Tales of an Unlikely Mage

by CrimsonLance50

An eighteen year old high school graduate gets dropped in Thedas out of the Fade. Wakes up to find that he's a mage. Follow him as he tries to survive in a hostile world that hates him for what he is while he works to gain control of his newfound abilities. Partial SI. Eventual pairings. DA2 with mention of Origins. Rating for language and violence.

2. Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age. I only own my OC. I'm just letting him play around with Bioware's world.

A/N at the end

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~ 2 ~

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Several tense hours later, I am sitting in the Hawkes' Lothering home being fussed over by one Leandra Amell while eating a hearty bowl of stew. Leandra is definitely nice, if a bit prone to whining when she talks. She's been kind to me but she seems to like mothering people. I've been dealing with her doting over me for the last hour and while endearing, it is starting to grate on my nerves. Well, at least for an older lady she is still fairly attractive, not having lost much of the tightness of her skin or the curves of her waist. I guess I know where Bethany got her looks and all indications are that they won't fade easily. Not sure why my thoughts went there, but I'm pretty sure that's a good thing. I think. Leandra can also make a mean lamb stew which is very nearly gone, much to my disappointment.

The last few hours have been eventful as the brothers Hawke had scoffed at my declaration of needing to talk to them. It would seem that I had squandered my chance to talk when that weird light show with Bethany started. I still have no clue what that was, by the way. I have some theories now but I'll get back to you once I get some more details. It took Bethany's repeated assurances that she was fine and her almost forcibly subduing her brothers with magic to get them to sheathe their blades. Why? I don't know, but that's what she did.

The conversation that followed was fairly awkward as I didn't have much to tell them. I really had no clue how I got here as I had been asleep at home one minute and waking up to Garrett's voice in Lothering the next. It has been incredibly confusing on my part. One thing I do know is that whatever that thing with Bethany did, it made me very aware of her presence. I notice her immediately in every room I enter with her and I think I got a small glimpse into her mind. It wasn't extensive or complete but I think I got enough to be able to understand a surprising amount about her. It's weird, as if I had known Bethany for much longer than a couple of hours. Not to mention those visions which I've long since figured out were memories of some sort. Being completely honest, I'm more than a little lost about this whole thing and I was unsure whether to share that information with the Hawkes during their interrogation. They already didn't trust me so I didn't want to make it worse by appearing to be some crazy mind reader out of the Fade. That would almost certainly peg me as a demon…which I'm not!

Luckily for me, Bethany was somehow able to assure both Garrett and Carver that I wasn't lying when I said that I didn't know what was going on. Even though I really wasn't lying, they didn't seem to believe me for some reason. But they accepted Bethany's word for the time being, assuming the issue to be magical in nature, but she gave me a look that I somehow understood as her telling me that we needed to talk later. Privately.

The next issue on the table was the matter of my magic. Man, I still get a little giddy when I say that. I have magic. Me. An eighteen year old high school graduate with no real skills other than some minor athletic ability, above average intelligence, and a smart mouth now has magic. I don't even have a driver's license and now I could (theoretically) throw fireballs from my fingertips. Hell fucking yes! Not that I knew how to do that, anyway. But those are just minor details. Minor, I say! It all falls to the wayside when you remember that I have fucking magic!

But in all seriousness, though, both Carver and Garrett were absolutely convinced that I created the rip in the Veil that they said dropped me here. That whole episode with Bethany was also obviously a magical event, so naturally they wanted to pin that on me too. They would not buy the story that I had no magical ability before that whatever-it-was happened, nor would they believe that I didn't even know how I got here, let alone the why. I don't blame them, though...I'm the one who it happened to and I'm not sure that I believe it.

Even Bethany was more than a little skeptical, though she neglected to say anything to either confirm or deny anything. She just shrugged noncommittally with another pointed look towards me that escaped Carver's notice but I think Garrett might've spotted it. Either that or his narrowed eyes darting back and forth between us was for some reason other than some random ass stranger seeming way too close to his little sister. As an older brother to teenage sisters myself, I know exactly what that looks like. I've actually given it more than once.

Great...That won't come back to bite me in the ass at all...

