Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Chapter 2: Terror Rising
One Year Later...
The incident involving the mark – becoming officially known as the XGC incident – came and went without many questions answered. Though for those that knew of the 'Tabula of a Thousand Beasts', the instigator of the discord, they knew to keep such information quiet, as already the tense relations between Zoanthropes and humans had been damaged further by its effects; and for people to learn that such a relic existed to bestow such deadly power on those it lured into its grasp, there was no doubt there would be an uproar on a most catastrophic level. But it seemed like there was little time to move on from that turbulent time when the next crisis began to unfold. Earthquakes and rampant violence began to take effect, leading to even more uncertainty than before. And the questions came once again: 'Why is this happening?', 'How can we stop this from destroying us?' – There were too many terrifying prospects to that answer...
A distant shrine, outside of Tokyo…
"GAH!"
A resting man was brought to a seated position, his skin glistening with cold sweat. He'd just broken away from another dream; no, a nightmare.
He tried to calm his erratic breathing, shakily rubbing his clammy brow. Wracked with insecurity, the monk known as Ryoho sat rigidly, listening to the distant prayers of his brothers murmured throughout the halls of their sanctum. Their echoing words filled his uncertain mind as he tried to go over the dark events of his dreams. He could feel the breaking of worlds inside his head, a war between unimaginable creatures, each seeking out an incredible power. Within the darkness, in the midst of the fiery battles, a meek voice cried out for help. The voice had literally come from the earth itself.
He was told time after time that he was linked to something special, but he had been kept firmly in the dark about what it was. His brothers and the Shinto priestesses at the shrine said no more than that he was the keeper of an extraordinary gift. Though the more he thought about it, it didn't mean it had to be a particularly good gift. He was kept under close watch and advised to keep his soul at peace. He meditated frequently to see if he could decipher what he was suppose to be harbouring, but all he could hear was a sweet, melodious voice in his spirit singing to him with words that breathed serenity and wisdom into his being. Ryoho could have sworn that voice was something he'd heard before, though whatever it was, it was blocking his attempts at discovering the truth.
He shook his head, breathing out a long sigh as he glanced around his chambers. The flame torches glowed from corner to corner, bathing the room in a soft, orange light – the serene atmosphere offering him some form of comfort. The nightmares had only begun recently, and with them came strange pains, as if there was an energy building within him trying to get out. And it didn't just affect him, but the people around him too. It didn't seem to be coincidental that when he started having these strange episodes there were suddenly earthquakes and reports of violence. These nightmares couldn't have been foretelling some sort of linked disaster, could it?
It was then the wooden door to his chamber opened partially and in stepped a small girl. She was donned in traditional shrine robes, hanging a little too long on his arms and legs. Her beautiful azure hair was cut short apart from two small braids resting against her pale cheeks. Her wide innocent eyes lay on the monk as she padded softly over to him.
"Mana," he greeted gently. For a short time now, Mana had become a part of his world, and he treated her almost like a daughter. She seemed to be entrusted to watch over him, even at such a young age.
Though she was a child, she had knowledge far beyond her years and seemed to understand things that even he couldn't fathom. Sometimes he suspected her role at his side wasn't just that of a simple aide.
"You were supposed to be resting," she said, obviously worried. "Did you have another nightmare?"
"It's becoming harder to sleep these days when I know I'm going to be plagued by such dark dreams," he said with a tired sigh.
She gave him a sympathetic smile. "Please don't worry, Ryoho. I'm sure it will pass. It is a time of great unsettlement."
"Yes, and you know more about it then you are willing to tell me," Ryoho somewhat accused. The girl blinked, her face remaining innocent. He shook his head at her. "I hear the whispers within the shrine. I know something is happening, and it has something to do with me. For so long I've accepted my duty and lived with the secret of my... charge... but now, it is imperative I learn what is a part of me that is so special. Please, Mana, tell me."
The young girl slowly seated herself on the floor before him, her face becoming deadly serious. "You understand, I tell you this now because our time grows short. You were forbidden to be divulged this knowledge for fear that someone may try to use the gift for malicious intent. You are an honest and dutiful man, Ryoho, and it is only fair with the current situation that I reveal the truth to you. It is for the safety of everyone." He nodded though seemed deeply confused. She carried on aside. "Ryoho, you come from a line of protectors of great power. But it is not just any power, but a key to life itself."
