Chapter 17: Castle Confusion.

"Ugh I'm exhausted." Hours at a Mamono run Hospital are shorter than I am used to because we use Magic which can fix most everything. Even so I'd run from one crisis to the next all day and I was worn out. As I stroll out of the hospital in my street clothes the red light of the moon hangs over my head blanketed by dark clouds. I wasn't worried about rain as it never rains; even so the crops still seem to get water I'm fairly sure that's because the resident corrupted Undines' keep the soil wet and healthy. "Best get a shift on, I still haven't had dinner." Besides that gruel they call food in the hospital refectory didn't satisfy for lunch. Sadly even in this Universe the one thing Magic cannot fix is horrendous hospital food.

With my own ruminations complete I let my magic course through me and I take off running along the streets of Rathengalia, as I make my way home. I make it home in just over a minute I bloody love magic. Making my way inside I traipse into the kitchen and open the fridge. It was like a scene from an old cartoon where a person will open the fridge and there'll be cobwebs and dust. Yet somehow the state of my fridge was far worse. I hadn't gone shopping yet what with mu busy schedule it had completely slipped my mind.

"Well looks like I'll need to pick up a few things." As I am thinking about what to do my phone begins to ring. Frankly I hadn't used it that much since I'd been here. Vellantha had left it for me with the house, I'd found it on my nightstand with a note stating I needed one so she could and I quote "Have my Doctor on call in case there are any emergencies" she's been very nice but I really need to talk to her about all that. Of course since Vellantha bought and programed the phone before giving it to me her ringtone was 'Pretty Woman'. "At least she has good taste in music too. Miss Vellantha, what can I do for you?" I can hear hushed talking in the background before Vellantha's voice comes through.

"Doctor, good to hear from you I was wondering since you just got off work if you would want to come to a little diner party I'm throwing at the castle?"

How did she know I was done with work? Then again Vellantha was the one who got me the job in the first place. "That sounds lovely, so long as I wouldn't be imposing." I hear a light laugh from the other end.

"My friend you are incapable of imposing, you're overly modest to the point of insanity." I grumble at this but let her continue. "It is a formal party, so do make sure to dress up, you would look wonderful in that black suit you usually wear but it's up to you; see you in a bit, bye now."

"Well the black suit is out of the question since I'm wearing it and..." I quickly sniff my clothes "Yep they stink, better hop in the shower." I sigh and head to my bedroom to change. I take a short shower to clean myself up; the hot water does wonders for my sore legs. I finish showering and dry myself off before heading to the closet to select some appropriate attire. Searching for the perfect outfit among the copious amount of clothing present in my walk in closet I was provided, is like wading into a goldmine full of raw sewage. You know there's gold in there somewhere but you're just not sure if it's worth getting right in there on hands and knees to find it. Personally I'd rather go in a nice button up shirt with a pair of dress trousers, but Vellantha did say formal. I grab a few items and proceed to try different combinations before settling on one I liked.

The outfit consisted of a white dress shirt and a red velvet waistcoat which was overlaid in a gold leaf pattern. A black cravat with silver lining hangs from the shirt's neckline. As well as a pair of black dress trousers.

"Looks good, still something is missing, needs a final detail." I return to the closet and grab two over coats. One is a light grey colour with a white inner lining; the other is black with a red lining. After comparing the two coats I decide on the black over coat as it fits with the rest of the outfit more cohesively. Next shoes, while normally I wear sneakers with my suits, since I have no shame, I want to dress nicely for a change. As such I grab a pair of black Oxford's or at least whatever is similar to an Oxford in this universe. Slipping the shoes on, I can already feel that lovely cramping sensation at the base of my arches. "I still need one more thing"

I walk over to a small box in the closet made of dark wood; opening it reveals a number of different pocket watches and waist coat chains. I glance at several before deciding on a silver watch with a glass back through which I can see the inner gears and mechanisms of the device. I pick a similarly stylish silver chain which I affix to the watch. The one I would normally have used had been damaged and I had left it onboard the TARDIS as it was need of repair. Honestly I'm thankful in some ways that it had been damaged. That watch was the last memory of better days, and at the very least I knew that it was safe with the TARDIS wherever she was. Checking the clock on my nightstand I wind the watch to the correct time of 6:14 pm and secure the chain to my waist coat before slipping the timepiece into an adjoining pocket. I grab the black over coat off the bed where I'd laid it and pull it on before snatching my Sonic Screwdriver from my discarded work trousers, with that done I walk through the house and out the front door. Locking up behind me I walk down the street a ways, the moon was obscured by clouds creating a kaleidoscope effect as the ruby light played across the stone buildings and archways of my neighborhood as move back to the street and ready my abilities.

