Gale-Dragon: Sphinx and the Devilbats face off.
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"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Author making a comment)
*Actions within Speech*
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10th Down: The Taiyō Sphinx
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The Next Day. Hiruma and Kurita walked into the Amefuto Monthly building. Kurita was looking as nervous as hell, while Hiruma was looking rather chipper (or as chipper as a devil could be anyway).
With the surprised-looking editor-in-chief right in front of them, the She-Devil pulled out one of her many cell phones, showing the editor-in-chief the message on it, and stated happily "Here's the email! It says that Deimon has been selected to participate. The Americans have even been notified by phone."
The head of the computer division in the building did confirm that Hiruma was telling the truth (At least he thought the computers were telling the truth…), a message was sent to the Americans. The editor-in-chief was furious.
Nearby, ok, they were actually sitting across the room, were three representatives from the Taiyō Sphinx amefuto team (They're wearing their school's uniform, btw). One of the representatives was a good head and a half taller than Kurita, but was more muscled, completely bald, tanned, coal-black eyes, and had a stern look on his face. The second wasn't as tall as the first and he seemed more wide-set, somewhat like Kurita, he had a watermelon-shaped head, black eyes, and had his black hair in bowl cut trim. The last one, and the shortest of the three was around Hiruma's height, with elbow long purple hair, and purple eyes. The tallest was Banba Mamoru, the rounded one was Kasamatsu Niinobu, and the girl was Harao Kimiko. All three heard what was said. Harao asked the Editor-in-Chief what was going on. The man with the high forehead told her that there was a bit of a "Technical Difficulty", so to speak. Harao got annoyed and stated "YOU were the one who told us to come today because EVERYTHING would be working PROPERLY. We even cancelled today's training for this arrangement." The Editor-in-Chief quickly apologized.
Hiruma cackled and stated in a taunting tone "The arrangement's changed. Deimon will be the ones who will face the Americans. So you guys can run home to your Mummies." Kurita had a look on his face that said Hiruma-!-What-Are-You-Doing-!-Stop-This-Immediately-!-You're-Going-To-Get-Us-In-Major-Trouble-! Kasamatsu got pissed and practically shouted, "THERE'S NO WAY A PUNY TEAM LIKE DEIMON CAN WIN!" Harao folded her arms and stated that it would be the shame of Japan. 'Hook-line and Sinker,' The She-Devil thought as she said: "Well then, do you mean to say that you're better than we are?" Kasamatsu quickly replied "NATURALLY!"
With a sinister grin on her face, Hiruma said "Why don't we see about that? Let's play a game to determine who will represent Japan!" Kurita really wanted to cry at the moment.
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Meanwhile, back at Deimon High.
While Hiruma and Kurita were at the Amefuto Monthly; Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō were the only Devilbats who were NOT practising amefuto. In fact, they weren't even on the practice field. Mamori wondered out loud where they were. Yukimitsu stated that when Hiruma's gone, they slack off. Komusubi couldn't help but remember what Kurita said the night before, about all five of the linemen working together to become a powerful line.
In the Amefuto locker room.
Sena just finished getting in his Eyeshield 21 persona. The running-back wondered what Hiruma was planning. That was when he heard someone coming. Not good, not good, not good. Sena quickly hid under a nearby table, out of view from the door. When the door slid open, Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō walked in. 'What are they doing here?' Sena wondered as he remained perfectly still. Sena heard Jūmonji say "Those two meddlesome guys are at the magazine office. Now is our only chance to look at those photos." As the delinquent trio looked through the locker room, Kuroki wondered out loud if the negatives are even here. Toganō found some of the posters of them naked.
'Photos? Oh! So that's what she was using to blackmail them!' Sena thought as he watched their feet scuttled by. Somehow, this didn't surprise the running back.
Komusubi burst into the locker room, toppling Toganō over with a tackle bag. The pint-sized powerhouse pounded his fist against the bag and shouted "PR-PRACTICE!" That was when a fight broke out between the delinquent trio and the pint-sized powerhouse. It was pretty much a one-sided fight, Komusubi was winning. Sena knew he had to do something, but there were three of them. Jūmonji grabbed a metal bat while Kuroki and Toganō held down Komusubi. The blonde positioned himself, ready to swing the bat, but then toss the batting side, which nearly hitting Sena in the head, and walked out of the locker room. The other two delinquents followed, wondering what was wrong.
Mamori spotted the three leaving and asked them where they were going. Jūmonji told the honour student "We quit. What's the point of training? We never really wanted to play anyway!" Kuroki exclaimed, "WHAT ABOUT THE PHOTOS?!" Jūmonji stated, "Who cares?" Toganō asked what he meant. That was when Mamori said "Well, if you change your minds… Come back anytime. We'll be waiting for you. Especially Kurita…" With that, the delinquent trio left, without so much as a second glance.
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About 30 Minutes Later.
Hiruma just told the team that they were going to play to represent Japan. 'She's done it again…' Sena thought as he watched the She-Devil dump a bunch of models of the opposing team, all of whom were massive, literally twice the size of the Devilbat models. This was not making Sena feel any better about this match. As he held three of the huge models and commented that they were as big as Ootawara. Hiruma held the delinquent trio's figure models in-between her fingers and said: "We've got to make the most of our line with teamwork!" Those figures were mice to the elephants of the Sphinx models. 'Those three are going to be dead meat...' Sena couldn't help but think.
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** About 10-12 minutes after Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō left the school's ground. **
The three Sphinx representatives were sitting in a nice little café and they were turning heads and scaring some of the staff since the three were muuuuuuuuuuuuch taller (and bigger, in the case of the two boys) than the average teenager. "Honestly Kasamatsu, how could you fall for such a ploy so easily?" Harao asked sternly to her teammate, whom in turn apologized. Harao folded her arms, closed her eyes, and stated: "No matter, that match will be a mere warm-up before we go against the Americans." The waitress brought them their drinks. Banba was about to thank her, but she scampered away in fear before he could. "By the way, why did you choose this place to eat?" Harao asked her teammate. "S-sorry… There was nothing else around," Kasamatsu stated nervously. Banba raised a brow and said "Really? I believe I saw two or three other places on our way here." The rounded member of the Sphinx was now sweating bullets. Harao sipped her tea and asked her rounder teammate "Care to explain Kasamatsu?"
