Aganau Chapter 6: Uncertain future
The watcher had been looking through the events that happened in the city of Bisito with another guest.
"Why didn't you join them?" He asked with a curious gaze, having felt confident that the boy watching the events with him would've certainly joined in for having a chance to kill another Petelgeuse. The boy closed his eyes as he responded with:
"I didn't want to."
"And why's that?" The watcher asked, a little annoyed that he must reiterate his question. The boy remained silent for a brief moment, contemplating on the why. He isn't too fond of Natsuki Subaru despite being related and yet he still somehow has faith in him. It was paradoxical and quite frankly, was driving even him mad trying to unravel that.
"It's not my place to help him with these sorts of situations."
"He's your father, no?"
"A different version that didn't even have me in his world." The boy responded swiftly.
"Even so, wouldn't you help another version of your father?"
"..."
The boy was silent for a moment, since in his situation in the world he comes from, he was technically helping an alternative version of his father. Regardless, he didn't feel the need to go and assist him.
"He can handle himself."
"...hm? How so?"
"Natsuki Subaru is a stubborn fool, someone who has the worst of ideas...but somehow he has managed to get out of situations that would normally get him killed." As the boy says this, he thinks back on the situations he and his world's Subaru had to deal with before reflecting on the situation he and the watcher were currently watching. "Look at him now. He just managed to escape two crazy ass sin archbishops alive with everyone else alive...and without that cursed ability. My father is a true fool but one that doesn't require my assistance. Not this one."
"..."
The watcher can't help but be completely confused by this response.
'Does he truly believe in his father that much? Or is he...you know what, nevermind. I don't understand this boy.'
The watcher returns his focus to the Natsuki Subaru he had sent into the other world, curious to see what's happening with him and his group.
As he focuses on Natsuki Subaru, the boy looks at the two versions of his father and just couldn't help but look disappointed.
'...idiots. They have the answer, but even with two of them they can't put the pieces in place.'
The day had finally reached nighttime, after just barely escaping Sloth and Greed's attempts in catching up to them.
Subaru looked at the night sky, observing the stars for a brief moment before giving a sigh.
'...Damn, what a day.'
He hadn't felt this pressure since the situation in the watchtower, having to get it right in one loop after beating and scaring Louis Arneb in the hall of memories.
While he was on his own to make sure that neither Sin Archbishops had caught up to their wagon, he noticed Beatrice suddenly join him.
"Oh. Hey Beako. What brings you here?"
"..." Beatrice had a blank expression as she sat down next to the boy, not responding to his question.
"...okay. How are the others holding up?" Subaru said in a calm tone, understanding that it'll take a bit before Beatrice can finally speak about her feelings. The loli spirit stood silent as she looked forward, noticing the forest surrounding them before responding to the boy's question:
"That catboy is keeping guard on that assassin woman while the other you is guiding the ground dragon through the forest."
"Sounds about right...I can't believe he recruited her of all people."
Subaru still had bad memories of Elsa, especially when she was responsible for killing Beatrice in the last loop before managing to finally beat Roswaal's orchestration of events in the Sanctuary.
Beatrice looked at Subaru, noticing that he was truly discomfort of being near the bowel hunter, prompting her to ask:
"Wouldn't you have done the same, I suppose?"
"What do you mean?" Subaru tilted his head as he heard the question.
"If you had lost everything like the older and stubborn you had, wouldn't you also choose to side with that assassin woman to get revenge?"
"Well...maybe. If I had the same exact experience then I believe I would have ended up the same exact way as my older self but right now, I think I wouldn't let myself get consumed with vengeance."
"Are you certain about that, I suppose?"
Subaru looked at Beatrice as he processed the question she posed on him, causing him to remember something his counterpart had told him in the previous world, from what Wilhelm told him in the Purge King's world, and what Puck from the Sin Archbishop of Pride's world had told him:
("I doubt you were sent to each of these worlds just to fix them from our mistakes. I mean, why are you here? To arrest me for running away? Don't get me wrong, I get what you were doing with Pride and Purge, those two did need to be stopped but did you even try to talk to them, try to redeem them? They are Natsuki Subaru as well. Just ones that didn't have a support group like we did.")
