Reno's mouth hung open as he stared at the blonde man before him. This was the gothar? When Elmyra had said the gothar was young, Reno had imagined someone a few years older than himself, not this young man who appeared to be a few years younger than Reno.

This fact did not seem to bother Tseng in the least as he made another faint bow and introduced himself. As he straightened up to his full height, he said, "We have traveled far to ask for your assistance, and…" He glanced around the room. "I would prefer to discuss it with you in a more private area, if that is alright."

"Hmm," rumbled the blonde. "I will meet you in the inn to discuss this matter in a little while. Before I do I must make my rounds and inform the people who have messages from the gods. Expect me in two hours."

He turned and headed to the door. As he passed Reno, his glowing eyes locked with Reno's normal eyes. The strong stare nearly forced the redhead to look away, but the gothar broke the gaze before Reno could chicken out. The men he passed all gave respectful nods which he returned. To Reno's complete surprise, he made it across the bar without swiping any people or furniture with his sword before quietly walking out the door. As it was swinging closed, Reno thought he saw the man flinch slightly as he stretched his arm before the door shut with a quiet bang. People went back to their previous conversations. Reno turned to Tifa who had once again gone back to cleaning the dishes.

Without a glance at Reno, Tseng made to leave the tavern as well. Reno shakily rose on his feet and started towards the door after his leader. The man at the corner, Cid, turned on his stool.

"Hey!" barked Cid. "You forgot to pay, you little shit!"

"Sorry," mumbled Reno. He reached into his pouch and grabbed a few coins. Tifa put down the dish she was drying to hold open her palm to accept the money. As Reno dropped the coins into her hand, he thought he saw an almost pitying look in the woman's eyes. He did not dwell on it and left the tavern.

As Reno reached the top of the stairs, he spotted the gothar in the distance. A small swarm of children had surrounded him as he walked to the center of the village. He did not seem to mind as he held the hands of a small boy and the little girl whose mother had given the Turks directions. As Reno watched, the little girl let go of the gothar's hand and reached up at him. He let go of the small boy's hand – who did not seem to mind – and picked up the little girl to gingerly place her on his shoulders. Even from where he was standing, Reno could hear the girl's squeal of delight as she played with the wolf fur scarf around the blonde man's neck and his one braid. Reno looked away and went back into the inn to wait out the next two hours.

Two hours later, the Turks and the gothar sat in a circle on the inn chairs near the fireplace. The gothar's giant sword rested on his lap after he removed it from its harness to sit down. Reno could not help but feel nervous as he watched the firelight flickering along the sword's sharp edges.

"So," the gothar started. "Tell me. What do you need my assistance for? I know you are the Turks of Ivalice. I cannot imagine such a powerful nation sending its elite to its weaker neighbors without a large army in tow, yet here is such a thing before me."

"Well, you see, King Shinra fell ill a few months ago," Tseng began to explain.

"Surely you have capable doctors to be found in Ivalice? Your country is vast, there must be a chance that there is someone within its borders who could heal your king."

"So we thought as well," continued Tseng, ignoring the interruption. "But nothing worked. We had dozens of the finest healers in the land try to cure our king, but nothing affected his illness and his decline is reaching a critical point. We were losing hope until a young woman appeared and informed us of something your village has access to."

The gothar, who had perked up at the mention of the young woman's appearance, leaned forward. The look in his eyes made it appear as if he already knew the answer.

Tseng lowered his voice. "Water with magical capabilities."

"What makes you think this woman was truthful?" questioned the gothar.

Tseng's face creased into a faint frown.

"Ivalice is devoid of springs with healing powers," he replied. "But it's common knowledge that these mountain ranges and their people have been favored by the gods."

The gothar leaned back in his chair and stared at the fireplace with crossed his arms. His features had twisted into a faint snarl. After several moments, his face smoothed and he looked up at Tseng. "I am sure you are aware that we would not allow strangers access to such a thing so easily - if it existed. If truth be told, no one outside of our village has set foot in our sacred mountains in centuries. What makes you think we would let you enter for yourselves?"

"The leader of our country is dying, sir," answered Tseng. "We have come to politely ask for your assistance in reaching the water. Why would you not assist us?"

"You fail to understand. The goings on in Ivalice are none of my business, or the business of my village for that matter. You have brought us nothing nor have you done anything for us. Do you believe you can come here and receive anything by simply asking? Is that how your country works? No favor in order to gain a favor?"

