Floor 7 - Chapter 2 - Sage Advice
About thirty minutes later, Floor 7
''Ahh, that makes sense now.'' - Given Rain hadn't been with involved in the quest for quite a while, Jet and Koharu made use of the walk to explain how the Elf War campaign had gone since she left them on the Third Floor, Koharu making sure to inform her just how unbelievably reckless Jet had been on the Fifth Floor, facing off with Fuscus. Despite it having been the saving grace for them, Koharu had made it certain that he wouldn't forget just how angry she'd been at him, any time soon...
Thankfully for Jet, the sprint down memory lane, away from an angry Koharu, was interrupted by voices... ''Cover, now!'' - Jet forcefully whispered, as the trio took cover behind a tree stump...
''Anyway, could ya refrain from fightin' in tha boss fight from now on?''
''I don't mind, that's what I had in mind when I said what I did.''
''So, you aren't telling us you want us to stop doing quests on the Seventh Floor, are you?''
''I'm not that narrow minded! Just... my guys are unsettled that ya got a head start on us. Since e'rrythin' on the third and sixth floors, there's bin a new hardline movement in the ALS, one that wants ta compete wi' the DKB, cus we can't...'' - Asuna held her head and sighed, clearly frustrated at that.
''Do some people even remember what we're actually fighting for here...''
''Boggles my mind too...'' - Even Kibaou, stubborn as he was, had to admit that the sheer arrogance on display by some members of his guild was enough to test the patience of a saint. At times, it almost felt as if they wanted them to start fighting each other... ''Our goal's ultimately ta beat the Hundredth Floor, not ta drag e'rryone down. We've got ta show what we can do here, and bring back unity.'' - What went unsaid was that the ALS felt that couldn't be done with Kirito there...
Asuna didn't seem to take that particular implication too well, and fought back her anger at their collective arrogance - ''That's just an excuse!''
Kirito, on the other hand, didn't seem to as annoyed by that implication as he perhaps should've been - ''As long as you can defeat the boss, that's all that matters to me.'' - Asuna began to speak, but was quickly cut off by Kirito continuing - ''A solo player can't defeat the floor boss alone. I know we need a leader that can lead everyone. Someone who can bring a sense of security and reliability just by being there.''
''That person won't just magically appear, because you miss one boss fight, you know?''
Kibaou seemed equally annoyed at the unspoken sentiment that he wasn't good enough to lead the clearers either - ''I'm the leader of the Aincrad Liberation Squad. I at least have responsibility over them. I won't let ya deny that.''
''I know.'' - Kirito turned to his partner - ''You don't need to stick with me, Asuna. I already told you, you're needed for the boss fight.''
''Still, I'll go with you. We're in the middle of a quest, and I don't plan on quitting it halfway through.''
''I see... thank you, Asuna.''
''I don't think we were meant to hear that...'' - Rain mumbled, as she emerged from the hedge she'd taken cover in.
''It's like Liten said, ALS is being cornered... but this isn't right! We need to at least win that auction.''
''At least that much...''
''Then we should carry on. These woods are where we were supposed to go, right?''
''Yeah, the Dead Tree Forest.'' - An apt name, if ever Jet had heard one. The tree stumps and branches were all still present, but the yellow tinge of the area, mixed with the complete lack of foliage, bar a few shrubs, really made it feel like something cataclysmic had happened here. - ''Did all the trees wither from the rain?''
''Maybe, guess Aincrad forming would've been a complete mess for the climate here, I suppose?'' - Koharu went quiet, imagining just how devastating the forming of the floating castle would've been for the population of the areas it encompassed. ''Hey, guys! I've found who we're looking for!'' - Rain called over, standing a distance from the Dark Elf. They looked slightly different to the Elves they'd encountered so far, a considerably different variant of the armour being worn by this one, which Jet assumed was to mark them out as a superior, perhaps?
''Hello, I'm Jet, this is Koharu, and that's Rain. We're allies of the Dark Elves, and we're looking for the sage, so if you could be so kind as to help us find them?''
''Hmm, humans calling themselves friends of Lyusula? Such strange customers... however, it doesn't appear that you are lying.'' - The Dark Elf bowed towards them - ''I am Emils. I am the sage's valet.''
''We came to take the trial. Could we meet with the sage?''
''The sage is in deep meditation. He has instructed me not to let anyone see him in the meantime.''
''Could we meet him if we waited here?'' - Koharu asked.
