Shorter chapter today, but we're building up to the climax!
Chapter 13 ---------x--------
Noah's POV
We brought this man in for questioning. He was following an innocent girl. I wanted to know why. My officers yanked the guy's hat and coat off. A wooly mammoth sat in front of us with a calm expression on his face. Chief Lionel's face lightened and he narrowed his eyes with familiarity.
"Tucker?" The mammoth nodded. I had no idea who Tucker was and I nudged Chief Lionel, staring at him with a nonverbal look. Lionel understood. "Excuse me, Mayor Noah. This is Tucker Bryan, a colleague of mine from the Animal Crossing Police Academy. I was under the impression you were an FBI agent." The lion said to the mammoth with a confused air. "Don't tell me you've taken up stalking women as a new hobby." The mammoth laughed and had a non-criminal smile on his face.
"No. I was on official business but you kinda spoiled the element of secrecy, Ly." he said with a chuckle. Lionel asked what business he was on. The mammoth frowned. "That's confidential. All I can say is that I was investigating one thing, stumbled on something else, and now I'm following up on it." I intervened, sick of being on the sidelines.
"Rocket just moved here. What did you stumble on that involves her?" Tucker opened his mouth but I cut him off before he could say anything. "As the mayor, I deserve to know why a federal investigator is following one of my constituents." Tucker sighed.
"I was investigating Mayor Megan because rumors were circulating that she was the head of another corruption scandal. I soon discovered that Megan and Rocket were plotting to do something. After some following and spying, I found out that Rocket got the malterra from Megan and planted it in the water." Lionel and I both gasped. I stared at Lionel, trying to gauge his reaction. He looked shocked but not fully convinced or swayed. The man was the biggest skeptic in the world. The lion folded his arms and nodded.
"I'll have my offiers look into the tip but we won't be able to follow up too much on your head until I talk to the D.A." he said. Tucker stood up and argued that this was confidential, federal business. Lionel snapped. "As the chief of the department, I have every right to look into this investigation. It involves the planting of an invasive plant in our lake and it involves one of our residents!" The mammoth grew quiet and rolled his eyes. "Let me do my job, Tuck, and I'll let you do yours." Tucker shook his head.
"Fine. But you better not let this leak out to a soul. If the director finds out I told you, my tusks are on the line, Ly." he said, furrowing his eyebrows. Lionel smirked.
"Of course, Tuck. We wouldn't want your beautiful, masculine, ivory tusks to be compromised." The mammoth laughed and left the office. I was confused but I could tell Lionel wasn't in the mood to answer questions. He just looked at me blankly. "Don't worry, Mayor Noah. I'll make sure we get to the bottom of this hodge podge once and for all." He saluted me and left the office. Mentally and physically drained, I slumped into the interrogation room's chair, where Tucker was just sitting. I put my head in my hands and groaned. On the verge of tears, I just worried what else my sister would do to hurt Coral Lakes.
Cyrus's POV
I remembered the feelings I felt when my parents divorced. My mom handled everything and my dad was absent. He just left one day and my mom was helpless. I gave my mom kudos later in life, because she stepepd up to the plate and stayed strong for me. But I felt bad because I didn't appreciate her role earlier. I blamed my father for basically abandoning me.
Abandoning me.
I think a neuron in my head clicked or something. I just realized something.
I stood up from my seat in the shop. I accidentally toppled the stool over. A customer looked up at me and whispered under her breath to a friend shopping with her. I blushed and blinked at the ladies.
"I apologize, misses. Something has popped up and I have to close the store. Sorry! We'll be open tomorrow. I'd love to have you both come back then." They nodded understandingly and left. I quickly locked up and jumped in my car. I made the smooth drive over to Griffin Beach. I had to talk to my son. Luckily the traffic wasn't too bad. That is, until I got to the island. News crews and environmentalist groups were everywhere. It didn't take long for me to pull up alongside the old building. I knew the side streets like the back of my hand. Tyler was outside playing with a football, practicing his throw. I remember the first day I taught him, and the following days where we proceeded to play catch together.
