The Nutcracker and The Mouse King Chapter 7

*It's a crystal clear morning, the sounds of nature bringing a beautiful melody to wake the forest. A typical morning in this enchanted place. But unfortunately, this was not that morning. A series of footprints crunch through the snow, Julius scurries over to where the Dolls had camped the night. He makes way to the camp and sniffs around for any scent or trace. But he has arrived too late, the camp looked as if it was abandoned hours ago, as he could clearly see by the pile of burnt wood left smoldering in the middle. Julius was nervous, he expected some results. He turns as another set of footsteps approaches. It was a much larger figure, wrapped in a dark brown cloak that was filthy and ragged. His face could not be seen, but only one other mouse could be with the Lead… The Mouse King*

Mouse King: *in a raspy voice* Well, Julius… Where are they?

Julius: They were here, that's for sure. *sniffs the ground* They left about three hours ago… eyes widen as he picks up torn bits of a dress Your bride's with them!

Mouse King: And they took her with them, I suppose.

Julius: *sniffs the bits* No… *sniffs some more* She went with them on her own free will.

Mouse King: *ponders* Of course she did… She would take any opportunity to leave me for her brother, and the moment his sword pierced my heart was the one she took… Yes… I believe we can use that to our advantage.

Julius: But sire, are you sure we couldn't have brought an army with us?

Mouse King: *turns to Julius*  I made it clear that I alone will bring to end to the Nutcracker and the human all at once. *picks up one of the logs* Now that my bride is part of their group, and with her scent on track, she'll simply "lead" us to them. And then… *crushes the log with one hand, bursting it to pieces* My revenge will finally be complete.* turns to Julius again* Does the peanut gallery have anything more to ask?

Julius: *eyes widen* N-N-N-N-No, no, sire!

Mouse King: *his hood leans closer to Julius' face* Good. *looks up at the sky* We already wasted five minutes of daylight. Now MOVE!!!

*Meanwhile, Marie and the Dolls made quick timing when it was decided that they would leave before the sun rise. With the amount of ground that they managed to cover, they had hopes that they would be as far from any danger as possible. But no matter how far they walked, even if it was to the ends of the earth, they still kept going as they wished to not take any chances. The only time they ever stopped was when they stared and gaped at the structure that lay ahead of them: Two mountains, these colossal structures of stone with a single path that goes through serving as the border of these mountains. The only thing standing between them and possibly the Doll Kingdom*

Clara: Oh dear, those mountains look awfully steep.

Cassim: And yet it's the only way we can get to the Doll Kingdom from here. After all, nothing ventured…nothing gained.

Rosaline: I'm not sure I can climb those. Hooves and all, you know.

Cassim: We won't have to climb "up" the mountains. All we have to do is follow that "path" *motions to the dirt road* Still won't be easy though; we'll have to work together to pass through.

Nutcracker: Good thinking, Cassim.

Ivan: Yes. Very good, comrade.

Marie: Then we must hurry, those Mice could be catching up by now.

Clara: I'm not sure if they even are following us.

Yin: Still, that is a good point.

Yang: We can't take too many chances.

Yin & Yang: We should leave now.

*So our heroes make their way onto the dirt road through the mountains. Yin, Yang, and Cassim stayed close by to Rosaline, proceeding with caution and to make sure this horse kept her balance. Ivan and Clara stuck together and the same is said for Marie and the Nutcracker. Though Cassim made it clear that they simply had to follow the path, they noticed that it didn't go "straight" through the mountains. As they walked, they noticed the path curved from one end on one mountain to one end of another. Left-and-right, upwards and downwards, it was no easy task. But still, they kept going*

Nutcracker: Careful not to shout, this might be an avalanche zone.

Cassim: *speaks quietly* Good observation, Nutcracker. These mountains can be very treacherous.

Ivan: *quietly* The sooner we get through the mountains, comrades, the better.

Rosaline: I'm not sure about this, chaps; this doesn't look very safe.

Cassim: Take ease, my equine friend, we haven't seen the worst yet.

Rosaline: All the same, you don't suppose there could be wild creatures roaming these mountains. Do you?

Ivan: Well, if there are… They are doing a good job at keeping their presence hidden.

Yin: But that would only mean…

Yang: They could be anywhere.

Cassim: Stiff upper lip, my friends. Proceed with caution.

