Author Note:

Well, here's my first published chapter as an adult. Although I wrote half of it as a teenager. So expect to get halfway through and suddenly see a bunch of flowery language and grammatically correct sentences. :J

But I got to see Mortal Engines for my birthday. Loved it. So much that I'll try to track down the books. I also got a T-shirt from one of my favorite movies. *cringe* It's the Princess Bride, I confess. ':D And I got Spyro: The Reignited Trilogy! A blast from the past, and my childhood. I remember playing it on the PlayStation 2. :D

I also went out and bought myself UFC3 yesterday. Because, well... UFC3. If you try to ignore all the patented EA bullshit, like connecting to a sever between EVERY single fucking menu, and hits "landing" about half a meter away, it's actually a decent game.

Anyway, a lot of people liked the last chapter, and a lot of people didn't. Thanks for letting me know what you thought regardless! I was pretty confident when I posted that it'd turn out that way. But writing wise, I was happy with it. :)

Here's the next installation, of Enderbackgroundcharacter. :'D

Starting Perspective: Isaac

The Half-Dead

The city of Veradale loomed in the distance, eyeing our every step with just suspicion.

It knew we were up to no good, it always did. I couldn't recall a time when those sturdy stone walls didn't suspect me of some mischief. Much like I couldn't recall entering them without a plan to commit some.

Raven gazed at the growing mass with interest, but asked no questions.

She was acting weird today. Something was on her mind, and she was certainly in no mood to share what it was. I had decided about twenty minutes into our trip that silence was probably the best strategy.

The dirt road had turned to cobblestone a while back, and now the rattle of carts and wagons permeated the warming air. It was odd seeing villagers again, and their wary glances in our direction brought back a sense of familiarity.

Sighing, I pulled my hood a little further south.

Hybrids weren't openly welcome in Veradale. Players, even less.

We would have to stay hidden.

Perspective Change: Raven

The city sparkled atop it's mountainous hold on the vibrant landscape. Morning sun careened into multicoloured window panes, dazzling the shifting sky with a disco of coloured shapes. An opulent castle sat high atop the mountain's peak, peering down atop the monasteries and noble houses on one side, and looking out to a vast sea on the other.

Behind the now looming walls, I saw fireworks crack into the heavens, followed quickly by laughter and awe.

Who would've guessed such a place could exist? Especially in such a hostile world.

Our pace slowed as a que began to form. The gates were about a kilometre away now. Shiny metal guards inspected every newcomer.

Isaac released an annoyed hiss after grinding his teeth for a moment. "Alright. We're going in through the bottom."

"The bottom?"

"Oh you're going to love it. Follow me." He stepped off the path's side, sliding down the dirt rise with grace.

I met him below, where we continued forward for a few minutes.

Small huts and squabbles became commonplace the closer we got to the walls. Dirty faces peered out at us, watching our every move.

"Don't touch anyone," my guide whispered.

A little girl crossed our path, running off to some unknown destination. Her face was bloated and matted with rotting flesh. Her clouded eyes barely placed our existence.

Her symptoms passed to every face we saw, all mangled and scrappy…

"What's wrong with them?" My voice came out hushed.

Isaac glanced around, sidestepping a man that reached out to him. "They're called half-dead. As you know… Minecraft has zombies. But when a villager is attacked, and bitten, it can take days, even weeks to turn…" he paused to manoeuvre our way past a group, gathered around a campfire, "And in that time, people can have children, or at least conceive them."

My tongue curled at the thought. "And the children…"

"Half-dead. You wouldn't believe how common it is."

"I think I'm starting to…" I dragged my eyes away from a family, huddled over scraps of meat.

The closer we came to the wall, the more I wondered where we were going. There was no clear path ahead, just a mass of crudely constructed houses, pressed up against the stone. A river of waste ran out from one of them.

As we hurried up a dozen wooden steps, I realised that house was our destination. Hesitating briefly before the door, Isaac turned to me. "Don't say anything."

I nodded, already further from my world than I had ever been. I was just glad he seemed to know what he was doing.

Quietly, he rapped on the door twice, and then six times, and then twice again.

