As My Heart Dies-Chp44

[Meanwhile, in Hater's room...]

Hater: (slowy unwrapped the package from his family...)

Captain Tim: [came ovr to investigate, sniffing at the package]

Hater: :) Hey, boy. (patted his head as he finished unwrapping) ... :O

[it was a flexi-suit with some sort of scaly pattern with the family heirloom sigil on the chest, n it felt like pleather, n there was a note attached to it]

Hater: The suit... (read the note)

Note:

Dear Hater,

Here is the suit I promised u could hv, just in case Stage 2 happens n u cant make it to us in time. I used the tracker pod to send this to u, its faster than regular space mail as it can track dwn ur ship given the right coordinates. Take care n don't worry abt us. Enjoy ur life with ur friends, however time u hv left. Bt don't be a stranger either

Your loving father, Fury

Hater: ... (hugged the suit close) ;(

Captain Tim: [whimpered, seeing his master sad] :(

Hater: (sniffled and patted his lap) Here, Timmy... :(

Captain Tim: [yapped n hopped onto his lap]

Hater: (stroked him, hugging the suit with the other arm) ;(

Captain Tim: :( [licks his hand to try n calm him dwn]

Hater: Sorry, Captain Tim... but this really scares me... how am I supposed to tell...to tell Wander...?

Captain Tim: [tilted his head in confusion]

Hater: I'm going to die at some point...I dunno how I'm going to break it to him... :(

Captain Tim: [whined as he nuzzled his master's hand, feeling sad n worried for him being so uncharacteristically upset]

Hater: :( Not to mention I have to find someone willing to look after you... (rubbed his back, the way Captain Tim always liked it)

Captain Tim: [purred at the rub, loving the spot n the way he did it]

Hater: :) I love you too, Timmy.

As My Heart Dies-Chp43

[Hater rested for a couple more days in the King's palace before he's finally fit to leave. As promised, he n the King prepared to make the announcement of the liberation]

Wander: [peeks out the window curtains] Ooh, great crowd outside there~

Sylvia: (peeked with him) It sure is. (Nod)

Peepers: I wonder if Hater is OK to make tht liberation speech or not

Wander: The docs gave him the green light, I'm sure he'll be fine :)

Sylvia: We'll just have to see ourselves.

Peepers: (nod)

Wander: [sees Hater come with the King] There they r! Good luck, Hatey (like)

Hater: (like) (At Wander and followed the King)

[the King n Hater made their way to the verandah to greet the citizens]

King: My ppl! We hv good news! We hv finally retrieve the goblet that has been taken from us frm the forest spirits! Our children will no longer worry abt their mortality!

Crowd: [cheered] :D (clap) (clap) :D

King: N now, Lord Hater will hv something to say to us all [makes way for Hater]

Hater: Um, uh... Hi, everyone. (wave) As you all remember...I've once conqured this planet...but have had seconds thoughts.

Crowd: [looked at each other in confusion, murmuring quietly]

Wander: [keeping fingers crossed as he watched from behind the scenes]

Hater: Cause, well... I have now retired from conquering, so no more worries of that. And...you'd never know when you're reaching your last day and all you've done was the same thing over and over when you could be trying something different.

Wander: [whispered] Wat does he mean by tht?

Peepers: Its prolly just a metaphor (think: I hope tht's wat he's trying to do)

Hater: And who knows? Maybe in time you'll all start accepting me for not as a Conqueror, but a friend. As a furball I know always said, "An enemy...is just a friend...you haven't made yet." :)

Sylvia: :)

Wander: :) Aww~

Peepers: Nice one, sir

King: So does this mean we are liberated, Lord Hater?

Hater: (nod) Yes, it does.

Sylvia: :D

Crowd: [a short pause later, started cheering] :D (party) (party) (clap) (clap) :D

Hater: (whew) :)

Wander: :D First liberation a success~ :D

Peepers: Well, I'll be darned :)

Sylvia: :) Way to go, Bonehead.

King: Rejoice n celebrate, everyone! I declare today as Liberation Day~!!

Crowd: :D (party) (party) (clap) (clap) :D

Hater: :D

King: [shook hands with Hater before they went bk inside] Thanks for all the help... N ur generosity

Hater: (nod) Well... Never hurts to help. ^^;; Sometimes it does but you get the idea.

King: (nod) [left to make preparations to let the citizens into the palace to celebrate]

Peepers: Well, our work here is done. Can we go now?

Wander: Can't we at least stay for a while for the festivities?

Hater: Why rush, Peeps? We can spare a little time here.

Sylvia: :) I wouldn't mind partying a little.

Peepers: Fine, I could use a bit of drink anyways

Wander: Wee~ Party! (party)

Sylvia: :D Yeah, Party!

Hater: :)

[the gang soon joined in the festivities, mingling with the citizens, eating, drinking n making merry, all the way till night time]

Wander: [burped, sighing in content] Ah, tht was good cheese n cracker salad :p

Sylvia: (burped a little too) :) Yeah, that was good.

Peepers: [was all partied out from the food n drink, literally having a food baby as he groaned on his seat]

Wander: I think it's our cue to leave now (giggle)

Hater: (chuckle) Yeah, we should. (lifted Peepers in his arms)

Wander: [waved at the King who was all partied out on his throne] We're leaving now. Enjoy ur new liberated life~

King: [just waved tiredly n flops bk]

Peepers: @__@ [burped out loud]

Sylvia: XD Hehe.

Hater: ^^;; Geez, Peeps.

Wander: XD Oh Peeps, ur so funny

[The gang made their way to the mother ship, where Westley was waiting with a package]

Westley: Sir, u got a package from ur family, it's stamped "PRIVATE" [hands it to him]

Hater: (nod) Thanks, Westley.

Wander: Ooh, a private package from ur family? Now I'm reli curious :)

Sylvia: ^^;; Careful, Wander. Remember that one time we had to deliver a box and you couldn't stop thinking of what was inside?

Hater: (headed to his room)

Wander: Eheh, yeah, I guess so ^^;; Anyways, I'm too full n tired to think abt it. So sleepy~ (yawn)

Sylvia: (yawn) Me too, buddy. Me too.

[Wander n Sylvia made their way to their room to rest, while Westley helped Peepers to his room.]

As My Heart Dies-Chp42

[meanwhile...]

Wander: [paced ard outside the door of the med bay, until he finally heard it open n out came the doctor] Doc, how is he?

Doctor: He's sleeping right now, but you are free to see him if you'd like.

Wander: How is his injuries? Is it reli bad? Will he be alright? :(

Doctor: We managed to heal up his burn, and he'll be just fine. :) Just a mild but strong burn.

Wander: [sighed in relief] Thanks, doc [goes in, peeking in to see where Hater is]

Hater: (was asleep, his middle wrapped up) |-)

Wander: [sighed again in relief as he entered n sat next to him, resting his chin against the bed, just staring at Hater]

Hater: ... (began to stir) Mm...hm...?

Wander: :) Hey, Hatey...

Hater: (blinks a bit)... Wan...?

Wander: [puts his hand on his] I'm here, buddy. U OK?

Hater: Still a little dizzy, but okay...

Wander: Great. I was so worried for u, buddy. Tht was reckless, charging into the fire like tht... :(

Hater: We had to get that treasure somehow...

Wander: Not if it gets u killed. Nothing is worth more than ur life...

Hater: :( I know...

Wander: If anytime were to happen to u, I dunno wat I'd do... Ur my best buddy. I mean, took us long enough to become one, so...

Hater: Yeah...it had...you tried so hard numerous times to become my friend and I always kept denying you... (looked away shamefully)

Wander: Hey, hey, its OK [squeezed his hand gently] Its OK, we're here now, n we're best buds. I won't ask anything more

Hater: ...Do you ever think you forgive too easily sometimes? :)

Wander: Heh, Sylvia says tht sometimes, n yeah, I think so, bt life is too short to hold grudges, don't u think?

Hater: ...Yeah, it is...

Wander: :) So, we've got the treasure, ur gonna liberate this planet. I'd say we've chked one planet off the list

Hater: Mhm... (slowly sits up) And maybe we can... look around a little, try helping some people?

Wander: U sure ur up for it tho? I mean, ur hurt n all. I think u done enough. Let us do the rest

Hater: Not even a little...?

Wander: Well... (think) Maybe just a little, I guess. Just don't push urself too hard

Hater: (nod) I know.

Wander: Guess wat? [told Hater abt the argument Sylvia n Peepers had with the King n the truth abt the goblet] ....So yeah. Peepers is none too happy. He kinda wants to tell u to blow up this planet or something ^^;;

Hater: I kinda figured that king wouldn't trust me after what happened...

Wander: It's fine. They got wat they wanted. Whatever happens later on, it's on them now. U don't own or owe this planet anymore. Let's just leave n move on to the next planet on the list

Hater: Yeah... (yawn)

Wander: I'll let u rest n get Peepers ready for the nxt journey, okay? :)

Hater: Okay...sunshine... |-) (fell back asleep)

Wander: [blushed a little wen he heard him call him "sunshine", smiled n nuzzled his hand before leaving the room to let Hater rest]

Hater: (snored softly)

As My Heart Dies-Chp41

[the gang soon reached the kingdom]

King: Oh! So glad u returned. I heard from my men there's a fire going on nearby. R u...

Wander: Sorry to cut u off, bt my buddy needs medical attention

Peepers: Yeah, n here's ur stupid family heirloom. Now get us a doctor!

Sylvia: And fast!

Hater: (felt dizzy)...

King: R-Right [called for the medic]

Wander: [held Hater steady] Hang in there, Hatey :(

Hater: W...Wan... (grasped for his hand)

Wander: [takes it, not thinking too much abt it]

Peepers: [sees it, felt a little foreshadowing in his heart]

[The royal medics soon came n brought Hater to the medical wing to be treated]

Sylvia: (rubs Wander's back to ease his worries) He'll be okay, buddy.

Wander: I hope so... :(

Peepers: [turns to the King] Hey, tht spirit said ur family stole that goblet from them. It may be his excuse, bt I hv a feeling it might be true. So wats ur story? :^)

Sylvia: :^) Yeah, what it your reason?

King: I... Uhh...

Wander: Guys, it's not nice to accuse ppl... :(

Peepers: I know a crooked deal wen I see one. N it doesn't sit well with me

Sylvia: Was that even your treasure to start with??

King: Uh, umm, well... Technically...

Peepers: No technicalities. Spit it out!

King: OK, OK! I mean yeah, it did belonged to them at some point, bt my ancestors found it in the forest lake n no one seems to come n claim it or stop him from taking it, so they brought it bk to the castle n hv been using it to bless newborns ever since. Before then our newsborns usually don't live past 1 mth n those who did survive usually end up with some sort of disability. It's  like we were cursed n our population is dying out. It was thanks to the goblet that we were able to regain bk our population

Sylvia: You couldn't have found anohter way instead of stealing what wasn't yours...?

King: It's not stealing wen no one comes to claim it. N I didn't steal it, my ancestors did

Peepers: Tht still doesn't make it OK. My boss, my only best friend almost died coz of ur stupid goblet! U don't deserve to be liberated!

Wander: Guys, guys, pls...

