Chapter 4: The Avatar State
This was really starting to grate on his nerves. For the past hour, Proto had been questioned relentlessly by Chief Arnook, Master Pakku, Sokka, Katara, and Aang. All but the latter had been incredibly suspicious of him. In fact, Sokka had been convinced he was Fire Nation because he had apparently been distracting them while Zuko had escaped. Proto was pretty sure that was that caped man he had prevented from killing La. After Proto had pointed that out, Sokka then pointed an accusing finger at his bond which had a red projection. He then demonstrated he could change the color at will, and it was now green. Master Pakku had many questions about his abilities and took a moment to educate him on the concepts of bending and spirits. Chief Arnook was more concerned with his origins and allegiance. When he had explained he was from a different world, he was nearly arrested on account of insanity. It took a picture of the cosmodrome to get them to believe him. Not that he wasn't understanding of their caution. He supposed he would be skeptical too. Eventually, Chief Arnook welcomed him to The Northern Water tribe and thanked him for what he had done to protect the spirits. Apparently, it was his daughter's destiny to have given her physical form and become the moon spirit. But that had been avoided because of his intervention. Katara didn't have much to say, just a few questions about how he had arrived here. Aang had been very curious about how he had known the spirits were in trouble. Proto told him that he had overheard them as they were departing with Zuko, which was technically true. He mentioned having spoken to Tui and La, and apparently, Aang had too while he was "piloting" the giant water monster. Aang was very excited to have another "spirit talker" around. All of them were happy to leave it at that. All except Sokka. Sokka had demanded to know more about his equipment and weapons. Where they went when they dissolved into light, how was he able to see with his helmet on, and why he refused to take it off. Proto had simply responded to this by making void light swirl around his hand and saying "magic." This response had infuriated the young man and had gotten a laugh out of everyone else.
"I bet you don't take that helmet off, because underneath it you're secretly Zhao!" Sokka proclaimed accusingly while sticking an outstretched finger in his face.
"Pretty sure I fought Zhao," Proto countered with a sigh, gently pushing the outstretched finger away.
"Then you must be ZUKO!" Sokka yelled his finger right back in Proto's face.
"Sokka, he's not Fire Nation!" Katara reprimanded from her hammock. Currently, Proto, Katara, Sokka, and Aang were in the quarters of a Northern Water Tribe cutter that was bound for The Southern Water Tribe. The four of them would depart on Appa the next day for General Fong's outpost. There they would receive an escort to a city called Omashu where Aang would receive Earth bending training from the sovereign, King Bumi. Aang had been insistent he join them with his supposed expertise in dealing with spirits. Sokka had been fervently against the idea, while Katara had been indifferent. It was only with added pressure from Master Pakku that Sokka relented. Though it seemed he was adamant about Proto's status as some kind of Fire Nation operative.
"Then you're a mercenary hired by Zuko to track us down," Sokka said exasperatedly while throwing his hands in the air. "But no! We just love Fire Nation spies because they claim to talk to spirits."
"I'd rather be dealing with The Hive than be here," Proto said with a scoff. Sokka whirled on him.
"And just what is this 'Hive?' Some kind of code-word for a Fire Nation prison where they brainwash you into doing hard labor!?" Sokka said, his voice becoming louder with each word.
"Genocidal aliens," Proto responded with a deadpan.
"HA! I knew it. Just like The Fire Nation!" Sokka said a smug smirk adorning his face.
"The people of The Fire Nation are not aliens. At least in planetary terms," Proto responded in a bored voice.
"Well- I- Arrgh!" Sokka growled out in frustration before climbing up the ladder and storming out onto the deck.
Proto watched him go before speaking. "I don't think he likes me," Proto said.
Katara let out a snort and Aang chuckled.
"He's like that with everyone the first time he meets them. He said some similar things to Aang when we first met," Katara said.
Proto simply shrugged. "I've dealt with worse than mistrustful teammates," he said.
"Like what?" Aang asked innocently.
"Dead teammates," Proto responded nonchalantly before remembering he was dealing with a child.
Aang's face had fallen at that revelation, and Katara looked somberly at the floor. Proto wanted to say something to reassure them, but he just didn't know what. Telling them it was "part of the job" would probably worsen things.
"Was it… hard to deal with?" Aang asked. Proto looked at him. "You just sounded so casual about it," Aang explained.
