Apocalypse Theory

Apocalypse Theory

Apocalypse Theory
The First Movie:
Apocalypse Theory

(Yup, scripting EVERYTHING. Boredom is a harsh mistress heh.
Camera zooms in on a street sign saying 'Winging Boulevard' then swings round to show said boulevard which is dark except for an area where 2 figures are stood. One lets out a cry and falls to the floor)

Figure on floor: You may have stopped me Slotch, but you will not defeat the rest of Argentium Fold. A force will come soon, in the form of a simple child, and that child shall be your downfall. Mark my words Slotch, your evil plans will not survive and you cannot stop the ultimate Apocalypse of your life and those around you.

Slotch: I know that Duke Delvin. But I shall pass on my skills and plans to my children and disciples. And they will take over from me, take the world for their own and live out my dream. The force you speak of shall not harm us.

Duke Delvin: Then the Pale Steed and its Tamer shall bring forth all of Hell and the dead shall walk the Earth and destroy everything within it. Either you and your followers are defeated or the world as we know it is terminated. My fate is sealed, as is yours. Death is waiting just around the corner. That alone is unstoppable. Let my starless eyes haunt you in your dreams. (Duke dies)

Slotch: Duke, you were a fool. And now you are dead. My superior intelligence will prevail. And this child you spoke of, will fall.

(Opening credits. Background music-Strangeland-Green Day)
***


Narrator: 'Duke' Delvin and his wife, Aisling, had fostered twins a few years previously, when the children were a few days old. They kept the girls' surname, Hawker. One with strange black and grey hair, one with purple tinted white hair. She named them Scout and Rayden. Scout and Rayden had been the perfect siblings until Rayden found something sinister. She became darker and grew away from her family until the age of 7 when she moved out of her familiy's home and hadn't contacted them since. A figure came to her in a dream. A figure named Slotch. He had told her of powers, powers that could warp worlds and control the stars. Her mind boggled and she was inthralled instantly. He came to her often and gave her instructions on how to get this ultimate power. She left to find him. Unknown to Scout, she succeeded. Aisling had heard from her father of the Prophecy. She know believed that Rayden and Scout were featured in the Prophecy. The two of connected mortal blood. One with good intentions, one with bad. One to bring peace, one to bring chaos.

(While the narrator is speaking, a montage of Scout and Rayden's young lives plays.)

***

(Present Day. An older version of Scout is sat in a pristine white room. She is blatently bored shitless. A door opens and a woman in a lab coat, camera focusses on her name tag, enters the room followed by another girl of Scout's age.)

Dr. Thraydor: Scout, This is Rain Pritchard. Rain, this is Scout Hawker. You two will be working together on our project so take the time to get to know each other while I fetch our third guest. (Thraydor leaves the room)

Rain: So....tell me a bit about yourself Scout.

Scout: I dunno. I'm 13, I play guitar and I'm good with firearms, computers and I'm skilled at martial arts. You?

Rain: I'm also 13. I like the same music you do but I play bass. I'm good with animals and clairvoyance.

Scout: Cool.

(Door opens again and a guy in a lab coat walks in.)

Guy: Hey there girls. I'm Chester, but call me Reto. I'm a bit of a techno whiz, I'm 21 and uh, that's about it.

Scout: Scout.

Rain: Rain. Are you the third of us?

Reto: No. I'm here to assist you three in the project.

Scout: Umm, okay.

(Thraydor appears again with another girl)

Thraydor: This is Tailor Rapsobi, she'll be 13 in 3 days.

Scout: What now?

Thraydor: Now, we make you full members of Argentium Fold and your training begins. I warn you, a strange race of beings called Opphridons inhabit this area. Zombie-like creatures that work for Slotch. Unlike their horror-movie cousins, Opphridons are fast and lethal. A group of 5 can kill and devour a man in 10 minutes. And most looked like normal humans; you won't realise the danger until it's too late.
The communities here are divided into 'Folds'. The dominating Fold is Aurum Fold, Slotch's Fold. There are several others, Palladium Fold, Copper Fold, Argentium Fold and Iron Fold. There are some so small we do not know of them. Members of different Folds don't normally mix so be wary. Here,you better take these. (she hands them each a metal bracelet with a pentagram engraved on it)
That's the Argentium mark. These will identify you as Argentium Fold members. Don't lose them. If you don't have an ID mark, you will be left to fend for yourselves in the Marsavi Desert. And you won't last 2 days out there. That's everything I think. I'll leave you with Chester now, he'll answer any questions you have. (she leaves)

Scout: Why are we so special?

