COTVK : Countdown To Freedom (4)

There was a commotion at the entrance as many of the camp’s residents were warding off unwanted visitors, “Get back! You are not welcome here!”

Silver got out of the tent he had set up for himself and walked up to the crowd, “What’s going on? Move aside.”

The crowd did so, clearing a path for him. Silver’s ears flicked up when he saw two familiar faces, “Sonic, Cream!”

One of the two was a fairly mature looking rabbit girl with cream fur and a small tuft of orange hair peeking between the top of her long ears.


The other was another hedgehog with green eyes and blue fur, though he bore a crown and red cape, indicating he was royalty.


The girl moved aside, revealing a hedgehog that looked exactly like Shadow, save the glasses and scarf. Silver’s face suddenly turned half mortified, “H-Hey...b-b-buddy…!”

“Spare me. I could sense danger somewhere in this area. Figured you’d get yourself into trouble sooner or later.”

“I-I have no clue what you’re talking about Shadz! I’m perfectly fine! These guys have been pretty nice, and I’ve actually been training them.”

The grumpy hedgehog scoffed, “Silver, didn’t anyone ever tell you not to talk to strangers? Now we have to leave, the danger I sensed is directed towards you.”

“Well that’s strange. I don’t have any issues with anyone here.”

“You’re still just the stupid boy you were when you first came here. Now let’s go, we can’t stay here anymore,” he growled.


“I’m afraid we don’t take kindly to rude guests.”

The irritated hedgehog glanced up, and the crowd moved aside again revealing Shadow, “So, you must be the original. At least I know where I got my anger problems.”

“Who the hell are you?!”

“It’s a long story, but I’m not an android if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m actually cloned from your DNA. I’ve actually kinda been hopin’ to meet you.”


Silver noticed his friend’s angered expression and put his hands in front him, “Hey now Shadz! It’s okay! He’s no threat!”


Shadow watched as the angered hedgehog slowly lowered his shaking fists, “...Fine. But I told you we’re leaving.”

“Mister Shadow, I think we should hear Silver out on this one,” the girl suddenly interjected.


“What?!”

“They have kids here, and we don’t know the first thing about these creatures. Now’s a perfect time to learn what we’re up against here.”


“...I suppose you’re right. Fine. But only for a little while.”

Shadow tilted his head, “How come you’re showing up just now by the way?”

“I sensed danger directed towards the idiot here,” the other Shadow said as he pointed to Silver.


Shadow’s ears flicked up, “...son of a bitch…”

“What?”

“Listen, um...I’ll get to you later. I’m gonna just go wait for someone.”

Before anyone could protest Shadow disappeared into Shadic’s tent. That’s when Silver turned to the other Shadow again, “So...can we like...just call you Shadz for now? You know...To kinda let you guys know who we’re talking to.”

“Oh hell no-”

The blue one smirked, “That’s a great idea Silver!”


The girl however scowled, “Yeah, no. I’m just calling him what I always call him.”


“Aw c’mon Cream, lighten up!”

“Burn in hell.”

“That’s the spirit!”


--------------------------------


When Shadic returned to his tent, he was surprised to see Shadow sitting there waiting for him. He stiffened, hoping he wasn’t about to get a beating.


Shadow looked up, and growled, “What did you do?”

Shadic blinked, “What’re you talking about?”


“A party from Silver’s group just arrived because they sensed a danger that was directed towards him.”


“...I-I don’t know what you’re talking abou-”

“Answer me Alex, or I’ll have to beat that answer out of you.”


“I have done nothing Shadow!” Shadic exclaimed as he set his sword on the floor, involuntarily revealing his injured hand.


Shadow stood and grabbed Shadic’s hand and looked at the wound, “What the hell did you do?!”


“Nothing!”


Shadow pulled Shadic’s ear that was always flopped over itself, causing the wolf to yelp in pain.


“OW THAT’S MY EAR YOU PRICK!!”


“WHAT DID YOU SET ON SILVER?!” Shadow screamed, pulling the ear harder.


“ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I’LL TELL YOU JUST LET LOOSE!!”


Shadow growled, letting go of Shadic’s ear but keeping his grip on his wrist firm, “Spit it out. And maybe I won’t murder you.”

“...I-I put a curse on him…”

“...You what…?”

