A/N: I'm sorry for the delay, has it really been 2 months?  Life seemed to get a bit more complicated with senior year, colleges, scholarships, and liver blood tests.  Oy!  Anyone have a clone machine handy?  I'm sending this out without any beta work done on it, so there are probably some mistakes.  I just wanted to get this out as soon as possible for you guys waiting so patiently. *gives you a big hug * Here is the 9th installment of 'Crushed Velvet.'  It should probably wrap itself up in 10 – 11 chapters at the most.

Oh, did anyone buy the new movie yet?  I did first day.  It is absolutely applaudable and it actually was the kicker I needed to get off my lazy butt and finish this chapter.  It had been hanging around 8 pages and I needed my 10 to post.

Part 9: I Never Thought I'd Lose

Harry waited until he could feel the frigid breath of Javen on his face before he struck.  He knew he would have only one chance to fight back before all was lost.  Jumping for the gun, he used his superior size against the childish form of his enemy.  However, he was sluggish since he couldn't see very much.  The world around him flashed between light and dark blurs.

Javen was surprised by the sudden move, giving Harry the upper hand.  However, he soon adapted to this combat and fought back fiercely.  Harry may have been bigger and stronger than the 12-year-old form of Robert, but Javen was quicker.  Using his smaller size to his advantage, he twisted away from his young quarry, refusing to relinquish his muggle toy.

Sirius stood up quickly seeing his son fighting for control of the gun.  A sharp pain slashed across his stomach and he nearly fainted.  But he would not lay down and let the son of his heart fight for his very life.  He circled the pair, waiting for an opening to move in and take over, all the while, his left hand dug into his wound and blocked the free flow of blood.

Javen grit his teeth and stared hatefully at the child before him.  Harry was the most infuriating boy ever to exist!  It was no wonder that the Dark Lord could not kill him so easily.  He had a nasty habit of evading the most clever traps.  How had his plan gone so terribly wrong?

He had been overconfident.  He had underestimated the boy again.  It was a fatal mistake.

Javen twisted his wand around to face Harry.  At the same time, he withdrew from the boy's mind almost completely, barely maintaining the link.  He was not worried about Sirius now.  As long as he kept the boy in relative danger, the old man could not interfere.  He pointed the wand at the boy's chest, straight at the heart.

"You no longer amuse me, boy," he hissed.  "Whether Lord Voldemort wants you unbroken or not, I don't care.  You are a pain in my mind.  One I will remove."

"Kill me and you kill yourself, Javen," Harry returned trying to get a good grip on the twisting boy beneath him.  He was too small and slid easily out of every grasp.  He felt his heart skip a beat when he felt the thin wand between his ribs.

"Ah, but you forget, child.  The strongest person in the link can control it.  I do not need you to survive, but you need me.  I'm willing to lose some power over you.  Crucio!"

Harry had been subject to this curse before; he had had it rip through his body and leave him quaking in pain and fear.  But then it had just been a ploy to make him afraid.  Voldemort was merely playing with him.  Now Javen was aiming to harm.  He was not playing nor trying to make him afraid.  He was trying to kill him with the maximum amount of pain possible.  His heart strained under the pressure, beating irregularly to keep him alive.  His ribs felt as though they were being ripped apart.  He did not know if he screamed, but it did not matter if he did.  His body was screaming on its own for release.  His hands locked into fists on Javen's clothes, rigid with pain and unable to loosen.  Javen stumbled with him, trying to get loose from the tightened fists that was bruising his young skin.

For Sirius, this was the last straw.  He saw his opportunity and took it.  Running straight into the middle of the boys, he pushed Javen and Harry away from each other.  He heard Harry's cry as he fell, but he couldn't do anything about that now.  The curse was broken and Javen was left gingerly holding the parts of him that Harry had grabbed in his pain.  He looked up at Sirius, a flicker of fear flicking through his icy blue eyes briefly.  He had angered Sirius like he had angered him in the cave.  No wound would stop him until he had finished this fight one way or another.

But, he also knew, he still had the advantage.  Sirius was close enough for Javen to feel his weak shallow breaths on his face.  He was weaker than before and no matter how much he would try to hold it off, death was only lurking minutes away.

Sirius had seen the small instant of fear in the child's eyes and for an instant saw a bit of himself.  The moral part of him, the part that still refused to let him strike a child, sympathized with his plight.  The pain he had gone through had twisted him into something unrecognizable.  But he could not allow himself to give in now.  There was no child before him, only a Dark wizard.  He had to protect Harry.  He would protect him.