"W-What? I don't understand!"
"Gaia breathes life across this planet. She purges evil that threatens the existence of all living creatures in this world, and most of all, she rids the world of life forms that fail to evolve and join the harmonious balance of the Earth. Gaia purposely created a creature to guard the Earth and dispose of such evils. She created a dragon with unimaginable powers, but it was soon realised that it could easily lose control, so she called together her advocates to place a seal over the dragon and contain it within the body of an individual with an untainted soul. Ryoho, you are one of many who has become a vessel for the dragon and the seal. What has been happening lately has been because the power of the dragon has grown stronger and the seal has come loose. Something has stirred it from its sleep and its power is leaking out, disturbing the Earth and the Zoanthropes and creating the overwhelming violence. The seal must be replaced... but it is not an easy task."
Ryoho sat in complete shock. Him, a dragon vessel? It sounded beyond impossible, but the way Mana looked into his eyes he knew it was far from being an impossibility.
"What must we do?" He asked.
Mana got to her feet. "We must leave this place. We must travel to the temple of Gaia where the seal can be effectively replaced."
"The temple of Gaia… but, wait… wasn't that burned down a year ago?" He asked. His memories of the time were vague, but he could just about recall the incident.
"Ah, yes, but the advocates of Gaia set about to rebuild it. The only reason it was destroyed was because it was attacked by the Unborn in an act of vengeance."
Ryoho had heard of the Unborn before. He quietly seethed at the thought of them. "Is it their influence again that is the catalyst for all these problems?"
"Yes, but it is the dragon's power now that is the true problem." The concern in her voice made him uneasy, but she quickly pushed it aside, offering him a smile. "Are you fully rested now, Ryoho?"
He stretched his arms out, the muscles in his back popping from having to remain in such a rigid position for so long. "I am. I couldn't rest a second longer after what you have told me."
"Good, then we must leave straight away. Time is of the essence. I know that the sooner we get there, the sooner we can try to resolve the problem. But I will need help…" She sighed, turning towards the door. "There is much work to be done; I hope that I enough strength to take on such an important task."
How quickly it seemed that peaceful nations could come crashing to the ground. The unexplained violence sweeping through the Zoanthrope populous had caused rampant terror, only exasperated by the earthquakes. While they tried to understand the cause of the problems, whole cities were brought to a standstill, waiting with baited breath for answers they weren't certain would come. Those strong enough to navigate the nightmare tried to carry on with their lives, while others cowered in fear of what seemed like an inevitable apocalypse.
The few Zoanthropes that weren't affected were trying to do their best to help the frightened humans, but yet again, it seemed that a hateful war was brewing in the face of such confusion. However hard the Zoanthropes tried they were always on the losing end of the fight.
Reports of violence and unprecedented natural disasters were constantly documented on news broadcasts, setting a very bleak picture for anyone who watched them. Nagi didn't need to watch the TV to know what was going on right on her doorstep. Besides, she knew she had a job to do, and if she succeeded, she could bring an end to these disasters.
She had survived her encounter with the 'White Zoanthrope' a year ago and remained in hospital for months afterwards recovering. By the time she had gotten out, the XGC incident was over and the Unborn had disappeared. She knew something was different about her body, but yet the strange power that had prevented her death remained buried deep down, almost as if it would never reveal itself. Until now. With the violence and earthquakes she'd felt the distant call of the Unborn, and with that, the hidden element within her had finally awoken. With it, she finally realised that her humanity had indeed disappeared for good.
It has to be because of the White Zoanthrope that these terrible things are happening... This is what I've been waiting for... This is what Gaia wanted to me to do from the beginning...
She knew she had a journey ahead of her. To finally get the answers about this thing she had become and stop the 'White Zoanthrope' from causing anymore harm. She had not heard Gaia's voice since that fateful evening, and no matter how often she tried to reach out with thoughts or words, she did not answer her. Nagi was on her own.
She had trained hard when she'd recovered from her injuries, even when she wasn't certain anything would ever happen. This time around, she was prepared for anything. She would never be taken by surprise again.
