Not as it Seems

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: A Drop of Ink and an Ancient Spell
Chapter 2: Broken Psychology
A Message to My Readers...

Prologue

Not As It Seems

Prologue

Written By: RobertBel98

Edited By: SilentBelle

I sat idly in a worn, wooden chair, constantly wrapping my fingers on the arm rest in impatience. The room I found myself in was painted a monotone eggshell color. Oak borders lined the perimeters of the floor and ceiling. Several bookcases and filing cabinets were sorted throughout the space, completing the dull and unemotional aesthetic of the office. The only thing that really stuck out of the uniform decorum was the old, big, tube television, which had been carted into the back of the room, and angled towards us.

Around me, sat the several other mourning family members, who had also come to witness the viewing of our mother’s will. Leaning in behind the bulky, oak desk, positioned in front of the group, rested one Mr. Brandt, my mother’s lawyer.

Mr. Brandt was an older gentleman. A noticeable amount of worn facial features, such as wrinkles and sunken flesh, bore witness to the many years passed in his life. A grey, woolen jacket lay on Mr. Brandt’s back, accenting the black tie, which wound around his neck. He was currently rustling through a plastic crate that had been pried open moments before.

Trying to occupy my own time, I began looking around at the others. Sitting directly next to me was my older sister, Elizabeth. My sister was wearing a long, black dress, with a silk belt wrapped around the waist. She had a seemingly permanent, somber expression plastered on her face. Tears were still welling within the brims of her glazed, blue eyes. The poor woman, weak from the recent emotional trauma, rested her head upon the shoulder of her husband Ryan for comfort, and let her long, brown hair fall carelessly around.

During our childhood, Elizabeth and I used to be inseparable; we had that kind of sibling bond that seems like it would last forever. Once she had gotten married, I had been so happy for her. But then I started seeing her less…and less.

My mind still struggles to come up with a reason as to why we had distanced ourselves so. Maybe we were just getting on with our own lives, our own families. I still wish I could see her more, and on better circumstances.

Sitting to my right, slouched over, was my younger brother, Brian. He was sporting a more casual getup. Jeans and an un-tucked, black, dress-shirt was his outfit of choice. His jet-black hair was combed all the way back, while his eyes wandered around aimlessly.

Now, Brian’s story was, unfortunately, different than Elizabeth. I see plenty of him, but it is never under good circumstances. He is always either asking for money, or trying to convince me to get him out of some kind of trouble. At some points, I honestly consider just cutting him loose, but I don’t want to lose my only brother. I don’t know why, or how, for that matter, Brian went down the path he did. My brother kind of just disappeared for a while, leaving us to speculate before popping up again as a different man. Brian, currently, was just continuing to stare off into space looking as disconnected and uncaring as usual. It, for me, was more upsetting to see him this dejected at the reading of his own mother’s will, than is was angering. Simply because moments like these just sustain my curiosity as to what happened to change him so. Where had my happy, little brother gone?

“Ah, here we are.” The gentle voice of Mr. Brandt tore me from my thoughts. Looking back toward the man, I noticed that he was holding a sealed, plastic bag, with what seemed to be a VHS tape contained inside of it.

The old lawyer shakily removed the plastic, letting it fall to the desktop. Turning around, towards the television, Mr. Brandt raised the tape to the VCR and placed it in the slot. The machine came to life, sucking in the recording as the screen blinked on, with an audible ping.

Looking back to us, Mr. Brandt spoke, “Alright now, is everyone ready?” Brian acknowledged, while resting his chin over his open palm. Elizabeth nodded slowly, forcing herself into an upright position, whilst sniffling in any lingering tears. I simply followed suit, getting a returned gesture from Mr. Brandt. The man brought his finger up and pressed down on the play button.

There, on the screen, appeared a face which I had loved ever since birth: my mother, Maria Taylor. Seeing the pale, old woman and her kind, smiling expression again brought back so many memories.

I can still recall the earliest days of my childhood, back when that tired old soul was as lively as could be. We all lived in a little town called Westwood, New Jersey. It was a nicer part of the state: a small suburb. My mother raised all of us, alone, for most of our lives. We were told our father had passed away when we were all very young. Elizabeth claims to remember a bit about him, like basic appearance, but nothing much. Whenever we asked Mom about the subject, she always deflected the questions.

My mother worked as a teacher at a local high school in her earlier years. Geography was her profession. She always said it was the natural mystery behind the workings of this world that drew her to that study. I remember coming home after school, finding her surrounded by books, just reading, absorbing the world of knowledge around her. Seeing her like that always made me happy. It was nice knowing that my mother was pursuing her passion.

She had dozens of books, ranging from textbooks, to fictional adventure stories. Jules Verne was always her favorite. She was fascinated at all the accurate predictions the famed novelist made of the future. Massive submarines, landing a man on the moon, even the internet was near perfectly depicted in those books. All from the mind of a man, who lived in a time where things like these were still ages away. Mom always used to read some of these stories to us when we were going to bed. Brian was always out like a light, while Elizabeth and I stayed awake, mesmerized by the ardor our mother held in those near-sacred words, and it was infectious.

As the years passed, Maria became more and more tired with age. Sleeping in, being forgetful, and so on. It eventually got to the point where she had to resign from her job at the high school, although she was never too keen on retiring. In the past, whenever we walked into town, we would always pass this empty shop with a big ‘FOR RENT’ sign in the front window. Well, after she had resigned from her teaching position Maria decided to pursue her passion in a different way. Using some of her savings, she bought the space off of the owner, and after a good couple of weeks of cleaning and remodeling, ‘Taylor’s Antique Dealership’ was open for business. Mom filled the shop with some of the old trinkets and such she had collected over the years. Eventually, people from in and outside the neighborhood started making their own contributions, completing the picture.

My God, she loved that place. It was like her little get-away, a sanctuary of sorts. But now, I don’t know what we’re going to do with it. Hopefully, we will be able to keep it, hold onto that part of her. I just don’t know.

The picture in front of me began to play as the all too familiar voice graced my ears. “Hello, everyone, well, looks like old me finally gets to have some peace and quiet.” This earned a muffled chuckle from my sister who was still holding back the tears. “First, I just want to say how much I love all of you, and that just because I’m gone doesn’t mean anything. Live your lives, and enjoy it while it lasts, because it is the greatest gift you will ever have, and I don’t want you wasting that,” Maria’s image said with ire. “Now, I guess we should get moving along. First, Elizabeth.” My sister immediately perks up. “Baby, I love you more than life itself, and you will forever be my little girl. You have always set your goals high and went even higher. I am proud of you, and I want you to know that. I am leaving you with the remainder of my life’s savings, which Mr. Brandt will be more than happy to state.”

