"This is where we are," Zelgadiss stated as he pointed to a map.
"But that's..." Amelia started.
"Back inside the barrier lands!" Filia finished. "We are in the completely wrong place!"
"Which is exactly why I couldn't figure out where we were," the chimera explained. "We are considerably closer, however. From Lyzeille, which is where we are, it should only take us four months to get to Saillune."
"Great," Lina muttered sarcastically as she plopped back on her bed to sulk. Xaina climbed on to the bed next to her and handed a small, stuffed toy to her. Lina paused from pouting and glanced at the little wolf stuffed animal. "Booie?"
"I thought he might make you feel better because you seem kinda upset," the child explained. "You can borrow him for a little while if you like. He's really good for keeping away all the bad dreams and stuff." Xaina gave the sorceress a bright smile before floating over to sit on Xellos' shoulders.
Lina sat there stunned. It had never actually occurred to her that Xaina noticed when everyone else was truly upset. Destiny had said she manipulated emotions, not read them. 'Good gods, she going to kill the world with kindness,' was the only thought that ran through her head. How could this little girl ever become some evil monster that would destroy everything? How could she be a destroyer of the planet? She probably didn't even know the meaning of the word cruel.
"So which way are we going?" the princess asked.
"We'll take this road. It the fastest and isn't widely traveled, so we shouldn't be bothered much."
"In other words, there aren't many town on the way so we should stalk up before we leave this morning," Filia translated. Zel nodded.
*~*~*
The sun was warm and bright as it shown down on the travelers. A light breeze rustled the trees in the woods and carried the scents of summer on it. The town was almost three hours away now. Xellos had disappeared with Xaina to teach her the rules of monsters and about not spilling secrets even to people she liked. No one was bickering or fighting. Life seemed good. It was a perfect walk. However, as was the way of the universe, this peace could not remain...especially if you traveled with Lina Inverse (Gabriev). While Lina would admit she was married to Gourry, she still wouldn't call herself by his sir name. The name Inverse held a great deal more power behind it than Gabriev. Besides, she didn't really want to have to go back around terrorizing bandit gangs to remind them she was still the same person, just with a different name.
As they started to climb up a hill, Destiny stopped abruptly. "Halt," she ordered.
The others paused and glanced back at her. "What's the matter Miss Destiny?" Amelia inquired.
"There is something wrong."
"Wrong? What's wrong?" Lina asked as she glanced around. She didn't see anything out of the ordinary. She started to take a few steps forward but was stopped by a tap on her shoulder.
Lina glanced back to see the ice woman had touch the red head's shoulder with her staff. "That way is dangerous," Destiny informed her. "We should send a scout." She flicked her hand up towards the four birds who had found a branch to perch on. "Outcast, come." The golden bird dived down and landed on the woman's hand. "You will go over the hill and see what is there. Then come back and report to us."
'Just what I though! They're familiars,' Lina thought as the bird fluttered to the ground. Destiny pulled a small golden jewel out from under her cape. She held it flat in her palm and closed her ebony eyes. The pale woman lifted her staff so the shadowy orb was over the stone. The others watched with great curiosity while the bird just stood on the dirt road and waited. The stone started to glow bright yellow. The light burst forth from her hand. It struck the bird who didn't even flinch. The light surrounded the avian, getting brighter as it did so. The others could barely look at it. The light grew and changed form. 'What the hell...?' Then, it disappeared. The stone was gone from Destiny's hand.
The golden bird was gone and in its place was a young girl. She looked to be only a year or two older then Xaina and just about as thin as little neko monster too. All her lemon yellow hair had been pulled in to pig tails with violet hair ties except two long strand that hung in front of her pointed ears. Two much smaller strand that rested just above her lavender eyes looked like they had been died a dark amethyst. She wore a plain brown shall that was tied in the front near her neck instead of buttoned like most shawls. It was too big for her and came down past her waist. A long sleeved green blouse was tucked in to a pair of dirty off- white pants held up with a leather belt. Her soft shoes had tarnished silver buttons instead of laces. A long golden tail stuck out of the back of her pants. The spade on the end was the same amethyst color as her hair. A violet bow had been tied to the dragon appendage in a similar fashion to Filia's. The girl rubbed her eyes, digging out any gew with her bare fingers. She yawned and stretched, then smoothed down her shirt and pants. The girl glanced up at the road ahead of them and her tail tensed. "Do I have to go?" she whined. Destiny's cold gaze focused on the girl but she said nothing. "It doesn't smell right. I don't wanna go."
