A/N: I'm back from my break. ...Well it wasn't really much of a break since I did work on my other story. Anyway, this chapter will answer some questions. The first part will be in May's point of view. Hope it won't be too confusing. I plan to update every Sunday until you're caught up to where I am.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. I would say I own the plot for this chapter, but it's cliche.
Chapter 31 That's no fairytale
(Three months. Three whole months have passed. I can say a lot happened in those months, and also say not much. )
(Brendan was taken to Rustboro hospital and his treatment was continued there. My family had apologized for my... behavior there last time. And gave the hospital a nice donation. Dr. Night accepted the apology pretty easily and examined my wrists. The doctors in Orre had done a good job, so he left them alone. I could have sworn he mumbled something about me always getting into trouble. Anyway, I was skeptical when Brendan's doctor said he would make a full recovery. And that he could start physical therapy within two months. I saw Brendan take a nasty fall. One that almost killed him. It's hard to grasp that he would be able to jump back so quickly. I'll just have to trust the doctors. Oh... I haven't really seen Brendan that much. I wanted to visit him in the hospital, but after my little slip of the tongue, it's been too awkward. Sure I like him, but I said the big L word. Heck, I don't even think I feel THAT strongly for him. At least not at this point. Even though I corrected myself, and he said the same, it's still too difficult.)
(No one can blame me though. I've had to deal with the psycho in court. Not that it was much of a trial. I won hands down. Lets see... he was charged for all kinds of stuff. Attempted murder, kidnaping, being within the limit of my mom of that restraining order, having a gun... the list could go on. Not to mention the pokemon league was notified he had more than six pokemon with him at a time. People who carry more than six pokemon and/or use them in battle are usually charged a hefty price. But with all his crimes, his pokemon were just taken away and released into the wild. I was hoping he'd get life in jail, but the judge decided that his jail time would be limited to 30 years. Then he'd be on probation for a while. I guess I can't complain. By the time he gets out he'll be too old to do anything anyway. Plus, he's gonna be all the way back in Johto. And he'll never be allowed to travel out of that region for the rest of his days. Never heard of that as a punishment. I think the judge may have made that up on the spot. We got half of that guys money in the process. Which is actually what was donated to Rustboro hospital. So it all works out. And turns out Arcanine actually broke his arm. Serves him right.)
(I haven't been training my pokemon. But if I'm still gonna be champion, I have to start training soon. Those Gyarados were tough, my pokemon are obviously not ready for challenging the Elite 4. They need to get stronger. Beating Gym Leaders is one thing, going for the champion is very different. I no longer want to be champion to gain a personality. I finally understand that things have turned around for me here in Hoenn. I will still become the champion, but that's not who I am. I have to be true to myself. And that is how I find myself... not that it makes much sense. But whatever. I'm now at peace with how things are. I'm finally free.)
(Oh, one more thing. I haven't had anymore "connections" with Grumpig. I plan on finding out what the heck that was three months back. Speaking of three months ago...)
May sat up in her bed. She had planned on talking with her mom for a while. Now that things have calmed down, she wanted answers. She looked at her wrapped up wrists and rubbed them. After all this time, she was still having issues with them. Unlike Brendan, she didn't get immediate help. Considering she had been kidnaped for days, it couldn't be helped. Her ankles were fine though. May sighed, she couldn't hold anything that weighed 3 pounds or more. It was pathetic.
Flashback
May and her mom were sitting at the table eating breakfast.
"Hey, could you pass the milk?" May asked.
"Sure." Ruby passed it to her daughter.
May could barely hold it and the milk slipped out and fell to the ground. "Arrrgh! This is so frustrating! I can't even hold a gallon of milk!"
"Now, now, May. Don't cry over spilt milk."
" ...That's not funny."
Ruby started to chuckle. "Yes it is."
End Flashback
(I guess she makes jokes to help me feel better. Oh well... at least a pokeball doesn't weigh 3 pounds.) May thought.
May stood up and Arcanine got up from the floor. He yawned and got ready to follow her. Another thing that May noticed was that he kept close to her. More than usual. She's even had to shove him out of the bathroom so she could do her business for a while. May figured it was because the last time he wasn't around she was kidnaped. She was still trying to convince him it was okay now. Joel was in jail s there was noting to worry about.
