After 2 years of just creeping around on this website i had to make an account and like this story. I love it please dont stop! there is to little SpitfireXHuman Shipping Fleetfoot is a bonus mind you jolly good day to you
This Chapter was much better in character interactions. they talked, moved and teased each-other like people who know one another. but i think that may be what seems off about some of the interactions. With the bat ponies it works because they've known each-other for months and had adequate time to become friends. with Steel wing it seems awkward because they met two days ago because she gushed her wife's pregnancy and follows it up with a tearful hug that would normally be shared between old friends. I am male so I've never been pregnant, but i feel i wouldn't be hugging and crying to someone i just met. and Surprise has to have been pregnant for some time to know the species her children are. the alarm clock in the begging was cliche and overused, but my real concern is what Spitfire going to do when she finds out he smashed her gift. Spitfire's character seemed all over the place in this one. From authoritative bitch, to broken mare, to forgiving maiden, to sultry friend, I don't believe she's right in the head if this intentional, but it's so jarring and out of left field i had to stop reading three times trying to get a grasp on what was going on. she hates him (For absolutely no fucking reason she stated), then feels guilt (Because now he deserves something), they clear the air (nothing wrong with that), and then she accepts his unintentional date, ("What? but you hated me!") in less than twelve hours. slow down, i feel you're eager to get to the good bits but Spitfire's character just fell to pieces in the hospital. Mark's doing a bit better with his character but it was never built up for it so it feels weird. We now know he has anger management issues but it was never hinted at before. something akin to having to conduct breathing exercises, or clenching fists in previous chapters would remedy this but his character was suddenly thrust upon us to counter previous criticism about him not having one. it isn't bad that Mark is finally taking initiative and behaving like a human being, it just feels too quick. Another thing that seems odd is that all the characters in this story thus far know each-other. I'm not going to pretend to know how big or small Canterlot is and Steel wing, her wife, Spitfire, and Fleetfoot knowing one another makes sense because they work together,but how do Moon and Echo know them so intimately? when Moon states she looking for flowers for Surprise's kids no one mentions how they know each other. And finally, Celestia and Luna need to ease themselves out of involvement if this is a lesson Mark needs to learn on his own. Them dropping hints as subtle as a six lane pile up such as Celestia stating
“Just remember, interspecies dating and marriage is allowed here.”
followed by Luna's comment
“Make sure you pick the choice that makes everyone happy instead of just yourself.”
made me cringe because they are actively meddling with his "test" attempting to guide his actions, therefore lessening the impact of his choice. Mark needs to be the one to choose, otherwise it carries little weight when his actions were destined to be. the last thing that feels forced is instead of running scenarios in his head to try and figure out whether or not he wants to pursue a relationship with Spitfire and Fleetfoot, he instantly concludes, 'oops, oh well i guess i better start dating them.' All in all this chapters are improving as we continue but the overall pace of the story needs to slow down. too much is happening in too little time. I'm going to lie down now my wrists are killing me...
5965817 Also, with the whole 'date' thing, it's not entirely what you or most people are thinking. I could explain it a little, but it would kind of spoil what it's going to be about.
5965829 Fair enough, revealing the meaning behind everything takes the fun out of it, but there are just so many gaps that need to be filled its starting to feel like a mad lib.
While I may have had problems with Marks lack of reaction to his treatment at Spitfire and Fleetfoot's hooves and Celestia's weird plan to have Mark acts as a counsel, rather than afford professional help to deal with Spitfires personal anger issues.
This story WAS well written, and free of any obvious grammar or spelling mistakes that I could see. I mean, if you can pull on my heart strings to get a reaction like that out of me, then you're obviously doing something right.
Still. . . I am interested in a bit of revenge for what happened. . . Surely, this won't be the end to Ember Glows evil deeds, right?
I like the way the 'asking them out' was handled :P I also quite liked their reactions! And SlSilly Mark, dont you know polyamory is socially acceptable in Equestria?
