A/N: Hello, I do hope you like this chapter and will continue reading.
Disclaimer: I do not own Vanguard or its characters
Chapter One: Naoki Plays
Aichi's POV
Chris had Polaris attack Ezel but it didn't seem to have worked like he thought. He thought the attack would finish me which wasn't the case. I Cross-Rode Platina Ezel activating his Ultimate Break.
Platinum Spirit Pact was enough to end the Game with me as the winner. This win solidified my Team's spot as the winners of the VF Circuit.
Kamui ran up saying we won making me smile. "He's right, you did it Aichi" Misaki said to my left making me nod smiling wider. Dr. O said it's not every day this happens.
Not every day that a group of Players rises to the top so quickly. Dr. O told me I made the Tournament special but I shook my head to hide a smile.
Time Skip: a few Months Later
Many people are playing Trading Card Games now. Just another part of the day I guess. My friends and I got hooked on the Card Game Cardfight Vanguard and we can't get enough of it.
I entered High School a couple of months after the VF Circuit. My High School is Miyagi Academy.
"Morning Aichi" I smiled when I heard Misaki's voice. "Morning Misaki, it's good to see you" I greeted before she asked if I was used to my new School yet. "Somewhat I guess" I frowned looking at the ground.
I listened to what the Teacher was saying about Globalization hoping he doesn't call on me. Rarely ever is it to do something besides read out loud.
He called on me asking me, when I stood, a question. A question regarding how to stay relevant to the Global Age. I heard many of my classmates say that I looked like I was about to cry.
"Being relevant to the incoming Global Age could be redefining the role of Government across the Nations. There's a strong need for that as Nations face challenges of global competition" I answered.
He said it was well done with my 'handicap' which is why I didn't want to speak. They've been doing that since they found out I couldn't read their Textbooks. I sat down clenching my jeans.
My face was heating from the embarrassment of being laughed at for being half-blind again. It wasn't anything to laugh at and the reason I never mentioned anything at my last School.
After Class a girl came by my Desk. She told me I have to sign up for a Club or School Activity. It was mandatory for every student to join one.
"You mean something like a Hobby that's at this School right?" I asked making her nod. "What's yours?" she asked making me sigh. "It's a popular Trading Card Game that has nothing to do with education or occupations.
Cardfight Vanguard" I told her. Clubs or Activities that don't do well in the outside world aren't permitted by the Council here.
"It's not on the list" she told me making me sigh. "And that's why I haven't signed up for a Club" I told her leaving the room. I wasn't slumping or anything though since I already knew there wasn't a chance for one to already exist.
Walking out of the School I picked up my bag to my chest. This makes it easier to put away my Deck Case.
Smiling I went quickly to Card Capital hearing a familiar voice behind me. I walked the City knowing Naoki was following me. I didn't call him out on it.
He was probably trying to figure out why I was so different outside of School than in it. "Evening guys!" I smiled when the doors to Card Capital opened.
I sat at a Table with Chris and friends making me smile. "I'm glad you guys could make it" sitting down as I said it. They told me they were on a research trip to find out what kind of Cardfighting in other Countries is like.
Chris said the Japanese Cardfighters prove their skills making me smile. "How's Kenji fitting in at SIT?" I asked just remembering to ask them.
Chris said that he's doing well and has the Grades to prove it. Lee said he wasn't at his level yet making me cover a snicker when Chris said something. Said that Kenji beat him last time.
Ali told me I have to introduce him to the local girls making me scratch the back of my neck. I saw Naoki next to me his back to me.
"Hey Naoki" I smiled before he faced me. He told me I act differently than I do at School. Said that it was cool I have friends in different Countries.
He asked what I did to be so popular shocking me. Taking my Deck from my bag I gave it to him.
"Through Vanguard Tournaments with my friends" I smiled handing it to him. He looked at my cards before he asked how a bunch of cards could make me popular. "They're cards for a certain Card Game" I told him looking at Lee and Chris.
Chris asked if he seriously never heard of Vanguard before. Chris said that it's become one of the biggest Hobbies in the World.
Naoki asked what the point was and before I could stop Lee from talking he already said it. Lee explained that there are Tournaments all over the world. He also asked if it's ringing a bell and if he was born in a Cave because it wasn't.
"Lee that's enough. If he hasn't heard about it he hasn't heard about it" I told him feeling bad for Naoki.
