Chapter Thirty Two: It's all in a haze? A past that starts as a blur ends up in a whirl! A new adventure can begin with just a slight booty burp!
Enjoy Amigos
By the time we arrived in Taforshia, I was nearly sleepwalking. I'm not completely aware of how long I've manage to maintain a pace while lightly dozing, but I manage it somehow. With a soft nudge, Gourry awoke me from my "napping".
"We're here sleepy head!" He cheered loudly as I leaned against his warm chest, trying to muffle out the loud cackling of seagulls and peering sunlight as we entered the city. I peeked from his shoulder as I overheard a few footsteps from ahead. A handful of royal guards (more awake then I at that!) came rushing towards Potoka, and there I almost forgot that he was a prince by the way the men address him.
"Sir Duclis!" One of them shouted as the younger prince grimaced as he gave this reproachful look; I take it as he thus far resume his identity the formal king's assistant before revealing his big, yet unfortunate swap with his formal associate. "There you are! We are relieved to see you!"
"T-The same goes to you and the rest of my honorable men!" Pokota stammered back, deepening his voice to slightly disguising it, similar to how the real Duclis was. Though I can be a hundred percent certain on that; when I encounter the man, he was that of a tiger beast man. I never meant him when he was a human, so there's that. I watched groggily as they gathered around and started to inspect us as I heard the dozen of their voices chorus together as they took count. Afterwards, they guided us to the palace, which seem to be a bit more functioning then I remembered. So instead of pushing and pulling doors like you usually do, these seamlessly opened on their own. I vaguely recalled this as I gave a great yawn as we passed thought the grand entrance. There has been too much that has occurred, so how am I supposed to keep up with every detail? Write it down, you say? Sure…As if I have time to do so as well! I was at the point where fatigueless was slowing me down, and it was getting to the point where Gourry was practically carrying me into the room Pokota promised us. I don't even know who went where and what room is whose, but all I know is that Gourry's level of nobleness is extremely notable as he soft laid me down on the most comfortable bed I've ever dozed off in.
"There you go." I could feel him tucking the blankets securely around my form as I snuggled deep within the warmth. "Sleep tight, Lina. I'll wake you up in a bit. Okay…"
"Mmhmm." I hummed as I heard the door shut.
"Why do you allow yourself to be pushed around by those humans, Xellos?" His master inquired impatiently as he cringed at her words. "You know they have no say over you!"
"I am aware of so, my master." He deeply bowed apologetically. "Yet there where mild concerns that should be consider…"
"And that is?" Her fingers rapped softly on the surface of the old tome that she was intensively researching from before her servant prematurely returned. There was a second where the air stood incredibly still before Xellos responded.
"The chimeras…" he said faintly while his master wrinkled her face. "Especially the small one; that one has no fear! They were aggressive from the start, then the others follow suit. It appeared that I at that time didn't stand much of a chance of sticking around with them all demanding me to leave-"
"But since when-"The Beast Master shouted as she interrupted him. "-You allowed lesser beings that are not me tell you what to do? You had orders to carry out."
"I am aware of so," Xellos maintain his mannerism despite of his master's dissatisfaction. Her fingers tapped as her patience where showing to wear thinly. It was the objection of me being there was rather…unwelcoming…pre say-"
"I'm not buying that excuse!" She scoffed folding her arms across her chest. "You received our orders, now on with it!" There was a pause as Xellos thought over his words carefully.
"As you say, Master…" And with a down casted glance, he vanished without a trace. Zelas released a slow sign as she did a quick glance about, ensuring that her ever spying servant was actually gone. After she ensured that he had truly left, she frantic though her book, skimming throughout its pages to resume where she left off.
"Now where was I…?" She hummed as she traced her fingers along the delicate text. "Ah!" She tapped as she resumed back to the previous text. This very tome has snared her interest at the moment; yes its rarity was beyond that of worldly value, but yet it lack that of the highly sought after knowledge such as powerful magic or methods in making that of chimeras or any philosopher's stone of sorts. This was a rare item indeed, for it contains what little information that was left of the ancient dragon's race! There was only but so little the was left from a once mighty tribe of peaceful, yet philosophic and powerful dragons due to the mass extinction, and with no thanks on the behalf of the golden dragons!