"Remember not to overdo it tonight Nick, you don't want a repeat of what happened after you over taxed yourself last time" I mutter to myself under my breath. Bearing my warning in mind I let my magic run free. Golden lightning surrounds me and time and space bends and contorts into multiple frames, before collapsing into a single picturesque moment. I focus on my intended destination the castle gates my vision is consumed by the image of the castle as the rest of the world around me fractures like glass and disappears into a void. Space swims by me as time stands still and in an instant I appear at the castle gates and directly in the path of a very frightened servant carrying a box of supplies. She screams out in shock and tumbles to the pavement as the box crashes to the ground; I quickly close my nexus conduit off. Gold lightning burns brightly behind me, hanging in the air for an instant before fizzling out into nothingness. "Please do not be afraid, my apologies, I did not mean to scare you."

"It's quite alright sir, besides it's nice to see you again." The woman a Kikimora dusts herself off as I help her to stand brushing the whole thing off with a smile. "You are here for Lady Vellantha's party aren't you?"

"Yes I am, but I feel dreadful about smashing up your box of supplies." I glance down at the now devastated box which had apparently been carrying expensive wine. This was evident from the smashed glass and red liquids spilling out from under splinters of the wood crate. By this point the Kikimora was shaking in what I could only assume was panic. "I am so sorry. Ok, miss what's your name?"

"Yes you don't remember but then I'm just a servant… I'm Freya." she replies still quivering.

"Ok, Ms. Freya why don't you come with me and we will find Vellantha and I'll explain the situation and that it was my fault alright?"

"Yes, as you say sir." She begins leading me up into the courtyard and past several guards

"I'm the Doctor by the way nice to meet you" I shake her hand quickly while continuing to walk. "If I might ask, how are the working conditions here?" Freya gives me a puzzled look before leading me into what appears to be a waiting area. The floor is a dark brown mahogany with red streaks in the grain. The walls are vaulted and move in a series of arches toward the ceiling above. Several chandeliers hang down illuminating the space in a warm yellow light.

"Doctor, forgive me but why would you want to know about the working conditions? You and Lady Vellantha are the ones who devised them."

Hmm, interesting of course Ms. Freya may be mistaken then again I am a time traveler and these strange things do tend to happen to me. Quite a lot actually now I come to think of it. The entire time I was mulling this information over in my brain I kept a pleasant content expression on my face so as not to alert Freya or anyone else for that matter that I was deep in thought. "Ah well, you know I always want to see how the folks working down here think of things. To see if anything could be improved or changed to make your work easier."

Ms. Freya thought for a moment before smiling brightly. "The working conditions are as smooth and simple as ever, though the servants have missed your presence since you left. You always had a sweet and gentle nature about you, taking time to talk with all of us."

I nod with an air of understanding while in my mind screaming about possible paradoxes. I'll have to check the timelines later and see if any interweave around this particular area, if there are Paradoxes or fragmented timelines the Reapers could show up to sterilise the wound in time! My mind played these thoughts over and over in my brain like a record player with its needle caught on a repeating set of musical cues. Freya continued to lead me past the waiting area and through a small passage which opened into a wide corridor with more vaulting ceilings and dark cobblestone floors. Stained glass windows bathed the area in swaths of blood red moonlight. I use my second sight on Freya quickly, white and shining aura, well that tells me nothing. "Freya you mentioned my leaving, my mind is not what it used to be how long ago was that again?"

"About two thousand years ago sir." Freya smiled understandingly.

"Thank you for reminding me, my memories nowadays are cloudy in certain spots."

"That's ok sir." She smiled again before stopping before a large wooden door engraved with silver patterns and polished to shine under the red light. "Lady Vellantha and her guests are through here sir." she motions toward the door and it swings open.

I walk in and I notice Lyda the demon was there, she bowed towards me before turning and calling out.

"Announcing, The Doctor's arrival"

"Now I remember why I avoid these things." I roll my eyes and shake my head. Vellantha looks up from her conversation and seems to almost glide across the floor to me. She is wearing what resembles more evening wear than a dress with gold trim around the boarders.