"Now," the black mage ordered.
"bu..."
"Now."
The child glanced back up the hill again. Her upper body scrunched up. She gave a pleading look to Destiny. The girl's eyes watered and her bottom lip curled out. She let out a small whimper. Destiny remained unmoved by the amazing display of cute begging. The woman pointed up the road. "Okay," Outcast quivered. Her little hands clutched together as she cautiously toddled up the side of the small hill.
Everyone else fumbled for words. None of them had any idea what had just happened. They stared at the spot where she had disappeared over the hill in a stupor. Destiny, for her part, didn't seem the least bit upset, disturbed, shock, or any of the numerous other emotions the others were displaying. Filia was the first to break out of her surprise. The dragon woman clenched her fists and snagged the shorter, dark haired woman by the collar. As usual, Destiny was unfazed. "How dare you abduct a dragon child and torture her!" Prince glided down and landed on the Amelia's shoulder. Monster gracefully landed down on the ground next to Lina. Dragon remained up in the tree.
"I have neither abducted nor tortured her. On the contrary, if it were not for my intervention, she would have been left to die by those who used her," the black mage explained as if what she had said was common knowledge.
"Oh, and what about them!?!" the blond continued to shout as gestured towards the other birds. "Did you just happen to save their lives too by cursing them to live as birds!?!"
"They were murders, tyrants, and thieves who raped and pillaged where ever they went. They were given to me to deal with after their rampage had been stopped. I felt that this curse was a far more useful deterrent to maladaptive behavior then death." Filia's hands slowly released the cold woman as the words began to sink in. Lina scooted away from the white bird.
"Murderers, tyrants and thieves?" Amelia inquired timidly.
Destiny nodded. "That particular one on your arm was known as the butcher. After plundering a village, he would rape all the young adult females, kill them, and eat them." Amelia yelped and leaped away while brushing the turquoise bird off her shoulder. "He can not hurt you in his current form and I can easily control him if he tries to harm anyone. I only allow them to have their original forms when they are useful, such as..."
A blood curdling high pitched squeal cut Destiny off. A few second later, the little blond girl came racing back over the hill. She dove under Filia's skirt and wrapped herself around the dragon woman's leg. Filia yelped as she did this. The girl's whole body shook, and her tail was between her legs. The child's ghost white face was locked in a look of absolute horror. The girl was panting. Small whimpers came out with every short exhale. Simply put, she was terrified.
"Ah! What happened!?! What's up there!?!" Lina demanded.
"Is it a monster!?!" Filia cried.
"The giant frog man again!?!" Amelia yelled.
"Big...bad...furry...SPIDER!!!!!!!!!!" the girl screeched while pointing at the hill. She buried her face against Filia's leg.
Everyone turned their gaze over at the top of the hill where a little spider was climbing up in it's web to wrap up a fly. "Arachnophobic?" Lina asked lamely.
"Must be," Zel sighed.
Gourry scratched his head. "What's acne fobic?"
"Arachnophobic," Filia corrected as she peered down at the child who was clamped on her leg. She pulled her skirt up a little to get a better look. "It means she afraid of spiders."
The blond swordsman glanced up at the spider ahead and then at the child. "Your afraid of that little spider?"
"Not little spider, not little spider!" the girl insisted.
Everyone stared down at the child. A sinking feeling crawled in to Amelia's stomach and she couldn't help but look back. "What spider then?" Zel questioned the girl.
"The big spider!"
The princess started tapping the chimera on the shoulder. "Ah, Mr. Zelgadiss..."
"Not now Amelia," he grunted as he brushed her hand away. "Now, what big spider?"
"The big one!" the child cried.
Amelia turned her attention to Lina. "Miss Lina..." she started in a more desperate tone.
"In a minute, alright," the sorceress grumbled.
"But, Miss Lina..."
"I said in a minute!"
"Where's the big spider?" Zel demanded as he patience began to wear down.
"Right there," Amelia squeaked.
The group spun around just as a large spider came creeping around over the hill. The creature looked to be between ten and fifteen feet tall. It was covered in dark brown fur with black legs. It's hundreds of red eyes stared at group as it made a quick approach.
