A Cosmic Journey

A/N: I'm free!...Well, free to the extent that everywhere is still locked down, but who's counting? Anyways, done with finals now, and looking forward to hopping back to writing. On that note, let's get to it.

Chapter 32: Hold Out an Olive Branch

Chapter Date: 05/11/2020

'What's that saying? Never mess with the well-dressed? That's not a saying?'

"AAAAAAAAAH!"

'It should be!'

Mercifully, my screaming was interrupted by the faint sound of a scroll ringing, which resulted in Coco pausing in her assault to check the time. "Looks like that's time then. Look at that, you even managed to keep your shades intact! Thanks again for the workout, shades-buddy."

"Please…think of a better nickname for me…" I panted, pushing off my knees to eye the smirking second-year. With a flick of her wrist, Gianduja shifted back from a murderous gatling gun back into an unassuming handbag weighing hundreds of pounds.

"No can do, we work with what we're given and there's not a lot you've got that isn't cramping up on my team's style." Coco shrugged, before turning towards the edge of the practice arena we were both on. "So, what'd you think, teach?"

"I think," Amber stepped onto the arena, "It's a good thing you stopped when you did, otherwise my ears would've started ringing from all the continuous fire from Gianduja. That, or all of Kouzai's screaming."

"Thanks for that," I grumbled, sheathing my weapons. It was entirely not my fault that Coco Adel was a fearsome fighter in a one-on-one. At long range, Gianduja and Hype made for a very painful combination to face, and even at close range, the strength required to swing the damn weapon like a regular handbag, not to mention kick an Alpha Beowolf into submission, was one hell of an obstacle. Even then, I could've possibly closed the distance and capitalized with Burst and Chronometry…except for the fact that such wasn't the purpose of the match. Instead, I was supposed to mimic Cinder and her fighting style, using Mirror's Edge, Corona and Mortem to simulate her strategies. Despite only having the mental image of her style from the show and the brief glimpses of the fight against Amber and STRQ, and lacking a multi-purpose Grimm arm, my answers-to-all-strategies philosophy resonated with hers somehow.

"Eh, a healthy level of respect for Gianduja is never unappreciated," Coco acquiesced. "Though, I was asking more in line with the game plan. Ozpin said Beacon's supposedly had a run-in with her already, so you all would know best on how to tackle her, literally in some cases."

Amber's eyes narrowed, and I heard the soft scraping of metal as her robotic hand clenched. "I suppose Beacon would be the authority on dealing with Cinder…from what I've seen so far, you have the firepower to keep her suppressed, for the most part. We still don't fully understand what that Grimm arm is capable of, so using Gianduja may not be a complete offensive solution. Not to mention, as a huntress-level opponent, Cinder is definitely fast enough to avoid attacks if need be and close in. From there, what close combat skills you have won't be enough to stave her off. The reason you managed it last time was due to the rest of your team being alongside you. Even a Huntsmen would have a difficult time facing full team of competent students. But if CFVY comes across her again, you'll need to be more than competent."

'More than competent doesn't exactly cover it, does it?' I thought back to the conversation I'd had shortly after my arrival back at Beacon…

… … …

"Alright Ozpin, I'm hopped up on more painkillers than Qrow has alcohol in his flask, so you'll likely wanna make this quick before I spiral into gibberish." I propped myself up further in the medical ward bed I was in, facing the assembled group of badasses around me. Some part of me was tingling with nostalgia, but I'm pretty sure that was just the drugs.

Qrow looked down at the flask strapped to his hip in confusion. "This thing's bone dry. The only reason I've still got it is 'cause it was a momento from a teammate."

"Exactly! So any drugs is more than no drugs!" I didn't get why they weren't getting it.

"We acknowledge the hardship you have endured recently, and will seek to make our inquiries as swift as possible," Ozpin replied, glancing to his left and right where Goodwitch and Qrow were.

"Great. First off, where's Tai? I heard he was fighting Adam Taurus at the docks. He didn't get hurt, right?" I looked around for anyone else occupying the beds around me, but they were all miraculously empty. Even Cardin appeared to have quickly recovered from the targeted face-pummeling I gave him.

Ozpin smiled. "It is reassuring that despite your temporary reduced mental capacity, you are still focused on the well-being of others. Were that all potential Huntsmen held such a mindset. Rest assured, Mister Xiao Long is unharmed, and will likely be along to see you shortly. He is merely…watching over the well-being of one of our colleagues at the moment."

