Author's Note: Ok, so here it is (finally) the next chapter. I know it's been forever since I updated (since the end of summer, I believe), but between school, friends, and college applications (I'm a senior in high school, so this is a big part of my life right now) I haven't had much time to write. It took a lot of effort to crank this chapter out, so I hope it's worth it. Lots of stuff happens here, though, so I would dub this a pretty important chapter. Thanks again for your patience from any return-readers, I really do appreciate it. With that said, on to the chapter that took me months to get done!

~~~

           

            Yubaba watched the images flashing before her gravely. Her mouth had become almost unbearably dry and she could feel the circles beneath her eyes growing heavier and darker, their weight almost intolerable. A small cup of tea steamed soothingly as it lay only inches from her hand, but she was too distracted to even notice it. Instead she sat stolidly, watching the events unfolding before her.

 The small silver orb she had sent to find Shen and Haku had been successful in locating them, and had since then returned to her. Now, it spun quickly as it floated before her, projected airy images of the two young men into the air for her to see. It was like watching the ghosts of her former apprentices, transparent specters dancing across her lavish office, haunting her. Only Yubaba's eyes moved as they darted across the images, desperately trying to take in each potentially significant detail. What she saw offered her no comfort.

The powerful wolf form of Shen, splattered with the blood of his most recent kill, running through a barren wasteland after some unseen prey…Flash…Haku sitting awake, alone, as his companions slept, his face contorted in a mixture of guilt and fear…Flash…Shen completing the painful transformation back into his human form…Flash…Haku, running, running, running…

            The last images of Haku that the orb offered to Yubaba were of him disappearing behind a shimmering wall of gold. She recognized it instantly as the border to the Sphere of Chaos. The little image of Haku closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, finally plunging through the barrier and out of sight. The orb flickered. 

            The image quickly flashed to one of Shen, crying out to himself in anguish and hatred. He paced menacingly, like an animal caged. He grabbed his head in his hands and fell to his knees with a primal scream that tore through the air. Yubaba averted her eyes, unable to watch any longer.

            "Enough. Stop," the old woman commanded with a quiet, subdued authority. The pictures emanating from the orb quickly disappeared and the little sphere hung motionlessly in the space before her. Yubaba reached a hand out and plucked it from the air. She turned it over in her hand again and again, searching for…something, though even she did not know what.

~~~

            Chihiro and Shen sat in silence. She, because she was too alarmed and too tired to muster any more words, and he because he was silently savoring the moment, content knowing that he'd won. He had the one thing that Haku cherished most; he had Chihiro. It was obvious that he'd struck a nerve with her, too. His prior comment about Haku abandoning her had immediately caused a shift in her attitude, and she seemed to have lost her will to resist or fight.

His grasp on her was still firm, but he'd slackened his hold slightly from earlier, not wanting to damage the girl. He examined her face slowly and keenly, like a wolf appraising his prey. Her face was a sickly pale where it wasn't streaked with red from tears long since fallen. Dark, ashen circles had formed under her eyes and little lines of worry creased her brow. Her hair still hung loosely around her shoulders, draping over her face like a veil. But it was limp now, the color had dulled, and it had lost its usual deep, rich brown sheen. She looked like a young woman who had been broken. Shen took a sick pleasure in knowing he'd been the one to do it. She looked delicate and scared now, her face no longer glowing with its usual defiance and strength.

Only the girl's eyes still held a flicker of light, a hope for life. She blinked several times in quiet contemplation. Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet Shen's scrutinizing gaze. Both figures remained motionless for an extended moment. He waited for her to cry. Instead, she shook her head gently and watched him with evident sadness, finally dropping her stare to the ground again. She refused to cry, to give him the satisfaction and to give in to her own vulnerability.

Shen grimaced and grunted with annoyance at her impassivity. "Stupid human girl," he spat. The bitter insult elicited absolutely no response from her, which only served to fuel Shen's infuriation. He shifted his hold and grabbed her by the hair, forcibly turning her head so that she was facing him again. He wanted to terrify her, to control her completely. "I could destroy you," he continued. With a final growl he shoved her to the ground.

