Chapter-49
Ozpin, Ruby
So, Shirou decided to turn… Perseus thought glumly as he and the other servants went into the bullheads. Perseus and Castor had both patched up Pollux with bandages, although her wounds would take a lot of time to heal.
Prometheus had just informed them of Shirou's betrayal and subsequent death at the Fall of Beacon before they'd been instructed to leave for the Dragon Continent to await their next assignment.
Siegfried was dead, Mordred had escaped, Shirou was dead, and Semiramis apparently was going to stay with Cinder back in Vale for a while before she returned as well.
And Shirou sacrificed himself to save the enemy… Perseus thought.
He should have felt anger at that. That Shirou decided to abandon the cause they had once talked of, and gone and helped the enemy at the cost of his life…
…But he simply praised Shirou for it.
"So, this is goodbye, Perseus." Cinder spoke as Perseus nodded.
"For now. I heard you'll be staying for a few more days to secure the Relic of Choice after Vale falls."
Cinder smiled and nodded. "Exactly."
She then scowled and looked at her black arm.
"I wish I could get my revenge on Sigurd…because of him, I've been denied what was rightfully mine for a year." She snarled.
"Hm…" Perseus hummed.
"At least, I can get to watch as the precious city he and Ozpin tried to protect turns into a wasteland inhabited by phantasmals…"
Perseus felt a little disturbed by that.
"You hate the Kingdoms that much?"
"Of course. Many people seem to regard the kingdoms as symbols of humanity's progress, many like touting how the kingdoms show how much we've managed to develop even with the grimm…"
"...It's all lies to cover up the crimes that take place under that shining image. I was one of those who've seen the truth. Salem showed me how rotten we have become. Why care about them when we're already moving on the path to change?"
Perseus could only imagine broken buildings with corpses lining the streets as grimm and phantasmals walked about.
He could already think of the screams as people would lose their lives in moments, while the grimm would consume Vale.
Stop thinking about it, Perseus. Perseus thought.
"But I can see your trepidation. I know, you were formerly a hero. You're not used to this. But the fact that you are placing the good of humanity above your personal emotions…It's testament to your determination."
"...Thanks." Perseus spoke dryly.
"Perseus, we're leaving, come on!" Castor spoke as Perseus looked back.
"Well, see you in the Evernight castle." Perseus spoke as he turned to leave.
"You've done an excellent job, Perseus." Cinder spoke behind him.
"You will receive the fruits of your labour, just like I am about to receive mine." She spoke before turning back.
Again… Perseus thought. He despised that statement, assuming that he'd done something major as a hero.
Yes, he'd admitted to Cinder that he'd taken the quest to slay Gorgon because he wanted to prove he didn't need some kind of privilege to bring in the most valuable of gifts…
But I ended up being more privileged than Polydectes. Perseus thought glumly.
He'd been constantly aided by Athena and Hermes throughout his journey to Gorgon, all because of his bloodline as the Son of Zeus.
He may have figured out the trick to cutting off Gorgon's head without looking into her eyes, but he could have achieved neither of that if he hadn't been given the right tools.
He could not have taken down Cetus and saved Andromeda without Gorgon's head.
His entire legend…one that was supposedly built to inspire people that all that they needed to succeed was their wits…
It was nothing but a complete joke based on the life of a hypocrite. Perseus thought.
Fruits of his labour? Perseus felt angry that he even got a happy ending, while so many others who unarguably had more talents and less divine help than him, suffered nothing but tragic deaths.
Perseus' mind went back to Shirou and felt his gut twist.
Why did it have to be Shirou? Perseus thought. Shirou was a good man, a truly compassionate person, who only received instructions from his god before he'd gone and begun a rebellion to save his people from oppression. He'd done that with nothing but his skills and yet ended up dying with his rebellion crumbling to pieces.
And to make things worse, Shirou ended up suffering from the same doubts that Perseus did. Since the beginning, Perseus had never felt fully committed to the cause.
He'd only joined because he felt that humanity was fighting a hopeless cause, squabbling amongst itself even when the dominant species of the planet was the grimm. It would be better if Salem's goal was fulfilled.
And yet, he'd done nothing but commit acts that would have made his mother ashamed of him.