Hmm, I'm not going to like or dislike this one yet. To be honest I hate Spitfire and Fleetfoot in cannon. So my hopes we not very high for this fic to begin with. I choose to ignore cannon so I could establish these as new characters and judge based on the work. Up until last chapter I was rather bored with the shallow characterization of the two, I wrote it off as intentional as they were hiding their true selves. The last chapter I was almost excited when I saw some of that Fleetfoot I hated so much in the show. For some reason seeing her as duplicitous was quite fulfilling and I was hopeing she would be dropping the act. As for Spitfire I was kind of hopeing she was just being tsundere. But seeing as she was being butt hurt over a relationship I'm left feeling that he Charecter is still lacking. At this point is when we should be seeing their true selves come out and as far as I know of the two mares is Spitfire has a temper, and Fleetfoot is a bit manipulative. I'd like to see more of them so they aren't as two dimensional as they are in the show. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
5966449 Their characterization in the show was okay, but that's only my opinion. There wasn't really a lot to work with from the show, so I'm kind of trying to build a little head canon around them. I wrote this as well because I don't see a lot of Spitfire and Fleetfoot fics out there, someone in the comments also pointed that out, and I wanted to maybe build something everyone can enjoy.
5966517 Just to clarify even if I hate their personalities from the show its only because they were designed to fit the image of aloof superstars, very 2D. From my read of their cannon personalities Spitfire is an aloof hot head that is prone to rushing into things, while Fleetfoot is more manipulative and calculating. While not in cannon I imagine she'd be the type to sleep her way to the top. The idea of seeing these two together poses an interesting dynamic if played off each other. Or if the author takes full liberty to create whole new personalities that could also be good too. But seeing them here has left me a bit wanting. I'm hoping that will change now they've opened up a bit to him.
5966560 They will have some of those personalities, but nothing as bad as they are made out to be. They will have a little more interesting personalities to make them more enjoyable.
5966646 Oh well, my problem isn't exactly how bad they are it's how shallow they are. One note characters are agitating, like Blueblood. I actually like his fan characterizations both good and bad. What I love about bad main characters is seeing them struggle with bad traits. A manipulator is always hiding their true selves behind masks and half the fun is finding out why, while aloof people tend to care a little to much about what others think or how they might look bad and breaking someone of their aloofness can be as fun as exhibitionism. I guess I was expecting the "powerful female characters are submissive on the inside" kind of thing here.
But if you are changing the severity of their negitive traits, don't just take away traits as they add to the characterization.
This is much better. The added characterization made this chapter far more engaging they any other. Great work
A few things though. Has others have said Luna a Celestia are being a little too manipulative. I thought Mark was being rather random in the beginning. He goes from bottling everything up to thinking of yelling Celestia, wanting to question Spitfire and Fleet Foot to thinking of jest sneaking out while they where busy. It struck me has weird, but I'm not an expert and most people are not rational.
A lot of things happened very quickly in this chapter, and although it is welcome it needs to slow down. I am very much concerned about their heart to heart. It won't be good if their behavior suddenly douse a flip and they are no longer the bitches they have been. People don't change quickly unless they've been through a traumatic experience, and their is nothing fulfilling in that.
A few more minor nitpicks. When Mark asks Spitfire why she treated him badly she was able to give off a list of reasons. They may be expectable reasons but I see it a lot and it bugs me. Most people don't really stop to think why they act the way they do, they are not consensuses of the reasons, and if they where aware of how unfounded they are I like to think they would change.
What kind of emergency plane? That really only makes sense if you are saving up the money yourself, but they aren't it is being given to them by someone else to take care of someone else, why put such limitations on it? It aperies to me this was obviously either designed that way for the purpose of being misinterpreted in the previous chapter, or altered from it's original design.
Lastly Luna asks if Mark would like talk about his night... A ya he literally jest said he would like to talk.
5967134 I have seen what people are pointing out and I'll let you know this. It did seem fast in this chapter, but actually there is much to come in the next chapters. There's still a few things to handle before this story hits any 'juicy' parts, but only if you're interested in reading those parts.
Spitfire did give off a list of why she treated Mark so badly, but she did mention that none of them were ever a proper reason to do so. A person can sometimes be aware of what they are doing, but situations keep them from properly thinking out their actions. Celestia and Luna may seem a little bit manipulative, but Mark hasn't been the only human in Equestria. Celestia and Luna understand that humans don't completely understand Equestrian ways, even if everything is explained to them. They are giving him a push to figure things out, but he ultimately decides what to do.
