So this chapter took me a while to write for multiple reasons. It didn't go the way I wanted to the first so I ended up scraping it, rewrote it, and then tried a different PoV and that didn't work. So this chapter probably had to be rewritten about 3 times before I was finally satisfied. But I think it was worth it. I try my best to make sure everything lines up in the end. I do my best to make sure you're all entertained from beginning to end. Apologies for the wait, and thanks again for the continued support.
Open Wounds
I wish I had gotten to at least say good bye to the girls before leaving, but now we were on borrowed time again as we headed from Cassiopeia to Pegasus. I explained to Seth and Dean that Pegasus was a smaller city directly south of Astros that was dedicated to military development, and of course the special training facility there for Special Ops. I mentioned that Colonel Styles was born and raised there, which was probably why he was so good at what he did. He practically grew up in the military environment since childhood.
Still neither one of them spoke to me since we had left Cassiopeia, after our spat in the hotel room. I began to grow worried that they no longer trusted me, especially since I had kept it hidden from them. Perhaps they were swallowing the fact that it was another test subject that had destroyed the small town. I tried to place my mind on a reason for all this silence, and it was very unsettling. The minutes that had gone by were agonizing, neither of them flinched, they both were just looking out towards the desert scenery.
I sighed deeply, I knew I had to get this off my chest or there was no way our training in Pegasus was going to go smoothly. I pulled the jeep over on the desert highway slowly the rush of wind dying down. The two lifted their heads looking skeptical at the same time still furious. I tried not to pay attention to the dirty looks they shot me. I just wanted to get this apology out of the way so we could move forward. I looked at the two of them sternly taking a deep breaths in hopes I didn't stammer my words. "Look Seth, Dean…" I started scratching the back of my head. This was a lot harder than I thought. I was used to having military teammates who understood the means to keep secrets or who were always into the loops. I hadn't really thought about this when I originally recruited them to be apart of my team. "I just want to apologize. I shouldn't have kept you guys out of the loop when we left the research facility. I kinda feel like an asshole for doing so."
Seth was the first to look back and forth between Dean and I, almost trying to get a read on the two of us before speaking. I was doing my best to be sincere and that I wasn't just blowing smoke, he focused on the Atlean for a good minute nodding to him before turning his attentions back towards me. I wonder what was running through his mind, with the way the two of them nodded it probably meant they were thinking the same thing. Perhaps they had a discussion of their own when I wasn't looking, probably before we left Cassiopeia. "Look, I speak for Dean and I when I say we're upset with you Roman." Of course leave Seth to be the one to speak for the two of them, I've known them at least long enough to know he'd be the one to put it politely. "But we're grateful." I froze for a moment, just to see what exactly he had meant.
Dean was the next to speak up, "Look man, what he's trying to say you saved us from being confined to a cage." Well, at least I'd let them think that for now, I tried not to show it on my face. I dare not tell them that Dean was to be deported back to Atlas, and Seth...I'd rather not even think about that. "We're just a little pissed that you didn't tell us right away. It's as Seth told me, there should be no secrets between teammates and we should be willing to speak to one another. You let this eat away at you Ro, and we're just a little concerned what else you could be holding from us. We just don't want to see you lose yourself over something you think you can't tell us."
I looked down not wanting to face them at the moment. Had they really been that concerned about me? It sounded like they talked about this for a while. I didn't know what to say at the moment, I had spent so much time being concerned for them that I didn't realize they had the same worry for me. To say I was grateful was an understatement. The mere thought of it was enough for me to have another break down, it was a new feeling for someone to have my back. I mean Lorken had covered for me multiple times, but not in this way...not since my mentor. "Guys I…" I hesitated, I couldn't muster up the words.
"Let me take the wheel, Roman...since you said this road takes us directly to Pegasus. You look like you could use some rest." said Seth, in his rare times he actually smiled. He knew how to drive? Well, if he was confident enough I wouldn't deny that I could use the rest. We all hopped out of the jeep as Seth took the wheel with Dean taking the passenger seat, I'd take the back for now spreading myself as best I could leaning on our stack of bags for comfort. I felt the rumble of the jeep start back up, and as soon as the wind kicked up again I could feel myself drifting off into a slumber. I didn't realize just how tired I was.