When I parked the car, Tyler glanced over at me. He realized who I was. I got out of the car and waved to him. "Hey, buddy! Where's Mom?" I asked. He shrugged.
"She's out at the grocery store, getting food for dinner." I smiled widely. They were the first words hes spoken to me. They weren't something special, but they meant the world to me. "What are you doing here?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. I held my hands out to catch the ball. Tyler threw it to me. It had a nice spiral to it.
"Good job, Ty!" I praised. I held onto it for a moment and smiled. "I was in the area and wanted to swing by and surprise you and Mom." I tossed the football back and he caught it perfectly. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. I didn't mean to abandon you like that and I hope you don't feel poorly towards me because of it." We continued to throw the football back and forth. Tyler was quiet for a few moments but I could see that twinkle in his eye. He lightly smiled.
"It's okay, Dad. I forgive you. I understand why you had to leave." I smiled too and he continued to talk, scratching the top of his head. "It was inconsiderate and selfish of me to force Mom to stay. She talked to me last night..." he trailed, looking down at the ground. I stopped throwing the ball for a moment and walked closer. He turned his shoulder towards me. "I didn't know how bad it was with Nook and stuff. I mean, I had ideas. I heard stuff from other kids at school, but I didn't KNOW." He hung his head. "I feel bad for Mom. She has to face it all alone."
I approached Tyler and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright. Don't worry about Mom. She's been doing great and she's a really strong woman. I know it seems like she's facing alone but she has you and she has me. Soon, we won't be facing our troubles alone. We'll be together." I said warmly. The rose in my son's cheek returned.
"We'll be a family again?" he asked. My heart broke and I wrapped my son up in a giant hug.
"We've never stopped being a family." I heard a car door slam and some fidgeting on the concrete sidewalk. A beautiful pink alpaca stood on the side of the road, smiling at us. Tyler and I held open our arms. She sprinted forward so she could join the group hug. When we broke apart, I asked her why she didn't come back with any groceries. She bit her lip and grimaced. She said she ran into one of the Nook nephews at the store. He told her the lease would be up tonight. My eyes nearly bugged out. We had several more days left. He wasn't allowed to do this. Unfortunately though, you couldn't tell a Nook they weren't allowed to do something. I clenched my fists again and shook my head. "I'm sorry." She nodded, not really acknowledging me. She was looking at the apartment.
"We have to pack. We have to leave. Tonight." I nodded. I grabbed the football out of Tyler's hand and shoved it in the car.
"Come on. Get all your stuff. We're leaving in 45 minutes."
Suddenly, for some unknown reason, I feared the safety of my family.
Nook had something up his sleeve.
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
Great chapter Liv! Hope Megan will be exonerated about her and Rocket being guilty of planting that invasive plant. We all know it's Nook who's behind this!
awesome chapter Liv. im a little shocked to hear Rocket might be involved with the sitch at Coarl Lake.
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
idk liv nook hasnt done anything redeeming at all, of course im gonna point the finger at him
Signature--------------
"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
It's safe to say that the economy in Griffin Beach is about shot. All these protesters and news crews have caused tourists to stop vacationing here. I've noticed more and more houses go up for sale and others have remained empty. The prospect of this economy being crushed is terrifying. I've built up this place and one little thing is causing it to fluttle down in agony. In other fun news, construction for the casino has started in South Cove. That's only flared people more. Some people were even going onto the beach and sitting in the sand. That was the lastest Tank told me anyways. I told him to send the police down and escort them off the beach. Nook's construction was a private construction and couldn't be blocked. The police had to break that up, or I would hear it from Nook no matter what.
As Tank saluted and left the office, Isabelle put away some papers in a file and stared at me. "Ms. Mayor, I came up with a solution that might alleviate some tensions amongst the protesters." she said smoothly. I rose my eyebrows and leaned back in my chair. She took it as my tacit clue to proceed. "If you reinstitute the project SOMEWHERE, people would get off your back. They'll see that you have intentions to restore the shore. Then, maybe, everyone will back off and leave you alone."