He was getting angry but I'm glad he directed his temper onto me and no one else. Ali however spoke but I didn't listen. Naoki asked if this is what I was into looking at my Deck.
"Yes it is, many bad people are into it because it's spreading worldwide. If they reach the top of it they'll basically rule the World" I joked.
Naoki didn't think it was funny so I asked if he wanted to play. He opened his hand near his head saying he will. Because his hand was open it gave Shin a place to put a recently stocked Trial Deck.
He told Naoki to take good care of it because he's only lending it to him. Naoki thanked him before SIT Genius joked about his first ever opponent.
About choosing a World Champion Fighter as his first opponent. I think that went over Naoki's head because he never mentioned it. After a while Lee asked if he was done with the Rule Book yet.
Naoki nodded making me smile. "Then I'll explain the Rules more thoroughly as we play" I told him glad I can teach someone who really doesn't know the Rules.
"Is it okay if I take the first turn?" I smiled shocking him. "Thanks. First you place a Grade 0 Unit face-down in the Vanguard Circle.
And place you're Deck in the vertical rectangle on the right" I smiled showing him where exactly. "Draw your first five cards to make your hand.
You have to make sure you have a Grade 1, 2, and 3 Unit in your hand. If you don't like your hand in general you can switch the amount you don't want with new cards. That doesn't always mean you'll get the ones you want though" I smiled.
"Now you have to imagine… you have to picture yourself on Cray. Cray is a Planet similar to Earth in many ways" I smiled.
We were in a rocky plain with SIT Genius, Shin, Darkquartz, and Amnesty Messiah which surprised Naoki. Not the place itself but the people who were also here. "You only have two powers here: one is to summon the creatures of Cray to battle for you called a 'call'" I smiled.
"You 'call' the Units in your hand to the circles surrounding the first Unit on the field. Each card has a Grade number and an amount of power that they have" I explained pointing to them on my cards.
"The second ability is where you take the form of one of the Units. This Skill is known as a 'ride' and the Unit we take the form of is called the Vanguard" I explained. It worked for him so I continued.
"The Vanguard is the most important Unit that we have. The battle starts when they step foot on Cray.
When we flip the card we put face down we say simultaneously 'stand up Vanguard!'" I smiled. We stood the Vanguard once I finished saying that. I stood Angelic Liberator while Naoki stood Stone Bullet Eradicator.
Darkquartz told me Houki is from the Narukami Clan which I was thankful for. "Now our Spirits have materialized on Cray.
I hope you can keep up, this Game can move pretty fast" I smiled drawing a card. I explained that having a Grade 1 in hand you can ride it which I did. Little Liberator, Marron is who I rode.
I also called Future Liberator, Llew to the back middle. "Because I went first I can't attack this turn.
Now it's your turn" I smiled. Red River Dragoon was ridden before I explained the Rearguards. About how you can call Units in the Rearguard Circles as long as they're equal or lower than the Vanguard's Grade.
"The Vanguard may lead the attack but the Hero is nothing without his comrades" I told him smiling at my Units. Dust Storm Eradicator was called to the front left.
"Because you went second you get the first attack. The Unit attacks by turning the Unit on its side in a 'rest' position" I explained. He said Red River was going to attack so I spoke.
"You have to reveal and keep the top card of your Deck when the Vanguard attacks. It's called a 'Drive Check'" I explained.
"If there's a mark in the top right corner that's a Trigger. In this case you have a Critical Trigger. A Critical Trigger increases the damage done by one and additionally adds 5000 Power to a Unit of your choosing" I smiled.
"For example you can give the power to Dust Storm and the Critical to Red River" pointing to the Units as I spoke. He said that was a plan before he did it.
Because he dealt me two damage I told him that I have to place two cards from the top of my Deck to the Damage Zone. "You have to check for Triggers when you move them over to the Damage Zone" I explained as I placed the cards. "You need to deal six damage to win the Game" I smiled.
He told Dust Storm to attack Marron before I held up a card. "This is how you defend attacks.
You can use the cards in your hand in and in the Rearguard to stop attacks" I smiled. I asked Fortune Liberator to guard the attack. "The defensive amount is the number printed on the side of the card" I told him before I picked Fortune up.
