Disclaimer: X-Men are Marvel's. OCs belong to a variety of reviewers. And of course, yours truly. Special shout out to magicrazy101 for Zendi (cuz Zendi's awesome) and HMaster for Xander (cuz he gets some action here).

Author's note: STORY TIME!

Okay. So here's what happened: I've been swamped with schoolwork. The original title/idea for this chapter was "Fighting Friends", buuut... I got into a fight with my friend and I was emotionally unprepared to write the original idea (don't worry, everything's fixed there). Still borderline same idea, just with different in between scenes instead of actual fighting. (which is why for the small poem at the start)

Oh, and so we got hit with this massive snow storm and school is cancelled for tomorrow... today.. whatever... which is why this is coming on a Thursday.

So for more Haven chaos:

Enjoy. Read. Review.

Fights between friends are most difficult to watch,

Because friends and former allies

Know the other's weak spots.

A fight amongst friends is hardest to stand

Because contempt and betrayal

Go hand-in-hand.

Sionnach's head thudded hard against the ground. His maroon hair was falling from its band and as he scrambled upright he looked frantic. His sword had fallen when Jaller had grabbed him, and now he felt naked. He had nothing to defend himself with besides his powers, and his skin still crawled from what he did to the Pathos kid.

He scrambled first into a sitting position and then when he saw Jaller descending on him like an apocalyptic storm cloud he spun around and clambered to his feet.

The new mutant had spent little time outside of his squad's area besides for arena training, and even then that had only been a few times. Even still, he saw how well he was cornered on the landing outside of Clay's area. There was a small open area and then the lift that connected the floors. It was an industrial lift with metal columns and steel base. Obviously no one else had used it since Jaller's team barged in, the lift itself was still on their floor.

Sionnach turned back around and faced Jaller. He conjured flame in the palms of his hands and threw his hands to the side.

"Alright, come and get me." He growled, barring his pearly white fangs.

"Much obliged." Jaller snarled back, his smile now looking forced and pained. He charged forward at his opponent. It was clear his head was not on straight, Jaller had returned his sword to his side and he extended his hands out as he approached Sionnach.

As a quick thought before Jaller threw him back again Sionnach's mind thought that over. Keep him angry, he'll try and use his hands. Might live longer that way.

Jaller grabbed Sionnach by the shoulders and spun him around, flinging him into the lift. Sionnach felt the heat from his hands briefly before he was sent flying. He skidded to a halt on the textured floor of the lift. Blue flames sputtered out as Kitsune shook his head out. The other mutant advanced on him, and he jumped up, this time he was ready.

The taller mutant reached with his arms, intending to manhandle the fox-mutant to the ground, but Sionnach reached up and grasped his hands. The two intertwined their fingers as they began to push against the other in a struggle for dominance. With a flash, blue and orange flame spiraled from the duelers' palms. Jaller's black gloves frayed from the heat and fell from their height as large fiery ashes. He grit his teeth behind his mask and applied more force. Sionnach's elbows buckled, but he pushed back, playing dirty by digging his sharp black nails into the backs of Jaller's hands.

"You're… leaking power there… Jal-luh." Sionnach growled through clenched teeth. He pronounced his opponent's name the way Clay often did, knowing it got on his nerves. He allowed himself a satisfied smirk as he saw his cut got to the older mutant. Jaller squeezed his hands tighter, threatening to snap the bones, and whirled the mutant around, sending him crashing into the control panel.

Sionnach let out a yelp of pain as metal shards bit into his back. Sparks flew behind him and the lift began its descent. As the walls started shifting around them he flung himself at Jaller.

Xander came running out of the squad room at that moment, clutching the katana in one hand. His eyes were a little clouded from his recent return from the Astral Plane, but he was no worse for wear otherwise.

"Kitsune!" He called out, his voice cracking slightly. He ignored his humiliation as he saw his teammate smashed into the lift's controls.

Xander swore and started forward. The lift was sliding downward at a faster pace than usual and it was well below the floor by the time he reached the edge.

The teen peered down the shaft. Smooth brown rock went down for twenty floors or so, the lift's top shifting away from where he stood, followed only by a thick metal cord.

"Oh man, oh man." Xander whispered. He glanced behind him, happy to see Sionnach's sheath on the ground. He snatched it up and clipped it across his chest, sliding the katana in neatly. He took a deep breath and stepped a few paces back from the cliff that was the elevator shaft. "Better do this while I still have the guts…" He muttered to himself.