May walked downstairs and saw her mom making breakfast. Wynaut latched onto her as usual. Miltank, Grumpig, Flygon, Zigzagoon and Castform looked at her with pity. They certainly knew what it was like to be around Wynaut when he was clingy.
Ruby noticed May and put a plate of pancakes down on the table. "Good morning May! These are for you!"
"Thanks, but before I eat these... I want to ask you something. Something I've held back asking to consider your feelings. But it's been enough time now."
"You don't have to wait on my account. Ask me anything." Her mom said.
"We should sit." May said.
Ruby shrugged and the two of them sat at the table. Flygon, Miltank, Grumpig, Zigzagoon, Castform and Arcanine watched with interest.
"Okay, we're sitting. What is it?"
"What is the deal with you and the psycho?"
Ruby almost fell over in shock. She honestly didn't expect May to ask about that. (What with her always not wanting to talk about these things.) "Um... well... I was hoping I'd never have to tell you this. It all happened a long time ago. And telling you didn't seem necessary. But after everything that has happened, it would be wrong to not tell you. But... are you sure you want to hear the story? Your nightmares have stopped for two months now. I don't want them to start up again because of me talking about Joel."
May had waited a long time for this. There was no way she was going to say no now. "I'm sure."
"Okay, well... this obviously started over 15 years ago..."
FLASHBACK Around 20 years ago....
A young woman by the named Ruby was walking down a street. It had started raining, and she didn't have an umbrella. She cursed her luck. Today was when she was going to work at "Mocha or Latte". The new coffee shop. Paying an apartment rent was not cheap. Even when sharing it with her roommate. Well... she actually "borrowed" money from her parents for the rent.
But her father finally said, "I'M TIRED OF PAYING YOUR RENT! EITHER LIVE WITH US FOR FREE OR GET A JOB! CAUSE I'M NOT GIVING YOU ANY MORE MONEY!"
Yeah... as much as Ruby wanted to... she couldn't go back home. It was too far from her College. Yeesh... she only needed a couple more years until she'd graduate. Her father couldn't wait just 2 more years?
(Okay... I guess 2 years is kinda long. But just 2 more years in training and I'll be able to become a teacher.) Ruby thought.
Her walk through the rain didn't seem as bad as she thought of how close she was to her goal. Becoming a highschool teacher. Well... she wasn't too excited about it. After training for it for a while, she had started to lose interest. But after all these years... she wasn't just going to drop it. Ruby was too close. Besides... thinking of all the kids she would help made it worth it. Her thoughts were cut off as a man stepped in front of her. He had a kind look on his face. Well... more like a look of pity. Anyway...
"Excuse me miss, I saw you walking all alone in this rain. Don't you have an umbrella?" He asked.
Ruby nervously laughed. She knew she had to look like a complete idiot. "Haha... well... I was too busy trying to get to my new job at Mocha or Latte to pay attention to the rain clouds. Thanks for the concern. But I'll be alright."
"Well... I have my hooded jacket. Please... I insist you take my umbrella." The kind man told her.
"I couldn't..."
"You said you need to go to a new job. And I think your first impression shouldn't be a wet rag look. Here." He handed Ruby the umbrella before she could argue.
"Okay... if you insist." She finally agreed.
The man nodded and started to walk away.
"Hey wait! My name is Ruby. What's yours?"
"I'm Joel. It was a pleasure meeting you, but I have somewhere to go."
"How can I return this to you?" Ruby asked.
"Don't worry. You can keep it. I have a few others at home." And with that he left.
He was so kind to me. Even though he just met me. I never thought I would meet such a gentleman.
Ruby stared after him for a little bit before hurrying up to Mocha or Latte. She was going to be late if she didn't rush.
Later... she was being briefed on the rules by the manager at Mocha or Latte. "...Now remember to always as "Mocha or Latte?" And-"
"That reminds me. Why is this place named Mocha or Latte?" Ruby asked.
"I... well... you do realize it's a play on words right?" The manager asked.
"..................Yeah....." (No... What sounds like Mocha or Latte?) She wondered.
"Good, now the cups are located here. And you'll be expected to blah blah blah..." The manager went on for a while.
30 minutes later she was working the register. Yep, this was how she was going to pay her part of the rent. By the end of her shift... she had mastered the register. A man walked in and she didn't pay much attention to what he looked like.
