Title: Metrepole
Rating: PG-13. (I'm too lazy to use the new ratings) Rating MAY change depending on the topics
Disclaimer: I don't own Weiß, but if you find any characters which doesn't belong in the anime, I suppose they're mine...So please, don't complain, don't sue, don't create a racket...
Pairings: Unknown yet. When decided, I will put up.
Summary: (This is centred on Ran, okay?) Ran lost his mermory and is trying hard to find it while seeking revenge against Takatori. His secret terms with Schwarz is left unknown to his new assassin members. As he struggle to stay sane for some reason, he encounters situations he had never dared imagine.
Warning: Shounen-ai to the further chapters (that's a guarantee), maybe some OCC-ness somewhere
Note to readers: Read and review PLEASE... (puppy dog eyes) I know I would have errors here and there, so please ignore them! Most of the words are translated into German, just to tell you, so please don't come up and tell me they're German, because they are! Okay, please go on to the story. The more reviews I get, the faster I do to be exact. Thanks for coming anyway!
Even after saying goodbye, would I miss you?
Even after saying sorry, would I understand everything?
The tears now took over the kisses you gave me
My world became the snowy skies of winter
In my hands your warmth remained in pieces
How do I combine them back again?
7th day of the 7th month fell the sudden snow
Didn't open my eyes to hope it was just an illusion
I stood beside the world
Stared blankly at the snow
Which covered the street where I met you
7th day of the 7th month night turned to day
I lost the feeling, seeing the edge of ending our love
I looked over the borders of the endless skies
Unable to hear your goodbye
Reason often makes mistakes but conscience never does.
Chapter 13: Advance Attack on Kritiker
"Tiefer is a day late, have you noticed?" Kenta asked as he poured water into his mug. Kazuma sat beside him at the counter, snoozing away.
"Hm… I have to admit. I'm starting to worry as well. She should've been over latest yesterday, but until now there isn't a trace of her", Mist agreed as he read the papers. "Further more she's not the type who enjoys not being on time."
Kou snorted and rolled about on the coach, trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep in. Still unable to find one, he propped himself up on his elbows. He was about to speak when he paused, sensing something wrong.
"Why… there's smell of blood", Kou growled. Mist tore his eyes from the papers and glanced at Kou.
The demon frowned as he sniffed the air to get a better scent. It was familiar. Very familiar.
"Tiefer!" He shouted. Kazmua jumped and fell off his chair while Kenta got up to his feet. Mist lashed his hand towards the door and the door flung open, revealing Tiefer leaning against the wall, bloodied all over.
"Hello boys…I was… about to ring the bell", she panted. Kenta, being the nearest to the door, rushed up and grabbed the woman before she collapsed to the ground.
"She's out, but still breathing", Kenta said, his hand checking her pulse.
"Bring her in. She must've got into some bad company or some sort", Kazuma said, now fully awake.
"No", Kou cut in. "She was being attacked. The smell of gunpowder is fresh. Someone set it up."
"Then we'll have to get out of here. They could be on the way here since Tiefer isn't dead yet", Mist continued. He made two circles with his hands, forming rings using white air. It wrapped around the woman's body and acted as a bandage. This method was much more effective than the normal cloth bandages.
Kou hissed.
"They're coming. Two hundred(1)."
"That quick eh? They must be flirting death", Kazuma scoffed.
"You two get the car and take Tiefer along. Kou and I will stall them. Five minutes!" Mist ordered. Kazuma and Kenta nodded and left the house with Kazuma carefully carrying the injured body on his back.
The two left in the house watched as their teammates left when the sound of approaching people could be herd.
"Pathetic humans", Kou commented. The skin on his back stretched outwards as his wings go under his vest and spreading out.
"That's for you to say", Mist sniffed as Kou held onto the smaller man by the waist. Kou grinned and charged out of the house through the window, shattering the glass to bits. He flew up to the roof and placed Mist on top.
"There they are", Kou said, pointing to the distance.
"I know even if you didn't tell me", Mist said and raised a hand. "Nebel."
Immediately, the air in the surroundings condensed, forming clouds about.
"Twenty people aren't even enough to take down one of my finger", Kou snorted. He bit his fore finger and began a chant as wrote a word in the air. The blood flowing from his finger formed the words written mid-air and glowed bright red.
