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Negima Star Chapter 23: Emerald Fate
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Time stood still. For the first time in her life. Kagami had no idea what to do or say. She could only stare. Konata was on her knees, fifty feet away, breathing raggedly and yet, she could only stare. Those deep green eyes seemed to draw her in, pleading and desperate. She still wasn't sure she was ready for this. I don't really know if I'll ever be ready for this... she took a deep breath and stepped into the arena. I have to be I guess don't I? She knows I know now... We can't just pretend this isn't a thing.
Another step, and another, one after another she forced herself to keep moving forward, certain if she stopped for even a second, she'd turn and run, never looking back. I can't run anymore, though I seriously want to be anywhere else but here.
After what felt like a lifetime, she was standing just a few feet from Konata, the short girl looking up at her, face stained with tears, dirt and blood. A thousand unspoken questions lay behind those eyes. A million.
What do I say? I love you too? No, I am DEFINITELY not ready for that. Don't worry, I wont hate your guts for wanting me? We can still be friends because, hey we're both Lesbians, imagine that? Her face contorted. She looks so dejected...Like a little kid caught in a lie... or someone exposed after a lifetime of hiding... Kagami sighed.
She just stared back at Konata, neither willing to make a sound aside from Konata's slightly ragged breath. At this rate, she'll bleed out before we do anything... Kagami looked at Konata's shoulder and was surprised to see that it wasn't bleeding anymore. The place the ice had pierced was already sealed completely. The fight had taken everything out of Konata however. She looked ready to pass out, except for her eyes. Those were fixed on Kagami,twin emerald flames burning a hole through her head.
"Kaga-" Kagami raised her hand, cutting Konata off. She shook her head and laughed softly. It's just Konata. She's still just... She couldn't finish the thought. Just what? An Otaku I'm in love with? I'm not OK with any of this. I'm still not entirely sure I love girls THAT way, let alone want Konata to be my wife some day. An image of Konata in nothing but an apron passed through her head before she pushed it down with another shake of her head. What AM I thinking?!
She finally managed to break from her mind.
"Hey you." was all she could manage to get out. Konata began to cry, her head hung slightly. Kagami walked over to her, knelt down and gently wrapped her head in a hug. "You silly, silly little Otaku... What am I going to do with you." Konata leaned into her, all but collapsing against her chest, tears falling in a torrent as Kagami gently ran her fingers though Konata's hair.
This is not at all how I imagined my first love would go... and with a girl like this? Kagami's face contorted slightly. Hell with a girl at all? It's crazy. Yet, holding a crying Konata there, she knew.
Crazy as it it, I love this little dork. How the hell this happened, I have no idea, and its not fair at all. Why her. If I was gonna fall for another girl why HER of all people. Kagami began to cry too.
"Kagami..." Konata said though tears. "I'm... I'm sorry. For being a freak... and for causing you so many pro-" Kagami cut her off with a flick to the forehead that knocked her on her butt.
"Look, Konata." Kagami started, stern-voiced and ready to lecture the girl on how wrong she was. Konata began to tear up again, the sight of which softened Kagami's words. "You aren't a freak Konata. Well you are, but not for loving me." She amended, causing Konata to look up at her. "You are a pervy little Otaku who endlessly annoys me and causes me nothing but trouble." Konata's head went down. "BUT, you are also someone who I want in my life despite all of that."
Konata looked back up at her, a faint hope in her eyes. This bloody girl..That look isn't remotely fair. Not that any of this is fair...
"Kagami?" Konata's voice cracked.
"Look, what I'm trying to say is you are an important..." another pause, "No not important, Essential part of my life. I don't want you going and getting yourself killed or something stupid like that for me. We can protect each other." She put her hand out towards Konata, a smile lining her face. "You really are a pain in my ass, you know that right?" As Konata took her hand, Kagami pulled hard, pulling Konata to her feet and straight into a kiss.
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Konata's mind blanked. Kagami just kissed me. Kagami kissed me. Kagami kissed me. This must be a dream. Or I'm dead. Kagami kissed me. Kagami had wrapped her arms around Konata's neck and waist, holding her up and close to Kagami as they kissed, their bodies pressed together. To Konata every other feeling in her body washed away, all the pain and fears. Everything else was gone, only the warmth of Kagami's lips and that single looping thought were left. Kagami kissed me.
