that was a fantastic chapter liv. i cant wait for more

Thanks, Rebecca. Happy Thanksgiving!

Great chapter Liv!

I'll work on pumping out Chapter 26 sometime this week. Thanks for all the support. =D

Guess who's totally lame? Me.

I've been swallowed up with college applications but I will not let this archive. =D

Real life comes first, Liv. And, we, your fans, will be here to read your next chapter when you have time to post it.

yeah liv do what you gotta do and we'll still be here when you can post again

Indeedly!

I got Chapter 26 out! Here it is....=D I know it may not be the best in the world but I could only do so much with the spacing. The only thing that I can tell you...is that it will GET BETTER SOON. =D

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Chapter 26
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Rocket's POV

I took my lawyer Sophia's advice and took the money. It went against my personal beliefs, but my personal beliefs were not up for interrogation. After I took the money, everything was quiet. No one bothered me. No one followed me. But like they say, money doesn't buy you happiness. My pockets were heavier and my ABD account was larger but that really didn't mean anything. It didn't change much. If anything, I felt guiltier and corrupted. I accepted money like a bribe. I was paid into staying silent. It's not like it changed my standing around town. People were still rude to me. People still didn't talk to me. My only companion in life was my brother Al. I guess runner-up would be Sophia. I know you really can't count your lawyer as your friend, but she was the only person who showed they cared. She came by to my house every now and then, asked what was new, went to lunch with me...It was like she respected me for who I was and didn't give a yam what town I came from. Although that's no judgment to go off either. Sophia IS a Beacher.

I stood in the kitchen washing off my plate from lunch. Al wasn't here. He was on the other side of Coral Lakes, showing a house to a new family. He had left a half hour ago and brought a packed lunch with him. A knock on the door alerted me to someone's presence on my porch but I already knew who it was. I craned my neck around and lifted one hand out of the sudsy water to wave.

"Hey, Sophia! It's unlocked." The door swung open and a tall blonde human stood there. She waved awkwardly and entered, shutting the door behind her.

"Hey, Rocket. I was in the area and I figured I would drop by real quick. See how you are...so how are you?" she trailed. I turned off the water and placed the wet plate in the dish-drying rack, shrugging indifferently.

"Okay. Same as yesterday...same as the day before." I glanced out the window. "There's no more drama or anything like that but something inside of me still makes me feel empty and blah. When will this all be over? Will there ever be any closure? I don't feel like any monetary value can be placed on emotional closure. Agreed?" Sophia nodded.

"Totally. The thing is, it's not up to us to determine what the closure is. They're the ones in control. As awful and manipulative as it sounds, it's the cold truth. There's nothing we could have done and there's still nothing we can do. Everyone is just working had to ameliorate the circumstances and swipe this far under the rug. I don't know all of the details and it's none of my business but Mayor Noah and Mayor Megan have a lot on their plates right now. No one, in a million years, could have predicted that these two would be working together to fight a common enemy. Yet here we are." Sophia placed a hand on my shoulder. "I understand how hard it is and I can't pretend to know what you're going through internally. However, the best thing that I can do is be there for you and help you discover these things you are." I nodded.

"Thanks, Sophia. You're a good friend." She smiled warmly and glanced at her watch.

"Shoot, my lunch break is almost over. I still have to swing by the delicatessen and pick up a sandwich." She turned on her heel and headed towards the door. "Glad we had this talk." She added with a wink. I laughed as she cheerily waved. "Holla!" Just as soon as Sophia entered my house, she was gone. That emptiness quickly set in her spot. When she or Al...or anyone else for that matter...was around, that emptiness was replaced with a happy bubbliness. When I was alone, a grim dark feeling would always set in. It wasn't just loneliness. Even though I was a young, single gorilla in need of a mate, that wasn't my problem. Maybe I just needed a hobby. Watching TV wouldn't work. Neither would cooking. I needed something where I could meet people and be active. That's when I remembered a little flyer that I found one day, hastily stuffed underneath a rock on my front porch. A flyer for Copper's Sunday Morning Aerobic Class.

Today was Saturday. Maybe some calisthenics and walking now would prepare me for tomorrow so I didn't look like a total unfit loser. I grabbed my jacket and keys, hustling out the door.

