Sutoratosu

The beach of sins "Careful what you think there, who knows, we might actually be dead." a voice called in answer to Joey's outburst. It was smooth, amiable, obviously meant as a joke to break the ice. Though anyone of them listening could've heard the subtle tint of uncertainty lurking just beneath. The owner was approaching them with a purposeful stride, his white lab coat gleaming in stark contrast against his dark skin in the morning sun, fractured spectacles on his face and hair falling in dark curls. There were visible sweat patches under his arms and around the collar of his dark shirt, most likely from physical exertion rather than the humidity. His grey slacks were soaked through from the knees on down and he was barefoot. "We uh... we had a minor altercation between the ship and a very, very angry source of hostility... but glad to see your all awake. We checked you all over, but is anyone injured? Any pain when you breath, concussions, dizziness? Anyone taste blood when they cough?"\ THE TOWER OF AVAL A darkened facade is graced by a chamber of obsidian and night. Within lies a king, and his second. Gods over a feral and insufferable land, masters of the world, usurpers of thrones and breaker of divine chains older than time itself. Before them, the pool of moonlight, water shimmering with lunar radiance. Heroes and villains alike dance across it's ever shifting face. "He has Reinforcements, Herodotus." The voice is sweet, melodious, almost seductive. But there is a bitter edge to it. It resonates throughout the darkened chamber like the honeyed kiss of death, enticing all who dare listen. But herodotus is used to it. Immune to it. "They are of no concern to me." He says "My reign is all but assured now; no matter how much he fights or resists, he can not prevail. Not now, not anymore." "Don't think so lightly of them... your son is among their ranks." Herodotus pauses at that, eyes widening. But he quickly recomposes himself "...I see. so he is that desperate that he would summon his best servant away from the side of the church to this conflict? No matter. The outcome remains the same, whether the fool decides to finally join me or die." "Stop discounting me and listen, you silly man. Your son is not the only threat among them... all their Hearts beat with great strength. I can sense it... oh." "What is it?" "They... they have slaughtered the angel you bound." Herodotus again pauses, brows raised and slowly walking to the edge of the moon pool. He takes a seat before the rolling waves of the past, present, and future. "Herod-" "Where are they?" He demands it with unexpected vigor. The Lady of Honied Death is taken aback by the response. "The Beach. I don't know which though..." "Leave me." "...as... as you wish." A door slides against stone with heavy resistance, rumbling with metallic resonance before slamming with heavy gusto. "So... this is your end game, Gira? You send Angel Slayers against me as your trump card, your coup de grace, your... last resort." He laughs, bitterly, dashing the moonpool with his staff. The shimmering waves are torn asunder by the blow, the once bright future they held lovingly now twisting in turmoil and carnage. Woman, Men, and children scream. Animals and Pokemon alike are brought to extinction. The world itself rots from within like a forgotten core of an apple left to compost. Arceus is dead, the Pantheon itself is all but destroyed. Herodotus smiles in wicked glee at his latest revisions. "A bold move, Gira, I will give you that much... but a futile one nonetheless."

