DISCLAIMER: I don't own Pokémon or any of its characters, place names, etc. The only characters I own here are the lovely Samara Kantaris (or rather, she owns me...hehehe) and her 'rival' Ivan...and Kate Roscoe too. I guess Stella's mine as well, you could say. None of the other characters are mine (although I heartily wish I owned Lance and Giovanni, but unfortunately I don't...)
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well, another chapter's here, finally! I'm so sorry this took so long! First I was studying, then I had loads of exams, then I was on holiday, then I was just being lazy...hehe, well I've condensed a couple of chapters and updated little things...and obviously here's the newest chapter I started college in September so I dunno if I'm gonna get much time to update this but I promise I will, even if it's just at weekends or just during holidays.
I'm trying to condense the chapters so that I don't end up with about 40 altogether (lol) so a lot happens in this chapter...sorry it's so long! cries
Thanks for your little note, Pikah! I like your new penname!
Enjoy
The two girls arrived at Vermilion City that evening. Or rather, it was late afternoon, but it was the time of year when it goes dark early. Tired out, they climbed up one last hill and were met by a breathtaking view of a pretty harbor town, lit up almost entirely by a stunningly red sunset from across the water on the horizon.
"'The Port of Beautiful Sunsets', that's Vermilion..." Kate said, panting and leaning forwards to catch her breath. "I must say, we got here a little quicker than I'd expected."
Kantaris was too tired to talk. Kate was a fast walker and it had been hard to keep up.
"Let's go find a hotel," she said.
They did so, and the next morning, Kantaris woke up just after sunrise. She headed out to the Pokémon Centre and went on the PC. She clicked on the PC Storage icon and followed the on-screen instructions carefully. She'd never exchanged Pokémon before.
Place Pokémon for exchange in the slot to your right...
Of course. She had to send another Pokémon to storage before she could take one out. Kantaris thought hard. After a few moments' contemplation, she took Pineco's Pokéball and put it into the tubular slot beside the computer. Then she selected the only Pokémon in her storage box: Diglett. She clicked Exchange and waited. Tiny lights danced up and down the tube around the Pokéball. When it was done, 'Exchange complete' flashed on the screen.
Kantaris took her Pokéball gingerly. It didn't feel any different, except it was a little warmer.
"Got your Diglett, then?"
Kantaris turned round to see Kate walking over. As usual there was a light skip in her step and a cheery smile on her face. But Kantaris was too deep in thought to notice it much.
"I'm gonna hit the Gym, I think," she said.
"Do you think you're ready?" Kate asked openly. It was a neutral question. She didn't sound pessimistic.
"I should think so. I mean...I trained quite a bit on the way down." Kantaris bit her lip. "Do you think I'm ready?"
I'm asking for advice. I must be desperate.
"Hmm, let's see..." Kate drummed her fingers on her chin. "You might wanna train up your Diglett a little more. Otherwise, you should be fine."
"How's the Gym here?"
"That depends how you are with electricity."
"Electricity...?"
"Very weak against Ground Pokémon," Kate said, glancing at the Pokéball in Kantaris' hand. "And not very effective against Steel or Grass, either. Just don't use Water or Flying Pokémon, you should be fine."
Kantaris nodded slowly.
"But there's a good chance that you might encounter some Steel hybrids in there," Kate continued. "Magneton, most likely."
"Steel Pokémon?" Kantaris blanched. "How do I...?"
"Use Fire. Or Ground. Or Water, if you really wanna take the risk." Kate smiled. "They're hard to damage, granted, but you should be fine. So I shall ask again: do you think you're ready?"
"I did! I'm not so sure now!" Kantaris was pretending to be mad. Kate didn't fall for it.
"Be off with you!" she laughed, giving Kantaris a playful shove.
"I should be fine, right?" Kantaris laughed as well. Kate had said that three times in the past couple of minutes. It was mildly amusing.
"Sure you will!" Kate didn't notice that Kantaris was making fun of her. "I gotta go to the port. I might see you later, depending what time you get out of the Gym."
If I ever get out, Kantaris said silently. But she nodded.
"Thanks for your help, Kate..." she muttered, half hoping that she wouldn't be heard.
"No problem!" Kate grinned.
