Sever All Ties
Chapter Forty Six: Completion
Disclaimer: I don't own Radiata Stories or any of the characters in the game; they are the property of the brilliant minds at Square Enix.
Author's Note(s): Words in '…' indicate a thought. Words in "…" indicate spoken words. This story will proceed based on the assumption that Jack has joined Ridley on the path of the non-human. This path would inevitably lead him to face his former friends and allies in combat. It is these fights I will illustrate in this story. Some creative liberties will be taken regarding who they face (i.e. Jack will face opponents in this fic that you don't get to face in the game). I hope you enjoy.
The brilliant column of light that rose from the Gold Dragon Castle could be seen from practically anywhere in the land. An immense beacon of radiance, it demanded attention and attested to the importance of the events that had taken place just outside of the Dysett Region. Countless eyes were fixed upon the light that cut through the night sky. Humans and non-humans alike gazed upon it in awe. Some gazed in wonderment, while others speculated on what it could mean. Some said that it was a sign of hope, and of positive things to come. Others feared that it was the harbinger of despair, and that it would bring sorrow. Miles and miles away, three figures watched in silence, as the Castle they had just come from became the center of everyone's attention. Only these three knew the truth that was far more somber than even the cynics could imagine: that the light did not have any meaning, positive or negative. A sign only of change, it would be their understanding of it that created a positive or negative impact.
Jack Russell was fighting down the sea of emotions raging inside of him. The former knight was unsure how to feel. He was elated to have rescued Ridley from the Gold Dragon Castle, but unspeakably saddened at the loss both Gawain and Ganz Rothschild. He was confident in himself after defeating the Silver Dragon, but terrified about the future that he and Ridley faced. He didn't know what they would do; disrupting the Changeover made it unlikely they would be welcomed back by the non-humans, and the people of Radiata were also unlikely to welcome them back. Aphelion's final words about humans helping to maintain the balance of the world were stuck in Jack's head, and he wondered about the possibility of this happening. After so much anger, so much sadness, the young warrior was unsure if this could happen. Jack was acutely aware of his own role in this action. Aphelion had wanted he and Ridley to help, but could one who had done so much harm really be accepted as an agent of peace?
"It's time for us to go," Gil said, rising to his feet. "Lord Zane will need to know what happened here tonight."
"What will you tell Lord Zane," Ridley asked, her voice betraying her concern.
"Jack Russell disrupted the Changeover," Gil said simply. "And slew the Silver Dragon. The cosmic order is forever altered."
"Won't Lord Zane be…er…uh…" Jack stuttered nervously.
"Won't he be upset," Gil finished. The faintest of smiles touched his face as he answered. "I expect he will be furious. But, what is there for him to do? We have passed the point where that can be changed."
"Why did you come with Jack in the first place," Ridley asked, studying the elf intently. "Preventing the Changeover will only allow the humans to continue oppressing the non-humans."
"I knew that Jack's attempt at rescuing you would have broader consequences," said Gil. He maintained a level gaze as he spoke to Ridley. "The non-humans have always sought to maintain the cosmic order because it has acted as a protective measure to prevent humanity from destroying the world as the prophecies foretold they would. However, we have failed to truly maintain the cosmic order, and have instead allowed the dragons to do it for us. I believe the words that Aphelion spoke, that it is possible for humans and non-humans to work together and maintain the cosmic order without the interference of the dragons."
"You heard what he said to me," Jack asked in surprise.
"Elves have better hearing than humans," Gil said with a shrug. "I heard the whole conversation. We have been entrusted with a heavy burden, but we have to carry it forward. Now, more than ever, we have to be committed to working together."
"What's going on," Ridley asked in a confused tone. "What did Aphelion say?"
"Before the Changeover occurs, the Guardian Dragon is supposed to destroy humanity," Gil explained. "Aphelion became frustrated with the way the Order of Tottaus treated humans, and decided not to do his duty. Instead, he targeted you, the vessel, to prevent the Changeover and preserve humanity. All of the people of Radiata are still there. All of the problems. All of the mistrust. But, Aphelion believed that humans and non-humans could work together to preserve the Order of Tottaus without the dragons."
"So, what do we do now," Ridley asked. Her emotions were mixed over the Changeover, and what its failing meant for her.
"We have to return to Fort Helencia," Gil replied. "After we report to Lord Zane, we will figure out what happens next."
