This story is rated (NC-17) M for violence, language and sexual content.
Disclaimer: Nintendo owns Fire Emblem. I own this fanfic.
Fire Emblem: Legend Of The Chaos Hero
Book One: In The Grip Of Hatred
By Chaos Hero Mark
Chapter III - XX: Mark's Plan - The First Stages
"After seven years, I finally stood face to face with an emperor who would sacrifice his own family for power. A man who would throw his own wife to sexually crazed men, like a sheep thrown to the wolves. A man who would kill his own son, because he couldn't measure up to his father's standards. I finally stood before Emperor Gathian, and my desire to see him die was renewed."
Mark and Rugal stood outside Castle Malibine as the servant went to inform the council that Trivalon's representatives have arrived. A moment later, the servant came back, signalling that they may enter. The pair walked through the large hallway. The floor was covered in black and white, marble tiles with a red carpet in the center, leading all the way up to the door. On both sides were body armors, spaced neatly from each other, standing near the pillars. From a distance, in front of where they're heading, stood a double door.
"Mark." Rugal murmured. " Have you got an alias yet?"
"Yeah." He said "How about Gary Stu?"
Rugal shook his head muttering "Terrible name."
"Hmph" was all Mark said in disagreement. As they continued walking, Rugal told Mark to be careful how he speaks to Gathian. The tactician was tempted to do more than that, but his better judgment won and decided to hold back. They came to the door which Rugal knocked on. The guard opened up, took a good look at Rugal and motioned for them to come in. They entered the room. Inside, the room's floor was covered with light and dark purple tiles. Armour suits were spaced away from each other, near the wall. A lone chandelier hung, high up in the center. Beneath the chandelier was a large, round table with twelve people seated before them. And finally, stationed in various posts inside the chamber, consisted of twenty soldiers who are mainly Generals and Heroes.
One of the councilmen got up and went to them. He wore a dark purple, vest-like tunic with a purple, open jersey. Underneath his tunic, he wore a lavender shirt. His pants was a dark yellow goldish color and his boots were dark brown. His facial features consist of long dark, black hair, tied back. His eye color was blue and he had a trimmed goatee like Rugal's.
The man smiled and said "My friend, how have you been?"
"Gathian." Rugal nodded in acknowledgment. "I've been well." Mark continued to look at the man, silently.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Gathian motioned to Mark with his left hand. The tactician saw for a moment, what looked like a smug smile.
"Erm.. This is..." Rugal hesitated for a moment.
"Gary Stu, your highness." Mark said, holding out his hand.
"Gary Stu?" Gathian said, his eyebrow raised up. "I've never heard of a Stu. Your parents should've put more thought into your name."
Gathian returned to his seat, ignoring Mark. As Gathian returned to his seat, which differed from the regular ones, he motioned for two soldiers to each bring seat. Mark was tempted to say something, but he held his tongue. They had a point, he should've come up with a better name. As the soldiers returned with their chairs, the tactician decided he'll just overlook this small mistake. Mark took his seat across from where Gathian sat as the others shifted theirs to accommodate them. Rugal took his between two nobles, who represent the Vasama Family.
"Right, gentleman!" Gathian began "I need to hear from the Yorke Family, how are your economies holding up?"
The duke representing the Yorke Family stood up, cleared his throat and began his speech. "Since these last three years, Malibine's economic growths has been rising graciously. Our farms are producing much supplies to feed three armies for months."
As he went on, Mark surveyed the people in the room, when he noticed a sulking duke seated next to Gathian. The man was in his thirties; plump and had short, brunette hair. His clothing were those greek-type, royal robes covering most of his chest, a long kilt and sandals. The tactician also felt some of the soldiers and councilmen eyeing him with hostility.
"And as for our products." He ended in a monotone expression. "Their putting in a lot more effort. The Yorke family wishes to thank his high emperor, Lord Gathian, for his superb advice on the matter."
The soldiers and the entire council, except Rugal, Gathian, the plump duke and Mark applauded. As the applause died down, Mark questioned the noble, raising his hand. "Forgive me for being lost on the topic sir, but you didn't mention what these products are. Are you by any chance speaking about slaves?"
Mark's question got the other nobles whispering among themselves. Gathian eyed Rugal with a raised eyebrow and jerked his thumb towards the tactician. Rugal simply answered him by saying "He's my apprentice."