What kind of cruel God would play such a joke on me? Only she wasn't waking up, and the kiss wasn't ending. She finally embraced it. Giving in felt so sweet. If this is a dream, or one last thought before I die, at least it's a sweet one.
After nearly five minutes, Kagami finally broke the kiss, leaning her forehead against Konata's, breathing heavily.
"You really are annoying as all hell, you know that? But at the end of the day, I guess that's part of why I love you Konata." Kagami's face was red as she said it, but her words were steady.
Kagami loves me? What? How? No, she can't she can't be like me. Konata shook her head and Kagami caught it.
"Hey earth to Konata. I L.O.V.E. You, you little otaku. No, this isn't a dream and no you aren't dead." Kagami smiled at her, it was such a warm smile Konata blushed hard. "You are in a lot of trouble though. Kagami...
Konata yelped as Kagami wrapped the arm around her neck and pulled her down, grinding a knuckle into the top of her head. "Just what do you think you're doing running off and worrying everyone? I was worried sick! And that was before I even remembered you! Tsukasa was beside herself." She stopped grinding her knuckle and let Konata stand back up, resting a hand on her should to steady her.
"You had forgotten everything...I was.." Konata paused, looking away as she searched for the words. She knew now there was nothing left to hide, but even still. "You had forgotten me... and it was just to protect me...I had to find a way to protect you. To be stronger. I wasn't..."She paused again, shaking her head.
"By running off on your own, without telling anyone where you were, and nearly getting yourself killed trying to get that psychotic vampire girl to train you? How exactly was that going to help protect me?" Konata mumbled under her breath. "Hmm what was that?"
"I was scared OK?" Konata's head jerked up, meeting Kagami's eyes, her emotions laid bare once and for all. Kagami let Konata go and the girl staggered back, Kagami managed to catch her wrist to keep her from falling over.
"I was terrified that I had lost the Kagami I knew, and I wasn't ready to start over. I wasn't strong enough" She touched her chest. "In here, I wasn't strong enough for your love, I wasn't worth your time, so you forgot me... When you got hurt, I thought maybe you would be better off without me in your life." Kagami gave her a long hard look.
"Look Konata. My life would certainly be easier if you had never come into it. I would still be where I belong, at home, Tsukasa would be safe too." She sighed softly. "And it would be the most boring existence imaginable, just normal girls, thinking about boys, test scores and sweets."
"Kagami?" Konata had tears in her eyes, but she met Kagami's eyes steadily.
"You aren't the only one who fantasizes about being in a magical world, surrounded by danger and something, more than just ordinary. You were just the only one who ever thought it was actually possible." Kagami knuckled the top of her head softly.
"To be fair, I didn't REALLY think it was possible, I just kinda wished it would be, because..." Konata blushed, but Kagami wasn't letting her leave anything out at this point.
"Because?"
"Because Yuri in anime and games isn't looked down on as badly as it is in real life. If we were suddenly in a magical world, maybe, just maybe I'd have a chance... with you..." the last was almost a whisper.
"Dork." Kagami pulled her closer, wrapping her in a deep hug. "But you are MY dork, whether you like it or not." She lifted Konata's face to meet hers, their eyes locked once again, and their breath heavy.
"Kagami..." As Konata moved in for a second kiss, a massive explosion from outside the arena shook the area and sent them both staggering sideways. It seemed Evangeline had started getting even.
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So she thinks she can come into my little world and try to kill me? Evangeline smirked. She had flown up to the peak of the mountain and stood there waiting for the intruder. It took less than a minute before the android was once again face to face with her. Only this time, she wasn't playing. As the sun set, and a sharp full moon crested the horizon, she raised her hands.
"Lic Lac La Lac Lilac, Nivis Tempestas Obscurans!" a vortex of Ice and darkness blasted forth towards the android, who dodged it easily, only to meet the Vampire as she swung at it, a sword of magic spawned from Eva's arm meeting cold metal from Misuto's. They danced across the sky, Evangeline's ice meeting fireballs and walls of fire, swords clashing.
