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January 7, 2015 at 12:00 AM
@Chapter 107: Wow, very early post this time... Anyway, Blackfox did a great job wrapping up a number of threads in the narrative. While short, the scenes all did a good job of addressing the various characters and their issues.
First, the Unohana and Kenpachi segments were cool, because they both fed into the other. As messed up as it was, the thought of Unohana finally loosing her shit and burning down the wing of the palace she'd been forced to share with Aizen was rather compelling. As was the fact that it was Kenpachi was the one to intervene- bringing her to a place where she could unload sixteen years of pent up rage, and against a man who loved to fight, no less!
Next, I really liked the scene with Mila Rose and- it's seems I was confused on the names- Eri. In the little snippets that we've gotten to see of the two of them, it's clear that there's major chemistry between them. I also love the fact that Mila, who's basically an Amazon, turns out to be weak against Eri in the bedroom... And the fact that she's so good in bed that Mila isn't sure she can handle being with hert was a cute touch! I have to say, she might be a lady by day, but she's definitely a vixen by night!
As for "Tesla's story"... I couldn't help but find his inner dialogue rather compelling, if a bit sad at time. Then, his panic as the very thought that the mighty Nelliel-Tu had at last come to wreak her revenge... Only to find her holding little Avispona. And then, Yumichika calls out the fact that the four known naturally-born Hollows have wound up together in the same room (much to Ggio-kitty's annoyance). And Tesla's resigned shrug- and comment that he'd never understand the crazy mind of Shinigami- was a good cap-off to the scene.
Both Gin and Ryuuken's scenes were far more subdued, but still moving. I'm glad that Yuzu chose to stay with Ryuuken, regardless of the reason. After all he's lost, he shouldn't end up alone. The remark about Orihime, Tatsuki, and Karin having evolved into Pluses definitely cleared up a major issue in for me (good to know they're not going to age at a human rate and have long lives). And I liked the little remark that Ichigo made in passing, which I interpreted to mean that he was talking about Kon (lol).
It's a bummer to think that there's only one chapter left. Especially since I wanted to see more of what's going to happen: especially what all the yet-to-be children turn out to be like, and how things will develop between Ajuga and Diaemus.
Anyway, I just want to say that I hope this new year will a good one for you, especially with your kid on the way, Nova.
Best wishes.
First, the Unohana and Kenpachi segments were cool, because they both fed into the other. As messed up as it was, the thought of Unohana finally loosing her shit and burning down the wing of the palace she'd been forced to share with Aizen was rather compelling. As was the fact that it was Kenpachi was the one to intervene- bringing her to a place where she could unload sixteen years of pent up rage, and against a man who loved to fight, no less!
Next, I really liked the scene with Mila Rose and- it's seems I was confused on the names- Eri. In the little snippets that we've gotten to see of the two of them, it's clear that there's major chemistry between them. I also love the fact that Mila, who's basically an Amazon, turns out to be weak against Eri in the bedroom... And the fact that she's so good in bed that Mila isn't sure she can handle being with hert was a cute touch! I have to say, she might be a lady by day, but she's definitely a vixen by night!
As for "Tesla's story"... I couldn't help but find his inner dialogue rather compelling, if a bit sad at time. Then, his panic as the very thought that the mighty Nelliel-Tu had at last come to wreak her revenge... Only to find her holding little Avispona. And then, Yumichika calls out the fact that the four known naturally-born Hollows have wound up together in the same room (much to Ggio-kitty's annoyance). And Tesla's resigned shrug- and comment that he'd never understand the crazy mind of Shinigami- was a good cap-off to the scene.
Both Gin and Ryuuken's scenes were far more subdued, but still moving. I'm glad that Yuzu chose to stay with Ryuuken, regardless of the reason. After all he's lost, he shouldn't end up alone. The remark about Orihime, Tatsuki, and Karin having evolved into Pluses definitely cleared up a major issue in for me (good to know they're not going to age at a human rate and have long lives). And I liked the little remark that Ichigo made in passing, which I interpreted to mean that he was talking about Kon (lol).
