anne-is-ominous

[anne-is-ominous]

Phoenix Odyssey 13.05: Shake it Off

Featuring a cameo from our friend @thenewestgirl!

“Let’s go! Faster!” Julie Akers cupped her hands around her mouth, yelling up at the last two girls on the bleachers. She blew loudly into the silver whistle that hung from a nylon cord around the neck of her white polo shirt. “We’re cheerleaders! We don’t GET tired! Energy! I wanna see ENERGY!”

You’re about to see me energetically break my foot off on your ass, lady, Ranko thought as she reached the top of the bleachers, waiting for Shizuka to catch up before turning to her right and running past the purple-painted press box and across the length of the east bank of seating. It’s not even my fuckin’ fault I was late. As she ran, she shielded her eyes from the setting sun with her hand, wishing she’d remembered to bring her sunglasses to the afternoon cheer practice.

“Any day now, Tendo!”

“Okay, listen,” Ranko called back to her friend as they began descending the stairs. “I know you’re tired, but when we get down there, I’m gonna need you to help me hide her body, okay?”

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Phoenix Reignited 2.12: The Other Shoe

I am so, so sorry this chapter is a day late. I've been… going through some things, and yesterday was just a terrible, no-good, very bad day. At least it's two chapters from the OG merged into one, so you get a bigger drop as compensation for my tardiness.

Yui stalked to the back door, double-checking to ensure it was locked, and then moved to turn off the oven which was beginning to smell of the pizza Hana had left burning within. She stroked her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t get it. Ranko didn’t take her eyes off of him all night. It’s like she knew he was going to try something.” 

Hana nodded. “And she warned Mei to stay away from him.” 

In the corner, the blue-haired girl cringed, remembering some of the things she’d said to Ranko. I was so vicious to her, and Ranko really was only trying to protect me. I just assumed Ranko was jealous. Wait, didn't Mikado say something about jealousy? Something about wanting more? Is that what brought out that level of… rage? It couldn’t be because she was protecting me, because she was protecting me last time, too. This was something almost… primal. It wasn’t just anger, it was… hate. Almost as if it was her that he…

She gasped. There was only one explanation. Mei looked up in the direction of the closed door at the top of the stairs, sniffling and sighing in sadness and regret. “Mama, I don't think I was the first girl Mikado did this to."

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Phoenix Reignited 2.11: Breaking the Ice

A pretty cool achievement for me today! While it doesn't yet get there for the Phoenix Saga itself due to things like song lyrics and duplicated content in Reignited, with today's chapter, my total published word count crosses one million words in the last 19 months. And there are actually people who have read all of them! Thank you so much to everyone who helped me and encouraged me to get here.

To celebrate... have some content warnings! Today's chapter's full of violence and attempted assault. Read at your own discretion.

Ranko waved to the assembled patrons from her new stage platform with a pang of guilt, taking a shallow bow. I’m sorry, guys. You’re not getting my best tonight. I’ve just… I’ve got more important things on my mind than pop music right now. Wherever she went in the room, her eyes were never far off from the table in the far corner by the front door, where Mikado Sanzenin and his two hangers-on: both slender but athletic men in their own right, sat. She might not have had experience with dating guys, but she knew danger when she saw it, especially when it sat in her home with a bottomless pitcher of sake. 

I can’t believe he hasn’t even recognized me. I’m up here singing and dancing like a freakin’ idol thirty meters from his table; it’s not like I’m going stealth. Did… Did what he did to me mean so little to him that he doesn’t even fucking remember me? Was it that casual for him, the way he got inside my head and filled it with fucking demons?!

When Ranko’s gaze wasn’t on Mikado, it was on his girlfriend. Mei still hadn’t had much to say to her in days. It’s not her fault, Ranko reminded herself as she stepped down from the stage. She doesn’t know, and it’s entirely my fault she doesn’t know. Singing for two hundred strangers, I can do without a second thought, but having a conversation with my big sister and letting her know she’s in danger… that, I’m not brave enough for. Some fucking big, bad martial artist I turned out to be. I’m not even sure she’d believe me if I did tell her, not with how hooked on him she is, and how pissed at me she is. 

