Author's Notes
Okay, I have a very good explanation as to why this chapter's late. I had a biology project, which I finished at around four-thirty. Then I had lunch, and when six-thirty rolled around, I suddenly remembered that I had yet to even finish writing this chapter. But! There is good news!
We're having a two-week vacation to to a holiday where I'm from, which means I will (theoretically) have more time to write. Fingers crossed, this situation doesn't repeat itself next week.
Anywho, reviews!
GiggiEba, yay, he is! They most certainly are. Heh, I thought so too. I'm really glad you liked the chapter. It's alright, better late than never. Sorry I made you wait a little longer, but here's the next one!
sOL-'-aLOne, I know I already answered your review, but I have something important to tell you. I, 100%, for real, no joke, guarantee that a most-awaited event will happen next chapter. I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. :)
Anywho, let's get on with the story!
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Theridas' POV
I waited patiently, standing by a wall inside lady Anastasia's throne room. The blaze queen was having a hushed and apparently sombre conversation with one of the newly appointed royal messengers. With the nether-bound clans in such a brittle condition, having connections between every city available was cruicial. So all the monarchs had appointed these messengers to to keep comunication as swift and fluent as possible.
The queen gave a final nod, and her messenger bowed before stepping out of the room. Lady Anastasia sat down on her throne, staring at nothing. She looked distressed, with a subtle frown on her lips and worried eyes. I stepped closer, clasping my hands behind my back. "Milady? What's the matter?"
The blaze queen turned to me, heaving a sigh after a moment. "I don't know you if you've heard, Theridas, but there have been kidnappings recently. At least a dozen people have gone missing already."
I blinked in disbelief. "Kidnappings? Since when?"
"I'm not exactly sure," lady Anastasia answered grimly. "The investigation unit estimates that the first occurred about ten days ago. Three more were taken just yesterday, one of king Archinald's messengers among them."
Dread filled my bones. "Twelve?" The queen simply nodded. "What does the IU think is behind the disappearances? Monsters?"
"They think so," she told me. "But everyone is skeptical. Monsters don't tend to attack us for no reason. What's more, half of the kidnappings occurred within a city's walls. No creature that shares this realm with us could be coordinated enough to take people from their homes."
"And... what is being done about it? Do the people know?" I asked.
Lady Anastasia shook her had. "Not yet. I feel like we should gather more information before addressing our clan. It does nobody any good to frighten people if we can't assure them that it will all be fine."
I sighed, frowning thoughtfully. "You must address all the clans when the time comes," I told her. "Not just ours. This situation involves every nether-bound citizen."
The blaze queen nodded. "I will share this with the clans' peoples during one of our weekly meetings, once we're ready to answer any questions they might have. Of course, with permission from the other monarchs."
"Very well, milady," I said with a short bow, stepping back.
Lady Anastasia hummed, tapping one of her throne's armrests with a finger. "Theridas, I have something to ask of you."
I nodded, moving close once more. "Of course. What do you need, milady?"
"It's Kaitlin. Her teachers tell me that her grades have been... subpar at best," she began with a faint smile. "I was also told that you are now tutoring her. Correct?"
"I have been trying," I told her. "But yes. We began tutoring lessons two days ago."
"Has there been any progress yet?" The queen asked.
I frowned. "Minor thus far. But it's only been forty-eight hours. I'm more than confident that her grades will improve soon. In fact, I guarantee it."
Lady Anastasia smiled. "Just don't push her too hard. You know very well that she'll push back harder."
"I will bear that in mind," I said, smiling back.
The blaze queen nodded. "Have you planned a tutoring session for today?" she asked me.
"Yes, in approximately ten minutes," I answered. "During my lunch break. We will be sharpening her fighting skills, as per the princess' request."
"Really?" lady Anastasia asked. "I would be delighted to watch, if that is allowed."
"Of course, milady," I said with a nod. "You are welcome to see if you so wish."
"I do wish," the queen told me, getting up from her throne. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind beginning early today. I need to take my mind off... politics," she explained with a tired sigh.
I gave the blaze woman a bow. "Understandable, milady. Would you like me to accompany you to the courtyard before fetching the princess?"
"I'm not feeble quite yet, Theridas," lady Anastasia said with a smile, waving me away. "I will meet you both at the courtyard."
