Summary:

Lance is excited to finally get to leave Prata Neptunia for once in his life. Though his first trip to Galra wasn't exactly what he was expecting. This is going to take some getting used to.

"I should have acted sooner."

Notes:

Okay, so I want to apologize right now because I am absolute rubbish at writing any sort of action/violent scene and I tried my hardest here but I still don't think one part came out all that great, but it was necessary for later. It's long yet short, like there was other stuff I kinda wanted to cover but at the same time I didn't want to get too off subject. So really, this chapter is just about Lance meeting Zarkon for the first time in person and coming to the conclusion that he isn't too fond of the guy, but he does make a point.

The trip to Galra a few months later was long, but it was the first time that Lance had ever been off planet before, so he enjoyed the trip fairly well. Keith pointed out the different things that he knew as they passed them by. The small trading planet for this particular galactic quadrant, the different planets that his father had conquered. The stars that he knew by name. Anything he could think of that he thought Lance might like to distract him from the boredom of traveling. Not that Lance seemed to think interstellar travel was boring just yet, but Keith was sure the novelty and excitement would ware off long before they got back to his home planet. They exchanged songs of their people and Keith discovered that Lance had a wonderful singing voice. The attendant that was sent with them from the palace giggled a little the first time Keith had heard Lance sing. She had told him that he was gifted by the Goddess of beauty, with what they called back home, the siren's voice. Lance had been worried when Keith hadn't said anything when he had finished his song, asking if it was really that bad and covering his face in his hands, skin turning a very lovely scarlet red. Keith had quickly tried to amend his his mistake, explaining that he had simply been stunned by Lance's beautiful voice.

Lance had argued back that Keith's singing voice was better, that he had a much more manly voice, deeper, something that resonated with his heart and soul. And that had been their first "fight" so to say. Both of them forcing complements on the other, trying to convince them that their singing was better. It was then that they discovered just how stubborn they both could be. That particular argument took up nearly two whole days of the voyage. But before they knew it, Keith was standing by the window, smiling wide as Galra came into view, excitedly pointing out buildings and structures that were visible from the port that they landed in. There was purple and red everywhere, the natural light of their daystar blocked by perpetual grey clouds that hung in the sky high above the city. It was nothing like Prata Neptunia. The water was scarce from what Lance had seen while they were orbiting, waiting for permission to land. The ground, once they had left the ship, was all hardened stone and metal. The buildings pierced the skies so high up that Lance had to crane his head back just to try and see the tops. "Do you ever see your daystar?" He asked as he took in his surroundings. Keith adopted a thoughtful look as he cocked his head to the right, contemplating how to answer.

"Occasionally, but no, it isn't often. Don't worry though, there's plenty of artificial light to see by." Keith straightened up and began walking towards an armored transporter of some sort, the likes of which Lance hadn't ever seen before. He had seen hover wagons before, but never any covered in such a thick steel. The transporter door opened and Keith stepped in, reaching back out to give Lance a hand. Lance accepted it and reached down with his other hand to pull up his robe so he didn't step on the silken material. Keith wore black trousers and a more heavily embroidered version of the crested dress shirt he had seen him in the first day they had met. Lance's formal wear was a bit more flashy though. The light, sky blue fabric was a long tunic that looked more like a dress for men to Keith, but he had seen Lance wear it to enough formal parties back on Prata Neptunia that he knew it was a special garment. It shimmered in the light and the ruffles made it look like water as the prince walked. He could tell that the guard that was sent to escort them was unsure of how to react to the piece and did his best not to show his disapproval, even if Keith had caught the subtle flash of a fang in the process of hiding his sneer.

"How about, after I introduce you to my father, we find some more traditional Galra clothes and I take you to see the Arena?" Keith offered. The Arena was always a good source of entertainment. Lance would like it. Right? He hoped so. He knew fighting wasn't really Lance's thing, but that was a big part of his culture, proving one's worth through sport. It was important for Lance to experience his culture too, even if Keith did suspect it would make the younger prince feel uncomfortable.

"What is wrong with my clothes?"

"Well, they may be functional back on your planet, but here on mine, they might get caught on something, I wouldn't want them to get ruined. Besides," He nodded subtly over to the guard. "You may get a few strange looks from the people of my planet if you go out in that."

"This is a sacred robe that-"

"I know, you've told me before, but on my planet, it will be perceived as frivolous and feminine. Even if I know the truth, no one else would."

