Chapter 11: On the Road to Pewter City, Part 2 - Diglett Cave

(Diglett Cave Entrance, Viridian Forest Outskirts, Viridian City, Kanto Region, Pokémon World)

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(Cobalt POV)

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Cobalt had taken a photo of the Shiny Pikachu and sent it to Professor Oak. But he had reviewed its stats as well beforehand.

Now no doubt Professor Oak has reviewed his current Mon's, but he would be in for a pretty big shock when Cobalt chose to head to Cinnabar Island.

Cobalt planned to capture a lot of Squirtle and Wartortle.

Now looking at this Pikachu, he was quite impressed by its stats.

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Pikachu (Male)

Abilities: Static, Lightning Rod (Hidden)

HP: 40

Attack: 55

Defense: 40

Special Attack: 65

Special Defense: 55

Speed: 95

Known Moves: Body Slam, Dig, Focus Punch, Quick Attack, Thunder Shock, Thunder Bolt, Swift, Light Screen, Signal Beam, and Rain Dance.

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Compared to Snorlax it didn't know many moves, but the ones it did know were quite good. However, Cobalt wasn't sure if he wanted Pikachu. To be fair the addition of an Alolan Raichu was much more appealing after what happened in the forest.

Now by comparison, the Kantonian Raichu had fewer weaknesses and more moves than the Alolan one, but the addition of that Psychic typing for the Alolan Raichu was very appealing.

Strictly because it would give him an extra advantage against Sabrina and of course Mewtwo when it came time to fight Giovanni. As it stood, with Ace on his team he had a Mon that was naturally immune to Mewtwo's Psychic Power.

However, Mewtwo - like Snorlax - Could learn more than just Normal or Psychic-Type moves. Mewtwo in particular, could learn a move from essentially every possible typing but one.

Cobalt looked at the Pikachu and placed one of his Pokèball's in front of it.

''Pika?'' It looked up at him curiously.

''I want you to join me Pikachu. Join me and I promise to evolve you into a special Raichu that makes the others look like nothing by comparison. And I promise to feed you more stuff like this.'' Says Cobalt.

''Chu..Pikachu..'' Pikachu puts on a thinking face before pointing to Cobalt, then Bulbasaur, then itself, and then the Pokéball.

''You want to battle huh? Alright, Bulbasaur you up to battling Pikachu?'' Cobalt asks his first Pokémon and Partner.

''Bulbasaur.''

''Alright, hey Shadow? You and Weedle keep a close watch on Bulbasaur. I will be counting on all of you for my battle with Brock, but you two, Bulbasaur and Snorlax especially.'' Cobalt says, and truthfully, he was.

But he had an ulterior motive for agreeing with Pikachu's request to face his Bulbasaur. He was trying to stimulate and increase Bulbasaur's chances of evolution. Battling Brock and Misty's sisters would go a long way toward that, but Pikachu wasn't like Pidgey or Shadow, his stats didn't dip, they were raised.

So, battling Pikachu did two things for Bulbasaur, it gave him a tougher opponent and it also gave him a chance to face an opponent whose speed was higher and could easily overwhelm him. Even in defeat, Bulbasaur - like its bulb - would grow and reach new heights. The toughest battles were best saved for later, but the tougher battles could be left to be fought more immediately. Cobalt didn't expect his Bulbasaur to beat Pikachu, but he expected her to defy his expectations.

"Bulbasaur, listen. Pikachu is stronger than you. Realistically, I expect him to win this...however, I also expect you to prove to me that stats are only half the battle. Fight and don't give up!" He whispers to Bulbasaur.

"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur's look hardens, as she readies herself.

"Bulbasaur, do not hold whatever you do!"

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(POV Shift: Giovanni)

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Giovanni sat in his chair and observed his scientists trying to create the ultimate Pokémon from his cameras. This hadn't always been his dream; Giovanni had an older brother, he also had a wife and a child on the way once upon a time. Then they all died, his wife and son complications from childbirth and frankly Giovanni was to blame.

In the months before their death's he'd gotten his brother killed, and Dani wanted nothing to do with him.

