Standard disclaimers apply.

To The Reviewers: I apologize for the lack of time to reply your reviews! I promise I will the next time. For now, I want to say a BIG thank you to these extremely supportive groups of people who had been my motivation to continue with the story. magiabruxa, EmiKarei, nee-chan, Dusty Pens, rc, May, The Girl Who Cried Oro, Ami-chan, crasyducky, Sliver Eyes Bright, Searu24, Akisha, Jen, Satu-chan, Kaorurules, Paleah, Alex, rain angst, MZ. AMbER EYES, HI, and kik-ting.

The Slew of Darkness
by Diabolic Angel

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Chapter Two: The Ripples of Change

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind.

To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.

To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better.

To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.

- King Whitney Jr.

Bakumatsu, 28 April 1864 – after midnight

A sight, she was.

Like a single fleck of snow. Cool and serene.

As the redheaded fixed his eyes upon this beauty standing before him, he decided that he had never seen a more elegantly bewitching female anywhere else in twenty-four years of his life.

Moonlight shimmered gently on the dark fall of hair, on the white cheeks, against the deep coal eyes. He had noticed her eyes, only because they were the colour of darkness and as cold and biting as a blade coming his way. Her hair was long, shaping around her oval face, and the colour of night. She had this disturbingly vacant expression on her face and that plain and silent stare. And the sheer emptiness of it scuttled along his skin.

"Oie, Kenshin. You think she's the moon whatever?" his lofty companion meekly asked, his head inclined towards the stand-offish radiance.

Iie.the redhead decided inwardly. Though astoundingly beautiful, there was something offish about her. And something utterly familiar. His eyes narrowed into slits as he said her name. "Yukishiro Tomoe."

"Hai." Her tone was as expressionless as her appearance.

"I assume she's the one."

"Hai," she murmured, her dark eyes unwavering from his.

"Call her out."

"Iie."

He watched the edges of his own vision slowly turn red. "Now," he demanded quick-temperedly.

"Iie," she repeated. He frowned deeply, eyes flaring into warning gold slits. "Don't test my patience, woman."

"I apologize if I was. But before we proceed, I want your word that she will be treated kindly and well protected first," Tomoe said calmly.

He muttered, his voice as hard as sleet. "That is up to my master to decide."

"We had a negotiation."

"Your negotiation is none of my business. Now call her out," he hissed. When she simply stood there glumly staring at him, his frustration nearly went over its limits. Flicking his stare towards the bushes, he glared into a pair of bewildered eyes. "Step out."

Kaoru, who had been witnessing the scene before her, gasped. A chill shivered around her heart. Naturally, she was scared. She planned to make these men leave and never come back. But she was trembling so fiercely, she could barely stand up straight. It was going to be extremely difficult to get them to listen to a mere teenager. If she stammered or looked afraid, any chance she might have would be lost. She had to be bold, she told herself. Fearless.

Bracing herself, she immerged from the luxuriant scrubs and stepped into the clearing. They'd obviously been waiting for her to appear, because the men were facing her when she walked into their lair. She barely spared the outcasts more than a glance, as her first concern was for Tomoe. The woman, however, simply cast a reassuring look at her with her hands clasped in front of her. Kaoru was surprised to see her at ease, which only made her feel more of a fool than she thought she already was.

Okay… I can do this. I can do this!

She had to force herself to look up at the outcasts again. They looked like assassins, especially the shorter one. No, no, they were just men, she thought a little frantically. Very dangerous looking men. Heavens, she was out of her mind if she thought she could give them a piece of her mind. How could she speak to them when she couldn't even find her voice? And why didn't they speak to her?

Kaoru felt as though they'd been staring at her for at least an hour, yet knew probably just a minute or two had actually passed. Fearless, she ordered herself. I can do this. I can do this…

"Are you done yet?" Irritation sizzled under the deep, forceful tone.

She goggled blankly at Kenshin, flabbergasted. Her heart rate bounded, her blood flashed. "Done with what?" she asked, thoroughly confused.

"Done with your chant," The tall fellow pitched in, with a fortuitous smirk. It was said simply, in a matter-of-fact tone that had her breath hitching.

"Wh-what?"

The same man was clearly amused. Kaoru, apparently having extreme difficulty understanding why he was being polite to her given her horrific situation, frowned. Weren't they going to attack her soon?

