*Hidden Nature* A Shapeshifting RP

[NickyKnack]

Lucille pulled back to clean her tears stained face. "Do you really think so? She asked through the last of her sobs.
~~~
Graydon was taken off gaurd at the misstep. "Now that simplifies things." But he had a change of heart. He took her hand and started whipping it clean with the wet shirt. He glanced down at her and stuck out his tounge, before looking to his task once more.
~~~
Bertram approached slowly and stopped short. He'd seen himself through her eyes, when he was in her mind. so he knew this form had to be Jackie. He stretched out his neck to capture her scent to be certain. I thought I had hallucinated seeing you in this form. I must confess something to you and Sergio. I have committed an atrocity aginst your kind." He shifted to his human form to explain further. " For I have tasted your brethren's flesh this very day. It was the spoils of battle."
~~~
Orson quickly shifted himself and bounded after Kristen. He'd noticed that his antlers had dropped off. Which was welcomed, for new ones undamaged from fighting would grace his head soon. But for now, the loss of their weight was something to get used to. He finally caught up with Kristen. and ran by her side. Ever mindful of Jackie's boundaries.
~~~
Cadeon decided the porch swing would be good. He held it steady for Ember to sit and then sat beside her.
~~~
Aeval tested it with her claws. "This is a first for us. I didn't know it was possible to make glass. I've only dismantled it." She said as she showed Aurora. She blew delicately across the surface and the wall crumbled to grains of sand once more. Pandora choose to speak, "I think I am liking this very much. Is there a way to fix our weakness?" She asked as Aeval pointed with her talon.
~~~
"And I love you a lot. No holds bar for me, I'm all in. I'm as bad as a teenager with puppy love." Ericsson said with a cheesy smile.
~~~
Jaxon nodded, " Yeah, I know. But until I've learned it, I feel a little bit like a bumbling fool." He said with a bit of laughter in his voice. "What I must have looked like scrubbing that window with my sleeve." He replied softly.
~~~
Taylor's eyes widened. "No way!!! Anna, you rock!" Then she saw Nashton's limp form in Zypher's arms. "NASHTON! NO!!! WHO DID IT?! I'll KILL Them!" She roared as she took him from Zypher. "Come back to me! Don't go into the light! Wait, why is he still warm? " She asked quietly, as she held him up to her ear. "He still LIVES! It's a miracle!" She yelled to the heavens.

Merrick inched his way behind Anna. "Is she always like that?" He whispered to Anna.

Zypher stepped forward and took Nashton again, "Stop manhandling the little guy. He's been drugged. I'm on my way to wake him up. You can assist, if you calm down a bit." He replied gruffly as he turned to enter the apartment. The others parted to make way for Zypher and Taylor.

