Chapter 5 -
The temperature and atmosphere seemed to become warmer and brighter as Rinkah got further away from the capital of Nohr. While she appreciated the more familiar and welcoming climate, she also felt somewhat apprehensive about the openness. People could easily spot her in the open, a fact she didn't care much for.
Rinkah looked behind her and reflected on the distance that she and Kaze had covered. They had just moved through a forest, and had been slowly walking in the open when Kaze noticed Rinkah's unease. He had suggested taking the lead so he could warn Rinkah of any potential threats. Some time later, Rinkah found herself laying low in the grass, watching and waiting as the sounds of a wagon came closer.
The wheels of an ox-pulled wagon creaked as it slowly ambled down a dirt road. Rinkah saw a grey-haired woman with wrinkles on her sun-kissed face was driving the wagon. The woman gazed at the landscape on the side of the road and admired the peaceful sights and sounds of the farms scattered throughout the land.
Suddenly, a sheep walked onto the road, a bell around its neck heralding its arrival. The woman pulled on the reins and stopped the wagon before either the ox or the sheep could startle each other. Rinkah was wondering if she should appear and help escort the sheep away, when a tall, blond man came jogging up to the sheep. He slowed down and crouched as he came closer and extended his hand to the sheep. He then looked up and noticed the wagon and the old woman a few paces away. His sharp and brutal eyes pierced the woman's eyes and shook her soul, causing her to freeze in place. A sudden, guttural snarl replaced her frozen posture with a nervous trembling and made her wish she had brought a guard or ten.
"Ah, forgive me," the man said in a gruff and menacing voice. He stood up straight and scratched the back of his head.
His contrastingly pleasant words managed to lessen the woman's fear. The moment was short-lived, as she took in how tall and muscular the man was. "Uh," she managed to say, her experienced voice scratching from age or nervousness.
"Just here to collect this stray sheep. I mean no harm." The man raised his hand to wave.
If the woman wasn't startled, the ox was. It exhaled loudly and moved its legs nervously. The woman held the reins tightly, ready to control the ox if it lost its calm. "Of course, young man," the woman said. She eyed the man suspiciously.
The man returned his gaze to the sheep. He extended his hand again, allowing the sheep to sniff it. The sheep approached by its own volition and allowed the man to pet it. "Good boy," the man said. He then slowly brought his arms under the sheep and lifted it up without a struggle.
The woman was startled again. The man was so big, he almost seemed like he could eat the sheep in a few bites and only partially satisfy his hunger. "Um, young man, is that your sheep?"
"My apologies, ma'am, I'm a border guard. I'm just here to help out a nearby farmhand."
"Oh, of course. That's very noble of you. You seem to be a strong soldier, but you're some distance from the border."
"I was returning to duty, when the villager asked me for help." Suddenly, a shadow was cast on his face. "Why? Do I look suspicious?"
"Um…" The woman was confused. She felt a little intimidated by this man, whose arm muscles seemed bigger than her entire body. At the same time, he was holding a fluffy sheep, which had just started to lick his grim face. "Just curious, is all, young man. I hope I didn't upset you."
The man bared his teeth, which made the woman lean away for a moment, before she realized that he was smiling. "I will be on my way, then. Good day to you, ma'am."
"Good day." The woman watched as the man jogged away, holding the sheep as if it weighed like a pillow. When he was some distance away, the woman shuddered for a moment, then waved the reins to get the ox moving again.
Rinkah exhaled slowly and quietly in relief. She had been worried that she might have had to jump in and help the old woman. She looked back at the old woman. 'She's going in my direction,' Rinkah observed.
After some time, the woman reached a hut and lumber mill by the edge of a forest. She slowly climbed down from her driver's seat and stretched out. She made her way to the back of the wagon, which was carrying some food and milk from the farms in exchange for some lumber. As she climbed up the back of the wagon to unload the supplies, a voice called to her.
"Need any help, ma'am?" Rinkah appeared from deeper in the forest. She approached with open hands to show her earnestness. She walked over to the back of the wagon as the woman lifted a bag of supplies.
The woman scanned Rinkah for a moment before she spoke. "Thank you, young lady, I would appreciate any help," the woman replied.
Rinkah jumped up onto the wagon as the woman climbed down. Rinkah then lifted two of the bags and jumped down to catch up with the woman. "Hmm, you're quite strong for your age, ma'am," Rinkah observed.
