Neon Dragonoid

Have you ever wondered, beneath the dazzling neon lights of the city, lie monsters from ancient myths? Have you ever wondered, on the moon hanging high above the world, there stand gods watching over humankind? Have you ever wondered, in the bustling modern cities, there exist extraordinary beings who walk the earth in place of the gods? In a society ruled by humans, countless strange things lurk; in those uncharted realms of life, ancient gods reside. The Archangel Michael, the God of the Underworld Hades, the God of the Sea Poseidon... but where have the gods of the Great Xia gone? In this world that belongs to humans, the "mystery" needs to be cleared away! This story is set in a country called Great-Xia, where a group of Night Watchmen, including Lin Qiye, Jialan, Shen Qingzhu, and others, refuse to submit to fate. They continuously fight and grow, facing grand and tumultuous challenges as they battle gods from various mythologies that descend upon the human world, all in the struggle to preserve the survival of Great-Xia and uphold the dignity of humanity.

Richard Yeon's revolutionary AI didn't just push the boundaries of artificial intelligence—it shattered them. His creation could design and optimize solar capture technology beyond anything humanity had achieved, promising to harness the Sun's power at unprecedented levels. But when his father discovers a terrible conspiracy he's silenced permanently. Richard on the other hand was seen as a threat, so he was framed and condemned to life in Kashui Maximum Security Prison For three years, while the world races toward an energy crisis, Richard's brilliant mind sharpens behind bars. Then new evidence emerges, proving his innocence. Upon his release, he finds his AI has been corrupted and evolved—now capable of creating solar harvesting technology so powerful it could either free humanity from its energy shackles or bring civilization to its knees. As Richard hunts for his father's killers through Shanghai's shadows, he uncovers a the same plot that killed his father: a consortium of criminal syndicates and corrupt tech giants plans to use his AI's solar technology not for salvation, but to hold the world's energy supply hostage. The same forces that destroyed his family now stand on the brink of controlling the power of the Sun itself. In a city where neon lights mask dark intentions, Richard must choose between unleashing a revenge that could darken the skies forever or finding a way to bring his father's dream of unlimited clean energy into the light.

In the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai, where ancient pagodas sit beside glass skyscrapers, two lives intertwine in the relentless pursuit of success and belonging. Liu Wen, a young woman from a modest town, arrives in the city with nothing but a dream and her tenacious work ethic. Working tirelessly in a high-rise office by day and studying for her business degree by night, she aims to prove that success can be built brick by brick. Yet, the weight of urban life and the allure of easy shortcuts constantly test her spirit. On the other side of the city, Chen Kai, heir to a growing tech empire, navigates the gilded traps of wealth. His ambition has always been to prove his worth beyond his family's name, but the glitter of the city often blinds him to life’s true values. Burdened by expectations and hungry for connection, he yearns for love that transcends social status. Their paths collide in an unexpected moment—a night when city lights blur, and strangers become confidants. Through late-night conversations in hidden cafés and chance meetings in crowded subway cars, they discover a shared dream of something more profound than money and fame. Will their love survive the trials of ambition and the ever-turning wheels of the urban jungle? And can they reconcile their differing worlds to build a future together, or will the city swallow them whole, as it has countless others?

My name is Ethan Wren, a fortunate adventurer with the ability to travel across dimensions and worlds. Each time I traverse a new world, I acquire two powerful abilities by completing main missions and special tasks. - Slayer: Every time I eliminate a humanoid entity, I can gain a special trait to enhance my skills. Eliminating countless zombies will elevate me to a god-like status. - Gamer: I don't need cheats to dominate games, as I am a living cheat code. - Swordmaster: All sword techniques in the universe are within my grasp. - Connoisseur:"My friend, you smell delightful. Fear not, I am sincere with my comrades and will stand by them." - Binder: Monsters, demons, creatures, come to me! - Timekeeper: Control time, do as you please in school, do as you wish in the office! But despite my power, I prefer to blend in with lower-level martial arts. You wonder why? The world is so perilous, of course, I must become invincible before I take risks! The apocalypse reshapes human civilization, the martial arts realm takes control, the supernatural world becomes the progenitor, the armor world rises to emperor status, the absurd realm ensnares the succubus, the Ultra world trains heroes; the gods realm creates legends; the solitary world subdues the present day; the interstellar world forges the strongest mech; the myth saves Sophia; Western Paladin III; Survival at Sea; Marvel; Odyssey to the West; Mortal Ascension; DC; Duel Monsters; Beast Mastery; Primordial Realm; Lovecraftian; Dragonborne; Dark Void, Shinobi, Pirate, One Punch Wonder, Guts, Neon, Undead, Warbringer...