With bullets of sweat raced down the rounded teen's brow, he finally admitted "I, ano, heard that this place was popular with couples… So I figured, that, ano, well… You two ARE a couple…" That was when Banba and Harao looked around the café and indeed saw that the majority of the customers were indeed paired up. Glaring at her teammate, Harao said in an annoyed tone "I believe we told you and the rest of the team that WE will go at our own pace." Kasamatsu rubbed the back of his head. Next thing the rounded Sphinx knew, Banba stomped on his foot rather hard. "Thank you, Mamoru," Harao said politely before sipping her tea.
Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō walked into the café. The three saw the Sphinx players but didn't know that they were the team that they would be playing. Kuroki commented that they were huge.
"Assemblyman Habashira has close ties with my father's company. His son's team played Diemon the other day…" Harao said trying to put the conversation back on their opposing team. 'Habashira? As in Habashira Rui? The Captain of the Chameleons?' the delinquent trio thought at the same time. Harao continued "And he said that lineman numbers 51, 52, and 53 are just scrubs."
'SAY WHA-?!' The delinquent trio thought in unison.
Kasamatsu laughed as he said "As long as those douche bags don't quit, will have an-" Jūmonji grabbed a hold of the rounded Sphinx's shoulder and said "I'm number 51. Which one of you called me a douche bag?"
Before a fight could ensue, Harao told Banba, as she put her tea on the table "Mamoru, take a minute to clean this guy up." Banba answered by saying "One minute is too long."
(When happens next is identical to the manga)
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Back with the Devilbat's training.
"It's been a long time since we recorded the bench presses," Mamori said looking at a clipboard. Sena commented that bench pressing was his worst, but Monta told his friend "Yeah but, you did carry all those steel beams?" Sena got ready to bench press. He told his friend not to put much weight since his record was 10 kg (22 lbs), so Monta put 20 kg on the barbell. Sena was able to lift the barbell, pretty easily, which surprised Sena himself. The hidden running-back was glad that he was able to lift 20 kg, but Monta suddenly said "That wasn't 20 kg. Actually, I put 40 kg on there for you." Both Mamori and Sena were ecstatic about that. Sena just lifts four times his previous record, and easily no less. 'Little by little… It's as if the lies are coming true… I AM getting stronger! Just for Her!' Sena happily thought as he clenched his fist.
Kobayakawa Sena's New Bench Press Record: 40 kg (88 lbs).
Not even a minute later, the delinquent trio appeared in the gym completely battered and exhausted. Mamori immediately asked how the three got their bruises, but Kurita cut in by saying that they came at a perfect time and told them to get ready for bench pressing. The three did so, and with the image of the two Sphinx linemen in their heads, the three were able to break their old record of 65 kg (143 lbs).
The Huh Huh Brothers' New Bench Press Record: 85 kg (187 lbs).
Kuroki and Toganō were amazed that they improve their numbers with special training. Jūmonji suddenly said in a serious tone "Kurita… Teach us… What do we have to do to dominate the line? I don't want to keep losing all the time!"
Kurita was as happy as a kid in a candy store.
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The very next day in Minami Kanagawa was a complete scorcher. It had to be at least 40°C (104°F). The entire Devilbats teams, minus Hiruma, were sweating bullets. Monta commented that there were cicadas in June. Halfway towards fainting, Sena said "It's so hot… If only we didn't have to play on a day like today…"
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Taiyō Prefectural High School, a.k.a. Desert Field.
The Devilbats built an observation tower on their side of the field for the "Secretary" to achieve a perfect height to record the game. Mamori already believed that Sena was on top of the tower and was completely unaware that he was already in his Eyeshield 21 persona.
But what Mamori DID notice was that one of the players on the Taiyō Sphinx was a girl. "Huh? Why is she wearing an amefuto uniform?" Mamori asked pointing towards the violet haired player. Yukimitsu pulled out a study notebook, flipped through a couple of pages until he found what he was looking for, and said out loud for the team to hear "She's the quarterback of the Taiyō Sphinx, Harao Kimiko. She's one of the five Harpies of the League." Monta quickly asked what Yukimitsu meant by the term harpy. "Oh, in mythology, Harpies are known to be fierce birdlike, female warrior creatures. So it makes sense to call the female players in amefuto Harpies since it is the tough sport and all," Kurita explained happily. With a worried look on her face, Mamori asked "But, Amefuto is such a dangerous sport and she's a lot smaller than the rest of her team… Isn't she worried that she's going to get hurt?" Hiruma scoffed at the question and stated towards Mamori "Oh, please, she knows the dangers of the sport and still plays it. Do you honestly think she shares the same pathetic mentality as you if she plays amefuto?" Mamori took that insult pretty badly and said "HIRUMA, YOU JERK! HOW CAN YOU BE SO CRUEL AND MEAN?! The She-Devil scoffed again and said seriously "This time I'm not being cruel, I'm being real. Anyone who plays amefuto knows the risks that come with the game, girls included. So either she's *points at Harao, who was tying her hair back in a low ponytail, minus the strands in front of her ears* come to terms with the risks or she loves the game too much to quit. Something someone like YOU will never understand, no matter how much you read or study about Amefuto." The rest of the Devilbats were silent. Apparently SOMETHING it a nerve with Hiruma, but only Kurita and Sena KNEW why.
'Hiruma-chan…..' was all Sena could think.
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The editor-in-chief of Amefuto Monthly commented "There are plenty of people here. Even though we just listed the game on our website." Kumabukuro said as he pulled out his notepad "Yeah, but people are interested in this game. The hero from Notre Dame, Eyeshield 21, will be facing Japan's most heavyweight line!"
