Chapter 24: Difficult Destinations

"What the verkd is going on here?" Qui-Gon heard the surprised question from the doorway. He had sensed their approach vaguely but was much more concerned for the young man who was sleeping restlessly in his arms. Obi-Wan had drifted off in to a troubled slumber after the emotional exertion. In one sense, Qui-Gon was thankful for it. It allowed him time to think and ponder while granting the youth some reprieve. Yet, he was considerably disturbed by what had happened. Desire to find a way to ease the suffering or reassure the fears was great, he just didn't know how to accomplish them.

The arrival of the pair was also both welcomed and unwanted. The Zabrak guard pounded in obviously frustrated that the Jedi had dismantled the energy field for the cell. Nonplussed, Qui-Gon merely answered the man's question, "It was necessary."

Still standing behind the kneeling Knight, Toked Jamil pressed, "Necessary? Why didn't you contact us? The Tokad gave you a transmitter, one of us could have been here within minutes."

Qui-Gon glanced over his shoulder to look at the man. His voice sounding dull and distant in his own ears. "That would have been too long. I needed to resolve the situation immediately." He realized then that he was in a form of automatic pilot. So much had happened in these past few hours that he had become numb in many ways. It was his years' worth of diplomacy and training that permitted him to function despite his inner turmoil.

Irritated that procedures were not followed and matters taken into their own hands, Jamil demanded, "What was the trouble that forced you to bypass our systems?"

Qui-Gon was just starting to feel mild frustration growing at the Zabrak's tone. The two were glaring at each other when a tentative voice cut through their building argument, "He did it again, didn't he?"

Jamil was now thoroughly confused. "What are you talking about? Did what again?" Glancing between the Jedi, he waited for a response. But neither answered him.

Qui-Gon glanced over at the Calamarian sympathetically, then nodded. She had walked in with Toked Jamil to find the unexpected sight but had quietly made her way over to them. Kneeling down, she carefully placed the tray she had been carrying to the side and looked at the youth. Not really listening to the conversation around her, her gaze had focused on Obi-Wan.

Bant noticed the young man was asleep, but apparently not a peaceful one. The taut features of his face and the unconscious gripping of the man's tunics belied the chance of any real rest. Absorbed in just having him present again in her life, her gaze watched the mild twitches that crossed his face periodically. The slight motion of his hands drew her eyes downward. His fingers held on tightly to the Jedi's outer layer and were methodically tensing and relaxing but never letting go of the material. That's when she noticed his knuckles. Instantly her mind gathered what had happened and she spoke her suspicions aloud. His simple nod of recognition was enough of an answer for her.

Sitting back on her heels to contemplate the realization, Bant reached out to tenderly brush away the bangs from his sweat-soaked brow. She knew it was something Obi-Wan had always been prone to. On more than one occasion after a fight with Bruck, she had caught him punching something. But he was always able to curb his frustration rather quickly once the initial release was done. It was always her belief that with a caring Master he would have been able to break this habit, what chance was there for him to overcome it when he was cast aside? The incident in the Rec Room on the Zenah confirmed that that tendency hadn't gone away. And now she had seen him resort to this outlet twice. Cautiously, she asked, "What happened?"

The Knight took a deep breath. The Norelwind guard seemed to content himself to wait for an answer and as much as Qui wanted to go into detail with the Padawan he felt it best to remain vague at the moment. They didn't need another stranger to get too involved. Sighing once more, he began, "I am not entirely positive what fully transpired, all I do know is we were talking. Then after the conversation seemed to end, he became suddenly agitated. Before I knew what was happening he was hitting the wall. The intensity of which is what drove me into immediate action rather than wait for ship's security. Besides, I believed it would be best if I handled the situation myself. The subject that initiated this reaction was delicate and could have only been compounded by outside intervention." At first, Qui-Gon spoke directly to Bant but as he finished his gaze moved to Jamil, hoping his indistinct explanation was enough to quell some of the man's frustration.

Jamil had wandered over to the closest wall and examined it while listening to the remorseful explanation. He ran his hand over the smooth surface and could feel a very slight indentation. His hand also wiped at the speck of drying blood there. "It appears your assumption may have been correct. I can't be sure, but he may have even had enough force to dent the wall." Turning back to the huddled group he regarded the Knight, "But you were able to stop him?"

"In a way. I managed to keep him from causing more damage to himself but in the end it was exhaustion that claimed him."

