Part IX
Devils prepared to dance on his grave,
"Somewhere, far down, there was an itch in his heart, but he made it a point not to scratch it. He was afraid of what might come leaking out."
-MARKUS ZUSAK, THE BOOK THIEF
What have I done?
That sole thought rings through his head again. Tightly compact into the centre of his bed, Levi lays still, staring up at the dark endless expanse that looks to be the ceiling of his cell. He doesn't remember much of what had happened after… that, but he found himself here. In a small, clean cell with new crisp clothes and dressed wounds.
He doesn't want to believe it, many wouldn't want to. He wants to force himself into thinking that it was nothing more than a terrible, terrible dream that he will soon wake from. But, even he knows that that well dried up long ago. He lost fingers, toes, maybe even his eye. Holding his hands in front of his face, vaguely seeing the outline of thin fingers in the darkness, he remembers. He remembers the pain of having them ripped from his body, repeatedly, again and again and again – only to grow back and be torn off like a fresh scab.
Rubbing his fingers together, he checks to see if they weren't some apparition, but the dampness of water under his nails tell him that he only just recently arrived and that he did in fact, still have them.
If he tries really hard, he can faintly smell the metallic scent of blood on his skin.
It wouldn't be the first time that the blood hasn't washed away.
Shortly after his first expedition outside of the walls, he had spent a good long hour in his bath. Scrubbing. He wanted to scrub all the dirt and blood away, but it just wouldn't come off. It was like they wanted to remain a part of him; when all he wanted was nothing more than to be done with them.
Like they were done with this world.
They'd left him. Or rather, they were taken from him.
There were two sole facts that he'd learnt from his time in the underground ghettos of the walled cities; one, if you steal, do not get caught and two, never allow yourself to be stolen from. However this time, he was played like a fool into both. He'd lost far too much to count and now he was caught.
His eyebrows crease, and hands pull into a fist.
He knows better than to dwell on the past. He recalls something Petra had said, 'Let go of the past, and it will let go of you'. Never has he felt those words ring more true than now. Even if it was some shitty line that the woman had paid a few hard earned coins to some crusty old man for, it was fucking relevant now.
He'd like to forget. Really. But a part of him wants to hold onto it. He wants to cling onto his pain, his grief, his anger with all of his soul and to throw it back at the shitty world he's forced to live in (or rather, return to) and to watch it burn down to the ground. Maybe even pull a fingers and toes off of some humans himself – hell, given that he's a ghoul he might consider eating them alive. A little cannibalism is always fun.
Of course, he might die in the process, but at this point, he hasn't much left to live for-
-Or at least he thinks.
A heavy weight tugs at his chest as he sees them in his mind's eye.
He'd nearly forgotten about them.
Those ghouls. He'd only briefly met them, but the need to protect them had erupted out of the deep recesses of his mind, and maybe even his heart. No words had been exchanged between him and his other self since the torture but he'd slowly been recalling feelings, images and memories as they slowly entered his mind. There was a warmth and sweetness, coupled with a bitter undertone – much like his usual coffee.
There were the two baristas. He never really spoke to them but he knows when someone has been drenched in blood before. And those two – well, he's glad that they're not part of whatever group tried to kill him first time around. They seemed goofy, but a little standoffish. Old habits die hard after all; it becomes hard to pull away from the uniform but it seemed that the two were open to change and knew when to get involved. He can trust them.
Then was that annoying brat, Nishki, he believes his name was. (His hair is fucking orange, if that doesn't scream 'I'm fucking weird' I don't know what does) He wasn't much more than a dog with more bark than bite, but he seemed reliable. His loyalties are somewhat questionable and he can't see past his godawful smirk but he fit what that fucking brat Mikasa had once called him; tsundere. It sounded stupid as shit, but Levi thought it fitting. During training together once, it had seemed that the girl knew some of her native tongue, no matter how dead her people had seemed to be at the time. It meant something along the lines of someone who was initially cold, but gradually warmed up, much to their own chagrin.
Unlucky bastard. I'd rather drown in shit than allow myself to be called that.