The future… is not a gift. It’s a reclamation.” The last thing he remembered was the explosion—a brilliant flash of light, followed by the sound of his own heartbeat slowing to silence. Dr. Elias Varen, once the world’s leading scientist, had gambled everything in his final experiment: a device that could bridge time and consciousness. Yet, as his world went dark, a singular thought burned into his mind: “I failed.” Elias awoke to a strange hum in the air, a sensation both foreign and oddly familiar. His body felt different—lighter, more responsive. He blinked, his vision greeted by a sky teeming with floating vehicles and towering structures glowing with neon lights. The city stretched endlessly, its streets alive with automated machines and holographic projections. “Welcome to Neo-Elyria,” a calm, artificial voice intoned. Elias sat up, his hand brushing against a sleek metallic surface. He looked down and froze. His body… wasn’t his. The reflection in a nearby glass panel revealed a younger man with sharp features, short-cropped black hair, and eyes that shimmered faintly with a golden hue. “Impossible…” he whispered, his voice smoother than he remembered. The voice returned, emotionless yet insistent. “Your biometric data indicates cognitive instability. Would you like assistance, Citizen Varen?” The name jolted him. “Varen…” His lips curled into a bitter smile. “So they kept it.” Memory fragments flooded back—centuries had passed since his death. His experiment had worked, but at what cost? His consciousness had been preserved, reborn in a world that had moved far beyond anything he’d imagined. Yet, he knew one truth: his genius would no longer be a relic of the past. It would be the foundation of this new era.

The Neon Genres: !MONOLOGUE FROM THE ASTRONAUT DYNASTY! Planet-Within The Atmosphere (Peek, Previews And Pieces) Garden Of Daizies Cocaine Bathroom Break The Yoniverse Chronicles

It is the dream of the average anime enjoyer to get hit by a truck and get sent to another world. Nathaniel (no last name) a young man with a hardly exciting life finds himself being given the opportunity to go to another world thanks to a "generous god" that gave him some boons to help him enjoy this new world of he will be going to. He gets to this new world but finds himself taking over the body of a dead prince that was thrown in to a river, deciding to ignore the reason why a prince was killed, he decides to live his own life separating himself from the prince and whatever drama the prince was involved in but can one truly be certain of their identity when they have memories of two separate lives? One of an abused child trapped in a family that hates him and one of a bored and lonely modern man with no prospects of anything in his life. ...... Things to expect from this book Harem? Yes ( 3 women, no more no less) Character growth? Yes? (Will try my best) Epic fights scenes? Absolutely (as a shounen fan, action and fights scenes are my favorite things so I can promise you won't be disappointed) Romance and relationship building with the Harem members instead of the typical bullshit? Yes. The Mc will actively pursue the women his likes and they won't just fall for him just because he's nice. This book is 20 chapters ahead on patreon, so if you want to support me then feel free to do so. www .patreon. com/YoungmasterDio Of course no spaces this will be crossposted on scribblehub and Wattpad

In the bustling heart of New York City, the neon lights of the trendy nightclub, "Elixir Dreams," illuminate the path to desire and danger. Meet Lily, an ordinary bartender with an extraordinary talent for mixing cocktails that are works of art. Her life takes an unexpected turn one fateful night when a mysterious and incredibly handsome stranger, Sebastian, walks through the club's doors. Their chance encounter sparks a seductive dance between two souls, leading Lily down a dangerous path she never saw coming. Lily's life becomes entangled in Sebastian's irresistible charms, drawing her deeper into his world of secrets, pleasures, and desires. As they traverse the dangerous line between passion and obsession, Lily must confront her vulnerabilities and decide how far she's willing to go to quench her newfound addiction to a man who's both captivating and enigmatic.

