"Caster... please do not say such things in front of guests." She glares at the servant with quite a bit of hatred. "Now, am I right to assume you are a refugee brought by Rider, Mister...?" You would be wrong, actually. Sort of.
Before I respond however, Rider materializes close to me. "Nope, he's actually a bonafide master." Huh, so that's how the ghost form thing works? I knew about it from the game's rules, but it's weird seeing it in action.
Altera however, enters the place normally. "This has stopped being a talk between two people, therefore the deal is over." I imagine is because her store brought clothes would end up falling onto the ground?
Well, whatever, I'm just glad she entered as soon as Kiara showed up. For some reason, I feel like being alone with her and Caster would be bad for my health... Wait, it's not for some reason, I know exactly why! Andersen just said some real perverted stuff after all!
Kiara's eyes are open wide. "So there was another... I must say, I'm surprised." So am I, even if your servant is apparently really bad. Now though, I'm wondering if we are the exception or the rule.
Is it a case where every city has a few masters? Maybe Kiara and I are the only masters in the entire world...? Or the much more likely possibility, everyone who registered for the Grail War got a servant. However, I can't confirm that theory yet, specially since I don't know of her circumstances.
Besides, I have a feeling that the ring in my hand was an essential part of my summoning of Saber, she even said it could be used to sustain Servants. And yet, Kiara doesn't have a similar ring, at least not on her fingers right now.
I nod in her direction. "I hope that surprise doesn't turn into aggression." The original goal of people who have servants is killing each other after all. "And in case it doesn't, I'm Hideaki Emiya, and this is my servant, Saber." I motion to Altera.
My servant in question keeps silent, glaring at the poor nun... Well, I don't blame her for being on guard. All we know about Kiara is that she's the one who actually cleaned up around here, so she could be strong.
Kiara smiles towards me... it strangely pisses me off for some reason. "And I'm Kiara Sessyoin, though I'm sure Caster already told you that." She clasps her hands together. "And I would be more than happy to stay as an ally." I never said ally, I just said we wouldn't be enemies.
I send her a thumbs up. "Got it, see ya then." It's time to leave, both because I mostly got what I came here for, and because BB's little game could start at any moment now. If I was in here while it did, it would put those innocent people in danger too.
Ah... It's honestly sort of a pain to keep running around, but it can't be helped for now. I don't buy what Andersen said for a second, BB is definitely willing to kill her Oedipus-Senpai. And it goes without saying, but I don't think she loves me either.
Kiara suddenly raises a hand. "W-wait, don't you want to stay!?" She seems to be a bit panicked, I guess it's only natural since I'm the only master she has met so far, but it can't be helped. I shouldn't bring my problems to this place.
I wave her off. "Nah... Well, I'll probably bring any survivors that I find here. As long as you don't mind of course." I really don't want to go around carrying people wherever I go, but I also can't leave them to die either...
Kiara slowly nods. "That is... fine of course, in fact I would be more than happy with that deal, but... Please stay for a little while longer, and if you're leaving because of something that Caster said, pay him no mind, he's annoying." I can agree with that!
Still, am I leaving because of Caster, and not because of BB's hunt...? I... To a certain extent I am. For some reason, some of the stuff he has said has left me uncomfortable, so I was subconsciously wanting to leave.
But that's the dumb decision, I get that I'm on a clock, but I should at least gather whatever information Kiara can give me first. After I do that, I will leave and find a place to hide, preferably one without any other humans close by.
Andersen's eye twitches. "Why do I have a feeling I am about to get ganged up on?" Didn't you just say you lacked heroic instincts? Then how are you predicting the future so accurately right now?
Kiara glares at him. "Because you always manage to alienate everyone you meet in five seconds?" Their relationship is definitely not as good as the one I have with Altera, that's for sure. It actually makes me a bit proud of myself even.
Anyways, I'll follow the trend and glare at him as well. "Or maybe it's because you're a pervert? Seriously, what the hell were you saying about your master and me?" In a way, he made Kiara and I more connected than ever with that.
Because we silently agreed to ignore it's existence unless it would be used to mock him. No, but seriously, Kiara is definitely way older than me, so I would not pursue some weird relationship with her.
Altera does not glare at him, but that's definitely just because she's stoic. "You're weak." Well, so am I, but I guess it's much worse when it's a servant. That said, it's mostly the grail's fault for allowing writers as heroic spirits.