I nodded again. "We will be right there, milady."
Then I turned away, walking down the hallway towards princess Kaitlin's quarters. The young blaze woman was lying on her bed, quietly reading a book. I knocked on the doorframe, stepping inside and giving her a bow. "Good afternoon, princess."
Kaitlin put down her book, sitting up in surprise. "Hi, Theridas. What is it?"
"Your mother wants to see you practice your fighting skills," I explained. "She has also requested we start our tutoring session early."
The princess blinked, her mouth tilting in a smile. "Really? Okay! Um... do you know how to fight?" she asked, looking me up and down. "You've been more of a babysitter to me rather than a soldier."
I smiled, shrugging. "I learned a little from our stay in the overworld. Besides, I did survive the war, didn't I?"
Kaitlin brightened again. "I guess that's good enough. Let's go!"
The princess hopped off her bed, running to her closet and picking out clothes she would feel comfortable fighting in. I walked out of the room and closed the door behind me to give her some privacy. The young blaze woman stepped out a minute later, wearing a white t-shirt and sweatpants. Her red-orange hair was tied in a neat ponytail. "I'm ready. Come on, mom's waiting!"
I followed the excited girl with a smile down the many corridors of the nether fortress. Her attitude was refreshing after the sombre mood from earlier today. I just wished it was enough to banish the dreadful things in my head. People had disappeared in the safety of their homes. A thought chilled me to my core. And if lady Anastasia vanished? Princess Kaitlin? Ella? I took a deep breath, hoping to calm down. It worked somewhat. But I was sure that tonight I was going to have nightmares.
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Simon's POV
I walked up the stairs and down the hall, stepping into mine and Izabell's room with a tray holding a glass of water and chicken soup. The slime girl smiled at me, blowing her nose and sitting up. Ara had told me she'd complained about headaches yesterday, and she had woken up this morning feeling terrible. Thankfully, I had today off, and was able to stick around and nurse her back to health.
I sat down at the edge of our bed, placing the tray on her lap. "Do you feel alright, as far as that spectrum goes?"
The slime girl sniffled. "I guess. I don't feel too si-... si-..." Izabell snapped her head to the left, sneezing away from me. "Oh, lords... I've been worse, is what I mean," she told me with a miserable smile.
I placed my hand on her cheek, rubbing circles on it with my finger. My girlfriend took hold of it, leaning into my touch, her smile widening. "Thank you for being here with me," she whispered.
"Of course," I told her, smiling back. "You cared for me when I was sick. I want to return the favor."
Izabell closed her eyes. "I just need rest. I'll be fine by tomorrow, I'm sure. Just don't let Snowdrift inside. And please don't sleep in here with me."
I feigned a pout. "Fine. I'll sleep in another room, cold and alone."
The slime girl shook her head. "It's better than sick and miserable. Leave, or you'll get sick too."
I got up, tucking a strand of dark-brown hair behind one of her ears. "If you insist. Get better soon, okay? Is there anything else I can get you?"
Izabell opened her mouth, a coughing fit interrupting her. "An immunity boost tonic, she croaked. "Do you know how to make one?"
I shook my head. "Think you could write down a recipe for me?"
The slime girl sniffled and gave me a nod. "Do you have something to write with?"
I walked over to my desk and took out a small notebook as well as a pencil, giving both to my sick girlfriend. She thanked me quietly, licking her dry lips and writing a short series of instructions. They were a bit difficult to read, but otherwise clear. Izabell smiled, handing the items back to me. "Here you go. It'll help me shrug this off easier."
I nodded, tucking the notebook into my pocket. "Alright. I'll be right back."
The slime girl hummed in agreement, turning to the tray I had set on her lap and sipping a spoonful of the warm broth. She smiled, clearly enjoying the soup, and took another sip.
Smiling a little, I turned around and walked back the way I'd come. I brought out the notebook once I was down the stairs, reading the recipe. We had a brewing stand in our stash of old stuff, so I was covered on that front. "Netherwart, three sweetberries, forty grams of blaze powder, and ginger root..." I murmured aloud. We only had the berries here, so I'd have to go out to buy everything else.
