Twilight of Dreams and Skies

Master… it's so good to able to talk to you again.

Ritsuka found herself in dark void, a place that seemed neither her nor there. There was no land, nor sky, only darkness and mist. There was nothing to see, save a woman with white-blond hair, yellow eyes, and odd black armor. By all rights she should be intimidating, but the sound of relief in her voice, the look of nostalgia in her face, little Ritsuka found herself feeling completely safe, as if nothing in the world could harm her. The two looked at each other in comfortable silence, until finally, Ritsuka's curiosity finally got the better of her.

Who are you?

Puzzled, Ritsuka furrowed her brows and grasped her throat.

How? What? I'm not breathing and my lips aren't moving, yet somehow I'm talking?

Amused by her master's confusion, Jeanne watched on as Ritsuka started panicking and flailing about, wondering how she was doing anything in this strange realm.

Hah! You're alone with a strange woman in a dark place and the first thing you do is think out loud and wonder how you're thinking out loud? Shouldn't you be more concerned with whether or not I'm a bad person, or how you ended up here?

Ritsuka, not even looking at the said strange woman, continued to study herself, eventually causing herself to float upside down as she twisted her body around.

But you're not a bad person. You might look scary to others, but for some reason, I feel safe and warm with you around. Besides, why bother getting scared when there's something fun like this to do!

Raising her legs, she swung down as fast as she could, causing her to spin in the void, giggling all the while. Jeanne smirked at Ritsuka's antics, unwilling to interrupt her master's fun. That was until Ritsuka started looking green from spinning too fast for too long. Still smirking, Jeanne contemplated allowing nature take its course, but ultimately decided to spare her poor master the misery. Gently slowing down Ritsuka's spins before stopping her completely, she began rubbing her master's back until her motion sickness subsided.

See! You are a nice person! Why be scared while you're here? You probably know what's going on, because you are a grown up and all, but you'll tell me when it's time, right?

Jeanne's smug smirk faltered at her master's innocence and complete trust. It took every scrap of will for Jeanne not to break into tears of relief.

Ah, that's right master. But, I can tell you at least some of what is going on. Right now we are in what is called a Dream Cycle. Whenever you go to sleep, there's a chance we will experience parts each other's lives. Right now though, you're seeing the time I spent in the void after my defeat in France, when I didn't properly exist. Thanks to that, we can talk.

Uh… I don't get it. Why can't we talk during other dreams? Or when I'm awake?

Grimacing, Jeanne clenched her firsts in annoyance.

Normally, we'd be able to talk whenever we'd like, awake or not. But your mom is still pretty upset about when I activated your circuits. So while you were out in a coma, she created, bought, and bartered for as many spirit protection and exorcism wards as physically and spiritually possible for your home and shrine. So much so that if I attempt to talk to you via telepathy, I'd be expelled from your home and unable to return. And with the spiritual wards this dense, our link would be severed the moment that happened. Trying to materialize is even worse, the split second moment between my material and astral states, I would be vulnerable to purification, which would happen instantly. The only time we can safely talk is during your dreams, and even then it's fleeting. If all of this wasn't aimed against me, I'd be impressed.

...activated my circuits?

Jeanne looked away from Ritsuka's inquisitive gaze in shame.

Master, do you remember that extreme amount of pain you went through before you went into a coma for three months?

Yeah?

That was me. Sorry.

Jeanne's eyes watered in shame at the memory. Looking down she bowed her head, terrified of what Ritsuka's reaction would be. Her body shivered and cringed at the betrayed tone of Ritsuka's next question

Why did you hurt me?

Remorse and shame overwhelmed the servant of hate. Without reservation, she closed her eyes and began crying, tightly gripping her sides as she shivered. Her once powerful aura replaced with a sense of fragility like a twig.

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't expect that to happen! I just wanted to talk to you! I just wanted to be by your side! If I didn't, I would have faded away without ever getting to talk to you again! But… but! Seeing you in such pain! I wish I faded away instead! I… I…

Upon seeing such a proud woman break down in tears so quickly, Ritsuka knew exactly what needed to be done. Floating towards the crying servant, she lightly karate chopped Jeanne's forehead to gain her attention before hugging her tightly, pulling the servant's head to her chest and petting her head.