The noble looked at Mark and squinted his eyes. He had a bored expression on his face as he answered. "Young man, I would refrain from calling our products Slaves. It sounds rather vulgar."
"These products you brag of, are slaves to me, all the same." Mark stated coldly. The bored noble fumed at the way Mark spoke to him. The same soldiers and dukes eyed him with hostility. Mark however, wasn't intimidated in the least. The tactician, if need be, won't hesitate to insult and humiliate anyone who would challenge him. His attention shifted when the fat duke stood up from his seat. He was waiting for Gathian to deliver on his promises, hence the reason why he's unhappy.
"Gathian! I've grown impatient with you! Where are the products you promised me?!!" The duke spat as he stared at the Emperor, who was calmly, slouching in his chair, with his hands behind his head.
The duke's outburst had caught everyone's attention, as he began spouting. "I've grown tired of my last lot and fed them to the lions! I should've had my new batch by today!"
Mark had his eyes on this duke when he heard this. There was something about this man he detested. He also took note of the missing families that represent the other nations. His attention shifted when Gathian spoke, still slouched, with his eyes towards the chandelier.
"First." He began in a calm tone "I find it disrespectful that someone beneath me, can speak to me in that tone, Duke Amra. Secondly. You and a few others in this room have been... less that productive."
When he heard this, Duke Amra, seething with rage, kicked his chair back and stood above Gathian, who was still paying him no mind. The other nobles began whispering to themselves, with the exception of Rugal and Mark.
One of Vasama's reps whispered to the other. "Duke Amra had better temper himself, lest he wish to commit suicide."
Even Mark expected this man to cower before Gathian, when the unexpected happen. Duke Amra, with his thick hands, gave Gathian a violent shove in his chest. The other nobles gasped as Gathian fell off his chair and tossed a bit on the floor. The Regallas soldiers readied their weapons for any hostilities, when Gathian raised his hand as he stood up. Duke Amra pointed his finger at him and spat " I demand what's mine, you snivelling snake!! "
Gathian composed himself as he took off his jersey. One of the generals came forward and held it for him as the door on the left bursted open. Four elite soldiers walked through to check on their liege. Mark thought to himself that these must be Gathian's Four Cornerstones. One was a thinly built man. He had a Brave Lance strapped to his back and his armor design was that of the Wyvern Knight class. The other was of thick built and had scars on his right face and cheek. The weapons he carried on his back was a Silver Lance and a Silver Axe. On his side was a Silver Sword and the armor he wore was thick. Mark believed that he was in the Great Knight class. The third man was also of thin build. The weapon on his side was a Killing Edge and strapped on his back was a shield holding a Tomahawk. He was in the Hero class. The last one, a woman, wore a black robe and hood covering her face. The elder tome she carried was Fenrir and the staff she carried was Berserk. Judging by her robes, Mark saw that she was a Summoner. He folded his hands, brought them close to his face and kept a close eye on a situation, heading for the worst.
"Are you alright, my lord?" The great knight asked.
Before Gathian could answer, the Wyvern Knight pointed his finger at Duke Amra and carried an expression of disgust as he confronted him "You there, pig! How dare you soil your filthy hands on our emperor?!!"
"Temper yourself, Girkar!" Gathian reprimanded him "I am well."
"But milord -" Was all Girkar could get out, before cutting himself short. He saw his lord's disapproving look and held his tongue. The great knight stepped forward, bowed and held out a black and gold scepter with both hands. Gathian took the scepter with one hand and calmly motioned with the other "I need some space cleared."
The councilmen saw what was coming and got out of their seats and moved one side. Mark followed suit, came closer to Rugal and whispered, so the others couldn't hear him "How strong are Gathian's Cornerstones? I need to know who they are."
Rugal looked for a moment to see if anyone were listening or watching him and began in a whisper "The one with the red armour, the Great Knight? That's Torak, their leader. He's said to be the strongest out of the four. The Summoner's name is Tamia. She's dangerous in the dark arts, but nowhere near as dangerous as Edgar." Rugal then, briefly pointed to the hero and said "The hero's name is Bersk. You may want to watch out for him. The one with the spear on his back is Bersk's brother, Girkar."
"I think I caught Girkar's attention." Mark whispered to Rugal, trying to act natural "Watch how he's giving me a dirty look."