"That sounds good," Jack nodded, fighting down the uneasy feeling in his stomach; he was not looking forward to seeing Lord Zane. Suddenly, he turned toward the City of White Nights. "Hold on for just a second."
"What is it," Ridley asked, watching him walk away.
"We need to take Cross' sword back with us," Jack said over his shoulder.
"Why would you do that," Ridley was confused by his words.
"The people in the castle will want to know what happened to him," said Jack. "We need to be able to show them his sword."
"The castle," Ridley's voice wavered as she spoke.
"We aren't going to be able to stay away forever," Jack said simply. He had retrieved his adversary's sword, and was walking back toward them. "After we take care of business at Fort Helencia, we have to return to Radiata. It's the only way to fulfill Aphelion's desire for peace."
"Jack…" the concern in Ridley's voice brought a look from Jack.
"I think it's time we got going," Gil interjected. Starting through the Dysett Region, the elf was walking in an attempt to keep from using his injured wings.
The humans and their elven companion walked silently through the desert region. Jack was focused on everything that was coming in the next few days. He was not looking forward to talking to Lord Zane about what had happened at the City of White Nights. He was unsure how he would convince the elf leader of the vision that Aphelion had left them with. Even after convincing Lord Zane, there was a lot more work to do. The weapons he was carrying felt like the weight of the world, threatening to drag him down. Jack didn't know how they would be greeted when they returned to Radiata, but bringing back news of Cross Ward's death would do little to help their cause. Further, he was supposed to go to the home of the Rothschild Family in the West and tell of what happened to his friends. Their weapons seemed to bear down upon him, demanding that he keep his word.
Fatigue was eating at all of the warriors, but Ridley was the most exhausted of the three. Her encounter with the Gold Dragon, combined with the exertion of fighting and escaping, had drained all of her energy. When she stumbled, it was Jack's arm around her waist that kept her from falling down. Feeling the support of the boy that had risked so much for her, Ridley allowed Jack to pull her close, wrapping her arm around him and squeezing tight. Her countenance brightened as she leaned on him, feeling safer and stronger than she had moments before. When she had left Fort Helencia with Sir Gawain, Ridley had been resigned to her fate; willing to accept that her death was necessary for the cosmic order. Immediately after the Changeover had been disrupted, she was unsure what would happen. Now, she was starting to feel more confident. Jack's strength bolstered her, and gave her hope that things would get better. Feeling content for the first time in weeks, Ridley walked alongside her protector and took comfort in his strength.
The Journey Pig finally came into view, and Jack's pace quickened unconsciously. He was especially anxious to return to the Fort. The young warrior gently retracted his arm from the waist of the girl he had pledged to protect. An instant after Jack's hand touched the cold, smooth surface of the Journey Pig, he found himself at Fort Helencia. The crisp air and cool breeze of the desert night had been replaced by a warmer, more humid evening in the training yard. Only a brief moment passed before Ridley and Gil joined him. The training yard was empty except for the three returning warriors, and Jack wasted no time turning for the doorway. As they passed by mounds of rubble on their way through the large double doors, Jack hoped that they would not encounter anyone on their way to see Lord Zane.
The courtyard of the Fort was unoccupied as they made their way inside. Warm red coals glowed on the hearth of Dyvad's forge, illuminating the stone wall behind the dwarf's workspace. The ground was littered with supplies intended for a variety of tasks in repairing the Fort and sustaining the war effort. The artificial light from the lamps on the ceiling washed over the room, casting a yellow glow that faded near the walls. It was strange to see the courtyard completely empty, when it was usually bustling with activity. Jack smiled to himself, thinking about all the times he had spent in the courtyard. Thinking on these good and bad times, he and his companions made their way to the anteroom outside of the room where Zane worked on strategies for the non-humans. As they approached the door, Gil put his hand on Jack's shoulder.
"Perhaps I should go in first," the elf offered. Jack nodded, and allowed him to step up to the door. Gil opened the door without knocking, and the three warriors walked in single file.
"Ah, Gil," Lord Zane began, looking up from the table with a smile. "I'm quite anxious to… Coco, will you excuse us please."
"Lord Zane," Gil started to speak as the dark elf left the room. The elder light elf's smile had vanished upon seeing the humans accompanying his most trusted ally.
