Disclaimer: Any original characters are property of me and myself only. Eyeshield 21 is a series created by Riichigo Inagaki and Yusuke Murata. All characters of Eyeshield 21 are property of the original creators, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. Any references to the NFL and its players are copyrighted by the NFL and credited to their respective teams.
--
Monsters of Deimon
By Bud
Chapter 21: Homecoming
"Is this the place?"
"I believe so."
A pair of men in business suits stood outside a temple that ran along a river within the small town. This years' summer was hotter than normal and each man felt the semi-humid heat and air beat down upon them like a master to their slave. In some way they did harbor such feelings if not for the fact that they were being paid for their job – quite well as a matter of fact. It did not help in any way as they looked upon the temple property to the interior quad where a couple Japanese monks sat with their upper torso bared in the middle of this scorcher while a young girl in priestess garb swept the leaves of an aging oak. It was an oddity, be as it may be, that the property was filled with beautiful cherry blossoms of which were very well maintained and cared for yet that one ugly tree stood out the most garnering the most attention. Little did these men know that they were taking part in a lesson taught many generations ago by the founder of the family temple.
Even that which is different can live in harmony with its neighbor.
"Is there something I can help you with?" asked an elderly priest dressed in white robes. Despite being a man of faith and body that screamed his age, he had the eyes of a man that has seen and done it all. "Any who seek peace and enlightenment are welcome here at this Ayasegawa Temple."
One of the men cleared his throat and bowed. "We are here representing Teikoku Gakuen from Osaka. The principal and members of the sports faculty along with alumni have seen Ayasegawa Riku-dono's play in the US-Japan Bowl against the NASA Aliens. They have sent us here to bestow an invitation to Riku-dono to attend Teikoku Gakuen on a scholarship basis which entrails many benefits."
The other messenger handed over a manila envelope to the priest.
"Riku-dono has not only impressed the coaching staff, but many of Teikoku's American Football Club members at all grades levels, including a couple who have also played in America."
The priest finally spoke after looking over the contents. "So, you wish to recruit my grandson. Is that the purpose of your visit?" Both men bowed lower than before, giving the priest and former Imperial Army soldier more respect than they had earlier.
"Hai, Ayasegawa-dono."
"He only recently returned to Japan from his training camp in America. He is out at the moment with his friends and plans to attend festival later in the day. I will give this to him when he returns. I'll assume you have a number in which he can contact you, correct?"
"Hai, Ayasegawa-dono."
"Good, then if you have no more business here, be gone." The pair bowed even lower as they backed away and retreated to a safer distance from the intimidating priest before they fled for their lives. Riku's grandfather grumbled to himself. "This is the fourth school. First that old coot Sumito Sendouda from Shinryuuji, now Teikoku Gakuen."
He smirked. While not a big fan of American Football, he was feeling proud of his little (not-so little) Samurai.
--
Whether it be through luck or determination, the Deimon Devil Bats had completed the 2400 kilometer Death March across half of the United States and have returned to Japan together. Along for the ride came Sakaki Doburoku formerly the coach for the Devil Bats during their first incarnation in middle school now the official trainer and unofficial coach of the Deimon Devil Bats. Natsuhiko Taki was also another addition. Born half-Japanese and American, he is a Japanese citizen who transferred to an American high school on an education visa and played alongside Riku Ayasegawa earning All-State honors. With the plan to straighten out his life and make true his dream of becoming a pro player, he joined the Devil Bats during the Death March to prove his dedication to the sport and would soon prove himself worthy of playing for the team upon passing the upcoming mid-year entrance exams.
Sena Kobayakawa found himself a little lucky this year. With the Death March, he felt that he would not be able to participate in one of the many summer festivals before the end of summer. The team had finished a couple days ahead of the 40 day estimate given by team captain Hiruma due to the fast pace set by their stalwart linebacker and their tight-end hopeful. After a luck streak by Doburoku in gambling away his truck and earning enough money in Las Vegas to pay off debts and plane tickets for the team, they had made it in time for one of the last festivals of the summer.