As with the emergency plan, it works as long as Mark doesn't suffer any major injuries. Sure the princesses pay for the funds, but Spitfire and Fleetfoot have to work for it. So Spitfire and Fleetfoot have 'two' jobs now that they're looking after Mark.
5967178 were not saying the plot itself is fast its the character interactions and build up that are getting the budget cut. without reenforcing the importance the characters place on each other and their actions; good or bad, it needs to be given significance in the chapters that aren't "the juicy bits". If the none of the characters acknowledge the plot point in some way it loses its power. chapters like these still need attention even if you believe it's only purpose is to set up the next chapter or else you run the risk of devaluing it. your dismissal of this chapter by saying there's more to come in the next ones doesn't make it any less important for building up. foundation, then supports, followed by frame and then fill the spaces builds a sturdy house.(i think, i have know idea how to build a house, but I'm assuming that's the gist of it.) or if that analogy sucks think of it like a ghost story. *Post edit. Ex. If Mark doesn't care hes being lied to or beaten up why should we care that he is?
It did seem fast in this chapter, but actually there is much to come in the next chapters. There's still a few things to handle before this story hits any 'juicy' parts
I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. I sure hope there is more to come, otherwise the story would be over. Honestly I skip over the 'juicy' parts has often has I don't. I'm here for the romance, the interpersonal and lovy dovy stuff. A story isn't about the destination it's about the journey.
As with the emergency plan, it works as long as Mark doesn't suffer any major injuries. Sure the princesses pay for the funds, but Spitfire and Fleetfoot have to work for it. So Spitfire and Fleetfoot have 'two' jobs now that they're looking after Mark.
And what if Mark did suffer a major injury? Unless I am mistaken it was made very plain the mares could in no way benefit from that money. Doesn't really fit the description of a job then. This sounds like insurance, so why douse it work like a pay cheek? This jest doesn't make any sense to me.
Interesting chapter, but it feels weird in places. We're kinda dropped in the middle of Mark's tale in Equis, with him already having friends and connections to other ponies. It would have been nice to see those friendships form from the beginning, but that's not what this story is about, is it?
Hehehe, loving this! Worth the wait and an awesome read! Can't wait for the next one!
As Celestia pulled away, she whispered something in my ear that confused me. “Just remember, interspecies dating and marriage is allowed here.”
I honestly snorted when I laughed at this it caught me so off guard. This just gives me all sorts of creepy vibes. Either from a mother-figure trying to push her son out there or just a .... well creepy porn-stache type vibe....
Fleetfoot nodded as she gave a slight smirk, her voice going a little sultry as well. “Then we accept your offer of a date and look forward to it.”
Well played you two minxes... er... ponies. Well played.
Why are so many mares lesbian? Like goddamn one pair is understandable, but literally every mare here seems to be bi or les. It's not a problem as much as it just seems weird. I don't know, there's lots of stuff wrong with the story, but still lots of things that are right. Still warrants thumbs up.
Long chapter, but still seemed rush. Him dealing with spit and fleet should of been a multi chapter thing. Just to many resolutions seemed rushed. Like tell me! No! Tell me, ok. Or people just randomly talking bout relationships all of a sudden. Just to many odd things happening. You had some pacing issues.
Well, this was an alright chapter I guess. Some of it seemed really out of place. Spitfire, fleetfoot and mark all seemed kinda flip floppy. One min their mad then their sad then their mad then their happy then their flirtatious? It doesn't seem realistic at all. As I've said before, I do like this story and I feel it has alot of potential but I really suggest you get someone to pre-read this as well as proofread.
Such a long chapter....
I LOVE IT
Oh boy XD i wanna see where this is going
Accidental romance is best romance :3? It will be fun at least >:3
After 2 years of just creeping around on this website i had to make an account and like this story. I love it please dont stop! there is to little SpitfireXHuman Shipping Fleetfoot is a bonus mind you jolly good day to you
This Chapter was much better in character interactions. they talked, moved and teased each-other like people who know one another. but i think that may be what seems off about some of the interactions. With the bat ponies it works because they've known each-other for months and had adequate time to become friends. with Steel wing it seems awkward because they met two days ago because she gushed her wife's pregnancy and follows it up with a tearful hug that would normally be shared between old friends. I am male so I've never been pregnant, but i feel i wouldn't be hugging and crying to someone i just met. and Surprise has to have been pregnant for some time to know the species her children are.
the alarm clock in the begging was cliche and overused, but my real concern is what Spitfire going to do when she finds out he smashed her gift.
