Chapter 766

Chapter 766

Eager as she was to join in the battle for Meng Sha, Song held back for Papas sake.

Not because she thought he needed her protection. Though still weak and recovering from his wounds, Papa was a mighty Peak Expert strong enough to defeat her with a single flick of a meaty finger, if he were ever so inclined. Something Song always knew, or at least assumed given how diligent he was about controlling his strength at all times. This was a man who needed to concentrate when drinking from dainty porcelain teacups lest he accidentally crush it between two fingers, to say nothing of the careful and cautious manner with which he carried himself when around other people. Most saw his leisurely and lethargic manner and thought him slow or lazy, but Song knew there was much more to it.

Song still remembered how Rain once came charging out of a building only to run headlong into Papas belly. Papa barely even grunted upon impact, but Rain gave himself a concussion and could barely stand straight for the next few minutes. While this was years ago and long before either of them Refined their physiques, Rain had already earned his title as the Undying Savage by demonstrating a level of fortitude and endurance far beyond his peers, yet even he was injured by simply running into Papa who was standing in front of the door, so what would have happened if hed been moving? Nothing good, that much Song could tell, which was why Papa moved with such deliberate care and an intentional lack of haste, so as to minimize the chance of accidentally hurting the people around him.

It was the same reason the bears and cattle moved ever so carefully whenever the rabbits were underfoot, or sometimes even not at all, because they knew how delicate their tiny long-eared friends truly were. Meaning in Papas eyes, even exemplary Martial Warriors like Mama and Mila were as fragile as bicorn bunnies, which alluded to a level of strength far beyond what a mere blacksmith could achieve from hammering steel. His efforts did not go unnoticed either, for it was one reason why Song loved her papa so, because she saw the great lengths he took in order to make her feel safe and sound at all times. When he wanted to pat her head, hed raise his ponderous hand and move ever so slowly until she leaned into his touch, and when he wanted a hug, he would simply open his arms and wait for her to come to him. When turning around, he moved his head first to see if the way was clear, and hed always corral her with his arms without actually touching her so that she wouldnt accidentally meander into his path, and even then moved with deceptive light and graceful steps for fear of accidentally squishing someone underfoot. Most importantly of all, Papa afforded this same level of consideration to everyone around him, which made it all the more natural unlike how Rain went to great lengths to word things without giving her any orders.

It wasnt that Song didnt appreciate Rains efforts, but there were times when he grew so flustered and apologetic over a simple mistake that it made her feel awkward and burdensome, but not so with Papa. With Papa, he was simply this kind and considerate to everyone, Song included, someone who went to great lengths to ensure the safety of the people around him. With his endless patience and laid-back demeanour, he slowly but surely chipped away at Songs aloof armour until he became her Papa in more than just name and title, but in truth, and she loved him all the more for it. He was living proof that not all men were depraved beasts lusting after her flesh, a fact he proved with his actions without ever even intending to, because that was simply who he was.

Only now... hed returned from Tian Zangli a changed man. The differences were subtle to most who knew him, a cutting edge to his mood and tense impatience in his actions that few would care to note, but in Songs eyes, it was a difference as stark as night and day. He was still a loving and caring father as ever, all full of smiles and appreciation for the care and consideration his daughters gave him, but Song had caught him lost in his thoughts more than once, and the sight reminded her of a smoking volcano getting ready to erupt. There was a dark fury buried deep within him, one hed never shown her ever before, but itd risen to the surface now and refused to be entombed once more.

Mila saw it too, though neither of them ever spoke of it, only exchanging wordless looks whenever Papas mood took a dark turn, because neither one of them knew what to do. Others might attribute his foul temperament to pain and fatigue from his injuries, or possibly shame and dejection over losing to the amber-eyed Half-Demon, but Song believed neither of these to be the case. No, Papa was not a Warrior overly burdened with pride, else he would not have been content supporting Mama from the shadows for so many years of their marriage. Nor was he one to dwell on his mistakes and succumb to self-recrimination like Rain, for though he was a meticulous and methodical man, Papa had long since accepted that there were things beyond his control. A mistake was merely an opportunity to learn, which was why he was always upfront about the strengths and weaknesses of his products when offering them to new prospective owners, so it was unlikely his defeat had upset him so.