It's a bummer to think that there's only one chapter left. Especially since I wanted to see more of what's going to happen: especially what all the yet-to-be children turn out to be like, and how things will develop between Ajuga and Diaemus.
Anyway, I just want to say that I hope this new year will a good one for you, especially with your kid on the way, Nova.
Best wishes.
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January 7, 2015 at 12:00 AM
*pours self some nice hard liquor*
Called a time-skip, I will count the 5 days lol.
Hmm okay, well this certainly answered my lingering question on the status of Mila and her girlfriends relationship. But seriously HOW did they get to that point in so little time lol. At this point out of Tia's fraccion, Apache is still the only one who's 'relationship' is unaccounted for.
Good too see Unohana finally let out some of the fury inside her that she has been forced to contain for so long and sweet to see Kenpachi be the one to help her let it all out.
Nice too see that now Rangiku has someone to talk with who has also had too deal with Nnoitora's bullshit. Sad that Gin won't be around for her but given the current state of his mind it is probably for the best. And he always does come back. And he shouldn't worry about anyone holding a grudge, if the shinigami can stay in a relationship with there rapist's then hell he might just be given the red carpet treatment on his return.
Wonder if Ichigo will take up a vacant captains seat now that he is going to be staying in the seireitei with Rukia. I am honestly a little up in the air about Tatsuki,Karin and Orihime conveniently becoming plus's since it has never been mentioned before too my knowledge, but it does clear up the whole natural aging problem they would have faced.
Still curious about that god damned meeting lol. It might seem like a mundane event but that would have been the first time in almost 16 years that they have stood as equals not master/pet.
Only one more chapter eh? All good things must come to an end I suppose, it's been a fun ride and thank you and blackfox for writing this story.
-waits patiently for the last chapter-
Called a time-skip, I will count the 5 days lol.
Hmm okay, well this certainly answered my lingering question on the status of Mila and her girlfriends relationship. But seriously HOW did they get to that point in so little time lol. At this point out of Tia's fraccion, Apache is still the only one who's 'relationship' is unaccounted for.
Good too see Unohana finally let out some of the fury inside her that she has been forced to contain for so long and sweet to see Kenpachi be the one to help her let it all out.
Nice too see that now Rangiku has someone to talk with who has also had too deal with Nnoitora's bullshit. Sad that Gin won't be around for her but given the current state of his mind it is probably for the best. And he always does come back. And he shouldn't worry about anyone holding a grudge, if the shinigami can stay in a relationship with there rapist's then hell he might just be given the red carpet treatment on his return.
Wonder if Ichigo will take up a vacant captains seat now that he is going to be staying in the seireitei with Rukia. I am honestly a little up in the air about Tatsuki,Karin and Orihime conveniently becoming plus's since it has never been mentioned before too my knowledge, but it does clear up the whole natural aging problem they would have faced.
Still curious about that god damned meeting lol. It might seem like a mundane event but that would have been the first time in almost 16 years that they have stood as equals not master/pet.
Only one more chapter eh? All good things must come to an end I suppose, it's been a fun ride and thank you and blackfox for writing this story.
-waits patiently for the last chapter-
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January 7, 2015 at 12:00 AM
Damn, Kain's "waits patiently for next chapter" thing hit me solid like a brick wall. The realization that this is all we have left is a damn killer. And I'm so anxious to see how it all wraps up. I assume Blackfox wrote it too, since she werote this chapter? Correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm so glad to see that there is still some fire left in Ggio's soul after being put through all these herllish trials. That brought me the most relief, you have no idea. Yumi really needs to watch what he says though. Even if this time he had logic to back it up.
Poor Tesla baby, adjusting to all this will take so long. But I have the utmost faith in him. He'll become a better person in the end and I hope he realizes that. Fuck Nnoitra, that violent sexist trash that he was. Everyone affected by him will now have space to heal.
Looking forward to seeing the closing chapter of the story for Sun-Sun and Iemura!
I'm so glad to see that there is still some fire left in Ggio's soul after being put through all these herllish trials. That brought me the most relief, you have no idea. Yumi really needs to watch what he says though. Even if this time he had logic to back it up.