She glared up at table one, digging her pink-polished acrylic fingernails into her palm and wincing at the pain. I’m just glad Mei sat him in her section. If I had to bring that piece of shit a drink, I’d probably spit in it. Her stomach rolled at the realization that thundered through her mind. It wouldn’t even be the first time he’s tasted my spit.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.10: Watch This Space

The showdown looms...

The elder woman frowned, looking around the bleak little corner of the train station with a new perspective. “You’re never going to have to do anything like that again, honey. You’re never going to be alone again. Look at me.” She waited for Ranko’s eyes to lift to meet hers before continuing. “I mean it. I promise, Ranko.”

Hana set her tray of food down on the bench at her right hip, turning on the seat to face her young ward. “Hey, you know you can talk to me, right?” Hana rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “C’mon. What’s going on in there? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now with the show, this new exam thing, and whatever’s happening between you and Mei.”

Ranko sighed. The situation with Mei and Mikado was eating her up, not only with worry over Mei getting hurt, but with her own memories of her assailant being dredged up. If I tell them, and they pressure Mei to break it off with him, it’ll be like I’m asking them to trust me over her. Mei already thinks I’m getting favoritism from them. It’ll just make things worse and push her further away from me. Why can’t I just… why can’t I admit what he did to me? Why can’t I be brave enough? She looked up into Hana’s eyes again. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

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Phoenix Reignited 2.10: Watch This Space

The showdown looms...

The elder woman frowned, looking around the bleak little corner of the train station with a new perspective. “You’re never going to have to do anything like that again, honey. You’re never going to be alone again. Look at me.” She waited for Ranko’s eyes to lift to meet hers before continuing. “I mean it. I promise, Ranko.”

Hana set her tray of food down on the bench at her right hip, turning on the seat to face her young ward. “Hey, you know you can talk to me, right?” Hana rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “C’mon. What’s going on in there? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now with the show, this new exam thing, and whatever’s happening between you and Mei.”

Ranko sighed. The situation with Mei and Mikado was eating her up, not only with worry over Mei getting hurt, but with her own memories of her assailant being dredged up. If I tell them, and they pressure Mei to break it off with him, it’ll be like I’m asking them to trust me over her. Mei already thinks I’m getting favoritism from them. It’ll just make things worse and push her further away from me. Why can’t I just… why can’t I admit what he did to me? Why can’t I be brave enough? She looked up into Hana’s eyes again. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

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Phoenix Odyssey 13.04: And Yet, So Far Away

Back from an amazing weekend in Massachusetts, and hey, NEW BROTHER GET! It was a gorgeous wedding, but I'm glad to be back home doing what I do, so... Have some words! <3

“C’mon, cutie!” 

Akane giggled, walking slowly as she gently held the hand of the little girl toddling along next to her. “You’re doing so great!” Akane winced as Mioko tripped over her own feet, plopping to the floor in her clunky pink sneakers and her green dress with an elephant print. “Oof! Oh, you’re okay, baby girl. Let’s get back up! We always get back up when we fall down,” Akane encouraged, her voice rising to a higher octave as she gently pulled the whimpering Mioko back to her feet by the hand.

“Sometimes it just takes a few months,” Ranko said with a chuckle, laying on her back on the sofa and turning the page of her book. Her right ankle was crossed over her left knee, paying no mind to the way it exposed her in her favorite white lace dress. “Pro tip, kid, don’t get into any fights with grabby assholes with wooden swords.”

“Ranko!” Akane gasped, whipping her head around to face her wife with an admonishing expression on her face. “Watch your language around her!”

The redhead cringed, sucking air in through her teeth as she looked up from her book. “Shit, sorry!”

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Phoenix Reignited 2.09: A Blank Slate

Happy Saturday! Look at me, being all not-releasing-right-at-the-deadline like a total girl who has her shit together!