I scanned the bottom floor for Ara, noticing her out the kitchen window. I walked over to the door and slipped into my jacket, heading outside and towards my creeper friend. The monster was playing with Snowdrift and Flicker, smiling as much as she was physically able to. The sigh made me smile in turn as I neared the happy bunch. "Hey, Ara?" I called.
The creeper looked up. "Hello, Sssimon. Isss Isssabell feeling better now?"
"She's getting there," I answered, stopping next to her. I knelt down to pet Snowdrift, who leaned up to nuzzle my cheek. I scratched his chin and straightened up. "I'm going out shopping to get stuff for a tonic she says will help. Do you want to come with me?"
The creeper blinked. "I would like to, but..." She stared at the two small shapes fondly. "They tend to get into trouble if nobody isss watching them. I shhould probably ssstay behind."
I frowned a little. "You're stuck in the house every day. Come on, you need a change of scenery. I'm sure these fellas will be alright on their own, won't you?" I asked the baby creeper and snow fox.
Snowdrift sat down, tilting his head at me. Flicker turned from him, to Ara, then me, and sat down too. I smiled, petting both their heads. "See? They'll be well behaved. Plus it'll only take a few minutes. I just need to get to a pharmacy to buy everything."
Ara sighed, the sound more like a drawn-out, tired hiss. "Okay, I'll go," she said, a smile coming back to her. "But if theesss two make a messs, it will be your fault."
I gave her a nod, gesturing for the three of them to follow. "Yeah, I know, but they won't make a mess, right?"
Snowdrift shook an ear, which usually meant 'alright' or 'I don't care'. We dropped the little ones off at the house, and I made sure to tell Z where we were going before locking her door so the snow fox and baby creeper wouldn't bother her. I took Ara's hat from the coat hanger, a gift from Val, and put it atop my friend's head. It was light brown, with a blue ribbon around it and a cloth flower sown onto the left front side. The creeper smiled, waiting for me to open the door.
I locked the door behind us and we began the walk through the woods and to Globe Chapel City. We were silent most of the way, as the creepers we both are. My footsteps barely made a sound on the leaf-littered floor, but hers were completely inaudible. The sounds of the forest were the only things accompanying us; birds chirping and singing, rustling leaves and underbrush, as well as the gentle wind occasionally throwing a breeze our way.
It took us maybe ten minutes to reach the city's outskirts. A lot of people gave my friend worried and distrustful looks. I got some of them too, but I didn't mind. Ara sneaked glances at everybody, lowering her head. I nudged her. "Hey, it's alright. You don't need to hide because you're a monster."
The creeper looked at me and smiled. She was still tense, but was at least making an effort to hide it. "It'sss the ssstaresss," she mumbled after a moment. "They make me nervoussss."
I sighed, tucking my hands in my pockets. "I know. Thank you for agreeing to come with me. That was very brave."
Ara smiled again, but didn't say anything. The pharmacy we were regulars at already knew of my monster friend, and actually took very kindly to her. The creeper visibly relaxed at my side once we entered the store. I smiled and walked up to the counter, where the shopkeep was muttering to himself over a series of papers. "Good morning, sir."
The elderly man looked up, smiling at us. "Morning Simon, Ara. How have you been? No illness, I hope?"
"Actually, yeah," I told him with a nod. "Izabell's caught a cold, and we need some things for a tonic."
Mr Ross hummed. "I'm sorry to hear that. But she's plenty strong, so I'm sure it'll blow over soon. What do you need?"
I searched my pockets and came up with the notebook, handing it to the man. "All of this. I have a brewing stand, I just need the materials."
"Alright," mr. Ross said after reading the list. "Let me fetch this for you."
He stepped away from the counter, searching through his shelves of pharmaceuticals. The shopkeep came back with a couple of small glass bottles and one metal bottle, all of them labeled. Blaze powder was kept in metal containers due to it being pretty dangerous if handled incorrectly. "And you, Ara?" he asked, stretching up to search the tallest shelves. "How have you been?"
"I've been fine," my creeper answered, smiling. "The little onesss haven't given me too much trouble. Sssimon asssked me to come with him today ssso I would leave the houssse, though I like it there."
Mr Ross chuckled. "He's right. Leaving the house every once in a while at the very least is healthy for you. But I'm glad you did. You are very brave to enter the city despite its people's fear of you."