Frowning, Jamil noticed the sleeping young man for the first time. Even from this distance he could tell there was something wrong. His earlier frustration beginning to diffuse, the security guard asked, "And what do you think now? Do you think you could handle him again if he were to become violent?"

"I do not foresee him being a danger to your passengers. As much as Official Lanthr has advocated the youth's potential threat to this ship, he will not harm your people." Glancing down, he muttered, "I wish he cared as much for himself." Bant heard his soft plea and felt the water rim her eyes again.

Toked Jamil walked over and crouched next to them, he wanted to get a better look at their prisoner. The young man's pained expression was disconcerting. A sheen of perspiration was evident on the boy's pale features. Whatever the Onderon Security Official said, Jamil realized this young man was not much of a danger to anyone, except perhaps himself at the moment. To be honest, Jamil thought the young man needed a healer. Glancing up at the concerned Knight, he made his decision. "We'll be arriving on Coruscant in another hour at most. I have a few things I have to do before we land. I was only coming to assist Apprentice Bant for a moment before heading back. I really shouldn't be doing this, but I'm going to leave the field down under the stipulation that you accept full responsibility for him." Qui-Gon nodded.

Jamil continued, "I'll try and get back here before the Tokad. Otherwise, you're going to have to explain this again and I don't think he'll be as lenient as I am. Hopefully, by that point it will be too late to really worry about it. Just don't make me regret this." Jamil headed for the door and looked back at them once more. "I would suggest getting the boy help after we land. He doesn't look so well."

Qui-Gon stared after him, somewhat surprised at the sudden change of heart that had taken place. Not allowing that fact to go unnoticed, he stopped the man before he could leave. "Thank you for your understanding, it is most appreciated." Jamil nodded and left.

Now that they were alone, Bant cautiously began, "Master Tahl and I thought you and Obi might be hungry. After she returned, she suggested that I come. She thought it might help. I wasn't so sure. Not that I didn't want to but I was afraid he wouldn't want me here. Now I see that my hesitance was pointless and my arrival was too late. I should have suspected he might try this again. I should have gotten here sooner." These thoughts had been consuming her since her arrival and she was finally able to voice them.

The Master stretched out one hand to rest it on her shoulder as reassurance. "Bant, you have nothing to be sorry for. Your intentions were good and you are here for him now, that is the least you can do. More than I have done."

"That isn't true, Master." Bant quickly denied. "You were able to stop him from hurting himself further."

"I should be the one to stop what I began." A hint of bitterness lined the normally soothing baritone.

"You didn't begin this. Obi has had a history of this…"

"That is not what I am referring to." He cut her off, gently trying to convey his own troubled thoughts. "I refused the Force. I refused him. Was his suffering justified in order to protect my hurt pride? Should he have paid the price for my shortsightedness?"

"Can we even answer those questions, Master? Should we answer them? I have always been taught to believe that we have a purpose. Clear paths were rarely visible but paths did exist to get us there. I have always pictured it as lake or pool. Currents flow beneath the surface that guide our course. But then sometimes there are stones cast into the water that disturb what we originally had. Storms kick up and shift our course. But because everything is always tied to each other, even if we get off course, we can still arrive at the destination. It may take longer or be more perilous but we still have that potential to get there. Obi-Wan's destiny was disturbed by the ripples of a lost stone."

Qui-Gon mulled over her words. Searching for an answer, searching within himself. But also seeking out the Force's will and guidance. Without realizing it, he began questioning, "Was it merely one stone or one of many? And if we were able to retrieve the stone that deviated his path could we reverse the damage that has been done or would we be causing more?"

"There is no answer we will find now, Master. The Force knows what path was intended for us and what paths lead back to our ultimate fate. But for us, we rarely see those possibilities. It is always difficult to see ahead when we have yet to fully understand what has passed. Time is the only judge. In the present we know what has happened, but the future is constantly changing, ebbing and eddying, that we cannot grasp it with any certainty. To ask those questions about if our past actions were justified. Or if what we are doing now will change things for the better or not is beyond the scope of our comprehension. Without that knowledge of the future, the answers you seek will not come for some time."

Smiling sadly at the Padawan, Qui was thankful for her presence. "Young Bant, you have done yourself and your master credit. Your gentle insight has once again found way to sooth my troubled mind. You are correct. We shall not know the answers to these questions until we have found the end of our journey. Now, hope is our ally. Hope that we can somehow correct the damage and place him back on course. Hope that he will face what lies ahead and prevail. And hope that we will be fortunate enough to share that journey with him." Bant smiled back at his kind words, glad that they were able to console each other. But the moment of calm was not to last. Their attention was drawn by a frightened plea.