This was a plausible suggestion. I leaned forward on my desk and placed my chin on my hand. South Cove was out of the question. East Cove had too many homes. That only left one cove: North Cove. I had a sudden idea. I needed to negotiate. I had to win my city back. I sat up straight in my chair and gestured at Isabelle. "I like the way you think, Isabelle. Get Nook for me please. Tell him it's urgent. I have to meet with him privately." Isabelle beamed, hopping out of her seat and nodding.
"Yes, Ms. Mayor! I'll get on that right away." She turned on her ankle and sprinted out of the office. I was planning in my head what to say. I had to get Nook to agree to a contract. He had to sign an official contract that stated he wouldn't plan any development in North Cove for the next 10 years. Unfortunately, I didn't have a contract. I needed to start typing. From past political deals, I knew the ins and outs of creating a contract. I had no lawyer to proofread it but that's alright. I knew the ins and outs of that too. Hurriedly, I hunched over my laptop and typed rapidly. Every few seconds, I would stop to scan my words and then, I would continue to type. Luckily for me, Nook was a leisurely man, despite the fact that Isabelle told him our conference was urgent. He casually strolled in with a rather annoyed Isabelle figuratively biting at his heels. He smirked at me and waved his arm.
"Not to be crude, but what's the meaning of this meeting now? I am a very busy man, as I presume you are." he added with a snark in his tone. I rolled my eyes.
"I understand. We're both going through some rough times right now, which is why I called. Sit down please." I gestured to the chair but he shook his head.
"This needn't be a long meeting. I'll stand." Isabelle bit her lip. My blood boiled.
"No...it needn't be. But it is. So sit down." Nook exhaled sharply and quickly sat down. I leaned forward and brushed my hands together. "While Isabelle was fetching you, I compiled a contract for you." I pushed the piece of paper face down across the desk. "It's nothing too bad. Just a little official paperwork so we have a deal in the archives." He rose his eyebrows.
"A contract? You never mentioned anything about a contract! You know that anything legal should be handled with my lawyer." Nook turned to get up but I gestured at Isabelle. She grabbed his shoulder and squeezed it tightly. I pressed a red button on my desk which summoned security to wait outside my office door.
"You're not leaving until you look at this contract and sign it." I said gruffly. "I am going through one heck of a time right now, thanks to your casino. I had to pull some strings to get your casino in the construction process. The least you could do is a small favor for me." Nook picked up the brief contract and read it thoroughly. I watched his facial expressions. His poker face failed him; he was livid. He put it down as quick as he picked it up and scowled.
"Doesn't look like a small favor. Ten years without any development in North Cove? That's a hefty offer to throw out there. Who knows what the future holds? Who knows what ideas my mighty intelligence may procure?" he added with a cocky sneer. "I can't promise you that I can just withhold any development there for ten years." he said. I frowned, quickly losing my patience with the raccoon.
"All of this is your fault! You had to have your casino. I'm suffering the consequencess of this construction because I had to cancel Restore The Shore. If you promise to withhold any development in North Cove, I can reinstitute my conservation project there and maybe all of these people...their bickering and protesting would end." Nook bit his lip and his face reddened. After a moment's pause, he asked if he could just agree verbally. I shook my head. "Absolutely not. You sign it now or I shut down everything." Nook scoffed and opened his mouth to say something, but I stood up and cut him off. "Do you forget who I am? Yeah so what, you're Tom Nook. I'm Mayor Megan. You have caused me a heap of trouble and I am not going to allow you to walk all over me anymore. If you don't do something about all this, I will. I'm the mayor. You're not. Remember that, pal." Nook smiled and fidgeted his hand around in his pocket. I didn't really know what he was looking for. He had a suspicious look on his face but I ignored it.
He sighed and looked at me. "I don't have a pen. Do you have one?" I sneered and practically threw the pen at him. He picked it up and officially signed the contract. He pushed it back towards me and I made Isabelle take it away and put it in a safe place. "Thank you, Mayor. It was good doing business with you." He said, getting up and going to the door. I nodded.
