YAY I LIVED THROUGH FINALS! i hope this is good news for you, and it should because I can now update.
sorry if this chapter is short but the Bakura duel needs a little more work. thank you to all those who gave me suggestions. to those who want more deaths in this story, all i can say is no one really important dies, but i'm open to any plot twists. for real tragity you'll have to wait for Pharaoh's memories; then i pull out all the stops *evil Grin*
anyway. Because of finals i had to edit this myself so i'm sorry if it sucks. Thank you to all of you for continuing to read.
Enjoy.
Chapter 25
"First you say you're not going to the finals, and now you say you are?" Grandpa sounded incredulous. Airi had finally filled Grandpa in on most of the details of yesterday. She hadn't told him everything, knowing if he found out Yugi had almost drowned he would make finishing Yami's mission even harder. Gramps seemed able to understand this was important, but this didn't stop him pointing out every possible road block. "Putting aside this Marik, I doubt Kaiba would let you in. If he doesn't have a reason to face you he won't let you anywhere near his competition."
"So what if he acts like spoil sport. I'll get in anyway." Airi said. "Even if I have to fight security. I'm not going to let Yugi on that playing field without my being there. Marik will bring out the real strategy soon. What we faced so far was probably kid stuff in comparison. He's like Seto in the way he won't give up until he gets what he wants."
"Do you really think you can help? You'll only be a spectator." Gramps said. "Besides the final round will most likely be broadcast on the TV."
"That's being a spectator, too."
"I know, but then I won't have to watch it by myself. If only I didn't have to be here for the shop."
"It's not so bad." Airi said, "Like you said you'll be able to watch what is going on. That's better then what I had for Duelist Kingdom."
"I know you want to be close to your brother. But Joey is a finalist right? And I'm sure those friends of yours will find a way to get in." Gramps laughed. "They seem to have a knack for sneaking in placed they aren't wanted."
"They really do." Airi said, laughing with him. "But this is important."
"There is another reason for this interest isn't there?" Grandpa's was serious. "Ever since this tournament both you and Yugi have been acting strange. This is something more then just a grudge match of that Kaiba."
Airi looked out the window, wondering what she should tell him. Yugi though the less he knew would keep him safe, and keep him from doing more then his aging body could take. They told him there was something going on with old shadow games, since he knew about that from his time as an archaeologist. She wasn't sure what to tell him. End of the world sounded like a bad tv show line, even if it was true. She didn't want to mention Yami; that whole thing was to much to explain in a short amount of time and without Yugi to back her up.
"It's has to do with the Millennium Puzzle doesn't it?"
Airi stared at him. "How did-"
"Please give me some credit, I am the one who found it." Grandpa laughed. "That day was truly and adventure. From the first moment I found it I knew it was special. It was almost like I was meant to find it. I didn't tell any of my colleagues about it, not even Arthur. I felt it was too important for that. I tried many times to put it together, but I couldn't get one piece to stay together. Misaki told me to donate it to a museum, said it was cluttering up her house."
"Grandma would." Airi smiled. "she said you kept way to much junk around."
"I don't blame her, she was the one who did the cleaning. But still I kept it, just something about it was special. But I couldn't put it together. I once gave it to your dad to try. He didn't have any better luck, and he was better at puzzles then Yugi. In the end I just put it away."
"Then Yugi found it." Airi finished. "He still gets into places he not suppose to."
Gramps chuckled. "Yes he found it, or maybe it found him would be more accurate since it fell on him."
"It was partly your fault." Yugi said from the door way. "You're the one who put it on the top shelf of the closet."
"Look who finally woke up." Gramps said.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Yugi came in. his clothes from yesterday were rumpled from sleep. He stumbled slightly on the way to the couch. Airi stood, alert to any side affects from yesterday. "I'm fine Airi. I just tripped on the carpet." he sat heavily on the couch next to her.
"Are you sure?" she said.
"Of course he is, he's a Muto after all." Gramps said. "We are really hard to get down. Getting that puzzle out of the tomb proved that."
"You got to see where the puzzle came from?" Yugi said.
"How else could I have gotten it."
"How did it happen? Where was it? Do you know who's Tomb it was?"
"Slow down young man." Gramps held up a hand. "That is a story for another time and place." he rose from his chair. "I have to go see how Bakura is doing."
