Chapters The Beginning of Darkness (Prologue)
The day began the same forme, waking up to an empty world in which was ravaged by chaos, death and destruction. I thrived on this ravaged Earth, for I was the one who brought about its demise. I am Eztagal, the demon who brought the whole planet of earth to its knees... just because of the fact that they were the ones who made me into this monster that cannot die. To tell the truth, I would of never known that a human could be turned into a chaotic demon until I was the subject tested upon. The results were astounding to the scientists who turned me, but as I progressed in powers and started to act as a threat, they decided to take me out. I did not like this, so I did what any powerful demon would do, destroy and kill the ones who stood in my way.
This led to the chain of events that brought the world that I used to live in, thrive in and prosper in to a painful and savage end. I knew little of peace, in fact I despised it and wanted to kill it, but an idea could not be killed... or could it.
Thus begins the story....
I walked throught the battered and broken city of Moscow, Russia... laughing at the destruction I caused. I jumped ontop of a rather large building and watched as the armies of the various countries of the world fought and killed eachother over something that they did not even know about. Blood was spilled and I sadisticly grinned at how much of it was splattering the ground. I was one sick bastard but I didn't care... this world deserved what I gave it. This taught them to not fuck with things that they do not understand, mainly the make up of humans and trying to turn them into things that they are not. Once I felt the time was right I jumped off of the building and landed with a thud in the middle of all the fighting.
Once i landed, creating a giant crater in the ground, a russian soldier yelled at the top of his lungs, "Oh shit, it's that crazy American experiment... Eztagal!"
I walked right next to the screaming soldier and I stated in a demonic voice that could chill blood and said,"Yeah, that's me alright... I feel bad for doing this to a fellow Russian but, it can not be helped."
I then transformed my arm into a giant scythe like blade that was black and red in color and I sliced it down upon the soldier.... cutting him in half. Blood and guts exploded from the cut body as I transformed my other arm and started hacking away at all the soldiers in the area. The city looked like it had been hit with a tornado made of blood and organs after I finished. I laughed a little and looked at my bloody scythe like arms and said to them, "No wonder I nicknamed you weapons Carnifexer(executioner), you really do live up to your name."
I walked through the bloodbath, each of my steps making a squelching sound as they contacted the blood soaked concrete. I was happy with the carnage I created and knew no one could oppose me, but what I did not know was that they still could get rid of me. I did not know that a elite group of soldiers were in Moscow and witnessed my massacre. I did not know that they had a new weapon that could send me away to stop the madness. My arrogance finally got the best of me in a sense to think that humanity would find a way to fight back even if they could not kill or defeat me.
I kept on walking through the desolate streets until I was confronted by 5 heavily armored figures who had an extremely large black weapon with them. I said in a loud and powerful voice, "You guys are insolent fools, i cannot die... your weapon will not kill me."
The figure who I presumed was the leader stepped forward and aimed the weapon at me saying, "We may not be able to defeat you... but we can send you away from this place!"
I laughed and started to walk towards the group opposing me and said, "Take your best shot."
The one with the weapon looked at his team who all gave a nod and he removed his helmet. Once I saw who was behind the helmet I became angry... it was my best and dearest friend David from when I was an actual human... with a wife and a child who both werekilled by the fucked up scientists because they wanted to test the extent of my powers.
"I'm sorry old friend, you used to be a happy person.... but now you're this demon. Prepare to be sent out of this world." Said David in a sad tone.
"Fuck you David!" I exclaimed in a demonic voice as I rushed at him with inhuman speed and stabbed him in the chest with carnifexer.
"I still forgive you Eztagal....." David stated while coughing up blood and finally pulling the trigger on the weapon.
The blast from the weapon engulfed me and made everything turn black. I felt like I was being transported somewhere and I tried to fight this unfamiliar sensation that I was presented with. It seemed to worked as I was lurched from the vortex. It felt like I was falling for hours until i hit the ground with a thud... creating the all too familiar crater. I got up and looked around and said, "This place... what is this place....? I sense a lot of peace here, I fucking hate peace!"
Little did I know, that I had just entered a place that knew no war, destruction, or death.... little did I, the demon Eztagal that had an infinite amount of power and was I know that I had just entered a place known as Equestria.