"Yeah, a particularly pissed off colleague." Squinting my eyes, I saw that Qrow looked very much worse for the wear, with his shirt looking closer to the tattered state it was in before getting together with Winter. His hair also looked like even more of a bird's nest than usual, and what looked suspiciously like soot caked his clothes, face and hair.

"Nonetheless, we merely have a few questions that we believe you may be able to shed some light upon." Ozpin drew my attention back to him. "Chief among them being if possess any injuries beyond what Doctor Ted was able to glean. Beacon's medical professionals rank among the best on Remnant, but abundant caution is always advised."

"Hmm, nope. Just the tons of bruising, scrapes and cracked ribs."

Ozpin let out a relieved sigh. "That is wonderful news. Now, could you elaborate for us the events that occurred between Miss Scarlatina's exit from your battle with Mister Black and the other woman, and your subsequent rescue?"

I shrugged, before launching into the condensed version of all that had happened. When I mentioned my being used as a bargaining chip, Qrow's hand clenched and shook, and upon my reference to my eye color, Ozpin's eyes narrowed.

"Most disturbing. It appears that whomever these individuals are, they are growing ever bolder in their attempts to satisfy their goals. In addition, your account of this Cinder Fall's…Grimm appendages, brings with it some very ominous tidings. Lastly, do you have any insights as to why you were the individual abducted for their scheme?"

My heart thumped loudly despite the numbing effects of the drugs I was on, creating a wonderful dissonance. "I'm not sure. When I asked Cinder some questions, she implied that she knew all the members of my team, along with Weiss at the very least." I paused, then took a risk. "There was also some talk about Blake and Ruby as well."

"Sonofa…" Qrow's voice was strained with anger, but Goodwitch fixed him with a stern look before turning to me.

"Thank you for being forthright, Mr. Higure. I am aware of my indirect contribution to your being abducted, and sincerely apologize for such." Goodwitch looked sincerely regretful, yet resolved. "If there is any question that we can answer for you at this time, please ask. It is the least that we can do to make up for such a travesty."

For anyone who hadn't watched the show, this was the boon of a lifetime. Even with knowledge of Remnant though, it wouldn't hurt to cover my tracks. "Do you know who Cinder is working with? I know there was that green-haired girl, I think Emerald was her name, and that jackass Mercury. They also mentioned Neo and Roman Torchwick, but I'm not sure if there are any others."

Goodwitch and Qrow looked to Ozpin, who took a sip of his cocoa. "I'm sure it has already, or soon will, become common knowledge amongst the students, but it appears that this group of criminals is also in league with the White Fang, as well as their commander, Adam Taurus. However, beyond the individuals named, we are unsure if there are others working with them as well."

I sighed, disappointed with the lack of information but recognizing I likely wouldn't be getting names like Watts, Tyrian, Hazel or Salem. Instead, I tried for a different angle. "I know one of them mentioned information on Beacon, and that I was a bargaining chip. Is there someone or something at Beacon that these people are looking for?"

Ozpin's eyebrows raised almost unnoticeably, before his eyes crinkled a little with his face hidden behind his mug. "How very astute of you. You are correct, in that this band of criminals is seeking something that exists at Beacon Academy. What they seek, however, is information that I cannot readily disclose, for to do so would be to further jeopardize you and risk you being targeted again. I do hope you understand this."

I nodded, acknowledging that I was at the edge of the information I could get from them. Then the thought popped into my head. "If it's not too much trouble, I do have a request, if you would be willing to grant it."

I could see the gears turning underneath Ozpin's silver hair. "Of course. If it is within the bounds of reason and our authority to grant it, I would appreciate the ability to recompense."

I grinned, perhaps a tad maliciously due to the painkillers. "Wonderful. Here's my request…"

… … …

"Duly noted, teach." I came to again and saw that Coco's smirk had fallen away, recognizing the sober tone Amber was speaking with. "Don't worry, now that we know what's out there, Team CFVY won't be satisfied till we've got what it takes to settle the score. On that note though, I suppose that makes us even now, huh Kouzai?"

"If you're sure. Not that I exactly wanna go another round, but I do owe you, all of you."

"Nah, it's fine. Between recovering and what everyone else has you doing, I wasn't gunning for much anyways. Though some of them, though…" Coco's smirk returned. "You'll have your hands full."

