Chapter 7 – The Soul.
Warning – strong language and blood, graphic violence.
Getting to Brynnlaw went smoothly, but finding the way to Spellhold, as always was not easy, of course. Saemon Havarian turned out to be a traitor working for Bodhi and handed them over to the vampires as soon as they set their feet on land. This did not surprise Esme or any of her companions. From the very beginning, Havarian seemed to be concerned only with his own welfare, and he would sell his own mother if someone offered him the right amount of money or intimidated him enough. Finding access to the magical prison almost took a revolution to overturn the island and its hierarchy upside down, but in the end the whole team was happily at their destination. Then everything fell into ruins.
Esme awoke to a terrible throbbing pain in her skull. She grabbed her head and groaned, but when she tried to turn to her side, she hit something hard with her elbow. She opened her eyes, but narrowed them immediately as the bright light in the room blinded her. Very slowly, to adjust her eyesight, she opened her eyes again and looked around, not really knowing what had happened and where she was. The last memory she had in mind was their arrival at Spellhold. One of the Cowled Wizards showed them around and then took them to Imoen. No, it wasn't the Cowled Wizard, it was Irenicus. Now Esme remembered everything. He said something about a spell in a soup, snapped his fingers and everything went dark. Kensai got up as quickly as possible and looked around. The room was filled with strange apparatus, there was a strange buzzing noise from the energy that circulated through the strange twisted metal wires. Esme noticed she was inside a tall glass tube that extended well above her head. She tried to open it somehow to get out, but to no avail, finally furious, she leaned her back against the opposite wall of the tube and started kicking. The thud of the thumping of her shoe echoed in her ears, but there was no effect. Still trapped, she stood up and pressed her face against the thick glass, trying to see the room she was in more precisely, to work out some escape plan or at least see the situation more clearly. Strange apparatus and devices filled the room, and in front of her she saw several jars similar to the one in which she was located. In each of them there was some figure who, judging by their movements, was also trying to get out.
„Shadow Thieves", Esme thought, not sure whether to be glad or worried that they weren't her companions. If they weren't here, where were they? Were they held in a different cell or did they experience an even worse fate? Just the thought of leading her loved ones to death made Esme's throat tighten, and the tight jar made her breathing harder. She didn't even know if she was still in the Spellhold or how much time had passed and it was driving her crazy.
"No no no. They must be safe and sound", she repeated in her mind like a mantra, trying to calm now shallow breathing. She closed her eyes and focused on breathing, inhaling and exhaling, inhaling and exhaling.
The heavy metal door creaked unexpectedly and Esme opened her eyes, expecting to see Irenicus. Instead, she saw a familiar figure and felt tremendously relieved.
-Yoshimo! Yoshimo, how good to see you! Thank the gods you're okay! Do you know where the others are? - asked him almost glued to the glass tube - We have to hurry before Irenicus or Bodhi come back! Help me get out, quick!
Yoshimo, however, did not rush to save her. Instead, he only paused briefly, but didn't even glance in her direction. He thought about something for a moment and then he moved on to the table by the wall, took his purse and backpack from it and turned back to the exit. Esme blinked in surprise as she felt tears welling up in her eyes.
-Yo ... Yoshimo?- She asked, feeling inside that she already knew what the situation was. The strange behavior on the ship finally made sense, and Esme, staring at the thief's back, asked:
-Why? Why are you working for him, Yoshimo?
The bounty hunter stopped suddenly on her question. For a brief moment, Esme thought Yoshimo would move forward without even looking back in her direction. Eventually, however, he turned and walked closer to the glass tube that Esme was in.
-I work for him because I'm a bounty hunter and he paid well. I only had to lead you to him safe and sound. Make sure you don't get killed somewhere- Yoshimo said dryly.
Tears fell from her eyes and Esme shook her head, distrusting what she was hearing.
-I can't believe it! It's not true. We fought side by side! We have saved each other many times ... After our adventures you have more gold than you can spend ... You don't need his money ... We were ... We are friends after all ... Right?
For the first time, Yoshimo showed emotions on his face. Anger flashed in his eyes.
-The gold I earned while traveling with you is certainly a nice addition ... You ... You didn't turn out to be what I thought- Yoshimo said as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked at Esme seriously and slapped his fist on his chest - I'm a professional!!! One of the best! I always fulfill the mission given to me by the client! ... Regardless of the relationship with the goal ... Friendship with you ... Friendship does not matter here...