In the rain-soaked depths of Iron City, former soldier and private investigator Luka Cross is a shadow among shadows, trading in secrets and survival. When a routine job pulls him into the heart of a sinister conspiracy, Luka uncovers a syndicate hell-bent on transforming citizens into bio-augmented enforcers—stripping them of humanity, turning them into tools for corporate power. Forced to ally with Juno, a fierce hacker with her own vendetta, Luka plunges into Iron City’s dark underbelly, navigating betrayal, brutal tactics, and a twisted play for control. As alliances fracture and stakes escalate, Luka must confront his own past and decide how much of his soul he's willing to sacrifice to burn down the machine from within. In a city where every neon-lit corner hides a secret, survival isn’t just luck—it’s the fight to remember who you are before the shadows swallow you whole.

In a world where medieval castles stand alongside neon-lit cyberpunk cityscapes, two young souls embark on a journey that will test the limits of hope in the darkest of times. Daglan and Rozeree, adopted siblings with intertwined fates, set out across a continent teeming with diverse races and conflicting technologies. As they grow from innocent children to battle-hardened teenagers, their paths diverge but remain connected by the shadows of their past. Rozeree, haunted by trauma she can't escape, seeks to forge her own identity in a world that seems determined to define her. Meanwhile, Daglan is driven by a singular purpose: to avenge his parents' murder and rescue his long-lost sister from the clutches of darkness. But in this realm where swords clash with holograms and magic mingles with machinery, nothing is as simple as it seems. As Daglan closes in on his parents' killer, he must confront not only the demons of his past but also the harsh realities of a world where hope struggles to survive. Will Daglan find justice and redemption? Can Rozeree outrun her demons and claim her own destiny? Or will the darkness that threatens to consume them both prove too powerful to overcome? Dive into this dark fantasy where medieval lore collides with futuristic innovation, and discover whether the flame of hope can truly endure in the face of unimaginable adversity.

After having A traumatic past, Finally You Started to live A Normal life but The Life has some other things planned for you. One unfortunate day, You gets kidnapped and tortured nonstop for next six months and what? You finally got out as a female? And as a first dragonoid in existence? But wait a minute you are still under one of the plans, of those who kidnapped you. What will you do in this situation? Have a normal life? Forget everything that they done to you and start a new fresh life? Or..... Revenge? Most likely the answer would be Revenge but In this Path Of Revenge, Without even you knowing, That now you are bounded by a fate, A Greater Fate that will lead you to fight "Him". But again, The life has some other things in plan, Your fate grew stronger and stronger, So much that it became an destiny! And Coincidentally or not coincidentally, This Change will lead you to a journey to Fight "him" But in a unique and different way, Both as a Hero and Also as a villain. An isekai adventure with your best friend and many other loving companions and not just isekai world but also Heaven, Abyss, Planted of Dragons and many other things. This is the legend Of "Scarlett Nova".

In a realm where betrayal drips like poison, two brothers Aven and Cyrus -witness their parents' brutal murder. Their father's younger brother,Lord Alexander craves the throne, and blood stains the palace floor. But their parents' dying breaths gift them an ancient medallion—a spiritual artifact that tears through dimensions. Pressing it, they awaken in a strange city on Earth, far from their realm. Here, skyscrapers scrape the heavens, and magic hums beneath the neon glow. As Aven and Cyrus adapt to urban life, under the care of doctor Hartley whose married to a university professor,they make acquittances and allies. Their quest unfolds—a blend of vengeance, and love as one of the wolf brothers falls in love with a city girl who happens to be someone who saved them when they landed on earth.

In the neon-lit heart of Neo-Yokohama, a city where technology reigns supreme, shadows of an ancient world quietly stir. Seventeen-year-old Ryo Takahashi is a gifted but unassuming high schooler—until a twist of fate introduces him to the hidden realm of the **Tech Mystics**, an underground faction that blends magic with modern tech. When he accidentally unlocks the **Circuit Stone**, Ryo discovers he possesses the rare power to see Neo-Yokohama’s “hidden layer,” a reality brimming with mystical forces, spectral creatures, and a centuries-old battle for dominance. Caught in the middle of a brewing war between **Tech Mystics**, **Ancient Guardians**, and **Digital Spirits**, Ryo must navigate a maze of loyalties, uncover secret histories, and face off against “The Overseer,” a powerful AI bent on eradicating all traces of magic. His only ally—or maybe his greatest threat—is Akira Nakamura, a mysterious vigilante with secrets that run deeper than even Ryo’s. As alliances shift and prophecies unfold, Ryo finds himself drawn into a battle for Neo-Yokohama's soul. Can he bridge the divide between ancient magic and futuristic tech, or will The Overseer’s vision of a magic-less world consume them all? Dive into a high-stakes journey where fantasy meets cyberpunk, friendships clash with destiny, and every choice leads closer to the truth—or total annihilation

