Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Duty ❯ Wine, Dine, and One Spectacular View ( Chapter 5 )

Notes and Warnings: Minor spoilers for FFX-2, as it is post FFX-2.
A Gippal/Baralai [eventual] slash, and romancing.



'Don't Prosecute Me' Warning: See other chapters.


Personal Note: Much thanks to all who review! I'm glad you are all enjoying it so far. And thanks for that clear up on Shuin/Shuyin problem I had.
-Cheers to my reviewers over at mediaminer- the place that got me writing! [back in the days when it was very much so an underdog fanfiction site...]

Kirie Himuro: Hot? Huh, that chapter was barely sizzlin, but thanks. And yes, I like the the thought of office furniture stability also. The warning label idea just came at me. I thought 'ha, wouldn't that be funny'. So wala. And thanks for being one of my biggest fans. I'm glad you like my humor. Yay. I fear some of my puns in it might have been a bit weak, but oh well. And thanks for all your compliments and love.

SakuraBubbles: Hah! Picnics, yes. it seems your good luck worked. Here's the chapter. Oh, and thanks for a sticker. I hope it's a gold star. Haven't gotten one of these in a while.

Wai - Aki: You were rolling around laughing? I hope you didn't crack a rib. No ER visits on my account, I hope. Yeah, and hormones. Sorry about making you giddy; don't pass out. If it makes you feel better, I get giddy reading these reviews. Thanks again.

DevaGlenn: I think most people got a kick out of the guidelines. I'm surprised you think it was a great chapter; look at my ego inflate. I'm quite glad someone liked Baralai trying to keep Gippal from joining him in the shower. Baralai is shy, but he also likes playing hard-to-get.
I like writing, but I'm no prodigy. You could probably write just as well as me. Try it. All you have to do is have a great idea, write it down, and let inspiration hit. I woke up one morning and came up with the ending of this chapter. Later that day I came up with the middle. The rest I created. Just let it flow. You can dream. I like to think a fanfic is a daydream in writing. Just give it time.

Shinnyu Kudzu: I have horrible art skills. Little doodles is all I can draw. If you want to draw fan-art, go for it. When/if you do it, e-mail it to me. I'd love to see it! And don't worry, Gippalai fics are popping up everywhere. And it's ok. I thought I was the first person who thought of this couple too after I played the game. Apparently I wasn't; but there weren't any fanfics when I searched for this couple way back when. So I said "Screw it!" and decided to write one myself, hoping it would spur on other writers. I didn't spur on other writers, but at least there are some out there now. Thanks for the flattery.

Minamoto Miyuki: Yum? Wow. I hope you didn't start to eat your monitor when you read this...and if you did, tell me how it tasted. You about died?! Oh-o. Perhaps we need a new warning label for this couple, in Al Bhed and english. Something to the effects of :
"Warning! May Cause: Giddiness, sudden urges to consume monitors, ardent feelings toward chapters, close encounters with death, laughing, and other serious and in some cases addictive side effects. Consult doctor before reading."

Gysecune: Hi Zanieey. I guess 1st person could be tough, but it kinda flows easier for me. The fanfic looks better because of less repetition of character names, and I find it easy to just step in their shoes. Most people do find 3rd person easy. I just love writing emotions and inner thoughts of characters. 3rd person just... annoys me. Anyways, that's one of my 'big secrets', so 'shh!'. So, did you say "Come here and let me hug the crap out of you." ? How did it turn out?

Mashimaro-Byul-012: Yep. The basics of a good light romance. Humor, love, and teasing. It keeps us young. And it is very important to test the quality and craftsmanship of furniture. Here's a secret, but I have it already planned that Gippal will test out his theory in a later chapter. Just don't tell Baralai, it's a surprise.

DJ Link: Wow! Thanks for those reviews. And here's the next chapter

Bh: Thanks for the compliments... here's another chapter to help quench your thirst.

Isarandel: Thanks. And I will keep writing.

Nanashi2: The ultimate compliments! Thanks much!


Additional comment:
-Gonna have to start making the review thanks shorter... I talk too much.