"Is that all you got you bucket of bolts? I guess whoever made you must not be as strong as I am after all." Eva smirked, ducking a frustrated swing from Misuto. "What's the matter? Struck a sore nerve?"
Misuto said nothing, but as the vampire swung at her, she vanished, appearing right behind Evangeline in a flash, the vampire only having a split second to form an ice shield to absorb the blow of a fire blast as she was flung back through the sky.
Misuto didn't wait, rushing past her, the android slammed into her, blades once again meeting, the vampire's face a mask of pleasure and rage. "That's more like it!" Evangeline disappeared herself into a portal of magic as they flew backwards, firing a shard of ice as she vanished. She appeared above Misuto as a Sheet of ice formed below her.
The Android fired a blast down at the sheet and used it to propel her into Eva, catching her off-guard, and sending her soaring up. Misuto caught her leg and spun around slamming her towards the ground of the arena below, not far from where Konata and Kagami stood.
Evangeline landed smoothly, the arena collapsing under the force of the impact, she looked up and smirked. "Lic Lac La Lac Lilac, Dios Tukos." as a bolt of lightning shot out of the sky towards Misuto, Eva jumped up, flying at her. The Android rushed at Eva, attempting to outrun the lightning "Lic Lac La Lac Lilac, Iaculatio Grandinis!"
A veritable wall of ice spears appeared from all sides of the android just as she met Evangeline. The vampire hurled them at her in random numbers as she slashed at the android. The android was hit by the lightning just as her blade met Eva's, the force of the impact sharding out lightning in all directions. The Spears tore at her pseudo-flesh and damaged her left arm, but she grabbed one out of the air and, cursing as it began to freeze her palm on touch, spun, impaling Eva through the chest with it, before smashing a second over her head and blasting a fireball into her.
As Eva hurled towards the ground once again, Misuto began encanting something. Eva landed hard on her back as a pillar of fire engulfed her, forcing Kagami to pull Konata out of the arena as she fast moved away, or else be scorched by it.
Misuto smiled to herself as the fires raged. Hmph, so much for the legen- WHAT? As the pillar raged, it began to shake as fire was pushed out from all sides, finally the pillar exploded, flames gushing out in all directions hot enough to met bone. Evangeline was surrounded by Ice, the Vampire was breathing heavily, but her eyes were pure rage. "Lic Lac La Lac Lilac, Yami no Mahō ." A large ice crystal formation appeared behind Evangeline, her body radiating ice as the ground around her began to freeze to a solid sheet of ice.
"Play time is over you stupid robot." She smirked, and vanished again.
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Holy shit. The collective thought shared both from Kagami and Konata was relayed instantly as their eyes met. So she really was holding back on Konata after all. Kagami could only stare in shock as Evangeline stood there, the ice around her fast covering the entire area.
"Konata, we need to get you out of here. This isn't a place for us right now."
"Kagami what ar-" Without waiting, Kagami hoisted Konata onto her back and began to run towards where the entrance had been.
"This way you two," Kanata was waiting near a doorway, a Chach-zero beside her. As Kagami approached her carrying Konata, she breathed a sigh of relief. "I lost sight of you when that blast hit, I am glad you are both OK. I didn't think Konata would be able to get clear. We brought the gateway back to get you out, They are going to disable it once we are through and back at Mahora. We need to hurry."
"What about Eva?" Konata asked weakly from Kagami's back. "Will she be OK?" Kanata smiled at her.
"That one will probably survive the heat death of the universe, In that state she will be virtually unkillable. We must go now." She led them through the gateway and back into the basement at Mahora.
As they cleared the portal it shut behind them, barely an instant after Kagami's rear foot cleared it. The portal turned to hard stone, then crumpled to dust.
"Well, we don't have to worry about that at least. Come on, let's get Konata to the infirmary" Kagami sighed heavily, Konata wasn't heavy but something about this closeness felt different than it might have before. "Konata?" she said softly over her shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"So long as I can be with you Kagami...I'll be fine..." She said softly, she was fast fading into sleep, or at least Kagami hoped it was just sleep. Still the bluntness of her response through Kagami off.
