Fictions Mentioned:

Episode 23

OP Song:

Aoi Kaze No HOPE [HISTORY OF TRUNKS ENDING]

Insert Song: Start

Rainy Rose ยท TETRA-FANG

PART 1

In the past...

There was a stage platform where two men were playing a type of violin.

One was George Kurai who was playing the cello and the other was someone else, carrying a special type of violin known as the Bloody Rose.

Wataru Kurenai - Kamen Rider Kiva.

Years: 2008 - 2009.

Born as the half-human and half-Fangire child of Otoya Kurenai and the previous Fangire Queen Maya. Left by Maya as a child to protect him from the retribution she would face, Wataru lives in a European-style manor owned by Otoya, having inherited the building. With Kivat-Bat the 3rd as his sole companion, Wataru lived a lonely childhood, being regularly bullied by others. By his early twenties, he has inherited the mantle of Kamen Rider Kiva to protect humanity while uncovering the mysteries that surround his family legacy. And at the present moment in time, he is now the King of the Fangire Race, having taken his rightful place on the throne and has since then managed to bring peace between humans, Fangires, and everyone else that remains among the Demon Races in-between through much painstaking effort, plus assistance sometimes from fellow Kamen Riders in case the situation calls for it.

Wataru glances at George, noticing the tone of deep sadness, a contrite one that relates to a burden of sins that he carries within his own heart. It concerned him greatly. In fact, his other fellow main Heisei Riders were concerned as well, noticing a shifting pattern for George ever since he found out more about his own future. He became more close off, only speaking when spoken to, quiet and reserved, all of the things that reminded Wataru in a way of himself minus the burden of future sins and everything that relates to it.

It seems that George has a long path ahead of him as King and Wataru can relate to this a little too well due to being close to home. And Wataru also knew what it felt like to have missing parents in his life so he empathized greatly with George.

And Wataru Kurenai can tell the great love that George Kurai has for his parents as he dedicates the playing of his cello to them. An admirable quality. And yet, there was that type of suffering that George wouldn't want anyone to experience. And it was the loss of parents, especially at a young age.

PART 2

"You are nothing but a curse."

The young eleven-year-old George Kurai was punching the wooden dummy furiously. The taunting sound of Joker's voice echoed from within his mind. He recalls one of his many battles with the clown who had been a bane in his existence. With each punch, there was the prickling of blood flowing from his knuckles due to the excessive force that he was using.

"Do you really think that you can change anything, silly little boy?"

One successive punch after another...

"I mean, let's see, you already lost your parents, you were running and hiding from Ultron like a scared little boy, I tried to make your life as miserable as possible so that you can see the point, you've met my Another HUGtto! Precure girls which adds much further to your guilt, you always run, run, run. But no matter how many times you try to run, there's not truly escaping your destiny."

One successive punch after another...

"Face it, George, you are always destined to be a villain, no matter the timeline. If you were to lose another loved one, you would crack and do anything to bring them back, you want to do anything you can to make sure that time stops so that the suffering could just end right then and there. And you would not hesitate to hurt others in order to get what you want and that unfortunately would have to include your very own daughter in the future. Ends justify the means, correct? Now I wonder what your parents think about this? Hmmmmmm."

One punch later and the dummy totaled, breaking in two.

PART 3

In the past...

Somewhere in the mountains where the lavenders bloom from afar and the clear light blue skies seem to reflect a sense of tranquility, there were two men playing the cello with graceful motions and precision.

One was a young adult by the name of Sora Hanasaki and the other was a young eleven-year-old by the name of George Kurai.

George had simply stopped by the Hanasaki traditional residence once again, being a casual visitor from time to time. The benefit of time travel was that there were specific points in the past where George had no need to fear accidental changes in history itself. The personal timeline of Kaoruko Hanasaki is one such leeway for such things so long as George didn't intervene in major events. And now, George was playing the cello while trying to aim the bow delicately, slowly copying the manner that Sora was playing.

Kaoruko Hanasaki, the young adult woman was simply sitting down on the wooden floor steps as she smiles, listening to two bond tremendously due to tastes in music.

She had already grown used to the casual random visits of the young George who had come from the future. Since that time, she had gotten to know more about the young man that carried burdens that made her maternal heartache. She had taken him under her wing and trained him occasionally as requested humbly by a man who came from the stars.