("Subaru-dono, I understand that it is hard having to face a version of yourself that has gone the wrong path. I understand but you are not like them. You didn't join the Witch cult like the Sin Archbishop of Pride version of yourself or let that distrust consume you into something like the Purge King. You are Natsuki Subaru-dono, the knight for Emilia-sama. You are a good person and one that I care about.")
("Everyone makes their own choice, Natsuki Subaru. The witch cultist version of you made his choice to join the witch cult. He made the choice to cause harm. You on the other hand made a better choice. Just because things could've gone wrong for you, doesn't mean you would've ended up like him. I sense your heart is in the right place. If anything, you would've made a better choice, Natsuki Subaru.")
Those words were in their own right similar, reminding Subaru that he's his own person. This made him confident enough to respond to Beatrice's follow up question with:
"I believe so. If others believe that I wouldn't have gone down the wrong path, then I should believe that I wouldn't make the same mistakes."
"Hmph. If others have to tell you that, then it makes me wonder what the other Betty saw in you, I suppose."
Beatrice got up and returned inside the wagon, finding the conversation dull at this point.
As she did this, Subaru couldn't help but continue to watch over the stars, fascinated by them regardless of what world he is in.
He continued to watch the stars for a bit until finally the wagon had come to a halt. This alerted Natsuki Subaru from another world that this is the spot his older self had chosen for them to rest up.
The moment the wagon had stopped, everyone began to get off the wagon with Felix being on constant watch to the Bowel Hunter.
Once everyone was off the wagon, older Subaru created a fire for them to gather before sitting slightly away from everyone though closer to Patrasche.
Beatrice and Felix were sitting next to each other, both keeping to themselves. Subaru sat next to Al, knowing that his one armed companion will need to be informed of the situation that they are in.
"So, um bro, mind tellin' me what's goin' on? We have that little girl you hang out with, that duchess's knight in...actual male attire, that crazy woman, and an older version of you dressed up as me..."
"I know. I would have been more surprised if you didn't say anything after all this. It can be really confusing the first time around.." Subaru spoke in a nervous tone, scratching the back of his head as he's thinking on how he should approach this. "But to make it simple for you, we are in a world that's similar to ours...just a different history."
"How so?" Al questioned since he believes that they possibly are in the future. Subaru responded to Al's question with:
"In this world...I couldn't beat that bastard Sloth and lost everyone."
"..." Al remained silent.
"...I know it's hard to believe this—"
"No, No, I mean I get that we are in a parallel world. I just..." He paused for a moment before looking at the older Subaru, seeing just how broken he is. "...I can't help but understand his pain."
"...yeah..."
Subaru understood the exact pain his older self was in, having felt that many loops back.
Watching Rem die in his arms, seeing everyone in Arlem village and those in the mansion being killed by the Witch Cult.
He wouldn't dare judge his counterpart for having such a grudge against them for twenty years yet siding with Elsa was something he didn't like.
After the things she had done not just to them but also to Emilia, Felt, Old Man Rom, and many others they probably aren't aware of.
This was something he was critical of but considering that his older self probably had nobody to turn to, he guessed it was okay this one time.
"What's the plan now, I suppose?" Beatrice asked, breaking the silence that filled everyone but the other world Subaru and Al. Beatrice turned her attention towards her world's Natsuki Subaru as she had more questions. "Will we be facing both Sin Archbishops again on our own, or is there another plan you have in mind, in fact?"
"..."
The older Natsuki Subaru remained silent as he was left uncertain for once.
He was positive that at the very least he would be able to kill Petelguese even if it did involve him dying and yet this was ruined thanks to the intervention of Regulus Corneas, Sin Archbishop of Greed.
'That bastard honestly ruined it all...no, even if we could kill Petelguese's body, his soul would be a whole other problem to deal with.'
He remained silent for a bit before looking up at the stars, thinking deeply on what they could even do against Greed and Sloth. They are severely outmatched.
If one of them was already a tough uphill battle, two of them would be impossible at their current state. The only real solution was divide and conquer, but the question of how remained beyond his reach.
He got up as he turned towards the forest, wanting to be away from everyone for a moment.
"Where are nyow going?" Felix questioned, not trusting his world's Subaru. Everyone looked at him for a moment, watching him look at them with a blank expression before looking away.
"I need time to think."
As he said this emotionlessly, he began to walk away on his own. While he was doing this, Felix looked angrily at the Older Subaru for just walking away on them.