"Welcome to Mocha or Latte. Would you like Mocha? Or Latte?"
"Hello again."
Ruby was very surprised. She didn't expect to see Joel again so soon. "Ah... hi."
"Sorry if I surprised you. But you did say you were coming to work here. I was wondering how your first day is going. It looks like you're doing a good job." Joel said.
"Thanks, that's really nice of you." Ruby said.
It was just like in all the romantic movies I saw. From then on... the days I'd work he'd come to visit me. And even gave me an extra tip every so often. After a few weeks... I was sure I was developing feelings for him. And one day... he finally-
"Hey Ruby."
"Hey Joel. Are you going to give me an extra tip because I'm just soooo wonderful?" She playfully asked.
The two of them were at a point where they would tease each other.
Joel laughed and shook his head. "Not today."
"Darn... Oh well." Ruby said.
"How about I make it up to you by taking you out on a date tonight?" Joel asked.
"A date? Well I don't know..."
"Please... I've been dying to go out on a date with you for a while." He begged.
" ....Okay. You're just too cute to resist." Ruby said.
And that was the start of their relationship. It didn't take long before they became an official couple. Ruby was as happy as she could be. Joel was a fantastic boyfriend. Even though both their jobs made it hard to see one another... and Ruby's schooling... they still made time to spend with each other. As time passed, they had even said that they loved each other. Everything was just so perfect.
They were sitting at a table outside of Mocha or Latte one day... they were on another date. Right on her lunch break.
Ruby was ranting on and on about her slob of a roommate. "-and yesterday I found a sock in the toilet. I asked her why a sock was in there and her reply was "I tried to flush it but it didn't go down." Can you believe that? I can't stand her. But I have to hold on a little longer. Once I finish my training to become a teacher here, I can move out and apply for a job somewhere else."
"You know... you could live with me." Joel said.
"What?!"
"Just hear me out. Thanks to my working at my father's company, I easily afforded my house. It's really big and you'd get your own bedroom. We're both mature. We can live at the same house without... you know... anyway, we've been a couple for almost a year now. It would be good practice for... future stuff..."
(Is he talking about marriage? Is that his way of saying he plans on asking me one day?) "I guess you're right. But my family won't really like me living with you." Ruby said.
"It doesn't matter. Please come live with me." Joel was starting to beg again. He really wanted her to live with him.
Ruby relented. "Alright, I'll live with you. Just give me a week to pack and to try to convince my family to not get too angry."
6 days passed. Ruby was working and a new customer walked in. She had to admit... he was fairly attractive. He ordered his drink and waited for her to make it. After she did, she handed him the hot drink.
"Thank you...." He read her name tag. "Ruby."
Ruby smiled and replied, "Thank YOU for buying your Latte here."
"Wow. You are very sweet. Do you want to go out with me sometime?" He asked.
(Wow... He's so blunt. Makes me wonder if he thinks before he speaks.) "Nice of you to ask, but I have a boyfriend. I'll be moving in with him tomorrow." Ruby said.
The man sighed. "Aw... darn. Too late. Well whoever he is, he's lucky to snag such a beautiful woman."
"You do realize you're still flirting with me even though you know I'm taken already right?"
"Oh, sorry. Couldn't help it. My name's Norman. And I'll be stopping around here every so often." Norman said.
"Nice to meet you. But you really should go now." Ruby said.
"Why? I stopped flirting."
"Because you're holding up the line."
Norman looked behind him and sure enough, a line of angry people were waiting for him to hurry up. "Whoops. Sorry."
The next day... Ruby moved in with Joel. And they were happy for a while.
BREAK IN FLASHBACK
May had to stop her mother's story. "Wait! You went through with it?"
"Yes I did. Getting away from my roommate and not having to pay rent was a big bonus for me." May's mother answered.
"Ugh... please tell me your not gonna say he's actually my father. I think I might throw up." May said in disgust.
"No no... of course not. Norman is your dad. Joel and I never did anything scandalous. I was waiting for marriage."
"Thank goodness..." May said in relief.
"Can I continue now? Or do you have another question?"
"Go on."
BACK TO THE FLASHBACK
Ruby had no idea that moving in with him would cause such problems. They had only lived together for a couple of months.