No, Papa wasnt in a dark mood because of the battle, not directly, but because hed been sent back to Meng Sha where there was no one to fight.

Battle and bloodshed could be an intoxicating experience, and Papa was captivated by it once more. It was evident in the way he held himself, not with the gentle care and consideration of old, but fixed and motionless as a statue when he thought no one else was around, as if the only way to keep himself from exploding into furious action was to immobilize himself in chains of steely discipline. Even this wasnt enough to keep his mood in check, for though he had yet to act out, Song saw his control slip away from him more than once in these past few weeks. It was nothing too extreme just yet, only a disgruntled huff here or an angry glance there, but all for the most mundane of reasons. A loud-mouth soldier, a worker who didnt move out of his way, a rabbit that ran underfoot when he wasnt expecting it, these minor inconveniences were all it took to cause Papas temper to flare, so while he was always quick to rein it back in, the fact that it took so little to set him off was worrying indeed.

The crux of the issue wasnt that Papa was truly upset by these things, but rather that he was looking for an excuse to be angry and therefore unleash his rage. Blood-drunk was the polite term Song had heard bandied about, one used to politely describe those Martial Warriors who were a bit too in love with battle and bloodshed. Rain, Gerel, Baatar, Ulfsaar, and Ravil were but a handful of names that came to mind, and there were many more who also suffered from this same affliction, and they all managed it in different ways. It was so common that most saw it as no reason for concern, but it was clear Papa was struggling to keep his temper in check. He ate the meals they brought him and played with the pets whenever they sought him out, but when left to his own devices, he simply retreated inwards to dwell upon his dark thoughts and yearn for a reason to unleash his fury upon some deserving victim.

And now the perfect excuse had come marching right into Meng Sha, and Song feared she might soon lose her gentle giant of a Papa forevermore.

Thats why Song and Mila had yet to join the fight, because then Papa would have all the excuse he needed to ignore Healer Toktas instructions to rest and recuperate. A lesser Warrior would have died outright from a spear thrust through the torso, a blow which ruptured his lungs and nicked his heart, yet he survived seemingly due to sheer power of will alone. Had the Half-Demon been more adept at Reverberation or Papa less capable at defending against it, then the resulting aftershocks could have reduced his other bodily organs to a pulp, to say nothing of the storm of follow-up attacks he weathered through to protect Mila before the Half-Demon retreated. Though Papa survived the encounter thanks to his Refined physique and Healer Toktas quick actions, his injuries were far too grievous to Heal away in a day or two, most of which were internal in nature. According to Healer Tokta and Medical Saint Taduk, there were complications which involved Papas advanced age, his robust mass, and Refined physique that made them wary of Healing him completely, since doing so could overtax his bodys reserves and leave him even weaker than he was now. Although he he appeared healthy and fit as could be, Papa had less than a century of life left in him, or one sixth of his lifespan, putting him more or less on equal footing with Colonel General Nian Zu at one hundred years of age. Both were well within the twilight years of their life, meaning that once their health started to deteriorate, it would be all but irreversible as their bodies approached its Heaven-set limits, so it was better to let Papa slowly recover naturally without pushing him too far.

None of which was enough to dissuade Papa from wanting to join the fight, though he was fairly circumspect about expressing his desire more than Song expected. He offered no argument when Mila declared she would be staying close to Rain and merely nodded when Song said she would do the same to help look after the pets. They were both free to do so since they had no other responsibilities. Mila had no retinue to command, having left her Sentinels with Mama and Niece Alsantset in Shi Bei, and in similar vein, Song had opted not to travel with Junior Martial Brother Fung and return to Meng Sha instead, once she learned of Papas injuries. Granted, her decision to do so was not driven solely by the desire to help Papa, since his life was in no danger and she had yet to recognize the signs of his affliction, but rather so she could help her beloved sister through these turbulent times. It was clear Mila blamed herself for Papas injuries and as a result was almost beside herself with grief and recrimination, which left her in poor position to help Papa or herself.

