I exited the room to understand what General Teddie meant when he stated that these battles would happen in the real world. The standing coffin that appeared in the middle of the hallway terrified me. Matt and Sora checked my stunned, concerned state and walked towards me.
"Is that a coffin," Sora asked, surprised.
"Seriously, what is going on here," Matt questioned, clenching his fists.
"Everyone, look outside over here," Mimi shouted, pointing out from the patio.
We rushed outside to examine what Mimi was looking at. A tall, awkwardly shaped tower pierced through the red fog into the blood-lit sky. An abnormally large, yellow moon eerily encompassed the sky, coldly observing the scene.
"Is that a tower," TK asked, confused.
"Where did it come from," Kari questioned, concerned.
"Forget about all that. Look at what's happened to the town. A red fog is covering it," Joe stated, taken aback.
"What happened to this place? We're in the real world, right? Did we suddenly get transported somewhere else," Matt continued to question.
"This might be the Dark Hour," Izzy replied.
"What do you mean," I asked.
"I read it online when looking up Mitsuru's work and the Kirijo group. They were researching how to control Shadows. The experiment backfired, and the Dark Hour, an additional hour where Shadows can roam, was formed," Izzy explained.
"That's similar to the phenomenon we experienced last year. Instead of the excess fog coming through the television screens, it's an entire frozen hour," Sora noted.
"That means there might be Shadows attacking the people here without them realizing it," TK said.
"That means Yu and the others might be in danger," Mimi stated.
"If they are inside those coffins like the ones we saw outside, we need to find them and take care of them fast," Matt suggested.
"Okay, here's the plan. Matt, Sora, Izzy, and I will head over to Junes. There's a good chance Yosuke and Teddie will be there. Mimi, Joe, TK, and Kari will head to the central shopping district. If Rise returned home, you could find Rise and Kanji there to check and see if they are okay. After that, let's help them find everyone else. Then, we can rush to that tower together and figure out why it appeared," I informed everyone.
"Sounds good to me," Sora replied.
"Let's go out there and save everyone," Kari said.
We rushed out of the inn and headed to our designated locations. A thick chunk of red fog swirled past us when we were at a fork in the road. We shielded our eyes and waited for it to subside.
"Is everyone all right," I asked.
When I opened my eyes and looked around, only Izzy remained.
"Sora? Matt? Mimi? Joe? TK? Kari? Where is everyone," I asked.
"That fog must have separated us," Izzy replied.
"We have to find everyone."
"Calm down, Tai. I know you're concerned, but we must believe in our friends. I'm sure they are okay. Besides, we'll see them again one way or another now that we have our goal in mind."
"You're right. I lost my cool for a second. Thanks, Izzy."
"Don't worry about it. Let's hurry to Junes. I'd imagine Sora and Matt are on their way there as we speak."
"Yeah, let's meet up with Yosuke, Teddie, and them to figure out what is happening here."
Episode 8
Izzy and I ran to Junes, following the bus route that would take us to Junes. Although the route there felt longer than usual, we eventually stood before the entrance. We entered the store, only to be greeted by the same ominous feeling as the inn. As we quietly and carefully scanned the store, we heard a scream from above the store. We ran to the rooftop and quickly opened the door. Naoto was on the ground. Her face was wretched with pain. A boy with red hair, two swords, and a notable scar menacingly stood above her.
"Naoto Shirogane, your deduction has led to your downfall. You will disappear from this stage immediately," the red boy announced.
Instinctively, I grabbed an empty soda can nearby and kicked it at the boy's face. Without changing his stance, the boy cleanly cut the can in half. Just as he brought his other sword down, Naoto moved out of the way and dodged the blade just in time. Izzy and I quickly ran over to Naoto, who was struggling to stand.
"Naoto, are you okay," I asked.
"Izzy, Tai, how did you get here," Naoto asked with a strained voice.
"Never mind us; your health is our top priority," Izzy exclaimed.
"I see you have arrived. No matter. Your existence will soon mean nothing," the red boy said.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Naoto," I yelled.
"I'm Minazuki, Sho Minazuki, the one who will purge you, the Kirijo Group, and this world," the red boy declared.
"So, you're the one who threw Labrys into the TV. You're the one responsible for this red fog, the recent Midnight Channel, and Mitsuru's kidnapping," Izzy said.