"Once the attack is done, stopped, or nullified the Unit you guard with is sent to the Drop Zone" placing Fortune there. I said it was my turn now before I drew a card.
I smiled at the Unit I drew glad to see my friend. "Because I have a Grade 2 in my hand I can ride the Vanguard" I smiled before I rose my friend in the air. "Arise my Avatar! I ride Blaster Blade Liberator" placing him in the Vanguard Circle.
Chris was surprised to see Blaster Blade in the Gold Paladin Clan. Lee said that my new Deck was incredible.
I wasn't going to agree or disagree with the opinion. Ali said that no one can expect anything less from the Champion. Technically they are to for winning the Singapore Stage.
Calling Galatine and Zoom Down Eagle I asked Eagle to attack from the front right. "Units in the back row can give their power to the Unit in front of them" I explained.
Llew supported Blaster Blade in an attack against Red River. Looking up I saw he was having fun making me smile. This seemed to snap him out of his daze making me frown.
He was actually having fun before he went stoic again. He thinks I'm a dork but I could care less what someone thinks of me.
He told me to hit him so I asked Galatine to attack next. Naoki got a Trigger but I don't know what one it is. "Draw Trigger" Chris told me making me thank him.
"Stand" Ali said "and then" Lee said "draw" Chris said in order. It seems Naoki didn't know what to do so they reminded him.
Naoki rode Eradicator, Thunder Boom Dragon saying it's his Avatar. He said he was going to show me how 'skilled' he is making me smile. 'He just started how 'skilled' can he be?' Darkquartz asked.
It made me cover my mouth to hide a laugh. He was too into the Game and thinks I'm as weak as I am at School when it comes to Vanguard.
Dust Storm moved back after he called two Units. He also called two more Units after he moved Dust Storm back. Naoki had Thunder Boom attack then another one.
It was my turn so I rode Dignified Gold Dragon. Not long after it was Naoki's turn where he rode Discharging Dragon.
We seemed to have gathered a crowd of awed young Cardfighters. SIT Genius looked at me with odd colors making me smile. Naoki was having fun, that was all I cared about.
I asked Llew to support Gold Dragon in an attack against Discharging Dragon. I won the Match but I wasn't surprised when he left right after.
I got a text from Taishi asking if I was at Card Capital. I ran out of the Card Shop to see if I can see Naoki but he already turned a corner. I had forgotten about the text before I heard Kai say my name.
"Hey guys! I'm glad you're here" I smiled forcing down a blush. I was worried about Naoki though because I know he likes the Game but he hates to lose.
We went into the Card Shop and grabbed a Table where I told them what happened. Taishi said that beating my classmate in a fight sounds like fun. He had wondered what the problem was.
"I should've gone easier on him. He's never been interested in anything before and he hates to lose" I told them.
Chris told them that I tried hard to let him win his first Match. Lee told them that Naoki insisted on playing all his Units. It left him without a Unit to guard with.
Just like Morikawa, who wasn't mentioned. Ali said it's a rookie mistake and that some people never learn.
Izaki asked if I was having trouble finding people to play at the elite School. I frowned a bit saying it had nothing to do with that. "The Student Council, as well as the Staff there, doesn't tolerate anything that won't help a student's progress.
I had mentioned Vanguard once in Class and the Teacher wasn't so happy with the fact I mentioned it. Was angry because I should pay more attention to my studies than a hobby" I told them.
Taishi told me that their School has their own Vanguard Club. He also mentioned that it's not too late to change Schools. "I can't do that Miwa" I told him before I sighed.
"Besides I think it's better to graduate an Elite School than one that isn't. The College I want to get accepted to in a few years is one of the best in the World" I told him.
"Which School?" Chris asked making me smile. "Institute of Culinary Education or University of California, Berkley" I told them. Kai got up before I asked if he had to leave.
"Naoki bought the Deck before he left. I would decide which one you're better at, cooking or Evironmental Studies before you worry about the School" he told me.
Morikawa begged me to switch Schools to do his Homework. He needs it apparently from what Izaki said. He told me Morikawa needs help in every subject making me smile slightly.
Time Skip: Next Day
Emi bugged me about not signing up for a Club yet. I was eating one of the Savory Italian Frittatas I made this morning. It was easy to make with only 6 Servings in thirty minutes.
"There's not many things I'm interested in Emi, you know that" I told her. When I was finished she was saying something about heading to her School.