Poor Tesla baby, adjusting to all this will take so long. But I have the utmost faith in him. He'll become a better person in the end and I hope he realizes that. Fuck Nnoitra, that violent sexist trash that he was. Everyone affected by him will now have space to heal.
Looking forward to seeing the closing chapter of the story for Sun-Sun and Iemura!
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January 3, 2015 at 12:00 AM
Excellent chapter, even for non-Rukia fans. Thank you for the update and feel better soon!
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January 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM
@ Kain & Darkstar
Happy New Year to you both too ^v^ here's to the end of POV 2 and the continuation of Forge! Plus maybe we can beg Nova & Blackfox for some extra POV material later in the year?
@ Nova & Blackfox
Happy New Year to you ladies too! I owe so much to you both, holy shit. This series is a hell of a drug. Nova I hope you feel better asap. We love you. And Blackfox, holy shit, the word satisfying only barely describes the feel of this chapter.
But oh Blackfox, your soul is so dark. Reminding the world of what went down at the Kyoraku Estate. Won't let us forget, ha. It is always going to haunt me. Now everyone is in the know about the events...
Fuck, I can't handle that there's only 2 damn chapters left.
Happy New Year to you both too ^v^ here's to the end of POV 2 and the continuation of Forge! Plus maybe we can beg Nova & Blackfox for some extra POV material later in the year?
@ Nova & Blackfox
Happy New Year to you ladies too! I owe so much to you both, holy shit. This series is a hell of a drug. Nova I hope you feel better asap. We love you. And Blackfox, holy shit, the word satisfying only barely describes the feel of this chapter.
But oh Blackfox, your soul is so dark. Reminding the world of what went down at the Kyoraku Estate. Won't let us forget, ha. It is always going to haunt me. Now everyone is in the know about the events...
Fuck, I can't handle that there's only 2 damn chapters left.
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January 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM
@Kain: I'm not trying to excuse the Arrancar's actions... But I think that there's been a lot of work by Nova and Blackfox's to show some degree of growth on the part of the the "Tres Bestias". I'm not denying that they've done bad things, since they did help to create the f*ed up world seen in the story. I was just saying that Mila and Megumi seem to genuinely *like* each other.
Remember that the Arrancar can read the feelings of the people they've claimed. This reveals two type of "masters": First, the ones who simply never cared about the feelings of others (ie, the ones they were screwing). And second, the ones who didn't understand their own feelings. This story's Ulquiorra, for all the horrible things he did to Orihime (who I adore!), reveals in his inner thoughts that even an insensitive person like him can tell the difference between true feelings of love, as opposed to the "gloomy resignation" he was getting from Hime. What I'm trying to say is that, to some of the Arrancar, positive feelings via the claim are like a powerful narcotic, and they want more of it, making it one explanation for the change in their behavior. Hell, even a total bastard like Nnoitra admitted that once he'd experienced positive emotions from Rangiku, he would do anything to get more.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I got the impression that Megumi isn't pandering to Mila, and that her affections at least are legitimate, because if Mila was still the total harpy she once was, then she wouldn't give a crap about the woman's feelings. And Megumi even seems to have the upper hand in their relationship, since she's got more experience. Maybe I'm just biased toward Mila, since I've always been a fan of her (design wise)- since she fills two of my anime girl kinks, being exotic looking AND having some muscle definition. I love it when women don't confirm to expectations, which is why I'm such a big fan of Kukaku Shiba- she's strong, confident, smokes a pipe, has overcome a serious physical handicap, is a total boss, and she doesn't give a crap about what other people think of her.
Plus, I'd like to think that *some* good things have come out all the general misery. Lest we forget about a certain Franque Lloydt, who has two *very* happy and contented claims to his name. Christ, I wish we could get more that guy! Any scene involving the Lloydt family brightens my day!