Brandt stopped the video and once again shuffled through the crate, before removing a stack of papers and spreading them across his desk. The lawyer motioned with his pointer finger over several sheets, searching for the mentioned documents.

“Ah, here it is,” Brandt stated while picking up a form from the pile. He looked it over once then re-directed his attention to Elizabeth. The man then spoke, “It says here that Mrs. Taylor has left you two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and seventeen cents.” Elizabeth put her hand to her mouth in surprise before letting loose the restrained tears. With a smile on her face, the woman dug her head into her also bewildered spouse’s chest, and held him tight. Ryan returned the embrace with a smile of his own. “May I continue?” Mr. Brandt asks.

Elizabeth still showing a mix of emotions tears herself from Ryan and looks to the lawyer before responding, “Oh y-yes, of course, please continue.”

Brandt nodded and pressed down on the play button once more, continuing the recording. “I want you to use this money for things you need, nothing more,” Maria’s image stated while wagging her finger. “Also, on a different note, please try to keep that happy attitude that I love. I never could bear to see you upset. Well, I wish you the best of love Elizabeth,” Mom concluded, once again wearing her signature smile. She remained like this for a few moments before taking a breath and proceeding.

“Brian, if you…are present.” The man mentioned sighed and dug his face further into the crook of his elbow. “I know that we have not seen each other as much as we would have liked, and we did not part on the best of terms, but that does not change the fact that you are my son and I love you.” Brian perks up at this. “I care for you, and I want you to live the good life that I have tried to give you. That is why I have left you our house in Westwood, and the antique dealership.” Brian’s eyes went wide and he was now sitting at full attention. “I won’t leave you without making sure that you are living in a proper home. And the antique dealership…” Her upbeat expression wavered for a few moments. “I won’t hold you on keeping the old thing. You may sell it if you wish, but what I said to Elizabeth applies to you as well. Only use that money for things you need, like food, and bills. I just ask one thing. Try…just try to keep my books. I have really held those dear all my life, and besides, maybe you could finally try and read one of them. You always did fall asleep before I could get more than one sentence in!” The image started laughing and Brian joined in, tears starting to build. “Just…try to live a good life. Because Lord knows you deserve it, Brian. Goodbye sweetheart.”

Brian seemed to have completely melted away his distant field. He now looked as much a mix of cheerful and depressed as Elizabeth. After pausing the video, Brandt had once again gone over to the crate, removing a new set of papers and a sealed paper bag. Placing them on the surface, he looked to Brian while picking up the brown bag.

“Inside here you will find the keys to both your house in Westwood, New Jersey, and the antique dealership,” Brandt tells Brian before handing the bag over to him. My brother graciously receives the package.

“Oh t-thank you, sir, I will keep it here for now,” Brian stated whilst placing the bag on the ground next to him.

“…And these are the documents and forms giving you legal ownership over the property. I am going to keep these with me for the time being, until we can make an appointment to sort them out.” Brian nods eagerly laying back in the chair. Mr. Brandt looks at the frozen image of my mother for a second before looking back to us. “Mrs. Taylor had asked that the final bequest be reviewed privately, Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Douglas, Brian, could you please exit the room?” The inquiry is met with total confusion. Everyone is looking to each other as if searching for an answer, before turning their attention to me.

“Joseph, do you know anything about this?”

Looking to my sister I shake my head. “No, no I have no idea. Mr. Brandt can you tell us why, at least, my family must leave for this?”

“It is my job to make sure that the will of Mrs. Taylor be executed to her specifications, and she had requested that only you, Joseph, may be present for the remainder of the viewing.”

“B-but-” I was about to retort before being cut off by Elizabeth.

“It’s okay Joseph, I am sure mom had a good reason for this. We’ll all be waiting outside the office, okay?”

I hesitantly nod. “Okay, I will see you in a little bit guys.” Elizabeth nodded, removing herself and Ryan from the room. Brian got up and headed to the door before stopping to pat my shoulder. He then exits as well.

Still locking eyes with Brandt I ask, “So, mind telling me now why my family had to leave the room?” I asked in annoyance. The lawyer simply pressed the play button, ignoring me.

“Hello, Joseph. You are probably wondering why I had Mr. Brandt remove your sister and brother from the room. Well, the reason why is this: I have a last request of you. Something I know only you can handle.” Now I was really confused. “I have had something in my possession ever since my mother passed away and handed it down to me. Now, I must hand it down to you. All I am asking of you is to keep this item safe for me.” Maria’s face had lost all sense of a gleeful demeanor, and had taken on one of absolute determination.

Questions were reeling in my head. What item? Why is this so important? Why am I only being told of this now? And what did she mean by “only you can handle it”? Why not Elizabeth, or even Brian?

“I love you Joseph, and I am sure that you will lead a wonderful life. You have always been a great learner, able to easily adapt. Thank you, Joseph, and good luck.” Maria said the last bit with a smile before the tape cut off. The only sound in the room was the occasional whir of the VCR as the tape spun to a halt.

I now only had more questions than answers. Preparing to speak I turned to Mr. Brandt only to find his outstretched arm with a package the size of a shoebox in hand. He was not speaking, only waiting for me to relieve him of the item. Getting the hint, I slowly reached out and took the box from him. Looking down at the box, I began to scrutinize it, trying to make sense of that ominous message.

“Mrs. Taylor has also requested you wait until returning home until you open the box.” Looking up to the stoic man, I sigh, shaking my head.

“But, what am I supposed to do with this? Is that really the end of the tape? Is there any more on the written will? I mean-” The old lawyer raises his hand silencing me.

“Please, Mr. Taylor. What I have told you is all that I was advised by your mother. Whatever intention she had is as much of a mystery to me as it is to you.”

I just continued to glance between the box and Mr. Brandt. After at least a minute I begin to calm down enough to make a response. “Okay I…I understand, also, t-thank you for your time.”

The lawyer smiles while outstretching his hand once more. “It was no problem, Mr. Taylor. Your mother was a fine woman, and it is a shame to see her go. I wish you the best of luck in life, along with the rest of your lovely family.” I take his hand and give it a firm shake before turning towards the exit and making my way out of the office.