Although I felt myself fading in and out of sleep, I couldn't fully fall asleep. Now that Seth and Dean were fully aware of the situation in Ursa Minor, I wondered how it'd affect their training. They were fully aware that they were now military attack dogs, as I have been for most of my adult life. I peaked out from my slumber to see that the desert scenery was starting to meet suburban housing. I lifted my head giving a yawn to realize we have now arrived in Pegasus.
Still I said nothing, but still I felt like I owed them an explanation. As we approached the local area of the town and some of the military buildings coming into view I began to feel this may be the only chance I get. "Could you pull over a minute?" I asked Seth politely. He nodded to my request and pulled into a parking lot of an office building. I took a deep breath never before in my life had I felt like there was a giant weight on my shoulders than I have in the last week. I could only hope that they were willing to understand what I was going through.
"You okay, big guy?" asked Dean, turning around in the passenger seat with his arms rested on the headrest and his chin on his arms. I looked between the two of them seeing both their concerned stares. I never have been able to thank them properly for the loyalty and care they've shown me thus far. I was without a doubt eternally grateful.
"Look guys…" I started trying my best to control my breathing. This was just like the conversation I had with Seth back at my office in the research facility. I reached up to scratch the back of my head, this was harder than the last time, but here went nothing. "I owe you guys another apology. For everything…" I noticed the blank looks I was getting from both blue and brown eyes, but neither had open their mouths to interject so I guess I should just continue. "I'm sorry that everything that's happened since this whole project began was forced. The agony and the pain you've endured, and all the secrets I kept locked away from you guys. I wasn't sure how to handle it all myself. I kept it from you because I didn't want you guys to worry about me, I wanted you to focus on your own comfort."
Dean was the first to speak up and cut me off before I could continue. He first responded with a mocking laugh. He reached over and lightly tapped his knuckles on my forehead, his actions receiving a bewildered looked from both Seth and I. "Yeah, hi...medic here, in case you've forgotten. Caring for people is kinda my thing." he said voice full of sarcasm but playfulness. "Seth and I talked about this back at the hotel, while you were sulking in the rain." He turned to the youngest to give him the floor, he probably trusted the two-toned man to put it into better words than him.
"Roman…" he started softly collecting his words. "You and Dean both know what I used to be, what I did before coming here to the Celestial Providence. I know that we all have our secrets, and why we keep them. But you must understand, from our point of view. By holding it in for so long, you not only wavered our trust, but I feel like you make us out to be completely non-understanding. Dean and I may not know the inner workings of the military, but it's like you said, we were forced into it now." His melancholy demeanor turned into a soft smile, chocolate eyes beaming with forgiveness. "We forgive you Roman, just no more secrets. We're in this together."
The care and support that these two had for me, was almost enough to make me break down again. I've hadn't had support like this since Lorken when we got out of basic. I truly picked up a couple of remarkable young men. It was clear to me now than ever before that they really did understand what it was I was going through, and that they wanted to see this through more than anyone. The world was ready to label us as dangerous and uncontrollable. But they were ready to fight back, all this worrying over their training was nothing.
We rearranged seating once more, with me back in the driver's seat and Seth taking the back. We'd set off once more to reach the training facility. It hadn't occurred to me yet if the station's commander knew about that we were test subjects of Project: Taladen, and if he did how was he and the other soldiers going to react. I could only hope this wasn't going to be a rocky start for Seth and Dean's military careers.
I took a longer way around to get to the main station, just so I could show the two of them around Pegasus. The town had three parts to it, the suburban area where soldiers and their families lived, the local area, and of course all the military facilities. We were headed for the facility on the far north of town, away from all amenities. For next few months that training facility would be our home, where we were going to learn how to make our team whole.
"Do I gotta wear this monkey suit?" asked Dean snapping me out of my thoughts. It was amazing how nicely they both cleaned up. The Atlean had his brown locks comed back slicked with gel, and his face cleanly shaven. He mumbled some obscenities to himself as he fumbled with getting the short sleeved white dress shirt on. Never had I seen him wearing something else other than jeans or athletic shorts, an interesting sight to see to say the least. Freshly pressed dark green slacks, and even black dress shoes finely polished, he continued to grumble as he tucked the shirt in his slacks before messing with getting the dark green belt on.
