Chapter 12
The Wolf That Does Not Howl.
Aang was deep in thought as Tikaani was carried into the hospital. The boy was to stay until he recovered enough to be taken back on the ship. Toph tagged along with the guards and physicians, following them into the hospital.
"Tikaani doesn't like places he doesn't know or was warned about. Someone's gotta reassure him when he wakes up." was Toph's excuse while the others headed to the tea house to trade notes and prepare for what was next. Aang didn't seem to respond to Katara's affectionate touches or his name as he mulled over the encounter with the wild spirit Amaguq. He came to the conclusion that benevolence, like wickedness, was objective when it came to deities. What Amaguq did was just in its own mind, and not to be judged by mortals. Aang also thought over what to do with Tikaani now that Aningan had paid his retribution as well as what had happened to his missing brother.
"Aang, snap out of it! You've been brooding all night. We need some sleep before morning." Katara said, touching his face and jerking him out of his thoughts. Aang got up from his seat and wrapped his arms around Katara, pulling her into a hug.
"Wh-what? Why?" she said, startled by the random affection. Aang just held her, kissing her neck lightly.
"I just want to be reminded." He replied, his voice soft and gentle. Katara returned the embrace and kissed him, reminded of how much they loved and needed each other.
"C'mon, we need some sleep so we can visit Tikaani tomorrow. I'm sure he wants to see you tomorrow." Aang smiled gently and followed Katara into bed. He couldn't guarantee sleep, however, as he laid beside Katara, his mind replaying the events of the day.
Zuko watched the horizon has he sat on the roof of the tea house with Ursa and Iroh beside him, engaged in discussion.
"I don't want to admit it, but I felt kind of bad for Aningan. I think, deep down, he wanted his father to affirm him, but he never got that. So, in some sense, he's a lot like Azula who just broke down. Not that it's any excuse at all, but it gives it gives us a decent reason for why he was so messed up," said Zuko.
Iroh seemed thoughtful, but Ursa looked at the eastern sky, the wind playing with her long hair.
"Your sympathy will make you a good leader, Zuko. I approve of your seeking to empathize. Your father, like Aningan, had no empathy. You, however, can connect to anyone."
Zuko looked at his mother and smiled gently.
"That is high praise coming from you, mother. Do you want to return to the Fire Nation? I can repeal your banishment." Ursa shook her head and wrapped an arm around Zuko, pressing a kiss to his head.
"I appreciate it, love, but I am happy here in Ba Sing Se with your uncle. I will, however, try to visit. Besides, if you and Mai are to wed, I want to see my grandbabies!" She said getting a chuckle from Iroh.
"Yes, I want grandbabies too! You and Mai should get a move on!" Iroh prodded, eliciting a groan from Zuko. He had half-smiled and shook his head.
"You two are horrid." He said, laughing. He suddenly thought of Tikaani, and his expression changed. He looked at Iroh and Ursa.
"Zuko? Do you have something on your mind?" Iroh asked as Zuko tilted his head to the stars above.
"Tikaani. I was thinking about him."
Ursa squeezed Zuko's
shoulder. Iroh tried to read Zuko's face, was he worried about Tikanni?
"He will be fine, dear. He is a strong child, he will recover."
Zuko shook his head and got up from sitting. He stood near the edge, his eyes searching.
"No. I know Tikaani will recover, the Water Tribe can adapt well, it's just...Tikaani has no family to go back to. His aunt cannot take care of him anymore and no one wants to adopt him. I understand the loneliness of having your family forsake you. I don't want him to be thrown in to the care of the government. They can't adequately care for people like him." He turned back to the other two, "Uncle, I have a favor to ask of you and the White Lotus..."
Sokka walked the sterile halls of the hospital as he tried to find Tikaani's room. After asking two nurses and a physician, Sokka found the room tucked in a quiet corner of the hospital. Toph was asleep, snoring in a chair next to Tikaani's bed.
"Hey, Toph?" Sokka whispered as he entered the room. Immediately, Toph woke up and got into a stance. Sokka threw up his arms.
"Whoa! Hey! It's just me! Came to see how he's doing." Sokka said defensively. Toph dropped her guard and sat down.
"His heart rate is stable, as is his pulse and breathing. He'll wake up soon." Toph said, not sounding hopeful. Sokka sighed and put a stuffed polar bear-dog beside Tikaani as he took another chair and sat beside Toph.
