"Chief! Young chief!"
Hak scribbled angrily on a piece of parchment, tuning out the panicked cries of the Wind Tribe members who were frantic that the river had dried up. He was calculating the cost needed in case they had to negotiate and buy water.
"Calculating finances? You? " Yoon asks skeptically.
Hak leans back on his seat, arms raised and thrown behind his head. "Hey, I can do basic arithmetics, you know."
"The key word is basic," Jaeha drawls.
"I heard that my brother protects the princess just for the money. Is that true?" Taeyeon asked innocently.
"Tsk, tsk, corrupting innocent souls now, huh?"
"Droopy-eyes, if you don't shut up I will punch a hole through your face."
If anything, Jaeha only looks more spurred on by Hak's words. He says as much, musing aloud, "That sounds quite tempting."
Kija perks up. "Oh, if that's the case, would you like me to –"
"No."
"You haven't even –"
"A punch from you will send me to the afterlife."
"I can use my left –"
" No. "
Kija deflates.
"What other reason would I have?" Hak's reply caused Yona to grow indignant.
"Maybe the very tiny and totally not obvious crush you have on our darling Yona –"
Hak is fast, but Jaeha is ready for his punch thanks to the previous warning. He jumps lightly and flutters in the air, dodging Hak's punch which punctures a hole in his chair.
King Hiryuu releases a not-so-subtle sigh as he fixes it. He decides to make the chairs of everyone extra sturdy so he won't have to – literally – keep cleaning up after their mess.
"I was just answering your question," Jaeha says smoothly, landing back onto his seat.
"I didn't ask you to."
"You didn't ask me not to either."
"Oh stop it! At this rate we'll never finish watching!" Yoon snaps.
"Yes, Mother," both Hak and Jaeha reply back dully. Yoon's retort that he doesn't remember giving birth to them goes in one ear and comes out the other.
Just then, someone announced loudly that Elder Mundok had returned.
"Gramps!"
Mundok dismounted from his horse and turned towards that familiar voice. His eyes widened when he saw Hak and Yona standing there.
Mundok recalls how he felt sheer, overwhelming relief at that time – so potent in its intensity that his knees nearly caved in. Despite his unflappable demeanor at the five tribes meeting, news of King Il's death and Hak's disappearance along with the princess had him assuming the worst; not of Hak's betrayal, of course, but of their deaths.
The next second he was embracing Yona tightly.
"Thank goodness… Thank goodness you were safe…" Mundok murmured in a tone full of pain. He went on to apologize for not being able to protect Yona at the time of King Il's death.
"Like grandfather, like grandson," Lili muses.
When Hak raises a brow, she explains, "Both of your immediate reactions were to blame yourselves for King Il's death even though you weren't culpable."
Hak thinks about it, and shrugs. "I failed my duty as a guard. It was my fault."
"No, you succeeded . You protected the princess the night her father fell," Lili says, almost gently.
"Her Highness wasn't our target," Kyesook cuts in abruptly. "That night… We did not plan for her to perish alongside King Il."
"How strange, because I seem to recall you giving the order to kill Yona," Yoon points out with a sneer.
Kyesook's eyes flash. "That was –" However, he censors himself after seeing the incredulous looks being shot at him, all of which seem to be expressing "Are you seriously trying to defend yourself?"
He folds his arms instead and wisely shuts up.
They don't understand , he thinks darkly. King Soowon needed to ascend the throne and that was the only path. Just look at how much he has achieved in these past few months alone! He has nearly undone all of the damage that King Il did to our once glorious kingdom! These people are fools.
As Mundok released her from the hug, he observed, "You've become a little thin, haven't you?"
"… No…" Yona smiled up at him, her expression soft. "I've been given lots of warmth and delicious food. It's the first time I've had food that delicious. The Wind Tribe is warm and reassuring… just like Mundok."
I won't really call Mundok warm or reassuring , Joodoh thinks, recalling all the instances he sparred with Mundok in his youth… and got utterly crushed. Mundok's thunderous roars of "IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE, YOUNG LAD!" still ring in his ears at times.
Then Mundok suddenly remembered Hak's existence.
Mundok coughs as he hears a few snickers.
"Priorities, Mundok, priorities," Geuntae teases.
"Hak…" He strode towards his grandson with open arms.
