Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Video and Winx Club belongs to Iginio Straffi and Rai S.p.A (NOT 4Kids!). Song, 'COLORS' belongs to Code Geass.
Note: This follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubbed.
Chapter 54: Caution! From the Forest!
Alfea cafeteria…
The students and faculty of the school were gathered at the tables for their morning breakfast. Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke sat at the faculty table. Sasuke in particular couldn't be happier at having three actual meals a day at the Faerie college, making sure to savor every bite.
Ranma was seated among the Winx, along with Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse. It had been three days since their latest encounter with the Trix and their unexpected new allies.
"No can believe pig boy here, too, and with Valtor." Said Shampoo.
"You and me both." Said Ranma. "The old freak I can understand, but I can't believe Ryoga would sink so low as to ally with them."
"I'm glad you're all right, Bloom." Said Flora. She and the others had been worried when they heard Bloom was once again ganged up on by the Trix.
"Well, I figured I'd be used to that by now." Said Bloom.
"Hey, they mess with one of us, they mess with all of us!" said Layla.
"That's right! Next time they try something, we'll make them regret it!" added Musa.
"Thanks, everyone." Said Bloom, grateful to have such loyal friends.
Once breakfast was over, another school day at Alfea began.
In the forests nearby, a shadowed figure ran while breathing hard.
Opening (Code Geass style, 'COLORS')
Music starts as a bird's eye view of Magix appears, then zooms down near Alfea. Ranma's shadowed silhouette from behind is seen before illuminating as he looks out at the rising sun. The 'Ranma Club' title appears.
Jibun wo sekai sae mo kaete shimaesou na (The moment that can change me and even the world)
Shunkan ha itsumo sugu soba ni... (It's always right by my side)
Camera zooms into Ranma's eye, displaying memories of the past passing by before flashing shots of his and his friends' big battles against Valtor, the Trix, and their otherworldly adversaries.
Kakusenu iradachi to tachitsukusu jibun wo mitsume (I stare at the irritations I can't hide and at myself who's unable to move)
Pans around Ranma as visions of Nodoka, Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke pass by. Valtor is seen in a flash moment.
Faerie Ranma-chan is seen standing on top of a spire around Alfea looking out.
Mayoinagara nayaminagara kuyaminagara kimereba ii sa (While I'm confused, while I'm troubled, while I'm grieving, I should just decide)
Kimi ga kureta kotoba hitotsu tomadoi ha kiesari (My confusion disappears with that one word you gave me)
Shots of Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, Layla, Shampoo, and Ukyou appear.
A group shot of Valtor, Icy, Darcy, Stormy, Ryoga, and Happosai before Darkhaunt comes up.
A group shot of Ranma, the Winx, and the NWC before Alfea is seen.
Karappo datta boku no heya ni hikari ga sashita (My once empty room is illuminated by the light again)
A shadowed silhouette of someone curled up is seen spinning before briefly being illuminated.
Miageta oozora ga aoku sumikitte yuku (I looked up at the perfectly clear and blue sky)
Tozashita mado wo hiraku koto wo kimeta (And decided to open the locked window)
Jibun wo sekai sae mo kaete shimaesou na (The moment that can change me and even the world)
Shunkan ha itsumo sugu soba ni... (It's always right by my side)
Ranma's eyes snap open as Platinum Sky, Diamond Brandon, Gold Helia, Onyx Riven, Silver Timmy, and Amethyst Nabu appear above him. He charges forth, breaking through the ranks of a demon horde followed by Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse. Flora is seen flying about before turning with a teary-eyed expression, beckoning to the camera. Layla hits a group of demons with a water wave, followed by Tecna electrocuting them with green lightning. Scene change to Musa as she sits at a fountain watching the birds sing. Bloom and Stella are seen facing away from each other as they look out with longing and the wind blows their hair.
Finally, Ranma is seen from behind as he looks over his shoulder. A dark aura resembling a cat-shaped mask briefly appeared over his eyes before dissipating into thin air.
Ends with a shot of the Pendant of Eraklyon sitting on a table.
End opening
Wizgiz's classroom after hours…
"Okay, you've all been working on this for a while now, so let's see the results." Said Wizgiz before a certain group of people. "It was Ranma's idea to suggest this in order to keep your curses controllable."