With a wild cry he ran forward and flung himself into the open space. He soared through the air with his arms flung wide, and when he hit the chord with his upper arm he hooked his elbow. He stopped flying by and he quickly wrapped himself around the chord. Taking another gasping breath he started shimmying down after the lift.

Jaller and Sionnach continued their wrestling match until the lift hit the bottom floor with a metal clang. The jolt surprised them both and they were flung from the metal transport.

The pair were sprawled out on the floor for several seconds before either could respond. Sionnach was the first to recover; jumping up and placing his back to the open space behind him that he knew lead to the arena. He would rather have space to maneuver to and retreat if needed than to be cornered by the swordsmen.

Jaller got up slowly, dramatically drawing his sword as he set his feet. This time he wasted no words, flames danced from his hands onto his sword where it remained on his blade. His lip was curled up in a snarl, a large crack ran up the face of his mask from his lip to his right eye. He looked at Sionnach incredulously, like he could not believe that the mutant was still fighting. He swung his bronze sword in a flat arch, flames extending out from the tip.

Kitsune ducked under the line of flame, and did several handsprings to get out of the way of the following slashes. He grunted as he went, thankful now for the grueling training sessions with Clay Dune.

Flames chased him the whole way until he landed on his wrist wrong, causing him to fall on his head. He didn't even have time to swear before Jaller's blade was at his throat.

Golden eyes looked up from the hard floor. The teen's hair was in disarray, maroon strands falling in front of his eyes and clinging to his snout. His chest was heaving from exhaustion, and sweat plastered his fur.

It took him a while, but Sionnach soon realized what was around him.

He was in the arena.

Stone benches surrounded the oval-shaped floor, going up twenty or so rows, enough to house the entire Haven. A light layer of dirt covered everything, and was thicker on the floor.

More than just the surroundings though, Sionnach saw there were mutants there.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Digger, the dark-skinned, metal-armed mutant, and his team, including the pale medic, Jed. A tale blonde boy stood among them, as well as two other boys and two girls. Other teams stood off in groups, armed with weapons. It seemed as though Jaller and Sionnach's fight had interrupted a large training session.

"Jaller?" Digger called out, his voice held traces of confusion.

Jaller took several deep breaths, letting out a low growl. He kept his sword at the fox-mutant's throat, but halted the flames.

"This… traitor… is in for some reprimanding." Jaller said, loud enough for everyone to hear him. He looked up and around him, as to make sure everyone was listening. "This is Kitsune, a member of Clay Dune's squad… Clay Dune has been putting the Haven in wrongful danger, betraying our secrets to untrustful sources, shirking her responsibilities, and defying orders. She has been undermining the structure of the Haven for months. We have therefore taken her into isolation." Many of the mutants burst into uproar. "Silence!" He roared. "As leader of the Haven you must obey my decisions. I did this action for us. To protect us from threats like her. Clay Dune has only her interests in mind."

"That's a lie!" Digger cried in his deep bass voice. He took a step toward Jaller in his combat gear, rough tan canvas pants and sleeveless shirt. Both fists were balled, and anger vibrated in his voice. "Clay Dune has done nothing but good for this place! Times were always better when she was in charge instead of you!"

"How… dare… you!" Jaller returned. He temporarily paused to take his sword away from Kitsune's throat to point it at Digger.

Sionnach rubbed his throat. He was sick and tired of Jaller spewing lies.

"I think you need to get your facts straight." Kitsune mused. He sat up and wiped the blood from his neck on his jeans. "From what I can see, Clay's sacrificed everything for this place. She's never had to do any of that. She never had to rescue me from that jail cell. Never had to give up her meals to make sure her team got something to eat. No one told her to teach a nine-year-old how to use a sword. Never made her put up with a fox with a rod up his ass." He laughed scornfully. "If anyone should have a problem with her, it'd be me. She can be a total bitch, but when the going gets tough, she puts it all in."

Sionnach smirked as he saw Jaller's face turning red in anger.

"Take a breath there, clanker," Sionnach grinned arrogantly, "looks like you're ready to explode."

"Why you—"

"KITSUNE!"

Every mutant whirled around in the arena to see Xander sprinting in, sword in hand. His pale skin was flushed pink, his green T-shirt completely soaked with sweat. His hands were bloodied, but his face remained determined.