"Why so upset?" He asked as Toph focused on the wall in front of her. She had a lot on her mind including Tikaani's future and her anger at the men that had tortured him.
"A lot of crud really. I don't know what Tikaani will be like when he wakes up. He might be completely non-verbal. He might totally regress, and it's all those assholes fault. I know Aang doesn't like revenge and shit, but if Itigiaq shows his face I am going to completely disfigure him."
Sokka didn't like the seriousness in her voice, but he couldn't blame her. He wanted to do the same thing. Sokka placed his hands over his head and sighed.
"Maybe my dad could take him in. Gran-Gran and Pakku could raise him, too."
Toph laughed, hollow-sounding, her eyes still boring into the wall.
"People are not that compassionate. Your father won't have the patience."
Sokka looked upset at that cynical remark, his face creased into frown.
"Stop being so damn bitter! You don't know my dad. He'd be happy to take care of Tikaani, and Bato too." Toph didn't respond, she just stared into the wall.
"I know I'm bitter, but I'm also realistic: Pakku and Gran-Gran don't have the energy, and Hakoda doesn't have the wisdom or the experience to deal with Tikaani's meltdowns and overloads. I wish I could take him with me. I could be the advocate that he needs, but I don't want to advocate for him. I want Tikaani to speak for himself and to be heard."
Sokka agreed and rested an arm around her shoulder.
"We can help him. When he loses his voice and feels that words do nothing. We can help him find another way to get his point across. Maybe...the solution for Tikaani is for him choose his own caretakers and helpers. For him to learn to make his own rules and to have some independence without anyone trying override his decisions."
Toph smiled, thinking how wonderful it would be if Tikaani didn't have caretakers and protectors, but staff and advisers, people that could assist Tikaani but in the way that he wanted to be assisted. Tikaani was the happiest when he felt that he had some form of control. Toph felt some tears fall from her eyes as she remembered the sound of Tikaani's whooping and laughter as he drummed in the Fire Nation city, or when he had a chance to make choices.
"Yeah. That would be awesome." She said, grinning, but her grin disappeared as she sat up. Sokka was also alert, his eyes on Tikaani as moaned and his eyelids fluttered. Then he went still.
"For a moment I thought he was going to wake up...I wonder if he can hear us, Toph?"
I feel cut off from everyone. Separated from my body. But I don't mind it at all. I have freedom. This place...is not fully in my mind, but somewhere between awake and sleep. I like that time, when you are not lucid but not dreaming either. I feel like someone wanted to talk to me.
Tikaani had been in the place before, several times as child when was having night terrors. But this time, Tikaani wasn't afraid as he stood in the place of dark-nothing. He it was familiar, like the primordial memories of being hidden and safe. He frowned as a figure crouched in front of him. Tikaani bowed to the large and forbidding being. He knew who this creature was, but he wasn't too happy to see him in his 'between-place'. The figure stood up, he was both monstrous and glorious at the same time. With the head, legs, and tail of a wolf and the torso of a man, Amaguq was a god that not many of his people would call upon. He was the trickster god. He was dangerously wonderful and hideously beautiful.
"Amaguq! Why did you call me?" Tikaani demanded, having the freedom and the ability to communicate for the first time. He still, however, in this dreamtime, rocked and flapped his hands. It wasn't hindering him, but making me feel more comfortable. Amaguq smiled toothily, his teeth like polished ivory daggers. His fur was as black the moonless sky and his eyes were gold like the dying sun. He scratched his chest with his huge hands and laughed, sounding like cracking thunder.
"You called me, little cub. You prayed to Yue, now La, and out of pity she sent me. Why are you angry at me? It was the Avatar who interrupted you."
Tikaani frowned and crossed his arms, his head tilted with an appraising glare.
"I wanted to protect Aang like he was protecting me. I didn't want to kill Aningan, that was your desire, not mine." Amaguq laughed, his voice echoing around Tikaani, his eyes alight.
"Little Shaman, you must know that my desire is yours too. I saw the depth of your heart. I know how much you hate yourself and want to be cured of your affliction."
Tikaani looked down at the emptiness below and felt ashamed. Deep in his heart he had wanted Aningan to die and he did hate himself. He looked up at the wolf god, no longer ashamed. As he gazed into the golden eyes, something proud awoke inside Tikaani, and, with courage, he said to Amaguq:
"I did hate myself. I wanted to die. I wanted to be rid of myself and no longer be a burden. I never could communicate it, but Aang and Toph showed me that I could still be happy as I am. I still have a purpose and place in this world, and I have to fight for it. I am not going to let self-pity bind me and eat me alive. I am going to be strong and serve my tribe, disabled or not."