"I can do this… I can do this…"

Kenshin clenched his jaw tight while his friend's smile broadened, eyes sparkling devilishly. "There you go again," the brunette mused.

Goodness, Kaoru realized, she's been saying that out loud. Her face was a study of alarm and insult. "I wasn't chanting," she announced with as much dignity she could summon. Her chest began to hurt from the racing of her heart.

"Enough of this." Kenshin's voice carried an undertone of steel. "You're coming with us now." He was quickly running out of patience when the teenager looked directly into his eyes.

He knew straight off that there was nothing timid or hesitant about her. Spirit and determination radiated from her. Lively intelligence glittered in her exotic eyes. They were dark and gleaming – the kind of eyes, he thought, for a man to drown in.

She was not as exquisite looking as Tomoe, but there was something about her that drew the eye, an energy and vitality that created an invisible aura. All that tumbled dark hair, the top-cream skin, the thin mouth that was in a little furious sulk. Her eyes were big, blue and beautiful, despite the temper flames shooting out of them.

"I'm not going anywhere." Kaoru's voice was deliberately mild and slow because she guessed it would probably spark a flash of annoyance in his eyes. It was only fair, she thought, as he'd annoyed her. She was determined to hide her fear and thought she'd successful thus far.

Unfathomable smoky amber eyes watched her from some concealed lair deep inside. He was femininely handsome, slight of build, with delicate features which indicated youth, fitness, and vitality. But she couldn't stop thinking that his looks – the flame-tipped hair, the golden eyes and sorcerer's mouth – made him, in her opinion, a dangerous one. An oddly exhilarating thrill of anticipation swept through her.

Hastily, she tried to shake off the sensation. She had never reacted like this to any man. And she didn't intend to start now. She had no idea how long she'd been staring at him, and she certainly didn't notice any movement on his part.

His sister took the initiative to approach her. "We must hurry, Kaoru-chan. There's no time."

"I'm not going to do anything at all until somebody tells me what the heck is going on!"

Tomoe glanced over towards the two men. Taking it as a sign, Kenshin signaled to his companion gravely. "Sanosuke."

Responding to that silent and resolute order, Sano took long strides towards the pair. "Let's go." As he reached out for Kaoru's arm, a sudden awareness overcame her. Only in her eyes, the face of Sano's seemed to have blurred and who she saw was a man of grey hair and cruel eyes. Horrified, panic reared up and grabbed her by the throat. She raised her hand to him, and felt her powers rearing up impulsively.

Sano didn't see it coming. Defenseless and totally caught by surprise, the great surge of energy threw him off guard, causing him to take the blow solidly in the chest and stomach. The shock, more than the quick and bright pain, had him swearing. He flew a good distance away and landed agonizingly in a loud thump.

Tomoe gasped, while Kenshin stared in bewilderment. He had seen the stark fear and shuddering helplessness in Kaoru's eyes, and struggled to overlook it. As he realized that she was most likely afraid of being near a man, he decided to make her cooperate the easier way.

"Don't touch me," Kaoru's voice hitched, mortifying her. Her heart began to pound too fast and too loud in her head. Oh my god…

"Kaoru…chan…" Tomoe said quietly, without inflection, and listened to her sister's ragged breathing echo on the air. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flicker of nippy motion bolt passed her. Too astonished to react, she gaped blankly as her sister fell forward. But before Kaoru could hit the ground face-forward, the redhead caught her in his arms.

Her body leaned limply against his, her head resting against his strong shoulder. Her skin felt cold, like a morning pale spring still clinging to winter's chill, Kenshin thought. The gently rounded shape and the enticing, resilient feel of her waist through the fabric of her clothes proved unexpectedly distracting. He had to struggle against a sudden urge to tighten his hold and pull her closer. This was the first time he had actually touched her. He could not suppress the flicker of excitement that crackled through him.

"What did you do to her?" Tomoe asked.

He didn't bother to reply. He scooped Kaoru up and hurried towards his fallen friend. "Sano. Sano!" His friend remained on the ground, unmoving and ashen-faced, his mouth shut very tight. The boatman, who had been witnessing the scene from a far, appeared beside him. "I'll help," he offered.