"What's wrong with feminine? My people can be either Male or Female, what gender our clothes suggests is irrelevant." Lance sighed, he did have a point though. Galra was not Prata Neptunia, and they were defined by gender here. He should try and assimilate at least a little. "Fine, but can we keep it blue? Red and purple may suit you just fine but they aren't my colors." Lance pouted. Keith was weak to that pout already and it had only been a few months. What was worse was that Lance knew Keith couldn't say no to him when he pouted like that, and made sure to use it to his full advantage.

"I will see what I can find, but it'll probably be a deeper blue than that. We don't have many light colors here."

"I can tell." It was hard to tell if Lance was simply nervous to be in a new environment, or if he was moapy because he couldn't wear his clothes. Either way, it was odd for him to speak so little.

"I asked father to have a pool put in at home for you, for when we are here, it should be done by now." Keith offered, trying to cheer up the obviously out of place prince.

"A pool?"

"Yeah, so you don't feel quite so far away from Prata Neptunia. You can swim and train in it as you wish. Kinda like that combat training room your father put in for me. Speaking of which, now that I'll have a proper training room, I can show off to you a little too." Keith grinned, his sharp teeth showing through. Lance instantly perked up.

"What do you have in mind to show me?"

"Well, we have training androids so I figured I would set it to tournament mode and show you just how strong I am." Keith bragged.

Lance seemed to like that idea, seeing as he smiled back, but it wasn't quite the same as when he was truly excited about something. Keith had a feeling it was because there was so little standing water on his home planet that Lance felt out of place. Back in the palace on his planet there was a fountain, or a small moat, or a pool of some sort in nearly every room. Not to mention that outside the palace nearly the whole planet was water. Comparatively Galra was like a desert. He would have to try harder to make Lance feel at home here. The rest of the long journey to the palace was spent in near silence, Keith hummed a random tune he had learned while on Lance's planet quietly as the other prince lay against his chest, simply enjoying the sound of Keith's voice and the vibrations the tune sent through his body. The guard wrinkled his nose at the overly affectionate display, but otherwise didn't say a word. It wasn't his place, and both of the young men in his care out ranked him. It seemed that the time off planet had made his prince soft.

After a tock that felt like three, the transporter pulled up to the palace, the guard getting out first to stand at the ready near the door. Keith gently shook Lance's shoulder, opening his mouth excitedly to announce their arrival, but the herald seemed to get to it first.

"His highness, Prince Keith, and his betrothed, Prince Lance of Prata Neptunia!" Called the herald's loud voice. Keith quietly apologized as he helped Lance sit up and straighten his robes before disembarking first, then turned back to the door to offer Lance another hand down out of the transporter. Lance took it willingly, needing the extra help since his legs seemed to feel like the consistency of pudding currently. Once back on solid ground, Lance dropped his hold on the end of his robes, letting them fall to his feet once more. They walked through the palace, all the way to Zarkon's throne room, Lance's hold still on Keith's arm, just above his elbow. Once there Keith decided to wave the herald away, not wishing to annoy his father with a grand entrance.

"Come along, I promise he'll like you." Keith smiled over to Lance as he placed his hand over Lance's own on his arm. He had the door opened for them and then entered the vast room. Keith took a deep breath before he spoke, straightening his back and holding his head high. Lance couldn't help but smile as he watched him.

"Father, I have returned home from Prata Neptunia, this is Lance, my betrothed. I trust uncle has kept you informed?"

"Naturally." Lance felt small in front of Zarkon, his grip tightening subconsciously on Keith's arm as Zarkon's heavy gaze was settled on him. "Prince Lance, I am glad that you seem to get along with my son." his voice purred in his ears and Lance wasn't sure what to call the sensation that was sent down his spine. Keith spoke similarly when he got serious, but he never felt quite so cold while pinned under Keith's gaze as he did now under his father's.

"Of course." Lance struggled to find his voice, but was proud of himself when he manage to answer without the waver in his voice that he felt ripple through his body. "Your son is quite amazing, even in our short time together I think that this marriage, while not ideal at first, will bear fruit." Lance concluded honestly, Keith gave Lance's hand a gentle squeeze that the younger prince could only interpret as reassuring. Zarkon chuckled.