Then there was Touka. (Her fucking hair confuses me, how the fuck is it blue?) Kirishima or something – all he knew was that she was angry as shit and he could respect that. No need to put up with bullshit if you can help it, and don't be afraid to dish out what the fuckers deserve. She was strong and had even seen a few snippets of her challenging him or some shit. He can definitely respect that. Of course, she could handle herself, he had no doubt, but she did sometimes bite more than she could chew, and that would land her in hot shit. She learned her lesson, but, at a price. He'd go as far as to say that she was the closest thing to having daughter he'd ever come to, but he shook that away with a resounding; brats aren't worth shit. And dismissed the thought. She had dad issues, he could relate with that. She didn't need to worry about another one never coming home.
(He was sure she had a brother but even trying to think about that one had landed a bitter taste in his mouth).
(Probably a dumb little shit who didn't listen to his elders and ran off on some personal vendetta).
(Maybe he and Eren could get along).
Yoshimura. He didn't have any other names than that, and he wasn't going to press. He was an enigma in himself but everyone has a past and some things are best left buried. For now, he was nothing more than the 'nice as all hell old man' who was wiser than anyone he'd ever met.
Oh, and there was that poor kid – Kaneki Ken. He was a tragedy in the making. He didn't know the boy very much, but he had been spineless as shit and didn't look like he even understood the concept of exercise or even socialising. Not that he could talk, but he at least understood one of the two concepts. He was a walking accident waiting to happen, but he credits him for his desperate cling to whatever humanity he had left. Having now been in similar shoes, he knows what it's like to be pulled away from everything you know for reasons even you don't understand.
And as of recently, Hinami. He remembers her the most. Well, at least, her mother. From what he gathered, they were good friends, and had been some kind of pillar for support. He feels that he's known her family for a while, and might have even helped bring Hinami into this world. He remembers a swollen Ryouko rocking up to his apartment in the thirteenth ward (like fuck he knew where that was, but it made him uneasy even imagining it – his other self was a risky bastard for sure) asking if she could hide. He peeked out of his window to see a large man in a white suit looking lost on the streets below. Assuming the worst, he obliged and let her crash at his, though he had no idea how to treat a woman (let alone a pregnant one) and he was saved a few days later by her husband - tense as a board - and then relaxing when he finally saw his wife. They left with a hasty goodbye and promised to treat him to drinks some time, and it wasn't until later that same month that he had found out that she had given birth a few hours later.
He dodged the bullet pretty fucking well.
Though he didn't escape for long; they'd brought their little brat over to his place often enough (probably to save their own asses). He didn't normally associate with fresh brats but he figured he'd make the effort. He owed it to their parents after all. It was quiet, and squeaky. Soft to the touch and was as fragile as snow, he ended up growing attached to her, and felt it again. The warmth of family. All in one little ghoul. He'd been around for her first steps and first words (which were 'mama' and 'papa', the awkward thing being that she had called him papa, while her actual father was in the room. Comical, but he had never seen the timid doctor with such a killing intent) and really had felt like one of the family. He was much more of an uncle now, having left the thirteenth ward for whatever reason for this place, contact was rare.
Until they arrived at Anteiku's door, pale and exhausted. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place and things only got worse from there. Ryouko's husband was being visited by the same ghoul from all those years ago, and now they were living under CCG noses in a small café. Provided, they had protection, but safety is never fully assured. They were adjusting well, the pair had made acquaintances and had helped pull Kaneki from his shell. But, things had to snap somewhere.
Before he knows it, he sees the beheaded corpse of his dear friend and her husband's kagune, polished up as a killing machine all in one day.
He feels a fire within him start to burn again and his blood begins to boil.
The tears, the screaming, the lost and empty eyes.
And an orphaned child, left in its wake. Now alone in the world, with no real guidance, no one.
Levi knows. He more than knows, he's experienced it and look where it fucking got him. Standing in a pool of blood, atop a mountain of bodies – those whose lives he's taken with his own hands and lives he unknowingly led to their own demise. Friends and foe alike, he isn't sure if he can differentiate who he has stood above. He's felt the need to apologise, to beg for forgiveness and to be done with the pain and suffering – but no one can listen. And he sure as all fuck that he won't ever turn to a God.
(He was once attacked by some crazy shits claiming to want to 'show him the light', and has steered clear of any kind of religion ever since).
He's learned that the only way to survive is to be strong. He doesn't want to ask for forgiveness anymore.
For when has the world ever begged for his?
But for now, he doesn't need to worry about forgiveness or any of that bullshit – right now, he had a few things on his mind.