"Yo, Gramps." Hak halted him with one finger jabbed at his forehead.
"That's not very nice, Mister!" Zeno chides but his words don't hold any real bite. "Even one finger of yours can break many bones."
Mundok clears his throat. "I appreciate the concern, young lad, but I'm not that fragile."
Young lad? Pretty much the entirety of the Happy Hungry Bunch thinks. He's older than everyone else in this room combined…
Of course, saying that aloud will only open a new can of worms that they are too tired to explore, so they keep that little tidbit to themselves. Time will show who Zeno really is, after all.
"You're going to avert my loving embrace, huh? Now, come to my chest," Mundok insisted.
"I am accepting it. With my fingertip ."
A few people laugh.
Yoon finds his heart twinging, just a bit. He became an orphan after losing both his parents at a young age, and was forced to grow up fast. There was no one around him who could play the part of his doting fatherly figure, a bit rough around the edges, but affectionate nonetheless.
No, he learned that to survive, he had to discard any notion of adults caring for him and quickly become one himself. So watching Hak and Mundok on screen is evoking feelings of longing and envy, as much as he tries to shelve them aside.
"… Yoon?" Shinah mumbles, noticing the young boy's somber mood.
Yoon quickly dispels his melancholic thoughts. "I'm fine."
"Do you want… a meatbun…?"
This time, Yoon's lips quirk up. "Thank you, but no."
"Alright…"
I have Iksoo, and I have Yona and the others, Yoon reminds himself. Shinah's concern for him has broken up his pity party. Even if they are annoying brats I would rather not have to babysit.
"Grandpa, me too!" Taeyeon chimed in, and Mundok turned to play with him instead.
There was a commotion due to the return of Handae, who was all battered up after going to scout the river's upstream. He then revealed that Fire Tribe soldiers were blocking the river, and he got beaten up due to a quarrel.
Many accusing gazes are turned towards Kyoga and Taejun. The latter gulps.
"Was this done under King Soowon's orders?" Kija asks harshly, aggrieved on behalf of Hak.
"… No. I got wind of it after General Kan Soojin" – Kyoga ignores the pain he feels from hearing his father's name – "gave the order to block the river, but chose not to override his decision. However, I was unaware of Lord Taejun's intervention until much later," Soowon explains succinctly.
"Why didn't you rescind the general's order?" Kija demands.
"I wasn't Kouka's king yet. I had no jurisdiction over the Fire Tribe, and I wasn't keen on turning my ally into a foe, especially when he was taking action on my behalf. In hindsight, that should have been the first red flag. He was too used to getting his own way and the lenient rule of King Il had made him complacent. He would have never bowed to me."
Kyesook clenches his fists. No, it was his fault. He should have detected Soojin's treason long before it took place – should have realized it and snuffed it out thoroughly before it was given a chance to fester.
Kija still looks dissatisfied by Soowon's response, but Jaeha is giving him a warning look telling him not to nitpick over the king's words, so he folds his arms and silently continues watching.
The Wind Tribe was rightfully indignant, but Mundok unexpectedly warned them not to interfere with the Fire Tribe. He refused to budge on his order even when the tribe members protested.
Joodoh frowns. To sit still and suffer in silence isn't Mundok's style. If anything, it's closer to Joongi's. Mundok must have been either greatly unnerved by Soowon, fearful of a heavier retaliation if he were to strike back against the Fire Tribe, or both.
"This is a warning from the Fire Tribe," Mundok explained gruffly to Hak. "They are trying to make Lord Soowon the king."
Yona's expression stiffened.
Lili quietly releases a breath, slightly worried how Yona would take this news. Soowon did tell Yona that he wanted to become king, but now that she had had time to process the king's death, how would she react to Soowon's intention?
Yona couldn't register a word that Mundok was saying about the Fire Tribe being in cahoots with Soowon, because her mind was filled with thoughts about Soowon's declaration to become Kouka's king.
She hugged herself tightly, her heart racing frantically.
Lili bites her lip. "Oh no oh no…" she mumbles. Yona was having a panic attack, for heaven's sake! She wants to dash into the screen and hug her; the poor girl looked so lonely and small as she curled in on herself.
Soowon, who killed my father… will become this country's king…?!
Soowon cringes so imperceptibly that only Hak notices.