"I… think you left his… upstairs." He wheezed, holding up the sword as he slowly came to a halt beside his teammate. There were chuckles around the arena. He looked Jaller defiantly in the eyes, handing Kitsune the katana. "I think you'll do much better with this than I will."

Sionnach accepted it, aware of the blood on the hilt. He made a mental note to hear that story. He allowed Xander's help in getting up, palming his sword.

Xander stood right behind him, fists clenched. He was ready to do what he must.

Kitsune raised his sword. The arena had begun to grow into a crescendo of murmurs. "FOR CLAY! FOR THE HAVEN!"

And all Hell broke loose.

"Clay, Clay, CLAY!" Zendi yelled, more annoyed than angry. "Stop, how the hell are you even walking?"

Zendi was chasing after a hobbling Clay Dune. Clay had left the infirmary swiftly after receiving some harsh words from Leo Dyson. Her legs were numb and every step sent a jolt straight up her bones to her spine, but still she kept going. She was not about to let anyone see she was upset.

And upset over a boy no less.

Finally Zendi grabbed onto the girl's arm and yanked her back, holding her shoulders tight so she couldn't run off again. She looked straight in Clay's eyes, looking for what emotion gripped her and what the girl was thinking. Zendi did not like what she saw. First off, the neon green glow everyone was used to seeing in Clay's eyes was gone, her eyes were little more than a grayish green hue. Secondly, her eyes were shiny, tears swimming but refusing to go anywhere. Clay was not one to show that emotion.

"Clay…" Zendi started.

Her friend turned away, tilting her head down and squeezing her eyes shut. Emotions, who needed them? She had bigger things to worry about. The Haven was dissolving in civil war. This was no time to think about herself. She had to lead the mutants who relied on her through the ongoing battles.

If people were willing to fight for her, she had to show she was willing to fight for them.

A warm hand on her cheek forced her to turn back to her friend. Zendi's warm brown eyes gazed sadly at her. Without warning the younger girl threw her arms around Clay, wrapping her in a hug. Clay buried her head in her friend's shoulder, hugging her back.

Sometimes words were not needed.

"How am I gonna do it all, Zen?" Clay's voice sounded small, scared even. It tugged at Zendi's heart, because when something got Clay this down there was not a ton she could do.

Zendi pulled back, holding her at an arm's length. "With help. But really, you shouldn't be fighting. You are in no shape to."

"I have to Zen, mutants are counting on me to lead them."

The Italian wrinkled her nose in thought. Suddenly her eyes widened. Someone might as well have put a light bulb above her head.

"You can. They want to know you're behind them. That you're leading them. We have communicators, I can relay your orders."

"Zen, I need to be out there fighting!"

The girl tossed her hands up, Clay almost toppled over, but she caught her quickly. She remained irritated. She shouted something in Italian, waving one of her hands a whole bunch. She calmed and glared at her friend. "Sometimes I want to slap you upside the head. YOU CANNOT FIGHT! YOU WILL FALL OVER!" She lowered her voice as they heard a crash down the hall. They needed to get moving again, needed to place Clay somewhere safe. "Will you just trust me?"

"Gahhh." Portal tried her ankle out again, but it buckled under her weight. "I am so done." She grumbled, flopping back on the infirmary bed. She sat up straight again and facepalmed. With a wave of her hand a portal opened beneath her and she slid through in ashamed silence.

Like Portal, Leo was also getting antsy. The noises and crashes from outside were too much to just ignore.

He had figured out why the slab was slick, he had nearly bled out. It didn't take much to convince Benj to help him move to another bed. The healer, Jed, had also brought him a fresh set of clothes. It was only a white T-shirt and athletic shorts, but it was a welcome change.

His healing factor was kicking in big time, the crystal over his heart a buzz of activity. It glowed intensely under the light shirt to his annoyance. Leo continually tapped the smooth surface in hopes to get it to stop. Instead it only glowed on, casting his face in amber light. He should be grateful, but his mood was deteriorating as the minutes passed. He started to long to be back under that metal beam.

His brother, Benj, leaned silently against the wall. He had also changed out of his X-Men uniform into a matching outfit to his brother. His Steampunk goggles rested on top of his head, soot covered and grimy. He could not take his eyes off of Leo. Benj had pulled through so far, Leo had somewhat 'closed' the empathy link in the accident, and Benj was reluctant to make sure it was clear once more. It was obvious Leo was hurting. How neither had seen the Clay Dune reveal coming was astonishing. Really, how'd they miss that?