He was still a young man upholding Rocket Tradition at the time. Every prospective member of his family hoping to one day become head of Team Rocket had to start from the ground up. He'd just completed a highly stressful operation that nearly killed him and one thing lead to the other, and she left him. He'd tracked her down, but the stress of it had sent her into early labor, and the result was clear. His girl and his son were dead.

Because of him and what had happened to Marcus.

Giovanni always wondered what would happen if his brother was alive and so too were his girl and his Son. He'd still be Viridian Gym Leader, but would he be the Leader of Team Rocket today or something else? There were men and women in his family who were allowed to live a normal life regardless of whether or not they were once a part of Team Rocket.

But Giovanni could only wonder, he had no means of bringing the dead back, but certain Pokémon did. This was why this project was so important, with the power of Mew on their side, he would find Jirachi, and then he would find Arceus, with those two and eventually the Primal Forces of Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, and the Four Regi's...Giovanni would get his family back.

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(POV Shift: Nanu)

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Tapu Bulu had left Alola.

Much as knew why, Nanu still worried.

Cobalt...

It all came back to Cobalt.

Cobalt had the same drive and focus as Giovanni, which was part of the reason he'd been against the boy dating Acerola. But there was also another reason. The Truth would come out soon, and Giovanni would demand answers, frankly, so too would Cobalt the two were more alike than Cobalt realized. Those two were on a collision course that would either destroy Kanto or one of them or both.

Picking an old and somewhat faded photo from his wallet, Nanu gazes at it wistfully. Seven young trainers, best friends and traveling together. Nanu, Giovanni, Sylvie, Harland, Marcus, Danielle and Iris. Harland was the oldest, and had won the Battle Frontier, he'd been offered the chance to become a Frontier Brain, but had opted for one last journey before taking that up.

Sadly, that last journey was more final than any of them dared to believe. Giovanni and Marcus were in deep with Team Rocket, hell they all were. But The week before Nanu left to return home, Harland was killed. Giovanni changed forever, despite their successful methods to make him forget.

When he came back, Nanu found that Danielle and Giovanni's relationship had climaxed, Danielle was pregnant.

But eventually -at her request, he and Marcus got her out. But as a direct consequence, Giovanni killed Cobalt's father.

Sighing helplessly, Nanu wipes a tear as he remembers how enraged Giovanni had been at Marcus.

Nanu had only done as he'd been asked, that's all he'd ever done.

From being a Kahuna, to helping Danielle disappear the first time, to even being the primary Ula'Ula Island Police Officer. But that had gotten his best friend killed. But now, Nanu knew a reckoning was coming, which is why he was trying to find a successor, Tapu Bulu might want Cobalt to be the next Kahuna, but as the current Kahuna, he needed to make sure there were alternatives in place, which is why he'd reached out to Illima. Even a temporary successor should be able to keep Ula'Ula Island safe in the event Nanu doesn't survive the outcome of the coming reckoning.

Whatever ended up happening, Nanu would be satisfied for so long as Tapu Bulu and Acerola survived.

Though, he would try to do right by Cobalt, he owed the kid's father that much. After all, he represented the best and worse of Giovanni and Marcus, the three of them were after all...family.

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(POV Shift: Cobalt)

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Kneeling beside Bulbasaur and Pikachu, both were exhausted. Bulbasaur and Pikachu both gave as good as they got, and finally, Cobalt nodded to Greedy Rapooh and Dusclops, with both Pokémon promptly calling a halt to it, and Cobalt, who had cooked food during the fight, placed a bowl of food before them both.

"I know I told you not to hold back and to not give up, but Bulbasaur, if you don't end up an Ivysaur by Cerulean City, I'll be surprised. As for you Pikachu, you've earned yourself some food." Says Cobalt, as he pets both Pokémon.

''A deals a deal Pikachu, No Contest means no winner, which means it's up to you to decide whether or not you want in on our little group.'' Cobalt says placing the same Pokéball from before in front of Pikachu.

''Pikachu.'' Pikachu taps its nose against the Ball, getting itself captured in the process, with the Pokéball teleporting to Viridian City PC.