"Think what you will; however, ambushing the Kirijo Group was simple. I hoped to silence the detective, but you two beat me to the punch," Minazuki responded.
"You think we're going to let you get away with what you've done to Naoto and this world," I roared.
"As I said, your presence here means nothing. On the other hand, the detective knows too much. I will eliminate her," Minazuki replied.
"Izzy, Tai, don't engage in battle with him. Otherwise, he'll tear pieces away from your Digimon and use their data to summon something dreadful with the tower as a catalyst," Naoto explained.
"We can summon our Digimon in this Dark Hour," Izzy said, surprised.
"I will not be the one summoning anything. I only want to grant a wish," Minazuki corrected.
"Are you working for someone, or is this the wish of a fallen person you cared for? If so, this is the wrong way to go about it. There are other means to quell your anger and sadness," I suggested.
"I've already said too much. Thanks to the detective, you already know too much. Therefore, you two will perish here and now," Minazuki said.
Minazuki prepared for another attack. Based on his presence and willpower, he intended to silence us for the last time. Izzy and I covered Naoto and braced ourselves. Just as Minazuki readied his blade, he stopped himself.
"Our guests of honor have arrived. I grew tired of waiting for them," Minazuki said.
Minazuki gracefully stepped back as a giant axe crashed in front of him. A familiar face stood in front of us, protecting us from Minazuki.
"Tai, Izzy, Naoto, I'm glad you're okay," Labrys said.
"Labrys, how did you get here," I asked.
"There's no time to explain. Take Naoto to a safe location. This guy is dangerous," Labrys continued, looking at Minazuki.
"Be careful; he's the one that captured Mitsuru and the others," Izzy replied.
"So, you're the one responsible for this mess. What's your goal here? Who are you," Labrys asked Minazuki.
"That's a funny question from a machine whose only purpose is eliminating Shadows. How about I invite the rest of the Shadow Operatives down here with you," Minazuki smirked.
Minazuki looked up at the helicopter hovering over us. Without moving a muscle, he summoned a dark figure with a black trench coat and a cracked helmet with a shattered moon.
"Is that a Persona," I asked, surprised.
"So, he's a Persona user, too," Izzy observed.
"He's targeting the helicopter. They need to get out of this fog immediately," Naoto stated.
The dark Persona rushed towards the helicopter. In a split second, a winged Persona appeared and summoned a large gust of wind, preventing the dark Persona from approaching further. Before it prepared another attack, a robotic Persona emerged to pin the dark Persona down. During their clash, gold specs of light emerged and floated to the sky towards the tower. As the Personas fought each other, three figures emerged from the helicopter, landing in front of us: a young woman wearing a pink costume and carrying a large prop bow, a boy with a spear twice as tall as he is, and a dog holding a kunai in its mouth.
"Are those three members of the Shadow Operatives," Izzy asked.
"The woman is Yukari Takeba. The boy is Ken Amada. The dog is Koromaru," Naoto explained.
"The dog is a Persona user," I questioned.
"It looks like we made it here just in time," Yukari said.
"So, you're the one responsible for this. You won't get away this time," Ken told Minazuki.
The three efficiently surrounded Minazuki with their weapons pointed at him.
"Finally, all of the players have finally gathered in one location. I'm Minazuki. Sho Minazuki. Welcome to his world, remaining Shadow Operatives," Minazuki introduced.
"Who is he referring to," Yukari questioned.
"It doesn't matter. Let's take Minazuki down and finally end this nonsense," Ken replied.
Yukari, Ken, and Koromaru struck Minazuki with a calculated blow. Minazuki jumped out of the way and landed on the rooftop edge.
"Apologies, but I didn't come here to fight you. I wished to see you with my own eyes. Now that I've confirmed your presence here, I'll take my leave," Minazuki said calmly.
"You're not going anywhere," Ken replied.
Before Ken could run after Minazuki, bullets flew by him, giving Minazuki ample time to escape.
"Don't get any ideas. I'm only here to fulfill my objective," a voice announced.
A familiar figure appeared from the food court with the same blue outfit as Naoto.
"Not this again," I groaned.
"Another Naoto," Yukari said, surprised.
"That's not Naoto, but a false imitation of her," Izzy explained.
"It doesn't matter who they are. If they are conspiring with that Minazuki person, they must be dealt with immediately," Ken replied.