"This would be so much simpler if there where someone here to help translated…" Zelas let out a low growl as her hands clinched tightly together. There were many parts of these text within the tome itself that left her puzzled of the very nature of their complex pantheon; apparently the ancient dragon did not worshipped or phrase Cephied like the humans and rest do, but that of a completely different set of names, ones that currently still remain fathom as the strange tongue still persist unsolvable, even to the elitist of monster was left in a stupor as she begin to bang her balled fist on the table's surface. From her comprehending, this is far superior then from the majority of species that populated this world, the main god, or more so goddess due to the usage of the feminine expression in description of their divine. The focus is mainly on a source of a female higher power, something perhaps beyond a god from Zelas understands. This was a being; that of a woman whom emerge from the Sea, created in the image of the Lord of Nightmare themselves. She felt a cold sensation waved over her being, her finger traced the grain of the wood as she proceeds with a mild disbelief.
"Wait…" She clicked her tongue with thought. "How is this even possible?" Zelas mind raced with all the endless theories of how creations with the worlds took part; there was not once ever a mentioning of a solo creation, little less of a female humanoid predating all…but it's something to consider. There is this internal nagging that the monster Lord born since the presence of that strange woman. The aura of mystery that surrounds her compels Zelas to dig deeper, into something more inquisitive pertaining to knowledge, unlike her counterpart. The ever aggressive Deep Sea is always the first to resort to violence, until defeat for now. This allow her the time, and not mention peace to examine her new subject; there has to be something to do with her arrival and a bit more then what the claims that were made to relay on her ears. For hundreds of ears, there hasn't been a single outsider, from either this world or that until the next, until the barrier failed due to the sudden destruction of the Lord of Death himself, Fibrizo. Mirrored exactly like his natured, she personally felt he had what he had coming to him. A lesson of "Be careful of what you wish for', which certainly doesn't just apply to humans alone… With that being addressed, the barrier is no more, leaving their world as wide open as possible.
"It would make since of those to occur…" Her voice purred as her stretch her arms high. "That one fellow, that god Armace, there was at least something mentioned of his for coming. Yet-"Zelas lower her hands slowly as she continues to stare deeply into the very page where an image of a woman glared back. "There isn't a single trace of you or your face throughout recorded history… Then what significance did you entirely had to a race that is no longer with us-"This is not count the sole survivor, one by the name of Valgaal, formally Val before Gaal came across the dying dragon on that faithful day. He at one point might've been able to recall this enigma, but due to circumstances, she again crossed out that option due to his "rebirth" state. From the last she heard, he was still deep in hibernation; not a single sign was shown of him hatching at least that is. His situation was absolutely useless in any help with hers; Zelas has theorized that the new born would most likely loosen any form of memory of that current state of his life, and is most likely erased from his spirit at his recreation. Simply to place it; there was no used in harassing the infant dragon for any sort of information. Her mind raced as she pondering with the second options; a solo female golden dragon, known by the name of Filia UI Copt, who is the known care taken of the current Val.
"….Perhaps…She would know something…" she purred lowly to herself as she tapped her chin. "….Maybe it should be I that pay her a visit someday…."
"No Gourry, go get yer own!" I growled shoving the brooding blonde hand's from a plated that piled high with beef brisket. "That's mine- Hands off-!" Our forks collided into a duel as we fought over the same morsel that sat awaiting its victor. I went to take a jab at it with the steak knife in my other hand, but was halted by his once more! I growled at him as we begin to duel with our utensils; I was so close to winning until a loud slam interrupted me from my wining!
"Alright! That's enough bickering-!" Prince Pokota interrupt bellowing loudly as he thrust a large fist that held to his own fork between us, claiming the last bit as Gourry and I watched horrified. "I know Proserpina makes a killer meal, but there is no reason to break out in a war over scrapes!"
"You would think they were wild animals if you didn't personally know them…" I overheard Zel muttered over his usual tea, avoiding eye contact at best as Amelia giggled in agreement.
"Who are you calling a wild animal?-"I waved my fist defensively while he scoffed lightly.
"Good grief, Lina!" The chimera sharply countered lowering is cup. "If you were to see someone else act that way, you would make the same remark!" He was right, in a way, but since he knows so much, I couldn't help but to feel parts of my face grow hot as I quickly thought of something witty to retort back wit. Before I opened my mouth, the dining hall doors opened, and a hurried appearing bus boy rushed in with a food cart that had more trays stacked high!
