Two years... is that really when I posted this?

While this story in of itself is no longer being updated, would anyone like to hear what the original ending was supposed to be?

When I first conceived this story, and before I even started writing anything, I knew how I wanted it to end. A concert, held in honor of all the Shepherds that had curb-stomped the enemy into oblivion and become living legends. Then, as I got into the meat of the story, I found that original idea to be mostly secondary as the plot and characters developed. In the end, this story has been an amazing source of therapy and relief, along with all my others. From my grandmother slowly changing as Alzheimer's took hold to the loss of my uncle and cat, the last two years have been more trying than any time in my life. Add on the stress of college and I was stressed to the point it took me a long time to recover from a simple muscle pull.

But the support I have received from you guys has done much to lift my spirits and I've been able to meet some great people. Thank you all for your support and I hope you'll all continue to support this story's rewrite over in Old Blood and my other works as well. It means more to me than you'll ever know.

Finally, my heart goes out to all those affected by the recent hurricanes. Please, if any of you can, donate to the relief efforts. It would mean the world to me if I could help those in need.

Again, thank you all for the support. I hope to show you the end of these tales that I've created and spread just a little bit of joy to those that read.

Oh, I think I should give some special shout-outs.

vaguekiwi: You're a great friend and an awesome beta. I literally would not be here without you and I want to make sure you know you're appreciated. Thank you for the past two years (in a few months) and I hope we'll continue for another few years at least.

The Fell Dragonite, formerly Goodralisk: My first reviewer and a consistent opinion, you were the one that gave me the idea to keep going. Thanks to you, there are now twelve stories to my name and more than four hundred reviews total. Keep being awesome! (And keep drawing, they're better every time!)

Strider Shade: First, pick a name and stick with it, this is getting annoying XD. You're another strong and consistent opinion that has done much to help shape my writing and for that I can do nothing but thank you. There's more I could say, but we'd be here a while, so again, thank you!

pkmn2112: You gave me some of the most comprehensive reviews ever since you joined my little story. Being so consistent, even when I knew you were having a tough time, made me feel...warm, I guess. It was your reviews that really made me realize that I could spread a little joy around by doing this. For that, I can never thank you enough.

There are more people of course, but I feel I should end this here. Again, thank you to everyone that's followed and favorited this story over the years. While it may be gone as is, its spirit lives in the rewrite, and I look forward to the many adventures to come.

Also, no, I'm not stopping my writing. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew just how much I appreciated all the encouragement.

I'll see you all in the next chapter of Old Blood and I hope you'll enjoy it as always.

Squad 7, Dismissed!