Reto: You aren't permitted to know that. But, you'll know, in good time.

Rain: It's to do with Slotch and the Apocalypse Theory, isn't it?

Reto: (hesitates) Yes.

Tailor: But we're not soldiers! How can we help?

Reto: You'll know.

Tailor: When?

Reto: When the time is right.

*****

(3 months later. A screeching wail echoes across the desert. Camera focusses on the Argentium Fold Dock and zooms in on a window over looking it where Scout and Rain are stood. Camera switches so you are seeing what Scout and Rain are. A huge army of Opphridons are advancing fast.)

Rain: (turning to Scout) Think this is what Reto meant?

Scout: Maybe. (door behind them opens and they spin round looking guilty. It's Reto and Tailor)

Reto: Hey girls, I suppose you two heard the news? The Opphridon army is about 5000 strong and they've damn near wiped out Titanium Fold! Argentium's resources aren't enough to defeat them. I know you girls aren't very experienced but trust me, you have power enough to stop them.

Scout: What power? We've had a few lessons on magicks and that's about it!

Reto: There's not much time to explain, but you are Angels. You have special powers beyond anything we could ever imagine. You will be fine! Use what you know and the rest is instinct.

(Cut to Scout, Rain and Tailor stood a little way out into the desert. The Opphridon army is closer than ever.)

Rain: Let's kick some Opphridon arse! (They walk a bit further into the desert and realise how vast the army is)

Tailor: CRAP! There's loads of em. How're we gonna take em out? Reto's sent us on a suicide mission!

Scout: No. We can do this. I trust Reto. (Scout closes her eyes and a pair of feathery, black wings sprout from her shoulder blades. She flys into the air. Rain and Tailor do the same. Scout turns to face the Opphridons, a ball of black energy forming in her palm. She aims and send it flying in several who burn up instantly, howling in pain and anguish. She continues this while Tailor charms rocks to drop on the enemies and Rain conjures up acin rain. They keep this up until the army has descreased suffiently. They are now obviously exhausted.)

Tailor: Yaaaah! (She falls to the floor unconscious, her wings disappearing)

Rain: Shit, Tailor! (Flys towards Tailor)

Scout: No! The Opphridons! (Rain turns to see that Tailor is surrounded and she doesn't have the strength to fly them both away)

Rain: Scout help! (Scout uses the last of her magicks to cast a strong fleet of black lightening that destroys the remaining Opphridons. She lands by Tailor, breathing hard)

Rain: Think she's hurt? (Gestures towards Tailor)

Scout: No, just exhausted. C'mon, let's get her back to Argentium. (They lift Tailor between them and fly off in the general direction of Argentium Fold)

****

(Aurum Fold base. A large room covered in high tech machinery all marked with a golden SE. A young girl is standing above a cowering Lesser Demon.)

Girl: What do you mean the Opphridons failed? (Her eyes flash dangerously)

Lesser: We didn't realise that Argentium had those sort of warriors on their side! (The girl scowles, evidently not pleased with his excuse)

Girl: Can't you do anything right, Jaggard? You Lesser Demons are starting to annoy me and my master. I suggest you start making progress.

Jaggard: Please forgive me Lady Foxglove! (Foxglove waves her hand dismissively)

Foxglove: Whatever. Just get out of my sight. (The Lesser exits quickly. Flicking some hair out of her eyes, Foxglove turns, camera turning with her, and Slotch is stood behind her)

Slotch: Impressive Foxglove, very impressive. You'll make a fine replacement one day.

Foxglove: Damn right I will.

Slotch: I knew you were right for this the moment I heard of you. (Foxglove laughs)

Foxglove: Whatever Slotch. The Opphridons failed. What do we do now?

Slotch: We'll coax these 'warriors' here.

Foxglove: It's not that easy. They won't come without back-up and an arsenal to put James Bond to shame.

Slotch: We'll take someone they care about first.

Foxglove: A hostage? Hmm, how about that guy, Reto? I'm pretty sure they'll come for him.