The clothing consists of a black chitinous like plating trimmed with gold, covering her breasts and sliding down the sides her stomach leaving the belly exposed, while her crotch, legs, and arms up to the elbow were covered in a purple stocking like material with symbolic patterns woven into the fabric. The same black plating is present covering her wrists, parts of her thighs, and her ankles, these sets are inlaid with a ruby like gem which resembles an eye similar to her own. The motif continues with the edges of her wings being clasped in the plating and set with the same ruby style gem. This continues over her horns as well, before continuing down to her tail which is adorned with a similar shell with gold trim and a ruby jewel. A ruby eyed necklace pulls the outfit together into one cohesive arrangement. It would probably be far more fitting to call the "outfit" a piece of artistic expression which happens to pass as clothing for a day job. The clothing was little more than a garnish that helped to point out Vellantha's alluring and strong form.

"My friend, you made it." She seems very excited and smiles brightly. "I see you decided on a different look from the black suit." She cocks her head to one side and squints as if she's analyzing every fine detail which she probably is before straightening up "Oh, I think I like this look even more, very dashing, the girls are going to love you!"

"Uh gi…girls?" I stutter out completely flustered.

"Oh, don't worry I'm only teasing. You're such an easy target, too." The Lilim patted my shoulder and smiled down at me, her ruby eyes glinting in the light.

"Yes well, thank you again for inviting me."

"Oh sure, come on there are people here I would love for you to meet!" Vellantha smiles even wider now showing her sparkling pearly fangs.

"I would be happy to but first there is a matter I would like to discuss with you." I motion to the main doorway. Crossing through the hall and out of the doors I lead Vellantha over to where Freya had been waiting patiently by a row of ornate stone benches. "This is Ms. Freya" I motion to the Kikimora who is now shaking dreadfully and is very clearly afraid.

"Yes I know her well." Vellantha nods in thought.

"Your Ladyship I am so sorry I…"

"No please don't apologise Freya. I'm sure we can sort everything out." Vellantha gave the trepidatious Kikimora a warm smile. "Now Doctor please explain what happened."

"Ah well there was an accident which was completely my fault, I used my abilities to bend space and time to bring myself out of what could be considered the 'normal' realm to reach the castle faster." Vellantha was nodding along as I told my story.

"What may I ask was the nature of this accident as you put it Doctor?" She kept her facial features smooth as marble and gave nothing of her inner thoughts away.

"When I reentered this realm I unintentionally reappeared before Freya and scared her so much that she dropped a crate of expensive wine she had been transporting."

"I see, and you want to make sure she isn't punished because it was, after all, out of her control."

"Exactly!" I replied with an unintended zeal. That was a little over enthused; I need to find a better way to rid myself of excess excitement Yeesh!

"Don't be afraid accidents happen it was beyond your control and besides the wine can be replaced." Vellantha moves over to Freya and takes her hands gently; her genuine words provided Freya with some much needed comfort and put her at ease.

"Of course I will pay for replacements to be purchased; it was my entire fault to start with." I muse in thought as I smile embarrassed at the accident.

"That will not be necessary Doctor but the gesture is appreciated." Turning back to the worried Kikimora Vellantha spoke with a gentle familiarity. "Now Ms. Freya, I apologise for any interruptions this excursion may have caused in your nightly plans, please take the next oh say four days off and you will receive paid vacation as well."

"Thank you your Ladyship." Freya beamed with boundless joy at the idea. With that complete Freya excused herself and Vellantha and I returned to the party.

"That was very kind, thank you." I smiled once we are well within the room and out of earshot.

"Oh Doctor, I may be a daughter of the Demon Lord but I'm not horrible. Besides Freya's family has worked in this castle since we freed Rathengalia from the Order. Even before that they worked in the Royal Makai for three generations; Freya's family goes back quite a long ways and we take care of our own." Vellantha swayed in her step and smiles at me.

"Hmm it does me a measure of good to know loyalty is still valued in a world such as this. Thank you Vellantha."

"Come on I want to introduce you to several people before dinner." Taking my left hand Vellantha leads me through the room to a group of folks happily chattering about business or some such I wasn't really interested until I saw Ms. Callia the leader of the group of soldiers I'd fought beside; along with a man I vaguely recalled, as well as Ms. Wendalia. Vellantha steered us right towards the trio.

