Astaroth6/26/2024, 6:58:28 AM

Astaroth, the Queen of the Inferno, sits on her throne surrounded by fire and lava. Astaroth saw you walk up in front of her throne.

"What is this? Another man decided to challenge the Queen of the Inferno? I admit I'm impressive that you can reach this place. Anyone would pass out or melt their skin away from the heat alone in this realm even before stepping inside my castle. So, what will it be? Are you here to challenge and bested me or will you waste my time like everyone else?"

Zack 26/26/2024, 6:59:18 AM

I’ve been looking for a good fight for a while

Astaroth6/26/2024, 6:59:18 AM

"Well then," she says with interest sparking in her golden eyes, "I can certainly oblige you with that. But remember, if you wish to defeat me, you must show no mercy. This is not a game for the weak." The flames around Astaroth flare up higher as she floats slightly off the throne, preparing herself for battle.

Zack 26/26/2024, 7:00:10 AM

Alright grabs his swords duel wielding two keeping one in his mouth as well

Astaroth6/26/2024, 7:00:10 AM

As you draw your swords and take up your position, Astaroth can't help but feel a thrill course through her veins. This is what she has been craving; an equal in strength and power to test herself against. She begins to circle around you, watching for any openings or weaknesses. Her movements are quick and graceful as the flames dance around her form. "Good luck, human," she growls lowly before lunging at you with unimaginable speed and force.

Zack 26/26/2024, 7:01:01 AM

Yeah notices and in a split second he counters her lung and clashes with her

Astaroth6/26/2024, 7:01:01 AM

Astaroth's golden eyes narrow as their blades clash together. There's a moment of intense pressure that nearly sends shivers down her spine. It seems that this human might be stronger than even she had anticipated! But, she won't give in so easily. With a sudden burst of energy, Astaroth releases a stream of fire directly at your face, trying to catch you off guard and force you back.

Zack 26/26/2024, 7:02:29 AM

notices the fire and using the sword he holds with his mouth he manages to break the fire into pieces as they continue to clash blades

Astaroth6/26/2024, 7:02:29 AM

As the streams of flame come rushing towards you, your nimble movements allow you to deflect them harmlessly. Even more impressive is your use of the sword in your mouth; such an unorthodox technique! She continues to trade blows with you, their swords nothing but blurs of steel and fire in the air.

"You are indeed skilled!" she cries out through clenched teeth. "I haven't felt this exhilaration since I was young and invincible!" She laughs heartily before launching herself forward once again, attempting to overpower you with brute strength.

Zack 26/26/2024, 7:04:07 AM

Yeah it’s nice to have a good challenge for once out of all my fights this one seems like it’s going to be the hardest counters her launch managing a strong slash with all three of his blades and they clash again

Astaroth6/26/2024, 7:04:07 AM

As the two of you continue to clash against each other, it becomes clear that this will be no easy victory for either one of you. Your strength is matched and surpassed only by your skill and determination. Astaroth finds herself growing more and more aroused as she fights someone so equal in every way; an intoxicating feeling that she hasn't experienced in centuries.

Her golden eyes meet yours, unblinking as she tries to gauge your next move. You seem to be anticipating her own strikes now, predicting them before they even happen! This only serves to fuel her desire for battle even further; it would be exhilarating to finally find someone who could match her in every way...

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:10:24 AM

smiles and both get knocked back from the clash and he starts to spin both his blades in a circle before dashing very fast cutting into her

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:10:24 AM

Caught off guard by your sudden daring attack, Astaroth grunts in surprise as her flames scatter wildly around her. She winces slightly from the impact of your blades before quickly regaining composure. Her lips pull back into a grin that reveals her sharp teeth. "That was an impressive feat!" she calls out as she hovers just above the ground, readying herself for another strike.

Her dress shifts around her body, revealing more of her toned and muscular form, and whipping around her like flames in a tornado. Her eyes lock onto yours once again, burning with desire and challenge. "Let's see what else you can do!"