''Well, his meditation could take days, weeks, years... till the end of time. I can't presume to know when it'll end.'' - The valet answered, unhelpfully.
''So, he doesn't want to meet with anybody then.'' - Rain commented.
''The sage will appear before those wanting a path. What are you all searching for?'' - Each of the trio thought about it hard.
''A way to help a friend, and... I guess, forgiveness.'' - Jet deliberately worded it in a vague way. He'd rather not have Koharu and Rain worried about him now.
''A good friend is in trouble, and we want to help. Please.'' - Koharu pleaded.
''So, you wish to help people.'' - The valet replied.
''I want to find who I am, not to live in someone else's shadow.'' - Rain was doing something similar to Jet, evidently.
''Whilst you wish to find your own path. I understand your plight, so I shall give you the first stage of the trial, in place of the sage. The Promised Flower blooms in the northern part of the Withering Woods. Get one, and bring it back here. I shall be waiting...'' - The trio began to head back into the Withering Woods, to start the trials...
''I know it's only the start, but retrieving a flower? You reckon there's some sort of catch to it?''
''Probably going to have to fight off a horde of monsters to get it, or it'll be covered in dagger like thorns, or something...''
''Well then, I guess I should tell you about my new trick...'' - Rain manifested a second sword in her off hand, and began twirling them around. Koharu looked on in surprise, whilst Jet looked genuinely confused. ''You can duel wield now? How!?''
''Umm, you know how this game treats your hands in terms of fighting, right?''
''Yeah, your dominant hand is your attacking arm, whilst your other is the one you use for shields and the like, right?''
''Yep! Well, I noticed something. It treats whatever's in the other hand as a defensive weapon, so...''
''As long as you only defend with that second blade... you've got a complete free hand for offensive attacks!'' - One small part was annoyed that he'd never thought of that. The rest though, was incredibly impressed with Rain for thinking outside the box like that...
''Doesn't that make it really unwieldy though, always having to use the same blade to attack, and defend?''
''Not really, there's a trick in it - something called Skill Connect. I can't really use sword skills with it yet, but it's supposed to allow you to swap weapons without having to unequip, and reequip them. I kinda used it to swap hands in the middle of a fight.'' - Koharu looked very impressed at the creative thinking on display there, before a thought popped through her head. She turned to her boyfriend, and smirked at him, teasingly - ''Koharu?''
''Now she's shown that, you're gonna have to do something spectacular...'' - Jet rolled his eyes, but laughed at his girlfriend's joke.
After some time, the trio had found their objective. A small red flower, covered in thorns, as Jet had predicted. ''It's a cute flower. I guess this is the Promised Flower then?''
''It's blossomed so beautifully. It's a shame to pluck it now, but it is for a quest... I suppose the least I can do is make it quick!'' - A groaning noise came from behind the trees, as monsters spawned in. ''I hate being right sometimes...'' - Jet mumbled, as he drew Hope, ready for a fight.
''More of them incoming...''
''Rain, you reckon you can take those few, and we'll keep the mass at bay?''
''I can.'' - Rain drew her twin blades, and started slashing through the mobs, faster than anything Jet had seen before. She'd been quite good when they'd been together on the Third Floor, but now? She was easily on the same level as the clearing group...
''Holler if you need help!'' - A nod signalled understanding, and the couple prepared for their fight...
Ten or so minutes later, the massing formation of mobs were reduced down to a few stragglers, and then to none. The trio looked around, comforted by the lack of any monsters, and sheathed their weapons. Jet was the first to voice his relief at their victory - ''Well, that's them done with. Good job by the way.''
''Who to?''
''All of us, I think. Whew, that was certainly a workout...''
''Really? I didn't think it was that exhausting...'' - Koharu shrugged her shoulders. Her training back in the day had been far more demanding than a ten minute skirmish, but she had to admit, fighting was more tiring than just exercise alone. Jet and Rain both looked blankly towards her, as she decided to pick the flower - ''Sorry about this, but we need this flower...'' - As she touched the flower, it came loose from the soil, much to Koharu's surprise. ''Huh? I just touched it, and it felt like it leapt out of the soil at me...''
''Maybe it understood what you said, Koharu? Can I try?''
''Go ahead, Rain.''
''Hello, can I take one too, I need it for my path?'' - As with Koharu, the flower leapt out at Rain. ''Thank you so much. I wonder if understands emotions then?''