"What? There's more food?" The prince arched an eyebrow as the young man quickly nodded his head. He then snatches one of the man platters, removing the lid revealing more of the very brisket. "Wow! She really out did herself!" This was incredible! It was like she knew that I was in a real need to some more servers of this current delectable feast!
"She has indeed!" I full heartily agree while grabbing myself a few of the platters, eye wide with the similar excite Gourry had as he grabs his by the armfuls. On that thought; I feel this is her way of saying "eat up, because this is going to be quite the journey!
I ate to my heart's content, and even to the point where my gut slight bulged at my belt line. My stomach purred with disgusting as I pluck at my teeth, removed the wee bits that got caught between. Gourry still seated at my side as Zel sat adjacent to me with a slight amusement that grew on his usual stony features. I was curious to what could have possibly tickled him enough to where a smirked from across his face.
"What is it?" I finally worked up the gall to ask him, which he glanced about to the rest of the room, then to the doorway.
"You seem so satisfied…" He cooed and I lean as much as my enlarged belly could allow me to. "For once, I am able to witness you in a state of actually bliss."
"-Whaddya trying to say?" I tilted my head toward the blonde who stirred to from a nap, getting him awake enough to hear as well what good ole Zel had to say.
"That you're demanding," He sped dryly. "And hard to pleased-"
"-AND?" I harshly interrupted as he flinches in his chair. "-YOUR POINT IS-"
"I'm just simply stating facts…" So was he now? As much as I wanted to poke around that much formed opinion of me, the whopping serving of seconds in front of me was more important than some petty argument with my long term associate here.
"As I was saying…" I overheard him mutter over the sounds of my chomping. "You may as well enjoy it since there is no telling when the next time we would all sit like this-"He nodded his head at the rest as they too dug into the seconds before them.
"Mmm-yeah- yeah- yeah, Zel!" I jeered though a mouth full prior to a gulp. "I am aware of this. So are you going to eat that or not?"
I was soon drifting about in the corridors of the palace along side with my loyal companion, Gourry, as we maintain a slowed paced. I could feel the last four helpings I manage to scarp up (including Zel's) bubbled up with each step as I chatted away to the aloof blonde of our next venture. I was beginning to hope it was just gas building, and decided there since there was really no one around to relieve some of that pressure….
FRRRRT!
Oh My! That was way louder than I expected! I quickly glanced at Gourry, who now bore a look of sheer confusion. I got feel my face go flush as we lock gazes, he tilts his head and flares his nostrils.
"What was that?" He quipped, though before I even had the chance to defend myself, I caught a glimpse of a shimmering figure from the corner of my eye.
"Proserpina!" I called as she greeted with me with an amused grin. OH NO! I think she heard it too! My mind raced as I thought of something quick to get myself of this sudden and embarrassing situation. My eyes widen as they matched along with the glittery chimera's smile.
"Bless you!" WHAT?! ... Is that an "Excuse you"? And isn't that something that people said when you sneeze usually? Is this an odd tradition that is practiced in her home world? Again, I was interrupted as Gourry lean forward, scratching his head.
"What's going on?" As always, Sir Obliviously-a-drifting-jellyfish here still puzzled and has not ever caught the slightest drift that I, Lina Inverse- may had let one loose.
"Nothing really," Proserpina snickered more. "She just farted-."
"-WHAT?!" The disbelief from his tone set the woman into a fit of laughter. I stood there, in a mild horror as I watched two vastly different reactions take place. "There is no way!-"
"OH Yeah! It totally happened. I heard it before I ran into you two-"
"-OH COME ON NOW!-"My face was burning like it was on fire! There was no way I could counter this; it was heard by a chimera, and I want to take a stab at the same assumption that she has hearing like Zelgadis, or better. Anything that I say now, would just make me look like a huge liar-!
"It's okay Lina." Proserpina's tone was in an assuring way, which took away some of this embarrassment that was working its way pass my hair line. "It's completely natural, like Gourry's hair color!"
"Hey!" He shouted, somewhat offended as he narrowed his brow. "What does my head have anything to do with Lina's butt?-"The only response he gotten was the bellows of Proserpina's laughter as she grabbed hold of her sides. After some point of kneeling over, she regains her composer as she sighs, calming down in the process.