Narrator voice: she did not, in fact, have her shit together.

“Don’t you think you should get down from there? What if you fall?” Hana smiled up at her martial artist daughter with a slightly disbelieving shake of her head.

Ranko smirked confidently in response. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She hopped up from the seat of the long bench and continued walking, without breaking stride or slowing, along the top of the thin back rail of the bench instead. 

The old barkeep rolled her eyes. “Okay, showoff, I get the idea. Now get down here before you hurt yourself.”

The young lady, as she was being reminded to play the part of, stepped down next to her. “Yes, ma’am.” Her father would have had a heart attack and died at the thought of his child following instructions from an elder without a fight – but then again, he had never tried actual respect in his dealings with her. “So… where are we going? What’s with the fancy duds and everything?” 

Hana smiled, disarmingly. “We’re going to the library.” 

Ranko nearly face planted. “You… You got me dressed up like a secretary, and out here before the sun has had its friggin’ coffee, to go stare at some dusty-ass books?!”  

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Phoenix Reignited 2.09: A Blank Slate

Happy Saturday! Look at me, being all not-releasing-right-at-the-deadline like a total girl who has her shit together!

Narrator voice: she did not, in fact, have her shit together.

“Don’t you think you should get down from there? What if you fall?” Hana smiled up at her martial artist daughter with a slightly disbelieving shake of her head.

Ranko smirked confidently in response. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She hopped up from the seat of the long bench and continued walking, without breaking stride or slowing, along the top of the thin back rail of the bench instead. 

The old barkeep rolled her eyes. “Okay, showoff, I get the idea. Now get down here before you hurt yourself.”

The young lady, as she was being reminded to play the part of, stepped down next to her. “Yes, ma’am.” Her father would have had a heart attack and died at the thought of his child following instructions from an elder without a fight – but then again, he had never tried actual respect in his dealings with her. “So… where are we going? What’s with the fancy duds and everything?” 

Hana smiled, disarmingly. “We’re going to the library.” 

Ranko nearly face planted. “You… You got me dressed up like a secretary, and out here before the sun has had its friggin’ coffee, to go stare at some dusty-ass books?!”  

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Phoenix Reignited 2.08: Look at This Photograph

Barely made it again, I know. Sorry, everybody. Traveling out of state this week, and schedule's been hectic as hell.

Akane turned her eyes to the southeast, staring up at the stars beginning to peek through the encroaching darkness. She half-expected to see spotlights dancing in the sky, beacons calling out to anyone who might follow them to a two-story brick building near the harbor, and within, the most beautiful thing in the Minato district. She bit her lip softly, shaking her head and turning back toward home. Ranko Tendo, what have you done to me?!

The high schooler sighed, turning her gaze from an office building. Both of the bushes flanking the walkway up to its front door were wrapped in colored lights and pocked with red and white glass balls. She was only with us for a year or two, but it already doesn’t feel like Christmas around here without her. 

Gods, I miss her.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.07: Shockwaves

Okay, this time I was about an hour late. Sorry, everybody. It's... been an interesting few days around here, getting ready for last minute trip to Massachusetts for a family event.

Hana flashed a knowing glance and a bit of a smirk in Izumi’s direction as the brunette buzzed back to the service bar to resume stocking the back bar with liquor. “I mean, you wiggle with the best of ‘em, baby.” She chuckled deviously. “Maybe not so much in that top, though.” 

The redhead flushed deeply. “Mama!” She hid her face in her hand. “I think it shrank a little bit in the dryer. I feel awful; Izumi gave it to me and I messed it up the first day.”

“It happens, honey. You gotta read the labels on stuff. I swear, half the stuff they make these days, you look at it funny and it just… poof!” Hana flared her fingers outwardly on both hands, miming an explosion. “Shit just evaporates! That’s why it’s tee shirts and jeans all day for me. No muss, no fuss.”