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Kurita was shaking so badly you can feel the earth tremble along with him. Mamori noticed this and asked him why he was so nervous. Kurita explained in a shaky voice "You know, the Taiyō Sphinx… Everyone knows about their linemen… They've got the fiercest line. Especially… *Indicating towards the tall, tanned, currently shirtless, muscular, teen, who was bandaging his shoulders* That third-year, Banba-san!"
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Banba told his fellow Linemen "Tape yourselves up like a mummy. Stability of the joints will create power." The entire lineman line answered back "YES SIR!" Banba felt a cold bottle of water pressed against his arm, he turned to see that it was Harao, she was also holding a box full of cold bottled water in one arm. She smiled at him and said "This may be a warm-up game, but make sure you boys stay hydrated *shakes the water bottle from side to side*. It's warmer than usual today." Banba accepted the bottled water from Harao and the rest of the team took one bottle each from the box. Harao quickly pecked Banba's cheek and said with a small smile "Don't push yourself too much, Mamoru." The main Lineman smiled back. Kasamatsu suddenly said in a cheeky tone, completely ruining the moment, "Do we get a kiss too?" Harao threw the empty box at the rounded lineman, hitting him in the head. The rest of the line sighed at that.
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Kumabukuro looked at his book of players and said "Banba Mamoru. He holds the high school record for the squats." Sena overheard this and asked Kurita what squats were. Kurita explained that it was another weight lifting exercise. 'So there are different types of weight exercises…' Sena thought looking at the opposing team.
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Sphinx's side of the field.
Harao folded her arms and said to Banba "Why don't you demonstrate your line's advantage? Crush Deimon's fighting spirit within 10 plays." Banba stood up and said "10 plays are too many. One play will be enough." Harao smiled and said as she put her helmet on "Not even that much of a challenge, huh."
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The game between the Taiyō Sphinx and the Deimon Devilbats has begun, with the Sphinx starting off. The Devilbats could feel the pressure from the opposing team as if it were the real thing. It was very unnerving.
When the ball was handed off to Harao, the Devilbat Line was completely powerless. The Sphinx's QB efficiently threw the ball to the Sphinx's running back, who was running towards the goal line. Eyeshield 21 caught up to him easily. 'Hiruma-chan told me to tackle him…. But can I really do it?' Sena thought, then he remembered him easily lifting the barbell with the increased weight.
Eyeshield 21 tackled the Sphinx's running-back to the ground.
The entire audience was utterly flabbergasted by that scene. The Sphinx's running-back was so far ahead of Eyeshield 21! Yet the lightning running-back caught up to him in no time at all.
'Wow… I actually did it!' Sena thought happily.
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As the game continued, it was painfully obvious that the Sphinx's Pyramid Line was incredibly strong. Kurita was losing his nerve.
Kurita apologized to the delinquent trio and Komusubi for thinking that they could go up against the Taiyō's Line. That was when Hiruma but in by saying " "People always laugh at the underdog." Those are the words of a great and wildly successful athlete… Who ignored the ridicule of those around him and challenge the Americans." Kurita asked if it was Hideo Nomo. Hiruma said it was Eyeshield 21. Monta asked Sena if he really said something that cool, but Sena was vigorously shaking his head no. 'It HAD to be her… I had to be in love with her…' Sena thought. The She-Devil pointed at the Devilbats Linemen and said " "It was crazy to challenge Taiyō"? What about three months from now? We're gonna be every team in the Kanto area, including Taiyō!" That was when it came to Kurita that his friend was right. Sena couldn't help but think 'She's really good with motivating the team.'
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The game continued, and so far no one has scored. The Devilbat Line still wasn't doing well, but they were doing better than before.
The delinquent trio were lying on their backs, looking up at the sky. They were just "Blue Skied" again by the opposing team. This time, Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō didn't mind so much. Now the three were focusing on getting back at Kasamatsu.
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Taiyō scored the first point of the game. But Harao had to throw the ball early because she noticed a slight shift in the line, and she wasn't the only one. Banba noticed that he was pushed back a couple of centimetres. 'Interesting,' The two thought at the same time.
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"We can turn this game around and make'm swallow those words of their," Monta said with a grin. Sena nodded with a grin.
"Oi, F*ing Baldie, F*ing Harpy!" Hiruma called to Banba and Harao. Both Sena and Monta one utter shock, how could she talk to the opposing team like that so casually?
"This is the 10th play. That's strange… I don't see anyone who lost their fighting spirit," Hiruma stated with an evil grin on her face. The entire Devilbats team had a fierce look on their face.
"So you overheard that, huh?" Harao said just as casually. Banba just glared at the Devilbat quarterback.
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The Chameleons arrived on their motorcycles. By this time the Sphinx was leading 7-0. Rui was not happy with the scores at all.
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Devilbats's offence, 80 yards to the goal line.
Both teams made the formations. Banba stood in front of Kurita in the line. "I'm sorry… I thought we could overpower the likes of your line with brute strength," Banba suddenly said, catching Kurita's attention. Banba continued by saying in a serious tone "You said your name was Kurita, right? *Kurita nods* I'll admit you have some skill, so I'll have to go at you with my full arsenal of techniques."
Hiruma had the ball.
The centre of the Sphinx's Pyramid Line ploughed through Kurita as if he didn't weigh a thing and sacked the Devilbat quarterback! 'Banba-san's not just powerful… He strong AND skilful!' Kurita thought when he realized what happened.
Hiruma kept the ball anchored to her chest as she went down, not letting it go. Meaning that it was still the Devilbats' ball. Banba noticed this and thought 'He never let go of the ball, even if it meant being sacked…' the Sphinx's centre cast a glance at his girlfriend, who was sitting on the sideline because it was the Devilbats' offence (Quick note, QBs are usually on the sidelines for the defence. The only reason why Hiruma plays during the Devilbats' defensive plays is that there aren't enough players on the team), nodded in return. She saw it too.
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Still Devilbats's offence, 85 yards to the goal line.