Kantaris smiled awkwardly and headed off for the Gym, which was in the far west of Vermilion City. When she got there, she was surprised. It looked more like a warehouse. It was massive with plain grey walls and bars on the windows. And when she went inside, she was even more surprised. It was just one big room, with a large battlefield in the middle. There were small groups of trainers everywhere. Kantaris was about to walk out and come back later – the Gym Leader was obviously out, because there seemed to be a lot of people waiting. But just then, somebody called her back.
"New girl, where you going?"
Kantaris turned around and hurried to think of something plausible to say to the heavily tattooed guy facing her. But she couldn't find a reply. She shrugged.
"If you wanna challenge Surge, you have to beat a couple of us first!" the guy said, catching her eye.
"Why?" Kantaris demanded, looking away.
"'Cos we're his underlings, that's why! And if you can't beat us, you definitely won't stand a chance against our leader!" He walked off to the battlefield.
Kantaris wasn't sure if this guy was telling the truth, or if he just wanted to battle to kill time whilst waiting. But either way, she didn't see what harm could be done by battling, so she accepted and followed. She instantly tossed Diglett's Pokéball into the ring, feeling pleased with herself, but her opponent shook his head.
"A presumptuous trainer will get nowhere," he remarked. "You're expecting an Electric-type, right?"
The trainer skillfully tossed his Pokéball into the ring. A large, scary-looking bird appeared. It seemed to be made of metal. When it gnashed its beak or moved its wings, it sounded like clanging iron. Oh, God, Kantaris said silently, big Pokémon. Not good.
"You look baffled," the trainer said, folding his arms.
"I..."
"Skarmory. Steel-Flying hybrid."
A Steel-Flying hybrid? That was unlucky. Diglett's Ground attacks wouldn't work on it because it could fly. And all of Kantaris' Pokémon were so very small compared to this thing. But then again, since when did size matter (when it came to Pokémon, of course)? Wasn't the legendary Celebii small?
I could do with Celebii's help right now.
"I'm re-calling my Pokémon," Kantaris said, "and sending out my Cyndaquil."
She did so, and as soon as she had, her opponent took the opportunity to attack.
"Skarmory, Steel Wing attack!"
Kantaris watched in mild horror as Skarmory took to the air and spread its keen-looking wings and dived straight down towards Cyndaquil.
"Dodge it, Cyndaquil!"
Cyndaquil deftly ducked and rolled to the right, avoiding the wing attack but getting hit by Skarmory's beak instead. There was no time to lose.
"Flamethrower!" Kantaris yelled.
Cyndaquil's back glowed bright red as it ensued forth a brilliant Flamethrower, hitting Skarmory as it descended. The bird seemed to glow with the heat, and it cowered. Kantaris looked a little alarmed, but Skarmory's trainer was nonchalant.
"It'll take more than that to beat my Skarmory."
"Ember attack!" Kantaris ordered, ignoring her opponent.
Cyndaquil shot one...two...three...four...five fireballs at Skarmory. Each one hit head on, and Skarmory fell to its knees. Kantaris raised her eyebrows and smiled – she was winning already!
"Finish it off with a Tackle, Cyndaquil!"
Cyndaquil, also looking more confident, sprang at its opponent. The attack itself was decent, but it had the same effect as running into a metal wall. Cyndaquil fell back, having done more damage to itself than Skarmory.
"Okay, that was stupid," Kantaris admitted.
"Skarmory, Whirlwind!" the trainer commanded.
Skarmory instantly climbed to its feet and bent down over Cyndaquil as if making a mockery of it. It cawed loudly and blew a gust of wind that sent Cyndaquil spiraling backwards. Kantaris caught her Pokémon but dropped it instantly because of the heat. She cursed, waving her hand in the air to cool the burn. Her opponent laughed.
"You gotta send out another Pokémon."
"I know!" Kantaris clicked her tongue. "Go, Stella..."
Stella probably sensed her trainer's predicament, because she emerged faster than ever before, not wasting any time on special effects or a classy entrance. She spat at her opponent in spite, and Skarmory's eyes were ablaze. It scratched the ground, impatient to attack.
"Gust attack."
Stella squinted and stood her ground (well, she was floating, but you know what I mean) as the light Gust attack ruffled her hair.
"Thunder attack!" Kantaris said gleefully. This was her 'piece de resistance'.