Dirt and rocks were kicked up as everyone scrambled to get out of the way. Well, Filia more hobbled since the child would not let go of her leg. Lina, Zel, and Amelia powered up spells while Gourry pulled out his sword and Filia struggled to get out of the way with the little blond on her leg. Lina shot her fireball spell off. The spell fizzled just as it went close to the spider. "What the hell!?!" Lina cried. "No, not again!!"
"What!?!" Amelia cried in alarm as her spell failed as well.
Zelgadiss kept conjuring up spells but none of them would hit the creature. "Damn! Why aren't they working!?"
"Destiny, can...Destiny?" Lina glanced around but there was no sign of the woman. "Where'd she go?!" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the spider swing one of its legs towards her. Instinctually, she tried to levitate but nothing happened. The spider smacked her in the side and sent the red head flying back. Gourry dashed after her and caught the small woman while yelling her name. She was vaguely aware of his voice as she struggled to get air back in her lungs.
As soon as he was sure she was pretty much alright, Gourry glared at the spider that had turned its attention on hitting Zel. The chimera was too fast for the creature but he hadn't been able to land a blow on it. Gourry clenched the handle of his sword. That thing had hurt Lina. That thing had hurt his Lina. Sure, it may have just knocked the wind out of her, but still, no one was allowed to hurt her. Now it had to die.
The spider shrieked and jerked one of its legs back. Black liquid seeped from an injury on the arachnid's leg. The creature whirled around, kicking Zel in to a bush, and stared at the attacker. A man a little taller then Gourry stood before the monstrosity. He looked young and was very thin. His skin was as dark as mahogany and the hair that came down to his waist was the color of charcoal. Just in front of his right elven ear was a braid with a red piece of cloth woven in to it. The braid had been cut short so it ended just a little past his shoulder. He wore plain gray blue clothes with a some leather shoulder and knee guards, gloves, and a breast plate over it. His tattered cape ended at thigh level and had several spots where holes had been sewn up. In each hand he held a long blade. One had some of the spider's blood on it.
The new guy smiled sheepishly at the spider. "Hey, yo spider, how's it goin' there?" The spider snapped at the black haired man, but he deftly jumped back. "Ah, co'mon, can't we be friends?" The creature ran towards him and tried again to clamp its fangs on him. He jumped aside with amazing dexterity. "Yeah, guess not." He dodged out of the reach of the spider several more times as he led it back up the hill. "That's right, that's right," he encouraged with a confident smile, "This way my friend."
"Who is that?" Lina asked, now that she had recovered and was breathing normally again. Gourry shrugged.
"Another one of Destiny's birds?" Zel suggested while he climbed out of the brush. He was sure he recognized the voice. He knew he had heard it before, but he couldn't remember where.
"Didn't she say they were rapists, murderers, and thieves?"
"Yeah."
"Then why would he help us?"
"He was ordered to do so?" Amelia suggested.
"Hey! Hey!! Stay back ya beast!" the new man cried. The others ran up to the top of the hill to see what was going on. The road made a sudden drop in to a shallow, barren gorge. The area was wide enough in one part of it for a dozen of the spiders to fit comfortably. The spider had the black haired man pinned against one of the walls. "I said keep back!" he cried while waving one of the swords at it. The spider bit down on the blade and snapped it in half. He frowned and an nervous look took over his earlier fearless expression. "This makes things more difficult."
The arachnid tried to bite him again. He held up the his other sword so the edge was out towards the creature. He dropped the broken hilt and placed his hand behind the blade so it wouldn't be forced back and hurt him. The spider slammed its face in to the edge. He grimaced. The creature jerked back and let out a high pitched whine. A small trickle of blood dripped from the hand the young man had against the blade. He pulled the blade back and more blood came out of his palm. He clutched it tight and focused on attacking the spider. One of the creature's front legs swung around and slapped the other blade to the ground, yanking the black haired man with it. The man tried to pull the sword out and the second blade broke. He glanced at the second hilt with eyes as wide as saucers. His chocolate colored irises gazed up at the spider. "Well this sucks."
(Oh, yeah a new chapter done. I think things are finally beginning to come together... well, make a little more sense anyway. I don't think everything has quite come together yet. There's still a lot not known yet, even by me. I almost feel sorry for that poor guy... almost. Thank you to all the people who have reviewed so far. I love hearing what you people think. As always, feel free to leave a few of your comments.)