The leprechaun stood before Mousse, Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke.
"I must admit, this is a new thing for me." Said Kasumi. It was strange enough having a Jusenkyo curse.
"Now since you have these water curses, you've all inadvertently gotten a taste of magic potential. Some of you only just recently acquired them, so it might've taken a while to grasp." Wizgiz looks specifically to Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke. "Much like Ranma, Shampoo, and Ukyou, you'll have to learn how to make these curses manageable. Otherwise, being near water will be a problem."
Some could look down in shame for that. One time Sasuke was cleaning the windows, he accidentally spilled the water bucket over himself, turning him into a chittering raccoon. Another time when Tofu was working out the kinks in a student's back, the nurse carrying a tray of water accidentally tilted it towards him when a pixie animal suddenly flew in past her. Tofu wound up turning into a wolf and lying on the student, causing her to gasp for breath.
"Yeah… those could be big problems…" said Tofu.
"Exactly. Now let's have a review." Wizgiz takes a bucket of water and splashes Mousse, turning him into a duck. "Show what you've learned so far."
"Quack!"
Mousse stood and focused his ki, causing him to grow and revert to his human self. Since Mousse had his curse for a while, it didn't take him long to learn reverting to his human form without the need for hot water. Although in the beginning, he didn't get the hand of getting his clothes back entirely, but quickly remedied that after more training.
"Gah… how's that?" asked Mousse.
"Perfect! Well done!" replied Wizgiz. "Now as I've taught you all. You need to visualize yourselves and the form you want to become, then shape your inner energies."
Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke nodded as they prepared to get splashed. Wizgiz took another bucket and slashed the three of them. A rabbit, wolf, and raccoon stood in their places. They followed Wizgiz's instruction and concentrated. After a minute, Wolf Tofu reverted back to his human self. A bit later, Raccoon Sasuke followed suit. The only one not able to do so yet was Rabbit Kasumi. It was slower for her since she's not a fighter like the others who had better ki control.
Wizgiz looks down at her. "Come on, Kasumi dear. You've been practicing with the others. You can do it!"
Kasumi tried again to focus her ki. After a bit of effort, her form glowed and expanded to her human form.
"Yes! I did it!" said Kasumi. She looked up and noticed everyone giving her odd looks before turning in embarrassment. She was a bit confused why when she felt a sudden draft. Looking down, she blushed horribly and quickly used her arms to cover her naked body.
"Ahem… it seems we've still got some room for improvement…" said Wizgiz.
Mousse said nothing as he tossed Kasumi a towel from his sleeve to cover herself up.
Winx dorm, later that evening…
Flora laid asleep in her bed. A few moments later, she began to stir as if someone was nudging her. Her eyes slowly opened as she sensed something.
"Huh… what…?" said Flora. "Something feels wrong…"
She sits up from her bed, where Bloom then wakes up.
"Flora? What's wrong?" asked Bloom.
Flora turned to see Bloom awake. "Oh, Bloom? You're awake, too?"
"I am now."
"I apologize, but I felt something from the trees outside…"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"It's like they're calling out to me…" Flora gets out of bed, clad in a thin silk night gown. She puts on her slippers and a night robe before heading for the door.
"Flora? Where are you going?" asked Bloom.
"Bloom, this can't be ignored. I have to see what's going on!"
"Hold on, I'll come, too. Can't have you going out there alone." Bloom gets up, clad in only light blue lingerie before putting on a robe and slippers.
"Thanks, Bloom."
Just as they open the door leading to the living room, they noticed Musa and Tecna exiting their room. Both of them were also in night robes.
"Tecna? Musa? What are you doing up?" asked Bloom.
"We could ask the same of you." Replied Tecna.
"I thought I heard something faint coming from the front gate." Said Musa. Being a Faerie specializing in sound waves, she was able to discern certain sounds.
"So you heard it, too…" surmised Flora.
"We were just going to check it out. Guess you two had the same idea." Said Bloom.
"Indeed. Well, let's get started." Said Tecna.
The four Faeries exited into the main hallway, making their way down to the first floor. They passed by the school gymnasium, where Layla was doing some exercises. She spots her friends from the open door.
"Hey girls, where are you headed to?" asked Layla as she came out. She was currently dressed in a pair of tight shorts, sports bra, and sneakers.