Esme shook her head again and pressed herself against the glass to get a better look at him.
-You're a good man, Yoshimo! I know it! I got to know you, it wasn't fake! I understand your honor, but tell me was Irenicus as honorable as you too? Was working with him really such a great deal?
The bounty hunter gritted his teeth and looked away for a moment. Eventually he moved closer to the jar Esme was in and said softly.
-No ... It wasn't. The bastard didn't mind my word, and he wanted to make sure everything went his way ... I ... I was too sure of myself. I never failed and I was convinced that this time it would also be the same ... I ... I agreed to the geas.
-Oh, Yoshimo... - Esme whispered, hearing the frightening truth, but her ex-Kara Turan companion just shook his head.
-I thought it was a breeze, that it was just stupid formality and security. But later when I saw what Irenicus was doing, how crazy and unpredictable he was, that he was working with vampires ... I knew why he insisted on it. But it was too late to withdraw- Yoshimo shrugged a little but looked Esme straight in the eye - Now I am finally free. I was hoping to get out of this damn place before you wake up and don't have to look you in the eye. But maybe it's better that way. Know that if I could turn back time, I wouldn't do it a second time. Forgive me, I had no choice.
Esme pressed her lips together and swallowed loudly. She struggled to get her voice out of her clenched throat.
-Yoshimo, of course I forgive you. But it's not too late, please help me get out of here. I need to find the rest and get out of here as fast as possible. Please help me. Let's get out of here together.
Yoshimo looked towards the door and then back to the kensai.
-We can't escape while he's here. It's too dangerous. Bodhi and her vampires guard all doors leading outside. Irenicus.. He doesn't want to kill you, at least that's what I found out and Anomen and the rest are not far away in the cell. They're alive and well. I don't know exactly what Irenicus has planned, but I'll help you get out afterwards, I promise. Now I must...
The sound of the door opening interrupted his speech, and Irenicus, whom Yoshimo had mentioned, entered the room. Esme and Yoshimo looked at him as he slowly walked down the stairs and stood near them. Across the room in glass tubes could be heard screams and threats from the imprisoned Shadow Thieves, but the wizard ignored them. He looked blankly at Yoshimo and then at Esme.
-Ah, Child of Bhaal, I can see you are awake.
-Go to hell! - Esme said.
Irenicus lifted the tips of his mouth slightly in response to the insult directed at him.
-I see that you have managed to say goodbye to your old companion- he said looking at Yoshimo.
The bounty hunter slung his bag over his shoulder.
-It's hard to call it goodbye. If that's all, I would like to leave - said Kara Turan roughly.
-Yes, I guess that's all - said the wizard, holding his hands behind his back - Although you spent so much time at the side of our guest of honor, that I would like you to stay and see the end of my little project. I can assure you that it will be something special.
Yoshimo gritted his teeth.
-I would prefer not.
-I insist- Irenicus said, and Esme knew refusing was not an option. Though Yoshimo claimed that this madman had no intention of killing her, she felt shivers down her spine. After what she had gone through from him and his sense of hospitality, she was scared as hell.
-All right- said Yoshimo and walked a bit to stand next to Irenicus. The heavy door creaked loudly once again and everyone in the room looked in that direction. Inward, smiling broadly, Bodhi entered.
-You look very pleased- Irenicus remarked, and the vampire spread her hands wide, stretching.
-I feel wonderful! All thanks to you brother! - She purred.
"Brother?!" Esme was surprised, but before she had time to think more deeply about the words she had just heard, Bodhi looked at her and came closer. Looking at the kensai, vampire licked the tip of one of her fangs with her tongue.
-As I promised, I'll see you again- she said.
-And I promise you that I will pierce that black heart of yours, bitch! - Esme growled. Kensai was furious with how it all turned out, too much was happening, and too much of it was definitely not going as it should. Esme wanted to scream at the vampire and scratch her eyes out.
Bodhi chuckled as if disappointed.
-What a lack of manners! You should be grateful that you are privileged to participate in something wonderful!- Cried the vampire and her golden eyes flashed with passion - Something great will be done thanks to you, little mouse. You'll be taking part in something far more interesting than the rest of these pathetic mortals littering their own dirt. Your existence does matter for a change, as does your little pink-haired friend. Thanks to her, I feel great.
