Evidently, this DCMC is something important.
"Oh wait, you've got amnesia. The Desperado Crush Mambo Combo – or DCMC for short, are the best band in the entire world! Their music is legendary!"
Yes, my analysis showed that he is the leader of a DCMC fan club. I assume all these soldiers are a part of this fan club as well, given how the Fierce Pork Trooper threatened them by restricting their music. The soldiers are all listening intently and I must admit – I can see the appeal in the music. I've never heard something as catchy as this! Each band member plays their parts with beautifully and all of them are in sync. If I had to pick a favourite, I'd say I rather like the bassist, Lucky. We all listen to the band play for the next hour or so before the DCMC bid us Nantekodda.
"Nothing like a bit of DCMC to lift your spirits! Chumps, it's time for some physical training! Back to the training room!"
The soldiers all put their pigmasks back on before returning to the room where Fassad left me. Instead of doing push-ups, they start to battle in pairs. I would join in, but all the Pigmasks are in pairs and it wouldn't be fair – I would easily decimate them. I was given these enhancements after all, no ordinary soldier would stand a chance. Luckily, the Fierce Pork Trooper has a solution.
"Kid, you'll be training with me."
"Very well, but I won't hold back."
"Oh hoh, a feisty one! You may be stronger than the average person – but I'm far from average. You make the first move."
I take a good look at him. He's assumed a defensive stance. I see an opening so I charge at him and throw a punch with my metallic arm. He merely blocks. I try a kick and he doesn't even bother to block this time. Arrrrggh! Why is nothing working against him! Once again, I punch him, going for his face, which should definitely hurt him. The next thing I feel is the pain running through my hand. It feels like I just punched a brick wall… no rather metal?
"Hahaha! These masks do a lot more than just look intimidating!"
That's right, one of the Pigmasks that took me to New Pork City said that their suits give them protection. I suppose it's only logical that their masks do as well.
The Fierce Pork Trooper decides to make a move. He quickly rushes towards me – and I have no interest in trying to block against him! I sidestep equally as fast and kick his leg, which is the first thing that I've done to hurt him – but it works as well as a homemade knife against a Drago. For now, I suppose I'll just keep moving.
All right, physical attacks clearly aren't going to work against this guy. He's far too bulky and he's got some thick armour. But given his size, as well the fact that he's trying to beat me into submission, he probably relies on physical attacks as well. If I can get some distance on this guy, I'll have the advantage, as I can attack him with my arm cannon but he'll have no way of attacking back.
After dodging him another time, I decide to try the strategy I've devised. I put some distance in between the two of us, while switching to the arm cannon. I can't reliably hit something if I use over 25% power so I charge up until I've reached 20% and then fire. By the time the Fierce Pork Trooper realises what I've done, it's too late for him to dodge and it's a direct hit. All the Pigmasks stop their battles upon hearing the explosion. Some are shocked, while others are wondering if the Fierce Pork Trooper is all right. Some are whispering about how strong I must be to beat their trainer and who's tougher.
He's strong – but I'm stronger!
'I had you watch that movie as a lesson. A lesson not to assume.'
For some reason, I'm reminded of Porky's lesson to me and once the smoke clears, I realise I've failed to properly understand his lesson.
The Fierce Pork Trooper emerges, his hands over his chest. I guess he still had time to block. But how? Did he know that was what I was going to do?
"Nice shot kid. Yeah, you're certainly better than all these chumps… all these chumps who need to GET BACK TO SPARRING!"
The Pigmasks all hurry back into their groups and continue sparring, but I can see them occasionally taking glances at us.
"Trying to go for me at a distance to get an advantage. You're smart, I'll give you that. But will brains triumph over brawn? No!"
He takes another charge at me and I decide to go for the same trick again, taking a graceful leap over the Fierce Pork Trooper. When I land, I notice something behind me and before I know it, I'm being launched across the room. Evidentially, he anticipated that idea and performed a roundhouse kick in response.