"We can initiate an exchange here and now," said Tseng. "We can give this village wealth beyond anything it has ever seen if that is enough to gain us access. Please, what do you need?"

The gothar appeared to be contemplating. After a few minutes, he said, "Whatever items you have to give will likely be of no use to us. Gold we may use… Our village is treacherous to reach, we have little to trade, but we are happy here. We are free of the war and hunger of your lands." He closed his eyes and thought to himself for another moment. "However…"

Tseng leaned forward. Reno and Rude also increased their wandering attentions.

"There is perhaps something you could do for us. I understand your physicians and chemists have been unable to cure your king, but aside from this illness, how skilled are they?"

"They are the best our land has to offer. Their inability is the reason we're here."

The blond man sat in silence for several more long moments. Finally "I will have to think on this. In that time, none of you are to enter the deep mountains, lest you lose your lives."

Tseng nodded. "I will see to it."

Satisfied with his answer, the gothar removed his sword from his lap and stood up to place it back in its harness. "As it stands, I have just finished a trek to and from the peak of Mount Nibel. I need to rest for several days."

Reno spoke up for the first time. "Well, we kinda got a time limit to-"

The gothar cut him off with a raised hand. "I understand that there is no time to waste. But these things cannot be rushed."

Reno shut his mouth and backed off as Rude stepped up.

"Before you go, what is your name?" the bald man asked. The gothar hesitated for a brief moment, thinking to himself.

"If I were to translate it to your tongue, my family name is Strife. My given name translates to Cloud, so you may call me that. Until we next meet.." The gothar walked to the door and left the inn.

"Cloud… Strife, huh?" wondered Reno.

"A dark name," muttered Rude.

"Indeed," Tseng agreed.

Cloud walked down the steps. He was exhausted. His sword felt as if it were trying to drag him into the dirt at the bottom of the stairs. He was used to delivering his news to the villagers when he was tired, but the Turks had kept him from his usual rest afterwards. A small burst of pain in his ribs reminded him of his injuries. With a quick hiss, he placed a hand on the area. The chocobos tied on the post nearby jerked their heads up to watch him pass.

As he was walking to his home, he walked past the tavern entrance. He was only slightly surprised to see Tifa hurrying up the steps towards him.

"Oh, Cloud, what are we going to do with you?" she fussed in their native tongue. He gave a wry smile.

"Hopefully get me home before I fall down," he replied. Tifa smiled and maneuvered under his left arm to support him.

As he made a sound of protest, she shushed him. "You need the support, Cloud."

"This was not what I had in mind…"

"Just let me help you."

"The bar? It's midday."

Tifa blew a strand of hair out of her face. "Cid and Barret said they could handle it for me."

Cloud grunted and focused on placing one foot in front of the other.

They eventually made it to his small house on the edge of the village. Tifa led Cloud over to his bed and helped him lower himself onto the straw mattress. He hissed again as pain shot through his side. When Tifa made to help him, he gently shook her off and started to remove his equipment. He unbuckled his sword harness and the drape over his leg. He let the drape fall to the floor and carefully placed the gilded horn and his large knife on the bed beside him.

Tifa picked up the sword in its harness with a huff and dragged it to the corner of the house, letting the mammoth sword lean against the wall. Cloud sent a thankful glance to her as he removed the wolf pelt from around his broad shoulders. Tifa watched him take off his boots before walking back over to him.

"Take that shirt off and let me see it."

He looked up in surprise. "What?"

"I know you're hurt," Tifa revealed. "Let me see what happened this time."

"Tifa, I can take care of this myself."

Tifa sat down next to him. "Don't even try, you know I'm going to win this."

Cloud looked away. "… Fine," he said eventually. He untucked his short sleeveless tunic and pulled it over his head. The action made him wince. Tifa examined the long dark bruise on his ribs. A few scabbed cuts stretched parallel to the bruise.

"What did you do?" she asked as she got up to look for bandages.

"I crossed paths with a dragon on the way down," murmured Cloud and Tifa frowned. "I tried to avoid it. I would have succeeded if I had not slipped on some wet gravel. The dragon heard and swiped me with its tail. The scabs are from hitting the rocks, not from the tail. Although, I think the tail may have bruised my ribs if not cracked them..."