He got up and just walked away as well, heading towards the opposite side of Older Subaru. Subaru and Al both noticed this, prompting the two to get up.
"This isn't good."
Subaru knew that he came to this world to possibly help repair the broken friendships between Felix and his counterpart while also assisting Older him in getting through his grief.
"I'll go talk to Felix...think you can speak with my older self?" As Subaru asked this, he figured that he could have Al speak with the older him.
As much as he wants to, he feels that he can get through to Felix far better than Al. Not to mention that the Al from this world probably had a big impact on his older self since he's wearing the same attire as him and no doubt a similar fighting style.
"Are you sure, bro? Wouldn't it make sense for ya to go speak with...well, yourself?"
"Yeah, but my counterpart seemed to have been inspired by you, after all he's dressed like you. I haven't seen you fight for long, but I'm guessing he learned that from you too."
"You make a point, that has been somethin' I've wanted to ask about."
Subaru nodded at Al before the two quickly went towards their respective people, Natsuki Subaru following Felix Argyle while Al followed the older Natsuki Subaru.
As they were doing this, Subaru turned towards Beatrice and Patrasche.
"Can you keep an eye on Elsa for us?"
"..."
"Skreee."
Patrasche made a noise that made Subaru think that she was saying a yes, allowing him to feel comfortable leaving now.
Natsuki Subaru from this world started his walk on his own, wanting to truly think about everything that had happened.
The point of going to the city of Bisito was to recruit the Bowel Hunter into assisting them in killing the Sin Archbishop of Sloth only for Petelguese to somehow end up there with an ally by his side.
This pissed Older Subaru off since he had worked so hard and did successfully kill Petelguese on his own until he learned of the hax his opponent has, like a soul transfer like ability.
Then when he finally was persuaded to create a group to take down Petelguese only for some outside force to completely ruin it.
'That bastard...I'll kill him. Whatever it takes, I will fucking kill him!'
Even when disadvantaged, his vengeance for the Sin Archbishop of Sloth was still strong, especially when he stopped for a moment to see Rem once again.
Despite Rem being an illusion of his own mind, he still sees it as a reminder of the remaining goal he has in this life.
"I'll kill him, Rem. I promise that I will kill him. No matter what it takes, no matter the sacrifices I have to make, I will kill him."
"..."
The illusion Rem tilted her head as she was concerned for her Subaru's well-being.
"You need to rest, Subaru-kun. You look tired."
"...I can't right now, Rem. I need to figure out how to kill that bastard."
"But Subaru-kun needs to rest."
"I'll...be fine."
As Subaru said this, he was about to continue walking deeper into the forest, surrounding himself in the midst of darkness yet Rem's concerned look hit his heartstrings.
He didn't want to make Rem sad or worry, even if she really isn't here. He remained silent for a moment as he looked back up at the stars.
As he observed the beauty that is the night sky, his anger towards the situation he finds himself in had managed to ease itself, allowing him to think clearly.
"*sigh* I know I need to rest up, Rem. But I just can't shake the feeling that I can't allow myself to rest."
"Everything will be okay, Subaru-kun." Rem says this while giving Subaru a warm smile. "I believe in Subaru-kun. You will succeed."
That warm smile helped make Older Subaru stay calm, feeling a bit of happiness getting to see Rem's smile.
He closes his eyes as he thanks Rem, happy that she still believes in him.
As he thanks her, he starts to recall some moments he had with Rem while he was a servant in the Roswaal manor two decades ago.
Those were some of the days he wishes to go back to.
'I miss those days...'
"Hey bro."
"!"
Older Subaru pulled out his sword and pointed it towards Al's direction, having been startled by his presence.
Al remained calm, figuring that he had spooked the Older Subaru though that he was smart since one never knows when an enemy could be right behind them.
"Hehe. Sorry 'bout that, bro. Didn't mean to startle you."
"...it's fine..." The Older Subaru spoke in an expressionless voice as he put away his sword. "What brings you here?"
"Just wanting to check up on ya, bro."
Older Subaru wasn't sure how to respond to Al checking up to him yet all he did was stay silent.
The atmosphere was very cold since Al wasn't sure what words he could even say to help the Older Subaru while the Older Subaru wasn't sure what to say to Al.