Shadic looked down, “I made a deal...He will die...And I will witness every second of it…”

Shadow growled, but then he sighed. Looking down, he whispered something that Shadic could just barely make out, “Why are you so stupid…?”

“Huh?”

Shadow finally let loose his grip on Shadic and made for the exit of the tent, “I-I don’t understand Shadow.”

The hedgehog stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at him, “...I’m going to let you live with the fact that in that moment, you will make her miserable.”

Shadic starred, knowing there was more behind the reason Shadow had released his grip on him, but waited.


“...It’s like I told you...Maybe if you had just moved on, you would’ve found you didn’t need her to be happy…”

At first Shadic was still confused, but as his friend turned away again and left, he noticed just a little peek of a bite mark left between the hedgehog’s shoulder and neck.


“...Oh fuck…”


----------------------------------


Tailsica smiled lightly as she was introduced to the new guests, “So, King Sonic, Commander Shadz, and Cream? Such lovely names.”

“Thanks...I’m told that a lot” Cream said, seeming dead in her tone.


Sonic leaned in, putting a hand on the side of his mouth, “Would ya believe it if I told ya she used to make crowns outta flowers?”

Tailsica shook her head, “No, not really. But then again, she does seem to look sweet enough for that.”

Silver rubbed the back of his head nervously, “So um...sorry for worrying you guys, I kinda got tied up and totally forgot why I left the group in the first place.”

“Aw that’s alright pal, you were just tryin’ to lend a hand. I can respect that,” Sonic said, trying to lift his friend’s spirits.


“Oh please Sonic, no one here is worth the dirt on your shoes.”

Tailsica scowled, “What’s your problem?!”

“The adults are talking, now hush.”


Silver growled, “That’s enough! Leave her alone!”

“Oh? Are you challenging me?”

“Depends, you trying to pick a fight?!”


Sonic suddenly got in between the two, “Hey! Knock it off the both of you!”


Shadz growled, “Stay out of this faker! This is between me and the boy!”

“Will you stop calling me that?! I have a name!”


“Really? I don’t care.”


“GUYS ENOUGH!!” Tailsica screamed. Everyone turned and looked to her in dead shock at her tone.


Shadz growled again, “I don’t listen to stupid children.”

Tailsica returned a growl herself, her eyes turning red. Everyone perplexed at this, “Listen, asshole, you may not give a shit about anyone but yourself, but this isn’t about you!”


“Why you little-”

“In fact, you’re so unbearable it’s a wonder why our Shadow is so selfless. You’re nothing more than a coward, and as soon as this is over, you can fuck off and do whatever the hell you want.”

Cream suddenly scowled, “How dare you?! He risked his life to save me and taught me how to defend myself! You have no right to insult him!”

Sonic sighed, “Hey! This is getting out of hand, and I want all of you to ask yourselves, who’s a bigger threat right now?”

The tense air seemed to calm and Tailsica growled, “Just keep your asshole friend’s mouth shut. I don’t wanna hear anything out of him.”


Sonic rubbed the back of his head nervously, but nodded. However, they all stood in shock as once the fox’s eyes reverted back to normal she passed out and fell.


Silver caught her, but didn’t see any wounds or anything that could’ve caused her to suddenly pass out like she had, “I-I’ll just take her back to her tent.”

Sonic once again nodded, “Yeah, you do that.”


---------------------------------


Amy seemed more than stressed, it was hard enough keeping her daughters alive, but dragging Luna with her was even more difficult.


Especially since they had long ago buried David’s body instead of allowing Luna to carry it around with her magic. It didn’t help Dark had gone missing.


Despite all this, Amy continued on, a barely conscious Krystel resting on her back. Bonnie just learned to keep her mouth shut at this point.


Suddenly, Amy stopped. Pain hit her like a brick and she collapsed. Bonnie gasped, and Luna’s ears flicked up. Krystel rolled off her mother’s back, and lifted her head.


“Mom!” Bonnie shouted in distress.


Amy gripped at her chest, quivering and jittering as her eyes and ears gave little twitches. After several minutes she began to cough up blood.


“Oh my god…! Luna what do we do?!” Bonnie cried, glancing at the mortified alicorn.


Luna’s ears flattened, and her legs finally gave out. She put her hooves on her head, keeping her ears pressed down in order to block out any noises.


