AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH, I am so sorry! I was like "oooh let's just post every two weeks" and then I just disappear for so long. I am so, so, SO sorry. I kinda forgot to calculate my finals into the process. So it was a load of learning, but then it didn't work out, and I was sad, and now I just realized the mistake I made. So, I will attempt to make it up to you. How I will not tell you yet, but I will!

Enjoy the next chapter!

After lunch had passed, Touko was brought outside to practice her walking again. It had been a while since she tried, so she fell for quite a bit. Her new undergarments made it all the worse.

"Go on Touko, you've nearly walked a full ten feet! This is going great!" Nathan encouraged her, walking with her to catch her when nessecary.

"T-this is harder than i-it looks!" Touko hissed as she waddled on.

Touko's legs were clearly strengthening, as she was getting better every time. It was weird though. Normally legs would be way faster to recover. The thought of this suddenly struck her, and in result she fell over. Gladly, Nathan was quick to catch her.

"So? Wanna try again, or are you done?" The Blazicken asked as he held her up

"eh…. I think I'm done for now Nathan…" Touko spoke.

With this, Nathan picked her up and placed her in a garden chair. Touko thought for a little, but decided asking would be the best in this case.

"hey…. Nathan? My legs have been taking a very long time to recover…. I mean, way longer than normally… is… is there a reason to that?" Touko asked, putting the question bluntly.

Nathan paused for a little. He was surprised by the question. Not as if he didn't expect it to come of course, but he was surprised she put it so bluntly.

"Well… Look Touko… You have been placed mostly in my care, because you were expected to be a hard nut to crack… and you are. The doctor decided that if you'd have to depend on us, it'd help you bond faster… so… he injected your legs with a sedative, to make them weaker for a while. Your legs are fine, it's just the sedative now… But before you lash out at me, please think first. If you wouldn't have been incapacitated, where would you be now? Somewhere out in the wild again? Running from everyone? I agreed to this, because I wanted you safe. And if that meant making you hate me, so be it." Nathan said, clearly not liking to have to come out for this.

Touko felt this flood of anger filling her. But for some reason, she understood Nathan's choice. If he didn't do this, she WOULD have been out and alone… She'd start all over. Maybe he WAS right… But despite this, she still felt angry. The battle inside of her was re-heated.

"Touko? Are… you all right?" Nathan asked, a tone of worry in his voice.

"Nathan. I want you to get my legs fixed…" Touko whispered. In her anger she couldn't think of an answer that wouldn't hurt Nathan, as he seemed to have good intentions.

Nathan sighed. He knew this would fall hard on the girl, especially with the entire sequence of painful battles she had within her.

"If that is what you want, I will call up the doctor. He should have the antidote ready. But please Touko, understand this. I did this, because I wanted you safe. Because I knew that Cath would have a negative impact on you at first. It was my choice. Cathrynn doesn't even know this. This is just another reason she got so stressed… she was afraid it was her fault your legs weren't healing." Nathan explained.

With this Nathan got up. He hugged Touko tightly.

"I love you Touko. I just want what's best for you" he said, setting her down and heading inside.

Touko was left there to her thoughts. This made a lot of sense suddenly. Her mind was racing with a million theories, and a million solutions. She could finally do what she wanted, when her legs were fixed. She could even… No. Why would she escape. Escape from what? To what? What would her goal be…. To just be a floating name… inspiring kids to hide in bushes…. No. She had to become a symbol of strength for people. To show them to be strong, even in this crazy world. Touko sighed. The anger had subsided for now.

Nathan eventually came back, and nodded.

"I had a word with the doctor. He is coming over to fix you. But I do think that before that, we should get some rules set up. Just to clarify, yes, you are allowed to go out on your own. I will not keep you trapped her. You can even wear some normal clothes for that. I know it means a lot to you to inspire people, so I won't take that from you. We have our deal of you half infant life here, and we can keep that up. So, you can be a big girl outside, and for the most part here. Is that okay?" Nathan explained, looking at Touko

Touko thought for a little. It all seemed fair, and more than inviting. Nathan was clearly a lot more than she thought. He had this all sorted out…

"Deal. I think that would be fine" Touko said, offering a hand.

"Thanks firecracker" Nathan said, shaking her hand and picking her up.

"wait, firecracker?" Touko chuckled and looked at him.

"You remind me of one" Nathan answered with a chuckle as well.

They headed inside, where they awaited the doctor.

A new chapter, finally. We can all lower our pitchforks. BUT, lots of plotty bits here, oh my. Tell me your thoughts as usual guys, I love the support.

-Galghutt out!