Javen pulled up the gun from behind his back and tried to shoot.  Sirius was ready this time and jarred the child's arm, avoiding the shot meant for his head.  Javen switched tactics.  He could not pull away from Sirius, he was too strong, but he could barrel into him.  Feinting a blow to Sirius' head, he gave a harsh punch to his middle instead.  He dove into the man, driving him to the floor.

Sirius was nearly blinded by the pain and his systems screamed for him to stop.  The fight would end very soon for him whether he defeated Javen or not.  Working on pure auto-pilot, he flipped Javen over his head, using the wizard's small body against him.  Then he dove for the gun again.  In the scuffle for the weapon, Javen was forced to drop his wand, relinquishing it to Sirius' control.  Sirius' own wand was still secure in Javen's pocket, but this one would do just fine.

As a child, Sirius could outduel nearly anyone.  Years of experience as a pranker coupled with natural talent made him a formidable foe.  And it was now that he proved Professor McGonagal wrong when she said he would never accomplish anything if he insisted on playing with silly tricks when he could be building up his skill. 

'Well, skill this, Professor,' he mentally grinned pointing his wand at Javen's chest.

"Waddiwasi!" he barked watching with some satisfaction as Javen was thrown many feet in the air.  Slamming his back against the wall, Javen barely registered what had happened before he found himself falling onto his stomach many feet below.  He brought his gun forward and put his finger on the trigger.  By God, he would not lose to this insufferable mongrel!  He landed hard on the ground, firing as he landed.  His aim was truer than even he knew, the bullet's aim crumpling to the floor soundlessly.

*          *            *

Remus stumbled up the small incline leading from the small Irish lake.  Two mermaids, basking in the soft moonlight, sang to him, bidding him to join them.  He paid them no heed, thinking only of his destination.  Unlike his friend, he knew the sound of a firing gun quite well.  Years of travel throughout the world, Muggle and Wizard alike, had taught him a few things about conventional weapons.  So it was with a frantic heart that he clambered the last few steps to the small cottage.

"Sirius!" he called, pushing the door open.  The last vestiges of a failing protection shield vanished at his insistent presence, leaving him free to enter.  "Siri-" He stopped suddenly, nearly tripping over a soft body.  Harry lay at his feet, breathing irregularly, but alive nonetheless.  He was unconscious, blissfully oblivious to the iron-tainted smell of the air.  Blood was spilt this night, he knew.  It didn't take a werewolf to smell the death hanging in this building.

"Here," a soft whisper broke through the daze Remus was left in.  He looked over to where Sirius stood staring at a huddled heap on the floor.  His friend was chalk white and his left fist dug into his stomach where his robes were sopping wet.  The back of his robes were likewise soaked, though not nearly so bad.  The dark circles beneath his eyes were deeper and darker than before, sunken into his face with illness.

"Sirius, what happened?  Why are you bleeding?" he asked, using a calm voice that didn't reflect his state of mind.  He struggled to maintain a cool and collected façade, if not for his friend, for himself.

Sirius gave the huddled form one last pained glance before moving a foot forward to Remus.  The werewolf could only thank his quick reflexes for catching Sirius when he did.  He was startled to feel the true dampness of Sirius' robes.  All that couldn't be blood, could it?  Surely not all his.

"Sirius, look at me," he ordered lowering his friend gently to the ground.  Sirius obeyed, blue eyes glazing.  "Where did he shoot you?"

"Shoot?" Sirius shook his head confused.

"With the gun, Padfoot, where?"

"Stomach.  Said it took longest to die from.  Been too long.  Tired, Remus…"

Remus swore softly under his breath.  He took out his wand and pointed it at the fireplace.  "Incendio!"  The flames grew from the cold ash, warming the small cabin and illuminating the thick darkness surrounding them.  Calling St. Mungo's, Remus placed a request for two Healers with experience with Muggle weapons.  They responded, telling him to hold on for a few minutes while the got together the proper materials.

"Hold on, Padfoot," he assured him, "Just stay awake for me and you'll be okay."

Sirius nodded, apathetic to his own plight.  He just relaxed, turning troubled eyes upon the curled up bundle again.  A haunted glaze covered him and Remus could not imagine what had occurred to give him that look.

