diff --git a/src/engine/fox_message.c b/src/engine/fox_message.c
index 26e73290..888bd59a 100644
--- a/src/engine/fox_message.c
+++ b/src/engine/fox_message.c
@@ -41,13 +41,14 @@ s32 Message_GetWidth(u16* msgPtr) {
 }
 
 s32 Message_GetCharCount(u16* msgPtr) {
+    s32 count = 0;
+    u16* msgChar = msgPtr;
+    
 #if MODS_LEVEL_SELECT == 1
     if (gCurrentPlanet == 6) {
         return 0;
     }
 #endif
-    s32 count = 0;
-    u16* msgChar = msgPtr;
 
     while (*msgChar != NULL) {
         count++;