He was silent for a few minutes as Tifa cleaned and bandaged his injuries, cursing the scaled behemoths on the mountain as she did. As she was tying the knot to hold the bandages wrapped around his chest in place, she asked, "What did those men from Ivalice want? The one with red hair said he was on an assignment from the king himself."

Cloud looked down at his knife and horn. "They are part of the Turks of Ivalice."

Tifa looked up sharply. "What?"

"Don't worry, they are not here to… scout. At least, I don't believe so."

"Why not?"

Cloud frowned slightly. "Their leader told me they are here because the king of Ivalice has fallen ill. All the healers in their land failed to heal him, until…"

Tifa leaned forward. "Until…?"

Cloud met her eyes. "A young woman told them about the spring."

Tifa leaned back. "Do you think it was her?"

"It is a possibility," Cloud said. "She had the skill to make such an appearance. And she always was trying to help people…"

"Are you going to help them?" Tifa asked.

Cloud stayed silent for a few moments. "I… am unable to decide whether or not to trust them. They were earnestly trying to gain my help without violent measures. But we both know King Shinra is a dangerous man."

Tifa stood up as Cloud looked away. "Even so, if you think the young woman truly was her, then maybe you should help them. Perhaps it's a sign." She placed a hand on his cheek and tilted his face up to look at her. "Rest on it. Maybe the gods or ancestors will tell you what to do. Besides, you need the rest." She smiled and walked to the door. "You know where to find me if you need to talk." Then she was gone.

Cloud carefully stretched and reached for one of the furs nearby. Please, he projected his thoughts. If you have anything to tell me, anything at all, please help me. Guide me. He curled up under the fur and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Ten year old Cloud fidgeted nervously next to his mother as he gazed out of the crowd into the main square. Before him stood a group of boys all between ages fourteen and sixteen. They all stood proudly: straight and tall with their chins up. Cloud's attention was trained on the tallest of the group, a boy with a long mane of spiky black hair and vibrant blue eyes.

The gothar stepped forward. A tall man in his late forties, he was ready to pass down his title to a new younger man. He faced the crowd with his glowing eyes and raised his arms.

"Welcome," he projected out to the crowd. "Behold these determined young men to be. Before you stands your future gothar. You may not know who he is as of this moment, but in a moon's time he will stand before us as our new messenger to the gods." He turned to face the boys. "You have one day to prepare for your journey. All of you will meet at the base of Mount Nibel tomorrow at dawn. Be wise and swift, and may the gods be with you."

As the crowd dispersed, Cloud darted away from his mother and through the mass of people. The boys were starting to head towards their homes, but Cloud quickly caught up with the black haired boy. The older boy looked down in surprise as the small blonde grabbed him in a fierce hug.

"Zack, do your best!" Cloud said excitedly as he looked up at the older boy.

Zack gave a bright smile. "Of course, little Spikey! You know I'll be the one to make it up there. You can tell everyone your friend is the gothar when I'm through!"

"Zack…" mumbled Cloud.

"Oh, right. I need to be more humble if I want a chance up there. Thanks for the reminder!" Zack laughed and ruffled the smaller boy's hair. His eyes looked far away as his smile toned down into a determined expression. "This is it. My way to becoming a hero who can help those in need." He took his hand off of Cloud's head and ran towards his house with a wave. "Pray to the gods and ask them to help me, okay Cloud? See ya!"

"I will…" Cloud whispered with a small wave. The main square was empty.

Cloud's eyes fluttered as he slowly woke up. He sat up and propped himself on the furs he used for pillows. The red light filtering through the tiny cracks in the wood door told of the late hour.

Zack… how could he have forgotten that day? He rubbed his face with a sigh. A light breeze tickled his skin and he felt a presence standing at the head of the bed behind him.

"It's what I would have done…" a familiar voice whispered. Cloud startled and looked back, but no one was there. There was no doubt in his mind who it had been.

"Alright… I will help them," Cloud murmured. "For you, Zack. Like I promised." He threw his legs over the side of the bed and dressed. He grabbed his knife and placed his wolf fur back over his shoulders. As he walked out the door, he looked up at the brilliant sunset. The setting sun's colors were being reflected off of the scattered clouds above onto the mountains, bathing everything in red. It was late. If he hurried, Tifa would probably still be serving dinner to the other patrons. He picked up the pace.