"Were they able to find out what happened to him?" Airi said.
"Hasn't been awake long enough to tell them anything. If that Namu kid hadn't found him I don't want to think what would have happened."
"If he's awake tell him we hope he recovers soon."
"I will. Now you better get ready. I don't think I'll be here before you leave so lets say best wishes now."
"Bye Gramps." Yugi said, giving him a hug. "Take care."
"Shouldn't you be the one listening to that advise?" releasing his grandson and pulling Airi in for a hug. "As for you young lady, don't worry to much."
"Too late, but Thanks. Love you, Gramps."
After they heard the back door close behind him Yugi turned to her.
"Are you sure you want to come?"
"Don't you start. I'm coming and that's final." Airi tried not to let all her frustrations out. She understood her family and friends were worried about her. "I am going to be there for you and Yami until this is over. That's a promise."
"I know." Yugi didn't seem upset by the out burst. "I'm really glad you'll be there. Yami will need you, too."
"What do you mean?" Airi's heart gave a little leap, which she instantly crushed.
Yugi glanced towards the door, making sure their friend wasn't eavesdropping. "Well I know the others are behind both of us, but I don't think Yami always realizes he's included in their support. I think it's still hard for him to connect, his being a spirit and all. You on the other hand can see him and make him feel part of the group. I'm glad he has you as a friend."
Airi smiled, "Yami is a good friend. If you think I help him out then I feel like I'm doing my part in this scheme. By the way were is Yami?"
"I told him to get some rest, ordered more like. Even if he claims he doesn't need it he still needs to relax a little. He stayed up the entire time I was out."
"I believe it." Airi glanced at the clock. "You better get something to eat, and get out of those clothes. The gang should be here in about an hour or so."
"Don't I look presentable?" Yugi grinned, gesturing to his rumpled shirt and pants.
"No you don't."
"Fashion critic."
"Ok, you can wear them, but I don't know what Tea will think when she see's you like that."
"Airi!"
"You started it. Come on, get moving. Even with their being late, I'm sure they'll show up all to soon."
"Airi are you ok?" Yugi said. "You seem a little strained."
"Lets see," she started counting on her fingers. "the world is possible going to end, you almost drowned yesterday, we'll being spending the next few days with my charming ex, and to top it all off you're not dressed for the occasion. No I can't see anything is wrong."
"Very funny." he gave her a hug. "I'm just glad you're ok, and you'll be there for us."
"I'll always be there." she said, giving him a brief kiss on the top of his head before messing up his hair. "Now, get to it."
When his footsteps had faded up the stair she let out a small sigh. She was worried. They would finally meet Marik face to face. All this would be over soon; One out come or the other. She went to the kitchen to get something for Yugi when he came back down.
As she rummaged through the cabinets, she inwardly chided herself for getting embarrassed over Yugi's comment about Yami. She was his friend after all, why shouldn't she be as supportive as she was. Anything past that would be ridiculous. She slammed down a box of Mochi harder then needed. Why was she thinking about him that way? Here they were in the middle of saving the world and she was having feelings for the one person beside her brother who could do it. If anyone figured it out it would be worse for them all. Yami didn't need any more distractions. Hopefully she would be able to keep her feelings hidden until after all this was over. Then she could figure out what to do about them.
This was the day. Marik grinned at his reflection. He would defeat the spirit of the pharaoh and take the title he deserved. His insides were writhing in excitement. The scares of the hieroglyphics carved into his back seemed to tingle even though they had healed over years before. The thought of finally reaching his goal coerced through his body like lava. The dark rage he had felt since he was a boy threatened to burst from him in glee. Soon the world would be his.
"Master Marik." Odion said from the doorway. Instantly the dark rage suppressed, as it always did when his step brother was around.
"What is it?" he said, not turning from the mirror.
"To be at the finals in time you will have to depart soon." Odion said.
"Why not let them wait. I'm sure they will be wondering what I look like."
"You'll have to reveal yourself to them in order to duel."
"I don't plan to showing them my real self. I plan on only telling them who I truly am when I am about to claim the Millennium Puzzle and send that fool of a host to the shadow realm. Then they will see I have more power and skill then the pharaoh who's power will be mine."
"But who will you go as?"