''If that's the case, I don't think I want to know what would've happened if I'd just plucked it out of the ground. Probably more monsters...''
''Possibly. I think we should head back to Emils though, before your curiousity gets the better of you...'' - Koharu joked.
''I'm not a cat, thanks!'' - Jet replied, scandalised at her joke.
''You certainly think you've got nine lives...'' - Rain joked, as she walked past the knight, smirking. Initially, the joke flew over his head, until... ''I don't- OI! Cheeky little...'' - The girls laughed, as Jet heard another familiar voice...
''I wondered who'd get the Promised Flower, but it turns out it's someone I already know.''
''Kizmel!''
''Hey, Kizmel. Uhh, you might not remember me, but...'' - Rain asked awkwardly.
''I shouldn't be surprised to run into you two, really. I'm glad you're okay too, Rain, and don't worry, I remember you. Those twin blades of yours are certainly distinctive though...''
''Heh, yeah.''
''I take it you're here for the sage too, Kizmel?''
''Indeed, but I was driven away as he was meditating.''
''Pretty much what happened to us.''
''It doesn't matter if I'm nobility, a knight or even a dwarf or Kales'Oh. It's very sage like not to discriminate, which I believe is one of the reasons they are quite so widely respected.''
''He originally served the court as a knight, right?''
''He was known as the head of the empress's personal guard. He was a healer as well as a knight, so he knew more than his fair share, and so, he became a sage. My sister wanted to meet him, but... well, he was a legend to us rookies. I'm sure that I could've learned a lot.''
''You might as well come with us, we'd be all the more happy to have an additional set of hands with us!''
''I guess you're right. Very well, I shall do this flower trial too!'' - Kizmel leant over, and hovered her hands near the flower - ''Promised Flower. The Forest's Life. Could you please let me hold you?'' - The flower jumped out of the soil, and into Kizmel's hands. ''Thank you (sniff) Such a wonderful smell. It reminds me of the royal gardens.''
''Uhh, Kizmel, those flowers? Do they understand emotions, or...''
''Hmm, we do have a story about this - Well before the Great Separation, this forest was brimming with green. The newly blossomed flowers were scared of monsters eating them, so they covered themselves with hard, sharp thorns. Then, one day, the tall, fair Lyusulan empress, with her beautiful eyes, eyes like the night sky, took a stroll in these woods and rested in the shade. She pricked her finger on a hidden thorn, and blood dropped onto the leaves. The empress didn't mind the harm to herself, and apologised for sullying the beautiful flower. The flowers were appreciative of the empress's kind soul, and swore a flower to anyone who showed them gratitude. Well, that's the story. No one's sure if it's true or not, but the flowers are here...''
''Huh, so they kept their promise to the empress for all these years. Would be great to see them bloom here forever.''
Kizmel smiled back at Koharu ''So long as people like you come here, they will. Well, I feel we have completed our task. Shall we head back to the sage?''
''Yep, let's go!''
The return back to the the valet was a peaceful one, bar some unlucky mobs that seemed to have lost their sense of self preservation, and were quickly dispatched by the group. As the valet had said, he was still waiting there patiently.
''We're back, and we bring flowers.''
''Hm, the Promised Flower is a proof of honesty. But it could still be a cover for evil desires. Regardless, for alleviating the sage's boredom with these flowers, I shall tell you the next trial.''
''We're getting sent on another errand then...'' - Koharu sighed.
''A long time ago, humans made a labyrinth within the forest. Please return a certain item slumbering in there. If you can show you're strong enough to do that, then surely the sage will not deny your request to meet him.''
''A certain item?''
''Like a treasure chest, or is this a trial to see what kind of item we get?''
''One of the keys, maybe?'' - Jet thought aloud.
''The Seventh Floor key isn't hidden, which is why the war has never made it to this forest. It's retired land.''
''It will come to you in due course, as long as you are looking for your answers. Now then, I shall take you to the labyrinth, as long as you are prepared.''
''Now or never, I guess...''
''Let's go find our answer...''
Arriving in the labyrinth, thanks to Elven teleportation (a sentence that would make no sense in any other context...), the group found themselves in a dilapidated maze. Raised platforms towered above the water line, which had started to turn green, thanks to a lack of filtered water, and the fungus that arrived with it, now staining the platforms, and whilst sections of the structure had long since plunged into the water, centuries worth of erosion had taken their toll on them. The roof didn't look to be in much better shape, with sections either absent, or covered in vines. Sunlight peeked through the crevices in the brickwork, and gave the room an almost green hue. ''This labyrinth was built by humans in ancient times, supposedly. I have heard about it, but I must admit this is my first time being here.''