Hiruma faked a pass to Eyeshield 21. Monta ran through a hole in the line and used the Slant manoeuvre to get into position. 'THEIR BACK!' Banba thought when he realized what the Devilbats were doing. 'THEIR! BETTER!' Harao thought as she saw Hiruma moved effortlessly away from Kasamatsu before he could sack her. 'That Quarterback is better….' The Sphinx's QB thought as Monta caught the pass.
But the monkey dropped the ball due to being tackled. Some of the Sphinx players dogpiled on the ball.
"Taiyō's Ball!" the ref shouted, blowing his whistle.
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Hiruma was currently "scolding" Monta. And she was making sure the monkey knows if he ever drops the ball again, he's going to be "really sorry".
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Harao bit her lip. Banba placed a hand on her shoulder and said "Kimiko, don't worry. Show them that you are indeed a true quarterback." Harao smiled and said, "You needn't have to tell me twice."
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The Sphinx was only able to advance two yards. Kurita was able to push back Banba a couple of centimetres.
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Hiruma smirked as she said, "All right, I think the f*ing fatass has made an impression." Sena knew that was a good thing, Hiruma was happy. But he really wished that he was the one to make her happy.
"Oi, f*ing brothers," Hiruma stated towards the delinquent trio, whom in turn stated back that they were not brothers, and added with a sinister grin "Now's your chance… use Delinquent Deathblow"!"
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Kumabukuro spotted Rui and asked if he was Habashira of the Zokugaku Chameleons. That was when the afro man noticed that the sleeves (close to the shoulders) on all of the Chameleons were torn, so he asked what happened. Rui simply stated that they were souvenirs from training with Deimon. The reporter blinked in confusion.
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Sphinx's Ball, 21 yards to the goal line.
The Pyramid Line held.
The editor-in-chief stated to no one in particular that the Sphinx's Line was invincible.
Kasamatsu charged at Jūmonji telling him that he'll show him the real difference between then them. 'You're stronger than us, I'll give you that. But…' Jūmonji thought as he grabbed ahold of Kasamatsu's sleeve and shouted "I DON'T….. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP LOSING ALL THE TIME!" The delinquent threw Kasamatsu down. Causing the Pyramid LIne to crumble.
Jūmonji now ran right towards Harao. Hiruma told him if he didn't treat the Sphinx's QB with the same enthusiasm as the other Sphinx, then he'll be sorry (AKA, Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō didn't really want to tackle her, but Hiruma said "Tackle her or you'll be Cerberus' new chew toy"). Harao took a step back before she was tackled. As the two tumbled to the ground, Harao somehow managed to throw the ball to the Sphinx running-back. Before he could catch the ball, Eyeshield 21 jumped in mid-air and grabbed the ball. This shocked the entire audience. Sena raced towards the goal line.
The Sphinx's linemen tried to block Sena, but Kurita, Kuroki, and Toganō blocked them, allowing Sena to squeeze through the gap. As he continued towards his goal (Pun intended, everyone ^_^), Sena noticed that Yukimitsu and Mamori were trying to tell him something, but he couldn't hear what they were saying. Not even a second later, a foreboding shadow covered the sun. Banba broke through the line that was him and was charging towards Sena!
'CRAP! This isn't good! There's no room to go around!' Sena thought as he continued to run. Hiruma shouted at him to not let go of the ball, even if he dies. Kurita shouted at Sena to run out of bounds. But, Sena saw an opening, a very small opening between Banba and the other linemen. 'Should I go out of bounds or go through that small opening?' Sena thought as everything seemed to slow down. His teammates on the sidelines were shouting at him to go out of bounds.
But…
Eyeshield 21 ran right towards the tiny opening.
"WHAT'S HE DOING?!" Monta shouted. Banba was going to snap him like a twig.
Eyeshield 21 somehow managed to squeeze through the opening and was almost passed the linemen. Suddenly, Banba stopped the running-back in his tracks and threw him to the ground in the snap of a finger. As he lay on the ground, Sena thought 'No good… I'm no match for his strength.' Banba stared at the fallen running-back as he thought 'Him too. He didn't let go of the ball.' As Sena got up, he noticed Hiruma's legs as she said "Instead of running out of bounds… *Flashes an evil grin* You earned us an extra yard! Not bad Eyeshield." Sena smiled at that. She praised him, Hiruma praised him. That was what Sena wanted.
Deimon Devilbats, 59 yards to the goal line.
~}i{~
The entire audiences of Taiyō students were booing the Devilbats, not for defeating the Pyramid Line, but for tackling Harao, the school's "Cleopatra". Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō knew what they were getting into and they reeeeeeeeeeeeeealy didn't want to do it, but the fear of Hiruma was faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar worse.
"SILENCE!" someone from the field shouted. The delinquent trio's eyes immediately darted towards the person who shouted. It was Harao Kimiko who shouted. "TACKLING IS MERELY APART OF THE GAME OF AMEFUTO! IF YOU WISH NOT TO SEE SUCH A THING! YOU CAN SIMPLY LEAVE!" the Sphinx's quarterback shouted, anger filled her eyes. That scared Jūmonji, Kuroki, and Toganō almost as much as Hiruma. Almost. Harao folded her arms and added "And on that note…. CEASE CALLING ME CLEOPATRA!" Now that scared the trio and anyone else who were nearby, out of their skin.
"Wait…. You're more upset about being called Cleopatra then being tackled?" Kuroki asked the purple-haired girl. She in turned scoffed and said, "Indeed, that title is such an annoyance and I never even put my name in the ballot to run for it." Toganō quickly stated "Sooooo…. You're not mad that you were tackled?" Harao blinked at the trio as if they were idiots or something and said "Why? As I said, it's a part of the game. Though, it has been quite a while since I was last tackled." Then she walked away. The trio looked at one another, none of them knew what to think.
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As the game progressed, the Devilbats kept the Sphinx on their toes by changing their linemen's positions. It was a very interesting game.