Stella unleashed one of her most impressive Thunder attacks ever, but it was as if Skarmory was surrounded by a shield. The attack didn't work.
"Steel Pokémon," Skarmory's trainer said scornfully. "Electric attacks don't work."
"Fine..." Kantaris pouted, extremely put off. "Shadow Ball!"
"Fly, Skarmory!"
The Shadow Ball attack missed Skarmory as it took to the air. Kantaris swore before saying,
"Nightshade, Stella!"
Stella closed her eyes and sent forth a powerful Nightshade that seemed to engulf the entire room. Everything came to a standstill and the whole room witnessed Skarmory fall from the air and land on the dusty floor with an almighty clang that rang in everyone's ears for at least 30 seconds afterwards.
"How now?" Kantaris asked carefully.
"Very good..." the trainer said, giving Kantaris a small amount of cash. Kantaris looked at it in dissatisfaction but said nothing.
She took to the Pokémon Centre, impatient to get back to the Gym and battle the Gym Leader. Enough of this whole 'underlings' rubbish: she was there for a badge, not to train up the rest of the Gym. Her heart was thundering (no pun intended), so I think it's safe to say that she was a little apprehensive about facing Lt. Surge.
And when Kantaris got back to the Gym and finally met Lt. Surge, she figured she was justified in being apprehensive. An army cadet squadron leader and long-time trainer of Electric Pokémon, he was one tough-looking guy. And his 'I'm gonna shock you into submission!' by way of an introduction wasn't exactly welcoming either. Brock had been casual and generous, Misty had been chatty...but this guy seemed nothing short of ruthless. Gym Leaders were there to test trainers and Surge obviously took this role very seriously with no leeway for friendliness. But the fact remained that he stood between Kantaris and her next badge.
Surge's Pokémon were all sufficiently tough as well. First up was a Magneton as Kate had predicted. Kantaris, searching wildly for something that might remotely resemble a 'battle plan', decided to send out her weaker Pokémon first to save her stronger ones. This strategy had seemed okay in her mind, but when Magneton polished off her Diglett after just one minute, she realised that she'd gone about it in entirely the wrong way. She'd been planning to rely heavily on Diglett to get this badge. But now what?
Kantaris sent out her Cyndaquil and yelled,
"Flamethrower attack!"
Cyndaquil was at an advantage in that its opponent was somewhat too heavy and cumbersome to move quickly enough to dodge its attacks. This made up for Magneton's advantage in terms of size and level. Three Flamethrowers were all it took to take the Magneton down, during which time Cyndaquil suffered a Thunder Wave attack. It wasn't totally paralyzed but it had slowed down considerably. As Surge took hold of his next Pokéball, Kantaris bit her nails and wondered if her Pokémon would last.
Then something started to happen, something that Kantaris had witnessed only once before, in Mount Moon. Her Cyndaquil stood still. It began to glow. And it glowed brighter and brighter...
"Well, would you look at that?" Surge exclaimed.
"It's...evolving!" Kantaris' face broke into a genuine smile, which didn't happen often.
The glow died away, and standing there in Cyndaquil's place was a sleek, strong-looking...?
"Congratulations," Surge said. "You now have a Quilava. Good job, kid. You must have raised it well."
"Oh..." Kantaris blushed. Wow, he was giving praise. "Thanks."
Wasting no more time, Lt. Surge released his next Pokémon. Kantaris' feeling of hope and happiness died away as she laid eyes on a fired-up Electabuzz. She'd heard that its strength was formidable, that it was to Electric Pokémon what Scyther was to Bug Pokémon: in a league of its own. But nevertheless, she narrowed her eyes, clenched her fists and shouted,
"Quilava, go! Tackle attack!"
Nothing quite like commanding a newly-evolved Pokémon, she thought to herself. As a Cyndaquil, her Pokémon's streamlined shape had made it good at delivering swift Tackle attacks. Now it was even better because it was carrying more mass and power as a Quilava. It raced towards its opponent like a streak of red fire.
"Electabuzz, Thunderpunch!" Surge commanded.
The Thunderpunch sent Quilava flying with a crack. The Tackle attack didn't connect.
"Too close. We're getting too close," Kantaris muttered. "Try a Flamethower!"
Quilava let out a well-aimed, concentrated blast of fire that sent its opponent reeling. Kantaris began to doubt the strength of this Electabuzz. It didn't look like anything special.