Still, being launched across the room gave me the distance I need, and I once again charge my cannon and fire. The Fierce Pork Trooper jumps over the shot and with all the smoke, I can't see him. I hear something fall near me so I try and get out of the way as quick as I can, but when he lands, his does so with such a large force that I fall over. He lumbers towards me and although I try to scram, he's quicker and picks me up.
Fear. That's all I can feel.
I'm completely at his mercy. I can't do anything. His grip is far too strong.
What will he do to me? It can't end like this, I should be stronger them him!
"An admirable effort on your part, but I think you'll have to concede defeat. Don't worry, you had no chance of beating me. As it is, you're far too weak to do anything lasting."
I… I can't… no, I'm… I just… I just want… I just…
I want to cry. But I can't. I'm not… I'm not a crybaby!
I'm not weak! I survived what should have killed me!
I was enhanced to be stronger than anyone else could hope to become! I have mastered the power of thunder – it bows down to me!
I am the Commander! And you dare call me weak?
"I'll show you…how weak I am!"
'Warning. High fluctuations in blood pressure.'
This feeling… it's so familiar. I know exactly what to do this time. Envision it, the lightning breaking down on to your foe.
"Hey kid, you aren't responding to anything I'm saying."
Guide it onto them, draw from your anger and let it fuel your desire to destroy.
'Continuing current activities is ill advised.'
Now focus. Control the power, don't let it get out of hand.
"Kid? You're freaking me out here."
Remember, power is of no use if uncontrolled.
'PSI detected. Specimen advised to stop.'
It's a strange sensation – lightning coercing through my veins.
"Kid, what's with that sparking around you?"
I look into the Trooper's eyes.
'High voltage levels detected within.'
"PK Thunder!"
My lightning strikes the Fierce Pork Trooper and he yells… no, rather, he shrieks in horror.
In a strange way, it's so… satisfying? Yes, satisfying.
To see that which hurt you, feel the same pain.
All the Pigmasks look at me with pure, abject horror.
"You've killed him!" I hear one shout.
For a minute, I think I have. He doesn't move. Suddenly, I'm regretting everything. While it felt good in the short term, in the long term… he didn't deserve it, I was just angry.
'No one is what they seem. Behind the kindest face may lie a monster.'
I'm not… I am different. I didn't mean to hurt him. I don't believe I'm superior, like those children did!
But… I do. I said I was more powerful than all of the Pigmasks. I said these enhancements made me stronger. I thought I was the strongest. But I'm the weakest one here.
It's a small mercy that the Fierce Pork Trooper gets up.
"I'm fine, I'm fine!" He insists. All the other Pigmasks rush to help him, but he simply pushes them away. "I think that's enough training for today. You're all free to go. Go on, get out."
All the Pigmasks leave in a horrified hurry.
"He's made us train overtime before, but this is the first time I've seen him let us go early!"
The first time? What have I done?
For the first time, I feel… regret.
I find one of the Pigmasks that I was training with and despite their initial shock, they told me I could stay at the barracks with them. The beds aren't very comfortable but with all this metal and guilt on my back, I hardly notice. Somehow, I manage to get to sleep.
As strange as it sounds, I wish I would have a nightmare. Just so I could feel the pain as well. But I know that won't happen – I haven't had any dreams at all since I was made into a chimera, so I'm guessing it has something to do with the process as a side effect.
I suppose, in an ironic way, this dreamless sleep is its own nightmare.
Upon waking up, my systems tell me it's 5:07. Wait, 5:07? That's earlier than I've ever woken up. I suppose I don't need to sleep as much thanks to my parts. I may as well go and start training. Making my way through the dark isn't as hard as one might assume, thanks to my new eye. The training facility has a few Pigmasks already, but I ignore them and go to the firing range.
Charge, aim and fire. Over and over again. How long have I been doing this for? It doesn't matter. But eventually…
"For a kid, you sure don't sleep a lot, do you?"
It's the Fierce Pork Trooper.
"Still, good to see that you're keen to be stronger. I wonder, why do you want to be stronger? To prove yourself? Or is it something more?"