"Don't say things like that so casually Konata," Kagami blushed, "I'm not ready for that..." Konata snuggled into the back of her neck making Kagami blush harder.
"Kagami is warm..." She sighed into Kagami's hair and she was out, soft breaths of sleep grazing Kagami's neck every so often.
"I am glad you too are finally being open with each other." Kanata was watching them and smiling gently. "It warms my heart."
"Let's just get her into a bed, and then we can finally relax for a minute. I do hope Evangeline will be alright though."
"She's probably enjoying herself right now. From what I can tell, she rarely get to use her full powers."
"I can understand why." Kagami sighed, adjusting Konata on her back before they left the room. This has been a long night, and I think it's only the start to an even longer day.
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"Alright you rusty *****, you want a fight, lets fight. Evangeline smiled as she reappeared above Misuto, blasting down on her with numerous icy vortexes. The Robot managed to dodge some as she rushed up at Evangeline, but after taking one head on, her body burst into flames, her Pseudo-flesh and clothing burning off completely, exposing hard metal underneath. The flames wrapped around her, allowing her to pass right through the vortexes and slam into Eva, who just had time to form twin magical blades between herself and the attack as it forced her back.
"Nivis Casus!" a wall of Snow and ice filled view behind Eva as she dove into it, the android following her, flames melting snow to mist on contact. "Malleus Aquilonis" a massive pillar of Ice slammed through the snow and ice at the android, only to be met with the androids own Pillar of fire. Both vampire and android following their respective pillars through and colliding in a shower of ice and flames that set the entire mountain range ablaze.
At the smoke and mist settled, the two hovered a few feet apart. Evangeline was breathing heavily, but smiling, the robot still showed no emotion, but it left arm was missing from the elbow and it was sparking in places.
"Heh, heh, heh, whats, heh, wrong you stupid robot? Need a hand?" Evangeline smirked, "What was she like?" For the first time Misuto's face expressed emotion. Also for the first time.
"Who are you talking about."
"The Mage who created you, I know she was my equivalent in whatever world you are from." Misuto's shock was apparent. "Oh yes, I am well aware of what you are. I recognized the energy from that first attack at my cottage. You are much like Chachamaru, though clearly freed of your master somehow." Misuto smiled then. It was a steely wicked smile.
"You are at least somewhat mistaken then. You see I, in fact, AM my own creator. Or rather, her mind and memories are stored within my body, and her magical abilities absorbed into me."
"What? How exactly is that possible?" Evangeline asked calmly.
"It is not. At least not normally. My new master ripped my creator from her body and placed the essence of everything she was into me. She then warped my orders to follow her as an Assassin."
"Why tell me this? If this new master of yours has so much power and control, why risk angering them?"
"Because in the next five minutes one of us will be gone." Misuto said matter-of-factually. "If it is you, then nothing changes, and I will report to my master who will likely either destroy me or rebuild me. Which depends on her opinion of my usefulness." She smiled. "Or you may kill me, and have a chance to stop her. A faint chance, but a chance none the less. I loved my creator, she gave me life, existence, and a part of her is still in here," She touched her metallic chest. "She can not truly die until I do, and it has been more than a thousand years. She is so very tired."
"Then why not just let me kill you?" Evangeline replied.
"I could not, even if my programming allowed it, my pride as my creator's greatest creation, a true living weapon, would never allow me to just die." Eva smiled wickedly at her.
"Well alright then Robo-girl. Lets end this. Lic Lac La Lac Lilac," A massive cloud of dark and icy energy enveloped Eva as she flew backwards. A similar flame aura surrounding Misuto as she did the same. So, you want to die do you? "Kozumikē Katasutorofē!" As white flames billowed out of the android, the air itself between them began to freeze, then distort. Atoms themselves began to slow and halt as they neared absolute zero (-273 Celsius). The blast enveloped the flames trying to snuff them out, the very air around the flames freezing. As it approached the android, the flames pushed back, unnatual colors warping reality as the intenst heat met impoosible cold. Evangeline appeared a few feet behind it, hands raised.