And speaking of that man, the Time Lord known as the Doctor, whose appearance and face were Scottish, both handsome and tall, wearing his trademark attire consisting of a dark brown suit with blue pinstripes, was currently sitting just beside her sipping the tea that he personally brewed. The same brewed tea was one that Kaoruko is currently sipping right now with a content approving smile on his face.

"It seems that George is improving with his skill on the cello as time passes by," Kaoruko spoke softly with a smile. She looks at the Doctor who was smiling, a mixture of both happiness and sadness that was directed at George.

"Yes, he is," the Doctor smiled. And then he started bragging a bit with humor. "Not surprising considering the little trips that we've had."

"Oh?" Kaoruko only looked amused at everyone's favorite Time Lord. "Are you perhaps referring to all of those trips through time where we visited the greatest cellist players in history?"

Of course, Kaoruko recalled the few side trips that she and her husband were permitted to experience when travelling with someone like the Doctor. They and George were visiting places in their world's history, meeting and encountering great figures such as Luigi Boccherini, Mstislav Rostropovich, Pablo Casals, and many others.

"It's for the sake of his education after all," the Doctor said with a smile. Sadness seems to increase just by a bit instead of happiness.

"But I also noticed that whenever George plays the cello alone, it usually accompanies a sobering tone. It's like a symphony of his feelings being released bit by bit," Kaoruko spoke with concern, glancing at George who was focused on playing the cello.

"A young man like him who had seen too much," the Doctor spoke softly in a sober tone. "He has more trials ahead, I should know by instinct. He is the King and Monarch of Time, the successor of the original Kamen Rider Zi-O. He had already borne witness to the possible future where he turns to be an enemy of the Precure and greatly hated himself for it. I fear for him, Kaoruko, since I could relate to his fears all too well."

Kaoruko contemplated deeply what the Doctor had said as she looks back at her husband and George playing the cello together. And she worried greatly for George as the more she got to know him, the more she realized one single thing that subtly horrified her.

George Kurai would do anything to protect the Precure and the future itself even at the very cost of his life. If his life is snuffed out in order to prevent a much greater evil, then so be it. Oh, let not this be, Kaoruko worriedly thought to herself.

At another point in time...

It was almost nighttime.

A young eleven-year-old George Kurai was walking silently. His expression was solemn and grim; the same could be said of his walk and posture. His hair was dripping from the light calm rain that was showering from above. He was carrying a set of lavender flowers all wrapped up together in order to pay a visit to a grieving Kaoruko Hanasaki.

He makes light footsteps as he knocks on the wooden door. After a few moments of waiting, he heard the hurried sound of footsteps. There was the sound of the door opening sideways, revealing a crying Kaoruko Hanasaki who was surprised to see him.

There was silence between the two. George was lowering his eyes out of shame and guilt since he knew what was supposed to occur. And it already did. Sora Hanasaki, the husband of Kaoruko Hanasaki, had passed away so suddenly.

Kaoruko muttered softly out of concern as she sees the young man dripping from the rain. "George?"

"Obaa-chan once said this..." George spoke clearly, his eyes directed at hers. He raises his arms to present the lavender flowers to her. "Flowers can make everything better."

Kaoruko was touched just as her tears fall down from her cheeks. Her mouth trembles. She slowly raised her arms to receive the gift in a tender manner and lower it somewhere nearby the wooden floor.

And after that, she embraces George who gently pats her on the back.

And at that moment, Kaoruko allowed herself to cry, releasing her grief. Her tears flowed out of deep sorrow that came from the gap in her heart. The gap that she would have to live with for the rest of her life. The loss of her husband. And it couldn't be any sooner just as their child, Youichi Hanasaki, was born.

There was a reason why George came here. And it was to give comfort to the grieving woman that he looks up to as a grandmother and mentor figure. He couldn't be there when her husband is to be buried as there are risks of history changing and he'd rather not expose himself to the public eye at this time.

But now, he can be here for his grandmother figure for this night.

Years later...

A thirteen-year-old George Kurai watches from afar, looking at an aged Kaoruko Hanasaki smiling with teary eyes as the winds blow fair. It would appear that Kaoruko had finally found the long-lost lavender garden that was planted by Sora Hanasaki.