"I think," She begun, her teeth gleamed in the light as she twinkles in her movements. "That Gourry's head has way more hot air then your ass would ever make…" I stared at her as I felt my face twitch, not sure if I wanted to take that as a compliment or as an insult. You know, there was really no point of making such a huge fuss over something so trivial.
"Eh," I tapped my chin, trying to play it cool after all. "You may be on to something…" Gourry on the other hand, did not felt as if he was in any kind of agreement.
"What's that suppose to mean?" He quipped as he eyeballed the both of us.
"That you have farts-"Proserpina begun, but I interrupted as I held out my hand, stopping her.
"Farting Jellyfish-"I blurted correctively while resisting the urge to grin ear to ear. Rather mature for someone who is egging on a joke here! Creative though! I'd give myself that one, at least. Pursing my lips, I gazed back at Proserpina, who merely tilted her head as she proceeded with the rest of her statement.
"That you have farting jellyfish for brains!"
The blond frowns as he narrows his brows more, causing wrinkle to developed on his ageless face.
"Hey! That's not a very mature thing to say about someone, you'd think?" He retorted and within moments, the pearly chimera was nearly on the floor. I even couldn't hold back a giggle myself as one loudly slipped which resulted with him shooting daggers at me.
"Oh Shush!" I purred. "Like you would know what that even is?"
"What is what again?" With that, my playfulness dissipated and Proserpina regains her composer. This is where usually the joke's end since he never gets them in the first place.
"Maturity…" I barked as he caught on again.
"Oh that…" There was an unnaturally long pause as he took some serious thought into that word alone. "What is that again? Is that some type of game?"
"I guess you could say it's something like that-"Proserpina muttered, readjusting her thick ponytail. "Close enough. You gain experience as you age in life. Kinda like video games-"I think it was too late before she made that connection that everything she had just said, went completely over his head! His blank expression was enough to cut her off mid sentence as part of her cheek went flushed.
"Yeah, I just lost you…" There was a soft giggled as Gourry confusion grew more. His mouth left ajar as Proserpina gracefully passed him, leaving him knees deep in his own bewilderment.
"So Lina," She starts casually, each step to me was added with a type of ease that nearly half the world's population of women would gladly trade for on any given moment. I hate to admit it, but it's always women with the kind of beauty like her that makes me wish I looked differently. It's not like she imitates me at all; yet I feel like I lack where she's is endowed. Not bad for a chimera at that-
"Speaking of farting around," She broke me from my low esteemed thoughts. "How long are we crashing here?" She places a hand on her hip as I thought of a prefer time frame that would at least give me some adequate rest before we set off again. I rubbed m palms together sticking with what I always feel is best.
"Let's go in three days." I clapped m hands together and she bobs her head in agreement. She seemed to then become suddenly distracted by what I can assume to be a passing thought.
"Good." She mumbled before turning. "That will give a few days to try to crack it-"
"Crack what?"That was Gourry again.
"The egg." I figured that. I had to stop him from asking even more redundant question which allowed her to walk off. I'm pretty sure the last thing she needs is Gourry reeling behind her with the questions.
"Hey!" He hissed, wiggling his arm loose from my grasp. "What egg is she talking about?"
"Well, it's not the one I laid!" I think a bit of Proserpina was starting to rub off on me or so. Though I was delighted by my own joke, it seems like it went totally over the other's head.
"Lina," His voice edge with a somberness that was comparable to that of Zel's; "You can't lay eggs. You are not a chicken!"
I swear you are hopelessly an idiot as ever!
As days pass, I took the opportunity to just take a stroll within the streets of Taforshia; a day of city sighting to see what kind of state Pokota's kingdom was. I was also curious to see if there were any goods worth scouting out. There were quite a few more folk bustling along with their days, resuming a long forgotten pace since the whole population was under a decade long sleeping spell. I had to say, with more people waking up, this place would be back running, maybe a bit behind due to the length of time that made its passage, but I think the place will thrive as long as people continued to move on with their lives. I watch as venders set out the stalls, arranging many of their produces ranging from food, vegetables, weaponry and a few miscellaneous items from what I guess were a form of magical talisman. One caught my attention in particular; One which stone was a dark sapphire, with a lengthy looking dragon that curled itself around it. There was something about it that stood out the most, so I took it upon myself to check it out with Gourry right behind me.