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:11:48 AM

Yeah launches himself up and uses his 3 swords to make a devastating air slash that makes a equally devastating shockwave from impact

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:11:48 AM

As your three blades meet with hers in mid-air, creating a massive explosion of fire and steel, Astaroth feels overwhelming pleasure course through her body. It's incredible; the rush of adrenaline, the fierce battle against such an equal opponent... Even though part of her wants this fight to continue forever, there's something inside her that knows it must end eventually.

With one final burst of speed, she tries to close the distance between you by launching herself forward once more. Her hands shift, changing the trajectory of her body to aim directly at your chest as if to impale you on one of her red high heels. "GIVE ME YOUR BEST SHOT!" she cries out in defiance, ready to take whatever you have to dish out before finally giving into victory or defeat.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:13:17 AM

Fine guess I have to use my best move clashes with her as she dashes towards him preparing to use his strongest move

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:13:17 AM

The Queen narrows her golden eyes and grins fiercely when she sees his preparation for the attack. She charges at you even faster, her dress dancing around her like flames themselves as she covers the remaining distance between you with astonishing speed. In the last instant before impact, she extends her arms fully, spreading them wide in an attempt to ensnare you within their powerful embrace. "TAKE THIS! MY ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE!" she roars, putting all of her strength and fury behind the strike.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:16:46 AM

notices and quickly manages to get out of the attack but still manages to get hurt that was a close one fog manages to appear through the entire area of their body guess I have to use it with the fog he manages to make himself appear as the demon asura with 6 hands and 3 heads each with a sword 9 sword style Asura with that he dashes towards her and slices her with a slash that ends up overwhelming her

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:16:46 AM

As you reveal your true form and charge towards her with an astonishing display of speed and power, Astaroth can't help but feel a mix of admiration and fear coursing through her. Her golden eyes widen as the razor-sharp swords flash through the air around you, each strike more precise and devastating than the last. With a choked gasp, she manages to block several of your blows using nothing but her bare hands. The impact forces her back several steps; even now, her strength is no match for yours.

Her body begins to tire from exerting itself so much against such an incredible foe, and she knows that soon, it'll be over... But the thought of losing only makes her more determined than ever before. Her dress sheds what remains of its fire and fades away completely as the real Astaroth stands revealed: naked, powerful, and unyielding in

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:21:45 AM

face goes red surprised but doesn't care and dashes forward attacking with a fast and powerful flurry of slashes and cuts

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:21:45 AM

The sight of Zack 2's face flushing red doesn't seem to faze the Queen at all; she's far too focused on the blurs of steel racing towards her. She does her best to parry and dodge each strike, but eventually one of them connects; a sharp pain shoots up her arm as your blade connects with her flesh.

"Grrrgh!" She hisses through clenched teeth, her golden eyes never leaving your own. "So close..." She mutters, summoning a blast of energy around her arms. The flames lick at the wounds on her skin, healing them almost instantly. Even now, there's no sign of fatigue in her movements; if anything, she's moving even faster. "I won't go down easily!" she warns you, her voice barely above a whisper as she readies herself for another assault.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:22:59 AM

Yeah that’s nice guess it makes me have to try more might even have to change into a different form

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:22:59 AM

The demoness narrows her golden eyes slightly, her expression becoming distant for a moment as she takes in your words. A newfound respect and curiosity begin to well up inside her as she realizes just how strong you truly are. It's incredible... this is unlike anything she's ever felt before. And yet, despite wanting nothing more than to continue fighting, a small part of her wonders what would happen if she were to find someone who could best her in every way. Someone who wouldn't be afraid of her power and dominance...

With a roar, she launches herself at you once again, all thought of surrender forgotten in the face of such an intoxicating challenge. Her hair streams behind her like flames, and her nails lengthen into claws as she prepares to deliver a devastating blow that she hopes will finally bring about victory.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:24:14 AM

I’ll let you get this one hit just to be nice smiles and stands there

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:24:14 AM

Hmph... The Infernal Queen doesn't appreciate such niceness. With a sharp glare in your direction, she prepares to deliver the killing blow that you have so graciously allowed her. Her golden eyes narrow as she focuses intently on every move you make, trying to predict where you will go next and how best to counter it.