Enjoy Chapter 5: Wine, Dine, and One Spectacular View

I love hot showers. My bathroom is my peaceful domain. There is nothing better than silence, and hot water soothing your muscles. I'm sure I could spend years in here, but years I do not have. I made sure I didn't waste any time in the shower; I have this odd fear that Gippal somehow broke the lock and will be waiting for me. Just standing there, ready to pounce. I took it as an overactive imagination when I emerged unscathed from the hot shower, no Gippal in view.

Obviously I have foresight, because when I left the room I found myself pinned against the door I just came from.

"Have fun without me?" he asked, his voice teasing.

"You could only imagine." I don't know where this is going, but I think I like it.

He chuckled. " Now what did I say about teasing?"

I can feel the sly grin settle over my features. "Something to the effect of 'don't tease unless you give into it'; which contradicts the meaning of teasing." I press forward, giving room for the arms slipping around me.

"And what is the meaning of tease? Besides you."

I try not to lose myself in the equal heat of his skin on mine. "To arouse hope, desire, or curiosity in, without affording satisfaction." He raises a brow at me. "So, that would make rule three null and void."

He stands possessively close to me, looking down at me with a demure glance. "So does that make rule number one void?" His hands slip down my back, and I trap them against the door just as they reach my rear.

"No, rule one and two are still valid."

He leans into me, so his chest touches mine, his arms bent under mine, hands buried in my hair. The texture of soft leather and calloused fingers caressed my skull in electric tingles. A sort of earthly bliss.

"So, we're going out for lunch."

His kiss silences any of my queries, and this time I grant his questing tongue entrance. I felt pleasurable tingles slid down my spine as he groaned at the opportunity, and pulled me impossibly close.

It's so easy to lose yourself in this. My hands just slid up, framing his face; it's slightly angled as his tongue plunges into my mouth. Not that I mind. My physical hunger is nowhere near as strong as my need for this is. It took a while for me to get used to the sensual way his tongue slides against mine. His tongue goes so far back, I'm curious if he's seeing if I brush all my teeth, or how good my gag reflexes are. Way too soon for me, a little late for my lungs, he pulls back, breathing in my hair.

"Where are we going for lunch?" I ask breathlessly. The relentless man kisses my neck, taking advantage of my exposing vest. Just where he left off last time. I jumped at the shock of heat when his hands slipped under my top. I find I really like the feel of his coarse fingers, and soft, worn leather on my skin. I might be daft, but I really like the feel of leather, on him, when he touches me like that. I hope it's not some weird secret kink or fetish. If it is; oh well.



I'm not one to pass out. Gippal in general is one to do that. Blood isn't exactly nice to his stomach. But right now I feel my knees starting to shake. Maybe I wouldn't feel so lightheaded if my precious love wasn't trying to coat all of my skin's surface area with his lips or tongue.

He shifts a little to the left, so there is absolutely no space between the door, myself, and the Al Bhed. I can't help but let out a sound when he moves up and nips at the juncture of my neck and shoulder.

"Gippal..."

"Just let me..." he mumbles against my skin. His hands move to the front; stroking my flanks distractingly as he nips and suck at my sensitive nerves. I know he means to mark. I let him. Right now, I could hardly care about anything. I wrap my arms around his waist, trying to bring him even closer. Like if we were close enough we'd blend together, be one being. One mind. One spirit.

"Picnic." He says suddenly, pulling away.

"What?" I ask dazily. All I know is he's moving away, and I don't wish for him to leave. "Where are you going?" I tighten my grip around his waist; I won't let go without a fight, and when provoked, I can play dirty if necessary. I lean in to give a chaste kiss.

"Shower. I hope you left some water." He's still trying to pull away, but not with much will power or effort.

"I did, but you can shower later." I'm not sure what I want, but I know it's here. Right now.

"No, shower now."

Strategies. "Please, then, give me a kiss before you leave." Bad manners get you nothing.

"Only one." he warns. Like I would push him down and ravish him. I can feel my cheeks get even warmer at the thought. Gippal just chuckles, and leans back down.

This one was toe curling. A hand buried in my hair again, as the other trailed down my chest. During this one I couldn't be quiet. Little noises of pleasure escaped, and I pulled him for an even deeper kiss. I felt like I was going to burst into flame, like a phoenix. The heat was unbearable. And that's when he abruptly pulled away, resting his forehead on mine.

"Be back in 15, I need to take a shower. " He looked down at my vest and loose pants. "Go make yourself comfortable."