And for all these reasons, Perseus despised Cinder Fall. At least he was aware that he had no right to brag about his so-called 'achievements' when he'd done them with tools handed to him on a silver plate, all because of his divine bloodline.
Cinder…she reveled in what she thought made her 'special'. Her reason for being the rightful heir to the Fall Maiden was because she was once a powerless slave.
She thought that one single reason gave her the right to look down upon others, treat others like inferiors like her cruel mistress had once treated her.
There is nothing to appreciate about Cinder Fall's 'struggle'. It is nothing but the tantrum of a power-hungry monster who cared for no one but herself. Perseus thought.
People like that would never be satisfied with anything. After he'd rescued Andromeda and fulfilled the prophecy of killing Acrisius, Perseus had never tried to go further. And in return, he'd died an old man with a dynasty that would forever remain rooted in Greece's history.
Cinder, however, Perseus knew she would fail. The fact that she was even going could tell everything to him that she was desperate to get the power, since Mordred had failed.
Just you wait. That desperation of yours will be your doom. Perseus thought as he entered the ship.
Soon, the bullhead left the warship, and Perseus could see it getting farther and farther away.
Perseus then slumped back on his seat. And so, a kingdom falls. Thousands are going to be slaughtered. Remnant will lose global communication…
And I will forever be haunted by my actions.
"We've arrived." Prometheus spoke as the warship stopped over Mount Glenn. 50 years ago, the Wyvern, a grimm that was supposedly responsible for the fall of the Regalius dynasty, was slain by the great huntsmen known as Thane.
The Wyvern had been able to talk simply because it'd once been a human, whose body had been converted into ether through a series of mistakes made by Ozma in his wizard incarnation. As a result, when it was slain by Thane, whatever sapience that lived in it died.
It became a mindless beast like the rest of its brethren, but it did not regain sentience.
But the interesting thing was that according to the stories, the human that soon became the Wyvern, once hated the Kingdom of Vale.
And of course, that hatred manifested in the form of a wraith that was stuck to the wyvern's corpse.
If a connection were established between the wraith and the wyvern, all that hatred would be enough to reanimate the wyvern.
That was why the Will went. To do precisely that and more.
Prometheus had no doubt that even after reanimation, there was a large possibility the Wyvern could still get put down by the warships that Vale had at its disposal.
Hence, The Will also went with materials to ensure something like that did not happen.
By this time, The Will had to have completed the modifications and already returned back to his cave, meaning the wyvern was ready…
…Yet still needed a little bit of help to get out of its prison, which is where the Atlas Bomb came in.
Of course, Salem herself had also given her help as well, and gathered a huge amount of grimm from beyond the mountains that protected Vale for bringing down the kingdom.
Prometheus had his army, and the trump card that would have that army bring him victory.
All he needed to do was give that army a passageway.
All the others had already left on Bullheads, With most of the servants on one bullhead headed for the Dragon continent, while Cinder's group would be headed for Vale.
I just hope that fool doesn't try to go for the Maiden now. Prometheus thought. Cinder had told him Ozpin had had Amber transferred out of Beacon's vault and was currently with him.
And despite her calm façade, Prometheus was well aware of the growing frustration within her. She could have had the power almost a year ago if not for Sigurd. And now, with Mordred's failure, Prometheus was afraid Cinder would lose her patience and foolishly try to take the power under Ozpin's nose.
The last thing he needed was for Cinder to charge in, get herself killed by Ozpin, and then force Salem to waste her time on a wild goose chase to find another Fall Maiden.
I just need to make sure that Ozpin is distracted, so that Cinder could escape. He thought.
The operators began typing furiously on their panels, as the bay doors opened for the bomb.
Finally, now I can leave as well. Prometheus thought as the warship released the bomb.
Prometheus then crashed through the window to fly out of the ship. He released his hold over the crew before flying away towards Vale.
Prometheus looked back one last time to see the bomb hit Mount Glenn, as light erupted from the mountain in one massive explosion.
Within minutes after the explosion, Mount Glenn had been completely levelled…
…And with that, every single grimm in the continent of Eastern Sanus now had an open path towards Vale.
Ruby sat against the wall, staring blankly into space as she held Shirou's cross in her hand, something which Ozpin had given to her.