Sylvia: Yeah, and you only made him go cause you didn't trust he was gonna change at all, did you? DID YOU??

King: I... I...

Wander: Guys, pls, stop! He got the treasure n Hatey promised to give him liberation. Whatever happens later is on him, not us! I don't reli care anymore abt all this. I just want Hatey to be OK!

Peepers: Whatever! I should've told Hater to blow this planet up wen we had the chance. Useless piece of shit planet... [storms off]

Sylvia: :^) I know you're concerned for him, Wander, but it wasn't right what his 'Royal Highness' did. (followed Peepers)

Wander: :( [looked at the King, who just mumbled an incoherent excuse n left to keep the treasure in a safe place, then he turned to the door of the med wing, praying tht Hater would be OK]

Peepers: [was out at the palace balcony getting some air, trying to cool off from all this]

Sylvia: (stood next to him) Mind the company?

Peepers: [just grunted a reply as he kept on looking at the horizon before him]

Sylvia: You're concerned about Hater too, ain't you? (knew it was a dumb question)

Peepers: ....I'm always concerned abt him. He's my boss, first n foremost, n sometimes he tends to make stupid decisions tht I hv to clean up. So yeah, pretty much

Sylvia: Even more then so, huh?

Peepers: No more than I usually am. Wat r u trying to get at, zbornak?

Sylvia: (sighs) Look, I know it probably wasn't any of my business but I already have heard about what he might've told you.

Peepers: [turned to her suspiciously] Knw wat? I dunno wat ur talking abt

Sylvia: :^) Oh please, you know and I know but Wander doesn't have a clue about Hater's cancer.

Peepers: W-Where did u hear abt tht? How did u knw? [eyed her suspiciously] Hv u been spying on us?

Sylvia: When I was finding the restroom and heard him in the doctor's office.

Peepers: Hmph! If I didn't knw any better, it almost sounds like u n tht furball infiltrating urself into our fold to spy on us

Sylvia: No, I swear, it was just me who heard about this, I didn't tell Wander anything about it!

Peepers: Geez, cool dwn, I get it. Ur not spying on us. Bt why didn't u tell the furball? Don't u two share everything together?

Sylvia: He wouldn't take it so well...he's sensitive about that sort of thing.

Peepers: Exactly wat I said to Hater wen he told me abt his cancer [sighed] .... I wish I were the one having cancer. He may hv been evil bk then, bt he doesn't deserve this...

Sylvia: True... So plan to let Hater tell Wander himself?

Peepers: Yeah. Prolly better to let him hear the truth frm the person himself rather than frm us. Hopefully he'll throw a lesser fit tht way

Sylvia: Who knows...

As My Heart Dies-Chp40

[the gang made their leave n made their way to said forest. After abt an hour's hike, they finally reached the entrance of the forest]

Wander: Ooh, tall trees~

Peepers: Let's get this over with [went first ahead]

Sylvia: Hold on, are you sure this is safe?

Hater: (worry)

Peepers: Safe or not, we've got a deal, right? Better get this ovr with sooner rather than later

Wander: Wait! At least bring some light with ya [digs the hat for 4 torchlights] Safety first~

Hater: (nod) (takes one)

Sylvia: (think) ... (also takes one)

Peepers: |-( Fine~ [takes one]

Wander: Lets go find us a family heirloom! :D [walks alongside Peepers as he charged into the forest with him without a care in the world as usual]

Hater & Sylvia: (follow as well)

[the quartet trudged thru the forests, armed with their lit torchlights as they made their way deeper into it following the king's directions]

Wander: Gee, the King wasn't kidding abt the density of this forest. It literally feels like night time in here :|

Peepers: Good thing I always pack my laser gun. Nvr leave home without it, I always say

Hater: Yeah, and singing your own themesong you made yourself. (smirk)

Sylvia: (giggle)

Wander: Reli? Peeps has a theme song now?

Peepers: No, I don't! >:C [glares at Hater]

Hater: <u< Heheh.

Wander: Ooh~ I wanna hear the theme song, Come on, sing it

Peepers: Don't listen to him. I DO NOT hv a theme song!

Hater: Not out loud anyhow. (chuckle)

Sylvia: (looks around) Maybe we should keep it down?

Wander: Why? It's already super quiet in here. It's boring

Peepers: The zbornak is right. Something feels off here [reaches for his gun]

Hater: (glanced around) (worry)

Sylvia: :^) hmm...

Wander: (think) Hmmm... [takes a deep breath] HELLO~?

Peepers: :O Shhhhh!! Wat the hell, Wander?!

Hater: :O Are you crazy??

Sylvia: :o Wander!

Wander: Wat? I just wanted to...

[A deep loud rumbling was heard, n the ground shook like there was an earthquake]

Hater: :| That's not good.

Sylvia: :| Now you've done it, Wander.

Wander: Oops... ^^;;

Peepers: Nice going, furball!

[the ground parted n it soon revealed the ancient tree the King was talking abt]

Wander: Well... At least we found the tree ;p

Hater: (think) ... (begins to approach)

Tree: [in a deep rumbling voice] Who dares enter this sacred forest of old?

Hater: :O ! It...it is I, Lord Hater. Numder 1 superstar.

Tree: [snorted at tht name] N wat does a "superstar" the likes of u doing here? Wat business hv u?

Hater: We came looking for something you've had for a long now, a special type of treasure. So if we could just have it...

Tree: [booming voice] U think u can come here n take away wat is rightfully our King's family heirloom tht we hv kept safe from the likes of u?!

Peepers: Oh save ur drama n lies. We know u want to hoard it for urself. U didn't want to give it bk, n now there r gonna be a bunch of newborns dying bcoz they couldn't get the blessings from tht treasure!

Sylvia: :| Besides, it's not like you're able to have any children to bless yourselves!

Tree: [pause for a bit, then boomed again] Fools! Tht family heirloom doesn't belong to the King anymore! His ancestors stole it from us eons ago n claimed it their own! We're just taking bk wats ours! Those blessings come from our powers bestowed on the goblet!

Peepers: Great. Way to change the story, bucko |-(

Hater: ...Can't there at least be a compromise on this?

Tree: No! There will be no compromise!

Wander: Surely there's something we can do for u part with it. I mean, u don't want to be responsible for the death of babies

Tree: There will be no parting of this treasure! Those newborns r not my concern! Good riddance to them!

Sylvia: (angry) Okay, that's it! (rushes forward to punch it)

Hater: :O whoa.

Wander: :O Sylvia, no! Be careful!

Peepers: Screw careful! I'm with the zbornak! Time to kick some ass! [shot his ray gun]

Tree: (angry) Insolent fools!! [shot out vines to fight them]

Sylvia: (grabbed them) Bring it!

Hater: (isn't sure to fight or not)

Peepers: [shot at the vines n the tree itself]

Wander: [was abt to cower behind Hater wen one of the vines grabbed him] :O Hatey~~!!

Hater: :O Wander!!

Sylvia: Hey, put my buddy down!

Peepers: Yo! Let tht furball dwn! [shot at the vines] Sir!! Wat r u waiting for?!

Hater: (felt something inside him) ... (angry) RAHHHH!! (began attacking the vines holding Wander)

Wander: [struggled, trying to break free from the vines]

Peepers: [looked ard, n saw a hollow base in the tree tht looks like it's weak from moss n mold] Zbornak, cover me! I got a plan!!

Sylvia: (nod) Gotcha!

Hater: (shocked the vines) YOU LET HIM DOWN!! (angry)

Wander: [gasped as the vines wrapped ard him burnt n let him loose n he started falling] Eeeeekkkk!!!

Peepers: [did a running start before shooting at the weak spot, which caught fire quick n started burning the whole tree]

Hater: :O (quickly teleported to catch Wander)

Sylvia: :D You got him, Pipsqueak!

Wander: >.< .... >.O [sees himself in Hater's arms] Aww, my hero~ (giggle) [meant that as a compliment]

Peepers: Aww yeah! (rock)

[The tree let out a wail as its fire continue to spread, then the whole forest started burning n it was filled with banshee-like screams]

Hater: Uh-uh...Yeah. ^^;;

Sylvia: :O Oh shit! Let's grab the treasure and scram!

Peepers: Bt where is it?! I can't see it thru the fire!!

Wander: [looks ard, then sees the treasure glinting in the dirt inside the hollow of the tree] There! Right there!

Hater: (hands Wander to Sylvia and tries to make his way inside)

Wander: Be careful, Hatey! (worry)

Peepers: Sir! [was also worried]

Hater: (doh) (grimanced at the fire burning him, but managed to grab the treasure and make his way out)

Peepers: C'mon! Let's go [sees some dark beings coming out frm the fire] Shit! I think its the forest spirit minions!

Wander: Hurry, guys! [hops onto Sylvia] Can u carry us all, Syl?

Sylvia: (nod) Hop on!

Hater: (also hops on)

Sylvia: (grabs Peepers with her tail and races out of there)

Peepers: [hung onto the tail as he gets dragged mid-air] Eeeeekkkk~~!!!

Wander: [tries to dodge the incoming forest spirits trying to grab them] They're gaining on us!!

Sylvia: (tries to go her fastest)

Hater: (growls, shooting lightning back at them)

Peepers: [tries to hold onto Sylvia's tail with one hand n shoot the creatures with his other hand holding the gun]

Wander: [sees light up ahead] We're almost there! Gun it, Syl!

Sylvia: Grr... quick, Wander, make me think Time Bomb!

Wander: Wait, wat? R u sure?

Sylvia: Yes, just do it!!

Hater: (kept shooting lightning)

Wander: A-Alright! U-Uh, umm... Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock!

Peepers: [kept shooting his gun as well]

Sylvia: >_< ... (eyes turned red, began foaming at the mouth and raced the fastest she'd ever gone) (angry)

Hater: :O Whoa! (gripped on tight, grabbing a hold of Peepers before he slipped off completely)

Peepers: Wat the HEEEELLLL~~ [screamed midway as they moved super fast]

Wander: Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock, we're almost there!!

Sylvia: (angry) (roared, racing faster)

[almost immediately they were bursting out of the burning forests, n the minions tht managed to catch up with them somehow turned into dust the moment they were outside the perimeter of the forests]

Wander: W-We're out! We're out! Stop! Stop! Marshfalaffle Apple Meadow! Marshfalaffle Apple Meadow!! >m<

Sylvia: (halted and growled, slowly going out of her phase)

Hater: @~@

Wander: (phew)

Peepers: Wat was tht abt?! Geez, I think my face almost came off frm tht speed

Sylvia: (came out of it completly) Uh, sorry, that was something of mine that occured once when Wander signed us up for a race. ^^;;

Peepers: Geez! U got anger issues, missy >:C

Wander: R u OK, Hatey? Did u get hurt from the burn?

Hater: (doh) Don't think I have... But we got the treasure... (cringed a little)

Wander: [noticed the cringe] Hatey, pls, talk to me. R u sure ur not hurt?

Peepers: [kept a wary eye for any creatures that might pop out from the burning forest]

Hater: ...It's...it's burning...

Sylvia: We'd better move.

Wander: Wats burning? The goblet?