I smiled weakly at the comment, emotions and hormones running rampant. " I will." He slowly withdrew, like that time on the docks; like he didn't want to go. I moved from the closed door, allowing him access to my bathroom. I didn't stop staring at his back until the door quietly shut.


In the meantime I found myself looking in the mirror. I looked different, but I didn't know how. I mean, my physical appearance hadn't changed; well besides the fact my hair was damp and ruffled from that exquisite man running his hands through my hair. I looked... younger. This day in age, all the kids; literal and proverbial, are the world power. The days when leaders were chosen for their experience of life, and grand knowledge of Spira is over. The youth have taken over. Though, quite honestly, in no way I consider myself a youth. I feel weary behind these twenty years; I guess it came from life teaching me too many lessons in such a short period of time. I used to think my white hair came from stress. Being mortally wounded at a young age; being one of the sole survivors of the Crimson Squad, and then being possessed by century old spirits? My situation hasn't exactly improved.

But now it has. Suddenly the blond walked right back into my life, and everything is better. I have energy where I once was tired. Instead of work, I have fun. Yevon! What this man does to me! It's barely into 24 hours with his company and I'm already wandering around daydreaming!

It was then I noticed the mark he left behind. Barely visible; Gippal has always been gentle in his own ways. I couldn't help but touch it, the mere sight of it spoke volumes. It made me feel... worthy. Valuable. I was something of Gippal's. I was utterly free, but I was unmistakably his. Someone put a claim of... love on me. Not on my body, but my heart. It said that I was his to protect, his to be with, his to be friends with, his to be concerned about, his to cherish. And only his. As I long as I'd have him. His to watch, his to fret over, his to comfort, his to be comforted by. His to love; unconditionally.

I blamed it on how Gippal had turned my life upside down. I wanted to cry. It had been a long time since anyone had loved me like that. So many lifetimes that it hurt. It hurt to expose myself to someone so intimately; when almost all my life I prided myself in my cold heart; able to love, but never able to accept someone could love back.

I am broken. Gippal did it unknowingly, and I let him. I knew long ago he melted my frozen heart. I just wonder if he can find the pieces and put them back together. If he can't, then no-one can. Once he's one with me, I'll be whole again. I gave him something, something that I can never get back. It was a once in a lifetime deal.

But even if he would leave me for someone better; I mean, I'm not that special, I would still love him. I'm just not sure then I would know what I was living for. I would probably ask him to cut out my heart before he leaves; take my physical life while your at it.

Oh Gippal, do you know how much I love you? I would fade away into nothing if you wanted me to. Or stay here and endeavor to make you the happiest man alive.


Gippal, do you really know how much is riding on your shoulders? My faith and hope has been shredded into so many pieces, I only have this little bit left for you. Cherish it or burn it. But remember, once burned...

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I had only been gone, what, 15 minutes? And the mood had turned from playful to a thick atmosphere of despair. I have no idea where Baralai went, but I just know I have to find him. And find him soon.

I find him in his bedroom. Staring blankly into a long mirror. He doesn't even notice my approach; that immediately sets my hair on end. Even extremely ill or near death Baralai had this sixth sense about the presence of sentient beings. And now he just stood, motionless in front of the mirror. I move behind him, trying to lock a gaze with him in the mirror. It doesn't work, he has this glazed look in his eyes. I wrap my arms around his waist, and he seems to snap out of his trance; gasping as he saw, felt, and sensed my presence. His beautiful eyes clear, and immediately he lowers his gaze, hiding something from me. Something that was hurting him.

I take my hand, gently pushing up his chin, so his eyes once again look at mine through the mirror. It hurts me to see the pain in there. It's so deep and raw.

"What's wrong?"

He tries to look away, but I force the eye contact. "You, you need to tell me... I need to know..." His words are so soft; it adds more volume to the pain in my heart.

"Need to know what, love?"

That's when he twists from my grasp, fleeing to the safety of the other side of his room. "Exactly that. What... what is this? " He gestures towards me. "Gippal, I need to know now, if this is some sort of... short term remedy, or if you truly want to invest something in this."

I'm struck speechless, that, somehow, he would think I would be here just for a good fuck. I never, ever came here with those intentions. As I already explained; I play for keeps.

"Are you... just here for a... good time?" His voice waivers. "Because I need to know now."