*As they kept moving forward, a loud rumbling could be heard through the mountains. A loud growling noise of sorts that appeared to shake the mountains like a tremor in the Earth. As the growling stopped, everyone turned to face each other but realized none of them could've possibly made a noise that big*

Ivan: If I'm not mistaken, I thought I heard…something.

Yin: You're not. I heard it as well.

Yang: It sounds real close… And big.

Marie: What could it be?

*The rumbling gets louder and louder, as the group turns toward the one side of the mountain. At first all they see of that mountain is no different from the rocky appearance and the snow on top. But then, an icy hand grips the top of that mountain followed by another. Then it's head pops out, it's eyes made of glowing blue crystals. As it lifts itself on top, the gang are shocked at what they see: A monstrous being whose frame is made entirely out of blocks of crystal ice*

Cassim: *points at the enormous creature* ICE GIANT!!!

Nutcracker: Everybody RUN!!!

*The group takes off running as fast their legs could carry them, knowing their lives were on the line. To the group, it looked as though the monster was moving rather slowly due to it's massive size. Yet, this ferocious beast stretched it's long legs as if each cliff was no more than a stepping stone. To the giant, as it looks down at the motley crew, they moved like ants but had yet to make much distance*

Ivan: It's catching up with us!!

Rosaline: There's no way we can out distance that beast!

Nutcracker: If only we still had a cannon, we could blow up that thing!

Clara: Oh sure, where are we gonna find a cannon out here?

Nutcracker: Anyone else have a plan?

*Before they can get to a plan, they turn ahead of them and come to a screeching halt. Because the path they took ends up leading them to a dead end, nothing ahead of them but a rock wall. Unfortunately, they can't turn around or go around the Ice Giant, who practically has them cornered*

Marie: It's a dead end!

Nutcracker: *tries to be brave* Looks like we'll have to make a stand right here. *grips his sword*

Cassim: Nutcracker's right, we must be brave and not panic. I have a plan: All we have to do is...

Ivan: ATTACK!!!

*Ivan makes a mad dash towards the Ice Giant, with The Nutcracker and the Twins following close behind, leaving Cassim with Rosaline and the two girls*

Rosaline: *shouts* THAT'S NOT A PLAN!!!

*The Ice Giant saw the tiny toys, their swords drawn from their sheaths, shouting war cries as their feet crunched along the snow. Soon, blades and ice clashed as the toys went on the defense with the giant swiping his claws. The Nutcracker ducked and rolled a single swipe from the giant, while Ivan barely made a knick at one of it's fingers*

*The twins leapt toward it's wrist and ran along it's arms, as the beast turned to them and aimed to squash them with the other. Yin took Yang's arms and dived off it's arms, before twirling and releasing sending the latter latching onto the beast's face trying to stab at it's cheek*

*But this only made the monster furious, swinging side to side trying to shake the doll off as Yang struggled to hang on. But with a mighty turn of it's head, Yang propelled off the giant heading towards the ground. But luckily, Yin made it in time to catch Yang, as the twins tumbled onto the snow*

Clara: *shouts* Hang in there, Kristoff!

*The Nutcracker and Ivan attempt to hold their own, swiping their swords at the giant's feet barely picking off tiny bits of ice. The ice giant roars into the sky and slams his fists on the ground, causing the duo to lose balance. Lying on the ground, Ivan looks side-to-side panicking before gazing up toward the giant, who leers down at the fallen soldier. Gulping nervously, Ivan holds his arms feebly in a fighting position just as the giant prepares to stomp on*

*Suddenly, as Ivan closes his eyes awaiting his fate, he is swept off the ground by Cassim just as the giant's foot rocks the ground. With Ivan taken to safety, rushing back towards his fallen comrades, Cassim pulls out his signature blades and holds his ground staring eye-to-eye toward the beast. After a few moments of standing silently, he makes a dash towards the beast and swipes at any body part trying to find a weak point*

*Suddenly, taking a deep breath, the mighty beast gives a mighty roar sending a blistering blast of wind with ice shards. Thinking quick, Cassim swings his blades around knocking and avoiding every piece of shard heading his direction while the girls look on nervously. Twirling and swiping the blades, Cassim appears to have it under control until…*

*WHAM! Distracted by the wind, Cassim is unable to dodge from the giant's hand trapping him on the ground. Though unharmed, Cassim is unable to lift the giant's pressed hand and is forced to watch as the creature balls it's free hand in a fist preparing to crush him*

Rosaline: *shocked* CASSIM!!! *boils in anger* YAAAH!!! *charges toward the Ice Giant*

Marie: Rosaline, no!!