He hadn't seen the one armed warrior in such a long time that it feels so unreal encountering Priscilla's servant once again. He scratched his head as he broke the silence with:
"How have you been...?"
"Doing well...I guess. I can't say I'm happy being away from the princess's side like this though."
"...what is she even up to?" Subaru questioned, never having had the chance to understand Priscilla's motivations. Al had noticed the question, prompting him to respond in a calm manner,
"We were on our way to Vollachia to deal with an issue there."
"..."
Older Subaru was silent since those words were oddly familiar.
("Where are you going?" Subaru asked, having noticed that something was going on within the Priscilla camp.)
("Princess has some business to take care of in Vollachia. We shouldn't be gone for too long." Al responded as he was carrying a large back on his only arm.)
("Wait. Mind if I go?" Subaru asked, figuring that this could be a chance to get stronger. Al remained silent for a moment before setting the bag down.)
("Don't worry bro, you'll be fine on your own. We'll be back before you know it.")
'...'
Older Subaru kept an expressionless face, remembering how painful it was when he never saw Al again after he and Priscilla had left to Vollachia.
"Don't go."
"Hm?" Al was a bit confused by the Older Subaru's comment. "What are you—?"
"Something happens to you and Priscilla that makes you not come back. I don't know what exactly since the situation between you two and the other members of your camp is still a bit fuzzy...but trust me, it's not worth the trip."
Al was silent when he heard this, caught off guard by this statement from the older Subaru. This caused him to start asking a couple of questions such as:
"What exactly makes you and the young you different per say? Am I as the other you were saying in a different reality or in a possible future?"
"That I do not know. The more likely is that it's a different reality because I had never faced that Regulus prick or ever even heard of him. Not to mention that I had lost everyone after...after the events with that jerkish knight."
Al went into deep thinking when he heard this, understanding now that this is indeed a different version of the same world he was pulled from.
The only reason he believes this now is only due to the fact that both Natsuki Subarus don't gain anything from lying.
Not to mention that this is hardly something far fetched considering he was taken away from his original world and placed in Vollachia many years ago.
"So...you seem to like my attire?" Al moved his questions towards the similar attires they wear, wondering how close they became in this world. The Older Subaru stood silent for a moment before responding while looking back up at the stars:
"When the Sword Saint couldn't help me get stronger because of our drastically different views, you had offered some help. You were the reason I was able to get stronger. Strong enough to put up a fight against that bastard Sloth."
"I see." Al said, a bit surprised that a version of him would do something so nice. Not that he wouldn't help Natsuki Subaru, though he wonders how he even convinced Priscilla to allow this. He looked up at the sky as he started to change the conversation to something else:
"What are you going to do now, bro? Are you really going to go after the two Sin Archbishops?"
"..."
The Older Subaru remained silent for a minute, looking at the stars for a moment before looking back at the illusion of Rem right in front of him. She was still smiling at him, believing in him.
("Live...Love...You...")
Those words remind him of the promise he made to Rem, to live but it's also something that haunts him as well.
Being the last words of the girl that he had saved from herself those first few weeks in the Roswaal manor as well as being the first girl that liked him, it pained him he couldn't have been useful back then.
With these two feelings being in his heart, he was able to find an answer to Al's question.
While that was going on, Subaru managed to catch up with Felix, seeing the catboy storming into the forest in anger.
Subaru figured that this could be due to the events of Bisito, how outmatched they were against the combined forces of Petelguese Romanee-conti and Regulus Corneas and how his counterpart had no real way of dealing with the situation.
He quickly managed to grab Felix's right arm, stopping him in his tracks and getting the catboy's attention.
"Hold up."
"Let me go, Subaru-kyun."
"No. Not when you are in this state."
"..." Felix remained silent though his angry gaze was still there. Subaru wasn't too intimidated by this gaze since he's dealt with other more frightening foes. The two remained silent before Felix turned around and asked:
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be dealing with that stupid idiot you?"
"Al's got it. Besides, someone needs to check up on you."
"..."
Felix didn't like this response, not because it was a bad thing but because he keeps seeing more reasons on why he dislikes his world's Subaru.
"Why?"
"Hm?" Subaru was confused by the question. Felix continued:
"Why couldn't that bastard be like nyow...? Why?!" Felix's voice was one of frustration, feeling completely overwhelmed with anger. "After all I did for him...I hate it. I hate that he...just can't accept help from those that care for him."
