The Sorrow series

CHAPTER 6 Forgiven

"Reed, it's not your fault," Anon reiterated, his voice steady with conviction as he wiped the remaining tears from his face. Reed blinked in surprise, his expression a mixture of disbelief and hope. "R-really, mate?" he stammered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Anon's smile widened, a glimmer of warmth returning to his eyes as he reached out, offering a hand to Reed. "It was never your fault on that day... I could have stepped in about the Apples, but I didn't," he confessed, his words weighted with regret. "I want things to go back the way they were, but... it won't," he acknowledged, the truth hanging heavy in the air.

"Anon, we can't go back, because we're here now. The ponies have accepted us for who we are now," Reed affirmed, a sense of acceptance and resignation coloring his words. They had found a new home in this world, one where they could start anew, free from the burdens of their past.

Anon nodded in understanding, a hint of sadness lingering in his eyes. Earth was no longer an option, and this reality was something he had to come to terms with. This was his life now, and he would have to make the best of it.

But then, Reed's reassuring smile caught his attention, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. "That doesn't mean we should hide what we were in the past. But not as monsters, but as survivors," Reed declared, his voice filled with determination.

As Reed walked over to the window, Anon followed his gaze, observing the bustling activity of the pony inhabitants below. Despite their differences, they had been accepted into this community, welcomed with open arms.

"And I know the mare you should talk to, Anon," Reed said, causing the human to blink in surprise before stepping forward. "Why not you?" Anon asked, puzzled by Reed's suggestion. Reed turned to face him, a solemn expression on his face. "Because this is not my story... it's yours," he explained quietly.

Anon considered Reed's words, feeling a weight settle in his chest as he realized the truth in them. This journey, this struggle—it was his own to navigate. And as he looked out at the world beyond, he knew that he would have to find the courage to face it head-on, with or without Reed by his side.

"You were the one with the right mind... I did not, and that Twilight... she must know... not for research, but for help. And I might be saying this... but I think she likes ya, mate," Reed remarked, causing Anon to flush red with embarrassment. Anon jabbed Reed's shoulder playfully, a mix of embarrassment and amusement evident on his face. Reed lifted his arms in mock defense, chuckling along with Anon as they shared a moment of camaraderie amidst the heaviness of their conversation.

"I guess you're right," Anon conceded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he looked at Reed. "Friends again?" he asked tentatively, hope shimmering in his eyes. Reed returned the smile, his expression lighting up with genuine warmth. "Mates again," he affirmed, a sense of relief washing over him as he extended his hand.

After so many years, their old handshake returned, a symbol of their enduring bond and shared history. As they laughed together, the weight of their past grievances lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. "I can't believe you still remember that," Anon remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Reed chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Some things you never forget, mate," he replied, a sense of nostalgia coloring his words. In that moment, as they stood together, hand in hand, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them as friends, united by the strength of their friendship and the resilience of their spirits.

As Anon's thoughts drifted to Twilight, left alone and possibly scared for him, he couldn't help but ponder Reed's words. Maybe Reed really was right. Determination flickered in his eyes as he walked over to his room, pulling on his leather hoodie. Outside, the clouds were darkening, threatening rain, and Reed followed suit, pulling up his hood as they prepared to face the elements.

"To the library?" Reed asked, breaking the silence as they both nodded in agreement. With a shared sense of purpose, they walked to the door and closed it behind them, leaving the room empty but filled with the echoes of their shared history and the promise of a new beginning. Together, they ventured into the unknown, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resilience.

"So, got a job?" Reed inquired, his curiosity piqued as they ventured out into the rainy streets. Anon nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I'm the town's worker. I do jobs left and right for those in need. But they pay me after the deed is done," he explained, a sense of pride evident in his voice.

As they walked, the first drops of rain began to fall from the darkening sky, signaling the impending downpour. Ponies hurried past them, pulling out umbrellas and seeking shelter from the rain.

"Not bad, Anon. Guess you work hard, right?" Reed remarked, admiration coloring his tone as they rounded a corner, the treehouse looming into view. The humans slowed their pace, the weight of their conversation settling over them like a heavy blanket.

But then, Anon came to a stop, causing Reed to glance back in concern. "What if I'm not ready for this?" Anon's voice was tinged with uncertainty, his eyes searching for reassurance. Reed smiled gently, placing a comforting hand on Anon's shoulder. "Anon, none of us ever feel fully ready for the challenges life throws at us. But you've already shown incredible strength and resilience. You've faced so much, and you've come out stronger on the other side," he said earnestly, his words filled with encouragement.
Anon nodded, a sense of determination stirring within him. With Reed's support, he knew that he could face whatever lay ahead, even if he didn't feel ready. Together, they would navigate the uncertainties of their new life, drawing strength from each other and the bonds they shared.