"Be on your guard at all times." The king whispered, abruptly ending their conversation. They soon, saw guards blocking all exits and moving the tables and chairs one side. Gathian had a smug grin on his face as Duke Amra began to sweat nervously. Mark paid close attention to the situation, ignoring everything else. It was just Gathian and the tactician who saw Amra's fear even though his face says otherwise. Mark watched the situation further as Gathian spoke.
"Tell me, Amra." he began, tapping the scepter on his shoulder. As he slowly walked around the clear space, Amra kept his distance from him. "What do you believe in?"
The Duke Amra remained silent as he went on "Twenty years ago, I had a dream. God spoke to me in this dream and do you know what he said?" He motioned his right hand towards the Duke before adding "The strong has the right to rule, but the weak, has only the right to serve. Since then, I have treated these words as a command from God himself." The emperor stopped in his tracks and continued, with the venomous grin on his face. "Duke Amra, you are weak and you are beneath me. However, as the greater man, I will extend an olive branch." With his right hand, he motioned to the duke, then the floor "All you must do is grovel before me and beg for my forgiveness. Show me how the greedy, Duke Amra of the Lancaster Family, grovel like the dog he is."
The duke however, spat on the floor in defiance of Gathian and gave him a snarled look. Gathian's smile vanished as he sighed, shook his head and said "Young ones, these days. They would rather die for their so-called honor, than to simply say I'm sorry." He dropped his hand as he gave Amra a cold stare. Mark had his left arm close to his chest, his right elbow resting on his left hand and right hand close to his mouth, staring at the coming conflict. De-deucing the situation in his mind, even if the duke was any good with a weapon or tome, he heard that Gathian's fighting prowess is yet to be matched. Even Mark had never seen the emperor in combat, so he had to pay careful attention. Remaining silent, he had assumed that Duke Amra doesn't stand a chance against Gathian.
The duke looked around and spat "What the Hell are you people doing?! Is no-one going stand with me?! Where are my soldiers?!"
"Come now, duke." Gathian winced at what he said "I find it rather low to have your soldiers fight on your behalf, constantly. Show some steel and fight your own battles." He gave a darker glare at the plump man. Duke Amra knew it was pointless to call for aid. Even he realized that Gathian had great influence on many a soldier.
He muttered angrily. "Are you going to kill a defenceless man, Gathian?"
Bersk had an outburst, at hearing this statement "That's Emperor to you, dog!!"
Ignoring what Bersk and Amra said, Gathian stated "Why don't you pick a weapon of your choice!" He motioned his right hand around the room and added "Any weapon in this room you see fit, Amra! It would be rather boring to fight an unarmed man!"
Amra looked around for some time and then, pointed at Torak and shouted. "You there, soldier! Give me your axe!"
The middle-aged, bald man saw the duke pointing at him. Torak himself and many soldiers in the room, were loyal to Gathian and did not wish to aid this duke in any form or manner. Gathian spoke, staring at his commanding officer with a smug grin on his face. "It's okay, Torak. Give him your Silver Axe."
"But, milord, I -" Is all the great knight could utter, when Gathian had cut him off.
"Do you not have faith in my skill." Gathian muttered venomously. Torak knew he was crossing the line by protesting against his liege and sought to appease him. "Forgive me, my lord. I do have faith in your skill. There is no man, devil or god who can best you in single combat."
"Now please..." Gathian motioned to the duke, while staring at his commanding officer. Torak drew his Silver Axe as he walked up to the duke and offered him the handle. Amra wasted no time in taking the axe. He stared at the great knight with a sneer across his lips, which Torak returned as he walked away. Amra did a few practice swings as he got ready. Gathian stepped forward as Mark thought to himself ' What's Gathians weapon of choice. ' He realized a moment later, that it was that scepter he always carried. When Gathian got in the center of the space, he raised his scepter in a horizontal manner, which extended and transformed into a spear. It was unlike any other spear Mark had ever seen. The scepter-turned-spear had gold markings at the butt, the middle and near the blade. The blade part of the spear, which the tactician thought, was made of the same material as his scimitar. Gathian turned to his side, spear in his right hand as the blade touched the floor. He raised his left hand, taunting the duke. Mark saw that stance must be Gathian's fighting style, at least on the surface. The emperor stared at the duke with murderous intent, gave his smug grin and said "Now, then. Have at you."