Peepers: Ur right. N maybe get someone to put out the fire or something before it spreads even worse

Hater: My middle does...

Wander: [opened his robes to chk despite his protests] Hatey, u got hurt! U got a bad burn! We need to take u to a doctor

Peepers: I'll take the goblet, we better hurry before it gets worse

Sylvia: (nod) (assists Wander getting Hater onto her back)

Hater: B-but... (doh)

Wander: No buts, Hatey. Ur getting tht treated before it gets septic. I'm not abt to let u die on me

Peepers: [felt the irony on that bt doesn't say anything]

Sylvia: :( Let's go, then. Hop on, Pipsqueak.

Peepers: [hopped on n they all rode Sylvia all the way bk to the kingdom]

Hater: (cringed at his burn) Ugh...

As My Heart Dies-Chp39

[they soon made their way towards the planet, arriving there in no less than 5 hours]

Hater: There it is. (looking out the window)

Wander: [peeks out the window] Wow~ It looks evn nicer up close

Peepers: We'll be landing soon, sir. Hv u thought abt wat to say to convince the planet's ruler tht they're liberated?

Hater: I...think so?

Peepers: Good, coz we're almost there

Wander: Don't worry. U got this, n I got ur bk

Hater: (nod) Mhm.

[soon they landed on the planet, where everyone started cowering in fear the moment they saw Hater's ship]

Hater: (notices) I expected this...

Sylvia: (showed up) Hey... (yawn)

Wander: Hey, Syl! Feeling better?

Peeper: Well, we did a pretty good job shaking them up before

Sylvia: Yeah, a little better... (sees the planet they're approaching)

Wander: Sweet, ur just in time to help Hatey liberate his first planet :D

Sylvia: Oh I'd like to see this.

Hater: :^)

Wander: Me too! This is so exciting~ [was clapping his hands with glee]

Peepers: |-( Let's get this ovr with

Hater: Yeah... (yn)

[the four of them all got off the ship, leaving Westley n the crew behind to guard it, in which the inhabitants there bowed dwn to Hater]

Wander: Wow, intense...

Peepers: [gestures to a random person] Bring us to the one in charge of this planet... [sees Hater give him the stink eye] ...ahem. Please?

Hater: (nod) Yes, we...need to speak with the Leader.

Person: [was confused bt did so anyways, leading them to the planet's palace]

King: [sees Hater arriving n quickly got up] Lord Hater! Wat a pleasant surprise! Uh, would u like to hv a seat? Hv a drink?

Hater: (didn't expect) Um...Ok?

Sylvia: :| (whispers to Wander) I dunno about this...

Wander: [whispers to Sylvia] Hv faith, just watch

Peepers: [clears throat at Hater] Not exactly here to hv a seat, don't forget, sir

Hater: Uh, right...um, why this all of a sudden?

King: [blinked] Bcoz ur our ruler now, right? U conquered us a few mths ago, remember? :|

Hater: Y-yeah, I do, but...^^;; Didn't expect this.

Wander: [gives him an encouraging tug on the robes, whispering] U can do this. Just tell him

Hater: Anyways, um... I'm here to make peace, you mgith say. Put what happened all behind us. :)

King: Make peace? U mean... U mean ur liberating us? Like, we're not conquered anymore? :O

Hater: (nod) Yeah, that's basically it.

King: Hmm... :^) Wat's the catch tho? [wasn't too trusting abt it]

Peepers: We're being sincere here n ur asking wat's the catch? Do u WANT to stay conquered? >:C [was a little annoyed at tht remark]

King: Well, uh, no, I... (worry)

Hater: ^^;; Easy, C Peeps. And if you must know... I'm retiring, so no more of being conquered.

King: Well... If u want me to believe u, u might wanna help me do something to earn my trust

Peepers: [mumbled] Now UR the one who has the catch |-(

Hater: Okay... Like what?

King: See... Wen u came ovr to conquer us, we were worried tht u would take away our sacred treasure which has been in my family heirloom for generations. So we brought it deep in the forests n asked the tree spirits to hide it well. We recently needed it for a special occasion n the tree spirits now refuses to tell us where it is bcoz they've grown attached to our family treasure n wanted to keep it for their own

Wander: Wat sort of treasure is tht?

King: Its an amber goblet which we use to bless newborns with. Our custom here is tht evry newborn must be blessed with water poured frm tht goblet in order to live a happy long life. If they don't get blessed, they will not survive their first mth

Hater: And you want me to fetch it?

King: Yes, as a sign of good faith n ur sincerity to liberate us

Wander: Don't worry! We'll get tht goblet for u, no probs! Nvr hurts to help

Peepers: [mumbled] Except if it gets us killed

Sylvia: :^)

Hater: I... I can try, then. :)

King: U can? Thank u. The forest where the tree spirits r is in the far south from here, with trees so dense, sunlight can't pass thru. Go deep into it n u will find a huge ancient tree. That's where they are

Hater: (nod)

As My Heart Dies-Chp38

[meanwhile, at Wander's room...]

Wander: [peeks in, n speaks in a soft tone so he wouldn't trigger Sylvia's headache] Syl? Buddy? How're u holding up? :)

Sylvia: (doh) Ugh, like I hit a brick wall with my head...

Wander: Didn't u take the hangover meds Hatty got for u?

Sylvia: I have, but they're taking a while with their effect, I guess...

Wander: Then give it time [sits dwn next to her] We just sent off the crews tht r leaving. Now it's just a handful of us including Westley

Sylvia: Mhm...

Wander: U sure ur OK with hanging out with Hatey? I mean, u didn't seem to keen on it, n come to think of it, I practically dragged u here against ur will or something

Sylvia: He does seem pretty sincere about his choice, so... I could give him a chance at least. I already know you are.

Wander: :) .... [hugs Sylvia] Thanks, Syl, for putting up with me

Sylvia: :) Anytime, buddy. (nuzzles him)

Wander: Now just in case, maybe u should pop another dose of that hangover meds if ur head reli hurts that bad (giggle)

Sylvia: (doh) Yup, I should.

Wander: Knowing u n ur partying ways, there's no way this is gonna be the last time, bt pace urself at least, OK, buddy?

Sylvia: (nod) Sure. (takes the meds with some water)

Wander: I'mma gonna go n see if there's anything I can help with Hatey on getting our journey started :D

Sylvia: (nod) Alright, buddy... (snuggles under the blankets) |-)

Wander: [made his way bk to the navigation room] How's it going?

Peepers: All is set n ready, coordinates all prepared. All we need to do is just pick a destination to start

Hater: (was searching through what planet to visit first) ... What about this one? (views a planet that's a beige color and covered with a few farms)

Peepers: Hmm, tht's the planet u conquered a few mths bk before u went to visit ur family. I guess tht's as good as any, n its nearby here

Wander: Great! Let's get started on liberating~! :D

Hater: :) Set us on course, C Peeps.

Peepers: Roger tht, sir (like)

Wander: Ooh, this is so exciting~

Hater: (nod)

As My Heart Dies-Chp37

[the nxt day, first order of business was for those who r leaving to give Peepers the list of where they wish to be dropped off]

Peepers: [looked at the list] OK, Ted, u wanna go bk to tht planet to marry tht broad u met... Sam, u want to go to tht other planet with the geese in it... OK... Chk... [cross-reference the list]

Watchdogs: :)

Peepers: [keyed in all the destinations they wanted to be dropped off into the computer, then got a beep] Alright, ur ships hv been allocated coordinates to ur preferred destination, so memorize or write dwn the number of ur ship displayed on the screen there n we're good to go

Watchdogs: :D  (do so)

[soon they were all at the ship port docking their ships, while those who stayed behind stood with Peepers n Hater n Wander to send them off]

Wander: Good luck, u guys!! [throws confetti at them]

Hater: (wave)

Peepers: (wave)

Westley n the other Watchdogs: (wave)

Wander: :D [waves enthusiastically] (wave)

Watchdogs: (wave) (make their leave)

[all the ships took off one by one, into the vast space they go, until they could no longer be seen again]

Peepers: Welp, there goes the last of them

Hater: (think) Hopefully they'll still keep in touch.

Peepers: Its up to them whether they want to or not

Westley: I hv ALL their contact numbers in my communicator, we can keep up to date abt them if tht's wat u wish, sir

Hater: (nod) That'll work.

Peepers: Where's the zbornak?

Wander: Nursing a hangover ^^;;

Hater: ^^;; She's that heavy a drinker?

Wander: Like u wouldn't believe |-( U should've seen her wen we were at this sheep planet celebrating after we defeated the troll

Hater: Ah, I see.

Wander: So, wat shall we do now? Where shall we go n where shall we start?

Hater: We could look up a few planets and see where you'd like to explore first. :)

Wander: Or there's always my trusty tablet. We can revisit the places Syl n I hv been before n also visit new places along the way

Peepers: Or maybe we should start by liberating the planets u hv conquered, sir. Since ur not a Conqueror anymore, u better do it before word gets ard n they start a revolt

Wander: Tht could work too :D

Hater: (think) Yeah, sure.

Peepers: [took out the list of planets he conquered, which is not much, technically] Here's the list

Wander: Only tht much? o.o

Hater: ^^;; Yeah. You've probably visted more then I've conquered.

Wander: Well, at least it won't take long, then we can proceed with our exploring :D

Hater: :) Yeah, let's.

Peepers: Right, let's get started with the planet nearest to us then [went to consult the computer to see the navigation]

Wander: [whispered] Is he reli OK? I feel like he's sorta not looking at me in the eye or something

Hater: Oh he's just...getting used to you sorta living here, I guess.

Wander: Oh, OK. I just don't want to stay on the wrong foot with him :(

Hater: I know you won't mean to.

Wander: I better go chk on Sylvia first, see if she needs help with her hangover. I'll brb ;) [left to his room]

Hater: (nod) (sighed to himself)

Peepers: [heard his sigh] U OK there, sir?

Hater: ...He's gonna find out at some oint... :(

Peepers: So wen r u planning on telling him? Or r u not gonna tell him at all?

Hater: I... I don't know...

Peepers: Better earlier before ur condition gets worse. He's gonna ask a ton of stuff u can't even keep up to explain, grob knows how he'll react wen he finds out u hid this from him

Hater: (worry) I know, I know but...

Peepers: Bt wat? :^)

Hater: There's just...so many ways he could react to this, he'd hate me for lying about something serious, or hurt himself trying to find a nonexistent cure, or...(began rambling)

Peepers: [tears himself away from the computer to hold Hater's hand to shake him out of it] Hater, Hater, sir!!

Hater: (breathed hard and shakily, trying to ease himself)

Peepers: [sighed] All I'm saying is that someday u will hv to tell him, n preferably not too late wen ur almost dying in his arms or something. Would u rather get it over with n tell him, n let him be  angry with u for a little while, or would u rather nvr tell him n u die n he will blame himself for the rest of his life for not noticing, for not seeing the signs or whatever it is he will tell himself he didn't do to blame himself over the grief?

Hater: :( ... It's just hard, Peepers...

Peepers: [sighed again] I knw its hard. Its always hard to tell the truth abt urself to someone u care abt. Bt u managed to tell ur family. He deserves the truth. I won't force u to make the decision, bt I recommend u do. Knwing tht furball, he won't be mad at u for too long. He's such a sappy forgiving type

Hater: True... I guess I'll just have to wait till the time's right at least...