-Well that was the first chapter aka Prologue for my new story "Darkness Always Comes" featuring my OC Eztagal. sorry about the mistake in the first paragraph... for and me should be spaced out. Please comment if you would like... tell me what you think... next chapter will cover the basis of Eztagal coming to grips with where he now is. He may even get some unexpected visitors too... probably who will get the shit scared out of them.... for now this is E. Shadows...
The Darkness is Here (Chapter 2)
After my rant about hating peace, I came to my senses and started to walk away from the crash site which obviousy would of drawn attention. Little did I know that a studious and young purple unicorn was watching the stars while I crash landed.
This young unicorn went by the name of Twilight Sparkle and represented the element of "Magic".
She sighed to herself while gazing up at the stars until a giant black and flaming meteor streaked across the sky, landing in Everfree forest. This immediately startled here as she said in a scared and interested voice, "What was that... it looked dangerous whatever it was, I must inform the princess about this."
Twilight then yelled for Spike, her dragon assistant, and asked him to write out a letter for her to Princess Celestia and Luna to inform them on this anomally.
The letter went as followed:
Dear Princess Celestia,
I recently saw a strange object flying through the sky, landing in the Everfree forest. I don't know what it was, but it looked dangerous. Do you think that I should gather the elements of harmony to investigate?
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
Spike then sent the letter quickly and as if with no delay, he coughed up a return scroll with the response from the Princess.
The return letter read:
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I too saw this strange object and I sensed a great and sinister power leaking from it. I think that you should gather the elements and go investigate. Both my sister Luna and I will also be coming along too just in case.
Stay safe,
Princess Celestia
Twilight then rushed out of her house and proceeded to go and get all of the elements who we all knew as Rainbow Dash(Loyalty), Applejack(Honesty), Fluttershy(Kindness), Rarity(Generosity), Pinkie Pie(Laughter), and of course Twilight Sparkle who represented magic.
-Back to Eztagal in the Everfree Forest-
I kept on walking in the direction that I deemed most dark and dangerous inside the forest that I was in. I laughed to myself, I really loved the area I started to go into. I could feel the peace leaving the premises and I felt at home again the deeper I went into the forest. Eventually I came into a clearing that was pitch black and I laughed maniacally and exclaimed, "Anything out there brave enough to challenge me? The demon Eztagal!!!!"
My exclamation was met with an eerie silence as I frowned and was about to walk away until I heard a rustling in the bushes next to me. My frown turned into a sadistic smile as I got into a fighting stance and waited for whatever was hiding to come out. I activated my demonic vision which allowed me to see in the dark and my eyes glowed a cloady red color. I looked at the bushes in which I heard the rustling come from and to my dissapointment, saw nothing.
"Damn." I cursed as I turned around to walk away.
I took about ten steps until a large and dark figure jumped out in front of me. I smirked and sent a flood of demonic energy into my left arm, forming a giant claw and I talked to the creature saying, "So you finally decided to show yourself... prepare to die."
Before I even lunged at the creature... I noticed something that made me stop in my tracks. The creature, who was also about to attack, stopped too. I reactivated my demon eyes and what I saw shocked me. It was a honest to goodness hell hound. It had pitch black fur, razor sharp claws, and extremely sharp and long teeth with red eyes. I walked up to the extremely large dog which stood about six feet and said to it in demon tongue, "I will not hurt you boy... I too am tormented like you... I am Eztagal."
The dog took a step back and looked at me. It seemed to recognize me as it responded in the same demon tongue, "Eztagal? Is that really you... it's me, Daemon."
I looked at the hell hound who was now known as Daemon and said, "What the hell? You used to be just a normal German Shepherd.... how the fuck are you a hell hound, and how the fuck are you even here?"
Daemon repsonded and said to me in a sad voice, "Eztagal, they experimented on me too, your whole family... even including your dog were all subject to that horrible scientists demonification virus!"
I looked with anger at Daemon and said, "Those bastards, but how did you get transported to this land?"
Daemon looked at me with a demonic look in his eyes and responded, "They knew if you discovered that I was turned into what I am now, that you would use me to destroy along with you. They could not have two who were so close do that, especially you and I because I was the dog that you raised from a puppy and loved like a son after your family was killed. So, they used that experimental weapon on me and sent me here... but now master and dog are reunited. Or you could say demon and hellhound."