Chihiro vaguely registered the sound of her body hitting the earth and the feel of the rough stones slashing at her skin, and squinted her eyes shut. She was too weak to react. Instead she rolled over on her side and lay that way, not moving an inch. She was beginning to lose what little hope remained…she was exhausted and battered and just too…alone…to keep fighting. In her mind, the same words repeated endlessly: Haku left you, he didn't need you, and now you're alone…

Shen began pacing once more, as was his common nervous habit. His madness grew with each passing moment, as his mood was continually shifting. He had Chihiro now, but was unsure of how to proceed. He debated returning to Yubaba's bathhouse, with the girl in tow as his prize for all to see. Or he could destroy her; leave her body for the river spirit to find. His inner dialogue was cut short, though, when he heard the girl let out a sharp, surprised gasp.

He spun to face her, only to find that she had managed to push herself up to a position where she was elevated slightly above the ground, supported by her hands and shaking arms. She was staring up at the sky with her mouth agape. For a moment he thought that perhaps she was delirious, because she looked confused and a bit startled, but then he caught it, that flicker in her eye again. He followed her gaze and a glimmer of something in the distance caught his eye. A streak of silver light, twisting and winding its way across the sky…

Shen froze. He squinted and followed the form with his eyes. "It can't be…" he whispered under his breath, disbelieving. He transformed immediately. After a few excruciating moments he was in his wolf form once more. He raised his pronounced muzzle into the air and deeply inhaled the smell of the winds. The northern wind bore the unmistakable scent of the river spirit, of Haku. A growl, deep and low, reverberated from within his chest cavity. So he's returned…then its time, time for the last battle to begin, Shen thought. The wolf's blue eyes narrowed and he turned back towards the still unmoving form of Chihiro, who was staring at the sky with something akin to rapture, lost in a trance.

Chihiro's breathing had grown ragged and intermittent, as though she had forgotten even how to breathe in her intense excitement. She lost her already precarious balance and her hands slipped from beneath her, causing her to fall a few inches, her face slamming into the dirt. It was enough to bring her back to her senses. She moaned and quickly cursed herself for being so inelegant and gawky, brushing dirt from the corners of her mouth as she did so. However, she was quick to return to the more pressing matter at hand. She inhaled deeply.

"Haku!" she yelled, surprised by the volume and conviction of her voice. She hadn't thought she had that much strength left in her tired body. She shouted his name again and again once more, her call carrying across the wind.

Shen rushed over to her, still in his wolf form, and growled. He stood over her, monolithic and intimidating, with his teeth bared and his tail swaying dangerously. It was the only warning she needed. She gulped and immediately ceased her yelling. Satisfied, Shen returned his attention back to the skies, his eyes following the line of silver as it grew ever closer.

Shen prepared himself for the oncoming storm of battle.

~~~

            Haku sped through the clouds, shaking off the tufts of mist that he passed through. Although he subconsciously savored the feel of gliding through the air, his mind was focused on one goal, to return to Chihiro as soon as possible. The warning given by the being from the Sphere of Chaos hung heavy on his heart. She was in danger, and it was his fault that she'd even returned to the Spirit World at all.

            He descended slightly, lowering himself beneath the blanket of clouds in order to gain an unobstructed view of the ground below. He was traveling at breakneck speed, faster than he could recall ever having gone before. It was invigorating. The world whipped past underneath him, trees and fields and stones blending into one immense, jumbled tapestry. I'll be there soon, Chihiro, I'm making good time, he thought to himself. But another thought was nagging at the back of his mind…what if I'm too late… He pushed the notion aside with an angry shake of his head, chiding himself for his pessimism.

             And then he heard it, as if in a dream, a voice soft and small, coming from a distance. "Haku…Haku…" It could be no one else. Chihiro. Chihiro was calling for him and it was the most wonderful of sounds. It was the sound of hope, it was his confirmation that if nothing else, she was still alive, and she was waiting for him.

            And despite the distance, it only took moments for him to be at her side again.

~~~

            Lin muttered under her breath, clearly frustrated, as she attempted to pluck a root from the ground. It was a stubborn little devil, quite intent on remaining exactly where it was. She dug her nails into the dry earth, ripping it apart to get nearer to the base of plant. She tugged on it again, but still it refused to budge.

            "There's no food in this stupid wasteland!" she cried in exasperation, "and what little there is refuses to let me eat it!" She pulled at the root several more times before ultimately giving up, plopping herself down on the ground and continuing to glower at the plant fiercely. She began picking at the pieces of dirt that had lodged themselves under her fingernails, fuming all the while. "I'm hungry."