"Always a pleasure, Tom." He nodded back.
"For your information though...North Cove will be the only cove you'll be able to conserve. East Cove won't go for it." He left the room without waiting for an answer. The guards stared in shock but didn't stop his departure. I stormed over to the door and yelled through the space at him.
"Those snobs will have to go for it!" I bellowed and slammed the door. I swear I could've heard a click just as Nook pressed his hand in his pocket. But I was too furious to care about that snit anymore. I came back into my office and sat down. Isabelle didn't say a word. I was just happy the contract was signed. This was the next step. After a few moments, I gained my composure and turned to face Isabelle. "Get all the preparations ready. North Cove will be reinstituted and you need to get a press conference out." Isabelle nodded readily and got busy.
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
Over the next couple of days, Lionel and I worked to investigate Tucker's story. We wanted to make sure it was true. Lionel took extensive measures to validate every aspect of the story and ensure every duck was lined up in its row. I just didn't want Lionel to blow any secret covers that would compromise Tucker's alleged investigation. As the mayor, I wasn't really privvy to too much information. It was police business, Lionel would tell me. However, I kept myself updated regularly on the status of the investigation. It would be the same thing every day. I would stride into the police station, past all the men and enter Lionel's office. The older lion would be standing there, hunched over some papers. I would ask the same question (Anything new?). He would shake his head and say no. I would ask if there was anything I could do to help. He would shake his head and say no. Then, I would leave and resume whatever I was doing before.
This time though, it went differently. Just as I turned to leave, Lionel sighed again and slammed his fist on the desk. I turned around to face him. The lion clenched his fists angrily.
"I just don't understand! Why would Tucker lie to me?" he asked. I shrugged.
"Maybe he had some other motive." Lionel shook his head.
"I investigated all outlets. There is no other motive. I can't figure out why in God's name they would pursue Rocket." Lionel beckoned me over to show me some papers. I didn't really understand much, but I tried to comprehend it as best as possible. "It shows that they were investigating a possible corruption scheme, yes. It shows that they were following Megan, yes. But it says nothing about Rocket. According to these official records, there was no reason for Tucker to be following Rocket." I pursed my lips.
"That's impossible." I scratched my head in confusion. "Maybe we're missing something." I said. Lionel shook his head and snapped.
"You know how I'm meticulous I am!" he yelled.
"Maybe you're being too meticulous!" I yelled back. Lionel's face paled. I sighed. "Just take a deep breath and step back, man. Lionel rolled his eyes. "The way I look at it, we're not doing something right. I'm not saying anyone is lying...I just think we're missing something. Why don't we go investigate some more ourselves?" I suggested. Lionel bit his lip.
"We are investigating, sir." he rolled his tongue smoothly. I grinned with a gleam in my eye.
"I have a better idea."
Delayed but better late than never. Wish I could keep that title date. ;D
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
id say its early considering you said you were posting it tomorrow but anyway amazing chapter. its nice to see magen stand up to nook
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
I agree, but what was that click we heard from Nook? Did he plant something in Megan's office, or set something off in North Cove?? I wouldn't put anything past him!
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
I just wrote up some new notes for SS in my Notes app on my iPod. Hopefully I'll get to writing sometime today or tomorrow and get the new chapters situated. Thanks for the support guys! You keep me going. =D
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
looking forward to it whenever you time to get it done
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
I wanted to get my family out of there as quickly as possible. Thankfully, we were able to get all our stuff crammed in my car in thirty minutes. I didn't want to wait a second longer. I didn't even wait for my son and wife to buckle their seatbelts. I tore down the street, leaving marks in the road. Instinctively, I would look back in the rearview mirror to see if anyone was following me. Reese didn't say anything but placed a hand on my arm. It was silent, but it was her way of telling me everything would be okay. I was relieved with her gesture, especially since it was the first gesture of affection we have shared since our reunion. It only made me feel somewhat better. I wouldn't feel comfortable until I was in my home in Coral Lakes.