Outside, waiting for me, was the rest of the group. Elizabeth was sitting on a couch talking with Ryan. Brian was just leaning against a support beam looking at the bag in his hand. Once I had entered the waiting area, all their attention was immediately directed to me. Brian was the first to speak.

“Hey man, what’s with the box? We all had to leave for that?” Brian asked annoyed.

“Yea, Joseph, what did mom have to say to you?” Elizabeth asked now standing up from the couch. Unsure how to respond I just decide to be honest.

“I’m still not so sure myself. Mom just said that she wanted me to look after whatever’s inside this thing, and keep it safe.”

They stared at me blankly for a few moments before Brian spoke up, “Well why don’t you open it up? See what all that was about.”

Elizabeth chimes in, “Yea, why don’t we take a look?”

“I’m sorry, but…but mom told me specifically not to open this until I got home. I guess whatever is inside she wanted only me to see,” I say with uncertainty.

Elizabeth seems slightly satisfied with this reply, but my dear brother kept on pressing. “Man that makes no sense. Why would she keep something from us?”

“I know it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but this is mom. When has she ever told us to do something without good reason?”

Brian just crossed his arms and took on a bitter look. “You mean like asking about dad?”

Elizabeth looks shocked at the statement while I just shake my head. “Listen, I think I should go,” I say, while I start heading towards the exit. Brian continued to pout like a child while Elizabeth follows after me.

“Joseph wait, please stop,” Elizabeth asserted, still following me.

I stopped and looked behind me to see the pleading look in her eyes. But I just continued to head for the exit, speaking to her as I went. “I need to get going, Elizabeth. I really hope I can see you again soon, and under better circumstances.” Those were my last words, before I had pushed my way outside of the office complex and into the open road.

The drive home mainly consisted of me staring at the box whenever I came to a stop. The questions had continued to pop up in my mind, and I was only getting more anxious to reach home and uncover the cause behind all this commotion.

I lived in an average apartment complex in the outer city. It was pretty clean, considering some of the poor condition other buildings in the area were in, but it still had its downs. Like how sometimes the hot water wouldn’t work, and the walls were paper-thin, with annoying neighbors to boot. But as long as I had a roof over my head, and food in the fridge, I was content.

I worked at a shop down the road as a mechanic. I had originally aimed to become an engineer, even majored in it at college, although the world seemed to have different plans for me. Jobs were thin and due to what they called ‘lack of experience’ or an ‘absence of sufficient background’; not a single corporation would hire me. Guess I shared that fate with a lot of people back then, so I had decided to take my talents elsewhere and find someplace that would hire an engineering major, fresh out of college in a bad economy. Turns out, that place was right down the road from my apartment, and it keeps me afloat, so I’m not complaining.

Pulling over to the side of the road, I exit the car and locked the door with a distinct set of beeps emanating from the vehicle. With the package in hand, I headed for my home. After passing through the door I greeted the tenant to which he just replied with a grunt. My apartment was on the third floor, so I decided to use the stairs as it was quicker than riding that deathtrap they called an elevator.

As I reached my door, I cradled the box like a football, as I fished the keys out of the opposite pocket with my free hand. Placing the brass object in the lock, I gave it a clockwise twist, my reward being a satisfying click as the door unlocked.

Pushing inward, I was nearly run over by my dog, Gracie. She’s a German schnauzer with pepper-black hair and grey undertones. She was only about six months old, so she was still fairly small, but size did not agree with her strength as she has almost knocked me on my ass several times before.

“Aw, hey there girl. How have you been?” My only reply is a series of barks as she continued to climb my leg, to which I laugh at. “Alright, alright, I’ll play later, just let me do a couple of things first, okay?” The hyper dog jumped off the appendage and went to lay in her bed by the TV. “Heh, that is one crazy puppy,” I say, still chuckling.

Thus, I continued my routine. Temporarily placing the box on the ground, I removed my black coat and placed it on the rack next to the door, I then un-cinched my tie, also placing that on the rack. After taking off both of my dress shoes and leaving them at the base of the wall, I once again found myself holding the mysterious box. I stood there staring at it for a couple of minutes, as if I was trying to deduce the contents without even cutting it open.

After at least two minutes had passed, I finally let a sentence out. “Well, time to finally figure out what the hell I’m supposed to ‘protect’ for the rest of my life.” I walked over to the kitchen, placing the box on an island in the center of the room. Facing the counter I locked eyes with the knife-block positioned towards me. I took my advance and reached down at the set, removing a small cutting blade from the wooden slot. Turning back around, I returned to the island, where the box was still sitting.

Holding one end of the package with my right hand, I placed the knife over the tape and under my palm. I pressed down on the strip, seeing a small portion of the bond split. “Well, moment of truth.” With a quick and clean motion, I sliced the tape open. Both cardboard flaps flipped to either side as a result.

Inside the box my view was blocked by several crumpled up pieces of brown paper, probably used for insulation. Hastily, I began removing the pieces until the box was completely void of any remaining veil. I could now see the item in all its glory. “You have got to be kidding me.” Inside the box rested what looked to be a ragged old journal, and an aging pen. I picked up the journal out of the container to examine it closer.

There did not seem to be anything special about it. It just looked like some old book. Opening the torn up cover I am met with a blank page. A puzzled look adorns my face. Flipping through the rest of the journal I found that the entire thing, was in fact, empty.

“That’s it, an empty journal, and an old pen? This…this just does not make a single bit of sense. What’s there to protect?” I had continued to fiddle around with the journal before I decided to lay it down on the countertop. Now, my attention was directed at the pen. It, unlike the journal, was rather odd. The pen seemed to be made out of some sort of dark colored metal. It also had strange patterns indented into the sides of it. The markings looked like a swirling mix of gilded lines. I pushed the silver button at the end. With a loud clicking sound the point popped out of the opposite end of the device.

I searched the island before landing my eyes on a notepad across the surface. My hand reached out and pulled the stack of paper across the countertop, directly in front of me. With the pen pressed against the first sheet I proceeded to drag it over the paper, attempting to write, only to discover that not a single letter was written. After having tried again multiple times I decided to stop. “The pen doesn’t even work,” I state in an exasperated tone.