"Hölle drängt."
The word flashed and three creatures of the same species appeared. A cross between a wolf and a dog, it was dark grey with both ears clipped crescent-shaped. Its neck fur was frilled, sharp like spikes. From the elbows to the paws were smoky, as if evaporating into the air. Same went with the hind legs. The three howled simultaneously in eagerness to make their kill. Yet, an invisible chain held them back unless Kou had ordered them to go.
Mist and Kou turned their attention to behind them where the twenty people were, all ready with their assigned weapons in hand.
"How did they get up here?"
"I wouldn't care. They're probably trained, yet not worth wasting time for", Kou yawned.
One of the men disapproved of that insult and dashed towards the duo, weapon raised. Kou smirked and released one of the Hell Hounds of its invisible chain and it ran full speed to feast on its first victim. Only one clamp across the man's neck was needed to send him where they were from.
The other men, upon seeing their comrade in trouble, stampeded towards them when Kou finally released the remaining two. The Hell Hounds wasted no time chomping on the first victim they saw and attacking the next one which tried to injure it.
"Damon! Mist!" Kenta's voice echoed through the white smoke.
"Time to go. Enjoy yourself boys", Mist smiled and held onto Kou who took off into the air, flapping his large wings. Even before any of the attackers could react they were already on the road to death as the Hell Hounds took no damage from their weapons. They died with one bite as the poison from the Hell Hounds fangs killed them instantly.
Kou dived through the white fog directly downwards which almost seemed like bungee jumping. The mist had blocked most of his views, but he knew when to stop. Once he caught sight of the grey of the road he flapped downwards missing the ground by a few inches. By now Mist was already used to it and had no fear of hitting the ground.
Kazuma drove out the blue jeep and skidded before them, stopping a meter away from them.
"Let's hit the road to Puerto Rico!" He shouted.
--
"What?" Three of them chorused.
Manx shook her head.
"Two branches and three groups have been attacked yesterday. One branch is still standing at the moment while only one of the three groups fell", she continued, a bit irritated by the interruption by her group. "Blaue Löcher is heading here at the moment to take shelter. I hope you support them with your hospitality."
"But Manx. Don't we have to do something to help?" Yoji asked.
Manx shook her head. "The only thing you can do now is to stay alive when we need you. About the case in Riot Building, it shall be held off for another time." She paused and scanned the room. "You four are our key to throwing off Takatori. We need you alive and well, do you understand?"
The group nodded in agreement, but Yoji remained watching her with an unapproved look.
"Good. From Miami to Puerto Rico should take about a day. Be composed then", Manx said as she slipped her handbag to her shoulder. "I'll take my leave."
"Will you be okay?" Omi asked as he led her out of the mission room. The three watched as the blonde made his way upstairs with the female redhead, discussing about some matters.
"Damn. I was just planning to go back today", Yoji growled, banging his fist against the wall.
Ken stayed in silence while Ran got up from the seat and left the two behind.
--
Takatori lifted his gaze from the documents to his worker.
"What do you mean Kritiker was attacked?"
"Based on what we know, sir. Estet was the one who launched attack on Kritiker as they believe Persia would stand in the way of our partnership", the man replied.
"Estet have such arrogant people. Fine. You may leave."
The worker bowed and left the room. Noticing someone was entering, he left it opened at another went in.
"Mr. Takatori."
"Masahiro, you're late once again", Takatori huffed as he tidied his table.
"And once again, my apologies. I had to deal with a meeting between my fellow doctors."
Takatori snorted. "What could be more important than following the appointment I have set for you?"
"I have a case for one of my… friend. His younger sister has been in the hospital for the past two years in coma until today. The people in the hospital were rather unpleased with the fact that we have to keep a living yet unconscious figure."
"Oh really? I do remember hospitals and clinics these days do away with comatose people right away."
"Yes, but this is one unusual patient I have. She hasn't aged the least bit for the past few years."
The older man rubbed his chin in wonder. "Interesting indeed. What is her name?"
"Fujimiya Aya. The younger sister of Fujimiya Ran."
"Hm… I wonder if he was able to cast a spell."
Makoto gave a chuckle. "He is neither Zauberei nor Schatten, Mr. Takatori. He is a normal human being."
"I would like to see this Fujimiya person. Do you think you can arrange a meeting?"