"I've been told," the creeper says, turning to me. I smiled back.
The shopkeep came back, placing a final jar on the counter. "We have twenty grams of fresh sweetberries, twenty grams of netherrwart, eighty grams of blaze powder, and twenth grams of ginger root."
I frowned at the metal container. "The recipe only asks for forty grams."
The elderly man smiles. "I know, but you're going to need something to light the brewing stand with. Don't worry, I'm giving it to you free of charge."
I blinked and shook my head. "I can't accept it for free, sir. I have enough money, so it's alright. I'll pay for it."
Mr. Ross waved me away. "You're my friends. You won't accept it for free, then fine, but I won't accept more than half the price for it either."
I sighed, rummaging through my pockets. "How much would it be for everything?"
The man took a few seconds to count the price for all the materials. "Fifty-six silver coins," he answered after a moment."
I nodded, taking one of the larger silver coins out as well as a few small ones, handing them to mr. Ross. "Thank you, sir. Have a good day."
The elderly man smiled. "You too. Tell Izabell that I hope she gets better soon."
"I will. Goodbye!" I said with a wave, heading to the door.
"Goodbye, mr Rosss," my creeper friend said with a small nod.
"It was good to see you, Ara," the man said kindly. "Take care."
The monster smiled back and proceeded to follow me out the door. The way back out of the city was easier for her, as most people had already noticed my friend and would either hide in their homes or ignore us entirely. But she only relaxed entirely once we had walked into the woods and were free of any and all stares.
"Did you like the trip, at least somewhat?" I asked her. "I know how stressful it is for you."
Ara smiled. "Yesss, it wasss naiss to sssee mr Rosss again."
I let out a relieved sigh. "That's good. I felt kind of guilty having you go through that."
We walked the rest of the way in silence. It took me a minute to decipher Z's handwriting enough to read the recipe, but I eventually managed to brew the tonic she'd asked for. It was a strange orangey-green shade, and smelled almost spicy. I brought the vial, and a glass of water, up to our room. It took me a minute to figure out how I would unlock the door with both hands occupied.
I placed the glass on the floor and used my now-free hand to open the door, picking the glass back up and stepping inside. Izabell cracked open an eye, smiling tiredly at me. I smiled back, placing the water on the bedside table and holding the vial out to her. "It took a while, but I got your tonic."
The slime girl sat up, taking the offering. "Thank you." She drank the contents quickly, grimacing afterwards. I chuckled, taking the vial from her in exchange for the glass of water. Izabell shuddered, drinking the water gratefully. "It's really bitter," she muttered once she was done.
I smiled, taking the empty glass and placing it on the table. "I figured. How are you doing now?"
Izabell sniffled, laying back down and closing her eyes. "I'm just tired. Could you get me a cold towel for my head?"
"Of course. I'll be right back," I said, walking out of the room and closing the door behind me. I took a clean hand towel from the bathroom, soaking it in cold water and squeezing the excess out, bringing it back to my sick girlfriend. I knocked on the door, but then I realized that she had actually fallen asleep in the minutes I'd been gone. A fond smile escaped me, and I walked over to her bedside. I sat at the edge of the bed, gently placing the cloth over her forehead.
The slime girl moved but didn't wake. I cupped her cheek with a hand, rubbing circles on it with my thumb. She seemed to feel it, on some subconscious level, a tiny smile crawling onto her face. I sighed, getting up and leaving the room, silently hoping for her to get better soon.
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Eba's POV (4 days later)
Annie was at my door this morning, which really confused me. She was all excited too, making me more confused. I only understood half of what she said, with how fast she was talking. Then she dropped one sentence which made me freeze.
"...can do that later, though," she said with a careless wave. "Are you excited for your date?"
I blinked at her, processing her words with difficulty. "My..." then it clicked. Today was Tuesday! I did have a date! "Oh, lords! I totally forgot!" I told her, covering my mouth with my hands.
My friend's eyebrows rose. "You forgot? How?"
"I-I-I don't know," I mumbled. "I guess because I was so occupied with training that it slipped my mind..."
Annie rolled her eyes, smiling at me. "Well, it's fine. Your date doesn't start until after you're done with work, right?"
I gave her a nod. "Yes, around two. He said he'd be waiting for me outside..."