My clenched hand rested on the island, my whole body catching up with the events of today. I look back at the journal, and then the pen. The cogs in my mind began to turn as an idea formulated in my mind. Maybe…I should try writing in the journal. I mean, might as well be thorough. I wasn’t sure where the idea came from. It just sort of popped into my head. But, ignoring the unusual nature of the thought, I picked the pen back up and headed over to the journal, which was still wide open from the previous encounter.

Lowering the point down, I made contact with the first page. Once again, I attempt to write, this time, words are now formed by the azure blue ink of the utensil. “Huh, what do you know, it does work on the journal. I wonder why though.” I took a moment to glance at the pen in my hand curiously. A moment later, my face morphed one of indifference. “Eh, doesn’t really change a thing though. I still have no idea what the hell I’m supposed to do with-” My sentence is cut short as a small glint caught my eye. My eyes wandered about, trying to find the source of the visual disturbance. That’s when I looked down.

The letters, they were, glowing. I did a double take, trying to comprehend the sight. At first I thought it could just be the light from outside reflecting on the ink. But after closer inspection, I discovered that the glow was intensifying, and, actually getting pretty bright. “What the hell,” were my last words before the glow suddenly erupted into a blinding flash. Gracie had begun to advance on the object and released a torrent of barks. I thrust my hand in front of my face in an attempt to block out the light. However, the book continued to release flash, after flash.

I need to get the fuck out of here! I turned towards the door and tried to make a run for it…only to discover I couldn’t move. What the fuck. Looking back at the book, I was horrified at the sight before me. Azure blue tendrils, matching the color of the ink, had sprouted from the very words themselves. The living strips of light were advancing towards me. This only frightened me more as I continued to thrash and struggle, trying to free myself from the invisible restraints, but to no avail.

A tingle traveled up my spine as the tendrils made contact with my back. They twisted, wrapped, and molded around me, almost as if creating a coffin of pure light. “Hey, someone help me! Someone, please -” My pleas were silenced from the outside world as the bright, blue, blanket coated over my entire head. I could only scream in my thoughts before another, final flash, consumed my entire form, and blinded all my senses.

As the light died down in the lowly apartment, the usual, calm feeling, washed back into the living space. Nothing was left to give any indication of the events prior. No book, no pen, and no resident, who was the only witness of the paranormal occurrence. The calmness would not last however as a loud banging reverberated from the wall at the right end of the room. A voice soon followed, “Hey shut up will ya. Some people are trying to sleep!” An elderly tone complained. Then there was silence once more.

It was another calm, quiet evening in the Canterlot Library. The only sounds were the occasional rhythmic songs of the birds outside. For Sonnet Scrolls, the assistant librarian, it was absolute bliss.

Sonnet was a student at the Canterlot Academy for Gifted Unicorns, and she had volunteered at the library while on vacation for the upcoming holidays. The young unicorn strolled through the many rows of shelves that were contained within the gargantuan building. A group of floating books traveled along with her, encased in an ethereal green aura. The mare’s eyes darted around at the many labels imprinted on the bookshelves, as she searched for the correct section.

“Hmm, HE-107, HE-107…” Sonnet echoed the name of the desired location while she continued to scrutinize the plates. After a few more moments had passed, her pursuit finally came to an end. “Ah, here it is, HE-107.” Looking back at the group of novels, Sonnet removed three books from the main bundle, each of them encased in an individual aura. Bringing the first book up to her face, she verified the title, and then floated the book onto the correct shelf.

But as she prepared to check the next book, a booming crash sounded throughout the entirety of the library. The unforeseen disturbance caused Sonnet to jump up in surprise. All of the floating objects fell down to the floor due to the extinguished flow of magic. The assistant librarian simply stood there, still in shock from the sudden event. “Dear Celestia, what was that?!” Sonnet yelled.

The mare peeked out from the row she was standing in, and looked out into the vast corridor. That is when she noticed a faint, blue light, slowly fading away in the distance. Books were strewn about all over the hallway. Sonnet gulped, and took a deep breath before speaking in a shaky voice. “W-why did this have to happen on my shift?”

Chapter 1: A Drop of Ink and an Ancient Spell

Not As It Seems

Chapter 1: A Drop of Ink and an Ancient Spell

Written By: RobertBel98

Edited By: X-Ray One

I felt as if lightning had struck me, as my entire body jumpstarted. My torso flung upward out of reflex as a large intake of air flooded my lungs. Too many senses coursed throughout my nerves for me to process at once, which left nothing but a mess of disorganized thoughts. All I could see was white, and the only sound I heard was ringing, which only added to the panic. My breathing, erratic; my sight, blinded; my hearing, deafened. I was lost in my own mind, but I was about to be found.

The sensation dispersed as quickly as it appeared. The whiteness that had blinded me began to dissolve, as basic images started to become visible. The ringing softened until it was completely expunged from my mind. My hand, which had grasped onto my chest and dug into the fabric of my shirt, allowed me to feel my heartbeat settle, and lungs come to a rest.

I was seated on some kind of hard surface. Unlike the hard wood floors of my apartment, this felt different, almost like stone. As I thought of my apartment, more memories started to rapidly become clear. I was submerged into an inescapable trance, almost like a stilled video had just flashed forward in front of my eyes. But as the vision came to an end, I was left even more confused than before.

With my vision fully restored, I was left to take in my surroundings. Evidently, I was no longer in my apartment. My eyes darted around the floor. Books surrounded me, all strewn about. I noticed one had landed on my lap. Out of pure curiosity, my hand reached out to my legs to pick it up. I brought it closer to my face for further inspection. It was like any other book, but something did stand out. The title, at least I think it was the title, was unlike any language I had ever seen.

I analyzed it with a puzzled expression on my face. It looked like some kind of image-based language. Like Egyptian hieroglyphs. The one thing I was sure of was that it was completely alien to me.

Placing the book back down, I looked up, greeted by the sight of dozens of other tomes also scattered about. All of them had this strange form of writing written across the covers. To both my right and left were two towering bookshelves. I was forced to bob my head as far back as it could reach to catch a full glimpse. At first, I was taken in awe by the gargantuan size of the building around me. I had never been in a structure so large. But where am I?

That question tore me from my daydream as the realization started to seep in. I had absolutely no idea what the hell just happened. At first, the logical part of mind naturally took its stand. Maybe this is a dream. That could be it, yea. Maybe after I got home I passed out on the couch, and I just…thought up all that nonsense about the journal! A feeling of relief started to wash over me. So…if this is just a dream, then all I have to do is wake up. Well, how do I do that?