"She's just aged very poorly." Kaze jumped down from the trees and landed next to Rinkah and the woman. "Kagero, it's good to see you."
"Kaze," the woman said, her voice changing to that of a youthful woman. She placed her bag of supplies down and turned around to face the two of them. "So then you must be Rinkah."
Rinkah raised an eyebrow. "A disguise? Were it not for your posture and hidden strength, I may not have suspected a thing."
A wisp of smoke formed from below Kagero. When it disappeared, she was wearing more traditional ninja garb. Her hair was a smooth and silky black river, flowing from the top of her head. Her face was free of any wrinkles. Her skin was like porcelain, smooth and pale, an indication of a penchant to shadows. Her chest, seemingly flat before, became a source of envy for Rinkah. "I'm glad both of you are okay," Kagero said. "I'm here to help both of you back into Hoshido."
"Excellent. Thank you, Kagero," Kaze said, bowing slightly, which made Kagero bow in return. When Kaze stood straight again, he raised an eyebrow. "So then if you're here…" His voice trailed off.
Kagero picked up on Kaze's hesitation. "Saizo is on another assignment. But he expressed his concern for you."
Kaze let out a laugh. "I'm sure he did," he said sarcastically.
"In his own way," Kagero added. "You know how he is." She turned to Rinkah, who was observing quietly from the side. "Let's bring the supplies into the hut, and I will brief you on the plan to cross the border. And let me prepare a message to the other side."
The pegasus touched down on a plateau, and Hinoka jumped off gracefully. She extended her arms and helped the blue-haired Setsuna down. "Easy there," she cautioned, knowing of Setsuna's penchant for misfortune.
"Thank you, Lady Hinoka," Setsuna said, brushing herself off and smiling.
A tall monk had been waiting for their arrival. His hair expanded upwards and surrounded most of his head like a lion's mane. He started massaging his forehead through his headband as he watched Hinoka help Setsuna down. "The Princess helping the servant, aren't you a lucky one, Setsuna."
"Thanks, Azama, I do feel very lucky," Setsuna replied, showing her oblivious smile to Azama.
Azama was wearing a smile of his own, though it disappeared when Hinoka hit the back of his head lightly. "Be nice," she commanded.
"Wow, Lady Hinoka, I am once again disappointed that royalty stoops to violence to reinforce their authority."
"I'll make sure to meditate on it later. Any news?"
Azama handed Hinoka a scroll. "Lord Ryoma is still patrolling the border of the Queen's influence. There've been no more incursions. I have not read it, but there is more intelligence information for you in that scroll."
"That's rare," Hinoka said, examining the scroll as if it would tell her something from the surface. She eyed Setsuna and Azama cautiously, then removed the seal and unfurled the scroll to read.
'Target release confirmed. Reception in place. Movements and other information to follow. -SK'
Hinoka released the bottom of the scroll, allowing it to roll back up by itself. She placed the scroll under her arm for a moment as she reached into a pouch with her other hand and removed some flint. She placed the scroll on the ground and the flint on top if it. Then, she unwrapped the blade part of a naginata. With a swift and accurate swing, she struck the flint and sparked a fire that burned the scroll.
"Good news or bad news?" Setsuna asked.
"We're moving out. We need to prepare for some guests."
"Shall we summon more troops then, Lady Hinoka?" Azama suggested.
Hinoka smiled. "Friendly guests," she replied. "Though we should bring some troops just in case they have some followers."
Felicia was standing at the entrance of the drawing room as the Nohrian princes and princesses were gathered to be painted. This was their third and supposedly last painting session. They had planned to have a party when the painting was finished. Waiting for the party to start just outside the room with Felicia were several retainers and friends.
"There." The court painter placed his brush down, satisfied with the product. "Have a look." He turned his easel around and allowed his models to look at the painting.
"Oooh," Elise said, admiring the family painting. She had been the first one off the sofa. "We all look beautiful!"
Corrin placed his hand on Elise's shoulder to keep her from bumping into him as he leaned closer to examine the painting. "Elise, I think you've grown."
"Oh, you're just saying that," Elise said, nudging Corrin playfully.
"No, I do. You're closer to Leo's chin now. And Leo, hmm. Did you leave your collar unbuttoned again?"
"What?" Leo snapped, his hand feeling his collar to confirm its status. He was patting his hand around his neck, when he saw Corrin laughing.