''So, it's kind of famous then?'' - Rain asked.
''In a way. It is said that this area was once ruled by a human king who performed a ceremony, wishing for peace.''
''So, it's a shrine then?'' - Koharu asked ''It doesn't look like one though...''
''Some centuries of wear and tear, and no upkeep, most places would look like this, Ko. Who knows what this place was like when it was built?''
''As Jet said, Koharu. It may have been, once upon a time, but after the kingdom collapsed, it became a nest for the monsters of the floor. Now, the only people who come here are knights wishing to train, and adventurers looking for materials.''
''Almost feel like a messed up version of the pyramids then...'' - Jet commented, forgetting that Kizmel had absolutely no idea what he was referring to.
''The 'Pyramids'? Are they similar to this? I know of the shape, but...''
''Oh, uhh, they were the graves of an old empire. The tombs of their pharaohs- oh, umm, their emperors- but they were mostly forgotten by the world for millennia. A load of archaeologists rediscovered them a few hundred years before we were born, and well...'' - Jet recalled his primary school level knowledge on the Egyptians, and left out 90% of the details.
''Your world truly is interesting... but, we have more pressing issues at hand.''
''Agreed, the history lesson can come later. Let's find this mystery item!'' - Koharu took
Nearly two hours later, and the group had finally reached the lowest chamber of the labyrinth. The water level, which at first had barely been a quarter of the way up the platforms, threatened to spill over onto the concrete here, and the vines had sprawled across the platforms, along with the ever present risk of falling masonry, and the continued presence of mobs, which were not long for this world, as they were dispatched with haste. Resting up after the endurance feat they'd just faced, the group looked around. There was one last chamber left, but this one had some form of barrier in place - a magical blue light covered the entrance, and Jet decided not to test it himself.
''This is the last room, so if anything is hidden here, it'll be here.''
''All the other rooms were empty. If it isn't, then...'' - Rain replied, checking over her blades. Koharu was busy staring at the light, as she snapped back round - ''Can we wait here a few seconds?''
''Uhh, sure, why?''
''The sage will show himself to those in doubt, right? I thought that meant he provided answers to those in trouble, but I've just realised that may not be it.''
''Umm, what do you mean?''
''Up until now, we've decided what we can do, and worked hard towards it. I forgot just how helpless I felt at first, and it was only when Jet took me under his wing that I actually felt I could do it. That I wasn't going to lose myself to this world. I can't put it into words very well, but I am who I am now, because of all the people I've met here.''
''I think I understand. Why I'm here, isn't all that important right now, but how I choose to go about my goal, that is entirely in my control! I believe this is a quote from Lincoln, but 'Where there is a will, there is a way!'''
''Achieving your dreams is difficult, but it is a nice phrase. Was Lincoln a human warrior?''
''He was a politician during a civil war. He was, at least partially, responsible for the outlawing of slavery in the US. Considered by some Americans as the best leaders they had.''
''There is no such thing as a leader without flaws, I suppose. We are fighting for what's right for our empress, but...''
''Something on your mind, Kizmel?''
''Yes, that was why I originally went to the sage. The Fallen and Forest Elves joined forces, and stole a key. This is a really major problem. I don't know if I should send our remaining keys to the empress, to protect in the castle on the Ninth Floor... or if we should destroy both the Kales'Oh and the Fallen, and rid ourselves of a future problem.'' - Koharu looked over to Jet, who's expression was one of concern, with some anger there. ''Right now, the Lyusula people are faced with a difficult decision.''
''Destroy, as in 'all out war'?'' - Koharu noticed Jet's face become far less impressed as Kizmel went on. She knew, at least vaguely, what he was thinking, and that he wasn't far from exploding himself.
''There's a Kales'Oh fortress on the Eighth Floor. If the fort protecting it the castle were to fall, I'm sure they'd fight till the last man. Besides, if we left the key at our castle, I know they'd attack.'' Jet continued to hold his tongue, despite mounting anger ''The Kales'Oh and Fallen are both using each other to open the cathedral. That much we know, and that is how the castle acolytes think, and the empress agreed. But...''
''You don't agree?'' - Rain asked.
