Chapter 42:
By the time they crossed the river, the forest was dark and eerily silent. The first day of the battle event had ended sometime during their track through the woods as well. There were also no signs of Chazz or Jaden, which they're the most likely to encounter on their current route.
"How much farther is that stupid dorm?" Kami grumbled, a few steps behind them.
"We should be there any time now." Bastion supplied.
"Feel free to turn back." Blake scoffed.
He could feel his friends looks on his back, but he brushed them off. They'd wasted enough time already. Not like he needed them to end this anyway. He could already see the Abandoned Dorm in the distance. Once he's there, he'd rip Banner a new one and force Kagemaru to get down here too.
"Watch out!" Bastion shouted, giving Blake just enough time to raise his arms when a thick tree branch whipped into his face. It broke apart against his forearms, the splinters flying away behind him, making Kami cry out it surprise.
"You got three seconds to get the fuck out of my way or you'll end like the stick you just hit me with." Blake growled towards the unfamiliar figure that stood between the nearby brushes.
"I think not, Hound." A self-righteous voice countered as the figure strode forward to stand in his path. Clad in the primarily white senior Obelisk Blue uniform, some guy he'd never seen brushed his bangs out of his face with a flourish. "For you will pay for your crimes right here and now." He continued and activated his duel disk.
"I'd ask you to be more specific, but I really don't care." Blake said, giving no indication he'd accept the duel, only cracking his knuckles. "Now, fuck off before I make you."
"Your brutish display only gives me more reason to put you down. I'll pass the judgement you deserve for what you did to the spirits."
A hand found Blake shoulder from his side as Bastion readied himself to duel. "Leave him to me, Blake. Go on with Kami, I'll catch up with you."
"Hey!" Kami shouted in annoyance.
But before Blake could reply, the noisy senior just couldn't stop blabbing. "I do not care for a spiritless human like you, nor do I have quarrel with the White Night's lady." His eyes began to glow maliciously red before he spoke his next words, throwing out his right arm as he commanded them. "Begone!"
Bastion's hand slipped from Blake's shoulder as both he and Kami slumped to the ground.
Blake blinked before concern and rage filled him. He lashed out immediately, his fist finding its target and throwing it back while his Shadow Charm gleamed hungrily. "You're dead."
Shadowy tendrils erupted all around them, casting a ring of darkness that trapped both him and the self-righteous piece of shit inside while pushing Bastion and Kami away onto the soft grass. Blake barely heard the excited growl from DAD in the distance, not seeing either of his spirits around either. Right now, he didn't care though.
The fool who's decided to put himself between him and his target shook as the dark magic hit him full-force. "Ah, and here I hoped I wouldn't be needing this …" What's-his-name then pulled out something Blake hadn't expected: A card that displayed Nightshroud's mask. "But if it's the only way to cast judgement, I'll gladly take it on."
From one moment to the next, the mask adorned the students face, but morphed into more of a corvid-shape, rather than the half-mask Atticus had worn, while his hair spiked notably. Then it clicked.
"You kidding me? Fucking … whatever his name was? The guy with Honest?" Blake growled. "You're two years early, asshole."
His opponent let out a dark chuckle. "Why am I not surprised you know of us? I'm sure all of this is your fault to begin with. But no, I'm not Yusuke Fujiwara. I am the one who'll bring him back once I'm done casting you down into the depths of hell where you belong!"
"Try me, bitch boy." Blake bit back, activating his duel disk. So, it was Honest. The spirit should help Jaden in the future, but it had severely overstepped its boundaries. Jaden would need someone else to help him, if he needed help at all.
"You can cut the ridiculous antics, human." Honest said. "Then again, someone's true nature shows itself when they're in peril, does it not? A shame the misguided humans you call your friends won't be able to watch your demise-"
Whatever else the spirit was about to say was cut off as the Shadow Game's dark magic wrung itself around their bodies on each spot Blake had worn his shock collars. Their duel disks hummed to life as their displays tossed the coin. The result made Blake grin, as going second would be preferable in shutting his opponent down with a clean OTK. But perhaps that would be too easy a punishment for the foolish spirit.
"Show me your judgement then, spirit." Blake spat as he drew his opening hand. "And better make it good. I've wasted enough time with weaklings today."
Honest scoffed. "Boast all you want. A slave to their own darkness cannot beat the righteous fury of the light."