I looked at my pet and said to him, "I really miss Caitlin and Ivan(My deceased wife and son)."
Daemon looked at me with sadness, "I do to Eztagal, I do to."
"Well Daemon, this land is full of peace. I am the demon of destruction and anger now... anyone who stands in my way will feel my wrath and the world will be painted with there blood. If the innocent get in my way, well they better know how to live without a head because I am now pissed." I stated with mailce in my voice.
Daemon simply nodded as I started to walk through the forest yet again until we came upon a cave. I looked inside of it and noticed a massive celestial bear sleeping inside. I smiled grimly and sent demonic energy flowing into my hands, creating black flames. I threw one of the demonic fireballs at the creature... making it roar. Upon seeing us, it charged and I looked at Daemon and said, "Let's destroy this creature with no mercy."
The six who made up the elements of harmony eventually made it to the outskirts of the Everfree forest and met up with both Princesses.
Princess Celestia then said to everyone present, "Okay, it's time to go and see what this thing actually is."
"I bet it's going to be cool!" Exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
The group then proceeded to walk into the forest, suprisingly not meeting any monsters probably due to the presence of the Princesses until they heard an extremely loud roar that shook the ground.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Fluttershy screamed as she ran behind the others.
"What was that?" Questioned a scared Twilight Sparkle.
Luna and celestia both gave grim looks to eachother and said, "Looks like somepony or something just woke up an Ursa Major. We must get there and stop it before it gets to Ponyville."
The group then started to run towards the sound of the roar until they reached an edge that was near the clearing and what they saw scared them more than the Ursa Major....
Well second chapter worked out pretty well in my opinion. Eztagal meets up with his old dog turned hell hound and they join forces and wake up an Ursa Major. Looks like the Princesses and the Elements will have to deal with a new violent, and extremely dark and sadistically twisted threat.... Eztagal and Daemon.
In trhe next Chapter: Hell versus the Heavens
Hell Versus Heaven
As the bear struck its mighty foot down on the battle field, both I and Daemon were ready for the fight of our lives. As I was thinking sadistic thoughts about how to destroy the bear, Daemon was thinking differently as he looked at me.
Daemon thought to himself, "Is this really what my friend has become, an unfeeling monster?"
Putting the thoughts aside, he joined back up with me as we prepared to fight the celestial bear that we have just awoken, as the group of ponies kept their distance. The Ursa Major, Daemon, and I just stared at eachother for the longest time until I felt a pounding in the very soul of my body and a dark demonic voice said to me, "Killlll theeee offendersssss......!"
Something then seemed to take over my body and I moved on autopilot towards the Ursa Major. My arms then started to change into something I have never even seen before in all my years of having these powers. They transformed into black colored, serrated, scythe-like extremeties. They also burned as they were created and weird tattoos began to form on them. The same voice in my head then said to me, "You are not making any moves to destroy this creature... so I'll do it for you."
I then suddenly realized what had just taken over my body... it was the demon who's soul was implanted inside me back on Earth, it was the demon who's name is now mine, Eztagal. It was like I was watching a hazy movie as the demon within me used the scythe shaped extremeties and plunged it into the bear's back. I then elicited an unworldly growl as I jumped back down from the creature. The demon inside of me then said, "Evan... you are becoming weak. Kill this creature to prove to me that your still the killer I know you as."
I mustered up my remaining strength that I had and said to him, "No. Not on a creature that did not make the first move... begone Eztagal!"
He chuckled at my statement and let my body go, allowing me to regain control. My arms then turned back to normal and I turned to Daemon who was shocked at the demonic takeover I just underwent. I turned to the Ursa Major and said in a commanding voice, "I'm sorry for disturbing you my friend... now please be gone and do not bother anyone else. I take full responsibility for attacking first."
The bear stood there and looked angrily at me, not willing to accept my apology. I then drew some power from Eztagal again and said in a demonic voice, "Or should I kill you instead?"
The Ursa then elicited a final earth shaking growl and turned around... walking off to never be seen again. After that ordeal, Daemon sniffed the air and demonicly growled saying to me in the demonic tongue, "Eztagal, there are life forms... 6 mortals and 2 immortals. They have been watching us, what should we do?"