Something shuffled behind the thin walls. Soon, bolts clicked, and slid from their place, and the door opened but a sliver.

And old, withered voice accompanied the one milky eye that stared up at us. "It's been a long while, since I heard that knock…"

The Creeper gave a curt smile, "Greptka, I'm glad you're still here."

The door creaked as it opened, revealing a hunched figure who supported herself with a thick cane. Boiled, sagging skin hung from barely existent bones, and sharp yellow teeth chattered as she laughed. "You thought I'd be dead! It'll take more than time to kill me, Creeder."

I picked up on the odd name. Perhaps she had mispronounced it? But when Isaac checked over his shoulder, I concluded it must have meaning.

"Is the way still open?"

Her pale eyes narrowed. "Barely. All the main exits have been holed over."

He nodded, "I know a way."

She smiled a horrifying smile, "good. But… the boys will smell her as soon as you enter." Somehow her empty eyes snapped onto me. A moment of inspection tilted her misshaped head. "Player…"

Isaac tensed, "your eyes are keen as ever."

"It's not how she looks boy, it's how she breaths. Listen…" they paused briefly, watching me. I shifted, uncomfortable. "She's not used to our air."

How I breath? I hadn't noticed a difference… As far as I was concerned, the air was the same as Earth's. Crazy old woman.

Isaac turned back to her, "we'll go, nonetheless."

"Of course you will! But," thick pointed nails extended from stubby fingers as she held out a hand, "you'll pay for passage, of course."

Digging into his jacket, Isaac pulled a bag, a Zip-Lock bag, the brand I recognised from David's kitchen. I raised an eyebrow, as I recognised its contents. Dirt?

Carefully, he placed the item in her outstretch hand, careful not to touch her.

Snatching it greedily, she held it up to the light. The bottomless whites widened as she studied it. "I had always wondered where you ended up… but I never once considered… You actually made it?"

The Creeper smiled, "I was lucky."

"What was it like?"

"Beautiful. Unlike anything you've ever seen."

They were talking about Earth…

For once, the smile on the old hag's face was mildly pleasant. She stepped aside, "come in."

Cautiously, Isaac passed through, leaving me to follow.

The inside was a ramshackle mess. Odd trinkets and dried plants hung on string from the rafters, crowding the roof to create a disorienting jungle of crap. And in the little room's centre, sat a large iron cauldron, a faint steam rising from its depths.

"You're a witch." The sentence escaped before I could stop it.

Isaac's head snapped to me, his eyes lighting up with warning.

"Ahhh, it speaks! But what is it, you pretend to know of my people?"

Ignoring the Creeper, and my better judgement, I spoke again. "Nothing. I've just never met one before."

"Shall we shake hands?" she sniggered, tucking her bag of dirt away behind a dead bird. Turning back to face me, her twisted fingers dug through her thick coat. "No, child… there aren't many of us left. In fact, I may be the only witch you ever lay eyes upon."

"What happened?"

"A good old-fashioned witch hunt, on a scale never seen before… but that was a time ago now." Finally, she grasped her target, and pulled it from her robes. A green string formed a small loop, secured with a simple wooden bead. She held it out to me, "a gift."

"Raven, no," the Creeper hissed.

"Relax boy! You paid me more than what was due. I'm trying to balance our books, nothing more."

Tentatively, I took the delicate thing between my fingers. Examining it, I could see nothing more than a piece of string. My eyes darted back to the old woman. "What is it?"

"It's a bracelet, daft girl. Now come along." She hobbled towards the back of the room.

Rolling my eyes, I absently slipped the thing onto my left wrist, deciding I'd throw it out later.

As we followed her, my vision seemed to shimmer, the wooden wall wavered, and disappeared. In its place, was a huge metal gate, chained over a stone pipe. Sewage and rot flowed from its gaping maw, falling through a grate in the floor. The immediate stench was overwhelming, but I was more concerned with the deception of my vision. Where the hell had this thing come from?

The chains dropped away as she unbolted them, and the heavy iron bars swung upwards, pulled by a giant spring.

"Don't tell me where climbing into that."

