Monday, October 31, 2011

Heading In

This is it. I'm all prepared now. I have everything I need to go and test my theory. I even have three constants with me to keep me safe: the black half-mask, the hoody that Brittany left for me, and the engagement ring I gave to Kelley. I said goodbye to my parents, recorded a final video for my youtube channel. Finale  There doesn't seem to be anything left for me to do.

For all of you bloggers out there, keep safe. Don't give up running, fighting, researching, whatever it is you are doing in the battle against Him. Have faith that I will return. For in my return, the theory will be proven true, and we will have a new hope in survival.

I have given Donnie, Lobo and The Count the information to my blog/youtube, so if there is anything important that needs to be told, they will do it for me. No matter what happens, they will always be there to keep watch on the rest of you. Guess it's time to make my final stand, to try and be a hero.

So for the possible final time,

Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend
Hero?

OUT

Monday, October 24, 2011

Reached My Decision

I've taken a decent amount of time to think over everything that Lobo, Donnie, and The Count have told me. The main thing was the choice of trying to prove the theory true, or simply forgetting it and doing my own thing still. I had to think over everything I've been through as well in the past nine months.

Nine months ago, I was in a happy relationship. I learned about this thing called Slenderman, and I wanted to go out and prove whether He was real or simply a story. Immediately, I started having strange dreams, finding notes in my car, and my girlfriend getting sick. I was even attacked by both Slenderman and a proxy.

Eight months ago, I had a dream that would later prove to be almost prophetic in nature. I got in touch with Donnie for the first time to start investigating people who survived being taken by Him when they were kids. I was attacked by another proxy, who seemed to be trying to stop me from investigating the lake near me. I spoke with Diana, who still seemed to be under His control.

Seven months ago, I saved a fellow runner from a proxy, though she still was somewhat under His control. She regained enough to leave for me and my sister's protection. Somebody started responding to my youtube videos that I uploaded. One of my videos became distorted. I also found the black half-mask for the first time on my face. I was chased through NYC by His tentacles. I received my first contact from The Count. I made my confession of who I really am, and my dark past with my ex.

Six months ago, I continued having strange dreams, and worked on figuring out the clues left for me by The Count. Donnie tells me that the FBI have taken over all the missing person cases in town.

Five months ago, Diana was killed, so I could no longer access her for information. I determined from The Count's clue that I somehow entered The Path of Black Leaves as a child and survived being in there. Donnie faked his death to escape the FBI's grasp. I received his files on the Slenderman cases he has investigated. My girlfriend found out she was pregnant, and I proposed to her. She said yes. The person responding to my youtube videos has stalked my fiancee and kidnapped her.

Four months ago, I learn it was my ex fiancee from a few years ago that kidnapped her. I confront Sam (the ex) to save Kelley (the fiancee). Kelley is stabbed and has a miscarriage, and The Count saves us from being killed, though Sam escapes. I finally figure out who The Count is, but Kelley discovers that I've been hiding the entire Slenderman situation from her.

Three months ago, Kelley killed herself. The FBI begins coming after me, so I leave home. I first travel to New York and discover there was another man with the same name as me. There are a number of similarities between me and him, but only the presence of The Count in our lives truly links us.

Two months ago, escape the grasp of the FBI again. Discover I have lost time and find a video on my camera I did not record. Encountered Dr. Cairo Zelphest who managed to find out where a surviving member of the original Lucien's family lived. Travelled down south to Georgia, lost the FBI after driving through the hurricane.

One month ago, reconnected with an ex girlfriend, Brittany, who said she would travel with me. Met Lucien's sister, who told me the idea of a constant was true. Gave me hers, but was attacked by Him and killed immediately after. Received a false clue that took me and Brittany to The Black Forest. We discussed settling down together after getting out of the forest. Found a village of proxies that both Brittany and I had dreamed about. Encountered Sam again, who killed Brittany. I responded by temporarily going insane. I killed Sam, imagined I killed several other proxies.

This final month, encountered Donnie in the forest, who helped me escape and explained why he faked his death. Headed back home after receiving a farewell message from Brittany. Attacked by the FBI again, knocked unconscious. Find out Lobo of the FBI was undercover. Learn of the SIA, a somewhat origin story of proxies, and of the theory that could turn the tide.