Benj shook his head, but his eyes traveled back to Leo. The feline mutant was now sitting against the headboard of one of the linen beds, his legs stretched out in front of him, head bent down, and one hand just above his crystal. Ropey scars traced their way up Leo's legs. It was scary how many scars the two of them now possessed. A faded white scar went down Leo's entire arm, and another was etched just above his right eye; one thanks to Magneto, one to Wolverine.

Marks showing just what being an X-Man had gotten them.

The skater grit his teeth as a shout sounded from the hall. Jed and Ash were in the far corner, Ash was incredibly pale and sprawled out in intense pain. There was little Jed or anyone could do for her. Benj got an idea though, and he walked up to them.

"Can… can I try something?" He asked. It was awkward since he did not know how much any of them trusted him.

Jed looked down at Ash, his white eyes suspicious. "Her choice."

Ash turned her eyes to him and blinked. He guessed she wanted him to explain.

"I could try just putting you at enough ease to sleep. At least then your subconscious can ignore the pain." Benj said timidly. The girl narrowed her eyes at him, but she had a spasm suddenly in her pain and nodded quickly.

"Alright, try to relax." Benj whispered, stretching his hands out and placing them on her temples. He reached out in his mind, recalling his lessons with Professor X. He went carefully, unwilling to harm this girl. He sent calming thoughts and auras weaving through her mind, lulling her into peace. He knew at that point he had succeeded in putting her to sleep. Cautiously he removed his mind and he gave the healer a gentle smile.

Jed nodded, but said nothing more.

A mutant burst in the doorway of the infirmary, causing the three conscious mutants to direct their attention to the entrance. It was a tall, short-haired, blonde teen with dazzling white teeth and tan skin. His eyes glowed a slight orange and faded as he stood there. He wore a black vest over a bright orange shirt and cargo shorts. A green strip of cloth was tied on his upper arm and around his neck.

Jed stood suddenly. "Plasma!"

The boy took a deep breath. "Oh my gosh Jed, it's insane. Insane I tell you! Digger's somewhere in the arena, couldn't find him again, sent me up to the upper floor to see if Dusk was back. Just so you know… he's not. And YIKES man! Mutants jumping out of nowhere, asking quickly who you're for or just trying to knock your skull in before they know… dude… it is chaotic out there. It's just so crazy, I don't know how we're doing."

"Plasma, slow down." Jed said, walking up to him. "Where's our team?"

The new boy looked sadly down at the ground. "I don't know for sure. I think Beth is with Digger… but everyone else… I-I lost them."

Jed took a shaky breath. He looked back at the two Dyson brothers. "How about Clay's team?"

"Well them I know. Hard not to, you know? They're really taking charge. I'm pretty sure Clay is in their squad room, leading the charge from there. Wyvern is with her, Parselmouth and some red demon guy are down in the arena, with them it seems to be clearing out fast. Knife's in whatever center floor we have at the moment, relaying orders from Clay and taking care of any kids who come in. We're tryin' to keep the youngins out of this. Kitsune is leading the frontal charge with Whisper where they can, last I heard it was the fifth floor, working their way up. Uh, haven't seen Portal, thought she was in here… Cloak is on defensive team on the eleventh floor, as well as Rena."

"I see…"

"We just got some new orders in though, the wounded are to be brought up here pronto. No matter what side. I'm just about to go out there and do that. So… prepare to be swamped." Plasma added quickly.

"I'm gonna need some help, I can't keep up this level of healing." Jed sighed.

"I'll find Digger. He can probably help your powers stretch." The boy suggested. He paused for a second, for the first time realizing there were other mutants in there. He blinked repeatedly and looked from Leo to Benj to Leo again. "Oh. Well, hey there. You're new, welcome to the Haven! I hope you enjoy your stay!"

The brothers looked at him in disbelief. Where did the positivity come from?

"Yeah, uh… so far it's been swell…" Leo replied.

"You… you, uh, single?"

"PLASMA!" Jed yelled, irritation in his voice.

"Right, right, I'm off!" Plasma smiled. His eyes glowed again, and his entire body was encompassed in orange energy. He turned and zoomed off through the open door.