---

Blather's POV

I sighed heavily and pushed my goggles up. I had a fully complete fossil in front of me. None other than the king of the beasts too. Nook pushed me so hard and demanded that I move forward every time I made a breakthrough.I had dropped some liquid on the T-Rex and waited for it to move. The legs convulsed and the chest twitched but nothing major happened. The guard in the back was watching me warily. Like I really could sabotage my own project. I made some notes in my notebook and moved towards my kit in the corner. This kit held some tools that I used to test reflexes and other bodily functions. I picked up a hammer and lightly tapped on its joints. The legs moved but showed no intention of travelling. I hummed lightly and began to dig through my kit, looking for another dropper. I needed to drop some calcium on the bones to strengthen them. The guard behind me cleared his throat while I struggled to find the dropper. I peeked my head out and frowned.

"What is it?"

"You know, I'm no accolade-packed scientist that dropped out of doctoral school but...why don't you just bathe the fossils in the solution? Or paint the fossil with a small paintbrush?" I scowled and tsked to myself.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand. Now please, let me do my job and I'll let you do yours." The guard folded his arms and abruptly left the room. I waved my wing at him in frustration and finally found the dropper. "I would've found this sooner if he wasn't distracting me." I mumbled under my breath. Dropping the calcium on the bones allowed the fossil to have a little bit more mobility but still nothing fantastic. I contemplated what else to do when Nook came in. I stood up straight and saluted him lightly. "Sir! What brings you here?" Nook smirked and approached the fossil, choosing not to answer me. I stood there awkwardly while the returning guard had a pompous smile plastered on.

"You know, Blathers, if you just listened to other people's criticism and consultations, I wouldn't have to come in all the time. It's such a waste when you refuse to listen to anyone but yourself so I have to come in here and knock some sense into you." I gulped. "Randall here," he said pointing to the guard, "had a wonderful idea and suggested it to me. He said you didn't really listen to him." Before I could stop Nook, he reached over me and grabbed the liquid and a brush.

"Sir, no!" I yelled. Nook slathered the liquid on lazily, taking no care at all. Some spilled on the floor. Some even got on his clothes. When Nook quickly finished, he looked proud of himself like he had just finished the world's best masterpiece. However, the T-Rex started to move. It walked and then rushed towards us. The creature screamed and leaned over us all. I grabbed the nearest thing I could grab: a hammer. "No! Bad dinosaur! Stay down!" I screeched in a menacing tone. The T-Rex abruptly stopped in its tracks and calmly sat down. Nook grinned and clapped me on the shoulder.

"Excellent job, mate. Looks like the lizard is already trained.

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas! =D

As the hours tick down, I hope you guys have cherished the holiday with your family and show your appreciation for them. I am still writing the chapters but also have a nice little announcement.

I am planning a new story that will be released in the New Year. The fine details need to be worked out but there will be a new story of mine hitting the shelves soon. =D I appreciate all of your support and I can't wait for you guys to eventually read it.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a nice day and have received amazing presents. As you prepare to eat in a few hours, I would like to give you a present of my own. I've been writing away and here is a product of such. Chapter 27. Have a good day everyone!

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Chapter 27
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Cyrus's POV

I thought my wife was going to snarl at me and be nasty like she has been doing for the past few weeks.

However, when I was left in that room with her, I noted how frail and fragile she really was. I finally saw her shell of a frame and noticed how tired and weary she truly was. I refrained myself from grabbing her shoulder and holding her. Instead, I sat in my seat carefully and stared at her heaving body. Tears flowed down her cheeks and dampened her fur. She choked a few back and stared at me with red eyes. The words she attemped to speak could not leave her mouth. Being her husband for a good amount of time though allowed me to know exactly what she wanted me to say.

"It was a moment of weakness." I said with a deep sigh. "No words can portray how much I love you. I know you needed your space and maybe I needed some too, but I just want you to know that not a second went by that I didn't think of you and Tyler," I said cupping her face with my hand and lightly kissing her. "I can't sit here and tell you I thought of you when I was in that hotel room." I added with a light chuckle. I expected her to scowl at me and sneer like in the past. This time, I saw a light smile. "But I can tell you that I realize it was a poor judgment. We're all human and we make mistakes. My mistake was not staying faithful to you."