It was suggested because Mai and her would be happy to play Vanguard with me. "I have to go" I smiled leaving the room. I didn't want to hear her tell me I need to make friends my own age.
I have plenty as it is and the people at Miyagi aren't too pleased with me in general. I left for School wondering if Naoki is going to skip or not.
When I got to School and it seems I was correct. He decided to skip it. I took my seat by the window wanting to know if Naoki is okay or not.
When the bell rang I heard the door open. Looking over I was glad to see that he was okay.
I rose and bowed and then sat back down when the Class Rep told us to. The Teacher said that we have a new student joining us. I was surprised to see it was Kourin.
"Kourin" I whispered in surprise before she wrote her name on the Board. She turned around and didn't seem to have noticed me which I was glad about.
~Nin~
Everyone was chattering before the Teacher told them to be quiet. He told her she can take the Desk by the window. "Morning Kourin, how are you?" I smiled.
"Now that we're in the same Class I'm a lot better Aichi" she told me making me smile wider. "I haven't expected to see you here, it's been a few months" I said before I realized the evil and perturbed auras.
It seems knowing her has brought on a lot more chatter. My face heated up as I looked at my lap. I don't like being stared at like this.
When Class ended Kourin was told to go with the Teacher to get her Subject Materials. I was surrounded by three guys before one asked me a question.
He asked how I know the hottest girl in their School before I heard Naoki call my name. I looked over to him seeing he had the Trial Deck out. I tried to stand up to leave before the one blocking me stood in my way.
He yelled at me asking why I was in a rush to leave. I was startled backwards before I hit my head on the window when I tripped over the chair.
The next Class started which I was glad about. I lifted my hand to my head pulling it back when I felt lukewarm liquid. When I looked at my hand it was covered in something.
I wish I could see what it was but I already had a guess. I took out a coral Handkerchief placing it on the back of my head.
I winced slightly but it didn't gain anyone's attention, or they didn't care, either one. I put pressure on it before I looked to Naoki. He was staring at something but I don't know what.
I sighed before I looked out the window. I put more pressure on the gash so I won't lose a lot of blood.
Scene Change: Card Capital
Morikawa was trying to fight me about Kourin switching to Miyagi. I pressed on the gauze I had on the back of my head wincing slightly. It still hurt and it's likely bruising.
Morikawa was losing it when the door opened. I ignored the one-sided fight for the most part but I was still a part of it.
Kamui fly kicked Morikawa in the head. "What happened to your head?! Did Morikawa do that?" Kamui exclaimed as I sat down.
"No he didn't, I got startled by someone who wouldn't leave me alone about knowing Kourin. I tripped backwards on the chair behind me and hit my head on the window.
Don't know how I cut my head though" I told him sheepishly. Izaki apologized for Morikawa before mentioning the probability of Kourin entering my School and my Class. Kamui thought that Celebrities had tutors for that.
"I think Ultra Rare's guardian wants them to have a normal life" I suggested. Morikawa seemed to have lost his mind when he woke up.
He said that the two of them were going to transfer to Miyagi Academy. Izaki was right when he said that they won't be able to get in with their Grades. I ignored the argument between Morikawa and Kamui because it's a stupid one as usual.
Izaki gave me an idea that I'd definitely have to work at. He gave me the idea to start a Vanguard Club.
It was by saying that if Miyagi had one it would give them an excuse to visit my School. I told them I had to leave before I left for home. When I entered the house I went upstairs.
I was glad that I could see Darkquartz and could get an opinion from Ren. I was making Posters to start a new Club.
Ren said it was good so I hope I can get at least three more people to join it. I'd need at least four or five in the Club to make it official. Apparently Ren showed it to Tetsu to who was glad I was getting out more in School.
Time Skip: Next Day
I was handing out the Posters that I made with Emi and mom's help last night. Some people threw them away but I'm not surprised.
I was surprised that Kourin had taken one before she asked if I was starting a Cardfight Club. "Yeah I am, it's going to be hard because the School doesn't like things like this. I also need people to sign up and the Student Council to approve" I smiled.
She asked how many members I have making me smile slightly. "Just me, no one in this School seems to like it" I told her.
She told me she'll join because I can't run a Team by myself. When she walked off the three followers were saying they want to join as well. I was exasperated with them because they only want to because Kourin is.