            "It's all right, dear, I'm sure Kaonashi will have found something by now. He's a very resourceful fellow after all, more so than you'd think. Very helpful and eager to please too. He should be back any moment," Zeniba replied with an easy smile.

            As if on cue, No-Face appeared from around the side of a small ridge of boulders about a hundred yards from where the two women sat. And in his arms was a wide assortment of seemingly edible plants.

            "So the freak really is good for something," Lin remarked appraisingly, crossing her arms over her chest and tilting her head to the side.

            Zeniba clucked her tongue in a manner that suggested she disapproved of Lin's word choice, but was fast to put on a smile again as No-Face drew closer. She walked out to meet him with her arms open wide.

            "Wonderful, darling, you've done a splendid job. Oh, now let me help you with those," she grabbed several large, round green vegetables from him, "there now, that's better. Just set the rest over near Lin. Oh, and while you're there, perhaps you could help her with a certain troublesome root that she just can't seem to pull from the ground…" She smirked in Lin's direction.

            "Oh, so now the old witch is a comedian too," Lin retorted with a roll of her eyes and the wrinkling of her nose.

            Zeniba placed the vegetables she'd been holding on the ground and opened her mouth to respond, when a strong wind from the north blew past, ruffling her clothing and causing her to squint and raise a hand up to shield her eyes.

            "Pffh, well that's just great," Lin cried, pulling loose strands of hair out of her mouth and eyes, "stupid wind, where the hell did that come from anyway? It's been completely calm all day, and not a cloud in the sky…"

            "Shh, quiet!" Zeniba ordered. She peered back in the direction of their camp, where they'd left Chihiro. They were several miles from it now, having walked quite a distance, and the camp was out of sight. "Something is wrong," she whispered, her wrinkled features hardening and growing taut with worry. She stood silently and completely motionless, as though she were carved of stone, lifeless.  

            Suddenly she snapped to action, her left hand shooting into the air and then clenching into a fist around some unseen object. She brought her hand down slowly until it was level with her eyes and then opened it, palm up. Lying there was a single strand of short, dark hair.

            Lin watched with curiosity, startled by the old woman's actions and wondering if perhaps she had gone mad. "Whatcha got there?" she asked, strolling over to the witch's side. No-Face followed.

            "Wolf's hair," Zeniba replied evenly, evidently trying to maintain her composure as she grasped the piece of hair between the thumb and index finger of her right hand. She turned it in the air and examined it more closely. Her face grew white. "Shen" she murmured through chapped lips, "…this does not bode well. He is near…and Chihiro is in danger. We never should have left her, I was foolish," she said fervently, her voice growing low and frantic. She released the piece of hair, and it drifted away from them on the breeze. Zeniba placed her hand over her mouth and cast worried glances down at the ground.

            No-Face mumbled agitatedly in his indecipherable language and tugged at Zeniba's sleeve, nodding his head back in the direction of their camp.

            "Chihiro's in trouble? Are you sure?" Lin asked with wide eyes. She didn't wait for an answer. "Well then come on, let's go! I think the freak has the right idea this time," she said, gesturing to No-Face who was still pulling on Zeniba's sleeve.

            Zeniba straightened back up to her full height- which admittedly still wasn't especially impressive, as she was much shorter than either of her companions- and set her jaw in a way that demanded respect. "Yes, you're right, of course. We must make haste and return to her as soon as possible. But first…" she trailed off, and closed her eyes. She performed a quick incantation under her breath. Finished, she nodded once and then addressed Lin and No-Face again. "Now, we shall go." She began walking.

            "Wait, what was that? That spell or whatever you just did?" Lin asked.