Remember that the Arrancar can read the feelings of the people they've claimed. This reveals two type of "masters": First, the ones who simply never cared about the feelings of others (ie, the ones they were screwing). And second, the ones who didn't understand their own feelings. This story's Ulquiorra, for all the horrible things he did to Orihime (who I adore!), reveals in his inner thoughts that even an insensitive person like him can tell the difference between true feelings of love, as opposed to the "gloomy resignation" he was getting from Hime. What I'm trying to say is that, to some of the Arrancar, positive feelings via the claim are like a powerful narcotic, and they want more of it, making it one explanation for the change in their behavior. Hell, even a total bastard like Nnoitra admitted that once he'd experienced positive emotions from Rangiku, he would do anything to get more.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I got the impression that Megumi isn't pandering to Mila, and that her affections at least are legitimate, because if Mila was still the total harpy she once was, then she wouldn't give a crap about the woman's feelings. And Megumi even seems to have the upper hand in their relationship, since she's got more experience. Maybe I'm just biased toward Mila, since I've always been a fan of her (design wise)- since she fills two of my anime girl kinks, being exotic looking AND having some muscle definition. I love it when women don't confirm to expectations, which is why I'm such a big fan of Kukaku Shiba- she's strong, confident, smokes a pipe, has overcome a serious physical handicap, is a total boss, and she doesn't give a crap about what other people think of her.
Plus, I'd like to think that *some* good things have come out all the general misery. Lest we forget about a certain Franque Lloydt, who has two *very* happy and contented claims to his name. Christ, I wish we could get more that guy! Any scene involving the Lloydt family brightens my day!
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January 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM
@Darkstar84
Okay in regards to Franque Lloydt, even I will admit that the guy steals every scene he is in and I would love to know more about him and his little household lol. As I have said before he honestly does not seem like the type to resort to physical violence so I am curious as to how he and mate/pet got together. And after re-reading the chapter I will concede that Megumi seemed REALLY into Mila Rose..........just what the hell did they get up too within a weeks time lol!?!?!?
Now allow me to reiterate something I feel I might not have stated in the past. Outside of this story verse I love the Espada. In canon, apache,mila rose and sun-sun are my favorite fraccion simply because they are so loyal,decent and honorable as the canon short story "Nestle to Night" from the data book showed, and they were the most effective fraccion team on the field during the war. I like canon Mila rose for similar reasons as you so forgive me if my venom towards the arrancar in this fic has painted me as some full tilt hater. Love manga/show arrancar because they were interesting in a way that the current bunch of baddies just can't compare. It's only in this story that I have issues with the hollows. For me, rape and long term abuse of any kind is kind of a deal breaker. I mean they would have to really get down and lick boot for me to like the majority of them. Not too say that Nova and Blackfox's iterations of them aren't interesting, it's just that beyond some of them not being 'as big of dicks as they could' they really haven't earned any of the goodwill other characters display towards them.
And in regards to their growth? I have no issue with there 'growth', my gripes stem primarily from a lack of consequence for their actions. Hell I am all for them becoming better beings, but there past actions are rarely addressed by the characters in-story and things are essentially laid at Aizen's feet.
Happy New Year btw, to you, Nova,Black fox and Penryck
only 2 more chapters...............unless there is a swerve coming that leads into a part 3.
A man can dream.
Although I am dreading a timeskip.
Okay in regards to Franque Lloydt, even I will admit that the guy steals every scene he is in and I would love to know more about him and his little household lol. As I have said before he honestly does not seem like the type to resort to physical violence so I am curious as to how he and mate/pet got together. And after re-reading the chapter I will concede that Megumi seemed REALLY into Mila Rose..........just what the hell did they get up too within a weeks time lol!?!?!?
Now allow me to reiterate something I feel I might not have stated in the past. Outside of this story verse I love the Espada. In canon, apache,mila rose and sun-sun are my favorite fraccion simply because they are so loyal,decent and honorable as the canon short story "Nestle to Night" from the data book showed, and they were the most effective fraccion team on the field during the war. I like canon Mila rose for similar reasons as you so forgive me if my venom towards the arrancar in this fic has painted me as some full tilt hater. Love manga/show arrancar because they were interesting in a way that the current bunch of baddies just can't compare. It's only in this story that I have issues with the hollows. For me, rape and long term abuse of any kind is kind of a deal breaker. I mean they would have to really get down and lick boot for me to like the majority of them. Not too say that Nova and Blackfox's iterations of them aren't interesting, it's just that beyond some of them not being 'as big of dicks as they could' they really haven't earned any of the goodwill other characters display towards them.