"no." the childlike voice protested. Hands tightened to the point of shaking, clutching to the Jedi's tunics. "No." He twisted as if trying to avoid something or someone. His movements and breathing were becoming more rapid. Panic climbing, he shouted, "NO!" Suddenly, his eyes sprung open with a pained cry. The instant following his abrupt reentry to reality was followed by confusion. At first he couldn't place where he was, when he was, but as he slowly became aware of his surroundings he began to remember what had happened. When he fully realized where he was and noticed his hands on the cream cloth, he released his grip and scooted himself away from the Jedi. Obi-Wan worked himself into a corner and brought his knees up for further protection as he began to hug himself.

Qui-Gon and Bant silently watched on with growing concern. It was Bant who found her voice first, "Obi, What's wrong? Do you need anything? Hungry? I've brought you something to eat." She hoped the prospect of food would draw him out.

He didn't respond to her offer. The lingering remnants of his nightmares clung to the fringes of his mind. They had plagued him since the moment he entered their realm and was finding it harder and harder to fend them off. Doing so only caused the throbbing in his head to worsen. A chill swept though him and he hugged himself tighter, a soft moan escaped him. His stomach felt like it had been tied up in hundreds of little knots. Closing his eyes to battle the headache along with the rest of his body, he didn't notice the Knight's approach.

Qui-Gon had moved over to the boy trying not to get too close and make the rogue feel trapped. Gently, he asked, "Obi-Wan, how are you feeling?" The odd behaviour and pallid appearance caused his heart to race with worry.

Slowly, Obi-Wan raised his head to look at the man. His cultured voice scarcely above a whisper. "I… I don't know. I can't seem to think straight. Headache. And I'm sore all over."

"You have been through a lot young one. You need rest." Wishing he could offer more relief, Qui-Gon watched on sympathetically.

Obi-Wan nodded. Leaning his head to the side and resting it on the wall, he closed his eyes again. For a while, no one spoke. The two Jedi let the boy relax as they raced through their thoughts. Neither knew what to do next. And the look of growing concern on the Calamarian's face only made the Knight worry more. Obi-Wan seemed to be receding into himself and they didn't know how to stop it. A short time later, ginger lashes fluttered open revealing dulled blue-green depths. "Thirsty," he whispered.

Bant automatically got up and hurried to the tray she brought to retrieve a cup. She quickly filled it with water and brought it back to Qui-Gon, who in turn handed it to the young pirate. Carefully, Obi-Wan raised it to his lips and took the tiniest sip. If felt cool and wonderful as it flowed down his throat. But the instant it hit his stomach, he knew that this had been a bad idea. Hastily, he tried to place the cup on the ground next to him, but his body had begun to tremble. The water spilled out onto the floor as he pushed himself up to his feet. The Jedi were instantly by his side, helping him into the fresher.

Barely making it inside, he emptied the contents of his stomach, not that there was much in there anyway. When he finished, his body felt ten times worse than it had before. His companions had tried to support and comfort him but he vaguely registered their presence. With their aide, he was able to get himself to the sink. It's an automatic desire to wash after one loses their stomach and he was no exception even in the pain he was in. Obi-Wan splashed his face with tepid water and managed to wash his mouth out. Completing this, he stood up and stopped suddenly. For the first time since the Zenah, he saw himself in a reflector. And it was his image that shocked him.

He found it hard to believe that the reflection was his own. His russet bangs draped over paindulled eyes. His skin was ghostly pale making the dark rings under his eyes stand out all the more. Somehow his face looked thinner almost hollow in his mind. As he gazed into the looking glass, his eyes fell upon the metal circle around his neck. A tentative trembling hand came up to touch it. This contraption was part of the cause. Shuddering, he once again wondered if there would ever be moment when it wouldn't be on. He doubted it. Tears came unbidden to his eyes blurring his vision.

A wave of nausea and dizziness crashed over him and he felt himself falling. Strong gentle hands stopped his descent before he could get very far. Within moments, he felt himself being scooped up then lowered onto the cot. He stared out vacantly relishing the empty stasis he was entering. He could feel blankets being gently wrapped around him but decided to ignore the world around him.

Qui-Gon had caught the young man as he fell then hastened to get him on the meager cot. Laying him on his side, the Knight instructed without taking his eyes off the youth, "Bant, fetch Healer Kohnwei."

