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WEIß KREUZ - YU YU HAKUSHO FANFICTION Part 8 - M3 - Misdirected Malicious Mayhem Hiei rushed through the city, running through the sidewalks, but more often jumping from car to car or building to building in his hurry to get to the Schwartz safe house. Shit! They're going to try today, my contact said...knowing the Fox... They'd probably succeed, too. After all, he still holds that old bat dearly... I should have killed him when I had the chance, but maybe it's better this way... This way I'll get some confirmation that I got the right one... The fire demon tried not to dwell on the difficulty that was going to arise if he waited too long. The Fox will forgive me. He loves me, doesn't he? Hiei had no real answer to the question plaguing him; only he couldn't lose his Kurama to anyone especially that old bat. *** "Kurama-sama, how nice of you to be here...considering we were about to deal with you later. At least, we'll kill two birds with one lunge." One of the darker shadows hissed. "And who might you be?" Kurama asked, his voice dripping poisoned sweetness. "What are--" Crawford started to demand. "Crawford-san let me deal with this. Trust me you're over your head with this one." Kurama said in an undertone. "That is none of your concern. I do believe this is yours." Something big was thrown to Kurama. He half-dodged when he noted what it was. "I'm sorry, Kurama-sama. I tried..." The brown-haired tengu in his arms said weakly. It was Kakuei, bloody and bruised. Shit! I was right, it was way out of his league... "Hush, don't speak." Kurama told him, putting him down on the carpeted floor of the Schwartz living room slowly, careful of the myriad of wounds the bird demon had sustained. The healing has to wait for later... Hopefully not too late... "So you caught my agent. What of it?" Kurama retorted, coolly though his territorial instincts were really aggravated by the hurt inflicted to one of "his own". "Kurama-sama, will you contest our claim to these humans and die? Powerless as you are to stop us?" Kurama sighed. That again… The vagaries of this human form was that his power signature looked like that of a modestly reiki gifted ningen, not his own power rank at all. He had used the fact in Yomi's intrigue-laden court. It was useful to be underestimated… Many suspect my rank at Yomi's side was earned in bed not in the battlefield. Funny, I could have told them a thing or two… I taught Yomi most of his tricks as my commander. And I made him ruthless with that betrayal… Somehow they never think that Yoko and their precious Sweet Red Rose is the same, even when they've seen me transform into my silver furry form…or hear of the fearful reputation of the Urameshi Reikai Tantei… It lets me charm them unawares…[1] Yes, it was useful most of the times. Kurama had political power now more than he had before even if he didn't want that power now--well--still useful all the same. Sometimes, it could be a nuisance though. Like now… He must think he could just waltz in here and take Schuldig-niisan and the others away from me without a proper fight…but then that will probably be the best seeing I'm outnumbered here... "I think not." Kurama said in a chillingly cheerful voice. He reached out with his ki, readying himself for action. He wasn't going to play around with civilians at stake. Not that Schwartz could be considered as civilians… They have reiki powers, at least… "I think not." It was a mocking echo of his words. Then something rose from behind the shadowy youkai, someone whose hands were put up high and cuffed, it was someone with red hair. "Aniki!" "He can't hear you right now." It was a sibilant hiss, full of malice. "You'll pay for this." Kurama threatened in a chilled tone. *** Schuldig wondered at the transformation that occurred before his eyes. He never thought the kid had this much gumption. At the same time, he was disconcerted that his charming 'little brother' had turned into this cold, calculating bastard. He's not really a kid, I suppose… How old are you, Kurama-chan? Then all thought was lost in the rage that threatened to engulf him as an unconscious Aya floated from behind one of the shadowy figures. : Be steady and ready, Schuldig-niisan. : A whisper of thought voice came through to Schuldig mind through the heavy press of similarly alien minds. : How can you be so calm? He's maxed out your agent and planning whom knows what with your Ran-niichan! : Only silence greeted Schuldig, making him doubt that he even heard the voice. It did what it needed to do though, Schuldig calmed down coldly to review his options, not that there were many. They have us surrounded, we need to shoot ourselves out…but will regular bullets work on these guys…I doubt that… They're not wearing anything I can see but I can't see their