Chapter 8: War on the Horizon
"I hope this isn't a bad time."
"It isn't." Professor Colbert says as I step into his still (somewhat) trashed office. The Academy is still recovering from the attack, but it seems that his office wasn't a direct target.
"You seem a bit upset at me." I say, noticing he doesn't look up at me. "I assume it has to deal with Captain Agnes?"
He looks up at me as I say her name. "I can understand why you didn't want me to talk to her that night, but why keep me away from her even now?"
"I know you probably want to connect with her and I believe that yes, it will help wounds."
"Then why—"
"Because she's not ready." I say, cutting in as Colbert narrows his eyes at me. "There will come a day, Professor, when she is ready. But today is not that day. If anything, you'd further confuse her. What she needs now is space. Space and time to think about where she wants to go from here. And if that place she wants to go involves reaching out to you, then I will hope on that day, you take her hand."
There's a kind of dreadful silence that hangs in the air as Professor Colbert simply looks at me, as if trying to analyze my words, my posture, seeing if there's a deception in them.
"As loath as I am to do so, I'll relent. I sense that greater men have tried to cross you and I would not like to share their fate…" He says quietly. "Besides, you likely know her better than I do."
"Thank you. Onto a more, say, lighthearted topic?" I say, deciding to ignore the somewhat backhanded compliment.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"I wanted to inquire both about your side of the story in regards to the attack on D'Angleterre, but also about this Hiraga Saito you spoke of."
"Hmm, I see. Well, I'm sure you've heard the story from Captain Agnes' point of view, but I suppose if you want to put the puzzle together, I'll tell mine."
The story isn't exactly anything that surprising. Of course, they were told that it was a plagued town. This was routine for them. At this point in time, Colbert was 'The Flame Snake', someone who was once infamous for his fire magic and his… indiscriminate fire, to put it in politically correct terms. However, his unit had been tasked with purging the plague, which dramatically changed his targets.
Perhaps it was the mentality of 'happening to involve noncombatants in the crossfire' versus 'specifically targeting noncombatants'. The first one he could dismiss as 'It is the reality of war', even if it was incredibly distasteful and would cause many people pause. The second is something even the most hardened of commanders would find difficult to sign off on, if I may be so optimistic. History might say otherwise, but I believe with the present day sensibilities, yes, it wouldn't happen again.
Regardless, a back-to-back string of plagued villages that needed torching was rapidly growing the seed of doubt that had been planted in a more youthful Colbert. It ultimately came to a head in D'Angleterre, when Colbert had finally put the pieces together and realized this village was innocent, along with the others.
Something interesting came up, though. Apparently there had existed a record of orders, stored underneath the school in its archives. That copy had been destroyed, though, due to someone going after it. Unfortunately, the perpetrator was killed in the pursuit, so they weren't able to be interrogated.
However, Colbert also said that there would be one additional copy.
It's just that, well, it happens to be stored in the grand archives of Romalia's capital. If I were to want to get it in order to prove Agnes' story and help her get the justice she deserved, it'd be as if I had to lead an army into the Vatican itself back home and storm the archives. But of course, it'd mean making an enemy out of virtually everyone, and also Romalia itself is no slouch in combat.
What a mess, really…
As for Hiraga Saito, he was last being deployed to the front lines. When I inquired about the plane, Colbert told me that Hiraga Saito called it a 'Zero fighter'.
A World War II fighter showing up here… how strange. Regardless, it seemed incredulous that such a young boy would be able to fly one. Colbert was evasive about why that was the case, so I decided to currently chalk it up to 'strange hobbies'. It's not as if the T-Dolls I served with didn't have their own eccentricities.
Besides, as for this Hiraga Saito character, he's not currently under my command and even if he has some kind of special ability to fly planes, I wouldn't want to force him to undergo the stresses of war. To use a child in that manner would put a bitter taste in my mouth.
"Well, I thank you for the information, Professor. I'll keep it all in mind, going forward."
"Please do bring him back. Him and his master, Louise."
"I don't know if I'll be deployed to the front lines, but if I should run into them, I'll endeavor to do so." I say with a nod. "Can you describe this 'Louise'?"
"Louise Valliere, yes. Well, she's quite short and has distinguishable pink hair. They're almost inseparable, er, well, is putting it lightly. She doesn't like to let him out of her sight, lest he get into trouble… or find himself with another woman."