The witch laughed, but merely waved us onward.

Unbuckling his mace, Isaac stepped into the pipe, shuffling along the side to avoid the muck. Begrudgingly, I followed him once more, sparing a last look at the elderly woman.

"We'll meet again, young one."

Not if I could help it.

And yet again, we willing plunged ourselves into absolute darkness.

It was a time after the last speck of light had faded from our backs, and Isaac had started up a flame, the he finally spoke. I already knew he was mad. The reason why, I was sure he'd tell me. "You shouldn't have said anything."

"Nothing happened."

"There's no way to tell if something happened, Raven."

I rolled my eyes, "what's got you so skittish?"

He stopped, whipping around. The last thing I saw was his piercing frustration before my world dropped into darkness. His flame went out… "You have no idea what danger we're in. Notch should've listened to me and let me come on my own."

"You tried to cut me out of the mission?"

"Yessss. For of this very fucking reasson." His voice was hushed, but the anger was more than apparent.

For once… I swallowed my pride. The darkness surrounding me was enough of a reminder that if he wanted, he could leave me here alone. At this point, I needed him to survive. And this world was hardly something I knew… "Fine. I'm… sorry."

Silence echoed.

"I'll be more careful." I tried.

Again, nothing.

Panic rose in my chest, "Isaac?"

A spark arched into the air, where it caught on some Creeper powered fuel, and lit. He was right there, right where he had left me. Unwelcome relief swept through my body.

"Let's just hope that's not a curse," he stared at the bracelet on my wrist.

Fed up, I ripped it from my skin, and threw it into the waste below. It was soon lost amongst the murky water. "It's not. Can we go now? It's gross down here."

A smirk returned to his face, lost from sight as he turned, and carried onward.

I let out a silent, shaky breath before chasing his steps.

The silence led my thoughts wayward. Mostly, as much as I tried to banish it, I thought about last night. Yes, I remembered. How could I possibly forget? Every ounce of my brain was still screaming at my idiocy, but… he did kiss me back. And unlike me, he was completely sober…

That said… I watched Isaac, his shoulders shifting with every step. Something inside me ached, guilt churning my stomach around, and around.

I guess this is what I get for liking two different guys.

Abruptly, I bumped into Isaac's baggy jacket. "Fuc-" His hand clapped over my mouth as the light went out.

"There's an opening ahead. Somethings there."

Nudging his hand away, I removed a tomahawk.

I almost hit the roof when his hand clasped mine. "W- what the fuck are you doing?" I whispered.

"Can you see?"

"No! …Oh."

"How about you just leave the thinking to me from now on?"

"Shut up, Isaac."

His snigger restarted our journey, where he pulled me along behind him.

Sure enough, I felt the pipe walls disappear and tapper out. The roof heightened as well, but I had no idea where it now stopped. For me, there was nothing but darkness, and Isaac's hand, tightly wrapped around mine. He was still warm as ever…

"They're watching us."

"Who?"

"Half-dead rascals. We used to have a truce. I've got no idea what state it's in though…"

My teeth ground subconsciously, "how many?"

A dreadful second passed as he counted. "Thirty eight, no, thirty nine."

"We can't fight that many."

The Creeper paused a few meters later.

"Isaac?"

"We're surrounded."

I peered into the darkness but saw nothing. I tried to listen instead… Sure enough, the shuffle of bare feet… all around us.

For some reason, he crouched, tapping his mace against the stone below. Twice, then six quick raps, and then twice again. That same knock.

The shuffling stopped, and the air became still.

"That's an old one." A voice, from the blackness. It was raspy, and coarse.

Clearing his throat, the Creeper replied, "only one I know. I've been away for a while."

"Quite a while, if you thought that would save you."

"The truce fell through then, I suppose."

A booming, echoing laugh rebounded from the distant walls.

I tightened my grip on the boy's hand, a tendril of fear working its way through me. His thumb rubbed the back of my hand in reassurance.

"That's one way of putting it!" The voice spat. "Your people left us for dead when the new way opened. They found another hole to crawl through and let us starve."

"A new way? Into the city?"