He knew that at this time, Kaoruko Hanasaki, along with the three Precure from Heartcatch: Tsubomi Hanasaki, Erika Kurumi, and Itsuki Myoudouin; along with the mascots: Chypre, Coffret, and Potpourri were visiting the former hometown of the Hanasakis.

Kamakura.

It was a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It was the de facto capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333 as the seat of the Kamakura Shogunate, and became the nation's most populous settlement from 1200 to 1300 during the Kamakura period. In the present time, it is now a popular domestic tourist destination in Japan as a coastal city with a high number of seasonal festivals, as well as ancient Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples.

To summarize the following events that had recently happened:

Kaoruko and the others were visiting the old family home; Kaoruko tells the girls and the mascots about how she had met Tsubomi's grandfather and the life she spent with him before his early passing by the time Tsubomi's father was born - of course, Kaoruko couldn't tell them about George's involvement in her life as he was there during these events, travelling to those time periods when he was young; another Desertian incident happens where Sasorina, one of the Desert Apostles, takes advantage of the troubled and mixed feelings of the childhood friend of Tsubomi - Mitsuru Nakano - and turning him into a Desertrian; the transformation and fight of the three Heartcatch Precure girls against the Desertian and purifying the latter after much effort; the return of the lost music box containing the melody that Kaoruko had once listened too and was recommended by Sora; and finally when Kaoruko and the Heartcatch Precure found this wonderful lavender garden that was planted and tended by the late Sora Hanasaki who promised Kaoruko about showing her this garden.

Of course, unbeknownst to everyone, George Kurai, Tatsuya Kaname, and Kiriya Irizawa helped out in planting this beautiful garden but they don't want to take any of the credit as this was really Sora Hanasaki's idea. And so, they promised to keep all of this a secret and give credit only to the man behind it all.

George sighed heavily, breathing in and out.

"("You can rest now, Ojii-chan. Obaa-chan had finally managed to find your lavender garden.")" he thought to himself, his hands tucked into his pockets. The breeze wave calmly and his clothes wave, cooling him with the breath of fresh air.

Karouko Hanasaki turns back to the lavender garden just as she was about to leave alongside her granddaughter and the rest of her friends. And she smiled at the beautiful lavenders that graced the entire landscape. They were far too numerous to count, as far as the eyes can see. It really shows the tremendous labor and hard working effort of the one who had managed to make this all possible. And her smile was one of longing and waiting for the one that she loved the most.

"Thank you for keeping your promise to me, Sora-san. I really would like to hear you play your cello for me again one day. I'll always be waiting for you."

At the same time, a white butterfly who was at the top of a lavender begins to fly away in the northern direction just as the sun graces down upon the fields.

Her heart satisfied and touched, Kaoruko Hanasaki begins to leave. But before she intended to do that, she spotted someone from afar just to her left. The breezes became strong and calm just as her eyes met upon the figure who was no doubt watching her from afar.

Her eyes widened slightly, muttering softly. "...George."

As if knowing that she spotted her, George Kurai waved his right hand and made an apologetic smile that spoke to her more than words.

"("Sorry, obaa-chan.")" George said this through the use of his waving right hand.

And then, George begins to walk away and turn in another direction with both hands in his pockets, the breezes waving his clothing.

Kaoruko Hanasaki could only watch as she sees the young man that she was well acquainted with at this time, the young man who was already like a grandson to her take his leave, not wanting to interfere and interrupt her granddaughter's journey as a Precure.

She smiled softly, her expression was one of understanding. Her eyes were teary as both of her hands were placed to her heart.

"Oh, George...Of course, you would know of this place...No doubt that you helped Sora-san out in making this beautiful garden...Thank you..."

She thanked him with all her heart. A Precure acknowledges his help. The young man had been protecting the Precure from the shadows for too long without as much as a thank you. It couldn't be helped. He is supposed to stay away from any major events that could happen. But that didn't mean that he shouldn't at least meet the main Precure teams after all is said and done.

Kaoruko thought sadly. She knew and recalled that George would insist that the Precure did not need to know who he was. He was a curse to them all. He was the villain. He didn't need to be associated with those wonderful girls carrying within sparkles of light and hope reflected on everything that they shone through.

When can George Kurai ever stop blaming and hating himself?

He hated himself for far too long.