The hyena's peeked out the door and made nervous sounds. Lions made them nervous, but unhinged ones, even more so.
~~~
Markus set the mug down and folded his has in his lap. "That is something that I'm still trying to figure out. Humans aren't instinctual. They're emotional, but can be trained. But like my present problem, you've confirmed I can't change their natures. So I'll stop trying to do that. I have other means to accomplish my desired results." He stated offhandedly.

 

[StarrNico]

Starr nodded and smiled at Lucille again "Why wouldn't he?Especially if your heart is already claimed" She said, voicing a suspicion she had now.
~~~
Kyra held still while he did that for her then got up and hugged him. She was glad he hadn't taken advantage, even though he easily could have.
~~~
Jackie bit her lip and looked down "I was the one that softened their flesh to make them easier to defeat" She admitted then glanced to Sergio to see how she would take that. Truthfully she hadn't thought about the gargoyles being like her since they were trying to harm them and the humans.
~~~
Kristen had to focus on both running and not running into anything, but all she wanted to focus on was Orson. She stole glances of him as they ran side by side, hoping the running would be second nature like it was when she was human soon.
~~
Ember took the seat and waited for him to join her then curled up against his side as well as she could. She honestly didn't care what they did, but she wanted to be a part of his world so badly. Things she hadn't thought about doing before, she now did just because he had mentioned them or shown interest.
~~~
"Practice is the only way to become stronger." Aurora said and smiled softly. "You have to learn your limits and push past them until you are as strong as you want to be, though this takes time."
~~~
Rosie chuckled and leaned close to kiss him again. "I like your puppy love" She said teasingly then got up "Shall we go see what's here for breakfast and if they left us a note?"
~~~
Sky smiled and shook her head "Your sleeve would work for most things, it's just the natural oils on skin doesn't come off so easily." She explained "You didn't look like a fool." She said, trying to assure him of that.
~~~
Anna took a deep breath then glanced to the hyenas. "She is like that with Nashton, she loves him. She grew up thinking she was human and is still learning her lion side and learning to control her natural impulses." She explained to them though she realized that wasn't the most comforting thing to say. It was the truth, and that was all she could give for now as she headed in to check on the others and make sure they were all alright.
~~~
Don started to speak then shut his mouth and looked to his food, finishing the eggs off before he said something he might regret. There was such a thing as being too friendly with the enemy and too confrontational with your captor, to do both at the same time was just foolish.

 

[NickyKnack]

Lucille smiled as she confirmed that statement. "It is." She started tidying her appearance. She'd made quite a spectacle of herself. "It came on me all of a sudden. I'm usually not this emotional." She said embarrassed.

Falkirk stood vigil for the princesses. Ensuring they had their privacy.
~~~
Graydon grinned from Kyra's affection. "All I did was clean off your hand. It's really not worth a hug. Especially since it was my fault it got dirty in the first place." He said with humor.
~~~
Bertram nodded slightly, "Aeval said she tasted magic. I should have known you had a hand in it. If I'd thought things through better, I should have abstained. But the dragon had offered and it's customary to not refuse a victory feast." He explained sadly.

When Sergio landed close by, she shrugged, "No big deal. They had to be stopped and evidence could not be left. I don't take it personal. They were dark demos, banished for a reason. " She stated before holding out a half eaten fish. "Fish eat other fish. Everything's food for something. Think nothing of it. " She said logically. She then got serious, " But if you try and eat my Jackie, we have a problem. " She said with a fierce growl, before she took another bite of fish.

Bertram rested his hand over his heart. " Upon my beating heart, I vow to you, Sergio of the gargoyle clan. I shall not harm your Jackie or you." He swore to her.

Sergio smiled widely and nodded, "Good!"
~~~
Orson glanced to Kristen and bowed his he to her. He then spoke in her mind. "You're thinking too much. Feel the earth under your hooves. The shift in the terrain, the slip of leaf litter and crunch of twigs. Open yourself to the woods. Use the other inhabitants to warn you of possible dangers. Their sounds and their lack of sounds. Stop thinking you will fall and you will fly." He then lept over a massive tree stump effortlessly, in order to stay by Kristen's side.
~~~
Cadeon equally curled himself around Ember. He gently rocked them in the swing as he hummed a simple song to her.
~~~
"We will, we promise! You won't be disappointed. " Aeval, Pandora and Ena, said at once.
~~~
"Yes ma'am, I've had my sugar and I'm ready to go. Breakfast sounds like a wonderful idea. Because I must admit, I'm more than a little bit hungry. " He said as he took her assistance to get to his feet. He was pretty stiff and sore, but didn't dare complain about it.
~~~
Jaxon smiled happily at her reassurance. He somehow needed it more from her then any other. "One day, I'd like to impress you, Skylar. Your opinion of me is important. I believe now, that is why I'm so awkward around you. I just need to learn to let my guard down and relax into this domestic life. " He observed critically of himself.
~~~
Zypher passed Nashton off to a much calmer Taylor. He got the smelling salts and cracked the tube under Nashton's nose. The skunk came awake with a sneeze. He looked around alarmed, but settled into Taylor's arms. "Oh, Taylor. I dreamed I was shot. No, that wasn't a dream, a manish woman did shoot me. " Zypher then explained everything to Taylor and Nashton.
~
Aurelius smiled happily at Anna and ran to her to hugged her. "I was so worried for you both. But I was blinded to the outcome. Omen fortunately sent Degan to save me from doing something stupid. As well as the assurance that all would work out fine. But Taylor was stubborn and refused to listen to him. She called him a maned feather duster." She said with a giggle.

Luce walked up and hugged Anna next. "So what really happened? " She asked curiously.

( Ok, who's all there? Mine are: Aurelius, Arran ( human), Ashton ( human), Degan, Taylor, Nashton, Zypher. (Astrid is implied ) )
~~~
Markus knew conversations with Don was over by his silence. So he left things as they stood. He finished up his meal and took the tray and lid to the cart by the door. He came back for his coffee and took it to his desk to work. Parish however walked over and looked at Don curiously. "What does your wolf look like? " She asked quietly.