"Again, Quilava!"
But Quilava was too slow this time, probably due to the Paralysis.
"Thunder attack!"
Kantaris shielded her eyes as lightning filled the battlefield. She felt a streak of heat running past her legs. Opening her eyes, she saw Quilava running not away from the Thunder attack but rather into the middle of it. It leapt into the air towards its opponent with its claws outstretched...and the Thunder attack was cut short.
"That's a Slash attack!" Kantaris whispered breathlessly. Her Pokémon had attacked of its own accord, but no matter.
"Hang in there, Electabuzz!" Surge was yelling, tearing his hair out.
He really gets into his battles.
"Don't waste time, Quilava!" she ordered, taking her chance. "Finish it off with an Ember attack!"
Quilava fired two fireballs in quick succession. That was all it needed. Electabuzz went down without a sound.
It was while Surge was choosing his next Pokémon that Kantaris realised that her heart was pounding and her palms were sweaty. She was getting into the battle as well, although she hadn't realised. She imagined that being a trainer could prove to be reasonably stressful. Imagine how the Elite Four must feel.
"Go, Raichu!" Surge yelled, tossing in his Pokéball.
"Oh, it's so cute!" Kantaris couldn't resist saying as it appeared in front of her, snarling fiercely at Quilava.
"Cute? Ha! Wait until you get a load of this: Thunderbolt attack, Raichu!"
"Dodge it with Agility!"
Continuing well despite its weakness and mild paralysis, Quilava took off around the battlefield, dodging every attack that was thrown its way. It speeded up. Raichu was lost. Then...it started to slow.
"Quick Attack, Quilava!"
The not-so-Quick-Attack missed at the same time as Raichu launched something that looked like an Iron Tail attack. Its hardened tail struck full on and Quilava was spent. It passed out.
"Just when I was starting to think that it was incapable of fainting," Surge remarked with a small chuckle. "Shame."
Slightly worried by this remark (and by Surge's tone of voice), Kantaris' mind was distracted. Was a Gym Leader allowed to make remarks like that? God, was he trying to scare her? Ha. Glaring at Surge, she blindly released her next Pokémon. It was a slight error.
Surge raised his eyebrows and folded his arms, gazing at the small but boisterous Oddish prancing around on the battlefield.
"Do you want to reconsider your choice?" he asked, looking down on Kantaris like a disappointed schoolteacher.
"No!" Kantaris said defiantly, hiding her mistake well. "Go, Oddish! Razor Leaf!"
It didn't do much damage. Raichu was tough.
"Tackle attack, Raichu," Surge commanded with less enthusiasm. What, was he going easy on her now?
"Dodge it and do another Razor Leaf!" Kantaris ordered.
Oddish rolled to the side rather clumsily, but at least it worked. It found its footing again and launched another Razor Leaf attack. This one was even weaker. Kantaris felt slightly annoyed but when she looked at her Pokémon, she knew it was trying its best and she couldn't stay mad. Not now, anyway. If she lost, maybe...
"Quick Attack, Raichu!"
Quick Attack was too quick.
"And again!"
Much too quick.
"Again, Raichu!"
Weren't Raichus supposed to be slow? Kantaris couldn't get an attack in edgeways. She wasn't sure if Oddish had actually fainted or not but she called it back. It was a hopeless cause. She sighed, knowing full well which Pokémon she was going to use next. I wish I didn't have to rely on her so much...
"Stella," Kantaris whispered, tapping the Pokéball with two fingers.
"What's your next Pokémon, kid?" Surge asked loudly.
"Stella..." Kantaris replied so that he could hear her. "She's my Misdreavus."
As she said it, Stella appeared with something that sounded like a purr, fluttering her eyelashes at her opponent. Raichu looked a little taken aback.
"Shadow Ball!"
It was almost as if Raichu had been expecting that. It leapt out of the way instantly and the attack passed by harmlessly before dissipating into the air.
"Nightshade, Stella!" This was her opportunity now. She had to take it.
The oncoming blast was too large to escape. Raichu turned and fled but was hit and crashed to the ground. Kantaris watched it silently. So did Surge. It rose to its feet slowly and turned back to face Stella with a growl. Kantaris' heart sank.
"Ha! Not beaten yet!"
"But not long to go."