Bodhi chuckled and Esme felt her blood boil. She threw herself at the thick glass separating her from the vampire.
-What did you do to her ?! Where is Imoen?! Let me out of here and we'll find out how strong you are! You hear me !?
-Enough, Bodhi- Irenicus said and Bodhi casting scornful and triumphant gaze one last time, moved towards him and stood by his side- The release of negative emotions such as anger will certainly greatly assist the entire process.
Irenicus slowly began the ritual. The first words he spoke activated beams of energy that now flowed between all the tubes in the room. Small impulses began to flow over the glass walls and Esme, panting heavily, only watched helplessly at what was happening. There was nothing she could do. She looked one last time at Yoshimo, who was standing next to the wizard. The bounty hunter clenched his jaw.
-Is my presence here necessary? I did my best and I would like to lleave Yoshimo asked sharply.
Irenicus turned to look at him for a moment and finally replied indifferently:
-Yes, you have completed the task entrusted to you, but your role is not over yet. You and our guest had spent a lot of time together, and you must have had a friendly relationship.
-It doesn't matter- said the thief.
-Not at all. This is very helpful - Irenicus pointed to the imprisoned Shadow Thieves - Their worthless lives will help provide the necessary energy for the ritual. However, a different type of stimulus will be needed to trigger the desired response in our facility, which will support the entire process. Besides, I won't let you betray me.
-What? What are you talking about?... - Yoshimo began to talk frantically. Esme saw only as Irenicus, his face expressionless, raised his hands to activate the spell. Yoshimo's words hung in the air, and he disintegrated before her eyes. All that was left of her former talkative companion from Kara Tur was a pile of ash that Irenicus pushed aside with his foot. Tears of rage flooded the kensai's eyes.
-What have you done?! YOU DAMN BASTARD!!?? I'LL KILL YOU!!!- Esme shouted, but her threats did not impress the wizard. He just nodded his head slightly approvingly.
-Yes, now the process will be a little easier- he said and continued the ritual as if nothing had happened.
The magic energy in the room became more and more concentrated with each passing moment. Circulating between the jars like lightning, it began to whirl and buzz loudly, looking for an outlet. Esme wiped her tears with the back of her hand and looked up as she watched the beams of energy circulate and swirl just above her head. The light suddenly focused on one of the first tubes that held one of the Shadow Thieves trapped. The man only managed to draw in a loud breath when unexpectedly energy burst him from the inside and his blood splashed on the glass walls. The whole reaction was swift and the rest of the prisoners followed the same fate one by one, until the beam finally stopped above the tube that Esme was in. Every particle of her body was burning with living fire, and somewhere deep in her body something was trying to get out, torn out by brutal force against her will. She tasted blood in her mouth, and finally her consciousness was taken over only by pain and darkness.
She fell into a kind of dream. Or maybe it was a memory of what happened sometime in the past? She saw Candlekeep, but wherever she looked, there were starsi, even beneath her feet. It was as if she was walking in the sky, which she admired more than once before falling asleep in the camp. In the dream there seemed to be peace and quiet, and at the same time chaos. She saw Imoen urging her to fight together and what was Bhaal's appearance urging her to surrender. Esme refused to accept the nature that her father so stubbornly tried to awaken in her. She remembered running away from him in panic, and stars spinning in and around her head, making her no longer know where she was. She remembered the fight and Imoen's excruciating scream, which was so loud that the walls of Candlekeep surrounding her collapsed and the dream fell apart with them. When she regained consciousness and opened her eyes for a moment, the bright lights of the torch flickered around. She felt someone dragging her limp body somewhere, but her head and eyelids weighed so heavily that she surrendered to her fate without a fight. She wasn't sure what was happening or where she was. She didn't care. The only feeling that slowly grew in her heart was the irresistible urge to murder Bodhi and Irenicus.
Anomen was slowly regaining consciousness. His head was heavy with pain, and when he finally opened his eyes, he narrowed them immediately as the bright light struck them. Someone put a hand on his shoulder.