Ditching her sleepwear into the laundry basket, she grabbed a black leather jacket and skirt set from her wardrobe and a short white tube top from a drawer beneath as her choice of dress. She quickly showered and changed into her clothes, drying her hair as she grabbed a backpack to fill with some suitable supplies to take with her, not knowing how long she would be gone for. She strapped on a pair of studded black gloves, flexing her fingers until she felt they were snug, and then strode over to the doorway to pull on her strappy brown knee-high boots.
Shouldering her bag, she reached for the door handle and paused, looking back at her dimly lit apartment, wondering if she would ever be coming back. Sighing almost sadly, she left, locking the door behind her with a hollow click.
Hello cruel world, let's get this show on the road...
She strolled the maze of back alleys, wanting to avoid the main streets due to the damage caused by the earthquakes and to avoid areas where the violent outbreaks were most prevalent.
She was following her new instincts like some built-in radar system on her trail of the 'White Zoanthrope'. She kept her senses sharp in case her foe turned up anywhere nearby. Before she realised it, she had walked quite a distance even in such a short amount of time. She knew her neighbourhood very well, every little nook and cranny imprinted on her brain. She eventually reached an underpass that led towards the entrance of a subway station. Above her was a section of over ground track that cut across the neighbourhood before descending back into the underground tunnels. She didn't know whether she should attempt to board a subway train, not sure how many were still running or if it was wise when there had been so many earthquakes. It seemed the safer option just to walk, not that she was sure where she was going.
You know, you could have at least had a plan before you left the apartment... She inwardly chastised herself, following a path to a small walkway that overlooked the train line and the local suburban area. She didn't know if it would give her an idea of what direction she should take, but it seemed a better idea than any.
She hopped up over a graffiti-covered wall and stepped on top of a large bunker-type building housing what seemed like electricity boxes. She sighed, scanning the area. Sirens and horns blared in the distance mixed in with the sound of nightlife, an array of voices and faint music with even the odd dog barking now and again, all coming from indiscernible places. She was currently in a quiet part of the neighbourhood; the only real sounds were that of rustling litter and the creaking of a chain threatening to drop a signboard close by. It seemed a little too peaceful for her own liking.
You're unappeasable! You're in the middle of chaos and you can't stand a little silence?!
A horn blared and she jumped. A train went by, flickering light from its windows dancing rhythmically across the building top. She exhaled, cursing herself for being so nervous. But when the tension didn't let up, she knew she had a reason to be on high alert.
She was no longer alone.
The last of the train lights bounced off his form, stood on a small ledge on the opposing building. Nagi slowly turned to make eye contact with this strange man. He said nothing, just stared at her with intrigue, his gloved hand stroking his chin, not even hiding his oddly cocky smile. Nagi turned full on to face him, eyes narrowing on such an arrogant face. Alarm bells were ringing. Something wasn't quite right about him.
His mop of silver hair was spiked up away from his face, revealing deep, dark penetrating eyes. The way he watched her was like a bird waiting to swoop down and snatch its prey. He chuckled at her bristling unease and suddenly jumped across to land on the rooftop a few metres from her, covering the large gap with remarkable ease. This teenage punk didn't impress Nagi one bit. His bare, tattooed upper frame and loose slacked bottoms had her picture him more of a senseless fool then anything.
He tilted his head to the side, looking at her with a half smile. "Puny creature…"
Nagi raised an eyebrow, but didn't allow herself be baited by mere words.
"What's a little girl like you doing hanging around a place like this? You should run home before you get hurt." His words were more of a threat than a warning, something she didn't take kindly to. She'd overlook his chauvinistic insults for the time being, somewhat curious about his sudden appearance. She surprised even him by covering the distance between them, leaning towards him with a blank expression.
"Let me guess, you're another miscreant letting the violence addle their brains into thinking they're some sort of tough guy."
"A tough guy..." He gave a half-hearted laugh. "Baby, you have no idea how dangerous I am."
"Is that so... Well, I'd love to stay and indulge your fantasies but I have better things to do. So if you don't mind, I'll be leaving now." She was ready to push past his shoulder, but his arm came up to stop her.
"So soon?" He said, his voice taking a dark edge. "And here I thought you'd keep me entertained for a few minutes... because honestly, a scrawny little bitch like you doesn't look like she could handle more than a quick slap."
"Excuse me?" She snapped with disbelief.
"Do you know how many days it has been since I last had a good fight? Too many! But if I'm destined to just notch up a tally of defeating pathetic losers, why not add you to my list?"