Hesitation was behind both Katara's and Aang's eyes as they looked to him for an answer. If they were concerned that they had brought an unfeeling man with them, they were about to be proven wrong.
"Absolutely," Proto said, his voice quiet. "After that mission went awry, it felt impossible to keep going. But I knew that person well. They would tell me, 'Moping is a waste of time. Falling down is okay, staying down isn't an option,'" Proto finished.
Katara and Aang smiled at that. It seemed like they were eager to ask more but Katara resisted the question.
"Well, it's late. We should get some rest before we go tomorrow morning," Katara said while moving to extinguish the oil lamps. Proto didn't bother mentioning that he didn't sleep.
"Sorry to kill the mood," Proto apologized. Neither Aang nor Katara responded, just getting comfortable in their hammocks. About fifteen minutes later, Sokka made his way back to the quarters, and got in the hammock directly across from Proto, underneath Katara.
About three hours later, Proto heard Aang shift in his sleep. Proto could feel his mind twisting and turning restlessly even though his body was almost entirely still. Aang was having a nightmare. A moment later, Aang sat up with a gasp. His hammock shifted as he dropped down to the floor and left for the deck via the ladder.
"Aang?" Katara asked his retreating form over Sokka's snores. She got out of her own hammock and pursued Aang up the ladder. Through the occasional crash of waves breaking on the hull, and the creaks and groans of the ship, their two voices carried down back below deck, though muffled and a little difficult to understand.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Katara asked.
"Nah. Just a nightmare," Aang initially denied. "I was in the Avatar State, but I was outside my body watching myself. It was scary. I was scary," he explained. They both returned to their hammocks several minutes later.
The next morning was cloudless, as the sun shone brightly down upon the cerulean waters. The wind was minimal, almost nonexistent. But that wouldn't be a problem for water benders. Proto sat upon Appa's saddle as Aang, Katara, and Sokka said their goodbyes to Master Pakku.
"Katara, I want you to have this," Master Pakku began. "This amulet contains water from the Spirit Oasis. The water has unique properties. Don't lose it," he said.
"Thank you, Master Pakku," Katara said sincerely while leaning in for a short hug.
"Aang," Master Pakku said, turning his attention to the young boy while Katara left to join Proto in the saddle. "These scrolls will help you master water bending. But remember, they're no substitute for a real master," Master Pakku advised while glancing up at Katara. Aang followed his gaze for a moment, before turning back and giving Master Pakku a bow.
"Sokka," Master Pakku said while the boy in question stepped forward. "Take care, son," Master Pakku said while patting Sokka's shoulder. Sokka seemed to physically deflate at that.
"Proto," Master Pakku called up to him as Sokka began to climb aboard. Proto was surprised he was being acknowledged but turned his head to face Master Pakku. "Princess Yue regaled me with your combat prowess. Look after them," Master Pakku said, a ghost of a smile gracing his lips. Proto gave him a short nod.
"Fly straight to the Earth Kingdom base straight to the East of here. General Fong will provide you with an escort to Omashu. There you'll be safe; to begin your earth-bending training with King Bumi," Master Pakku said.
"Appa, yip yip!" Aang said while prompting the large bison. Appa took off with a groan.
"Say hi to Gran Gran for me!" Katara called to the shrinking ship.
"Hey, I just realized something," Sokka spoke up. "Proto, where's your traveling pack?" Sokka asked.
Proto shrugged. "Don't need one," he responded simply.
"That can't be comfortable," Katara said.
Proto only hummed in response, keeping his gaze fixed on the sky.
A few hours later, Sokka propped himself up on his arms and announced their arrival.
"There it is!"
As they crested the mountain, below them was a large, walled-in, circular structure, with four conjoining walls that ran along the mountain ridges. In the center was a large tower with multiple tiers and along the interior wall were a multitude of smaller structures surrounding the tower.
Shortly after landing, a middle-aged man came to greet them. He wore green and bronze armor over cream-colored clothes. A green cape was tied under his long beard and spilled over his stylized pauldrons. His facial hair connected to his scalp hair through his sideburns and much of his hair was kept in a hair ornament that bore the symbol of the Earth Kingdom.
"Welcome Avatar Aang," The man began. "I am General Fong," he said while bowing, his soldiers bowing in unison behind him. Proto noticed that similar to Aang, many of these people lacked footwear, though some did have it.