"Thunder!" they both yelled at the same time.
The weakened Raichu seemed too surprised at Kantaris' order to do anything. It delayed in its attack as if it were waiting to see if this Misdreavus really did have Thunder, which it did. That moment's hesitation was all that Stella needed. With a screech she unleashed a mighty Thunder attack that would have done an Electric-type Pokémon proud. The look on Surge's face was mirrored on his Pokémon's as the lightning hurtled towards Raichu. Kantaris saw it happening as if in slow motion. A smile slowly formed on her face.
"Keep it up, Stella," she whispered.
But Surge shrugged and held out his hands.
"That's it," he said. "You won, kid."
"I...I did?" Wow.
"You did. I'd say you could do with this here Thunderbadge." Surge reached into his pocket and took out a small box, which he tossed to Kantaris. There was also some money strapped onto the box with an elastic band.
"I was gonna give you a TM," he said, "but I've given away all my Thunderbolts. And I see that you've already had a Thunder one."
The underlings in the Gym clapped. Kantaris jumped a little. She hadn't realised that they'd been watching. She smiled sheepishly and went to shake the Gym Leader's hand. He wasn't so bad after all.
When Kantaris had found her companion hanging around outside, she yelled,
"Kate! Oh, my God! Kate! I did it! I've got my Thunderbadge!"
"Hey, that's awesome!" Kate looked twice as happy as Kantaris did. She gave her a hearty hug that left Kantaris struggling to breathe.
"I haven't lost yet," Kantaris said smugly. "Isn't that awesome?"
"It sure is! Looks like you're on a roll!"
"So...what time's your ship to...wherever it is you're going?"
"Ah, well, that's just the thing." Kate scratched her head. "I went to the port, and...it's been cancelled."
"Oh..." Kantaris said absentmindedly, studying her new badge. "That's a shame."
"Yeah, it is, but on the other hand, it means that I have nothing else to do." Kate smiled brightly. "So...I don't have to leave you just yet."
"True..." Kantaris glanced at her warily.
"Well, I thought...seen as you're starting out, don't you think it'd be cool if I came with you? I mean, I know I'm not the greatest trainer ever – I'm no Champion – but traveling alone can be such a drag!"
Traveling alone was part of the package. Kantaris had been looking forward to it. She stared at Kate blankly, trying to think of a decent reply. Kate was obviously all excited about this, for some bizarre reason. Kantaris couldn't think of anything worse than tagging along with some rookie. Kate had done all of this before, so why did she want to do it again? Maybe she was out to steal her glory.
"It'd be no problem! Really!" Kate insisted, seeing her hesitation.
"You'd come with me? You'd help me out?"
"Of course! I'd love to!"
"Why?"
"Why not?"
Kate looked so innocent. Kantaris laughed briefly. But true, why not? Here was someone who knew the ropes and obviously had nothing better to do...so why not make use of the situation?
"Okay, if you're sure. That'd be great." Kantaris forced herself to smile. "I could use the company."
"Of course you could!" Kate linked arms with her and led her away from the Pokémon Centre. "Oh, but there's just one thing. I'll need to pick up a bit of stuff from Cerulean City, seen as we're going to be traveling."
"That won't be a problem. I need to go through Cerulean to get to Lavender Town, don't I?"
"That's the quickest way, yes."
"Well...we better get going then."
Suddenly Kate stopped and took a Pokéball from her bag. She tossed it up in the air and its inhabitant emerged – a gigantic, majestic Pidgeot with red and gold plume.
"Nice," Kantaris murmured.
"He's a star," Kate replied, climbing up onto her Pokémon's back. She offered her hand to Kantaris. "Come on, then."
"What?"
"You didn't think we walked all the way down here just to walk all the way back, did you?"
"But I can't go flying around! I need to train!" Kantaris fidgeted and Kate looked at her wryly.
"You've never flown before, huh?"
"No," Kantaris admitted.
"You should. It's fun."
"Um...I think I'll walk. I'll meet you back in Cerulean."
"Oh, no, you won't!" Kate laughed. "I insist!"
And with surprising strength, she pulled Kantaris up onto Pidgeot's back.
"How fast does this thing go?" Kantaris asked, clinging onto Pidgeot's feathers.
"Oh, not fast..." Kate replied airily. "North to Cerulean City, Pidgeot!"