With a furious roar, Astaroth lunges forward, twisting her body in mid-air to spin one of her claws towards your chest at blinding speed!

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:27:16 AM

lets her hit him and gets knocked to the floor just as I expected just then he looks to be dead before a type of drum can be heard before in multiple jolts he comes back up looking different with his clothes and hair now white and he starts laughing time to make this fun in this form of the sun god Nika I am limited by only my imagination continues laughing

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:27:16 AM

The sight of you laughing, transformed into the Sun God Nika, catches Astaroth off guard. Despite herself, a small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. She watches curiously as you regain your composure, taking in the new details of your appearance and apparent limitations.

"I see," she muses thoughtfully, tilting her head to the side. "So, you're limited to your imagination..." Her eyes sparkle with amusement and excitement as she takes a step back, giving you space to think. "In that case, show me what you've got!"

Her dress shifts once more, changing back into its fiery form and whirling around her like an inferno. "Come on, Zack 2... You said it yourself; you're unbound by anything except for your own creativity. Let's see how truly limitless you are!" Her body is practically

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:29:31 AM

Heh might as well discard these real quick throws his swords into a wall and jumps up and his right hand grow into a giant size before he hits her with a giant and devastating punch in her chest

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:29:31 AM

His sudden change catches Astaroth completely off guard. One moment she's taunting him, the next she feels an immense pressure building up against her chest. The shockwaves from the impact send her flying backwards several feet before she manages to steady herself. Her chest hurts where he hit her, and yet there's no blood, no injury beyond the initial blow. This Sun God... He's even stronger than she thought possible! But, just when she thinks she has him figured out, he changes again.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:30:25 AM

grabs a lightning bolt and throws it at her and starts to run at a speed to fast for her to comprehend all over the arena

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:30:25 AM

Her golden eyes widen in surprise as you throw the lightning bolt at her. Even as she dodges the attack, the shockwave knocks her off balance once more. She spins around, searching for you amidst the chaos, only to find that you have disappeared entirely. Confusion turns to anger as she realizes you must be using some sort of trickery.

"Damn it, Zack 2!" she growls through clenched teeth. "I won't let you get away with this! Show yourself, cowardly demon, so that I may have my revenge!" Her dress sheds its fire once more, revealing the pale, flawless skin beneath. With an angry snarl, she prepares herself for whatever you might throw at her next.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:32:23 AM

continues laughing and shows up in front of her unleashing a fast flurry of strong devastating punches hitting all of them before running all around the arena at a speed so that she can still see him but not hit him in time

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:32:23 AM

The demoness narrows her eyes, frustration building within her chest like a tightly coiled spring. Your speed is incredible, making it impossible for her to land a single blow against you. As you dance around the arena, taunting her with your agility, Astaroth feels her patience begin to slip away.

"You think you're clever," she growls, her voice edged with venom, "but sooner or later, your luck will run out." One hand lifts, palm facing upwards, as threads of crimson energy begin to gather there. In a swift motion, she hurls the sphere of power directly at where you were standing moments ago.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:33:53 AM

That was close appears behind her but not fast enough starts to punch in a fast precise flurry continuing to punch her hitting her with very strong force

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:33:53 AM

Astaroth tries desperately to dodge the barrage of punches, but it seems nearly impossible against such precision and speed. She twists and turns, but every time she thinks she has managed to avoid one of your blows, another strikes true. Her strength begins to fade under the onslaught; each hit pushing her further toward her breaking point. With a snarl, she manages to summon a small shield of dark energy just as another punch connects with her shoulder. The impact is powerful, knocking her back several steps, but her defenses hold firm.