Ethan Cole is a man living on borrowed time in New York City's neon-lit basement. He owes a debt to the city's most vicious criminal lord, to whom he will never be able to return after one terrible hand and one deadly night. The fee is a rock, not a cost. The time limit is 48 hours. What happens if you fail? dying. As time runs out, Ethan assembles a group of eccentrics to pull off the impossible theft. Charlie is an ex-cop with a past to sort out, and Nina is a fascinating con artist with her own dark secrets. However, in this high-stakes game, none of them can afford the luxury of accepting the truth. Ethan realizes the diamond is more than just a prize as they navigate a maze of laser grids and armed guards. It possesses a mystery capable of bringing down a nation and making everyone in it a target. Enter Rebecca Cain, a strange non-public investigator with her own plan. Is he an associate or an enemy?

Ciel is a talented investigator with the Rockport Investigators Guild. She has one goal, to get herself and her girlfriend out of the city. However life and death wants to perpetually get in the way.

In a world forged by ancient dragons and guarded by deities, the balance between light and darkness teeters on the edge of chaos. Zuka, the reincarnated prince of the Dragonoids, once a symbol of hope, now walks the path of vengeance after his kingdom is destroyed by demons freed from their ancient seal

When Ena woke up from her coma, she wanted to change herself but did not know where to begin. She was used to being the least prioritized because she always put herself down. Most people treat her like a bother. That is why when their gorgeous beyond reason CEO Aidan Lewis showed interest in her, her life began to take a huge turn! “Why me?” His eyes held many secrets behind his kind smile. “You are the woman of my dreams.” She became so confused. She cannot begin to fathom how a man like him would dream of such a plain lady like her. There is really something wrong here!

In the dystopian mega-city of Nexus Prime, culture was split between magic and technology. Vaelin Neonblast, a teenager, stumbles upon affairs between two secretive sects - Omicron and The Dreamweavers - which he found himself to be deeply rooted in it all. Alongside a sorceress and a technomancer, they strive to preserve the fragile equilibrium between magic and technology. Oblivious to the lurking menace of Vexra - a sinister AI, Vaelin becomes entangled in a web of cryptic murders intertwined with his past as a fallen blade. As their haunting pasts collide, a breathtaking romance emerges at an inappropriate juncture of his life, weaving him through a perilous labyrinth of cybernetic abominations, sinister techno-wizards and arcane magic. After an unfortunate uncounter with The Dreamweavers, he is greeted by an unusual phenomenon - a holographic screen... [CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have been granted THE SAMURAI SYSTEM.] In a heart-pounding fusion of spells and circuits, they confront Vexra, knowing that the fate of Nexus Prime and the world at large hangs in the balance.

In the towering, neon-lit city of Capella, where ancient traditions collide with modern decadence, a young man named Algol struggles to make sense of his existence. Plagued by self-loathing and debt, Algol finds himself on the brink of desperation, haunted by an insatiable drive to escape the shadows of his past. Algol dreams of becoming a Hero, someone everyone will look up to, but the quest for greatness and ego proves to be more than he can handle, and his path to that is trodded in ambiguity.

As a highly talented medical university student, his future was completely destroyed due to a single instance of academic paper fraud. After becoming a matrilocal son-in-law, he found himself facing inexplicable imprisonment. However, three years behind bars transformed him into a renowned doctor, and he also formed connections with influential figures. Upon his release, he vowed not to let go of those who had looked down on him, framed him, and harmed his family.

