Summoned

~`~`~`~`~` ( Author Notes ) `~`~`~`~`~

Two important things I want to say before I kick off this chapter.

- I will be gone all week on a family vacation, the 7th-14th so I can’t update, much less write this coming week. I will be back Saturday night of the 14th so I’ll start writing when I can. So the following week I should have the next chapter up. Sorry for the long wait until then but a girl needs her fun once in a while. ;)

- Also, to help out AFF’s servers I will be posting Review Replies in a topic I created instead of in the Author Notes like usual. If you want to see what I say to your reviews you can find my topic, titled Review Replies for Summoned, under the Fan Fiction forum, in the category All Other Archive Categories, sub category Original Writing then click on General. Feel free to reply back, make suggestions or ask questions. I will happily reply and hope all you reviewers check it out. :D

Thanks for all the Reviews, Hits, and Rates!

Enjoy and Please Review or leave feedback in the forums!

WARNING: There will be violence and minor character death in this chapter, don’t like violence then don’t read or skip that section.

Note: Story is in Harley’s POV unless stated otherwise in chapters.
“Blah blah” – Normal speech
“Blah blah” – Thought of character
(Blah blah) – Author comments

Chapter 32

“No! How could I have been wrong? Zack and Jamie fit better as targets! Why the hell is he after Phil?!” My mind screams as I try to move my legs forward from my spot. My feet feel frozen to the ground as I stare in disbelief at the demon across the yard.

Phil is unaware of the demon just a few yards away from him as he stares out across the lake, lost in his own thoughts. Slaiden just stands there, not taking another step closer to Phil. It’s as if he’s contemplating what to do first, kill Phil in front of me and deal with me after or take care of me first so I won’t ruin his kill. Or worse, he might hold to his word and try to kill Gavin. I silently hope that Gavin had time to set up that trap, whatever it is. “Should I make the first move? Make Phil aware of Slaiden who’s come to kill him or go over to Slaiden and try to stall for Gavin to intervene so we can save Phil?…..Damn it, I don’t know what to do!”

I wrestle around on what to do but Slaiden makes my mind up for me. He turns to face me then stretches out his wings, extending them to their full length. I arch an eyebrow in confusion as he suddenly takes to sky. The shift in the air around him causes the nearby trees to sway which catches Phil’s attention. He looks over in that direction but doesn’t see anything since Slaiden is hovering about 40 feet in the air, well above his line of sight. Phil stares at the trees for a moment longer than faces the lake once more.

I look up at Slaiden who is facing me as he slowly flaps his wings, suspending himself in mid air. He folds his arms across his chest, looking smug even from a distance. From his actions, I assume that he is planning on surprising Phil, wanting to strike fear in his heart like he has done to so many others, myself included. Slaiden just hovers above, watching me in silence, waiting. “So he’s waiting to see what I’ll do. Alright then, let’s do this. You aren’t going to win this time Slaiden.” I think as I pry my feet from their imaginary cement blocks. I cautiously start making my way over to Phil, keeping my eyes on the deadly demon the whole time.

As the two get closer in my view, I can make out Slaiden’s golden cat-like eyes, gleaming in the night. They cause a small shiver to travel down my spine. Thoughts of the previous weekend flood back to my mind, making me nervous and slightly fearful despite my brave front. I really hope tonight won’t turn into a repeat of last Friday. That hotel room is not a place I want to visit again anytime soon.

“Where’s Detective Gavin?” I wonder as I walk closer to Phil. “Slaiden must know he’s here too.” This would be the time for Gavin to try to get one up on Slaiden since he’s focused on me right now. I keep eye contact with Slaiden as I get closer to the lake. I’m within a few yards of Phil now and Slaiden still hasn’t moved an inch from his spot in the air. He radiates confidence above us, finding pleasure in my uneasiness. I wonder if he even cares that the detective is close by. His fanged smirk just tells me that he has everyone right where he wants them.

Suddenly Phil turns around, hearing my approach. He sees me and I hesitate, not sure if he is going to blow up on me for coming over. I’m forced to take my eyes off the threatening demon preparing to slice Phil’s neck off to address him as he walks over to me. I prepare for an intense Phil but instead I’m met with a much calmer one then before.

“Hey, sorry for snapping at you, Harley.” Phil says quietly as he stops a foot away from me.