Tyler was in his own world, playing on his 3DS. I remember him talking to me earlier, while we were packing, about the newest game of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. I guess he was playing that now. Suddenly, we heard a revving of an engine. I looked up and saw a truck coming up behind us. I couldn't see the driver but it made me nervous. The truck was gaining speed. I gently pressed the gas pedal lower. Reese sensed my engine roaring and stared over at the speedometer. She pursed her lips and whispered at me.
"Cyrus, slow down. The speed limit is 50." I grunted in reply, blowing her off. She sighed and furrowed her eyebrows at me. "Cyrus, you're going 65." The truck was closer than I realized. He had to have been going 80. I didn't want to scare her though. I didn't want to scare Tyler either. Everything was supposed to be normal. However, nothing was ever normal. I glanced up in my mirror and saw the truck's turn signal blinking. I almost breathed a sigh of relief. Almost. I looked up to my left, slowing down to let the truck pass. The driver was a mysterious, short man. He wore a black ski mask and a black hoody. The piercing look in his eyes was enough to strike fear in my heart. I noticed a familiar emblem hanging from the mirror. It was a gold leaf.
I slammed on my brakes. Boxes crashed into the back of my seat. Thank goodness their seatbelts were on. The truck tried to slow down to cut me off, but I managed to manuever the car to the left. I pushed the gas pedal to the floor and sped off. The man in the truck was unable to pursue me. I could see him angrily glaring at me and muttering under his breath. Reese stared at me with shock but didn't say a word. Tyler gasped and glared up at me.
"What's the big deal, Dad?!" he exclaimed. I huffed.
"No time to explain now. I'll talk about it later." I just wanted to focus on getting us out of here. I knew Nook was going to do something. I just didn't know what. Those jerks didn't want me and my family to escape. Well, I guess the joke is on them. We're headed to Coral Lakes and once we get there, we'll be protected from Nook forever. I continued to drive for a couple hours. I wanted to make sure we were safe. After some time though, it was getting dark. I had no idea where we were, and Tyler and Reese were hungry. There was an old motel on the side of the road, so I pulled over. I let them check in and I drove down to the nearest convenience store. The hotel receptionist told me there was a place down the road called Meet and Eat, where you could actually order food.
I headed there promptly.
Reese and Tyler were safe in the room...as long as they locked the door. The Meet and Eat wasn't hard to find. The place was huge. I ordered us some food and wandered around, looking at the various items they sold. I noticed a couple in the corner staring at me. A muscular green alligator leaned against a shelf. A white deer with pink wisps in her fur--I assumed it was his girlfriend--stood alongside of him and stared at me. I blinked and tried to mind my own business, but I couldn't stop staring at her. There was something enigmatic and enamoring about her. That's when I heard the alligator clear his throat and glare at me.
"What are you staring at, puff ball?" he gruffed. Sensing the growl in his voice, I gulped. I didn't want or need this confrontation right now. I shook my head and shrugged.
"Nothing!" I turned away and occupied myself with other things. Despite me ignoring the two, I still felt their eyes on me. Once my food arrived, I was grateful to grab the bag and leave. I swear I could have seen her chuckle as I left.
When I got back, Reese was thankful for the food. She and Tyler devoured it. I didn't really have an appetite at this point. I told Reese I was taking a quick walk to the hotel reception area. I remembered there was a coffee machine in the room. I would make myself some coffee and walk back. Simple right? Apparently, not. Out of my peripheral vision, I eyed up the hotel receptionist. I was cautious around the yellow koala. Alice her name was...she just seemed nosy to me. I don't trust nosy people. I made the coffee and stood there, sipping it for a moment. I enjoyed its warmth, but it wasn't like Brewster's. No coffee was like that pigeon's coffee.