She shoved him back a few steps. "You know what? Fine. But don't expect to be walking away from this fight... bitch." She enjoyed seeing a flicker of anger in his eyes. She set her bag down and got into her fighting stance. "I suspect you're all bravado." It was time to see just what Gaia had bestowed upon her.
He chuckled sardonically. "I'll tell you something, girly. There's only one thing you're going to remember after this match. My name: Reiji; because I'm going to make sure while they're drip feeding your brain-damaged body that it's the only thing left stuck in your head."
Reiji... I'll remember it alright, so I know what to write on your tombstone...
Something in the back of her head seemed to recognise this guy suddenly, a memory coming from nowhere. A young man born as part of a clan dedicated to Gaia... a power suddenly awakening... a death at his hands... falling black feathers landing in blood...
Gaia's knowledge? Whoever he was and whatever his purpose, she knew he needed putting in his place.
"I guess I have to do it," she muttered to herself.
He smiled as her, beckoning to her with his hand. "Come on."
Nagi smirked. If he wanted her to attack first, she would definitely oblige him. Barely letting him blink, she leapt at with a reverse kick to the chest. He fell back onto the smooth stone, hissing as he took in his next breath. She waited patiently for him to stand, falling back into her stance. He took him sweet time doing so, but he eventually did, seemingly slightly impressed.
"You're pretty strong, for a girl…" He punched a fist into his other palm. "But that was just one kick. You ready for me to show you what true strength is?"
"Go on then," Nagi spat, undeterred.
He huffed arrogantly. "I won't hold back."
He moved with lethal grace, a master of precision footwork, as he shot at her in a blaze of cutting kicks. The way they whistled through the air was almost with knife-like ferocity. She dodged as many as she could, trying to counter his lightning movements, but he breached her defensive stance with a solid kick to the sternum before swiping her legs out from under her. She landed on her back, the wind knocked out of her lungs, but she quickly forced herself to roll to avoid an incoming foot. She scrambled to her feet, jumping back to avoid a roundhouse kick, though suddenly found herself lurching on the edge of the roof when her voice slipped. She was suddenly falling backwards. Thinking fast, she pushing herself against the ledge and launched herself back into a somersault, landing down in the pass below in a half crouch.
Woo, that was close...
Looking up, she made an almost inaudible sound upon seeing the incoming attack, and had only enough time to hop back, falling unceremoniously onto her rear as she watched Reiji dig his heel straight into the spot she'd previously occupied. She quickly planted her hand into the concrete, using the few precious seconds she had as he was about to launch another overhead strike to perform a cartwheel-like double kick to his midriff; the first caught him, but the second he jumped away from. She quickly followed up by jumping into an overhead attack, twisting her body to gain momentum as she slammed her left foot into his head, emitting a high pitched battle cry. He was kissing the ground in seconds.
She was about to step back when his hand suddenly snapped around her ankle. He lifted his grazed face, eyes filled with venom. He bounced up, lifting her leg with movement. She was knocked off balance, only being held in place by his firm grip. Then he left go, and she stumbled, watching him helplessly as he used her as a hurdle before planting his foot hard into her back.
He gracefully flipped away as Nagi fit the floor with a heavy, winding thud. She groaned, rubbing her hand across the base of her back when a sharp pain twanged in the base of her spine. She awkwardly picked herself up, touching her slightly bruised cheek from where it had impacted the ground, brushing off the grit with the back of her glove. She snapped around to glare at him indignantly.
He leaned forward casually, completely smug. "You filth..." He punctuated with derision.
She pushed aside her discomfort, trying to pretend it didn't hurt as much as it did, though her expression must have been enough to make him think their fight was already over.
"You're pitiful! Don't tell me it's finished already!"
"Oh, this isn't over," she assured, forcing herself to stand tall.
A crumpled old newspaper skittered across their private battleground, the only sound to emanate around them. Nagi flicked her hair over her shoulder, standing her ground, waiting for him to make the first move. Reiji flexed and clenched his hands constantly at his sides, eyes locked onto her eye with deadly intention. He was thinking the same thing; he wanted her to come at him first.
Yeah, well you can keep waiting, she thought. I'm not that stupid...
