Author's Note

The chapter's named after the Acacia Strain's second album. I've been receiving counseling for anger management issues the last few months. Aside from soundtracks when I'm playing games, I usually listen exclusively to metal. The style often depends on my mood. It ranges from fast and thrash-y to melodic and soothing, with the latter being more prevalent during depressive episodes. Being that way 24/7, you can imagine how much I listen to daily. I actually have hearing loss because I overdid it for so long. The counseling's helped some, but I still get frustrated easily. Really need to work on that.

3750 (Interlude)

Back up on the surface, the group's breath crystalized, signifying rapid onset of the cycle's end. As a new year peered around the corner, so too did death. What died were the moments before - the memories, the laughs, the tears. What they died for would only be determined by conscious thought. The key lay within what made all things precious - the harbinger of blood anew.

"Hey, Twi," Rainbow began, "Not to be a naysayer or anything, but doesn't this all seem kinda...LARP-y? I mean, it feels like a D&D campaign. Where's the balrog, ya know?"

"It's the other way around. D&D is heavily based on the folktales passed down from our ancestors. I thought it might help to connect with our traditional roots. Plus, it reminds us we're sentient. We're just like everyone else. We think. We feel. We cry. If it feels strange or odd, it's supposed to, because we're strange and odd. It's what makes us wonderful."

"Damn. That's deep."

"You know I was always the nerdy one."

"All right. I'll play along. This whole magic thing better be on the level, though. I wanna shoot fireballs from my mouth like chili pepper tacos."

"Magic's not a toy. I need you to take this seriously. Someone could get hurt if we're not careful."

"Okay, okay! I got it! Sheesh! No need for the death stare."

"Speaking of food though, you guys wanna grab a bite before you head home? You can warm up for a bit or stay the night if you'd like."

"Sure. I'm down."