For a second, the conversation paused. A sole set of feet dragged towards us, something clicking with every step. The voice was much closer when it next spoke. "You don't know it…"

A foul stench hit me as the thing, whatever it was, opened its mouth. Rotting flesh and infection.

"I have no need for it. As far as I'm concerned, there's a perfectly good hole right here." Isaac's cunning smile was evident through his words. He better not get us killed…

A laugh, lighter this time, rung out from the nearby monstrosity. "Clever… very clever. You'll honour the truce?"

"Of course I will. Haven't I always, Scrat?"

"Fine, but we want the good stuff."

I relaxed my vice-like grip, a tiny sigh escaping my pent-up lungs. It sounded like a jet engine in such a quiet space. My wince was only louder still.

Isaac covered, "it was a drum of pork fry, and some horse chops, right?"

"And don't skimp on the relish!"

The Creeper laughed, "you got it. We should be coming back through tonight, so look forward to a big dinner!"

A chorus of howls ricocheted from every surface, beastly yelps and joyful cries ringing in my ears. It was nauseating and seemed to last a full minute. By its end, I was near to passing out.

But Isaac tugged me along. I stumbled after him, trying to keep my footing on the suddenly uneven surface.

We had only made it a dozen paces when, "Isaac…"

"Yeah Scrat?" he paused, looking over his shoulder.

"The girl stays."

Dread filled my waning heart. Isaac whisked me around him, placing me where I could only assume, was out of harm's way. "No can do Scrat. She's with me."

"Well, that's unfortunate. Because we're hungry now…" his voice dropped to an insatiable depth "and she smells delicious!"

In one swift motion, the Creeper hefted me into his arms, and sprinted into the abyss. Ear piercing screeches filled every crack and crevice of the derelict caverns, a noise so full of pitch my head swam around in it. It was a struggle to even retain consciousness.

"Isaac," I mumbled in a daze.

"Stay with me, you irritable midget."

His insult was enough to restore me, if only slightly. "You better have a plan."

My stomach backflipped as we defied gravity, leaping over some unknown obstacle. The sound of crashing water passed beneath us briefly, before we landed roughly on solid ground once more.

A few frightful yelps preceded loud splashes, and in some cases, deadly cracks as bone struck stone.

But the pounding thuds of four-dozen feet still pursued, their yips and howls pestering my perception yet again.

"Alright," Isaac gasped between breaths, "hold onto me, and don't let go." I did as he said, locking my arms around his torso. "And…"

Gravity yanked at us as we bounded into the air, except this time, the drop was further than I could have imagined. Waves louder than waring thunderstorms hammered beneath us, growing louder and louder by the second.

"Take a deep breath!"

A moment before my feet hit the water, I heaved in the largest breath I could, only to have it knocked out of me by the ravenous current a moment later.

I gasped, but only ended up taking in water. The pressure compounded on top of us, the torrent dragging us down, and down, and down. It threatened to rip us apart with every disorientating blast, but I gripped the Creeper as if I planned to crush him, which I might've well been doing.

But none of it mattered, if I was going to drown…

Cool lips locked onto mine.

Shock invaded my mind for only a moment, before the thin stream of oxygen put my survival instinct in the driver's seat. I clung to his kiss like a superglue on skin, no chance in hell was I coming off in a little water.

But soon the oxygen stopped, and he had nothing left to give. I knew that, but I stayed there anyway.

And just as my lungs shook, and tried to pull in something, anything. The rapids spat us out into open air. I heaved in a breath, before hitting another plane of water, where I sunk deep into the calm, tranquil depths.

My water-logged eyes fluttered open, amazed to finally behold a stunning spectrum of aqua engulfing my entire world. The water was crystal clear and filled to the brim with vibrant coral reef, skittish fish hiding in every nook and cranny.

But the sight didn't captivate me for long, as I noticed Isaac wasn't moving.

Mustering my strength, I dragged him to the surface. The tension broke, and my head emerged from the suffocating substance, allowing me to replenish my hacking lungs.

A small shoreline provided a destination, one I swam towards with haste. Although dragging the giant boy was less than easy, and my panic made it all the more infuriating.