Routes of Hazard- Shadowed Stalker "Well, that was definitely something, to say the least." The stranger mumbled beneath his breath, Binoculars lowered as the Children collected the food and left. "Joker, looks like we won't have to intervene afterall." He brushed a strand of his windswept slate blue hair away from his monolid crimson eyes. As he stood to full height, his black undershirt and and orange jacket and pants straightened themselves out with their owners motion, it became clear how lean and well built he was. With the length of robe hanging at his side and wide-brimmed hat, one could have easily mistaken him as a member of the Unovan Ranger Core... but their were no arms of that organization upon his person. The only identifier on his cap and breast where the Golden Tree of Life, encircled top and bottom by the kanji of his homeland. The shadows rippled around him, writhing with the sinister unlife of their master. Like a Chatot, Joker was there, perched on his shoulder. The wraith gave a hissing sigh with a shake of his head. His right eye, swirled yellow and crimson and violet caught the mid-day light as it cascaded through the canopy of decayed branches, casting the side of the man's face with an iridescent glow; to this day, he still didn't know what surprised him more- the fact that the Ghost had eaten and absorbed his own Sableyenite the moment they found it... or the fact that the Reaction between it and the Key Stone on his wrist had still worked regardless afterwards. "Yeah yeah, I know. They were pretty rough out there, even with the combo work, but they'll get better eventually.... that Watchog though. He was trained, and trained incredibly well at that; there's no way a wild one could fight like he did. But enough chit-chat, we've got a job to do, remember? Time to go inspect the situation." Joker mumbled something under his breath before his body faded back into shadow. He always did hate field work. Unless it involved caves, he absolutely adored caves... more for what might lay within their depths than for the act of spelunking in and of itself. The ranger disregarded his partner's indignation, reaching into the pouch at his side.... ********************************************* Hog looked the canisters over one by one as Green pulled them out of hiding and dragged them to the middle of the clearing. The lieutenant had followed his orders to the letter, pulling them out of the crate like that to stash them away from the brats... but still only five? There were fifteen of them, not even counting himself, so few cans would only last them all two or three days at most... but... maybe... no...no, he couldn't. He was smart, he was crafty, and he was ruthless, but he wasn't a miracle worker. Even with stricter rationing than usual, they'd still be out long before the journey's fruition. "Hooooog..." He sighed, rubbing his temples. Green nodded apologetically at his distress. Food wasn't even their sole issue. Most their number was injured and out cold. It would take everyone still able-bodied to carry them, and that would slow them down even further... Green knew his idea was for the best, but he just wished he had come up with it before this giant mess had started. The brambles rustled. No... it was more than rustling. The air was whistling as whatever was beyond came closer. They both recognized that thud, one after another, branches falling to the ground and the entire undergrowth thrashing with sound. The two passed a single glance between each other as the figure began to emerge, Shadows writhing around him, inky, black tendrils erupting from the earth and slashing with violent vigor at the brambles like a demon as he walked. That was the whistling. That was the thrashing. Another glance between them. And they both took their fighting stances. "Calm down boys, I'm not here to cause any trouble." Hog's eyes widened. As did Green's. That bag in the man's hand. There were berries there, and roots... medicine too, even. Far more than they'd seen in a long while. Hell, far more than they'd ever seen before

^^^So... that update never ended up happening. I have been... incredibly busy with shit the past few months since we paused and this kinda fell to the wayside as other things kept coming up both in school and on the forum. Well... no more. This getting priority level attention now that graduation is approaching in a month and a half or so and the workload as a result is starting to lighten a bit. Tomorrow... it begins again. Welcome to the whitest shore in all of Avalon. Your ship crashed here for a reason. Enjoy your stay, I know Nikki will. Not like she can leave now anyway...

just wait for now.

Just for reference so that Kenny doesn't go and overwrite the reaction to the shock like I ended up doing with Arya in the original cause I only had assumption to go on , how powerful was the shock, relatively speaking?

I almost feel like there's a criminal act in progress here and someone should be calling the proper authorities about a Sexual Predator... if the "proper authorities" even exist in this setting, that is. Well... that uh, that certainly took an interesting turn to say the least XD

Eh, well... like I said, not really a big issue. I guess it's more up to Lexi at this point than anything else.

Oi, Kenny, not really a big issue or anything, but I explicitly described Arya's sketchpad falling where it did earlier so that Lilith could have the opportunity to pick it up and examine the sketch for herself.

Arya Arya's sight couldn't help but linger away from it's exile on the far wall loud impact on the floor. She felt a little cringe as she stole a single glance at the other girl's... rather disgraceful splaying. Barely a second or two passed, but to Arya, it felt like an eternity that the girl simply lay there silent, the subtle pang of guilt first rising in her gut and beginning to eat at the rest of her from within. "Are...are you al-" She was cut off by the outburst of laughter... and the commentary. The tightening in her chest vanished. Her cheeks gradually lost their former red hue as she scowled, crossing her arms even tighter and again averting her gaze. This idiot down below was just fine. "J-just don't ever touch me like that again." She ordered. "There's this great thing called Personal Space, ya know. Ever hear of it?"

Tommorow morning, when I wake up... first thing I will do is take my shotgun here and fucking murder those two why not s for trespassing. It's too late at night for me to go spilling the blood of pest though. They got lucky... for now. Oh, and... don't think this is the last you've seen of the magnificent Clan Lord Hog, kiddos...someday, once he has led his people to wander about the dessert for 40 years, following a column of smoke by day and flame by night, guided by the lord arceus... Also I have added in a theme song for hugh. and a Mysterious Mysteriosa has also made an appearance...