As My Heart Dies-Chp36

[everyone partied well into the night]

Hater: (tired) Oh boy...Yeah...

Peepers: [was all sprawled out on the floor full from food n drunk from booze]

Wander: Wow, we're all partied out, huh

Sylvia: (snoring loudly) |-)

Wander: So, uh, Hatey, got any plc where we can sleep? U knw, like a room?

Hater: Hm? Oh, oh yeah, I think I had a room arranged for you guys.

Wander: Sweet, where is it? N someone has to wheel Sylvia with me, I cant carry her ^^;;

Westley: I'll do it [was not tht drunk since he's not a drinker as he brought in a luggage trolley to lug her in] Gonna need help carrying her into this tho ^^;;

Hater: (nod) I can help with that.

Westley: ^^ Thanks, sir [grabs Sylvia by the arms]

Hater: (grabs Sylvia's legs)

[both of them lugged her onto the trolley]

Westley: Heave ho! >•<

Hater: >_<

Wander: U guys alright?

Hater: (doh) She's heavier then she looks.

Sylvia: |-) Mmm... Zzz...

Wander: (giggle) Careful now, u guys

Westley: We got her, we got her [got her on the trolley] (whew)

Hater: (phew) That should do it.

Wander: Well, lead the way to our room then :)

Hater: (nod) (leads the way) You okay there, Westley?

Westley: I'm good! I've pushed heavier items than this. At least it has wheels! [grunting as he pushed the trolley, trying to keep up with them]

Hater: (chuckle)

Wander: Here, lemme give u a hand as well. Keep leading us the way, Hatey [helps to push the trolley together with Westley]

Hater: :) (keeps leading them until they reached the destined room) Here we are.

Wander: Oooh, nice... [noticed something] Wait, am I actually a few doors away frm ur room?

Hater: Well... sort of.

Wander: Oh... [shrugged then smiled] Cool! We're gonna be neighbours! :D

Hater: :) Heh, yeah.

Sylvia: |-) Mmm... A little more jelly in there...

Hater: :|

Wander: (giggle) Oh Syl, u silly. Help me get her into bed?

Hater: Yeah, okay. (nod)

[they both entered the room n it pretty cozy n fancy just like Hater's own room, with all the necessity needed]

Wander: Wow~ Aww, Hatey, u shouldnt hv

Hater: Well, if you'd rather have it done differently...?

Wander: It's OK, I'm sure we'll manage. We're pretty used to the swanky crib u had bk at ur palace. I think this is pretty modest on its own :)

Hater: Alright then. :)

Westley: A little help putting her to bed, sir? [carries Sylvia's armpits again]

Hater: ^^;; Oh right. (helps Westley)

[the duo heaved her onto the bed]

Westley: Heave-ho! >.< (phew) Alright, all done

Wander: Thanks for ur help, guys :D

Hater: (phew) Yeah, phew.

Sylvia: (was still in deep sleep) |-)

Westley: Well, time for me to hit the hay. Good night, sir [pushes the trolley out]

Wander: Guess I should go to bed too (yawn) I am definitely all partied out. I dunno how Awesome can do this almost evryday

Hater: Me neither. (yawn)

Wander: Good night then. Sweet dreams, don't let the bedbugs bite :)

Hater: (chuckle) Yeah, I know. Night. (left to go sleep in his own room)

Wander: [yawned again, climbed onto bed nxt to Sylvia n sighed in content as he curled in the covers] |-)

(in his room)

Hater: (climbed into his own bed and slowly fell asleep) |-)

As My Heart Dies-Chp35

Peepers: [was in the main meeting room as Westley said, looking out of the window at the deep space]

*knock knock knock*

Hater: Um... Peepers? You in here?

Peepers: [heard him, bt doesn't reply]

Hater: (steps inside)

Peepers: [glanced sideways bt doesn't turn ard to face him] Don't mind me. Just here to admire the view one last time before I quit n leave this plc

Hater: Peepers... Understand at least this is something I have to do...

Peepers: [turns ard] Hv to do? Wat is it tht u hv to do tht u need to quit conquering? U told me conquering was ur dream. U even got into an argument with ur dad bcoz u don't want to take the throne. U wanted to rule the world. Wat changed?

Hater: ...If you're really planning to leave here...it's cancer...a type that can't be cured... :( And I was afraid to mention this to anyone...and if I told you...there'd be the chance you'd make me continue doing what I've been doing my whole life... (turned away) There, I said it...

Peepers: [was shocked speechless for a full minute before he found his voice] C-Cancer...? Ur... Ur kidding me, right? U... Ur just trying to make me feel better, r-right...?

Hater: No, Peepers...I'm serious about this... why I wasn't able to eat much...why I wanted to retire... ;( I'm gonna die at some point...

Peepers: N wat...? U were gonna keep me in the dark abt this n let me believe ur doing this out of some mid-life crisis, some whim? Were u ever going to tell me?

Hater: I ... I knew I'd have to...but I just didn't know how... :(

Peepers: [his body shaking, he grabbed the nearest thing he could find n threw it at the wall] I am ur second in command! Ur best friend! The person who stood by u n who swore his loyalty to u since then day u rescued us from our dying planet! U know better than to keep this from me! I should be the first person to know abt this! It's not fair, it's not fair! [starts sobbing as well] ;(

Hater: ;( ... Peepers... (held out his arms) I'm sorry...

Peepers: [breathed heavily in anger n sorrow before he made a mad dash to Hater n started punching his body] It's not fair!! It's not fair!! Why did u hide it from me?! I should be the first to know! I would've said OK, I would've let u do whatever u wanted! Instead u let me get mad at u n u do these things behind my bk!! I'm ur best friend, gob dammit!! ;(

Hater: :( ... (tried to embrace the Watchdog) ;(

Peepers: [kept hitting him until he had no strength left n just started sobbing in his arms] No, no, no... It's not fair! U were just chasing after ur dreams! U were evil bt u nvr killed anybody! U don't deserve to die like this...!! Not like this...!! ;(

Hater: I can't be a conqueror forever, Peepers! I can't, knowing I have this... ;(

Peepers: I know! I know! I get it, bt... It's just not fair! U hv been evil, yes, WE'VE been evil! We've done unsavory things to ppl, yes, we've hurt ppl, yes, bt we nvr killed anybody! We've nvr taken anyone's life...!! It's not fair...!! ;(

Hater: ;( (just held Peepers close, also sobbing)

Peepers: ;( I wish it were me... I wish I were in ur place instead... U don't deserve to die... ;(

Hater: :( I'm sorry, C Peeps...There's no cure...

Peepers: ....It's the main reason why u went home, isn't it? To break it to ur family.

Hater: Yes...

Peepers: Does... Does that furball know? Does the zbornak know?

Hater: No...and I don't think Wander would be able to take these kind of news...

Peepers: (think)... Yeah, ur right. The less he knws the better. Knwing him, he might get himself killed just to try n look for a cure for u

Hater: That's what I'm afraid of... So...are you coming to the party?

Peepers: [a long silence later, sighed] Yeah, I'm coming. N I'm staying as well. I'm not abt to abandon u now tht I knw wat's wrong with u. I'm with u till the end

Hater: ... :) Thanks, Peeps.

Peepers: Lets get going then :) I'm in need of a strong drink n some heavy food right abt now

Hater: (nod) (leads the way to the party)

Wander: [sees Hater n Peepers coming in a few mins later n waved happily] (wave) Hey guys! There u are! Glad u could join us, Peeps!

Peepers: Heh, yeah, sure [turns to head to the bar to get his drink]

Hater: Got through to him, you might say.

Wander: I see. Well, as long as he's not angry anymore :)

Hater: Yeah. (Nod)

Wander: Well, wat r we standing here gawking at each other for? Night is still young! Lets give the guys a farewell party they'll nvr forget! (party)

Hater: :D

As My Heart Dies-Chp34

[at the doctor's office...]

Hater: (poked his head in) Hello?

Doc: [looked up] Oh hello, Lord Hater. Heard abt the retirement from the nurses

Hater: Yeah... Anyway, I need to check with how my condition is. I have been taking the needles.

Doc: Word travels fast ard here. Right, hv a seat n I'll do the chk up

Hater: (does so)

Doc: [does all the necessary chk up, then wait for the prognosis on the computer]

Hater: And um... I've also spat up some black stuff as well.

Doc: Oh, already? [got the prognosis] Well, ur still within Stage 1, n the black stuff ur spitting up is phlegm from by-product of the bitter after taste ur getting from ur taste buds. It'll go away once u reach Stage 2, as well as ur taste buds will recover from there, bt u should be prepared for the power hay wire. Judging by ur current metabolism, u might reach Stage 2 in abt 6 mths to a yr, 2 yrs at most

Hater: I see...

Sylvia: (was walking down the hallway searching for restroom) (think)

Hater: :( But I'm still not sure how to tell them...

Sylvia: ? (hides herself and listens closely)

Doc: The sooner the better. It's not gonna be easy to try n come up with an excuse why ur suddenly shoot rays n lightning everywhere, or whenever u use ur powers it might blow up in ur face

Hater: ^^;; Yeah, I know that.

Sylvia: :^)

Doc: Anyways sooner or later they're gonna question it, n they're gonna know, especially wen u reach Stage 3, which is quite painful as the haywire continues inwardly in ur body n it'll be obvious to everyone's eye. N wat if something happens n no one could help u bcoz they don't know how to deal with u? This cancer is not something to take lightly of

Hater: I get it but...it's hard...

Sylvia: ... :(

Doc: [sighed n patted his shoulder] I know, it's hard for me too to keep a secret like this n keep a straight face wen I know tht Lord Hater, the man who saved us frm our dying planet, is dying himself. Just try ur best n try to do as many things that'll make u happy as possible

Hater: I can try...

Sylvia: ... (makes her leave)

Doc: :) Good. Now I'm gonna go get ready with the nurses. I heard there'll be a farewell party. Don't worry, I'm staying on with u. Someone's gotta keep an eye on u ;)

Hater: Heh, figured Wander would do that. :) And thanks. (gets up and makes his leave)

Doc: Don't forget to carry on with ur prescription. U don't wanna miss out on the good food u might wanna plan to eat in ur bucket list

Hater: (nod) Got it.

[everyone was gathered at the entertainment hall, celebrating the farewell party] (party) (party) (party)

Sylvia: (came up to Wander) :)

Wander: Hey, Syl! :D [puts a party hat on Sylvia] Glad u could join us! U managed to find the restroom?

Sylvia: Yeah, and also... (paused, not sure if she should inform Wander of the news she heard)

Wander: Yeah? :) [gave her tht naive innocent expectant smile]

Sylvia: Uh...Never mind. Anyways, is there any jellyfish pie? (hearteyes)

Wander: :D Seriously, u n ur jellyfish pie. It's right there at the buffet table. Go help urself

Sylvia: :) Sweet. (heads for buffet table)

Wander: [did a toast n clinked glasses with a few Watchdogs] (cheers)  [sees Hater come in] Hatey~~ (wave)

Hater: Heh, hey. (wave)

Wander: Come, hv a drink with us :D

Hater: :) Okay.