"And welcome to all of you, great heroes!" General Fong exclaimed. "Appa, Momo, brave Sokka, the mighty Katara, and uh…" Fong trailed off.
"Proto," Proto supplied.
"'The Mighty Katara'? I like that," Katara said amusedly.
Short pops behind them and overhead were heard. The four turned to find fireworks being launched in a multi-colored display. Though, some of their splendor was missing. It was broad daylight.
"Not bad, not bad!" Sokka said appreciating the new attention. Proto and Aang remained silent, but Aang had a large smile on his face. Proto's external reaction remained blank and expressionless as always.
After welcoming them, Fong led them upstairs to his office. After they had all taken a seat, Fong began to talk.
"Avatar Aang, we were all amazed at the stories of how you single-handedly wiped out an entire fire navy fleet at the North Pole. I can't imagine what it feels like to wield such devastating power. It's an awesome responsibility," he said while looking at Aang.
"I try not to think about it too much," Aang responded modestly.
"Avatar, you're ready to face the Fire Lord now," Fong said with a smile.
"What!? No, I'm not!" Aang responded, bewildered. Proto found himself agreeing.
"Aang still needs to master all four elements!" Katara explained.
"Why? With the kind of power he possesses, power enough to destroy hundreds of battleships in a matter of minutes, he could defeat the Fire Lord now!" Fong exclaimed.
"But sir, the thing is, Aang can only do those things when he's in the Avatar state," Sokka said.
"See, it's this special state where-" Aang tried to explain but was cut off by Fong.
"I'm well aware. Your eyes and tattoos glow, and you're able to summon unbelievable power," Fong said while turning to face a map on a wall behind him. "Without you, we'd be slaughtered before we even reach their shores. But with you leading the way, as the ultimate weapon, we could cut a swath right through to the heart of the fire nation."
"Right, but I don't know how to get in or out of The Avatar state, much less what to do once I'm there," Aang offered in a hesitant rebuttal. Proto took this time to speak up as well.
"Not to mention, that the power you so covet, the power on display at The Northern Water Tribe? That wasn't just The Avatar state. That was the spirits Tui and La too," his gravelly voice came.
"So it's decided, then. I'll help you figure out how to get into The Avatar state, we bring the spirits with us, and then you'll face your Destiny," General Fong said.
"The spirits won't leave The North," Proto said evenly.
General Fong looked like he was about to challenge Proto on this when Katara, Aang, and Sokka stood. Proto followed after a moment.
"No. Nothing's decided," Katara said hotly. "We already have a plan. Aang's pursuing his destiny his way," she said crossing her arms.
General Fong turned his attention to her while addressing Aang. "Well, while you take your time learning the elements, the war goes on. May I show you something?" Fong asked.
"Appeal to moral high ground," Proto muttered to himself. Sokka turned his head slightly as Aang walked up to Fong but didn't say anything.
"That's the infirmary," Fong said as Aang joined him in gazing out the window. "And those soldiers are the lucky ones. They came back. Every day The Fire Nation takes lives. People are dying Aang. You could end it, now! …Think about it."
Aang's gaze shifted to the floor and his head slumped.
That night, Aang joined them later. Having stepped out ten minutes ago. He walked over to his bed and sat down.
"I told the general I'd help him, by going into The Avatar state," Aang said, his tone resigned.
"Aang, no. This isn't the right way." Katara protested while sitting up, Momo vacated his perch on her stomach.
"Why not? Remember when he took out The Fire Navy? He was incredible," Sokka said.
"There's a right way to do this. Practice, study, and discipline," Katara said.
"Or, just glow it up and stop that Fire Lord," Sokka offered off-handedly.
"I can't believe you two! Proto, talk some sense into them!" Katara said, her voice rising.
"In my experience, a weapon wielded by an individual with little to no training is often just as effective as a weapon not in the fight," Proto said after a moment.
"The Avatar state is not a weapon," Aang protested.
Proto scoffed. "General Fong doesn't share that sentiment."
Katara, having had enough stood. "If you two meatheads want to throw away everything we've worked for, fine!" Katara said, her angry gaze flitting between Aang and Sokka. "Go ahead and 'glow it up'!" she finished while storming off.
"Katara," Aang called after her. "I'm just being realistic! I don't have time to do this the right way," Aang's posture deflated with a sigh after that.