"But that's..." Amelia started.
"Back inside the barrier lands!" Filia finished. "We are in the completely wrong place!"
"Which is exactly why I couldn't figure out where we were," the chimera explained. "We are considerably closer, however. From Lyzeille, which is where we are, it should only take us four months to get to Saillune."
"Great," Lina muttered sarcastically as she plopped back on her bed to sulk. Xaina climbed on to the bed next to her and handed a small, stuffed toy to her. Lina paused from pouting and glanced at the little wolf stuffed animal. "Booie?"
"I thought he might make you feel better because you seem kinda upset," the child explained. "You can borrow him for a little while if you like. He's really good for keeping away all the bad dreams and stuff." Xaina gave the sorceress a bright smile before floating over to sit on Xellos' shoulders.
Lina sat there stunned. It had never actually occurred to her that Xaina noticed when everyone else was truly upset. Destiny had said she manipulated emotions, not read them. 'Good gods, she going to kill the world with kindness,' was the only thought that ran through her head. How could this little girl ever become some evil monster that would destroy everything? How could she be a destroyer of the planet? She probably didn't even know the meaning of the word cruel.
"So which way are we going?" the princess asked.
"We'll take this road. It the fastest and isn't widely traveled, so we shouldn't be bothered much."
"In other words, there aren't many town on the way so we should stalk up before we leave this morning," Filia translated. Zel nodded.
*~*~*
The sun was warm and bright as it shown down on the travelers. A light breeze rustled the trees in the woods and carried the scents of summer on it. The town was almost three hours away now. Xellos had disappeared with Xaina to teach her the rules of monsters and about not spilling secrets even to people she liked. No one was bickering or fighting. Life seemed good. It was a perfect walk. However, as was the way of the universe, this peace could not remain...especially if you traveled with Lina Inverse (Gabriev). While Lina would admit she was married to Gourry, she still wouldn't call herself by his sir name. The name Inverse held a great deal more power behind it than Gabriev. Besides, she didn't really want to have to go back around terrorizing bandit gangs to remind them she was still the same person, just with a different name.
As they started to climb up a hill, Destiny stopped abruptly. "Halt," she ordered.
The others paused and glanced back at her. "What's the matter Miss Destiny?" Amelia inquired.
"There is something wrong."
"Wrong? What's wrong?" Lina asked as she glanced around. She didn't see anything out of the ordinary. She started to take a few steps forward but was stopped by a tap on her shoulder.
Lina glanced back to see the ice woman had touch the red head's shoulder with her staff. "That way is dangerous," Destiny informed her. "We should send a scout." She flicked her hand up towards the four birds who had found a branch to perch on. "Outcast, come." The golden bird dived down and landed on the woman's hand. "You will go over the hill and see what is there. Then come back and report to us."
'Just what I though! They're familiars,' Lina thought as the bird fluttered to the ground. Destiny pulled a small golden jewel out from under her cape. She held it flat in her palm and closed her ebony eyes. The pale woman lifted her staff so the shadowy orb was over the stone. The others watched with great curiosity while the bird just stood on the dirt road and waited. The stone started to glow bright yellow. The light burst forth from her hand. It struck the bird who didn't even flinch. The light surrounded the avian, getting brighter as it did so. The others could barely look at it. The light grew and changed form. 'What the hell...?' Then, it disappeared. The stone was gone from Destiny's hand.
The golden bird was gone and in its place was a young girl. She looked to be only a year or two older then Xaina and just about as thin as little neko monster too. All her lemon yellow hair had been pulled in to pig tails with violet hair ties except two long strand that hung in front of her pointed ears. Two much smaller strand that rested just above her lavender eyes looked like they had been died a dark amethyst. She wore a plain brown shall that was tied in the front near her neck instead of buttoned like most shawls. It was too big for her and came down past her waist. A long sleeved green blouse was tucked in to a pair of dirty off- white pants held up with a leather belt. Her soft shoes had tarnished silver buttons instead of laces. A long golden tail stuck out of the back of her pants. The spade on the end was the same amethyst color as her hair. A violet bow had been tied to the dragon appendage in a similar fashion to Filia's. The girl rubbed her eyes, digging out any gew with her bare fingers. She yawned and stretched, then smoothed down her shirt and pants. The girl glanced up at the road ahead of them and her tail tensed. "Do I have to go?" she whined. Destiny's cold gaze focused on the girl but she said nothing. "It doesn't smell right. I don't wanna go."