"What is the meaning of this, Gil," the light elf leader asked. His look was now one of confusion and unease; though he tried to hide it, there was some anger as well. "How have these humans returned with you? The Changeover should have already occurred. I saw the pillar of light come from the City of White Nights."
"Things did not go as expected, my lord," Gil said with a bow. "The Changeover was disrupted."
"What," shouted Zane. Anger was working its way into his words. "That's impossible!"
"Please, hear what we have to say," Gil was trying to keep his leader calm.
"You," Lord Zane had turned his attention to Jack. The elf and human locked eyes as the leader of the non-humans shot a heated glance. "What did you do?"
"Lord Zane, you should not," Gil was acutely aware of how volatile their situation was.
"It's okay, Gil," Jack reassured his friend. Jack bowed to the elf leader before he spoke again. "I told you before that I was here because of Ridley, and that I would do anything to protect her. I'm not sure what I expected to happen when I went to the City of White Nights, but I knew that something bad was going to happen to Ridley if I didn't go after her. I wasn't going to let her die, I couldn't. So, Captain Ganz and Gil both accompanied me there. I didn't understand the Changeover until after everything that happened at Gold Dragon Castle, and I'm still not sure that I fully do."
"Allow me to elaborate," Gil spoke up before Lord Zane could lash out at Jack once more. "It was not Jack Russell who disrupted the Changeover. I am sure you remember, Lord Zane, when Lord Parsec informed us that Aphelion was not carrying out his duty to prepare the world for the Changeover? It was Aphelion, and not Jack, who betrayed us."
"What," Lord Zane was stunned by this revelation.
"Aphelion did not fulfill any part of his duty," Gil continued. "The humans in Radiata are all still alive, and it was Aphelion who disrupted the Changeover. The guardian had become enamored with the progress of the humans, and opposed to the Order of Tottaus. By preventing the Changeover and killing the Gold Dragon, he hoped to live for eternity alongside the humans. Without the Changeover, they would be able to continue to grow and prosper unchecked."
"That should not have been possible," Lord Zane was studying Gil carefully. "The guardian dragons cannot interfere with one another."
"That is correct," Gil acknowledged. "Aphelion appeared to us in a form that we could not have known: Lucian Ward, advisor to the Lord Chamberlain of Radiata. Lucian convinced Jack to proceed with his rescue of Ridley, which began the process of disrupting the Changeover."
"So, you were responsible for this," the elf leader fixed Jack with a look of hatred.
"Do not be hasty, my lord," Gil interjected. "Jack had no way of knowing what he was being made to do, and the situation is more complex than you think."
"More complex," Lord Zane seemed skeptical.
"After Quasar's death, Aphelion tried to kill the vessel," Gil said. "Jack acted in defense of Ridley and slew Aphelion. The light that you saw emanating from the City of White Nights was caused by the destruction of the Gold Dragon Castle."
"Am I to understand that both guardian dragons were destroyed," Lord Zane asked incredulously. His face was twisted into a look of confusion and disbelief. "That this boy is responsible for upending a system that has been in place for countless centuries?"
"Yes, my lord," Gil said simply. "The Order of Tottaus has been fundamentally altered."
"Altered," Lord Zane said in a frustrated tone. "It has been destroyed! You should know better than anyone else what the consequences of this will be!"
"I would normally have been as worried as you are," Gil said with a nod. "But, I have found a reason to be optimistic."
"And what would that be," Lord Zane sounded even more frustrated.
"Aphelion killed Cross Ward, the human who led the attack on Fort Helencia," Gil answered. "If his desire had been for the humans to dominate the elves and the other races, he would not have done this. Instead, he condemned the man's actions and destroyed him. Further, his words at the Gold Dragon Castle spoke of the belief that the races could maintain the Order of Tottaus without the interference of dragons. I believe the time has come for us to make an effort to coexist peacefully with humans. Remember the letter that came from the Radiata Knights, that these two carried, asking for peaceful trade? The humans have reached out to us in peace, and we have been the ones rejecting them. Aphelion believed that it could be done, and so do I."
"I did not think that you, of all people, would be swayed so easily," Lord Zane replied. His expression was unchanged. "We cannot trust humans. Their continual drive to expand and dominate is what has put us in the position we find ourselves in right now."
"I'm not saying they are blameless," Gil countered. "But, we cannot continue to pretend that all of the fault lies with humans. Now, more than ever, we must work with them to accomplish things for our mutual benefit. We pursued this course, once."