Everyone had seen a blinding light hit where Shirou was, vaporizing huge amounts of grimm. Many students began questioning what that was, but nothing of that sort mattered to Ruby…
Shirou is…is… Ruby thought as Yang sat beside her with her an army around her shoulder.
In one night, Ruby had watched her school fall to the grimm in front of her eyes, and watched a friend die to the grimm.
Weiss and Blake then came up, Weiss looking particularly pale.
Yang looked up. "How's everyone else?"
"I-I went past the infirmary…" Weiss spoke in horror as Blake looked away.
"Many of the injured huntsmen had received amputations, and were all groaning and screaming in pain. It…It got too much for Weiss…" Blake spoke.
"Everyone has a haunted look on their face. Whatever happened tonight…"
"...Where did these grimm even come from?" Yang asked. "There wasn't even that much negativity."
"Probably something to do with Salem." Ruby spoke in a disinterested tone, looking down at Shirou's cross.
"...Hello, Ruby!" A voice exclaimed as Ruby suddenly felt irritated.
Who's trying to be cheerful at a time like… Ruby noticed Penny looking down towards her.
"Oh…Hey, Penny." Ruby replied, her anger subsiding.
"I am so happy you're alright!" Penny spoke, wrapping Ruby in a hug as the other three looked at them in awkward silence.
"..."
"Is something wrong? You look like you are currently in shock."
Yang walked up. "Hey, it's nice that you're checking on Ruby, but she…"
"It's alright, Yang." Ruby muttered as Yang looked at her.
"Just let Penny stay." Ruby replied as Yang cast a doubtful look at Penny before stepping back.
"...Did you see what happened?"
"The blinding light? Why, I've never seen something like that before! That man in mistralan robes certainly has a unique semblance. Although, it seemed it had cost him his life."
"...That man was close to me. He was my friend." Ruby spoke.
"...You mean a friend like me?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, I see, I understand now." Penny spoke before gasping.
"Oh, no! Am I being intrusive? I'm so sorry I didn't realize earlier!"
"No, no, no! I-It's fine, Penny." Ruby spoke, trying to put up a smile.
"Ruby, that does not look like a genuine smile."
Ruby deflated in despair as her sad frown came back.
"J-Just stay here, okay?"
"Alright!" Penny spoke before sitting beside her.
"Do you want me to stay?"
Ruby nodded. Penny's cheerfulness might seem insensitive, but that wasn't Penny's fault. If she was created recently, she was very much like a little child who did not have much experience of the world.
Yet, Ruby had always felt comfortable to go talk to Penny whenever she was feeling down. Penny's bright aura felt soothing to her.
Maybe it's because she reminds me so much of Tulip… Ruby thought. She didn't think anyone would be able to compare to Tulip. Not even the friends she'd made at Beacon…
But talking to Penny, Ruby felt a sort of quiet happiness she hadn't felt since Tulip died.
But even that did not dispel the sense of dread she was feeling right now.
What happens now? Is it over? Or is it just beginning? Ruby thought.
"Thank goodness, you've arrived." Ironwood spoke as Ozpin stepped off the airships on the airfield.
"Amber's safe. We've had minimal casualties and thankfully, none of them are students."
Ironwood sighed. "That was a close one…but still…"
"Amity Arena and the CCT…they're gone."
Ozpin also sighed. With what had happened in the great war, Amity Arena and the CCT had been Atlas' way of extending an olive branch to the other kingdoms.
"But what's happened, happened. Is everything prepared?"
"We're still in the process. The huntsmen have gone to their positions, my soldiers have stationed themselves to defend the wall. Atlas' air force will be making sure nothing tries to attack Vale from the seaside, but…''
"But what?"
"I just received word from Winter's warship."
Ozpin frowned at that. On the way, Winter and Robin had explained to him the entire situation.
Prometheus certainly played his cards well. He thought.
"What?"
"The Atlas Bomb has been dropped on Mount Glenn."
"Meaning it won't be long before the grimm arrive." Ozpin spoke.
"This is definitely grave. Because of the mountains, Vale has not faced a crisis like this since its establishment 1000 years ago. The civilians have no idea how to react."
"What if we use the old air raid shelters?"
"Hm, good idea. Those should suffice, in case the grimm manage to enter the city."
Ozpin then noticed Glynda show up with downcast eyes.
"Something wrong, Glynda?"
"It's…most of the huntsmen and students are feeling low on morale." She spoke.