Krystel groaned, and slowly sat up, “M-Mom…?”


Bonnie quickly covered her sister’s eyes, “Don’t look Krys!”


They all listened in horror as the keening hisses Amy made turned to silence. Bonnie looked up, seeing her mother completely limp.


“Oh my god…!” she yelped.


Krystel began sobbing, “What is it Bon Bon…? Why won’t you let me look…?!”

Bonnie slowly stood up with Krystel, and inched to Luna. She tried relentlessly to get the mare to stand up, respond, something.


But it seemed this time she wouldn’t get up again. Bonnie sighed, “Ba ba...why did you have to disappear like this…? I don’t know what to do…!”


------------------------------------------


Bella tensed up as she felt the force of life slip from her senses. She looked down, scowling intensely, “Mother…” Talon heard this, and turned his head.


He himself hadn’t been doing very well, he hated that had to sit and wait like this. He growled, and suddenly stood up, “I can’t do this anymore.”

“Tal-”

“Sorry Bells, but I’m tired of sitting around. I have to go out there and find them.”

“Talon, your father is strong! He can take care of himself!”

“But he’s aged a lot! He could be getting weaker!”

Bella sighed, “There’s just no talking to you about this is there?!”

“Nope,” Talon said, though he showed no amusement in his response.


“Sam!”

A young gray wolf with stars on fur that pulled over his face like bangs ran up after a few minutes. He barked and then sat obediently.

Bella sighed again, “What? No goodbye at least?”

Talon smiled, and walked back to his wife. After planting a quick kiss on her lips, his hand absently wandered onto her stomach, “Stay safe.”

Bella smirked, “Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you.”

“Ha ha Bells, seriously. I don’t want-”

“I know how to take care of myself, just go.”


Talon sighed, “So stubborn. Hope they’re not like you in that regard.”


He turned and left, the dog following behind him. Bella just sighed, “I do hope that he knows what he’s doing. Aleena knows what trouble he can get into…”

----------------------------------


Small paws dipped into the waters of the lake as did a pair of feet. The young pup looked up at his new master sadly, but he only got a look of pure regret in return.


The pup’s master was a bit intimidating at first, but after a while his whole look seemed to grow on the pup. He was extremely tall, and was clearly a red fox at first glance.


He was also covered in stitches and scars, and the mark on his bangs was unsettling to say the least. The pup remembered seeing something that looked similar to it carved into pumpkins during the fall.


He didn’t quite know what it was for, but it seemed to be a celebration of some sort. The man sighed, “How did it ever get like this…?”

The pup didn’t really do much to respond, outside a tilt of his head. The man smiled, “Oh right. You probably can’t understand me. Oh well. I’ll roll with it.”

The pup just wagged his tail a bit, anticipating a movement from his master but nothing happened. “Well, since we’re stuck with each other, I suppose I should give you a name.”

The pup made a strange sound, it wasn’t a whine, but it wasn’t a bark either. The man tapped his chin, “Hmm...how about...Fluffy?”

His nose scrunched up at that, and the man laughed, “Aw c’mon! I always wanted a dog with that name anyways!”


At first it seemed the pup wouldn’t comply, but he made the strange sound he had made before and the man took that as a sign of approval.


“My name’s Razor by the way, not that you’ll need to know. Buuut it’s only fair that I give you my name since I just named you.”


The newly named Fluffy wagged his tail a bit as Razor stood and then gave a small bark. Razor looked down at the pup and smiled.


“Let’s see if I can find a ball for you,” Razor chuckled.


---------------------------------


Blue eyes watched the moon carefully, though they were still restricted by the entrance of a cave. A soft tapping of feet pulled her from her thoughts however.


She turned, seeing her mate with an empty bag slumped over his shoulder, “...I suppose it’s time for me to go find food again.”

She nodded, “Yes. And perhaps soon we won’t have to hide.”


Her mate tensed at the statement, “I doubt it Paula. It’s been eight thousand years. Though I think he stopped looking for you, it’s still gonna be a while before they’re ready.”

“Just be careful Henry. I don’t want to be alone out here.”


Henry smiled, “Hey, I’m still here aren’t I? I’ll be fine.”

Paula watched worriedly as he passed by her and disappeared between the trees. All she did after was wait. And wait. And wait.


