38 Inipi At The Burrow Pt III
~0~
As Nick enters the house, he hears the sound of laughter coming from the area of the master bedroom, so he naturally heads there to check.
Once in the bedroom, the sounds are definitely coming from the bathroom, where there are three female voices, and they are definitely enjoying themselves.
Being the sensible todd, Nick rattles the doorknob (not trying to enter, just to throw a bit of a scare into the girls).
"NICK!" comes Judy's frantic voice "Don't you dare come in here!"
"Got somthin' ta hide Fluff?" he answers, smiling from ear to ear.
"Nick, I swear…"
"Don't swear Fluff, it's very unbecoming." he interrupts.
"…."
"Don't worry, I wasn't plannin' on going in, I just needed to get my trunks and head back out to keep an eye on the fire."
"We'll talk about this later Scruffy…"
"Who's Scruffy?"
"NICK!"
"Fine, fine. I'm just gonna change and go back out to the lodge…."
As Nick quickly changes and heads out to assume his duties at the lodge, he can't help but wonder what the girls were up to.
…
Rejoining Michael at the fire, Nick sees Midnight and Sabine, along with Midnight's cubs as the family enters the area.
"Well, well, looks what we've got here!" he greets the panther and acknowledging his date. "I see ya brought the cubs with ya." he begins.
"Yeah, I was hoping that you wouldn't mind." states Midnight hopefully.
"Heck no. In fact, Bright Eyes and Short tail are here, it'll do them some good to get to know each other … someone their own size amongst a sea of bunnies to play with. Why don't you take the cubs over and introduce them, it'll do the rez kits a lot of good and probably make them a bit more comfortable knowing that there are a few more preds around."
"Thanks boss, we'll do that."
"I might need to caution the cubs for a second if I may…" interrupts Nick briefly.
Seeing the questioning looks that he's getting from the small group, Nick continues:
"The reservation and the mammals that live there is a bit of a different place, culturally speaking." he continues. "Mammals there are very much more reserved and protective of one another around mammals that they aren't familiar with. Running up on them could be mistaken as a sign of aggression … hugging is generally frowned upon, although not so much for younger mammals. While Bright Eyes and Short Tail are considered to be too young to date, they are very protective of one another. If one of your cubs were to try to hug one of them, I'm pretty sure that a fight would break out immediately."
"It's true!" remarks Bonnie who has just approached the small group.
"Even though I warned all of the kits that the reservation cubs were very not so touchy-feely, a few have ended up in the burrow infirmary, with the majority of them being bucks of the same age. One, Stephen, actually required a few stitches."
Seeing Nick's concern, Bonnie quickly adds: "No, I didn't discipline Short Tail, he was doing what he was supposed to do, he was protecting Bright Eyes from unwanted advances, and Stephen is fine … for now." the elder doe adds, with a bit of fire in her eyes promising a further 'conversation' with her kit.
"I did want to ask you Nick," she goes on "do Bright Eyes and Short Tail have more common names?"
"I'm sure they do, but when I asked Michael, he told me that basically he would prefer that we use their Lakota names the help preserve their uniqueness." answers the todd.
"Understandable. Anyway, I need to get back to the food tables to make sure everything is going okay." as the doe sets off across the short space to the Wupulla.
"So …" begins a slightly perplexed Midnight.
"How about if I take the cubs over and introduce them?" suggests Nick. "You and Sabine can tag along and observe, to get a bit used to how things are probably going to go for a while … at least until some of the new wears off for everyone."
"That's … probably a good idea." admits Midnight.
Leading the cubs, Nick advises them "I think that the best thing to do would be simply to nod and tell them hello. That should take some of the worry out of the meeting."
Approaching the Wupulla tables, Nick calls attention to himself and Midnight's cubs. "Short Tail, Bright Eyes, there are couple of cubs here that would like to meet you."
As Bright Eyes steps partially behind Short Tail (due no doubt to the confrontations that have taken place earlier) the two are a bit wary.
"Short tail, Bright Eyes, please say hello to Kimba and Kiara, who are Midnight's cubs. Kimba, Kiara, say hello to Short Tail and Bright Eyes."
Seeing the strange cubs simply nod in acknowledgement and not approach or try to hug, some of the tension that the young visitors were feeling begins to dissipate.
"Will you be doing lodge?" asks Short Tail.
