Hi! This is Jayli again wishing a fond hello to all my fellow readers and writers. If you've been reading the story so far you should already know all the mumbo jumbo that goes here, but just in case and for all legal purposes… I do not own in any way Escaflowne, it's characters, plots, themes, etc. Somebody else very lucky owns them and I wish almost every day that I was the lucky bastard who thought them up first. J Okay now with that out of the way, welcome to Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming. On with the show!!!
Side note: Just in case you can't link to any of my stories, please just e-mail me and I'll send you the story through e-mail ASAP. Thanks again. Ja ne!
Chapter Three: The Long Road Ahead
"Tardus! This is ridiculous!" Myami paced the one room hut in which she had been stationary in for the last two and a half weeks. "I have things to do! Places to go to! I demand that you let me out of here!"
Tardus chuckled to himself as he watched his friend of twelve years work herself into a temper, "No can do, Mya-chan. Like the doctor says, you gotta stay in here for another day."
"You don't understand," Myami plopped herself onto the bed, "I have to find her."
Tardus walked over to the bed and knelt in front of Myami. Myami's voice sounded so dejected and desperate. Tardus thought back to three days ago when he had heard Myami utter something about finding someone. "Your sister, right? Since when do you have a sister?"
"I don't know," Myami shook her head and stood up. She walked over to look out of the window. Their forest family had grown in the last ten years. They were basically all outcasts. But soon it had included everyone and anyone that just wished to start a new life, with no questions asked. Myami knew almost each and every person that had made their lives in the small city. Since it was she and Tardus that had founded The Haven, she had been unofficially chosen as the town's leader not too long ago. Myami sighed and fingered her pendant.
"Mya-chan?"
Myami turned to Tardus, "I don't know how to explain it. My mind is just filled with so many new memories interlaced with all the old ones. It's all still a little bit fuzzy."
"New memories? Myami you're not making any sense. Some explanations, please." Tardus was beginning to worry.
"When I collapsed, the last thing I remember was a constant stream of images." Myami turned back to the scenes outside the window, "I don't know how I know, but the images are memories. Memories long forgotten." The last part Myami said wistfully.
Tardus tugged on his ear, a nervous habit from his childhood, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"What's there to talk about? I'm getting past memories back and it's compelling me to find my sister."
"Okay, so where is she? If she's your sister then wouldn't she be on the Mystic Moon."
Myami rubbed her temples, "Something is telling me that she's here on Gaea. Please Tardus. I need to find her. Something is coming. She needs me."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to be going out in your condition."
"What condition?!" Myami was getting frustrated, "Look at me. I'm fine!"
Tardus decided it was best to avoid the subject of her health since she did look capable, "Forget that. So what if your sister is here on Gaea? How do we even begin to find her?"
"We could start with my necklace. It's led me to other things, why not to her? Look, I don't know much of what needs to be done, but I do know that if I wasn't cooped up in here I'd at least be able to do something."
Tardus watched as Myami clenched and unclenched her fists. He knew that she was holding in her anger. Hell, if it were him he'd be just as adamant about being let out. Tardus stood and placed his hands on Myami's shoulders. Turning her to face him Tardus smiled, "You are the most stubborn woman I know. Go on and get the guys together and I'll deal with good ole Doctor Chara."
"Thank you!" Myami jumped up and hugged her friend. Then as she ran out the door she yelled back, "You're not going to regret this. I promise!"
Tardus left the hut and went to find Doctor Chara. He shook his head and sighed. She was right. He would never regret anything that he ever did for her.
~Fanelia~
"Van!" Merle ran to catch up with her best friend. "Everything is ready."
"Good, Merle." Van nodded and continued on into the gardens.
Merle watched as Van tentatively picked some flowers. When he was satisfied that he had gathered a nice enough bouquet, he used his dagger to even out the bottoms then tied the flowers together with the piece of twine he had borrowed from the kitchens. "Are those for Hitomi?" Merle asked a little bit confused. She had never seen Van act this way before.
Van smiled and headed in the direction of the library. He knew Hitomi was there preparing for their quest to find Myami. "What if they are for Hitomi?"
Merle giggled, "Nothing, just wondering." Then she pecked Van on the cheek and turned in the opposite direction, "Just don't be too long okay. I'll be waiting for you two by the gates. Oh and one more thing."