"That is no problem at all sir", Makoto laughed. "There is nothing I cannot do."
Fujimiya, Takatori thought. It sounded very familiar.
"Before I leave sir, may I ask how is the search for your perfect Diamant?"
"Bah, those sick bitches at the Riot building only had eyes for money. I want one that is full of passion, not full of shit. Furthermore those three there were terrible of being in charge."
"I see", Makoto smiled. "I'll check with your secretary your timings. Any preferable days?"
"As soon as possible."
Makoto bowed and went over to the door and saw Schuldich waiting outside. The telepath grinned at the ex-soldier.
"Interesting specimen to have, eh?" Schuldich sneered.
"I'd suggest you mind your own business before someone gets hurt", Makoto said while passing the German.
"Ooohhh", Schuldich moaned. "I'm so scared."
Makoto shot a glare over his shoulders and ignored as he entered the lift.
--
Shortly after Manx left, the four guys went up to the living room to discuss the matter. Since Manx left, Ken kept babbling about how Kritiker was low on alert and therefore the losses. Yoji repeatedly asked him to shut up but the brunette continued on as if it would give him an answer.
"Stop asking over and over again you twit!" Yoji yelled as he drove his fist into the brunette's head.
"Ow! Watch it! Anyway, what I said was true! Kritiker wouldn't be that stupid enough to let this many groups and branches fall!"
"Why you little punk", Yoji growled, but was interrupted when Omi's odd voice shouted.
"That's enough you two! Can't we settled this without bothering the neighbours? Really, guys, if you keep this up I'm going to throw you two out!"
"But he started it!" Both Ken and Yoji protested, pointing at each other and they both picked up where they left off.
"Shut up!" Ran's harsh voice roared. "Or I'll beat the shit out of you", he growled.
The playboy and goalie tossed daggers and glares at each other before settling down onto the couches far apart from each other. Omi sighed and propped himself down.
"So, who're the people who makes up Blaue Löcher?" Yoji asked curiously, placing his arm on top of the smaller blondes head. Omi frowned and slid the heavy arm off.
"Well, if I'm not wrong, the people should be Kazuma, Koujenrou, Kenta…"
"The three 'K-steers'(2)?" Yoji mused to himself.
"What? A name close to mine?" Ken shrieked.
"Well, it's written the same way, but he only has an extra word behind", Omi stretched on the seat he was on. "The last one is…Now, who was that again?" He asked, looking at Yoji and Ken.
"What? You expect us to know if you don't?" The two grumbled.
"Mist", Ran said out loud. The rest turned their attention to their leader who stood against the wall.
"Right! Mist, that's his name", Omi thanked for the help given.
"Mist? That's a weird name for one. It doesn't even sound Japanese."
"That's because he doesn't remember his real name", Ran cut in. Ken looked at the redhead in surprise.
"You know all these people?"
Ran gave a shrug. "I don't know. It just came to me."
"What do you mean 'it just came to me'?"
"I said I don't know", Ran growled, walking to leave the room.
"Oi, where're you going? We have to get the place ready before Blaue Löcher comes!" Ken shouted.
"I'm sure you can take care of it", Ran finished and left the house, not bothering to even lock it.
"Someday when this guy pisses me off so bad, I'm going to kick his sorry ass", Ken muttered as he limped towards the kitchen. Omi sweat-dropped and helped his friend get to the kitchen and getting whatever he need. Yoji remained seated on the sofa, staring at the door which the redhead had just left.
He lit a cigarette and was about to take a drag when a fork flew past his face and jammed against the wall.
"What the hell! Omi!" Yoji barked.
Omi peeked out of the kitchen door. "For your information Mister, you haven't recovered yet. Until then, no smoking! That's an order!"
Yoji mumbled and removed the fork embedded into the wall. Jeez, the kid may be small but the force he used to deliver his weapons was probably even better than his. Ha, brute force, Yoji chuckled to himself.
In the kitchen Omi heard the blonde giving a low laugh and he stuck his head out in wonder.
"Have you been possessed or something?" Omi asked.
"No. I'm just thinking of a good nickname for you, Omi-chu", Yoji grinned.
The younger blonde gave an angry look back.
"Ha ha. How about 'brute force'?"