I activated my demonic white eyes and looked where he was sniffing and noticed 8 lifeforms standing there. I then said, "Hmm, they are witnesses... maybe we should go and talk to them. If they are friendly then we are in the clear. If they are hostile, let's just hope that they can live without arms or legs."
I then looked towards the strange creatures who were staring in horror at me and my hell hound as I said, "So, you have seen us fighting this thing, have you not?"
They did not answer me as they were obviously scared, but my temper got the best of me as I exclaimed, "Answer me!"
A tall and white colored unicorn/pegasus(Princess Celestia) then stepped forward and said, "Yes, we saw you fighting this Ursa Major."
"Thank you, at least someone can address ny questions here." I stated with malice.
A Dark blue creature then stepped up, looking like the other that previously addressed me, and said, "What are you, and why are you here?"
"Well, some call me the purger, some the destroyer, but you can call me Eztagal." I stated.
"Okay Eztagal, I am Princess Celestia and this is Princess Luna.... my sister." Celestia stated.
"Who are they?" Daemon said growling at the six mares behind the princesses.
"Girls, it's okay... please come and introduce yourselves to this man, I'm sure he means no harm. In fact, he protected us from that Ursa Major." Celestia said.
The scared ponies then walked forward and started to state there names. I learned that they were Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy.
"Well, isn't this nice. Those damn Black Wraith soldiers did manage to transport me to a different dimension." I said out loud.
"Different dimension?" questioned Luna, Celestia, and the mane six.
"That's what I said." I deadpanned.
"Where did you come from?" Celestia asked.
"I came from a place known as earth where I'm famous, some say I'm also from Hell." I said with a demonic smile.
Pinkie Pie then started jumping in the air and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! You were famous Eztagal?"
I laughed in an extremely unerving laugh and said, "Yeah, I'm famous back on Earth because I brought about its destruction and helped toss it into a war to end all wars."
Turning on my heels I started to walk away and I noticed Daemon was not following me like he usaully would do.
"Daemon, come we are leaving." I said with impatience.
"I can't do that Eztagal." he replied.
"Why not?" I said with sarcasm.
"Because I'm not Daemon you filthy demon, I'm David!" He exclaimed
I looked back at the what used to be hell hound and noticed it starting to morph into the shape and body of the person I had thought to have slain back on Earth. It was in fact David as I dissapeared in a haze in order to escape all this madness. When I reappeared and materialized... I was in a big garden next to a statue. A voice then rung in my head and it was not my demon. It said, "Well, if it isn't the purger. I have been waiting centuries for us to join forces. Let me be the first to say welcome Eztagal."
The Dark Alliance
I smiled when the mysterious voice called me "Eztagal the Purger" because I recognized it. I gave a sadistic smile and stated, "Is that you Discord, never knew the God of chaos would find himself in Equestria."
Discord's voice sounded definetly annoyed when he replied "Cut it out Eztagal, I came here to specifically cause chaos and sadly ended up being trapped in damn stone. What I want to know is how a demon like yourself found your way into Equestria. This place isn't exactly one that harbors the things that you appreciate such as death, destruction, killing and various other things that you do, you sick fuck."
I let out a hearty laugh and the replied, "I know that, and I dislke your attitude. Maybe I won't release you, you insolent fool."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa man.... let's not make any hasty decisions here." Discord frantically regurgitated to his only chance for salvation.
I began to think then answered,"I honestly pity your plight old friend, I guess I should help you out despite the immature attitude that you harbor."
"Thank you Eztagal, you know that being in a stone for so long can really suck." Discord said in a relieved tone.
I didn't reply and instead stuck out my hand and placed it upon the stone statue that was Discord. It instantly began to crack, and it seemed that no chaos was even being caused to cause that. This may not really make sense to most on why this phenomenon is happening, but it is because of something extremely dark. I have explained my life up to this point, there is a demon that is inside of me, I can use it's powers, I was modified to become a demon, but no one expected that this would happen. The reason why the statue instantly cracked once I placed my hand on it was because I had a merged soul. The scientists just thought that the two souls would stay seperate and that it would cause a Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde effect, but they were wrong. I managed to merge my human soul and implanted demonic soul together as one. This blurred the lines of me being a human or demon.... this made no one know which I was in reality. The chaos of the new soul that I had created for myself and the vast powers that I had was more than enough to crack this stone, just by mere touch. The stone then started to crumble and Discord broke free. Bits and pieces of the broken stone started to fall off of the God of Chaos as he stretched and laughed at his new found freedom.