~}i{~
It was the end of the first half, so it was half-time. The score was 13-12, in favour of the Sphinx. The Devilbats learned that every student in Taiyō was tanned because they all surfed at Shonan Beach, which was literally right next to the school. Monta told Mamori that he was going to make up for losing the ball in the first half and restore his disgrace with a super-catchy to the max. Mamori wished him luck. Hiruma immediately stated in her calm tone, as she took a water bottle, "I don't think he wants to have his "disgrace" restored. Doesn't he mean "Clear his name" or "Restore his honour"?" Now Monta was in despair. Mamori tried to shush the Devilbat captain, but it didn't work. 'Honestly, why does he have to be sooooo cruel?' Mamori thought.
~}i{~
All of the Taiyō Sphinx were drinking water from cups. These Devilbats were stronger than they originally thought. At the moment, none of the players wasn't wearing their helmets. Banba noticed that his girlfriend was looking around for something, so he asked her "Something wrong Kimiko?"
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A figure moved closer to Hiruma, who was facing away from the figure. The She-Devil had her precious AK-47 in one hand and drinking from a cup of water on the other hand. The figure was right behind her. Hiruma felt SOMETHING touch her rear. Who the hell was gutsy enough to touch HER rear?! (Someone with a death wish or something….). With her AK-47 cocked and ready, the She-Devil turned to shoot off the head of the person who touched her butt, but she didn't see anyone. At least until she looked down.
~}i{~
Sena quickly, and secretly, switches into his secretary persona to show Mamori what "he recorded". The honour student was none the wiser.
"Oi, F*ing Chibi!" He heard Hiruma call out. Sena immediately thought he was in trouble of some kind when he answered nervously with a yes. "Didn't you get rid of that Doberman dog?" Hiruma asked walking up to him. Sena replied "Yes, I found her real owner. Why?" Hiruma pointed down. Mamori, Sena, and Monta followed the She-Devil's finger to the dog, wearing an Egyptian headdress and a golden Egyptian collar, sitting right next to her, the same Doberman that they found a few days ago. "Isako?" Sena asked and the dog barked. Yup, it was the same dog. But why was she wearing that get-up?
Isako suddenly jumped on Sena, knocking him to the ground, and started licking his face. Her tail was wagging like crazy, so she must have been really happy to see Sena. "Down, Isako," Sena laughed out, trying to get the big dog off him.
"There you are, Isako," Said Harao, with her hands on her hips. Isako's tongue was hanging out of her mouth as her tail wagged as Sena somehow pushed the dog off him. "Huh?" Sena and Harao stared at each other for a minute, then both said at the same time "It's you!" Harao folded her arms and said with a small smile "Funny running into you here?" Sena rubbed the back of his head and said: "I know right."
"Wait? You're Isako's owner?" Monta asked the Sphinx's QB. Now that the Devilbat receiver thought about it, she DID look like the person he saw a few days ago walking off with the dog. Harao nodded yes and said, "And before you ask, Isako's wearing that outfit because she's our school's unofficial mascot." Oh, so that's why. Mamori then asked, "So, you have special permission to have her on school grounds?" Harao nodded again as Isako barked happily. 'She's defiantly different from a certain person,' Mamori thought with a clear picture of the Devil in her mind (Remember, she doesn't know Hiruma's a girl).
Next thing everyone knew, Hiruma was coaxing Isako away from the group with a slice of meat that she somehow got out of nowhere. "Hey, you leave my baby girl alone, you sneak," Harao shouted at the She-Devil. "Me? I was- Wait? Baby girl?" Hiruma started in her manipulative voice, before dropping it as soon as she realized what Harao was calling her dog. Isako snatched the meat out of the She-Devil's hand. The Sphinx's QB shrugged and said with a bit of pink on her cheeks "She was the runt of the litter, okay. Mother wasn't going to use her in any dog shows, so… I kept her, alright." "That explains a lot," Hiruma stated recovering from the small shock. Isako just sat next to the She-Devil.
"Hold on…" Mamori suddenly said, looking back and forth between Hiruma and Harao as if she realized something super important. "If you're Isako's owner *points to Harao* and she likes Hiruma *points to the She-Devil*... Then that means…." Mamori said very seriously. Sena and Kurita were sweating bullets. Did Mamori finally realize that Hiruma wasn't a boy? "Isako must love Quarterbacks," Mamori said happily. (….. I can safely say that Sena and Kurita don't have to worry about Mamori ever finding out about the "She"-Devil…).
"Not necessarily," Harao said walking up to Hiruma. She picked up the end of the leash that was attached to the collar Isako was wearing. Sena realized that he didn't even notice that the leash was there. "You wouldn't happen to use Hikari to Kireina Lavender Vanilla Body Soap (1)?" Harao asked the She-Devil, who replied: "Yeah, why?" That's when it hit her and she said loudly "You're f*ing kidding? That's why she f*ing likes me? Because I smell f*ing nice!?" Harao frowned and said, "You needn't use such language." Sena made a mental note to find out where the She-Devil gets that soap.
Isako saw a pretty little butterfly fluttering by, so she decided to go after it. The butterfly fluttered around Hiruma and Harao very quickly, so Isako did the same. "ISAKO!" Everyone shouted.
Next thing the two quarterbacks knew, they were tied together at the knees! They lost their balance and fell to the ground, with Harao landing on top of Hiruma. Sena was the first to rush over to help the two QBs. They were okay, a bit humiliated, but okay. "Just untie us F*ing Chibi!" Hiruma stated sourly as she pointed her AK-47 at the Doberman and added with a growl "While I kill that f*ing mutt." Harao quickly protested "You leave my baby girl alone!" as she tried to knock the weapon out of the She-Devil's hand. The main Sphinx Lineman was the first of the team to appear on the scene.
