Chapter 14: Fooled!
Twilight didn’t understand what had happened. Why was Xenos suddenly so worried?
They reached the library and Xenos bucked the door open.
“Stop right there!” He yelled.
Twilight tried to get passed him to see who he was talking to. She saw the library in a mess. Books were lying around everywhere. Standing in the middle of all the chaos was...Discord?
Everypony gasped except for Xenos, who just looked grimly. Twilight wanted to say something, but couldn’t. Her tongue felt just too heavy.
Discord was holding a book and shook it to see if there was something inside. Then he tossed it in a corner carelessly. Twilight finally regained her voice.
“Discord!” She yelled. “What in are you doing???” She yelled.
The draconequus chuckled.
“Oh, poor little Twilight. Isn’t it obvious? I’m looking for your precious little Elements of Harmony. Unfortunately you hid them quite well, but that doesn’t matter. I like to play hide and seek.”
Twilight cringed. She had almost believed his lies. She had almost trusted him...But she had been right. She had been right all the time. He hadn’t changed. He had just fooled them all to gain power again.
Twilight’s eyes narrowed. She looked at Xenos, but the green stallion didn’t seem to be surprised by the betrayal. He just glared at Discord. She knew that this wasn’t the right moment, but she couldn’t resist:
“I told you I was right! He is still evil! He hasn’t changed a single bit!” She said.
Xenos didn’t even look at her. He just stared straight forward.
“I’m sorry Twilight, but I think you’re wrong...” He said calmly.
“WRONG??? How can I possibly be wrong now??? He just admitted that he wants to steal the Elements! How much evidence do you need???”
Her eyelid was slightly twitching now. What was his problem? Even a blind foal could see that Discord is evil. However he continued in the same calm manner:
“You’re still wrong, because...this isn’t Discord!”
“WHAT?!?!?”
Switch to Xenos
“WHAT?!?!?” Everyone called out in confusion.
Discord rolled around on...well...the air, laughing.
“Not Discord? Are you blind? It’s clearly him!” Twilight yelled, gazing at me in disbelief.
“Oh Twilight, your coltfriend is a bit faster than you, isn’t he? Come on Xenos. Tell her. You’ve already figured it out.” Discord grinned evil.
I just gave him a dirty look.
“Why don’t you? Give up your disguise and show your real face...Chrysalis!” I shouted.
Everyone gasped.
The draconequus’ body started to vibrate and changed its shape, turning into a tall alicorn...or better...insect alicorn. Her body was covered in a black chitin. With her torn bug wings, the perforated legs, and the oddly shaped horn she looked like a creature straight from a nightmare.
Chrysalis broke out in evil laughter.
“Finally you found out. I thought you would never get it.”
She laughed again.
“I should have noticed it earlier. Let me guess when Twilight and I broke up you took the other one’s place both times, right?”
“Of course I did. I never had that much fun for ages.”
“That explains the rotten smell back then. Ugh, I really kissed that thing.”
“Were you also involved in the Big Mac and Fluttershy thing? Did you try to destroy their relationship too?” I hissed in anger.
“That’s funny. Actually I wasn’t. It just fit perfectly into my brilliant plan, but go on. Where else was I?” She asked provoking.
“Well obviously, you changed to Spike one or two times, to find out where the elements were.” I continued.
“That’s really obvious now, isn’t it?”
“...And I wonder if you had something to do with the Hydra attack too.”
Chrysalis chuckled again.
“Oh it’s funny how smart you are. Yes, I was involved in that. In fact I WAS the Hydra.”
That was surprising. I didn’t expect her to be powerful enough to turn into such a giant creature.
“...but you didn’t imitate Discord until now, right?”
“Again you’re right...”
“...and still...after all, I have no idea what you’re up to...”
More evil laughter from Chrysalis.
“You have nothing to laugh anymore, Chrysalis. You’ve blown your cover and you haven’t got your dirty hooves on the elements yet. In addition we’re eight and you’re alone. Give up! It’s over!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“Over? It’s not over, little pegasus. It has just begun...because you little fools stepped right into my trap!!!”
Chrysalis suddenly charged a powerful spell and released it without a warning. Thanks to my paranoia I had been prepared for this since we had entered the library. I could put up a magical shield just in time, but the others weren’t fast enough. A mighty energy wave hit them and knocked them down. It was so bright that I had to close my eyes not to get blinded. When I opened them again, I saw the others lying on the floor...and they didn’t move anymore. Fear filled my heart, brain and guts.