Pidgeot's wings churned up a massive cloud of dust as it took off and sped northwards towards Cerulean City.
"I thought you said it didn't go fast!" Kantaris screamed, clinging on for her life.
"This isn't fast! You should try flying on a Dragonite!"
"You've flown on a Dragonite?" Kantaris nearly fell off in surprise.
"No, but...it's the fastest flyer in the world."
"I won't be trying that in a hurry."
They landed in a small field behind a housing estate on Cerulean Cape. It looked like a nice, quiet area to live. Kate obviously did live here, because she put Pidgeot back in its ball and then walked off in the direction of the houses, not bothering that she was trundling through mud. Kantaris followed her disapprovingly, but her attention was half on avoiding muddy patches in the grass...and half on a large, white building at the other side of the field.
"Do you wanna come in for a drink or something?" Kate asked when they arrived at her front door.
"No, that's okay," Kantaris replied, still looking between the houses at the mysterious old building. "I'm just gonna go...look around for a while."
"Are you sure? It's kinda cold."
Kantaris shrugged it off.
"I like the cold. It's fine. I'll be back soon."
"Okay. I'll be waiting here for you. Take care."
As soon as Kate had shut the door, Kantaris sprinted off towards the building, not bothering about her boots getting muddy anymore. The building was surrounded by a barbed wire fence which held a faded wooden sign: 'DANGER: DERELICT BUILDING. DO NOT ENTER.'
"Whatever," Kantaris said.
Steadying herself on one of the wooden posts, she swung her legs over the fence and landed in the long, unkempt grass on the other side. An old plaque by the door mentioned that this place was a power plant...or at least, it used to be.
Kantaris pushed the door. It wouldn't budge. So, having glanced around nervously to make sure nobody was watching, she kicked it as hard as she could. It fell through with a crack as it landed on the tiled floor. She thanked compulsory martial arts training with Team Rocket for that.
There were various holes in the walls, ceiling and windows that let the light in. Kantaris wandered through the building silently, loving the adrenaline and the feeling of being somewhere that she blatantly wasn't supposed to be. She heard a noise behind her, and her heart skipped a beat. She spun around instantly to find herself face to face with a Magnemite. The nail on its head was buzzing with static electricity.
In mild alarm, Kantaris called Stella out of her Pokéball.
"Attack, Stella!" she commanded.
Stella's eyes glowed as she issued forth a Psywave. The Magnemite fell from the air and landed on the tiled floor with a loud ding. It looked to be knocked out. Kantaris was about to walk off and carry on exploring, but she felt sorry for the Magnemite although she didn't know why. So instead, she took a Pokéball from her bag and tossed it. It captured the Magnemite easily and vanished to be stored in the PC System.
"Well, that's another new Pokémon, I guess," Kantaris whispered. Just then, there was a brief flash and a rumble of thunder. "Looks like a storm."
A storm? Just like that? Weird.
Kantaris called Stella back into her Pokéball and decided to turn back. It wouldn't be good if the building got hit by lightning while she was still inside. From the looks of things, the old power plant had already been hit several times in the past. It made sense seen as it was high on a hill in the middle of a field, a perfect target for lightning. And besides, there was nothing to see.
Kantaris shielded her eyes from an exceptionally bright flash of lightning. The thunder that followed was so loud that the whole place seemed to shake. For one terrifying moment, she thought she'd been hit (or come close to being hit). This must be a pretty bad storm, she thought.
And then she heard something else. It didn't sound like thunder. It sounded like...some sort of bird cry. She felt her hair standing up on end, and tingles running up her arms. It was subtle at first, but it became more intense. Kantaris turned around just in time to see a blinding bolt of lightning hurtling in her direction. She threw herself to the floor and it struck the wall, reducing a large section of it to rubble and ash. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the colours and lights that were dancing in front of her eyes.
There was the noise again. The bird cry. Then a shadow appeared. Kantaris rolled over onto her back and found herself staring into the furious eyes of some sort of bird Pokémon. She froze. It was so big that it made Kate's Pidgeot look like a Spearow. Its plumage was gold, and the undersides of its wings bristled with tiny bolts of lightning. Its beak and talons were razor sharp. At first, Kantaris was mesmerized by its appearance. Then she realized...it looked indescribably angry.
She'd just walked into its home.