I… don't know. That's something to think about later. There's something else more prevalent now.
"About yesterday…" I start.
"Yeah, I thought these psychic powers were a myth, even after seeing Mr Fassad, but you've convinced me otherwise."
"I'm sorry about… hurting you."
"Sorry? Sorry? Why? That's the entire point of fighting! To hurt the other person!"
"Hurting is a little different than seriously injuring."
"Fair enough. You would know about serious injuries, wouldn't you? I can tell that despite your memory loss, your morals are still intact. But listen kid: some people are too dangerous to be left with just some scrapes. Some people are too dangerous to be left alive."
"So how do I decide?"
"How do you think? It's important that you don't kill everyone you see, but you got to be prepared for when you're facing a tough opponent. It's a judgment call."
"A tricky one at that."
"Life is tricky. If there's one piece of advice I can give, it's to trust the king. He never led us wrong."
"He's never led me wrong either."
"Exactly. Now, as good as it to see you here early… scratch that, very early." He says after glancing at his watch. "It doesn't make sense for you to be here without everyone else."
"So do I have to go back to sleep?"
"Do you want to?"
The look in my eyes must say it all, because he chuckles and runs his hands together.
"Right, it's not fair for you to be hear without the rest of the chumps. Get a bucket from the janitor's room, fill it with water and meet me at the entrance."
Despite being confused as to what he means, I follow his instructions regardless. My map easily gets me to the room and I get the largest bucket. I fill it with water from the cafeteria and go to the entrance.
"Quick, aren't we? And good, a big bucket. Now follow me."
The two of us go back to the barracks – the Fierce Pork Trooper uses a flashlight to guide the way, and go to the area where I was sleeping. I have a good idea as to what the Fierce Pork Trooper is planning but I remain silent. When we reach the room, he motions for me to give the bucket, which I do, and also to remain silent. He quietly walks to each soldier (an impressive feat considering his size and armour) and as I thought, dunks some water onto them. Soon, all of them are spluttering, among some swears and death threats. Neither of us can contain our laughter.
"Hello boys."
"Sir! Commander!"
"Now that, you're all awake, it's time for training! Training facility in 20 minutes!
The soldiers don't even groan - they've definitely come to expect this by now.
20 minutes later, all of us are at the training facility, doing various exercises. It's hard and extremely exhausting, but it feels worthwhile. I think the Pigmasks have warmed up to me a bit more as well – they no longer look at me as if I'm a complete stranger.
At lunch, I get an egg sandwich again and we all rock out to some DCMC. Tonda Gossa! Of course, out of everyone here, the Fierce Pork Trooper is by far enjoying himself the most.
And afterwards, it's off to the firing range to break the targets! I decide to try using 40% power this time. Charge, aim and release!
And I miss completely. Again.
Oh well. All I need is practice and then I'll be stronger. One day, I'll be the strongest one in this facility!
The Fierce Pork Trooper asked me why I wanted to become stronger.
I want to become stronger, to prove myself. To prove I'm worthy of being the Commander. To prove I'm worthy of being Porky's friend.
Never stop becoming stronger.
A/N: Oh, it was fun writing the Fierce Pork Trooper. He has a lot of admiration for the Masked Man in Mother 3 - which has got to come from somewhere. And that was my inspiration for this chapter.
I did want to have Claus visit Dr Andonuts in this chapter but I figured that was something best left for another time. Speaking of which, this is the last chapter with any sort of major plot (well, debatably major, since none of this is technically new). The next couple of chapters will be shorter (and thank god, because writing these long chapters is hard, especially trying to keep them interesting). They'll be about various things I imagine happening to Claus over the 3 year time jump (this chapter happens about 2 weeks after Lucas saves Kumatora, Salsa and Wes from the Pigmasks). They'll all be related to the main plot, but simply put, the Thunder Tower is some time off.
I should also mention that for those reading this here, the reason I posted 6 chapters so quickly is because I had them already done on AO3. So it will be some time before the next chapter.
Next time, the reunion between the chimera and the doctor.