"Now," the black mage ordered.
"bu..."
"Now."
The child glanced back up the hill again. Her upper body scrunched up. She gave a pleading look to Destiny. The girl's eyes watered and her bottom lip curled out. She let out a small whimper. Destiny remained unmoved by the amazing display of cute begging. The woman pointed up the road. "Okay," Outcast quivered. Her little hands clutched together as she cautiously toddled up the side of the small hill.
Everyone else fumbled for words. None of them had any idea what had just happened. They stared at the spot where she had disappeared over the hill in a stupor. Destiny, for her part, didn't seem the least bit upset, disturbed, shock, or any of the numerous other emotions the others were displaying. Filia was the first to break out of her surprise. The dragon woman clenched her fists and snagged the shorter, dark haired woman by the collar. As usual, Destiny was unfazed. "How dare you abduct a dragon child and torture her!" Prince glided down and landed on the Amelia's shoulder. Monster gracefully landed down on the ground next to Lina. Dragon remained up in the tree.
"I have neither abducted nor tortured her. On the contrary, if it were not for my intervention, she would have been left to die by those who used her," the black mage explained as if what she had said was common knowledge.
"Oh, and what about them!?!" the blond continued to shout as gestured towards the other birds. "Did you just happen to save their lives too by cursing them to live as birds!?!"
"They were murders, tyrants, and thieves who raped and pillaged where ever they went. They were given to me to deal with after their rampage had been stopped. I felt that this curse was a far more useful deterrent to maladaptive behavior then death." Filia's hands slowly released the cold woman as the words began to sink in. Lina scooted away from the white bird.
"Murderers, tyrants and thieves?" Amelia inquired timidly.
Destiny nodded. "That particular one on your arm was known as the butcher. After plundering a village, he would rape all the young adult females, kill them, and eat them." Amelia yelped and leaped away while brushing the turquoise bird off her shoulder. "He can not hurt you in his current form and I can easily control him if he tries to harm anyone. I only allow them to have their original forms when they are useful, such as..."
A blood curdling high pitched squeal cut Destiny off. A few second later, the little blond girl came racing back over the hill. She dove under Filia's skirt and wrapped herself around the dragon woman's leg. Filia yelped as she did this. The girl's whole body shook, and her tail was between her legs. The child's ghost white face was locked in a look of absolute horror. The girl was panting. Small whimpers came out with every short exhale. Simply put, she was terrified.
"Ah! What happened!?! What's up there!?!" Lina demanded.
"Is it a monster!?!" Filia cried.
"The giant frog man again!?!" Amelia yelled.
"Big...bad...furry...SPIDER!!!!!!!!!!" the girl screeched while pointing at the hill. She buried her face against Filia's leg.
Everyone turned their gaze over at the top of the hill where a little spider was climbing up in it's web to wrap up a fly. "Arachnophobic?" Lina asked lamely.
"Must be," Zel sighed.
Gourry scratched his head. "What's acne fobic?"
"Arachnophobic," Filia corrected as she peered down at the child who was clamped on her leg. She pulled her skirt up a little to get a better look. "It means she afraid of spiders."
The blond swordsman glanced up at the spider ahead and then at the child. "Your afraid of that little spider?"
"Not little spider, not little spider!" the girl insisted.
Everyone stared down at the child. A sinking feeling crawled in to Amelia's stomach and she couldn't help but look back. "What spider then?" Zel questioned the girl.
"The big spider!"
The princess started tapping the chimera on the shoulder. "Ah, Mr. Zelgadiss..."
"Not now Amelia," he grunted as he brushed her hand away. "Now, what big spider?"
"The big one!" the child cried.
Amelia turned her attention to Lina. "Miss Lina..." she started in a more desperate tone.
"In a minute, alright," the sorceress grumbled.
"But, Miss Lina..."
"I said in a minute!"
"Where's the big spider?" Zel demanded as he patience began to wear down.
"Right there," Amelia squeaked.
The group spun around just as a large spider came creeping around over the hill. The creature looked to be between ten and fifteen feet tall. It was covered in dark brown fur with black legs. It's hundreds of red eyes stared at group as it made a quick approach.