"Lina! Slow down!" The nerve of his to complain; he the taller one somehow manage to fail keeping pace with me. You'd figured that he, with the longer legs, would be the quicker one? Not entirely so! I was already approaching the stall by the time he caught up; panting slightly as he rested on bended knees.
"What is that?" That is exactly what I am here for! There are times that my curiosity got the best of me, and there are those where it pays off well. I really would risk that on certain thing; and this one had a gleam that caught my eye from a good distance. I held my breath as I exam the item; carefully absorbing its fine craftsmanship until a crude tone interrupted me.
"That's an antique, ma'am!" Squawked a grizzled elderly woman adored in a faded cloak; "Hands off the merchandise or I'll break your pinky-"She attempt to swipe my hand away, but Gourry intervened.
"Hey! She's just looking at it!" He chimed defensively. "There's no need to get all work up over nothing; she wasn't going to hurt anything-"
Of value, that is. I stood staring at the dragon as I listen to their banter.
"-Nothing?!" The old lady screeched as she matched up with Gourry. "This is not just nothing; this was my late husband's life!-"
And here we go! I couldn't help but to feel sorry for this grandma; who now was the verge of tears, was locked eye to eye with one of the most stupid, yet empathic warriors I've ever encounter. His deep sapphires watered up as the water works begin…
"I'm so sorry!" He gasped and I made a face. "We-Honestly had no idea this was something that belong to someone so dear-"What the hell is this all about? Since when he ever acted like this; was this something he picked up on from being around Amelia? I was completely thrown off, but decided that it would be better to play it off with him.
"Oh Gourry," I dramatically wrap an arm around his shoulder. I've learned throughout my travels that some people just can't be beat or won over; so you just have to then join in on whatever the hell is your travel companion does. "If I only knew of the tragedy behind this exquisite piece, then I'd never thought of to gawk with the intention of a purchase-!"
"Oh dears!" She exclaimed, and from there I knew the charm worked. Her eyes misty as she begins to dabbed them with the corners of the sleeves. "You're both so sweet! I'm so touched! It's just he's been gone for some time now, and I'm trying my best to move on b seller this stuff he left behind!-"Her expression then change drastically as she gotten a better look at me.
"Say," She wagged her fingers. "Aren't you that one young lady by the name of Lina Inverse?" I first felt a sense of dread, until I realize this woman wasn't acting like how the usual folk would act.
"Yes. Here and in the flesh." I stiffen a smile and she grasps her hands together.
"So you're the one their saying who killed our prince," ON SECOND THOUGHT! I was about to panic until Gourry stopped me, letting the old hag finished.
"After the dark lord took his body?" Her puzzled tone somehow smoothed my nerves as I quietly nod. "Yes and Rezo the red priest was all behind it was well."
"SO I also heard, from Sir Duclis himself. But-"She paused to glance around seeing if anyone was happening to be eavesdropping. She did not catch anyone. "Going with the way he acted, I'd say the he is not himself either." I knew exactly what she met b that, well I was only one of the few people to be the first to know that after the battle with Dark Rezo, he switched up with Duclis. It was told to me by Potoka himself that he was a bit wary of letting the masses know what really happen, so he went on living as the other until the time was right, but I feel like he may had overlooked a slight detail when thinking this though.
"I see what you mean…"
"Now," She carefully begin after a second take about. "Do you think our prince still lives?"
I clicked my tongue. "That could be very much a possibility…" I was cautious of my tone, keeping in mind that there were folks that do like to listen in on someone's conversation. I wasn't fully on intending of spoiling Pokota's little secret just like that, you know! What! Do you take me as some kind of rat, huh?
"So then, it may be true…" Her dark eyes cast downward. "I had a trader then other day come by, saying that the last he heard of the late prince, he was some sort of odd puppet!"
"Well…Yeah!" Could he be even louder?! That is one way you can definitely draw anyone's attention… I gave him a good whack as the elderly woman darted about, pretending to clean her vendor. She hummed as dusted the amulet I was originally after. I manage my breathing and remain as posed as possible while grabbing the dummy into a full on head lock.
"Oh Gourry!" I fringed excitement as I press my face to his. "You shouldn't have!-"
"What are you going on about Lina-!" He gagged as I elbowed him hard in his gut, hoping this way he would catch on to the bloody hint and go along. Too bad for him that he couldn't get on with the program, or he would have been able to breathe instead of fighting me.