"I hope you are right." And then his attention was back on Keith. Normally Lance liked being the center of attention, but Zarkon, that was something completely different. He was utterly terrifying. "That pool you asked for is done, I hope your soon to be mate finds it to his liking."

"I am sure it will be." Keith spoke direct and to the point. He wasted no breath on superfluous words. Lance looked between the two, quietly taking a deep breath in through his nose, and letting it out through his mouth.

"Um, your majesty, Emperor Zarkon, if I may interject." Lance let go of Keith's arm just long enough to bow at the waist, holding it for a moment before coming back up and latching back onto Keith. "I just wanted to say thank you. Both for this gracious gift, and also, for this peace treaty. I admit, when I first heard the conditions I was none too thrilled. Arranged marriages are almost unheard of on my planet. But the thought of peace with the Galra empire is very much a welcome thought, and I can say with certainty, that I do speak for all of my people, when I express my gratitude to you for offering it." He spoke calmly, breaking eye contact just long enough to look at Keith and smile before looking back to the intimidating man in front of them. "And your son, Prince Keith, is absolutely amazing. If I had to be married off for political gain, I'm glad that it happened to be him whom I was matched with."

Lance smiled wider as he finished, catching the burning blush on Keith's face. Zarkon gave a contemplative hum. "Well, it does help that you are such a powerful manipulator. Especially for such a young age." He stood and Lance had to fight the urge to take a step back with each step Zarkon took towards them. "I wonder, could you give my son and I a demonstration of your abilities?" Zarkon leaned down so that he was at eye level with him, and something shone in those glowing eyes of his that put Lance on edge.

"O-of course," his voice stumbled as he spoke, but he pushed on regardless. "what would you like me to show you?" Zarkon stood straight once more and smiled.

"How are your people at fighting?"

"My people and I are pacifists, our 'fighting' techniques are meant for self defense only. The only members of our society that know anything past that, would be our guards. And even then, they would never start a fight, only react to one instigated against them, and try to resolve the conflict as swiftly, and non violently as possible."

"I see, but your people do possess an ability that could be considered quite dangerous. A trump card, if you will." Zarkon's eyes seemed to smile as he asked his question.

"Yes, my people possess the ability to manipulate the water on our planet's surface. But as I said, we only act in self defence. Most times this ability is used for entertainment or an extension of themselves to complete their work. Many have refined their abilities to an art form."

"And then there is you. You can manipulate more than just water, can you not?"

"My quintessence is compatible with most other forms that take liquid shape, yes." Lance had a bad feeling about where this was going.

"What other forms have you attempted to control?"

"Father, Lance has shown me a great deal of what he can do." Keith interjected, Zarkon's eyes moving off of Lance and onto his son.

"Such as?"

"He has shown me that he can manipulate the moisture in the clouds, the sea itself, create rain, pull the water from plants. He had even at one point, though it was to be silly, taken the drink from my cup and levitated it in the air." Keith spoke as if enamored, and Lance could honestly say that he had forgotten about that night that he had stolen Keith's drink from his chalice. He had meant it as a prank. He had held the wine suspended in front of Keith's face, formed into three small spheres. Though Keith had only smiled brighter, clapped his hands and praised him. That had been at dinner the first night they had met. He had expected Keith to be angry, to glare or scold him. But he did neither, he had simple leaned forward and drank the wine from mid-air. Lance had been stunned and, once Keith had drank all of it, Lance hadn't been able to help his laughter from bubbling forth. That was probably when he had decided to give liking this Galra prince a chance. They had been on good terms since.

"I had actually been teasing you when I did that." Lance couldn't help it, the memory made him smile, the small breathy laugh that escaped his lips was completely accidental. "I still wasn't quite sure what to make of you yet. You surprised me when you still drank it, floating there in the air before you, though."

Keith turned to face him, a warm smile on his lips as well. Zarkon seemed to be pondering the conversation between them quietly as he did not say a word at the sudden change in direction. "I had figured as much, I was a little upset at first, but then it struck me what you had actually done, and I couldn't help but be impressed."

"Levitating wine is nice and all, but I mean more interesting substances." Zarkon pushed on, deciding he had no interest in how their courtship had begun. "Molten metals, liquid fire, accelerants, blood, to name a few. Have you experimented with just how far your abilities go?"