"Why do you think he will continue to fight on his own? He knows now that he realistically can't win without some form of help." Subaru said as he knows his older self figured this point out due to how impossible it would be for him to fight both Sin Archbishops. Felix didn't buy this at all.
"Nyow must be a bit too hopeful if you truly think that, Subaru-kyun. He only accepts help if it benefits him. After what happened at the city, that stupid moron will just leave us and find some way on his own."
"...I know that you believe that but he isn't that stubborn...or well, I do hope so." Subaru started to sound a bit uncertain, his concerns increasing since he doesn't really know how an older and more bitter version of him would react now. "Regardless, we shouldn't abandon him."
"What?! After—!"
"I know, I know. He's a fucking stubborn moron but in the end of the day, we agreed to help him beat Petelguese. Crusch would still help my older self if she were here."
"..." There was a pause in the air the moment Subaru had mentioned the person Felix had forgotten.
He felt a strong headache as he was trying to think about that special person yet his mind was feeling like it was tearing itself apart.
Subaru noticed this and quickly went by the catboy's side.
"I got you, Felix. I got you!"
"..."
Felix was still in pain yet he took a few deep breaths, remembering what he needed to do should he have another freak out again.
As he was able to calm down after a few seconds, he was on his knees, feeling hopeless.
"...I'm weak, aren't I?"
"...? Why do you say that?" Subaru questioned. He has never seen Felix looking so defeated. Felix remained on his knees, viewing everything in his life as worthless once again.
"If this Crusch-sama was someone I cared deeply...then why wasn't I strong enough to save her? Why couldn't she be here with us...? Was it all my fault?"
"...no. Don't blame yourself, Ferris. It wasn't your fault." The boy says this as he starts petting Felix in the head, knowing that headpats tend to help out.
At first the catboy wanted to smack Subaru in the head for this, feeling completely weird about it yet he let it continue, feeling an odd sense of comfort.
Subaru would normally only do this with Beatrice, Emilia, Rem, Petra, and maybe Meili yet he made Felix an exception since he knows how the catboy feels.
He knows far too well what it feels like to have no worth towards oneself as well as blaming everything on themselves.
("There's nothing easy about giving up! You think I'm just doing nothing, thinking about nothing, cutting myself off from everything, and throwing everything away! And that's all it took to give up?! It was not easy to give up! It was so much easier for me to think there was something I could do! But there's nothing I can do! There's no way out!")
It's a bit unnerving remembering the things he said to Rem, the self hatred he had being revealed to her yet it was something that was needed for him to move forward.
That and Otto knocking some sense into him. Although that worked for him, he doubted it would work on Felix, prompting him to take the Rem approach.
"You know, you were important to Crusch as well."
"...?" Felix heard what was being said yet he remained still, looking melancholy. Subaru continued:
"You two were pretty close, you two were friends, colleagues, allies. You two cared for each other and she would do anything to save you just as you would do anything to save her. Yeah, she may have been lost against the White Whale along with Wilhelm but that wasn't your fault...if anything, it's all Petelguese's fault."
"How?!" Felix asked with a cold tone, hating that somehow the Sin Archbishop of Sloth is bringing this conversation. Subaru was able to detect this, yet he continued:
"He broke this world's Subaru's mind. He had...done something that caused my older self to be unable to help, allowing the Witch cult to take out the Emilia Camp. Without myself being the bait to take out the White Whale, Crusch and Wilhelm wouldn't be able to truly beat that damn whale."
"...so you're saying that this is why I had to suffer...? Because that idiot...that maniac of a cultist…"
Felix's melancholy mentality had shifted to true anger, finally understanding the rage his world's Subaru has towards the Sin Archbishop.
Everything was a domino effect from the moment Petelguese chose to attack Older Subaru through some mind like attack. It is a vague and hard memory to remember but he recalls seeing Subaru in a broken mental state.
This gave Felix a chance to stand back up, having a newfound determination. He took a moment to calm his mind a bit, feeling the effects of trying to remember anything after the sudden loss of Crusch before turning towards Subaru.
"I just want nyow to knyow that nyow are amazing, Subaru-kyun."
"...?" Subaru was left a bit shocked by this, yet he appreciated the compliment. All he could do as a response was give a thumbs up.