“Its fine Phil, don’t worry about it. I understand…” I trail off, trying to sound as sincerely and calm as possible. “Now let’s get the hell out of here before a demon rips your heart out!”

“You sure? I mean…I’ve been a real jerk lately…among other things…” Phil says, avoiding eye with me. He truly sounds apologetic; probably something he’s had to do on several occasions. One of those being about Tina which he apparently still feels bad about.

“Yes, honest. How about we go inside and rejoin the party. Don’t want to waste the night out here.” I say with a small forced smile, finding it really difficult to keep my cool with Slaiden looming overhead watching us. “C’mon, say yes and run for your freaking life!”

Phil returns with a small smile. He opens his mouth to speak but no words come out on the count that a certain demon decides to make his move on the chess board.

“Why go inside when the real fun is out here?” Slaiden says slyly, his golden eyes gleaming in mischief.

Phil and I both look up. My eyes narrow in a glare while Phil’s are wide in shock and fear. Phil stutters to speak but no audible words come out. I put my hand on his arm silently telling him to keep quiet. “I think we will have more fun inside so you’re going to have to find your own source of entertainment tonight, Slaiden.” I say sternly, showing that I’m not letting him have Phil…or me for that matter.

“But my dear, you’re my favorite source of entertainment and there’s already a party out here.” Slaiden says, gesturing around him mockingly. “All we need is the detective to come out and join us and the real fun can begin.”

Another shiver goes down my spine at his first comment. Slaiden’s also just confirmed that he is well aware of Gavin which makes me question my next move. Phil is still too shocked for words and Gavin is MIA, although, that could be for a reason if he’s waiting for the right moment to make his own move. I should try to stall for time so Gavin can use his distraction.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Slaiden but we don’t take too kindly to crashers.” I say with a smirk of my own and hands on my hips in false confidence, wanting to keep him talking as long as possible.

Slaiden raises an eyebrow at this, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Is that so? Then what, pray tell, are you going to do about it little girl?”

*FWIP*

As if right on cue, a bullet whizzes by and catches Slaiden off guard, successfully hitting him in his left shoulder. Slaiden gives a small grunt in pain as his hand goes up to clutch his now bleeding wound. His eyes narrow and he gives a deep, menacing growl in the direction of the willow tree where a figure has just revealed himself.

“Gavin! Nice shot!” I cheer silently as Gavin has his gun aimed for another shot. I notice a long cylinder connected to the barrel of the gun. While still making a noise the silencer did lower the sound as to not be heard over the music, which at this point I’m really thankful for. The last thing I want is for other people, and my friends for that matter, to come out and see Slaiden in the sky. I don’t want a massacre.

“That’s what.” Gavin says simply with a slight smirk as he raises the gun to aim at Slaiden’s head. His face and stance show determination and confidence.

“He’s probably wanted to do that since Friday.” I think as Slaiden turns to fully face Detective Gavin.
Slaiden gives another deep growl, which causes me as well as Phil to take a step back. Phil has remained silent up to this point but I’m glad he hasn’t tried to run away. I need him close to me if I’m going to protect him, for whatever reason Slaiden is after him. Slaiden’s hard gaze sharpens as he addressed the offending detective.

“Dare to try that again, human? You won’t be so lucky a second time.” And with that he stabs his right index finger and thumb into his wound and with a sickening squish sound Slaiden pulls out the bullet. I wince slightly at the action but Gavin’s face is like a stature, unmoving. Slaiden then crushes the bloody stub of metal in his palm and releases the glittering dust, the whole while staring down at Gavin with cold eyes.

Gavin holsters his weapon, never taking his eyes off of Slaiden’s. “You’re right. So why don’t we settle this like men. You’ll have to get through me first if you want to get to them.” Gavin then gets into a fighting stance, tempting Slaiden to take the bait.