"I'm sorry, Leo, I couldn't help but tease!" Corrin said.
"I am going to be merciless in our next strategy training," Leo said, crossing his arms and looking away.
"I always appreciate all the help you give me, Leo," Corrin said with complete sincerity. "I hope someday I can get just a little close to your tactical prowess."
"Hmph," Leo said, maintaining his defiant posture. "You'll have to work a lot harder for that." He opened one eye to glance at Corrin. "I guess you're getting better, though."
As Elise pulled Corrin and Leo in for a hug, Camilla handed a pouch over to the painter. "Here's the payment. When can we expect the other copies to be made?"
"It shouldn't take too long, Princess Camilla," the painter said. "Much shorter than this original."
"Good." Camilla leaned closer. "And my personal commission?'
"Yes, that will be done before the day is over."
Camilla clapped her hands together. "Excellent! You are dismissed for now, then."
The painter bowed and left the room, passing Felicia as he went through the door. Felicia leaned into the room to check on everyone. "Is there anything anyone would like?" she asked.
"Felicia, come join us!" Corrin said, running up to her. "The food should be arriving any moment now."
"Oh, Master Corrin, I just couldn't join the royal family…"
"Nonsense, Felicia!" Corrin pulled Felicia into the room. "This party is just as much for you as it is for me. You'll be joining my trip too, anyway!"
"Relax for a moment, Felicia," Gunter said. He was standing vigilantly by the wall.
"I… er…" Felicia looked at Gunter. His rigid stance and his hands folded behind his back looked far from relaxed. "Couldn't I say the same to you, Gunter?"
"Cookies here!" Everyone looked up to see Peri walk into the room, a warm tray of freshly baked cookies in her mittened hands. She placed them on a coffee table and stepped back. "Who's going to try the first one?"
Elise didn't wait. She grabbed a napkin and swiped a cookie from the tray. She blew some air on it to cool it, then took a bite. "Mmm… So good," Elise raved.
"Peri, you are amazing. Not just regular meals, but your sweets are excellent, too," Corrin said.
"Just one of the reasons I chose her as my retainer," Xander said. Peri beamed proudly next to Xander.
Leo tapped his chin for a moment. "Speaking of which, Corrin, have you thought of who you will choose as permanent retainers?"
"Oh, I thought Gunter and Felicia were Corrin's retainers," Elise wondered aloud.
"I haven't really thought about it, but Felicia and Gunter are my friends," Corrin said. "I wouldn't want them to feel more subordinate to me."
"Corrin…" Felicia gazed at Corrin affectionately.
Corrin didn't notice. He had turned to Gunter. "Speaking of which, Gunter, you can relax, you know."
"I am relaxed," Gunter said, maintaining his posture.
"Gunter and Felicia are your retainers, Corrin," Xander said. "Flora and Jakob have also been assigned as your retainers."
"You're just so wonderful you get four, Corrin," Camilla said with a smile.
"Hmm, but why didn't I get to choose my retainers?" Corrin asked.
"Master Corrin! You're not… Are you dissatisfied with my performance?" Felicia gripped her maid apron tensely as she waited for a response.
"Huh? Oh, no! Not at all, Felicia! I was just curious is all! Felicia, I would never have you leave me, if I have a choice about it."
Felicia started blushing. Camilla gasped. "Corrin!" Elise exclaimed. "That sounded so manly!" She took Corrin's hand and Felicia's hand and joined them. "You better take responsibility for your words!"
"I… What?" Corrin reeled his hand back. "Elise!" he objected. She didn't hear, as she was laughing a storm.
Felicia was trying to hide a smile as her imagination sprinted ahead at Corrin's words. "Princess Elise, please don't joke," she said, managing to keep a neutral face. "I know what you meant, Master Corrin, and I am grateful for your humbleness."
Camilla walked up to Felicia and put her hand on Felicia's shoulder. "Felicia, you are just so adorable!" Before Felicia could react, Camilla brought Felicia in for a hug.
"Oh! Um... Well, thank you Lady Camilla…"
Camilla's embrace gradually tightened. "Just… so adorable. I know you'll take care of Corrin just fine…"
"Lady Camilla, um… You're-"
Laslow ran into the room while Felicia was trying to loosen Camilla's grip on her. "Prince Xander!" he called, looking around for the tall prince.