But still, why is Bethany helping me so much? I mean, I'm not complaining or anything, but she has no reason to do anything for me. She's definitely saved my life more than once here given how quick her brothers were to kill me. In fact, I think they're still considering it. Nothing to do for it now, though. I guess I just have to wait until she decides to talk to me later. But with all of that help, I'm starting to become convinced that maybe that mind thing hadn't entirely been one way. Just a thought…

As soon as the idea ran through my mind, I am interrupted by a familiar, though not altogether welcome voice.

"Excuse me mother, but I wish to speak to Ser Anthony, for a moment."

I didn't really have to turn to the doorway to know who it was speaking, but I did it anyway. Not surprisingly, there stood Garrett Hawke eying me apprehensively. I could tell that he wasn't sure how to deal with me. But deal with me, he must.

I did not envy his position.

To be honest, I saw this coming. If I were the head of the household and some strange man - not to mention a Mage, most likely an apostate too - just appears out of nowhere, I'd want some answers as well. I'm pretty sure we finished the Q & A session earlier, though. As awkward as it was, he seemed reasonably satisfied then so I wonder what he wants now.

"Garrett, right?" I say pleasantly. Not supposed to know his last name yet...it's weird not calling him Hawke. And there's no harm in showing a bit of courtesy. It might let me live longer. "What can I help you with?"

Garrett just gives me another level stare before answering.

"Call me Hawke," Garrett says. Well, that takes care of that.

"I just want to know what your plans are," He continues. "Bethany believes your story and I trust her judgment, so I won't kill you."

Gee...thanks asshole.

"But I cannot have you here indefinitely. We have enough problems without another mouth to feed, let alone another apostate to draw the Templars' attention to us."

Hawke's face is hard and unrelenting. It brokers no argument or compromise. He means every word that he says.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot stay here."

I am a little taken aback at his words, even if I shouldn't be. I understand the intent behind them, sure, but Hawke is the hero! He's supposed to want to help everybody in need as long as they can pay...

Oh...

Shit.

I get it.

It probably isn't about me personally, though I doubt that he trusts me much at all. It's his job to protect his family and right now I just scream danger and unpredictability with nothing to offer him in exchange for going through the trouble of sheltering me. It's a funny thought for anyone who really knows me that I'm dangerous and unpredictable. Well, unpredictable might work but certainly not dangerous. At least not back home…magic – whether you know how to use it or not – tends to change a few things. I can see that Hawke is making the right decision for his family but damn if I want him to have a total lapse in judgment for once! I mean, I don't know where to go other than the Hawkes'. I mean, sure, the Chantry will let me stay, but there are Templars there! What the hell am I supposed to do out there with this power I don't know how to hide from the lyrium-addled tinheads? That might as well be a death sentence!

I proceed to tell him as much, but Hawke's face remains impassive. Shit. I try every argument that I can think of from appealing to his good nature about leaving a helpless man out in the cold, to asking if he really thinks it's smart to send an untrained Mage out into the world without supervision with several futile attempts in between. My oratory skills rarely fail me, but not a single argument made a dent in Hawke's resolve. It truly was an admirable trait for a man to be as steadfast and unwavering as he seemed to be, but c'mon! It really isn't helping my situation in the slightest. I think I may have even begged at one point but it was all to no avail. It seems that once Hawke makes up his mind, there is simply no changing it. In the end, I had no choice but to acquiesce to his wishes.

"Okay, you win...I'll leave." I finally say dejectedly. "But can I at least stay for the night so I can figure out what to do? After that I won't trouble your family again."

Hawke looks at me appraisingly, probably weighing the odds of me slitting his throat in his sleep. I haven't known him long, but dude is really paranoid from what I can tell. I'm not offended or anything, but it's starting to get old. Or maybe I'm just irritated that he can't be convinced to let me stay. I don't know, but after a few seconds, he must have come to an acceptable conclusion as he nods his head once before addressing me again.

"One night. I cannot begrudge a stranded man that much." Hawke says to my everlasting relief. "But I want you gone by sunrise."

I nod in the affirmative. Really, what else could I do? It's better than nothing. I thank Hawke for his "generosity" and he stalks off into another room with one final glare, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

What am I going to do now? I don't really know when in the Dragon Age timeline in which I got dropped here. Not having that knowledge makes it kinda hard to plan my next course of action. The one thing I do know is that I want to eventually place myself with the overall narrative I remember from the games. I refuse to be stuck here and simply cower from the darkspawn when I can help with my knowledge and eventually my magic...when I figure out how to use it of course. As to how I'll help…well I'll deal with that when I get there. More like, ifI get there at this point.