"I do not blame them. None of us were expecting something like this to happen." Ozpin spoke before looking at Ironwood.
"How long before the grimm reach Vale?"
"About an hour."
"Good. James, Get me a microphone and set me up with every scroll in Vale as soon as possible." Ozpin spoke as Ironwood nodded.
"Glynda, gather up the students. Qrow, the huntsmen." Ozpin ordered.
Within 10 minutes, Ozpin found himself standing in front of a microphone, facing all the students and the huntsmen who'd escaped from Beacon, with his voice about to be broadcasted to every single nook and corner of Vale.
"Citizens of Vale." Ozpin began as every household in Vale was listening on their scrolls.
"As I'm sure you all have seen from the Vytal Broadcast, Amity arena crashed into Beacon Tower. Many of you may be wondering what is the situation…to which I inform - Beacon Academy has fallen."
In front of Ozpin, the Beacon students and huntsmen looked down in sadness.
"But we sadly do not have the time to mourn the fall of our Huntsmen Academy, because 50 minutes from now - Vale itself will be under attack."
Many in the audience gasped in horror.
"I do not like being this blunt, but right now, time is not on our side. Vale will be facing an all-out attack from the grimm, who will stop at nothing until they've massacred every last human within this kingdom and burnt it to the ground."
"But rest assured, Vale's Huntsman's association and a significant part of the Grand Army of Atlas was warned and is right now preparing for the battle."
"All we ask of you is cooperation. You will soon be directed towards the air raid shelters, and you will not come out until the fighting has ended. Do that, and me and the entire Huntsman's association swear on our lives we will ensure this Kingdom survives this night." Ozpin spoke before switching to connect to only the huntsmen.
"Huntsmen, you all heard what I just said. Tonight, which was meant to be a night of joy in celebrating the end of the 40th Vytal Festival, has turned into a desperate battle for survival."
"Vale is about to face one of the greatest battles in its history, one that will decide whether this city is able to see the light of day or not."
"Lives of thousands are right now in our hands. And if we fail…1000 years of history will be wiped out within a single night."
Many of the students fidgeted nervously.
"But that does not mean you will falter!" Ozpin spoke, his voice rising.
"We are right now approaching the end of an academic year in the academies, meaning every single huntsmen, whether student or professional, is aware where their priorities lie right now!"
"Despite our different backgrounds and approaches, there is one core principle that is the same to all huntsmen - and that is to protect humanity from the grimm!"
"The grimm have committed an unforgivable sin today - that of attacking and destroying one of the four huntsmen academies of Remnant!"
Many of the students looked up.
"Beacon was where many of us learnt what it meant to be a huntsmen! Beacon was the reason many of us stand proud as the protectors of humanity! Beacon was one of the pillars that represented the future of huntsmen with each generation coming and graduating to devote themselves towards our survival!"
Whispers of agreement erupted in the crowd, as Ozpin could slowly feel the despair transform into rage.
He could see the desire of vengeance slowly build up within the students, the desire to strike back at the grimm for destroying their school.
"And now, they are coming for the people we all swore to protect!"
"Are you just going to sit back and let the grimm attack your city like they attacked your school?"
"NO!" Many of the Beacon students yelled.
"Are you going to do whatever it takes to ensure the people of Vale survive?"
"YES!"
At the walls, many huntsmen also chatted animatedly in agreement, all boiling with rage at the fact that the grimm had destroyed the school that had once been their second home.
"Good! Then my instructions are simple to all the huntsmen! DO NOT, by any costs, let Vale meet the same fate as Beacon. Kill as many grimm as you can, until there are no more grimm left who can attack this city!"
"All Professional huntsmen, you will be ensuring the grimm do not get past the Great Wall. Fourth year students, you will assist the huntsmen in this endeavor. Rest of the students, you will help in evacuating the citizens to the air raid shelters and guard them along with the soldiers."
"Students of other kingdoms…" General Ironwood spoke up.
"I know this is not your battle, and many of your relatives would be worried back in your respective kingdoms. Atlas has henceforth arranged for transporting you all back to your kingdoms."
"..."
"It is completely fine if you decide to leave."
"...Heck no!" A voice spoke from a group of Haven students, who looked to see Sun Wukong speak up.