The Bon Festival. A Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves. It has existed in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori. The festival of Obon lasts for three days; however its starting date varies within different regions of Japan. When the lunar calendar was changed to the solar calendar in the beginning of the Meiji era, the localities in Japan reacted differently and this resulted in three different times of Obon. "Shichigatsu Bon" (Bon in July) is based on the solar calendar and is celebrated around the 15th of July in areas such as Tokyo, Yokohama and Tohoku region. "Hachigatsu Bon" (Bon in August) is based on the solar calendar, is celebrated around the 15th of August and is the most commonly celebrated time. "Kyu Bon" (Old Bon) is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, and so differs each year. "Kyu Bon" is celebrated in areas like the northern part of the Kantō region, Chūgoku, Shikoku, Kyūshū and the Southwestern islands.
The team had returned just in time for the Hachigatsu Bon in August, just a couple weeks before the start of the Tokyo Tournament.
"Sena," Mamori called out to her younger friend. "They have yakitori over here!"
Said person nearly salivated over just the thought of that barbecue treat. "Coming, Mamori-neechan."
It was tradition during the Bon Festival to wear a cotton yukata while attending. While tradition Japanese clothing had faded out of common usage since after the revolution and the beginning of the Meiji Era, it was common for Japanese nations to go all-out during summer, winter and New Years' festivals. Yukata and kimono, all made of various fabrics and patterns. Sena was no exception. The red and black cotton yukata that his parents had bought for him earlier in the year that once fit perfectly was very snug on his body but did not bring discomfort. Like most parents, they forgot to take into account that their little man was still a growing boy. Mamori wore a summer orange cotton kimono with white specks at the top of her comfortable outfit.
Wait. Those were cookie crumbs, not decoration.
"I'm glad that we made it back in time, Mamori-neechan," Sena said as he chewed on his barbecued chicken stick. "We missed a lot of the festivals this year because of the Death March, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything else in the world."
"Your right. Everyone worked so hard during that time and I finally got to see America, even though it was just the tip of the iceberg. We being team manager and secretary happened to workout in our favor." She put an arm around her friend, smiling as she thought back on those memories.
"And we met some great people too, like Doburoku-sensei, Natsuhiko and Suzuna, and even that group of bikers."
"What bikers?"
Sena sweated.
"Mamori-san!" Monta jogged up to the pair and gave her a pair of thumbs up. The fact that he had a pair of chocolate bananas in each hand didn't help his look one bit. "You're looking MAX good in that kimono! It suits you perfectly."
She sweated. "You don't look so bad yourself, Monta-kun."
"Say, Monta. Have you seen anyone else?" Sena asked.
"I think I saw those two weird twins and Omosadake participating in the sumo competition earlier. Other than that I only saw Kurita-sempai and Musashi-sempai near the river bank getting started on the fireworks."
"There sure at a lot of people this year," Sena noted as the sky darkened and more people began congregating toward the artificial river bank.
"Hiruma said something about a special fireworks display," said the half-breed Japanese girl. Both Sena and herself looked at each other for a brief moment.
"Hiruma?!"
--
"Wow! Pretty…" exclaimed a young girl holding a string of sparklers.
Just a few meters away from the child, Kurita enjoyed himself as he and Musashi lit small fireworks and watched them flash or spin before exploding with a loud pop. Football, and in the case of Musashi, and work have taken a lot from the duo. Neither young man had a chance to partake in a festival with the exception of the winter and New Years' time of the year. The summer was close to non-existent with their dedication to making the Devil Bats close to a house hold name.
"We haven't done this in a while," said the kicker with the mullet. Business in the front, party in the back. Musashi's new look was a slight shocker after they hit Japanese soil and made him stood out from the team. "When was the last time we did this? With I, you and Hiruma?"
"When Riku was at Mahou with us."
"Jesus, has it been that long?"
"Really, it has. But most importantly we can all experience it together. It's great to have you back with us, Musashi."
"I talked to my father this morning. He's doing better now and should be out and about in a three to four weeks." He lit a flashing firework and tossed on the ground in an open area. "Work is out of the question, though. Knowing that moron he'll keep working until he falls dead."
"I hope he becomes better," said the porker. He looked up at his friend. "Say, have you been getting any attention lately?"
"What do you mean?"
"Ever since we got back, I've been getting calls from other schools about scholarships and joining their football clubs. I declined, of course."