“What have you done to my friends, you oversized cockroach?!” I yelled.
Chrysalis chuckled again.
“No need to be insulting. They’re fine...for now! I just cast a little paralysis spell on them. They can see, hear, and feel everything. They just can’t move.”
I had to gain more time to make up a plan, so I decided to ask random questions to distract her.
“I don’t get it. What is all this supposed to be? None of your actions make sense!”
“Oh you little fool! Think you can try to distract me until you figured out a way to outsmart me. Stop trying, you’ve already lost...and that’s why I can reveal you my plan as it doesn’t matter anymore now.”
“Can she read minds too?”
She buzzed with her insect wings, lifted herself into the air and started circling me. My eyes followed her every move. She wouldn’t be able to attack me unprepared.
“So what was the plan? I’ve been watching Ponyville for quite a while, waiting for the right moment to strike. Unfortunately, all the Ponies were horribly alert. It would have been really difficult to remain undetected, but then...a very useful event happened.”
“Useful event?”
“Yes, useful. It was your arrival in Ponyville.”
“What? In which way would you benefit from my arrival?”
“At first I didn’t. At first you were just another dumb little Pony, getting in my way...but then you started your pathetic little romance with Twilight here.” She said and pointed at the paralysed unicorn on the floor.
I had to pull myself together not to simply jump at Chrysalis trying to choke to death. I wouldn’t be able defeat her in an open fight. She was way too agile and powerful for me.
“And how did my...romance...help your plan?” I hissed, trying not to mentally explode.
“It’s simple. From all the other Ponies, Twilight is the smartest. She would be the first to blow my cover if she notices unusual behaviour from the Ponies in town. However, love can be distracting, right? I used the lack of alertness and managed to sneak into Ponyville’s society.” She responded.
“I understand...Then Discord and Dave appeared and you decided to use the already difficult situation to your advantage. With all the confusion, it was easy for you to remain undiscovered. Am I right?” I concluded.
Chrysalis just laughed and nodded.
“Go on, go on. You’re amusing.”
“...What I still don’t understand is the Hydra attack. What purpose had it?”
“I’m disappointed. After all I expected more from you. It’s obvious: The citizens didn’t trust Discord and after the break up story with Twilight, most of them disliked you. So I attacked the town, disguised as a creature that can only be defeated by a very powerful being and as expected, Discord stepped in and saved the day. Means, he was the hero of Ponyville now, and you became the new public enemy number one.”
“Motherbucking asshole!”
“Why me? I thought the whole romance was useful for you!”
“It was, but frustration and sadness is more distracting than simple love. I watched you since you suddenly appeared out of nowhere and unfortunately...you turned out to be smarter then I thought. It seemed like you were seeing things different than the others. You became a serious threat to my plans. So I did my best to keep you focussed on your own problems.”
“Then Discord really must have been a thorn in your side. He did everything to encourage me to win Twilight back and eventually he succeeded. And what would you say if I tell you that Discord can read minds? What if I just requested his help by thinking?” I interrupted.
The changeling queen just laughed.
“First, I know that he can read minds. Second, we both know that you can’t do that. He can read your mind, but you can’t contact him with yours.”
“How do you know?” I hissed.
Chrysalis chuckled again.
“Because I told her...”
“DISCORD?!?!?!?”
The draconequus had just stepped out of the shadow, slowly clapping his paws.
“Surprise, Surprise! You didn’t see that one coming didn’t you.”
“Wha- wha- what is- wh-“ I stammered, unable to form a proper sentence.
Although my brain had already realised what had happened my heart refused to accept it. I couldn’t believe that all this was really happening.
“Did you really think I would change that easily? Bah, and I thought you knew me. I’m the spirit of disharmony and chaos. Betrayal and lies, that’s what I do.”
I just gazed at him with my mouth open.
“I- I-...I thought you were my FRIEND!” I stuttered.
“Ohohohoho...what made you think that? The fact that I USED you to reach my goal? I’m Discord. I don’t need friends. Ugh. All I need is my daily amount of chaos. Like this.”
He clicked his finger and a raincloud appeared over my head and it started to rain chocolate drops.