"What is it, Merle?" Van stopped and turned to look at her.
"Hitomi's not in the library. I think she went back to her room cuz she forgot something." Merle offered the information as she began strutting away whistling a happy tune.
Van blew his hair out of his eyes, exasperated at his merry friend. Back tracking a bit, Van headed instead to his wing of the castle. He stopped in front of Hitomi's door, which was slightly open. He listened for a bit to make sure she was inside. When he heard Hitomi mumbling to herself, he gently knocked. "Hitomi, it's Van."
"Come in." Hitomi smiled as Van walked in leaving the door open.
"Are you ready? Merle's waiting for us by the gates." Van slyly kept his hands behind his back, blocking Hitomi's view of the flowers.
Hitomi nodded and continued to rummage through her old duffel bag. Van watched her curiously as she began to mumble and count off from her fingers, "What are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Van." Hitomi zipped up her bag and straightened out her new clothes before swinging the duffel bag over her shoulder, "I was just checking off everything I'm bringing to make sure I didn't forget anything."
"I see. Hitomi why don't you let me take that?" Van reached for her duffel bag, then offering what was in his other hand, "And you can have these."
Hitomi gasped in surprise at the lovely flowers, "These are gorgeous, Van." Hitomi handed Van her duffel bag and took the flowers. She inhaled their fragrance before going to the other side of the room where she had seen an empty vase. Once she had the flowers arranged and had added some water she walked back to Van, "Thank you so much. This was very sweet of you." Hitomi smiled and then tilted her head up to kiss him on the cheek.
Van felt a slight blush form around his cheeks. He coughed to clear his mind of wayward thoughts and offered his free arm to Hitomi. "You're welcome, Hitomi. Shall we?"
Hitomi linked her arm with Van's, "I think we shall." And the budding couple walked out, chatting amiably amongst themselves.
Merle fidgeted with her tail. They would be traveling by horse and it had been agreed that they would travel to Astoria first. Van had sent a messenger ahead two days ago to make sure that they didn't show up unexpected. It was Van's hope that Allen would be willing to separate with Selena long enough to assist in their journey. Since Selena's return, Allen never ventured to far from his sister. Although it had been five years and Selena was already 21, Allen played the older protective brother to a tee.
Secretly Merle hoped that the old gang would all come back together again. She missed everyone very much and seeing them again would help with the feelings of loneliness that she had been having lately. Now that Hitomi was back, Merle felt a little out of place. Van and Hitomi were her dearest friends, but it was hard not to feel like the third wheel whenever they all got together. Merle could see how much Van and Hitomi loved each other and it frustrated her to no end that they didn't see what she saw. Merle yawned. Maybe this new quest will bear more fruit than just Hitomi's long lost sister. If she had her way by the end of this trip, Van and Hitomi would be married. Merle smiled to herself, "Where are they anyway? If we don't leave soon we'll have to camp out instead of staying at the inn."
Just as the comment had left her lips, Merle caught sight of her two friends. To her surprise Van and Hitomi had their arms linked and seemed to be chatting the world away. She noticed Van was also carrying Hitomi's bag. When they had finally reached her, Merle tapped her foot and crossed her arms in mock annoyance, "What took you two so long? Were you guys making out?" Merle wagged her eyebrows.
Both Van and Hitomi had the grace to blush at Merle's open-ended question. "Merle." Van warned, "Hitomi was just making sure she had everything that she needed."
Merle looked to Hitomi and she nodded. She watched as Hitomi thanked Van and taking her bag, secured it to her horse. While Hitomi's back was turned to them Merle stepped closer to Van, "Such the gentleman, Van-sama. First flowers and now escorting Hitomi while holding her bag." Merle whispered with glee.
Van brushed his bangs out of his face and quickly stuck his tongue out at Merle then walked to Hitomi to help her onto her horse. Merle and Van both jumped onto their horses and the trio set out at a steady pace to the inn in Vastras. Merle grinned and thought to herself, "This trip is looking up."
~The Haven – Arkanium Wood ~
A similar party of travelers with the same purpose was preparing to leave at the same time. Myami was checking the things she was bringing with her on their trip. If things were going to go the way her mind was describing, she would never be coming back to Haven. Myami had already left instructions for Rifdu to be head of the town while she was gone. If for any reason she didn't return there were also instructions left that Rifdu choose an entire counsel to keep equality amongst the small city. Myami sighed. This place had been her home, her sanctuary. Now to leave again after all these years had her torn, but her duty was to family and up until now her family had been Tardus. Now there was Hitomi.