"Laslow, what is it?" Xander asked.
Corrin watched as Laslow walked up to Xander's ear and spoke quietly. He handed Xander a folded paper and a pen. Xander unfolded the paper and read it. He thought for a moment, then scribbled something on the pen and handed it back to Laslow. Laslow looked at the paper, nodded, then ran off again. "What was that about?" Corrin asked.
"Hmm? Nothing, Corrin. Let's enjoy the moment." Xander walked over to the cookie tray and sampled one of the cookies. "Excellent as always, Peri. Corrin, hurry and have one while they're fresh."
"Right," Corrin said, reaching for a cookie. He glanced at the doorway where Laslow had just passed through, wondering what business was transpiring.
"What business is this?"
Rinkah had been waiting once again, laying low in the grass. She had been traveling with Kaze and Kagero for some time, covering a larger distance with much more ease and less breaks, with the help of the ox-pulled wagon. While their journey was easier on their feet, remaining hidden was becoming more nerve-wracking as the amount of Nohrian patrols they encountered increased as they came closer to the border. The mountains that acted as a natural border between Hoshido and Nohr were standing prominently in the horizon, and one particularly large squadron of Nohrian soldiers had been standing guard on the one path that Rinkah, Kaze, and Kagero had been following to go to the mountains. They had been standing guard by a small outpost when a messenger arrived. A moment later, all but one of the guards walked away, prompting Rinkah's question.
"I have just as much information as you," Kaze responded. He glanced back at their wagon, which they had hidden some paces back. "They haven't discovered our wagon."
"A trap?" Rinkah asked, suspicious of the fortuitous event.
"Possibly."
Kagero returned, appearing from nowhere. It took all of Rinkah's restraint to keep from jumping up or shouting in surprise. "Get back to the wagon. We're resuming our trip." She started moving back to the wagon.
"There's one guard remaining," Rinkah pointed out as she stood up and walked behind Kagero. She knew they could easily take the guard out, but she wanted to honor Prince Corrin and the other royals who had released them by avoiding battle until they made it back to the border.
"If you'll stay in the back of the wagon, we'll get through." As Kagero walked, some smoke appeared in front of her. She disappeared in the smoke, then emerged as an old woman again.
Rinkah turned to Kaze. "How come you can't do that?" she asked.
"I just returned from captivity. I don't have the supplies," Kaze explained.
"Uh huh," Rinkah said. "So if I had the supplies, I could do that too?"
"The supplies and training. Are you curious about ninja training?"
"I really am," Rinkah admitted.
Rinkah jumped up from the ground and caught up with Kagero. "Any ideas why the soldiers are leaving?"
Kagero remained silent, and Rinkah didn't pursue it. "We're not out of danger yet. The mountains and the canyon may be the most dangerous part."
"And there's still the one guard," Rinkah pointed out.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Kagero replied, resuming her old woman's voice.
Rinkah and Kaze jumped onto the back of the wagon and threw a sheet over them. They hid amongst some food and other supplies. There was a small slit between the floor of the wagon and the sheet, where Rinkah and Kaze could look through. There were also a few small holes in the side of the wagon, though they didn't need to see anything to feel the wagon starting to move. Similarly, they didn't need to see anything to feel the wagon come to an abrupt stop a few moments later.
"What have you got there?" Rinkah heard a gruff voice say from outside the wagon.
"These supplies were requested by Lieutenant Ozias and his squadron," Kagero said. The faint sounds of papers being rustled told Rinkah that Kagero had some paperwork to support her story. "Why, I thought they were staying around here. Where did they run off to?"
"Some settlements further south aren't happy and are causing a disruption. And most of the Ozias squad went to reinforce the peacemakers."
'Peacemakers,' Rinkah repeated in her head. She couldn't help but scowl.
"Anyway, let's have a look see at these supplies."
Rinkah exchanged glances with Kaze. Kaze lifted his hand to tell Rinkah to wait a moment. The sound of approaching footsteps was accompanied by Kagero's old woman's voice humming nervously. "Um, I'm not sure of this, dear. The Lieutenant had specified me to deliver these personally to him."
"Uh huh. Dear," the person grunted in reply. His voice seemed to have lowered and become more crass and harsh as he came closer to the back of the wagon. "But the only delivery I'm aware of for the Lieutenant is a defeated ninja and a fire princess."