There, there… you apologized so it'll all be better now

Jeanne quivered receiving such affection. Without a second thought, she held on to little Ritsuka tightly and cried, softly rubbing her face into Ritsuka's chest as she petted and cooed the servant. Three months of self-hatred and recrimination fell from her eyes, and once the tears stopped falling, Jeanne was reluctant to let go until she heard Ritsuka's next words

Hah, you're not a grown up! You're just a bigger kid!

Jeanne's eyes widened at the accusation while she pushed Ritsuka away in embarrassment.

Am not! I'm Jeanne d'Arc, Avenger Class servant of the Grail! I, who stands as one of the most powerful servants in existence! A being who at one point nearly destroyed one of the key foundations of Humanity after laying waste to nations and countless armies!

Flames and an aura of power erupted around Jeanne while her sword and flagpole materialized in her hands. For the first time displaying the power and demeanor expected as a servant of hate as the void around her became distorted and in flux from the sudden burst of energy. An effect that was so tragically undercut by her actions earlier and the fact that her eyes were still puffy from the tears.

Thus Ritsuka began laughing in good cheer at Jeanne before petting her head once more.

She's a huge dork! She's a bigger dork than dad!

Unamused by her master's utter dismissal of her display, she nonetheless allowed her master to pet her, albeit with an unamused flat stare and a subtle quiver of her lip the entire time. However, Ritsuka didn't care, as she was content to be around the servant, regardless of facial expressions. The serenity of the scene lasted but only for a moment as the mist began to disappear and light slowly erupt from the void.

Ah, it looks like our time is up. You're waking up now.

Awww… can we do this again soon?

We won't be able to talk again until you have another void dream cycle, or your mother allows you to exit the shrine. But don't worry, master. I'd wait an eternity if I knew at the end we'd be able to do this again...

As the light enveloped them, Ritsuka reached forward to grab the servant, only to see her wistful smile and wave of farewell.

Heh, someone's in a bad mood today.

Azazel smirked lightly as a petulant Ritsuka pouted and sulked during breakfast after being awakened by her mother. The twelve-winged Grigori had become a regular visitor ever since Ritsuka fell into a coma, coming as often as twice a week, even after she had awakened. The mystery of the spirit called out to his inner nature as a researcher and scientist, and he would not stop until he studied it to his satisfaction. Together with Shuri, he'd install equipment in an attempt to detect the spirit, although he could say for certain that she was not quite motivated by the same scientific curiosity as himself. Especially considering all the purification rituals she personally allowed him access to and subsequently allowed to modify.

Today, however, was not one of those days. Baraqiel and his daughters were hovering above the yard, his mouth and normally closed eyes opened in shock as all three of his daughters managed to manifest their wings. Originally, Baraqiel only intended to teach Akeno how to materialize her fallen wings, and fly which she mastered near effortlessly. However, upon seeing their sister learning such a new cool skill, Ritsuka and Nozomi immediately begged their father to teach them as well. Easily crumbling against their pleading eyes, he reluctantly began instructing them as well, fully expecting it to beyond their current abilities... Only to be proven wrong as the pair awkwardly rose into the air with their small matching black wings.

Azazel and Shuri, on the other hand, were merely watching from the porch as the scene unfolded before them. Azazel sported a smug smirk at his old friend's posture, while Shuri merely watched on with a mother's content smile on her face as she watched her daughters fly with the clouds.

Pfff… I think this is the longest I've seen Baraqiel stunned in disbelief. And…

Azazel broke out in hysterical fits of laughter as Baraqiel started spitting and cursing after a fly flew into his mouth. Even Shuri found herself laughing, however her eyes glinted dangerously as she looked at her husband, a sadistic smile slowly forming on her face. Their laughing paused as the nearby Grigori equipment pinged as it detected a slight trembling of nearby magic as a certain servant shuddered and fled away from the mortal woman. Realizing that 'spirit' was terrified of Shuri's sadistic urges, Azazel once more broke into laughter at the absurdity of the situations before him. And once he explained to Shuri his hypothesis, she too joined his laughing, with a dark chuckle with feral glint in her eyes promising sadistic pain to her prey...