Banba unhooked Isako from the leash to make it easier for Sena to untie the two QBs, and to keep the dog away from Hiruma, who was still pretty peeved. "This better not be a gimmick of yours, F*ing Harpy," Hiruma grumbled. Harao scoffed and said "Tis no way I would even want to! I don't even know you! *Mumbling* Isako… must have seen a butterfly…. She likes chasing them…" Hiruma gave a menacing smirk and said in her cheery manipulative tone "Are you sure~" and rubs Harao's rear, making her squeak, causing her to really glare daggers at the Devilbats' quarterback, and said with venom "I'm quite certain! Now kindly remove your hand before I hurt you." Hiruma just snickered and heeded the warning. Sena was turning red from embarrassment as he thought 'Does she even know what shame is? And she's doing this in front of me, Knowing how I feel!' (Okay, the second sentence was more anger than embarrassment). Now Sena was moving to untie the two. Banba kept an eye on Hiruma, a very close eye on the Devilbat Quarterback.
~}i{~
After three LONG minutes, the two quarterbacks were as far away as possible from each other. Hiruma on the Devilbats' side of the field and Harao on the Sphinx's side of the field.
Sena told Mamori that he was going to help the Devilbat QB get Eyeshield 21 and get back on the tower, but in actuality, he was going to change into the Eyeshield 21 persona and asked Hiruma what the hell she was thinking!
~}i{~
"Don't flatter yourself chibi, I only did that so she wouldn't notice certain things," Hiruma stated flatly. Sena knew what she meant (I'm going to assume that the "Things" would be certain anatomy parts), but still…. As if reading his mind, the She-Devil stated "You really think I'd do something that desperate to hide that (Her real gender)? Especially in front of the harpy's boyfriend, who might I add is bigger and possibly stronger than Kurita." Sena couldn't help but think 'Does she have an answer for everything?' as he put the Eyeshield helmet on. Next thing Sena knew the She-Devil's face was right in front of his! That startled him. "If you win us this game I'll go on a date with you," Hiruma stated with a completely straight face.
Huh? (Wait? What?!)
"EHHH?!" Sena exclaimed. "I'm serious," Hiruma stated with that same straight face. Still, in shock, Sena stuttered out "Wait, Wait, Wait. Y-y-you're s-saying th-th-that if I win this game, you'll go a date with me?!" Hiruma answered with a flat yeah. "You really want to win this and you're using my feelings for you to achieve it," Sena said flatly, giving the She-Devil a flat look. With that manipulative smile on her face, Hiruma stated "Of course. You should know me by now." Sadly, Sena knew this. But, maybe…. This could work in Sena's favour. 'Maybe… If I take her on a date….. then maybe….' Sena thought as he practically ran towards the field.
Hiruma sighed in relief as she thought with a sinister grin 'That was easier than expected.' (…. Ummm, seriously, what just happened?)
~}i{~
The Sphinx's manager was on top of their look-out tower, feeding his team the data he's gathered. There was no way they were going to be able to stop Eyeshield 21, but Number 80, that was another story. After a good minute, Banba stated in a serious tone "Bring out Kamaguruma." Kasamatsu wasn't too sure about using a first-year in the game, but Harao folded her arms and stated calmly "Tis about time we use him in a real game. In the spring tournament semifinals… the game that we lost to *sour tone* Shinryūji… if Kamuguma had been playing then, we probably would have won." Harao distinctly remembers that team, more specifically Kongō Agon. That jerk was flirting with her IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME AND WAS COMPLETELY AWARE THAT SHE AND BANBA WERE AN ITEM! Thankfully his twin sister was less than thrilled about that and slapped him over the head, hard, much to the "Genius" dismay.
A tall Sphinx player stood up from the bench (He's in a super happy mood btw) that was actually almost as tall as Banba (Not including that tall hairstyle in the measurement) and practically shouted happily "PHEW! IT'S FINALLY MY TURN!" He made sure to avoid Isako as he walked to the field.
Taiyō Sphinx Cornerback: # 98, Kamuguma Ken (1st year).
Kamuguma practically jumped to the opposing team and got their attention by saying "You think that Taiyō's team is all about the Pyramid Line? If the senpais are the Pyramid Line…. *Very enthusiastically* THEN I'M THE CORNERBACK CHARIOT! ANCIENT EGYPT WAS THE AGE OF BATTLE VEHICLES!" Monta and Eyeshield 21 immediately thought of an army battle tank. Kamuguma tried to correct them by saying that the chariots are ancient battle vehicles.
~}i{~
With Kamuguma on the field, the Sphinx pulled ahead by 7 points and completely shut Monta down.
Now everyone was feeling the heat from the sun, well, everyone but the Sphinx (who are used to the temperature).
There was now just five minutes left in the final quarter. The Devilbats needed to think of something quick.
~}i{~
Every Devilbat player was doing their best to do their part in the final moments of the game, Monta was the only one having trouble. Especially with Kamuguma Bumping him at every attempt. Now…. Monta was having a lap in faith in himself.
~}i{~
Less than a minute left on the clock and the Devilbats were in a huddle.
"There's still 30-yards to go," Hiruma stated to her team and added, "We don't have much time left." She points to Monta and says "I'll throw a long pass to the f*ing monkey *Monta felt his heart sink*. We'll get a touchdown in one shot!" Monta's cast his eyes to the ground and said "But I've been… Completely overwhelmed by his bump…" Almost in a mocking tone, Hiruma said "Did you say "overwhelmed"? Do you even understand your own position?!" Kurita happily stated "The receiver's game… Is different from our concentrated trench warfare." Then Hiruma said with a growl "Ignore the bump! Just run like hell up the field! The whole field is your playground. Got that, Number 80?" Monta finally realized his true position.
~}i{~
As the next play progressed, and as Monta race down to the end zone, he thought 'Houjo-san when he crashes into the high wall he must be a fearless athlete.' Kamuguma bumped him, hard.
'The entire outfield… Requires an athlete who can cover it on his own.'
Monta then shouted, "I'M GOING TO MY PLAYGROUND" got to his feet and started rushing towards the end zone.
Hiruma shouted at the line to keep up the protection, which they did. The She-Devil threw the ball high.
Monta was bumped by Kamuguma's Chariot Bump, causing him to fall over. But instead of just hitting the ground, Monta rolled along the ground using the force of the bump to move him forward.