Paula tensed when the sun began to rise, and still her mate had not returned. But still she waited, until she saw the sun set once more.


She knew something was not right. Carefully covering her necklace with her cloak, she stepped out of the cave for the first time since she had first entered it.


It didn’t take her long to find what she was looking for, but she fell to her knees at what she saw. Henry was lying limp, his bag and clothes stained with blood.


“...Oh my god…”


She gently reached a hand out and put it on his head, moving his bangs away from his closed eyes. She sniffled, “I’m sorry Henry...this is all my fault...if I hadn’t gotten involved with you…”

Her words faded and she stood, and left quickly. Once she reached the cave again, she put her hand on her necklace, “...Be ready, they will need you soon…”


---------------------------------------


Silver was in Tailsica’s tent, packing up the food she had prepared for him. He turned to grab stuff off the next shelf, but noticed she was staring solemnly at the small fire she had made.


“Is everything okay?”


Tailsica’s ears suddenly flick up, and she looked up at Silver sadly, “I really wish you wouldn’t go…”


Silver sighed, and after finishing his packing walked over and gently hugged her, “It's just as hard for me too...but this is something I have to do…”


Tailsica returned his embrace, tears forming in her eyes. Silver sighed again, and planted a kiss on her head. Her ears flicked up in response, and she blushed.


He noticed this, and let go. Before he left, he had stared solemnly into her eyes as if to apologise for something. Tailsica sat there, trying to rationalise what had just happened.


After a while, she smiled. She had a lot to think about.


--------------------------------


“Are you sure we’re ready uncle?” Sarah said, worriedly.


Shadic nodded in reply, “We have our weapons and we’ve trained hard the past few months. We head out at dawn and attack.”


Violet chimed in as well, “Remember, leave Iblis to Silver. That’s their problem, not ours. Focus on the threat.”


She turned her gaze to Andy, “Are you sure you wanna be the one to challenge him?”

“I’m sure. I’ll make him pay for what he’s done to my frie-”

“No you’re not.”

Everyone looked up as Shadow stepped in the tent, “You’re not going in that castle as far as I’m concerned. I’ll be the one to slay him.”

Shadic growled, “Out of the question!”

“Don’t tell me what to do idiot. Besides, we all know the clock is ticking on my life. We know that converted mortals don’t live too long.”


Shadic’s ears flattened against his head, “...Sh-Shadow you don’t need to do this! There has to be someone else-”

“I’ve made up my mind Alex. You’re not stopping me.”


Violet stared at Shadow before speaking, “You’ve been thinking about this a lot haven’t you?”

Shadow nodded, “It has to be me. But I want no word of this reaching Tailsica, understand?”

Everyone nodded, though they were still tense.


Andy suddenly groaned a bit and held his side in pain, Shadic went over to Andy and made him sit down.


“You shouldn’t be standing this long Andy... And you shouldn’t fight in this battle if that wound won’t heal.”


“I’m the only Dracula damned light here Shadic!” Andy snarled, “I will fight!”


Shadic’s ears flattened against his head at Andy’s anger,but he understood it as well. With a sigh, Shadic nodded.


“Daddy, you need some rest,” Sarah said.


“I won’t rest till this meeting is over.”


Shadow glanced at Shadic once more, a pained look in his eyes. At first Shadic thought he was regretting his decision, but then he realised what it was.


“...Take care of her, and do it right this time, understand?”


“I understand…” Shadic said.


Violet nodded, “Alright everyone, disband. We wake at the crack of dawn.”

With that, everyone left, except for Sarah, “Hey...uncle…?”

Shadic’s ears flicked up at this, “Hm? What is it sweetie?”

“Do you...do you think we’ll win…?”

He sighed, “...I-I don’t know Sarah...but we can only try.”


Sarah nodded, then left. Shadic once again sighed, “But...I do have my regrets…”


--------------------------------------


Zato looked up when he heard footsteps and saw Andy coming back from the meeting.


“How wasss it?” Zato asked.


“We fight tomorrow. But Shadic thinks I shouldn’t fight because of my wound.”


“It keepsss reopening. You have to keep that in mind.”


“I know it does. But I will fight if it’s the last thing I do.”


Zato used his tail and wrapped it around Andy’s body before holding him close to his body for warmth.