And now, my decision. I have thought it over very carefully, and I have determined that there is only one choice.

In one week, after I say my goodbyes to everybody, I am entering The Path of Black Leaves with my constant. I will try to prove the theory true.

I mean, what can happen? Either I prove it true and I survive, or it is false and I die. One choice can help us all, the other means I'll finally escape the pain and memories I feel. Seems to be a win/win situation to me. But I have to do this.

I guess this is kinda what being a hero is about: determining the right thing to do, no matter the outcome.

Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend
Hero?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Reveal: The Count

I finally got to sit down, one on one, with Cartaphilus, aka The Count. This is what I was wanting to do for so long: to finally get an explanation on everything.


Me: This whole time, you've led me on a trip around the world, and I've lost two people I loved so much. This better be worth it.
The Count: If by worth it, you mean "gaining a piece of information that can save us all" from The Threat, then yes, it will be.
Me: How so?
The Count: Well, before that, there are a few things that I must tell you of great importance. First off, what Donnie told you he witnessed in that village in The Black Forest.
Me: You mean that mass that was held to Hallow out people?
The Count: Yes. I can fully explain what he witnessed. The swirling black mass that he saw enter the bodies? Those were actually souls.
Me: Souls? Souls of who?
The Count: Of those who were lost on The Path.
Me: What does The Path have to do with it?
The Count: A long time ago, I first discovered The Path when I was trying to figure out exactly what The Threat was. I travelled in there and was immediately overcome with pain. I stayed in there for almost 2 weeks, and I was still alive, but my body was broken. I noticed Him come in and out with people, and sometimes people would enter without Him even leading them. Most of them were children, the others were people around your age. They would barely last a week in there. Their bodies would not only break, but completely break down. There would be nothing left of them afterwards, except for a swirling white mass. I determined this to be their souls.
Me: So, The Path destroys bodies, but not souls?
The Count: Precisely. But the souls wouldn't disappear. They just continued to float around The Path aimlessly. I left in order to recover my body. I realized that because of this, well, you can call it either a blessing or curse, I wasn't able to die, so I would be safe in there. I returned about a month later, after following another child in there. I observed the child's body break down, the soul emerge. I didn't do anything because I didn't want to attract His attention. Over the course of two weeks watching this one soul, it's coloring slowly began to change from white to black. Later on, I observed The Threat take that soul and place it into the body of another person. After that, the person who had the soul put into him was never the same again. I left The Path after that, and I haven't returned since, except on the occasion that I choose to save somebody.
Me: What happened to that person after he left The Path?
The Count: He was basically a servant of The Threat after that. I went to his family to see if I could console them in their loss, but it seemed that they had no memory of him anymore. After witnessing all of this, I decided to name those souls lost and alone on The Path, "The Forgotten."
Me: So how is it that Robert Sagel was able to survive on The Path?
The Count: He didn't spend as much time in there in one shot, just several short periods of time. His body was damaged several times, but never destroyed. However, with all the time he did spend in there, it did do quite a number to his mind. That's why, in his final days, he just became more and more mentally unstable: too much time spent in The Path.
Me: And why is that that I survived in The Path? What made me so special?
The Count: Remember when you were in Georgia, and you spoke to the other Lucien's sister?
Me: Yes, what about that?
The Count: When she told you that the idea of a constant did work and could protect you from The Threat, I think it meant from more than just Him and His influence.
Me: What do you mean?
The Count: When you entered The Path as a kid, you were carrying around something with you. A blanket.
Me: I remember the blanket. I always told my family that it could protect me from anything, that as long as I had it, I could not be harmed.
The Count: Exactly. I believe that the idea of a constant extends beyond just protecting you from Him and His influence. If one truly believed enough that an item could protect them from all harm, I think it could protect one from the damaging effects of The Path as well. You're the only person who has tried this, even though it was unknowing at the time, and you did survive. This is why you are special, Luke. You entered The Path, and you survived. This is the information we need. Sadly, it may come at a great price.
Me: What price?
The Count: To find out if this really will work, I must ask of you the ultimate sacrifice: enter The Path with a constant, and see if it truly protects you. I know you have one on you. You wore it during your last days in The Black Forest. And it is still in your pocket right now.