That's when the door opened. I glanced over and saw the white deer. She was alone this time. No alligator treaded sneakily behind her. She smiled lightly and I turned away. The koala was watching. Before I knew it, the deer sidled up alongside of me and leaned against the coffee machine. She didn't say a word. Neither of us did. The koala was watching. The deer slipped her hand in the pocket of her tight jeans and pulled out her room card. It had to have been a spare key. She slid it across the surface of the coffee maker and smirked. As quickly as she came, she was gone. I looked down at the card, like it was a piece of poison. I saw the room number on the card. It read 9. She was five rooms away from me. I could have just as easily left the card there and went to Room 9 and knocked. Something inside of me didn't want to do that. I sighed inwardly, picked up the card, and put it in my pocket. I headed down the corridor, away from my own room. Away from my family.
The koala was watching.
Rocket's POV
Over the next few days, I noticed them following me a lot. By them, I mean the Coral Lakes cops. I didn't really know why either. I figured they were just targeting me because I moved from Griffin Beach. I had been facing a lot of prejudice from people once they found out where I was from. It was discouraging, because moving here was supposed to be my fresh start. However, I really couldn't socialize with the other people. Thus, I stuck to myself. My brother Al didn't approve of that. He was the social butterfly of Coral Lakes. Well, more of like the socialite. He was the successful, brawny realtor. I was just his sister, stuck in his shadow forever. Al tried to poke and prod me to leave his shadow but I was incapable of doing that due to the stubbornness and closed-mindness of the "Lakers."
I was at Al's house this afternoon and he started to hound me about it again.
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
"You know, sis..." he started, leaning back on his leather sofa. "You really ought to immerse yourself within the community, you know what I mean. Try like going down to the community center and talking to people! You stay cooped up in that house of yours all the time. You know they have a potluck every Thursday at 6:00..." he trailed. I sat up straighter in my seat across from him and scowled.
"Like you go tromping down to potlucks. Besides, I have tried. Those people don't like me. They've established that loud and clear." Al folded his arms.
"One confrontation with a man in a diner doesn't mean the town wants to chase you out. Give the people a chance. They're nice when you get to know them." he said. I rolled my eyes.
"I haven't gotten that far. I--" Al raised his hand to cut me off.
"No offense, Rocket, but I don't feel like you've been trying! You've been making excuse after excuse, and you don't even know what the people in Coral Lakes are like!" he snarled, raising his voice. I scoffed loudly.
"I know exactly what they are! They're judgmental, snobby people who think they're better than Beachers!" I yelled back. Al stood up from his seat and pointed at me angrily.
"I knew it!" he screeched with a smirk on his face. "You're just like every other Beacher that comes here!" I nearly choked on my own spit. My brother too? How many people were swayed by this Beacher versus Laker mentality? "You think you can come in here with a pompous attitude and just win everyone over with your swagger! It doesn't work that way. You have to be a genuine, real person to get friends here." I clenched my fists and shrugged.
"I guess I'm just not a real person then!" I yelled back, standing up and storming across the room. Al began to follow me. I rummaged through my purse to make sure I had everything. I turned and looked at Al. "You know, not everyone can be the charming, funny, star-studded realtor of a tiny tourist town." Al bit his lip.
"Hey, Coral Lakes has made it pretty far. Farther than precious Griffin Beach has. Megan just keeps digging herself into a deeper grave." I wasn't a fan of Mayor Megan either but I wasn't going to let my brother trash her. A retort flew across my brain. The first thing I could hit is a retort about Noah. I relaxed my hips and sneered. Just as I opened my mouth and the word Noah left my mouth, I was interrupted by a firm knock. Neither of us were expecting someone. Al and I exchanged looks before he walked over and opened the door.
Mayor Noah stood there with a curious yet pale look on his face.
"Sorry to bother you, Al. Is now a bad time for you guys? I just wanted to ask Rocket some quick questions..." Al shook his head and let the man in.
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#blackout
Thank you for the Reese memories (7/9/13-9/27/17)
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
me too nothing better to drew readers in then a good clifhanger
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"Because I was "the smart one," I thought I was always right. I learned
"smart" and "wise" aren't always the same"-Vio, Four Swords Manga
Posted:
9/2/2014 1:15pm