My friend hummed, taking my hand and leading me to my bedroom. She opened my closet, looking through the clothes inside. "Right, so, here's what you'll do. You need to take a bag or a purse with the clothes you're gonna wear to your date so you can change after your shift is over, okay? Comb your hair a little, put on some perfume and everything."
I frowned a little, rubbing my left arm with a hand. "Okay?"
Annie pulled out my white tank-top and purple plaid button-up, which were on the same hanger. She also took the comfy jeans out, showing everything to me. "Do you want to take these? Or which ones?"
"Um... yeah, they're fine," I answered, now feeling nervous. She was taking this very seriously.
My friend nodded, taking my pink sneakers from where they sat. She also brought out a pair of socks, dropping the items at my feet. "You gotta get ready for work! Hurry!"
I blinked, looking down at myself. I was still wearing my pajamas, barefoot on the walk-in closet's carpeted floor. My hair was probably a mess. Would I even be able to talk with Gabe? What if I said something weird? Should I even go? Would he feel bad if I don't?
Breathe, a sleepy voice in my head told me.
It took me a minute to realize that it was Blight. I did as he said, taking many deep breaths to calm myself down. Thank you... I 'mumbled' at him. My demon only hummed tiredly. I turned back to Annie, who was waiting patiently for once. "Um... maybe give me space to change?"
My friend blinked before moving out of my way and standing outside of the closet. "Yeah, sorry. I'll wait out here," she said, gently closing the door.
I flicked on the lights, changing out of my comfy sleeping clothes and putting on a simple violet tee and jeans. I slipped on the pink socks Annie had picked out for me, quickly stepping into my sneakers and picking up the extra set of clothes. I opened the closet door and turned off the lights behind me, walking up to my friend.
"I'm going to fix myself up in the bathroom," I told her, gently placing the clothes in her arms. "Could you hold this for me?"
Annie smiled. "Sure. Where's your purse? So I can put this and some other stuff in there."
I frowned, taking a moment to think. Kitchen, Blight mumbled.
I smiled sheepishly. "I left it in the kitchen." Thanks again, I told my demon.
My friend gave me a nod, turning around and walking to the kitchen. I set off towards the bathroom, staring at myself in the mirror. My hair framed my face wildly, but it was thankfully not all over the place like I feared. I brushed my teeth and then combed my hair into place, smiling at the wavy strands. It had taken a while for me to get used to it, and a lot of compliments from my friends and demon, but I finally came to like how it looked. I felt... pretty.
I took another deep breath, trying to smile at myself in the mirror. My left hand went to my right arm, rubbing it. I don't know when I developed this nervous tick, but I did it a lot nowadays.
Don't worry, my demon told me. He still sounded drowsy, but was at least more awake now. Everything will turn out fine.
Are you sure? I asked him, my makeshift smile slowly drooping. What if he's not there? Maybe he didn't mean it, or he forgot. And if he didn't? What would we talk about? A-and if I stuttered? O-or said something dumb?
Eba, slow down, Blight said gently. Breathe. None of that will happen, I'm sure of it. You will be alright.
My left hand went cold numb, moving back to rest at my side without my telling it to. I stared at myself again, and then took a deep breath. The smile I formulated afterwards was genuine. You're right. It'll be okay.
Yes it will, my demon assured me. Go on, your shift starts in ten minutes.
I nodded at him—or rather, myself—and left the bathroom. Annie was standing st the door, looking out the window on the opposite side of my apartment. She smiled at me, holding out my overstuffed-looking purse.
"It took me a while, but I managed to fit it all in there," she told me. "I packed you a comb, a small bottle of perfume, your change of clothes, and some nail polish. I'm pretty sure you don't have perfume or the polish, so I lent you some of my own."
I smiled at my friend, taking the purse. "Thank you. But I don't really like nail polish," I told her apologetically.
My friend shrugged. "Just take it. You might change your mind."
I gave her a nod, slinging the purse strap over my shoulder. "Okay... wish me luck," I asked nervously.
Annie smiles, giving me a quick hug. "Don't worry, you won't need it. I'll leave after you do. Go to work!"
I giggled. "Okay, thanks!"