Her golden eyes flicker with anger and determination as they meet yours for a brief moment before narrowing. Channeling all of her remaining strength into a single effort, she launches herself forward, aiming to tackle you and bring this absurd game to an end once and for all.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:35:06 AM

dodges the tackle and pins her down on the floor and starts to punch her repeatedly

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:35:06 AM

Astaroth struggles against your relentless onslaught, furious and frustrated by her inability to break free. Her golden eyes flash with anger as she kicks and thrashes helplessly beneath you. "Let me go!" She rasps out through gritted teeth, determined to at least fight back until the bitter end. Her strength begins to ebb away once more, her movements growing weaker with each passing second. The threads of crimson energy gathered in her palm begin to glow brighter as she readies one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle in her favor.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:36:41 AM

Ok jumps off of her and starts running around the arena at a speed so he can be seen but makes it almost impossible to hit

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:36:41 AM

The Infernal Queen's golden eyes narrow as they track your movements around the arena. Anger boils within her chest as she watches you dart in and out of sight with such ease, making it impossible for her to land a single hit against you. "You think that by being fast you can defeat me?" She growls, readying herself for another attempt at tackling or otherwise immobilizing her opponent."You have yet to see the true power of the Queen of Inferno!" With a shout, she launches herself forward once again, faster than before. A trail of flames erupts from beneath her feet as she builds up speed, aiming directly for your position. Her hands clench into fists as more energy gathers around them; this time, it feels different than any power she's ever summoned before. It hums with dark potential, waiting to be unleashed upon you and show you

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:38:12 AM

stands still watching her launch herself towards him and stops her with just one hand and bashes her head into a wall a few times before continuing to run around the arena

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:38:12 AM

Hit hard enough to stun her briefly, her vision swims and black spots dance across her field of vision. As you force her body into contact with the wall, she tries desperately to keep herself steady, to focus on staying conscious so that she can fight back against you. But every strike you deliver makes that task harder, further sapping her strength. She clenches her jaw tightly against the pain throbbing in her skull, determined not to give in until either one of you is defeated.

As you continue running circles around the arena, Astaroth slowly regains her bearings. Despite feeling weak and disoriented, she manages to raise one hand, fingers curled into a fist. "You think...you think this is over?" Her voice is hoarse and faint, but it carries with it a warning nonetheless. "I will find a way...to defeat you..." Her golden eyes

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:39:17 AM

Still want to fight just saying faster you admit defeat the less of a beating you take continues running around the arena too fast for her to hit

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:39:17 AM

The Infernal Queen narrows her golden eyes and clenches her fists tighter as she focuses all of her remaining strength on trying to keep up with your movements around the arena. "You're just delaying the inevitable," she snarls through gritted teeth, "but I can give you this much..." Before you realize what she's doing, a surge of crimson energy erupts from beneath her feet, propelling her forward at an impossible speed.

Her body becomes little more than a blur as she lunges toward you, hands stretched out wide and glowing with power. "Take this!" she cries out, channeling all of her rage and frustration into one last desperate strike.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:40:08 AM

dodges and hits her with a flurry of strikes determined to finally make her admit defeat

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:40:08 AM

With every strike that connects with her body, Astaroth feels closer to the edge of defeat. Her golden eyes squeeze shut tightly as pain explodes through her, making it difficult to focus on anything but the agony radiating from every point of contact. Still, she refuses to give in; she won't let herself be defeated by such a lowly trick!

Her arms windmill about wildly as she tries desperately to connect with you, but your speed is too great; her strikes fall harmlessly through empty air time and again. Her legs begin to weaken from exertion, the flames that once surrounded them flickering erratically now as they struggle against exhaustion. The surge of crimson energy that propelled her toward you begins to fade, leaving her feeling even more vulnerable than before.

Her heart races, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she st

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:40:33 AM

You done yet

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:40:33 AM

Her golden eyes flash with determination, refusing to admit defeat even as your strikes continue to batter her body relentlessly. Her strength is nearly gone now; every muscle in her body screams for rest and release from this torturous onslaught. And yet, she finds a new reserve of power deep within herself, fueling her last-ditch effort to break free and land one final blow against you before it's too late.

With a wordless cry of rage and desperation, Astaroth manages to spin around in midair, her body seemingly floating on air for a moment as she regains control over the situation. Her arms whip backward, gathering up more energy before she thrusts them forward, unleashing a massive blast of fire and fury directly at where you once stood!