"Just because we're of a different kingdom doesn't mean we don't have a responsibility to help out!" Sun spoke.
"Regardless of our kingdoms, we're all training to be huntsmen. We all have the same goals in protecting people from the grimm!"
Many other students spoke in support of Sun, as Ozpin smiled.
How I wish you were here to see this, Thane. He thought as most of the students reached an agreement in that they would be staying.
"Very well. ALL HUNTSMEN IN VALE…"
Everyone straightened up.
"THIS KINGDOM HAS STOOD FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, AND WE WILL MAKE SURE IT STANDS FOR A THOUSAND MORE!"
"NO MATTER HOW MANY GRIMM COME AT US TODAY, WE WILL DEFEND THIS CITY TO OUR LAST BREATH!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as Ozpin adjusted his glasses before switching off.
Ozpin then noticed a large number of armored cars roll up, all ready for transporting his group to their respective positions.
"Now," He spoke facing the huntsmen. "I want all of you to take the students and place them at the air raid shelters for guarding. Qrow, take the fourth year students to the great wall."
Ozpin then looked at Beacon's staff.
"I want you all to go with each group and stay with the students after they've been stationed."
All the teachers nodded and readied up their weapons.
Meanwhile, I'll have to play my part. Ozpin thought.
"Alright now, good luck to all of you! May we all make it through this night in one piece." He spoke before turning to Ironwood.
"James, has she been transported there?"
Ironwood nodded. "Amber is in the Royal Palace."
"Excellent work. Now, James, I will not trouble you further."
"Are you sure? Anything else that you require?"
"No, I will take care of the rest myself."
"...You won't be fighting?"
Ozpin shook his head. "I will be more useful in the Royal Palace than I will be at the front lines."
Ironwood furrowed his eyebrows. "Why?"
Ozpin smiled. "Just trust me. Now go. You're needed elsewhere."
Ironwood nodded and turned to leave.
"James."
Ironwood looked back.
"I think your joints need some action to start up again." Ozpin spoke as Ironwood let out a quiet snort.
"Of course."
Ozpin then noticed Tristan come up.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Your healing spell did its job. I feel much better now…physically." Tristan spoke.
Ozpin closed his eyes. "Shirou did what he had to do."
"I am aware. Even if it hurts that he was working against us the entire time, at least he decided to make the right choice in the end."
"Shirou gave us the chance to prepare for the grimm. We owe him for that, and the best way to repay it is to make sure Vale survives tonight." Ozpin spoke.
"I have an assignment for you, Tristan."
"Hm?"
"Come with me."
Ozpin then brought Tristan into an armored car. He regularly checked upon the status of the defenses as their car went towards the Royal Palace.
"What a surprise." Yang spoke dryly as Team RWBY sat in their armored car with JNPR and…
"How is it that you're stuck with us." Jaune spoke glumly as Team CRDL sat with them, along with Professor Oobleck.
"Now's not the time for rivalries, both of you. Our city is about to fight a battle for its survival, and any sort of disunity or lack of cooperation would spell doom for hundreds." Oobleck spoke frowning at them.
"Mr. Winchester, I trust you and your team do not intend to take your issues with RWBY and JNPR here?"
Cardinal, who was surprisingly silent, shook his head. "No, Profess…"
"Doctor."
"...Doctor Oobleck."
"So, we're just going to guard the citizens?" Blake asked as Oobleck nodded.
"Considering the reports we've gotten, its best that no one less than the fourth years ever goes to the front lines."
"Why's that?" Weiss asked.
"It's simple. Ozpin says Mount Glenn was levelled only minutes before we reached Vale."
Ruby perked up. "What?"
"Why is that important?" Nora asked.
"Because, Ms. Valkyrie, it has opened up a very significant weakness in the shield that protects the settlements of East Sanus."
"...Because of the Inland grimm?" Yang asked as Pyrrha tilted her head.
"Um, what are inland grimm?"
"They're the grimm that live beyond Vale's mountains." Ruby spoke. "Apparently, they're a lot tougher than the grimm we have over here."
"Think of them like the Grimm of the Anima's Kage Forest, the Grimm of Solitas' Hel Mountains and the Grimm of West Sanus' northern desert."
Nora and Ren both paled at the mention of Kage forest.