Ranko scoffed, sipping from her soda glass. “Yeah, well, convince Izzi that I can dress like a biker on stage every night, and I’m in, too.”  “Fat chance!” came a shout from the direction of the service bar.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.06: Decking the Halls

I still had 6 minutes left in Saturday. It wasn't late. Shaddup.

Izumi rolled her eyes. “I know, I know. You’re not likely to be out in the crowd too much this time, though. You’re pretty much gonna be nailed to the stage, girl. Besides, you’re putting on a show. You’re an entertainer now, little sister. We have to give them what they want.” 

The redhead sputtered a raspberry with her lips. “Says who?” 

Izumi snickered. “Don’t forget, this whole thing was your idea, Ran-chan.” 

Ugh. She's right. Why does she have to be right? Resigning herself to her fate, Ranko began searching the racks. Alright, Ranko, think. What would have excited me to see Akane wearing, back when I was a guy? Or, for that matter… Her face warmed yet again, but she willed the intrusive thought out of her mind as quickly as it had entered. Stop that, Ranko. It’s never gonna happen. She emitted a quiet, resigned sigh. I damn sure wouldn’t have been worried about whether it was itchy, or too short, or warm enough, or if it had pockets, though. Man, shit changes when you don’t have testosterone pumping through your brain by the liter, I guess. 

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Izumi called out, “How about this?”

Ranko looked up as Izumi raised a hanger above her head, on which hung a mostly sheer red satin garment. Wait a second. That’s a dress?! That looks more like something a girl would wear under a dress, if they wanted to be all sexy and shit. “No way I’m wearing that in public.” Or in private. Or anywhere. As she returned the hanger to the rack, Izumi gasped, her eyes falling on something across the aisle. “Oh, that’s it. I got it!”

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Phoenix Odyssey 13.03: Idols

Off to their right, a line of tents in various colors had been erected on the quad along the sidewalk’s edge, from which their fellow Mystics were recruiting for a variety of student organizations. There was one for the manga club, which made Ranko smile softly. Reminds me, I need to give Kumiko a call and check in with her, she thought. Next, they passed a tent for some sort of religious group Ranko didn’t recognize, and then one for a political activism organization.

“You ever think about a disguise? Or, like, wearing a mask or something, like you're sick? Even if they recognize ya, they might think you have something catching and stay clear.” As they walked through the sunlit quad, Yumeko adjusted the weight of her backpack on her shoulder.

Ranko blushed. “I mean, for one, I would have to get a wig. Pretty hard to miss this going down the sidewalk,” she said, playing with the end of her bright red ponytail for emphasis. “But, maybe. Ak… Aki has suggested it more than a few times lately.”

Especially now that we basically can't be seen in public anymore, Ranko thought sadly, averting her eyes from the lime-green Gay and Lesbian Student Alliance tent and gazing down at her sneakers with a heavy sigh. Stupid contract. We can barely even go grocery shopping together, let alone anything you could consider a fucking date.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.06: Decking the Halls

I still had 6 minutes left in Saturday. It wasn't late. Shaddup.

Izumi rolled her eyes. “I know, I know. You’re not likely to be out in the crowd too much this time, though. You’re pretty much gonna be nailed to the stage, girl. Besides, you’re putting on a show. You’re an entertainer now, little sister. We have to give them what they want.” 

The redhead sputtered a raspberry with her lips. “Says who?” 

Izumi snickered. “Don’t forget, this whole thing was your idea, Ran-chan.” 

Ugh. She's right. Why does she have to be right? Resigning herself to her fate, Ranko began searching the racks. Alright, Ranko, think. What would have excited me to see Akane wearing, back when I was a guy? Or, for that matter… Her face warmed yet again, but she willed the intrusive thought out of her mind as quickly as it had entered. Stop that, Ranko. It’s never gonna happen. She emitted a quiet, resigned sigh. I damn sure wouldn’t have been worried about whether it was itchy, or too short, or warm enough, or if it had pockets, though. Man, shit changes when you don’t have testosterone pumping through your brain by the liter, I guess. 