"You didn't have to surprise me with such a piece!" I held the amulet close to his currently blue face. His matching orbs widen with horror as his jellyfish brain continue to stay afloat in the clueless tides.
"What!" He exclaimed as some kind of sense suddenly filled him. "-Since when that happened? I don't remember getting you such a thing-!" The old merchant sighed to herself, as if she was in a deep resonance of a memory.
Meanwhile back at the palace, Proserpina let out a long sigh of frustration; yet she still could not figure out a single clue of opening the golden egg. All it was just nothing but a smooth surface. She had spent her "waning' nights for at least three days as she waited for her cycle to come to a completion.
"So much for this…" She grumbled placed the oval onto the desk, becoming irate by the passing moment. "How am I supposed to make this work if I can't figure it out?" She ran her fingers though her hair, her mind raced as she tried to wrap around the concept of such a mysterious item. As it appeared of that of nothing but a simple golden oval, and the function of an egg as well as it wobble on the wooden surface from the chimera's movement. She groans loudly as she twirls the object around, spinning it fast as a knock interrupted her mild distraction.
"Yeah?" She flinched from her seat; pulling the hood to her dark pullover quickly over her head.
"Proserpina," Shit! Her mind raced as she rose from her seat. Zelgadis's tone lowly reverberated though the wood. "Are you alright in there? None of us have seen you for a couple of days…"
"Yeah, I'm okay." Her voice mildly trembles while she fumbled more with her fasteners of her hoodie. "I'm just stuck trying to crack the egg."
"Ah I see," He chimed. "Do you mind if I come in? Maybe a second opinion of the object could change its perceptive." He gave a fair point, yet her heart raced as she grew near to the door. Maybe he won't notice anything right away…She thought quietly to herself for a second, before giving in to her own need of some company.
"Sure." With that, Zel opens the door and enters the room. Proserpina remains still as their gaze greets the other. The woman nervously shifts, moving before the other chimera takes any notice.
"Are you feeling well?" There was a lace of concern that was enough to give the other a chance to at least lower her guard.
"Not really." She was honest and he could easily tell; she worn layers in compression to her normal attire, in a manner of someone who was living in a much colder climate. "I guess you can say I'm having…issues." Unlike Gourry, Zel was no dummy and had a heavy inclination of what she was implying. Unfortunately it was something that all female, humans and creatures that are mammals alike experience this cycle. A price women pay for fertility. Though this was a slight conformation; that Proserpina was more towards warm blooded then that of dragons.
"Oh I understand." Her staring at him causes his cheeks to become flushed. "It can make a lot of women feel weak during this time."
"Tell me about it." Like Lina, she still had zest, but there was still something about her that make it seem as if she had a lack of luster in her appearance. Without giving himself away, he made a stride towards the desk, where the egg laid still. Proserpina watched as Zel grasp it with a carefulness she barely witness in other chimeras. From the corner of his eye as he passed her, he could tell that there was something that seem slightly odd, but maybe it was a part of his imagination Though she had her hood up, there was this lack of luster in her that contrast to the subject of interest. He quickly dismissed the curiosity of her vagueness of appearance and shifted such to the item he now held. The thing was just like and egg; light, smooth and cool to the touch. The only exception from that of an ordinary egg is that of its golden other shells, then an idea strike him from the blue.
"Have you considered hatching it?"
Author's note: I haven't forgotten about my story, though I took a long hiatus to perform some overdue shadow and spiritual work. I spent majority of this year outside, deep in the woods, away from both people and technology; the things that ail me the most. I realize the things that were bringing me down, and took time within the wild to gather my being, and the baby steps essay to get me there. As someone who is a manic depression, it takes a great amount of work to rebalance myself when I feel off. Less human interaction, more foraging mushrooms, roots and plant life alike on the east coast if America! I feel a call of the wild and the mountains are chanting my name. Soon!
I will resume with the story. I think it's good, different, and original. It may not be the most popular, but that isn't the source of validation I seek. In reality, this is my escapism of the life of unintentional hermit lifestyle I live.
When you wish to be like Lina Inverse, but deep down, I'm really like Zel…. I might as well be blue and cover in stones at this rate. It would justify the reasoning behind the adult bullies I've dealt with.
I will post the next chapter at my own leisure. May have to make this into a second story arch; it turn out longer then I originally intended.