After doing this, he turns around towards the group's location, assuming that they were both going back only for Felix to ask one last question.
"Can older nyow be trusted?"
Subaru paused as he heard this, figuring that this question would be brought up once again considering the events that had transpired.
He turned to look at Felix as he continued to speak, elaborating more on his question.
"He's still stubborn and is constantly hell bent on revenge. He won't make it easy to cooperate. We also don't knyow if he'll align with questionable people."
"...you have the right to question him. Even I question...well, myself yet we still need his help. That hatred in him needs to be cleansed and the only way to do that, we need to take out Petelguese. If he's roaming around, my older self won't be at peace."
"But how? We can't do much on our own. Even if we can beat Sloth, Greed will make things impossible."
"You are right. Regulus would make things hard with that damn authority of his..." Subaru spoke in a serious tone before having a confident smile. "Lucky for you all, I have beaten him before in my world. So, I know just how to beat him properly."
Natsuki Subaru, Older Natsuki Subaru, Al, and Felix returned back to the small camp with Beatrice and Patrasche both keeping a close eye on the Bowel Hunter.
Once the four others returned, the loli spirit looked sharply at the two Subarus, annoyed that she had to be a babysitter to a crazy woman.
"You two better have had a good reason to leave me alone here with that woman, I suppose!"
"Don't worry Beako, we won't leave you alone again."
"..."
Beatrice was annoyed by Subaru's comment, prompting her to move her hand up before sending him flying into a tree.
"Wha—?!"
"That's for not telling me what's going on, in fact!"
As Beatrice said this, she moved away from the group and sat by herself. While this happened, the Older Natsuki Subaru turned towards his younger self and Felix Argyle.
At first Felix had a determined facial expression but once they were looking at each other, that look turned into one of expressionlessness. He just sighed before speaking to the group:
"We need a plan if we wish to beat those two damn witch cultists."
"And what plan is that?" Felix asked as he crossed his arms, wanting to see what exactly will the Older Subaru come up with now. He looked at the catboy for a few seconds before looking at everyone, responding to the question in a calm manner:
"We will need some help from others."
"From other criminals?" Subaru asked, worried that his counterpart will get more crazy people that aren't worth the assistance. Older Subaru gave his younger self a gaze.
"We will need all the help we can get...and well need someone like you, my young self, to lead everyone."
"Huh?" Subaru paused for a moment, processing what his older self was saying. Older Subaru continued before Subaru could finish processing.
"You are the best chance to...to avenge Rem. To prevent any more people from suffering from those two bastards."
Beatrice noticed this, surprising her as she turned towards the Older Subaru, not expecting him to actually have someone else take charge.
Elsa was a bit surprised though she didn't care who was in charge, so long as she was paid for her involvement. Al remained expressionless, not exactly sure what to think about the situation while Felix actually looked shocked.
He didn't believe that the Natsuki Subaru he had been attending for a decade would even allow someone else to guide them into getting his revenge on Petelguese.
Subaru himself was left surprised and with some pressure. He was now in charge of beating Petelguese and Regulus...once again.
"Are you sure about this? I would expect you to be leading this quest for vengeance."
"...let's just say that your experience in beating those two will come in handy in completing that quest."
Older Subaru had figured thanks to the information given to him by Al that if he wants the best chance in beating Petelguese and by extension Regulus, he's going to have to put the planning responsibility on the same individual that succeeded against the two before.
Subaru himself wasn't sure if his older self was truly being genuine when giving him this task yet he didn't decline it.
Considering the options of leadership, his experience with the two Sin Archbishops makes him the optimal option.
He closed his eyes for a moment with everyone looking at him, curious to see what he would say next.
There was silence for a minute before Natsuki Subaru spoke out in a more confident and determined tone of voice:
"Okay. Well, let's start coming up with a successful plan then."
Everyone nodded at this as they were ready to hear out whatever plan the young Natsuki Subaru would come up with. Before he could even begin formulating some kind of plan, he thought to himself:
'Fate is very mysterious. Putting me in a position to take out the bastard that harmed Emilia-tan and the other who kidnapped her. I guess a second go around wouldn't hurt if it meant that this world's loop can be rid of those scum.'
Author's note:
Here's another chapter for you all. I have been getting back into writing so I'll see if I can post one more before the month ends, if not then I'll just have another two chapters posted next month.