Rider pouts. "You're mean... Besides, you were making fun of me for looking like a child, but you look like one too." That's true as well! Ah, we really did all gang up together to bully someone, what a beautiful showing from humanity.
Caster sighs. "It is true that my current form is regrettable... but it is not one I chose for myself. Besides, I do not exactly hide the fact that I'm a grown man, specially since my voice is... one of my only good aspects." It's certainly deep as hell.
He continues. "And don't get mad at me for pointing the obvious. I saw a romance plot happening right under my eyes and... I am the type of man who will always cheer for the heroine to win." Really? You didn't give me that impression.
Kiara awkwardly smiles. "So, ignoring all the nonsense that Andersen says, won't you at least check on the survivors? I'm sure they would feel quite a bit safer knowing there is another... protector around..." Um...
Nah... "No need. I will stay for a few moments though, I want to talk about how... how we both have servants, and what that means. Like for example, do you know anything about the current situation?" Because I know frighteningly little.
Kiara seems... confused? And while she stays silent, Caster chuckles. "An expected attitude from the likes of you." He then looks at his master. "Didn't I tell you? This man is absolutely your type." Are you really still trying to push this angle!?
A blushing Kiara snaps at him. "Shut it!" And then she takes a deep breath. "So, moving on... I shouldn't know more than you do Hideaki. I... entered the Holy Grail War, got disappointed when it was canceled and-" She gets cut off.
By Andersen of course, who's waving her off. "Enough about that, no one wants to hear exposition. Boy, if you want to find clues on how to fix this mess, you won't find them here. Do take Rider with you though, she's an eyesore." H-huh...?
Silence settles in for a moment, but Rider quickly breaks it. "But handsome over there already has a servant... His body would start to break down if he made a contract with another." That sounds scary!
Kiara nods. "Y-yes, and we also need Rider to continue working with us. She has been a great help so far." Yeah, she finds survivors, and food for those survivors. Taking her out from this little group would just cause troubles.
Altera's grip on her sword gets tighter. She doesn't say anything about whether she's on Kiara's side, or Andersen's side though, in fact she has been pretty silent ever since she returned.
Andersen frowns. "It is true that Rider has been decent help so far, but her nature, mixing up with yours Kiara...? Normally I would be fine watching this Titanic until the very end, but as I said before, I cheer for the heroine." He points at my finger, no, at my ring. "Rider, don't be stupid, with that thing he could support you and his Saber." Ah. That's true.
Rider gasps. "Oh. True." She then squints her eyes in Saber's direction. "But... Um... Well, I am a fox..." She seems deep into tought. "This feels like an arranged marriage." No it doesn't! How did that even come to your mind!?
Kiara's jaw hits the floor. "You cannot seriously be considering going on with Caster's nonsense, are you Rider!?" I'm with you. But if I really can support more than one servant, this might be beneficial to me. "And where did that ring even come from!?" Who knows?
Andersen laughs. "Calm down cow, Hideaki is our ally, is he not...?" His tone is filled with mockery. "That said, I'm curious about the ring as well, I must admit... It's not something an everyday magus or wizard would have access to." Why make a distinction between those two terms?
Well, I won't ask in a situation like this, specially because... "It's none of your business." I don't plan on telling him anything about the ring. Much like we did with Altera, I would have him assuming I'm some great mage.
Besides, my action just now received an approving nod from Altera, so surely it's okay? Even if it isn't though, I don't regret it, since I can't help, but dislike the child, but not really a child servant.
Andersen smirks. "Um... I wonder, is that ring the source of your pride?" It's definitely not, I got it very recently after all. Also, I'm not prideful. "Anyways, make your choice Rider. Feel free to ignore any objections from Kiara." The nun lowers her head, defeated.
Rider starts circling me, like some sort of predator. "Sure... But first, what do you think of me, Handsome?" Nothing...? No offense of course, but I just met you. And this isn't a situation like with Altera, where I got saved.
But I guess I have to respond. "You're fine, and I would definitely like to have another servant around..." More fodder to throw at BB's daughters. Hey, who knows, maybe with two servants we can even win against them!