Jed rubbed his temples and turned back to the Dysons. "I am partially sorry for Plasma, he doesn't know how to keep his mouth from running. I might need some of your help soon."

Leo shook his head, actually jumping out of his bed. His healing factor was obviously working well, because other than a slight waver he stood firm. "I think we'd be more help out there. I can carry multiple mutants back here at once."

"Now, wait—"

"Trust me, he's made up his mind." Benj interrupted. "Don't get in our way."

Jed swallowed as Leo shifted into his lion humanoid shift and roared. "Anyone injured you say?"

"Yeah…" Jed muttered.

Leo looked back to his brother and they ran out of the medical bay.

Clay fiddled with the gray sphere in her hand. Her Haven communicator was warm in her palm as she set it down in her hand. She was growing more and more anxious for news from anyone. Especially Nick, who could have the key for pulling the Haven back together: the force to do it. She personally could do little, other than strategize.

And it was driving her crazy.

Nico watched her nervous antics from an armchair across from her. She was laid out on the couch, ignoring the blood stains, staring at her communicator intently. He could feel her emotions in the air. It was making him tense as well.

"Clay."

"Mmm."

"You're making me freak out."

"Yeah, I know." Clay answered back bluntly. "Sorry."

They settled back into silence.

Her communicator blinked and she made an attempt to leap up… and well… failed… forcing her to resort to flailing and pressing the button.

"Clay Dune."

"Hey! Clay! There's… well there's something I gotta talk to you about." Knife's voice said over the device. She sounded evasive.

"What is it?"

"We… we found a body…"

Clay squeezed her eyes shut tight. "Oh God, no. Who… who was it?"

"Heather Smith, Golden…" Zendi replied, her voice seemingly close to breaking.

The leader heard Nico gasp, and resisted looking at him. "Heather… she's been here for years… who's side…"

"She was wearing a green cloth, so we're guessing she was supporting us." The girl answered, her voice hard. "I don't know who killed her… I can't imagine that… how did it… I just…" Zendi had to stop.

Clay let out a low whine. She pushed memories of the girl out of her mind. "Send out who ever's with you. Secure the floor. Look for clues. We will do justice for her."

There was a pause as Clay guessed her orders were fulfilled.

"Have you heard from Dusk?"

Clay shook her head, answering. "No, I don't know where he went. I'm about to send a message to him."

"Quickly. I… I don't think we can handle finding another body."

Nick Darth arrived in his office of the Haven in a whirl of shadow. He sighed deeply and removed his helmet upon entering. It would appear as though someone had beat him to the Dysons.

He stretched an arm above his head and then stopped as he heard the sounds of battle echoing up from the halls.

What the—

He started toward the door when the gray sphere on his belt flashed red. He activated it and listened.

"Dusk."

"Nick! Get back here!" Clay's voice sounded tired and raspy from the other side. She sounded broken. "The Haven is in chaos."

"I can hear that…" He mused. "What is going on?"

"Jaller supporters versus me supporters. I didn't ask for this. I didn't want this, Nick. And… Jaller attacked my squad. Fusion held me captive for much too long. I… I can't even walk."

Nick burned in fury. "Jaller?! What is he DOING?!"

"I don't know… but Nick… we found… God… Heather Smith is dead."

"Golden…" Darth whispered in disbelief, suddenly having the urge to sit down. He shook his head violently. "I will put a stop to this. I hope the infirmary's up and running."

With that he stormed out of his office.

Every floor he went through, Dusk pacified fighters. Much of it was just his presence, but where mutants were still fighting he used his powers swiftly to pull the combaters apart and knock them out. The ones still standing he instructed to take the wounded to the medical bay.

There was a reason Darth was the undisputed overall leader of the Haven.

He encountered Cloak and Fenris on the twelfth floor. Both saluted when they saw him. He waved them closer and explained to them what he wanted.

"You two go get Clay. Bring her down to the arena. Any mutants you see along the way tell them to go to the arena as well."

"Yes, sir."

He continued on, his fury unwavering.

He ran into Knife next, and sent her ahead of him to start getting her side to stand down. That made his going much easier. Darth ran back into Zendi again on the seventh floor, where she showed him where the deceased girl was.

Darth knelt slowly next to her still form, studying the immediate area around her. It was horrifying to him that someone would go that far to one of their own. He sighed and closed the girl's eyelids over her pale green eyes. As he stood he looked to Zendi.

