’ ‘Do you know, the more I talk with you, get to know you, the more that I come to realize that you are less and less like the man I thought you w...ere. Why do you continue to hide behind the jock persona?’ ‘Because the person that I really am will not be as popular as the one that everyone thinks I am. I don’t crave the popularity that my reputation has generated, but it does make life easier for me.’ Life as I knew it changed ever so subtly. Professor Lawrence’s attitude to me changed, not. Either risk it and make the breakthrough for the second realm of the soul together with the fifth bottleneck, or make the breakthrough on his own and most likely lose the spark of light after the infiltration of his sea of consciousness.Zax was more prone toward the former risk. Although each bottleneck was more overbearing than its predecessor, in the past four years his disposition was tempered and improved, especially after the war and Tularg's death, and at the time of the adaptation to the. " Oh do stop that stammering think what you want to say then say it" shescolded "..... I maybe not be dominant but I don't see a problem in that"was my defensive answer"Well not if you don't mind people taking advantage of you!" They don't!" again I heard the defensiveness in my voice"Oh really?" she leant back in her chair looking smug "soooo I didntinvite my self to dinner? I didn't have you prepare and cook the dinner?"she laughed "you are sooooo submissive" I'm not" I could feel my face. The restaurant before her was an old stone building, right on the water’s edge. Few cars were parked in the lot, not necessarily a good sign. But Desi was willing to try anything with Scott. He walked around, opening her door, offering his hand as she stepped out of the car. They held hands as they approached the door, which he opened for her. Inside, it was dimly lit and very cool. The hostess guided them to a circular booth, smiling widely at Scott. Desi slipped in and along the seat,.