He then turned to me and looked at my new form and stated, "What the.... Eztagal..... you look different then the last time we met."
"I know that I do Discord.... but then again you didn't know what happened. I am not the Eztagal that you originally knew. I am much more powerful now." I stated in a meloncholy voice.
"I kind of realized that when I felt the power flux before I was released.... what did those scientists do to you?" asked the chaos God in an interested voice.
"I don't feel like talking now, I have a traitor to kill.... and you are going to help me do it my dear old friend." I added in a demonic tone.
Discord and I had made an alliance.... now hell will have to be paid by the innocent who inhabit these lands as well as the traitorous ones I used to call friends. This merged soul that I had was a gift and yet it was a curse, the irony of power is extremely difficult to comprehend.
-sorry if this wasn't a long chapter... this story had been on somewhat of a hiatus. This story will now shift to the ponies and Eztagal's "traitorous friend's omnicient points of view. The horrible/murderous deeds that Eztagal and Discord perform will be mentioned throughout this next chapter though. I am doing this because as one point of view is being mentioned... stuff is still going on else where and I want to capture this fact. for now E. Shadows out... and make sure to read the next chapter that will come out shortly.... "Equestria in Panic!"
Equestria in Panic!
- "Power is Ironic.... it can hinder and corrupt as well as help and enhance. I broke this irony though, and the world will feel my wrath and will pay with their lives."
-Eztagal, "Darkness Always Comes"
David sat down on the grass and looked aimlessly at the spot where I had dissapeared earlier. He couldn't believe what just happened here. He couldn't believe that this demon came here, to such a peaceful place. But he did know one thing, the one doing all of it was once his friend. Both the mane six and the princesses looked at him in this dismal state and actually felt pity for him, but also felt fear for what had just happened. Princess Celestia than miraculously got over her fears and walked towards David and asked, "You must know a lot about that 'thing' that just dissapeared, do you not?"
He looked up at the majestic allicorn and replied, "Yes, that being that you just saw used to be not just my friend, but was just like a brother to me... I feel sick."
"That monster used to be your friend?" asked Celestia in a shocked voice.
"Yes, but that all changed back where we once were.... I can still remember the madness, the chaos, the... death." He said in a monotone voice.
Celestia was silence by these words that came from David's mouth... this was something Equestria hasn't faced since the rule of Discord, and her and Luna's parents, and she shudderd at the thought of that.
"I can see that you are at a loss for words Princess, as am I. This is something that I've never wanted to happen... the fools on Earth thought that they could just whisk him away to another dimension. It would of worked.... we could of sent him to place where nothing would be hurt by him, but that bastard was so powerful he literally tore the dimensional walls of the portal we shot him with." David said to the disgruntled princess.
"How do you know all of this David?" questioned the princess.
"It may come as a shock to you all, but I was a part of the special forces team that sent him here." He responded.
"That explains some of it, but how do you have all those shapeshifting powers and such?" Princess Luna asked out of no where as she appeared next to her sister.
David was quiet for a moment before he answered, "Those powers that I exhibited were from my direct confrontations with Eztagal."
"How exactly could you get powers like though, they seemed demonic in nature." stated Luna in a suspicious voice.
David was hesitant but then answered, "The reason why I could use those limited powers was because the powers he transmitted to me were given due to the fact that he stabbed me with his arm and killed me before he arrived here."
The ponies were all shocked at what they just hear, the man standing before them had been killed by the one he viewed as a brother, and somehow came here.
"I know this doesn't sound believable... but the higher up saw the alterations to my seemingly 'dead' body and wanted to get rid of the evidence that it ever happened. So, they used the weapon on me to transport me away... but it seemed that the limited powers transferred to me kept me alive." He said in a voice laced with hatred.
"Doesn't that mean that you can stop Eztagal?" asked a different voice... that came from Twilight Sparkle.