At this point, I reach into my back pocket, and I pull out the black half-mask that's been with me for several months. I realize that he might be right. I did think for awhile that this mask was protecting me; I felt safe with it on.


The Count: I don't need an answer right away. Think it over, very carefully. I just hope that in the end, you help us in the SIA out in gaining this vital piece of information.


So now, I have a choice to make. Do I make the sacrifice asked of me, or do I just forget about this happening? I certainly have a lot to think about.


Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Reveal: Lobo and Donnie

Each of the three men who were with me said they had something to share with me. Agent Lobo and Donnie wanted to talk to me before I spoke with the Count. They said he wasn't going anywhere now, so I didn't have to worry about tracking him down again.

Me: Ok, something needs to be explained now. Why was I whacked in the head with a baseball bat, and why did you stab Fitzsimmons in the back?
Donnie: There were more FBI agents on their way to our location, we needed to knock you out so we could transport you safely without being found out.
Me: More agents? And you couldn't have just asked me to hide in the trunk or something?
Lobo: We had Fitzsimmons body in the trunk, and you were in the backseat. We temporarily disguised you so you wouldn't be recognized. As for Fitzsimmons, well, you deserve to know the truth. Afterall, that's what your blog is about, isn't it? Delving "into the truth"?
Me: Ha, ha.
Lobo: The truth is, the three of us: me, Donnie, and the Count, we are all on the same side. There is a large group of us all over the world. For about 70 or so years, we have been researching Slenderman, trying to trace his origin, find a weakness, just get any sort of information on him that we could. Our grandparents were the first generation to start doing so, led by the Count.
Me: So, what exactly are you guys: The Keepers or something?
Donnie: Similar to that. We are called the SIA, or the Slenderman Intelligence Agency. We try not to make any direct contact with what we have come to call as The Threat. We just do everything we can in order to gain intelligence on him. Afterwards, we seek out those who do have or seek direct contact, try to guide them on the right path and relay whatever information we have on them. We do this in hopes of finding somebody who may finally destroy him.
Me: What made me so special, then? That both of you, and the Count came after me?
Lobo: That, you need to ask The Count about directly, why he wanted you. After what we've seen, you are extremely intelligent, constantly seeking a way to end The Threat, and have done quite enough research through what you have been given to learn things on your own. We could definitely use somebody like you in the SIA.
Me: So I take it you're part of them as well?
Lobo: Yes, and there are a few others as well. We keep ourselves well hidden in different government agencies. They are the best places to gather information that they don't want the general public to see. Afterall, even though it's not directly related to our target, how do you think that most of the general public found out some of the truths behind The Wyoming Hijacking?
Me: (I nod to him at this point, look directly at Donnie) So you're part of this SIA? You knew the Count, and never said anything to me?
Donnie: I had to keep quiet. We couldn't risk our group being discovered. Then again, we never settle in the same area for too long. We have HQs all across the world, linked by a very well-protected internet server. We have men on the clock making sure it can't be hacked into by anybody, and they are constantly updating everything to make sure we are always at top security level.
Me: Are there any others that you have contacted? I mean, others like me: runners and fighters?
Donnie: None as of yet, though there are a few we would like to reach out to.
Me: Can you at least tell me that? So that perhaps I might be able to help contact them for you?
Donnie: There are only a few that really caught our eye: Dr Cairo Zelphest, Celeste McLachlan, and the one known as M.
Me: What about Zeke Strahm, since he is quite connected with Celeste?
Lobo: We would love to have him with us, but he is too independent. He would disregard us and continue to work on his own.
Me: So, you're mainly on intel. I guess that means you have no connection with the PTC?
Lobo: Those trigger-happy weirdos? Not at all. Granted, I respect all they did in trying to gather information on them, but at the same time, they weren't as secure as they thought. We had a guy in there as well, sending us everything they learned. We wouldn't have minded working with them: us as the intel and them as the muscle. But it seems that they are no longer around, so I guess we're the only one now.
Donnie: That's everything we can tell you. The rest you need to know, you'll learn from The Count.

So, the SIA. They have been interested in having me join them. This is why the chase and everything. To see if I was, in a manner of speaking, "worthy" of joining them. But why did they want me, specifically?