However, I did notice that both Carver and Bethany are alive at the moment. That at least means that the Blight has not forced the Hawkes to flee yet. Obvious given that I'm sitting in their home in Lothering with both of them in another room, so that doesn't help. Shit.

Wait, if I remember correctly, Garrett and Carver leave to join the army at Ostagar before sprinting back after the battle is lost. Right now they're still home in Lothering. So that means Ostagar hasn't happened yet...and I'm in Lothering. So if I can find a way to survive and wait a little in the village...

My eyes light up at the prospect. All of a sudden, I think I have options. Not my first choice, but it'll work!

Before I could get too excited over the thought that just entered my mind, the door to my little room swings open without warning. It is closed just as quickly and the next thing I know, Bethany is sitting down in front of me looking me dead in the eye. Not one to be intimidated, I defiantly stare back. Immediately, I am enveloped by the feel of her magic. Warm, comforting and inherently familiar. I have no clue what's going on, though the feeling of her magic pressing against my senses is overpowering everything else. For some reason, it causes me to instantly relax. I can feel my muscles sagging and my mind drifting off on its own. It's really rather nice in a freaky magical way.

Oddly enough, teenage hormones don't take over for once in my life and my thoughts stay purely innocent in front of the beautiful woman staring at me. Odd only because whatever is happening seems strangely intimate for some reason. We aren't touching or anything but it feels as if we are somehow...argh, fucking magic! It's so goddamn hard to explain! It's as if I am surrounded by Bethany and the feeling of...I guess her, is everywhere. Instead of trying to process all of the sensory information, my mind simply goes blissfully blank as I sit there and enjoy the relaxed feeling her magic brings and the flickering colors the light brings out of Bethany's amber eyes. Those are pretty awesome.

Bethany's expression remains unchanged as she continues to stare at me with a surprising intensity. Isn't she supposed to be the quiet, innocent one? Unlikely to want to hurt anything at all? Why does she seem so focused and determined right now? It makes her seem really grim. Like Grey Warden Bethany! I didn't like Grey Warden Bethany. She was too sad. I liked Varric's Sunshine Bethany! But she was kinda sad too…why is Bethany always so sad? Was it the darkspawn? Being poor? Tainted? Dead? Captured? Ooh…I almost forgot about Circle Mage Bethany! But she was sad too. I don't like it when she's sad. Maybe I can make her un-sad! Wait, was that a word? I don't think it was, was it? Why am I asking all these questions? Making statements? Assuming? It must be question day today since I have so many...now if I can only figure out when answer day is. You know I-

Bethany blinked.

And just like that, the nice feeling is gone.

I immediately stagger back in my chair for a moment feeling strangely exhausted. For some reason I feel absolutely drained of energy. That is really weird. What did she do to me? Was that magic? It had to be! My mind went completely blank and then it started wandering nearly incoherently. What the hell was that?

It seems that there is more to the magic here outside of combat and healing. An interesting development and definitely something to be explored if I get the time. Meanwhile, Bethany is sitting directly across from me with a contemplative look on her face. I'm still sitting here wondering what just happened and I intend to find out. Before I could ask the question, Bethany speaks up.

"We have much to talk about, Ser David." she says.

No shit. No need to be rude, though.

"Yeah we do. You don't have to call me by my last name though." I say even though she didn't call me by my last name. Not my real one, at least.

She gives a small smile before replying, "I didn't."

Hold up, what?

My face must've displayed my thoughts as Bethany moves her chair a little closer to mine and looks me dead in the eye again. No weird rush of magic came with it this time. I'm not sure whether to be happy or upset about that yet though I instinctively lean a little closer to her anyway. For some reason, it feels like the most natural thing in the world being so close to her. I find no reason to increase the distance between us despite having ample reasons to do so.

So I don't.

"I can tell that you have no experience with magic," she says softly. "I could feel it when we were connected...I think I can fully believe your story now."

She trails off as a faint blush rises to her cheeks. I'm thrilled that she openly stated her belief in my mostly true story but what's with the blush?

"What I did just now is something I had ever only done with my father," she says. An image of the kind faced man that looked like an older Garrett I saw in my earlier vision flashes through my mind. I nod in what I hope is an encouraging manner and Bethany continues.