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Izumi called out, “How about this?”

Ranko looked up as Izumi raised a hanger above her head, on which hung a mostly sheer red satin garment. Wait a second. That’s a dress?! That looks more like something a girl would wear under a dress, if they wanted to be all sexy and shit. “No way I’m wearing that in public.” Or in private. Or anywhere. As she returned the hanger to the rack, Izumi gasped, her eyes falling on something across the aisle. “Oh, that’s it. I got it!”

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I know people act like fic writing isn't always legit forms of writing, but when i tell you being a fanfic writer from age 12 to 28 has helped me carry writing into a professional career, helped me get into high level college classes, wherein some of my essays and literary analysis are used as examples for other students by professors for following classes, i mean it. i think fanfiction in itself is a great way to hone your writing skills, just as much as i believe reading is as well (not just reading fanfics, but other books as well).

If you are always writing, and always improving your skills, it's going to help you evolve. IDK.

Your fics don't even have to be 'fandom famous' fic writer. My personal opinion is just, writing is how you will get better at writing. And writing over and over again, with passion, learning from your mistakes, having peers review and give advice, or just, looking over your own work and seeing progress is helpful, even if it *is* fanfiction.

I don't really write fanfiction anymore, but i do think it has helped me. Because when i was writing for my literature classes, i was writing fanfiction and going back and forth, and back and forth and it really helped me.

[anne-is-ominous]

Phoenix Reignited 2.05: Hana's Elves

Hey Firebirds! Sorry this is a little later in the day, but it's a monster chapter at just a hair under five thousand words, owing to it getting a lot of expansion and also eating a chapter; this content was in two smallish chapters in the original Book II and I've found that it flows better to have it as one big one. Enjoy!

She could have stayed upstairs and relaxed, but truly, Ranko wanted to get a head start on the day. Maybe I can get most of the morning stuff done before the girls even get here, to help out. I bet, with everything going on, they’d appreciate it. I mean, Izzi’s neck-deep in wedding planning, and Mei… Ranko blinked, shaking her head with a sudden realization. Come to think of it, I don’t know what the heck’s up with Mei. She’s only worked one or two nights this week. I hope she’s okay. Maybe she’s just busy with homework and shit. In any case, I should probably plan on another shift of just me, Mama and Yui. Hopefully it’ll be slow again tonight, ‘cause man, covering the whole floor by myself and singing once an hour is kinda kicking my ass, especially on the days Izzi tries to make me wear freakin’ heels.

Ranko sighed as she reached the base of the stairs. Even Mama Hana’s been a little distant with me the last few days. I hope it’s not, like, ‘cause she’s still disappointed in me ‘cause I didn’t finish school or anything like that. It’s not that I didn’t wanna graduate, I just… I couldn’t. Not like that. Not at Furinkan. Not as a girl. She shuddered, recalling the feel of Tatewaki Kuno’s hands exploring her chest as they had the first day she had met the philandering upperclassman. I can’t wait ‘til Akane’s out of that fucking hellhole. I know he graduated, but I’m sure he’s still hanging around, especially given his freakazoid dad runs the joint. And it’s not like all the rest of the horde is any better, they’re just not good enough martial artists to even stand a chance against Akane.

She shook her head, casting her eyes to the floor as she made a right turn and walked into the empty bar kitchen. I’m sorry, Akane. Maybe I shouldn’t have run. It was selfish, I know. I mean, I’m in a much better place now, but maybe I should have stayed and protected you, even though… Ranko sighed again, dropping her fist onto the metal prep counter with a loud thunk. Who am I even kidding? She’d be protecting me, rather than the other way around. I’m the fragile little girl now, especially compared to her. She’s the most badass martial artist in Nerima now, and I’m the one making a living shaking my ass for strangers in short skirts and twin pigtails.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.05: Hana's Elves

Hey Firebirds! Sorry this is a little later in the day, but it's a monster chapter at just a hair under five thousand words, owing to it getting a lot of expansion and also eating a chapter; this content was in two smallish chapters in the original Book II and I've found that it flows better to have it as one big one. Enjoy!