Lance could feel the blood draining from his face as Zarkon spoke. "I, I have, once or twice tried manipulating blood. Both internally and externally, though I do not enjoy controlling other people. It feels invasive, not only for them, but for myself as well." Zarkon smiled at his words, and that foreboding feeling returned with full force. Perhaps admitting to such acts was not his brightest idea.

"Show me." Zarkon waved his hand and a soldier that Lance hadn't even noticed was there stepped out of the shadows. He stood at attention, awaiting Zarkon's orders.

"I don't fight, your majesty." Lance could hear the strain in his voice.

"You don't, but my son is quite skilled. Though, I don't think he's faced a soldier from my army head on outside the training rooms before." Zarkon's tone seemed pleasant, relaxed even, like he hadn't just so flippantly and inadvertently threatened his son's life. "Keith, why don't you show your fiancé the strength of a Galra warrior, and trust that if you make a mistake that he will come to your aid." There was a glimmer of mirth in Zarkon's yellow eyes. Lance's eyes widened as he turned to Keith.

"He can't be serious, I, I haven't been able to do it 100% of the time, what if I fail and you get hurt?" Lance was panicking, his eyes losing focus and his hands shaking against Keith's arm. Keith pulled his arm free from Lance's surprisingly tight grip and moved to hold him by his shoulders.

"Lance, I trust you to keep me safe. You can do this, I know it. Trust yourself and your abilities, and they will not fail you." Lance wasn't sure how Keith could have so much faith in him, but if he trusted him that much, then the least he could do was live up to Keith's expectations of himself. He would try. No matter how much the idea repulsed him. Lance watched in mild horror as Keith stepped forward towards the taller, and much bulkier soldier. He was given a sword and Lance watched still as Keith crouched down into a defensive stance, ready to strike back at a moment's notice should his opponent attack first. The soldier lunged at Keith, Lance was having a hard time controlling his heart rate as he watched Keith dodge the heavy swing, sidestepping out of the way at the last second. Keith was quicker, lighter on his feet than this soldier was. He was more agile and was soon quickly taking the offensive. The fight went on for what Lance felt like was forever. He kept his eyes out, taking detailed note of every movement both of the fighters made. And then the soldier had the upperhand, having managed to trip Keith. His sword skittering off out of reach as his back collided with the stone floor. The soldier looked down and raised his blade high as if to strike Keith with a fatal blow, and that was all Lance could take.

"Stop!" he cried as he watched the soldier make sure Keith's arms were pinned beneath his knees, then started to bring his sword down in a arch towards Keith's head. "STOP!" Lance shouted again, his hand reaching out, fingers splayed in the air, as if to grab the man's arm and stop him himself. He grabbed nothing though, but left his hand in midair, his eyes clenched shut. Though strangely enough he could feel the telltale tug of water, trying to resist his control. Could he really have done it? Lance cracked one eye open slowly, noticing first just how close that soldier's blade was to Keith's neck and he twitched his finger to command the body at his disposal to drop the sword away from his betrothed. When he did as bid, Lance opened his eyes the rest of the way, all his muscles but the ones in his arm relaxing in relief. He had been so worried that this wouldn't work out. Zarkon let out a pleased hum from somewhere behind him, clapping slightly.

"Impressive, both of you. Keith seems to have kept his edge while on your peaceful planet. Even if he did come back with such sickeningly weak emotions." Keith seemed to wince at the comment and the disapproving tone that came with it. And if Lance weren't terrified of what would happen as soon as he let the soldier go, he would have turned to glare at his soon to be father in law.

"But you, Lance, that was quite impressive. I admit, I was a bit disappointed when you did not stop him sooner, but seeing how close you let it get, I think we can work with this." Lance really didn't like that tone either. He twitched his wrist and willed the soldier to get up off of Keith, making him walk back over to the wall where he had been previously before letting him go. His arm dropping heavily to his side. He felt drained. In every way possible. Emotionally, because he thought he could have just lost Keith if he had made even the slightest of mistakes, which was more pressure than he ever wanted to experience ever again. Mentally, because using that particular ability was still new and he had yet to properly perfect it. Physically because it was taxing on his muscles to be so tense. Everything suddenly just felt like it was too much. He saw Keith get up and start walking to him, but it wasn't until the purple teen put his hand on his shoulder that he promptly collapsed into the strong arms that would undoubtedly catch him.