"The fools will think I am Namu, the one who saved Bakura. I'll use my hold on Tea to ensure they think I am a friend. When Marik arrives, I will be nothing by an innocent bystander."
"When you arrive?" Odion sounded confused. "Who is going to play you?"
Marik lifted the Millennium Rod from where he had put it. He turned, pointing it at the rare hunter for emphasis. "You are, Odion. You will masquerade as me during this final assault. And while the rest of them are accusing you of crimes, I will be waiting for the final moment to crush them."
"As you wish, Master Marik." Odion bowed.
"The one thing which will be a shame." Marik said, turning back to the mirror. "I won't be able to crush Yugi's spirit by crushing his sister. Now she is out of the tournament she is no longer available."
"She is no longer of interest?"
"Of course not. The Diadem will be to great a prize to leave it to an ally of the Pharaoh's Spirit. If half of the rumors of it are true, when that band is mine, I shall be untouchable. Don't concern yourself with her. I'll soon be close enough to learn more."
"Are you sure this Diadem is powerful?"
"It has the name millennium doesn't it?" Marik snapped. "Besides it was in the tomb of the Pharaoh, where the Puzzle was. Unless it was something important it would have been entrusted with one of the Tomb Keeper families. I will have it Odion, even if I have to result to drastic measures to get it."
"Yes, Master Marik." Odion bowed again.
It was late afternoon and light was already starting to dim. The Muto's were about ready to leave when the doorbell rang. On the step were both Wheelers, Tristan, Tea, Charlotte, Duke, and Mai.
"You feeling alright Yuge?" Joey said
"I'm doing great, glad you are too Joey." Yugi said. "But what are you all doing here?"
"Why not?" Mai said. "From what happened yesterday I say you kids need to stick together. Besides I have to make sure my worthy opponents arrive. Can't squish you if you're not there, you know."
"Who said anything about squishing?" Joey said.
"Don't start." Tea said. "If we want to get there on time we have to leave now."
"You guys already know where we are going?" Airi said,
"Yeah, we figured out the cards earlier today. Some place called KaibaCorp stadium." Joey said.
"Airi, why do you have your duel-disk?" Serenity said.
"With everything that has been going on, better safe then sorry." Airi noted the contraption on her arm with satisfaction.
"Come on everyone, we're burning daylight." Duke said.
Mai lead the way to her car. Airi was a little skeptical. They had all fit before, but she wasn't sure about it being completely safe.
"Alright, I think everyone should be as they were last time." Mai said.
"Do we have to?" Tristan obviously wanted to be next to Serenity instead of sitting on the rim of the car.
"Come on it's not so bad." Charlotte climbed in next to Tea and Airi. "You can tell us it the wind changes while we travel."
"Not reassuring Char." Duke said, taking the side next to her.
"Where is Yugi going to sit?"
"Don't worry about it." Yugi was on the floor of the back seat, laying on the three girls feet.
"Pretty clever there, Yuge." Joey said, climbing in the front after his sister.
"Yugi get up here." Tea said. "we can make room."
"Nah, I'll be fine. I can get some more rest in before I have to face Marik again."
"Enjoy it while you can Tea." Airi said, but low so only the other girl could hear. "It's not every day you have a man laying at your feet." she was sure even though the light was dim there was a slight blush on the Tea's face.
"Ok, here we go." Mai revved up the engine and they were off.
The drive wasn't long. Besides the background noise of Duke and Tristan having some kind of discussion, with Charlotte yelling at them from time to time, the back was rather quiet. Joey and Serenity talked with Mai, but the wind make it hard to hear what they were saying. Tea and Yugi both remained silent.
Airi stared out at the passing buildings zipping past and the flash of passing street lights without really seeing them. She drummed her fingers on the duel dist-disk, hoping fate would be on their side. Even with her deck she wouldn't be any help in facing Marik. Why had she thrown away her chance to be in the finals? She gritted her teeth, mad she had though of it. Yugi and Yami were the ones who would have to finish this. No matter what she did it would be up to them.
The car stopped. Looking around Airi saw they had parked at the end of a walk way.
"Mai, we're at the wrong place. There is no arena here." Joey said.
"This is a close as I can get." Mai said.
"Move it." Charlotte said. "We don't want money bags to have an excuse to throw us out."
"He can't disqualify for being late to a secret location." Tristan said.
"Don't count on it." Airi said. "Come on. I want to see this place."