She could have stayed upstairs and relaxed, but truly, Ranko wanted to get a head start on the day. Maybe I can get most of the morning stuff done before the girls even get here, to help out. I bet, with everything going on, they’d appreciate it. I mean, Izzi’s neck-deep in wedding planning, and Mei… Ranko blinked, shaking her head with a sudden realization. Come to think of it, I don’t know what the heck’s up with Mei. She’s only worked one or two nights this week. I hope she’s okay. Maybe she’s just busy with homework and shit. In any case, I should probably plan on another shift of just me, Mama and Yui. Hopefully it’ll be slow again tonight, ‘cause man, covering the whole floor by myself and singing once an hour is kinda kicking my ass, especially on the days Izzi tries to make me wear freakin’ heels.

Ranko sighed as she reached the base of the stairs. Even Mama Hana’s been a little distant with me the last few days. I hope it’s not, like, ‘cause she’s still disappointed in me ‘cause I didn’t finish school or anything like that. It’s not that I didn’t wanna graduate, I just… I couldn’t. Not like that. Not at Furinkan. Not as a girl. She shuddered, recalling the feel of Tatewaki Kuno’s hands exploring her chest as they had the first day she had met the philandering upperclassman. I can’t wait ‘til Akane’s out of that fucking hellhole. I know he graduated, but I’m sure he’s still hanging around, especially given his freakazoid dad runs the joint. And it’s not like all the rest of the horde is any better, they’re just not good enough martial artists to even stand a chance against Akane.

She shook her head, casting her eyes to the floor as she made a right turn and walked into the empty bar kitchen. I’m sorry, Akane. Maybe I shouldn’t have run. It was selfish, I know. I mean, I’m in a much better place now, but maybe I should have stayed and protected you, even though… Ranko sighed again, dropping her fist onto the metal prep counter with a loud thunk. Who am I even kidding? She’d be protecting me, rather than the other way around. I’m the fragile little girl now, especially compared to her. She’s the most badass martial artist in Nerima now, and I’m the one making a living shaking my ass for strangers in short skirts and twin pigtails.

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Phoenix Reignited 2.04: The English Impatience

Everybody, I am so sorry this is a few hours late. I've been dealing with a lot of health issues, and I straight up blacked out at my desk. I got all my prescriptions for the first time since August yesterday, so once the pharmacy fills everything, I should be on the upswing. Fingers, toes and everything else crossed.

In the meantime, you have my sincerest apologies and my promise to get back on track tomorrow.

Ranko smoothed her lavender sundress around her hips, adjusting her ponytail as she walked up to the hostess stand. She willed herself to suppress a shiver as she stepped into the colder air that had followed the men into the bar, greeting the newcomers with a welcoming wave. “Hi, guys! Looking for a table, or would you rather sit at the bar?” 

The tallest of the three replied, but in English. “We’re okay. Thanks.” 

Ranko looked at him with a bit of confusion, but he extended his palm in a back off gesture and led his party to an empty table near the stage. Once seated, the men all began looking over the drink menus, having said nothing further to their server.

Well, alright, Ranko thought with a shrug and a sigh. Good to see you too, I guess.Ranko made a pass by the bar, picking up the six drinks for the table with the rowdy guys at table nineteen and dropping them off. She only had to dodge one hand trying to sneak up the back of her dress as she passed out the cocktails. One of these days, someone is going to catch me in a bad mood with that nonsense, and they’re gonna have to explain to their wife how their wrist got broken when they get home. You guys are lucky that I need to protect the reputation of the bar for Mama, and I don’t want the girls to know how good I really am at martial arts, because way too many of these dudes have had an asskickin’ on back order for long enough as it is. Suppressing her instinct to punch the offender, she instead flashed a furious glare at the black-haired man as she stepped out of his reach, hoping he got the hint.

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