*Before they had any time to react, Rosaline galloped like a mighty warhorse towards the frost-bitten monstrosity. Rosaline didn't really had any idea what she was doing, heck normally she wouldn't think of putting an attack. But all the same, her friends were in trouble and Rosaline had to try something*

*The beast looked up to see a new challenger, but in it's distraction it's hand lifted off of Cassim, giving him a chance to crawl away. It roared towards the charging horse, once more releasing a strong blast of icy wind. The moment the beast screamed, Rosaline screeched to a halt, skidding inches below it's icicle fangs. Trotting and skidding toward it's feet, one of her hooves made a small knick along it's toes. As Rosaline came running, Cassim recovered and dashed towards his companion leaping onto her saddle away from fighting range while the others ran close behind*

*As the boys, along with Rosaline, made their way back the girls attempted to help by throwing some pebbles they found at the ground as far towards the beast as possible. Not wanting it's prey to get away, the beast roared and stomped toward the group. Suddenly, it stopped in one step and looked down toward it's foot. A series of cracks began to form, slowly but doing it's work. While the exhausted group looked on, Marie noticed the cracks right away and quickly took the Nutcracker's sword*

Nutcracker: Marie! What are you doing?!

Marie: Hoping this plan works!

*With a mighty heave, Marie hurls the sword towards the beast's weakened foot. While the blade didn't make contact, the solid handle crashed into it's foot bursting it to bits. Caught off balance, it fall towards the group with a bellowing roar. The Dolls, Clara, and Marie move to the sides, as the beast crashed into the mountain wall "literally" busting it's skull along with the rest of it's body shattered along the ground*

*For a moment, all was silent amongst the group, even Marie herself was caught off guard by how she managed to do so. They stood by the bits of ice, that glittered along the ground like diamonds. And then, they all burst into cheers the whole group gathering around Marie*

Cassim: That was brilliant, Marie! Not what I had in mind, but brilliant!

Marie: I couldn't have done it alone. *notions to Rosaline* I have Rosaline to thank, the most wonderful horse I've ever known! *kisses Rosaline’s forehead*

Rosaline: *her cheeks glow red* Oh, Marie… I guess I don't know my own strength.

Ivan: Well done, girls.

Nutcracker: Three cheers for Marie and Rosaline!!

Group: *raise their fists* Hazzah! Hazzah! Hazzah!!!

Cassim: Come, my friends! Onward to the Doll Kingdom!

*With the threat of the monster died down, the quest toward the mysterious Doll Kingdom continues. But as they pressed on, some troubling thoughts began to stir*

Yang: There's one thing I don't get. Why did the monster attack us at all?

Yin: Perhaps we were trespassing on its territory.

Nutcracker: Or maybe… Someone doesn't WANT us to reach the Doll Kingdom.

*Little did the group know, that just miles away from their location, the Mouse King and Julius had been observing the scene as far from the battle as possible. Julius had watched the whole thing through a telescope to update if the Ice Giant had done it's job. For as it turned out, the Mouse King used powerful magic to manifest such a creature to delay their progress. Unfortunately, from what Julius saw, he knew the Mouse King would be "very" unhappy once he heard the news. As a matter of fact, the Mouse King was already making him uncomfortable just by looking at him*

Julius: Sire… They've defeated your Ice Giant.

Mouse King: Curse that Nutcracker and his meddlesome friends. Why must this lack of progress torment me?

Julius: What shall we do?

Mouse King: It all comes down to one choice. The only chance of getting close to the Nutcracker is to enter the Doll Kingdom.

Julius: Impossible! The kingdom is heavily guarded, we'll never make it inside!

Mouse King: *grips Julius' snout* You forget: Everyone thinks I'm dead. They'll  assume that without "me", my army is as useless as they were when I first met you. They'll be so focused on their little "celebration" they won't think the mice are a threat anymore. Just the way I want them to think: Why else would I not bring an army? *lets go*

Julius: *rubs his snout* That's some brilliant thinking there, your majesty.

Mouse King: Shut up.