"No, our dad and his new girlfriend are going to, though." proudly admits Kiara. "They're both combat vets and are … chasing ghosts? I think that's the way dad put it?"
Seeing Midnight and Sabine standing behind the cubs, Bright Eyes tells the cubs "To be associated with Iron Eyes, you and your parents must be honorable. We would like to speak with you later … if it's agreeable with everyone."
Seeing the confused looks that the cubs and Sabine are giving off, knowing that the cubs, as well as Sabine have no idea who Bright Eyes is referring to, Nick tells the cubs and the female quietly "Those on the reservation know me as Iron Eyes. I thought that maybe your dad would have told you that by now…" as he quickly glances at Midnight and rolls his eyes, with a slight grimace crossing the feline's muzzle.
"It … never really came up …" mumbles Midnight quietly.
"Aaaany way," continues Nick "the adults need to get ready for lodge. Will you young ones be alright on your own, or do I need to get with Stands With A Fist to keep an eye on you?"
After the four cubs share quick looks at one another, Short Tail (he's the oldest at 16 and a male after all) answers for the lot "We will be fine Iron Eyes, please do not worry."
"I leave everyone in your capable paws then." says Nick as he turns and leads the adults back to the sacred circle to begin preparations.
"By the way, Lefty wasn't feeling all that well and asked me to tell you that he wouldn't be joining lodge tonight." Midnight informs Nick.
"I thought that he looked like he was a worn-out at the shop yesterday." admits Nick. "It's okay, I just hope he'll be okay."
"We'll swing by after lodge and check up on him, just to be sure." confirms the panther.
…
As the time to begin lodge draws near, Nick observes Judy, Sally and Sylvia approach from the house.
While Judy is wearing a pale blue sun dress, Sylvia has a sun dress that is white at the top and slowly blends to a fire red at the bottom. What amazes the todd is Sylvia. The doe looks completely different and it takes him a few seconds to figure out the change.
While her sun dress is a very becoming sunflower yellow, the actual change in the doe is the fact that her fur color has changed. Now her fur is a very light brown, while the last time that he saw her, her fur was tan and a dark brown.
"Greetings Wolf Spirit, Sally and Morning Sun." says Nick.
"Greetings Iron eyes." As Judy returns the greeting. "I see that you've noticed the change in Morning Sun. Please allow her to explain."
"Iron Eyes," begins a slightly nervous Sylvia "you … you already know that what happened to Judy, that is Wolf Spirit (as the doe struggles a bit trying to stay in character with the event) in high school happened to me as well. When … when I tried to make myself into a different doe, I not only withdrew from reality and changed my speech, I dyed my fur. I … I thought that mammals would see a different me, one that wasn't … broken. After speaking with Wolf Spirit and Red Fur, (using Sally's native name, much to her dismay) I knew that I couldn't keep up the pretense any longer. This is the true Sylvia Elaine Hopps that you see before you. I wanted you especially to know that before my naming."
"Well," responds a smiling Nick "Sylvia Elaine Hopps is very beautiful, and I'm sure that Morning Sun will be just as beautiful."
When Sylvia begins to tear up, an already tearful Judy whispers "Go ahead Sylvie, you can hug him if you want …"
Knowing the conversation, Nick opens his arms and Sylvia launches herself onto the todd.
"Thank you Nick," she gasps "you have no idea how much this all means to me…"
"If you're anything like your sister, I think I do. And I think you'll be fine from here on out Sylvia, I really do,"
Giving the todd a last quick squeeze, Sylvia gathers herself and returns to Judy and Sally's sides.
…
"Okay mammals, let's get this thing started." begins Nick. "But first, Sees Far, that is Michael to those of you who aren't familiar with his Lakota name, has a few things that he needs to share with everyone who is participating in their first lodge …"
Michael explains "Although there is no uniform sweat lodge ritual, the whole process is modeled after the Lakota Medicine Wheel, which represents the archetypal journey each of us takes in life. This journey has four stages or 'doors', each associated with a cardinal direction and a color.
Round One (East, Yellow) is of mild intensity, and is for getting used to the heat, the darkness, the enclosed space and anything else that might take some getting used to. It is generally associated with the Visionary archetype: the path of the highest good.
Round Two (South, Red) is moderately hot, and is about "the others": mammals, relationships and unresolved conflicts. The idea is that you are willing to care for someone else before you care for yourself. It is generally associated with the Teacher archetype: helping others to reach their full potential.