"So she's clingy."
"I was hoping not to use that term. She's also… unable to be honest with herself, I suppose. Lacks a lot of self-confidence, no doubt in part to her inability to properly use normal magic."
"Clarify that."
"Hm?"
"You said 'normal magic'. Therefore, there must exist some kind of 'abnormal magic'." I say, turning to face Colbert. "And more importantly, I find it interesting that you're telling me this, rather than just how to find them."
He turns his head away slightly in shame, like a child being caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Likely he did not mean to expose that fact. "They could use you as well. I would like to go with them, but alas, I am a coward who can hardly stomach being close to a battlefield. Even as I make the excuse that a professor cannot abandon his students, it all comes from a place of cowardice."
"Do not call yourself a coward. It takes courage to admit one's faults and shortcomings." I say, his head turning back towards me. "I don't make a habit of playing counselor, but if these are children as you say, then I will see what I can do about their experiences with war. Their love life, however, I will certainly stay away from."
I can hear Colbert chuckle, perhaps glad for the lighthearted moment.
"Regardless, this 'abnormal magic'?"
The explanation is fairly simple. Valliere seemed to be incapable of using normal magic. Every spell she tried resulted in an explosion. No matter the element. But that recently changed.
There was an attack on a village named Tarbes. And it was there she unleashed what was called Explosion. A legendary 'Void' element spell, something practiced only by the creator of magic himself, apparently.
Fortunately it seemed like she had an option to make it nonlethal, as the spell only ravaged the invasion forces' ships and supplies. And unlike a traditional explosion, it seemed to be described more as a 'white ball that consumed'. So, she doesn't have to live with the deaths of likely hundreds of people on her mind. Though, I wonder how she was able to prevent the deaths from the effects of physics. Surely those soldiers would have fallen to their deaths…? Magic is quite a strange thing.
All of this, save the nonlethal segment, was public knowledge at this point. However, Colbert confided that in me as Valliere confided that in him, and made me swear not to tell her I knew that. This was purely for my benefit, so I knew how to approach her.
"Ah, I'll write a letter of introduction for you as well, so you can give it to them."
"That would be appreciated." I say, going for the door. "I'll be in my usual quarters, then. We'll likely be departing soon, though."
"I'll have it for you by tonight, then."
"Thank you, then Professor."
"Mhm. Though, before you go."
I stop halfway through the door, turning to look back at him.
"What you said about reaching out. It sounded a bit personal, so…"
I can only smile, recalling a both bitter and fond memory as I turn away.
"You could say that for a while, someone waited on me. Until the day I finally decided to reach out my hand and take theirs. But because of that, I know. You don't need to worry, Professor. I know that one day, she will surely reach out to you. It'll just be my job to help her get there."
"You look troubled."
"Do I, now?"
A sight for sore eyes, Henrietta is. We're out on a balcony in the castle, looking out at the night sky, twinkling with many stars. After the report of what happened to the Academy, Henrietta called us back to the castle. Judging by the fact that it seemed like a second attack was unlikely, I was fine with it. And it's a much welcome break from the dreary scenery around the Academy's burnt ruins.
"You look like you're brooding, is all. If you'd like to share your pain, then please know that I am here."
I give a light chuckle at this. "Was I not the one summoned to assist you?"
"Mou, that's not fair. You know I don't want to treat you like a familiar." She says, leaning up against the railing.
"Oi, posture. You'll get back problems like that."
Henrietta pouts as a breeze tosses her still purple hair about.
"Haha, sorry, sorry. I'm not your father. Anyways, it's nothing major. It's just been a while since I had lost anyone on the battlefield, and then knowing we're heading to the front lines…"
"Are you unsure of your abilities?"
"Hm? No, it's not that. It's more… knowing that I'm going back. It fills me with a strange sense of nostalgia, yet a distinct fear of the unknown. It's familiar, yet not."
A fight against human beings rather than machines. At the very least, I'm still commanding T-Dolls for the most part, but it still gives me pause every now and then. The way that Springfield and the others have said they'll support me, despite knowing they'll be fighting humans. I can't say I'm fully relieved, but I can't say that it isn't comforting to know that they're with me.
I suppose it's a small comfort to know that we're going to be deployed as special operations, rather than be loosed on the front lines. It should hopefully lessen the amount of lives we have to take. Or perhaps I should say the amount of lives I will be commanding the T-Dolls to take.