features...must be using some kind of "magic"... Schuldig was fast accepting the reality of the situation. One learned when one was living on the street to quickly accept new realities without hesitation and to cope for to falter is to die. But how do you fight an opponent you can't see and might have more tricks up their sleeve? "I challenge you for the life of my aniki and the lives of my friends here." Kurama offered, calmly. Ah, he's offering himself as a distraction but…that may not be enough… Think, Schuldig! Think! He's counting on you… Little Kurama-chan and Ran… "You think highly of yourself, don't you? I accept with conditions, only the German and the boy are allowed to leave." "No, aniki as well." "I can't promise that, one of your agents have taken the sacrifice…" "Might as well…" Shadowy claws emerged from their sheathes with a hiss of air. He can't be serious… A loaded glance in his direction was all the kid dared. It was clear: "don't interfere". Schuldig could see that Crawford and Nagi was similarly fuming in place but neither was willing to move against such overwhelming numbers. Schuldig clenched his fists. If something happened to Ran or the kid… I don't care how powerful these creeps are, I'll find a way… Then the fight was on. Kurama seemed more intent on dodging the blows aimed at him while muttering prayers under his breath. Schuldig exchanged a desperate look with Crawford as the minutes flowed in slow motion as Kurama dodged every slash and kick of shadowy claws, unable to counterattack, each strike closer than the next. *** Kurama started to mutter the Sealing Spell under his breath frantically hoping that Schuldig had gotten his message. He couldn't use the spell in conjunction with his ki energies it would cause reactions that might jeopardize his Ran-niichan's life and he had to perform it now. They had performed the preliminaries of the ritual on Ran-niichan…they only need a human to do the rest… I have to distract them until I have perfect leverage and then… Kurama could feel the magical energies on his big brother and knew that it was dangerous to leave it like that. It would take only a little push to cause fatal reactions… They're willing to risk it. I'm not… I am not even sure if this is the leader of this particular band… If I don't want to spend my immortal life looking over my shoulder, I better be sure to be rid of all of them… Kurama observed his adversary as dispassionately as he could between words and evasions. Then he saw it. The shadow quickly flicked his eyes over to the side to glance at another of his kind before proceeding to with the fight. Bingo! Besides, killing someone in one shot is so unimaginative… If Kurama weren't so worried that Schwartz would try to save him, he'd be enjoying this bout. He was a fox, after all, and a fox enjoyed playing with its prey. Then he saw a faint shadow of movement on his side. Schuldig-niisan no baka! A shot rang out, whistling close to Kurama. Of course, Kurama's opponent dodged the bullet without batting an eyelash or more accurately an eye-ridge, if the fox's suspicions were correct. The man had been frantic enough to try anything. Kurama couldn't blame him. I wish he'd have more confidence in me, but then, how long has he known this side of me? Thirty minutes? The distraction on top of the spell was enough to give the other an opening, Kurama barely ducked to the side in time to escape serious injury. A bloody stripe appeared on his arm, it was just a superficial wound but one of the shadows hovered to strike over Schuldig. I have no choice in this matter… I have to do it now… Kurama finished the last of the Spell, pushed his ki out and took a rose out of his hair. "Rose Whip!" Kurama used his whip to finish up his fight. His opponent and Schuldig's attacker were scattered into a thousand pieces or so pieces but that wasn't all. Everyone in the room froze as it was unexpectedly filled with writhing plants. The shadows were revealed reptilian in nature, whatever pieces that were left. His Ran-niichan thudded lightly on the floor as whatever was holding him up in the air lost its grip. "So…what was it about again? About me having no choice?" Kurama asked rather pleasantly of the remaining youkai that remained in one piece. It was the leader of the pack. It lay in the center of a thick green tangle of clingers and vines. Purple flowers chewed diligently on its scaly hide. It didn't answer but hissed wildly as it tried to break free of the Flesh-eating Makai Plant that held it in place. "You will soon tell me all I wish to know...or should I say this plant will after it devours your brain." Kurama said casually. Schwartz was buggy-eyed, trading glances and glancing wildly at Ran-niichan and Kurama. Though Kurama could see that Schuldig was gazing more and more on his Ran-niichan. He must