Myami closed her eyes and tried to picture what Hitomi would look like today. Being that she hadn't seen Hitomi in 12 years, she guessed that Hitomi was probably anywhere between 19 to 21 years in age. Hitomi had always been spirited and kind. Myami hoped that life had not changed any of that. Myami felt a small smile touch her lips as she recalled her most favorite memory from the ones she had recovered.
~Flashback~
"Onee-chan!" Chibi-Hitomi came running out of the house and into the back yard where Myami was laying in their favorite spot.
Myami propped herself up on her elbows, "What is it, Tom-Tom?"
"Onee-chan, don't call me that." An indignant chibi-Hitomi lay down next to her sister. "Can we make up cloud stories again?"
"Sure we can!" Myami lay down again and extended her arm. She waited for Hitomi to situate herself securely onto her shoulder and half embraced her sister. "Why don't you go first?"
The two sisters continued to tell cloud stories till they were sound asleep that warm afternoon.
~End Flashback~
"Myami?" Pristelle softly called out.
Myami opened her eyes to find that everyone was on their horses waiting for her, "Sorry." Myami mounted her horse.
"So where to?" Tardus had his horse trot over next to Myami's.
Myami pulled the pendant half off of her chest and held it in the dousing position. Taking a deep breath, she visualized her goal, Hitomi. It was a moment before Myami calmly announced, "To Vastras."
Tardus signaled to the others and the small band of riders galloped out of the Haven. Myami turned once more to her home and said a silent good-bye before edging her horse to join the others.
"Saying farewell?" Tardus pulled his horse next to Myami and her horse.
"Yes." Myami offered a small smile, "I will miss it."
"As will I," Tardus watched as a grim look passed Myami's features, "You're not planning to return."
Myami stared out blankly. Not wanting to confirm or deny Tardus' comment she continued to ignore him.
"Then I will not return either." Tardus stated and then motioned for his horse to the front of the group.
Myami eyed Tardus' back. Of course he wouldn't return if she didn't return. Although she was his elder by four years, he was still very much the "older brother" at times. Myami smiled to herself. At least she wouldn't have to be alone.
~Vastras – Inn~
"Ahhhh!" Merle licked her lips and set down her tankard, "That was the best cider I've had in a long time. Van is missing out."
"Van said he'd be back soon." Hitomi giggled at her feline friend, "You'd think that you haven't had a thing to drink for years the way you're downing those ciders."
"Another cider!" Merle motioned to the barmaid, then turning to Hitomi, "So Hitomi-chan? What do you think of Van?"
"What?" Hitomi was taken aback by the directness of the question, "What do you mean?"
"You know. What is Van to you?"
"He's kind, gentle, understanding, still a little impatient, but overall he's grown up into a great king." Hitomi said thoughtfully.
Merle shook her head and leaned in, "I can see the way you look at him, when you think he isn't looking."
Hitomi stared at Merle in surprise, "You saw that?"
Merle nodded. "You know, he looks at you the same way."
"He does?"
"Why are you afraid to tell him how you feel?" The conversation was suddenly serious.
"Just because he looks at me the way I look at him, doesn't exactly mean he feels the same way I do." Hitomi rested her chin on her hands.
"That's what you're afraid of. You're afraid that he won't feel the same way." Merle looked into Hitomi's eyes.
Hitomi nodded, "He's been so sweet to me since I've come back, but I don't know if it's because of what's going on in my life right now or because he really cares about me the way I want him to care."
"Hitomi?" Merle needed to know, "Are you in love with him?"
"Yes. I have been for a long time now." Hitomi sighed.
Merle grinned, "Hitomi, Van's in lo…."
"Hey guys!" Van waved to them from the entrance and made his way to where they were sitting. "What's wrong? Did I interrupt something?"
Merle gave Van a frustrated stare and then turned to Hitomi, "We'll continue this later. I'm glad you told me. You're the only one I would ever approve of." Merle winked at Hitomi. "Well I'm gonna go check out what kind of rooms you got, Van. When dinner comes, just bring me a plate when you're done. I think I'm gonna catch a nap."