Nozomi felt liberated as she unsteadily flew in the skies. Of the three sisters, she knew she was the least graceful and the least skilled in the air, but it didn't bother her. After all, as long as she can keep up enough to protect them, isn't that all that matters? Without a hint of jealousy, she watched Akeno soar through the skies above their home, teasing Ritsuka with a game of tag, even with her unusually bad mood today. As she focused her gaze on Ritsuka, Nozomi's expression shifted to one of anxiety.

I hope sis feels better. Mom and I were so scared that she would never wake up. Even uncle Azazel and the other angels that visited weren't sure if she'd wake up. Only Papa and Akeno were certain she would... I wish I was as brave as them.

The memories of loneliness assaulted Nozomi, of unreturned hugs and kisses, of days waking up without Ritsuka's reassuring smile, and of adventures (exploring near home) no longer undertaken.

Was it my fault that Ritsuka was hurt? Is it because I fell asleep first that the mean spirit was able to hurt her? ...am I a bad sister for not protecting her?

Nozomi meekly hovered still in the air, lost in her thoughts as the others soard around her. That was until she noticed something... a quite fearsome creature in the air. A flying eldritch abomination (a wasp) was flying straight towards Ritsuka while her back was turned! Unwilling to fail her sister once more, Nozomi pushed herself as hard as she could, flying to place herself between the Eldritch abomination (the wasp). In her haste, as she twisted her body to shield Ritsuka, Nozomi unwitting smacked her in the back of the head with her wings. Yelping in pain, Ritsuka turned around to glare at her sister, only to be treated with a nostalgic sight: the back of her sister with her arms spread out, trembling in fear but unwilling to let a fearsome beast (a bug) to come near her sister. Unable to stay mad at her sister, she scanned the skies to see what danger was approaching, only for herself to tremble in fear as she saw the Eldritch abomination (the wasp) approach aggressively towards her sister.

Too afraid to face such a creature, but unwilling to abandon her little sister, Ritsuka hugged Nozomi from behind and closed her eyes, unable to face their impending doom. Nozomi winced in fear, but refused to take her eyes off the monster. She would not allow her sister to be harmed again. Whimpering, she stood her ground (while in the air) with tears streaming down her cheeks.

But what kind of angel needs to fear while the Father (Baraqiel) resides in the heavens above? A bolt of heavenly lightning descended from stratosphere, smiting the foul creature as well as passing divine judgement upon the colony (wasp nest) that spawned such a treacherous beast. The blackened earth stood as a monument to the destruction of the settlement, of fury not seen since the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Akeno could only smile wryly at the scene as she watched her little sisters, crying tears of relief, fly into the arms of their father, who was doing his best to soothe his distraught daughters. Shaking her head, she flew down to investigate the damage.

Oh dear… dad damaged one of the anchors for the shrine's barriers. It'll take a few days to fix too… He's going to be punished a lot tonight isn't he?

Akeno could only sigh as her gaze shifted between her parents. Shrugging, she decided to make space in her bed for her sisters. They would need to sleep with her tonight it seemed.

Really Baraqiel? Are you trying to imitate Father? What does it say about us Fallen that despite betraying him, despite straying from his teachings, we ultimately fall back to his memory?

Softly chuckling, Azazel shakes his head before turning to Shuri, his gaze slowly turning serious. Motioning for them to walk into the house, he stepped inside and walked towards the kitchen. Shuri, following him without saying a word, held a silent dread slowly building up inside of her. Upon reaching the kitchen, Azazel helped himself to the tea Shuri had already brewed, pouring himself and Shuri a cup. Seeing the normally laid back man acting so contemplative and serious, Shuri's anxiety grew. However, she found herself unable to speak, so she waited. After a moment of awkward silence, Azazel finally spoke.

"At the break of dawn a week from today, Baraqiel is going to lead an assault on the primary base of the Oniyama-kai, with only minimal support from the progressives of the Himejima clan. Normally Baraqiel alone would be more than enough to handle a collection of rogue Youkai of their standing, but this is their primary fortress. They will be entrenched with several layers of defenses, both spiritual and physical. Not to mention they have been bolstered by a sizeable force of stray devils, several of which are high class devils."

"I see… and with that remorseful look in your eyes, the Grigori will not send any support despite the dangers it poses to my husband?"

"Unfortunately, no. Without a formal request or an alliance with the Himejima clan, we cannot intervene. Baraqiel can get away with it only because he married into your family and every mission he has undertaken for the past 5 years has not been under the aegis of the Grigori, but instead that of the Himejima. In fact, in a few years, he'll pretty much be regarded as a former Grigori due to his absence."