Amaguq eyes burning into Tikaani's, leaned forward, his massive hands touching the boy's cheek. He licked his lips and leaned back, chuckling.
"Such a bold heart. Looks like you found your howl, little cub. I am proud of that. You will be a fine Shaman when you are grown. You have a brave heart and fear no danger. When you are anointed as a Shaman, will you serve me?
Tikaani didn't know how to answer at first, but he smiled that same as when he bit his harassers.
"When I become a shaman, I will gladly accept you as my patron. I will show them that even silent wolves can still howl." At that, he and Amaguq laughed together. Tikaani turned around and headed back, ready to awake. "I will see you again, Amaguq." He said, disappearing, the rumble of the god's laughter fading behind him.
Toph awoke from her nap as Tikaani moaned again, loudly this time, followed by a loud whine as Tikaani shifted under his blankets. He sat up, looking around his room, rubbing his face as the sun crept into his window. He blinked and felt a shot of fear hit him. He had no idea where he was. If he had been a typical person, he would have asked where he was, but instead, being Tikaani, he let out a long moan that turned into a shriek.
Sokka ran into the room as Tikaani tried to get out of the bed, only to fall out and on to his side which made him go from shriek of 'what-the-fuck' to the whine of 'ow-that-stings'. He scrambled to get onto his hands and knees as Sokka tried to get him back into bed.
"You're in a hospital Tikaani, you're hurt. Bad. The doctors and Katara made you better, but you're tired and you need to go back to bed." Sokka said, helping him stand. But Tikaani had other thoughts, like wanting to eat and probably pee. Toph stood up and replaced Sokka as Tikaani's support. Tikaani started chewing on his wrist as he tried to process where the hell he was.
"What do you need, Tikaani?" asked Toph frankly. Tikaani hummed and then pointed to the partition.
"I gotta gooooo." He whined, motioning to the basin behind the partition. Sokka offered to help him get there without falling over, but Tikaani lifted himself off of Toph and used a wall to hobble over by himself, determined to not let Sokka or Toph help him without his permission. Toph had a big grin on her face, but Sokka was confused.
"Wow...I guess he doesn't want our help." Toph couldn't be more proud of that.
"Spunky's got his spunk back!" She declared, her milky eyes bright. Sokka had to agree with that. Tikaani's body may have been broken, but his spirit certainly wasn't.
One day became five as Tikaani recuperated in the hospital. During his stay, many things happened: First, Tulok packed his things and headed to the North Pole to rule as chief of the Northern Water Tribe. Aang hoped that Tulok will serve his tribe well. Second, Suki came to Ba Sing Se after reading a long letter from Sokka of the events. Sokka, of course, was thrilled to see her. Third, the hunt for Itigiaq continued, but, unfortunately, made little progress. Lastly, of course, was the fate of Tikaan, who would be thrown into the mouth of state and would most likely be institutionalized. Aang, however, wasn't going to let that happened.
Tikaani also was improving, not remarkably fast, but still he was making strides. First thing that Aang noticed while visiting Tikaani, was that Tikaani was silent. He didn't make hums, clicks or whistles, or even words. He just rocked and flapped his hands. The nurses were bothered by it, but every time someone tried to mention how weird it was, they got the stink-eye from Toph, who wasn't going to tolerate their careless remarks.
Aang was worried that this was result of his abuse with Aningan. However, his fears were assuaged when Toph told him that he did talk, but only with her. This surprised Aang; why did he talk only with Toph? He walked in with that question in mind as Tikaani was rocking back and forth, eyes fixated on the window. His hands were still for once as he noticed Aang coming in with a bag of ginger candy and plush raven that Ursa had made for him.
"Hey Tikaani, I got some presents for you," he announced as Tikaani seemed preoccupied in his own universe. Aang left the gifts on his bedside table and took a seat next to him. He took one of Tikaani's hands and squeezed it, disengaging the boy from his thoughts.
"Tikaani," he said gently. Tikaani blinked and suddenly turned and gave Aang a hug. Aang laughed and returned the affection. "Feeling friendly today, I see."
He handed Tikaani the raven and a piece of candy.
"Look, gifts."
Tikaani ate the candy and pressed the raven against his face. Aang hoped that the gifts would encourage Tikaani to babble to himself, but they just made him grin a bit before putting the raven next to him. He hugged Aang again to say thank you and then rolled over. Aang sighed and hoped that, despite Tikaani not facing him, he was still listening.