Hitomi and Van watched as the nimble cat-woman weaved her way through the inn's crowd and up the stairs. "I'm sorry, did I do something wrong?"
"No," Hitomi shook her head and smiled, "We were just having a nice conversation." Hitomi hid her disappointment at not being able to hear what Merle was going to tell her. It had been something about Van and she hoped that Merle and her could continue their conversation soon. Turning her attention to Van, "So what did you do all this time Van?"
Van rubbed the back of his neck, wondering what he could have interrupted to cause the looks of disappointment in both Merle's and Hitomi's faces, "Just looking over the reconstruction of the town. Vastras is still a part of Fanelia, although it is on the outermost part of the country."
"How does the town look?" Hitomi was genuinely interested.
"Very well, in fact." Van beamed, "This is one of the last towns that needs rebuilding. Hopefully in another year Fanelia will finally be fully restored."
Hitomi smiled as she watched Van. He was so proud of his kingdom, and rightfully so. He had put his heart and soul into his kingdom and was now reaping the benefits of all his hard work. "I'm so happy for you Van." Hitomi placed her hand on his.
Van felt the instant warmth that crept up to his heart from their joined hands. He gazed into Hitomi's emerald green eyes. The noises from the rest of the in dimmed as he thought back to when he saw Hitomi in the gardens a couple of days ago. It was what had prompted him to bring her flowers this morning. Van brought his hand up to lightly caress Hitomi's cheek.
Hitomi leaned into Van's caress, her eyes never leaving his deep chocolate brown eyes. Lost in his gaze everyone in the inn seemed to disappear. Hitomi thought back to when she had found Van in the library a couple of days ago. He had looked so strong and handsome sitting in one of the couches with a book. It had surprised her at first that Van enjoyed reading, but then she found that it had just made her love him even more. Hitomi closed her eyes and continued to lavish in the warmth that was coming from their joined hands and his hand on her cheek.
Van watched Hitomi close her eyes and softly sighed. How he loved this woman. Without thinking he leaned in till his forehead touched hers. Hitomi's eyes fluttered open and a smile touched her lips. Van smiled back and brought his lips closer. Hitomi once again closed her eyes and moved in as well.
"Dinner is served!" A cheerful cook and another barmaid came to place heaping plates of food on the table. Van and Hitomi jolted apart, the heat of their closeness lingering.
Van thanked the cook and handed him a small bag of gold coins. The cook and the barmaid both bowed and thanked Van for gracing the inn with his presence. Van nodded and they were once again left alone. Hitomi couldn't help but blush. She had been doing a lot of that since she was in Van's presence again. Hitomi sighed. They were going to kiss if it hadn't been for the cook and barmaid. Van sat down thinking the same thing. A slight look of disappointment slid across his features. It seemed that every time he got close enough to express his feelings for Hitomi, like a kiss, something always interrupted them.
Hitomi knew that her face was disappointed. Quickly hiding that emotion, Hitomi brought a grin to her lips. "Wow, Van." Hitomi saw Van look up at her, "Everything looks so good."
Van made a quick look over all the plates of food and he had to agree, "It does."
The two would be lovers began a conversation over their dinner. Another "almost" kiss not yet forgotten, Van and Hitomi settled into concentrating on eating. Each catching glimpses of the other while the other wasn't looking. Merle lightly pounded her fist into her open palm. She had secretly been watching from the shadows by the top of the staircase. Merle had hoped that her leaving Van and Hitomi alone would have prompted some progress. She had almost jumped up and down in excitement when she had seen them lean in for a kiss. That had been more than she had expected, especially in a crowded inn dining room. "Damn the cook for his poor timing." Merle turned around and headed for her bedroom. There was always tomorrow. "I hope that they finish dinner soon. I'm getting hungry."
~Kirok's Base~
"Do you understand what to do?" Kirok asked Dorser.
Dorser bowed his head in respect, "Yes, sir."
"When you find Myami's sister, you will know who she is because she will be wearing a necklace that is identical to the one Myami wore during the time she was here."
"Should I expect trouble?"
Kirok thought for a moment, "Yes. Bring Nigel with you. And don't forget. Do not kill the sister. Do kill anyone else that gets in your way."
Dorser once again bowed and turned to leave the room.