Her patience paid off as Reiji finally decided he'd had enough of waiting. He yelled a curse at her and charged. His speed was remarkable, and she quickly sidestepped his incoming strike, though failed to react quick enough to his turn when he planted a fist straight into her stomach. She hunched over almost instantly. She struggled to take a breath, though managed to backpedal from him in time to avoid another punch. She caught sight of him launching a kick to the back of her head and caught his ankle at the last second, pushing him backwards. Reiji flipped over stylishly, landing on his feet. He grinned, thrusting himself forward with a momentous punch, which Nagi quickly intercepted by cross-locking her hands around the arm.
It had stopped his fist just inches from her face.
He snorted, opening his fist to latch onto one of her arms and yank her towards him, turning to swing her over. Relying mostly on her swiftness than her strength, she managed to rotate midair, twisting in his grip so that she was able to wrap her legs around his neck. He let go almost instantly.
"Gyah! What the-" He stumbled back, just about managing to stay on his feet, which she quickly set about to rectify by twisting her body, using the imbalance to her advantage. He was lifted off his feet and slammed hard into the ground, her knee catching his jaw as they landed. She detangled herself from him, backing off so he couldn't attempt to grab her again.
"Stay down," she warned, laying a hand on her tender stomach.
Reiji lifted himself up, shaking slightly. He couldn't believe that this 'nobody' was able to stand toe to toe with him. He rubbed his jaw, the fire in his eyes raging.
"No… I won't give up…" The irises in his eyes began to bleed out to consume the brown until they were just two midnight black orbs. "You won't defeat me!" The screech of his voice went to a pitch that no human could possibly reach.
Nagi stood gaping with fascination as he began to transform before her eyes. Black feathers sprouted across his skin, consuming the pale tattooed flesh. His face contorted as it began to reshape, his mouth reforming into a hard beak. His frame bulked out as talon feet appeared, clicking loudly against the concrete as he moved. Finally, two black wings violently erupted from his back, flapping wildly as if contented at their release, elevating him slightly above the ground. With his transformation complete, the crow Zoanthrope screeched out a battle-ready caw, eyes locked on Nagi, who was keeping her distance.
This isn't good... She wasn't going to pretend she wasn't nervous.
It was probably her clear indecision of her next move that left her open to attack. Reiji dove at her, covering the distance in an instant. He latched a talon onto her shoulder, the sharp claws digging in through her jacket. She gasped in pain, finding herself unable to get out of his grasp. He cawed loudly and kicked his foot up backwards – the one which was holding onto her – and let her go, flinging the young woman up into the air. She spun head over heels, unable to decipher to rapidly twisting shapes around her. Disorientated, she was unprepared for the impact of the ground when it rushed to meet her falling form, striking her right in the middle of the back. She was too winded to cry out.
She could hear the flapping of wings getting closer to her fallen position, his next impending attack almost seconds away. But she wasn't willing to just lay there and take it. With what she had left, she rolled onto her side and quickly scrambled to her feet, despite her body protesting the movements. Fist gripped tightly into a ball, she pulled back and sprung at the incoming Reiji.
"Just for you," she hissed as she smashed him straight in the head with a satisfying crack.
He cried out in a high screech and flapped maniacally, backing off.
I can't go on like this... She thought breathlessly. I need to call on my power now more than ever...
Collapsing to her knees, she held her hands to her chest, closing her eyes tightly as she dug deep within herself to see if she could find the power she needed. At first, there was nothing, just the pain that wracked her back and threatened to bring her to collapse. But then, a tiny spark. She focused on that spark, her rage building to form a searing power, which suddenly began to flare out of her. It crackled out from within her being, drawing a gasp from her lips as an electric-like current coursed over her body, manifesting across her skin like little red lightning bolts.
Reiji froze, his beady eyes marvelling at the energy on display before him. He was in awe of this unusual phenomenon, even more so when she began to change.
Red armour-like plating began to materialize across parts her body, coating her arms and legs predominantly; some pale flesh remained untouched though was now somewhat more toughened in comparison to its usual suppleness. Her torso was peppered with red armour scales which travelled up her neck to create thick plating on one side of her face. A new appendage began to form on her right forearm, unfolding itself to reveal a sword-like limb. Her once brown hair slowly changed into flowing crimson red locks, matching the rest of her body.