Wander: [pours him a glass, then raised his own] Cheers to those starting their new lives! May they be happy with wat they're looking for! :D

Watchdogs: Hear, hear! :D :D :D

Sylvia: :) (raised her glass)

Hater: :D (raised his glass)

[they partied for a while, giving well wishes to each other]

Westley: [hears some whisperings from the others n made his way to Hater] Lord Hater, sir!

Hater: Please, Westley, just 'Hater' will do.

Westley: Eheh, right, Hater, sir [whispers to his ear] One of the guys spotted Commander Peepers alone in the main meeting room. They tried to invite him to the party bt he doesn't want to. Maybe u can try to persuade him here

Hater: He's still here? But...He might not...

Wander: Wats wrong? Anything I can do to help?

Hater: He doesn't seem to understand that this is something I need to do...

Wander: Who're u talking abt? [confused since he couldn't hear wat Westley has just whispered to Hater]

Hater: It's... It's Peepers.

Wander: :| Oh, he's still here? Then wat r u waiting for? Here's ur chance to talk n explain to him properly again [starts ushering him]

Hater: ^^;; Okay, okay. (makes his way to where Peepers is)

As My Heart Dies-Chp33

[soon all the Watchdogs were called to assembly at the great hall to hear Hater's surprise announcement]

Hater: Watchdogs...I know you've all be used to doing this conqueroring business for so long, but it's been decided... that it's time for my retirement.

[all the Watchdogs murmured amongst each other, a little confused]

Hater: I know it seems unlike me but do any of you really want to spend the rest of your lives doing the same routine over and over?

Watchdogs: [a mix of yes n no n maybe]

Wander: [was behind the curtain silently cheering him on]

Hater: Hey, this could give you all the oppertunity to do something different with your life. Like, with Ted (gestured towards a Watchdog) he wanted to propose to that girl when we encounted that one planet. That right, Ted?

Ted: :$ Uh... Umm... Y-Yeah... I... Uh...

Hater: See? There's has to others who'd like to start a family of their own but never got the chance until just now. :)

Westley: [jumped up n dwn, waving his hand hard to be seen, since he's so short]

Hater: Yes, Westley?

Westley: Does that mean some of us can, uh, I dunno... quit this gig? Not following u anymore?

Hater: (think) Well ... If you choose to, I guess I can't stop you.

[the Watchdogs started murmuring to each other, trying to come to a decision]

Wander: [whispers behind the curtain] Ur doing great, Hatey (like)

Hater: (to Wander) (like) (back to Wtachdogs) Take your time in thinking this over, I just wanted to give a heads up to everybody.

Westley: Where's Commander Peepers? Wat is his opinion ovr this?

Hater: He's... needing more time on what to think about this...

Westley: OK, we'll go hv a meeting. We'll get bk to u [followed the group to another room to conference abt it]

Hater: (phew)

Sylvia: (had been hiding with Wander) Do you think they'll go with what he's saying?

Wander: Knowing them n how they behave from our few encounters, I think they might. Now all we need to worry abt is if they're OK with us tagging along

Sylvia: (nod) True.

Wander: I kinda feel bad for Peeps tho. I mean it looks like he took it pretty hard

Sylvia: Yeah...

[almost a couple of hours later, the Watchdogs returned]

Hater: (had been waiting) What do all of you have to say, then? (had his fingers crossed behind his back) (yn)

Westley: Well, we've all come to a consensus. We don't exactly hv a planet to go bk to, since it no longer exists, bt some of us do want to start life anew n do things we want, n some of us, well, we're just glad to stay with u n continue the journey however n wherever u wanna take us so... [the group split into two, one side slightly larger than the other, with Westley being in the smaller group] They will go n live their own lives [gestured to the bigger group] We, on the other hand, will stay with u

Hater: ... (nod) Good to hear.

Sylvia: :D

Wander: [whispered, still behind the curtain] Psst! I think its abt time u introduced us

Hater: (nod) And also, we'll be having two familar faces joining us.

Wander: [peeks in, then joins Hater on the stage] Hi~ (wave)

Watchdogs: :O

Sylvia: Hey. (wave)

Wander: How're u doing? I guess u guys know us by now, so no intro needed :D

Westley: Wait, why r they doing here, sir?

Hater: They are gonna be joining us on traveling around and such.

Westley: Is tht why Commander Peepers is not here? -_-

Hater: ^^;; Yeah, but trust me, Wander will have a lot of ideas for us to do and try out.

Wander: Exactly! With my trusty tablet here, we can do a lot of things n hv a lot of fun n maybe even help ppl out! It nvr hurts to help!

Westley: R u sure abt this, sir?

Hater: :| Yes, I'm certain about this. Now if you'll excuse, I gotta...check on a thing. (makes his way for the doctor's office)

Wander: [was a little weirded out bt shrugged n turned to the group] Alright, first things first, farewell party for those going off to venture n live their new lives. Who's with me?? :D

Watchdog: :D [cheered] (party)

Sylvia: (smirk)

As My Heart Dies-Chp32

[soon after a couple of days of travel, they're finally approaching Hater's mothership]

Hater: Here we are. :| And no trying to beat up my Watchdogs behind my back.

Sylvia: Aww~ > : C

Wander: U heard him, Syl (giggle)

Hater: (leads them inside)

[inside, the Watchdogs seem to be enjoying themselves during Hater's absence, partying, playing games, munching snacks or just lazing ard, with Peepers sitting lazily on Hater's gaming seat playing one of Hater's games with Westley]

Wander: :| [whispered] Looks like someone's enjoying their long break

Sylvia: (giggle)

Hater: (facepalm) (steps forward) ... Watchdogs!

[everything came to a halt with a literal record scratch sound, all the Watchdogs looking at Hater in horror n shock at his return]

Peepers: :O [quickly tossed the game console away n rushed to him, saluting] W-Welcome bk, Lord Hater, sir!

Hater: :^) I see all of you enjoyed yourselves while I was away...

[all the minions had made a run for it, pretending to do their jobs, leaving Peepers to fend for himself]

Peepers: ^^;; Eheh... Just a little-- [sees Wander n Sylvia] :O Wat r they doing here??

Sylvia: (smirk) Sup?

Hater: Now, Peepers, I have a good reason...

Wander: (wave) [smiled goodnaturedly at Peepers]

Peepers: R they here to take over the ship? Did they force u to bring them along so u can surrender to them? I won't hv it! I'll blast them to kingdom come! [whips out his ray gun]

Sylvia: (prepared her fists)

Hater: Peepers, put that away!

Wander: [holds Sylvia bk]

Peepers: But sir!!

Hater: No! We are no longer taking them as prisoners.

Sylvia: Also, he seems pretty serious about giving up what you're bad at anyways.

Peepers: Bad at? Now u listen here, u high horse... Wait, did u say giving up? Giving up wat?

Wander: (facepalm) [ribbed Sylvia, whispers] Nice going, Syl |-(

Sylvia: (doh) What?

Hater: Peepers... I'm no longer interested about conqueroring. There's going to be a lot of changes around here, including them hanging out here. (gestured to the other two)

Peepers: Wha- U- [looks frm bk n forth to Hater n the duo] Did they make u do this? Did they force u into this? Tell me n I'll beat the crap out of them!

Sylvia: Not if I--

Hater: (pulled Peepers up to his face) :| I am NOT in the mood for this and I've made MY choice. And I also no longer approve of you speaking to them like that, so don't be trying to give them any ideas that I could be 'lying' about this. Cause if you do... There's a high chance you'll no longer be addressed as Commander Peepers. Get the picture, C Peeps?

Peepers: This is outrageous! I don't believe this! I knw u! U wouldn't just do this out of the blue! U've been secretly hanging out with them, haven't u? U didnt go visit ur family! U went to see them! N they're using their so-called goody-two-shoes charm to get u to quit, isn't it? Tell me! Tell me the truth n I'll beat the living shit out of them!

Hater: That IS the truth, Peepers! I'm sick of just taking over planets and you can just quit this job now if you don't like it!

Peepers: I can't believe it! I can't believe u would let those two sucker u into...!! Ur right! This is not happening! This is not right! Until u come bk to ur senses, I'm not coming bk!! [throws his helmet to the ground n stormed off]

Wander: Peeps, wait! [got shoved aside by the angry Watchdog] (doh) ....:(

Hater: ... (sighed) Damn it, that wasn't supposed to happen... :(

Wander: Give him time to cool dwn a little, then u can explain urself again. U might wanna let ur other Watchdogs know tho

Hater: ...Yeah, I guess...

Sylvia: (petted his shoulder)

As My Heart Dies-Chp31

[a few days later it was time for Wander, Hater n Sylvia to leave for their adventuring. The Skeletor family were all gathered at the palace entrance to send him off]

Hater: (hugged his siblings) Take care, you guys.

Grimm: U too. Don't be a stranger

Loathe: N u better not let the invitation get lost in the web wen either of us get married

Hater: (nod) Gotcha.

Fury: [hugged Hater, then whispered] Did u tell him abt ur... condition?

Hater: (shake) (whispers) Not yet.

Sylvia: :^)

Fury: [whispered] Better let him know before it's too late. He seems like a nice guy n he deserves the truth

Hater: (whispers) I know... :(

Wander: [shook hands with the siblings n Fury] So glad to hang out with u guys, I reli enjoyed my time here, even tho it's under weird circumstances (giggle)

Grimm: Glad to hv u ard. Ur welcomed here anytime. N thanks for ur help over everything

Hater: :)

Wander: U be good to Grimmy now, Terry ;)

Terry: (nod) Will do. (cradling Eliza)

Fury: U guys can take one of the family travel pod. I don't think all three of u can fit in the pod that Hater travelled in

Wander: Cool! Will do. Thanks, Fury! :D

Hater: (nod) Thanks, dad.

Sylvia: (nod)

[the trio bid farewell to the Skeletor family, then rode on the family travel pod, making their way bk to Hater's mothership]

Sylvia: (sat next to Wander) Pipsqueak won't like this~

Wander: Pipsqueak? Oh u mean Peeps. Well, we'll just hv to convince him tht its wat Hatey wants, n he has to respect tht. He's the boss aftr all

Sylvia: And if he doesn't, I can at least back him up. (smirk) (pretends to crack her knuckles to make her point)

Wander: (giggle) Just don't beat him up too much, or ur not gonna make Hatey's case any better

Sylvia: I'll try not to. ;)

Hater: (was in thought to himself the whole time) (think)

Wander: [turns to Hater] Wat r u thinking, Hatey?

Hater: ? Huh? Oh, n-nothing... just... :D what planets we could explore and such else.

Wander: Well I've got my trusty tablet right here. We can decide then. Bt first we need to come up with a good reason for Peeps to allow u to retire

Hater: (nod) Yeah.

As My Heart Dies-Chp30

[5 hours later, almost towards sundown...]

Terry: (was reading, while keeping an eye on the egg)

[a few moments later, the sound of cracking was heard]

Terry: ? (looked up) ... :o The egg... (called out) Grimm? Grimmy!