I looked over at Seth who was quietly (thankfully) finishing putting his uniform on. He straightened out his black tie before reaching over for his matching dark green blazer, and smoothing getting any loose pieces of lint off before slipping it on. The jacket too was nearly pressed with the Alliance's symbol sewed into it's shoulders. Three towers, representing Astros, Odin, and Luna the respective capitals of the provinces, with a globe behind it, around that was a thin black strip with the words Falishian Alliance written in white. That was the same symbol plastered on anything that belonged to the Alliance, and seeing both of them now wearing the same uniform I had worn for years gave me an uneasy feeling.
Seth gave a small chuckle as Dean once again grumbling, as he struggled to get a tie on. As I was slipping on my own blazer, I watched the two-toned man walk over helping the middle man with his problem. I found the sight slightly amusing as he helped Dean with his tie, normally it'd be the older helping the younger but something told me the Atlean probably never thought he'd ever have to wear something like a dress suit.
There was a knock at the door catching our attentions, "Reigns, a minute if you please." called a voice from the other side. I knew the voice from anywhere it was the station's commander. I looked at the two giving them a small nod, so that they could carry on with what they were doing. I opened the door and stepped out to meet with the man. Much like Lorken, I too had history with this man. He was also another mentored by Colonel Styles. He kept his hair to a buzz and his goatee finely trimmed with hints of gray in there. We greeted one another with a traditional salute before going down to business. "Reigns."
"Orton." He seemed a bit tense greeting me the way he was. The talk I had just before we arrived at the dorm, was probably still fresh in his mind. He didn't seem to mind that the three of us had come from the Astros research facility, but I didn't blame him for having his doubts. He was well aware of the situation in Ursa Minor, and I reassured him that Dean and Seth were fine. He trusted my judgement for the most part, but I'm sure he didn't come to repeat a conversation we already had.
"You know, there were many recruits who'd kill to be apart of your squadron, many of which that have prestigious careers. Top of their classes, proficient in firearms, good soldiers all of them. What happened in that research facility, that made you choose two complete strangers?" I gave a steadied sigh. I was pretty sure that wasn't going to be the first and the last time I was going to be asked that question. The mere thought at knowing I was going to be asked that question again and again was enough to get my temper to unwind a bit, I let loose another sigh trying to keep it in check.
"First of all…" I started putting a little fervor in my voice. "How I chose and why I chose my squadron is no one's business but my own and my team's, and second...it's not my team everyone would kill to be a part of, you mistake me for Colonel Styles." Not wanting to explain myself any further I turned towards the door to collect Seth and Dean before a hand reached out to my shoulder. Of course Orton wasn't just gonna leave it to that.
"Yes they would, Roman. Why do you cling to this false hope?" All this interrogation was making it harder and harder to control my temper. I simply raised an eyebrow at him just wondering what he was trying to tell me right now. He knew the subject of my mentor was a sensitive subject, and yet he had my curious on what he had to say. "It's been five years, and both of us had been searching."
"You don't know a thing!" I damn near yelled at him. If he came here to push buttons, then he certainly was succeeding. "A body was never found, Randy. He's out there." Was it false hope? Randy wasn't there at the time of the incident, but he did have a point. Colonel Styles had been missing for five years. My jaw tightened in thought, it took a lot of my willpower to not just start screaming...at anything. Colonel Orton had seen right through my guise, and to cling something as so hapless as the thought of my mentor being alive made me look childish.
I felt the hand on my shoulder slowly pull away. "Just a piece of advice then Lieutenant Colonel: don't lose sight of what you have now, because of what you had in the past. I've seen their files, and I think you can mentor Rollins and Ambrose into fine soldiers." He finally turned to walk away leaving me to my thoughts. I sighed in frustration running a hand through my hair before entering the dorm I shared with my team.
I walked back in finding myself having a bit of a stare down with the younger two. "Well he seems charming." said Dean voice full of sarcasm. There was no doubt in my mind he was listening to the whole conversation, and not by choice. "Also when did you plan to tell us that you were hoping that we would help you find your missing mentor?"
"Dean! I hardly think this is the time!" outburst Seth shock plastered on his face. He probably hadn't expected the Atlean to call me out so soon. "Please," he practically begged Dean to back down, staring down at him sternly with those large chocolate orbs. Dean gave a huff in response instead just holding out his arm to Seth. He gave a small smile knowing he'd triumphed for now. But that's not to say I understood where he was coming from. Everything was happening so fast.