"I see you're quick to the same conclusion. Then, let's not waste time. Bring on the ring," Shadow Naoto shouted.
"What is she talking about," I asked.
"This is bad. Everyone, get away from me," Naoto told us.
Yukari, Ken, and Koromaru jumped away in Naoto's response. I pushed Izzy away from us, concerned about the dangerous warning. Four pillars of light surrounded Labrys, Naoto, Shadow Naoto, and me, attaching themselves to the ground and emitting a dull light. This scenario felt eerily close to what we experienced on the Midnight Channel days ago.
"This makeshift arena feels like that time we participated in the Grand Prix. That means we're trapped inside until we defeat you," I said.
"You're quite sharp for a dullard. I suppose a boy who wears his heart on his sleeve, a heartless robot, and a near-death version of myself would be too easy for me to manage. Therefore, I will be kind enough to allow anyone else to enter the ring and take their place. However, invisible walls will prevent you from leaving until a victor is decided," Shadow Naoto explained.
"As if there are such things as invisible walls," Yukari scoffed.
Yukari tried to enter the ring but bumped her head against the invisible wall Naoto mentioned.
"Unfortunately, the invisible walls are real. I felt it firsthand," Izzy replied.
Soon, one of the TVs in the food court turned on, revealing another familiar figure.
"Long time no see, everyone. Did you miss me," General Teddie said.
"So, you're the Teddie from the files we've read. You don't look like a bear," Yukari commented.
"He's more of an oddly shaped mascot," Ken added.
"I will not have you mock my beartiful fur. Choose someone to enter the ring, and let's get this fight started already unless you would rather leave their side to save those precious friends of yours," General Teddie jeered.
"Would you stop yapping? Fine, I'll enter the ring and fight the imposter," Yukari declared.
"Don't engage in combat. The Shadow intends to carve off your Personas to summon an unidentified menace. Mitsuru and the others are in the tower up on that hill. Hurry and rescue them without fighting any false imitations," Naoto told Yukari, Ken, and Koromaru.
"In that case, we'll take our leave. Labrys, we'll leave this to you," Ken told her.
"You got it. I'll protect Naoto and Tai," Labrys said.
"No, let's fight her together. Sorry, Naoto, but I can't just sit here and watch you suffer without doing anything," I said.
"Are those two boys also Persona-users," Yukari asked.
"It's a long story, but we have a means to fight in these conditions. Please continue with your mission. I'll be on standby in case anything happens," Izzy explained.
"Understood, we'll leave Naoto to the three of you. Good luck," Ken replied.
Yukari, Ken, and Koromaru left the building.
"So much for this idea of friendship you have created. Those three abandoned you and moved ahead to pursue individual goals. You humans are as fickle as always," Shadow Naoto said.
"No, they left us because they trust us to perform our duties successfully. That is the strength of our bonds, something you will never understand," I replied.
I shatter the card before me, summoning my trusted friend and donning my new attire.
"Wow, I can't believe that worked," I said, reconfirming my latest look.
"Hello, Tai. Are we back in the TV World again for another fight? This red atmosphere is creepy. It's giving me goosebumps," Agumon commented.
"Agumon, it's good to see you again," Labrys said.
"Labrys, you're okay! I was worried about you," Agumon replied.
"Thanks, Agumon, but now's not a good time to chat. We're in a sticky situation right now," Labrys explained.
"Hey, isn't that one of Yu's friends? Was she brainwashed to fight us like last time," Agumon asked.
"No, that's her Shadow. The real Naoto is badly hurt right now. We need to protect her," I explained.
"In that case, I don't need to hold back. I'll teach these meanies a lesson," Agumon exclaimed.
"That's the spirit. Let's do this, Agumon," I said.
"Agumon, Strength Arcana Digivolve to... Greymon," Agumon shouted.
"It seems that the number of opponents has increased. Even so, the outcome will remain the same," Shadow Naoto replied.
Shadow Naoto shattered the card before her, summoning a suited warrior with wings and a laser sword.
"Wait a second, isn't that your Persona, Naoto? Why is your Shadow able to summon it? Aren't they one of the same," I asked Naoto.
"It was the same situation during the P1 Grand Prix. Be careful; they're just as strong but more dangerous than we are," Naoto explained.