It took them a few minuets to find their way. The dome was massive, but something about it looked off. It was when they entered the colosseum that Airi realized what was wrong; it was unfinished. It was like a empty shell who's animal had long ago left to find something better.
"Kaiba must have miss printed the cards. This can't be where he wants to hold his finals." Duke said.
"That or we're unfashionably early." Mai said.
"Seto's here." Airi said, ending any doubts of this being the right location.
The Kaiba brothers stood in the middle of the dirt field with two of their men. Mokuba waved, smiling as they came closer. Kaiba watched them approach with something definitely less then friendly.
"Glad to see you all made it." Mokuba said.
"Where exactly are you planing on this crazy tournament of yours?" Tristan said.
Kaiba smirked, but didn't answer.
"Finalists must present locator cards." One of the suits said.
"Here ya go." Joey stuck them out proudly. "Thought I wouldn't make it did ya?" he said to Kaiba.
"Errors happen all the time. They will be corrected soon enough." Kaiba turned away to watch the entrance for more contestants. It took both Tristan and Duke to keep Joey from pouncing on him.
"Save it for the duels." Mai said. She and Yugi showed their cards. "You're going to need that energy to beat me."
"Don't you start." Joey said.
"Easily to rial isn't he?" Yami appeared next to Airi.
"Might help against Marik." Airi said. He nodded, then started looking around for possible threats. He looked so serious she was sure it was waring him out. Spirit or not all this stress was to much for one person to handle. She wished this was all over so he could rest.
"You all qualify, here are you tournament IDs." the second suit handed the finalist some small plastic rectangles. "Keep these with you at all times or you will not be able to compete."
Suddenly Yami turned, facing the entrance, eyes narrowing. Airi and Yugi turned at the same time to face the entrance to see a figure approaching through the tunnel. Could this be Marik?
A young man about their age came into the bright lights of the arena. He was dressed somewhat normal, unlike a rare hunter. His tan skin and gold jewelry indicated he was of Egyptian ethnicity. He had shoulder length blond white hair jaggedly cut so it hung uneven around his face. He looked normal, but something in his eyes made Airi take a instant disliking to him.
"Namu?" Joey said. "Where have you been?"
"I managed to get away from our attackers." Namu said, smiling at Joey and Tea. "I'm glad you two are alright." he nodded at Tea.
"Yeah, well, you weren't much of a help." Joey said. It was obvious he was suspicious of something, as was Airi. "Why are you here?"
"He's a finalist, isn't it obvious." Tea said, a little too forceful for Airi's liking. "It's apparent he is here to duel."
Namu smiled. "Of course why would I be here?"
"Some other reason." Joey didn't sound convinced, or convincing.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you." Yugi said, stepping forward, hand out stretched.
"Yugi." Yami said sharply.
"Ah the great Yugi Muto." Namu said, shaking his hand. Nothing happened. Both Airi and Yami relaxed, a little. Namu continued. "I've heard a lot about you. I can't wait to see you duel in person. I must be luck to run into your friends. I've had nothing but good luck since I've met them."
"Any friend of my friends is my friend too." Yugi said.
"If you are an contestant you will need you an ID." One of the suits said.
Excusing himself, Namu turned to get the card.
"Maybe I'm just over thinking." Joey grumbled. "everyone looks like a bad guy these days."
"Yugi, I don't like the look of him." Yami said.
"Tea says he is alright, and nothing happened when I shook hands." Yugi turned to talk to Serenity.
"Something is wrong with this Namu." Yami sounded frustrated. "I don't trust him. Why can't Yugi see it?"
"I don't like this either, but I don't think Yugi wants to end up miss trusting everyone." Airi said.
"Even so he can't afford to let his guard down. Marik, whether or not he is this boy, is an expert at manipulation."
"You got that right." Airi watched the new comer. He accepted his card and turned back to the group. For a spit second Airi met his eyes. They were so cold it felt like she could be burned if she looked to long. She quickly looked away.
A movement at the entrance caught her attention. Another figure was entering the arena. She thought she recognized him, but that couldn't be possible. The shine of the long messy white hair in the light however confirmed the impossible. "Bakura?"
Everyone turned and her voice. It was Bakura, arm bandaged, but definitely walking towards them on his own two feet, and with a duel-disk on his arm.