Julius: *soft, scared tone* Yes, sire.

*Meanwhile, after that run with the most spine-chilling monster they ever saw, Marie and the Dolls continue the path through the mountains. Though they still question as to "who" would send a Ice Monster to kill them, that didn't seem to matter any more. Because right at that moment, they finally reached the end of the mountain path much to their relief. Now there was only one thing that stood in their way: A lake, more massive than any they had ever seen in their lives. It stretched so far out in the horizon, none of them knew for certain where it appeared to end*

Rosaline: Oh dear, not MORE water!

Cassim: *steps toward the water and feels with his finger* No worries, my dear, this water's very warm. Least that's the good news. The bad news is that there doesn't appear to be a bridge and it looks too wide to swim.

Marie: Now what do we do?

Nutcracker: I don't understand. You'd think someone would know we were coming. *turns to the other dolls* Is this even the right place?

Cassim: It should be.

Clara: *looks around* Maybe this is the wrong end of the lake.

Ivan: Not likely; otherwise, it'd take hours to circle the whole lake.

Marie: There has to be some way to cross this lake. Maybe we could build a raft?

Yang: *looks around* With what?

Yin: There aren't that many trees around here.

Nutcracker: There must be someone here. *calls out* Hello! Is anyone out here?

Marie: *calls out* Hello? Hello?

Rosaline: I don't know about you chaps, but I could go for a drink. *bends down to the lake and starts sipping some water*

*Just then, as Rosaline starts drinking, she notices something odd with the water. A bubble started to float up from where she was drinking followed by another and then another. Before long, as she looks up, the whole lake starts to fizz as if some form of pressure was building up from within the lake. Just then, a figure explode from out of the water followed by another and another, before long there was a whole flock bursting through the lake*

Marie: Oh! Look at that!

*Up in the sky, they soar through the night sky for a brief moment. Once they finally settled to the ground, landing nimbly in front of the traveling group, Marie and the Dolls were able to get a good glimpse at what they looked like. Each of these creatures looked much like horses, just like Rosaline, except they were quite a unique yet strange breed. They had an aura all around them that glowed a heavenly light glow, matching their entire frame and mane. But on each of these creatures, a pair of wings that seem to stretch at a wide angle like birds. These were a group of horses known as Pegasi*

Marie: Oh my gosh!

Nutcracker: Amazing! Horses with wings! *to Clara* Look, Clara, they're just like in the storybooks mother used to read to us when we children!

Clara: Oh, they're so beautiful. *walks up and pets one of the Pegasai on the head*

Ivan: They must've known that we'd be here!

Cassim: And look! There's one for each of us, we'll be at the Doll Kingdom in no time!

Rosaline: I do beg your pardon chaps, but… How am I going to get there? I can’t ride on one of them… I’m a horse, myself! Unless I suddenly sprout wings, I don’t see anyway for me to--

*The Pegasi turn to each other, as if they could understand what was on Rosaline's mind. They then turn to the sky, and they burst back into the sky soaring into the clouds. The Dolls turning curiously to see where they were looking at. To their amazement, a glittering craft of sorts soars through the sky before turning to that very edge of the lake. As it got closer, hauled in by the entire Pegasi herd, they see that they are pulling a chariot of pure gold. With silver linings along the sides, Along each wheel there was a giant ruby right in the middle of the hubcaps. A chariot that was big enough for all of them to travel together*

Rosaline: *shocked* Well… That's more like it!

Cassim: Well, what are we waiting for?

Yin: Yes, come on! Let's go!

Yang: Onward and upward!

Ivan: *to Nutcracker* Come comrade, your chariot awaits!

Nutcracker: *to Marie* You know, I'm starting to like being a prince!

*They gathered up inside the cchariot, where inside there were four rows for two each. From the back of the carriage to the front, the group were seated in the following: Rosaline and Cassim, Yin and Yang, Clara and Ivan, and Kristoff and Marie. As the Pegasus flew the group toward the Doll Kingdom, Marie looked down and saw the wonders that flight offered. Everything below her from the trees, the bushes, the boulders, and even small ponds looked so tiny up in the sky. Marie had never imagined how amazing it was to fly, something she had never experienced before. To her, it was like a dream that came true*

Marie: So this is how it feels to fly? All my life, I never thought it be possible.

Nutcracker: To be honest, neither have I.