"Fly, Sukuna-Hikona," Shadow Naoto shouted.
Shadow Naoto's Persona disappeared, zipping around Greymon with its sword.
"This little Persona is fast," Greymon said, trying to block the onslaught.
"Don't worry, Greymon. I got you. Ariadne," Labrys said.
Labrys summoned her Persona, and it fired multiple constructed arrows at Sukuna-Hikona. Sukuna-Hikona dodged the arrows, charged after Ariadne, and struck it endlessly.
"It's too fast. We need to slow it down somehow," I told Labrys.
"I have just the solution," Labrys replied.
Ariadne created spear constructs from the ground and caught Sukuna-Hikona mid-flight. Greymon used this opportunity to smash its tail on Sukuna-Hikona, crushing it and making it disappear, causing Shadow Naoto to flinch.
"The Persona is gone. Now is our chance," I said.
I kicked the ball over to Shadow Naoto. Shadow Naoto dodged the ball and fired bullets at us. Labrys covered in front of me to take the brunt of the attack. Labrys charged at Shadow Naoto to attack her with her axe. As Labrys was about to strike Shadow Naoto, large stingers rained down on her. Although she moved out of the way, she still suffered considerable damage.
"I thought you said you could defeat the two of them on your own," a voice said.
"Your assistance was part of the ploy, but you had to expose yourself to them," Shadow Naoto groaned.
"Regardless of my appearance, our victory is predetermined," the voice continued.
A familiar creature flew to the ground as the person riding it landed beside Shadow Naoto.
"DarkFlymon," I said, concerned.
"Is that my shadow," Izzy questioned, surprised.
"Come now, you should know that the probability of my existence is high, so you shouldn't be surprised," Shadow Izzy explained.
"I see. So, you have also faced your Shadows as well. I knew we had various similarities but didn't realize to what extent that is," Naoto replied.
"So, it's two against two then. It doesn't matter who comes after us. I won't stop if you continue to harm my friends," Labrys stated.
"In that case, let's increase the stakes," Shadow Izzy said.
"DarkFlymon, digivolve to... DarkOkuwamon," DarkFlymon shouted.
"Great, now they can digivolve. What else are they going to throw at us," I said, disgusted.
"Now, let's continue where we left off," Shadow Naoto replied.
Sukuna-Hikona and DarkOkuwamon charged after us. Ariadne and MetalGreymon responded in kind to protect us. As the Digimon and Personas clashed with each other, Labrys and I focused on the Shadows. Shadow Izzy stood behind Shadow Naoto to inform her of our movements. Whenever I would kick my ball over to them, they would coordinate their actions and dodge it. Whenever Labrys swung around her axe, they knew where it would connect and move out of the way.
"I can't land a decent hit in them. It's like they know my every move," Labrys said.
"Shadow Izzy must be using his ability to predict what is about to happen and transferring that information to Shadow Naoto," I explained.
"How can we challenge someone who can accurately predict our every move?"
"I have a plan, but it's a little crazy. Do you trust me?"
"You're my friend, Tai. Of course, I trust you."
Meanwhile, Greymon and Ariadne clashed with Sukuna-Hikona and DarkOkuwamon. Greymon fired multiple fireballs at Sukuna-Hikona, but DarkOkuwamon flew in to take the brunt of the attack. Sukuna-Hikona flew past DarkOkuwamon to strike Greymon, but Ariadne stepped in to exchange blows with it. As their weapons clashed, Greymon jumped above Ariadne to slam Sukuna-Hikona with its tail. DarkOkuwamon noticed this and grabbed Greymon's tail, swinging it against the invisible wall.
"Double Scissor Claw," DarkOkuwamon shouted.
DarkOkuwamon rushed towards Greymon, ready to clip Greymon's head with its pincers. Greymon grabbed the pincers with its hands, desperately preventing its neck from getting cleanly sliced off.
"Greymon, it's time we take this to another level," I informed him.
"That's just what I'm waiting for. I'm getting fired up now," Greymon replied.
Greymon slipped out of the pincers as they came together and pushed DarkOkuwamon with its strong legs.
"Greymon, Four Card Arcana Digivolve to... MetalGreymon," Greymon shouted.
"Ariadne, let's keep up the pace. Don't let them catch a break," Labrys said.