The next day Proto, Aang, Katara, and Sokka found themselves with General Fong and an unnamed man who was performing a tea ceremony.
"This rare Chi-enhancing tea is a natural stimulant. In an ordinary warrior, it improves strength and energy tenfold. In you, it may induce The Avatar state," the man said while pouring a cup.
Aang accepted the cup. "Tenfold energy, huh?" he asked himself while looking at the contents, which he consumed a moment later.
For a few minutes, nothing. Then the tenfold energy kicked into gear, in an already somewhat hyperactive child.
"Is it working? Is it working?" Aang asked rapidly while zooming around the terrace on a ball of concentrated air in increasingly tighter circles.
"Somebody tell me if I'm in The Avatar state because I don't have a good view of myself. Am I talking too loud?" Aang said, his voice noticeably higher pitched and louder.
"I guess he could talk The Fire Lord to death," Sokka said sardonically while Fong stroked his beard and Katara looked on with a frown. Proto remained stoic. He detected no paracausal properties from the tea, he would be able to feel it if there were. Proto decided that The Earth Kingdom had accidentally discovered concentrated caffeine.
A loud "oof" sounded behind Proto as Aang crashed into a wooden pillar.
Sometime later, Proto and General Fong stood behind Aang and Katara, who sat in front of Sokka.
"Maybe I can shock you into The Avatar state," Sokka said with his hands folded behind his back.
"I love surprises," Aang said happily while Katara covered his eyes.
Sokka then scooped up Momo and pulled up his own shirt and placing Momo on top of his head, making it appear as if his own head had been replaced with Momo's. Katara uncovered Aang's eyes.
"AAH!" Aang yelled recoiling at the sight.
"Still not glowing," Aang said after taking a moment to inspect his tattoos. Sokka, with his eyes no longer able to aid in his situational awareness, lost his balance when he stepped backward and fell over. General Fong shook his head.
Next, they were in a large circular chamber with large columns and an altar. A man stood behind the altar with a large bowl. Aang stood a few paces in front of the altar, while Proto, Sokka, Katara, and General Fong. Aang was currently wearing, in Proto's opinion, a rather ridiculous get-up overtop of his Air Nomad robes. An oversized, green, bowl-shaped helmet with green feathers sticking out of the top. A much too long blue robe with white fur. And a very short, armored, kilt-like piece that was scarlet in color.
"You are wearing a ceremonial piece of clothing from each of the bending nations. Now, I will join the four elements into one," the man said in a grandiose tone. "Water," he said, pouring a tankard's contents into a bowl. "Earth," he said, adding soil. "Fire," he said while throwing a torch into the bowl. "Air!" he exclaimed now, his voice getting louder as he used a pair of bellows to disturb the mixture.
"The four elements together as one," the man said, before throwing the contents of the bowl at Aang and covering him in mud.
Aang was quick to point this out. "This is just mud," he said, his eyebrows furrowed.
"So, do you feel anything?" The man behind the altar asked.
Aang held up a finger as his face began to twitch. Everyone leaned forward in anticipation.
"AH-CHOO!" Aang sneezed rather loudly, covering everyone else in mud.
"We have to find a way," General Fong said with determination after clearing his face with a hand.
Aang looked at Katara.
"Katara, do you have any ideas on how to trigger the Avatar state?" Aang asked.
"I don't agree with this. I'm not helping," Katara declared while crossing her arms.
"Proto, what about you?" Aang asked, turning his hopeful gaze.
Proto hesitated. Yes, he did have a theory, but he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to test it. His hesitation betrayed him.
"You do?" Aang pressed, his voice becoming more hopeful.
"Yes…" Proto began, "But testing it may not be such a good idea," he said.
"Come on! We have to try everything," Aang pleaded.
"Alright," Proto relented. "Sit here," he said while motioning to the space in front of him, off to the side of the room. Aang immediately joined him.
"Close your eyes, and don't move," Aang complied and squeezed his eyes shut, his face scrunched in concentration.
"Just, try to relax," Proto said while gently placing his fingertips on Aang's head. They began to glow orange. He heard Nezarec's voice come back to him. 'Nothing too strong, I don't want to scar him'
Proto closed his eyes, pushing more energy until he felt the pressure at his fingers dissipate. The scene in front of Proto changed. He could still "see" Aang but now he was having a vision through his abilities. Proto found himself in a sea of clouds hundreds of blue and somewhat transparent figures lined before him.