"Why aren't you making conversation? You were always eager to talk." Aang asked Tikaani, who was silent. Aang waited to see if Tikaani was taking his time in responding to him, but he got no response. Aang grew irritated and asked him another question:
"Why are you only talking to Toph? I thought we were friends."
Tikaani was again silent. Aang got up from his seat and headed out the door, not bothering to say goodbye. Toph replaced Aang shortly after and sat at the foot of Tikaani's bed.
"So, do you want to talk to Aang at all?"
Tikaani was quiet and then responded slowly.
"No. I hate talking. I don't like it. I talk to you. You can't see so I have to use words. For fairness." Toph chuckled and laid beside him, her arms gently around his chest.
"Yeah, you gotta be fair. Still, you should talk so people can help you and stuff, Spunky." And there was crux of the matter. Tikaani's response was blunt and simple:
"I don't want help. I want to be myself. I hate words."
Aang overheard this and realized that forcing Tikaani to talk wouldn't be right. He had talked previously because he wanted to be understood. Now, he wanted to be understood, but on his own terms. Aang admired that, for some reason. Until Tikaani was comfortable enough, he was going to find another way for Tikaani to talk.
Later, Aang told Suki about Tikaani's refusal to speak to anyone but Toph, and she told Sokka, which then sparked an idea.
"I don't see why talking bothers him, it's not really that hard."
Sokka begged to differ as he took a scroll and began to glue it to a large bamboo mat.
"It's easy for us because we have the fine motor control to speak, but Tikaani, talking for him takes effort. It probably explains why he speaks such short and simple sentences with a limited vocabulary, I'm assuming talking for him is like us doing forty push-ups every time we want to say something." Suki furrowed her brown when Sokka started to paint lines down the scroll. He then grabbed several paints and handed the brush to Suki.
"What do you want me to do, Sokka?" she asked, kneeling, a confused look on her face. Sokka had a finger up and proudly stated:
"We're gonna make an easy way for Tikaani to communicate."
Katara, on the other hand, was frustrated by Tikaani's speaking boycott. She walked in one afternoon to explain to him that they were going to go on the ship in few more days. Tikaani didn't even register her existence, pissing off Katara, who proceeded to shout at him, the worst thing she could possibly do. Tikaani rolled over, his back to her, and completely ignored her. Angry, she stormed out of his room and passed Toph, who lifted an eyebrow at her theatrics. She took Katara's place and sat on Tikaani's bed.
"You just did that to piss Sugar Queen off, didn't you, Spunky-monkey?" Tikaani pretended not to be aware of Toph, before giggling.
"No. Don't like yelling. Not rewarding her." Toph snorted and laughed too.
"I see you were disciplining her." She said in a sarcastic tone. Tikaani laughed at that and rolled back over to look at Toph.
"Yes that. I'm gonna walk." He stood up and prepared to go for his daily walk to help keep his muscles strong. Aang arrived as Tikaani tried to stand up, and immediately rushed to help him when Toph pulled him back.
"No. Let him get up on his own. Tikaani told me to tell you that no one helps him unless he asks for it." Aang stood still as Tikaani grabbed a crutch and hobbled to the door, his head swinging side to side as he as limped out. Toph trailed behind him as Tikaani used the crutch to walk on his own down the halls. Aang looked down at Toph and then at Tikaani.
"Do you know why he's been so gung-ho about independence?" Aang asked as they turned a corner. Toph shrugged.
"Life changing experience. I don't know. He just doesn't want to be regarded as 'trash' according to him, but as a 'good thing'. Aang laughed a bit as Tikaani continued his walk.
"I'm still figuring out what to do with Tikaani. I've tried to write to Rahmet and I've gotten no word from him. I haven't seen Zuko and Iroh for a while." Toph waved her hand as if to push the worries aside.
"Sparky said something about a White Lotus meeting." She said nonchalantly as Tikaani turned another corner and began heading back to his room. Aang watched as Tikaani, who was getting tired, limped back to his room. He had such a bright sense of determination about him. He was just eager to be treated like an equal. Aang didn't rush him back to his room or immediately walk beside him and help him hold the crutch. He smiled a bit as Tikaani entered his room and said, to Toph of course,
"Beside bed. Need help. In bed." Toph took the crutch and, with very little help, got Tikaani back into his bed. Those were the only words he spoke around Aang as he disengaged and fell asleep.