 

[StarrNico]

Starr smiled and helped her clean up "I have found my love, despite what my parents thought might be best for me so long ago." She said then glanced to Falkirk and smiled then looked back to Lucille "Finding someone you can twirl with is an amazing thing."
~~~
Kyra chuckled lightly and shook her head then motioned to the shirt "You came in here planning to get me wet with that, not clean my hand' She said, proving she had known or guessed what was going on.
~~~
Jackie smiled at Sergio and Bertram "I love both of you, one more like a sister and the other more like a mate" She thought, letting them see the thought even as she hugged Bertram close. "I know you would never hurt me Bertram."
~~~
Kristen laughed inwardly at that "Stop thinking? That is much easier said than done" She thought back then took a deep breath and tried to do as he suggested and just let go of the need to control everything and just run
~~~
Ember smiled, closing her eyes and just relaxing into his hold. Simple things like this made her feel loved and cherished. She wouldn't trade this for anything
~~~
Aurora smiled at them then looked at the sand around the tree "I know, you have a thirst for knowledge and the will to learn. You won't disappoint me, now try to make something from all of this, make a stature if you can. That will teach you control and details make learning faster."
~~~
"We did miss supper last night and our lunch was interrupted." Rosie said as she helped him up and to the kitchen so she could find them something to eat and his medicine.
~~~
Skylar flushed and looked down at the floor. "You do impress me, you learn so quickly I don't think you even realize how much you have already learned that you didn't know before. And going against those who held you for so long, that is a feat in itself too"
~~~
Anna chuckled and shook her head at that "Well, I am glad none of you are hurt." She said then started explaining most of what happened, leaving out the not knowing the why's or how's of that encounter. The fey wolf had claimed to be a guardian, so that was who she had to go to for those answers, the historian
(I think Anna and Angela are my only two here now, if Angela still is)
~~~
Don moved his tray to beside the cell door. He looked to Parish then went back to the bed as if he wouldn't answer her question. He didn't like her kind, they were too evil for his liking and he didn't want to answer anything she asked him.

 

[NickyKnack]

Lucille stood up and was straightening her gown when she asked, "You have twirled, princess Star? Oh, what is it like?"

At Star's tender smile, Falkirk's fidgeting got worse. He was trying not to listen to them talk. But he was curious to hear if Star's side of the bonding was as soul affirming as his was.
~~~
Graydon grinned slyly. "Yes, but as a very learned friend once told me, You can't judge someone based upon their intentions alone, you must judge them by their actions." He said, totally making it up from the lessons Kyra had given him.
~~~
"A more forgiving heart, I couldn't ask for. Thank you, Jackie and Sergio. It does this Kelpie good to have found love and happiness once again." He returned Jackie's hug eagerly.

Sergio swoop up into the air with a giggle. She was happy for Jackie and Bertram. But she was still hungry and wanted more fish.
~~~
Orson laughed softly in Kristen's mind as he slowed to take a drink from a stream. He savored the earthy flavors, but mostly the coolness as it satisfied his thirst. He raised his head and licked his lips. "Just what the doctor ordered." He said with conviction.
~~~
When Cadeon finished humming, he stroked Ember's hair and kissed the top of her head lovely. "What ya thinking about." He asked quietly.
~~~
Aeval nodded and sat on her hunches. She focused on the sand and thought of a shape in her mind. The sand started moving and forming a mass. When Aeval was done she looked at the shape disappointed. Her sisters did help much either. Pandora whispered loudly, "Ummm, that looks like something a child would made." Ena, sighed softly and said, " It looks like a donkey, more then Aurora. You really shouldn't try to suck up to the teacher." Aeval said in a sulk, "Fine help you two were. All you do is criticize me."
~~~
Ericsson looked around as the came out to the main rooms. "Where do you think they went?" He asked with speculation.
~~~
Jaxon blushed slightly. " I learn quick, because if I didn't in the labs, they would punish me. Let's just say it's quite an incentive. As far as the other, I endured it for my Handler. With Elena gone, it's severed any reasons to ever go back. So not-so character defining after all. " He admitted freely.
~~~
Anna's pack listened quietly to all she said. Riveted to every detail and glanced to the door to see a few hyenas peeking in curiously. The sisters were the first to dare to come in. They said softly, "Alpha Anna." As they moved to the side of the room. Merrick was the next, before a few other high ranking females entered. They looked curiously at the others.
~
Zypher left his office with Taylor trailing him with Nashton. As he entered the living room, he announced, "Disaster averted. I defused the skunk without incident. So we are a go to get the signal booster in place." He grinned widely at Anna, knowing that was forefront in her mind.
~~~
Pariah hissed evilly at Don's shun. "I have ways of making you talk. " She said with utmost disdain.