He expected this much, of course he did, but knowing that he'll forever be known to Yona as "Soowon who killed my father" still stings. But it's nothing compared to the pain he dished Yona, he'll admit.
Mundok told Yona not to worry, and that he would not acknowledge Soowon's as king.
Geuntae gives him a sideway glance. "Well, we all know how that turned out…"
Mundok had acquiesced to Soowon's coronation in the end, and Geuntae's more than a little curious about the reason behind his sudden shift. He supposes he'll find out soon.
Mundok also brought up that accepting Soowon as king would mean that he was accepting the rumors that Hak killed King Il, something which baffled Yona.
Everyone shoots Kyesook the stink eye. The shameless man doesn't even balk.
Despite Mundok telling them not to worry, Hak and Yona's strained expressions didn't let up one bit.
Jaeha scoffs. "How did you expect them not to worry in that situation?"
Lili nods. The only one who could stay calm and mean it in that situation is probably her father.
"When I told them not to worry, it was me cautioning Hak not to act carelessly," Mundok says.
Jaeha thinks of Hak and his mood, which can be volatile at times. "Ah…"
Hak stares at him incredulously. "Did you just say 'ah'? You're agreeing with Gramps? I don't act that carelessly."
Jaeha just gives him one of his many looks. "The officer you punched in Awa disagrees. You know, our first meeting?"
"Says the one who kicked him."
"… Point taken."
"Ryokuryuu can never win an argument against the mister," Zeno remarks. Before Jaeha can refute his words, Zeno continues, "The only one who can is the little miss."
"Ah, Yona dear is a worthy opponent. I accept the defeat humbly."
The scene changed to Taejun and Heukchi.
Kyoga folds his hands on his lap and sits a bit straighter, glaring at his idiotic brother on screen.
Taejun was inquiring about the state of the Wind Tribe. He was dissatisfied with merely blocking the river, and ordered Heukchi to crush the merchants who frequented the Wind Tribe so they could not buy water from them.
"Taejun…" Kyoga looks like he's about to burst a vessel.
Taejun sinks lower in his seat. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking at that time!"
"That much is apparent. When do you ever do any thinking?" Kyoga retorts brutally, while massaging his temples.
Seeing how glum Taejun's mood is, the others decide not to grill him as Kyoga seems to be doing a fine job of it.
Heukchi was more apprehensive about working without the general's permission, but Taejun snapped that he should make it look like the work of bandits.
Taejun has never felt so miserable in his life. Well, except for that time when he thought he killed Princess Yona… With dawning horror, he realizes that everyone will soon witness that particular scene.
His expression turns even gloomier.
"Ngh… If I had just obtained Princess Yona, the king's throne would have been mine!" Taejun's shoulders trembled with fury.
"'Obtained' the princess?" Kija quotes stiffly. "Did you think of the sacred princess as a possession?!"
Taejun shakes his head fervently. "O-of course not! I mean back then yes" – KIja's expression darkens so much that Taejun hastily continues – "but now no more! She is a light so holy and pure that I can only ever dream of being in her presence!"
KIja relaxes in his seat, nodding his head. "Mm, you are most correct… The princess is a being whom someone like you can never corrupt with your foul thoughts."
Jaeha hides his smile. Just like that, Kija's ruffled feathers have been smoothed. He's almost too easy, too guileless – someone like him will be taken advantage of by nefarious people. Which is why Jaeha nods to himself that he'll have to make sure no such person will lay a single hand on Kija… because they're like brothers.
Right.
That's why he cares for him.
Uh-huh .
Consumed with his thoughts, he doesn't see the quizzical glances shot at him since he's nodding while half-smiling creepily like a… well, pervert.
"If Hak hadn't interfered at that time…" Taejun grumbled under his breath.
"Yona would still not have been 'yours'," Lili finishes for him, giving him a pointed look.
"It's very touching to see that you spent your free time thinking about me," Hak says with a grin.
"I wasn't – I – you – pah!" Taejun sputters.
Heukchi stared at him, giving him an "Are you serious" look.
"Even Heukchi agrees," Lili says with a giggle.
The scene changed back to Yona, who was deep in thought about her recent discovery. Taeyeon's appearance jerked her out of her thoughts. He brought her food, chattering away excitedly, but his body swayed and he suddenly collapsed.
Hak's face tenses. He remembers that time, and how much of an internal panic he was thrown into when Taeyeon fainted and his medicine was delayed.