Thankfully the animals were all extra affectionate upon their return since Lin-Lin only had two hands to pet them at any given moment. Especially Guai-Guai, who even now was still snuggled in Milas embrace, half-asleep and grouchier than ever due to the interruption of his afternoon nap, while the rest of the animals huddled in close and followed obediently alongside. The animals endearing antics alongside Yans pleasant and attentive company as well as Rains nearby presence were enough to keep Milas spirits high, but Papas issues were not so easily amended. The issue was hed buried his anger so deep for so many years that hed forgotten how to deal with it now that it was close to the surface. Rather than acknowledge it as a real problem and take proper steps to find Balance once more, he simply tried to bury his anger once more in hopes that it would go away again, but Song and Mila both could see his struggle to control his emotions, even if others couldnt. Though he appeared calm and composed as ever as they all headed down to the docks, his gaze was distant and withdrawn as he ignored everything happening before his eyes in favour of Scrying on the battle from afar. Not a mistake an experienced Warrior should make, taking their attention away from their immediate surroundings outside of a secure location, but Papa paid no mind to Mila, Song, or even the comatose Rain who was currently strapped to a stretcher and carried over Guard Leaders shoulder like a plank of wood. Instead, he watched the battle unfolding on the walls of Meng Sha and commented on what he saw, though Song wasnt sure if he knew he was speaking out loud.

Mataram YuGan, Papa muttered, squeezing Songs hand so hard she felt her bones creak. Luckily, he remembered himself in time and let go before any damage was done, but only so he could hold his staff in both hands instead of just one. He killed the Sword King in single combat, so once he takes the field, I doubt OuYang Min Jun has anyone to match him. If Society doesnt have anyone else worth a damn stationed here, then theyll come cryin for help any second now.

A request Papa intended to respond to himself, it seemed, but he had yet to wholly recover from his injuries and Song had no wish to see him die at the hands of the Mataram Patriarch. Grabbing him by the belt instead, she pulled him along with all her might and failed to even shift his weight, but after a brief moment of resistance, he seemed content to continue following her lead for now.

The Defiled are comin fast and hard. Papas next statement arrived a few minutes later, and Song and Mila both turned to listen. Yan had long since left to take command of her retinue and might well have already joined in on the fighting, but Papa was so unaware of his surroundings he probably hadnt even noticed shed left. Attacking on all fronts like Demons possessed... Win or lose, therell be a hefty butchers bill for both sides when alls said and done.

Ha! Thats my girl! Papa exclaimed a few minutes later, and for a moment, Song thought her happy-go-lucky Papa was back, but his delight was tinged with more than a hint of near-maniacal bloodlust as he turned to Mila and said, Ah, I wish ye couldve seen it lass. What a shot! Old Bulat just put a bullet clean through a Mataram brats head before he could even set foot on the battlements. Oh I bet that stung somethin fierce, to come all this way and die before drawin blood with his spear, but the boy likely died before he had time to regret. Ye ought to make a few more of them rifles when yeve the time, because theyre a damn sight more effective than any of us ever expected.

Before Mila could answer however, Papas mirth turned dark. Damn it. Things are getting out of hand quick. Mataram YuChun aint none too happy about losing his son and heir, so I can understand why hed throw himself into the fight so early, but what about the Whirling Dervish and Crimson Shadow? The timing aint right fer them to get their hands dirty, not yet at least. I figured theyd sit idle fer another hour or two before stepping in to steal the limelight, so why the big rush to wrap things up? Tapping the butt of his staff against the ground as he absently resisted Songs lead, Papa turned about as if ready to head off into battle, but Medical Saint Taduk appeared to guide him back in the right direction. Bah, Papa grunted, without ever acknowledging his own actions. Hope Binesi and his cronies are enough to hold back the tide, else Meng Sha will be overrun within the hour.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

A most disheartening statement to make given Papas high standing, but luckily they were all moving under a cloak of Concealment and a Sound Barrier to boot. A precautionary measure meant to hide them from friend and foe alike, for as terrible as it would be to hear a Divine Blacksmith and Peak Experts prediction of overwhelming defeat, that was nothing compared to seeing the comatose Legate being carted about like firewood. Whats more, they were bringing Rain to the docks so that he would be ready to board the fastest ship should the worst come to pass, which was only prudent given the circumstances, but hardly the most inspiring of sights to be seen. Turning her eyes skyward towards the laughing birds circling about overhead, Song idly noted that a discerning observer might notice their presence and figure out what was happening regardless, though she had no idea how Roc and his flock could track Rain through a Divinitys Concealment.