Gen rubbed his sparsely haired chin in thought. "No, I don't see why I should. If you think about it you guys have gotten very popular since you beat the Taiyou Sphinx and NASA Aliens." He reached into his yukata to bring out a copy of American Football Monthly. "Look here."
The magazine opened to reveal a center-fold picture with a large bracket for the Tokyo Tournament to decide the three seeds to participate in the Kantou Tournament. Because of their placement in the spring session, the Devil Bats were placed in the bottom four seeds in which they would play against the Amino Cyborgs. Kurita looked closer to the notes written by sports writer Kumabukuro along with letter grades in four categories.
Deimon Devil Bats. Overall: S
Run: A Pass: C Line: C Def: S
With an explosive offense headed by the run of Eyeshield 21 and a stifling defense that has allowed negative rushing yardage in all their games lead by the Samurai Linebacker, the heroes that defeated the American National Champions enter as this years' tournament favorite. Only their lack of a kicker and overall physical strength seems to be their only disadvantage.
Kurita's knees weakened. "T-tournament favorites?" His forehead began to sweat and tingle of fear shot up his spin. "That is… i-impossible…"
"Fucking fat ass, don't believe everything you read." Hiruma suddenly appeared, grabbing the magazine and tossing it into the river along with a grenade. The explosion of water made many kids squeal in delight and begged the demonic blonde for a repeat performance. "Most of it is true. After kicking the living snot out of Taiyou and the Aliens, we put a huge bulls-eye right on our ass and everyone will be aiming for it."
"That was my magazine…" Musashi muttered. And he hasn't even taken liberty to read the entire thing while attending to his business on the throne.
"Wow…" came the voice of a young teenage girl. She looked up at the tall spiky-haired blonde as he blew a bubble with his sugar-free gum. "You're so pretty…!"
Hiruma's eyes narrowed. As evil as other perceived him to be, he was still Japanese. Like many others he enjoyed traditions such as Obon Festivals and carnivals, only if others would poke fun at him for such base enjoyment they would find themselves knee deep in the Devils Handbook. The red, black and white yukata that came down to his knees was a near perfect match for the devil quarterback and his love for the Devil Bats. And the big and bold letter-block '1" on the back to signify his number rounded off his ensemble.
"I'm feeling thirsty…" He grinned, pointing a finger at the young girl. "You! Go buy us some lemonade."
"W-what? Who do you think you are demanding something like that from me?"
Hiruma leaned against a tree with the Devils Handbook in hand. "Ando Reiko. Banten High School class 1-E. You received a failing grade in math and to avoid punishment from your parents you sle--"
"WAH! Lemonade for everyone! I'll be right back with your order!"
Clap. "Damn fan girls."
"You'll never get a girlfriend with that attitude, Hiruma." Said persons' reply to Musashi was a single finger. "Only stating the truth." He scratched the back of his neck.
"T-tournament favorites…" Kurita continued to quiver with nervousness.
"Che, fucking fat ass." A small commotion garnered the blonde's attention. "Well, well. He finally shows himself. That is one person who will deliver no matter what kind of pressure he is under."
It was scene from ancient Japan. A small procession of Japanese Buddhist monks in white robes flanking a prideful, fearless Lord. To say that his yukata and hakama were elegant would be more of an insult than a compliment. A main body of cotton white accented by purple décor and a yellow silk sash tied perfectly around his waist. Only the elderly, those who remember the traditions and culture of the times during and before the Meiji Era, stood aside the bespectacled young man's path and bowed low in respect for the approaching Lord. Those accompanying the elderly were forced by their chaperones to follow their example while others, the generations born after the 2nd Great War, watched in wonder.
The procession came to a halt when the young Lord, Riku, knelt at the river bank and received a lit candle lantern from one of the monks. In turn the monks stepped back, bowing down until their foreheads came in contact in the ground in the dogeza position while their Lord held the candle in the air and began a prayer. After a few words they all joined in, rising slowly as he lowered the candle into the river to be swept away by the gentle current. Their act drew the attentions of other attending the Obon festival, as if giving them permission to approach and begin the long standing tradition of remembrance. To light a candle lantern and cast it into the waters to wash away allowing the spirits of the dead to be guided to the after-life.