"Don't remind me," I groaned, rotating my shoulders as my fellow team leader laughed. Even Amber spared an amused smile at my "plight."

After my swift and very rough rescue from the warehouse, I and everyone else who'd come to save me were fast-tracked to Beacon's medical ward, where I was introduced to a man who looked stunningly like a certain not-doctor from the Borderlands series. It was there, while some of us were getting looked for potential and definite injuries, that the unholy trinity of Coco, Yang and Vernal met up. It took all of three minutes' talk before the trio came rushing over to my bedside, demanding favors for my rescue.

Damnit Vernal…

Anyways, it took literally no time whatsoever for the idea to catch on. The only one who steadfastly refused to "cash in" was Jaune, who reasoned that my aid in saving Terra's life years back was good enough, like the saint he was. But he was the only one, and thus began an interesting couple of weeks.

… … …

Some of the favors were easy.

"Wow, these look amazing! Can I really examine them?"

"It's what you requested, and you were the one to rally up your team to my aid, so it's the least I can do." I placed Mirror's Edge and Mortem down onto the worktable in front of Ruby, whose eyes were comically wide. "Just make sure that you keep any revelations to yourself. I wouldn't want anyone else stealing the designs or whatnot."

Ruby immediately switched to a look of incredible focus and nodded as she drew close to Mirror's Edge. "Of course. A weaponsmith's techniques and designs are their life and livelihood, so I would never-OHMYGODS!"

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with my weapon?" I'd checked my weapons a dozen times over after the fight to make sure they were still in working order. 'Wait, what if they planted a bug on them?...or even a microscopic surveillance Grimm? Damnit, how much have they heard-"

"The nioi…the hamon pattern…this is Weylin the Smith's handiwork! But I heard he stopped making weapons years ago! How did you get one of his works?" Ruby's silver eyes looked at me, accusing me of the crime of not securing one of his pieces for her.

"Uhh…I convinced him to make us some weapons a few years back, otherwise Nora, Ren and I would've-"

"WHAAT!? So Magnhild and Stormflower are some of his works too? I have to get them all together and-GGGH!" Ruby's journey out of the workshop room was halted by my grabbing her cloak's hood, though her activating Petal Burst nearly pulled me off my feet.

"First, aren't you examining my weapons right now? There's time to ask Nora and Ren for theirs later. Second, there's also the fact that I'm not sure how comfortable they are lending their weapons for examination, given the whole 'your teams kinda hate each other' debacle." I winced as Ruby sagged and naturally adopted puppy-dog eyes. "Err, though maybe you'll all get along better now that you've fought beside one another."

"Maybe…" Ruby looked at me. "How come you're not uncomfortable with me examining your weapons then?"

"Well, for one thing, you, Jaune and I already came to the conclusion that us team leaders are enlightened individuals above such petty nonsense…at least with each other." I paused as Ruby giggled. "Also, seeing as you put Crescent Rose together all on your own, I trust that you have the know-how and integrity to treat Mirror's Edge and Mortem right. Pretty soon, I'm sure Nora and Ren will see it that way too."

Ruby brightened back up as she returned to the table. "You're right. I should take the time now to learn whatever I can about Weylin's techniques, to be better prepared for whenever I come across Magnhild and Stormflower." I laughed at Ruby's usage of 'when' rather than 'if', before she turned back. "Are you…still in contact with him?"

I brought out my scroll and showed her the screen. "Who, Weylin? I've got his number right-"

"REALLY!?" I winced as the walls rattled slightly. "You have to help me meet him! Oh, pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease-"

"Hold on now, Ruby. Didn't you already request a favor from me?" My tone grew teasing as comprehension dawned on Ruby's face. "A meeting with a famous smith…that sounds pretty important, and you already asked me for a favor…"

"Butbutbut…" Ruby looked back and forth between my weapons and scroll. "What if I owe you a favor instead?"

"Hmmm…no dice…" Ruby's expression fell into an adorable pout, and I laughed. "Though, if I'm in your debt again, that might be something you could ask of me…"

Ruby's silver gaze could've melted steel with its focus. "Alright then! Just you wait, I'll make sure that you owe me again soon, and I'll get that meeting with Weylin. Just you wait!"

'I'm not sure whether to be touched, or very scared…'

… … …

Some of the favors were most definitely not.