"Nothing good has ever come from working with humans," Lord Zane continued. "We will be betrayed once more, as we were 16 years ago."
"These are different circumstances," said Gil. "And Jack is different."
"No, he is not," Lord Zane stated. "He will betray us, as Cairn did before him."
"We can no longer afford to be so base in our characterization of humans," Gil charged. "Things are much more intricate than that."
"The humans of today are more self-serving than ever before," Lord Zane argued.
"I'm sorry," Jack's voice drew everyone's attention to him. He had spoken just loud enough to be heard, and he seemed saddened. Lord Zane looked confused as he spoke.
"What did you say," the light elf leader inquired.
"I'm sorry, Lord Zane," Jack repeated. He looked into the elf's eyes as he continued. "That's what this is about, isn't it? That's why the elves have backed away from connecting with humans. It's because you feel betrayed by my father."
"Humans used to coexist peacefully with the elves," Lord Zane spoke in a calm, level tone. As he continued, however, emotion crept back into his voice. "Algandars was created centuries ago, through the marriage of an elf and a human. This initial strain led to fighting between our races that has only been stalled in the time since. Almost two centuries ago, humans and elves fought one another in a brutal war. After the Great Human – Elf War, we withdrew into the City of Flowers and cut off ties to the other races, especially humans. This isolation lasted for nearly a century, but we sensed the need to rejoin the world. Your father was allowed to travel freely, to visit any of the races, because of his honesty and integrity. His reputation led me to grant him access to the City of Flowers. He and I had many conversations, and I thought my trust in humans would be restored. Instead, he betrayed us and slew the Water Dragon. Now, when I find myself in a position where I must trust humans again, I am betrayed again; you betrayed me. There is no way I can trust humans, not after everything I have seen."
"I'm sorry," Jack said again. His head hung for a moment before he continued. "I'm sorry for the way you feel, Lord Zane, but I'm more sorry that you don't understand."
"I don't understand," the elf leader's face showed his confusion as he asked the question. Jack spoke confidently when he continued.
"That's right," Jack replied. "You don't understand why things happened the way they did. I never intended to betray anyone. When I left Radiata to come here, it was because I wanted to protect Ridley. When I left here to go to the City of White Nights, it was to protect Ridley. The reason that the Changeover was disrupted is because I was protecting Ridley. I know without a doubt that my father didn't mean to betray you. He was fighting to protect the people that he cared about; to protect me, my sister, and all of the people of Radiata. I understand now, that Aphelion was right. We have failed because you have seen our interests as harmful to yours, and we have seen your interests as harmful to ours. We have to work together, if we hope to succeed."
"Perhaps my opinion of you needs to be revised somewhat, Jack Russell," Lord Zane replied after a long pause. "Still, I cannot just forget everything that has happened and make peace."
"Then, what will happen," asked Jack. "The war will continue?"
"Don't be so hasty," Lord Zane maintained an even tone as he continued to speak. "I will think on what you have said. It is clear, based on what happened, that you acted as you saw fit. It is also clear that the world has been changed by your actions, and that we may have to alter our course. I will think on what you have said."
"I guess I can't ask any more than that," Jack said simply. "You can send a messenger with your decision to Radiata Castle."
"What," Gil sounded surprised by Jack's statement.
"I came here to protect Ridley," Jack replied. "And she was here because of the Changeover. Now that it's over, we need to return to Radiata. The people in the castle will need to know what happened, and will have to prepare to make changes, also. Besides, I don't think I could continue to fight against my old friends. I just can't do it anymore."
"Jack, are you serious," Ridley asked suddenly. "After everything that we've done, they won't just welcome us back with open arms."
"We can't expect anyone to forgive if we aren't willing to ask for forgiveness," Jack spoke to Ridley, but his eyes were on Lord Zane.
"I understand your decision, and your reason for making it," the elf leader said. "We will miss your combat prowess greatly. Perhaps I could send you back as emissaries under my personal protection, so that you will not have to fear persecution."
"No," Jack shook his head as he spoke. "We cannot return asking for special treatment. We're just as we were."
"I admire your integrity, Jack Russell," Lord Zane nodded in approval. "I will send my messenger with a response within a few days. He will ask to speak to you personally."