Ruby was making dinner and noticed Joel was late coming back home. (He must have been held up at the office.)
Just as she thought that, the front door burst open and a drunk Joel stumbled in.
Ruby ran over to him. "Joel! What happened?! Have you been drinking?!" She had never seen him drunk. Or drinking any alcoholic beverage. This was a shock.
"Hehehehe. They fired me."
"What?" Ruby was confused.
His goofy mood changed to anger. "Didn't you hear me?! I was fired!"
"Oh..." (I wonder why. Well I better take him to his room before he hurts himself further.) "Come on Joel. Let's go to your room."
"Don't baby me! I can take care of myself!" He yelled.
"I'm not-"
"Don't back talk me!"
Then he did something I never thought he was capable of. He hit me.
Ruby fell to the floor and he laughed. She fell over more from shock than the force. Ruby held her bruised cheek and couldn't believe he actually punched her.
"Hahaha. It's all over... my career, my life... just poof. Hahahaha!"
Ruby stood up and looked at him wearily. She started to wonder if he even realized he struck her. Even so, that shocked her into silence. He wasn't sober when he did it... so it was okay to stick around... right? She wasn't sure. Ruby's mother always told her that if a man ever hit her, she should leave him. But... wasn't this different? In the end, Ruby stuck by Joel. And he sobered up eventually.
Joel ran over to her and embraced her. Ruby stiffened at his hug but relaxed a little when he said... "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me for hitting you. I didn't know what I was thinking. My father moved on to another office. So the new boss fired me. He said the only reason I had that job was because of my father. Not because if my skills. I got so mad, I yelled at him. And they had to have security throw me out. Everything was gone, and for nothing! So I had to dull the pain. I went to a bar and drank all that I could."
"I understand. But that's not healthy. Please don't drink anymore. I don't like seeing you that way." Ruby said.
" ...I can't promise that." He slowly said.
"But Joel! That made you violent! You can't expect me to stay here with you becoming that way!"
Joel held her a little tighter. He was afraid. "Ruby... Please don't leave me. You're all I have left. I'll be more careful... just don't go..." He sounded like he was about to cry.
Ruby sighed. "Okay, I wont leave."
And that's what I did. But things were a little awkward between us. The next few days, I didn't see Joel drink. But I could tell he did by how he smelled. He didn't come home completely drunk though. But it still bothered me. And I was shook up from him hitting me.
Ruby was thinking hard. (I can't believe he hit me. But things will get better right? He's trying to not get too drunk. But... the fact that he's still drinking is an issue. What if it happens again? What if he doesn't just hit me? What if-)
"Hello?"
"Aaahhh!" Ruby jumped back from the counter.
"You sure have been jumpy lately. Is everything okay?" Norman asked.
(Right. I forgot I was working.) "Oh I'm fine. Don't worry about it Norman."
True to his word, Norman had come around to the shop often. They now knew each other on a friendly basis. They'd occasionally talk about their lives and etc..
"Really? Well can you please hand me the Latte I ordered?" Norman asked.
Ruby looked down at her hand. Yep. She was holding the Latte. She was so out of it... "Sorry about that. Here."
She gave it to him and Norman couldn't help feeling that something was wrong. "Did you and your boyfriend get in a fight or something? You're a little off."
" ..." Ruby stayed silent.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Norman asked.
"Actually... no. I was thinking."
"Oh.... never mind."
A few days later... Ruby was getting frustrated with Joel. He hadn't even attempted to find another job. He just went out drinking. So Ruby was left with the expenses of the house. She wasn't happy about that, but knew her boyfriend would be out on the street by now if it wasn't for her.
But one afternoon, she would throw all those thoughts aside. She was making dinner again, when she heard the front door slam shut. A feeling of Deja vu came over her. She walked out of the kitchen and saw Joel was as drunk as drunk could be. He held two wine bottles and grinned.
"Oh, Joel... what have you done?"
Joel looked a little offended by her comment. "Why you always getting on my case about drinking? You no understand."
(He can't even talk right. How drunk is he?) She wondered.
"Nothing to say? Well help me into my room. My legs feel wobbly." Joel said.
"...No. You came all the way here. You can walk to your room." There was NO way she was getting close to him in this condition. Not after last time.