"Well, Mr. I'm-so-good-at-calling-other-people-names, I don't need a special nickname thank you very much", Omi huffed and turned away from the exit, going beck to dealing with his own things with Yoji chuckling in the living room.
"Yup. Hasn't changed a bit", Yoji smiled as he crushed the burnt cig in one hand while the other played with the fork, twirling between two fingers.
Chapter 14: White meets Blue
Ran strolled alongside the road which he was too familiar by. It stretched through most of the streets and getting anywhere was the most convenient with this road in town. That was the reason why it was busy all round the clock.
He paused when he felt a sudden breeze brush past him. He looked around and noticed something odd. The wind was blowing, yet no one seemed to take notice of it. Hell, the wind was getting stronger and none of the people around him look like they even see him.
Something's wrong, he thought to himself. I…can't move?
That moment a white flash blinded him and in his mind, various images formed in his head.
Yoji getting shot be several men, him being with a woman.
Ken in direct range of a person who has a gun pointed directly at his head.
Omi held onto by a monster.
Ran hissed in pain as a feeling of electrocution shot through his head, causing a huge impact on what he was trying to concentrate on. He grimaced as his mind felt as if it was being compressed.
Violet eyes shot open when Ran felt a warm hand on his back, between the shoulders. Breathing hard, he collected his strength to turn his head over his shoulder to see who had just tapped him.
Bent beside him stood Crawford, looking at him with his emotionless expression.
"Are you feeling alright?" The precog asked, reaching out his hand.
Ran nodded and accepted the help, getting back on his feet instead of squatting there.
"Let's get something to drink. Maybe you'll feel better", Crawford suggested. The redhead kept silent, just nodding once again as he tried to focus on where he was walking.
They dropped by at the nearest café and fortunately there were plenty of seats. Ran randomly sat on one and leaned back, one arm rubbing his aching head.
"Tea or coffee?"
"Tea", the other muttered. Crawford gave one nod and went off, coming back with a tray where two cups and one croissant were placed on. Crawford distributed the drinks, leaving the croissant in the middle of the table.
"You don't look so good. Have you had your breakfast?"
Ran barely managed to shake his head.
Crawford sighed and pushed the plate with the croissant towards Ran.
"Here, you should eat something. I don't wish to carry around a white body."
The redhead raised a brow. "Was that supposed to be humorous?" He muttered.
Crawford shook his head.
Ran stared at the crescent-shaped bun and sniffed.
"Can you take half?"
"No."
Ran frowned and took the croissant, nervously nibbling at it when he noticed Crawford was watching him.
"Brad, stop looking at me", Ran grumbled.
"I'm not looking at you. I'm having a vision, that's all."
Ran blinked. "Oh."
Speaking of vision, were the previous images reality? They seemed real. No. It seemed more than real. He could feel, hear and think as each image of his teammates passed. Anyway, why his teammates? Is there a similarity behind them?
Ran took a deep breath.
Yoji and Ken were getting shot at while Omi was being held onto by a monster? It didn't make sense. Yet the brunette and blonde were of different times. Where the places were he didn't manage to catch. For some reason he felt…they were going to be killed.
Crawford drank from his coffee as he watched the redhead sitting opposite him lost in his thoughts. The visions he had received were unimportant. Seeing that Ran had stayed too long not knowing what was going around him, he reached over and pat his shoulder, getting a jump from the other.
"What?" Ran asked in puzzlement.
"Nothing. I was just wondering why you looked so…", the precog thought of the best word. "Depressed."
Ran looked down at the table, away from Crawford's direct gaze at him.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Do you feel pain when you have visions?"
Crawford let out one cough before settling himself.
"No, I do not. Why?"
"Iie…"
Crawford decided not to suppress the matter and glanced at his watch.
"It's ten. I'll be needing to meet Schuldich in half-an hour. Will you be fine yourself?" Crawford asked as he got up from his seat.
"Don't worry. I'll be fine by myself", Ran replied.
Crawford went over and bent over.
"Follow what your senses tell you. Don't let your mind control you", he whispered.
Ran could feel the hot breath on his face and he flinched, hand reaching up to his ear. He gaped at Crawford who walked off as if nothing happened.
That was embarrassing. Hope no one saw it… he thought smugly to himself.
Ran gave a sigh before he jumped right out of his seat when he heard another person's voice startling him.
"Makoto?" Ran stammered. The other gave him a questioned look.