be impressed by aniki's--er--attributes. But really, Schuldig-niisan isn't it excessive to look at me like I'm an alien or something…and you're reiki gifted on top of that… Well maybe, the Flesh Eater was a little excessive... Out of the blue, Kurama reeled then caught his balance. Dizzy a moment…what was that peculiar feeling… Then Kurama realized something. A pulsing glow was emanating from him and Ran. It was slowly creeping onto his arms and legs. What is this…? Is it a side effect of the Sealing Spell coming into contact with the youki and the other enchantment? At least, it wasn't lethal… Kurama was about to try and dispel it but it was gone just as soon as it came, leaving Kurama somehow energized. He snapped out of it and stood unsteadily. They were still staring at him. He dismissed that and moved swiftly to see if the side effects had affected his Ran-niichan. Strange... I moved faster... Kurama gasped as he saw... Feathered wings of lightly tinted by red, blue and purple, Red hair crest that was toned down to a lighter shade than cartoon red... Skin mostly unchanged except for a fading into scales along the nether regions... Hands and feet ending in talons... "Ssssooo..." Kurama said. He pictured his human form in his mind and willed himself in it. "What the hell is that?" Crawford asked. He was the first to revive from the astonishment everyone was in. *** Schuldig looked at Ran encased in a glow of blue light with concern. He scarcely kept himself from running over to him to see if the other redhead was okay. There was still a hint of danger in the air as if things hadn't yet settled to the way it should. What the heck, did they do to him? Unbidden, another thought came. Woohoo! Isn't he hot? Now, Schuldig, don't think of that now... You have to concentrate on the important thing... But he just couldn't shake admiring the smooth muscles fading into each other and the steel-toned stomach. His eyes drifted lower and lower until it went to the patch of curly red hair... Wow! Nice view... It was when Schuldig saw the glow pulsed until it's too bright for his eyes. He looked away when he looked back... What the-- *** "What the hell was that?" Crawford had asked rather loudly in the heavy silence that had descended on the room. "It seems that the combination of spells and youki had accidentally activated the Cei genes in me and Ran-niichan. Hopefully, that's all..." Kurama's voice trailed in concern as he beheld his aniki. Gods, I hope he didn't get taken over...or injured badly, I still have to deal with Kakuei and there's a matter of the leader... There was little doubt now that Kurama had gotten a little fond of his Ran-niichan in all their weeks of being brothers putting him as priority over his agent and information for the mission. I don't want to have to kill him or at least what appears to be him...not to mention Schuldig-niisan's heart getting broken in the process... How on earth am I going to check if it's Ran-niichan in there? The alternatives were just as unpleasant if put off. Kurama took a deep breath and asked. "Schuldig-niisan could you check aniki, if he's still there?" Kurama asked. "What are Cei?" "Cei are demons from the Makai, they're half-bird, half-reptile and damned powerful elemental controllers but I have no time for this. Schuldig-niisan!" *** "...but I have no time for this. Schuldig-niisan!" Schuldig barely heard it over his shock at the transformation that had occurred to Ran's body. The first thing that came to his mind was... He's still hot but how does that work... Schuldig was extremely fascinated by the changes in the other redhead's anatomy with interest. "Schuldig! Get your butt in gear." Crawford seconded, the swirl of confused thoughts that leaked from the precog said he didn't have any idea of what this meant. In some way, Schuldig sensed that Oracle would back Kurama anywhere even without the understanding. Something's changing in him...in us come to think of it... Kurama-chan's changing us. Somehow the thought held no terror in it. Schuldig rose without a word and went to sit cross-legged by Aya's side to touch him on the head. The Weiß redhead's mind felt alien. Memories crashed through Schuldig's mind, like the breaking of a tidal wave. * A sister, bright and carefree...a father, stern and unbending...a mother, smiling and caring... A day in the park, bright sunlight, green lawn... "Ran-niichan, look at the butterflies..." "Aya, don't go too far." "But 'tousan..." "Ran, go with her...look over your little sister..." Going with the bouncy girl in braids... "Thanks, 'niichan..." Flashes of the same girl, unconscious, unnatural stillness... Sidesteps, dodges...climbing over buildings... The quiet wait for the target to show up... He slashes through the crowd of bodies, splashing blood...gods, so much blood...blood on his