“Why? Just...why?”
“Phew, I always thought you to be sensitive. I was trapped in a stone statue for thousands of years. Then, I finally can break free to catch up with all the chaos I missed and suddenly those puny, little Elements of Harmony cross my way and I get stoned again. Do you think that’s fair?”
“You spread disharmony and anarchy. What did you expect? That they’ll just let you do your thing until Equestria is all messed up?” I yelled back.
“No, of course not. How could I even dare to question the decision of the mighty Celestia. Because she totally has the right to define good and evil? Has anyone ever thought that it might be just in my NATURE to create chaos. I was created to do it. My whole life depends on it.” He sounded a bit desperate.
I didn’t know why, but I felt like I could understand him. He wasn’t really evil...he was misunderstood...but still...the betrayal hurt.
“I guess, you didn’t break free on your own, then.”
He chuckled, back in his usual arrogant manner.
“No. That was all little Chrysalis’ plan.”
“Guard your tongue!” Chrysalis hissed.
“Geez, no need to be offended. Anyway, she used a simple spell breaker. The imprisonment spell is far less powerful than you would think.” He laughed.
“How- how did you manage to convince Celestia then?”
“Oh, quite simple. Good old Tia had always been way too sweet-natured. I must have changed, otherwise the spell wouldn’t have been broken. How could she know that a simple spell breaker was enough...but seriously who would ever consider freeing the spirit of disharmony? Ridiculous, isn’t it?”
He grinned at me.
I tried hard to hold the tears back. I had thought him to be one of the best friends I’ve ever had and he...had been lying...the whole time. This feeling was even worse than the pain I suffered after Twilight broke up.
“It’s time to end this now.” Chrysalis spoke up.
“Meh, go ahead and do what you want. Paralyze them and throw them into one of your dungeons. I don’t mind. It’s getting boring.”
“Imprison them? No, no. I will end this forever. I will just kill them.”
“WHAT?!” Discord and I yelled in unison.
He flew to the changeling queens side.
“Slow it down Chrysi. No need to get violent. Trick them? Yes. Humiliate them? Yes. Lock them away in the deepest dungeon possible? Also yes, but killing them? Definitely not! I never agreed to do this.”
“Hah. You? Agree? No one asked for your approval. You should be happy that I freed you.”
“Do you even know who you are talking to? I’m more powerful than you will ever be in your whole lifetime!” He shouted in anger.
“So powerful that six fillies managed to trap you in stone after you already defeated them...You should be happy that I even gave you the opportunity to help me.” Chrysalis responded in an arrogant voice.
I expected him to break out in rage and kick Chrysalis’ flank or something, but he did none of that. He just glared at her, his eyelids twitching. The he snorted and turned around folding his arms.
“That’s all? He’s going to take it like THAT?”
Chrysalis landed in front of me. I backed off charging my magic to deflect her next move.
“Why do you keep resisting? It’s over! First, I will end you and then the others.”
“Why? It wasn’t even them who defeated you. It was Shining Armor and Cadance! Get revenge on them!”
“Did I really just say that? I’m pathetic.”
“It was Twilight who blew my cover and freed Cadance."
“She freed Cadence, because you sent her there. You screwed up your plan all by yourself!”
“Whatever...I will get my revenge on all of them. After I killed Twilight, I’ll make sure that Shining Armor will hear the news. His loved little sister dead...he will be so furious. Means he will instantly come after me...and fall right into a trap. The same thing will happen to Cadance.”
“You’re a monster. Your completely insane. You’re a...a...GRAAAH!” I yelled.
I was literally bursting from rage. I just wanted to jump at that bitch, rip her guts out and choke her with her own intestines (too much?). Only the few remains of my sanity held me back. I wouldn’t have a chance and although I knew I wouldn’t survive this, I didn’t want to die the painful way.
Chrysalis ignored my insults and continued.
“Celestia I will have to imprison her as she is immortal, but...you know...immortal doesn’t mean invincible.”
I noticed Discord cringing a bit.
“You think you’ll get away that easy?!” I hissed.
“Oh, I’m sure I will, but that’s none of your business anymore as you won’t live long enough to see it.”
It was over. I knew it. I thought and thought and thought, trying to find a way to save us all, but there wasn’t any. I could maybe land a quick strike on Chrysalis which would give me time to fell, but...that would mean that I had to leave the others behind...and there was no way I would, or even could do that.