Routes of Hazard- Harbingers of Reason The growling mudfish and clapping cat managed to divert Hog's attention from Gomez as the lizard dashed to the side, long enough for the others to set up. Without a second thought, he rushed forward like the loosed lightning he was, body glowing bright as a star... until he fell face first into the dust. With eye's redder than the freshest blood spilt by a golbat, he turned his gaze to his leg, only to find the thick cable of vine and plant-life attached. He heaved at the root with all he had, teeth gnashing as the tug of war broke between the two parties, Hog giving the group a run for their money even with their combined weight on the other end. His doubly boosted might was like withstanding a tidal wave of raw fury, slowly dragging them further and further as he got back to his feet and put on the effort. The moment he did however, he was met with the combined onslaught of thunder and flame, crashing into him like a virtual freight train. The vine burned and singed with electric resistance and raw heat as the force sent him flying back, effectively eating through the line like acid before it finally snapped. But Hog righted himself in the air, sliding back and coming to a single knee as he landed... though the attack had done a number, hurt quite a bit more than he'd expected from the amateurs, the light in his eyes said he was far from done. He rose yet again. Dark fingers began to erupt from all around, mingling with the cloak of golden aura like oil swirling in water as Hog's eyes deepened, going from bright crimson to the color of spilled, fetid blood as the menace in his gaze pierced through the group all at once. He took a wide stance, before tossing his head to the heavens and giving a roar that carried for miles throughout the woodland, as deep and guttural as a dragon as the darkness grew only stronger around him, dust and stones beginning to rattle and shake as the hat atop his head was blown off by the raw surge of power. He took a step forward, then another, body bruised but mind steady and fixed. The very earth itself trembled every so slightly with his very stride. Then without delay, he pounced, body preparing to strike and destroy them all. It... had been a long time, since he'd been pushed this far in battle. Far enough to break out the special attack like this. They should've been flattered; not just anyone got dunked on by his signature, it would be a special honor. Except the attack never landed on any of them. Green Energy hummed and buzzed around hog's fist as he lashed out, a violent reaction of sparking and arcing energy ringing through the air as the glowing sphere that surrounded him struggled to hold back the ruthless assault that surely would've done severe, nigh crippling damage to whomever dared crossed it's path... In the distance, the two remaining Lieutenant's stood firm, one of them with his hand's raised towards the boss, palms and pupil's alike glowing with pale verdance, sweat breaking on his brow as he went down to a single knee and body trembling from the raw exertion of his feat. His counterpart stepped forward, arms out in what seemed an attempt at placation as Hog's furious stare burned like hot irons into his soul. "Pat, pat pat trat." He said simply, shaking his head. This was all too much... couldn't boss see that? If he had been pushed enough to bring out the Wreck of Souls... what did it mean? "Rat, rat trat. Patra. ra ra ta." How long had they all fought for this place, how much blood and sweat and tears had they put into hanging onto it as long as they could? And just how much reward had come from their endeavors, since the invaders had appeared? Why? Why must they continue to fight for a place that no longer held any bounty, any reward, any way to sustain them without having to resort to such methods as thievery and fighting insolent, human brats with no respect of the natural order, of the drive for survival? Why should they all continue to suffer for such a worthless place as this had become? Why_not leave? why_not find somewhere better? Somewhere where they wouldn't have to worry where tomorrow's food supply would come from, what predator would try to devour them in the night? Hog was silent for a while. Then with a heavy sigh "Hooooog..." Because if they left, what guarantee would they have of their future? Where would they go, what would they find, if they abandoned the only relative, wretched safety they had? "Ra ta, patra rat pat ra." What guarantee of their future did they have here? The food was gone, he knew it, Hog knows it... everyone does. Regardless what they do now, nothing can change it back to how it was. The growing season would come again, they'd try to defend the bushes again... the invaders would break through and eat them all, yet again, and they would starve all over again. There was a difference between steadfast determination, and utter futility. This was nothing but futile. Why fight and die over a piece of barren land with nothing to offer? Why kill over a land with nothing to offer? What was the point of even fighting anymore? "Patrat..." his cohort spoke up, still winded from projecting the Protective field so far away. Green had a point... why was Hog getting so worked up over it? Yeah, sure, the humans beat up on the kiddos- albeit because of Ringo's rash leadership -but it's not like they were crippled or anything. Sometimes vengeance provided temporary satisfaction, but wasn't worth it in the long run. Even if he massacred them all here and now, there would probably be others; If he hurt the brats, it would only make everything worse. Adult ones would come looking for them... ones who would make far worse enemies. All hog was doing was digging everyone an even deeper grave than even hunger was. And besides... the old Meerkat wasn't getting any younger. They all loved him, but if he didn't stop all this rough and tumble business, stop trying to pounce on every threat... well, his zealous attempts to defend them... might just leave them without him. "H....." The boss let out a sigh of frustration, grinding his teeth as the aura died down around him and the earth stopped trembling. He glanced at the Human brats, then back to his officers. Perhaps... they had a point. This place... it was dead. Had been dead for a while; the dusty ground, the twisted and barren trees, the dry bushes... He'd been so busy trying to keep it all together, trying to keep everyone fed... he hadn't even realized it would all be for nothing if he succeeded. IF the land could not sustain them, they would be forever locked into the life of raiders... such a life would bring nothing but further fighting, more war, more conflict. Hog already had enough fighting for a lifetime. "Hog...Wat, howatch." Whatever he ordered just then, under his breath, the two nodded, and vanished within the underbrush. He gazed back towards the humans. But for the first time, his sight was not fixed on them, but rather the decaying state of their surroundings. The fires of rage had died in those crimson orbs. All that lay beyond them was the wintry chill of what seemed like sorrow... sorrow and reminiscence. His attention was clearly no longer on them. Though, with the issue of language barrier, the humans would probably scratch their heads at whatever the everloving hell had just transpired, their partners probably understood it well enough. This fight was over.