PART 4

In the past...

The young twelve-year-old Goerge Kurai was simply narrowing his eyes out of concern, watching from afar. hiding from the trees.

Who was he watching?

Nodoka Hanadera.

She was opening her eyes as she finds herself occupying a wooden bench. She noticed all of the passers-by that were going about their daily business, some of them in fact were heading for work. She was rubbing her eyes with both of her hands, yawning slightly before opening them. And then, she looked confused.

"...Wait...Where...Am I?" she muttered softly, bewildered.

From what can be said, she didn't remember anything that had occurred in the non-existent year that she had experienced. That was a good thing, George Kurai thought to himself. The timeline memory erasure was put into effect as part of the official protocols. It was neither the appropriate time for a Precure to meet him nor was it the appropriate right time to leave an impact on one who had even yet to be a Precure. There are things that Nodoka Hanadera was destined to do and he had no right to change any of them. Not one single line. It was a risk that he refused to take.

But then, when one like him knew about the sensitivity of the timelines, there was always that heavily-ladened burden that he had carried for time travellers.

But what was he still doing here?

George probably thought to keep an eye out for her just in case. He would leave when her parents are about to fetch her.

"Nodoka!"

And sure enough, he spotted the two parents of Nodoka Hanadera, Takeshi Hanadera and Yasuko Hanadera, heading towards her location. His official work is done and it was about time that he leaves this place. Just like always, he leaves when he is unneeded, content with staying in the background and silently watching out for her and every single Precure of 21st Century Japan as their role in history is important for the safety of the Earth and of the Universe itself.

He nods simply, his mouth carrying a grim line. He leaves and turns, walking in another direction. He stops walking shortly, glancing at Nodoka and her loving parents who were worried for him. By looking at them, he was reminded of his own late parents and his relationship with them.

"("Otou-san...Okaa-san...Did I...Did I truly do the right thing...?")" he thought to himself.

By logic, of course, he did the right thing. It was his duty to make sure that the timelines are stable and orderly. He had no such right to just tamper with the natural order of things nor does he have the right to influence the destiny of others as they are the ones who should make their own path.

How ironic for him in this situation...

He didn't exactly feel right for doing this. But it needed to be done either way. Sometimes, he just wished that he can just discard the events of history outright and lend a direct helping hand to all of the Precure of this country and help with their problems. But he can't. It was not only because of history, but he was rather afraid of himself. If he did step in, he'd be no better than his other future self from one future that would never come to be. He doesn't want to be that man. Not while he still draws breath.

He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking deeply before starting to walk again, leaving another Flower behind in order to what is needed.

Unbeknownst to George however, while he was leaving, Nodoka was concerned about something.

"("...Why...Why did I feel like I forgot about something...?")" she thought as she was being escorted by her parents. And while she thought of this, she glances at the place where George used to be. But there was no one there. Her heart aches as she placed both hands on her chest, her expression turning sad and flowing automatically with silent tears.

"Nodoka!" Takeshi uttered in shock, worried for his daughter.

"What's wrong?!" Yasuko uttered out of concern, touching Nodoka by the shoulder.

But Nodoka didn't hear them. All she did was continue to look at the empty spot where a young man that she had no idea of now and remained forgotten, leaving a big gap in her mind and heart, made her cry. And the tears would not stop. She didn't know why she was crying but she felt that there was something that she is missing. A big question mark.

But what?

And that made her break down and cried, with her parents growing weird as they see their daughter suffering.

And this was a different type of suffering.

The suffering of being left behind.

And it wasn't by choice.

And time itself has to be ratified and corrected.

The Ridestriker.

It was a motorcycle - Rider Machine that George Kurai uses as part of his arsenal as Kamen Rider Zi-O. He summoned it via a specific Ridewatch which in turn materializes the bike. The base model of its design is known as the Honda CRF250 Rally - designed to take on both on-road and off-road endurance. An enduro version of the popular trail bike.

He hops to his bike, puts on his helmet, removes the brakes and starts the engine by using both handles of the bike and accelerates, twisting a little like a curve before heading straightforward as the bright mundane sun shines on him.

And while he drives as the wind brushes his clothing, he recalls all of the memories and experiences that he had with Nodoka Hanadera for the past year that were now currently erased from the timeline.

And all he left behind were nothing but regrets and fears.