"Big words coming from someone wearing the embodiment of Darkness just to stay around." Blake laughed. "Maybe you'll find out that your precious light is just as bad when I send you back to the Spirit World." (Blake 4000 / Honest 4000)
Honest paused for a split-second as he drew for turn. "Your lies do not affect me. Now, let's not delay this any further. I activate Cards from the Sky! By banishing a Light Fairy monster from my hand, I draw two cards. Then I set a monster and two cards face-down."
"… that's it? That's your great judgement?" Blake mocked. Of course, it didn't make sense to go in the offensive on the first turn, but he'd expected a grander showing after all the fanfare.
"Let me show you how to pass real punishment." Blake growled. "Since you're a fan of drawing cards, I'll do so as well." He drew and discarded after activating Graceful Charity, setting up his graveyard. "I summon Cyberdark Horn."
The ravenous dark machine eagerly clinked its mandibles, locked its eyes onto the enemy, and screeched (800/800).
"Using its effect, it'll equip itself with a Dragon from my graveyard, who's been conveniently placed there just now." Blake continued, watching Horn dig into the ground, only for a sudden vortex to suck away its energy and stopping the effect. "What?"
"I think not." Honest stated. "The darkness shall be sealed in my Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror. How does it feel to lose the one feeling of power you had?"
Blake gritted his teeth in annoyance. "I dunno. How does it feel to have failed your human partner? Didn't he jump right into the Darkness' embrace because you were too powerless to help him?" Honest bristled under his mask. "Forget the dragon. Horn, get his ass!"
Unfortunately, without the power boost from its own effect, Horn was too weak to destroy its target, which was revealed to be the white-clothed Shining Angel (1400/800).
"Tche. Set one, pass." Blake ended his turn.
"Before it's my turn, I activate Solemn Wishes." Honest stated calmly.
"Shove your worthless cards up your ass."
"I'd expect nothing else from someone like you. I'm sure you've added plenty to the well that houses the poor discarded cards and spirits." Honest scoffed. "Now, due to my Trap card I gain lifepoints as I draw. And by showing you my lovely friend who I've just drawn, I'll gain even more." Honest showed him a copy of Golden Ladybug. (Blake 4000 / Honest 5000)
Blake narrowed his eyes at his opponent. "Faries and life-gain? Let me guess, you're going to spend those on the Agent of Creation cards? I'm surprised you haven't set up the Sanctuary yet."
Honest was just about to pull out his next card as he froze.
"Hah, called it. Get on with it then. Not that it'll help you." Blake waved him off. Depending on how new of cards his opponents was using it might turn out incredibly annoying. The assurance of knowing his cards was enough to give him some ideas though.
"I summon The Agent of Creation - Venus!" A bronze-skinned fairy appeared, her wings widening to their full span as she crossed her arms in a praying position (1600/0). "By paying 500 lifepoints Venus can summon Mystical Shine Ball from my deck!" Honest did just as expected, reducing his lifepoints three times to fill out his field. (Blake 4000 / Honest 3500)
'That's good. Means he doesn't have Hyperion on hand.' Blake thought when the third white globe hit the field, all three of them shining dimly in defensive stances (500/500) while Shining Angel changed into attack position.
"Now, Venus: Strike down that foul machinery!" Honest commanded. Venus nodded before forming three small balls of light, red, blue, and purple respectively, before launching them at Horn. The machine screeched as three holes ripped through its body before its hologram shattered. (Blake 3400 / Honest 3500)
"Shining Angel, direct attack!"
The other angel summoned a staff of pure light into its hands and dashed forward, but it never got to deliver the blow.
"I don't think so. I activate Call of the Haunted!" Blake announced with a vicious grin. He hadn't expected to have this monster ever hit the field itself. "Come back, Rare Metal Dragon!" Bursting out of the ground, the quadrupedal form of the black-scaled dragon emerged with a loud roar (2400/1200).
Honest quickly called of his attack and ended his turn as Blake marveled at the beauty of his dragon. 'It's been such a long time since I've seen that movie he debuted in … not his fault his effect's shit.' Blake reminisced for just a moment as his right hand twitched for more action. And he drew just what he needed.
"It's time to shatter your make-up mirror. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" The familiar turquoise whirl ripped over the field, destroying its target unimpeded. "Now where was I? Right! I summon Cyberdark Edge!" His second Cyberdark hit the field, the dragonfly-like machine spreading its wings with a dark rustling. "And unless you have another mirror, or maybe even want to pass a Solemn Judgement, it'll grab itself a power-up!"