Round Three (West, Black) is for forgiving, embracing and nurturing your inner Self, and is the hottest round of all four. In many ways it is the toughest round: not only temperature-wise, but for the way we tend to avoid our own demons. It is usually associated with the Healer archetype: ability to manifest healing for oneself and/or others. The spirits are said to enter from this direction. This is why Wolf Spirit is asked to be seated on the west wall of the lodge.
Round Four (North, White) is dedicated entirely to that evasive "I'm glad to be alive" feeling and giving thanks: to the Earth Mother, the Universe, and the spirits of ancestors. Generally associated with the Warrior archetype: strength of spirit, taking control of one's life.
"It's precisely by learning how to die, examining yourself and transforming your old self into a better self, that you actually live more intensely and critically and abundantly." which immediately grasps Sabine's and even Sylvia's attention.
"Perhaps this will set you minds as we conduct lodge as to why we do these things. And please remember, this is not by any means a contest. If the heat becomes unbearable, you may exit the lodge at any time. There is no shame called upon you if you cannot endure any door.
"As we begin, when Iron Eyes, that is Nicholas, and I smudge into the sacred circle, please pay attention. To begin with, you will each need to take a small draw from the Chanupa, or the sacred pipe. When you exhale, send small puffs to each of the directions, north, south, east and west. Then to the earth and to the sky. Iron eyes will then use the eagle feather to push sage smoke over you. When you file in to take your places in the lodge, Dances With Wolves, or Bolo as you know him, will enter behind me, as he is learning to conduct lodge. Except for Wolf Spirit, Judith, and Iron Eyes, Nicholas and his new Firekeeper learner Morning Sun (which causes Sylvia to first blush, then stand proudly) or Sylvia, your positions in the lodge do not matter. Also, please keep in mind when you enter the lodge to travel clockwise inside and never step in front of anyone. Does anyone have any questions before we begin?"
With no questions, Michael uses the Chanupa and is smudged into the circle, followed by Bolo and Renee. Placing themselves next to sort of balance the animal sizes, Bonnie and Stu go next with Judy following them. with Judy going next, Midnight and Sabine enter followed closely by Sylvia and finally Nick.
"Iron Eyes," begins Michael "you may begin the first door."
As Nick exits the lodge and picks up the first of seven white-hot stones with the shed antlers, Sylvia pays close attention to his every movement.
After depositing the last of the first seven stones in the pit in the middle of the lodge, Nick draws the flap closed.
…
Nick then takes a cup of water from the cup and bowl set that had been gifted by Short Tail and pours it on the white-hot stones.
The heat and humidity immediately became intense.
"Everyone, please take short breaths until you become accustomed to the heat." suggests Michael. "Take a few moments to reflect inward and meditate."
After what seemed to be only a few minutes, but was actually closer to forty-five minutes "Nicholas, you may open the door."
…
With the lifting of the flap cooler air rushed in and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
After Nick brings in more rocks, he closes the door and pours water on the fresh rocks, causing the comfort level in the small structure to decrease dramatically.
"As I said before" began Michael, "this round is about 'the others': mammals, relationships and unresolved conflicts. The idea is that you are willing to care for someone else before you care for yourself. While it is not mandatory that you share with all, it does generally bring peace to your inner self and reveals the true nature if your feelings. Who wished to share first?"
Surprisingly, the first to share was Sylvia. The tearful doe told about how she had been drugged and raped in high school, and how she had tried to remake herself so no one would come close to her again. She praised first Sabine who had solidified the idea to come to lodge, and most importantly Nick who, in spite of everything, wanted to teach her to become a Firekeeper.
Next was Sabine, who recounted the horrifying take of the lives she took while imbedded in Midnight's military unit overseas, and he hopes of dealing with the flashbacks.
Then Judy shared her continuing fear of losing the kits that she currently carried.
Bonnie and Stu mirrored each other in praising Nick and his crew when they came to the families rescue not once but twice, and how happy they were that Judy had managed to find happiness with Nick.
Finally, Renee shared her ordeal of being pledged to another in a pre-arraigned marriage, which ended before it began because of her betrothed's physical abuse, and how she was looking forward to being with Bolo and being a part of the Bunnyburrow community.
With no one else sharing, Nick opens the flap.