Slaiden gives another low growl at the detective then glances over his shoulder at me and Phil. His golden eyes are cold and hard, striking a spark of fear in me. “I hope Gavin knows what he’s doing, Slaiden looks pissed off.” I think as I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet Slaiden in the eye. A pissed off demon is bad news but I don’t want to appear worried, especially if I want Phil to cooperate when we escape. Slaiden looks from me to Phil than back to me, his straight face isn’t giving any clue to what is going on inside his demonic mind. His lips then turn up into a devilish smirk directed at me, then turns back to Gavin a ways away. Gavin raises an eyebrow at him, as if to say ‘C’mon, I’m waiting…’

“Alright detective,” Slaiden says with arrogance, “I accept your tedious challenge and will end your worthless life then the boy’s. Your intention may be noble but foolish. Throwing your own life away in hope of saving another when you cannot possibly win. Look where that got you last time. But if that is what you wish then who am I to deny you of that. Consider your death wish granted!” Slaiden then swoops down toward Detective Gavin, claws aimed and at the ready to rip him to shreds.

It’s as if I’m seeing everything in slow motion as Gavin just stands next to the willow tree, his face stoic of emotion as Slaiden comes at him. “MOVE GAVIN, MOVE!” my mind screams as I watch the scene unfold. I can’t even tare my eyes away as Slaiden is within a few feet of him. Gavin suddenly dips to the ground and kicks out behind him, springing his apparent trap. Next thing I know, a large, bent branch under pressure is released and rushes forward with double the force. Slaiden is moving too fast to avoid it in time and takes the hit. We watch in awe as the intense force slams into Slaiden’s front and sends him backward into the air to fall into the cold awaiting lake water.

*SPLASH*

In a blink it’s all over. Slaiden is in under the water, wings and all. I look in disbelief at what just happened; shocked that Gavin was able to pull one over on Slaiden a second time. While the trick was cheap, it was none the less effective. I’ve never seen bungee cords be more useful. The detective really pulled a good one. But the stirring in the water several yards away informs us that this is far from over. A dark form immerges from under the surface. If I thought Slaiden was pissed off before, he is boiling in anger now. His eyes are gleaming in fury and rage, his usually calm and collected face was now one of unmistakable anger. His soaked midnight black hair is sticking to his skin. Even in the water he is an intimidating sight, like a hungry shark stalking his next meal. Without uttering a word Slaiden attempts to jump out of the water, flapping his bat-like wings to lift himself. Only he can’t get any momentum to lift himself high enough out of the dark water for his wings to leave the chilling liquid. While on land and in air Slaiden is a superior being but in the water he is out of his element just like the rest of us humans. He gives a growl in frustration, starring daggers at us, mainly Gavin who is smirking in victory. Seeing that smirk just fuels Slaiden’s anger more as his eyes narrow into slits like a threatening jungle cat with the intent to kill. Suddenly Slaiden’s wings vanish, leaving the appearance of a lone man taking a night swim. Giving one last deadly glare in our direction, Slaiden dives under the water.

My eyes widen in realization on what he intends to do. “He’s going to swim for it! Now’s our chance, run for it!” I yell as I grab onto a still speechless Phil’s arm. I yank him along as I break into a run in the direction of the house. I glance over my shoulder to see that Gavin isn’t following behind me. He is facing the water, gun out and aimed at the small beach of land. “Gavin!” I call out as I practically drag Phil, “C’mon!”

Gavin doesn’t even look back at me as his voice rings out into the air, filled of determination. “Go! I’ll stall him! Don’t worry about me Harley!”

I falter slightly at this but turn my head back around to look straight ahead and keep running. A pang of worry hits me as we cross the yard to the now dark patio, the fire long dead. “Gavin’s risking his life for ours. Please, be ok Gavin. I don’t want anyone else to die.” I hope to myself. Thankfully Phil starts to match my strides, not hard to do since his legs are longer, so I don’t have to pull his weight behind me.

“What the hell is going on, Harley?!” Phil exclaims, finally remembering he has a voice.

“That guy back there,” I say between huffs motioning behind me, “is a demon sent to kill you. I’m trying to save you and my friend back there is risking his life for the both of us!”

“Kill me?! Why the fuck does he want to kill me for!?!” Phil demands with slight disbelief.

“How the hell should I know?! I’ll explain later!” I yell back, not wanting to waste my breath as I run for my life….and Phil’s technically.

Suddenly I hear a distant splash and instantly pick up my pace. “Fuck! Slaiden’s out! C’mon legs, move faster!” I don’t even spare a glance behind me as I hear a struggle begin. Soon Phil and I get within a few feet of the patio. “C’mon, this way.” I grunt as I run around to the side of the house, my destination the front street.