''No! All of this came about because of the Fallen's ambition. If they'd never had such a devious plan, then this whole war wouldn't have started, and... Tilnel would still be here. The Kales'Oh are still fighting for their mission, even though they're carrying the loss and pain of those dear to them who have lost their futures. They don't seek to use the cathedral for themselves, but to free Aincrad. That is why I feel them different to the Fallen, they are fighting for their faith, much as we are. That is what I've come to think from fighting them. If there is a meaning to this, then... For those who've passed, I wish for peace with the Kales'Oh. That's the only way to end this cycle of hatred...''
''Kizmel...''
''To think that I'd be saying that, after I was so grief stricken at my sister's loss, that I wished to die fighting the Kales'Oh. You truly are a blessing from the sacred tree...'' - Kizmel gave a short laugh afterwards.
A thought came to Jet's head. A particularly morbid one, and one that his lack of filter caused him to almost blurt out - ''Wait, was that why you sh-were fighting so ferociously when we met you?''
''I suppose so, yes. This path won't be easy, but I feel as if I now have a plan. I need to find out what the Fallen are planning...'' - Jet seemed slightly startled, as a faint chanting noise came from behind him... ''Uhh, what was that?''
''An incantation? Was that the barrier we saw?''
''Must've been, the barrier isn't there now... oh.'' - Jet looked into the room, and noticed something. A particularly large... and spiky something. ''Well, that's not what I was expecting, but...''
''Ah, I assume that beast guards whatever item we need to find.'' - Kizmel reasoned.
''It'd be cute... if it weren't absolutely covered in spikes, fangs and claws.'' - Jet joked.
''So, if it looked completely different?'' - Rain pointed out.
''Yeah, I guess we have to take it down though...'' - A blood red cursor appeared over the top of the beast, along with it's name - The Blood Chain Fenrir - and two health bars...
The Fenrir certainly looked as if it packed a stronger punch than it actually did. Very few of it's attacks were seemingly meant to injure players, seemingly more designed to dissuade them, and they were doing more damage to it, than it was them...
''Seriously! What is up with that thing... it's barely done anything but try to fend us off, it's almost like...'' - Rain asked, dodging a slash.
''It's like it's defending it's pups!'' - Jet thought aloud.
''That thing had puppies!?'' - Koharu yelled back
''Or it's a façade!'' - Rain scored the final blow on the Fenrir, but unlike any other floor boss, it didn't explode into pixels... it simply faded away. ''Umm, okay then?'' - Jet questioned.
''I wonder if... you can come on out now, sage!'' - Rain called out.
''For someone outside the castle to see through my enchantment... that's what I get for living so long.'' - Emils, the valet reappeared in front of them - ''Congratulations on beating the trial. I'm the Sage you were seeking, so I shall answer your questions...''
Koharu looked as if someone had just explained the intricacies of the braking system of a Bombardier Voyager to her, and looked at Jet as if he'd grown an extra head for figuring it out... ''The monster turned into the valet... and the valet was actually the sage?''
''You are correct. This isn't my true appearance, but I believe it makes more sense to stay with something that you are familiar with.''
''So, you were testing us after all...''
''No. It was a necessary order to get you to the answers you seek.''
''That explains what we noticed throughout the fight. What should've been a ferocious enemy, was but merely defending itself... Oh, ever so knowledgeable and long lived sage, please teach us youths... is there a way to stop the war between Lyusula and Kales'Oh?''
''I cannot give you that answer. Those living in this land cannot know the future. But I can tell you of past and present.''
''Can you tell me what is sealed in the cathedral?''
''That is not something I can tell you. That was part of an oath I swore with the elder... that what I've learnt, will stay secret. But I will ask this - why do you wish to know the truth about the cathedral?''
''The Kales'Oh people told me that the Sacred Tree's soul is in there. That I obey orders to protect the cathedral, without knowing anything. I believe our fight is just. However, I do not know what is in there, or why we started fighting. I don't know the truth, whilst I believe in justice. Can a person truly fight like that?''
''It's not the same with us, but I kind of get it... why are we here? Why did things turn out this way? We're fighting to escape, without knowing anything about the man who trapped us here.''
''We can't really fight for justice though, but...''
''Only you can choose what you fight for. However, there is someone who can guide you. Who were the original Fallen Elves? Why were these keys made? All of these you can ask the empress...''
''The empress knows this all?''