hands, blood on his gear...the red that couldn't be washed off...for her... "...Look over your little sister..." Then the anguish...bed empty with a cross slashed deep into it...flashback... "Ran...look over your little sister..." I failed...failure embodied in rage...rage directed at the ones perceived to be responsible... Schwartz... Crawford...Schuldig...Naoe...that madman...Farfarello... Flashes of Schwartz in a more evil cast... Smirks that were darker...more evil...than could be real... * Disappointment weakened the link. Is that how he thinks of me? Could we have anything then? Anything at all... Schuldig couldn't help it. He had to know. The telepath plunged even deeper into the alien mind... * Schwartz...then Schuldig... Orange hair flying in the midst of battle, blue eyes amused...laughing...bastard... Scene changing... Blue eyes contemplative, orange hair falling, tumbling a bit into them...sitting quiet, watching... Schuldig...puzzlement...a warm feeling pulsing throughout... A sudden flash of something...orange hair spread on a pillow, blue eyes glowing with fire...naked skin warm and sweaty under him... * Satisfaction pulled Schuldig back to his body and dwelt on it. Aya, there's hope after all... *** Kurama looked at Schuldig in concern as the telepath had gotten down on the floor to touch Ran-niichan's forehead. He forced his concern away to look after Kakuei who had not roused from his faint. The tengu's breath was uneven but, at least, it didn't have the telltale gurgle of lung injury. Kurama allowed himself to let some of youki to filter out to the bird-demon, healing the worst of the damage. There was less of that than he supposed, most of the wounds was deep but missed most of the vital organs. It was the bleeding that needed immediate attention. Poor Kakuei, they must have been experts at torture... That done he turned to the youkai leader. So...who might you be? They certainly weren't Cei. They're clearly reptilian body structure and the lack of feathers and wings were too pronounced to make them the youkai, in question. The plant ate away diligently but there was still a lot of meat left for it to chew. Once the plant was finished, Kurama will have his answer. But first, aniki... "Earth calling to Schuldig-niisan, is he all there?" Kurama said, concerned. He's been in there for far too long... I hope nothing's wrong... "Hai. Found that out almost immediately, he feels a bit strange but he's there." Schuldig replied. Understatement, considering how different Cei minds is with ningen... "So, what were you doing in there?" Crawford asked. "Something hentai, I bet." Kurama-chan's voice was light but there was underlying accusation to it. What have you been doing with aniki...hmmm? Schuldig-niisan! Kurama wondered at the advisability of letting Schuldig rummage about his brother's mind. But he's got a crush on Ran-niichan. He's hardly going to hurt him... Wouldn't he? Oops! Maybe that's the problem... *** "Nothing of that sort." Schuldig yelped. Though it mustn't have been convincing, for a moment later... Whap! "Kurama-chan!" Kurama had whopped Schuldig upside of the head. What was that for? "He is my aniki, after all." There were equal parts of seriousness and mischief on the pixy face. Okay, so it is somewhat justified but still... He was responsible for me looking in there in the first place... "No playing around with fire, Schuldig." Crawford added. "Crawford!" As if you have the right! You're the one who's almost literally playing with fire...once Hiei finds out what you've been doing with a certain redhead... Schuldig was about to voice his resentment with a more snide comment when out of the blue the atmosphere of the room changed. He could feel strange alien presences in the room, variant presences rather than the heavy press of the earlier intruders. "What now?" Schuldig groaned. *** "I take it that you are my aspiring fa-followers? Not part of this lot." Kurama asked, it was hard not to sound amused at this recent development. They're hardly over the age of maturity… The Fox could sense the others and they were just as young and uncertain as this one. What a bunch! And they want to bring back the wild age of the Makai? Follow Yoko the Silver Fox to fame and glory? Do they even know the truth about the Silver Fox? The cruelty, viciousness and the ruthlessness that that entails…and still does... I haven't changed that much. Any fool who'd seen me in battle ought to know. "Very astute of you, but then we've come to expect that of you Yoko-sama." The youkai looked like a young punker with cobalt blue hair and green eyes, a rather strange combination. He was a very young and new A-Class from the uncertain way his aura wavered between A and B. His companions remained cloaked by mists. "You want to revive Kuronue?" "Hai." The youkai bobbed his head up and