Next post: what The Count has to tell me.

Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend

Friday, October 14, 2011

Concussion Again

Am I seriously a magnet for these now since I started my adventure?

Been out cold since Tuesday night, finally came back to consciousness a few hours ago. Donnie and I headed back to Jersey a few hours after I received Brittany's message. Been wearing the hoodie she bought me since then. I refuse to take it off except for when I need to shower or something. We crossed the border into New Jersey just after 1pm on Tuesday. We only made stops when we switched drivers, got gas, food, or had to hit the rest stop. At around 3pm, we were only about an hour away from where we needed to go when I noticed a black van directly behind us, gaining speed.

Immediately, I told Donnie to floor it. I knew who it was behind us. Donnie refused to go any faster, though. "If we get pulled over by any cops, and they see me... well, remember, I'm supposed to be dead. Things will get suspicious, especially since I'm with you." So he just kept up the speed we were going. I admit, I was a little nervous with the way he was reacting to this. We continued heading north on the NJ Turnpike, and as we got near the Newark Airport (maybe a half hour away from where we were heading) when all of a sudden, the van rear-ended us. We started spinning out of control, until Donnie finally managed to regain control of the wheel and pulled us off to the shoulder.

The van pulled up right behind us, and there they were: Lobo and Fitzsimmons. At least this time, I wasn't outnumbered. I had Donnie by my side, and I wasn't going down without a fight. Both of them walked towards us, and Donnie and I just stood our ground.

Suddenly, I felt something heavy connect with the back of my head. As I fell to the ground, I noticed Donnie holding a baseball bat. At the same time, before I lost consciousness, I stared up at Lobo and Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons had a look of shock on his face, and as he fell to the ground, I saw Lobo holding a bloody knife in his hand, with a smile on his face.

When I came to earlier, I found myself in a familiar room. I got up out of the bed and walked into the hallways, and I immediately recognized the place. A place I hadn't been to in 10 years.

It was my old house. The house that my parents raised me and my two sisters in. This is exactly where I thought The Count was referring to when he said to "return home." I walked down the stairs, reminiscing about the memories this place held, and I saw three people sitting in the living room: Donnie, Lobo, and a third man I had seen only one time.

The Count.

Before I could say anything, Donnie told me that there was food waiting for me in the kitchen, and after I ate and regained some more strength, they would sit me down and explain everything. I just finished eating, and I told them I needed to update on here so people knew I was ok. Now I'm about to find out what all of this travelling around was really for.

Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend

Monday, October 10, 2011

Brittany's Message

I did what I said I would. I went to see Brittany's father. When he let me in the house, the first words out of his mouth were, "You're by yourself. I guess that means Brittany will not be coming back. She said this might happen." I just looked at him with surprise. "You mean, she knew she wouldn't be returning?" He replied by saying, "Yeah. She told me that she knew what she was getting into by travelling with you. She didn't give me many details, saying it was better that way. She did tell me that if you came back to tell me this, to give you something."

He left the room for a moment, and when he came back, he was carrying a box with him. "I never opened it," he said, "because she said it was for your eyes only. I hope that whatever she left you is worthwhile. Please, stay here for a little bit and open it."

He left the room again, giving me the privacy to open the box. When I did, the only thing I found in there was a hoodie from the college that she went to: The University of Georgia. My size, too. She always said she wanted to buy one for me, just so I had something with me to remind me of her. I put it on and it fit perfectly. I put my hands in the pocket, and I felt a piece of paper. I pulled it out of the pocket. It was a letter to me.

Lucien,
      If you are reading this letter, that means the worst happened in Germany. Please, whatever happened, don't blame yourself. I knew I was getting myself into a terrible situation, but I chose to go anyway. I went with you because I still loved you. I never stopped. Don't ever forget that, and don't forget me. Keep my memory alive by continuing your fight. Don't let Him get you down, and don't give up. You're special. The Count sees that, Kelley saw that, and so did I. I'm sure that somehow, you'll survive everything and live a happy life. I'm just sad that I won't be able to enjoy it with you. Don't worry about taking Will with you, since knowing you, that's what you want to do. You don't want to get him involved with all of this, so the safest bet is to leave him here with my dad. Good luck in everything, Lucien.