"Sadly, no. The powers that I had are nothing compared to what he can do, plus I used them all up with that transformation that I did. I will do my best to help you fight him though." He stated in a sad voice.
"That would be a good thing David, we need all the help we can get to fight this fiend and stop this inevitable rampage." said Celestia in a commanding voice.
"Do you have any weapons to fight him with... meaning powerful weapons?" he asked in a hopeful tone.
"Yes we do... we have the elements of harmony!" Exclaimed Celestia.
David smiled for the first time in years and asked, "That's great, but where are these weapons?"
"They are right in front of you David, they are the six ponies present here along with us." she said in a happy voice.
"I see... who are these ponies though?" David pondered.
As if on que the mares stepped forward and said one by one, "I'm Twilight Sparkle, Student to Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash is the name and flying is the game! I'm Fluttershy. My name is Rarity darling. Ah'm Applejack and it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Pinkie Pie David! It's so nice to meet you!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you all too. You ponies must be ready to fight a menace this world has never seen before... prepare to face carnage." He concurred in a tone with urgency in it.
Just after He finished saying those words of warning, a couple of what looked to be flying royal guards landed in the group and they looked very scared.
"Silver Wind, Steel Wing... what is the matter?" Asked Princess Celestia in a startled tone.
"Princess, that thing.... he calls himself Eztagal..... he released Discord!" They both exclaimed in tired voices.
"Oh my..." stated Celestia.
"But that's not all.... they.... they..... they...." Silver Wind stuttered.
"They what?" asked Princess Luna.
"They destroyed Manehattan." answered Steel Wing as they both collapsed revealing the deep wounds that they had on their backs.
"It has begun...." Stated David in a neutral voice.
"We need to get back to Canterlot now.... we need the elements of harmony." stated Celestia in a calm voice, but she really was scared.
Darkness was just starting to spread over Equestria and she didn't really now what to do.
-Hello all my faithful Grimdark fans out there... the next chapter will be released shortly after this one. Eztagal will show how he deals with the innocent! Other than that hope you enjoyed it. E. Shadows out. Make sure to look for the next chapter "Of Destruction and Death"
Of Destruction and Death
"Many say that Death is only the beginning, but in your case it is the end."
- Eztagal
The destruction of the city known as Manehattan was delicious to say the least. The screaming cries of the innocent ponies, the smell of burning flesh, it reminded me of my home on Earth. When I looked over at Discord though, it seemed as if he was cringing at the scene before him.
"Discord, why are you so mortified by what you see before you? Your type of chaos and my type of chaos are not so different." I asked in a menacing tone.
"I know that Eztagal, but I always have used my chaotic powers to just mess with the ponies.... not kill them." He responded.
"Well, if you are going to be apart of this, you need to get your act together and start thinking like the evil entity that you are!" I exclaimed at his face, causing him to jump back.
"What you are doing isn't right though Eztagal!" Exclaimed Discord in response to my previous statement.
"What do you mean? You really are testing my patience here, I thought we were working together?" I questioned with a malicious voice.
This made Discord shut his mouth before things turned ugly, he may of been immature, but he wasn't an idiot.
I continued to walk with Discord alongside me through the carnage that was created and I didn't bother to look twice at the dead. Celestia and the rest of Eqestria had joined with david the traitor, so all their fates were sealed. The next stop for me was Fillydelphia.
Celestia clutched her head in agony as she saw the sight of Manehattan, or what was left of it. David, who was standing besides her, shook his head at the carnage before him.
"This is crazy, how did he move so fast.... this is turning out to be just like Earth." David sadly said.
"David, why is he doing this to these innocent ponies?" askd Celestia in a distraught tone full of shock.
David replied"He wants to find me, he wants to kill me.... I am sorry to say but he enjoys slaughtering you ponies. He wants me dead, but he is so twisted that killing ponies is turning out to be like a game for him. I also sense that he has elicited help too."
"Help? What do yo mea..... oh no, it can't be." The Princess stuttered.
"What are you going on about Celestia?" questioned David.
She didn't respond and instead her horn glowed in a mystical aura that surrounded them both. The two then appeared in the Canterlot Gardens where Celestia stood frozen in horror... looking at a pedestal where a certain statue was suppossed to be.
"Eztagal..... He released Discord." she said in a morbid tone.