down as he opened the scroll he carried. The shadows surrounded the surprised Schuldig effectively enclosing him. A ruby droplet floated out of nowhere to hover at Schuldig's eye-level. That's a good forgery…but the facet over there's just a bit off in angle… As familiar as Kurama was with the pendant, he noted the anomalies fairly easily. And the fact that I have the real pendant with me doesn't hurt my opinion either... The young youkai started to awkwardly read the badly written words on it. "Arewa simal szu soray wa, Qwe nie sie wuer…" Uh, oh…that could have unforeseen effects…with the component missing… Kurama tensed up ready to knock the scroll out of the youngster's hand when he realized something. Put a shoe in what? Then do, what? I don't think that's anatomically possible… [2] Kurama could hardly keep a straight face at the garbled High Demonic words. And Koenma's afraid of these teenyboppers? They're not a threat at all… Not surprisingly, Schuldig remained unchanged after the chanting was done. No flashes of light, no mists or anything at all indicated that a spell has been cast. If they managed two coherent words out of that chant, I'd be very surprised… "Ah--I don't even know your name." "Pardon, Koetsu." "Koetsu, I really appreciate what you are trying to do for me but that pendant's a fake…" Among other things… What the heck did they think they were doing? They didn't even have an expert on High Demonic… What a bunch…but then, unaffiliated experts are hard to come by… "Oh, we apologize to raising your hopes up. We won't trouble you further, Yoko-sama." He was clearly disappointment. "It's all right and who are the rest of your group?" "Ieyasu, Aloise, Bairei, Eizuki, Mariko, Kanzan and Calyn." "I appreciate the trouble but I think it's best to leave the past behind and make new dreams for the future." Kurama said with a tinge of regret in his voice, mostly feigned. He was still having a hard time to keep his laughter in. Was I ever this young? Oh my, they're just like most the humans I hang around with in the university…young and foolish… "Aa." The youkai faded out with the rest of his friends. When Kurama was reasonably sure about their absence, he let the gales of laughter overwhelm him. "What was that all about?" Schuldig asked, bewildered. "Foolishness." Kurama choked out over his mirth. After the tense moment with the aborted Spell it was a welcome relief. "Foolishness?" Crawford bit out, looking like he was ready to bite something if Kurama didn't give an explanation soon. Poor baby, he doesn't like being kept in the dark or out of control at all... "It was a Prior Incarnation Spell, they wanted to bring back the good old days of the Raven and the Fox. Seeing as they think the turning point was when Kuronue the Raven was killed, they seek to bring him back. But that stuff's in the past, they certainly have an exaggerated sense of their magical skill." *** That name, that name...what is it about that name...that is my name... Suddenly Crawford was falling. "And who is this Kuronue the Raven?" Crawford asked, after the bout of vertigo passed him by. "Kuronue was my partner. The best partner I ever had. We had more than 2,000 years together before...before he made the mistake that killed him." "There was more to it, wasn't there?" Crawford choked out. So close... I can feel it...so close... I can almost... *** "Aa, but it does no good to dwell on it." Kurama replied, wondering if Crawford was remembering things form their previous life. I hope not...not until I could figure out how to get us out of this mess... A swish of darkness, and Kurama looked up to see Hiei in his black assassin's garb. The fire demon had his katana aimed at Schuldig to strike. "No, Hiei." Kurama shouted. *** "Die, old bat!" Hiei said coldly. He had arrived at the end of Kurama's conversation with the youngsters who wanted to revive the Raven. So that thing is past... Hah! Who do you think you're fooling, fox? The Fox was so transparent. You aren't done with the past just yet... I can see it in the affection that you lavish on him, the protection that you had given him by taking on this assignment, in your refusal to give up on it. Who are you fooling? Certainly not me... "Hiei, you don't need to kill Schuldig-niisan." "The hell I don't." *** "Really, it's unnecessary. I love you, now, and nothing's going to change that." Kurama hoped it was the truth, just as he projected as much sincerity as he could. However, doubt nibbled at the edge of his mind. Nothing's going to change that... Oh, what sweet words are we saying now! Are you even sure that you wouldn't have jumped the chance to be with your Kuronue... But you found the botched Prior Incarnation Spell amusing, didn't you? The startling thought gave Kurama a pause. Aa, I did...and you haven't rushed in to place the spell on