"Thank you, Lord Zane," Jack bowed before turning to leave. Ridley bowed as well, but did not appear ready to leave.
"I need to speak with Lord Zane alone," Ridley said softly to Jack. "Wait for me outside."
"See you in a minute," Jack replied. Before walking out the door, he turned to face Lord Zane one more time. "I'll expect a messenger in a few days. As you make your decision, remember what I said: I don't want to have to fight my friends anymore. I have friends here too, Lord Zane, and I don't want to have to fight them either."
"Of course not," Lord Zane said as Jack and Gil turned to leave.
When the two warriors were outside and the door was shut, the elf assassin held out his hand. Jack took it, and the two warriors acknowledged each other silently. The dim lighting of the corridor obscured their views of one another, yet neither needed to see the other to know that his respect was mirrored. Though they had fought for opposing sides and different reasons, Jack and Gil had formed an unbreakable bond through their experiences on the battlefield. Now, with their futures uncertain, they regarded each other thoughtfully. The notion that they might be forced to fight one another had occurred to both, and neither liked the idea. Standing opposite one another, long moments passed in virtual silence. The faint sound of dripping water rang out in a predictable rhythm that only added to the tension. Finally, as if sensing that something needed to be said, Gil broke the silence.
"I hope that we got through to him," Gil said. "Lord Zane can be remarkably stubborn at times."
"Yeah, I've noticed," Jack replied. "Thanks for the help, by the way. I was really worried that he would think the entire thing was my fault."
"Well, it sort of was," Gil said with an uncharacteristic smile.
"Haha, I suppose it was," Jack said with a smile, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He grew somber as he continued to speak. "So, what's going to happen now?"
"I don't know," Gil said frankly. "You made quite an impression on Lord Zane, and I can only hope that he will see things from our point of view. If that happens, we can attempt to forge a real peace between us. If not, I fear the war will continue."
"All or nothing, huh," Jack commented. Behind him, the door opened and Ridley stepped out.
"Indeed," Gil agreed. "For now, we will just have to wait."
"I suppose so," Jack said thoughtfully. "Well, it's time we were off."
The boy and the elf shook hands one last time, and Gil even embraced Ridley before the two humans turned and walked down the corridor alone. When they reached the courtyard, the clock showed that it was 1:15 AM. The courtyard was unchanged from before, still as deserted as it had been upon their return. It was strange for Jack to think that this might be his last time walking through Fort Helencia. Much had changed since he and Ridley had first made their way to the Fort with the Rose Cochon Brigade. He was relieved to know that their struggle was drawing to a close, but couldn't help wondering how he would be received in Radiata. How Ridley would be received. In the brighter light of the courtyard, Jack could see that Ridley's face was red around her eyes, as if she had been crying.
"Hey, Ridley," Jack's voice was full of concern as they exited the Fort to the training ground. "What's wrong?"
"Jack," Ridley sounded somewhat distressed. "After you left the room, I spoke to Lord Zane about everything that had happened."
"Did he say anything about making his decision," Jack asked anxiously.
"No, we didn't talk about that," Ridley answered. "We talked about the Changeover, and Algandars."
"So, he knows," Jack inquired.
"Yes, Lord Zane knows that he is infected," Ridley stated. Tears were forming at the corners of her eyes. "I wish there was something I could do."
"We've done what we can for now," Jack said, trying to stay upbeat. "We'll just have to see what kind of course Lord Zane has in mind for the non-humans. For now, we need to return to Radiata and see what we can do to convince the people at home."
"You act like it'll be easy," Ridley said, as they approached the Journey Pig.
"Well, well, well, looks like Lady Ridley's scared of a challenge," Jack teased, smiling as he spoke. "I guess I managed to surpass you after all."
"Surpassed me in being an idiot," Ridley smiled as she answered, sadness fading a little as her voice took on the challenging tone he remembered from their days in the Rose Cochon Brigade. "They won't even let you live long enough to talk to them about peace if you come back without me."
"You're probably right," Jack laughed as he spoke, watching Ridley smile as well.