Reno pushed open the gate to the paddock with his and the other Turks' chocobos in hand. The large birds joyfully trotted off and spread out after he removed their bridles, looking for a patch of grass to graze on. As he shut the gate, his stomach gave a low growl.

"Time to make another tavern trip!" he said cheerfully. Rude, who had been standing nearby, raised a brow.

"Again? We have our own food, Reno."

"I know that," said Reno with a shrug. "But nothing beats home cooking, right? Especially from a lovely lady such as Ms. Tifa." He grinned as he walked past Rude. "Let's go, Rude."

As they were walking back to the inn, Reno put his hands behind his head. "What do you think the hike up to the spring will be like?" he asked Rude.

"Dangerous," said the large man.

"Mhmm, mhmm," Reno hummed. "Do you think the monsters around here know magic?"

"I hope not."

"Same he-"

Reno jumped back as a group of children darted past, almost running into him. They turned and looked back with small grins at the strangers as they kept running into the forest nearby. The thought of all the small children running among the dark trees made Reno nervous.

"Hey, Rude…" Reno said uneasily. "Do you think there are monsters close to the town this late in the evening?"

Rude was also looking at where the children disappeared. "Shouldn't be."

"Do you think we should go in after the kids?"

Rude looked at the villagers nearby. None of them seemed concerned about the children playing in the woods as they went about their daily chores. "I'm sure they will be fine, Reno."

Reno eventually started walking again. "It makes me jittery, Rude."

He had only taken a few steps when he spotted someone in the distance also heading for the tavern. His eyes narrowed. It was the gothar.

"Cloud Strife, huh," Reno muttered to himself under his breath, earning a glance from Rude.

The blonde man had forgone much of the gear he had been wearing earlier; without it, he seemed less intimidating and more like an average man. But even though he was not as frightening as earlier, Reno could still see the faint glow in the gothar's eyes from down the road.

Reno also noticed the large knife at his waist.

Cloud reached the tavern before them and disappeared down the stairs. When the two Turks entered the tavern a minute behind him, Reno discreetly searched for him in the dark room. The blonde man was not hard to find; his hair and eyes stood out in the gloom from a corner where the bar met the wall. Despite Reno's attempts to go unnoticed, glowing eyes stared hard at him for a few seconds before flitting away.

Reno scowled and made his way to a table with Rude silently following. The red head sat in a chair and leaned back to put his boots on the table as he waited for service. Not ten seconds had gone by before he felt a familiar looming presence behind him.

"If ya value your feet, ya betta' get 'em offa my table, boy," Barret's voice growled from behind him.

Reno quickly removed his boots from the table top, but with a quirky grin asked, "Your table?"

Barret crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Yeah, my table. I own this here inn, ya disrespectful dog."

Reno was genuinely surprised. "I thought Elmyra owned this place."

"Nope, she jus' helpin' me run the place."

"Are you two married?" Rude asked.

Barret let out a guffaw and gave Rude a hearty slap on the shoulder that nearly sent him through the table. "Haha, you real funny! Naw, she a family friend." Barret sobered a little. "No way could the lady replace Myrna."

Rude looked away, embarrassed at inadvertently bringing up a sore topic. Barret laughed at his expression, lightening up again. "Well, Tifa an' Elmyra are cookin' up some nice food right about now. You boys make yo' selves comfortable. Just don't go puttin' your dirty boots on my tables, tiny."

As he lumbered away, Reno sunk into his chair. He glanced back toward Cloud's corner. The man was quietly chewing on a piece of bread with a mug of water waiting to chase it down. The red head did not fail to notice Tifa standing nearby as she diced something behind the bar. Cloud was listening to her talk as she chopped. The jealously panged in Reno's gut again and he looked away.

A loud bang made him jump and look up. The source of noise had been the tavern door being slammed open. Two young boys panted in the threshold; Reno recognized them from the group of children who had run past earlier. The sound of a stool scooting against the wood floor echoed as the gothar stood up, concern etched on his face. Tifa had put down her knife and was making her way around the bar.

One of the boys caught enough breath to point out the door and shout, "Marlene's in trouble!"

Cloud ran to them and quickly pulled the boys with him as he hurried out the door. Reno heard light footsteps running behind him and turned to see Tifa rushing after them. She was pulling heavy, reinforced leather gloves with padded knuckles onto her hands as she too disappeared out the door. Reno had been surprised to see the sword banging against her hip.