-The headache is a side effect of the spell, it will pass in a moment – he heard Jaheira's voice. With difficulty he slowly sat up, opened his eyes and looked around. He was in a small room with a simple and small bed, most likely a cell. Edwin was slowly waking up on the floor next to him, Minsc was sitting on the right, massaging his sore head. Next to Anomen, holding a hand on his shoulders, was Jaheira and on a small bed against the wall, a slender girl with pink hair sat cross-legged. Anomen straightened up and looked around again. Two of them were missing.
-Where are Esme and Yoshimo? - He asked, but Jaheira just shook her head.
-They were gone when we woke up. They have to be kept elsewhere- druid replied.
-Surely Irenicus has them- said the pink-haired girl without enthusiasm - He only talked about her all the time. I'm Imoen, by the way. You are Anomen, Jaheira already told me who's who when you all slept.
Anomen nodded and stepped closer. He held his hand towards her and Imoen returned the gesture, squeezing his hand.
-Well, it's great to finally meet you- said the cleric - Esme talked a lot about you.
-Yes, all the pleasure is minę - Imoen smiled a bit sourly- It's great that you came to my rescue, but now we're all locked up.
-Unfortunately, not everything went as we had hoped for- Jaheira agreed.
Anomen looked at the druid and pursed his lips. Jaheira was right, they fell into a trap, but they couldn't just give up, they had to save Esme and Yoshimo and then escape. They had to devise some kind of action plan.
-You mentioned Irenicus probably took Esme, do you know where he's keeping her?- Helmite asked.
-Yes, probably in the same place where I was before. He'll do what he does to me- Imoen leaned back against the wall and folded her arms over her chest.
-What exactly?- Anomen asked, feeling a growing feeling of fear.
-Irenicus will take her soul as he took minę. He gave it to this whole Bodhi - Imoen said calmly, as if she were talking about the weather.
-What?! - Anomen and Jaheira shouted simultaneously. Elf covered her mouth with her hand and Anomen felt his stomach tighten.
-It's against everything whats sacred, how can you do something like this?- He whispered, and only now noticed a little more precisely what Imoen looked like. Fatigue was evident on her face and her eyes were heavily underlined. After so long in captivity, with her soul taken by some devil's spell, Anomen was impressed with how well the girl was doing. He would probably lose his mind himself.
-The process is very complicated, but I've heard of trying to do something like this (only someone powerful could do a similar spell. I have to get that Irenicus's notes, I'm sure it's full of interesting things),- Edwin said, stroking his chin. Anomen looked critically at the red wizard.
- Imoen, why did Irenicus also take your soul?- Jaheira asked unexpectedly, frowning. The elf looked closely at Imoen and girl raised her eyebrows and spread her hands wide.
-Ah yes. Good old Gorion forgot to mention that I am also a Child of Bhaal. TA-DAAH! Surprise!
-By Sylvanus, all this time ...- Jaheira began when a loud noise broke her words. They felt the air saturated with magic and how everything around them was shaking with the accumulated energy. Everyone looked around and listened intently.
-He's taking her soul - Imoen whispered looking somewhere at the ceiling- I remember that it was the same with me.
Anomen couldn't sit still knowing that something so awful was going on somewhere. Esme was in danger and he had to help her somehow.
-We need to get out of here! This bastard must be stopped and Esme saved!- He shouted - Minsc, help me, let's try to break through the door!
"It's pointless- Imoen said and Anomen looked at her with anger in his eyes.
-We can't just sit here idly! - He shouted.
Imoen sighed loudly.
-Forgive me for my lack of enthusiasm. I want to save Esme and get out of here too, but being here, I've tried every means of escaping. The door is reinforced and magically secured, you cannot force it open, you need a key. You can try as much as you want.
Anomen gritted his teeth and ran his hands through his hair. He wanted to scream in powerlessness and frustration. He looked at Edwin, but the red wizard just shook his head.
-She is right. I looked at the door earlier, it cannot be opened from the inside.