The other nobles watched nervously as Amra also got into his stance. At least, two of the aristocrats in this room were friends of Duke Amra and feared for his safety. They also knew, because of his insulting the emperor, they could do nothing for him. Gathian stood in his stance, patiently waiting for the duke to attack him. One of the Vasama nobles tried appealing to Gathian, which was in vain. Mark knew there was no reasoning with a man like Gathian, when it comes to battle, pride and murder. Amra saw the guards, blocking all the exits. He knew that retreat wasn't an option. The duke eventually lost his patience and charged in for Gathian. As the distance closed in-between the two combatants, Gathian thrusted the blade of his spear, aiming for the man's ankle. What surprised Mark, is that the spear, rapidly extended on it's own, hitting the target from the somewhat large distance between them. The duke crippled to the floor, dropping his axe as he clutched his bleeding foot. His mouth foaming with saliva, Amra started whimpering in pain as he tried to soothe his halfway severed foot. Gathian retook his stance again with a calm expression on his face. His eyes were that of a predator, waiting to pounce his prey.
Amra gritted his teeth through the pain, grabbed the Silver Axe and with a bit of a struggle, stood to his feet. He saw how Gathian was staring at him. The emperor's smirk infuriated the duke further. The plump duke was trying to figure out how that spear reached him from such a distance. Gathian didn't throw it, that's for certain. Amra tried to charge in for Gathian again, but the emperor was ready for him. Gathian swung his spear in a slow motion as Amra came closer. When he was within striking distance, Gathian struck the man's left cheek with his spear, as though his swing were as fluid as a whip. A chunk of flesh flew from Amra's cheek, revealing a gaping wound. Ignoring that jolt of pain, Amra swung the axe at Gathian undeterred. With quick reflexes and thinking, Gathian blocked the blow, although he staggered a bit, due to the power behind the blow. What caught Gathian off guard, was Amra grabbing his hair with his free hand and flinging him one side. Gathian's spear flew out of his hand as he landed on the floor. While Amra cradled his face in pain, Gathian got up, shaking himself back to his senses.
Gathian made a daring dash at Amra weaponless. The duke, even though he was in pain, saw Gathian coming at him. He raised his axe to strike him. What shocked everyone and even stunned Mark, was how fast the emperor was. Gathian slid in between Amra's legs as the man leaned forward with his good foot in the air, a mistake that will cost Amra greatly. Gathian grabbed his injured foot in a leg lock, causing the duke to crash on the floor in agony. Amra dropped his axe, screaming in agony. Gathian took his foot, which was halfway severed, to the point where the bone could be seen. The duke kicked Gathian with his good leg furiously, but Gathian was unphased by the blows. With a few violent twists and pulls, the emperor severed his foot completely. Amra released a cry of anguish, writhing in pain as his severed foot gushed with blood. Gathian stood up, pulled himself together and calmly walked towards where his weapon lied. Some of the aristocrats turned their heads at the sickening display. Even Rugal couldn't stand the screaming sight of Amra. Mark however, showed no remorse for this greedy duke. In his mind, Amra was stupid and came unprepared to challenge a man like Gathian. If the duke had fought better, Mark would've had more time to see exactly, how Gathian fought.
Gathian picked up his weapon as the Four Cornerstones applauded him. Amra grabbed the Silver Axe as he struggled to his feet. Shaking and sobbing, he could barely keep his balance. What surprised Mark as he watched the fight coming to a close, was the duke showing a hint of skill with his axe. With Gathian's back turned and everyone else's attention diverted; Amra threw the Silver Axe, aiming it at the deranged emperor. In that moment, it appeared that Gathian was oblivious to what was happening. The axe was let loose and flew it's way towards its target. When it got nearer, Gathian quickly turned around; spear in hand. A sickening grin spread across his face as he shattered the Silver Axe, with a furious whiplash of his spear. The shattering sound of the axe caught everyone's attention as pieces of the Silver Axe scattered across the floor. Amra was stunned, partially by the pain of his severed foot, but mostly by the demonic smile Gathian gave him. Amra didn't even have time to utter two words, much less a prayer, at this point. Gathian, with both hands, thrusted his spear towards Amra. Mark witnessed the spear extended and for a moment, his eye caught a glimpse of a purple-blackish aura, glowing faintly around Gathian. It all ended when the spear's blade, despite its size, pierced through the eye socket of Amra's skull. His body quivered for a few seconds. The other nobles turned their eyes from the horrible display. Amra's friends gnashed their teeth in grief as they witnessed their friend's death.