"I need to see to Harry, Sirius," Remus said, eyeing the strange heap.  "Can I leave you while I do that?  You must stay awake."

Sirius nodded again, still emotionless.  This troubled Remus, but he could do nothing about that right then.  He gently placed Sirius on the floor, removing his overcloak to press against the wound while he was away.  He made his way to Harry's side, angry with himself that he could do nothing more.  He was no Healer and he could not move anyone away from the building for fear of furthering the harm done already.

Scooping up the teenager, he did a quick check of him.  He fought down the growing lump in his throat as he took in the oversized prison robes and green-yellow bruises gracing his soft face.  A new purple bruise was beginning to form on his forehead where it seemed he was struck recently.  His breathing became ever more erratic with the growing moments.  His pulse reflected his weakening state, frightening the helpless werewolf.

"Oh, Harry," he whispered, "Please hold on.  Don't leave us, we just got you back."  He cradled the child closer to him like the baby he fondly remembered.  Harry only shuddered in response, drifting further away.  Remus lay him near Sirius, hoping against all hope that somehow the simple presence of his friends would offer comfort to the other.  It was all he could do and he hated himself for it.  Where were those damned Healers?!

"Still alive?" murmured Sirius in a soft, dreamy voice.  At first Remus thought Padfoot was making one of his dry humorous remarks, but then he looked to where Sirius stared.  Sirius hadn't even looked away from the mysterious bundle to Harry, as though afraid to look away.  As though it would move if he didn't keep a vigilant eye on it.  "See, Remus.  Still alive."

"Shh, Padfoot," he soothed, "Rest and save your strength.  I need you to stay strong, alright?"

"Look, Remus," Sirius insisted, moving a thin hand to clutch Remus' overcloak tighter against his stomach.

"Only if you rest," Remus conceded.  Not waiting for his friend's nod, he got up and walked over to the crumpled form near the capsized table.  Once he got closer, he could see that it was no bundle at all, but a young child curled in on itself.  The child was alive, but wheezing and shaking in pain.  Every now and then it let out a pitiful whimper of fear.  Remus' heart went out to the lad.

"Are you alright, young one?" he asked gently rolling the child over onto his back.  He stepped back in amazement as he gazed into the face of young Robert.  This was the one they were looking for.  Javen was in there somewhere; possessing the innocent child.  But as he looked on, he saw no sign of the dark wizard in the young blue eyes clouded with pain.  Was it possible that Javen was able to move on to another body?

"Papa," gasped the child, blue eyes widening.  He clutched his chest in pain.  "Papa did this.  Sir, help.  Please.  He made me… told me not to fight."

Remus saw the gaping wound in the child's chest where the bullet was lodged.  In his attempt to fire the weapon, he had shot himself.  Remus shook his head sadly.  Were the young always to suffer for the foolishness of their elders?  It appeared that way.

Bending over to scoop up Robert, he felt the barrel of a cold muzzle against his neck.  He stared into the sapphire eyes, still clouded with pain, but no longer masked.  "We all die here, wolf," Javen hissed, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth.  "But maybe you first."  He squeezed the trigger using the last amount of strength he possessed.  He would see Remus' eyes glaze with the look of death even if it meant all hope for him was lost.  He was hollow inside and out.  What did he care if he died?  What more pain could he endure in death that he had not suffered in life?

Remus heard the click of the trigger and expected it to be the last thing he ever heard.  He was surprised, therefore, to find his head still safely attached to its proper spot.  Opening his gray eyes he saw the gun fall from Javen's hand to the ground as the wizard was no longer strong enough to hold its weight.  The last bullet had been spent in his chest, and he had fired an empty weapon upon Remus.  The wolf stared at the childish face, unable to look away as it expired.  There was nothing he could do and both knew it.

"I don't fear death," Javen spat at Remus defensively.  "So wipe that damned look of pity off your face!"

"I'm sorry, Javen," Remus said softly.  And he meant it.  "I'm sorry things had to turn out like this."

"I'm not done yet, wolf," Javen hissed coughing up dark liquid.  His young hands, far too young to be so ashen, loosened his top cloak latches to give himself more air.  He was in a cold sweat and his voice no longer flowed like honey and silk.  "I will never be done."

"Find some peace, Javen," Remus said sadly.  "Let go of your hatred for just a moment."

"Peace?" he scorned.  "Save your breath, Lupin.  I'll find no peace until justice is served."