Resonating with Labrys's heart, Ariadne fired multiple constructed arrows at Sukuna-Hikona. Sukuna-Hikona dodged the incoming attacks but bumped into DarkOkuwamon towards the end.
"We got you right where we want you," I declared.
Ariadne constructed spikes from the ground and trapped Sukuna-Hikona and DarkOkuwamon.
"Giga Blaster," MetalGreymon shouted.
MetalGreymon fired two missiles from its chest at Sukuna-Hikona and DarkOkuwamon.
"Do you truly believe those fragile things are enough to stop us," Shadow Izzy remarked.
DarkOkuwamon powered through the constructed spikes and shattered them so it and Sukuna-Hikona could escape. However, the missiles continued to fly towards us.
"You fool! They weren't aiming at the Digimon and Persona. Their target was us," Shadow Naoto told Shadow Izzy.
Grabbing my body, Labrys extended her and flew towards the missiles. We barely grazed them as they zoomed by us, continued their trajectory at Shadow Naoto and Shadow Izzy, and exploded. The damage was too much for them to take, and Sukuna-Hikona and DarkOkuwamon vanished. Soon, the four pillars and the invisible walls disintegrated. Shadow Naoto and Shadow Izzy lay on the ground as they slowly faded away.
"That was a wonderful battle. Surely, we have completed our objective of obtaining these abundant Persona fragments," Shadow Naoto stated.
"It won't be long until we reach our goal. It's a shame that I won't be able to see your faces when you face your inevitable demise," Shadow Izzy harked.
Eventually, the two Shadows disappeared into thin air, leaving a black sludge that was once their bodies.
"Tai, Labrys, are you alright," Izzy asked, walking towards us now that the invisible walls were gone.
"We're fine. Sorry, Naoto. I know you informed us not to engage in battle with those Shadows, but we still faced them," I said.
"There was nothing you could do. We had no means of escape," Naoto replied.
"I hope Yukari's group can catch that Minazuki person so we can get some answers soon. What do you think his goal is for collecting these Persona fragments," Izzy questioned.
"I'm not sure, but," Naoto said.
Naoto tried to stand up but flinched from the pain caused to her earlier. I rushed over to her side to catch her before she fell.
"Don't push yourself too hard. You're still recovering from Minazuki's attack," I told her.
"Thank you, Tai. I must also thank Izzy and Labrys as well. If the three of you were not here to support me, I wouldn't know what would become of me," Naoto said.
"Don't mention it. You all helped me out, so now it's my turn to do the favor," Labrys replied.
"I hate to bother you during your condition, but I remember Yu informing us that you were busy with work and had to leave Inaba for a bit. I'm assuming you're here in a similar fashion as well. By chance, do you know of Yu or the others' current whereabouts," Izzy asked.
"Yes, I was here for work. In fact, I was talking to Labrys right before the Dark Hour happened when midnight struck. Unfortunately, all I know about is the meeting that transpired earlier today in Junes that Chie texted me about, which you were there for," Naoto explained.
"I was searching for Mitsuru's whereabouts after I heard she disappeared. These people in suits chased us, but I had assistance from one of Mitsuru's acquaintances to escape and get on the helicopter," Labrys added.
"There were more people after you outside of that Minazuki person," Izzy asked.
"In truth, they were after Mitsuru. They're known as Public Safety. They've been trying to gain more information about Mitsuru's tactics and shut her group down should they find anything suspicious. If I had to guess, they saw Mitsuru's disappearance as an opportunity to perform a search warrant on her company, as she would have no physical means to stop them," Naoto explained.
"You have to be joking. Mitsuru and her group have done so much for us. Instead of searching for them, they have the audacity to perform work that only benefits them. They're terrible," I said.
"But not everyone respects what Public Safety is trying to do. If it weren't for them leaking information to us, I wouldn't have escaped successfully. After I escaped, I met up with Yukari and the others. As you've witnessed, they are also members of Mitsuru's group and are backup members in emergencies like this. We were supposed to pick up someone named Junpei, but he was already in Inaba when we contacted him. We were heading to Inaba when the fog and tower appeared. The rest was as you've seen played out," Labrys continued.
"Still, I'm surprised your and Izzy's Shadows appeared before us like that. I could have sworn we fought them before. How did they manage to appear again," I questioned Naoto.