"You're making a face again." She says, distracting me from my thoughts.
"Am I?"
"You must really have something occupying your mind." Henrietta says, walking away over to a small cart and picking up a saucer with a teacup on it. "Here."
"Thank you, Your Highness." I say, taking it.
"I think I know what it's about, though."
"Do you?" I ask before sipping some tea.
"Agnes told me about you. What you told her."
"As I expected her to." I say bluntly, already understanding that Agnes' loyalty is to Henrietta.
"Hehe, did you? Well, that makes it a bit easier then." Henrietta says, taking her own cup. "You're fretting about fighting people, right?"
"You're frightening." I say after putting my cup down.
"It wasn't that hard to piece together, but sometimes Agnes doesn't pick up on those things. When she mentioned what the 'T-Dolls' were and how you fought other beings like them, I figured it out. Most mages wouldn't think twice about destroying another mage's golem. If anything you'd probably just have to pay for the property damage, because that's what they are. But a murder is something far, far worse."
I sigh, looking into my teacup.
"You don't have to fight if you don't want to." She says, causing me to snap my head left to look at her.
"I'm going to, though. That's what I was summoned to do, right? To help you out."
"Even so, I… I am not like other mages, Oliver, who see their familiars as tools to use their powers and abilities for gain."
"I'll get through it." I say, a bit more forcefully this time. "Besides, this place has won me over. If I just roll over, it'd mean the destruction of this place. And frankly, if I'm going to be stuck in this world, there isn't really any other kingdom that I'd like to work with."
I hear her stifle a chuckle. "I see. Then I'm glad to have your support."
"Though, can I ask something?"
"Go ahead, yes."
"What's your opinion of Hiraga Saito?"
"O-O-Oliver, where is this, this coming from?!" She suddenly shouts, almost dropping her teacup and saucer as her face turns red in the moonlight.
"Ah, sorry. Allow me to rephrase the question. What is your opinion of having him sent to the front lines of the war?"
She huffs, turning her head away from me. "What an uncouth man you are. But… I am conflicted. Louise was so happy when I requested her help and Saito is a very kind person, so he was willing to go as well. However, when I think about what they must be going through, what I have put my friends into… my heart tears in two. I wish I didn't have to send them there. But my nation's military is weak. The magic of 'Void' and Saito's power are our only hopes. Though, Oliver, you made one mistake."
"That is?"
"I… did not have them sent to the front lines of war. I put them into a similar position as I told you about."
"Ah, special operations. It was to avoid having them killed, right?"
"Mhm…"
"I see. Well, that's good to hear."
The two of us quietly drink our tea, looking out at the city. After about ten minutes, Henrietta speaks again.
"Oliver, do you think we can win?"
"I don't have enough of a strategic overview to answer that honestly."
I hear her giggle. "Well, you're better than half of my generals, then, who say they'll find a way to win."
"I was never into grand strategy, I suppose." I mumble, putting my now empty teacup on the saucer in my hands. "Even when I commanded, it was always small picture stuff. The big picture thinking was left to the higher ups. I just received objectives and was told to accomplish them with conditions."
"Hmm, I see, I see."
"But…" I close my eyes before turning my head up, opening them to see the night sky. "...I think I'm going to be okay, after tonight."
"Oliver?"
"I might waver a little bit, but I've got something I can lean on, now." I say, turning my head down. "Those kids, your friends. If there's anyone who I want to spare from war, it'll be them. And so… if the T-Dolls and I can settle this war faster, it'll mean that there's less chances for them to experience something horrific."
"Ah…" I see Henrietta smile widely out of the corner of my eye. "Thank you, Oliver. I hope that you'll be able to bring a swift end to the war, then. All of you."
"Mhm."
"You've got another look on your face, now."
"Do I, now?"
"Yes, indeed. It almost seems like you're at peace, but not quite. Nostalgic, maybe?"
"Just a bit. This wouldn't be the first time I've had this conversation, about me wavering in the fact of difficult decisions."
"That's fine, Oliver. It's not like we're always strong. I wavered too, back with that arranged marriage. So, as long as you're there to support me, I'll be there to support you—what's so funny? I-I am being serious here!"
I wave her off, trying not to smile. "It's just that those words are very similar to ones I've heard before, is all. And the person who said them to me, well… I imagined them saying those words again to me now, and you two are frankly very, very different."