'Aang's past lives' Proto reasoned. Aang was not among them. Or perhaps he was. At the very end, there was a figure of similar stature to Aang but a red and orange energy encapsulated their head, obscuring their identity.
'Must be the nightmare'
A voice, old and powerful, cut through the silence. "Who are you? How are you here?" an unknown speaker demanded of him. Proto decided not to answer, preparing instead to fight his way out. Reaching for the light, he felt…
Nothing. Proto's hands found themselves before his face under the scrutiny of his temporary eyes. They were blue and semi-transparent. Just like the figures in front of him. This wasn't ideal.
Through some unspoken word all figures except for Aang raised their hands. His vision in the real world detected that Aang's tattoos had begun to glow. A flash of blue blinded him to the sea of clouds before he was rudely pushed out. The scene was replaced with the dull cavernous room from before.
Aang's eyes snapped open, and his arms rocketed into motion. Proto felt the surge of energy. He was lifted off the ground and violently flung backward. As he tumbled, Proto dragged his hands against the ground and came to a stop against the wall. Standing to his full height, begin to prepare a suppressor grenade only to realize that Aang had stopped moving. The follow-up attack he was expecting had never come.
The glow of the tattoos had died down, and Aang had regained control. No one spoke for a moment, then Fong did.
"That was great! Do it again. Can you take control of him while you induce it?" Fong asked eagerness in his eyes.
Proto responded with a simple "No"
"No? Why not? We have it!"
Proto instead turned his focus to Aang who had fallen onto the floor staring blankly ahead. Proto understood this look, he had seen it in many guardians right after their first death. He had seen it in the citizens of Neomuna when their city had come under siege. When Nezarec had invaded their digital haven. Fear. Fear and confusion. Proto didn't believe that he had caused that himself. No, Aang was afraid of what he was about to do.
"Aang," Proto began. "I don't think this is a good idea," he said. A certain finality underlined his voice. Aang didn't respond. He stood and walked out. His eyes blank and his movements slow.
"Are you kidding!? We were THIS close!" Fong said, becoming angrier with each word.
Late that evening, Proto, Sokka, and Aang were in their shared room. Sleeping. Well two of them were. Proto for his part remained absolutely still. Faux sleep had fooled them each time. Sokka slept about as soundly as he imagined people in the golden age did, Aang on the other hand was restless. Fitfully turning, perhaps reliving what he had been shown earlier that day, whatever that was. But that did not seem to be the case as Aang awoke with a start.
"Sokka," Aang said softly. "Sokka, wake up."
"Huh?" came the response.
"Proto was right. I don't think we should be trying to bring on the Avatar state."
"You sure?" Sokka asked.
"Yes," came Aang's response.
"Ok," Sokka said with a simple shrug.
"Do you think the general will be mad?" Aang asked, concern lining his tired voice.
"What can he say?" Sokka challenged. "You're the Avatar. Who knows better than you?"
Aang didn't seem convinced, but he did go back to sleep.
The next morning found Proto simply milling about in the lower levels of the central structure. Aang and Sokka had left to visit the general, presumably to tell him that reaching the avatar state was ill-advised. Few soldiers actually were within the central tower, many were at the auxiliary buildings or out in the yard. But it seemed they were waiting for something. They weren't combat-ready per se, but many who wielded weapons were on their mounts and had them drawn. Proto the heard something. Something gave, stone grinding on stone, and then a loud crash from the courtyard. Voices, yelling. Had a training exercise gone wrong? No, stones were now crashing into each other. Proto drew his glaive and ran forward into the courtyard.
Proto heard footsteps behind him as he took in the scene below. Aang was being attacked by soldiers on all sides with rocks. Sokka and Katara rushed past and began down the stairs, shouting something about the general going crazy. Proto wasn't able to hear all of it, as he decided to forgo the stairs entirely, landing in a crouch below.
Surging forward towards Aang, Proto jumped overhead and landed a dropkick on the mounted soldier chasing Aang. Sokka caught his boomerang which he had thrown earlier and mounted the ostrich horse that Proto had left. Sokka's commandeered transportation took off with him aboard, and Aang was out of harm's way, back on the steps of the tower. Katara and Proto were now guarding each other's backs, his glaive and her water ready to intercept. The stones were closing in around them.