Regardless of her concerns, Song had no say in what would happen next. Guard Leader was tasked with keeping Lin-Lin safe, and Lin-Lin refused to leave her beloved hubbys side, so logically, this was the best course of action. Despite credible suspicions regarding his involvement in the battle for Pan Si Xing, Rain was still comatose and unresponsive as ever, meaning there was little chance commander OuYang Min Jun would come looking for Rain for help. Perhaps Papa was right and theyd contact him for assistance instead, but there were still talents of note to help hold the Heavens up, with many a hero revealing themselves over the course of the next few minutes as they dove into the thick of things to do their part.

Situ Jia Yang was among the first to make his presence known, his sabre emitting its piercing wail as he engaged the Whirling Dervish Mataram Minzhe. Minutes later, a resounding cheer rose as Situ Chi Gan waved the Ebony Reapers ragged banner about with the titular Mataram Clansmans head mounted on top. There were other celebrations and lamentations to be heard, almost too many for Song to keep up with, but the tides of battle ebbed to and fro as the Enemy pushed ever forwards in an almost desperate bid to overrun the harbour defences. This was a far cry from the usual Defiled tactic of utilizing overwhelming numbers to slowly grind away at the Imperial forces until they were too tired to fight, and like Papa, Song could not understand why they were in such a rush to take Meng Sha. No one had seen this coming, and with the bulk of the Imperial forces stationed in and around Shi Bei, it would be at least a full week before reinforcements arrived, but the Enemy seemed intent on coming hard and fast without any reprieve whatsoever.

A strange decision given the forces arrayed against them, but from what she could piece together from her own observations and Papas occasional muttering, the fighting on the walls was as fierce as it could be, and the Imperial forces were already struggling to hold out. Unlike traditional Defiled, the Mataram Clansmen were able to bring quantity and quality to bear, for they were willing to throw away dozens of talents young and old just to secure a quick victory here today. The why no longer mattered, especially once Binesis match against Mataram YuChun came to a crashing halt as the Ten-Thousand Spears pierced through the Immovables defences, and Mataram YuChun raised his voice for all to hear. So this be the limit of Immovable Binesi, the supposed strongest spear of the North.

Fall back, she said, speaking over the monk and interrupting him mid-rant. Some rabid nonsense filled with obscenities which she didnt care to hear, so she instead spoke to Dastan, Ral, and Chey instead. Stabilize the line. Ill hold him back.

Such hubris, the monk spat, and Song half expected him to continue with such sin, but instead, his features twisted in rage as he exclaimed, How dare you look down on Yuanyin, the Bloody Confessors successor? Drawing in a deep breath, his eyes filled with sadistic glee as he uttered Tare Tuttare Ture Sohm!

This time, she was able to make out the entire short chant rather than only the first syllable, but it wasnt because she was standing closer than before. No, she could make out the words because there were a series of snarling grunts laid overtop them, emanating from sweet Princess whose furry head was poking out from her bag. With fangs bared and drool aplenty, the weasel-bear regarded Yuanyin like someone whod stolen all her honey cakes and with a mind to exact sweet vengeance, her rumbling warning growl so loud and oppressive it shook Song down to her bones. Though she suspected as much before charging in, she was gratified to see her hunch was right and Princess could negate the monks esoteric chants. Her suspicions werent without basis of course, and not just because Rain might have told her to bring Princess along, but considering the weasel-bear reacted the same way to Aura and Luo-Luos musical demonstrations, it wasnt too much of a stretch.

Hmph, Yuanyin snorted, his slack, scarred expression filled with disdain. So youve brought a slavering beast capable of countering my Sutras. This fetid furball is a far cry from matching the likes of Rakshasa however, so let us see how long it can hold out. Drawing another deep breath, he launched into another droning chant while simultaneously taking up the offensive, delivering a flurry of blows that set Song back on her heels as she struggled to fend off his attacks. It was that damnable Reverberation that made him so difficult to deal with, as every clash of their weapons set her bones to shaking so violently she feared they might fracture beneath the crushing symphony of steel. Then there was Princesss rumbling growl numbing the entire left side of Songs hip and thigh, an unintended side-effect of her efforts to negate the monks droning chants. However, the weasel-bears snarling growls and barking grunts did not only defend Song from the monks droning chants, but everyone else as well, so she could hardly afford to set Princess aside before defeating her foe.