Kourin heard what they said and snapped at them. She said she joined because she's a serious Cardfighter.
If they want to join they have to prove how dedicated they are. She said there's going to be a rule for those who want to join. They have to defeat Kourin or I shocking me.
She asked if that was okay with me before I nodded a little uneasy. When I turned my head the three followers turned into a crowd of people with evil auras directed at me.
We were in the Cafeteria when Kourin asked if I was ready. "Of course I am Kourin" I smiled. After a while no one had beaten either of us.
Naoki came up saying he's playing. "So you were excited about the Game?" I smiled making him nod.
"Got me hooked big time, I'm a fan" he said. This made Kourin happy before she said that he has to beat her. He said it'd be his pleasure.
"Seems you joined for a reason other than me" Kourin said making me smile. "Not a fan of your music, sorry to disappoint" he told her.
"Oh I'm not disappointed in the least. I'm glad to play someone who has an actual interest in the Game" she told him. They were getting along which I was glad for.
That will make atmosphere in the Club easier to deal with. If the Council doesn't find a way to shut us down.
I imagined Cray before we were in the illusion. It was similar to the one Naoki and I shared but without any greenery. It looked more mysterious.
Dreaming Jewel Knight, Tiffany was stood by Kourin and Stone Bullet Eradicator, Houki was stood by Naoki. Kourin rode Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie.
Because of Tiffany's Skill she moved back. Naoki was amazed by the Skill making me smile. Darkquartz rumbled in agreement before laying down to my left.
Naoki rode his Avatar, his Avatar being Eradicator, Demolition Dragon this time. Kourin was surprised because she's only ever heard me say that.
Naoki called Red River Dragoon to the front left. He told Demolition to attack and it wasn't guarded. River Dragoon attacked next and it still wasn't guarded.
Naoki asked how that was making me smile. "That was great" I smiled before Darkquartz nodded.
I think Naoki was going to ask about him but Kourin interrupted him. She said that doesn't matter before she started her turn. Dogmatize Jewel Knight, Sybill was ridden.
The Counterblast was activated to Superior Call Shellie before calling Tracie. She dealt him four damage but he got a Heal Trigger.
Because of that he recovered one damage. Naoki rode Eradicator, Thunder Boom Dragon making me smile. "Keep the pressure" I told him before Darkquartz bumped my leg.
I petted his head since he seemed to have wanted some attention. Doesn't matter which Clan he's from he's still a softy, and acts like a pet sometimes.
Kourin rode Leading Jewel Knight after Naoki dealed her two more damage. An Especial Counterblast was activated. This allowed her to use her Vanguard's Skill to call a Unit from the Deck to the Rearguard.
Pure Heart Jewel Knight was the one she called. Toypugal was also called giving her formation a major power boost.
"Seems Kourin has mastered the Royal Paladin Clan huh?" I asked Darkquartz. He shook his head making me smile. He's right though.
She ends up losing this Match because she still has a lot to learn about the Game. Tiffany supported Leading Jewel Knight before she activated her Limit Break.
Naoki didn't know what that was so Kourin explained. Because Kourin has four Jewel Knights in the Rearguard the Vanguard gains 2000 Power. She also gets an extra Critical.
Naoki asked if she was serious before Darkquartz rumbled approvingly. That seemed to have been enough for Naoki because he resigned from asking again.
Naoki guarded with a Unit that has 10000 Defense. Kourin checked the Twin Drive not getting a Trigger. Naoki was happy about that before Kourin ended her turn.
"You're playing like a novice. If I had drawn a Trigger with your 10000 Defense you would've lost the Game" she told him.
Darkquartz whimpered gaining Kourin and Naoki's attention. "He's fine buddy" I told him petting his head. "This is the best!" Naoki exclaimed making me smile.
His eyes were shining with excitement from the knowledge she gave him. She was glad he had enthusiasm before asking if he's sure he wants to continue.
He said he doesn't want to because he wants to join to face me again. Kourin asked why before he said he remembered something when he met me. He asked if we went to the same Elementary School making me nod.
"I'm actually surprised you remembered" I told him smiling a little. He told me that that was the thing.
We should've been Classmates the whole time but I went to a different Junior High. He said he knows the reason is because of how the kids treated me. He told me it was like I always had a target on my back because kids always picked on me after Class.