Kirok watched as his most trusted warrior walked out to do as he was bid. He smiled. He had been so close to possessing the power that Myami held but she had slipped through his fingers. Now he had been given another chance, with the same child that he had failed to take the first time around. Then he would find Myami, who had eluded his reach the last ten years. His plan was nearly complete. Kirok walked to his thinking spot by the window that occupied his entire west wall. Staring out over his underground empire, Kirok thought over every aspect of his endeavor. The only pieces missing now that both sisters were on Gaea were the last two stones. Without all four he wouldn't be able to achieve his ultimate goal and he would not have that. He had all his researchers looking over the old Ryujinbito records. It had taken his people the last 12 years to translate the majority of the works. Now the last book of the collection was giving them problems. It seemed to be encoded and it frustrated Kirok to no end. Without it's final inscriptions he would not be able to complete the spells needed to unlock the powers of the four stones.
Kirok cursed softly to himself. To be so close and yet still have to reach so far made him feel as if his intelligence was being belittled. Kirok could feel his time was at hand. He knew where two stones were and it was just a matter of finding the other two. The spells of the old world were almost all prepared and now Dorser was claiming his first prize. If it had not been for his sister opposing him and hiding from him, he would have already achieved everything he had worked so hard for the last 12 years. Instead he had to chase her to a different world and get acquainted with a niece he never knew he had. "Soon and all will be mine."
~Myami's camp~
"Tardus," Pristelle sat herself down next to the cat-man, "What's going on with Myami?"
Tardus shrugged his shoulders and looked at their friends. Pristelle, the shy one, was a gifted shamaness. Pretty and sweet, her auburn locks and deep blue eyes lent to her almost elflike qualities. Ryley, the bold one, was a master marksman. Ryley could hit anything that he set his eyes on. Described as ruggedly handsome, he had only eyes for Pristelle. Then there was Yil. Yil was mysterious and mostly kept to himself. Myami seemed to be the only one to be able to get him to come out of his shell. He was a master of the old ways. An incredible warrior and a loyal friend he was another invaluable member of their team. They had all met each other under Kirok's roof. It was as if they were all drawn to each other. Soon they had become inseparable and when Myami had wanted to leave they had followed.
For ten years they hid in the Arkanium Woods, away from Kirok's spies. It had helped that Pristelle and Yil had made a protective shield around The Haven. Now for the first time, they were out in the world again looking for Myami's long lost sister. Soon after they had made camp, Myami had explained to all of them about her newly found memories. She told story after story of her life before Gaea and the friends had listened intently. They had all asked Myami questions. They knew that Myami had already come from the Mystic Moon but she didn't have any recollection of her life there until now. It was only Tardus that knew that Myami was Ryujinbito. Myami gladly answered any and all inquiries that were put to her and soon they had all gathered a better understanding of why they were doing what they were doing.
The only thing that Myami had been unsure of was the purpose after she had found Hitomi. Myami had an urgency about her and they had pushed their horses to the limit to make it halfway to Vastras today. Myami had told Tardus that she was getting more pieces of the puzzle the closer she got to Hitomi but that was all she could tell him for now.
Tardus sighed, "I really don't know, Pristelle. But I'm with her to the end."
"As am I." Pristelle patted Tardus on the back and went to sit with Ryley.
Yil stared out at the trees where Myami had walked through. She had taken her guitar (I don't know if they would have this on Gaea but I figured if they have pianos-like Allen has- then there must be guitars.) and Yil could hear the soft strains of music coming from the trees.
"She's singing." Yil said softly to Tardus.
Tardus stood and walked to Yil, "Can you hear her?"
Yil nodded, "It sounds sad."
Tardus placed a hand on Yil's shoulder and then walked into the trees to find Myami. Tardus stopped short of presenting himself when he caught sight of his best friend. Myami's voice carried to his ears and her beautiful melody touched him. Staying within the shelter of the trees, Tardus watched and listened to Myami's song.
(Angel of Mine – Monica, I do not own this song, but I love it and I think it would be nice for Myami to sing it.)