“I will fight with you guysss…” Zato said.


“Zato no! It’s best that you hide! I’d rather you not get hurt,” Andy said.


“Too late. I’m fighting to protect you,” Zato said.


“... You’re way too stubborn. There’s no changing your mind is there?”


“No. I’ll fight with your group.” Zato yawned and rested his head on Andy’s shoulder.


Andy chuckled a bit and pat Zato’s head gently.


“Get some rest okay?” Andy said.


“Sssame with you…” Zato murmured as he fell asleep.


Andy smiled and looked up at the moon. Though he knew he could not sleep that night. He just stared up at the almost full moon before glancing at Shadic’s tent as the light went out there.


“Use your full power…” Andy whispered.


----------------------------


Paula watched as the sun just barely peeked out over the horizon. She gripped her necklace tightly, becoming tense, “...Go, they will need you.”


Three of the four charms glowed brightly then became dim and gray. They began cracking and eventually broke apart.


Paula watched as three blue lights escaped from their prisons and hurried off into the forest. She fell to her knees, “...Please hurry…”


-----------------------------------------


The large and many leaves kept them hidden as the entire camp looked out on the castle that seemed just centimeters away now.


Violet turned to Tailsica and some others who were opening what looked like first aid kits, “Remember, do not leave this spot until the monsters have been eradicated. You can start treating men after that.”


They all nodded, and Shadic stood up, “Alright. Everyone ready.”

Sarah nodded, “I’ve got my bow ready and loaded.”

Violet scoffed, “I can take these mindless drones.”

Shadow crossed his arms, “If you are.


Andy glanced up at Zato, pulling out a sword, “Ready.”

Andy then turned his gaze to Shadic and tossed the sword towards him, “Catch.”

Shadic stared at him confused.


“I don’t really need it. I’ve got my powers after all. I’ll be fine.”


Shadic nodded, and turned back to the leafs in front of him, glaring at the castle, “...It’s time, on my go...read-”

“Just a sec there ace.”

All ears flicked up and gazes of all kinds turned to see three familiar figures standing there.


Shadow’s eyes widened in surprise, “Asurath, David...M-Margona…?!”


Margo smiled, “What? Did you really think we were gonna miss out on the fun?”

Sarah was the first to ask the big question, “But...how?!”

Asurath frowned, “Lights don’t go to spirit mountain. They are sealed somewhere else.”

“And where would that be?” Shadow asked.


“...The queen’s necklace.”

Shadic nearly fell over at that, “So...Paula...she’s alive…?! Where is she…?!”

Margo shook her head, “She’s hiding right now. Besides, we have more important matters Shadic.”


“I-I understand.”


Margo was almost tackled down as she felt a crushing hug on her side and looked to see Andy was the one doing so.


“I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE OKAY!!” Andy screamed, unaware that Margo was dead still.


“O-Of course I am Andy... I am always alright..” Margo said with a small smile.


“Andy... Control yourself.” Zato said.


Andy quickly let go of Margo and blushed badly in embarrassment before he went regretfully over to Zato so not to embarrass himself more.


Shadic spoke up after a moment, “I’m glad you guys are here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”


“Of course.” David said, “I wouldn’t miss a fight.”


“Neither would we...” A new voice spoke up, everyone turned to see Gorse and Dark’s spirits walking up.


“D-Dad…?!”


“Hey son. Yes I’m dead. So don’t try to touch me or you’ll fall right through. Anyways. We came to lend a hand.” Dark indicated behind him to show an army of snarling werewolves.


“W-What..?!”


“The alpha died during the first attack. But. The Alpha bit you ,Shadic, along with the one that gave you the power to change into one.” Dark said.


“Wh-What do you mean…?!”


“Shadic,” Gorse said, “You are now the alpha werewolf. These werewolves are at your command.”


Shadic stayed dead still for a moment before he smirked and gave his sword to Shadow as his body turned fluffier. He fell onto all four limbs and snarled gleefully as his body turned more wolfish looking before he turned into a full werewolf.


“Good, at least you accept that,” Dark smirked and crossed his arms. He then turned to Sarah, “Oh by the way. You get a spirit to help out with your archery. I know you can hit a bullseye from a mile off, but that’s unmoving. You are gonna be moving today.”


“What do you mean?”