One, escape.
Two, revenge.
And three, remembering.
(He considered changing the order, but this one felt oddly satisfying).
So, turning to his side and standing on his own two feet – staggering slightly – he looked up around him. He decided that cages never suited people like him. But if you can't bend the bars, then have someone else pry them open for you.
Or, if he comes…
The doors would open themselves.
-x-
Eren was pacing. He had a bad, bad feeling and he couldn't shake it off. He was worried about many things, and there were currently two things plaguing his mind. His (apparent) ghoul for a captain and his upcoming raid. Neither of which he had any clue about. Eren was as confused as ever and he wanted answers. So here was – pacing a few feet away from the meeting room which his friends had entered a good hour or so ago.
A click of the door had pulled him from his thoughts and he was rushing over to the doorway, spotting his friends who had obviously spotted him and were now trying to… hastily walk away as if they didn't see him?
What the hell is this all this about?
He stomps up to them, ignoring a few chuckles as they continue to ignore him.
"Hey, guys! Did you find out what happened to Heichou?" Eren began, trying to keep up with his friends.
Crowds in the hallway parted to make way for the three pass, they were the golden trio after all. Though many feared them more than they did admire them, the three simply continued on by without taking notice of the odd stares or snickers that headed their way. Eren grabs Armin's arm, trying to catch his attention and stop but he just kept walking along, Eren following behind.
"Eren, please. I told you that we can't talk about this." Armin tried, attempting to shake Eren's arm off of his.
"He's our captain! He's supposed to be training us! Where the fuck is-!" With a swift elbow to the rib, Eren lets go of Armin only to throw Mikasa a betrayed look.
"Eren. Drop it." She intervenes, looking angrier than before.
"Drop it? Drop it?! How am I supposed to 'drop it'? Am I the only one worried about dying on the next raid!?"
"You won't die." She replied, her voice monotonous.
"You don't know that!"
"I won't let you die."
"Stop treating me like I'm your younger brother! You don't have to protect me anymore goddamnit-!" Before he was able to continue, he had walked into a tall figure, that he recognised as he was stumbling back, was his current commander, Erwin Smith. He gulped and paled and his friends straightened up into their salutes beside him.
"Mr Jaeger, if you would. We are trying to have a discussion." Peering over his shoulder, Eren could see a smirking Jean behind him, and he could immediately feel his blood pressure increase as he felt ready to get into a fight. It wasn't his fault really, this damn horse would always get on his nerves and he swears that he goes especially out of his way to push on his buttons-
"Yeah, Jeager, can't resist not mouthing off for two seconds can you?"
-just like that.
"Yeah sorry that we couldn't all get our police dads to get us a job in the CCG."
"What the-! I already told you he had nothing to do with it!"
"Oh yeah? With what proof, you phony!?"
"I went through the same academy as you, at the same time, dumbass!"
"Whatever you say Kirstein, whatever you say."
"Stupid."
"At least I'm not part horse."
"Why I- get back here Jaeger or I'll-"
"Gentlemen." Erwin coughs and the pair suddenly remember their surroundings, growing sheepish where they stood.
"Y-yes sir." They say, suddenly in unison.
"I normally don't like to forgive such intrusions but…" Erwin pauses, looking down at the two. Clearly contemplating something, he starts again, "your timing was impeccable. I need your help, you see."
"M-mine?"
"I need all of you. Kirstein, I need you over at the laboratory division. Find Hanji and tell her I sent you, she'll tell you what to do next."
"Yes sir!"
"And you three. To my office."
Eren first thinks it's just a routine errand but looking amongst his team he notices a terrified look in their eyes. Their faces looked paler and Armin looked like he was about to be sick, his hands were lightly shaking but he could tell he was trying to hold back his fear with whatever strength possible. Mikasa would have seemed indifferent to those who weren't close, but he knew. He'd only rarely seen her this nervous when they were younger, and only during the times when they'd get disciplined by their parents for what they thought was a terrible thing (which only really was sneaking out after curfew or getting into another fight).
Now, he started to feel second-hand fear.
What exactly was going to happen?
His mind started to reel, almost losing concentration of the task at hand. Noticing that they had already started to follow after their commander, he shook his head free of his ideas and followed behind. He was tempted to ask them what was going on but he had an odd feeling that they would tell him soon.