Slotch: Good idea Foxglove. I'll send Von and Jason. Then, we'll destroy Argentium's last hope! (Enter two young guys a few second slater. They look nervous.)

Slotch: I have an assignment for you both.

First boy: Yes, sir?

Slotch: Go to Argentium Fold. Kidnap the one named Reto. (They nod)

Foxglove: If anyone asks, you are students wanting to meet Reto got it?

First boy: Right!

Foxglove: And remove your Marks. (They take off the bracelets and hand them to her)
Good. Now go. (The two leave the room. As soon as they are out of earshot of Foxglvoe and Slotch, the second boy turns to the first)

Second guy: Shit Von, I don't want to get mixed up in this Apocalypse Theory shit!

Von: Me neither Jason, but we don't have a choice. I suppose we all have out part in this forsaken Prophecy.

Jason: I don't want to be stuck with Aurum. I say we join Argentium.

Von: Dangerous. If Foxglove or Slotch found out, they have our Marks and could probabley force us and Cosmos only knows what they'll do to us afterwards.

Jason: I don't care. I want a shot at getting the hell away from them. They're insane!

Von: Tell me something I don't know! (Von unlocks a door leading to a massive hanger. There is a spacey ship waiting for them. They get into it and drive off into the Desert)

****

(Back at Argentium. Scout is walking down a corridor. She stops at a door marked " C. O'Malley" She knocks gently)

Scout: Reto? You there? (The door opens)

Reto's voice: Come in Scout. (She obliges)
Take a seat.

Scout: I'd rather stand, thanks.

Reto: Scout, I asked you to come here because I have some bad news... (He hesitates, waiting for a reaction but gets none)
Professor Thraydor believes that the Opphridons were a decoy and that Aurum Fold are planning something much worse.

Scout: Like what?

Reto: We're not sure. We sent in a mole to try to find some useful info a week ago and she came back with this. (He hands her a blueprint for some kind of robot)

Scout: Holy sheep shit!

Voice: Precisely. (The camera turns with Scout to focus on a small black griffon)

Reto: Scout, this is Tempest. She's our mole.

Tempest: It is an honour, Saviour. (Bows)

Scout: Saviour?

Tempest: You don't know?

Reto: Shhh! There are more pressing issues at hand. We believe that Foxglove, Slotch's apprentice, has mastered the ability of Summoning.

Scout: Summoning?

Reto: The ability to summon ancient spirits, known as Aeoyras. They are extremly powerful. It also covers the magicks of calling Guardians to your aid. Guardians are strongly skilled magickal beings whose sole purpose is to protect ahem, the Higher Deities.

Scout: So if they have killer machines and Aeoyras with them, what are our chances?

Reto: High if you and your friends can master Summoning soon.

Scout: We can damn well try!

Reto: It'll take lots of practise. Just having your unique powers isn't going to help much.

Scout: We can handle it I think.

Reto: I'm sure you can. Just be careful. Some Aeoyras aren't willingly to obey their Summoner. Things could get nasty if they turn on you or your friends.

Scout: Got it!

Reto: Tempest will be around, for your protection. She's your Guardian after all.

Scout: Reto-

Reto: Safety in numbers Scout.

Scout: Whatever. (Walks out)

***

(Rain in sat in her room reading a book. Soft music fills the air. Hearing it, she puts down the book and walks out into the corridor and stands behind the open door of the balcony. Scout is sat on the balcony with an acoustic guitar in her hands. She starts playing Whatsername-Green Day. As she finishes the song, a single tear slides down her cheek and hits the floor with a *ching* shattering into pieces)

Scout: Rain?

Rain: (Walking out onto the balcony and sitting next to Scout) How did you know I was there?

Scout: I have sensitive powers if that makes any sense heh.

Rain: Yeah, I think it does. Still sad about Rayden, huh?

Scout: Yeah, I sometimes wish I could let it go. She's with Slotch now. She's not coming back.

Rain: She might, you never know.

Scout: Rain, I know you're trying to help but, you can't change the past.

Rain: 'Time may change me, but you can't change time...'

Scout: Yeah...

Rain: Know any other songs?

Scout: Uhuh.

Rain: Go on then, play something that fits your mood.

Scout: Why my mood?

Rain: Cuz you play so much better with emotion.