Grimm: [was in the nxt room brainstorming ideas for how to deal with Drizelda n had almost dozed off] (tired) [snorted] Hmm, huh? Wha-? Wat? Where's the fire?

Terry: (called out again) Grimmy, it's hatching!

Grimm: :O [intercommed one of his servants to announce the hatching, then made a mad dash into the room] Is it out?? Is it out??

Terry: :) It's just starting to crack.

[after the announcement was made, everyone came in]

Loathe: Is it here? Is it out?

Wander: Ooh, I can't wait to see

Hater: :O

Egg: (kept hatching, a foot poking out)

Terry: :) Come on, little one...

Fury: [watched in wonder]

Grimm: U can do it, sweetie... :)

(the egg finaly is fully hatched, and the baby is revealed to be a lizard like Terry but had pale black skin with orange markings and red eyes)

Terry: Oh...oh my... :o

Grimm: Aww~ Its adorable [picks it up n chk its gender] Its a baby girl. Our little daughter :D

Wander: Yayy! (clap)

Terry: She...she looks like...him... (worry)

Grimm: :| So? She's beautiful

Loathe: Aww~ Lemme hold her :D

[everyone seems to be oblivious or didnt care how she looks like as they dote abt her]

Terry: :( ... Yeah...she is cute... :)

Grimm: [noticed his worry, then turns to Fury] Go away, Loathe. Let Dad hold his new granddaughter. U get ur turn

Loathe: Aww~ >:C

Fury: [takes the mewling hatchling n nuzzled it]

Grimm: [put his arm ard Terry] I knw ur worried, Terry. Talk to me

Terry: I'm...I'm sorry... I mean, I wanted to forget about him, but her looking like... :(

Grimm: R u gonna love her less bcoz of tht? :(

Terry: No, I don't want to! But it's just...

Grimm: Terry, does it look like any of them care? [gesturing at the happy faces before him] Does it look like I care abt tht?

Terry: N...No...?

Grimm: It doesn't matter to me. I knew the consequences of taking u as my wife. I already knew the child doesnt belong to me. I had already expected tht one way or another, the child would not look like me, bt it doesn't matter. Its our child. I adopted her, n I accept her as she is. N my family definitely accepted her regardless, meaning they were also already prepared for it. Loathe looks like she could just eat her up already [gesturing at Loathe squeeing at the hatchling]

Terry: (giggle) Yeah... :) Take it easy, Loathe. Don't frighten Eliza.

Grimm: Eliza? :|

Terry: Her name. Our baby, she's Eliza. :)

Grimm: Eliza... Yeah, tht's nice. I like it. Rolls off the tongue well [nuzzled Terry] If it makes u feel any better, u can just pretend tht she got her looks frm someone frm either side of ur family, like a distant relative or a distant ancestor or something. There's bound to be SOMEONE in ur family tree who has tht type of looks, right? Just think of it like tht n one day u might just believe it n forget abt tht bastard altogether

Terry: (think) ... (nod) Alright.

Hater: (inlove)

Wander: (hearteyes) She is adorable~~

Fury: [wiped tears of joy] She is beautiful, just like u, Terry :)

Terry: :) She is. May I hold her now? (giggle)

Loathe: Oh! Sorry, didnt realize we're hogging her. She's gonna need to be cleaned off the egg goo tho [passes Eliza to Terry]

Terry: (takes Eliza into his arms) :) Hi there, sweetie. I'm your mommy.

Grimm: N I'm ur Daddy [tickled her chin, then whispered to Terry's ear] I can't wait to make babies with u once we officially tie the knot (giggle)

Terry: :$ Me neither. (nuzzled Eliza)

Wander: Let's leave the new parents with their baby :)

Loathe; Aww, bt I wanna hold her some more :(

Hater: :| You wanted to be her aunt, not her mommy.

Loathe: |-( Fine~ I'll go tell Archie the good news :D [rushes off to call her fiance]

Fury: [shook his head with a smile] In some ways, she kinda reminds me of ur mom wen she was younger. She was just as energetic as her :)

Hater: :) Heh. (took Wander's hand as they left)

Wander: [followed happily with him] So u ready for our upcoming adventures now tht Terry had his baby? :)

Hater: Yeah...I guess so. Just gotta try and convince Peepers first.

Wander: Why? Is he against u adventuring?

Hater: Pretty much. <_<

Wander: I'm sure we can get thru to him. He usually listens to u

Hater: Yeah, here's hoping.

Wander: Fingers crossed~ (yn)

Hater: Me too. (yn)

As My Heart Dies-Chp29

Wander: [was at the lake sitting next to Sylvia who was fishing, telling her abt the news]

Sylvia: :| Hmph, some great start he's making. (rubbed Wander's back)

Wander: It's OK, he doesn't know. But hey, isn't it cool? He's an uncle now. We'll know the gender in 5 hours time wen it hatches :D

Sylvia: Well yeah... (sees Hater approaching) :^)

Wander: [glanced at the direction she was looking at] Oh hi, Hatey (wave)

Hater: Hey, Wander...Sylvia. :|

Sylvia: :| Bonehead.

Hater: L...Listen about what I said back there...

Wander: It's OK, u didn't knw. I should've told u. We're best buds, right? We should knw stuff abt each other

Hater: Yeah... :)

Sylvia: (nod) ... :| But you screw up like that again, Hater...

Hater: ^^;; I get the picture.

Wander: Sit dwn with us, n I'll tell u abt it [patted an empty spot nxt to him]

Hater: (sits next to him)

Sylvia: (think) You know what, I'll just let you two be then... (does a 'I'm watching you' gesture at Hater and left)

Wander: K, hv fun~ (wave) [turns to Hater] So where should I begin? Wat would u like to knw?

Hater: Did...something happen to your family?

Wander: Yeah... Well, it happened 5 years ago... U see, my parents, wen they were younger, were adventurers n explorers just like me. They met wen they were kids n they were inseparable. They did everything together, n they even discovered Aunt Janet

Hater: And Janet is...?

Wander: A sentient planet. Been ard n alone for almost a thousand yrs until she met my parents. My mom gave her that name. Anyways, my parents then got married, explored ard some more, n any refugees they discovered who lost their homes or needed a planet to reside, they directed them to Aunt Janet so tht she won't be alone anymore. Then my mom got pregnant n they decided to settle dwn on Aunt Janet. Standard stuff. She gave birth to a healthy litter of 6, me included, n then we all grew up to do our thing, leaving the nest n all. I chose to be an adventurer like my parents :)

Hater: Mhm...

Wander: Then one day, 5 yrs ago, it happened. It was Mama's upcoming birthday n all my sibs came ovr. I was the last to arrive. I was on my way to Aunt Janet wen Papa called me on the tablet n told me to stay where I was n don't come home bcoz it was dangerous. I didn't get it at the time n I rushed there, only for Aunt Janet to block my access. Turns out some guy escaped frm an experiment lab n he was carrying a deadly virus. He ran n ended up on Aunt Janet. He doesn't show symptoms, bt his body was reeking with the virus n he infected everyone. A lucky few were immune to it, bt Mama n my siblings... Not so much...

Hater: :o Whoa...

Wander: Yeah... I was out there in space, just staring at Aunt Janet, hearing her crying as she could see my family dying, n I couldn't do anything bcoz Aunt Janet won't let me thru to help them for fear tht I might get infected too... Just 5 days of staring at Aunt Janet helplessly n I couldn't do anything... :(

Hater: Everyone was gone...? :(

Wander: Almost everyone, except the lucky few aliens tht were immune to the virus. On the 7th day, the lab ppl caught up with tracking the guy, n frm wat I heard thru live updates frm Aunt Janet, they caught the guy, locked him up, n quarantined the whole of Aunt Janet. I was given a hazmat suit so tht I can get in n see my family. Papa n my sister Firefly barely held on n survived wen the lab ppl issued the antidote they harvested n manufactured frm the immune aliens' DNA... All my other siblings... including Mama... ;(

Hater: :( ... (pulled him close to embrace him)

Wander: It was horrible... First u get a fever... Then u start coughing blood... Then u start VOMITING blood... Then u just start bleeding everywhere, ur eyes, ears... ;(

Hater: Hey, hey... (rocked him, making hushing noises) It's okay...it's okay...

Wander: [sobbed] Aftr tht, nothing was the same again... Papa stopped being the cheerful guy he used to be, like he had just given up trying n just lived day by day monotonously... Firefly has developed survivor's guilt... She felt guilty that she survived n the others died, even tho Papa n I r alive... She hates Aunt Janet for not noticing the guy was sick, n she wished she were the one dead instead of Mama, bcoz she knew how close my parents were... N she... She hates me for surviving, for being safe n nvr suffered like they did... ;(

Hater: :( (hugged him tightly)

Wander: I'm so scared... I'm so scared tht one day without Janet looking, Papa would kill himself... He's the only family I hv left since Firefly stopped coming home... ;( [was a sobbing mess, letting out all the bottled up feelings he had nvr even showed Sylvia]

Hater: (rocked him gently, rubbing his back)

Wander: [cried in Hater's arms for a good 10 mins, letting it all out]

Hater: (held him this whole time) ...Let it all out...?

Wander: ;( [sobbed as he nodded, calmed dwn a little]

Hater: :( (rubbed his back again)

Wander: [sniffled as he finally calmed dwn, then wiped his tears n pulled away slowly] Thanks... For listening to my rants. Sylvia worries abt me too much, I didn't want to burden her more with my troubles...

Hater: Mhm... (let Wander lean into his side) ...

Wander: [leaned against him for a while, just sitting in comfortable silence before he looked up at him] So... Where's ur mom? Is she...gone like mine?

Hater: To put it... She left my dad for someone else.

Wander: Oh, sorry to hear tht. How long ago was that?

Hater: (tells him) ...But oddly, my dad seems okay with it, since he's...actually into men, surprisingly...

Wander: Huh? Reli now. N u guys didn't knw tht? :|

Hater: (shake) Yeah, no idea.

Wander: Wow, he hid in the closet hard :|

Hater: ^^;; Yup.

Wander: How is the rest of ur family taking it? Ur dad coming out n the divorce, I mean

Hater: They did seem surprised but they are upset with what Mom did to them anyhow.

Wander: I guess I couldn't blame them. Regardless ur dad's orientation, wat ur mom did was a bit of a low blow

Hater: (nod) Sure was.

Wander: I guess it was for the best. Better end it than staying on in a loveless marriage

Hater: Mhm.

Wander: [pulls away from Hater] Sigh~ All this crying n baring our souls is making me hungry. Wanna go grab something to eat?

Hater: Okay, sure. :)

Wander: [gets up quickly] Last one to the kitchen is a pile of rusty bones :D [made a run for it]

Hater: :O Hey you. (chase after him)

Wander: [LOL-ed as he ran]

Hater: :D (also laughed)

As My Heart Dies-Chp28

Hater: (raced through the halls) Grimm?? Grimm, where are you?? Bro??

Grimm: [was with Loathe discussing the strategy for war in the meeting room wen he heard Hater's voice] Wat the...?

Loathe: Wat's he yelling abt?

Hater: Grimm!! Are you here?? Terry's gonna into...into...