"Pariah, return to me!" Markus demanded without looking up from the file. She vanished in a violet light instantly.

 

[StarrNico]

Starr looked back to Lucille though she was more looking inside. "It is an outward sign of what you feel inside. The first time I didn't know what it was or what it meant. I just felt so much love that it happened. " She said then blushed and looked down shyly.
~~~
Kyra chuckled and looked at him then nodded. "That sounds about right. " She said then sighed and laid back on her bed again.
~~~
Jackie smiled at him. She was glad to have him there and with her, even with everything that was happening now. She returned to her human form so she could hold him without fear of hurting him.
~~
Kristen watched him happily, soon moving to try to get a drink alongside him, it was odd to drink like this, but again just tried to not think about it too much and let the form do things naturally.
~~~
Ember looked up at him and smiled. "I am thinking that this moment is one I wish would never end. I love just being here with you like this."
~~~
"Don't be too critical, it takes time to learn to do these things." Aurora assured her. "That is something to focus on when you are practicing. "
~~~
Rosie shrugged then went over to pick up the note on the table. She read it then looked to him. "They left guards for us, but most of them have gone to meet up and plan an attack with the rest of the pack."
~~~
Sky smiled and shook her head a little. "It is still something to leave all you knew, even if it was bad. Some couldn't do that."
~~~
Anna had them introduce themselves before Zypher came in again. She smiled, chuckling lightly at his joking manner. She went over to his side again. She wanted to go and get this part over with so they could actually plan to save her father.
~~~
Don growled low at the threat but soon settled back on the cot again. He watched the human quietly for a while, wondering what he was really after with him.

 

[NickyKnack]

Falkirk grinned happily at Star's description. It was a perfect way of describing it.

"That sounds wonderful! We are still early in our courtship. But I look forward to feeling that way about him. Thank you for sharing something so personal. " Lucille said excitedly.
~~~
Graydon made a goofy face before he left her room to go back to the kitchen. Once there, he finished washing out his shirt.
~~~
Bertram hugged Jackie a little tighter when she shifted. "I could never tire of this Jackie. It's a revelation holding you this close." He kissed her temple softly. "Would you like to take a ride?" He asked, thinking of a way to spend more time with her.
~~~
Orson took in Kristen's Oilin. She was streamlined and beautifully feminine. "You are doing amazingly well Kristen. Soon it will be like a dream that you were ever human." He said with conviction.
~~~
"And here I thought I was being selfish. Hogging you all to myself, with an unwillingness to share you with anyone." Cadeon said as he chuckled. He then took Ember's hand in his. He marveled at her slim fingers and luminescent skin.
~~~
Aeval gave a toothy grin to her sisters. "See, shows what you two know, you knuckle heads." She said to her sisters. But to Aurora, she said, "Yes, I will remember that I must focus. (Daniel son. Like in karate kid )
~~~
Ericsson frowned, "I hope it's nothing serious. But then that seems to be the signs of the times, here lately. " He replied honestly.
~~~
Jaxon shrugged and walked to sit down on the arm of the couch. " You have a way of making my defection sound noble. I assure you, I'm anything but. Look at how many died for it. I'll never forget that carnage or my part in it. Skylar, I brought death to your people and you are selflessly teaching me your ways. My ignorance is no excuse and I choose to never blindly follow orders again. But i can not atone for what I did that day." He replied, to remind Skylar and more himself, what a monster he truly was.
~~~
Zypher kissed Anna tenderly, before walking over to Aurelius. He held up a thick leather bound ledger. "Alright, this is the buildings log book. It tells what apartments are free and what floor. It will also tell you who's on what floor and where the humans are all at. If you could get these hyenas settled in, that would be greatly appreciated. I would do it myself, but Anna's father takes precedence. Besides, something tells me you'll be perfect for this job." He said with respect. He then looked to the hyenas and stated, "Aurelius is a future seeing Griffin, so you really want her on your side. That big one beside her, he's a winged lion. "

Aurelius giggled softly at his statement. "Thank you for this task. I'll make you proud, Zypher. " She replied softly. She looked to the hyenas and noticed their curiosity.