"He told me that it is something that only two mages could do together," she says with a more serious look on her face. "I tapped into your magical core and allowed it to briefly mix with my own. It is something fairly intimate and normally requires a great deal of trust between the two performing the ritual."

Well that explains the blush then...and part of why it felt the way it did. It doesn't explain the euphoria and general loopyness, though.

"Mixing our magic allows us to gauge and measure each other's magical strength and abilities," Bethany says. "I could feel your power and while it is fairly substantial, it resembled that of a newborn's. Or maybe even a small child since most Magi manifest at about five or so."

"So does that mean I'm a weak mage?" I ask with a fair amount of concern. That would suck and derail any plans I had of being useful to anybody.

She pauses for a moment and closes her eyes as if she was recalling something important. "As of right now, yes."

Well…fuck…

"But that does not mean you cannot grow," she continues with her eyes still closed. I can feel something rising in the room. "Your magical core was wild. Chaotic with no discernible skill or evidence of extensive use. But it has potential...much of it. Like a flower bud late to bloom with the rest of the field but destined to be just as beautiful as its brothers and sisters. Possibly even more so."

As she continues to speak, swirls of light and wind start to form around her, whipping her long black hair and a few scattered sheaves of parchment about the room. I also think I hear an almost imperceptible whisper coming from the surrounding area that makes me tingle in an odd way. Is that my magic reacting to this?

Cool.

It is a very impressive sight, if mildly creepy. Though I think I am more fascinated and intrigued by the display than I am creeped out. I don't see the quiet and timid girl from the game and earlier today right now. In front of me is a powerful and confident sorceress that commands every bit of my attention and respect. I am utterly captivated and I can't take my eyes off of her. This is who she is meant to be, I would bet my life on it and I think I like this Bethany. Or at least, I like this one a lot more than the shy and self-deprecating Bethany from the game. In this one display, Bethany seems absolutely free. Completely unbothered by the society that ostracizes her and the power that she normally sees as a burden. She talks about my potential, but I don't think she can fully see hers.

All too soon, Bethany opens her eyes and the magical display dies down. She also seems to go back to normal, much to my disappointment.

"However," Bethany continues in a more sedate tone. "The act of merging our magic can also be done through sheer strength of will from one party over another, which is why I had to be a little rough on you." Bethany gives a little sheepish grin. Ah, she went overboard with it. That makes sense. "I wasn't completely sure if you were truly a friend or a foe. I had to be absolutely certain before I acted any further for you. I'm sorry if I caused you any discomfort..."

That explains the disorienting sensation of the whole ordeal, though I can't say it was entirely unpleasant. She overpowered whatever that spell was on purpose to make sure it worked. I should be upset at her doing something so invasive, but after that magical display, I'm speechless. The image of Bethany sitting there with her magic swirling about and her hair billowing about the tempest will be forever burned into my memory.

After a short time, I finally find my voice after being exposed to her awesome and answer back with a wide smile, "Maybe a little, but most of it actually felt kinda nice. Very relaxing, if alarmingly disorienting. But I'm good."

Her little grin turns into a smile and laugh as she responds, "I'm glad I could help you relax then."

"Yeah, as fun as that was, I'd rather you not hit me with that on super strength again." I say. "I like having control of my bodily functions. As pretty as you are, I'd like to be able to look away sometimes."

"Oh...a-alright then." Bethany says while looking away a bit. Wait, is she blushing again? She is! Oh, how cute! But I'll worry about that later.

"I have a question though." I say seriously.

"Go ahead," she responds sitting up straighter in her seat. She obviously recognizes my serious tone. Whoa, she's giving me her undivided attention. It's nice to have someone take me seriously, for once.

"How does reading my magical core make you believe me now?" I ask.

Bethany sighs before standing and putting some distance between us. I hadn't even realized we were still that close. The loss of her presence is tangible.

"That's the other thing we need to talk about." Bethany says. "Do you remember that...exchange we had when you got here."

"Yes." I say. How could I forget?

"What did you see?" She asks while crossing her arms.

"I..." I trail off, unsure how to continue. "I saw...memories, I think. They might have been yours."

"I see." Bethany doesn't look surprised but her face remains impassive. I get a quick vision of my conversation with Garrett earlier. She has that same unreadable expression that I can neither make heads nor tails of. I guess they arerelated, but I want this conversation to go a little better than that one did.