Arya Caught off guard by the sudden force, Arya could only watch as the charcoal stick fell out of her hand and landed on the ground right at Perditia's feet, followed near immediately after by the Sketch pad itself. "What the hell!?" she looked back at the older girl's nostalgia filled gaze as if she were insane, face flushing red at Esyllt's touch as the familiarity of the sensation came flooding back. It was just like she was a little kid all over again, sitting there and listening before bedtime... In another time, with another person, she probably would've let herself sink into the fondness of it. But times change, people change; change in ways you can't control, change regardless of whether you like it or not. Along with all the fondness, the display of misplaced affection also brought back with it the harsh reality that lesson. "G-get off of me." She demanded, in the same instant twisting away and breaking free of the crazy girl's strange embrace, just long enough to scoot to the opposite side of the mattress. Her face still burned red as hot iron as she sheepishly glanced away, arms crossing like an iron gate over her chest.

so yeah, don't really wanna be that guy but... if he still hasn't posted by now, it may be best to just move this particular interaction along instead of holding it up, given it really doesn't seem that important or central to actual plot and more tailored towards character development for those involved. Afterall, it's not like he'd actually be excluded from it if we did- his PC is right there in the room. He could just make a catch up post or something later on if he wanted. Again, don't wanna be that type of guy, the one I always go out of my way to lecture when they say it, but... well, considering that holding up with constant waiting is kinda a factor in why things went awry in this story's original incarnation...

^This. And the next update will most likely be the last of the fight scene. After this it's all wrap up work as you guys take the food back and the chapter ends.