Helmite sat down on the floor, leaned his back against the wall and, clenching his jaw tightly, stared at the ceiling. There was nothing they could do, they had to wait idly. Anomen only listened to the magical energy bubbling up somewhere in the building. Somewhere out there, some madman was hurting Esme and all he could do was sit and hope everything was going to be okay. He tried not to dig into the thoughts running through his mind as to whether Esme would survive the entire process of allegedly taking her soul. If so, will she be herself? Will she be the same person with whom he talked recently? Anomen thought about how nervous and excited at the same time Esme was on the ship. Their destination was so close. When they finally went to bed, the girl couldn't fall asleep rolling from side to side. Eventually, she looked for solace and distraction in his arms. He happily helped her distract from her tormenting thoughts and helped her focus on something much more enjoyable. Together they forgot for a moment about the world around them and then they fell asleep embraced and happy not thinking about what tomorrow will bring. Anomen closed his eyes and felt a growing despair overwhelm him. Was this going to be the last time they so carefree and happily spent together? Everything turned upside down and life mocked him once again.
Anomen did not know how much time had passed. Maybe it was several minutes, maybe several long hours, but finally they heard a noise and the sound of the lock being opened. Everyone sprang to their feet, waiting tensely for the door to open. On the other side, three grinning vampires were waiting for them.
-Get out, fast. And don't try anything- one of them hissed. Exchanging glances with each other, the companions slowly left the cell.
-Don't touch me and my robes! - Edwin growled as one of the vampires gave him a little push. The undead bared his fangs and Edwin snorted loudly with a furious expression on his face.
Without causing any more confusion or trouble, the small group moved forward, led by the vampires. They were led to the stairs and descended further and further down into the basement of the asylum. Torches and magical light illuminated their path until they finally found themselves in a large room. Bodhi stood on a high platform above their heads with her hands on her hips, and in the middle of the room below there was a small figure.
-Esme! - Anomen shouted and girl turned towards him, hearing her name. Her face was tired and she had dark circles under her eyes same as Imoen's, but at first glance she seemed alive and well. Anomen ran up to her, hugged her tight, and kissed her hair.
-Thanks to Helm! Are you alright!
Esme smiled sadly and merely nodded as he finally released her from his embrace. Anomen was a bit surprised at her slightly cold greeting, but his beloved went through a lot and looked very tired. Maybe she was still slightly shocked or struggling to deal with the traumatic experiences. He decided not to ask for details now. Esme hugged all members of the team briefly, the longest hugging Imoen.
-Oh Immy- she whispered just hugging her tightly.
-Where's Yoshimo?- Edwin asked as the kensai finally finished hugging Imoen.
-Dead. Irenicus killed him- Esme replied brusquely and shortly.
-Oh ... How ...- the wizard began to say, but Esme cut him off.
-I do not want to talk about it.
Edwin opened his mouth to add something else, but he didn't.
- Enough of these tenderness and chats!- Bodhi suddenly shouted over their heads and everyone looked up. The vampire smiled maliciously and looked very pleased with herself. The vampires who had brought them suddenly tossed several heavy bags at their feet, which hit the floor with a loud crash.
-These are your stuff- said Bodhi - Irenicus is no longer having any use for you and he has ordered all of you killed, but I think we can still make each other's time very pleasant.
-What do you want from us, whore?!- Esme asked sharply and Bodhi chuckled.
-We'll have fun, my little mouse. The stay here was a bit tedious and I crave entertainment! I am giving you and your companions one last chance to thwart my and Jon's plans. Get out of this maze and I'll let you live. But don't wait too long, my children and I will start hunting in a few hours. Hurry up and don't get killed! A lot of fun is waiting for us!
After these words, Bodhi and the rest of her kin disappeared, leaving the team alone and only the laughter of the vampire echoed from the walls.
-We better not wait. Let's collect our stuff and go- Jaheira reasoned and the others nodded, agreeing with her right away. After a few minutes, everyone dressed in their armor and with their weapons at their side felt much more confident in the hostile place. Imoen was given a bow and a quiver of arrows that had previously belonged to Yoshimo. The girl weighed the new weapon in her hands and took aim several times.
-I got a bit rusty sitting here, but I think I can handle it. Ut's like riding a horse, you can't forget it- she said smiling.
-Great- Esme said, and turned to her companions- We have to be careful, we don't know what awaits us here. Anomen and Jaheira, you guys will walk in the back, Edwin and I will be in the middle of the group, and Minsc and Yoshimo will walk in the front ...I mean Minsc and Imoen. Minsc and Imoen will walk in the front. Look out for traps, okay, Immy? Questions?
Anomen and the others just nodded, not commenting on Esme's slip. Yoshimo had traveled with them for so long that his sudden absence was hard to accept. The cleric looked at Esme, who clenched her jaw tighter and straightened, taking a deep breath.