"Mate, you'll be fine... just take it slow, okay?" Reed reassured Anon with a supportive smile before leading the way towards the library. Anon followed closely, his mind grappling with conflicting emotions.

As they approached the library, Anon felt a tug at his heart, a familiar ache of uncertainty and longing. "She's not ready to hear about Ame... no, she is ready," his mind insisted, the inner conflict swirling within him. Anon nodded, acknowledging the truth in his thoughts, and formulated a plan.

He leaned in to whisper his plan to Reed as they drew closer to the library, the anticipation building with each step. With Reed's nod of approval, Anon felt a newfound sense of determination coursing through him. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, armed with courage, resilience, and the unwavering bond of friendship.

"Okay, I'm going over there," Twilight declared, her resolve firm as she folded her wings and took a step towards the door. The other ponies offered words of encouragement, urging her on as she moved forward. But her progress was halted abruptly by two simple knocks at the door, a sound she recognized all too well.

Twilight froze in surprise, her eyes widening as she registered the unexpected visitors. Anon stepped forward, followed closely by Reed, and the two waved at the ponies with friendly smiles. Twilight's initial shock gave way to a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as she watched the humans approach.

With a deep breath, Twilight opened the door, her expression a blend of uncertainty and anticipation as she greeted her unexpected guests. As she invited them inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that their visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with unforeseen challenges and unexpected friendships.

As the ponies laid eyes on Reed, they struggled to fully comprehend his presence, their minds grappling with the unfamiliar sight before them. The notion of encountering two humans at once was a rarity in their world, and it left them feeling unsettled and intrigued.

Apologies for the confusion. Let's correct that:

"Hey, everyone... sorry that I—" Anon began, but before he could finish his sentence, the six ponies, along with Spike, surged forward and enveloped him in a tight group hug. Pinkie's mane deflated as tears welled up in Fluttershy's eyes, and they all apologized to Anon, their voices a mixture of relief and gratitude.

Reed smiled warmly as he watched the group hug, feeling a swell of warmth in his heart at the sight of his friend being embraced by their newfound companions. Soon, he felt a gentle touch of magic on his jacket, and he realized that one of them had brought him into the hug as well. They whispered words of reassurance and support to each other, their bond strengthening with each passing moment.

Anon was the first to break the hug, his smile radiant as he looked at the girls. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and love of his friends, he knew that he had found a place where he truly belonged.

"Heh... I left you guys a fright, huh?" Anon asked, placing his hands on the floor as he looked at his friends. All of them nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting a mix of relief and lingering concern.

Before Anon could say anything else, Rainbow Dash flew out and fluttered next to him, giving him a well-earned punch on the shoulder. "Ow! What was..." Anon started to protest, but he stopped short as he saw the mischievous look on Rainbow Dash's face.

"That's for the bits you stole," she said with a playful grin before wrapping Anon in another hug. Anon blinked in surprise before returning the hug, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Uh... okay... Reed, what..." he began, but he trailed off as he noticed the other human laughing lightly while rubbing his cheek.

"So yeah, about that..." Reed started, his laughter subsiding as he prepared to explain their unexpected appearance and the events that had unfolded. "What! No way... I... I didn't know... huh," Anon exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise as he processed the revelations. He looked down at the floor, contemplating everything that had been shared with him. Then, a chuckle escaped him, followed by a hearty laugh that echoed throughout the room.

The rest of the group joined in, their laughter blending together in a chorus of shared amusement and camaraderie. As the laughter subsided, Anon slowly straightened up, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Well then, I guess that's all, really," he said, his tone light and cheerful.

"Now hold on there, Anon," Twilight said, her voice gentle but insistent as she looked up at the human. "You have to tell us how it was with Reed," she urged, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern.

The group gathered around, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as they listened to Anon and Reed recount their conversation. Anon hesitated at first, feeling the weight of their collective gaze, but he took a deep breath and began to speak.

As he recounted the beginning of their talk, a palpable tension filled the air, each member of the group holding their breath as they awaited Anon's words. But as he explained the resolution they had reached, a collective sigh of relief swept through the room.

Anon and Reed spoke of their reconciliation, their friendship reaffirmed and strengthened by their shared experience. As they shared the details of their heartfelt conversation, the group listened intently, their worries easing with each word. By the time they finished, a sense of peace settled over the room, their fears and uncertainties replaced by a renewed sense of hope and solidarity.