"Oh, Layla! We were headed to the courtyard." Replied Musa.
"Without me? Not likely!" said Layla. "It must be serious if it's got you all up and about. By the way, where might Stella be?"
"We didn't think it would be necessary to wake her." Said Bloom.
"Point taken."
They continued on their way. As they rounded the corner…
"Girls?"
Bloom and the others turned to see Stella. She was wearing slippers and a very short silk night robe that stopped well above her knees, showing off much of her legs. The front flaps were messily open, showing she wasn't wearing a bra.
"Stella? Where did you come from?" asked Tecna.
"The kitchen. I was hungry!" replied Stella indignantly.
"I thought it was a bit too quiet in her room…" commented Musa.
"What's that supposed to mean!? And what's going on?"
"Something seems to be out there and we're checking it out." Replied Bloom.
"What? If that's the case, shouldn't we get one of the faculty members out here?" asked Stella.
"We don't want to alarm anyone without proof, Stella." Replied Flora.
"Besides, I'm sure whatever it is, we can handle it." Added Layla.
"Well, if you say so…" said Stella.
The six girls finally come outside into the school's courtyard where they see Ranma doing some late night training. The pigtailed martial artist threw out some punches and kicks in rapid paces until he stopped when he heard the Winx's footsteps.
"Oh, girls? What are you doing out at this hour?" asked Ranma.
Stella could only blush at Ranma's form. "You mean aside from enjoying the show?"
Ranma then noticed how they were all dressed, especially Stella whose small robe left little to the imagination, making him turn around in embarrassment.
"Not now, Stella!" said Flora, remembering the task at hand. She addresses the Nerima resident. "Ranma, I feel like something's out there."
That got Ranma's attention. "Who? Could it be Valtor or the Trix?"
"I'm not certain, but it doesn't feel like them… the trees don't sense any evil intent."
Ranma was silent. He knew with Flora, she's never wrong with anything botanical. With that in mind, he leads the girls and opens the crystal gate of the school.
Heavy breathing as a shape walks past the trees…
"I can feel the trees' thoughts…" said Flora as she and everyone stood outside the door before the forest lining.
More heavy breathing as the shape continues on…
"I don't see anything. Are you sure there's something out here, Flora?" asked Stella.
"I'm positive."
The shape slowly brushes some branches out of the way.
"Hold on, I hear something…" said Musa.
"So do I…" added Ranma.
The shape trudges through the grass.
"It's coming from over there…" said Musa as she pointed towards the forest on her left.
From the shape's point of view, the branches rustled as they get passed by as the Alfea campus is in a blurred visual followed by seven blurred shapes.
Bloom gasped in shock when she and the others saw what came out of the forest…
Out came a boy who looked no older than twelve. He had messy ash blonde hair at shoulder level with light green eyes and a light skin tone. The boy was dressed in a drab yellow shirt with a disheveled red jacket over it, brown pants, and black shoes. Around his neck was a silver pendant shaped like a tiger's head.
From the look of the boy, he had come a long way without rest as if he had been running from something, standing on sheer will alone. Tears of pain and despair ran down his face as he tried to say something.
"Oh my God! Are you all right!?" asked Bloom.
"H… h… he.. lp…"
The boy suddenly collapsed into blessed unconsciousness, alarming the teens. They quickly gather around him as Flora kneels down to slowly roll him onto his back and cradles his head.
"What in the hell happened to him?" asked Ranma.
Tecna takes out a small device, which she fires a scanning ray on the boy. Getting the readouts, she responds, "He's alive, but very weak. He needs medical attention."
Stella nods and uses a healing light spell to relief some of the injuries so he can be better moved.
"I got him." Said Ranma as he carried the boy. "We gotta get to the infirmary now!"
Rushing inside the school, the group of teens with their patient head for the infirmary. Bloom quickly knocks on the office door.
"Hello! Anyone there? We have an emergency!"
The door opens from the on-call nurse. "What seems to be the trouble?"
"We found this boy collapsed outside!" replied Flora, gesturing to the boy in Ranma's arms.
"Oh my! Quick! Get him to the bed!" said the nurse as he led them inside.