She pursed her lips and smiled again. "Thank you for giving me the space I need to heal." She said looking off into the distance. "I'm sorry I've been so bitter and nasty. All you have been doing is trying to win me back but I've been pushing you away..." she trailed.

"But I understand!" I exclaimed. "You didn't need me at your heel like a herding dog and I get that. I just want you to know I'm here." We held hands for a short moment and I started to speak again. "I'm glad we went to counseling, babe." She glanced over at me. "It gave us a chance to open up and talk things out. It was exactly what we needed to move forward." She nodded and blinked away some more tears. "So...can I let Dr. Hamilton back in?" She nodded again. I tapped lightly on the door and she came in again. I felt like she heard everything we were saying. A comically light expression adorned her face.

"Did you guys work out some things?" This time, Reese spoke up.

"We did. I seemed angry earlier and I do apologize for that, but I think I needed to have that outburst to level out my feelings." The elephant rose her hands.

"Hey, never apologize for your feelings. They're our emotions. We shouldn't be ashamed of them." Dr. Hamilton quickly jotted down some notes and smiled. "I think you guys need to rekindle some flame. I get that it can be a slow process but something about you guys tells me that nothing about your life is slow." The elephant said with a wink. Reese and I both laughed. Dr. Hamilton leaned back in her seat. "You should arrange a date night. Just a little something where it's just the two of you. It doesn't have to be anything overly fancy if you aren't comfortable with that yet. Just enough to get the passion churning again. Also, a family night with your son should be considered as well." We both nodded. "You both seem like you're in love but you've just experienced a bump in the road. Infidelity is unfortunately a major bump for many couples but it can be overcome. It takes some time to build up trust and love again but it is possible." Dr. Hamilton looked at both of us. "Do either of you have any questions or concerns you would like to bring up?" Reese lightly raised her hand.

"I just worry about my trust issues. I know Cyrus loves me and I hear what he says but in the back of my mind, I'll always be thinking. I'll be wondering what he's doing, who he's with. Every second, I'll automatically think he is cheating on me." Dr. Hamilton nodded.

"I understand completely, Reese. I think in due time, these feelings will pass. However, if you do continue to experience these emotions and you would like to combat them, I can send you two to a specialist for some trust exercises. But, I will personally tell you that trust exercises probably aren't as helpful as one expects them to be. Time often is the best medicine. I'm sure that if you let Cyrus prove that to you, you won't be sorry." she added with a smile. I grinned at my wife and Reese at least didn't look so unsure.

Before I knew it, we were thanking Dr. Hamilton and leaving the office. Reese and I were on our way back to the store. We walked slowly, hand in hand. I admired the puffy clouds and pointed out their resemblances. When we neared the store, I noticed a car parked in front. A shiny, loaded white Jeep sat alongside the sidewalk. A young human girl with brown hair leaned against the hood. When she saw us coming, she unfolded her arms and began to approach us. I couldn't see who she was at first but when I finally realized who it was, I instinctively stepped in front of my wife and hissed at the human.

"Stay back! What are you doing here? Get away from my family and my store!"

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Noah's POV

I made the decision on how to pursue this case.

I immediately told Resetti and Lionel when I woke up the next morning. We would be actively pursuing it and not sitting back anymore. I think Lionel and Resetti were pleased to hear that. Lionel was working on processing the warrants with the DA and Resetti was making sure Blathers and Celeste wouldn't try to flee. Once Lionel compiled all the warrants together, we could have the go-ahead to storm both Nook and Blather's places. We could shut down that lab for good and possibly burn it. If that was okay with my sister. Speaking of Megan, I really needed to call her. I was about to grab the phone when I heard the loud revving of an engine. I looked up and saw a shiny white Jeep zoom down the road. It had to have been speeding. I sighed and Digby perked up, hearing my exhale.

"Karma will that get driver eventually, Mayor Noah." he said lightly. I nodded and suddenly narrowed my eyes. That license plate. MayMeg? I pieced the puzzle together and groaned again. Digby looked at me. "What is it, sir?" I didn't answer and picked up the phone. I dialed my sister. The line rang a few times before she picked up. Her voice sounded so casual.