As we pass the front porch, I hear the most beautiful sound in the world, the jingle of keys. “My car’s this way!” Phil says as he takes the lead. He leads me to a yellow and black 2009 Camaro. If only Phil’s sweet car was Bumblebee, I’d love an ass-kicking robot right about now. He presses the unlock button as we near, the flashing lights gives me a sliver of hope. Phil is almost at his car but I speed past him, swiping his keys in the processes.

“Hey!” Phil exclaims in surprise.

“I’m driving.” I say sternly, not leaving room to argue as I slide across the hood and get in the driver’s side. Not commenting, Phil gets in as the engine roars to life.

*Click*

“Buckle up.” I simply say as I grip the wheel and peel away from the curb, Blink 182 coming from the stereo. We take off down the dark road, passing all the parked cars of the oblivious party goers.

As we speed down the dark roads, I glance in my rear view mirror for any sign of Slaiden. All clear, he’s not following us but that doesn’t ease my worry for Gavin. I drive down the long drag then start cutting sharp corners, taking advantage of the tight turn radius. While usually a safe driver, this calls for aggression if I’m going to put some real distance between us and Slaiden. I can see in the corner of my eye that Phil is gripping the door handle for dear life as I cut another corner. I stick to the inside as I take a few more turns, getting closer to the entrance of the residential area.

“Where the hell did you learn to drive like this?!” Phil exclaims.

“Watching NASCAR with Tina and her dad.” I say seriously despite the outrageousness of it. It’s one hundred percent true though. Tina’s dad loves Jeff Gordan. Rule number one, always stick to the inside. (This is how I win at go-karts, watching NASCAR at my friend’s house when her dad has it on lol!) “Oh, and don’t take it personal if your car gets a little banged up since we have much bigger problems.”

“Yeah, right, whatever…..Why does that demon guy want to kill me? And how do you know him?” Phil asks with edge, not commenting on where I got my street driving lessons at.

I briefly consider how much I should tell him but at this point it doesn’t matter how much he knows since he’s lived the longest out of any of Slaiden’s victims so far so I’ll take that as a good sign. “I’m not sure.” I start, keeping my eyes on the road ahead, “as to the specifics of why but I can tell you that his summoner, the guy who brought him here to our world, has made a list of people he wants dead and your name’s up. I know him because I’ve run into him on several occasions and have tried to stop him killing people. Some of them have been people I know as well as you. Jeanette Miller’s and Reed Kent’s deaths were no accidents or random murders.”

“You mean he killed them too?” Phil says in disbelief.

“Mhmm,” I say as I take another sharp turn. “I wasn’t there for Reed’s murder but I was there trying to stop Jeanette’s. I couldn’t save them but I will save you. Thanks to Detective Gavin, we’ve got a shot.”

Phil is silent for a moment, letting everything I said sink in. He gives a sigh out of worry, and possibly fear, before talking again. “Well thanks, Harley. I really, really appreciate you sticking your neck out for me.”

“Don’t count us out of the water yet.” I say with edge, determination showing on my voice.

“Yeah…..But if you’ve met that demon before…why are you still alive? And is it just me or does he have some sort of thing for you.” Phil asks in question, curiousness evident in his voice.

“Oh great, this is awkward…how should I say this?” I think, juggling around several replies. I decide to be vague since Phil doesn’t need to know every detail. “He apparently finds me intriguing since I challenged him a while back trying to save someone. He was surprised I put up such a good fight despite my appearance and that I’m human. Ever since then he’s enjoyed me being there in some twisted way, treating it like a game and messing with me. He really pisses me off.”

“Oh…so he’s just playing with you? Wanting you to think that you can win for his own amusement?” Phil ask, seemingly satisfied with my explanation.

“Yeah so I don’t know when he will try to kill me since I’m not on his list.” I say which does have some truth to it. I really don’t know if Slaiden will try to kill me when he goes back to his world or if he’ll let me live…after getting me to sleep with him again most likely.

“Wow…..” He whispers softly, and then suddenly bursts out. “Damn It! I want to live! I know I have my faults but I don’t deserve to die! And neither do you! We aren’t fucking playthings for that freak’s sick enjoyment!” The anger in Phil’s voice is evidence enough on how he feels about all this. I flinch slightly as the sudden spike in emotion, not sure if this has anything to do with his Bipolarism or not.