I'm growing sick at just hearing his words. "Baralai... I want to invest something in this relationship; the rest of my life. You need to tell me if this is a short-term thing. This is all or nothing, no skirting the lines. Either you let me be yours, or we go back to being old acquaintances. Your choice. I know what I want. But I can't force you into it. I wouldn't. Ever. And do you know why? Because I love you, dammit. Sun and rain, day and night, good and bad, perfect or broken. "

Baralai seemed shocked, and he choked on his words. "Let me have you? I would have you always. But would you really take me, even though I'm not perfect?"

I spoke without hesitation. "I would most definitely take you broken. But unfortunately, you're perfect."

I see him smile weakly. " Love is blind."

I see him shiver, and I walk over to him, shaking my head. "Love isn't blind. It sees all, and loves it anyways. Love is impartial, despite popular belief."

He leans heavily on the wall behind him, smiling and shaking his head. "Only you."

I reach out and hold him close, whispering in his ear, "Yep. That's all I want. Only you. Now and forever. You okay with that?"

He nods, drawing back to look in my eyes. "Ditto."

"And here I thought you had eloquent speech. You must have a pretty good writer..."

He slaps me playfully. " And here I thought you were romantic."

Oops. Almost forgot about that. "I am. Hence why we depart shortly to picnic the afternoon away. But before we leave, you might want to change." I grin as he suddenly remembers his attire.

"Yes, I will get changed right away." He walks from my embrace to the other side of the room, pulling off his vest in the process. In the meantime he pulls out his praetor-wear. His hands go instinctively to the waistband of his loose pants, but they freeze there when he realizes I haven't left the room. He looks at me through the mirror in front of him, expectantly.

"What?" I know he wants me to leave. Baralai is picky about his privacy.

"Could you please excuse yourself? I wish to change in private." Polite as ever. He doesn't even sound put-out.

I don a wolfish grin. "It's nothing I haven't seen before." I walk toward him; he turns around, blushing deeper the closer I get. It's true, I have seen him nude before. It's called hot springs. Though admittedly he was the only one to ever be allowed to bathe with Paine... I still had slight suspicions about this man...

"I know, but please, for my sake."

Now how can I refuse that? A delightful little strip tease, just for me? Only with great class, self control, love, and a compromise. "If I can kiss you, I'll go."

I see Baralai hesitates, but he eventually sees my way. "Just one."

So I give him 'just one' kiss. He said nothing about touching. So that's exactly what I do. I delight as his stomach muscles contract and tighten under my touch. He tries to pull away from the sensation, and I follow him, overjoyed when he's pinned against an ornate dresser. We separate lips only mere seconds so I can change angles and deepen the kiss. I delight in exploring his torso; his chest is well defined and smooth. I place my palm below his sternum, and I feel the rapid beat of his heart, and the heavy rise and fall of his chest. Yeah. It's perfect.


I decide I could invest in more than one kiss. I'll get around to giving him some privacy soon enough. Right now I just want to spend some quality time with him. I work my attentions to the neglected side of his neck, my lips leaving his.

"You call this... just.. one... kiss?" Apparently Baralai has breathing problems when I trace my tongue around the shell of his ear. Who would have guessed?

"One...two...twenty-six...Who's counting?" I respond, returning to my sentry at his neck.

"I am."

I chuckle to myself and slow my frenzied assault, moving back up to breathe against his lips. "Ok, ok. I'm going. But if you're not out of here in 5 minutes, I'm going to have to assume something horrible has happened, and I'll have to come in here and -!" He kisses me to get me to shut up. The thoughtful lad. I hold him in the kiss, making it more than simple. He breaks away though, bringing his head up, exposing his neck again. I press a kiss into it before I speak again. "Now what did I say about teasing?" I mock-scold.

"What did I say about the number of kisses?" he jests back.

"That we can share as many as we want?" I ask, hopeful.

"I told you just one. Now I fulfilled my end of the pact."

I begrudgingly pull away. " As you wish, your yevoness." He laughs as I kiss him one last time. "Are you ticklish in your mouth also? This I'll have to explore..." I try for another kiss, but he holds up his hand.

"Later."

"You promise?"

He smiles. "When hasn't my word been enough?"

"Very true. And I'm holding you to it."