Then I warped, now standing in the grocery store's break room. A coworker was there, reading a newspaper and absently eating a chocolate bar. I walked up to the notebook and pen that were hung up on a wall, with everyone's attendance written down. I marked a check next to my own name for today, turning around and slipping my apron on. I hung up my purse on the same hook, taking a deep breath. I was still nervous, but now I also felt excited. I was going to go on an actual date soon! It was pretty scary...
My demon heaved a sigh as I walked out of the break room, waiting for a coworker to leave their station so I could relieve them. I forgot how much I hated this place.
I smiled, noticing that somebody had taken their apron off and was walking towards me. Don't be like that. It's only for a few hours.
Blight huffed in annoyance, making me giggle. I walked up to the free checkout lane, getting ready with my notebook. It was only eight in the morning. Only six more hours until my date with Gabe. Nervousness crawled back to me, but it was beaten by a sudden realization. Now I agreed with my demon. A few hours really did seem like an eternity...
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My fingers rapped against the wooden surface of the checkout area as I stared at the clock. I felt infinitely nervous, and excited. My shift would be over in mere minutes, but I didn't feel ready at all. What if I forgot something back home? A-and if I tripped o-or made a fool of myself? What if something went wrong?
What could possibly go wrong? my demon asked gently. Anne packed what you need in your purse. And I promise that you will not make a fool of yourself.
I took a deep breath. You're right... I'm just nervous...
Blight 'smiled.' I know, don't worry. I'm here for you.
His words made me smile faintly. Thank you.
I charged one last customer for his items, and sneaked a glance at the clock. The second I did, its small hand moved over to the number two. Excitement flooded my veins, and I began cleaning up my area as quickly as possible. I practically ran into the break room, pulling my apron off and swapping it for my purse on its hook. Blight chuckled in my head, asking me to slow down. I felt myself blush as I stopped and took a couple more deep breaths.
You're right, I told him, carefully taking my neatly-folded clothes out of my purse. I don't want to seem crazy...
You won't. It's alright to feel excited, my demon said. Just take it easy.
I will, I assured him, stepping into the employee's bathroom to change. I took the opportunity to comb my hair and, after a heavily-considered decision, I sprayed a little perfume on myself. I straightened my button-up, which I closed all but two buttons of. I left it untucked, not really liking how baggy it felt that way. I clasped my hands together, staring at myself in the mirror. This would be the first date I have ever been on.
Let's go, Eba, Blight told me. Your date is waiting.
I snapped out of whatever held me in place, slinging my purse on and leaving the bathroom. I checked out on the notebook hanging from the wall and stepped out of the break room, heading out the grocery store's front doors. There were a few people walking about, but none I recognized. Then I saw a familiar head of curly hair. Gabe walked up to the store, smiling as soon as he noticed me.
I smiled back and met him halfway, unable to keep from hugging myself. "Hi. How, uh, how've you been?"
The young man shrugged. "I've been alright. And you?"
I nodded. "Me too. A little busy."
"Thankfully not too busy," Gabe said with a smile, holding out a hand. "So, should we go get coffee?"
I took his hand, feeling my cheeks redden a little at the touch. "Mhm. Where do you want to go?"
He hummed, leading me back the way he came. "I saw a few places nearby we could check out. I've never been in this part of the city before, so it'd be an excuse to explore."
"I haven't wandered around here either," I told him. "We'd be exploring together."
Gabe smiled. "Then it'll be twice as fun."
I smiled back, following him. Blight seemed to lean back and close his eyes. I'm going to leave you to yourselves, he murmured. Izabell's told me it's 'rude' to interrupt a couple.
A blush tinged my cheeks. W-we're not a couple yet... could you stick around? I-in case I need help with anything.
My demon huffed good-humoredly.I can't exactly leave at the moment. Of course I'll stay.
Thank you, I said, suppressing a sigh. I wasn't sure if I'd ever muster up the courage to go along with this without him. And I was very very glad to once again have my demon at my side.
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Author's Notes
I wasn't planning on it, but I had to split the 'Eba's date' scene in half. Otherwise the chapter would be too long and I'd take another hour to post it. But otherwise, I think the chapter turned out great. Better than the most recent chapters, in my opinion.
I don't really know what else to add here, and I'm kind of in a hurry, so...
Thank you so much for you time, patience, and support. Have an awesome day!
~ LeMafiaKreb