"Maybe you can avoid me, but they can't," Fong said, now addressing Aang. The stones turned forming an encircling wall around the two. Katara responded with a stream of water aimed at Fong, who raised dirt out of the ground, turning Katara's attack into a harmless mud puddle that splashed onto the ground. Fong's stance shifted and Katara sunk into the ground.
"I can't move," Katara said panicked. Proto whirled around on his feet and hurled his glaive like a javelin, aimed for Fong's chest. An earth bender's projectile slammed into it, knocking it off course but that didn't matter. He bolted for Katara, preparing to teleport them both out as soon as he grabbed her hand. He would have a lot of explaining to do but that really was inconsequential. Two feet, one foot, six inches. An immense force crashed into him, the blasted earth benders. He was knocked off course before another force sandwiched him. He couldn't move either.
"Don't hurt her!" Aang yelled, jumping down and sending a blast of air at Fong which was blocked.
"Katara, no!" Sokka yelled, charging the general on his mount. His mount was stopped, sending Sokka flying into a circular disc of rock, trapping him in its central opening.
"Stop this! You have to let her go," Aang pleaded, grabbing Fong's arm.
"You could save her if you were in the Avatar state," Fong said.
"I'm trying. I'm trying," Aang exclaimed, desperation in his voice. Tears were now visible in his eyes.
"Aang, I'm sinking!" Katara pleaded with Aang. For him to do something, anything. She was down in her armpits now. Proto was a little miffed that being crushed hadn't gotten Aang's concern, but he supposed he understood. Aang had known Katara for a lot longer. As long as no blood was visible, not that he had any, bodily harm wasn't being inflicted in Aang's mind. If he were a human, Proto would have been long-dead by now. Gathering light, Proto prepared to bust himself out.
"I don't see glowing," Fong said.
"Aah! Please," Katara shouted, down to her neck.
"You don't need to do this," Aang yelled falling to his knees.
"Apparently, I do," Fong said coldly, sinking Katara completely underground as Aang lunged for her.
Proto felt the shift, the Avatar state had been induced. From what little he could see, Aang's tattoos had started glowing and now his fury had been turned on Fong who was celebrating.
"It worked, it worked!" Fong shouted in triumph. Air currents blasted through the area, whipping up dust and creating a roar. The perfect cover for Proto's next move.
'Time to make Saint proud' Proto thought to himself. Arc light surged around his hands as the stone encasing him exploded. Immediately he was upon the earth benders, swinging left and right. Sending them flying. Aang now rose into the air, a tornado forming underneath him. The arc energy faded from Proto's hands, as no one was paying him any attention despite the scene he had caused. He just hoped Sokka hadn't heard or seen any of it, he was sharp.
"Avatar Aang, can you hear me?" Fong shouted over the wind. "Your friend is safe," Fong said while bringing Katara up from underground who was gasping for air.
"It was just a trick to trigger the Avatar state," Fong said. "And it worked!"
Aang dropped to the ground, sending Fong, soldiers, and rocks flying. Miraculously missing Katara, Proto, and Sokka. Buildings were destroyed and a multitude of sudden geological changes now marred the once unblemished courtyard. Proto saw a flash of blue. Aang's spirit rode away into the sky atop a dragon with an older man, disappearing into the blue. For a time, nothing happened. Aang, or his body, just stood still. A dome of wind preventing anyone from getting close. The dragon returned and a flash of blue caused the glow to fade, and Aang collapsed. Katara ran up to him as he came to a sitting position and they began to speak. Fong apparently also added his two cents, which earned him venomous glares from the two benders. Proto made for his glaive, which was embedded into a wall by the blade. Giving it a sharp tug, Proto freed his weapon and walked toward his teammates. Sokka had apparently whacked the general unconscious.
"Do you still want an escort to Omashu?" a trio of soldiers asked as Proto rejoined the group.
Katara looked around, "I think we're all set," she said. Momo landed in Aang's arms.
The four left shortly after atop Appa, bound for Omashu.
A/N: This is the longest piece I've ever written, and I'm pretty happy with that. Things have gotten a little crazy, but I'm definitely sticking with this. I really do love writing and I'm starting work on the next chapter right away. Thanks for reading, I'll see you next time.