Crawford...but I was uncertain then... Uncertain? When has Yoko ever been uncertain? Because I care for him, idiot, and I don't want him hurt. You 'care' for him but you cared for your little raven as well. Ergo... I can't blame Hiei for wanting to get rid of him, after all... It hit Kurama with the force of a fireball. Even if he was Kuronue, even Hiei killed him... It wouldn't be easy but I would forgive him eventually... I--I love him... It is true and not because I want it to be... "Hn." It was contemptuous sound. "Hiei, I love you." Kurama said with all the sincerity he could muster. "Hn." The sword didn't waver. Hmph, that went well... I can't blame him for doubting me when I doubted myself...still... Despite himself, Kurama was getting annoyed. Could he have shown a little more understanding? Though he wouldn't be Hiei, if he did. Single-minded, true of purpose, he probably never second-guessed himself much... Kurama's heart hurt. Even if we went through this, there will always be qualms and half-formed suspicions between us, unless... "Hiei, I love you, never doubt that." Kurama said, taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing...with all the magical residue in this room, it's really not advisable but what the heck. Better now than never... The air was abruptly charged with renewed tension. Gee, I feel yoyo... Kurama rushed forward to settle in front of Crawford. He commanded the writhing fireproofed plants to block Hiei from interfering. He took out the ruby pendant and began to chant. "Areooa simar su sora wae, Qe ie siey wuewr…" "Fluff-tail!" "Kurama-chan, what are you...?" The voices were lost in the concentration necessary for the Spell. Glowing mists rose to cover both him and Crawford. The chant filled up the room and Kurama's ears until it was his world. Then everything shredded into light. *** Hiei gritted his teeth when the Makai plants effectively barred his way. It had been quite unexpected when Kurama had moved fast in front of the Schwartz leader. Shit! I was wrong... "Fluff-tail!" Hiei shouted. Still, at least, he tried. The chant was a soft background noise as blue mist covered the room and then...everything stopped and the mist disappeared. The plants uncurled around the place where Kurama and the ningen vanished into the greenery. There stood a tall dark stranger, with a witch-hat with elven ears and features. He wore baggy pants, white shirt and suspenders. Bat wings rose above his shoulders. So he remembers now... Hiei's hackles rose in response to the thought. You will not take Kurama away from me... The fire demon ignored the voice that said that the bat already might have. Wasn't his presence enough proof? "Fluff-tail?" Hiei asked, turning to his mate. There stood where Hiei had seen him last was Kurama but... That was unexpected... Hiei's heart sank when he beheld the tall form. It had the silver hair that he enjoyed running his fingers against. It had the furry ears he so loved to tease and scratch. It had the fluffy luxurious silver tail that served as a blanket on long Makai nights. However, Hiei met the golden eyes of Yoko Kurama with dread. This doesn't mean well... ~ TBC ~ *Story direction question: I'm tempted to make more than 9 chapters of this story. Another twist to the plot presented itself but people would probably kill me for doing so... I never seem to get to end my stories on the right number of chapters predicted! @_@ Feedback on this subject is welcome, the next chapter is suppose to be the last but well... It can be. This story's on sched for that but if I add the new twist...? What do you readers say? More chapters, more torture for everyone? More SchuxAya if there are more chapters… Author's Notes: [1] Standard YYH fare. Yoko betrayed Yomi a thousand years ago. Yomi's second-in-command tries to measure Kurama's strength and the meter comes only to 8,000+, he attacks and gets the surprise of his life. He sees the meter go ballistic to 150,000 as he is dying. I explain this as the cloaking effect of Kurama's ningen form. [2] No! It's not what you think you perverts! I just put it there because it sounds right not to imply anything off-color. ^^; Hiei & Yomi: Noooooooooooooooo!
Never!
Progress Report:
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The Raven's Pendant
By: silrayn silverwolf
Weiss Kreuz Crossover. Kurama gets a redheaded assassin for a brother, unfortunately his taste in friends gives the man a pause. To catch a raven... KxK, KxH, SchuxAya [shounen ai] UPDATED at Long Last!
Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance - Chapters: 13 - Words: 54,359 - Reviews: 80 - Favs: 24 - Follows: 12 - Updated: Jun 16, 2004 - Published: Jun 24, 2002 - id: 834256
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Full 3/4 1/2 Expand Tighten
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