Even Mark was forced to shut his eyes after witnessing the duke's sickening demise. Gathian had rapidly pulled his spear back as Duke Amra's lifeless body, crashed to the floor. He called for Tamia, who went towards her liege. Gathian tossed his spear to her, telling her to get it cleaned. Pieces of Amra's flesh got stuck on the blade, which made the bored noble hurl. Torak ordered two soldiers to dispose of the body and one other to get a servant to clean up the blood. Amra's friends were about to leave when Gathian noticed and stopped them.
"And where are you two going?! Were not finished yet!"
Mark was one side from everyone else, whispering to Rugal as most of the aristocrats remained silent. The bored noble, that Mark came close to humiliating, stood some distance from the others and threw up. He wasn't use to seeing violent displays as brutal as what everyone had bore witness to. Girkar was whispering to his brother. Apparently, the two were conspiring against someone.
"Of course the emperor will approve. I've been itching to thrust my new spear into that fool."
"Then let me handle it, brother." The hero smirked and patted Girkar on the shoulder.
- X -
"Forgive me, my lord." Bersk bowed before whispering in Gathians ear. As the hero pointed towards Mark, Gathian stroked his chin in thought.
"Very well, let me handle it." Gathian whispered to his elite soldier with a smirk across his face. He walked to the center of the room, motioning his hand for everyones attention.
"His holy emperor, Lord Gathian demands your attention!!" Girkar shouted. Mark shot the Wyvern Knight a disapproving glare as if the man said something offensive.
When everyone gave their attention, Gathian began "It was truly unfortunate that things had to turn out this way. Had Amra not made a scene, he would be standing here with us; drinking and making merry."
Amra's friends were not happy with how Gathian dealt with the situation. Unlike Amra however, they held their tongue as Gathian's expression changed into that of a serious manner " However, another matter has been brought to my attention! You there! Yes, you! " He pointed towards Mark. The tactician's face turned pale as he quietly cursed under his breath.
Gathian started "I've noticed you glaring at me and my men! Care to explain yourself?"
Rugal shot Mark a look and turned back to the emperor "Gathian, if may -"
Gathian held his left hand up at Rugal, cutting him short and responded. "Rugal. You are my friend; he is your apprentice, but I advise you to stay out of this." He dropped his left hand while motioning to Mark with the other and with a dark glare, he spoke in that all too familiar venomous tone " That's a fine sword you have, boy. Would you care to tell me how you got that? "
The tactician turned pale for a moment, fearful that Gathian might remember who he is. Rugal saw Mark's right hand clenched in a fist. This told him that his son was panicking, despite his calm features. Rugal was contemplating on how he should intervene as he refused to allow his son to die. The Trivalon king was about to speak when Mark stepped forward and spoke up.
"His majesty gave it to me." He began, trying his best to keep eye contact and a calm face. "It once belonged to his son, Gustav."
Gathian, placing his hand on his chest, feigned a sympathetic expression towards Rugal. "A thousand apologies, my friend. I forgot you lost your children. I believe it's seven years now, is it?"
Mark, despite his fear of being discovered, saw through Gathian's pathetic act of sympathy as Rugal corrected him. "It will be seven in six months from now."
Hearing this made Gathian snapped his fingers muttering "Right, I forgot."
Rugal placed his hand on Mark's shoulder and said. "We'll be on our way then. Come Gary."
Gathian's expression turned dark as he muttered. "I didn't say you can go." The guards saw this and had their hands on their weapons.
"Gathian! What is the meaning of this?!" Rugal shouted angrily.
"Girkar has laid accusations against you, Mr. Stu." Gathian began. "You've been accused of conspiring to assassinate me."
Mark could tell by the look on his face, that Gathian was ready to have him killed. He had to respond quickly. The tactician saw what Girkar was trying to do and took a deep breath. He jerked his thumb at the pompous elite and calmly said. "Your majesty, this man accusation is weak and false."
"And what's your point?!" Bersk shouted at Mark. "For all we know, you are trying to assassinate his majesty! Take a look at his sword!" He pointed towards Mark's scimitar.