I Love You,
Brittany

I started tearing up after reading this. She loved me, even after all the time after we broke up. And everything she said was true. I can't give up after coming so far. Whatever the end of my journey is, I have to reach that end. Whether it results in Him killing me, the FBI killing me, or me even managing to find something to help us defeat Him, I have to play this hand all the way through. There's no going back.

Tomorrow, Donnie and I will be heading back to Jersey. Count, it's time for us to finally meet.

Lucien Drage
Fighter
Avenger
Friend

Friday, October 7, 2011

Today, I'm heading over to Brittany's father's house. I have to tell him about what happened to her. Also, I need to tell her son something as well. I'm not sure if I can tell him the truth. But I have to tell him something as to why his mother is not going to be around anymore. I'm sure I'll figure out something.

As for The Count, I think I do know what you mean on "returning home." I believe I know exactly where to go. I only pray that this is not another trap, or that this whole chase has been for nothing.

You know, it has been nine months since I started this whole thing. Originally, I just wanted to investigate Him and discover the truth. Now, I've lost two people that I have loved, almost lost my sister, lost a good friend (in Sammie), and who knows what else I may lose as I continue to go further.

On the other hand, I have made several good friends. People who are like me: running and fighting against the same enemy. Their strength, their conviction, that has helped to keep me strong, but how long can I continue this?

There are times that I simply wish I could forget all this happened, even though that means losing my friends. You know, maybe if I forgot all about what has happened to me, forgot all about Him, maybe I'd be safe. Maybe I wouldn't be living in fear of losing those I care about.

Just maybe...

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Back On Familiar Ground

Donnie and I arrived back in Georgia last night. Caught up on sleep after the jet-lag hit me. On the flight back here, we had a conversation on what Donnie has been up to these past few months.

Me: So what exactly happened? Why did you fake your death?
Donnie: It's pretty obvious, isn't it? I had to do it to throw the FBI off my trail. I'm sorry that it ultimately sent them after you.
Me: Off your trail? What were you doing out in the Black Forest? What trail were you following?
Donnie: After seeing all my files, you realize that I knew all about you and Slenderman. I've been researching him for a long time, actually. My father did too, while he was alive. My trail grew cold until I discovered you were a Fighter.
Me: So how did your trail lead you to the Black Forest?
Donnie: After I faked my death, I noticed that your ex was still following you. After you fled the state, she did the same, but in a different way. She booked herself a flight to Germany. I wanted to know what she was up to, and I eventually followed her into the forest. I found the village, and I saw all the proxies there. However, there was one building where a bunch of people, wearing no masks, were being locked up and under supervision.
Me: You mean, there were people there like you that weren't proxies?
Donnie: No, and I planned on trying to free them, or find out what was going to happen to them. The two people that were with me when we escaped were the only ones I managed to save. They chose to remain behind and try to save any others that were brought there.
Me: And what happened to the others?
Donnie: They were brought into the church, one by one. A strange type of mass was held each time. Sam was presiding over each one. I couldn't understand what they were saying, though I think it may have been in Latin. All I know is that at the end of each mass, Slenderman would appear in front of each victim. He would lean over them, and a strange, swirling, black mass would appear between the two of them. He would then lean back, and the black mass would enter the victim's mouth. After that, the person was never the same. He was Hallowed out after that.
Me: Do you have any idea what that black mass was?
Donnie: Not a clue, but whatever it was, that seemed to be the cause of the Hallowing out there in the forest. When you arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes. I never expected you to get there, and once you killed Sam, the masses had stopped for the moment. I'm guessing that maybe He needs an Agent to perform the mass, not just a regular proxy.
Me: So what do we do now?
Donnie: Well, you need to find The Count, still. I'm going to help you. I also have to get in touch with somebody myself. Hopefully, we'll get that all taken care of, then perhaps we can get back to somewhat of a normal life.

So now, I kinda know how this whole Hallowing process occurs. Maybe it was just in this one occurrence, maybe it's in every case, but at least now I have a theory to go on, and perhaps a way to stop it.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I had no luck the other day, trying to get out of the village. Same problem no matter what: I leave, no matter what direction, and I come right back to where I left. The last time I came back, though, something strange happened. Actually, two things.