He needed to walk this path alone. And he didn't need to be in the way of any Precure. All of them, all of the Precure, deserved far better than to be associated with someone like him who could only bring pain to them. At least, that was what he thought to himself.

But someone would argue that he was already associated with the Precure for so long. Kaoruko Hanasaki springs to mind as one major example. And that was already a problem for George as he never even intended to get involved in the life of Kaoruko Hanasaki or even be associated with her. But it appeared that fate decided otherwise. Or the more accurate term would be that the Doctor himself had pointed him to her as his mentor. And he was honestly grateful to even meet Kaoruko Hanasaki, deeming it a great blessing.

For George Kurai, the Precure - all of them from all walks of life - whether they are the Futari wa Precure, Splash Star, Yes! Precure 5, Fresh Precure, Heartcatch Precure, Suite Precure, Smile Precure!, Doki! Doki! Precure, Happiness Charge Precure!, Go! Princess Precure, Mahou Tsukai Precure!, KiraKira Precure A La Mode, HUGtto! Precure, Star Twinkle Precure, Healin Good Precure, Tropical-Rouge! Precure, Delicious Party Precure, and many others - were very great inspirational figures for him.

They inspired him. Especially when things go dark for him, the lessons that came with all of their stories inspired him tremendously. They were the beacons of light that he looks to for guidance. He sees them illumine the pathways, the joys and sorrows, the hopes and dreams, and everything about life.

And he felt grateful to even know them and their stories despite not meeting face to face.

And that was why he made his resolve long ago at the heart of his late parent's grave. It doubled. It tripled. And it burned bright.

In another world, the World of Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and many other heroes...

"Here, Tenkuji-sensei," George spoke respectfully at the man as he raises his right hand. It was a bag full of Eyecons representing all of the main Precure pink leads from Nagisa Misumi to Nodoka Hanadera.

Takeru Tenkuji - Kamen Rider Ghost.

Years: 2015 - 2016.

Takeru Tenkuji was born on October 4, 1997 as the son of Ryu Tenkuji and Yuri Tenkuji, who died after giving birth to him. He was raised in the Daitenku Temple where his father was a ghost hunter. During his childhood, Takeru befriended Akari Tsukimura, Makoto Fukami, and Kanon Fukami. When Takeru was eight, he witnessed his father's murder and promised Ryu to become a ghost hunter after Ryu passed Takeru the hand guard of Miyamoto Musashi. Since then, was also placed under the care of Onari Yamanouchi, one of the Daitenku Temple's monks.

As his eighteenth birthday was approaching, Takeru became dedicated to becoming a ghost hunter like his father but was discouraged that he still can't see them. After being given an Eyecon from his late father delivered ten years ago, Takeru became the target of the Katana and Yari Gamma, leading to his own death. He was then revived as a ghost by Sennin, who grants him the Ghost Driver. Takeru is able to become Kamen Rider Ghost and is tasked to collect fifteen Heroes' Eyecons within the next 99 days if he seeks to revive himself.

As of the present time, near the entrance of the Daitenku Temple, George was handing Takeru the bag containing the Eyecons.

"Arigatou, George," Takeru said gratefully as he received it with a smile.

George nodded. Then he bowed respectfully. "Well then, I better be off, sensei."

"Eh?" Takeru sported a concerned expression. "You're not going to at least stay for the day?"

"I'm sorry, sensei," George apologized in a genuine tone. "Duty calls."

"I see," Takeru smiled sadly but was accepting. And inwardly, he knew the real reason why George needed to leave for the moment. George needs to have some time by himself for a while. After all, he had just lost his first Precure friend, Nodoka Hanadera, by erasing her memories of the time that she spent with him. "Well then, good luck on your journey, George," he said with a sad smile.

George bowed once again. "Arigatou, sensei."

And then, he begins to head back to his Ridestriker, put the brakes out, put on his helmet, and start the engine as he drives towards the open road. Takeru could only watch form afar, his concerned expression never wavering.

And coming near Takeru, there was Yurusen, Akari, and Onari who were just as concerned as he was.

"Ne, young master, are you sure this is truly wise to leave George be at this time?" Onari asked Takeru, concerned.

Takeru could only smile sadly in response, not knowing what else to say, shaking his head. And then, he glances at the bag that was full of Eyecons.