            "Just something to help level the playing field between Shen and Chihiro for the time being, in case we're too late. I can only hope that it helps protect her."

~~~

            She was nearly thrown back by the sheer force of his arrival, the tumult of wind that followed on his heels and the loud clap of noise as he jerked to a stop on the earth beside her. She held her breath as she stared up at him, his dragon scales glistening in the sun and his mane flowing in the wind.

            It had all happened so quickly. She'd called out to him, and then seemingly seconds later, there he was, beside her. She smiled, knowing that he'd heard her call.

            Her mouth opened and closed with words unsaid. He shifted and craned his long neck to look back at her as she stared up at him. And for a split second, there they were. Those eyes. Whether a dragon or a boy, they always stayed the same. And for an unbroken instant they held her they way they had in days long passed. The way they had when they'd met in the impossible world of her dreams. The endless expanses of field, the quiet, innocent glances and touches, the way he walked towards her each night with the promise of unconditional love and understanding on his face. It all came back to her now, and she was ashamed to have ever doubted him.

            She gave the smallest, faintest of nods. Despite the minuteness of the action, it held forgiveness, tolerance. It was all the reassurance he needed, and he smiled back at her with his long dragon's teeth easily visible.

            The moment was destroyed by the howl of rage Shen released as he threw himself towards Haku. The beast's sharp claws sunk into the flesh of Haku's underbelly. Haku threw his mighty head backwards in pain, his mane streaming through the air as he fell. He hit the ground hard. Shen retreated several steps, panting as he began circling his injured opponent.

            Chihiro cried out and ran to Haku's side, placing a hand gently on the deep wound. Purplish-red blood spilled from the deep gash, sputtering and cascading down his stomach. Chihiro winced at the sight, averting her eyes even as she kept her hand in place, putting pressure on the cut to help ebb the flow of blood.

            When she finally pulled her hand away, it was coated in the thick, sticky liquid. She fought against an oncoming wave of nausea. Haku had coiled his long, snaky body up protectively and was staring at Shen. Finally, unexpectedly, he launched himself at the smaller, but equally powerful spirit.

They collided in an explosion of fangs and claws and hair. Shen was on the defensive now, backing up as he lashed out with his powerful claws in an attempt to fend of Haku's increasingly vicious attacks. Again and again the two met. Haku landed several blows on the wolf, first slicing his back leg, then gashing his neck and throwing him to the ground where he slid into a boulder. There was a loud, distinct sound of bones cracking as Shen hit the stone with a sharp yowl. Haku turned quickly and lashed at the creature with his tail. Shen was pushed further back into the rock by the force of the attack and lay there unmoving for several moments. Chihiro could see little pools of blood forming on the ground underneath him and seeping through his thick coat.

"Is he…dead?" she asked with a gulp.

Haku shook his head in response. Shen's hind leg was twitching ever so slightly, and his chest rose and fell almost imperceptibly with strained breathing. Chihiro watched in fascination as Shen's mangled body began to change, somehow. His hair seemed to be growing shorter, and his sharp eyes and long muzzle began to soften into gentler features. She realized then that he was transforming. It was obvious that the act was involuntary, and that he merely no longer possessed the strength to remain in his animal form. His body convulsed with the process and when it was through, he looked even more exhausted and battered than before.

The handsome young man was drenched in his own blood and was blanketed in bruises and scrapes. Yet he was able to push himself back to his feet. He stood with great effort, resting against the boulder for support and leaving bright streaks of red where he came into contact with it. Eventually, he took several steps away from his crutch, standing on his own now, though he swayed dangerously and looked as though he were about to collapse again. He spat some blood on the ground through the side of his mouth and then turned to give Chihiro his usual, cocky smile.

She recoiled. That smile that sent evil chills down her spine was made all the more disturbing by the young man's beaten appearance.

"What's wrong, darling? Don't tell me you're frightened by a little blood," he mocked with a laugh. His voice cracked and he coughed violently. More blood spilled from his mouth, painting the dusty ground a vibrant red where the droplets hit.

Haku growled and positioned himself between the now human Shen and Chihiro.

Shen scoffed. "Oh come on, now, this is hardly fair," he cried theatrically, raising a hand in the air and smiling all the while. "Don't tell me the honorable, good river spirit is going to fight with the odds stacked so clearly in his favor. Transform, become a human again, and then we'll finish this."

"Don't be stupid," Chihiro said, finally finding her voice, "let's just get out of here, Haku. He can't follow us, he has no other choice than to go crawling back to Yubaba. He's too weak to do anything else."

Haku gave the appearance of not having heard her, and remained staring at the still smirking Shen instead. "Hey, listen!" she yelled, getting annoyed, "I said 'let's go,' I don't want to stay here!" She grabbed his tail and tugged it to get his attention.

He jerked his tail from her hands and snorted.

"Well, what's it going to be?" Shen prodded impatiently.

Haku answered by closing his eyes and beginning his own transformation. He glowed with a radiant light in passing, and then in the dragon's place stood Haku as a young man. He was still an impressive specimen, his green eyes alight and his muscular body poised to strike.

"Oh good, I knew you'd see it my way," Shen remarked as he wiped at a trickle of blood that threatened to spill into his eyes from his forehead. 

"I'm not doing this because you asked me to. I'm doing this because I want to destroy you for good, I want to make sure you never plague this world again," Haku sneered.

Shen laughed and raised both hands in the air, so that he was staring into the sky as if he were in prayer. All at once, he brought his hands down and a tremendous gust of wind hit Haku square in the chest. He was thrown backwards, where he landed in a startled Chihiro's arms. She let out a muffled "oof" as he smashed into her. Haku growled and pushed himself up, ready to launch his own attack at Shen. He raised a hand into the air, but Shen was too quick, and was running towards Haku before he had the chance to perform a spell. The older boy tackled Haku to the ground unexpected might. He landed on top of Haku and placed his hands around his throat. Shen squeezed tightly, throttling a struggling Haku. He smiled viciously.

And then he felt a sharp pain searing through his skull and fell to the earth. He placed a hand on the tender spot where he'd been struck. He looked up, and was surprised to see Chihiro standing over him with a large rock in hand. She knelt down next to Haku protectively.

"Stupid human scum," Shen yelled. Without warning he pounced, diving for Chihiro. They were both surprised, however, when he was thrown back without ever having laid a hand on her. A faint shimmer hung in the air before her. She reached a hand out to touch it, but when she did, her hand passed easily through. She raised in eyebrow in consideration.

Shen was confused, but not deterred, and moved towards her again. His fist traveled quickly through the air toward her. Yet once again his attack was deflected and the silver shimmer surrounded the girl once more.

Shen's face contorted with anger and madness as he stood only inches from the girl, yet unable to lay a hand on her. "What magic is this?" he snarled. His hands shook with rage and his voice quavered.

"My friends…" she whispered to herself, "Zeniba…" She was certain that this was the old witch's doing, and that she was being looked after, even though her other companions were not there in body. She shifted her gaze to look Shen in the eye and raised her voice for his benefit. "My friends are protecting me," she announced triumphantly, "and you can't so much as lay a finger on me. So now I'm going to do what I can to protect them!" And with that, she took the rock in her hand and drove the sharp point into his stomach.

Shen didn't respond, merely continued staring at her while a gruggle rose up from his throat. He fell to the ground as if in slow motion, clutching to the girl as he descended. His eyes never left her own. And for the second time she saw it there…that glimmer of desperation those blue orbs held, his loneliness and madness and his fear all mixed into one. Suddenly she was horrified by her actions and looked back down at her hand that was covered in the blood of both Haku and now Shen.

She fell to her knees beside the motionless Shen, and wondered if she'd killed him. Tears sprang to her eyes and she placed her head in between her hands, not caring that the blood was smearing across her forehead.

A hand placed itself gently on her shoulder. Haku struggled to move his assaulted body closer to hers and whispered soft encouragement into her ear, promising that what she'd done was right, that there was no other way, and that he was sorry it had come to this.

They sat that way for some time, crouched on the ground next to each other over the deathly grey form of Shen, neither one of them at all sure of what to do next.