"Oh hey bro, what's up?" she asked. I asked her where she was and what she was doing. "Me? Nothing special. I'm just sitting here in my office, wrapping up some work for the day." I rolled my eyes.

"Even when we were kids, you were the worst liar." She gasped and didn't say a word. I laughed. "MayMeg? That is like such an obvious license plate. Not to mention that you're speeding around my town in a flashy car..." I trailed. Megan huffed. "Meg, what are you doing here?"

"It's none of your business! You didn't want to talk to me so I'm here because I'm meeting with someone else." I bit my lip.

"I'm the mayor. It kinda is my business. Look, if you don't want to tell me, I get it. I can't spoil my own surprise!" I said with a cheeky grin.

"...what are you--OHMIGOG YOU CONCEITED--I am NOT planning anything for your birthday!" I laughed again. I missed these exchanges with my sister. It's been so long but now, it feels like no time has passed. I told her what my plans were with Blathers and Celeste. I told her that I would be having SWAT teams and FBI storm the construction site in South Cove. Of course, I asked her permission. I could hear her relax. "Sure, that's not a problem. I'm glad you're proceeding with this. They need to go down. What about Nook though?" I paused and Megan sensed my hesitation. "Noah, I know Nook. He will scream lawsuit faster than you can say 'pinky'. He will have the best lawyers on his side and emerge from the struggle with barely a scratch. PLEASE tell me you have a plan." I actually didn't have a plan, but in that moment it came to me.

"I do have a plan, sis. What type of man do you take me for? I will have the best lawyers on my side, including Sophia Robbins. I'll have something arranged with Lionel." I said confidently. "Besides the best lawyers can't fight the evidence. Resetti has all the items and surveillance together. They can't fight the law." I retorted. Megan scoffed.

"Noah, that's what Nook and his legal team does every day. They evade the law. You need a better plan than 'I got a couple lawyers.'" I frowned and rolled my eyes. "Anyways, I have to go. I'm nearing my destination here and I'll be busy." I opened my mouth to ask her what she was doing but she cut me off. "And don't me ask what I'm doing here. It's none of your beezwax. I'll be in touch. Talk to you later!" She quickly hung up the phone and I was stuck on an open line. I sighed and hung up the phone. I turned to Digby who was hunched over his work. The door slammed open and Lionel stood there with an aghast look on his face. I asked the lion what was wrong and he hurried into the office, shutting the door behind him.

"I have some good news and some bad news, sir." I groaned and leaned back in my chair.

"Hit me with it." I winced.

"The good news is we got the warrants. The bad news is Nook is on his way to the airport, ready to fly out of the country."

amzaing two chapters liv, i cant wait to read the next

Yes, I wonder what Megan's intending to do?

Excellent chapters, as always.

Great chapter Liv! Thank you.

Thanks, guys!

Happy New Year! All of my college apps are out and submitted so I'll have more time for other things. =)

Amazing chapters Liv! Though now I'm a bit more interested in this story's universe. Where is Nook going? There are other countries than Animal crossing? Assuming New Leaf is a county or state, making AC the country, does that mean other countries would be other games? Is Nook going Turbo?

Can't wait for the next update!

I don't know what Turbo is but Nook is definitely shady.

Next chapter (first chapter of 2015) coming soon!

Oh my goodness Liv! Don't know who Turbo is?! Haven't you ever seen Wreck-it-Ralph??

No I haven't! D=

But upon a quick Google, I now know who Turbo is. xD

Definitely a must-watch! Get to it Liv!

New chapter of the year! First one of 2015. Thanks for the support and hope you enjoy the latest developments. ;D

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Chapter 28
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Megan's POV

I slowly held up my hands and walked towards the two alpacas. I could sense the aggression and apprehension in their tones. As I moved closer, the wool on Cyrus's neck bristled and stood up straight.

"I know that I'm not the first person you would want to see. Heck, I don't even know if I'm the first person I would want to see. However, I just wanted to talk to you guys. Please give me a chance to explain myself and to explain...all of this craziness." Cyrus and Reese exchanged quick glances and whispered to each other. I stepped back once, just to show them I wasn't threatening them or closing in on their space. I just wanted to talk. Finally, Reese placed a hand on Cyrus's shoulder and he slowly released some tension. He nodded.