Rider sighs. "That's a boring response..." But a truthful one. "Now... what does Saber think of me? I wouldn't want to... intrude in anything." She has a smirk on her face, which screams that she very much wants to intrude into something.
Saber frowns slightly. "I do not trust you, since you're a rogue servant... and you do not seem like a good person. I doubt much will change if you become Hideaki's servant, but at least he will have a leash on you." Right, Command Seals.
Rider smiles. "At least with a personality like that... you won't be too much of rival." At this point I have figured out exactly what she wants, but I... I won't say anything about it. If it gets me another servant, then...
She looks me up and down. "As far as appearances go... you're really handsome! As I have been saying! And the color scheme is great too!" T-the color scheme? "You're wearing so much black and yellow... it matches with my clothes!" Huh, so it does.
Actually now that I think about it, Rider hair color is pink, and mine is red. Not too far apart... her eyes are yellow, and mine are blue... If it wasn't for her fox features she probably could pass off as a child of Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou. A little sister...
Rider closer her eyes. "But appearances only matter to a certain extent too. What I really want to know is the quality of your heart. Tell me, what is your wish? Surely you have one?" This question again?
Then I wil give the same answer as before. "I wish to become a hero of justice." Hopefully she won't call me out for lying.
She pouts. "That's a lie." She did it immediately!? "Or it's a very weak wish, none of your heart is showing. I wanna see that sparking red thing that makes my own heart explode!" I'm guessing that's passion...
Andersen laughs. "Don't worry, that he has in spades." He crosses his arms. "So, will you tell the truth and obtain a new sword? Or do you refuse to look at the mirror?" Haven't you said something similar before...?
I raise an eyebrow. "Aren't you mad? I lied to you in our interview." I guess he did say lying would also reveal stuff about my character. That's probably why he didn't get mad.
Kiara interjects, she actually sounds a bit... angry? "Interview? What exactly were you two doing...?" Her anger is understandable of course, I'm currently trying to steal her servant right under her nose.
But it's not like I'll abandon this shelter and it's people. I'll start sending this place supplies and the like, to compensate for the loss of Rider. Hell, maybe after everything with BB's daughters I might even break this hypothetical contract.
Andersen shrugs. "I gave the boy my true name, asked him some questions, he asked some questions..." Kiara takes a deep breath, this guy will be scolded even more later. "Anyway, no, I'm not mad. I realized it as soon as it happened after all." I guess I should have expected that.
A familiar smirk returns to his face. "Don't underestimate my Human Observation, even if you shouldn't overestimate it either." A chucke escapes his mouth. "Besides I have lied by omission at this point, so don't worry too much." For real!?
I pinch my nose. "Whatever... I suppose there is no helping it. Don't expect me to elaborate on my dream or anything though, it's a private matter." I send Rider a serious look. "I plan on conquering the world, and ruling over humanity as it's king." It goes without saying, but I would rather if they didn't go extinct.
Andersen doesn't react much at all, I have a feeling he didn't just see through my lie, he also Understood exactly what I was thinking. Human Observation really is a powerful skill... Now I just have to figure out what he isn't telling.
Altera flinches back, with a surprise showing of emotion. I don't know how she feels about my dream right now, but either way, she remains silent... I have a feeling we will be talking about this later.
Rider... stays silent, much to my disappointment. Did I not pass her heart test? Well, if I didn't then I'm still confident on Altera's skills. My Saber has not failed yet, and I have faith that it won't be changing any time soon.
As for Kiara, she just lightly giggles. "I suppose it's only natural someone would desire to take the Harweys place." Without a doubt she took my dream as meaningless, a generic wish as common as ending world hunger.
She's wrong of course, I don't plan on taking the Harweys place. I won't contend myself with a mere percentage of humanity like they do, I will be the king of every single human being to live in this world.
Andersen hums. "Don't take his wish as natural Kiara. After all, when I questioned you about your dream, your first answer was also a lie about being a hero of justice." Is that common nowadays or something!?
Kiara looks away. "I suppose you're correct..." She sends me a smile. "Well, I wish you good luck Hideaki Emiya, though it seems any way of achieving our dreams with the grail is now impossible." She then looks at Rider. "So, what's your verdict?" She's definitely hoping I get rejected.
A Rider who's devoid of emotion slowly approaches me, but Saber stands in the way. "Not another step Rider. If you are the heroic type who judges my Master for his wish then... I'll cut you down." Oh. I hadn't even tought about that.