In my desperation I did the last thing that came to my mind. I tried to appeal to Discord’s...I don’t know...maybe...heart?
“Discord! Why are you doing this? You don’t need revenge. You had friends. They started to like you!”
“Like me? Do you even hear what you’re saying? I see their looks. They still hate me. They still FEAR me! You think I could change? I can’t. I am and will always be the spirit of chaos and disharmony. It’s my destiny. A destiniy that doesn’t allow friends!” He shouted.
“But you have changed. I know how you were before. The old Discord wouldn’t help me up when I was down. Not even if it was part of his plan. You have changed. You just don’t want to admit it...and you know what...after all you have done...I would still stand by your side. Why? Because I think...deep inside you...there’s the good Discord...the one that’s my friend.” I finished and took a deep breath.
Discord didn’t say anything. He just gazed at me. I couldn’t tell from his facial expression, but...in his eys I could see that I had moved something inside him.
“Enough of that sweet-talk. Prepare to meet your destiny, Xenos.”
“No...”
“WHAT???”
“I said...no! I will neither allow you to hurt him, nor will I allow you to hurt them!” Discord pointed at the paralysed Ponies on the floor.
“Fool! You dare to challenge Chrysalis, the mighty queen of the changelings?”
“You bet I do...and speaking of yourself in third person doesn’t make you more powerful!”
“YOU WILL REGRET THIS!!!” Chrysalis yelled in anger, rose up into the air and fired a green lightning bolt at Discord.
The draconequus deflected it with his lion’s paw, then charged an energy ball in his other claw and returned fire. Chrysalis dodged the magic projectile and fired three more lightning beams. Discord used his magic to avoid the energy beams and teleported to the side. The bolts crackled against the wall and left three charred spots behind.
“She isn’t playing. She’s really trying to kill him.”
My mind rushed. Discord didn’t seem like he had difficulties handling the changeling queen, but she was a tough opponent. She might not match his magic abilities, but she did have a better combat style. They would fight like this forever. None of them would get the upper hand. I had to do something before they took the whole library apart.
I charged my magic and aimed for the changeling. One simple hit would be enough to distract her so Discord could knock her out. However, she was really fast and steadily changed her flying direction.
“Just one fucking hit!”
I put my whole concentration on that one spell, fired...and struck! Chrysalis staggered and crashed on the ground. I grinned.
“Your FACE beyatch!”
Chrysalis got up and shook her head.
“It’s over Chrysi. Get back where you came from and NEVER. EVER. come back again!” Discord said.
“It’s...not....over....UNTIL I SAY IT’S OVER!”
She suddenly jumped into the air and bucked the draconequus in the chest. Then she charged a deadly lightning and aimed...for Twilight and the others!
“NOOOO!” I screamed and launched at her, trying to slam her. She easily dodged the pathetic attack and bucked me in the head, smacking me into the wall.
“Maybe I lose...but you’ll lose too...YOUR FRIENDS! DIE!”
She fired the deadly beam and the whole room was suddenly brightened up and I had to close my eyes.
“NO, PLEASE NO!”
I felt the light fading, but I didn’t want to open my eyes again. I was too afraid of what I would see.
“He...why...he did...” I heard Chrysalis stammer.
“Who did what?”
I opened my eyes and saw all my friends unharmed...except for one!
“DISCORD!”
The draconequus was lying in a corner. His eyes were closed and there was a charred spot on his chest. It was still fuming.
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” I yelled at Chrysalis.
“He just...I mean...he...he threw himself inbetween...He sacrificed himself to save them. Why did he do that???”
“Because he has something you lack! A heart!”
Chrysalis still looked like she couldn’t understand what had just happened. Then her eyes narrowed and she looked at me again.
“Now it’s only you and me again. No one else to interfere with my plans anymore.”
I swallowed and brought myself into fighting position. My jaw still hurt from her first strike.
“C-c-come at me!” I stuttered.
“With pleasure...”
She then launched at me, faster than I expected, and bodyslammed me against the wall. I didn’t even have to time to charge a spell.
“You aren’t a real opponent. Your weak. You will die like wimp and your friends will too...and I will ensure that it’s in the most painful way possible.”