-Let's go- she said, and Anomen and the rest of them followed her order without saying a word, when suddenly, after only a few meters, Esme staggered and fell to her knees. Anomen immediately ran to her and knelt beside her. Imoen did the same.
-Essie, are you okay?- He asked worried looking at her carefully.
-Hey, hey- he heard Imoen's voice. - You've been through a lot, let's rest for a while, hmmm?
Esme leaned her hands on the dirty stone floor, her eyes closed, her teeth clenched tightly, and her brow furrowed. After a long moment, she opened her eyes and took a few very deep breaths. Anomen could have sworn that in the dim light of the maze the green in her eyes was much darker than usual, but when Esme blinked again, her eye color was normal again. He ignored it and focused all his attention on Esme and her condition.
-Do you need treatment? Are you in pain? - He asked, but Esme was still staring slightly at the floor with a slightly distant gaze.
-Esme?- He asked again, and only then did the kensai seem to hear his voice. She looked at him and quickly got to her feet.
-I'm fine, let's go on- she said dryly, brushing the dust off her clothes.
Anomen looked at Imoen, who raised an eyebrow slightly in surprise. On the one hand, Anomen was glad that he was not alone in his surprise. Even after some of the toughest fights, Esme didn't act that way. Her humor rarely left her, and she was clearly not herself now. Apparently, Imoen noticed it as well. The girl opened her mouth to say something, but Jaheira, who was standing nearby, reached out to give Esme water.
-We should rest- said the druid.
Esme raised a flask of water to her mouth and took a few greedy sips.
-Water is enough. I can go on- she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
-Nonsense- Jaheira said sharply and put her things on the ground. - You need rest, in this state you won't get far.
-I don't remember you taking command- Esme said through her teeth.
-And I don't remember you being so reckless, child!
-I'm not a child! - Esme almost shouted - I lead this bloody team and I say we move on, whether you like it or not!
-You didn't come this far to save Imoen, to get yourself killed around the next corner now! You need a rest and I'm not going anywhere!
-I agree with Jay, Essie- Imoen said softly and she walked over to her sister, carefully placing hand on her shoulder - A few moments to catch our breath will be good for us.
Esme, surprising everyone, shook Imoen's hand away. Furious, she looked at her sister and then at Anomen.
-And what do you think? - She asked through her teeth.
Helmite straightened and swallowed loudly.
-I agree with Jaheira as well- he said - Exploring this place like this is not wise, my dear.
Esme looked around at the faces of the other companions. Even Minsc and Edwin have already put their things down showing their opinion. Esme was outvoted the first time and Anomen could see from the expression on her face that she didn't like it at all. She took the bag off her shoulder and threw it furiously on the ground.
-One hour. Then I move on. With or without you- she said, sitting down against the wall. Jaheira handed her a piece of bread and kensai, without saying a word, slowly began to eat.
There was an awkward silence in the camp. Everyone chewed only their own rations of food, not wanting to break the silence. Anomen turned his piece of bread in his hand, forcing himself to eat. The bite in his mouth would not pass through his clenched throat. The lack of a soul took a terrible effect on Esme. The cleric had not known Imoen before, but after spending a short time together, he saw that the pink-haired thief looked very much like the same person he had heard about in numerous stories, told more than once by Esme. Anomen looked up and discreetly looked at his beloved. With her strangely absent gaze, she sat near him, staring at the floor. One of her feet tapped nervously on the stone floor and the hand holding the food lifted and lowered mechanically again and again. Anomen sadly noted that his beloved did not resemble herself. They went through a lot together and experienced some very difficult moments, but he had never seen such an expression on her face before. There was emptiness in her eyes, and the light and warmth that usually radiated from them and which Anomen loved so much, was replaced by a shadow deep in her pupils. The cleric took another bite of bread, forcing himself to swallow the previous one. He didn't know what would happen next. He wasn't sure if even if they managed to escape and get Irenicus, if they could restore Esme's forcefully torn soul. Nothing was certain anymore, and everything they had worked so hard for seemed to be in ruins. Anomen wanted to shout to the heavens in rage, to all the deities present there.
-Helm, help her. I am begging you- he prayed in his mind instead, hoping that his prayer would be heard.
P. S. Forgive me for killing Yoshimo. It had to be that way.