Kenshin gave a hurried nod before carrying Kaoru's unconscious form to the wooden craft. He was intensely, almost painfully conscious of her femininity. The faint, enticing scent of her body mingled with the sweetness of jasmine. The fragrance thrilled his senses. He reminded himself that he was too old, was too experienced and had seen too much of the dark, raw side of life to be easily overwhelmed by a woman. But there it was. All indications were that he had been struck by lightening.

After he laid the teenager down, he found himself an old blanket and placed it over her. Why he even cared, he had not a clue. He then made his way back, and saw that the boatman was already pulling one of Sano's long arms around his shoulders and dragging him towards him. He was sagging slightly under the weight and height. Kenshin took the other arm, peering worriedly at Sano.

Tomoe followed them back to the boat, apparently just as concerned. "Will he be alright?" Kenshin stiffened, and as he straightened, he turned to face her soberly. "Get in."

Thunderstruck, her brow pleated in a thoughtful frown. "What?"

His face was a cool mask that did little to conceal his annoyed expression. "Get in," he repeated gravely. The lantern light spilled a hellish glare across the stark, staring face. He stepped closer towards her grimly when she continued to stand there. Something dark flashed in his eyes, momentarily veiling the shimmers of brightness. "Now," he said deliberately. His temper was beginning to tick like a bomb. He had enough for one night.

Knowing it would take too much effort to argue with the man, Tomoe abided and stepped into the craft. As she settled down beside Kaoru, a short gust of wind swept past them.

The winds of change are in the air.

They left the island shortly.

They had a bigger transport, ready and waiting near the island. The small ship moved at a slow pace, taking them almost two hours to reach Kyoto. When they were nearly reaching the country, Kenshin, with help from a crew member, took the wooden craft out again, and helped the women and an injured Sano climb aboard. Soon, the redhead was rowing them towards an isolated jetty, where another form of transportation awaited.

By this time, Kaoru had already regained consciousness.

Within ten minutes, a small carriage and three dark ninjas came to their sight. Kenshin acknowledged the trio solemnly and briefly enunciated them about their friend's condition. The tallest of the three responded briskly. He carried Sanosuke to the carriage, and quietly gestured to the women to follow. Because she was still slightly light-headed by the earlier impact, Kaoru had barely cast the ninjas a glance.

One of the ninjas started the black horse to a cautious trot once all were ready to leave. As expected and planned, they didn't follow the normal routes. Instead, they cut through sections and silent alleys. As Kaoru heedfully glanced outside, she took note that the other two ninjas were nowhere to be seen. They'd disappeared ahead of the rest of them.

Conversation in the carriage would have broken the monotony, but no one was in the mood, especially Kenshin. After observing him with shadowed eyes, she realized, to her surprise, that he and the others were fully occupied seeing to their protection, constantly searching the area for a possible threat.

And on they continued through the city. Kaoru had assumed they were nearly there, but her tired brain felt that they were taking forever. The minutes ticked by and soon her eyelids started to droop sleepily. By the time the carriage had slowed to a careful halt, Kaoru was already terribly worn out. Smudges of exhaustion bruised her eyes.

As she stepped out dazedly, she closed her eyes for what was surely just a minute or two, and when she next looked around, Kenshin was standing beside her, holding her steady by the arm. He was frowning, staring down at her. Too tired to push him away, her last thought before she fell asleep was that she would make certain she didn't lean back or press against him.

She didn't stay awake long enough to find out that she did just that.


Bakumatsu, 28 April 1864 – morning

Kaoru awoke slowly.

The sun was an orange dinghy as lemon-yellow sunlight played over Kaoru's sleeping face through the wide open window. Her eyes began to flutter open listlessly and unwillingly, revealing blue blurry eyes of midnight. Squinting at her surroundings she saw a simple Japanese bedroom with tatami mats, rosewood furniture, light blue painted walls, a brown tiled ceiling and a wide futon.

Where am I?

Slowly and cautiously, Kaoru sat up, causing the blankets to slip down to her waist. And to her utter dismay, she noticed that she was dressed in a night robe. She didn't move for a second or two, and her thoughts began to run wild, creating horrible visions of what could have happened while she had been asleep. The image her brain conjured up was a tall, well-muscled man with grey hair that stuck out at the edges, gold-rimmed spectacles, hard sinister eyes smeared with lust and anger under the deep black, a mouth curved in an ugly smirk.