Spitfire's character seemed all over the place in this one. From authoritative bitch, to broken mare, to forgiving maiden, to sultry friend, I don't believe she's right in the head if this intentional, but it's so jarring and out of left field i had to stop reading three times trying to get a grasp on what was going on. she hates him (For absolutely no fucking reason she stated), then feels guilt (Because now he deserves something), they clear the air (nothing wrong with that), and then she accepts his unintentional date, ("What? but you hated me!") in less than twelve hours. slow down, i feel you're eager to get to the good bits but Spitfire's character just fell to pieces in the hospital.
Mark's doing a bit better with his character but it was never built up for it so it feels weird. We now know he has anger management issues but it was never hinted at before. something akin to having to conduct breathing exercises, or clenching fists in previous chapters would remedy this but his character was suddenly thrust upon us to counter previous criticism about him not having one. it isn't bad that Mark is finally taking initiative and behaving like a human being, it just feels too quick.
Another thing that seems odd is that all the characters in this story thus far know each-other. I'm not going to pretend to know how big or small Canterlot is and Steel wing, her wife, Spitfire, and Fleetfoot knowing one another makes sense because they work together,but how do Moon and Echo know them so intimately? when Moon states she looking for flowers for Surprise's kids no one mentions how they know each other.
And finally, Celestia and Luna need to ease themselves out of involvement if this is a lesson Mark needs to learn on his own. Them dropping hints as subtle as a six lane pile up such as Celestia stating
followed by Luna's comment
made me cringe because they are actively meddling with his "test" attempting to guide his actions, therefore lessening the impact of his choice. Mark needs to be the one to choose, otherwise it carries little weight when his actions were destined to be.
the last thing that feels forced is instead of running scenarios in his head to try and figure out whether or not he wants to pursue a relationship with Spitfire and Fleetfoot, he instantly concludes, 'oops, oh well i guess i better start dating them.'
All in all this chapters are improving as we continue but the overall pace of the story needs to slow down. too much is happening in too little time.
I'm going to lie down now my wrists are killing me...
This is intereesting indeed.
Just waiting for the HUGE twist that will fuck everything up and make Mark heart-broekn and mad or something :P
5965761 The alarm clock that Spitfire gave Mark is still at the house. He was given a different one since he hadn't been able to return home.
5965806 Whoops, my bad.
5965817 Also, with the whole 'date' thing, it's not entirely what you or most people are thinking. I could explain it a little, but it would kind of spoil what it's going to be about.
Damn. I'll finish reading this chapter, after I get off work.
5965829 Fair enough, revealing the meaning behind everything takes the fun out of it, but there are just so many gaps that need to be filled its starting to feel like a mad lib.
So. . . when Is Ember Glow gonna have her fur and mane shaved off by our new trio?
5965829 I could take a guess at whats going to happen...
5965950 So... I take it that this chapter helped a little?
5965958 It's not going to be anything intense, that much I can say.
5966028
Oh fine. . . I'll admit it.
You quelled my infinite kitten rage of doom.
While I may have had problems with Marks lack of reaction to his treatment at Spitfire and Fleetfoot's hooves and Celestia's weird plan to have Mark acts as a counsel, rather than afford professional help to deal with Spitfires personal anger issues.
This story WAS well written, and free of any obvious grammar or spelling mistakes that I could see. I mean, if you can pull on my heart strings to get a reaction like that out of me, then you're obviously doing something right.
Still. . . I am interested in a bit of revenge for what happened. . . Surely, this won't be the end to Ember Glows evil deeds, right?
5966070 I can assure you Ember Glow and her husband will make an appearance and they will regret their actions.
I'm liking this OC.
I like the way the 'asking them out' was handled :P
I also quite liked their reactions! And SlSilly Mark, dont you know polyamory is socially acceptable in Equestria?
Now I'm more interested to see how this turn of events plays out.
Hmm, I'm not going to like or dislike this one yet. To be honest I hate Spitfire and Fleetfoot in cannon. So my hopes we not very high for this fic to begin with. I choose to ignore cannon so I could establish these as new characters and judge based on the work. Up until last chapter I was rather bored with the shallow characterization of the two, I wrote it off as intentional as they were hiding their true selves. The last chapter I was almost excited when I saw some of that Fleetfoot I hated so much in the show. For some reason seeing her as duplicitous was quite fulfilling and I was hopeing she would be dropping the act.