"You can speak." I thanked him humbly and took a deep breath.

"Everything just got so out of control. I had no hold on anything." I hung my head in shame. "Nook runs the town and he runs me. Anything that he wants goes because I'm so naiive and terrified. I'm no staunch, strong bulwark that can stop anything. I let a businessman take over my town." I glanced at them. "I wanted to tell you guys and explain to you before...about me vetoing your permit." Cyrus and Reese didn't look persuaded. "I really did! I couldn't though at the time. I had no choice but to go by everything that Nook wanted. It's not easy to voice out loud, but I have a secret." Reese's expression lightened and I saw her pinch her husband's shoulder. "This secret has been burning inside of me for years and I never talked about it until now. Nook is the only person who knows and he holds it over my head at every opportunity." I blinked away some tears and I actually saw--in my peripheral vision--Reese attempt to come forward and embrace me. Cyrus stopped her.

"I allowed Nook to boss me around just because he knows my secret and I don't want to allow it anymore. I am ashamed that this even happened but I'm more ashamed that I kept it a secret for so long. I admire you both so much for being able to fight off Nook and his influence. He is an evil man and he wants nothing more to crush those who oppose him. You two have managed to escape his wrath and I have so much respect for you." I sighed, proceeding to move this conversation along. "I'm here now because I would like to tell you two my secret." I lifted my head and stared them both in the eyes. "I need to show both this secret and Nook that they cannot enslave me and my life anymore." Cyrus and Reese turned to stare at each other. I gulped and closed my eyes for a moment. I was actually doing this. "Is that okay with you?" Cyrus and Reese exchanged another quick glance and nodded.

Cyrus puffed his chest out, looking more like his old self. "Yes. You can tell us. But please. We shouldn't be standing outside like this. Why don't you come inside? We can make ourselves comfortable, have some refreshments and relax while you tell us your secret." He suggested. I smiled. I appreciated the invite. He went from yelling at me protectively to hospitably opening up his home to me.

"Thank you, Cyrus. However, it won't take very long. I just need to tell this story right now. Nothing can delay me." I looked around and pointed to a yellow bench that was conveniently located outside the store. "Sit there. I'll relax on the sidewalk. I know it seems informal and strange but I would just like to get it all out while we're here." Reese and Cyrus acquiesced. Soon, I sat cross-legged on the concrete sidewalk and rehashed my story.

"Smoke rose in the sky and billowed with the clouds. Fire still blazed angrily, spewing from the roofs of villagers' homes and stores. A thin layer of ash covered the ground and made breathing nearly impossible. However, a young woman still was able to hike through the seemingly abandoned town. She had seen the smoke miles out, while she was journeying through the forest, and made a quick pit stop here. She wandered around the oddly-shaped beach town, searching for any survivors. She walked around the town, calling out to someone--anyone who could call back. Finally, when she reached the Town Hall, she could hear a call for help.

Desperately, the young woman kicked down the door of the burning building and made her way upstairs. To the clock tower. When the human approached the tower, she saw a shocking sight. An old turtle was holding a random frog villager hostage. The turtle gripped the frog around his throat and was dangling him over the rafter. Every now and then, the turtle's grasp would falter and the frog would hang a few centimeters closer to the burning fire below. The young woman screamed out and demanded that the turtle set the frog free. When both men saw the human girl, a cacophony of voices reached her ears. The frog wailed the desperate cry for help that initially drew the woman into the building. The turtle growled at the girl and told her to go away.

"Meddle in your own business! What are you doing in this town anyways? Get out and leave if you know what's good for you!" the old turtle screeched. The girl clenched her fists.

"I was walking in the outskirts of the town and saw the rising smoke! I got concerned and came into town. What is going on here? I called 911. The fire company is on its way--" The turtle coughed viciously and then angrily screamed out.