After a moment of consideration I had pieced together a plan in my head. I raised my hand, and with all my strength I slapped myself across the face. With no result other than a newfound pain spreading across my right cheek.

Man that hurt! I gave a pained sigh. Alright, let’s try that again. And so I did, again, and again, and again. Each attempt had the same result, or lack thereof. Oh my god, why isn’t this working!? I lowered my sore face into my palms, bowing over in defeat. I knew, one way or another, I was stuck here. I just needed to accept it.

After I had calmed down, I raised my head back up, and took a nice, long, breath. Okay, I need to stop acting like a damn paranoid, and start finding some real answers. I guess the first step to that would be to get off my ass.

With renewed vigor, I swiftly picked myself up from off the floor. Clumps of dust that had clung to my silk shirt fell down in silence. My hurried pace caused me to stumble a bit, but I eventually found my equilibrium.

Alright, now let’s find a way out of this fucking place- I cut my thought short, as something had caught my eye. At the end of the row, peeking out, was a light silhouette. I just stared at it, taken by surprise at its sudden appearance. And it, whatever it was, just stared back at me. This exchange lasted for several moments, and then…it disappeared.

The shadow darted back into the corridor. The sound of its fleeing echoed throughout the corridor. Still dazed by the encounter, it took a second for me to come back to reality, as I quickly called after the specter.

“Wait, hey I said wait! Can you help me, please?!” I began to run to the center of the complex but I tripped over a pile of the books that had fallen due to my ‘arrival’. “Ugh, God dammit all!” I yell in frustration. But the sound would only reach my own ears. For whatever had come, was already gone.

I shakily sneaked down the hallway. Occasionally backpedaling due to the constant noise coming from the row ahead, where that odd blue light had beamed just before. My heart rate started to pick up, as adrenaline began to inject itself into my veins.

Oh, Sonnet, why do you have to be so skittish?! Just go up there and check it out! I mean, it’s probably nothing. Just a mysterious blue light that caused an earthquake that shook that entire building! Oh dear, what am I talking about “it’s probably nothing”, it could be anything! Oh, what if it’s a burglar, or a ponynapper, or…what if it isn’t a pony at all! Oh no, now I’m scaring myself! Alright, remember, deep breaths, Sonnet, deep breaths. Like I said, it’s probably…nothing. Oh dear Celestia they said this job would be relaxing.

Slowly but surely I inched my way down to the row. As I reached my destination I had glued myself to the front of the bookshelf, keeping my body perfectly hidden. I kept quiet, listening out for any noise, or speech. My ears perked up at the sound of books being pushed around.

Okay, something is definitely moving back there. Still hidden I continued to listen. I picked up nothing but the occasional rustle or swipe across the floor. I can’t just sit here. I need to see what’s back there. Mustering up my courage, I peeked out from the corner. This allowed me to peer into the row.

All across the floor, books were scattered everywhere. Oh, look at the mess! But the mess was the least of my concern, as something I had never laid eyes on, in reality or literature, stood before me. I was…terrified, to say the least. It was so tall compared to me. Its presence seemed to just dominate the immediate space, which left me trapped in a stupor. It looked like a monkey, but also so different from one. I only thought monkey due to the shape of its face, but it was nearly hairless! And why was it wearing clothes? It’s just so…interesting.

My defensive mindset slowly melted away as the scholarly side of my mind began to take over. I scrutinized the strange beast for any information I could gather. I have never seen anything like this thing before, I can’t recall even seeing or hearing of a creature of this description in the zoology archives, and those are some of the most complete records on the planet! I took a step out from my cover. I wonder where it came from, and what it has to do with that blue light I saw. I took another step. Oh! I wonder if it is intelligent. It seems like it, but since when do you see animals wearing clothes. I became even more zealous, as I took two more steps out from my cover, absolutely lost in the oddity before me. And those features, they are not unlike a primate, but more refined. And look at its eyes, they’re so tiny! And… and… they seem to be looking… directly... at me. Oh my.

At this point my mind only processed a single thought. Run…

And so I did. Well, sprinted would be more accurate. My surroundings became nothing more than a blur as I rushed past them in my desperate escape.

As I neared the end of the column I could’ve sworn I heard something call after me. Wait, did that thing just speak! No, not important, need to get help! Not wanting to waste any time, I burst through the door headfirst, causing me to stumble and crash into the wall on the other side of the hall. Quickly, I got back on my hooves and continued my charge to the lobby.

I turned and galloped through hallway after hallway, door after door, being guided only by my instinct as I searched. Eventually, a large passageway made its way into my line of sight. Oh, the exit! Yes, I’m safe! I hastened my marathon.

I raced so fast, in fact, that I had failed to notice the elderly librarian, Minda, turning the corner. Uh oh! As Minda turned towards me her eyes went wide with surprise. My legs instinctively locked up, causing me to nearly fall flat on my face. Looking up, I was met with a worried expression from Minda, her blue eyes filled with concern. I was about to speak before my mind caught up with my body.

Completely out of breath, I started to hyperventilate. Sweat drained from my pores. Minda hurriedly trotted over to my position, most likely concerned about why her assistant librarian almost ran head first into a wall. I felt a hoof drape over my neck, as Minda’s lowered her face down to the same level as mine. She then began to address me.

“Sonnet, look at you you’re a mess! What had you going in such a hurry? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Having calmed down enough to speak, I am able to formulate a response in-between my labored breaths. “Not…a ghost,” I say in a strained voice.

“What was that dear?”

I took in several more intakes of air before responding to Minda’s query. “I said it wasn’t a ghost. I don’t know what. Just…please, you need to come with me to the archives right now!” My tone had become one of pure desperation.

“Sonnet, what is it, what’s the matter?”

“We can’t wait any longer, it might get away!” I grasped one of Minda’s hooves.

“What in Equestria are you talking abou- whoa!” Before she could complete her sentence I had already shot off down the hall once again, with Minda clinging onto my hoof for dear life.

At the speed we were going, it did not take us long to reach the archives. And by the time we arrived there Minda made sure her disapproval of the little stunt was duly noted. Mainly by her yelling and screaming the duration of the trip. After some convincing I was able to coerce Minda into trusting my still unknown reasoning. I, already being more than restless, had continued to race towards where the anomaly had occurred, leaving the old earth pony to slowly trail behind.