Rider seems to give Altera bad vibes, but if she turns out to actually be some heroine of justice... She would probably want to kill me, at least without the proper context that is.
Rider takes a deep breath. "Saber..." And then she starts panting. "Move out of the way! That's my Master right there. Handsome... His heart is handsome I'm not a soul woman like the original, but I definitely feel it's probably handsome as well." She approved!?
Rider smiles. "Hideaki Emiya, let's make a contract. I swear to stand by your side until the day I die/rot." That's all it took? I want to say it's too easy, but I shouldn't look a gift horse in the teeth.
I smile back. "It's good to have you... but I have no idea how to form a contract." As soon as I say that, my ring shines, just like when it healed me.
My hand burns yet again.
"If that man was here, he would probably say something like... This is just like a wife who was sold to a beautiful new husband, who possesses a beautiful new house, but he got that house through putting himself through debt. The wife did not know this of course." My bad!
I scratch my cheek. "I am... really, really sorry Rider." She still has not told me her true name, even though I gave away Altera's. "But due to our circumstances, I didn't want to give Kiara any information..." It could lead to us getting stabbed in the back.
BB clearly has some... She's targetting me at least, so it's not unreasonable that handing me to her in a silver platter could get them some favors with her something. I don't trust Kiara or her servant, so I kept all the information I have with me.
I had to share it with Rider now of course. From the fact that BB looks like my mom and is definitely an A.I., to the fact that I'm just a normal human who does not even know where this super powerful ring who can support two servants have come from.
Saber glares at the fox, she has been jumpy ever since she joined the team... No, ever since I met Andersen. "So, has any of this changed your opinion about being Master's servant?" I hope not, I have no idea how to break our contract.
I didn't get any new pair of Command Seals, so I can't go with the normal way of just using them until I have zero left. Maybe if I begged the ring enough? It made my contract with Rider with basically no issues after all...
Rider crosses her arms. "Um... Nope, it doesn't change anything. I attached myself to Master because I saw something there, and that something hasn't changed just yet." Oh, that's good. That's real good.
The fox tilts her head. "But if there's a chance we may be currently getting hunted then... Come!" She raises her arm. I'm sure she's trying to look cool, but as always, she ends up looking more cute than anything else.
From a flash of light, a giant fox appears. It's definitely big enough for Rider to... well... ride it. Without a doubt, this is the legendary mount that has given her the title of Rider, but to be honest... I can't think of any heroes who ride a fox. And are also a fox. Wow.
My phone starts making noise. My phone who should not be working... "Speaking of getting hunted..." I take it off from my pocket, and both of my servants get closer to me to watch... Rider has difficulty due to her height though.
It's a familiar screen, yet again mocking me and saying it's hacking my phone. And before long, she appears. "Hello everyone. Welcome to the second episode of... BB Channel. This one is prerecorded by the way, so don't expect me to interact with the audience." You didn't last time anyways!
Rider's eyes widen. "Oh... so that's the woman who looks like your mother. She's... pretty, in a lame way." I don't know what that means, but is true that her beauty doesn't quite match that of a servant.
That's not what you should be thinking about though, seriously. Be like Altera who is quietly watching the show with as much attention as she can muster please!
BB smiles, it looks twisted. "So I would like to congratulate humanity... It turns out that my calculations were off." That smile disappears. "Only seven percent remain, this species is so pathetic that they managed to die faster than the predictions made by a super computer." My heart sinks.
BB takes a deep breath. "Now, since I'm so nice... there won't be any rain today. You may all commemorate!" There are cheers from the audience... who probably aren't real. "Yep, day two will be all rainbows and sunshine, so the survivors can go commit crimes or whatever. If they're brave enough to face the remaining monsters that is." I imagine most won't.
A clock appears behind BB. "That said, since we are now in the second day... Let me clarify that it's midnight in Japan right now, so that's how I count the end and the start of a day." It's probably because I'm here.
She chuckles. "Now that the normies have their information... It's punishment time." Is it just me, or does she sound colder than usual? "You see... according to human rules the papa has to take care of children sometimes too! The important people know what I mean! See ya!" The screen goes black.
My eye twitches. "I..." She basically gave no information at all! Wasn't this supposed to be a super special episode or something!? Please put more effort into it damn it!