''We'll that was easy.'' Acerola notes.

''Yeah, but I don't expect it to be as easy when we finally get inside the cave. The Mon's of Diglett Cave are notoriously difficult to capture if they're not Digglet or Chingling. Absol, Makuhita, Bronzor, and Rhyhlrn have been known to call this cave home over the years, and that's not even considering the Zubat, Geodude, Graveler, Onix, and other such Pokémon we're likely to find. So keep Greedy Rapooh and Dusclops at your side, and Mimikins on your shoulder. I'll keep Bulbasaur and Rockruff out. If worse comes to worst, I'll bring out Snorlax and blow a hole out of the Cave.'' Says Cobalt, who proceeds to return Ace and Shadow to their Pokéball's.

Ever since a certain event back in Sinnoh, a lot of Pokémon began migrating to the regions south of Sinnoh. Something that in turn caused certain Johto and Hoenn Mon's to journey to Kanto.

Basically what had happened was a pitched battle between Legendary Pokémon and the chaos of the battles caused the migrations.

No one really knew which Mon's were involved, except maybe Dialga and Palkia.

But now they were able to sleep and then traverse the cave the next day, the only thing that would change is that they had an extra mouth to get around to feeding.

Cobalt was looking forward to finding out which Pokémon called the cave home. He wasn't planning to catch much, but if he had an opportunity to capture an Onix or Rhyhorn, you could bet your ass he'd try.

A Rhyhorn would have an immense advantage against Surge, as would an Electivire, though Cobalt didn't expect to capture an Electivire since very few were out in the wilds of Kanto. Electabuzz were native to Kanto primarily, but needed an Electirizer to Evolve.

Alternatively, as a substitute, extreme mastery over their Electric-Type abilities has been known to cause evolutions.

A nice thing about this being a real-world meant it was unnecessary to trade a Pokémon holding a specific item to evolve. However, Mon's that needed another Mon to be traded in lieu of an Item to evolve was still necessary.

Really it was good you didn't have to trade item holding Mon's because it would suck to lose your hard-trained Electabuzz, Onix, Gengar, or Magmar to another trainer. They were Pokémon that could easily win a League if they were well-trained and knew the right moves.

''Let's go Acerola.'' Cobalt says as they enter Diglett Cave.

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Cobalt and Acerola together with Greedy Rapooh, Mimikins, Dusclops, Bulbasaur, and Rockruff were using their Pokédex and the predetermined route through the Diglett Cave to their advantage.

No route was perfect, and no route guaranteed that you would get out of the cave, but the Pokédex was able to triangulate the best path based on real-time data from other trainers, satellites, and maps. Additionally, other Pokédex's provided navigational data that helped other trainers move through such places.

Cobalt was no stranger to Caves, considering one of the operations he ran abroad to make some money was situated in a cave system. Nothing illegal, but the legality was still in a grey area since although he had a selling permit, he didn't have a production permit. And yet he made thousands of Pokédallars that went into a Savings account.

In this world, Trainers who chose to place most of their Pokédallar's into a Savings Account were extremely well-protected account-wise. The only person outside of themselves who could retrieve the Pokédollars was the Chairman of the Pokémon League. But even then, it wasn't a simple matter of kidnapping said President. No one person had the emergency key to unlock and take said money.

The key was split into five parts. One part was given to the Trainer, another to the League President, one to the Regional Resident Professor, one to the Head of the bank in question, and the last one to the Regional Champion. Few trainers had the initiative or foresight for this, so the ones who did were very highly valued and afforded immense anti-theft protection.

''Hey, Cobalt? Have a look at this, what do you think it is?'' Acerola says, catching his attention.

''What the? This... I don't think I've ever seen this before. Let me snap a picture real quick and do a search.'' Cobalt says looking at the writing on the cave wall.

''Let's try and translate this. Let's see, this is in an ancient Rotan dialect. This symbol translates as Guardians of Aura, and it's mentioned a lot. I'm seeing references to Mew, The Regi's, Lugia, and Ho-Oh, the Birds. But I'm also seeing vague mentions of a prophecy.'' Cobalt says, silently thanking Professor Olivia teaching him how to read and translate ancient scripts and Languages.