Marie: *turns to the Nutcracker* Well, I suppose this makes us one of the first to experience flying. My parents will never believe this!

Nutcracker: *sighs* I suppose this was your wish, wasn't it? To fly?

Marie: It's silly. But, before all this, I used to have these dreams where I would find myself up in the sky. I would see houses, buildings, and trees pass by me and it would always be late at night. I'd never know where I was going or how it happens or where it ends, but just the sensation of it was so incredible. When I dream those dreams, when I'm up in the night air, I felt…free. Free to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted to… I was free to let my imagination tell the story.

Clara: It seems Cassim's not the only poet in the group, Kristoff.

Nutcracker: I guess not. *smiles*

Cassim: *calls out* Hang on tight, everyone! The Doll Kingdom shouldn't be much farther away now!

Yin: I'm so excited!

Yang: You and me both, sister.

Rosaline: Ooh, I can't wait to see it again after all these years!

Cassim: The wait is over, my friend. *points ahead* There it is.

*And there, low and behold, standing before the Dolls in all of it's glory, The Doll Kingdom. Radiating a heavenly glow of lights over the horizon, the castle stood by the edge of the lake. The Dolls looked in awe at this magnificent structure, after having heard so much about this castle. But to Marie, there was something more wonderful about the castle than simply it's marvelous structure and heavenly lights. For one reason or another, the castle looked familiar to Marie… Strangely familiar*

Marie: It's so beautiful! It looks exactly like the toy castle Uncle Drosselmeyer gave me and Fritz for Christmas, only MUCH bigger.

Ivan: Coincidence, no?

Clara: It's like a dream come true!

Cassim: Feast your eyes, my friends. For this shall be a night no one will ever forget.

*Finally, after all that time of flying, the Pegasai turn toward the Doll Kingdom, to a small landing spot just mere inches away from the door. Soon, the Pegasai land toward the Doll Kingdom as the chariot settled toward the door. The Nutcracker and Marie were the first to get off. As everyone else helped each other down from the chariot, Marie and the Nutcracker marveled at the magnificent structures from up-close and personal*

Cassim: Shall we go in? *gestures towards the palace gates*

*They nod as they followed Cassim toward the palace gates. The gates practically towered over them as they got closer and closer. Much like the chariot, the bars were made nearly entirely out of pure gold with bits of silver lining along the sides that they seem to blend. In the middle of those gates was a shield; if they were to guess, it must be a seal of sorts*

Nutcracker: I guess we should knock first. *knocks on the gate*

*After knocking on the gate, the Dolls turn to see a tiny door over the gate open. A woman's face appears over the opening first looking to the opposite of where they were standing. After a moment, she turns to see the motley crew standing by the gate, waiting to see whether or not she would allow them to come in*

Woman: Hello? Yes, who is it?

Cassim: Buongiorno, Mother Gigogne. It is I, Cassim.

Mother Gigogne: Oh! Welcome back, Cassim! It's been so long since your last visit! *looks down at the others* And I see you've brought company this time!

Rosaline: Mother Gigogne! So good to see you again, signora!

Mother Gigogna: Rosaline! You look grandioso this evening!

Cassim: Mother… We've brought someone very special with us. *gestures to the Nutcracker*

Mother Gigogna: Buona sera, signore! I say, I don't believe I've seen you pass through these gates before. Wait… Don't tell me. Is it true then? You're the Nutcracker who hath slain the Mouse King?

Nutcracker: *nods* That I am, madam. *gestures to Marie* And this Marie, my special caretaker.

Mother Gigogna: Mio caro, Marie! Yes, I do believe that this charming Nutcracker was aided by a lovely maiden named Marie. Is this true?

Marie: *curtsies* Yes, ma'am. *gestures to Yin and Yang* And these are my dolls, Yin and Yang.

Yin: It's our pleasure…

Yang: To meet you…

Yin & Yang: Mother Gigogna!

Mother Gigogna: The pleasure is all mine, cari. *sees Clara, is surprised at first*

Ivan: It is alright, Mother, she's on our side. And she is not really a mouse.

Nutcracker: This is Clara, my sister.

Clara: *curtsies* It's nice to meet you, Mother Gigogna.

Mother Gigogna: Well, I've got to hand it to her, she certainly doesn't act like the other mice. And, if I may, I believe you are quite a pretty little mouse. Just as beautiful as… Well, me. *turns side to side and whispers* Just don't tell my children I said that.