Scout: Umm yeah. (She begins to strum some chords and starts singing Mad World-Gary Jules. She cuts it off short and breaks down. Rain simply wraps her arms round her)

Scout: I'm so sorry Rain.

Rain: It's okay Scout.

*******

(Von and Jason's ship reachs the Argentium Fold dock. They land it quietly before entering Argentium Fold. They are silently walking down a corridor when Scout appears)

Scout: You guys lost?

Von: Umm, yeah.

Scout: I haven't seen you around, you new?

Jason: Yeah. Just got here.

Scout: You're Aurum Folders aren't you? I can tell, you're still wearing your uniforms idiots.

Von: Damn. Look, we were sent here to kidnap Reto, but we don't want to. Slotch is mad! He'll kill us if we go back empty handed so, we were going to try to join Argentium. Please help us.

Scout: I dunno if I can trust you.

Jason: Please! We just want somewhere we can call home without being stuck under some phycho's regime. A pretty girl such as yourself should be abled to work it out.

Scout: Hmm, flattery won't get you everywhere.....umm...

Jason: Jason Carr.

Von: Von Raye.

Jason: And you are?

Scout: Scout, Scout Hawker. (She motions for them to follower her. She elads them to Reto's room and knocks. Reto appears looking tired.)

Reto: Scout? What kind of time do you call this!?

Scout: These guys want a transfer to Argentium.

Reto: At 5am!? Bloody hell. Can't it wait?

Scout: 'Fraid not. Slotch will kill them if we don't help them out.

Reto: Aurum Folders? And you trust them? (Tempest appears behind Von)

Tempest: They do not lie Chester. I sense a hidden power about them too. They may have some use to us.

Reto: (Sighs) Fine. But you'd better have some useful information. (They all enter Reto's room)

*****

(Aurum Fold. A Lesser Demon is stood before Slotch. Unlike Jaggard, this demon has a strange collar with a 'Z' on it.)

Slotch: So, Von and Jason have deserted us. They will be sorry. But all is not lost.

Lesser Demon: How so?

Slotch: For I am the mightly Slotch of course!

Lesser Demon: Indeed sir you are.

Slotch: Tell the Zyfor that I have everything under control and that the Angels will be destroyed soon.

Lesser Demon: As you wish, Your Excellencey. (The Demon disappears with a resounding CRACK. Foxglove enters the room)

Foxglove: Farth?

Slotch: Please do not address me by that name Foxglove.

Foxglove: But it is your real name is it not?

Slotch: Perhaps. But my identity must be hidden from Thraydor and Reto!

Foxglove: Fine.

Slotch: I want you to go, in disguise, to Argentium and attempt to befriend one of the Angels. Scout's best though because we need her gone as soon as possible. Then, get her on her own and perform the Summoning. Bring forth Jyklux. He should be able to kill Scout and anyone who tries to assist her.

Foxglove: Slotch, you know my ties to Scout, I couldn't possibley-

Slotch: You will. She is the enemy. What did I tell you anyway? This is your life now. Your past no longer exists. But, if you really don't want to, go into the desert outside Argentium, it is only a matter of time until Scout emerged alone. When she does, Jyklux can kill her.

Foxglove: Okay, but the Opphridons?

Slotch: They won't harm you.

Foxglove: I shall prepare to leave instantly. (She turns and walks to the door before stopping) Farth Wiley. (She adds under her breath)

***

(Reto's room. Scout and Reto are sat on a sofa, alone)

Scout: So, they wanted to kidnap you. It was a good plan. I would have gone to Aurum to save you. (She shifts closer to Reto, smiling.)

Reto: Good thing Tempest was around- griffons are so good at reading emotions.

Scout: You're a great help too Reto. (She moves even closer and goes to kiss him, but Reto stands up and moves away)

Reto: Scout, you're a great girl but this isn't going to work.

Scout: Why not?

Reto: Because you're an Angel! I'm human, it isn't meant to be.

Scout: Screw that! What if I don't want to be an Angel?

Reto: Scout, you, Rain and Tailor have the power and-

Scout: Well I don't want the goddamn power! I don't want the responsibility! I just want to be normal!

Reto: I'm sorry Scout, but there's nothing you can do about it. You have a destiny far greater than any human.

Scout: I want you to tell me everything. Now.

(Scout storms out of Reto's room, tears staining her cheeks.)