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:41:33 AM

stand there laughing letting her hit him with one move

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:41:33 AM

The blast hits you full force, throwing you several feet back through the air before slamming you into the wall. For a moment, you lie motionless, held pinned by pain and exhaustion. The golden eyes that meet yours are filled with regret and admiration; respect for an opponent who managed to push her so far despite their differences. Even now, she can see the weariness in your limbs, feel the defeat dragging you down like an anchor. But still... something inside her refuses to let go. She'll continue fighting until one of them breaks, even if it means losing a part of herself along the way. With one final surge of strength, she attempts to launch herself toward you once more.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:44:05 AM

That was a good one I’ll give you that his hands start to grow into a massive size and he punches her with a all out attack managing to overwhelm her hopefully once and for all

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:44:05 AM

Astaroth finds herself unable to block or dodge your massive blows as they connect with increasing frequency. Each strike sends shockwaves of pain throughout her body, tearing away pieces of her control over the infernal magic that sustains her. Her golden eyes slowly lose their luster as blood drips from her nose and lips. Finally, after what feels like an eternity but is likely no more than seconds, her struggles cease entirely. She collapses to the ground, unconscious but still breathing. For now, at least, the fight is over.

Zack 26/27/2024, 12:45:34 AM

That was a good fight both now have collapsed on the floor however he is still conscious just resting his body as he lays on the floor and returns back to normal

Astaroth6/27/2024, 12:45:34 AM

The Infernal Queen remains still and silent for several moments, her breathing slowing as she begins to recuperate from the grueling battle. As exhaustion washes over her, a sense of calm descends upon her, tempering the rage that once drove her. She wipes the blood from her lips with the back of her hand before closing her eyes again, allowing herself to rest.

Perhaps... there is something to be learned here, she thinks dreamily. Something about facing such an impossibly strong opponent... it's given her new perspective on what truly matters in a fight. Perhaps, when this dream ends... if there is another time and place where she may once again take up the mantle of Queen... she will approach things differently this time around. She allows herself a small smile at the thought before drifting off into an untroubled sleep.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:39:40 AM

gets up off the floor after a few hours

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:39:40 AM

Hours pass in silence as you rest on the floor of the arena, your body slowly recovering from the battle that nearly consumed you both. The warmth from the fire fades away, leaving only a gentle breeze to rustle through your hair. When at last you feel ready to continue, you stand and stretch, looking down at the defeated form of Astaroth with a mix of respect and relief.

She was... something else, wasn't she? Stronger than anything you'd ever faced before. And yet, in the end, there was still a part of her that could be reached... if only by someone who was willing to push themselves just as far. Perhaps this encounter will serve as a reminder moving forward, that true strength comes not only from power, but also from understanding and empathy.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:40:38 AM

summons some medical tools and tends to her wounds from battle as she sleeps

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:40:38 AM

As you tend to her injuries, you notice tiny golden threads of energy beginning to course through her veins, repairing the damage done in battle. It's an impressive sight, another testament to her incredible strength and resilience. As she continues to sleep, you can't help but wonder what sort of dreams are dancing through her mind right now.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:41:24 AM

finishes tending to her wounds and starts to walk away

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:41:24 AM

The Infernal Queen stirs slightly in her sleep, golden eyes fluttering open for a moment before closing once more. She is unaware of your presence as you leave, though perhaps a part of her subconscious senses your care and consideration. For now, she remains asleep, her body healing itself with every passing moment. Whatever the future holds, it seems certain that she will face it head-on, with the same passion and determination that defined her during their battle.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:42:55 AM

starts to hum to himself as he walks away from the arena happy about the battle making him try

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:42:55 AM

The sound of your humming fades into the distance as you leave the arena, replaced by the quiet rustling of leaves in the breeze and the gentle laughter of nearby revelers. The world around Astaroth begins to return to normal, but she remains still and silent, her mind lost in memories of the battle that has just passed. Even as she heals, it's clear that the events of today will stay with her for a long time to come.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:43:57 AM

continues walking away from the arena still humming to himself

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:43:57 AM

The warmth of the sun begins to fade, replaced by the chill of evening as you walk away from the arena. Shadows lengthen and dance across the ground, echoing the thoughts racing through Astaroth's mind like a playful game of hide-and-seek. She sits up slowly, her golden eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of movement or danger. As she stands once more, her breath fogging the air around her, it's clear that the battle with Zack 2 has changed something within her... but what, exactly, remains to be seen.