''What sort of prophecy?'' Asks Acerola.

''All it says - as far as I'm able to translate that relates to the prophecy- is five who are one. Four who follow the unbound one, he or she who is not restricted by fate or destiny.'' Says Cobalt.

''Anything else?'' Acerola asks.

''I'm seeing mentions of eleven other locations scattered across the world. One in Rota, One at Mount Moon, four in Johto, and five in Hoenn. But I'm confused...'' Cobalt says trailing off as a thought strikes him.

''What's wrong? What's the matter?'' Acerola asks.

''We're what? Around thirteen hundred...maybe fifteen hundred yards from the entrance? How is it that nobody noticed this already? I mean not even Professor Oak? I don't know Rola...I want to say this is all a hoax, but then why write this in an ancient Rotan script that hasn't been spoken for hundreds of years? And why not write it deeper in the Cave or deeper underground? Why write it right near the start?'' Cobalt asks.

''I don't know how to answer that, but whatever the answer is we'll just have to find it when we cross Mount Moon won't we?'' Asks Acerola.

''I don't know Rola, that prophecy worries me, but prophecies only become real and dangerous if they're heard. I'd rather not get involved...but the fact we discovered this, and not Professor Oak and anybody else seems to indicate we have to find this shit ourselves...stupid fucking plot.'' Cobalt says, muttering the last part silent as a whisper.

''At any rate, we should go. We have a lot of ground to cover.'' Says Acerola.

''Then let me just take photos and notes.'' Cobalt says finishing his notes.

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(POV Shift: Tapu Bulu)

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Bulu was soaring through the Sky. Bulu was going to find friend like a good Bulu. Bulu wanted to be praised and wanted good food, but Bulu really wanted friend back.

Buku and friend good team!

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(POV Shift: Acerola)

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Acerola observed the way Cobalt traversed Diglett Cave, even though he followed his Pokédex Map, he still carefully observed the direction and location of where they were.

''Greedy Rapooh, search ahead, no more than a thousand yards, ensure there are no surprises.'' Cobalt orders.

''Gengar.'' Rapooh replies with a salute, before going ahead.

''Cobalt, what's the plan for Pewter City? What can we expect?'' Acerola asks. Knowing Cobalt is a very detailed researcher, Aceeola knows he'll have researched Pewter Cities Gym Leader.

''Gym Leader Flint, a father of countless children, miner, and as old as the Kanto Pokémon League itself give or take a decade. Known Pokémon include a Golem, Graveler, Several Geodude, a Steelix, and there are rumors of a fossil Pokémon, likely a Kabuto, Kabutops, or Aerodactyl, though I can't discount the possibility of a non-Kanto fossil Pokémon.'' Says Cobalt.

''What's his position in the Gym Leaders?'' Acerola asks.

''Weakest, however, that's more to do with the type advantages the Cerulean sisters have over him than anything else. The Cerulean Sisters don't take their duties seriously at all, and rarely battle. The fact that Flint only uses Rock and Ground-Types, as well as only Rock or Ground-Types who know moves belonging to those typings is why he's at the bottom of the ladder.'' Says Cobalt as he checks and double-checks their positions on the map and in person.

''Can we beat him?'' Asks Acerola.

''For me, the typing favors me more than it does it you, however, Greedy Rapooh might just make up the difference, together with Mimikins, Popplio, Dusclops, and Mudsdale, they might just win you the day.'' Says Cobalt.

''And Cerulean?'' Acerola asks.

''One Gym at a time Rola. And before that, we have to get out of here.'' Says Acerola before a loud rumbling occurs.

''What the shit?!'' Cobalt bellows as he quickly protects Acerola as the rumbling becomes borderline cataclysmic.

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(POV Shift: Cobalt)

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Cobalt looked around and saw that Bulbasaur and Rockruff were okay, and since Dusclops, Mimikins, and Greedy Rapooh were able to phase through shit they were alright.