Scout: (In thought)Why didn't anyone tell me I was an Angel? Why have I never known that my foster father was 'Duke' Delvin? Why has nobody told me? (She punchs a wall angrily, not even flinching when her knuckles start bleeding. She heads into the dock and out into the desert. A few moment later, a figure appears in the distance. It is Foxglove)

Foxglove: Are you the one they call Scout?

Scout: She seems familiar, where have I seen her before? Maybe. And you would be?

Foxglove: My name is Foxglove.

Scout: Slotch's apprentice!

Foxglove: Yes Scout, Arengtium will fall, mark my words. Somethings are inevitable, death, life, destruction.

Scout: Who are you really? (Foxglove doesn't answer but raises her hands above her head as a staff appears in her hand)

Foxglove: I call on thee, oh Aeoyra Jyklux!

Scout: A Summoning! (A blinding white light shines from the ground and a huge dragon-like creature appeares, Jyklux. It roars and its wings unfurl. It lungs at Scout. In an attempt to defend herself, Scout flings her arms out in front of herself. A soft, pink bubble suddenly surrounds her and Jyklux's attack fails. Scout opens her eyes and stares at the bubble in amazement. A girl with wings appears beside her)

Girl: Do not worry Scout. I have come to protect you in your time of need.

Scout: What the hell?

Girl: My name is Kym. I am your Soul Guardian.

Scout: Umm, okay.

Kym: My power is limited however. You must follow my instructions if you wish to live.

Scout: Right. (The bubble disappears. Foxglove and Jyklux watch with interest)

Kym: Raise your hands above your head and say 'Hybrid Power'. (Scout raises her hands)

Scout: H-Hybrid Power! (A flash of light surrounds her. A staff appears in her hands and a pair of wings unfurl from her shoulder blades.)

Kym: Use the staff to attack the Aeoyra, Angel Negro.

Foxglove: Jyklux attack! (Kym disappears as Jyklux leaps at Scout. A blast of black energy from Scout's staff hits it in the chest making Jyklux howl in pain. A taloned paw slams into Scout knocking her out of the air. A deep slash across her right eye is bleeding badly. Standing up, Scout aims a huge amount of black lightening at Jyklux. Its power gone, the particles forming Jyklux fade back into the atmosphere leaving Foxglove unconscious on the ground. Scout lands and runs over to her. She removes Foxglove's mask and gasps)

Scout: R-Rayden!? (She wakes up)

Rayden: Yes, that was my name. Before Slotch offered me a greater destiny. He will give me more than you ever could.

Scout: You're wrong Rayden.

Rayden: (Laughs) I am only your sister in blood Scout. We will meet again, in the thick of battle. (Rayden disappears leaving Scout on her knees. Wiping a hands across her face Scout realises that she's still bleeding, muttering a healing spell, the bleeding stops but the slash scars. Scout stands up and her staff disappears. She takes off into the air and flys off in the general ditrection of Argentium Fold.)

****

(Tailor, Rain and Reto are stood outside a door marked 'S. Hawker'. All look worried)

Rain: Think she'll be okay?

Reto: I hope so.

Tailor: Well, she won't talk to me. Or anyone else for that matter.

Jason: (Appearing behing Reto) I'll try.

Tailor: What makes you think she'll respond to you?

Jason: I don't know okay? I'm just going to try! She gave me a chance to escape Aurum and keep my life. I owe her!

Reto: Don't make the mistake of thinking you're the only one who cares about Scout.

Jason: I haven't. I just care enough to keep trying!

(He pushes Reto out of the way and walks into Scout's room, closing the door behind him. Scout is led on her bed staring at the ceiling. Jason glances at the poster covered walls before walking over to the bed)

Scout?

(She sits up slowly and pats a space next to her. He sits down.)

Are you okay? What did you see in the desert?

Scout: I saw my twin, Rayden. She's been calling herself Foxglove. She's changed so much...

Jason: Foxglove-is your sister?

Scout: Uhuh.

Jason: Holy sheep shit. How'd you get that scar?

Scout: Rayden summoned an Aeoyra. It attacked me. I performed a healing spell but the Aeoyra's magic is stronger than mine, I wasn't able to override its power.

Jason: But you defeated it.

Scout: Just. Kym, my Soul Guardian or something, told me how to transform, into an Angel.

Jason: You're an Angel?