'It doesn't matter if I lose on strength. It doesn't matter if I lose it all. It's all about catching… *Monta remembering a baseball program about Houjo-san*'
Monta launched himself into the air and caught the ball, amazing everyone in the stadium! The Devilbat receiver tumbled to the ground at the end zone. Dust was spewing everywhere, no one could see a thing. Did he have the ball?
Sena/Eyeshield 21 raced towards his friend; that was when he heard Monta saying "No matter how huge my opponent… Or how fast he is… The one thing I can't be beaten on is my catching. *Smiles* It's clear to me. That thing I've got to do… From now on, and all of Japan… No, the whole world… I'LL BE THE BEST RECEIVER!" Monta was sitting in the end zone, ball in hand.
"TOUCHDOWN!"
Monta then struck his (idiotic) signature pose. But since Mamori applauded him, he'll keep using that pose.
The score was now 20-18, in favour of the Sphinx. Only 35 seconds left of the game and the Devilbats was going for the try-for-point.
~}i{~
Devilbats' Huddle.
"We're down by two points. Even if our kick goes in, we still lose," Hiruma stated in a serious tone. Kurita added, "We'll aim for a tie with a two-point conversion." With a serious look on her face, Hiruma said "A cheap trick won't work so close to the goal line. We'll push right down the centre with all we've got. It's barely three yards to the end zone. We'll flatten 'em with our strength!" Sena couldn't help but wonder if they could really flatten the Pyramid Line head-on.
~}i{~
The Sphinx's double the line for this final play. After all, this was going to be a battle of power.
~}i{~
Everyone got into their formation.
With her usual sinister grin and as she pointed at Sena/Eyeshield 21, Hiruma stated "The ball's going to you! Don't think of this as your typical run, don't zigzag from side to side." Kurita then said "If you hesitate even the slightest bit… Then the charge will lose its strength. Just run straight on through with all you've got!" With that render still on the She-Devil's face, she said "If a Devil Bat looks straight ahead… Then he'll win for sure!" Sena wondered what she was talking about.
~}i{~
Sena could feel his heart racing. 'If I win this… Then…. She'll go on a date with me!' Sena thought before he was interrupted by Kurita saying "Everyone's doing great… Back then… I would never have thought we could play this intensely against Taiyō. But now… Deimon's Line isn't just me by myself. There's five of us… We're all together!"
"HUT!"
The lineman went into action. The Devilbats pushing forward and the Sphinx blocking.
Kurita was pushing Banba back! THREE WHOLE YARDS!
Hiruma handed the ball off to Sena. The Pyramid Line stop the Devilbats' Line in their tracks.
Hiruma whispered "You can do it… Sena…" Sena heard it! And now he knew what the She-Devil meant when she said that "a Devil bat looks straight ahead"!
Sena's thoughts; Square up both shoulders… And they straight head.
Eyeshield 21 rushed forward towards the blockade.
Sena's thoughts; hold on tightly to the ball… Rushed straight through!
"You can do it with those legs!" Hiruma said.
The announcer then shouted into the mic "THERE ARE NO OPENINGS IN THE LINE! THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO!"
Sena's thoughts; a Devil bat… Look straight ahead… Straight Ahead!
Hiruma pointed forward and shouted "FLY!"
Sena leapt into the air! Soaring over everyone in the line like a soaring bat! No one in the Pyramid Line could stop Eyeshield 21! He was over all of their heads!
"TOUCHDOWN!" The ref called. The score was officially tied at 20-20!
"YA_HA!" Hiruma shouted an aiming a fire hose into the air (Not going to ask, not going to ask…). Because of the hose, there was a beautiful rainbow over the field.
~}i{~
"Should we be happy that we tied?" Yukimitsu asked Mamori, who in turn said happily "Of course! We held our own against such a strong team!" All of the Devilbats except for Hiruma were utterly happy. At least until a certain She-Devil said "You're all cheering like idiots! A tie isn't too different from losing."
Pain surge through Sena's shoulder. Monta asked if he was okay. Sena said that he was fine, then added "When I jumped headfirst… I got knocked around… Maybe I twisted it…" Hiruma was silent for a moment as she watched the running-back rubbed his shoulder. "Oi, f*ing chibi. About that "Devil Bat Dive"…" the She-Devil said getting Monta, Sena, and Kurita's attention. The gentle giant explained to Sena that that was the name of the moves that he used. Hiruma explained, as she held out her index and middle fingers (indicating the number two) "Only use it once or twice per game. And even then, only if it's a clutch point at the end of the game." Sena felt his heart filled with joy. She can about him! She really cared about him! 'Could she….' Sena thought with a smile. As the She-Devil turned away from the receiver and running-back, she said "But if we needed at the end of the game, you go for it. Don't matter too much if you die once the game is over, right?" And now that warm, fuzzy feeling in Sena's heart was completely gone as he thought 'She's too much…. Why'd I have to fall for her?'
Monta suddenly said "Hey, wait a minute! If it's a tie… Then who gets to be in the game against the Americans?" It was a good point.
There was a sudden eclipse of the sun. Sena realized that it was Banba. Harao was standing right next to him. "Deimon was in use to this field, nor the climate. The conditions were in Taiyō's favour. But you still managed a tie. That is impressive. The game against the Americans shall be yours," Banba said with a completely straight face and a serious tone. The Devilbats were in complete shock. Hiruma was a bit on the suspicious side when she said "How gracious of you. What's in it for you?" Harao folded her arms and stated "Do not flatter yourself. As Mamoru stated before, you were at a disadvantage on this field and yet you had managed to tie with us despite it. Therefore, the game is yours." (When you put it that way, it does somewhat makes sense). Banba turned to the gentle giant and said "Kurita, this time it was a tie. Both in terms of team play and in our individual performances. We'll save the showdown for the fall tournament." Kurita nodded. Harao eyed Hiruma and said in a serious tone "When next we play, you better keep your hands to yourself." Hiruma just cackled, causing Harao to raise a brow. "Just make sure you keep that damn dog away from me and you got yourself a deal, F*ing Harpy," the She-Devil stated with an evil grin. "I shall assume that asking you to stop using such vile language is out of the question," Harao stated coolly before adding with a shrug "Well, tis better than being called Cleopatra, I suppose." The two turned to walk towards their team, with Banba saying "The Taiyō Sphinx must rebuild from square one. That being the case, the American game is too soon."