The smile that had been on Keith's lips, waiting to tell Lance that he had done a good job was quickly exchanged with a worried frown as he rushed to hold Lance's now very limp, out cold, body tightly against his own. He knew it as asking a lot of the other prince to use his blood manipulation magic when he had yet to fully understand it, but he hadn't thought it would be this physically taxing on him. He didn't even fully understand it when Lance tried to explain his abilities to him, but he did know that this was normal. The physical and mental exhaustion due to overexertion.

"Father, if you are satisfied, I think it would be best if I took Lance to lie down." Keith looked his father straight in the eyes, bowing his head slightly as he waited for a dismissal.

"As you wish. I do want him to practice that ability a bit more though. Convince him." Zarkon ordered simply.

"Father." Keith started, a heavy glare set in his eyes; "Lance does not like using this application of his powers. I can not convince him to do something he does not wish to do."

"You will, because it is an order from your Emperor." Zarkon stated simply, then waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing his son out of his sight. Lance was still so young, asking him to work on this technique for his father's use could strain the fragile connection they had only just made. While being on Prata Neptunia had the potential to be a good thing for Keith, he feared that being on Galra might have the opposite effect on Lance. He liked that Lance wasn't a power hungry warrior bent on making a name for himself. Lance was kind and generous, a little fickle sometimes, and above all, hated even the thought of hurting another living thing. But Zarkon, his own father, wanted to use Lance like a weapon.

"I will ask because you are my father, and my Emperor, but I will not push him to do something he does not want to do. If he chooses to hone this ability, it will be his own choice." Keith argued. It scared him, talking back to his father in such a way, but he was going to mate this boy in his arms, he had to put Lance's well being before orders from even his father. A Galra's mate was the exception to the rule. They were a fiercely loyal race, but loyalty to one's mate came before all else. And even if the were not mated yet, they would be. And that was enough for Keith. Keith felt small under his father's glare, but it did not last long, and it honestly surprised him when Zarkon gave a small chuckle.

"You are not even mated yet, but you already choose him over me? Interesting." Zarkon nodded to the double doors Keith and Lance had entered through and spoke again. "Very well, do it your way. But emphasize that it could be used for defense as well. Now leave." Keith didn't need to be told twice and scooped Lance up into his arms and began to briskly walk back the way he had come, not stopping even as he heard his father speak again; "And stop by medical, you look a mess." Medical was probably a good idea. He knew that soldier had gotten a few good hits in and Lance probably would feel better as well when he woke up if he could tell him that he had gotten the doctor to look him over. He wasn't looking forward to the inevitable conversation they he had to bring up once Lance did wake, but, he had to. It didn't take long to get from the throne room to the medical wing, which was pretty much as close to the center of the palace as it could possibly be to make it easier to get to. Leaning Lance's head on his shoulder and leaning his own body back just slightly to support him without fearing dropping him, Keith rapped on the door quickly, then returned his hand to Lance's neck and stood straight once more. The door opened and they were ushered in quickly once they saw who it was. Keith set Lance down on one of the cots, brushing the hair out of Lance's eyes before turning to the doctor himself.

"I just need a general exam, and he will probably want an energy supplement." Keith spoke calmly. The doctor looked Keith over and furrowed his brow.

"What in the world happened my prince? You only just returned and already have gotten into a fight?"

"My father wished to test my strength after returning from Prata Neptunia. And to see Lance's abilities in person." He nodded over at Lance's unconscious form on the cot. "He passed, but exerted too much energy and collapsed." Keith explained further.

"I see, so then this is your intended mate." The doctor nodded, getting the picture before he set out to gather the things he would need. "Go sit on the other cot while you wait." the doctor instructed as he dug through a cabinet looking for a supplement for Lance and some disinfectant for Keith. Before Keith had even gotten properly comfortable the doctor came over with an arm full of supplies and two large bottles. He set everything down on the table between Lance and Keith's cots and set to work on Lance first since his was the easiest treatment. He poured a small cup full of one of the bottles and set it aside before moving Lance into a sitting position. He picked up a small gold metal bowl and held it under Lance's nose, the smell rousing the slumbering prince with a groan. Weakly Lance tried to push the offending scent away from his face and the doctor obliged, setting it back down on the table and handing him the small cup.

"Here, drink this, slowly. It might not taste the greatest, but it will help you recover your strength quickly. I will have an assistant find you something to eat after you have finished two of these, okay?" Lance nodded groggily and brought the cup to his lips, his face scrunching up in distaste as the first sip made it's way down his throat.