Back and forth they traded blows, and though Yuanyin was superior to her in many ways, the difference was not so great to keep Song from holding her own. He was stronger, but she was more experienced, using active parries and well-timed Deflections to avoid a direct clash. He was faster, but she had more reach, so by controlling the range at which they fought, she was able to make up for the discrepancy in speed. He was more skilled, able to utilize Reverberation to shake her down to her Core, but her Runic armour was able to negate it so long as she was willing to risk taking a blow on her armour, which she did every now and then to give her more time to recover. All of which was only possible because she could predict his movements in advance, even if she couldnt quite explain how she did it. Whats more, Song wasnt fighting alone, for while she and Princess kept the monk in check, Rains retinue drove the Defiled back and regained the upper hand atop the battlements, but the crux of the issue still remained. Unless Song could kill Yuanyin here and now, he would forever be a threat just waiting to be unleashed, so she set her mind to unravelling how she might put an end to him once and for all. There was nothing she could do about the Reverberating strikes, for despite all her best efforts, she was unable to wholly negate the effect. The best way to describe it was trying to stop a rivulet of water with only a single finger. No matter how hard she pressed, a trickle of water would always flow around her finger and continue on its merry way, diminished but unabated as the forces ran rampant through her body. Though not enough to cause significant injury, the shock alone prevented her from reacting as freely as she would like, because even if she grit her teeth in preparation to accept the pain, she was still unable to wholly ignore it as her body involuntarily tensed in response.

In fact... this effect was similar to what Yuanyins droning chants generated, an involuntary reflex as one defended against the attack. Since they produced similar results, perhaps their foundations were based in the same basic skill, namely Reverberation. Then again, sound was merely the reverberation or vibration of air, which humans and animals alike translated into an auditory concept. Whats more, the Reverberation wasnt like anything shed ever experienced before, transmitted from his weapon to hers and then through the rest of her body, but rather starting from her head and making its way downwards from there.

Or maybe not her head, but her ears.

That was it. Sound. Yuanyin was using sound as a medium for his Reverberating attacks, the same way Luo-Luo used her music as a medium for Aura.

As their blades hurtled headlong towards each other once again, Song drew back a split second before the point of impact and utilized a soft block instead, guiding his attack out and away rather than stopping it entirely in place. The Reverberating tremors still rocked her from head to toe, but the intensity was woefully lacking in comparison. A look of surprise flashed across Yuanyins face before he mastered his expression, but it was enough to tell Song she was already on the right track. No longer did she aim to clash headlong against him, but instead sought to avoid his attacks altogether, a transition she made as easily as turning a hand. Rather than the Movements of the Tiger Form which she favoured, she took up the Snake, Mantis, and Oriole instead, her steps and sabre moving erratically to the beat of her own music which shifted without rhyme or reason. The symphony of steel faded away and for long seconds, the only sounds of their battle came from their footsteps upon the stone and Yuanyins ineffective chants, laid overtop a foundation of Princesss slavering rumbles.

The traitor monks fury almost brought a smile to Songs face, but she was not yet satisfied with her achievements. Yes, shed managed to negate his attacks, but like Papa said, one could not win while focusing solely on defence. One mistake was all it would take to render all her efforts for naught, so she needed to do more than endure his assault. She had to emerge victorious from their exchange, which meant it was time to show Yuanyin that she had claws of her own.

Solemn is the Clear Temple.

Difficult to tell who said it first. It could have been Mamas voice, echoing out from within the confines of Songs newly restored Natal Palace. Or maybe itd come from herself and Mamas voice shifted to match, though this was unlikely since Song had no earthly idea why she suddenly felt the urge to recite a poem out-loud. The last possibility was both the most ludicrous and likely explanation of all, because for a brief, infinitesimal moment, Song thought she heard Rains voice reciting along with her.

Strange, but not something to dwell on just yet. Reverent are its illustrious adherents, she continued, this time infusing her Chi into her voice, but judging from Yuanyins puzzled expression, it had yet to have any effect on him just yet.

Dignified are the gathered officials. Pouring even more Chi into the next stanza, Songs voice boomed out over the battlefield and echoed off the walls before traversing far out into the Azure Sea, and while Yuanyin flinched in response, she saw it was more out of shock and surprise than anything else. Hmph, what sort of Warrior was he, to be shaken by mere words? Not a Warrior at all, but the Confessors Successor, a sadist who tortured countless of helpless innocents. That was the measure of the man she fought here today, and she refused to be found wanting.