When I first saw you
I already knew
There was something
Inside of you
Something I thought
I would never find
Angel of mine
I looked at you
Looking at me
Now I know why they say
The best things are free
Gonna love you boy
You are so fine
Angel of mine
How you changed my world
You'll never know
I'm different now
You helped me grow
-Chorus -
You came into my life
Straight from above
When I lost the hope
You showed me love
I'm checking for you
You're right on time
Angel of mine
Nothing means more to me
Than what we share
No one in this whole world
Can ever compare
I like the way you move
You're still on my mind
Angel of mine
What you mean to me
You'll never know
Deep inside
I need to show
Chorus -
I never knew
I could feel each moment
As if they were new
Every breath that I take
The love that we make
I only share it with you
When I first saw you
I already knew
There was something
Inside of you
Something I thought
I would never find
Angel of mine
Chorus –
How you changed my world
You'll never know
I'm different now
You helped me grow
Chorus –
Myami sighed and ended the song. Tardus clapped softly and stepped out from the trees into the small clearing. "Where is that from? It wasn't as sad as Yil led me to believe."
"An old song." Myami smiled and looked up at her friend, "Getting worried about me."
"Nope," Tardus sat down across from Myami, "Just listening in."
"Tardus?"
Tardus looked into Myami's green eyes. "Did you mean what you said about staying with me?" Myami set aside her guitar and pulled her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on the tops of her knees.
"Of course I did. If you're not returning than neither am I. I don't think we'd be alone though."
"You mean Pristelle, Ryley and Yil."
Tardus nodded.
"They are loyal. I love all of you." Myami smiled. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome, Mya-chan." Tardus smiled back.
~Next day-early evening-Outside Astoria's gates~
Merle nudged her horse next to Hitomi's. After making sure Van couldn't overhear them, Merle caught Hitomi's attention, "You two were awfully quiet today. Did something happen last night at dinner?"
"Yes and no." Hitomi whispered to Merle, "We almost kissed but then we got interrupted."
"I see."
"Anyway, what were you going to tell me last night?" Hitomi was curious.
Merle had made a choice last night that it would be better for Van to tell Hitomi he loved her instead of Hitomi hearing it from her, "Oh, nothing. I just wanted you to know that you should give your love a chance. I think that Van feels the same way you do and you won't know until you tell him."
"Thanks, Merle. I'll think I'll try and take your advice."
"We're here!" Van motioned for them to join him.
The trio was greeted by a bustling city as they entered Astoria's gates. The palace, where they were to meet up with their old friends, was only a short ride away. Hitomi took in all the sights and sounds. The people were all bustling around, either closing shops, opening restaurants for dinner, or just going home for the day. It amazed Hitomi how much Gaea had changed since the war. People had begun anew. It wasn't long before they had reached the castle and to Hitomi's surprise everyone was waiting on the steps.
~Meanwhile~
"So where are we going first?" Nigel inquired.
Dorser leaned against the back wall of the inn they were staying at, "Master Kirok said that all we had to do was follow the energy of her pendant. And right now his little device is pointing us in the direction of Astoria."
"Astoria," Nigel whined, "That's about 5 days away by horse. Why didn't we take our guymelefs?"
"This is supposed to be a silent strike mission."
Nigel huffed, "It would have been much faster the other way."
Dorser ignored his companion's comment. True it would have been faster to attack with guymelefs and taken the sister, but it would have revealed them as a threat much too soon. Dorser knew that Master Kirok did not want that. Everything with Kirok was about control and well laid out plans. And causing a commotion before Kirok was ready to expose his intent was not a part of the master plan. Dorser watched as Nigel made his way to the many whores that littered themselves around the small inn. Dorser turned in disgust and headed up the stairs to his room.
~Vastras~
"She's not here anymore." Myami stated as they entered the small town.
"So what do we do?" Ryley slowed his horse to a canter.
Myami sighed and pointed to the inn, "Why don't we stay there tonight. Tomorrow I can do a quick dousing and then we'll go on from there."
The group nodded in agreement and began to make their way to the inn. Tardus looked up at the now darkening sky and watched as the two moons came into view. A tingle crept up through his fur. An omen. Tardus ran a hand through his hair, "Bad feelings and a long road ahead of us: not a great combination." Having said that Tardus joined the others.
End Chapter Three
Hope you all enjoyed this installment of my story. As always don't forget to review. I seem to be getting a lot of hits but not a lot of reviews, so please be kind and lend an opinion. Like I've said before, who wants to write something that no one likes. So whether it be good or bad, let me know what you think. I believe that all criticism is constructive. Thanks again for reading and stay tuned for Chapter Four, which will hopefully be out by next weekend. Ja ne! Jayli J