“That’s the spirit. Good attitude. I don’t need you freaking out on me anytime soon. So think Phil, what have you done in your life that would make Slaiden’s summoner want to kill you. Something really bad that you did to someone, anyone really, or something. It might help us figure out who the summoner is.” I say as we finally pull out onto the main road. I silently curse Kevin for living in such a rural area of town. Fun and beautiful on any other day but right now, it was a serious time waster.

“Well…..” Phil goes deep into thought, thinking back to past events. Although truthfully, my impression of Phil right now is that he’s not that bad a guy. Sure he has some problems but he’s also shown he has a heart and a conscious unlike my first two suspects, Zack and Jamie. “The only thing that comes to mind that I’ve done that was hurtful to anyone and could’ve got me in serious trouble is…well…you know…uh…” He trails off, looking anywhere but in my direction.

“But how cou-AHhhh!” I cut myself off as we both scream at the sight of a deer standing in the middle of the road. I slam on my breaks and slightly swerve as I try to avoid it. And like the saying implies, the deer is caught off guard by my blaring headlights and doesn’t move until the last possible second. I narrowly avoid the large buck by inches. We come to a screeching halt and jerk forward in our seats from the force of the break.

“Sorry…*Pant*…about…*Pant*…that.” I get out as I calm my erratic heart rate down. I look over at Phil who is in the same shape as me and I’m glad neither of us is hurt. “Anyway…” I continue, “like I was saying, how cou--”

“FUCK!!!” Phil yells, cutting me off. He is pointing at the windshield, out at something in front of us. I swallow hard before looking, praying to God that it’s the buck in an angry rage and not a demon in an angry rage. I turn my head and my eyes widen. I’m not one for heavy swearing but this time, I mirror Phil’s perfect word to sum up this scenario.

A dark figure is coming right at us from the sky, one that I know all too well. Before I can even blink Slaiden lands on the road, slamming his feet and right fist into the man made surface with so much force the street cracks into a jagged line towards us and underneath the car. Where it stops, I have no clue. The car shakes violently from the huge force, causing me to grip the wheel in such a tight grip that my knuckles turn white. I stare at the powerful figure before us. Slaiden has a stone cold expression on his face; even his eyes are void of any prickle of emotion. He is still soaking wet, his foreign clothing clinging to his skin, highlighting every muscle on his hard body as he stands in front of the bright headlights. (Mmm sexy!) He doesn’t even squint his eyes at the harsh light, just coldly stares straight at me.

“O.K. now I’m really scared.” I think as I lock eyes with Slaiden, ignoring still swearing Phil.
Time to face the music, we had a good run while it lasted. I tear my eyes away from the glaring demon to look at Phil. “Stay here.” I simply say as I unbuckle and go to grip the door handle when Phil grabs onto my arm.

“Harley, you don’t have to go out there, we can try to out run him. Hell, we can run him over if we have to!” Phil exclaims with a distraught expression.

I see Slaiden start stalking menacingly towards the car and I know that there is no backing out of this. Giving Phil a brave face, I say with confidence. “I have to, I’ll hold him off and you can drive away. Don’t try to help me. He won’t kill me...I think.” I slightly falter when I see Slaiden getting closer and closer. Even I’m not sure what will happen by seeing that bone chilling stare.

I don’t give Phil the time to response as I get out of the car and slam the door shut. I step forward and position myself in front of the car, ready for anything Slaiden wants to throw at me. Scraping up the last bit of courage I can find, I stare him dead in the eye.

“You, little girl, are almost more trouble than your worth.” Slaiden says venomously, so unlike his usual confident self. Slaiden is all business now, a fact that chills me to my core.

I swallow my nerves before addressing him; the whole time wondering if that’s even wise to do. I decide not to comment on his words but instead, ask the pending thought on my mind. “Where’s Gavin?”

“He is of no concern of yours at the moment.” Slaiden says coldly as he slowly stalks towards me.

“What did you do!?!” I yell, outraged that Gavin might be dead.

“Silence!” Slaiden demands angrily, growling low. I flinch at the sharp word, not used to seeing Slaiden mad. He doesn’t raise his voice but there is no need because of his cold demeanor. The calm, collected sarcastic demon is no more, in his place it the serious, menacing demon lord that he has said he is. “No more tricks, not more distractions, no more talking. I demand silence or the punishment will be severe. Hand over the boy now and you won’t be harmed…much.”