Some time later, the seven teens sat in the waiting room. Tofu, having been called in earlier, comes out after providing his treatment.
"How is he, Doc?" asked Ranma.
"He's stabilized. He'll be good as new once he gets enough rest." Replied Tofu.
"Oh, that is good news…" said Tecna.
"Still, I wonder where he came from? Just who is he?" wondered Layla.
"That will be something you can ask him once he regains consciousness. For now, he needs rest." Said Tofu. "You all should get some, too."
"Well, you're the doctor." Said Stella.
The teens left the infirmary and headed towards their dorm room.
"Well this has been an interesting night." Said Musa.
"No kidding." Said Layla. She and the other girls had a sense of déjà vu about it when they recall how Layla herself wandered into Alfea after her fall from Darkhaunt.
"He looked so scared and desperate…" said Flora. "What could've happened to him?"
Unknown area…
Darkness. There was nothing but darkness all around as far as the eye could see. To the left, to the right, up above, down below, to the front, from behind, nothing but a vast emptiness.
"No… not again…. I don't want to be here…."
From behind, a giant glowing pair of red eyes appears.
"No… please… get away!"
The sound of running and heavy breathing was heard in the vast void. The red eyes were still there as of they had kept a steady pace, or there was no movement at all.
"DON'T COME NEAR ME! SOMEONE HELP! SOMEONE! ANYONE! HELP!"
A giant shadowed hand reaches out and obscures everything.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Infirmary, some time later…
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The boy snapped upright from his bed in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. After a few seconds he calmed down realizing it was just a nightmare. Finally, he noticed his surroundings. He found himself in the school infirmary dressed in a green hospital gown. His wounds were all cleaned and bandaged up.
"Wh… where am I?"
"Oh my goodness, You're up! Are you all right?"
The boy turned to see the nurse come in. "Er… yes… where is this place? How did I get here?"
"You're in the infirmary of Alfea, college of Faeries"
Dr. Tofu then enters. "Oh, I see our patient has awakened. As for how you got here, you were brought in by some students who saw you one night. According to them, you came tumbling out of the woods. It was just a lucky thing they were out there. Don't worry, you're safe now."
The boy could only sit silent.
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Dr. Tofu Ono. What's your name, young man?"
"My… my name… is Xander…"
"Well pleased to meet you, Xander. I have to admit I was getting a bit worried. After you were brought in four days ago, I was wondering when you'd awaken."
"F… four days…?" said Xander in shock. "I've been asleep four days?"
"That's right." Said Tofu. "I should inform the others that you're awake now. They'll be so relieved to hear the news."
Winx Dorm, some time later…
It was the weekend, and Ranma and the girls sat in the commons area. Also there were Shampoo and Ukyou. Ranma was leaning against the wall near the door as Bloom paced around.
"Please, Bloom, I know it has been four days, but you need to calm yourself. We're all worried about him." Said Flora.
"I know, but I can't help it. He's just a kid!" said Bloom.
"Flora's right, Bloom. We need to leave this to the doc. I know he'll be able to do something." Added Ranma.
He wouldn't admit it, but Ranma was also a bit on edge. Waiting around was never one of his strong points. The past four days, eventful as they were, weren't enough to sway his and the girls' attention. Not even one in particular.
Flashback three days ago…
Ranma was out investigating the area of the woods where he and the Winx found the boy limping out from, hoping to find some clue as to what happened.
"Hmmm… nothing seems out of the ordinary…" said Ranma. "It's impossible to tell where he came from beyond this point. He could've been running in a straight path or in random curves for all I know."
"RANMA!"
Ranma turned to the shout of his name and quickly jumped out of the way from an incoming punch that shattered the ground he was just on earlier.
"Ryoga! I really don't need this right now!" said Ranma as he faced off against the eternal lost boy.
"Shut up, Ranma! This time I'll have my revenge!" Ryoga declared as he wildly attacked his rival. "ROCK COLUMN!"
Ranma was suddenly knocked back by a ten foot pillar of stone jutting out of the ground before him. Following up, Ryoga breaks off the stone pillar and slams it down towards Ranma, who quickly shatters it with an upperkick.
'Damn! Forgot he has earth magic now!' thought Ranma.
Ryoga does some motions, which causes some rocks to levitate before him, then breaking to form sharpened spikes. "ROCK SPIKES!"