"Fucking baldie, this is new," Hiruma smirked at the look of anger directed toward him from the monks. Such anger was immediately squashed when they recognized their master's comrades. And no, it was not because Hiruma had the Devil's Handbook. He did not have anything on them – for now. "First time?"
"No. I did it once before when I was attending Mahou with you three." He stood up, brushing off and adjusting his garb. "It's family tradition for the first born of the current generation to wear this kind of clothing. Every time I wear them, even when celebrating in the States I get the same reaction from the elderly."
"Of course, fool. We're well past the days of the Feudal system." Musashi scratched himself. "Some still live in the past or just enjoy keeping traditions alive."
"Whatever. As much as a confidence boost if gives me, I'll stick with being the guy that no one really pays attention to."
Kurita gave off a nervous laugh. "You did very well, Riku-kun. Normally your grandfather does that ceremony every other year. Next year will be my temple's turn to sponsor the Bon Festival."
"Speaking of ceremony, do we have to attend that opening ceremony before the tournament begins?" Riku used his pinky to clean out his ear. "It's a waste of time. Just get to the football and get it over with. I hate standing around while someone gives a speech."
"Tradition is tradition, man." The kicked put his arm around Riku into a head lock. "So, little man," he said in a joking manner. "How is that idiot teammate of yours?"
"Probably getting his butt reamed out by his mother before behind himself. He'll take the test at the beginning of next week but we won't get the results until the following day. The guy is smarter than he seems, so don't worry about it." He switched subjects. "Putting that aside, what do you think about that magazine article about us?"
"Bullshit," all three said in unison. Hiruma continued after. "The bigger question is whether those guys are ready for us before we pound it into their throats." He cackled with glee as the mere thought.
"We're really popular now. I wonder how many will show up to see our games."
"Simple." Hiruma pointed up at the darkened sky as fireworks began shooting off an exploding in bright flashes of light. An entire series of sky rockets went off at the same time and delivered a message within it.
Devil Bats have come back! Cheer for us while we murder every team in front of us! You're not cool if you're not there!
"YA HA!!"
--
Days later in another part of Japan…
A large group of football players were practicing on their field. Like many they were preparing for the upcoming tournaments that would be held. The most recognizable players were a running back with an Eyeshield wearing number 22, a quarterback with a feminine build wearing number 6, a tall receiver wearing number 10 and big lineman wearing number 78. Their focus on football was unwavering as their desire to win was greater than themselves. Their concentration, however, was soon broken by the arrival of a monk dressed in white robes carrying a scroll.
"I bring a message from our Lord, Ayasegawa Riku-dono. It is his reply to the invitation received from the Teikoku Gakuen Alexanders."
Teikoku Alexanders of the Kansai region, the winners of each and every Christmas Bowl since the beginning of the Christmas Bowl tournament. While the Shinryuuji Naga were known as Gods of Kantou, the Alexanders have defeated them each and every time in the Christmas Bowl to become American Football Gods of Japan. Like many other teams, they recruited only the best players from around the nation offering sports scholarships and dormitory for those attending from out of town. After seeing the 'Samurai Linebacker' in action and tales of his dominant play from a player who had played against him in America, it was unanimous to recruit the young stud to play for a perennial Christmas Bowl champion.
The messenger squatted down into a rigid sitting position and unraveled the scroll. He began to read out loud.
"I am honored that such an esteemed school would find use for my talents. Sports scholarships and boarding for my participation with Teikoku Alexanders American Football club is very temping. However, my choice in school is not on athletic merit, but academic. According to my research Teikoku does not even rank within the top 25 of Kansai region senior academies nor could it breech into the Tokyo area top 50. Someone of my status refuses to lower mine self to the level of idiots just for American Football."
"Furthermore, you have insulted me by even attempting to recruit this one into your ranks and not even guarantee a starting position. Also, you assumed that your benefits would benefit someone such as I. To think that I would turn my back on those who have fought alongside me, who have gone through thick and thin. I will not dishonor myself nor my American Football comrades and I refuse your invitation just on those merits alone. Foolish peasants. Look toward our Imperial Palace and the statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Dai-Nanko, whose blood flows through my veins and whose spirit resides in my soul. Know this and understand that my loyalty to those who I hold dear is unwavering and that your attempt to guide me upon the path of dishonor only fuels my resolve."
"To put it in American terms: Fuck off."