Shuri's face remained stoic at the news, her face the embodiment of calm, save for the traces of worry that her gaze betrayed. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath but said nothing, practicing breathing techniques for meditation. After taking a moment to think, she opened her eyes and finally spoke.

"Then why are you telling me this? You are not one to needlessly tell others risks their loved ones are taking if there is nothing to be done about it."

"Indeed you are right. Thanks to all the Himejima techniques and rituals you've allowed me to study, I've created this."

Reaching into his haori, Azazel produced several talismans, traditional works of the Himejima clan, but with symbols of the Grigori interspersed among the kanji. Grinning like a child about to prank his parent, he placed one on Shuri's palm. Before stacking dozens of others onto her table.

"Just how did you fit that many in your haori without it being noticable...?"

"Don't worry about it. For now though, filter your power into the talisman, gently. You don't want it going off prematurely."

Unamused by her question being so brazenly brushed off, Shuri none the less complied with his request and slowly began infusing her energy into the talisman. It responded by emitting a familiar trickle of light. The light of the Grigori as their spears of light formed.

Shuri could only stare at the talisman dumbfounded, although it became a bit of a blessing as she did not see Azazel's smug smirk as he explained his latest invention to his ever so captivated audience.

"That, my dear Shuri, is a talisman that converts the spiritual energy of practitioners into the light of the Grigori. This is a prototype, with a tendency to fail catastrophically, but soon the Himejima clan will be able to wield both the spiritual arts of their clan and the Fallen Light of the Abrahamic God."

"What do you mean 'fails catastrophically'?"

"It can suddenly explode when enough energy courses through it. Don't worry, what you're producing right now is nowhere near enough to start that kind of reaction."

"And you plan on giving the clan members who will go into battle with my husband weapons that could explode on them?"

"Of course not! I just wanted to show you where I am in developing talismans for the progressives' use. What I will be giving to your husband's allies are these."

Pointing to the larger stack of talismans, he picked up one and handed it to Shuri.

"Don't push your energy into this one, it is primed to fire."

"Fire?"

"Yes. Before I could create a talisman that can convert spiritual energy into light, I had to see if the Talismans could handle bearing the 2 distinct energies at the same time. During those experiments, I discovered a way to store light, but use your techniques to release them. Effectively allowing Himejima practitioners access to Grigori light spears during battle. The charges are limited as well as their output, with the weaker ones being able to fire spears with the strength of a two winged angel, and the newer more, potent ones bearing the strength of four winged angels. Every Himejima marching beside Baraqiel will have 6 of the weaker talismans and 4 of the stronger ones."

After taking in everything Azazel said, Shuri glanced at the massive pile of talismans and slowly began to smile before she looked at her husband's, no, now also her eccentric friend in awe.

To make such a new tool that could only benefit the Himejima so quickly, and in such considerable numbers… How much effort did Azazel and the others go for us?

"So even though the Grigori cannot come in person, they shall be with us in spirit… The irony is not lost to me Azazel. Those stray devils will never know what hit them."

"Indeed, they will not."

"So, the time has finally arrived has it?"

"Indeed, Honorable Father. In the next few days, the blight that has stained our family will be cleansed. The spy in the Himejima family has taken the bait, the Oniyama-kai are aware of Baraqiel and the Progressives' attack tomorrow. You would do well to position your practitioners to sweep in and crush the Oniyama-kai after they repulse the Progressives."

Once again, the Head of the Himejima clan, Suou, found himself talking to his supposedly wayward son Souta, 'Head' of the Progressive Faction over a cup of tea in the main family's household. The two sat in complete ease, comfortable that in the privacy of the room, none of what they were discussing will reach the outside world.

"Is that wise? If they know of the impending attack, the storming of the keep will become an ambush. I doubt they will be able to do enough damage for our forces to emerge victorious."

"Ah, but Honorable Father, it will turn into a costly battle. I allowed the spy to learn of the attack, but not of the other… developments."

Suou could only raise his brow in curiosity at Souta's reluctant tone.

"Developments?"

"Indeed, although the Grigori has respected our wishes and not allowed any other Fallen to participate in our battles, they have not stood idle. Their leader, Azazel, has been studying our crafts, and developed additional tools for our use."