Seeing as he got no reaction from his opponent, Edge continued where Horn failed, grabbing itself the second dragon Blake had discarded with Graceful Charity: Infernal Dragon. (2800/800).
"Rare Metal, get rid of Venus!" Blake ordered while thinking about what to attack with his other monster. The balls were all in defense and destroying the Shining Angel would likely bring something out he didn't like. In the worst case a Barrier Statue. No, Edge could do this differently. "Edge, direct attack!"
His dragon easily crushed the fairy underneath its weight 'Dragon beats Fairy, fuck you Pokémon!' (Blake 3400 / Honest 2700), while the bulky Cyberdark flew right past the defense line and ripped its bladed wings over Honest's form, blood splattering all over the ground while the accompanying shocks from the tendrils brought him to his knees. (Blake 3400 / Honest 1300)
"Had enough yet, oh great agent of righteous judgement?" Blake mocked and ended his turn, crossing his arms as he sneered at the weakling that dared challenge him.
Wet coughs were the only answer for a minute, before Honest pulled himself together. Brilliant white wings broke out from his back that caused the shadows to shy away, vague images of Blake's past mirrored in their light. "I will not fall before someone who's betrayed his own spirits. The gladiators truly deserve someone better."
"I knew you were an idiot, but you must be completely delusional." Blake barked. "The Gladiator Beasts betrayed me, not the other way around! They aided my enemy! They were the once who fought against me! And their cards were burnt for their betrayal!"
"That only shows how little you know the spirits you claim your own!" Honest shot right back. "And if that wasn't enough, you discarded the handcrafted deck your friend gave you for an amalgamation of vicious beasts! Your spirit partners aren't even around, yet you think you can lecture me?! You're but a beast in need to be put down yourself!"
Blake couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Perhaps I am. but you're not the one capable of doing so." And maybe casting the spirit back to its own world wasn't the worst he could to it.
"Let me show you how wrong you are!" Honest began, a few of his wounds fading as his life-gaining effects activated once more. (Blake 3400 / Honest 2300)
"You might've shattered the mirror binding the shadows, but this will make sure you won't desecrate the resting spirits anymore! I active Soul Exchange, and with it I tribute your Cyberdark Edge!" The machine, along with its attached dragon were enveloped by a silvery aura before they were reduced into pure energy that flew right onto Honest's field. "Arise; The End of Anubis!"
The energy turned dark before releasing a huge purple demon with the head of a jackal. Its massive claws racked against the floor, while the golden, Egyptian ornaments around its neck jingled an ominous tone. It looked down on Blake with a hint of amusement (2500/0).
"While on the field, any and all effects that target cards in the graveyard or activate there are negated." Honest stated confidently. "No Cyberdarks, no revivals, no Dark Armed Dragons."
Blake clicked his tongue. Of course, the guy had teched more than one hard-counter. Interestingly enough, a few of Honest's wings grew just a bit darker. "You can't even attack me. So shut up and end your turn."
Honest scoffed, though seemingly very pleased with himself, as he ended his turn.
Blake drew his next card. Now, his dragon wasn't strong enough to beat over that monster this turn. The remaining Cyberdark in his hand couldn't either, due to the lockdown-effect. But he could bait Honest into making mistakes. He had his dragon destroy one of the stupid shine balls before setting his last Cyberdark along with a little trap. After all, why wouldn't he attack into his weaker dragon who's conveniently left in attack position?
"I expected as much." Honest said, once again healing himself up. (Blake 3400 / Honest 3300) "Your judgement has come, brace yourself!"
"By sacrificing my remaining two Mystical Shine Balls, I summon forth your downfall!" The two balls glowed and crashed into each other, forming an even greater ball of light. This ball turned into white marble, adorned with golden lines before it broke apart in an homage to the Winged Dragon of Ra. Two massive wings sprouted from a central ring, an immensely long tail coiling around its summoner as a dragon-like head appeared last. A stream of golden crystals connected the monster's body, the ring in the middle of its body ever shifting like a golden portal. "Majestic Mech – Goryu!" (2900/1800).
'That's bad', Blake realized. The obvious play was using Goryu's effect by attacking his set monster for piercing damage, which could hurt,while attacking his dragon with the other one. But just because it was the right play, didn't mean Honest had to make it.
"Shit." Blake cursed, looking at his set monster in fear.