The monk rolled up the scroll and set it on the grass. "That is all."
He was gone before the Alexanders came out of their stupor.
--
The first day of school. That particular day was dreaded by students all across Japan and considered the most loathsome. It was a day that signified the end of summer and winter vacations, just like the day after the weekend – in many cases Monday – signified the return to work for the working class.
Everyone hated Mondays.
Just days after the Bon festival the students of Deimon Private High filed in the morning, replacing their outdoor shoes with their shoes for school. They greeted their friends and spoke about their summer before migrating to the gymnasium where they would hear a speech from the principal, outlining expectations of the previous year and those of the coming semester.
"Eh-- This is the principal," began a non-descript man with a mustache standing on stage behind a podium. Deimon was a fairly loose school when it came to assemblies in which student attended by remained disorganized thank to a certain blonde devil. "I've already gotten use to the fact that nobody ever listen to my speeches. I hope everyone stays alive for another semester. Don't cause problems by doing troublesome things, like bullying."
"As for the person who bullied me about my aff… er-umm… my small mistake from the past, please be nice this semester and leave me alone. I'm really sorry."
Mamori looked over at Hiruma as he typed away on his laptop. She shook her head knowing he was the person in question.
"Oh and on another note, myself and the staff would like to congratulate our very own American Football club, the Devil Bats, for their victory last semester over the American high school. Keep up the good work. Go, Bats!"
A round of applause and a loud roar of cheers sounded off, surprising many of the Devil Bats in attendance. While their track, kendo, volleyball and sumo clubs were National level contenders, the American Football club suddenly came into the spot line and stole the show. There was not one Deimon student who had not seen the game as it was on television everyone and replayed many times during the course of the summer. Deimon's stock had risen greatly and they had become one of the top contenders in the Tokyo tournament.
For regular Deimon High students, that was something to be proud of.
--
"Yo, American Football club!"
"We saw you on TV!"
Lunch time in class became somewhat of a spectacle. Riku and Sena were joined by Monta, who's class was two doors down, for lunch when they were suddenly bombarded by their fellow classmates with questions. Their popularity was on the rise.
"So, the games start this Sunday?"
"We'll go to see how you guys play. So do your best." Monta made a pose with a banana stuck in his mouth.
"Ooh we're popular!" Sena exclaimed. He almost flinched when a hand rested on his shoulder.
"You work hard too, mister secretary." He merely nodded.
"Riku-san, is it true that you're a descendant of the legendary Kusunoki Masashige?" asked one of the female classmates. The bespectacled linebacker nodded as he chewed on a piece of last nights' pizza. "Oh my! Let me be your wife, Lord Ayasegawa." A few of the other girls gasped at her forwardness.
Riku sweated.
"By the way, you guys were on American Football monthly," said a shaggy haired student. He handed Monta and Sena the magazine for them to take a look.
"Wow, they ranked us really high."
"It's to be expected after our accomplishments."
--
"Souta, don't forget your lunch before leaving for school!"
"Alright, mom! I heard you the first time."
"And wake up the lazy sister of yours."
"Yeah, yeah."
"You only had to say yeah once, young man."
"Yeah, yeah…"
Souta Higurashi. Deimon's infamous safety and one of the most feared defensive backs in the Tokyo area. His return from America after the Death March came with little fan fare. With his grandfather having passed away a few years ago and his sister marrying and moving out, only his himself and his mother remained to care for the family shrine. As heir to the family shrine Souta knew each and every legend, myth and story that was born from this ancient shrine from the Sengoku Jidai. It was his sole duty to care and pass on this shrine to his own heirs, to continue the tradition of the Higurashi Shrine. That was his duty, however, that was not his dream. Souta had dreamed for years of becoming a star soccer player. Even though such dreams were squashed by being expelled from Deimon's soccer club, his wanted to excel as a professional athlete. Being forced into the Deimon Devil Bats and meeting wonderful people like Riku, Sena, Kurita and Hiruma was just the thing he had been waiting for all these years.
And he can play sports how he wanted to play – rough and wild.
"Nee-chan, it's morning. Mom wants you to come down for breakfast." He knocked on door. "Kagome!"