~~~

            Lin was clutching at her side as she continued to run, trying to keep up with Zeniba. She had no idea how the old hag kept up her speed, and wondered what else the witch was capable of that she didn't yet know. There was much more to her than Lin had originally thought, and she had developed a certain respect for her.

            Lin inhaled again as she attempted to keep her breathing steady. Zeniba was several yards ahead of her, and had disappeared over a small hill. Lin reached the top of the mound of earth and when she looked down, she saw their old camp a little ways from its base. She gasped.

            "Chihiro!" she yelled, "Chihiro, we're here!"

            She sprinted, finally catching up to Zeniba as they reached the spot where Chihiro and Haku sat on the ground, clinging to each other and splattered with blood and sweat.

            Haku and Chihiro looked up the new arrivals, and each gave a faint, sad smile.

            "I'm so glad you're okay!" Lin cried, putting a hand on Chihiro's shoulder, "both of you," she added, with a smile at Haku. He was surprised by her sudden act of affection. He'd always had the feeling that Lin had never entirely forgiven, or trusted him, despite what she may have said. But he could tell she was being honest now, there was no doubt in his mind that she was genuinely happy and relieved to see him. He smiled back, happy that they'd reached an understanding.

            Zeniba and No-Face approached the two. "I'm glad to see that you are all right," Zeniba said.