Silence reigned for only a few seconds before Reno heard Barret whisper a shaky "Marlene." His dark skin seemed slightly paler.

Reno jumped to his feet and grabbed Rude by the back of his jerkin.

"Let's go see what this is about!" he said as he pulled on his colleague's jerkin.

Once out the door, Reno spotted Cloud, Tifa, and the kids running towards the forest. He sprinted after them, his dirty wool cape streaming behind him with Rude hot on his heels.

They took little time catching up to the gothar. In a matter of seconds, the Turks were running next to him. The blond man acknowledged them with a faint nod as he jogged along at a pace the children could keep up with.

The group made it a quarter mile past the tree line when they found the source of trouble in a boulder strewn clearance in the forest. They all hid behind a clump of brush a good distance away. A young girl lay atop a giant lichen covered boulder. She was trembling. Beneath her was a giant beast, the like of which Reno had never seen before; it resembled a giant wolf, but a large ruff of clumped yellow fur hung around its neck. An abnormally long tail lashed back and forth as it snarled up at the child just out of reach.

"What is that?" whispered Reno.

"Bandersnatch!" growled Cloud.

Tifa turned to the boys and whispered something to them. They nodded and quietly backed away before racing back to the village.

Cloud pulled out his large knife. Light flickered off the silver blade as he brought up the knife and slowly began to sneak towards the Bandersnatch on the balls of his feet so as not to alert the monster. It failed to notice him as it was preoccupied sniffing at Marlene. The little girl stared at Cloud and gave a whimper as he reached a boulder near hers. The man gave her a reassuring smile and placed a finger over his lips as he crept closer.

The Bandersnatch – still oblivious to the warrior behind it – let out another snarl and jumped up on its hind legs to place its front paws on the boulder. It dug its sharp claws into the damp lichen crusting the stone as it strained to reach the girl. She scooted away as the nose came within arm's reach.

Cloud saw the moment of opportunity as the large beast was awkwardly balancing its weight. He pulled himself onto his boulder and leapt off. He slammed into the Bandersnatch, stunning it for a brief second as it cracked its head on the rock and sank to a crouch. It was just enough time for Cloud to wrap his arms around the creature's neck and chest and bodily drag it away from the boulder and the girl. Reno could only stare at the unnatural raw strength of the man.

Tifa jumped up and wove through the boulders, taking a route that put some distance between her and the temporarily stunned Bandersnatch. Reno watched in amazement – and appreciation – as she gracefully launched herself from boulder to boulder until she reached the girl. The girl threw her arms around the woman with a sob, and Tifa gently picked her up.

As Tifa was making her way down, the Bandersnatch had already come out of its daze and was writhing in the gothar's arms, trying to reach around with its long teeth and crush his head with its mighty jaws. Its claws dug deep furrows into the ground as it swiped and scrambled. Cloud grunted with effort, trying to ignore the putrid stink rising up from the beast's filthy coat. His knife was still in his hand; he could either continue to wrestle with the Bandersnatch, or let go and take a chance to get in a cut with his knife.

The Bandersnatch made the choice for him. One of its flailing paws slammed into his injured side, effectively loosening the knife in Cloud's grip as his arm spasmed from the pain of his ribs.

He tried to readjust grip on the knife before he dropped it; a big mistake. As his grip on the Bandersnatch loosened, its elbow slammed into his injured ribs again as it flailed. He coughed out a shout between clenched teeth as he let go and rolled away.

By this point, Tifa had reached the brush where the Turks were still hidden. She pushed the girl towards Reno and unstrapped the sword and tossed it to him. "Keep her safe!" she cried before rushing back to where Cloud was scrambling to dodge the enraged Bandersnatch.

Rude got to his feet. "Is she seriously going to try hand to hand combat with that thing?" He ran after Tifa.

"Rude, wait!" called Reno. He looked down at the little girl who was still shivering in fear. He let out a sigh. He would have to stay here with her. His hand brushed against his wand, and he dropped the sword to pull out his own weapon of choice.

Cloud stared down the Bandersnatch as it rushed towards him. His knife was just out of reach, stuck in a crack in a boulder. He jumped up and grabbed it, frantically trying to free it. It came free with a sliding screech against the rock. He spun around in time to see the Bandersnatch pounce, mouth wide and claws reaching. Cloud braced for the impact.