''Not everything, but she does hold one end of the string... Reeling in that string will show you the truth, and beyond it, is the light that you are searching for. Well, that is where the advice from the old man ends. May the Sacred Tree bless you on your travels...''
''Thank you for your advice, could we ask for your hand in this battle?''
''Your sword is already much stronger, and sharper than I am, and besides, you have your human friends. A battle is not something to ask of a decrepit old man, who's just watching things change. That is something I know better than anyone. I cannot protect the empress anymore, which is really regrettable.''
''I'm sorry, leader of the personal guard...''
''An old title. There are few that even remember my real name. But that's fine... Knights with good spirit like yourself with spin a new hope for us all. Well then, I suppose I should give you all some advice... Rain, wasn't it? Just continue on your path, and do not look back. Your goal will appear sooner than you think...''
''Thank you, sage.'' - Rain bowed to the elder.
''As for you, Koharu, the item at your feet should more than suffice, and for Jet... what you seek, no one but you can find. One day, you will realise that, but until then...''
''Yeah, thanks.'' - Jet didn't seem particularly convinced by the sage's comments, but decided not to raise any objections.
''Oh, so this is the Seeker's Proof. It's shiny, and really pretty...''
''It's dropped from monsters in this labyrinth. It makes a decent medicine, and can be sold for quite the sum. It's also good food for smaller monsters, so it's not easily found. You're very lucky.''
''Dropped from... eww...'' - Koharu regretted being the one that picked it up now.
''Larger monsters eat the-''
''WE GET IT!'' - The group commented, in unison, and mild disgust... except for Koharu, who was now reconsidering whether she actually needed that hand, or whether she could live with knowing she'd picked up monster droppings...
''A few of those should suffice for what we need, right?'' - Rain asked, as Koharu shuddered. Jet leant over to his girlfriend, and whispered something to her. Whatever it was, it was so bad, she groaned, and held the Seeker's Proof to her forehead. Considering the fuss she'd just put up, everyone had precisely one question on their mind - how long would it be before she noticed that?
''What, why's everyone-'' - She glanced up at her hands -''EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPP!''
Approximately nine seconds, and ruptured eardrums, was the answer.
After enquiring with the sage about the floor boss, whilst Koharu attempted to scrub any trace of her error from her head, and her friends minds, through any means necessary, and being returned to the Withering Woods, the group were now discussing their findings about the floor boss, and thinking of strategies to deal with it - ''So, we know this thing has some form of battle regeneration, and eventually, that regeneration becomes too fast for anything to even damage it.''
''Yep, which is why we have this...'' - Rain pulled out a crystal, a light green in colour, and surrounded by a cage of silver.
''Great, this is gonna be harder than ever... still, we'll pull through right?'' - Koharu had sworn against talking to her boyfriend, after his little joke earlier, and so, she pouted at him instead. ''Really, Koharu? (sighs) Fine...'' Jet got down on his knees, and put on the most fake sounding accent that Rain had ever heard ''Oh fairest, and most lovely Koharu, I, your undeserving boyfriend, hereby apologise... and offer lunch in return for your forgiveness.'' Rain and Kizmel were desperately trying not to laugh, whilst Jet was rolling his eyes. Koharu, on the other hand, looked quite pleased with herself - ''Forgiven, boyfriend of mine... if you buy me dinner too.''
''Sounds fair to me.''
''So, Kizmel, what do you plan to do now?''
''I'm cleared of my doubts. I intend to recover the key on the Eighth Floor, and bring it before her majesty on the Ninth Floor. I want to unravel everything in her presence. Why this war is being waged, and what it is we must do...''
''If you ever need us, Kizmel...''
''We'll come running. Because, Kizmel, you're our friend.'' - Kizmel drew all three of them into a hug, almost as tight as the one on the Sixth Floor.
''Thank you. Those words will surely illuminate my path! But for now, I'm afraid we must part... be safe, all three of you!''
''You too, Kizmel!''
{Author's Comments}
It's been a hectic week. With making the cover (which, without going into massive detail, is almost certainly only temporary, as I feel I can do a far better job than I actually did.), and writing later parts for the story, I've probably spent less time on this than I perhaps should have. Hopefully, normal service resumes next week, and I actually have a chapter by Tuesday, rather than having to write it on Tuesday!
Anyway, any comments on the chapter, the new artwork or anything else, and any follows, favourites, PMs etc are always welcome!
Signing off, Midland 2541.