"I see you know of my monster's powers. Quiver in fear before its might, not that it'll change anything." Honest boasted. "End of Anubis, cast his dragon into darkness once more!"
'Yes!' Blake thought as his trap was sprung. "Not so fast, loser. You forgot my face-down: Metalmorph!" An additional metallic sheen crept over Rare Metal Dragon, boosting it enough to beat its attacker (2700/1700) and thus opening up the graveyard once more. (Blake 3400 / Honest 3100)
Honest loudly growled, his head flicking between the dragon and the set monster, before looking at his hand. "It matters not. Goryu, blast away his set monster!"
A golden ray of light ripped through the weak form of Blake's last Cyberdark monster and hit him straight in the chest, throwing him onto the ground, followed by a series of shocks. (Blake 1100 / Honest 3100)
"I end my turn here. You should surrender, lest I make your judgement even more painful." Honest continued to boast, not realizing he'd made a crucial mistake.
'Metalmorph makes my dragon strong enough to beat Goryu, but he has no set cards to help him stop that.' Blake thought as he got back on his feet with a groan, the light-induced attack hurting way more than he'd anticipated. 'Either he's stupid or he's got his own card on his hand.'
Taking a look over the cards in his hand, he hadn't expected to use this card against anyone but Kagemaru. The fact it'd win him this duel was a pleasant surprise though. He drew the final card of this duel, chuckling at its symbolism. Yes, that'd be a fitting end for the spirit – if he could truly pull it off.
"With your stupid counters gone, there's nothing stopping me from crushing you, Honest." Blake proclaimed loudly. "You should've gone for an all-out offensive. Now, let me show you just how vicious my machines can get! I activate Cyberdark Impact!, shuffling the three Cyberdarks from my graveyard back into my deck to summon their ultimate form: Cyberdark Dragon!"
The three Cyberdarks appeared in unison, screeching loudly at his opponent. Their body aligned to one another as they combined themselves with Horn taking the helm, Edge the main body, and Keel acting as their combined form's tail. Blake gazed upon his new decks ace, both amazed at its massive form and happy about not having to see Zane use it to go down a darker path (1000/1000).
"Cyberdark Dragon's effect! Like its smaller pieces, it grabs itself a dragon from the graveyard, no matter which one and which level!" Blake announced. While this improved effect was nice, he still only had Infernal Dragon to offer. Its additional effect gave it another push, though. "Not only that it gains further 100 attack points for every card in my graveyard!" With the dragon secured in its mechanical ribs, Cyberdark Dragon absorbed further energy from the ground, which was sadly only another 300 (3300/1000).
He chuckled as Honest took a step back, but his grin turned splitting as he activated his next card. "You didn't think I didn't see through you, did you? I know what your own card does. But you won't get to use it. I activate Exchange!"
"No!"
The holograms of the cards on their hands were shown and right beside the annoying Golden Ladybug sat Honest, waiting to be used.
"I'll be taking that, feel free to take my remaining one." Blake laughed as the dark magics ripped the card from Honest's grasp and exchanged it with his copy of Allure of Darkness. "You know what, let me summon it right to my field."
Honest cried out in anguish as a part of himself was ripped from his body only to serve as his enemy. Clawing at the mask hiding his face, he ripped it off in pain, which turned it into a card that fell to the ground.
"You know, you almost got me." Blake admitted as he watched his opponent drop to his knees, shaking like a leaf. "And while I would love to rip you to shreds for delaying me further and hurting my friends, I've got something way better for you."
While he spoke, his monsters bore down on his opponent's. Cyberdark Dragon tore apart the Majestic Mech (Blake 1100 / Honest 2600), Rare Metal Dragon buried Shining Angel (Blake 1100 / Honest 600), and his own Honest was waiting to finish the duel, seeing as Shining Angel's effect wasn't activated. But Blake held the attack for just a bit longer while pressing as much of his DE out of his body as he could, flooding the area with even more darkness.
"I'm not the one who took your partner from you, but I know the one who did. And I can assure you that our paths will cross soon enough. But your current form is worthless; it didn't help your partner, nor will it help me. It's time to fight fire with fire, or darkness with darkness in this case, Honest." Blake said and gripped his opponents face with his right hand, the rampant energies focusing around it.
The body possessed by Honest looked up at him, the wings on its back darkening one after the other, until they turned pitch black with a soft purple touch. "I will to whatever it takes to bring Yusuke back."