I watched as Seth helped Dean with the last part of his uniform, a cord that went over his shoulder that was white with red trimming signifying his position as a medical personnel. He stood up from his bed straightening out his blazer. He looked at me with apologetic eyes, "Look Ro...I'm sorry alright. I just want this team to work. I have my own mentor I'm trying to make proud." He patted me on the shoulder before walking past me heading out the door, Seth wasn't too far behind him.
The Special Ops training facility greatly differed from the research facility. For starters instead of the dorm being one big building, they were a series of smaller dark brown colored buildings, in sets of three, with usually three soldiers assigned to each. They tried to keep teammates roomed together as we were training to be able to place our lives within one another's hands.
I carefully walked behind Dean and Seth as they spoke about practically anything that came to mind. It felt weird that I was the one who was being silent and the youngest was being overly outgoing at the moment. My mind was stuck on how to get through today's courses, I was unsure who knew we came from the research station and how many of those knew what was going on in Ursa Minor. As I became more immersed in my thoughts I suddenly felt myself bump into Dean lightly who was suddenly stopped in his tracks. I looked up to see once more that determined look on the Atlean's face as he suddenly raced off.
This scene looked too familiar, it was just like back in Astros when we stopped the getaway van. Dean frozen in place, before suddenly acting on impulse. I wonder what had him rattled, both Seth and I had sprinted after him. My eyes widened at the sight that we were fastly approaching the armory, just what had the Atlean seen or heard that would cause him to run in this direction.
"Get down!" he screamed as I watched him tackle Orton of all people down to the ground. The Colonel didn't look too happy, for Dean's sudden actions. But I suddenly saw him turn towards us, "Roman! Seth!" He screamed at us throwing his hand up and motioning for us to back off. Suddenly understanding his queue I quickly grabbed Seth, picking up the smaller man by his waist and threw him around the corner of the nearest building. Things seemed to move slower and suddenly with no warning I heard an explosion go off.
Seth crouched down blocking the top of his head, with me kneeling over him hoping to block anything that might come hurling towards us. I watched in horror as some shards of debris shot past us, and suddenly occurred to me that both Dean and Randy had been awfully close to that explosion. What did he hear that the rest of us didn't even notice? As the dust died down I noticed other soldiers running to the scene of the explosion. I helped Seth up off the ground with the two of us bolting from around the corner we were. We needed to see if Dean and the Colonel were okay.
I looked in horror as melted shards of metal were scattered everywhere, soldiers and trainees were putting forth their efforts to clear the fire. What caused the explosion? There were always guards posted constantly, watching over the armory so for someone to just sneak in and cause a malfunction seemed impossible. Seth and I pushed past some of the trainees who were just standing idly by scared of what had just happened. When we finally pushed past the small crowd my heart sank in relief.
Dean and the Colonel were sitting ways away from the wreckage, unharmed for the most part. The Atlean had a large cut running across his cheek running blood down the side of his face and drying up as the trail reached his neck. His uniform was a bit ruined, but it was worth it to see that him and Randy were safe. Colonel Orton looked as if he had only suffered with several cuts on his arms, and Dean was carefully kneeling in front of him as he wrapped up his elbow in medical tape.
I watched the Atlean carefully, I never seen his skills up front when it came to his practice. He was wrapping the Colonel's arm slowly, but I could tell that he was being very careful in everything he did. When he was finally done wrapping Randy's arm the two of them got up sharing a handshake before the Colonel was escorted off by other personnel towards the infirmary.
Seth and I ran up to Dean who was shedding his blazer, tie, and dress shirt and wiping the sweat away from his brows. I was still in shock at the sudden display of bravery from him and once more his abilities finding it way to save more lives. He hadn't bothered to look at us as his eyes displayed absolute horror just sitting on a nearby crate watching the soldiers take care of the destruction. It looked like no one else was harmed, so why was Dean so terrified? "I need to be alone." he finally spoke up. He stood from his spot walking past Seth and I heading back towards the dorm.
"Dean wait-" cried out Seth as he tried to reach for Dean. I quickly grabbed him by his arm pulling him back shaking my head. This was one of those times where we needed to let the Atlean sort himself out. They were kind enough to give me space back in Cassiopeia and I think giving him the same service would do us all some good. Helping out with the clean up from the wreckage was more important. Once Dean was calm, we'd talk to him eventually. The two-toned man said nothing further just nodding for now, for once not pushing it. I too was worried about Dean but the efforts were more important right now.