Finally, I heaved him across the undisturbed sediment, and onto the silver sands.

And still he lay motionless. He wasn't breathing.

"Shit, shit, shit!" I slapped the boy, hoping he'd wake.

Nothing. "Okay, CPR, uhh…" I nervously tried to recall the class they'd made us take at school. Fuck! Why hadn't I paid more attention!? The ironies of my behaviour were dawning on me far too often lately.

Placing my hands on his chest, I began my best attempt at compressions. How many did I need to do? Twenty? Or was it thirty? Why wasn't I counting? I stopped, and held his mouth open, not even thinking as I connected with him and depleted my lungs into his.

Back to the compressions. I counted out loud this time. "Twenty three, twenty four, twenty five!"

Another breath, this time pinning his nose.

"Twenty four, twenty five!"

I exhausted my air to him.

Tears rolled down my cheeks amongst the sweat and water.

"Twenty five!"

Breath!

"Twenty five!"

Breath!

"Twenty five!"

Breath!

"Twenty five."

Breath.

"Twenty five…"

Breath…

"Twenty five…"

I stopped, eyes flooded, and slowly pressed my lips to his, breathing out the last of my miserable, useless, hatred filled life…

Pulling away after a hopeful minute, I sunk into his chest, collapsing against his lifeless body. My shoulder shook as I cried into his shirt, scrunching my face against it and tugging at the seams.

I sat upright, watching him, waiting for him to spring back to life like they do in the movies.

I watched for what seemed an age…

A bolt of anger struck me like lightning. "Fuck you!" My face contorted as I struck him. His body gave a dull thud, but he didn't react.

It only served to enrage me more. "Fuck you! You can't just leave me here!" My fists hammered against his ribcage.

"FUCK YOU!"

I slammed a blow into his stomach.

Water erupted from his mouth, his legs kicking upwards as he sprung back to life. Rigorous hacking brought up the rest of the liquid, skilfully deposited on the sand. He collapsed back into his deathbed, thankful to be breathing normally once more. Bright cat-like eyes brought in the world, starring off at the roof as he tried to focus on this reality.

Slowly they turned to me, where I held a shocked hand over my mouth. They softened as he recognised me, and the tears that I had shed for him.

"What…" his words were weak, "what's all this about?" he rose a hand to my cheek, nursing away the droplets.

It was a futile effort, as another wave descended from my reddening eyes. My head lulled down to his chest, where I planted myself beneath his chin.

"Shhhh," his fingers ruffled my hair, calming me down. "Huh… it is soft…"

"I- I wash it," I managed between shaky breaths.

He brushed his hand across my head, playing with the flaming shade. "It's nice."

I pressed further into him, letting my hands grasp his shoulders so I could pull myself even closer. His other hand wrapped around my waist, practically pulling me onto him. I didn't resist.

"Did that count as our first kiss?"

Somehow, I found a small giggle hidden away in me, and released it. "No… our first kiss will be much better."

I felt him smile, "I can't wait."

It spread to my lips too, "I know."

A moment of appreciation passed for both of us, just happy to be in the moment, and with each other, alive and well.

Isaac was the first to break it, "weren't you mad at me for something?"

"I can't even remember… Weren't you mad at me for something?" I asked, curious.

"It seems pretty unimportant now. Then again, near death experiences tend to re-prioritise your life."

"Why does it sound like you're speaking from experience?"

"Uhhh…"

"Isaac."

"Yeah?"

Reluctantly, I parted from him, and stared into his eyes, "don't ever leave me again."

He smirked, "only if you promise to let me play with your hair, whenever I want."

Somehow, everything was always a game to him. For a moment, I had lost what might be the one thing I care about above all else, and now he was making jokes. But when I put it like that, it was a small price to pay, I suppose. "I promise."

Laying back in the sand, I admired the natural ceiling for the first time. It was packed with millions of tiny bugs, glow-worms to be exact. Each one provided a tiny speck of green light, but together… well, that explained how I could see so clearly in the underground oasis. It was a beautiful little spot, actually.