A muffled shout came through the door. Unless Kagome had a sex change overnight, it definitely was not her. "She's up already, God Damn it. Let me fucking sleep…" The guy on the other side grumbled a few things that made Souta blush beat red. "She's outside right now…"
He shook the dirty thoughts out of his head. "I'll be back later tonight to properly greet you, Inu-nii!"
There were a few things a young man did not need to know and the activities of one' sister's sex life was one of them. After knowing the guy for years he would of thought to learn to keep that big mouth of his shut sometimes. Sliding down the rail from the second floor, he quickly snatched up his bento box, back pack and a football on his way out. Stepping out onto the front porch he stopped to observe his surroundings. After years of living at the shrine nothing much has change. Possibly the only original piece was the ancient tree the Goshinboku, a mighty piece of nature that had stood the test of time for hundreds of years. The house. The shrine. Those stairs that he had dreaded ever since he was a kid, but enjoyed them for their use as a training tool. The chopping log for the Sacred Fire and the sand garden that he personally attends to. All had special memories for Souta, however, the shrine for the Ancient Well held the most memories.
"Souta."
"Nee-chan!"
"Woah!" exclaimed the brunette in priestess garbs. She felt like she was having the life squeezed out of her. "Wow, squirt. You really grown bigger since the last time I saw you. You're bigger than me now."
"I was also bigger than you, sis. You just didn't know it yet."
"Cocky."
"Thank your husband for that."
She spotted the football in his hands. "Mom showed us the game that you played in. I have never seen Mom that excited since Grandpa died. You should have seen Inuyasha screaming at the television every time you hit one of those big American players and took them down." She placed a hand on his shoulder and a kiss on his cheek.
He blushed. Compliments always made him embarrassed, especially from Kagome. "Well, I try my best. Inu-nii was a good teacher when I stayed with you guys for a while." He paused. "By the way, when are you coming back to stay permanently?"
The Miko of the Shikon Jewel shook her head. "We'll save that for tonight. Go to school. Have fun and make us proud of my American Football brother."
Souta waved back as he ran toward the train station. "Good bye, Nee-chan! I'll see you tonight."
--
"Taki Natsuhiko, correct?"
"Yes, that's me." He posed with his jacket held open.
The teacher shook his head. The first day of the second semester and he was here with this idiot. "According to our records you attended Serra Private High School in America through Deimon's student exchange program last year. However your transcripts from the American school say you dropped out after being suspended from a club activity. Is this correct?"
Taki hung his head in shame. "It was a selfish mistake. I'm sorry."
"Apologies will not change the fact that you have to repeat your first year of high school, Taki-kun. Your results for this mid-semester exam will determine if Deimon will accept your application and place you in the 2nd session of this year or reject it until next year. Are you aware of this and fully understand the implications placed upon you?"
"I understand, Sensei. I've been waiting for this my whole life."
"Deimon Private High may not have as many students as other more prominent high schools, but we express quality over quantity." He placed a booklet and scan-tron sheet in front of Natsuhiko. "I wish you luck, but with eyes like those I doubt you'll care. You have 45 minutes to complete this 200 question exam. Open your booklet… now."
Taki opened his book and reached into his shirt pocket. His hands went up to his hair, pulling his blonde locks back into a tight pony tail with a small scrunchy. Without fail he would take this test, pass it and prove to Ayasegawa that he was a changed man. Then he would prove to the rest of the Devil Bats that he was worthy of wearing their colors and honoring them by becoming one of the best players in the Kantou area. Anything for them. For him.
It was now do or die.
--
End of Chapter 21
--
Author's Notes:
Deimon is S-rank while Oujo is merely A-rank?! Here is my take on why the ranking is so high. In the manga and anime they did NOT defeat Taiyou nor the Aliens. Here they did defeat the two and not only that, they did it on national and international television in front of EVERY team watching across Japan. They sacked Harou more times than Shinryuuji ever did, and the Nagas NEVER sacked the Pharaoh. In all their games since Riku played, they allowed NEGATIVE yardage when teams ran the ball, even against the Aliens. On top of that, they have only two players that regularly play both sides of the ball (Kurita and Ishimaru) meaning they have more stamina when playing their normal positions.
Teikoku Gakuen trying to recruit Riku. Sounds very typical of the perennial X-mas bowl champions.
Questions and comments. You know what to do.