"If I had to guess, they were created from other low-level Shadows. The fact that they can summon our Personas and copy our abilities surprised me," Naoto responded.
"During the battle, I noticed glimmers of light coming from Greymon and Ariadne. Were those the Persona fragments you were referring to," Izzy asked Naoto.
"Yes, they were. I didn't mention it earlier when Yukari and the others were around, but Minazuki plans to use the Persona fragments to craft something dangerous. Although I am unsure what he intends to summon, I know that the Persona fragments are getting collected at the tower resembling Tartarus, something Yukari and the others know all too well. The tower will be used as a catalyst to bring about whatever destruction Minazuki had in mind," Naoto replied.
"Now that you mentioned it, I felt something weird when I first fought Minazuki. I don't know how to describe it, but it felt like the Plumes of Dusk we have as our cores," Labrys stated.
"I remember reading something about it. Those Plumes of Dusks power you and Aigis and function as a 'heart' like ours. Are you saying that he's also a machine or that he's carrying a Plume of Dusk in his person," Izzy asked.
"No, he's human, but it felt like the Plume of Dusk was 'synced' in his heart," Labrys continued.
"Are you saying that this Plume of Dusk merged with his body? That sounds dangerous. If those cores were for you and Aigis, why would anyone want it inside their body like that? Who would do such a thing," I asked.
"I have a name in mind, but there's not enough information to fully support my hypothesis," Naoto said.
"Are you referring to Shuji Ikutsuki," Izzy stated.
"Who's that," I asked.
"According to what I've read, he was involved with the Kirijo Group during the old regime in the research of Shadows. They experimented with ways to explore the Dark Hour and Tartarus. They didn't want to navigate it themselves, so they used children to do the dirty work for them. Minazuki could be a product of those experimented children," Izzy explained.
"From what I've gathered, most, if not all, of those children are currently deceased. Why would Minazuki want to recreate The Dark Hour if he's one of the experimented children? It could not have been a favorable one," Naoto replied.
"No matter his reason, we still need to take him down. I'm sure Yukari and the others will be able to track him. Once they do, we'll get the answers we are searching for," Labrys replied.
"You know, you've grown in such a short time with Mitsuru's group. I'm glad you've made such wonderful friends like them," I informed her.
"Do you think so? I've only just met them, so I'm still shy about calling them my friends," Labrys said.
"Considering that they trusted you to watch over us in their stead as they focus on their part of the mission, I'd say you have a strong bond with them, enough to be considered friends," Izzy responded.
"It usually starts that way, but once you realize it, it'll turn into a warm feeling inside you," Naoto added.
"Are you speaking from experience," I teased.
"Who knows," Naoto vaguely smiled.
"In any case, let's head over to the tower. If Minazuki plans to use the Persona fragments at Tartarus, we must stop him before it's too late," Izzy said.
"Considering how tall the tower is, I bet it would be impossible for us not to notice it during our travel there. However, I bet it'll be a maze trying to get there. It was already lengthy for us to arrive in Junes. How will we be able to navigate through Inaba if we want to travel the safest and most direct route," I asked.
"I might have a solution for that. Persona," Izzy shouted.
Izzy shattered the card before him, donning a new attire while summoning a familiar friend.
"Greetings, everyone. How have you been? Judging by our surroundings, I assume it is not exceptionally good," Tentomon replied.
"So, this is your companion, Izzy. It looks cute. It charmingly resembles you," Labrys said.
"Since we have time for flattery, perhaps the situation isn't as dire as I thought," Tentomon replied.
"What's your plan, Izzy," I asked.
"If the Dark Hour bears some similarity to the TV World, I might be able to obtain a map of this world to help guide us towards Tartarus," Izzy explained.
"You can do that," Naoto said, surprised.
"I could only achieve a general sense of the world outside specific dungeons inside the TV World. The same will happen here, but it's better than navigating the Dark Hour haphazardly. It's finished. As I predicted, I have a basic layout of the modified Inaba. With this, we should be able to traverse Inaba safely," Izzy replied.
"Knowing Yu and the others, they must have gone to the tower to seek the truth of this whole debacle. Let's head over to Tartarus and meet up with them," Naoto suggested.
"It's time to end this nightmare once and for all," I said.
The four of us ran down the stairs and out of Junes with newfound hope, believing we could save Mitsuru's group and Inaba within the time limit.
*To be continued*