Isaac groaned as he sat up. I eyed him with worry, but said nothing. He admired the scenery for a moment, but soon turned around. "Ah, good. It's still here."

Curious, I followed his gaze. It took a moment, but I soon recognised a rickety look ladder in the far corner.

A way out.

My lips pressed together as I realised we must move on. "What now?"

Slowly, the Creeper rose to his feet. "The city has changed since I was last here…" His lively eyes studied the tranquil pond, turning to me a moment later. "I have no idea who controls what. And in Veradale, its not safe to be ignorant." He presented a hand to me, which when grasped, pulled me to my feet. "We'll have find some old friends… or…"

"Or?"

Parting from the breathtaking scenery, he started towards the ladder. "Or, they'll find us."

I wanted to ask who, but something stopped me. Something about his posture, or tone of voice… something anxious. I watched as his silent steps faded him into the darkness.

One last time, I let my gaze drift. It traced the silver shoreline, and the shifting waters of aqua. And there, at the narrow, wavering waterline, where the liquid lapped the long bank of sand, something rose, half buried in the grains.

Curious, I crossed the distance, and squatted down. Sand clung beneath my nails as I dug out the object.

My eyes widened. A simple green thread, looped, and fastened by a single wooden bead. The bracelet the witch had given me… it must've washed down…

"Raven?"

Absently, I slipped it into my pocket and stood. He waited patiently as I approached.

"Ladies first," he smirked.

"Not a chance, pervert. After you."

His bright grin split the darkness before it disappeared up our escape.

Somehow, we had survived the ordeal… but something told me the danger was far from over.

Author Note:

Filling out the world is fun, and very different from what I usually get to do. What'd you guys think? Interesting? A little too off-topic? Kind of unbelievable? Let me know. I am very curious to hear what you think, and if I should continue writing in this detail, or just B-lining it to the plot-points. :)

Also, since I don't have another chapter written yet, and don't know when I'll get one done...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you guys had a fantastic year, and look forward to another one! Make sure to spend time with family, if you can. They can sometimes be hard to get a hold of... And you better eat far more than physically possible. It's Christmas, after all. :D

And now, since I have nothing else of importance to say, reviews!

Funniest Review: Ender
"You know something's changed when you have to double check your email to make sure this is, indeed, a new chapter, and not a repeat email for the last one. The question is, with this chapter being released so soon after the previous one.. will it be *two* years until the next one? Only time will tell."

Pffft, thanks for the vote of confidence man. Hahaha, no, fair enough, I deserve that. But hey! Here's another chapter! And earlier than anticipated too! :P I'll never forget about you guys, so always stay tuned for another chapter, eventually... :D

First Ten:

Sir Loser: Yeah, it's probably worth doing if you can be bothered. Although, forty chapters is a lot to reread. :J
The D0ctor: Pffft, hahaha, well, believe me this ship is not the be-all and end-all of the relationships. I know where I plan on taking it, but drama is always a great way to develop characters. And damn, that's a riddle coincidence right there. :D How does a D0ctor get sick!? Hope you get well soon. And maybe if you put everything in one review, you wouldn't reach the limit so quickly. :J
Mineking57: Don't worry about the harem side of things. Not my style, and I hate them when they happen out of nowhere. I've been a little pressed for time lately, so forgive my lack of PM. I hardly ever use them anymore. :'( Either way, thanks for the feedback, as usual. :)
TheForgottenRune: Redstone elevator!? One of my all time favorite topics. What type of design did you use? And you're making a game too? By god please let me play it! :D Hahaha, well hopefully Amber and David can stop being so useless and get together sometime. Looking forward to hearing from you. :D
Stunnington: Good to know I can still have such a frustrating effect on you! You'll never be able to defend against my attacks! :D Your "infancy/fetus" bit cracked me up. I really like that idea though! A few people have attempted the "play two characters" thing, but only a select few have done it well. But there aren't enough wasteland games out there, so send me some screenshots when you actually get something going! (Also I am studying game design, so if you have any questions about anything whatsoever, let me know.) :) $60 straight up? Done. Hahaha, no I think $7.99 is a perfectly reasonable price. Thanks for your insight! :D And I always need beta-testers, so thanks! I'll add you to the list! Added you on Steam too. Have a good one! :P
derpysauce: You might be onto something there with your writing theory. Although, I make up nearly every chapter on the spot, with only a vague idea of where it's going anyway. I think I just felt the story wasn't really progressing much, and the characters needed more development. I've found the best way to do this is through drama and conflict, so I added it. I think you're absolutely correct with the "not remembering what they wanted to do for minor interactions," though. Thanks for the feedback! :)
UnwaryCrowd: Hahaha, you're close, but nope. Never once lived in Brisbane. Stayed there a few times, and visited frequently. But never lived there. Decent attempt though. :D Fear not for DavidXAmber, (they're still my favorite ship too.) Keep guessing! :P
YukiMegi: Hahaha, I didn't think any DavidXKey fans still existed! Glad to know there's still one out there. :) I'm really, really happy that you felt the emotion I tried to put into the chapter! I tried really hard to pack it with eaxctly what you described, so thank you! :D
myfuckingnameisjess: Woahoah, I was wondering when you'd turn up! How's shit going up there? I'd call, but I'm jobless and out of credit, so rest in pepperonis. Anyway here's another chapter, a little earlier than 2020. :J And I updated my profile just 4 u. :P
Endercreepers: Hahaha, yes, still very much alive! I'll try to get some chapters out soon. :P