I galloped down the hall, scanning plate after plate, searching. Eventually, I was flagged down by my desired location. Halting abruptly I gaze into the space. But the more I took it all in, the more a sense of utter dread filled my heart. Everything was just as it was before I left it, except for one, big, difference.

It was just here. Where did it go? Oh my. I collapsed on my haunches, paranoia chilling me to my bones. Scenarios raced through my mind, leaving me nothing but a nervous wreck.

By now Minda had caught up with me at the row. Although dazed, I was able to pick up on Minda’s annoyed tone.

“Oh dear me just look at the mess, books everywhere! Oh, I hope none of them are damaged!” Minda waded through the pile, picking up book after book, inspecting them for any sign of damage. It took her a few moments to notice the state in which I was in. “Sonnet? Sonnet dear, is this what had you so upset. I mean, it’s not much to get you ninnies in a twist about.” I shook my head violently.

“No, there was this big blue light, and then an earthquake. And then I went to check out what it was, and there was this thing…yea, this giant monkey, and it was wearing clothes! And then, and then-” Minda held up a hoof, ceasing my ramblings.

“Sonnet, honey, I know that working here alone can be hard, especially this late. You can start to go a little stir crazy, maybe even start seeing things. I’m sure whatever you think you saw, it was really just in your head.” Minda put on a sympathetic smile. I understood what Minda was getting at, but I wouldn’t give up that easy.

“No, no it wasn’t in my head. I know it wasn’t. I mean, look at the mess, how did all these books get knocked down? And I saw it, it looked right at me, I even think it said something to me when I ran away! And-” I was once more cut off by Minda, this time with a little less of a sympathetic touch.

“Sonnet, just calm down and take a breath.” I followed her instruction hesitantly. “Good. Now, I can obviously see you are a little shaken up over whatever you think happened. Now, I don’t want to be so quick to call you wrong, so just listen okay?” I nod slowly. “Alright, now I don’t know about any giant blue lights or talking monkeys, but I do know something. This building is old, even older than me.” Minda said the last part with a chuckle. “It may look big and strong, but it tends to shake about every now and then when the wind’s strong enough. I think that it has been a very windy day out and that maybe some of the books might not have been shelved properly. You understand?”

“Yea, but I saw it, right in front of me…”

Minda had walked closer to my side, and looked me directly in the eye. “I’m sure you might have seen something dear. I just don’t think it was some big monkey. Now, seeing as how you’re still so concerned, I’m gonna let you leave early today. I was coming in to start my shift anyway.” Barely any fear of the supposed creature lingered in my mind, as a new sense of worry emerged.

“Oh no Minda, I can’t let you work here through the night by yourself. At least let me help you clean up that mess.” Minda just put on a grin and responded in a calm manner.

“Oh, don’t you worry about old me. It’s you, you should be worried about. Now, go home and get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning, alright.”

A smile wormed its way onto my lips, as I gracefully lifted myself off my haunches. "Alright, Minda. I will," I replied, keeping my expression jovial

The mare gave an understanding nod and walked into the row to begin her work. Before walking off I gave one last goodbye. I continued my stroll down the corridor where I had been sprinting like a mad mare just minutes before. I almost let loose a laugh as to how ridiculous the whole episode seemed right now. But I just kept on walking in a mild pace towards the door.

Oh, that poor mare. I still can’t imagine what got her so frightened. Well, other than a giant talking monkey. I had begun picking up the absolute obstacle course that was the row Sonnet had led me to. I thought obstacle course due to the fact that just a single hoof print could ruin a very valuable piece of knowledge. I picked up book after book, glancing over the title then placing them on my back to be later sorted into their correct spaces.

I mean, what could have possibly put that picture in her head. Well, she has been spending a lot of time in the Zoology archives. I guess that could be it. Still, it does raise some questions. Looking back down to the mess, I noticed something… off. At the base of my hoof was what seemed to be another book, except I did not see any title, or writing at all for that matter on the cover. Flipping it over, I was met with the same blank face, along with the spine. That’s odd. I could have sworn every book in the archives had been labeled correctly. Hmm, I guess someone might have just left it where it shouldn’t be, wouldn’t be the first time. I’ll just leave it on my desk to sort out later. After placing the anonymous book on my back, I continued with my cleaning duties.

Chapter 2: Broken Psychology

Not as it Seems

Chapter 2: Broken Psychology

Written and Edited by: RobertBel98

I forced myself each step forward through the forest of battered books and aged wood. A deathly silence had washed over the darkened room. My hands instinctively reached around to inspect the terrain. Anxiousness pulsed through my veins like a heartbeat. Its tormenting force bringing out a panic I would only suspect a caged animal would feel. Sweat leaked from my pores and ran down my face, as a bitter, chapped taste filled my mouth like I had taken a swig of vinegar. Every tiny sound was amplified, from the light shuffling of my feet to the repressed, ragged breaths that I drew. I wasn’t thinking. I was too scared to think. I just needed to move, move as fast as I could out of whatever this place was.

My slow pace accelerated to a tentative stride, still wary of the unknown dangers that may lurk. Turning left into another corridor, my gaze was met with an open door. Through the opening, I could make out the flickering light of a fire. Different shades of orange danced across the cracked cobblestone walls.

At least I was getting somewhere.

My shadow lengthened behind me as my head peeked out the door. Outside, a long, curved hallway extended to the west. Each side lined with multitudes of charred torches. The light now guiding my path, relief eased my edged mind.

I continued onward like this for several minutes, walking blindly. Turn after turn, step by step, I had no idea of knowing if I was walking to freedom, or leading myself further into the depths. Even in the face of this, I felt…calm. Maybe the slightest hint that progress was being made was enough to motivate me. And all that fear of the unknown, quickly transformed into an annoyed curiosity.

Images of that ‘language’ kept forming in my head. It was drawn in such a unique way, the nearly sporadic curves, oddly placed indentations. It looked more like some sort of geometric pattern than an alphabet. The only thing I was sure of was that right now, it was the only thing that could give me any idea of what the hell this place was. And I was drawing blanks.

The route stretched on an on, down the winding trail of brick and mortar. Thoughts floated around about how long I would have to drone this pilgrimage on, with only the cold stone and light smell of smoke to be my company. I took another turn, and fell flat on my befuddled face. I had tripped on a step, a staircase.