"Justice?" Remus asked incredulously,  "What justice do you find here?"

"The boy dies, wolf.  With my last breaths, I steal his.  Your pet dog will last little longer."  He coughed again and his eyes grew dim.  "I am immortal, Lupin.  This body may die and rot, but this kind of immortality doesn't need a body.  This kind of immortality transcends death itself."  He grew still as he said these words and the coughing ceased.  The struggle for breath was over, and his eyes grew glassy and pale in the soft firelight.  The harsh lines, not belonging on a face so young, grew soft once more; relieved of the harsh man behind that soft flesh.

Remus shook his head, surprised to find tears brimming at his eyes.  He reached over and closed the youthful eyes.  Covering the body with the small overcloak, he returned to Sirius and Harry's side.  Sirius had drifted into a deep sleep that Remus no longer had the strength to draw him from, and Harry had begun to shake and convulse with Javen's dying breaths. 

Remus pulled the teenager into his lap and held him tightly, giving in to his body's wish and letting the silvery tears fall.  He buried his face into Harry's hair and focused every ounce of his raw magic into the boy's tormented body.  He knew of no spell that could save Harry or Sirius, for their wounds weren't any that he was familiar with.  He was no Muggle surgeon and could not begin to know how to counter the ancient curse Javen had inflicted.  So instead, he unleashed the magical power he was born with into Harry, hoping that he could stave off the aftereffects of the curse for as long as was needed until the Healers came.

And he was still in that distressed state that the Healers found him only minutes later.  He did not remember the journey through the fireplace into the wizarding hospital.  The last thing he could remember was a gentle hand pulling Harry from him, coaxing him into letting go.

*          *            *

"I need that potion now!"

"Nurse!  Levitate him here!"

"He's drifting off again!"

"I won't let him."

"Sirius, what are you…"

"Let me by!"

"Who are you?"

"You're not well enough."

"Security!"

"Get him out of here!"

"He's my son!"

"You need to rest, Sirius.  You just…"

"He's fading!"

"Please!"

"Let him through."

"He's not strong enough to hold it!"

"Let me try!"

"But what if…"

"Then we both go."

"Let him try."

"I need a wand."

"Give the man a wand, Nurse."

"I don't see how that will…"

"It's too late!"

"He's gone!"

"Stand back!"

"Go ahead, Padfoot."

"Contiosa Botaya!"

*          *            *

The world was a blurred distortion when he first opened his eyes.  Harry shut his eyes again quickly as the light became too much for him to take in.  He was vaguely aware of a weird smell.  Sterile.  Familiar.  Were he in any other position, he may have found it humorous to be once again in the hospital.  He may even have cracked a smile if not chuckled.  But he didn't.  It hurt too much even for a cheerful thought.  Everything hurt.  Even his soul.

"I know you're awake, Harry," said a soft gentle voice.  "But you should really be asleep.  You've gone through a great ordeal."  Harry risked the harsh morning sun if only to see Remus' face.  His was a face that could convince him that everything could turn out alright.  Just the knowing look in his eye and calm smile could assure anyone that all was right with the world.  He was sorely disappointed to see, then, that Remus had no such air of omnipotence.  He looked haggard and drained of every last vestige of energy he possessed.  His soft gray eyes reflected the weariness of Harry's own soul.

Conscious of Harry's scrutiny, he reached over to the nightstand beside the cot.  Putting something on the boy's face, Harry was relieved to find that he could finally see straight for the first time in months.  The lack of glasses was a poverty that left him feeling vulnerable and it was not a welcome feeling.

"I trust that is better?" Remus asked finally granting his young charge a smile.  Harry did not smile back, but did answer in the affirmative.

"You had us worried for a while.  Once we knew you would be alright, everyone has been trying to see you," Remus continued. "Padfoot has been driving us nuts.  In the end, we had to sedate him just to keep him in his room."

He saw Harry's eyes grow dark at the mention of Sirius.  He could tell when Harry mentally drew back into himself; he had seen Sirius do the same. Perhaps a subconscious defense from Azkaban?  He didn't know, but he didn't like the change he saw.  He sighed wearily.  "Harry, please don't withdraw like that.  You cannot escape him."

"But he can escape me, right?  He can just drop me and everything's fine, but when I decide to push him away, I'm not allowed to."  Harry's voice was low and bitter.  This Harry was not the Harry that Remus knew from 3rd year.  His Harry would not have said such things.