And in regards to their growth? I have no issue with there 'growth', my gripes stem primarily from a lack of consequence for their actions. Hell I am all for them becoming better beings, but there past actions are rarely addressed by the characters in-story and things are essentially laid at Aizen's feet.
Happy New Year btw, to you, Nova,Black fox and Penryck
only 2 more chapters...............unless there is a swerve coming that leads into a part 3.
A man can dream.
Although I am dreading a timeskip.
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January 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM
I just want to say that I hope Nova and Blackfox, as well as the other readers (Kain, Pennyrock, etc.), enjoyed the holidays. And I also hope you start to feel better soon Nova, plus happy new years!
@Kain: Again, you summed up the emotional highs and lows of this chapter pretty well. And while I'm not a fan of Ichigo being portrayed as the undisputed powerhouse of the series (mainly because it kind of devaluates Stark, Halibell, Ulquiorra, and Grimmjow) or Rukia as the imperious 'princess' (she can be a bit entitled and domineering). However, since Byakuya can't speak, it was good to see Rukia humiliate the elders on his behalf.
Oh, and Kain, there's no hurry, please take your time and do the reviews when you can. After all, I'd rather that you take a while and be able to leave proper critical feedback, rather than rush through them.
One more thing... I responded to your remark about Mila Rose and Apacci's "girlfriends". In brief, since I already said this, I don't recall ever seeing the girl that Apacci claimed, so I can't really say much about their "relationship". However, I distinctly recall Mila's girlfriend Megumi, and they were very much acting like a proper loveydovey couple- hell, Megumi blatantly flirts with Mila at the dinner table, leaving her blushing. So I think it's safe to say that those two did become a couple (even in the short time they've known each other) and will stat together.
The Shinigami should put signs saying "The Soul Society is an LGBT+A Friendly Equal-Opportunity Organization" (the A is for Arrancar, lol).
@Kain: Again, you summed up the emotional highs and lows of this chapter pretty well. And while I'm not a fan of Ichigo being portrayed as the undisputed powerhouse of the series (mainly because it kind of devaluates Stark, Halibell, Ulquiorra, and Grimmjow) or Rukia as the imperious 'princess' (she can be a bit entitled and domineering). However, since Byakuya can't speak, it was good to see Rukia humiliate the elders on his behalf.
Oh, and Kain, there's no hurry, please take your time and do the reviews when you can. After all, I'd rather that you take a while and be able to leave proper critical feedback, rather than rush through them.
One more thing... I responded to your remark about Mila Rose and Apacci's "girlfriends". In brief, since I already said this, I don't recall ever seeing the girl that Apacci claimed, so I can't really say much about their "relationship". However, I distinctly recall Mila's girlfriend Megumi, and they were very much acting like a proper loveydovey couple- hell, Megumi blatantly flirts with Mila at the dinner table, leaving her blushing. So I think it's safe to say that those two did become a couple (even in the short time they've known each other) and will stat together.
The Shinigami should put signs saying "The Soul Society is an LGBT+A Friendly Equal-Opportunity Organization" (the A is for Arrancar, lol).
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January 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM
@DarkStar84
In regards to Apache, I might be remembering it wrong but I think there was a scene during the final stages of the planning of the coup that she expressed some worry over the girl she claimed since the girl was helping with the prep work in the tunnels. I admit I forgot about the flirting between Megumi and Mila but as we have seen in this story some of the shinigami decided to just make the best of there situation and go with the flow due to the claims and laws, now that those are rendered void for the time being, who's to say that these shinigami will have any obligation or desire to stay and 'make the best of things'. The girl was bought at an auction, despite that she has obviously grown to 'like' Mila Rose but 'love' is whole other beast and since her job is guaranteed and she doesn't have to worry about someone making a grab for her, she could very well go back to her old life without any repercussions.