Nutcracker: Children?

Mother Gigogna: Oh, of course! *slaps her head* How rude? You certainly must meet them! We're all anxious to meet the heroes who saved us from the Mouse King's tyranny! Come in, come in! *closes the door*

*As the clang of the door echoes round, the gates to the Doll Kingdom open before Marie and the Dolls. Inside the Kingdom was everything that they had ever dreamed it would be: Whilst the walls were crafted practically out of silver and gold, there was a Garden of Candy on one end, the floors were littered with jewels, and everywhere they turned there was a Doll walking through acknowledging the group once they made their presence. It was without a doubt the most beautiful kingdom that Marie has ever seen.

Mother Gigogne: Welcome, my dears! Welcome to the Doll Kingdom!

*When Marie and the Dolls turned to Mother Gigogne, they were taken by surprise by what they see. Practically towering over them was Mother Gigogne herself, course they never realized how tall this woman was. Nor had they ever expected the kind of dress she wore. The overall material and the size of the dress makes her appear like a giant walking circus tent. As part of a theme, her white makeup and rosy red dots on her cheeks made her look like a clown. The only ones who weren't surprised were Cassim and Rosaline*

Marie: Oh my!

Nutcracker: I must say, Madam, you look so…so… *trying to find a proper word* Colorful! Bright and merry, I might add.

Mother Gigogne: Why, thank you, caro! It was such a hassle trying to find the perfect dress for the occasion. You know? I once wore this gown during my early years at the Teatro Alla Scala Opera House! But enough about me, you must meet my family! *takes a whistle from round her neck and blows into it* Children!

*At the sound of the whistle, Mother Gigogne's children emerged. To the surprise of the group, her children came tumbling, cart wheeling, somersaulting, and skipping from under Gigogne's massive dress. They laugh, they giggle, and they act silly and goofy amongst Marie and the Dolls. There had to be at least a Dozen of her children, as the last child came out holding something behind her back and moved towards Marie. Taking her hands out, she presents Marie with a beautiful red rose and hands it to Marie, who inhales it's rather sweet aroma before nodding in thanks. The thing that made all these children alike, besides their size, was the fact they all looked like circus clowns. In white shirts and pants, white make-up, red-lip stick, black eye-shadow, and even white hats with the multi-colored cotton buttons on the top and on the vest. A real delightful batch of fun-loving children*

Mother Gigogne: Say ‘buongiorno’ to our guests, children.

Children: Buongiorno! 你好! привет! مرحبا! Hello!

Clara: Wow! They know all our languages!

Ivan: They're very well educated.

Mother Gigogne: That's because here at the Doll Kingdom, many of our guests from around the world pass through these gates. So it's important for my children to understand all the world's cultures. Including languages.

Rosaline: I'd say you've done a marvelous job on that part, Signora.

Mother Gigogne: Thank you, my dear. Now come along, you must all get ready for the celebration. The entire kingdom is throwing a banquet in honor of our Nutcracker prince. And don't worry, miss Clara, I'll be sure to have the servants make you a beautiful new gown just for the occasion.

Clara: Thank you very much, Miss Gigogne.

Mother Gigogne: Please, call me Mother, my dear.

*As preparations for the banquet were taking place, two reeds were seen floating along the river. When they reached the edge, Julius was the first to get out. With the reed still in his mouth, he practically dragged himself to the surface trying to gulp in bigger amounts of air. He turns around as the Mouse King emerges slowly. Still garbed in his cape and hood, water drips down the Mouse King as he makes a fearsome presence coming out. They turn to see the Doll Kingdom a mere few steps away*

Mouse King: Behold, Julius! The Doll Kingdom…and it's just as I knew it would be.

Julius: My goodness… It's so magnificent… *nervously* But, not as magnificent as your kingdom, sire!

Mouse King: Actually, it's perfect! Once my work with the Nutcracker is complete, I think I shall expand my empire… Starting with The Doll Kingdom.

Julius: But sire, you can't go in their all by yourself, you'll be killed! And your deformity--

Mouse King: *clutches Julius' throat* First of all: I consider what you call a "deformity" an "improvement". Secondly: I never said I'd be going alone. I think it's about time I put you to good use. *smirks*