Zypher nodded and took Nashton from Taylor and walked back to Anna. "Whenever you are, Alpha Anna." He said with a light in his eyes. Part mischief and part because he enjoyed calling her that.

Ackley stepped forward and offered, "If I could be of assistance, I'd like to come." She offered quietly.
~~~
Markus stood up and walked over to Don's cell. "Have you ever see this before?" He asked as he held out an ancient artifact. Markus had his suspicions, but wanted a second opinion.

 

[StarrNico]

Star smiled and looked over to Falkirk. "I am glad I could find the one I am meant to be with, even though I haven't been here long. A part of me knew from the first moment I saw him, though it took getting to know him a little for the rest to figure it out."
~~~
Kyra sighed and stared at the shadows from the leaves for a little while before she got up to rejoin Graydon if he was still in the main area. She found that she didn't like to be alone anymore, even if she had nothing to do.
~~~
"I am supposed to be practicing" Jackie said quietly though she didn't move to part from him. She wanted to be with him no matter what they did. She glanced over to Sergio then looked back to Bertram again and winked "Think we can sneak away?" She asked, though she knew Sergio could hear and see them quite well.She was wanting to be playful and act young though she hadn't been young in a while.
~~~
Kristen looked to him then moved closer to cuddle with him a little "I don't mind that, so long as I get to be with you" She said softly. Her human life hadn't been great, she had brought pain to others by working for Marcus and she knew that. She was just glad she had been given to Orson as his handler and had helped him get away when it was possible to.
~~~
"Then we are both selfish for each other" Ember replied, watching his strong hands even as he moved her hand to study her fingers. Gently she wrapped her hand around his and brought them up to kiss his fingers lightly
~~
(Lol)
Aurora nodded and looked to the other two sisters then back. "Can you make it a wall again, so that you can practice your acid without hurting anything?" She asked then smiled "It will be a way to practice your defense. Try to keep the acid from breaking through a wall you made, though this would be better at the ocean so that any mistakes can be dissolved by the salt water."
~~~
"Our alpha, Don, was taken captive. They have to try to free him" Rosie said and went over to the stove to burn the note then started making breakfast. "Even if he is never alpha again, Jason has to try to save his father."
~~~
"Noble? Maybe, and maybe not. It is a strength of will that some do not possess." Skylar said and came over to sit on the arm of the couch. "We killed at that battle and at others. It is the way things have to be sometimes. Diplomacy didn't work, it was ignored, so now we fight for survival and for our family now that we are homeless. You were a soldier in his army, but you have chosen to join us. A soldier follows orders, a good soldier thinks and wonders if he is following the right orders."
~~
Anna watched Zypher then looked to Ackley when she offered to come with them. She thought about it then nodded "Just you though, this is a stealth mission, not a battle." She said then looked to Zypher again "Let's head out"
~~~
Don looked at the artifact then got up, coming tot he bars to get a better look. He reached for it to turn it this way and that in curiosity "Oh, runes" He said, bringing it closer to look at the small marks. "Solimnus?" He muttered and frowned, thinking then he chuckled and shook his head "If I were free and had this, I would call on the lorekeepers for advice. Too bad they were killed with the destruction of the forest"

 

[NickyKnack]

Lucille sighed at the romantic relationship. "Thanks for everything! " She said as she threw her arms around Star in a quick hug, before she headed down to hallway. "All this talk makes me want to spend some time with him. I'll see you later my friend " She explained in a hurry.

Falkirk chuckled lightly as he stepped over to Star. "Alone at last." He whispered softly in her ear.
~~~
Graydon came in from hanging his shirt out to dry. He grinned happily to see Kyra up again. He'd been quiet so he wouldn't disturb her nap. "Oh, your up. I hope I'm not to blame." He said as he sat at the counter.
~~~
Sergio replied meekly, "I'm to full to move. I needs a nap. Toooo many fishes. " She said in Jackie's mind.