"It tastes like dilltoad oil." he grumbled quietly.

"He did say it might not taste the best." Keith teased, he was just happy Lance was awake again, even though he knew it was nothing serious.

"I don't want to drink two of these." Lance complained.

"Too bad, you need it." Keith answered as the doctor brought over a stool and sat himself right in front of Keith, first carefully dabbing away the blood starting to clot in his fur. The doctor stayed quiet as he worked, disinfecting and bandaging his small wounds. He was sure there was nothing too bad, but the doctor still insisted on doing a full check up regardless.

"You're okay, right?" Lance finally asked having finished the first cup and sticking his tongue out in disgust before the doctor's assistant refilled it and then put the bottle away and going off in search of food for Lance.

"Of course I am." Keith wanted to smile, to reassure Lance, but the doctor chose then to disinfect one of the deeper wounds and his face contorted into a wince instead at the subtle sting he hadn't been anticipating. "I knew you would be able to do it." he continued anyway.

"You could have been killed back there, and I honestly do not think that would be something I could live with, knowing I should have acted sooner. I wouldn't be able to handle knowing that it was my fault something horrible happened to you, to anyone in general. Death due to inaction is just as condemning as death by my own hand. How could your father test you so harshly like that?" Keith shrugged, but then was scolded by the doctor.

"That is just how he is, there really is no half way with him. Besides, if I had been able to handle myself in that fight, you would not have felt compelled to do as my father asked." Keith's voice was quieter now, hesitant to bring up his father's request. Lance stayed quiet, unsure of how he felt or how to answer Keith's statement. "He wants you to practice it more." Keith finally settled on. Deciding that the sooner he said it the sooner he could tell his father that Lance wasn't interested. He missed the slow nod that Lance gave, his eyes still forward and focusing on the wall just over the doctor's shoulder, but he did catch the sigh the left Lance's lungs.

"As much as I don't want to … maybe I should." Lance chugged the rest of the medicine and slammed the cup back down on the table, making a miserable gagging sound. "That is seriously the worst, what is it?"

"You don't need to know." The doctor answered hastily. Which, both boys knew really meant that they didn't want to know. Lance gratefully accepted the dried meat strips the doctor's assistant offered him and stuffed one in his mouth almost immediately to try and rid himself of the putrid taste. Keith was taken so aback from Lance's answer that he hardly had time to even think about not turning his head to face the tan prince.

"What do you mean, 'maybe you should'? You said so yourself that you hate that application of your powers."

"Yes, but if it can keep you safe, then I think I should learn it. Besides, controlling an attacking party would be much easier to resolve a conflict before more bloodshed occurred should I ever be put in such a situation." Lance's eyes looked heavy as he spoke and Keith wanted nothing more than to be close enough to rest a hand on his betrothed's knee, to look him in the eye as he spoke next.

"Only if that is really what you want. I will not push you to learn something I know you hate, and I already told my father this."

"Keith, if I had practiced this technique more, had more confidence in myself that I could do what he was asking of me, you would not have gotten hurt."

"This is nothing, I have had worse from trials before, I have even been hurt worse roughhousing with my brothers."

"You could have been killed if I were any slower!" Lance raised his voice, the fear in it was obvious, and it tugged at Keith's heart. It was almost as strong now as it had been when he had stopped the soldier back in the throne room.

"But I wasn't. And my father will not test you on this any more should you refuse to practice it." Keith replied weakly.

"I do not believe that. I know he sees my abilities as a potential weapon, and blood manipulation would a very easy way to accomplish a great many feats. But it would also be good for defending myself and you." Lance turned his head to look directly at Keith. "I will tell your father that I will practice this ability, but that I do not intend to use it to harm anyone under any circumstances." And that was the end of the discussion, his tone left no room for Keith to argue. All he could do, was nod and accept the decision that Lance had come to on his own.

Notes:

Aaaaannnnnd the next chapter is where Lance and Keith meet Blue and Red! Exciting!

Also, Keith mentions his brothers in this chapter, they make an appearance later on as well (That was part of what I wanted to explore in this chapter, but decided to wait since this one was getting kinda long compared to the other chapters.)

Also thank you to my amazing friend and beta, FrostyTrish, for helping me actually get this out!

I hope to hear what you think so far! It makes me happy and motivates me to work harder on it ^_^

~ Evi