*dusts off a heavyy manual entitled Extreme Topping: A Comprehensive Guide*

*assembles support group of dedicated Topping Therapists* 

*dons armor of the Topping Warrior and screams, CHAAAAAARGEEEE!* 

Too much. 

Too much, this was- to embark on a journay with no clear idea of the end, to have burden after burden be laid upon you with no release. To have your heart pound with stress each time you saw it again even though you had nothing to fear, to have faithfuls dogging your footsteps, unknowing of what might be in your mind… or what might not be. To know that they depended upon you, when all this was made you feel sick with pressure. Made you shy away from the thread of words, for fear of having to shove through your sickness just to deliver to others. 

Too much it was, Caroline's tale.

Too much to find her future when you were walking in the dark, too much to guide her along when you yourself needed guidance. Of course, I was hating the notion of having to stop the story in the throat, right here and now, but- too much. This, though not everything, all too much.  

Perhaps one day she could return, if it ever felt more comfortable, more soothing on the heart to come here. But for now-

Oh, it was all just too much.  

I hope you all can forgive me.  

Sorry to pressure you, All (Caroline)! I know that feeling.  

Perhaps it could continue? She's rested for some time, and if those who read share an interest (whether old or new to Caroline's tale), then she could travel onward for some time, possibly even end her saga. It's up to you, after you read this… 

– – – – – – 

[You have chosen A]

Her shaking fingers fumbling with the phone, Caroline quickly dialed Ventigo’s number, praying that he’d pick up. Casting a quick look around the darkened streets, silhouetted by the amber glow of the streetlamps, she sat down behind a mailbox and put the phone to her ear, keeping an eye on the dragon and Shale as they hung to the side, warily looking around the nighttime city.

“Caroline,” a voice on the other line said, his voice deep and even. “Have you secured it yet?” Biting her lip, Caroline dithered for a moment before reluctantly answering.

“…no, I haven’t,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “There was this whole thing, and I nearly got caught, but–”

“But?” Ventigo interrupted, sounding a little icier than before.

“B-But I found something else!” Caroline replied hastily, swallowing. “There was… a… a dragon in the chamber, and some other kind of… not-dragon.” As she said it, Caroline realized that pretty much everything else besides a real dragon was a “not-dragon”, but before she could internally smack herself Ventigo gave a chuff of surprise.

“A dragon? Well, isn’t that something… you’ll have to come back as soon as you can. Bring both of them with you.”

“Uh–yes, sir,” Caroline stuttered, nodding to herself. “Will do, sir.”

“I’ll be expecting you,” Ventigo said, then ended the call. Caroline sat in silence for a moment, feeling shivers run down her spine. Then she scrolled through her list of contacts, figuring she had just about enough time to reach someone else before she had to get going.

What should she do next?

A- “Carol Aviarti”

B- “Davy <3”

C- “374596182”

D- Don’t call anyone and move on

Five days, from September 28 to October 2, (All is absent from technology over this weekend) will be allotted for voting on her path. On October 3, the story will continue.

Will you?

Won’t you?

C

B- I want to find out who this Davy person is!

C, sounds mysterious!