She was halfway out the door before he even finished his command. As he waited, he began to wonder. How had the boy's condition deteriorated so quickly? It had to be the collar. And the emotional and physical stress. What could they do now? They would be landing shortly. He could only hope that Obi-Wan would be able to hold out until they land. Minutes later, Bant and Ja were rushing into the room.

Ja didn't even bother speaking. He automatically went to the cot and began examining the patient. "Damn, I was afraid of this." He said after moments that stretched into eternity. "I was hoping we would be back on Coruscant before it progressed this far."

Anxious, Qui-Gon asked, "What? What is happening?"

"Internal bleeding Master. I suspected it almost from the beginning." Ja ran a hand over his face as if the simple motion would ease some of his disappointment. "I think if he was able to keep using those Jedi techniques this wouldn't have even been an issue. But once that collar was put on, it's been getting steadily worse. Fortunately, he took it easy while on Onderon. This is aggravated. Has he exerted himself since last I saw him??"

The tall Jedi stood directly behind the man watching on with great interest. "Regrettably so, Healer. He began another bout similar to that of the rec room. At least, I was able to stop him before he was able to cause greater damage."

"It didn't have to be much to accelerate his condition. I should have told you, but he seemed like he was not in the mood to do much anyway back in Iziz. I figured he would have done the same here. Damn." He chastised himself for not considering the possibility.

"Is there anything we can do to help you, Healer?" Bant sounded incredibly calm considering how sickly her friend looked and the threatening dangers that could steal him away from her again.

Kohnwei glanced over to look at the Padawan directly, and gave a wan smile. "All we can do is keep him comfortable right now. Without any of the tools I need or a Bacta Tank available, we'll just have to sit tight until we can get him to a Center for treatment." The others nodded solemnly in acceptance.

The trio kept vigilance over their charge. It was a quiet contemplative time. Each of them resolving to their own introspection rather than disrupting the reticence that engulfed the room. Obi-Wan had slipped back in to a dream state, this time it didn't appear to be riddled with dark images as before. They felt a small tremor as the ship dropped out of Hyperspace. It would only be a matter of time now. The morbid expressions on their faces were the first thing Toked Jamil noticed when he came back into the cell block.

"By the looks of everything, I'm guessing he hasn't gotten any better?"

"No, Toked." The youngest of the three answered. Her tone saddened by this confession.

Once again Jamil questioned the judgement of the OSF. How could so many care for such a hardened criminal if he was as dangerous as previously described? It didn't make any sense. These people diligently waiting seemed more like concerned friends rather than people escorting an unknown criminal. It was obvious that everything was not as it appeared. Clearing his throat, he tried to lighten the mood. "Well, the good news is we are on approach for Coruscant and we should be able to get him checked out once we land. Do you want me to contact anyone?"

"Official Lanthr had mentioned that a Fama Martorana will be meeting us. Has Master Gallia or any of your people contacted them yet?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"I'm not sure. I can check for you. Do you have any requests you want me to convey?"

"Of course," the Knight responded trying not to sound annoyed. "We need to get him to a Healing Center. We need to know which one would be closest and best capable of handling his condition. As well as which one has an affiliation with Republic Security since he is still in their custody."

"And what is his condition exactly?" Jamil knew the boy was sick, he just didn't know the details.

Kohnwei stood to rattle off the list, speaking for the first time. "Blaster wound to the abdominal region, numerous lacerations and abrasions. Various possible fractures. And internal bleeding, the exact extent of which is not determinable at the moment without proper equipment."

"And he is in a mild state of shock that will only worsen the more delay there is." Bant added at the end.

Qui-Gon also pointed out, "He is also struggling with the effects of a Suppression Collar. If there is any way, please discuss the removal of said device immediately."

Jamil was shocked. With all that they had described he was even more amazed at how the OSF could believe the pirate was capable of causing any trouble what so ever. "I'll see what I can do." Moving over to a corner, Jamil contacted his commander to give him the update. At first Qui-Gon tried to listen to the hushed discussion but his attention was drawn back to his would-be Padawan.

"thirsty." Obi-Wan croaked out. Apparently, he was roused by the multitude of voices around him. Exhausted, pain-filled eyes sought out someone to answer his plea.