Extra Reviews:

IronCarnotaur: $2.50-$7.50 is a great range! Thanks for the advice. :) And I'll be sure to get around to A Fool's Conviction eventually... eventually... Thanks for your review man. :)
SeriousBubbles: Hahahahahaha, you crack me up! And yes, I am absolutely, 111% unequivocally, without a doubt, flirting with you. ;;;;;))))) :J Now you don't know what to think, right? Hahahaha! Don't hurt yourself flipping out of chairs, it's bad for your health. And yes, I enjoy your pain, and suffering more than you can imagine. It absolutely brings me joy to see everyone lose their shit. :'D Just being honest here. Hahaha, but worry not. The ships will unsink themselves... hopefully... maybe... maybe not. See ya Bubbles! :P
Chase15T: Okay so I've got to know, what's the "15T" in your username mean? You've always been a legend my dude, and your reviews keep me motivat- GOD DAMMIT NOT ANOTHER AFC BUMP! DDD:::::::: Jokes, I'll have a look at it! :P Have a chill one man. :)
Shogunyan999YT: Don't have to admit shit son. I could be queer as a lizard painted rainbow strapped to a dozen dildo shaped balloons carrying me into the stratosphere with a glitter plastered ribbon stretching out of my ass all the way down to Lady GaGa's mansion where my house is a cardboard box next to her driveway. Or I could be as straight as an NFL quarterback who's been fed steroids all his life and only cares about the individual weight of all seventeen abs on his body which is set to expire before he reaches the age of thirty-five meaning I'll never see my children go to college or get married to equally straight people because I don't tolerate no gay shit in my family, but then again, I'll be dead so I guess I don't get a say. Glad you're enjoying the story though! :'D Looking forward to hearing from you in the future. :P
Pianoplayer422: Hahaha, I like how you think! A fleet is more than one ship! I'll see what I can do... Thanks for your review though! Good to know someone enjoyed it! :D

Everybody got a reply!

And in the few days it took me to type out all the author notes, I've made some small progress on my game.
The Game Development Document is thoroughly underway (a very important piece of literature detailing the premise, scope, pitch, market research, target audience, feature list, asset list, and project timeline.) And I've contacted one of my favorite artists (and peers) about potential employment. I'd do the art myself, but I really would rather not deal with 14 unique characters that need 8-frame run animations for up, down, left and right directions. So I'm gonna fork out some cash, or ownership instead. We'll see how the meeting goes I guess.

My real question is,

Who likes the idea of medieval Hitman?

Let me know in the reviews. :)

Now remember, it's an obligation to attempt discerning the contents of carefully wrapped Christmas presents, straw hats are a stylish replacement for snap-backs, and Sesame Street represents the homeless now?

Ciao, :P

- Sylent