"I didn't see that much and I couldn't make sense of all of what I did see." I say reassuringly. "I do know that I saw both of your brothers when they were younger. Carver had nailed your pigtails to a wall once and Garrett would protect you from boys who wouldn't leave you alone. I also saw a little of your father. He was teaching you something, I think."

Bethany is mildly taken aback but does not seem overly surprised. She looks faintly sad at the mention of her father. Crap, why did I bring him up, again? Should I have omitted some of the things I saw to avoid digging up memories that are better left buried?

No...it's best that I come clean with everything. She would not appreciate being lied to, even by omission. Bethany absolutely hates it when people do that. Garrett is especially fond of that tactic.

...

And hello information I shouldn't know...

Fuck.

"Did you see anything else?" Bethany asks in an almost pleading tone. Damn...I can't say no to that voice. "Anything at all?"

My head turns down and I find it hard to meet her gaze. Yeah I saw something else but it's another one of those hard-to-explain magicky things. And I'm not too sure how she would react to it.

See the last thing I saw from that vision thing was...Bethany. Her hopes, her dreams, her insecurities, her pride...everything that makes her who she is. It wasn't complete and I think there is much more that I didn't see, but I caught a glimpse – just a small peek – of everything there is to know about her. Kinda like how she just went through my magic but instead it was her very being. But wait, wouldn't my magical core be considered my very being? But what makes my mind? My hopes and dreams? What would be the difference between what we just did?

Goddamn it, I don't get it!

Magic is some nutty shit! How the hell do you describe a feeling that you've never experienced and most people never will? Just suffice it to say that what I saw makes me feel as though I have known her for months instead of three hours. Game knowledge notwithstanding, of course.

I think I know her better than anyone without the name Hawke or Amell does now. It actually is a bit overwhelming to know so much about a person I've just met and it would be mildly creepy if I told her just how much I knew about her. As enlightening as this conversation has been, I don't want to come across as a creep. She's still my only possible ally and I don't want to push her away. Besides, if I were truly honest with myself, I think that magical connect has me feeling as if she were my best friend. Real or not, the feeling is there and I don't want to lose it by saying something stupid.

"You first," I say evasively. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. "Did you see anything during that whatever-it-was?"

Bethany's face scrunched up as if she knew what I was doing but was quickly replaced by a pensive expression.

"I think I saw some of your memories too," she says hesitantly. "They were very strange though and I didn't understand all of it."

I nod encouragingly and she continues, "Visions of a strange city full of impossible things. Buildings that reached high into the heavens and odd metal machines that roared and seemed to fly across the ground. I saw a...something where someone stole your...hat? Yes, it was your hat and they were running around a metal box trying to keep it from you, I think. You were very upset."

Yeah...that's a memory, all right. A really old one that I haven't thought of in years, but a memory nonetheless. Fucking bullies...only my parents know about that one. It's weird to hear this from someone else but it does chase away some of the doubt from that exchange. I'm pretty sure it wasn't one sided by this point, but just how deep does it really go?

"I saw a few other memories as well but that isn't what I'm most concerned about." Bethany says. "With the memories came an odd sense of...you. I could feel you as a person. I could sense your heart and your intentions. You didn't feel like a demon, and you simply seemed like a sincere and honest man that likes to hide behind jokes. It reminds me of my brother."

Yup, totally wasn't one sided. I knew it. But Garrett? Hiding behind jokes? He sure didn't hide anything from me...

"It's funny...I've known you for all of a few hours yet I feel like I've known you my whole life. Isn't that odd?" Bethany says with an almost sheepish grin that I couldn't help but return.

Look at her being all cute about the same thing I was worrying about not even two minutes ago! In hindsight, it makes my fears seem unfounded given how open she's been during this whole thing. Bethany hadn't even thought to leave anything out and she seems pretty understanding given the freakiness of the situation. I guess freaky comes with being a mage. Something to remember, I guess. Maybe I should give her more credit going forward.

"Not at all," I say with another smile. I really am smiling a lot, aren't I? "I actually felt the same thing. I just thought it would be weird if I outright said that I knew you better than some of my best friends or some sappy crap like that."

Bethany giggles a bit before responding. "I don't think it's sappy, but it is nice to know."

She pauses for a moment before continuing. "What do we do now, though?"

Good question.

I fall silent, as well, as I contemplate the situation. We know quite a lot about each other now and we've acknowledged it. But what are we going to do about it, if anything?