"What."

In outrage, Suou shot up, his face flushed red with rage and his eyes turned bloodshot. Souta, on the other hand, remained calm, continuing to sip on his tea as if he were merely talking about tomorrow's weather.

"Shuri allowed the leader of the Grigori access to all of our rituals and talismans she had access to for study. It was to help deal with the potent angry spirit that somehow defies all of our exorcism and purification rites."

"That treacherous bitch. I should have her excommunicated and killed for betraying our secrets."

Trembling in rage, the elder man found himself contemplating all that he could do to punish the woman's audacity, while Souta's gaze and tone slowly became more heated and impassioned.

"Now now Father, it was improper, yes, but not treasonous. I investigated the spirit attack personally and I must concede that Azazel's conclusions were correct and Shuri made the right call. There is a massive spirit barely constrained by the shrine despite all the upgrades to its defenses. Were it not for their actions, we could be suffering a crisis to contain a spirit that could easily destroy cities. Besides, she's about to die for consorting with a filthy creature. The woman is misguided, but not a traitor."

"Misguided or not, she must be made an example of."

Souta's eyes narrowed dangerously, but before he spoke, he paused. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Regaining control of his emotions, he returned to his original demeanor, but he could not completely suppress the bitterness and defiance in his voice.

"To that Honorable Father, I disagree. For her crimes, she shall be punished, in this case, with her life. However, I will not stand idly by as you besmirch her reputation and honor needlessly. Such an action is uncalled for."

"And why do you care about that sow's honor?"

"As one who sacrificed his reputation to protect his family, I know better than any the cost, the weight of the loss of honor. In life, I shall live as a secretly respected member of the family, but after death, I will be hounded for false sins for generations. I have no regrets, for this is the path I chose. Shuri however, is a fool and misguided, but she loves her family, both of filthy blood and her pure relatives. She has not betrayed us, and despite her foolish and rather costly mistake, she has performed all of her duties to the best of her abilities. She is clearly loyal to the Himejima, if not to its traditions. I will not see her vilified as a traitor for centuries when her actions dictate that she should just pay with her life."

"Hmmmmm… very well son. I shall honor your request, but I will not hide my disdain for her."

"Thank you Honorable Father. I knew you would understand."

Taking a moment to allow their emotions to settle completely, the pair poured themselves more tea and drank in silence. The peace lasted a more few minutes as Suou's turbulent emotions drifted back into tranquility. Looking at his son in warmth and pride, he smiled at his son's strength of character.

"So my child, going back to what we were discussing earlier, what is your suggestions to deal with the coming crisis?"

"As I stated before, have our elites in position to take advantage of the battle between Progressives and the Oniyama-kai, preferably attacking after the Progressives have been routed and not before. As for Shuri's shrine, I am certain the Youkai or the devils will send a force to kill them all, to punish Baraqiel. We will need to position some of our own forces to drive them off after they kill Shuri and the children. In the slim chance that Baraqiel survives, we need to maintain the image that we fought against the common enemy but merely failed to arrive on time."

"And why would maintaining such an image be important?"

"What sounds better Father, Baraqiel and the Grigori withdrawing support to us because we were too dishonorable to defend children born to the clan, or have Baraqiel lead the Grigori in a crusade against our enemies and sending us tribute to support us."

Raising his brows in concern, Suou studied his son's face, looking to see if perhaps his son was slowly shifting away from the traditions they hold so dear.

"My Son, why are you so adamant in keeping good relations with the Grigori? Their association with us caused a dire violation of our traditions."

"Yes, they have, but in return they have created these."

Reaching into his haori, Souta pulled out a single talisman and laid it in front of his father.

"These talismans allow Himejima practitioners, and ONLY Himejima practitioners the ability to release the light spears contained within, and with an even better prize yet to come: a talisman that will allow the Himejima clan alone to access the powers of a Fallen Angel while still remaining pure and human."

"Truly?"

Suou's brow rose in fascination as he studied the talisman. Despite seeing the unfamiliar symbols of the Grigori, it felt as if the Grigori additions to the talisman deferred to the Himejima. Their works were not profaned or defiled but rather tastefully augmented and respected. Seeing his Father satisfied with the Grigori enhanced talisman, Souta smiled.

"Yes. This is a rare opportunity for our family to become one of the greatest powers in Japan."