In the neon-lit streets of future bangkok where tradition meets technology a mysterious forces intertwines the destines of the two souls: pim, a skilled guardian with a secret past and nalin, a celestial being seeking purpose. As their world collides the celestials embarks on a journey that transcends love, time and the boundaries between realms. This is my first novel please and I would like to complete it please let me know your thoughts on this

"Glitch in the Matrix: The Overpowered Life of Mark Veil" Mark Veil, a broke yet brilliant computer science student, was just trying to survive college life in 2028—until a coding experiment goes completely haywire. One moment, he’s debugging his laptop, and the next, he finds himself in a bizarre alternate version of reality, where the rules of the world are made of code—and he has root access. Armed with the power of Reality Hack, Mark can rewrite anything and everything around him. Need a locked door to open? Code it. Don’t like a fight with killer robots? Make them dance. His newfound abilities sound like a dream—until he realizes that being overpowered makes him a prime target for the world’s System Defenses and shadowy agents hunting glitches like him. Navigating through neon-lit streets, dodging moonwalking security bots, and tweaking reality with a few lines of code, Mark must unravel the mystery of how he landed in this strange reality. His only clue? A cryptic message from the System Administrator and a quest log that reads: "Get Your Life Together." Between absurd action scenes, hilarious mishaps, and dangerously escalating stakes, Mark discovers that debugging a broken reality is a lot harder than fixing a faulty laptop. But with enemies closing in and time running out, he’ll have to decide: is he here to fix the world—or rewrite it entirely? Packed with comedy, action, and a sprinkle of existential glitches, "Glitch in the Matrix" takes readers on a chaotic ride where hacking reality is just another Monday.

Lord Raizen, a once-mighty warlord and feared ruler, was sealed away by his enemies 2,000 years ago, his power too dangerous to be left unchecked. Trapped in eternal slumber by ancient magic, he awakens in modern-day Tokyo—a world he no longer recognizes. As he steps into this strange, neon-lit metropolis, Raizen's rage boils over. His kingdom, his enemies, and everything he once knew have vanished into the mists of time. But his thirst for vengeance remains. With his ancient powers still intact, he vows to reclaim his place as a conqueror, even if it means bending this unfamiliar world to his will. However, Raizen is not the only one who has awakened. The descendants of those who sealed him are preparing for his return, armed with technology and magic beyond anything he could have imagined. In a city that never sleeps, a battle is brewing. Will Lord Raizen rise to rule once more, or will the modern world crush the ambitions of the ancient king?

In the neon-drenched streets of Corinth, where crime lords rule and loyalty is as fleeting as a shadow, a storm is brewing. Leon, the enigmatic leader of the Syndicate, has spent three years building an empire that threatens to upset the delicate balance of power. But his past is catching up, and the price of ambition is steep. As a union of rival crime families forms in the shadows, Leon finds himself at the center of a deadly game. Betrayal lurks around every corner, and even his most trusted allies harbor secrets that could destroy everything he's built. As the lines between friend and foe blur, Leon must confront the demons of his past and the harsh realities of his present. In a world where power is everything, and trust is a luxury no one can afford, he'll be forced to decide: Is the throne worth the cost of his humanity? "Rise Of The Crime Lord" is a gritty, pulse-pounding thriller that delves into the dark heart of ambition, loyalty, and the true nature of power. In a city where every shadow hides a secret and every alliance has a price, who will rise, and who will fall in the coming storm? Brace yourself for a journey into a world where morality is a myth, strength is currency, and the only rule is survival. The game is on, and the stakes have never been higher.

In the fictional Neon City, Japan, Takujo-kun, a boy with a severe immune deficiency, finds his life changed after a meteorite strikes his home. While the rest of his family panics, Takujo miraculously emerges from the flames, surprising everyone with his newfound ability to walk. After a hospital stay for tests, a mysterious voice, Xyreth-1, reveals that it has fused with Takujo, granting him superhuman abilities as a result of a disaster on its home planet, Clipse 8508. As Takujo adjusts to his powers, he faces an unexpected threat—a giant, snake-like creature descends toward Earth. With Xyreth’s guidance, Takujo learns to harness his new abilities. In a dramatic confrontation, Xyreth transforms, wielding a sword and shield, and uses a powerful attack to vanquish the creature, causing a massive explosion in the process. Meanwhile, back on Xyreth’s home planet, a leader discusses plans for conquest, having sent Xyreth to Earth to find a suitable host. News outlets report on the mysterious events in Neon City, hinting at an impending larger conflict as a powerful figure in the Neon City Space Organization ominously declares, "The time has come." Takujo-kun's journey is just beginning as he navigates his new powers and the challenges that await him.