His main concern was Acerola, if she got hurt...

''Cobalt, much as I like being pressed against you, now's hardly the time.'' Acerola says.

''Ain't that the truth!'' A voice says, and out steps a young man in the attire of a Pokémon Ranger.

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(POV Shift: Acerola)

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Acerola watched Cobalt's face morph into excitement as he rushed the Ranger and punched him in the face!

She watched the Ranger punch him back, before the two embraced.

''My friend! It's been too long.'' Cobalt says.

''Indeed it has Cobalt, I certainly didn't expect you to be here, though I'm hardly disappointed. How many years has it been since we've met?'' The Ranger asks.

''Last time we met was...Kalos I believe. In Shalour City, we got on Gurkinn's bad side and only got off easy cause of my sister.'' Says Cobalt, and Acerola glances at him, because she's seen Cobalt's family tree, and there is no sister.

''YOU got on his bad side, telling him to hurry up and keel over after he already banned us!'' Says the Ranger.

''Yeah, but remember all that anger turned into hot air soon as his granddaughter started laughing.'' Cobalt says as he and the Ranger start laughing again.

''Not to interrupt, but who are you? And how do you know my Cobalt?'' Asks Acerola.

''Your Co- Ah, so you're the one.'' The Ranger says the wheels turning in his head.

''The one what?'' Acerola asks.

''The one Cobalt felt was worth getting arrested for. That's not something that can be said for a lot of people. The handful of people Cobalt's legitimately dated and the only one he turned down are immensely jealous. I can swear to that, considering each one has managed to track me down and ask. I've been burned more than once because of them.''

''Will you stop evading the girl and answer her original question. And for the record old friend, I've only dated about three people before her.'' Cobalt says exasperated.

''Very well, Pokémon Special Operations Division Ranger Devin Carro at your service. Cobalt and I are old friends, and since somehow my assignments tended to bring me into contact with Cobalt or people associated/acquainted with him quite a bit, of course we became friends.'' Says Devin.

''My names Acerola, nice to meet you.'' Acerola says after Cobalt nods to her that it's true. She doesn't like to introduce herself to people who claim to be friends of Cobalt, without prior confirmation given his penchant for beating the tar out of abusive trainers.

''So why are you here old friend?'' Asks Cobalt.

''There were rumors of a strange and ancient Pokemon in Mount Moon. Ranger Headquarters sent me to investigate, but it had moved on by the time I'd arrived.'' Devin explains.

''And knowing you and those partners of yours, you'd tracked it here, right DC?'' Cobalt asks.

''Partners?'' Acerola asks, sensing a story.

''Like most Rangers I've got a Pokémon Partner. But because I'm assigned to the Special Operations Division I have two, one that helps with infiltration and one with tracking. Thanks to the latter, I was able to track the Pokémon here.'"

''I sense a ''but'' coming.'' Cobalt says.

''But I wasn't the only one tracking it. Team Rocket beat me to it. That quake? Was them blowing a hole in the roof to escape. A hole from the deepest level. Like Mount Moon, Diglett Cave runs along a natural fault line.'' Says Devin.

''Which caused that quake.'' Says Acerola, remembering that Alola has a similar situation beneath the main islands.

''As I recall, certain Legendary Pokemon draw strength the closer they are to a natural occurrence of their typing. Regirock for instance is stronger around fault lines and tectonic plates, while the likes of Registeel is stronger in highly magnetic locations, such as the Oblivian Peninsula.'' Says Cobalt.

''Exactly, I believe this Pokémon to be a long forgotten Legendary or Mythical Pokémon who finds great strength in places like Mount Moon and Diglett Cave. But because of Team Rocket I have no new leads.'' Says Devin.

''Cobalt?'' Acerola says softly.

''I know, Rola. DC, if you're looking for Team Rocket, you can find them in Viridian Forest and Viridian City. In fact, Team Rocket Headquarters is IN Viridian City.'' Says Cobalt.

''And you know this how?'' Devin asks.