Seth and I turned towards the wreckage, still surrounded by smoldering scraps of metal. I turned to give a nearby soldier about grabbing some supplies for the clean up, he nodded and ran off. While I was distracted I hadn't noticed that Seth was stopped dead in his tracks brows furrowed. He glanced over at two trainees talking, I was too far to hear what they were talking about but it looked like the former assassin was focused on what they had to say. The last thing we needed was more trouble, "Hey Seth!" I called out to him as he snapped out of what ever trance he was in. He shouted back to me as he came running over. "Everything okay?" I asked him as he finally caught up with me.
"We'll talk about this in the dorm." he said to me taking one more glance back at the two soldiers. Something was off, and Seth knew it.
The efforts to clean up the wreckage, carried on well into the evening. Due to the events all courses and training had been canceled. It was probably for the best, but I couldn't help but wonder what was going through both Seth and Dean's minds. Neither myself or the youngest spoke of the incident today, and the walk back across the grounds back towards the dorms was rather silent. Seth looked lost in thought the whole way back.
Once we reentered our dorm our eyes fell on Dean, who didn't look well at all. He was on his bed in nothing but a pair of shorts back against the headboard of his bed and one knee curled up to his chest with his forehead resting on it. He didn't bother to even look at us, and the only movement that came from him was his back moving up and down in time with his breathing. For Dean to look defeated the way he did, the incident had to have had him spooked about something. Seth sat down on his bed beginning to shed himself of his own uniform, sighing from exhaustion. This wasn't how today was supposed to go.
"It was just like the university," spoke up Dean finally giving us his attentions. He looked like he was choking on some more words, unable to speak. His leg curled more into his chest, he to had been thinking a lot in his time alone. I felt terrible to think that this incident may have opened wounds that were still healing.
"What happened in Atlas?" asked Seth, curiously eyes full of concern being ever caring since our team came together. Just like earlier I hardly thought this was the time, but Seth always seemed the type to get answers when he wanted them.
"I don't want to talk-"
"What happened in Atlas, Dean!?" shouted Seth cutting him off. Once more the former assassin showing that side of him that demanded answers, and although it was a painful memory for the Atlean it just seemed that he wasn't willing to let this go. Why did he need to know what happened? It was bad enough that it rendered the normally energetic man into this emotional state. "Look Dean, I don't want you to have to shoulder this alone, I'd never ask someone to relive painful memories but I also have a feeling that you might be able to provide an answer about today's incident. Please, I need to know. I promise not to ask again after, I just don't want to see you crumble from this."
Dean's leg slowly uncurled from his chest looking up a bit, but still refusing to give Seth and I any eye contact. He stared blankly at the wall, his eyes red from unshed tears. He breathed deeply, "You promise?" Seth only responded with a slow nod. "Roman?" I understood his attentions to me, he too didn't want me asking about it either. I also gave a nod of my head in response. It was only right, and maybe by him opening up to us, there'd be a time where I could open up to these two about the incident in the Leviathan Providence.
"There was an attack at the university, that day...the day the good doctor was ripped from me. A timed explosion, where several were collected. This was a deliberate attack to get that Colonel out of the way, just like that day." He pounded the wall behind him looking seething, it was just like when we were back at the hotel. That sudden burst of anger looking like he wanted to break something.
"I was thinking the same, but Colonel Orton was lucky that you were around Dean. Your ability saved lives again." said Seth trying to give Dean that moment of revelation, and he wasn't wrong. Seth sat from his bed walking over and sitting on the edge of Dean's. He gave a gentle pat to the Atlean's leg, it was just like when we were in Seth's dorm at after the incident in Astros. The middle man finally, turn his attentions to Seth cracking a small smile. It was completely astonishing just how much care they had for one another. I wasn't going to deny it was a beautiful sight and the step in the right direction for this team to work.
I finally sat down on my bed also beginning to remove my uniform carefully hanging up every piece just watching the two and their silent conversation. It seemed like Seth had more to say but kept it to himself, I figured it might have to do when he suddenly stopped to observe the two soldiers. It seemed like Dean hadn't noticed yet so I'd leave that thought to the side for now.