Her response had infuriated him. Joel yelled and ran at her. Ruby backed away but not fast enough to get away from his swing. Joel socked her in the eye and that made her fall over. "How dare you talk to me like that! You need to be punished!"
Ruby tried to ignore the pain and quickly got up. Joel stumbled over to the table where they usually ate.
(Now's my chance to get out!) She ran towards the door and fumbled to unlock it. But a sound made her look back. Just in time to realize she needed cover! Ruby jumped behind the couch as a chair was flung at her. The wooden chair broke on the back of the couch. Ruby flinched at the sound. She was too scared to move now. Who knows what else he would throw at her.
"Where do you think you're going? You said you would stay with me. Now get out behind there! Or are you saying you're a liar?"
Ruby peeked her head out to try to calm him. "Joel... think about what you're doing. Please... You have to stop. Let me go."
"No!"
She ducked when one of the wine bottles was thrown at her. Ruby started shaking with fear. In this state, Joel could kill her... (Okay... my eye is closing... so my sight is limited. If I don't move now, he'll realize he could just walk around the couch.)
She gathered her courage and jumped from behind the couch. Ruby opened and closed the door behind her just as another bottle was thrown. The glass shattered on the door.... but she was out! She ran as fast as she could from the house. But she could hear his scream.
"RUBY!"
Ruby didn't slow down until she was sure he wouldn't come after her. (This time he was close to killing me. How could he do that to me? Even if he was drunk... No... I can't... I can't trust him anymore. But... I was so sure we were going to get married. If I can't trust the man that I planned on spending the rest of my life with, who can I trust?)
I was very lost. In more ways than one. That attack had scared me into thinking I couldn't trust anyone. He was so kind before, I couldn't understand how things were turned around.
Her fairytale had gone in a bad direction. She made her decision. (I can't go back to him. I can't be with him... I can't be with anyone...)
"Ruby?"
She jumped when she heard her name. (Oh no! He found me!) "Get away Joel!"
Norman walked over. She was glad it wasn't Joel, but not ready to relax.
(She looks afraid and... is she getting a black eye?) "Ruby, what happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just go away." Ruby said.
"But you're hurt. Let me help you."
"No! Just stay away!" (People who say they love you turn and attack you. I don't want to be around anyone!)
"Hey... it's okay. I'm your buddy from Mocha or Latte remember? You know I'm harmless. You don't have to tell me what happened. Just... lets go have your eye looked at. We wouldn't want you going blind or anything." Norman said.
"I..." (He just wants to help. I shouldn't be so jumpy.) Though no one could blame her after what just happened. "I'm sorry. You're right. Thank you."
Norman was glad and they walked off together.
I moved in with my parents again. And dropped out of my class. I didn't want to be anywhere near Joel. And... because I dropped out, I lost the chance to become a teacher. But I didn't care. Oh, before I left to go live with my parents...
A few days after the incident, Ruby returned to the house. She knocked... and prepared to run in case Joel was currently drunk.
The door opened and a sober Joel stood there. He looked relieved. "Oh, Ruby! I'm glad you're okay! I saw broken glass and a chair and I was worried. I don't know what happened but I'm glad you're okay. Except... for that black eye... please tell me I didn't do it."
"You did." She said in a cold tone.
"I'm so sorry. But I'm glad you are back and-"
"That depends. I might stay here with you. But we would BOTH have to work at it." Ruby said.
"Anything."
"Stop drinking and get a job!"
"I... drinking makes me feel better. I can't just quit."
Ruby turned away to leave. "Then you made your choice. We're over."
She started walking away but he grabbed her wrist. "Wait! You can't mean that. I thought you loved me."
Ruby yanked her hand back and faced him in anger. "And I thought you loved me! But you chose alcohol! You know that makes you violent and you still kept drinking! You obviously don't care if I get hurt! When I gave you a choice, alcohol or me, you chose alcohol! And you STILL think I'd want to be with you?! You threw a CHAIR at me! No Joel. I don't love you. I used to have feelings for the man that gave me an umbrella that day. But he left the moment you started drinking."
Without another word, she left.