"I think I know who did it, but we will ask for witnesses as well. Perhaps luckily, we will lose more mutants to expulsion than death." He said grimly. "Make sure word is sent to her team."

"They already know."

"Then have them come up here. Did you take pictures of the area?"

"Yes, sir."

"Great. Her team can care for her now." His voice was cracking with sorrow, the melody changing its tune. He looked down at the girl. Her golden blonde hair lay around her in its normal wavy way, streaked with blood. A silent tear fell down the man's face, and he quickly wiped it away. He had to remain strong. "God rest her soul."

The arena was where most of the chaos was. It could contain many more mutants, so that's where many were, duking it out with each other. Mutants fought on the ground and in the risers, using all manners of weapons and powers. Bright flashes of colored energy pierced the air at odd times, winds blew, and fires crackled.

Darth put one foot inside of the arena and took a deep breath. He walked in a little farther and closed his eyes, stretching his arms.

Shadows sprung to life all around the arena, extending as tentacles and grabbing onto battling mutants. As they struggled the shadows pulled tighter, pinning them to walls and floors. Soon the arena became silent and all eyes were fixed on Dusk.

The man stepped into the center of the arena, anger dancing in his purple eyes. He waited silently as mutants began file in behind him. When he thought there was a majority there he spoke.

"I am disappointed."

There was nothing worse to hear than that.

"I am disappointed that so many of you would become tangled in this civil war. What did it accomplish?" He asked, his voice echoing around the stone cavern. "Nothing." He slowly released his hold on the mutants. The young adults sat hesitantly wherever they were, many having faces like those sent to the principal's office.

Darth paused again, motioning for the mutants entering to find a seat. He saw that among them was Clay being supported by Cloak and Fenris. A small cheer went up around the arena, but a look from both Clay and Darth silenced it.

"Some of you might have heard… we lost one of our own tonight." He paused, the mutants around the arena held their breath, fearing the name of someone they knew well. "Many of you knew her only as Golden, but she was also called Heather Smith." Multiple mutants gasped, and there was a pained cry from somewhere within the cavern, it echoed hollowly against the walls. "She arrived here four years ago, and served briefly on Tick's team, and then on Digger's, before moving again to serve with Tagg." He paused again.

"This is what your fighting has earned!" He shouted. "Was it worth it?"

"I understand that many of you were fighting in loyalty to Jaller, but I am sorry to say that from what I can tell, he is the one responsible for her death."

At this point there was a scuffle at the entrance to the arena. A well-known mutant came into view, holding Jaller's arms behind his back. It was Sionnach. Behind him were three other members of Jaller's team: Thok, Pathos, and Fusion. Pathos was being led by Thok, and Fusion was draped over the bulky mutant's shoulder, out cold. Thok's eyes were set hard, it was obvious he was no longer in support of Jaller.

Darth's eye twitched as he watched the mutants. He waited patiently as the perpetrators were led in. The helmet on Jaller's head was bashed and broken, half of it had fallen away to reveal a harshly handsome face with curly black hair plastered to his forehead.

"I've never had to do this in the whole of ten years." Darth said with clear disgust. "I have never had to turn mutants away from any safe haven. But today, you have forced my hand."

Jaller, and Pathos were made to kneel, and Fusion was laid beside them. Darth looked down at them with a pained expression.

"Jared Parks, Antony Robinson, and Ted Holmes… Jaller, Pathos and Fusion… I have to ask you to leave the Haven. We will be civil enough to let you collect your things, but we cannot allow you to return here. This is the punishment you must face. Being here is a privilege and like with all privileges, they can be taken away. You are hereby banished from the Haven."

Jaller looked up at Darth with hatred in his eyes. A snarl reached his lips.

"I'll be back. You'll see what a mistake you've made."

Darth leaned in close to the teenager. "I made no mistake; you on the other hand slew one of my daughters. You are no longer sons of mine."

Let me know how that went. And as a little incentive to review: If I get 5 or more reviews I will post another chapter just after Christmas Day.

Plus, my winter break is about to begin. YAY! Which of course means I am going back and managing Haven Origins. I should have the edits done speedily (tomorrow I say optimistically?), but give me a little longer for Xander's intro. I've had too many scrapped starters for him.

Keep writing strong.

(And seriously, a review would be nice. I like those. Make me happy)