Grimm: Terry?? :O

Loathe: Oh gob, is he in labour?! :O Go, go, I'll call the medics n Dad!! [rushes off]

Grimm: [rushes to Hater] I'm here. Where is he?

Hater: He's in his room, Wander's trying to comfort him! But you gotta hurry!

Grimm: Right [used his powers of teleportation to get there in seconds, then barges into the room] Terry??

Wander: Grimmy!! Thank frob ur here! The baby is coming soon, I don't think he can hold bk much longer!

Terry: ;( Grim...Grimmy...

Grimm: I'm here, I'm here... [was by his side in a flash, holding his hand]

Wander: [chk Terry underneath his robes] Uh-oh, I think it's peeking out already! It's coming fast!

Grimm: Don't hold bk, Terry, just push. I'm right here :(

Terry: (whined, gripping Grimm's hand and doing what Wander told him)

Grimm: That's it. Ur doing great, love...

Wander: Keep pushing, Terry [helps to open n push up the robes so tht Grimm can spread his legs more to push]

Terry: ;( It...it hurts... (pushed as hard as he could)

Grimm: I know, I know it hurts, I'm right here with u... U can do it...

Loathe: [barges in] Medic is here...!! [sees Terry already pushing] Oh my...

Midwife: I'll take it from here. Those not family pls wait outside

Wander: OK... :( [followed Loathe to wait outside the room]

Terry: ;( Grimmy!!~

Midwife: Ur doing great, ur halfway thru, just a couple more pushes, sire

Grimm: Hear tht? Just a couple more pushes, love [kissed his forehead n cheeks to give him courage]

Terry: Oh gob... ;( I hate him... I hate him so much!!~ (wasn't referring to Grimm)

Grimm: [knew who he meant, bt just held him close n hushed him gently]

Midwife: One more push, sire. Just one more push!

Terry: ;( (screamed out, giving his hardest push)

Midwife: [caught the egg] There we go! Here's the egg! [shows it to the proud parents]

Terry: (panted a little, seeing the egg) ...Is...my baby...?

Midwife: Nice n glossy with no cracks or dents. It's perfect [hands it to Terry to hold]

Terry: (shakily takes it in his arms)... :) Hello, little one...

Grimm: :) [smiled for a bit, then starts tearing up] ;(

Terry: (noticed) Gr-Grimm?

Grimm: I... I'm just so happy... I dunno why, I shouldn't be crying bt... ;(

Terry: :) Aw, Grimmy, it's okay. ...Wanna hold it?

Grimm: (nod) [takes the egg n held it close] So how long till it hatches?

Midwife: In abt 5 hours or so [passed Terry a blanket] Here's a heating blanket to keep the egg warm n incubated while it hatches

Terry: (nod) (carefully wraps the egg in the blanket)

Midwife: Congratulations, sire, milord

Grimm: [smiled in his tears] Thanks

Terry: :) Thank you.

Grimm: U sure there's nothing more in there? I assume u would give birth to a nest of eggs [chuckled a little]

Terry: (giggle) True, but I'm fine with one child.

Grimm: I'll hold the baby for u. U just rest, OK? :)

Terry: Okay... (yawn)

Grimm: [takes the egg, cradling it close, then kissed Terry before he tucks him in to rest]

Terry: (smiled as he fell into sleep) |-)

Grimm: [carries the egg out of the room to the waiting crowd]

Loathe: Everything OK? How many eggs did he hv?

Grimm: Just one, n it's pretty big [shows them the egg in the blankets]

Wander: Ooohhh, it's so shiny n glossy, n huge~ owo

Hater: :O Wow...that's going to be my...?

Grimm: Yup, ur niece or nephew. We'll find out which one is it in 5 hours time

Fury: Congratulations, son. I hv a grandchild now. I feel so old :(

Hater: ... ;( I'm an uncle...

Wander: Awwww, Hatey~ :) [patted his bk]

Loathe: Ooh, I can't wait to see it hatch! Why must it be 5 hours?? Ugh, can it be 5 mins? DX

Hater: (chuckled through his tears) Easy, sis. (chuckle)

Wander: (giggle) [giggled as well at Loathe's antics]

Loathe: Hmph, says the crybaby >:C

Hater: :| Hey.

Wander: (giggle) U guys r hilarious, nvr cease to make me laugh

Hater: <_< That's my family for you. Bet your family's also hilarious.

Wander: Heh, well... It WAS [had a sad smile]

Hater: Was...? (suddenly felt bad for asking)

Wander: I'll...tell u nxt time. I better go tell Sylvia the news. Lemme knw wen the hatching begins [walks off]

Loathe: [waited till Wander was out of sight before smacking Hater on the bk of the head] Nice going, genius. If u weren't already dying of cancer, I'd be tanning ur boney hide right now :^)

Hater: (doh) Ow. Hey I didn't mean to push about it.

Loathe: Well, better make it up to him later. I'm gonna go grab all the gifts I bought for my little niece/nephew~ [rushes off to do so]

Grimm: More gifts? Didn't she gave us a ton during the baby shower last week? :|

Hater: ^^;; She must really wanna be a great aunt.

Grimm: At how she's going, it seems almost like SHE'S the mother |-(

Fury: Let her hv her moment. It'll be good training for her wen she n Archimedes finally tie the knot

Hater: Yeah, true... (gets up) I guess I should go look for Wander...

Grimm: Go ahead (nod) I'll announce it wen the egg is hatching

Hater: (nod) (leaves to look for Wander)

As My Heart Dies-Chp27

[they're soon all packed n ready to go, tho Loathe persuaded Hater to stay for another mth until Terry gave birth so tht he can hv a chance to meet his nephew/niece. Thus, fast forward to a mth later...]

Wander: [had just making a call to chk up on Angel using Hater's extranet in his room] U sure ur OK there, Papa? Would u like me to come visit u n keep u company?

Angel: Son, I told you, I'll be fine. I have Janet's company. :)

Wander: Alright, if ur sure. I'm just worried abt u :(

Angel: I know you are, but don't be fretting so much about me.

Wander: Ur my Papa, I should be fretting over u. U fretted over us kids ur whole life. Now it's my turn :D

Angel: (sighs) I swear, you really are just like your mother. :)

Wander: N tht's a good thing, right? :)

Angel: (nod) Of course it is.

Wander: Alright, well, I won't bother u too long then. U take care now, k?

Angel: Same to you, son. (wave)

Wander: [ends the video call] Well, let's see how Terry is doing [leaves the room to go find Terry]

(in his room)

Terry: (was knitting something in his lap)

Wander: [reaches his room n knocks the door] Knock knock, its me~ :D

Terry: :) Heya, Wand.

Wander: [opens the door n comes in, then sits on the cushion nxt to him] How's it going, Terry? U doing alright?

Terry: Yeah. :) (continued knitting)

Wander: Watcha knitting there, Terry? [eyed at it curiously]

Terry: Just a little something for the baby. (rubbed his middle)

Wander: Anyday now, huh? :)

Terry: (nod) Mhm.

Wander: U knw how many u got in there?

Terry: I'm not quite sure yet, but I'll be knitting enough just in case it's more then one.

Wander: I'm curious tho, r they gonna come out as babies or eggs, if u don't mind me asking?

Terry: It'll be eggs.

Wander: Sweet~ Can I join u? I think I'd like to knit something for ur babies as a gift too [digs out a pair of knitting needles n yarn frm his hat]

Terry: :) Sure.

Wander: [sat on a comfortable position n soon was knitting along with Terry, humming his trademark song as he did]

Terry: :) (knitted as well)

Wander: [abt an hour into knitting, his nose picked up some kind of scent n wen he turned to look, Terry's seat was growing a wet patch] Umm... Terry? R u peeing?

Terry: Huh? (looked down, seeing where he wet himself) ... :O Oh... (suddenly doubled over)

Wander: :O [stands up abruptly n went to his side] Terry, is it...??

Terry: It...it broke... ;(

Wander: Ur water broke?? Oh no, ur in labour!! Wait here!! [sticks his head out of the room] Hello?? Somebody?? Anybody!!

Terry: (was breathing heavily, clutching his middle)

Wander: [was running dwn the hall trying to find anyone] Hello?? Somebody!! Anybody!! Help!! We've got a baby coming!!!

Hater: (had heard Wander yelling) Wander? What's going on?

Wander: It's Terry!! He... He... The baby's coming!! DX

Hater: O_O Oh grop. J-just stay with Terry, I'll see if I can find Grimm! (hurried off to do so)

Wander: OK (worry) [made his way bk quickly to Terry's room] Help is on the way, Terry. We better get u to bed [helps Terry up to guide him to his bed]

Terry: O...ok. ;(

As My Heart Dies-Chp26

[meanwhile, Wander n Hater were at the royal gardens, n were chilling nxt to the pond]

Wander: [took off his socks n shoes n dipped his feet into the cool water] Ahh~~ that feels good =w=

Hater: (dipped a toe in and slowly dipped in both his feet) Yeah, that does feel nice~~

Wander: [a short silence later] Well, glad all tht drama is finally over

Hater: For now, anyways.

Wander: Yeah, the war declaration was a bit of a bummer

Hater: Hopefully dad and Grim can handle themselves.

Wander: Keeping our fingers crossed then [sighed] I still feel bad tho. If I didn't do all this n end up upsetting the peacock lady... :(

Hater: Hey, hey, don't act like that.

Wander: U know it's true. I screwed up. I wasn't helping, I just complicated things. Sylvia was right, I shouldn't hv meddled. She said my intentions might be good, bt things don't always work out

Hater: But it worked out with Bro and Terry.

Wander: Bt at wat cost? :(

Hater: (makes Wander face him) Look, my dad and brother can handle themselves, hopefully, but don't act like it's your fault. All you've been doing was trying to bring together my brother and Terry.

Wander: [bit his lip, thinking for a moment, then gave him his signature smile] Thanks...for making me feel better :)

Hater: Well, as you always say...never hurts to help... (glanced away for a moment) ...teach me your ways...

Wander: [didn't catch that] :| Say wat?

Hater: (sighed) Well...we're always going through the same old routine aren't we? I'm trying to conquer a planet, you always interfer, we chase each other and one of us ends up winning in the end, mostly you do, but... I'm kind of getting sick of it, so... teach me how to be a better person...

Wander: [short pause later, his smile got bigger] D-Does tht mean... U... Ur not gonna conquer anymore?

Hater: Well, it's gonna be hard to convince Peepers, but...in a way, yeah.

Wander: [glomped him] Oooohh, I'm so proud of u~~~~ I knew it! I knew it! I told Sylvia tht I KNEW deep dwn inside ur a good guy!! Squee.....!!! X3

Hater: >_< Okay, okay, easy with the hugging.

Wander: I'm so happy for u!! We're gonna be travel buddies! Travel the galaxy, see the sights, meet new ppl, help those in needy... [babbling on n on, his habit wen he's excited]

Hater: :| Wander, Wander!!

Wander: Yes?? :D [still pretty pumped]

Hater: Could ... could we at least do this in baby steps?...