            "Thanks to you," Chihiro responded. "I don't what that was- that shield, I mean- or how you did it, but it worked. He would have killed me, if you hadn't protected me." Tears filled her eyes again and she buried herself in Zeniba's arms. "Oh, Granny…it was…it…"

            "Shh, shh," the old woman comforted. She patted Chihiro gently on the back and glanced over at the prone form of Shen. "I see you both managed to hold your own against him. Tell me, then, tell me what happened here."

            Haku sighed and began, first telling them about his entire journey into the Sphere of Chaos, and then the battle with Shen, up until the present.

            The group sat in silence afterward, each contemplating the situation. Finally, Zeniba made an announcement.

            "You've endured horrible battles and felt your share of pain and terror, but unfortunately, you've not yet completed your task. Haku, I know that you still feel the pull of the Dream World, and that your greatest desire is still to return there and save it. And Chihiro, if recent events are any indication, I'm sure you will refuse to leave his side, and that you will see this journey through. And I will not stop either of you from proceeding. But, I will go no further." Chihiro gasped and looked up at her with a hurt, confused expression. "I'm sorry," Zeniba continued, "but I must return, I've been gone too long already, and I must take Shen back with me."

            "What?! He's alive?" Chihiro exclaimed.

            "Yes, but just barely. I will return him to the Spirit World, and I will tend to his wounds, and then keep watch over him. Don't worry, in my care, he will have no power. He's arrogant, but not so arrogant as to believe that he could defeat me. Especially not after he was brought down by a single, human girl. That wound you dealt him was very nearly fatal." She smiled at Chihiro. "His recovery will be long and difficult, and I will decide what to do with him once it's done."

            Chihiro nodded, understanding why Zeniba couldn't continue the journey with them.

            "Well, don't worry, I'm sticking with you guys!" Lin declared. "I'll come with you the rest of the way. After all, things are just starting to get exciting!"

            "Actually, Lin, I need you and Kaonashi to return with me. I'll need your help dealing with Shen. And besides, Haku and Chihiro are stronger than the once were, they'll be fine."

            Lin was about to argue, but thought better of it when she realized it was useless. "Sorry, guys, but I guess she's right on this one. I'll miss you two, though. Please, be safe."

            Haku and Chihiro nodded.

~~~

            Zeniba, No-Face and Lin stayed the night with Chihiro and Haku and helped treat their battle wounds and watch over Shen during that time.

            The companions awoke as the yellow-grey aura of dawn spread across the land. There was a somber feeling in the air. The task of biding each other farewell was especially difficult, as they'd only recently been completely united. Hugs and heartfelt good-byes were exchanged as they prepared to go their separate ways.

            Zeniba was the last to speak with Chihiro.

            "You'll be fine, that is one thing I know beyond a doubt. You're made of much tougher stuff than you believe," Zeniba told the girl, placing a hand on her cheek in a very maternal manner. "Oh, and one more thing," she reached into her pocket, "this has been in my possession ever since you first sent Lin to find me and bring help. I've been meaning to give it back." She opened her palm and there was Chihiro's iridescent hair tie that Zeniba had given her after her very first visit to the Spirit World. Chihiro smiled happily and took the little band from Zeniba, immediately putting her hair into its usual ponytail.

            "Thank you," Chihiro replied, "for…everything. I'll see you soon, I promise, but right now…I have to stay with Haku. But we'll come back to see you as soon as his task is done."

            "I look forward to it," the old witch replied with wink.

            They embraced one last time. Finally, Yubaba, No-Face and Lin turned and headed off in the direction of the Spirit World. After some distance, Lin turned to wave back at Chihiro and Haku and shouted, "Don't have too much fun without me!"

            Chihiro laughed and smiled up at Haku. He put his arm around her shoulder.

            "Well, it looks like it's just you and me now," he said.

            "Yup," she responded, "but it feels sort of right…doesn't it?"

            He clasped her hand, and they prepared themselves for the rest of their journey.

~~~

Author's note: So there you have it, I finally managed to get this chapter done. Again, sorry for the massive wait, but life just sort of got in the way. I have no idea when I will have time to finish my next chapter, so I will make no promises. But keep in mine that reviews can be great inspiration for a writer…so keep 'em coming! Thanks very much to everyone who's reading this story, you guys are great! I imagine that there will be somewhere between 2 and 5 more chapters of this story, depending on how long I make them, and an epilogue. So don't worry, your almost there! So look out for my next chapter in the future! Bye for now!