The screen turns on again, my eyes immediately glue back in. "Oh, right... I almost forgot." And then... the camera changes, I see BB wearing black panties, I also see marks on her tights. Of course.
It cuts back to her face. "The marks are purely for aesthetic by the way, if a certain mom-complex is feeling a bit cheated, he may now calm down his heart! I hope you enjoyed the fap material!" She makes a jerking off motion with her hand. The screen goes back.
I put the phone back into my pocket, I might not take it out even if she does turn it on again. In the end she gave no information at all about how this hunt will go down, it was almost like she was rushing through the program.
Yeah, it's like... "BB was tired..." She was still acting energetic, but there was definitely a charm missing. It's like she only got her usual BBness back when I was the topic of discussion... I might be wrong though.
Altera moves closer to me. "I cannot read her mood, I'm not... good at such things, so I shall believe in your word, Master." She then looks around. "But for now... I believe we have worst things to worry about." Right, we are being hunted.
Rider gets closer to me as well. "So do we have any type of strategy? Like me abandoned Altera while taking Master with me? My mount is pretty fast!" That doesn't sound like a bad plan in theory, but I hate the way you put it!
Altera nods. "I agree, but for now we should leave this place, it is far too open." I agree. Right now we are in the middle of a park, and even if it's night... for a being who BB is confident can take on a servant, such a thing will be of no issue.
A voice suddenly breaks through my concentration. "So, how about I lend a helpind hand then, big bro?" Immediately all three of us try to find the source. It's behind us and what we see is...
I tilt my head. "For real...?" Mom. If mom was super young that is. As young as Rider probably. Without a doubt... this is one of BB's daughters, which means... whatever she's about to say is full of bullshit.
She smiles. "For real! Follow me Big Bro! My... less than kind sisters are coming to get you... I had enough to luck to find you before them, but that won't last long." For some reason... my body is screaming at me.
It's screaming that this girl finding me first was the worst luck of them all.
But even if I'm sure she's faking friendliness, I might as well take this opportunity. "So, what's your name anyways?" I try to smile, but fail. I try to take a step forward, but fail. Even if it is to trick her, such actions would be too dangerous.
She sighs, frustrated. "E-eh...? Who cares about that right now...? My sister may not know your exact location, but they will know your general area, so we have to go!" How am I supposed to run if that's the case!? Isn't this chase impossible to win!?
I can't fake a smile to answer her fake smile, my instincts are still human in the end, but... she still hasn't noticed my discomfort. "Name, please?" She's a natural born predator with not a lot of experience. That's what I think, at least.
She pouts, but complies. "My name is Kazuradrop... Your little sister in this mess!" She points at herself, probably trying to act cute, but it just sends shivers down my spine. A tiger trying to act like a cat.
But I'm not just a human without a weapon, so... "Okay, that's enough. Saber cut this girl down." My order comes out without an once of hesitation, and maybe that's why Altera moves without an ounce of hesitation as well.
It takes less than a second for her sword to appear, but she does not dash at the unknown enemy. Instead she slashes in Kazuradrop's direction without moving, and the rainbow weapon changes it's length to it's users needs.
Kazuradrop steps back, but it takes her a moment too long. Maybe it's because she didn't believe I would attack? Maybe it's because she thought her manipulations weren't working?
Either way, the moment her child body receives a death blow, the moment her blood flies everywhere, she looks more confused than anything. It reminds of a child getting slapped by their normally kind parent.
That confusion quickly turns into anger. "You...! Did you really just...!?" Her eye is twitching, even though she should be scared of dying, right now she looks more pissed off than anything.
That's not a good sign, because it means almost getting cut in two won't be enough to kill a daughter of BB. And now that Altera has failed to aim for the head, a fight will undoubtedly break out.
Rider tenses her body. "Master... get ready." She's probably planning on picking me up and running. It's an understandable sentiment, since Kazuradrop may alert her sisters, but right now...
I ignore her and continue my order. "Rider, help Saber in putting her down." She may not be at risk of death from our blow, but maybe she's close enough that we can take her out fairly easily. I can't waste an opportunity like this.
Rider nods without a question and reaches for her sword. She fails to reach for her sword. Hah!? "Oh?" She tries again, she fails again, the sword is too long, and in too awkward of a spot. I'm so glad I didn't summon her originally, I would be so dead.