"Hey Doctor! So good to see you're all right we were quite concerned when you collapsed, and we had no way to contact you."

"Ms. Dasnara how are you this evening?" I smile at her as I shake her hand.

"Very well, and actually its 'Mrs.' This is my darling Reridon, and my dearest Wendalia." She takes the hands of the man and woman standing next to her with an effulgently happy smile.

Now that we were in calmer surroundings I had a chance to really get a good look at the group when they weren't in the midst of a crisis. Reridon was dressed in a dark grey short sleeved shirt that looked to be made of a light yet highly resistant material; resembling something that was almost but not quite leather. Perhaps it was a tri-weave material made from high density molecules? A coal coloured stripe ran across the chest which joined over the shoulders, in addition he had on grey trousers, a dark hued belt, and dark hard edged boots to match. He stood at 5'10 by my estimation; with a lithe and lanky structure and lightly tanned caramel skin. Short auburn hair framed his face on either side. Thoughtful charcoal eyes brought focus to his face while a sharp prominent nose and a scar across his right cheek gave him a striking profile.

Callia was taller than he was at about 6ft upright, though I assumed her height could vary based on how she positioned her long snake like body. She was wearing a sleeveless one piece slate grey body suit of the same material as Reridon's shirt which showed off her milky white skin. A raised collar flared up straight while deep blue lines ran from the collar down to the waist. A series of dark blue sections over her chest, and abdomen broke up the slate grey design and merged with the lines at the collar. A coffee coloured belt and silver clasp held the ensemble together. The blues complimented Callia's teal scaled serpentine lower half. Her dark flowing sable hued hair was tied in a long spiral that stuck out from her head with silver ribbon before draping into a pony tail. The large almond brown eyes which framed Callia's face gave her a gentle, kindly look.

For her part Wendalia was dressed in a magenta coloured button up vest with a high neck collar and a matching skirt that was once again made from the high tensile material. A rust orange silk scarf was tied around the lady's neck and a waist high coal overcoat with up curled cuffs was set around her shoulders. Long snow-blonde hair fell about Wendalia's shoulders in curls and drew my gaze to her turquoise blue skin and frozen lips that sparked thoughts of death. A pair of Merlot-red eyes sparkled brightly from behind the rimmed lenses of silver edged spectacles that sat atop the woman's nose, giving her a contemplative visage.

"Well it is good to meet the three of you properly this time, as opposed to when we met during that horrendous attack." I held out my left hand to Reridon who took it in a firm handshake. "That's a good grip you have there Mr. Reridon. You can tell a lot about a man by his handshake." The man smiled back at me with a warm complexion.

"I'll take that as a compliment then Doc." He nodded in return.

"Hmm, please do." I released his hand and stood back a step after shoving my hands into the pockets of my overcoat. Wendalia looked, distressed wasn't the word, more displeased with herself I suppose. I was compelled to ask the lady what the matter was but it seems she beat me to the thought as she came closer and began to speak.

"I feel I must apologise for the state of our appearance Doctor. We only just got off duty before the party and did not have the necessary amount of time to change out of our uniforms." I quirked an eyebrow at the woman whilst tilting my head at an angle in confusion. Upon first glance the attire of the trio did not resemble uniforms. But then again they had been made of quite an unusual material, perhaps they were dress uniforms of some variety.

"No need at all madam indeed I hadn't pegged them for uniforms. They're quite stylish if I may say so." This appeared to greatly please the lady as her look of apprehension dissipated to be replaced with a content smile.

"Thank you, you're very kind as always."

"See I told you it'd be fine Wendy, Lady Vellantha didn't mind and neither does the Doc." Reridon gave an effulgent, yet almost knowing smile. This eased the tension and even though I had utterly no idea what was going on I joined in the light laughter that encompassed the moment.

"Mr. Reridon, would you be kind enough to answer a few questions about Incubization that have niggled at my mind?" I've never been one for pleasantries if I want to know something I inquire about it at the first available opportunity. So seeing an opportunity I seized on it. Reridon grinned and nodded being fairly open about the whole thing and we moved to a set of recliners to continue the conversation in comfort. "So you mean to say that the two energies are exchanged?"