" Lic Lac La Lac Lilac, Aperantos Leukos Ouranos!" Vines of frozen lightning shot forth from the vampire, ensnaring the Android as the wall of absolute zero pushed hard against the flames, peirceing them. "So you wish to die do you? Very well, I shall, just this once, be merciful and allow you death." The vines wrapped around the Android began to constrict.
The sound of metal crunched loud, as Misuto began chanting in a low murmur. Just before she froze fully, Misuto glowed violet, before a massive explosion erupted from within her frame. The mixture of magic and magic canceling energy vaporizing the zone and sending Evangeline flying backwards.
"Shit." Eva managed as she formed shield after shield to absorb as much of the blast as possible. Each broke in almost an instant, but it was quickly replaced. Finally the flames and sparking magic began to settle.
The Arena, most of the mountains and a large chunk of the area around them were gone. Every Chach-zero inside the area had been vaporized. The maze Konata had traversed was half exposed in the mountainside, the Minotaur just on the edge of what remained. Evangeline was the only thing still moving from within that blast radius. Well, she wanted to go out with a bang, I guess she got her wish...Evangeline sighed, her magic aura fading as she smiled. She fell towards the ground, slipping unconscious. Well played *****.
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Ayaka started awake. She was on her knees laying against the edge of the bed. I? When did I fall asleep? She looked up panicking. Asuna was still in bed and still asleep. How long have I been asleep? She checked her phone. It was early morning. So only a couple hours. Some protector I am. She sighed. It's just so stressful being around her all the time now. I thought I would love being in her life again, and I do, but its getting harder and harder to resist her.
Ayaka stood, and went into the small kitchen unit, grabbed a drink and walked back to the edge of the bed, grabbing a chair as she passed. Sitting down she watched Asuna sleep. What am I going to do? She remembered Setsuna's words. Would she be happier though? I don't know if I can take that kind of heartbreak. Maybe I'm just better off this way.
Asuna's eyes opened gently, before slamming shut again.
"Ugh, it feels like I was hit by a truck..." She paused, realizing she was in a dimly lit room with just Ayaka. "Where is everyone?" She asked as she sat up gingerly, holding her head.
"They went on without us. You were in no condition to help. Or walk for that matter. I volunteered to watch you." Ayaka said softly. Her mind was still somewhat wandering.
"Is that so?" Asuna stretched and smiled at Ayaka. "I really appreciate it."
"Do you remember anything after you got drunk Asuna?" Ayaka asked.
"I remember that Negi is an idiot, but he's alive, and something about not hiding something from someone, but that's about it." Asuna said through a yawn, causing Ayaka to cough through her drink. "Are you OK?"
"I...*cough* I'm fine. I'm surprised you remember that, I thought you were already passed out."
"I don't remember it clearly, I think Setsuna said it, but honestly its very fuzzy." She looked sideways at Ayaka. "What was that all about anyways?" Ayaka blushed and covered her face with her drink. "You aren't hiding something from me are you, Ayaka?" She smiled and laughed softly. "Honestly, at this point, if you confessed you were a lesbian in love with one of our classmates, I don't think I'd be surprised anymore." Ayaka fought hard not to choke.
"That.. that's ridiculous Asuna. I am not in love with any of our classmates." Ayaka said honestly. It was true, technically, though the wording was not lost on Asuna.
"So which girl are you in love with Ayaka?" Asuna smiled at her evilly. Ayaka panicked.
"You know I've only ever had eyes for Negi-sensei Asuna." She tried.
"Please, we both know that's just a cover." Ayaka stared at her. "What? I'm not an idiot you know. Nodoka and Yue, even Chisame sure, they actually fell for the little twerp," She eyed Ayaka sideways again. "You? You were infatuated with him for like a month, then he was just our teacher again."
"I...err..I..." Ayaka felt backed into a corner. She felt like Asuna was baiting her for some reason. "Why do you care so suddenly about who I am in love with Asuna?" She asked defensively.
"Because, I'd like to know my competition." Asuna said playfully. Ayaka turned crimson, her eyes going wide.
"Wha...what...What?!" Asuna smiled and laughed. "You...You?"