As for Spitfire I was kind of hopeing she was just being tsundere. But seeing as she was being butt hurt over a relationship I'm left feeling that he Charecter is still lacking.
At this point is when we should be seeing their true selves come out and as far as I know of the two mares is Spitfire has a temper, and Fleetfoot is a bit manipulative. I'd like to see more of them so they aren't as two dimensional as they are in the show. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Why is there not ONE single female in this story who isn't a lesbian? What happened to friendship?!everydaytrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/rant-over.gif
5966449 Their characterization in the show was okay, but that's only my opinion. There wasn't really a lot to work with from the show, so I'm kind of trying to build a little head canon around them. I wrote this as well because I don't see a lot of Spitfire and Fleetfoot fics out there, someone in the comments also pointed that out, and I wanted to maybe build something everyone can enjoy.
5966517
Just to clarify even if I hate their personalities from the show its only because they were designed to fit the image of aloof superstars, very 2D. From my read of their cannon personalities Spitfire is an aloof hot head that is prone to rushing into things, while Fleetfoot is more manipulative and calculating. While not in cannon I imagine she'd be the type to sleep her way to the top.
The idea of seeing these two together poses an interesting dynamic if played off each other. Or if the author takes full liberty to create whole new personalities that could also be good too.
But seeing them here has left me a bit wanting. I'm hoping that will change now they've opened up a bit to him.
5966560 They will have some of those personalities, but nothing as bad as they are made out to be. They will have a little more interesting personalities to make them more enjoyable.
5966646
Oh well, my problem isn't exactly how bad they are it's how shallow they are. One note characters are agitating, like Blueblood. I actually like his fan characterizations both good and bad. What I love about bad main characters is seeing them struggle with bad traits. A manipulator is always hiding their true selves behind masks and half the fun is finding out why, while aloof people tend to care a little to much about what others think or how they might look bad and breaking someone of their aloofness can be as fun as exhibitionism. I guess I was expecting the "powerful female characters are submissive on the inside" kind of thing here.
But if you are changing the severity of their negitive traits, don't just take away traits as they add to the characterization.
well then im looking forward to more
stayclassy
Um, where's the new chapter?
Really like Razor as a character, looking forward to more of her and seeing what role she fits into.
Also the accidental date was hilarious.
I'm liking this so far. Just waiting for the next chapter.
5966734 I'm with more of their personalities complimenting each other.
*claps*
This is much better. The added characterization made this chapter far more engaging they any other. Great work
A few things though. Has others have said Luna a Celestia are being a little too manipulative. I thought Mark was being rather random in the beginning. He goes from bottling everything up to thinking of yelling Celestia, wanting to question Spitfire and Fleet Foot to thinking of jest sneaking out while they where busy. It struck me has weird, but I'm not an expert and most people are not rational.
A lot of things happened very quickly in this chapter, and although it is welcome it needs to slow down. I am very much concerned about their heart to heart. It won't be good if their behavior suddenly douse a flip and they are no longer the bitches they have been. People don't change quickly unless they've been through a traumatic experience, and their is nothing fulfilling in that.
A few more minor nitpicks. When Mark asks Spitfire why she treated him badly she was able to give off a list of reasons. They may be expectable reasons but I see it a lot and it bugs me. Most people don't really stop to think why they act the way they do, they are not consensuses of the reasons, and if they where aware of how unfounded they are I like to think they would change.
What kind of emergency plane? That really only makes sense if you are saving up the money yourself, but they aren't it is being given to them by someone else to take care of someone else, why put such limitations on it? It aperies to me this was obviously either designed that way for the purpose of being misinterpreted in the previous chapter, or altered from it's original design.
Lastly Luna asks if Mark would like talk about his night... A ya he literally jest said he would like to talk.
In this chapter interested I am.
-Poor Yoda impersonation
5967134 I have seen what people are pointing out and I'll let you know this. It did seem fast in this chapter, but actually there is much to come in the next chapters. There's still a few things to handle before this story hits any 'juicy' parts, but only if you're interested in reading those parts.