PART 5

In the present moment in time...

"Excuse me, trooper, can I know where I can find my grandson, George Kurai?"

Kaoruko Hanasaki asked the Clone Paratrooper who was about to escort her, Coupe, and the rest of the Heartcatch Precure Team to the hangar bay. It was a tone of concern. Even though she was reassured that George was alright, she couldn't help but worry for the young man who had been a constant in her life.

Actually, George Kurai had been more than a constant in the lives of every single Precure, protecting them from the shadows. In one sense, this was basically a sense to atone for future crimes committed by his alternate future self. And in another sense, there was also the fact that he admired them for what they stood for.

"He's at the medical room, ma'am," the Clone Paratrooper replied respectfully.

"I see," Kaoruko smiled. "Can I and the girls be escorted there, then?"

"Of course, ma'am, right this way," the Clone Paratrooper replied respectfully.

And so, the Clone Paratrooper, accompanied by six other Clone Paratroopers, were accompanying Kaoruko, Coupe, and the rest of the Heartcatch Precure Team. They pass by several hallways, passing multiple clones and other personnel.

While they were walking, Tsubomi Hanasaki was carrying a grateful heart tuck within her chest. She still recalls everything that her grandmother had told her regarding George Kurai, how he had been there for her grandmother during the light and dark times, being there when she truly needed such. George was also there to protect her grandmother from external forces that were never supposed to be there; the only major exception to this specific rule of intervention would have to be the Desert Apostles and Dune himself, and this was only because of the risks involved in changing history. But it wasn't just about history but also the fact of her existence and the rest of her fellow Precure's existence in the modern day.

She, Erika Kurumi, Itsuki Myoudouin, and Yuri Tsukikage were truly grateful to George Kurai, their hidden protector, especially after what Kaoruko had said to them.

"Don't hold everything that had happened to us against George. He couldn't intervene in our lives at that point even if he wanted to and that was one form of protection that he had given. He allowed free will and choice to be ours and ours alone. He considered himself never having the right to choose for others, respecting the choices that have already been made. With all his power, he could have simply prevented our suffering from Dune and the Desert Apostles from never coming to be. He could just end the cycle right there and then. But he didn't. He didn't lift a finger. And that only speaks about his character. He knew that we would triumph without him getting in the way. He knew that he couldn't try anything. All he had to do was watch. Yes, being a man walking through space and time is a burden full of responsibilities."

The Heartcatch Precure girls were saddened. Of course, they never could hold their sorrows against George. He couldn't be held accountable.

"George has this unnatural tendency to hate himself. He feels responsible for what he might do in one possible future when the world suffers from a negative cataclysm; a world without Precure. I'm referring this main point to your friends - the HUGtto! Precure. George told me enough of what that future had been through. And it was something that made me worry deeply. George hates himself so much that if there ever came a time when the world or our future might be in any possible danger, he would not hesitate to sacrifice himself if needed."

The girls didn't like it. Their fairies also didn't like it.

And after a few steps, Kaoruko, Coupe, and the Heartcatch Precure managed to go inside the medical room. And much to their surprise and concern, they find George being embraced by a softly crying Nodoka Hanadera who refused to let go in fear of losing him within her line of sight. The rest of the HUGtto! Precure and the Star Twinkle Precure, concerned as much as them, noticed their entrance. Everyone else in the room also noticed them.

"Obaa-chan?" George Kurai asked, concerned and surprised that Kaoruko decided to drop by.

"Eh?" Nodoka, still teary-eyed, turns around to find Kaoruko and the rest of the Heartcatch Precure looking at her.

Kaoruko smiled softly. "Hello, George. It seems that we may have interrupted at a very delicate time."

Insert Song: End

ED Song:

Closing Theme Kamen Rider Black RX

Incarnation(s)/Regeneration(s) of the Doctor:

Tenth Doctor - A: David Tennant

Legend Main Heisei Riders:

Wataru Kurenai/Kamen Rider Kiva - A: Koji Seto

Takeru Tenkuji/Kamen Rider Ghost - A: Shun Nishime

New Characters:

Akari Tsukimura - A: Hikaru Ohsawa

Onari Yamanouchi - A: Takayuki Yanagi

Takeshi Hanadera - VA: Eiji Hanawa