"Foolish girl! Now the authorities will catch us all!" The girl just stared in confusion. "This town is cursed! Cursed, I tell you! Katrina herself will not even step foot in this town. No human and no animal is meant to live in Griffin Beach. It is a terrible, terrible place and everything about it must be destroyed and cleansed. Its spawn must be purified or it will spread to kill us all!" the old man yelled out. "Get out while you can! While you are--" The turtle broke out into a coughing fit, on the verge of gagging and collapsing. His grip on the frog weakened and the frog almost fell to his death. The turtle however regained himself and glared at the girl. "Save yourself." The turtle suddenly let go of the frog and he fell. The human screamed out.

"No!" There was nothing that could be done. She turned towards the turtle and leapt across to tackle him. The two fell on the opposite side of the clock tower. It was a wonder that their combined weight did not cause the floor of the tower to give out underneath of them. They wrestled for a moment before the girl pushed the turtle out of the glass window. She fell with him and landed on the stone plaza. She grunted in pain and lightly felt her side. She thought her rib may have collapsed. She groaned and tried to sit upright. The turtle was already standing and slowly hobbling away. "Hey! Come back here!" The girl scrambled to her feet and hobbled after the limping turtle. She followed him down to the beach and before she knew it, the cool brisk wind was pulling at her hair. She heard the large crashes of the waves and realized she was standing at the edge of the ocean. The turtle had stopped and wavered in the middle of the sand."

""You know..." he croaked in a hoarse voice, "Katrina told me I would run into someone like you." She didn't know what to say. "Is this the way it is supposed to happen? By a stranger that never knew me? Let it be then." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun, gently laying it on the ground and backing away. "Just do it. Get it over with. I've already seen your future; I know the type of person you really are." The girl scowled.

"You don't know me! And even if everything you say is true, why should I believe you?" She angrily took a step closer. "I just watched you murder a man!" The turtle didn't say anything. "Don't feed me any of that crap like you had to do it and had no choice. Everyone has a choice about their actions." She stared down at the gun. "What is that? Do you expect me to-to-" she trailed off. The turtle still didn't say anything. "What a coward. If you're going to go on a spree and burn up your entire town, at least live to tell the tale." She glanced down. "I wouldn't normally do this because I think you deserve to replay these memories in your brain for the rest of your life. However..." she knelt down and picked up the weapon, "you're a special case."

Boom.

Sirens roared and the girl looked up. Police cars, fire trucks and ambulances surrounded her. She threw the gun in the ocean and slowly walked towards the cars. An officer exitted the car and questioned her. He asked her what she was doing there and what her name was. The girl sighed and shrugged her shoulders.

"I was taking a walk through the forest and saw the rising smoke. I came into town to see what was going on. My name is Megan.""

Cyrus and Reese stared at me with aghast expressions. They didn't know what to say and finally, the man broke the silence.

"So...you killed Mayor Tortimer and rebuilt the city from scratch?" he asked. I nodded. "Jeez. For years, I looked at that picture of that old turtle and thought he was just the best old man ever." Cyrus looked down. "And I thought you were elected of your own accord." I lightly frowned.

"It isn't exactly the way I expected to stumble into politics either. It just happened like that. I have no regrets." I looked down. "Turns out, that day, everyone thought the mayor did himself in and disposed of the weapon. I didn't have the heart or the bravery to tell anyone the truth. I was hailed as the hero of Griffin Beach and crowned the mayor. From there, I worked on rebuilding the town but it didn't come without traumatic memories. That night came back to haunt me. I later found out that Nook was evacuating his store and saw me do all that. He took pictures." I trailed off and Reese placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Mayor Megan. I had no idea."

"I'm just glad I got it off my chest," I said. I straightened up and shrugged my shoulders. "It's been so long that no one would probably care, but it just still terrifies me to think that people would find out." I stared off into the distance. "I'm happy I don't have that fear now. Nook can't hurt me anymore." The two alpacas slowly stood up and offered me to finally come in and relax and have some refreshments. I accepted their offer. We climbed the steps into their apartment and we encountered a neighbor in the hallway. A pink owl warmly extended her wing and greeted me. I thought I almost was going to tackle this chick in the corridor.

"Hi, my name is Celeste. Nice to meet you!

wow just wow i think tortimer might have lost his sanity there. did not see that coming, awesome job liv

Oh, my. That was unexpected.

I confess I might have giggled a bit at "I wouldn't normally do this". She frequently meets deranged arsonists, then!?

But I wonder what Celeste wants. This can't be good...