Henrietta huffs, still pouting. "Well, excuse me for trying to comfort you."
"Sorry, sorry. It's just the big difference between the two of you was amusing."
"So… the natural question is just who was this person?"
"Is," I say, leaning up against the railing and looking out at the city. "She's not dead, yet."
"A lover? Or perhaps, a beloved?"
"I guess that's the natural question, but no. Just a mentor." I say, shaking my head as Henrietta moves to stand next to me. "A ferocious one, at that. The rumor that went around was that she was a demon lord."
"A demon lord? But you said that magic—"
"Ah, ah, just… a title, not actually a demon." I say, correcting her. Henrietta nods, understanding. "Sorry, I should've clarified. But I frankly wouldn't be surprised if that woman turned out to be an actual demon."
"For someone who you make out to be terrifying, I can't imagine why someone who comes off as gentle as you would be so fond of them."
"Maybe it was in how we complimented each other." I say with a shrug. "Or perhaps… there was a bit of a demon in me, too."
"Please do not say such a terrible thing ever again, Oliver." Henrietta says, tugging at my sleeve. "You are my kingdom's saving star, the one I have placed my faith in. I will not have you compare yourself to monsters that lurk in the dark."
I can't help but smile a bit at her forcefulness. "Understood, ma'am. But, you should still be thankful for her. After all, she's the one who rebuilt me, back when I nearly fractured. If it wasn't for that demon lord, you wouldn't have a star that would grant your wish."
Her expression darkens slightly at that, with Henrietta sighing. "I see. Why was she called a demon lord, though?"
"Compared to my strategies, she was brutal. Granted, she wasn't stupid about our troops." I say, closing my eyes and remembering. "Every operation pushed our troops to the brink. I honestly thought our troops would break under the pressure, but somehow under her leadership, they didn't. If you trust the demon lord, even hell can't burn you, some of the T-Dolls used to mutter. Honestly… if you wanted someone who could guarantee you victory, it would've been better to summon her."
"Please stop berating yourself in that way, Oliver." Henrietta says, a lot more force in her voice. "Because to me, what matters is that you were the one to answer the call, and you have no held anything back in my aid. I do not wish to rule over a pile of ashes, with subjects that scurry in the shadows as if afraid. Thus, I am glad to have summoned you, with your firm yet fair hand. So please…"
"I get it, Your Highness. It's just in my nature to regret things and wonder about if I could have saved more lives."
"I know, it's written all over your face." Henrietta whispers back, tugging at my sleeve. "But Oliver, please know: I will not regret summoning you. Therefore, please continue to aid me as you have been. You are not the only person with regrets. I have opened myself to you before and so now as you open yourself to me, please do not hesitate to speak with me."
I chuckle, wondering if Henrietta really is only seventeen or so. The way she speaks is quite refined, meant to be able to win the hearts of her people. But I guess that's real leaders for you, huh? They always seem to know what to do, even when on the inside they have absolutely no idea what the right choice is. And even if they don't know, they'll be able to take the first step forward, leading everyone after them.
"Alright, alright. Guess we both need a little bit of help every now and then, huh?"
"Of course. So, as long as you are willing to do so, Oliver, please continue to support me, and I shall offer you the same in return."
I'll hold you to that, Henrietta.
Our new orders are to head over to the front lines, where we'll be receiving our orders from the generals there. Henrietta's already sent a messenger ahead to inform them of an 'elite tactical squadron' being deployed to help.
We'll be departing in two days, but it would seem we were fortunate. Namely, Academia contacted us and said that they had something.
"You're a lucky man, Commander Baker." The sharp voice of one Eleonore Valliere says as she walks into the room, a larger-than-normal briefcase held in her left hand.
"Professor Valliere. To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you today?"
She puts the briefcase down on my table, unlocks it, and turns it towards me before opening it, revealing a pair of devices. "I finished a working prototype. I heard on the grapevine that the musketeers would be moving out soon, so it's a rush job. But it'll do."
A bit of a bulky device to wear on the head, but it's workable. Metallic in sheen, with a mix of silver and golds. I see some cloth put over where they are to rest on the ears and they're designed much like I asked with the headset design in mind.
"Presenting the LRTD Prototype, or Long Range Transmission Device." She says, with a more than fair bit of pride. "I've already tested it myself and it's functional."
"What's my effective distance?"