…
With the 'door' opened, the fresh air seemed a godsend.
"I will remind you, if there is anyone who cannot withstand the ceremony, there is no shame in leaving. I know of many who have never been able to continue through the entire lodge. As a warning, the next part of the ceremony will be the hottest yet. If you cannot continue, now would be the best time to leave."
As everyone looked at each other, no one made a move to leave.
"Nicholas" says Michael, "more rocks, but do not pour water on them until I tell you to, please."
After bringing in seven more white hot rocks, Michael reminds the group "This round will be the worst and most difficult to bear. It is for sharing out innermost fears, to help the spirits understand what we most need help with.
"Before we begin this round, each of you may have a cup of water. You may either drink the water, pour it over yourselves to help cool, or you may pour it on the stones, signify your determination to help strengthen your resolve in the coming life after Inipi. This choice is yours and yours alone."
With that, Nick dipped the cup into the pail of water and handed it first to Sylvia, who hesitated for only a split second before she poured the entire cup onto the white-hot rocks.
Unsurprisingly, every mammal in the Inipi followed suit, with no one even pausing to think about a sip for themselves. All were unified with the intention of following this through to the end.
"Let us begin…" intones Michael.
Again, Sylvia stars first, relating how she hopes to maintain some semblance of a normal life, with the hopes that she may find someone as kind and understanding as Nick to share her remaining years with.
Sabine is next, recounting her hopes that the ghosts that have been plaguing her for so long will find peace, and that she might have a quiet and fulfilling life with Midnight and his cubs, and hopeful that they might have a few cubs if their own.
Finally, Judy vented her hopes that his Inipi would help calm her mind and that she would be able to have normal and beautiful kits.
"Nicholas, please open the door" says Michael.
…
As everyone takes the opportunity to relish the fresh, cool air, both Nick and Michael take special notice of Judy as Nick brings in the last seven rocks, even the Grandfather stone since this was not to be a warrior sweat.
Remarkably, Judy seemed no worse for wear, at least no worse than anyone else was at that time, considering all that the Inipi had put them through, both physically and emotionally.
Michael offers the following advice: "While the last of the stones grow cold and the dawn beckons, anyone may be visited by spirits. Whether they be species spirits or ancestors, it matters not. Simply listen to what the spirits have to tell you. It is advised that you not tell anyone what the spirits say to you, as everyone may interpret the words and meanings differently. Please use this time for meditation and introspection."
Quite unlike the warrior sweat that had been experienced on the reservation, several mammals have visions during the fourth 'door'.
…
ALL VISIONS OCCUR AT THE SAME TIME …
"Why have you called me here Judith?" asks the apparition that appears before her – the Black Rabbit.
"I – I didn't … at least I didn't mean to!" shakily replies the doe.
"Were you not informed by the spirits that you would be able to safely birth your kits?" asks the apparition.
"Yes, but ... to become pregnant so soon afterwards, especially with taking medication-"
"Your kits will be visiting you after I leave. Be warned Judith, the next time I appear before you, it will be to take your soul…." as the being fades into nothing.
Suddenly "Mom … what the heck are you doing?" asks a firm voice that's unfamiliar, yet Judy instinctually knows who's speaking.
"R-Rose?" asks Judy as she sees the mostly bunny-like apparition that appears before her.
"Yes mom, it's Rose. And Aaron's here with me. Say hi dummy." as the mostly rabbit like appearing spirit pokes her mostly fox-like brother in the ribs.
"Hey mom …" shyly states the young mostly foxlike spirit.
As Judy stares at the new(?) spirits, she notes that they indeed seem to be her 'lost' kits, however they seem to be roughly 8-10 years old this time instead of their former not birthed selves swathed in blankets.
"But – how … why?"
"Well, Johnathan and Bonnie are kinda busy growing inside you right now, so we kinda got volunteered." answers Aaron.
"Especially since we were kinda young the first couple of times when the other kits visited you and dad." adds Rose.
"Nick-"
"Dad's gonna be fine, we're not gonna bother him." admits Aaron.
"But he will believe you when you tell him about us." confirms Rose.
"But … why now?" asks Judy.
"Mom, nothing else has worked to get you to calm down with your pregnancy, so Aaron and I are here to basically tell you to just chill. Everything is going to be fine. If you have any concerns, just talk to Gramma Bonnie and take her advice, she's had a lot of kits, remember?"
