The Calm Before the Storm (Chapter Nine)

This chapter is dedicated to platypus, larielromeniel, sensiblecat, and np_complete, who helped me work out some of my uncertainties about the progression of this story.  Thank you so very much for getting me back on track!

Previous chapters:
( Chapter One )
( Chapter Two )
( Chapter Three )

( Chapter Four )

( Chapter Five )

( Chapter Six )

( Chapter Seven )
( Chapter Eight )

( Chapter Nine )