First, I sat down outside of the church, and I felt something in my back pocket. I reached into it, and I couldn't believe what I found. It was the black half mask that kept following me around several months ago. I never packed it with me, nor did I carry it with me at all during this. I'm not sure what kind of sign this is, but I'm taking advantage of it. I put the mask on, so that if I ran into other proxies, I wouldn't be discovered.

Right after I did this, a group of three proxie came from inside the church. They stopped right next to me, looked me up and down, and then the tallest of the three spoke. "You aren't one of them, are you?"

I looked shocked, and nodded my head. The second, a female, said, "Listen, you can still get out of here, before anything else happens. We can take you out of here. Just follow us, and don't say a word."

I did as she said, and I followed them into the church. We went down a set of stairs into the basement, and we came to a wall with giant curtains over it. The third proxy moved the curtains, and there was a tunnel hidden behind it. "Follow this, it will take you back to Frankfurt."

"Thank you," I said, with a little bit of hope and happiness in my voice. "But why are you three doing this?"

The first proxy removed his mask, and I could not believe my eyes.

It was Donnie.

"Because we are not like them. At least, I'm not."

The female spoke again. "We hear His voice in our heads, but He doesn't have us yet. We want to help you get out, so you don't give in."

"But what about the proxies that I killed while I've been here?"

The third replied, "You only killed the one you call Sam. Everything else you believe you did, it was all part of His game. He wanted to break you, make you His next favorite. But you managed to break his influence when you broke down and cried. He is really angry, and He will not give up until he gets you. Get out of here now, while you can."

Donnie looked at me, "And I'm coming with you. There are things I've learned here that I need to tell you."

I looked at the other two people and said thank you. I wished them luck and prayed they didn't fully turn, and Donnie led the way into the tunnel.

We got back to Frankfurt about 20 minutes ago, and he booked us a flight back to the United States. I will post again once we return, along with what Donnie has to tell me.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

What I've Done

I think I'm finally coherent enough that I can explain what happened since my last sane post, even though tears are still streaming down my face.

I decided to go into the church after all the proxies left. Brittany stayed outside on watch. I didn't find anything of interest, except finding the seats we were in during the dream we had. All of a sudden, I heard Brittany scream, so I ran back outside. There was somebody holding a gun to her head. I saw the face and cringed in fear.

It was Sam, my ex. She proceeded to tell me she was the one who left the false clue on my blog as to where I should go. Sam offered me one last chance to join her and the tall one, or else myself, and all those I cared about would die. I told her to go to hell, that I never would. Even Brittany told her to fuck off. As soon as she said that, Sam pulled the trigger.

Brittany fell to the ground, lifeless. Having seen Sam kill Kelley's unborn child, Morningstar's attempt at killing Kay, and now this, I just snapped. I took out one of my throwing knives and just launched it. It caught Sam right in the eye. As she screamed in pain, I pulled out my sword from the cane, ran at her, and just ran it right through her. Within moments, Sam fell to the ground, dead. I couldn't believe I had just killed a person for the first time in my life. But after a little bit, something in my head told me it was right.

As I realized I had no chance at escaping the village, I told myself that if I was trapped here forever, I might as well make the best of it. Every proxy I saw, I killed. I had no concern for them, even though they are still human. I could never bring back Brittany or Kelley, I thought that I could at least lower the number of enemies for myself and the other fighters/runners still out there. With each person I killed, the more blood that was on myself and my sword, the more I wanted to kill.

In the end, if it wasn't for the comment left for me by Hylocereus, mentioning Brittany, Kelley and Kay, I don't think I ever would have snapped out of that craze. Thank you, Hylo, for helping me there.

I gave Brittany a proper burial yesterday, even putting up a makeshift headstone for her. The one thing I'm scared for now, if I ever get out of here: what am I going to tell her father and son about what happened to her? How am I gonna tell them that Brittany was killed because of me?

As scared as I am, I need to tell them. Get out of here, tell them something. Besides, I owe something to Brittany. Somebody needs to raise her son. I told her I would do so with her. Now, I have to be the single parent. If I get out of here, I will be a father to Will, and tell him how brave his mother was.

Today, I'm going to try and search for a way out of the village, out of this forest.

I promise, Brittany. I won't let anything happen to Will. Somehow.