"Will he recover?" Lili asks worriedly. She knows Taeyeon has a weak body, but she didn't know it was this bad.
"Yes, provided he gets his medicine in time," Hak assures her.
Hak and Mundok burst in immediately. Mundok recognized it as Taeyeon having one of his attacks. To complicate matters, the merchants who were supposed to deliver Taeyeon's medicine had been attacked, and the merchandise destroyed.
Geuntae's lips press into a thin line.
Though the news hasn't broken yet, he and Yunho are actually expecting a child. So his fatherly instincts kick in when he sees the adorable Taeyeon on screen, and he can't forgive the Fire Tribe for implicating a child in their plans.
(A/N clarification: In case anyone has forgotten, in chapter 180 it's revealed that Geuntae has a one-month-old son named Talugu!)
"What about Taeyeon's medicine?" Yona asked urgently, cradling Taeyeon in her arms. The others stared back at her grimly.
Yona felt herself spiraling into despair. She didn't want to see anybody die again.
Is it frightening to lose someone? Jaeha had once asked Yona that, not knowing the impact his words had on her. Now he knows.
Seeing Yona's numerous breakdowns, seeing her unsmiling, grief-stricken face… He knows that it must be the most frightening thing to her, the nightmare that plagues her even when she's awake.
Someone patted Yona's head. It was Handae. He volunteered to go to a herbal doctor in the eastern forest to get Taeyeon's medicine, in spite of his own injuries. As the fastest horseback rider in the Wind Tribe, sending him was their only choice.
Joodoh eyes Handae dubiously. In his current state, he seriously wonders if Handae could pull off the task. There's also a small measure of begrudging respect, as the Wind Tribe does seem to attract prodigies – be it the monstrous Thunder Beast, Mundok who has been infallible since his youth or their new general, Taewoo.
Hak closed his eyes, steeling himself. When he opened them, only determination could be found. He commanded the Wind Tribe not to wage war with the Fire Tribe, and for the tribe's members to entrust their lives to him, using his authority as the tribe's leader.
A pang goes through Hak's heart. He might not have enjoyed the duties and responsibilities that came attached to the job, but sometimes he does find himself missing his former position where he could remain close to his tribe and guide the younger members, where he belonged to the Wind Tribe as much as it belonged to him.
Of course he does not regret giving it all up for Yona, and he knows Taewoo is doing a fine job of leading the Wind Tribe, so in the end, everything worked out well.
The tribe members all cheered, remarking that Hak was "so cool!" as they all clung on to him.
Hak nods his head, eating up the compliments, while Jaeha, Yoon and Taejun roll their eyes.
"It will cost you 100 ling* per touch," Hak said slyly.
*ling is their currency
"Of course you had an ulterior motive," Mundok grumbles exasperatedly.
"Nothing in this world is free." Hak just rubs his palms together with a rather cunning expression.
Yona sighed, and then asked Hak hopefully if there was anything she could do. Hak deflected her question in his usual teasing manner, telling her she should try to make herself look more attractive.
"Trying to pretend that there's nothing wrong won't make the problem go away," Zeno says, almost gently. Times like this is when his wisdom shows.
Hak simply shrugs, keenly aware of the others' piercing glances towards him. Zeno is just too damn observant for his own good; the immortal could easily tell that Hak was disguising his panic over Taeyeon's condition by teasing Yona.
"It's fine. Just live here at your own leisure."
Jaeha's eyes narrow. Those words… It almost sounded as if…
As if the Thunder Beast was planning on leaving Yona behind, he thinks, and then scoffs to himself. Nah, that couldn't have been it.
Night fell, with Yona and Taeyeon tucked in and sleeping.
Lili sighs in relief, glad that Taeyeon was fine in the end. She hopes Handae would return soon with the medicine.
Hak was keeping guard outside the room, and his eyes snapped open. The next moment he was asking Mundok for a drink with him.
Both Hak and Mundok's expressions grow pensive, recalling the conversation they had at that time.
Glug glug glug.
Wine was poured into two cups for Mundok and Hak to drink.
Geuntae stares at it appreciatively. From its color he can tell that it's rich and flavorful, and he quietly thinks to King Hiryuu, can I have a cup of that?
Sure.