"Why is everyone staring?" he said, cheerfully. "Every one's acting like they've seen a ghost."
"You were hurt." Tristan said.
"Ya, rushed to to the hospital by Gramps." Joey said.
"Well I'm fine now."
"If you're here for the finals, you'll need to show you're locator cards." Kaiba said. He didn't look too impressed with British boy.
"Certainly." Bakura reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the required cards. "I just won these. Rather lucky I say."
"He can't have gotten those in one day." Airi said.
"Looks like we have someone else to worry about." Yami's eyes looked Bakura over, searching for something. "I don't see the ring, but he might have disguised it."
"Some one else is coming." Charlotte's voice interrupted their discussion.
A tall robed figure emerged into the light. Airi felt like ice was floating through her blood stream. This man was wearing the same cloak of a rare hunter. His features didn't help the feeling of distrust. He was also of Egyptian descent, tan face disfigured by a tattoo along the left side of his face.
"Seto, that's the man who kidnapped me." Airi heard Mokuba say.
"Who are you, creep." Joey demanded. "And don't tell us you're not with Marik. I remember ya're face all to well."
"Because I am Marik." the man's voice was soft, but still carried a commanding tone. He produced the locator cards. "You don't need any other identification." he said, almost like a joke. Kaiba wasn't amused.
"I should have you disqualified for what you did to my brother." Kaiba said. "However I can guess what kind of cards you have so you may stay. You won't have them much longer."
"Do you think that is Marik." Yugi whispered.
Airi shrugged. The recording like voice that had come from Marik's victims had sounded different. It might be the fact he was sharing someone else body, but this voice didn't match up. Airi didn't forget voices easily, and something about this 'Marik' was off.
"Ya better be ready to lose, Creep." Joey said. "Me and Yugi are going to whip you're keester."
Out of the corner of he eye, Airi saw Namu and Bakura give each other an slight nod. Her eyes narrowed. The fact these two were on friendly terms made her even more nervous. Before she would relate her observations to Yugi or Yami, however, Roland called for their attention.
"As most of the contestants are present I will give you the final details. The finals will not be held here."
"Thank heavens." Mai muttered.
"The location of the finals will be arriving shortly."
As if on cue a dark shadow suddenly covered them. All looked up to see a large air ship making its way down. The arena was large enough for it to land easily and hardly take up any room.
"So, its a game of battle ship." Duke said.
"Think of that on your own." Tristan said.
"Contestants, please board at this time."
Yugi gave Airi a thumbs up before following the others up the ramp which lowered to accept them on bored. Yami and Airi shared one understanding glance before the spirit followed right behind;with all the threats on board at this time neither of them were going to let Yugi be alone.
"Lets go." Charlotte said. Taking Serenity's hand she started up the ramp, others following behind.
"Where do you think you're going?" suit 2 asked.
"Going to see the finals, duh?" Charlotte said.
"No one gets on board without a pass."
"Please. I really want to see my brother duel." Serenity pleaded.
"Those are my orders from Mr. Kaiba."
"They can get on." Mokuba came up. "I don't have a pass and I'm going."
"You're brother-"
"We have brothers on this ship." Airi said. "If that is you're argument it is a bad one. Either change it or let us pass."
"I'm under orders from Mr. Kaiba." he repeated.
"Seto, can they come aboard?" said Mokuba, turning to his brother.
Kaiba shrugged.
"Good enough." Tristan said. He and the others hurried. Airi stayed in the back, making sure they all got on before Seto changed his mind.
"But Sir-"
"Let the dweebs on." Kaiba said. "If they want to see their friends lose it will serve them right."
"Thank you, Seto." Airi said as he passed.
"Whatever." it sounded more like a grunt.
Mokuba grinned and followed close behind.
Airi was about to follow when another movement at the entrance made her pause. Turning to see she saw a woman in a flowing white dress and a veil over her face making her way towards the ship. Even with the disguise she instantly recognized Ishizu. She opened her mouth to say something, but the other woman shook her head. Taking the hint Airi turned and boarded without another word.
The ship was magnificent. It hardly shook as it rose into the air and proceeded on it's way. The only problem was there weren't any signs telling her where to go. Maybe she should have stayed close to the others. Finally she found herself on a hall with doors along one side with numbers on the name plates. She relaxed when she heard the sound of Joey's voice coming from one of the rooms. She was defiantly in the right place. She smiled as she passed, but didn't dare enter. From the intensity she didn't want to get involved.