Scout: Yeah....The Angel Negro.

Jason: Wow. Why are you so depressed about this?

Scout: Because Rayden is working for Slotch! I miss her, but she's happy with him. Where's the point in continuing to try and stop Slotch?

Jason: If you defeat Slotch, Rayden might come back.

Scout: Might Jason. She probabley won't.

Jason: But there's still a chance.

Scout: You're right!

(Scout hugs him and kisses his cheek, grinning)

I'll train harder, to destroy Slotch and get Rayden back!

Jason: I'm behind you the whole way.

Scout: Thanks Jase, this means a lot to me!

(Lovely montage of Scout and co improves their magick but also Rayden and Slotch growing stronger. Music-Learn To Fly-Foo Fighters.)

***
(Scout, Jason, Reto and co are inside a large space ship. They are still wearing their school uniforms. Reto is flicking switches and pressing buttons)

Professer Thraydor (Over intercom): Iniating Project Falcon. Ready?

Reto: Roger that Natalie. Thunderbirds are go! (Scout laughs)
Take off in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! (Rain yelps as the craft lurches out of the Argentioum Fold dock and into the desert, towards Aurum. All crew are silent until the Aurum fleet comes into view.)

Tailor: There they are. (Several other Argentium ships speed ahead of them and destroy some Aurum ships before being blown up)

Von: Shit, we're losing! (Suddenly, their ship is thrown violently side ways)

Jason: Bollocks!

Reto: We're hit! The ship's gonna blow! Run away! (Reto lands the ship quickly and they all sprint away from it as it explodes)

Tailor: We are in deep shit now. (They are a few feet behind the rest of the Argentium fleet. Bits of shrapnel are scatted across the desert floor)

Scout: Sod it. We can us our magicks to fight back! Copy what I do. (She raises her hands, Tailor and Rain copy her) Hybrid Power! (Like alst time, they all glow before their staffs appear and their wings unfurl. With a smile at their new attire and staffs, the Angels fly into the melee)

Jason: Think we have that kind of power?

Reto: Doubt it. Sorry.

****

(Still in the desert. All of Argentium's ships have retrated, leaving Scout, Rain and Tailor faced with the mother ship. It lands and Slotch steps out followed by Foxglove.)

Reto: Shit, it's Farth Wiley! (Slotch Summons an Aeoyra called Kundra as Foxglove Summons Jyklux who is dwarfed by Kundra. The two Aeoyras attack the Angels)

Rain: Scout! Summon an Aeoyra!

Scout: I Summon thee, Oh Aeoyra! (Nothing happens. Slotch laughs but is cut short when an over-sized bird Aeoyra lands in front of Scout.)

Aeoyra (telapathecly): I am Alitz, at your service Angel Negro.

Scout: Nice to meet you. Destroy them! (With a war cry, Alitz takes off and attacks Jyklux and Kundra. They fight for a few moments before all fading, power depleted)

Slotch: Go ahead, kill us.

Scout: Happily, but I can't hurt Rayden.

Slotch: Valuing life is weak. Love is weak.

Jason (Appearing behind Scout): You're wrong. Love is one of the strongest forces in existance.

Slotch: And how would know that Chimera? You're only half-human.

Jason: I know because I've felt it.

(His eyes meet Scout's, she smiles)

And I would forfeit my life for that
person.

Slotch: You make me sick.

(Slotch fires a few blasts of energy at Scout and Jason. A huge cloud of sand and dust (Dust anyone? No? Dust?) rises above the blast area. Scout and Jason are unhurt, surrounded by blue bubbles.)

Scout: You are wrong Slotch. The power of love is far stronger than you anticipated.

(Her and Jason somehow combine their powers to form a huge beam of concentrated energy that hits Slotch in the chest. With a scream, he disappears)

Foxglove: No! You may have defeated us this time, but the Zyfor lives on!

(She disappears witha CRACK. Scout's feet hit the floor.)

Scout: No....

Jason: Scout....

(She wraps her arms round him and starts sobbing. Tailor, Rain, Von and Reto walk up to them)

Rain: Oh Scout, I'm so sorry.

Reto: There's a ship coming from Argentium to pick us up. It's going to be okay.

Scout: Bullshit

The End!

(Roll credits with Changes-David Bowie playing.
Okay, that sucked, I need to rewrite this but whatever)