With a pained grunt, my torso was pulled off of the dust ridden ground to look up at my new discovery. I couldn’t help but let a wry smile grace my lips when I saw the light. Not torchlight, moonlight. I scrambled up like a spurred horse, the sound of my soles hitting the steps echoed. The light grew in my eyes. And as my foot touched the final step, I turned into the brightness. There were no words.

A wall of glass lined the hall, granting a window into the outside world. The night sky was at its pinnacle, the obsidian expanse twinkled with countless numbers of celestial orbs. The moon shone brightly in the sky like a silent protector, its dominating presence numbed my senses. Below, seemingly hundreds of feet down from where I stood, flowed vast waves of green. Trees littered the land, which only seemed like small drops among an endless sea from my perspective. The entirety of the ground reflected the lunar light like a mirror, giving the whole world a soft tone of that soothing pearl white. It was all so…beautiful, but it was also so wrong.

I stepped back from the glass until I felt my rear bump into the opposite side. A tired wreck now rested upon the surface as frenzied thoughts raced through my mind. It was too unreal. My hand raised and roughly ran down my face in exasperation. How am I going to get home if I don’t even know where home is?! Something snapped.

I swiftly turned around and punched the wall as hard as I could. I didn’t think. I just needed to do it. It may have been stupid. What if one of those things heard? There was no telling what would happen then. But I didn’t care. I kept slamming into the hard chipped stone, my one arm soon followed by a second. A crimson stain began to paint the grey brick. It was only when I started to feel the sharpness of the blows did I yield. I panted, trying to catch my breath. My eyes wandered down to my hands. All four knuckles on both fists were torn open. Small remnants of skin dotted the bloody patches of flesh. Without a second thought, I placed both hands in my pockets, and walked onward.

The moonlight slowly faded behind me as I walked further from the window. There were no torches in this hallway. Save for a spot of light that illuminated a corner to the north. Who knew, maybe that would be a way out? Or maybe the corner after that, or the next corridor, who knew?

For the time, everything was left in black. A sore aching brewed in my palms; I could still feel the blood trickle along my clenched fingers-

I froze, there, in the shadows. I didn’t know why I had, I just…did, like a living statue; I had even quieted my breathing. I tried to move, but I couldn’t. I didn’t…want…to move. It felt like I was being watched.

A sound resonated from beyond the next corner. Any prior hesitation dissipated, and my body stuck back to the wall faster than I could think. My eyes were glued to the quivering light at the end of the foyer. The sounds grew slightly louder. It felt like a rabid animal was trying to punch its way out of my chest, as my heart pounded harder and harder.

Suddenly, a black form passed the corner, briefly illuminated by the torch, before disappearing into the darkened veil. My nails dug deeper into the flesh of my hands. I struggled to restrain my lungs from bursting, as I suppressed more and more of my panicked gulps. I could hear the noise approaching. It sounded like…walking, but different, even familiar, in a way. It moved closer, and closer. I felt air slipping out, and one of my bloodied hands shot up to my mouth to quiet the gasp. I could taste the acid fluid against the tip of my tongue. Click clack, click clack. The sharp tune reverberated in my ears as they drew nearer and nearer. All I could do was stay quiet, and pray.

Time seemed to slow to an agonizing halt as the invisible being stepped in front of me. Please God just pass. Please don’t see me.

Blind hopes, misguided optimism, all were shattered when I heard the clicking sounds come to complete stop, directly in front of where I stood. The air was dead, even the distant crackling of flame was expunged from my mind. All I was focused on was what came next.

I slowly lowered my arm from my face and laid it against my side. A soft exhale of air was let loose, mixed with a deep sigh of relief from the strain. A few more clicks resonated from the ground below, I knew it was facing me directly now. What came next, what did I want to come next? I guess it always came down to two separate paths, fight or flight. I gently descended into a crouched position. So, what would I choose?

Was it even a choice?

With all the strength I could muster, I placed my left leg against the wall and pushed off with animalistic ferocity, pouncing at the creature. It all happened in less than a second, but I could feel every moment of it. I felt my arms collide with something. The force of the blow took us both to the opposite side of the hall. We crashed into the hard surface, a pained grunt left my lips. I knew I had a hold on its neck, because I could feel the frantic drumming of its jugular vein. It was hyperventilating, panicked breaths exploded from the creatures mouth. I heard a particularly sharp intake, and immediately clasped my hand around its head, and muzzled its face. I knew it was trying to scream. I struggled greatly to keep the hold, as its body bucked and jerked in frenzied bursts. I coiled my other arm around what seemed to be its body, and clutched it as tight as I could manage. My fingers brushed against the surface. It was covered in a soft, smooth coat. The feeling resembled that of woven silk rubbing against my skin. I was lost in the sensation for a moment, before being shoved back into reality. I needed to get this thing to either shut up, or calm down, or it could attract more of its kind. The last thing I wanted was attention.

“Hey, listen. If you shut up, I won’t hurt you. Do you hear me, just shut the fuck up,” I whispered aggressively. The creature froze for a moment, before releasing another torrent of kicks and muffled shouts. I didn’t know why I thought it would understand me, maybe it was just impulse?

Its screams were still trapped in my gripped palms. God dammit! I knew what I had to do. If this thing wouldn’t be quiet, I needed to make it. I removed my one arm from around its body. Before it could try anything, I swiftly shot the arm around the being’s throat, and tightened around it like a snake would its prey. It bucked and shook with whatever little strength it had left, desperately trying to get free. I won’t lie that I actually felt a pang of regret when I felt its breath start to sputter in defeat. Its body resisted less …and less. Any attempt at vocalization ceased. I waited several moments, until its heart was beating at a snail’s pace. Then, I finally let go.

I collapsed off of the creature, and caught my breath whilst lying against the cool rock, which chilled the warm beads of sweat that ran down my neck. I wiped the spittle covered palm against my khakis, any sense of cleanliness thrown out the window. I looked over at my opponent. Not even in a curious sense, in all honesty, I just wanted to relax my head. But what laid before me instantly snapped me out of whatever stupor I had been entranced in. I now sat at full attention, mostly in utter confusion. But what I saw wasn’t even what shocked me the most. A shaky, tired breath escaped the impossible animal.

“…P-please…don’t hurt me…” And then there was silence.

“What the fuck…,” I spoke the phrase unconsciously.