Rinkah saw Kaze's head tilt suddenly. A moment later, the sheet was pulled from them. As the daylight came back to Rinkah's eyes, she saw the Nohrian guard looking down at them. She was about to jump at the guard, when Kaze's arm blocked her.
"Saizo," Kaze said, waiting for Rinkah to calm down before lowering his arm. "Good to see- hear you again."
Some smoke appeared again, blocking the man. When the smoke cleared, Rinkah saw a red-haired man in shadowy clothing looking down at them. He was tall and lean. He was far from as big or muscular as the blond man from the road, but he still seemed strong and fast. The scar across one of his eyes matched the sharp and cold look of his other eye. He wore a mask over his mouth, but Rinkah felt it was safe to assume a frown was beneath the mask. Rinkah also saw that he wore the garb of a ninja, like her other two companions. "Ninjas everywhere," Rinkah muttered.
"I'm sorry if we're unpleasant to be around," Kaze apologized.
"No, no apology needed," Rinkah said. "I can actually identify a little with all of your style. And you are helping me."
"Of course, Rinkah," Kagero said, having returned to her true form. "You are a part of Hoshido, like we are. And you fight to protect Hoshido, like we do." She turned to Saizo. "What's the status?"
"Things are proceeding smoothly," Saizo said vaguely. He turned and pointed towards the mountains. "There's a bridge there that leads across the canyon. And an empty fortress. It feels suspicious, but it seems to have been abandoned for some time." He looked back at Kagero and the others. "The clouds are thick and the terrain is treacherous, so don't trip."
"Understood," Kagero said.
"How is the weather?" Rinkah asked, aware of the dangers in that area.
"As pleasant as it gets at the Bottomless Canyon. There's a lull in the storms, so now is the time." Saizo hopped into the driver's seat, wordlessly prompting Kagero to jump off. "The path is treacherous from here on, so you'll go on foot here on out." Kaze and Rinkah were sitting in the back. Kaze jumped down first, then offered his hand to help Rinkah descend. Rinkah ignored Kaze and jumped down herself. "Hmph," Saizo said, observing the interaction or lack of interaction between Kaze and Rinkah.
"You're going to stay in Nohr?" Kaze asked.
Saizo began turning the wagon around. "Some of us weren't caught and still have work to do," he muttered without looking back. "Kagero, you'll be joining later, correct?"
"Affirmative," Kagero said. "Stay safe." She turned to head towards the mountain.
"Saizo, wait," Kaze called, running to the side of the driver's seat. "I have some information. If you happen to see something…"
"What is it?" Saizo asked, sounding annoyed at every spoken word.
Kaze leaned towards Saizo and cupped a hand around his mouth so that his voice wouldn't travel. "The Nohrian royal family. I saw them. One of the princes…" Kaze whispered the rest of his words.
Saizo massaged his chin as he listened. Then, he grunted. "Pah! I don't have time for a spoiled Nohrian prince." Kaze stared at him silently for a moment. Saizo grunted again. "Ugh. Well, I'll send word to Lord Ryoma if I see anything."
"Good. Farewell." Kaze watched as Saizo brought the wagon around the guardpost. He turned back to Rinkah and Kagero. "Let's be on our way."
As the three made their way to the mountains on foot, Rinkah glanced back. "Is he going to be safe back there?" Rinkah asked.
"Don't worry about him," Kaze said. "He can take care of himself."
"I didn't know the Hoshidan spy network reached so far out."
"Nohr has a lot of dissatisfied residents who are willing to cooperate with Hoshido," Kagero explained. "That's how we knew of your release." After a brief moment of silence, she continued. "You may have more friends around here than the Nohrian royal family does."
"Some of them are beloved though," Kaze pointed out. "I wouldn't be so optimistic."
Kagero sighed. "I was joking." She looked up at the path in front of them. "We still have a lot of ground to cover before us. But we should camp before we're under the thick clouds of the Bottomless Canyon. Best not to attract unwanted attention while we're there, even if Saizo didn't see anything."
"Shall we camp soon then?" Kaze asked, looking up at the sky. It was getting darker.
"The sun will still give us enough light to continue walking for a while," Rinkah said, also analyzing the sky. "I suggest we cover as much ground as possible, and stop right before the canyon." She may not have realized it, but she was feeling restless now that she was almost out of Nohr.