"Good. Now, go."

I finally leave, not without leering at him, getting him to laugh and blush at the same time.


Ahh. Now, onto the picnic. I've got the basket, food, drinks, and all I need is the Baralai. Oh yeah. And if he lets me, the blind fold. Nothing like surprises.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Ha. Like Gippal could get me to wear a blindfold. How interesting would that look; the Al Bhed leader dragging around the blindfolded Praetor through Bevelle? Probably as a joke into an outer-city bar. The public would kill for the rumors. Not to mention half of the old New Yevon followers would die from heart attacks. No, I would be walking with all of my senses intact. I may trust the man with my life; but not my dignity.

I will admit my curiosity is quite piqued. Already we seem to be heading to the main temple; nothing like visiting work on your day off. Sure enough, that's where we were headed. I could only trust Gippal hadn't lost mind, and that Spira could live one day without it's Praetor...

"Praetor! Praetor, Sir!" Gippal kept walking, like he never heard the female voice to the side of us. I tried to stop and turn, but he discretely pulled on my sleeve and kept me moving. I motioned for the young female to follow suite.

"Yes, Melowna. What is it that you seek?" I slowed down, and Gippal reluctantly matched my pace.

"Praetor, are you ill? You were not at your office this morning..." Gippal gave her a skeptical look, and I chose to ignore him.

"No Melowna, I am not ill. Did you not know I was taking a leave for three days hence?" Gippal apparently found my polite speech amusing. I believe he named it 'yevonese' once. He has a name for everything.

"Oh! My apologizes, Praetor! I did not know! All I know is that the council is in great need of your instruction this very hour, and if I was to see you, I was to escort you to your chambers immediately."

Gippal was about to speak, but I elbowed him imperceptibly; he wouldn't mind a short stop at my office. And no, apparently they cannot last a day without me. "Yes, go on ahead and tell them I'll arrive shortly." Melowna bowed, and I tipped my head, and she ran ahead.

"I think I should follow. Just incase you need some help out."

I smile. "You'll be my excuse."

He smiled back. "That's what I'm best for."

We reached my office shortly, finding it inhabited by 4 council members seeming to argue.

"Gentlemen." I interrupt politely. They immediately put distance from each other and my desk, like guilty children when chided by a teacher.

"Oh! Praetor! I'm so glad you are here! We have a pressing matter about one of your plans-"

"-Gentlemen. " I cut him off. "Obviously something of great importance must have happened for the four of you to dispute and not be able to wait until my return. Now if you let me and my companion settle down, I shall be able to devote all my attention towards the matter at hand."

Almost immediately all chairs were vacated, and I sat behind my desk, Gippal moving a chair to sit beside me.

"Now what was so important that I have seemed to miss."

They were familiar to my soft voice, and gentle commands. But they knew even though I talked sweetly, my words were never to be taken lightly, and you better not anger the Praetor; the wrath of a calm one is much worse than a rash one.

One finally mustered up the courage to speak. "It is about these, 'projects' of yours. You have asked leaders of every temple to arrange times to preach about Spira's history with the public. Even matters that have barely been exposed to the light of day..."

"Yes, indeed I have. It is time for Spira not to be ignorant. If the knowledge is not passed on, it will be lost. If you have suggestion or comments, I do believe there is a simple, efficient process you could go through." I glance down at the stacks on my desk. The same three piles magically appeared today on my desk. Again.

"Yes but,"

"Please, be succinct. My time is limited. I beg of you to choose your words wisely."

"Please, but the temple has never done anything like this. Long have we archived all the information of Spira, only true followers entrusted with the knowledge..."

"-And that is why we have to do this. If we cannot trust others, how can they trust us? The Youth League and Al Bhed Faction have already opened their doors to everyone, and freely shared their wealth of knowledge. I do believe it is about time Bevelle fulfill it's prophecy of being Spira's stronghold. People will not look to a stronghold if they don't have faith that it will protect them."

"But..."

"It is time we strip down our barriers, and fall back to the true purpose of Yevon and Bevelle. The sanctuary of the nations. It will take time, and people will be spiteful of these decisions, but they must happen. And now I bid you farewell. I feel comforted that these matters fall into your able hands. I will resume my break for today and the next two. " I rose, and the yevon men rose with me. "Thank you, my friends. You are dismissed." They filed out quietly, each taking his own lesson in turn.