"Mom got upset at that because it was a year after I returned home from the Laboratory I was taken to. She told me to change Schools because of it" I told him.
"I didn't make it any better because I always ignored it. I could've easily taken care of them. I ended up being just like those guys by not doing anything" he told me.
He was really upset about it so Darkquartz stood up. He apologized to me for his actions making me shake my head.
"That's not true Naoki" I told him knowing saying that won't help. Darkquartz laid down on Naoki's right but it didn't seem to faze him. He was really glad I decided to transfer back here.
"I want to join your Club to make up for those bad experiences" he looked at me with an apologetic expression. I was shocked by this but glad he's doing it.
He wants to play but he also wants to make up for something he feels guilty for. "I think this has played a big part in how much you've changed since then" he told me. "Yes it has, I've met a bunch of people who became my friends and even met Darkquartz" I told him gesturing to the Dragon.
He said that he wants something like that to. Something he can be passionate about so he doesn't waste the years he has.
"I'm glad that it's Vanguard then Naoki" I smiled slightly. Darkquartz bumped Naoki's leg making him smile a little shocked at the Dragon. Naoki said he has an image of victory and he's not going to lose.
He was very ecstatic about it to. Kourin just told him that she'll prove it's nothing more than an illusion.
"Does this look real Kourin?" I asked gesturing to the landscape. "Yes it does" she said a bit confused. "This looks real but it's an illusion, what makes you think his victory is any different?" I asked. (1)
This shocked both of them before they continued the Game. Naoki rode his Avatar Eradicator, Vowing Sword Dragon.
He also called Eradicator, Spark Rain Dragon. Naoki asked one of his Units to attack but Kourin guarded it. 'She's going to lose guarding all three' Darkquartz grumbled making me nod.
No human besides me can understand what Darkquartz says so Kourin didn't hear him. It was Kourin's turn now before Pure Heart attacked.
Her Vanguard attacked next and this time Naoki guarded the attack. Naoki guarded with three Units instead of two like the last guard. He was hanging in there but he'll win on this turn.
I saw Naoki was happy to have drawn the card he did. He rode Discharging Dragon, his Avatar, making me smile.
It seems Discharging Dragon is more his Avatar than any of the others he calls his Avatar. I almost laughed as Darkquartz rumbled his glee when an Ability activated. Naoki was confused asking if he broke a rule or something.
"You activated a Break Ride Naoki" I told him. He didn't know what that was before I asked Kourin if I could explain.
She just told me someone has to teach him. "Vowing Sword Dragon has a cool Special Ability activated when you ride a Unit on top of him" I smiled. "You can retire one of your opponents front Rearguard Units if you have four or more damage during the ride.
As a bonus your Vanguard gains an additional 10000 Power" I explained. He was ecstatic about it saying it was a cool ability.
He asked me if it was over and over again making me laugh in amusement. He acts like a little kid when it comes to this that it's funny and amazing at the same time. He asked if he could do the ride over again making me nod.
He did it again before having Tracie leave the field. Boosted by a Unit Discharging Dragon attacked but not before his Limit Break was activated.
Kourin didn't guard which was a mistake on her part. Naoki got a Critical on the Second Check surprising her. He gave all effects to his Vanguard ending the Game.
The illusion cracked making the sound of glass breaking as it fell away. Naoki asked if he really won making me nod.
He was so excited that he won that I chuckled slightly before turning to Kourin. "You okay?" I asked knowing she is. Except a small bit of her pride anyway.
"Yeah, this just shows how incredible the Game is" she told me. "If you hadn't guarded all of those attacks you could've survived it" I smiled.
"Despite my experience in the Game there are still some things I need to learn" she said. Looking over at Naoki I smiled seeing him trying to do a one handed handstand. He ran over grabbing both of my shoulders.
"I'm in the Club right?!" he asked looking at Kourin when I did. She conceded saying he is.
He put his hand out in a fist bump before saying we're Teammates now. I smiled complying to the action. Kourin put her hand over our fists before telling Naoki he can stop calling her 'Mrs. Popstar' which he was fine with.
A/N: Hello, I finished writing this at 9:07 P.M. on April 3, 2017.
1) I don't think this came out how I meant it to but oh well.
I do hope you like this chapter and story and will continue reading.