(Mirror Edge, Argentum) Somewhere in the Waterways, Near the Lake of Miracles Mirror had watched it all through the blood tinted face of the jewel. The game of tag gone wrong, the fountain's drain closing her in darkness, the rushing torrents of the Waterways... she wasn't surprised, to be honest. Those two always caused trouble for someone with their childish antics, and alot of the time end up endangering themselves in the process... and like a knight in sour armor, she had always been there to save the day, even if they had no idea she had. From setting up a Wall of Force to stop them being crushed to death, to scaring away and injuring social predators and mending wounds, all in just the blink of an eye, herself never more than a mere flash of bright radiance whenever she went to work. She prefered it that way, that she did. Reveal herself no more than absolutely needed, and then go right back to slumber. Not even any effort to talk with the girl, neither during peril nor peace... that could wait until the kid was older, less foolish... when she would finally be able to understand just what gift she had inherited from her mother, both in blood and bond. Light and Ice... burning radiance like stars in the sky, good and kindness, yet tinged bitter and merciless by the chill of winter, the blade that cuts even the deepest and most powerful man to his core and steals his strength away, bit by bit. Yes, it was simply in her nature, this modus operandi. She had no true hatred of others, but she felt no true need to get chummy with them either. She had seen nations of both Free and Damned race alike rise and fall, wars wage both on the surface and in the Underdark, tyrannical kings fall at the hands of young and noble heroes, only for them to one day themselves become the very Tyrants they destroyed in their youth. Had seen foolish scholars and wise fools, deplorable braves and noble cravens, good men lie and hardened men cry. There was a time when she could still yet count the years since she had first formed. But that time had passed eons ago. There too had been a time when she would not have bulked at flaunting her presence. It too had died with the passing of the ages... or rather, it had died with the various wizards who saw fit to try to imprison her as a reward. It was strange, Mirror could not help but think. Strange how honied the voice of the dragon sounded, compared to the rapid chanting and straining will of a wizard, the raw contrast of seemingly genuine- though slightly disturbing -affection next to authoritative assertion. It sounded closer to the plea of a caller, really... like one of her pleas... Except it was not one of her pleas. And it never would be. Too many casters to count she had killed in retaliation, and yet despite the fate of all the others, only she alone had been able to do it... to win her favor. This... was definitely not her. Mirror probably would have just ended the charade right there, if it were a mere caster, bringing back those memories, what she had had and lost... those old wounds. But this... was no mere caster. She could strike down a wizard with her eyes closed, but her confidence in her ability to slay a full grown, likely ancient dragon, alone and single handedly, was considerably less so. And so... she did nothing. Just sat there, within her jeweled home, watching... all through those ruby-tinted lenses. Even as old as she was, there were still fights she still needed to pick and choose. She'd find a way out of this literal cesspool of a place and back to the girl soon enough, as sure as the sun doth rises; nothing would impede her oath, neither mortal nor dragon. But starting something she highly doubted she could finish... would not be very conducive to her mission. So...she just watched, and waited, silent as the night as the ruby pulsated with with strange, frigid light. Aurora, Ajax, 1st day of the 1st month, Year of Rebirth. Afternoon. It had been a while since the lion had stormed off, leaving the two to chase behind like wardens after prisoner. He was fast for his size, but then again, most all lions tended to be fast for their size, whether they stood upright like men or not. Fast as he was though, he could not hope to evade the scent of an Arachni. Hells though, she could have more than easily caught up with the beast, if only Ajax had just let her go on ahead, but noooooo, he was too afraid they'd end up trying to murder each other if he wasn't there... fine, whatever. Guess he actually wanted the cat to get eaten... which didn't really bother her too much at all if he did. The bag on Ajax' shoulder bounced and jingled as they walked. The silk had swelled just a bit larger than before, Aurora seeing no point not to occasionally stop and pluck a sparkle or glint out of the water, since Ajax was obviously in no hurry to find the beastman. Why waste a perfectly good find? "You know, I've never quite understood why you collect these things." Said the squidman, breaking the silence "It's not as if you have any actual use for them...they just sit about gathering dust." "Bordom." Aurora said "It gives me something to do, a way to keep busy when there's nothing to eat and nothing to hunt... and I know how much you surface dwellers love your petty bits of jewelry. They'd make lovely bargaining chips, if they ever had to; just because I've no immediate use for them doesn't mean I never will." "If you were smart you'd just trade the junk you're hoarding for food...then you wouldn't have your little starvation problem" the quip came as nothing but a mere mutter from Ajax, but Aurora whirled about as if he had shouted it to the heavens above, eyes flaring brilliant green as she glared at the Illithid, snarling ever so slightly. "Oh yes, and why I don't I just let you tear out my fangs, break all my legs, and pluck out my eyes while I'm up there 'trading junk for food'!? No, no, the fact that I can't even find enough to keep myself feed and that I've virtually failed as a huntress isn't enough shame as it is already, might as well just completely destroy any pride I have left by turning to the aid of outsiders to provide my meals, like I'm some damn vagabond who isn't even worth the space she takes up. Yes, excellent idea, Ajjy." She turned from him, scoffing in disgust as she moved deeper into the darkness. "what utter brilliance will you come up with next, suggesting that the Lion shave his mane when we find him? Giving Sylvi a pearl necklace?" "Look, calm down, I just meant-" She was already gone. Ajax let a sigh for what had to be the umpthteenth time since high noon. "Oh for the love of Seeker... am I gonna need a drink after this is all said and done." Silken sack still jingling loudly, he set off again... just wanting to find Mufasa and the damn Amulet and get out of here.

