Author's Note

Just to clarify, the general timeframe of these early chapters is set around autumn of 2002. Time won't start moving ahead much until after the next chapter. I already have the next major plot event planned out. Grab your snacks, folks. This is gonna be one hell of an adventure.

Impressions (Intermission Chapter)

Harmonic reconnected with Atmospheric the following Monday. They briefly spoke outside the school doors.

"Hi..." the colt greeted nervously.

"Hi."

"Ian wanted me to ask you a question..."

"What?"

"He never asked who your favorite Mortal Kombat character was..."

"Either Liu Kang or Kung Lao. I know your favorite, too."

"I don't have one..."

"Not now, but when we're grown up, your favorite will be Raiden."

"How do you know...?"

"I know because I'm your best friend...Or was..."

"Was...?"

"I know it's hard to understand right now, but you'll understand when you're older."

"Why...?"

"I dunno. Kids just can't understand grown-up stuff."

"Okay..."

"Let's go before we get in trouble."

Harmonic nodded and followed his bride-to-be inside. Much as Atmospheric wanted to lean close to him, she refrained from doing so in public. There'd be plenty of time to get close and personal later.

"Tell your mom I said thanks for dinner the other night."

"I will..."