I was blazing with fury. All my emotions were rushing. She murdered Discord and she wanted to murder my friends too. I wanted to destroy her, crush her like a tiny insect.
Chrysalis fired a lightning bolt. I quickly put up a magical shield. However the power of the spell broke it and I was smashed into the wall again, relatively unharmed though.
“Why do you keep on fighting? You’re doomed. Nothing can save you now. You’re only making it more painful.”
I was just lying there. I felt all my negative emotions rushing. Fear. Hate. Fury. Disgust...All that focussed in my brain combining with the insight, that I was helpless. That Chrysalis had won. That I couldn’t do anything to protect my friends...to protect Twilight...
The last thing I saw was Chrysalis, charging another one of her deadly lightnings. Then everything went black.
Switch to Twilight
Twilight was completely paralysed. The only parts of her body that could move were her eyes and, luckily, her inner organs. She had to watch everything.
Discord. At first he seemed like she knew him from the past. Arrogant, selfish and most of all...a liar. Of course she was shocked...but not surprised. But then...when Chrysalis revealed her real intentions...that she wanted to kill them...kill them all....he showed real care. Twilight could see that he had been struggling with himself. It really was like Xenos had said: Deep inside him, there was a good Discord. And this Discord finally came out and...saved their lives. He sacrificed his own life to save theirs. Twilight really wanted to scream at that moment, but she couldn’t move a single muscle.
And now...everything was over. Chrysalis had just knocked out Xenos, and was about to end his life. Twilight didn’t want to watch, but she couldn’t turn her head away. She couldn’t even shut her eyes. She would have to watch her coltfriend brutally getting killed. She had never felt so much fear before.
Then, suddenly something happened to the green unicorn. He slowly stood up and opened his eyes. His eyes! They looked oddly frightening. They were glowing all red. What was going on?
Chrysalis fired her green beam at him. Twilight’s stomach clenched as she expected Xenos to be tossed into a corner. But none of that happened. The bolt would have hit him right in the head...but it vanished right before his face! Xenos just watched it disappear without even bother to move.
“WHAT? What did you do?” The changeling queen yelled in surprise.
Xenos didn’t respond. He just took one step forward, still glaring at the insect alicorn with his glowing eyes. Then he spoke up...but it wasn’t his voice speaking. I was much more powerful and...sort of...darker voice.
“Chrysalis! You have gone too far! You will pay for what you have done!”
Chrysalis just gazed at him in confusion.
“I have no idea what you did, but I’m not intimidated by your tricks. I’ll end this ridiculousness now. This time my magic won’t fail.”
She launched another lightning and like the one before, it was deflected by Xenos’ somehow invisible magic force field.
Chrysalis jaws dropped.
“What is this???”
“It is your doom!”
The insect queen continued to blast beams at the unicorn, but all fo them crackled against the magical barrier.
“It’s enough! YOU. SHALL. BURN!!!”
He started to focus an enormous amount of magic at his horn. It formed a glowing red ball, which was steadily gaining size. Even from her position Twilight could feel the enormous power eradiating from it. She also felt the source of the magic. She could feel the negative energy coming from it. It seemed like Xenos had somehow managed to turn all of his bad feeling and emotions into pure magic force.
Chrysalis moved back until she was leaning against the wall.
“What are you?” She yelled in panic.
“I’m your worst nightmare!”
Twilight couldn’t see what happened next. A bright flash of light temporarily blinded her and the others. All she heard was a big explosion sound and a terrified scream from Chrysalis and the temperature rose to an insane heat. Then the light faded...and Twilight could move again. The paralysis spell was broken.
She stood up and rubbed her neck. Her moves were still a bit dizzy from the spell. Then she used a recovery spell to restore everyone’s eyesight. She looked around and saw Xenos lying on the floor unconscious. Her eyes scanned the room for Chrysalis...but she was gone. Where she had been standing was...a giant hole in the wall. The edges of the hole were still blazing and fuming. She also noticed charred pieces of chitin, spread all over the room.
Twilight ran up to the green stallion and shook him.
“Wake up! WAKE UP!”
He slowly opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
“This heaven..?” He mumbled, then looked at Twilight. “Yup, definitely is...”
“Twilight couldn’t help, but smile. Then she hugged him tightly.
“Gah...my...throat...choking me...” He wheezed.
She quickly let go and grinned sheepishly. He rubbed his neck.