It spoke…this thing…it speaks English!? That means it could understand me…it’s intelligent. My mouth hung open dumbly, and I was frozen in my place, searching for something to explain the odditythat laid unconscious at my feet. Four short legs extended from a soft cylindrical body. A stray sliver of light from above illuminated its head. Its face was shrouded by long strands of wavy dark brown hair that cascaded downward. The coat that covered the animal’s form was colored with a unique shade of tan that resembled that of aged paper. Its side softly rose and fell with the movement of its lungs.

As I analyzed the creature, something caught my scrutinizing eye. On the center of its forehead, a long pointed bone jutted out, parting the hair that fell around it. It…it was horn. This thing is a unicorn. Every logical center of my brain shut down. All the impossibility of this day couldn’t have prepared me to face such an obstacle. The simple implications of such a being existing went beyond even my understanding. All I could think to do was stare at its tranquil face, lost.

Truly, and utterly…lost.

Click clack. My head spun around to where I had entered the hall. More sounds. That meant more if this thing’s kind. I didn’t have a second to debate this time, and I couldn’t let others find their own like this. I scooped up the slumbering being, and sprung off the ground, the unicorn in my arms. A lingering sense of disbelief refreshed as my gaze met its muzzle once more.

I carried myself into a sprint. Luckily, the equine seemed to be rather light. Even lighter than I would suspect a creature of its size to weigh. I didn’t even look back. I just ran, and ran. The torch luring me in. If you saw me, you would have thought I was running for my life. For all I knew at the time, I was. I nearly collided into the wall at the back of the corridor when I had reached the corner. My heels dug into the floor and twirled around, the torch passed in my vision for a fleeting second. With all the grace of stunned cat, I stumbled into cover. The unicorn had miraculously remained within my grasp.

The aisle was an unusual sight, compared to the previous atmosphere. Doors ran sequentially up and down the path. All of them illuminated by a string of candles held aloft in brass holders. The doors were trimmed with white painted wooden borders. Silver colored handles adorned each entry.

I walked a few steps before I was faced with the nearest door. Right next to the frame, a plaque hung, and the same strange language that had been scrawled on those books were now engraved here. I assumed they had to be some form of label. Slightly intrigued, I firmly cradled the unicorn in my left arm, while my right reached out. I turned the handle about an inch before it abruptly stopped in its place. Damn, locked. I tried the one to the left, once again with no luck. The sound of hooves hitting the floor began to echo once more. It was getting closer. I just can’t get a fucking break now can I? Desperately, I moved from door to door, grasping each handle and turning, only to find them locked.

With more and more speed I ran from one side of the hall to the other, frantically searching for just one open door. The thumps that the locks produced each time started to create an anger that welled inside me. I wanted to scream from the frustration. Back and forth, back and forth I raced. The entity’s steps still resonated in my ears. I eventually came to a unique passage, this one embellished with a large sign, emblazoned with what looked like images of a…broom and mop? Shaking my head, I reached out to the handle. Click. It was open. I gently pushed the door inward, not wanting to make any noise. Turning towards the twinkling candle, I grabbed the holder from its hilt, and walked into the space. I placed the unicorn on the ground with the softness that I would a child. With my free hand, I smoothly placed the door back closed.

I waited, and waited, until I heard the clacking sounds travel past my new hiding place, and fade off into the distance. I took a deep, refreshing breath. My head pivoted and gazed at my new surroundings. Luckily, the small flame of the candle was able to illuminate the miniature room. Facing me was a chaotic array of cleaning supplies. Anything from brooms and dustpans, to cloths and sponges. A small metal tub of water with a mop sticking out and was tucked away in the corner, along with a short stool.

Huh, I guess that’s what the sign meant, it looks like a janitor’s closet, I thought to myself. Down below in the center of it all, rested the little unicorn. I sighed, and stretched my arms out. Several satisfying pops sounded from my aching joints. I gazed back down at the floor.

“Well, what comes next?”

A Message to My Readers...

Well...it's been awhile, and wow, that's an understatement. I am aware that I have most likely already pissed off a few people who thought this was a new chapter by now, and to them, all I can say is sorry. But not only them, I would like to say sorry to all of you. Now, I am going to spare you a laundry list of excuses pertaining to life and other responsibilities being the cause for my absence, mainly, because those should go without saying. What I am here to tell you is the true cause for my...lengthy...hiatus.

When I first joined this site, I was inexperienced in the art of creative writing, and had little to no understanding of how to put it into practice. All I had were ideas, ideas that I wanted to share with a group of people with interests parallel to my own. So, I typed out a few thousand words, took a deep breath, and clicked publish, and I was happy. Happy, because I was getting to share my work, and put whatever amount of skill I had at the time to good use. And it was enough for me.

That was over two years ago.

Huh, it's funny how what in the grand scheme might seem like a short amount of time can feel like so much more within my own mind. In that time, I continued to write, progressively improving as you all critiqued my work. As my quality increased, more and more came to read what I had wrote, and I loved that. I was excited every time time I saw that I got a thumb up, or when someone favourited one of my stories, or when I got a comment of praise. I was excited that people liked what I was making, and that they it as something more than a random teenager's errant thoughts. But as my popularity grew, so did my desire for more of it. This desire getting so bad to the point where I was no longer writing for the fun of it, but rather, to get that like, comment, favorite, or maybe even a place on the featured bar. I began to get frustrated whenever I wrote, because my self-conscious was constantly nagging in the back of my head with that question, "Will they like this?!". I am afraid to say that it got so bad to the point...where I could no longer write, because I told myself it wasn't worth it...

That is why I have been gone so long, why I haven't written. Think of my situation as you will, be it that it is a cliched reason and poor attempt to quit, or a truthful struggle between happiness and paranoia. You have a right to your own opinion. I know mine's already made up.

As to the state of this story, and my other stories, concerning my followers. I cannot provide a set date when they will be continued, or even if they will be continued. But, as of now, all my open stories will be placed on hiatus, so that maybe one day, if I can ever learn to love my art the way I did at it's inception, I will come back, and finish what I started. For now, however, all I can do is ask for your patience, and hope that mine is not fully spent. I will remain active on the site, and on my group, as I still enjoy reading the work that you all create, and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

I thank you all for your time over these past two years, and I pray that my writing brought at least some of you the slightest bit of happiness, and that if I ever choose to come back, that it will continue to do so. Thank you, and to all of you I wish a Merry Christmas, and a most prosperous New Year.

-This is RobertBel98, we're done here...