It was only then did she realize that she was seeing the man she had grew up loathing, Enishi. The picture wasn't dim and fuzzy. It was sharp and clear as yesterday. It still had the power to ice her blood, to churn a sick animal fear in her stomach that was kin to shame.

The soft footsteps outside her room forced her back to reality. Her heart leapt. She looked up, apprehensively, when she heard the shoji door slide open. As soon she saw Tomoe standing there with a tray of food in her hands, she smiled in relief. Get a grip, Kaoru. He's not here. Still, she had very good reason to be suspicious. She had no idea where she was or what had happened while she had been asleep.

"Good morning, Kaoru-chan. How are you feeling this morning?" Tomoe smiled lightly.

Kaoru beamed back at her. "I'm fine."

"I'm glad to hear that." She kneeled flowingly and set the tray down. "I've brought you breakfast."

"Smells good," she said easily and sniffed the air. She spooned up a little of it and blew on it carefully, though the scent of it made her want to risk a scalded tongue. As she set the spoon down, Kaoru allowed her eyes to scan the room once more. "What is this place?"

"We're at the Kohagi Inn. It's in Kyoto."

The raven-haired teenager nodded her head once in understanding. "So they brought us here last night?"

Tomoe didn't need to ask to whom she was referring to. "Yes."

Kaoru nodded again. "How long are we staying?"

"I don't know," she answered plainly.

Kaoru looked at Tomoe lingeringly as the woman deliberately cast her eyes away from her. She was waiting, waiting for an explanation… or anything at all. "Aren't you going to tell me why we're here?"

"Do you not remember anything of last night?"

Kaoru paused for a moment. "I was at the beach," she began, looking out the window. "I remember I saw a boat approaching and three men were in it. One of them had red hair and a scar across his left cheek." Her expression appeared dazed. "For some reason, I remembered his golden eyes. They were bright, focused… a-and intense."

Upon hearing the undisguised awe in Kaoru's voice, Tomoe darkened slightly. Her dark orbs fixed themselves onto the youngster's absorbed appearance, mutely waiting for her to continue. Her brim no longer held a small smile. Instead, it had reduced itself into a fine line.

"What else do you remember?"

"There was," Kaoru cleared her throat. "There was another man with him. He was tall… and he had bandaged fists. I… he…" That moment, she felt a great jolt in her guts as though she had just missed a step going downstairs as images of the previous night came to her fast and clear.

Oh God. What have I done? "That man… I-I… Is he alright? Will he be ok?" Kaoru asked worriedly, almost frantically, grabbing for her sister's hands.

Because Kaoru looked so guilty and worried at the thought, Tomoe gave her a look of quiet sympathy and patted her hand. "Do not worry. He's going to be fine."

The child still appeared unconvinced. Tomoe gave her hand another squeeze. "I assure you, there's really nothing to worry about. He's already been properly treated."

Kaoru cast her eyes towards the floor faintheartedly. "Ok."

"That's better. Now please eat before the food gets cold." Tomoe brought the tray nearer to the futon. But Kaoru made no signs of movement. She had turned her face towards the sky and inhaled deeply, as if the sun's rays somehow transferred to her some mystical replenishing energy.

"Kaoru-chan?"

When she glanced towards Tomoe again, her sapphire eyes were startling in their intensity. Her voice was low when she finally spoke. "Nee-san, you know I have questions. Lots of them." Kaoru stated determinedly, her blue eyes smouldering a dark flame.

The expression on Tomoe's face was calm, almost detached. "I know this must be frustrating for you. But it is not for me to answer them." She shook her head lightly when Kaoru tried to interrupt her, and continued on, "I promise you'll know soon enough. For now, do eat. I know you're hungry."

Kaoru frowned. She had millions of questions to ask, so many doubts to clarify, but knowing how determined Tomoe can be, she might as well give in. Besides, her stomach was indeed growling, demanding food with each groan it gave. She was hungry, she reminded herself, and if she didn't eat something now, she probably would die of hunger on the spot. So she conceded to her sister's demands and began to eat.

None of them said another word after that. Tomoe simply sat there intently watching her greedily consumed whatever was in her bowl. Kaoru didn't even bother to eat decently. She was too hungry to care. Keeping her attention centered on the food, she tried not to think about how anxious she truly felt.