Oh god. Hope he didn't know who Crawford was, or even mention him…
"What are you doing here?" The doctor asked before looking over his shoulder. "Having tea with your friend?"
'Friend'? No, more like enemy… "Yes." What were the chances of this person knowing Crawford? It wouldn't kill to take him as a friend anyway.
"I see", Makoto trailed off, looking into the distance. "Oh yes. I have a matter to speak with you. Do take a seat."
Both men settled and Makoto took Crawford's seat.
"Your sister. I've spoken to the head. He said the most is six months. I'm sorry, I've done the best I can."
Ran stayed quiet.
"But, I've found someone who can help you. You wish to meet him?"
"If he really can, I will. When?"
"Tomorrow. Six in the evening. Meet here. I'll bring you there."
--
Omi flicked his aching hand while half-way writing his report. So much for projects. His partner went goofing off but thankfully(or not) leaving a nice stack of reference.
"Ah…I'm so going to kill him!" Omi said to no one. Then, one of his pigeons flew into the room and stood on his head.
"Yes, what would you like now?" The blonde asked, reaching up to stroke the bird. The one on his head looked over between the blonde's eyes.
"Olivia. Don't sit on my head. Get off", Omi giggled, but the pigeon refused to budge. Instead, it flapped its wings without taking off, obviously trying to signal something.
Just then, a large crash was heard.
"Whaoh? Ken-kun! Yoji-kun! One of you downstairs fell or something?" Omi shouted, looking out of his door. He thought carefully. Yoji and Ken were in their rooms. He was the closest to the stairs and the elephant feet of theirs could not be missed.
Grabbing a few darts, he slowly made his way down the stairs. Leaning against the wall, he found that it came from the back door. If that was the case, why didn't the security alarm go off? Deciding to deal with that later, he stepped up in silence, standing against the wall beside the kitchen opening.
With one step he twisted, but even before catching anything, two black creatures struck past his face, causing him to tumble to the ground. He gave a yelp when the two things swiped back and forth at a high speed, causing the wind to cut through his skin.
Then, two familiar wing beats came. Pecker and Olivia came into the kitchen and started chasing the two shadows about, sending them away from the blonde.
"Hei! Mo(3)! What are you two doing?" A male voice shouted. The two shadows stood their places. Omi opened one eye to see a redhead, hair with a dark shade.
"Come back!" He ordered. The shadows slipped away and the two pigeons settled on the kitchen counter. The guy went up to Omi and lent a helping hand. "Are you okay? Sorry about those two. They didn't like strangers and end up attacking them."
Omi nodded and got up to his feet. At the door stood three other people in which one had a woman who seemed to be injured.
"Blaue?" Omi spat.
A guy with two black long ear-tails responded.
"That would be correct. Are you Weiss?"
Omi nodded. "But you shouldn't be here until tomorrow. We're not prepared yet."
"We took a short-cut. A very short short-cut", the one holding the woman grinned.
"Anyway", a low voice cut in. "Hey kid, help this woman a little." A guy behind the group said.
Omi led the four into the living and they placed the woman on the couch gently when Ken and Yoji came running down the stairs.
"Hey Omi, I heard a loud—Ah?" Ken stood there frozen.
"This is Blaue Löcher. Well, as you can see. They're earlier than expected…"
"I apologise for the sudden stop-over. I'm sure Manx has told you the situation?" The one with the long ear-tails spoke again.
"Right, but let me deal with her first", Omi said in an apologetic tone. "Yoji-kun, Ken-kun, go get the first-aid."
Yoji pouted but did as he was told, heading off to the kitchen when he rushed out yelling.
"What the hell are those two peasants doing on the kitchen counter!" He barked.
"Those aren't peasants. They're PIGEONS", Omi snapped. "And leave them alone or they'll kill you."
"Not before I cook them for dinner", Yoji sneered. Ken came back to the living room with the first-aid to find Omi whacking Yoji. He sweat-dropped and set the first-aid on the ground.
"So, who's who?" Ken asked as he opened the box.
"I'm Mist, this is Kou, Kazuma and Kenta."
"Ah, the guy with the almost exact name as me", Ken raised a brow at the last guy, who looked back at him in question.
"Name's Ken too."
"Ken two?"
"No. Ken. That small kid's Omi and the other hay wired is Yoji."