"Then welcome to the team, Dark Honest." Blake grinned as he ripped his hand back. The spirit gasped and Blake felt a fresh rush of power coursing through his body for just a moment. He waved his remaining monster to end the duel, sending the physical body of Yusuke Fujiwara to the ground, while the spirit body of a now Dark Honest remained in front of him before turning into a card of its new form.
Blake crouched down to pick it up when he saw that Nightshroud's card was still around as well. He should've ripped it apart, but something stopped him. 'This might come in handy later. No point in having someone else grab it and be another nuisance either' he thought instead and moved to pick it up. A bone-chilling shiver ran through his body as he touched it, but that didn't stop him from pocketing it. A cold chuckle echoed in the back of his mind for a split-second when a painful pulse from his Shadow Charm reminded him of his objective.
Now, where was he?
With both his friends still knocked out, he'd left them behind after leaning them against a nearby tree and putting his uniforms jacket over them. The … conversion he'd put Honest through must've used up a lot of his energy, however, as it took him several minutes to stumble to the entrance of the Abandoned Dorm. The tall form of Professor Banner, now wearing his Amnael disguise with his own charm in his hands, greeted him.
"I would say I'm surprised you made it this far, but I knew that spirit wouldn't be enough to beat you." Banner said calmly. Both their charms flashed for a moment, causing the man to shake his head. "And it seems like dear Camula has failed her assignment as well. Would you believe Abidos lost to young Syrus?"
"That fraud would've lost to anyone." Blake coughed. Traversing half the island, doing two Shadow Duels and whatever followed the last started to get to him. Even the cold weather he usually brushed off was affecting him. "Means we're the only ones left. You're next."
Banner chuckled and took of his mask, revealing his stark white hair and red eyes, along with the veins protruding in his face. "I'm sure you'd like that, but I'm afraid it won't happen. While my plans have been delayed because someone was using up more energy than they should've, I've accounted for some interference."
"Sorry not sorry." Blake spat.
"Oh, I'm sure your little trick with that spirit used up quite a bit, but I'm more refereeing to one of your spirit partners." Banner continued.
"The hell are you talking about?" Blake growled. Was that why those two weren't around?
"You don't know? Well, I won't spoil the surprise then. But you'll have to excuse me; I must get ready for the final step of my plan." The man inclined his head and took a few steps back.
Blake spurred into action, using what little energy he'd left to rush the man. When he got close enough to hurl a punch, both their Shadow Charms repelled each other, throwing him to the ground.
Banner wiggled his finger at him. "That won't do, my dear Hound. I can't have you going against me, now, can I?"
"Blake!"
They both turned towards the running Bastion who closed in on them. Blake saw a smirk on Banners face as he opened his book.
"Get back!" He cried out, but by that time it was too late.
Whatever gibberish Banner was talking in Latin or whatever behind him caused Blake's charm to start a Shadow Duel, with him and Bastion as its duelists.
"What?" Bastion gasped as the shadows latched onto his body, curling around his arms, legs, and neck. "Blake?"
"I didn't-" Blake was about to respond when the darkness around him didn't stop there. It pushed itself even further into his body. He couldn't see. He couldn't talk. He didn't feel anything other than cold.
Bastion stared in horror as the shadows flooded his best friend's body. The mass of darkness shook and seemed to seep into Blake's body. His right arm, where the dark trinket shone brightly, was riddled with black veins that ran from his hand all up to his neck. From there, fewer of them crept into Blake's face, flooding his sclera's into pure black.
A cruel smile appeared on Blake's face, his cold amber eyes seeming to glow the same color his Shadow Charm did, while the moon's pale light reflect on his silver hair and gave him an even paler look. The … thing flexed its hands before raising its duel disk, the Spirit Key dangling around its neck with a dim shine.
"What … what did you do to him?!" Bastion shouted at Banner, who looked so similar yet so different.
"Oh that? Just a little … failsafe." Banner chuckled darkly. "Do me a favor and send Jaden down to me once he arrives, will you?"
"Wait!" Bastion cried out and wanted to follow, but 'Blake' pushed him back. Banner vanished into the building with silent steps.
"Blake, get a hold of yourself!" He tried to reason with his friend.
"What are you talking about, Bastion?" The thing tilted its head, its mouth turning into an almost face-splitting grin. "I'm perfectly fine. I'm afraid I'll have to take that key of yours, however."