That evening, the rest of the group met up in the Jasmine Dragon with tea and dumplings. Iroh and Zuko weren't back yet as Katara, Aang and Toph sat down. Suki and Sokka joined them later with something in their hands. Sighing, Aang began the meeting.
"I was going to have Tikaani with us, but he is still asleep. I don't want to wake him right now. We'll fill him in later. Anyway, a lot of things have happened these past few days, but I haven't heard any news concerning Itigiaq. Some of the Dai Li agents that are still serving the Earth King stated that he simply disappeared. I have a feeling that the real threat wasn't Aningan, but his younger brother. Tulok is at the North Pole, and his daughter Malina is coming from the South Pole to be his heir. He hopes to marry her off soon." Aang paused as Zuko and Iroh walked in with a scroll and sat down beside Ursa. Iroh had a stern look on his face as he asked for some jasmine tea. Zuko motioned to Aang to continue talking. Aang took a deep breath and began again.
"There is also the matter of Tikaani being a ward of the Water Tribe. I've been giving it a lot of thought and I've been thinking about options, but I've come to the decision that-" He was interrupted by Zuko waving the scroll, making everyone turn their heads. Aang scratched his head and gestured to Zuko.
"Umm...take it away, Zuko?"
Zuko stood up and poked his uncle who was in tea bliss. Iroh made a 'oh' sound and got up, taking the scroll from Zuko.
"We want to know if Tikaani is awake, this is for him." Aang shrugged and leaned on his seat.
"He might be now, why? Is it important?" Zuko nodded and got up.
"It's the solution to his problems."
Tikaani was awake that evening, staring into the city and sitting on the window sill. He rocked back and forth, his voice a low hum as he turned away from the city-scape and closed his eyes. Someone knocked at his door, and it was nurse who spoke.
"You have guests who need to see you," she said lightly before opening the door. Tikaani pressed himself against the window as everyone entered his room. Toph could feel his heart beat getting fast and turned around and pointed at Sokka and Iroh.
"You two can come in, but everyone else needs to get out."
Katara looked appalled.
"Who died and made you his mom!" Toph whirled on Katara, her face bright.
"Unless you want an epic meltdown, get out! He doesn't want a crowd."
Aang took Katara's hand and turned around as Suki followed, a little irritated. Sokka and Iroh entered and Tikaani calmed immensely. Toph sat on Tikaani's bed, her arms crossed as Tikaani joined her, pressing his head against her shoulder. Sokka came over to him first, holding out the scroll.
"Hey. Toph told me you don't like talking so...Suki and I made something for you, to help you out with your talking problem."
Iroh watched as Tikaani's dark blue eyes scanned over the bamboo and mulberry paper scroll. Sokka un-rolled it to reveal a grid of pictures and symbols with words on it. Tikaani traced the pictures his eyes not understanding what the pictures meant. Iroh looked puzzled and Toph had no idea what was happening.
"So, what is the solution?" She asked, waving her arms a bit. Sokka had his hands on his hips.
"It's a talking scroll! Tikaani points at what he wants or needs." Toph lifted an eyebrow and moved Tikaani off her shoulder. She didn't seem impressed by it and shrugged.
"Okay, whatever. If Tikaani will use it, then it's fine." Tikaani, however, had no idea how to approach it at all. It seemed confusing, but then Toph asked an important question:
"Tikaani can't read can he?"
Sokka blinked and realized that was probably why Tikaani seemed so confudes. Sokka shook his head.
"Well...probably not, but it shouldn't matter since it has pictures. Suki drew them." Tikaani studied the scroll and then pushed it off his bed.
Sokka blinked and put it back on.
"Why...why don't you want it?" he asked. Tikaani turned his head to the window and sighed.
I hate talking, it's so hard to speak the words I need to say. But I don't want to use something made for me. I want to make it myself if need be. Maybe I should learn how to read and write so I can use written words. I guess I need to stop being so damn stubborn.
Tikaani shook his head slowly and pushed the scroll away. He got out of bed and sat by the window again. His eyes seemed distant as he tried to work out what to say. Words seem to fall out mouths of typical people like stones off a hillside or like rain drops; but Tikaani spoke like the careful footsteps of a child learning to walk. In that same foreign somberness as when he was with Aang, he spoke.