After witnessing the short match between Cardin and I, Pyrrha, bashful as she was to ask for a favor, wanted an all-out sparring match with Burst and Chronometry on. To my credit, I was pressing her until my loss by Aura knock-out. To her credit, she didn't use Polarity to immediately fling Mirror's Edge and Corona out of the ring, which maybe evened the odds.

"Hah…I see you've started…using your semblance more overtly…" I panted on the ground, staring up at the arena ceiling. Glancing back, I saw Pyrrha still on her feet, though with a faint sheen of sweat from the workout."

"Well, thanks to you, Jaune, Nora and Ren, I learned that I shouldn't be concerned with how others view my combat capabilities. I was already beginning to be viewed as an invincible fighter without my semblance becoming known, so what did it matter if I started using it in more obvious ways?" Pyrrha floated Milo and Akuou above her and slowly orbited them around her head. "Better to learn my limits with my semblance now, if I intended to become a huntress in the future."

"I hear that there are a few bullheads that might have a bone to pick with you though," I joked, causing the champion's concentration to falter briefly as her weapons hit the ground. "Looks like someone still needs a bit of work though."

"You…you would be the one to draw out my weaknesses so quickly and exploit them so causally." Pyrrha picked up her weapons, fighting down a visible tinge of embarrassment at the lapse. "Though, with such a splendid performance against me just now, why don't you display such capabilities in the spars, if only to test the limits of Chronometry?"

"The way I see it, the amount of Aura won't substantially increase regardless of the level of training done. And I could focus on becoming more efficient with its usage, but I believe that falls more into the area of how it's used. Thinking of the various applications for Aura is more of a mental exercise rather than a physical one, which is why I sometimes do test out those techniques in the ring. Besides, like I told Goodwitch, you might not always be at peak Aura percentage, or have all your weapons, or even be fighting just one opponent. Case in point." Pyrrha nodded as I gestured to myself. "I think it's better to put yourself in a situation where you're doing unfamiliar things, or facing opponents in superior situations. That way, when it happens, and it will, you'll still have the knowledge and resolve to fight your way out."

"…You know, when Nora, and Ren, and your team informed me of your ability to fight in unfavorable situations, or when your Aura was low or even broken, I admit that I believed some of that was hyperbole. But after seeing the aftermath of your fight with Mercury Black, I realized that perhaps it was just the opposite." Pyrrha smiled at me. "Such resolve is difficult to acquire and possess. I hope that one day I can stand as resolutely as you do."

"You mean as stubbornly, because I'm pretty sure the two go hand in hand." We both shared a laugh as I climbed to my feet and grabbed Mirror's Edge. "If you want a crash course, I'll be happy to provide one. We still have Aura, after all. So why don't we just fight till one of us draws blood, or almost, at any rate?"

"That…" Pyrrha seemed uncertain for a moment, before green eyes flared with excitement. "That sounds grand."

'Ohhhh boy, I think I've just woken the beast…'

… … …

Some of the favors were convenient.

"Sooo, you just want me to accompany you and Ren around Vale all day?" I strolled down the sidewalk, behind my two oldest friends. "And you don't me to carry anything, or race across town, or fly into the Emerald Forest to smash Grimm?"

"That last one sounds amazing, but nope. Cause, you know, you're all banged up." Nora glanced back with a cheeky grin, before her turquoise eyes froze slightly. "Plus, we want you to sit back and watch in case anyone tries to mess with you again."

"What she means to say is that we believed that you might be seeking a break from Beacon, and we wished to share some of our time to relax with you." Stormflower popped out of Ren's sleeves for a moment. "Though, should anyone seek to attack you or any of our friends, we will make our displeasure known."

"Well, thanks for having me then." I smirked right back at the happy couple. "Though, the dynamic's a little different now. Before, I could chime in with remarks on how dense you both were and how Solitas would sooner melt than you both make a move, but now that you're together, I'm just the third wheel." I sighed dramatically.

"Don't worry Kouzai, Rennie and I know how to keep the PDA to Nora-acceptable levels!" My face conveyed pure skepticism and confusion at the standard, before Nora rolled her eyes at me. "Also, we're not the only ones who are incredibly dense…"

"Nora, if this is another rerun of your 'Kouzai is a supreme flirter and half the girls that exist wanna get with him' theory, my brain will turn to mush. Need I remind you that Team RWBY came on the mission solely because of Ruby, and that I'm buried up to my eyeballs in favors to everyone for being rescued?"