"And now we're good friends again," Reed said, fist bumping Anon with a grin. Twilight's smile widened at their display of camaraderie, her heart warmed by the sight of their renewed friendship.

As the moment passed, Twilight's expression softened into one of contemplation, her gaze thoughtful as she searched for the right words to say. Finally, she cleared her throat and addressed Anon directly.

"So, Anon... I want to apologize for... for pushing you too hard," Twilight said earnestly, her voice tinged with regret. Anon's eyes briefly flickered with a hint of sadness before he nodded slowly, his expression softening.

"It's fine. I... I overreacted," Anon replied, offering Twilight a reassuring smile. In that moment, a sense of understanding and forgiveness passed between them, bridging the divide that had once stood between them.

"No, Anon, I was the one who messed it up... I need to be the one to fix this," Twilight insisted, her determination shining through as she unfolded her wings and embraced Anon once more, her hug more passionate this time.

Anon gently broke the embrace, raising a hand to halt Twilight's protests. "Well, how about we talk," he suggested, his voice calm but firm. "I'll be telling you everything about my past, but..." He paused, lifting a finger to emphasize his next point. "But I won't do anything unless it's just us together," he finished, his tone resolute.

Twilight's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Anon's stipulation, but she nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of their privacy. Applejack snorted with amusement, wearing a sly grin as she glanced at her friends and Reed. They knew what Anon and Twilight needed—a chance to reconcile their differences and rebuild their friendship in a private and supportive environment.

"Secondly," Anon continued, his voice steady as he addressed Twilight, "do not tell the princess about my most personal past. She has helped me enough," he said firmly, his gaze meeting Twilight's with a hint of vulnerability. Despite any reservations Twilight may have had, she understood Anon's request and nodded in agreement, respecting his need for privacy.

Anon then turned his attention to Pinkie, his demeanor lightening as he addressed her. "Hey Pinkie, wanna throw a small party for everyone?" he asked, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. Pinkie's eyes lit up with excitement, and in an instant, her mane returned to its usual poofy state as she hopped up and dashed left and right, her energy infectious as she quickly set up the room with balloons, streamers, and a banner that read "Happy Anon Party!"

As the room filled with laughter and joy, Anon felt a sense of gratitude wash over him, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with his friends and begin anew. And as they gathered together, united by their shared bond and the promise of a brighter future, Anon knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, with friendship, understanding, and love.

Anon's laughter rang out in the room, a joyful sound that soon elicited laughter from the others as well. Reed blinked in surprise at the sudden burst of activity orchestrated by Pinkie Pie, but Applejack's reassuring pat on his leg reminded him not to question the party mare's methods.

As Anon and Twilight observed the group, their hearts swelled with happiness at the sight of their friends laughing and chatting together, their worries momentarily forgotten in the warmth of camaraderie.

Anon glanced down at Twilight, offering her a reassuring pat on the side with a leg. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude as he nodded towards the door. With a big smile and a nod of agreement, she walked towards the exit, ready to continue their conversation in a more private setting.

Before they left, Reed caught Anon's attention, his expression curious. Anon paused, turning to face his friend, ready to hear what Reed had to say before they departed. Reed's expression held a mix of intrigue and concern as he gestured for Anon to come closer, his voice lowered as he spoke. "Hey, Anon, before you go... I just wanted to say thanks."

Anon arched an eyebrow, intrigued by Reed's sudden gratitude. "Thanks? For what?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Reed shifted slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips. "For being a good friend, for helping me see things differently," he replied, his tone sincere. "I know I haven't always been the easiest to get along with, but I’ll never give up on you. I'm in your debt."

Anon's expression softened, touched by Reed's words. "Hey, no problem, buddy. That's what friends are for," he said, offering Reed a reassuring smile. "And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you." Reed nodded, a sense of gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Anon. I'll keep that in mind," he said, his voice tinged with emotion.

With a final nod of understanding, Anon turned to join Twilight at the door, leaving Reed with a newfound sense of appreciation for the friendship they shared. As they stepped out into the evening air, Anon and Twilight exchanged a glance, their bond stronger than ever as they continued their journey together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, hand in hand.

Stepping outside, they were greeted by the gentle patter of rain, the cool droplets falling from the sky creating a serene atmosphere. The sounds of laughter from inside the building faded into the background as Anon and Reed focused on the path ahead.

