A/N: Read this note, would you kindly? Got some important info. Big changes are coming to this site.

Sorrrrrry!

Got sick, fell behind, trying to catch up.

I feel like I've failed you guys and gals, but I'm just so exhausted. T_T

Once the plot bins are updated (which will be today) the closest updates will be: Far from Home, Running to the Edge, Arcane stuff, Runt of the Litter, A Boy's Journey and One Helluva Team should be next, alongside Golden Soul, which Slifer is writing the next chapter for..

I'll be getting back to Fate, too...that is, if I'm still around.

I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the site doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire.

It HURTS to say that, but with this new system, reviews and readers have dropped to an all time low, many authors are leaving the site in droves.

If you're not already aware, ever since the 16th of November, you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings-MAKE SURE YOU CLICK SAVE SETTINGS!-else you won't be notified when anyone updates. No alerts, no email, no nothing. Apparently that's a thing we all have to do every ninety days or so, now. Alas, not many are aware of it...which is a problem. As things stand this new "fix" as it were, has cut everyone's viewership/reviewers in half because most folks don't know about it. Authors are leaving/quitting in droves because of this.

Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully the devs can fix tweak/update this system.

As ever, the Embers rule remains: If people don't like this story? If they don't enjoy it? Well...I' won't be able to continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with two jobs; holidays are HERE and basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.

Alright, then. As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one.

I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.

This is a rough draft. Time and feedback will determine if this becomes a story.

In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!

References for my new favorite game ahead~!

"She's really gone, isn't she?"

"She is."

"What happens now?"

"Now? We train. You need to be ready."

"Ready for what?"

...everything."

~?

Speak Softly/Carry a Big Stick

The sword swung.

It was a good swing, the Girl thought.

Simple and clean. Powerful and precise. The tree never stood a chance.

A ponderous creak rose in her ears; she watched the mighty oak pitch toward her. She flinched and scampered back, but her fears soon proved for naught; it fell well short, leaving her untouched. Her face still darkened with shame all the same. She knew her cowardice had been seen.

Sure enough, Father's heavy hand settled on her shoulder.

She tensed, waiting for his admonishment...

.

..

...

...Help me lift, Girl."

It never came. The Girl tugged stray strands of scarlet hair out of her face and perked up, eager to be of use. If wasn't going to admonish her-then she wouldn't give him cause. She bent her knees and grabbed on end of the tree. Blue eyes met green. He nodded. As one, the two of them moved. They lifted together.

And together, they walked.

Her eyes strayed to his hip as they marched back to the cottage.

Father's sword was just that. A weapon. A tool. Nothing more. He claimed it had once belonged to a dear friend. She envied him his skill. She was no slouch herself; but her abilities paled in comparison to his. She had yet to master the sword and shield. Mama had taught her what little she knew when it came art of the blade, but she preferred her Semblance and Magic than weaponry.

"Lift, Girl." Father chided her. "We're almost there."

The Girl sighed. A small part of her bridled whenever he called her that. This way, Girl. Over here, Girl. Keep up, Girl. Girl, Girl, Girl!

She had a name! Pyrrha. He rarely used it these days. Not since...mom. Not since she died.

Was it the wicked Wizard's fault? She didn't know. Father didn't speak of his past, or the gods, or the monarch that ruled this land. She only knew that they had done nothing to save Mother. She had suddenly taken ill one day and wasted away soon thereafter. Death was a mercy for her after the suffering she endured. Yet she would miss her all the same. Her pale face and dark red eyes, her white hair, pure as the driven snow. Sitting on her lap, listening to her stories...

Here they were, gathering trees for her pyre.

Pyrrha was only seven. Papa was papa. Mama was mama. Simple as.

Her fingers bit into the bark of the tree. It started to splinter beneath her strength.

"Careful." Father tutted." A stern blue eye peaked over his shoulder, framed by rough blond hair and whiskered cheeks. "We're almost there."

Her stomach growled.

He laughed, a rare, hoarse sound. "I know today hasn't been easy. We'll hunt after this."

Little Pyrrha perked up. "Hunt what?"

"Whatever you like." his smile was tired, but it was still a smile. She'd take it.

The woods of vale were lush with life. She considered their options. "Deer?"

He shrugged his broad shoulders. "If you like."

"Where will we find it?"

A low rumble of a laugh. "In the direction of deer."

She grinned. "M'kay.

"If you like."

He turned back, hefting the log a little, forcing her to do the same.

"I wasn't the best person when I was younger. I was young. Naive. I made mistakes." he rubbed his bad arm, fingers tracing the web of scars there. "Going forward...you need to be better than me. Do you understand?"

Her head bobbed in a jerky nod.

"Good. We should finish this journey while I still have strength."

Pyrrha nodded. She wouldn't let him down. She would do as he did.

Always.

Speak softly.

And carry a big stick.

A/N: The GOW vibes are strong with this one.

Aaaand there we go. Hope you enjoyed it.

Soooo? Should this be a story? Once again! This is an AU.

Hoe someone, somewhere, enjoyed this. I just don't know anymore these days.

So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...Review...Would You Kindly?

No previews this time. Not with this weeks madness.

R&R~!