Sena couldn't believe it. They were going to play against the Americans…. The running back wasn't sure if he should be utterly excited or completely terrified.
~}i{~
Hiruma told her team that they were going to Enoshima to watch the Kanto Spring Tournament Semifinal match.
The Ojo White Knights vs The Shinryūji Nagas
~}i{~
"Ano… Hiruma…." Sena asked.
"We didn't win the game, we tied, so no," Hiruma stated plainly.
Sena sighed. He should have seen that coming.
~}i{~
10th Down; Scored.
~}i{~
Okame Moment: (After the Game)
"Urg," Hiruma groaned as she peeled off her work-out bra. She was alone in the amefuto locker room and was changing into her school uniform (for boys). The one thing she hated was having to switch clothing for school from her amefuto clothes. Why? Sweaty work-out bras felt disgusting when taking them off, at least in the She-Devil's opinion. And she needed to put another workout on her sweaty chest, urrrrg, dry cloth on a wet body, Hiruma reeeeeeeeeeeeealy hated that. She was only wearing her amefuto slacks as she pulled out a towel. She needed to get the majority sweat off before she had to pull her school work-out bra on.
"Ungo?!"
Hiruma froze. The She-Devil's eyes slowly turned to the door; someone was standing right in front of the door. It wasn't Sena or Kurita.
It was Komusubi Daikichi!
Komusubi stared at Hiruma for a second. "G-g-girl!" The pint-size powerhouse uttered as blood started dripping out of his nose.
Crap!
Hiruma WAS red.
}{
"Oh My Goodness! Komusubi-kun! What happened to you?!" Mamori stated in utter shock when she saw the pint-sized powerhouse's face. He had a black eye, swollen cheek, and bloodied nose. "Tr-training!" Komusubi stated plainly. Mamori sighed and said "You got those from training? Goodness, I know you're a lineman and all, but don't push yourself too hard," Mamori said with a smile as she applied bandages on his wounds.
}{
"Oi, F*ing Chibi, F*ing Fatass," Hiruma called towards Sena and Kurita. Both walked up to the She-Devil, who told them that they were going to be training with Fatass Jr. Meaning they were training with Komusubi.
When they grouped up to train, the running back and main lineman asked what happened to the shorter teammate. Hiruma was passing by when she said in a threatening voice "You boy better not say a word or you're dead." Before walking away. "Wait, Komusubi, do you…" Sena and Kurita asked the pint-size powerhouse. His cheeks turned really red and muttered "H-H-Hiruma…. B-b-b-boobs…"
Oh Kami, he DID know Hiruma's secret. So THAT'S why his face was like that! The two now knew that the She-Devil would do worse to the pint-sized powerhouse if he said anything. "Please, don't say anything about Hiruma's secret," Kurita told Komusubi. The pint-sized powerhouse nodded and said "B-bad… if… t-tell." Sena nodded.
Bad News, Komusubi now knew about Hiruma's secret. Good news, Komusubi knew not to say anything about the "She"-Devil.
}{
At the Taiyō school.
"Mamoru… Ano, do you mind if I talk to you for a bit in private?" Harao, already wearing her school uniform, asked to the main force of the Sphinx. "Of course, Kimiko," Banba said fixing up his uniform as he left the room. The two were walking towards the amefuto locker rooms. "When I said "talk to you in private", I meant just Mamoru and me," Harao said loudly, causing the rest of the team, who were "attempting" to follow the two secretly, to jump out of their skin. When Banba turned to the team, they hightailed it.
}{
Banba closed the door and asked, "What do you want to talk about Kimiko?" Harao had a soft hue of pink on her cheeks when she said "Ano… About what happened with the Devilbats' captain…" Banba patted the female QB on the shoulder and said "Kimiko, it's fine. Isako just got a bit over-excited. I understand that and it wasn't on purpose." Harao shook her head and said "I know that. It's just… Ano… That person… is a girl…" Banba wasn't sure what his female teammate was saying. "Ano… When Isako… Tied us together… Ano…. I, ano, felt that… He is not a he…" Harao explained timidly, trying her best to explain what she was thinking. That was when it clicked for the captain of the Taiyō Sphinx. "Wait, you mean that…." Banba stated in utter amazement as Harao nodded. The Lineman rubbed the back of his head and said: "I certainly didn't see that coming." The QB nodded yet again and said "She hides her gender. I know not if her teammates are aware of it or not." "With the way she swears and acts, I doubt they do, but maybe one or two might know though," Banba said folding his hands together and resting them on his legs.
Things were quiet for a moment. "I think she is her," Harao suddenly said with serious eyes. Banba looked at his girlfriend and asked if she was sure about that and then added: "You don't really have any proof that that Hiruma person IS your childhood friend." Harao nodded in agreement and said "I know, but the way she laughed or cackled…. It was identical to HER'S." Banba placed a hand on her shoulder and said "Listen Kimiko, I know you want to ask if she is HER, but I think you should just observe for now. You know, keep an eye on her until you have some solid proof that she is indeed your old friend." "You are correct Mamoru when the Devilbats have their match against the Americans we can use that opportunity to observe her." Banba wrapped his arm around Harao and she rested her head on his's chest and said: "If she is her, I hope the swearing is an act and that she apologizes for those actions she did when we were tied together." Banba agreed with a small smile and then said "I certainly hope so, but let's keep that a secret, okay. I'm sure she has a reason to hide her true gender." Harao agreed.
Omake Moment: End
~}i{~
1) I just made up the soap brand for this story.
~}i{~