"You are serious. So be it, I shall abide by your suggestion. Anything else?"

"Yes Honorable Father, after this discussion you will need to detain me for 'encouraging' the progressives to move without your express consent. This will allow us to maintain the legitimacy of our supposed roles and prevent the progressives from making an organized resistance to whatever you plan to do after the battle. After all, some of the children may be able to escape and flee to the safety of our heretical kin. Should that happen, we deal with them immediately, preferably through intermediaries to allow plausible deniability. Lastly, place some recording talismans and Ofuda near and in my cell. While you are gone, traitors and other heretics may approach me. It will serve as evidence."

"Very well, thank you my Son. Know I take no pleasure from this."

The two stood up, with Souta allowing himself to be bound in rope and Ofuda. Closing his eyes, he bowed respectfully towards his father, and the two walked walked into the basement where a cell awaited Souta. As Souta calmly walked in, he wistfully smiled.

"Thank you Honorable Father, I wish that I could see this to fruition, and the looks on our enemies faces as they realized they played into our hands."

"Indeed, they will never know what hit them."

Author's notes:

This chapter was a bit harder than expected to write. The next two chapters I can't stop thinking about because of how heartfelt and awesome I believe they are going to be. As well as heartbreaking. But one cannot just jump to such scenes without transitions, but with how brilliant they were in my mind, I was blinded to the path I should take to get to it. So yeah, sorry for the delay.

Oh and this chapter helped solidify my opinion of myself that I am a bit of a sadist, seeing how I as I was writing this, I was entertaining an NTR route in my mind if only to hear my Editor to scream "Nooooo! Not Shuri! Why… why would anyone write this!?".

Maybe I should just write an Omake about it and send it to him without warning him?

*Malicious laughing*

After all, isn't it a King's prerogative to make his own entertainment?

Oh and if you are wondering why he called me Gil Aqua, it's because my editor a while ago wrote a FF14 crack fic with his, mine and our friends characters. He made me an all powerful black mage who was as arrogant as King Gilgamesh, with the catchphrase: "Silence Mongrel, I am mourning myself!" However, my character was too idiotic to use their powers correctly. Any FF14 black mages will probably get triggered once they hear what my character's rotation was: Swiftcast into Scathe.

Oh, and my character actually had the ability to spam LB3 meteors at any given time, she just refused to because nothing save level 1 cockroaches were worthy of such a judgment. So powerful, but so useless. So after reading that I told him, "You've turned me into Gilgamesh with the divinity of Aqua," and ever since then we ran with it.

I might start playing FF14 again soon actually, but after I finish a few more chapters. Hmm… maybe I should make a game to see if anyone could figure out who my character is? Maybe I'll use their FF character or an OC representing themselves as character in this or a future story?

On a related note, it would seem my editor has cheap ramen tastes, for the feast only cost me mere $140 to feed him and his kin ramen and mochi. Such plebeian preferences, but this king shall allow it. For a King is magnanimous towards such loyal subjects.

(#GilAquaThings)

Editor's Notes:

Imma try not to be too long-winded like the bitch boy blm above me. However, everything he did say was indeed true. Let's just say his character used it on a cockroach that got too close.

That said, I should probably do the same and get back on FF14 with Blue Mage hitting up 4.5, but alas, I is the lazy. For anyone wondering, I've mained Dark Knight before and after it was cool, and I don't plan on relenting especially with Shadowbringers coming in 9ish months.

In other news, people kill when they are die and fire is indeed wet.

Oh, and I was fed ramen, so the editing overdrive buff is active for the NEXT two chapters (not this one).

Slight Update: Because finals are starting soon, we can play with one of two options. Kovaras' writing is a sloppy mess most of the time, which is why I exist here. If you all really want the chapters, you can take the hastily edited and revised piece. However, if all of you want the satisfaction of a 93% cleaned up chapter (I can only hope I'm that good at editing, like damn), then we can postpone the releases. If our boy here can write quick, then at least next chapter shouldn't suffer the fate of a hasty or delayed release.

Author's Response

Gonna need less edge there mate. And of course I, the King, keeps his promises!

Editor's AR Response:

Boy you shoulda kept that hyphen out of it. I liked it without it because it bothered me in that weird way.

(Bitch I will counter edit you as I please!) xD