"I – I …. Oh … okay. Ummm …. Would it … would it be alright if … if I could just … touch you each. Just once? Please?"
"If it will help ease your mind, of course." admits Rose as she and Aaron both move closer.
First touching each of her kits on the cheek, Judy can't help but draw them into a tight hug,
"I miss you kits so much…" whispers the heartbroken doe.
"We know mom, and we miss you too." replies Aaron quietly.
"It sucks, but we gotta go mom…" softly prompts Rose as she gently withdraws from her mother's arms.
"I love you …" Judy tells her kits as they slowly dissolve into nothingness, but she still hears their mutual reply that she'll remember to her dying day.
"We love you too mom …"
…
As Sylvia manages to center herself, she experiences what seems to be a chill in the air, which makes no sense considering that she's in a sweat lodge.
Opening her eyes, she beholds a terrifying sight – the dreaded Black Rabbit that she had heard so much about when she was a young kit.
"Are – are you here to take my soul?" asks the poor doe. "Please-"
"No, Sylvia Elaine Hopps, I am not here for your soul." grimly admits the specter. "A few days ago perhaps, but not today. While you were headed to my realm for the past few years, your recent turnabout and the realization that you have so much to live for, and your seeming dedication to making a worthwhile life for yourself have changed things for the better."
Being vastly relieved knowing that she's now moving her life in a more positive direction, Sylvia pays close attention to the Black Rabbit's next statements.
"If you stay on this path, your life will become enjoyable rather than the chore that it has been in the not-so-distant past. Mammals will be more tolerant of you and you of them. Your life will become stable, and you will even meet a mammal that you will love and will genuinely love you back. You will bear kits that will be the joys of your life. Take heed to my statements Sylvia Elaine Hopps, and you will live a long and fulfilling life."
And with that, the Black Rabbit is gone, with his words ringing in the does ears.
…
Not expecting anything to occur, Sally is very surprised when:
"Princess Sally Alicia Acorn … Sarii Donguri, also known as Red Fur in the common tongue … daughter of former king Maximillian Acorn and former queen Alicia Acorn … younger sister to Elias Acorn, look upon me!"
A very surprised hybrid opens her eyes and beholds a female squirrel deity that she had heard about when she was little-er and had totally discounted as a myth.
Before the astounded Sally sits (in mid-air) "I am At Kamuri! You know me from your youth."
"I-I can't believe it! maybe I'm dreaming? Ate something that didn't agree with me … yeah, that-"
"I can assure you that you are not delusional." Affirms the spirit. "Be that as it may, I come before you to deliver a message. Unknown to you, you have an older brother, who is called Elias Acorn. He is known as the Agent King in the Secret Freedom Fighters amongst your tribe. He is the rightful heir to the throne after your father joined the ancestors."
"What does all of that have to do with me?" the doe asks.*
"Your brother is under siege, and unless you join him and help to rally his forces, he is doomed to failure in his task of reclaiming his rightful place among the Ojibwa. If successful, you will sit beside him as his right paw to rule the Ojibwa nation." declares At Kamuri.
"This is all very strange to say the least!" declares Sally. "For one, I had no idea that I even had a brother!"
"Your mother took you and fled in exile, trying to stay one step ahead of the mammals that sought to destroy your family, to gain power and attain control of the Ojibwa nation. Your father was eventually killed, leaving only your older brother and you to fight for the freedom of your nation."
Knowing that Nick, Judy and the rest were counting on her to manage the store in Bunnyburrow and eventually in Zootopia, Sally opened her mouth to ask a question, but was cut off before she could even begin.
"Fear not for those that you have committed to here. They are honorable and understanding mammals, but you already know this. When you explain your reason for needing to leave, they will not only understand, but will offer more support and well wishes than you could ever imagine. Time is of the essence Princess Sally Alicia Acorn … Sarii Donguri, if you are going to act, it must be now. A true leader does not think of oneself, a true leader thinks of her duty to the mammals of her nation."
"… Where must I go to join my brother?" asks the doe with no hesitation.
"You must meet with Elias Acorn where the earth is red … where the stone for the sacred pipes lives."**
"I'll plan to leave first thing in the morning then. Many thanks to you At Kamuri. If possible, please tell by brother that I will be joining him in no less than two days' time."