Geuntae grins, and picks up the cup that has suddenly appeared. He samples it and immediately relaxes. Ah, this is right up his alley!
"It's surprising that you would offer me wine this good," Mundok remarked, taking a sip.
"Well, it's from your wine cellar collection."
Geuntae chokes on his wine, guffawing. The others similarly burst into laughter, both shocked and amused at Hak's audacity.
Hak only grins at Mundok, who still looks miffed at the reminder.
"PFFFFT –" Mundok spewed out the drink.
Geuntae clicks his tongue. "What a waste."
"What a waste," Hak commented irreverently.
Geuntae laughs good-naturedly. "We think alike."
Hak ponders over it, and then decides of all the generals, Geuntae isn't that bad. "We should have a drink sometime."
"And a spar." Geuntae flexes his arms. "I've been itching to have a rematch with you."
A thrill shoots through Hak at the thought of pitting himself against Geuntae again. "You're on."
"… So… What do you need?"
"Getting straight to the point, huh?" Jaeha says, slightly intrigued to see what Hak wanted.
Mundok taps a finger against his armrest. "I detest beating about the bush."
"I feel bad for that bush," Joodoh mutters.
Although they exchanged small talk, Hak eventually got to his point.
"Please accept Soowon's position as the new king."
There are a few surprised glances, but Soowon's face is blank. Carefully blank.
He wasn't lying when he said he was sure Mundok would show up for his coronation. For Yona's sake, he was sure that Hak would have wanted the whole matter to pass as quickly as possible, so not provoking the ire of the Sky or Fire Tribe was crucial. And to do that, he would have to swallow up his resentment and anger and allow Soowon to become the king.
Still, he wasn't sure who had convinced who – whether Mundok had persuaded Hak to accept his crowning or vice versa.
Hak continued before Mundok could protest, "Tomorrow morning…. I will leave the Wind Tribe."
There are a few gasps.
Soowon's brow furrows ever so slightly. If Hak was leaving the Wind Tribe, then what about Yona? Would he risk bringing her into danger? His eyes widen a tad.
It can't be… Hak would have never left Yona behind.
He hesitated for the briefest of seconds before saying, "I will return the 'Son' name to you."
Glances are exchanged. Everyone knows the significance of that line.
Mundok's heart clenches as he remembers that moment.
"Now that we know you didn't kill the king or kidnap the princess, I think it's safe that you can have the name returned to you," Geuntae says roughly.
Hak's lips twitch into a smile. "Nah. I'm good. Sorry, Gramps," he adds lazily as though as an afterthought.
"You little brat –"
Hak nimbly dodges the half-hearted punch that Mundok throws his way.
What a violent, rowdy group, Joongi thinks, displeased. Punches flying everywhere! How uncouth.
Mundok froze.
"I might turn you in to collect the bounty," was Mundok's eventual reply.
Shinah tugs on Zeno's sleeve. "Zeno… Is being money-hungry… a prerequisite to joining… the Wind Tribe?" he asks curiously.
Zeno replies cheerily, "The mister and his grandfather are just unique! As far as Zeno knows, there is no such requirement!"
Shinah nods his head, enlightened. "Oh… I see… Thank you…"
The two who have been labeled as "money-hungry" by Shinah dig their ears, wondering if someone is badmouthing them.
Hak said casually that he was fine with it, leading Mundok to ask if he was going to leave the princess.
"No way," Yoon says adamantly, shaking his head. He knows how protective Hak is of Yona, and besides, Yona would have never agreed to being left behind like that. His proof is that he met both Hak and Yona on his journey, didn't he?
Mundok and Hak remained silent, both of them recalling that painful conversation.
Hak agreed.
"I have another request." Hak's fingers grazed the floor as they tightened. "Please hide Princess Yona from the castle… And let her live in Capital Fuuga as a member of the Wind Tribe for the remainder of her life."
"What?" Yoon exclaims in disbelief. He whirls to face Hak. "You're really leaving Yona behind?"
"I thought that was the best choice at that time," Hak defends himself. "The princess was… She was becoming herself again, and letting her live as Lena didn't seem so bad…"
Lili frowns at him. "But did you consult Yona on what she wanted?"
Hak's silence is telling enough.
"I thought so. The Yona I know would have never agreed to live like the dead."