I thought that would be the end of it. I stayed in contact with Norman, and he "conveniently" started coming to my new job at Starbucks. He surprised me one day and said he missed my company. And that this was closer to where he lived anyway. I didn't find out that was a lie for years. Anyway, one day I saw Joel on my walk home. He begged me to come back to him. But I refused. He would pester me after work every day until I had enough. I warned him I would call the police if he didn't stop. He came the next day. And by nightfall, he was in jail. I told the police everything. He only stayed in there for 2 or 3 days. But I made sure to get a restraining order on him. After that, I was so happy. I fell in REAL love with Norman. So Norman and I eventually got together. We took it slow, but we got married and then I got pregnant. The memory of Joel was locked away. But he obviously didn't forget about me.
Joel was sad. He had been watching Ruby at a distance for years. She had gotten married, and was now pregnant with another man's child. They were successful, and he was practically broke. His house was nothing but a shack.
(This is all my fault. My life is over. All I can do is watch what could have been mine.) Joel thought.
His thoughts became darker as an anger he never felt while sober raged in him. (No... it's that man. He stole her away from me! Norman Sapphire! I want him to suffer like I do every day! Ruby ripped my heart out and spat on it because of him! I want him to feel the same suffering! Wait... she's pregnant... Norman took someone I loved. Now I'll take someone he loves away! His child! I'm brilliant! I'll crush his child's heart to pieces. Then Norman will understand the pain he made me endure. I hope you are born soon little Sapphire. Because I want to kill you!)
Yep, he snapped. And when May was born, he waited for his chance to strike. He didn't have the chance for a while. But one night... 15 years later... she left the window unlocked...
END OF FLASHBACK
"Even after all I went through, I don't regret being with Joel. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have met your father and found true love with him. That, and I wouldn't have the greatest daughter in the world." Ruby told May.
"Wow... so you and Dad didn't know he tried to kill me that night?" May asked.
"No, I didn't arrive until after he escaped. And Dad has never even seen Joel before. If we had known, we would have told the police." Ruby said.
"Oh, well sorry that happened to you. Looks like I'm not the only one that suffered because of him." May said.
"Don't worry about it. It's all in the past now. We can look forward to a bright future!"
May shook her head at her mom's quick change of mood before looking at the plate of pancakes on the counter. She took a few pancakes and put them on a different plate. "Mom, can you pass out the rest of these pancakes to my pokemon? I'm going to give these to Lapras."
"Sure! No problem!"
May went outside, and Miltank noticed she looked a little sad. So Miltank followed her out. May went to the side of the house and gave Lapras the pancakes before sighing.
Miltank walked up and saw May leaning against the house. "Millo?"
"What is it?"
"La? La." Lapras also wanted to say something.
"Let me guess... you two want to know what I'm thinking?"
Both Miltank and Lapras nodded.
"Well... all that love talk got me thinking. Brendan's recovering from who knows how many broken bones. But I haven't really visited him. I try to say it's because I'm embarrassed after what I said but the truth is..."
3 months ago...
The paramedics lifted Brendan up and prepared to take him to their helicopter. Brendan's shock obviously wore off, because he let out a shattering scream. May looked away and tried to ignore it while someone else was cutting the shackles off.
Presently...
"....It... just hurts too much."
She took a quick look at Brendan's house before walking back in her own. Lapras and Miltank looked at each other. They knew May felt guilty. But there wasn't anything they could do.
Preview: It's time to train! News of a way to make Flygon's attacks stronger makes May return to Meteor Falls. But she meets up with a trainer that thinks she doesn't deserve the treasure. Next time... Chapter 32 A Dragon' honor
A/N: Someone I had read this said I didn't explain enough, so there will be another chapter to fill in a few blanks. One question was how Norman just "happened" to find Ruby. Ugh... why must there be an explanation for everything? Anyway, the chapters after this one goes down in quality. Sorry about that. You'll see what I mean. Now we're going into the training days chapters. It's basically A LOT of filler. Oh, and don't worry about Brendan and May. It'll be okay.
Fun fact
Out of the three that May got in a trade, Arcanine was the only one who had both his parents mentioned. A Mawile (father) and a Growlithe (mother).
Lapras's father and Miltank's mother have been mentioned. However, the partner for each haven't. That's because Lapras's mother is a Ditto and Miltank's father is a Ditto as well. It would probably be too weird to put that within the story.
Arcanine is half Mawile and Growlithe.
Lapras is half Lapras and Ditto.
Miltank is half Miltank and Ditto.
That means that they are all mixed.