Anon glanced down at Twilight, who had her magic charged with an umbrella, covering both of them from the rain. He couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards his friend for her thoughtfulness.

"Thanks, Twilight," Anon said, his voice soft but sincere as he walked alongside her. "This means a lot." Twilight smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting the warmth of their bond. "Of course, Anon. We're in this together," she replied, her tone filled with reassurance.

"So... what do you want to know?" Anon asked, his gaze gentle as he looked down at Twilight. She took a deep breath, her expression reflecting a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as she prepared to ask her question.

Anon noticed her hesitation and knelt down beside her, his concern evident in his eyes. "Twilight, I promise... I won't get mad," he reassured her, his voice soft but firm. "Don't be scared to ask... and I'll try my best to answer."

Twilight's fear began to melt away as she met Anon's reassuring gaze. With a determined smile, she nodded, her confidence returning. "Anon... how did you and Reed get to Equestria?" she finally asked, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Anon nodded in understanding, his own smile growing as he stood tall beside her. As they began to walk, he cleared his throat and began to sing a song from his old world.

As Anon sang, his voice filled with emotion and nostalgia, the two of them walked towards the edge of town, oblivious to the curious glances of the ponies around them. Twilight's initial surprise at hearing Anon sing so effortlessly was soon replaced by a sense of captivation as she focused intently on his words.

Somewhere only we know

[Anon]

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on
So, tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

As Anon caught his breath, the two of them continued their journey into the woods, the canopy of trees providing shelter from the rain. Twilight couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Anon navigated the forest, his familiarity with the path evident in every step he took.

[Anon]

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on
So, tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So, why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know

Their surroundings grew dimmer as the dense foliage obscured the sky above, but Twilight remained unfazed, trusting in Anon's lead. As they walked, she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that welled up inside her, wondering what lay ahead on their journey. Suddenly, they came upon a cliff not too far in the distance, its imposing presence looming before them. Just as Twilight was about to speak, Anon picked back up on the song, his voice carrying through the air with a haunting beauty that echoed off the surrounding trees.

[Anon]

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on
So, tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So, why don't we go?
So, why don't we go?

As they arrived at the edge of the cliff, Anon's footsteps slowed, his heart sinking as he gazed down at the sight below. He winced as he spotted the bus, now covered in moss and surrounded by the dense foliage of the forest.

[Anon]

This could be the end of everything
So, why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know

Anon closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped by the soothing sounds of the wind and the gentle patter of rain against his skin. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, grounding him in the present moment and easing the weight of the memories that lingered in his mind.

As he opened his eyes, he found Twilight watching him, her gaze filled with curiosity and concern. Anon met her gaze, silently acknowledging her unspoken question as he took a deep breath, steeling himself to face whatever lay ahead.

Anon's voice carried a somber tone as he spoke, recounting the moment that marked the beginning of his and Reed's journey to Equestria. He gestured towards the bus below, its weathered exterior now serving as a grim reminder of their past.

Twilight followed his gaze, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in the sight of the strange structure at the bottom of the cliff. Anon's explanation only deepened her curiosity, prompting her to question him further. "What... what is that?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of wonder and concern.

Anon took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, his expression serious as he sought to convey the gravity of the situation. "It's a tombstone," he explained, his voice tinged with sadness. "Once, it was a human carriage we called a bus. It worked like a train, but could travel anywhere without rails. But here... it's not that anymore."

Twilight listened intently, her mind racing with questions as she tried to make sense of the revelation. The implications of what Anon was saying were clear: the bus held a significance far greater than she had initially realized, serving as a tangible link to the world that Anon and Reed had left behind. And as she looked down at the wreckage below, she couldn't help but feel a sense of solemnity wash over her, acknowledging the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future.

Anon's expression grew solemn as he recounted the events that led to the bus's presence at the bottom of the cliff. Twilight listened intently, her eyes widening in shock as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.

"What... What exactly happened? Why is it here?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and horror.

Anon took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult task of explaining the tragic truth. "Remember when Cheerilee took her class on a trip to the Everfree Forest?" he asked. Twilight nodded slowly, her mind racing as she recalled the incident.

"Like that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as she pieced together the connection. Anon's nod confirmed her worst fears, and she gasped in horror, her hoof flying to cover her muzzle as she looked back down at the wreckage below.

The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air, a palpable sense of sorrow and regret washing over them both. Anon sighed heavily as he sat down on the edge of the cliff, his gaze fixed on the sky above as the rain continued to fall around them.