"It shall be done!" rejoins the spirit "Fare the well, Princess Sally Acorn of the Ojibwa." as the spirit slowly dissolves into nothingness.
…
As Midnight and Sabine settle in to tolerate the last door, a spirit appears before both of them at the same time.
"Jerald Charon M'bai. Sabine Clarice Growley, greetings." begins the spirit.
As the pair can only stare at the spirit, a female, they notice something very unusual about the being. Although the spirit has the general form of a large species of cat, some of the features and fur colors change from time to time.
"I am called Bastet, as you know from your early days in the old country." intones the spirit, motioning towards Midnight. ***
"I see that you both notice my appearance." continues the spirit as she seems to change from a North American cougar to a lioness. "Sadly, it is not commonly known that all large felines are considered part of the panther genus, therefore I will take whatever form amuses me at the time."
"Wh-why are you here?" asks Midnight.
"I have come at the behest of the spirits and ancestors to help ease the mind of Mah'let."
Seeing the blank stares of the two, Bastet continues. "Mah'let is the true name of Sabine Growley. While Jerald, whose true name is Geh'ar, has his own demons to remove, Mah'let was not born to be a violent mammal. Even though all felines were and are predators, modern times have changed them to be at peace with the mammals that they used to hunt and kill for food. While Geh'ar had become a soldier, a great part of his duty was the taking the lives of others, while not consuming their flesh or glorifying in the act of killing.
"Mah'let was not expecting to have to take the life of another mammal on that fateful day, and the actions that led her to do this have created conflicts within her soul. Heed my words, Mah'let, if you had not taken the lives of others at that time, neither you Geh'ar would be alive today, as your enemies would surely have killed all on that fateful day, would have glorified in the kill, and would have consumed your bodies.
"Geh'ar, for your part, the spirits that haunt your memories are a bit misplaced. You had taken many lives in your career as a soldier. Does it not seem strange that none of the other kills invade your mind? This is because you have been worried about the effect of killing others has had on Mah'let, even to this day.
"The spirits have aligned the stars so that you would again meet to help heal one another's wounds. I speak of mental wounds. If you will allow me, I will place my paws upon you both, and thus will allow you to ease one another's minds, and allow the healing to begin. Will you allow me to do this?"
After taking only a brief look at each other, both felines look back to the spirit to answer, only to find a snow leopard staring at them, expecting an answer.
Only slightly taken aback, both answer "Yes." at the same time.
Reaching out, Bastet places her paws on the foreheads of Sabine and Midnight: "In the names of all the spirits, allow these mammals to join and heal one another's spirits! I will leave you now. Be strong, and place your trust and your faith in one another and all will be well."
With that, the spirit winks out.
After what seems like an eternity to some and mere moments to others, Bolo, with a gentle prod from Michael, tells the group "Lodge is now concluded. Iron Eyes, you nay open the door. Everyone please leave the lodge by moving to your left and have Iron Eyes smudge you out of the sacred circle. You may then partake of the Wupulla."
~0~
AN: Yes, some of chapter 27 has been copied, this is to remind everyone of the procedures used in lodge, however a few changes have been made because of the different participants.
*Female squirrels are known as sows, while female chipmunks are called does. I decided to go with does because it just sounds better to me especially since Sally is a squirrel-chipmunk hybrid.
** where the earth is red … where the stone for the sacred pipes lives." Chanupa are constructed of Catlinite, also called pipestone, which is a type of argillite (metamorphosed mudstone), usually brownish-red in color, which occurs in a matrix of Sioux Quartzite. The only place that occurs in North America is in Pipestone Minnesota.
***The panther goddess Bastet, also called Bast, ancient Egyptian goddess worshiped in the form of a lioness and later a cat. The daughter of Re, the sun god, Bastet was an ancient deity whose ferocious nature was ameliorated after the domestication of the cat around 1500 bce.
In case you haven't noticed, these last few chapters haven't been nearly as long as a lot of the preceding ones. While this chapter is fairly long due to the happenings during Inipi, the rest are going to be of varying lengths, probably shorter, from here on out. The farther I get into this, the more I need to try to figure out how to end this little(?) tale. I've been working on it for 5 years and it's time to finish it and move on, mainly because I'm quickly running out of plausible ideas to continue it. Don't worry, I'm not going to just quit working on it, I'll try to give it an ending befitting the story.