''Because Acerola's Uncle Nanu, who is the Ula'Ula Island Kahuna and Police Chief, was a Childhood friend of Viridian Gym Leader Giovanni, as well as the man who would someday become head of Team Rocket. Why do you think Giovanni chose to take over the VCG? It was to keep an eye on his friend.'' Says Cobalt, and Acerola doesn't correct him because she is curious to know about Cobalt's plan.

Like her, Cobalt is well aware of Giovanni's true nature and position, so why isn't he revealing that to his friend?

''Your not telling me everything.'' Devin says.

''I'm not, but only because I will extract my pound of flesh from Team Rocket before I out their leader.'' Cobalt says.

''Well... I'll take it, at the very least I'll pass it up the chain of command. For now though, let's see you two out of here.'' Says Devin.

''Sorry old friend, we're pressing on.'' Says Cobalt.

''CB, you better than anyone know that that quake likely destabilized parts of the caves. It's necessary to go back. Your best bet is to take a small plane to Cerulean before backtracking to Pewter City.'' Devin says to Cobalt.

''Can't do that Devin, I'm in need of some Pokémon found in this cave, same with Mount Moon. Besides I only plan to backtrack once in Kanto if I can help it.'' Says Cobalt.

''Cobalt? It's not such a bad idea.,'' Acerola interrupts.

''Maybe not but it will seriously disrupt the schedule. In order to wven get to Pewter City directly we'd have to cross Mount Moon twice, and I'm not fond of Mountains. Caves I can deal with, Mountains not so much. Plus, Mount Moon will likely be closed gf anyway, causing a large traffic lock in the roads and routes between it.'' Says Cobalt.

''Good thing the trains still work then.'' Says Devin.

''Trains? Since when is there a passenger line between Pewter City and Cerulean? The only active lines in Kanto that aren't privately owned are freight lines.'' Says Cobalt in confusion.

''Yes, but the League - At the suggestions of Gym Leader Flint and Elite Four members Bruno and Lance - was able to temporarily repurpose several freight lines into a passenger l8nes, they've flown in passenger cars from Hoenn as a result. If you take a flight to Cerulean, you can take the passenger line to Pewter City and back.'' Says Devin.

''Acerola, what do you think we should do?'' Cobalt asks her.

''It's a fair alternative Cobalt, and if the Cave or Mount Moon is declared stable within our timeline, we can always come back to both.'' Acerola suggests.

Acerola watches as Cobalt paces around thinking about it carefully.

''Fine, so be it. You both win.''

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After traversing their way back to Viridian Forest, Acerola and Cobalt bid goodbye to Devin. They would make their way to Viridian City, and book an early flight to Cerulean City.

Depending on what they decided, they might very well challenge Cerulean together or they might just head straight to Pewter City and challenge Cerulean City after. Acerola didn't particularly mind either way, Cobalt had his reasons for wanting to challenge Flint first after all. But it wasn't just up to him...

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(Author's Note:)

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So, lot of shit here. Well Devin Carro joined, been looking forward to that, that bit with Giovanni and his brother wasn't completely planned though. I knew I wanted Giovanni and Cobalt to have some kind of fucked up relation but as I wrote that I wasn't and indeed still aren't 100% on whether not to have Dannielle as Cobalt's mom with Giovanni as the kids father or uncle.

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it will at least make the battle and the reckoning more interesting.

I'm keeping that trail of thought by Nanu regarding Giovanni, Cobalt, and Matcus deliberately vague because as I've said I'm still not 100 on it.

In other news I'm still working on my Aethan rewrite, but I've just come off a big tournament for Special Olympics, and I'm exhausted emotionally, and this morning some guy walks up to me and says "Boy are you big and fat.''

He's lucky that I care more about not expelled from the establishment than I do giving him a fucking hiding.

Anyway my point is I'm burning it at both ends, and that shit just put me so far over the edge it's ridiculous. So I'm taking a break, until I can get all of my issues sorted.

I'll still post, but I'm at the point where if I don't get a personal day or even a week to Myself and take a step back from everything non-essential I'm liable to have a mental break.

TheRagFromTheCrag.

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