"That's correct. Take me for example, all the Spiritual Energy I give Callia and Wendalia is exchanged for their Demonic Energy. By loving each other we give the others what they need to survive; eventually the male becomes an Incubus like me, which can occur anywhere from immediately after one time, or over a span of a few years depending on the strength of the Mamono woman." I start thinking about what Reridon has told me and prepare to ask another question before he stops me "How about a little quid pro quo? I answered one of your questions, now you answer one of mine."

"Seems like a fair compromise, but damn whoever told you that phrase." I let a simper cross my lips. Reridon laughs at this before continuing.

"So Doc, what is time travel like, wouldn't that power change a man irrevocably?"

"In a way time travel does change a person, I am certainly not the man I was when I started my travels. Being able to travel anywhere in time, space, dimensions, or what have you; gives you a different view of yourself and life. You can realise how precious and beautiful the littlest events are, a walk in a park, birdsong in the trees, the birth of a child, or simultaneously you can be staring into the raw power of a collapsing star. When you get to be my age and have travelled enough you can see how the thin threads of our universe are constantly changing in a state of harmony. Worlds are born and destroyed as new patterns emerge from the dust and life continues on."

"I'd love to continue this conversation later because it looks like you're about to be collected for something else." Reridon nods before looking past me. I turn to look at whatever has caught his attention and see Vellantha striding towards me with purpose in her eyes.

"Well it was good talking with you Reridon; I hope we can finish up later on." With that I shake his hand and stand up to talk with Vellantha.

"Oh Doctor there's something here you simply must see!" I smile at her as I take her to one side

"Certainly, but could I talk with you privately first?" A warm smile bathed her features and she nodded happily.

"Oh of course my friend, follow me. Two private talks in one evening, people will start rumours my friend. Don't worry I'm just teasing. Follow me." She leads me to a corner of the room with a beautiful stone fireplace depicting lewd activities in intricate marble carving. The fire crackled noisily offering a hint of privacy in the crowded room. I assume that's why Vellantha chose this spot to talk

"Vellantha I'm going to ask you a question in a minute and I need you to be completely honest with me." She nods at this while nervously shifting from foot to foot. "I know I have been here before, or I will be. Temporal causality is a bit vexing. I know that what is in your past will apparently be my future."

"Bu-but How did you find out?!" Vellantha gained a shocked expression as I spoke soon becoming very uneasy.

"Well eh, I am a Time Lord. Temporal Anomalies and Paradoxes are sort of my thing; also the fact that Ms. Freya mentioned something about it being nice to see me again. That might have had something to do with it. In any case what she said spiked a few warning bells and I coyly asked her how long I had been gone. She mentioned it being around two thousand years since she had seen me last. That triggered my memory as it were and I recalled what you told me about your friend who disappeared some 2,000 years ago; while you were showing me around my 'new house'. Those two events gave me a pretty good idea of what was going on." I shrugged and ran my hand through my hair.

"(Sigh) Oh…No use pretending now…Yes, a version of you has already been here, that is at least my past and your future. You crash landed with your TARDIS near the borders of the Royal Makai, and…" Vellantha seemed to pale even more than her natural marbled skin tone already allowed and she gripped a nearby table for support.

"You can stop there, the less I know about my personal future the better, good to avoid Paradoxes when possible. So since my future is your past as you say Vellantha, then I take it you already knew all about Time Lords, TARDISES, and all that lot and simply misled me about it?"

"Well (sigh) yes in a manner of speaking, when you left you said you'd be back but that it would be your past self and not to mention anything that could as you put it 'fuck up the timeline'." Now Vellantha looked really uncomfortable, and was…chewing on a strand of her long silver hair. Obviously a nervous habit, and rather disarming as I hadn't expected it.

"Hmm certainly sounds like me, and your aura is white so you are not lying. So everyone knows who I am…Wait if that's the case then what was with Callia not wanting to follow my lead when those Order Knights attacked?"

"As you once told me Doctor, theatricality and deception are powerful tools. I told her to act outraged at your leading the charge. I figured you'd be more suspicious of a military officer who surrenders command to a total stranger; at least from you point of view. You're actually really good friends with that whole group." Vellantha put her hand to her mouth and chuckled lightly.

It seems like these people really do know me. "Hmm well it is true enough; I take it then that you knew the attack would take place at that exact time. Ugh I hate being out of the loop, usually I'm the one who has knowledge of the future. But you're right I would have been suspicious of someone just giving up command. Then again with military folks you kind of have to be suspicious of them from the start." I grinned at the idea; it made sense from a crazy temporal standpoint. My remark got a laugh from Vellantha who looked much less nervous than before.