"Wow, we're almost in Nohr!" Setsuna exclaimed.
Hinoka was thinking the same thing, though not with the excitement that Setsuna had. They were traveling through the Bottomless Canyon, on the Hoshidan side. Hinoka was walking beside her pegasus, allowing her mount some rest. "I know, Setsuna, so please be careful."
"This place seems clear of any artificial traps. I haven't fallen into any this entire trip!"
"You've found plenty of natural traps though," Azama noted.
"I make an excellent scout, don't I, finding the good terrain."
"I… yes, you do," Azama agreed. "You have... commendable optimism."
Hinoka looked around. "Are you sure you didn't see any enemies?" Hinoka asked. "Why would they leave this place abandoned?"
"I can think of many reasons to abandon this place," Azama said.
"It's dark, it's cold, there's lightning, the land will drop at in just a step," Setsuna said. "And it's lonely. There's not a soul for some distance."
"All right," Hinoka said, though her voice betrayed how unconvinced she was. "Let's move on." Hinoka led her squadron of soldiers through a dead forest. She was surprised enough that trees were able to grow at some point, and saddened that their efforts proved futile, probably from a lightning strike that caused a fire.
They hiked for some time until they reached a clearing. Setsuna immediately pointed to something in the distance. "There. A small fortification."
Hinoka saw the building. "This must be the place. And you still don't see any enemies?"
"Nope!"
Hinoka exhaled to calm herself. "All right, then, let's secure the area. Setsuna, find a good vantage point to keep watch. Azama, set up a healing area, just in case our visitors need help. Omozu, work with Setsuna to map the area and set up a patrol path around the fort. I'll set up a place for the animals."
"Right!" The squadron dispersed to execute their orders.
Hinoka looked off into the distance again. "I wonder if you're out there, Corrin," she said quietly.
"Oh, Corrin, why do you have to go out there," Camilla lamented. She was looking out a window, gazing into the darkness outside the castle.
"What's that?" Elise asked, walking up to her big sister.
Camilla turned to Elise and smiled. "Nothing, dear. Just thinking."
"Well, stop thinking in this dark corner of the room, and let's celebrate the family being together! The night is young! Jeez, you're making me sound like an old woman, talking to a youth."
Camilla pinched Elise's cheeks. "You are talking to a youth," Camilla said. "Or do you think I'm not young anymore?"
Elise waved Camilla's pinching fingers off her face. "Youth and young are different! Now come on." Elise started dragging Camilla's hand. They had taken a few steps, before Elise started to smirk. "Old sister!" she added.
Corrin saw Elise and Camilla enter the room. "Ah, there you girls are," he said, standing up from a sofa. "Er, Elise, what's wrong, did you hurt yourself?"
Elise was massaging her cheeks from Camilla's quick but brutal response. "Nothing," she mumbled.
"Oh, Corrin, how I've missed you," Camilla said, walking around the sofa to give Corrin a hug.
"Come on, has it been more than a moment?" Leo asked.
"No matter," Xander said. "Let us celebrate, while we have the time. It's going to be busy for all of us soon enough."
A/N
I started writing this chapter months ago, but time sure flies…
Mzr90, thank you for reading! You say Camilla and Corrin, but I haven't even introduced all the other characters yet! ...Though yeah, that does give Camilla a big advantage.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark, thank you for continuing to read! Sorry that it took so long for a continuation. I feel like I like the story in Awakening better than Fates, but the variety of characters in Fates is impressive. And the supports and the story leaves a lot to be developed, which… isn't necessarily a good thing for the game, but for fanfiction writers, it's a treasure trove!
Guest, thanks for continuing to read and review! Yes, I've been dwelling on the decision event. That and the characters' offspring. I'm not sure how I'm going to tackle that… But it's a challenge that I accept and hopefully do decently with. Oh, and you can always give suggestions for pairs. And even if I don't use the pair in this story, maybe I'll write another story with that pair.
Firehead, thanks for reading, and thanks for the confidence! But don't be tooooo nice, or it'll get to my head. Throw in a nice criticism here or there to keep me on my toes.
Guest, thanks for reading! Yeah, short chapter… and I'm even cutting this new chapter short, too! That is to say events for the next chapter will probably pick up immediately where I left off in this chapter.
SilverSpark, thanks for reading! Your review is my command. ...Well, your second review.
Thank you all for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following!