The hall way conveyed a reflected a professional out look with its metallic and spotless walls. She thought it was an almost too perfect reflection of it's owner. Seto might not be evil, but he, like these wall, were too standoffish for her own taste. She made herself focus on finding Yugi's room. It had to be around here some place. She thought of knocking, but decided against it on account of all the enemies aboard. She had nearly reached the end of the hall when someone appeared in front of her, nearly causing a collision.
"Yami!" she jumped back. "Will you stop doing that."
"I thought you were lost."
"Doesn't give you a reason to freak me out."
"According to you that is what all your family is expert at." he looked amused, looking hansom and infuriating at the same time.
She gave him a annoyed punch on the shoulder. "Good thing your spirit or I'd do worse." she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes and looked away, ashamed. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."
"We are all on edge." he said. "I acted rather immaturely. Forgive me?"
Airi smiled and nodded, relieved he wasn't offended. "Anyway, I'm glad to find the room, despite your methods."
He bowed. "Always at your service." he motioned her to enter and followed close behind.
Yugi sat on one of the couches, looking at one of his cards. The room was practical while looking sharp, matching the hallway outside. Airi sat next to her brother. She could see the card he was holding was Slifer.
"It's really happening." he said, not looking up. "We've made it this far." there was a slight undertone which caught her attention.
"We are going to make it." she said. "All of us."
"I know." he still stared at the card. "It's a little intimidating. There is real powers at work. I get to hang on for the ride."
"You are more important then that." Yami said, "If you weren't here, we wouldn't have a ghost of a change at making it."
"I guess you would know." Yugi said. The other two smiled at his comment.
"What I want to know is why Bakura's here." Airi glanced at Yami. "Do you think he has the Millennium Ring?"
"I'm afraid so." he said.
"Tristan said he threw it away." Yugi said.
"It's not impossible." Airi said, not liking to admit it. "If you two said it had a spirit in it, we know they are very determined."
"It is a possibility." Yami said, smiling at her comment.
"The battle city finals are about to begin." A voice came over the intercom. "All finalist are to meet in the main hall immediately."
"Now the fun starts." Airi said. Yugi still hadn't looked up from the card. "You alright?"
"Just a little nervous." Yugi finally looked up, smile apologetic. "I guess I'm still a little uncertain."
She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you remember your first day of school?" he looked a little confused, but nodded. "I remember you were scared to death." she chuckled. "You flat out refused to let go of Dad's leg."
"This isn't really helping." Yugi said. Yami walked over to the window, back to them to give them some privacy.
"I'll get to the point then." Airi continued. "It took a while to get you to let go, but you did. then Dad told you something. You remember?"
Yugi smiled. "We're all right behind you Champ." his smile faded. "I wish Mom and Dad were watching."
"Who says they're not?"
"You know what I mean."
"I do." she squeezed his shoulder. "I miss them, too. But I'm here, Yami's here, and you have your friends. Your not alone in this."
He slid the card into this card pouch. "Disappointing all of you isn't a good idea then?" he gave her one of his rare sly smiles.
"Not if you know what's good for you." she ruffled his hair and stood. "just make sure you two are careful out there."
"Now who sounds doubtful." Yugi grinned, clipping his duel-disk back on.
"I'm you sister and friend. Side affects include being worried all the time."
"Yami, I think you should take over for the duels." Yugi said. "I mean, its the reason you're here after all."
"Are you sure?" Yami turned to face them again.
"No one else I would trust."
the spirit smiled, obviously touched. "Very well."
The puzzle flashed. Yami stood where Yugi was. He turned to Airi. "We aren't going to lose, I promise." she could tell he was saying it for Yugi as much as for her.
She inclined her head, smiling as she motioned to the door. "After you, Pharaoh."
A/N: ok, here is the deal. i have the duel mostly done, but i might tweek it. if you want to find out more about the diadem, PLEASE REVIEW! things stink right now and i need physicle evidence people achualy like this story. sorry if I'm being annoying, but everyone likes to hear their work is good right?
anyway, hope you all are having a great holiday season, no matter what holiday you're celibrating.
Be safe, and keep writing and/or reading.