Before they know it, they arrive at his office. Having arrived in silence, the air was thick with tension as Erwin led them into his spacious (it was more spacious than their desks, that was sure) work area.
"Please, wait here. I need to collect something. I'm sure these two can brief you on what we're about to do." Without another word, he leaves into another room, the three left standing awkwardly in the doorway.
Eren is the first to break the silence.
"Guys, can you tell me what's going on?"
Mikasa and Armin look at each other, before Armin nods. Mikasa closes the door behind them, and a familiar click of the lock mechanism can be heard.
"What we're about to tell you cannot be shared with anyone outside of this room, understand?" Mikasa starts, her voice cold and serious.
"Y-yeah, of course."
"We need you to be sure."
"Yes! Fine, I won't tell anyone. What's going on? What are we doing?"
"It's about Levi-san."
"What?! We get to see him now?!"
"W-well yes, but it's not entirely what you think." Armin began, unsure. What he was about to tell Eren could jeopardise everything, but orders were orders. He had to do this.
So, equally terrified and anxious, he told him.
-x-
When he and Mikasa has been called in for an emergency meeting, Armin already had a feeling he knew what they would be discussing. Their captain. When he'd noticed that those who were asked to come were all of those who had been involved with what had happened a few nights ago, as well as a few scientists from the lab division, he had begun to mentally preparing himself for what was to come. He hadn't told anyone, but he was greatly regretting having told the commander about his captain. The man, regardless of what he was revealed to be, was still their captain, and the most reliable person they know.
After he was arrested, the three were placed under lockdown and were not allowed any form of communication, and even now were under constant surveillance. Eren and Mikasa hadn't caught on yet, but he had stumbled on something very big.
He wasn't too surprised when he discovered Eren wasn't asked, but given his nature, it may have been a wise choice to let him sit out, he'd probably go on another one of his tantrums and that would not sit well with the higher ups there. This didn't bode well for them though.
After all, if they won't even risk Eren seeing it, then it must mean something happened to him.
Something terrible.
He only hoped that he was still alive.
(Alive and well, but he knew the interrogation process for ghouls all too well. Their captain would be lucky if he didn't have any permanent scars).
"Alright, now that we're all present, we may begin."
A silence ruled over the meeting hall as Erwin continued.
"If I may, ask that everyone be sworn to secrecy, and that any external devices be turned off and removed. What you are about to see is sensitive material that if found sharing, can result in heavy consequences. This is an order straight from the board of directors."
At the mention of the board, the shuffling of coats and blazers could be heard, phones were switched off and laid on tables, no further questions asked.
When the room had stilled once more, guards suddenly manned the doors, shutters came down on the windows and the lights had dimmed; allowing only one sole light to focus on the main lectern at the very front of the room.
"I have called you here today to discuss the issue of Investigator Levi Ackerman, captain of the special operations squad. As you are all aware, exactly three nights ago we had discovered that he had gone missing, shortly after his recovery from his coma earlier that day. He was diagnosed with delusions and severe amnesia, going as far as believing he was in the wrong world. That same night, a figure was seen leaving the building through a window and Investigator Koiichiro Furigawa attempted to apprehend it. But, was found unconscious in front of the apartment building, having suffered severe blunt force trauma to the skull. He is currently in critical condition."
Then, the screen behind Erwin changed, transitioning onto an image that made Armin's feet cold.
"This is a knife. Discovered at the apartment of Levi Ackerman, shortly after Furigawa was found. As you can see, the metal has curved greatly and, as found by our very own scientists, was caused by extreme pressure and force, but not enough to snap it completely. We believe that shortly after he had regained some of his memories as a ghoul, Ackerman had tried to take his own life. Having suffered a mental breakdown of sorts as reported by Investigator Armin Artlert, who was present shortly after, and had taken custody of the knife at first opportunity."
Many eyes shifted towards him now, and even Mikasa had a look of surprise on her face. How could she have missed this?
"It was not until the next morning, that we had discovered that Ackerman had returned and was immediately arrested. We did not hesitate to begin interrogation, as well as research."
…Research? Did that mean that they- oh god. Armin feels his blood drain from his body, the thought of being interrogated alone was terrifying but to be used a test subject?