When she finished up the last of her meal, she looked up and caught the strange look in Tomoe's eyes.

"Nee-san, is everything ok?"

Tomoe's eyes instantly cleared into its same emptiness. "Oh. Yes. Have you done your food?"

"Yeah, I'm done."

"Then I'll take these to the kitchen. You stay and get dressed. I've already placed your new sets of clothing over there by the table."

"New clothes?" Kaoru asked.

"They were gifts from Seijuro-san."

Kaoru blinked in confusion. "Who?"

"Seijuro-san. You'll be meeting him soon." Tomoe picked up the tray and rose to her feet in one fluid movement. "If there is anything you need, I'll be downstairs."

"A-hh…"

Kaoru didn't sigh until she'd heard the shoji door close behind her. Closing her eyes, she buried her face in her long-fingered hands. It was all utterly frustrating and confusing. She let out a long, slow breath and turned to stare up at the brilliant blue sky.

Everyday of her life back at the Yukishiro household had been the same: the tension, the misery, the temporary relief, and then mounting tension again… and always, growing more insistent all the time, the question of why she was born differently from others. Now, she wondered how these sudden turn of events will affect her present life.

Kaoru felt a dull, sinking sensation in her stomach and before she knew it the feeling of hopelessness that had plagued her all her life rolled over her once again. The more she thought about it, the more miserable she felt. Determined not to ponder over it any further, she rose to her feet and walked over to a table where Tomoe had folded her new stack of clothing prettily.

Seijuro-san… who is he? Was he the one who had me and nee-san brought here? If that is so, why?

Questions, she thought in disgust. Well, she seemed to have plenty of them, without the first answer.

Casting the thought aside, she picked up an under kimono, and selected an outer one with a matching obi. Kaoru untied the sash around of her robe and shrugged it off her shoulders, allowing it to fall carelessly to the floor. As she started to dress, she made sure that the sleeves were properly tucked inside. She tied a long flat ribbon over the extra fabric and smoothed out the wrinkles before wrapping the Date Jime sash around her waist. Once the ends were tucked in neatly, she reached over for the obi, expertly tying it over the sash. She continued on with the obi makura and the obi age, and finished tucking the ends of the Obi Jime into the sides.

Then she went to fold the futon and blankets into a neat pile. Once that was done, she padded over to the wooden desk where a small mirror, a hair brush and a dark pink ribbon laid. Kneeling, she pushed her ebony hair over one shoulder and began to comb. She used the ribbon to tie her raven locks high upon her head into a long ponytail. Finally, she stood and speculated herself.

She wore a kimono of sapphire blue with flowers of violet and pink that scattered gorgeously along the material. The obi that was tied into a square knot behind her back was a contrasting lighter shade of pink. Inwardly satisfied, she stepped out of the room. Her head moved from left to right. There was no one around. As she ambled along the long corridor, Kaoru made her way downstairs, and saw Tomoe walked pass.

"Nee-san." she called out.

Tomoe turned. An admirable smile curved upon her lips as she surveyed Kaoru from head to toe. "You look lovely, Kaoru-chan. I knew the ribbon would suit you."

Kaoru blushed, self-consciously raising a hand to the silk tied in her hair. "Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?" She gestured to the dirty dishes and trays her sister was carrying.

Tomoe walked on and glanced over her shoulder. "Yes. The landlady told me she wanted to see you. Why don't you follow me into the kitchen?"

"Un."


Bakumatsu, 29 April 1864 – night

"How is the rooster?"

"He's regained consciousness. His breathing was normal when I checked on him earlier, though the cracked rib in his ribcage has not been completely healed yet. Most of the internal bruises on his chest and stomach area are beginning to show, but the purpling will gradually fade."

"Hm. When will he no longer be bedridden?"

"By end of the week. Hopefully he recovers a.s.a.p."

"Is he giving you problems, Megumi?"

"Iie. I'm quite capable in tolerating his nonsense by now."

The man smirked as he poured himself more sake. "That baka had better learn to show some appreciation once in a while."

"Sou deska," Megumi agreed quietly. "Erm, Hiko-sama… there's something I need to say."