I've been swamped in shit lately just like you. I've had this post together for days now actually, just haven't had the time to type it out. And bring the new folks on, make it even more interesting around here.

Step into my office kids, close the door, have a seat. We need to talk about something real quick: Before we start though: Kenny, that plan would've never work. With the exception of Titan, Hog is easily bigger and heavier than all the starters and partners at this point, and with that Analytic, Damage Boosted Revenge going, they would just end up being flung away like rag dolls the moment they try to grab onto him. But that is besides the point, or actually... it kinda is the point, because in all honesty, Kenny has come about the closest to what I've been trying to get you guys to do. You guys need to step up your group strategy. Like, just gonna put it as absolutely bluntly as I can, because the myriad of hints and nudges I've been trying to give IC with each update since Hog has joined in again are obviously being either ignored or simply aren't getting the desired point across. Sooooooo... instead of trying to be subtle and do this with finese, I'm just gonna force my hand like I did with Kenny earlier This whole thing about people keep rushing into the fray and attacking over and over again, like they've been doing basically from the start, expecting the same result from a course of action that has been proven to fail several posts earlier? Yeah... that needs to stop now, because I'm starting to lose my patience with this fight from how long it's starting to drag on because of that. So here's what I'ma do... These posts right here. They say virtually everything. The strategy you guys have been going for is "Attack, Attack, Attack, keep up the offensive and just keep attacking". And thus far, you're results have consitatenly been... Rush in to attack boss without an actual plan, Boss either dodges or attacks come back to bite in the ass. You guys seeing the patterns I'm lying down? Wait, no? Fine... COME WITH A PLAN, OR LEAVE IN DEFEAT. Stop the random, constant attacks. You've been doing that since the beginning of this thing, and it may have worked against the lesser Patrats and the officers because you had the advantage of raw numbers, but not Hog. That much has been more than proven, because I've gone out of my to make it obvious, and doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result every time despite knowing that it consistently fails, is as Einstein put it: The definition of Insainity. So uh... here's how it's gonna work, I'ma lay down the law of this scene, right here, right now. Either you guys can cool your jets for like, one damn minute, just one damn minute, talk to each other IC, and come up with a detailed plan on how you're all gonna team up to overwhelm Hog, and who's gonna perform what specific role in said plan... because "We just need to keep being on the offensive and wear him down, he can dodge all he wants but sooner or later he's going to get tired and sloppy." Ain't good enough. or I just start KOing folks. Es that simple, Mihos. This fight was supposed to be challenging, but not impossible. But you guys are making it impossible for yourselves to win by not taking the hints I've been trying to practically throw at you. Hog is an opponent who is meant to teach the PCs teamwork and cooperation, very early on in the story so that later, when the real Big boys come out to play, they at least stand a chance of not having their asses completely handed to them on a silver platter. So... would you guys rather take this opportunity I'm trying to give now, learn to swim while you're still in the shallow kiddy pool and have your floaties, or would you rather I just toss you into the river later and shout from the banks "Sink or Swim, Kiddos!" It's your choice people. I've tried to make this obvious. I've tried dropping hints on how to beat him But obvious didn't seem to be working.

The inglorious watchog sidestepped the Ember and Water Gun combo like a Smooth Criminal, body turning to the side and feet sliding away in one fluid motion... as he used the motion to head closer towards the group, still silhouetted by that golden Aura of strength. These humans could keep up their attacks all day long as far as he cared; it was nothing compared to the battles he had fought in long ago, the speed and agility training, the reflex testing, over and over again until he finally got it right. They could press their offensive, one or two attacks at a time, keep trying to get a bead on him...but they would just delay the inevitable, and it was becoming more and more obvious by the second just how inexperienced they all truly were. They had the advantage here with a larger party, a larger amount of coordination that could be achieved against a single opponent, and yet... they consistently fail to use it effectively. Not that he was complaining, of course. Their seemingly incompetent strategies thus far would only make it easier to beat them into the dirt. ((Alright, enough... time for a chat OOC))