Jack reached out instinctively, grabbing Ridley's wrist as she was preparing to touch Journey Pig. This startled the young girl, and her head immediately turned to meet his gaze. When their eyes locked, the boy couldn't help but smile. Gently, his hand slid down Ridley's arm to her hand, and their fingers interlaced. Ridley turned her head and tugged gently, trying to pull her hand away. Jack did not let go. After a moment, she looked back and met his gaze again. She did not protest as his arms wrapped tightly around her body, but merely closed her eyes and smiled as his cheek brushed against hers. Moonlight washed over the two of them as they held one another in the practice yard. Jack gazed into her bright green eyes and smiled, gently brushing aside her golden-yellow hair. Goosebumps ran up and down Ridley's arms as she met his gaze, staring into his cheerful brown eyes. Sensing his moment, the young boy broke the silence.
"I meant what I said, Ridley," Jack said, his outer calm masking the nervousness he felt inside. "I don't want to lose you."
"I…don't want to lose you, either," Ridley answered, a genuine smile forming on her face. She was more confident as she continued "My whole life has been about what other people want, and I never got to make decisions for myself. But now, I'm making my own choices, and I'm choosing to stay with you."
"Just what I wanted to hear," Jack said with a grin.
"And now," Ridley asked. Though the moon shone bright, Jack did not see her blush as she spoke.
"I suppose we should get back to Radiata," Jack answered. Ridley's face dropped slightly, but she nodded. Oblivious, Jack turned his attention back to the Journey Pig.
As one, their hands touched the statue, and they were immediately transported back to the Lupus Gate of Radiata. The archway that had been off limits for so long no longer had the same sense of foreboding that it had held previously. The lack of a guard's presence at the gate seemed odd to Jack as he and Ridley walked toward the entrance to the city. Jack's plain bag was slung over his shoulder, and the Arbitrator was at his side. He was hoping they could avoid fighting, but the sword was a constant that he could not get away from. Walking straight through Lupus Gate, the looming presence of Theater Vancoor reminded him of everything that had happened, and what they were coming back to. Forcing down the familiar sorrow, he kept his head high and did not divert his eyes from the place he had once called home. Jack stopped, staring at the building that he had given so much to and taken so much from. The time for indecision was past; he had made his decision, and the time had come to accept the consequences. Turning his head from the building in front of him to the girl standing beside him, Jack extended his hand.
"Ridley," he said softly. "Let's go home."
With an almost imperceptible nod of her head, the girl extended her hand and took his. As the two clasped hands, they turned their heads toward Radiata Castle. Walking back and holding Ridley's hand, Jack knew that he had made the right choice.
Vegeta26: Well, it's been a long time coming, but it looks like this is going to wrap it up for this story. I hope you liked the ending; the scene with Jack and Ridley returning to Fort Helencia is something I added, but it seemed like a nice touch that would expand the ending somewhat. As always, I look forward to hearing what you thought. So, this is going to be the last chapter of this story. Fortunately, I've got a couple other projects in mind, including the sequel to this story that I've mentioned. Keep your eyes open for those things. I'd like to finish with a thank you to everyone who read the story, and especially to the ones who reviewed; your continued support was what kept me writing. This is it, thanks again everyone.
nanohaxfate: Yes, this is the last chapter. Hopefully I'll hear from you again when my other projects get going. Thanks for reading.
kinetic-cataclysm: I agree that it sucks for Ganz to die, but his death is meaningful for the story. Lucian's expanded dialogue does help to set up the sequel, but it's really just the way I view the ending. Aphelion specifically talks about saving humanity, which is a pretty good indication that he didn't destroy it. Thanks again for reading and reviewing, I appreciate hearing from you and I hope to hear from you when my other projects get started.
Ridley-Russell: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, I tried to make the last conversation with Ganz and Jack somewhat memorable. The dialogue with Aphelion helped to make everything clear at the end. Thanks for reading and reviewing, and I hope to hear from you again on future projects.
aguyuno: You aren't the first person I've heard say that they think that all of humanity is dead. My view is based on what Aphelion said, which is that he saved humanity, and that humans would live until the end of the world. This indicates to me that he did not do his duty as the guardian and that the people of Radiata are all still alive. Others have pointed to the absence of people in Radiata and the way Jack and Ridley look at the end of the game; I will address both of these in the sequel. With regard to the Human Path, I don't intend to do a full-length write through as I did here. However, I do have a story called "Valentine's Day" that is a re-write of the Human Path ending. Also, the projects that I've been talking about pursuing in addition to the sequel to this story are all related to the Human Path. So, keep your eyes open for those coming up soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing. The specific points you have made in your reviews have been very helpful, and I look forward to more interaction in the future.