"It was either that or join the dead!" Hak retorts hotly, then quickly tamps down his anger. "Sorry." He scrubs his face. "I – I was under pressure at that time, and I did what I thought was best."
"The one you ought to apologize to isn't me," Lili responds, not unkindly.
"I know."
"And I can't judge you for your actions. I mean, I wasn't trying to," Lili fumbles over her words.
Hak ruffles his hair. "So… water under the bridge?"
"Yes," Lili agrees.
Mundok's reply came like a thunderbolt.
" No ."
"I thought you would agree," Geuntae says, sounding surprised. Yona would have been safer in the Wind Tribe, especially with Mundok's protection since Taewoo would be the next general.
"I would rather have both Hak and Yona stay in the Wind Tribe," Mundok replies, his voice a bit sad.
"Ah."
"Gramps…"
"As long as it is a request from my grandson, I won't listen. I don't intend to let you go." Mundok's tone thickened. "However, if it is a command from the head of the tribe, I will have no choice but to comply."
"You were really mean, Gramps, forcing me to pull ranks on you," Hak says dryly.
"Ha! Seems like I've been going too soft on you." Mundok's reply is downright foreboding.
"You just dug your own grave," Jaeha says unhelpfully, suppressing his laughter.
Hak blinked.
His eyes, when he stared back at Mundok, were a clear, resolute azure.
"This is the final order… of Son Hak, leader of the Wind Tribe."
"Do you miss being the General of the Wind Tribe?" Lili asks curiously.
Hak stretches his legs, deliberating over her question. "Some parts of it, yes, but ultimately, no." He yawns. "It was too stifling."
"Only you would say that," Joodoh says annoyedly. "Being a general is a huge honor. The greatest of all."
"Funny, because you didn't seem that honorable when you betrayed King Il," Hak replies coolly.
Joodoh falls silent, a streak of shame running through him. He may have chosen Soowon, but he's not a heartless man who doesn't feel an ounce of guilt over his actions.
A single tear streaked down Mundok's face.
"As you command."
End of Chapter 7: The Spear Kept Within The Heart
"Aw Gramps, you cried," Hak coos, sickeningly sweet.
"Shut your trap," Mundok growls, the tips of his ears reddening, which thankfully go unseen in the dimly lit theater. "My grandson, accused of high treason, was going to be separated from me for an unimaginable amount of time. Crying was a normal response."
Hak squints, taking a swig out of his cup of ale. "Nothing about you is particularly normal."
Mundok's answering roar, unnaturally monstrous, just proves his point.
Yoon, who has been digging through his brain, finally recalls something. "Ah! 'Please give me Hak'?! Wasn't that how Yona persuaded Hak to let her go with him?"
Hak spits out his drink. "W-what?!" For once he's actually flustered. "How the hell did you guys know about –"
Kija also remembers that time, exclaiming, "Oh, you mean when Zeno shared with us about that? The cough drops incident?"
(A/N clarification: I'm talking about the extra chapter labeled as chapter 134.6!)
Hak turns to stare at Zeno, his expression incredulous. "Zeno?!"
Zeno clutches his back dramatically as he glances to the side. "Zeno is old, ah, his mind is not that good… Did Zeno say something like that?"
"Stop playing senile!"
Zeno just whistles under his breath, pretending not to hear Hak. "Eh, what did Mister say? Zeno can't quite hear you~"
Senile? Joodoh wonders. He can't be older than seventeen or eighteen.
Those outside of the Happy Hungry Bunch are also bewildered, but King Hiryuu interrupts, "All will be revealed in time to come, so it's best to just continue watching if you're confused."
"Yes, yes, listen to Zeno's master and let's continue!" Zeno says readily – too readily.
Hak huffs, but settles back as the next chapter is quickly drawn up. He'll grill Zeno about it later… Assuming he survives watching the next few scenes, of course.
"Give yourself to me, Hak!" Yona's words reverberate inside his mind, causing him to flush so deeply that he's grateful the theater is so damn dark. The only one who can see how red he is is Shinah, who's more preoccupied with macarons that King Hiryuu had gifted to him.
The next chapter begins while Hak is stewing in his embarrassment.
Argh… I need a weapon that's smaller.
A/N:
Sorry for the lack of updates and for keeping you guys waiting! And thank you for all your love and patience (and reviews :) The story is the most up to date on AO3 but I'm slowly crossposting them here.