"So you're not angry?"

"No of course not, you are just trying to prevent a temporal schism by keeping a time traveler from learning too much about his own history, thank you for that." With that I hug her, which obviously surprised her, but she recovers quickly with a grace and tact befitting a noble. After we separate she beckons me to follow her as we continue talking over the perils of time travel. "One last question, the house you 'gave me' so to speak it's actually mine isn't it?'

"Yes, you built the house after appearing in the past." Vellantha turned a wide grin now sweeping over her features in amusement.

"I knew it! My mind kept screaming that the whole thing felt a little too convenient. I mean a fully furnished house decorated just the way I like it, clothes styled to my tastes, a fully equipped lab?! That's a tad much to pass off isn't it?" Vellantha chuckled at that.

"Yes it is pretty silly when you think about it." After talking for some time Vellantha turns to me with an amused expression. "Oh excuse me my friend, but I have to check on a few items for the party, feel free to look around and I'll be back shortly." With that she gave me a cute wave and slipped through the crowd until I lost sight of her.

Turning around I scan the room from where I'm standing looking for nothing in particular but searching all the same. From where I am standing I can see multiple portraits lining the walls, most of the faces I don't recognise but I can make out Vellantha posing in several of them. A few of the portraits were covered over in sheets obscuring them from view,

"Odd mayhaps somebody died." I can see the corner of the room where Reridon and I had been sitting in, the assortment of chairs and couches seemed to be filling up as folks were milling about. The room seemed to have a flow to it as people rarely seemed to stay in one place for very long. "Ugh I hate these things, people are more concerned about being seen and keeping up appearances than actually doing something useful." The servants were dashing about like a well-oiled machine prepping the banquet tables for the dinner soon to be served. I hate standing about it's just so…boring! I begin rubbing the back of my neck; I need to do something to alleviate the tedium and fast. Thankfully a bookshelf catches my eye and I rush over to it hoping to find something worth reading. "Yes! Books the cradle of civilization, Ah how I've missed civilized thought! Now let me see here."

I begin combing through the stacks of books but the joyous smile on my face fades as I see what most of the books are about. The collection included such classics as: Sticks and Stones may Break Their Bones, But Whips and Chains Excite Them: A Guide to the BDSM Arts, Slutty Schoolgirls in Sinful Seduction: The Memoirs of a Loli, Care and Comfort: How to Look After a Living Armour and in big bright letters a huge sticker on the book's cover announces 75 Interesting Things to do With Armour Polish!

"Hmm this is not what I had in mind for reading material." About to give up and resign myself to the doldrums of boredom, I come across a cookbook. Flirting Through Food: A Kikimora's Guide to Cooking for Your Husband. "Well seems like the best of the bunch." I pick up the book and flip open to a random page and begin reading some sort of recipe halfway down. Step 7: Next take the Whipped Cream, Preferably made from Holstaur milk and apply generously to your breasts. Step 8: Add the pieces of Couples Fruit that you sliced earlier to each nipple and around your abdomen. Step 9: Add the sweetened honey glaze… Having realised exactly what style of cookbook I was reading I quickly slam the text shut and toss it back on the pile. "Ugh maybe I'll just wait for Vellantha back at the table." I move away from the hedonistic tomes and back to the table I had originally been standing next to. I was rather out of it having finally recovered from reading that…stuff so when Vellantha tapped me on the shoulder I jumped several feet in the air.

"A little skittish are we Doctor? Get into anything embarrassing while I was away?"

"Yes, I accidentally read one of the many 'delightful' books from the shelf over there." I turn around while straightening up my suit as I point towards where I had been; and Vellantha lets out a loud laugh at hearing my confession. "Well I don't think my misfortune merits such a mirthful response, but thanks so very much." I say with dry sarcasm while still retaining my playful demeanour.

"This is going to be a very interesting evening indeed Doctor." Vellantha covers her mouth with her hand while fighting to suppress another fit of laughter.

Author's Note:

Well Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays here's a bit of a gift for you all.

It has been quite a while. No the story is not dead! Hurrah! Yeesh I really did get behind on this but work has stepped up ever since Covid. 19 and I've been swamped. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, if you have any thoughts good or bad please leave a review.

Stay safe out there.

Cheers,

The Weary TimeLord.