“Archer.” Gorse turned to reveal a strange spirit that no one had ever seen. He was in armor, but the air around that spirit showed he was not to be messed with, “One of the very first four lights. He will be your servant for the day.”


Sarah stayed still a moment before she grinned, it was like Christmas for her. “I accept.”


“Of course, Dark and I will be joining in the fight. We bring out the worst in each other, may as well make it a good thing.” Gorse said.


Shadic nodded, he could not speak in his werewolf form, but he was glad that his father was joining in the fight. Sarah quickly mounted on his back and got her bow ready.


She took his nod as a sign to give the command, “...CHARGE!!!”


There was no hesitation as every last person save for those who had been unpacking medical supplies charged at the castle.


It didn’t take long for the men on the other side to figure out they were under attack, and near billions of monsters were set against them.


Blood splattered and limbs flew, it was the most horrific thing anyone could have witnessed. Tailsica was watching just like the other medics, and began to cry.


When one was about to comfort her however, her eyes once again turned red and she growled. Before they could stop her, she was in the battlefield.


During all this, Shadow had already fought his way to the door. He tried to pick it with a paperclip but he turned when something hit his head.


He looked around, then down and saw keys. He picked them up, but looked up again to look for someone that could’ve thrown them.


That’s when he saw Tailsica, and she winked, “See you soon, this is my last battle using this body.”


He smiled, and quickly unlocked the door and headed inside. He knew it was going to be a while before he reached his target.


--------------------------------


Silver slowly walked up to the containment unit that held the thrashing ball of fire. He glared harshly at it, as he wound his hand back.


Swinging it with full force, he sent a wave of his power crashing through the glass confinement and growled as alarms began to go off.


Though over the loud noise of said alarms, he could hear screaming and shouting. He tensed, knowing Tailsica was out there with them, “...Good luck.”


---------------------------------


Shadow hurried down the surprisingly empty halls, traversing floor after floor until he finally reached his destination. He growled at the familiar figure just sitting on his throne seeming unconcerned.


“HellFrame…”


“Ah, so the little rat has come to end me once and for all. How tragic a fate indeed.”

He rolled his eyes in mock as he rested his cheek on a curled up fist. Shadow growled again, “I’m not playing around HellFrame. Or are you afraid to fight like a man?!”

“Oh no no no, it’s not like that at all Shadow. It’s just that...I have better things to do than fight filthy rats.”


“Joke while you can, your castle is under siege as we speak.”

“I noticed,” HellFrame said annoyed as a rumble caused a bit of dust to shake down from the ceiling.


He finally stood, sighing in annoyance, “Fine then. I’ll humour you, rat.”

“Hedgehog.”

“RAT. I’ll give you the first shot. But if you waste it, you’ll regret it dearly.”


Shadow smirked, “Oh contraire...I think you’ll be feeling a lot of regret real soon.”

HellFrame frowned, “Enough talk, if you’re going to kill me then come on and try it!”

Shadow growled, a red spear-like energy forming in his hand, “Vampire...SPEAR!!!”

-----------------------------------------


Tailsica carefully snuck in when it seemed no one was looking. She glanced around, “Let’s see, if I were a psychopathic plant woman where would I-”

A blast in the wall interrupted her sentence and she saw a familiar figure float out, “Silver? What’s he doing here?”

That’s when she noticed another hedgehog, or...monster of some sort. It looked like a hedgehog, but the figure itself seemed to be made of crystals.


Silver panted heavily, “Stay out of this Mephiles! Or else I’ll make sure there’ll be no body to find of you!”


Mephiles shook his head, “Sorry Silver, but I’m afraid your services are no longer required.”


With what seemed like a gentle tap on his head, Silver fell to the ground with a hard crash. He groaned in immense pain, and tried fruitlessly to get up.


Mephiles landed down in front of him, “Say goodnight, pest.”


Silver merely growled in response, but his eyes closed tightly as a purple ball of energy began forming on the tip of Mephiles’s finger.


He waited for a while, but when nothing happened, Silver opened his eyes and looked up, “...T?”

Tailsica shook her head, “Not exactly.”


“So it seems you remained after all, even after all I’ve done to get rid of you,” Mephiles said as he lowered his hand.


Silver growled, “You won’t get away with this! I’ll kill you just like I did before!”

“You never even managed to do that.”