The bandanna-wearing boy punched the rock spikes at Ranma at a rapid pace. He quickly dodges the spikes as they tore through the trees behind him, leaving destruction in their wake.
'Flora won't be too happy about this.' Thought Ranma. "Knock it off, you idiot! Are you trying to destroy the forest!?"
"The only thing I want to destroy is YOU!" shouted Ryoga as he charged in again.
'Dammit! I've got to get rid of him somehow! Luckily there's something nearby that will help!' Ranma continues to dodge Ryoga's physical and magical attacks while at the same time leading him somewhere. After another minute of dodging, Ranma finally reached his destination.
"You're mine now!" shouted Ryoga as he grabbed Ranma and held out his free hand, in which a gauntlet of rock formed around his fist. Just as he was about to plow the rock fist into Ranma's face, the pigtailed boy fell backwards and kicked Ryoga in his gut, sending him flying over and falling towards…
SPLASH!
"Bwee! Bwee! Bwee!"
Ranma got up and looked down at Pig Ryoga as he crawled out of the small forest pond. 'Good thing that pond was there…'
"ONYX RIVEN!"
The phantom of Riven emerged and picked up P-chan by the bandanna, then football punts him away, becoming a distant dot in the sky.
"That moron just HAD to find me… well, it will be a while before I see him again."
End flashback…
Ranma just shook his head at the memory.
"Don't worry, doctor is miracle worker!" said Shampoo.
Suddenly, there was a knock on their door. Ukyou opened it to reveal a nurse.
"Hello. I've come to inform you the boy you brought in has finally regained consciousness."
"Really? That's great!" said Layla as she got up from her seat.
"When can we go see him?" asked Musa.
"Right now, actually. Follow me." The nurse started for the infirmary with the group of teens following.
A few minutes later, they reach the door. The nurse turns and addresses Ranma and the others. "He's still recovering, so try to keep it down. It's also a bit cramped, so I'm afraid all of you can't come in."
She had a point. Nine people seemed a bit much.
"You guys go on ahead." Said Layla.
"Yes. We'll wait for you outside." Added Tecna.
Shampoo and Ukyou also nodded.
"Alright then." Said Ranma. He, Bloom, Stella, Flora, and Musa entered the room.
They come across Tofu.
"Oh, Ranma, girls, I see you've gotten the message." Said Tofu. He steps aside to reveal his patient. "Folks, this is Xander. Xander, this is Ranma, Bloom, Stella, Flora, and Musa, some of the people who brought you in."
"Uh… hello…" said Xander nervously.
"Hello there, sweetie." Greeted Flora. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks…"
"Thank Ranma here. He carried you all the way here." Said Stella as she slapped Ranma's shoulder.
"He did? Oh, thank you, Mr. Ranma."
"Please, just Ranma is fine." Said Ranma.
"It was a lucky thing we found you, Xander." Said Bloom. "Could you tell us the names of your parents so we can tell them you're safe and have them get you?"
Xander looked down. "I… I don't know if I have any parents…"
Everyone was shocked to hear that.
"Really? Is there anyone else you know?" asked Musa.
"No… I'm afraid not… I don't recall anything…"
"It would seem this boy is an orphan." Said Tofu. "This is quite problematic. Tell me something, do you remember what happened before you were found?"
Xander thought hard. "Well… I remember finding myself in a dark cave. I don't know how I got there, but I left and wound up in a dark forest. I wandered through there for I don't know how long trying to find someone, anyone. One thing I do remember was… that monster…"
"Monster?" asked Stella.
"I didn't know what it was. It was all shadowy, but one thing I knew, it was after me… I ran and hid as best as I could to get away, but it kept chasing after me! It just wouldn't leave me alone! I don't know what it wanted, but it was trying to hurt me!"
Xander could only hug himself at the frightening memory. Getting the others concerned.
Flora puts her hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "Shhh… it's okay. You're in a safe place now."
"Don't worry. Whatever it is that's after you, we won't let it get you." Ranma assured.
Xander slowly looks up. "Do you mean that?"
"I guarantee it. It's a martial artist's duty to defend those who can' defend themselves."
The boy looked confused, but slowly smiled. That was when his stomach audibly growled, causing him to blush.