Thankfully Saber doesn't suffer from the same problem, she repeats her slashes towards Kazuradrop. It's the same strategy she used before, attacking without taking a step forward so she can protect me from whatever threat may come my way.
Kazuradrop begins dodging them. "This...! This disregard for my...!" She's not doing a great job at it, Altera may not be killing her, but she is constantly grazing at her body. Is this really a daughter of BB? This little... jobber gremlin?
The gremlin eventually jumps even farther back, probably trying to regain her breath. This time Altera is forced to take a step forward to keep attacking, and she does. It really is a relentless barrage... And I guess if nothing else, Kazuradrop is skilled enough to survive them all. The world's most humanlike cockroach.
As soon as I think that, a shiver runs down my spine. That's because through the barrage of attacks, the little girl had enough spite to glare at me. "You... you're looking down on me, aren't you!?" She can scream as much as she wants, the light show won't stop until she's dead.
I grin. "And if I am?" I don't feel too bad that I'm about to watch a child version of my mother die. It feels cathartic even, I'm putting down an imposter who has tainted that face with her mere existence after all...
Altera stops attacking. "My apologies master, I did not finish the enemy quickly enough. I was indecisive in whether I should protect you or attack her." The reason for those words are clear.
From the shadows... from very far away, a voice rings out. "Found ya!" It's cheerful, it's cute, it's coming from hundreds of meters away. We still hear it though, because... it's coming from a gigantic form of my mother.
My jaw hits the floor. "W-what the hell?" The light show must have gotten her attention, Altera is way, way too flashy. And now my bad decision to stay and fight has bit my ass... I can't escape the gaze of that giant.
Kazuradrop takes this moment to finally breathe... "Ah...! What a pain in the ass!" She looks down. "Why did BB even send me here!? I'm not built for combat and now those other hyenas will get you...!" Y-you were not built for combat?
Don't tell me I genuinely attacked a possible ally...? "I was planning on toying with you, and making you regret being you, and making you stop being you, but now that bitch BB is gonna have her way!" Nope, she was never an ally.
As the giant moves closer to us, a shadow dashes out from her shoulder, in a second it is in front of us. This... this is a servant's speed. Kazuradrop may not be built for combat, but this shadow definitely is.
It still keeps some distance from us, but I can now see her... And she looks... just like my mother. Not like Kazuradrop who's much younger, or BB who is a fair bit younger... she is literally the spitting image of my mother.
At least if my mother liked to dress as Auntie Rider, to the point of even wearing glasses. "You are Hideaki Emiya, correct? Please allow me to grant you a quick demise then." I... this is bad.
Not just because of her, but because from somewhere, another version of mother drops in. One who has a much less... developed body. Also, she isn't wearing much... what the hell!? She's basically naked!
Not that many people would notice that, they would probably focus on her giant metal legs first. "Wait a minute Violet. I want to take a good look at his face..." Her gaze focuses on me. "Breathtaking. As expected." Hah?
She continues. "Well, I might just ignore BB's plan after all." That's good...? "Hideaki Emiya, I love you. Please be together with me for forever and ever..." Are you really gonna drop a line like that just as you show up!? "I promise to protect you and your family from BB, so..." She gets interrupted.
From behind a tree... appears someone who really shouldn't be able to hide behind a tree. "W-wait a minute Melt! You can't steal him while I watch...!" She...she has massive boobs. Also claws. But seriously, what are they doing with my mother's face!?
The so called Melt glares at her. "Oh? So I can steal him while you aren't looking? I didn't take you for that type of woman, Lip." So her name is Lip...? Wait, did you just confess your love for me!?
The giant finally get close enough that the shadow of the night barely conceals her. "Big brother, I finally found you...! Fill me up to the brim, please!" She is also almost wearing nothing. This is BB's way of mocking me, isn't it?
That's why, as Rider and Saber stay silent, their voices consumed by the tense situation, I can't help, but dig my own grave. "Did BB find a bunch of prostitutes and then sent them after me or something? What the fuck is this?" I wonder if my mom can sue them?
Chaos erupts.
AN: Fuyuki might not survive. Also, poor Kazuradrop, since she didn't get to eat her sisters, she's the weakest right now... Still a high-servant though.
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