But just as he began to feel the chill of the rain against his skin, Twilight's magic enveloped him once again, shielding him from the cold and offering him a comforting warmth in its place. "Sweet Celestia..." she murmured, her voice filled with sadness and empathy as she looked upon the scene before them.

Anon took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. He held his arms tight around himself, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on him. But he knew that he needed to share this with Twilight, to confide in her about a part of his past that he had kept hidden for so long. "I had my sister there too," he finally said, his voice soft but steady. He looked down, unable to meet Twilight's gaze as he felt a surge of emotion welling up inside him.

Twilight's eyes widened in shock, her hoof flying to her mouth in disbelief. "Your... sister?" she repeated, her voice filled with concern and compassion. Anon nodded slowly, his chest tightening with the weight of his confession. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "She was with me on the bus that day."

"Her name was Ame," Anon whispered, his voice heavy with emotion as tears welled up in his eyes. He looked at Twilight again, his gaze filled with pain and sorrow, as he prepared to share the heartbreaking story of his sister's fate.

Twilight listened in silence, her heart breaking with each word as Anon recounted the events that had led to Ame's tragic end. She sat next to him, her presence a source of comfort as he let his sobs escape, his tears mingling with the rain that continued to fall around them.

As Anon explained how it all happened, Twilight unfolded a wing, wrapping it around him in a gentle embrace. She could feel the weight of his grief, his guilt, his regret, and she shared in his sorrow as he laid bare the truth of his past.

It all made sense now—the reasons behind Anon's actions, the pain that he carried with him every day, the burden of his sister's memory. Twilight felt a surge of empathy for him, a deep understanding of the struggles that he had endured.

Anon blamed himself for not stepping in, for not being able to protect his sister when she needed him most. And as he finished his story, Twilight could no longer hold back her own tears, her heart breaking for the loss that Anon had suffered.

Together, they sat in silence, their tears mingling with the rain as they mourned the loss of Ame. But amidst the pain and the sorrow, there was also a sense of healing, a shared understanding that they were not alone in their grief. Anon took a deep breath, his trembling voice steadying as he wiped away his tears. He looked down at Twilight, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of vulnerability and relief.

"Now... now you know," he said softly, his words carrying the weight of a lifetime of pain and sorrow. He felt a sense of catharsis wash over him as he shared his story with Twilight, knowing that he had finally opened up about a part of himself that he had kept hidden for so long.

"That's everything you know... now, there are other stories... but that's all. Now you know me," Anon continued, his voice growing stronger with each word. He wiped his cheeks again, feeling the tension slowly dissipate from his body as he released the emotions that had been building up inside him.

Twilight reached out, placing a comforting hoof on Anon's shoulder. "Thank you for sharing, Anon," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "I know it must have been difficult for you to talk about, but I'm grateful that you trusted me enough to open up."

Anon smiled weakly, a sense of relief flooding through him as he looked into Twilight's eyes. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of connection with her, a bond forged through the shared experience of pain and healing. "Thank you, Twilight," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Anon held her close, Twilight's heart raced in her chest, her mind reeling from the sudden intimacy of the moment. She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she instinctively leaned into his embrace, her body responding to the warmth and closeness of his touch.

But as Anon pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting hers with a soft smile, Twilight couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness wash over her. She averted her gaze, trying to hide the embarrassment that threatened to consume her, but Anon's gentle laughter broke through her defenses.

"You don't have to hide... I'm done hiding from you, Twilight," he said, his voice filled with sincerity and warmth. Twilight looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise, as she felt her cheeks flush even hotter under his gaze.

Before she could respond, Anon's hand gently cupped the back of her neck, his touch sending shivers down her spine as he brought her face closer to his. And then, in a moment of passion and vulnerability, he pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

Twilight gasped in surprise at first, her wings instinctively flaring out before she melted into the kiss, her eyes fluttering closed as she surrendered herself to the moment. The warmth of Anon's lips against hers sent a jolt of electricity through her body, igniting a fire within her that she had never felt before.

In that moment, as they shared their first kiss, Twilight knew that she had found something special in Anon. A connection that went beyond friendship, beyond understanding. It was a bond forged in the depths of their shared pain and healing, a bond that would only grow stronger with time.

And as they pulled away from each other, breathless and flushed with emotion, Twilight couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. For in Anon, she had found not just a friend, but a partner, someone who would stand by her side through thick and thin, someone who would share in her joys and sorrows, someone who would love her unconditionally.

And as they looked into each other's eyes, Twilight knew that their journey together was only just beginning, and she couldn't wait to see where it would take them.