An echoing gasp escaped her lips and she rose from her knees to stand. She stared down at her clawed hands with uncertain feelings, her brain still trying to process what had just happened. Her breath hitched at the thought of what she would see when she got to view her complete reflection. But that would have to wait.
She looked back at Reiji, who was just hovering across the way, seemingly cautious. Her eyes narrowed - both now with cat like irises, though one eye had remained dark brown while the other had become a deadly red.
Reiji cawed and dove into the attack he'd done before, launching out his talon-clad foot to grab her. But this time, she brought her right arm up, the large sword-like limb folding up into playing a protective barrier. He couldn't get his talon to lock around her toughened shell. He trilled in frustration. Nagi merely smiled and locked her left hand around his ankle, and squeezed hard.
Her crushing grip caused him to squawk in agony, and he pulled back, trying to get her off before she snapped it clean in two. Before he could escape her grip, she slammed him hard into the concrete. She unfolded the sword limb and thrust it down towards him, but he rolled out the way just before it could impact, the blade imbedding in the ground where he'd lain. She snorted and pulled it out of the concrete with little effort.
Reiji spread his wings and lifted himself up to take the weight off his sore ankle. He wasn't deterred by his pain and charged again, almost at the exact same time she dove for him. Their hands locked as they clashed, and they engaged in a game of strength. At first it seemed that Nagi was struggling to hold her own against his might, but it soon became obvious that it was actually Reiji who was struggling to keep her from overwhelming him. Pushing against the hold, Nagi caused him to falter backwards and she let go, planting her hand on his shoulder to vault over so she was positioned behind him. He wasn't fast enough to turn as she swung her large knife limb around and cut straight up his back, slicing away a horde of feathers off one of his wings. He screeched and hit the ground forcefully, de-transforming back to his human self, a bloody line actively seeping along on his back.
He gasped for air, the pain sharp as he tried to rise. He couldn't understand; there was no way he could lose. He managed to get to one knee and turn around, just in time to meet Nagi's foot snapping under his chin. The force behind it threw him backwards into a row of trash cans lined up against the opposite wall. He didn't rise again; he simply lay groaning in the dirt.
Nagi couldn't help but chuckle, flicking up her long blade limb, placing it to her lips just as Reiji's blood trickled down from the edge. The taste was exhilarating.
"More…" She cooed lovingly to her weapon, losing herself momentarily to the senses of 'The Spurious'. When she finally realised what she was doing, she froze.
The fire in her blood was wild, her lust for blood resolute.
Her human side quickly dampened these feelings when they finally assumed control. She gagged, moving her arm sharply away, staring at the deadly blade with alarm. "No… I won't let the violence take me," she whispered, shaking her head with sorrow. She turned to cast a sympathetic glance at Reiji and ran back towards the building she'd been previously stood on and leapt up onto the flat roof. She retrieved her bag and folded the blade up out of the way so she could unzip it. She reached in, rifling through the contents until she came to a small vanity case. But it wasn't makeup she was after. It was a mirror, which she pulled out and unfolded, finally getting the chance to see her own face. She blinked with disbelief at the bright red hair and the unnatural eyes staring back at her. It was clearly her, but now depicting a distortion of her humanity. Having seen enough, she folded the mirror away and put her things back into her bag, leaning her head against it once she'd zipped it back up.
She let out a muffled cry, cursing this unreal form, willing it away. In a wash of red light, 'The Spurious' retreated back into her body, and she was the image of a human girl once more. Her clothes were a tattered mess. She'd need to find a concealed spot to change them. Taking her leave, she leapt across the gap Reiji had used when he'd first appeared and skirted the ledge to follow the way around passed the rail tracks. She quietly acknowledged that any pain that had previously wracked her from the fight was almost dulled to nothing; a sign of her new Zoanthrope abilities at work. She started to run, not sure what she was trying to escape, but she suddenly felt too scared to stop and disappeared quickly into the night.
Reiji lay groaning in the trash piles, finally coming to realise he was on his own, his opponent nowhere to be seen. Not that he cared too much. He was in agony.
From the shadows, two small eyes watched him before quickly losing interest, the little form taking off in the direction that Nagi has disappeared. It made its way to the ledge she'd disappeared around, sniffing the air determinedly. Picking up the scent it wanted, it barked lightly, listening to the sound echo into the night sky.
The tiny little grey fox shook its head and followed the ledge in pursuit of Nagi.