“What did just hap-“ He stopped as he noticed the hole in the wall.
“...The fuck did I just do?”
The others, who had recovered from their paralysis gathered around them and looked at the destruction. The magic blast had left a flaming trail across the way and had melted most of the ground.
“It seems you have focussed your negative emotions to charge a powerful magic blast.” Twilight tried to explain.
“A-an-and...Chrysalis?” Xenos stammered in confusion.
“You literally blasted her to eternity. That was SO awesome!” Rainbow Dash cheered.
Xenos looked like still didn’t get what had happened, but then he suddenly jumped up.
“DISCORD!” He shouted and ran towards the body of the draconequus, who was lying in a corner.
“Oh no!”
Twilight had almost forgotten about him. About the one who saved her life...
They all gathered around him.
Switch to Xenos
I nudged Discord with my hoof, but he didn’t move.
“Come on, pal. You can’t go like this!” I shouted, but he remained silent.
I felt an awful emptiness in my heart. I couldn’t believe that he was...dead. Finally he had found out what friendship meant...and now he couldn’t even experience it. I hugged his neck, tears running down my cheeks.
“Why? He didn’t deserve it.”
The others seemed as sad as me. I saw tears everywhere. Then Spike placed his claw on my shoulder.
“Time to let go...”
I knew what he meant, but I didn’t want to accept it. I still held him tight.
“Why do the good guys always die???”
Suddenly I heard someone chuckle.
“What sick asshole would love at this situation???”
“I like you too, Xenos.” Discord said.
“Wait...WHAT???”
I jumped back. The draconequus looked at me with a trollface-grin.
“I’m still the spirit of chaos. I’m immortal, silly.”
I just glared at him. He had been alive all the time.
“You...I...Chrysalis...dead...alive...WHAT THE FUCK?”
“Well, her attack was powerful enough to knock me out and it took some time to recover and before you ask, no I couldn’t help you. I was as useless as a stone, but turns out you could handle the situation perfectly on your own.”
I still stared at him with my mouth open. He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you mad at me now? I mean I wasn’t very nice and...umph!”
He didn’t get any further as I jumped at him and hugged him so tight that I he was almost suffocating.
“...Air...” He wheezed.
Eventually I let go and he gasped for air.
Then suddenly Twilight walked up to him, having a very angry expression on her face.
“Discord! You lied to all of us, fooled us and almost got us killed!” She yelled at the draconequus who just looked to the ground.
“But...” She continued. “You also made the right decision in the right moment and...saved our lives and obviously you’ve changed. So I want to ask you...do you accept my...” She turned around and looked at the others.” Do you accept OUR friendship?”
We all looked at him, expecting something. He just gazed at us, his eyelids twitching and then...he broke out in tears?
We all looked at him in confusion.
“Something...wrong?” Flutttershy asked carefully.
He summoned a tissue and blew his nose.
“No, it’s just...*sniff*...that’s the nicest thing somepony has ever done for me...”
“Daaaaaawwwwww!”
“But...” He continued. “I can’t accept it!”
“WHAT?” We all yelled in unison.
“You have to understand...a few minutes ago I’ve almost got you all killed. If Xenos hadn’t appealed to conscience I would have just let it happen.”
“But ya proved ya’ve changed.” Applejack insisted.
“Yes...for now. I could fall back into my past self at any time...and I don’t want to hurt anyone again. I’m the spirit of chaos. It’s all I can do....chaos...and chaos is evil...If I stay here what can I do? Face it, I was meant to be evil.” He sighed.
“No...you aren’t. Yes, your purpose is to create chaos and disharmony...but that isn’t always a bad thing. Remember what you did with your powers...you made people laugh. Just ask Pinkie.” I said and pointed at the pink mare.
“Yep, that’s true. You’re funny. You make cake fights. Cake fights are funny.” She giggled.
“See. You don’t always spread chaos...you also spread...laughter. That’s what you can do here. Makes us laugh.” I finished.
Discord looked at me. Then his eyes watered and he pulled me into another hug.
“Thank you.” He mumbled.
Then the others joined the hug too and I knew that everything was alright now...and I was happy.
END OFH CHAPTER 14
Author's note: Bam, finally it's out. Sorry that it took so long, but you can see it's longer than usual. On more Chapter and we're done.