"We shall merely act in the role that you fulfilled in our years together, even if you're not quite at the stage where such comments get to you." Ren's tone remained light and lofty. "Just remember, neither of us is as oblivious as you believe us to be."

"I kind of doubt that, considering the ice age it took you two to confess. Seriously, a good third of my life went towards pushing you together."

"Keep up that kinda talk, and you'll just give me ideas about how to repay you," Nora replied, and I wisely stopped speaking. "Not to mention, I still remember your credit card numbers. Working for Junior and his boss won't help much if you get on my bad side!"

"And isn't that a terrifying thought. Nora Valkyrie with access to a…" I trailed off, and stared at Ren for a moment. The pink-eyed boy stared back expressionlessly, before nodding once and continuing down the sidewalk with Nora.

'Huh…'

… … …

Some of the favors were…alright, they sucked.

WHAM

"Fuck! Remind me never to face you in Goodwitch's without my full arsenal!" I coughed before deflecting a powerful straight. Twisting, I jabbed outwards, before snapping my wrist sideways to hook Yang in the face. I gulped as lilac eyes blinked into red.

"Compliments won't save you." Pouring Aura into Chronometry, I weaved in and out of Yang's powered assault, but her gut punch from earlier twinged against my right side, giving Yang the opportunity to send a chopping right down across my jaw, forcing me into the arena floor as the buzzer rang.

"Pain…great pain…mistakes were made…" I peeled my face off the floor, rubbing my cheek as my Aura worked overtime to heal the bruise that I felt was there. Sitting up, I glanced up at a satisfied Yang towering above me, as burning red eyes faded back into light lilac. With a twirl, the brawler walked towards the edge of the ring where her water was.

"Hey. Catch." I turned and caught my own water as I hurtled towards my face. Glaring at the unapologetic culprit, my annoyance went unanswered as Yang returned back to the arena and sat down on the floor a few feet away. "You know, that was less satisfying than I thought it'd be."

"What, a close combat match without Ember Celica doesn't cut it for you? Woe befall the man who gets on your bad side. Oh wait, that's me." Yang looked over dryly as I smirked in return, before nursing my cheek. "So, you got your match with me? Was beating me not up to your expectations?"

"Chatty, aren't you? Though, that seems to be the default with you…" Yang looked up towards the arena ceiling. "Maybe it was just me holding onto some lingering irritation at you that made me do this. But, if Dad likes you, and Qrow likes you, and Ruby likes you, and hell, even Raven's spoken about you…maybe you're not awful."

"That's the five-star rating I was looking for," I joked, before looking Yang in the eye. "In all seriousness though, I meant what I said months back. I really don't have any idea of where Raven is, and I definitely didn't know that she went straight years ago."

"…That's alright. I guess I was just annoyed at how free-spirited she is." Yang had the decency to look self-conscious at my flat look. "Yes, I know how that sounds coming from me. But the fact of the matter is, she was able to abandon all the ties that she'd built up for years, just like that, and then stay away for over a decade…there was a lot of work through and unpack when she came back. Even now, she travels for her 'business', and goes off the grid. So, to hear that some stranger had met her…that was annoying. Tack on that bit with the Dust robbery…point is, things have maybe been on me just as much as they have you."

"You've got the right to dislike me if you so choose. I'll be the first to admit that my sudden departure after helping Ruby out wasn't exactly gallant, and if I had the option to do it again I'd stick around. Though, I do think you'll agree with me that dealing with Goodwitch isn't exactly a walk in the park." We both shuddered. "If you have it in you though, I think that I'd like the chance to be friends with you, and just maybe, we can head out to Junior's next time without you socking me." I stood up and extended a hand down to Yang.

Yang smirked, and took the hand. "Heh, not a bad plan for someone all wrapped in doom and gloom." Pulling herself up, she grasped my hand much harder as her eyes took on the red hue again. "But I'll be clear. Abandon my sister or anyone I care about again, and I'll find you."

"First, I'm pretty sure that Ruby herself would get to me faster than you would. Noted, though." Her furious visage fell away into lightheartedness again as she sauntered off with a wave. Watching her walk off, my scroll rang with a notification, and I got dressed.

"That time again, huh?" Heading out of the academic building, I headed for one of the lesser-used buildings on the academy grounds, though the structure was no less sturdy and functional. Heading inside, I was greeted with the sight of Ozpin and Qrow. "Do Professors Goodwitch and Autumn have class at the moment?"