When he heard the uncertainty in her voice, he lifted his dark eyes from his drink and stared deep into Megumi's. He raised an eyebrow to her. Seeing this as a sign for her to speak, she cleared her throat and said, "It's about the girl."

"What about her?" A young ninja girl knitted her brows in inquisitiveness.

"Well, we all know that the moon child has some extraordinary powers, but I don't think any of us are completely aware of how life-threatening it can veritably be."

"Oh?" Hiko said thoughtfully.

"This is regarding to what had happened to Sanosuke. According to my diagnosis, there was a sudden restrain in the pressure of the impact. It's highly possible that the girl had somehow held back some of her powers." Megumi stated, sending a look to everyone in the room before she continued. "Ken-san pointed out that she looked almost terrified when she told Sano not to touch her." The doctor folded her fingers together as she reached her conclusion. "I believe such a reaction states the obvious. She must have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused."

For a moment, murky silence settled over the room as the people in the room took a moment to register that dreadful fact into their memories. Megumi spoke, capturing their attention again. "I'd say she was probably defending herself from a man, maybe even saw Sano as someone else. You could put it as a trick of the mind."

"Interesting theory." The broad man was beginning to look mildly attentive.

The female teenage ninja frowned. "Are you sure, Megumi-san?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure, Misao-chan. And although she may not have the intention in hurting anyone, she still could have easily broken several bones in Sano's ribcage or maybe punctured one of his organs with that kind of powerful force. However…"

"…Sanosuke came out of it merely with bruises and a cracked rib," a husky voice rumbled, finishing the sentence.

Megumi turned towards the tall and handsome leader of the Oniwanbanshu standing solemnly at one corner of the room. He had a look of stern concentration and discipline as shadows played over his features. "Exactly," she nodded firmly.

"Meaning to say?" Misao asked swiftly.

"Meaning to say that if it was just any other human being such as myself, this girl could have inflicted even more critical wounds." Megumi locked eyes with Hiko and evenly stared, exchanging the most fleeting of looks. "Perhaps even kill."

When she caught the pensive look in the Hiko's eyes, she quickly took the opportunity to press the issue further. "Therefore, I sincerely think it is not wise to leave her at the inn together with all those people. I suggest somewhere quiet. Somewhere where there's less publicity."

Hiko closed his eyes casually and sipped his sake as if he had not been seriously listening to their conversation. "Sometimes the safest place is where you least expect it, Megumi."

"Demo, Hiko-sama, think about the risks you're taking. There would surely be men looking for her and–"

"As I have said clearly before, they will continue to stay at the Kohaji Inn," he firmly announced, cutting off the doctor's sentence. He waited for Megumi's hesitant nod before continuing. "If anyone asks about them, stick to our 'story'. Remember to keep it simple." Then he turned and addressed to two ninjas in the room. "Aoshi, Misao. Get the Oniwanbanshu to keep track of Yukishiro Shikazu's whereabouts and his plans. Every little detail is vitally important. Gather whatever you can and report back to me immediately."

"Hai," they affirmed in unison.

"Baka deshi."

Kenshin tore his gaze away from the window and glared defiantly at his master for using his old nickname. Dark brows pleated in a scowl, his eyes razor sharp on the man's as he kept his tongue in check. Hiko, though arrogantly satisfied with the spark of anger he caught in those golden eyes, cast him an evenly annoyed look.

"I want you to stay at the inn and keep a cautious eye on these women. As soon as the stupid rooster recovers, he'll join you. Guard them well. Do you understand me?"

Instantly Kenshin's spine stiffened, his eyes narrowed, and a prickly ball bounced around in his gut. He made a sound that was between a groan and a 'whatever' in response.

Hiko gave him a hard look. "Don't give me that, baka deshi. You will do as I say."

The redhead was having difficulty keeping his anger under control. Although he could have given his opinion whenever he felt like it, to openly disagree with his master in front of the others would have been wrong, as it would undermine his master's position. "Hai." The faint edge of irritation worked in his voice as he replied.

"I'll send the carriage over tomorrow night. Bring the girls with you, especially Yukishiro Kaoru."

"What do you plan to tell her, Hiko-sama?" Misao asked in a voice that sounded only mildly curious. The room became thick with silence as the rest waited for the man to answer.

"…Everything…"

To be continued…