Seizing upon her contempt and outrage, she channelled it into her Chi the same way she would imbue her Aura with emotion and delivered the next scathing stanza. Adhering to the virtues of Nobility. The results were more satisfying than she could ever imagine as Yuanyins body stiffened in evident anguish, but this was far from enough to sate her appetite. Tiger Swipes the Rushes, and her sabre lashed out, her new weapon catching her foe clean across the cheek as he raise his sword a beat too late to block the blow entirely.

If one strike was not enough, then she would deliver two, then three, four, and however many more until he lay dead at her feet. Praising our Mother in Heaven. Her sabre glanced off his ribs, the Honed blade somehow failing to cut clean through his bones, but Songs attack had only just begun. They Hurry swiftly into the temple. Falling a half-step back, she brought her sabre around to deliver a deadly thrust aimed at Yuanyins black heart, but he twisted aside just in time to avoid what should have been a killing blow. Greatly illustrious, greatly dignified. Following through with the thrust, she slammed her armoured shoulder into his exposed chest and was rewarded with a heavy, pained grunt, which gave her all the time she needed to reposition her sabre and set it in motion to cleave his head from his shoulders as she recited the last line of the poem. She safeguards Her children forevermore.

Her sabre bit deep into the flesh of his neck, and the panic in his eyes was satisfying to behold, but try as she might to follow through with the slash, his bones refused to give way. Even with all of her weight behind her sabre, all Song could do was force Yuanyin to bend back, but try as she might, her Honed blade failed to find purchase. Dark eyes filled with rage and loathing, he moved his lips as if to speak but could only emit a wet gurgle, the connection between his lungs and mouth having been severed by Songs sabre, and yet still he refused to die. Unwilling to give up just yet, Song mustered all her strength to advance upon her foe and pushed him back a single step, but as his foot lifted off the ground, hers scythed out low to sweep it aside and drive his whole body to the ground. Even this wasnt enough for her to drive her sabre home, so all she could do was withdraw and retreat as Yuanyin lashed out with a kick that might well have broken her ribs if itd connected, even through the formidable protection afforded to her by her Runic breastplate.

Heaving himself up to his feet, the monk leaned heavily upon his sword and pressed a hand to his throat while glaring at Song, his anger and hatred doing little to hide the fear lingering within. Though conventional wisdom dictated she keep up her offensive and deny him the time needed to recover, shed given it her all in that final attack and needed time herself to gather her wits. How could his bones be so durable? It was like trying to carve into a Demon, utterly futile and ineffective, yet he still bled red blood like a human man. There was also the fact that her new chanting poetry was draining to say the least, with almost a third of her Core emptied over the course of an eight-line poem. A necessary expenditure, but she could not help but despair when Yuanyin stood up straight and removed his hand to reveal a bloodied but unmarred neck, the fruits of her labour so easily undone by this most formidable of foes.

To say nothing of how the eyebrowed monk, a supposed Half-Step Divinity of considerable strength and standing, had yet to make a single move despite Yuanyins close brush with death, meaning he might well have expected this outcome from the start.

Spitting out a wad of bloody phlegm, Yuanyin stretched his neck and pumped his arms as he readied for a second bout, still hesitant despite his many advantages. Small wonder why the Uniter deemed you a target of interest, Yuanyin began, cautiously stalking closer with sword extended like the coward that he was. Even a tiny spark is enough to light a beacon of hope, but I will extinguish all hope here today.

Only now did Song realize her friends and comrades from Rains retinue had taken to chanting her name, their faith holding firm despite her failure to kill him. Despite the daunting tribulation before her, she took no small measure of pride from their conviction and used it to find her confidence once more as she strode out to meet her cowardly foe with sabre in hand. So what if she couldnt cut through his bones? If that was the case, then she would flay his skin, carve his flesh, and sever his tendons until she drained him of blood and Chi both if thats what it took to kill him. Formidable though Yuanyin might be, it was his misfortune to face Li Song on the field of battle today, because Papa made her promise to return to him alive, a promise she had every intention to keep.

Alas, the Heavens might have a different fate in store for her, but regardless of what might come, she would give this fight her all, because as a proud Sentinel of the People, Song could do no less.

Chapter Meme