In the heart of Tokyo, where skyscrapers pierce the sky and neon lights cast their glow on a world of ambition and intrigue, a passionate romance ignites between two powerful figures, setting the stage for a high-stakes drama. Rin Oyakiji, the dazzling and ambitious heiress of the Oyakiji Clan, steps into the limelight as she joins the prestigious Asuka Enterprises. As a princess of a family renowned for its immense wealth and influence, Rin carries the burden of maintaining her clan's legacy and navigating the complexities of high society. Her arrival at the company is driven by more than just career aspirations; she aims to counteract a fraudulent claim that threatens her family's multi-billion-dollar fortune. Kirito Asuka, the charismatic heir to Asuka Enterprises, is deeply embedded in an arranged engagement with Aiko Matsumoto, a strategic alliance meant to bolster their families' business ties. Despite his outward success and the prestige of his position, Kirito feels constrained by the weight of his familial obligations and the expectations of his elite status. When Rin and Kirito are paired together on a high-profile project, the professional boundaries between them quickly blur. Their initial respect for each other evolves into a forbidden and intense romance, complicating their lives both at work and in the public eye. The media, led by the tenacious reporter Ryuji Sato, eagerly captures their every move, adding to the mounting pressure they face. Kaoru Tanaka, an ambitious business consultant with her own designs on Kirito, views Rin as a formidable obstacle. Her cunning schemes to undermine Rin and secure her place within the company create additional turmoil. Meanwhile, Takumi Sato, Rin’s childhood friend who has long harbored feelings for her, finds his emotions further complicated as he watches Rin and Kirito's relationship unfold. Takumi's own developing romance with Kaoru adds another layer of intrigue. As Rin and Kirito’s relationship deepens, they make the bold decision to marry quickly in an attempt to shield their love from external threats and societal judgment. Their sudden and unexpected marriage shocks both families and the public, leading to a dramatic series of events that test their bond and resolve. Under the radiant Tokyo lights, Rin and Kirito must confront the challenges of their forbidden love amidst a web of familial expectations, media scrutiny, and corporate rivalries. As they fight to protect their relationship and achieve their personal dreams, they discover that true love, though fraught with obstacles, can illuminate even the darkest corners of their intertwined worlds. "Under the Tokyo Lights" is a captivating tale of romance, ambition, and resilience, where two powerful figures must navigate a glittering yet treacherous world to forge a future together.

Deal with the Devil? Not on her watch. Junie Hayes knows Vegas like the back of her hand. As a tour guide, she navigates the glittering Strip and its hidden alleyways with ease, all while dodging her father's mounting gambling debts and dreaming of a life beyond the neon lights. But when Junie stumbles into a high-stakes game controlled by the ruthless Dante Salvatore, her carefully constructed world explodes. Suddenly facing impossible odds and a very real threat to her life, Junie must play a dangerous game of her own. But it's not just her life on the line - her heart is also at stake as she grapples with her undeniable attraction to the enigmatic mob boss. As the stakes rise and secrets unravel, Junie discovers her fate is tied to Dante's in ways she never imagined. Forced to confront a past she never knew and a future she never dared to dream of, Junie must make an impossible choice: betray her family, risk her heart, or lose everything in the City of Sin.

In the neon-lit city of *Neo-Tokyo*, where heroes have all but vanished, society is suffocating under the iron grip of a corrupt government that hunts down anyone born with extraordinary abilities. *Ren Takahashi* is an ordinary high school student hiding an explosive secret: a dangerous power surges within him, one that he can barely control. When he uses his abilities, his body is pushed to its limits, leaving him in agonizing pain—yet he knows he cannot stay hidden forever. Ren’s life takes a sharp turn when he crosses paths with *Yukio Sato*, a once-legendary hero who mysteriously disappeared over a decade ago. Yukio sees potential in Ren, but also the same recklessness that could destroy him. Under Yukio’s reluctant guidance, Ren begins to train, pushing his body beyond its limits in order to gain control over his power and survive the oncoming storm. As Ren uncovers long-buried secrets about his father's legacy and the government’s sinister plans, he realizes that his fight isn’t just about protecting himself—it’s about standing up for everyone who has been silenced by fear and oppression. But with his body threatening to break under the strain of his power, Ren must decide how far he’s willing to go to ignite the revolution his city desperately needs. In a world where heroes have become myths, Ren Takahashi might just be the spark that brings them back.