Gippal spoke once they left. " I knew you were a father figure, but you have such a command of speech. And respect. You literally yelled at them while speaking softly, and the next minute you complimented them. I wish I could do that."

I smiled. " All you need is respect and patience. Respect you have..."

"Hey!" He laughed. "Thanks a lot..." He paused when I sat back down. "And why are you sitting back down? You're not going to work, are you?"

I continue to smile. "Yes, for a short, 5 minute glance over at these here. Just sit back and relax." He didn't exactly follow my orders.

I watched with interest as he rose, studying my desk at different angles, every once in a while glancing over at me. I didn't catch on until I saw him exerting pressure on a corner of my desk. When he looked me over appraisingly, I blushed. I grew wary of his presence, and bristled a bit when he left my general view. He smiled when I blushed, and made his way toward me.

"Gippal..." I warned, almost harshly.

"What?" He looked down at the desk, then back at me; he was now standing right beside me. "Just, checking out the stability of office furniture for future reference..."

I try to zone him out, and make a note to never come in here again, alone with Gippal. He slides up behind me, my heart lodging into my throat; and he bends over to blow gently on my ear while his hands drape over my chest. I shiver and drop the paper in my hands. Just as his lips touch the shell, I abruptly stand up, the chair shoving back Gippal from me.

"Alright, all done here. How about that picnic?" Even I could hear the panic in my voice.

Gippal recovers from his shock of being denied to molest my ear. " As you wish."



I follow him as he makes his way to the roof, toting a basket in hand. I find myself blinking as I adjust trom the dim insides of the temple, to the bright sunlight ontop. We keep walking on the set path, no-one in sight. He leads me to the very top of the temple; the highest point in Bevelle. It has a breath-taking view.

From up here you can see the cascading water, the far off ocean, the tall city buildings, gleaming white in the pure light. You can see across the whole expanse, a truly beautiful sight. I've never been up here during the day; only once during the night to see the stars. It was like a whole different city.

"C'mere." While I was sight-seeing my home city Gippal had set out lunch. He motioned me closer, and I sat across from him, looking down at the meal before me. I instantly recognized the sushi rolls and rice cakes; and the wine bottled from right here in outer city Bevelle. The thing I didn't recognize was the square, blue, translucent gel objects in a container. When the forces of physics were applied, they moved, and had similar consistency of flans. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what it was...

"It's called zamm-u*. I'm not sure what the translation is for it." He smiled at my perplexed features. "Trust me. It tastes good."

I watched him as he took a spoon; digging into the 'zamm-u', and bringing it to his mouth, swallowing the contents. I dubiously did the same, enjoying the incredible feel of it. It was cool, flexible, and all surfaces were flat and smooth. A real interesting texture. And it tasted of fruit. I found I really liked it.

"It tastes fantastic."

"Mmhm. I'm surprised you never had it."

"There's a lot of things I've never had." I started when Gippal choked on his food, this time he was the one to blush.

"What were you thinking of?" It was entertaining to have the roles reversed.

"Nothing much. I was just curious why Paine always wanted to share rooms with you, or why you were the only one to take guard when it was her turn to bathe."

I blushed.That came out of nowhere. "There was nothing going on."

"Odd," he answered back, "That was the same thing she said."

I watched him as he uncorked the wine, pouring it into separate glasses, the liquid shinning under the bright mid-day sun. "Though," he continued, "every time you came back, you were distinctly more tired that you left; happy, but tired. And Paine wasn't exactly grinning, but you could tell by the mood..."

I take the offered glass, stirring the dark crimson liquid, enjoying the smell. "And?" I prompt.

He takes a sip of the wine, stretching like a cat in the sun. "And I'm just curious. And after that, I can kiss you."

"Interesting logic." I reply, also sipping the great, richly flavored drink.

"Yep. Just paying you back interest."

"What?!"

He grins, raising his eyebrows. "Don't remember? Or did you just think I forgot?"

Honest truth, I really have no idea what he was talking about. But I could tell if he was making this up. But I'm also sure I'd remember something like that....


Oh... wait. Could he..? I mean, I thought he was asleep....


Oh...


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*zamm-u: Jell-o.

On deck: chapter 6: A Step into the Past.