"Got it in one," Qrow replied, cutting off for a moment as a faint howl cut through the room. "Let's get this over with quick Oz, I don't like being in here the slightest."

"Take comfort in the precautions we have taken Qrow. The Hard-Light Dust barrier, along with other numerous security measures ensure that no creature, Grimm or otherwise can escape the building's confines."

"It's not the Grimm I'm worried about Oz. It's the 'otherwise' that you've lumped in with the Grimm."

"The thought is perhaps not a pleasant one, but such circumstances happen quite rarely. One can only hope that the need for them is outweighed by their potential utility." Ozpin's serious gaze fixed onto me. "Are you ready for today's session? Need I repeat the stipulations laid out in order to facilitate these events?"

"I've got 'em memorized, Headmaster. You and Qrow can head to wherever you need to and watch from there. I'm sure this'll be as short as the other few visits." I watched Ozpin nod, and him and Qrow walk off towards wherever the security room was. Turning, I walked down the hallway, before turning down another corridor to the right. As I passed by the various doors, faint sounds emanated past soundproof walls and the faint hum of Hard-Light Dust. Eventually, I reached the same door as usual, and placed the keycard I'd been given into the slot. With a click, the door unlocked and I walked into the room, hearing the hydraulics seal behind me. Walking forward, I placed my bag down and took a seat at a table on my side of the room, illuminated by the glow of the pale blue barrier ten feet from my position.

"Afternoon. Thought I'd pay you another visit. I'm sure we've got a lot to talk about, if you're open to it." I laid my hands on the table, and stared into the other side of the room, where a figure lounged in a chair.

"Gods, you just don't learn, do you?" Mercury's gaze went from the ceiling over towards me. "Fine, I'll bite. What's up?"

… … …

"I am unhappy, Cinder."

Salem watched as Cinder writhed before her Seer, the displeasure she was feeling being conveyed to her minion's Grimm gifts. "Despite giving you the agency to act after your ambush was a failure, you return to me with reports of defeat."

"Mistress, I would like to add-"

"About your theft of some Dust, miniscule as it was? Hmm? Watts has seen fit to inform me of your 'success', meager as it was. Which is why…" Cinder's movements stilled as the pain subsided, and Salem waited until she looked back at the Seer. "I am giving you one more chance to deliver the Maiden and Relic. However, it will be through a plan of my own, and you will be aided this time."

"Yes, Mistress…what would you have me do?"

Salem smiled. "Here is my proposal."

A/N: I was toying around with the idea of jumping right into Volume 2 as planned, but I felt that the story warranted some fluff and development to bridge any gaps. Also, it's quite an exercise in character imagination to envision and write conversations between characters, especially between pairs and groups with no history in the show. But anyways, looks like Kouzai's made it out of the woods, at least with his friends. For any adult with a modicum of authority or influence? Ha ha, yeah…this'll be interesting. Now for reviews.

Fuyuki365: Thanks for the well wishes, and rest assured that I will not be overworking, especially in the current circumstances. By the same token, a little repetition and scheduling goes a long way in keeping the monotony out.

Anzafay21: It's always good to hear that someone enjoyed the writing thus far, so thanks for that. I aim to continue bringing the story to interesting paths, and Kouzai is definitely aiming to get stronger, too.

AlexFalTon: Some forethought was required to figure out who best went against who and who made the most sense to be where, like how Adam and Roman are known quantities in these robberies, or how Tai is not letting his daughters out of his sight during a dangerous mission. Roman and Junior's alignments will definitely be causing some friction, and we'll have to see how things shake out. As for Mercury, he definitely wasn't one of Salem's lieutenants, but he was likely known to her, considering how much Cinder reported to Salem about her plans. And while he is a minion of Cinder, her prohibitively-high expectations means that whoever she approaches and acquires is damn good at what they do, like stealing or murdering.

Raidentensho: Mercury definitely won't be written off in any manner, and he'll be around, for better or worse. What results from that depends on what the characters decide to do.

Gizmo Gear: Well, asskicking is always satisfying to write. When it's Kouzai's ass getting kicked though that's a bit less satisfying, but that only makes eventual victory that much better.

P.S. The Avatar series hits Netflix on Friday, which is sure to screw around with my productivity, haha. See you all on Monday!

-SE

Next Chapter Date: 05/18/2020