Suddenly, Tifa flew through the air with a powerful kick that knocked the beast off course. The beast landed and whipped around to face its new opponent, its drool slathered jaws snapping. Cloud took advantage of the beast's distraction and thrust his knife at the Bandersnatch's ribs, aiming for the heart. The beast saw him coming and shied away, throwing off his aim. His knife slipped through skin into bone.

The Bandersnatch let out a strangled screech and spun towards Cloud. Its long tail whipped Tifa off her feet against a boulder. She hit the rock with a cry and sank to the ground.

"Tifa!" cried Cloud. The Bandersnatch turned away from Cloud to focus on the helpless woman. It took only a handful of steps when a cry rang through the forest.

"Thundara!"

A bolt of lightning streaked across the clearing and struck the Bandersnatch. The crackling light wrapped around the beast and it gave a gut wrenching howl. It made a stumbling lunge for Tifa, but received a bone cracking punch from Rude and slammed into the ground. Cloud grimly stepped up as the beast twitched and slit its throat with his knife. The Bandersnatch would fight no more.

Tifa rose to her feet with a hand pressed to her head as Reno ran up to them.

"You're welcome," he panted, placing his hands on his knees.

Cloud gave a faint bow, much to Reno's shock. "Thank you. You both gave me a chance to deliver the fatal blow."

"Uh…" Reno could not think of anything to say.

"Not a problem," rumbled Rude. He noticed a dark stain oozing down the gothar's side. "Are you alright?"

Cloud shook his head. "I reopened my injuries from my journey down the mountain. I will treat it when there is time to." A hand on his arm brought his attention to Tifa.

"There is time now," she said sternly. Cloud looked towards the bushes where Marlene still hid.

"Let me see how Marlene is. Then we may treat this."

When they reached the bushes, Marlene dashed out and hugged Tifa fiercely. She spotted Cloud favoring his ribs and ran over to give him a careful hug as well. She looked up at Reno who was still staring at the dead Bandersnatch then at the silent Rude. He was caught off guard as she wrapped her arms around his leg. Her shining eyes looked up at him and she gave him a tentative smile before running behind Tifa.

Tifa looked at Cloud expectantly. He sighed, but allowed her to approach. She pulled a small green crystal from a pocket and held it in one hand while she lightly placed the other over Cloud's injury. He grabbed her hand. "Is this really necessary?"

Tifa nodded. "This must be treated quickly." A faint green light glowed under her palm. After a few seconds she removed her hand.

"I know it is not much," she whispered to Cloud in their native language. "I am not as talented as she was, but you needed the treatment." Cloud agreed under his breath.

Reno raised a hand towards her. "Are… are you alright, Ms. Tifa?"

She gave him a sweet smile. "I am just fine. There is no need to worry."

Cloud turned to the Turks. "Let us head back to the village."

Tifa collected her sword and the group made their way out of the forest with Marlene safely in tow.

ATTENTION: As of 4/8/16, this chapter's content has been revised and updated!

A/N: ACTION SCENES. I LOVE 'EM. The language switches were awkward for me, I hope they flowed well for you. I guess you could say this is an early Christmas present.

Just a few little things I want to throw out there for you to know. First off, I will probably be diverting most of my fic writing focus away from OLAS and onto this because, quite frankly, this is a much better story. To those of you who read OLAS, don't look for many updates on that one until this is done.

Secondly, I completely forgot to mention last chapter, but the inspiration and idea came from the cover for this fic, a digital fan art made by the wonderful author and artist Oreramar! You guys should go check out her stuff, she's awesome. You should also go read her fic on this site called Against All Odds and nag her to get to updating again. She's probably reading this right now. Uh oh.

FINALLY, I want to say that I discovered a pretty severe (in my mind) grammar fail. "Gothar" is plural. Really Cloud should be a gothi, but because I've been using gothar throughout this (and because I think it sounds a little better), I'm going to stick with that. If it bothers you... well... artistic license? It's an AU.

Review Replies:

SubZeroChimera: Someone else who loves that picture! I'm glad you like this, here's another chapter for ju!

Oreramar: Oh no, I completely forgot to let you know! ^^; I apologize! I'm truly thrilled about your reaction! Here's another chapter. Enjoy! :D

Nuingarien: Typo. e_o I'll get around to fixing it. Eventually... yeah... I guess this chapter answers your question about Reno, huh? xD

sunflowerspot: Wow, hearing that was a real pick me up! Thank you, that was very encouraging!