Kohnwei knelt next to the youth, "Sorry, kid, can't let you have anything right now. We're about to land. I need you to hold on for just a little longer. Then we can get you all fixed up. Can you do that for me?" Obi-Wan gave an almost imperceptible nod, then closed his eyes again. Ja looked up at the Knight worry etched in his features. "What ever we do, we're going to have to do it fast."

Qui-Gon agreed wholeheartedly. "I cannot express how much I appreciate your assistance through all this, Healer Kohnwei." When Qui-Gon first brought Obi-Wan to the Healer back on the Zenah, he never imagined how involved the man would get. And he truly was thankful for the man's initiative to continue aiding the pirate rogue when he was no longer obligated. The Knight just couldn't overlook it any longer.

"It's alright." The healer placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "And please, I think we can drop the formality. Just Ja, ok?" He smiled up at the taller man hoping that he would accept his suggestion.

Qui-Gon smiled back thoughtfully, "Thank you, Ja."

Before any more could be said, Jamil walked back over. "They've already informed Martorana of our platform coordinates. I've told them to have a team waiting to retrieve the boy. They will let us know which Center he'll be admitted to once we land. They also said, the collar will have to be considered later. According to the regs, it should stay on until he is released. Unless, you can somehow convince them otherwise." Jamil could see the man's jaw clench as he mentioned the collar. Obviously the imposing figure was not pleased with this judgement, but knew better than to blame the messenger and kept his thoughts in check. It would be something Qui-Gon would have to address himself once they landed.

*

Less than an hour later, the passengers were unloading and scurrying away from the Norelwind. Most of the exit ramps were a frenzy of activity however by one the chaos was organized. The children that had been involved had been loaded onto a skybus and taken back to the Temple. Qui-Gon, Bant, Ja, and a few others were surrounding a gravsled that held a young man. Waiting at the bottom of the ramp for their arrival were Adi, Siri, and Tahl. In addition, Official Fama Martorana and her team also stood close by watching the proceedings. There were two more figures standing in their midst, figures that Qui-Gon should have expected but didn't: the dark form of Mace Windu and the diminutive Master Yoda.

Qui-Gon acknowledged them with a slight bow. Instead of heading over to speak with them, he kept to his primary concern. He followed the group taking Obi-Wan as they loaded the youth in a vehicle bound for Toug Horiz Memorial Center. He was about to climb in after when one of the emergency healers stopped him, "I'm sorry sir, but you can't go with him. We don't have enough room. CSF requires one of their men to go and he fills that extra opening."

Qui-Gon was about to protest when Ja stepped forward. "Is it possible that I accompany him? I have been the Healer taking care of him since the initial raid. My input would be invaluable to you."

The emergency medic glanced at Ja then nodded reluctantly. "We could definitely use your help, but it's going to be a tight fit." Then turning, the EMH headed toward the waiting vehicle.

Ja looked back over to the Knight. "Qui-Gon, I'll make sure he gets the best treatment. You need to take a moment to relax now. Then you can start working on them to get that collar removed. I'll see you shortly." Ja placed a reassuring hand on the man's arm for an instant then hurried to get on the vessel so that he wouldn't be left behind.

Qui-Gon called after him, "Thank you." Stealing one last glance at the Jedi, the door slid closed. The craft took off once they were all secured. Qui and the others watched it melt into the afternoon traffic. When they could no longer keep track of it, Qui-Gon turned to his companions readying himself for the coming battle.

Staring back, Mace stated, "We need to talk."

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Well, sorry if this wasn't too exciting. I've been really trying to get the story moving without taking away from all that I've already done. I struggled with this chap for a while and am still not entirely happy. But it's better than it was. I hope you guys liked it. ;)

Thanks for reading and all the wonderful reviews for last chap. They really really really made my day. Now if only ff.n didn't have that hiccup I wouldn't have been tearing my hair out waiting to read them all. ;) Thanks a bunch and reviews are a writer's best gift!!! ;D

Kaat ShadowLover – Thanks. :) Yeah, I wanted to give some insight as to why Kuuur had such a conflict with Obi. And I just LOVE angst! lol. Qui isn't the best when it comes to people's emotions. If he understood those, he wouldn't have left Obi on Melida/Daan. He was just way too concerned with his own feelings he neglected his Padawan's. So I figured he still hasn't learned his lesson in this timeline.