I obey by not speaking but I defy Slaiden by shaking my head no. I get into a fighting stance to back up my response, never wavering my gaze.

Slaiden gives a threatening growl as he stops a foot away from me, glaring down at me. “Wrong choice. Not wise, little girl, not wise at all.”

I don’t even waste time with a response of any kind. I leap at him, right fist cocked back for a jab. But I don’t even get the chance to throw it because in blinding speed Slaiden strikes me hard against the side my skull with so much force it sends me to the ground. I groan in pain, in shock of what just happened. I recover and try to block out the pounding headache. I stir on the cement, attempting to get up when a hard foot presses into my side. “Ahhh!” I cry out in pain, as the force crushes me further into the cold, hard street.

“I’m not in the mood tonight to waste my time any longer. Stay put while I deal with the other human. I have other use of you later. One that may have gone differently if you had not tried to set me up.” Slaiden says, looking down at me as if I’m a lowly bug about to be squished.

I groan again in pain as I try to shift, not wanting to be touched by him tonight, especially in the mood that he’s in now. He will probably torture me along with raping me at the rate this is going. I almost wish that Phil would give up so Slaiden would go easier on me. Almost. I’m just too bull headed to wish anyone a quitter. My head is throbbing but I shift my head to look up at Slaiden. He just glares down at me with fire in his eyes, the passion to kill lighting them up. His eyes briefly roam my body under his foot and gives a cruel smirk, the passion never leaving his eyes. Although, its shifted to a different sort of passion but the passion of a dangerous creature none the less. Taking his eyes off me, he stares at the car.

Then the wheels just a foot away from me peel out backwards and Phil takes off. He sharply swerves around to go back in the direction of the house, away from me and my demon captor. “Go Phil, Go!” I silently cheer, hoping with all my might that Phil makes it. But my hope is short lived because the weight is instantly lifted off of me and in its place is an earthquake.

Slaiden slams into the cracked ground, tearing it up. A large crevice in the cement is created, stretching passed the speeding Camaro. The car’s whole left side falls into the crack, trapping the car in place about 30 yards away.

“NO!!!” I yell out, struggling to get up despite the pain on my rib cage. Slaiden just rises up and demands my silence with his golden eyes. I instantly shut up but I don’t stop myself from trying to get up. As I raise my torso up, I grip my side in pain and bite back a groan. Satisfied with my struggle, Slaiden turns his attention back to the car. Phil punches on the gas but it’s no use, his tires can’t pull him out of the deep fissure. Phil kills the engine and I see him kick open the right passenger door. As soon as his foot immerges, Slaiden is there and pulls him out, lifting them both into the air.

“AHHhhh!!! Harley! Help Me! Make him stop!” Phil screams as Slaiden suspends him upside down in mid air. He struggles to get free, kicking at Slaiden but it’s pointless.

“No! No! NO!!! I’m so close, damn it! I can’t give up now! I have to save Phil!” With a burst of energy, I pick myself up, ignoring my bruising left side. “Slaiden!” I yell, “I’m not done yet!”

Slaiden turns his head to me and smirks for the first time since coming. That fanged smirk with the cold eyes causes me to instantly regret opening my mouth. “So disobedient, my patience is waning thin, Harley. I will not tolerate any more defiance. But if you must, be my guest. I’ll enjoy giving out your punishment.”

He then throws Phil against a nearby tree, a sickening crunch is heard as his spine connects with the trunk. He groans in pain as he falls to the ground. A pitiful sight but at least he’s still alive. Then in the blink of an eye Slaiden is in front of me. I jump back in shock but am quickly grabbed around the waist by him. He pulls me in close so that I’m forced to stare up at him.

“Well,” he says, mocking me with a harsh tone, “I’m waiting.”


~`~`~`~`~` ( Author Notes ) `~`~`~`~`~

Another cliffhanger! Had to do it since I had very limited time to write this chapter up. Hope you all like this and that it leaves you wanting more! Sorry that you’ll have to wait over a week but don’t worry, I’m bringing a note book so I can write on the drive up north so the chapter can get done faster. Be back in a week! :)

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