Wander: Okie dokie, first things first, we get to hang out on ur ship. We want to at least hv a place to chill n relax wen we get tired from traveling on foot. N while I'm not against sleeping out in nature, it's nice to be able to sleep on a bed once in a while

Hater: Um...s-sure... (thinks; this is really happening...but it's best he doesn't know why I'm asking for this...)

Wander: Wee~~ I'm gonna go tell Sylvia the good news right now :D [rushes off before Hater could stop him]

Hater: :O Wa... ^^;; Oh boy...What have I got myself into...?

Wander: [ran at full speed towards the common dining area where he knew Sylvia would be snacking on stuff] Syl! Syl! I got great news!! :D

Sylvia: (looks up) What?

Wander: [was jogging in plc in excitement as he told her wat Hater had told him] ....Isn't it cool? Hater is finally gonna be our travel buddy~! Squee!! :D

Sylvia: ... (stuck her finger in her ear) Sorry, I think I misheard you. Hater's what?

Wander: [takes a deep breath n repeated] Hater is gonna be our travel buddy! He's quitting conquering! Ain't it awesome??

Sylvia: ... :^) How do you know this ain't some trap of his?

Wander: I don't, bt he sounded sincere. U knw conquering has always been a big deal for him. He wouldn't quit unless he reli wants to, don't u think?

Sylvia: I guess, but still...

Wander: Wat? Something wrong? :|

Sylvia: ...I trust your judgement but I won't hesitate to punish him if he goes off track or anything.

Wander: That's why ur the best, buddy! I'm gonna go help Hatey pack now so we can all get set on our journey [dashed off to find Hater again]

Sylvia: (smirk) Hehe.

As My Heart Dies-Chp25

[soon after lunch, the candidates were all lined up in the throne room]

Wander: [stood nxt to Terrance, holding his hand in encouragement]

Terrance: (slightly squeezed back)

Hater: (stood next to Loathe)

Drizelda: [steals a smug look at Wander n Terrance, muttering] Well, look who's shameless enough to still stay in the running?

[The other candidates quietly snickered] (giggle)

Terrance: :( (held his middle)

Wander: [squeezed Terrance's hand reassuringly, whispered] It's OK, just ignore them

Terrance: (whispers) I know...

Grimm: [shows up, hushing the crowd as he made his way to the throne]

Loathe: [whispered to Grimm] U ready for this?

Grimm: [nodded solemnly]

Hater: (watches to see what happens)

Grimm: [faces the candidates] Welcome bk to the elimination process. Today, I will make another elimination decision. Bt this time, the name I called will the name tht will stay

Terrance: :O

Wander: :| (thinks: Huh?)

Hater: (thinks; wait, what's he doing...?)

Grimm: [takes a deep breath, a short pause later, then turns to Terrance] Prince Terrance from Planet Lizardran n Sir Wander the Adventurer. U two r chosen to stay. The rest of u are eliminated

[All the candidates gasped] :O

Terrance: :O!

Hater: :O whoa.

Loathe: [whispered] Shh, just watch

Wander: Wait, wat? Me?

Drizelda: This is absurd!! How can u choose that... That whore n that furry hussy over us!! Tht furball is not even royalty!!

Ruby: [a woman with red skin] Yeah! U can't hv two brides! It's unheard of!

Grimm: Terrance will be my bride n Wander will be my concubine n Terrance's man-in-waiting. I hv made my choice. Pls, both of u, come up to me

Terrance: :) (came towards Grimm)

Wander: [came up too, a little confused as to wat happened, bt just played along]

Drizelda: I will not hv this!! [pins Terrance by the tail with her high-heeled foot] I will NOT allow u to be with Lord Grimm. I hv worked too hard to be in here n I will NOT be defeated by a dirty pregnant man-whore!! (angry)

Terrance: Ahh! >_<

Hater: :O ... (angry) (launches at Drizelda pulling her off Terrance)

Drizelda: [lost her balance n fell bkwards, landing on her ass] Ouch! Ugh! How dare u! I'm a princess! HOW DARE U!!

Grimm: [looks ovr her in distaste] I'm sorry, Drizelda. Tho u may hv tried to warn me frm making a bad mistake, sabotaging ur fellow competitors in such a fashion is not cool. Ur supposed to engage in healthy competition, not stabbing other ppl in the bk n digging up dirt on them tht r none of ur business to begin with. Ur no different than Morello. I shudder to think tht if I were to marry u, wat else will u do to gain power? Frame my brother? Humiliate my sister? Murder me in my sleep?

Drizelda: [stands up abruptly] Don't be naïve! This is the real world! This is how royalty gets ard! N if u hv any sense at all, u should reli reconsider ur choices of eliminating us instead of those two lowlifes! Tht lizard man-whore freak's baby is not evn YOURS!!

Hater: (gets in her face) And he's supposed to give a shit about that, because...?? (lights up his hand with green electricity)

Drizelda: [shoved Hater off, making him land on his ass, then her peacock feathers flared up in anger] Bcoz it's NOT HIS!! NOT HIS CHILD!! THAT IS NOT RIGHT!! THAT IS NOT HOW ROYALTY WORKS ARD HERE!! IT'S WRONG!!!

Grimm: [stomps towards her n gets in her face this time] It may wrong coming frm watevr sick planet u come frm, bt this is MY planet, MY home, MY rules! U think I don't knw abt u? U think I didn't do background chks on u as well aftr tht stunt u pulled last night? I was ur last resort. YOU failed evry suitors' ceremony frm other planets, no, other GALAXIES, bcoz of ur attitude. NO ONE wanted to marry u then, NO ONE would EVER marry u now. I chose Terrance n Wander, n tht is FINAL. Let me remind u again: MY home, MY ceremony, MY rules! U GOT THAT?!

Terrance: :O

Drizelda: [glared at Grimm] If u heard abt me, then u should knw wat I did to those guys n their pitiful planets aftr they rejected me (evil)

Hater: :| Bitch just don't give up, does she...?

Grimm: [stared at her for a while, then bk away a bit] U do wat u hv to do. Like I said, I've made my final decision. U can either leave peacefully or I'm sending the guards ovr

Drizelda: [unfurled her peacock feathers as she dusted herself] Fine. U haven't seen the last of me. This. Means. War. [shouted out in the throne room] I, Drizelda Firestone, frm the Planet Aviary, declare WAR on Planet Skeletor! Brace urselves, enjoy this moment, for it may be ur last [spun round n left the room along with the other candidates]

Loathe: Yeah, watevr, bitch. Bring it on, or take a hike! [comes to Terrance to chk his tail] R u OK, honey?

Terrance: (rubbing his tail) Yeah... I think so... :(

Hater: (slowly got to his feet)

Wander: [rushes to Hater to help him up] U OK there, Hatey?

Grimm: [helped him up as well] Yeah, u OK, bro?

Hater: She's...pretty strong, but...it'll pass. >_o

Loathe: Wat does she mean by wat she did to those who rejected her?

Grimm: Just as she did just now: She declared war on them, n decimated the royals n their planets

Terrance: (worry)

Hater: Well, that's just great...(flushed a little with Wander still holding his arm)

Loathe: Don't worry, we've got the armada to fight here, right?

Grimm: Yeah, we do. Just hope it'll be enough. Bt I can't worry abt tht. I need to deal with Terry's parents n fiances first

Wander: (giggle)

Grimm: :| Wat?

Wander: U just called him 'Terry'

Terrance: :$ You know... Just Terry will do.

Grimm: O///O Oh, um... Yeah, if ur OK with it :$

Wander: I'm not RELI gonna be ur concubine, am I? :^)

Grimm: Nah, I just chose u so tht Terry wouldn't be singled out (giggle) U can go bk to my bro now (smirk) [grinned deviously at Wander still holding Hater's arm n still oblivious abt it]

Hater: >_>;; Um, Wander...you can let go now.

Wander: [finally noticed his hand] Oh! Oh, sorry [lets go, then turns to Terrance] U won! Alright, Terry, u finally won! :D

Terry: :)

Loathe: I'm getting a brother in law n soon-to-be niece or nephew! Ooh, I'm so excited~ :D [held Terrance's hands as she bounced up n dwn happily]

Terry: o.o ... (giggle)

Hater: :)

Grimm: [comes to Terrance] U alright, love? Did she hurt ur tail or anything?

Terry: (shake) No, not too much. And please, :) Call me Terry.

Grimm: I knw, bt I prefer to call u 'love' frm time to time [pecked his nose n grinned]

Terry: ^///^

Wander: Hurray for the winner~! [digs ard his hat n throws confetti out of it at them] (party)

Hater: |-( You always have to do this?

Wander: Wat? Its the perfect moment to celebrate! (party)

Hater: Yeah... I suppose it is. :)

Wander: Maybe we should give them some privacy now :)

Hater: Yeah, sure. (nod)

[the duo left the throne room, prompting Loathe to get the hint n left too]

Grimm: I hope u don't think I'm getting ahead of myself for doing this :$ Choosing u, I mean

Terry: It's okay. :) I'd still like to take it slow.

Grimm: Let me at least make it official [digs into his pocket n took out a tiny box, opening it to reveal the royal heirloom ring n knelt down before Terrance] Will u, Prince Terrance of Planet Lizardran, marry me? :$

Terry: :O ... Yes... :D Yes! (glomped him)

Grimm: [chuckled] Oh, careful now, don't wanna squish our baby there [caressed Terry's middle]

Terry: Right, I know that. (giggle)

Grimm: How long does ur pregnancy last? Wen is the due date tho?

Terry: About, 4 weeks.

Grimm: Wait... That means ur abt to give birth in a mths time?

Terry: (nod)

Grimm: Bt u said ur 2 mths pregnant... Ur species pregnancy lasts for only 3 mths?

Terry: :) That's right.

Grimm: [looks at his robes] That means... Ur already showing considerably :|

Terry: ^^;; A little.

Grimm: This courting session was supposed to last 3 mths. How were u supposed to pull it off n hide this from me while I'm still courting u during the suitors' ceremony wen ur already tht far along?

Terry: My species have their ways.

Grimm: Oh? Now u got me curious (smirk) How?

Terry: Well... our pregnancy makes it appear like we're not.

Grimm: Huh? :| [was a little confused]

Terry: Don't you know some species that may not appear pregnant, they still look the same somehow?

Grimm: I guess I don't, haven't been ard the galaxy much to know abt tht ^^;; Bt like I said, ur due date in a mths time. Wat if Drizelda nvr exposed u, n u go into labour in the middle of the courting period? Tht was pretty reckless

Terry: Yeah...that would've been scary... :(

Grimm: Ur parents knew tht n yet they sent u out to suitors' ceremonies. Wat were they thinking? >:C

Terry: ;( I ...

Grimm: It's OK... It's OK... [hugged him close] Ur here n ur engaged to me now. Everything will be alright

Terry: (sniffled, hugging him close)

Grimm: [hushed him n rocked him, rubbing his bk to comfort him]

Terry: (nuzzled into his chest) ;(

Grimm: We'll wait till the baby is born, then we'll go sort things out with ur parents n ur fiances. Ur in no shape to travel right now

Terry: ... Okay...Grimmy. :)

Grimm: :) [smiled n leans in to kiss him deeply] I love u, Terry

Terry: Love you, Grimmy. (kissed him back)