Disclaimer: This is a test. This is only a test.

Well, I've decided to update once a week now, perhaps more if I feel inspired. Well, I was looking for a song to fit Tom and Carl's conversation with Avril, and although this chapter originally contained a song written by me, I have since found one to replace it.

Today's song is 'Overkill' by Colin Hay.

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(Tom and Carl enter Nita's house, where she and Dair are waiting. Avril is asleep in the next room.)

TOM: We came as soon as we could. What's going on?

NITA: Avril's been visited a lot by the Lone One.

CARL: So? Every wizard deals with It every now and then.

DAIR: You don't get it. He came HERE! (Looks angry) He actually came into our _house_, Carl! This _used_ to be a safe place! Not only is It hounding her, I–I think she's actually starting to _believe_ him.

TOM: Believe him about what?

NITA: I think she'd be the best one to tell you. (Goes to wake Avril up. They return a moment later.)

CARL: What exactly has It been telling you?

AVRIL: (Hesitates) He...It told me that I'm...the Advocate.

(There is a long silence as Tom and Carl look at each other, worried)

TOM: (Finally) It's just trying to get into your head. The Advocate has never been found.

AVRIL: But what if he's right?

CARL: (Firmly) _It_ is _never_ a he. If you start using humanizing terms on It, then It will begin to seem more human. Never make that mistake.

AVRIL: But what if he–It–WHATEVER, is right?

TOM: Pay It no mind, Avril.

NITA: Just trust them, Av. They've dealt with It before.

AVRIL: But–but that can't be all right! Tom, Carl...I _am_ starting to remember things. It sounds crazy...but I think I believe him...

CARL: Now I don't want to hear another word about you believing It. You have to strengthen your resolve and get back to your Ordeal. Ignore whatever It tells you – It's a liar, Avril -- and you can get through this.

(Avril leaves the room, looking somewhat hurt. Dairine leaves to go study her homework, and Nita goes to talk to Kit.)

TOM: She is the Advocate, isn't she, Carl?

CARL: (Nods) I'm afraid so.

TOM: (Softly) We've got to tell Ronan.

CARL: I know. I just hope we get back in time...

We can't go to sleep;
I'll think about the implications
Of diving in too deep,
And possibly the complications.
Especially at night,
I worry over situations.
I know she'll be alright;
Perhaps it's just imagination…
TOM: Wishful thinking, Carl. On both of our parts.
Day after day, It reappears.
Night after night, my heartbeat shows the fear;
Ghosts appear and fade away…
Alone between the sheets,
Only brings exasperation.
It's time to walk the streets,
Smell the desperation.
CARL:
At least there's pretty lights.
And though there's little variation,
It nullifies the night from overkill.
TOM:
Day after day, It reappears.
Night after night, my heartbeat shows the fear.
Ghosts appear and fade away…
Come back another day…
BOTH:
We can't get to sleep!
We'll think about the implications
Of diving in too deep,
And possibly the complications.
Especially at night,
We worry over situations.
We know we'll be alright--
It's just overkill.
CARL:
Day after day, It reappears.
Night after night, my heartbeat shows the fear.
TOM:
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away…

(They leave to meet with other advisories, seeking counsel on what their next move should be.)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXWell! How was that? Please R&R!