Bastion flinched back when a hand went for his throat, raising his crossed arms in defense. His duel disk hummed to life.
"Listen to yourself! You don't want to help Banner; you want to defeat him!" He tried once more.
"And I will, but first I have to open the gates." It replied with a low growl. "He'll make a fine meal for the Sacred Beasts."
Bastion shook his head, his mind going double-time trying to find a solution. Calculate a way out. Find some reasoning to talk them out of this.
"I see you're too much of a wimp to fight." It mocked. "I'm not surprised, you've got nothing but boring academics to show for yourself after all."
Bastion froze, his eyes locking onto Blake's form.
"Isn't that why you've latched onto me like a parasite?" It tilted its head the other way around, farther that it probably should be able to. "Because you're weak. The ever second. You lost against Chazz in every tournament. You lost against him during your promotion."
It waved its hand towards the familiar sight of a red jacket and Kuriboh-hair running up to them. "You couldn't hope to ever beat Jaden, who's so far below you in the one thing you're good at its not even funny. But just like how his grades cannot compare to yours, your dueling skills are but a droplet against his sea."
"Needless to say, you're nothing against me. You're but a monkey, trying to reach for the moon's reflection in the lake it stares into, only threatening to drown itself in the attempt."
Jaden, and Doctor Crowler, who Bastion had somehow overlooked, skidded to a stop as they arrived nearby.
"Yo, Bastion, what's going on?" Jaden asked warily, his eyes flicking from him to Blake and back.
"Monsieur Moore?" Crowler tried to step closer, only to be slapped away by a dark tendril.
"I'm not sure myself." Bastion admitted through gritted teeth. "But I got this covered. You need to take down Banner, he's in the basement! He's the last of them!"
"Last of them …" Jaden's eyes widened when they noticed the glowing Shadow Charm on Blake. "Chazz was right after all … but wait, Banner?!"
"I knew his knowledge was too convenient." Crowler cursed. "He led us right into a trap back in the ruins!"
"He's played you like the clown you are." 'Blake' laughed. "Go on, try and fight him, I won't stop you."
Crowler's eyes found Bastion's, an unspoken question hanging in the air. "It's Banner's doing, not his own." Bastion said and steeled himself. "But you should head into the forest, Doctor. Kami's still unconscious and some senior I haven't seen before is there as well. Now, go!"
"I'll be back in a jiffy!" Jaden said, trying to sound light-hearted, but his eyes had narrowed with an ever so slight glow. "Come on, doc!"
Jaden rushed into the building, while Doctor Crowler grimaced and made his way into the forest. "Stay safe, all of you!"
Bastion focused back on Blake, who'd completely ignored them running away. Doubts filled his mind. Everything the thing had said was true. Despite everything, he wasn't as grand a duelist as those around him. He was good, but he was nothing to what could be considered the second coming of Kaiba, Muto, and Wheeler.
"Scared?" It taunted once more.
"I am." Bastion admitted with a nod. "But that won't stop me from dueling- no, beating you. Whatever you are, I'll defeat you and bring Blake back."
"You can certainly try."
Well, well, well. Shit's going down now. What more can I say other than prepare for this arc to end soon! Lightened up the mood just to have it crashing for the final dark chapter for Blake. Just where are his spirits when he needs them? Poor Bastion, though.
Reviews:
Glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter, it was a blast to write for sure!
Raidentensho: Well, we got a Yuma in another serious, its not that far-fetched. Save to say this one won't have that much of an impact, however. Whether or not Blake will be rewarded for helping in supplying the Spirit Gates with power, we'll see soon.
Peter Kim: Absolutely, that's why Syrus beat him. Blake's certainly not happy, then again, he's not really in the position to do much atm. But will Banner achieve his goal, now that someone is interfering?
D2268: Again, sorry about that ". Apparently, Banner did, seeing as his failsafe worked. Just where is Jinzo when you need him? I believe Blake only learned that its chaotic there, with war and fleeing spirits. We'll get back to that during everyone's next year.
KlabOriz: Hey there! Glad to have you on-board, even more so that you liked it to read up this far! No Chazz, but he'll have something to say when we see him again.
I was also notified about some guy trying to rip of my story, but it got resolved before I got to it. So, yay? Imitation is the biggest form of flattery, after all. Not like this story wasn't inspired by the other big ones in this fandom, he he.
And we hit another milestone with over 500 favorites and 600 follows, holy Ra, that's insane you guys. That's it from me! See you next time!