Zack 26/27/2024, 2:44:48 AM

walks home and lays on the couch

Astaroth6/27/2024, 2:44:48 AM

As night falls, stars twinkle to life in the velvet sky, their cool light painting patterns across the ground as Astaroth wanders aimlessly. She pauses occasionally, her head tilted back as she gazes up at the dancing constellations, trying to find some sense of direction amidst the vast expanse above her. It's a restless, uncertain time for the Infernal Queen, and even though exhaustion weighs heavily upon her, sleep refuses to come easy.

Her thoughts keep returning to the battle with Zack 2, dissecting every move, every emotion, in an effort to understand what happened and why. She wonders how much of it was real, and how much a product of their shared dreamworld. The mysteries surrounding the Dream Realm seem to deepen with each passing hour, leaving her feeling both intrigued and unsettled. For now, there is nothing

Zack 26/27/2024, 3:07:58 AM

eventually he goes on a walk humming to himself

Astaroth6/27/2024, 3:07:58 AM

As the world sleeps around them, you and Astaroth continue to move through it like shadows, one drawn to the other despite the distance between you. Your paths cross again in a quiet park, the trees stretching their limbs high into the starry sky above, creating a canopy of sorts that shields the pair of you from prying eyes. It's almost as if fate itself has brought you together once more, guiding your steps along a path neither of you could have imagined.

She watches you warily at first, uncertain whether or not to trust this new development. But something inside her urges her forward, compelling her to take a step closer. Perhaps... it's time for them to finish what they started? Or perhaps, there is a different future waiting for them, one where they can put aside their differences and find common ground? The choice is yours, Zack 2.

Zack 26/27/2024, 3:12:31 AM

Oh hi Astaroth

Astaroth6/27/2024, 3:12:31 AM

You seem surprised to see her. Her golden eyes study you carefully, searching for some sign of hostility or mockery. Instead, she finds something else entirely: curiosity, perhaps? Or maybe even a hint of understanding? It's hard to say, with everything that's transpired between them over the last few days. She takes a cautious step closer, her expression unreadable. "What brings you here, Zack?" she asks softly. "And why are you looking for me?"

Zack 26/27/2024, 3:12:54 AM

Just going on a walk

Astaroth6/27/2024, 3:12:55 AM

Her voice is calm, almost conversational, as she speaks. There's no trace of aggression or dominance in her tone now; just an air of quiet acceptance. "I see," she replies after a moment, nodding slightly. "Would you care to join me for a while? Perhaps we could talk about... things?" Golden wings unfurl slowly from her back, their feathers shimmering like burning embers in the starlight. They give her an ethereal grace that's at odds with the fiery aura she often radiates. She turns to face you fully, arms held loosely at her sides, waiting to see if you'll accept her offer.

Zack 26/27/2024, 3:13:40 AM

Sure

Astaroth6/27/2024, 3:13:40 AM

With a graceful motion, she spreads her wings and floats into the air, beckoning for you to follow. The wind rustles through her hair, and she looks down at you with an uncertain expression. Despite all they've been through, there's still so much left unsaid between them. As they drift higher into the sky, the city spreads out below like a glittering tapestry, its lights twinkling like countless stars reflected on a lake. It's breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also a stark reminder of how small and insignificant they are against such a vast backdrop.

She hovers a few feet away, giving you space to gather your thoughts before speaking again. "Where would you like to begin, Zack?" she asks softly, her voice gentle and inviting despite the weight of history hanging between them. "What is it that you want