"They are something you learnt to deal with in your fourth year, although it seems this year will not be providing you with such luck."
Ruby, meanwhile, put Shirou's cross in her cloak. She felt uneasy at the level of caution that Professor Oobleck was showing when talking about the grimm. She'd noticed even Professor Port, who loved boasting about taking down grimm, go completely silent at the mention of these 'Inland Grimm'.
Not to mention Uncle Qrow's and Dad's simple description of them…
"Don't even think of going into their territory until you're a professional with a few years of experience."
Soon, the armored car stopped, and Team RWBY got off to where armored cars were carrying citizens off to the shelters. In the distance, Ruby could see the lights of the Royal Palace of Vale.
No one had any sort of relaxation on their faces.
This feeling… Ruby thought with a shudder. It was all quiet with the movement of vehicles and people, yet the air was thick with dread.
Ruby blinked as she noticed a woman comfort a crying baby as she got into a car, along with many others who stared at the huntresses…
She could see Fear everywhere…
Never in her life had Ruby seen so much fear present. Even when villages where attacked, she could see mostly a sense of determination to defend their village…
Right now, she could see nothing but a silent terror. A cold fear of a terrifying force that was coming to kill them all…
That force being the grimm.
They're so scared… Ruby thought. Even the other students did not have as much fear in them as much as these civilians did.
That only served to make her nervous. Ruby wanted it all to end right there. Wanted that it was nothing and that they didn't have to fight the gigantic army of grimm that Headmaster Ozpin was saying was coming to kill them all.
Shirou was gone…
Most of the servants were away…
Beacon was gone…
I-I'm scared… Ruby thought with a gulp.
She then noticed the same woman from earlier stare at her, but with a different emotion…
Her baby started crying again and the woman comforted him before stepping into the cart.
"This street will be yours, Team RWBY." Oobleck spoke as Team RWBY stood.
Blake, Weiss and Yang exchanged nervous glances.
"I do not think the grimm won't come to our position." Weiss spoke.
"No shit, Weiss." Yang muttered.
"Only 10 minutes..." Blake spoke. "...Before it begins."
Yang slammed her fists together. "Before we pay back the grimm for what they did to Beacon."
"Ruby?" Weiss asked as Ruby was silent.
That woman… Ruby thought. That woman hadn't looked at her with Fear, but with…
"...Hope." Ruby muttered.
"Saying something, Rubes?" Yang asked as Ruby shook her head.
"Nothing, nothing." Ruby spoke before her grip on Crescent Rose tightened.
That woman was hoping that she and the other huntsmen would save them.
There were people who were putting their lives on their hands…
People who believe in us. Ruby thought as she stared with a frown.
She had always regarded huntsmen as heroes, and looked up to them as a child. And now, people were looking up to her to keep them safe.
Shirou had given up his life to give them a chance…
So we'll not waste it. Ruby thought.
She and the other students may have lost their school, but they won't let the grimm take their city as well.
"Everyone in position?" Qrow asked as Achilles nodded. Both of them were standing on top of Vale's great wall with numerous huntsmen. Over them, bullheads and warships floated in the air, also carrying huntsmen.
"Still don't know how long it will take for Sigurd and the others to get here. Could have used their help." Achilles spoke.
Qrow took a swig from his flask before offering it to Achilles who took a swig as well.
"They'll come eventually. We'll just have to hold out until then." Qrow spoke.
"Where's Ozpin, by the way?"
"Gone to the Royal Palace."
Achilles frowned. "...Is there a reason for that?"
"Says he's got a trick up his sleeve that should make it easier for us to defend."
"Well…" Achilles spoke before the two of them heard the distant howls of the grimm come from the distance beyond the walls.
"Here they come."
All the huntsmen shifted their weapons to a gun form and pointed it at the grimm.
When the grimm came close enough, The Siege of Vale began.
A/N: This chapter got a lot longer than I expected. But anyways, the Final Battle begins next chapter! We got to cover Perseus' final thoughts of whatever happened in the Vale Arc, Ruby's reaction to Shirou's death, Ozpin basically setting things up for Vale's defence, and of course, Ruby and her friends gearing up to fight in the final battle.
Only a few more chapters remaining before the Vale portion is over.
Hope you guys enjoyed and constructive criticism is appreciated!
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Zoukuyuujinchou: Thanks