"Twenty miles maximum, but fifteen before you start to experience some degradation. Exceed twenty and you'll find exponential delays in your communication time."
"I see." I say with a small, but impressed nod.
"However, if you stay within fifteen miles, you'll find almost instant communication, or within half a second."
"Amazing. I assume it was to the designs?"
"To the letter. Push the button to send your message, let go to stop the flow of magic. However, it's very limited in charge due to the size. You can only talk for so long."
"What am I looking at in terms of uptime?"
"Forty minutes for the channel to be open."
"Forty should be plenty enough." I say with a nod.
"Since you're going to Albion, it has a lot of natural wind stones embedded in the ground. It should be able to recharge just by being there, but if you can find a Wind mage to recharge it, you'll find it should take a shorter amount of time." She says, closing the briefcase. "I estimate, based on my calculations, it will take a full six hours from a zero to full recharge once you're on the mainland of Albion."
"I see. Thank you for the information."
"It's all enclosed in a small notebook I've tucked in the case." She says, adjusting her glasses. "I've also sent the invoice to Her Highness as well."
"I'll let her know if she hasn't seen it." I say, putting a hand out. "Thank you for your work."
She pauses, looking at my hand before gently taking it, giving me a narrow-eyed gaze. "My sister's out there, Commander."
"I'll do my best to bring her home." I say, putting as much firmness in my voice as I can.
"She's a foolish girl, going out into that war. Apparently the princess trusts her or something." She says, breaking our handshake. "That 'Zero' actually thinking she has potential…"
She trails off, shaking her head.
"My apologies, Commander. I didn't mean to waste your time with personal matters. You must be busy."
I only shake my head 'no'. "It's fine, Professor. I would not wish to have children going into battle, either, willing or not. I do not know whether or not I will be fighting alongside her, but please know that if I do, I'll bring her home."
"Don't make empty promises." She scoffs, turning around and walking for the door. "But, I hear you managed to fend off the horde of fire mages that attacked the Academy without a single mage in your ranks. I suppose if there's anyone that could logically claim that, it'd be you."
"Thank you for the compliment. And, thank you for your delivery. I look forward to working further with you, Professor Valliere. Good day."
I hear a small, amused snort from her as she leaves the room. Afterwards, Springfield steps in, closing the door behind us.
"She seems like quite a strong woman, Commander."
"Considering who her mother is, that isn't a surprise." I mumble, leaning back in my chair. "Are all of your preparations complete?"
"Yes, sir. The T-Dolls are ready to move out whenever you are."
"Good. We're being moved in the next two days, so make sure everything is squared away."
"Of course, sir. Also, Captain Agnes has been doing better as of late. She no longer seems to have such a heavy weight on her shoulders, recently."
"That's good to hear. Keep me posted on how she's doing."
"But, sir." Springfield says, her hands folding together in front of her waist. "I must ask that you make sure you are doing well, too. It would not do well for us to lose you."
I bite my lip, knowing that Springfield probably knows that the idea of commanding these T-Dolls to kill humans, the very people they were meant to protect, is still on my mind. It's not like that's something that just goes away very easily.
"Sir, we're here for you." Springfield says again, looking around. "And… we are loyal to you. Should you…"
...wish to leave, is the unsaid line, as I wave Springfield off so she won't be able to finish it.
Honestly, it would've been more convenient if they didn't have such emotional depth in their system. If to them, every human life was treated the exact same. But T-Dolls can have preferences, can like things, can dislike things, and while it makes for an odd sort of beauty, it has drastic consequences here. I suppose it doesn't matter so much back home. There is no need to consider who is more important to save when it comes to three humans against a horde of death machines.
But when it comes to choosing between one human you might hold above ten strangers, even the most just and moral of people would hesitate.
"Springfield."
"Sir."
"Please don't make light of my loyalty."
"I—" She glances down at the ground, an expression of shame on her face. "I did not mean to imply such a thing, Commander. Please forgive me."
"I know you didn't, so please don't apologize." I say, closing my eyes and leaning my head back to face the ceiling. "But, unfortunately, I'm a bit of a coward at times. If you give me the option to run away, I might just end up taking it someday."
"...I see. Then, I won't bring it up anymore, sir."
"Thank you."