Suddenly bloody images began appearing on the screen, some were too gruesome to describe as Armin saw fingers, toes and household tools tear a man apart. Suddenly feeling his lunch coming up, he reached under his desk and his hand clawed the air before he grabs his small trash can, not hesitating to use it.
Erwin continues going through the images and he can tell that many others are tempted to join him, but staying steadfast and frozen to their seats.
(With the exception of one scientist, lurking towards the back of the back of the room. She simply clicked her tongue and looked away, looking bored by the scene).
Armin looks to his left, Mikasa sat frozen. A look of both horror and disgust mixed on her face, and he could see her fists shake. He wasn't sure whether it was anger or fear but he was in a similar place.
"With this, we saw that he was properly punished, and is now in solitary confinement, right beneath our feet." Murmurs begin amongst the crowd, many shocked that he was not killed as protocol normally dictates. Armin, only now able to gather himself.
He was alive.
"We also plan to allow him to join us on the upcoming raid against Aogiri tree." This sparked a loud outcry, many obviously detested the idea, and for good reason. Why in the world would a man who had suffered through that help them? It would be like allowing a lion to have its way with a flock of sheep, and Armin was sure that he personally was a glowing target.
"I ask you not to believe me, but to trust me."
Erwin speaks, some voices quickly quieting, "He will be a great asset to our cause and if not… he shall be dealt with accordingly."
That shut everyone up immediately. When in fear, people turn to weapons and this was the best way to soothe a crowd of those who dealt with death on a regular basis. If they aren't with us, they are against us, and those who are against us… die. Armin never had an issue with this before, but now…
"I thank you all for attending. There shall be no questions asked, and if there are any issues, please come straight to me." The lights brightened once more, and the windows opened. "And as a final warning, this must information must not be shared."
(…Or else. Armin felt the need to add that, but too many were disturbed – minds far too vacant for such a threat to fully register).
"I ask that Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Artlert to remain behind. We have matters to discuss."
With that, he left the stand. The doors had opened and all those who could leave, left. Armin and Mikasa sat, digesting.
I caused that. Armin thought.
I made him suffer torture, excruciating pain and agony for at least three days straight.
W-Why? Why did I-
"I am sorry you had to see that, but it was necessary." Erwin's voice pulled them back, and they look up at him. "I need you two later today. We will be seeing him."
Armin felt his blood drain further (if that were at all possible) and his lips felt dry, his palms sweaty. Why? Why him? He just saw the man who he once trusted their lives with, get tortured and broken (allbecauseofhim) and now he- he has to face him?
What is Erwin thinking!?
"S-sir, I don't think that's such a good idea-"
"You don't need to speak to him. You can leave that to me."
"But if we're not speaking to him then why would we-"
Something clicks in Armin's mind. That's right, he thinks, the 'interrogation' isn't over yet. They need him malleable, but his mental fortitude is more solid than any iron wall.
They haven't broken him yet.
And so, they can't control him.
And if they can't control him, somebody else has to.
That somebody is…
"…I understand."
"Good. And remember, that man is no longer the captain you once knew. It would serve you well to keep that fact in mind."
And with that, he was gone.
The pair soon left the room, silent. But their minds were louder than any other sounds that soon followed; and that included the sound of a close friend, waiting nearby.
-x-
"W-wait you're telling me that we have to- and they- but-" Tripping over his own words, Eren was unable to comprehend what he was just told. He was feeling everything; fear, regret, anger, relief – Heichou was alive, but barely and they were the cause of it all? No, no, Eren wouldn't accept that, that the CCG would do this to one of their trusted own – even he saw the holes in Erwin's thinking; why would he join us if they did torture him? Who would even have the guts to torture him? Many questions swirled around in Eren's mind, but one clear emotion stood out from him.
Rage.
Though, even that was confused. For once in his life, he's come to doubt the CCG. They tortured one of their own- so what if he was a ghoul? He's saved more human lives than any bullshit directors have, and they would be idiots to throw that away. But at the same time, why didn't he ever say anything? Levi trained them for years, raised them to be strong and relentless when killing, but to kill his own kind? What the hell is up with that? And has he ever killed and eaten anyone from the CCG? Anyone they knew? Has he been playing double agent for the whole time?
Eren was conflicted and his mind just couldn't deal with it, so he relieved it the best way he knew how to.
"What… WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?"