"This is not the time for harsh words," Remus gently rebuked.  "You have just recovered from a very serious affliction, and you need all your strength to heal.  Everything will be worked out later."

The boy's hard jade eyes grew softer and misted slightly.  "Last time I was here," he said, "You told me that you couldn't pretend that everything would be alright.  How can you pretend now?"

Remus saw that his words would not be taken to heart.  Nothing short of a strong sleeping spell would quiet Harry's mind, nor make him focus his energies into healing.  So, begrudgingly, he forced himself to answer, looking to end the conversation as soon as possible.

"I remember saying that, but I also remember saying that you needed to let go of your feelings of guilt and anger in order to heal.  And right now, you need to heal.  We will talk about this more later on.  Your anger will do nothing but slow your progress."

"But…"

"If you don't fall asleep right now, I will cast a sleeping spell on you," he threatened.  It was no light threat and Harry knew it.  So, reluctantly, he lay his head back on the pillow and shut his eyes, trying to quench the swirl of emotions long enough to fall asleep.

Remus stayed there until he knew the boy was really asleep.  He cast a spell to make his sleep dreamless and deep before heading to the door.  The long discussion ahead would drain everyone and he needed some rest as well.

*          *            *

Sirius lay awake in his cot staring at the ceiling.  The Healers had made sure that he was properly paralyzed so that he could not sneak out again.  He mentally huffed at them since he could not do so physically.  They had no right to do this to him!  He just wanted to be near Harry; just to see that he was truly alright.  He hadn't seen him since he first burst into the room when they arrived.  Remus had let him in despite the protests and then chaos ensued.

He squeezed his eyes shut at the memory.  Harry had been slipping ever so slowly until he hit rock bottom in the Healer's room.  What had possessed him to do what he did, he would never know.  But he knew that the only way to save his son was for someone to take on the curse that Javen had abandoned.  The others had known it as well, but would not perform it for fear of the many risks involved.  Sirius was terrified.  But he had done what was needed of him without any hesitation.  He would do it again if it meant the safety of his son.  But oh, what in the world had he gotten himself into?

In the back of his mind, he could hear the unquiet rustles of another mind.  Harry was asleep, but distressed.  He was afraid.  Some small part of him that he could only call instinctive recognized the magical link and yearned to reach out to the other end.  However, he was afraid to.  He did not want to cause any more trouble to his son than he had done so already.  Harry had been so abused with that link, Sirius was afraid that nothing he could do would lessen the harm Javen caused.

Javen… just the thought of that man made Sirius nervous and even more anxious to see to Harry.  He had known Javen since they were boys in school.  And never did he imagine losing Javen to the darkness that had claimed the traitorous Wormtail.  He feared that Javen's prediction would come true; the curse that the body snatcher laid upon him with his dying breathes.

//Sirius stared wide-eyed at the crumpled form of his enemy.  He held Javen's wand tightly, ready for whatever trick the dark wizard had up his sleeve.  But he knew from the dark puddle of blood pooling around the small child that this could be no act.  Javen had destroyed himself with his own weapon.

He raised the wand again when Javen moved.  But the wizard only turned himself onto his back, struggling to breathe.  He knew his wound and he knew it was only a matter of time before he would drift off never to again waken.

"It's over, Derios," Sirius said evenly.  "You've lost again.  But this time I fear it may be for the last time."

"You think I'm so easily destroyed, Black?" Javen laughed weakly, clutching his chest similar to the way Sirius was holding his own wound.

"You bloody well shot yourself, Javen," Sirius stated incredulously.  "How can you possibly believe you've won?"

Javen smiled grimly, a smile that was out of place on such an otherwise charming and angelic face.  "How can you say that you won?  I will live forever.  Nothing can destroy my memory.  I live on through you and your little brat if he manages to live long enough.  Not a day will go by when you won't think of me.  How I wish I could see the fear in your eyes as you contemplate it.  What if you become like me?  What if you hit your child in punishment and you don't stop?  What is stopping you from letting the hate consume you as it did poor old Javen?  You have had your share of pain.  Who knows when or how it will be released.

"And your boy.  Even if he survives my demise, how will he ever survive my memory?  What will stop him from hating as I do, sick and tired of being abused and pushed around all his life?  My, my… what little things can scar a child these days.  You and I… we are not so different.  He's a bright child by most standards and it will not be long before he sees me in your eyes.  And when he turns from you to join a more noble cause, be it for the dictators in the Ministry or for the Dark Lord himself, it will be with malice in his heart."