Sometimes I wish I could've been like her, that commander who mentored and perhaps… "watched over" me for a time, back when I almost fell apart. She'd order everyone to march towards almost certain death with a gleeful smile on her face. If war was hell, she truly was the devil. That woman had no weakness to her when surrounded by gunfire and smoke—I'd wager if she could keep up with the T-Dolls, she'd be fighting alongside them until her heart gave out. A ferocious beast in the shape of a woman.
And yet, at the end of it, she'd turn around in that small command post, where we were almost completely safe, and say to me: "Yo buddy, still alive?". My response would almost invariably be something along the lines of "Ask that to the T-Dolls", to which she would chuckle and not speak anymore.
I wish you could've gotten her, Henrietta. But unfortunately, you were stuck with me. However, it's not like I don't have my pride. And as much of a coward as I am, hesitant to sacrifice at times even when absolutely necessary, I have things I can't let go. Children being forced to walk miles as adults is one of them.
"Sir?" Springfield asks as I stand up, exhaling rather heavily.
"It's nothing, Springfield. Don't mind me."
"...if you say so, sir."
"Springfield, just promise me one thing."
"First, where are you going, sir?"
"Just for a bit of a walk. Clear my head a bit."
She nods. "Very well, Commander. Then, what did you want me to promise you?"
"Come back alive from this upcoming war."
I see Springfield pause, then smile a bit. "Do you always make your T-Dolls promise that, before an engagement?"
"I find it helps morale."
"You know, if you read enough literature, there is an eighty seven percent mortality rate among those who make a promise in similar circumstances."
"I won't hold it against you if you don't." I say, opening the door to my office.
"A-ah, that isn't to say I won't make it." Springfield says, suddenly stammering a bit. "However, Commander, might I ask an unfair promise in return?"
"An unfair promise? Sure, let's hear it."
"On behalf of the other T-Dolls here, I would like to ask you to stay alive as well. That is to say, both physically and mentally. While this is understandably more difficult, as humans cannot so easily have their memories mo—"
I raise a hand to stop Springfield. "When you say 'on behalf of the other T-Dolls', is that just you?"
She shakes her head. "All of us have come together to formulate our response, Commander. We have all walked harsh roads, but we would like to continue to serve under you. So while it is selfish and wrong for a T-Doll to ask such a thing from their Commander, we would like for the Commander that you are not to change."
How embarrassing… it's a miracle Springfield can deliver such a line with a straight face. I'd expect to hear that kind of line out of some cheesy romance TV serial.
"No wonder Spectre's been jumpy all week and even PPK seemed a bit subdued." I mumble, with Springfield giggling.
"Spectre has… had a bit of a hard time, even before coming to this world, Commander, so her asking that was something she viewed as impossible. And PPK was likely struggling with how to word it without her… quirk."
I resist the urge to make a comment at the choice of the word 'quirk'. "I see. Well… all right. I suppose I've put you girls through your paces recently. You all have the right to ask for something a little unreasonable every now and then. A promise for a promise, then?"
Springfield gives me a small, demure smile. However, it almost feels like she's struggling to hold a larger one back.
"Of course, Commander. We'll come back alive."
"And so will I."
WHEEZE
Okay, work's been a real thorn in my side schedule wise. To edit this guy, I legit printed it out so I could write on the paper and then transfer it to the file when I got done. As of the time I'm writing this, it's like 8pm because I forgot until the last second lmao.
Anyways, not a ton, mostly just the setting up of the upcoming war segment, the comms, and putting Colbert/Oliver slightly against each other. I kind of liked the idea of them having different ideas on how to approach Agnes, with Colbert relenting with his somewhat backhanded statement of "greater men have tried". Sort of ties into when Oliver speaks of his mentor.
And yes, I stole the line from Ace Combat Zero lmao. It was such a nice line, and I thought it fit. Just touching a bit into Oliver's past without exposing a whole lot, but there's definitely a picture coming together with all the small hints along the way that start to indicate what might have happened.
I don't exactly have a lot to say for this chapter, mostly just a good transition one in between. My friends are still yelling at me though, saying "THIS BETTER NOT ALL BE AN EXCUSE TO WRITE A SLOW BURNING ROMANCE WITH SPRINGFIELD" considering how much screentime she gets relevant to the other dolls. I might try to put Spectre and PPK in, though, mix it up a little. It's just that Springfield's the easiest to write out of all of them lol
As always, let me know what you think. I'm off to bed now, because it's time for another work week. See you all next time!