Dirt and rocks were kicked up as everyone scrambled to get out of the way. Well, Filia more hobbled since the child would not let go of her leg. Lina, Zel, and Amelia powered up spells while Gourry pulled out his sword and Filia struggled to get out of the way with the little blond on her leg. Lina shot her fireball spell off. The spell fizzled just as it went close to the spider. "What the hell!?!" Lina cried. "No, not again!!"
"What!?!" Amelia cried in alarm as her spell failed as well.
Zelgadiss kept conjuring up spells but none of them would hit the creature. "Damn! Why aren't they working!?"
"Destiny, can...Destiny?" Lina glanced around but there was no sign of the woman. "Where'd she go?!" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the spider swing one of its legs towards her. Instinctually, she tried to levitate but nothing happened. The spider smacked her in the side and sent the red head flying back. Gourry dashed after her and caught the small woman while yelling her name. She was vaguely aware of his voice as she struggled to get air back in her lungs.
As soon as he was sure she was pretty much alright, Gourry glared at the spider that had turned its attention on hitting Zel. The chimera was too fast for the creature but he hadn't been able to land a blow on it. Gourry clenched the handle of his sword. That thing had hurt Lina. That thing had hurt his Lina. Sure, it may have just knocked the wind out of her, but still, no one was allowed to hurt her. Now it had to die.
The spider shrieked and jerked one of its legs back. Black liquid seeped from an injury on the arachnid's leg. The creature whirled around, kicking Zel in to a bush, and stared at the attacker. A man a little taller then Gourry stood before the monstrosity. He looked young and was very thin. His skin was as dark as mahogany and the hair that came down to his waist was the color of charcoal. Just in front of his right elven ear was a braid with a red piece of cloth woven in to it. The braid had been cut short so it ended just a little past his shoulder. He wore plain gray blue clothes with a some leather shoulder and knee guards, gloves, and a breast plate over it. His tattered cape ended at thigh level and had several spots where holes had been sewn up. In each hand he held a long blade. One had some of the spider's blood on it.
The new guy smiled sheepishly at the spider. "Hey, yo spider, how's it goin' there?" The spider snapped at the black haired man, but he deftly jumped back. "Ah, co'mon, can't we be friends?" The creature ran towards him and tried again to clamp its fangs on him. He jumped aside with amazing dexterity. "Yeah, guess not." He dodged out of the reach of the spider several more times as he led it back up the hill. "That's right, that's right," he encouraged with a confident smile, "This way my friend."
"Who is that?" Lina asked, now that she had recovered and was breathing normally again. Gourry shrugged.
"Another one of Destiny's birds?" Zel suggested while he climbed out of the brush. He was sure he recognized the voice. He knew he had heard it before, but he couldn't remember where.
"Didn't she say they were rapists, murderers, and thieves?"
"Yeah."
"Then why would he help us?"
"He was ordered to do so?" Amelia suggested.
"Hey! Hey!! Stay back ya beast!" the new man cried. The others ran up to the top of the hill to see what was going on. The road made a sudden drop in to a shallow, barren gorge. The area was wide enough in one part of it for a dozen of the spiders to fit comfortably. The spider had the black haired man pinned against one of the walls. "I said keep back!" he cried while waving one of the swords at it. The spider bit down on the blade and snapped it in half. He frowned and an nervous look took over his earlier fearless expression. "This makes things more difficult."
The arachnid tried to bite him again. He held up the his other sword so the edge was out towards the creature. He dropped the broken hilt and placed his hand behind the blade so it wouldn't be forced back and hurt him. The spider slammed its face in to the edge. He grimaced. The creature jerked back and let out a high pitched whine. A small trickle of blood dripped from the hand the young man had against the blade. He pulled the blade back and more blood came out of his palm. He clutched it tight and focused on attacking the spider. One of the creature's front legs swung around and slapped the other blade to the ground, yanking the black haired man with it. The man tried to pull the sword out and the second blade broke. He glanced at the second hilt with eyes as wide as saucers. His chocolate colored irises gazed up at the spider. "Well this sucks."
(Oh, yeah a new chapter done. I think things are finally beginning to come together... well, make a little more sense anyway. I don't think everything has quite come together yet. There's still a lot not known yet, even by me. I almost feel sorry for that poor guy... almost. Thank you to all the people who have reviewed so far. I love hearing what you people think. As always, feel free to leave a few of your comments.)