"No. Not for me. I don't want something made. I will make my own way. I'll talk, just for now. Because I have to. I don't want to. But I have to do this hard thing. Thank you, but no." Sokka looked heartbroken as he picked up the scroll. Iroh took it from him, however, and put on Tikaani's table.
"He will probably want to use something similar, but in his own way. He is very stubborn when it comes to wanting to be independent and not having to rely on people. Perhaps this is him realizing that his aunt and mother will not be caring for him." Iroh said slowly as he walked to Tikaani and knelt in front of him.
"You have grown so fast and in such a short amount of time. I am proud that you seek equal footing despite your challenges. I have a preposition for you, Tikaani, son of Tigtuk: will you stay with me in Ba Sing Se, with your cousin Rahmet? We will teach you how to read and write, you'll learn to work in the tea shop, and have evenings studying Shaman-work with Rahmet. You will be an apprentice of the White Lotus either way, and once you become an old man you'll be a true member. However, that is your choice."
Tikaani was silent for some time after hearing Iroh's offer. Tikaani mulled over the words, trying to process the meaning of them. It was hard as Tikaani rocked back and forth. Iroh repeated what he said slowly, trying to use simple words in case Tikaani got tangled up in the meaning. Sokka left shortly and was replaced by Aang who had been eavesdropping. He sat in the corner, not wanting to overbear Tikaani, who had a lot on his mind.
Where does the ocean take me? Where do the currents go? I am scared of the future. I cannot foresee it. Still I wish to be regarded as something good. To have a gift. To be as I am. I am whole. I am not broken.
Tikaani lifted his eyes to Iroh, making eye contact with him briefly.
"I will be apprentice and stay with Iroh and Rahmet. Yes I take it."
Iroh grinned broadly, got up and handed the official looking scroll to Aang.
"Does the Avatar agree in custody of the Water tribesman Tikaani belonging to the White Lotus?" Aang laughed and signed his name.
"Yes, and Tikaani will serve you well, Iroh." Iroh laughed and rolled the scroll back up.
"Oh, this I know. He will do well. I feel it's the will of the spirits."
At that, the wind blew, lifting Tikaani's hair and letting dance in the breeze. Tikaani's eyes seemed to shine like blue moons, a smile on his lips.
The End
Epilogue or "Drumming with Beat of the Heart."
Dear Aang,
It's been very long since I've seen you, Rahmet is making me rite to you, to help fostar my writing skills. It's been over three years. I heard that I've been invited to your weding I am happy to invited and to even drum for you.
Where do I start?
Rahmet anionted me as his apprentice a year ago and I've been trainning ever since. It's been hard work being a shaman, I had to gain a lot of mental power. Rahmet works with me, not for me. We have a routine we follow. I like this routine I expect it every day. Rahmet keeps me on schedule, I like feeling of order. It feels good.
Livin with Master Iroh has been the same. He has been teachin me how to rite and read as well as understand math and science. I am still learning how to read and spell, it's difcult, but not as much as shaman stuff. I work in the tea shop everyday after lessons. Iroh make sure I stay on my task. He works me hard too, but after work, I get to play with him and take long baths. Ba Sing Se is a big city but I like finding all it seckrets.
I miss you Avatar, I want to show you my new tatoos. I want to show you how brave I am. I will work hard to make you and Toph proud. I look forward to see you Katara. I see you as family too. Oh now that I rember, Auntie. I miss her. I have seen Amana and Maka but Auntie is at the north. Sometymes I wake up in sweat wishing she was with me. I get sad often. But I can't dwell on that. I have to be a man and learn that mothers aren't forevr. I want to be so much like you and Toph
Much love to you,
Tikaani the Drum Hearted.
AN: To all my readers out there, I want to thank you for sticking around and reading Cui Bono, I also want to thank my dearest friend and cheerleader PeterChameleon. Who read almost every chapter, and kept rooting for me, and the reviewers out there who saluted me and told me how much the love this fic. Thank you so much to all of you.
A slight PSA
I am very much like Tikaani, I also have autism. This story was written for those out there on the spectrum than are sick of the troped up and over done characters of autistic people. Tikaani is not Adam Reiki, or Jacob Hunt. I worked hard on him on making him real and tangible and a person of bravery and strength. So one day people can take a step back and realized that Neurotypicals and Autists are not really that different. So Neurotypicals can look and realized how much they can relate to Tikaani...and even us.
Please support organizations like TASH and ASAN who are working hard to improve the lives of disabled people and encourage those with disabilities to rise against the challenges of society. Thank you again if you have read this.