"Oh my, you must be so hungry right now, aren't you, little guy?" said Musa.
Xander could only nod.
"Don't worry! Kasumi will whip up something good!" said Stella.
Later, Xander got dressed up in his clothes which had been washed earlier once he assured he can walk on his own. Introductions were made between him and Layla, Tecna, Shampoo, and Ukyou before heading to the cafeteria for some much needed nourishment. Xander was scarfing down on some sandwiches, baby boiled potatoes, a bowl of chicken soup, a cheese omelette, and a slice of pie. It's like he hasn't eaten in days.
"He's got quite a healthy appetite." Said Ukyou.
"Easy there, Xander. Slow down or you might give yourself a stomachache." Said Tecna.
"I'm sorry, but it's just so good!" said Xander.
"Let him be. I know where he's coming from." Said Ranma.
"Of course you would know." Stella teased.
After finishing the meal, Xander was introduced to the other faculty of the school, including Nodoka and Faragonda. The Alfea headmistress had Xander in her office in order to help figure out where he came from. She was accompanied by Nodoka and Grizelda.
"So that's what happened?" asked Faragonda.
"Yes, ma'am." Said Xander. He had just finished telling Faragonda what he had told Ranma and his friends earlier.
"I see. I'm sorry you had to go through such an ordeal, young man. No one should have to experience such a thing, especially at such a young age."
"It's all right, but now I don't know where to go from here."
"Well, since you don't know of any place, why not stay here in our school?"
Grizelda turned to her headmistress. "Ms. Faragonda?"
Faragonda held up her hand. "It's quite all right, Ms. Grizelda. It wouldn't be right to turn away someone in need, and we won't start now. I'll be sure to make living arrangements until we can figure out where you came from, Xander."
"Thank you very much, Ms. Faragonda!" said Xander in gratitude. He gets up to leave and meet with Ranma and friends.
Faragonda looks over to Nodoka. "What do you think, Nodoka?"
"He's sincere in what he says, Faragonda-san." Said Nodoka. "Xander truly has no idea where he came from. This monster he brought up does concern me, though."
"Indeed. It could be anything." Said Grizelda.
"I also sensed a great power from that boy." Said Faragonda. "Power he's probably not even aware he possesses. It would be wise to keep him under observation. We must make sure he's kept safe."
"Will do." Said Nodoka.
To be continued…
Ending
As the credits roll…
Somewhere in the deep wilderness…
P-chan had recovered from the fall he got courtesy of Onyx Riven. Soon, he had gotten himself lost in the deep forest due to his horrid directional sense.
"Well well, look who it is."
P-chan was suddenly picked up and was face to face with Darcy. Behind her, Icy and Stormy come out.
"Looks like you got pounded." Said Stormy, making P-chan squeal in anger.
"Honestly, I don't know why Valtor even recruited you." Said Icy.
Darcy said nothing as she dropped P-chan behind a bush, then produced a thermos and dumped its contents on the piglet. Standing back, she waited for Ryoga to come out clothed.
"Speak for yourself! From what I heard, you haven't done any better!" Ryoga retorted to Icy.
"What was that, pork face!?"
"Enough! We should get back to Valtor. God knows I don't want to be locked up with that midget again." Said Darcy.
Icy and Stormy cringed at the memory of being locked up with Happosai.
"Fair enough…" said Stormy.
With that, Darcy teleports them all away.
End ending
Preview…
Flora: The mysterious orphan, Xander, is now living temporarily at Alfea.
Bloom: As we struggle to help him find out more about himself, we come across more troubles.
Layla: Xander, stay back! You could be in danger here!
Stella: Honestly, why can't these jerks leave us alone?
Musa: Ranma? Where did you go? We need to fight together!
Ranma: No… you know nothing! Next time, on Ranma Club, 'Face Facts! The Truth Hurts!'
Valtor: "I know nothing?" Are you sure about that, boy? Hmhmhmhmhm….
Author's notes:
I've finally gotten off my ass and finished this chapter. Had to reread some chapters to get a feel for it again. This was a tough one to do even though I know what direction it was headed. Thanks for sticking with me this whole time!
The next time will be a doozy.
BTW, I offer art commissions now. Be sure to check out my deviantart page for further details!