"Relax Ayaka, It's a joke. Just a joke, though being with you wouldn't be so bad I- What's wrong?" Ayaka had begun to cry, burying her face in her hands. "Look, It's fine, I'm sorry, I won't ask you any more OK?" Ayaka pushed the chair aside and dove at Asuna, wrapping her arms around Asuna's waist as she collapsed to her knees, crying into Asuna's chest. Asuna could only sit there in shock.
Through tears she managed.
"Asuna you jerk." Asuna held her quietly, looking down utterly confused at Ayaka.
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As wisps of morning light fluttered into the Infirmary, Kagami sat up gingerly in the chair she had pulled up to Konata's bed. Looking over at the sleeping girl, she smiled softly. She really is cute when she sleeps. She shook her head. This is still completely crazy. I'm in love with Konata? Since when? Watching Konata as she slept, Kagami realized it had been a long time.
I wasn't ready to admit it. I'm still not really sure I'm ready to be honest, but I've loved her a long time, it's just girls are supposed to like boys, get married and have a family. All the traditional junk.Her face contorted slightly. Nothing about this girl is traditional. Still here we are. A Magical world where our love might actually have a chance. Where APPARANTLY the idea of being gay isn't nearly as big of a deal.
Kagami shook her head again turning away from Konata.. I should go find Tsukasa and let her know I found Konata. She'll be overjoyed I'm sure. Kagami sighed slightly. And I guess I need to tell her what's happened. Better to hear it from me before Konata has a chance to surprise her with it.
"Kagami sure is cute when she's lost in thought." Kagami jumped.
"Konata? You're awake?" Konata hadn't sat up, but she was laying facing Kagami and smiling. She was smiling innocently and Kagami wanted to punch her and kiss her at the same time.
"I just woke up...I had the weirdest dream." She rolled onto her back staring up at the ceiling. "You were there and I was fighting some weird clone thing and I-"
"Konata, you weren't dreaming. That's why you're in the infirmary." Kagami said more calmly than she felt.
"Oh I HAD to be dreaming. We kissed Kagami, no idea where that-" Kagami had gone beet red.
"S...So? You also sorta co..confessed as I recall." Kagami stuttered out, red faced and tearing up.
"THAT WASN'T A DREAM?!" Konata sat bolt upright and turned to stare at Kagami who met her eyes clearly.
"It was not Konata." Kagami said, her face regaining color. "You thought you were dreaming?"
"Of.." Konata paused, her brain working overtime. "Of course I did... I've..."I've fantasized about kissing you so many times...But I'd never be brave enough to confess."
"You were tricked, and you didn't know I was there, but what's done is done Konata."
"So what now?" Konata looked apprehensive.
"What do you mean what now? How should I know what to do now. We see where, if anywhere, this goes, I guess."
"What exactly is this?" Konata asked. She was clearly teasing.
"By your reasoning, It's a Tsundere and her Otaku girlfriend Konata." Kagami blushed hard saying it that way, but it was true at least.
"OHHHH!" Konata practically jumped out of the bed and at Kagami, wrapping her in a hug Kagami gently returned.
"Settle down Konata. I'm sure you're not still fully recovered and I don't want you getting hurt."
"Kagami really does care about me..."Kagami blushed again.
"Sh..Shut up OK? This is already embarrassing enough without you saying things like that so.. cutely."
"Kagami..." Konata looked up into her eyes as they grew close. "I..I love you Kagami..."She said finally, eyes filled with tears. "I've loved you for a long long time. I just never wanted you to hate me."
"I couldn't hate you Konata. You may irritate me from time to time, but you're still my friend... and Something more than that...I love you too Konata." Konata closed her eyes as their lips met for the second time, cherishing the moment, taking in every part of Kagami as they wrapped arms around each other, Konata settling into the chair next to Kagami. I never want this moment to end.
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So that is a thing. The long LONG awaited Konami payoff chapter. Was it worth it? Did it make sense? Is there anyone still out there? I'd love to hear any feedback on this chapter. Personally I am really happy with the way it played out. It was fun giving these two a chapter that heavily focused on them(with a bit of an action break in the middle to keep things moving a bit)
Was the little Ayaka/Asuna part good? Did you enjoy the Evangeline/Misuto battle? Was it all trash? Feedback is always welcome.