K-Rock – My little bud!! How's it hangin' chickie! ;) Yeah, I liked the Rh chap. You've really got a handle on it. Unfortunately work's been a bit chaotic as of late. I only had a page left of revision for this chap this morning and it too me the entire day to look through it. I wish they would figure out, they only pay me so that I can write. lol. :) Ah, Obi-Torture is great when it's physical. And mental torture can be just as good. But when both are combined do we have something that is truly wonderful. ]:) Thanks!! And don't worry so much about how long it takes you to read. Personally, I'm a slow reader to begin with so getting interrupted usually pisses me off rather well. You are a travelin' girl. Well, I hope you had fun. I just wish I could keep to a weekly schedule any more. *sigh* I guess what ever I can get done will have to do. Looking forward to more RH. And thanks for the reply on 'Whispers.' It meant a lot to me. :D

Delphine Pryde – I wish I could buy stock in that phrase. I hear it all the time. Can't imagine why? ]:D

Fudge – Thank you very much! Yeah, that's what I was going for. I'm so ecstatic that I managed to pull it off. :D I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Hope this wasn't too much of a disappointment.

YLJedi – Thank you. Thank you!! :D I just hope I can live up to the expectations I have set. And my ego is far from bulstered. I fear the crash more than the high. But go ahead and keep reviewing as such, it really keeps me motivated to write! Thanks again!! :D

nat – Thank you! I'm so glad you like them. :) That was an interesting visual. Quite clear. ;) And life is only worth living with great Obi-Torture!! :D

Shan – Oh, my wonderful, dear, sweet Beta!!! This fic would be nothing without you!!! :D You're suggestions were right on. And you turned it into one of my favourite chapters! Thank you, Thank you!! :D And to be honest I think I'm past novella and heading into Novel now. I use 10 pt font and the whole finished sections, once put together I'm at about 145 pages, not including this chap. And since you know my intentions and that I'm no where near the end yet. It's probably going to end up at around 200. Good I hope I can do all the chars justice. It's been so hard juggling them all any more. You just keep me on track ok? Thanks again you beautiful Beta you!! :D

Death Rider – Hey, guilt ridding Obi will always look for the harshest punishment, because that's what he feels he deserves. And who are we to argue?? ]:D Oh, I do. I do. Mental and physical anguish are my life's calling. I love reading them and have almost as much fun writing them. You have to remember, the Force is very much a part of a Force Sensitive, and even more so for Jedi. To be stripped of it in the middle of dealing with other traumas only makes it worse. Sometimes the only means of escape is to create a new world. Anyway, I don't think Xan's involved here, yet. But that doesn't mean it wasn't influenced by Xan. Mwahahah mwahahaha mwahahahahahahahahaha. (best Dr. Evil laugh as I can muster.) I'm hoping you want to keep going for a record. Can we see four reviews??? ;) Hope so.

Dani – Oh my goodness, you are incredibly kind!! :D :D :D Thank you sooo much!!!! I don't thin kthis fic will ever be as good as you claim, but the thoughts were truly wonderful! They really made me smile. And I appreciate that beyond words! The writing may be all mine but if not for Shan's Plot Bunny and constant encouragement who knows where this fic would be right now. So much of my gratitude goes to her. Thank you for everything. I know I can sometimes battle with my inner demons I just felt that they were still human and had their own battles to wage. As far as Obi's conscience, I don't want to say it's his alone, but it's not Sideous or anyone like that. In a sense I have dropped a lot of hint as to who nurtured the seeds of his demons, but not all at once and not in any obvious way. Eventually I will reveal more, but I don't want to give it all away now. Oh, there is sooooo much more to come. I hope you have the patience and stamina to wait. I know even mine's starting to fray at times. So hopefully I can get this puppy movin' and we can get to even more of the good stuff!! :D Thanks again!! I really appreciate it!

Pheonix Flight – You're welcome!! Thanks for reviewing!! :D

YLJedi – You crack me up! I'm glad you told me. It might help me sort out a few things I wasn't sure about in later books. But I have never been one to delve in too deep with profanity or sexual situations. I've never been much of a romance writer so you're pretty safe there. Although, I'm not entirely exempt from it. Profanity has been a pet peeve of mine in fan fic. Which is why I use alternatives or the 'mild' ones whenever possible. The only thing I have been prone to is violence. I sometimes push the envelope but I try not to get overly explicit. You'll just have to tell me if I ever go too far. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad my fic can be read by so many while satisfying so many people's expectations. Thanks again!! I really appreciate it!! :D

REVIEW!!! Please. I'll beg. Just ask, and I'll do it. Thanks for reading!! Hopefully, more soon. ;)