"You're wrong, Javen," Sirius said shaking his head.  "You were always wrong and you're wrong now."

"Am I?" Javen grinned again despite the pain he felt.  "A Muggle could smell the fear in you.  If I'm so wrong, why are you shaking?  Could it be that I pushed one of your buttons, Black?  Is it so hard seeing your precious angel garbed in black robes and white mask?  My, what sweet irony that would be, wouldn't it?"

"Shut up, Javen!"  Sirius yelled pointing the wand at Javen angrily.  The images were all too vivid and he couldn't take the taunting anymore.  "If you're going to die, then do it already!"

"Are you so eager to see the boy die?  Does he cause you that much pain?"  Not receiving nor expecting an answer, Javen nevertheless grew silent and rested himself.  He may have a chance yet and he would not waste it.  Besides, he said all that was needed.  The seeds of doubt had been planted and he could do no more to ensure his immortality.  Sirius just stood there staring at his nemesis, unable to form one coherent thought as his life trickled out between his slick fingers.//

End Part 9

Responses!

A.Dee: Geez, people!  I'm nice to him, you want angst.  I shot him in the stomach, you want me to save him.  Decide!  ^_^  Who me?  Kill him? O ;-)  Trust me… *cackles evily * Oh, and worrying about Harry would probably be a good thing too right now.

Snowman:  Thank you!  Oh, I definitely intend for Siri to sweat it out for a while.  Just cause I shot him doesn't mean all is right with the world.  I love Sirius too, incase it's hard to tell. ^_^ Shooting him doesn't really display much affection, does it?

Star Light:  Thanks!  Great to be back.

Alexa Black:  Yay! Your space bar works again! *does a little dance * You'll get it soon, I promise.  If not, tell me and I'll write you a nice big explanation.  It's probably my bad if you're confused.

HermioneG15:  I'm sorry I haven't sent stuff for you to Beta.  I was hoping on sending you some fresh new stuff when it comes around.  If you want, you're more than welcome to beta this chapter or any others you want.  I need all the help I can get.  Javen demented? Oh yeah.  But you'll see what happens… eventually. ;)

Relle:  But you say you love every chapter, you goof! ^_^ I'll change my e-mail settings for ya, hopefully it'll work better.  I'm sorry I couldn't e-mail this one for you to beta.  Some people were getting impatient *looks at Black Panther ;) * Could you do this one anyway?  I'm sure I need the help.  Oh, and do you have AOL instant messenger?  If we can coincide times, we could make things run smoother from both ends.  E-mail me if you do.

Black Panther:  What would I do without you, hun?  I tried for Sunday, but Monday will have to do.  Oh, I most definitely won't let Sirius get away with it.  You'll see.  And no, I'm not much of a slash fan.  I don't mind if other people do it, but it's not my style.  Angst is the way to go!  You want 10 more chapters?! Woah, I don't think that'll happen with this one, but maybe another one.  Actually, I just got another idea for this timeline besides the prequel.  It's more of a sequel to all 7 books.  Are you interested in writing it with me?  I would love to work with you on something.

Lanfear:  *hides under bed * I didn't say you had to agree or sympathize with his position.  That's just the way he is and how he got there.  I can't promise updates as speedy as I would like, but I'll do my best.  Believe me, this really is as fast as I can do it.  And don't worry, we all need muses to keep us in line.

Twilight:  *Hands out some brand name 'Ti's Tissues.' *  Why is it that I make people cry?  It's either because it's so bad it's sad or that I actually managed to write half decently.  An 'Elfie'?  That's the derogatory name orcs use for the inmates.  Kind of like calling Muggle borns 'mudbloods'.  It's meant to refer to House Elves and how badly they are looked upon.

Kateydidnt:  Okay!

Black Panther:  You again? ^_^  I'm here.  I'm ok… sort of.  Has it really been 2 months?  Wow, I was gone much longer than I expected.  And I was doing so well with the updating too. :_(  No, it wasn't a bad review although they do dampen my spirits some.  Especially that one from SGNG, but that's a whole nother story.  And no, I don't think it's laziness, it's a combo of having a rough life and a rogue muse.  Remember what I said about collaborating.  Oh, and do you have a screen name for AOL?  I'd like to talk to you in person sometime.  Y'know, just to bounce ideas around.