While it certainly calmed him down, Mikasa and Armin were scared half to death, and immediately went to shut their loud friend up and to prevent him from spilling anything important.
"Eren, please! Not so loud-"
"How can you say that!? They just-mmph" Mikasa was quick to act, covering his mouth with her hand, she kept a solid grip, which had tightened considerably as they heard Erwin return.
"I see Mr. Jaeger has learned the truth." Stepping through, they see he had returned with what looked to be his quinque case in one hand and a folder in another. "You will need to be armed when we go, so we will collect your weapons before we head down."
Eren struggles in Mikasa's hold not liking the idea of having to fight his un-armed teacher in such a state, but she keeps a firm grip. Erwin looks on, but then motions her to let him go. She does so reluctantly, Eren not hesitating to speak up once free.
"Sir, I refuse to do this! This is bullshit, I'm not killing him!"
"Eren, calm down, please!" Armin tries to whisper, failing as Eren only gets louder.
"Calm down?! How can I calm down?! You expect me to kill the guy who-"
"With all due respect Mr. Jaeger, no one is dying today."
"…We aren't-? Then why are we bringing-"
"Safety, he is not the only ghoul we have in our custody. We are merely trying to convince him to join us."
"And how do you plan to do that!? – um, sir." Eren stuttered, only now realising who he was speaking to.
"You'll see. We've had our eyes on him for a while; I think I have the perfect way to twist his arm, so to speak." He says, looking down at his file, and plucking a picture out and showing it to the three. "Tell me, are you familiar with Anteiku?"
-x-
"H-Hanji-san, just what is this?" Jean asks, terrified and astonished. Looking up at a large black cube, he hesitates to go near it.
(Even though he works to kill ghouls, he would never admit that their weapons creep him out even a little bit).
"Oh, that? That's just some quinque steel. We use it for bullets, repairs; you know, all that boring stuff."
"R-right. Can I please just get what I came here for?" He speaks, inching closer to her.
"Eager, aren't we? But, I just finished it today? Here-" She says, while handing him one of two black blades, "Isn't it beautiful? The craftsmanship is gorgeous and look at that edge! Ah, Levi gets all the best stuff, we treat him way to well."
She withholds an ironic chuckle, not wanting to confuse the poor boy further.
"L-Levi-san? These are his?" He asks, suddenly very intrigued. He expected something… flashier.
"Yup! Erwin wants him back on the job soon, so he had me prepare them." Humming lightly as she steals it back from him, placing them on the table. "They seem small, but they're made from incredibly concentrated quinque steel but are still as light as a feather. There isn't anything these can't cut through."
"B-but isn't he on lockdown or something? Why would he need these?"
"He'll be out soon, so you can ask him later, okay?" She says, carefully placing the two swords into their respective case. "Besides, you and I have to go somewhere."
She hums in thought for a second, before she turns to him slowly. He gulps, suddenly very scared.
"How do you feel about a little kidnap?"
Annnnd, I'm there. This chapter down and like, and at least 7/8 to go!
Sorry I haven't updated in a while- exams and all, but I'm trying!
Also, for those who've noticed, I've changed the layout out a bit - figured this would clean it up a little, I happen to like it – a lot more organised now, wouldn't you say?
Warning: I can't proofread for shiiiiit, so please point out any errors!
Thanks to all those who have supported this story thus far, I'm really glad you're enjoying it! Please feel free to follow, favourite, review or all of the above! They are all very welcome!
timothy nguyen 73 – I'm slightly disappointed with my rating, but it's certainly appreciated. I haven't explained it fully here, but hopefully you got the gist of what Erwin's planning to do ;)
MewMew – Glad to see you liked it! This chapter is kind of the go-between before we get started again, I didn't want to overwhelm people with too much ^w^"
FanFictionFan247 – Well, sadly no, it's a little plainer than that, I don't really know how I'd make that work, as fun as it sounds :9
cecld16 – Thank you! This chapter is a bit of a break from the feels and we get to see some more of the trio here, hope you enjoyed this too!
WoodyTheMighty - I am so sorry I made you cry, but I had an odd sense of pride in myself when I read that; I thinks it's a writer thing but seeing people become emotionally involved with my work makes me get all tingly and I feel that I'm doing something right. Ehe, I'm glad you liked the chapter though! I hope this one was just as good!
Tontonte – Thank you! I hope this update tickled your fancy~