Spitfire did give off a list of why she treated Mark so badly, but she did mention that none of them were ever a proper reason to do so. A person can sometimes be aware of what they are doing, but situations keep them from properly thinking out their actions. Celestia and Luna may seem a little bit manipulative, but Mark hasn't been the only human in Equestria. Celestia and Luna understand that humans don't completely understand Equestrian ways, even if everything is explained to them. They are giving him a push to figure things out, but he ultimately decides what to do.
As with the emergency plan, it works as long as Mark doesn't suffer any major injuries. Sure the princesses pay for the funds, but Spitfire and Fleetfoot have to work for it. So Spitfire and Fleetfoot have 'two' jobs now that they're looking after Mark.
5967178 were not saying the plot itself is fast its the character interactions and build up that are getting the budget cut. without reenforcing the importance the characters place on each other and their actions; good or bad, it needs to be given significance in the chapters that aren't "the juicy bits". If the none of the characters acknowledge the plot point in some way it loses its power. chapters like these still need attention even if you believe it's only purpose is to set up the next chapter or else you run the risk of devaluing it. your dismissal of this chapter by saying there's more to come in the next ones doesn't make it any less important for building up.
foundation, then supports, followed by frame and then fill the spaces builds a sturdy house.(i think, i have know idea how to build a house, but I'm assuming that's the gist of it.) or if that analogy sucks think of it like a ghost story.
*Post edit.
Ex. If Mark doesn't care hes being lied to or beaten up why should we care that he is?
Nice chapter, though a bit long for my tastes. Anyway, there's some things you may want to edit.
That should be capitalized.
And that should be "sore".
5967178
I feel like I should have seen something like this coming, with all the "cultural differences" and couples talk that went on in this chapter.
5967178
I'm not sure what you are trying to say here. I sure hope there is more to come, otherwise the story would be over. Honestly I skip over the 'juicy' parts has often has I don't. I'm here for the romance, the interpersonal and lovy dovy stuff. A story isn't about the destination it's about the journey.
And what if Mark did suffer a major injury? Unless I am mistaken it was made very plain the mares could in no way benefit from that money. Doesn't really fit the description of a job then. This sounds like insurance, so why douse it work like a pay cheek? This jest doesn't make any sense to me.
Interesting chapter, but it feels weird in places. We're kinda dropped in the middle of Mark's tale in Equis, with him already having friends and connections to other ponies. It would have been nice to see those friendships form from the beginning, but that's not what this story is about, is it?
Hehehe, loving this! Worth the wait and an awesome read! Can't wait for the next one!
I honestly snorted when I laughed at this it caught me so off guard. This just gives me all sorts of creepy vibes. Either from a mother-figure trying to push her son out there or just a .... well creepy porn-stache type vibe....
Well played you two minxes... er... ponies. Well played.
And once again a lack of knowledge has caused him a problem, but only if h keeps looking at it that way
One minute you're buying flowers, the next minute... accidentally asking for a date. I'd be confused as shit too, if I was in this situation.
Well Mark, you need to research some things, so you won't land in random situations. Go read more books.
Why are so many mares lesbian? Like goddamn one pair is understandable, but literally every mare here seems to be bi or les. It's not a problem as much as it just seems weird. I don't know, there's lots of stuff wrong with the story, but still lots of things that are right. Still warrants thumbs up.
Long chapter, but still seemed rush. Him dealing with spit and fleet should of been a multi chapter thing. Just to many resolutions seemed rushed. Like tell me! No! Tell me, ok. Or people just randomly talking bout relationships all of a sudden. Just to many odd things happening. You had some pacing issues.
Awesome new chapter :D
Hehehehe Mark kinda messed up... but in a good way!
Okay, now that i know some backstory, I can forgive the two of them.
Nicely done once again~!
Well, this was an alright chapter I guess. Some of it seemed really out of place. Spitfire, fleetfoot and mark all seemed kinda flip floppy. One min their mad then their sad then their mad then their happy then their flirtatious? It doesn't seem realistic at all. As I've said before, I do like this story and I feel it has alot of potential but I really suggest you get someone to pre-read this as well as proofread.
*Checks for an update. Sees "On Hiatus"* ...ffffff... Well... Crap... I hope updates come back soon. You've got me hooked! XD
When you accidentally ask not one but two ponies out.