"Yes, I believe there is a good chance of that. Kelpies are quite good at sneaking those they want away." He spoke in Jackie's mind with a velvet voice, as he took her hand and led her away.
~~~
Orson twirled deeply as he nuzzled into Kristen. "Well be together to the last breath. For our fates are now joined as one. Which is good, I wouldn't want to live one day without you, my heart." He replied softly in her mind.
~~~
Cadeon watched her intrigued by her tender affection, but not surprised by it. How could such a simple act like that, warm him so. "Now you've done it. You have single handedly made my other one terribly jealous." He said with humor.
~~~
Aeval looked down at the sculpture and blew upon it to start fresh. She focused on a flat rectangle wall this time. She had to admit, it was a little bit easier this time. She smiled pleasantly at Aurora as the sand fused together on an orange glow. "Will that do?" She asked curiously.
~~~
Ericsson stood and walked over to Rosie carefully. "I'm sorry, Rosie. From what I've seen of Jason, he seems very capable. I just know he'll get your alpha back." He said soothingly.
~~~
Jaxon looked beside him to Skylar. He had a glaze of tears in his eyes. "You speak so eloquently. Your words are like a healing balm to me. You heal the heart that's deep within. You are truly beautiful inside and out. The beauty to my beast." He said with conviction.
~~~
Zypher nodded and glanced around before going out into the hall. He smiled down at Nashton and scratched his head roughly.

The linked along the wall and watched them leave with respect. One was even holding the elevator for them.

Zypher looked over to Anna and explained, " They're bidding you good luck in your victory. "
~~~
Markus look at Don for a long moment. "If one listens carefully enough when one speaks, he can decipher all kind of things. Like what you just said for instance. You said, if you had it and was free. Meaning present tense. While your last sentence, was in past tense. For the forest has been destroyed for a while now and you couldn't call on them. Two contradictory statements, but which one to believe? I'm inclined to believe the first. What species are the lorekeepers?" Markus asked quietly, as he took back the artifact.

 

[StarrNico]

Star turned to hug Falkirk with a smile. "I hope everything works out for her like it did for me. Finding your soul mate is a miracle." She said softly and kissed his jaw lightly
~~~
"No, you aren't. I just couldn't sleep" Kyra said then shrugged. She came over to get a drink then joined him at the counter seats. She gave him a smile then looked down at her hands, thinking about everything.
~~~
"Then rest my friend, my sister. We can practice more later" Jackie thought to Sergio with a smile. "Do you want to return to me or stay out here?" She didn't mind either way, though figured Sergio would want to stay with her given everything that had happened recently. She didn't fight Bertram's leading her away though since she knew it would only take a thought to have Sergio on her as a tattoo again
~~~
Kristen twirled back to him, loving how he said that. "I would not want to be without you by my side either Orson." She thought back happily. If it wasn't for this war, she would suggest the two of them just leave and find a safe place to stay
~~~
Ember chuckled and glanced up at him then reached for his other hand to do the same to it "Oh, have I? I will have to fix that oversight then" She teased back, glad they could be silly together when they wanted to.
~~~
Aurora looked at the wall and smiled "That will, but we must move closer to the ocean so I can keep any accidents from destroying the earth around here." She said then shifted to her dragon "Let that fade and come to the beach with me."
~~~
"He will do everything he can to get his father back" Rosie said with a nod then sighed again, looking down at her hands as she cooked "I just don't know if Don will be able to resume his place or if will stay in Jason's hands."
~~~
Skylar flushed and looked away, shaking her head a little "I am just trying to be a good soldier and a good person. I have my own faults, everyone does so don't try to put me on a pedestal or anything. I would jump off of it before it got too high"
~~~
"Oh?" Anna asked and looked around at the hyenas then smiled softly "What do I do in return?" She asked, wanting to learn more about his people's ways especially now that she was to lead them also.
~~~
Don sighed and shook his head "Not that it matters, but to my knowledge they are all dead. It is a recent development, so I still think of them as being there to ask. I don't like that we were so distracted that we could not fulfill our duty to keep them safe. Lorekeepers don't fight, that goes against their nature. Or went against their nature" He frowned then sat down again "I know that one rune, Solimnus, it means sleep or to make sleep. Not something to play with. When you mess with something that ancient, it isn't healthy"