I couldn't help but be skeptical about what Dean had said about the attack on the university. I was trying to wrap my mind around if this attack and Dean's story had some sort of connection. Would be another piece of the puzzle on how they found out about the Atlean's apprenticeship under the late Doctor Ambrose. If this was a deliberate attack against Orton, why and how did they get that explosion to go off in the armory. Something didn't feel right, something wasn't right at all.
"Dean." I spoke up grabbing his attentions. "How did you know about the malfunction?" I couldn't help be curious about the attack. As Seth pointed out the way he had to see it before anyone was because of his abilities, but I felt like there had to be more to it. I wouldn't push him into detail, never knowing who was listening in.
The Atlean turned towards me swinging his long legs over the side of his bed. He scoffed rolling his eyes some. "You really think it was a malfunction?" He got up off his own bed moving to sit on Seth's which was closer to mine, with the two-toned man moving to sit closer as well. Perhaps he was also aware of who could be listening. "This was a sabotage. Sadly, I didn't get a good look at who was running away from the armory when I heard something go off, I was busy trying to make sure the Colonel didn't die. When I saw the two taking off was when I started running, and then I heard something go off in the armory. The only thing I know, is that someone wanted Colonel Orton dead."
Dean sat there silent for a moment, before pointing to the door. On queue there was someone knocking, for now it was time to stop talking about it. Seth stood up to be the one to answer the door. When he opened it, he was met with the station commander once more. "Colonel Orton." he greeted him politely.
I watched the older man hand out a box to Seth. "From Lorken, addressed to you Rollins." he looked over the smaller man's shoulder eyeing Dean. "I was also hoping to get a chance to talk to Ambrose." I watched Dean stand up with a sigh as Seth opened the door more. The Atlean walked over to the door but not without first with me getting a good look at the Colonel. He was pretty banged up with the arm that Dean had bandaged up in a sling and his other arm had gauze and tape where all his cuts and scrapes were. Randy was no AJ Styles, but it was still rare to see him in the state that he was in. He stuck his good arm out to Dean who met him at the door. "Thanks Dean, for saving my life."
I watched Dean stiffen a little at first, confusing myself, Seth, and Orton. He probably wasn't used to being thanked for his services before, it seemed like it might have been a new feeling for him. He returned by taking his hand and gently shaking it back cracking one of his charismatic grins. "Saving lives is what I do, I am a medic after all. Sorry for getting the monkey suit ruined." he ended with a light chuckle. Dean and Randy had a light conversation about the Atlean's medical studies before taking off to his own devices.
Now we all turned towards our attentions to the box that was delivered to the youngest. I looked at the side looking that it had been sent from research station specifically addressed to Seth Rollins from Lorken. I watched as Seth pulled his knife from his bag and dug it into the top of the box to open it. His brows furrowed in bewilderment. Dean and I walked over to see what was in the box as well, we were both equally confused. It was all black tactical gear that all looked like it was custom made for someone Seth's size. He reached in pulling out a small note addressed to him. He looked even more confused than he did before quickly handing the note to Dean.
Dean looked it over giving a small laugh, probably mocking Seth a little for not understanding what was on the note. Now I was really confused as he handed the note over to me. I began looking it over as it was Desmond explaining what it was he had sent to Seth. It was more experimental wear designed just for him. The fibers of each piece strung with the same experimental film that had been implanted into the former assassin. "This gear disappears when you do." I explained to Seth, giving him the most basic of explanations I could. "Lorken is determined to give us any edge we need. I wonder how long he had this planned."
"Looks like Lorken isn't a bad guy after all," said Dean walking back over to his bed and laying down with his hands tucked behind his head. I couldn't help but smile at his comment, he really wasn't he pulled so much to get us here.
"You made him a promise didn't you, Roman?" asked Seth who moved the box of gear from his bed to the floor placidly getting under the covers.
I stood from my spot to walk over and turn off the light before settling into my own bed, with the sounds of rustling filling the room as Dean and I settled in. "I did, and I think this is a sign that he believes in us, lets not forget to believe in ourselves as well."
The ending to this was a bit winged, like I said this didn't go in the direction I had originally planned this chapter to be. But this small hiccup isn't going to effect the rest of the episode I assure you, it's still right on track with the others. Writing from Roman's PoV (I don't know why) has been proving to be a tad bit difficult for me, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like a challenge. I'm learning a lot with each chapter I write, and trying to improve with each one.
~CrisisExceed