The councilmen watched the accusations unfold before them. A majority of the men in the room wanted Gathian to condemn Mark. Rugal, silently feared the worst for Mark. He was not sure if he should intervene at this point. He hoped that Mark could win Gathian's favor. The Tactician took a look at Girkar, staring at him and responded in a venomous tone. "I see what you're trying to do. You really wanna do this?"
Gathian stroked his chin, watching the two carefully. Girkar walked up to Mark; standing a few feet away from him and spat. "Who the Hell do you think you are, dolt?!! Do you have a problem with me?!"
"Yes, I do." Mark began. "I don't like people making false accusations against me. Even if I were out to kill the emperor, I'd be dead before I can even get near him, much less attack him."
The Wyvern Knight gave Mark a murderous glare and sneered. "You're rather smug with yourself, aren't you?"
The Tactician calmly, turned to Gathian and added. "You're highness, this man is a disgrace to the Four Cornerstones. His skill is no excuse to keep him in position."
"This Ravverine pig is conspiring with the resistance, your ma -"
"Shut up, Girkar!" Gathian's voice silenced everyone's whisperings. He eyed Mark as the Tactician was thinking what he should say. He remembered years ago, before his birth, the Olympian continent was very hostile towards foreigners and outsiders. Mark had no choice but to take a chance and said. "I'm from the continent of Akaneia, your majesty."
Gathian had his right thumb and forefinger resting on his chin; his other arm folded across his chest, deep in thought as Mark refrained from clenching his hand into a fist. He began to panic in his mind, as to wonder if Gathian would buy it.
"Akaneia, you say. Never heard of it." He waved his right hand, dismissing his fear of an assassination attempt.
Hearing this put Mark's mind at ease. His expression didn't change, even though he was relieved Gathian was oblivious.
"Torak! I want a report on Girkar's performance and conduct this past year!" Gathian called for his main general.
Torak came before Gathian. He hesitated for a moment, when the emperor said. "Yes Torak. In front of everyone."
The elite general stood straight and began giving his report. Gathian listened carefully, much to the fear of Girkar and Bersk. Mark saw things turning in his favor. When Torak was done, Gathian gave Girkar a murderous glare. The Wyvern Knight bit his lip in fear.
"Extorting tax collectors, among your misconducts. What other skeletons are you hiding in your closet?"
"Your majesty." Girkar whispered bowing, shaking in fear of the fate awaiting him. Bersk feared the worst for his brother. It was not how he planned this. Rugal was relieved how Mark handled the situation with the unwitting help of Torak's report. Mark and Rugal's peace however, was short-lived when Gathian spoke again.
"The worst I can do, is have you deported to Hells Gate, you incompetent knave." Gathian motioned for his chair to be placed near the back of the room. "I'm going to pit you in a deathmatch... against Gary Stu. Be thankful, that this is the first step to your redemption."
At hearing this, the other nobles stood clear of the room center, anticipating what will happen. Gathian made his way towards his throne as Rugal protested against this. Gathian turned to his friend, flashed a grin and said "Girkar has an issue with your apprentice. I simply feel that they should... resolve this."
"Gathian, I am asking you as a friend -" was all Rugal managed to say before Gathian had him cut off. He addressed his friend in a serious manner. "You shouldn't get so attached to your apprentice. We can't build the future if our past keeps holding us back. It's time to stop mourning and move on."
Rugal remained silent at this point, as he stopped in his tracks. For Trivalon's king, it was no use reasoning with him at this point. Gathian may become suspicious if Rugal kept pressing the issue. The tactician needed to win Gathian's trust in order for their plan to work. Rugal didn't wish to jeopardize six years of planning this.
Gathian stopped for a moment, turned around and said "Don't be so worried and grab a seat. This will be a good chance for me to see your apprentice in combat."
As he walked on, Rugal quickly made his way to Mark; took him one side and spoke to him. At the same time, Bersk was giving Girkar some advice on what he needed to do. The nobles and Gathian took their seats. This was Mark's first test. For him, failure wasn't an option.
Akaneia - is the continent in Fire Emblem 1 & 3. The one with Marth as the main character.
Authors Notes: I hope you're enjoying so far. You're welcome to read and review, of course. I would also like some feedback as to where I can improve, if possible. Thank you for your time.