"Well your brother essentially kicked me out." I say. "I'm not sure what I plan on doing. Maybe head to the Chantry for a couple of nights since they provide succor and safe haven to any who need it, while I think it out. Otherwise I have no idea."

Heh...I've always wanted to use that line.

Bethany isn't impressed by my vocabulary, though. "That is not a good idea," she says. "The Chantry is crawling with Templars. It is quite possibly the worst place for an untrained apostate mage to go in the village. You do know what they are, right?"

"Yeah, I know they're the big bad mage hunters." I respond. "I'm not from here but I know how things work. More or less, anyway."

"So if you know what they are, why go where they can catch you?" Bethany asks incredulously. "Especially since you have no control over your power. One slip and you're off to the Circle or worse!"

Wow she really seems like she cares.

"I know, but that is just my backup plan. I have some ideas on what I can do if I get caught, but I would rather not have to go to the Circle." I say.

Or at least, I have a very rough plan in the event of being captured. Some of the minor details definitely escape me, but that's only worst case scenario. Hopefully, I won't need it.

"No, it's too risky." Bethany says forcefully. "You'll stay here or at least somewhere nearby away from the Templars. I can teach you how to control yourself so you don't get caught and I can teach you how to resist the demons. You're not going anywhere."

Silence stretches out between us as I take in her words. Bethany's jaw is set and her amber eyes are gleaming with determination. There is no arguing with that look, she means every word. It reminds me of her brother.

You know what; I'm truly touched by her offer. No bullshit, I really am. I don't know how she plans to do it or even why she wants to, but Bethany is willing to give me everything I need to be useful and productive in this universe. For whatever reason, she is saving me again. First from her brothers and now from the Templars and potentially myself. I don't even know how to respond to it.

So I just go with natural incredulity.

"Why are you going through so much trouble for me?" I finally ask with wide eyes. "Don't think I didn't notice earlier when you calmed your brothers down and let me speak. You've done it more than once. They were ready to kill me and you saved me then and now you are offering to save me again! This training would likely save my life, but why? You don't owe me anything and yet you keep leaping to my defense! Why?"

Bethany just gives a small smile and leans forward. "I would never subject anyone to the mercy of the Templars, Ser. Never. But this...bond we have? I don't know what it is and it scares me."

Great, now I'm scaring my only advocate.

"But no matter how scared feeling so much for a complete stranger makes me, I want to find out what exactly it means." She reaches out and takes my hands in her own. Now it's my turn to blush.

"I've never really had a friend before because it was always too dangerous for me to be out long enough to meet people. And then we would have to always move to stay one step ahead of the Templars when I was much younger. But with this, I feel as if I've always had a friend in you." She pauses for a moment as she contemplates her next words.

"I know what it's like to be all alone with nothing but the burden of magic to keep you company." Her voice takes on an almost sad quality as she continues.

"I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone, much less my only friend."

Words fail me as I am overwhelmed by her kindness and honesty.

Her voice strengthens and she grips my hands tighter. "So, I vow to help you, Ser Anthony David, to the best of my ability. All I ask is that you be my friend for real and not just from this curious magic. I trust that is fair, yes?"

I look down from Bethany's lovely face to our intertwined hands before bringing both of her hands up and planting a small kiss on the backs of them. She is a wonderful person. I can honestly say that with no hesitation after hearing all of that. I have no idea what I've done to earn such kindness but I swear that I will pay her back some way. The words won't come so easily - a rare moment for me - but looking into her eyes, I know she can tell how much her promise means to me. Screw any other plan I might've had, there's no way I'm leaving her now. I will find a way to make this work, I swear it.

"Thank you, Bethany," I say shakily while looking into her warm amber eyes. "I don't think there is anywhere else I'd rather be."

And you know what, I didn't think of home at all when I said that.

I meant every word.

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A/N: The outpouring of positive reviews in so short a time for just the first chapter really took my by storm! So much so, that I took what I had written for chapter 2 and went through it with a fine tooth comb to make it better than it ever was. The end result was nearly an extra 1,000 words added to what I had. All you guys who favorited or alerted this are awesome and double that to my reviewers: DoorbellSpider, ihas no clue, Judy, GrippenJ39, and Wyolake. I'm already working on the next chapter but I doubt it will be updated as quickly. But hey, it is summer where I live so I have nothing better to do. You never know! Oh and reviews are always welcome so you might as well hit the button. Until next time, then!