"I don't see Ran around", Mist whispered.
"Ran? Who's Ran?" The three Weiss ask in unison.
Mist blinked. "Ran Fujimiya. He got transferred here a year ago."
"You mean Aya?"
"Ran", Mist snapped. "Aya is his younger sister."
"What?" Yoji cut in. "You mean this blue-haired girl who has two plaits by her sides(4)?"
"Yes. That would be his younger sister. He didn't inform you about this?"
The three shook their heads.
"Whaoh, Aya has a younger sister? I must be dreaming", Ken said.
Yoji walked over and gave a knock onto the brunette's head. "You're ALWAYS dreaming, for that matter."
"Ow! Go away you jerk!" Ken yelled and gave a punch to Yoji's knee; weak spot(5).
Yoji began jumping around, holding his knee, ow-ing away.
"You two stop that!" Omi shouted, then sighed. "I'm sorry. Those two have always been like that."
"No surprise", Kou snorted.
"Don't talk about him, you're like that too", Kazuma countered.
Kou growled at him and Kazuma stuck out his tongue at the demon.
The three Weiss stared at Kou who was growling. It didn't sound normal. It sounded like an animal's.
Kenta noticed this and laughed. "You'll have to ignore Kou. He's like that."
"He doesn't sound… human."
Mist laughed. "No, he's not human. You'll have to forgive him for that. Penny for your thought, he's from Ander."
Three gasps followed.
"You're safe just as long as you don't piss him off", Kenta assured them, chuckling.
Kou gave a growl at Kenta who didn't bother about the demon.
"Wouldn't want to", Ken and Yoji mumbled together.
Yaya! Next chappies! Oh yeas, no more short stories. But that -points above- is a song. Madarin song. Translated. If you wanna hear, state it in the reviews and I'll give you the links. ;)
Anyway, my exams are sadly coming up, so the next few chap may just come in later than usual. Don't mind okays?
For the FYIs:
(1)--NOT two hundred people! I meant two hundred meters in distance!
(2)--K-steers. Kou, Kenta and Kazuma all start with K, so I put it for fun. It came from the word musketeer. Get it?
(3)Hei (黑) meansblack and Mo(墨)(pronoucned as 'more' without the 'r')means ink. Yes, pen ink. These two are shadow birds under Kenta who come out whenever called (or not) to either fight or defend him.
(4)Yoji recalled the pic in Ran's room.
(5)I'm sure everyone has weak spots. Mine is tickling of any parts of my legs. Yoji's (laugh) happens to be his knees.
Translations:
Nebel---Fog
Hölle drängt---Hell hounds. Thank Mistkeeper for that.
Reviews:
Einsam: Don't worship me thank you...I don't wanna be a demi-god, seriously. Just be a friend and I'm satisfied. I don't really notice anything 'less room for details but prevents any uninteresting parts'. Truthfully, I'm totally clueless about what I'm doing, but thank goodness I'm still sane.Oh yeah, sorry! -bow bow- Brad hasn't done... 'anything' to Ran yet... -sobby- Don't kill me(yet)! At least let me live until exams come, then you kill me. Revitalise me after exams are over. :P At the moment there aren't any mini history yet, but they'll come sooner or later.
rebelyell: Urm... Thanks? Here! I'll sacrifice my box of tissues for you! -throws a box- Now I have to go shopping for groceries. T.T
Neuroticsquirrel: Eh heh... Based on your name... you are...nutty?
Rubymoon: Ur.. Thanks...? -squats and keeps pressing the reply review button- Ouch. Even I get blisters. I think you get blisters on your blisters.
Mistkeeper: Finally heard from you! (Ur.. don't mention the error of... -that- to anyone okay? Keep it a secret. -.-lll) Exactly when you reviewed I dumped Kou and placed Mist-chan inside the story. Perfect timing! Hi to Mist-chan and bye to Kou. Kou kinda reminds me of my friend who's being called a baboon. So, shall it go Baboon Kou? -haha- OO If Ken knew it was Schuldich right away, it wouldn't be fun would it? Anyway, the main reason was probably Ken didn't bother to look closely 'cause he was busy fighting Nagi. Plus, it was raining heavily and he could only catch the colour of the person, not the face. (Amazingly, he caught Schu' eyecolor!)