Now about Ichigo being the undisputed powerhouse, the man is a hybrid of 3 races with an astonishing advancement rate. I don't think it necessarily devalues people like Starrk or Harribel since they are still the strongest of there particular race. Even when they fought in canon ichigo was already steadily surpassing Grimmjow and defeated him and in his super hollow form he pushed Ulq to the limit while the latter was in his segunda form. It's safe to say that in this verse after 15 years of training with some pretty badass people that he would learn to control his latent power. Now if he had learned the 'final getsuga tenshou' in this verse imagine how powerful he would have been lol. As it is I think Nova did a good job of showing why and how the Ichigo of this verse could grow into the strongest mofo around.
I am all for peaceful coexistence, so long as there is no attempts to make the Arrancar out to be the victims or woobies when they did evil things like there former leader. Aizen mobilized and used them to conquer the SS yes. They were a savage race, he just exploited that savagery. But hell before he told them to stop, As Toshiro put it back in part 1:
"The accounts of murders and rapes had been astronomical."
The man was a monster of a the highest order but he created laws for a lawless race. Granted those laws absolutely both figuratively and literally fucked over the shinigami and civilians, it was still some form of order.
And who is too say that all those rapes resulted in a claim? As the last chapter said, there were Arrancar who never held a claim, did they just go all zen and meditate after a battle or when they were bored? I cant see that happening. Outside of the captains who he needed alive to run the joint, he did not order any mass rapes or murders, that was all on them. He did his fair share of raping and murdering, and he is rightly considered a monster who got his just deserts, the Arrancar are getting forgiven by damn near everyone and having done very little to earn it.
Wow I was only going to address the Apache 'girlfriend' deal in like a sentence or 2 and ichigo's in even less but then went off on a tangent and before I realized it had gone waaaaaaaay off of what I wanted to type lol.
In regards to Apache, I might be remembering it wrong but I think there was a scene during the final stages of the planning of the coup that she expressed some worry over the girl she claimed since the girl was helping with the prep work in the tunnels. I admit I forgot about the flirting between Megumi and Mila but as we have seen in this story some of the shinigami decided to just make the best of there situation and go with the flow due to the claims and laws, now that those are rendered void for the time being, who's to say that these shinigami will have any obligation or desire to stay and 'make the best of things'. The girl was bought at an auction, despite that she has obviously grown to 'like' Mila Rose but 'love' is whole other beast and since her job is guaranteed and she doesn't have to worry about someone making a grab for her, she could very well go back to her old life without any repercussions.
Now about Ichigo being the undisputed powerhouse, the man is a hybrid of 3 races with an astonishing advancement rate. I don't think it necessarily devalues people like Starrk or Harribel since they are still the strongest of there particular race. Even when they fought in canon ichigo was already steadily surpassing Grimmjow and defeated him and in his super hollow form he pushed Ulq to the limit while the latter was in his segunda form. It's safe to say that in this verse after 15 years of training with some pretty badass people that he would learn to control his latent power. Now if he had learned the 'final getsuga tenshou' in this verse imagine how powerful he would have been lol. As it is I think Nova did a good job of showing why and how the Ichigo of this verse could grow into the strongest mofo around.
I am all for peaceful coexistence, so long as there is no attempts to make the Arrancar out to be the victims or woobies when they did evil things like there former leader. Aizen mobilized and used them to conquer the SS yes. They were a savage race, he just exploited that savagery. But hell before he told them to stop, As Toshiro put it back in part 1:
"The accounts of murders and rapes had been astronomical."
The man was a monster of a the highest order but he created laws for a lawless race. Granted those laws absolutely both figuratively and literally fucked over the shinigami and civilians, it was still some form of order.
And who is too say that all those rapes resulted in a claim? As the last chapter said, there were Arrancar who never held a claim, did they just go all zen and meditate after a battle or when they were bored? I cant see that happening. Outside of the captains who he needed alive to run the joint, he did not order any mass rapes or murders, that was all on them. He did his fair share of raping and murdering, and he is rightly considered a monster who got his just deserts, the Arrancar are getting forgiven by damn near everyone and having done very little to earn it.
Wow I was only going to address the Apache 'girlfriend' deal in like a sentence or 2 and ichigo's in even less but then went off on a tangent and before I realized it had gone waaaaaaaay off of what I wanted to type lol.
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December 31, 2014 at 12:00 AM
I've been following this for a long time now, going to be a bit sad to have it end. Hope you start to feel better.